Black mayors in region urge young people to get involved

The mayors of Youngstown, Farrell and McDonald said being black is not a major factor in their jobs.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — The first black mayors of three local communities say they are delighted with the opportunity to serve but would like to see more young blacks involved in the political process.

Farrell Mayor Olive McKeithan and Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams agree that black history should be celebrated and studied 365 days a year, but younger members of the community should especially use the time set aside during Black History Month to reflect on past struggles and consider a role in the political process.

McDonald Village Mayor Glenn Holmes said those who do enter the political realm should let integrity be their guiding force.

McKeithan had been a member of Farrell City Council for four years before running for mayor. She was elected to another term on city council, but forfeited that position upon being elected mayor in 2007. She is the first female and the first black mayor in the city’s history.

Williams gained local and regional media attention because his 2005 election to mayor brought Youngstown its first black mayor as well as its first independent mayor since 1922.

Holmes served as president of council for McDonald for four years. He was elected to his first term as mayor last year.

All three mayors take pride in being the first black individual to serve in the capacity of mayor in their respective communities, but agree that being black is not a major factor in the job.

“It’s hard to explain [being black and in politics] because I never looked at it as me being a black person in politics,” said McKeithan. “I have been involved in politics for the last 25 years and one thing I have learned is that it’s not about being black. You have to service everyone.”

Williams, offering the same sentiment, said the black community is a smaller piece of the community at large — and any advancement of the community will also reflect in the black community.

“As an African-American you carry the issues of the African-American community, but also the entire community,” he said. “When you advance the causes of the whole community you advance the causes of the African-American community. The two are intrinsically tied.”

Holmes also said race should not be a factor in any election process of service to the community. He said McDonald as a whole is his primary concern.

McKeithan said more young blacks need to be get involved with politics as a means of playing an active role in the community. She said too many leaders in the black community are getting up in years with few ready to step in to take their place.

“I am 66 years old and there needs to be some young people being groomed now to run for council and step into the role of mayor. Many have not been educated about politics and don’t take the time to vote,” she said.

According to Williams, active participation in politics — something he sees as a must for younger blacks and generally anyone of voting age — starts at the ballot box. He said voting has to become a natural part of everyone’s life.

“African-Americans are as capable and competent as any other group of individuals. Over the years we have seen the advancements made by trailblazers that have allowed myself and Mayor McKeithan to be here, but we still have to encourage others to get involved,” he said. “The easiest way to take part in the process is voting. I am astounded with the community as a whole that a little rain or cold weather can keep someone from voting.”

Both Williams and McKeithan say the success of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is a testament to the level of success that can be seen by blacks who get involved in the political process.

Williams, who has given his endorsement to Obama, said the candidate has as much of a chance in winning the election as any other candidate in the race. He said Obama’s black heritage may play a role in the mind of some voters, but likely no more than the religion, age or gender of other candidates.

According to Williams, being a part of the process is important and the success of national figures such as Obama does show how far the country has come in its collective thinking.

But the inner feeling of joy from service is another reason for more blacks to become part of the political process.

“I am having the time of my life. You can’t understand until you have sat in this seat and experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows, but again I am having the time of my life and will do all I can to take advantage of this opportunity to serve,” he said.

Holmes said those who do get involved in the political process must remember one main principle. “God gives us all a calling and if you are trying to do the right thing, that transcends race, gender and economic status. Integrity transcends everything,” he said. “Be a loving, kind, caring person and that will help you to help others if this is truly your calling.”

jgoodwin@vindy.com