Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Eighteen years ago, in 1994, I founded an organization to address some of the concerns that we had as the community was undergoing the transition from being an all white community to an integrated community.Ninety percent of the new residents who moved in were Black; and, many of them felt unwelcome and isolated.It's America's story! As we came in numbers, the troubles began.
When we moved into our home in February, 1969, we were welcomed because we were only the second Black family.Prior to moving in while our home was under construction, we were invited to the Graymoor Landowners picnic.
Additionally, there was very evident discrimination and inequities in our police department, which to this day is not much better as currently, Officer Blassingame is being denied promotion.We had at that time one full time Black officer and one part-time Black officer.Both had been commended for apprehending a robber at the Jewel Food Store on Western and Lincoln.
About the time that our full time officer, Lytheria Oconnor was to have been promoted to sergeant, he was falsely accused of defrauding the Village for billing for time he did not serve.Needless to say, most the Black residents upon learning of this inequity turned out to the Village Board meeting to inquire and protest.
Because of the display of support, the Village Board reversed their erroneous decision and did not indicate in his personnel file what would have been a felony.It was for this reason that I decided that the Black residents needed to know each other and to address any issues of discrimination, thus The Enhancement Organization of Olympia Fields was founded by me in my home on a Sunday evening.
The organization experienced rapid growth initially and we had a group of energetic younger residents who brought a lot of life and enthusiasm and volunteered wherever they could.The group asked me to develop a Mission Statement which we read at every meeting along with our Vision Statement developed as a group effort lead by Gerri Smothers.
We suffered growing pains and had a turnover of presidents.A year later we opened the organization up to our white neighbors who vigorously supported all efforts and recruited heavily.During one administration, our young Black members were disrespected and most left the organization during that time.
Our membership is low and I am determined that we revitalize our organization which is still needed.I have addressed the Village board about their failure to promote our Black policemen, most of whom are either drummed out, feel defeat in lack of advancement or are not given the same opportunities as the white officers, many of whom are recent employees.I also addressed the Board about the lack of minority contractors given general or sub contracts to do the major construction jobs in the Village.
Unless we are vigilant and involved, despite the fact that we are in the majority, we will not get what we are due based on the fact that the highest taxes are being paid by the newer residents who have built the newest and most expensive homes in the Village.
I hope you care enough to come out, join for only $15.00 per household and participate in our FREE, traditional, "Getting To Know You" Gala for Olympia Fields residents on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 6:00 - 10:00 P.M. at Sergeant Means Park, on Western Avenue in Olympia Fields.
Come look us over, have fun in getting to know your neighbors, join and help us to rebuild an organization that is needed more today than ever.
We once had a very viable Education Committee and Mentoring Program where Rich Central Students, interested in architecture were taken to Brazeley Architectural firm in Matteson and downtown to Skidmore, Merrill, Owens, one of the largest in the world.They were also taken on the architectural boat ride by David Oliver and me.
Mark your calendars and come spend a fun evening.I will be looking forward to seeing you.
Sincerely, Helen L. Burleson (56 Graymoor Lane) 747-
