Chicago defender 04 12 17

Page 1

Chicago and suburbs $1

Volume 111 No. 100

CHICAGODEFENDER

Black Flight

POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA

CHICAGODEFENDER.COM

April 12 - 18, 2017

Chicago’s Urban Exodus Meets Racial Resistance Local leaders unearth the first plot of land at a soon-to-be developed affordable-housing complex in Rockford. (Photo by Tia Nicole Smith)

Achieve Special Supplement Inside

America’s Got Clowns: Don’t Be One T. Shawn Taylor

Page 5


CHICAGO DEFENDER

COVER STORY

Black Flight

(ISSN: 07457014)

Part 2 of a 2-part Series Tracking How Blacks Meet Racial Resistance When They Move Away From Chicago Seeking Better Opportunities, Prosperity and Safer Streets

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 April 12 - 18, 2017

Cover Story................................................................2 Community Calendar...............................................18 On the Scene............................................................14 Classifieds................................................................16

CONTACT US

At The Chicago Defender Main operator (312) 225-2400 Advertising, ext. 149 Editorial, ext. 128 Classifieds, ext. 145 Circulation, ext. 161 Customer Service Hours Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Editorial submissions to The Chicago Defender letters@chicagodefender.com businessnews@chicagodefender.com editorial@chicagodefender.com

Watch the video on ChicagoDefender.com.

eventcal@chicagodefender.com

Ron Clewer, who at the time was the CEO of the Rockford Housing Authority, speaks in August at the groundbreaking for The Grove, a public-housing complex. (Photo by Tia Nicole Smith) By Darryl Holliday Defender Contributing Writer In August 2016, more than two dozen Rockford locals attended the groundbreaking ceremony for “The Grove at Keith Creek,” a 49-unit public housing complex set on six acres that will house 210 low-income, mostly Black Rockford residents. The complex was the site of protest and legal opposition throughout its development, aimed at stalling the project to a standstill. As approval of the development loomed, the fight over The Grove had become heated in community meetings, then-Rockford Housing Authority Chief Executive Officer Ron Clewer said. Longstanding racial aggressions were unearthed in the process. In July 2015, Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey went on the record condemning the use of “racist code words” by opponents of The Grove. “What I’ve been really shocked at is the number of emails I’ve gotten and some of the comments from people saying, ‘You shouldn’t let ‘those people’ come to the east side, which is a [racist] code word in my opinion,” Morrissey told local radio station WROK. Unlike Joliet’s Evergreen Terrace, an-

“If we put a roof over your head, that roof better come with access to jobs, good quality transportation, and a safe neighborhood for your kids to live and go to school in.” — Ron Clewer other housing complex under fire in suburban Illinois, The Grove, which is expected to wrap up construction in summer 2017, is seen as a success story by housing advocates. Director of Housing Justice at Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law attorney Kate Walz said she was “shocked” to learn that Rockford approved the 6-acre, $11.8 million Grove site, given opposition coming from as high as Illinois State Sen. Dave Syverson. Still, she warned of ongoing legal and social conflict between incoming affordable housing residents and local homeowners, even after the dust has settled. “As is the common practice, in [Illinois towns like] Joliet, Aurora and Danville, politicians drum up the opposition then realize the monster they’ve created,”

02 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Walz said. Nearly a year later, as The Grove prepares to open its doors, one of the plaintiffs on a failed lawsuit against The Grove says the damage has been done. “Property values just took a dive as soon as [The Grove] was approved,” said Don Bondick, 61, a lifelong white Rockford resident and president of the New Towne Homeowners Association, which sits directly to the south of The Grove public housing site. “A lot of people bailed out and sold their homes out of fear of crimes, drugs, shootings, prostitution and stuff like that.” Out of 50 units at Bondick’s New Towne condominium association, 10 homeowners either sold immediately or walked away from their homes, he said, adding that “all of them” were directly related to the incoming public housing development. But Bondick says it’s time to put hard feelings aside and welcome the new neighbors. “I don’t know what else you can do. We lost a year-and-half-battle, and it wasn’t just New Towne Association homeowners, it was the entire area of Rockford,” continued on page 03

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

Interim Publisher: Frances Jackson Executive Editor: Shari Noland Senior Staff Writer: Mary L. Datcher Copy Editor: Jeff Britt Graphic Designer: Diona Jackson Photographers: Tito Garcia, Worsom Robinson ADVERTISING

Director of Advertising Sales Dyanna Knight Lewis Senior Account Manager William Rogers CIRCULATION

Bertha Cromwell

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 Housing, continued from, Page 02

he said. “We fought and we lost. And now we need some acceptance. These people are afraid to come here because they feel they aren’t wanted.”

Black Migration by the Numbers In Joliet, the “rats from the Robert Taylor homes” and Evergreen Terrace’s “cancer on the civic body” weren’t simply statements made by a city official (see part 1 of our series), it was a perspective routinely echoed by local media reports and repeated by Joliet residents opposed to new public housing. But in towns across Illinois, research has shown that similar racially tinged assumptions don’t add up. In Danville, Ilinois, 150 miles south of Chicago, the majority of public-housing applicants in 2009 were not new to the area. In reality, 61 percent were residents of the Danville area who had fallen on increasingly hard times, according to a study by the Illinois Assisted Housing Action Research Project. That same year, six new public-housing residents moved to Danville from Chicago, according to the report. But that didn’t stop local news headlines from heralding a housing war. Other local news reports offered more punitive options as headlines like “Chicago Influx Takes Toll” ran alongside reports detailing the growing movement against new, low-income developments. “The reality is, Chicago has exported much of its poverty, crime and gang problems at a time when funding for law enforcement and social services has never been higher,” Danville’s Commercial-News reported in April 2008, quoting as its primary source an Illinois Department of Corrections senior parole agent, who suggested a slew of “crime-free” policies including the implementation of public mapping systems for public housing (similar to sex offender registries). Within Chicago, little has changed for Black residents in the 100 years since the Great Migration, according to a 2016 report from the Urban League exploring the city’s enduring legacy of residential segregation. “Chicago, the third-most segregated city in the United States, continues to experience the impacts of decades-old segregated housing patterns, which undercut African-Americans’ ability to build the human capital necessary to ascend the ladder of economic stability,” it surmises before offering the creation of a non-appointed, representative fair-housing council as a first step toward solutions. Census data suggests change may come too late for many: a “Black flight” away from Chicago is already underway, but the vast majority of these local transports are not public-housing residents. Rather they’re Black residents with the means to leave Chicago for better opportunities, prosperity and safer streets. According to Census data analyzed by Alden Loury of the Metropolitan Planning Council, tens of thousands of Black residents left Cook County between 2005-2014 seeking new permanent residence. Of that number, around half have stayed in Illinois, followed by destinations in Indiana and Georgia, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Of those who stayed in Illinois — which www.chicagodefender.com

includes residents from across the economic spectrum — around 7,000 moved to Rockford, 3,400 moved to the Danville area, and 3,800 moved to Will County, which includes most of Joliet. The majority, around 31,600, moved to areas in Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties. For Black families, the outward trend from cities is national, according to Census data. In 2000, 55 percent of African-Americans in the country’s top 100 metro areas lived in the cities of those regions. Today, more than half of African-Americans live in the suburbs of those same regions. But as City Council records, emails from politicians, policy changes and the stories of those Black residents who have left Chicago for the suburbs suggest, racial discrimination in housing has followed African-American families across borders. And with that incoming diversity often comes the telltale signs of its companion: white flight. Since 1980, the white populations of Danville, Joliet and Rockford have dropped by roughly 20 percent. During that same period, the number of non-white residents has risen nearly across the board.

Underlying Discrimination Persists Willie Brown has lived in Rockford for 25 years. He bought his first home on Rockford’s East Side, an area known locally as the historically, majority white side of town divided by the Rock River, 90 miles to the west of Chicago. From the start, his real estate agent was reluctant to take him to the East Side, instead choosing to direct him toward “raggedy places” on the West Side, he said. But Brown persisted, and in the end he purchased an East Side condo in 1993 — the first Black person to own property in that building. After becoming a member of the homeowners association, Brown discovered that the building’s bylaws explicitly prohibited Black homeownership. He recounted, “We had to have a meeting to get the language out that restricted Blacks.” It wasn’t just housing. While many municipalities entered into consent agreements in the 1960s designed to integrate public schools, the Rockford school district was sued in 1989 and found guilty of decades of “cruel” discrimination against minority students in 1993. That’s the same year that Brown, a Rockford firefighter, husband, father and founder of Internal Intelligence Group — which consults on and hosts business diversity and inclusion trainings — integrated his condo complex. Aside from a spike in the mid-2000s when nearly 50 percent of African-Americans reported owning their own home, Black homeownership has been on the decline nationally. In the fourth quarter of 2016, less than 42 percent of respondents reported owning a home nationwide, according to Census data. “I think individuals have been able to look under the scab and see this sickness that’s been festering,” Brown said. “In the 1960s, we took the [no Negroes allowed] signs off, but we didn’t do anything else to prepare the institutions for what was coming. I think deep down it’s gotten worse. We’ve polished the top to make it look bet-

ter, but it’s festered because we’ve failed to do serious equity and diversity training in our organizations and institutions.” Organizations like Together Rockford and the Rockford Housing Authority are trying to change that, the latter by providing homeownership programs and housing vouchers for residents enrolled in public housing. “I am [optimistic], and the reason why is because we have to look at victory and success in any shape or fashion that it comes, Brown said. “I would love to have the big first-place trophy, but I realize that even small victories count toward the ultimate goal. And there are plenty of small victories.”

Challenge to Opportunity On a private tour of Rockford led by Clewer in March 2016, the totality of the city’s public-housing strategy was on full display, including new and under-construction complexes, a senior citizen center, disabled-supportive properties and a garden, maintenance repair facility and a laundromat linked to residential work programs. The grassy tract that will contain The Grove sat unoccupied within sight of a local school and neighbors promoting campaign-style signs on their lawns urging the city to reject the public-housing development. Clewer was unfazed. Despite resistance to low-income housing and seemingly intractable segregation, he believes

Rockford can become a city that turns a challenge into an opportunity. “I don’t think housing is a solution to poverty. It’s a platform for life,” he said, crossing the Rock River on the final leg of the drive. “If we put a roof over your head, that roof better come with access to jobs, good quality transportation, and a safe neighborhood for your kids to live and go to school in.” That’s what good housing is supposed to do, Clewer said, in any community. Nearly a year to the day after our tour, Clewer announced his resignation from the Rockford Housing Authority, leaving questions around Rodkford’s housing future to his successor. But with new development, an incoming tax base, live/work programs for affordable housing residents and increasing awareness of the potential benefits, Clewer hopes that some solutions to Rockford’s depressed housing market, unemployment record and social divisions can be found in what may be, to some, an unexpected place: newcomers who buy homes, open businesses and join the broader Rockford community. This project was supported by the Social Justice News Nexus at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

AreYou Looking for Full-Time Work? Start the next step of your job search with BACK TO WORK 50+ in Chicago. Our team can help you update your job search strategies, practice for interviewing and networking, and enroll in training programs that employers value. CALL TOLL FREE (855) 220–9728 TODAY! • Register for a Smart Strategies for 50+ Jobseekers Workshop near you where you can: – Learn about the 7 Smart Strategies you need to get back into the workforce – Apply for the BACK TO WORK 50+ Coaching and Training Program • Order AARP Foundation’s free job search guide To learn more, visit: www.aarp.org/backtowork50plus CHICAGO COOK WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, sex, age, political affiliation, or religion.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 03


EDITOR’S TAKE

Hope is Not Lost Despite Deep Racial Divide

Shari Noland By Shari Noland Defender Executive Editor As a child, one thing seared into my heart was how much my late father worked so hard to strive for the American dream that always seemed to elude him. Like many Blacks before him, he came from the South as a young man in the 1950s, hoping to escape overt racism and discrimination and find more job opportunities. But the reality is it followed him here. He worked nights for the city while completing his bachelor’s degree in math at Northwestern University, but when he applied for civil service

engineering jobs, the interviewers simply laughed at him and gave the jobs to white counterparts without a degree. I know that feeling of rejection stung. My parents divorced when I was just a baby in the ‘70s, but several years prior to that in the early ‘60s, they had hoped to purchase a home. Back then it was difficult for Blacks to get home loans, and they were unable to secure a mortgage. Ironically, the banks didn’t have any issue with them getting a few loans for a threeflat apartment building on Cottage Grove, which was way more expensive than the single-family home loan they were originally seeking. That’s because to the lenders, the building represented income property. Plus, the owner was desperate to unload the building, and they needed a place to live for their growing family. In our two-part cover story series, Darryl Holliday shows us that some people are still thinking about Black migration like it’s 1964. We elected a president who has no issue with putting community development block grants on the chopping block. Nationwide, voter rights have been challenged left and right, gerrymandering has run amuck and civil rights in general just seem under attack. And while all that political

game-playing is unfolding, the day-to-day drama in our urban communities has some looking to leave for better options. The sad truth is, if you don’t have money or family, the people on the other side are not going to make it easy for you. They’ve got you figured out before you even arrive. But a Gallup poll that came out just a few weeks ago shows that there are a decent number of people who are concerned that we can’t just get along. Forty-two percent of Americans say they personally worry a “great deal” about race relations, a 17-year record high for the popular polling company.

Heeding Obama’s Message This is going to sound cliché, but in 2008 I totally bought into President Obama ushering us into a new era for race relations. My more cynical friends expressed to me that things never really changed, we just are more aware of how people truly feel. No matter what people say, Obama represents some modicum of hope that we’ve come a long way. At any case, I’ve never had anyone laugh at the gall of me applying for a job I’m completely qualified for. I am encouraged by the developments in the town of Rockford. Yes, there was fierce opposition, but the new affordable-housing complex is still happening.

The groundbreaking ceremony pictures have Black and white faces celebrating. Hopefully, the majority of hard feelings will be set aside, as once hard-line resident Don Bondick stated, and the new neighbors will be welcomed. You may have noticed that this issue’s section headers have a decidedly Kwanzaa overtone. That comes from me believing that the principles behind Kwanzaa should be our focus all year long, not just during the holidays. If we work together, we can continue to make significant changes and opportunities in our own communities. It seems like every week I see a panel discussion advertised to discuss solutions for fighting violence or uplifting our people in urban areas. Conversation is good, but I do believe that a lot of our solutions start at home. Fix that and the draw to leave may not be so strong. One thing I’ve always loved about my dad and his family is how they helped each other move forward in life. They stuck together through health issues, racial discrimination, legal trouble and untimely losses. Isn’t that personal safety net with good schools and a house all most of us have ever really wanted? Hopefully, 50 or 60 years from now, the next struggling generations won’t still be fighting just to live the American dream.

Don’t Miss An Issue!

6 Months Subscription $35.00 1 Year Subscription $70.00 2 Year Subscription $110.00

6 Months Subscription $35.00 1 Year Subscription $70.00 2 Year Subscription $110.00

Call Today

312-225-2400 to Subscribe

04 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

www.chicagodefender.com


COMMENTARY

America’s Got Clowns: Don’t Be One

T. Shawn Taylor By T. Shawn Taylor Defender Contributing Writer I applaud Snoop Dogg. The Hip Hop mogul famous for lacquer smooth, ‘hood-sanctioned rhymes to gangsta rap beats has a new video out that is explicitly political. And if you think a rap artist using his personal stage to engage in the political discourse in such unapologetic, unencumbered fashion is shocking, welcome to the new normal. The video depicts America as a nation of clowns being led by a pot-smoking clown-in-chief in the White House. (It’s OK; you can laugh.) At once, the images of adults and children – Black ones, white ones, brown ones – wearing clown makeup brought to mind the Batman movie starring Jack Nicholson as the notorious villain the Joker. That character was written to be a mentally and morally sadistic wannabe funnyman who was lethal, self-centered and prone to hubris. The madman holds the future of Gotham City in peril by threatening to release an airborne toxin that, literally, has the effect of clowning people. To death. If there ever was a metaphor to describe what’s happening politically in this country, I think we’ve found it. Or, should I say, Snoop Dogg has.) Certainly, one can reasonably argue that rural white voters are about to get “clowned” for voting against their interests to achieve the perception, at least, of an America fueled by white power, under white male control. And they continue to support the Russian Manchurian candidate despite mounting evidence that he is pathological, if not mentally and morally sadistic, himself. What non-whites who voted for him hope to gain from this is still news to me. (Hey, let’s ask Omarosa.) And those who didn’t vote at all, frankly, clowned themselves. Meanwhile, the peanut gallery goes on cheering the clown president and spitting at his detractors. They sop up every grandiose statement as gospel. He tells Congress he will create millions of jobs by reviwww.chicagodefender.com

talizing dying industries. No one challenges the validity – or should I say, strong unlikelihood of that happening. They rail against the Affordable Care Act because Republicans were clever enough to slap President Obama’s name on it to make them hate it, even as millions of the naysayers enjoy its coverage. Fewer than 100 days in office, our commander in chief is under FBI investigation over his ties to Russia. And his wiretap allegations against President Obama, another attempt to distract from Russia, have been rejected by every top intelligence official in the U.S. When none of these critically important issues matters to people, there’s some clowning going on. Looks as if he was right when he said during the campaign trail that he could go out and shoot people and still get votes.

Chicago businessman, J.B. Pritzker makes his official announcement to run for governor of Illinois at Grand Crossing Fieldhouse. (Photo by Mary L. Datcher)

Billionaires Boys Club

Toxic Atmosphere The toxic atmosphere that has a percentage of the voting populace (growing smaller every day) wiling out and coming broomstick and pitchfork in hand to defend their leader produces strains that can penetrate anyone’s outcomes and outlook – Black ones, brown ones, white ones, every one. That’s what diseases and toxins do: block one point of entry and they will find another and another and another. In just the past few weeks, Medicaid, Meals on Wheels, and Sesame Street have been on the chopping block. Public education is in peril under the new secretary of education, who doesn’t know the difference between school choice and an HBCU. Think about it: Black Americans are still fighting for equal, quality education more than 50 years after Brown v. Board of Education. A crying shame. While the White House Muslim travel bans and spat with Mexico paying for a wall make headlines, other measures, such as a push within the GOP to re-criminalize marijuana, have crept into the legislative mix and taken a seat. White people, pot’s biggest users, have nothing to fear, though. The “law and order” drumbeat you’re hearing is meant to lock up more Black and brown people for the same offense, like our government has been doing for decades. Where’s the counteroffensive? I hear a lot of anger but continue to see more apathy in the Black community than I’m comfortable with. There is a toxin in the air, folks. Everyone may not be infected, but we’re all affected. Snoop’s video drives this point home effectively. For Black communities, the stakes are higher than ever and they include everything from health care, economic development, education and legacy wealth creation to our very freedom. America’s under attack by clowns. Don’t be one. T. Shawn Taylor is a writer and entrepreneur living in the Chicago area.

CARL WEST GUEST COLUMNIST

J.B. Pritzker made it official. He’s running for governor of Illinois. Currently, two of the candidates competing for the multiple billion-dollar budgeted office and most powerful position in the state are billionaires. There are at least six individuals who’ve tossed their hats into the ring for the Governor’s Mansion. From all accounts, four of the six are not associated with the Billionaires Boys Club. They include a sitting alderman, a current state representative, a businessman and head of a school district. But they collectively lack the one credential that will give them enough air-time and massive ground attack to ensure they become visible and relevant to at least the Black community. They lack that loot, cheddar, dough, bread, cash or enough wealth to compete with current Gov. Bruce Rauner, who is a billionaire two times over; the legacy and century-long Irish stash of Chris Kennedy; and the hotel chain’s heir to the throne, J.B. 47th Ward Ald. Ameya Pawar seems to be a great guy and has done a decent job serving his constituents, but his bank account is too short to dance with the devil. Daniel Biss, 5th District state senator, has some bread, like most white folks in the Senate, but it doesn’t reach the billionaire status. Bob Daiber, Madison County regional superintendent of schools, should give up the fight. The kids in his region need him more. Alex Paterakis, a civil engineer and small-business owner, has a very successful enterprise, but it’s not Kennedy, Pritzker or Rauner’s dough. Word on the streets is that City Treasurer Kurt Summers and Cook County

Board President Toni Preckwinkle are considering dancing with the money stars to become governor. I have a suggestion for both of them. It’s not worth the hassle. Concentrate on being mayor in 2018. If either of you decided to run, you can defeat Rahm Emanuel, even if he had $20 billion to spend. I hate the fact that politics has come down to the number of zeros in your campaign account instead of if you’re qualified, capable and have a passion for the job. In today’s depressed climate, only people with real love for service and a sensitive and compassionate heart can truly serve and deliver to help build communities and stronger families throughout the state. Since Pritzker’s announcement, the governor’s race has officially taken flight and people have visibly and silently chosen sides. There will be an estimated $500 million spent to control the state’s budget, but the money is irrelevant to the three billionaires. They have appetites for power and influence. Contenders Kennedy and JB are probably jealous seeing another billionaire counterpart getting so much press and attention. It looks like so much fun that they now wanna play in the game! Yes, having power, influence and wealth has to be a great feeling. But each candidate who shows up in the final polls must understand that the current billionaire governor, along with speaker of the House Mike Madigan and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, have harmed tens of thousands of families and destroyed hundreds of businesses and social agencies that serve the people. I hope when the smoke clears and all the cash has been spent, that each of the final candidates carefully evaluates the pain and hardship the people in the state are experiencing. They need to know that the most important part of this political equation is that the people must come FIRST, not their white boy, billionaires social club! Until the next edition . . . Peace and One Love.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 05


COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS

The Ebert Foundation: Making a Difference By Mary L. Datcher Defender Senior Staff Writer Chaz Ebert is a force to be reckoned with in the film world. As the president and publisher of Rogerebert.com, a leading multimedia company, she and her team have continued to carry on her late husband’s legacy. Just recently, the charitable arm of the Ebert family, the Ebert Foundation, awarded 21 grants of $1,000 each to 21 Chicago-based nonprofit organizations that exemplified community service in assisting women, children and families, along with recognizing educational programs in the arts. In a special ceremony, in recognition of the legendary film critic’s 4th year anniversary of his passing, friends, family and grant recipients gathered in front of the Chicago Theatre to pay homage to Roger Ebert’s mission for change. Some of the organizations included St. Sabina Church, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Afterschool Matters, Free-Spirit Media, Kartemquin Films, Chicago Media Project and Donda’s House, among others. “I was impressed with the organizations. I tried to choose them very carefully. As you know, there are so many organizations that are worthy. It’s hard but I thought that I made some good choices, Chaz Ebert says” “What I try to do is I try to get a mix. The mission when we started, when I started the foundation, was to support women and children and families and the arts through education in the arts. Those that actually feed and clothe people like the Love Foundation and Mercy Homes for Boys and Girls, Deborah’s Place, Family Focus and Moms Against Senseless Killings.” Owner of Turkey Chop, located in the West Garfield Park community, Quentin Love has been in business for nearly two decades. Every Monday, he and his staff feed hundreds of people with a free meal. His organization, The Love Foundation, was one of the recipients of the Ebert Foundation’s gift. “Chaz is all about the community. I was blessed to be found out about on the West Side.” In addition, Love says it’s a blessing to give back. “The $1,000 she’s giving me, I’ll be giving away to people in a program called the ‘Gifting Grant.’ So we give to people in four categories: education, business, single parenthood and community activism. Another person besides me will get that money, so I’m just paying it forward,” he said. Speaking at the program was Tamara Manasseh, an Englewood resident and founder of Moms Against Senseless Killings. Chaz was deeply moved by her commitment to the youth in her community and encouraging many that it “takes a village” to combat the violence that takes

Chaz Ebert speaks at special grant ceremony at the Gene Siskel Theatre for the Ebert Foundation. (Photos by Mary Datcher) the lives of so many. “She was so powerful. They get those kids in Englewood after school. The mothers take them in and give them food, help them do their homework.” The Ebert Foundation added 21st Century Dads to the list of recipients. “I say women and children, but I also include families because I’m a strong believer in stronger families in our communities.” She says, “The organization tries to improve the lives of children by raising awareness and resources for greater father involvement. To me, that’s so important.” Growing up on the West Side of Chicago, Chaz Ebert attended and graduated from Crane High School, now Crane Medical Prep High School. Her commitment to reaching back to her alma mater goes beyond writing a check — she’s committed to bringing the necessary tools to continue arts within the schools. Principal Fareeda Shabazz at Crane Medical Prep High School appreciates the work and contribution of the Ebert Foundation. “What we wanted to do, we wanted to honor the legacy of our school. When we opened, we have four houses where the students are all a part of each of those houses. Naturally, one of the houses is named Ebert House. She’s one of our notable alums,” said Shabazz. “She didn’t know until a couple of years ago, we said, ‘Hey, we have a house named after you.’ The students take a lot of pride in it. They know she has a legacy and she’s really excited about what she was able to do while she was at Crane.”

Student Shows Appreciation Jennifer Banks, a senior at Crane, feels a sense of pride to be a part of Ebert House while attending high school. The Dartmouth College-bound student explains: “Within our house, we have a chance to

06 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

research on what it means to be in there. We had a chance to research both Roger and Chaz Ebert. Since Mrs. Ebert graduated from Crane, it was really a close connection there and it was very amazing to be a part of that history.” On hand to accept the Ebert Foundation’s gift was Grammy and Academy-Award songwriter and artist Rhymefest ‘Che’ Smith and his wife, Donnie Smith, co-founders of Donda’s House. The nonprofit was created five years ago in tribute to Dr. Donda West, the late mother of multi-platinum artist and producer Kanye West. Their community outreach with working with youth in the arts includes teaching the essentials of understanding the business as well as providing ”hands-on” experience in various areas. Donnie Smith is honored by the Ebert Foundation’s latest significant gesture. “We’re so honored to receive this award from Chaz in honor of Roger Ebert. For Che and I who work so closely together as a married couple, they provide a model for what can happen when you partner with your spouse to create positive change. I believe if there were more people in the world like Chaz and her husband Roger, we would be in a better place,” Smith said. As Chaz Ebert prepares for the 19th annual Ebert Festival this month, she doesn’t miss a step in her hectic schedule. When asked what she thought Roger would think of this extended gift that’ll touch so many lives? After a long and thoughtful pause, she answered. “I think he would say, ‘That’s so Chaz.’ I mean that’s what I imagine him saying. He would love it. He would say, ‘Thank you for not putting the focus on me, but emphasizing all those other people and other organizations that are doing good work.’ ”

Quentin Love, Founder of the Love Foundation, recieves $1,000 grant from the Ebert Foundation.

Executive Director of Donda’s House, Donnie Smith, receives $1,000 grant from Ebert Foundation.

Crane Medical Prep High School senior Jennifer Banks attends Ebert Foundation ceremony. www.chicagodefender.com


DON’T MISS OUR GREAT SHOE SALE!

EASTER SALE THURS, APRIL 13-SAT, APRIL 15

25-50% OFF STOREWIDE + SPECTACULAR SPECIALS & FREE SHIPPING ONLINE AT $49 VALID 4/13-4/16/17. PLUS, FREE RETURNS. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

TAKE AN EXTRA 2O% OR 15% OFF WITH YOUR MACY’S CARD OR PASS

EXTRA 2O% OFF

SELECT SALE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES EXTRA 15% OFF SELECT SALE JEWELRY, WATCHES, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, IMPULSE, LINGERIE, SWIM FOR HER; MEN’S SUIT SEPARATES, SPORT COATS, SHOES FOR HIM & HOME ITEMS MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: BLOOM Exclusions may differ on macys.com

NOT VALID IN PHOENIX, AZ, PORTLAND, OR, ST. LOUIS, MO AND SURROUNDING AREAS. EXCLUDES ALL: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters/web busters, Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, M by Macy’s Marketplace, Macy’s Backstage, specials, Super Buys, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, shoes for her, cosmetics/ fragrances, designer jewelry/watches, designer sportswear, electrics/electronics, furniture/mattresses, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, maternity, select licensed depts., previous purchases, rugs, services, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, special purchases, select tech accessories, 3Doodler, Apple products, Barbour, Ben Sherman, Brahmin, Breville, Brooks Brothers Red Fleece, COACH, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, littleBits, Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Michele watches, Movado Bold, Natori, Original Penguin, Rudsak, Sam Edelman, Samsung watches, Shun, Stuart Weitzman, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Theory, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG ®, Vans, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford & Wüsthof; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: baby gear, kids’ shoes, toys, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA & Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices. VALID 4/13-4/15/2017

EASTER SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 4/13-4/15/17, UNLESS NOTED. N7030020C.indd 1 www.chicagodefender.com

3:56 PM THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 4/6/17 18, 2017 07


SOCIAL JUSTICE

Marian Catholic Defeats Suit Over Drug Tests By Jonathan Stempel Reuters A high school run by the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago has defeated an appeal by seven students who claimed that its drug-testing program, in which they received false positive results for cocaine, was racially discriminatory. By a 3-0 vote, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the six African-American students and one white student failed to show that Marian Catholic High School’s drug tests violated federal civil rights laws. Each student at Marian Catholic, located in Chicago Heights, Illinois, is randomly tested for illegal drugs at least once a year, and those testing positive could face sanctions ranging from counseling to expulsion. The students said the school and Omega Laboratories, which analyzed the test results, knew that hair of African-Americans

and hair products used by African-Americans raised the potential for false positives, yet refused to change their protocols. Writing for the Chicago-based appeals court, however, Chief Judge Diane Wood said that even if one assumed that Omega’s techniques were poor, that was a “far cry” from showing that the tests were systematically biased. “We readily accept the proposition that errors can creep into test results,” but this does not show racial discrimination unless distinctions based on race “explain what is going on,” Wood wrote. “The operative complaint in this case fails to meet this burden.” Wednesday’s decision upheld a May 2016 ruling by U.S. District Judge Manish Shah in Chicago. Mary Grieb, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Andrew Kopon, a lawyer for the school and Omega, said the decision shows that Marian Catholic Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights. did not discriminate.

NATIONAL MINORITY HEALTH MONTH

Yo-Yo Dieting Hikes Death, Heart Risks In Overweight Heart Disease Patients By Gene Emery Reuters For overweight people with heart disease, trying and failing to lose weight may be more dangerous than not losing weight at all. A new retrospective study has concluded that patients whose weight fluctuates the most die twice as quickly or have twice the risk of heart attack or stroke compared to people who maintain a stable body weight. And their risk of developing diabetes grows by 78 percent. The findings, which need to be confirmed by further research, suggest a life-and-death conundrum. Being overweight is already known to pose serious health risks. The new research says dropping the pounds and putting them back on again poses additional dangers. If you are an overweight person with heart disease who lost 20 pounds “you are worse off if you drop your weight and gain it back” than if you didn’t lose it in the first place, chief author Dr. Sripal Bangalore, an interventional cardiol-

ogist and associate professor of medicine at New York University’s Langone Medical Center, told Reuters Health by phone. The study is saying, “If you’re going to lose weight, do it right and you need to take it seriously,” said Dr. Ira Ockene, a professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, who was not connected with the research. If people use the results as an excuse not to drop unhealthy pounds, “that would be unfortunate,” Ockene told Reuters Health. “There’s a lot of data that says if you lose weight and keep it off, you do better.” “Hopefully, this will be used as a motivation to lose weight and maintain weight,” Bangalore said. Such yo-yo dieting, where a person’s weight fluctuates repeatedly, is already known to be unhealthy in people without heart disease. The new study in the New England Journal of Medicine explored whether that was specifically true for people with coronary artery disease, where fatty deposits have built up in the blood vessels

08 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

feeding the heart muscle. The researchers recycled data from 9,509 volunteers who were part of a Lipitor study published in 2005 and sponsored by Pfizer. Another important limitation of the study: It did not examine whether patients lost weight because they tried to, or if their weight fluctuated because they were battling illness. After adjusting for various factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, race, gender, diabetes, cholesterol levels and treatment with Lipitor, the Bangalore team found that people whose weights fluctuated the most were 2.24 times more likely to die from any cause within about five years, 2.17 times more likely to have a heart attack and 2.36 times more likely to be hit with a stroke than people whose weights were the most stable. For every 3- or 4-pound change in body weight, their risk of heart attack, cardiac arrest, chest pain, death from heart disease or the need for surgery to open a clogged artery rose by 4 percent. The dangers posed by shifting

weight were least pronounced in people who had a normal weight to begin with. Ockene said people need to put weight loss in perspective. “Studies show people set unattainable goals. Heavy people say, ‘I need to lose 40 pounds’ and they set a goal that is largely unattainable. And when they lose 10 pounds they’re disappointed. And they say, ‘What the hell’ and they just gain it back,” he said. “But if you lose 10 pounds and keep it off, your diabetes will be better, your blood pressure will

be better, your lipids will be better, a lot of things will be better. You don’t need to lose 30 or 40 pounds,” he said. “That’s an important issue for people to understand.” As a typical example of patients in the study whose weights fluctuated significantly, the researchers cited the case of a 53-year-old man whose weight went from 231 pounds to 244 pounds three months later, then dropped to 211 pounds 18 months later before going up to 253 pounds after another 18 months had passed. www.chicagodefender.com


COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS

ISF Bank Recognizes Small Businesses with Celebration By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer The Illinois Service Federal (ISF) Bank lobby overflowed with activity as bank staff, small-business owners, customers and curious observers all participated in the observation of National Mom & Pop Business Owners’ Day on March 29. National Mom & Pop Business Owners’ Day recognizes the impact of small-business owners throughout the United States, which is something African-Americans who live in Cook County know a thing or two about. According to the U.S. Census from 2012, African-Americans in Cook County led all counties in the nation in the number of African-American-owned firms with 110,155. In the same census, it was reported African-American-owned businesses created 1 million jobs that generated $187.6 billion in total revenues. “The idea to celebrate National Mom & Pop Business Owners’ Day came from our marketing and

communications group while we were working on strategies,” said Monica Thomas, executive vice president of ISF Bank. Thomas noted that ISF Bank has its own roots as a small business. “What we also decided as a bank, one of the few minority banks left, we sort of started as a Mom and Pop kind of bank in 1934,” said Thomas. “We need the support of our community for us to grow. and we said that now is the time for us to show the small-business community that we can bring value to them, they can bring value to us and be loyal and committed to us.” Currently, ISF Bank and Liberty Bank & Trust are the only African-American-owned banks in Chicago after the sale of Seaway Bank this year. Essence released a comprehensive list of African-American-owned banks and credit unions in the United States last year. At the time, there were 24 African-American-owned banks and credit unions. The National Mom & Pop Business Owners’ Day served as a networking, business informational,

Small business owner Sajari Q (left) shops at small business owner Patricia Trapp’s business, Peau Douce, inside ISF Bank during its the observation of National Mom & Pop Business Owners’ Day on March 29. and marketplace for small businesses. The businesses selected to participate in the event were referred to ISF by surrounding aldermen, said Thomas. Included in the day’s event were two workshops. One focused on financial stability and credit access while the other addressed marketing. She estimates 15-20 businesses owners set up a table and participated in the event.

“We do plan to do small networking events like this that gives participants an opportunity to learn more,” said Thomas. Patricia Trapp, owner and operator of Peau Douce, which is French for “soft skin,” traveled from Momence, Ill., to participate in the celebration. Trapp, who formerly worked for the Chicago Board of Education, learned of the

event from friends and described it as “very, very nice.” “[ISF was] very helpful and gave a lot of insight and knowledge that we small-business people needed,” said Trapp, who sells natural bath bombs that moisturize and treat your skin. “I think it’s very beneficial to the African-American community, especially when you’re introducing things that we’re not accustomed to.” Small-business owner Sajari Q decided to visit the Mom & Pop event after initially contacting the bank about small-business opportunities. Her self-titled business specializes in online advertising and event design. “This is my first encounter with the bank, and just the community feel and the home feel is amazing because a lot of the time banks are just about logistics, and I think it’s very powerful when it’s focused more so on the person,” said Saraji Q. Thomas said the bank will continue to host educational networking events in the weeks and months to come.

They’re your dreams. Start building them. Consider a U.S. Bank Home Equity Line of Credit for your next project. With competitive rates and flexible payment options, lasting home improvements could be within reach. Introductory rates start as low as 1.99% APR.

HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT

Introductory rate for 6 months Rates as low as

Variable rate after introductory period

1.99 % 4.64 % APR*

APR*

Rate available 2/25/17 – 5/5/17. Rates are subject to change.

Rate shown for lines of credit: – Up to 70% loan-to-value – U.S. Bank Consumer Checking Package Actual rate may be lower. Visit usbank.com for custom rates.

Call 800.209.BANK (2265), visit a local branch, or go to usbank.com/dreambig *1.99% Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is available on Home Equity Lines of Credit with an 80% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. The Introductory Interest Rate will be fixed at 1.99% during the 6-month Introductory Period. A higher introductory rate will apply for an LTV above 80%. Offer is available for new applications submitted from February 25 – May 5, 2017. After the 6-month introductory period: the APR is variable and is based upon an index plus a margin. The APR will vary with Prime Rate (the index) as published in the Wall Street Journal. As of March 16, 2017, the variable rate for Home Equity Lines of Credit ranged from 3.51% APR to 8.29% APR. Higher rates may apply due to an increase in the Prime Rate, a credit limit below $100,000, an LTV above 70%, and/or a credit score less than 730. A U.S. Bank Consumer Silver, Gold, or Platinum Checking Package account is required to receive the lowest rate, but is not required for loan approval. The rate will not vary above 18% APR, or applicable state law, or below 3.01% APR – 3.25% APR, depending on market. Choosing an interest-only repayment may cause your monthly payment to increase, possibly substantially, once your credit line transitions into the repayment period. Repayment options may vary based on credit qualifications. Interest only repayment may be unavailable. Loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Property insurance is required. U.S. Bank and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Your tax and financial situation is unique. You should consult your tax and/or legal advisor for advice and information concerning your particular situation. Other restrictions may apply. Mortgage and Home Equity products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Customer pays no closing costs, except escrow-related funding costs. An annual fee of up to $90 may apply after the first year and is waived with a U.S. Bank Consumer Platinum Checking Package. The Consumer Pricing Information brochure lists terms and conditions that apply to U.S. Bank Consumer Checking Package accounts and can be obtained by calling 800.872.2657. Member FDIC. ©2017 U.S. Bank. 170184C 2/17 U.S. Bank was named a 2016 MONEY® Magazine “Best Bank,” November 2016. ©2016 Time Inc. Money is a registered trademark of Time Inc. and is used under license. Money and Time Inc. are not affiliated with and do not endorse products or services of U.S. Bank.

www.chicagodefender.com

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 09


CREATIVITY: ARTS & CULTURE

PURPOSE

Student Accepted by Yale and Harvard

By Because of Them We Can Staff

Play Examines Those Working on the Fringe

Brenda and Rick Brenda and Rick McCain Defender Contributing Writers Close your eyes and imagine a gritty portrait of individuals who desperately cling to the poor, unfair and unjust working conditions in order to make ends meet. Now open your eyes to witness the dismal lives of those working in the conditions of the temporary assignment that may only lead to a dead-end street. Fearing that the end of the day could be the start of a new search for a job, a meal or even a place to stay, the margins of society and what our social order is telling us about the morality we feel for the less fortunate speaks volumes about the disconnect within us and the country we live in. Beyond Caring set the stage for us to witness four temporary workers of different backgrounds who work the night shift, trying to survive on the cutting edge of existence. “Will they need me as much as I need them?” Struggling to become seen in a world of unseen employees, the

question then becomes, “What do they have in common?” Let’s be clear: Beyond Caring is not a play about presenting people with facts about temporary employment. It’s presenting them with a situation where people’s hopes, dreams and aspirations can be eliminated, destroyed or even dismissed just because they have fallen on the low side of the totem pole. The temporary world of work is very insecure, with low wages in harsh conditions. No safety net. No insurance or protections. No guarantee of work tomorrow. We can live with the lady or man who sleeps on the bench, thankful it’s not us as we walk away without caring. Beyond Caring’s performance about the temporary employment we see in the world today reveals how little we think about the emotional state of those living from dollar to dollar, and how that imbalance of wealth and poverty causes decay within our humanity. Director Alexander Zeldin took the unseen, the unheard, the unknown and cast some light on this critically acclaimed piece of temporary workers precariously holding on to a job and their sanity as they sit on the bottom step of the ladder. He created a very intense, intimate experience that moved me to tears as I reflected on how we forget the forgotten.

Final Thoughts from Brenda I closed my eyes again and imagined being in the skin of someone else working in those conditions, and within that moment I became lost within my fears. For me to have that feeling even for a

10 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

moment helped me see that this play had a rare but powerful voice that spoke through interludes of silence that transformed the audience with a plethora of emotions. Yes, Beyond Caring had that special quality. Zeldin wanted the average steadily employed person to understand the constant uncertainty that the workers lived with by articulating these issues, such as getting a paycheck so you can eat tomorrow or having enough money to buy a bus ticket. I walked away from Beyond Caring with a deeper sense of who we are and to be able to truly see somebody else without judgment. I believe this is a must-see. Even though Rick and I wrote the review together, he was not totally sold on the overall depiction of the play. He felt that even though the acting was persuasive and emotional at times, it was a little too choppy, which caused it to lose some of its message. I stand by my review that this is a must-see play about the sentiment that life is to be lived with dignity, respect and a sense of value. These are not only a hollow set of words spoken from our mouths, but something we should walk each day. I rate Beyond Caring as a must-see but Rick rates it as suitable to see. Four stars for me but only 2 stars from him. So we ask you to go see Beyond Caring and let us know what you think. The cast of Beyond Caring includes Caren Blackmore (Ebony-Grace), Ensemble Member J. Nicole Brooks (Tracy), Keith D. Gallagher (Ian), Edwin Lee Gibson (Phil) and Wendy Mateo (Sonia).

Imagine that you find out you’ve been accepted into two of the most prestigious universities in the country while you’re attending a scholarship dinner. That’s exactly what happened to high school senior Shannon Jordan on Thursday night, when Ivy League admission Shannon Jordan letters were sent out to thousands of eager high school students. Shannon received one acceptance letter from Yale and the other from Harvard University. Like many students, Shannon took to Twitter to share her college-acceptance letters with a caption that read: “I just got accepted to Yale and Harvard while at a scholarship dinner. Hard work pays off.” Her amazing accomplishment quickly turned into an online celebration. So far, her tweet has accumulated over 77,000 likes, more than 26,000 retweets and plenty of congratulatory comments. Shannon, who chose Harvard, was also accepted into Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech. She will be majoring in biomedical engineering. We are so proud of her because her mother was featured in a CSPAN doc after receiving a liver transplant, and this fall her father underwent a stem-cell transplant for bone-marrow cancer. Throughout her parents’ illnesses, she was able to maintain her GPA as an honors student and place in her out-of-state swim meets. Her next challenge will be securing adequate financial support to complete her first year of college. According to Business Insider, this year Yale accepted 2,272 students (its largest freshman class ever) from a total of 32,900 applicants, and Harvard, 2,056 students from 39,506. Congratulations, Shannon! Your hard work did indeed pay off. The Because of Them We Can campaign (https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com) was birthed out of a desire to share our rich history and promising future through images that would refute stereotypes and build self-esteem of our children. www.chicagodefender.com


COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS

Citi Trends Replaces Shuttered Staples in South Shore By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer Nearly three years after Staples closed its doors at its South Shore location, a new business has finally emerged to take its place — Citi Trends. The urban clothing apparel and home decor franchise recently held a grand opening at its new location at 7554 S. Stony Island Ave. on March 17, with its soft opening taking place the day before. Citi Trends only took over half of the space once held by Staples. “The grand opening was really busy; everybody from the neighborhood came out to see about the new store. They’ve been browsing around as we were doing the opening, so once the doors opened, business was good,” said Charlene Percy, a store manager for Citi Trends. The Citi Trends management team hired and trained its staff and received, sorted and placed 1,500 boxes of inventory at the beginning of March, said Percy. The store has 10 people on staff. Michelle Harris, 8th Ward alderman, said the property owners of the store location did a “fabulous” job in finding a national brand to fill the space. She prefers to guide establishments away from what the community does not need. Although her preference is for national brands, local businesses are a viable option as well. “In Hyde Park, they’ve done a great job at branding for entrepreneurs and if it works there, I don’t see why it would not work here,” said Harris. “I don’t try to tell property owners specifically what to put in their business,” said Harris. “The developers and I were on the same road, so neither one of us were looking to take a different route. I think it was more of an understanding of the community they served and then great options for the community.” Harris said she didn’t encounter any obstacles with the developers while searching for a tenant. Restaurants are one commodity lacking in the ward, with the alderman saying Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants would be her choice to come to the community.

Older Community “If you look at the demographics of the community, by and large it’s an older community, and so it’s also trending where older people are leaving,” said Harris. “I think you see growth with younger families with great ideas, and so there’s a lot of reasons

Citi Trends is an urban clothing apparel and home decor franchise. that make it easy and difficult at the same time.” Harris said she’s still working with the property owners to find a national brand to take the place of the shuttered Walgreens location in the same lot as Citi Trends. Given the traffic generated by Stony Island Ave., it’s only a matter of time. “I think Stony Island has a lot of pluses with the number of cars that travel down the street,” said Harris. “It tends to open itself up to a different population. Not necessarily everyone who lives here, but by virtue of the location you can get off of Stony and then get back on and move to the next location.” According to a 2014 report by DNAinfo Chicago, Staples closed 225 stores across the nation to cut $500 million from its budget. Fortune reported Staples closed another 70 in March. With its headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, Citi Trends employs 4,500 people in 537 stores in 37 states nationwide. There are four Citi Trends locations in Chicago’s city limits in the South Shore, Back of the Yards, and West Pullman neighborhoods.

Published Every Wednesday

www.chicagodefender.com

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 11


CREATIVITY: ARTS & CULTURE

The Tate Brothers Discuss ‘Bronzeville’ By Mary L. Datcher Defender Arts & Entertainment Editor On the heels of releasing Larenz Tate’s newest film, Dueces, on Netflix, the triple brother team of TateMen Entertainment wraps up the last episode of their critically acclaimed podcast, Bronzeville, this week. The Chicago natives — Larron Tate, Lahmard Tate and Larenz Tate — co-produced the audio series with Cinema Gypsy and Audio HQ, actor Laurence Fishburne’s production company. Based on excerpts from the book BLACK METROPOLIS: A Study in Negro Life in a Northern City, by St. Claire Drake and Horace R. Cayton, the story follows the underground world of racketeering and the number policy game during 1945 in Bronzeville, an African-American community on the South Side of Chicago. With an all-star cast that includes both Larenz and Lahmard Tate, Laurence Fishburne III, Tika Sumpter (The Haves and the Have Nots), Omari Hardwick (Power), Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish), and Wood Harris (The Breaks), the 10-episode audio drama cracked the Top 10 audio downloads on iTunes. During their non-stop media and press run, the Tate Brothers, along with Fishburne, hosted a private reception and panel discussion at Bronzeville’s Gallery Guichard, where they had an opportunity to discuss the development and production process with fans. The following day, the Chicago Defender sat down with Larenz, Lahmard and Larron. You have partnered with some amazing heavy hitters in the business, including Academy-Award nominated writer Josh Olson. In bringing this story to life, based on excerpts from the book, BLACK METROPOLIS: A Study in Negro Life in a Northern City, it is a bit surprising that the writer is white Larenz: When set out on this project, we wanted the best of the best for what we were going to do. We were able to join forces with Laurence Fishburne and his team. We could identify the arc of the show and how we wanted to roll it out creatively from the various characters. We shaped up a lot of stuff. We thought to ourselves unanimously and there were several different people. Our thinking was we just want the best writer. We were going through different writers without looking at who they are. We’re able to identify them and we came across Josh. He just got it. To discover that he was nominated for an Academy Award for writing and winning other awards, that’s kind of the icing on the cake. He had the goods and understood how to execute what we gave him. Make no mistake that the concept and the story of what people are listening to was curated by TateMen Entertainment as well as Cinema Gypsy Productions. How hard was this process to pro-

Pictured l-r: Lahmard Tate, Larenz Tate and Larron Tate (TateMen Entertainment) at Bronzeville’s Gallery Guichard. (Photo by Mary L. Datcher)

duce an audio series compared to what you’re used to completing through a film production? Larenz: To be able to execute on paper, it’s difficult to write a show that does not have visuals and it’s all vocal. That’s a challenging thing. A lot of people don’t have that ability. Josh had that ability. It would allow us as performers to really hit the target where we needed to hit. There is talk about how do we continue to engage with the people who want more in respect to doing a Season Two. With each episode, I understand Josh gave you 400+ pages, which is a lot of history to stick in there. What were the most interesting parts that you felt you had to pull out of the script? Larron Tate: Myself and Laurence’s partner, Helen Sugland, made sure he was guided the right way. The one thing that we wanted to elicit was this idea of community and how each character related to one another on how they moved through the community. The important thing is beyond all social infrastructure the forces around them, these guys were labeled villains for what they did back then. Every community has some form of illicit affairs, whether it’s bootlegging or prohibition or the speakeasy gambling. These guys made their money from policy. We wanted to show the community was thriving off it as well. You may hit four, put up a dollar and win $300. Put up a nickel and win $50. That could sustain you for a long while. Also, what an impact it was for these guys, who had been demonized by the powers that be but held up as champions by the community because they were providing jobs and providing scholarships for kids — they were giving back to the community What is the difference between the gangsters during that time and the street

12 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

“Every community has some form of illicit affairs, whether it’s bootlegging or prohibition or the speakeasy gambling.” — Larron Tate guys now? Larenz Tate: There’s some similarity on how communities were built. We knew that sort of comparison would be relevant to people so that you could connect and understand. The major difference, most of those people in that underworld legitimize themselves as business people. You think about how bootlegging and alcohol was legitimized in some communities because they created infrastructure. Have you built infrastructure? Back in those days, when I say legitimize it, people started creating jobs where people can have a taxable income. That it became one of those things, this is how we’re going to thrive. This is the American way. It’s been like that for a long time. Lahmard: To add to what Larenz is saying is you make the money, you get the money, now what do you do with the money? Are you giving yourself the reward or reaping the benefits, or are you investing within and giving back? Larenz: You can’t be a career hustler on the streets — that’s not a career. You can’t do that because it’s not designed to be a career — for some, yeah, but for the masses you can’t be in the streets hustling forever. These guys were organized in a positive way.

Tell us about your new film, Deuces, which also revolves around a criminal empire. What are the differences between the main character you play in this film and the policy guys in Bronzveville? Larenz: It’s about an undercover cop who infiltrates a crime ring, but a very sophisticated crime ring. We chose the story from an ”anti-hero” point of view. It’s often that you don’t get a chance to see what that life is. What we wanted to do with this anti-hero was to elevate his consciousness and his mentality, which sort of reflects Bronzeville. The money that he’s made through that is the resources to get him to buy buildings and real estate and to own companies. We wanted to have that narrative. This guy, Deuces, is no different than a Fortune 500 CEO. He gets economics and he has a strategy. That’s, in a way, what the policy guys were doing. They ran numbers. Have we decided if you guys will be doing a film here in your hometown? Larron: Every time we do something, we want to bring it here in our hometown of Chicago — long-term of course. We would love to bring Bronzeville here. It boils down to economics. Unfortunately, with the tax credits and if you don’t have the major budgets. Larenz: Ideally, we can roll as much production as we possibly can. We’ll love to do that. We’ve seen the likes of John Singleton do his films in L.A. or Spike Lee in New York. We would like to, it’s just about us being able to make that happen because we’re juggling various things all at one time. There’s great opportunity in Atlanta, Georgia. At the end of the day, we want to be able to get the content out there. We want to be able to get our stories told. The passion is to ultimately to do things in Chicago. www.chicagodefender.com


IN THE MIXX

Chicagoans Must Stay WOKE, More CPD Problems

Mary L. Datcher By Mary L. Datcher Defender Senior Staff Writer Just when you wind down from one high-octane event, another one is right around the corner. We want to thank everyone who came out to attend this year’s Black Women’s Expo at McCormick Place this past weekend. Kudos to Merry Green and her hard-working staff for producing the 3-day weekend that drew thousands of attendees. It was truly a beautiful crowd of of women and men patronizing small and big businesses. The Chicago Defender hosted an indepth town hall discussion at the BWe with ABC-7 news reporter Evelyn Holmes, who did a wonderful job keeping the conversation flowing among the panelists. Many thanks to Sen. Kwame Raoul, Dorothy Tillman, Geneva Reed-Veal, Percy Coleman, Mecole Jordan, Kofi Xola and Natalie Howse for their immense knowledge and resources shared among the audience. Unbeknownst to us, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Betty Magnus from Rainbow PUSH stopped by to support the discussion, and it wouldn’t be complete if Rev. Jackson didn’t grab the mic. The room was big, the crowd was small, but the message was LOUD AND CLEAR — Black folks must not be afraid to be Black. The fight and the struggle is not over. We must begin to WAKE UP and stay WOKE. Hopefully, this message carried over to the packed-out room led by actress Vivica A. Fox.

Shaking It Up Meanwhile, as Black women, the most impactful household consumer was at the McCormick Place — billionaire J.B. Pritzker was making the rounds at various rallies as our new Illinois gubernatorial candidate. Attending his announcement last Thursday at the Grand Crossing field house in a predominantly Black community, the presence of key community stakeholders and public officials were in the building; Ald. Michelle Harris (8th), Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), Ald. Walter Burnett (27th), businessman Larry Higgins and restaurant owner of Josephine’s, Josephine Wade. Pritzker is sparing no “sugar coating” of where the swing vote lies. The African-American community is a tipping scale to putting people in office — whether we vote or not, it can determine the outcome. www.chicagodefender.com

Restaurateur Josephine Wade greets Mrs. Mary Kathryn “M.K” Pritzker at the governor for Illinois rally. (Photo by Mary L. Datcher)

The Chicago Police Department may have another problem on its hands with the death of Shawn Brider, who fell asleep in his vehicle on Sunday night. He was arrested for falling asleep with a small child in the parked car and brought into custody by police officers at 3rd District Police Station. Brider was found unresponsive when they checked on him around 12:15 a.m., where he was announced dead. Relatives said he was waiting on his girlfriend to come downstairs when he dosed off from being tired. Later, a spokesperson said, Brider may have died from cardiac arrest. Unless there was something else that was wrong with the driver’s behavior, a warning would have been warranted — not being brought into police custody. The streets have been quiet from protests, but it doesn’t mean routine behaviors have changed. The report from the Cook County medical examiner’s office is underway from the autopsy. Meanwhile, over at City Hall, Mayor Rahm Emanuel revealed at a public discussion last week at the Cultural Center that he’s proposing each CPS high school senior must show proof of a college acceptance letter to a four-year, community college or trade school/apprenticeship program to graduate. He feels students must prepare themselves for the workforce, and without committing to higher education they will have a hard time. Some of our most creative and successful entrepreneurs are not college-made individuals. To put a ”mandate” on this requirement can also lead to early drop-out rates and, sorry mayor, it can also be mis-

R&B singer and songwriter Ben One.

guided as ”elitist.” There are various challenges that our youth face every day, and depending on their personal circumstances, choices must be put in place as an ”option,“ not as a ”threat,“ to lose a diploma.

Birthday Shout-outs This week’s birthday celebrations kicked off on 4/11 with special belated wishes to Chef Cordell McGary and Lamar Maine Flowers. Democratic Committeewoman Stephanie Coleman on April 13 and R&B bad boy Ben One on April 14. Party promoter Jeff Eaton, Attorney Randy Crumpton and WKKC’s General Manager, Dennis Snipe, celebrate on April 16. The month of the “ram” continues to charge on with House music’s own DJ Heather and Soul songstress Candice Marie on April 17.

Celebrity Spotting Coming back to the Chi-ILL is a lighter

and tighter rapper Gucci Mane, in concert on April 12 along with Chicago’s own Dreezy at the Chicago Theatre. On Tuesday, the Obama Foundation announced that three firms have combined talents to lead the project management for the Obama Presidential Center (OPC). The “Center Consortium” will be composed of Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), McKissack & McKissack, and Ardmore Associates, all of Chicago. Charging forward without a hitch, the team will be responsible for establishing and directing the processes that are necessary to ensure that the OPC is designed and, eventually, constructed in accordance with the budget, schedule, and technical requirements of the Foundation. Get ready Jackson Park and surrounding neighborhoods to get more North Side neighbors.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 13


ON THE SCENE

2017 Black Women’s Expo McCormick Place Convention Center

Actress Vivica A. Fox speaks on the BWe panel, moderated by WGCI on-air personality Frankie “Real Housewives of Atlanta” singer, songwriter Robinson. (Photos by Parthenia Luke) Kandi Burruss.

“Stand Your Ground” town hall panelists, left to right: Kofi Xola (Black Lives Matter), Evelyn Holmes (ABC-7 News), Natalie Howse (Cook County Bar Association), Geneva Reed-Veal (Mothers of the Dorothy Tillman speaking on the “Stand Your Ground” town hall with moderator Evelyn Holmes (ABC-7 News). Movement), Sen. Kwame Raoul and Frances Jackson (Chicago Defender interim publisher).

Left to right: Jimilita Tillman-Hunter, Mary L. Datcher, Betty Magnus, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dorothy Tillman, Ken Benford and Merry Green (Founder-BWe) 14 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Chicago Defender Senior Account Manager Will Rogers holding down the booth at the Black Women’s Expo. (Photo by Afrah Manderson) www.chicagodefender.com


ON THE SCENE

Young Women’s Leadership Charter School of Chicago Presents 9th Annual Girl Power Luncheon, ‘Genius Has No Gender,’ at the Drake Hotel Chicago

YWLCS students in attendance at the luncheon. At center is LaCael Palmer-Pratt. (Photos by Dwain Nightingale)

Left to right: Dr. Vanessa Scott-Thompson, Akilah Townsend, Anne Pramaggio- Left to right: ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, YWLCS Board President Kimre, Nelda J. Connors, Caralynn Nowinski-Collens, Dr. Opella Findey Ernest and berly McCullough-Starks, and founding Mother Joan M. Hall. Kimberly McCullough-Starks.

Karilyn Paschal, Valerie Stoudemire, Dyanna Knight Lewis, Frances Jackson and Seated, right: Ald. Carrie Austin of the 34th Ward. Marilyn Render. (Photo by Mary Datcher)

www.chicagodefender.com

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 15


NATIONAL MINORITY HEALTH MONTH

Study: 50% of Gay Black Men Will Get HIV VERYWELL.COM On February 23, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a first-of-its-kind report assessing the lifetime risk of HIV in the U.S. by state, as well as by key at-risk populations. Not surprisingly, people who live in the South (the region known to have among the highest rate of new HIV infections) were seen as at greatest lifetime risk. What surprised many was the fact that one specific group — gay Black men — was reported to have a startling 1 in 2 chance of getting HIV in a lifetime, regardless of age or location. The CDC report, which analyzed national HIV surveillance data from 2009 to 2013, further highlighted the disparity in infection rates by examining risk by sexual orientation, race/ethnicity and gender, wherein: •White gay and bisexual men were reported to have a lifetime risk of 1 in 11. •Black heterosexual men were seen to have a 1 in 20 lifetime risk (compared to a 1 in 132 risk in white heterosexual men). •Even injecting drug users (IDUs) were seen to be at lower risk, with male IDUs having a 1 in 36 lifetime risk while female IDUs had a 1 in 23 lifetime risk.

Why Gay Black Men Are at Greater HIV Risk Understanding the stark differences in lifetime HIV risk is not always easy. The common, knee-jerk response might be to conclude, dispassionately, that sexual practices paired with cultural attitudes and behavior are the sole factors that place gay Black men at such profoundly high risk. But the simple fact is that gay Black men in the U.S. sit at the epicenter of numerous intersecting vulnerabilities, which together make infection all but inevitable in certain individuals. From a broader social perspective, it is known that any epidemic — be it HIV or any other communicable disease — tends to strike groups that are stigmatized well in advance of the disease event. This happens because there are generally few systems in place to intervene, either medically and legally, and often little interest to act from those outside the stigmatized population. We saw this in the early part of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s where gay men, just emerging from an era of police abuse and judicial apathy, were hit by a wave of infections with no means to stop it. There was nothing in the way of gay health services or advocacy groups to combat inaction on either the state or federal level. So, with deaths rising from the hundreds to thousands, the gay community took it upon themselves (often with the participation of well-connected, high-profile gay men), to mount their own health care services (like the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York) and civil actions groups (like the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, also known as

ACT UP). The same does not hold true for gay Black men. While there has been greater effort made on the federal level to reach this population of men, there remains a marked gap in the number of community-based programs targeted specifically to gay men of color. Unlike Elton John or activist-playwright Larry Kramer, there are few Black gay role models coming forward to speak to or on behalf of the community, nor many high-profile Black celebrities advocating for the group (in the way that, say, Elizabeth Taylor did for the larger gay community in the early ‘80s). As such, from the perspective of disease prevention, gay Black men are isolated. Furthermore, the high rate of infection can serve to reinforce negative stereotypes, whereby gay Black men are seen by some to be either “irresponsible,” “promiscuous” or “getting what they deserve.” It’s a vicious cycle that only further stigmatizes gay Black men, while fueling the already-high new infection rate.

HIV Risk Associated with Multiple Vulnerabilities When we speak about intersecting vulnerabilities, we refer to the specific barriers to HIV prevention, treatment and care within at-risk populations. The more bar-

16 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

riers there are, the greater the risk. Conversely, identifying these barriers enables public health agencies to employ culturally specific programs and strategies to better overcome them. Epidemiological and clinical research has shown that, as a group, gay Black men are at fundamental risk of HIV because of a number of obvious and not-so-obvious reasons. Among them: •Anal sex remains among the highest risk factors associated with HIV infection, carrying an 18-fold greater risk of transmission when compared to vaginal sex. Higher rates of co-occuring sexually transmitted diseases only increases the risk. The CDC reports that syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea in Black men occur at six, 10 and 16 times the rate, respectively, of white men in the U.S. •High rates of poverty, unemployment and incarceration in Black communities are inherently linked to higher rates of HIV. Currently, the poverty rate among Black Americans is 27.5 percent versus 9.9 percent in whites. Southern states can regularly exceed these figures, such as in Louisiana, where 40 percent of the Black population lives in poverty. •Gay men of color tend to have sex with their own race, according to the CDC, meaning that their sexual networks are smaller and more exclusive. As such,

the likelihood of transmission increases simply because there is an inherently higher rate of HIV already within the network. •Gay men of color often have sex with older men as results of these smaller sexual networks. As older men are more likely to have HIV, gay Black men tend to get infected at a far younger age than their heterosexual male counterparts. •Higher rates of injecting drug use among Black men in general, when compared to white men, translates to higher risk (as seen with non-injecting Black women whose sexual partner is an injecting drug user). •Failures of social, police, judicial and public health services within lower-income communities tend to fuel a general distrust in government programs, including those aimed at HIV testing and prevention. As a result, an estimated 75 percent of Black Americans age 18-64 have not been tested for HIV, while only 34 percent of those treated for HIV remain in care. •Distrust of public health authorities can often reinforce negative attitudes about HIV prevention and treatment, increasing denial and even conspiracy beliefs. According to a study from Harvard Medical School in 2011, such beliefs contribute to decreased survival time in Black men by discouraging appropriate treatment behavior, including the consistent use of condoms and linkage to HIV-specific care. •Stigma, both perceived and real, fuel HIV rates among Black Americans fearing disclosure of their status. A 2008 study from researchers at Kansas State University suggested that strong religious beliefs were closely aligned with higher stigmatization of HIV. Compounding this the extensive stigmatization of gay Black men on both the individual and community level, which further drives at-risk individuals from accessing care.

HIV Resources for Gay Black Men The CDC has designed a number of initiatives to address these shortcomings, including the Testing Makes Us Stronger social marketing campaign aimed at gay Black men aged 18-44. A number of community-based organizations have also created targeted outreach programs, including AIDS Project Los Angeles’ African-American Gay Men’s Health Initiative. Spearheading activism and awareness in the gay Black community is the CDC-supported Black Men’s Xchange (BMX), which operates 16 chapters in the U.S., and the Center for Black Equity, which works with local pride organizations in 31 U.S. cities. To find the programs and services within your community or state, contact your regional 24-hour AIDS hotline. For free, confidential HIV testing, contact 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) for referrals, or use the online AIDSVu HIV testing site locator organized by the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. www.chicagodefender.com


COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY

CBC Report Calls for Economic Justice CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER

This year has brought a number of significant developments. A new Congress and the 45th president have begun a new era of government. From all indications, this new leadership seeks to create public policies and priorities that significantly alter what will remain as a governmental function. From education to environmental stewardship, health care and more, the governing toolbox of executive orders, regulation and legislation are all in use. Despite these changing times, much of what has plagued Black America remains the same: a lack of wealth and ample access to opportunities that can virtually and permanently improve our lives. No one needs another study that finds how Black America’s net worth is a fraction of that held by white Americans. We already know that Black families who send their children to college incur a larger fam-

www.chicagodefender.com

ily debt that includes multiple generations – the student, parents and even grandparents. And in that quest for education, each generation’s ability to maximize financial stability is at risk. Or that Black businesses and entrepreneurs often face predictable denials for loans that could bring jobs to their own communities. It seems that in 2017, Black America’s number one need is to finally know and enjoy economic justice in all of its forms. We have already felt the brunt of predatory lending’s high costs that steal our hardearned wages with triple-digit interest rates. Far too many of us are still denied access to mortgages even when credit profiles tell us that we should qualify for the most affordable and sustainable home loans. And then there are the car payments that have been packed by dealers who frequently mark-up interest rates and cram additional “services” into loans that could have been purchased far more cheaply on their own. Thankfully, the 49-member Congressional Black Caucus recently released a report with a title that was also a clear statement, We Have a Lot to Lose: Solutions to Advance Black Families in the 21st Century. Its 125 pages contain chapters that speak

to our unique American experience while also proposing solutions to deliver us to the full bounty of what it means to be an American to people of all colors. While space will not allow me to explore the entire report, key elements of the chapter on economic justice deserve to be broadly shared and read. “The racial wealth gap is widening,” states the report. “To gain wealth comparable to White high school dropouts, Blacks have to have completed high school and some college. This means that Black Americans need to invest more resources and time to achieve the same results as White citizens who have not had to make the same level of investment.” In all, this chapter’s multiple proposals represent an alternative to that reflected in President Trump’s budget blueprint on how best to forgive education debts, ways to combat food deserts that rob entire neighborhoods of full-service grocery stores, strengthening financial regulation rules and more. “The government should be investing in jobs programs, reasonable bank regulation, education and health care to ensure economic vitality into the next century, not more tax cuts for the rich and less regula-

tion of Wall Street. We tried those options in the 2000s and all we got was a financial crash as thanks for it,” states the report. A particularly innovative proposal is the CBC’s 10-20-30 Formula for all federal agencies. It would require each agency to commit 10 percent of their budgets to the 485 counties where 20 percent or more of the population has been living below the poverty line for the last 30 years. This proposal also calls for the Trump Administration to establish a federal interagency task force to coordinate poverty alleviation efforts. Other proposals in this chapter address new ways of ensuring equal access to homeownership opportunities, the inclusion of items not normally considered by traditional credit-scoring models such as mobile phone data and timely bill payments to increase lending. Real, sustainable economic justice will not only improve the lives of those so often left behind, but also strengthen the nation’s economy as well. Sounds like something worth fighting for. Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s communications deputy director. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 17


COMMUNITY CALENDAR

APRIL APRIL 13 and 16 Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church On April 13 and 16, the church will hold Maundy Thursday service at 7:30 p.m. and Easter worship service at 11 a.m. The pastor is the Rev. Dr. David B. Thornton. 600 East 35th St. For information, call 312-225-5300. APRIL 14 West Side Economic and Empowerment Conference This career exploration event provides resources and networking opportunities for the youth of Austin, ages 16-24. They can learn about career opportunities, employment and financial guidance. The event will have an interactive career fair and workshops. By the Hand Club 451 N. Laramie Ave., Chicago 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Westside Health Authority is offering guaranteed summer jobs for the first 100 youths between ages 16-21 who arrive between 10:30 and 11 a.m. To learn more about the conference or to register, call 773-413-3370. APRIL 17 Bronzeville Community Action Council For the last three months, the BCAC has heard from Bronzeville principals regarding the strengths, challenges, resources and programming in their schools. The BCAC will use this information to update its strategic plan and bring resources to local schools. Light refreshments will be provided. The council will meet Monday. 6 p.m. Chicago Urban League 4510 S. Michigan RSVP to cps.edu or call 773-553-2014. APRIL 21 ‘Puttin on the Hits’ Get ready for this year’s South Central Community Services Inc. lipsync dinner show fundraiser. A table for 10 is $750. Individual fee is $85. You can buy tickets or tables at sccsinc.org. Belvedere Chateau Palos Hills 8055 W. 103rd St. Reception at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Showtime at 8 p.m.

celebrates the centennial birthdays of two of the jazz genre’s most influential artists: Thelonious Monk and Ella Fitzgerald. This event is the closing night of the Chicago Southland’s “Let Them Eat Jazz” festival. Governor’s State University Performing Arts Center 1 West University Parkway University Park, Ill. 8 p.m. Tickets are $38 and $28 For information, call 888-895-8233

Bantu Fest APRIL 22 Empowering the Entire You! The Will County Black Diamond Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction invites you to a day of health and wellness education, nutrition, screenings, blood drive, fitness session, raffle, prizes and more. Drake Elementary School 2710 S. Dearborn St., Chicago 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information or vendor opportunities, email info@wcblackdiamondtlod.org APRIL 22 Battle of the Bands The event features Jaguar Essence, Crystal Elegance, Exquisite Jaguars, Twirling Diamonds and Dancing Diamonds. King College Prep Vs. Proviso West. From 3-6 p.m. King College Prep High School Coach Lonnie Williams Gymnasium 4445 S. Drexel Blvd. Tickets are $5 for high school students and kids under 12, $10 for adults and $15 at the door. Tickets also can be purchased at Norman’s Bistro, 1001 E. 43rd St., Chicago. For more information: bwashington@cps.edu or call 773-888-4176.

18 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

APRIL 22 Prom With a Purpose This annual charity, hosted by the 007th District CAPS Domestic Violence Subcommittee, provides formal wear for teens to attend their senior proms. Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine (in the fieldhouse) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations of dresses, suits and accessories will be accepted until April 15. For more information, go to benfest.com or https://www.facebook.com/BenFest/ APRIL 26 The Bernie Mac Foundation Join us at this evening of dinner and entertainment, as well as updates on sarcoidosis. Mingle with friends, family and supporters of the Bernie Mac Foundation 5:30 – 9 p.m. Wintrust Building, 231 South La Salle, Chicago The suggested ticket donation is $150, which includes a VIP reception, dinner and entertainment. Corporate sponsorships are also available. For information, contact berniemacfoundation.org or Yvonne Moore at 312-291-4493. APRIL 29 The Monk Meets the First Lady Orbert Davis’ CJP Chamber Ensemble

APRIL 29 Daughters of Destiny You are invited to celebrate amazing Women of God at this Success Luncheon. We honor pioneering women in ministry, marketing and mentoring. Daughters of Destiny Enterprises Inc. 3016 W. 63rd Street, Chicago 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Event price: $20 For more information and/or to purchase a ticket, contact Apostle Bridget C. Outlaw at 773-510-9774 or inbox her on Facebook. MAY 3 60 Years as a Priest Help us honor Father George Clements. Hilton Chicago 720 S. Michigan Ave. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. For information or to order tickets, contact Joseph Grant (773) 580-2213, Brian Robinson (312) 493-7244, Vivian Clark (708) 642-9402, Keith Williams (773) 457-6607, or email sixtyyearsapriest@yahoo.com MAY 21 Bark in the Park is Chicago’s largest dog party. Stadium Green, located next to Soldier Field 5K Walk (with or without your dog) kicks off at 10 a.m. Post-walk activities continue until 2 p.m. Individual registration: $40/Adult Pre-sale (Ages 14 & up) $20/Child Pre-sale (Ages 3-13) JUNE 23 Musical Arts Institute Gala Concert Logan Center for the Performing Arts 915 E. 60th St., Chicago For tickets, go to www.musicalartsinstitute.org or call 773-253-8606. www.chicagodefender.com


M E M O R I E S Life Reflections Mr. Hugh Lawrence Hill, was born January 21, 1927 in Crenshaw, MS. to the union of Hiram Hill and Charlotte Blackburn. Hugh met and was later married in 1947 to the late Claudia M. Wilson until her death on April 26, 1968. He was called to serve in the Army in March 1953 in Telecommunications. He then finished his duty in Germany until awarded an Honorable Discharge on the 2nd day of March 1955 as a testimonial of Honest and Faithful Service. Hugh confessed and accepted Christ at an early age. Brother Hill was a member of Original Holy Ark Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years under the leadership of Dr. Sammy Davis, where he served faithfully until the end. Hugh was blessed to find love for a second time. On August 26, 1972 Hugh Lawrence Hill and Iona Hill were united in holy matrimony and shared 41 lovely years together until her death on February 18, 2013. Hugh Hill – The Silver Star Singers President The Silver Star Singers were organized in Memphis, Tennessee in 1938. They moved to Chicago, Illinois in the early forties and The Silver Stars are affectionately well known throughout the United States. For over seventy five years they have shined in a unique world where gospel music meets religion and “The Silver Stars” are the stars. The group presents a program of contemporary songs and old gospel hymns done in their unique style and arrangement. They delivered gospel music that always had you praising with raised hands. They traveled extensively and have been on many programs, concerts, gospel festivals, and other social events. Mr. Hugh Lawrence Hill has been the President of The Silver Star Singers for over fifty eight years. Under his leadership, the group with the late Mr. Moses Farr as the manager provided music for churches, anniversaries, weddings, receptions, banquets, high schools, colleges, universities, and various social functions. Since joining the Silver Stars in 1950 and being a faithful, dedicated member of the group over the years, Brother Hill worked for International Harvester Southside (later to merge with Navistar - Chicago, IL) until his retirement after 30 years of service there as a machine operator. Hugh participated and belonged to several civic and charitable organizations throughout his life. He most honorably served in the Region 4 UAW Retired Workers Council Local 1307 as a Board Member At Large. Hugh also enjoyed auto mechanics, he loved to go fishing regularly in the summer, traveling extensively in the U.S. and internationally, Hugh was a very mild-mannered person and loved most sports, especially baseball. He loved cooking as well attending family barbeques, family reunions and other celebrations with family and friends. Hugh enjoyed life to the fullest and to know him, was to love him. “JOB WELL DONE”. Departing this life on Saturday, March 11th at 3:40 pm Hugh Hill departed this earthly life to join his Lord and Savior in Heaven at Ingalls Hospital in Harvey,IL. He leaves to cherish his fond memories: three sons; Teddy Price of Riverdale, IL, George Price and Tony Price, both of Elkhart, IN, one loving sister, Bernice Johnson of Chicago, IL, four brothers; Casey Johnson Jr of Florida., Claude Johnson Sr. of Nevada, Raymond Smith Sr. of Texas, and Thomas Smith Sr. of Illinois, many wonderful grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and many friends ~ They all love him and will miss him. Hugh was preceded in death by his beloved wife Iona Hill, son Charles Price Jr.of Chicago, IL and two daughters: Izola Fields of St. Louis, MO and Christine Graham of Galveston, TX. Hugh befriended and was very well liked by many people. He never met a stranger, wherever he went people knew him and loved him. Hugh was compassionate about helping others and was always there when you needed words of encouragement, strength, kindness and love.

Leak & Sons Funeral Home

DAVIS Tomorrah Davis…..Memorial was held: Thursday, April 06, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Monument of Faith Church, 2750 West Columbus Ave. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. HATCHETT Herbert Hatchett…..Wake was held: Thursday, April 06, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SIDNEY Janice Sidney…..Wake was held: Friday, April 07, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church, 4100 King Drive Funeral: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Interment: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 1:00 p.m. @ Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. JACKSON Geraldine Jackson…..Wake was held: Friday, April 07, 2017; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Argo Temple C O G I C, 7435 W. 64th St. Funeral: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. WOODSON Marlene Woodson…..Wake was held: Friday, April 07, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Victory Apostolic, 20300 Matteson Ave. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Monday, April 10, 2017;10:00 a.m. @ Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

WALKER Jack Walker…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Indiana Ave. Pentecostal Church, 35th Indiana Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. JACKSON Raheem Jackson…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ New Beginnings, 6620 King Dr. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. IVY Margie Ivy…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Stone Temple B.C., 3622 W. Douglas Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oakridge Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

NELSON Glada Nelson…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Bright Star C O G I C, 735 East 44th Street Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. HILL Calvin Hill…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Victory Apostolic, 20300 Matteson Ave. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Assumption Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. HAMPTON Lillie Hampton…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. JONES Clarence Jones…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Tabernacle M.B. Church, 4130 S. Indiana Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BURKS Delcena Burks…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Peoples Church of the Harvest, 3750 W. Fifth Ave. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oakridage Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. LYONS-JOHNSON Naomi Lyons-Johnson…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ The Way and the Truth Baptist Church, 6458 S. California Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Burr Oak Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. TYLER Jessie Tyler…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Glenwood Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. ROBINSON Cinderella Robinson…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Mt. Pisgah BC, 4600 S. King Dr. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. PATRICK, JR. Cornell Patrick, Jr…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. @ Greater Morning View, 2335 E. 100th Street Funeral: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

JACKSON Dillon Jackson…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ New Beginnings, 6620 King Dr. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

KELLEY Kenneth Kelley…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

EVANS Lynette Evans…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

POWELL, SR. Shamond Powell, Sr…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

www.chicagodefender.com

TRULL, SR. Johnny Trull, Sr…..Memorial was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. @ Chapel King Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

JACOBS Jerry Jacobs…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Word of Truth, 415 W. 111th Funeral: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. FIELDER Annie Fielder…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. HARMON Lannette Harmon…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. PARKER Ronald Parker…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BOLES Rual Boles…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. MC WILLIAMS Michael Mc Williams…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Interment: Monday, April 10, 2017;10:00 a.m. @ Restvale Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. VALENTINE Linda Valentine…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 08, 2017; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Interment: Monday, April 10, 2017;10:00 a.m. @ Homewood Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. ALLEN Nancy Allen…..Wake was held: Sunday, April 09, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Interment: Monday, April 10, 2017; 11:00 a.m. @ Burr Oak Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

BRADFORD Willie Bradford…..Wake was held: Monday, April 10, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SHANNON, JR. Timothy Shannon, Jr…..Wake was held: Monday, April 10, 2017; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ St. John C.O.G.I.C., 7527 S. Cottage Grove Funeral: 12:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. THURMOND Kerwin Thurmond…..Wake was held: Monday, April 10, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. EDWARDS Myron Edwards…..Memorial was held: Tuesday, April 11, 2017; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. DEES Carneal Dees…..Wake was held: Tuesday, April 11, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. DOOLEY Genever Dooley…..Wake was held: Tuesday, April 11, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ True Light Baptist Church, 7302 S. Maryland Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BROOKS Norman Brooks…..Wake: Wednesday, April 12, 2017; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Chapel Lunford Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. MARTIN, JR. James Martin, Jr…..Wake: Wednesday, April 12, 2017; 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. @ Sunrise Baptist Church, 6159 S. Aberdeen Funeral: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Interment: Abe Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

JAMES Betty James…..Memorial was held: Monday, April 10, 2017; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Chapel Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

BROWN Sudorha Brown…..Wake: Wednesday, April 12, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Pickens Memorial C.O.G., 5659 S. Union Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

GAINES Charles Gaines…..Wake was held: Monday, April 10, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

LEWIS, JR. Mack Lewis, Jr…..Wake: Wednesday, April 12, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

WALKER Samuel Walker…..Wake was held: Monday, April 10, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ St. Benedict the African East, 340 W. 66th St. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Interment: Restvale Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

ANGELES Mary Angeles…..Wake: Wednesday, April 12, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

PARSONS-BEY James Parsons-Bey…..Wake was held: Monday, April 10, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Interment: TBA Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

AYERS Jeremiah Ayers…..Wake: Wednesday, April 12, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ New Life Covenant, 1021 E. 78th St. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

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

(773)723-4400 W.W. HOLT FUNERAL HOME

175 W. 159th St. Harvey, IL 60426

(708) 331-0310

FUNERAL HOME

(773)846-6133 (773)626-4222 GOLDEN GATE FUNERAL HOME

2036 W. 79th St.

(773)846-7900

A Community Family, Serving with Honesty & Dignity

“Families Come First at Golden Gate”

Taylor Funeral

LEAK & SONS

63 East 79th Street Chicago, IL 60619 & 5350 W. North Ave. 773-488-7300 Chicago, IL 60636

7838 S. COTTAGE GROVE AVE. (773) 846-6567 18400 S. PULASKI 708-206-0860

HOME, LTD.

VARNADO Samuel Varnado…..Wake: Wednesday, April 12, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. WESTBROOK Debra Westbrook…..Visitation: Wednesday, April 12, 2017; 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Memorial: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. MOORE John Moore…..Wake: Thursday, April 13, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Interment: Abraham Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BLASINGAME Laverne Blasingame…..Wake: Thursday, April 13, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Victory Apostolic, 20300 Matteson Ave. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Abraham Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SISSAC Eugene Sissac…..Wake: Thursday, April 13, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Abraham Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. WILEY Willie Wiley…..Wake: Thursday, April 13, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Abraham Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. MURRAY Betty Murray…..Memorial: Thursday, April 13, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BENJAMIN Ronald Benjamin…..Wake: Thursday, April 13, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

FUNERAL HOME

HARRIS, II Judge Harris, II…..Wake: Friday, April 14, 2017; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Interment: Cedar Park Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. OATIS Rosemary Oatis…..Wake: Friday, April 14, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist, 7023 S. Halsted St. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. FORD Bailey Ford…..Wake: Friday, April 14, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Lunford Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. TENNIE Charles Tennie…..Wake: Saturday, April 15, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. FUTCH James Futch…..Wake: Saturday, April 15, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Lunford Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. CALDWELL Alene Caldwell…..Wake: Saturday, April 15, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Tabernacle M.B. Church, 4130 S. Indiana Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. WALLER Curtis Waller…..Wake: Saturday, April 15, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BULLOCK Sidney Bullock…..Wake: Tuesday, April 18, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

continued on page 20

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 19


C L A S S I F I E D S Memories, continued from, Page 19

TAYLOR

Funeral Home LEFLORE Frankie LeFlore ….. Wake was held: Saturday, April 8, 2017; 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Third Baptist Church 1551 West 95th Street. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: Washington Memory Gardens Homewood, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com REED Leroy Reed ….. Wake was held: Saturday, April 8, 2017; 9:00 a.m. . – 10:00 a.m. @ Fellowship Baptist Church 4501 South Princeton. Funeral will be held: 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Internment: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Elwood, IL Monday, April 10, 2017, 10:30 a.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com TORRENCE Terry Torrence ….. Wake was held: Saturday, April 8, 2017; 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ New Bethlehem M.B. Church 8850 South Cottage Grove Avenue . Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: Restvale Cemetery Alsip, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com STRONG Juanita Strong ….. Wake was held: Saturday, April 8, 2017; 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Temple of Glory M.B. Church 311 East 95th Street. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: Mount Hope Cemetery Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com ROBERTSON Richard Robertson….. Wake was held: Saturday, April 8, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Elwood, Illinois. Monday, April 10, 2017 1:30 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com MERRILLS Elijah Merrills ….. Wake will be held: Tuesday, April 11, 2017; 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Carter Temple C.M.E. Church 7841 South Wabash Avenue. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: Burr Oak Cemetery Alsip, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

HELP WANTED

BLANTON Earl Blanton ….. Internment: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Elwood, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

ATTENTION ALL VENDORS THE CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY (CHA) INVITES QUALIFIED FIRMS/ORGANIZATIONS TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR: EMPLOYMENT TRAINING AND PLACEMENT AT SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM AND GOLDEN DINERS PROGRAM SITES REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL EVENT NO.: 2069

BURRIS Jack Burris ….. Prepast will be held: Thursday, April 13, 2017; 9:30 a.m.; Wake will be held:10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Carter Temple C.M.E. Church 7841 South Wabash Avenue. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: Washington Memory Gardens Homewood, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com MURRAY Lynn Murray ….. Wake will be held: Thursday, April 13, 2017; 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Antioch M.B. Church 7841 415 West Englewood. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Elwood, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com WELLS Elvin Wells ….. Wake will be held: Saturday, April 15, 2017; 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Grace Fellowship Bible Church 1720 West 75th Street. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: Mount Hope Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com

CALAHAN Funeral Home

HUGHES, SR. Ulysses Hughes, Sr..…..Wake: Wednesday, April 05, 2017; 10:00 a.m. @ Emmanuel Baptist Church, 8301 S. Damen Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery Arrangements by: Calahan Funeral Home Inc., 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621: (773) 723-4400.

All Questions must be submitted in writing via the CHA Supplier Portal (https://supplier.thecha.org) to the above-mentioned Event no later than April 20, at 2:00 p.m. CST. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING: Friday, April 14, 2017 at 1:00 pm CST at the CHA, 60 E. Van Buren, 13th floor, Bid Bond Room, Chicago, IL PROPOSAL DUE DATE/TIME: Monday, May 8, 2017 at 11:00 am CST via the CHA Supplier Portal SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE ON LINE AT: https://supplier.thecha.org

The media industry is a fast-moving and ever-changing sector that relies on the ability of its sales people to sell a given medium as the solution that will connect them with their target audiences. This could mean selling into a single medium such as a local newspaper or magazine for a few hundred pounds or selling high-value packages worth tens of thousands across a portfolio of media.

Account Executive Job Responsibilities:

·Identifies business opportunities by identifying prospects and evaluating their position in the

industry; researching and analyzing sales options. ·Sells products by establishing contact and developing relationships with prospects; recommending solutions. ·Maintains relationships with clients by providing support, information, and guidance; researching and recommending new opportunities; recommending profit and service improvements. ·Identifies product improvements or new products by remaining current on industry trends, market activities, and competitors. ·Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information. ·Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards. ·Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies. ·Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Account Executive Skills and Qualifications:

Presentation Skills, Microsoft Office, Client Relationships, Emphasizing Excellence, Energy Level, Negotiation, Prospecting Skills, Meeting Sales Goals, Creativity, Sales Planning, Independence, Motivation for Sales For consideration, email resume to dlewis@chicagodefender.com

NOTICE OF TIME EXTENSION Ragnar Benson Construction Co., Notice of Time Extension for the CTA C17FT101995845 Design Build, O’Hare Line – Jefferson Park to O’Hare Signal Upgrade & Special Trackwork. For subcontracting opportunities contact RAGNAR BENSON at - debbie.eaker@rbic.com. All negotiations must be complete prior to the bid opening date of May 16, 2017.

LEGAL NOTICE The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s): Associate Electrical Engineer (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.

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT: April 5, 2017 CITY OF CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES Sealed Proposals, will be received by the City of Chicago, on the date and time, stated for those specific Proposals listed below, in the Bid & Bond, Room 103, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602, 312-744-9773. Proposals will be received for the following: DESCRIPTION: Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Target Market Multi-Discipline Engineering Services BID DOCUMENT CAN BE DOWNLOADED AND PRINTED FROM URL ADDRESS: www.cityofchicago.org/bids SPECIFICATION NO: 286644 PROPOSAL OPENING DATE: June 1, 2017 TIME: 4:00 p.m., Central Time PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE: April 18, 2017 at 10:00 am Central Time, Aviation Administration Building, 10510 W. Zemke Road, Chicago, IL. 60666 CONTACT: Christopher DeGard, Senior Procurement Specialist Email: christopher.degard@cityofchicago.org

Specializing in all forms of healing, past-life regression, chakra balancing, meditations, crystal, removes all evil influences, reunites lost loves, restores lost nature. God gifted and able to help with all life’s problems. Walk-ins welcome at 2943 West Belmont Ave., Chicago IL 60618 (Mon – Sun) 9:00 am – 9:30 pm

312.560.8389

April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Metaphysical Healer Mind-Body-Spirit

BURGIN Clifford Burgin ….. Wake will be held: Wednesday, April 12, 2017; 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Carter Temple C.M.E. Church 7841 South Wabash Avenue. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: Saint Mary Cemetery Evergreen Park, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

Funding will be provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The subsequent contract shall be subject to the applicable compliance standards and procedures of Executive Order No. 11246, as amended, Equal Opportunity and other provisions as specifically set in the specification. The Authority encourages participation by joint ventures, minority business enterprises, and women business enterprise firms.

An Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D

PHYSIC

BAILEY Olivia Dorothy Evans Bailey ….. Wake will be held: Tuesday, April 11, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Internment: Washington Memory Gardens Homwood, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com

20

LEGAL NOTICE

CONNECT WITH US

Call the Chicago Defender to advertise in our business network directory 312-225-2400

Chicagodefender.com

www.facebook.com/TheChicagoDefender

@ChiDefender

www.chicagodefender.com


C L A S S I F I E D S LEGAL NOTICE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

ATTENTION ALL VENDORS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION AMERICAN ADVISORS GROUP Plaintiff, -v.MARVA S. AUGUST, DEBT BUYERS D/B/A FREEDOM CAPITAL, DISCOVER BANK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Defendants 16 CH 13551 8454 S Seeley Avenue Chicago, IL 60620 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 27, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 23, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8454 S Seeley Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620 Property Index No. 20-31-315-039-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $73,853.52. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \”AS IS\” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 422-1754 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 16 CH 13551 TJSC#: 37-1114 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.TAMARA BROOKS AS ADMINISTRATOR, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF EDWIN C. BROOKS, TAMARA BROOKS, TIMOTHY BROOKS, AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 001193 9001 S. CLAREMONT AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60620 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 7, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 9, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9001 S. CLAREMONT AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60620 Property Index No. 25-06-116-001. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \”AS IS\” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-14-23858. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I717437

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION URBAN PARTNERSHIP BANK, AS ASSIGNEE OF THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, AS RECEIVER FOR SHOREBANK Plaintiff, -v.GLADNEY GOINES CORPORATION, AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION, DANITA A. STINSON, D.D.S., P.C, AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 14122 1600 E. 93RD STREET Chicago, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 14, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 27, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1600 E. 93RD STREET, Chicago, IL 60617 Property Index No. 25-01-310-010-0000; 25-01-310-046-0000. The real estate is improved with a commercial property. The judgment amount was $177,686.43. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \”AS IS\” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: Amanda E. Losquadro, CHUHAK & TECSON, P.C., 30 S. WACKER DRIVE, STE. 2600, CHICAGO, IL 60606, (312) 444-9300 Please refer to file number 25960/62017AEL. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BSI FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. Plaintiff, -v.HENRY N. IVEY, ATRIUM LOFTS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 009834 4101 S. MICHIGAN AVENUE UNIT T6 CHICAGO, IL 60653 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 30, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 8, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 4101 S. MICHIGAN AVENUE UNIT T6, CHICAGO, IL 60653 Property Index No. 20-03-114-030-1006, Property Index No. 20-03-114-030-1055, Property Index No. (20-03-114-001 Underlying). The real estate is improved with a condo/ townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in \”AS IS\” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-14-21503. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-14-21503 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 009834 TJSC#: 37-201 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

MR. SONNY SAYS!

This week’s best picks are...

685 571 227 152 012 653

368 457 704 399 101 213

5 2 4 1 6

1 8 3 2 1

8 8 4 7 1

2 9 3 6 6

04/12/17

THE CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY (CHA) INVITES QUALIFIED FIRMS/ORGANIZATIONS TO SUBMIT BID FOR: Roof Replacement at Altgeld Murray Invitation for Bid EVENT NO.: 2087 (2017) All questions must be submitted in writing via the CHA Supplier Portal (https://supplier.thecha.org) to the above-mentioned event no later than April 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. CST. PRE-BID MEETING:

April 12, 2017 at 1:00 pm CST at the CHA, 60 E. Van Buren, 13th floor, Bid-Bond Room, Chicago, IL

BID DUE DATE/TIME: May 4, 2017 at 11:00 am CST via the CHA Supplier Portal SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: https://supplier.thecha.org Funding will be provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The subsequent contract shall be subject to the applicable compliance standards and procedures of Executive Order No. 11246, as amended, Equal Opportunity and other provisions as specifically set in the specification. The Authority encourages participation by joint ventures, minority business enterprises, and women business enterprise firms.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice to Disadvantaged Businesses Kenny Construction Company, 2215 Sanders Road, Suite 400, Northbrook, IL 60062, is seeking disadvantaged businesses for METRA Construction Services for the completion of Ravenswood Station and the Reconstruction of 11 bridges on Union Pacific North Line between Addison and Balmoral in Chicago. Subcontracting and supplier opportunities may include, but are not limited to: Concrete flatwork, masonry, electrical, steel erection, ornamental iron/handrail, asphalt, drilled shafts, rebar, mechanical, plumbing, drainage, painting, fence & guardrail, crane services, trucking, traffic control, earthwork, sheet pile material, tieback material, bridge deck waterproofing, concrete sealers, roofing, glazing and miscellaneous metals. All disadvantaged businesses should contact Jack Canale (815-378-5800) to discuss subcontracting opportunities and link to plans/specs. All negotiations must be completed no later than May 2, 2017 at 5:00 PM. Bids will be evaluated based on performance, qualifications, experience and price. Please fax quotes and DBE certifications to (847) 272-5930 or Jack.Canale@gcinc.com. Kenny Construction Company, an equal opportunity employer.

LEGAL NOTICE

It pays to advertise in the Chicago Defender

I Darris Dwayne Johnson, sui juris, whose proper given name is always spelled in upper and lower case letters; and who is living, breathing soul, hereby Declares as Secured Party and Creditor, that a private Security Agreement exists between Creditor and fictitious Debtor under the Trade names, DARRIS DWAYNE JOHNSON; DARRIS JOHNSON; DWAYNE JOHNSON; D.D. JOHNSON; Darris Johnson; or any derivatives thereof or therefrom, printed or written, spelled in upper or lower case, whole or in part, is to be filed in the Commercial Registry and is to be on Public Record in the Office of the Elkhart County Recorder. NOTICE I, Darris Dwayne Johnson, DENY USE OF MY Proprietary Trade Names or any derivatives thereof or therefrom; and trespass on such may incur legal action in “Trade Name Libel: nunc pro tunc December 28, 1987 C.E. Any party or principal addressing, suing, joining, or billing the Proprietary Trade Names, as mentioned above, or any derivatives thereof or therefrom, without specific written authorization by the undersigned, Secured Party/Creditor, will be billed at One-Million, United States Dollars ($1,000,000,000) Treble damages on each count, the established penalty on each count of trespass action. OATH I, Darris Dwayne Johnson, the Undersigned, Secured Party/Creditor, do ever that the aforementioned is the truth and Fact to the best of my knowledge and Belief, to be True, Correct, Certain and not meant to Mislead. This “Commercial Notice of Trade Name” is made under the Pains and Penalties of Perjury according to the laws of Almighty GOD, the United States of America and the state of Illinois. NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO AGENT AND NOTICE TO AGENT IS NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL EXECUTED AND SIGNED by me this 12th, day of October, 2015 C.E., in Chicago, Illinois Darris Dwayne Johnson Secured Party/Creditor Holder-In-Due-Course Trade Name Owner SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on this 12th, day of October, 2015 C.E. _________________________ Notary Public In And For The State of Illinois The State of Illinois Residing at Chicago, IL My Commission Expires:_______

I714493

www.chicagodefender.com

I717889

I715336

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 21


C L A S S I F I E D S LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

NOONAN & LIEBERMAN, (6300801) Attorneys 105 W. Adams, Chicago, Illinois 60603 STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ss – In the Circuit Court of COOK County, County Department - Chancery Division, McCormick 105, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Melvin A. Holloway et. al., Defendants, Case No. 2017 CH 1445. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you Melvin A. Holloway, Oak Financial, Trustee, Unknown Owners-Tenants and Non-Record Claimants, defendants in the above entitled suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of COOK County, County Department - Chancery Division, by the said plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: LOT 10 IN BLOCK 7 IN BAIRD AND ROWLANDS SUBDIVISION IN BLOCKS 1 TO 8, INCLUSIVE, IN THE CALUMET AND CHICAGO CANAL & DOCK COMPANY’S SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF PARTS OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 14, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS.. PIN: 2502-304-030-0000. Commonly known as: 9122 S. Greenwood, Chicago IL, 60619, and which said Mortgage was made by Melvin A. Holloway, as Mortgagor(s) to Shorebank, as Mortgagee, and recorded as document number 0905445147, and the present owner(s) of the property being Melvin A. Holloway, and for other relief: that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of COOK County, 50 W. Washington, Chicago IL 60602 located at 50 West Washington, Chicago, IL 60602, on or before APRIL 28, 2017 default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint. Dated, Chicago, Illinois, March 16, 2017. Dorothy Brown, Clerk. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ss – In the Circuit Court of COOK County, County Department - Chancery Division, EQUITY TRUST CO CUST FBO PHILIP ROWE #Z075691, Plaintiff, vs. DOING GOOD IN THE HOOD CORP. et. al., Defendants, Case No. 2017 CH 03482. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you Unknown Owners-Tenants and Non-Record Claimants, defendants in the above entitled suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of COOK County, County Department - Chancery Division, by the said plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: LOT 43 AND 44 IN BLOCK 2 IN GAZZAMGANO’S ADDITION TO PULLMAN, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTH WEST 1/4 OF THE NORTH WEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTH EAST 1/4 AND THE EAST 1/2 OF THE NORTH WEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTH WEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTH EAST 1/4 OF SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.. PIN: 2521-408-019-0000 (Lot 44); 25-21-408020-0000 (Lot 43). Commonly known as: 11616 S. Harvard Ave, Chicago IL, 60628, and which said Mortgage was made by DOING GOOD IN THE HOOD CORP., as Mortgagor(s) to Secured Investment High Yield Fund LLC, as Mortgagee, and recorded as document number 1506318089, and the present owner(s) of the property being DOING GOOD IN THE HOOD CORP., and for other relief: that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of COOK County, 50 W. Washington, Chicago IL 60602 located at 50 West Washington, Chicago, IL 60602, on or before APRIL 28, 2017 default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint. Dated, Chicago, Illinois, March 21, 2017. Dorothy Brown, Clerk. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

NOONAN & LIEBERMAN, (38245) Attorneys 105 W. Adams, Chicago, Illinois 60603 STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ss – In the Circuit Court of COOK County, County Department - Chancery Division, LIBERTY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. Michael Delaney as Special Administrator of the Estate of Eula Payne, et. al., Defendants, Case No. 2017 CH 2288. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you Unknown Owners-Tenants and Non-Record Claimants, defendants in the above entitled suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of COOK County, County Department - Chancery Division, by the said plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: LOT 10 IN BLOCK 2 IN DOWNING, CORNING & PRENTISS’ DOUGLAS PARK ADDITION TO CHICAGO, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 4 AND LOT 2 IN BLOCK 3 IN CIRCUIT COURT PARTITION OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 AND THAT PART OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 LYING NORTH OF THE CENTER LINE OF OGDEN AVENUE, SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.. PIN: 16-23-204-037-0000. Commonly known as: 1256 S. Christiana, Chicago IL, 60623, and which said Mortgage was made by Eula Payne, as Mortgagor(s) to Covenant Bank, as Mortgagee, and recorded as document number 1014744097, and the present owner(s) of the property being , and for other relief: that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of COOK County, 50 W. Washington, Chicago IL 60602 located at 50 West Washington, Chicago, IL 60602, on or before APRIL 28, 2017 default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint. Dated, Chicago, Illinois, March 1, 2017. Dorothy Brown, Clerk. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

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, File No. D17150203 on the March 24, 2017. Under the Assumed Name of POLKS’ PAWS & CLAWS with the business located at 8130 S DREXEL AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/ Partner Full Name: CLARISA POLK, Complete Address: 8130 S DREXEL AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619, USA

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, File No. D17150183 on the MARCH 23, 2017. Under the Assumed Name of DEEZ BABIES AND TOTS HOME DAYCARE AND LEARNING PLACE with the business located at 7619 S ST LAWRENCE, CHICAGO, IL 60619. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners(s)/ partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: ALLEN WILLIAMSON, Complete Address: 7619 S ST LAWRENCE, CHICAGO, IL 60619, USA and DELORES ANN ATTERBERRY, 7619 S ST LAWRENCE, CHICAGO, IL 60619, USA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP FKA COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING LP Plaintiff, -v.JACQUELINE C. AUSTIN AKA JACQUELINE AUSTIN, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF JACQUELINE C. AUSTIN, IF ANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, PNC BANK, N.A., S/B/M TO NATIONAL CITY BANK Defendants 10 CH 37518 8047 SOUTH INDIANA AVENUE Chicago, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 7, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 5, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 6 IN KLOOSTERMAN’S SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF BLOCK 10 IN WEBSTER’S SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 14, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 8047 SOUTH INDIANA AVENUE, Chicago, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-34-109-016-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $231,460.83. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC, ONE EAST WACKER, SUITE 1250, Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 651-6700 Please refer to file number 16-011318. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC ONE EAST WACKER, SUITE 1250 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 651-6700 E-Mail: illinoissale@manleydeas.com Attorney File No. 16-011318 Case Number: 10 CH 37518 TJSC#: 37-2664 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS EASTERN DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER SECURITIZATION SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2005 STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE3 Plaintiff, -v.LORENE HELTON, CONTRACTOR’S LIEN SERVICES, INC. JUDGE ELAINE E. BUCKLO Defendants 1 : 11 CV 7704 8622 S. JUSTINE STREET Chicago, IL 60620 JUDGE ELAINE E. BUCKLO NOTICE OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONER’S SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 19, 2011, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, Special Commissioner appointed herein, will at 10:30 AM on May 15, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 9 IN BLOCK 3 IN ROY AND NOURSES` SIXTH ADDITION TO SOUTH ENGLEWOOD, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 AND WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 14, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 8622 S. JUSTINE STREET, Chicago, IL 60620 Property Index No. 20-32-323-020. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $169,880.04. Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 263-0003 Please refer to file number C13-92476. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. C13-92476 Case Number: 1 : 11 CV 7704 TJSC#: 37-367 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC. Plaintiff, -v.OSCAR SCOTT JR. Defendants 15 CH 11081 5352 S. PEORIA STREET Chicago, IL 60609 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 19, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 2, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Lot 4 in Block 2 in G. W. Cass Subdivision of the North 10 acres of the South 24 acres of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 8, Township 38 North, Range 14 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois. Commonly known as 5352 S. PEORIA STREET, Chicago, IL 60609 Property Index No. 20-08-421-045-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $316,163.57. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 239-3432 Please refer to file number 15IL00336-1. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 239-3432 E-Mail: il.pleadings@rsmalaw.com Attorney File No. 15IL00336-1 Attorney Code. 46689 Case Number: 15 CH 11081 TJSC#: 37-2496 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TCF NATIONAL BANK Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND/OR DEVISEES OF MARY E. SMITH A/K/A MARY ELLA SMITH; BEVERLY MCCULLOGH A/K/A BEVERLY SMITH; ALVA SMITH; LANCE SMITH; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS. Defendants CASE NUMBER: 17 CH 04055 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND/OR DEVISEES OF MARY E. SMITH A/K/A MARY ELLA SMITH; BEVERLY MCCULLOGH A/K/A BEVERLY SMITH; ALVA SMITH; LANCE SMITH; and UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: LOT 34 IN BLOCK 2 IN VERNON PARK SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 14, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPT THE RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY AND EXCEPT STREETS HERETOFORE DEDICATED) IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Permanent Index No.: 25-03-419-0070000. COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 9319 S. EBERHART AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 and which said Mortgage was made by: MARY E. SMITH A/K/A MARY ELLA SMITH EXECUTED THE MORTGAGE PLAINTIFF SEEKS TO FORECLOSE HEREIN; HOWEVER, MARY E. SMITH A/K/A MARY ELLA SMITH IS DECEASED AND THEREFORE, IS NOT NAMED AS A DEFENDANT IN THIS MATTER the Mortgagor(s), to TCF National Bank, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois, as Document No. 0619408154; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Dorothy Brown Richard J. Daley Center 50 West Washington Street 8th Floor Chicago, IL 60602 on or before MAY 12, 2017 A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. Cohen Jutla Dovitz Makowka, LLC, 10729 W. 159th Street, Orland Park, IL 60467 (708) 460-7711 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are advised that this law firm is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE 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, File No. D17150196 on the March 23, 2017. Under the Assumed Name of CBSJ CONSTRUCTION with the business located at 7923 S PRINCETON, CHICAGO, IL 60620. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners(s)/ partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: MICA WOODS Complete Address: 8054 S TROY, CHICAGO, IL 60652, USA and SAMANTHA HARRIS, 7923 S PRINCETON, CHICAGO, IL 60620, USA

LEGAL NOTICE 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, File No. D17150133 on the March 21, 2017. Under the Assumed Name of JOSHUA FLYNN AND ASSOCIATES with the business located at 1520 N MENARD, CHICAGO, IL 60651. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: JOSHUA FLYNN Complete Address: 1520 N MENARD, CHICAGO, IL 60651, USA

CONNECT WITH US Chicagodefender.com

www.facebook.com/ TheChicagoDefender

@ChiDefender

22 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

www.chicagodefender.com


C L A S S I F I E D S LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

REAL ESTATE NOTICE

REAL ESTATE NOTICE

REAL ESTATE NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION LIBERTY HOME EQUITY SOLUTIONS, INC., FORMERLY KNOWN AS GENWORTH FINANCIAL HOME EQUITY ACCESS, INC. Plaintiff, -v.GAMALIA WALLACE Defendants 15 CH 15686 1025 WEST 103RD STREET Chicago, IL 60643 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 9, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 12, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Lot 10 and the East 5 feet of Lot 11 in Block 1 in Baker’s Subdivision of the North 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 17, Township 37 North, Range 14, East of the Third Principal Meridian, In Cook County, Illinois. Commonly known as 1025 WEST 103RD STREET, Chicago, IL 60643 Property Index No. 25-17-201-013-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $123,633.17. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 239-3432 Please refer to file number 15IL00615-1. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 239-3432 E-Mail: il.pleadings@rsmalaw.com Attorney File No. 15IL00615-1 Attorney Code. 46689 Case Number: 15 CH 15686 TJSC#: 37-2556 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.CHARLEAN FOSTER, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 2847 228 EAST 87TH STREET Chicago, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 4, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 2, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Lot 27 in Elmore’s South Park Boulevard Subdivision in the South 1/2 of Section 34, Township 38 North, Range 14 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois. Commonly known as 228 EAST 87TH STREET, Chicago, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-34-321-042-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $166,705.42. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 239-3432 Please refer to file number 16IL00077-1. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 239-3432 E-Mail: il.pleadings@rsmalaw.com Attorney File No. 16IL00077-1 Attorney Code. 46689 Case Number: 16 CH 2847 TJSC#: 37-2489 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC. Plaintiff, -v.LACY SANDERS, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF CHICAGO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION Defendants 16 CH 5456 11949 S. YALE AVENUE Chicago, IL 60628 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 9, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 2, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: The North 17 feet of Lot 28 and all of Lot 29 in Block 1 in West Pullman in the Northwest Quarter and the West half of the Northeast Quarter of Section 28, Township 37 North, Range 14 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois. Commonly known as 11949 S. YALE AVENUE, Chicago, IL 60628 Property Index No. 25-28-203-020-000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $59,686.43. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 239-3432 Please refer to file number 16IL00142-1. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 239-3432 E-Mail: il.pleadings@rsmalaw.com Attorney File No. 16IL00142-1 Attorney Code. 46689 Case Number: 16 CH 5456 TJSC#: 37-2492 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS OF VERGIE LEE CADE A/K/A VERGIE CADE, ELLA DAVIS AND GERALD NORDGREN AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE Defendants 16 CH 08206 557 WEST 95TH STREET Chicago, IL 60628 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 8, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 9, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 10 (EXCEPT THE EAST 18 FEET THEREOF) AND LOT 11 (EXCEPT THAT PART OF SAID LOTS LYING NORTH OF A LINE 54 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF SECTION 9, AS CONDEMNED FOR WIDENING 95TH STREET ON PETITION OF CITY OF CHICAGO DATED FEBRUARY 21, 1923) IN BLOCK 13 IN MAYNARD’S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCKS 12 AND 13 IN O’DELL’S ADDITION TO EUCLID PARK BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 9, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 557 WEST 95TH STREET, Chicago, IL 60628 Property Index No. 25-09-104-069-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $51,421.03. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff s attorney: LAW OFFICES OF IRA T. NEVEL, LLC, 175 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201, CHICAGO, IL 60606, (312) 357-1125 Please refer calls to the sales department Please refer to file number 16-01618. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. LAW OFFICES OF IRA T. NEVEL, LLC 175 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201 CHICAGO, IL 60606 (312) 357-1125 E-Mail: pleadings@nevellaw.com Attorney File No. 16-01618 Attorney Code. 18837 Case Number: 16 CH 08206 TJSC#: 37-1377 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.REYNALDO CARRENO-PATINO AKA REYNALDO PATINO AKA REYNALDO VEGA AKA REYNALDO CARRENO PATINO AKA REINALDO PATINO, PEDRO VEGA, CITY OF CHICAGO, PNC BANK, N.A. SBM TO NATIONAL CITY BANK SBM TO MIDAMERICA BANK, FSB, JOSE R. GUERRERO Defendants 16 CH 6205 1811 WEST CERMAK ROAD Chicago, IL 60608 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 22, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 23, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1811 WEST CERMAK ROAD, Chicago, IL 60608 Property Index No. 17-30-201-018-0000. The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The judgment amount was $294,666.27. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, or a unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F16040020. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois. com Attorney File No. F16040020 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 58852 Case Number: 16 CH 6205 TJSC#: 37-1957 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION COLONIAL IMPACT FUND II, LLC. Plaintiff, -v.4911-15 S. PRAIRIE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING, LLC, CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE OF A TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 20, 2006 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 8002348209, UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES UNDER CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 20, 2006 KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 8002348209, CAROLITA RICHARDS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 12022 4915 SOUTH PRAIRIE AVENUE, UNIT GS AND P7 Chicago, IL 60615 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 20, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 1, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 4915 SOUTH PRAIRIE AVENUE, UNIT GS AND P7, Chicago, IL 60615 Property Index No. 20-10-116-027-1002 (new); 20-10-116-003-0000 (old). The real estate is improved with a condominium. The judgment amount was $177,782.74. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, or a unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact the sales department, ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com. Please refer to file number F15040129. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. ANSELMO LINDBERG OLIVER LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois. com Attorney File No. F15040129 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 58852 Case Number: 15 CH 12022 TJSC#: 37-2862 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Cook County, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division. Champion Mortgage Company Plaintiff, vs. Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Doyle E. King; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Joanne King; Gerald Nordgren, Special Representative for the Estate of Doyle E. King; Antonio King; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendants, Case # 16CH6577 Sheriff’s # 170037 F16040213 CPN Pursuant to a Judgment made and entered by said Court in the above entitled cause, Thomas J. Dart, Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, will on May 9th, 2017, at 1pm in room LL06 of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction the following described premises and real estate mentioned in said Judgment: Common Address: 11351 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60628 P.I.N: 25-22-115-014-0000 Improvements: This property consists of a single family home. Sale shall be under the following terms: payment of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the successful and highest bid to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier’s check or certified funds at the sale; and the full remaining balance to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier’s check or certified funds within twenty-four (24) hours after the sale. Sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments. Premise will NOT be open for inspection. Firm Information: Plaintiff’s Attorney ANSELMO, LINDBERG OLIVER LLC Anthony Porto 1771 W. DIEHL., Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60566-7228 foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com 866-402-8661 fax 630-428-4620 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com This is an attempt to collect a debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

www.chicagodefender.com

CONNECT WITH US Chicagodefender.com

www.facebook.com/ TheChicagoDefender

@ChiDefender

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 23


2017 HONOREES

Date: Thursday, May 4, 2017 High Tea 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Chicago Marriott Downtown/ Magnificent Mile 540 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 Corporate Table $1500 (table sign, video sponsor reel, program book) VIP Table $1100 (table sign)

Sponsored by

Serving Families at Home Since 1979

24 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Karyn L. Aguirre - Chicago Public Schools Shanita Baraka Akintonde - Columbia College Catrice Armstrong - PR Werks LLC Kelly Powers Baria - Powers & Sons Construction Cassandra Prince Coachman - KPMG LLP Geneen Harston Coleman - Rivet Radio Kimberley Darey, MD - Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Karen Dilligard - Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Jasmine V. Dolfus- Microsoft Angela Drexel - Livewire Electical & Construction Kenya Simone Edwards - Soul 106.3 Gina Lamar Evans - Monday Night Mingle Rosyln Fossett - Plump Chicago J. Kay Giles - West Harvey Dixmoor 147 School District Dana Phillips Goodum - Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Simone Green Lyles - CLS Legal Staffing Cheryl A. Harris - Allstate Insurance Company Tiffany Harston - Perspectives/IIT Math & Science Academy Nicole “Nikki” Hayes - Laborers International Union of North America Dana Holmes - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Jackie Taylor Holsten - Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation Shaswau “Shea” Howell - Winstrust Bank Mildred C. Jackson - KT 606 LLC LaShun James - Addus Homecare Dr. Tara Jenkins - Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Faith Jones - Uber Dr. Robin Jones, MD - Harmony Health Plan, Inc. Jessica Kimbrough - United Airlines Joyce LeFlore - Mary Kay Cosmetics Cheryl Bowman McPherson - Presence Health Karin Mechelle Norrington-Reaves - Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Lasandra Pierce - Bank of America Dartesia A. Pitts - Cook County Bar Association Bertina M. Power-Stewart - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Theta Omega Chapter Marilyn K. Render - American Health Information Management Association Terika Richardson - President, Advocate Trinity Hospital Lisa Rollins - United Negro College Fund Cassaundra Rouse - Illinois Tollway Tanya Seaton - CCHHS-Provident Hospital of Cook County Tiffany V. Seay - Metro Visions Partners Gwendolyn G. Shaw - Country Financial Doll Smith - The Smith Residences Veterans Village Lauran A. Smith - PRbyElle77 Joyce Stanley - Macy’s Valerie Spiller Stefanic - Elite Marketing Thyatiria A. Towns - Chicago Public Schools Ellen Rozelle Turner - The William Everett Group Dominique Jordan Turner - Chicago Scholars Josephine Wade-Smith - Josephine’s Cooking Lenita Digby Williams - Digby’s Detective & Security Agency, Inc.

www.chicagodefender.com


Achieve

The Chicago Defender’s editorial staff convened a roundtable discussion of leading educators to address a multitude of issues.


ACHIEVE

Chicago Defender’s Achieve Roundtable By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer

T

he Chicago Defender’s editorial staff convened a roundtable discussion of educators to address a multitude of issues and unspoken questions students and families face throughout their academic journey. Representatives from Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), Governors State University (GSU), Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and a leader in STEM offered their viewpoints on diversity in instructional positions, creating avenues to entrepreneurship, managing student discipline and more. A prevailing issue facing all African-American students at an ever-increasing rate is the heavy-handed enforcement of rules and regulations that result in the loss of instruction time in the classroom because of suspension and expulsion. Stacy Davis Gates, a CTU representative and high school history teacher, said teachers should know better than anyone that their students face trauma, disinvestment and a sparsity of social workers to help them. She said school privatization and the marginalizing of parents within schools is a factor as well. In 2015, the Illinois Senate approved Senate Bill 100/Public Act 99-0456, which sought to address the issue of rampant suspensions and expulsions; however, she suggests more resources are necessary for the measure to succeed. Thyatria A. Towns, director of the Parent University at George Henry Corliss High School, acknowledged students of color — particularly Black and Latino — have been traditionally suspended at higher rates than others. She said in an effort to combat this issue, Dr. Janice Jackson, chief education officer for CPS, is spearheading a national model titled the Multi-tier Systems of Support (MTSS). MTSS aims to support students’ academic, social and emotional, and health and wellness through a framework that addresses students’ needs as needed. Diversity among educators throughout all levels of education was addressed. Andrea E. Evans, dean of the College of Education at Governors State University, cited a study that stated students prefer teachers of color. She also stated the necessity for diversity should not be limited to only African-American and Latino students, but White students as well because they too need to see highly skilled African-American and Latino individuals, as that helps shape their perceptions. “In Illinois, there’s some concern at the lack of diversity in the teacher workforce; one of the things we deans across Illinois are really concerned about is there are so few teachers of color, so few Black teachers in the pipeline, that’s really a problem, it’s a concern for me personally,” said Evans. She said within the African-American community, highly talented individuals have opted to go into other professions, but teaching should be viewed as a valued position. “I think the profession has been vilified and waned — teaching is an honorable profession, and I think we need to do more as professionals at the state level to talk about teaching as honorable public service,” said Evans. Criminal Stigma But what of the students who have criminal backgrounds? The panel discussed some suggestions as to how to best move forward. Jonathan Jones, a representative from Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, said there are opportunities for ex-offenders within his profession except on federal projects. He said policies need 02 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

At the roundtable, from left: Andrea Evans, Governors State University; Thyatria A. Towns, CPS Office of Leadership and Learning; and Kenneth Hill, President/CEO, Chicago Pre-College Science & Engineering Program.

Attending the discussion, from left, are reporter Lee Edwards; Jonathan Jones, Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters; and Stacy Davis Gates, Chicago Teachers Union Local 1. to change because typically, when given the opportunity, employers chose to hire the individual without a criminal background. He described the stigma faced by individuals returning home from imprisonment amounts to nothing short of a life sentence in the court of public opinion despite time already served. “I believe in order to attack this, we would have to have some involvement from our government on a federal as well as a state level, maybe set aside some funding to give folks an opportunity to get them back into the workplace,” said Jones. He clarified that unions do not hire individuals, but instead train them, stating it is up union contract partners to actually hire apprentices. The progression of education to career to entrepreneurship received a variety of robust, unique and innova-

tive suggestions. Kenneth Hill, CEO of Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program, had a creative idea of leveraging one of the African-American community’s strongest industries into a venture-capitalist fund to offer a new means of support for a different part of the workforce. “We have very successful funeral homes. Why can’t they create a venture-capitalist fund, and that some of the people we are talking about come with their ideas of business plan to be supported?” said Hill. Roundtable Podcast Want to hear the lively discussion? The audio files are available at chicagodefender.com. www.chicagodefender.com


ACHIEVE

Charter School Leader Works to Ensure Black Kids Aren’t Left Behind

G

By Katelyn Silva Education Post

rowing up in Evanston, Tanika Island Childress spent her evenings at the kitchen table hearing her single mother describe her work as a teacher and absorbing her zest for life. Yet, it wasn’t until adulthood that Childress fully awoke to the gap between Evanston’s promise of respect for differences and the reality that for 35 years, her mother had been teaching special-education classrooms almost entirely full of Black boys who had been labeled and isolated from their peers. Inspired by her mother’s fierce commitment to fighting for her students, she embarked on a lifelong journey to develop the innate excellence of young Black children. As a teacher, principal and now in- Tanika Island Childress terim leader of the University of Chicago Charter School network, Childress has supported thousands of children from Chicago’s South Side to reach their potential. Freelance writer Katelyn Silva talked with Childress about the vision, mission and strategies that have guided her work.

Q. A.

What did you learn from your mother about how to be a teacher?

My mother taught me the power of relationships. She would bring her students home to spend time with us. She had the patience of Job on behalf of her students and their families. They trusted her. She was committed to ensuring they were respected and loved, and most of all, taught. She was a voice for the voiceless in a district that appeared to be supportive, but when you have close to 100 percent self-contained all-Black, something happened, something’s not right, you know? Students of color were being disproportionately labeled. She inspired me.

Q.

The North Kenwood/Oakland campus had exceptional results when you were principal. How did you make that happen?

A.

I spent a lot of time building culture: a culture of belief, a culture of accountability and a culture of teaching and learning, always balanced by a culture of love and respect. If teachers assigned a low-level task, I’d ask, “Why? Do you not believe they can do it?” We had lots of conversations about race, class and culture. We always asked our staff, “What do you believe?” Because your belief system will determine how you design instruction for students. Your belief system will impact every interaction you have with a student, how you speak to and treat families, and how you think about them when they’re not in front of you. I needed our entire staff to know those things mattered. I’ve always had a covert and overt mission. The overt mission being achievement. We did that. But the covert mission was that everyone be a better human being because of their experience at NKO — every kid, family member, teacher and leader. I did a lot of professional development around self-help and mental wellness, as well as academics, for teachers. I knew how important it was for people to be well and whole in front of their chilwww.chicagodefender.com

dren. Our children are bringing a lot into the classroom, and they can’t afford for their teachers not to be well and whole.

Q.

With four South Side campuses, the University of Chicago Charter School serves predominantly low-income students of color. Why was it important to you to serve Black students from less-affluent backgrounds?

A.

It was important to shift the narrative that being Black or not having access to resources and opportunities meant that you were destined to a certain life. I had to play my part in changing that narrative. When my fifth- graders at North Kenwood-Oakland, all Black, most from low-income backgrounds, outperformed the state and the nation in mathematics, I was like, “Drop the mic. Boom. Pow. You see it?”

Q.

Your daughter Nandi is now in junior high school, but when you were principal of NKO, she went there. Why?

A.

If I didn’t lead a school that I was proud enough to send my own child to, why should anyone else send theirs? I knew that if I hired a teacher and Nandi couldn’t have that teacher, then no child could. A new teacher came in and there were rumbles about whether that teacher had what it takes. I said, “Put Nandi in his room.” To this day, he is her favorite teacher.

Q.

While some people view charter schools as controversial, others believe they provide quality options to parents. What are your thoughts and feelings on that?

A.

Not all charters are great, but charters get a bad rap because they’re intentionally pit against unions. All teachers and leaders, charter and otherwise, want the same thing: the best for students and the resources to get there. Being a charter gave NKO flexibility in terms of curriculum, time in the day, where teachers spend time, how they plan and work together, what professional development for teachers would look like. We had time for teacher learning twice a week and that was unheard of. But that was a commitment our teachers wanted to make because of the mission. Our mission was coupled with the flexibility and autonomy within our framework to create the space to think and do differently. All we needed was that space to be successful. I don’t know that we could have achieved what we did otherwise.

Q.

How did you feel when asked to take over interim leadership of all four of the University of Chicago charter campuses?

A.

I never felt like I was quite ready or knew enough. I’m feeling inadequate, right? But I knew my commitment to our kids and our families and ensuring that they receive nothing but our best. I knew I wanted to set the bar for our kids and teachers and make it clear. I love to spend time in kid and teacher spaces, helping them be exceptional. So, I told myself, “All right, here we go. Let’s go! I’m going to do this director thing.” Education Post (educationpost.org) is a nonprofit, non-partisan communications organization dedicated to building support for student-focused improvements in public education. THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 03


ACHIEVE

PUSH Excel Takes 70 Students to HBCUs

Kids took off from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition on a tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

T

he kick-off for the 19th annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) educational and corporate excursion started Saturday at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago. The students took buses after the weekly live PUSH broadcast to visit the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. Their official departure for the HBCU tour from the PUSH headquarters was Sunday. Officials from several HBCUs will have information about their institutions for the students’ edification, along with several African-American fraternities, local sororities and some of the corporate sponsors promoting their perspective schools. “The purpose for the HBCU tour is to expose urban, suburban and rural high school students to the benefits of attending an HBCU,” said Rev. Janette Wilson, national executive director for PUSH for Excellence. “The tour exposes students to African-American history through the cultural stops we make that are included as part of the tour.” To get a taste of both HBCUs and Black cultural sites, Rev. Wilson said the students would visit the historical African-American museum at the Smithsonian and the Muhammad Ali Center in Kentucky. “We want the students to understand the journey from education to career, which is why we include in each of our college tour stops with some of regional offices of our corporate sponsors, like the ComEd facility in Baltimore, Maryland. “Their students will see African-Americans and others present career options as they think about major areas of study, as they focus on the road from college entrance to internships and ultimately graduation,” said Rev. Wilson. On Monday, the students visited two HBCUs in Baltimore: Morgan State University and Coppin. They also made their first corporate stop, visiting with a ComEd 04 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder of PUSH.

“African-American students need to see themselves in institutions of higher learning as presidents, deans and professors.” — Rev. Janette Wilson. business/career panel also in Baltimore On Tuesday, the students visited the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., as part of the cultural experience PUSH offers on the tour. The students also visited Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland. On Wednesday, they will visit the University of Mary-

land Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland, and Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. The students also will visit the Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Temple in Hampton, Virginia. On Thursday, the students will visit the Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, and the Virginia Union University in Richmond. The students will make their second cultural stop on Friday, as they visit the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The excursion ends Saturday, when the students return to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters. “African-American students need to see themselves in institutions of higher learning as presidents, deans and professors,” said Rev. Wilson. “They need to see campuses that were built by slaves,” said the reverend, who along with chaperons is accompanying the students. “Many of these institutions grew out of Reconstruction, so there is a rich history at every HBCU. They get to learn about African-Americans like them, who come from circumstances similar to those, who have excelled in outstanding ways. The tour is a real encouragement, especially for African-American males. For many, it will be the first time they will see a president of a college who looks like them and who is welcoming them to apply and matriculate from those HBCUs.” At HBCUs, Rev. Wilson said, “You don’t have to prove that you are capable. You have to prove that you are not. You go to white institutions as an African-American, you are constantly proving that you are smart, proving that you have the ability. The HBCUs expect you to graduate and succeed, unlike other institutions of higher learning.” Parents can go to the app store and download the free Rainbow Conference App, where they can follow their child’s HBCU tour. For information, contact Chinta Strausberg at cstrausberg@rainbowpush.org or by calling 312-3717730 . www.chicagodefender.com


ACHIEVE

Provide Necessary Investments for Success, Educators Say By Stacy M. Brown

A

NNPA Newswire

cross the nation, educators say that federal dollars must follow former President Barack Obama’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in order for the law to be effective. “Sufficient federal Title I and Title II funding is critical in targeting resources to students and schools with the highest need, developing and supporting our educators working in these schools, and enabling states to meet their ESSA commitments,” said Liam Goldrick, the director of policy at New Teacher Center, a Santa Cruz, Calif.,-based non-profit that’s dedicated to improving student learning by accelerating the effectiveness of new teachers, experienced educators and school leaders. “Without these federal commitments and investments, students in under-resourced schools will continue to face an inequitable educational system, and the work of educators will be made even more challenging.” President Obama signed the ESSA legislation on December 10, 2015. The bipartisan measure reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the 1965 federal education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students, according to the Obama Administration. ESSA was drafted to build on key areas of progress in recent years, made possible by the efforts of educators, communities, parents, and students across the country, officials with the Obama Administration said. When it comes to progress that was made during the Obama years, today, high school graduation rates are at all-time highs, dropout rates are at historic lows and more students are going to college than ever before. ESSA states that the new law will “advance equity by upholding critical protections for America’s disadvantaged and high-need students.” Some education advocates have said that the new law doesn’t go far enough to address long-standing racial diswww.chicagodefender.com

crimination that plays out in our education system. “The law perpetuates an academic system of oppression in the lack of recognition to deconstruct [white supremacy],” said Allen E. Lipscomb, author of the 2016 book Black Male Grief Reaction to Trauma: A Clinical Case Study of One Man’s Mental Health Treatment. Lipscomb also said that the law does not take into consideration the person-in-environment perspective and the mental health needs of some students. “What does trauma look like? What are [the impacts of] additional stressors on intersectional identities,” for Blacks, poor people, or queer and transgender people, Lipscomb asked. “These identity markers also play a crucial role in the student’s ability to succeed, academically speaking, and this law must look at all of the nuances that impede a student’s ability to function and succeed within an oppressive educational system.”

Accountability Measures Kim L. Defibaugh, the president of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) in Williamsburg, Va., said that the newest incarnation of federal legislation guiding K-12 education maintains the basic components of state plans and district report cards as accountability measures. “A major change from the previous legislation is that it removes responsibility for outlining and monitoring implementation of the law from the U.S. Department of Education and returns it to the states,” Defibaugh said. Defibaugh added that another encouraging key point in the language of the law is the section that describes the “well-rounded education” provision. “Mentioned throughout ESSA, it lists the arts as a subject essential to providing students a comprehensive and enriched educational experience,” Defibaugh said. “The National Art Education Association defines visual arts as a core academic subject and supports inclusion of a rigorous, high-quality, comprehensive, sequential and authentic visual arts program in every school for every child.” Defibaugh said that individual states are still required to submit a plan to notify the U.S. Department of Education and local stakeholders about accountability systems,

standards and assessments. The NAEA believes that a variety of authentic assessments, which are developmentally appropriate for all learners, are vital to best practices in art education, she said. Defibaugh continued: “Under ESSA, states now have the flexibility to develop expectations for learning in the arts that meet the needs of the diverse population of students in their schools.” Under sections describing the Assistance for Arts Education program and a federal grant program, each state that receives an allotment for a fiscal year shall offer well-rounded educational experiences to all students, including female students, minority students, English learners, children with disabilities and low-income students who are often underrepresented in critical and enriching subjects, which may include activities and programs in music and the arts. “A broader focus on moving away from a simple reliance on test scores is wise and is a partial victory,” said Michael W. Apple, a professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Policy Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “This is important to recognize since No Child Left Behind and its process of blaming and shaming was disastrous in many ways, especially to many poor and minority communities.” Apple cautioned against adding “rhetorical reforms” that, when put into practice, either give lip service to struggling schools or create more bureaucratic rules that take attention away from other extremely necessary and more robust reforms. “For example, while I support a bill that puts more of a focus on a larger range of subjects and school experiences and evidence, will this prevent the current cycle of massive school closings in urban areas?” Apple said. “Will it deal realistically with the very real disproportionate funding that exists? Will the funding for the ESSA be sufficient? What will happen with a much more conservative Congress and [White House] that want to put much more money and support behind privatized education and who have continued to exhibit a lack of understanding of the realities of minority communities?” THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 05


ACHIEVE

Charter vs. Traditional Public Schools Here Are the Resources You Need to Make the Right Choice for Your Family By KayCee Shakur Defender Contributing Writer

F

and Kids First Chicago

or decades, Black families in Chicago’s inner city have searched for the best option regarding the education of their children. With the closures of numerous inner-city traditional public schools (TPS), the growing number of charter schools and the dwindling funding of inner-city private schools, parents are constantly discussing educational choice. The Chicago Defender collaborated with Kids First Chicago, an organization with a mission to provide information and skills on how to navigate and understand the Chicago Publics Schools, to help parents choose the best option for their family.

Traditional Public Schools

Kids First Chicago Description: Every child in Chicago has a traditional neighborhood elementary school and high school. Each of these schools has an attendance boundary. If you live inside that boundary, you can attend that school without submitting an application. If there is a neighborhood school that you like, but you do not live in its attendance boundary, you can apply and students will be randomly accepted through a lottery system. High school applications are available at each school. Principals determine application requirements, and admissions criteria are variable by school and admissions decisions.

Pros •Little to no cost of public education tuition. •Strict higher educational standards for educators. Educators have to acquire both a bachelor’s degree as well as a state certification to teach, which means that teachers are at least educationally qualified for the job. •Achievement is on the rise as Chicago’s public schools graduation rate increased 3.6 percent between ‘14-‘15 and ‘15-’16. •African-American thought leader: The NAACP recently called for a moratorium on charter schools. “We are moving forward to require that charter schools receive the same level of oversight, civil rights protections and provide the same level of transparency, and we require the same of traditional public schools,” Chairman Roslyn Brock said in a statement. “Our decision is driven by a long-held principle and policy of the NAACP that high-quality, free, public education should be afforded to all children.”

Cons •Traditional public schools have had a history of poor performance in poor minority neighborhoods across the nation, and Chicago is no exception. •Black students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools are twice as likely to be suspended compared to Latino students and over five times as likely compared to white CPS students, according to a study by the University of Chicago’s Consortium. •African-American thought leader: Steve Perry, author, speaker and founder of three charter schools, pointed out on Roland Martin’s TV One special Is School Choice a Black Choice, that “It’s not just a school-to-prison pipeline, it’s a school-to-prison superhighway. If you look very quickly, you’ll see that our children are some 12 percent of the population in many of the 06 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

“It’s not just a school-to-prison pipeline, it’s a school-toprison superhighway.” — Steve Perry school systems, yet we make up 40 percent of the children who are expelled. Our children are three and a half times as likely to be suspended. They make up 70 percent of those arrested in the schools. Only 68 percent of them, in many states, will ever graduate.”

Charter Schools

Kids First Chicago Description: Charter schools are public schools open to all Chicago children. Each charter school has its own curriculum, schedule, calendar and admissions process that may be different from other public schools. There are no attendance boundaries, so students from all around the city can apply. Each school has its own application, and acceptance is through a random lottery if there are more applications than seats. If there are more seats than applications to a school, all applicants will be accepted. Pros •Charter schools are on a constant rise in Chicago, with the recent closings of traditional CPS schools, and the battle over the education budget. Charter schools have managed to continue opening and growing

throughout the inner city. •Two Chicago standouts are Young Women’s Leadership Charter High School and Urban Prep Academies that boast a 100 percent graduation and college acceptance rate with a majority Black student enrollment. •Charter schools also have smaller class sizes that compete with private schools’ claim to individual attention. •African-American thought leader: “Charters go where the need is, like any good market fix, and right now the need is largely in our urban and low-income and poverty-stricken communities that happen to be largely minority-populated communities. It’s nearly impossible to shut down a failing public school, but if a charter school does not meet its benchmarks it will be closed. A restaurant shouldn’t be able to stay open if it’s poisoning its customers and, unfortunately, in too many areas of public education in this country our children are being poisoned and the NAACP is here to make sure that they drink their Kool-Aid anyway,” said Kira Davis, blogger, writer and school choice activist, in a Choice Media YouTube video called “School Choice Leaders Respond to the NAACP.”

Cons •Although parents of charter school students show high rates of satisfaction with their institutions, there is no significant difference in education quality between charter and traditional public schools. In fact, in the University of Minnesota Law School’s 2014 report Charter Schools in continued on page 07

www.chicagodefender.com


ACHIEVE

Education Next Survey

Figure 1 Data Source: Education Next Public Schools, continued from Page 06

Chicago: No Model for Education Reform, “Charters tend to show slightly lower average student performance when compared to all non-charters and slightly higher indicators when compared to neighborhood schools alone (removing selective, gifted and magnets from the non-charter averages). Charters also compare poorly to magnet schools.” •The NAACP voted to request a moratorium be placed on the opening of new charter schools in the U.S. African-American thought leader: Hilary Shelton, director of the NAACP Washington bureau and senior vice president for advocacy and policy, said at Is School Choice a Black Choice? “moratorium means we have to stop for a minute. They recognized that over the last 15 years, we’ve seen a growth in charter schools that is somewhere between 300 to 700 per year. The bottom line for the NAACP is we want high-quality education for all of our children.”

What are ALL the options in Chicago Public Schools? Kids First Chicago has an easy-to-understand guide to all of your choices within the Chicago Public Schools system – from traditional public schools and charter schools to magnet and selective/gifted options. You can find out more at http://www.kidsfirstchicago.org/enroll or by emailing info@kidsfirstchicago.org.

What About Private Schools?

In 2016, Education Next surveyed 40,000 identified parents of traditional public schools, charter schools, or private schools (see Figure 1). This survey of public opinion found that parents of private school students were overwhelmingly more satisfied with their child’s institution compared to TPS parents. Leading in every category, private schools seem to be the most ideal choice for parents, but tuition cost often excludes these institutions as a realistic option for many inner-city parents. www.chicagodefender.com

Pro •Private schools seem to make parents more confident in the safety of their children in violent areas of Chicago. Though lacking metal detectors and a large security presence, private schools seem to be among the safest, according to parental opinion. •An NCES study report says, “When student covariates are included in the model, all private schools, as well as Catholic and Lutheran schools, maintain a higher average school mean than public schools.” •Private schools have been known to continue the incorporation of arts programs in a STEM-driven educational system. •Parent Opinion: “I think it was safer, I think the teachers cared more. . . . I think it made her a better person” says Mary Lathan, mother of a Chicago Archdiocese graduate. Cons •Traditionally, private schools are seen as a luxury reserved for the wealthy or well off because of the high cost of attendance, which typically removes these institutions from the list of educational options. •Parents also say that private schools are overtly strict and discourage individuality with their uniform and appearance guidelines. •The majority of private schools have religious affiliations, which has fueled the debate of whether federal dollars can be used to fund the education of students using vouchers. •Statement from NAACP on Vouchers: “Department of Education studies have concluded that the voucher program has had no effect on the academic achievement of students who use vouchers. Federal studies have also demonstrated an alarming number of accountability shortcomings in the program. Examples include federal taxpayer dollars funding tuition at private schools that do not even charge tuition, schools that lacked city occupancy permits, and schools employing teachers without bachelor’s degrees or certifications.” Bottom Line

Should a potentially better education choice be denied to taxpaying citizens because of financial shortcomings? Some states say no. Arizona, Colorado, Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin all have school voucher programs in place that allow low-income parents to receive state funds allotted for the education of a child to be transferred to the institution of their choice. These programs allow Black parents the right to true educational choice whether traditional, charter or private. It seems odd that students are allowed to take federal funds for private colleges and universities. Federal funding is used in health care, as well as public defenders that are privately employed; yet, the same funding option has not been made available for primary education nationally. The main argument against school vouchers is the possible violation of separation of church and state,. Education choice supporters feel that parental choice of the best educational options trumps religious restrictions. Each parent holds different values and standards for the education of their children. If the government is going to collect taxpayer dollars for public community education, one could argue that those same funds should follow any given child no matter the parental decision of school type. Whether federal funds should be allocated for private or charter education is a constant debate that shows no signs of quieting down. There is no doubt that U.S. children need some form of educational choice to provide the best education for each individual student. Black parents want to know, when will the choice be theirs? KayCee Shakur is the founder of Bomani Now (bomaninow.org). She earned a BA in political science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Facebook and Twitter: @BomaniNow Kids First Chicago (kidsfirstchicago.org) is an organization that believes all children have a right to a high-quality education within their community regardless of race, background, or income. Their mission is to provide parents and families with the information and skills to access high-quality schools and to shape education policy to better serve their children. THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 12 - 18, 2017 07


ACHIEVE

Parent Orientation & Registration April 22 for 2017 Spring/Summer STEM Classes for K–8th Grade Ivan Favila, Assistant Dean and Director of the Morrill Engineering Program and the Center for Academic Resources in Engineering at University of Illinois, to Speak

I

f you’ve been looking for a program that will set your child on the path to a career in science or engineering, look no further. On April 22 from 9 to 11 a.m., the Parent Orientation/Registration for 2017 Spring and Summer classes in the Chicago Pre-College Science & Engineering Program will be held for grades K-8. Ivan Favila, assistant dean and director of the Morrill Engineering Program (MEP) and the Center for Academic Resources in Engineering (CARE) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will speak to participants on recruitment and retention of minority engineering students, a topic he is intimately familiar with. As assistant dean at the University of Illinois, Favila contributes to the various student-centered retention and recruitment activities in the College’s Undergraduate Programs Office. At the Morrill Engineering Program, he supports underrepresented and underserved students pursuing engineering degrees while increasing the number of minority students studying engineering. Since he started at Morrill, minority enrollment in engineering has increased by 50 percent through structured retention initiatives and proactive recruitment strategies. Prior to working at Illinois’ Urbana campus, he directed the Minority Engineering Program at the University of Notre Dame. On all campuses, he advised the student chapters of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and Society of

Ivan Favila Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES). Kenneth Hill, president of ChiS&E, commented, “We are honored to have Ivan speak to our students and parents. He is well-known to his students and protégés as a man who will go the extra mile to promote academic, personal and professional leadership and service.” The Spring 2017 Orientation/Registration will take place at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), 750 S Halsted St., Lecture Hall A. Registration is open to current and new students in grades K-6. Attendance at

08 April 12 - 18, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

the orientation is mandatory for participation. Parents must bring their child’s birth certificate and most recent report card. Parents must participate in Saturday sessions with each child in grades K-3 and 5th grade. Current students in grades 6-8 who have completed both Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters are eligible to be considered for summer programming opportunities. Now entering its 8th year of providing innovative, age-appropriate hands-on learning activities for little engineers and young mathematicians, physicists and computer scientists, the ChiS&E program is free and open to the public. ChiS&E builds science, engineering and math knowledge for grade levels K-12; engages and empowers parents as valued partners in their children’s education; introduces and develops pre-algebra skills in early grades; and works with families to prepare students to succeed in undergraduate engineering and science programs in top universities. The Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program (ChiS&E) is presented in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Colleges of Education and Engineering and Department of Mathematics. Sponsors include BP, Colonel Stanley McNeil Foundation, Elasticsearch, W. K. Kellogg Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Peoples Gas, and Albert Pick Foundation. For more information, visit www.chiprep.org or email info@chiprep. org.

Etiquette Education Offered for Your Public and Private Lives After years of contemplating the launch of an etiquette-consulting business, founder and CEO Ellen Rozelle Turner decided the time was right to test the market for Mind Your Manners Limited. Turner watched how a new generation of families were so busy running to sports, music and social events, little time was being devoted to sit-down family dinners or taking the time to teach some of the basic social manners to their children. She initially thought young children would be the sole focus of the etiquette-training business, but once she became an executive herself, she soon learned that there was also a strong need in the corporate and not-for-profit areas as well. In 2010, after receiving her formal etiquette training at the Etiquette Institute of St. Louis, Turner decided to solicit a few private clients. She made a call to a friend who was the executive director of a college program that assists at-risk students through their college experience and persuaded him to let her train his students on how to get prepared for the workplace. Turner’s friend was so excited about the idea of business, social and dining etiquette that he decided to have her train his professional staff first, and the rest is history. Turner’s dream of more than 20 years finally came to fruition. The dining etiquette covers everything from how to manage a networking event to the proper way to hold your napkins, glassware, utensils and how much to tip. Mind Your Manners Limited provides a safe and positive environment to validate your etiquette skills or learn new ones. It is open seven days a week and can also be used to rent for private events. Mind Your Manners limited is in the Printer’s Row neighborhood at 633 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago. You can learn more by calling 312374-8940 or on the website at www.mindyourmannersltd. com, or on Facebook. www.chicagodefender.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.