Politics & Government
2nd District Candidate Fatimah Muhammad Places Education Ahead of Schooling
Muhammad, who refers to herself as Dr. Hip-Hop, explains how her current role as a teacher at Chicago State University inspired her to run for the coveted congressional seat.
On Tuesday, Feb. 12, I met Fatimah Muhammad on the South Side of Chicago.
Muhammad is an assistant professor at Chicago State University and was inspired to run for office when she found out some of the problems at the school could be solved at the legislative level. Muhammad noted that she is not a politician and considers a vote for her to be a vote to elevate the people of the 2nd District to power.
Visit Fatimah Muhammad's candidate profile on Patch to watch his speech about the 2nd District.
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Key Issues
Education
Since she is a teacher, it's no surprise Muhammad placed education as her primary concern for the district. Muhammad said she would look for a way to bring more federal dollars to the 2nd District for the purpose of improving education.
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Youth Mentoring
Muhammad is a big proponent of direct influence over the lives of young people through mentoring and job training. She said she would bring attention to and support programs that support the development of young people.
Noteworthy Quotes
"Education is different from schooling. Because schooling can take you up and through and around and around. Then what? But real education brings out what your gifts are, what your passions are and helps you build the capacity again to develop and implement." - On the importance of funding education.
The Takeaway
Muhammad is right when she says she is not a politician, meaning she does not fit the stereotypical image of a political figure. She's always candid in her responses. Nothing seems prepared, which voters may find endearing.
On the flip side, it's the politicians that win elections. That's why they're politicians. Muhammad's lack of experience and political background will make it hard for her to convince voters that she's ready to lead the 2nd District.
What do you think? Has Muhammad convinced you to vote for her? Tell us in the comments!
NEXT: Gregory Haynes explains why he is best equipped to bring more jobs to the 2nd District.
Return to our intro page to learn more about this series and see the full list of candidates.
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