Jamilah Nasheed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jamilah Nasheed
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Member of the Missouri Senate from the 5th district |
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In office January 2013 – January 2021 |
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Preceded by | Robin Wright-Jones |
Succeeded by | Steve Roberts |
Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 60th district |
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In office January 2007 – January 2013 |
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Personal details | |
Born |
Jenise Williams
October 17, 1972 (age 52) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Fahim Nasheed |
Occupation | Small business owner (Sankofa Books and Gifts), Real Estate Investor |
Jamilah Nasheed, whose birth name was Jenise Williams, was born on October 17, 1972. She is an American politician from Missouri. She used to represent the fifth district in the Missouri Senate. Before that, she served in the Missouri House of Representatives. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
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About Jamilah Nasheed's Early Life and Education
Jamilah Nasheed grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. She lived with her grandmother and three brothers. She went to Roosevelt High School in St. Louis. Later, she took classes at Florissant Valley Community College. When she was a teenager, Jamilah became interested in the religion of Islam. After learning about it for two years, she decided to become a Muslim.
Jamilah Nasheed's Political Journey
Serving in the Missouri House of Representatives
Jamilah Nasheed was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives. She represented the 60th district. She served in this role from January 2007 to January 2013. She made history as the first Muslim woman to serve in a state legislature.
Moving to the Missouri Senate
In 2012, Nasheed ran for the Missouri Senate. She faced a challenge about where she lived. However, the Missouri Supreme Court allowed her to stay on the ballot. She won the election and became a State Senator. In December, she was chosen to lead the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus.
Involvement in Community Protests
During the Ferguson unrest in 2014, Jamilah Nasheed was involved in protests. These protests were about fairness and justice. She stood with others who were speaking out.
In 2016, Nasheed chose to sit during the Pledge of Allegiance. She did this to show support for Colin Kaepernick. He was a football player protesting police actions and racial unfairness. Many of her colleagues did not agree with her action.
Running for Other Offices
Nasheed also ran for other important positions. She was a candidate for Mayor of St. Louis in 2017. She later decided to leave that race. In 2019, she ran to be the president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.
Jamilah Nasheed's Personal Life
On November 22, 2014, Jamilah Nasheed faced a difficult personal event.