Marissa King a Detroit native, Graduate of Tennessee State University earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice. Presently, pursuing a Juris Doctorate Degree, which aligns her ambitions to practice policy law and use her influence to impact the judicial and legislative branches. While at TSU, Marissa was a legislative intern for TN State Rep. Johnny Shaw, Rep. Sabi Kumar, Rep. JoAnne Favors and former TN Congressman Jim Cooper. She also competed with the AMC3 legal team from TSU at the Tennessee Intercollegiate Student Legislature Mock Trial Competition (TISL) for 3 years. Marissa is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Kappa Iota Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, Inc., the TN Young Democrats and a 2021 Fellow of The Equity Alliance’s LiberTEA Fellowship. Her most memorable time at TSU was marching on saxophone in the 2-time Grammy Award Winning Aristocrat of Bands (AOB). In 2016, Marissa participated with the AOB, becoming the first HBCU Marching Band to play for any President and First Lady of the United States on the White House Lawn; ultimately continuing a legacy of Black excellence to be showcased to the entire world.
Her work as an intern afforded Marissa a position with the TN House Clerks Office after graduation. She clerked for 4 legislative committees creating lasting relationships with each Chairman and committee member. She understands the importance of connecting people from different walks of life, obtaining resources for our communities, and electing the right representation. In 2019, Marissa began work for TN House Dist. 93 State Rep. G.A. Hardaway as his Executive Legislative Assistant. Rep. Hardaway was then elected as the Chairman of the TN Black Caucus (TBCSL), which afforded an opportunity to assist the caucus as liaison, and in just a few years she became the Executive Legislative Analyst to TN House Dist. 91 State Rep. Torrey C. Harris. Working with the TBCSL has influenced her to volunteer in the community and join more youth empowerment organizations including the National Black Legislative Staff Leadership Council.
Marissa shares her talents beyond the halls of the Tennessee Legislature as the Historian in the Nashville African American Wind Symphony, Inc. where she plays the baritone saxophone. She is the Secretary in ‘The People’s Pwr’ organization, Treasurer for the Davidson Co. Young Democrats, and Chair of the Tennessee Young Democrats. Marissa has served as lead organizer for The Equity Alliance’s ‘I Am a Faithful Voter Project’ in 2022, registering new voters and speaking about TN elections at churches across Middle TN. Her passion for building understanding between Black Americans and their lawmakers, while increasing Black political representation is strengthened through this service. We are honored to share Marissa’s accomplishments and current working goals; she is committed to ensure Black communities are positioned for sustainable power. Marissa, we salute you!