Getting involved in local politics is a concept that seems impossible for some and not worth it for others. However, involvement in your local government helps challenge your elected officials and make changes in your city. Your involvement is as powerful as your vote. So taking the challenge of not asking for permission and just getting involved in your local government is one worth looking into.
One young man took the challenge after growing up with a civil rights leader as his father. He allowed those lessons he learned, watching his father make a difference, to empower him to do the same with his generation. Bakari Sellers, CNN Correspondent and attorney is that young man, and here are 10 reasons why you can find inspiration in his story to stop asking for permission.
1. Small Town Boy with Big Dreams.
Bakari Sellers is from Denmark, South Carolina which has a population of 3,538. This goes to show that where you start isn’t always where you’ll end.
2. Graduate of South Carolina Public Schools.
The same public school system where a police officer didn’t know how to handle a child and same school system that Bakari has fought to make more than “minimally adequate” as required by South Carolina state law. He made education a priority as a state representative and lieutenant governor hopeful.
3. Graduate of Morehouse College at the age of 20.
Not only a graduate but he served as student body president and sits on the board of trustees. There’s nothing like a Morehouse man. HBCU Love!
4. You have to call him Attorney Sellers.
Like most political powerhouses he also carries his J.D. and has provided legal commentary on shows like Morning Joe and Melissa Harris Perry.
5. Son of Civil Rights Activist Cleveland Sellers Jr.
His father was the only person convicted and jailed for events that took place at the Orangeburg Massacre that resulted in three students being killed by state troopers.
6. Youngest African American elected to office at 22 in South Carolina.
Let’s be honest most of us at 22 were still enjoying the fact that we had hit 21. He was running for office.
7. Turned down position to work for President Obama.
Photo: Twitter
He’s in good company. Cory Booker also turned down a position with President Obama. Another thing most of us could never do. If Obama offered me a position to put powder in his shoes I would gratefully accept.
8. Made it to the top of two influential lists.
Time Magazine’s 40 under 40 highlighted Bakari for his civic leadership. He also made this list from Politico that names 50 politicos to watch. Bakari continues to make these list because he pushes the envelope of traditional politics and forces politicians on a national and local level to be accountable and transparent.
9. Ran for Lt. Governor in South Carolina.
In a state where Bree Newsome had to climb a pole to get down a continued sign of racism Bakari was willing to serve as Lieutenant Governor and help implement change for the state.Changes like improving primary and secondary education, placing hospitals in rural areas, creating a a blueprint for economic competitiveness for the state and improving services for the elderly. If that doesn’t make him one of your top 5 civic leaders I don’t know what does.
10. He is also a regular CNN Commentator.
Photo: Nomorecocktails
At just 31 Bakari now serves as a CNN commentator, regularly showing up on our television screens proving to us that anything is possible no matter where we come from. He is also a perfect example of what can happen when you stop asking for permission to get involved in your local government.
Bakari Sellers continues to prove that the only limits that exist are the ones you place on yourself. At just 31, he continues to change the world while not forgetting about his home state of South Carolina. May we be as bold as him.
