Ep 1. And She Could Be Next

And She Could Be Next is the first episode of season 33 of the documentary series POV. The episode takes us on a comprehensive look into the inspiring and historic movements of people of color stepping up to run for office. The focus is mainly on a diverse group of women of color who have decided to run for political office in the United States.

This documentary covers the incredible stories of six women from different backgrounds who have been inspired to fight for change to their communities and make a difference in the political landscape. The episode primarily follows Stacey Abrams, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives who ran for governor in 2018. The episode goes behind the scenes to document the day-to-day operations of her campaign trail and the numerous challenges she has faced along the way.

We also get an insight into the various other candidates, like Bushra Amiwala, who is twenty-one years old, and running for the position of County Commissioner in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout the episode, we come to learn about how she mobilizes young voters to support her progressive policies, and the obstacles she faces as a young candidate in a heavily regulated political system.

The episode also dives into the stories of Maria Elena Durazo, an eighteen-year-old organizer and immigrant rights activist running for the California Senate. Durazo is a strong advocate for workers' rights and immigrant rights. Another notable candidate covered in this episode is CeCe Grant, a transgender activist, and healthcare advocate from Kansas running in the Kansas State House race. She has been fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ people while also taking direct action to improve the lives of people in her community.

The women are all from different backgrounds and have unique experiences, but all of them share the same goal of making an impact in their communities through elected political positions. The episode showcases their struggles, the sacrifices made, and their determination to bring change to their communities. It also provides an excellent insight into some of the critical issues faced by communities of color, such as poverty, healthcare disparities, and police brutality.

The episode also highlights and showcases the crucial role played by grassroots organizations and movements in supporting these candidates during their campaigns. The film explores the impact of the movements, including, Run for Something, Vote Run Lead, and She the People. The documentary masterfully shows the different tools and resources provided by these organizations and movements, from training candidates to providing crucial infrastructure and resources.

The episode's title, "And She Could Be Next," highlights the critical role that women of color play as leaders fighting for change in their communities. Their activism and involvement in local and national politics have had significant impacts, including increasing voter turnout and pushing a progressive agenda in local politics. The episode suggests that while these candidates face unique challenges, they bring fresh ideas to the political debate, pushing for greater accountability and equality.

In conclusion, And She Could Be Next is a truly engaging documentary that offers an incredible insight into the challenges of running for political office, especially for women of color. The perseverance and determination of the candidates showcased in this episode often serve as a source of inspiration and a reminder that political change is possible if we work hard towards it. The episode also underscores the importance of utilizing inclusive movements like Run for Something, Vote Run Lead, and She the People, to support these candidates and offer important training and resources. Overall, And She Could Be Next offers a blueprint for how grassroots movements can work together alongside leaders to bring about positive change in society.