MEMPHIS, Tenn. — She’s considered a rising star in the Tennessee Democratic Party and now Memphis Representative Raumesh Akbari’s ascent has her taking center stage, addressing delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
“I’ve had a rehearsal with the official Clinton team. Honestly, I’m just saying a prayer trying to stay calm and I’m surrounded by great people from my delegation and my mom came to Philadelphia,” Akbari said.
The 32-year-old Memphis attorney said her goal is to stump for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and to reach out to voters her age and younger.
“The 35 and under crowd, they aren’t exactly one party or another. They more so vote on the issues. I want to highlight the issues like affordable college education and free community college and economic opportunities, equal pay and equal work for women.”
This week Akbari is attending her first political convention and is an alternate Clinton delegate.
“Secretary Clinton is a fighter for all of us. She isn’t supporting a platform or a party of exclusion, but one of inclusion that includes black folks, white folks, gay folks, straight folks. It doesn’t matter, it’s open for everyone. She’s going to fight for us and also make sure our country stays safe.”
Wednesday night, President Obama spoke to the DNC.
Akbari said his address showed voters why he hopes to pass the baton to Secretary Clinton.
“People in my generation and younger are so excited about President Obama. I think having his star power, having him behind Secretary Clinton, that embrace on the stage at the end of his address, it was amazing and showed they are a team.”
A team that will likely face challenges in the state of Tennessee. It’s a traditionally red state when it comes to selecting a president and those seeking state offices.
“So stressing to hardworking Tennesseans the importance of the issues that Secretary Clinton supports. Of course, I know it’s a red state and I know it’s Republican controlled, but you know you can never win the battle if you don’t fight.”
Akbari says one fighter she hopes to channel is the late Representative Lois DeBerry of Memphis who often spoke before the DNC and whose seat Akbair filled in 2013.
“I’ll be honest with you. that’s been on my mind all week. It’s just a legacy. She was a leader who was not repeatable. She came around once in a generation and once in a lifetime and with today being the anniversary of the third anniversary of her passing, it’s been on my mind .”
It’s safe to say a lot will be on Raumesh Akbari’s mind as she takes to one of the biggest political stages.
“We are going to out there and hopefully rock it and make Tennessee proud and really raise our voice for the 35 and under crowd,” Akbari.