Mr. Charles Tisdale devoted his life to uplifting and motivating the people of Mississippi. Fearlessly wielding his platform as publisher of the Jackson Advocate, he held powerful figures accountable when they failed to serve the entire community. As I’ve campaigned across every corner of Senate District 26, meeting residents face-to-face and listening to their concerns, I’ve come to fully appreciate the vital, ongoing work of truly engaging, educating, and empowering a community – just as Mr. Tisdale did for generations.
When I advanced to the run-off election, I received a phone call that completely changed my perspective. It came from a woman I deeply respect, whose wisdom has guided me and countless others. She congratulated me and asked about my game plan for the weeks ahead. I replied that I would keep doing what I’d done for months: knocking on doors and visiting churches.
She paused. Then, firmly, she said, “It is not what you’ve done for the last several months that got you here. It is what you’ve done over the last several years.”…