Candidate: Space to grow
I’m running for Westminster City Council as a voice for change - to bring hope, dignity, and opportunity for everyone.
I’m heavily involved in the community and I’m a small-business owner and experienced professional with leadership across multiple industries (transportation, healthcare, real estate, technology). But, despite those credentials, many folks care more about one characteristic: I’m black.
I’ve spoken directly to thousands of residents, and I’m overwhelmed with the love and support across the community for my candidacy. A common theme: Our residents value and want more equity (e.g. geographic equity of parks and trees or caring for the unhoused). The few residents that don’t care for equity often ask: What’s in it for me?
Equity is the equality of opportunity and of reward for equally good merit. Outside of the moral argument, if we can work together to ensure nobody gets left behind, this will result in reduced crime, increased property values and more productive classrooms (our children all share the same classrooms; when basic needs are taken care of, it leads to more productivity for all).
Power refers to the few in society that yield and benefit from imbalanced dynamics and structures that support our politics, law, and culture. Those with power create differentiation via gender, skin color, income, age, body shape, geography, language, sexuality, formal education and more. So, remember that we are all at different points in the journey towards equity. We must allow the space and grace for all of us to grow.
Obi Ezeadi,
Westminster