Ossining Students Find their Congressman Inspiring, Relatable

U.S. Rep. Mondaire Jones addressed many issues of concern to students in a recent visit to Ossining High School, including climate change, lack of affordable housing, the student debt crisis and even his thoughts on rapper Lil Nas X.

The OHS Human Rights Club invited the White Plains Democrat – who represents Ossining and other parts of Westchester County, along with all of Rockland County – to speak to students on Oct. 29. He is one of the first two openly gay Black men elected to Congress, and one of a dozen representatives who are under 35.

OHS students found him inspiring, relatable and engaging. Senior Diana Chavez described meeting Jones and getting to ask questions as “highly motivating and incredibly powerful.”

“It’s not every day that you see a person, a sitting member of Congress, speak, let alone someone who can relate to your economic situation, your identity and all of that,” she said. “It’s a really powerful thing to see first-hand.”

Diana was one of a number of students who stayed after the talk to pose additional questions. She asked for him to explain his coming out process. Jones, 34, was 24 when he first told family members he was gay.

During the question-and-answer session, Jones spoke about growing up poor in Rockland County and not seeing anyone who looked like him in government. For most of his life, he did not think someone like him could run for Congress. As an openly gay man, he did not know if voters would accept him for who he was.

“Just know, from your member of Congress, that I got my start in politics at the same age that you are and there is no age that is too young for you to get involved and to play a major role in changing this country for the better,” he told students.

Jones discussed all the problems and needs in society that prompted him to run for office, such as injustice in the criminal justice system, a lack of affordable housing and the climate crisis. A lot of people in government are not fighting hard enough on those issues, and others are fighting for things that are the opposite of what he believes. He gave the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and attempt to overthrow the election of President Joe Biden as an example.

Jones said his “coolest” experience in Congress so far was joining U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-MO, and other progressives on the steps of the Capitol this summer to demand that the eviction moratorium for renters be extended. They were successful, although the moratorium ended in late August. “I believe that we saved lives,” Jones said.

Students also wanted to know what Jones would tell his younger self. “All will be OK,” he said. “Eventually, one day, people will celebrate you for who you are,” he said, and members of the audience clapped and cheered loudly.

As for Lil Nas X, he listens to his music and thinks he’s the “funniest person on social media,” especially “how he trolls people.”

“I think he’s awesome. I wish I had that kind of courage at his age,” Jones said.

Senior Jessica Sabau, co-president of the Human Rights Club, said students were really engaged and interested in what Jones had to say. His remarks showed that he is making an impact and attempting to address issues that people in the community are concerned about, she said.

Damaris Rincon, vice president of the Human Rights Club, said Jones is inspiring and gave students a chance to see how much change they can make at a young age. Having someone in such a high office visit the high school and speak to them about issues they care about was a great experience. “It really makes us feel seen,” she said. “There are people that care about people in our school district.”