A Look at Chief Public Defender Martesha Johnson
Martesha Johnson was in her early 20s in 2007, an intern at the Metro Public Defender’s Office, when she got her first assignment. It was a murder case. She was to assist one of the office’s attorneys in representing the man accused of committing that violent crime, and her… Read More
The Commercial Appeal Endorses Racquel Collins
The Shelby County Commission does not get the credit it deserves. The 13 commissioners are more than a collection of part-time politicos who get together every other week to say grace (or not) over the work of the county’s full-time elected and appointed officials. They are… Read More
Mariah Phillips Receives Big Endorsement
Today, Mariah Phillips, a public school teacher and candidate for Congress in Tennessee’s 4th District, received the endorsement of former Middle Tennessee Congressman Bob Clement. “Mariah is one of many people across the country who were inspired to step forward and run for office this year. As a public school… Read More

Check out this piece on Amanda Moore. She’s a 2018 Bootcamp Alumnae! #WhySheRuns
“As an active parent and school volunteer for the past eight years, I am excited to offer my skills and voice to the school board. My service as a PTA Board member allowed me to respond to parents and teachers and help find solutions to their problems,” Moore said. “I… Read More

Check out this piece by 2018 alumnae Amber Huett-Garcia in Teen Vogue on #WhySheRuns
Running! is a Teen Vogue series about getting involved in government. In this op-ed, Amber Huett-Garcia, candidate for Tennessee’s House of Representatives, District 86, and director of development with Teach For America – Memphis, explains the role bias has played in her identity and the leadership role she aspires to… Read More