People sometimes ask me how can I run for City Council with three children at home.
And I ask them: how can I not?
On behalf of myself and my children, I have no choice but to care deeply about what happens in our community. As a Memphian, and a mother, I know we have to increase public safety, improve infrastructure, and invest in our next generation.
Because of my children, I worry daily about the epidemic of gun violence that is plaguing our society. As a person who has had gun violence impact her life on three separate occasions, I know all too well how urgently we need to find a solution. When my children have routine active shooter drills and have survived lockdowns because of real threats, I know I have to do all I can to fight for a safer future. We must take common sense action to make our neighborhoods safer, provide the resources law enforcement officers need to do their jobs.
My kids have attended public schools, just as my husband and I did. So, when our city turns a blind eye to crumbling public schools, I feel compelled to act. We must also look to new technologies and creative approaches to our outdated utilities so that residents receive the services they need and deserve.
Because of my children, I know how important it is that we invest in making sure our youth have meaningful opportunities that keep them out of trouble. Being a mother means that I have no choice but to that we pass the values and virtues like kindness, respect, and civic duty, to future generations. To do this we must all work together to make sure our youth are given the resources and support they need to succeed.
I am a life-long Memphian. This place is a part of me. I am the child of two small business owners who instilled in me their dedication and work ethic. I have been a human rights worker in Africa and a marathon runner for St. Jude. I have taught in the inner city and built houses with Habitat for Humanity. The people I met in both left me with hope for our future.
My background as an attorney and public defender, my years as an advocate for those in need, my time spent as an advisor to Mayor Lee Harris, and my experiences as an educator, will help me not only understand the importance of issues like addressing public safety, fixing our utility infrastructure, and investing in our next generation, but recognize where our government should prioritize its resources to have the greatest impact.
I am not a politician. I never saw myself running for office. I don’t come from a wealthy family. I am not beholden to any special interests. I am not a part of a political machine or beholden to anyone’s agenda. But that’s the point. Even though this was not part of my life plan, I know, that for the future of my children and my community that something has to change.