As there has been an increase of Black women elected to public office, including Vice President Kamala Harris, there is still a need for platforms that provide them an opportunity to be heard, as they are still systematically being held from wielding their power and influence. Finally, there is a magazine dedicated to making that happen. 

‘What She Said’ is an online publication that strictly focuses on Black women in politics. Recently we spoke with founder and editor Deborah Woolen about its purpose and how it’s already making an impact. Woolen, who has spent years advocating for more diversity in positions of local politics, started this endeavor after doing intense preparation. No stranger to talking with Black politicians, she has conducted interviews on Instagram and YouTube for local candidates such as Alexandria Councilman John Taylor Chapman and Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. 

She discussed what it meant for her personally when she produced her first edition back in August. “I just saw how in every space that a Black woman has occupied, [it] has always been for the good of her community,” said Woolen. “I wrote on Twitter that in spite of classism, sexism and racism it’s altruism that has catapulted Black women to the forefront of politics. From Sojourner Truth, to Harriet Tubman, to Shirley Chisolm and today to Stacey Abrams, Joy Reid and so many [other] Black women making strides in politics, I thought to myself that we need a space for encouragement, information, for guidance. “ 

“I know for myself that getting to meet people is really exciting, but I wanted to make a greater impact. So I said, ‘You know what, we need a magazine.’ I didn’t see one, so I created it. I did not have a journalistic background at all, but I am a visionary. I’ll see something [that needs to be created] and work with others who have gifts and talents who can make it happen.”

The first issue features an article about how the United States has historically legislated against the Black female body since the days of slavery, and for Woolen it was imperative to tell the story of Elizabeth Grinstead. “So the source of inspiration actually started with the Democratic primary for VA governor with [former gubernatorial candidates] Jennifer Carroll Foy and [Senator] Jennifer McClellan. I wanted to write an op-Ed underlining that if either won, it would’ve been a win for all Black women.” 

“In my research I found out about Elizabeth Grinstead. She was the child of an English planter and an African woman who was a slave. Because this Black woman (Elizabeth) had the nerve to ask for what rightfully belonged to her, [which was her freedom as an indentured servant as well as that of her son], the Virginia House of Burgess, instead of recognizing her rights, made a decision to create legislation that turned a Black women’s womb into a prison. The new law allowed White men to legally sell their children that were birthed by Black women. This meant that white women gave birth to children, but Black women gave birth to chattel. That’s what the legislation essentially mandated. Soon, other colonies did the same.” 

“Although we have seen progress, we still have a way to go. For example, why do we need to have laws that protect Black women so that they can wear natural hair at their jobs? Why is there a written law for that?” Woolen points out that such laws exist because Black women and their bodies have been historically unprotected and unfairly regulated, and serve as evidence that society must be forced to accept Black women and their freedom of self-expression. “That was the whole theme behind that article. From the beginning Black women have been a commodity. Black women have had to consistently prove their humanity.

As there is more diversity in the lieutenant governor’s race in Virginia than ever before, is this the type of progress the state needs? “It is usually the most disrespected and the least accounted individuals within a society for that make the greatest impact. It is because of Elizabeth’s pain, and Harriet’s determination, and Shirley’s independence, that we have Black women as the forefront of American politics. We see those characteristics of that same pain, determination, and independence in Black women taking charge today.” 

The magazine reaches generations of Black women, from talking about historical perspectives to its “Clap Back” section, in which the younger generation can relate and respond as only they can. Woolen is proud of that and talks about if, as a society, we are turning of the political corner. “As a young teen, my first job was at the ACTS food pantry in Dumfries. Years later I volunteered at the Manassas Adult Detention Center as an instructor for the Women in the New Direction program. So, I’d always been involved with my community in some capacity. The turning point for me came with the deaths of Ahmaud Aubery and George Floyd. I knew I wanted to have a greater impact. So I began to inform people about what they can I do at the local level. I told people it’s not enough to protest, you have to show up [to city council and local government meetings]. Don’t leave your decisions in the hands of someone else.” 

She continues, “I think a lot of Black women were hurt about what happened to George Floyd. We all experienced hurt, but the Black community felt so many emotions. We were angry, we were hurt. With Black women, seeing that Black man being killed in broad daylight, that compassion and inner strength made them say, ‘No More, this has to stop!’ I think that has made our community turn a corner when it comes to being more vocal and more present in the political arena.” 

She says that the response to the magazine has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s been wonderful. This is a passion project. A friend of mine sent the first edition to a group of her contacts, and suddenly there were others asking to be featured.” 

So what does the future hold for ‘What She Said’ Magazine? “The diaspora, our brothers and sisters across the globe, all look to Black Americans for the playbook. I want the magazine to be a beacon. I pray that the magazine will be a tool in the hands of someone who needs it. If it needs to educate, to prepare, to encourage, then I want it to do that. I want Black women to be celebrated.” 

“I want Black women to be celebrated.”

The next edition will come out in October. Visit https://whatshesaidmag.com to learn more about the magazine.