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In high school, I served on the Syracuse Common Council Youth Advisory Board. It was my first time being in city hall, and I had no interest in wandering the halls alone to look for my group. I sat in the lobby, waiting, and observed the massive wall of mayors from past to present.

It didn’t take me long to recognize a pattern. There was no one on that wall that looked like me, and I was surprised to learn that day that Syracuse has never had a Black mayor.

Coming from a predominantly Black high school and neighborhood in Syracuse, it struck me as odd to not see a single Black representative elected as mayor. Although the cohort of youth on the advisory board mirrored the diversity in Syracuse and we were encouraged to think more about civic engagement, on my first day I quickly noticed a gap in leadership. Despite the diversity among us, I saw a lack of representation in the city’s highest offices, which made me realize the need for more inclusive leadership at the top.

This realization stirred something in me. It wasn’t just a matter of personal identity but one of representation in leadership. How could Syracuse, a city that prides itself on being a melting pot of cultural diversity, a city with such a rich history of immigration, not have leadership that reflected those realities? From that day, I became determined to understand local government better, hoping one day I might even run for mayor to change that narrative.

As Mayor Ben Walsh’s term began to reach its end, I kept my ear to the ground to hear who might throw their hat in the ring. I was extremely excited when I heard the announcement that Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens confirmed her campaign for mayor.

Her candidacy holds the promise of a new era of leadership, one that is inclusive and reflects Syracuse’s evolving demographics. For years, this city has grappled with issues of systemic inequality, from racial and economic disparities to challenges in education and housing.

These are not new problems, but they demand fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. I believe these solutions can come from leaders who understand the lived experiences of underrepresented communities, like Owens.

Owens is also more than qualified to run for mayor. Prior to her time as Deputy Mayor, she graduated from SU and focused her time afterward on public service. She started her career at the Dunbar Center and then moved on to other community nonprofit organizations such as P.E.A.C.E. Inc.

Looking past her career path, she has even spent time working with families in Syracuse that are facing poverty and seeking ways to better their situations. Her work at Home Headquarters, for example, involved helping families with foreclosure prevention. These are the kinds of experiences that shape a leader who is both connected to the community and deeply invested in its future.

For a city like Syracuse, previous experience in the community that involves working alongside residents and understanding their needs, helps better shape a leader who can craft solutions that are meaningful. It is not just about credentials looking good on paper, but reflecting a track record of commitment to equity and community.

Alex Levy | Design Editor

Having a leader who truly understands the lived experiences of the people they serve gives hope for a Syracuse where the leadership and policy voice the needs of residents historically left out the conversation.

Representation and diversity are key to building inclusive policies and opening the doors for others to run in future elections. But representation alone isn’t enough. Leadership must be coupled with actions and policies that reflect the needs of the people. This upcoming election, Syracuse is at a crossroads.

It does mean something to future voters and young people that they don’t see themselves represented in positions of political power. There is something inspirational to know that people who look like you are capable of entering spaces previously excluded from them.

Talking about what representation means for Syracuse also requires us to reflect on the past. One clear example of this is the lack of representation that impacts a community such as the Urban Renewal Project.

Not too long ago, Black and impoverished communities living in the 15th Ward did not have voice or political power in Syracuse, which allowed for political leaders to create their own narratives about the neighborhood. Minority needs were pushed aside, creating long term effects for the future families that now reside next to I-81.

Even now, residents don’t feel heard by officials, requesting more transparency about the redevelopment of public housing. When leadership does not reflect the people it serves, decisions are made by those who don’t understand or prioritize the marginalized communities that policy affects.

What Syracuse needs is someone to fight for the voices of their constituents and effectively represent the people who elected them into office. Displacement, housing insecurity and economic inequality are not new issues, they are a part of a longer legacy of exclusion and disregard.

The issues we face are complex, so the solutions must be equally nuanced. This is why representation and diversity in leadership are necessary ideals to create policy changes to address the root of an issue. Whether it’s addressing the affordable housing crisis or food insecurities, Syracuse’s next mayor will need to take bold, thoughtful action to serve the greater good.

Deputy Mayor Owens’ candidacy represents a step forward in the right direction. But beyond her, I hope that this moment will inspire other young people in Syracuse to participate in its political landscape.

The time for leadership that truly reflects Syracuse is now. Let’s make sure our next mayor understands that and is ready to act on it.

Sarhia Rahim is a senior policy studies major. Her column appears bi-weekly. She can be reached at slrahim@syr.edu.

Published on October 17, 2024 at 12:40 am