Antoine

I was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago. I am a graduate of CVS High School and attended East-West University. In my professional life, I worked for a medical clinic and hospital that serviced an underserved Westside community for several years.  I grew up attending Englewood Church of God and I later became an Associate Minister under then Pastor, Rev. Dr. Ernest L. Glaspie. I recently celebrated my 3^rd year of service as a Sheriff Deputy for the Cook County Department of Corrections.  I am currently married to my beautiful wife, Tonia and have two children, Destiny and Journey. I am a long time member of Living Word Christian Center.

Why I’m running?
The people we selected to represent our voice has only represented them selves by creating legislation that benefit the special interest groups they have indebted them selves to. The problem our district is facing has not been dealt with and if we continue on this path- we will not be better off in the long run. It’s a problem when a child cannot read, or have falling so far behind level that they get discourage, give up and quit. It’s a problem when our youth have no jobs, or constructive activities to partake in either after school, weekends or the summer time. It’s time for a change because too many of our jobs are being shipped overseas causing fellow Americans to be out of work. It’s a problem when illegal immigrants are getting jobs while our ex-offender population is constantly being denied and forced to resort back to a life of crime to survive. It’s time for a change from our complacent officials that we hired to do the job and have failed to deliver. All these reasons have inspired me and that is why I am running for Congress.

Tonia

I am a native of Chicago, however when I was about 12 years old my mother moved us to Minneapolis, MN. I returned to Chicago with my daughter, Destiny to finish my undergrad degree at DePaul University. When I met Antoine I was working as a bank teller at then LaSalle Bank. He came through my line (I later learned he did it on purpose) and when he handed me his driver licenses I became intrigue by his last name because I have never heard of Members before. Then I notice our birthdays was a couple days a part, so it was then that he ask me if I was seeing anyone. I said no that I was trying to finish up school and strengthen my relationship with God. He smiled and said he understands that because he was a Christian too and that he was very active in his church. He wrote his number down and asked if I could call him sometime. I few days later I decided to call him and the rest is history. We got married so quickly our families were surprise but supportive. My husband has been my loudest cheerleader in every way. When I walked across the stage with my degree in Economics or when I decided to go into business for my self he was always right there cheering me on. If I had to sum my husband up in a few words they would be loyal, trustworthy, and integrity. He exemplifies this in his life, to me and he instills this in our children Destiny & Journey. I know that he will do it for the 1st district as well.