Jerjuan Howard, left, and Adama Cunningham share their thoughts on an ideal political landscape of Detroit.
Photos by Herbert Taylor and provided by Adama Cunningham
These are interesting times in the local political arena for many Black Metro Detroiters navigating their way through the countless news headlines of reported political corruption from several high-profile local leaders in Detroit and beyond.
From ongoing court cases from two Detroit City Councilmembers to ongoing FBI probes – is it time for a fresh start in the political landscape to come next year?
Beyond the upcoming November election (regardless of who is on the ballot) what do you want to see out of local political leaders in the City of Detroit?
These two Detroiters expressed what they would like to see ideally in the future of political leadership — come what may.
Jerjuan’s Way
Jerjuan Howard, born and raised in Detroit, said that a good politician/leader is someone who is a “non-compromising servant of the people.”
“A good politician/leader is someone who puts the interest of the people at the forefront of everything that they do,” Howard told the Michigan Chronicle. “A good leader is someone who understands the root cause of our issues and addresses that rather than attacking the symptoms.”
Howard, a Western Michigan University alum, is an academic interventionist at Detroit Public Schools Community District, and author of the book, A Message To Black College Students, said that the adage goes, “Leaders produce more leaders.”
“They empower others to become better versions of themselves. A good leader does not leave you dependent on him/her. They empower you with the tools to change your situation yourself,” he said, adding that it is important for all leaders to set an example for others,” he added. “People respect the titles that leaders hold so some form of accountability and integrity must be in place. A Black leader must be uncompromising in their fight for the progression of Black people. Their efforts can not be swayed by money, ego, outside validation, (and beyond).”
Howard said that he would like to see the next batch of Black politicians work closely with the grassroots organizations of Detroit.
“There seems to be a gap between what I hear Detroiters say they need vs where the funds of the city seem to be going,” Howard said, adding that he thinks more collaboration and partnerships with organizations within the city would close this gap. “The distribution of funds within the city has my attention. In neighborhoods all across the city, I see bike lanes being installed. While at the same time our streets flood every time we have heavy rain. I see a spike in youth violence within the city while at the same time our community centers have been closed since the start of the pandemic. The distribution of funds shows the direction in which the city is headed. As the distribution of funds currently stands, I am concerned.”
From Adama’s View
Detroit millennial Adama Cunningham said that, to her, what makes a good politician, especially a Black politician is someone who is a part of the working population and is in touch with who they serve, they must be able to relate.
“Why take charge of a population of people whom you don’t understand? Sounds like control to me,” she said, adding that it is important to make the problems of the majority a “priority.”
“Problems that the working population raise are issues that affect everyone; seniors, adolescents and the disabled included,” Cunningham told the Michigan Chronicle, adding that at times politicians who “age out” or leave their roles pass laws that directly affect workers in the society, she said.
I feel for things to be equitable, elected politicians should not be so far removed from the city they serve,” she said.
From giving back to the community and uplifting others to being a true leader – Cunningham said that Black politicians, like other politicians, need to have their stuff together.
“I feel that if you’re in a position of power over a body of people and businesses then you should have a solid hand of morals,” she said. “That doesn’t mean be a saint, just be someone who doesn’t actively participate in what destroys the community they’re governing. If you care about the longevity of said community, you’d want them to have at least the person in charge of their livelihood be someone to genuinely look up to.”
Cunningham said that most of all being transparent, having a listening ear, and wanting them to care about roads is critical for her.
“These potholes affect our cars, and most potholes are in places where people are unfortunate, she said. “It’s not easy to pay for car shop fees. Especially when it was damaged beyond one’s control. I also want the blatant gentrification to stop and I want it acknowledged I don’t want it ignored any longer. I want Detroit Black — why redline us decades ago then try to double back?”
Contact Staff Writer Sherri Kolade at [email protected].
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