A Clear Vision for Tennessee

The Equity Alliance Fund, the affiliate 501(c)4 advocacy organization of The Equity Alliance, encourages Black voters to support policies and candidates who will invest in overlooked and underserved communities of color.

From Nashville to Washington, D.C., Tennessee needs leaders who will advocate for Black Americans and other communities of color to have a fair and just opportunity at realizing the American dream.

This year, we are proud to announce our 2024 Tennessee candidate endorsements.

These progressive leaders have a clear vision for a better future for Tennesseans. Under their leadership, constituents will have a chance to earn a good living, send their kids to well-resourced schools and get access to quality healthcare that they need to be well and stay well. These candidates are champions for Black lives and will stand up to greed-fueled special interests and defend us against radical laws that seek to control our communities, suppress our votes, and perpetuate decades of racial injustice.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

MEMPHIS SHELBY COUNTY

SCHOOL BOARD ENDORSEMENTS

NATALIE MCKINNEY

DISTRICT 2

Natalie is running for School Board District 2 to bring leadership that addresses critical issues, including academic preparedness, district infrastructure, safety, and fiscal sustainability. She pledges to remain student-centered and community-focused, and support system transparency and leadership accountability. Our schools can be a catalyst for positive change, and with your support, she will represent the voices of all community members.

TAMARQUES PORTER

DISTRICT 4

Tamarques Porter is a proud native of Memphis, TN, graduate of Melrose High School, and is part of the Bishop Brandon B. Porter lineage. Mr. Porter's journey from a local high school graduate to a seasoned professional in the field of Information Technology reflects his deep commitment to educational excellence and community empowerment. He is dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success and not failure. Porter is also committed to providing safe, diverse, and inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of students, teachers, and families.

SABLE OTEY

DISTRICT 5

Sable understands the critical importance of education in shaping our children's futures. She is committed to promoting general and financial literacy, ensuring our students are equipped with essential life skills for success beyond the classroom. As a former USA Bobsled athlete, she is passionate about fully funding extracurricular activities because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore their interests and develop holistically. She is also committed to ensuring MSCS educators and support staff have access to counseling services, stress management resources, and a supportive work environment.

FRANK JOHNSON

DISTRICT 7

Frank has been a staunch advocate for Career and Technical Education (CCTE) in Memphis schools, particularly in District 7. He understands that not every student aspires to attend college but believes that every child deserves the opportunity to lead a successful and fulfilling life. Through CCTE, students gain the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in various industries, contributing to their personal growth and the economic development of the community. Frank W. Johnson's lifelong dedication to service, education, and community improvement underscores his commitment to making Memphis a better place for all its residents.

SHELBY COUNTY GENERAL ELECTION ENDORSEE

TAMI SAWYER

GENERAL SESSIONS COURT CLERK

Tami Sawyer, a former Shelby County Commissioner, is a prominent figure in the realm of civil rights activism. Her commitment to her community extends beyond her activism. She serves as a board member of TONE, a prominent Black art community collective in Memphis, and is a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Additionally, she co-founded the George Floyd Legal Defense Fund of the NAACP Memphis, further illustrating her dedication to the fight for justice.

TENNESSEE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES ENDORSEMENTS

NOAH NORDSTROM

HOUSE DISTRICT 83

Noah Nordstrom's vision extends far beyond the classroom; it envisions a future where every child has access to quality education, regardless of circumstance. As a candidate, he stands at the forefront of a movement for transformative change, fueled by boundless determination and a belief in the power of community.

TELISA FRANKLIN

HOUSE DISTRICT 96

Dr. Telisa Franklin is an amazing individual whose impact extends far beyond her accomplishments in various fields. Her contributions to the community continue to leave lasting impressions that will span generations to come. As your next Tennessee State Representative for District 96, Dr. Telisa Franklin will bring thoughtful leadership so that everyone can have a thriving future.

JESSE HUSETH

HOUSE DISTRICT 97

Jesse is dedicated to providing real solutions to real problems for Tennesseans. Too often our politicians look for ways to divide us, instead of focusing on the real issues that we face, and the real solutions we should implement—many of which we actually agree on. Jesse’s years spent working for Shelby County Schools taught him what all of our students need and what all of their parents want for them—to grow up with the opportunities for success and happiness that we all deserve. If we want Tennessee to thrive, we must make sure everyone is thriving.

BO MITCHELL

HOUSE DISTRICT 50

Bo Mitchell represents the people of District 50 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. e is a leading voice for strong public school, affordable healthcare, gun safety, and the protecting the democratic process. Prior to his election , Bo established a lengthy record of deep involvement in the community. He also owns a small business that assists other businesses in providing benefits to their employees.

AFTYN BEHN

HOUSE DISTRICT

Aftyn, a Knoxville native, is a dedicated advocate with a background in social work and public policy. She has worked tirelessly in Tennessee, campaigning for affordable healthcare and against sexual assault. Currently serving as Rep for HD51, Aftyn's commitment to equity extends to her involvement in organizations like the Southern Connected Communities Project and Healthy and Free TN. With her diverse experiences, she is poised to serve effectively in the Tennessee State House, working towards a brighter future for all.

SHAUNDELLE BROOKS

HOUSE DISTRICT 60

Shaundelle Brooks became a relentless advocate for gun violence prevention after losing her son, Akilah DaSilva, in the Nashville Waffle House mass shooting. Driven by that loss, she’s traveled the country, meeting with policymakers and connecting with other families harmed by gun violence. She has attended countless state legislative hearings to learn how Tennessee works, and she wants to make a change to Tennessee’s approach to gun violence to honor Akilah’s memory. Raised by two police officers in Brooklyn, New York, Shaundelle developed a strong sense of justice and a commitment to making a positive impact on society from a young age. She became a parole officer and moved to Nashville two decades ago. In that role, she has worked with hardened criminals and helped them successfully reenter society after completing their sentences. That experience means she can keep law enforcement focused on the most violent offenses while addressing the root causes of crime as a state lawmaker.

RONNIE GLYNN

HOUSE DISTRICT 67

Use this space to add more details about your site, a cA life-long Tennessean, Ronnie has dedicated his life to his family, country, and his community. In his first year as a State Legislator, Ronnie was able to pass a bill to help deal with Tennessee’s shortage of teachers.

ALLIE PHILLIPS

HOUSE DISTRICT 75

Allie Phillips grew up in Ashland City, TN. From her parents she learned about working hard, the importance of family, and real Tennessee values -- meaning that when you see something that’s wrong, you do something to fix it. In November of 2022, Allie and her husband got great news - Allie was pregnant! At nineteen weeks, they were told their daughter, Miley Rose, was not compatible with life. Because of Tennessee’s misguided laws, Allie had to fly to New York, a city she'd never visited before – alone – to end the pregnancy or risk her own life. By the time she made it there, Miley Rose’s heart had stopped beating. Making this tragedy harder for Allie and her family was inhumane. So, Allie did what she was raised to do - she stood up and she fought back. Allie is running for Tennessee State House because forcing a woman to fly out of state to get medically needed health care does not represent Tennessee values.

LUIS MATA

HOUSE DISTRICT 49

I’m a community organizer, an immigrant from Guadalajara, Mexico, and a proud Tennessean. I’m running for the Tennessee State House of Representatives in District 49 where I plan to continue my decade-long fight for progress. I would become the first-ever Latino immigrant state legislator in Tennessee history - but I’m not running to make history, I’m running to make change.

I was raised by a single, immigrant mother who taught me that when you want change, you don't wait for it, you fight for it. I’ve been a proven leader for change across the state and I am ready to carry my decade-long fight for justice to our State Capitol to continue fighting for a Tennessee where we can all belong and thrive.

DAVIDSON COUNTY GENERAL

ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS

TK FAYNE

METRO NASHVILLE SCHOOL BOARD, DIST. 5

TK Fayne is a Business Analyst at Amazon and a leading advocate within the company’s Community Philanthropy programs. TK has already partnered with various Metro Nashville Public schools to assist with student transitioning and post secondary outcomes by providing supplies, tutoring, clothing and food.

When elected to Metro Nashville School Board, TK will work to build parent associations that marshal resources for families at every school; expand after-school activities, tutoring and mentoring programs to increase opportunity for youth; communicate with community stakeholders and council members and MNPS needs; and, always put student and family needs first!

STEPHANIE J. WILLIAMS

4TH CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE

Stephanie is uniquely qualified to serve as 4th Circuit Court Judge. Over the past 20 years, Stephanie has participated as a litigant, lawyer, mediator, and judicial officer in family court.  Stephanie understands that the family court system affects us all, but often fails to adequately represent us all.  Stephanie’s unique experience makes her the most qualified candidate to transform a system that has often been inaccessible, unfair, and out-of-date into one where the needs of litigants and their families are prioritized over doing “business as usual.”

For more than 15 years, she has dedicated herself to causes in the community, many of which she initiated, that support, uplift, and empower children and families. We know that Stephanie will continue to advocate for equity and justice.

VIVIAN WILHOITE

ASSESSOR OF PROPERTY

Vivian is deeply committed to the Davidson County community. As Assessor of Property, Vivian takes every opportunity to educate Nashvillians on the responsibilities of the Office of Assessments and their rights as a property owner or future property owner.

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Contact Us

P.O. Box 280214
Nashville, Tennessee 37228

endorsements@theequityalliancefund.org

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