why i’m running

There is a memory I will never forget, no matter how much I grow in age or wisdom. After my parents divorced, my mother, two siblings, and I found ourselves living in a car parked outside of a Walgreens. We had a routine: wake up, freshen up at McDonald’s, then head to school for a hot meal provided by the free and reduced lunch program. After school, while mom went to work, we’d hang out at a park until it was time to return to Walgreens, push the seats back, and sleep.

One night, a police officer knocked on our car window, responding to reports of a vehicle frequently parked at Walgreens. I remember the fear on my siblings’ faces and the pain in my mother’s voice as she explained our situation, pleading for us not to be taken away. The officer did his job—he kept us safe. That night, we were connected to a local shelter, where my mom found temporary housing until she secured government assistance. Eventually, we moved into our own home at 708 Southwest McKinley. What I once thought was a painful memory, I now see as proof of the power of local government. It’s a testament to how resources, when deployed effectively, can change lives.

That’s why I’m running for Wichita City Council, District 1. I’ve experienced firsthand how investments in transitional and affordable housing, public safety, and quality-of-life initiatives can break cycles of poverty. For some, a park is just green space—for underserved communities, it’s an outlet to dream and play. I became a first-generation college graduate not because I did it alone, but because a village helped fill the gaps. I want to ensure others have the same opportunities.

My drive to serve is rooted in my faith. The AME Church, with its foundation in civic and social action, taught me that our calling is to pour into the lives of others—especially those most in need. True community evolution happens when we invest in people, economic prosperity thrives, and every family gains access to opportunity. Local government plays a critical role in this. It exists to serve, to uplift the least among us, and to collaborate with businesses, industries, and communities so that we all move forward together.

I’m running for Wichita City Council, District 1 because I feel called to serve. Keeping the benefits I’ve received to myself would be a disservice to those who sacrificed for me. Wichita is my home—not because I’ve lived in one house my whole life, but because it’s where I built my foundation. It’s where I found my voice to fight for those who feel invisible.

District 1 is hungry for progress. Residents want their voices heard in development decisions, not for their neighborhoods to be erased. People want to feel safe walking around their neighborhood and community. Police officers must make greater efforts to understand the communities they work in, their cultural DNA and work with the community to achieve this. Families struggle with the burden of childcare, affordable housing, and reliable public transportation. I understand these struggles—not just because I’m empathetic, but because I’ve lived them.

The first Wichita community I knew was 17th and Piatt, where St. Paul AME Church stands as a beacon in a neighborhood some would overlook. I saw its potential. Later, I lived on 19th and Madison during college and young adulthood, witnessing neighbors lean on each other in extraordinary ways. That’s not unique—it’s who we are as a district. It’s why, after moving away briefly, I had to come back. District 1 is home.

I don’t share my story for sympathy. My story has a good ending. But opportunity shouldn’t be reserved for a select few. Wichita—and District 1—is at a crossroads. A looming budget deficit will require tough decisions, and our district has untapped potential in its people and places. I’m ready to use my personal and professional experiences to make bold choices that invest in all of us.

Politics can be messy, but when I think about why I’m running, I think of my siblings—two of whom now call Wichita home. While we have similar upbringings, they were not afforded the same opportunities as I was, and as a result, they’ve experienced pain points I haven’t had to. They may not work in boardrooms yet, but who’s to say they can’t with the right support? Sometimes, barriers that local government have the power to address stand in the way of progress for families and communities, regardless of zipcode.

We all have a stake in this election. For me, it’s about turning deficits into assets, embracing innovation and collaboration, and tackling challenges head-on. That’s what truly matters. The little boy who once slept in a car outside Walgreens, washed up in a McDonald’s, and later found shelter learned that with hope and help, life can change. I’m ready to bring both to District 1 and the entire city of Wichita. 

Many of you know me and know my story, while others are new here and may not. I wrote this blog for both of you. This campaign is just launching and I want to be clear from the beginning on who I am, why I’m running and what we can achieve together. We all have a story. Though they may sound or look different, we’ve been afforded the opportunity to use our stories and experiences for the common good. 

I know that if we work together, there is nothing we can’t do. Onward Together!