When I decided to run for Columbus City Council to represent District-7, it wasn’t just a decision—it was an awakening. An awakening to the reality of the power I hold, we hold, a power that is shaped by the journeys we live; like the journeys I’ve witnessed and heard about from residents across our city.
Growing up my family was lower income, I watched my Jamaican immigrant mother work tirelessly to provide a better life for my siblings and me. I would sometimes wonder why we left our Caribbean home. In New York we moved regularly, often sharing cramped spaces, always striving to make ends meet. In her late twenties, after having four kids, my mother attained her GED and it is her resilience and determination that are at the core of who I am today. Her sacrifices taught me the value of hard work, the importance of community, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves a fair shot.
As a queer Black person, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges that come with navigating a world that isn’t built to include all of us. These experiences have fueled my commitment to advocacy, pushing me to stand up for equity and justice in every space I occupy–pushing me to show up. From serving on the boards of organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and Equitas Health, to leading organizations like the Pride Fund and Stonewall Columbus, my work has always centered on creating opportunities and uplifting underrepresented voices.
But what does this mean for District-7, for Columbus? It means I understand the diverse experiences of our neighbors—the struggles with housing security and insecurity, the desire for safe neighborhoods, the need for economic opportunities that lift everyone up, not just the few. It means I am committed to building a Columbus where every resident, regardless of background, has the chance to thrive.
District-7 is a microcosm of Columbus itself—rich in diversity, forged through resilience, and dripping with potential. And yet, too often, the voices of our community members go unheard in the corridors of power. As your City Council representative, I will change that. I want to ensure that the policies we create reflect the realities of all residents, that the resources we allocate reach more people who need them most, and that the future we build together is intentional, thoughtful, and one where everyone has a place.
I’m running because I believe in the power of community to transform lives–I’m evidence of that. I’m running because I’ve seen what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision and a deep commitment to each other. And I’m running because I know that District-7 deserves a leader who will be prepared on day one to show up, listen, and fight for all of US!
On May 6th, we have the opportunity to choose a truly independent future that works for more of US! That’s why I’m asking for your support, your voice, and most importantly your vote. Because I believe together we can make District-7 a model of what’s possible when we are people, not party, centered and lead with inclusion, equity, empathy, and courage.
.Densil.