Staff Reports
In a world where hard work and responsibility are the cornerstones of a successful life, Pastor Cory Brooks from Chicago is raising eyebrows and calling out the misguided approach of politicians toward the Black community. Known for his dedication to fighting violence and promoting positive change, Brooks recently took to his rooftop platform to spotlight an unsettling trend: the Democrats’ attempt to win votes by peddling patronizing policies that undermine the very values he has fought so hard to instill.
Cory Brooks has spent over two decades on the South Side of Chicago, teaching young Black men about accountability, perseverance, and the importance of building a better future. However, he is alarmed by how some politicians, notably former President Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris, have resorted to treating the community with condescension that undermines their efforts. According to Brooks, while Obama promoted Harris’ candidacy by referencing supportive women in their lives, he failed to see Black men as individuals with unique aspirations and challenges, reducing them instead to stereotypes of criminality and dependency.
In the wake of Harris’s “opportunity agenda” for Black men—which includes proposals like forgivable loans and the legalization of recreational marijuana—Brooks sees a troubling trend. He questions why the Democratic agenda equates opportunity with handouts, viewing it as a distraction from the real and tough work required to uplift individuals. Genuine opportunities, he proclaims, are found in hard work and education—not in what could easily be interpreted as yet another government giveaway disguised as empowerment.
The pastor’s discontent doesn’t stop there. He highlights how past failures of government assistance programs have often led to corruption and missed growth opportunities. He maintains that true empowerment comes from individual responsibility and success rather than depending on what the government deems as help—especially if that help is shrouded in stereotypes about race and behavior. In Brooks’ eyes, if Harris truly understood the struggles and aspirations of the community, she would offer pathways to success that respect their agency rather than perpetuate a cycle of dependency.
Moreover, Brooks feels it’s time to reclaim dignity and self-respect within the community. He recalls the pride of Black cultural icons who transcended their circumstances through sheer hard work and determination. With urgency, he challenges the narrative that the community needs to rely on the government. Instead, he contends that they are capable of crafting their destinies. The pastor’s message is clear: the Black community deserves respect, recognition, and the opportunity to thrive on their terms without being summarily categorized and conditioned to expect less.
In a moving conclusion, Brooks emphasizes that when it comes to voting, there is a value that runs deeper than party lines. The votes of strong, self-respecting individuals represent their aspirations and dreams—not a cheap bargaining chip for political games. He calls on Democrats to recognize their past failures and, more importantly, to start treating Black citizens as equals deserving of genuine opportunity and respect. In the grand tapestry of America, every thread counts, and each citizen deserves honor and dignity as they pursue their quest for the American Dream.
