If we want more Tigrayans, and more marginalized communities, inside the rooms where decisions are made, then we must invest in those who dare to enter. Support them. Mentor them. Fund them. Vote for them. And encourage the next generation to believe that the long game is theirs to play and theirs to win.

By Mulugeta Gebregziabher, PhD

Whether it is in Tigray, Ethiopia or anywhere Tigrayans live, I have come to realize that there are no shortcuts to meaningful progress, only playing the long game. I will use political office as an example but this applies to every profession. For example, I was once a graduate student and it took 20 years to get to where I am now both academically and professionally. Leadership starts by volunteering to be chair of a committee and that spurs you to run for higher offices including being division, department, college, university leader. It takes long and arduous process and patience. 

With political office and leadership, it should be obvious that before anyone can run, they must first enter the room where running is even possible. And once inside, the objective is not immediate triumph, but to see, learn, and measure. Winning is never guaranteed. Losing is never final. Showing up, consistently and courageously, is its own form of power.

Ali Velshi reminds us: “Losing is simply practice for eventual victory.” Defeat, when embraced with purpose, becomes a strategic asset. It clarifies what matters, sharpens resilience, and strengthens one’s capacity to return with greater intention.

This ethos resonates across leaders whose roots trace back to the African continent. Barack Obama has spoken often of the grounding influence of his Kenyan heritage, and Velshi draws from the moral clarity shaped by growing up under apartheid. And more recently, we see it in Zohran Kwame Mamdani, born in Kampala, Uganda, whose life journey, from Uganda to South Africa to Queens, infuses his politics with a deep understanding of belonging, exclusion, and possibility. His story proves that global identities can strengthen civic courage.

The question, then, becomes urgent: When will Tigrayans step into the ring, not merely to compete, but to observe, learn, and measure for themselves? After years marked by trauma and dispossession, stepping forward can feel daunting. Yet signs of hope are emerging. I saw it in Ghirmay Zahilay in Seattle, whose leadership continues to inspire. And I see it today in Melat Kiros in Denver, who could become the first Tigrayan to break through in the Mile High City.

These individual steps forward are not just personal milestones. They are invitations. How are we supporting them? 

How are we uplifting the individuals in our community who are already excelling and poised to become national figures in their fields? Are we treating their achievements as isolated, personal victories—or are we prepared to embrace them as shared milestones, celebrating their wins in ways that propel them toward even greater challenges?

Right now, it’s not entirely clear where we stand. The jury is still out.

The situation inside Tigray is even more concerning. Many political groups appear eager to assume positions of authority before demonstrating the ability to win even the most basic local offices. At the same time, the governing party has shown little willingness to relinquish space or share responsibility, even when doing so would strengthen the political system and benefit the region as a whole.

We saw this pattern during elections under the EPRDF era, and again in Tigray’s 2020 regional elections, where the ruling party secured nearly 100% of the vote. Such outcomes may project unity, but they ultimately undermine democratic culture and discourage genuine political participation.

This approach is unsustainable. It must change. 

Call to Action:

If we want more Tigrayans, and more marginalized communities, inside the rooms where decisions are made, then we must invest in those who dare to enter. Support them. Mentor them. Fund them. Vote for them. And encourage the next generation to believe that the long game is theirs to play and theirs to win.

As the African Proverb tells us:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Nelson Mandela also said:

“A rising tide lifts many boats, but only if we lift together.”

Inspired after watching this program by Ali Velshi and recent NYC mayoral race. 

About the author: 

Dr Mulugeta is a tenured professor and Vice Chair of Global Health Programs at the Medical University of South Carolina. In 2022 he was recognized as a Peace Laureate of the American Public Health Association for his outstanding contributions towards promoting peace. These are his own personal views. Follow him on his X or BlueSky @ProfMulugeta