Beyond the June Primary: Holman Sets His Sights on November Election

Murray Holman is certainly no stranger to the Eastside community.

The co-founder and Executive Director of the Stop The Violence Coalition and a member of the Peacemakers Organization, he is a veteran who also serves as a Public School Crossing Guard, works with the youth and serves as a Sheriff Reserve.

Adding to that list, he recently announced his candidacy for the Masten District Council seat.

However he is not on the ballot in the upcoming June 27 Democratic Primary where Zeneta Everhart and India Walton will face each other. Holman has been endorsed by the Conservative Party and will be on the ballot on the Conservative line in the General Election in November.

A man of faith, he said God first guided him in his decision to enter the race as well as to go for the Conservative Party endorsement because of what Holman called “the tricks that went down with the Democratic Party endorsements. They endorsed without even hearing all the candidates.”

Even though the possibility of winning on the Conservative line in this heavily Democratic City is a long shot, he feels his impact on the race will be positive. Being a 25-year resident of the Masten District he pointed out, more than qualifies him to run and to represent the community.

He acknowledged that he was a busy man and said he’s learned to effectively juggle his many responsibilities.

“If I get in office that door will never be closed,” he said.

“The people’s issues and concerns will be dealt with. I’m open and have learned to humble myself and to listen to the elders and to our youth.”

Holding open community forums once weekly to hear from residents is also in his plans.

He said he will continue to work to stop the violence. His platform would also include connecting communities. Masten is changing and the population is becoming more diverse, he acknowledged. He said he also wants to build a community center in the district as well as open a supermarket.

He and his wife Nona have been married for 27 years and have nine children. His mother, Willie Mae Holman and his brother Herman Johnson were among those on hand in front of the Merriweather Library a few weeks ago when Holman announced his candidacy.