Leaders of Color-Memphis is thrilled to announce our 2023 graduating class of 17 fellows! Together, this class of leaders has worked to support the children of Memphis by advocating for equity and diversity of voices at every level of government. Here are some highlights from a productive year of leadership:

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• Advocating for Transparency: Fellows in Memphis, including several alumni in elected positions, came together to advocate for transparency in the search for a new Memphis-Shelby County school superintendent. Leaders of Color shared the need for a strong search process and hiring standards that reflect transparency and accountability to all of Memphis students and families.
• Standing up for Students: Fellows and alumni lobbied against a harmful third grade retention law that put the power of decision in the hands of the State Boards of Education via general testing. Leaders of Color-Memphis fellows and alumni joined local organizations to advocate for school districts to make retention decisions for third and fourth grade students based upon all school district information for each student. 

• Supporting the Tennessee Three: In Tennessee, the legislature tried to expel three representatives for peacefully protesting gun violence, which disproportionately affects Black and Latinx kids. Our fellows and alumni surveyed voters and developed an email and phone campaign in support of the Tennessee Three.

We congratulate and celebrate our 2023 Memphis Leaders of Color for their commitment and contributions to our community! 

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