Activist Atima Omara will be joined by Dr. Ravynn K. Stringfield to discuss The Instigators, a celebration of the remarkable political and societal contributions of Black women throughout U.S. history
About the Book:
Agitator. Troublemaker. Motivator. Initiator. Instigator.
“How can we build a truly inclusive multi-racial democracy?” For Atima Omara, the answer is The Instigators—a name she has given to a demographic of Black women between the ages of 18 and 45. These women are uniquely equipped to save American democracy. They didn’t ask for this ability, she argues. It was forced on them because racism and sexism have made them the most marginalized group in American politics. We can all benefit from their strategic know-how as we rebuild our society.
Black women have always been the most relentless instigators for change—building a democracy for all. Omara draws on her political knowledge and expertise, as well as history, to examine how they have responded to failed strategic decisions by movement leaders and the modern Democratic Party in previous elections as a context for the present. She also provides actionable recommendations to organizers, donors, candidates, strategists, political party leaders, that everyday people can use in their communities to build an inclusive democracy that endures beyond one election cycle.
The Instigators is at once an urgent political guide, historical exploration, and a poignant memoir that pulls from Omara’s two decades of work in Democratic politics and the progressive movement as an elected Democratic Party leader, movement organizer, former candidate, gubernatorial aide, campaign staff to candidates at the national, state, and local level; and now political strategist. Powerful, insightful, and practical, it is imperative reading for everyone eager to protect and rebuild our democracy and create a better tomorrow for all.
About the Author:
Atima Omara is a nationally recognized award-winning political strategist, leader, writer, speaker, and advocate. She holds a BA in American Studies from the University of Virginia, and is a commentator on national politics, candidates, policy, race, gender and culture having been quoted in national outlets including The New York Times, Boston Globe, and The Atlantic. She’s appeared on CNN, PBS, Fox News, BBC, CBC, NPR, and MSNBC including Joy Reid’s The ReidOut. She was named one of one hundred notable Black Americans by EBONY Magazine. Atima’s writing was published in Wake Up America: Black Women on the Future of Democracy edited by Kesha Blain. She’s also written for Washington Post, the American Prospect, The Root, Teen Vogue, and other national outlets.
open_in_newDr. Ravynn K. Stringfield is a writer, editor, artist and former Peanut Fest Queen from Suffolk, Virginia. She is the author of two young adult novels, open_in_newLove in 280 Characters or Less (Feiwel & Friends, 2025) andopen_in_new Love Requires Chocolate (Joy Revolution, 2024). Stringfield is a product of Virginia public schools (Suffolk Public Schools) and universities (University of Virginia), up to her PhD in American Studies from William & Mary. She has been published in a variety of venues for the last seven years—book collections, magazines, scholarly journals—but most importantly, she is a life long reader and a maker of beautiful things.