Today was a very hot and I was on doors all day. Near the end of my planned canvassing time I knocked a door where a man answered who was initially hesitant but we had a brief conversation which soon became a longer conversation before he excused himself to go speak with his wife for a moment. I was invited into their home and spoke with them at length regarding many concerns they have. They shared with me the concerns they have over the racism they encounter in daily life, how inadequate training and education regarding constitutional law and the rights of citizens impacts public policy and policing in our country.
I was touched by their kindness and by their support. They made sure I had water and even gave me a few snacks to take home to my son. (Who was quite fond of the cookies!) These deep human connections provide guidance and grounding and remind me why I am out in the Missouri summer knocking on the doors of strangers. Because these experiences, these struggles, they matter. These conversations guide my understanding of what this position should entail. A representative should be representing the needs of their constituency for me to do that, I must investigate what those needs are. When people share with me their concerns and experiences, I am better able to imagine how policy might be better shaped to reflect those needs and experiences.
My background in anthropology guides my understanding of how to conduct my campaign; as ethnographer, collaborative researcher, and activist. There is a way forward, beyond racism and extremism, primarily through education and policies that support public good by protecting shared resources and promoting access to these resources. Missouri legislature, over the last 20 years, has largely moved in the opposite direction it’s time to forge a new path; one of conversation and collaboration.