Chicago Politicians Flinch as Community Activist Announces Possible Bid for Office

Faheem Shabazz (community activist) -- deeply entrenched in the battle to protect the youth of Chicago -- isn't satisfied with the current disinterested, lackluster political response to pressing social problems such as rising murder rate and drug distribution.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) July 24, 2006 -- While some Chicago politicians will be happy if they don't hear another word about the murder rate and drug distribution on the south side suburbs, city native and community activist, Faheem Shabazz -- deeply entrenched in the battle to protect the youth of Chicago -- isn't satisfied with the current disinterested, lackluster political response to these pressing social problems.

According to Shabazz, “Elected officials are not taking a stand to diminish or eradicate these problems until election time comes around.”

This is the impetus driving the 38 year old newcomer to politics to consider running for the Alderman position of the 8th ward. Shabazz is fully aware that it will be an uphill battle from the very start should he decide to enter the race. “But I'm no stranger to fighting, even with the stakes so high.”

For many years, Shabazz has fought as a tireless promoter of his “Stop The Killing” movement, which seeks to draw attention to the alarming murder rate in Chicago – and to put pressure on both politicians and communities to facilitate change.

Shabazz also founded Chicago's “Saving The Youth Movement,” which has received widespread support from local politicians, school officials, and community residents alike. Over the years he has connected with gang leaders to request their help in decreasing the murder rate and drug distribution on the south side and in the south suburbs.

Despite his years of work in social justice movements, Shabazz was only recently catapulted into the spotlight following the murder of a South Side KFC restaurant manager, Antoinette Means. Pulling the community together with rallies, Shabazz organized an effort that eventually brought Means' murderer to justice.

Even despite his many successes, this social justice pioneer and community leader humbly describes himself as “a [common man. . .[who cares about my community.”

Politically, Shabazz says his goals are “education, unification, and taking our communities back from these gangs and drug lords.”

He also expresses disappointment at the current lack of reform efforts: “We pay our property taxes every year, but bangers and dealers are seemingly allowed to control the blocks we live on.”

Rather than use divisive tactics to begin hedging political support from certain groups, Shabazz, if he does decide to run, will attempt to pull Chicago together to actually solve some of the serious social problems currently plaguing its communities.

Shabazz adds, “I won't get into politics for a popularity contest. But there are many officials who have become lax in their duties. That's why it is so vital for Chicago to elect new political leaders – or at least shake-up the current ones, who have become complacent in their incumbency.”

In addition to his work for social justice in Chicago, Shabazz is the president of Chi-Rock Inc., an organization that he and his childhood friends founded in 1985 to keep focused on self expression through art, music, and dance. This, in turn, provided positive alternatives for them as youths to stay away from negative street influences.

While Shabazz hasn't formalized his bid for Alderman of the 8th ward, residents can expect to hear a lot more from this reform-minded community leader before the upcoming elections.

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