I am a democratic candidate for state representative, in the newly proposed House District 26. The district is presently known as House District 11. I made this final decision in 2021 and I have formally chosen to follow it. I need your continued support to become your next state representative. In the past, the UAW, PFAW (People for American Way), 13th congressional district, and elected official
s endorsed me in my candidacy for city council and I am forever grateful. I’m open to all discussions regarding my present candidacy. I would like to converse with you and any community groups you are affiliated with about any issues you see as top priorities and bring them to the forefront. Being a former union employee, CWA Local 4100, for over 11 years, I understand the issues that plague the everyday worker. I was displaced when AT&T downsized and that was hurtful. I felt the disadvantages firsthand of being unemployed while seeking out a new job. I felt the strains of having no healthcare coverage and afraid to get sick. I eventually found employment within SecurAmerica, who the SEIU was doing their hardest to bring into the union. I later gained employment within the House of Representatives, where I was employed from June 2019 until January 2022. When I filed as a candidate, I had to leave my position so there would be no conflict of interest. I am now employed as a building interventionist and substitute teacher at Summit Academy Middle School. In short, I’ve served on Inkster City Council since 2017; the Inkster Planning Commission since 2016; St. Clements Episcopal Church vestry board from 2009 to 2022; Diocesan Council (EDOMI) for 6 years; and the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2022; amongst other various leadership roles in the church, community, and democratic process all together. I am member of the Inkster Democratic Club, 13th Congressional District of the Democratic Party, and a member of the Michigan Democratic Party. I recently underwent a $9,000 preventative eye surgery for a cornea disease called keratoconus, which affects both my eyes. That reminded me yet again how important good health coverage is needed for the average worker. Even having a severe allergic reaction, where I now must carry an EPI-pen, further supports the need for good health care. These are examples to show how the most common issues affect persons like myself and keeps me in tune with those who may undergo similar circumstances. Whether it's a lack of wages, healthcare, or conditions of the workplace, they all have a level of importance that should stay in the front of our minds. Wait, there's more.......
Bio Sketch
Steven has attended Henry Ford Community College where he learned that being a full-time student while having a full-time career, with mandatory overtime shifts, is very demanding! Exhaustion didn’t stop him though, as he took on his business management courses, he was climbing the ranks and was promoted to floor supervisor at McDonald’s. Since then, Steven moved on to the employ of AT&T, where he held the position of premises technician from 2007 to 2019. There, he was trained in fiber optics, and installed U-verse internet, cable and television services, including Direct Tv - where daily use of trigonometry came into play. Steven is not only a strong student, but a strong advocate for social justice as well. He’s locally active and has even been seen on the news marching with protestors to put an end to police brutality. He is a member of the Inkster Citizens Action Network or “iCAN,” the Voters of Inkster Continuing Education or “VOICE,” and the National Action Network or “NAN.” He’s also active at his church— St. Clements Episcopal Church, Inkster Michigan—where he has served on the Vestry, as a church warden, Director of Acolytes, and in several different capacities since the age of 19. The last few years have been particularly rewarding. In 2014, Bishop Wendell Gibbs appointed Steven to Serve on the Diocesan Council for “EDOMI”, the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. He has served on the Diocesan Budget and Finance Committee and as 2nd Vice President of that Council. In 2015, following his deeply-rooted passion for music, Steven founded Integrity Music Group, LLC. Under his leadership, they’ve taken the stage, live in front of thousands on multiple occasions, including Inkster’s Summer Fest of 2017. In 2016, he was appointed to the City of Inkster Planning Commission, and not long after, his fellow commissioners elected him ‘Chairperson’ of the body. In 2017, Steven was appointed to serve on the Inkster City Council, representing the 4th District. In this position, he’s launched “Inktown Pedal Pushers,” a biking initiative that promotes physical fitness and well-being. He later joined the Inkster Cable Commission to give his input on the future direction of the Public Access Channel. He is also a member of the District Committee for the 13th Congressional District of the Michigan Democratic Party. In 2019, Steven was one out of the 100 plus, who were laid off from AT&T as the company downsized and consolidated resources. In June, he became the Director of Constituent Services for Michigan’s State Representative Jewell Jones, 11th House District. Steven won re-election in November where he remains a powerful voice for the citizens of Inkster, MI. In 2019, he served as an acolyte at the consecration of Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown
In 2020, Steven had the honor and privilege to stand alongside Bishop Bonnie Perry, 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, where he participated as a presenter during her consecration. Shortly after, in March, the pandemic would be announced. Being in leadership at his church, Steven would work alongside his priest to adopt safety precautions and virtual worship options for the congregation. Later that year in October, his priest retired and the day to day operations and hosting worship services would be Steven’s responsibility in conjunction with the board that is in place. In 2022, Steven filed to run for Michigan State Representative in the new House District 26. He also began substitute teaching at Summit Academy Middle School. To this day Steven continues to take on new roles and responsibilities with the understanding that “every master was once a student.” He balances ALL his current activities with his role on City Council, while also taking college courses he continues to pursue his Business degree at Henry Ford College. Steven has never forgotten the core values of education, and he knows not to take it for granted!!!
