Justice Champion Spotlight: RBIJ’s New Vice President Tiesa Leggett!

Welcome to RBIJ! What inspired you to get involved in the fight for fair and equal justice systems?

Thank you! It is such an honor to be working alongside such incredible and hard working people. I think what inspired me is that there have been so many cases of the mistreatment of people in America, including within my own family, within the criminal justice system. I felt compelled to be a part of the change I seek.

I started in activism in college by supporting the Marcus Dixon case, a teen who was wrapped up in a ridiculous court battle in Georgia. Marcus Dixon, he was convicted and given a ten-year sentence for aggravated child molestation arising out of a sexual encounter with a high school classmate. Dixon had to serve more than one year during the course of this appeal which he won. I saw it on Oprah and I was like, NO I have to help! And I did.

What do you feel the role of business is in delivering justice reform?

Why is it so important that we get involved? Businesses absolutely have to step up and into their rightful place in the battle for reform. Political figures depend on money from PACs of businesses, leaders provide donations to political candidates and as a part of their agenda - they should be concerned with human rights.

Criminal justice affects everyone - directly and indirectly and can be costly. When innocent people are paying the price for crimes they did not commit and no one holds the system accountable, we have a corrupt society. Businesses must be present. They must talk to their employees about certain blockades that could affect their day-to-day.

You've spent your career fighting political battles for a variety of different organizations, on a wide range of issues, from a multitude of perspectives. What are the most valuable lessons you've learned about how to create change?

Meet people where they are. Do not judge someone based on their political party affiliation or the like. Help them understand and be compassionate of their lack thereof. The goal is to create change and that takes active listening and empathy.

You've achieved incredible success in your career in the face of constant barriers. What are the most important steps that we can take to dismantle those barriers? How can we help women of color across America achieve similar levels of success?

Barriers are institutional racism and misogyny. We have to stop celebrating just the "first" but celebrate when there are "many". Women of Color are so resilient and strong and I define success as being happy and choosing joy - no matter what you are doing. We are not defined by our occupations, we create change by operating in our authenticity in spaces that welcome our whole being. For those of us who can not and are in challenging environments? Talk to someone. You are not alone and if it seems you are in a dire situation, get out and create a path to sustain wellness and financial stability. Focus on what is really important in life and when plausible, be truthful about your experiences.

If you could change one aspect of the U.S. justice system, what would it be?

Eliminate the death penalty. But there is so much more.

You recently ran for office. Can you tell us a bit more about that? What was your most important takeaway from that experience?

I ran for Fort Worth City Council and it was such an eye-opening experience for me. I learned that we are all just ordinary people trying our very hardest to survive. I was left off of a Fort Worth Police Association's voter's guide and I was absolutely livid because my opponents and candidates from other years who ran were listed.They were all male! It was SO unfair. It was then I realized Texas needs to be rid of or reform Meet and Confer or Local Government Code 174. The law stated that, "police or firefighters have a right to organize for collective bargaining as a fair and practical method to determine compensation and other conditions of employment." However, what I do not agree with is they are able to lobby the City Council and affect City Council races.

What advice would you give to other people looking to be change makers?

Be like Nike and just do it. If you think too hard about it, you won't. Also, change is an evolution, not an end goal.

What do you like doing when you aren't fighting for justice equity?

Traveling, watching Ozark on Netflix or reruns of Living Single, reading, or hanging out with my amazing family and soul friends.

What is one surprising fact about you?

I was on the show Say Yes to the Dress - no, I wasn't the bride. No, I am not telling you the episode.