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By Ron Kisner
As evidence of a changing Parma, the city known for its racially torn history including a 27-year-old Cleveland NAACP housing and employment discrimination suit finally settled in 2002, has appointed its first black council member, Monica Wilson.
Clearly aware of her city’s sordid racial history, Wilson, who represents Ward 1, said that, overall, she has fared well in her position, and is witnessing the emergence of a new Parma. The City Council appointed her in 2023 above four other candidates. She runs for reelection this year.
“I know of historical challenges faced by African American residents in Parma, “offered Council member Wilson. “However, it’s encouraging to recognize that these incidents are no longer as prevalent. “
Council member Wilson noted that one of the noticeable changes in Parma is its increased diversity, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive environment.
“Black families facing negativity from the neighbors are not nearly as prevalent,” she assured. “These changes are positive indicators of a more inclusive Parma.”
One tangible example of the shift was the collaboration among the 10-member City Council to stage a Black History Month celebration in February.
While she says she has not encountered frequent or systemic racially tinged incidents, Wilson recalled once, while campaigning, “I did come across a concerning situation where a resident walked on his porch with a firearm in a holster while raising questions about my qualifications for council. While this was disturbing, it was an isolated incident.”
Born in Detroit, MI, Council member Wilson found herself briefly living on public assistance, as a child, after her father, one of the first Black executives of Sears, and mother, divorced. But showing considerable drive and resilience, the Detroit native, who graduated from Wayne State University, earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering, moved to West Virginia to work for Union Carbide, and then to Cleveland to take a management position in global polymer technology.
The skills she developed in her career prepared her, she believes, to wrestle with the everyday issues of constituents. Wilson retired last year from the paints and coatings industry.
“My professional career in the chemical engineering industry equipped me with the skills necessary to tackle complex challenges, and work effectively with diverse teams,” said Wilson, who was honored by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for being a pioneer female process engineer. “As a Global Polymer Technology Manager, I successfully managed multimillion–dollar projects and collaborated with colleagues from around the world.”
Now that the trailblazing council member is in, she says her goal is to continue living her motto that “there is nothing more important than a human being.”
Believing that by working together, “and fostering inclusivity, we can create a Parma that is truly a place where everyone feels valued and supported,” says Wilson.
Next year, Council member Wilson’s term is up, and she plans to run again. As for any prospective political ambitions on the horizon, she says, “I’m open to future opportunities that may arise. My goal is to make a positive impact on our community, and public service is a valuable way to achieve that.”
