Chicago defender 04 26 17

Chicago and suburbs $1

Volume 111 No. 102

CHICAGODEFENDER POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA

CHICAGODEFENDER.COM

April 26 - May 2, 2017

Our Caregiving Crisis

Loretta Veney and her mom, Doris.

J.B. Pritzker: The Illinois Governor’s Race

Page 5

Comedian W. Kamau Bell

Page 13

COVER STORY

The Black Caregiver Crisis

By Shari Noland Defender Executive Editor In 2012, Sharon Canady’s mom broke her vertebrae when she rolled off the couch in her sleep one night. Canady’s sister worked from home and was able to assist with their mom’s day-to-day care.

On the weekends, Canady would help out and relieve her sister.

“Mom can’t cook. She can’t drive anymore. She can’t do her laundry. She can walk, but because of that injury she gets so winded just walking from the couch to the bathroom,” said Canady.

After three years, Canady, who is now 55, started to feel worn out. Not only was she helping her sister take care of their mom, but she still had her own chores to do, worked 50+ hours a week at her job, was active in her church, and had family obligations with her husband and two sons, ages 14 and 20. To make matters worse, Canady could see that both her mom, 74, and dad, 76, needed more attention. Something had to give. That’s when she decided to leave her job and become a home care aid for her parents through a privately owned agency. At $10.95 an hour, it’s a fraction of what she once made.

“While being a home care aid is very rewarding for me, I couldn’t do this if I were not married. The pay is very low; they don’t offer company paid benefits, and it’s hard work,” said Sharon, who lives on the Southwest Side of Chicago.

“And my agency is a good agency. They tend to pay more. I called one that only paid $9.00 an hour.”

The paid caregiving workforce—nursing assistants and home care workers— is on track to add more new jobs to the economy than any other job in the next decade, according to PHI, a research and consulting organization widely recognized for its expertise on the direct care workforce. And the workforce is predominantly women of color--and those who rely on them. As a nation, we will need 5 million of these workers to meet the needs of the growing number of older Americans in their homes and other settings. But we currently face unprecedented shortages of workers because jobs pay so poorly.

“You know most people probably just look at direct-care workers and think that they might do light housework, they probably fix meals, bathe and clean up poop all day,” said Daniel Wilson, PHI director of Federal Affairs and a native Chicagoan who now lives in the Washington D.C. area. “But they don’t look at the vulnerable senior who may not have family in contact with them who can ensure that they’re getting nutrition every day. Some direct care workers go to the doctor’s appointments with them and tell the doctor, ‘No, this medication isn’t working’ Or, ‘They’re showing some signs of disease progression.’ They’re not medical person-

CHICAGO DEFENDER (ISSN: 07457014)

Published weekly by Real Times Media, Inc. 4445 S. Martin Luther King Dr. Chicago, Ill. 60653 Periodicals Postage Paid at Chicago, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chicago Defender 4445 S. King Dr. Chicago, Ill. 60653

INSIDE

Wednesday – Tuesday April 26- May 2, 2017

Cover Story................................................................2 On the Scene............................................................13 Community Calendar...............................................19 Classifieds................................................................20

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.

(From left to right) Leo Stewart, Sharon Canady, Tracey Barney, and Elaine Stewart. nel by any stretch, but, they can be the eyes and ears of the person who they’re taking care of who may not be able to speak for themselves.”

PHI’s #60CaregiverIssues campaign (www.60CaregiverIssues.org) is trying to draw public attention to this crisis. Many direct care workers, as a direct result of the Affordable Care Act, receive health care coverage from the Medicaid Expansion Program. If the Affordable Care Act is repealed, it could be detrimental to them.

“You know, you have a lot of individuals who are working 40 plus hours a week, but because the wage is not substantiated enough for them to meet their basic needs, they have to rely on Medicaid for their healthcare,” said Daniels.

Be Prepared One thing that many professionals preach to all people about caregiving is to be prepared. Whether you anticipate being a caregiver to older parents or you’re concerned about your own need for a caregiver in the future, having family meetings and sorting out the details will make the transition go smoother. Have you considered long-term insurance? Do you only want in-home care or are you open to a facility? Can a family member take on the caregiving or do you need to hire someone from an agency or even a medical professional?

“I know professionally and personally in the African American community, it is sort of, just assumed that we are going to care for our aging moms, dads, and other relatives. You know, we did not have the luxury of assisted living or any traditional facility [because of] income and culture.

02 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

It was just not something that we subscribed to. Only in the latter 15 years has it become commonplace or acceptable, for lack of words, to do so,” said Angie Boddie, Director of Health Programs National Caucus and Center for Black Aging, Inc. NCBA (http://www.ncba-aged. org/) is a 47- year-old advocacy organization for low-income African American seniors. Their cornerstone programs are affordable safe-housing, training and employment, and health. NCBA is based in Washington, D.C., but has a Chicago office at 2600 S. Michigan Ave. Regardless of your position, you don’t have to go it alone. Illinois, along with every state, has a health Ombudsman, a person appointed specifically to help you and your family make these types of transitions and navigate through the complicated healthcare system. The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program aims to “protect and promote the rights of people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care settings.” They work to solve problems for residents and/or their families. You can find out more information about the Ombudsman in your area on the Illinois Department of Aging website (https://www.illinois.gov/aging/ Pages/default.aspx), which also lists services and information for veterans. Or you can call the senior helpline at 1-800252-8966.

If you’re looking for personal advice from someone you can relate to, consider reading “Being My Mom’s Mom,” by motivational speaker Loretta Anne Woodward Veney. In her book, Veney shares continued on page 03

Editorial submissions to The Chicago Defender letters@chicagodefender.com businessnews@chicagodefender.com editorial@chicagodefender.com eventcal@chicagodefender.com EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

Interim Publisher: Frances Jackson Executive Editor: Shari Noland

Senior Staff Writer: Mary L. Datcher

Senior Editor: Katara Washington Patton Social Media Manager: Bernell Lassai Graphic Designer: Diona Jackson Contributing Writers:

Ashley Lisenby, Lee Edwards,

Dr. Karen January, Constant W. Watson III, Maurice Lee, and Charlene Crowell, T. Shawn Taylor

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

Nursing Home Workers Demand ‘Decent Wages’

By Maurice Lee Defender Contributing Writer

Loretta Veney and her mom, Doris. couldn’t go home because she couldn’t do anything for herself. So she moved in with her aunt. her personal journey before and after her mom’s demen“I was confined to my room because I couldn’t move tia. She describes the experience as faithful, funny, heart- around and get to various parts of the house. I needed breaking and hopeful for those who may be going through somebody to do laundry for me, clean my room, change the same thing. my sheets, sometimes help me with my hair,” said West“The one greatest lesson is, and it took me a while to brook. catch onto this one, and that is we have to let go ... and At first, she received a lot of assistance from Access this is really important, I think, for us as African Ameri- Living Chicago (https://www.accessliving.org/), which cans. We have to let go of a lot of the traditions and things enables people with disabilities to transition into autonwe had. Because when the sun’s down or stuff starts to omous community living. They creep in, and they get anxious or mean or provided her items to make mad or whatever, and then you still want her life easier and more comto force them to come over on a holiday. fortable, such as setting her up If they’re not happy, nobody’s happy,” said with a homemaker, getting her Woodward, whose mom just turned 88 in started on Meals on Wheels, February. and providing simple things like a plastic drawer of containers for Veney, who lives in Prince George’s her supplies and a rolling hospiCounty, Maryland, has delivered more than tal table. But even with that, 200 presentations nationwide on demenWestbrook desired more indetia and elder care planning for the Alzheipendence and moved into an mer’s Association, Alzheimer’s support assisted living facility for a short groups, church groups and memory care while before, this time, moving in facilities throughout the United States. with her mom.

“I actually have a presentation called “It was hard for me to find ‘Lifting the Spirit of the Caregiver,’ and in a facility because there’s not a that, I talk about joy. You have to find joy in lot of places that accommodate the little things. So if that’s sitting in a Mcpeople my age. So there needs Donald’s with a ninety nine cent ice cream to be an adjustment made in Ilcone, then we have to find the joy in that. linois, and probably everywhere Because people will come over to us like, else, because there are a lot of ‘Y’all are having so much fun!’ My mom Lolita Westbrook and therapist. gunshot victims. There are a lot has no idea what my name is or anything.

She calls me ‘very nice person.’ Whenever I tell people of young people having strokes and heart attacks. Where that, they’re like, ‘Oh, that’s so sad.’ I’m like, ‘No. It’s not do they go to stay and to get help when most places are really sad because I have other friends whose parents get for seniors?” said Lolita. the really mean kind of Alzheimer’s and they cuss you out Westbrook lost her caregiver coverage two years ago and all that.’ So I’m happy to be the very nice person when because she didn’t know she had to get “certified” to I compare myself to some of my friends. We just try to do prove she still needed the service. She has spent hours the joy thing and take what the day gives you,” said Veney. on the phone with the Department of Health and Human Services trying to get her coverage back, but she keeps Younger People Need Caregivers, Too Younger people sometimes get lost in the caregiver getting the runaround or being put on hold.

“I need my homemaker because that really helps my crisis because we assume most of the issues are related to seniors. But, after being under a lot of stress at work, day. It helps me to push to the goal to be more indepenLolita Westbrook had a stroke in 2014 and became para- dent, to get strong and to get into society being produclyzed from the waist down at age 45. When it was time for tive. I mean I’ve got at least 15 more working years,” said her to be released from the rehab center, she knew she Westbrook.

Black Caregivers, continued from, Page 02

www.chicagodefender.com

At a press conference held at a protest outside the Alden Wentworth nursing home, 255 W. 69th St., Gregory Kelley, Executive Vice President for SEIU Health Care Illinois explained the current state of affairs for the healthcare workers.

“We’re out here today: here and at 10 other sites throughout the region with nursing home workers who we believe and they believe deserve a raise,” said Kelley. “We’ve been in negotiation with the owners of the nursing homes for about two years and our members are fed up and saying we want a decent and fair contract and decent wages.”

Kelley was flanked by a number of local elected officials, including Aldermen Toni Foulkes (16th) and Roderick Sawyer (6th), Democratic gubernatorial candidates J. B. Pritzker and Chris Kennedy, former mayoral candidate and Cook County Commissioner Chuy Garcia, and representatives of local Organized Labor.

The protest on April 7 was part of a regional effort to call attention to the chronic understaffing and substandard pay they say are endemic to the nursing home industry in Illinois. More than 1,000 nursing home workers protested at 11 nursing homes in the Chicago area and those demonstrations may be just a taste of what’s to come if ongoing negotiations between nursing home owners and the workers’ union fail to bear fruit.

“Decent wages” seems to be a big sticking point.

While nursing home workers are currently among the lowest wage workers in the state, according to Kelley, nursing home owners apparently still believe that workers’ salaries are too rich. During negotiations, Kelley says that the owners have proposed reducing new employee salaries to below the Chicago and Cook County minimum wage of $13 an hour. But according to Kelley, the owners’ drive to suppress wages is unsustainable and can only negatively impact the industry moving forward.

“So obviously, we are rejecting (their proposal). If you’re going to pay nursing home workers—who again are dealing with the sick and the elderly—less than minimum wage, how do you even take care of folks?

You just won’t have the staff to do it. And so workers are overworked and understaffed and they’re severely underpaid.”

Dominque Nelson, a housekeeper at the Alden Princeton Nursing home, agrees that any talk of reducing wages is a non-starter. Tasked with cleaning as many as 18 rooms per day from top to bottom, Nelson describes the work as “backbreaking” and he believes that the owners aren’t concerned with paying what is necessary to provide quality service because they are too focused on their own bottom line.

“It’s like they only care about themselves, and a lot of people are leaving this place because of that,” said Nelson. “My work is worth more. It’s hard work because I have so much to do. It’s important work because I want the residents to feel happy, healthy and comfortable. I go home feeling tired, worn out, sleepy and I have kids that look up to me and I love my kids and I love the residents. And that’s why I’m here today.”

At this point, the battle lines are clearly drawn and time is running out for both sides. According to Kelley, negotiations with the nursing home owners dragged on long enough and unless there is progress soon, his members are set to walk out.

“We bargain for the last time on April 27,” Kelley said to members at the protest. “We’re hopeful, you all, that we’ll get a settlement; but if we don’t, we are prepared for a strike.”

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 03

FINANCE

The Retirement Crisis Facing African Americans

Rodney Brooks

By Rodney Brooks Originally published in NextAvenue.org

There’s a saying: When White America catches a cold, Black America catches pneumonia. So, if there is an impending retirement crisis in America, what does that mean for African Americans? The answer to that question is discouraging.

There is a huge gap in retirement preparation of African Americans compared to White Americans, generally speaking.

According to the Urban Institute’s Nine charts about wealth inequality in America: The average White family had more than $130,000 in liquid retirement savings (cash in accounts such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs) vs. $19,000 for the average African American in 2013, the most recent data available.

The wealth gap is growing. The average wealth of White families in 2013 was more than $500,000 higher than that of African American families ($95,000). In 1963, the average wealth of White families was $117,000 higher than for Black families.

According to the Federal Reserve, in 2013, the median White household had $13 in net wealth for every $1 in net wealth of the median Black household.

White families accumulate more wealth over their lives than African American families, on average, which widens the wealth gap as they age. In their 30s, Whites have an average of $140,000 more in wealth than African Americans (three times as much). By their 60s, Whites have over $1 million more in wealth than African Americans (11 times as much).

“The American dream has not happened for African Americans and Hispanics,” says Signe-Mary McKernan, economist and co-director, opportunity and ownership initiative at the Urban Institute.

“Retirement wealth is at the end of the cycle. A lot of things can happen along the way before you get there.”

The pay gap and the wealth gap are among the many reasons African Americans enter retirement in poor financial shape, says Maya Rockeymoore, President of Center for Global Policy Solutions in Washington, D.C. Other explanations include financial literacy and investing habits.

The Pay Gap

“There is a pay gap when it comes to

what African Americans earn when it compares to Whites, even when you control for education,” says Rockeymoore. “We are starting with less.”

The hourly pay gap has widened to the worst in 40 years, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) — a roughly 27 percent difference in 2015. Whites earned an average of $25.22 an hour vs. $18.49 for Blacks, the EPI says. Declining unionization, the failure to raise the minimum wage and lax enforcement of anti-discrimination laws have contributed to the growing Black-White wage gap, according to the EPI. “We need to be having forums addressing labor-market decisions,” Rockeymoore says. Blacks are earning less than Whites and it is not a reflection of talents or skills, she notes. “It is a reflection of discrimination in the labor market. We talk about the gender-pay gap, but we need to talk about the racial-pay gap.”

The Wealth Gap

According to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, in 2013, the median White household had $13 in net wealth for every $1 in net wealth of the median Black household. Also, according to a Pew Charitable Trusts report, “What Resources Do Families Have For Financial Emergencies”, the typical White household has slightly more than one month’s worth of income in liquid savings, compared with just five days for the typical African-American household.

The Federal Reserve report said that Whites are five times more likely to receive large gifts and inheritances than Blacks and the amounts tend to be much larger for Whites. “That is one of the main issues,” says financial planner Nick Abrams of AJW Financial Partners in Columbia, Md. “We [African Americans] are starting at ground zero every generation. That is hurting us financially.”

Rockeymoore agrees. “The wealth gap is serious,” she says, pointing to disparities between Blacks and Whites regarding employer-sponsored retirement plans.

“A significant number of us [Blacks] are in jobs where we do not have access to pre-tax preferred retirement vehicles like 401(k) or 403(b) accounts,” says Rockeymoore. Many Blacks work in small businesses where such plans frequently are not offered.

“If we do work in jobs that offer tax-preferred vehicles, we tend to not contribute at rates that Whites do. And we take out loans at higher rates,” adds Rockeymoore.

One solution, she notes, would be more access to such employer-sponsored plans.

Home ownership also plays a big part in the wealth gap. The typical White household aged 47 to 64 has housing wealth of $67,000; the typical household of color in this age group has zero home equity, according to the December 2016 report, “Social Security and the Racial Gap in Retirement Wealth”, from the National Academy of Social Insurance.

Debt can limit the ability to achieve other financial goals, especially retirement planning, too. “Among African American employees surveyed who are offered an em-

04 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

ployer-sponsored retirement account but contribute less than the employer match or do not contribute at all, 40 percent say that paying down debt is a higher priority for them than making retirement contributions, according to Prudential’s 2015-2016 African American Financial Experience.

Financial Literacy

There are also big differences in financial literacy between Blacks and Whites.

Only one in 10 African Americans work with a financial professional compared with one in four White Americans, the Prudential report said.

“Many African Americans have had no history of someone who was a grandfather or someone who gave them some level of financial education in that household,” says James Brewer, president of Envision Wealth Planning in Chicago and president of the Association of African American Financial Advisors. “So, one of the challenges is around some level of financial education.”

Theodore Daniels, president of the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, agrees. “There has got to be more education. People have got to be willing to attend financial education workshops. Some people don’t know what they don’t know. Once they attend, they say ‘I can do this.’ If they are not educated, they are not comfortable making decisions, and they won’t do it,” Daniels notes.

Some analysts also say that African Americans often shy away from investing in the stock market. “Whatever discretionary income we have, we tend not to invest in equities,” says Rockeymoore. “We don’t have a diversification.”

This may be due to a lack of comfort with the stock market.

“African Americans are risk-averse,” says Deborah Owens, a former Fidelity Investments vice president who calls herself America’s Wealth Coach. “So, one of the major reasons they have less in retirement savings is they are ultra-conservative, particularly African Americans who work in the public sector and nonprofit organizations.”

Owens says Black investors typically focus on guaranteed or fixed investments that are low-risk or no-risk. As a result, their retirement funds aren’t compounding at a high rate of return.

According to the Federal Reserve, the

average balance of African Americans in 401(k)s is only $23,000. And Social Security and the Racial Gap in Retirement Wealth found the average balance for African Americans in pensions and IRAs was $10,300 vs. $105,600 for White Americans.

Owens believes many African American workers don’t take full advantage of all the choices in their employer-sponsored plans because they don’t understand them.

“The tendency to be risk averse is directly correlated to their lack of knowledge,” she says.

What Employers and Policymakers Could Do to Help

Brewer believes employers could play a bigger educational role.

“It is important for companies or organizations who have higher percentages of African American employees to realize that there are some differences, and they need to bring in people who have some cultural sensitivities to those differences, and come up with a plan to help those groups,” says Brewer.

He says African Americans need financial advice on issues such as having higher student loan debt than White counterparts and, often, a greater need to financially assist less affluent family members. Rockeymoore says African Americans, even in retirement, tend to support other family members, including children and adult children. Also, they are disproportionately taking care of grandchildren, making them unable to save more for retirement.

All in all, says Rockeymoore: “There needs to be a national campaign to encourage young African Americans to save and invest. Home ownership is the pathway to wealth. They [Blacks] need to be educated in the homebuying process and also to diversify their investments to include stocks and bonds.”

McKernan believes policymakers also need to take action to close the racial retirement security gap. “This country is built on the premise that it provides economic opportunity,” she says. “But this country continues a history of discrimination and the result of that is passed from generation to generation.”

Rodney Brooks is a personal finance and retirement writer whose work has appeared in USA Today, The Washington Post and elsewhere. www.chicagodefender.com

POLITICS

J.B. Pritzker: The Illinois Governor’s Race

By Mary L. Datcher Defender Senior Staff Writer At a young age, Jay Robert “J. B.” Pritzker was taught the importance of having an independent voice in our American democracy. Born to Sue and Donald Pritzker, he was raised in a Jewish family with strong faith and solid beliefs in “tzedakah”—a Hebrew practice and philosophy of giving back for the common good.

“I grew up in a home where my parents helped to build the reform Synagogue that was in our community where I was bar mitzvah at the local synagogue. Fundamental to my religion and fundamental to my home life was this focus on social and economic justice,” Pritzker said.

“My parents were small business owners who built a small one into a big one, but just being in business doesn’t make up everything about you. It’s who you are, how you grew up, your faith and what you believe in. My parents had me knocking on doors at age 11 for candidates—progressive Democratic candidates. Because they believed that’s how you get the world to change.”

The Pritzker family name is a familiar fingerprint on some of the most prominent and low-key philanthropic programs throughout the country and specifically Illinois. Whereas, the Fields reigned Chicago’s aristocracy—the Pritzkers have become the leaders of building a family dynasty of wealth, political influence and philanthropic contributions that have impacted thousands.

Making His Own Way Earlier this month, surrounded by his wife, Mary Kathryn “M.K” Pritzker, and their two children—J.B. Pritzker made the official announcement of his candidacy for the 2018 Illinois governor’s race at the Grand Crossing park field house. His announcement was not a surprise to people in key political circles who are familiar with the billionaire venture capitalist and his commitment to the Democratic Party.

Earning his A.B. in political science at Duke University, Pritzker attended Northwestern University School of Law to earn his J.D. In the mid-1990’s, Pritzker established the Pritzker Group Venture Capital, one of the largest investor firms in the country, with a concentrated focus on tech company investments. His estimated net worth is reported at $3.4 billion.

The businessman’s advocacy for entrepreneurship has led him to launch several companies, and he is a co-founder of the technology and innovation center 1871.

With numerous recognitions and awards by countless organizations that he and his family have endowed over the years—the 52-year old believes the way to change policy is from with inside the system. Pritzker is going to the communities that have been hit the hardest by the state stalemate—trying to raise the support of those feeling disengaged by the political process and the Democratic Party. www.chicagodefender.com

Jay Robert “J. B.” Pritzker

“I think too often the community has been promised things by politicians and it doesn’t get delivered. So, it’s worth asking about what they’ve done in the past to wonder whether they’ll deliver in the future.”

“I think that one question is worth asking about all the candidates, particularly about African Americans, in Chicago and Illinois is what were they doing when they weren’t running for public office? In other words, it’s easy when you’re running to stand up and say, ‘I might do this and I do that—fake promises.’ I think too often the community has been promised things by politicians and it doesn’t get delivered. So, it’s worth asking about what they’ve done in the past to wonder whether they’ll deliver in the future,” said Pritzker.

With $250 million in state funding being withheld from CPS, it has put tremendous strain on an educational system that is already on life support.

Pritzker says his work has been dedicated to children from low-income communities. “I focus on children—Black and Brown children. For example, for several years, I’ve been a national leader on early childhood education, early learning—quality childcare and quality pre-school. Thousands of kids get quality pre-school and childcare because of the work that I’ve done,” he continued. “These are kids who are at risk, low income, often [in] Black and Brown communities. That’s work that I’ve been dedicated to for many years. Whether I win or lose as governor, I will continue to do the work. If I win—that work will be expanded greatly in the state of Illinois.”

He says part of his work has included chairing the Illinois Human Rights commission, the state’s civil rights court.

“We eliminated the backlog in a bipartisan fashion with my leadership. People put ‘shoulder to the wheel’ to help us get it done. I ran that commission for three

years.”

Public Safety and the Criminal System On criminal justice, Pritzker has worked with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on some of these efforts.

“The Child and Family Justice Center is another one I endowed and that’s focused on juvenile justice and detention, getting kids out of that system and keeping them out. Also, both of those organizations are focused on changing public policy,” he explains.

“Even if you live a life that’s free of any interaction with the law, you still have this mark sitting on your records—it can prevent you from getting employment, an apartment. It shouldn’t be that way. You shouldn’t have to hire a lawyer to get it off your record when you made a mistake at 15, 16 or 17 years old or younger. It should automatically be taken it off.”

Pritzker says the on-going violence is a long-term buildup of economic disenfranchisement in low disparity areas throughout the state, and not having preventative programs in place is a direct result of not having a state budget.

“Fighting the violence problem is also about building our human services in this state. They’ve been torn apart about not having a budget. The fact that people are losing hope is a big reason why people end up picking up a gun. If you can’t stabilize your life and you can’t get a job, there’s no one giving you a little bit of a helping hand.

We need to solve the problem before it becomes a bigger problem. It’s an economic problem to begin with and that’s what I intend to [solve] as governor,” said Pritzker.

Governor Rauner and Mayor Emanuel Through ad buys Republicans have called out Pritzker’s support of Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan, asking who is really pulling the strings. “I’m an independent leader, I’m an independent thinker.

My view is that the governor of the state of Illinois, whoever they may be, needs to work with the mayor of the city of Chicago, whoever they may be, to get things done for the state. The city of Chicago is part of the state so you must have a relationship.

There is no relationship today between the governor of Illinois and the mayor of Chicago—that must change. You don’t get to say, ‘I don’t like that personality.’ You don’t have that luxury. The point is the kids are at stake, the city is at stake. The economic engine is also at stake.”

He says the governor “doesn’t get to tell the mayor or the city council what they should do.” But as a loyal Democratic, Pritzker is determined to win back the African American base that was lost in the 2014 gubernatorial election. To add further damage to an open wound—Donald Trump’s victorious win in the presidential election captured 13 percent of African American male voters.

“The Republican party has never done anything as long as I’ve been alive for the African American community. That’s not really an option—Trump is certainly not an option. Trump’s answer is troops are everything except for rebuilding the infrastructure for the African American community, building up wealth or building up ownership in the community or making the community a success.”

However, the gubernatorial hopeful is not letting members of the Democratic Party off the hook. “Do all Democrats do the right thing? No. Am I going to make a plea to you on behalf of the Democratic Party that African American voters need to be Democrats? I’m not going to make that plea to you. I am going to make the plea, there are better leaders in the Democratic Party for the community, for our state than the Republican Party and certainly in the case for governor.”

Also, challenging Gov. Rauner is Democratic candidates: businessman Chris Kennedy and Alderman Ameya Pawar, who have some serious fundraising efforts underway as Pritzker adds $7 million of his personal funds to his campaign chest. He understands the stakes are high to go toeto-toe against Rauner’s deep pockets.

“My parents passed away when I was young. My father when he was 39, my mother when she was 49. But their fundamental values are the things they taught me, as I grew up. They carry me every day, I think about those values now,” he pauses.

“What matters in the world? Am I making them proud? Because I want to make my parents proud. I think I’m doing that in the ways that I can everyday—trying hard.

Sometimes we fail, but every day when I wake up, [I] think to myself: what can I do to make the world a little better?”

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 05

COMMENTARY

POLITICS

Who Champions Black Women?

T. Shawn Taylor

By T. Shawn Taylor Defender Contributing Writer Hats off to Perquita Burgess, the Black former temp worker at FOX News, for standing up to big media to reclaim her dignity. You may recall O’Reilly was fired a day after her new sexual harassment allegations became public. O’Reilly still walks away with a $25 million payout and the chance to make millions more in appearances. Burgess, unlike the five women FOX paid to settle claims against O’Reilly, won’t see a dime. She said on “The View” last week she is satisfied knowing O’Reilly won’t do it to another woman, at least not at FOX. Burgess’ attorney Lisa Bloom says the fact her clients weren’t seeking financial restitution made them more credible and ultimately brought down O’Reilly. Lesson learned? Time will tell. More than 25 years since Professor Anita Hill accused her former boss, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, of sexual harassment at his Senate confirmation hearings, and employers are still getting it wrong. The onus is always on the accuser. And when she’s at the lower end of the pay scale, or a Black woman of any rank, she is likely to endure the abuse longer and least likely to be compensated for it, let alone in the millions of dollars.

Already reeling from the demise of its Chairman Roger Ailes over sexual harassment allegations and legal action brought by former FOX anchor Gretchen Carlson, and similar claims by former FOX personality Megyn Kelly, the New York Times reported the network settled five claims against its star O’Reilly for more than $13 million.

Burgess’ case was never about money, but it raises serious questions about why, in socalled modern times, feminism’s hard-won established norms for how women are to be treated consistently fall short to safeguard Black women.

“Nobody cares about what happens to our dignity and our well-being. When I say nobody, I mean the society around us is not offended,” said Sandra Finley, president and CEO of the League of Black Women, a research and advocacy organization for Black professional wom-

en with leadership ambitions. “You can be a temp working at a company that (you) hoped would lead to a career, or you can be (U.S. Rep.) Maxine Waters. It doesn’t matter. You can’t have enough status, can’t have enough accomplishment and be safe as a Black woman, or be presumed that you will be safe.”

Finley was referring to the backlash after a clip of Waters criticizing President Trump ran on “The O’Reilly Factor,” and its host commented he couldn’t hear her “for the James Brown wig.”

“These are the same people who consistently offended First Lady Michelle Obama,” said Finley, adding that for Black women, “There is no social advocacy for the dignity of her person.”

As soon as she said it, I knew what had been missing in my life: A champion.

As a Black woman, I’ve witnessed and experienced the degradation and verbal assaults, in and outside the workplace. I don’t expect those who would attack Michelle Obama but back O’Reilly or Trump to be my champions.

But it hurts when social advocacy for my protection is missing from the places you’d expect to find it: in the workplace, your own community, the family, or at home. Even now, perceptions of Black women are unduly influenced by pop culture rather than the tender feelings the men who would offend have for their own sisters, daughters and mothers. It’s where the term “ignorance is bliss” comes from.

In the workplace, a lot more women suffer through sexual harassment than report it. Burgess’ allegations date back to 2010. She told “The View” she didn’t report it then because she didn’t want to jeopardize opportunities for other temp workers from the agency. That she left a social media trail, proclaiming on her Twitter feed a few years ago “Bill O’Reilly likes black women… let’s leave it at that,” not only boosts her credibility, Bloom said, but shows the abuse affected her for years.

But don’t go lumping Burgess in with Kelly and Carlson. To quote author Bebe Moore Campbell, “Your blues ain’t like mine.” FOX settled last fall with Carlson for $20 million, and Megyn Kelly has gone on to replace Tamron Hall on the “Today” show.

Burgess, who described the abuse last week on “The View,” said she felt “triumphant” over O’Reilly’s firing. She painted a picture of O’Reilly as almost childlike in his persistence and throw-a-rock-then-hide-your-hand tactics.

Grunting at her as he walked passed her desk when nobody was around, and looking her up and down. Then came the bigger insult. He walked passed her desk and said “Hey, Hot Chocolate,” Burgess told the panel. “And he didn’t look at me when he said it…not only was it sexual, but I took it as a very plantational remark…such a blatant person with such a high profile, making me feel uncomfortable, but not even acknowledging me.”

Host Whoopi Goldberg said Burgess “may have been the nail in O’Reilly’s coffin.” I say the 60-some advertisers that abandoned “The O’Reilly Factor” time slot brought the blueprint, the wood and a rivet gun; no nail needed. His fate was sealed. As much as some would like

06 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

continued on page 09

This is Our Moment CARL WEST GUEST COLUMNIST

I have this poster in my home office of former President Barack Obama’s most impressive statement, where he was addressing America after his first term victory.

It’s titled: This is Our Moment.

The first two paragraphs read: “America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves--if our children should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

“This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time--to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace to reclaim the American dream......”

With these powerful words, I wanted to believe that President Obama was talking directly to Black folks. I wanted to feel as though our first African American president was instructing racist America to contribute to better improve the lives of America’s most disrespected group of people since the founding fathers scripted together its Constitution.

That speech gave me hope--that “yes” is our moment!

But unfortunately, for the moment, our moment has passed. Everything I see happening in my community, collectively, gives me reason to pause. Can we regain traction or increase our momentum to make this present moment count because the past moment failed us? I truly don’t know. I have faith that my children’s children will see better days. I’m optimistic that the next few generations to come will find a way to best serve the needs of their community and honor their ancestors with collective victories instead of individual accomplishments.

Let me suggest two things that Black folks must do to establish a more better union for the future: Black folks need to stand up and be on the right side of Black history.

For instance, elected officials, stop taking small rewards to only ensure that you remain employed as an ineffective elected operative. Think about your moment in history. What do you wanna be remembered for when your tenure ends? Will there be a monument built to your name and career in politics? That should be important!

Black elite business men and

women, this is your moment to actually be seen and heard. Black folks need an infusion of capital. Use your wealth and invest in your communities. Be the change that President Obama expressed to America. And Black folks, think about who’s had an impact on your life? Let’s remember those great people and salute their greatness, and most importantly, emulate them. Don’t just honor their legacy moments, live and conduct your life similar to your favorite hero.

Imagine you’re that person and reproduce their iconic moments.

African Americans have to find wealth building mechanisms. Blacks must discover ways for the collective to uncover their hidden talents and create avenues and innovative measures to build legacy. Our children’s children depend on this moment for their undiscovered moments. Their future is centered on today’s Black folk’s ability to create stronger communities and new opportunities for jobs and economic development.

This is were I was disappointed in President Obama. The moment that he spoke of should have resonated mainly with him. He was caught up in his own moment as the first Black president and his elite status as “one of them.” This is what I believe. I’ll always honor his presence as his symbolic image can’t be questioned and what that means to future Black and Brown kids globally. He would have my vote again.

But my issue was his inability to build hundreds of wealthy Black men and women. He had the power to infuse massive opportunities to assist in the creation of wealth within the Black community. But our 44th president suffered from the same incurable illness that most Black politicians suffer from: a lack of sincerity, creativity, vision and backbone. Or either they just don’t give-a-damn!

Others use politics for power, influence and to build their community into wealthy and progressive social and political movements. Because with wealth, individuals and organizations can establish initiatives and policies to better serve their community’s agenda. As long as Blacks lack wealth, they’ll always lack the ability to forge their agendas forward.

Therefore Blacks will always be begging and pleading for others to fund their small-time but relevant social programs.

We must be the leaders of our prosperity. This must be our moment! I’m not sure how many more chances we’ll have to make the best of these moments in America, where wealth is at our fingertips. We just have to figure out our identity and play our collective roles so we can buy our freedom and have plenty more moments! Peace and One Love. I Write to Differ..... www.chicagodefender.com

GET 1O% OFF

GET IT THERE BY MOTHER'S DAY ORDER ON MACYS.COM BY TUES, MAY 9 AT 11:59PM ET & CHOOSE STANDARD SHIPPING.

FREE SHIPPING ONLINE & FREE RETURNS

ANY COSMETICS & FRAGRANCE PURCHASE!

FREE SHIPPING WITH $99 PURCHASE. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS

SAVINGS TAKEN AT REGISTER OR WITH PASS IN STORE. USE PROMO CODE FRIEND ONLINE. CHANEL EXCLUDED ONLINE. ENDS 5/7/2017.

NOW-SUN, MAY 7

FRIENDS & FAMILY

SALE SAVE ON THE DESIGNERS THAT RARELY GO ON SALE!

MACY’S FRIENDS & FAMILY

EXTRA

3O

%

OFF

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

WITH YOUR MACY'S CARD OR PASS

EXTRA 25% OFF JEWELRY, WATCHES & HOME ITEMS EXTRA 10% OFF COSMETICS/ FRAGRANCES, ELECTRICS/ ELECTRONICS, FURNITURE, RUGS & MATTRESSES

PROMO CODE FOR MACYS.COM: FRIEND

SAVINGS OFF REGULAR & SALE PRICES

NOT VALID IN BOSTON, MA, DENVER, CO, HOUSTON, TX & SURROUNDING AREAS. EXCLUDES ALL: Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, baby gear, designer jewelry/watches/sportswear, gift cards, gourmet foods, jewelry trunk shows, maternity, previous purchases, restaurants, services, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, select tech accessories, toys, wine, 3Doodler, Apple Products, Barbour, Brahmin, Breitling, Breville, COACH, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, littleBits, Locker Room By Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Michele watches, Movado Bold, Natori, New Era, Nike on Field, Rudsak, Sam Edelman, Shun, Spanx, Stuart Weitzman, Tag Heuer, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Theory, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG®, Vans, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford, Wüsthof & products offered by vendors who operate leased departments in any of our stores including: Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp & Louis Vuitton; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Chanel, 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.

30%/25%/10%

10% Cosmetics/fragrances Valid 4/26-5/7/17

FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 4/26-5/7/2017.

N7030026C.indd 1 www.chicagodefender.com

4/12/17 10:11 AM THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 07

EDUCATION

FINANCE

Illinois for Educational Equity Demand Funding Fix

By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer Fixing the formula for Illinois’ educational funding was on the mind of every educator, community stakeholder, elected official, student, and concerned citizen at the Illinois for Educational Equity (ILEE) Action For Educational Equality event held at the Chicago Theological Seminary, 1407 E. 60th St., on April 20.

ILEE is a community organization that seeks to promote policies that will create a more equitable education system for Illinois’ students. Through its advocacy, ILEE asserts it helped generate $300 million increase in state education funding for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), secured the first ever implicit bias training for 1,200 CPS school security officers, and preserved early childhood education training centers on Chicago’s South and West sides.

ILEE convened more than 200 persons fighting for equitable K-12 education funding. Illinois’ educational funding formula has drawn intense criticism from education advocates who deem its use of local property taxes as revenue for neighbor schools to be inadequate for low-income and rural communities. ILEE proposes a “fix” to the formula by replacing it with an evidence based model (EBM) which would establish a system where money would not be taken from any school district but rather create a cost of adequacy for school districts based on individual student needs that would distribute new state dollars to school districts. Through the EBM, education advocates contend efficiency, equity, transparency, and predictability would greatly increase. Ill. State Rep. William Davis (Dist.-30) sponsored House Bill 2808 (HB 2808) which would implement an EBM if passed.

Ill. State Rep. Babara Flynn Currie (Dist.- 25), one of the evening’s speakers, said she “admired the enthusiasm” of the advocates in the room and credited their voices for continuing to keep the fight for funding strong. She suggested EBM as a solution to the state’s educational funding disparity.

“Not only do we have to fix the formula, but we have to put enough money into the formula so the fix will take,” said Currie.

“It’s easy to say fix it, but at the end of the day, if you’re just robbing Peter to pay Paul, you’re just transferring money from one little pot to another. And since nobody’s pot is big enough or full enough, then you really haven’t done the job.”

The Illinois House Majority Leader added that because the state is “not doing its share,” local property tax owners feel the burden.

Ill. State Rep. Mary Flowers (Dist.-31) said people can tell what kind of society they’re living in by how children and elderly are treated.

“There should be an outrage when you factor in how much we are spending on in-

A Lesson For the Nation’s Education Secretary: Serve Public, Not Private Interests CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER

Ill. State Rep. Mary Flowers (Dist.-31) said we cannot have two Illinois and two Chicagos when discussing educational funding.

Taylor Beale, a 7th grade middle school teacher at KIPP Create College Prep, urged everyone to reach out to their elected officials to encourage them to lend their support for equitable school funding. carceration and recidivism and you know the lack of returns when it comes to that,” said Flowers.

Flowers contended that the issues facing Illinois’ educational system go beyond the funding formula.

“It’s not only the formula, it’s racism, it’s ignorance. You could fix the formula all you want, but if you still have two Illinoises or two Chicagos, one has the haves and the other the have nots, schools still won’t be fixed,” she said.

Taylor Beale, a 7th grade middle school teacher at KIPP Create College Prep, spoke to the audience about how cuts to the staff directly impact her ability to instruct her classroom. She said she’s a product of CPS and grew up near her school, which makes the challenges it faces all the more personal. She has been a teacher at KIPP for a year but has been a teacher for a total of five years, with jobs in Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

“One of our professionals who helped us specifically with behavioral [challenges] and my diverse learner teacher were let go,” said Beale. “How am I supposed to

08 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

tell my students they are going to get a proper education when I can’t make that promise because the resources aren’t there?”

Beale said community members should reach out to their elected officials through whatever means they prefer to ask what is being done to help school funding.

“I’m working maybe 14, maybe 20 hours in a day,” she said. “I’m going to have to pick up that slack, but I do it for my kids because if I don’t, who will?”

Joshua Scott, a junior at Wendell Phillips Academy High School (WPAHS), said when he came to WPAHS from a school on the North Side of Chicago, both teachers and students appeared less motivated at the South Side school.

“I can see that their needs were met much quicker on the North Side than for students on the South Side,” he said.

Scott said a lot of things are needed but stressed the need for “teachers who are willing to work with students” and more supplies so students don’t have to share all of their resources.

This year’s swearing in of a new Congress and President signaled a surge of new ideas and approaches to government.

However, no elected or appointed official should ever depart from or diminish the primary role of government: service to the American people. Ours was, is and must remain a democracy that affords every citizen the opportunity to become a productive and contributing member of society.

Yet in recent weeks, the Department of Education has taken a series of specific actions that depart from our creed and duty.

By disregarding the needs of 40 million debt-laden student loan borrowers who collectively owe more than $1.2 trillion, it seems one of the Education Department’s top priorities is to respond to concerns of student loan servicers hired and paid with taxpayer dollars.

Where is a DeVos plan to address these still-growing concerns? With more philanthropic than administrative expertise, hearing from student borrowers, higher education officials and consumer advocates would provide insightful benefits to the new Education Secretary.

In 2016, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) received 12,300 student loan complaints. Of these, the vast majority – 67 percent – concerned either their lender or their servicer. Another 30 percent of student loan complaints focused on fees, billing, credit reporting, defaults and fraud.

“More frequently than other issues, non-federal and federal student loan borrowers expressed their concerns relating to trouble with how payments are handled,” states CFPB’s report. “Borrowers complained of misapplied payments and inaccurate accounting of payments. Some borrowers complained of misapplication of payments and reported that payments were not applied to specific accounts, but rather applied to all accounts managed by the servicer.”

Ironically, servicer complaints made many mortgage borrowers frustrated too, especially during the housing crisis. Whatever the loan financed, borrowers were pleading with servicers to act responsively and fairly.

Despite minimal standards of accountability, on April 4 the National Council of Higher Education Resources (NCHER), the organization that represents student loan continued on page 11

www.chicagodefender.com

FINANCE Taylor, continued from, Page 06

IRS Tax Crimes

By Constant W. Watson Defender Contributing Writer The IRS, through its Criminal Investigation (CI), is organized to promote voluntary compliance of the tax laws. It has the authority to both investigate and prosecute those it suspects are breaking the law. Although CI recommends prosecution of only a small number of taxpayers or non-filers each year, most cases prosecuted result in convictions.

There are three basic components that comprise the life cycle of a criminal investigation: (1.) determination of whether a crime has been committed, (2) referral to the Justice Department for evaluation of the case, and (3) prosecution.

The division has agents throughout the world. They investigate crimes involving money laundering, federal taxes, and The Bank Secrecy Act laws.

According to the IRS, these are some of the common tax crimes: •Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax. The IRS defines tax evasion as the willful attempt to “evade or defeat” a tax or its payment.

Conviction under the felony tax evasion provision requires commission of an affirmative act to evade tax, such as filing a false return, whereas a mere commission, such as failure to file a return, can result in a misdemeanor conviction. Tax evasion is a crime; tax avoidance is not. According to the IRS, one who avoids tax does not conceal or misrepresent. Evasion, on the other hand, involves deceit, subterfuge, concealment, or other attempts to obscure events or make things seem other than they are. www.chicagodefender.com

•Willful Failure to Collect or Pay Tax. To be guilty of a crime, you must have a responsibility and /or duty to collect and/or account for and pay over a tax, and a willful failure to collect and/or truthfully do so.

This type of offense is generally involving an employer who fails to withhold and deposit trust fund taxes for the employees.

•Willful Failure to File a Return. This crime involves willfully failing to file a return, not paying taxes or estimated taxes, not keeping records, or not supplying information required by the laws or regulations. It is a misdemeanor but can become a felony if concealment of assets is involved.

•Making False Statements on a Return.

This is a felony if you knowingly make a false return or statement. While it is usually applied to false statements on returns, it can be applied to other false statements.

Criminal and civil penalties may be imposed for the same offense. After the criminal case has been tried, whether the taxpayer has been convicted or acquitted, the government will almost always seek the appropriate civil penalty.

The IRS has an “Individual Master File Case Creation Non-Filer Identification Program” that identifies taxpayers who have filed an individual income tax return in the prior year but failed to file in the current year.

The IRS is aware of these non-filers because it has received third-party income reporting documents. The IRS also has implemented the “Business Master File Case Creation Non-Filer Identification Process.” This process also uses third-party information and other account data to identify businesses that have not filed.

There are several ways the IRS has in discovering a taxpayer’s failure to file. The first is a delinquency check of returns that, according to IRS records, should have been filed. The second is the Information Returns Program (IRP), which begins with the IRS receiving information returns from payers of income. The information returns are matched with information reported on filed tax returns. This program identifies taxpayers who have failed to file and those who have underreported their income on filed tax returns.

Another common source of leads of non-filers is tips from ex-spouses, former friends, angry neighbors, and disgruntled employees.

According to IRS policy, “All delinquent returns submitted by a taxpayer, whether upon his/her own initiative or at the request of a Service representative will be accepted. However, if indications of willfulness or fraud exist, the special procedures for handling such returns must be followed.” The policy also indicates that non-filers normally will not be asked for more than six years of tax returns without prior managerial approval. Remember, for every tax problem, there’s a solution.

Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist. He is only one of six Certified Tax Resolution Specialists in the State of Illinois who is certified by The American Society of Tax Problem Solvers.

With more than 30 years of income tax and accounting experience, he has a reputation for excellence and client satisfaction. For a Free Consultation, call him at (708) 206-9900.

to archive O’Reilly’s ouster under “done in by a sister,” sorry, there’s just not enough evidence.

There is evidence, though, to show that a Black woman’s position doesn’t matter when it comes to this type of abuse or disrespect for her person, in general. O’Reilly’s ratings soared following his infamous brouhaha with Waters over the wig comment. Waters hit back, but Finley points out that although Waters holds a position of power, she still had to be shaken by the confrontation.

“Maxine Waters had to stop dealing with the nation’s business to deal with one man’s foolishness, one man’s viciousness, in his face,” said Finley.

“She had to pivot from the serious work of being our congresswoman. This is what this is going to be about? Really?

For black women, high or low, it doesn’t matter. It’s open season.”

Burgess called it “workplace violence.” Last year, the League of Black Women petitioned the U.S. Department of Justice under a lame-duck administration to look into the impact sexualized verbal assaults have on victims and how they escalate over time, potentially becoming physical, to no avail. At its annual symposium May 24–26 in Atlanta, the League plans to hold a session that looks at the economic impact on Black women having to function the way we do in the workplace.

In the absence of a natural norm that is inclusive of all women, Finley offers this advice: “Don’t assume they have all the power. Waters owned her power. Some say it’s easy for her, but it’s not. Her service and experience is always at horrible risk. She models what we have to do. If you wait for the cavalry to come, it’s not coming.”

If it’s the fear of losing that’s holding you back, “you’re already losing,” she continued.

“Understand that the normal society and feminism are not coming to our rescue. Womanism says you stand up for yourself and get these people to back off you, or this will continue without challenge. If you do anything less than this, you are underserving yourself.”

T. Shawn Taylor is a writer and entrepreneur based in Chicago.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 09

FINANCE

Four Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Any Type of Loan

By Candice Pardue Defender Guest Columnist Should I Go Into Debt?

With so many young American families starting out on their own, debt should be addressed in a more serious manner by our society. Unfortunately, the opposite is occurring.

At every turn, the neon lights are flashing and appear to be shouting, “Get a loan here- it’s easy!” or “Sign up for your own GOLD PLATINUM credit card and receive unlimited credit!” Recently, a new and successful (I might add) loan business has formed under the disguise of check advances, which urge you to get your pay on Tuesday instead of Friday. Of course, the company receives a nice little percentage of your paycheck. Yes, it’s tempting when you have bills to pay, groceries to buy, etc.

This is where patience is learned, however.

Learning to wait is very important in order to make wise decisions concerning finances or any other area of your life.

If grown adults who have been married 30 years can’t ignore these temptations of debt, surely young couples who are just starting out are having a difficult time resisting the “debt call.”

Years ago, young families were encouraged to save their money instead of borrowing. If they wanted to buy a house, they would need to save for years to buy their first home. The same goes for a car or new

furniture, etc. The “get it now, pay later” attitude of today has ruined many a young family by causing unnecessary financial stress.

Does this mean that debt should never occur?

Of course not. We all know that the day we’re living in does require a certain amount of debt to function. Mortgages are better than rent, because it’s considered an investment when you’re purchasing a home. Renting is basically throwing money down the drain. However, young families should still take great precautions before committing to a mortgage. This is a very long-term decision that will affect the next 30 years of their lives. It should be carefully planned. It’s wise to continue paying rent at least until you know you’re ready to commit to a mortgage.

Always seek sound advice when making a decision this huge.

Debt can and will occur in the lives of most individuals. That’s why the four questions below are so important. These questions will help you determine if taking on a debt should even be considered. If you can answer “yes” to each question, then you can begin considering the loan.

1. Does it make sense from an economic point of view to get the loan?

Ask yourself if getting this debt will add value to your life. A mortgage, for example, will add a valuable asset to your life when paid off or when you have considerable eq-

10 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

uity. In most cases, real estate appreciates in value over the years.

However, buying a brand new car doesn’t make sense in most cases. The reason? A new car worth $23,000 on the lot diminishes in value by thousands of dollars as soon as it is driven off the lot. You still owe the $23,000 even though the car may only be worth $15,000 the next day!

This doesn’t really make sense, does it?

There’s no way to ever regain the value of the car. By the time you pay it off, there’s very little value left. If you really NEED to purchase a car, why not find a nice car that’s used and in good shape. You may even be able to pay cash for the car.

A nice pre-owned car will meet your needs and cause less stress later on.

2. Can the needs (or wants) that are being funded with this loan be met using any other method?

In many cases, you can find an alternative to getting the loan. Before making your decision, think of other possible solutions.

If you’re trying to pay off another bill, for instance, perhaps there’s an item or two at your home that you could sell. Is the loan going to be placed on a credit card for an impulse purchase such as clothes, shoes, etc.? If so, perhaps you can wait to get the items later when you have the cash. Again, patience is not an easy thing, but it’s worth the wait.

3. Do you have peace of mind about getting the loan?

Let your conscience tell you if you’re doing the right thing. If you have the slightest doubt and bright red stop lights are blinking in your head, don’t do it. You’ll be glad later.

4. Is there unity between you and your spouse about getting the loan?

If there is division between you and your spouse about the loan, don’t get it. It will cause even more division every time the payment comes due (usually once a month for X amount of years). Perhaps you feel that the loan is needed, but your spouse doesn’t see it the same way. Even if you feel strongly about your cause, it’s best to listen to your spouse and join with him/her on their position. No loan is worth losing your marriage. For years now, finances have proven to be one of the major causes of divorce. I am almost certain that burdensome debt is the root of this problem.

These four questions will help you make a correct decision each time you’re faced with the dilemma of going into debt.

Remember, don’t let salesmen, credit card companies, check advance stations, or anyone else pressure you into debt.

Once you’ve signed on the dotted line, you’re “theirs” until the debt is paid - literally!

Please consider every financial decision carefully.

www.chicagodefender.com

LOCAL

LiteHouse Whole Food Grill Upgrades to New Location

By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer Community staple restaurant LiteHouse Whole Food Grill is relocating to a new, grander space in the Hyde Park neighborhood after four years of changing lives.

LiteHouse owner Rico Nance recalled the idea for the restaurant was not his own but rather a message from the Divine. He said while visiting Z-Berry, a frozen yogurt storefront in Hyde Park with his wife on 53rd St., he heard a voice instructing him to look across the street to a rental space he would lease and name the “LiteHouse.” He said he signed the lease without so much as a menu nor an inkling as to what he was going to sell.

“God wanted to do something in that location,” he said. Prior to his fateful visit to Z-Berry, Nance said his family member’s specific palettes eventually led him to embrace a healthy food lifestyle.

“One day my wife and my mother decided to throw all the food away that’s hurting our bodies and causing cancer, and then all my favorite foods were thrown away so I couldn’t eat anything,” said Nance. “We went to the drawing board and created something we could really feed our family with, and I bet other families are going through the same thing.”

The bet paid off. The LiteHouse specializes in healthy and organic meals suitable for a variety of consumers. Nance said LiteHouse made $300,000 in sales in its first year in business in 2013 and has since grown to make $1.4 million in sales in 2016.

The LiteHouse has been ranked as a top 5 fast-casual restaurant in the nation, he said.

“We were right about the desires and needs of other people who wanted to eat the same way we wanted to,” he said.

Beyond its culinary and business achievements, the LiteHouse fulfilled a philanthropic need within the greater Hyde Park, Kenwood, and Washington Park neighborhoods. Over 40,000 homeless people have eaten for free at the LiteHouse, 13 ex-felons have received job opportunities, and seven formerly homeless people have found shelter, said Nance.

“The humanitarian and holistic efforts turned

out to be a successful one-two punch that God was able to utilize,” said Nance. “I want to give ex-felons second chances because God has given all of us a second chance.”

Yet, despite the LiteHouse’s success, which allowed Nance to open another restaurant, Mikkey’s Retro Grill, 5319 S. Hyde Park Blvd., unforeseen circumstances caused Nance to move on from his former location at 1373 E. 53rd St..

“I knew it was cramped, I knew we could use the extra space, but it was home,” said Nance of his former location. “I kept saying, ‘This is not God’s best’.”

He said it wasn’t his plan to move, but after the building’s landlord informed him the rental price would dramatically increase, an opportunity arose to move to a nearby space with three times the capacity, and it was significantly cheaper.

“With the move to 55th street, I’m trusting God with every move I make,” said Nance.

The new LiteHouse Whole Food Grill will be located at 660 E. 55th St. Nance said he’s “thankful” for the multitude of new possibilities including jazz nights, later hours, comedy shows, and more. He said he envisions the restaurant will officially re-open before May 1 after a few soft openings.

More Than Food Nance intends to build on the current success of the LiteHouse with an expansion to locations nationwide. He credits the community and all the supporters of LiteHouse for its success.

“I’m putting together an investment group with customers of ours, some believers who believe in the same things that I believe in, who believe in our brand,” said Nance. “All of our employees are a part of it, and we’re going to open 100 stores in the next eight to 10 years throughout the country.”

In order to participate in the investment group, investors pay $350 down with payments of $100 a month for 10 months. Nance said all of his employees are already part of the group but there are a limited number of additional spots he’s making available to other supporters.

FINANCE CONT. Crowell, continued from, Page 8

servicers, wrote the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Appropriations Committee and its Education subcommittee. In part, the letter said, “the amount that is paid to servicers is not sufficient to cover the currently requested services or the expected services that borrowers need to begin paying their student loans.”

In everyday language, that concern sounds a lot like, “you don’t pay me enough to do this job.”

Add to that interpretation the Trump Administration’s proposed $6 billion budget cut to the Department of Education, more money for servicers doesn’t seem likely anytime soon. Further, negotiations for new servicing contracts are expected to start this year. The NCHER letter could be interpreted as an unofficial start to those negotiations.

Just one week after NCHER wrote federal lawmakers, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos wrote James W. Runcie, the Chief Operating Officer for Federal Student Aid, rolling back important guidance on student loan servicing. The now retracted guidance protected borrowers in three key ways: 1. Providing borrowers access to accurate information and consistent service; 2. Regular audits of both records and complaints to be used in compliance reviews; and 3. Connecting servicer compensation to measurable actions such as payment processing time, length of response time to inquiries, and errors.

By reversing steps designed to assist student loan borrowers and safeguard taxpayer investment, servicers will also have less accountability. Before the Education Department turns away from fair treatment of enforcement and loan regulation, officials should know that research and data have consistently illustrated broad borrower mistreatment at the hands of

servicers. Should the Department fail to monitor itself, borrowers can still seek enforcement and protection from state officials and the CFPB. Both entities have demonstrated an interest and willingness to act on behalf of consumers, even if the Department of Education will not.

CFPB is the consumer’s federal cop-on-the-beat. But it too is facing challenges as President Trump has publicly vowed a regulatory rollback in general and a haircut specifically for the CFPB. As some have maintained in public policy debates, regulation has gotten in the way of private enterprise.

No one should dismiss or forget that the private sector has always been guided and motivated by profitability. In state capitols across the country and on Capitol Hill, private interests bank roll lobbyists to cut their taxes, reduce regulation, and appoint officials who will support policies that increase their respective bottom lines. For example, Robert Eitel, senior counselor to Secretary DeVos, previously served as an attorney for Bridgepoint Education, Inc., which operates multiple for-profit colleges.

By contrast, the public sector, i.e. government, should be guided by the duties and obligations of public service. School children have been taught for decades that government is “for, by, and of the people.” That pledge should include consumer protection and fiscal accountability. The American people should never be denied or shortchanged for the sake of private entities looking for more lucrative contracts.

It’s a lesson that the Education Secretary needs to learn.

Charlene Crowell is communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending.

She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending.org.

Don’t Miss An Issue!

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

Call Today www.chicagodefender.com

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

312-225-2400 to Subscribe THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 11

ENTERTAINMENT

Chuck Smith and Charles Smith: Creating Chicago Theatre Magic

By Mary L. Datcher Defender Arts and Entertainment Editor In today’s culture of quickly and carelessly labeling others, the term “refuge” can easily be thrown out without consideration to the invisible scars that run deep for those who are truly displaced from their homeland.

But the critically acclaimed play “Objects in the Mirror” seeks to shed light on the emotions and plight of refuges. The play centers around the lives of a family of Liberian refugees who escape the violence of their country. First premiered on the Goodman Theatre stage in 2015 by playwright Charles Smith, the production features a 5-member cast, revealing the lifelong secret for one family member who tries to start a new life.

The play returns with a stellar ensemble and is directed by Chuck Smith, the Goodman Theatre’s Resident Director who also sits on the Goodman’s Board of Trustees.

Both Chuck Smith and Charles Smith have at times been confused as the same person—sharing the same name within mutual Chicago theater circles. Nearly 30 years ago, having directed several productions at the Victory Gardens Theatre, [Chuck] Smith was making a name for himself, carving out a role as a rising director on the Chicago theater scene.

He recalls his first encounter with Charles Smith. “Charles was there working in the office, he would always answer the phone, ‘Victory Gardens Theatre, Charles Smith speaking.’ Somebody would say, ‘I saw the show you did.’ He would correct them and tell them, that is Chuck Smith the director. I’m Charles Smith the writer.

This went on for several months,” [Chuck] Smith said.

Until finally, both men were at the same party and finally had an opportunity to meet in person.

“Charles Smith taps me on my shoulder and says he would like to talk with me.

He said, ‘I’m getting sick and tired of folks mistaking me for you. One of these days, someone is going to mistake you for me.’ I just fell out and laughed and thought, ‘My man, how can you not like a guy like that.’”

Being a playwright for nearly 40 years, the Chicago native has written “Knock Me a Kiss” and “Gospel According to James” (directed by Chuck Smith), “Freefall,” “Jelly Belly,” “The Sutherland,” “Denmark,” “Sister Carrie” and many others. His works are often commissioned by various reputable theaters around the country and abroad.

His first play, “Bluff”, was about a blind man on a corner “who gets caught up with a businessman”, says [Charles] Smith. A student at Loop College, at the time, he was instructed by then-theater instructor Ed Homewood.

Both Chuck and Charles studied under Homewood and Sidney Daniels at the school but at different times.

Chuck admits during the late 1970’s,

Charles (left) and Chuck Smith discuss “Objects in the Mirror,” which opens April 29 at The Goodman Theatre. the doors were opening for more African Americans in theater—specifically at Victory Gardens.

“My first show at Victory Garden was in 1978. I was part of their company for seven consecutive season—that’s what pushed my career ahead. Once I got in Victory Gardens, then the other theaters called me. It was at that time when the door was beginning to open and African American shows started being produced in other theaters other than their own,” he said. “Back then, African American theater companies were basically community theater—they didn’t pay much and theaters on the North Side was where the money was at. For me it was an exciting time.”

During a time where most theaters catered to a mainstream audience, VG was producing both African American and Latino productions. Chuck and Charles have noticed the progression of growth among some notable theater companies such as the Goodman Theatre.

Charles says, “They’re mission then is what Goodman’s mission is now, to have theater that reflects the city instead of one-sided. Not all the theaters in the city, not even today, are doing this. When they started, I can remember February as the month to do Black shows because everyone must do their ‘Black’ show in February,” he recalls.

In the beginning, African American productions were recognized for Black History month but gradually, companies began to produce outside of February—going beyond stereotypical formats.

Both men grew up on the South Side— Chuck lived in the Ida B. Wells housing projects and Lake Meadows—eventually going to Hyde Park High School and graduating from Parker High School (now Rober-

12 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

son H.S.). Charles also lived in Bronzeville, attending Hales Franciscan High School.

After his freshman year, he enlisted in the army, traveling around the world and acquiring his GED. When he came back home, he enrolled at Loop College, which is now Harold Washington College. Charles currently teaches playwriting at Ohio State University.

With various accolades and awards between the two men, they don’t attribute their success or passion for their craft to a signature style.

Charles says, “I’m sure I have a style, but I couldn’t tell you what it was. I know there are certain things that I’m in. I’m not interested in writing a play just to write. If I have something to say, then I look for a story that I can use as a vehicle to communicate what I want to communicate. I can identify style in other people. [he laughs] I don’t know if I can identify it in me,” he said.

A former actor, Chuck shrugs. “I don’t know my style. I just work the same way.

The way I put a show together was the same way I was taught at Loop College.

With Sidney Daniels, who taught me, this is how you mount a show. Whenever I directed a show, I just followed the steps he took. You do this first and then you do that.

That’s what I do. I’ve never changed, never once said, ‘I was going to try to do something else.’”

As they prepare for the soft launch of “Objects in the Mirror” on April 28, they want the story to resonate with theater goers—especially in our current international climate.

“The play also deals with the difficulty of leaving one’s cultural environment, stepping feet first into another. Libya is 9,800 miles from Australia. Their two radically different worlds. It’s a powerful story— how it can figuratively take you to another place in time,” said [Charles] Smith.

Living in Chicago his entire life, Chuck adds, “I want to put a face on the refugees.

We talk on refugees and immigrants, but we don’t know them. But these are real people with real problems, and I want us to know this family. I want us to walk out of the theater knowing what it’s like to be a refugee.” www.chicagodefender.com

ON THE SCENE

President Obama’s conversation at the University of Chicago This week President Obama participated in a panel discussion on the importance of civic engagement and community organizing with young leaders from the Chicago area. The event was held at the Logan Theatre on the University of Chicago campus.

Richard Omoniyi-Shoyoola, an Undergraduate at the University of Chicago introduced President Barack Obama for the program.

Student participants pictured l-r: Ramuel Figueroa, Tiffany Brown, Ph.D, President Barack Obama, Max M. Freedman and Ayanna Watkins

Ayanna Watkins, a senior at Kenwood Academy High School President Obama listens to student panelists. discusses grassroots strategies with President Obama.

Tiffany Brown, a Ph.D, Graduate of Chicago State University and Kenwood Academy High School explains the importance of community connections.

National High School Urban Debate League Champion Crowned at Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Chicago Debating Society welcomed 84 debaters from 22 cities throughout the United States April 21 - 23 seeking to be crowned the Urban Debate League champions. Each two person team earned entry into the tournament through their city championship debates. The event was the culmination of a year’s work on the topic: “Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its economic and/or diplomatic engagement with the People’s Republic of China.”

National Champions Christine Harris and Malachi Ambrose Opening assembly for the National Urban Debate League Championship. from Skyline High School in California. www.chicagodefender.com

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 13

ENTERTAINMENT

W. Kamau Bell: Discusses New Book and Chicago Roots

By Mary L. Datcher Defender Arts & Entertainment Editor Kamau Bell is a 6’4” powerhouse of inquisitive thoughts and humor with a twist of emphatic reality. The comedian is California-born, Chicago-raised and now a tenyear resident of the Bay area. His comedy stand-up specials and tours have packed rooms around the country, and more and more fans are listening to his podcasts--”Politically Re-Active” and “Denzel Washington is the Greatest Actor of All Time Period.”

Last year, viewers were treated every week to CNN’s new docuseries, “United Shades of America.” As the host, Bell traveled around the country tackling serious issues among Americans with real points of views. As the Emmy-nominated show gears up for a second season on April 30, Bell will release his new book, “The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell,” which hits bookshelves on May 2.

Bell takes on various topics as he reflects on his journey from a racially conscious upbringing, finding a unique fit on the competitive comedy circuit, interracial marriage, sexism, law enforcement, the political climate and embracing his Black nerd (Blerd)—all with a major dose of comedic relief.

The Chicago Defender has a candid conversation with the Kenwood Academy high school graduate—laced with much laughter.

Tell me about the new book, The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell?

My career has gone through a lot of changes over the last five years from who

is this brother to what’s this brother doing?

For me it’s a good time to sit down and reflect on my whole life and how the last five years have changed.

It was a good time to reflect on my life and how I got to this point now. I thought maybe this comedy thing wasn’t going to work out. I have better memories of that than I do of the success. Some people think people come from nowhere, they think that you start to do comedy and suddenly you’re a star. That is certainly not the case for me.

You have Chicago ties even though you’ve been around the country. Do you feel that you’ve identified more with Chicago to say, ‘I’m actually from here?’

I have lived in the Bay area for 10 years.

Although, I identified myself from Chicago and feel like a Chicagoan. We come back and really miss the city. As much as I hadn’t lived here since ‘97, it still feels like home. Mayor Daley did everything to make sure it doesn’t look like the city I left, but it still feels like home.

I’m glad that I’m from here, I’m glad that I went to high school here. Chicago is one of the world’s greatest cities.

When I would go out to the Bay area and do comedy and I would say, ‘I’m from Chicago’ somebody would cheer from the audience. I ask them, so you’re from Chicago, what part? They would respond, ‘River Forest’. I would be like, ‘No, no… that’s not Chicago’. [he laughs] As a comedian, how do you make sure to reflect on serious issues with a sense of humor—without offending people?

For one, I just try to be myself and so I’m a person who thinks about serious

14 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

things and I’m also a comedian. So, I’ll say funny things when I think of them. Also, I learned a lot from my first show “Totally Biased” that was produced by Chris Rock.

Chris was really clear about the fact that it doesn’t matter about how serious something is, you can be funny about anything if you do it the right way.

The first season of United Shades of America, I really learned a lot on how to do this.

It’s clear from the second season that I’m more confident. For me it’s about being vulnerable and I really do want to have good conversations with people. One thing is to make them laugh, no matter what you’re talking about; if you make them laugh—that’ll draw a conversation.

What are some of the challenges that you face to make sure that you have that empathic tone in what you do?

Getting people to trust you. It’s an intense thing. Sometimes it involves life and death or trauma and tragedy. When you tell them, a comedian is coming to talk to you about your life—I wouldn’t trust that either. Before we start filming, I start to talk to them and let them know I’m not going to make jokes of them, I’m ready to have a conversation. That work begins before the camera begins to roll. Coming into the room speaking, making sure their comfortable and just letting them know, they’re the star.

Do you practice discretion on political topics during your stand-up routine versus the television show?

I think with the show, you can talk about something that happened early that day. If you’re a comedian onstage and you

didn’t say the words, ‘United Airlines’ you weren’t doing your job. With the television show, you must discuss things bigger that are cultural movements that we’ve all observed in this country. It was easier with the second season. We were filming during the election. There were several groups targeted to feel America wasn’t their country and not feeling welcomed. By the time the shows air, those subjects would still be relevant. I felt candidate Trump gave us homework assignments for what shows we should do this season.

What is the best advice that you can share with people who are moving into comedy and the entertainment world?

I think you must be your own worst critic. You don’t want somebody else to be a better critic of yourself than you. You don’t want to keep putting work into the world that isn’t good and you don’t realize it. I find that I put out work into the world and the critics say it isn’t good, I say, ‘yeah, I know.’ But if you feel that you did your best job, that’s different. When you start in stand-up comedy, you must get on stage as much as possible—to find out what works.

Chicago is a great stand up town. [However,] if you’re going into the entertainment industry, if you are not a heterosexual, good looking white male over six feet tall, you’re going to have to be prepared to work harder. You’re not going to be able to [just] show up at auditions. You will have to create the opportunities to get work.

Bell will be signing his new book for fans at The Book Table in Oak Park, Illinois, on May 4 at 7:30pm. For more information, visit BookTable.net www.chicagodefender.com

IN THE MIXX

President Obama Returns Back Home, Jewel Comes to Washington Park

Mary L. Datcher

By Mary L. Datcher Senior Staff Writer Just when you thought President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama descended beyond planet Chicago to a place where the words—Democrats and Republicans are not allowed—they return to their hometown for a brief peek-a-boo appearance.

You must admit, the Obamas are our modern-day Kennedys without the “Hollywood” drama—we look forward to getting a glimpse into their lives because it was a time when they walked down the same streets we shared, they ate at the same dining spots and yes—once upon a time ago—I too, had Johnnie Wright as my hairstylist.

Nearly, ten years later, I’m stuck with a frizzy ponytail and memories of when my hair had plenty of body, shine and bounced with every step—just like our favorite FLOTUS. Nonetheless, it was a treat to see 44th take some time out on his first public appearance since his exit as POTUS on Monday to speak with students at the University of Chicago.

The invite-only event was held at the Logan Theatre which welcomed a select group of college students from both community and four-year college institutions.

Introduced by University of Chicago undergraduate Richard Omoniyi-Shoyoola, Obama joined the student panelists onstage to thunderous applause—wearing a black suit, white button-down shirt and no tie.

For the next 75 minutes, he moderated the conversation on the importance of civic engagement and community organizing, sharing stories from his own experience as a student and leading into his political career. The student panel was a diverse group of young leaders that included Kenwood Academy High School and Chicago State University graduate, Tiffany Brown, Ph.D., Ramuel Figueroa (Undergraduate at Roosevelt University), Max M. Freedman (Undergraduate at University of Chicago), Kelsey McClear (Undergraduate at Loyola University Chicago), Harish Patel (Graduate of UIC) and Ayanna Watkins (Senior at Kenwood Academy High School).

Chicago leaders protest Facebook Live It was an engaging conversation that, at times, showcased Obama’s sense of humor and ease. Without making a reference to the current POTUS, it was clear he was www.chicagodefender.com

President Obama greets audience after University of Chicago student panel discussion. (Photo by Mary L. Datcher)

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, surrounded by community leaders, announces a new Jewel Osco at 61st and Cottage Grove. (Photo By Brooke Collins/City of Chicago) steering clear from media soundbites that may put him back into the political “lion’s den”.

Last week, Cook County Board Commissioner Richard Boykin, Father Pfleger, Rev. Jesse Jackson along with other community stakeholders requested Facebook shut down its Facebook Live feature to prevent crimes from sweeping throughout the social media network.

The group protested in front of the company’s Chicago offices with Rev. Jackson sending a letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, requesting a meeting. The latest disheartening images of 74-year-old Robert Godwin being brutally shot and killed on a Cleveland street was the most recent posts in a string of violent fb posts. Leaders are asking the social media company to develop and enforce technology to detect such heinous images before they go viral.

Birthday Shout-Outs As we fall into Taurus nation, birthday shout-outs go out to one of my favorite record promotions executives Debra

“Snoopy” Hanna on April 26. A big up to Tshoma Pugh aka Taco Bops on April 27 and Chosen Few DJs co-founder and attorney Alan King celebrate on April 28.

V103’s very own DJ Phantom and marketing rep. Celena Clay—raise the roof on April 29. The “man with the plan”, nightclub owner Shun Dyes celebrates another born year on April 30 and super radio consultant Tony Gray on May 1.

Congrats & Accolades Chicago has a rich tradition of grooming some of the country’s leading entrepreneurs, executives and community organizers. This Friday, April 28, Blueprint Global Group in partnership with the 100 Black Men of America, Black Enterprise, National Urban League and others will celebrate a star-studded event that recognizes 50 Chicago African American men at The Made Man reception. The event will take place at the Hyatt Hotel and among some of the recipients are familiar faces—Daryl D. Jones, Esq., DJ Mark Fuller, Tyrone Stoudemire, Kenny Johnson, Jonathan Swain, Spencer Leak, Jr., J Nice and Carl Tutt—among many of the honorees.

DJ Mark “Flava” Fuller The South Side community of Washington Park, Woodlawn and West Hyde Park will finally receive a multi-facility grocery store. On Tuesday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp, Ald. Willie Cochran (20th Ward) with key community leaders made the official announcement of Jewel making their home at 61st and Cottage Grove. The cosmetic changes in that corner of the neighborhood is a reflection on the gradual changes of the community—strap on your seatbelt because the ride will be a progression of changes.

This week is Money Smart Week and the team from Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs office has implemented a partnership with Econ Illinois to help improve financial literacy among Illinois students. The program will include working with K-12 schools throughout the state and introducing new Illinois Social Science standards. Big ups to Treasurer Frerichs and his team, Greg Riveria and Paris Ervin, for keeping the community well-informed and evenly engaged.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 15

ENTERTAINMENT

Steppenwolf debuts new play Linda Vista An adult comedy about immature behavior love, companionship and if he’s lucky… sex. But Wheeler is really searching to find something even more important: himself.

As the play begins, he moves into the new apartment with the help of his friend Paul, played by Tim Hopper. The poignant conversations between the two brought back the days of Abbott and Costello “Who’s on first,” with their banter of “You’re going to do what you are going to do.” Paul tries to stay neutral when conversing with Wheeler about his wayward philosophy. However, his wife, Margaret, Brenda and Rick played by Sally Murphy, is anything but impartial with her colorful comments about

By Rick and Brenda McCain Wheeler and his choices. Her in your face Defender Contributing Writers approach is evident when Wheeler does the unspeakable after they set him up with In life everything changes. Seasons a date. Their unique balance of friendship change, we change schools and jobs, and and fiascos add a rich flavor of joy, sadwe even have daylight saving where time ness, laughter and pain.

Another great performance was given changes. George Benson’s song “Everything Must Change” lets us know that by Kahyun Kim as Minnie the Millennial princess, who meets nothing stays the same; Wheeler at a bar, nevbut can we find a coner imagining a nascent stant, unchanging cycle relationship with an old of life in an ever-changing Generation X loser. She environment? With all of realizes that they have these changes, the hardsomething in common, est change we will ever emerging an unlikely face is our own perspecbond that grows betive of change. Wheeler, tween the loser and the a 50-year-old male in the exile princess. Other noPlay “Linda Vista,” is extable performances were periencing this percepgiven by Cora Vander tional lifestyle as he tries Broek as Jules and Caroto find the man he wants line Neff as Anita. to be from a man that seems to have lost his Linda Vista, which is way. playing at the Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. This experience can be kind of fearsome when Brenda in front of ‘Linda Vis- Halsted, until May 21 is an enjoyable comedy you are going through a ta’ display that will keep you laughmid-life crisis, when you ing until the end with its come face to face with your reality and wonder what lies ahead of witty satire and somewhat controversial you. Your future seems bleak and you are zingers where nothing or no one is off limtrying desperately to salvage a gesture to its. right all of your wrongs to become a better Director Dexter Bullard gives the audiperson; however, as Director Dexter Bull- ence some great insight on loneliness, agard stated, “this play expanded like a fold- gression, friendship, intimacy, sex, dreams, ing map in terms of meaning.” loss and obsessions when it comes to Ian Barford, who plays Wheeler, or- self-examination or the lack there of. chestrated an exceptional performance at We were pleasantly surprised at how being opinionated, self-exorbitant, egotis- much we enjoyed this almost 3 hour play, tical, arrogant, self-centered and seeming- which kept us entertained and amused. ly void of understanding the feelings and We definitely recommend seeing Linda emotions of others. Wheeler is in the pro- Vista; so go get your tickets today. cess of ending his marriage, but he’s still The cast included: Ian Barford (Wheelliving in the garage of his ex-wife. His job er), Tim Hopper (Paul), Kahyun Kim ( Minprovides him with little to no satisfaction nie), Sally Murphy (Margaret), Caroline and with nothing to lose, he moves to an Neff (Anita), Cora Vander Broek (Jules) and apartment complex where he seeks out Troy West (Michael Voice).

16 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Bernie Mac

Join the Bernie Mac Foundation’s Annual Purple Carpet Event Please make plans to join the Bernie Mac Foundation for their Annual Purple Carpet event, which will be an evening filled with entertainment and updates on sarcoidosis. Mingle with friends, family, and supporters of the Bernie Mac Foundation, who may also include politicians and perhaps…a few famous faces.

The Bernie Mac Foundation is dedicated to preserving and continuing the vision and legacy of its creator, Bernie Mac, who desired to use his celebrity to promote awareness and research of the disease known as Sarcoidosis. Additionally, he desired to raise funds to bridge the gap between the medical professionals who treat and the patients who suffer from Sarcoidosis; thereby providing support to Sarcoidosis patients everywhere.

Bernie Mac was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis in 1983, which left his lungs weakened. At first, it was difficult to live with this poorly understood disease and not know how it would impact his and his family’s future. For the next 25 years, and up until his death in August 2008, Mac and his family lived a rich and full life in many ways. He, Rhonda, his wife of 30 years, Je’Niece, his daughter, and Jasmine, his granddaughter, lived fully. Believing in keeping mind and body strong with a strong work and family ethic, he was careful about his diet, fanatical about exercise and strength training, and he worked closely with a team of doctors, following their direction and testing new treatments as they became available.

He never gave in. His stand-up motto says it all … “I ain’t scared of you…!”

Mac’s belief that he could make a difference regarding a cure for Sarcoidosis started in 2006. With a vision and a generous donation from Bernie and Rhonda, the foundation became a reality in 2007.

Bernie wanted to use his influence and position to create a foundation dedicated on the professional side to be the “Go To” source and on the patient side to give the patients a community, a meeting place to learn and discuss the rigors of the disease called Sarcoidosis, and to make the research findings more accessible to those less fortunate.

Guided by the McCullough family’s charitable spirit and with the help of friendships and partnerships throughout the community, The Bernie Mac Foundation remains dedicated to continuing Bernie’s legacy of humility, charity, and sympathy by promoting scientific research and awareness. We are aggressively working toward the prevention and treatment of Sarcoidois, focusing on the disadvantaged who would otherwise not have access to resources.

Our vision is to become a beacon of hope to Sarcoidosis patients everywhere— particularly to those who do not have access to care. It is our hope that through raising funds toward extensive medical research, we will be a part of the puzzle that gets one step closer to solving the mystery that is Sarcoidosis so Sarcoidosis patients can be treated with the same urgency and care as Cancer or HIV patients. We will continue to work until a cure is found so that no one else must suffer or lose their life to Sarcoidosis as Bernie did.

As a result, The Bernie Mac Foundation is proud to announce the BERNIE MAC FOUNDATION Annual Gala, The Purple Carpet Fundraiser, Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Wintrust Building, 231 South LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois. Tickets are $150.00, which includes a VIP reception, dinner and entertainment.

Corporate sponsorships are also available.

Please RSVP to berniemacfoundation.org or contact Yvonne Moore at 312-2914493 for additional information and event details.

Monies donated and proceeds from this fundraising event will go towards education and awareness in low to moderate income communities, as well as research of the disease.

With your donation, we will not only achieve our mission, but may surpass it!

Your generous contribution to the Bernie Mac Foundation will help us reach new heights in patient care and research.

Please make a gift today to ensure that we can finally end Sarcoidosis and fulfill Bernie’s legacy to go above and beyond our successes to find a cure. www.chicagodefender.com

HEALTH

Cholesterol, Heart Disease, and African Americans Why African Americans Have Low Total Cholesterol but High Heart Disease

By Betsy Lee-Frye VERYWELL.COM

How to Overcome Emotional Eating

By Kristie Leong, M.D. Defender Guest Columnist Eating serves a useful purpose: it supplies your body with the energy and nutrients it needs. Eating also has a secondary purpose: it offers pleasure. Who doesn’t enjoy eating something that tastes good? Unfortunately, the pleasurable aspects of food make it easy to turn to when you’re feeling stressed or dissatisfied. Food becomes a source of comfort and serves as a coping mechanism.

What is emotional eating anyway? Emotional eating refers to consuming food and beverages for reasons other than true hunger. Eating emotionally is usually a response to stress or serves as a way to avoid dealing with anxiety-provoking issues. Most people who are emotional eaters don’t eat the “good for you” stuff like fruits and vegetables. Instead, they turn to “comfort” foods, ones high in fats and sugar. As a result, emotional eating often leads to weight gain.

Why Are Some People Emotional Eaters?

In some cases, emotional eating is a learned response. When the going gets tough, you reach for a cookie or a brownie instead of confronting the problem. Doing this makes you feel good, at least temporarily. You feel anxious or stressed, so you again snack on comfort food to avoid having to directly deal with something that’s bothering you.

Eating and snacking when you’re stressed can be a distractor so you can delay having to deal with a problem or conflict. People have different ways of coping with stress. Some people go out and take a walk or shoot a game of basketball. Others turn to food to feel better. Unfortunately, eating in response to stress doesn’t solve the problem. It only creates a new one -- weight gain.

There are physiological reasons why emotional eating is so rewarding. Foods high in carbohydrates boost levels of a brain chemical called serotonin. Serotonin is linked with feelings of well-being and comfort -- just what you need when you’re feeling anxious.

Dealing with Emotional Eating www.chicagodefender.com

To get a grip on emotional eating, you first have to be aware you’re doing it. Start by keeping a food journal for three weeks. In your journal, write down when you ate, what you ate and how much. Most importantly, rate your level of hunger on a scale of one to five when you ate it. Jot down how you felt at the time too.

Were you feeling calm and happy or stressed and frazzled? Do this religiously and you’ll begin to see whether you’re eating when you’re not hungry or when you are stressed out. Once you recognize these patterns, learn to rate your hunger BEFORE eating something. If it’s not at least 3 out of 5 on the hunger scale, do something else instead.

Another approach to dealing with emotional eating is to adopt alternative stress-relief techniques. Deep breathing, visualization, self-hypnosis and meditation can all help you deal with stress, anxiety and uncertainty. Next time you’re tempted to bite into a chocolate chip cookie when you’re not hungry, take a short walk instead. Walking is a healthy way to clear your head and one that doesn’t involve food. When you repeat this behavior numerous times, it’ll become a habit. When the going gets tough, you’ll automatically take a walk or meditate rather than reach for a candy bar.

And make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night, at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep. Skimping on sleep increases levels of a stress hormone called cortisol and cortisol drives cravings for sugary foods.

Seek Help if Necessary If you can’t gain control over emotional eating by yourself, ask for help. A counselor can help you identify what’s triggering your emotional eating and teach you more constructive techniques for dealing with stress.

The Bottom Line You can break the cycle of emotional eating and find healthier and more constructive ways to deal with stress. When you do, you’ll be healthier and feel better about yourself.

References: Mayo Clinic. “Weight Loss - Gain Control Over Emotional Eating” WebMD. “Eating Healthfully During Stressful Times”

Researchers aren’t sure why evidence shows that African Americans have a 30 percent greater chance of dying from heart disease than Caucasian Americans. But, according to statistics from the American Heart Association, Blacks actually have better cholesterol levels than Whites.

The reasons behind these disparities are elusive, but researchers are getting closer to finding the cause.

The American Heart Association reports that 44.8 percent of Black men and 42.1 percent of Black women have high or borderline high total cholesterol levels. By comparison, 47.9 percent and 49.7 percent of White men and women have high or borderline high levels.

Black men did have slightly higher reported levels of LDL, low-density lipoprotein, the “bad cholesterol,” levels. The association reports that 32.4 percent of Black men and 31.7 percent of White men have borderline high or high LDL levels. Both Black men and women had somewhat higher HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, known as the good cholesterol.

Despite the lower total cholesterol levels, researchers report that African Americans are still at greater risk of dying of heart disease. According to the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, African Americans are actually less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than Whites. This may point to one of the reasons behind the disparity.

Theories Regarding the Disparity Scientists aren’t completely sure why some ethnic groups are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, but they are certain that both genetics and lifestyle choices play a role.

Your genetics influence how your food is metabolized and how much cholesterol your body produces.

Cholesterol isn’t just found in food; your liver actually creates about 75 percent of your blood cholesterol.

Your genetic makeup can influence how much cholesterol is created and what your ratio of LDL to HDL is.

Researchers are narrowing in on genes that may be the cause for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular disease factors, but they aren’t there yet.

However, other factors may be

behind African Americans’ increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Obesity, one of the most important predictors of cardiovascular disease, is more prevalent among African Americans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 48 percent of Blacks were considered obese in 2012.

A similar CDC report found that 48.7 percent of African Americans had two or more risk factors for heart disease; compared to 35.5 percent of Caucasian Americans. The risk factors studied included diabetes diagnosis, smoking habits, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol.

Also, statistics from the Office of Minority Health indicate a healthcare disparity within U.S. hospitals. Research indicates that African Americans are slightly less likely to receive aspirin upon arrival at the hospital with heart attack symptoms, receive an aspirin upon discharge and receive a beta-blocker upon arrival with heart attack symptoms.

Although the difference is slight, only a few percentage points, these statistics may represent a larger problem.

Prevention - Lowering Cholesterol and Heart Disease Risk It’s important to take personal responsibility for your cardiovascular risk factors. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers the following tips for lowering cholesterol and cardiovascular risk: Quit smoking Reach and maintain a healthy weight Focus on eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily Pass on the red meats in favor of chicken and turkey Use egg whites instead of the whole eggs Start making 30 minutes of exercise a daily routine It’s also important to communicate with your physician. Experts recommend that men over age 35 and women over age 45 have cholesterol checks every five years if they do not have an increased risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. If an individual does have an increased risk, annual screenings are recommended.

If your cholesterol is high, your physician can advise lifestyle changes and possibly medication to help lower cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 17

HEALTH

Mindfulness: The Meditation Technique That Everyone’s Talking About Mindfulness is a type of meditation that’s said to enhance emotional well-being. It’s become extremely popular in recent years, with major companies such as Google, Goldman Sachs and General Motors encouraging its practice amongst their employees. NASA, the US Olympic team and the Navy SEALs are just three organizations said to use this type of meditation as part of their training.

Mindfulness has also been promoted by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kobe Bryant and Emma Watson. So what exactly is mindfulness and how is it practiced?

What exactly is mindfulness?

Worry and anxiety often enter our minds via thinking about what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future. Mindfulness is a way of controlling this type of instinctive, yet negative thinking. By being fully focused on the present moment, it means you are not thinking about the past or future and the worries or anxieties that may accompany this. As such, practiced regularly, mindfulness is said to have long-term benefits on how to cope with the stresses of everyday life.

What are the origins of mindfulness?

The name mindfulness is a translation of the Sanskrit word for remembrance or awareness. It’s known mostly as a form of Buddhist meditation but is also thought to date back to ancient Hindu traditions 2,500 years ago.

It has gained popularity and recognition in recent times, most notably through Jon Kabat-Zinn who introduced the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program at the University of Massachusetts in the late 1970’s. Mindfulness has continued to grow in popularity, becoming an accepted part of modern-day psychology. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is the most recent innovation of this stress-reducing technique, building on work achieved with MBSR. Who can benefit from practicing mindfulness?

Mindfulness can be beneficial to anyone wishing to reduce stress and worry. It’s particularly helpful for people suffering from psychological conditions such as severe anxiety, depression and addiction. It’s also thought to help with physical ailments such as heart disease, gastrointestinal problems and chronic pain. This is, in part, because those suffering from medical conditions like depression and physical pain are more prone to negative thoughts.

Mindfulness in more detail.

Without realizing it, at any given moment, the brain is a hub of hyperactive mental activity. Thoughts can be racing away in many different directions, making connections, one thought leading to another and another. Often these thoughts lead to possible negative scenarios or memories of past events that have caused worry, emotional or physical pain. Mindfulness stops that. It creates a barrier between those runaway thoughts and your consciousness.

It makes you more aware that this type of negative thinking is there in the first place. By doing this and slowing thoughts down at a given time, it lets you take a moment to just be, to experience a present moment and nothing else.

Mindfulness itself has also highlighted the strong connection between psychological problems and physical

problems. In other words, how we think can have an effect on what we physically feel. This is why many people experiencing a condition such as chronic pain say practicing mindfulness helps them cope better with that pain.

Is there any scientific evidence mindfulness works?

There has been a number of controlled, scientific studies that have highlighted the positive effects of mindfulness. For example, a study by neuroscientists from Harvard University showed an eight-week program of mindfulness therapy produced changes in brain structure that were beneficial to patients. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, they revealed that participants practicing twenty seven minutes of mindfulness a day increased grey matter density in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is associated with compassion, self-awareness and introspection.

Meanwhile, the area of the brain that is associated with depression and anxiety, the amygdala, decreased in density. This made many patients more open to a positive way of thinking thus reducing stress, pain and/or depression.

A similar study published in the British medical journal The Lancet concluded that MBCT was just as effective as drug treatment in preventing patients relapsing into depression. Mindfulness being a lot less expensive than medication means it’s both beneficial for patients and medical practitioners.

How do you practice mindfulness?

To begin the practice of mindfulness, find a quiet environment for yourself. Try to be as fully relaxed as you

18 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

can be. Regulate your breathing. Become more aware of this breathing rhythm. As you breathe in and out, become aware of your senses. Don’t judge or think about them, just sense where you are in the present moment. Sense, for example, your body against the chair. The temperature of the room. Sounds you hear. What you smell. However, don’t let thoughts randomly enter your mind or wander off. Whenever you feel this is happening, bring your thoughts back to your breathing rhythm. Only sense that present moment where you’re practicing mindfulness.

The aim here is to be in control of your thoughts, to make the present moment everything. Once you are only aware of the here and now, you are on your way to successfully practicing mindfulness.

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life.

Although it can be helpful, it’s not necessary to be in a completely quiet environment to practise mindfulness.

Once you learn the technique or, ideally, adapt a technique that’s best suited for yourself, you will be able to practice it almost anywhere. It could be while sitting on a bus or train, at work or during leisure time. Likewise, the amount of time a mindfulness session can last is up to you. For example, you could begin with short periods of around ten minutes a day and build up your time practicing mindfulness to forty minutes a day as you get used to it.

The more you practice mindfulness, the more beneficial it can be. Mindfulness is not a miracle cure for a number of psychological or physical conditions. It is, however, recognized more and more as a very effective help to anyone who wishes to lead a more stress-free life. www.chicagodefender.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

APRIL April 29 South Shore Works, an amalgamation of progressive organizations and community stakeholders committed to equitable growth and revitalization of the South Shore community, along with local elected officials and community groups, hosts the 2nd Annual Community Conference. The conference is designed to engender community engagement and collaboration, along with providing timely updates on a diversity of economic development and community renewal projects impacting South Shore 9 AM – 1 PM Adam Clayton Powell School 7511 S. South Shore Drive For more information, call (312) 5056002 keianabarrett@gmail.com APRIL 29 The Monk Meets the First Lady Orbert Davis’ CJP Chamber Ensemble 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, IL

8 p.m.

Tickets are $38 and $28 For information, call 888-895-8233 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 4 Chicago Women of Excellence celebrating women who have made a difference.

Chicago Marriott Downtown/Magnificent Mile 540 N. Michigan Ave. 2:30-6:30 p.m.

For more information call (312) 2252400 Starting May 4 Hyde Park “First Thursday” season kicks off with 40 plus businesses offering discounts, raffles, refreshments, special menu items, and more. The special shopping and dining night runs the first Thursday of every month from May through November.

5-8 p.m.

At businesses on 53rd, 55th, and 57th Streets in Hyde Park For a full list of participating businesses and offers, go to http://firstthurs. com/ May 5-7 TV Weekend The International Screenwriters’ Association presents series to give aspiring writers the tools to break into the industry.

Columbia College Film Row Cinema

to register or for more information go to http://www.event.brite.com e/tv weekend chicago from concept to studio deal tickets (319) 575-26823 May 20 Community Bazaar Bring the family to enjoy shopping, arts and crafts, and food at the event sponsored by Sixth-Grace Presbyterian Church and Congregational Life Delivers.

600 E. 35th St. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Vendor tables available.

For more information, call (312) 2255300 June 3 Dusable Men of Distinction Come out to a celebration and fundraising event sponsored by DuSable Alumni Coalition for Action.

The New Martinique 8200 S. Cicero Burbank, IL 12-4:30 p.m.

Donation: $60 per person For more information, call (773) 8461005

Stay Connected with us!

Chicagodefender.com

www.facebook.com/TheChicagoDefender www.chicagodefender.com

@ChiDefender THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 19

M E M O R I E S Leak & Sons Funeral Home

MC CRARY Eva Mc Crary…..Memorial was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017;10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Holy Temple Evangelistic COGIC, 15912 Lincoln Ave. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

MYLES Raymond Myles…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St. Funeral: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Interment: Oakridge Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

GREEN Ruby Green…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Holy Name of Mary, 11159 S. Loomis 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.

GRANT, III Ernest Grant, III…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Reeds Temple COGIC, 1300 N. Broad Griffith 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.

MASON Jerry Mason…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Full Gospel Christian Assembly, 3451 West 175th Street Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Washington Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

STALLWORTH Bobby Stallworth…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel 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.

ROLLINS Clementine Rollins…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ South Park Baptist Church, 3722 S. King Dr. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Washington Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

CRAWFORD Walter Crawford…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Grant Mem. AME Church, 4017 S. Drexel 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.

MATTHEWS, JR. George Matthews, Jr…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 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.

MARKS Maurice Marks…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ St. John COGIC, 75th Cottage Grove Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

PEOPLES Clementh Peoples…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 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.

JOHNSON, III Donald Johnson, III…..Wake was held: Monday, April 24, 2017; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

AMEGATCHER Emmanuel Amegatcher…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 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.

HARBIN Mosie Harbin…..Wake was held: Monday, April 24, 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.

PARAMORE Yvette Paramore…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ St. Elizabeth, 4052 S. Wabash Funeral: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Restvale Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

ESTERS Phillip Esters…..Wake was held: Monday, April 24, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Bread of Life MBC, 1924 W. 63rd Street 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.

JOHNSON Candice Johnson…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. @ Chapel King 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.

JOHNSON Nicole Johnson…..Wake was held: Monday, April 24, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Salem Baptist Church, 10909 S. Cottage Grove Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Interment: Cedar Park Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

THURMOND Mallory Thurmond…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 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.

PENDLETON Robert Pendleton…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Interment: Sunday, April 23, 2017; 10:00 a.m. White Oak Cemetery, Utica, MS Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

MOORE Tanya Moore…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Metropolitan Apostolic Com. Church, 4100 King Drive 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.

TYSON Mazie Tyson…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ St. Paul COGIC, 4526 S. Wabash Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Interment: Monday, April 24, 2017; 10:00 a.m. @ Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

CAMPBELL Rachel Campbell…..Wake was held: Sunday, April 23, 2017; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

SANTANA Amelia Santana…..Visitation was held: Sunday, April 23, 2017; 1:00 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.

JOHNSON, III Donald Johnson, III…..Wake was held: Monday, April 24, 2017; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

CALDWELL Emmer Caldwell…..Wake was held: Monday, April 24, 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.

HAWKINS Jeanette Hawkins…..Wake was held: Monday, April 24, 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.

NASH Leslie Nash…..Wake was held: Monday, April 24, 2017; 6:00 p.m.

– 7:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson 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.

BELL Margaret Bell…..Wake was held: Tuesday, April 25, 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: Washington Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

SMITH, SR. Carl Smith, Sr…..Wake was held: Tuesday, April 25, 2017; 11:00 a.m.

– 12:00 p.m. @ St. Andrew Temple Church, 1743 W. Marquette Road Funeral: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

WOODS John Woods…..Wake was held: Tuesday, April 25, 2017; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Interment: Wednesday, April 26, 2017;10:00 a.m. @ Burr Oak Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

SCOTT Lee Scott…..Wake was held: Tuesday, April 25, 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.

20 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

CARPENTER - WOOTEN Martha Carpenter - Wooten…..

Visitation: Wednesday, April 26, 2017; 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. @ Chapel Lunford Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

DANIEL Dolores Daniel…..Wake: Wednesday, April 26, 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.

YOUNG Patricia Young…..Wake: Wednesday, April 26, 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: Evergreen Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

TAYLOR Clara Taylor…..Wake: Thursday, April 27, 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: Washington Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

SMITH Ronald Smith…..Wake: Thursday, April 27, 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.

ROGERS Marilyn Rogers…..Wake: Friday, April 28, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel 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.

TRENT Rosie Trent…..Wake: Friday, April 28, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Gospel Temple COGIC, 3861 W. Harrison 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.

PAYTON Mary Payton…..Wake: Friday, April 28, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Ind. Seventh Day Adv. Church, 3808 West Polk St. 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.

LEWIS, II Samuel Lewis, II…..Wake: Friday, April 28, 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: Abe Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

COLEMAN O’Tearle Coleman…..Wake: Friday, April 28, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Lunford Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Interment: TBD Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

THORPE Carmen Thorpe…..Wake: Friday, April 28, 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.

GLINSEY Rebecca Glinsey…..Wake: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ South Park Baptist Church, 3722 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.

CLEMONS Mozella Clemons…..Wake: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Salem BC, 11800 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.

HUNTINGTON Audria Huntington…..Memorial: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. @ Carter Temple CME Church, 7841 S. Wabash Ave. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

WILLIAMSON Sherryl Williamson…..Wake: Monday, May 01, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ New Evangelical, 4536 W. Washington 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.

BRIDER Shawn Brider…..Wake: Wednesday, May 03, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ New Hope MB Church, 4255 W. Division 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.

TAYLOR

Funeral Directory Call Classifieds 312-225-2400 to advertise

CALAHAN

A.A. RAYNER & SONS

“The Home of Personal Service” 7030 S. Halsted St.

318 E. 71st St. 5911 W. Madison St.

FUNERAL HOME

FUNERAL HOME

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

FUNERAL HOME

175 W. 159th St. Harvey, IL 60426

2036 W. 79th St.

(773)846-7900

(708) 331-0310 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.

HENDERSON Lucille Henderson…..Wake will be held: Friday, April 28, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Saint John Church Baptist 4821 South Michigan 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

SCOTT Kenyon Z. Scott….. Wake will be held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 HARRIS p.m. Cremation. Arrangements Ruby Harris…..Wake was Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral held: Saturday, April 22, 2017; Home, 63 East 79th. Street, 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Chicago, IL 60619: (773) St. Mark United Methodist 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.

Church 8441 S. St. Lawrence com Avenue. Funeral will be held: 11:00

a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: ROSS Lincoln Cemetery Worth, IL. Alexis Ross ….. Visitation will Arrangements Entrusted To: be held: Friday, April 28, 2017, Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. @ Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) Funeral Home. Wake will be 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; com 1:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Christ

Bible Church 7877 South Coles DAVIS Avenue. Funeral will be held: 12:00 Annie B. Davis…..Wake will be p.m. – 1:00 p.m.. Internment: held: Tuesday, April 25, 2017; Mount Hope Cemetery Chicago, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. @ First IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Timothy M.B. Church 5533 Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

South Wentworth Avenue.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) Funeral will be held: 1:00 p.m.

488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.

– 2:00 p.m. Internment: Mount com Hope Cemetery Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

JENKINS Louise Jenkins ….. Wake will be held: Thursday, April 27, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ New Progressive Baptist Church 9425 South Perry Avenue. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Internment: Lincoln Cemetery Worth, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com

ROGERS Pearl Rogers…..Wake will be held: Thursday, April 27, 2017; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery Chicago, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

Funeral Home

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

FUNERAL HOME

CALAHAN Funeral Home

EDWARDS Lionel T. Edwards..…..Wake was held: Monday, April 24, 2017; 10:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Oak Hill Cemetery Arrangements by: Calahan Funeral Home Inc., 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621: (773) 723-4400.

HOWARD Phyllis Howard..…..Memorial Service was held: Tuesday, April 25, 2017; 10:00 a.m. @ Chapel Interment: Private Arrangements by: Calahan Funeral Home Inc., 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621: (773) 723-4400.

KITCHEN Lenora Kitchen..…..Wake: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. @ United in Love MBC, 7010 S. Halsted St. Funeral: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements by: Calahan Funeral Home Inc., 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621: (773) 723-4400.

Cherished memories of those we loved www.chicagodefender.com

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO Sealed proposals, endorsed as below, will be deposited in the sealed bid depository located in the lobby of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Administration Building, 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or her designee at 11:00 A.M. on the stated bid opening date below for:

CONTRACT 16-077-3E DEVON IAS SWITCHGEAR REPLACEMENT AND WILMETTE PS CONDUIT REPLACEMENT, NSA Document Fee: $50.00 (Non refundable, in the form of cashier’s check, certified check or money order payable to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District) Estimated Cost: $1,000,000.00 Bid Deposit: $50,000.00 Mandatory Pre-Bid Site Walk-Through: Wednesday, May 10, 2017,

8:30 a.m. Chicago Time O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant 3500 Howard Street, Skokie, IL 60076 Mandatory Technical Pre-Bid Conference:

Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 11:00 a.m. Chicago Time O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant Process Control Building, 4th Floor Conference Room, 3500 Howard Street Skokie, IL 60076

Bid Opening: June 6, 2017 Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D, Appendix C, Appendix K and the Multi-Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract. ******************************************************************************************************* The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice- Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the District’s website, www.mwrd.org; Click the Contracts and Proposal quick link on the District’s Home page. Go to Contracts Currently Being Advertised and click for further information.

Specifications, proposal forms and/or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement & Materials Management, Room 508, 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, Monday - Friday, between 8:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Documents, unless stated above to the contrary, will be mailed in response to a fax request (#312/751-3042). The vendor may also download specifications, proposal forms and/or plans online from the District’s website, www.mwrd.org. No fee is required for the contract documents unless stated above.

All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-et.seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the public’s best interest.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

By Darlene A. LoCascio Director of Procurement and Materials Management Chicago, Illinois April 26, 2017

www.chicagodefender.com

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE To patrons of Commonwealth Edison Company: Commonwealth Edison Company (“ComEd”) hereby gives notice to the public that on April 13, 2017, it filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (“ICC” or “Commission”) its annual formula rate update, including updated cost inputs, a revenue requirement reconciliation, and supporting testimony and other information, all for the purpose of determining, pursuant to Section 16-108.5 of the Illinois Public Utilities Act (the “Act”), updated rates for delivery services applicable throughout ComEd’s service territory in northern Illinois to be applicable beginning with the first monthly billing period of 2018.

As provided in Section 16-108.5 of the Act, the updated costs are based on final historical cost data for calendar year 2016 reflected in ComEd’s most recently filed annual FERC Form 1, plus projected plant additions for calendar year 2017, as well as the associated adjustments to accumulated depreciation (change in depreciation reserve), depreciation expense, and accumulated deferred income taxes. In addition, ComEd’s 2016 actual costs, which are now known, are reconciled with the corresponding costs that had been used as part of the prior formula rate update filing. Those updated costs and other inputs, and that reconciliation, collectively result in a distribution revenue requirement on which new delivery services rates are to be based (referred to in the filing as the “2018 Rate Year Net Revenue Requirement”) of $2,721,580,000. This is an increase of $96,280,000 from the revenue requirement approved by the ICC in last year’s formula update, ICC Docket Number 16-0259, Order on Rehearing.

For residential customers receiving bundled fixed price electric service from ComEd, the delivery services charges are only a portion of the total bill. The remaining portion includes the cost of the electricity supply and other services, which are subject to the procurement process established by Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act and the provisions of Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act and/or to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Using rates applicable with the April 2017 billing period for such other components, the estimated total bill impacts of changes in the delivery component are provided herein. Increases are denoted by a + sign and decreases are denoted by a – sign.

For such customers, the delivery portion of electric bills represents approximately 45% of the total electric bill, on average, while the supply portion accounts for about 39%, the transmission portion accounts for approximately 10% and other charges such as taxes account for the remaining 6%. As a result, all other things being equal, the updated rates for the delivery portion result in an overall change in the total residential bills, on average, of +$1.26 per month or an estimated +1.6%.

Total bill impacts for residential customers vary by delivery class and electric usage. For example, the estimated total bill impact, on average, for multi-family residential customers without electric space heat utilizing on average 340 kilowatt-hours (“kWhs”) per month, is +$0.88 per month or +1.9%. Likewise, the estimated total bill impact, on average, for single-family residential customers without electric space heat utilizing on average 743 kWhs per month, is +$1.57 per month or +1.7%.

Furthermore, the estimated total bill impact, on average, for multi-family residential customers with electric space heat, utilizing on average 782 kWhs per month, is -$0.18 per month or -0.2%. Additionally, the estimated total bill impact, on average, for single family residential customers with electric space heat, utilizing on average 1,662 kWhs per month, is +$0.03 or +0.0%. ComEd does not estimate total bill impacts for residential customers supplied by Retail Energy Suppliers.

The updated delivery service rates for nonresidential customers in the Watt-Hour and Small Load delivery classes (100 kilowatts (“kW”) or less of demand), with varying usages result in an overall average percentage change in the total bill of +7.7% and +2.9%, respectively.

Nonresidential customers with larger electric loads (greater than 100 kW) have a wide range of electric load characteristics in addition to electricity supply costs that cannot be reasonably estimated; therefore, the overall effect of the updated delivery service rates on an electric bill for such customers cannot be determined.

The updated delivery service rates include ComEd’s updated costs of delivering electricity through its distribution system and apply to all ComEd customers independent of whether electricity supply is procured and provided by ComEd or by a third party (i.e., a Retail Electric Supplier). These updated rates will take effect beginning with the first day of the January 2018 monthly billing period.

A copy of the materials filed with the Commission and supporting data and documents may be inspected by any interested party at ComEd’s office located at Three Lincoln Centre in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. In addition, Commonwealth Edison Company will place an electronic version of this Public Notice with estimated bill impacts on its Internet website www.ComEd.com.

Customers are advised that the Commission may alter or amend the rates after hearings held pursuant to Section 16-108.5 of the Act and 83 Illinois Administrative Code Part 200, and may increase or decrease individual rates in amounts other than those requested by ComEd. All parties interested in this matter may obtain information with respect thereto either directly from ComEd or by addressing the Chief Clerk of the Illinois Commerce Commission, 527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62706.

COMMONWEALTH EDISON COMPANY By:

ATTENTION ALL VENDORS THE CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY (CHA) ON BEHALF OF THE HABITAT COMPANY INVITES QUALIFIED FIRMS/ORGANIZATIONS TO SUBMIT BIDS FOR: THE HABITAT COMPANY-REGION 1-SS WINDOW REPLACEMENTS INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) EVENT NO.: 2183 (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 May 16, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. CST. PRE-BID MEETING:

May 9, 2017 at 11:00 am CST at the

CHA, 60 E. Van Buren, 13th floor, Chicago, IL

BID DUE DATE/TIME:

May 24, 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.

MR. SONNY SAYS! This week’s best picks are...

999 825 714 623 202 440 055 121 303 678 909 035 6 7 9 6

7 0 2 4

2 4 0 8

9 2 4 1 8 3 8 2

04/26/17

Anne R. Pramaggiore President and CEO

APARTMENT FOR RENT Mayfair Commons Apartments 4444 W. Lawrence Ave Chicago, IL. 60630 Seniors 62 and older Apply now Affordable and spacious Studio, 1 BR and 2 BR Call: (773) 205-7862 or stop by our office for a preliminary application.

Applications may be returned in person or by mail.

Mon – Fri 9am-5pm Managed by Prairie Management & Development, Inc.

PHYSIC READER AND ADVISOR Physic Reader and Advisor

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

CONNECT WITH US Chicagodefender.com

www.facebook.com/TheChicagoDefender

@ChiDefender

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 21

C L A S S I F I E D S PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., CSFB MORTGAGE-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-7 Plaintiff, -v.ZENNIE WEBB Defendants 15 CH 11415 5216 SOUTH 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 December 12, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 30, 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 5216 SOUTH PEORIA STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60609 Property Index No. 20-08-413-024-0000.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.PAMELA L. DIXON, SMITH-ROTHCHILD FINANCIAL COMPANY, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 15 CH 013502 10208 S. HOXIE AVENUE 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 February 8, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 22, 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 10208 S. HOXIE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 25-12-429-082-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family 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 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 14-15-14423.

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 HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR WELLS FARGO ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AR4 Plaintiff, -v.SIDY NIAGADO, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY LLC D/B/A LAND ROVER CAPITAL GROUP, FIA CARD SERVICES, NA Defendants 10 CH 49895 4585 S. OAKENWALD AVE. 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 8, 2014, 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 4585 S. OAKENWALD AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60653 Property Index No. 20-02-405-037-0000.

The real estate is improved with a brown brick single family home with no garage.

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 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: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500.

Please refer to file number 257518.

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.

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.LEE A. DAVIS AKA LEE ANDREW DAVIS AKA LEE DAVIS, GINA M. DAVIS AKA GINA MARIE DAVIS AKA GINA DAVIS AKA GINA HARRISON Defendants 16 CH 14141 8017 S. Peoria St. 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 30, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 31, 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 8017 S. Peoria St., Chicago, IL 60620 Property Index No. 20-32-214005-0000. The real estate is improved with a multi unit building containing two to six apartments. The judgment amount was $59,028.17. 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: 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 14141 TJSC#: 37-1148 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 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.

WEISS MCCLELLAND LLC (Firm ID: 56284) Attorneys 105 W. Adams, Suite 1850 Chicago, Illinois 60603 STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF Cook, ss – IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. ANTHONY PICKETT, JEWEL A. RITCHERSON, 6457 SOUTH KIMBARK CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS-TENANTS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, et. al., Defendants, Case No. 14 CH 14078.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you: ANTHONY PICKETT, JEWEL A. RITCHERSON, UNKNOWN OWNERS-TENANTS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, defendants in the above entitled suit has been commenced in the IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 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: PARCEL 1: UNIT NUMBER 6457-4N IN THE 6457 SOUTH KIMBARK CONDOMINIUM AS DELINEATED ON A SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE: LOTS 9 AND 10 (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 27 FEET THEREOF) IN BLOCK 1 IN THOMAS A. HALL`S ADDITION TO HYDE PARK IN THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 14, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN AND THAT PART OF WEST 65TH STREET, NOW VACATED, LYING WEST OF AND ADJOINING LOT 10 (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 27 FEET THEREOF), AND EAST OF AND ADJOINING THE EAST LINE OF SHERIDAN AVENUE, EXTENDED FROM THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 9 IN BLOCK 1 AFORESAID TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 12 IN BLOCK 1 AFORESAID, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT “B” TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 1033631088, TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 2: THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO THE USE OF PARKING SPACE P-3 AND STORAGE SPACE S-G, A LIMITED COMMON ELEMENTS, AS DELINEATED ON THE SURVEY ATTACHED TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 1033631088. PIN: 20-23-212-079-1004.

Commonly known as: 6457 South Kimbark Avenue, Unit 4N, Chicago, IL 60637, and which said Mortgage was made by ANTHONY PICKETT, JEWEL A. RITCHERSON, as Mortgagor(s) to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Services III, LLC, as Mortgagee, and recorded as document number 1103233059, and the present owner(s) of the property being ANTHONY PICKETT, JEWEL A. RITCHERSON, 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 CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION, Richard J Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, Room 802, Chicago, IL 60602 on or before MAY 26, 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.

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. Last known addresses: Defendant Address: 6457 South Kimbark Avenue, Unit 4N, Chicago, IL 60637; 8133 South Michigan Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL 60619; 714 East 82nd Street, Apartment 3B, Chicago, IL 60619

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE WHEREAS, on 12/02/2003, a certain Mortgage was executed by HENRY SOLAVA, and PAULINE SOLAVA as Mortgagor, in favor of WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE, INC. as Mortgagee, and was recorded on 12/18/2003, as Document Number 0335246067, in the Office the Recorder of Deeds, Cook County, Illinois and WHEREAS, the Mortgage was insured by the UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (the SECRETARY) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the SECRETARY, pursuant to an Assignment of Mortgage dated 05/29/2013 and 06/18/14 and recorded on 08/14/2013 and 8/14/2014, as Document Number 1316518012 and 1422656052, in the Office of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds, Illinois; and a default exists.

WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the SECRETARY has declared the entire amount of this indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 27, subpart B, and by the SECRETARY’S designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, dated September 15, 2016, notice is hereby given that on 05/22/2017 at 10:30 AM local time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises located at (“Property”), will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder.

P.I.N.: 20-07-314-031 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5320 S DAMEN AVE, CHICAGO IL 60609 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 3 IN DESTINY, BEING A RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF LOTS 17 AND 20 IN INGLEHART’S SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 7, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 14 EAST OF THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF REGISTERED IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF TITLES OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ON MAY4, 1954 AS DOCUMENT NO. 1521163 The Sale will be held at Southwest entrance of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL. THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT will bid $109,400.24. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

The successful bidder, except the SECRETARY, must submit a deposit totaling at least 10% of the bid in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the SECRETARY OF HUD at the close of bidding. The deposit is non-refundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within three (3) days of the Sale. The successful bidder will pay all conveyancing fees, all real estate taxes and other taxes that are due on or after the date of sale and all other transfer taxes and State, County and Municipal costs associated with the transfer of title.

There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.

HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant.

IRA T. NEVEL Foreclosure Commissioner for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development 175 North Franklin, Suite 201 Chicago, Illinois 60606 (312) 357-1125

I714466

I714493

The real estate is improved with a three unit, two car detached garage.

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 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: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. McCalla Raymer Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number 10429.

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.

I720021

I720120

I719483

22 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

It pays to advertise in the Chicago Defender www.chicagodefender.com

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

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT – CHANCERY DIVISION Pacific Union Financial, LLC Plaintiff vs.

Yasheka G. Williams a/k/a Yesheka Hoskins; Delita Williams; Jermaine Williams; Homan Square Residents Association; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendants 17CH2428 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: YASHEKA G. WILLIAMS A/K/A YESHEKA HOSKINS; DELITA WILLIAMS; JERMAINE WILLIAMS; Homan Square Residents Association; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; defendants, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: Parcel 1: Lot 22 in Homan Square Phase I, being the resubdivision of part of the Southeast 1/4 of section 14, Township 39 North, Range 13, East of the Third Principal Meridian, recorded December 30, 1993 as Document No. 03077131, in Cook County, Illinois.

Parcel 2: A non-exclusive easement for the benefit of parcel 1 for pedestrian and vehicular access, ingress, and egress over and across all common sidewalks, any alleys, streets or roadways as created in the Declaration of Covenants, conditions, restrictions, and easements for Homan Square Residents Association recorded June 27, 1994 as Document No. 94558398, all in Cook County, Illinois.

Commonly known as: 3425 W. Lexington Street, Chicago, IL 60624 and which said mortgage was made by, Yesheka Hoskins a/k/a Yasheka G. Williams and Delita Williams; Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Everett Financial, Inc. DBA Supreme Lending, a Texas Corporation; Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois, as Document No. 1316915025; and for other relief.

UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this County, 50 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60602 on or before MAY 19, 2017 A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, LLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 120 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1140 Chicago, IL 60602 Phone: (312) 239-3432 Fax: (312) 284-4820 Attorney No: 6238055 pleadings@rsmalaw.com File No: 16IL00310-1 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are advised that this firm may be deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained may 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.

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

www.chicagodefender.com

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CATHAY BANK, A CALIFORNIA BANKING CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.- A CHICAGO CONVENTION CENTER, LLC, AN ILLINOIS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, CITY OF CHICAGO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, QUALITY EXCAVATION, INC., AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION, RANJNA SETHI, AN INDIVIDUAL, A & A HOSPITALITY, LLC, AN ILLINOIS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, RAVINDER SETHI, AN INDIVIDUAL, BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PRAIRIE FAMILY HOMES OF DEARBORN PARK, UNKNOWN OWNERS, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 13 CH 14547 1314 SOUTH PLYMOUTH COURT Chicago, IL 60605 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to an Amended Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 4, 2017 (as modified by the order dated April 3, 2017), an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 26, 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: PARCEL 1: LOT 2 IN MCLEAN SECOND RESUBDIVISION IN PART OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 14, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED DECEMBER 20, 1990 AS DOCUMENT 90617024, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 2: EASEMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF PARCEL 1 FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS AS SET FORTH IN DECLARATION RECORDED NOVEMBER 28, 1989 AS DOCUMENT 89566231 AND

BY DEED RECORDED MAY 22, 1991 AS DOCUMENT 91244156.

Commonly known as 1314 SOUTH PLYMOUTH COURT, Chicago, IL 60605 Property Index No. 17-21-213-046-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $2,321,910.88.

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: RYAN HOLZ, LOCKE LORD LLP, 111 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 443-0700 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.

RYAN HOLZ LOCKE LORD LLP 111 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 443-0700 E-Mail: RHolz@lockelord.com Attorney Code. 44058 Case Number: 13 CH 14547 TJSC#: 37-3151 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.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

REAL ESTATE NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TCF NATIONAL BANK Plaintiff, -v.FELICIA SIMS, HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORPORATION III, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 05518 7422 S. MAPLEWOOD AVENUE Chicago, IL 60629 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 28, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 30, 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 8 IN BLOCK 5 IN HINKAMP AND COMPANY’S COLUMBUS AVENUE SUBDIVISION, BEING A RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF WABASH ADDITION TO CHICAGO IN SECTION 25, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 7422 S. MAPLEWOOD AVENUE, Chicago, IL 60629 Property Index No. 19-25-224-022-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $162,987.80.

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 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 DAVID T. COHEN, DAVID T. COHEN & ASSOCIATES, 10729 WEST 159TH STREET, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467, (708) 460-7711 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.

DAVID T. COHEN & ASSOCIATES 10729 WEST 159TH STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 (708) 460-7711 Attorney Code. 25602 Case Number: 16 CH 05518 TJSC#: 37-2129 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 CP-SRMOF II 2012-A TRUST, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE Plaintiff, -v.FELICIA K WILSON Defendants 16 CH 06955 10354 S OGLESBY AVE 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 February 22, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 24, 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 24 IN BLOCK 198 IN L. FRANK AND COMPANY’S TRUMBULL PARK TERRACE, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF CERTAIN BLOCKS IN SOUTH CHICAGO, A SUBDIVISION OF CALUMET AND CHICAGO CANAL AND DOCK COMPANY OF SECTION 7, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 15, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN AND SECTIONS 12 AND 13, TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 14, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 10354 S OGLESBY AVE, Chicago, IL 60617 Property Index No. 25-12-433-038-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $182,388.53.

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 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: MARINOSCI LAW GROUP, P.C., 134 N LaSalle St., STE 1900, Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 940-8580 Please refer to file number 15-16137.

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.

MARINOSCI LAW GROUP, P.C. 134 N LaSalle St., STE 1900 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 940-8580 E-Mail: mlgil@mlg-defaultlaw.com Attorney File No. 15-16137 Attorney Code. 59049 Case Number: 16 CH 06955 TJSC#: 37-1851 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 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.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 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

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 Roslyn 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 Financial Corporation 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 D. LeFlore - Mary Kay Cosmetics Cheryl Bowman McPherson - Presence Health Karin Mechelle Norington-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.

24 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

www.chicagodefender.com

Smart Money Tips

Reporter Lee Edwards talks with Tiffany Allen, a financial professional with Prudential, and Joyce Douglas, a real estate appraiser for Douglas Valuation & Review.

By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer It’s common for people to want to make “smart” decisions with their hard earned money, and yet with the number of complex options, confusing jargon, and potential for catastrophic mistakes, it’s no wonder so many opt to stay on the outside and look in. Fortunately, the Chicago Defender convened a discussion between a real estate appraiser and financial professional in an attempt to dispel some money myths and provide keen insight into the most burning questions.

The Chicago Defender spoke with Tiffany Allen, a financial professional with Prudential, and Joyce Douglas, a real estate appraiser for Douglas Valuation & Review, to gain a better understanding as to how people can both manage and maximize their money.

Defender: How do pensions impact financial institutions as well as families throughout the Chicagoland area?

Allen: Pensions have really gone away, and what I encourage people to think about is if you’re saving in a 401k, it’s not going to be enough. If you’re banking on social security, that’s just not going to be enough. It’s really imperative that people take a step back and look at their financial situation and prepare. My biggest fear is that there will be people who will work forever and what we know as retirement today won’t exist for the next generation.

Defender: Why is homeownership so impactful for the African American community?

Douglas: Owning property is the start to financial wealth. It can provide retirement income for you down the road. It could provide something to pass down to your family. In our communities we don’t save a lot. You have a job and you work

from day to day, paycheck to paycheck, and you have nothing to look forward to.

I would say owning property is a great investment tool to provide for your family and retirement.

Defender: What are some smart tips people can lean on for the future?

Douglas: How you look on paper is very important. Educate yourself about credit, save something, I don’t care how much it is, because how you look on paper is very important in making investments.

Allen: I would second that, and when you think about your financial plan, the basis of that financial plan should start with life insurance. You want to make sure that you protect your loved ones in the case of your untimely death. When you review your entire plan, you want to make sure that you have all the things necessary, whether it’s disability, pension, long-term care, you want to make sure you’re saving a percentage of your income, whatever

makes sense.

Defender: What are the best ways to plan for your future? Investing in Bitcoin?

Establishing a ROTH IRA? Allen: I am a big fan of the ROTH IRA. I think everyone should have a ROTH IRA. It’s a great vehicle to put away money, and when you take that money out in retirement, it is tax free. However, investing is not cookie cutter. It is my opinion that each person should understand what [his/ her] goals are and working with a planner is really going to determine what your plan is.

Defender: How can people begin the process of homeownership?

Douglas: When you rent, make sure that you pay your rent on time because when you want to buy a home, that’s the first thing they’re going to want to look at; if you’re able to pay your rent on time you can pay your mortgage on time. Always try to save, pay your bills on time, because the higher your credit score, the lower your interest.

Defender: How do you invest in yourself to develop the skills you will need moving forward?

Allen: I would say that if there’s something you have a passion for, read up on it.

We live in an environment now where a lot of information is free. You have podcasts, YouTube, Google; there’s a lot of information that’s given out to you. You definitely want to put yourself in a position to win and get as many certifications as possible in your field to set you aside from the next person.

Defender: What are the ways to break the cycle of debt?

Allen: I would say a lot of times when we are in debt and overspending, we have an emotional connection to money. We buy something when we don’t feel good.

Sometimes we women call it “retail therapy” and so it is all very emotional. We have to make sure we are smarter about money and we are not living outside of our means, and sometimes we have to take a deep look inside self and say, “what are some of the things we can start doing to prepare for our future.”

Roundtable Podcast To hear the discussion in its entirety, listen to the Money Smart Week podcast.

3 Easy Steps For Being “Money Smart” in Chicago

By Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers It’s Chicago Money Smart Week, which means it is time to give some TLC to our personal finances.

Being money smart is easier than you think, so whether that means reevaluating your budget or finally getting around to making one, this is the perfect time to re-

move any tension between you and your bank account.

Here are three things you can do now for a more financially fit future: 1. Pay yourself first: Invest in your future by allotting a portion of every paycheck each month to be distributed to a savings account. Even if you can only save $30 a month, that amount adds up.

In 10 years, that $30 a month turns into

02 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

$3,600.

2. Take advantage of Chicago’s free events: Summer in Chicago is just around the corner and that means free festivals and events will be popping up in all 77 neighborhoods. Watch a movie under the stars with homemade snacks during the Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks or head to the Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world.

3. Download money smart apps on your smartphone: Apps like Mint allow you to track your spending, credit score, debt, cash flow and investments. This is great for accountability. You can see how much you are spending (or overspending) each month on restaurants, shopping or other miscellaneous items and target how much of that you could be putting into your savings account.

www.chicagodefender.com

Money Smart Week Local Events Money Smart Week is underway with thousands of free financial education classes and seminars for consumers that will be held from now until April 29.

Classes are open to people of all ages at businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, community organizations and government agencies throughout the country. They cover a wide variety of money-management topics including saving for college, buying a house, using credit wisely, managing student debt and financing retirement.

The educational events will be carried out by local and regional partnering organizations. In addition, there are several national partners, including the American Library Association, the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative Extension.

“Money Smart Week is an incredible opportunity for consumers to access free advice on all areas of personal finance,” said Heather Greenwell, Outreach Program Lead, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, which coordinates the campaign. “We hope individuals and families will take advantage of these educational offerings and ultimately improve or enhance their financial success.”

Money Smart Week is the broadest and most comprehensive financial education program in the country. Started in 2002 in Chicago with just 40 programs, it has expanded significantly to become the only national educational program for people at all stages of life.

According to exit surveys, most participants indicate they’re likely to change the way they manage their money after attending a Money Smart Week class.

Consumers who are interested in finding out about classes in their area during Money Smart Week can visit www.moneysmartweek.org.

A few local highlights from MoneySmartWeek.org April 24 -29 MONEY SMART KIDS READ STORY TIME AND ACTIVITY FOR KIDS 3 AND UP TOPICS: Kids And Money SPONSORED BY: Country Financial, Chicago Public Library Have fun with money! The session includes a story, activity and take home items.

Multiple locations and times. Check moneysmartweek.org for locations near you.

www.chicagodefender.com

April 25 THE STEPS TO HOME OWNERSHIP TOPICS: Basic Banking Services SPONSORED BY: PNC Bank, Agora Community Services Learn about the basic steps to become a home owner. Discussed will be the mortgage readiness process, the mortgage application, choosing a lender, selecting a realtor, and the importance of maintaining good credit.

TIME: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM WHERE: The Steps to Home Ownership 1831 E 79th St First Floor Chicago, IL 60649 THE LESS STRESS MOVE: TAKING THE MYSTERY OUT OF SELLING YOUR HOME TOPICS: Housing And Mortgages And Foreclosures SPONSORED BY: Presented By Dale Tippett, Licensed Real Estate Managing Broker And Margolis Weldon Llc, Chicago Public Library Dale Tippett, Managing Broker and Senior Real Estate Specialist, discusses the what and how for homeowners who are considering selling their home, but are concerned about where to begin, what is involved, and any unforeseen obstacles.

Attorney Matthew Margolis discusses the importance of keeping legal documents up to date, how to protect elder assets, whether they decide to continue residing in their home with a caregiver, at an assisted living or a skilled nursing facility.

TIME: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM WHERE: Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center 400 S State St Video Theater, lower level Chicago, IL 60605 April 25, 28, and 29 LEARNING THE BETTER INVESTING PRINCIPLES OF INVESTING TOPICS: Investing And Wealth Building LANGUAGE: English SPONSORED BY: BetterInvesting -- Chicagoland Chapter This presentation provides an overview of the BetterInvesting fundamental stock selection approach that has been in use for over 65 years and practiced by millions of Americans. BetterInvesting is a national, nonprofit investment education

organization devoted to teaching individuals and investment clubs how to invest successfully.

TIME 1:10 PM - 2:00 PM WHERE: Chicago Public Library - Greater Grand Crossing 1000 E 73rd St Chicago, IL 60637 United States April 26 SHOPPING FOR A MORTGAGE, REFINANCING, BUILDING CREDIT AND A PROPER FINANCIAL FOUNDATION TOPICS: Personal Finance SPONSORED BY: Heartland Institute Of Financial Education At this event, attendees will learn about shopping for a mortgage, refinancing, building credit and building a proper financial foundation.

TIME: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM WHERE Inspire Business Center 1016 W Jackson Blvd Chicago , IL 60607 April 29 HOMEOWNERS AND HOMEOWNERSHIP FAIR TOPICS: Housing And Mortgages And Foreclosures SPONSORED BY: Associated Bank Bmo Harris Bank North Side Community Federal Credit Union North Side Community Development Corporation And Briedgeview Bank The Illinois Housing Development Authority Hud And The City Of Chicago Come join us and North Side Community Development Corporation for our annual Money Smart Week event, the Homeowners and Homeownership Fair! With Gold Sponsor, BMO Harris Bank, Bronze Sponsors, Associated Bank and Bridgeview Bank, and special partners Illinois Housing Development Authority and the City of Chicago, we will have a great Down Payment Workshop along with intake sessions for the Illinois Hardest Hit Fund. This is not an event you want to miss! Learn about the fun process of buying a home and also resources to help keep your home with a $35,000 assistance! THIS EVENT IS COMPETELY FREE! RSVP TODAY at 773-769-5800 ext 228!!

TIME: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM WHERE:

North Park University: Johnson Center 5149 N Christiana Ave Chicago, IL 60625 RENOVATION LOANS / FIX-UP & INVEST IN YOUR HOME TOPICS: Housing And Mortgages And Foreclosures SPONSORED BY: Forum Mortgage Bancorp–Chicago Public Library Overview of Conventional & FHA Renovation Loan Programs. Purchase or Refinance.

Loan amounts are based on Projected Market Value after completion of work and can be as high as 110% of the Projected Market Value.

Obtain loan proceeds to pay-off the seller, or, if a refinance, to pay-off an existing mortgage, and have additional funds for the Renovation.

•One-Loan/One-Closing.

•Buy a “Fixer-Upper” or •Renovate a Property You Already Own. Funds for the renovation costs are held in an escrow account and disbursed as work is completed.

The Cost of the rehabilitation must be at least $5,000, and the total loan must fall within Standard Loan Limits for the Area.

FHA makes it possible to purchase and renovate a property with a low-downpayment of 3.5%.

This is a great way for a first-time buyer or an existing homeowner to have a renovated property at a reasonable cost.

TIME: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM WHERE: Chicago Public Library/ Back of the Yards Branch 2111 W 47th St Email: backoftheyards@chipublib.org , Phone: (312) 747-9595 Chicago, IL 60609 OR TIME: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM WHERE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY/ Dunning Branch 7455 W Cornelia Ave Email: dunning@chipublib.org, Phone: (312) 743-0480 Chicago, IL 60634 More events on moneysmartweek.org.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 03

Another Hidden Figure: Nelda J. Connors Nelda J. Connors, founder and CEO of Pine Grove Holdings, LLC, has more than 25 years of technical and operating experience in diversified industrials as an OEM, supplier and distributor. Connors’ recognized expertise has earned her a place on the Board of Directors of Boston Scientific, Blount International, Vesuvius plc, Echo Global Logistics, and Clarcor Corporation. She’s also a Class B director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Pine Grove Holdings, LLC, is a privately held investment firm that focuses on companies in highly-engineered products in power generation, construction equipment, infrastructure, advanced materials and aftermarket automotive end markets.

The Pine Grove Holdings portfolio companies are: Alturdyne Power Systems, LLC, X Form Power Equipment and Supplies, LLC (WBENC/MBE certified) and Pine Grove Properties, LLC. In 2015, Connors was named to the Independent Takata Quality Assurance Panel by the Department of Justice’s investigation of the airbag inflator recall when the final report was submitted in February 2016.

From 2008 through 2011, Connors was the Pres-

ident and CEO of Atkore International (public since 2016 NYSE: ATKR), which was formerly a division of Tyco International with $2.5B in revenue. She successfully led the $410M debt raise and sale to Clayton, Dublier and Rice. Prior to that, she was a senior executive at Eaton Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler Corporation in various global business leadership and P&L roles.

She has been recognized with several awards, including being a Rotary International Japan Fellow, a Harvard Business School Dynamic Women in Business panelist, Black Enterprise’s Top 75 Powerful Women in Business, National Action Council for Minority Engineers (NACME) keynote speaker, KPMG Corporate Board Audit Committee Roundtable, and Savoy Magazine’s Top 300 Corporate Directors.

Connors has lived and worked in the USA, Europe and Asia-Pacific and has limited working fluency in Japanese and German languages. She has a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton with post-graduate studies at the University of Tokyo in International Finance and Economics.

Nelda J. Connors

Preparing Yourself for a Property Purchase Purchasing your first property can challenging but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The first thing to do is set an accomplishable goal and timeline to acquire the property you desire whether it’s a single family home or a 2 two, three or four flat building. There are important steps to make and guidelines to follow in making the property purchasing process a lot less complicated.

One of these important steps is performing a personal financial check up, this means every person involved in the purchase transaction. Check your credit score and report for free on a website of your choice.

Annualcreditreport.com is one of several websites that provide consumers one free credit report per year. There are others that offer consumers an opportunity to

Paying off debt and clearing up old past due bills, not only improve your credit score but also improve your Debt to Income Ratio. dispute incorrect or derogatory information on their credit report and also allow them to follow up on that information.

The consumer should immediately get to be best friends with their FICO score, FICO means Fair Isaac Corporation (companies that calculate credit scores). Every consumer considering a property purchase should know where they stand credit wise.

This scale varies between the credit reporting agencies: 300 – Poor Credit 550 – 620 Subprime Credit 620 – 680 Acceptable Credit

04 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

680 – 740 Good Credit 740 – 850 Excellent credit Please keep in mind there are a lot of factors that affect these scores, positively or negatively.

Pay all bills on time. Once you review your credit, make a note of derogatory accounts so that they can be changed to reflect a (IN GOOD STANDING RESULT) on your credit report. An example of derogatory accounts includes Bankruptcies, Unpaid Judgments, Past Due, Late Payments, Incorrect Balances, and Wage Garnishments etc.

The goal is to work with these creditors to resolve as many of these issues as possible. Paying your bills on time, disputing discrepancies, monitoring your credit report and FICO score will keep you on track to increasing your credit score. Increasing your credit score is imperative in many ways because it is one of the main factors in achieving an affordable interest rate and obtaining a higher quality property for you dollars.

Paying off debt and clearing up old past due bills, not only improve your credit score but also

improve your Debt to Income Ratio. The Debt to Income Ratio is another important deciding factor of interest rates and loan amounts received for purchasing a property.

DTI (Debt to Income Ratio) – A percentage of a consumers monthly gross income towards paying debts.

Example: If the lender requires a debt to income ratio of 28/36 percent, then to qualify a borrower for a mortgage, the lender would go through the following process to determine what expense levels they would except from the consumer.

Using Yearly Figures Gross Income of $40,000 $40,000 X .28 = $11,200 allowed for housing expense $40,000 X .36 = $14,400 allowed for housing expense plus recurring debt Using Monthly Figures Gross Income of $3333.33 ($40,000/12) $3333.33 X .28 = $933.33 allowed for housing expense

$3333.33 x .36 = $1200.00 allowed for housing expense plus recurring debt Another important point, if at all possible, get renters insurance on your apartment now so that you learn to maintain insurance and establish a relationship with a professional insurance agent at the same time. The agent will also help you choose the right homeowners insurance policy for the closing on your property.

Start saving as much money as possible. Savings Account, certain Deferred Compensation Accounts (Liquid), Money Market Accounts all show in your Net Worth. Even though there may be a chance of qualifying for certain home buyer Down Payment Assistance Programs, saving other money is very important because it shows your level of financial stability.

Saving is also important for unexpected expenses or emergencies down the road.

Editorial By: Douglas Valuation & Review Joyce Douglas, Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser Website: appraisermatch.com/ joyce-f-douglas Email: joyce-douglas@sbcglobal. net Phone: 773.600.7589 www.chicagodefender.com

Waddell & Reed: News & Insight for Your Financial Future Four Ways to Double the Power of Your Tax Refund The IRS expects that more than 70 percent of taxpayers will receive a refund in 2017. What you do with a tax refund is up to you, but here are some ideas that may make your refund twice as valuable.

Double your savings Perhaps you’d like to use your tax refund to start an education fund for your children or grandchildren, contribute to a retirement savings account for yourself, or save for a rainy day. A financial concept known as the Rule of 72 can give you a rough estimate of how long it might take to double what you initially save. Simply divide 72 by the annual rate you hope that your money will earn. For example, if you invest your tax refund and it earns a 6%

average annual rate of return, your investment might double in approximately 12 years (72 divided by 6 equals 12).

This hypothetical example of mathematical compounding is used for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the performance of any specific investment. Fees, expenses, and taxes are not considered and would reduce the performance shown if they were included.

Split your refund in two If stashing your refund away in a savings account or using it to pay bills sounds unappealing, go ahead and splurge on something for yourself. But remember, you don’t necessarily have to spend it all. Instead, you could put half of it toward something practical and spend the other half on something fun.

The IRS makes splitting your refund easy. When you file your income taxes and choose direct deposit for your refund, you can decide to have it deposited among two or even three accounts, in any propor-

tion you want. Qualified accounts include savings and checking accounts, as well as IRAs (except SIMPLE IRAs), Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, health savings accounts, Archer MSAs, and TreasuryDirect® online accounts. To split your refund, you’ll need to fill out IRS Form 8888 when you file your federal return.

Double down on your debt Using your refund to pay down credit card debt or a loan with a high interest rate could enable you to pay it off early and save on interest charges. The time and money you’ll save depend on your balance, the interest rate, and other factors such as your monthly payment. Here’s a hypothetical example. Let’s say you have a personal loan with an $8,000 balance, a 12% fixed interest rate, and a 24-month repayment term. Your fixed monthly payment is $380.

If you were to put a $4,000 refund toward paying down your principal balance, you would be able to pay off your loan in 12 months and save $780 in interest charges

over the remaining loan term. Check the terms of any loan you want to prepay, though, to make sure that no prepayment penalty applies.

Be twice as nice to others Giving to charity has its own rewards, but Uncle Sam may also reward you for gifts you make now when you file your taxes next year. If you itemize, you may be able to deduct contributions made to a qualified charity. You can also help your favorite charity or nonprofit reap double rewards by finding out whether your gift qualifies for a match. With a matching gift program, individuals, corporations, foundations, and employers offer to match gifts the charitable organization receives, usually on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Terms and conditions apply, so contact the charitable organization or your employer’s human resources department to find out more about available matching gift programs.

Converting Retirement Savings to Retirement Income You’ve been saving diligently for years, and now it’s time to think about how to convert the money in your traditional 401 (k)s (or similar workplace savings plans) into retirement income. But hold on, not so fast. You may need to take a few steps first.

Evaluate your needs If you haven’t done so, estimate how much income you’ll need to meet your desired lifestyle in retirement. Conventional wisdom says to plan on needing 70 to 100 percent of your annual pre-retirement income to meet your needs in retirement; however, your specific amount will depend on your unique circumstances. First identify your non-negotiable fixed needs-- such as housing, food, and medical care--to get clarity on how much it will cost to make basic ends meet.

Then identify your variable wants --including travel, leisure, and entertainment.

Segregating your expenses into needs and wants will help you develop an income strategy to fund both.

Assess all sources of predictable income Next, determine how much you might expect from sources of predictable income, such as Social Security and traditional pension plans.

Social Security: At your full retirement age (which varies from 66 to 67, depending on your year of birth), you’ll be entitled to receive your full benefit. Although you can begin receiving reduced benefits as early as age 62, the longer you wait to begin (up to age 70), the more you’ll receive each month. You can estimate your retirement benefit by using the calculators on the SSA website, ssa.qov. You can also sign up for a My Social Security account to view your Social Security Statement online. www.chicagodefender.com

Traditional pensions: tunities, including the purchase of annuity and expenses, limitations, exclusions, If you stand to receive a traditional pen- contracts. If you choose to work part-time holding periods, termination provisions, sion from your current or a previous em- in retirement, you may be allowed to roll and terms for keeping the annuity in force. ployer, be sure to familiarize yourself with your assets into the new employer’s plan.

Most annuities have surrender charges its features. For example, will your benefit Determining the right way to tap your that are assessed if the contract owner remain steady throughout retirement or assets can be challenging and should take surrenders the annuity. Qualified annuincrease with inflation? Your pension will into account a number of factors. These ities are typically purchased with pre-tax most likely be offered as either a single life include your tax situation, whether you money, so withdrawals are fully taxable as or joint-and-survivor annuity. A single-life have other assets you’ll use for income, ordinary income, and withdrawals prior to annuity provides benefits until the work- and your desire to leave assets to heirs. A age 59½ may be subject to a 10% penalty er’s death, while a joint-and-survivor an- financial professional can help you under- tax. Any guarantees are contingent on the nuity generally provides reduced benefits stand your options. claims-paying ability and financial strength until the survivor’s death1.

1Current law requires married couples of the issuing insurance company. It is imIf it looks as though your Social Security to choose a joint-and-survivor annuity un- portant to understand that purchasing an annuity in an IRA or an employer-sponand pension income will be enough to cov- less the spouse waives those rights. sored retirement plan provides no addier your fixed needs, you may be well po2401{k) Plans: DOL Could Take Steps tional tax benefits other than those availsitioned to use your other assets to fund to Improve Retirement Income Options for those extra wants. On the other hand, if Plan Participants,” GAO Report to Con- able through the tax-deferred retirement plan. your predictable sources are not sufficient gressional Requesters, August 2016. to cover your fixed needs, you’ll need to 3Generally, annuity contracts have fees think carefully about how to tap your retirement savings plan assets, as they will be a necessary component of your income.

FREE Understand your savings plan options Shred-a-thon SATURDAY , MAY 13 Saturday A key in determining how to tap your reMay 13 9am - Noon tirement plan assets is to understand the Let us help you learn more about the options available to you. According to the home buying process at our seminar!

Government Accountability Office (GAO), Home Buying Seminar is being held on only about one-third of 401 (k) plans of- Community’s Saturday, May 13, 2017. Some topics to be covered include: fer withdrawal options, such as installment • Finding and buying your future home payments, systematic withdrawals, and • Applying for a mortgage Home Buying Seminar managed payout funds2. And only about • Credit repair and special down payment programs Saturday, May 13, 2017 a quarter offer annuities, which are insur- There will be presentations from a realtor, lawyer, 9:00 am to Noon Side Housing Center advisor, and a Registration & Refreshments ance contracts that provide guaranteed in- Northwest mortgage officer. Reserve your seat today!

8:30-9:00 am come for a stated amount of time (typically Corner of Cicero & Belmont At Community Savings Bank, you’ll find folks you can rely Bank’s 2nd Floor over a set number of years or for the life on. We’ve been part of the neighborhood since 1944 and Meeting Room expectancy of the participant or the partic- we know the people who live here. And we’re committed 3 ways to reserve your seat! to helping neighbors buy homes and save for the future.

In person at the bank, ipant and spouse3). by phone 773-794-5269 • Mówimy po Polsku Hablamos Español & online @ Plans may allow you to leave the moncommunitysavingsbank.bank ey alone or require you to take a lump-sum Community Savings Bank distribution. You may also choose to roll Your Personal Neighborhood Bank over the assets to an IRA, which might offer 4801 West Belmont Avenue • Chicago, Illinois 60641 a variety of income and investment oppor773-685-5300 • www.communitysavingsbank.bank

FREE Home Buying Seminar

All loans are subject to the underwriting standards of Community Savings Bank.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • April 26 - May 2, 2017 05

Community Savings Bank Events Shred-A-Thon

Replace your AE card now

As a regular business traveler…and one who enjoys leisure travel, I am constantly looking for the best rewards programs for credit cards, airlines, rental cars, etc. Like many business travelers, we “rack up” the points traveling for business to help offset the cost of personal travel.

For years, the companies I’ve worked for have afforded me a corporate American Express OR I would use my own corporate American Express when I had to make my own travel purchases and then get reimbursed.

After attending the kick-off celebration for the New U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa® Infinite Card, I can safely say: Replace your Corporate American Express NOW if you are an avid business traveler who also enjoys traveling for leisure.

At first glance, one would shy away from the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa® Infinite Card because of the $400 annual fee. Well, you get a $325 credit for ALL travel purchases, which means once you’ve used $325 on the card for travel related expenses (all the ones you’re used to but also including Taxis, Uber & Lyft), you’ve effectively only paid $75 in annual fees. That’s less than the Amex Green Card!

Other features include: Mobility – Make the most of life on the go.

•The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card is the first luxury card to prioritize mobile payments, offering accelerated points earning power for mobile wallet purchases.

•For the first time, cardmembers earn accelerated points - 3X points -- on any mobile wallet and travel purchases.

•The Altitude Reserve card also offers cardmembers instant rewards points redemption for recent purchases with Real-Time Mobile Redemption.

•For card members who live life on the go, the Altitude Reserve is an excellent pairing, offering greater rewards for paying on the go and opportunities to cash in rewards for fabulous, luxury experiences.

Travel – Redemption features travel well and deliver on higher expectations.

•Cardmembers earn 3X the points on any travel purchases, such as flights, hotels and rental cars.

•Another benefit to travelers is that the Altitude Reserve card offers cardmembers free Gogo WIFI in airports and on flights.

•Altitude Reserve cardmembers can breeze through security lines with TSA PreCheck® and can escape the

crowds with lounge access.

•Other travel-related benefits include bypassing the rental car counter with an Audi A4 delivered to the terminal by Silvercar and GroundLink Black Car Service, or bypass the main airport terminal altogether with benefits from NetJets exclusively for cardmembers.

•Altitude Reserve cardmembers have access to expedited travel planning from Andrew Harper’s luxury travel expertise and exclusive access to fine dining benefits in 25 cities annually with the James Bear Celebrity Chef Tour.

Service – Your time is valuable. Our personalized service helps you make the most of it.

•Attentive, 24/7 service delivered by a seasoned concierge and dedicated cardmember advisors to help you with requests ranging from dinner or theater reservations to sporting events.

•Experience special privileges at more than 500 Relais & Chateaux properties, each a unique expression of the collaboration between top chefs and renowned hoteliers.

•Enjoy exclusive access to a hand-selected portfolio of more than 900 of the world’s most prestigious properties when you book with your U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card.

•Assistance that makes life’s unforgettable moments possible.

Security – Enjoy protection at home and away.

•As a cardmember, your card security and personal information are protected with 24/7 fraud monitoring.

•You also enjoy ID Theft Protection with up to $10,000 in coverage.

•When you travel, you’re protected with Emergency Evacuation and Transportation Coverage, which provides up to $10,000 in coverage to help get you home quickly if you or a family member are injured or become sick on a trip you’ve paid for with your card.

•And coming soon; Geolocation and Push Provisioning The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa® Infinite Card is built to deliver the time-saving, day-making benefits and indulgences that savvy professionals demand.

It’s stacked with travel benefits, VIP services and future-friendly features like accelerated earning for mobile wallet purchases. The only caveat, you must be a U.S. Bank customer, so go open an account today, apply for the Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card and begin enjoying the privileges of being a U.S. Bank customer.

06 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Community Savings Bank will hold another one of its popular Shred-A-Thons on May 13. Customers and non-customers are invited to shred old checks, bank statements and other documents containing personal information at no charge.

A mobile industrial shredder will be parked at the bank’s main parking lot, 4801 W. Belmont Ave., from 9AM to Noon for personal papers to be shredded. Destruction of old documents is recommended to help prevent identity theft.

“We encourage area residents to take advantage of this opportunity to shred documents with confidential information. This event reinforces our commitment to be 1st“Your Personal Neighborhood Bank,”said Dane H. Cleven, President and Chairman of Community Savings.

Community Savings Bank is an independent neighborhood financial institution located at Cicero and Belmont Avenues in Chicago. Community has been located in the neighborhood for over 70 years and at its current location on the corner since 1953. During this time of banking consolidation Community remains independent and is managed locally. The bank continues to focus on helping people buy homes and save for the future.

Community Savings Bank is a member of the FDIC and is an equal housing lender. For more information, call 773-685-5300. Website: www.communitysavingsbank.bank

Home Buying Seminar Community Savings Bank, 4801 W. Belmont Ave, will host a free home buying seminar on Saturday, May 13 from 9 AM to Noon in the bank’s second floor meeting room.

This year’s Home Buying Seminar will cover a number of topics including: 1) Finding and buying your future home; 2) Applying for a mortgage; 3) Credit repair and special down payment programs. The seminar will feature presentations from a local realtor, attorney, Northwest Side Housing Center advisor and a mortgage officer.

“Community wants to help local residents understand mortgage lending programs and what’s needed to buy a home in today’s market,” said Art Neville, Vice President and head of the Loan Department at the bank.

Dane H. Cleven, President and Chairman explained, “This annual seminar is part of Community’s continuing mission to help more local residents own homes and present the good options available for homebuyers.”

Another seminar will be presented entirely in Spanish on May 6. For more information, call 773-685-5300.

You can reserve your seat for the May 13 seminar three ways: In person at the bank, by calling 773-794-5269 or online at www.communitysavingsbank.bank.

Refreshments will be served from 8:30 to 9 AM. The seminar begins promptly at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a question and answer session. www.chicagodefender.com

Negotiate Your Salary, or Regret It for Years to Come!

Gina B.

By Gina B. One of the most important, yet equally uncomfortable, conversations you’ll ever have will be a salary negotiation for a new position.

A good percentage of people avoid the

conversation altogether. In the most recent annual salary report, Salary.com estimates that 55 percent of Americans didn’t negotiate the salary for the job they presently hold. This is a higher number than last year, when a reported 41 percent failed to negotiate compensation.

This declining trend should be stopped.

In this uncertain economy, Americans are happy just to be employed. Some people feel that negotiating higher salaries could be perceived as pushy and greedy, which might lead the company to rescind the offer altogether. However, the vast majority of people who present counter offers are successful. This means that you’re leaving a heap of money on the table in the long run.

As an executive recruiter, I counsel candidates to negotiate high on the front end when joining an organization. Once the offer has been accepted, future raises and promotions aren’t promised and the standard annual cost of living adjustments are barely noticeable in a bi-weekly paycheck.

Consider this: if you manage to negotiate even a 10% bump in base salary, keep

in mind that the national average annual raise is 3 percent. By speaking up for yourself, you’re automatically over three years ahead!

If you have an upcoming salary negotiation, don’t fly blind. Here are six tips toward a successful outcome: 1. Do your research. Have an idea of the salary range for the role that you’re pursuing, and set your expectations accordingly. This is especially important if you’re interviewing for a higher level position or a role in a new industry. Once you have market data, you might find that you’ve underestimated your potential.

2. Know your value. Understand that if you’re receiving an offer, the company wants to hire YOU. Have confidence in your accomplishments, and be able to clearly articulate the reasons why your experience warrants a higher salary.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. You’ll always wonder if you could have negotiated an extra percentage. If they say no, at least you tried.

4. Consider all facets of an offer when

negotiating. An offer isn’t merely about base compensation. Inquire about annual bonus expectations, 401K matching, profit sharing, or other ways that total annual compensation could be increased. Some companies have been known to include a first year bonus guarantee in the offer contract, or even an increase in vacation time.

5. Use the recruiter. Although recruiters are hired by companies, they are equally interested in making sure that candidates receive attractive offers. They are extremely knowledgeable about the market and can provide insights into where there’s room for negotiation and even serve as the liaison between you and the hiring manager.

6. Understand that companies respect candidates who negotiate. A hiring manager understands the worth of a good candidate and hopes that the candidate has a good sense of self-worth. If you negotiate well for yourself, you will likely apply those skills to the job.

Gina B. is an executive search consultant and President/Chief Alchemist of Naturals

by Gina B. She can be reached at columnist@ymail.com.

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 26 - May 2, 2017 07

08 April 26 - May 2, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

www.chicagodefender.com