The Glover Report: www.BMORENEWS.com Hits Chicago, 10.11.12
(CHICAGO - October 11, 2012) - Thanks to my friend, Mr. Armstrong Williams, I had the opportunity to spend the day in Chicago on Thursday. I had a wonderful time and business was great. It was my first time in the Windy City and I loved what I saw, tasted, and experienced. The people have a lot of energy. There is a strong Latino population – compared to Baltimore. People were on their grind on the most perfect afternoon. I felt overdressed with my overcoat, but one native said – wait ‘til tonight.
A city much like New York in the sense of a bona fide “big city” feel – the skyscraper buildings – the wide streets, the overwhelming difference is the space. There’s a lot more space in Illinois, home to the President of the United States, Barack Obama. Hence, people aren’t as up on each other as in New York.
From a black history perspective, the city was founded by a Haitian, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. Further, Chicago is home to the Chicago Defender, one of the nation’s oldest black newspapers. Along those same lines, this newspaper was home to Ethel L. Payne, also known as the First Lady of the Black Press. Chicago, too, is home to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. In short, with a legacy of Oprah and Michael Jordan and many others – Chicago is one happening town!
And I can’t wait to return.
From a political standpoint, those with who I talked love Pres. Obama and feel he’s facing racism daily. They also like Rohm Emanuel, who – while I was there – let go of the Chicago Public Schools’ CEO Jean-Claude Brizard by ‘mutual agreement’. This came on the heels of a 7-day strike of the nation’s third largest school system in a Presidential election year where the last thing the President needs is turmoil within otherwise solid Obama territory.
Thanks to my friend, Mr. Armstrong Williams, I had the opportunity to spend the day in Chicago on Thursday. I had a wonderful time and business was great. It was my first time in the Windy City and I loved what I saw, tasted, and experienced. The people have a lot of energy. There is a strong Latino population – compared to Baltimore. People were on their grind on the most perfect afternoon. I felt overdressed with my overcoat, but one native said – wait ‘til tonight.
A city much like New York in the sense of a bona fide “big city” feel – the skyscraper buildings – the wide streets, the overwhelming difference is the space. There’s a lot more space in Illinois, home to the President of the United States, Barack Obama. Hence, people aren’t as up on each other as in New York.
From a black history perspective, the city was founded by a Haitian, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. Further, Chicago is home to the Chicago Defender, one of the nation’s oldest black newspapers. Along those same lines, this newspaper was home to Ethel L. Payne, also known as the First Lady of the Black Press. Chicago, too, is home to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. In short, with a legacy of Oprah and Michael Jordan and many others – Chicago is one happening town!
And I can’t wait to return.
From a political standpoint, those with whom I talked love Pres. Obama and feel he’s facing racism daily. They also like Rohm Emanuel, who – while I was there – let go of the Chicago Public Schools’ CEO Jean-Claude Brizard by ‘mutual agreement’. This came on the heels of a 7-day strike of the nation’s third largest school system in a Presidential election year where the last thing the President needs is turmoil within otherwise solid Obama territory.
I need to add just one thing. I am so grateful to have been able to visit Chicago at last – even if just for a second – because it is a serious city and one that is a must-see for a journalist - especially a black journalist. There's just so much history to learn. And, although I’ve covered several cities – there are certain cities that a media person has to visit.
It's a BMORENEWS Publisher requirement in order to get the best grasp of urban America. Chicago – like New York, LA, DC, Detroit, Atlanta, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Charlotte, and Miami – is one of those cities. So many people. So much happening. And I’m glad I finally got to see her.
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