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I took a course in black politics at the
University of Toledo in the early 1980s just for fun. I was
a finance major in the College of Business Administration
but my wife, a liberal arts major, was taking the class as
an elective and I thought it might be fun to compete with
her to see who could get the higher grade.
I got an A and she got a B plus, but she
still claims to this day that her work in the class was
every bit as good - or even “better,” as she claims, than
mine. Even now, we still enjoy good-natured fun, laughing
about the days when I first met Jack Ford.
Ford, who was teaching the course, peeped me
out in the first class. I was wearing the standard 1980s
corporate uniform - navy blue suit, starched long-sleeved
white shirt, red and blue striped tie and wing tipped shoes.
Even before we were in our seats, he decided instantly that
I would be the perfect foil for his class.
I remember much of the discussion time being
devoted to the one on one debates we seemed to have each
time the class met. Jack would say something like “You’re
the man’s ‘boy,’ a challenge to my then Republican ideology
and a pedagogical tactic he would use to set me up. He knew,
that if I, as a young black executive, responded
emotionally, that I likely was not ready to “swim with the
sharks” in the cold turbulent waters of the corporate world
or wrestle in the rough and tumble arena of party politics.
After verbal sparring for a while, Jack would
then invariably come back with statistical or anecdotal
evidence to illustrate the disparities reflected in my
employer’s hiring practices and distribution of resources.
Having penetrated the outer shell of my ideological
protection, my resistance eventually abated by the end of
the term and Jack was able to plant the seeds that would
lead to me becoming a member of “Jack’s disciples.”
Ford and his family would later become
semi-regulars at Center of Hope and he made the church a
ritualistic stop for political candidates who thought that,
by attending at least once, their campaign would receive
divine favor. I always thought that Jack should have become
a minister and he would always attempt to steer me towards
politics.
No one individual has impacted my theology
more than Jack Ford. He taught me most importantly,
“Everything is political,” he counseled, “including
religion.” He also warned me that things are not always what
they seem to be so “always scrutinize and challenge long
held assumptions.” The purpose, I learned, is not to become
a perpetual complainer, but to bring about change,
particularly in instances where policies and practices
provide an unfair advantage to some individuals to the
disadvantage of others.
No solitary figure has had more impact on
policies in Toledo. Ford practiced what he preached. Under
the Ford administration, minority contractors and vendors
did more business with the city of Toledo than ever before.
CareNet was formed by Ford to provide healthcare benefits to
the uninsured well before President Obama’s Affordable Care
Act. He also initiated a smoking ban and a domestic
partnership policy well before these issues drew widespread
attention and acceptance.
No one else has had more impact on local
politics than Jack. He is the godfather of many politicians,
having birthed the political careers of numerous current and
past office holders including Lucas County Commissioner Pete
Gerken and Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez, (a former
student) who previously headed purchasing and affirmative
action in the Ford administration.
Jack commanded real power, both statewide in
Columbus and on the national stage, and would ultimately
reach the pinnacle of Toledo politics in 2002. Some in the
community think that his rise to mayor of Toledo
precipitated a backlash which divided the Lucas County
Democrats into the A team and B team. Ford’s longtime
friend, Carty Finkbeiner, would successfully challenge his
re-election. The loss truly hurt Jack and he would never
really overcome the sting of the defeat, from which his
political power began to slowly dissipate.
Yet Ford’s passing leaves a large void, not
only on city council but also in the African-American
community. Jack had the power to make sure that the poor and
people of color were not forgotten and received their share.
Is there anyone on the horizon who is able to
ensure that the issues of the poor and people of color are
kept on the front burner of politics, policies and power in
Toledo?
Someone will be appointed and elected to
Ford’s now vacant at-large council seat. However, he will
never be replaced. For you cannot replace a Jack Ford. Not
now. Not ever.
That’s just my take.
Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, D.Min, at
drdlperryman@centerofhopebaptist.org |
