We live in two systems.
Georgia State Representative Park Cannon - the nation's first openly queer state representative - is perhaps better known nationally as the elected official arrested outside Governor Brian Kemp's office after he signed SB 202 - an election overhaul bill steeped in voter suppression. Representative Cannon now faces two felony charges for knocking on a door less than 90 days after 800 people stormed the capitol on January 6th, 2021. Those 800 people brought hundreds of automatic rifles and weapons with them into our nation's highest offices, and killed five police officers in the process.
A year before the events of her arrest, Representative Cannon started following me on Instagram during the BLM movement in 2020. I was surprised to see a State Senator - let alone someone so young and with so much social clout - following me. But what I experienced in that moment - and learned through my interactions with Representative Cannon along the way - is that she represents our generation's style of political leadership.
Representative Cannon isn't just a young Millennial looking to network her way into powerful structures for her own social and capitalistic gain. Like many of us, she is here to dismantle those systems. Piece by friggin piece. Her networks aren't hierarchal - they are lateral. Her networks aren't even networks - they are communities. Empowerment circles. Women and LGBTQ folks and marginalized people coming together to create powerful change.
In a world where we may all be severely disenchanted with our government, Representative Cannon is the inspiration all queer folks and women need to see that we - the school teacher, the mother, the executive, the entrepreneur, the social justice warrior - HAVE A PLACE IN OUR NATION'S HIGHEST OFFICES. AND WE DESERVE TO HAVE OUR VOICES HEARD IN THESE POWERFUL POSITIONS.
That's why I'm so excited to hold a totally free event with Representative Cannon to discuss her book *The Universal Guide to Running for Office* THIS MONDAY at 2pm EST (the day before #electionday!!!!) on my IG TV.
Representative Cannon will be launching her virtual book tour as part of Snowflake's #FeministMFA series - a weekly book review highlighting women authors with intersectional feminist agendas that we'll be launching out in 2022!
Along with discussing *The Universal Guide to Running for Office*, Representative Cannon will be talking about who should read her book (yes, that 100% includes you), why creating a voting plan for your state and local election this Tuesday is so important, and why you - YES YOU - should be getting involved in local Georgia elections (even if you've never been there! Big HINT: the future of our country may or may not rest on it).
As Snowflake grows in its outreach and activities, I hope to bring you chances to connect with more badass, powerful women like Representative Cannon who are being brave and doing brave things. As my father always told me, take every opportunity that comes your way. Now I'm telling you the same thing - please take this opportunity to ask your big questions with a State Representative and woman ally about running for local and state office - even if you're not sure you should. Don't shut yourself out of something without getting all the information you need to make an informed decision. Who knows - even if running isn't your thing- you'll for sure come away with much more confidence and direction about your civic role on our government.
As part of the event, we'll be giving away two copies of *The Universal Guide to Running for Office*! Follow @ParkCannon58 to automatically be entered!!!
See you all Monday at 2pm on my Instagram Live!!!