By Aaron Allen
The Seattle Medium
The fruit never falls far from the tree and a prime example of that statement is attorney, advocate, political strategist/analyst and Seattle native Angela T. Rye.
Everyone is on a journey and our journeys are unique to our own experiences. Community Roots sheds light on personal experiences in the hopes to inspire all.
Angela Rye’s journey fits the bill, her experience is steeped in advocacy. A Seattle native and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based political think tank. The daughter of Eddie and Andrea Rye — a family rooted in advocacy and activism for human and civil rights for the local African American and Greater Seattle community — Angela has emerged on the national scene as not only a successful business woman, but also as a political analyst/commentator for major media outlets like NPR and CNN. In addition, she is an on-air personality for BET, Huffpost Live and TV One.
While her methods may be slightly different than her predecessors, Rye’s unwavering passion and commitment to advocating for her community is fierce and effective.
“I think I lean more towards being identified as an advocate than an activist, but I believe in my purpose being predestined,” says Rye. “My Dad was intent on naming me after Angela Davis. While our trajectories are far from identical, at every step of the way I ensure that my work is always with a conscience and that I try to do what’s best for our people.”
According to Rye, her career origins and path stem from her experiences in The Congressional Black Caucus and Homeland Security. After receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington, she obtained her law degree from Seattle University. In 2005, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the National Association for Equal Opportunity (NAFEO).
In 2007, she began her career in politics on the Hill working for the Committee on Homeland Security and later went on to work for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). These stepping stones helped propel her into the political analyst and strategist for which Rye and her firm IMPACT Strategies have become known for.
If you’re tuned in, you can witness Rye going toe-to-toe with other political commentators from around the country with boldness, vigor and a sense of protectiveness on NPR, CNN and other major media outlets. She is a strong advocate and a staunch debater on behalf of the African American community and its future.
Witnessing the current events of the day, mass incarcerations, Black Lives Matter movement, and just the struggle in general, Angela realizes the importance that her role and voice can lend to the debate and utilize her various platforms as an advocate for respect.
Black lives, the impact of mass incarceration, or even in our own home town, watching gentrification unravel Seattle as we knew it are challenges,” says Rye. “I use them to motivate me to push for change, equality, and justice. We have so much work to do and I want to be a part of effectuating meaningful, positive change.”
During the political contest for the presidency in 2016, Rye’s reputation as a defender of facts and truth during that contested political environment was to be applauded. It was obvious she was in it to win it. She never succumbed in her arguments and her efforts displayed sincerity.
“It’s authentic,” says Rye as it relates to the passion she displays while debating issues. “I grew up discussing issues with my parents and friends. I still debate with my Dad often.”
“My mom says, ‘perspective taking is one of the greatest skills we can gain in life’, and I believe that,” continued Rye. “I try to learn from others perspectives and be as articulate as possible in sharing the stories and experiences from our communities.”
Rye is proud of the fact that she has been able to take her personal achievements – from her family and the village that have nurtured, educated, inspired and protected her – and reciprocate them back into her community. This is what advocates do and she is appreciative of her family and community for all that they have sacrificed.
“I was fortunate to have an amazing village — loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many members of my extended family,” says Rye. “I like to ensure that I make my community proud and thank GOD folks tell me when I do.”
Being on the frontlines of fighting for rights is not easy, you must be prepared, it is why leaders are far and few between. Fighting for the rights of others takes empathy and selflessness to be successful. So far in her efforts Angela T. Rye is representing well. In response to her success she simple states a quote from Ghandhi,
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Angela Rye is working to live and be active by example, working to change the world one day at time, or in this case, one TV or radio segment at a time. Don’t change that channel, stay tuned.
