You Can’t Lead the People If You Don’t Love the People

Scrolling through Facebook, I came across a post shared by WLOX announcing State Representative Jeffrey Hulum III’s candidacy for Mississippi’s Fourth Congressional District. The article quoted Hulum saying that he wants to address the disconnect between elected officials and their constituents. That line stood out to me—not because it was provocative, but because it felt honest.

Then I made the mistake many of us make: I read the comments. I know, I know…

One gentleman wrote, “No Democrats for me. I was a Democrat until Obama got elected—Republican ever since.”

Instead of reacting, I asked a simple question:
What was it about President Obama’s election that pushed you to the Republican Party?

Someone laughed at the question. The gentleman responded, “The Democrats have moved too far to the left. I was a moderate but on the conservative side.”

So I followed up:
What exactly does that mean for you? And would you say Republicans have moved too far to the right?

His response was telling:
“I don’t care anymore. I don’t trust Democrats, and that’s all I’m going to say about it.”

That exchange stuck with me—not because it was hostile, but because it felt empty. There was no curiosity, no desire to explore ideas, no interest in outcomes. Just exhaustion and distrust.

And I get it.

I don’t agree with everything President Obama did.
I definitely don’t agree with everything President Trump has done.

I’m not pro-Democrat.
I’m not pro-Republican.

I’m pro-people.

But too often, our politics—especially here in Mississippi—feel less like engagement and more like resignation. As the rapper Skipp Coon once said, a lot of folks seem “happy as some pigs in slop.” Not because things are good, but because they’ve stopped expecting better.

Another woman commented on the post, saying, “I hate what Mississippi is sending to Washington. Ezell is no different than Palazzo. I don’t want a damn Democrat in office, but I don’t want Ezell there either.”

A few responses beneath her comment gave me hope.

A friend of mine encouraged her to actually listen to what Hulum has to say—his plans, his priorities, how he might be different. Another added something even more practical: by that logic, why not vote for him? Worst-case scenario, it’s more of the same. Best-case scenario, he actually tries.

Someone else chimed in and said we need more leaders like Gene Taylor—a man remembered not for his party label, but for being a genuine man of the people.

That’s the part of the conversation we don’t have enough.

I’ve met Jeffrey Hulum on several occasions. I’ve seen him show up consistently in our community—my community—since I moved to Gulfport in 2015. I’ve watched how he moves, how he listens, and how he stays connected. His experience on state commissions related to gaming, marine resources, military affairs, tourism, and ports and harbors tells me he understands how government works. The way he engages locally tells me he understands who government is supposed to work for.

As we head toward 2026, I believe he has a real shot at winning the Fourth Congressional District. Not because of a letter next to his name, but because something is shifting on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

And the only way to understand people is to spend time with them. Not just during election season. Not just at ribbon cuttings. But in real spaces, doing real life, over time.

Cornel West said it best:
“You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people.”

If we want better leadership, we have to do better citizenship. That means showing up. Asking questions. Listening beyond party labels. Voting in local, state, and federal elections—not because someone wears our colors, but because they’ve earned our trust.

Mississippi doesn’t need more polarization.
It needs more participation.

And that starts with us.

About the Author
George “Chuck” Patterson is a cultural strategist, event curator, and storyteller based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. As Chief Experience and Design Officer of Black With No Chaser, he focuses on creating spaces where culture, community, and creativity intersect. Known for identifying talent early and helping ideas take shape, Patterson has played a role in initiatives such as Mississippi Greek Weekend, Land Creative Con, Sunset Social, and the Mississippi Black Business Expo. His work centers on believing in people, building meaningful experiences, and supporting the moments that move culture forward.