Auburn Gresham Loses an Asset but Gains an Ally
Jimmy Prude
Published: July 2, 2012
Upon returning to Chicago in 2007 from the Microsoft Corporation located in Seattle, Washington, I observed a man who was always visible in the community and reconized by the community. During the year 2007 through 2010 (and during my observations) I asked myself a multitude of questions regarding this active and respected member of the community and of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC). Some of these questions were: Who is Ernest “Ernie” Sanders? Who is the man behind the camera, behind the scenes, and in some cases the director of the play?
Ernest Sanders & Daughter Samantha Sanders
Well, the answers came to find me. Ernest Sanders is a loving and dedicated father to a beautiful daughter who has successfully graduated from high school and now on her way to a four-year university. Ernest is also a Godfather and mentor to a host of people. Ernest embodies what a “servant-leader” should be. One who provided the youth and residents he has served, with his very own human, financial and physical capital to help better the human condition.
Ernest began his comprehensive community development journey in 2007, when he was employed by the GAGDC, to continue the growth and implementation of the New Communities program Initiative, better known as the Auburn Gresham "Quality-of-Life Plan" as NCP Manager. In this position Ernie helped continue the expansion of the already existing comprehensive community development plan with Carlos Nelson (Executive Director of the GAGDC) and the GAGDC staff. This collaboration allowed for a comprehensive strategic approach to seriously solving the inefficiencies of the community and its people, regarding technology, education, health, housing, business development and senior care.
Ernest also helped to create new partnerships while reestablishing old partnerships and relationships within Auburn Gresham's businesses and nonprofit community. It is hard to say that Ernie remained exclusive to his job description, while working for the GAGDC. He often humbly extended himself to members of the community and to all others. From the outside looking in, one might ask how Ernest finds the time to take care of himself or how he is able balance the time. The simplest explanation might or might not be obvious; when you are on a path of greatness, you are endowed with the ability to balance your time, even when onlookers around you find it insurmountable. This is a quality that certain few are endowed with.
When one recognizes the greatness in a person, their purpose and path becomes evident, even to their observer, case in point Ernest Sanders. Ernest Sanders established himself as a cross cultural leader who understands how to bridge chasms that exist across multiple communities and bring them together in such a way, where synergy flows and visions become fruition. Ernest “Ernie” Sanders, thank you for being you! Thank you for providing Auburn Gresham with your smile, heart, and patience! You have allowed a community and people to shine brighter, walk more upright and more circumspect. Your work has been a major asset to this community and its families. Thank you for not being afraid to push the limits of advancement, while at the GAGDC. As you exit your position, Auburn Gresham would like to ask you that as you move forward with change, the only constant variable that leads to truth might you keep the community and its people as an ally and within your heart. We all wish you well in your new endeavor as Chicago’s E-Team Leader, with the Partnership for Connected Illinois.
Congratulations Ernie,
Jimmy R. Prude
Community/Technology Organizer
Auburn Gresham Development Corporation
Posted in Business News, Community Highlights