Three Black women will lead the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus for the 113th General Assembly.
According to the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus, “this election marks the first time in history any legislative caucus in Tennessee has been led by two Black women — let alone three.”
Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) will serve as Senate Democratic leader, Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) will serve as the Senate Democratic Caucus chairwoman, and Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) will serve as the Caucus vice-chairwoman.
Outgoing-leader Sen. Jeff Yarbro nominated Akbari for the position.
“It was my pleasure today to nominate and support my friend Raumesh to serve as Senate Minority Leader for the 113th General Assembly,” Yarbro said. “She will be the first African American woman to serve in this role and will do an absolutely amazing job.”
Akbari has served since 2013, and said “it has been an absolute honor to serve the people of Shelby County in the Tennessee General Assembly.”
“Today and every day, I stand on the shoulders of legislative trailblazers like Lois DeBerry, Barbara Cooper, and personal heroes like my mom, Lisa Akbari, and sister Raumina Akbari.”
Lamar said that there are “serious challenges facing the people of Tennessee, and it is an awesome responsibility to defend our values at the state legislature.”
“The Senate Democratic Caucus remains committed to fighting for working families, the middle class, young people and seniors, or those who feel left behind or targeted by politics as usual. We will not waver in our fight for the people. I look forward to serving my senate colleagues and the citizens of Tennessee.”
Oliver said that she is honored that her colleagues have trusted her to lead, and her top priorities are “to do what’s in the best interest of my district and do the people’s business in the Tennessee General Assembly. I am ready to work.”
The 113th Tennessee General Assembly will begin Tuesday, January 10th, 2023.
