Baltimore is a politically polarizing city, which doesn’t help when you consider (in my humble opinion) how unappealing, corrupt and vile “politics” has become. 

In my early 20’s, I found myself working at one of the largest ad firms in Baltimore. All I ever wanted was to find cool ways to tell the stories of the people, the organizations and the brands I respected.

Early on, I remember offering what I believed was a awesome idea for a potential client, and after some debate it was shot down. Later, I discovered that everyone loved my idea but “politically” the team found it too hard to sell. “What does politics have to do with accepting a great idea?”, I thought.  Let’s just say, it was then that I developed my catch phrase, “I don’t do politics”.

Don’t get me wrong! I vote, but I am no political advocate.

Why? Well, I told you! Baltimore is a political polarizing city.  Everyone and their grandmother has a minimum of two degrees of separation between themselves and someone in or around a political office.

I’ve found that this overcrowding of personal relationships tends to lead to “political silliness” not “solutions”.  And, I do not have time for bullshit—until a friend, who is running for office, challenged me.

“Dionne, if you and others like you don’t use your gifts to support and move forward the agendas you believe in, than you are no better than the system you judge.” I gave her all the side-eyes, though I had to admit she had a point.

Baltimore is too small for our most brilliant and open-minds to retreat. We need to think differently, broaden our perspectives, force the issues, shut down the slander, games and rhetoric and get bold! 

The power is and it has always been in the hands of the citizens. Ego won’t save us, but we can.