Demetrius Jifunza (born 1977) is an American Christian Methodist Episcopal pastor and activist who is among the most visible spokespersons and leaders in the felony disenfranchisement, Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative.
Demetrius Jifunza | |
|---|---|
| Founder, Sarasota Chapter Florida Rights Restoration Coalition | |
| Vice president, Sarasota Chapter NAACP | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Demetrius Smart 1977 (age 46–47) Florida, U.S. |
| Education | (BA) |
| Occupation | Paralegal, activist, pastor |
| Known for | Voter rights activism |
Born in Florida, Jifunza, whose birth name was Demetrius Smart, is best known for advancing the awareness and subsequent passing of Florida Amendment 4.
This amendment to the Constitution of Florida passed by ballot initiative on November 6, 2018, as part of the 2018 Florida elections. The proposition restored the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation.[1]
Education, professional and personal life
editJifunza was born on 1977, and grew up with a supportive family in Sarasota, Florida.[2] His given name at birth was Demetrius Smarts, but, after a period of gradual transition, he changed his name, which was also adopted by his wife, to his Swahili surname, Jifunza.[3]
In 1997, Jifunza was arrested for armed robbery. He was living in Polk County, Florida, and says he drove a car with friends who had not told him they were planning to commit a crime. Regarding the arrest, Jifunza accepts what he did was wrong and said, "Since I was there, I take responsibility..." Between 1996 and 1999, he spent almost three years in prison and in 2003, served eight months more after violating his probation.
Jifunza is a Christian Methodist Episcopal pastor, career paralegal, serves as vice president of the Sarasota chapter of the NAACP, and is pursuing a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at Argosy University.[4]
He founded the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition in 2017 and, in 2018, became the vice president of the Sarasota Chapter of the NAACP, helping to bring Florida Amendment 4 to national platforms. He is a pastor, paralegal, father of three children and husband.
Activism
editJifunza became a leading voice in the felony disenfranchisement awareness movement to amendment to the Constitution of Florida, appearing on national media platforms such PBS[2] and HBO,[5] in podcasts and major news sources.[6]
Media
editJifunza's television and media campaign helped to elevate felony disenfranchisement to a level of national debate.[citation needed] Ultimately, Amendment 4 was passed by ballot initiative on November 6, 2018, as part of the 2018 Florida elections.
References
edit- ^ "Initiative Information". Florida Division of Elections. Retrieved September 26, 2018.
- Lopez, German (November 6, 2018). "Florida votes to restore ex-felon voting rights with Amendment 4". Vox. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
"'Our Voice Will Count.' Former Felon Praises Florida Passing Amendment 4, Which Will Restore Voting Rights to 1.4 Million People". Time. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- "Florida voters approve Amendment 4 on restoring felons' voting rights". Miami Herald. Retrieved January 1, 2019. - ^ a b Lopez, German (October 18, 2018). "Florida Could Soon Restore Voting Rights to Over 1 Million Felony Offenders". PBS. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
- ^ Levey-Baker, Cooper (February 28, 2018). "Should Former Felons Have the Right to Vote?". Sarasota. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
- ^ "Formerly convicted Florida residents sound off on voter disenfranchisement". PBS. October 18, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
- ^ "Florida felons just got the right to vote. GOP leaders want to slow-walk it". Vice News. January 18, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
- ^ Rozsa, Lori (January 5, 2018). "'A joyous day' ahead as 1.4 million Florida ex-felons have voting rights restored". Washington Post. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
