Minneapolis Needs a Leader Who Cares
Minneapolis is a city full of heart, but it's also a city with struggles. There are people living on the streets, others fighting addiction and mental health battles, and neighborhoods that have been left behind. It's clear that the city needs a leader who understands these issues and is ready to tackle them head-on.
A Candidate Who Walks the Streets
One person who has been walking the streets of Minneapolis, seeing these struggles firsthand, is a candidate for mayor. Before diving into the campaign, they used long walks to think about community issues and connect with the city. They've seen the good—the cookouts, the helpful neighbors—and the bad—the encampments, the people in need.
A Background Rooted in Community Care
This candidate's background is rooted in community care. Born in Mississippi as the youngest of 15 children to a minister and a kindergarten teacher, they learned early on the importance of looking out for others. After college, they worked on Capitol Hill, focusing on health care, education, and transportation. But they felt disconnected from the communities they cared about, so they became a minister and eventually found their way to Minneapolis.
In Minneapolis, they worked with various groups to support unhoused neighbors, provide HIV prevention and care, and advocate for those in need. They co-chaired the Poor People’s Campaign, seeing firsthand the power of community care. They decided to run for mayor when they realized the city needed compassionate leadership, especially with the political climate changing.
A Vision for a Better Minneapolis
The city has been stuck for years, with gridlock and cynicism coming from City Hall. This candidate believes Minneapolis deserves a city where everyone has a safe and stable home, regardless of income. They want to address the encampment crisis with providers, not police, and work on increasing affordable housing and tenant protections.
They also co-chaired the city’s Community Safety Workgroup, making concrete recommendations for police accountability and training, mental health response, and violence interruption. However, the current mayor has not taken these recommendations seriously, focusing on superficial wins instead of real change.
A Leader Who Unites
Above all, Minneapolis deserves a mayor who unites rather than divides, who acts for the good of the community, not for political gain. With the right leadership, the city can tackle its pressing issues and create a better future for everyone.
