Week of February 1, 2017 Vol 48 • No 5 •
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BUSINESS
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FOOD, FUEL, AND FINANCE ... THE 3FS OF ECONOMICS
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FOCUS ON BLACKHISTORY
BLACK INVENTORS:
CHANGING HOW WE DO BUSINESS
O
ver the last 500 years, Black people from Africa, and their descendents have fully participated in the development of the world’s agricultural, business, medical and scientific innovations and inventions. When citing inventors, few books mention the accomplishments of Black inventors outside the United States. That list often excludes Black inventors from Africa, Australia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, Russia and the United Kingdom. But that changed in 2008, with the release of a book called, “Black Inventors, Crafting Over 200 Years of Success,” by
Keith C. Holmes. The book is now available as an e-book on a number of different eReaders, book distributors, bookstores, educational institutions and libraries, according to a press release on africaresource.com. As reported on Globalblackinventor.com, the book identifies black inventors from five continents, over seventy countries, including almost all fifty states in the United States. Citing a number of black inventors from 1769 - 2007, the book is one of the most comprehensive works on black Inventors since Henry E. Baker’s research on Black inventors in the early 20th century. While there is documented proof that blacks worldwide have
FASHION
ENTERTAINMENT
WINTERIZATION TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN
STUDENT CULTIVATES PEACE AROUND THE WORLD
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NEW APPOINTMENT AT COMED CHICAGO - ComEd recently announced that Verónica Gómez has been promoted to senior vice president and general counsel. Gómez previously served as the vice president and deputy general counsel for litigation at Exelon, ComEd’s parent company. In that role, Gómez was responsible for litigation cases on behalf of all Exelon companies, including ComEd. This litigation included third-party disputes and litigation in support of multi-billion dollar transactions. Prior to joining Exelon, Gómez was a litigation partner at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg and before that at Schopf & Weiss (now Honigman Miller), where she served on the Executive Committee. In her new role, which she assumed on January 1, Gómez serves as ComEd’s primary legal advisor and oversees the company’s regulatory policy, strategy and rates function. She replaces Thomas S. O’Neill, who was recently appointed as the senior vice president and general counsel of Exelon. Gómez will report to Anne Pramaggiore, ComEd president & CEO. “I am delighted to have Veronica join my senior team. She is a proven leader and exceptional thinker whose experience and knowledge in regulatory policy will provide continued focus in our strategic efforts,” said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO of ComEd. “Her knowledge of our company and insight into the direction we’re trying to move in as a 21st century utility will be an invaluable asset to us achieving our goals.” Gómez grew up in Darien, Ill., and graduated from Hinsdale South High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics with departmental honors in Political Science from Stanford University and her law degree from the University of Chicago Law School. Gómez serves on several boards including Illinois Legal Aid Online, the Chicago Bar Foundation, and Friends of Jones College Prep. She also is a Governing Member Ambassador for the Chicago Zoological Society.
COMMENTARY
FOCUS ON BLACKHISTORY
MY OPEN LETTER TO “US”
BLACK INVENTORS:
By Tip “T.I.” Harris (Founder, Grand Hustle)
finding ways to generate wealth for generations to come and work to pass down things to our children for them to pass down to their children. You see man, who wants to fight who on Instagram should As I write this letter, I can’t help but express my frustration not be as important as fighting for equality. and concern for “US.” I also can’t help, but question my contribution You see, if we don’t acknowledge and accept where we are to the status of where we are. I understand that I, too, have been failing, then we’ll never do the work that it takes to make it right guilty of doing the very things that put US here. Even still, right for US. See, we are the benefactors of too much sacrifice and blood, now, the state of our community is more alarming than ever. And, sweat and tears to allow petty differences and trivial discrepancies while I know that this letter may be misunderstood by many, unduly to continue to separate and divide US, while we are being used, dissected and misconstrued by most others, I still need to write and exploited and conquered. We cannot afford to not stick together and speak about these things that deeply concern me. work together for the betterment of our community. You see, all of US sometimes feel that one of the most difficult As we look to the future for US, there could not be a better time things in the world is to talk to US about US in an effort to help US. to assess where we go from here. And while there’s currently great However, we cannot dismiss the fact that we can’t fix what we do not turmoil, there is even greater opportunity for US to work together to address. You see, we’ve somehow allowed ourselves to think it’s okay transform our community. to neglect and abandon our responsibility to ourselves and to our Far too many of our children are community. Everything cannot be blamed fatherless, far too many of our mothers on THE SYSTEM. are standing in the prison waiting We can no longer afford to rooms and far too many of our young be entertained beyond the point of people feel hopeless. We must work accountability. We can’t keep selling each to reshape the need for our children other out and be willing to do anything to to want to live so fast even if it means be seen, to be famous or to be rich. Our dying so young. Now, I am not here to obsession with material things and lack demonize or vilify, but to pledge my of self-worth is evident in our need for an commitment to help US do what needs abundance of momentary luxuries and to be done. You see, if we continue to must-have amenities that have no true devalue ourselves we cannot realistically value, for real man. And I mean, we do it expect respect from others. just to impress people that could care less T.I. says that we can no longer continue to get Now, how can I sit here in a if your children or your children’s children caught up in having material abundance and yet be place of privilege and say such things and have anything left to show for your life after fundamentally and spiritually broke. make such suggestions, you ask? Well, I you gone. You see, somewhere along the way, answer simply, because I know what it’s we’ve allowed the pursuit of fame and things like. I know what it’s like to not know where you’re going or how to to blind us to the issues that prevent us from moving upward. So, we get there. I know what it’s like to have no one around you who can cannot continue to get caught up in having material abundance and teach you how to be what you hope to become. I know what it’s like yet be fundamentally and spiritually broke. to be so distracted by your surroundings and in the moment that it’s Every one of us must do something to contribute to seemingly impossible to not get caught up in ‘em. I know what it’s transforming our community for the better. We have been like to feel so much smaller than the activities of your environment underserved, underprivileged and unfortunate for far too long. that you can’t see how not to succumb to ‘em. I know what it’s like There are no more excuses. It’s not enough to have limited progress to not be able to focus in class due to real life hunger pangs. I know and allow our expectations and sense of purpose to evaporate. So, what it’s like to be disruptive just to pass the time and take your mind if that means we must sacrifice some nights at the club and give up off what’s lacking at home. I know what it’s like to be laughed at by buying the latest designer handbags and sneakers…well then damn, your teacher when you tell them what you hope to be in life. I also so be it. I can only hope that one day soon we’ll understand our know what it’s like to be told by your teacher that you’ll never amount true economic buying power by investing in our own communities to anything. I know what it’s like to feel hopeless and to feel like and putting our money into businesses that keep our dollars in our you’re not good enough just because of where you’re from. I know community. what it’s like to be profiled and to be abused by the police. I know It is imperative for US to parent our children and educate them what it’s like to be racially profiled, treated unjustly and abused by the outside of the school systems, as the American education system police just because of how you look. But even more importantly than was not designed to lift US out of oppression. If we know that the knowing all these things, I know what it’s like to overcome ‘em. pipelines to prisons are multiplying, well we must ask ourselves, Now, I know it’s not easy…but all of US can do something. “what can we do to end it?” We must keep ourselves busy with
DCFS TO STRENGTHEN AND PRESERVE FAMILIES SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Federal Administration for Children, Youth, and Families has granted Illinois a waiver of restrictions on federal foster-care funds to let the Illinois Department of Children and Families address family problems without having to remove children from their homes and putting them in foster care. “It’s a win-win,” said Illinois DCFS Director George Sheldon. “We sought this waiver because it helps us strengthen and preserve families instead of breaking them apart. We can avoid the much greater financial cost to taxpayers as well as the trauma to children that results from having a child in foster care. It’s a better deal for taxpayers, and the right thing for the children.” The waiver is known as a IV-E waiver after the section of law that provides federal support for foster care. Because Illinois has longer average stays in foster care and because of the long-term costs for children in foster care, the flexibility is likely to produce long-term
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savings for the state. “Children love their parents, even when their parents are less than perfect, and taking them from their homes should be a last resort, when we can’t ensure their safety any other way,” Sheldon said. “Congress allows for waivers like this because there is bipartisan agreement that strengthening and preserving families is the right policy for children.” Illinois has had a waiver for specific programs in Cook County, but the new waiver extends the program statewide. The waiver expires in 2019. Under current Federal Law, it cannot be renewed. After that, federal funds would again be limited to supporting only children actually in foster care. Illinois received $192 million in Federal foster-care funds in fiscal 2016. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In December,
the Administration for Children, Youth and Families also awarded DCFS federal planning dollars to begin the development of a new statewide child welfare technology system. The Request for Proposals to implement that project will go out later this month. About the waiver: In 1994 Congress passed Public Law 103–432, which established Section 1130 of the Social Security Act (SSA) and gave the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the authority to approve State demonstration projects involving the waiver of certain provisions of titles IV-E and IV-B of the SSA. These provisions govern Federal programs relating to foster care and other child welfare services. Conceived as a strategy for generating new knowledge and innovation, these waivers grant States the flexibility in the use of Federal funds for alternative services and supports that promote safety, permanency, and wellbeing for children in the child protection and foster care systems.
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CHANGING HOW WE DO BUSINESS On the Cover
Elijah J. McCoy was a Canadian-American inventor and engineer who was notable for his 57 U.S. patents, most having to do with the lubrication of steam engines. Born free in Canada, he returned as a five-year-old with his family to the United States in 1847, where he lived for the rest of his life and became a U.S. citizen.
Jan Ernst Matzeliger was a revolutionary in the shoe industry with the invention of the lasting machine.
Janet Emerson Bashen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and business consultant. She patented a software program to assist with webbased equal employment opportunity investigations. Photo credit: Highlighter 11
Thomas O. Mensah is Ghanaian born chemical engineer and inventor. His works are in fields relating to the development of fiber optics and nanotechnology. He was awarded seven USA and worldwide patents in fiber optics within a period of six years. Photo Credit: Oralofori
Patricia Era Bath is an American ophthalmologist, inventor and academic. She has broken ground for women and African Americans in a number of areas. Prior to Bath, no woman had served on the staff of the Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Calvin Flowers, president & founder of the Chicago Inventors Organization (CIO), has assisted more than 11,000 local residents in understanding how inventions and patents work. Flowers founded Tel-Loc, a company that invented a device that locked touch tone phones and internet services. Flowers Security Jacks invention sold over $1 million dollars worth in Walgreens. Photo Credits: Duane Salve
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changed the way America and people across the globe do business, black inventor-entrepreneurs are also making their impact known in world-wide and in Chicago. Through an organization called, The Chicago Inventors Organization, (CIO) formerly known as the Chicago Black Inventors’ Organization, inventorentrepreneurs are finding a pathway into breaking into big box stores while avoiding costly scams. “To avoid being taken advantage of, the first thing you need to do is to join an inventors’ organization, said Calvin Flowers. As the owner, and creator of a cell-phone security jack company and President & Founder Chicago Inventors Organization (CIO), Flowers speaks from experience. Flowers found credible help to market his own invention and later created Tel-Loc, a company that produced his Security Jack products. The Security Jack invention device locked touchtone phones and internet services. Flowers’ business sky-rocketed, and he sold more than $1 million worth of products to Walgreens. But that success didn’t come with out paying a price. He shares his remarkable story on CIO’s website at chicago-inventors.org where he explains how necessity truly became the mother of invention. Flowers advises inventors to be fully engaged
in the process of getting their invention to the marketplace. “You want to be hands on in every step of your project. You may have to hire people to help you, but at the end of the day, you have to understand the full details of your invention. You can get taken advantage of when you’re not a good negotiator.” Though Blacks have made significant contributions in the way of inventions, Flowers said many Blacks haven’t received credit for their inventions. “At the heart of our organization, we still have a focus on Black inventors. As Blacks, we have always been inventive people and our contributions and inventions were never recognized. The reason why we couldn’t move forward with our inventions is that our ideas got stolen, or we didn’t know how to market our inventions.” Through CIO, Chicago native, Lawrence Glenn, owner of GPK Associates Inc. invented a compact disposable urinal container, called “One For the Road,” which according to Glenn, will appear in big box stores beginning in February. Recently, Glenn’s invention was on display at the Chicago Inventors’ monthly meeting. Glenn stated that it had taken more than eight years to perfect his invention, but offers encouragement to inventors to never give up on their dreams. Creator of the wrap braid technique and a
member of the Chicago Inventors Organization since 2003, Frances Simmons of Chicago stated that becoming a member of the inventors’ organization is beneficial and provides support for those seeking to take their inventions to the next level. “Being a member of the organization has helped me to understand that when you do go forth to create inventions, you just can’t sit on the ideas, you must move forward and take your ideas to the next level. Membership opens doors, but you still have to work to get your invention out there.” And what about budding entrepreneurs? Flowers said CIO has a youth initiative component that inspires children to become inventors as well. “Our goal is to plant innovative seeds to inspire young children to become inventors so they the can start thinking about how they can make money. It is our mission to start these types of projects.” For more information about the Chicago Inventors Organization, please log on to www. chicago-inventor.org. To order the book “Black Inventors, Crafting Over 200 Years of Success,” visit, globalblackinventor.com or send an email to kcholmes50 @ gmail.com or info@ globalblackinventor.com .
Safiyyah P. Muhammad Press releases
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business
1 Food, Fuel, and Finance ...The 3Fs of Economics
Nearly half of U.S. high school students say they do not know how to establish good credit and more than one-fourth believe they will be unprepared to manage their finances upon graduation. This is according to recent research that reveals a lack of financial literacy among American youth. But teachers and schools can now turn to a dynamic interactive learning module, Foundations of Finance, to introduce students to fundamentals of personal finance, such as saving, applying for student loans and buying a car, among other features. The module -- one of three aligned with the Council for Economic Education’s standards for economics -- is offered by CME Group, the world’s leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms. Foundations of Finance also presents students with fundamentals of economics using real-world scenarios, interactive components, embedded assessments, and accompanying Educator Guides. The Foundations of Finance module is part
of an Econ Essentials trio of standards-aligned educational modules that includes: The Facts About Food, which lets students take a journey from “farm to table” by serving as an advisor to a farm, and Fueling the Future, which challenges students to start a shuttle business.
In The Facts About Food module, students learn how the supply chain and other global factors influence supply and demand. They also explore the role of economics in food prices as well as what influences food prices. With the Fueling the Future module, students learn about supply and demand by discovering how and why gas prices fluctuate and the impact of changing gas prices on their daily lives. Students apply their knowledge to set a ticket price for their business to determine if they make a profit. Teachers find that the Econ Essentials educational program helps their students learn fundamental economic principles in an engaging, digital environment. “Students become equipped to make wise decisions in both their public and private lives, and also grow such important skills as critical thinking, problem solving, media and information literacy,” says Jackie Prester, business and technology teacher at Mansfield (Mass.) Public Schools. More information about Foundations of Finance and the food and fuel models are available at http:// www.econessentialsinschool.com NewsUSA
Colgate-Palmolive and Black Girls CODE Aim to Create a Brighter Future for Young African American Girls During Black History Month NEW YORK -- To honor Black Going on now through History Month, Colgate-Palmolive February 28, 2017, Colgatewill partner with Black Girls CODE Palmolive will donate $1.00 (USD) on a campaign focused on helping to Black Girls CODE for every share more young girls of color learn or “Like” of inspiring videos featuring computer programming. Black Girls CODE participants According to the National across social platforms, including Science Foundation, women today Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, fill close to half of all jobs in the with #CodeAFuture. [2] U.S. economy, yet hold less than Black Girls CODE has a 25% of STEM (science, technology, mission — teach 1 million girls of engineering and mathematics) jobs. color to code by 2040. Through the Even more strikingly, African partnership with Colgate, donations American women make up only 2% of raised by online participation in the country’s science and engineering this campaign will directly benefit workforce. budding coders by providing This initiative will include scholarships and funds to help young an online campaign encouraging girls participate in Black Girls CODE consumers to share stories, with the programs, including hackathon Colgate has joined the Black Girls CODE. The mission is to teach 1 million girls of color to code by 2040. goal of inspiring the newest generation workshops. of young women interested in “We are so pleased to consumers to share an inspiring video via social media using the technology. In addition, Colgate and Black Girls CODE will host hashtag #CodeAFuture. partner with Colgate during Black History Month,” said a series of hackathons for girls from 12 to 17 in New York City Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls CODE. “Our mission “At Colgate, we believe that everyone deserves a future and the Bay Area. is to create a movement that changes the game for young they can smile about,” said Carla Kelly, General Manager, U.S. The Black Girls CODE mission is to educate girls of color, girls. We want to create a community of girls who will be Multicultural Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive. “This partnership ages 7 to 17, in digital media and computer programming skills empowered and to become catalysts for transformation in with Black Girls CODE helps us to provide healthier and as well as building lifelong proficiency in problem-solving and their communities.” brighter futures for young girls as they gain access to the abstract thinking. For more information on Colgate’s #CodeAFuture technology, ultimately transforming their lives and their Colgate’s #CodeAFuture campaign will encourage campaign, visit www.blackgirlscode.com/colgate. PRNewswire communities.”
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President Preckwinkle, County Department of Transportation and Highways Issue First-Ever Call for Projects
he Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is seeking applications for transportation-related projects throughout Cook County as part of the President Toni Preckwinkle’s initiative to build and maintain a comprehensive regional transportation network. For the first time, Cook County is launching an $8.5 million program to help cover the cost of planning, engineering, right-of-way acquisition and construction associated with transportation improvements sponsored by local governments and private partners. This new program seeks projects that broaden the County’s traditional focus on County roads to include pedestrian, bicycle, transit and freight-related improvements. The call for projects, dubbed Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President “Invest in Cook,” is an initiative of Connecting Cook County, the DoTH has expanded its traditional County’s first long-range transportation focus on its own roads and bridges to plan in 75 years. Connecting Cook County include partnering with local communities lays the groundwork for how the County in an effort to build and maintain a invests in transportation to attract and comprehensive network that addresses retain businesses, people, capital and talent. multiple modes of transportation. “The goal of Invest in Cook is to ensure “Connecting Cook County calls on that transportation investments are made Cook County to be a leader in setting and wisely by identifying the universe of implementing regional transportation transportation needs and prioritizing them,” policies,” Preckwinkle said. “Different Preckwinkle said. levels and units of government need to “Invest in Cook ties transportation collaborate to deliver regionally significant investments to greater economic growth improvements that yield long-term results.” and to more livable communities by making In addition to funding projects, Invest sure businesses and residents have safe and in Cook will provide technical and grantconvenient transportation options.” writing expertise to help communities tap
into new funding sources and accelerate the completion of projects that may have languished. “Invest in Cook means communities that have suffered inequities in the distribution of transportation resources will see much-needed capital investments,” said Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims, the chairwoman of the County’s Roads and Bridges Committee. “I am eager to see investments in disadvantaged communities that retain companies, create jobs and make communities better places to live.” DoTH is seeking applications from local governments and transit agencies. Private for-profit or nonprofit organizations can submit project proposals, but must have a public sponsor. The deadline to apply is 5:00 PM CST on March 17, 2017. Invest in Cook seeks projects consistent with the priorities detailed in Connecting Cook County: · Prioritize transit and other transportation alternatives · Support the region’s role as North America’s freight capital · Promote equal access to opportunities · Maintain and modernize what already exists · Increase investments in transportation Cook County transportation staff will evaluate and score the proposals using publicly available, performance-based criteria and a qualitative assessment to determine which projects will be chosen this year. Program information is available at www.cookcountyil.gov/InvestInCook. Award letters will be sent out in the summer of 2017, and a corresponding list of grantees will be published on the project webpage.
VOTER SUPPRESSION NOT VOTE FRAUD IS THE FACT, SAYS JACKSON CHICAGO – President Trump is pushing alternative facts again and chasing millions and millions of ghosts, said Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Founder and President Rainbow PUSH Coalition in a released statement. Jackson’s comments came after President Trump alleged 3 to 5 million people voted illegally in last year’s election. President Trump is now vowing an investigation into alleged voter fraud, despite a lack of evidence behind his claim. “There is no discernible evidence of vote fraud in the 2016 election as the president claims without a shred of proof,” Jackson continued in a news release. “There is, however, substantial evidence of voter suppression. That is the real threat to our democracy,” he said. “Last year’s election was the first in 50 years
without the full protection of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Jefferson Davis Democrats turned into today’s Republicans took full advantage of it. “In North Carolina, for example, The New York Times reported the day after the election that even after a federal appeals court struck down the state’s “outrageous voter-suppression law in July, saying that it targeted black voters” with “almost surgical precision,” Republican legislators started spinning new schemes against the crown jewel of our democracy – the protected right to vote. “The day before Mr. Trump was elected president, The Times reported, the state’s Republican Party boldly boasted in a press release that cut backs in early voting hours reduced ‘black turnout by 8.5 percent below 2012 levels, even as the number of white early voters increased by 22.5 percent.’
“I spoke at a college last fall where the closest polling place was a three-mile bus ride away from campus. Between 2014 and 2015, 868 precincts were moved across the country, turning voting into a kind of treasure hunt. “Sen. Jeff Sessions has a history of supporting voter suppression schemes in his native Alabama, the epicenter of the voting rights movement of the 1960’s. He applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act in 2013. To put him in charge of the Department of Justice (DOJ) is the ultimate scheme of oppression and suppression. “For the president to consistently speak about “facts” without evidence is astonishing. But because he is president, we should have a full DOJ investigation into vote fraud and voter suppression and let the real facts – the fact facts – come out,” Jackson stated.
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fashion
entertainment
Winterization Tips for Healthy Skin
NEW YORK - The official U.S. launch of Azoya, an integrated turnkey e-commerce solution provider, which will help U.S. retailers and manufacturers break into the Chinese market with less risk in 2017 through fully-managed cross-border e-commerce, has launched. Azoya made the announcement at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City recently. As the world’s largest e-commerce market, China is lucrative, growing and ravenous for U.S. products. In 2015, crossborder consumer e-commerce reached $40 billion in 2015 with an annual growth rate of 50 percent.1 Top-selling categories include cosmetics and skincare, baby and mom products, healthcare products, fashion apparel, and groceries.
“To simplify foreign expansion and ensure long-term growth in China, we build an e-commerce ecosystem for U.S. retail companies,” says Franklin Chu, Managing Director, Azoya International. “Our behind-the-scenes work means Azoya is invisible to Chinese customers who prefer to buy products directly from the U.S. retail company. Established in 2013, Azoya International is a leading solutions provider in cross-border e-commerce to China. To date, over 35 retailers in 12 countries have partnered with Azoya to expand into China with ease, including French fashion retailer La Redoute and Feelunique, the largest onlin e beauty
retailer in Europe.
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Student Cultivates Peace Around The World
Exercise, along with products like herbal teas, hats and gloves, skin moisturizers and cold sore treatments, can keep your skin looking healthy well into spring.
Rising Fashion Designer Zang Toi Expected to Take the Naias 2017 by Storm Globally renowned craftsmanship. I wanted to instill fashion Designer Zang Toi is a sense of haute-couture that is coming to Detroit to reveal unique to fashion but is a natural his commissioned designs. complement to the style and The spectacular collection expressiveness already embodied was created specifically for by Lexus vehicles. To have the Lexus auto show product opportunity to create fashion in specialists. The “Zang Toi a traditionally automotive space Collection for Lexus” will was an exhilarating challenge.” blend the worlds of highSome of the design elements fashion and luxury vehicles. featured in the collection It is a first-of-a-kind include; hand pick stitching on collaboration for the auto jacket lapels, hand beading and industry, by showcasing embroidery, hand-loomed knit high-end fashion at highdress -complete with French lace profile auto shows. and a knit “alphabet” sweater The driving force behind with the Lexus “L” hand beaded this collaboration was and embroidered. The collection Detroit-based Production will be rounded out with classic Zang Toi, Founder of House of Toi Hedy Popson, President of Productions Plus - The Talent Shop Plus-The Talent Shop styles, such as a sharply cut at Production Plus-The Talent Shop, identified located in Bingham Farms. Production Plusjacket with contrast grey sleeves and standup Zang Toi as a rising star after seeing his work The Talent Shop is the mastermind behind lapel accents. Lexus is the only brand on at New York Fashion Week. Barnett was able the collaboration. President Hedy Popson who the auto show floor with a wardrobe created to use her connections at Saks Fifth Avenue to led the team behind the effort commented, and handmade for each auto show product approach Toi about a partnership with Lexus. “Detroit will captivate the world this January as specialist. They are both graduates of the prestigious the runway meets the roadway. We are always Lexus is pleased with the results of this Parson School of Design. “We only wanted to looking for new ways to enhance the emotional successful collaboration. “We admire Zang Toi’s present designers equal to the Lexus brand,” bond between the product and the customer. inspired approach to unique and visionary stated Barnett. “Zang Toi has done a brilliant Production Plus is responsible for linking these details,” said Brian Bolain, General Manager job interpreting Lexus design elements into his two world-class brands. The collaboration of Marketing at Lexus. “We are thrilled to be fashion.” works beautifully because of the shared bringing his style, which so perfectly fits with Zang Toi was quoted as saying, “The philosophy on design and philanthropy.” the refinement of our vehicles, to the North Lexus brand stands for unrivaled luxury and Shari Barnett, Director of Creative Services American auto show circuit.” Newswire.com an unrelenting approach to perfection and
www.thechicagocitizen.com • 51 years of serving the Black community
(NewsUSA) - An international art contest celebrating children’s visions of peace capped off its 20th year by recognizing a teenager from Malaysia as the grand prize winner. The grand prize winner of this year’s Lions International Peace Poster Contest is Ming Yang Soong, a 13-year-old boy from Bidor, Malaysia. His poster, selected from 350,000 entries from 81 countries, portrays the theme “Peace Around the World.” As the grand prize winner, Soong receives a trip to New York City for a special award ceremony during Lions Day with the United Nations. “All nations must work together to keep this world peaceful,” Soong said. “If there is peace in the world, we can progress and live in harmony. I hope that all countries on this planet will support peace.” During the past two decades more than four million children, ages 11 to 13, have artistically shared their visions for peace through the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs sponsor the contest in schools and organized youth programs. The contest provides an outlet for children and adults to discuss the meaning of world peace while visually portraying their
Ming Yang Soong, a 13-year-old from Malaysia, created the winning poster, “Peace Around the World.”
feelings. Now entering its 21st year, the contest has been held in more than 100 countries. “Today the world is divided into pieces by hatred, terrorism and war,” said Kajol Chetan Bid, a merit award winner from India. “Together we can make this world a better place to live in - a world full of love and peace.” Winners have come from all across the
globe, many from areas where children do not know peace. “Peace is a gift to live and to let others live it,” said Feliccina Sioufi of Lebanon, a merit award winner. Lions Clubs International President Mahendra Amarasuriya said, “Lions in many nations have embraced the Peace Poster Contest as a hands-on way to promote peace and to support the young people in their communities. It is another way Lions have accepted the challenge to change the world.” The 24 finalists’ peace posters will be exhibited during the year at children’s museums and various locations throughout the United States. Visit www.lionsclubs.orgto view posters and send e-cards. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with nearly 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in 202 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions Clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired while making a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.
GWENDOLYN BROOKS AT 100
Dozens of organizations launch “Our Miss Brooks: A Centennial Celebration” to honor groundbreaking Pulitzer Prize winner and Illinois Poet Laureate Chicago, IL – To honor the legacy and enduring contributions of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, and to inspire a new generation of writers, dozens of institutions, artists and educators have joined to create programming for Our Miss Brooks: A Rita Dove Centennial Celebration. Through June 2018, the celebration features readings, performances, school programs, discussions, exhibits and more; most will be free and open to the public. Our Miss Brooks: A Centennial Celebration (OMB100) kicks off on Thursday, February 2, 2017 with an unprecedented and high-profile reading of Brooks’ works by the five other African American Pulitzer Prize-winning poets: Rita Dove, Yusef Komunyakaa, Natasha Trethewey, Tracy K. Smith and Gregory Pardlo. The reading will be held at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public; online registration is required. The reading is produced by The Chicago Community Trust with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Poetry Foundation. It will be hosted by Kendra G., WGCI-FM morning show radio host, and moderated
by Natalie Moore, WBEZFM’s South Side reporter and author of The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and America. Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American writer to receive a Pulitzer Prize, and she served as the Illinois Poet Laureate from 1968 to 2000. Through her work, she was an activist, a feminist and an insightful observer of Black life. Perhaps no other poet has captured the essence of Chicago life more than Gwendolyn Brooks. In the centennial of her birth, she remains an important, historic voice. “Gwendolyn Brooks is one of the few poets whose work was as at home in pool halls, community centers and bars as it was in academia and classrooms,” says Quraysh Ali Lansana, artistic director of OMB100. “Her art endures because it’s so finely crafted and meticulously constructed around timeless subjects. She lived in Chicago, among us and chronicled 20th-century black life in Chicago more comprehensively than other writer of her time. This celebration will remind some, and enlighten others, of just how much she loved this city.” More than 40 local and national partners are developing OMB100 programs.
© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 CHECK
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We’ve Got Games! THEME: THE GRAMMYS ACROSS
DOWN 1. Work stopper? 2. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 3. Amazon’s smart speaker 4. Not here 5. India VIP 6. ____ Zhen, played by Bruce Lee and Jet Li 7. Hudson’s Bay Company’s original ware 8. Irritate by rubbing 9. *4time Grammy nominated Ja ____ 10. Part of house frame 11. U.S. President’s special power 12. “Pretty in Pink” formal
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INTERFAITH LEADERS CELEBRATE PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S LEGACY
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD
1. Bars on guitars 6. Oldenday aerosol can propellant 9. Invitation request 13. Chinese fruit 14. “Say what?” 15. Kind of space 16. *8time Grammy winner and “Climax” (2012) performer 17. Victorian time, e.g. 18. Mickey Mouse’s pet 19. *2017 Grammy host 21. *Beyoncé’s nominated rap song 23. Listening device 24. British comedy’s Mr. ____ 25. Baryshnikov’s step 28. Red gemstone 30. Good guy 35. Amy Winehouse’s voice, e.g. 37. Same as pleaded 39. Chinese silk plant 40. Film ____ 41. Rode in a tube 43. Insolence 44. Dished out 46. Observer 47. Seed cover 48. Like flotsam 50. Redencased cheese 52. Chinese “way” 53. *Prince’s 1986 Grammy winner 55. Spanish sea 57. *Justin Bieber’s Grammy nominated album 61. *Best Rap Song nominee (2017) 64. Apathetic 65. Ante up 67. Reflective thinker 69. Ringworm 70. Rub the wrong way 71. Openmouthed 72. Perching place 73. *1995 Grammy nominee, ____ of Base 74. ____ and rights
CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of February 1, 2017 / 9
WASHINGTON, DC - Interfaith religious leaders from across the country assembled recently at the National Press Club in Washington, DC to celebrate the historic achievements of America’s first black President, Barack Hussein Obama. Thomas Burr, the outgoing National Press Club president, welcomed the guests and expressed “how proud he was to welcome to the club such a distinguished gathering of interfaith leaders to honor the President’s legacy.” Eight interfaith leaders who contributed to the book, Mr. President, compiled by Reverend Darryl D. Sims and Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner in honor of the Obama years, presented their views of the President’s legacy before a packed audience. The four-hour afternoon conference, sponsored by Sims Media Group, was an enthusiastic mix of uplifting ideas viewed from different religious perspectives on what needs to be done to preserve the President’s legacy. Reverend Darryl D. Sims, a nationally known spiritual coach who along with Dr. Barbara WilliamsSkinner, President of Skinner Leadership Institute, compiled the collection of perspectives in Mr. President, said: “There is no doubt that becoming the first black President of the United States of America has been Barack Obama’s greatest legacy. His remarkable years in office have successfully delivered a significant blow
15. 20. 22. 24. 25. 26. 27. 29. 31. 32. 33. 34. 36. 38. 42. 45. 49. 51. 54. 56.
“Once upon a time...,” e.g. Do like a volcano Popular pickup Sayonaras *Desiigner’s nominated hit Cool & distant Motionless *”____ Aint Your Color” Hindu serpent deity Like TV with browsing capabilities Locomotive hair *Adele’s multinominated hit Dunking treat Ownership document Golden Globes’ category One of Fanning sisters “____ the season ...” Hairy vertebrate Photo tint Moulin ____, Paris
57. Bread pocket 58. Inch, e.g. 59. Late Attorney General Janet 60. A secondary school 61. Type of fish net 62. Sky defender 63. Autumn mo. 66. Parabola, e.g.
68. Hi____
to the negative stereotypes of the African American male.” “Electing a black man to the most powerful position in the world has been an important decision for Americans, and an important achievement for President Obama,” Reverend Sims continued, “We must never allow anything to tarnish it.” Among the speakers were: Bishop Donald Hilliard, Sr. Pastor, Cathedral International in New Jersey, Rabbi Julie Shonfield, Executive Vice President of the Rabbinical Assembly; Rev. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes, Yale Student, Master’s of Divinity program; Dr. Wayne “Coach” Gordon, Pastor of Lawndale Community Church in Chicago; Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith, Senior Associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church Relations; Rev. Dr. George Holmes, who served three White House Presidents; and Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown, Senior Pastor of the Third Baptist Church, San Francisco. Melissa Rogers, Special Assistant to President Obama and Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, accepted a signed copy of Mr. President for President Obama. Dr. Renee Allen served as Mistress of Ceremonies; Pastor and presidential Advisor Suzan Denise Johnson Cook, offered a prayer of thanksgiving. For a copy of Mr. President, visit: http://www.simspublishinggroup.com.
Interfaith religious leaders from across the country recently assembled at the National Press Club in Washington, DC to celebrate the historic achievements of America’s first black President, Barack Obama.
UCC creates another provocative video To coincide with the presidential inauguration, the United Church of Christ is releasing a web video about interfaith understanding. e video, called “Trading Places,” seeks to demonstrate that major religions, while unique and distinct, do share several common core values, like love, peace, family and justice. e :90 video shows three clergy members swapping their vest- ments and then going to preach in the others’ house of worship. e message is that, regardless of the speci c rituals and beliefs, these faiths are all inherently good and loving. “With all of the religious bigotry,
hate crimes and talk of Muslim registries today, we believe it’s a good time for a message about interfaith understanding,” says John Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the UCC. “Given the current political mood, a message of togetherness has been absent from the national dialogue.” Because of the important and universal nature of this message, the UCC is joined in presenting it by other faith organi- zations, such as the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations and the Unitarian Universalist Association.
A link to the video can be found here: http://tradingplacesucc.org/
THEME: WORRY
Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
If you have a calendar item or news event that you would like to include in the Citizen’s church news section, please submit your information to editorial@thechicagocitizen.com. You can also mail your information to: The Chicago Citizen Newspaper Inc., 8741 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago,Illinois 60619, Attn: Church News
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10 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of February 1, 2017
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Celebrate African American History Month with CPL Join the Chicago Public Library (CPL) in celebrating African American History Month. CPL is bringing African American history, music and crafts to a CPL location near you. Upcoming Events Storytelling with Mama Edie: Listen to original stories and poems that bring to life African American scientists and inventors. Dance for Your Life!: Experience a fun and exciting way to introduce the whole family to the history of dance with educator and instructor Jazmyne Thomas. West African Djembe Drumming: Learn about one of West Africa’s best-known instruments, the djembe drum, presented by drumming instructor Michael Taylor, along with a performance by After School Matters. Explore event details and a complete list of African American History Month events by visiting http://www.chipublib.org.
City Colleges of Chicago Black History Month Kickoff - Film Screening of Soulfood Junkies When: Wednesday, February 3, 2016, from 12 pm to 2 pm. Where: 30 E. Lake Street, Room 102 What: Food nourishes us and keeps us alive. It’s pleasurable and comforting. It signifies home and family. Soul food, which occupies a special place in African American culture, enjoys all of those positive attributes. But can too much of it make you sick and even kill you? Soul Food Junkies asks this question and others as it explores the history of soul food, its place in African American culture, and its effects on health. For more information, contact Shay Collins at 312-553-6072.
Harold Washington Library
What: Storyteller Lynn Rymarz will bring to life the bus boycott and Rosa Parks, the civil rights icon who refused to give up her seat on a
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FIVE AFRICAN AMERICAN PULITZER PRIZE WINNING POETS TO READ, HONOR GWENDOLYN BROOKS Gwendolyn Brooks was the first Black American to receive a Pulitzer Prize, and she served as the Illinois Poet Laureate from 1968 to 2000. Through her work, she was an activist, a feminist and an insightful observer of Black life. Perhaps no other poet has captured the essence of Chicago life more than Gwendolyn Brooks. In the centennial of her birth, she remains an important, historic voice. Our Miss Brooks: A Centennial Celebration (OMB100), honors her legacy and enduring contributions, and inspires a new generation of writers. Dozens of institutions, artists and educators have joined to create readings, performances, school programs, discussions, exhibits and more through June 2018. A standing-room-only audience is expected at a kick-off event for Our Miss Brooks: A Centennial Celebration. The kick-off event will include an unprecedented and high-profile reading of poet Gwendolyn Brooks’ works by five other African American Pulitzer Prize-winning poets including: Yusef Komunyakaa, Natasha Trethewey, Tracy K. Smith, Gregory Pardlo and Rita Dove. These highly celebrated poets will also read from their own works: WHEN: Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. WHERE: Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium Enter through the West Wing at 159 W. Monroe St
bus to a white person. When: Feb. 24 at 11 am Where: The Harold Washington Library, located on 400 S State St, In the program room of the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library. For more information, call 312-747-4200 to register groups of six or more.
Spinning Into Butter The play “Spinning Into Butter” explores race, racism and political correctness. Where: The Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Northwestern University’s Evanston campus. For a full schedule and ticket information, visit
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HELP WANTED DRIVERS Drivers CDLA: Excellent Pay, Benefits & Hometime! Late Model Equipment! Flexible Scheduling!Driver Lounge and Access to President's Club.877349 3172 __________________________________ Drivers: Marine Division Solo & Team Openings! $3,000.00 Orientation Completion Bonus! Industry Leading Pay, Full Comprehensive Benefits & More!1yr ClassA Call: 8558567991 __________________________________
RENTAL Yusef Komunyakaa, will be one of five African American Pulitzer Prize winning poets to read, honor Gwendolyn Brooks. Photo by Author David Shankbone.
communication.northwestern.edu/tic. “Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits.” The DuSable Museum, which celebrates black history year-round, will host a lecture series in conjunction with the exhibit “Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits.” Kristen P. Buick, associate professor of art history at the University of New Mexico, will trace the life of sculptor Edmonia Lewis, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10, and Deborah Willis, curator of the exhibit, will discuss race and photography in African-American imagery, 5:30 8 p.m., Feb. 24. For more information, visit
dusablemuseum.org The City of Evanston Cultural Arts Division, in collaboration with the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, will host the exhibit “A Family Portrait” at the Noyes Art Gallery, 927 Noyes St. in Evanston, featuring works by the Turner family, including parents Josephine Curtis Turner and Robert (Bobby) Lee Turner of Chicago’s South Side. For more information, call the Cultural Arts Division at 847-448-8260. The Chicago Park District is also planning a number of events in honor of Black History Month. For details, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com.
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FOR RENT Upscale, very nice, clean, furnished, 2 chair hair salon or office space ; prime Chatham/Grand Crossing location, near 78th & Cottage Grove; heat & water incl.; available now. $649/month. Call or text 312 857 8480 for info. __________________________________ 5 rooms 2 Bedrooms references is required + credit check heat is furnish $750. per month 1141 W. 106th. Call 708 7692585. __________________________________ 7 room apartment w/4 bedrooms (not large bedrooms). 4 East 107th Street, $800. mo. + 1 mo. security, credit check and reference required. Contact: Gene 7734688624 Wednesday thru Saturday. __________________________________
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FARM & RANCH OUR HUNTERS WILL PAY TOP $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a free Base Camp Leasing info packet and quote. 8663091507. www.basecampleasing.com __________________________________ AUCTION State of Illinois Surplus Property Online Auction Equipment, watches, boats, vehicles, knives, jewelry and much more iBid.illinois.gov __________________________________ ABSOLUTE LAND AUCTION 80+/ ACRES 2 TRACTS BIG CREEK BOT TOMS EDWARDS COUNTY February 9th 6pm 15 South 5th Albion, IL Marketable timber, waterflood oil production, recre ation options! (618) 3020325 www.integrityauctions.net __________________________________ Valentine Special Minister Greene will be performing legal traditional mar riages and vow renewals February 12th 15th. Minister’s fee $25. Limited spaces, book now! Ice Castle Wedding Service (773) 8088539. __________________________________
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LEGAL NOTICE 30 days is hereby given to Iesha Marsh and William Jones of 7138 S Langley, Chicago, IL 60619 and 8205 Kingston Apt 3 Chicago 60617. That a 2005 GMC Envoy XL, VIN# 1GKDT13S952122383 must be picked up from Kar Kare Service 7455 S Exchange Ave Chicago IL 60649 by March 8, 2017 or it will be sold for $1,990 in outstanding repairs of $999.76 and storage fees of $990.24. __________________________________ Notice is hereby given, pursuant to "An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or trans action of Business in the State, as amended, that a certification was regis tered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17149442 on January 26, 2017 Under the Assumed Business Name of MERCH CLUB with the business located at: 8506 S. SAGI NAW AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60617.The true and real full name and residence address of the owner is: ANTHONY MCROYAL 8506 S. SAGINAW AVE. CHICAGO, IL 60617,USA __________________________________
“Skincare Musts for a Valentine’s Day Glow” It’s the big night, and you’ve probably thought it all out, but do you have a glam glow game plan? Don’t worry, Vaseline’s “Skincare Musts for a Valentine’s Day Glow” checklist has your back (lit e r a l l y ) ! Skincare s h o u l d always be #1, especially on this day of love and pampering – so as you prep, make sure to follow these simple steps to radi ant skin. 1. Expert Exfoliation: All beauty prep starts in the shower, so make sure you cover all your bases on the road to glowing skin! The answer to extra smooth skin right out the shower is using a body brush or exfoliating gloves. Scrub your body in a circular motion to remove all the dead skin cells and follow up with a nourishing body wash. 2. Smooth to the Touch: If you plan on getting up close and person al with your significant other on Vday don’t forget the 2nd most important part to touchable skin – lotion! Exfoliation can be quite drying to the skin, so make sure you hydrate it again by applying Vaseline® Intensive CareTM Cocoa RadiantTM Lotion all over – it’s specially designed to lock in moisture, keeping skin soft, smooth and glowing. Your sweetheart will SO thank you for it! 3. Hands & Feet Love: Don’t neg lect your hands & Feet! Mix a little sugar in the palm of your hand slow
ly drizzle olive oil over it. Begin mas saging scrub into fingers and hands for about 45 seconds. Now wash hands with warm water, dry with a clean towel and apply hand lotion. For your feet, wash them before bed and slather them with lotion, then put on your favorite fuzzy socks, and in the morning, you’ll have soft feet ready for the night’s adven ture. 4. Bright Eyes: If you’re feeling tired and overworked, chances are it shows on your face. So take some time before your date to sit down, take a breath and reduce swelling and darks circles with a couple of chilled cucumber slices. You will appear fresh faced and alert, ready for wher ever the night takes you! 5. Luscious Lips: The last thing you want on Vday are dry, cracked lips! But the winter weather doesn’t help our cause, so, get crafty and make your own at home lip scrub. With just a mix of 1 tsp of coconut oil, 1 tsp of raw honey, 2 tbsp of granu lated sugar and a dash of lemon juice you’re ready to exfoliate using your fingers to create soft, circular motions over your lips. Rinse with water and apply Vaseline® Lip Therapy® Rosy Lips limited edition Valentine’s Day Tin*, its nonsticky lip formula is invit ingly soft and melts onto lips to give you a perfectly kissable pout. *The new limited edition tin is avail able exclusively at Target beginning January 2017
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Businessman Hearman Roberts Receive Street Named In His Honor Herman Roberts born in Beggs, Oklahoma, was the youngest of six children. At age 12 the Roberts family moved to Chicago, Illinois and Roberts quickly became an entrepreneur. As Roberts was on his daily job, which was cleaning cabs, a cab driver asked Roberts to "drive him home and then take the cab back to the garage. Roberts stated that he did not have a license but the cab driver didn't care. While Roberts was driving the cab back to the garage he picked up a fare. From there Roberts began driving cabs for a living. At first he only could afford to rent cabs but was able to purchase his cab license, which cost $3,000, in the early 1940s. Overtime he amassed a total of 40 cabs. Eventually, Roberts decided to sell the cabs, to build the largest show club in Chicago on 66th and South Parkway (now known as King Dr.). Roberts booked special acts such as African American Entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.,African American singer Dinah Washington and more. He quickly real ized that his acts had no place to stay, so Roberts built a motel called Roberts Motel across the street, which launched him as the largest Black motel owner in the world. With the rising price to book entertainers, Roberts changed the Show Club to a bowling alley, a skating rink and now New Beginnings Church. The crown of his empire was his motel named Roberts 500, which had 273 rooms including a restaurant, ballroom, hair salon, bar and other amenities. Roberts amassed a total of 10 motels, building eight from the groundup. He also purchased motels in Gary, Indiana and Beggs, Oklahoma. Roberts returned to his home town to build a home in Beggs, Oklahoma in 1981. The land he purchased had been an oil field and in 1981 he successfully drilled for oil and struck it rich. Roberts received a street named in his honor from 63rd67th King Drive in Chicago, Illinois. Photos by Jerome Photography 312.375.5704.
Herman Roberts, (yellow sweater) one of the early entrepreneurs in Chicago is surrounded by family and friends on his 93rd birthday.
Roger Salter and Herman Roberts
Ed Wimp, Herman Roberts and Senator Donnie Trotter (17)
Herbert Hedgeman, Senator Emile Jones and Herman Roberts
QBG FOUNDATION LATE CHAIRMAN WILLIAM GARTH RECEIVES HONOR
LR. Everest Rand, Midway Wholesalers,Ald Michelle Harris (8) DaRrell Garth and Janice Garth, Larry Huggins, RiteWay Construction and QBG Board Member Carolyn Palmer accepted a check for $2,500 honoring the QBG Foundation from Christmas in the Wards.
COOK COUNTY FORREST PRESERVES OPENS FOR PERMITS
Members of Kappa Alpha Psi join Cook County Commissioner David Moore, in securing a Forest Preserve picnic permit for the 2017 season at the Dan Ryan Woods.