Bergson Leneus made history recently when he became the first known person of descent to become Councilman of East Orange, New Jersey. Leneus credits his upbringing with helping morph him into a solid leader and community activist. A graduate of Rutgers University, Leneus spent the majority of college undergraduate years taking coursework in philosophy. His skills as a diplomatic orator and a community leader no doubt were gained during this time.
Leneus also helps operate the Leneus Family Foundation, a nonprofit that gives assistance to people in Haiti and East Orange.
Kreyolicious: You’re a native of New Jersey, born of Haitian parents. What was that like?
Bergson Leneus: One word – Amazing. I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything in this world. To be raised in a Haitian household is an experience in and of itself and looking back I truly appreciate those moments, the culture, camaraderie, and the history. My Haitian roots and Jersey/East Orange flare is what has made me who I am.
Kreyolicious: So you got your initial degree in Philosophy from Rutgers. When you announced your major choice, did anyone in your family give you the side eye?
Bergson Leneus: [Laughter] That is a great question. The long and short answer is….Yes!!! I actually went through a few choices for a major before deciding on Philosophy. The first two were obviously biology (doctor) and criminal justice (lawyer). I truly didn’t feel like my skills-set would be best utilized in those traditionally Haitian dominated areas. It was a difficult (very difficult) time trying to explain to my family that I did not want to pursue the traditional Haitian careers, but looking back…I would have to say that it has somewhat paid off.
Kreyolicious: You’re the founder of the Leneus Family Foundation. What are you most proud about regarding this organization and what are you most proud of?
Bergson Leneus: I am most proud of my entire family putting aside all personal aspirations in order to come together for the greater good. We are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but our hearts are pure and truly dedicated to serving Haiti and the local community (East Orange).
Kreyolicious: Were you ever rebellious growing up? I ask because a lot of times we are without direction in our early teen years, and out of nowhere, we get an epiphany that turns our lives around.
Bergson Leneus: Honestly. I wasn’t that rebellious. My brothers and I grew up in a strict household and foolishness was not tolerated. I personally, however, wanted more for myself and would not stop until I achieved certain milestones. No matter what obstacles I continued to motivate and push myself to be better.
Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a leader?
Bergson Leneus: Get involved, ask questions, listen, learn, then Act! (in that order). Leadership will flow from those simple steps.
Kreyolicious: I once heard someone say, “Don’t take ever take advice from someone who you would not want to switch places with.” Have you ever been given advice that served you from someone who may not have been living the advice. Did you apply the advice?
Bergson Leneus: Wow. That is a great saying. There are a few persons that I have taken critical advice from in my life. To be quite honest I wouldn’t know if they were applying that advice to their everyday lives or not but nonetheless it struck a chord with me and I felt that it was necessary for me at that particular time. I tend to focus more on the message than the messenger.
Kreyolicious: What if you were giving book recommendations to someone who’s going to read this interview? What books would be at the top of the list? You can give me up to five, if you want..
Bergson Leneus: The Bible, Autobiography of Assata Shakur, Animal Farm, and 48 Laws of Power.
[Main Photo Credit: J. Edwards]
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