Van outdoor advertising:Kenyan native Esther Ngotho, kicks off her official Esther Ngotho for Beverly At Large Campaign . Photo Images/Sam Mwaura/ Samrack Media

Kenyan native Esther Ngotho, kicks off her official “Esther Ngotho for Beverly At Large Campaign”

Esther Ngotho for Beverly At-Large

Black Lives Matter

As it has been unequivocally stated, in this country, all lives will not matter until black lives matter! A while ago, I intimated to you my intentions to run for a city council seat in Beverly, MA. I am running as a Councilor-At-Large, which means that my constituency is the entire city of Beverly.

Donate:Esther Ngotho for Beverly At-Large GO FUND

I am sick and tired of watching other people try to represent our lives, our circumstances, and our most urgent needs. Even the well-intentioned end up running our lives, misrepresenting our true voice, and giving our priorities the back seat.

I have decided that we Africans need to come out of the Lost-and-Found box, and represent ourselves properly in our communities. We must find ourselves, stand up, and run our own lives.

I am happy that David Osare, a native of Ghana, is running for the ward 3 council seat in his city of Worcester – we need to support him, too.

Local politics, even more than state or federal politics, has the greatest impact on each of our lives. On the local level, we need to ask ourselves some pertinent questions. For instance, why is it that the Opioid “epidemic” is medicalized while the crack “epidemic” is criminalized? Right now, the only reason I can think of is that opioid crisis is affecting the white middle class while the crack crisis is a problem for the people of color, especially our young black men. For the past two years, I have had the opportunity of being a member of Beverly Human Rights Committee and I have also served as the city’s Affirmative Action Officer for the Democratic City Committee.

Along the way, it has become very clear to me that if you do not have a seat at the dinner table, then you are in the menu! It is also evident that, when marginalized people are represented equitably at the table, more just policies are likely to be enacted. With this knowledge I have no choice but to confidently approach this table. I will faithfully serve, advocating for many who have been underrepresented or misrepresented in the past.

I will never cease working on behalf of minorities, immigrants, women, people of color, the elderly, those with disabilities, and our young black men. Black Lives Matter. I am here to ensure that they matter to those in power. As I share this vision with congregations and groups of people, I receive overwhelming support from you, my community members. It is now time to trust the voice of the people and take a leap of faith.

Our campaign is in serious need of volunteers to share this vision and secure votes. We need to let people know we need representation by one of our own. To register as a volunteer, please call Anthony Kerubo on 978 394 8081 use “Cash app” or “Go Fund Me” links provided and donate generously to our campaign. Also like and follow us on facebook @beverlyconversations.

Now is the time to secure equitable representation. Now, and not after decisions are made by those without our true needs in mind. Please join me in this campaign. Thank you.