The Black Backbone

Illustration by Tori Hong.

Thank you TC Daily Planet for covering this story. While it covers the 2018 election it also reflects on the 2017 election. I am still unpacking last year when I ran for City Council in Minneapolis. I will continue to share as time goes on. The 3rd Ward race was exciting and I learned many things. One thing is for sure. I am not bitter even though I easily could have allowed myself to be. I still ended up at City Hall. My desire was to be doing this work and making a difference in our City and I am still doing that. It may not be in the position I wanted it to be but I am in a position and I am thrilled to be doing the work.

In fact, many boundaries are broken that no one knows of. My Facebook posts have been so fast and furious that many of you may not have seen my post about how many Black, Brown, and African people are working on the 3rd floor of City Hall as Policy Advisers both for the Council and the Mayor. Not to mention how many are working in various departments, many in leadership roles. Oh and yes, we have how many Black or POCI identifying Councilmembers, one of which is Council Vice President. A Black Cheif of Police and Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief and a Commander. Let's pause and reflect on that. Mitra Nelson in St. Paul also winning her seat. A deep breath and a pause. The train has left the station. It will make regular stops so get on board.

It's government. I am a long way from Medtronic. Many of the Black professionals (for example) left high salaried jobs to work at the City. We do it because we care about this City. Many of us have backgrounds in equity, healthcare, program management, and finance. Having that level of expertise coming from people who are from traditionally marginalized communities at the helm or close to it is very powerful. Look at how many Black candidates alone we had running for office last year and this year we have tripled that number at least.

We are stepping up in a big way but not because anyone else is praising us for our backbone. We just had enough. Culturally speaking, and yes, I am saying culture. When people say why does it always have to be about race, I say it doesn't. Black is a culture, not just a race. So culturally speaking, we tend to do our work at the macro level, neighbor to neighbor. But we have had enough of various politicians coming through making empty promises, throwing us on a few campaign flyers, and then abandoning us after the election. This is a response to the irresponsible governance and in many cases lack of governance that has been taking place at every level of government. These roles should not be held by any family dynasty or one person for decades at a time. These seats need a steady stream of capable hands ready to be passed the baton. Government must be reflective and representative of the people. We need a fresh set of eyes in play. And, we need to be mentoring those who have an interest in government.

Elections are about you as the candidate but governance is about the people and many are not ready to face that reality. It is our duty to pass along this information and be willing to learn just as much as we teach from those who we mentor.

I had a critique today in response to the clear hypocrisy that continues to exist in politics. For years, everyone said to respect the endorsing process and those who did not were black balled. Potential candidates, political organizations, and activists began to study and analyze this process and cracked the code on how to win or at least block endorsements. As a result, suddenly, no one wants to play by the rules anymore. No one will concede. They are abandoning their endorsed candidates for the candidates of yesteryear that had their time to lead and make a difference.

The sad things is that money is the only response that the old guard of politics has to fight the power of the people. The good things is that the power of the people, maybe more accurately the will of the people, is growing in number, becoming stronger, and paving the way for new leadership.

I have been speaking more of radical change. That word frightens people. It shouldn't. If we think term limits, reflective, representative, and proportional representation, and equity are radical than society has fallen deeper than I could have ever imagined.

We don't need to agree to respect each others culture, values, humanity, and basic dignity. In order for others to have something, you are not going to lose anything. You have everything to gain from others receiving  their blessing.

I am supporting Angela Conley and Irene Fernando. Not because they look like me but despite of it. They are qualified, capable, competent both professionally and culturally, and will lead with us. They will open the doors to the world that is Hennepin County. Just as people show up at City Hall for meetings and work group participation, we will have a partner in this at the County. Leaders for all and not some.

Below is my critique of a recent announcement of a fundraiser that I posted to Facebook. This is not a personal attack but a reflection of what is and I hope that those who read this will reflect upon it and identify their own areas for deeper reflection.

Peter has had 26 years in that seat. He has done a lot of wonderful things. I would never take away someones actual accomplishments but what is left. What will 4 more years get us other than missing an opportunity to elect an amazing woman into office who will also make history.  Don't believe me? Come to City Hall and walk in on the 5th street side. Take a left and look on the wall.

We don't have one picture of any Black or POCI people hanging in a common area and few women. We do have the busts but other than, nada. In fact, we have 2 paintings of unknown white men painted by unknown white painters. Think about that.

There is hope. With all the changes happening within the walls that no one sees, we did get our 1st mural installed right next to council chambers that paints a beautiful story of immigrants. It is a small example of how when leadership changes, so does the environment around us. We have a long way to go but Rome was not built in a day.

Peace, love, and blessings...

Sam

Blong Yang was ineffective. He did little to nothing for the Northside. His re-election campaign felt like he thought he had no competition. I thought he wanted to lose. After the election, he went on an anti-Black and racist rant. His continued unbecoming behavior of a leader is alarming. And now he wants to run part of a county. Sorry but that is not how it works. While I respect people who serve as public servants as it is often a thankless job, he should have done something worth being thanked for. I’ll never forget the hate he spewed after the election and I hope no one else has. Irene has vision. She knows how to bring people together while calling out the inequities that have kept us apart. She is innovative, energetic, and a keen problem solver. She understands who we are, has identified a set of priorities that can be accomplished, and without a doubt will lead with us. I am proud to support Irene.

I am extremely disappointed in how Angela is being treated. I stand behind my endorsement all the more. She has met every requirement that the establishment puts forth that determines viability: education, experience, connected to the residents, endorsements, ability to fundraise, broad appeal, and an extremely positive image. Not just hope but a strategy and vision.

The DFL once again swoops in to try and hold their power. They refuse to recognize her leadership and prowess. A bandwagon of “progressive” leaders banding together fundraising to keep Peter in place. Why? Because they know with Angela, she will be a leader of the people and not of the establishment. She won’t sweep things under the rug. She will not rule by favors owed but will deliver on promises that are long overdue.

Over the last 2 years, progressive has meant willing to be a savior for a community by throwing them more bread crumbs to fight over rather than getting out of the way so everyone can get their loaf.

They say they want us at the table. They forget to say but only when we send you an invite and we will tell you which table and assign the seat. I saw true audacity last year when I ran. My opponents would say we need more people of color at the table WITH ME SITTING THERE.

I’m sick of the games and trickery. Give what you can but make sure you vote. We can not afford 4 more years of so called progressivism. We need radical change and we need it now.