2016. In this year many Americans will walk to voting lines to elect Congressman, Senators, and most importantly the President of the United States. The President serves as the leader of the nation, and the individual we look to for guidance and national support. A President is beyond political leadership, but in the avenue of societal and historical leadership. President is a leader for all sphere’s of the nation. They can inspire athletes, students, actors, academics, and politicians.

The President must exhibit leadership and a passion for his people. Contemporary leaders live in lavish homes, drive beautiful cars, and dress in unique fabric. Our leaders aren’t just politicians, but authors, celebrities, and leaders of factions. We have a myriad of people that we look up to, aspire to be like, and follow for guidance. Former NBA All-Star Charles Barkley once said that  “I am not a role model”. In those words he attempted to convince young kids to not look to him for guidance and leadership. Barkley was simply playing basketball which was his job. Children should look to people with morals, values, and strong convictions and because of their talents to act or dunk. This brings us to the question of leadership v. celebrity-ship.

We tend to believe a leader is somebody who has a lot of people that follow them. By that standard Kim Kardashian would be considered a leader, she has a t.v. show, very well known, and comes from a famous family. That is a major problem in our current generation, the lack of leadership and lack of understanding on who to follow and not follow. To see Evidence of this go to a basketball gym and see people dunking like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Go to a football field and hear ambitious to be like Cam Newton, Michael Vick, and Peyton Manning. Children constantly hear and see these athletes and celebrities, but are not conscious of the fact that these people shouldn’t be immulate outside of these given careers. Athletes and celebrities may be leaders, but they must show this through actions in and outside of their given careers and fields.

What is a leader? In my view a leader is an individual who is very committed to a cause, movement, or belief and through action inspires others to reach their full potential. Leaders on a sports are someone members of the team can look up to. Leaders of a political movement are people members seek to for motivation and guidance. For purposes of this article I will focus on political leaders. I transcribe this definition of leadership from an African leader in the 1980s who inspired his people and progressed his nation.  

Thomas Sankara was Prime Minister of Burkina Faso from 1983-1987, pioneering a movement of social justice and nationalism.

Sankara changed his country’s name from Upper Volta, a name given to them by the French, to Burkina Faso, land of upright people. Sankara was a true leader inspiring his people to become self-sufficient depending more on themselves and less on Western foreign aid.

Sankara exhibited leadership by practicing what he preached. Sankara asked all citizens to exercise daily due to lack of adequate health care, and he himself would play soccer, run, and ride bikes with the citizens.

Leaders must be willing to show their constituents their seriousness and commitment to the causes they pioneer. Leaders in Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, believing it will lower health care cost. Leaders campaigned around the country advising people to sign up, but Congress exempted themselves from the law. That is not leadership, but selfishness.

Leadership through words and not action is futile. Our modern leaders enjoy the luxury life on the backs of their people. Sankara didn’t believe in flying first class using taxpayer funds, reduces salaries, and took a personal salary of $400 a month.

Our leaders must be willing to sacrifice for the people they represent, they must be honest and sincere in their attempts to correct the many flaws within our political process.

As we look for a new President this election cycle let’s consider what type of leaders we are selection. Let’s analyze their lifestyles, actions, and find out their true intentions.

When I look for leaders I look for characteristics seen in Thomas Sankara.

Sankara was honest, inspired his people, gave them a sense of value, helped in construction projects he proposed, buy from home business, and did his very best to serve his people.

We need to reshape our modern political system, and how we view politics. We need to find committed and principled individuals with values who will give us a sense of inspiration.

I wish that the young generation begin to reshape the common views of leadership. A leader isn’t someone with a high class degree, extreme intelligence, and abundance of wealth. Leaders are well read, knowledgeable and conscious of the movements they are pioneering.

We must look to Thomas Sankara and begin practicing what we preach and starting movements first with ourselves. Start with yourself before you attempt to spread it to someone else.