Selling Out Does Not Always Pay

I’ve seen it time and time again at the community level. Leaders pushing a community- driven agenda are often betrayed by members of their inner circle, who were promised “great things” for themselves in exchange for undermining community progress. In some cases, the people who sell out do go on to make names for themselves; often taking credit for work they didn’t do, and conveniently forgetting to acknowledge the very people they betrayed in order to gain position. They soon learn that these perks are more costly than they’d ever imagined; having more money but very little power and influence, except to step on others in the local community. In most cases, the rewards are very short-lived, if they even materialize.

I am reminded of the time when Chicago’s Ogden-Pulaski TIF was in the proposal phase. I worked very closely with the Lawndale Alliance to advocate for changes to the redevelopment plan that would be more beneficial to local residents. The Alderman at the time hated the work we were doing and attempted to undermine our progress at every turn. She spread lies about our intentions to community members and stakeholders; cast aspersions on our character; had some of the members of our group escorted out of public meetings by the Police; cancelled appearances at our public meetings and threatened leaders of community groups who received City funding such that they would not appear…