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They are here!
The Millennials – those
born between 1981 and 1996, now are the largest living
generation and the majority of the workforce. Soon, this
group, more diverse, digitally savvy and socially
progressive than any time in history, will also comprise the
largest voting bloc, surpassing their parents, according to
journalist Charlotte Alter.
Although many (especially
Baby Boomers) complain that they are “entitled, demanding,
naïve, and overly sensitive to microaggressions,” today’s
youth are once again beginning to inspire grassroots social
unrest in communities and on college campuses such
as
Ball State University,
Syracuse University and
Western Michigan University.
I understand the young
people’s need to step up.
“People have to decide to
get involved,” said one young activist. “If the power of the
current administration continues totally unchecked for
another four years, there will be generations before the
harm can be repaired. To roll back women’s rights, Civil
Rights, severely roll back on environmental rights and
protections, if we don’t take action now it’s hard to get
back what you lose. So now, this is [for us] the pivotal
election since 1968,” he added.
All Politics is local:
Yet, locally, there is
also an “energy” and excitement among this latest generation
of “disrupters.” Long time Lucas County politicians Pete
Gerken, Tina Skeldon-Wozniak, Bernie Quilter and Phil
Copeland are entering what is likely their last term of
public service. A political power vacuum is likely to
result.
A Few Shining Stars:
There are many promising
potential successors to those departing politicians whose
waning perspective, in the words of Alter, are located
“closer to the past than they are to the future.”
Newly-elected Toledo Board
of Education Member Sheena Barnes brings a fresh
perspective, a vibrant presence and is the first on the
scene. “She understands the community; she’s got a story
that people can relate to. Sheena brings new ideas and has a
brighter political future than just a school board in the
future if she chooses,” one Democratic Party insider
described. “I’ve seen her connect with lots and lots of
folks in a concise time, and I think she’s great.”
Elgin Rogers, expected to
ascend shortly to interim CEO at Pathway after serving as
board chair, is another luminous figure with a bright future
in our community.
There are many other
exciting younger leaders also primed to go to the next level
including Northwest Ohio Young Black Democrats leader
Brittany Moore. There is also Reem Subei, the first Muslim
woman ever to run for the Ohio Senate.
Other names such as
Precious Tate, Keith Jordan, Brandon Tucker, Blair Johnson
are also a few of many young people who are highly electable
should they decided to run for public office.
Can we pass the leadership
baton without botching the exchange?
While organizations such
as the Perry Burroughs Women’s Democratic Club, Democratic
Women in Action and the African American Leadership Caucus
are engaged with young people, gone are the George Davis
type power-brokers and the infrastructure to prepare for the
transition of power from one generation to another.
What is necessary is for
the Lucas County Democratic Party (currently in turmoil) to
“get some direction and vision and go back to what the core
responsibility of the Party is, which is developing
neighborhood leaders, skillsets and leadership so that folks
are in positions when opportunities present,” a county level
politician explained.
That means convincing real
power brokers to make it possible for young people to become
engaged in clubs and rotating into presidential positions so
that they have a seat on executive committees. This will
“enable them to be in the room when hard conversations are
had and building a network and connections and get them
involved in issues that are close to their hearts so that
they can automatically lead on those issues and create a
natural platform. When there’s events, conversations, and
round tables, we need to plug people in as learning
partners, not just as people sitting in the back row. People
learn best when they’re at the table. We need to hear
voices now, so you have to put them at the table with you if
you want them to get into leadership,” I was told.
Who has the power to
implement a transition strategy for up and coming young
black leaders?
Certainly, current Lucas
County office holders like Commissioners Pete Gerken and
Tina Skeldon-Wozniak have the ability to make transitions
happen and occur smoothly. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz can also
“make it happen.”
But even if these power
brokers fail to facilitate transitions, a new generation of
disrupters - which came of age during mass shootings, the Me
Too Movement and extreme weather events related to climate
change, is here.
Ready or not, here come
the Millennials.
Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, D.Min, at
drdlperryman@centerofhopebaptist.org |
