Here lies an opportunity.
White leaders can uplift Black, Indigenous, and People of color to elected office.
2020 was eye-opening for White folks. It was the year of social and racial disparity on display that no one can ignore.
San Mateo County, California, is not immune to injustice. The solution lies in getting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and female voices at the table. Economically, politically and socially, the lack of BIPOC leadership is a well-known and growing problem that is perpetuated, in part, by incumbency and current elected officials endorsing candidates that look like themselves.
In San Mateo County, our elected officials do not look like our residents. A striking example is the Board of Supervisors’ makeup: a completely White Board with only one woman’s voice when over half the county comprises people of color. Asian-Americans comprise the largest minority, making up over 30%, and the LatinX community is about 25%. With districting in play, this past year’s elections showed promise, like in Redwood City, where for the first time, its new city council is made up of a majority of People of Color. Or, like in South San Francisco, where a young, LGBTQ, Asian-American unseated an 18-year incumbent. San Mateo County is yearning for change.
Here lies an opportunity as the 2022 elections approach. We will be voting for key positions, like District 2 & 3 Supervisors, Controller, Coroner, Sheriff, District Attorney, Treasurer, Tax Collector, and other local races. Our White-male leadership, in positions of power (current Supervisors, State Senators, Assemblymembers, and Councilmembers), have the unique opportunity to actively take steps to end systemic racism and make space for qualified people of color. There are experienced, talented, and skilled BIPOC and female leaders ready to take on the challenge of elected office. Dear White men, this is your opportunity to uplift women, Brown, and Black candidates by endorsing and supporting them (and waiting for filing deadlines before making commitments). This is your opportunity to bring diverse voices and life experiences to the table. I would sure be happy to see someone on that board that looks a little more like me. #representationmatters
