In this photo taken on July 31, Joaquim Crima, 37, gives a thumbs up as he walks up a street in the village of Srednyaya Akhtuba, outside Volgograd, 900 kilometers (550 miles) southeast of Moscow, Russia. The African-born farmer is making an improbable run for office in Russia, inspired by President Barack Obama and undaunted by racial attitudes that have changed little in decades.
An African farmer in southern Russia, inspired by President Obama’s election, is poised for an improbable run for political office, according to The Associated Press.
In Russia, a country known for racism, it is highly unsual for a Black man to toss his hat in the political arena. However, for his efforts Joaquim Crima, a 37-year-old native of Guinea Bissau, is being called the "Russian Obama."
Crima said he likes Obama both as a person and as a politician and believes he can learn from the United States president. "Because he proved to the world what everyone thought was impossible," he explained."I think I can learn some things from him."
Crima, who has earned his citizenship, speaks fluent Russian and describes Russia as a "great power," has also expressed admiration for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
The married father of a young son lives in a town of 11,000 people that includes an extended clan of ethnic Armenian relatives. Overall, some 55,000 people live in the district's 18 villages and towns. Although Crima gets along well with his townspeople, he is often accompanied by a muscular relative who serves as a body guard.
Crima settled in Russia in 1989 after earning a degree there and is promising to battle corruption and bring development to his district on the Volga River.
But the AP reports that Crima's quest for election this fall is highly unlikely – not that he could not raise financial backing and other resources – largely because of the stark reality that he is a Black man in a country where racism and accompanying stereotypes are deeply rooted.
According to the AP, last December, a Black American exchange student was stabbed and badly wounded in Volgograd, the nearest large city, in what was believed to be a racially motivated attack.
Crima believes he has what it takes to fix problems in his district, where some residents still lack potable water and use outhouses. The town’s unpaved streets, which turn to mud after a rain, are also used for goats to graze. "The current district head has been in power for 10 years, but he hasn't done anything for people here," said Crima. "There are young families that need housing, who need opportunities. This town and Russia are ready for a change."
Although Crima farms 50 acres of land where he grows watermelons and other foods to sell along the town's main road, and employs about 20 people to help out, many of his neighbors have been critical of him, according to the AP. "He hasn't lived all of our issues and he d idn't grow up around us; he's not a kolkhoznik," said a produce vendor. "If I need help building a house, he can't help me get the required permits because he hasn't gone through it himself."
Nevertheless, many among the townspeople admire Crima's bold demeanor. When he walks down the street in a crisp white shirt and tie, residents shake his hand and congratulate him on his decision to run. "I haven't heard his platform, but he's a nice person," said Dennis Duma, 27. "I would change my party affiliation for him."
Privately, however, some laugh at what they see as Crima's naivety. While a department store saleswoman, who declined identity, said she would not vote for him because she doesn't want to "live in Africa," another said she would not vote for a Black person.
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