Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashaun Kemp.
Hi Rashaun, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio by my great-grandmother, Gram, who instilled in me the scripture “To whom much is given, much is required.” This scripture is what I live by even today. She inspired me to be the best that I could be so that I in turn would be able to give back, help others, and create communities where people can thrive. She really stressed to me that education would be my ticket to a better life and this wisdom has truly guided me into the impactful roles I have held throughout my career.
Gram’s wisdom continues to keep me grounded and still influences the decisions I make today whenever I’m thinking about what I want to do next. My life has always been about using my gifts and talents to impact people who need it the most. This is why I am currently running to be the state representative for House District 61.
After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, I had a discussion with my husband because I felt compelled to do something in which I could advocate for my community. He encouraged me to stop waiting for what I felt was the perfect moment and get involved right away. I decided I could no longer sit idly by watching what was happening to Black and Brown communities and not do something that could help people on a large scale.
With my upbringing and life experiences, my goal is to show my children Jaden and Brooklyn the same love and encouragement that Gram provided to me and hopefully, that love will encourage them to stand up for causes in which they believe.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has not been smooth by any stretch of the imagination. I had a very traumatic childhood in which my mom struggled with the horrible disease of drug addiction and was abused in our household. I can remember many nights when my siblings and I would hide in closets and have to call 911 trying to save my mom from domestic violence. We witnessed fights inside of cars and I can recall being so afraid of what would happen to us.
This is why Gram is so important to me. She really changed my life by stepping in and taking care of us, then eventually she got custody and raised us all. She taught me to have compassion for what others were going through and to be helpful and listen. In addition to Gram, I also had teachers who took the time to listen to what was going on in my life outside of the classroom and they helped me as well. These experiences are what ultimately led to me being that kind of compassionate teacher and principal. As I am running for office, I value the time I spend speaking with voters at their doors and on the phones because I am able to hear what’s important to them so that I can be an impactful legislator when I am elected. I am always looking for ways to be an advocate in any role that I have.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I took an unconventional route to education. I was the first to graduate from college, so I felt like I had to be someone who made a lot of money like an attorney or a doctor. I graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and I earned a Master’s degree from Capella University in Educational Leadership. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but in my immaturity, I didn’t think it was prestigious enough. I was ultimately led to education when I started out as an after-school tutor in Dayton, OH. When I graduated, I worked in the public school system as a parent liaison, then became certified in high school math and social studies. After some successful years in the classroom, I became the principal at a high school. Most recently, I was the Executive Director for Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools, an advocacy organization for black and brown-led public charter schools across the country. As its first Executive Director, I was able to raise over $900,000 in my first year.
What does success mean to you?
Success is defined by the impact you have on the lives of others, whether it be through service or by preparing the next generation of leaders behind you.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://rashaunforgeorgia.com
- Instagram: @rashaunforga
- Facebook: facebook.com/rashaunforgeorgia
- Twitter: @RashaunforGA
