40 Facts About Shomari Figures

Early Life and Family Legacy

Shomari Figures' journey into politics is deeply rooted in his family's history of public service and advocacy in Alabama.

1. Birth and Early Life: Shomari Figures was born in Alabama, a state that has been deeply ingrained in his family's history of public service.

2. Family Legacy: His father, Michael Figures, was a state senator and lawyer who fought tirelessly to expand rights for Black people in Mobile and across Black Belt Alabama.

3. Mother's Influence: His mother, Vivian Figures, is a long-time Alabama State Senator who has worked to protect women’s rights and improve health and education in Alabama.

Education and Early Career

Shomari Figures' educational background and early career experiences laid a strong foundation for his future in public service.

4. Education: Figures was educated from kindergarten to law school in Alabama. He attended John L. LeFlore High School and later graduated from the University of Alabama.

5. Law School: After completing his undergraduate studies, Figures followed in his father’s footsteps by attending law school at the University of Alabama.

6. Public Service Career: Figures began his career in public service immediately after law school, serving in all three branches of the federal government.

7. Federal Court Clerkship: He started his career as a law clerk on the federal court, gaining valuable experience in the judicial system.

White House and Federal Government Roles

Figures' roles in the White House and various federal agencies highlight his dedication to public service and policy implementation.

8. Presidential Campaign Work: Figures worked on President Barack Obama’s campaign, demonstrating his commitment to progressive politics.

9. White House Experience: He served in the White House under President Obama, holding the position of Domestic Director of Presidential Personnel. In this role, he worked to build teams at agencies critical to implementing President Obama’s policies.

10. Agencies Involved: During his time in the White House, Figures worked closely with senior leadership at agencies such as the Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Justice.

11. Affordable Care Act: He was proud to support the implementation of policies and legislation like the Affordable Care Act, which has significantly improved the lives of thousands in Alabama.

12. Justice Department Liaison: Figures served as the White House Liaison at the Department of Justice, further solidifying his role in shaping federal policies.

13. Congressional Counsel: He also served as a Counsel in Congress, advising on issues including civil rights, immigration, homeland security, child welfare, and policing.

Transition Team and DOJ Roles

Figures' involvement with the Biden-Harris Transition Team and his roles at the Department of Justice showcase his adaptability and leadership.

14. Biden-Harris Transition Team: After leaving Congress, Figures worked on the Biden-Harris Transition Team, showcasing his ability to adapt to different political landscapes.

15. Department of Justice Role: He returned to the Department of Justice where he most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Counselor to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Advocacy and Community Engagement

Throughout his career, Figures has been a strong advocate for civil rights and community engagement.

16. Civil Rights Advocacy: Throughout his career, Figures has been a strong advocate for civil rights, working to ensure fair representation and protection of rights for Black people in Alabama.

17. Community Engagement: His dedication to community engagement is evident in his work on various issues that support students and teachers, expand access to quality healthcare, increase job and workforce opportunities, and build stronger, safer communities.

Personal Life and Congressional Campaign

Shomari Figures' personal life and his campaign for Congress reflect his commitment to his family and his community.

18. Personal Life: Figures is married to Dr. Kalisha Dessources Figures, a former school teacher, and they have three children: Micah, Novah, and Zorah.

19. Campaign for Congress: He decided to run for Congress to utilize his experience in fighting for the people and communities that mean the most to him. His campaign focused on making life more affordable, preventing gun violence, and expanding access to rural healthcare.

Historic Election Victory

Figures' election victory marked a significant milestone in Alabama's political history.

20. District 2 Representation: Figures won the election for Alabama’s Second Congressional District, becoming the first Black representative from Mobile in the state’s history.

21. Redrawn District: The district was redrawn after a Supreme Court decision determined that the current layout potentially violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, ensuring a more inclusive representation for Black voters.

22. Election Victory: Figures won 54% of the votes to Republican Caroleene Dobson’s 45%, leading his opponent to concede the race. The Associated Press called him the official winner at 11:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.

23. Victory Address: In his victory address, Figures reflected on his family’s political history and thanked his mother for her unwavering support. He emphasized that this victory is just the beginning of the work they need to do to represent the people of Alabama.

Continuing the Family Legacy

Figures' victory and his plans for the future are a continuation of his family's legacy of public service.

24. Family Legacy Continuation: Figures acknowledged that his family’s legacy played a significant role in his campaign. He mentioned that his mother kept the legacy going after his father’s sudden death in 1996 and continued to serve in the State Senate.

25. First Black Representative from Mobile: By winning the election, Figures became the first Black representative from Mobile in Alabama’s history, a milestone that was noted by the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Suzan DelBene.

Championing Key Issues

Figures has pledged to address several key issues that are important to his constituents.

26. Championing Issues: Figures has pledged to champion issues such as making life more affordable, preventing gun violence, and expanding access to rural healthcare. He aims to address the unique challenges faced by communities in Alabama’s Second Congressional District.

27. Rural Healthcare Expansion: Specifically, Figures has emphasized the need to expand Medicaid in Alabama to improve healthcare access. He noted that Alabama has some of the shortest life expectancy rates in the country, which can be addressed by improving healthcare services.

28. Community Support: Figures has expressed gratitude for the support he received from his community. He believes that this victory is not just about him but about the collective effort of his supporters who want to see positive change in Alabama.

29. Party Support: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has expressed support for Figures, highlighting his ability to work across party lines and get things done in Washington. They look forward to working with him to push back against Republican extremism and achieve significant legislative goals.

Leadership and Relationship Building

Figures' leadership experience and ability to build relationships are crucial for his role in Congress.

30. Leadership Experience: Figures’ experience in leadership roles has prepared him to navigate the complexities of Congress. He understands the challenges faced by communities in Alabama and is committed to addressing them effectively.

31. Building Relationships: His ability to build relationships across party lines is crucial in today’s political landscape. Figures believes that these relationships are essential for achieving meaningful legislation that benefits everyday Americans.

Community Initiatives and Advocacy

Figures' involvement in community initiatives and his advocacy work highlight his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.

32. Community Involvement: Throughout his career, Figures has been involved in various community initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. He continues to advocate for policies that support these causes.

33. Civil Rights Legacy: His father’s legacy in expanding civil rights for Black people in Alabama has been a significant influence on Figures’ career. He aims to continue this legacy by advocating for justice and equality.

34. Women’s Rights Advocacy: Figures’ mother has been a strong advocate for women’s rights in Alabama. He has followed in her footsteps by supporting policies that protect and empower women.

Healthcare and Gun Violence Prevention

Figures' focus on healthcare and gun violence prevention addresses critical issues affecting his constituents.

35. Healthcare Advocacy: Figures has dedicated a significant portion of his campaign to improving healthcare access in rural areas. He believes that expanding Medicaid is crucial for addressing the state’s poor healthcare outcomes.

36. Gun Violence Prevention: He has also emphasized the need to prevent gun violence, which is a critical issue affecting many communities in Alabama. Figures believes in implementing effective measures to reduce gun violence and keep communities safe.

Economic and Educational Support

Figures' commitment to economic opportunities and education support is evident in his policies and initiatives.

37. Economic Opportunities: Figures is committed to increasing job and workforce opportunities in Alabama. He understands the economic challenges faced by many families and aims to create policies that support economic growth and development.

38. Education Support: He has been a strong supporter of education initiatives, recognizing the importance of quality education in shaping the future of Alabama’s children. Figures believes in investing in education to ensure that every child has access to quality educational resources.

Community Building and Future Plans

Figures' approach to politics centers around building stronger communities and planning for the future.

39. Community Building: Figures’ approach to politics is centered around building stronger, safer communities. He believes in fostering a sense of community where everyone has access to essential services and opportunities.

40. Future Plans: As he begins his tenure in Congress, Figures is committed to continuing his family’s legacy of public service. He plans to work tirelessly to address the unique challenges faced by Alabama’s Second Congressional District and to represent the people with integrity and dedication.

Shomari Figures: A Legacy of Service

Shomari Figures stands out as a dedicated public servant with deep roots in Alabama. From his early days influenced by his parents' activism to his impactful roles in the White House and Department of Justice, Figures has consistently championed civil rights, healthcare, and community development. His historic election as the first Black representative from Mobile underscores his commitment to inclusive representation. With a focus on making life more affordable, preventing gun violence, and expanding rural healthcare, Figures aims to address the unique challenges of Alabama’s Second Congressional District. His journey reflects a blend of personal legacy and professional dedication, promising a future where the needs of his constituents are front and center. As he steps into Congress, Figures is poised to continue his family's tradition of advocacy and leadership, working tirelessly for the betterment of Alabama.