by: William Jackson, M.Ed. &
Nick McClenton, ‘08 graduate of Raines H.S.,
E3 Business Group – Facebook Manager
Edited by Cheryl Williams
The mayoral change should embrace multicultural and multi-ethnic groups living in Duval County; Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Cubans, Haitians, and Latinos. These are just some of the cultures residing here in the hyper diverse communities the make up Duval County. The political status quo is soon to transform from the current political regime to hopefully a more embracive group that truly reflects the diverse needs and progressive concerns of the citizens of Duval County.
The current political spectrum has been projecting an agenda that has not embraced the socioeconomic, educational and diverse needs of all citizens of our growing community. A unifying spirit is needed, but the current ideologies have successfully divided us as a people in the form of economic have and have not, entrepreneurial selectivity for our neighborhoods and those that are politically connected and those disconnected.
Past political actions have caused distrust, disconcertment, and distaste in our community structure that has become more divisive and destructive to the growth and welfare of all citizens in Duval County. Just as at the Presidential level political change will happen again, but on a local scale. As in the gospel song “Changed” Tramaine Hawkins so eloquently song by Cheryl Williams of West Friendship Baptist Church; there will be a Change(d) administration in our political future. The environment is about to transform and residents of Duval County must be receptive and in accord for this transformation that seeks to unite us as oppose to diametrically dividing us.
There must be a casting away of unclean and culturally divisive spirits, festering biases, and concealed prejudices. In order to move forward to a 21st century progressive community past mental enslavements both of Blacks, Whites and others should be exorcised. My Pastor Timothy Cole, Sr. has ministered, it is becoming harder and harder to tell who is or who isn’t on the correct path to peace, prosperity and equality for everyone from the rhetoric being spewed by those trying to win our hearts and minds for their own political agendas. This can be applied biblically and in our current political atmosphere. Just as there are discussions built upon the foundation of ethics in our Ethics Commission or our Study Circles that allow respectful dialogue that address the real issues of race and racism as well as the noble efforts of E3 Business Group focusing on Educating, Encouraging and Empowering people to “forge roads to success, not settling for anything less than our collective best”. The road to success needs leadership that allows everyone to walk the path in equality, unity and held accountable to the benefits of the whole community.
The citizens of Jacksonville should not be deceived in this upcoming mayoral election. Evaluate all the candidates, their political doctrines, leadership abilities, strengths and weaknesses in auditory communication and interaction with the community on a personal level not just political posturing. What is the candidate’s agenda for the economic and cultural prosperity of Duval County? We should not be confused by promises, predictions, and pledges. Look at the candidate’s political records, community partnerships, civic affiliations, educational levels, and church /spiritual involvement that will direct their mind set and priorities in life and in the Mayoral office. As my Pastor has stated in several sermons, What do you (we) see in them? Each candidate should ask themselves what do the people see in me, what type of leader am I projecting to the public that I will be serving.
The political status quo will change for Duval County, we must look past the outer shell, the painted on smiles, kissing of babies, impersonal handshakes. We must look for the presence of integrity, honesty humanity, patience, humility and a genuine concern and love for the people they will serve. Time maybe now to elect a woman who has a great passion for our community, a nurturing spirit not a domineering and uncaring persona for others that are different. A person who is not afraid to embrace, engage and dialogue on issues dear to our hearts. Our candidates must understand that Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Latinos and all other cultures that share similar needs and desires for their families. We are not all too different when it comes to putting food on the table, understanding the need for productive schools that can educate our children, or feeling secure with professionally trained and compassionate law enforcement.
Our next mayor must embrace and work with the diversity of our community instead of being evasive and divisive to their needs. In order for Jacksonville to be considered a 21st century metropolitan community all must have representation at the political, economic and educational table that the upcoming mayoral race will have a direct impact on. We must hold those that are running this political gauntlet accountable NOW for their words and actions before they dictate the political future for all citizens of Duval County.
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