By Marilyn Huntman Giese
Aurora
In 1997 Aurora was a city where murder and gang violence thrived. Many asked me why I moved here. The truth is, I didn’t know any better. But today, Aurora has a proud name and a wealth of community and city services that have bonded its citizens in ways that are unique, not only that, the streets are safe to walk.
Although Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois it is noted for it’s parks; it has the Salvation Army, Wayside Cross Ministries, and Hessed House homeless shelter; and it has several food pantries such as Aunt Martha’s and the Interfaith Food Pantry that serve those down on their luck. During the pandemic Reuland Food Service has provided hundreds of hot meals for essential workers with the help of community donations.
The above-mentioned amenities are possible in a city that has the assistance of a well-run police department. It is a disservice to accuse the Aurora Police Department of “constant indiscretions against the black and Latino communities” with rhetoric that is more hot air than substance. Promotions are earned, not given on demand. And all work from the ground up.
Nothing in this world is perfect, but the country has an increasing number of those who take all the liberty and freedom we have as an excuse for violence. The city of Kenosha, Wis. is a case in point. Most of the marauders are from out-of-state. In a court of law, the accused has the right to face his accusers. I believe Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman has the same right. That should not be troubling or problematic. We are not Russia, or China, or Saudi Arabia.
Is it any coincidence that Brandy Gilliam signed his Commentary with Salaam. That does not seem the voice of the average black, or Hispanic.
Racism is a two-way street. May the Creator of all, open our eyes to working out our grievances openly and with freedom of dissent, not violence and provocative name-baiting.