Piloting the Journey: Georgia Sen. Nan Orrock on choosing the right road

Democratic State Sen. Nan Orrock, who represents Senate District 36, was a featured guest for “Closer Look’s” Women’s History Month series, "Piloting the Journey." (LaShawn Hudson/WABE)

Democratic Georgia State Sen. Nan Orrock understands the uncertainty that sometimes comes with choosing the right road. She says she never envisioned herself as a politician. However, she was known for speaking out and others encouraged her to run for public office.

But long before becoming an elected official in 1986, her work in the world of activism started with attending the 1963 March on Washington.

For decades, Orrock has been at the forefront of legislation that has centered civil rights, women’s issues, health policy, workforce issues, environmental issues and more. She currently represents Senate District 36 and is the founder of the Georgia Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Working Families Legislative Caucus.



On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Orrock was a featured guest for the Women’s History Month series, “Piloting the Journey.”

While reflecting on her journey, she told show host Rose Scott that she chose the right road. During the discussion, Orrock reflected on her political career, the Civil Rights Movement and shared why she believes the current moment in history is a critical time for America. She also talked about the importance of encouraging women to run for public office.

“I came out of the movements of the sixties,” explained Orrock. “I’ve devoted my energies all these years to fighting for democracy, that is for people of color, for women, for the workforce, for unions, and for working people — and I continue to do that, and I get energy from it.”