The recent slugfest between Orlando attorney Juan Lynum and Orlando Magazine’s Jim Clark recently got a moms approach. Orlando City Commissioner, Daisy Lynum had to weigh in, and as usual brought her seasoned political approach to the melee.
Her comments can be seen here:
Jim,
We all have a different definition of what is leadership in our community,
and it’s usually based upon with whom we are familiar. Thus, I am familiar
with, know, or have worked with a number of the individuals you mentioned in
your reply, even though some have only been in the area a few years. I
personally welcome contributions of all individuals, whether in their
families, churches, community, or through the political process. I have
lived in Orlando since 1971. My father is from Orange County. My parents
were married in Orange County in 1935. Hence, my family history is Orange
County.
Just as you have described individuals many of us have never heard of as
leaders because of your personal knowledge of their contributions in some
way. Forget not those individuals who may be more public, but equally as
contributing with their time, intellect, commitment, etc. to their families,
church, neighborhood or the political process. Thus, my own story that
spans years before I was elected to public office. I am very thankful that
I loss my first two elections; the first to Former State Representative, Dr.
Alzo Reddick, who continues to be one of my best friends, and the second to
Former Commissioner Nap Ford, who endorsed me to replace him on Orlando city
council. These families and I continue to be close friends. I believe that
I am a better elected official because of these relationships that resulted
from my losing those elections. I know the same scenario is working for my
son, Juan, who would have made an excellent county commissioner.
By the nature of Juan’s civic and professional experience, interests,
commitment, involvement, and character, he is unequivocally a leader in this
community. I’m thankful that our leadership is not defined by pundits of
black history and of our community.
I am the mother of two sons, two granddaughters, and have worked over thirty
years in the State of Florida in social services as a clinician and
administrator. I have yet to hear anyone reference non-minority parents who
support and protect their families as being inappropriate or unethical. I
am still amazed that after 18 months this racial profiling issue continues
to be important to you. We have moved on to ways of trying to eradicate
these types of behaviors that perpetuate media propaganda that anesthetizes
the majority community while criminalizing and insulting the minority
community.
The NAACP and the Black elected officials are planning a forum that will
address Race and the Media and its images of the Black community, and would
like to invite you to participate in this forum.
Daisy W. Lynum, MSW
Life Member NAACP
