Dardens have family tradition

We're convinced, to some degree, that everything good in the world is somehow connected to Sandusky. It's similar to that theory about Kevin Bacon. Marisa T. Darden Further evidence that it might be true came this week when we learned that President Joe Biden has nominated Marissa Darden to be the chief federal prosecutor for the Northern District of Ohio. Yes, she's a Darden from Sandusky. Her father is former Cleveland Browns football player Thom Darden, a Sandusky High School graduate, and her grandfather is the Rev. Thomas Darden, the city's former city commissioner and ex officio mayor. Her grandmother is Thelma Darden. Like her grandfather, Marissa Darden crossed a barrier that had not been crossed before. The Rev. Darden was the city's first Black mayor, and his granddaughter will become, if she's confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the state's first Black federal prosecutor. Those are firsts we wish had happened generations earlier, but we're glad they've finally happened now, with this family. The Dardens have a family tradition of crossing barriers. Her grandfather's service to the city, and to his greater community in the church, has been a lifelong commitment of grace, humility and greatness. To know the Rev. Thom Darden and his wife Thelma is to love and respect them. The role Marissa Darden is taking on is enormous, given the construct of our justice system and the systemic flaws in its foundation. Seeing justice through a Black woman's eyes, and being the top federal prosecutor around in these parts, is a potent combination for a lot to get accomplished. That potential cannot be overstated. So much work needs to be done. We're excited and happy for Marissa Darden and wish her every success.