It only took 10 years after prison. I did 22 years on the installment plan of the complex web of juv. system, foster care, jail and prison. Now I'm a mother, lawyer and 1st formerly incarcerated State Rep. Quit throwing away my people! Still celebrating freedom 10 years later.

Elated to see back to school supplies guarded behind lock and key at the University District Safeway, in case area vandals commit the unforgivable sin of getting ready for school. Feeling very safe in our increasingly normal country! 🥰

JLUSA alumni showed up & showed out at last night’s #democracy panel at #JustUs Ideas Week! L to R: #WA Rep. @TarraSimmons5 (LwC 2018); #CLT City Council @TiawanaBrown (LwC 2020); #KY Sen. @KeturahHerron (LwC 2019); #RI Rep. Cherie Cruz @ConcernedRIer (LwC 2020)

Can't wait for @GovBobFerguson to sign this critical mental health bill! Thank you @JustLeadersUSA for investing in me so I can help invest in others.

Signs You Have Post Traumatic Resilience: 1. A strong sense of humor 2. Intense creativity 3. Deep empathy 4. The ability to be resourceful 5. Vivid imagination 6. Grit and determination

When people are called names, lied about, and protested at their home over their identity...it is pure HATE. Decades later we aren't free. Reps leading even more progressive CJR don't get this. Thankful for Rs who spoke out against their political allies! https://t.co/ZcvvngpyNt

“Rep. @TarraSimmons5 [Leading with Conviction™ 2018] … said she used to work for 42 cents an hour in prison, but if someone refused, they couldn’t go to school, call family or visit with their kids.” Read more: https://t.co/DyUdK39YvK #Washington #PrisonLabor #EndTheException

Presidents have significant powers and elections have consequences. However, President Trump’s refusal or inability to advance his priorities in a lawful and constitutional manner is creating needless and cruel chaos.

Spending 3 days with @KevinARing, researchers and legislators at the 2025 @Arnold_Ventures Public Safety Bootcamp was amazing! Thank you for bringing together such an ideologically diverse group to nerd out on evidence-based policy that will change lives. 🙌❤️

Yesterday was humbling! Took my oath as Deputy Speaker and my Oath administered by one of my heroes--Justice Gonzalez. Looking forward to presiding over floor debates and using restraint with the gavel. It's a magical life for the girl from Stockton's hood.

I’m giving away one yearly scholarship to @selfhealerscirc To enter: 1. Comment where you’re from 2. Re-tweet this I’ll announce the winner tomorrow— good luck.

We can’t be mentally well and economically stressed. Basic needs matter.

You should never be in a room with police for more than an hour. If they read you your Miranda rights, you’re a suspect. Shut it down. Demand a lawyer. This is just some of the advice I got from a retired FBI Special Agent, and two renowned false confessions experts. /thread

Pulling people over for minor traffic violations exacerbates racial injustice and does not create public safety. Vera, @ColorOfChange, and @amprog have submitted feedback and recommendations to @usdot to ensure non-public-safety traffic stops END. https://t.co/SQBFC6ZwrG

Data shows that more than 40% of unhoused people booked into jail were booked again within the year The data is clear: poor people are a primary target for policing, especially those forced to live on the streets https://t.co/DyPk4Eiy8Y

Thankful to my colleagues for electing me as Deputy Pro Tem Speaker tonight. It's an honor to serve and preside over floor debate. Plus, I get a new office on the 4th floor with balcony access. Formerly incarcerated people are capable of great things if given opportunity!

#PowerPost✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿™️ New York, NY — The outcome of this trial is a searing indictment of the systemic failures that continue to plague our pursuit of justice for society’s most vulnerable. JORDAN NEELY’S LIFE MATTERED!

Welcome to FAMM's #ClemencyNow Day of Action! So glad you joined to share stories to show @POTUS to lead w/mercy and grant clemency.

Mr. President, as you get ready to pardon a turkey, there are thousands of human beings awaiting your mercy. Today - 54 people who have received clemency from you and your 4 immediate predecessors called on you to lead with justice and mercy. #ClemencyNow

Since President-Elect @realDonaldTrump showed us that someone who has a felony on their record can be president. Can we go ahead and get rid of the Box on Job, Housing and College Applications???

To my beloved Dems. I hope this election gives space to reflect on our contributions to the situation....Many impacted people voted for him because we kept referring to him as a Felon, even when we asked you to stop. This isn't shaming, it's a call for conversation and action.