We’re thrilled to announce that the recipient of our 2023 Jan Allen Courage Award is Rep. Diamond Staton-Williams, who represents House District 73 in Cabarrus County! Diamond, a Registered Nurse, mother of three, and former town councilor, was the only progressive, pro-choice woman to flip a House seat in 2022. Her win was critical to giving us the numbers necessary to keep worse restrictions at bay. This year, Rep. Staton-Williams courageously shared her personal abortion story on the floor of the House in opposition to SB 20, North Carolina’s monster abortion ban. During her brave speech, a far-right Republican legislator made mocking remarks and consequently lost his leadership position. She even received cruel racist and sexist messages, including death threats. |
We hope you’ll join us at Lead with Lillian on Sept. 24 in Durham, when we present the Courage Award to Rep. Staton-Williams. The award will be presented by Rep. Julie von Haefen, who was one of last year’s Courage Award recipients. We’ll also hear from Jenn Mahan from the Center for Reproductive Rights and enjoy music from NC’s own Martha Bassett. We’re looking forward to honoring Diamond for her hard work on behalf of the people of NC. We must keep working to elect more progressive women who will bravely stand up for reproductive freedom and gender equity, no matter the consequences. |