A Love Story for a City: Sheila Patterson Harris on Love, Leadership, and Leaving Lubbock Better Than She Found It
Shelia Patterson-Harris, the first Black Councilwoman in Lubbock, Texas, leaves a remarkable legacy of community empowerment, bridge-building, and a deep, undeniable love for her city. Councilwoman Patterson-Harris recently sat down for an insightful interview to discuss her time in office, her philosophy of leadership, and the enduring power of love as a catalyst for change.
Patterson-Harris frequently emphasizes the importance of love in civic leadership. For her, it's about seeing the whole community and recognizing that if one part is hurting, the entire city is hurting. This love propelled her to address systemic barriers, from advocating for roadway improvements in underserved neighborhoods to ensuring marginalized communities had a voice in decision-making boards.
Councilwoman Patterson-Harris reflects on pivotal moments of her tenure, from working with a city manager to ensure basic necessities for residents facing a landlord crisis to championing neighborhood planning initiatives that give citizens ownership over their communities. "Empowering people to do for themselves so we don't have to wait on somebody else to do for us," she explains.
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