Making History in Onondaga County
Linda Ervin has been making history in Onondaga County politics for over a decade. In 2011, she became the first Black woman to serve as a minority leader on the 17-member county legislature board, representing parts of DeWitt and Syracuse.
Despite her trailblazing status, Ervin continued to experience racist questioning of her presence in the very halls of government she serves in. As she now passes the torch to successor Nodesia Hernandez, Ervin leaves behind an enduring legacy of leadership and advocacy.
An Enduring Fight for Representation
Ervin served Onondaga County for 13 groundbreaking years. As a Black woman governing a board composed predominantly of white men from suburban districts, she brought an invaluable perspective to policies impacting social services, public health, and safety.
Ervin recognized that diversity of background and viewpoint are critical for good governance, especially when setting budgets and initiatives meant to aid minorities and underprivileged groups. She has made it her mission to mentor future leaders who embody the diversity she champions.
In November 2022, Ervin recruited Nodesia Hernandez to replace her on the legislature. Hernandez becomes one of only four Black members out of 17 total legislators, the most ever to serve simultaneously.
Most monumentally, she emerges as the first Latina ever elected to Onondaga County’s government. Like Ervin, Hernandez brings a wealth of life experience to inform her policymaking, from working poverty in New York City to earning a bachelor’s degree as a single mother.
Carrying the Torch
Hernandez says Ervin taught her that women of color must build relationships, know the issues, listen to constituents, and stand unwaveringly for their beliefs to succeed as leaders.
She intends to apply these lessons to advance Ervin’s mission of achieving representation and access for all. Housing, zoning, transportation, and responsible budgeting are key issues she will prioritize.
As both a pioneer and a mentor, Linda Ervin has left an indelible mark on the legislative body she served for over a decade. Thanks to her efforts, the seeds of diversity and advocacy she planted will continue blossoming under Hernandez’s leadership for years to come.
Ervin may be departing from an official role, but her enduring influence promises to better the county she calls home for generations of leaders to come.
