Governor-elect Bottoms speaks at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta

Georgia Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms addressed the congregation at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church on Sunday, expressing gratitude for their prayers and votes, Atlanta News First reported. Bottoms made history as the first Black woman elected governor of Georgia and the first Black woman governor in U.S. history.

The church, known as a cornerstone of the civil rights movement, welcomed Bottoms with Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, its lead pastor, inviting her to speak, according to Atlanta News First. Bottoms shared how her faith guided her campaign, emphasizing her belief that vision comes with provision.

Walter Blackmon Jr., a longtime member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, reflected on the significance of Bottoms' election, recalling the civil rights struggles and expressing surprise at a female governor in Georgia, Atlanta News First noted.

Dozens of middle school students from across the country attended the service as part of a civil rights trip, with their teacher describing the visit as a meaningful experience, Atlanta News First reported.

Bottoms also recounted visiting a cemetery in Crawfordville near the end of her campaign, where she found the headstone of her great-great-grandmother, a person once enslaved, highlighting the personal and historical significance of her journey, Atlanta News First detailed.

WSB-TV described Ebenezer Baptist Church as “America’s Freedom Church,” underscoring its historical importance as Governor-elect Bottoms spoke there following her election.