A Steel Magnolia … a genteel woman who demonstrates uncommon fortitude.
Our final salute for Women’s History Month is none other than, the brilliant R. Jai Gillum.
R. Jai is the Director of Foundation Affairs at the Florida Dental Association, where she works with dentists across the state of Florida to provide access to free dental aid for those who might not otherwise be able to afford care. A few weeks ago R. Jai and her team wrapped up their annual community event where they helped over 1,400 people and provided almost $1.8 million dollars in free dental services.
In addition to her professional career, R. Jai is the mother to our three children, Jackson, Davis, and Caroline. More recently, R. Jai went back to school to get her second graduate degree, this time from George Washington University.
Many people credit me for being the involved and “political” person in our family. But it should be known that R. Jai beat me to that plate. She was Miss Sophomore on the FAMU Royal Court, served as a student senator, led student protests, and served as vice president of the FAMU Student Government Association. She volunteers for everything! She was in the Junior League, served as Chair of the County Public Library Foundation, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Links International, Jack and Jill and so much more.
Simply put, R. Jai is the best of us.
Life hasn’t been a bed of roses for her, but through it all she perseveres. At my lowest point, R. Jai decided to demonstrate for me the definition of the word, grace. I thought I knew its meaning before; but that was pity, maybe sympathy. What she taught me, was true grace.
R. Jai, I don’t know how you do it, but we are all blessed to witness your radiance and example. Thank you for being my mentor.
When challenged by a stranger online, R. Jai replied to the person, “the first thing you need to know about me, is that I’m not you, and the rest will make sense.”
Love you always, Jai.
A Steel Magnolia … a genteel woman who demonstrates uncommon fortitude.
Our final salute for Women’s History Month is none other than, the brilliant R. Jai Gillum.
R. Jai is the Director of Foundation Affairs at the Florida Dental Association, where she works with dentists across the state of Florida to provide access to free dental aid for those who might not otherwise be able to afford care. A few weeks ago R. Jai and her team wrapped up their annual community event where they helped over 1,400 people and provided almost $1.8 million dollars in free dental services.
In addition to her professional career, R. Jai is the mother to our three children, Jackson, Davis, and Caroline. More recently, R. Jai went back to school to get her second graduate degree, this time from George Washington University.
Many people credit me for being the involved and “political” person in our family. But it should be known that R. Jai beat me to that plate. She was Miss Sophomore on the FAMU Royal Court, served as a student senator, led student protests, and served as vice president of the FAMU Student Government Association. She volunteers for everything! She was in the Junior League, served as Chair of the County Public Library Foundation, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Links International, Jack and Jill and so much more.
Simply put, R. Jai is the best of us.
Life hasn’t been a bed of roses for her, but through it all she perseveres. At my lowest point, R. Jai decided to demonstrate for me the definition of the word, grace. I thought I knew its meaning before; but that was pity, maybe sympathy. What she taught me, was true grace.
R. Jai, I don’t know how you do it, but we are all blessed to witness your radiance and example. Thank you for being my mentor.
When challenged by a stranger online, R. Jai replied to the person, “the first thing you need to know about me, is that I’m not you, and the rest will make sense.”
Love you always, Jai.
A Steel Magnolia … a genteel woman who demonstrates uncommon fortitude.
Our final salute for Women’s History Month is none other than, the brilliant R. Jai Gillum.
R. Jai is the Director of Foundation Affairs at the Florida Dental Association, where she works with dentists across the state of Florida to provide access to free dental aid for those who might not otherwise be able to afford care. A few weeks ago R. Jai and her team wrapped up their annual community event where they helped over 1,400 people and provided almost $1.8 million dollars in free dental services.
In addition to her professional career, R. Jai is the mother to our three children, Jackson, Davis, and Caroline. More recently, R. Jai went back to school to get her second graduate degree, this time from George Washington University.
Many people credit me for being the involved and “political” person in our family. But it should be known that R. Jai beat me to that plate. She was Miss Sophomore on the FAMU Royal Court, served as a student senator, led student protests, and served as vice president of the FAMU Student Government Association. She volunteers for everything! She was in the Junior League, served as Chair of the County Public Library Foundation, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Links International, Jack and Jill and so much more.
Simply put, R. Jai is the best of us.
Life hasn’t been a bed of roses for her, but through it all she perseveres. At my lowest point, R. Jai decided to demonstrate for me the definition of the word, grace. I thought I knew its meaning before; but that was pity, maybe sympathy. What she taught me, was true grace.
R. Jai, I don’t know how you do it, but we are all blessed to witness your radiance and example. Thank you for being my mentor.
When challenged by a stranger online, R. Jai replied to the person, “the first thing you need to know about me, is that I’m not you, and the rest will make sense.”
Love you always, Jai.
A Steel Magnolia … a genteel woman who demonstrates uncommon fortitude.
Our final salute for Women’s History Month is none other than, the brilliant R. Jai Gillum.
R. Jai is the Director of Foundation Affairs at the Florida Dental Association, where she works with dentists across the state of Florida to provide access to free dental aid for those who might not otherwise be able to afford care. A few weeks ago R. Jai and her team wrapped up their annual community event where they helped over 1,400 people and provided almost $1.8 million dollars in free dental services.
In addition to her professional career, R. Jai is the mother to our three children, Jackson, Davis, and Caroline. More recently, R. Jai went back to school to get her second graduate degree, this time from George Washington University.
Many people credit me for being the involved and “political” person in our family. But it should be known that R. Jai beat me to that plate. She was Miss Sophomore on the FAMU Royal Court, served as a student senator, led student protests, and served as vice president of the FAMU Student Government Association. She volunteers for everything! She was in the Junior League, served as Chair of the County Public Library Foundation, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Links International, Jack and Jill and so much more.
Simply put, R. Jai is the best of us.
Life hasn’t been a bed of roses for her, but through it all she perseveres. At my lowest point, R. Jai decided to demonstrate for me the definition of the word, grace. I thought I knew its meaning before; but that was pity, maybe sympathy. What she taught me, was true grace.
R. Jai, I don’t know how you do it, but we are all blessed to witness your radiance and example. Thank you for being my mentor.
When challenged by a stranger online, R. Jai replied to the person, “the first thing you need to know about me, is that I’m not you, and the rest will make sense.”
Love you always, Jai.
Grateful for the courageous FL Democratic legislators who stood up in the face of this blatantly racist power grab by Governor DeSantis and his Republican sycophants.
The congressional seats that DeSantis is attempting to steal were the same hard-fought seats won through a judicial consent decree which sent FL’s first Black voices since Reconstruction to the United States Congress – Congress members
Brown, Hastings & Meek.
DeSantis and Republicans want to erase us from the History books and now from the Halls of Congress. Voters will remember this Maduro/Putin-tyranny in November and beyond.
NOT today Satan!
#LeastFreeStateInUSA
(📽: @politico & Gary Fineout)
Congratulations Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
The ancestors rejoice today as we take one more step closer to a just and representative government. They tried HARD to break her, but I am especially proud that when the tears did flow, they flowed in recognition of the Ancestors and in acknowledgement of the struggles Black women persevere through in every field they dare enter.
May the next step toward freedom not be too far behind…
Today’s #womenshistorymonth feature is a friend and someone who continues to inspire me on a daily basis.
@angelarye is an award-winning host, social justice advocate, lawyer, commentator, and self-described empowermenteur, embodies what it means to be a “bringer of truth”. Named and raised accordingly, the attorney’s no holds barred commentary has resonated with demographics all over the world. Her thoughtful yet incisive commentary and real talk about social justice, politics, culture, and history spark much-needed conversation about the state of America.
She is the host of the weekly podcast “On One with Angela Rye”. She has also been seen on several programs and outlets from Breakfast Club to the Daily Show, BET where she has been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards, HBO, TV One, CNN, ABC, ESPN, NBC, NPR, and many others.
Love you, Sis!
We’re shaking it up today and spotlighting just a few of the incredible journalists who have pricked my conscious with their reporting and insight. Today’s #womenshistorymonth features are @abbydphillip, @joyannreid, and @yamichepbs.
Abby Phillip is CNN’s senior political correspondent and anchor of Inside Politics Sunday, an hour-long in-depth conversation on the week’s most important political storylines, with a diverse set of analysts and news-making interviews. She joined the network in 2017 to cover the Trump Administration and served as White House Correspondent through 2019.
Joy-Ann Reid is a political analyst for MSNBC and host of “The ReidOut”. She is the author of The New York Times bestseller “The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story”, as well as “Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons and the Racial Divide”. Reid also hosts the podcast “Reid This-Reid That” with veteran journalist Jacque Reid and a book podcast called “What to Reid.”
Yamiche Alcindor is the White House correspondent for the PBS NewsHour; the moderator of Washington Week, the weekly public affairs show on PBS; and a political contributor for NBC News and MSNBC. She often tells stories about the intersection of race and politics as well as fatal police encounters.
Black excellence on display, y’all!
Happy Birthday, beautiful! You make it look easy. 😜😘 Maythe4thbewithyou
Check out this special diamond, Adrianna Williams @adrii_lenora, who is being recognized by the White House as one of the women in STEM who work for the Biden-Harris Administration. She is the daughter of two FAMU Rattlers (@opallenore & @alan4florida) and herself a graduate of Duke University. Adje is a smart and dynamic woman and someone I know affectionately as my niece. Congratulations, my leader.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/ppo/briefing-room/2022/04/05/womens-history-month-women-in-stem-across-the-biden-harris-administration/.
#EyesHaveNotSeenNorEarsHeard
Taking in this Sunday Funday with sights from the Bike/Scooter Squad at @discovercascades ! Don’t tell this crew that they don’t own the joint (tax payer funded – so I guess they kinda do…🤔 Wait until they learn which mayor negotiated the land transfer to help get us here… #humblebragg #TheyMightEraseButIDont 😌
Taking in this Sunday Funday with sights from the Bike/Scooter Squad at @discovercascades ! Don’t tell this crew that they don’t own the joint (tax payer funded – so I guess they kinda do…🤔 Wait until they learn which mayor negotiated the land transfer to help get us here… #humblebragg #TheyMightEraseButIDont 😌
Taking in this Sunday Funday with sights from the Bike/Scooter Squad at @discovercascades ! Don’t tell this crew that they don’t own the joint (tax payer funded – so I guess they kinda do…🤔 Wait until they learn which mayor negotiated the land transfer to help get us here… #humblebragg #TheyMightEraseButIDont 😌
Taking in this Sunday Funday with sights from the Bike/Scooter Squad at @discovercascades ! Don’t tell this crew that they don’t own the joint (tax payer funded – so I guess they kinda do…🤔 Wait until they learn which mayor negotiated the land transfer to help get us here… #humblebragg #TheyMightEraseButIDont 😌
While on the trail I’d often invoke lessons learned from my mother and mantras instilled in me by my grandmother. During my formative years, these were the women who helped to shape me into the man I am today.
Less mentioned, but equally important in my life has been my baby sister, @moniquegillum.
The youngest of my six siblings, Monique has inspired everyone who has had the fortune of crossing her path with her determination and grace. While the road has not been easy, Monique has dedicated her life towards advocacy and service working at organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center and now an attorney for the ACLU.
As a student at Florida A&M University, my sister slept on the cold, marble floors of Florida Capital for nearly 30 days to demand Justice in the death in one of Florida’s boot camps of a young Martin Lee Anderson. The group demanded arrests, apologies and the public release of Anderson’s autopsy. The state was at fault and their actions led to the closure of Florida Work Camps for youth.
One of the original founders of Dream Defenders, Monique gave license to so many to dream about what this World could be.
Monique plans to continue her work on behalf of the marginalized and those who need public servants like her.
Monique, I love you, I’m so proud of you. The world can’t wait to see the path that lay ahead. In the words of our Grandmother, “Bring it Home”. #womenshistorymonth Photo By @seanpittmanesq
Today’s #womenshistorymonth spotlight is none other than Vice President @kamalaharris.
Vice President Harris was born in Oakland, California to parents who emigrated from India and Jamaica. She graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of Law.
On August 11, 2020, Vice President Harris accepted President Joe Biden’s invitation to become his running mate and help unite the nation. She is the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected Vice President, as was the case with other offices she has held. She is, however, determined not to be the last.
We’re lucky to have Vice President Harris in the fight.
Please join me in signing up for @sybilwilkes “What You Need To Know” FREE daily newsletter. Sybil brings no-nonsense news reporting that cuts through the clutter and gets to the important issues of our community. Visit sybilwilkes.com to sign up.
I want to give a shoutout to my friend and candidate for Georgia Superintendent @alishamichelle227 for our #womenshistorymonth series.
Alisha is a fierce advocate for children and education, and is not afraid to defy the odds or think outside the box. In fact, exceeding expectations remains a constant that has etched her legacy and defined her illustrious career as a successful transformational education leader.
At the age of 23, Alisha made history as the first African American to serve Cobb County in the Georgia House of Representatives. Representing residents of the third largest county in Metropolitan Atlanta — Alisha’s leadership in politics continues to leave a longstanding footprint in county and Georgia state history.
We’re lucky to have leaders like Alisha in the fight!
Today #womenshistorymonth feature is New York Times Bestselling author @annastea_honesty.
Motivated by her mother’s work advocating for women’s and children’s rights around the world, Anna uses an intersectional lens to advocate for women of color and educate others.
During her time as an undergraduate student at Stanford University, Anna took from what she’d seen in her parents’ work and began honing her own identity as an activist. She served as the president of Stanford’s Black Student Union and she was also the Executive Director of Stanford’s Alternative Spring Break. In these roles, she organized rallies and events focused on the concerns of the Black community, she fundraised money for women’s clinics in the Bay Area, and she grew her passion for advocacy and social justice.
Her first book, titled The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation, was published by Flatiron Books in February of 2021.
Check it out if you haven’t already!
Dr. @keneshiagrant is today’s #womenshistorymonth feature!
A first-generation college graduate, Keneshia earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration at Florida A&M University (FAMU). During her time at FAMU, she was active in many campus activities. She served in the Student Government Association as the Student Body Vice President and pledged the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. As a graduate student, Keneshia was appointed to the Florida Governor’s Access and Diversity Committee, where she was instrumental in the conception and passage of legislation that led to Florida’s first-generation matching grant.
Keneshia joined the faculty of Howard University as an assistant professor in the department of political science in 2014. In 2020, Keneshia earned promotion to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure. At Howard, she teaches courses in American politics with focus on sub-national politics. Her research interests include American political parties, American political development, and sub-national politics. She is particularly interested in the political impact of Black migration on American politics. Her first book, The Great Migration and the Democratic Party: Black Voters and the Realignment of American Politics the 20th Century (Temple University Press, 2020) describes how Black migration to northern cities reshaped those political environments.
She’s currently working on a project that considers the political impact of today’s Black migration patterns, including gentrification, displacement, and return migration.
A true star. Here’s to you, Keneshia!
The first black woman to ever lead the most powerful organization in America in electing pro-choice women to office, @laphonzabutler is the president of @emilys_list. She’s a believer that in moments of despair, we have to counter with hope.
On this Friday I’m taking a second to appreciate Florida State Representative @fentriceforfl.
As State Representative, Fentrice is a fierce advocate for improved health care outcomes and closing the Medicaid gap for low-income Floridians, common-sense gun reform, investing in our teachers and schools, ensuring a healthy environment, and protecting our voting rights. Most recently, Fentrice sponsored a bill tackling police reform and increasing accountability for law enforcement (HB 7051) and a bill creating a task force to address the issue of abandoned African American cemeteries across Florida (HB 37), both of which were passed unanimously.
Fentrice was unanimously elected as Leader of the Florida House Democratic Caucus for the 2024–2026 term. She will be the first Black woman to serve in that role.
Now more than ever, leaders like Fentrice are needed across the country. Thank you for your service, Representative. #womenshistorymonth
In light of @ibramxk skyrocketing to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list, I thought I’d share a clip from our interview a while back…scary how prescient his comments were and how relevant they remain. Full episode on @quakemedia.
Today, I want to introduce you to @thecicibattle for our #womenshistorymonth series.
From Washington, D.C. to Cali, Colombia, Cici has traveled extensively to build immersive programs, workshops, and learning spaces that build organic movements and center the forgotten—specifically youth, women and girls—especially those of color.
Cici most recently served as executive director of Young People For, where she led the country’s largest national social justice incubator for marginalized young people and co-hosted the popular “Progressive Happy Hour,” a podcast that brought an inclusive angle to politics.
Beyond Young People For, as a fierce leader in long-term civic engagement, Cici is the creator of “Passion Framing,” a holistic civic engagement framework that connects the dots between the process and the issues of everyday people rather than “sexy” candidates.
In her college years at Florida International University, Cici was a student-organizer who served as Student Body President, a position that catalyzed her passion for organizing and cultivating untapped leaders. Her experience led to high-impact roles as Regional Director for the Campus Election Engagement Project, Professor of Leadership Development at El Sena in Colombia, and the first statewide Youth Engagement Coordinator for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
Ultimately, Cici is an unapologetic Black woman whose life’s purpose is to frolic and to encourage others to do the same.
