SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A former refugee was elected to office for the first time in Onondaga County.
Chol Majok won the third District Common Council seat on Tuesday. Majok attributed his win to those who supported him both politically and personally during his year-long campaign.
“I’m really indebted to all of you, those who gave their time to make sure that I was here,” Majok said. “I’m really thankful to my wife, who looked after my children, our children, while I was doing this for a whole entire year.”
Majok and his fellow refugees were dubbed the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” and were even profiled in the 2003 documentary of the same name. Majok said Tuesday’s win represents something bigger than him.
“This here, this night, is a night, for a lost boy. Its a night for somebody that was a refugee. Tonight is a night for those who see possibilities in impossibles.”
Majok says he’s received congratulatory calls from relatives in South Sudan, as well as young African leaders.
