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GREENBELT, Md. - Throughout the history of Maryland politics, there has never been an African-American on the Greenbelt City Council. But on Nov. 3, one man may change that.

Even though almost half of Greenbelt residents are African-American, only two have ever run for council and neither was elected. But this year, there's reason to think that the city that prides itself on diversity may show it at the polls.

Emmett Jordan was just 11 years old when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn. But more than 40 years later, Jordan finds himself as the underdog hoping to upset a history of racial underrepresentation.

"As an African-American, I think it's crucial that we have a voice and we're visible in local politics," he said.

Jordan hopes to be the first African-American to serve on the Greenbelt City Council. The body has lacked in diversity over the years, partly due to Greenbelt's at-large election system.

"Nationally, there is significant evidence that at-large elections tend to favor the majority ethnic group," said Former State Delegate Tim Maloney. "And it makes it very difficult for minority candidates to aggregate votes."

Residents believe another reason that African-Americans haven't turned out in local elections is because candidates don't do enough to engage the community.

"[There is] not that much enthusiasm in black Americans for this," said Greenbelt resident Kenneth Hafford.

But in some parts of the city, racial tensions still run deep. Frank Ray has lived in Greenbelt for 58 years. He says he doesn't want an African-American on the council and blames much of the local crime on minorities.

"I wouldn't be happy about it," he said. "Too many things [have] happened around here."

Jordan and Che Sayles, the other African-American candidate, are particularly optimistic about their chances because this year the council will be expanded from five to seven seats.

This was done to break down the barrier of incumbency, and means that at minimum, two of the four challengers will be elected.

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