How to Restore HOPE?

By C. Dwayne West / CEO, MG Media

Low VOTER turnout is an example of what I mean by lost HOPE. When people have no HOPE that their lives will get better, they decide to stay underground and not participate in America's process, at all. Can you blame them? HECK NO! Can we change the dynamics of the process? YES! But it requires restoring HOPE. And it takes everyone in the community and within the political structure to work extremely hard to regain the trust of the common man, who is at the forefront of the voting movement.

Do I think that the common man prefers negative over positive? Heck NO! The common man wants to see each candidate showing humanity. But so-called experts think that's not true. Well, it's hard to determine the truth when voters are not allowed the opportunity to decide. The premise which I live be is; 'If you build it, they will come.' Try building positive campaigns and lets see if the people come. Be HOPEFUL.

It's hard for to me to believe that in 2015, after everything that black people have gone through and survived, that there are still educated and not so educated black people that believe a (white) man like Rahm Emanuel is gonna save them form themselves. Rahm had four years to rescue Negroes and he didn't accomplish the magic trick. Now he wants to beg and plead for another four years to do exactly what he did the last four. Look, it's a good chance that Rahm may win reelection. If so, how many Negroes will be lifted from poverty? Will the South and Westside finally look as respectable as the Northside? How many Negroes' will now discover HOPE? The answer is probably, ZERO!

The same thing goes for Chuy. Will the election of Chicago's first Hispanic Mayor make a perfect Union? Will he restore HOPE? If so, please deliver him your vote, because I wanna see this miracle performed where so many others have failed. With either of the mayoral contenders winning the 5th floor, will the winner release the incumbent black City Council members from their shackles to finally decide to clean up Englewood, Roseland, South Shore, parts of Bronzeville, Auburn Gresham, Lawndale, K - Town and so many other hoods that seem to continue being ignored?

Regardless who wins, common black folks lose. But it does not have to be the case. Unless blacks decide to restore HOPE within themselves, then only will HOPE be restored. Unless each and every Negro living in Negro communities decide that it's time to get off their knees, stand to their feet and denounce their unseen chains and rejoice in the freedom that a real King (Martin) and Prince (Malcolm X) and others fought and died for, then will black folks taste HOPE.

Here we are today looking for salvation and HOPE in a few good men. Two men to be exact, who, through their own histories have shown us that they mean black folks no good. And should they? Maybe, maybe not. It's in the nature of every male beast to develop his own tribe and to breed the best of their new generation to sustain their race for generations to come. This is what Rahm has done, and this is what he'll continue doing - win, lose or draw. Same goes for Garcia. He will for certain ensure that the Hispanic community rises to new heights if he's elected. Then where will HOPE be for the million of blacks who reside in Chicago?

At the end of the day, the common black man has two enemies: He has a white racist system that continues to use its leverage and power to keep black folks locked up and locked out of economic prosperity. Then you have elitist blacks who truly think they are the chosen ones. They believe they know what's best for the common black man. Therefore they use their perceived intellect and influence to also lock out blacks so that they can be the only (real) color folks in the room eating from the plate of the head master. Never trying to make their own dish. Never attempting to set the table, just happy to be invited to a dinner that has them on the menu, as well.

I had the opportunity to meet for the second time, Mr. Larry Ivory, president of Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce. And I found him to be quite amazing in his progressive thinking. We chatted for a while. He also believes that we can restore HOPE amongst black people through the development and inclusion of black businesses throughout Illinois.

Ivory, like myself, believes that we first must remove HOPE killers who exist within our communities. They are the blood suckers who's only concerned about their selfish gains. These are black men and women in governmental politics, elitist business circles, false spiritual prophets and community activists or social service programmers who believed that white folks like Emanuel is the key to black salvation. Not progress, wealth and community building, just blind soul salvation.

These are the individuals who put their HOPES, votes and trust with a man who is now Governor of Illinois. The real Bruce Rauner has risen, and so many who had HOPE, now see their HOPE fading. But do not despair. HOPE can be regained. It will take drastic measures, guts and a concerted commitment. Are you readers ready to restore HOPE?... I HOPE SO! Peace and One Love.

I Write to Differ