Although it feels longer most days, it's only been about five years for me on the political scene. I've had highs and lows, but the thing that gets you through the long days are some of the people you meet along the way and that you care about deeply. None was finer than Ms. Rosa James.
Rosa was strong, direct, assertive, but also humorous, kind, thoughtful and trustworthy. Rosa was a throwback. She came to Kansas City from the South, never stopped worshiping in the Baptist tradition, and was a stellar member of the Freedom, Incorporated political club--never for power, but because she was a matriarch of the community who cared.
On a tough day, she'd call. Repeatedly. On a good day, she'd check to make sure I wasn't forgetting the people who got me there. And, every day, she was a woman and mentor to look up to.
She embodied so much that was right in our community and I will miss her. I'll miss feeling like a seven-year-old again, sitting in church next to her at Second Baptist and trying to make sure she doesn't catch me not paying attention. I'll miss her when I need a dance partner in her 80s. I'll miss her when I need that grounding to remember there's someone out there praying for me, our community, and our city.
God bless you, Ms. Rosa. Rest in peace.
Sr Project Manager, Mission Critical
It’s exportable “outside the platform.” It is cool, thanks for sharing!