Raumesh Akbari

Raumesh Akbari is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Tennessee State Senate, representing the 29th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since 2019, following her tenure in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Akbari is recognized for her involvement in various legislative committees and her advocacy on issues such as criminal justice reform, economic development, and public education.

Early life and career

Raumesh Akbari was born on April 14, 1984, in Memphis, Tennessee. She is the daughter of Lisa and Hooshang Akbari, both of whom are professional trichologists. Her father is originally from Iran, while her mother hails from Memphis. Akbari has a fraternal twin sister named Raumina.

Akbari completed her secondary education at Cordova High School in Memphis, graduating in 2002. She pursued higher education at Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American studies, complemented by a minor in political science, in 2006. Continuing her academic journey, she obtained her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law in 2009. Following her graduation, Akbari took on the role of directing legal affairs and human resources for Akbari Corp., a small business founded by her parents in 1981.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Akbari is actively involved in various organizations. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and The Links, both of which focus on community service and social action. Her early career laid a foundation for her subsequent entry into politics, where she would advocate for issues that resonate with her community and her professional background.

Legislative service

Raumesh Akbari began her political career in 2013 when she was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives following a special election. During her time in the House, she served for three terms, during which she became known for her commitment to her constituents and her advocacy on various issues. In 2018, she transitioned to the Tennessee State Senate, where she has continued to serve the 29th district.

In the Senate, Akbari holds the position of First Vice Chair of the Education Committee, reflecting her focus on educational issues. She is also a member of the Commerce and Labor Committee and the Ethics Subcommittee, where she engages in discussions and decisions that impact economic and ethical standards in the state. Her legislative work has been characterized by her active participation in various caucuses and organizations, including the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

Akbari's leadership roles extend beyond the state level; she has served as the National First Vice President of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (N.O.B.E.L Women) and has been involved with NewDEAL, an organization focused on progressive state and local leaders. In 2015, her peers elected her to serve as Tennessee's state co-director of Women in Government, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting women's leadership in government. Additionally, she has held the position of Chair for the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators and is currently the President-Elect of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

Her prominence in the political arena was further highlighted when she was selected as one of 17 speakers to deliver a keynote address at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. She had previously spoken at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, showcasing her role as a significant voice within her party.

Policy focus and district

Raumesh Akbari's legislative agenda has been characterized by a strong focus on criminal justice reform, economic development, healthcare expansion, and public education investment. Her commitment to reforming the criminal justice system is evident in her introduction of legislation aimed at banning lifetime prison sentences for minors. She has also been a vocal advocate for cash bail reform, the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences, and the promotion of progressive sentencing laws.

In 2019, Akbari played a crucial role in advocating for the clemency of Cyntoia Brown, a case that garnered national attention. She reintroduced legislation related to this issue, further emphasizing her dedication to reforming the justice system. Her efforts in this area were recognized at the national level when President Biden appointed her to a task force focused on criminal justice reform, which included notable figures such as Eric Holder and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

In addition to her work on criminal justice, Akbari has championed economic development initiatives aimed at underserved communities. She has advocated for the expansion of Tennessee's Medicaid program and has supported legislation to ensure equal pay for women in the workplace. Her commitment to public education is reflected in her involvement with local schools, including her efforts to prevent the closure of Alcy Elementary School in Memphis. This initiative involved mobilizing community support and highlighting the importance of local engagement in educational matters.

Akbari's legislative efforts have also included addressing practical concerns within her district. Following a 2014 incident at the Galilee Cemetery in Memphis, she sponsored legislation to streamline burial practices, ensuring that families have access to information about the locations of their loved ones' graves. Additionally, she has worked to restore historic grave sites in her community, demonstrating her commitment to preserving local history and heritage.

Residing in Memphis, Akbari remains actively engaged in her community, volunteering with organizations such as Meals on Wheels through the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association. Her personal and professional life reflects a dedication to public service and community involvement, which continues to shape her legislative priorities and actions.