Author: Nikhita Mudium
Tereshia Huffman, Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) member and University of Alabama alumnus, announced her candidacy for Alabama House District 56 Monday in Bessemer’s Debardeleben Park.
“I’m running for Alabama State House because I believe that the people of District 56 deserve leadership that will help fight for them from start to finish,” Huffman said. “As we campaign across District 56, I look forward to speaking with and listening to voters, learning more about what they need to thrive and better understanding how I can work with them to meet those needs. If elected, I plan to combine my expertise and personal experience to help bridge the gaps between residents of District 56 and greater, more equitable opportunities and resources.”
After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama, Huffman served as a community organizer for District 60 in Birmingham’s northwest corner. There, she advocated for underserved communities by increasing access to quality education and resources as well as improving infrastructure. Later in her career, she worked at the Child Advocacy Center, where she advocated for abused and neglected children and secured a grant that provided over 350,000 meals to undeserved children in Atlanta.
As the only black female appointed to the Birmingham Water Works Board, Huffman improved the water infrastructure in Birmingham and has been vocal about increasing opportunities for the involvement of women and people of color at the BWWB.
Inclusive community development, equitable education and mental health care are among Huffman’s campaign focuses, according to her website.
The current District 56 Alabama House representative is Louise Alexander, who has held the position since 2018. Alexander, a veteran of the United States Army and founder of Alexander Unity Flowers & Gifts, decided to run for the Alabama Senate after her term ends instead of seeking reelection for the House seat. Her term as the representative of District 56 ends on Nov. 9, 2022.
