Another Mayoral Conversation
I had the opportunity to sit down with my neighbor, and Minneapolis candidate for mayor, Jazz Hampton
Hi Readers,
I’m pleased to share with you another important conversation that I got to have with a candidate for Minneapolis mayor, my neighbor and fellow MPS parent, Jazz Hampton.
As in my previous conversation with Dr. DeWayne Davis, after speaking with Jazz - I felt more hopeful than I did before our conversation started. The two candidates have some important things in common: like integrity, a willingness to tell the truth about the challenges facing our city, and a demonstrated history of putting that willingness and integrity into action with community organizations and neighbors.
They also have some distinct differences: while Davis comes from a background of legislative staff service and ministry, Hampton (who is almost 20 years younger) comes from a legal and entrepreneurial background. Both are Black men, but Davis comes from deep roots in Mississippi, with connections to the Civil Rights movement - and Hampton has lived his whole life in Minnesota, and is also biracial.
Because I just shared with you a long-form written interview with Davis - I wanted to do something different with Hampton, and so I took the chance to film our interview. Also a big thanks to Jason and Leah Buck, who are members at Lake Nokomis Lutheran, and who encouraged me to make this interview happen (and helped facilitate it).
I feel really grateful that I live in a city where such dynamic and service-oriented people are willing to take the risk and challenge of running for mayor, especially against an incumbent. And I also feel really, really grateful that both Davis and Hampton wanted to take the time to talk with me. I’m glad to share more about both of them with all of you - and please do share with those you know in Minneapolis.
For all of my non-Minneapolis readers, don’t worry - we’ll get back to our usually scheduled content on Sunday. And I am praying for all of us across America as Election Day comes up on Tuesday. May we turn away from political violence, may our candidates and politicians turn away from grift and lies and toward the truth - and may they govern always remembering the basic humanity and image of God that dwells in every single person. As Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said earlier this month, we do not call people aliens. Everyone. Everyone. Is a human being first and foremost.
Now here’s my video with Jazz!
P.S. …
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