Faceless Leaders

You don’t know me. I am 30 years old and I’ve lived in Marion’s community for the better part of 26 years. I am a professional, a mother, a wife, an entrepreneur, a community volunteer, a homeowner, a consumer, a former collegiate athlete, a college graduate, an activist, an advocate, I am latina, I am african american, I am a joyous disruptor, I am a local board treasurer, I am an organizer, but most importantly, I am a leader.

I recently read an article published in the Marion Star. It read “Who are Marion County’s future leaders?” I was excited to read this article. Before I clicked the link to read more I already recognized some familiar faces. I began reading about some of my friends contributing on various community organizations, their time spent at this job or that job. Some with long lists of community involvement and some with fewer words and equally meaningful accomplishments. It was a celebration for those in our community doing wonderful work. I saw so much good. I saw Marion’s selection of a dynamic dozen. I saw the community’s reflection of leadership. The faces behind all of this great work with an undeniable connection to each other; their whiteness.

When I hear people celebrating Marion’s growth and progression I hear words like “inclusion,” “diversity,” “entrepreneurship,” “economic growth.”These are all words to describe change and welcome the kind of necessary evolution for Marion’s continued growth. All of us have hopeful hearts eager for a prosperous future. I have had very few conversations in my life time with people who’ve been explicitly racist. In my 30 (soon to be 31) years of life experience, implicit bias is far more the norm. When this article was published, I couldn't help but wonder to myself if the writer had any awareness that there weren’t representations for people of color and how that might impact readers.

Regardless, if there was intent behind the omission of people of color, it still sheds light on the unfortunate truth that people of color face in this community. Every. Single. Day. A reminder of underrepresentation from our law enforcement and first responders, to our doctors and lawyers, our school district faculty and administrators, our neighbors, even our current community leaders and ‘future leaders of Marion county.’ Representation, a privilege commonly unafforded to individuals and families of color.

The article failed to be inclusive and share the faces and stories of the many minorities contributing to Marion’s growth, and the goodness these individuals bring from their hearts to the table for offering. There are young black leaders growing empowerment groups, minority led councils and their members, minority owned restaurants and business, black educators and youth program directors, minority teachers and coaches, and minority community activists and devoted volunteers. Lest not forget minority entrepreneurs who are truly defining the odds. We are here and we are doing the work! While I’m more than willing to give you the privilege of receiving the benefit of the doubt and say you weren’t intentionally trying to paint the message of what current leaders and future leaders do and will look like, because quite frankly that’s what this article conveys to some of us. I feel as though it is my moral obligation to let you know the impact your article had on me, in hope to create awareness and better understanding. When we know better, we do better. Even when our actions are not a conscious intent to be racist, it doesn't mean they don't have the same impact. An impact that you’re probably and hopefully unaware of, until now. As a media publication, and a member of Marion’s community you have a responsibility to this community. To all of us. The message of this article is discouraging and an omission of an entire group of people that are actively and equally contributing to the prosperity of Marion’s community.

I hope the next time a topic such as the one written about in the article I read, you take more time to tell a better story; the whole story, and to research the incredible work being done by minority leaders. The purpose of this being that all little boys and girls of this community, minority and majority, can aspire to be in roles of leadership too. When children of color look around at messaging and local media sources they will identify with those faces and feel represented too. I don’t want to simply be the kind of community that pacifices or perpetuates exclusion. I want to live in a community where all members have a seat saved for them at the table. A community where all children no matter their demographic, race, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, etc. are able to identify with those in positions of leadership.

To the underrepresented and faceless leaders of Marion’s community. I see you. Thank you for your time and commitment to serving Marion’s community. Thank you to Ide Okojie, Director of the Marion County’s family & Children first council, I see you. To Ramel Mitchell, Assistant Principal at Mckinley elementary, I see you. To Jessykah Coleman, Adult probation officer, The first ever African American Ms Marion Popcorn and founder of Leading Ladies, I see you. To Bryceson Lawrence, Varsity and Youth football coach for Marion City schools and local business owner, I see you. To Misty Starks, Respiratory therapist, The first ever Female African American Harding Head basketball coach, and Marion Heat AAU organization founder, I see you. To Candace Floyd, Marion Marion City Schools Media Specialist, and Black Heritage Council member, I see you. To Thaddeous Carter, Marion City School Gear up employee and Harding Youth Football program Director, I see you. To, Johnnie Jackson Marion community coordinator for Marion Voices and countless hours spent involved in community based activities grounding social justice, I see you. To Jerrod Slater, Marion City Schools Diversity and Equity Coordinator and First African American Head Varsity Football Coach, I see you. Edward McCants, PHD student, NCAA DIV I All american, and volunteer youth basketball coach, I see you. To Tamara Williams, Marion City Schools Early Childhood Education Educator and Mid-Ohio Preschool Director, I see you. To Evelyn Olivos Lisiecki, pastor at St. Mary’s Church leading Children’s summer ministry program, I see you. To Corey Chatman, Harding football coaching staff member and Marion City Schools Gear up staff member, I see you. To Shawnta’ Dyer, Harding high school graduate and Professional Women’s basketball player and Co-Founder of Whatever it Takes youth basketball program, I see you. To Shawn Dyer, Co-founder of Whatever IT Takes and youth basketball skills trainer, I see you. To Precious Angel Bryant, singer / songwriter and Assistant Branch manager at PNC Bank branch manager, I see you. To Daveon McGary, Owner of Platinum Plus Barber shop and your contributions to several charitable causes, I see you. Simona Carr, owner of The Fitness Complex, I see you. Brenae Harris, Varsity assistant for Harding girl’s basketball and former Harding graduate and Professional Women’s basketball player, I see you. Corey Marcus, owner of Mad Method Mowing, I see you. Rebecca Stweart, owner of GSpot Skill Games, I see you. To Nicole Brooks Wampler, Assistant Deputy Warden at Marion Correctional Institution and YMCA board member, I see you.

I see all of you. I celebrate you and am inspired by every single one of you. To all the faceless leaders mentioned and those not mentioned, my message to you is to keep doing the awesome work that you do. Keep being and doing all the things you’ve been called to do. Keep dreaming, keep manifesting and bringing your vision of service and contribution to this community, to my community, to OUR community where we all can and should be recognized for our commitment to the betterment of the place we call home. Whatever you do, do not stop because we need you.

Sincerely,

A faceless and fearless leader committed to Marion ’s growth and prosperity