Meet Mekyah McQueen, new Champion for District 61

Meet Mekyah McQueen, the newly elected State Representative for Georgia’s District 61, which includes Smyrna, Vining’s, Sandtown and Ben Hill. Describing herself as a passionate educator, community advocate, and problem solver, McQueen secured her victory in the May Democratic Primary. She is eager to represent her community at the state capital in January. With priorities that include fighting for well-funded public education, protecting voting rights, and expanding Medicaid to improve the lives of all Georgians, McQueen promises to offer a bold and compassionate voice for District 61, embodying the values her community holds dear.

A Daughter of South Fulton, McQueen was born and raised in the Ben Hill and Welcome All neighborhoods. Her connection to District 61 is both personal and profound. The eldest child of hardworking parents, she grew up with a strong appreciation for education and social justice. Inspired by her father’s activism, including his participation in North Carolina lunch counter sit-ins and advocacy as a union ironworker, McQueen personally witnessed the transformative power of collective action. She attended Atlanta Public Schools and later graduated from Spelman College with a degree in Mathematics which. This academic foundation guided her to her life’s calling: teaching.

With decades of experience as a math teacher, McQueen brings an unmatched understanding of how education policies impact classrooms, students, and families. Currently a high school teacher, her new role will ensure that the voices of students and teachers are heard at the Gold Dome.

Her time in the classroom has deepened her belief that Georgia’s public schools deserve better funding and support. McQueen is committed to advocating for policies that guarantee every child has access to quality education.

McQueen’s commitment to expanding Medicaid is rooted in personal experience. While teaching abroad in Dubai, she returned home to care for her mother during a health crisis. This experience illuminated the systemic barriers within Georgia’s healthcare system, particularly for underserved communities.

Motivated to drive change, McQueen joined the Board of Directors for TAMTAM Global, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and advocacy for Black women’s health. She is determined to fight for a healthcare system that prioritizes access and equity, ensuring families do not face unnecessary obstacles to care.

Beyond her professional and advocacy work, McQueen is deeply engaged with her community. She resides in Smyrna with her sister and her dog, Jace, and finds joy in music, the arts, and service. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Mekyah exemplifies a commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service. McQueen is poised to represent District 61 with passion, vision, and an unwavering dedication to justice and equity. Her lived experiences, professional expertise, and advocacy efforts equip her to be a transformative leader, fighting for a brighter, more equitable future for all Georgians.