Come Run with Lula

Today, I took campaign pictures in and around the neighborhood that nurtured me. I grew up in, and still live on the west side of Charlotte. When we stopped at the old Park & Shop I got a bit emotional. I got really emotional.

This space was a fixture in our community growing up. It was where we went for fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy and much more. When someones mom told them to run to the store and pick up some eggs, they went there. Now, a lonely vacant building; held up by old strong pillars, Park and Shop is a metaphor for much of Charlotte’s west side.

I’m running for County Commissioner because like Park and Shop, my community is still here. It’s being held up by some of the strong old pillars who have been here since I was learning how to dissect a frog in the high school up the street, but it needs help. We can’t expect the same fixtures that have been in our community for years to keep holding it up, while everything around them closes down. There are seniors who have worked tirelessly to keep our community together. They can’t hold it together forever. Like me, they recognize that our community needs more fresh produce, more small businesses that supply Charlotte’s west side and more of it’s young citizens to get involved to help with this revitalization.

Most of my fondest memories are here. This is a community that nurtured me into the woman that I am, and it deserves more than it’s receiving. There is no age requirement to be of service to my community that gave to me. I’m ready now. The time is now.

Almost everyone in my generation has been to an interview where the recruiter told them that they were looking for fresh, new ideas; but they didn’t get the job because they din’t have enough experience. I’ve found that people want me to bring my millennial friends and their innovative approach to work to events and fundraisers, but when we start discussing running for office, they begin to discuss our lack of experience. How are we supposed to gain experience if no one will give us a chance?

My experience doesn’t look like that of many of our elected officials. I’m proud of that. I’m excited that I bring a new, creative approach to problem solving to the table. I’m excited to empower a new generation of voters to get involved in the political process. Most of all, I’m excited that I represent the diversity and differences so often divide us, but ultimately have the power to unite us.

Representation matters. I am a first generation American, Muslim, millennial brown girl with big hair and even bigger drive. I represent the hopes and dreams that this country is said to be built upon. I represent what was, but most importantly, what can be. I’m not afraid to say that I’m different than a typical politician…and maybe that isn’t a bad thing.

On March 15th, Charlotteans will go to the polls and vote. This will determine rather or not I will be the next County Commissioner for District 2 in Charlotte. It will determine my title, but it won’t change the work that I will do.

With the help of my community, we will revitalize what many people see as a hopeless space in our city. We will create an effective space for networking for new employment and business opportunities. We will train a new generation of workers and ensure that those who have been in the workforce for years have the proper re-tooling. We will create exciting community programs that utilize mentorship and other means to promote literacy, high school graduation and knowledge of self. We will work to implement a stronger shuttle system for seniors with easy accessibility. Many of them have worked all of their lives, and they shouldn’t have to worry about getting to the grocery store for food. We will revitalize the arts in our community. Some of the old, vacant spaces in our community can become beacons of hope; spaces for performance and visual art and future museums and cultural centers. I am committed to what my city is and what she will become.

Social media has afforded me the opportunity to connect with people all over America. What I’ve found is that there is a District 2 in every state. There are small pockets of big cities that are starving for change. There a little towns and big communities that are full of people who want change, but might not know how to get it. There are young women and men all over the country who feel like I do. They want change. People have told them that they are too young or that they need to wait their turn. They don’t look like the status quo or they don’t fit into the current political crew in their city. They can not be deterred. Our future depends on it.

My campaign slogan is #iRunWithLula. Actually, its less of a slogan and more of an invitation. I invite people, young and old, male and female, of every background to run this race with me. Running with me means supporting the ideas and actions of creative change makers around the country. Running with me is an opportunity to show our future politicians that the time is always right to serve our community. Running with Lula is running with every big-haired, wide eyed, hard-working young community activist who has a District 2 to revitalize.

The campaign is heating up and I need your help. All of those in Charlotte or surrounding areas can volunteer in multiple ways. I am need of people to make phone calls, canvass neighborhoods and to help with projects. Please click here to sign up to volunteer. Those in Charlotte and anywhere around the world can help with the purchase of campaign materials and more, by making a donation. Donations of $5 and more can be made here. Every little bit helps. Please keep up with me on social media. Follow me on Facebook, Like me on Instagram and Tweet me on Twitter. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #iRunWithLula.

Let’s make history together!