This week, in the state of Georgia (birthplace of soul goddess, Sharon Jones), the state Senate passed a bill further restricting voting access. It goes on to the House now, “for more debate”.
Georgia, if you’re not familiar, is the place where a shockingly narrow red-to-blue conversion assisted Joe Biden with Presidential victory last fall, and two new Senators with their new seats. That victory was carried by Black, urban voters with easier access to their constitutional rights, spurred on heavily by driven and organized Black women. No doubt, easier access to voting made Georgia officials’ jobs harder. But even prior to that upset, Georgia officials have found themselves on watch for this kind of thing many times before.
One would think democracy would be a worthy cause for hard work, but that’s just not how everyone feels. Sharon Jones passed away a few years ago. But I have a feeling how she might have felt about this.
(And also, if you’re not familiar with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings: a live version.)
-Maude
March 9, 2021