Chicago defender 02 13 19

Chicago and suburbs $1 Volume 113 No. 42 | February 13 - 19, 2019

CHICAGO DEFENDER

Politics Pages 5-7

Black Love Kiah and RaMone Lawrence

CP Around Town: Page 8

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Community Calendar: Page 16

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2 February 13 - 19, 2019

City News Health Care Service Corporation and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Institute Pilot a Nutrition Delivery Service in Chicago Food Deserts Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) InstituteSM recently announced the debut of foodQ,SM a healthy food delivery service that brings nutritious, affordable meals directly to people living in areas that lack adequate access to fresh foods that make up a healthy diet, known as food deserts. Through the foodQ service, the companies will offer consumers easy access to affordable, nutritious foods to improve their health outcomes, particularly for diet-related, chronic conditions, while reducing avoidable emergency room visits and hospital admissions.

HCSC supported the BCBS Institute’s development of foodQ through Affordability CuresSM the company’s commitment to develop long-term solutions that address the root causes of an expensive health care system, with investments in social determinants of health as one of the initial focus areas. The BCBS Institute will pilot foodQ in 25 Chicago ZIP codes and 15 Dallas ZIP codes where HCSC operates health plans.

Any consumer living in these ZIP codes can participate, regardless of health insurance status or insurance carrier.

Consumers residing in ZIP codes associated with the pilot service can go to the mobile-optimized foodQ website and review the ready-to-heat lunch and dinner meal options. Participants enter their ZIP code in the foodQ site, which determines if they are eligible for the service. Once eligibility is verified, participants enter their payment information, select their meal choice, then

choose a date and time for meal delivery.

Users select from five meal categories including beef, chicken, fish, pork and vegetarian options. Participants will then receive a text message confirming the order, as well as notifications when the order is on its way and has been delivered.

Participants are encouraged to subscribe to foodQ for $10 per month, which includes free delivery and a buy-one-getone option for every meal purchased. Individuals that do not subscribe can choose to purchase individual meals for $10 with an additional delivery fee of $6 per order. Meal deliveries began in Chicago last week and start in Dallas in April.

Throughout the six-month pilot, HCSC and the BCBS Institute will use participant surveys to measure the demand for and usability of the foodQ service and assess any correlation between nutritious meal consumption and avoidable hospital and emergency room visits.

For more information about foodQ, including food menus, please visit www.foodQhub.com.

The foodQ service is available in the following ZIP codes on the South Side and West Side of Chicago: 1. 60639 2. 60651 3. 60622 4. 60644 5. 60624 6. 60612 7. 60623 8. 60616 9.

60653 10. 60615 11. 60637 12. 60632 13.

60609 14. 60629 15. 60636 16. 60643 17.

60652 18. 60655 19. 60621 20. 60620 21.

60619 22. 60628 23. 60633 24. 60649 25.

60617

Ida B. Wells Drive Honors Icon Congress Parkway is now Ida B. Wells Drive. Officials unveiled the street sign recently at a press conference at the Harold Washington Library. The street is the first downtown street named after an African-American woman.

Wells was a journalist who used her pen to fight against injustice and lynching during the Civil War period. The Chicagoan played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Rights Movement.

Chicago 17th Ward Alderman David Moore, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Michelle Duster (Wells’ great-granddaughter), and Chicago 4th Ward Alderman Sophia King unveil the new sign for Ida B. Wells Drive. Photo Credit: Parthenia Luke

Chicago Auto Show Continues Through February 18 The largest auto show in North America is currently running at McCormick Place. The Chicago Auto Show spans more than 1 million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. The 2019 show is open to the public from February 9-18. For more information, visit: www.ChicagoAutoShow.com www.chicagodefender.com

Jackie Taylor

U.S. Bank Honors Black Ensemble Theater’s Jackie Taylor U.S. Bank celebrates Black History Month by recognizing four of their key community partners across the country who are planting the seeds of possibility: Jackie Taylor, founder and CEO of Black Ensemble Theater in Chicago; Dr. Belinda Allen, executive director of West Angeles Community Development Corporation in Los Angeles; Dr. Eve M. Hall, president of the Milwaukee Urban League; and Linda Harris, senior vice president of the Urban League of Metro St. Louis. Through economic empowerment, education, affordable housing, and the arts, these women harness their organizations’ resources and talent to, in no small way, change the lives of the people they serve.

Jackie Taylor founded the Black Ensemble Theater with a mission to eradicate racism and its damaging effects on society through theater arts, including programs that perpetuate African American history, reach a cross-cultural audience and serve disenfranchised communities. Through the nonprofit’s educational outreach programs, she and her teams are on a mission to eradicate racism.

“I hope my legacy lies in the fact that I built a company with the mission to eradicate racism, accomplishing our mission through education, through the performing arts, through theater, through music, through utilizing the total cultural environment,” says Taylor.

“And that many, many years from now the company that I built is still surviving, is still going – way past my lifetime. And that’s maybe when my great-great-great-grandson or -granddaughter will look around and say, well, now there’s no need for this company. We don’t have racism. We don’t even understand what it’s about - it doesn’t exist.”

Learn more at usbank.com/ blackhistorymonth.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Cover Story BLACK LOVE: How Couples Make Love Last

By Marshelle R. Sanders Defender Contributing Writer In celebration of the month of love, the Defender sought out love stories, seeking to find secrets or tips to making relationships work.

Here are a few love stories from everyday couples, each offering a unique take on how they met, fell in love and also keep it going.

RaMone Lawrence (33) and Kiah Lawrence (28) Been in a relationship for 3.5 years; Married: 1.5 years How did you meet?

“It was a right swipe on Tinder, Nov 2015.” Ramone had previously used online dating and this was Kiah’s first time. She met Ramone on her first date.

Turning point of the relationship.

Ramone was infatuated with her the day they meet. Kiah knew it could be something when she could truly be herself around him.

“The turning point of our relationship was when we moved in with each other about 10 months after we meet.”

Things you like to do together?

Singing, dancing, trying new things to make memories.

A challenge that you had and overcame together.

Long distance marriage; “when we got engaged, Kiah had recently got a new job in another state.

Then being in the military, I (RaMone) was sent to Germany. Our whole time married we have been apart. Don’t feel sad because she is accomplishing her career and I’m clearing out debt. We make time for one another via video chat and we talk all the time (sometimes too much lol). We also see each other on a routine schedule.”

A tip on sustaining a relationship.

Support each other and communicate. Don’t worry about other people, other “GOAL” relationships on social media, or the stereotypical marriages (relationships); do what makes you both happy as a couple.

Kareem Abdullah; Sharita Abdullah Ages: 42 and 48 Status: Married. We were together for 19 years. We’ve been married for 18 years.

How did you meet?

“We met in 1998. We both worked for Old Republic Life Insurance, located in downtown Chicago. We would often see each other in the break room. We associated with two entirely different groups of people. I (Kareem) was still THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

RaMone and Kiah Lawrence

Kareem and Sharita Abdullah transitioning from street life and my friend choices reflected that.

She was friendly with several professional women who came up in good homes. I was a temp in the filing department and she worked in Policy Services. We would often stare at each other and there was an apparent attraction. For me, she had these hypnotic eyes. What began as periodic, cordial greetings

evolved into full discussions which eventually landed us on a date.”

Turning point of the relationship “We moved relatively quickly. We met each other at critical points in our lives. She was closing out a bad marriage and I was trying to stay off the streets and focus on bettering myself. We had similar upbringings, we would come to www.chicagodefender.com

later find out. We communicated well from the very beginning and we enjoyed each other’s presence. I think that the concept of knowing ‘this is the one’ had never occurred to either of us. We were both at a practical and pragmatic stage in our lives that we were willing to build a loving relationship with a person we enjoyed and found comfort in. The turning point in our relationship came when we

converted to Islam. We saw many examples of strong married couples and we decided not to waste one another’s time by putting it off.”

Things you like to do together?

“We pray and worship together.

We read together. We have long discussions. We play chess together. We both love bowling. We both love attending poetry sets.

Like most couples, we like cuddling on the sofa, binge watching Netflix or Hulu.”

A challenge that you had and overcame together “We’ve both gone through surgeries. We have children. They were hers from her previous marriage but I accepted them as my own when they were 8 and 4. They are now 23 and 27) We had challenges related to child-rearing, as well as related to the children’s biological father seemingly choosing addiction over his children. Maintaining objectivity and attempting to preserve any respect they may have still had for their biological father was difficult. Another challenge was that I (Kareem) had felonies on my record and was a high school dropout. I kept losing jobs due to those factors, yet she stayed in my life and helped me to focus on finishing high school and college. “ A tip for sustaining a relationship in your perspective “Whatever philosophy or religious persuasion you may adhere or subscribe to, keep those principles up-front in your relationship.

Never be afraid to receive counsel from those who are more experienced. Have patience with your significant other and be realistic.

Many of us have these romantic aspirations while entering a relationship yet can’t manage after the infatuation wears off. There is no shortcut to a successful marriage. It is constant work, communication, self-analysis, listening, self-correction, and observation.

My best advice would be to understand that perfection is a process.”

Erik and Sherrie Kirk Status: Married; together 12 years How did you meet?

“We met each other in September 2005 at Nitro Night Club. First interaction was purely physical attraction.” Sherrie’s voluptuous curves drew Erik’s immediate attention. Sherrie was infatuated with his tall dark skin appearance.

“We’ve been hanging out since then.” continued on page 4

February 13 - 19, 2019 3

Cover Story Black Love, continued from, Page 03

Turning point of the relationship “Three years into our relationship, we packed up, left Chicago, and took a risk of starting a life together in Central Illinois. That day signing our condo lease together was when we realized that this was it. We were starting a new journey together. We knew that our bond was so strong and that we needed each other more than we thought for whatever life might bring us. A couple years later, we got married.”

Things you like to do together “We like to enjoy live concerts; gospel, R&B, or soul; comedy – movies or stand-ups. We like dining and good food.”

A challenge that you had and overcame together “For years we would speak of wanting to buy our own house.

In Summer 2017 we jumped into the process. But on closing day, the sellers walked away from our deal leaving us literally homeless.

Even though we bounced back slightly by finding another house, we were now forced to live in hotels with two children for 5 weeks.

Keeping a smile on our faces and being “happy” on the outside to keep our kids in a good space was the hardest thing we had to do--all the while second guessing putting our lives at risk. We did close on our current house at the end of the summer 2017 and haven’t looked back (but we will never forget the process.)”

A tip for sustaining a relationship in your perspective Keep the fire lit.

Katrina Waddy, 49 and Andy Delaney, 54 Status: relationship How many years have you been together? 3 How did you meet?

Katrina: “November 2015 at a mutual friend’s mother’s funeral.

As I prepared to leave the repast (where I’d helped the family and did lots of dancing), Andy introduced himself and asked if he could take me out for a cup of coffee. I told him to get my number from the mutual friend and asked how he knew her. When he told me they were friends from the Dearborn Homes housing project, I asked if he knew my grandmother (one of its beloved candy/lunchroom cookies/freeze cup ladies).

He was astonished because he’d known my grandmother since he was a kid; so, he pulled out his cell phone and showed me a picture of him and her at a recent annual picnic (for which I’d gotten her dressed)!”

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Erik and Sherrie Kirk

Katrina Waddy and Andy Delaney Turning point of the relationship Katrina: “Andy had me intrigued during our first telephone conversation. But, after ringing in 2016 together, he volunteered to pay for the seafood and ingredients

for my homemade New Year’s Day gumbo; and, that’s when I officially took myself off the market!”

Andy: “A few weeks after we met, we went to see (Jazz musician) Dave Koz at the Chicago Theater. We had such a great www.chicagodefender.com

time. Everything felt natural.”

Things you like to do together Andy: Concerts/listening to music, TV shows/movies, barbecues, having fun with family and friends, and travel!

Katrina: “On our first date, he

told me how much he enjoyed traveling and his quest to visit every US state and each continent.

In 2016, we went on our first trip to New York City for Valentine’s Day; followed by New Orleans for my birthday; Mississippi for his family reunion; and our first international trip to China.”

A challenge that you had and overcame together Katrina: “Unfortunately, we met at the beginning of what would become a three-year unemployment stint for me. During that time, I underwent lots of dashed hopes, self-esteem drops, and wavering faith. I thank God for using Andy to save my life by supporting and encouraging me to get back up and stay in the game.”

Andy: “It was her being unemployed for a few years. As a Black male from a poor neighborhood, I knew that things can appear grave, but would change. I’d already faced one of my greatest fears/life challenges, and completely understood the very real feeling of despair and not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. So, her unemployment wasn’t hard for me. The hardest part was trying to keep her positive and from giving up. But, we made it through.”

A tip for sustaining a relationship in your perspective.

Katrina: “Work to maintain a healthy balance of friendship and ‘loveship.’ In other words, be friends enough to feel comfortable talking to each other about any and everything; but, be in love enough to commit to the passion, communication, trust, compromise and other things necessary for maintaining a strong, thriving relationship.”

Andy: “Being able to accept a person for who they are and what they do... not trying to change someone; but, understanding why they do the things they do. An example is that she is very nurturing and, at times, overprotective. I’m the complete opposite... very independent, not used to someone treating me like I need everything done for me. But, by interacting with her and her daughters, I realize that those are qualities of a good mother. I thought about it and decided that I’d rather someone show how caring they are rather than show little interest. It’s a learning experience and definitely ongoing. “ Conclusion: We all know that relationships are not easy all the time; it is hardwork on both ends. When you are in love with that person, it makes it worth the effort. In the Black community, we can have and strive for strong relationships and marriages.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Politics

Mayoral Interview: Gery Chico

By Katara Patton Defender Senior Editor In less than two weeks, the Chicago mayoral race will be over.

Well, with a race of 14 candidates, at last count, an April 2 run-off is more than likely, but it would be between the two candidates with the most votes. And recent polls show it is still a toss-up with many voters still undecided; however, front runners include Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Businessman and former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Attorney Gery Chico. Not surprisingly, these four candidates have raised the most funds to date, according to public financial reports.

In an attempt to make sure Chicago Defender readers are well informed, we have been speaking with mayoral candidates since the election season began. This week, we caught up with Gery Chico, who has served as chief of staff to Mayor Richard Daley (1992-1995), CPS Board President (1995-2001), and Chair of the Illinois State Board of Education (2011-2015), among other key positions in city and state government. He ran for mayor in 2011 but was defeated by current Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Chicago Defender: Please tell our readers why you are running for mayor.

Gery Chico: Chicago is at a crossroad. I’m so worried about the violence, the inequality of available access to an excellent education and the affordability of the city for so many residents. I was just reading a report from my staff about water bills…people are having difficulty affording their water bills and their water is getting shut off. That’s basic stuff for life…water bills have shot up in price, taxes have shot up and politicians are trying to impose new taxes. Preckwinkle imposed a tax on sugary beverages; you couldn’t even buy a Gatorade…thank God the people rebelled and they pushed it back.

I want people to stay in the City.

I know tax payers are not an ATM for politicians….I am fighting for working class citizens in this city to maintain their standard of living… that’s why I’m running.

CD: What are your plans to improve the education system?

GC: I want to bring excellent education to all four corners of the city…there are a lot of places in THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Gery Chico Chicago where you can’t get that.

Parents shouldn’t have to strain and struggle about whether they can stay in our city because they are worried about finding a good school. I worked to create Brooks, Simeon (new building and updated focus), Michelle Clark Middle School (now magnet school for grades 6-12) in different parts of the city. We created selective enrollment schools like Jones, Payton, Brooks, all of which have substantial percentages of African American and Latino students. We need to finish the effort to bring excellence to all our neighborhoods.

We need IB (International Baccalaureate) and magnet programs in schools.

One of my biggest ideas is to create the largest expansion of vocational/technical schools in history. We let old trade schools go by the wayside…we need to bring them back with a modern twist. I would work with trades to come alongside of us at CPS to create skilled trade people. We need to provide everybody in the city a chance at an excellent education option. If you learn trade, you could make 100K a year without student debt. You can support yourself and a family nicely on that income—especially those in the African American community who have been locked out of these jobs for so many decades. We have a bad history of segregation in this

city and I will address it head on.

I will invest in communities who haven’t seen it in years. We’re talking about Amazon again; I’m excited about Amazon but what about putting a fulfillment center on 79th street or ask them to put a fulfillment center in the closed Target store; don’t just come downtown with shiny office buildings and never leave downtown. I want the opposite of red lining…I want to go in there and make an investment; the history of segregation has caused disinvestment in so many communities and that has to end.

CD: You mention making the city more affordable, but how will you pay for what we need?

GC: I’ve proposed a Casino that Chicago owns—it won’t cost people a dime. Legalized marijuana...I was first to recommend this; it would bring $150 million to Chicago from that effort. I would add a 1 percent tax on million dollar home sales and reassess downtown office buildings taxes; they are getting away with murder because they are not properly assessed. That’s all new revenue. I’m just getting rolling.

Before I ask any citizen to go in their wallet again, I want to cut waste. We don’t need the treasure or clerk’s office and other agencies. And we haven’t utilized technology to increase speed in govwww.chicagodefender.com

ernment. When we do all of that, we’ll save money.

CD: And how will you address safety?

GC: Right now, no one has a feeling of safety in this city. People don’t feel safe. I opened up an office at Irving Park and Western and a man who lived in neighborhood for 20 years said he now has to look over his shoulder when he is parking his car. We’ve got to make the city safe. I believe we need community policing where neighbors are talking to the police again and vice versa. We are building trust. The sentencing for Van Dyke (Jason) was too light. And the officers accused of covering up the McDonald (Laquan) case (being acquitted) doesn’t sit well with people. We all saw what happened with our own eyes so you don’t believe justice will be served. Everyone is less safe including police officers. We need mutual respect between the police and community for us all to be safer.

We need new leadership in the police department; nothing against Eddie Johnson (current police superintendent).

I was recently at Captain Hard Time talking to mothers and relatives of mostly younger men killed by violence. They said there were no killers brought to justice in their loved ones’ cases. They were very emotional. They said “we can’t

get justice for our families.” CPD needs more man power especially in detective ranks. We don’t solve murders. We have a 17 percent rate for solved homicides; in New York and L.A. you have an excess of 80 percent (solved homicides).

We literally have murderers walking around and that makes people scared…that cannot stand, nor can the guns that are used in these murders.

CD: What can you do about the guns?

GC: Many of the guns come from the border states of Indiana and Wisconsin. You can go into Hammond, Indiana, and buy a gun and walk right back over to Chicago. We have more regulation in Chicago. Governor Pritzker has done a good thing to reach out to the neighboring governors (about the gun issue); if they won’t work with us, we need to file a federal lawsuit…we need to stop the flow of guns into gang bangers hands.

We also need to strangle the supply of people the gangs are recruiting. We need to recruit people out of gangs and put them to work.

Many organizations like Heartland Alliance and Safer Foundation, to name a few, are literally recruiting people from gangs; they are putting the homeless and ex-offenders to work. We have to care about them; we can’t just write them off because they went down wrong path. We need to invest in these programs so that we can take them to a greater scale and they can help people get employment.

CD: You’ve been endorsed

by Alderman Ed Burke, who has come under fire and been charged with alleged extortion.

How do you respond to your connection with Burke?

GC: I think I’m the only candidate in the race who hasn’t denied knowing the man. The others are rewriting history. I know Alderman Burke. I do not condone any of his (alleged illegal) actions. I stand on my own two feet. I’ve worked in this city. I’ve ran a good operation.

When I headed CPS, President Clinton called it a model for the nation. I’ve been a successful lawyer for 30 years. I’ve delivered results.

Judge me as Gery Chico standing on my own two feet.

Everything I’ve said I was going to do, I do. A lot of these guys (candidates) have never run anything. The best predictor of what you’re going to do is what you’ve done.

February 13 - 19, 2019 5

Politics

Mayoral Interview: Toni Preckwinkle

By Charles Preston CD: Yes, Lori Lightfoot. La Defender Contributing Writer Shawn Ford. What separates Toni Preckwinkle from these other candidates?

Cook County Board President TP: The experience that I’ve Toni Preckwinkle is on a mishad.

I’ve spent 19 years as a losion to seize the political reins of cal elected official and the last 8 Chicago as the next mayor. The years managing the second larg71-year-old seasoned political vetest county in the country. Nobody eran has been crowned by many else, whoever they are, has that news outlets to be a frontrunner experience in this race. in a crowded mayoral field with 13 CD: Say that you win and beother candidates. But a ballot full of contenders doesn’t trump Pre- come our next mayor. What is ckwinkle’s enthusiasm about the the first thing you tackle on day opportunity to serve as mayor. The one?

Chicago Defender recently had an TP: Strengthening our neighopportunity to pose questions to borhood public schools. We can’t Preckwinkle about her decision to have strong communities unless run for mayor and her campaign we have strong public schools. platform.

The problem we have is that we The Chicago Defender: Why have great public schools in some neighborhoods but we have renow?

Toni Preckwinkle: “I was al- markably under-resourced schools derman of the 4th ward for 14 in others. We have to provide evyears; I loved it. When you’re an ery young person in our city a great alderman, you have a personal public education. That means inconnection to constituents that is vesting in our schools.

We put a lot of energy into magvery rewarding. The people that you serve are often people that net schools, selective-enrollment you know, people that you’ve talk- schools, and charter schools, but ed to on the telephone. I love that if we don’t have stronger public work. It was community-building, schools, then we’re not going to working with public schools, and be able to have a world-class city. working with our police/communiThe second thing is working ty relations. with the aldermen. We have to figThe last eight years, we’ve ure out a strategy for some of our had a tremendous impact on a neighborhoods that haven’t seen large number of people. We had investment for decades, particu330,000 in our County Care Med- larly the neighborhoods that strugicaid expansion program. I believe gle with violence. healthcare is a right, and the fact CD: Chicago has a problem that 330,000 people now have with keeping Black folks inside healthcare as a result of our ex- the city. Many candidates say pansion program is a boom to jobs are a solution. How can we them and to our system. provide jobs and beautify our Criminal Justice reform has communities without displacalways been a passion of mine. ing Black Chicagoans? GentriWe’ve gotten to do a lot of that fication is a heavy buzzword, work in the county. We dramati- but I’m interested in how do we cally reduced the number of peo- keep Black Chicagoans. ple within the jail from 10,000 on TP: Well, when I was I aldera daily basis to 4,000. What really man, people moving into my ward attracts me about city government asked me two things: “Are the is the personal connections to streets safe?” and “Are the neighpeople and community that make borhoods good?” So, we must the job so rewarding. have safe streets and great neighCD: Black voters in this borhood schools. That’s the first election have a wide range of thing.

Black candidates to choose I support a $15 minimum wage. from. They have names like Wil- We have to have a city in which lie Wilson, Amara Enyia, Neal people who are working can supSales-Griffin... port themselves and their families.

The city’s minimum wage will be TP: Lori Lightfoot.

6 February 13 - 19, 2019

$13 as of July 1st and I have a plan to raise it 50 cents every 6 months until we get to $15. $15 is not an arbitrary number; it is what it takes to get a family of four just above poverty.

In the last couple of weeks, I also talked about supporting small and medium-sized businesses through the neighborhood opportunity fund. It presently provides rebates, but I want it to be a grant program. There is also the Chicago Microlending Institute, a public-private partnership that gives loans to businesses. We have to support our local businesses because they employ our neighborhoods.

CD: Young Black people are often characterized as disenchanted and really apathetic about politics. What exactly in your platform can young people get excited about?

TP: Things I talk about all the time seem important to people across the age spectrum: good neighborhood public schools, rebuilding communities that have been struggling, repairing police and community relations. Those are issues that should appeal to all age groups.

CD: There is a whirlwind of headlines regarding Ed Burke and corruption in the city council. What do you say to voters who fear more corruption is on the way? Can you quell those fears of a corrupted Democratic Party in Chicago? What do you have to say about corruption in general, especially since you have been linked to Ed Burke and folks like Joe Berrios?

TP: That’s a good question. The problem with corruption is that it diminishes people’s confidence in government.

Ed Burke was my colleague in the city council, but he was neither a friend or an ally. I think it’s important to remember that the person he endorsed in this race is Gery Chico and that Susan Mendoza got married in his house. Until recently, she talked about him as her mentor.

I’ve taken the strongest position against [Burke]. I stripped him of his committee chairmanship in the Cook County judicial slating committee. I said he should resign www.chicagodefender.com

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle as chairman of the finance committee. I said he should resign as alderman and committeeman of the 14th ward.

I also said nobody should have dual-employment who is an elected official in the City of Chicago.

Since I was elected in 1991, I never had an outside job. The question is are you serving clients or constituents.

CD: You’re endorsed by Ald. Carlos Rosa, who is known as a progressive voice in the city council. He was the lone vote against Rahm’s proposed $95 million cop academy. What does his endorsement mean to you?

TP: I ran for alderman in 1983, against the machine, and I lost. I ran in ’87 against the machine and I lost. I won in ’91 by beating the machine candidate. I was one of the founders of the Progressive Caucus. I sponsored every single affordable housing and living wage ordinance that came before the body. I was 1 of 5 votes against the parking meter deal. I have a progressive record and I take that progressive record with me wherever I go.

As President of the County, I focused on access to healthcare—

healthcare being a right and not a privilege—and criminal justice reform. Certainly, these are part of the Progressive agenda. I believe I’m the most progressive candidate in the race.

CD: Pop Tax, Soda tax, Sugar Tax...whatever you want to call it, people were upset about it.

What is your message for a casual voter who only associates Toni Preckwinkle with taxes?

What do you say to voters who fear more taxation will come from the government?

TP: We instituted the Pop Tax. Clearly, it was unpopular and it got repealed. We had to make difficult choices in the absence of $200 million in revenue. I think it’s important to remember where the money goes. Half of our money goes to healthcare; we have a $5.2 billion budget, $2.6 billion goes to healthcare. Again, we’re providing coverage for people who never had it before or only had it sporadically. Then, about 40 percent of it goes to criminal justice.

I understand that it was unpopular and we repealed it. We made difficult choices and cut 1,000 positions in the County. I just think it’s important to remember what we actually do with the money.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Politics Mayoral Candidates Gear Up For Feb. 26 Election With less than two weeks left until the much-anticipated mayoral election, candidates are making their final push for the vote. Check out next week’s Chicago Defender (2/20) for our special election issue.

Chance the Rapper lends his support to Mayoral Candidate Amara Enyia at the Grand Ballroom in Chicago. Photo Credit: John L. Alexander

Chance the Rapper and Clerk of Circuit Court, Cook County, and former Mayoral Candidate Dorothy Brown call Chicago residents to encourage them to support Amara Enyia for Mayor. Photo Credit: John L. Alexander

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Candidates Garry McCarthy, Lori Lightfoot, LaShawn Ford, Susana Mendoza and Bob Fioretti at the Women’s Mayoral Forum at Chicago Temple. Photo Credit: John L. Alexander

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February 13 - 19, 2019 7

CP Around Town

By Carolyn Griffin Palmer

Email: cpalmer@chicagodefender.com

Illinois Judicial Council Kicks Off Black History Month Vote for True Star, a 501c3, digital marketing agency ran by youth serving nonprofits, local and small businesses, to win the People’s Choice Awards from Google.

They can win $250,000. To vote go to http://bit.ly/votetruestar. Please vote today; it takes two minutes. Voting closes on Thursday! Please Share.

The Illinois Judicial Council showed up and showed out for Black History Month by worshipping with Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson, Illinois. Pastor Andrew Singleton and the congregation welcomed the group of judges with a wonderful service and reception. The choir was awesome!

Park Manor Church, Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. William E. Crowder, welcomed the President of Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, and her administrative team and hosted a “Tougaloo College Day.” Tougaloo’s President Dr. Beverly Wade Hogan and team also attended a “College Fair” hosted by Dr. Blondean Davis, CEO Southland College Prep H.S., that afternoon and five students were awarded acceptance letters. The fair was open to all high school students.

Kudo’s to NBC 5’s “Chicago PD,” on “Night in Chicago,” and to actor LaRoyce Hawkins (Harvey, Illinois, native), the writers, Ike Smith, Rick Eid and director Eriq LaSalle (also a Chicagoan) on a riveting episode!

Happy Birthday

The Illinois Judicial Council, Justice Cynthia Cobb, Chairman (center), worshipped at Victory Apostolic Church, Matteson, Illinois, in honor of Black History Month. Senior Pastor Reverend Andrew D. Singleton and first lady Mrs. Singleton (also center) served as hosts.

Students earning acceptance letters to Tougaloo College are: Dwayne Neff, Southland; Kennedy Clayton, Munster High School, Indiana; Dr. Beverly Wade Hogan, President Tougaloo College; Dr. Blondean Davis, CEO Southland College Prep; Alexis Eiland, Southland; Marcus Bowers, Southland; and Ameer Kellogg, Southland. Photo Credit: SMIERCIAK IMAGES INC.

Carol Briggs, Entrepreneur

Tougaloo Chicago Area Alumni featured are: Willie Lewis, Tom Gray, Dr. Hogan, President Tougaloo College; Dr. Blondean Davis, CEO, Southland; Christian Boyce; Joyce Delk, John S. Williams, Rev. Cassius Rudolph and Addie Hudson.

Jean Orme Happy 100!

Born February 14, 1919, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Ms. Jean was a school teacher in Mississippi and retired as Vice President, Purchasing Director, Supreme Life Insurance Co. What an absolutely beautiful 100 years!

8 February 13 - 19, 2019

Gerald Pauling and Nathan Legardy launched their candidacy for School Board positions at School District 233, Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Both are accomplished and are graduates of Homewood-Floss- Jerome Brown kicked off his campaign for Mayor of Park Formoor H.S. Each of their launch parties were kicked off est, Illinois. Jerome is a graduate of Corliss High School and is ready to serve the residents of Park Forest. in grand style! www.chicagodefender.com

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

The M Lounge of Love with Reginald and MaryAnn Marsh

By Marshelle R. Sanders Defender Contributing Writer

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Reginald and MaryAnn Marsh

M Lounge at 1520 S. Wabash

The Marshes are grateful to each other by yourself or on your first date. The bar200 people and we can’t fit them in the M Lounge.’ That happened so many times; and the community because the communi- tenders will know how to take care of you with impeccable welcoming service. our business is like the Black version of ty has made their clubs a go-to spot. the television show “Cheers,” where evThey both share some instruction for Check out www.mloungechicago.com erybody knows your name. Our custom- those who may be looking for love at their and www.personachi.com for more inforers have the same regular drinks so by establishment. When you go to M Lounge, mation, events, and reservations. the time they sit down, their drinks are al- let the bartender know that you’re either ready prepared. Thus, these people grew with us, they had their retirement parties here, 50th birthday parties, but the place was too small. So, Reginald and I started thinking that we have the M lounge which is great, but why can’t we provide similar customer service, a similar great vibe-warm but in a larger space; so that’s where Per.so.na begins.”

Love Sprouts at M Lounge As far as the duo working together, Mr. and Mrs. Marsh respect the fact that they both have different duties in their business, but they also remember they are in this together; they say keys to success for their marriage are trust, communication and commitment. They were best friends before anything else.

Mrs. Marsh says, “People often say to us that sounds like a perfect marriage, and I always smile and say, you know what, it’s perfect for us, but no marriage is perfect.

There are some elements to a great marriage, trusting each other professionally and personally. You have to trust that person knows what they are doing right and let them run whatever duties that they have and don’t interfere; the second thing is communication. I love to talk, and Reginald might be quieter, but when I’m ready to talk, I’m going to talk. The final thing for me in a love/business partnership is commitment.”

The Marshes have witnessed at least In the aftermath of 1963’s 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, Nina Simone ten couples who have met at M Lounge transformed from songstress to activist with powerful anthems such as and have gotten married at the establish“Mississippi Goddam,” “Old Jim Crow,” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” ment. The Marshes were invited to three Celebrate her lasting legacy in this provocative and personal musical journey. weddings, and one of their bartenders married one of their “amazing” regulars.

And then other times, they didn’t even NOW northlight.org | 847.673.6300 know that people met their significant othPLAYING 9501 Skokie Boulevard | Free Parking ers at their lounge until the couples came in for their anniversary drink. www.chicagodefender.com February 13 - 19, 2019 9 Sydney Charles (from L), Ariel Richardson, Deanna Reed-Foster, Melanie Brezill, photo by Greg Inda

When going out for a night on the town, there’s so many different bars, lounges, and restaurants to choose from all over Chicago, but there’s somewhere special in the South Loop. M Lounge-- located on 1520 S. Wabash--is one spot you can hit to receive warm customer service, hear live jazz music, and find modern drinks topped with the atmosphere of love.

M Lounge, which opened in January 2006, recently celebrated its 13th anniversary. And what makes it even more special, the South Loop jazz club is owned and operated by Reginald and MaryAnn Marsh, an African-American couple who in essence live and work together, as they’ve built both a successful business franchise and a successful marriage. Ironically the way they met is how many of their customers fell in love at their lounge--meeting by fate and striking up a conversation.

Mrs. Marsh says their meeting was like a romantic comedy movie. In 1995, they were both at an NABJ (National Association of Black Journalist) convention in Philadelphia. At that time, MaryAnn lived in Chicago and Reginald lived in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Marsh stated, “We didn’t meet at the convention, but we met at the airport.

On the way out, I was standing in front of him, and we struck up a conversation; the ticket agent thought we were together, and she sat us next to each other. We tried to invite her to our wedding because if it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t be married.

We sat next to each other, we talked the whole way back to Cleveland, and Reginald sat with me in the airport for my layover.”

From that point, Reginald and MaryAnn exchanged numbers, traveled together, and got married in 1996; they have been married for 23 years and working together for 13.

As for M Lounge, Mr. Marsh says when they began thinking of opening a lounge, they were looking for a space that felt like a nice comfortable living room where people could enjoy like they did in their own home.

“We lived in the neighborhood, and at that time there wasn’t a lot going on in the South Loop, so we thought about a great place with entertainment infrastructure, so that’s what we had in mind when we designed it, to be an extension of your home.”

At M Lounge there’s live music, Jazz, R&B, and Blues. But for a different vibe and especially for a younger generation, the Marshes opened Per.so.na, located at 408 S. Wells, in March 2018. It is DJ driven, and they also have some live shows. Per. so.na came about after M Lounge regulars wanted to have special events and needed a spacious area.

Mrs. Marsh says, “After 13 years, many of our customers were saying to us, ‘well you know we want to have our baby shower (or other big events) here but we have

NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN

BY CHRISTINA HAM

Black Fire Brigade Celebrates First EMT Class

By Charles Preston Defender Contributing Writer A Chicago first happened this Black History Month. On Saturday, February 9th, the Black Fire Brigade graduated its first inaugural EMT class.

Lt. Quention “Que” Curtis founded the Black Fire Brigade as a place for Black firefighters to find fellowship and to mentor young Black people interested in joining the department. Curtis spent more than 30 years working for the Chicago Fire Department and had grown frustrated from watching the department’s racist hiring practices that led to almost $100 million in lawsuits in the past decade. He decided to create a space for retired, current, and prospective Black firefighters to engage with and train each other.

After a long career as a firefighter, and dedicating hours to building his new organization, Curtis finally witnessed the fruits of his labor with a class of over 20 young Black people graduating from the training center.

“The Black Fire Brigade’s vision was to have a place for mentoring, support,

Lt. Quention Curtis (l) and Alderman Derrick Curtis; Lt. Curtis named the Fire Engine “Engine 21” in honor of the first Black Fire Company in Chicago. training, historical remembrance, and a community for firefighters, EMS personnel, and the next generation of leaders,” said Ald. Derrick Curtis (18) to a room of approximately 200. The Black Fire Brigade is located in Ald. Curtis’ ward, at 8404 S.

Morris Davis, founder of the Chicago African-American Firefighter Museum Kedzie, in the Ashburn community.

Other political heavyweights such as State Representative Mary Flowers, Alderman David Moore, and City Clerk Anna M. Valencia all expressed their support to the newly graduated EMTs. “...if you’re having problems as you move on, you call your alderman and State Rep and tell us about the opportunities that you should be getting,” announced Ald. Moore. “I promise you, that if nobody else will, I will help you knock down those walls.”

All throughout the ceremony, former firefighters imparted wisdom to the inaugural class; politicians boosted the effort echoing their support. The festive occasion doubled as a teaching moment for graduates. Many acknowledged that the city is in need of more firefighters; but more importantly, they emphasized the journey and plight of Chicago’s Black firefighters.

Ald. Curtis sponsored an ordinance that awarded the Black Fire Brigade a donated fire engine to use for training. Lt. Lewis said he named the fire engine “Engine 21,” in

honor of the first Black fire company in Chicago. Morris Davis provided another historical marker of the event. Davis, a firefighter for 38 years and the founder of the African-American Firefighter Museum, told the story of his most dangerous rescue.

“Believe in yourself and you’re going to make it,” Davis told graduates.

Terri Winston gave the ceremony’s keynote speech before graduates were called up to receive their EMT certificates. For 10 minutes, Winston painted the pictures of how the Black Fire Brigade originated. She enthusiastically described Lt. Curtis’s ability to “lean on faith,” and her fear when presented with the task of fundraising money for the organization.

Winston shouted, “Now running a magazine? I can do that. But raising money for young people to be trained by us? I don’t know about this Que.” Well, it turns out their hard work paid off. This Black History Month, Chicago can say it is the only city in the nation to graduate an EMT class from a Black Fire Brigade.

The Black Fire Brigade’s first class of EMTs 10 February 13 - 19, 2019

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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

The OJays: Eddie Levert, Eric Grant, and Walter Williams Sr.

The O’Jays Perform at Pre-Valentine’s Day Concert at UIC

By Marshelle R. Sanders to love you til your hair gets wet, Defender Contributing Writer break out into a cold sweat and until you can’t forget.” He sent the crowd into an uproar. Walter WilThis past weekend, the Mighty liams Sr. still soulfully delivers his O’Jays came out in full effect with lyrics in each note while Eric Grant stylish red outfits, prepared to get brought in his part and kept in step down for Chicago. with the dance moves. They also On Saturday, February 9 at performed “Love Train” with a vidthe Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC, eo montage on the screens of the 525 S. Racine Ave, The Pre-Valen- group on Soul Train in the 1970s tines Concert with Maze featuring (William Powell). They performed Frankie Beverly, The O’Jays, John- many songs including “Stairway ny Gill and Ralph Tresvant was to Heaven,” “Use Ta Be My Girl” an astounding show. The O’Jays and ended with “For the Love of performed many classic hits that Money.” brought nostalgic moments to the They have been in the music inaudience. dustry for 59 years, and Eddie and As the group introduced each Walter thanked their Chicago fans other one by one before they for standing with them throughbroke out into “Livin for the Week- out their music careers and group end,” they showed and proved that transitions. Walter Williams and they still have the moves as they Eddie Levert first met when they danced around the stage. Their were age 6 and 7 respectively. As vocals soared all over the stadi- teenagers in Canton, Ohio, they um as people jumped from their formed a band originally consisting seats and danced in the aisles. No of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, matter who you were or your age, William Powell, Bobby Massey, you had no choice but to move and Bill Isles. In 1963, the group with the O’Jays. Eddie Levert had a took the name “The O’Jays” in tribbreak down before “Forever Mine” ute to Cleveland radio disc jockey as he quoted sensually “I want Eddie O’Jay. Several members THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

have changed, but the core, original lead singers Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, continue to front the group.

The O’Jays were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored with BET’s Life Time Achievement Award in 2009. In 2013, they were inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame.

Today, the songs of The O’Jays are still being used in many movies, commercials, and TV shows. “For The Love of Money” continues to be the theme song for “The Apprentice.”

Known for their iconic hits “Love Train,” “For the Love of Money,” “Back Stabbers,” etc., the group has experienced much throughout their lives, from the Civil Rights Movement to rising economic inequality and erosion of democratic norms. On this new album, they are sharing their perspective on the state of the country as well as the world, offering up some words of wisdom for the next generation before exiting the stage. www.chicagodefender.com

The O’Jays on “Soul Train” The O’Jays were recently included in Entertainment Weekly’s First Look issue of most anticipated releases of 2019. Last year they released a surprise track for fans entitled “Above the Law,” which was covered by Billboard, Pitchfork, AP, and more. “Above the Law” is produced by soul music legend Betty Wright. It is a critical look at the precarious state of social and criminal justice in America, from a group whose discography is filled with social commentary. The O’Jays have always shared their musical gift for fun times, love and relationships, equality while shedding light on systemic injustice.

The group also announced they would be releasing their final studio album, The Last Word, in 2019.

This will be their first studio album

since 1991’s Emotionally Yours.

(There have been other O’Jays releases since then, but they are either compilations or reissues.)

They have been touring for over 50 years. They were the first Black vocal group to tour arenas in the U.S. in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

The O’Jays are currently touring, providing fans with a connection to an era and a sound that formed the soundtrack for the lives of several generations. The O’Jays are still hitting the road with the same electrifying energy they’ve had over the years.

The OJay’s new song “I Got You” is available on all music service platforms. Go to www. mightyojays.com to keep up with the legendary group on where their love train will be moving next.

February 13 - 19, 2019 11

Community Police Reform Consent Decree Approved

By Deborah Bayliss Defender Contributing Writer Countless claims of excessive force used by some Chicago police officers combined with police shootings of unarmed African-American men, the astronomical victim settlements that as of Aug. 2018 amounted to about $50 million dollars paid out for police misconduct towards mainly African-Americans, paints a clear picture of a need for police reform.

So it’s no wonder the recent approval of a federal consent decree requiring wide-ranging and enforceable reforms of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) comes as welcome news to the African-American community and others involved in making it happen.

Judge Robert M. Dow, Jr. approved the consent decree Jan. 31 in a written order issued after more than a year of negotiations by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the City of Chicago and CPD, as well as input from Chicago communities, organizations and police officers.

The decree mandates reforms of CPD’s policies, practices, training, and accountability mechanisms to address the use of force, ensure police accountability, improve public and officer safety, and ultimately, build trust between CPD and Chicago residents.

Dow has the responsibility of enforcing the decree with assistance from an independent monitor who will continually evaluate CPD’s progress until the city and CPD achieve full and effective compliance.

In his 16-page opinion approving the consent decree, Judge Dow wrote: “Overall, the decree aims to ensure that the critically important job of policing in Chicago is done fairly, transparently, and without bias, affording dignity to those who are served and protected and proper guidance, training, and support for the women and men who comprise the police force.” […]

“The decree takes an important step forward in the City of Chicago’s ongoing efforts to repair the damaged relationship between its police department and members of the community whom the department serves and protects. But it is a beginning, not an end.”

New Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called the approval a “new beginning for the Chicago 12 February 13 - 19, 2019

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Police Department.”

“There is a significant amount of work to be done to reform, and I am committed to this important work to make Chicago safer for both residents and police officers,” Raoul said in a statement.

While Raoul shares his thoughts on the consent decree approval, it was former Attorney General Lisa Madigan who filed a lawsuit against the City in Aug. 2017, seeking to implement reforms to CPD practices that were recommended by the U.S. Department of Justice following its civil rights investigation of CPD. Madigan filed the lawsuit after the U.S. Department of Justice Department, under President Donald Trump, refused to pursue a consent decree in federal court despite its own recommendation to do so.

Madigan’s lawsuit is also the result of the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke, convicted in October of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery.

A video showed Van Dyke shot McDonald, an African-American teen, 16 times on a Chicago street.

Vandyke was sentenced recently, to a nearly seven-year prison term.

“For the first time, Chicago has

Chicago Police Superintendent, Eddie Johnson

Jason Van Dyke

Laquan McDonald

an enforceable, detailed plan to change police practices and ensure constitutional and safe policing for residents and officers,” Madigan said in a statement.

“While much work remains, this milestone should give hope to all Chicagoans that we will be able to live safely and thrive in our wonderful city.”

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson issued a joint statement, saying “This is a historic day for Chicago and a step towards significant, lasting change. This agreement builds on the strength of the reforms underway at the Chicago Police Department today, ensures there are no U-turns on that road to reform, and

will help secure a safer and stronger future for our city. After seven separate attempts at police reform in the last century, Chicago now has an enforceable agreement that will stand the test of time.”

As part of the process of drafting the consent decree, the Attorney General’s Office engaged members of the community and law enforcement for their feedback and input on police reform.

The Attorney General’s Office held 14 community roundtables across the city and reviewed feedback from residents through paper and online feedback forms. The Attorney General’s Office also held 13 focus groups with CPD officers of all ranks.

Additionally, the Attorney Gen-

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eral’s Office and the City released a draft of the consent decree in July 2018 and invited the public to provide comments before a final version was submitted to the court. The public also submitted hundreds of written comments to Judge Dow and shared their views during in a two-day public hearing on the consent decree in October 2018.

The Attorney General’s office and the City of Chicago are continuing to negotiate candidates to recommend to the court to serve as the independent monitor.

The independent monitoring team will be responsible for assessing whether the city and CPD are implementing each of the hundreds of provisions in the consent decree.

Every six months, the independent monitoring team is supposed to issue a public report to Judge Dow regarding the status of the City and CPD’s efforts to implement the consent decree.

In addition to having unrestricted access to CPD personnel, facilities, trainings, and information, the independent monitoring team are supposed to establish a public website and engage with community members, interested stakeholders, and officers to establish whether the reforms required by the consent decree are working.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Community Wellness House and UIC To Offer Free Support to Cancer Patients and Families

By Deborah Bayliss in 1990 to help individuals living Defender Contributing Writer with cancer and the people close to them with a variety of programs and services — exercise classDealing with cancer impacts es, nutrition seminars, support the entire family so it’s necessary groups-- that complement the to have a support system. treatment from doctors and speWith that in mind, Wellness cialists.

House and the University of Illinois The partnership features more Cancer Center, part of the Univer- than 40 programs offered at two sity of Illinois Hospital and Health UI Health locations each month – Sciences System, or UI Health, the Cancer Care Outpatient Care partnered to provide free support Center (1801 W. Taylor St.) and for cancer patients and their fami- Mile Square Health Center (1220 lies on Chicago’s West and South S. Wood St.), a Federally Qualified Sides.

Health Center, or FQHC – making Survivors and their families now it easier for historically marginalhave access to supportive therapy ized communities near UI Health and survivorship programs closer to access these services. to home.

Previously, Wellness House “Cancer survivorship begins at services were primarily provided the time of diagnosis and these to cancer patients and their famiprograms are meant to be a place lies at its Home of Hope in Hinswhere patients and their families dale. For the last two years, the can learn and gather information nonprofit has been expanding serand participate in activities that vices to partner locations. are beneficial to their emotional “We are excited to work with and physical health,” Dr. Susan the UI Cancer Center to bring our Hong, director of the cancer survi- evidence-based programs directvorship program at the UI Cancer ly to communities that may have Center, said in a news release. otherwise struggled to access the Located in suburban Hinds- type of psychosocial and supportdale, Wellness House was started ive programs we offer,” said Lisa

Kolavennu, senior director of programs at Wellness House.

Hong works to counsel patients — those in active treatment and those who are in remission — on the many physical and mental health issues affected by a cancer diagnosis in the UI Cancer Center’s survivorship clinic, the first in the U.S. to be embedded within an FQHC. While this makes the center’s survivorship clinic unique, Dr. Robert Winn, who oversees both the UI Cancer Center and UI Health’s network of FQHCs, believes the program should stand as an example to other centers in the U.S. “We know that marginalized communities in our country face a higher burden of disease, but when you look at the data for cancer, the numbers are not only alarming, they are, frankly, a wakeup call we cannot ignore,” said Winn, associate vice chancellor for community based practice at UIC and director of the UI Cancer Center. “Community clinics are where our most vulnerable neighbors get their care, and we can’t limit that care to only the basics when nearly 40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed

with cancer at some point in their lifetime. Access to these services is a barrier for many community residents and all cancer centers should be thinking about partnerships that include the clinics that serve patients where they live to better support the communities’ needs.”

The UI Cancer Center will also be collecting data on the programs offered in collaboration with Wellness House and will use the information for future research regarding the impact of these programs on cancer outcomes.

In addition to offering Wellness House programs to UI Health patients, the survivorship clinic also welcomes people receiving care from nearby hospitals and clinics.

All Wellness House programs are free and for those affected by cancer. All classes are taught in English except the Mat Yoga class on Wednesdays which is taught in Spanish.

Programs and classes to help meet the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of cancer patients and their families are: •Information & Education —

Helpful information while dealing with cancer, from updates on the latest treatments and help with insurance, to learning how to manage side effects.

•Exercise & Nutrition — Classes for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise sessions, and activities that help calm the body and mind.

•Stress Management — Classes and groups that help to lessen the stress caused by cancer, including meditation and self-expression through art and music.

•Child & Family Programs — Family programs help children and families learn about cancer and how to express their feelings in a safe and welcoming place.

•Support Groups & Counseling — Weekly and monthly groups offer a chance to share stories and experiences with others affected by cancer.

Patients and their families who are interested in participating in the programs, some of which are walk-in and some of which require advanced registration, should visit wellnesshouse.org/UIHealth

IRS Waives 2018 Estimated Tax Penalties

By Constant Watson Defender Guest Writer The Internal Revenue Service announced that it is waiving the estimated tax penalty for many taxpayers whose 2018 federal income tax withholding and estimated tax payments fell short of their total tax liability for the year.

The IRS is generally waiving the penalty for any taxpayer who paid at least 85 percent of their total tax liability during the year through federal income tax withholding, quarterly estimated tax payments or a combination of the two. The usual percentage threshold is 90 percent to avoid a penalty.

The waiver computation will be integrated into commercially-available tax software and reflected in the forthcoming revision of Form 2210 and instructions.

This relief is designed to help taxpayers who were unable to THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

properly adjust their withholding and estimated tax payments to reflect an array of changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the far-reaching tax reform law enacted in December 2017.

The updated federal tax withholding tables, released in early 2018, largely reflected the lower tax rates and the increased standard deduction brought about by the new law. This generally meant taxpayers had less tax withheld in 2018 and saw more in their paychecks.

However, the withholding tables couldn’t fully factor in other changes, such as the suspension of dependency exemptions and reduced itemized deductions. As a result, some taxpayers could have paid too little tax during the year, if they did not submit a properly-revised W-4 withholding form to their employer or increase their estimated tax payments.

Although most 2018 tax filers are still expected to get refunds, some taxpayers will unexpectedly owe additional tax when they file their returns.

Because the U.S. tax system is pay-as-you-go, taxpayers are required, by law, to pay most of their tax obligation during the year, rather than at the end of the year.

This can be done by either having tax withheld from paychecks or pension payments, or by making estimated tax payments.

Usually, a penalty applies at tax filing if too little is paid during the year. Normally, the penalty would not apply for 2018 if tax payments during the year met one of the following tests: • The person’s tax payments were at least 90 percent of the tax liability for 2018 or • The person’s tax payments were at least 100 percent of the prior year’s tax liability, in www.chicagodefender.com

this case from 2017. However, the 100 percent threshold is increased to 110 percent if a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income is more than $150,000, or $75,000 if married and filing a separate return.

For waiver purposes only, the relief lowers the 90 percent threshold to 85 percent.

Like last year, the IRS urges everyone to check their withholding for 2019. This is especially important for anyone now facing an unexpected tax bill when they file. This is also an important step for those who made withholding adjustments in 2018 or had a major life change to ensure the right tax is still being withheld. Those most at risk of having too little tax withheld from their pay include taxpayers who itemized in the past but now take the increased standard deduction, as well as two-wage-earner households, employees with nonwage sources of income and

those with complex tax situations.

The IRS also reminds taxpayers there are two useful resources for anyone interested in learning more about tax reform. They are Publication 5307, Tax Reform: Basics for Individuals and Families, and Publication 5318, Tax Reform What’s New for Your Business. For other tips and resources, visit IRS. gov/taxreform or check out the Get Ready page on IRS.gov.

Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, is both a Certified Public Accountant and one of only ten Certified Tax Resolution Specialists in the State of Illinois certified by the ASTPS. Watson has more than 30 years of income tax and accounting experience. You can hear his radio program, “Watson On Taxes,” every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. by tuning in to AM 1390. For more information, visit WatsonOnTaxes.com or call (708) 206-9900.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ASSOCIATED BANK NA Plaintiff, -v.YEV GRAY, NATALIE GRAY, YEV GRAY AS TRUSTEE OF THE YEV GRAY ESTATE TRUST DATED MARCH 2, 2011, NATALIE GRAY AS TRUSTEE OF THE NATALIE GRAY ESTATE TRUST DATED MARCH 2, 2011, FIRST MIDWEST BANK, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, BRIDGEPORT VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2018 CH 07990 3316 SOUTH THROOP STREET CHICAGO, IL 60608 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 14, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 25, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 3316 SOUTH THROOP STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60608 Property Index No. 17-32-119-010-0000.

The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-18-06955.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-06955 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 07990 TJSC#: 38-9054 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 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, -v.MICHELINE A. BRAZIER, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 012368 4530 S. WOODLAWN UNIT #306 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 August 16, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 25, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 4530 S. WOODLAWN UNIT #306, CHICAGO, IL 60653 Property Index No. 20-02-314-095-0000.

The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-16-10018.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-16-10018 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 012368 TJSC#: 39-258 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.

I3112501

I3112502

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.OSCAR L. SIMMONS AKA OSCAR SIMMONS, BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS 2004-R2, COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS-TENANTS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 17 CH 5938 2522 EAST 74TH STREET 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 July 18, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 26, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 2522 EAST 74TH STREET, Chicago, IL 60649 Property Index No. 21-30-111-030-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $330,197.99.

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 the 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: NOONAN & LIEBERMAN, 105 W. ADAMS ST., SUITE 1800, Chicago, IL 60603, (312) 431-1455 Please refer to file number IL-002122.

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.

NOONAN & LIEBERMAN 105 W. ADAMS ST., SUITE 1800 Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 431-1455 E-Mail: intake@noonanandlieberman.com Attorney File No. IL-002122 Attorney Code. 38245 Case Number: 17 CH 5938 TJSC#: 39-431 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC., MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, MANA SERIES 2007-AF1 Plaintiff, -v.CHARLIE PUNZALAN AKA CHARLIE PAPA PUNZALAN AKA CHARLES PUNZALAN, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC Defendants 18 CH 9236 11600 SOUTH AVENUE J 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 November 15, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 5, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 11600 SOUTH AVENUE J, Chicago, IL 60617 Property Index No. 26-20-115-021-0000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $191,222.79.

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 the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, or a unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h-1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact the sales department, Anselmo Lindberg & Associates, LLC, 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960 For bidding instructions, visit www.AnselmoLindberg.com. Please refer to file number F18030226.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

Anselmo Lindberg & Associates, LLC 1771 W. Diehl Road, Suite 120 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@anselmolindberg.com Attorney File No. F18030226 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 58852 Case Number: 18 CH 9236 TJSC#: 38-9093 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.

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02/13/19

The Chicago Defender is Published Every Wednesday

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO

City of Chicago Department of Transportation

Sealed proposals, endorsed as below, will be deposited in the sealed bid depository located in the lobby of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Administration Building, 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or her designee at 11:00 A.M. on the stated bid opening date below for: CONTRACT 18-802-21 FURNISH, DELIVER AND INSTALL A SHAFTLESS SCREW CONVEYOR IN AN AERATED GRIT TANK AT THE CALUMET WATER RECLAMATION PLANT Bid Opening: March 12, 2019 Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D, Appendix C and the MultiProject Labor Agreement is required on this Contract. ******************************************************************************************************* The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice - Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the District’s website, www.mwrd.org; click the Contracts and Proposals quick link on the District’s Home page. Go to Contracts Currently Being Advertised and click for further information.

Specifications, proposal forms and/or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement & Materials Management, Room 508, 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, Monday - Friday, between 8:45 A.M. and 4:15 P.M. Documents, unless stated above to the contrary, will be mailed in response to a fax request (312/7513042). The vendor may also download specifications, proposal forms and/or plans online from the District’s website, www.mwrd.org. No fee is required for the contract documents unless stated above.

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

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

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

By Darlene A. LoCascio Director of Procurement and Materials Management Chicago, Illinois February 13, 2019

Advertise in the Chicago Defender a (312) 225-2400 THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Specification No.: 790393 Well/Wentworth Connection Section 3 Improvements Bids Due to Walsh Construction Company II, LLC up to February 27, 2019 5:00 PM (CST)

MEMORIES

Funeral Directory Call Classifieds 312-225-2400 to advertise

CALAHAN

A.A. RAYNER & SONS

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

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

FUNERAL HOME

FUNERAL HOME

(773)723-4400 Taylor Funeral HOME, LTD.

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

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

2036 W. 79th St.

(773)846-7900 “Families Come First at Golden Gate”

TAYLOR

CALAHAN

CARROLL Mae G. Carroll.......….. Wake was held: Saturday, February 9, 2019; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home, 63 E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL. Funeral was held: 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Interment: Burr Oak Cemetery, Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

WALKER James Walker. ….. Visitation was held: Thursday, February 7, 2019 @ Calahan Funeral Home; Funeral was held: Friday, February 8, 2019; @ St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 6954 S. Union Ave., Interment.

Mt. Glenwood West Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400

COOPER Jessie Cooper.......….. Wake was held: Saturday, February 9, 2019; 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home 69 E 79th Street, Chicago, IL Funeral: will be held: 1:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. Interment: Oakridge Cemetery, Hillside, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

WILLIAMS-GRIER Karen Williams-Grier. ….. Memorial Service was held. Saturday, February 9, 2018; @ Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 1257 W. 111th St., Interment. PRIVATE. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400

Funeral Home

Funeral Home

NEWTON Melinda Newton.....….. Wake will be held: Friday, February 15, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Carter Temple C.M.E, 7841 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL. Funeral will be held: 12:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Cremation: Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com YOUNG Andrew Young.....….. Wake will be held: Saturday, February 16, 2019; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home, 63 E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL. Funeral will be held: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Interment: Oakridge Cemetery, Hillside, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

GANT Clifford L. Gant. ….. Memorial Service was held: Monday, February 11, 2019; @ Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St.; Interment.

PRIVATE. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400 SMITH Ernie A. Smith. ….. Funeral: Tuesday, February 12, 2019; @ Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St.; Interment. Mt. Hope Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400

We request a proposal from your firm for the Chicago,Department of Transportation. Subcontractors and suppliers can access plans and specifications online at the Walsh Group Site, https://secure. smartinsight.co/#/PublicBidProject/426474 or are available to review at Walsh Construction Company II, LLC office located at 929 W. Adams Street Chicago, IL 60607.

In order to assist certified MBE/WBE Enterprise, Contractors and Suppliers, we will divide total requirements into smaller activities or quantities and establish delivery and construction schedules which will permit maximum participation of disadvantaged businesses where feasible.

All subcontractors and material suppliers are required to execute our standard “Subcontract Agreement” and/or “Purchase Order”. We do require 100% Performance & Payment or supply bonds. If there are any questions or concerns with our standard subcontract, bonding requirements, insurance, or any other matter regarding this project please feel free to contact us.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LEGAL NOTICE Path Construction is soliciting subcontractor bids for the Village of Channahon WWTP Ph 2 Improvements– Contract 1-2018, 26221 S. Blackberry Lane, Channahon, IL . Project subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: Demo., Concrete, Masonry, Metals, Carpentry, Insulation, Roofing, Firestopping, Sealants, D/F/H, Coiling Doors, Glazing, Dyrwall, Acoustical, Painting, Signage, Metal Bldgs., Fire Protection, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Excavation, Site Util., Gates, and Equip. Bids are due to Path on March 20, 2019 – 2:00pm. Please contact deaker@pathcc.com or 847-398-7100 for all bidding documents.

www.chicagodefender.com

Cherished memories of those we loved February 13 - 19, 2019 15

Community Calendar 2/13 Black Entrepreneur Marketplace Kennedy-King College W-Building Atrium Area 6343 S. Halsted Vendor items include: t-shirts, jewelry, hats, boots, eye wear, artwork and more 11 am-3 pm For more information, contact Dr. Landrum at (773) 602-5116 2nd Wednesday Lecture: The Nature of Black Wellness Garfield Park Conservatory Free Tickets Available via Eventbrite Black History Paint & Sip By: Black Girls Love Art Winestyr 648 W. Randolph 6pm $30 Tickets Available via Eventbrite

2/16 Mommy+Me+Black History Frontline Bookstore 5206 S. Harper 10am and 2pm Tickets $12 via Eventbrite How to Love-A Black History Month Party Hosted By: The Firm Marketing & Why Not Groove Row 24 2411 S. Michigan Ave 8pm-2am Tickets $15-30 available via Eventbrite CCNMBAA 2019 Black History Month Celebration with CSO Hosted By: Chicago Chapter of Nation MBA Association Chicago Symphony Center Buntrock Hall 220 S. Michigan Ave Tickets $15 available via Eventbrite Black History Month Viewing of the film project “Other State” 2-4pm Seward Park 375 W. Elm Street Chicago Park District Program

2/17 Sharing the Crop: Community Migration Cipher with Ayesha Jaco & Roy Kinsey 1pm Stony Island Arts Bank 6760 S. Stony Island Free Tickets available via Eventbrite

16 February 13 - 19, 2019

Being American: A Journey in Black History Art Black History Month at Hamilton Park Black History Month through music and dance 12pm-3pm 513 W. 72nd Street

2/20 A Blueprint for the Beloved Community with Brad R. Braxton 4-5:30pm Frick Center Founders Lounge Elmhurst College 190 S. Prospect Ave Elmhurst, IL Black History Month Program Austin Town Hall 6-8pm 5610 W. Lake Street Variety of art work from dance and theater to poetry and music

2/21 Russia, Racism & the Targeting of African Americans During the 2016 Election By: Global Strategist Association Kennedy King College 740 W. 63rd Street Free Tickets available via Eventbrite 1-3 pm Second Annual Black History Trivia Night By: Morehouse, Spelman, Howard, Clark-Atlanta and FAMU Alumni Chapters Drink Haus Supper Club 820 W. Jackson Blvd 6:30-10pm Free Tickets available via Eventbrite

3rd Annual Black History Month Chat-n-Chew Dryhootch Lake County’s Veterans and Family Service Grayslake, IL 100 S. Atkinson Road, Suite 110 Free and Open to the Public 12 pm Adler After Dark A Night in the Afrofuture Adler Planetarium 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive 6-10pm $20 in Advance/$15 for Adler Members For tickets: www.adlerplanetarium.org

2/22 Black History Month Poetry, Dance, Speeches, Art& Crafts and more Benjamin Franklin Park 4320 W. 15th Street 6:30-8:30pm Annual African American Heritage Dinner Gaslite Manor Banquets 2485 Church Road Aurora, IL 6pm

2/23 Chai Tulani Afro Fest DuSable Museum 740 E. 56th Place 7 pm Tickets available on Eventbrite $25-$40 Chicago Black Social Culture Map/ South Shore/Southside Edition Stony Island Arts Bank 6760 S. Stony Island 12 pm Tickets Free via Eventbrite

www.chicagodefender.com

WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y Awards Gala Malcom X College 1900 W. Jackson 6-10pm Tickets available at: www.LegacyAwardsGala.com “Taking our Neighborhoods Back” the Black History Edition CICS Longwood Auditorium 1309 W. 95th Street Tickets $10 available via Eventbrite 11 am Afternoon Breeze Battle of the Bands & Concert with Sam Hankins Noon-1:30pm MTCC Auditorium 3201 S. State Street Register Online at iit.edu/community-affairs

2/24 Being American: A Journey in Black History Art Featuring Charles Wilber White.

Art created by Rogers Park Chicago Public Schools. Dance performance

by Joel Hall Dancers, Artistic Director Jackie Sinclair, and more.

Loyola Park 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave. Light refreshments served.

12:30 - 2:30 pm

2/27 Treasurer Frerichs Celebrates Black History Month James R. Thompson Center 100 W. Randolph Noon-2 pm RSVP via Eventbrite or gpiper@illinoistreasurer.gov

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER