Alumni Spotlight: Terry Rice, LT'18, Lions + Tigers

“LT brought me closer to the community that I have lived in, and operated a business in, for the last 12 years. As my concern mounted over the decaying discourse and money-fueled backlash to our homeless crisis, LT gave me the courage and base of support to launch my campaign for city council.”

What is one highlight from your LT experience?

During our Education Challenge Day, I visited an elementary school that focused on providing access to education opportunities for all of its students, with a particular focus on students with special needs. As an adult in the community who does not have children, I don’t have much opportunity to get close to our public education system. I was deeply moved by the passion and excellence demonstrated by the educators working for children’s success. The school was a community, a living, breathing manifestation of inclusiveness and opportunity. The education was both academic and civic. It’s an experience that stayed with me as I began my campaign for Seattle City Council in 2019.

How did LT influence your decision to run for City Council? What did you learn while running for City Council that you’d like to share with the LT community?

LT brought me closer to the community that I have lived in, and operated a business in, for the last 12 years. As my concern mounted over the decaying discourse and money-fueled backlash to our homeless crisis, LT gave me the courage and base of support to launch my campaign for city council. During my campaign, I interacted with over 10,000 voters, knocked on over 1,000 doors in district 6, and I participated in 10 community forums and debates. I also spent countless hours on the phone with voters both hearing their stories and yes, of course, fundraising. What I am most struck by from this experience is the widespread lack of understanding or acknowledgment in our community regarding how historical and systemic racial and income inequality are directly responsible for the many of the crises we face in our community today including homelessness and housing affordability.

What is one thing you think about or do differently because of LT?

The first thing I think about when considering an issue, candidate, or policy is what the race and equity impact may be. I take the time to carefully consider my own bias and privilege, and then seek the right people or resources to advance my understanding. Understanding my privilege as it relates to the world around me has become a part of my daily life.