John,

I want to tell you a story about the first time I visited the Governor’s Mansion. But first, I need your help to reach our ambitious goal of raising $120,000 per day from now through the start of Early Vote on October 17 to ensure we turn out our voters.

Will you invest $5 in my campaign right now to build One Georgia, where health care, housing, education and a good living are accessible to all — and where our children are safe and surrounded by opportunity and possibility? Your $5 donation will help us open the gates of opportunity across Georgia.

DONATE

In 1991, I graduated as the valedictorian of Avondale High School. Like most Georgia valedictorians, I was invited to meet the Governor of Georgia at the Governor’s Mansion.

It was a big deal for my family. That morning, I got up and put on my Sunday best. My parents and I boarded the MARTA bus with the domestic workers and mechanics who, like us, could not afford a car.

We took MARTA all the way from DeKalb County to Buckhead, got off at West Paces Ferry Road, and walked up the long driveway to the big black gates around the property. When we got to the guard station, the guard looked at my parents, then he looked at me and said, “This is a private event, you don’t belong here.”

He looked over our shoulders at the MARTA bus driving away, and he told himself a story about who would be on that bus — and in his story, they did not belong in the Governor’s Mansion.

My parents pushed back and I got in. But looking back on that day, I don’t remember meeting the Governor of Georgia. I don’t even remember celebrating my accomplishments with valedictorians from 159 counties and 180 school districts. The only thing I remember is a man blocking the gates of the most powerful place in Georgia, telling me that I did not belong.

I have spent my life in public service, dedicated to opening the gates of opportunity for those often left behind or shut out. Now, I need your help to change the face of leadership in Georgia and win this election on November 8.

John, I’m humbly asking: with just 7 days left until early voting begins, will you help me build a Georgia where everyone thrives? Chip in now to open those gates:

DONATE

Thank you for your support during this critical moment,

Stacey Abrams