McKINLEY PARK Compiled by Jocelyn Vega, Neighborhood Captain
PHOTO COURTESY OF OBDULIA VEGA
A
fter twenty-seven years of living in McKinley Park, Obdulia and Enrique Vega have grown and tended to many community roots. They’re also my parents. I interviewed them to learn their “Best of McKinley Park” based on nearly three decades of living on the same street. As early twenty-year-olds and recent immigrants, they purchased their first home in a new nation and city in 1987. Many of their coworkers scorned my parents for being “financially irresponsible” considering how young they were in an unknown country, but they persisted. Obdulia hopes Chicagoans honor its existing residents and their contributions in shaping McKinley Park. Meanwhile, Enrique described it “as his home” because his children were raised here. Enrique and Obdulia’s “Best of McKinley Park” reflects their highest respects to its outstanding people and places. This home has been extended to many guests throughout the years. Each visit often involves many elaborate meals and growing acceptance in community by seeing people as part of their greater family. This home continues to be their home. ( Jocelyn Vega) Neighborhood Captain Jocelyn Vega is a first-generation Latina and contributing editor to the Weekly
BEST NEIGHBOR THAT WELCOMED OUR FAMILY TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
A Tribute to Ailene Emerson
Until she moved in 2005, Ailene was our neighbor. “She’s our family,” said Obdulia. When she was twenty, Obdulia and Ailene, who was twice her age, became close friends. Ailene also became a confidante to the young mother of a three-year-old and another daughter in the future. “At first, Ailene was concerned about two twenty-year-olds moving next door to her family’s previous home. Her mother, sister, and family members grew up there. That was her family’s home. Ailene told me how she lost her tranquility after we first moved in,” said Obdulia. However, Ailene extended her arm and wisdom to my parents. Obdulia said, “She told us that she realized her impression was wrong. She revealed her assumption too. She was simply surprised but saw young people working so hard and raising a family.” Ailene also extended her compassionate wisdom about parenthood, homeownership, and living in America. “We spoke different languages. She didn’t know Spanish. I didn’t understand English, but we listened to each other in many ways. Ailene would invite me to learn about the grocery stores, visit hardware stores, and understand government paperwork. She recommended people that she trusted. I could always turn to her.” Over the fence, they shared space between their homes. NOVEMBER 25, 2020 ¬ SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY 57
