Recap: Chance 4 Change in Chicago
“Why is Chance The Rapper here?” Asked Dante as he glanced over at a group of people watching Chicago native, Chance the Rapper play Time Crisis 3. He had arrived at the request of a friend about 30 minutes late to hear the speeches.
“He’s here to encourage people to vote for his mayoral candidate,” I replied.
“Who’s he endorsing?”
“Her,” I said and nodded to the woman walking towards us.
Dr. Amara Enyia overheard, stopped in her tracks, turned to Dante and smiled. They shook hands and took some time to discuss her stance on a few political issues and how to get involved. Her kind essence, golden manicure, sweet smell and over all interest in each person as an individual exuded affirmation that she cared about the city — about us.
On Saturday, January 12, “Chance 4 Change” was held at Logan Square arcade bar Emporium. The event served as a fundraiser for Chicago mayoral candidate, Amara Enyia and was hosted by musician and activist, Chance The Rapper. The event also made voter registration convenient for those who may not have registered already.
Amara Enyia currently resides on the West Side of Chicago. She has degrees in journalism and political science, a PhD in education and a law degree with emphasis on international and environmental law. She’s in her early 30’s, the daughter of Nigerian immigrants and is running a grassroots campaign for the people, by the people. Nothing says grassroots like to going to where the people are on a Saturday night — the bar. Enyia and Chance both promised to continue to go to the people, knock and doors and get the word out alongside volunteers and supporters.
Field Team leader Maliki Jackson (pictured left) and his team were dispersed around the event with clipboards with volunteer sign ups and voter registration, making getting involved as easy as sliding quarters into an arcade game.
Amara Enyia stands on a platform of transparent government spending, supporting small businesses, renewable energy and people power.
Enyia began her speech by thanking city organizers “who have been at the forefront of change for years.” She spoke that to make a difference, it does not matter how much money someone has, what the color of their skin is or where they are from. What matters is not believing the labels, knowing your worth and working together.
“They will question your competence because they do not understand your creativity. They will question your integrity because they can not understand that there are some of us who are not driven by money.” Said Enyia. “I have a message for them — we’re coming. Not only are we coming — we’re already here. They can pull up.”
Chance the Rapper took the stage next. He was very thankful to all that attended, despite the falling snow. He compared Enyia’s predicted victory to Harold Washington, the first African-American Mayor of Chicago, elected in 1981. (You read right, the first black mayor happened ONLY 37 years ago.) He encouraged people to get involved, because more than money, they need people.
Concluding the address to the crowd, Chance shouted out to Good Kids Mad City, a group intended to give a voice to black youth in Chicago. Supporter and musical artist Nailah (pictured far right) offered her voice and sang a piece called “On Purpose” and the party commenced.
The Chicago Mayoral Election will be held on February 26. #peoplepower
Photos by Alycia Grace
