Welcome to our Historic Firsts series, where barrier-breaking lawmakers will tell us how their identities have informed their work in local and state politics — and why it matters to us all.
“On Sundays, we give lunches to people who are hungry. Then on Monday, I try to fight to make sure that people have access to food stamps.” - State Senator Kim Jackson
John, we’re seeing it every day—state legislatures are growing more powerful.
The landscape of critical and life-altering policies is shifting, with state legislatures emerging as powerful agents of change in areas such as abortion access, trans rights, voting rights, and fair wages and conditions for working people and families. Our often-overlooked state legislatures are now driving significant progress, surpassing the traditional epicenter of Washington, DC.
Fortunately, we defied historical trends in 2022 and built substantial power within our states. Now is the perfect time to tell resonant, meaningful stories about the power and promise of progressive state leaders.
In partnership with Teen Vogue, our Historic Firsts series uplifts inspiring, historic firsts among recently elected state lawmakers with a focus on women, people of color, young folks, LGBTQIA+ folks, and folks from nontraditional backgrounds. Together, we have the opportunity to shed light on remarkable individuals who are breaking barriers, driving change, and reshaping the course of our states' futures.
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we want to shine a spotlight on Reverend and State Senator Kim Jackson—the first openly LGBTQ+ senator in Georgia.
Click here to read State Sen. Kim Jackson’s interview with Teen Vogue in Historic Firsts — or continue reading below for an excerpt.
Teen Vogue: It can seem like politics and ministry are worlds apart. Does it feel that way to you?
Kim Jackson: They don't feel far to me, largely, I think, because of the work that I do. I serve a congregation of people who are experiencing homelessness. Almost everybody that is a member of our congregation has either been impacted by homelessness or is currently homeless. Basically, I work in the capital to advocate around those types of issues and to try to solve these critical issues that result in people sleeping outside. And then I go across the street and work with people who are sleeping outside. To me, they live together. On Sundays, we give lunches to people who are hungry. Then on Monday, I try to fight to make sure that people have access to food stamps.
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Read State Sen. Kim Jackson’s full interview with Teen Vogue now. Then join us in lifting up the voices of historic first lawmakers by forwarding this email to your friends and family.
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Women like State Senator Kim Jackson are making history across the country all year round. Kim won her election in 2021—and she’s continued to bring her full, authentic voice to the Georgia State Legislature as a reverend and the state’s first openly LGBTQ+ state senator ever since.
As an advocate for those impacted by homelessness, like those in her congregation, and anti-LGBTQ attacks, Kim Jackson shows us why it’s so important to support and elect community-centered, history-making leaders.
That’s the core of our work at Sister District—and that’s why we’re highlighting the stories of bold, historic first legislators like Kim in Georgia and others across the country.
Thank you for reading!
Gaby Goldstein, Co-Founder
Sister District
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Before you go…
Sister District’s mission is to imagine, build, and expand progressive power in state legislatures, and we know that organizing around elections is just one piece of the puzzle.
That’s why we’re amplifying the voices of local lawmakers, educating the public about the importance of state legislatures, and inspiring folks to deepen their civic engagement—especially in local and other down-ballot races.
There is power in storytelling, and the more people we bring into this fight, the more powerful our movement will become.
Can you make a monthly contribution of $20.24 to help us continue this year-round work?
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