LaTonya Tate
LaTonya Tate
Age: 60
Residence: Birmingham (North Birmingham)
Political experience: Elected to the Birmingham City Council, 2021.
Professional experience: Works as a probation and parole consultant and founded the nonprofit Alabama Justice Initiative, which works on criminal justice reform, in 2018. Retired as a probation and parole officer, Florida Department of Corrections, 2006-14, including teaching GED classes for inmates at Northwest Florida State College in 2012-2013; Jefferson County Department of Health, 2001-07.
Civic experience: Community activist in the criminal justice and voter registration areas. Has been an active member of many social justice organizations, such as Alabamians For Fair Justice and Alabama Forward.
Education: Master’s in public administration/government and policy, Grand Canyon University, 2020; bachelor’s in criminal justice administration and security, master’s in criminal justice administration, University of Phoenix, 2008 and 2010; diploma from Bevill State Community College in practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants, 1995; graduate of Phillips High School.
Main issues: Tate on her website says she is a community-driven advocate and servant leader. Among her top priorities is public safety, and she says that’s not just about policing; she wants to invest in community programs that help create an environment where crime is less likely to occur. Community development is another of her top concerns. She said that over the past years, she has worked to draw new development projects to the district, improve infrastructure and support the growth of local businesses. Her vision is for a District 9 that is thriving, inclusive and accessible to all. Economic sustainability for the district neighborhoods is another plank in her platform. Tate says her goal is to attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs and ensure the workforce has the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s economy.
