The Political Responsibility of Flatbush

Article BY author, JULIA YEPEZ-MACBETH

Painting by artist, julia yepez-macbeth

 PASSION - A barely incontrollable emotion, arousing intense enthusiasm!

 I am experiencing an awakening of sorts; I thought my passions had peeked. Back in 2022, I began helping my Board of Elections’ District Leader put together a political club. He had no extra time. He is the Editor of a monthly magazine.

 The Caribbean community in Flatbush, Brooklyn, which is my area, has a rich history. French style architecture; Art Deco Libraries; the Botanical Garden; Prospect Park, which was the template for Manhattan’s Central Park; the Brooklyn Arch, which parallels Paris’ Arc de Triumphe; and the beautiful Brooklyn Museum, called an imposing architectural statement in the style of the Roman Renaissance!

 Flatbush is highly diverse hosting people from Trinidad, Jamaica, Cuba, Africa, Mexico, Russia, Italy, etc. Before the mid ‘80s, it was mostly Jewish. However, since then, it has transformed into a very diverse culture. We are all New Yorkers or urban dwellers with small budgets. Many are (2nd ) time parents taking care of grandchildren, and/or helping their own grown children move back home. High rents, and limited rentals have created new types of living arrangements. Little did I know this community would be interested in politics, voting, or belonging to a political club, especially, if belonging to the Club would mean also working with the Board of Elections and the public-at-large!

 I started by hiring people who either never had a regular job interview, or lost jobs during COVID. In the mix were also people who have been ignored by the system right into indifference. But it was I who benefited from my community’s integrity, discernment, and strength.

 A project, started without any focus, fell into my lap. Helping others with a job has grown into an incontrollable joy for me. I was voted President of the Club by the same rich community. We have now grown into 60 members and still growing. We are recognized by Albany, and  we are becoming a political non-profit organization.

 I am honored with the trust the members have placed in me. I now hold many secrets, and great stories!

 I am in awe of the continuous encouragement the Board of Elections shows us. They are an unusual outfit to deal with, but it does feel good. Now my Coordinator calls me to interview some of the poll workers, who have shown excellent work ethics, and an interest in furthering their assignments.

 I did not expect, in this part of my life, to experience such enthusiasm or passion. I was quite used to my familiar, my tried and true comfortableness. This new chapter makes it my fifth lifestyle change, which I did not expect. I now have lawyers, teachers, psychologists, and everyone else calling for a chance to work w/the Board. The Board actually pays well.

 I am always on the phone, texting, and/or answering E-mails. Anyone can work doing something, anything, and I’ll make sure they get a chance to get information about how voting works!

 I have concluded that passions give unsolicited awareness, facing Consciousness provides a feeling of accomplishment - No room for anything but TRUTH. The arousal of enthusiasm brings me oneness, perhaps is the joy of feeling connected to the Universe.

 Does Consciousness call forth passion, or is it the other way around? The fire burning through my pores, and the rush of life keeps the spark alive. The surge of energy changes, a chameleon in an inexplicable dimension!