UPDATE! I'm so excited I made the rec list! I am heading to Pittsburgh to attend Netroots Nation and support James Perry for Mayor of New Orleans. Find out why...
During the past four years the social and political aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans has been at the center of my teaching, intellectual, and advocacy work as a professor of politics and African American studies.
The lessons of New Orleans also influence much of my work as a regular media commentator on American politics. I am often called on to provide analysis and insight, and whatever my successes or failings in that endeavor, I hope I have been clear about my commitment to full recovery in New Orleans, to racial healing in our national politics, and to the potential of progressive politics to improve our country.
Although the 2008 elections are barely behind us, progressives now have to turn our attention to 2010. This means that despite the high drama of Washington politics we must focus on local elections. That is why I am headed to Pittsburgh this week for Netroots Nation.
I believe in the enormous untapped potential in America's democratic forms of new media. I believe that many local leaders have ideas that respond to our nation's most pressing problems. I believe that Americans can still engage in respectful deliberation and disagreement and work toward substantive policy solutions. Netroots Nation is a chance to see all of these things in action.
I also firmly believe that one of the most extraordinary of these new political leaders is James Perry. James Perry is running for mayor of New Orleans in an open seat race and a crowded field. James is a native of New Orleans, but he not the a typical New Orleans politician. James is a candidate with fresh ideas, a deep commitment to his city, and a track record of advocacy for ordinary people. He is honest, brilliant, funny, and real. James is a son of the city, a graduate of its schools and universities, and the executive director of Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center.
As a point of full disclosure James is not only my long time friend, a fellow advocate, and my co-author, James is also my romantic partner.
I have known James since I met him after the storm. I was conducting and presenting research on Katrina and American politics. James was dubious that I could fully understand his beloved city as an outsider, but he gave me a chance and over the years we have forged a mutual respect for one another.
He is a lawyer who uses the law to protect marginal communities and bring justice to those who are shut out. He is a community organizer who encourages ordinary citizens to come up with their own solutions. He is a teacher who has been generous with his time when I bring cohorts of students to the city. He is an inspiring leader who shepherded his young staff through the difficult months after Katrina. He is a quality manager who has successfully changed policy throughout the city and region. He is a dedicated homeowner who has struggled for years to restore his home. He has been a real friend to me in countless ways: sharing his New Orleans, teaching me intricacies of discrimination law. After years of working together our friendship and mutual respect became romantic.
My support of James Perry and his candidacy is firmly rooted in what I know about James as a person and what I believe he can do for New Orleans. I believe it is time to have someone like James in elected office. As we find processes for democracy, inclusion, and fairness in New Orleans we can create models for our country.
I hope those who are planning to attend Netroots Nation in Pittsburgh this week will take the time to come out and meet James and me and talk with us about the future of New Orleans. You can find us on Friday August 14th at 5:30pm Firehouse Lounge in Pittsburgh, PA.
You can also learn more about both us on Twitter. Follow me @harrislacewell and find James @JamesPerry2010
See you in Pittsburgh!