As the local television, radio and newspaper advertising depicts, they are “the few, the proud” and if things work out November 4th, former U. S. Marine Nate Jester could become the newest member of the Atlanta City Council, and Jester’s military accolades didn’t stop there. The scholar-graduate of southwest Atlanta’s Benjamin E. Mays High School decided the Naval Academy at Annapolis would be his next step. Four years later and with the coveted nomination for enrollment from 5th district Congressmember John Lewis, Jester spent five years wearing a sailor’s cap. Then came active duty as a Marine captain. He still wasn’t finished.
After Navy and the Corps, Jester enrolled in Harvard University Law School, not only obtaining his law degree but also a Dean’s Award for Community Leadership, likely because of the over 1,000 pro-bono (free) hours of work advocating for low-income clients facing eviction. “I learned how to lead,” he told The Atlanta Inquirer during a recent interview over lunch. “It’s something my father, a former Marine, suggested was an excellent way to reach out.”
His dad’s suggestion likely also stimulated an interest in political life. He is now one of a growing number of candidates pursuing the office of Atlanta city Council’s 11th district, a perfect fit for the 35-year-old ex-leatherneck turned real estate attorney who grew up in the Ben Hill community of southwest Atlanta. “People ask me if I am too young to hold office,” he said. “But look at history and think about the John Lewises (City Council, U. S. Congress), and even Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who keynoted the 1963 March on Washington at age 34!”
Jester, a devoted member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, has also established Cascade Centennial, a community-centered realty firm linking churches, schools and other non-profits to build and develop what he believes Ben Hill and like-communities need most. “Creating opportunities, building homes and providing services.” he said. In other words, “for us, by us.”
Although qualifying for most municipal posts in Atlanta and surrounding cities and counties is not until August, Jester is an eager beaver. Hitting the political ground early-on seems to be paying off for the native son. He has already reportedly collected some $55,000 in his political war chest. Notwithstanding the Jester campaign, the race to replace former 11th district Councilmember Marci Overstreet who left to run for City Council President has drawn additional attention from others.
According to Ballotpedia, entertainment manager Steven Dingle and minister and former government employee Wayne Martin have publicly announced their intentions. Ballotpedia also indicates that Sarah Langford, former wife of former Mayor Kasim Reed and daughter of one-time Council member and Georgia Senator the late Arthur Langford, is also mulling a candidacy.
https://www.votenatejester.com/
Members of the Eta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will join Nate Jester at his Community Campaign Kickoff for his run for Atlanta City Council District 11 on Saturday, July 12 from 4 pm to 6 pm at Haley’s Event Center in Greenbriar Mall, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Last updated on July 9, 2025
