Written By: Alisyn Re
Journalist
Los Angeles, California- The desire to make a change had always been in Michael's heart since a young age. Despite seeing what the people of his city needed and cried out for, none of the politicians or higher-ups seemed to be listening. Michael Brent IV knew what needed to be done and began his political journey. Michael began his political journey in high school! Michael then committed to Clark Atlanta University as a Political Science major in which he’ll be a Junior this fall. He’s also a former intern for the Democratic Party of Georgia and coordinated campaigns for 8 months. Michael plans to be the chapter president of the Young Democrats of Georgia for Clark Atlanta University. As of right now, he’s the Internal Coordination Director for the College Democrats of Georgia.
Who is Michael Brent IV?
“I’m Michael Brent IV from Los Angeles, California. I attend Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia as a Political Science major and I’m an intern for the Democratic Party of Georgia's Coordination Campaign.”
What inspired you to choose this path?
“When I was younger, I was in a community service club. That particular club pushed me to look at my community, the city, and the state from a different lens. Through this club, I was able to go through my community and see what was actually happening. There are a lot of issues within the city of LA and as we were going through the community raising awareness, fundraising, talking to people, etc. I just thought about what the point was in doing all of this if the actual people in the office aren’t going to help and aren’t changing anything. They don’t even listen to us, what we want, and what we need. It was a group of 12, 13, 14, and 15 year olds going around the city and putting the work in to help the community but the older people in the office aren’t doing a thing. They have all the leeway and resources to change something but they choose not to. My whole thing was to counteract the issues that were going on through community service but now as I go through my career and use what I learned through my major, I can actually make a change.”
Who are your biggest influences?
“My biggest influences would be my friends, family, Barack Obama, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. My family and friends are my top greatest influences. They are my biggest supporters! They also bring awareness to me when it comes to issues going on within their communities and vice versa. Whether it’s my friends that are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, friends of different religions, friends of a different race, etc. I feel like it’s that type of rich culture of people who I’m around that influences me the most.”
Is politics something you have always been passionate about?
“Yes and no. It wasn’t until 8th grade that I really started to jumpstart and get more involved in politics. I started to understand and grasp more. But, I would have to say that I’ve always been around politics and always kept up to date with it.”
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?
“My greatest accomplishment has to be the internship that I have at the moment. I’ve had my internship since May of 2022. It’s been 8 months of strenuous, laborious, difficult, and timely work but I’ve loved every second of it. I’ve gotten a chance to do a lot of amazing things, meet a lot of amazing people, plan events, and be under the wing of some of the most influential political minds in Georgia and the country! I would consider this one of my greatest accomplishments because I put myself out there and was determined to get it. When I finally got it, I didn’t take it for granted.”
In a year's time, what would you like to accomplish?
“A year from now, I’m hoping I have a better understanding of more policies, policy agendas of the country, and overall just gaining a better understanding of how things in this country actually work. I also have a few things already in line for 2023. I hope I meet new people, get better, and have a new internship for the summer!”
What inspired you to get into politics?
“Unfortunately, President Donald J. Trump influenced me heavily to get more involved in politics. When you see someone so unfit to hold the most powerful position in the world, it makes you question things. It was truly disgusting seeing someone who held the highest position in the land mock, belittle, and disrespect different people of the country and the world as a whole. Everybody’s always wishing, hoping, and praying things to get better and that we have better people in the office. You then have to take it into your own hands to make or at least try to make that happen. I’m trying to be that person, in fact, I want to be that person. We need to see change and progression in this country. Also, if you want something to be done right, sometimes you’ll have to be the person to do it.”
Do you have any politicians in mind that you'd like to work with?
“I would like to continue working with Senator Warnock, he’s an amazing politician and person all around, he’s one I would definitely love to continue working with. I would like to work with Senator Cory Booker, Senator Bernie Sanders, House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Representative (First Gen-Z member elected) Maxwell Frost, and President Joe Biden.”
Throughout your career, what lesson has been most valuable for you?
“A valuable lesson that I’ve been taught throughout my career would have to be how no matter what you’ve done politics is always going to be a very rigorous career to have. It’s not all about sending out emails/getting responses and talking to other politicians, or citizens. It’s about getting and creating a product. Something has to come out of what you’ve done or nothing has really been done yet. I had to learn the hardest of hard ways and I agree with it. I will stand by it and move forward with it. It’s more so of an understanding that things take time and you shouldn’t stress out about it. It’s all a part of the game. If you’re smart, you’ll play it smart.”
Where can we reach you and/or just follow you on your journey?
“You can follow me on Instagram at michaelbrentiv.”
“Keep going, don’t stop! If you have an opportunity that presents itself, no matter what exactly it is, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Be persistent! If you have to send an email, send it. People are busy especially when it comes to politics! Send that email more than once! Don’t even wait a week, wait 72 hours. If you don’t hear anything within those 3 days, send that email again. Get it to them. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want. People need to know your name.”- Michael Brent IV
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