If anyone were to read this blog, with the intention of faithfully following it, they'd quickly discern that I am a hipster. Hipsters are people who ride bikes in the city, wear expressive shirts about social progress, listen to amazing musical artists that aren't heard on the radio, drink lattes and type furiously on their laptops in the cafe. Oh, and they have a blog, to which they may frequently commit, or they will neglect altogether. Having a blog is like having a facebook page. Everyone just has one.
Well, perhaps I shouldn't go that far. I figured, I'd berate myself before any of my fellow readers had the chance. But the truth is that I've been so busy that I've barely had a moment where I could breathe, without hesitation. It's election season, we've got a heck of a contest, and we're approaching May 18th a lot quicker than I thought. Otherwise, I'd tell you all EVERYTHING as it's happening. There is so much going on in my head, that I'm afraid it may explode! So, forgive me. I am my worst critic, and I forgive myself. Here's hoping that my sense of humor will be my redeeming quality. ;-)
So let's begin with the 190th district in PA. As I may have mentioned in the past, I've been doing work with the state representative of the third poorest district in the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Each day, I travel 10 miles to get to work. There is a lot that you can learn about Philadelphia in those 10 miles everyday. I recently told a Bishop at church that I feel as though I'm cheating on West Philly at times, because I rest my head in a very privileged neighborhood. That's not to say that I have the money to live there and sustain on my own, however, the point is that I enjoy that life. I go from stray deer to stray dogs each day! It's kind of funny.
Kind of.
Ever ride down a street that stretches for miles and notice the neighborhood change? It's daunting. There is such a vast difference between those who are barely making it, versus the people who have 2010 SUVs in their apartment garages. Something is terribly wrong with that. I also began to realize the tactic used to keep the poor class out of these areas as well: limited access. It is so expensive to take the train to get to where I live, that the demographic for which I serve would NEVER venture into the neighborhood, if even to work, because they can't afford it. Public transportation is very limited, and there are no sidewalks in a lot of places. one may see them, intermittently throughout the suburban landscape, but it's all very strategically designed so that people are not actually able to walk on them. The only option is to walk along the side of the road. I admit that not having a car where I live can be embarrassing when I'm standing at the crosswalk of what looks like a high way. But when I think about the people that I serve who can barely eat, I am happy to take that humble pie and cross the darn street.
I did not foresee the affect that working with the constituents in the 190th district would have on me. To begin, I completely forgot that this representative serves my Nana and Pop Pop, two of my aunts, a distant relative, an uncle, and a close cousin, as well as her girlfriends. Who knew? I pass most of their houses every day in my travels and errands for the rep. I got to thinking recently about how attached I've become to the people in the community. There is a woman named Ms. Crestwell, and I love to get hugs from her. She reminds me so much of my grandmom (my father's mom), and her close friends are so fun and they are supportive of any events or meetings that we have. I know the police officers, Officer Parker, because I've attended their meetings with the area block captains. I know the store owners, and Mr. Sampson, who fusses over me as if I were his daughter. He never allows me to walk anywhere. I have to argue him down! Leigh has become something like a big brother to me at times and a good friend. I can't wait until the day that I am at one of HIS political events, and I can say, "I remember when we were two kids, wet behind the ears, working tirelessly, and passionately exchanging ideas about making a difference in our community..." And I'll have the pictures to prove it. Evangelist Fuller and Ms. Thomas, who I love so much and works at a local church, Ms. Leona, who is full of wonderful ideas. Mr. Lowery who is quiet and observant, but a very sweet and dear father to the Rep who has been a great support system for all of us. We've become a family, a coalition of people, who in some capacity continue to devote our lives to people in need. The thought makes my heart swell. I feel that I am armed with God's blessings, and I believe that He continues to bless me as I pursue a career in aiding urban communities, because it is what I've been called to do. I finally decided to stop fighting God on this. He always gets his way, anyway. My point: I love what I do.
Working in politics has given me the opportunity to better understand people, the community's circumstance, as well as the way the system works. I am not deterred by it. I think that there are a lot of things that people don't understand about getting involved. It is a person's civic duty to vote, because the voter is the boss. They decide who will be their warriors, who will not flinch when in the line of fire, people whose motivations are predicated upon a simple belief in social justice. There are also people who give me significant pause, because I am not terribly sure about their intentions, but I am not to concerned about them. They easily reveal themselves.
That's it for now. I will be back soon. But if you don't hear from me, it's because it's election season.
Oh, and speaking of which, how about Anthony Williams running for governor? If you don't know who his father is, google Hardy Williams + Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. What a tough act to follow. I'm humbled by Hardy Williams and his life's work.
That's your homework! Til next time!
No offense to hipsters, by the way. I completely own that I am one, with pride. I even pop my collar sometimes. :-)
