In November 2002, I was given an opportunity to volunteer for a young state senator who was planning to run for the U.S. Senate.
That summer, I had read “Dreams From My Father,” a book about growing up as a mixed-race child in Hawaii, and more importantly, about understanding and forgiving a father’s absence.
I did not hesitate to volunteer for Barack Obama’s campaign, and I began traveling several times a week to his Senate office. I was often the only volunteer there, doing what was asked of me by the campaign staff. I stayed heavily involved in the campaign through the Democratic primary in 2004. Later, my wife and I traveled to Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Iowa multiple times to campaign during 2008’s Iowa presidential primary.
Last week’s opening ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center was a joyous occasion, enjoyed by my wife and me and so many others. Michelle Obama’s speech challenged folks, cautioned us about the “slippery slope” we are on, but also provided hope. Barack Obama’s speech reminded us that this democracy, founded 250 years ago, does not always move in a straight line.
The past years have left me angry, despairing, anxious, worried and depressed about what the future holds for my grandchildren. The Obamas restored my hope, lessened my despair, and yes, I could see the light at the end of a long dark tunnel. There is hope. The values that I cherish are held by many others. I am not alone.
The Obama Presidential Center’s celebrations were much more positive tributes to this country’s 250th birthday than what the current administration has planned for July Fourth. The festivities were in very sharp contrast to the spectacle at the White House celebration for Donald Trump’s birthday, an event that was crass, brutish and boorish. I plan to do what I can in the 2026 and 2028 elections to help restore this country’s tarnished image.
Addison Woodward, Streeterville
Don’t be ashamed of suburban roots
I read the recent letter from University of Maryland Professor Jeff Lucas, who was raised in Naperville, and disagree with his claim that he is from Chicago.
He appears to have an image or identity problem. Is he ashamed to admit he was born in Elmhurst, or that he grew up in Naperville? If he feels the need to identify with Chicago, can he not say that he was born or grew up in a Chicago suburb, or that he is from the Chicago area?
I was born in and have lived in Chicago my entire life. I have resided in Irving Park, Jefferson Park and Belmont Heights. I have to purchase a Chicago city sticker. I have to pay my Chicago water bill. And depending on the neighborhood I reside in, I have to purchase a parking sticker to park my car on my block.
I would appreciate it if people could just be proud of where they are really from and admit it.
Rick Kalin, Belmont Heights
Chicagoans live in the city
Jeff Lucas tried to make the case that growing up and living in the suburbs, while having ties to, affection for, and spending time in Chicago, makes you “from Chicago,” and I think that’s (understandably) wishful thinking and untrue.
I was born and raised on the North Side, attended Chicago Public Schools, then Mundelein College, later got another degree from the University of Chicago and met the guy I’m married to at a singles bar on Rush Street. He is from South Chicago (within the city limits, for those suburbanites who don’t know). He was a student at Illinois Institute of Technology, worked at a co-op with U.S. Steel and later got an MBA from the U. of C.
We settled in Chicago (where else?), sent our kids to CPS and still reside here. How Chicago is that?
We’ve traveled a bit and met folks around the world. When other Illinoisans introduce themselves, they usually say they’re “from Chicago,” and it turns out they actually mean Skokie or Oak Park or Naperville.
I descended from a long line of English settlers who came over generations ago. I was an English major in college. I love England, and I felt almost at home in London when I traveled there. I speak English, taught my kids to do the same and drink a lot of tea. I love English movies, subscribe to Acorn TV, and Shakespeare is my favorite writer. I cook a standing rib roast every Christmas (with Yorkshire pudding). Such an Anglophile!
But I’m not from London. I’m from Chicago, really.
Myra Jeskey, West Ridge
Gurnee resident, Chicago heart
I enjoyed Jeff Lucas’ letter regarding who can claim to be “from Chicago.” I currently live in Gurnee (where I have the Sun-Times delivered daily).
I lived in Chicago for a time during the 1980s. But I am “from” Chicago. My first ancestor to live in Chicago arrived in the 1860s. He operated a grocery store and tavern on 20th Street. Following him (before 1900) were my Swedish ancestors, who worked for Mr. George Pullman and lived in Pullman and Roseland.
My mother graduated from Fenger in the 1950s and lived across the street from the school. My great-grandfather, August Hagemann, lived in the 4700 block of West Adams Street and operated a restaurant at 3940 West Madison Street before he was killed in a freak accident on a Chicago street in December 1916. These are just a few of my family members who lived and worked in this incredible city of opportunity and rich history.
If I plotted all of my ancestors’ domiciles and businesses on a map, many Chicago neighborhoods would be represented. My ancestors’ bones are buried in cemeteries all over the city and suburbs. My roots in the city are deep. So yes, I am from Chicago.
Rebecca A. Adler, Gurnee