Greetings, Friends And Family:
On February 23, 2022, we stepped forward to become the United States House of Representatives Democratic (D) Candidate for Arkansas’ Second Congressional District (AR-02). I am asking for the support of all Central Arkansans and our nation to rally behind our candidacy. We share the belief that we can go Onward, Forward, Upward, and Outward as one people. It is time to chart a new course. It is time to embark on new leadership. It is time to fulfill new promises. It is time to respond in a creative way which reflects the minority and the majority. It is time for new opinions to be heard, new coalitions to be built, and new perceptions to be framed.
Why Are We Running?
I use the pronoun “we” because I am not running to be your next congresswoman alone. Every door I walk through, every campaign speech I give, and every event I attend and host; I bring my ancestors, my big beautiful family and close friends, my mentors, my professors, and all those that pour into me. I come as one, but I represent many.
We are running because our state needs an injection of hope and healing. We are deeply concerned about the direction we are taking. Families are being left behind. Rural communities are being ignored and overlooked. Our educational system does not reflect the diversity and excellence of all people. Our nation is on a tightrope with fascism. Our deficit makes us vulnerable to our creditors and can impact our economic health and stability.
We are running because I have seen firsthand the power of people and our transformational abilities. We are running because the plight of the disabled and our seniors is a real and urgent matter. We are running because the middle class in our country is shrinking, and communities of color do not share the security of maintaining that economic status. We are running because our economy is tittering on a recession, and we need more voices at the table to advocate for those who are struggling to meet basic needs.
We Believe
We believe in the collective power of the vote. In the words of Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., “The South belongs to Democrats.” Every single vote counts. Central Arkansas and the South can change history and the nation. The Georgia General Election in November 2020 was a demonstration of how a coalition of a socially stratified group can shape federal politics. Georgia showed us there is no birthright to the ballot box. Arkansas can be the next Georgia. We have similar people who love freedom, who walk in liberation, stand on truth, have a respect and recollection of history, and lean on the United States Constitution. We are acutely aware that we can win on May 24 and November 8. We believe we can shock the world and be victorious. We believe that convicted felons will restore their suffrage rights and show up in mass numbers. We believe that the youth in our district and across the state will participate in the largest Blue Wave that we have ever seen. We believe that our movement and message is in alignment with the American people.
We believe that to break the seal of silence, we must register to vote and turnout on Election Day. The 2022 Midterm Election is critical to national and international political arenas. We must restore sanity and humanity to the political process. Our demographic diversity is our strength.
Our District
Arkansas’ Second Congressional District (AR-02) deserves a leader who comes to the position with a strong sense of the duty and responsibility. I have taught our children, collaborated with educators across the country to bring solutions to advance the cause of public education. My company, Q. Hathaway And Associates, LLC, has and will continue live by our mission and calling to increase student achievement by double digit gains in the core subject areas in underrepresented schools and districts, and those on the cusp of being world class.
Experience
My professional background and experiences cause me to register high school seniors in Central Arkansas and previously in Tennessee and Georgia. I have spoken out on topical issues for the past nine (9) years via my blog, A Talk With The Community. This apparatus raises awareness on politics, education, and other social matters. I have written to the United Nations on global crises. I have been apart of the work to influence officials both domestic and international. I am attuned and privy to issues and serve as a thought leader.
Within the first days following being sworn in, we will sponsor and co-sponsor legislation connected to our key priorities:
1-Transforming Prekindergarten Through Higher Education (PreK-20)
2-Expanding Voter Rights And Mobilization
3-Economic Empowerment And Development
My story is a Southern story, an American story. I have seen what is possible when one applies determination and the will to succeed. My hardworking parents and grandparents were my guidepost. We can literally go from the housing projects to the United States Capitol as long as we do the work. America holds the key to infinite possibilities if we envision it. We merely have to believe in ourselves and know that everyday is anew.
Higher Education: Preparation
The Jackson State University prepared me for this undertaking. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the institution. I have been mentored by Civil Rights Leader Dr. Leslie B. McLemore, Professor and Writer Dr. Hilliard L. Lackey, and Professor Dr. Emmanuel Nwagboso, and the late Ayers Case Lead Attorney Dr. Isaiah Madison. I have listened to the words and advisement of the late Attorney John Walker of Arkansas. There are countless household, sung, and unsung leaders that have poured into me over my life’s journey who I will carry with me, if given the people’s permission, to go to Washington, DC.
The Tennessee State University prepared me for this undertaking. I hold three (3) graduate degrees from the institution: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction; Specialist in Education in Administration and Supervision; and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. My groundbreaking dissertation, “The Common Core State Standards Initiative And The Achievement Gap” was a national analysis of our country’s educational policy. It is steeped in scholarship and has the potential to empower the American education system. My research supports better policymaking, practice, and deeper engagement with those on the public square in our approach to pedagogy and curriculum.
I am a fighter. We will work with fellow members of Congress to get things done. I am an educator by love and training. Know that I will continue to educate us on shifts in political processes and happenings of Washington. I will be visible in the District, answer your phone calls and emails, and be responsive to your needs. I have been marching since I was fifteen years old and most recently at the Women’s March and Tax March in Atlanta, Georgia in 2017. My passion for activism will show up daily in the role of Congresswoman.
We are unopposed in the Democratic Primary Election on Tuesday, May 24. To the Divine be the glory. Everything is about timing and Walking in Sunlight. The number twenty-two (22) is one of my favorites. According to numerology, this year signifies incredible dreams will come to reality. We are running so that my lifelong dream will do just that. We believe in the power of the people and the ballot. We will be ready days after swearing into office. Let’s take Central Arkansas Onward, Forward, Upward, and Outward!
Note: If elected, Dr. Quintessa Hathaway will make history as the first person of color and African American woman to ever win a federally elected seat in the state of Arkansas.
