Lords of The Underground star, Dupré L. Kelly takes on politics and wins
You may know him as “DoItAll” from the Hip Hop/Rap group, Lords of the Underground. But, now he has an added title . Councilman Kelly. Dupré now serves the West Ward of Newark, New Jersey with even more pride. His journey into the political field comes with a commitment of wanting to make concrete changes within his community. A goal that has been in the works for many years. We talked to Councilman Kelly following his recent win. He gives insight on what his plans are for the city of Newark and much more.
HEIGHT: We know you as an entertainer, performer and entrepreneur. How did you get into the political field?
Councilman Kelly: I arrived in the political space as a result of being active in my community. Being an activist put me in front of the people, who in turn asked me to be their voice.
HEIGHT: In your community, what are some changes you'd like to see aggressively reconstructed?
Councilman Kelly: I would like to see the mindset of the people reconstructed. Once that happens through programs and different initiatives, we should see things in our community change. Our corridors will be cleaner and developers will be motivated to revitalize them with businesses and affordable housing. When we love the West Ward, we can change it for the better together.
HEIGHT: Have you partnered with organizations to help facilitate any of these changes?
Councilman Kelly: Yes. I am partnering with residents, local community leaders and stakeholders. I believe the closer you are to the people, the better you can address their concerns and issues. I have also spoken with NPD top brass about community policing that involves building rapport with residents and engaging those residents who were once part of the problem in the process of identifying solutions. I'm in conversation with the City Planner concerning zoning in the various neighborhoods that make up the West Ward.
HEIGHT: What key elements do you think are missing when it comes to the residents in your community?
Councilman Kelly: What's missing is a lack of understanding of the legislative process, current laws, and how different departments work within City government. When this is coupled with a lack of involvement from those who complain the loudest, we see why change is needed.
HEIGHT: What are some myths commonly associated with inner city residents that you'd like to dispel?
Councilman Kelly: I would like to dispel the myth that most residents live in poverty-ridden neighborhoods. Quiet as it's kept, violent crime is falling in many inner city neighborhoods and it's rising in some suburban areas.
HEIGHT: What are some changes you'd like to see made between law enforcement and its residents when it comes to de-escalating situations?
Councilman Kelly: I would like to see current and incoming officers take de-escalation classes and receive certificates of completion. I would also like to see officers policing where they live. In addition, I'd love to see social workers and/or therapists assist police officers with suspects and people of interest. It would also be helpful if those officers who experience or witness traumatic events could benefit from the services of the social workers and therapists who are assigned to help the residents. The better officers know how to interact with the people they're sworn to protect, the better they can serve those in need.
HEIGHT: As a newly elected Councilman, what are five key elements that you feel are necessary for building a stronger community?
Councilman Kelly: 1.Togetherness
2. Community/Civic Engagement
3.Education/Financial literacy
4. Safety
5. Arts & Culture
HEIGHT: What would you say sets you aside from other political figures?
Councilman Kelly: The thing that sets me aside is being close to those with the issues and concerns. Having the ability to travel the world through Hip Hop, I am afforded the opportunity to see how other cities and countries operate up close & personal. Acquiring that knowledge enables me to bring best practices directly back home.
HEIGHT: Where do you see yourself in five years in relation to politics?
Councilman Kelly: The younger me would have probably answered this swiftly. But now I look at my journey of life as a highway with my body and mind acting as my vehicle. My eyes are two headlights that see up to two hundred feet in front of me while I'm standing still. When I move, I see another two hundred feet. As I keep moving, I start to notice on ramps and off ramps that I could not see off in the distance. I'm starting to see destination signs that I did not realize would interest me when I was at my starting point. So I can’t give you a complete answer other than the possibilities are endless.
HEIGHT: What core values would you like to be remembered for having?
Councilman Kelly:
Integrity
•Fairness
•Humility
•Creativity
•Accountability
•Boldness
•Confidence
•Consistency
•Honor
HEIGHT: Would you like to share with the readers about any projects or engagements you have coming up?
Councilman Kelly: The ward (Newark's West Ward), where I have been elected to govern, is one big project in itself. We have a lot of work to do. So, my team and I are constantly busy. In the entertainment part of my life, I am part of one of Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s initiatives called The Other Side of Newark. This project gives 11 artists from Newark who have been affected by the perils of poverty & other trauma-related issues an opportunity to be in a professional recording studio environment with a 5x Grammy Award winning producer. It empowers them, gives them confidence in who they are, keeps them safe from the negativity, and engages them in something positive.
HEIGHT: How can Height readers show their support?
Councilman Kelly: People can show their support by following me on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter by clicking on @DoitallForNewark and by subscribing to my website DupreKelly.com
