Jasmine Khadem has a background in community organizing. She was the student body president at the University of Houston, where she organized DEI programs during the BLM movement. Now, she is organizing against the TEA takeover and anti-immigrant legislation like SB-4.
Jasmine Khadem firmly believes that the Democratic Party is the working people’s party and wants it to be more representative of the majority of its members. She says, “We are younger, more left-wing, and exhausted by the political status quo.” To be a more progressive voice, she is running for the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) in Texas.
Jasmine Khadem, a Gen Z organizer, to watch.
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
Voices like Jasmine Khadem‘s stand out not just for their passion but for their pragmatism. At 25, Jasmine embodies the future of the Democratic Party, offering fresh perspectives grounded in grassroots activism and a deep commitment to social justice. Her journey, from being the student body president at the University of Houston to organizing against oppressive legislation, highlights the critical role of young, progressive leaders in shaping the party’s direction and policies.
Jasmine’s background in community organizing is not just impressive; it’s essential for the Democratic Party’s future. In college, she led efforts to implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, a testament to her proactive stance in addressing systemic inequalities. These initiatives, some born out of the Black Lives Matter movement, provided mentorship and support for marginalized students. However, the rollback of these reforms by a reactionary state legislature underscores the hostile political environment she navigates.
Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17), which dismantled DEI programs, is a stark example of the challenges faced by progressive organizers. This legislation, driven by a GOP intent on fear-mongering and racial divisiveness, had devastating impacts. It eradicated mentorship programs that supported Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ students, stripping them of vital resources and support systems. Jasmine’s grassroots response to this draconian measure showcases her resilience and dedication. She and her peers supported affected students despite institutional failures, ensuring community and solidarity prevailed where official channels faltered.
Jasmine’s work against SB 17 is emblematic of her broader vision for the Democratic Party—a vision rooted in inclusivity and representation. She believes the party should truly reflect its base: younger, more left-wing, and frustrated with the political status quo. This belief drove her to run for the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC). As a member, she aims to infuse the party with progressive ideals and ensure it champions the rights and needs of working people.
The Democratic Party must recognize the critical importance of leaders like Jasmine. Her advocacy for universal healthcare, affordable education, and a living wage aligns with the party’s foundational values. Yet, there remains a disconnect between the aspirations of the party’s younger, progressive members and the entrenched status quo. To remain relevant and effective, the party must embrace this new wave of activists unafraid to challenge the old guard and push for transformative change.
The pandemic highlighted the essential roles played by workers who are often underpaid and undervalued. Jasmine’s perspective on this issue is clear: these workers are the backbone of society and deserve more than just recognition—they deserve concrete improvements in their working conditions and livelihoods. The current economic system, prioritizing profits over people, must be restructured to ensure that those contributing most to the economy’s functioning reap its benefits.
Gen Z, characterized by its fearless truth-telling and rejection of outdated norms, is uniquely positioned to drive this change. They understand that economic justice is not about creating a nation of freeloaders but about ensuring everyone can thrive. This generation sees through the false dichotomy that pits welfare against work and recognizes that a more equitable distribution of resources can coexist with a robust, productive economy.
Jasmine’s candidacy for the SDEC is not just a personal milestone. It could be a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party. Her proactive approach and relentless drive for equity represent what the party should aspire to be. By electing leaders like Jasmine, the party can harness the energy and ideas of its youngest members, ensuring a future where progressive values are not just ideals but actionable policies.
Her campaign also highlights the importance of organizing at all levels. Jasmine’s story is a call to action for young people and others who feel disenfranchised. She believes everyone can be an organizer through formal political channels or community-based initiatives. Her own journey, supported by mentors and seasoned activists, illustrates the power of intergenerational collaboration in achieving lasting change.
Jasmine Khadem represents the future of the Democratic Party—a future that is inclusive, progressive, and unapologetically focused on justice and equity. The party must keep and respect leaders like her and actively recruit and support them. By doing so, the Democratic Party can transform itself into a true party of the people, capable of addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
Viewers are encouraged to subscribe and join the conversation for more insightful commentary and to support progressive messages. Together, we can populate the internet with progressive messages that represent the true aspirations of most Americans.
Most Independent Progressive outlets struggle to raise the funds they need to operate, much like the smaller outlets like Politics Done Right.
Independent Media needs you
If you like what we do, please do the following!
- Become Patreon here.
- SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel here.
- SUBSCRIBE to our Facebook Page here.
- SUBSCRIBE to our Podcast here.
- Support our GoFundMe equipment fund here.
- Share our blogs, podcasts, and videos.
- Consider contributing here.