Brian E. Sleet was born and raised in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood and is committed to his community and public service. In the tradition of President Obama’s often cited “Joshua Generation,” Sleet believes that those who gained opportunity from the civil rights struggle should repay society through public service.
Sleet also strongly believes that a positive black male role model can bring huge benefits to children and communities. Therefore, in addition to his work for government, he’s taught as a long-term substitute in the Chicago Public Schools and mentored young people, particularly with the new group Whitney Young Dolphins Making A Difference. He is currently on the boards at Reading is Fundamental Chicago and Chicago Votes Action Fund. He also serves on the Associate Board of Edge Alliance, the Steering Committee for Alden Wentworth Rehabilitation Homes and was previously on the board of directors for Each One Teach One Literacy, and the Associate Board of Jane Addams’ Hull House.
Tell us about your professional journey and how you became chief of staff for the 6th Ward of Chicago?
When I graduated from Dartmouth College I got connected with the Roland Burris for Governor campaign. In the year I spent driving around the state with him I sort of caught the political bug. Less about the ego side of politics but more that there were real people, who were smart, decent and hardworking who actually believed in elected officials and wanted them to give them just a little bit of help. From there I went to law school, worked on the Howard Dean for President campaign and the Obama for Senate campaign in Champaign [Ill.] and spent my second year summer doing advance for the Kerry-Edwards ticket. After graduation I started my own firm and did some work with Congressman Jackson which ended with me being his Deputy District Administrator in the Chicago Office from ’07 until early ’09. I then spent a year running Quality Control for the Statistical Census and then ran for alderman of the 6th Ward. During the race I met candidate Roderick Sawyer, we connected, I supported him in the run off and after he won he offered me a chance to help my community as his chief of staff.
What’s your opinion of the violence that’s gotten so much media attention in the city of Chicago, and what solutions do you suggest?
I think a lot of the focus on the violence came in to play with Obama’s election. People kind of wanted to focus on the negative aspects of the city. I was in high school in the ’90s when we had 900-plus murders a year, so I know some of this is hyperbole. However another difference is that the violence seems more spread out and more random now. It’s less about money or territory and more about personal conflicts and a need to appear tough. The other major issue is that as a Black community we have regressed economically. The path to success is less based on a clearly defined path because too many successful people have left our neighborhoods. The youth haven’t seen proof that playing by the rules works. There is not one cause of this but the disinvestment in schools, the lack of a focus on black employment and the lack of a plan for Black neighborhoods have all contributed to this situation.
What do you say to the naysayers who are disillusioned with the political process?
I really want young professionals to get into politics, especially black young professionals. One of the biggest disconnects that you see in this city is the black political class and the black corporate class. Sustainable growth and opportunity requires that these two groups get on the same accord and the younger age that we effectively engage, the better. I fully understand that politics is frustrating and many people want to avoid it, but helping people is also frustrating. You cannot simply help the people that you want to or that you deem worthy you need to work for the people where they are and be willing to hear their priorities, goals and frustrations. If we can bridge that gap I believe it will do wonders for the community as a whole. I know that my generation is very interested in service from boards and protests to community service events, but convincing them to engage in the actual government process as a means to serve is an important step for the future.
Who inspires you?
I have always been an Robert F Kennedy fan. When he spoke about idealistic things he just sounded different, but he was also pragmatic enough and tough enough to see that things got done. Beyond that I am mostly inspired by the average everyday people who continue to achieve. What people accomplish outside of the spotlight and without recognition is what makes me work harder. It is amazing when you see people push outside of their comfort zones to do what they think is right in the end. The most recent example was the gay marriage debate. I know many people for whom this was a difficult issue because of their religious upbringing, yet they contended to look at this as a question of basic fairness and humanity even though many did not change their opinion on the underlying issue. There is a special courage in doing what you think is right even when it is not easy, and when a regular citizen with a job, family and other concerns can manage to do it, it makes me twice as determined to do my best working in the public sphere.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I can’t say just yet. It’s coming soon. Sadly, it’s a little too early to announce but check the news. I believe that it will be a game changer in providing opportunity and changing the way people think about a situation. Prior to that I am most proud of some of the issues that we have highlighted through Alderman Sawyer’s Office and the Progressive Caucus of the Chicago City Council. Balanced budgets are great, but we need to care about people, and give them a fair shot to live and advance and join in the American dream… At some point we have bought into this corporate mentality that the bottom line is all that matters, but families matter, dignity matters, communities matter and ensuring that people have the resources they work for to ensure self determination is a laudable goal in public service. Particularly when you represent minority communities.
Any favorite affirmations?
Not really an affirmation but I love the quote “Fortune favors the bold.” It’s kind of like when in doubt, just do it. If you have studied, prepared and thought it out, the next move won’t be a sure thing, but God smiles on you when you leap out on faith …
What do you do to unwind?
Favorite things in life are a good steak, good whiskey, good cigar and a good home entertainment system. A good meal in a good environment makes everything seem more civilized.
Any advice or words of wisdom for aspiring politicians?
Know who you are and why you are doing this. Politics has a lot of flashing lights and a lot of distractions. There are many naysayers and people who are willing to believe the worst in you, but having a strong moral core and base in God is fundamental to achieving real goals. Nothing feels as good as achieving something for people who need it, it makes the difficult times and navigation all worth it.
What’s next for you?
Looking for my next opportunity to serve. I love my job and the things I have accomplished in the 6th Ward but I am always looking forward to the next challenge and the next way that I can help.
For more information on Chicago’s 6th ward, please visit www.6thwardchicago.com.
