By Kevin Johnson
Mayor of Sacramento
The great ones bring great messages to Sacramento. The trick is having a good seat when the moment strikes.
The moment struck this week, when Van Jones, the inspiring leader of the march toward a green environment and sustainable economy, spoke at the Cal EPA building downtown as part of the Mayor’s Office “Greenwise” initiative.
With visionary words that thrilled an overflow audience of more than 300, Jones told us to “dream big and love hard.”
The art of oratory predates the Romans, and remains as magical today as it was in the days of Napoleon Bonaparte, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill.
People in Sacramento still remember Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech at Sacramento State College in October 1967 and Robert F. Kennedy’s speech at the Sacramento train depot in May 1968. At the state Capitol in 1967, Ronald Reagan told his audience, “Education must be sustained and improved and money to make this possible must come from a system of taxation whereby all the citizens bear equitably a share of this burden.”
Such words moved us then, and Van Jones’ words are motivating us today.
Jones blended down-to-earth humor with the passion of someone who believes the legacy we give our children depends on our ability to create a green and sustainable environment.
Like history’s earlier speakers who asked audiences to absorb tough messages, Jones is controversial. His appointment last year as White House Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation ended after six months. He resigned over controversy caused by comments made years earlier. He apologized for his comments, but the damage was done.
The controversy, which was not related to Jones’ work on the green economy, was unfortunate, but I admire Jones for holding himself accountable and moving on.
The strength and authority of a man who will not be stopped by setbacks was very much on display at the speech in Sacramento.
And I would be remiss if I failed say our country is diminished by not having Van Jones tackling important policies at the White House today. His turmoil and resignation became a political spectator sport just when Washington and the U.S. need bold ideas, leadership and direction, not gamesmanship.
Washington played political games with Jones. We all lost.
It was inspiring to see Van Jones at his motivational best in Sacramento, bringing a diverse crowd of community leaders, youngsters and everyday working people to their feet.
His message was simple and honest.
Addressing the young people, Jones said the best he could do was help to identify and spotlight the issues of environmental economic sustainability. It would be up to the next generation to solve those issues.
Van Jones showed us the path to economic health and environmental sustainability. With his words, he gave Sacramento the inspiration to walk the walk.
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