Written By JR Robinson

In the quiet moments of reflection, leadership is often born not from a desire for power, but from a call to service. For Dr. Telisa Franklin, the decision to run for Tennessee House District 96 wasn’t made in a boardroom or a backroom—it was made in prayer. "I prayed. I listened. I said YES," she shared with her community. That "Yes" is more than a campaign launch; it is a promise to carry the heartbeat of Memphis to the State Capitol.

Telisa Franklin is a name synonymous with resilience. As an Emmy-nominated media personality, the President of Memphis Juneteenth, and a dedicated community advocate, she has spent decades proving that "failure is not an option." Her story is the story of Memphis: rooted in the historic Douglass community, shaped by the strength of grandparents, and fueled by a faith that turns obstacles into stepping stones.

A Legacy of Service, Not Just a Campaign What does Telisa Franklin bring to the table? She brings a seat for everyone who has felt unheard. Her work isn't theoretical; it is visible in the streets of Shelby County. Whether she is organizing the Raleigh Christmas Parade, leading the Memphis Juneteenth Festival into a world-class cultural celebration, or serving as a Clergy Ambassador for the Memphis Police Department, Telisa is always where the people are.

She understands that District 96 doesn't need a politician who only shows up every two years. It needs a representative who has been there for twenty—mentoring youth, supporting small businesses through her CEO Academy, and providing Christian counseling and mental health support as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.

The Vision: Community, Faith, and Opportunity Telisa’s platform is built on three pillars that reflect her life’s work:

1. Economic Empowerment: As an entrepreneur who started her first business at 20 with "bold faith and a big smile," Telisa knows the hurdles small business owners face. She is committed to cutting red tape and creating pathways for financial literacy and generational wealth in underserved neighborhoods.

2. Holistic Safety: Through her work with I Love My CommUNITY CDC, she has seen that safety isn't just about policing—it's about stability. Her vision includes expanded mental health resources, support for seniors, and community-driven initiatives that address the root causes of crime.

3. Educational Excellence: With a doctorate in Divinity and a passion for youth mentorship, Telisa views education as the ultimate equalizer. She is a tireless advocate for quality schools and vocational training that prepares District 96 students for the 21st-century economy.

A Movement of Hope

The "Early Obama" style of campaigning—focusing on a shared vision of "what can be" rather than the divisions of the day—is where Telisa thrives. Her campaign is an invitation to join a movement. It is an invitation to believe that our best days are ahead of us if we are willing to work together, pray together, and serve together.

When Telisa Franklin says "Yes," she isn't just saying yes to a title. She is saying yes to the mother working two jobs to keep her kids in school. She is saying yes to the entrepreneur with a dream but no mentor. She is saying yes to the senior who deserves to age with dignity and security.

Meet the Candidate: Dr. Telisa Franklin The Heart: A servant leader with a decades-long track record of putting community needs above her own.

The Voice: An Emmy-nominated communicator who knows how to tell the story of Memphis and fight for it in Nashville.

The Experience: A multifaceted entrepreneur, author, and advocate with deep roots in faith and civic leadership.

The Call to Action: "I’m asking for your prayers, your support, your service, and your vote as we take this next step together."

Join the Movement: Visit www.TelisaforTN.com to learn how you can serve, support, and help bring the "Power of Yes" to District 96.