The year-old argument that leaders aren’t born comes to mind as one examines the life of this young, celebrated leader. Andrew Gillum is a politician who ventured into politics and held leadership positions from a young age. He became a commissioner while he was still in college and 23 years old. He was also the (126th) mayor of a Florida city called Tallahassee. Andrew Gillum is a member of the Democratic Party and has represented the party in various capacities. In November 2018, he ran as a candidate for governor of Florida, but lost the race to Jacksonville-born Harvard/Yale School graduate Republican Ron DeSantis.
Who is Andrew Gillum ( bio, age and background details
Born on July 26, 1979 in Miami, Florida to Frances and Charles Gillum, Andrew is the fifth of his parents’ 7 children. His mother was a school bus driver and father a construction worker.
Despite Andrew Gillum’s humble family background, he was determined to reach his life potential. He discovered what he wanted to be early on and worked to achieve his goal. After graduating from high school in 1998, he was named one of Gainvesville’s Person of the Year.
He then went to Florida and Agricultural Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee to study political science. It was at university that Andrew Gillum was formed into the leader he is today. He has held various leadership positions, which in turn has earned him many awards and recognition for his selflessness.
Mister. Gillum became the first student to serve on the school’s Board of Trustees. He was President of the Student Government Association at FAMU from 2001-2002. He was also a board member of the Black Youth Vote Coalition and was recognized as an Emerging Leader by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in 2003.
Andrew Gillum’s Political Career
Andrew Gillum’s venture into mainstream politics occurred while he was still at university. At age 23, he was elected to the Tallahassee City Commission for one year.
After graduating, he ran for a full four-year term in 2004 and won by a landslide with 72 percent of the vote. He was also re-elected in 2008.
Having spent his school and work years in Florida, Andrew has an understanding of what makes Florida and its people tick. As a result, he has been able to become involved in worthy and meaningful projects that benefit an average Florida citizen.
Chief among his project is the “Digital Harmony Project” – which provides each new 6th and 7th grade student with a new desktop computer with an online core academic curriculum and free internet access.
Andrew Gillum also advocated and campaigned for the opening of a youth center in Tallahassee – The Palmer Munroe Center. The center was used for a justice restoration program and was a safe haven for youth in the area.
Thanks to a good track record as city commissioner, Andrew was elected mayor in 2014. During his tenure, he oversaw several laudable projects and rejuvenated various city processes.
The feisty Andrew campaigned for the 2018 governorship of Florida and made history as Florida’s first black Democratic nominee for governor. He unfortunately lost to Republican nominee Ron DeSantis by a slight percentage, going from 49.6% to 49.2%.
Among his many achievements as National Director of the Young Elected Officials Network is connecting elected officials under the age of 35 in a network designed to support their personal and leadership development. He has received several awards and recognitions for exemplary leadership.
The former mayor of Tallahassee’s wife
The 6ft 3in politician met Rashada JaiHoward when both were students at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a degree in Health, Policy and Management from the same university.
Ironically, they never dated in college, even though they were both part of the Student Government Association. After school, they finally met, dated, and married on May 24, 2009, although they had a one-year age difference and Rashada was older.
The former mayor of Tallahassee counts himself lucky to have married Rashada. He describes her in every way as the epitome of grace. She is brilliant and has had an eventful career in public health. They have 3 children (Twins-Jackson & Caroline and Davis) together.