A Tale of Two Cities


A Tale of Two Cities

By Brenda A. Sheriff, CSA

No, this article is not a CliffsNotes rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic novel. However, it is a tale of two cities, almost reminiscent of Mary Wells’ ’60s hit, “Two Lovers,” written and produced by the legendary Smokey Robinson.

Some of you politically savvy readers may have already guessed the city I’m talking about: my beloved hometown, Chicago. “Chicago, That Toddlin’ Town,” as the song proclaimed, has been living with a reputation it has struggled to shake for more than a century. And, as a matter of fact, the orange oddball occupying the "Our House" in D.C. never misses an opportunity to disparage my city and disrespect our local and state leadership.

I’m not a native-born Chicagoan, but I chose to make this city my home. Although I’ve lived elsewhere during my adult years, my dad used to say there was something in the water that made you stay or return. I’m a believer, as are the millions of us who proudly call Chicago home.

Whether you call it the Windy City, Chi-Raq, Beirut by the Lake, Hellhole, or whatever else comes to mind, it will always be my beloved Chi-Town. Home Sweet Home, Chicago!

I love this city because I’ve experienced it from many perspectives: corporate America, law enforcement, city, state and federal administration, and business ownership. My experiences have allowed me to see the good, the bad, and the need for improvement. Or should I say, I’ve come to understand that there isn’t just one Chicago. There are two.

Chicago has long suffered from two of our nation’s most divisive problems: deep racial and economic disparities.

Our first Black mayor, Harold Washington, recognized these injustices and fought throughout his career in public service to eliminate racial and economic disparities. He was a champion of justice and equality and a tireless advocate for his skinfolk.

I’m not a news junkie. I seldom watch the news unless I’m checking the weather or following some horrific incident. Those of you who remember Dragnet may recall Detective Joe Friday’s famous line: “Just the facts.” That’s how I approach news events.

We are now approaching another election season. Campaign hats are already in the ring, petitions are circulating, and political lines are being drawn. Unfortunately, those lines continue to follow the same historical divisions that have kept Chicago separated: race and economics.

My purpose is to remind us, as skinfolk, of what we must do to unite and finally begin closing the racial and economic divide that has plagued our communities for far too long.

There was a time when Black communities on the South and West Sides had little or no representation by our own. The South Side broke through during the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and the West Side followed in the 1970s. We voted collectively to elect our own to represent our interests in our respective disticts at every level of government. And for a while, it worked.

Then complacency set in. Too many Black elected officials were no longer held to the standards their constituents deserved. And too many constituents failed to hold their representatives accountable for their actions—or inaction. The result? Ineffective leadership and constituents who remain registered to vote but stay home on Election Day, often out of hopelessness.

I’m asking you to do yourself—and your community—a favor. If you are a registered voter, remember that voting is more than a right. It is a responsibility to us all.

Truth never changes, but our understanding of the truth can. We once voted in unprecedented numbers, electing leaders whose records reflected our determination to fight racial injustice and economic oppression. Their voting records, legislation, and persistent resistance to inequality demonstrated what collective political power could accomplish.

Over the past few months, I’ve challenged you to understand that before casting your vote, you must do your homework. Know the sworn duties of the offices on your ballot. Understand where candidates stand on issues that affect your quality of life. And if an incumbent is asking for another term, ask yourself: Have they delivered on the promises they made when they asked for your vote?

That last question is critical. If you have failed to monitor your elected officials and hold them accountable, you have surrendered part of the very power your vote gives you. And that failure helps perpetuate the conditions we continue to complain about.

Why do you think Chicago has been described as a tale of two cities? Because it is! But that doesn't have to be our permanent reality.

Closing the divide requires more than speeches, campaign promises, or pointing fingers. It requires informed voters like us, accountable leadership, and elected officials willing to fight for the interests of ALL our communities.  Then and only then will this tale of two cities end.

THIS WEEK'S QUIZ:  What is the function of a candidate petition?

Answer to Last Week's Quiz: Some people under the age of 65 may qualify for Medicare.  Contact Medicare, your social worker, or any licensed Medicare agent for eligibility concerns.

For Questions or Help: 773-817-0601 basheriff1@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The illustrations and examples presented in this column are not, nor are they intended to be, legal, financial, tax, insurance, or other licensed professional advice. Readers should consult the licensed professional of their choice regarding their individual circumstances.

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