Senator Raumesh Akbari
@SenAkbari
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Twin | Lawyer | Ava’s Auntie | TN Senate Minority Leader | I ❤️Memphis, Criminal Justice Reform, Strongly Dislike Bullies | ΔΣΘ | 🔗💚🤍 | Always bet on Memphis
Memphis, TN
Joined December 2013
My Lord, Rep. Jones has been expelled. The voices of the people has been silenced. Democracy has been squashed. I cry tears of sadness & frustration for what my state has become. This unprecedented move disrespects the body of the #TNleg. It’s a hard day to be a state legislator
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After being sworn in @brotherjones_ has returned to the #TNleg to continue the people’s work! #TennesseeThree @VoteGloriaJ
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It’s official! Rep. @HaroldLoveJr and I passed legislation in the #Tennessee House & Senate to require the Civil Rights Movement and Jim Crow, the teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and more to be taught in grades 9-12. Forward, always. #MLK #BlackHistory
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To say that @JoeBiden is anti-black is not only untrue, it’s dangerous. Our current POTUS thinks white supremacists are “good people.” This next election is critical, & I’m supporting JB bc of his policies for funding HBCUs, rebuilding the middle class, and funding for pre-K-12.
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I’ve struggled to put into words how I feel about the move to expel Reps. Jones, Johnson, and Pearson. It’s unfair, it’s overreaching, it’s an infringement on democracy, and it silences the voices of the people who sent them to the #TNleg. This is wrong. And my colleagues know it
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Happening in #Memphis @ the #NathanBedfordForrest statue. This is a huge step towards healing the deep racial wounds that have tried to define Memphis’ future. As a city, our greatest victories happen when we are willing to work together for a brighter Memphis. #TogetherWeCan
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Not enough can be said about the Obama/#Biden legacy. They saved the country from financial ruin, passed the ACA, restored international respect after Bush, negotiated the Iran Deal & Climate Agreement, & much more. Tearing this legacy down is NOT a good campaign tactic. Period.
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Tennessee needs a statewide mask mandate. Period. 😷.
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Tomorrow is Election Day in #Pennsylvania! Vote for my friend and the best candidate- the absolutely brilliant Rep. @malcolmkenyatta!!! 💙
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Please read this thread. I retweeted the mistaken quote, so I’d like to do my part to spread the word that @PeteButtigieg was horribly misquoted. Totally unfair to Mayor Pete and I hope the corrected version of this quote will spread.
My story about @PeteButtigieg ends with him referring to the “failures of the Obama era.” That’s an inaccurate quote — the result of transcribing a noisy recording at a loud rally. His exact words were “failures of the old normal”.
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Many of us didn’t know when or if this day would come, but here we are! And while there is much work to achieve equity and justice, acknowledgment and reconciliation is a big part of it. Some say it’s just a statue, what about other issues, but it’s “both/and” not “either/or.”.
The bust of Confederate Gen. and KKK leader Nathan Bedford Forrest is off its pedestal and being wheeled out of the Tennessee Capitol.
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Now THIS is something to get excited about! The #InfrastructureBill is a once-in-a-generation investment that will create millions of jobs, begin to address the climate crisis, FINALLY fix our aging infrastructure AND makes sure everyone has access to broadband. This is a win! 🇺🇸
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“We will not throw up our hands when it is time to roll up our sleeves! We will fight! “. Grateful @VP visited #Tennessee today to support the #TennesseeThree and inspire us to yet march on! Light will always win against the dark!
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I love my city. Despite the narrative that’s been pushed on #Memphis, we are not burning. THE PEOPLE of our city want meaningful reform. Those are the voices that need to be heard. Our city is peaceful but not silent. #TyreNichols .🖤〽️🛹.
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And just like that, my brother @Justinjpearson has been reappointed to represent House District 86! . That seat was held by the late #BarbaraCooper before Rep. Pearson, and is very special to me and the grassroots community in Memphis. I know she would be proud. ❤️🙏🏽 .#Tennessee3.
The vote: A unanimous seven votes. Pearson garners his reappointment.
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Our country was built on the foundation of peaceful protest; laws like this squashes that right. As I stated on the Senate floor, legislation like this would have made @repjohnlewis & #MLK convicted felons! We serve the people and should hear from the people. This is ridiculous.
JUST IN: Tennessee governor signs bill that would punish some protesters with loss of voting rights
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Y’all know @JaMorant is my FAVORITE basketball player since @Iam1Cent! So meeting him was a dream!! And he is so cool and kind! I’m SO excited for this @memgrizz team. The sky is literally the limit! #Memphis #Grizzlies 〽️🏀💙
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@TheTNHoller Seems that his “preaching” would violate his tax-exempt status as a religious institution….
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The bill to make #Juneteenth a paid holiday for state employees passed in both chambers! It was a two year process, but it’s finally done! @KarenDCamper and I carried this bill as a part of @GovBillLee’s legislative package. What an important step forward in #Tennessee!
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This afternoon was absolutely sustaining. We witnessed 9,000 beautiful souls from all walks of life, faiths, colors, political parties, all coming together to form a chain of humanity in support of gun safety legislation. Thank you, @voices4saferTN. #TNLeg23 we must DO something
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As I sit in the #TN senate, a chamber built by enslaved people, that previously excluded women and black people from serving, I feel all #JOY. Today, #KetanjiBrownJackson WILL BE confirmed as the 1st black woman to be a #SCOTUS Justice. Stony the road we trod, but we are here! 👩🏾⚖️
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Tennessee needs a statewide mask mandate. Right now. 😷.
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The TN Historical Commission just voted to remove the bust of NBF from the Capitol! It is behind time for this painful symbol of slavery, racial terrorism, and the KKK to be removed from the people’s House, and I’m thankful for the commission’s vote. This is more than symbolic.
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When I was first elected in 2013, I was pressured to vote for vouchers by advocates and lobbyists . They would often use the name of my predecessor (the late Lois M. Deberry) and say that she supported vouchers, so I should too (she didn’t, btw). Because of that, I’ve researched.
TN school voucher bill dead for the year: 'I am extremely disappointed,' governor says
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My OFFICIAL office sign is up!! Excited to serve the great people of #Tennessee as the first African-American Senate Democratic Caucus Chair. #111thGeneralAssembly #tnleg #FantasticFive
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I’m not saying this is the same as the fight against school integration, but I’ve always wondered how people could act so hateful and cruel. Yet here we are in 2021; the similarities in behavior is shocking- the same faces twisted in anger and hatred. So disappointing. And scary.
After the aggressive Nashville St. Thomas (Nurse? 🤷🏽♀️ 🤷🏻♂️) we told you about earlier who says there’s “no pandemic” gets tossed, many follow him out. 😷 #WilcoBoardMeeting
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Y’all, please join me in congratulating the NEW Minority Leader for the Tennessee House of Representatives, Leader Karen Camper! So proud to have Leader Camper at the helm of the House Democrats. This is history-making, ceiling-shattering, legacy-building news! #TNleg
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@JoyAnnReid This legislation is absolutely ridiculous. In an effort to redefine #marriage, my colleagues are pushing forward a bill that will also allow child marriage. A few years ago as a house member, I carried legislation to raise the marriage age to prevent this type of nonsense. #SMDH.
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I’m going to keep saying it until it’s done. We need a mask mandate in #Tennessee. Our COVID-19 numbers are rapidly going up, and our hospitality capacity is rapidly going down. Such a small act can make a difference. Protect yourself and those around you- #MaskUp.
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Dear @AppleSupport,. Please fix my autocorrect. It’s never going to be ducking. Love, .@RepAkbari.
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This is NOT good. Vaccines help prevent serious illnesses- diseases like the measles, mumps, polio, and small pox. Deadly diseases that have been eradicated could return. Why is this even a debate in 2021? Science should be a bipartisan issue.
SCOOP: Tennessee Department of Health halts all vaccine outreach to kids – not just for COVID-19, but all diseases – amid pressure from GOP. Staff ordered to remove the agency logo from any documents providing vaccine info to the public, per internal dox.
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My Lord, its over. Memphis. Our Memphis. Our city. We are tired; we are exhausted. There has been so much loss; too many families grieving. There is so much good in this city that’s being overshadowed by evil. So much light being threatened by darkness.
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.@MeghanMcCain for some reason brings our org into her conversation about guns with future Georgia Governor Stacey Abrams. Gets drown out by audience applause for Abrams’ position. 👏👏👏.
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So proud to celebrate the first #RosaParksDay State Holiday in #Tennessee today. This evening we honored @AprilDRyan, @WJSClanton, and #SenatorJoyner at the 1st Annual Rosa Parks Day Gala. Thankful for @KarenDCamper for her vision and leadership!@RepLauraHallD19 started it all!
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We cannot continue to honor a man who made his fortune from selling black bodies, led the massacre at Ft. Pillow, & was the first KKK grand wizard. His bust in the Capitol needs to be removed, too. This is not erasing our shared dark history- but it’s choosing not to celebrate it.
The Tennessee Senate has killed an attempt to end Nathan Bedford Forrest Day. "I want you to think about what it feels like for me, an African-American woman," @SenAkbari said, for the state to celebrate a man who "made his fortune . selling black folks like we were tractors."
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Yesterday I was honored to meet @VP Harris along with other executive officers of @NBCSLNews. VP Harris briefed us on Ukraine, the SCOTUS pick, and then we had a great conversation about voting rights. I’m excited about the support offered from the White House. #TogetherWeCan
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Every movement needs a spark. Well in this case, I believe it’s a flame. The voices of the people can never be silenced. Whether in whispers in the balcony or yelling outside the House chamber, their voices will be heard.
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We cannot support a special session where the controlling party is only concerned with punishing private business owners and school districts for exercising medically appropriate precautions to keep people safe.
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Vice President @JoeBiden is ready to go on day one. Healthcare, gun safety, immigration reform, foreign policy experience, climate, and lifting the middle class- he has the experience to clean up the mess DT has created. Proud to be #RidinWithBiden
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@MsPackyetti I can’t either. I keep putting my phone down. I can’t even watch. The restraint exhibited by KBJ is something that resonates all too well with black women across this country. Infuriating.
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Tennessee needs a statewide mask mandate. This is science not politics. Pass it on. 😷
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Proud to be among the number! We’ve come too far to turn back now. Democracy and freedom are on the ballot. And I stand with @JoeBiden. #BidenHarris2024 #BidenHarris.
Whew. Some heavy hitting local and national names on this list —> 1,400 Black women sign letter of support for Biden, condemn lack of Democratic unity
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I am looking forward to stepping of the elevator as I head to the Senate chamber and not seeing the bust of a slave owner and trader, KKK Grand Wizard, and confederate general staring back at me. My colleagues may not understand, but it means something to me as a black legislator.
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Ohh it’s been a tough day. But I’d like to remind folks that there are 46 days until we elect #46. If you’re tired, sad, & desperately want change- you must #Vote. Integrity, decency, & honor are all on the ballot. Together we will win #BidenHarris #NotoriousRBG #ProtectHerLegacy
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Love this Daddy/Daughter moment. Thankful for my awesome Daddy- always has my back, is super hilarious, and loves me unconditionally. I salute all the Dads trying their best and making it work for their children. #Love.
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TN has the HIGHEST COVID-19 rates in the ENTIRE COUNTRY! 9,000 people diagnosed today. 40% higher than the national average! We needed real & decisive action and we got the exact opposite tonight. Such a simple thing- mandating a mask! Listen to doctors who are BEGGING FOR HELP!.
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Made it to the @WhiteHouse for the signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. SO excited to witness history. This historic investment will bring 7 BILLION dollars to Tennessee. From broadband, roads and bridges, to clean water- this is much needed! #BuildBackBetter 🇺🇸
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Tomorrow is the 1st day of early voting and we’ve got 4 important constitutional amendments on the ballot! I’m voting “NO on 1” and “YES on 2, 3, and 4.” And don’t forget, you MUST vote for a gubernatorial candidate for your amendment votes to count- I’m voting for @jasonbmartin!
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Going to enjoy seeing these gentlemen in Washington, DC. 💙🍑
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Alright, alright!!! Headed to the @DemConvention in #Chicago! It’s been 8 years since my first one (and since we’ve gathered in person) and I’m so excited to join my fellow Democratic Party members as we support @KamalaHarris + @Tim_Walz ! Proud to be a delegate representing the
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This is the reason why investing in infrastructure is so important. @POTUS’s #AmericanJobsPlan will create jobs & provide support for our bridges, roads, water lines, & more. One of the bridges connecting #Memphis and #Arkansas is shut down- possibly for months. We must act now!
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From restricting gender-affirming care, to drag shows and performances, to considering adding “hanging by a tree” to the death penalty, #Tennessee is making the news for all the wrong reasons. I want TN to be a welcome place for all people- this stuff gets so heavy sometimes. 😢.
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I’ve been struggling all weekend to put my thoughts into words. But my conclusion is that two things can be correct. The absolute terrorism inflicted on the Israeli people by Hamas should be condemned in the strongest way possible. And the Palestinian people are not the same as
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“15 years ago, Cyntoia Brown found herself in a situation no teenage girl should ever have to face. Gov. Haslam’s commutation of demonstrates that we in the state of TN can show love, compassion and mercy for someone who has experienced trauma that many of us cannot imagine.”
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Nazis marched in Nashville yesterday. Nazis marched in Nashville yesterday. Nazis marched in Nashville yesterday. No matter how many times I say it, I don’t think I can comprehend it. That in 2024 (TWENTY-TWENTY FOUR!), a group of clowns (and that’s being gracious) thought it.
Nazis marched in Nashville today.
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Headed to D.C. to join The White House for a special celebration of the confirmation of the Honorable #KetanjiBrownJackson! Early morning, but an exciting Friday! Will post updates from the event later today!
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Thankful for the allyship of @ReeseW & @taylorswift13 speaking out as #Tennesseans against honoring Nathan Bedford Forrest, a slave trader, leader of the Ft. Pillow massacre, and the first grand wizard for the KKK with a special day and a bust in the #tnleg. #TogetherWeCan.
The Tennessee Senate has killed an attempt to end Nathan Bedford Forrest Day. "I want you to think about what it feels like for me, an African-American woman," @SenAkbari said, for the state to celebrate a man who "made his fortune . selling black folks like we were tractors."
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No mother should have to hear their child call out to them as they are being brutalized by police officers and no child should have their parent robbed from them. I pray for my City, I pray for Ms. Wells and the Nichols family.
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I’m happy MPD is halting the development of this proposed program. Optically, it’s horrific. In practice, it would be even worse! Our young folks need entertainment options, not criminal records for selling bottles of water, dancing, & loud music!.
"The Memphis Police Department is introducing an eight-officer unit that will arrest unaccompanied minors that sell food, play loud music, are 'inappropriately dressed' or dancing in the street in Downtown Memphis" @LucasFinton .
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Super proud to join these 16 other amazing @TheDemocrats rising leaders to deliver the @DemConvention keynote on Tuesday. So excited to support @JoeBiden + @KamalaHarris and to share the “stage” w/ @malcolmkenyatta, @MariManoogian, & my mentor (in my head) @staceyabrams! 💙💙.
NEW: Stacey Abrams and 16 other rising star Democrats will together deliver keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday.
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Amen. I won my first election by a margin of only 100 votes. Every #vote counts.
If you think that your vote isn’t important, why do you think there is an effort to suppress it?.
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I was a member of the Tennessee House when we first started discussing legislation to arm teachers- limited to rural areas only. My colleagues thought it was a bad idea and the bill didn’t make it out of committee. Fast forward a few years and we just passed legislation to arm.
BREAKING — The Tennessee House has passed the bill that would allow teachers to be armed in schools.
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I am simply amazed, but certainly not surprised, but this ridiculous line of questioning. Definitely not Tennessee’s finest moment. #ConfirmJackson
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As a Black woman whose father is Persian and mother is Black, this is particularly insulting. No one, I repeat no one, has a right to question and attack your basic identity. This type of discourse is par for the course- divisive, disrespectful, and absolutely untrue. #Kamala2024.
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Young people should be able to go to college without fearing a mass shooting. Prayers for everyone at @MorganStateU, my goodness!! 💙🧡.
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.@MikeBloomberg is out, and endorsed @JoeBiden! The #JoeMentum is REAL! We are truly in the battle for the soul of our nation, and I am so proud to be on #TeamBiden! #Biden has the decency, integrity, and the heart to defeat Donald Trump. #Biden2020 #RidinWithBiden
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I wouldn’t support a candidate that is harmful to MY community. This is not a game- we can’t afford 4 more years of Trump. Many candidates make promises about what they are going to do for the black community- but I prefer a candidate with receipts. That’s why I’m with @JoeBiden.
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Tennessee needs a statewide mask mandate. Numbers are continuing to rise, and it’s clear we need a uniform statewide policy. Together, we can reduce our numbers, save lives, and keep our economy open. Such a small thing can make a big difference. Period. 😷.
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As a child (& now as an adult) I loved books. They can take you places you can’t go. They teach, inspire, bring joy, & perspective. Democracies don’t ban books. We encourage curiosity, not censor it. What’s happening in #Tennessee is shameful! Feeling a bit like Fahrenheit 451.💔.
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If Arkansas can do it, we can in #Tennessee. The CDC reported today that if we all wear masks when out in public, we can get COVID-19 under control within 1-2 months. Such a small thing can make a BUG difference. We need a mask mandate. Save lives, save our economy- #MaskUpNow.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas governor orders people to wear face masks in public, reversing course during a surge in coronavirus cases.
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Wished they had these when I was a kid, so I had to buy a few packs when I saw these available. It might not seem like a big deal to folks, but having your skin color in a crayon is pretty special! ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
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On Feb. 27, 1960, 100 black students from Fisk, Tennessee A&I, and American Baptist were arrested for sit-ins at Woolworth’s, Walgreens & others. They were spit on, hit, and had cigarettes put out on them. #JohnLewis was a young student then- it was his first sit-in, and arrest.
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I never thought in my lifetime that I would witness such a dramatic rollback of women’s rights. I’m honestly in shock. Devastated. Furious. Livid. Incredibly sad. Exhausted. And scared for women in states like #Tennessee where abortion will be illegal in the next 30 days.
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Why can’t we have nice things? This is my 11th year in the #TnLeg and we STILL haven’t expanded #Medicaid. Meanwhile we are the #1 state for medical debt, our budget has to provide supplemental funding for rural healthcare b/c hospitals have closed, and folks have to drive miles.
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said Thursday the Senate will have a bill by Monday’s deadline to expand Mississippi Medicaid to cover the working poor.
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I’m excited to announce that this morning I pulled a qualifying petition to run for State Senate District 29. Please visit for more information. #TeamAkbari #TogetherWeCan #District29
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Tennessee should expand Medicaid.
Georgia should expand Medicaid.
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Vacillating between devastated & FURIOUS. We are already an open carry state and there is PENDING legislation to extend to 18 and include long guns. @TNSenateDems are ready to work with our colleagues across the aisle. Prayers are good, but faith without works is dead. #Nashville.
Children from the #CovenantShooting holding hands leaving the reunification center at Woodmont Baptist Church, boarding metro school buses. @WSMV
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On the weekly #WinWithBlackWomen call, and there are over 34,000 black women on the call! It’s been a great time of fellowship, information sharing, planning, and rallying behind Vice President @KamalaHarris! What a wild day! We are ready, for such a time as this. Incredibly
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Memphis!!!! What is going on in my city!? These sick individuals do not represent us and will not ruin our city. They do not define us!! . Please stay home and be safe if you are out and about until this individual is arrested. Go home now.
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Headed to DC to witness @POTUS sign a once in a generation, historic investment in America’s future- the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Let’s do this! 🇺🇸 .#BuildBackBetter
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Yall!!! Vice President @KamalaHarris has secured the required pledged delegates to eventually clinch the nomination. This is a BIG DEAL! History-making!! Ceiling-shattering! I’m honestly feeling emotional! Super excited. I know the battle is still ahead, but we are ready!
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I do not ascribe to the story of the redemption of Nathan Bedford Forrest. And frankly, I am tired of hearing it.
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If women were paid the same as their male counterparts, poverty among working women would be cut in half. On this #InternationalWomensDay that’s why I support #BalanceForBetter.
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“So you have a moral obligation, a mission and a mandate, to speak up, speak out and get in #goodtrouble. You can do it. You must do it. Not just for yourselves but for generations yet unborn.". You devoted your life to creating a more just world. Rest in power, @repjohnlewis.
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.@cyntoia_brown’s story is one of redemption and restoration. And a clear example that our juvenile sentencing laws need to be reformed. So proud of her journey, and excited for everyone to hear her story, in her words. #Redemption #CyntoiaBrown.
Cyntoia Brown-Long sits down with NBC News for first interview since being released from prison
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As the first black women to serve as minority leaders in the #Tennessee State House and Senate, Leader @KarenDCamper and I firmly support Vice President @KamalaHarris as @TheDemocrats nominee for President of the United States. Please see our joint statement, below. #ImWithHer
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The cursing, the mocking, the laughing, the mentality must change. Not another hashtag, not another life gone, but meaningful reform. Systemic and systematic change.
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The TN Supreme Court just ruled that sentencing juveniles to life in prison is unconstitutional, out of step w/ the rest of the country, & doesn’t consider age/circumstances. Parole eligibility starts at 25 years for Tyshon Booker & other juveniles! .
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Well it’s official!!! I have officially cast my delegate vote for Vice President @KamalaHarris to be the @TheDemocrats nominee for President of the United States!! What a historic, exciting, unreal time!! . It’s also #ElectionDay in #Memphis! You have until 7 to make your voice
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