March 26, 2024
Trust. A shared zeal for community service, for servant leadership. Outlooks that “clicked.” A willingness to teach and support each other. To work their tails off for each other.
James Mitchell has been an elected official off and on in Charlotte for decades. He had an easily misunderstood habit of giving away free tickets – who paid for these? – but those presenting with him Tuesday say they understand his energy, appreciate his enthusiasm. And each of their life journeys was altered by his acquaintance, his support and his encouragement.
A number of threads run through the morning’s presentation. One was Mitchell’s apparent knack for quickly recognizing in strangers their unspoken eagerness to lead, to give back. Another was opening doors to his new friends, by way of encouraging others to invite them to take on a task. Another was the way in which a talented campaign volunteer coordinator or manager would soon be called by another candidate to help out in another campaign. The nerve center of this informal leadership network was the Charlotte native nicknamed by his family “Smuggie” because of the peanut butter and jelly that always seemed to be on his young face.
Oh, another thread: Most of the enduring relationships discussed Tuesday began over a meal. “I’m ‘old school,’ Mitchell acknowledged. Give him a invitation to an event where there will be food and chances are he will be there.
A number of speakers suggested that the task of local leadership involves far more than what the public sees from the other side of the dais. Time commitments are substantial. Direct participation in helping constituents find relief requires skills and street smarts.
The leadership role as Mitchell defines it was even evident during the question-and-answer session when a recently returned Charlotte resident asked about help for people starting a small business. Mitchell invited the JCSU graduate to meet after the Forum with himself and Council member LaWana Mayfield before setting up a meeting with a city staff member who might clarify the road forward.
Disclosure: The Forum allowed Mitchell to invite the people he would appear with.