CPAAIG endorses Quinn

Thelma Sardin |

On Oct. 13, a coalition of black leaders held a press conference announcing their endorsement of Gov. Pat Quinns re-election

campaign. The Coalition to Protect African American Interests in Government (CPAAIG) cited their endorsement of Quinn

as a sign of progression for the black community.

Jay Travis, a member of CPAAIG, said the coalition is, harnessing collective voting power of African Americans. Acknowledging the power of the black vote, Travis continued by saying African Americans have a potentially definitive voice

in the election of Illinois next governor. Fifteen percent of voters in Illinois are black, she said. In addition to Travis, several other CPAAIG members addressed reporters including Shantiel Simon, Dr. Patricia Watkins and Dr. Conrad Worrill.

The press conference served as a public platform to inform members of the press and the black community at large. The CPAAIG cited four target areas Gov. Quinn will address if he is re-elected: (1) job creation and workforce development; (2) restoration of justice to the criminal justice system; (3) comprehensive education preforms; and (4) adequate funding for essential human

services programs.

CPAAIG members at the presser represented communities of the greater Chicago land area, Shantiel Simon of Robbins addressed the press saying, [Quinn]is what we need today.

Should Quinn win on Nov. 2, his second term will symbolize,protecting [the black interest] and eradicating poverty [in

the black community], said Simon. Pat Quinn understands change must happen from the top down, Simon said.

With a sense of urgency, Dr. Conrad Worrill warned members of the press that African Americans are not waiting patiently as dire

situations facing black communities intensify. We dont want the press to think black people are sleep, he said. In the CPAAIG release the organization cited, it is essential that African Americans unite around core issues that are destabilizing our neighborhoods and families.

In a recent press release, the CPAAIG noted some of Gov. Quinns initiatives that have supported the black community: (1) equitable school funding; (2) early childhood education; (3) Grown Your Own Teacher training program; (4) Cease Fire and Safety Networks to quell community violence; (5) Put Illinois to Work employment program; and (6) the Fresh

Food Fund to eliminate food deserts. In regards to his opponent, [Bill] Brady will fight to lower the minimum wage,

said Worrill.

As part of the effort to inform blacks about the voting process in general, Dr. Patricia Watkins said the CPAAIG is, buzzing

people three times a week [to participate in early voting]. Watkins briefly touched on the violence sweeping Chicago communities. We cannot allow 303 people in our neighborhoods [to] be shot down, she said. Watkins was referring to the

number of shootings in Chicago during the month of July. Additionally, Watkins acknowledged the potential of people of color

statewide, We have powernot just African Americans but all people of color and we influence people all over the state, she

said.

Funded by private donations, many people have volunteered their time and services to CPAAIG. Travis noted several people in the coalition have worked together previously but decided to pool their efforts to create a united front. Simon said the coalition is accountable to African American communities in making sure the black interests are upheld in government and decision making. Watkins shared a similar view with Simon. [We] are here to amplify the black voice, she said.

The CPAAIG is a grassroots organization working on behalf of the black community in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The CPAAIGs goal is to maintain the vital needs of blacks are addressed by public policies, government agencies

and elected officials. In an attempt to support Quinns campaign, the CPAAIG is mobilizing more than 100,000 voters. Up until election day, the CPAAIG is reaching out to the black community to inform citizens of Quinns advocacy of

African Americans. The coalition plans to reach black voters by targeting specific areas and by having face-to-face conversations, she said.

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