I will admit, I have been spoiled. Why? Because I have the opportunity of being reminded to watch the President’s weekly address via Ms. Martika Marshall, better known as @PoliticistaTika. We began following @PoliticistaTika after her positive response to our first Intern Summit. In addition to her positive response, Omi appreciatively noted the celebration of women in politics on her blog, Life of a Politicista. From her blog we see that women are playing a more prominent role in political processes. In the spirit of the increasing involvement of young people in politics, we’re honored to celebrate Martika Marshall! – J

I am the Politicista

By Martika Marshall

The year was 1996. It was a typical fall day in Hartford, Connecticut and only 24 hours since I turned seven.  My mother presented me with a beautiful dark-green velvet dress trimmed with ecru lace at the collar and cuffs as a birthday gift. She told me to get dressed, because I had a surprise awaiting me. I was in the company of people I loved; my mom, my grandmother, and godparents. Heading downtown, I was surprised to find hundreds of people waiting for something or someone.  I asked my mother why we were here, she replied, “To see the President”. My eyes widen and I jumped up and down with glee.  I loved President Bill Clinton and had the chance to see him in person!  I made sure to yell at the top of my lungs.  I remember everyone in the crowd chanting, “We love you, Bill. We love you!”  As the rally concluded, Bill Clinton came down to meet some of his fans. I had the opportunity to shake Hillary Clinton’s hand and take photo of Bill (which I still have to this day). This memory has always stayed with me.  Little did I know, this memory would have a huge impact on my life today.

I remember the moment I fell in love with politics, it was in the 11^th grade. I was required to take an American Government Honors class, with an amazing teacher, Mrs. Vititoe.  She made the class interesting and I learned so much about the American Political system, that it made me eager to learn more.  I would go to the library or local book store and read about different political theories, the policy making process, elections, campaigns, etc. At those defining moments, I knew I want to be involved in politics one way or another. 

On a daily basis, I would share my passion with my peers.  I used my social networking statues to broadcast the latest political news (which I still do it till this day). Eventually, I decided that I should share my passion with rest of the world and started my blog, “Life of a Politicista” on August 11, 2009.

A “Politicista” is a woman who is motivated, confident, intellectual, and possesses political savvy.  I see these qualities in many of the women I admire in politics; former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, President Obama’s Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, the first female Vice Presidential Candidate Geraldine Anne Ferraro, Caroline Kennedy, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Donna Brazile, Senator Carol Moseley-Brown, First Lady Michelle Obama, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee.  I have photos of every single one of them that I hang on my wall or desktop, to be reminded that I can achieve what they’ve done. These women have exhibited the dramatic shift of women’s role in politics. These women have made incredible impacts and dents in that “glass ceiling” that will one day be broken.

In the future, I wish to make a similar impact and/or break the entire thing all together. My plan is to run for a governmental office. Currently there are too many politicians who do not have the people’s best interest at heart. I want to break the mold of the “typical politician”.  I recently turned 20 and realize there is a political arena readily available; I cannot wait to see what the future holds!