Report: The last ward remap hearing.
After a MLK memorial meeting and a community leader meeting with the Alderman Sawyer Wednesday night, I was in the City Council Chambers the next morning. I think the only south side wards to speak were the 6th & 19th. Morgan Park & Beverly from the 19th Ward were there in large numbers and many made comments. I think maybe someone from Englewood's spoke. But Roseland Heights was the only 6th ward community represented! Where were West Chesterfield, Park Manor, Avalon and Chatham? Do they know something we don't (Dead man walking here).
Must we pay for what others did?
It seems that now rather than taking most of the 6th ward it's going to be just us. You might say that is better than failing to do the right thing period, but it comes as meager comfort to those who will be put in another ward. I wondered how a moral imperative as obvious as a gorilla in church could have been missed by the city council. The communities that did the right thing...voted, mailed in the census cards, and didn't move out of the city - have to pay for the ones who did! It is all well and good that Alderman Mell gave expressions of remorse at local hearings. But that does nothing for the victims of this injustice!
Wherever We Go
But none of what has been said erases, nor even addresses, the most pressing question: How can this be right? It is a violation of our rights. North side wards had lawyers to speak for them so it's not over. I think there is a long fight ahead. We will remain (together) inspired, uplifted and determined to rise the human consciousness of the city. Roseland Heights is a gift to the City of Chicago; we symbolize oneness with our common wish to have a great place to live. Wherever we are and wherever we go we take our gifts with us.
In solidarity...We are forever One!
Clevan Tucker Jr.
P.S. What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.
~Eleanor Powell
