Carla Viviana Gonzalez Washington D.C. events offer an opportunity to develop local leadership

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By Carla Viviana González

On Wednesday, when I awoke to the Georgia election results, I was hopeful. Beyond partisan politics, the elections of Reverend George Warnock and John Osoff to the United States Senate represents the evolution of a nation. With the election of the first Black senator from the South and the election of a Jewish son of an immigrant, they represent a reorientation towards justice and the people.

Reverend Warnock quoted Martin Luther King Jr. in saying, “We are tied in a single garment of destiny. We are caught up in an inescapable network of mutuality. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

I can only hope that leaders like John Osoff and Rev. Warnock follow in the steps of visionary leaders such as Dr. King.

I almost let the spirit of hope and empowerment present in this election get drowned out by the events that took place at our nation’s Capitol Building, but we cannot let that happen. While the treasonous actions that were fueled by the surge of white supremacy and alt-right nationalism were meant to inspire chaos, these acts of domestic terrorism bring into focus the importance of our continued participation in local democracies and grassroots organizing.

As a councilmember of our great city and as an educator in our community, I hope that yesterday’s events inspire us to unite as a community and support the development of current and future resident leaders. As we continue to adhere to the democratic transition of power, may we heal collectively and continue to do the work needed to create a more equitable and just society.

I have faith especially in our youth, that we will challenge ourselves to be better, to be bolder, and to be braver. May the space between where we are now, and where we want to be inspire us, not deter us.

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