Meet the LOCALS: From Foster Care to Public Office: The Inspiring Journey of a Rhodes Scholar
Local & National News | December 01, 2023
Meet the LOCALS: From Foster Care to Public Office: The Inspiring Journey of a Rhodes Scholar
Local & National News | December 01, 2023
Explore the inspiring journey of Brandon Washington, a Rhodes Scholar from Memphis, TN
From the foster care system to the vibrant halls of Rhodes College, and from there to the campaign trail for a seat on the Memphis City Council, Brandon Washington's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a deep-seated desire to effect change. Despite losing the recent election, Washington's story is far from over. His experiences, both personal and professional, have equipped him with a unique perspective and a voice that resonates with many.
Born and raised in the vibrant community of Orange Mound, Memphis, Washington's early life was marked by the challenges of the foster care system. However, these experiences did not deter him. Instead, they fueled his passion for advocacy, particularly for young people impacted by the foster system, violence, and homelessness.
Washington's academic journey led him to Rhodes College, where he is currently pursuing majors in Russian Studies and International Studies. His time at Rhodes is not just about academics; he also participated in the Summer Service Fellowship program, working with Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization that provides services for children and young people facing emotional, mental, and behavioral problems. This experience further deepened his understanding of the foster care system and the challenges faced by the youth within it.
In addition to his academic pursuits and advocacy work, Washington also served as the Inaugural Chairman at Youth Villages's Lived Experience Corps. In this role, he had the opportunity to speak to lawmakers in Tennessee and Washington D.C., advocating for changes to the foster care system based on his personal experiences and those of other foster youth.
In 2023, Washington took his advocacy work a step further by running for a seat on the Memphis City Council, representing Super District 9, Position 2. His campaign was marked by a commitment to bring new energy and perspectives to the council, with a focus on building a brighter future for Memphis. Despite his loss in the general election, Washington won over 15,000 votes, a clear indication of the support he garnered.
Even after the election, Washington continued his advocacy work. He co-hosted the Achieving Success's annual conference, furthering his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who have faced similar challenges as he did.
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