Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 23, 2017)
Page 8 The Skanner August 23, 2017 News Lumumba Becomes Youngest Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi Chokwe Antar Lumumba expected to usher in a new era of leadership in Jackson C hokwe Antar Lu- mumba became the youngest mayor in the history of Jackson, Miss., when he was sworn-in last month in front of a standing room-only crowd at Jack- son’s Convention Center Complex. Lumumba, 34, defeat- ed the business-friendly incumbent Mayor Tony Yarber aft er losing to him in a special election in 2014. The seat was left vacant when Lumumba’s father, Chokwe Lumum- ba, died aft er serving less than a year in offi ce. Lumumba called his victory a celebration of the city’s unity. “It’s about our collec- tive eff orts to move Jack- son forward,” Lumumba said to a cheering crowd. A blessing deferred isn’t a blessing denied. Even though he had hoped to fulfi ll the unex- pired term of his father in 2014, Lumumba said he was grateful for los- ing to Yarber, during his fi rst campaign. “I’m actually grateful that we lost the election in 2014, not because the sincerity was not there, not because we didn’t be- lieve we would have done a good job, but, we’ve been able to appreciate far more what’s going on with the city of Jackson, and I’ve been able to ap- preciate more within my- self,” Lumumba shared during an interview with “Democracy Now!” Lumumba continued: “People have to remem- ber, in 2014, not only did I bury my father in a two- month time span and “ When I become mayor, you become mayor then enter into an elec- tion, my wife was preg- nant with our fi rst child. And so there was a world of change. You had a fi rst- time candidate, who had not run for junior class president, much less mayor of a city. And so, we’ve been able to, you know, gather more infor- mation and position our- selves better.” Lumumba said that ev- erything happens in a perfect timing. “We’re happy where we fi nd ourselves at this time, to move forward the agenda that my fa- ther embarked on, an agenda of a people’s platform, one that was not only, you know, sym- bolic of his work in his short term as mayor, but symbolic of a lifetime of work, that he subscribed to and also ultimately dedicated his family to- ward,” said Lumumba. During Lumumba’s swearing-in service, on JAY JOHNSON/MISSISSIPPI LINK By Othor Cain The Mississippi Link NNPA Member Chokwe Antar Lumumba (left) is sworn-in, becoming Jackson’s youngest mayor. Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks right) administers the oath of offi ce to Lumumba as his wife Ebony looks on. the same stage where his father stood on and was sworn-in, just four years ago, he became over- whelmed with emotions. “A son only holds his father’s hand for a short while, but he holds his heart forever,” he said as he fought back tears. “I can’t help, but to be emo- tional today.” The young mayor also paid homage to his moth- er. “My mom’s spirit was infectious, she was the fi rst person to tell me that I was brilliant,” said Lumumba. “If you had the privilege of knowing her or meeting her, she is someone that you would never forget.” In Chicago, earlier this summer, speaking at the People’s Summit, Lumumba shared his thoughts about “the peo- ple’s platform.” “From the moment we announced, we worked hard and aggressively on an agenda that included social justice, economic democracy and making certain that the people had a voice,” he said. “That’s our story, and we’re sticking to it.” Lumumba said that he plans to implement “people’s assemblies,” that speak directly to his campaign promise to the community that he serves. “‘When I become may- or, you become mayor,’” he said, echoing a cam- paign. “These assemblies will give residents an op- A career you can be proud of. Being a carpenter isn’t just a job. It’s a way of life. We’re devoted to strengthening the lives of our members with steady work, wealth and personal growth. portunity to participate in the decision-making process.” Attorney and die-hard Jacksonian Carlyn Hicks described Lumumba in a post on her Facebook page: “My brother, my friend, and now…our mayor. The youngest mayor in the history of our city, an advocate’s advocate, a man’s man of integrity and candor, and a thoughtful, criti- cally-thinking mind of sheer brilliance.” Lumumba said in Chi- cago that all eyes were on Jackson. “So what happens in Jackson, Mississippi, im- pacts each and every one of us. And so we have to make the decision that we’re going to start con- trolling the way electoral politics proceed. We’ve made the decision that we’re going to be the most radical city on the planet, that we’re going to make certain that we change the whole scope of elec- toral politics,” said Lu- mumba. “No longer will we allow an individual to step before us and tell us all of the great things that they’re going to accom- plish on our behalf, only to fi nd that nothing in their past demonstrates a sincerity, a willingness or an ability to do so.” Tackling the city’s bud- get is top priority for Lumumba, who is also known as a social justice activist and attorney. “Shortly aft er we take offi ce, we have to pass a budget. And so, it’s im- portant that we have the right people in place,” said Lumumba. “We have a transition team that’s in place right now, look- ing at the issues which Jackson is facing, mak- ing certain that we don’t make plans just off con- jecture, but a fact-based analysis of where we fi nd our city, and bringing together not only people who have the acumen and ability and skill to do the job, but people who have a passion, a passion which goes beyond just the way we see electoral politics, but a passion to change people’s lives.” What Does the Name Lumumba Mean? Many have; many do; and many will, mispronounce and misspell Lumumba’s name, including this writ- er. When asked the origin and meaning of his name, he shared a quick historical perspective with democra- cynow.org: So, my father changed his name when he was in law school, and accepted a name that he believed to be more cultur- ally identifi able. Chokwe is the name of a tribe in the Angola region, a tribe that was resistant to the slave trade. The name Chokwe means “hunter.” Antar is the name of a historic poet and warrior who died while sav- ing a woman from drown- ing; Antar means “poet” and “warrior.” Lumumba, given that name from our name- sake, Patrice Lumumba, the former prime minister of the Congo, Lumumba means “gifted.” Make The Skanner part of your daily routine We take a stand for our members and all workers. We work together to lead the building industry in safety, training and compensation. We create rich lives for our members and partners. To learn more about becoming a union carpenter, go to NWCarpenters.org. Grab a headline on your mobile device. Enjoy an in-depth read on your desktop. Receive Breaking News in your inbox. Page through the print edition online. PORTLAND: 1636 East Burnside, Portland, OR 97214 | 503.261.1862 HEADQUARTERS: 25120 Pacifi c Hwy S, #200, Kent, WA 98032 | 253.954.8800 More than 20,000 members in the Pacifi c Northwest.
