WEEN Woman of the Month: Amara Enyia
While most children her age were playing jacks and stirring up trouble, WEEN Woman of the Month Amara Enyia found herself fully immersed in every ounce of culture and education her Chicago neighborhood had to offer. “Like many immigrant families, my parents came to this country with the hope of providing better opportunities for [our family; that] meant they really impressed upon us the importance of education. [In fact], a joke in our family that no matter what we asked of our father, his response was, “Go and get a book to read.” [laughs] We [got involved in sports and arts by playing] soccer and musical instruments; [we had] a very happy upbringing.”
Born the fifth of six children to Nigerian parents, Amara found her interests in public service materializing at an extremely young age. She and her siblings witnessed the depth of her parent’s activism in the U.S. as they held events and press conferences pressuring the Nigerian government (at the time) to change policies regarding corruption and human rights abuses. “My parents taught us early [on] about the value of being disciplined, working hard, and serving the community. It was their example that taught me those first lessons about social justice, and our responsibility to give back.”
After simultaneously earning her law degree and PhD from the University of Illinois, hit the ground running, making her mark on in the political arena.
When did you know that the political arena was somewhere you wanted to be? What I’ve always known is that I have always been interested in a broad array of policy areas – everything from education, food security, housing, human rights, and economic development. The most important thing for me was (and continues to be) living out my purpose, in whatever way that takes shape. How I can be of maximum benefit to this society? [Right] now, the political arena is the best space in which to manifest my gifts, skills, education, principles and values.
You’ve turned quite a few heads recently as you announced that you were running for Mayor Emanuel’s seat. What difficulties have you had to endure being a woman and community organizer? This experience has been phenomenal. Since word of my running became public, I have received such an amazing outpouring of support and encouragement from every part of the city. Work [as a community organizer] can be draining and [as a woman, I’ve come to] understand that [I] have to be well in order to do the work. There was a time [that] I was working two full time jobs — simultaneously. I was literally working 90-95 hours a week [because] I felt so passionate about [my] community [and] put everything in to it. I had to remind myself to take time out to reflect and recover from the daily grind. Sometimes, that meant a walk at four in the morning. Other times, it meant locking my office door during lunch and enjoying a nice cup of tea. Other times, it meant turning my cell phone off. As women, we’re caretakers, we’re fighters, but we’ve got to take time to care for ourselves as well.
Thinking on young women who have a desire to follow in your footsteps – what 3 pieces of advice would have for them? The first and probably best piece of advice I can give is to live a life of integrity – a life that is authentic to who you are. To do that, you’ve got to really know what drives you. What are you values? What principles do you stand upon? Once you know that, it’s very difficult to be swayed by external influences. I’ve noticed that for so many people, life decisions are made based upon what others think should be done, or what others think is possible. As women, we’ve got to be comfortable doing what’s best for us and for our families. [Secondly, I’d say to] be present and maximize where you are in life. So often, women spend time waiting: waiting to go to college, waiting to get married, waiting to get that “perfect job”, waiting until the “perfect time” to travel and see the world. We must not lose sight of the fact that life goes by very quickly so we cannot take anything for granted. We should maximize where we are at each stage in life and focus less on what we don’t have and more on what we DO have. [We each] run our own race in this life, so there is no point in comparing your journey to anyone else. Finally, always keep things in perspective and be grateful for what you have and where you are. One of things I really appreciate about having traveled to every continent is I’ve seen the best and worst in this world. It really helps to keep things in perspective for me. I’ve seen poverty that we can’t imagine here in Chicago. I’ve also seen violence first-hand from people who experience it every single day in other countries. Having a broader perspective helps us to appreciate what we have and where we are in this life.
Chicago is a mesh of various cultures and ethnicities – what’s your favorite part of town to visit? I love walking from neighborhood to neighborhood – especially places I’ve never been. There is no better feeling than ducking into a mom and pop store on Devon Avenue to buy henna or jewelry! I love walking down Cermak or 26th Street where I can buy elotes and hear mariachi music blasting from loudspeakers. I [enjoy] walking through Ukranian Village and listening to the church bells ringing [or] through Washington Park where the motorcycle clubs are gathered. [I adore the fact that I can even stroll through] Humboldt Park where I can buy ice cream and cotton candy from vendors. This city is so incredibly diverse and it’s the most beautiful thing. It’s one of our most beautiful assets.
What is one thing about Chicago that the average person would be surprised to learn? I think a lot of people both inside and outside of Chicago would be surprised to learn that the “Founder of Chicago” is a Haitian man – Jean Baptiste Point Du-Sable.
When you’re not out moving and shaking things up, how do you relax? I find that being in areas that are new to me, relaxes me. I found I was most comfortable when I traveled to foreign countries; [which is] partly why I’ve travel so much. Now I take long walks through Chicago’s neighborhoods. I also swim pretty much every day. I run and I ride my bike to relax. And best of all, nothing beats a hot cup of tea. I drink a lot of tea. [laughs]
If you had to describe yourself and your vision in five words, what would they be? A woman maximizing this life. My vision? An equitable, fair, thriving Chicago.
Dr. Enyia is unquestionably a woman living sans limitations. Innately knowing her worth, she continues to seek out challenges and is forging a unique path for her life. “There were many times in my life when people told me what I couldn’t do. “They” told me I couldn’t major in three areas as an undergraduate. I was told that I could not complete a law degree and PhD simultaneously. I was told that I shouldn’t do an Iron Man because I wasn’t fit enough. I was told that I shouldn’t travel alone or jump out of airplanes for fun. [I want other women to look at how I live my life and] push [themselves] to take risks. When you know who you are and what you’re capable of doing, you’re more likely to follow your own path in this life.”
Happy I chanced upon this piece, it presented some thoughtful ideas and I certainly plan to check back in the future, to look at what other folks are stating regards the matter.