By: Roger Caldwell
African American politics in America is proving the notion, that we can be successful at the highest levels of government. All around the country, we are breaking that glass ceiling and inspiring each other that every office is fair game. With Obama leading the way, legislators around the country are taking over positions of leadership.
In California, Assembly Speaker Karen Boss is the first black women to lead the legislature. In Colorado, it is the first time in U.S. history two Black men Terrance Carroll, and Peter Groff will preside over the House and Senate. In January, Malcolm Smith became Senate majority leader in New York. Steven Horsford took the same post in Nevada, and both are the first Black men to lead their legislatures.
At every level of office and in every state around the country, African Americans are excreting their influence and power. Many have been in office for ten or fifteen years and through their hard work and dedication, they have proven that they deserve a higher position of responsibility. Others deserve accolades from their colleagues for their extraordinary and brilliant work during turbulent challenges.
African Americans have proven that they can win in a district, where the majority of the voters are Caucasian or Hispanic. African American politicians are sophisticated and strategically plan their campaigns to win. Many have the endorsements of major financial institutions and can match their opponents dollar for dollar.
As African American politicians continue to expand their horizons, their knowledge and integrity will help them overcome the forces that try to limit our progress. No longer will African American politicians come to work just for a paycheck and not produce results.
In central Florida, Bruce Mount defeated Anthony Grant the longtime mayor of Eatonville. Mr. Grant has been criticized for many years by the way he ran the town’s government. In June, Grant hired a planning director who officials later discovered was awaiting trial on charges that he took bribes in his previous job. The incident exposed the town’s failure to do background checks on many of its employees.
Anthony Grant had been mayor for 14 years which was obviously too long. Mount challenged Grant’s authority and with the help of the community, he was able to defeat Grant by a slim margin. The community has spoken and there is a new energy and collaboration in Eatonville.
Bruce Mount is initiating a new era for one of the nation’s oldest incorporated Black communities. During Mount’s victory speech he said, “We know we can make a better Eatonville. I’m proud of the community, because they were able to see through to the light when they were in the darkness for a long time.”
Congratulations to Bruce Mount and the city of Eatonville with their victory.
As African Americans continue to take over positions of authority and influence, we must move together as a collective political force. We cannot accept inferior standards, corruption, and violence in our communities. In order to be effective our leaders must mobilize and organize our communities around issues, which affect our survival and progress.
As we move into 2009 and beyond, winning an election is just the beginning of change. Now the work begins and the community must stay engaged, motivated, and inspired. Respect is never given, but earned through hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
