One to Watch: Marcus Madison

By Interview by Courtney Kerrigan

OBAMA MOMENT: In 2005, while a senior at Elyria High School, Madison took a class trip to Washington, D.C., where he met the future president. “He said to us, ‘You’re young, but if you think you can do it, get involved,’ ” he says. That meeting inspired Madison. He became vice president of student government at Lorain County Community College as a freshman and president as a sophomore. 

POLITICALLY MINDED: A communication coordinator and a Big Brother at Big Brother Big Sisters of Lorain County, Madison became Elyria City Council’s youngest member in January. “[Obama] took a chance and had enough courage to say, ‘I won’t wait for anyone,’ so I thought, I have the opportunity to run and make a difference, so I’m going to take it.”

IB What intrigues you about politics?
MM When you get rid of all the political games, at its core it’s about service to the people. Service is one of the greatest gifts that we as individuals can do for one another. … As long as you’re willing to fight and voice your opinions, you can really do good for people and help them out.

IB Top three politicians?
MM Nancy Pelosi. I like the fact that there are women involved in our political process that are not afraid to voice their opinion and not willing to accept no for an answer. John F. Kennedy [is my] all-time favorite, the fact that he was able to capture, at a time of great concern, the spirit of getting people involved, really listening to people — the mindset that any form of politics that doesn’t listen to the concerns or voices of people is a politics that needs to fail, so I appreciate him so much. Of course, President Obama. He’s just such an inspiration.

IB How did it feel to be Elyria City Council’s youngest member?
MM It was an overwhelming feeling of being humbled and excited, knowing that those residents have put so much confidence in me to represent them. … There is so much work to be done, and I have to stay motivated and really work to get things done.

IB Would you be a part of Big Brothers if your mother didn’t put you in the program?
MM I don’t think I would be. I took the experience with me. If I hadn’t met my Big Brother, then I probably wouldn’t have been inspired to go out and do some of the things we did, like plant flowers for my mother. I believe that every time you meet someone, they bring something different to the equation.

IB What is your favorite Big Brothers memory?
MM The first day I met my little brother I thought we were exactly the same. We were blasting music in the car driving and singing. I started laughing because he sounded awful and then he started laughing because I sounded just as awful. It was a good bonding experience.

IB Why is it important to be civically active?
MM Being 22, I am showing young people that you can get involved and you can make a difference. … It’s an investment you make not only for those around you, but for yourself. It’s an opportunity to learn what’s around you, who’s around you and to grow by knowing the people and your community.— Interview by Courtney Kerrigan