Arts
Dave Chappelle once said (something along these lines)… “Don’t be the first black man to do anything.” And what he means is that if you’re the first, you’re the most scrutinized; if you’re the first, your every decision impacts the next black man or woman to follow suit; if you’re first, you better be the best and if you can’t you shouldn’t be the first because the world isn’t kind to black people who make mistakes. So, perhaps the saying should be adjusted… ‘Don’t be the first black man to do anything if you aren’t sure you’re the best person for the role.” Look at former President Obama… he was the first. He was scrutinized. His every decision was weighed and criticized. And he did it all right. He owned his office. He owned his person. He owned his image. And the most tragic event to come from his presidency was the scandal of a tan suit. Commissioner Joshua Simmons understands the political landscape he is navigating and respects the office he holds, and for that, we are proud that he is the first. But there are other elected officials we aren’t so proud of. Scratch that… there are many many other elected officials we are displeased with. And this criticism is not based on prejudice. It’s based on their actions; their backward way of thinking; their obsession with power and status. And that is what Commissioner Simmons says is the most dangerous side-effect of politics: when one’s office becomes their identity. He warns that “if you don’t know who you are when you are sworn into office — if you’re not happy with yourself — then the power bestowed upon you will shape who you are. And if that happens when your moral compass isn’t pointing true, then power will corrupt you.” This isn’t a new realization. It’s human history and it’s written upon every generation. But enough of political drama. It’s an election year, so we’ll receive plenty of that soon enough. Commissioner Simmons has a more important message to share with you. Yes, it has to do with your vote. No, it does not have to do with the presidential vote. Listen up and tune in at 6 PM on June 18th for Uncreative Radio with Joshua Simmons to learn about where you should center your strengths and how we can unite our communities to create positive change in a system that isn’t kind to anyone. And remember, if you’re true to yourself and if your moral compass is guided by empathy and compassion, then you can do great things in this world despite what anyone thinks.