Episode 32 - Rawlson King, Ottawa’s first black City Councillor

I have a conversation with Rawlson King, Ottawa’s first black City Councillor, covering a range of important topics. From the significance of serving the common good to the importance of action over mere discussion, we delve into finding commonality of purpose in municipal politics and the transformative power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.Rawlson King’s journey is as inspiring as it is impactful. Elected in a historic by-election in April 2019 and re-elected in October 2022, he has made significant contributions to Ottawa’s civic life. During his term, Rawlson played a pivotal role in the creation of the City’s anti-racism office and strategy, chaired the Built Heritage Sub-Committee, and served on various committees and boards, including the Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Community Housing Corporation.Before his foray into public service, Rawlson accrued over 20 years of experience in high-technology market research as an entrepreneur and communication professional. His commitment to community service is evident through his extensive involvement in organizations such as the Overbrook Community Association and Gallery 101, for which he has received accolades such as the United Way Ottawa Community Builder of the Year Award.A distinguished alumnus of Carleton University, Rawlson and his wife established the Rawlson King and Linda Grussani Scholarship for Indigenous, Black, and Racialized Students in 2022, underscoring their dedication to fostering educational opportunities for marginalized communities.Join us in this insightful discussion as we explore Rawlson King’s remarkable journey, his vision for Ottawa, and his unwavering commitment to public service and community empowerment.