Every February we, as a country, celebrate Black History Month. It’s a time to look back at those brave men and women like Dr. Martin Luther King, John Lewis, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, and so many others who paved the way, broke down barriers, and stood up to injustice and inequality for the rights of all African Americans. These inspirational figures have inspired new leaders to stand up and carry on the struggle. One of those individuals is Allen Ellison, who is running to be the first Black United States Senator for the State of Florida. This historic honor is a great responsibility that he is ready and eager to take on.
On most days you can find this Senatorial Candidate cutting hair at a Salon Spa, of which he is the owner. Those 15 minutes that customers sit in his chair for their haircut he uses as an opportunity to build relationships with his community. He uses these moments to find people in need of help or advice. He does more then cut and style, he educates and teaches.
A common question Allen asks people the most in his day to day life is “What are your issues?” Most politicians don’t take the time to ask the important questions to the voters. This is why Allen does not see himself as a politician. “I am not a politician. I am a leader” says Allen quite often. This Is a man who doesn’t want the platform of being a Senator for the fame, perks, and recognition. He is someone who finds satisfaction in making a difference in people’s lives. He is not in this race for recognition but to recognize that he is in office to work for the people of Florida.
Allen is person who respects those who came before him. He finds inspiration in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King. He finds peace from the actions of John Lewis. He finds courage from the heart of Rosa Parks. I got a chance to ask Allen how impactful would it be to become the first African American US Senator and he responded by saying "The U.S. Senate has existed for 231 years. So, for two centuries, there have only been 11 senators who look like me and on many levels, who can identify with me. It is a shame that black and brown people have been disproportionately underrepresented in the United States Senate. Without a voice to speak truth to power and without an ear to listen to the cries of the people, the people will loose faith in government and pull away from the political process. We have witnessed the erosion in our political engagement over the years and throughout the country. Without a voice people feel powerless. I am running to give a voice to the voiceless, to listen to their cries, learn from the people, and make maximum positive impact in their worlds. I have a vision that will ignite an awakening of the consciousness within the people who have been forgotten about, overlooked, disregarded, and marginalized. These are the people that are in desperate need of a Senator and I will be their champion.”
Allen Ellison knows that when he defeats Senator Marco Rubio in 2022 he will be taking his place humbly among those other great African men and women that paved the way for him and he will look back through the echoes of time and be proud of what he has accomplished.