Dosso Kassimou

 'The Youth Should Not Make the Streets  Their Office'

Turn off your video game, pick up pom poms and run over to polls on May 13 to cast your vote, because you are about to witness history being made in Newark, New Jersey. People in Denmark, France, Africa and the United States are raving about Dosso Kassimou, the first African to be elected councilman-at-large in the history of Newark, NJ.

With just 60 US Dollars in his pocket and some hope, Kassimou flew from Ivory Coast to America with one vision in  mind, to educate himself and gain power so that he can serve humanity.

"People told me not to run for [councilman] because I was not born here," Kassimou said sounding baffled by people's comments.

While some were convinced that language barrier would "handicap" Kassimou's ability to succeed in politics, Kassimou was adamantly convinced that he would prevail.

He may not be an English expert, but he is an expert in diplomacy.

He holds two Masters degrees (diplomacy/international relations and public administration) from Seton Hall University, and hints that he will soon return to complete his PhD.

"The youth should not make the streets their office," expressed Kassimou, chairman of Newark's African Commission and candidate for councilman-at-large, with compassion.

The Ivorian-born politician loves to solve problems, and he explains that, "[we] can't cut down crime [ in Newark] by bringing in the police, only."

His solution to lessening crime rate in Newark is to develop longer after school hours, build a relationship --whereby the youth have access to leaders, help entrepreneurs open businesses so that employment can skyrocket, and last but not least, attract foreign investment for Newark.

The politician believes that his confidence, expertise and connections with influential leaders in America and internationally, will facilitate his capability to serve the community.

"Dosso...sees a potential for improvement in the most dire situations; most important, he is willing to get into the trenches to achieve what seems impossible or worthless to most people," expressed Ama Johnson, owner of  a Home Health Aid business based in Newark, New Jersey.

Why is Kassimou so passionate about helping people?

He got his passion for helping people from his father, whose life revolved around serving the public as chief, community leader, and imam.

Another figure who undeniably remains an inspiration to Kassimou is, the late Nelson Mandela, due to the fact that "he chose humanity over his personal gain." He added, "a leader should uplift the weak, educate the ignorant; take people to better direction." 

"[Nelson Mandela's] deaf reinforced the reality that what I am doing is the right thing."

Although Kassimou made the decision to leave his job so that he can run for office, he feels that it is a sacrifice which will pay off in due time.

"My first impression of Dosso was that...he has a clear vision of what he wants to accomplish, but he always tries to get everyone involved...that quality that he has (of bringing people from diverse backgrounds together) will change Newark for the better, if, and when, he is elected as councilman at large," stated Timma Edem, member of "The Committee to Elect Dosso Kassimou."

While a handful of people tried to talk Kassimou out of running for office,  supporters showed their appreciation for his community engagement, by organizing fundraisers aimed at raising money for his campaign.

According to the 'public server', "a leader is a public servant." He insisted that when an individual  is elected to lead, he/she should become a slave for people.

When it comes to chasing the American dream, Kassimou is living proof that we can turn our disadvantages into advantages, thrive, and outwork those who are asleep. And, a reminder that resilience is a sure-fire ticket to success.

A Glimpse of Kassimou's World

Kassimou on a radio station, "The African Dawn Radio," at Rodgers University conversing about the African diaspora (bringing together people of African descent to discuss culture, politics, and trade) 

African And American Alliance

 Kassimou presenting the "City Resolution" award to Governor Chris Christie's representative

 African Diaspora Festival 

Kassimou giving a welcoming speech at the African Diaspora Festival. Standing behind him, are members of  Newark's African Commission

 Kassimou's Campaign Announcement

(10/17/2013)

 Campaign Fundraiser in Newark

Receiving a Nigerian delegation

Kassimou giving a welcoming speech  at the Council Chambers, in Newark

Service to many leads to greatness

Kassimou  serving customers at an Applebee's restaurant in Newark, New Jersey.This was for the purpose of raising funds for the organization "Youth Outcry"

Ways to reach Kassimou:

Twitter:Dosso2014
Instagram:@dossokassimou
 Facebook: Dosso Kassimou