The basis for sustainable progress is legal protections grounded in an awareness of how identity has been used to deny opportunity.

In this quote, Stacey Abrams, a political activist and former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, asserts that sustainable progress requires strong legal protections that are informed by an understanding of how identity—whether defined by race, gender, sexuality, or other factors—has historically been used as a tool to deny opportunity. She highlights the need for policies and laws that address not only present-day injustices but also the historical context in which systemic discrimination has shaped social and economic inequalities. For Abrams, legal protections are fundamental in ensuring that progress is both equitable and sustainable.

The statement underscores the importance of awareness in crafting laws and policies that genuinely promote inclusion and justice. Abrams argues that it is not enough to focus on economic or social development in isolation; we must also recognize how discriminatory practices rooted in identity have hindered opportunities for marginalized communities. Her emphasis on legal protections suggests that the legal system must be an active force in combating these inequalities, rather than simply reflecting the status quo.

By grounding sustainable progress in an understanding of identity-based discrimination, Abrams is advocating for a legal framework that actively works to redress historical wrongs. This requires a proactive approach to ensuring equal opportunities for all, especially for those who have been disadvantaged or oppressed. Legal frameworks must be designed with the intention of leveling the playing field, offering the same opportunities to people regardless of their identity.

The origin of this quote comes from Abrams’ longstanding advocacy for voting rights, economic justice, and social equity. She is known for her work on voting rights reform, particularly her efforts to combat voter suppression in Georgia. Her statement reflects a core belief in social justice and the understanding that progress can only be truly sustainable if it is built on foundations of fairness, equity, and legal empowerment for all individuals, particularly those historically marginalized due to their identity.