Dr. Richmond: Curator of Change

By Lauren Means • Photos Courtesy Marisa Richmond

Activism. Advocacy. Education. Where you find one, the other two are sure to follow. This is nowhere more evident than in the work of Dr. Marisa Richmond. The Nashville native has an extensive resume including being a commissioner at Metro Human Relations Commission, Former Member-at-Large for
the Democratic National Committee, and Professor of History at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). She speaks at many events throughout the year and can be found at various community activities showing support for various causes.

She’s seen a lot of change come to Tennessee in her life. She moved away to attend Harvard and Berkeley but returned to her home state in 1992. Since her return, great strides have been made in the LGBTQ+ community. “We added a State Hate Crimes Law in 2000, and we have inclusive policies in higher education. In addition, several private employers have also adopted inclusive, non-discrimination policies, along with a few local governments,” says Richmond.

While there’ve been positive changes for the LGBTQ+ community in general, the Black LGBTQ+ community still sees discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia. Richmond says there’s a lack of recognition for Black leaders and institutions. There is also the obstacle of the straight, cisgender, Black politicians who support homophobic and transphobic positions on proposed legislation.

“There were Black Democrats who refused to stand against the trans community sports ban, with one from Memphis actually voting yes. Some of the most hateful comments about trans people during our recent hearings before the Metro Benefits Board came from Black members,” recalls Richmond. “We still have a way to go.”

The continuing fight

Dr. Richmond says the state legislature is off to an awful start in 2022. “Most of the focus is on the racist
redistricting maps. They do not come as a surprise, but I was hoping they would show some class,” explains Richmond. She also says that anti-trans bills are making a reappearance for this legislative session. “At this writing, we have two more anti-trans bills, both in the area of sports participation. With all of the problems we are facing in health care and violence, the obsession with trans bodies and the myth of trans physical superiority is just ridiculous.”

At the federal level, she says the filibuster is blocking many good bills, including the much-needed Equality Act. Dr. Richmond explains, “We have been working hard for more than a decade, and it is just so frustrating to be so close, and yet so far.”

While she says she’s pleased with the executive actions and appointments coming from the Biden-Harris Administration, she’s urged the White House to push the Department of Justice (DOJ) to join, or lead, the lawsuits against the laws passed here in Tennessee. “I understand that the President does not want to interfere with DOJ as the previous President did,” Richmond says, “but for those of us on the front lines, we need more direct action.”

A history of activism

When Dr. Richmond returned to Nashville in 1992 she taught at Tennessee State University (TSU). After a brief sabbatical, she returned to teaching in 1996 when she took a position as an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where she shares her love of history with her students. She wasn’t always focused on history or education though. She initially was looking to be an attorney before changing her focus to history.

“When I was in high school, I joined a group called the Young Barristers of Nashville, or something like that. My focus was civil law. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund had led the fight against Jim Crow and helped bring it down in court. I wanted to do something like that,” recalls Richmond. She says she changed her focus because she thought the trans rights movement would still be decades away. She saw education as a viable option explaining, “Since I wanted to make a difference, I figured I could do so by influencing young people as an educator.”

The Next Chapter

Dr. Richmond has had a lifetime of experiences, and she isn’t done yet. But of all her accolades and achievements, the accomplishment she’s most proud of is earning her Ph.D. in history. “Both of my parents and one of my grandparents were educators, so my getting my terminal degree in my field was an important accomplishment. It has opened doors for me and can never be taken away,” states Richmond.

Although she’s still active in her advocacy work, Richmond says we can expect her to be slowing down in the next year saying, “Believe it or not, I am excited about retirement. I am trying to pass the torch to others, but one way or another, my biological clock is ticking and my time is nearing an end.”

Dr. Richmond has advice for those who might want to become more involved and ready to take the torch when she does pass it. She says first pick a cause you can stand behind. “If someone wants to get involved in service or advocacy, [they need to] find a group that is doing the work they find of interest. You often have to start as a volunteer, but in some cases, you can work yourself into a paid position,” she explains.

It’s also a major election year and she hopes more people will run for open positions. She says anyone interested in running should sign up for training as soon as possible and cites the Victory Fund and Emerge Tennessee as two excellent resources. “Above all,” she notes, “don’t be afraid to ask questions and listen to the advice of those who have come before you. There are years of wisdom available which they are willing to pass on if you are willing to listen and learn.”

As Dr. Richmond starts to wind down her career, she says she appreciates the opportunity she’s had to serve the community. “I feel that I have achieved some change during my years, and that is what I told myself way back in high school that I wanted to do,” she remarks.

There’s still one milestone Dr. Richmond is looking to witness before she officially hangs up her activist hat. “I hope to see the adoption of the Equality Act before then. I have been keeping a bottle of champagne in my fridge for years waiting to open it and celebrate.”