To Lead is to Serve

Picky people pick particular persons to place their problems first. Please be punctual when putting your pen to paper and pick Melvin and Montrie as the perfect choice for endless possibilities. They are passionate, personal, polished, professional people with the power to solve potential problems for SHS.

I know. It’s a little corny, but it was my first attempt at running for office. It was our high school campaign slogan for president and vice president of student senate. It was plastered all over Shaw High School’s giant billboards and wherever we could place it. We were attempting to be unique, to craft something that stood out and was memorable. It worked. At least I remember it.

After I left high school, my next-door neighbor, Ms. Alma Baylor ran for council. She asked me to be her campaign treasurer. Of course, I agreed. I now have experience running campaigns. I learned a lot knocking on doors, talking to people about the issues and what they cared about.

Then there was the time many years later when I volunteered to serve as the vice president for the newly revived Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in Cleveland. Whenever there was injustice, we were front and center, reaching out to the media for exposure, marching, calling out those in power for them to right wrongs.

Public servants are special. The Bible says, “The race is not given to the swift or to the strong but to the one who endures to the end... (Ecclesiastes 9:11). As a public/community servant, or servant leader, one must have a high level of humility, be selfless, empathetic and a visionary. They are deeply committed to identifying and fulfilling the needs of those they serve. They recognize the invaluable contribution of every member of society. Some issues are not solved overnight. Sometimes it may take years. One must endure to the end.

To lead, diversity of thought is highly encouraged. You must create a culture of trust, have an unselfish mindset and foster leadership in others. That may be hard to do for some. Many people want to lead, but many don’t want to serve.

In this public service issue, we elevate those who are in the trenches. We give kudos to Black women leading three Greater Cleveland cities, Mayors Blackwell, Thomas, and Traore. They are doing what’s necessary to make their cities better and more resilient. The sacrifices they make, many refuse.

Our cover story reiterates that the time is now for Black women to serve in public office. The Matriots, an Ohio Political Action Committee, is ensuring that more women serve, by supporting them with what they most often lack to succeed. Finances.

We hope that reading about their stories and the support that’s now available, will spark an interest in our readers to consider making their communities better. That’s where it starts. What do you see around you that should be better? What needs fixing? What irks you when you walk around your neighborhood? Every area in our communities can improve. You can be that person who helps turn your community around. Our public servants profiled on pages 41-47 are examples of people who chose a career that changes lives.

While you’re reflecting on giving yourself to others, don’t forget to take care of you. Consider incorporating art into your wellness regime (p. 35), take that much deserved vacation (p. 9), and spruce up your spring wardrobe. It will make you feel better (p. 16).

Consider your brand and how you’re represented professionally and online (p. 15). As in most of our issues, we want you to pay attention to your knack for philanthropy (p. 32), and your health (p. 22).

We hope this issue will ignite in you a passion for public service. There are never too many in the trenches. Your community needs you.

Montrie Rucker Adams, APR, DTM, MBA Editor, The Black Professional magazine Chief Visibility Officer, Visibility Marketing Inc.

NOTE: We’re always looking for good writers. If interested, please contact me at editor@bpacf.org.