Chicago's South Side reacts to Obama's win

[TeamJordan23]

South siders react to Obama's win
January 4, 2008
BY NORMAN PARISH Staff Reporter/[e-mail]

At age 21, James Clasberry Jr. shamefully admitted that he has never voted.

In fact, he has never even registered to vote.

But after Sen. Barack Obama's historic win in Iowa's Democratic caucus Thursday night, the West Side security guard said he would make sure he registers before Tuesday's deadline for the Illinois Feb. 5 primary.

"This is something new," said Clasberry, an African-American, as he left an eatery in Obama's Hyde Park neighborhood. " is the same heritage. He is from the same city. I just feel hope."

From beauty salons to restaurants, many African-American Chicagoans, like Clasberry, said they were stunned and proud about Obama's win in the presidential caucus.

"We were all just thinking that he would be third when they were showing the early returns on TV," said Betty Wilson, a 50-ish owner of Hairicons, a beauty salon and barber shop on the 6400 block of South Cottage Grove in Woodlawn. "But then they said he was in first. Who would have thought he would get so many votes?

"Oh man, he pulled it off. A lot of people were surprised," Wilson said. "Tonight, this ought to make people take a stab at something."

Tameka Lenoir, a 22-year-old, agreed.

"This may present opportunities for other blacks seeking national office," said Lenior, a South Side resident, as she waited for a friend to get her hair styled. "This also just shows there may be other opportunities. He is opening up the doorway."

Gary Johnson, a 28-year-old Hyde Park bank employee, said he believes more people will vote for Obama in upcoming primaries as they become more familiar with him.

"I think this will create a domino effect," Johnson said while he was at a private party in Hyde Park.

Back at Hairicons, Maurice Shurney, a 55-year-old maintenance worker, said Obama's win proves that people want change.

"Everybody should be glad," said Shurney after finishing a chess match. "I always thought we could have an African-American president. But this isn't about being African-American. We can have a new start for all people."

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/726112,CST-NWS-ssideweb04.article

[MadMaddie]

1. Not that he is my candidate-don't know who is but this may

be significant in that more African Americans will get registered to vote and actually vote. This is a good thing for the Democratic party.

[skipos]

2. More dem voters is always good. nt

[Sparkly]

3. That is great!

:D

[pennylane100]

4. The more, the merrier.

The big tent is expanding.

[annie1]

5. so many people are going to register, i am so happy about this.

[stray cat]

6. Regardless of who you favor - its a good thing to see hope!

[frazzled]

7. About 9 months ago, I was in a restaurant on the Southside

and on each table was a handmade breadboard, and carved into the breadboard at the bottom, in cursive-script (well, I guess you'd call it wood-burning) were the words "Obama for President 2008."

I asked the owner about them, and he said some local guy had made them and they were selling them: fifteen bucks. Well, I'll take one, I piped up.

At the time I thought that is some wack political souvenir. Now, I think I have myself a real political keepsake.

I'll be down on the Southside again on Sunday, and I sure hope I have time to stop in at Valois cafeteria on 53rd Street, when all the folk are coming for dinner after church. I want to see what they're talking about, what the vibe is.

[Little Star]

8. What a nice article.

[NoBorders]

9. I was listening to a 'black' radio talk show today

Based out of Atlanta--hosted by Warren Ballentine--and just about everyone who called in was pretty much stunned that Obama won in Iowa, and feeling totally pumped and excited about it.

I think this really changes the dynamic for places like South Carolina. I got the impression from this show that--based on an admittedly small sample of callers--at least some black voters have not wanted to get their hopes up with Obama, but now that he's proven he can win, they will be more willing to support him, and vote for him. Granted, I was just listening to one talk show for about an hour, but it's something.

[girl gone mad]

10. Touching article.

I don't get to live in Chicago all year round, but my heart is always there. Chicagoans are the best and Southsiders deserve genuine hope after the tough years they've had.