By: Pamela Winn, Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership, 2023-2024 Scholar-in-Residence
My journey into advocacy began in the most unexpected and harrowing circumstances. Having served a 78-month federal sentence while pregnant, I encountered the harsh reality of dehumanizing conditions within the prison system. The lack of medical care I experienced ultimately led to a miscarriage, a deeply traumatic event that became the catalyst for my life's work. It was in the depths of this personal tragedy that I found a new purpose: to advocate for policy changes that would protect the dignity and safety of incarcerated women.
In the aftermath of my incarceration, I founded RestoreHER US.America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing the rights of incarcerated women. Our mission is to ensure that women behind bars are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Through RestoreHER, I have had the privilege of advocating for the passage of the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act in 23 states, including Georgia. Additionally, our efforts contributed to the enactment of the historical federal legislation known as the First Step Act.
These legislative victories were not just milestones for our organization; they were a testament to the power of advocacy. They proved that change is possible when we raise our voices and demand justice. As I reflect on these accomplishments, it feels only fitting that I would have the opportunity to educate the students at Morehouse College on policy advocacy in the democratic process.
What makes my journey all the more ironic is that, despite my successes in advocating for policy change, I never received formal training or education in this field. As a young girl growing up on Spelman Lane in John Hope Homes, my family was distinctly antigovernment. The concepts of policy, voting, or advocacy were foreign to our household. As I grew older, I held the misguided belief that the only time people voted was for the President, and for much of my adult life, I wasn't even a registered voter.
It is, therefore, somewhat ironic that I now find myself deeply entrenched in the world of policy advocacy. My life's work has become a direct contradiction to the way I was raised. I have come to understand, through experience, the critical importance of advocacy, and how it is intrinsically linked to the democratic process. Every piece of legislation that I have advocated for has been voted into passage by legislators—individuals who were themselves elected to serve on behalf of the people. Advocacy and voting, I have learned, are inseparable.
As a Spelman College alumna, I feel a deep sense of obligation to my Spelhouse family to pass on the lessons I’ve learned. These lessons, I know, are not always prevalent in Black households, and they are increasingly absent from our schools. Advocacy is at the core of the democratic process, and political advocacy has been the driving force behind civil and human rights for Black Americans.
The legacy of advocacy in the Black community is a powerful one. Our forefathers and greatest advocates of all time—Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Ambassador Andrew Young as well as Thurgood Marshall —laid the foundation for the civil rights movement through policy advocacy. These men were the “brick and mortar” of the movement, and it is on their shoulders that I now stand.
As a Black community, we carry the burden of telling rhetorical stories and educating our people about how we have historically advocated for our rights. The fight to be recognized as more than three-fifths of a person is a testament to our resilience and our unyielding commitment to equality. This struggle is also the foundation upon which historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were created.
The passage of the Morrill Act of 1890, which expanded the Morrill Land-Grant Acts of 1862, allowed for the establishment of public higher education institutions for African Americans. This legislation led to the creation of HBCUs. The legacy of HBCUs is deeply intertwined with the fight for civil rights and social justice, making them not just centers of learning but also breeding grounds for advocacy. The responsibility of HBCUs is to nurture the advocacy skills of Black Americans.The role of HBCUs in nurturing advocacy skills is not limited to producing nationally recognized leaders. These institutions also play a crucial role in empowering everyday individuals to make a difference in their local communities. Whether through student-led organizations, community outreach programs, or curriculum that emphasizes social justice, HBCUs equip their students with the tools they need to advocate for change on multiple levels.
In today’s socio-political climate, the responsibility of HBCUs to nurture advocacy skills is as vital as ever. The current landscape is marked by significant challenges that threaten to roll back decades of progress in civil rights. The recent Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action in college admissions, the banning of Black history in some school curricula, and the ongoing attacks on voting rights are just a few examples of the hurdles that Black Americans continue to face. The need for advocacy has never been more urgent. These challenges underscore the importance of advocacy in protecting the rights and freedoms that we hold dear.
At the same time, the legacy of HBCUs as centers of advocacy provides a powerful foundation from which to confront these challenges. The history and mission of these institutions serve as a reminder that advocacy is not just about addressing the issues of the day, but about sustaining a long-term commitment to justice and equality.
To fulfill their responsibility in nurturing the advocacy skills of Black Americans, HBCUs must continue to prioritize and expand upon several key areas:
1. Curriculum Integration: Advocacy should be integrated into the curriculum across all disciplines. This means offering courses that focus on the history of civil rights, the mechanics of policy advocacy, and the role of social movements in shaping public policy. Additionally, providing practical training in areas such as public speaking, organizing, and lobbying can give students the hands-on experience they need to become effective advocates.
2. Student-Led Initiatives: Encouraging and supporting student-led advocacy groups is essential. These organizations allow students to engage directly with the issues that matter most to them, whether it's on-campus policies, local community concerns, or national issues. HBCUs should provide resources and mentorship to help these groups thrive.
3. Community Engagement: HBCUs must continue to serve as a bridge between their students and the communities they come from. By fostering strong partnerships with local organizations, HBCUs can offer students opportunities to apply their advocacy skills in real-world settings. This not only benefits the students but also strengthens the ties between the institution and the community it serves.
4. Alumni Involvement: The legacy of advocacy at HBCUs is often carried forward by their alumni. By creating networks that connect current students with alumni who are leaders in advocacy and social justice, HBCUs can provide valuable mentorship and inspiration. These connections can also open doors for internships, job opportunities, and collaborative projects that further the cause of social justice.
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the role of HBCUs in nurturing the advocacy skills of Black Americans remains indispensable. By instilling a deep sense of responsibility and empowerment in their students, HBCUs can ensure that the next generation of Black leaders is equipped to carry forward the legacy of advocacy.
In a world where the rights and freedoms of marginalized communities are constantly under threat, the need for skilled, passionate advocates has never been greater. HBCUs have a duty to uphold their tradition of producing such advocates, and in doing so, they not only honor their historical mission but also contribute to the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable society.
My goal is to equip these students with the knowledge and skills they need to become effective advocates for change. I want them to understand that advocacy is not just about raising your voice; it is about being informed, strategic, and persistent. It is about building coalitions, engaging with lawmakers, and staying committed to the cause, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
As I reflect on my journey from a young girl who knew little about the importance of advocacy to a woman who has successfully advocated for significant policy changes, I am filled with a sense of purpose. I am humbled to have shared my knowledge with the students at Morehouse College. I am committed to continue this partnership of helping them understand the critical role they play in the democratic process. Together, we will advance the work of advocating for justice, equality, and dignity for all. And in doing so, we will honor the legacy of advocacy that has been passed down through generations of Black leaders and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
Best,
Pamela