As we close out 2016, it's time for us to reflect on our victories more so than our losses. Even though it has been a rough year for many of us, there is always something to celebrate. If you don't have enough things to celebrate while we close 2016 out the right way, I'm here to give you one. One of the biggest wins for me in 2016 had absolutely nothing to do with me, but inspired me to truly live out the belief that we should stop asking for permission.
21-year-old Jewell Jones is living proof that greatness comes by the taking, not by asking for it. This past November, Jones went from being the youngest member of the city council in his hometown of Inkster, Michigan to being a member of the Michigan state legislature. Jones was elected State Representative for District 11. Now I don't know about you, but at 21 years old, the last thing on my mind was running for political office. It was more focused on running to the cafe before they closed in the student center. Yet Jones, who happens to be a college student, finds time to do both. In the last #StopAskingPermission column of 2016, I want to tell you the story of a person who needs no permission.
I had the opportunity to chat with State Rep. Jones after clinching the state seat that once occupied by Rep. Julie Plawecki, who passed away suddenly in July. It's hard catching up with the super-busy change agent. He's a member of the Army ROTC, Black Student Union, and Student Veterans Association. Hedoes all of this while majoring in political science and finance. He's also a very active member of his church, where he just experienced one of his proudest moments, becoming a deacon. If he's starting to read as the poster child for black excellence then you and I are on the same page.
Jones' parents planted the seed for excellence and politics in him at a young age. As a child, they took him everywhere exposing him to community service and engagement. From there, he interned in high school for a local politician, and then became a member of the chamber of commerce and then an election official for the city of Inkster. Then he became the youngest member of city council, and now Michigan's youngest state representative. Through it all, he remains humble as ever and committed to getting more young people of color involved. "It's about building right now. While we have all of this energy we need to build up young people.That's why I try to be as accessible as possible to connect with every young person that's trying to do something," he said.
When he says connect, he means it. His favorite part about being a politician is the campaigning part. Why? Because he likes engaging with the community. For Jones, community engagement isn't a spectator sport. He spends time getting to know people in his community because he knows that they have something that they can offer each other. "Politics is like real estate. It's lots of moving pieces in it. If you play it right, it's an of resources you can bring back to the citizens," he said. Jones works hard to galvanize resources by connecting the dots. For example, he held a community BBQ after learning that there were chefs in the community willing to volunteer their time and talents.
He's committed to helping build. But his commitment comes at a sacrifice. "No, I'm not a 21-year-old college student every day. But I enjoy what I do. You have to sacrifice," Jones said. His sacrifices are not in vain. Jones is making history and bringing us along with him. He stands in line with the likes of President Obama and other members of black excellence who had gone before us. Even though he is in good company, he wants the next line of leaders to be better than him. "Be better than us. Don't be like us. Start learning early. The earlier you learn the earlier you'll be able to take the charge."
Going into 2017, let's start off by not asking permission to be the greatest we can be not just for ourselves but for those around us. Let's take State Rep Jones' advice and start learning early on. My mama always said if you stay ready you don't have to get ready. Let's be ready to answer the charge in 2017. #StopAskingPermission, let's be great!
