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Volume 112 No. 1

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May 3 - May 9, 2017

South Siders on Obama Library: Listen to Us!

Concerned citizens listen to plans for future development at a Woodlawn Community Meeting at Apostolic Church of God. (Photo by Jeff White)

Alderman Report Card: Leslie Hairston

Page 5

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CHICAGO DEFENDER

COVER STORY

(ISSN: 07457014)

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INSIDE

Wednesday – Tuesday May 3 - May 9, 2017

Cover Story................................................................2 On the Scene............................................................16 Community Calendar...............................................18 Classifieds................................................................19

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Dr. Byron Brazier, pastor of Apostolic Church of God. (Photo by Jeff White/explorewhitecanvas.com)

South Siders on Obama Library: Listen to Us!

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By Stan West Defender Contributing Writer “There’s a French expression my dad used to use,” Dr. Byron Brazier, pastor of Apostolic Church of God, said to me via our telephone conversation about the Obama Presidential Library development.

“It’s called noblesse oblige.”

He then asked me to explain what that phrase meant, knowing that I had studied French.

“Literally, it means the nobles are obligated.”

I continued to explain how I thought the expression applied to the plans for the Obama library on the South Side.

“Aristocrats like you and your late dad (Bishop Arthur M. Brazier), The Woodlawn Organization co-founder Rev. Leon Finney (with Rev. Ulysses Blakeley Sr.) and Washington Park Rev. Torrey Barrett might feel you have an ethical responsibility to lead less-privileged community members to the Promised Land with your ‘wisdom in the palace; wisdom in the field.’ The problem with that, as citizens have told me, is that good intentions often have bad results when it’s top down and not bottom up.”

Brazier recalled that was the same argument community members raised when his father supported closing the L on the east side of Woodlawn. Community members then accused his dad of having noblesse oblige. Today, a new generation of community members are accusing the son of noblesse oblige because he is not publicly endorsing the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that would give more voice to the ordinary citizens regarding the library, officially named the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

The CBA would guarantee that certain demands from the community are met during the construction of the center. (These concerns will probably be ad-

dressed at the May 3 meeting with the Obamas, who plan to update the community on plans for the Center.)

Brazier pushed his point. “History proved my dad was right. Compare how East 63rd where the train no longer goes looks compared to west 63rd where it does,” he said.

“I did. Both are relatively vacant,” I said.

He argued that west is more vacant and more crime-ridden than east because of his dad’s forethought, and that history may record that his “leadership” shepherding the various stakeholders was the right thing to do at the right time in his dad’s era during the Civil Rights Movement. Today, he argues “the CBA is an affront to America’s first Black president – Obama. It suggests we don’t trust him.”

(The Obamas are not the developers, so technically the CBA wouldn’t apply to them; however, supporters of the CBA say the agreement would apply to the Obama Foundation.) The fact Brazier maintains more power without this agreement was not mentioned in our cordial April 21 talk.

It seems as if it’s always about power – who’s got it and who doesn’t. And so the story begins. Welcome to Chicago politics – where back room meets living room. It’s where downtown interests and South Side interests collide. It’s also where multiple and intersecting classes within Chicago’s diverse African-American community sometimes clash. In this case, it’s the more middle-class east Woodlawn residents versus their more working-class west Woodlawn counterparts. Like everything else, it’s complicated.

Residents Demand Real Input Notwithstanding the CBA, there’s a proposed community development board by the downtown-based Chicago Community Trust with its downtown consultant, City Hall partners, and University of

02 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Chicago partners to recruit two community members from Woodlawn, two from Washington Park and two from South Shore to represent community concerns in a so-called “residents’ council.”

“Brazier, Finney and Barrett have already been selected by the powersthat-be and apparently, that selection or self-selection is pissing some off,” Woodlawn activist Ulysses “Buck” Blakeley Jr. said. He is the son of the co-founder of the Woodlawn Organization. “They have no more rights than the rest of us. We want real input, not symbolic. And while it’s OK for Brazier, Finney and Barrett to be at the table, they are not the main course. That’s our point. It’s not like it’s their world and we’re just passing through!”

For the past 10 days, I’ve been in boardroom meetings, community forums, online chats, telephone talks, email exchanges with publicists, leaders, activists, teachers, students, professionals, a rabbi and anyone else who could help this suburban reporter brought into this South Side story to objectively understand how to read the development plans now brewing for 2018 groundbreaking at the proposed Jackson Park site at 60th to 63rd, Stony Island to Cornell. It’s a place where Hyde Park Academy students currently practice football, soccer, baseball, and where community residents enjoy sports and leisure-time activities including impromptu barbecues.

“Students and barbecuers will be forced to go elsewhere,” said former Woodlawn and 39-year-South Shore resident Valerie Elkins, a former Miss Jamaica, who “distrusts” Brazier and Finney because of what she termed “their sordid past histories ignoring the less privileged in Woodlawn.”

Brazier flatly denies her claims. Brazier

continued on page 03

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COVER STORY

Community members near the proposed Jackson Park site hope the Barack Obama Presidential Center brings hope, jobs and safety rather than displacement.

Obama Library, continued from, Page 02

said Hyde Park students will be able to use sports facilities in nearby Jackson Park not far from the school. No word yet, though, on where the impromptu grillers we often see during holiday season will go. There’s fear nothing west of the Library will be developed, some said, recalling how development west of the “L” closing never happened.

“This comes in a long line of Blacks being displaced, disrespected and being in spaces some deemed dangerous,” said Bronzeville Regional Collaborative spokesman Anton Seales. He was referring to how citizens who reside in low-rise, brown-brick buildings a couple miles west called Parkway Gardens are treated as “second-class” by folks who automatically associate them with tropes connected with poverty, violence and crime. I recall as a kid when the complex first opened, soonto-be residents proudly signed up to be on the Parkway Gardens list that was deemed upwardly-mobile, which was a conversation I had with environmentalist attorney Naomi Davis, who insisted “board members be appointed, not anointed” – a notso-vague reference to Reverends Brazier, Finney and Barrett. Truth be told, a handful of violent Parkway Gardens residents have made the news.

Davis, along with others, shared their thoughts and concerns about the library at a recent public meeting at Hyde Park Academy.

The most poignant speaker, Linda Haywood, identified herself as a “former homeless woman who prayed for housing and was accepted into Jackson Park Terrace.” She told the spellbound crowd www.chicagodefender.com

at the meeting, “While I’m pleased the library will be across the street, I will not be moved!” She was the only speaker to receive a standing ovation at the April 18 meeting.

Others attending the meeting included South Shore advocate Dr. Carol Adams; Woodlawn activist Ulysses “Buck” Blakeley Jr.; Hyde Park Academy teacher Deb DeVaughn; activist Anton Seales; and Detroit-based activist-attorney Palestinian Rashida Tlaib.

Tlaib told skeptic citizens “Don’t believe the hype. Get it in writing.” Tlaib, who is with the Sugar Law Center where she works as community partnerships and development director, said in Arabic and English that her family hails from the Ramallah/Jerusalem area in the Occupied West Bank where many Detroit-area Arab Americans hail from. She said Arabs, Blacks, Asians, Native Americans, Whites and Latinos have had a bad example of how top-down development leaves their struggling community “devoid of the results” promised from polished politicians and preachers. She cited Baltimore as an example where residents “got screwed” and Nevada as where they did not. These were so-called “success stories” of Baltimore and Nevada shown early in the town hall meeting PowerPoint in what attendee Cassiette West-Williams sarcastically called “a marketing plan.”

According to West-Williams: “I am praying that the Obama Library brings renewal to my high school, Hyde Park Academy, and has programs and internships that allow young people to learn and earn credits in the future. I’m praying that both institutions will work together for the teens’ benefit,” she said, citing coun-

selor Veronica Jackson’s statistics that this 154-year-old high school that used to have 2,200 has now decreased to 740 and “needs a boost.”

Mixed Feelings About the Library Aldermen Leslie Hairston (who is a lawyer) and former cop Willie Cochran both represent Woodlawn. While I was unable to get a comment from Hairston, Cochran (presently under federal corruption investigation) wrote: “The residents have mixed feelings [about the Library]. Happy because of the promise of hope, jobs, safety and a vibrant community with more food choices. Temper that with fear of displacement and strangers they know nothing about.”

Woodlawn’s Rabbi Ramona Hernandez-Perez, a retired Northwestern University library researcher, wrote: “Minority communities of Chicago have been disappointed so many times before in savior-like projects, which turned out to be only a flash-in-the-pan deal. For the Library to be different, it must provide jobs, contractor, subcontractor and vendor opportunities during construction and through its lifetime.”

Activist Gabriel Piemonte said: “Well, the worst-case scenario is to look at it within a Chicago context historically -State Street, Maxwell Street, Block 37 -these ideas, these places where there are these grand ideas, parts of the community are torn up and then nothing happens and it takes years before anything happens.”

Piemonte said he was concerned that citizens would not be heard under Brazier’s visioning process. “You can go to these community meetings, but you get filtered out based on whether what you want

is consistent with what his priorities are.”

More Transparency Needed Meanwhile, noblesse oblige -- the inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged – might be the calling of Brazier and Finney (who I was unable to get a comment from after several attempts) but most of the sources I spoke with from Washington Park (where Brazier lives), South Shore (“a crime-ridden, food desert” according to Elkins) where this reporter went to high school and Woodlawn (where Brazier’s mammoth church resides), argued they should “lead” Brazier, not the other way around. Even he admitted, “I’m not a representative. The alderman is. I’m an advocate. Everyone who lives and works here is an advocate.”

As we concluded our telephone interview, he conceded “local residents have a good point about transparency, especially when it comes to the letting of contracts, and that community interests over corporate interests should win the day.” To their credit, even critics acknowledge that Finney and Brazier have done some good for Woodlawn.

“I was born and raised in Bronzeville.

I live in Washington Park; my church is in Woodlawn. I have not lost my way,” Brazier said to community critics’ claims that he “sold them out.” He added: “That in the end those who are for the Community Benefits Agreement and those who are against it will probably meet somewhere in the middle since both groups want the library and want what’s best for all the stakeholders.“ On that point, he could be correct.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 03

LOCAL

Single Application For Families Comes to CPS High Schools

By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer

Community activist FM Supreme opened Perspective Charter Schools’ Youth Summit with a rousing speech and musical performance.

Perspective Charter Schools’ Youth Summit Stresses Changing Cultures

By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer Perspective Charter Schools held its first youth peace summit entitled “Healing Chicago Inside and Out” at the McCormick Tribune Campus Center, 3300 S. State St., to, in part, encourage youth to become change agents for peace within their respective communities.

With the prevailing theme of peace, the summit, which was held on April 25, included “Expressions of Peace” workshops, where participants learned how to express themselves through various mediums, and “Achieving Peace” workshops, which gave participants an opportunity to develop strategies to increase the peace.

The day concluded with a scheduled “Anticipating Peace” activity where all 150 youth summit participants shared what they learned throughout the day and how they would take that information and experience back to their respective communities.

Sauda Porter, senior director of culture at Perspective Charter Schools, said the Perspective system could not ignore what takes place outside the walls of their schools. Perspective has campuses in the South Loop, Auburn Gresham, and Park Boulevard neighborhoods.

“One of the biggest reasons we decided to have [this event] is to see how many of our youth are impacted by violence,” said Porter. “We’re about helping students develop the habits and the skills that they need to be successful in life and to be leaders.”

Porter said her students formed a planning committee and met on alternating Fridays to determine what activities would take place for the summit.

She said the planning for the event had been in the works since October of last year. “[The youth] basically helped develop this because we really believe it’s about empowering them to make a change,” said Porter.

Lamar Johnson, youth services coordinator for the BRAVE Youth Leaders of The ARK St. Sabina, said despite Chicago’s negative perception, there are plenty of people who care about making a positive change within the city. During the summit, he moderated a youth panel involving seven summit participants. Also, he brought at least 10 participants from BRAVE. The BRAVE Youth Leaders of St. Sabina is a violence prevention youth council that serves ages 14-21.

“It’s important for us to have this event because it’s bringing young people together for a chance to express themselves and give their experiences and information on how they can

04 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

create change within their own communities,” said Johnson. “It’s a very unique thing because normally you see how people with higher power try to change things, but now we want the youth to say something… to come together and create change for what’s going on around us.”

Cassius Kurns, 17, a junior at Leo Catholic High School, was one of the participants of the panel. He said he thinks some individuals may be encouraged to raise awareness about violence or change their ways when dealing with violence after attending events like the summit.

He said “of course” he’s seen a lot of violence as a resident of the South Side of Chicago. He suggested outreach programs and events for teens will help curb the violence on the streets.

Otto Horton, a college counselor at Leo Catholic High School, brought Kurns and 12 other juniors to the summit. He said the purpose of bringing rising seniors to the summit was to encourage them to become leaders in the future. “[We brought] youth here so that they can experience that there is hope for young students and that it’s more about peace, it’s more about advancement, just to be productive citizens in their own perspective communities,” said Horton.

Chicago Public Schools’ Board of Education announced at its latest monthly board meeting that rising eighth grade students will be able to apply to high schools using a single application – GoCPS. The move to GoCPS comes on the heels of school choice advocates, teachers, parents, and students calling for a less convoluted method for selecting the schools that best fit incoming CPS freshmen.

Organizations like Kid First Chicago (KFC) help families find the specific school(s) that best fit the needs of their student(s). KFC’s aid was, at times, pivotal in helping families locate choices that would have otherwise remained hidden-- with some as close as a few blocks from students’ homes. The task of selecting a school within CPS’ network could be daunting for individuals unfamiliar with all of the available options. According to its website, CPS lists a total of 652 schools within its network including 480 elementary schools.

“GoCPS will simplify the high school enrollment process and create a more equitable system to ensure that students have access to their best possible option for high school,” said Dr. Janice K. Jackson, Chief Education Officer for CPS. “Parents, counselors and community members have made it clear that this process needs to be simpler and more equitable, and we are taking action to provide the streamlined application system our families deserve.”

According to a CPS press release, GoCPS will apply to all district-operated schools, magnet, military, and participating charter schools with criteria for admissions. The BOE revealed GoCPS is slated to launch in the fall of 2017 and will include a website that will give families access to CPS’ high schools and programs.

Daniel Anello, chief executive officer of New Schools for Chicago, said his organization in partnership with the Institute for Innovation in Public School Choice prepared a report entitled “Parents Discuss their Challenges with Public School Choice in Chicago” based on focused groups with more than 100 parents. The report, which was released in February 2017, highlighted possible communication options between CPS families and administration.

“We were trying to get a sense of some of the biggest challenges they were facing when it came to navigating schools and gaining access to high quality options and all of the pieces that fit into what CPS does for families,” said Anello. “Having access and understanding where high quality options are or what programs are offered to families is something that is really hard to come by.”

Anello said most of the families who recently attempted to enroll a ninth grader in a high school in CPS’ network believed a change was “critical.” He said there needs to be better communication around what these school options are and what they offer.

“I think the first step is a single application system but that doesn’t solve all the information gap,” said Anello.

Anello said he’s seen families driven to tears over searching for quality schools and hopes the single application process will “level the playing field.”

He said there’s still some discussion over the role of charter schools and that more work needs to be done. www.chicagodefender.com

LOCAL

Alderman Report Card: Leslie Hairston branch of the Chicago River.

•Co-sponsored a resolution that called for hearings on minority recruitment and employment practices at Chicago Transit Authority.

•Co-sponsored a resolution to reaffirm the commitment to an Agreement in Principle executed with U.S. Department of Justice to negotiate reforms ensuring sustainable, constitutional and effective policing.

TIF Funding According to the City of Chicago’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) website portal, the fifth ward possessed several viable TIF districts. TIF funds are used to build and repair roads and infrastructure, clean polluted land and put vacant properties back to use. Listed below are some of the TIF projects along with their budgets. Go to https://webapps1.cityofchicago.org/ ChicagoTif/ for a detailed listing of every project.

1. 71st & Stony Island Ave. - Redevelopment/Intergovernmental Agreements - TIF Investments: $2,075,000; Non-TIF Investments - $21,402,496; Total: $23,477,496 • The 71st & Stony Island TIF district has 10 projects listed.

Leslie Hairston

By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer The Chicago Defender is taking a weekly look into the accomplishments and activities of the aldermen serving predominantly African American neighborhoods within the greater South and West sides of Chicago.

Fifth Ward Ald. Leslie Hairston has served sections of the Jackson Park, Woodlawn, Parkway Gardens, Grand Crossing, and South Shore neighborhoods since first being elected in 1999. She previously served the state of Illinois as an assistant attorney general and as a staff attorney and special prosecutor for the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor’s Office.

Currently, Hairston, who was recently elected to her fifth term in office, serves on six committees for the City Council: health and environmental protection; special events, cultural affairs and recreation; budget and governmental operations; finance; committees, rules and ethics; and holds the vice chair position for economic, capital, and technology among several joint committees.

Crime Reports According to crime reports by the Chicago Police Department, the fifth ward, which consists of sections of the second and third districts, have seen an overall decrease in violent crime in the last four years. The second district witnessed a four percent decrease in the total number of violent crimes for the week of April 1016 in 2017 (661) compared to 2013 (688).

The third district saw a seven percent decrease over the same period of time going www.chicagodefender.com

from 861 violent crimes in 2013 to 802 in 2017.

Schools The fifth ward is home to multiple elementary and high schools. Listed are a few of the schools ranked by CPS’ School Quality Rating Policy. According to CPS’ website, the QRP measures a school’s annual performance based on but not limited to school culture and climate, student test score performance, student academic growth, attendance, graduation rate, preparation for post-graduation success, and more. CPS’ QRP ranks schools on a 1+,1, 2+, 2, 3 scale with 1+ being the highest possible score.

1. Hyde Park Academy, 6220 S. Stony Island Ave., Level 2.

2. Henry O. Tanner Elementary School, 7350 S. Evans Ave., Level 2+.

3. Andrew Carnegie Elementary School, 1414 E. 61st Pl., Level 1.

4. Isabelle C O’Keeffe Elementary School, 6940 S. Merrill Ave., Level 1.

5. Woodlawn Community Elementary School, 6657 S. Kimbark Ave., Level 1.

6. James Madison Elementary School, 7433 S. Dorchester Ave., Level 2.

7. Bret Harte Elementary School, 1556 E. 56th St., Level 1.

Legislation Ald. Hairston has either sponsored or co-sponsored several key pieces of legislation introduced and passed in the City of Chicago’s City Council. Listed are some of the more notable ordinances and resolutions she contributed to.

•Co-sponsored an ordinance to repeal the “Trump Plaza” designation of N. Wabash Ave. from E. Illinois St. to the main

• Starbucks - A 1,626 sq. ft. Starbucks located at 7101 S. Stony Island Ave. was constructed including a 13-car parking lot, drive-thru, and an outdoor seating area cost $1.4 million including $225,000 in approved TIF payment (principal).

2. 73rd & University Ave. - TIF Investments: $652,796; Non-TIF Investments $1,507,979; Total: $2,160,775 •Pedestrian Safety Improvements: 7200 S. South Chicago Ave. - $240,000 • Gary Comer Youth Center’s garden project, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave. - Total Project Cost: $2,160,775; Approved TIF Payment (Principal): $652,796. The project included the sale of 1.75 acres of Cityowned property to Comer Science and Education Foundation which allowed for the increase in the number of hoop houses and growing areas, bike parking, garden storage area, a wind turbine for garden irrigation, and the construction of a farmer’s market space.

3. Woodlawn - TIF Investments - $4,750,425; Non-TIF Investments $21,917,357; Total - $26,667,782 • The Woodlawn TIF district has more than 20 projects listed.

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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 05

LOCAL

Chicago Schools to Stay Open Despite Lawsuit’s Rejection (AP) Chicago’s mayor said the city’s public schools will remain open until the end of the school year, despite a judge’s decision Friday to toss a district lawsuit over education funding by the state of Illinois.

Cook County Circuit Judge Franklin Ulyses Valderrama denied a Chicago Public Schools motion for an injunction seeking to bar the state from distributing education funds in a discriminatory manner. He also ruled in favor of the state’s motion to dismiss the case, but he is allowing CPS to come back with a new argument. He gave the school district until May 26 to file an amended complaint.

CPS CEO Forrest Claypool had said the judge’s decision could mean the district would end the school year on June 1 without additional funding from the state.

“The kids of the City of Chicago will be in school until the end of the school year,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said at a news conference Friday. “That is where they belong.”

Although CPS officials said they haven’t determined how the district will pay its bills, Emanuel said officials will search for funds to keep the doors open.

“Missing a school day is wrong,” he said.

While Valderrama rejected the lawsuit, he did express sympathy for the plight of Chicago’s school district.

“The court is not oblivious to the fiscal challenges confronting CPS,” Valderrama wrote in his opinion. “To say that the State’s current scheme of funding public education is broken is to state the obvious.

Plaintiffs’ complaint, however, as constituted is not the vehicle to redress this inequity.”

CPS argued that the way the state funds its schools violates the civil rights of Chicago’s predominantly minority student population. CPS educates 20 percent of Illinois students, but the district only receives 15 percent of state funding.

Emanuel said the children in Chicago’s poorer neighborhoods of Englewood and Woodlawn count just as much as those in the city’s wealthier suburbs.

“We are not asking for special treatment for the children of Chicago, we are seeking equitable treatment,” he said.

Illinois disperses money to schools through a complex calculation that provides per-student funding that even state officials acknowledge is insufficient, causing school districts to rely heavily on local property tax revenues. There’s wide consensus that the 1997 formula is unfair with a wide spending gap between low and high poverty districts, like Chicago. But there’s little agreement on how to overhaul it and the nearly two-year state budget impasse has overshadowed other issues at the Capitol.

Ex-Chicago Public Schools CEO Gets Prison Time for Kickbacks

By Michael Tarm

kickbacks, he said.

“It’s distressing that Chicago has not AP Legal Affairs Writer and seems to be unable to shed its image of public corruption,” he said.

A federal judge lamented the perThe scheme, Chang added, had divertsistence of city corruption last week as ed money from students who relied on edhe sentenced the former head of Chicaucation to help them escape go Public Schools to 4 ½ poverty and crime. years in prison for steering He cited emails to co-de$23 million in no-bid city fendants where Byrd-Bennett contracts to education expressed an eagerness to firms for a cut of more than make money, writing in one: $2 million in kickbacks.

“I have tuition to pay and caBarbara Byrd-Bennett’s sinos to visit.” Such “casualbrazenness in bilking a disness” and “humor” about cortrict buckling under major ruption suggested she never financial strain made her Barbara Byrd-Bennett thought she’d be caught, the crime much worse, Judge judge said.

Edmond Chang said at the sentencing Before being tapped to lead the Chicahearing in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

A tearful Byrd-Bennett apologized in go district — the nation’s third largest with court before learning her punishment, say- 400,000, mostly low-income students ing: “What I did was terribly wrong. ... I’m — Byrd-Bennett held top education jobs in Detroit, Cleveland and New York. As a ashamed and I’m sorry.” young woman, she worked as a teacher in The 67-year-old Byrd-Bennett and her low-income neighborhoods in New York co-schemers have further eroded public City near where she was raised, and later confidence in a city with a long history became a “superstar” in the world of eduof corruption, Chang said. It was vital to cation reform, prosecutor Megan Church impose a punishment that can deter oth- told the court earlier Friday. er officials tempted to accept bribes and 06 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

William Pickard Shares How To Make Millionaire Moves

By KayCee Shakur Defender Contributing Writer “I believe in entrepreneurship. I have received the blessings, and now I’m going to spread the word” were the words Dr. William F. Pickard used to describe the purpose of sharing his entrepreneurial tips to the world last week as he discussed his Amazon Best Selling Book “Millionare Moves.” Pickard was the man of the hour Thursday at Chicago’s DuSable Museum of African American History as he spoke to an audience of both established and developing Black entrepreneurs about seven proven principals of entrepreneurship.

Throughout the discussion, Pickard spoke candidly about his early years of entrepreneurship, impressing the audience with his extremely detailed memories that date back more than 30 years.

Every Black business is an asset to the community, but “Bill has employed thousands,” says James Lowry, President of James H. Lowry & Associates and friend of Pickard, who wrote the preface of “Millionaire Moves”. Lowry introduced the host and conversation facilitator Cheryl Grace, Nielsen Senior Vice President, at the event.

Pickard’s ability to bring capital and employment to the Black community has been widely recognized and deliberate.

When asked if he’d hire someone just because they are Black, Pickard says, “Yes, I don’t have to make them CEO, but that’s my responsibility.” Pickard extends this responsibility to the entire community stating that “for many different reasons, not just because we weren’t trying, we have lost the spirit of owning our own stuff. And I don’t care if you have 5 people or 5,000 people, I think we have to have a renewed effort to create business for ourselves and our communities.”

Pickard is targeting young people and millennials. He’s visited about 34 colleges and universities to discuss “Millionaire Moves”, the majority of them being HBCUs. One way he relates to millennials is

by sharing that he used the money refunded from financial aid to acquire his very first McDonald’s.

During his event at DuSable, Pickard gave lessons on financial responsibility at multiple points in the discussion and urged the community to stop “begging for what we need and buying what we want.” He warned audience members to live within their financial means and weigh the importance of materialistic items. In response to an audience member’s question about small business start up funding, Pickard states that funding is one of the easiest steps in starting a business. Citing James H. Lowry as a man who could name about 100 different small business lenders, he warns that every meeting and pitch won’t result in a “yes” but it only takes one “yes” among many “nos” to achieve a goal. He stressed the importance of presentation, networking, and connection-building, which was further highlighted by the amount of successful peers, friends and business partners he’s known for decades who turned out to support him..

This was not a typical talk-back discussion with a millionaire, sharing valuable wealth tips using a PowerPoint presentation with quoted testimonials from those who claim to be living proof that the tips work. Pickard’s relatable storytelling manner made the conversation feel like one with a wise uncle or mentor who you’ve known for years. The conversation left you reevaluating the way you’ve gone about business and provoked deeper insight to mental exercises required to succeed.

Pickard never made the fleet seem easy.

In fact, he reminded the audience multiple times that he worked extremely hard for his success and that they would, too. Ideals of personal responsibility to our people and communities, hard work, dedication, financial responsibility, and networking were constant. We must work diligently to ensure that we are contributing to the growth of Black enterprise because, as Pickard said, “It is our responsibility to create business for ourselves.” www.chicagodefender.com

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11:12 AM THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May4/24/17 9, 2017 07

ENTERTAINMENT

Domenti Pongo: New School With Old School Values

By Mary L. Datcher Defender Senior Staff Writer Being the new kid on the block may not always have its perks, but being one of the younger rising stars at a familiar Chicago radio station can reap great benefits.

Domenti Pongo has worked at WVON 1690 AM for the past three years as an on-air news reporter—working alongside broadcast veterans Perri Smalls and Cliff Kelly. His “go-getter” grind and hustle has quickly launched him from working as an intern to writing, producing and filling the airwaves with informative coverage and a unique Black millennial perspective.

Raised by West African immigrant parents, education was extremely important in the Pongo household. He graduated from Illinois Southern University at Edwardsville, earning his B.A. in Business.

After one year, he made a life-altering decision to leave his corporate job and return home to Chicago.

Growing up, he was heavily influenced by hip hop music—writing his first rhyme at 6 and gradually working his talents as a spoken word artist in college. His “Black studies” mixtape on campus was an underground hit and sealed his interest in pursuing a career in broadcast—later enrolling at the Illinois Media School.

Since working at the legendary Blackowned radio station, the opportunities for Pongo have been endless. One of these opportunities has him wearing a new hat— talk show host for a new webisode called “Image Makers.”

The Chicago Defender caught up with the 27-year-old Calumet City native to discuss his rising career in broadcast media.

In addition to working at WVON, how did this latest venture as the host of “Image Makers” first start?

It first started from a tech symposium at Northeastern Illinois University. As a WVON commentator, Carl West comes by the radio station a great deal. We shoot the breeze and he gives me advice. He informs me about the Tech Symposium where I ended up hosting the panel discussions.

Afterwards, Carl contacted me to discuss an idea he’s had for a long time. He felt now was the right time to make it happen. He asked me if I would be willing to interview ‘image makers’ in Chicago? I asked him what he meant by image makers? He said, ‘People who have taken what they have, what they started with and built it out into something great.’

Everyone can hear you on the radio, reporting the news with mid-morning radio host, Perri Smalls. How did that happen?

I ended up enrolling in the Illinois Center for Broadcast—now known as Illinois Media School. I got an internship at WVON. On the very first week I started, the previous news anchor put in his two-week notice. I came home and told my mom, I really think I can do this.

She told me to go ahead and apply. I

Domenti Pongo told her that I couldn’t because I had never been on the air very long. She encouraged me and said, ‘Who says you can’t? What’s holding you back besides your own feelings of inadequacies?’ She had me thinking and I put in my air check (a demo recording of his reporting]. Todd, the program director, said it wasn’t that bad. I went in training for three months.

What made you feel that broadcast tugged at your heartstrings more?

It happened haphazardly for me. I wasn’t one of those people that said, ‘I’m going to be on the radio or television.’ I’ve always had an interest in business but I’ve always been a writer, whether it was poetry or hip hop. I’ve written for the Black Studies program. I produced a mixtape called the ‘Black Studies’ mixtape and started blogging before I knew that was considered journalism. They wanted me to review some albums and feedback. I didn’t really look at that as journalism or broadcast.

How do you transition your ‘creative’ into a news reporter? Also, hitting a different audience that may not be your ‘peer’ audience—what was some of the elements that you pulled from your spoken word/hip hop experience?

Hip hop is storytelling. Before we knew what it was like to be in Los Angeles—we knew Ice Cube. Before we knew what New York was like, we knew NAS. I could paint you a picture of a Harlem cat in the 1990’s or the early 2000’s by looking at

08 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

the Dipset. It’s the story telling aspect that made it easy.

You can always tell the rapper in the room. He’s probably the loudest, the most boisterous, the most confident.

It’s the promo aspect of it. It’s makes you comfortable in front of a crowd. When I learned how to rap, I was listening to Twista and transcribing his words. I was figuring how he did these syllables. I noticed the difference between Twista and BTH. Anybody who raps fast, he enunciates. When I started doing broadcasting, I did the same practice. I turned on the news and put on the closed caption.

When I talk causally, [I listened to hear if I] am dropping the ‘g’s off my words, and I noticed that I have an accent. It was like learning how to rap again.

If [I] don’t understand the culture of hip hop, I would lose my creditability or respect. You have on timberlands over here and you have on dress shoes over there. If you’re authentic, people will connect with you.

Working with and interviewing some of the best people in the field who are image makers, how do you balance learning from them and understanding so much rich history before you?

When young people are around people with more wisdom, [I think it is important that] you listen more than you speak. If you listen to older people enough, they tell the same stories over and over. You’re going

to pick up different things every time they tell the story. You listen and piece things together, you take mental notes.

Who are the top three people who have been influential in your life both personally and professionally?

There’s exactly three people: my oldest sister, Nunya-- I wrote my first verse when I was six years old and she was 16 helping me to write it—she has such resolve; my other big sister, Afenya, is such a dynamic thinker.

The third person is Malcolm X. The first book that I read as an adult was “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” Even when I had my troubles as a teenager and getting in the negative aspects of hip hop culture, I looked to ‘Red.’ If you had an opportunity to come back in another life as a hip hop emcee, who would you come back as?

I want to say Jay-Z. Who wouldn’t want to come back as Jay? I was just watching an interview with Clark Kent on a show called ‘Dream Champs’ and he said the only time Jay-Z didn’t have the hottest song of the summer is when he chose not to drop an album. To be able to manage these different artists, to call Warren Buffet, to be able to go from being a rapper to the President of Def Jam—to work with Lyor Cohen As I learn about leaders and read books on leadership, I see a lot of qualities in Jay-Z that I’d like to see in myself. www.chicagodefender.com

LOCAL

College Poets Protest Marc Smith on the CUPSI Finals Stage

By Nate Olison Defender Contributing Writer The College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI) finals ended in a draw a few weeks ago at the UIC Forum after poets and community members held a silent protest during Poetry Slam founder Marc Kelly Smith’s opening performance.

Smith’s performance was cut short when members of the CUPSI community formed a human wall with their backs to the stage, holding their arms in an X across their chests. Chicago is renowned for being the birthplace of Slam Poetry and home to Louder Than A Bomb, the world’s largest youth poetry festival. Marc Smith invented the Poetry Slam to get poetry out of the academy and integrated into the lives of every day people. The competitive format has allowed spoken word poetry to flourish and reach new audiences the world over. At first glance, it seems fitting that he would perform at CUPSI finals in 2017.

Suffice it to say: it was not a good fit.

There is a saying in youth poetry slam that rests at the core of every good coaches’ pedagogy. “The point is not the points!

The point is the poetry!” The same is true for CUPSI; the competition is only a means to push performers to deliver their best work. The event opened with “The Best of the Rest” showcase to provide platforms for outstanding performers whose scores didn’t land them in the finals. Individual poets (Jonathan Mendoza of the Berklee College of Music and Emily Dial of Stanford University) graced the stage with teams from Brown University and Barnard College in what proved to be an awe-inspiring kick-off to the event. This work was unflinching and brave. It enticed me to believe that history perhaps wasn’t only written by the victors, that maybe history was written by the survivors. The same can be said for the ensemble poems that came after from Tufts University, Brown University, University of Birmingham, and Barnard College. By the end of the first showcase, I found myself fantasizing about what the rest of the night would entail.

By the time Marc Smith took the stage, the feeling in the UIC Forum was lit.

Smith’s first poem went over tenuously.

It was a narrative poem about the time he drove a drunk, self-righteous poet home after a poetry slam. During his next few pieces, the energy in the room shifted dramatically. The rest of his set consisted of three poems: Speaksters, Old White Guy Whitey, and Detention Center. Marc Smith has posted all three pieces in the poems section of his website under the heading “The poems that got me silenced at the National College Slam.”

Speaksters opens up with this stanza, setting up a critique which would be carried out through the rest of the poem.

“All rise and bow and kneel/ Another Spokesman of Mass Appeal/ Has hopped atop the concert stage/ To open up his Holy Rage” A few stanzas in, the audience startwww.chicagodefender.com

Poetry slams have a reputation for invoking emotions, and the college finals at UIC followed suit. ed to collectively stir, with some people standing up to leave the performance hall altogether. The promise of critique was delivered in the following lines.

“Hey, how is it that you got time/To be in the spotlight spinnin’/ Groove after groove of poor me/ When most folks I know/ Who ain’t got time for what they need “Drag their dumb souls along daily/ In drab little circles of no time getting’ nowhere/ Not one minute/ For capital A Art” Poetry Slam History It’s prudent for us to pause for a moment to take inventory of the cultural history and context to understand what happened next. Poetry Slam is a context in which political poems are highly valued and are often met with the highest scores.

You may go to a poetry slam and out of 10 poems, hear 5 poems about Black death, 4 poems about rape, and only one poem that makes you laugh. Within Poetry Slam circles, various manifestations of this debate have surfaced over the years. Are poets only writing about trauma to score points, and if so, does that take something away from the craft? When we start asking that question, we begin to lose sight of the fact that the poets’ stories are true and their trauma is real. When we consider the larger context in which these poems are being written, we must acknowledge how rarely the experiences of our most vulnerable populations are treated with dignity.

The isms and traumas endured by people identifying as women, POC, LGBTQ+, or differently abled, are so relentless that it has become necessary for communities to create spaces in which to heal, so that we may go back into the world to endure the inevitable with the strength required to thrive while experiencing systemic oppression. The Poetry Slam community (not on all days, but on good days) has evolved to

become one such space. The poems give voice to stories that would otherwise not be told. Upon hearing that hypothetical fourth rape poem in the hypothetical slam I posed above, I would hope the epiphany is not that we have too many rape poems, but that we have too many rapists. The number of Slam poems penned about racism, sexism and the like pale in comparison to the seemingly infinite occurrences that inspire them.

There is nothing to suggest that the excerpts I have included from Marc Smith’s poem were intended to specifically target the voices in the room, and nobody outside of himself can claim to know when he penned the piece or who he had in mind at the time. Even still, art does not exist in a vacuum and neither does White privilege.

It is not my purpose in writing this article to review Smith’s performance, merely to give adequate context of the events I witnessed unfold. I encourage anyone reading this article to also read Smith’s poems as referenced above, and continue the dialog as they deem fit.

Meanwhile, back on the stage at CUPSI, Smith was not even half way through Speaksters when a steady stream of audience members started filing out of the room in silent protest. By the time Smith finished the last stanza of Old White Guy Whitey which ended, “Old white guy whitey/ A sugar cube in someone’s joke/Responsible for a mountain of dark deeds/ Different, I guess, from all the other colors” Almost a third of the seats were vacant, with a steady flow of audience members leaving the auditorium to join the people congregating outside. Smith had not missed a beat, and at this point he had yet to acknowledge the uncomfortably blatant exodus of the audience members. By the time he got to his third piece, poets started

filing into the room to form a line in front of the stage with their backs to Smith, holding their arms to form X’s across their chests. At this point, Smith stopped his performance and addressed the audience directly, “Oh this is great, are you done yet?” To which the protesters responded vocally, ending the silent protest. Frustrated, Smith walked off the stage.

In an organized and astoundingly swift fashion, the event was temporarily shut down while the finals teams and ACUI staff discussed how best to proceed backstage.

Outside of the back room, in a moment of DJ genius, Chance The Rapper’s “You Don’t Want No Problems” started blaring from the speakers. The crowd of hundreds who had been previously agitated and uncertain just moments before instantaneously erupted into song. The dance party that ensued would continue for 4 songs before representatives from the impromptu backstage committee would reclaim the mic and usher in a verdict.

Justice Gaines, co-coach of the team from Brown University, replaced Chicago Slamworks’ JW Basilo as the host of the event. The finalist teams from Penn State, Montclair State, NYU, and Temple University decided to share the title, declaring that no poems would be scored on stage that night. The following awards were presented to standout teams and individuals, selected by the coaches themselves.

Spirit of the Slam Barnard University Best Writing By a Team Tufts University Pushing the Art Forward Tufts University Best Poet JonJon – Tufts University Nayo Alexandria-Jones – Temple University George Abraham – Swarthmore College Best Poem “Bulletproof” – Barnard College “Zumbi” – JonJon, Tufts University “Confessions on Gratitude” – Jonathan Mendoza, Berklee College of Music Best Persona Piece “Zumbi” – JonJon, Tufts University The Gutbuster Funny Poem “Ankh Nigga” – Oberlin College Best Love Poem “Healing” – Nayo Alexandria-Jones, Temple University Torchbearer’s Award Chrysanthemum Tran, Brown University Kim Pho, ACUI Paul Tran, Barnard College HEAD TO HEAD HAIKU WINNER Daniel Garcia, University of North Texas NERD SLAM WINNER Jared Green, Brooklyn College

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 09

FINANCE

Congress Tries to Ban the CFPB From Regulating Payday and Car-title Loans CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER

Since its inception, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has faced an unrelenting onslaught of attacks. From lawmakers to lobbyists and business organizations, many still maintain that the marketplace should regulate itself, and government should just get out of the way.

Count the Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, Dallas’ Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R), as a key believer who is determined to rollback regulations and hamstring regulators, if not eliminate them. On April 26, he convened a hearing to formally unveil legislation dubbed the Financial CHOICE Act 2.0. Participating in the session were expert witnesses, the majority of whom echoed Rep. Hensarling’s views.

This bill deserves a new name; let’s call it something more akin to what it really would do: financial harm. For Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the committee’s Rank-

ing Member, the “Wrong Choice Act” would be an apt and accurate description.

“I want to be very clear for anyone who is watching – that is exactly what this bill would result in,” said the Congresswoman during the hearing. “The Wrong Choice Act thoroughly dismantles Wall Street reform, guts the Consumer

10 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Financial Protection Bureau, and takes us back to the system that allowed risky and predatory Wall Street practices and products to crash our economy.”

Without a doubt, the bill encourages government to take a blind eye to lenders that repeatedly harm borrowers by trapping them into turnstiles of debt and re-borrowing that eventually leads to overdrafts, closed bank accounts and, in the worst scenarios, bankruptcies. Today, consumers in 35 states are subject to triple-digit interest rates that range from 154 to 677 percent.

If Rep. Hensarling has his way, Congress will enact a bill replete with provisions that would reverse forward strides in consumer protection, many taken in the wake of the Great Recession of 2008 and others with origins dating to the Great Depression of the 1930s.

While many state officials have taken on predatory lending in several of its abusive forms, the CFPB worked in concert. As states exercised their respective authorities, CFPB investigated and enforced legal provisions of a federal law that stops unfair, deceptive, and abusive acts and practices in financial services, or UDAAP. As a federal consumer agency, CFPB also secured nearly $12 billion on behalf of American families through its decisive actions and national scope.

The Financial CHOICE Act 2.0 would eliminate CFPB’s use of

UDAAP. That one reversal would make it easier for payday lenders, banks, debt collectors, student lenders, and others to trick and trap consumers without redress.

In addition, by specifically removing authority to promulgate rules for high-cost payday and car-title loans, this harmful bill would also exempt further CFPB actions on high-cost installment loans too.

Even now, millions of Americans still feel caught in debt traps like payday and car-title loans with an average 300 percent annual rate. In states that allow these high-cost loans, payday and car title lenders strip away more than $8 billion dollars a year. According to CFPB, nearly one in four payday borrowers relies on either public assistance or retirement benefits as primary income. The average borrower income is approximately $25,000.

All too often across the country, payday and car-title storefronts ply their trade in Black and Latino neighborhoods. The noticeable presence of these predatory lenders in our communities illustrates how our people are targeted to become financial victims, just as subprime mortgage lenders did in the years leading up to the foreclosure crisis.

Before CFPB’s creation, millions of Americans felt caught in debt traps like payday and car-title loans with no hope of breaking its debt trap. Now, by fighting predatory lenders at both the state and

federal levels, 90 million people who live in the District of Columbia and 15 states have laws that cap triple-digit loan shark interest rates on these small-dollar loans and a consumer agency that will hold violators accountable. Collectively, these states save more than $2 billion a year that would otherwise be spent on payday loan fees.

In many ways, Hensarling’s bill proposes that the consumer watchdog become a toothless tiger with no bite at all.

“A key goal of the proposal is to weaken the successful CFPB into an unrecognizable husk incapable of protecting consumers,” said Ed Mierzwinski, Consumer Program Director with U.S. PIRG. “An important tool for regulators is the ability to challenge unfair and deceptive practices. The CFPB has been given a third prong, the ability to challenge ‘abusive’ practices as well.”

“Payday and car-title loans often drain hundreds of dollars from a person’s bank account in amounts well above the original loan amount,” noted Diane Standaert, a CRL EVP and Director of State Policy. “Instead of giving free rein to practices that intentionally push people deeper in debt, Congress should let the CFPB do its job to prevent these debt traps.”

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

She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending.org. www.chicagodefender.com

FINANCE

Paying Off The IRS

By Constant Watson Defender Contributing Writer If you are one of the thousands of taxpayers dealing with IRS collection or enforcement actions, you may feel there is no way to get relief. Revenue Officers (collection agents) may have visited your home; they may have talked to your neighbors. They may have visited your place of employment; they may have spoken to your employer or co-workers. You may have even received “certified” letters in the mail.

You never want to ignore the IRS! If they think you owe them money, they can clean out your bank account, take part of your paycheck and place liens on your home and everything else you own. These actions are intended to get your attention and bring you to your knees so that you will agree to whatever terms they demand.

If the IRS is auditing you, the Revenue Agents (auditors) may require documents from a few years ago that are difficult to locate. If you can’t find these quickly enough to satisfy them, they may disallow your deductions and chalk up additional taxes for you to pay. They sometimes have the attitude that everyone is cheating the govern-

www.chicagodefender.com

ment. They may be inflexible and expect you to pay amounts you do not have and meet deadlines you find impossible.

Given the circumstances, it is no wonder citizens feel the Internal Revenue Service is unfair and uncaring. However, the reality is that you have rights when dealing with the IRS, and there are several programs available that may provide relief from the harsh actions the IRS has taken or is threatening to take.

These rights and programs can be used to resolve your tax problem and provide the path to ending the IRS nightmare. If you have unpaid taxes or unfiled tax returns, you must end the pain and get your life back. Some of the programs include: •Offer in Compromise, which is a settlement for the amount you can afford rather than the amount you owe plus penalties and interests.

•Installment Agreement plans that provide an opportunity to pay what you owe over an extended period of time.

•Bankruptcy can eliminate certain tax debts when they meet the conditions for discharge.

•Innocent Spouse Relief may remove you from responsibility for tax due that should be the responsibility of your spouse

or former spouse.

•The Internal Revenue Service has 10 years to collect a balance due from a taxpayer. The Statute of Limitations on collection starts when the tax is assessed and continues for 10 years. Certain events like bankruptcy, filing an Offer in Compromise, or requesting a Collection Due Process Hearing suspend the running of the 10 years for the time they are pending plus a tack-on period.

•Penalty abatement may reduce your balance due by eliminating the onerous penalties the IRS has added to the tax owed. The interest on any abated penalty is also eliminated when the penalty is removed.

As you can see from this short list of some of the IRS programs, there are many options available to afford you relief. How-

ever, you cannot rely on the IRS to search out and recommend what is your best alternative. It is their job to collect as many tax dollars as possible and as quickly as possible. Don’t be embarrassed, you are not alone. There are millions of people who have unfiled or unpaid taxes. Now is the time to begin the process of resolving your IRS issues. 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 Specialist 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.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 11

ENTERTAINMENT

Paramount Presents All-Black Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar With Soul-Stirring Music

Brenda and Rick McCain

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ features an all-Black cast.

PARAMOUNT THEATER PRESENTS JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR DIRECTED BY RON KELLUM NOW PLAYING – April 19 - MAY 28, 2017

By Rick and Brenda McCain Defender Contributing Writers “Jesus Christ Superstar,” directed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, made its Broadway debut 46 years ago and mesmerized audiences. This 1971 rock opera transformed the stage into a global phenomenon.

Fast forward to the Millennium and this iconic piece of musical theatre is still riveting and it continues to mesmerize audiences alike with a twist of powerful and soul-stirring songs.

So what is this play called “Jesus Christ Superstar” and what is all of the hype about?

Well… here’s a refresher. Jesus Christ Superstar recounts the last days of Jesus on earth (played by Evan Tyrone Martin) from the perspective of Judas Iscariot (Mykal Kilgore), his betrayer. As Jesus’ fan base increases, Judas begins to worry that Jesus is falling for his own hype, forgetting the principles of his teachings and growing too close to the prostitute Mary Magdalene (Felicia Boswell). After Jesus has an outburst in a temple, Judas turns on him.

Now the hype about this great production of Jesus Christ Superstar at Paramount Theater is all in the directing and casting of the crew. Ron Kellum, who makes his Paramount debut as Director of “Jesus Christ Superstar”, is a nationally known choreographer and live spectacular specialist who happens to be African American, and he directs a cast of 26 African American actors and actresses who simply wow the audiences.

Kellum says, “This is not a gospel ver-

The all-Black cast delivers a mesmerizing show at Paramount Theater. sion, nor is it hip-hop. It’s just performed with an all-Black cast and it is told through the narrative of Judas. How we move, how we sing — our influences were more opera, rhythm and blues or rock ‘n’ roll. It’s all going to happen organically.”

Ron chose actors whose performances can take you to another level of fiery splendor. The musical is therapeutically sung throughout the play with no spoken dialogue; the singing voices can easily rival any Broadway singers.

Two of those stellar voices included the extraordinary Mykal Kilgore, who portrayed Judas Iscariot and opened up the play with an effortless version of “Heaven on Their Minds,” and the lovely Felicia Boswell, who sung “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” Although Jesus Christ Superstar has inspired many over the four decades since its debut back in the 70’s from adoration and controversy to parody and mockery, Director Ron Kellum’s delivery was loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’s life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with Jesus ascending into heaven.

12 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

It also highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Mary Magdalene. Superficially at least, Jesus Christ Superstar contains many elements of the biblical narrative however; Rick’s literary biblical knowledge wishes this rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar would have stayed closer to the actual story.

Evan Tyrone Martin who is featured as Jesus of Nazareth is a good actor, however I wished I could have heard more of his range of singing. We also noticed that the poor acoustics at the Paramount could have played a part. From the aftermath of the play, one can definitely see how it portrays Jesus grappling with His mortality when it came to His relationship and friendship with Judas and Mary Magdalene.

Now this is when things can either go too far to the right or too far to the left because when you’re talking about Jesus Christ, it’s very risky if you stray from the biblical aspect of His being. However, Director Kellum seemed to have provided us with a noteworthy performance with its fascinating and magnetic storytelling of Jesus Christ, the man of good intentions that through the eyes of Judas let things

get out of control by focusing too much on his fame.

Kellum showed us how popularity can deceive and corrupt and he handled this larger than life play delicately with the help of the awe-inspiring cast singing acapella versions of the songs.

From the very first note to the last, the gospel-like infused songs which included the one and only “Jesus Christ Superstar,” one can only clap, sing along and be joyously happy with this musical utopia of theater!

Throughout this incredible retelling of one of the greatest stories played out on stage, we heard boisterous voices like angels singing, which made this iconic piece of musical theater go down in history as a first “Jesus Christ Superstar” in the United States on this scale with an all AfricanAmerican cast!

So if you’re ready and do not mind taking a trip outside the limits of Chicago to see the musical of all musicals, “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Paramount Theater in Aurora, you will definitely be in for a treat full of dynamic, thrilling, spell bounding singing with a message of love.

The Cast includes: (JESUS OF NAZARETH) Evan Tyrone Martin (JUDAS ISCARIOT) Mykal Kilgore (MARY MAGDALENE) Felicia Boswell (PONTIUS PILATE) Rufus Bonds Jr. (KING HEROD) Avionce Hoyles (CAIAOHAS) Lorenzo Rush Jr. (ANNAS) Avionce Hoyles (SIMON ZEALOTES) Mark J. P. Hood (PETER) Gilbert Domally (SOUL GIRLS) Reneisha Jenkins, Renelle Nicole, Kafi Pierre (APOSTLES/DISCIPLES/ENSEMBLE) Stephen “Blu” Allen, Jaren D. M. Grant, Gabriel Mudd (Priests) Stephen “Blu” Allen, Jos N. Banks, Ciera Dawn, Gilbert Domally, Candace C. Edwards, Jaren D. M. Grant, Keirsten Hodgens, Reneisha Jenkins, Michael Lovette, Gabriel Mudd, Brian Nelson, Jr., Renelle Nicole, Jaymes Osborne, Jon Pierce, Kafi Pierre, Travis Porchia, Camille Robinson, Alexis J. Roston, Jessica Brooke Seals We give this play 4 stars. www.chicagodefender.com

LOCAL

Eric Ferguson: Chicago Native and U.S. Naval Officer Gone Too Soon

By Mary L. Datcher Defender Senior Staff Writer For parents, no matter how old your children are—even into adulthood—they will forever remain your children. From the first breath that is taken when the baby is removed from mother’s womb—there is an immediate connection that many mothers recall. For those parents who are connected through adoption or guardianship—the feeling can be just as euphoric. What are the common denominators that nurture such a relationship between parent and child? Love and secondly—protection.

The love will sometimes be taken for granted as a child becomes an adult— some openly affectionate and others more reserved but that feeling of protection never leaves the caretaker’s spirit.

As the protector, often from day one, it is never easy for a parent to bury a child— the cycle of life doesn’t call for it.

Likewise, Ernie Ferguson and his wife, Fay Holmes Ferguson, did not prepare themselves for the news that their only child would not be coming back home.

Unlike, so many young men dying on the streets of Chicago from violence—Eric Wesley Ferguson had taken another turn to serve his country. The 31-year-old died from natural causes on March 30 while stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.

Growing up, Ferguson had become intrigued with a love for airplanes and anything related to the world of aeronautical engineering. Sharing the same passion was next door neighbor, Alex Corey. Both young boys immediately bonded with Alex spending most of his waking time at the Fergusons.

The sudden loss is still very raw for Corey. “We’ve been friends since first and second grade. Hanging out at birthdays together—we were very close. He was [an only] child. On my part, I had deaths in my family when I was younger. I didn’t have a super, stable environment so I spent a lot of time at his parent’s house so we were like brothers,” he said.

A student at the University of Chicago Lab Schools in elementary and junior high—his natural born leadership skills led his peers to elect him as the leader of the school’s Black Students’ Association, raising scholarship money.

Corey can recall his friend’s love for speed, outer space, cars, airplanes or anything that insinuated cutting edge technology. The community of like-minded people was an exciting time as teenagers for them both. “Eric was the life of the party and enjoyed life fully—he was drawn to this. When we were young, we were looking at Chuck Yeager books and his room was decked out with pictures of cars and airplanes on the walls. The whole community was so inwww.chicagodefender.com

Eric Wesley Ferguson

Long-time friends Alex Corey (l) and Eric Ferguson at their college graduation. viting to us when we were younger so we stuck with it forever.”

Attending Francis W. Parker High School, he was selected to represent the school at the National Association of Independent Schools’ Conference on Race and Gender in addition to the University of Illinois’ Early Outreach Program. Graduating in 2003, Ferguson was deeply committed to giving back to the community, often tutoring elementary and middle school students in their studies.

His smile was infectious and his talent for motivating others was “classic,” says Ferguson’s cousin, Howie Norman—also an only child. Three years older than his cousin, the two immediately bonded.

“He was unique because he would always make people around him very happy.

It was important to him for people to have equal access to what he had. If we were going out to do something, he wanted everyone else to come out,” Norman said.

“That is something our parents instilled in us growing up. I felt that I had a ridiculous amount of confidence but he had the right amount of confidence where he never appeared as an arrogant person. He was always gracious to what was given to him.”

After attending summer camp at the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida—the flying bug was real and at 17, Ferguson took his first solo flight as a pilot. Enrolling in the school was a no brainer, gradually rising through the academic ranks making the Dean’s list. His neighbor, Corey, also followed him, and they were inseparable as roommates.

Ferguson’s charisma and outgoing manner was infectious to everyone he came in contact with as he became a member in several groups including Phi Delta Theta

Fraternity, Inc., the Aircrafts Owners and Pilots Association, the Junior Advisory Board and the sport Compact Import Racing Car Club. Ferguson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science—receiving his private pilot’s license.

“We both flew together at Embry.

When I graduated, we both moved back to Chicago. I got a corporate job at United Airlines, and he tried to stick with flying but had a hard time. Where he worked, they went through the furlough process and it was a hard time to be a pilot. He signed up for the Navy—it was the first time we were separated when he went to OCS [Office Candidate School] on the East coast,” Corey recalls.

Pursuing a career as a pilot, Ferguson attended Gulf Stream Training Academy and later worked as a pilot for Continental Connection airlines. His travels soon took him throughout the Florida region, and throughout the Caribbean islands. The events after the tragic homeland terrorist attack of 9/11 struck a deep chord with him and soon after, he applied and was accepted in the Officer Candidate School.

In the U.S. Navy, he felt at home and adjusted his leadership skills to the discipline needed to rise throughout the ranks in the military—earning his bars from Ensign to Lieutenant.

As Ferguson was stationed in Japan and Corey resided in Chicago—both men became engaged. The naval officer had asked Annalyn Matsushita’s hand in marriage and was slated to be married soon.

Ferguson’s cousin, Norman, was pleased that Eric was there for him at his own wedding and looked forward to visiting him in Japan and hopefully meet his fiancé.

Eric Ferguson (l) with cousin Howie Norman on Norman’s wedding day.

“When you break it down, you think about of people’s lives on what they thought they wanted to do or how they felt where they’re at right now. He was planning to get married and have kids and looking forward to the next portion of his life. As far as his status, he was doing the things that he loved to do,” Norman said.

More importantly, as he was stationed in Japan, the Chicago native was never removed from the backlash of gun violence that plagued the streets and took so many innocent lives. A leading executive in advertising, Faye Ferguson is the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Burrell Advertising but as a mother and community stakeholder— she created the Allies of Innocence. The 501(c) 3 organization is designed to provide free grief and trauma to survivors of gun violence, which her son wholeheartedly endorsed.

Already feeling the void that his childhood friend filled, Corey thinks about the Ferguson’s deeper loss and know their faith will carry them through this different time.

“He had a pretty impressive ability to make people do things that they should be doing but don’t want to do. In my life that sort of changed me—a great deal. I have so many bad habits of not doing things that I should be doing for my own happiness or for other people,” he reflects. “He would push you with a smile so you would do them and it would make you a better person for it. [I will hold] on to those feelings where he would motivate me.”

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 13

ENTERTAINMENT

‘LA 92’ Highlights America’s Civil Unrest 25 Years After LA Riots

By Mary L. Datcher Defender Arts & Entertainment Editor The political climate has never been tenser with emotions incredibly high as we battle the same concerns that plagued America 25 years ago. Upon the historic anniversary of the Los Angeles riots, we are reminded of the activities that occurred in 1992 when a camera captured Rodney King being brutally beaten by Los Angeles police officers.

What was considered a regular occurrence between the city’s Black residents and LAPD shifted dramatically due to the quick thinking of a witness with a video camera. The 1991 film footage of Rodney King, beat and assaulted by local law enforcement who were cleared of charges, struck a nerve so deep it rocked the world into a frenzy of racial discord.

National Geographic Documentary Films premiered “LA 92” on April 30 on the network’s channel. The film, produced by two-time Oscar winner Simon Chinn (“Man on Wire”) and directed by Academy award-winning directors Dan Lindsay and T.J Martin (“Undefeated”), reveals various footage of the events leading up to the unrest.

The Chicago Defender talked with directors Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin about the historic series of events that occurred during a time when both filmmakers were still in their teens.

Why did you feel this documentary and the subject was the next project for you both to produce?

Dan Lindsay: That’s a question that we get a lot and surprisingly we struggle to answer it because I think the 25th Anniversary of the civil unrest was the motivation for the project to happen. Why TJ and I wanted to direct it? It gave us an opportunity to revisit a moment in our history that we remembered but knew we didn’t know. We knew we would be exploring themes and issues that many of the projects we’ve worked on tend to explore. I think we wanted to look at this from an emotional viewpoint and look at what it says about us—collectively as Americans and just as human beings.

TJ Martin: We weren’t naive that [given that it’s the 25th anniversary] there were going to be a lot of conversation about the civil unrest in ‘92 and probably other films and projects, but we kind of saw this as an opportunity to take a unique approach.

[We try to] create an experimental and a victual experience for the audience using raw archival media and reconstructing that way. The hope is if [we] take a unique approach, maybe it’ll lead to unique thoughts and dialogue afterwards.

Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin

Knowing that it feels like the dominate theme and these events are cyclical, how do we create a new perspective on it to inspire new thoughts to arriving to solutions so that we don’t repeat ourselves.

Do the events spark an emotion that you can recall in that moment during that time that it brought so many emotions to the surface—not only in LA but around the country? As filmmakers, does that emotion help to bring a different kind of narrative so the next generation can understand?

Dan Lindsay: I think the current events that have happened in the last two years around police brutality and the number of videos have surfaced, you can’t help but connect that to what happened in 1992. We were cognizant of the beating of Rodney King which was the first such video that really gave national attention. I think we understood that

14 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

the audience would have all the thoughts of the current events in your mind while watching this. The hope while exploring this in the past, there might be some insight in gaining how we go forward in the future.

That was very intentional on our end, if the film can be one of emotion and not one of ‘let me deconstruct these events’ then it seems like you’re essentially saying, ‘that was that chapter of American history now we’ve moved on from here.’ If we can create a space where the audience goes through a very victual experience then hopefully they take that out of the theatre and wrestle with it emotionally and cognitively as you take that back to your own life.

We’ve noticed that there’s a real connection to the material for people who are 30 and under. There’s one thing to read or study about it to see these statistics, there’s another thing to have the amount

of visual evidence to show that people’s lives were impacted forever because of these events. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see how emotional it’s been for people of a younger generation to connect themselves to the events.

TJ Martin: It was an intention on our part to reframe some of the events that we did remember. I was a teenager when this happened. I feel that by the time I was 20, Rodney King’s speech became almost a pop culture joke— ‘can we all get along?’.

When we watched the raw footage of it, it was heartbreaking. Heartbreaking to know that this 25-year old man was thrust in this position and having the weight of a city burning down around him in his name—not being a trained public speaker.

How many hours of raw footage did you sort through and how did you decide what stayed in the film?

Dan Lindsay: It was just pure madness. We sorted out of 1,500 hours of footage if not more.

The process was difficult because we were mining for gems. We would acquire the footage from traditional broadcast news— ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN. As well as from people who whipped out their home video camera and filmed stuff. On top of that, English language, Korean and Latino radio programs. It wasn’t about what not to include but about to create a narrative while speaking to the themes that were most interesting to us.

When you see the film, there was a moment outside of the courthouse before the verdict was read—there was a heated exchange between two gentlemen which for us it summed up the entire problem in our country.

TJ Martin: From a creative standpoint, knowing that it wasn’t going to be a first-person narrative, we decide to structure the film like a symphony so that it operated in movements. We wanted to create a space where the viewer was an integral part of the conversation with the film as the film goes along. To do that, we wanted to shift perspectives consistently. The moment that you think you’re arriving to a conclusion, we shift and challenge it every two to three minutes. Whether it’s jumping to the Korean American narrative or giving a different point of view on what the looting meant to society—where one person says, ‘this is just opportunism’ and one person says, ‘what do you expect?’

How we drew those conclusions is what is allowing us to still get a variety of ‘point of views’ across but still being respectful to all the different communities that were affected by the events itself. www.chicagodefender.com

IN THE MIXX

Janet Jackson Returns, Father Clements Celebrates 60 Years, Taste of Chicago Performers

Mary L. Datcher

By Mary L. Datcher Defender Senior Staff Writer I can think of several theme songs that can be our soundtrack for Chicago’s wet and dreary weather. From New Edition’s “Can You Stand the Rain” to SWV’s “Rain,” I’m gearing up for clearer skies and better “sunshine” fused theme songs. But, the funky weather has not halted activities around the windy city.

Chicago is a “get up” and “make it happen” kind of town, and when you don’t work, you don’t “eat.” The work is going into the Obama Presidential Center as both President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama will join Mayor Rahm Emanuel and community leaders for a community event at the South Shore Cultural Center on Wednesday, May 3.

The constant message of the center being more than a “building or a museum,” the Obama Presidential Center will be a working center for civic engagement and a place to inspire people and communities to create change. According to an official statement, “President Obama will host a roundtable discussion to update the community on the progress of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and hear directly from members of the community on their ideas for the Center.”

Expect community stakeholders from surrounding neighborhoods to bring up the concerns of a community benefits agreement—as residents worry about the prospects of eminent domain, rising property taxes and escalated gentrification in the Jackson Park and Woodlawn communities (see Cover Story on page 2).

Across town, ESPN network will be hosting espnW in Chicago on Wednesday. The all-day conference convenes female leaders in sports, including athletes, agencies and brands, for a series of panel discussions, networking and breakout sessions. This is the second time the event has been hosted in Chicago and will be held at Revel Fulton Market in the West Loop business district.

One of the highlights of “Summertime Chi” is the Taste of Chicago. The nation’s largest food festival will celebrate 37 years of non-stop food, fun and music in Grant Park July 5-9. The City announced the festival’s headline music performers which www.chicagodefender.com

includes more soulful talent attractions— Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals on Friday, July 7 at 5:30pm and The O’Jays on Sunday, July 9 at 4:30pm.

There’s a short list of R&B and Hip Hop acts headlining the Petrillo Band Shell at this year’s Taste compared to last year’s line-up, but to keep the diversity card—an R&B/Hip Hop Day has been added to the Bud Light Stage on the first day of the festival. If you want to enjoy some fabulous Chicago urban talent including Chicago Made A&R winners That Boy Illinois and Justin Ruff—then you better make sure to catch the first day, which historically has been the “lightest” day in attendance at the Taste.

The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence awards ceremony will take place in a new location, the Marriott Hotel Downtown on the Magnificent Mile, this Thursday, May 4. We are excited to recognize and honor 50 Chicago African American women at a special high tea affair bringing together the city’s “movers and shakers” in business, community, education, finance, tech and performance arts.

Expect some surprise guest speakers and public officials making the rounds. Hint— local and statewide elections are never far away in Illinois. Ladies bring your “best” attitude, rock your sharp business attire and keep business cards plentiful.

Speaking of powerful and strong Black women—if you haven’t heard by now—Ms. Janet Jackson took to social media on Monday to announce her new “State of the World” tour. The Gary-born mega-star is in the middle of divorce proceedings with her soon-to-be ex-husband, Wissam Al Mana. The couple shares a beautiful son, Eissa, and the tour will honor all “rain check” ticketholders who purchased tickets for cancelled “Unstoppable” tour.

Live Nation announced tickets for the Chicago show at the Allstate Arena on October 26 will go on sale May 5. From the intimate Chicago Theatre to 18,000 seat Allstate, huh? This production should be “brand new” EVERYTHING—including a brand-new Janet and possible additional musical guests.

Celebrity Sightings Less than five minutes away from the Defender event, South of the Marriott, will be a special evening with Soul singing sensation Ledisi at the Chicago Cultural Center. The one-on-one talk with the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter is a prelude to the Gospel Festival and will be moderated by Grammy nominated recording artist Jonathan Reynolds. BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton will join the discussion.

Birthday Wishes & Shout-outs Happy belated birthday wishes to Cook County Board Commissioner Deborah L. Graham who celebrated on May 2. Illinois State Outreach Director for Gov. Rauner Vince Bass; and music industry manager Brandon Evans celebrate on May 3. Continued Taurus love goes out to Comedian/ actor Jay Deep, Kellie Moore, DJ Nieana

Barack and Michelle Obama

Ledisi

Father Clements

Drake, DJ Nell Seven and my friend Randy Scott holding it down May 5. Mom manager to television star Dante Brown and Chicago native, Joyce Kelly-Brown, kicks it up on May 6.

Public Announcement band mate and R&B singer Fel Davis; Zumba queen Tara Campbell; veteran House music promoter Ronda Flowers; and Chicago businesswoman Dawn Milhouse will celebrate in raw bull style on May 7.

A special birthday shout-out to Pastor Rev. James Bass as he celebrates his 97th birthday this Sunday, May 7 at 2nd Mt. Olive M.B. Church. Wow…how many of us pray that we can see, touch, breath in nearly a century of life on this earth? Send your love to the Bass family this weekend.

Congrats & Promotions Father Clements will celebrate 60 years in priesthood with a stellar celebration on May 3 at the Hilton Chicago hotel.

He became the first Black priest at Holy Angels Catholic Church in 1969. An active supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—he was an advocate of the Civil Rights movement when his life was captured on screen for a made-for-television movie, The Father Clements Story. Being the first priest to adopt a child—he has adopted four sons and is the grandfather of eight.

At 85-years-young, he continues to show his commitment to Catholics and the Black community, advocating peace against the heighten violence on the streets of Chicago.

Congratulations to Ariel Investments president Mellody Hobson, wife of film mogul—George Lucas. Hobson was named as the Chair of The Economic Club

of Chicago effective July 1, 2017.

“I am delighted that Mellody has agreed to serve as chair of the Economic Club,” said Ilene Gordon, the current chair. “Mellody has been an active member and has served on the board of directors for several years. The Club has 90 years of history filled with dynamic discussion among some of the world’s most critical thinkers. Mellody shares the board’s vision for continuing to build on this history for the Club’s future success.”

The Southsider joined the independent, nonprofit organization nearly 20 years ago as one of the youngest members to join the group. Despite the city’s loss of the Lucas Museum, due to the “c**k blocking” of Friends of the Park—we hope to see more of Mrs. Lucas on the scene and in the mix.

She is an epitome of the importance of giving back while exemplifying class, grace and style.

Prayers and Condolences We mourn the loss of a friend to The Chicago Defender, Real Times Media and National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) long-time member and publisher John B. Smith, Sr. Mr. Smith was the publisher of the Atlanta Inquirer—one of the leading Black publications serving readers in the Atlanta metropolitan area for decades. A former Chairman of the NNPA, Mr. Smith passed on Thursday, April 27 in his hometown. He will continue to be admired and missed by many publishers, journalists and community stakeholders. Our condolences and prayers to his family, staff, friends and those he touched through his tireless commitment to serve his community.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 15

ON THE SCENE

Ja Rule Headlines Jack Daniels Vintage Party Jack Daniels House No.7 party at Revel Fulton Market space was a two-night event produced by Mirror Ball NYC which drew over 1,000 people to the West Loop district. The 30,000 square foot space was re-created to model a vintage style 1930’s hotel equipped with special hotel suites, bell boys, cute room maids, a real barber shop lounge, several Jack Daniels bars and virtual playstations for the millenials to experience the whiskey making process. Music highlights included a DJ set by Madrid and headliner hip hop artist—Ja Rule.

Ja Rule performs at the party.

DJ G-Spot enjoys the fun with wife and record promoter.

(Photos by Marlo Martin-Jackson)

South Shore Works Convene 2nd Annual Community Summit at Adam Clayton Powell School An amalgamation of progressive organizations and community stakeholders committed to equitable growth and revitalization of the South Shore community, along with Jerold Gary, Avalon Regal Project, Michael Strautmanis, Obama Foundation, Joanna Trotter, Chicago Community Trust, Brian Hogan Jackson Park/South Shore Golf Course Project, Leon Walker, 71st & Stony Island Project, Alisa Starks, 71st & Jeffery Project, Lavonte Stewart, Jr., Lost Boyz, and local elected officials. Photo by Juan Anthony Images.

House music DJs and producer enjoy the festivities. K-Alexi, DJ Skip and Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley.

16 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

www.chicagodefender.com

ON THE SCENE

UNCF Gala Kickoff at Hyatt Regency Chicago

Joe Moore, Larry Huggins, Tim Rand, Sandra Rand, Tom Ricketts, Priscilla Stratten, Fred Mitchell, Lisa Rollins, Everett Lisa Rollins Rand. (Photos by LeVern A. Danley III)

Tracey Alston, Julian Green.

Rev. Leslie Sanders, J.B. Pritzker, William Sanchez of Western Utilities.

Rev. Leslie Sanders, Dyanna Knight Lewis, J.B. Pritzker, Frances Jackson, Larry Huggins of Jackie Robinson Ivy at Northern Trust, Angila Faison of Aramark, Sandra Rand.

Riteway-Huggins Construction, Gloria Batey of The William Everett Group. www.chicagodefender.com

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 17

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

NATIONAL

MAY

Women Raise Their Voices for Equality in Springfield

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

For more information, call (312) 225-2400.

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 6 100 Black Men of Chicago Come celebrate the 20th Annual Benefit and Awards Gala Chicago Hyatt Regency 6 p.m For more information, nateward@100bmc.org.

May 10 African Children’s Choir

The program features well-loved children’s songs, traditional spirituals and gospel favorites. The concert is free and open to all. Afree-will offering is taken at the performance to support African Children’s Choir programs, such as education, care and relief and development programs.

7 p.m.

Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church 7000 S. Michigan Ave. For more information, call (773) 224-7700.

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 Division.

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

Vendor tables available.

For more information, call (312) 225-5300 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) 846-1005 June 23 Musical Arts Institute Gala Concert Joins us for an event of elegant Soul, Jazz, R&B and Funk, featuring Maysa and Michael Manson.

Logan Center for the Performing Arts 915 E. 60th St., Chicago For tickets, go to www.musicalartsinstitute.org or call 773253-8606.

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18 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

By Marshelle R. Sanders Defender Contributing Writer More than 2,000 women, young girls, and even a few men came together in Springfield on Tuesday, April 25, for the Illinois Women March to rally and push for a “progressive” legislative agenda.

“Our communities are under unprecedented attack, and we need to stand together,” said Mony Ruiz-Velasco, with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

“That’s why everyone is coming. There are a lot people across the state of Illinois hurting right now because we haven’t had a budget in almost two years,” she said. “We would like to put some pressure on some people and get (a budget) that’s workable for everybody. Women get stuff done.”

Rally goers gathered around the Lincoln Statue in front of the state Capitol with House Speaker Michael Madigan and other lawmakers to discuss issues they feel will substantially improve the lives of women.

The core group’s agenda includes assistance with affordable living, ratifying the equal rights amendment, tightening the gender pay gap, protecting immigrant rights, gun safety, solutions for homeless youth, and fighting discrimination against LGBTQ community.

But of particular interest at the march was the HB40 bill, which legislators had on tap to bring to the floor for a vote on the same day. HB40 would allow the state to cover abortions for state employees and Medicaid recipients and contains language to remove a “trigger provision” that would make abortions illegal should Roe v. Wade be overturned.

“Women should have access to safe, legal and accessible abortion no matter what their insurance is,” said Chicago Democratic Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, the proposal’s sponsor, in closing the floor debate.

The Democratic-controlled Illinois House approved the bill 62-55 in a party-line vote.

Several presenters railed against Gov. Bruce Rauner, President Donald Trump, and other Republican officeholders. Jennifer Camille Lee of Action Illinois, and acting as cochair of the march, said participants believe the state is in dire circumstances. After the rally, women marched around the Capitol sounding off and chanting statements such as “My Body, My Choice” and “HB40” as Representatives and observers viewed the women making a bold statement to be seen and treated as equal.

“A radio personality told Rauner to shut my mouth with duct tape (laughs). There is no amount of duct tape that will shut me up and shut us down, ” said Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza at the podium while sharing her story of being elected, getting sick with pneumonia, but remaining strong and rising to the occasion to advocate for all women. www.chicagodefender.com

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

Loretta Wilis…..Memorial was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 1:00 p.m.

– 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

LEFLORE

Brittany Leflore…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Higher Ground Community, 415 Saginaw 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.

CAIN

Terrence Cain…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ United Baptist Church, 4220 W. Roosevelt Rd. 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.

PILATE

Quintellya Pilate…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ New Faith B.C., 25 S. Central Ave. 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.

LAWSON

Ann Lawson…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 1:00 p.m.

– 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

THOMAS

Dorian Thomas…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 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.

GOLLIDAY

Dolores Golliday…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

BASKIN-BLUE

Minnie Baskin-Blue…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Holy Sanctuary, 1516 S. Kedzie 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.

MOBLEY

Santwon Mobley…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ St. Andrew Temple Church, 1743 W. Marquette Rd. 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.

SIMPSON

HUNTINGTON

Alta Simpson…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ Lilydale Progressive, 10706 S. Michigan Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Washington Memory Gardens Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

Audria Huntington…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Carter Temple CME Church, 7841 S. Wabash Ave. Funeral: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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

GLINSEY

NORWOOD

Rebecca Glinsey…..Wake was held: 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.

THOMPSON, JR.

Regail Thompson, Jr…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Greater Mt. MBC, 10858 South Halsted Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Glenwood South Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

GOSHA

Sharen Gosha…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Hill Crest Baptist Church, 17300 S. Pulaski Rd. 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.

CLEMONS

Mozella Clemons…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ Salem B.C., 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.

JONES

Alliena Jones…..Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Calvary Baptist Church, 8247 S. Jeffrey 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.

Johnnie Norwood…..Memorial was held: Sunday, April 30, 2017; 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

GORDON

Dorothy Gordon…..Wake was held: Sunday, April 30, 2017; 6:00 p.m.

– 7:00 p.m. @ Trinity All Nations Church, 9600 S. Vincennes 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.

STRICKLAND

Bernard Strickland…..Wake was held: Monday, May 01, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Veterans Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

WILLIAMSON

Sherryl Williamson…..Wake was held: 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.

SCULLARK

Jeremy Scullark…..Wake was held: Monday, May 01, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ Apostolic Church of God, 6302 S. Dorchester 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.

www.chicagodefender.com

SMITH

Shakira Smith…..Wake was held: Monday, May 01, 2017; 11:00 a.m.

– 12:00 p.m. @ Freedom Church Ministries, 18300 Governors Highway 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.

HOVLAND

Brooke Hovland…..Mass was held: Tuesday, May 02, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 5472 S. Kimbark Ave. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

MANUEL, SR.

Raphael Manuel, Sr…..Wake was held: Tuesday, May 02, 2017; 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Faith Movers Church, 425 Exchange 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.

ROACH

Nelson Roach…..Wake was held: Tuesday, May 02, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Restvale Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

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.

SPIVEY, JR.

Marcel Spivey, Jr…..Wake: Wednesday, May 03, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Greater Omega B.C., 135 W. 79th 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.

BROWN

X’zavier Brown…..Wake: Wednesday, May 03, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

EPPS

Robert Epps…..Wake: Wednesday, May 03, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 6:00 p.m.

– 7:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

FREEMAN, III

Silas Freeman, III…..Visitation: Thursday, May 04, 2017; 6:00 p.m.

– 9:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

HARDAWAY, JR.

Ernest Hardaway, Jr…..Wake: Thursday, May 04, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Interment: Homewood Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

ECHOLS

Yvonne Echols…..Memorial: Thursday, May 04, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

YOUNG

Willie Young…..Wake: Friday, May 05, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 11:00 a.m.

– 12:00 p.m. Interment: Abraham Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

WATSON

Jeffery Watson…..Wake: Friday, May 05, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ St. Andrew Temple Church, 1743 W. Marquette Rd. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Homewood Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

SADDLER-LITTLEFIELD

Sheila Saddler-Littlefield…..Wake: Friday, May 05, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Greater Rock of Ages Baptist, 1520 W. 69th St. 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.

WILLIAMS

Micheal Williams…..Wake: Friday, May 05, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Lunford 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.

MOORE

Vermitta Moore…..Memorial: Friday, May 05, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Chapel Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

ROGERS

Avonella Rogers…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ Living Word Christ, 7600 West Roosevelt Rd. 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.

MC MILLER

Robert Mc Miller…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel King 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.

WALKER

Burt Walker…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Greater Omega, 135 W. 79th Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Restvale Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

GRAY

Sheila Gray…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 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.

WOODS

Shirley Woods…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road 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.

BELL

Bernice Bell…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 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.

HAMILTON

George Hamilton…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

HORTON

Armani Horton…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ St. Andrew Temple Church, 1743 W. Marquette Rd. 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.

HARRIS, JR.

Robert Harris, Jr…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

MOSLEY

Janet Mosley…..Wake: Monday, May 08, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Fellowship of Love, 7210 Meadow Lane 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.

TRUMAN

Cynthia Truman…..Wake: Monday, May 08, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

PAGE

Nettie Page…..Wake: Wednesday, May 10, 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.

TAYLOR

Dermot Taylor…..Wake: Saturday, May 13, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Mt. Zion BC, 15346 8th Ave. 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.

TAYLOR

Funeral Home

NEALS, JR.

Eugene Neals, Jr…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 10:00 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m. @ True Light Baptist Church, 7302 S. Maryland Ave. 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.

BRYANT-ANDERSON

Taylor Bryant-Anderson…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 1:00 p.m.

– 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

HODGE Tom’Etta Hodge ….. Visitation was held: Thursday, April 27, 2017, 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Internment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Chicago, IL Friday, April 28, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com MITCHELL Lawrence Mitchell….. Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Lincoln Cemetery Worth, Illinois.

Monday, May 1, 2017 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

Funeral Directory Call Classifieds 312-225-2400 to advertise

CALAHAN

A.A. RAYNER & SONS

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

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

FUNERAL HOME

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

175 W. 159th St. Harvey, IL 60426

(708) 331-0310

FUNERAL HOME

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

2036 W. 79th St.

(773)846-7900

A Community Family, Serving with Honesty & Dignity

“Families Come First at Golden Gate”

Taylor Funeral

LEAK & SONS

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

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

HOME, LTD.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com EDWARDS Grace Edwards ….. Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Commonwealth Community Church 140 West 81st Street.

Funeral was 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 WILLIAMS Michael Williams ….. Wake was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. . – 11:00 a.m. @ Christian Youth M.B. Church 8801 South Hermitage. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m..

Internment: Mount Hope Cemetery Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com ESUBIYI Nnayon Esubiyi ….. Memorial Service was held: Saturday, April 29, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Progressive Baptist Church 3658 South Wentworth Avenue.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com WHITE La’Kesha S. White ….. Wake was held: Monday, May 1, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Woodlawn Baptist Church 6201 South University Avenue. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

Internment: Oak Woods Cemetery Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com SMITH Rev. Willie L. Smith ….. Wake was held: Tuesday, May 2, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ St. Mark Lutheran Church 651 East 88th Street. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

Internment: Mount Hope Cemetery Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

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

FUNERAL HOME

BAILEY Delores Bailey….. Wake will be held: Friday, May 5, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery Chicago, Illinois.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com DAWKINS Victoria Dawkins….. Wake will be held: Saturday, May 6, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Gary Oak Hill Cemetery Gary, Indiana.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

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

CALAHAN Funeral Home

MITCHELL John Mitchell..…..Wake was held: Monday, May 01, 2017; 10:00 a.m. @ Temple of Brotherly Love, 1843 E. 77th St. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery Arrangements by: Calahan Funeral Home Inc., 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621: (773) 723-4400.

WATSON Victor C. Watson..…..Wake: Saturday, May 06, 2017; 9:00 a.m. @ New Covenant Church, 754 E. 77th St. Funeral: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements by: Calahan Funeral Home Inc., 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621: (773) 723-4400.

Cherished memories of those we loved

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 19

C L A S S I F I E D S HELP WANTED

LEGAL NOTICE ATTENTION ALL VENDORS THE CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY (CHA) INVITES QUALIFIED FIRMS/ORGANIZATIONS TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR: POST SECONDARY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP ADMINISTRATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL EVENT NO.: 2053 (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 Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM CST. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING:

Monday, May 15, 2017 at 10:00 AM

CST at the CHA, 60 E. Van Buren, 13th Floor Bid Bond Room, Chicago, IL 60605

PROPOSAL DUE DATE/TIME:

Thursday, June, 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM

CST via the CHA Supplier Portal

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE ON LINE AT: https://supplier.thecha.org

The media industry is a fast-moving and ever-changing sector that relies on the ability of its sales people to sell a given medium as the solution that will connect them with their target audiences.

This could mean selling into a single medium such as a local newspaper or magazine for a few hundred pounds or selling high-value packages worth tens of thousands across a portfolio of media.

Account Executive Job Responsibilities:

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

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

Account Executive Skills and Qualifications:

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

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

It pays to advertise in the Chicago Defender 20 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

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

LEGAL NOTICE ATTENTION ALL VENDORS THE CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY (CHA) ON BEHALF OF THE HABITAT COMPANY INVITES QUALIFIED FIRMS/ORGANIZATIONS TO SUBMIT BIDS FOR: Chimney Repair at Lathrop Homes INVITATION FOR BID EVENT NO.: 2102 (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 Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM CST. PRE-BID MEETING:

Wednesday, May 10, 2017 1:00 PM CST at the CHA, 60 E. Van Buren, 13th floor, Bid bond Room, Chicago, IL 60605

BID DUE DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM CST via the CHA Supplier Portal SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: https://supplier.thecha.org Funding will be provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The subsequent contract shall be subject to the applicable compliance standards and procedures of Executive Order No. 11246, as amended, Equal Opportunity and other provisions as specifically set in the specification. The Authority encourages participation by joint ventures, minority business enterprises, and women business enterprise firms.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

This letter is to notify that on May 25, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at 83rd & Halsted Self Storage, Inc., located at 8316 S. Birkhoff Ave, Chicago, IL 60620, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name In the conduct or transaction of Business in the State, “as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County, File No. D17150587 on the April 24, 2017. Under the Assumed Name of OAK LAWN PARTY RENTALS with the business located at 10214 MULBERRY LN UNIT 1, BRIDGEVIEW, IL 60455. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: FADI BARAKAT, Complete Address: 9009 S MAPLE LANE, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457, USA

1. 193 Marcha Smith 2. 335 Jerry Lumas This letter is to notify that on May 25, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at Hyde Park Self Storage, Inc., located at 5155 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60615, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.

1. 256 Elyse Griffiths 2. 354 William E. Rollins 3. 390 Lessie V. Dixon 4. 429 Anthony Webster III 5. 463 James Hendricks 6. 52 Erica M. McClendon This letter is to notify that on May 25, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at South Shore Self Storage, Inc., located at 7843 S. Exchange Ave, Chicago, IL 60649, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.

1. 206 Laquesha Gilmore 2. 214 Nicole Moffett 3. 318 Zakiya McMillion 4. 372 Daymon Felder 5. 506 Michael Craig 6. S005 Janice Benford

HELP WANTED The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s): Carpenter (Original) Telecommunications Specialist (Original) Additional information regarding salary, job description, requirements, etc. can be found on the District’s website at www.districtjobs.org or call 312-751-5100.

An Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D

This letter is to notify that on May 25, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at Aaron Bros. Self-Storage, Inc., located at 4034 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.

1. 115 Mary Turby 2. 463 Kirby Collins 3. 540 Lorie Smith 4. 546 Kenan Jones

It pays to advertise in the Chicago Defender

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

Published Every Wednesday www.chicagodefender.com

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; Plaintiff, vs.

ALPHANETTE C. WELLS; THE STATE OF ILLINOIS; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; HIGHLANDS EDGE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.; Defendants, 16 CH 11770 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, June 2, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 20-24-318-080-1005.

Commonly known as 6924 South Cregier Avenue, #3N, Chicago, IL 60649.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 2205611. 16-021779 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-2, ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-2; Plaintiff, vs.

TOMAS CRUZ; CATALYST INTERVENTIONS, LLC; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF TOMAS CRUZ, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 15 CH 6640 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 26-06-221-016-0000.

Commonly known as 9002 South Escanaba Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 WA150131.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I720261

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC. Plaintiff, -v.MANSFIELD MACKLIN, JR A/K/A MANSFIELD MACKLIN, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Defendants 15 CH 16102 8036 SOUTH BISHOP STREET CHICAGO, IL 60620 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 8, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 12, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8036 SOUTH BISHOP STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60620 Property Index No. 20-32-110-030-0000.

The real estate is improved with a red, brick, single family, 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.

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: 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 7899.

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.

McCalla Raymer Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 7899 Attorney Code. 60489 Case Number: 15 CH 16102 TJSC#: 37-3045

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.CLAUDINE O. MITCHELL, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA, HIGHLAND CONDOMINIUM INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 011925 7026 S. CREGIER AVENUE UNIT D3 CHICAGO, IL 60649 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 7, 2016, 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: Commonly known as 7026 S. CREGIER AVENUE UNIT D3, CHICAGO, IL 60649 Property Index No. 20-24-325-0581009.

The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance 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 14-15-12750.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE 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 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.

I720282

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR TO LASALLE BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3; Plaintiff, vs.

LINDA D. CHERRY AKA LINDA CHERRY; BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SBM TO BELL FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION; Defendants, 14 CH 12433 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 20-30-435-006-0000.

Commonly known as 7819 South Marshfield Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

14-017335 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122

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.

I720232

MR. SONNY SAYS!

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I719407

www.chicagodefender.com

I720567

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

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 21

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

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 BYLINE BANK F/K/A NORTH COMMUNITY BANK SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH METROBANK F/K/A CITIZENS COMMUNITY BANK OF ILLINOIS Plaintiff, -v.MATTHEW A. KATZ, MAYARI GUZMAN A/K/A MAYARI A. GUZMAN, KATZ LAW OFFICE, LTD., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 13926 4105-4107 W. 26TH STREET Chicago, IL 60623 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 24, 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: LOT 3 AND THE EAST 18 FEET OF LOT 4 IN BLOCK 3 IN MCMILLAN AND WETMORE’S SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH 1/4 OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 4105-4107 W. 26TH STREET, Chicago, IL 60623 Property Index No. 16-27-405-007-0000.

The real estate is improved with a mixeduse commercial / residential property.

The judgment amount was $567,330.09.

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: LATIMER LEVAY FYOCK, LLC, 55 W MONROE SUITE 1100, Chicago, IL 60603, (312) 422-8000 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.

LATIMER LEVAY FYOCK, LLC 55 W MONROE SUITE 1100 Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 422-8000 E-Mail: Judicialsales@llflegal.com Attorney Code. 06204378 Case Number: 16 CH 13926 TJSC#: 37-3867 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 BYLINE BANK F/K/A NORTH COMMUNITY BANK SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH METROBANK F/K/A CITIZENS COMMUNITY BANK OF ILLINOIS Plaintiff, -v.PETER FOWOWE, LISA FOWOWE, CITY OF CHICAGO, REL FINANCIAL LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 12142 8134 S. WESTERN 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 April 24, 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: LOTS 14 AND 15 IN BLOCK 1 IN HINKAMP AND COMPANY’S WESTERN AVENUE SUBDIVISION OF HAZELWOOD AND WRIGHT’S SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTH 1/2 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 8134 S. WESTERN AVENUE, Chicago, IL 60620 Property Index No. 19-36-223-045-0000.

The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.

The judgment amount was $339,904.93.

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: LATIMER LEVAY FYOCK, LLC, 55 W MONROE SUITE 1100, Chicago, IL 60603, (312) 422-8000 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.

LATIMER LEVAY FYOCK, LLC 55 W MONROE SUITE 1100 Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 422-8000 E-Mail: Judicialsales@llflegal.com Attorney Code. 06204378 Case Number: 16 CH 12142 TJSC#: 37-3870 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 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, DOING BUSINESS AS CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR BCAT 2015-14ATT Plaintiff, -v.SHAVONNE HILL, 4801 S. CALUMET CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, CITY OF CHICAGO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2015 CH 00108 4801 SOUTH CALUMET AVENUE UNIT 3D Chicago, IL 60615 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 9, 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: PARCEL 1: UNIT 3-D, IN 4801 SOUTH CALUMET CONDOMINIUMS, AS DELINEATED AND DEFINED ON THE PLAT OF SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE: THE NORTH 57.84 FEET OF LOT 5 (EXCEPT THE WEST 2 FEET OF SAID LOT) IN KLINGER’S SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH 4 ACRES OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 14, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT ‘’B’’ TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUMS RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 0710710076; TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 2: EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE OF THE DECKS, A LIMITED COMMON ELEMENT AS DELINEATED IN THE SURVEY ATTACHED TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUMS RECORDED APRIL 17, 2007 AS DOCUMENT 0710710076.

Commonly known as 4801 SOUTH CALUMET AVENUE UNIT 3D, Chicago, IL 60615 Property Index No. 20-10-111-001-0000.

The real estate is improved with a townhouse.

The judgment amount was $333,770.67.

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 16-03366.

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. 16-03366 Attorney Code. 59049 Case Number: 2015 CH 00108 TJSC#: 37-3898 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TCF NATIONAL BANK Plaintiff, -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.

I719483

I714466

22 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

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.

www.chicagodefender.com

C L A S S I F I E D S

LEGAL NOTICE 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.

LEGAL NOTICE 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

www.chicagodefender.com

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

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

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.

BU S I NE SS NE T W ORK D I RE C T ORY The Business Network Adverters would like to CongratulateThe Chicago Defender 2017 Women of Excellence Honorees!

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2017

Defining Excellence Defining Excellence Excellence describes the furthest end of the quality spectrum. When we think of excellence, we think of an outstanding aspect, a model of its kind – the very best there is. Each of us knows it when we see it. Rest assured, it is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see life’s challenges as opportunities.

What is a Woman of Excellence?

A woman of Excellence is one who exemplifies poise and grace that characterizes the essence of womanhood, all while maintaining that delicate balance of filling roles of helpmate, mother, teacher, and profes-

sional. A Woman of Excellence is the champion of our economic empowerment and diversity, the backbone, of our religious and educational organizations and driving forces in political and community services.

The Chicago Defender recognizes the 2017 Women of Excellence, who inspire others through their vision and leadership, into the exclusive Woman of Excellence Sisterhood.

Every year the Chicago Defender honors 50 Women of Excellence who are nominated by their various communities where they work, pray and play. The nominations cover a spectrum of types–women in the private and public sectors representing different industries from municipalities, finance, banking, education, real estate, arts and culture, non-profit, healthcare, law, marketing, special events, journalism, sports, energy

and more. The women selected represent excellence both demonstrating performance on the job and in their community.

The 50 honorees chosen are amongst Chicago’s most outstanding women whose lives exemplify the spirit of performing at the top of their game and giving back to the community. They are women who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise, and grace. They are women who stare adversity in the face with a hand on their hips, and a smile on their face set the pace and finish the race in first place.

We hope you will also be empowered by the inspirational quotes sprinkled throughout this supplement, courtesy of Dr. Jeanne Porter King, who, in her new book That’s What She Said!, compiled a list of 366 leadership quotes by women.

Thank you to our Media Sponsor

Mistress & Master of Ceremony Karyn L. Aguirre

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02 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Karyn L. Aguirre is a native Chicagoan and a proud mother of her 16 year-old son, Miles. She was raised by her mother and attended public and private schools on the west and south sides of Chicago.

She has a B.S. in Mass Communications with a PR Minor from Illinois State University, a MSW with honors from Jane Addams College of Social Work- UIC and a Masters in

Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

Since November 2004, she has worked as a school social worker with the Chicago Public Schools.

She has serviced at-risk juveniles, students with profound and severe emotional disorders and behavioral challenges and with Low Incidence Disabilities. She has received numerous awards and recognition in the education field and serves on two Community Advisory Board with the Community Outreach Intervention Project at UIC. Karyn patterns her personal life through inspiring, mentoring and empowering others. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, president of the Illinois State University Black Colleagues Association and a Merit Badge Counselor with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 534.

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Shanita Baraka Akintonde Shanita Baraka Akintonde, MBA, M.Ed., ACG is an award-winning professor, author and firecracker communicator propelled by love. Born in Stuttgart, West Germany and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Shanita draws on her experience in the

fields of education, business and media when engaging audiences around the globe. Whether in her faculty position at Columbia College Chicago where she has taught for the past 18 years or travelling the speaker circuit, Shanita has transitioned thousands of students from the classroom to the boardroom and has helped scores of professionals achieve success in their work and personal lives as well.

Shanita holds three degrees, is a certified professional speaker and has written, directed and produced an original play entitled, “Ease on Down the Road.” She is President of the Alliance for Women in Media, member, Board of Governors, Metropolitan Club Chicago and member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This proud mother of two sons, recently celebrated 20 years of marriage to her college sweetheart Jimmy, president/CEO of UJAMAA Construction, Inc. She loves books, butterflies and brunch with the Girls!

Catrice Armstrong Catrice Armstrong is a skilled PR/ Brand Strategist with over 13 years of sales, marketing, and business development experience. In January 2015, Catrice founded public relations firm PR Werks, which specializes in media relations, talent placement, and strategic partnerships.

Prior to her path as an entrepreneur, Catrice honed her sales and communication expertise at The Michael and Juanita Jordan Endowment Fund, Quaker Oats Corporation, and Merck Pharmaceuticals.

Catrice has worked with a number of notable celebrities, industry leaders, brands, and institutions. Some of her clients have included actor Hill Harper, actress Tichina Arnold, public figures Juanita Jordan and Marcus Jordan, and award winning director Nzingha Stewart, to name a few.

A staunch believer in the power of sisterhood and reaching back, Catrice is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, as well as a devoted supporter of Reel Beauty, Inc., where she helps girls learn the importance of self-worth and confidence.

Catrice holds a Master of Science degree in Marketing from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“We should always have three friends in our lives – one who walks ahead who we look up to and follow; one who walks beside us, who is with us every step of our journey; and then, one who we reach back for and bring along after we’ve cleared the way.”

Michelle Obama

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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 03

Kelly Powers Baria Kelly Powers Baria is Director of Business Development at Powers & Sons Construction, a leading general contractor, construction manager, and design builder in Illinois and Indiana. Kelly works with clients through every stage of the project life cycle to ensure their goals are met and the project adheres to highest standards

Geneen Harston Coleman Geneen Harston Coleman is a multimedia professional with experience in television, radio and audio production. She’s a veteran of Oprah Radio, The Oprah Winfrey Show, FM News Chicago, WVON-AM, Keep Hope Alive Radio with Jesse Jackson, CBS Radio/WBBM Newsradio 780, and CLTV.

of quality. She considers herself blessed to work in a legacy, family-owned business founded by her grandfather in 1967.

Kelly graduated with distinction from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering. In addition to Powers & Sons, she worked in litigation consulting and commercial real estate portfolio management, widening her perspective of the construction industry. Her quest for excellence in business is founded on her faith and the unending support of her family.

Kelly has a passion for increasing access for youth to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. She serves on the President’s Council and Black Creativity Advisory Committee for the Museum of Science and Industry; is a Board Member of architreasures; and a member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services.

Geneen is an energetic positive team leader and collaborator that has become known for building and growing startup news organizations. At the digital audio startup, Rivet Radio, she develops and supports media partnerships and collaborations for the station. Also, as the head of news, Geneen helped to launch a newsroom and then led the team to win two national Edward R. Murrow Awards.

Geneen was a member of the inaugural class of the 2015 Online News Association-Poynter Leadership Academy for Women in Digital Media. She was also a scholarship recipient for the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists in 2016.

She’s a Chicago native and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the world and shopping.

04 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Cassandra Prince Coachman Cassandra Prince-Coachman, born in Chicago, is the daughter of Louis and Pearlie Wilks. She is the wife of Damone Coachman. Together, they are proud parents of three beautiful children.

Cassandra received her (BBA) from National-Louis University Chicago, Illinois and her (AA) in Computer Science from Southern Illinois

Kimberley Darey, MD Dr. Kimberley Darey started her career as a chemist after graduating from Xavier University of Louisiana.

Ready for a challenge in life, she changed careers and entered Chicago Medical School. After finishing an OB/GYN residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, she went into private practice. She was selected to be the 1st African-American Medical Director at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital in Obstetrics and

University in Carbondale, Illinois.

Cassandra is a Manager with KPMG LLP. She has a passion for promoting inclusion and awareness. She’s serves on the board for Southern Illinois University Black Alumni Chicago Chapter, as well as other local and national organizations.

Cassandra is a woman of profound faith, committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. She believes her first ministry is to her family; being supportive to her husband and their children. She firmly believes God allows periods of influence and resource in our lives with the expectation that we will bless others. It is her heart’s desire to please God and be a blessing in the lives of all she encounters.

She continues to believe that there is a solution to every problem, and when we work together, everybody wins!

led her department in safety and quality initiatives. She is also a member of the Diversity Committee addressing minority healthcare disparities.

Kimberley is a member of West Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She has also been a member of the Skyline Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. since 2003. She is involved with the Worldwide Fistula Fund spreading awareness regarding the childbirth injury epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa.

Kimberley is personally dedicated to Fertility for Colored Girls Organization, helping fight infertility in the African-American community.

Dr. Darey believes in blessing the next generation mentoring teens interested in scientific fields and African American medical students utilizing her personal time and resources.

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Karen Dilligard Karen Dilligard, a graduate of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and Illinois State University received a B.S degree in Organizational Management minoring in Speech Communication.

Karen, the organizer and president of the Will County Black Diamond Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc (TLOD) chartered this chapter with 33 women. The

Angela Drexel Angela Drexel- LEED AP is LiveWire’s Vice President. Angela started her career in the electrical industry 17 years ago as a Local 134 apprentice. During her 5-year apprenticeship, she worked for well-known electrical contractors in the Chicagoland area, and gained experience in managing projects. In 2005, she completed her degree in Applied Science in Electrical Construction Technology at Daley College. Shortly thereafter, she joined www.chicagodefender.com

chapter has one of the largest correlating Top Teens of America chapters in the area.

Karen served four years as president of the Chicago Central Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).

The work of both public service organizations exemplifies Ms. Dilligard’s life mission of being the change you wish to see.

She has served as a board member for the Southside YMCA, is currently the Director of the Wedding Ministry at Salem Baptist Church and is the co-owner of Exquisite Affaires, an event planning company.

She has been employed by State Farm Insurance for 26 years, but her passion is community service. She has earned her reputation for having the Midas Touch; whatever she leads becomes better, bigger, more efficient and more effective.

the management team of the Overhead Operating Department at ComEd. There, she was able to apply her hands-on experience in the electrical industry to her management responsibilities and quickly gained the respect of her peers and the linemen she supervised.

In 2008 Angela obtained her Bachelor of Industrial Technology and Management from Illinois Institute of Technology, and sought an opportunity that would allow her to use both her corporate experience from ComEd and her education.

She ultimately decided to come “home” to the electrical construction industry and joined the LiveWire team. She directly manages the company’s fiscal operations, risk management, and focuses on building processes and procedures; providing the necessary internal structure to support the Owner’s long-term vision for LiveWire.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS American Association of Blacks in Energy Construction Financial Management Association Federation of Women Contractors United States Green Building Council

Jasmine V. Dolfus Jasmine Dolfus is a Diversity practitioner specializing in technology and faith organizations. A native of Detroit and a first-generation Asian Indian American; Jasmine has hybrid talents in STEM and Diversity. For over a decade she worked for General Dynamics (GD) and managed the engineering of tanks for the US Army. While at GD she was dedicated towards impacting

Kenya Simone Edwards Kenya Simone is celebrating 10 years in Chicago Media. Starting out as a traffic producer for Total Traffic (Fox News Chicago) then spending 6 years as a radio personality for 107.5 WGCI. Kenya can now be heard hosting “The Kenya Simone Show” on 106.3 Chicago’s R&B! She uses her radio platform to shine the spotlight on outstand-

workforce inclusion. At Boeing Corporate, Jasmine worked rigorously on an enterprise-wide Diversity Recruiting Strategy.

Currently, Jasmine is a Sr. Global Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Microsoft.

Jasmine is a bridge builder and comfortably facilitates mutual understanding. To that end, Jasmine was on the Board of Directors for Intercultural Consultation Services and on the Ethnic Board in her former municipality.

Jasmine carries her passion for diversity into the community and is a voice against antiblackness within South Asian culture. An advocate for women’s empowerment, Jasmine supports Lips and Hips and Saved In Style; both organizations focus on women leading their best lives.

Jasmine has a BA from the University of Michigan and a MS from Central Michigan University.

ing youth in Chicago and surrounding areas with her “Kenya Loves The Kids” segment. When she’s not behind the Mic, she’s in front of the students at The UCCS ~Woodson Campus. As part of the Leadership Team, Kenya can be found greeting students at the front door with music, smiles and hugs each morning, coaching young poets, leading international student excursions or mentoring.

In 2007, she was inspired to create The GAMMA Scholars program, which mentors young ladies in etiquette, sisterhood, self-esteem, peer mediation and conflict resolution. She has inspired 250 girls through her program and it’s growing everyday! Kenya always wondered why somebody wouldn’t invest the time to make school a learning experience beyond the classroom. Then she realized she WAS that somebody!

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 05

Gina Lamar Evans Gina is an HIV Training Specialist, who brags “I talk about sex for a living”. A divorced relationship enthusiast and an aunt to 25 nieces and nephews.

She began her career in 1995 after taking a job from an ad she found

in the Chicago Defender as an HIV case manager for Come Alive Social Services. Once inside the “HIV world” she worked every position possible from Test Counselor to HIV Training Specialist.

Gina decided to “Stop waiting until you were in my office infected or impacted by HIV” to have conversations that will possibly prevent you from contracting or passing this manageable yet non-curable virus, from that decision MondayNightMingle.com was established, monthly adult conversations.

Currently she’s the HIV expert for the weekly Mingling Minute segment on Fox 32 Darlene Hill’s Facebook page and is a guest on all networks as need for HIV updates and current trends.

Gina contracts with the Hektoen Institute of Medicine to keep her pulse on the world of Public Health.

Roslyn Fossett Roslyn Fossett is a gifted and ambitious individual who is determined to live life on purpose. She has a proven track record in Public Relations, and Political Fundraising. She has over 10 years experience driving strategic growth and product visibility for nonprofit and corporate organizations. Her

expertise provides strategic council which helps organization optimize their ability to achieve their goal.

Currently, Roslyn is a fundraiser for the Illinois Senate Democratic Victory Fund. In this position she serves as a Political Fundraiser where she maximizes her clients fundraising goals, and build constituency participation for several Legislators within the General Assembly. She also cultivates professional relationships between Illinois lobbyist and the office of Senate President John J. Cullerton.

To add to her list of accomplishments she is also a new entrepreneur. In 2015 Roslyn Fossett implemented her dream and opened Plump Chicago Upscale Resale and Floral Boutique in the Historic Bronzeville community.

She is a graduate of Chicago State University. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Representing Excellence

Tanya Seaton Operating Of�icer, Provident Hospital

Congratulations to Tanya for her recognition as a Woman of Excellence.

Thank you for your dedication as we work to promote health and wellness throughout Cook County.

06 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

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Dr. J. Kay Giles Kay Giles is the Interim Superintendent of West Harvey-Dixmoor School District 147, and also works as an associate for HYA Executive Search. In 2006, she joined America’s Choice as a project manager for the Chicago Public Schools Intensive Design Project. The following year, Kay became

the General Manager of the Central Region, responsible for twelve states. Prior to America’s Choice, Kay was the Urban EDAD Doctoral Program Coordinator at Ohio State University, and also worked as a School Improvement Specialist for Northeastern Illinois University. Before retiring from public school education in 2004, Kay served for 24 years as a school administrator in Illinois. In 2002, Kay attended The Joan L. Curio International Women’s Leadership Conference at St. Hilda’s College, University of Oxford in England. While serving as Superintendent of Schools in Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144, Kay received the Illinois State Board of Education “Break the Mold Award” in 2000 and 2001 in recognition of visionary leadership. In 1998, Kay was selected to participate in the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program in Japan. Selected as an After-School Ambassador in a program sponsored by the U. S. Department of Education, Kay served as a local voice for increasing after-school efforts for all children.

Dana Phillips Goodum Dana Phillips Goodum, Chief Financial Officer of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, is responsible for all aspects of finance, risk management, information technology and human resources.

She is primary liaison to bond investors, credit rating agencies and the State.

Among her many accomplishments, Dana spearheaded a $292 million bond

refunding that provided $16 million in present value savings.

Dana was Controller of U.S. and Canadian operations at Carter & Carter International, TALPX Inc., and CNA Insurance. Her key accomplishments included launching an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange and implementing systems conversions.

While at the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, Dana was promoted to Finance Director to establish operations for Navy Pier. As Financial Reporting Manager, she oversaw a systems conversion, managed the $1 billion South Expansion capital budget and implemented event-based profitability modeling.

Dana’s professional career began in public accounting at Arthur Andersen.

Dana earned her bachelor’s degree in accountancy from the University of Notre Dame, is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. Dana is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

COMMITTED TO

EXCELLENCE

Congratulations to

Kelly Powers Baria

on your selection as one of Chicago Defender’s Distinguished Women of Excellence!

WITH LEADERS LIKE YOU, WE’RE ALL IN GOOD HANDS.

Allstate congratulates the 2017 Women of Excellence Honorees, including our very own Cheryl Harris.

“A Commitment to Excellence Since 1967”

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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 07

Cheryl A. Harris Cheryl A. Harris, C.P.M. is senior vice president of Sourcing & Procurement Solutions at Allstate. In this role Cheryl is responsible for Allstate’s spend portfolio of $8B. Cheryl sponsors Allstate’s Supplier Diversity program, which is focused on increasing the participation of minority, LGBT, veteran and women-owned businesses in Allstate’s supply chain. Cheryl is also a Spokesperson for Allstate’s Quotes

Nicole “Nikki” Hayes Nikki Hayes is currently the President of Laborers’ Local 1001 Union under the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA).

I lifelong resident of Chicago, Nikki attended St. Malachy Elementary School, Lane Technical High School, Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and certified in Labor Relations at the

for Education Program which has donated over $1M (in partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation) to support students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Cheryl serves on the board of directors for The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender business community. Cheryl serves on several local and national Boards of Directors including Teen Living Program, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and comprehensive services to homeless teenagers in Chicago, the Chicago Humanities Festival Board and the Florida A&M Foundation Board.

Cheryl’s additional memberships include the Executive Leadership Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Chicago United Business Leaders of Color.

National Labor College in Baltimore, Maryland.

Nikki owns, Pier 31 Restaurant and Bar, the only female & black owned restaurant on the City of Chicago’s 18-miles of lakefront.

This has been a lifelong dream for her to bring the outdoor dining experience while looking at our gorgeous skyline, to the community where she lives and work.

She serves and holds offices on multiple committees: Former Vice- President of Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, Chicago Chapter, the Recording Secretary of the LiUNA Women’s Caucus, Board Member of the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership and Board Member of the Local School Council of Kenwood Academy.

Nikki is the mother of three children, and currently resides in Bronzeville.

08 May 3 - May 9, 2017 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Tiffany L. Harston Tiffany L Harston epitomizes the term agent of change; leaving a successful ten(10) year career in the financial industry to serve scholars in the city of Chicago, now for over eleven years, building relationships with staff, scholars and members of the community to address the inequality and injustice within the educational system. Launching this journey by building bridges and working with great organizations and community stakeholders like: Illinois Athletic Association, Illi-

Dana Holmes

Dana Holmes is senior director, and head of communications and positioning for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. She is responsible for executive and internal communication, public affairs and media relations. Dana is a 26 year veteran to the field of

nois Institute of Technology, Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corp, Office of Alderman Patricia Dowell, Office of Alderman Howard Brookins, Senator Jacqueline Collins, Chicago Transit Authority, City of Chicago Police Department 4th, 5th District and University of Chicago, Chicago Scholars, Boeing Scholars, Project Syncere, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, David Baker and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. to name a few.

As a service provider, Tiffany is helping to build tomorrow by assisting in the change we need to see. An instrumental piece in opening three schools, the Founding Assistant Principal of one, Tiffany continues to work to bring equality and justice to the educational system, as well as its policies.

Tiffany is a Chicago native who grew up on the south side of Chicago, obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign in Finance, and Master of Science degree from Illinois Institute of Technology in Educational Leadership with a focus in Mathematics. She continues to reside in Chicago with her husband and two children. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, reading and traveling the world.

corporate communication as both a strategist and practitioner. Her work has been focused on brand building, reputation management, executive coaching and workforce engagement for some of the most respected Fortune 100 companies in the Chicagoland area. She is a well-rounded seasoned professional with experience as a strategic member of corporate leadership committed to contributing value to the bottom line. Dana is a native Chicagoan and resides in Highland Park, Illinois on Chicago’s Northshore.

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Jackie Taylor Holsten Jackie Taylor Holsten is Senior Vice President/General Counsel at Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation (HREDC), and Vice President, Human Capital Development at HREDC since late 2001. A former assistant commissioner in the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development, Ms. Holsten held several positions in the City of Chicago’s Department of Buildings, and handled special proj-

LaShun James Over the course of her 20year career in healthcare, LaShun James has leveraged her leadership to educate, engage and deliver social services throughout Chicago. Ms. James is a top performing executive with Addus and has been the recipient of consecutive President’s Circle Awards recognizing her successful partnership with community organizations www.chicagodefender.com

ects for the mayor’s office. For the past 15 years, she has been intricately involved in development and management of 14 properties of affordable income housing through her work with HREDC. These projects include the redevelopment of the Historic Strand Hotel, construction of Parkside of Old Town on West Division, and Wilson Yards apartments with retail space that is home to Target and Core Yoga - and the current redevelopment and transition of the former Lawson House YMCA on Chicago Avenue into over 400 units of low-income housing.

Jackie Taylor Holsten is Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Holsten Human Capital Development (not-for-profit), a social service agency which provides social services to 3,000 residents of low-income housing managed by Holsten Real Estate.

to meet the homecare needs of seniors, veterans and the disabled.

Prior to joining Addus in 2009, Ms. James demonstrated a passion for empowering others through her work with government and non-profit organizations. Her collaborative leadership with the City and the Chicago Housing Authority was instrumental in winning a National Housing and Redevelopment award and significantly increasing the city’s capacity to serve seniors by pioneering its first and only case coordination unit.

LaShun James has a Masters in Human Services Administration and lends her expertise to the Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers as well as the Illinois Department of Aging’s CCPAC. She is a member of the Coalition of African American Leaders and is dedicated to volunteerism and improving community wellness outcomes for Chicago’s most vulnerable residents.

Shaswau “Shea” Howell

Shaswau Howell, known to most as just “Shea,” honed her marketing prowess in a hybrid of agency and start-up environments.

For almost two decades she’s developed and implemented integrated marketing campaigns to the ben-

efit of her client roster that has included: Lexus, Toyota and General Motors. Now at Wintrust Financial Corporation, she lends her expertise to design and manage initiatives that build brand awareness and drive growth.

At the age of six, a McDonald’s commercial “Little Sister” set her on a path that has fueled her entire career.

As a result, Shea firmly believes marketing has the ability to empower, inspire and influence humanity toward compassion and purpose.

She is dedicated to using her voice, conscience and acumen to make notable cultural contributions.

Dr. Tara Jenkins Tara Rawls Jenkins, Ed.D. is a convener, national conference speaker and creative communicator of God’s word. Jenkins’ messages often infuse spoken word, music and dance, utilizing secular cultural references to visually illustrate faith based principles.

She is a graduate of Clark-Atlanta University with a Bachelor Arts in Communications, Moody Bible Insti-

tute with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Doctorate of Education in Leadership.

With a passion to see women, wives and girls empowered, she serves as Director of Women’s Ministries at Fellowship Chicago and founded G.E.M.S. (Girls Empowered and Motivated To Succeed), Additionally, she is the founder of MinistryMates.org, an organization which engages encourages and equips pastors’ wives for ministry.

Jenkins resides in Chicago with her songwriting/recording artist husband Charles, lead pastor of FellowshipChicago.com, and their three extraordinary children Princess (14), Paris (12), Charles III (8).

Twitter/Instagram: @DrTaraJenkins Facebook: TaraJenkins YouTube: DrTaraJenkinsOnline Website: tarajenkins.org

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 09

Faith Jones Faith Jones, aka the “Queen of Uber,” is a homeless to happiness story. As a child, she was shuttled through the Department of Children and Family Services system, moving in and out of 57 foster and group

homes. Then, as an adult with a disability, she struggled to make ends meet, living homeless on the streets for eight years. Her fate changed when a friend who had been homeless suggested she become an Uber driver.

She initially started driving with Uber to pay rent and bills. But after three years, she became one of the top drivers, having picked up over 6,000 riders and achieving more than 4,000 5-star ratings. Faith is paying it forward by continually encouraging other homeless women to become Uber drivers. “I am very passionate about feeding the homeless and reaching out to those who battle with a disability like myself to let them know there’s a better way than living on the streets,” said Faith.

Jessica Kimbrough

Jessica Kimbrough is Managing Director, Labor Relations & Legal Strategy at United Airlines, Inc., where she works closely with senior management providing counsel on labor litigation, negotiations, contract administration and organizing issues

The images and pictures that come to mind when we think “leader” speak volumes about our unspoken—yet prevailing—ideals of leadership. If we want to expand our concept of leadership, we need to expand our images of who and what a leader is. ~Dr. Jeanne Porter King~

Joyce D. LeFlore

That’s What She Said! 366 Leadership Quotes by Women is for anyone who leads—anyone.

Taking quotes from speeches and books, interviews and articles, conversations and notes, leadership development expert Jeanne Porter King has compiled a volume that both women and men, seasoned leaders and aspiring leaders alike, can find empowering as they strive to lead effectively and help others grow.

Joyce LeFlore, through teaching, lecturing, ministering and personal development has committed the last 35 years to guiding others toward a happier and more fulfilling life.

She specializes in life changing retreats, which allow for extensive one- on-one uninterrupted personal development work. She has won 5 Free Mary Kay Cars including the

and manages attorneys who represent the company in labor arbitrations. In her prior role at United, she served as Labor & Employment Counsel in the Legal Department.

Prior to joining United, Kimbrough served a gubernatorial appointment as Board Member on the Illinois Labor Relations Board, adjudicating public sector labor matters. Prior to that role, as Associate General Counsel to Governor Pat Quinn, she managed labor, employment and procurement legal matters throughout State government agencies. Kimbrough began her career litigating labor and employment matters as Assistant Corporation Counsel in the City of Chicago’s Law Department, Labor Division.

Ms. Kimbrough is a 2015 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and a 2013 Leadership Council for Legal Diversity Fellow.

Ms. Kimbrough holds a B. A. with Honors from Purdue University and a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

“Prestigious Pink Cadillac”.

She is a Motivator Extraordinaire and encourages everyone to experience the JOY that come from being free within to soar with the strength and power of an eagle!

Her greatest accomplishments include 40 years of marriage to her Husband Obie; 3 children, Ericka (Tim), Obie Tre (Jenny), and Trinity (Coty) of who all have masters and a doctorate. She has 2 grandchildren; Tristyn and Obie IV. Through her many years as a Sales Manager, Life Coach, Youth Pastor (during which she sponsored 8 HBCU College Tours), Couples and Young adult minister, many lives have been transformed. Joyce is a 19 year Cancer Survivor and is passionate in her belief that “there is a miracle worker” in each of us.

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Simone Green Lyles Simone Lyles is a native of Little Rock, AR and received her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Iowa. She is the Founder and Director of CLS Legal Staffing, which is considered to be one of the premier legal recruiting firms in Illinois.

She’s a member of the Illinois Paralegal Association, National Association of Legal Assistants

and National Federal of Paralegal Associations, Inc., and a member of the Northwestern College and Wright College Paralegal Advisory Boards. She has served as an invited speaker at several major university paralegal programs on legal recruiting and diversity maters. She has conducted mock interviews at the Institute of Paralegal Studies at Loyola University Chicago and was a Career Counselor for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s resume critique program.

Simone is also vocalist and has opened for the late Koko Taylor, George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars, Joe Lovano, Maceo Parker and Roy Haynes. She is a member of SAG-AFTRA and has lent her voice to several television and radio commercials for companies such as Wal-Mart, Charmin, Toyota, WVON and the Illinois Lottery.

appointment by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

As CEO and change agent, she led the merger and re-structuring of three disparate workforce systems into what is now the nation’s largest workforce system managed by a non-profit administrative agency. Karin continues to play an active role in the community serving on various regional and national Karin Mechelle boards. She is also the proud Norington-Reaves mother of a blended family of Karin M. Norington-Reaves four children. is a lifelong public servant with more than 25 years of experience in education, law, advocacy, and community and workforce development. In 2012, Karin became the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership upon her www.chicagodefender.com

Cheryl Bowman McPherson Cheryl Bowman-McPherson is a dedicated Human Resources Professional who serves as board member to the Society of Talent Acquisition & Recruitment (STAR), Charles Hayes Family Community Center, and is a Past Board member for the (NAAAHR) National Associa-

Lasandra Pierce Sandy Pierce is the Central Division Financial Center Regional Sales Executive for the Chicago Metro Region. The Chicago Metro Region consists of five markets spanning across Chicago that includes 81 financial centers, with nearly 500 teammates, $25 billion in retail deposits and 1.2 million Bank of America Consumer Households. In her role, Sandy is

tion of African Americans in Human Resources. Cheryl is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (Sigma Phi Omega Chapter) and is involved with many of the sororities’ targets and community service initiatives.

Cheryl also serves as a career coach/volunteer with the Bottomless Closet, an organization that provides an innovative approach to workforce preparation for disadvantaged women transitioning from unemployment and public assistance to work. Lastly, she volunteers her time with young women through many organizations such as the Glass Slipper Project, a program founded in 1999 that has helps more than 20,000 young women attend their proms in style!

responsible for developing end-toend business strategies to improve productivity, proficiency, service levels and the overall competitive position in the area. She is accountable for growing market share, developing her employees, assisting clients to meet their financial needs, and exceeding client service expectations.

Sandy is committed to associate mentorship, active community volunteerism and drives diversity in the workplace through her various leadership roles both inside and outside of the bank.

Born and raised in Chicago, Sandy holds a finance degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She and her husband, Al, reside in a suburb of Chicago with their ten year old twin daughters, Phallon and Kyra.

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Dartesia A. Pitts Dartesia A. Pitts is the President-Elect of the Cook County Bar Association, the nation’s oldest association of African-American lawyers and judges in the country, and employed as an Attorney working under Commissioner Larry Rogers, Jr. at the Cook County Board of Review. Recognized

as an Illinois Super Lawyer Rising Star, an Emerging Lawyer of Illinois and as one of the 40 under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates by the National Bar Association, this experienced Real Estate and Commercial law attorney is a proven leader within the Illinois Bar. Attorney Pitts used her rainmaking skills to make her the counsel for the community’s real estate, entertainment and business legal needs.

She serves as a legal commentator on television shows such as Fox’s, Swift Justice with Nancy Grace, and both TVOne shows, Fatal Attraction and Justice By Any Means.

She serves on the Board of Directors for Chicago Access Network TV. She attended Kenyon College in Gambier, OH and Northern Illinois University College of Law. She is a proud LINK Unlimited Scholar alumnus and mentor.

land residents.

Bertina M. Power-Stewart Bertina is the President of Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and President of the AKArama Foundaion, Inc., a not for profit organization dedicated to providing serivce to the Woodlawn community and Chicago-

Bertina M. Power is a Chicago native who brings a deep interest and love for the Chicagoland area to her work and her life. Her combination of interpersonal skills, personal values, clear goals, and persevering spirit has helped to bring her to where she is today.

Bertina graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hampton University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She is an Illinois Real Estate Broker and a member of Institute for Luxury Homes, Chicago Association of Realtors, Multi- Million Dollar Sales Club and Jack and Jill of America Chicago Chapter.

Bertina is one of Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence 2017. She has been published in Who’s Who in Black Chicago Real Estate, Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women “Honors Edition,” and Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women in Real Estate. Bertina has also appeared on HGTV.

DML Consulting, Inc ?????

Congratulates 1/4 page Mrs. Marilyn K. Render Chicago Defender’s Woman of Excellence 2017

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Marilyn K. Render Marilyn K. Render, a professional whose multiple skills lead her to a very successful career. After studying Marketing and Advertising at Roosevelt University, opportunities in management consulting, commercial real estate and association management were presented to her. Marilyn’s career be-

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gan at The Boston Consulting Group.

Later she held positions at four well known real estate firms. She is currently at AHIMA, where she is the Project Manager, Volunteer Leadership Development. Along with managing volunteers, she also oversees the Association’s awards and nominating committees. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in organizing the general sessions at AHIMA’s Annual Convention and Exhibits; which hosts 4000+ members. Marilyn is a solution orientated leader who exceeds goals and expectations. She is a mentor who many describe as a woman of poise, confidence, and compassion. She volunteers as a member of the Awards and Recognition Committee for the Association Forum of Chicago. She also travels the world to cultivate her passion for history and culture. Her trademark is her warm and welcoming smile that is dazzling and radiant to all that know and come in contact with her!

Terika Richardson Terika Richardson is president of Advocate Trinity Hospital, part of Advocate Health Care, the largest fully integrated health care delivery system in the state of Illinois.

Richardson, 37, oversees the strategic direction and operation of Advocate Trinity’s 205-bed hospital,

which has served Chicago’s Southeast Side for over 120 years. With more than 1,300 associates—including more than 300 physicians with expertise in more than 50 specialties—Advocate Trinity is a designated primary stroke center and a certified Baby-Friendly birthing center, which provides the highest level of support for breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Richardson joined Advocate in June 2016. Previously, she served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Retreat Doctors’ Hospital, in Richmond, Va. Under Richardson’s leadership, this hospital launched a robotic surgery program, which resulted in greater access to minimally-invasive inpatient surgeries and outpatient procedures for improved patient health outcomes.

Richardson holds a master’s degree in public health and a bachelor’s degree in biopsychology and cognitive science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

She serves on the American College of Healthcare Executive’s Young Careerist Committee.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 13

Lisa Rollins Lisa Rollins, is the Regional Director, Workplace Initiatives for UNCF’s Midwest Region. Responsible for 14 states, this is Lisa’s second tour of duty with UNCF. Lisa infuses a creative energy that inspires and initiates improvement to any organization, or event that she manages. Her vision and energy are infectious,

Tanya Seaton Tanya Seaton has over 25 years of experience in health care administration, strategy implementation and operations improvement. As Operating Officer for Provident Hospital and Sengstacke Primary Care/ Specialty Clinics, Ms. Seaton has expanded primary care and multi-specialty clinics at Provident Hospital to increase patient’s access to quality and comprehensive health care, and serves as the administrative lead for

but her success lies in her ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse populations to achieve success.

She is a lover of life, and loves to see success in people and projects that she works with. Lisa has high expectations of herself and others; and seeks to help as many people find a way to pay for their college education, while inspiring others to do the same as part of her accomplishing the mission of UNCF. Lisa is a proud alumni of two HBCUs Bethune Cookman College, and Hampton University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Chicago Chapter of the Girlfriends, and South Suburban Chapter of Jack and Jill Associates.

She is the proud mother of three children, Lawrence III, Laryssa, and Deja.

a new state-of-the art Ambulatory Regional Outpatient Center.

Ms. Seaton serves on the board of directors for the Centers for New Horizons, and the South Side Healthcare Collaborative In previous roles, Ms. Seaton served as the executive director of the Faculty Practice Plan at Morehouse School of Medicine, and worked as vice president of Ambulatory Care Services at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, GA, and held various leadership roles at Advocate Medical Group, University of Chicago, and Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation.

A Chicago native Ms. Seaton is a graduate of Governors State University, has a Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management, is a Certified Medical Practice Executive through the American College of Medical Practice Executives, and is a 2012 America’s Essential Hospitals fellow.

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Cassaundra Rouse Cassaundra Rouse is the Chief of Internal Audit at the Illinois Tollway, where she oversees the agency’s compliance and risk management functions, including construction projects in the Tollway’s 15-year, $12 billion Move Illinois capital program.

As an experienced chief audit executive who has been responsible for the design and execution of organizational audit strategies, she has direct communications with senior management on risk mitigation activ-

Tiffany V. Seay Ms. Tiffany V. Seay is the founder and CEO of Metro Vision Partners, NFP (MVP).

Known for her contagious smile and laughter, Ms. Seay has made a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of our youth and their families. She has over twenty years of experience implementing youth development

ities and internal controls.

In 2016, she was the recipient of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) William C. Anderson Award, the chapter’s highest award, which recognizes one individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the chapter that year.

Cassaundra is a Board Member of the IIA, currently serving as Treasurer.

She also serves on the Education Committee and is a co-founding member of the Government Advisory Committee to the IIA Board.

As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. she has served in a variety of leadership positions within her local chapters.

As an esteemed alumna of Howard University in Washington, D.C., she earned a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in accounting.

Cassaundra is married with four children. She enjoys giving back to the community through mentoring young professionals and students.

Favorite quote: “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Riley

and violence prevention programs. During the course of her career which includes working for Chicago Public Schools, she has provided services for over 200K youth in various capacities including school based, after school and summer enrichment programs.

Her passion and commitment led to her establishing Metro Vision Partners, NFP (MVP) in 2015. MVP’s mission is to transform lives, families and communities. MVP strives to helps individuals to make their dreams into tangible realities by providing evidence based programming and access to resources. Since it’s inception, MVP has served over 500 youth and families in the Chicagoland area through its mentoring and safe haven programs.

Ms. Seay believes that together we can change the narrative of our youth and our communities. www.chicagodefender.com

Gwendolyn G. Shaw

Gwendolyn G. Shaw is a Career Financial Representative with COUNTRY Financial and has an office based in the Chatham neighborhood where she offers insurance, retirement planning and investment solutions for Illinois and Indiana.

Gwen is only African-American female to earn the status

Lauran A. Smith With

a business start in March 2012, Lauran has worked with quite a few notables, and has been sought out for major opportunities. Lauran was a featured Panelist during Chicago’s Social Media Week (September 2013), discussing “Social Media Mastery”. Lauran was also solicited by Cameka Smith (Founder, The BOSS Network) as Event Publicist, which added her to www.chicagodefender.com

of Career Representative-independent contractor for COUNTRY in Illinois. This distinction is a testament to her tireless commitment to excellence and service in her community. She serves on many boards notably the Chatham Business Association, Genesis Housing, NHS Advisory Council and former board President of GRANDFamilies.

Gwen is a passionate speaker and is often asked to represent COUNTRY at numerous conferences throughout Chicago.

Gwen attended Chicago State University and Catherine College and currently lives in the south suburbs with children Danielle and Joshua.

the team of women hosting Legendary Supermodel Beverly Johnson for an evening of dialogue and networking.

Lauran has published work in Jet Magazine, a prominent and globally recognized magazine under the umbrella of the distinguished Johnson Publishing Company. She is currently taking courses for additional business & leadership certifications, is a Contributor for Voice Of Hair, is Assistant Editor and a Contributor for The Single Wives Club, is a Mentor and also serves as the Director of Media Content & Engagement for 501c3 “Friends In The City Foundation”, and is also the Founder and Designer of the First Annual Chicago Black Restaurant Week, held February 7-13, 2016.

The second annual Chicago Black Restaurant Week (held February 12-19, 2017) almost doubled in participation from the previous year.

Doll Smith Doll Smith has always been a giver, having started her life-long commitment to giving-back at an early age in her native Caruthersville, MO. community. It’s in her DNA. Jump forward to a lifetime spent in Chicago, and that DNA of giving still courses strong through Doll’s veins.

For over a decade, Doll has

Joyce Stanley Joyce Stanley, is a Regional Corporate Specialist for Macys North Central Region. She is responsible for working with corporate clients on gifting and incentive programs through the promotion of gift cards, merchandise, and creative Macy’s experiences.

With over 20 years of sales and marketing experience, Joyce is a native of Huntsville, Alabama, where she started her career in sales with Clinique Cosmetics. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama for further career advancement, during

been actively giving to Chicago area communities through her support of local children’s shelters, nursing homes, and facilitating fundraising efforts to support women and children housing initiatives. Doll also established veteran recognition and celebrations during Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Doll has been honored for her fund-raising efforts to support students affected by Hurricane Katrina, and in 2005 was recognized by Fortune Magazine for providing affordable housing in Chicago. In 2014 Doll was recognized by the American Legion for her service, and was the 2015 recipient of the Saint Joseph Worker Award. Today, Doll Smith is heading an $18 M redevelopment project in Ford Heights, Illinois, that will provide housing to more than 96 veterans and their families, creating a veterans village.

that time she accomplished many achievements such as Star Coordinator, Excellence for Achievement Award for eight consecutive years and Top Sales Producer for five consecutive years. In 1999, another career advancement led her to Chicago to work as a Regional Sales Manager for Fashion Fair Cosmetic. She was responsible for leadership and development of Account Executives and business development, account management/growth initiatives within the region. She was awarded two Star Performance Awards and two Star Team Performance Awards.

Joyce’s greatest strength are her creativity, drive and strong leadership. She has actively gotten involved in the community doing consulting and volunteering work in her community. She was able to serve as a Community Organizer and Neighborhood Team leader for President Obama’s 2012 campaign and selected to speak at a Michelle Obama fundraiser. She has managed projects in the community from fundraising and sponsorship, the map of Hyde Park, phone banks, voter registration drives, and a music festival. Developed an etiquette and dress for success program for a group of teens for summer jobs.

Joyce also received the Streeterville Chamber of Commerce Shining Star award for outstanding service and dedication.

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Valerie Spiller Stefanic Raised in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood, Valerie attended Hyde

Park HS and received a BS in Finance from DePaul University. She has enjoyed a successful career in sales beginning with the Gatorade Brand and has gone on to start her own sales agency Elite Marketing.

The agency represents multiple brands in the $20 Billion Promotional Products industry. Valerie has a strong apparel sales background and works with brands such as Callaway Golf Apparel and Stormtech Performance Apparel. These products are branded for corporate clients.

Valerie is married to Thomas Stefanic and they are raising three teenagers in Oak Park, IL. She enjoys exercise, sports, and live music. Valerie is active in her church, Grace Lutheran in River Forest, IL, as a member of the Children, Youth, and Family Ministry team.

She has also volunteered with Junior Achievement and many youth sports teams. As an Inroads Alumni, Valerie volunteers by conducting mock interviews. The mission of Inroads is to develop and place talented, underserved youth in business and industry as well as preparing them for corporate and community leadership.

Thyatiria A. Towns Thyatiria A. Towns has over 20 years of advocacy, policy, engagement, organizing and community service. She is a community advocate and dedicated worker for all.

Thyatiria is a graduate of George Henry Corliss High School. She is an

Alumni of Alabama State University, where she majored in Political Science with a specialization in foreign and public policy.

Thyatiria holds several leadership positions at Chicago Public Schools under the direction of Dr. Shawn Jackson, Chief of Leadership and Learning as the Campus Director for the Pullman Parent University at Corliss High School, Title 1 Compliance Facilitator and Family and Community Engagement (F.A.C.E) Manager in Network 13, where Dr. Karen V. Saffold is Chief of Schools. Her primary role is to ensure proactive outreach and training for parents, community and stakeholders, that results in positive outcomes with student and families.

Thyatiria is the loving mother of Taylor Paige. She lives by her favorite quote from William A. Ward: “Recipe for Success: Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.”

Proud to support the driver community Tonight, we recognize Faith Jones’ dedication to empowering women and her community.

Thank you to the Chicago Defender for continuing to honor women like her.

Empowering communities

What helps make a strong community? Educational and professional opportunities, help for those in need, and the responsible use of technology.

Because empowering your community is what drives us, we proudly support the efforts of the Chicago Defender and its Women of Excellence Awards.

© 2017 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved.

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Dominique Jordan Turner Dominique Jordan Turner is currently the President and CEO of Chicago Scholars, an organization whose mission is to uniquely select, train, and mentor academically ambitious students from under-resourced communities to complete college and become the next generation of leaders who will transform their neighborhoods and Chicago.

Outside of her educational experience, Dominique began her career as a Management Consultant at Deloitte, where she focused on process reengineering and customer relationship management. Additionally, she was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Panama.

Dominique’s leadership hasn’t gone without recognition, as she was recently announced as one of the WVON and Ariel Investments top 40 Under 40 Game Changers in Chicago. She was presented with the Chicago Sky’s #RedefinePossible Women’s Leadership Award, and honored as the 2016 Woman of the Year for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Community Activist Award, and Chicagonista honored her for their 2016 Women Driving Excellence Award.

Dominique is fluent in Spanish and holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University and a M.B.A. from Marquette University.

UNCF Chicago & Commissioner Stan Moore congratulates

CELEBRATING E XCEPTIONAL COURAGE, UNWAVERING CONVICTION, & E XTRAORDINARY GRACE Macy’s is proud to join

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER in congratulating our own

JOYCE STANLEY Regional Corporate Specialist

and all of the 2017 Women of Excellence Award winners

Lisa Rollins

Regional Development Director on her 2017 nomination as a Woman of Excellence!

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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 3 - May 9, 2017 17

“Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it. “ Oprah Winfrey

Ellen Rozelle Turner Ellen Rozelle Turner is the Founder, President and CEO of The William Everett Group and Mind Your Manners, Limited. Ms. Turner is an inspirational leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in executive management, sales, marketing and is a subject matter expert in state and local government.

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Mrs. Turner currently heads a multi-million-dollar management and information technology consulting firm with partnerships with several Fortune 100 companies. The William Everett Group client list includes agencies such as Cook County Government, Metra, City of Chicago and its sister agencies. Mind Your Manners Limited is an etiquette consulting firm.

Mrs. Turner has held positions as President of Blackwell Consulting Services, one of the nation’s largest minority owned technology firms, Managing Partner with Clarity Partners and Assistant Commissioner at the City of Chicago Department of Innovation and Technology and the Office of the Mayor.

Mrs. Turner serves on several charitiable and professional boards of Directors. She is a certified etiquette consultant, is certified from DePaul University in Human Resource Management and attended the University of Missorui-Columbia for Journalism.

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Jopehine Wade-Smith Josephine “Mother” Wade was born in Forrest City, Arkansas and graduated High School in Phoenix, Arizona. She was one of 13 kids born to George and Margie Wade.

After marrying the love of her life, Rupert Smith, they went open to open Captain Dining on East 79th Street in Chicago, in 1989. Their collaboration was so successful that after four months they outgrew that

location and moved down the street to their current address at 436 East 79th Street.

Affectionately referred to as Mother Wade, she was given that name because in addition to her three biological children – Victor Love, Beverly Love and Elyse Love, she has become known in the community because of her big heart and demonstration of love for many of kids in the surrounding community. As time as gone on she has become Mother Wade to kids and adults alike all over Chicago.

Mrs. Wade is a loyal member of Triedstone Full Gospel Baptist Church.

She continues to show her love for the Chicago Community by committing her time and energy as a member of the Board of the Albertina Walker Scholarship Foundation. In addition she recently started the Women of Power Foundation to assist young women in accomplishing their professional goals.

Most recently Mother was honored with the renaming of East 79th Street, Mother Josephine Wade Way. That along with being honored as one of the 2017 Defender Women of Excellence are two of her crowning achievements.

Lenita Digby Williams As Vice President of Digby’s Detective & Security Agency, Inc., Lenita Digby Williams specializes in delivering executive leadership to drive brand recognition and increase corporate valuation. She is responsible for overseeing the planning, directing and coordinating of operational

activities for over 300 employees. As a Private Security, Detective and Fingerprint Vendor license holder, Lenita ensures that Digby’s Security remains in compliance with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations. Her leadership is a key catalyst in the growth of the organization being the recipient of World Business Chicago’s CASE program 2015 Business of the Year award.

Lenita holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a double concentration in Entrepreneurship/ Marketing from DePaul University and a Bachelors of Arts (BA) degree in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. As Co-founder of the Young Ladies of Virtue Ministry of Progressive M.B. Church, Lenita provides mentoring and support to girls ages 10-18. She also is a breast cancer survivor who inspires and encourages other patients to think beyond their diagnosis at life after breast cancer. She resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband, Andre and two children.

Congratulations to our Dana Holmes

and all 2017 “Women of Excellence” A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association 232185.0417

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