“…it’s a call to meet a moment head-on. We—all of the intersections—must be seen, heard, and recognized, not sidelined or forgotten, through the next four years and beyond.”

–Densil P.

My adult life truly began when I came to Ohio for college–Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. For eight years, the greater Columbus area was my home, shaping my perspective and values. In 2006, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where I deepened my engagement with LGBTQ+ initiatives, focusing on equal rights and safe schools. While I lived there, I returned to Columbus regularly—for work, to visit my adopted Ohio family, and to witness the city’s remarkable evolution. In 2012, I made the decision to return and call Columbus home, planting roots that have grown deep.

I Am a First-Generation College Graduate.

On my wall hang several diplomas: my bachelor’s degree, my MBA, my high school diploma, and my mother’s GED. These represent hard work and determination, but they also remind me of disparities in opportunity. My mother earned her GED years after leaving Jamaica and bringing her children to America in search of a better life. Her perseverance inspires me daily and informs my belief in the transformative power of education.

I believe a strong educational foundation enables young people to achieve their dreams. Programs like I Know I Can and City Year Columbus are essential models, and I am committed to advocating for expanded funding and resources to sustain and enhance these initiatives. Every Columbus resident deserves access to the opportunities that education can provide. [Learn more about Densil’s Focus Areas]

I Am a Naturalized American.

When my mother left Jamaica, she dreamed of a better life for us, and that dream has guided my own journey. While I’ve traveled diverse roads, they’ve all been purposeful, leading me to opportunities to create change and expand access to the opportunities that make our nation great. My Caribbean identity has instilled in me a deep understanding of cultural competence and inclusion, equipping me to navigate the social and economic disparities I’ve encountered.

In 2008, I became a U.S. citizen, inspired by the democratic process and the faith Americans place in the ideals of this great nation. This moment solidified my commitment to contributing to our democracy and to ensuring its promises are fulfilled for all. I am a proud American citizen who feels a call to participate more directly in its democratic goals.

Columbus, Ohio, is home to a diverse and growing population of New Americans. Approximately 14% of Columbus residents are foreign-born (Census Bureau).

I Am Columbus.

In this place I launched myself out into the world. It was in this place that I developed great friendships; which have evolved into new definitions of family. It was here that I chose to return to buy my first house and today I am proud to call this city home. It is here that my roots will continue to grow strong and my future will become interwind as deep as my past, and we, the City and I, will be better for it.

As Columbus continues to grow (about 20.6% of residents have moved within the past year, which includes relocations from other parts of Ohio, different states, or abroad (Census Reporter)) and evolves, I am committed to contributing to its growth as a great American city—one where every resident feels valued and represented. It would be my honor to serve the citizens of this city I call home. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Columbus.

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Columbus Urban League’s Empower 2022: Densil Porteous

As seen at Empowerment Day 2022, Densil Porteous, Executive Director at Stonewall Columbus shares his “Empowered Story,” reflecting on his role and the work of the urban league over the past few years.

Midwest Drive @ SXSW 2023: Densil Porteous

Densil travels to Austin, TX for SXSW and spends time with Spencer Elliott-Hair talking about his work promoting access for marginalized groups in a variety of sectors and how Columbus is at the heart of this work.

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