Staff Reports
In a spirited address, Pastor Corey Brooks, famously known as the “rooftop Pastor,” is rallying Americans to reconsider the impact of race-based politics on community empowerment. From his perch atop a Chicago rooftop, where he spent an impressive 343 days braving the elements to raise awareness for violence prevention, Brooks shines a light on the shortcomings of identity politics and calls for a renewed focus on character and community.
Brooks has dedicated much of his life to transforming Chicago’s South Side, a neighborhood plagued by violence. He is actively raising funds for a community center that aims to provide leadership and economic opportunities in an area often labeled as one of the most dangerous in the nation. However, he doesn’t shy away from addressing the political machinations that often exploit racial identities rather than uplift communities. He points an accusing finger at figures like Reverend Al Sharpton and Vice President Kamala Harris, questioning their authenticity and commitment to truly helping the Black community.
Recently, Harris’s campaign reportedly dished out $500,000 to Sharpton, a gesture that Brooks finds deeply insulting and hypocritical. According to him, such transactions reveal an uncomfortable truth—many so-called advocates leverage race for personal gain rather than genuine concern. Brooks reminds viewers that Sharpton, like other identitarian leaders, has historically chosen profit over principled advocacy, having only been active when dollar signs are attached. This critique aligns with Brooks’ broader denunciation of identity politics, which he argues fails to address the underlying issues affecting neighborhoods like his.
The pastor contrasts his mission to uplift his community without financial gain with the likes of Sharpton, who he believes exploits their shared racial identity for profit. He questions how Sharpton and his ilk differ from historical figures who oppressed their communities for financial benefit. For Brooks, the distinction is clear: they exploit their race for power while neglecting the communities they profess to serve.
Brooks emphasizes the need for a shift away from race as a primary lens through which society views issues. Instead, he advocates for a focus on individual character and community strength. By downplaying the importance of race in favor of personal accountability and community building, Brooks believes that real progress can be made. He challenges the notion that racial preferences and identity politics are beneficial, arguing they often favor a select few while leaving many behind.
Ultimately, Brooks’ message resonates with a call for unity and self-reliance. He encourages Americans to see beyond race and instead cultivate a society grounded in mutual respect and shared values. With determination, he envisions a better America—one where communities come together not defined by color but by a collective goal of improving lives and thriving together. As he concludes, the onus is on citizens to reclaim power from those who have misused it under the guise of racial advocacy. God bless America, indeed!
