Chicago and suburbs $1
Volume 114 No. 10 | July 3-9, 2019
PUSHing Forward
Photo by Dorion Lewis
Community: P5 | UNCF: P7 | PUSH: P10 POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA
CHICAGODEFENDER.COM
CITY NEWS
Country Financial Presents Donation to Support First Responders
(ISSN: 07457014)
Published weekly by Real Times Media, Inc. 4445 S. Martin Luther King Dr. Chicago, Ill. 60653 Periodicals Postage Paid at Chicago, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chicago Defender 4445 S. King Dr. Chicago, Ill. 60653
INSIDE
Wednesday – Tuesday July 3-9, 2019
Cover Story................................................................3 Classifieds................................................................14
CONTACT US
At The Chicago Defender Main operator (312) 225-2400 Advertising, ext. 3702 Editorial, ext. 3701 Classifieds, ext. 3702 Circulation, ext. 3700 Customer Service Hours Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Country Financial joined leaders from the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department and the Battle of the Badges event organizers and presented a donation of $26,000 to help support charities including the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, Ignite the Spirit Fund, Gold Badge Society, Fire Chaplain’s Ministry, Firemen’s Widow and Children Assistance Fund, and the 100 Club of Chicago. Country Financial has been the proud sponsor of the Battle of the Badges fund raising event for the past six years, bringing its total contribution to more than $150,000. “Country Financial is honored to support the Battle of the
Badges event and the first responder charities it funds,” said Mike Fisher, Vice President of Community Business Development at Country Financial. “We would like to thank the brave men and women of the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department who put their lives on the line for the safety of our community every day.” Country Financial is dedicated to supporting first responders in the communities it serves. In 2019 so far, it has donated more than $700,000 through the company’s Operation Helping Heroes program to police, fire, EMS and military organizations in the states where it does business.
Illinois Partners Welcomes New Prosecutors in R. Kelly Sex Abuse Case Introduce New Video Evidence Director from Chicago Area
as Charge Count Rises From 10 to 18 Kiki Camille Contributing Writer
Illinois Partners for Human Service protects and supports our state’s most important resource—the residents of Illinois—by creating a stronger and more stable human services sector. Illinois Partners is pleased to welcome a new member to its statewide board of directors, Dara Munson. Munson, is CEO, of Chicago Child Care Society, an organization that promotes the well-being of children, youth and families in Chicago’s South, Southwest and Southern suburbs. Munson will work with the board and Illinois Partners’ team to take the lead on some of the most complex issues facing human services today and build on the power of shared voice. 2 July 3-9, 2019
R. Kelly returned to court last Wednesday morning where State prosecutors introduced new evidence to the ongoing criminal proceedings. The DVD provided to the courts by the prosecution, allegedly shows Kelly engaging in sexual activity with an underage, 14-year-old girl. This new evidence seemingly supports the charges of sexual abuse the grand jury indicted the singer on back in May 2019. These new charges have been added to the already pending 10 counts of sexual abuse filed against the R&B superstar covering allegations of rape between the late 1990’s to 2010 and bringing the grand total to 18 charges;
Editorial submissions to The Chicago Defender editorial@chicagodefender.com EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Managing Editor: Tia Carol Jones Society Columnist: Carolyn Palmer Graphic Designer: Raymond Allen Juan Sifuentes Copy Editor: Gina Gallovich Contributing Writers: Megann Horstead, Lee Edwards Carl West, Shanita Baraka Akintonde Marnita Coleman, Carla Madison, EA Constant Watson III PHOTOGRAPHERS Maya Horton, Spencer Bibbs Dorion Lewis ADVERTISING Vice President, Marketing & Sales Dyanna Knight Lewis
ranging from Class X felony of aggravated criminal sexual assault to Class 1 felonies criminal sexual assault. Judge Lawrence Flood, who’s presided over the case since the initial hearing, has threatened criminal charges for anyone who shares the video. Flood expects the singer’s criminal trial to begin early in 2020. As of now, Kelly remains free on bond with his next hearing scheduled for August 15.
CIRCULATION Bertha Cromwell INTERNS Social Media: Jonathan Jackson Administrative: R’riyon Draine
Verified has conducted an audit of printing, distribution, and financial records, as well as other data to substantiate circulation data submitted to Verified. This audit followed guidelines prepared in conformity with generally accepted circulation auditing procedures involving records covering all distribution methods utilized for qualified circulation during the period(s) covered by the reports. The results of this audit warrant the issuance of this audit report to as a true and accurate statement of the qualified circulation of the client publication. We certify to the best to our knowledge all information set forth in this Publisher’s Statement in true and in accordance with VERIFIED AUDIT CIRCULATION Procedures and Regulations.
www.chicagodefender.com
COVER STORY
Photo by Dorion Lewis
Presidential candidates make their pitch at PUSH Convention By Tony Ho Tran Contributing Writer As she stood on the pulpit of a Bronzeville church, Senator Elizabeth Warren seemed less like a Democratic presidential candidate giving a stump speech and more like a pastor at a revival meeting. “The sheep are being divided from the goats,” Sen. Warren said, holding up a King James Bible and explaining a passage from Matthew. “Just so y’all understand, the sheep are going to heaven, the goats most definitely are not.” Her invocation of faith and service set the tone the Massachusetts senator’s speech on Saturday as she spoke to a crowd of hundreds at the Apostolic Faith Church as part of the annual Rainbow/PUSH Coalition convention. Joining her that day were two other Democratic presidential hopefuls: Representative Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Amy Klobuchar. During her fiery 20-minute speech, Sen. Warren invoked her experience as a teacher and public official, while making her pitch to the crowd of mostly Chicago southsiders on how she plans to help their community. “As I travel this country and I hear from the American people, they share their struggles, they share their fears, and they share their concerns,” she said. “But the people know what is right and they are ready to act. I am here today to say that none of us is alone in this fight. When I am president, we will answer this call together.” Among her proposed policy initiatives were free public technical school, community college, and four years state college, as well as funding for Historically Black www.chicagodefender.com
Colleges and Universities. ”We can level the playing field and put $50 billion into our historically black colleges,” she said to the applause of the crowd. “And we can cancel student loan debt. We can begin to close the black-white wealth gap. I have a plan to fund black entrepreneurs. Let’s close the entrepreneurship gap.” Later, speaking to the Defender, Sen. Warren outlined her vision on how she would address the issues surrounding black unemployment in Illinois. Her plan involves strengthening current labor laws while relying on unions. “Unions give workers a chance to be heard,” she told the Defender. “When people have their voices collectively heard, then they can negotiate and they can negotiate both to protect their jobs and make sure that they have a living wage. I also have a plan for 1.2 million manufacturing jobs here in America. This is not a problem we can’t fix. We can fix it. We know what to do and it just takes the courage to get out there and do it.” Sen. Warren’s appearance was part of Rainbow/ PUSH’s five-day long series of speakers which included many Democratic presidential candidates like former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Beto O’Rourke. Sen. Klobuchar spoke first on Saturday morning. During her speech, she recalled her time in Chicago for law school — while drawing comparisons with President Obama’s time in the city as well. “I lived here for three years during law school,” Sen. Klobuchar recalled. “I lived in the southside in Hyde Park, which is good for presidential aspirations, right?”
The Minnesota senator also shared stories about her family’s blue collar background as well as how she got started in politics in order to fight a rule in hospitals that kicked new mothers out of their rooms after 24 hours. She also shared her impetus for joining the wide field of Democratic presidential candidates. While disparaging President Trump, she offered her hopes to promote “economic justice” for America’s poorest citizens and eliminate the issue of childhood poverty throughout the country. “Here in Chicago, one in every four children lives in poverty,” she said. “They’re children for whom the only meal is their school lunch. They’re children who fall asleep at their desk because they can’t get a good night’s sleep. As president, I will cut child poverty in half in 10 years.” After Sen. Klobuchar, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard took the stage. The Iraq War veteran told the crowd of her time serving in a dangerous area of Iraq nicknamed “Mortar-itaville” for the constant barrage of mortar bomb attacks. “I’ll bring a soldier’s heart to the White House,” Rep. Gabbard said. “Bringing values of service above self, and principles of respect and honor, integrity, and courage to the presidency so that our White House can be a beacon of light that it must be for every single American.” The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition was founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1971 in order to promote social justice, racial equality, and political activism. Each year a convention is held to celebrate and elevate these ideals. This year’s theme was “400 Years Later: Repairing the Damage Done.” July 3-9, 2019 3
COMMUNITY
Inside The Black Ecosystem: How an Entrepreneur is Expanding Opportunities for South Side Teens Bogan High School, is one of the teens in the program and said he has loved every minute of it. He plans to start his own clothing line after this experience, and two other students want to do the same as well. Moore said he has a strong interest in graphic design and is going to study it at Robert Morris University in the fall, though he plans to transfer to the SEA Institute in Atlanta to continue his studies and pick up music. “I love that this is something I want to do in my life,” Moore said. He said he has learned so much from the experience, from starting the design process on paper to working with vendors and seeing the final product. He praises Cunningham for her determination and professionalism in working with
By Ariel Parrella-Aureli Contributing Writer When entrepreneur Candice Cunningham was 20 years old, she created a nonprofit organization with the intention of giving back to her South Side community. It was not an easy start, but that did not deter her. She also tried to start two separate businesses that flopped in a matter of years because she did not have the proper business skills. But her mindset was unwavering to failure. She went back to the drawing board and refined her business skills. She took college classes in digital marketing, software development, graphic design and e-commerce. She also made connections with professionals in the industry and learned how they were doing business. Other than that, she was primarily self-taught, just like her motivation. “Professionalism, maturity, compassion — that kept me getting up the times I fell down and turn that energy into a driving force that nobody could mess with,” Cunningham, now 31, said, now. In 2014, she was ready for her third business try: she started a marketing firm that helped her acquire her first company, Because of a Case, a charitable online iPhone case store. Next, she created Lav in 2016, a t-shirt company that incorporated all of her talents: marketing, design and selling online. All the while, her nonprofit was on the back burner. But now, 11 years later, she has enough funds from her for-profit businesses to lift up her passion project. Called The Black Ecosystem, its aim is to revitalize struggling communities and empower individuals to make positive changes to their community. Cunningham spent the last eight months working with seven teens from Englewood, Auburn Gresham and Ashburn to teach them entrepreneurial skills including starting a business, working with local 4 July 3-9, 2019
them. “It feels good because it’s like I am getting a head start in life,” he said. “Most young kids don’t get this opportunity to do what I’m doing. It’s a good thing what Candice is doing for us.” Cunningham said eventually this program will grow and she wants the original group to come back and support the next wave of students. Moore said he will be there. “I want to teach others how to do it,” he said. “I want to be like her — an entrepreneur.” For more information on the Rise Collection and the popup shop, visit https:// www.shoprise.info.
vendors and marketing a product. Through the program, the teens created the Rise Collection clothing line, which includes t-shirts, hats and hoodies with messages like “Revolution,” “Change Everything,” and “Worthy.”“I feltthat by making the teens my business partners, it was a new concept, which is scary, but I figured I can make it work,” Cunningham said. She paid each student $50 a week for two sessions to show them the power of employment and what it was like getting treated professionally. She said when she first floated the idea, she received pushback about working with teens, but she pushed forward and knew this program was important to help solve economic disparities in the teens’ neighborhoods. “Economic empowerment and putting money into those communities is the only thing that’s going to help problems in the community,” Cunningham said., “Being from West Englewood, that real-life experience is what I yearned for when I was younger.” She wanted to give the teenagers what she did not have when she started her businesses. Introducing them to new skills and showing them possibilities can help their career and give them motivation to be an entrepreneur, Cunningham said. “I am teaching them to be responsible and be accountable for their actions; life skills in general are all bottled up into this training program,” she said. The program encompasses the nonprofit’s mission of helping others. The teens learned to create businesses that could directly support their communities and give back to combat unemployment, violent cycles and change the culture. Cunningham calls this an “each one, teach one” philosophy. “I help you; you help somebody else, and it just keeps on giving,” she said. Wilbert Moore, a graduating senior at www.chicagodefender.com
COMMUNITY
New Mural to Encourage and Honor Organ and Tissue Donation Unveiled at The Loretto Hospital
The Loretto Hospital and Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network dedicated a mural at The Loretto Hospital titled, “Hope & Life for Everyone,” which honors organ and tissue donors and the nearly 4,100 people in Illinois waiting for a lifesaving transplant. By Katara Patton Contributing Writer The front of The Loretto Hospital has a new face—a colorful, large mural honoring the gift of organ and tissue donation. The mural, titled Hope and Life for Everyone, was created by Chicago artist Mauricio Ramirez and was unveiled at a special ceremony on Thursday, June 27. The artwork will hopefully serve as a reminder of the importance of organ donation to all who view it. George N. Miller Jr., the president and CEO of The Loretto Hospital, said bringing the mural to a community like Austin helps send the message loud and clear that organ and tissue donation is not bound by one’s color, ethnicity or economic status. “This mural is our way of reminding the community that health care is about saving lives and they too can save a life by becoming an organ donor,” Miller said. The mural features a man and woman who represent the diversity of organ and tissue donors and recipients. The two face each other and are connected through a heart that symbolizes the donation. The mural also features an hourglass that symbolizes those waiting for life-saving transplants as well as the additional time gained by recipients of donors. A butterfly floats at the bottom of the bright and colorful mural and symbolizes endurance, change, hope and life. The word “hope” is www.chicagodefender.com
prominently featured across the mural that fills the wall at the hospital and will be easily visible from Interstate 290. “Butterflies are a powerful representation of resurrection and life,” Miller added. “This symbol not only conveys our mission of bringing hope and healing to the communities served by us, but it speaks truth to power about disparities in health care and how organ and tissue donation bridges all cultures together and saves lives.” The mural was commissioned by both Gift of Hope, a not-for-profit organ procurement organization that works with donor family services, and The Loretto Hospital, the largest non-governmental employer in the Austin community. “The shortage of organ and tissue donors remains critical,” said Kevin Cmunt, President and CEO for Gift of Hope. “We are truly honored to partner with The Loretto Hospital and George Miller to create this stunning work of art to remind the community how donation benefits every family and to inspire the community to register to become organ and tissue donors.” At the dedication ceremony, Tarcia Patton shared how her son Jermaine Cullum saved the lives of three people through organ donation in 2014, and Pastor Joseph Kyles of Promise Church, a double lung recipient himself, prayed before the unveiling. Organ donations “absolutely change lives,” Kyles said. “I can prove that it is worth it.” Alderman Chris Taliaferro (29th Ward) and State Representative Camille Lilly (D-78th District) also shared words
(From left) Kevin Cmunt, President/CEO for Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, and George N. Miller Jr., President/CEO for The Loretto Hospital present local Chicago-artist, Mauricio Ramirez, a plaque in recognition of his creative works in spreading awareness for organ and tissue donation. of hope and encouragement around the mural and the lives organ donors can impact. Statistics show that blacks are the largest minority group in need of organ transplants, making up nearly 30 percent of people waiting for an organ donation. To find out how you can become an organ and/or tissue donor visit www.giftofhope.org. July 3-9, 2019 5
COMMUNITY Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch By Tia Carol Jones Managing Editor The sun shone brightly over Ryan Field on Friday, June 21, as Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch addressed the graduates, students, families, faculty and staff at Northwestern University’s 161st Annual Commencement. Bunch, who was the director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., became the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution on Monday, June 17. He is the first African American to hold that office. Prior to that, Bunch was the president of the Chicago Historical Society. Bunch received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. “You play a key role in illuminating our past,” said Jonathan Holloway, provost of the University. Nigerian born writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie also received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Adichie is known for her novels, “Purple Hibiscus” and “Half of a Yellow Sun.” “Your brilliant writing has changed the way we think about the world,” Holloway said.
Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo for Northwestern Graduate Faalon Efini Andrews introduced Bunch and described him as “the writer of our stories, the amplifier of our voices.” “With the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, this guy from New Jersey gave a voice to those who were anonymous,” Andrews said. “Because the work of talking about how race matters, about how race divides, about how
race shapes the world is far from being done.” Bunch said a college like Northwestern University was transformative for his family, who were sharecroppers in North Carolina. “Thanks to a college like Northwestern, they were able to attend college,” he said. “They changed their lives and the trajectory of our family.” In his speech, Bunch told the gradu-
ates to think beyond themselves and to fight the good fight. “Remember, there is a greater good that transcends individual gain or personal achievement,” he said. Bunch advised them to find ways to make America better. “Always point yourselves in the direction where you can do good; because as your life is going to unfold, it’s going to zip by, you’re going to have to learn to embrace ambiguity and change,” he said. Bunch said he never could have imagined he would open a museum on the Mall. “A museum that allows us to use African American culture as a lens to understand what it means to be American,” he said. Bunch told those assembled that help comes from unlikely places and the goodwill of good people can change a person’s life. He also told them not to be afraid to reach out in times of need. “With this diploma comes the responsibility to use your skills, to use your creativity, to use your education to live a good life, and that good life means being in service to someone else,” he said.
Sweet Homecoming for New Homeowner and South Chicago resident
Chicago Housing Authority CEO Eugene E. Jones Jr. joined new homeowner Niesha Chism, marking National Homeownership Month and celebrating Chism’s recent purchase of her South Chicago home through the CHA’s Choose to Own program. Chism, the mother of three, is one of more than 600 residents who have purchased a house through the CTO program, which allows participants to use a housing subsidy toward their mortgage payment. For Chism, it was a sweet homecoming: She was able to buy the house next door to her childhood home where her parents still live. “Our program and the success of homebuyers like Ms. Chism would not be possible without the support of our partners like Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) and LUCHA, who work tirelessly to help Chicagoans reach their goals and fulfill their dreams of homeownership,” Jones said. “They also share CHA’s mission of creating more affordable housing opportunities and ensuring greater access to those opportunities as we work to build strong, stable neighborhoods across the city.” Joining Jones and Chism were Marisa Novara, 6 July 3-9, 2019
Housing Commissioner for City of Chicago’s Department of Housing; Juan Carlos Linares, the Executive Director of LUCHA and the incoming Chief Engagement Officer for the City of Chicago; HUD Regional Administrator James Cunningham; Celena Santiago, a counselor from NHS who guided Ms. Chism through the homeownership process; and Raisa Alicea, also from LUCHA. After several challenging years away, it was a relief for Chism to return to the South Chicago community she knew and loved. “It was a huge deal,” said Chism, an IT project analyst for Metra. “Homeownership was something that had been on my mind for the last couple of years. So, I was excited. I looked at my kids and cried because I was able to give them something steady, something we could call home.” The 17-year-old CTO program allows qualified public housing families or those participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program to use a portion of their rent payments to accumulate equity and offset a portion of their mortgage – the same way a voucher is used to offset a portion of rent. Through a variety of community partnerships, participants are provided a comprehensive support network that includes financial assistance, homebuyer education, credit counseling and other services that help the families navigate the process and increase their chances of success as a homeowner. Chism received homebuyers counseling from NHS; legal representation from the LUCHA and financing from Wintrust Mortgage. She qualified for down payment and closing costs from the Illinois Housing Development Authority and Lift Funds.
Chism earned a bachelor’s degree in 2010. But, after experiencing financial difficulties, she rented in the private market through the HCV program. She returned to school in 2016 and earned a Master’s degree in finance. Simultaneously, she did IT purchasing for a truck and trailer company that saw her traveling anywhere from Indiana and Georgia to Florida and Texas. She finally landed a job with Metra – but realized she would have to exit the HCV program because of increased earnings. In November, she saw that the house next to her childhood home in South Chicago was on the market. She contacted the seller, swiftly made a deal, and closed on the house in April . Now, she has a support system that she could not have imagined before – her parents, who live next door and provide child care for her children, ages 14, 10 and 2.
www.chicagodefender.com
CITY.LIFE.STYLE
United Negro College Fund Celebrates 75 Years with New Initiative
Michael Cox, Regional Director UNCF; Derrick Rose, NBA Player – Minnesota Timberwolves; Priscilla Stratten, Area Development Director – UNCF; Gala Chair Toi Salter, president Salter Financial Management; Lisa Rollins, Area Development Director UNCF; Anthony Davis, NBA Player – LA Lakers. Priscilla Stratten, Area Development Director – UNCF, Lisa Rollins, Area Development Director – UNCF, Toi Salter, President – Salter Financial Management & UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala Chair, Debra Hand, Artist – Debra Hand Studios
By Lee Edwards Contributing Writer At the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) 19th annual “A Mind is…” Gala in Chicago the stalwart Black education non-profit announced college hopefuls will soon have access to $1 million in higher education loan forgiveness. In partnership with African Pride and JFM Curl Peace, UNCF announced its “UNCF Wear Your Crown with Confidence Loan Forgiveness & Scholarship Program” which will provide $1 million in financial aid debt relief over three years to current students or recent graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS) and any four-year accredited university. Students ages 18-35 who are currently enrolled or graduates and have taken out college loans for undergraduate education are eligible. Eligible applicants include students who completed their degree in five years or less. Applicants for the one-time need-based program must: • Currently have or have possessed a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the time of their graduation or during their tenure in school. • Have an outstanding, cumulative student loan debt in excess of 40% of their current annual income from all sources, or a current monthly student loan repayment obligation more than 25% of their current monthly income from all sources. Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF, said, “We must continue to invest our time and money in better futures for young people around the country. Partners like African Pride and JFM Curl Peace and their house of brands are vitally important to this work and we are pleased to join with them on this initiative.” Dawn W. Thompson, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of African Pride, JFM Curl Peace, and Dr. Miracle’s, a graduate of Spelman College, said given her family’s close ties to HBCUs and higher education she is well aware of the impact student loan debt can have on a family. www.chicagodefender.com
the night: Derrick Taylor, president of Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA), who received the UNCF “A Mind is…” Community Award, and Charles Matthews, president and chief executive officer, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas who received the UNCF “A Mind is…” Alumni Award. UNCF has raised $5 billion in funding to assist more than 450,000 Black students become college graduates in its 75 years in existence. Annually, 10,000 scholarships are provided. More than $3.7 million was awarded to 266 Chicago students pursuing higher education last year, according to UNCF. Derrick Rose, NBA Player-Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Davis, NBA Player – LA Lakers “At a moment of achievement when graduates should be feeling confident, too many students say they’re feeling overwhelmed by mounting loan debt,” Thompson said. “We are the first to offer such a program, and there is no organization better than UNCF for us to partner with for this legacy building program.” Held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E Wacker Dr., the Gala itself was in many ways a tribute to Black higher education and those who support the pursuit of it. The evening began with members of five National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Greek letter fraternities and sororities -- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. -- who all performed traditional strolls. Hosted by Sonya Blakey, program director for Inspiration 1390, the dinner fundraiser was a star-studded affair with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in attendance along with Chicago natives and NBA stars Derrick Rose and Anthony Davis who served as presenting sponsors for the evening. Several individuals were recognized throughout
For more information about UNCF visit https://www. uncf.org/about.
Derrick Rose (NBA Player-Minnesota Timberwolves), Fred Mitchell (VP-UNCF), Dr. Michael L. Lomax, (President & CEO-UNCF), Derrick Taylor(President, Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA)), Anthony Davis (NBA Player –LA Lakers) Photos by Levern Danley July 3-9, 2019 7
CITY.LIFE.STYLE.
Philanthropy, Sneaker Culture and Black Excellence Collide at 4th Annual AGORA Sneakerball
not having shoes, but that shoe culture is relatable to folks like us. That’s what makes it easy for us to do this.” By Kiki Camille On any given night, there are approximately 564,708 people experiencing homelessness in America. Bred out of his desire to help those less fortunate, these numbers sparked a fire in Justin Johnson to create his philanthropic organization, Kicks 4 the City. On June 22, 2019, the Chicago- based grass roots organization hosted its 4th Annual AGORA Sneakerball. The charitable gala, annually hosted by “Chicago P.D.’s” La Royce Hawkins, brought more than 1,400 of the city’s best and brightest in a star-studded night of sneakers and black excellence. “When I sat down once upon a time with Justin Johnson he told me that he wanted to change the face of charity,” says Hawkins. ”I knew that it would behoove us all to take heed to the seeds that man wanted to plant.” A Cause for Celebration Since its founding in 2012, the seeds planted by Kicks4TheCity enabled them to distribute over 86,000 pairs of shoes to those in need. In the organization’s seven years, they’ve amassed more than 530 ambassadors and volunteers, expanded their presence to over 9 cities across the US and have been able to globalize their efforts by taking resources to Africa, in the Eastern region of Ghana. “The issue was simple: providing shoes for people in need,” says Johnson. “As we grew, our focus grew from just homeless shelters. We started to get a little more innovative and with time we acquired more resources. In doing that, we realized not only is there an issue with folks 8 July 3-9, 2019
A Year of Growth and Progress In what felt like the MET Gala , some of the city’s most prominent thought leaders, influencers, athletes and celebrities held nothing back in their quest to be crowned Most Fashionable at the ball. The dress code? None other than luxury label designs from the likes of Versace and Off White paired with some of the freshest, most rare and hard to find kicks. Spotted dressed to the nines were a host of notable pro athletes, celebrities and influencers including The Voice’s Sandy Redd, Chicago cast of VH1’s Black Ink Crew, Sam Shepherd, Dave Jeff, Blackshire, Project sWISH Founder McKinley Nelson, Sir & Madam owners
Autumn and Brian, DJ Jay Illa, and surprise performer Joey Purp. Exceeding last year’s gala attendance by almost 1,000, this year’s guest list invitees almost filled the 400,000-square-foot Museum of Science and. Learn more about Justin Johnson, Kicks 4 the City and how you can get involved at www.kicks4thecity.com.
www.chicagodefender.com
CP AROUND TOWN
To: all of my Greeks, your activities will be featured in next week’s column! “Women of Soul & Class” featuring vocalists, illusionists and impersonators will be “Puttin on the Hits” on Friday, July 12, at the Beverly Woods Banquets, 11532 South Western. Among the artists will be Sherre Yvette as Whitney Houston, Victoria Brady as Aretha Franklin and Dr. Felicia Blassingame as Stephanie Mills. For ticket By Carolyn Palmer information call 312-806-0342 or 773-209-4586.
Victoria Brady, “Aretha”; Stephen Thomas, “Freddie Jackson”; Dr. Felicia Blassingame, “Stephanie Mills,”’ Antwon Brinston, “Marvin Gaye.” Attention All Grandmothers, “The Grandmother Project”, Public Screening and Panel Discussion will be held this Saturday, July 6, from 2 to5p.m. at the Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th Street. Admission is free, but please RSVP info@grandmotherprojectseries. Happy Birthday com. Light refreshments served! Jacqui M. Guidry
Bennie Henry and Tim Hardaway Sr. recently held an evening with the Support Group at Lacuna Lofts to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. Pictured are just a few of the many college students who have been supported and counseled by the organization.
Representatives from various Greek organizations show their support of the “30 Support Group.” Pictured centered is our Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton.
Enjoying the2019 Rainbow/PUSH Excel Education Dinner are: Rev. Dr. Janette Wilson, director of PUSH Excel and Chair of the Education Luncheon; Felicia Lawrence, TV Personality WCIU; Carolyn Palmer; and Morris Smith, Rainbow/PUSH Excel Board Member, and from Coca Cola.
Father Patrick Wangai, Associate Pastor, St. Katherine Drexel (formerly St. Ailbe), Alderman Michele Harris, 8th Ward and Father Paul Whittington. at the honorary posthumous street naming for Father Larry Duris at 91st and Harper.
Email: cpalmer@chicagodefender.com www.chicagodefender.com
Legends of Englewood Honored: James Hinton Edward Calahan, Calahan Funeral Home; Bishop Shirley Coleman; Larry Huggins, Riteway-Huggins Construction Services; Chicago Football Classics; Pastor Gwen Appleberry, God’s Gift Ministry; and Roy Curry, Retired Educator and Football Coach; Back Row: John Stallworth Jr; Johnny Smith. Photo by: Carolyn Curry
Lunch and conversations with former colleagues who were principals in the Chicago Public Schools at the Lake Shore Café. Linda Jones Layne, Gwendolyn Brooks High School; Cheryl Rutherford, Lindbloom High School; Janice Ollarvia, Fenger High School; Carolyn Palmer, Spencer Elementary School; Katherine Flannagan, Manley High School.; Cheryl Washington, Walter H. Dyett; Phyllis Tate, Einstein Elementary; Barbara Edwards, Harlan High School; Nelda Hobbs, Field Elementary. July 3-9, 2019 9
COVER STORY
Photos by Dorion Lewis
PUSH Excel Dinner Awardees and Conference speakers Judge Greg Mathis
Jacqueline Jackson, wife of The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District President Kari Steele, Angela Faison, ARAMARK; and Singer Terisa Griffin, founder Better Love Yourself
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., at Push Live Broadcast ABC 7 Chicago Anchor Cheryl Burton
Clerk of Circuit Court Dorothy Brown
10 July 3-9, 2019
Carl Tutt, president, 100BMC; Alba Baylin, Coca Cola; Morris Smith, Coca Cola; Jeff Laschen, Coca Cola; Quinton Martin, Coca Cola; and Kevin Morris, Coca Cola www.chicagodefender.com
Photos by Dorion Lewis
COVER STORY
Dr. Donna Leak; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District President Kari Steele, Toi Hutchinson, The Rev. Janette Wilson
Melanie Whaley, owner, Essential Elements Chicago; Estelle Whaley, Essential Elements Chicago New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray
Singer Terisa Griffin, founder Better Love Yourself
Top: Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx; Illinois State Senator Toi Hutchinson; New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio; New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray www.chicagodefender.com
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle
City of Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin; Cheryl Grace, president, Nielsen; Cheryl Burton, anchor, ABC7 Chicago; Judge Freddrenna Lyle, Circuit Court of Cook County; Dyanna Knight Lewis, Vice President, Chicago Defender July 3-9, 2019 11
PARENTING The Peanut Butter Sandwich Lesson
OFFICIAL INFORMATION REGARDING APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES
I. B. E. W. Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors’ Association sponsor apprenticeship programs in Cook County, Illinois through the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust (EJATT). EJATT has permission from the U.S. Department of Labor to open a registration for new applicants for its Electrical Program. For more information on this program, please go to our website at www.ejatt.com. REGISTRATION INFORMATION Registration for the Electrical Program will take place at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, Illinois EVERY WEDNESDAY 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. All applicants must report in person and bring the following documents in order to register: 1. Your valid Driver’s License. 2. Your original Social Security Card.
By Marnita Coleman Contributing Writer Positive parenting requires a lot of ingredients: pounds of love, cups of compassion, tablespoons of patience, and a pinch of the right attitude. If you are running low on some ingredients, just add more of the certified substitute for any recipe: love. When I would prepare school lunch for my kids, much to their delight, I would provide a variety of foods and try to keep it as healthy as possible. When I would fix both of my children peanut butter sandwiches, one would return home untouched in the lunchbox. This irritated me. “Why didn’t she eat the sandwich? She’s just wasting food,” I declared. I set out to prepare another round of sandwiches, this time determined to get my daughter to submit to the new directive: you better eat that sandwich, or else! Suddenly, I thought, “Why not fix her something she likes?” It never occurred to me that she didn’t like the sandwich. I thought she was being unnecessarily picky. Immediately I made her a jelly sandwich instead. It wasn’t the healthiest choice; but, it was what she liked. When she came home, all the food in her lunchbox was gone. The lesson: don’t be too deep and controlling. Circumstances may not be as you perceive them. Get all the details before you draw conclusions. Positive parenting measures matters carefully. Marnita Coleman is an author and host of The Marnita Show, a parenting show heard daily across the globe. For more information, log onto TheMarnitaShow.com.
You must provide copies of the following documents that will be kept by EJATT (No documents will be copied in our office or returned to you): 3. A $50.00 non-refundable registration fee (Money Order only made payable to EJATT). 4. To prove employment eligibility you must provide a copy of your U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Alien Card. (Minimum age of 17 at registration). 5. To prove High School Graduation (HS), you must provide a copy of your HS transcript (official or unofficial), or a copy of a HS Diploma, or GED Certificate. College transcripts do not satisfy this requirement. HS seniors in their last semester prior to graduation may register with acceptance contingent upon graduation. 6. To prove one full year of HS level Algebra with a grade of at least “C” or better, or one post HS level Algebra course or higher level course with a grade of at least “C” or better, you must provide a copy of a transcript. Note: The GED Math Certification does not satisfy this requirement. Upon an offer of apprenticeship, you must be able to demonstrate that you can perform the essential functions of an apprentice electrician with or without a reasonable accommodation. In addition, a drug screen, physical exam, and background check will be required. EJATT will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. The EJATT will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 30. 12 July 3-9, 2019
www.chicagodefender.com
CLASSIFIED
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
This letter is to notify that on July 25, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at 83rd & Halsted Self Storage, Inc., located at 8316 S. Birkhoff Ave, Chicago, IL 60620, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.
This letter is to notify that on July 25, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at Hyde Park Self Storage, Inc., located at 5155 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60615, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.
This letter is to notify that on July 25, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at South Shore Self Storage, Inc., located at 7843 S. Exchange Ave, Chicago, IL 60649, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.
This letter is to notify that on July 25, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at Aaron Bros. SelfStorage, Inc., located at 4034 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.
LEGAL NOTICE – ASSUMED NAME
1. 413A James Hendricks 2. V333 Darryl Simmons 3. 206C Alexis Brown
1. 481 Jessica Avila 2. 408 Dinease Feliciano 3. 460 Michael Reyna 4. 267 Mary Evans 5. 622 Marjorie Thompson 6. 264 Shay Brown 7. N002 Gene Thomas 8. 428 Ronald Stanford 9. 431 Elisa Haywood 10. 373 Eddie Young III
1. 199 Jade McCray 2. 466 Michelle Walker 3. 235 Laura Scarborough 4. 198 Donna Brandon 5. 459 Michelle Camphor 6. 146 Lavenia Williams
LEGAL NOTICE The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s): Associate Process Control Engineer (Original) Motor Vehicle Dispatcher Supervisor (Original) Motor Vehicle Dispatcher (Original) Additional information regarding salary, job description, requirements, etc. can be found on the District’s website at www.districtjobs.org or call 312-751-5100. An Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D
1. 587 Ericka Baldwin 2. 329 Tanya Lyda 3. 556 Ronnie Holman 4. 335 Diannah Minefee 5. 422 Elizabeth Miller 6. 501 Ericka Baldwin 7. 448 Elizabeth Miller
HELP WANTED Assoc. Creative Dir., Art, Chicago, IL --Formulate design concepts & presentation approaches. Direct art team in creation & dev of branding & campaign concepts, promotional ed, ad projects & tactics. Orchestrate team of designers, prod artists, photographers, illustrators, prepress technicians, & outside vendors 2 produce deliverables. Monitor staff & utilization of agency resources to ensure projects executed w/in budget. Manage accounts w/ACD/Copy 2 produce creative execution 4 clients. Manage priorities, pursue continuous improvements, find cl driven soltns, motivate & train team. Reqs: 2 yrs exp in position inv cl/brand mgmt. Software expertise must incl Adobe ste app w/ability 2 translate strategic content in 2 PPT presentations. Est & implement unique creative processes. Reqs portfolio w/examples of brand creative direction, w/specific case studies across all media. Reqs bkgd checks, incl employment, ed, crim, SSN & references. Send CV w/cover & portfolio: Jim Cherrier, Dir, HR, Purohit Navigation, Inc., 233 S. Wacker Dr, Ste. 6220, Chicago, IL 60606 or hr@purohitnavigation.com.
“Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,´as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19001632 on June 24, 2019. Under the Assumed Business Name of URBAN MAVERICK with the business located at: 6811 S. CORNELL AVE APT BN, CHICAGO, IL 60649.The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name JESSICA TUREAUD. Complete Address 6811 S. CORNELL AVE APT BN CHICAGO, IL 60649, USA “
Funeral Directory Call Classifieds 312-225-2400 to advertise
CALAHAN
A.A. RAYNER & SONS
“The Home of Personal Service” 7030 S. Halsted St.
318 E. 71st St. 5911 W. Madison St.
FUNERAL HOME
FUNERAL HOME
(773)723-4400 Taylor Funeral HOME, LTD.
63 East 79th Street Chicago, IL 60619 & 5350 W. North Ave. 773-488-7300 Chicago, IL 60636
(773)846-7900 “Families Come First at Golden Gate”
WALLS
HUGHES Laura Hughes.....….. Wake will be held: Wednesday, July 3, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home, 63 E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL. Funeral will be held: 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Washington Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com
HENRY
LEFLORE Alonzo LeFlore........….. Wake was held: Wednesday, June 27, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Trinity United Church of Christ, 410 W 95th., Chicago, IL. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Interment: Restvale Memorial Gardens, Chicago, IL; Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com MOORE Charles Moore.......…..Wake was held: Thursday, June 27, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ First Timothy Church., 5533 S. Wentworth, Funeral Service was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Glenwood South, Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com
CHICAGODEFENDER.COM HELP WANTED
Revelle W. Henry.......….. Wake was held: Friday, June 28, 2019; 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Funeral Services will be held: @ Taylor Funeral Home, 63 E. 79th Street; Interment: Abraham Lincoln Cemetery, Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com
The Chicago Defender is Published Every Wednesday
Candidates should apply online, complete a profile and submit a resume to: https://performancemanager4.successfactors.com/career?company=LBI Process Operation Technician – Requisition Number 70855 Maintenance (E&I) Technician – Requisition Number 70860 Online applications must be submitted online by July 10, 2019 for consideration. LyondellBasell is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
June 1 thru July 4: Fireworks Safety Month www.chicagodefender.com
Volume
Chicago
114 No.
7 | June
12-18,
JEFFERSON Catherine Jefferson.......….. Wake was held: Saturday, June 29, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Progressive Baptist Church; 3658 S. Wentworth, Chicago, IL; Funeral Service was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com
Funeral Home YOUNG
Helen Young. …..Memorial Service was held: Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 12:30 pm. Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St. Interment. Private. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400 BLOUNT Helen Blount. ….. Wake was held: Friday, June 28, 2019, 10:00 am. Funeral was held: 11:00 am @ Calahan Funeral Home. Interment. Restvale Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400 PORTER
Bernadette White........….. Wake will be held: Monday, July 1, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Angie Ray Ministries, 4013 Lindenwood Dr., Matterson, IL. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, Chicago, IL; Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com
Wayne C. Porter. ….. Visitation was held: Friday, June 28, 2019, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm @ Calahan Funeral Home. Funeral was held: Saturday, June 29, 2019 @ Logos Baptist Assembly, 10833 S. Halsted St. Interment. Cedar Park Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400
This week’s best picks are...
704 211 360 475 837
and subu
Fathers, Real Men P9 Music : P7 | M e.Style DER.CO City.Lif ODEFEN P5 | CHICAG unity Comm MEDIA TIMES D BY
CALAHAN
2019
rbs $1
POWERE
BURNSIDE Willie L. Burnside.......….. Graveside Service will be held: Wednesday July 3, 2019; 11:00 a.m. @ Oak Wood Cemetery, 1035 E. 67th, Chicago, IL Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com
BRAXTON Gussie Braxton.......…..Wake was held: Friday, June 28, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Lilydale Progressive Baptist Church, 107 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Interment: Lincoln Cemetery, Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com
WHITE
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world. Driven by its employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes, improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road, and ensuring the safe and effective functionality in electronics and appliances. LyondellBasell sells products into more than 100 countries and is the world’s largest producer of polypropylene compounds and the largest licensor of polyolefin technologies. In 2018, LyondellBasell was named to Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com.
FUNERAL HOME
2036 W. 79th St.
Charles Walls.......…..Wake was held: Friday, June 28, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Funeral Services was held: 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. @ . @ Taylor Funeral Home, 63 E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL.: Interment: Burr Oak Cemetery, Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com
TAYLOR
Funeral Home
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OPERATION TECHNICIANS AND ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT TECHNICIANS IN MORRIS, IL
(773)846-6133 (773)626-4222 GOLDEN GATE
912 111 645 023 400
2445 7349 5353 1902 8277
07|03|2019
REAL
July 3-9, 2019 13
MONEY
OBITUARY Mary Jo (Josephine) French Whitfield
Seven Lessons to Teach Your Youth This Summer One of the major problems we have as adults in dealing with our finances is not having been taught much about money matters while we were growing up. For many of us, our parents didn’t know enough about banking, loans, taxes, insurance, or investments to pass it on to us. And, we certainly was not instructed in school about these subjects so many of us grew up unprepared when it came to a thorough knowledge of personal finance. Things have changed. We now have access to a ton of information about how to manage money, how and what financial products will work for us as we move towards our goals to secure a strong financial finish. Also, financial literacy is an ongoing campaign in many outlets across the nation. As parents, grandparents, guardians, uncles, aunts, and care providers we can take advantage of this wealth of information and begin talking about finances to our children. The sooner, the better.! Let’s help them understand that it’s not just important to have access to money, but to handle it wisely as well. 1. Have cash conversations Years ago, a colleague met a young man while in college and while they were the same age and appeared to be from similar socio-economic backgrounds, he seemed to have a superior handle on personal finance, money concepts, business, and economics. Her question was why, why did he seem to have such a wonderfully clear understanding of these matters? So, she asked him, how do you understand money matters so plainly? His response was a question to her, “When you were younger, what did your family talk about at the dinner table?” “We talked about family, church, and people” was her response. His response to her was, “Well, we talked about money and commerce at our dinner table.” She realized at that moment what she had missed while young, an ongoing conversation about money. It’s never too early to begin teaching children about money. Sit down with your partner and talk about the lessons you want to share. 2. Teach the toddlers As young as 2 or 3, children can begin receiving financial lessons. You can start with simple money identification. Spread out some change and have them pick out the quarter, dime or nickel. When you go grocery shopping, take your children with you. Talk to them about why you are choosing one brand over another and how it impacts your spending plan. 3. Instill the value of saving Get your children piggybanks, several clear ones if possible. Use one for donations, one for savings, and another for seasonal purchases such as holiday gifts and going back to school. That will teach them that dif14 July 3-9, 2019
ferent types of savings can help them in different ways. 4. Give older children an allowance This of course is a good way to show that money must be earned. Pay them for keeping up with expected chores like cleaning their room and taking out the trash. I personally believe in paying them for getting excellent grades since in my opinion, that is their job. 5. Introduce bank accounts While in early adolescence, about age 9 or 10, teach children about bank accounts. Tell them about any savings you have established for their future. Let them open a savings account of their own. Also, talk to them about checking accounts and how they work. Let them write out checks for monthly expenses and watch you sign them. This will help them understand the purpose of having a savings and checking account and reinforce their math skills. 6. Expose the realities of credit Teenagers should begin to learn about credit as they approach high school. They should learn the responsibility of creating debt. Start them off with a debit card that allows them to access money from their checking account. Once that money is gone, that’s it until the account is replenished! If you give them a credit card for emergencies, take time to explain the conveniences of an immediate loan and the downfalls of abusing credit instruments. They should understand the credit card’s fine print. College students should also be aware because they are often targets of merchants and credit card companies, and many young adults create more debt than they can handle. The summer before college, have them work to help pay for their education. Even if you plan to pick up the tab, let them save for books, clothes, and other incidental items. Sometimes we give our children a little too much because we don’t want them to worry about money, but this can impede their ability to manage their own finances later.
Mary Jo (Josephine) French Whitfield, age 88, of Homewood, Illinois, and a native of Owensboro, Kentucky, peacefully made her transition, Thursday, June 20, 2019. She was surrounded by caregivers and loving friends at Sunrise Assisted Living facility, Flossmoor, Illinois. She was born May 6, 1931, at Crane Pond in Daviess County, to the late Pearl Pope French and William H. French. Mary Jo was the last of 8 siblings to depart this Earth. She grew up on a small farm in Crane Pond, Kentucky, in the Pleasant Point area where she was an active member of Pleasant Pointe Baptist Church in Philpot and attended school in Philpot. After graduating from Western High School in Owensboro, she enrolled at Kentucky State College. Mary Jo was selected as Miss Kentucky State by the student body. Mary Jo was also inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Alpha Phi Chapter, at this institution. Not only was she a lovely, caring person but she was also a “real” beauty. After graduating from Kentucky State College, Mary Jo married Alex Whitfield and moved to the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, to begin her teaching career with her spouse. Alex Whitfield passed in 2003 after a long illness, during which Mary Jo was the primary caregiver. During her retirement, Mary Jo was active in Mayo AME Church (Matteson, Illinois) and volunteered for various activities. Mary Jo was also very active in her Homewood community. This beautiful person with a loving heart and soul, is survived by two children: Mark Whitfield and Marla Whitfield Matt; a multitude of loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews; a special sister-in-law, Gwendolyn French; a loving, caring friend, Carolyn Smith; as well as other family members and friends. Mary Joe was preceded in death by her siblings: Henry French, Viola French, Chester French, William French, Rosella French Porterfield, Moorman Roscoe French, and John Maurice French. In lieu of flowers or cards, please make donations to Mary Jo Whitfield’s church. (Mayo AME Church, 20839 Homeland Road, Matteson, IL 60443) Mary Jo’s pastor, Harold L. Barnwell, faithfully visited her in the various facilities.
Digital Daily
At Your Fingertips!
7. Lead by example Finally, please know that all lessons learned by children emanate from the parents and/or those who have a hand in raising them. Perhaps the most important lesson you can give your children is modeling responsible financial behavior yourself. Establish a working spending plan. Pay your bills on time. Save a portion of your W W W. C H I C AG O D E F E N D E R . C OM income. Protect your assets with proper insurance coverage. Invest in stocks and mutual funds as you can. Discuss your good habits with your children. The one thing we can pass on is to appreciate and respect money ourselves. It’s better to teach them at home than to let them find out in the real world. CHICAGODEFENDER.COM
DIGITAL DAILY
www.chicagodefender.com
COMMUNITY CALENDAR 7/3-8/24 23rd Annual Chicago SummerDance Grant Park and other locations For more information, visit www.chicagosummerdance.org. 7/7-9/7 Bronzeville City Market 4700 S. King Dr. Noon-4 p.m. 7/3 Boxville 332 E. 51st St. 4-7 p.m. 5th Annual House Club Tour/Pub Crawl The Promontory 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. 6 p.m.-midnight $25 to join Pub Crawl; $10 Promontory Only For tickets, visit eventbrite. com/e/61531546512#tickets. Jazzin’ at the Shedd Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. 5-10 p.m. $19.95 for Chicago residents; $24.95 for non-residents; free for members For tickets, visit www.sheddaquarium.org.
7/4-7/7 27th African/Caribbean International Festival of Life Washington Park - DuSable Museum Garden 55th St. and South Cottage Grove $10-$100 For more information, visit www.internationalfestivaloflife.com. 7/6 Chosen Few Picnic Jackson Park 63rd and Hayes Dr. $40-$175 For more information, visit chosenfewdjs.com. Michael McDonald; Chaka Khan Ravinia Festival 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, Ill. 7 p.m. $33-$90 For tickets, visit www.ravinia.org. 7/9 Maxwell Ravinia Festival 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, Ill. 7:30 p.m. $43-$130 For tickets, visit www.ravinia.org.
Save your facility energy Making your business energy-efficient is easy with ComEd incentives and resources for projects ranging from HVAC to IT optimization to lighting motion sensors. Those energy savings could earn you a good pat on the back
and up to 40% off your facility’s energy bills.
Learn more at: ComEd.com/SavingEnergy
AON Summer Fireworks Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave. 9:30 p.m. 7/4 Fourth with the Fishes Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. 6:30-10 p.m. $29.95 for non-residents; $14.95 for Shedd members For tickets, visit www.sheddaquarium.org. Fourth of July Fireworks Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave. 9:30 p.m. Fourth of July Fireworks Veterans Memorial Park 520 E. 160th Place, South Holland, Ill. 9:15 p.m. 7/4-7/6 Windy City Rib Fest 4800 N. Broadway St. Noon-10 p.m. For more information, visit www. chicagoevents.com/events/windycity-ribfest/. www.chicagodefender.com
Terms and conditions apply. Actual savings will vary by customer’s energy usage and rate. © Commonwealth Edison Company, 2019 The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program is funded in compliance with state law.
July 3-9, 2019 15
Thank You for Protecting Illinois Seniors Thanks to a new law, Illinois seniors will now be better protected. The Illinois Nursing Home Residents’ Quality of Care Initiative will enforce staffing guidelines, heighten transparency of nursing home violations, and enhance safeguards for use of antipsychotic drugs. AARP Illinois fought hard for this legislation to protect our state’s seniors and their families. We’re proud and thankful that our leaders made protecting Illinoisans a top priority. Thank you Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins for protecting Illinois seniors.
Share your thanks. Visit action.aarp.org/ILthanks today. facebook.com/AARPIllinois @AARPIllinois aarp.org/IL Paid for by AARP
16 July 3-9, 2019
www.chicagodefender.com
Chicago and suburbs $1
Volume 114 No. 10 | July 3-9, 2019
PUSHing Forward
Photo by Dorion Lewis
Community: P5 | UNCF: P7 | PUSH: P10 POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA
CHICAGODEFENDER.COM