Vanessa Williams

Washington, D.C.

Reporter on the National desk.

Education: Florida State University, B.A. in English.

Vanessa Williams is a reporter on the National desk.
Latest from Vanessa Williams

Stacey Abrams, a prominent champion of choice, once opposed abortion

Abrams said "conversion" on the issue has informed her conversations with colleagues — and on the campaign trail.

June 8, 2022

For members of Mother Emanuel, Buffalo shooting stirs painful memories

Rev. Eric S.C. Manning says that his community, and others traumatized by racist violence, need more from political leaders than displays of “false grief.”

May 22, 2022

Republicans can blame themselves for not claiming first Black female justice

Though they criticized Democrats for blocking Janice Rogers Brown, in recent years Republicans passed up on three chances to put a Black woman on the Supreme Court.

April 14, 2022

Activists say debates over Ukraine, Supreme Court nomination show the importance of voting rights

The co-founders of Black Voters Matter say current events amplify the need for greater participation by voters.

March 5, 2022

For Black women, Jackson’s nomination is ‘magic on such a profound level’

If she is confirmed by the Senate, Ketanji Brown Jackson would become the third Black person and sixth woman to serve on the Court since its 1789 founding. The 51-year-old currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

February 26, 2022

Stacey Abrams, David Perdue call foul on GOP proposal to ban fundraising while Georgia legislature is in session

An amendment to a law that restricts current officeholders from raising money while the General Assembly is in session would be extended to challengers, as well.

February 15, 2022

Activists prepare to cheer — and fight, if necessary — for a Black female Supreme Court nominee

As President Biden's pledge to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court moves a step closer to reality, activists mobilize in support.

January 27, 2022

In a new children’s book by Stacey Abrams, a girl finds fun and courage in words

"Stacey's Extraordinary Words," a new picture book recounts the story of a girl who confronts her own self-doubt, and the school bully, by entering a spelling bee. It's a story that will sound familiar to those who following Stacey Abrams's campaign for governor of Georgia.

December 30, 2021

With eye to Tuesday and next year, Atlanta Democrats worry about voter turnout

Democratic strategists say lackluster turnout for the Atlanta mayoral race points to voter apathy and the hurdles of a new voter law.

November 29, 2021

Program gives 20 Virginia political campaign managers a chance to become the role models they always wanted

Blue Leadership Collaborative aims to expand the pool of people of color, women and LGBTQ professionals with the skills to become campaign managers.

October 29, 2021