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Duron Hines, incoming Chelsea city councilor, talks leadership, community and youth on local program
Summary
Duron Hines, an incoming Chelsea City Councilor for District 22, discussed his upbringing, college experience, leadership views and plans for serving youth during an interview on the show "Inspiring Generations." He said he will be sworn in Jan. 5.
Duron Hines, who said he will be sworn in Jan. 5 as city councilor for District 22, described growing up in Chelsea and his path into civic life during an interview on Inspiring Generations with host Celeste Williams.
Hines told Williams he did not graduate from Chelsea High School because he was recruited to play football at Saint Clement, a small Catholic school, and later attended Framingham State. "So I actually didn't graduate from Chelsea High School. I, while in high school, I actually, got recruited to go play football at a small Catholic school that actually closed down in about 2016, Saint Clement," he said. He added that mentors at college — including the campus chief diversity and inclusion officer and a writing professor — helped him persist.
Hines said he studied sociology in college and currently works as a social worker. "I studied sociology, which was huge for me in understanding ... my community," he said, describing how that training helped shape his approach to policy and relationships.
On leadership, Hines said there is no single correct model. "Great leaders lead with, like, compassion," he said, adding that leaders should be open to other voices and create room at the table for differing perspectives.
Hines described his decision to run for the city council as the product of conversations with community members and family support. He credited door-to-door campaigning and local networks for his election and said his campaign drew on longtime Chelsea programs and jobs that shaped him, listing the Boys and Girls Club and Roca among organizations he has been involved with.
Discussing technology and young people, Hines called it a "two-sided coin," noting both risks to critical thinking and opportunities for access to STEM careers. He urged young residents to "believe in yourself" and "find a community of people who also believe in you," advice he framed as practical for people considering leadership or civic engagement.
Williams closed the program by thanking Hines for appearing and wishing him well as he prepares to take office.
The interview focused on Hines's personal background, leadership philosophy and early priorities as an incoming city councilor; he did not outline any specific policy proposals during the segment.
