Emerson Fellow
Blake Turpin
28th Class, 2021-2022
Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Blake graduated from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a major in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice, along with minors in Hispanic Studies and Political Science. During his undergraduate career, his interests in social justice and poverty alleviation led him to work on a variety of projects looking at the criminal justice system's relation to poverty and oppression. Blake also spent time working on several local political campaigns and as an intern for the Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee, where he discovered a passion for serving underrepresented and criminalized populations. As an Emerson Hunger Fellow, Blake hopes to work towards breaking cycles of criminalization, hunger, and poverty.
Field placement: Project Bread
Boston, Massachusetts
Blake completed their field work at Project Bread in Boston, Massachusetts. Their research focused on policy regarding child nutrition programs in Massachusetts, working to identify areas where Massachusetts leads and where they could improve. Blake's work aimed to identify potential pathways and opportunities to ensure that all Massachusetts children have access to the healthy food they need.
Policy placement: RESULTS
Washington, D.C.
Blake Turpin is working with RESULTS Educational Fund to develop a long-term advocacy strategy on housing policy for grassroots volunteers. Through researching and sharing talking points, engaging new and existing stakeholders, and tracking various members of Congress and their support for housing policies, Blake is preparing documents and resources for RESULTS to use in their advocacy efforts to utilize the tax code to end poverty and homelessness.