The suburbs of Chicago, and several local organizations, are coming together on September 20th to hold the first human relations conference. Many Chicago suburbs have gone through huge demographic changes over the past ten years. Along with the changes come tension, concern, and worst of all negative perceptions among community leaders and the residents they represent.
So, why is this conference so important? Well, if you saw the democratic presidential election that was held in Spanish on Univision this past Sunday you heard the answers to a very important question.
“What are you going to do to stop the anti-hispanic feelings that are spreading across America?”
I was so relieved that not a single one of the candidates, selected to answer this question, gave a b.s. answer. But, even though I liked their responses they didn’t go any further saying yes, there is a problem and yes, we need to fix it. I can understand why though.
Honestly, what can the president sitting in the White House do to make people like, or respect, each other. It has to happen at a local level, that is afterall where the feelings develop.
Most of my family and friends by now know about my Home Depot run in, if you haven’t read it already I posted my rant on Gather. That is just one of many incidents I have experienced where I live now and in the town where I just moved from, which has had an even bigger influx of Hispanic families.
Citing incidents across the nation, such as the Jena 6 case, community leaders recognize the need to actively work to keep their communities united.
If nothing else, there will be open discourse on the topic among community leaders, the local police departments, and those who provide services to the community. From reading the article though, it seems like they have a lot more goals in mind. You can read the article here.
Posted by sophiesmark 
