市长Michael T. 4, J.D., stands as a trailblazer in both his public and private life, 根植于教育, 服务, and a commitment to community well-being. His narrative extends beyond politics and into the hearts of Whitehall's residents.
“Whitehall is a fantastic community. We are probably one of the most diverse suburbs in Central Ohio. We’re approximately 45 percent white and 39 to 42 percent African American. We’re a mix of diverse cultures. Their children go to school together, 他们同居, and they really look forward to each other’s success,比文斯说.
The City of Whitehall witnessed a historic general election in 2023 when voters elected 4 as the first African-American mayor in the city's 76-year history. 4, initially serving as the Whitehall City Attorney, had previously marked his entry into local politics as the city's first African American elected official.
“I sit in this position more humbled by the office than I am being the first African American mayor for the City of Whitehall,比文斯说. “I definitely don’t want to be the last. I want that door to always be open.”
4 has practiced 法律 in the State of Ohio and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio since 2003. He previously had been a managing partner of his own 法律 firm and served as the First African American elected official in the City of Whitehall. He also served as a pastor and as a veteran in the United States Marine Corps during operation Desert Storm.
“The inspiration from city attorney to mayor was completely to keep the progress of the city. My wife and I moved to Whitehall when we were in our early thirties. I want Whitehall to stay a city that’s welcoming and inviting to young families,比文斯说. “It’s a small town within a big city. Neighbors take it really personally when their next-door neighbor is not doing well. It’s nothing to see people sitting out on the porch talking about their daily lives. That’s what makes Whitehall special. We can really develop long-lasting relationships.”
As a non-traditional student at 资本, 4 navigated the challenges of balancing work, 家庭, 和教育, highlighting the supportive environment for students like him. He graduated in 1995 with an undergraduate degree in economics and then earned his J.D. in 2001.
“I had been in the United States Marine Corps and was working full time. I chose 资本 because it was the best fit for me and my life. It was a fantastic experience. I matriculated through the School of Management and then went directly to 威尼斯人平台 法学院,比文斯说. “I think the unsung story of 资本 is that it provides pathways for non-traditional students. 资本 finds a lane for people like me. By the time I was in 法律 school, I was married and taking care of a 家庭. Looking back on it, it was the only fit for me.”
Mayor 4 has been married to Joy Bledsoe 4 ’99, 多学科研究, 超过25年. Joy was recently honored as one of 资本’s Distinguished 校友 during Homecoming 2023. 他们有两个孩子, Mikayla 4, a graduate of Hampton University, 迈克尔·贾斯汀, currently a senior at North Carolina A&T州立大学.
4’ commitment to keeping doors open for the younger generation reflects a dedication to a legacy of diversity, 平等, 和服务. In a world often pulling individuals in different directions, he serves as a reminder that knowing one's values is crucial for effective leadership and positive community impact.
“The world of politics can pull a person in so many different directions. If you don’t know who you are and you don’t know your values, then you can find yourself being tossed to and fro with people’s opinions and ideas,比文斯说.
“Invest the time to truly figure out what your ‘yeses’ are and what your ‘noes’ are. Once you have figured that out, you're on a great path to becoming a leader and being able to genuinely serve people who need your advocacy.”
For more information about economics at 资本, visit http://www.资本.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/economics/.
To learn more about 威尼斯人平台 法学院, visit http://www.Law.Capital.edu/.