by Joseph Omoremi
Bob Marley and The Wailers. Remember him? He was a musician of class. Though he’s been gone for many years, his memory lingers on among the Rastafarians. Exodus: Movement of the people. Get up, Stand up, Stand up for your right are some of Bob Marley’s songs that reverberated across the world.
On October 31, application towards becoming Chicago Police officer will close. This will be followed by written examination and further interviews. The police and the fire departments are very important to the city not only for their functions but equally for employment opportunity they offer.
African Americans know the importance of government jobs. It serves as a stepping stone to greater future. In February 2001, a Nigerian-American Dr. Adeyinka Akinyele who heads the Chicago’s post office was at the Chicago Defender for the Black History month.
The editorial board welcomed him warmly. All board members were in attendance unlike similar visits that a board member or a reporter would be asked to take charge. Why all the ceremonies? Why all the board members? Many questions crossed my mind.
Answers came during the meeting when former publisher Col. Eugene Scott rtd, pointed out that Blacks who got post office jobs during the civil right laws moved-up quickly in the society because of the job security and steady income they had at the nation’s post office.
They were able to send their children to schools and buy properties. That is one of the reasons Blacks don’t take post office leaders for granted. It is also one of the reasons they keep calling for more recruitment of minorities especially Blacks into the two departments.
However, many African green card holders or US citizens with graduate and masters degrees rarely seek employment in the two departments where they can earn a decent living. They preferred odd jobs. This has to change to move forward.
It is high time we stand up for our rights. We need to have our men in this critical positions to prevent occasional police brutality and secure our futures and that of our children. Forms are available at Choicago public libraries across Chicagoland. We must act now.
