The color of Green

An interview with Darryl! LC Moch, DC Statehood Green Party

Green Pages: Why have you joined the Green Party?

Moch: I joined the Green Party officially after Cynthia McKinney ran for president on the Green Party (GP) ticket. I was im­pressed, knowing her history of advocacy and controversy, that the GP would have her as a candidate. This led me to believe that this party was much more forward thinking then the mainstream parties or any of the other 3rd parties in the U.S. I was impressed likewise, with the depth of the platform and the breadth of issues covered, not only environmental issues but also a wide range of issues that are dear to my heart. I believe we can get a handle on the crux of what would make the U.S. better and part of the global citizenry, as it should be. Besides all of that I joined because it seemed much more likely that I could engage in the Party and with people who truly wanted engagement and participation not simple blind allegiance.

What do you think are the pressing issues of the country?

Quality of life issues I think are at the heart of the problems facing our country. Addi­tionally, economic security issues are critical at this time. This includes the following: human rights, the economy (particularly jobs, taxes, and affordable housing), health care, education, and national reforms in the areas of finance, and politics.

What do you think the Green Party should focus on?

Developing a strategy for getting people elected at every level of government. The party needs to focus on building consensus and cohesion that allows us to function in our various parts but as a whole on a focused mission of gaining access and leadership in the American public and politic. The Green Party must offer a better way forward if we are to be anything other than a group of theorists and philosophers navel gazing and speculating on the matrices of possibility potentialities.

What can Greens do to enhance diversity within the party and in general?

The first step is facing the fact that there is a serious gap in diversity and that this is in fact a problem if the party intends to represent the 99 percent of the public not fully represented by the duopoly. It is recognizing that the lack of diversity will be one of the main hindrances to reaching the mainstream of America. People have become used to being ignored or taken for granted by the “big two” but they refuse to accept that same treatment from smaller entities or entities that claim to offer a better way forward.

With what race or culture do you identify?

I identify as Black or African American mostly. While when pressed I can give the list of my ethnic and cultural background through my family and ancestors. In my personal life and home many of these are honored and respected but since I have lived my life and my family has centered in being Black and African American that remains the dominant perspective and ex­pression of my race, ethnicity, and culture.

Could you please give a brief bio of yourself?

*Darryl!* L.C. Moch, currently residing in Washington, DC, works as the Executive Director of the Labor Heritage Foundation (an arts and culture non-profit) and also provides consulting services to communities and non-profit organizations. Dar­ryl!’s is a member of UAW/ National Writer’s Union. His work as an organizer has spanned the country. His current work in DC in­cludes arts and culture of the labor movement and other progressive issues for working people, the poor, HIV/AIDS education prevention, and other issues facing communities most disenfranchised by lo­cal, regional, and national political policies and laws. Darryl! Holds a BA in Theater, Dance and Psychology (Clinical counseling) and a Masters of Education in Counseling from Alfred University (’91, ’92); he also has earned a Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre: Directing  (’96). He is also the Director of the Charm City Labor Chorus.

Currently Darryl!, was most recently elected to serve on the U.S. Green Party Steer­ing Committee as a co-chair, he also serves on the DC Statehood Green Party Steer­ing Committee (and is a delegate to the USGP National Committee), USGP Black Caucus, USGP, Plat Com, and USGP Media Committee, the acting co-chair of the Co­ordinate Campaign Committee, and serves on the Dispute Resolution Committee. In 2010 he ran for DC City Council At-Large post in the DCSGP primary. He continues to serve as adviser to campaigns and candidates in various parts of the country. He was mentored early on in politics by several legislators including and most notably Cynthia McKinney.

He has served communities as a psycho­therapist, advocate, community activist, performing artist, educator, political consultant, and ordained minister. His passion is creating opportunities that will em­power, expose, and enlighten individuals and our collective communities. His activist and advocacy work has been rooted in social justice, equality, and quality of life issues for African-American/People of Color and minority communities, children, youth, families, sexual minority constituencies, people living with mental and physical challenges, the homeless, as well as people living with, and/or affected by, HIV/AIDS.

Darryl! is a leader and has developed and trained leaders as well as become partners with and worked with community leaders on local, regional, national, and international levels. He has consulted or worked for various politicians and political campaigns, at every level.

Darryl! is an ordained minister and has served in various organizations and ministries across the country. His work centers on social change, social justice, and equality for all people without distinction in order to ensure a good quality of life for all people. He served as an Executive Director, CFO, and/or board member for non-profit organizations including: ITLA, Al-Sura, Inc., BroadArts Theatre, McKenzie River Gathering Foundation, MBK (My Brothaz Keeper), Inc., and others. He is a former editor, copy editor, program director, and features writer for local and national magazines. He is also part of the Center for New Community program Which Way Forward, confronting anti-immigration wedge issues targeted to the African American community. He is the founding secretary of the International Federation of Black Prides, served on Pride committees, or as an adviser in Atlanta, Portland, Toronto, Minneapolis, Chicago, Washington DC, Phoenix, Memphis, Seattle, and others.