Thoughts From Inauguration

From all corners of the globe this week people came together to celebrate much more than a man. They came together to embrace a new ideal of how we can all work together to create a more perfect union.

While it goes without saying that I, like many around the world, was caught up in the inauguration of the first black president in our nation's history, there was a story this week that went largely unnoticed. Though the pomp and circumstance of Tuesday's swearing-in was truly breathtaking, what I will actually leave here remembering most is Monday, the day before the swearing-in.

Fittingly, on Martin Luther King Jr. day, rather than simply reflecting on the moment, President Obama called on all of us to make this a day of action. Not to simply enjoy change, but to go make it ourselves.

I watched as high school students from across the nation joined together at the National Armory to fill bags of food for the needy. I saw people looking to extend a hand in giving, not asking. For this one day, we weren't 50 states; we were truly the United States.

As President Obama noted, our generation faces challenges that may be unprecedented. These problems will not be faced alone, nor will they be conquered without shared sacrifice.

Whether your contribution to society is big or small, tangible or a gift of the heart, each one of us must now take it upon ourselves to be responsible for all of us.

As I return to Chicago I can hardly contain my joy and my optimism.

I hope that you are similarly inspired.

I would love it if some of you would join me in telling what this week has meant to you.

Our Day is Coming

With only one day left until our opportunity to pick a new voice in City Hall, it’s clear that we’re in for one heck of a fight. My opponent has been using the dirty tricks that our ward has become all too accustomed to. However, I won’t be deterred, I won’t stoop to their level, and I certainly won’t stop fighting. If these tactics have shown us one thing, it’s that we need a new direction for the 7th Ward now more than ever. In the meantime, I’m calling on all of you to one more time to keep working, keep talking to our neighbors and help me as we work to bring a change to our community. Once again, thank you for all that you’ve given me.

Yours,
Sandi Jackson

Your support

There’s no question the last several months have been a test. But the support and love that you all have shown me truly keeps me going. While our campaign has received numerous endorsements over the last couple weeks from groups like The Chicago Sun-Times, SEIU, AFLCIO, and NOW, it’s your endorsement that means the most to me. Thank you again for your support and please continue to talk to your neighbors and friends and let them know I share their desire for change and am ready to fight! Keep the questions coming!

Yours,
Sandi Jackson

Filing Day

At 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon I submitted nearly 5,000 petitions with family and many supporters by my side, to be the next Alderman of the 7th ward. Although we only needed 157 signatures, the sheer volume of signatures show that 7th ward residents are ready to see a change here. I believe this overwhelming support for my candidacy shows just how hungry for a new direction my friends and neighbors are. I believe it shows how tired residents are of being intimidated and disrespected by their leaders. I believe it is a sign of the deep desire in the 7th ward for better schools, good jobs, and safer streets. I want to thank my many friends and neighbors who continue support my candidacy. To the residents of the 7th ward, I say this; you deserve a change. With this election, together, let’s move in a new direction.

Turkey Give-Away

Turkey Give-Away

Today, my family and I gave away over 1,000 turkeys from our home to yours. I want to thank everyone who stopped by our home for some holiday cheer and excitement, as well as our many volunteers. Today’s event was a heart warming and festive occasion that gave us an opportunity to directly impact the community in a positive way. To see residents of the 7th ward come out and support our effort was truly gratifying. For me, the event had the feel of a family reunion. Even for those who I was meeting for the first time, the warmth, and feeling of appreciation made it seem as though I’d known them forever. The excitement generated by the volunteers was truly awe inspiring. I felt empowered and emboldened by being able to positively impact the lives of residents.
Although we were pleased to give away 1,200 turkeys, I know we don’t have enough turkeys to fulfill the needs of the 7th ward. It brings me great sadness to hear of empty stomachs from my friends and neighbors in the 7th ward. Today, we gave turkeys that will feed families for a week or so. Tomorrow, I hope we begin the change this ward needs so that we do not have anymore hungry stomachs.

~Sandi Jackson

Halloween Open House

**SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28TH, CAMPAIGN HQ**
Looking back on the Halloween open house, i was once again reminded that the children of the 7th ward who don't get a chance to trick-or-treat door to door. Our streets just aren't safe enough. Things that other children may take for granted are not a reality for many children in our neighborhood. As parents, we hope to keep our kids safe, and give them a better life than we had. This Halloween showed me that we must keep our promises to our kids and keep them
safe.

Also at the Halloween open house i talked to lovely woman who has lived in the 7th ward her whole life. She told me that thirty years ago she walked to the store everyday by herself. Today, she insists on being accompanied by her husband because she doesn't feel safe. I look forward to working with the community to return this ward to a place where each one of us, especially our children and seniors, can live without being afraid to walk our own streets.
It was great to see so many of my neighbors, and i loved the costumes!
Thanks to everyone who came out.
~Sandi Jackson