Thank you Michael Mapa for believing that the Marshallese can aspire to more.  This past election, we had our first Marshallese candidate on the ballot in Arkansas.  Michael Mapa ran for a seat on the Quorum Court, a legislative body of county government that has 15 members called Justices of the Peace who are elected every two years.  As a new candidate, Michael had a strong turnout losing to the incumbent by only 200-300 votes.  He spoke with Chikin Melele the morning after the election and he talked about how important it is to work towards representation – to have a seat at the table for Marshallese.  We talked about how important it is for Marshallese n̄an bōk kunaad ilo aer maron̄ in vote. Walt Kelly, Michael’s campaign manager, said they were working hard to register all eligible voters to vote.  He believes that if they had a little more time Michael would have had the votes.

Michael Mapa, born in Guam, came from Ebeye to Springdale as a child.  His father is Chamorru and Filipino and his mother Marshallese, jowi eo an ri Arno.  In 1994 he came from Ebeye to Springdale.  He remembers starting the first Pacific Islander Club with his childhood friend and relative Albious.  He wanted others to know who the Marshallese people are.  That the Marshallese are a happy people with good hearts.  And, he feels that because he campaigned for Justice of the Peace that the Quorum Court has taken more notice of the Marshallese, wanting to know who they are.  

Michael talked about what he thought some of the most pressing issues were.  For the past year the Quorum Court has discussed using public funds, including emergency funds to address covid, to expand local jails even though residents have spoken against this.  In March of this year, an EF-3 tornado touched down in Springdale hitting Hispanic and Marshallese neighborhoods the hardest.  Michael said there were people in his neighborhood using the bathrooms at McDonald’s for at least three months.  Even though housing asked for assistance, the city took a long time to disperse aid.  Gov. Hutchinson came out at the time and gave each household $500, but the city did not declare a disaster and it hampered relief.  

Even though Michael did not win a seat in the Quorum Court, he expressed optimism for the future.  He talked about all the things that he still can do right now to educate others about the importance of voting and representation.  He talked about the impact this first step made towards Marshallese representation in their new home and he believes he can still revisit the proposal for a Marshallese community center.  Not in competition but to add on to the great work of other organizations and efforts. 

Prior to the campaign, before covid, he brought a proposal to the Consulate to build a Marshallese community center in Springdale with sports fields, day care, elderly services, classes and programs.  Even though a lot of people liked the idea, eṃṃan idea ne aṃ, no one seconded the vote at the time.  Maybe because he is young or he is not Irooj, maybe because people did not know who he was yet or because he did not use his Marshallese name.

Through his mother, whose last name is Bolkiem, he gets support from the Aḷap but in Arkansas he has made his own way working third shift in Marshalltown.  His campaign, funded mostly by the campaign’s manager, had the unofficial support of the Consulate, ACOM and MEI.   Michael said that he has “gotten some negative vibes” and criticism from politicians in the Marshalls for his appearance – long hair, beard, earring, and casual clothing.  But, when the president came to Arkansas, he said the president encouraged him saying “kate eok” or keep going.  

Lisa Ecke will continue to represent District 6 in the Quorum Court having 56.06% of the votes.  From 3000 votes in the district, Michael had 1291 of those votes.  https://www.nwahomepage.com/2022-election-results/

Paths to Citizenship:

Citizenship in the US means having a say, not just paying taxes.  In the military, Marshallese in service are fast-tracked to citizenship.  Marshallese born in any U.S. states or territories, like Guam, like Michael, have U.S. citizenship.  It is also possible to become a citizen through family members who are citizens.  Children born in the U.S., once they are 21 years old or older, can sponsor relatives like parents and siblings to get a green card and apply for citizenship.  If one parent is American, that parent can apply for their Marshallese children’s citizenship.  Marshallese who are dual citizens of the R.M.I. and the U.S. can register to vote and vote in U.S. elections.