A close look at recent November 2022
elections across the state and nation will bring inclusion to persons listed in
the subject of this Opinion Editorial, “Why Did We Run… and Why We Still Won.
"WHAT SOME ARE SAYING AND WHAT I KNOW IS TRUE"
Let’s start with me in Dumas. Why
did I run and how ‘we’ still won.
I ran for Mayor of Dumas because
God has use of me. I ran not just to be mayor BUT with the promise of a Vision,
“A NEW DAY IN DUMAS” and the fact that Dumas needed another choice on the
ballot.
For over 60 + years, there have
been things and people missing from productive outreach in the ranks of
leadership and programs to serve ‘all of Dumas’. I have been keenly watching
and this was the time to be introduced to this process of election. I’m so glad
I did, and I won (not the election outcome) because being willing and obedient
to God always makes us winners. And it was so enlightening to get a closer look
at the process and to see who really stands with you, who does not, etc., these
things matter.
Now the real questions: Will the
election of a new mayor deliver what’s been missing in this office of the mayor
of Dumas? Will a vision for “A New Day in Dumas” come from the ‘Vision’ that those
with me and joint-vision leaders have been submitting and operating in various
parts for the past 15 years? Will
leaders (present and past), come to our senses and determine to work in unity
and stop competing and attempting to copy the models (especially) that we have
brought forth that are in many records?
Let me be abundantly clear. No,
I have no animosity, dislike, etc., against the new mayor. I wish him all the
best. I can only say that during the past 15+ years since I have been working
in Dumas and those who have been with us, we have brought demonstrative assets
and results and that I have not seen him engaged in the public forum ranging
from chamber meetings, city council meetings nor public outreach during the
2019-2022 Pandemic. Does it mean he has
not done anything? No. It means that I
have no reference to such records of merit. When we asked for a debate, he did
not comply. He did not answer.
How We Still Won: I see God
giving Dumas a choice with me and see it still going forward. The New Day has
arrived as promised. No, not in the role
as mayor but in the role of a man of God who sees greatness in Dumas and the
Delta through our vision at The Legacy Center with our Higher Education Campus
and multiple programs outlined on our website at dat-c.org and The College of
Aspiring Artists.
Finally, why did Dr. Chris Jones
run for Governor? How can it be stated
that he still won, and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the newly elected
governor? God always gives choices; we have the opportunity to choose. The options being present (rather than not) is
the key observation of this Op-Ed.
Why did Aaron Joseph run for city
council and how did he still win? He won
as a young man of color as the only Gen Z candidate. He ran on the platform, “I choose the ballot
over the bullet.” His works continue as
a man who chooses to live in Dumas and fight for the New Day vision. (These are
my reflections and more to come).
These points may be argued by
some or by others, nonetheless, ‘winning’ is not totally relegated to who has
the ‘elected’ position. Ultimately, it’s about getting the vision to the
destination that brings hope and uplift to God’s people.
I submit to all persons who are
reading this to pay close attention to the vision and the visionaries who work
the works with or without the ‘elected’ roles and see how we won and will
continue to do so as we transition, trusting God and the good and godly people
who know that our works and visions matter.
My commitment to Dumas and the
Delta is strong and fortified in faith. The
next phase is continued development for our campus, THE LEGACY CENTER in West
Dumas. The online campus is operating at www.dat-c.org
and new information on the site confirms the open registration starting soon.
The youth are watching and waiting
on us. Let’s make this happen for all of them. We welcome people from across
the city and county and state as we present A New Day in Dumas. Any of you and
all of you, feel free to reach me directly at 501.683.8555 or 870.623.8179 or
dat-c.org or email me at: ceo@thecollegeofaspiringartists.education
