
Application for Derric Henry Taylor
- Interview
- Initial Application
- Supplemental Application
- Letters of Recommendation
- Public Comments
- Files
Interview

Interview Length: 1:14:52 | Download Transcript
Initial Application
Below is the initial application for the Citizens Redistricting Commission. In this section of the application you will be asked to provide personal information that will assist the Applicant Review Panel in processing your application.
You do not have to complete the entire application at one time. At any point, you can save your application using the "Save Application" button. After the application has been saved, you can return to this site to complete the application using your email and password if you choose to set one. Be sure to submit your initial application on or before August 19, 2019.
All fields with * are required to submit the application.
Supplemental Application
Congratulations on moving forward to the supplemental application for the Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission). You must provide an answer to all questions that apply to you. If you miss a question, you will be prompted to answer missing responses before you can submit the application.
You do not have to complete the entire application at one time. At any point, you can save your application using the "Save Application" button. After the application has been saved, you can use your email address and password to return to this site to complete the application. Be sure to submit your supplemental application on or before October 20, 2019.
All fields with * are required to submit the application.
Part 1: Essay Questions:
The response to each of the following essay questions is limited to no more than 3200 characters including spaces (approximately 500 words). The response fields below will allow you to cut and paste text from any word processing program such as Microsoft Word.
Letters of Recommendation
Letter of Recommendation #1, submitted by Thomas Lee
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Mr. Taylor is a dear friend and member of our Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Letter of Recommendation:
This letter of recommendation was enthusiastically written on behalf of Derric Taylor.
I have had the honor of serving as an educator, mentor, and leader of organizations for over 20 years. Derric is one of the finest, most talented and profound individuals I have met throughout my life. His stellar example as a human being, work in law enforcement and philanthropy reveal his possession of an equal measure of heart and mind.
I've known Derric for over three decades and he's always impressed me with his high moral character, sagacity, and growth mindset. He is a beloved father of three and loyal husband to his wife for over 20 years. As a peace officer for the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, he still is seeking better ways to fulfill his civic duty. He recently completed his masters degree at UC Irvine, and he always looking for ways to be a solution and change agent we all desire to see.
Over the years, I have often relied on Derric to help me in my capacity as a non-profit leader to impact the lives of youth. He possesses a wonderful combination of integrity, authenticity, intellect, creativity, warmth, humor, and a comprehensive understanding of systems that's hard to find. His ability to problem-solve, discern, and collapse contradictions led to an expansion of his circle of influence in our fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated. He's held leadership positions at all levels. Members quickly realized he can be trusted and relied upon in all areas.
Derric will be a success in any endeavor he pursues and an asset to the commission. Please give his case favorable consideration. If you have any questions, please give me a call at the following number: [Redacted].
Letter of Recommendation #2, submitted by Michael L. Walker
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Community Service Work
Letter of Recommendation:
October 17, 2019
Dear Citizens Redistricting Commission Selection Committee:
It is my great pleasure to recommend Derric Taylor (21705) for the role of commissioner on the Citizens Redistricting Commission. I am an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' department of sociology. I have known Derric for seven years, and though my career has moved me away from my home city of Los Angeles, Derric and I remain in near daily conversation, which is to say, I know Derric Taylor and can speak to the habits of action and personality characteristics he has that will make him an outstanding commissioner. I should say, however, that not only do I count him among my most trusted and supportive friends, but I see Derric as a leader. Indeed, my first interactions with Derric were as a member of a community service organization's educational committee that he directed.
Among of the stand-out skills Derric displayed during those committee meetings was the ability to take a democratic approach to problem solving in ways that led groups who disagreed to focus on those matters upon which they agreed so that a particular goal could be accomplished. It is probably more accurate to describe that "skill" as a quality that Derric possesses because it seems to be his wont to settle conflict in the service of getting things done. The purpose of the educational committee was to distribute scholarly awards to students after evaluating their respective applications. Disagreements were common. Members expressed differing views about the structure and content of the evaluations we made. There were conflicting ideas about the committee's focus—whether it should be on procedural rightness or morally and ethically desirable outcomes. In all cases, Derric's approach was to acknowledge perspectives, summarize points made during discussions, and show where our arguments converged and diverged so that we could more clearly see pathways to accomplishing our ultimate tasks. He is quick to listen and measured in his responses. His leadership always tempered what surely would have been contentions arguments. Members showed up ready to fight and left feeling heard, understood, and valued. That was Derric Taylor's doing. But let me give you two more qualities Derric possesses that translate well for work as a citizen's commissioner.
Principally, he is an effective communicator—whether in speech or writing. As I am sure you understand well, it is difficult to overstate the value of effective writing skills and the ability to analyze big ideas, synthesize different sources of data into a digestible framework, and deliver the meaning of it all in clear and concise language. Bear in mind that Derric Taylor has an advanced degree from the University of California-Irvine and twenty-three years of work in law enforcement. He has had to develop the skill to communicate with persons from a wide range of societal arenas, and you don't get as far as he has without being great at that.
No less valuable, Derric is simply a marvel of time management. Throughout the seven years we have known one another, he has successfully maintained—what I would call—competing roles as a husband, father, law enforcement officer, accessible friend and confidant, academic, and an active member of a community service program. Whereas any combination of three of those roles might well end in time-management disasters for some, Derric understands that only one thing can be done well at a time. He gives a necessary foundation for tasks to get done; he dedicates time in accordance with a hierarchy of needs and responsibilities; and he does the thing on his schedule well. It is a simple but rarely followed formula for productivity whether in organizational meetings, interpersonal dealings, academic research, or community-oriented law enforcement. In practice this translates to him being present in whatever activity he is in. It is just one more way that he deals gracefully with the demands set upon him. While working with him, I never felt rushed or brushed off. As his friend, I marvel that he always has time for me.
If it sounds as if Derric Taylor is Superman, he is not, but he has demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic, and I admire him for it. He is a judicious-minded person with an eye for problem solving. In fact, as a bonus, Derric has one other underrated quality: likability. I have yet to meet a person who has met Derric Taylor that did not find him friendly and agreeable. There are many ways to get a job done, and whatever the skills one brings to bear, being amiable goes a long way.
So, for these reasons, I offer my strongest support for Derric Taylor to join the Citizens Redistricting Commission. I know that he will not let you down. Should you have a need for further information from me, feel free to call me: [Redacted].
Sincerely,
Michael Lawrence Walker
Assistant Professor
Department of Sociology
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Letter of Recommendation #3, submitted by Ron Watson
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Friend
Letter of Recommendation:
Captain Ronald L. Watson
Ontario Police Department
[Redacted]
Ontario, California 91761
Citizen's Redistricting Selection Committee
To whom it may concern:
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Derric H. Taylor for the position of Commissioner on the Citizen's Redistricting Commission. I can aptly state with confidence, that Derric would provide his time, intelligence, dedication, insight and honor to this civic body ultimately serving the constituents of California well in this capacity and upholding the ideals and purpose of this diverse electorate.
As of this date, I have known Derric in excess of three decades. During that time, we have grown from young men to individuals of principle and character able to lend our unique gifts to those around us. We both have traveled paths that have lead through education, college, personal growth and self-reflection. We both have shared roots in a working class community where hard work, personal responsibility, diversity, equity as well as duty were common themes in our households. It is more than likely that those shared values were the impetus of a lifelong friendship. Since those early days we both have also found a shared profession in law enforcement. In law enforcement, Derric and I have found career satisfaction through service to the community and the opportunity to give back or replenish what was afforded to us, and at times, to blaze a trail for others to follow. Derric has often stated that it is the attributes of a servant leader, which he possesses, that can have a positive impact on the communities we come into contact with on a daily basis. It is the realization and dichotomy of being of services to others that enables an individual to assume a role of leadership within a given community. This dichotomy also perpetuates within the individual and serves as on-going motivation to continue on a path of service and leadership. Derric grasps that concept to the benefit of others. I further believe, and it is especially important to note, that Derric has chosen to serve professionally in a community where he has roots making a direct impact upon the community that helped to develop him into the person he has become. To state in colloquial terms, Derric has worked countless of thankless hours to improve the community that surrounds him without complaint. Derric, as a former athlete, understands the concept of team work and the goals a combined unit can accomplish. This attribute fits well in a committee environment where it is important that the needs of a populace are held in due regard, in an effort to accomplish a given task, all while working together in a group. Both Derric and I have a strong sense of family and take particular pride in our family ties and the subsequent families we have created through our marriages. In our family units we both continue to model and instill the moral fiber that was portrayed to us throughout our lives to include civic involvement.
Throughout my experiences with Derric, we have had the opportunity to share and discuss countless topics. These conversations with Derric have given me the opportunity to see how he accepts and process information, that he is open to constructive criticism, and how he continues to grow as an individual. Derric is able to shape and approach an argument or problem logically, based on tangible evidence and data while being empathetic to the emotional impact an argument may contain or the emotions inherent in the scenario. Derric is able, when dissecting or analyzing an argument or solution, to be impartial and to judge both the macro and micro components of an issue before drawing a conclusion. This attribute may be one of the biggest strengths possessed by Derric and will lay at the heart of being an effective Commissioner.
As a law enforcement executive that has had past experiences as the department head of a personal unit, I am very familiar with the qualities that contribute to success both professionally and personally. As an individual that has been around Derric for an indiscriminate amount of time, I am aware of the individual that he is and the qualities he possesses that would be an asset to the commission. Based on the above, I whole heartily recommend Derric H. Taylor for the role of Commissioner and have no doubt that he would serve admirably while representing the people to the best of his abilities.
Best regards,
Ronald L. Watson
Application Identification Number 21705
Public Comments
Comment 610, submitted by Peggy Taylor
How Submitter Knows Applicant: He is my son
Submitted On: 10/24/2019
Comment:
Derric is a very dedicated, family oriented, civic minded indiviual. He is a college graduate, very supportive of family members and others in his circle. He has been employed with the same employer more than 20 years, has lived in the same general area more than 40 years. He is dependable. I believe he is highly qualified based upon his employment experience as a peace officer, edcation BA/MBA, volunteer work with community organizations.
Comment 1192, submitted by Tamiko Craig
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Childhood Friend
Submitted On: 11/04/2019
Comment:
Compassion for others is a trait that is often revered yet not widely possessed. This trait in combination with integrity, intelligence and
wisdom succinctly describe the core being of Derric Taylor. These attributes have been oft displayed throughout a friendship that has spanned for nearly 30 years. During this time I have witnessed his strong ethical values, industrious nature, commitment to fairness and impartiality, as well as a true sense of altruism. These values are evident in his professional and personal life. He is an inspiring presence with a unifying personality and ability to think beyond the box. Given his exceptional tenacity he has and will continue to thrive in all he endeavors. He will assuredly provide immense value to The Citizens Redistricting Commision.
Comment 1367, submitted by Mary Lou Guzman
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Friend of the Family
Submitted On: 11/05/2019
Comment:
I've known Derric Taylor for 20+ years and feel that he's a very qualified candidate. He's intelligent and trustworthy. I feel I can definitely count on him as he's always been a reliable person. He's a pillar of the community and volunteers his time with nonprofit involvement.
Comment 1569, submitted by Laurence Springer
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Personal Friend
Submitted On: 11/08/2019
Comment:
It is a pleasure to add this public comment to the record. I have known Mr. Taylor for over 35 years and I know him to be honest, hard working, caring, trustworthy and diligent. I have had the pleasure of calling him a friend, teammate, opponent, assistant coach, and business partner. In all of our dealings, Derric has been the voice of reason and the one to consider all sides of the situation. When Derric chose to apply for employment with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, I knew that if he were to be hired, he would be a great asset. I also knew that his ability to be fair, think critically, and problem solve, would bode him well as a member of law enforcement. I believe these same qualities would also serve useful as a member of the Citizens Redistricting Commission.
I can think of no other person that I know that is better suited for the task of being a member of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission.
Comment 1692, submitted by Laura Young
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Son-in-law
Submitted On: 11/09/2019
Comment:
Having a son-in-law who is all that you hoped for is a blessing and a gift. We all want our children to have the best that life has to offer, and that includes a loving mate. For me, Derric Taylor, checks all the boxes.
My daughter and I met Derric in the summer of '93 soon after he graduated from Morehouse College. From the very beginning, I was struck by his maturity and how level headed he was. He exhibited high moral character in his treatment of my daughter and others.
Law enforcement was his career choice which shows his dedication to community. He continues to strive to advance in his career by completing his Masters at University Of California, Irvine.
Derric Taylor is a caring and loving husband and father. His large family and circle of friends have nothing but love and respect for him. It is my privilege to give my recommendation for Derric Taylor to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. I know all will find him to be a great asset.
Comment 1763, submitted by Courtney Taylor
How Submitter Knows Applicant: He is my spouse
Submitted On: 11/09/2019
Comment:
Citizen's Redistricting Selection Committee
I have known Derric Taylor for 26 years, and we've been married for 20 of those years. He is a man of integrity who is as dedicated to service and the betterment of his community, as he is to our family...which is saying a lot.
Derric and I met shortly after he earned his accounting degree from Morehouse College. His plans were to put his newly earned degree into use in the corporate arena. Job prospects for new graduates were slim however and after much thought and consideration he decided to give law enforcement a try. He figured if it didn't work out, he could always fall back on his degree. He successfully completed his training at the academy and accepted the offer to join the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. I must admit that I wasn't terribly thrilled at the time, but as I think about it, he is perfectly suited for his career in law enforcement. Derric is the embodiment of a public servant in that he is thoughtful, logical and patient, with clear and consistent ethical standards. He is fair minded and keenly aware and considerate of the long term impacts of his decisions. I witness these attributes daily because he is an excellent father to our children, he is a dependable partner as we navigate our busy lives together, he is a respected leader within his fraternity, and is a sought after player and leader over the years on one adult men's baseball team after another.
Speaking of the thinking man's game, Derric is a student of the game of baseball, the sport he's played since childhood and continues to play. He is a sought after teammate and he shares what he knows about the game with the players on the Little League team he coaches year after year. It isn't always easy navigating team dynamics as a player or the manager, but Derric does so in such a way that his fellow teammates feel valued, and each player on he coaches gets a shot and feels like they belong, no matter their skill level. It's not all about winning for Derric. Winning is great of course, but he's most focused on growth and improvement and sharing the game he loves with others so that they grow to love it and benefit from all that the game has to teach if you're willing to learn. He is the player you want on your team, and the manager you want for your player, and he's fair, respected and well liked in either case.
Derric is dedicated, hard-working and loyal, and an asset to any organization lucky enough to have him, and would ably represent the residents of the great state of California as a Commissioner on the Citizen's Redistricting Commission.
Comment 1925, submitted by Lorianne M. Taylor
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Derric is my brother.
Submitted On: 11/10/2019
Comment:
Derric H. Taylor is highly qualified for the position. He is a leader in both his professional and personal life. He upholds his duties in serving the public on a daily basis which also expands to his personal life. As a peace officer, Derric ensures that he serves his community by protecting them and their liberties. Derric is also affliated with a fraternity where he serves as a community leader. Again, both in his professional and personal life he demonstrates a spirit of service. The position that he is applying for requires an individual who has the ability to serve and preserve the basic voting rights of individuals. Derric H. Taylor is an active member of his community who would uphold the requirements, standards, and privileges of the office.
Comment 1928, submitted by Mack Henry Taylor
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Son
Submitted On: 11/10/2019
Comment:
Derric is my only son , I have watched him grow from a baby to the outstanding man he is today. Over the years I watched him acquire the values needed to become a responsible, dependable man, husband, father and leader.
I watched him acquire his undergrad degree in Accounting while interning for the County of Los Angeles and then his Master degree in Criminal law form UC Irvine
at the age of 49. I think that is outstanding! I also witness him rising to detective rank with the LA COUNTY Sheriff department while being the loving and caring husband and father to his family.
I know Derric will bring to any position / appointment he is awarded, fairness, impartiality, and responsiveness, because he has demonstrated these qualities his entire life.
Comment 2003, submitted by Stephan L Taylor
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Sibling
Submitted On: 11/10/2019
Comment:
Derric was born to serve.
He believes in the proverb "preach the gospel, if necessary use words". As such, he leads by his example which is far more effective than the words of others.
When Derric graduated from Morehouse College, he started a career as an accountant. Like many young educated men of color Derric was troubled to see that regardless of his/our education many of us were still miss treated by law enforcement some being swallowed by the legal system. After sharing his concern with our mother, she challenged Derric to be a part of the solution rather than choir of people complaining about the way things were. Soon after that conversation Derric made a career change that would impact both of our lives. My brother's decision to become a Deputy Sherriff indirectly helped me to make better life choices as a young man.
In the twenty plus years since that decision, I've heard from his command staff, his partners, and men and women he has trained that he has garnered respect from street smart men and women to judges and local officials because he treats everyone he encounters like a human being first.
I'm challenged when I look at the news and absorb the skewed data, somehow Derric is able to see things both as a cop and a Black man; a law abiding citizen and someone who might lack the tools to navigate through society; a husband, father, and community leader and an outlier who doesn't understand social norms. Derric has the gift of seeing the facts, evaluating the situation, and generating an unbiased report of his findings.
I asked him why he wanted to serve as a commissioner and his answer was reminiscent of his career change of twenty years ago. He sees a need and he's willing to answer the call to serve. To Derric, this is another opportunity to serve his community, and to the diversity of the commission and demonstrate, once again through his actions that democracy can work as long as we get involved.
Its an honor for me to comment on his behalf. I pray that you accept his application and carefully consider it as you form the commission for redistricting.
Stephan L Taylor
Comment 2253, submitted by Stephan L Taylor
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Sibling
Submitted On: 11/13/2019
Comment:
Derric was born to serve.
He believes in the proverb "preach the gospel, if necessary use words". As such, he leads by his example which is far more effective than the words of others.
When Derric graduated from Morehouse College, he started a career as an accountant. Like many young educated men of color Derric was troubled to see that regardless of his/our education many of us were still miss treated by law enforcement some being swallowed by the legal system. After sharing his concern with our mother, she challenged Derric to be a part of the solution rather than choir of people complaining about the way things were. Soon after that conversation Derric made a career change that would impact both of our lives. My brother's decision to become a Deputy Sherriff indirectly helped me to make better life choices as a young man.
In the twenty plus years since that decision, I've heard from his command staff, his partners, and men and women he has trained that he has garnered respect from street smart men and women to judges and local officials because he treats everyone he encounters like a human being first.
I'm challenged when I look at the news and absorb the skewed data, somehow Derric is able to see things both as a cop and a Black man; a law abiding citizen and someone who might lack the tools to navigate through society; a husband, father, and community leader and an outlier who doesn't understand social norms. Derric has the gift of seeing the facts, evaluating the situation, and generating an unbiased report of his findings.
I asked him why he wanted to serve as a commissioner and his answer was reminiscent of his career change of twenty years ago. He sees a need and he's willing to answer the call to serve. To Derric, this is another opportunity to serve his community, and to the diversity of the commission and demonstrate, once again through his actions that democracy can work as long as we get involved.
Its an honor for me to comment on his behalf. I pray that you accept his application and carefully consider it as you form the commission for redistricting.
Stephan L Taylor
Comment 2676, submitted by Jeff Lohmann
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Co-worker
Submitted On: 11/27/2019
Comment:
It is a privilege to provide public comment and recommend Derric Taylor as a commissioner on the Citizens Redistricting Commission. Derric is a man of integrity, honor and dedication and I would feel entirely at ease with Derric representing my community and the interest of others in this capacity. Redistricting is an issue of tantamount importance to our democracy and I truly believe that Derric would function in a fair and impartial manner, much like he has already demonstrated in his professional life, while seated in this position to the benefit of the people of California.
Derric and I are work partners and we both currently conduct law enforcement investigations. We have worked with in close proximity of one another for the last six years. During that time, I have personally witnessed Derric and an exemplary work ethic. Derric has worked on numerous investigations over that span of time and has always approached his cases with fairness and objectivity. He is able to extract information from witnesses, victims, and suspects and does not have any issues connecting with individuals from all walks of life. Derric is able to address all segments of the public and has an appreciation for the differences in individuals and diversity. Those differences have not clouded his judgement and we often have open discussion regarding how we can best handle our caseloads. Derric's humility is an asset along with a desire to be transparent in his duties. Law enforcement and the application of law can be challenging at times. Statutes and laws can be technical, difficult, and sometimes ambiguous. In the investigation of cases, I have seen Derric handle difficult legal issues ranging from fraud and identity theft to intent crimes and assaults. This ability has showcased how Derric can navigate legal concepts along with purpose and translate the information for practical application and law enforcement. This ability in particular will greatly benefit the Commission as it will need to apply legal concepts and information with the practical purpose of drawing district lines
A great example of the person Derric is relates to how I learned that Derric was seeking this appointment. Since Derric and I are work partners and our desk are within close proximity, I inadvertently came upon this information. While Derric was watching and listening to live stream of the most current meeting in the background at his workstation, I also saw the live stream and I became curious as to the content of what Derric was watching. I asked a few questions and Derric explained his efforts to get appointed to the Redistricting Commission and its purpose. Being Derric's partner, I am aware of his endeavors and his desire to be of use to society both personally and professionally. We often state our intent is, "to be good people". My learning of Derric's intent to be of use to the Commission without any fanfare or publication is par for the course for Derric. This is just another instance where Derric quietly is attempting to work playing his part in society by lending his skillset to an endeavor for the benefit of others.
In conclusion, I would recommend that Derric be placed on the Commission without any reservations. I believe that the selection committee would be hard pressed to find other individuals with the same capacity and skillset as Derric and able to translate the theoretical to practical output. I cannot stress enough how I believe Derric is the right individual for this responsibility.
Comment 2858, submitted by Robert Grant
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Fraternity Members and he patrols my neighborhood.
Submitted On: 12/08/2019
Comment redacted.
Comment:
Good Afternoon Representative,
As current Chapter President of the Eta Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated let me enthusiastically raise my hand in support of Derric H. Taylor as he seeks to become a member of the California Redistricting Commission. Derric has been a valued member of both Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and this Chapter to the benefit of our membership as well as a beacon to those individuals he comes into contact with through the course of our business and national programs. Outside of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and in his personal life, Derric is a man of honor who goes the extra mile for his fellow citizens much like the ideals of our dear Fraternity. Those same qualities will continue to benefit Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity as well as those individuals that are fortunate enough to get to know Derric and hopefully in the near future, become a benefit to the Redistricting Commission.
To explain the tenets of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated further would help to explain who Derric is as a person and qualify why Derric H. Taylor is a strong candidate for the Redistricting Commission. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated stands for lofty ideals similar to those set forward in our democracy. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity believes in the equality of all people, the ability of individuals to accomplish these goals, and to do so at a high degree. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated seeks men of this stature, who believe in those ideals. Derric is a Fraternity member in good standing and is one of those men. Derric, being the immediate past vice-president of the Chapter, has had to put his abilities to practice. I have had the privilege of working with Derric on the Chapter executive board and those qualities have come to bear. Derric in his role as vice-president represented the interest of the body well and did not succumb to representing issues that could be described as partisan in nature. Derric was/is not supportive of matters that were of interest to particular cliques or factions of the membership but was/is always concerned with the entire body. Derric was not self-aggrandizing and worked well within the team environment. Derric was empowering of other member and committees and sought their advice when needed or accepted their recommendations when appropriate. Derric approached his role as vice-president with a humility that was beguiling of his depth of knowledge. I have no doubt that these attributes will continue to come into play wherever Derric chooses to lend his talents.
In observing Derric handle his duties as vice-president, I have come to the conclusion that Derric is willing to stand up for causes he believes in and does not shrink away from inquiry or the truth in a matter. Derric does not acquiesce for the sake of peace, but rather stands up for what is just. I believe Derric's thought process is based in the logical formation of thought, ideas, and evidence and is probably closely related to his job as a law enforcement professional. Logic is especially beneficial when an individual must weigh the circumstances of an action versus another or comprehend and analyze complex concepts, and Derric is able to do that very well considering all possible consequences or grasping the point of the matter.
Although Derric is not the current vice-president, he still maintains a strong presence within the chapter as an active member on a number of committees to the betterment of our Chapter. Derric however, is still a sitting member on the executive board of the Manly Deeds Scholarship Foundation which is a non-profit created by our Chapter and raises scholarship funds to award to deserving area youth. I must humbly state, at the given moment, the Manly Deeds Foundation is experiencing its highest rate of success and it is manifest in the Foundation's increased ability to award higher and higher scholarship awards. Derric is a part of that successful executive team. So, while Derric may not function in one role, he consistently finds ways to positively contribute to the betterment of our membership and society.
One of the national programs of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated is "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People". This national program centers on the concept that voting is an important and essential part of our democracy. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity members share in this belief and it is espoused by Derric as well. That being the case, I was not surprised when Derric spoke with me about the Redistricting Commission and relayed that he is seeking an appointment. The Redistricting Commission reaffirms the importance of voting and ensures that the value of the vote is not lost on issues such as gerrymandering. Unscrupulously political practices are contrary to the ideals of our democracy, so it seems appropriate that Derric would choose to serve in a position such as this. I could not think of a better individual or Fraternity member than Derric to serve on this Commission. I humbly implore the selection committee to favorably consider the application of Derric and appoint him onto the Redistricting Commission poste haste!!!
Fraternally Yours,
Robert Grant III
President, Eta Pi Lambda Chapter, No. 270
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
[Redacted]
Comment 3347, submitted by Lorraine M Phillippi
How Submitter Knows Applicant: Co-worker and friend
Submitted On: 02/11/2020
Comment:
I have known Derric for approximately 15 years on both a professional and personal level. I truly love, respect and admire him. He is not only a wonderful husband, father and son, he is an extraordinary human being and a fantastic partner. I have had the pleasure of working side by side with Derric, and I know first hand how he possesses an incredible work ethic and is always striving to better himself and the people around him. He respects and loves our community, and is fair to all people without judgment regardless of difference of personal and political opinions. He sees the good in all people, but always believes we as an individual and community can always do better.
Being in law enforcement is difficult, and he has helped guide and mentor me to be open minded, fair with no biases towards all people of different lifestyles, religions and social upbringings. I truly admire him for so many reasons, which are true and dear to me.
Derric would make a wonderful commissioner, and our community would benefit in so many ways to have him represent us.