Equity in Representation; WA State Rep Kirsten Harris-Talley

In the 2020 elections, six Black women were elected to the Washington State Legislature—tripling the Black female voice in this sector. Rep KHT (as she is known) was elected by the 37th District, which encompasses many Black communities inside Renton, Skyway, and SE Seattle.

In kicking off her legislative career during the pandemic, this lifelong organizer and activist worked smartly alongside her constituents to turn quarantine restrictions into a tool they could use. In EPISODE FOUR, Rep KHT tells Trae how the state's virtual sessions allowed her be more directly in communication with those she serves—and to leave lobbyists out cold.

This episode is a celebration of Harris-Talley's personal strapline: "working to take action with neighbors."

Learn more on Rep KHT's site, and follow along with her on Instagram and Facebook.

King County Equity Now chief of staff and mother, grandmother, and community pillar Emijah Smith provides our Chime In introduction this week. You can watch Emijah in a video conversation with the Seattle Community Police Commission about the future of public safety in Seattle.