Congressman/Rev. James T. Meeks

I watched his "sermon" on Sunday morning from one of Chicago's largest black churches--Salem Baptist. It was great. Not really religious but political.

He had Arnie Ness Chicago Public School Supt. as a guest. He talked about school funding and the criminalization of public school students. He said that the minor scraps and scrapes we remember as former school students now lead to routine arrests and handcuffing of students--the parents aren't even called in advance. He said that the schools are now direct funnels to the jails.

He said that political funding for education is being cut left and right while other programs and causes are heavily funded. He said that he has proposed to his fellow representatives--Democrats--that until the necessary funding for education is provided, that no more rubber stamping be done for any of the other legislation. He said that he is labeled as a radical as a result.

He urged his very large congregation to wake up and get involved--he told them that it was up to them to make the necessary changes.

In relation to Black History Month he talked about the Holocaust and his haunting memory of a visit to the Holocaust Museum where the names of the victims are read one by one--the message is, "never forget." He said the same homage should be paid to slavery and what is has done to African Americans.

James Meeks is not the most erudite or articulate man. But his truths were refreshing. I wanted to share them as well as the enlightenment that he is offering to his congregation.