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Harlem
received a special visit from former president Bill Clinton
last week Tuesday. He was scheduled to arrive at Hue-Man
Bookstore to sign 2,000 copies of his new autobiography
entitled “My Life”. Hue- Man bookstore located
on 2319 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, hosted this
massive event. The books were pre- ordered and reserved
for customers starting June 7th.When Clinton arrived he
was met by a frenzy of media. He shook people’s hands
and briefly conversed with the media. Before entering the
bookstore, he gave an exclusive interview to Harlemlive.
When
questioned about the incarceration rate of African- Americans
compared to college enrollment rate, he gave a very explanatory
and insightful response. He revealed that these statistics
were a result of the justice system operating unfairly towards
African- Americans. “There were more arrests made
for first time offenders that repeated crack and cocaine
offenders”. In fact, in his final message to Congress
he asked them to end racism in the criminal justice system
and to improve the conditions of the economy.Bill Clinton
also expressed his disappointment in the Republican Party
efforts regarding education. According to the former president,
the Republicans plan to eliminate after school programs
all over the nation and deduct $1.3million from the education
budget.
The Republicans proposed tax cuts will have drastic effects
on the amount of money awarded for scholarships and the
number of police officers patrolling the streets. In addition,
he gave a few words of inspiration to America’s youth.
“ Live life through its good and bad times, you would
have disappointments and achievements… agree and disagree
with the government…. Do the best you can”.The
security last night was definitely organized. No one was
able to enter the bookstore after a certain time unless
they had a pre- ordered book ticket. The press was only
allowed to enter after obtaining a press pass.
While
inside the Secret Services continuously informed each other
on the conditions inside and outside of the bookstore; they
surrounded Bill Clinton at all times without smothering
him. The former president was especially nice to young children
and babies. One mother brought her baby daughter with her
to the signing. Clinton took the infant into his hands and
played with her shortly. He even accepted a photo and teddy
bear from a young girl.
Clara
Villarosa believed the night went “extremely well”.
However, she still believes that some adjustments could
have been made. One of these adjustments includes containing
the crowd in a more organized fashion. Instead of people
standing in a crowd she would have preferred that they lined
up single file.
“ I think its good that Bill Clinton be here”,
said Ms. Villarosa. “Harlem has a great love for Bill
Clinton. That’s why there was a strong outcome”.
The energy around Mr. Clinton’s book signing shows
that the former president is well admired among Harlem’s
residents. Hopefully through his memoirs his fans can discover
the real man behind the president.
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