Joe is the son of a Detroit public school teacher and a firefighter who died in the line of duty when Joe was three months old. While he didn’t get to know his father, his father’s legacy of service was often discussed, and it gave Joe his mission in life: serving the community that raised him.
Joe is the son of a Detroit public school teacher and a firefighter who died in the line of duty when Joe was three months old. While he didn’t get to know his father, his father’s legacy of service was often discussed, and it gave Joe his mission in life: serving the community that raised him.
Joe got involved in athletics in high school and had coaches who went above and beyond. This led him to play football at Michigan State University, where he captained the football team and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.
After spending two years in the NFL, Joe volunteered for his country and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps. He deployed twice to Afghanistan, first as a Platoon Commander and then as a Company Executive Officer, overseeing the day-to-day operations of hundreds of Marines and Sailors.
After returning home to Michigan, Joe graduated with a dual MBA and MS in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Michigan.
He ran for State Representative and was elected by his colleagues to become the first Black Speaker of the House in Michigan history.
Despite just a one-vote majority, Speaker Tate spearheaded the passage of key progressive legislation, including:
Repealing Michigan’s abortion ban.
Passing the largest increase in education funding in state history.
Passing universal background checks and red flag laws.
Increasing the working family tax credit.
Repealing the regressive retirement tax on seniors.
Provided free school lunches to every student in Michigan.
