organizational Endorsements

Stand For Black Lives: Hagerstown is a local, youth-led organization seeking racial justice in America by advocating for it at the community level.

"Tekesha was excellent in helping us plan our first protest. She was very responsive, attentive, and engaged. We appreciate her putting Black Lives Matter at the forefront of her priorities and we hope to see more of that during her time in city council."

Stephen is a former Hagerstown resident and local cultural leader.

"Tekesha has the heart, mind, and spirit that Hagerstown needs at this historic moment. Tekesha shows up, she listens, and she cares. Tekesha's vast experience as a community organizer, mediator, consultant, and caregiver - not to mention her experience as a mother and grandmother! - gives her a unique perspective and skillset that will benefit Hagerstown tremendously through her work on the Hagerstown City Council. I've worked with Tekesha; I've observed her at close range making a positive difference for and with Hagerstown. Tekesha Martinez is one of many vibrant hearts helping to make Hagerstown an ever better place - for everyone. She deserves your vote and will be your voice on City Council."

Drique is a local young business owner. He runs The Krab Joint in downtown Hagerstown.

"Tekesha’s pure heart has been shared throughout many in the town. She deserves a seat because she is dedicated to what means the most to her. She is front and center wherever she’s needed, making sure the community is good— with or without a political position. She has shown that she cares deeply for us and the future of our community."

Maheen is a local activist and youth advocate.

"I met Tekesha about four years ago and she changed my life. I have never met someone who can love and forgive so relentlessly. She made me feel like my words and heart had so much power and has groomed me as my mentor for the past four years. As of now we have an all white city council. The police budget for Hagerstown was 50%. 50% OF THE BUDGET WENT TO THE HAGERSTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT. That’s ABSOLUTELY outrageous. We have community centers that are severely underfunded. We have schools in need of funding. We have places that NEED funds to BUILD our community and they don’t get it. We have NO people of color on the council to represent our issues and understand the impacts of Hagerstown policy on our communities. Tekesha is an authentic voice that will advocate for her community with every fiber in her being. I’ve seen her dismantle the fear in her heart and trust God to do thing I’ve never seen any other human being do. She has repeatedly put her life on the line to advocate for the truth with no fear of the consequences. She trusts and loves God in a way I have never seen before. If there is anyone who deserves a seat at the table it’s Tekesha. Please vote her in."

Holly is a lifelong resident of Hagerstown. She is a small business owner, activist, and the organizer of Elect Hagerstown 2020.

"I have known Miss Martinez for my entire life. We went from elementary, middle, and high school together, and even though through the years we had lost touch, when I moved back to Hagerstown we started up again like we hadn’t missed a beat. I know in my heart and with what I have seen her do to help the members of our community that she is one of the most qualified candidates for our City Council. I think she will bring great change with compassion, fire, and heart. She leads with the experience of being a lifelong resident of Hagerstown, and with that I cannot see anyone else to be able to hold a seat but her. I believe she will do great things for our city and put our people first."

Lýkoh is a local youth activist and solo musical artist.

"It’s very simple. Tekesha cares about this community. She’s proven time and time again that real change can happen and she’s done so from a place of honor, sacrifice and with a humble heart. She embodies the true meaning of believing in your city and it’s evident in the waves she makes in a daily basis. Not only is she a “fighter”, her morals align with biblical truths and what better person to have represent this city than one who will lead with humility, truth, honor and respect? I support Tekesha 100% and am excited for what she’s done and will do moving forward."

Josiah is a local youth advocate and organizer.

 "Since I can remember, no matter what youth program or event that was happening in our community, Tekesha has done her best to be a part of it and help in any way possible. She’s been a very important facilitator in bringing the change that she wants to see in the world to our town. Tekesha strongly believes that we as a whole can be an example for not only our country but the younger generations. I have never met someone so dedicated to making change and building that Tekesha. We need someone like her now more than ever!"

 Holly is a local poet and mother.

 "Tekesha should be on the Hagerstown City Council because she has been a mentor, sister, friend to many and helped many that would have went down wrong paths including my son.  She truly has a heart for the people and believes that Hagerstown is a great place even when others haven't. She has been there for the youth of all ages and races, no matter the economic status." 

 Sterling is a local activist and was a 2018 Green Party candidate for Washington County Commissioner.

 "I have known Tekesha for quite awhile. She has become the sister that I wish I had at the beginning of my life. When I ran for office, she continuously questioned me and made sure that I knew exactly why I was running. Tekesha isn’t afraid to be a critic when one is needed. She knows how to tell you when you’re doing something incorrectly and then wants to work with you to solve the problem. Tekesha cares about everyone in her community and everyone surrounding her community. She is an asset to Hagerstown City and will bring forth the needed change on the City Council." 

Daphney is a Hagerstown native and founder of Women Who Uplift. She also the founder and owner of Broker Building Solutions, LLC.

"Being a Hagerstown native, I have known Kesha for quite some time. While I no longer reside in Hagerstown, my heart strings are still tied to the Hagerstown community. In the past several years I have watched Kesha via my social media outlets and frequent visits to Hagerstown, tirelessly serve her community and advocate for positive change in Hagerstown. With proud enthusiasm, on behalf of myself and both of my organizations, Women Who Uplift and Broker Builder Solutions, LLC I support Tekesha Martinez as candidate for City Council."

Orlando is a local musician and small business owner. He runs Unbrokedt Mobile Repair.

"I believe Tekesha has the passion and drive to continue to push the important message of equality. She pushed her personal community to come together as well as bring light to outside issues that are affecting the community. She speaks up and is a voice that deserves to be acknowledged.  Her heart is pure and genuine and she believes in creating a change. She promotes the idea of living your art and expressing yourself, inspiring others to be themselves and helping contribute to the bigger picture making us understand we can make this world so much more when we come together." 

Rachel is a small business owner and a lifelong resident of Hagerstown. She runs Evolve: by Rachel Turner.

"I was introduced to Tekesha during the peaceful protest/church service on Jonathan Street by my cousin Amy. She had such a powerful aura and was very kind. Her poems moved me in so many ways, she is passionate, educated, and a light. I would trust her to make decisions for my city! Thankful for women like her."

Bernadette is the co-founder of Volunteer Washington County and the founder of Prime Time for Women, LLC. She is devoted to empowering women in the local community. She was also a member of the Washington County Board of Education from 2000 to 2008.

"To me, candidates don't have to know every problem that needs to be addressed nor be able to pose a solution for each problem. What they must have is a passion for listening, a willingness to consider various perspectives, the humility to ask for advice from outside experts and integrity to make decisions that benefit all parties fairly. Through her mediation work, I believe Tekesha has demonstrated her interest in listening to others, her ability to look at issues from multiple angles and her desire to unite rather than divide. Tekesha would be an honest voice speaking on behalf to Hagerstown City residents."

Raymond is the founder of Wright Way Leadership & Transformational Coaching. He is also an inspirational speaker and runs the young adult mentor program Next Gen Leaders.

"I don’t think there should be any question that Tekesha should be on City Council. I personally have not seen anybody who puts their boots on the ground as much as she does. She has an incredible desire to change the narrative of this city. Tekesha is leadership in motion and serves, uplifts, and encourages those all around her. She believes in people and sees the good in everyone she touches. She is a bridge for the shift and most important I know she will stand for what’s right at all times."