Our Heritage, Our Rights, Our History, Our Nation: For better or worse

People used to and still laugh at me when I say that vote. But, even so, this a powerful legacy to be a part of and I will continue to do it. 

 

     On November 6, 2012, I will do what I have always had the privilege to do during my lifetime and take part in our country's electoral process.  It doesn't matter who I vote for; I am not endorsing any candidate on this blog.  However, I felt that i should do some self reflection on why I vote and why the act of voting is so important to me.

 

       My grandfather was an Arkansas sharecropper.  He served in the military during World War 1 as a mess cook.   My grandmother was a school teacher, but my grandfather didn't know how to read.  I do know that for a long time Americans of African descent, like my grandparents, never had the opportunity to cast a ballot in the box without it being detrimental to their own lives.  I know this. 

 

      I also know that my grandfather served his country anyway, and long after his death, my grandmother lived comfortably because of his years of service.  This land has been our land always for better or worse.

     

       Now, I am about to say some things here some may not agree with.  Write your own comments below.  The Civil Rights movement was not all about us being treated fairly or having the same rights.

 

      The movement, the struggle, was about leveling the uneven playing field, gaining a sense of self in a country we were told was never ours, being allowed to live with pride in our selves, our worth.    

       For that to happen, we had to move, we had to believe, and we had to shout with our actions as well as our voices to those who opposed our humanity with ignorance, who marred our beauty with images of buffoonery, who talked down to us and called us names like nigger--- We had to fight.

 

         People, many for no apparent reason whatsoever, died so that I could have the education, the privilege and the pride of calling myself an American citizen.  And today, people still die so that I can have the privilege to live and breathe free.

 

I do this in remembrance of them.  I vote in remembrance of those who tried to speak and were silenced.  Those who fought a good fight.  It is a right and a privilege that I know can be taken away from me at anytime. 

 

       

This land is still ours, for better or worse.  I believe that.  I have always voted because of this.  Not voting doesn't make you or me less than an American either.  Voting straight Republican doesn't mean you have less sense than someone who votes straight Democrat.  Do what you believe, you are free to do so.

 

Just remember someone fought for your privilege.  In your family, and outside of your family. 

 

 

 

       

 

 

Changers and Movemakers Spotlight: Anthony Coleman

Hello readers, it has been a while.  Welcome to NogoStreetBeat #2.   For better or worse, in 2008, change came when America decided to elect it's first African American President, Barack Obama.  Four years after that momentous election year,  North Chicagoans now have the privilege to make changes on the local level.
 
These changes won't happen overnight.  There is no magic potion for us to swallow.  We must regardless of our political leanings let our voices be heard.  

That said, right now, I know more about the Presidential candidates and there politics than I do about my own local candidates.  This is an error I intend to correct(for myself at least).

I sat down with Anthony Coleman, a candidate for Mayor of North Chicago, IL.  Like myself, he still lives in his hometown and knows that a lot of work needs to be done. 
 
 
Anthony Coleman, tell our readers about yourself:
　

Well, I was born and raised in North Chicago, IL. I am a third generation Coleman; I’ve had family members that have attended North Chicago High school.

My Mom, my relatives, my aunties, my cousins--they are all graduates of North Chicago High School.

What year did you yourself graduate?

I personally graduated in 1993.


I’ve been in the community all of my life. I have a lovely wife and three children that are currently in the school system.

Currently, I am a business owner located in North Chicago. This is actually my second company. I was one of the first minority contractors for Comcast. I was with Comcast for approximately ten years. I’ve currently been involved with North Chicago Real Estate for the last three years.

　

　

What led you to believe you should run for Mayor of North Chicago with all your years living here and what you have seen?

Well, most definitely, I will not take credit for this one--I was being obedient and God has opened my eyes to some things and some changes that needed to come forth in North Chicago.

I most definitely think that I am a strong candidate for Mayor of North Chicago, due to the fact that I have been born and raised in North Chicago and I have seen the direction of our city. And I believe that I would most definitely be interested in making sure North Chicago is back to where it was when I was growing up as a child.

　

　

　

What are some of the good things you remember about North Chicago, from childhood to your teen years to now?

　

I remember a village, I remember neighborhoods, I remember grocery stores and candy stores like Mr. Whitehead’s, Mr. Wilson’s, Hillary’s (Ribs and Barbeque), Misses Georgia’s which was Ms. Harvey’s.

I remember playing on the street corners and playing football in the streets. I remember going to the parks and playing basketball at Foss Park. And, I remember, just being a kid and not having to worry about some of the negatives that are currently going on in our community.

If elected, what key changes do you want to bring about?

Key changes that I would like to see brought about in North Chicago are, well, when I was child I remember playing on the streets and just being a kid. [I want] to make sure that are streets are safe again. And also that our schools are schools and back at the top, like when I was an alumni at North Chicago I was most definitely proud to have been from North Chicago.

Bringing businesses back into our community is most definitely a change that I would like to see. I remember Sheridan Road when there were a lot of businesses there. I remember Jewels; I worked there as a kid. I remember the grocery store, we most definitely need another grocery store. That is most definitely a huge change that needs to come.

I remember the activities at Foss Park. The dances, the swimming pool; I would like to bring some of those activities back to our community and make it a little bit more child friendly.

　

　
In your opinion, why is it important for citizens to be more involved in their community?

Well, actually, the community belongs to the citizens. And with citizens involvement you can bring key changes to our community as far as with the elected officials and making sure that the community is moving in the direction it would like to live in.



By attending meetings, and voicing your opinions at school board meetings and Foss Park meetings-- an actually getting out there and voicing your opinions.

I think those things with citizen’s involvement you can bring about positive changes within our community.


Right now, the difficult choices have to be made for ourselves and for the betterment of North Chicago.  For better or worse, it is the city we call home. No matter who you vote for in the coming elections or where you are politically in this community, come November, please let your voice be heard. 



www.facebook.com/electanthonycoleman

For more about this candidate, you can email him directly at electanthonycoleman@gmail.com .