"It's okay to disagree with the thoughts or opinions expressed by other people. That doesn't give you the right to deny any sense they might make. Nor does it give you a right to accuse someone of poorly expressing their beliefs just because you don't like what they are saying. Learn to recognize good writing when you read it, even if it means overcoming your pride and opening your mind beyond what is comfortable."
― Ashly Lorenzana

I've been given an angel who made me a better man.

Sam Parham, I don't need to insult you or the council because I understand data.

A small city with a poverty rate over twenty percent is concerning and impacts our overall health, as the current council and those behind the scenes haven't seen the urgency to find solutions. Enough about the casino being a game-changer—because I know how poor our infrastructure is and the difficulties our citizens face in finding jobs at a casino, as well as the jobs needed to support a family of four.

For years, I've focused on the city's core issues, while you and others behind the scenes have tried to discredit my reputation. Your childish behavior has cost me money and caused my wife significant stress.

Here's what you're not understanding: whether a Black man is a politician or activist, the media and others often diminish our worth. The lack of trust is clear in the media and among those involved in politics.

Want proof? If you or I had sent the text messages that our Virginia state attorney-elect did, how do you think others would have reacted? What if we were involved with an underage girl—how far do you think our careers would have gone? If either of us had a felony record, do you think we could hold elected office?

So while you and a few colleagues tried to discredit me and others, you only helped a larger strategy—one that actually worked. What strategy? The emasculation of Black men in politics. Lavar Stoney wanted to run for governor but was convinced to run for the second seat. Where is he now? Remember the delegate who wanted to run for Congress but stepped aside?

On a national level, who does the Democratic Party focus on more—Black men or women? Who tends to drop out of high school or struggles to get a college education? Who faces higher incarceration rates?

Black men are promoted more on the PPD Facebook page than any other media source in the area, and that's a problem. So why am I planning to create a wave of political ads against you and your colleagues? Because you forgot that Black men matter—those who are not in organizations, better neighbors, and don't hold titles. You forgot that young Black men are in desperate need of Black mentors, and discrediting mentors hurts our cause.

Sam, who has been devalued more than Black men in Virginia politics? Black men from Petersburg.

We've been devalued and undermined not by whites but by the enemy within. We must find common ground and demand equal treatment in our local and national politics.