HFC student Kalette Willis is the first African-American woman to run for Dearborn mayor
Note: Henry Ford College does not endorse candidates for political office. This article is for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement.
HFC student Kalette Willis is making history as the first Black female running for Mayor of Dearborn.
“I feel powerful. Taking this leap of faith will inspire young women around the world. Women have only had the right to vote for about 100 years. For a large percentage of that time, Black people weren't even welcome in Dearborn. I’m a part of a bigger movement that spans across the entire globe, one that includes everyone, and corrects its mistakes. I still have faith in humanity, and I know we can create a better reality for all people,” said Willis, a Detroit native who lives in Dearborn with her daughter.
Willis is one of seven candidates vying for this position, currently occupied by Mayor John “Jack” B. O’Reilly, Jr., who is not seeking reelection. The primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 3. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.
“My nomination alone is a pretty major step toward changing the narrative of this city. The only narrative that really needs to be changed is the heavy toxic pollution and the systemic racism,” she explained. “The people who live here in Dearborn are beautiful; this is a very diverse city. I think we should celebrate that more and in new innovative ways. My ambitions are to add to the positive narratives, remove the negative, and innovate with much more sustainability, walkability, community policing, and cool tourist attractions!”
Inspired by Jennifer Granholm
Her inspiration for running for Dearborn’s top spot is U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, who was Michigan’s 47th governor and first female governor, who served from 2003-11.
“That’s a big deal!” said Willis. “I read her book (A Governor’s Story: The Fight for Jobs and America’s Economic Future), and I really just admire her as a person. She ran her campaign on integrity, creativity, excellence, and inclusion. I decided to take a page from her and do the same.”
Willis would like to include people from all walks of life filling various positions within the City of Dearborn. The environment is another pressing matter in Willis’ campaign.
“It’s time and past to bring an end to the pollution in the South and East Ends of Dearborn,” she said. “We need real city ordinances that won't allow this any longer. It’s time to convert our city to clean, renewable energy. We need city ordinances that reduce our waste, like stopping the use of plastic bags at stores, for example. It’s time to bring diversity within our government departments. It’s time to become united as a city and innovate with new ways for people to experience our city.”
Educational background
Willis graduated from Marvin K. Winans Academy of Performing Arts High School in Detroit in 2006. She completed coursework in sociology at Wayne State University in Detroit. She is currently working on her associate degree in liberal arts at HFC and will graduate at the end of the summer.
“I chose to continue my education at HFC because it’s local, it’s affordable, and – like me – 100 percent future-driven!” said Willis. “I’ve met some of the best instructors and students here at HFC! Before the pandemic, I was taking a couple of classes on campus and really enjoyed the experience. It’s a very diverse and welcoming college. I really enjoy the messages President Russell Kavalhuna sends out.”
When asked where she plans to transfer after graduating from HFC, Willis joked that she’d like to go to the Office of the Mayor. She does plan to complete a bachelor’s degree, but she isn’t sure where at the moment.
Fourth-generation soldier
Willis served in the Michigan Army National Guard from 2009 to 2019. A fourth-generation soldier, she saw action in Operation: Iraqi Freedom.
“After completing boot camp, I received a letter that I would be deploying. I ended up being attached to a Field Artillery Unit up in Port Huron for the mission. That unit has never served with women, so it was a learning experience for all of us. There were about 12 females. I got lucky – I deployed with a great group of soldiers! I spent a year as a driver completing convoy missions from Kuwait to Iraq and back. It was a demanding but rewarding experience. It gave me an opportunity to see what I’m really made of in the face of danger and adversity.”
Before going into politics, Willis has worked as a DJ, a poet, and a fashion stylist. In 2020, she was elected as a Democratic delegate for the 18th Voting Precinct of Dearborn.
“I’m a history buff. I research everything. I’m someone who’s really intrigued by the past,” she said. “I’m aware of the history of our city, our state, and our country. I decided to become a part of our history because I know what we need at this time in our journey. Essentially, I answered the call for duty. I’m a soldier first and always. We need a leader who embodies Army values, but we also need someone creative. I decided to step up because it is time for a change. I took the first step to influence an entire generation to follow me. Someone has to blaze the trail or we’ll keep getting the status quo, which is outdated, boring, and harmful… I plan to work together with the people to create one of the best cities in the world.”