Long time political activist, Darnel Jackson Sr. told www.PoliticsWNY.com that he is planning to run for mayor of Buffalo.

Disturbed by the apparent front- runner, State Senator Byron Brown's hard hitting campaign in some parts of Buffalo -- while he "treads softly " around certain issues in other parts of town, Jackson said he will enter the race.

"For instance, on the east side, Brown supports measures to curb police brutality," Jackson said, "but on the south side, he poses with police in photo ops, as their staunchest supporter, never daring to broach the topic, or admit the possibility that young Blacks are sometimes unlawfully beaten by police. If it's a problem, say it everywhere. If police brutality is not a problem, then say that everywhere, say it to the (Buffalo) Challenger."

The Buffalo Challenger is the leading African American newspaper in Buffalo, and has repeatedly taken a stand against what they feel is police brutality against African Americans by Buffalo police.

Jackson has gathered together more than two dozen petition gatherers who live near his east side home. Jackson seemed fired up about his run. Much of his heat, however, seemed to be hurled at Brown. Jackson said, "on the east side, Byron promotes affirmative action -- at all city levels -- saying its time to get Masten and Ellicottt into city hall.

"On the south side, he cozies up with old- guard, patronage barons promising them status quo- nothing to fear from soft- spoken, well- dressed `Squire Brown.'

"On the east side, he talks about history, about being the first Black mayor, and how important it is to `all of us.' On the south side, he says the color of a mayor's skin is irrelevant.

"Will he put into place a hiring practice that reflects the minority/ethnic makeup of the city? `Byron makes it clear on the east side he will hire more Blacks and make up for years of disenfranchisement. Ask him to deny it in front of (publisher) Al-Nisa (Banks) at the Challenger.

But he would never say these same words to certain other audiences." Jackson says he looks forward to a debate with Brown and other mayoral candidates. However, he feels certain Brown will not debate.

"How," Jackson continues, "does `double B' (Byron Brown) feel about drug rehab versus long- term, mandatory imprisonment for young men caught up in the vicious cycle of crack cocaine? Is he tough on crime or long on reform? Liberal or conservative?

"Depends where he's speaking.

"How does he feel about reparations? He supports it in some circles, but ask him about reparations in South Buffalo.

"How about neighborhood schools? Or unsolved homicides? Or training for minority youth? Police brutality? How will he apportion block grant money? Where will library money go? How about unions making large donations to his campaign? He takes their money but says he won''t support them. I''ve been fighting them for years. And I won''t take their money.

"In Niagara Falls Senator George Maziarz has more influence in the area than he, and Maziarz isn't even representing Niagara Falls.

"We don't frankly know who Brown is, or what he stands for, or what he's done. We know he has an elegant wardrobe, and a good tailor. That may be enough for some."

Chris Stevenson, columnist for the Buffalo Criterion supports Brown's regulated image. While acknowledging Brown is talking "soft" now, Stevenson writes in the Criterion, that Brown has to appear "congenial."

"Buffalo needs a Black mayor who is firm and decisive and doesn't care what the status quo thinks," Stevenson wrote in a March edition, "Buffalo needs a Black mayor who isn't afraid to seek advantages for the black community he came from…… Buffalo needs a Black mayor who is a fighter…… Buffalo has been ruled by white opinion for too damn long -- white opinionated and white regulated…… (but) for right now Brown has to talk the talk that won't scare the white constituency.

It's easy for you and I to want to see him as the second coming of Malcolm X……" Jackson has been active in community politics and neighborhood services for more than twenty years. A former gang member who spent several years in prison, (once for beating up a drug dealer in his neighborhood) Jackson now spends his time trying to keep young people from getting involved in the gang culture and drug lifestyles that "sabotage their youth." Both the Buffalo Challenger and the Buffalo Criterion have praised Jackson as an authentic voice in the African American community, who, because of his experience and courage, can truly reach young people.

Community observer, J. J. Richardson perhaps said it best of Jackson in an internet article in Black Progress, "Unlike every other activist in this community, Jackson is genuine; he is real. He doesn't shy away from any issue. He will go out on the streets and confront the drug dealer and tell them to get off the streets. He will interpose himself into dangerous situations to protect the weak from the bully. He is not afraid to speak truth to power. He is a hero to the youth.

Compared to him, other Black leaders, seem soft. Jackson has been beaten by the police to prevent police brutality. He has been attacked by gangs when he has cleaned up the streets they terrorized. You want Black--here is the real thing. But unlike the posers, Jackson is not racist. He really loves the people. White or Black, it doesn't matter to him."

The true political question, of course, is whether Jackson can make inroads into the voting community? Who's to say? The Challenger has repeatedly praised his "heroism" and is seen as likely to endorse him.

Nationally renowned political observer Roger Stone said,"When you have someone as wishy- washy as Brown, banking on playing race politics, playing both ends against the middle, the entry of a straight forward, plain -speaking candidate of the same race makes this mayoral anybody's guess. Remember, no one is really enthusiastic about Brown. His support is a mile wide and an inch deep. He has no real track record of accomplishment. If his race leverage is gone- what makes him the front runner? We have to look at issues and accomplishment. What has Brown done? So financial support is tenuous.

"Jackson can- if he can go toe to toe with Brown -steal his thunder and make a showing, possibly

win." Some critics argue, like www.PoliticsWNY.com publisher Joe Illuzzi, that Jackson is getting in the race to be a spoiler for Brown, possibly urged by some of Brown's detractors.

To this, Jackson angrily retorts: "This is the same race baiting I''m fighting. I don't have a right to run because Brown has the franchise to being Black? But I am not a Black candidate, I am a candidate. We wouldn't say to (Mayor Anthony) Masiello or (Marc) Coppola that he is a spoiler. I am going to campaign and my message will be the same whether it's the southside or the east side, the north or the west."

Frank Parlato is a long time contributor to www.PoliticsWNY.com , a successful developer, publicist, editor and journalist with more than 300 articles published in national and international magazines and newspapers.