For decades, Essence magazine has been lifting black women up with a variety of enriching content that ranges from fashion and beauty to politics and education. 

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But for the first time ever, the publication is honoring influencers, including Georgians Mary-Pat Hector and Stacey Abrams, with its “Woke 100 Women” feature.

Hector has become a millennial leader for Usher’s New Look Foundation, launched the Think Twice organization to combat gun violence (and won the Peace First Prize for a shock-ad campaign launched through the group), and been recognized by former President Barack Obama for her service to the community. She’s also running for one of five open City Council seats in Stonecrest, Georgia—a city that was incorporated into DeKalb county.
 

“By introducing a Swipe Out Hunger program at Spelman and Morehouse, we would directly impact student hunger and raise the awareness on the issues impacting our fellow students experiencing hunger and homelessness while in college,” explained Mary-Pat Hector a Spelman student.

“When you think of gun violence, you think of black boys in Chicago or Bankhead,” said Hector, who grew up in a family of activists. “But to become uncomfortable with that, to be moved to action, you have to see yourself. I wanted to create billboards so that people could see themselves, to see it happening to them.”

The response filled Hector with the greatest joy and humility. “I was so proud,” Hector noted. “People began hearing about the billboards, and I began getting invitations to speak about Think Twice.”