Why I'm Running
Of Course, We Can!
"To the people of Minnesota,
I am running for the United States House of Representatives - 5th District MN - and here's why:
As I walk the streets of our community and speak to my neighbors, I am reminded of our growing diversity and realize that our common goals as people is the bond that unites us. Our inclusivity is our strength and our Midwestern values guide the way.
During this time of increasing vitriol and obstruction in politics, with special interests working only to divide us here at home and abroad - the good people of Minnesota need to know that we can come together as a community with a common goal to better our neighborhoods, our economy, our schools, and our health.
I say, "Of course, we can!"
Of course, we can have representation that respects all of the people and that works to bring us all together as Americans.
Of course, we can have representation that truly understands our local economy and will work to bring good jobs and funding to improve the lives of Minnesotans.
Of course, we can have representation that works to continue to improve on the legislative accomplishments of President Barack Obama on Healthcare, Education, Economic Opportunities, Gun Control, and the Environment.
Of course, we can be inclusive and united as a people. We must condemn all forms of hate - including Anti-Semitic tropes, comments, and innuendo - as well as covert bias on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender.
So, yes, I am running for the United States House of Representatives to be your representative on our issues, our dreams, and the change we all hope for."
John
Of Course, We Can!
Create a more United and Inclusive Minnesota!
My Story
My Parents
My parents, John and Roberta Mason, were civil rights activist and worked as community organizers for racial harmony and equality. My father served in the US Air Force for 25 years in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a member of the 311st Air Commandos Special Forces. My mother has been a leader and advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and works to empower underrepresented communities and minorities.
New England & the Martial Arts
My father began training me in Martial Arts when I was 5 years old. I became the All New England Black Belt All Around Champion and National Black Belt Champion. Ultimately, I won and was awarded World Black Belt Champion in 1996 .
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
I grew up in Somersworth, New Hampshire where we were the only African American family in our community. My parents sent me to St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) High School in part because STA provided a more inclusive and safer social environment. This experience influenced my commitment to community engagement and multi-cultural affairs.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
My parents and I were committed that I attend a HBCU - Historically Black Colleges and University. I chose Kentucky State University where I completed Graduate Degrees in Public Administration & Government, Business Administration, and Management Information Systems. It was my work on the Center of Excellence for the Study of Kentucky African Americans (CESKAA), however, that expanded my world view of the impact and untold story of the African American experience.
Community Organizing
Through advocacy, grassroots, and community activism, I worked on voter registration and turnout for the Obama for America campaign. I created an empowerment program (Get a Kick Out of Life) where I toured America's schools and HBCUs. In corporate America, I worked to advance Human Capital strategy and engagement initiatives to advance diversity, inclusion, and equity. In university administrations, I advanced Organizational Effectiveness initiatives and served as a Senator in the UMN Senate for Diversity and Inclusion.
Love and Marriage
June 2015 - I married the love of my life, Nick Leonard. Together, we continue to advocate for a more inclusive and united Minnesota. We live in Southwest Minneapolis where we have had businesses and been committed to serving the people of Minnesota in political office.
Nick was a Democratic primary candidate for US Senate in the 2018 special election to fill Senator Al Franken's seat. I served as his Campaign Strategist and led his Diversity strategy on LGBTQ and underrepresented communities.