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Chicago and suburbs $1 Volume 112 No. 43 | February 21 - 27, 2018

CHICAGO DEFENDER

Artist Stephanie Graham’s tribute to multiple facets of Black women

CP Around Town: Page 14

Chicago’s Spoken Word Scene

City.Life.Style: Page 12

Redefining Black Art | In the Mix: Page 16

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CITY NEWS Marvel’s Black Panther Has Record Opening Weekend If you haven’t heard about the success of “Black Panther” yet, you must be under a rock—or just plain ole disconnected. But people are posting and talking about the movie in record numbers, proving that the estimated $240 million earned was evidently true. The movie features a Black director and a nearly allBlack cast and has attracted much more than comic book and superhero fans. The big weekend is reportedly the fifth largest domestic opening of all time. That’s big. And people around Chicago and the world showed up in their fiercest African attire to sold-out theaters to celebrate. Black pride was on full display as movie goers watched citizens of Wakanda flash across the big screen. If you haven’t seen the movie, hopefully you can beat those trying to catch a second or third viewing—it’s just that popular.

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Famed Ebony Editor and Historian Lerone Bennett Dies A Chicago icon and Ebony Executive Editor Emeritus Lerone Bennett died last week of advanced vascular dementia, according to Ebony’s website. He was 89. Bennett was also the author of the historic book “Before the Mayflower.” He was born in Clarksdale, Miss. He was a Morehouse College graduate. He moved to Chicago to work at Jet magazine in 1953. He then moved to its sister publication, Ebony, in 1954, where he’d move up the ranks and eventually become executive editor. He worked for the publication well into his 80s. He was an active tennis player before his health declined. He also authored “Forced Into Glory: Abraham Lincoln’s White Dream,” “What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King Jr.,” “Black Power U.S.A.: The Human Side of Reconstruction,” “The Shaping of Black America,” and “Succeeding Against the Odds,” the biography of John H. Johnson, who founded the Ebony/Jet empire. Bennett’s wife, Gloria, preceded him in death along with a son, Lerone III. He leaves to mourn daughters, Joy, Constance and Courtney, and three grandchildren.

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Congresswoman Robin Kelly Donates Books To Prairie State College In honor of Black History Month, Congresswoman Robin Kelly donated books last week from the Library of Congress to Prairie State College. To date, she has donated more than 2,000 books to schools throughout the 2nd Congressional District. The books will become a part of the library at Prairie State. www.chicagodefender.com

YMCA Child Care Workers to Picket, Announce Strike Vote Child care workers will engage in a picket at the headquarters of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Wednesday, February 21 to protest poverty wages, understaffing and unfair labor practices. The picket will be followed by a press conference announcing the results of a vote to go on an unfair labor practice strike. On Monday, child care and early learning workers at 10 sites across Chicago held a strike vote following the YMCA’s continued refusal to respect labor law and failure to live up to the organization’s stated commitment to “disrupt the cycle of poverty.” Workers will be joined by parents, community members and political leaders Commisioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Rep. Litesa Wallace as they discuss the patterns of disinvestment in communities of color and poverty wages, and to announce the results of the strike vote. The picket line will begin at 4:30 p.m.; the press conference is set for 5:30 p.m. THE CHICAGO DEFENDER


A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PLACES WE’VE BEEN. AND WHERE WE’RE GOING.

During Black History month, we remember the past in order to create a prosperous future. We salute and acknowledge the innovations, accomplishments and culture of African-Americans. From scoreboards to boardrooms and from concerts to congress, you are making differences that can be felt every day. Toyota salutes those who are driven to succeed because determination can lead to elevation.

©2018 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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COVER STORY

Stephanie Graham: Redefining the Visual Culture of African American Art By Regina M. Williams Defender Contributing Writer Mainstream American culture reflects the beliefs, values, and practices of this country. There is a range of differences, however, bubbling just under the surface that provides an opportunity for immersion in the artistic style of various cultural traditions. African-American women continue to contribute to the distinction of a black aesthetic that is being cultivated through the works of independent artists throughout the art world. And local resident and visual artist Stephanie Graham is making her mark on this new era in art. Graham explores themes reminiscent of African-American artists of the Harlem Renaissance presenting a representation of her culture that has not been whitewashed, but instead presents her voicing of political and social declarations through her art. Where artists from the 1920’s were influenced by the Great Depression and the Great Migration, Graham’s work is colored by #BlackLivesMatter and a divisive political climate. Subcultures and Social Class Graham articulates her struggles and hopes, however, in her own words and images providing a youthful perspective on ageold adages. As a result, her work is finding a wider audience and a broader voice. She’s most interested in making work about subcultures, social class, relationships and Black America. “I draw upon the stories of friends and strangers alike when creating staged imagery for my photography and video projects,” says the artist. Her work, which often examines complex topics such as race and gender, is delivered with a unique sense of humor providing a more comfortable option for consumption. “When you add humor to something, it makes it easier to talk about.” Graham is a Set Dec Coordinator for “Chicago PD.” Her day-today schedule consists of working with budgets and researching set pieces for various scenes for the popular NBC television show. But she started her exploration of art and culture as a little girl from Schaumburg, a northwest suburb just outside Chicago’s city limits where although she had a number of friends, she didn’t have many 4 February 21 - 27, 2018

Stephanie Graham

Graham articulates her struggles and hopes, however, in her own words and images providing a youthful perspective on age-old adages. Black friends. Growing Up Black in the Burbs Graham admits that she noticed she was a Black kid but it really didn’t bother her until somebody made fun of her because she was Black or if “at a pool party somebody got her hair wet.” Graham talks openly about how when she was growing up, she observed that Schaumburg was segregated by race and then the sub cultures. “There were the jocks, the goth kids, the Mexican kids that spoke

English and the Mexican kids that didn’t speak English. Then there were the Black kids, the Black kids that hung out with the Hoffman Estate Black kids, and then there was me, Jane, and Justin.” The art world is in the midst of social, cultural, and intellectual disruption. Young artists are creating work that is an active demonstration of explicit social criticism based on personal experiences. Graham is unafraid of provoking controversy; as a result, her work embraces this disruption. “I can really relate to being www.chicagodefender.com

the other. People who can relate to my work… they’ve been used to being the other. At my church, for example, our group was all the Black kids and then the gay kids… it was like if you were a minority, you were in this group. Then our teacher was a lesbian. I am always very perceptive of how people can feel alone. Our prom dates came from the city because the Black guys weren’t really talking to Black girls unless you were the Black girl that hung out with the White girls. Most of the Black guys were in interracial relationships.”

When Bill Clinton was Considered Cool Graham’s piece Selected Black Experience Council (SBEC) was in response to her experiences of wanting to talk to someone about Black stuff as a young woman. With not very many Black people around, Graham would have to give certain non-Blacks a pass. It was around the time when “Bill Clinton was considered cool” by young Black people when Graham decided that she’d create a piece that represented an executive board designed to make decisions on who can talk about blackness. SBEC would accept nominations for a black pass and if someone were awarded the recipient would get certain benefits. The performance part of the SBEC piece was presented at the Corner Gallery in the form of a board meeting. The council in this presentation of the SBEC was made up of whomever came to this board meeting. Ironically, the participants at that time where all non-Black. Graham studied film at Columbia College Chicago. “I went right after high school…you know you’re still trying to find out who you are. So, you really have to be strong to make it in film school.” Challenges she experienced were not unlike any other college student experience except that there were some specific challenges she faced that she believed where attributed to her being a woman. She was sometimes unable to check out equipment because she was perceived as not having the skills to properly operate the camera. “Teacher’s played favorites over guys than girls…if I didn’t know how to light something, they’d say oh you did it wrong instead of taking the time to show why it’s wrong and fostering everybody’s ideas.” Graham’s Work - Social Commentary without the Lens of Race or Gender Although Graham doesn’t want her work to be viewed through a lens of race or gender, her pieces aren’t without social commentary on the matter and are often inspired by other African American artists. In 2015, Graham was invited to create a piece for the Terrain Biennial founded by Sabina Ott, who runs Terrain exhibitions in Oak Park. continued on page 5

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COVER STORY

“I need a Baker” tribute to Anita Baker By Graham with Trendee Rocks

Graham’s Golden Kids in tribute to kids who died too early. Stephanie Graham, continued from, Page 04

Terrain is an international exhibition of public art pieces and Graham’s foray into this area included a piece called Golden Kids. In response to the unfortunate and untimely deaths caused by random shootings in the Chicago area, the Golden Kids installation was comprised of gold mirror cut out representations of Black and Brown children that allowed viewers to interact with the work itself and asked the question what happens to kids when they die when they weren’t ready to go. The playful gold-mirrored shapes invite people to look within themselves for answers. Graham was inspired by Kerry James Marshall’s Prospect 3 Biennial piece entitled Notes for Now and Flying Lotus’ (featuring Kendrick Lamar) music video for Never Catch Me. Graham’s process philosophy supports collaboration across mediums. Writers, musicians, actors, sculptors, activists, philosophers… if she needs assistance in a skill THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

area, she will work with another artist who can do the work. She wants to work smarter not harder. “My ideas come from listening to stories and being open to talking to people about anything without judgment.” This process allows for the building of cultural bridges or perhaps adds to the rebirth of social awareness that provokes more meaningful and genuine interactions between different types of people. The Chicago Artist Coalition’s HATCH Project gave her exhibition opportunity. HATCH Projects is a Chicago Artist Coalition initiative. It is a competitive year-long incubator for contemporary artists and curators who work together to develop a professional exhibition. Graham applied two times and on the third try, she was accepted. It gave her a network of people with whom she could collaborate and put her into the “conversation of what she wanted to be.” Jaxon Pallas, curator for the 2015 HATCH project, speaks sincerely about working with Graham.

“It seems like all of the well traveled paths toward success are not the roads that she’s after. It’s like she really is out there with a machete sort of beating her own path and that’s really exciting to watch.” Then there’s The Black Kid Table, which is a project featuring filmed vignettes of testimonials of the Black experience from various African-American perspectives. “Every year to keep me sharp, I do a February Facebook project where I do something around Black folks for February.” Past projects have included Favorite Black Best Friends in Media, Black Cowboys, and Black Women Married to Non-black Men. “My project The Black Kid Table came from this. I’d like to do something around Black masculinity and friendship but haven’t found male best friends just yet, so if someone is reading this and they want to talk to me about their best friend, I would love to speak to them.” Historically there has been an immense gap in gallery represenwww.chicagodefender.com

Thaoine Davis from the “Audio Graham” project tation and exhibition opportunities. However, Black artists refuse to continue battling for inclusion in the art world. Their great migration is forging new paths to visibility. Graham’s illustrated narratives depict a fresh new viewpoint merging history and culture with the activism of her life. Graham’s work has been featured in Studio Photography Maga-

zine and in the Chicago Alliance of African American Photographers’ The Journey Online Magazine, as well as Rolling Out Chicago. In 2008, Stephanie was featured as a “Chicago Artist to Watch” by the Chicago Artist Coalition and her work is also included in the permanent collection of The Chicago Historical Society. To contact the artist: www.missgraham.com February 21 - 27, 2018 5


POLITICS Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios: Serving in a Broken System By Mary L. Datcher Defender Managing Editor Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios is considered a major political heavy weight in Illinois politics. His reign as one of the most influential Democrats and Latino public officials did not come easy. Born and raised in Chicago, he graduated from Lane Tech High School to attend the University of Illinois, earning his bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. His first run for public office, he won the State Representative seat in the 9th district, becoming the first Hispanic-American to serve in the Illinois General Assembly. In 1988 he began a long-standing role on the Cook County Board of Review, which lasted for 22 years. Berrios was elected Cook County Assessor in 2010 and is currently serving a second term. It’s primary election time and Berrios has come under fire by critics for the county’s system of assessing property taxes higher for property owners in low to middle class residential areas compared to downtown corporate building owners. In a Chicago Tribune series that breaks down the inaccuracies of the Cook County assessor’s office, it revealed disturbing evidence under former

assessor James Houlian and now Berrios that the system rewards the wealthy while “punishing the poor.” Berrios who is also the Cook County Democrat party chair is currently running against financial manager and Oak Park resident Fritz Kaegi. Candidate Andrea Raila is currently under review by the Electoral Board. Kaegi has garnered a great deal of support from other Democrats to unseat Berrios. But Berrios is standing his ground on his record and the community outreach he and his office has implemented to assist property owners in preventative measures of losing their homes. In addition, Kaegi has lashed out at Berrios for his history of nepotism and lack of diversity in the assessor’s office. Berrios says his office has 49.3 percent of minorities including nearly 33 percent African American, 17 percent Latino and 7 percent of other people of color in his department. “I challenge him, and he should take a look at the numbers at the assessor’s office. Our minorities comprise almost 50% of that office. When I first got in there, the numbers weren’t that high. We have to struggle with the segment of compliance with the federal. They have come in and tried to

Joe Berrios change all of the qualifications of someone coming into the office. They wanted to make it standard to have a college degree for some of these jobs. I said, some of these jobs you can learn while working here and you need a high school diploma.” He says he fought with them about making sure the scales were balanced and fair. “A clerk or a counter person needs to have a college degree to help someone to fill out the application? I want to make sure the job description for the office fit the job. I have them doing what I think is necessary to make sure that minorities can come to the office,” he explains. “We’ve done an incredible job

creating jobs for minorities. When I first got there, the majority of people there were White. They were trying to block more minorities there by building the Shackman Decree. I got pulled into it because Assessor Houlihan didn’t follow the rules. The first time I walked through the doors, ‘we’re here to monitor you’,” Berrios said. “What did we do to violate? The prior Assessor never filed the proper paper work up to 5 years.” However, it’s not about who works in his office that is a major concern among voters, it is the disparities in the county’s property assessment system. Why do skyscraper and commercial property owners pay less in assessed taxes than a senior resident in the Chatham or the Brighton Park community? He answers, “A home is supposed to be assessed at 10 percent of the fair market value of that property. If you are not assessed at 10 percent, there is a repeal process. We are working with Tyler Tech to come up with a new model, new system to become better. I inherited 40 years of problems, but the Chicago Tribune expects me to do this in less than 7 years. We contracted with Tyler about 3 years ago before all of this Tribune stuff, but no one talked about the other assessors.”

Berrios insists his office must adhere to the laws and the court. No one is more familiar with the Board of Review than Berrios, but if the court rules in the favor of commercial property owners—he says the assessor’s hands are tied. We disagreed with what the court did, but we don’t have a judicial right—it’s their decision. “We want to educate people on what their rights are. Ten percent is ten percent. That’s what the law is. Don’t ask me to break the law. Same thing about commercial properties. Commercial properties are assessed at 25 percent,” he says. “A fair market value or by state law or the actual value its worth based on income, net value and what’s going on with that property. If you have two similar buildings downtown—one at $150 per sq. ft., the other $160 per sq. ft, you have to justify that or otherwise all of these taxing bodies have to give back money.” As he seeks a third term, Berrios says these changes he’s inherited take time to change. He says it will take legislation in Springfield and revising a new classification voted by the County board eight years ago. “Springfield needs to sit down… and if they want to change the law, then I’ll follow the law.”

Angelique Collins Intends To Bring A Fresh Voice to Springfield By Lee Edwards for a state representative seat was Defender Contributing Writer always a goal of hers (offices like alderman do not appeal to her). She said when she heard incumAngelique Collins hopes to be bent state representative for the the voice for the next generation 25th district, Barbara Flynn Currie, in Springfield while representing was retiring, she took it as a sign. Illinois’ 25th district in the state She told the Defender anyone who house. questions her life experience need The first-time candidate re- only check her resume filled with cently stated what’s needed in the degrees from Howard University state’s capital is a “young mind.” and Roosevelt University and exShe said an individual without a perience as a business owner. jaded past, without loyalty to any “The announcement that Barparty, and a willingness to work on bara Flynn Currie was retiring was both sides of the aisle is what’s almost a sign from God saying this necessary moving forward. She is your time,” said Collins. “Poliasserted the district’s residents do tics is about timing, you have to be not need a “know-it-all” in Spring- strategic with your planning, and field. so with her exit this just spoke to “I see myself as the millennial me, saying this is your time.” candidate,” said Collins. “I just beCollins knows a thing or two lieve Springfield is changing. I think about how to run a successful we’re going to get about 30 new campaign from watching her mothlegislators in Springfield. People er, former state representative and are excited. I’ve been talking to my state senator Annazette Collins, constituents and they’re excited in action over the years. She said to see me out being so young and she saw an entirely different side [ready] to fight for the issues.” to her mother when visiting her in Collins, a product of Chicago Springfield as compared to her dePublic Schools, explained running 6 February 21 - 27, 2018

Angelique Collins meanor at home. The elder Collins has already lent her wisdom to her daughter’s campaign, according to the candidate. The elder Collins, a Woodlawn resident, has been helping with details on the campaign trail. She has yet to miss a debate or engagement. “My mom is awesome; I’m grateful to have her support,” said the candidate. One of the reasons Collins currently seeks office is to ensure www.chicagodefender.com

small business owners like herself receive the tools needed to maintain a high level of success. Unfortunately, she said due to a lack of accessible financial capital, she had to close her cosmetics and beauty supply business, Studio 27, formerly located at 2329 W. Madison St. in Nov. 2017 after three years in business. She said she was the first African American owned beauty supply business on the West Side of Chicago. She said she hired teens for summer jobs at her store where she taught them entrepreneurial and business skills. She stated if locally owned businesses thrived, crime within the community would go down as more money would be circulating for those in need. “I didn’t want to shut it down,” said Collins. “It was a struggling small business because it wasn’t supported. It’s one thing to open and get it going, but you have to be able to maintain it, and how you maintain it is that you have access to capital. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity should be able to help, that’s

why they are there, they should be able to help businesses maintain themselves.” If elected, Collins told the Defender she intends to revitalize the 71st shopping corridor, strengthen local community schools, invest in the southern portion of the district to increase the number of jobs/ opportunities. She said she wants to work to bring the considerable influence of the Department of Commerce and Economic Resources to her community. Collins shared what her approach would be in Springfield if elected. “I want to go down there [to Springfield] and make friends and learn from the seasoned people. I’m definitely trying to get down there and learn,” said Collins. “I want to learn how best to serve my district, and you do that by making friends, getting acclaimed by the system in Springfield.” For more information about Angelique Collins’ campaign, visit https://www.friendsforangeliquecollins.com/meet-angelique. THE CHICAGO DEFENDER


COMMUNITY

Calvin King: Committed to Helping Youth Through Arts By Kerris Guinn A Choice to Make a DifferDefender Contributing Writer ence King was a senior at the University of Illinois in Urbana ChamSuspenders and thick rimmed paign getting ready to finish up black glasses is the unorthodox his degree in Business Marketing armor that Calvin King decides to when he went to visit his mother’s wear in order to combat and ultiside of the family in New York for mately end bullying for future genwinter break. erations by 2025. There King encountered his King plays Buddy, the nerdy prowise grandfather, whose health tagonist of the play “Be a Buddy was deteriorating. Not a Bully,” alongside what King After beginning to listen to his denotes as a “lean but powerful ensemble” which includes: Calvin grandfather recount his life in a Evans as Billy the Bully, Salesha way that only a lens of 80 years of Mason as Dean Smiley and Britini wisdom could garner, King began Moore as K’Shelley the Bystander. to fill a journal with his grandfaTogether the goofballs tackle ther’s teachings. “He would always give me this all angles of bullying for their prekindergarten through eighth grade powerful life-changing, in my opinion, jewels of wisdom that were audiences. Through humor King and his just regular ways of life to him beensemble help to break down why cause he had lived such a long, rich, bullying is detrimental to a com- fulfilling life,” said King. “I’ll never munity and how students can use forget when he said at all times in their voices to stop the negative life, regardless of where you’re at or what you’re doing, you’re either behavior. teaching or you’re learning.” Furthermore, the play also Struck and inspired by the canworks to humanize the bully by dor of his grandfather’s words, pointing out that the aggressive behavior displayed by the student King set out to teach his first lesis probably symptomatic of a bul- son with a play called “Choices.” It was a bold decision for somelying situation they’re experiencing one who did not have a backthemselves outside of the classground in the arts nor any prior exroom. “Be a Buddy Not a Bully” is a perience performing in a play. But, after pitching the concept part of Free Lunch Academy (FLA), an artistic outreach program King of a play that focused on detailing created to “provide this flawless how people’s decisions today will classroom experience, where ev- impact their future outcomes to a eryone can be their natural born wide variety of his peers, his counselves and thrive in that space and terparts were sold. allow others to do the same.” Thanks to an enormous amount

of students donating their spare time to the production of the play both on stage and behind the scenes, King had all the help he needed to make his dream into a reality. On February 20, 2004, “Choices” debuted and garnered rave reviews and was featured on the front page of his alumni newspaper. Calvin King At that moment, King knew that he was onto something. After continuing the production of the play throughout his time earning a Master’s Degree in Marketing and Business Management, King knew he didn’t want to stop touring the play after he graduated from school. So, he gathered an ensemble of his peers who shared the same passion as himself and continued to produce his play. The Future for Free Lunch Academy Although the play “Be a Buddy Not a Bully” is generally designed to reach younger audiences, it doesn’t mean that King dismissed reaching older students, although he admits it’s a harder demographic to reach. “They’ve already made their decision of who they are, who they aspire to be, who they’re going to hang around, what thoughts they King and castmate perform at Stagg Elementary. think…” said King. In order to reach high school students and young adults, King works to create a full circle pro- have learned at a young age into new curriculum for younger audidecided to change tactics by cre- cess. Young adults get to incorporate ences to adhere to. ating Free Lunch Academy (FLA) lessons they would have liked to Ambassadors. It is here that King continued on page 17

FLA Ambassadors in 2016. THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

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February 21 - 27, 2018 7


COMMUNITY

MINI Gives Women Stage To Share What Drives Them By Lee Edwards Defender Contributing Writer With the Chicago Auto Show as a backdrop, MINI gave women of color from various business backgrounds an opportunity to share their stories in front of a live audience with the goal of inspiring other women along their respective journeys to success. The panel style discussion was hosted by MINI as part of its weeklong “More of What Matters” series of panel discussions that touched on the topics of entrepreneurs in business, designing a personal brand, transforming a community through art, and more. On the second day of the series, MINI hosted “What Drives Her - Women’s Day” featuring four women from the worlds of sports, spirits, business management, and marketing. The panelists were: •Amber Stocks, head coach/ general manager, Chicago Sky •Cameka Smith, founder, B.O.S.S. Network •Laritza Lopez, president/ founder, Purple Group •Chrishon Lampley, owner, Love Cork Screw Terri Evans, Marketing and Communications Manager of Chicago MINI, spoke about why hosting discussions like “What Drives Her - Women’s Day” is critical to the uplift of women and girls. She explained the panelists were selected because of the different energy each brought to the table.

L-r: Chrishon Lampley, owner, Love Cork Screw; Cameka Smith, founder, B.O.S.S. Network; Terri Evans, Marketing and Communications Manager of Chicago MINI; Amber Stocks, head coach/general manager, Chicago Sky; and Laritza Lopez, president/founder, Purple Group “I think we’re very much in a place where it is necessary for women to tell their stories to inspire other women to understand what our journey has been so we can kind of help them with those bumps and bruises,” said Evans. “To whom much is given, much is expected, and I think the opportunity to inspire and mentor other women is important. To be your authentic self and tell where you failed is also a part of that growth and the opportunity to bring these women in today to talk about this is phenomenal.” Evans told the Defender the purpose behind the “More of What Matters” series is to inform the public that her company has more to offer the community than just selling cars.

“I think you’re going to see a lot of what we’re doing in terms of the brand in the community,” said Evans. “You’re going to hear everything from challenging illiteracy, parks in urban communities, taking on open lands that are not been developed and impact our community by getting our hands dirty and doing some work.” In their opening remarks, several of the panelists shared stories of how through sheer guts, perseverance, and faith, they were able to overcome significant obstacles that stood before them. Lampley said she was the former owner of an art gallery before a flood caused her to lose almost everything including her actual home. She said the cause of the flood was traced back to someone

flushing non-biodegradable baby wipes down a toilet, which led to a flood in her store front. “It’s been a non-stop struggle, but the journey has been amazing,” she said. “I made the point you don’t follow your passion, your passion follows you.” Today, Lampley’s Love Cork Screw can be regularly found in Whole Foods and Mariano’s. She said over her nearly 20 years in the wine/spirits industry, she has sold more than 60,000 bottles. In addition to bottles of wine, she sells candles and cigars. “As a unicorn I’m definitely one percent of the entire industry as an African American woman; there’s literally 60 of us out of 111,000 in the World,” she said. “This is a very difficult industry that does not

look like me, but I am happy to be here on this panel.” Smith, a former Chicago Public Schools administrator for a decade, said after being laid-off, she had to develop her “ah-ha” moment. She declared being an entrepreneur is one of the hardest jobs you will ever have. She implored listeners to “know their why” before starting their business as that will last moving forward. “I wanted to do something more than work a 9-5 so I stepped out on faith; I said I’m going to take a year off and start this business, and if it doesn’t work, I’ll go back to work.. and 10 years later, I’ve been back to work… and by the grace of God, it’s really been a journey,” said Smith, who developed her network to help women entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurship is not a destination, it’s a journey. There’s so many things you’re trying to go through.” Finding balance amidst success was a topic Coach Stocks was very comfortable addressing. She referenced Philippians 4:7 from the Bible, which reads: “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind.” “Quality of life is really important to me; I wake up with intentions to be happy,” said the coach. “If there’s one legacy I want to leave to my boys, it is living a life of peace and faith.” For more information about the latest with MINI, visit http://www. miniusa.com/content/miniusa/ en.html.

Louis James Wins the Prestigious Inspiring Leadership Award for Contributions Toward Energy Efficiency By Amelia Beard Defender Guest Writer Louis James, President and CEO of Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics (SEEL), recently won the 2018 Inspiring Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. The award recognizes leaders in the Midwest who deliver groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency. It is presented to organizations or individuals who have served as a strong leader in support of energy efficiency in their city, state, region, company or community. “I am honored to receive this prestigious award on behalf of 8 February 21 - 27, 2018

SEEL,” said James. “Our team is committed to providing energy and sustainability management services to our clients that effectuate change in the communities that we serve.” One of the few minority-owned and certified efficiency companies in the United States, James has led his company’s effort to promote positive environmental change through managing and implementing energy efficiency programs. The company has been instrumental in making a lasting impact in the energy efficiency industry while supporting the economic development and revitalization of historically underserved communities throughout the Midwest. Headquartered in Michigan,

SEEL has offices in Detroit, Chicago, Louisville and Atlanta. A national energy program management and logistics company, SEEL designs and operates energy efficiency projects and environmental management programs. “We have made energy waste reduction a priority in Michigan and, as a result, saved our residents and businesses billions of dollars over the past decade,” Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said. “Our efforts have worked thanks to strong bipartisan support from policymakers and partnerships with leaders like Louis James who help us lead the charge toward a brighter energy future.” “This year’s Inspiring Efficiency Award winners are some of the www.chicagodefender.com

Louis James, President and CEO, Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics. most impressive candidates we’ve seen in our many years recognizing the innovators in the energy efficiency community,” said MEEA Executive Director Stacey Paradis. “The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is committed to supporting sustainable economic development and encouraging environmental stewardship and these awardees clearly achieve those

goals.” Winners were recognized during an awards ceremony as part of the Midwest Energy Conference in Chicago. MEEA is the Midwest’s key proponent and resource for energy efficiency policy, helping to educate and advise a diverse range of stakeholders on ways to pursue a cost-effective, energy-efficient agenda. THE CHICAGO DEFENDER


12 VOICES

Reparations Must Be Priority Number One

Carl West By Carl D. West 12 Voices This is the best time to raise the flag and pump the fist! It’s Black History Month and portions of White America are fraudulently celebrating our historical past. So, while they have “Black life that matters” on their lips and in their hearts, let us force them to talk about Black suffering, Black pain, and Black progress, mainly for the future of Black’s children’s chil-

dren. The reparations chatter is being discussed by a few political operatives, like Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford and former State Representative Ken Dunkin, who always pushed the reparations narrative when he was in the state legislature. There are others who are keeping the reparations issue a priority and attempting to show America how it can right the wrong--especially since America has had a difficult time apologizing, even though America participates in the much-hyped Black History Month salute each year, which recognizes America’s evil misdeeds. WVON’s Charles Thomas has also been pushing this issue since joining the morning radio broadcast. He, basically, each day has some conversation on reparations and is encouraging Black people as well as local and national Black politicians to keep this conversation alive. What exactly is reparations? Who would benefit? How would the resources be disbursed? These are questions that not only have White legislators asked but

even Black reluctant elected officials have asked trying to get solid responses. They want to know how reparations would look, taste, and smell. But as far as Black people who don’t believe or who are still on the fence about should Black people receive reparations, you either should shut up or go along with the game plan. And to answer a few of the questions posed above, let me try and give my prophetic thoughts and hopefully the Negroes who don’t want to see people compensated for centuries of neglect can at least vote in favor of, and/or again, keep their freakin’ mouths quiet! So what is reparations? It’s as simple as when Dr. King gave the powerful speech eagerly stating that Black people must cash a check from America that is rightfully owed for services unwillingly rendered (I’m paraphrasing). This great nation, which was erected on forced, free labor by millions of slaves, whose generational offspring must be compensated for such bogus employment. Because, during these 400 plus years

Black History v. Black Legacy

Corliss Garner By Corliss Garner 12 Voices How will history judge your legacy? There was a Little Warrior named Willie Beatrice Taplin Barrow. Barely standing 5 feet tall, she was a giant of a woman. She co-founded Operation Breadbasket, now known as Rainbow Push Coalition. She was a wife. A mother. A civil and women’s rights activist. An early supporter of gay rights. A welder – yes, a WELDER! A minister. An author. She was a bona fide boss. Simply put, she was #BlackGirlMagic. THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Rev. Barrow was born in Burton, Texas, in 1924. She moved to Portland, Oregon, at age 16 to begin her ministry studies, ultimately building one of the first Black churches in the city. She moved to Chicago in the early 40s, continuing her studies at Moody Bible Institute. She stood shoulder to shoulder with iconic figures during our country’s most pivotal and transformational moments. Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Height, Mayor Harold Washington and President Barack Obama, to name a few. For all of her accomplishments and accolades, what I find most intriguing about her life is her intention. Her walk on earth was guided by intention to make the world a better place for the disenfranchised, the underserved and the forgotten. She persevered during a time when NOTHING was easy for Black women in this country. Yet, her intention among other virtues made her amazing life story possible. And in her afterlife, Rev. Barrow’s intention is still alive and thriving. The State of Estate Planning You may think estates are for

wealthy people, but think again. If you have assets, then you have an estate. Think pensions, life insurance, 401ks or deferred compensation plans, real estate, business interests, etc. If you own any of these, then you have an estate. It adds up pretty quickly. Now the question becomes how do you want that estate distributed upon your death? According to a Gallup survey, approximately 60 percent of Americans have no answer to that question. They have not taken the time to think about and, most importantly, document by will and/or trust who would be in charge of distributing assets, running a business or taking care of any minor or disabled children upon death. Do you have a favorite charity to bless? Who will make health care decisions or pay bills for you in the event you can’t for yourself? These questions and more should be answered in your estate plan documents. Unfortunately, too many of us don’t take the time to work with an experienced estate-planning attorney and miss the opportunity to be thoughtful about the legacy we can leave for our families and our community. We pass the duties of www.chicagodefender.com

of extremely hard and sometimes deadly work, dozens of today’s most profitable, accomplished and recognizable corporations were born. And their existence has benefited generations of not only their founder’s families but other mainly White families who were and still are employed at these once-emerging companies. Also, through employment, generations of White children were raised and educated, which was not the case for the offspring of the slaves who contributed to these companies’ growth. Who would benefit from reparations? WHO DO YOU THINK! Black people, of course. Definitely not the slave master’s children’s children! And here is how I think allocated resources should be used. We have great minds who can calculate how much it would cost to educate two generations of Black kids who have the desire to attend mainly Black colleges and universities. This will also help those historically Black institutions remain relevant and it’ll ensure that Black

students are taught the history of slavery and forced to never forget. And here’s the final phase of how reparations funds should be disbursed. There will be an endowment erected under the name of Madame C.J. Walker. It will assist aspiring entrepreneurs who have platforms for building his or her community through social and technical enterprises that can not only build wealth but employ mainly Black people within the communities where these businesses exist. This fund will act the exact same way that Venture Capitalist funds invest in (White) startups, today. Remember what Harriett Tubman was credited with saying: “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves!” Reparations is our way of letting Harriett and America know that we’re officially FREE! Carl D. West is the CEO/Publisher of TBTNews and founder of the TRUTH 4 Literacy Foundation, Leadership Luncheon, Legend and Pioneer Awards, all powered by Midwest Gap Enterprise.

this important life event to grieving family members who often times have no clue what to do. Or even worse, the state laws make the decisions for us. Or THE WORST, assets and businesses are dissolved or disposed of improperly. Our families lose an inheritance and a jumpstart to building generational wealth. In classic boss lady style, Rev. Barrow’s estate plan was on point. Her place in history guided by intention, lives on through the Willie Taplin Barrow Black Women’s Leadership Fund. She was thoughtful about her legacy and chose to invest in creating space for Black women to grow, lead, impact their communities and change the world. She wanted to support more Little Warriors and leveraged her estate plan to create legacy. Continue building. Be thoughtful. Plan and execute. You have the power and obligation to decide how history will judge YOUR legacy. To learn more about Rev. Barrow’s fund, African American Legacy and Chicago Foundation for Women, visit https:// w w w. c f w. o r g / ? n e w s = c h i c a go-foundation-for-women-announces-black-womens-leadership-fund-in-honor-of-the-reverend-willie-taplin-barrow

Corliss is a lifelong Chicago West Sider who has a thing for money and has learned from a few mistakes over the years. She is a fierce auntie, passionate about improving community and educating our babies. She happens to be a Certified Financial Planner TM, has worked a few decades in many areas of banking and views financial literacy as a personal ministry. Join her Facebook page Got My Mind on My Money and My Money on My Mind. Contact her at corliss. garner@cloindustries.com with comments or questions. DISCLAIMER The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any reader. They are for informational purposes only and are not to be construed or relied upon as pro-bono, paid or any other advice. The information herein does not offer legal, tax or other advice, and readers are encouraged to discuss their individual financial needs with the appropriate professional advisors. The opinions and thoughts expressed herein are solely those of the Writer and not those of the Writer’s employer(s) or any other affiliations. Writer assumes no liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions or reliance on or use of the material herein. February 21 - 27, 2018 9


City.Life.Style

Insight From New York Fashion Week

NYFW remains an exciting time for those in fashion. By Che’ Whitney Defender Guest Writer During New York Fashion Week (NYFW) designers, fashion bloggers, photographers, social media influencers and celebrities accumulate to see what’s coming to stores Che’ Whitney this upcoming season—all while sporting the latest trends from this current season. Although it was a very rainy weekend in NYC this year, NYFW brought out nothing but the best. This season’s fashion week headquarters was Spring Studios located right at the tip of Soho, compared to last season’s NYFW at Skylight Clarkson venues and events space. Fashion show goers could experience booths and glam cams powered by the E! Network as well as view runway shows (if invited) in the gallery spaces. Many of the big name designers like Jeremy Scott, Raf Simons, Alexander Wang, etc showed off sight at invite only events. Many local fashion designers were out this weekend to show off their designs at shows and on the streets of NYC including Chicago native and fashion designer Demi Black (Instagram: @mr__blvck_) and fashion influencer Jelinda Smith ( Instagram: @shesafashionlover) pictured in the caution tape skirt and pants and “free meek” bag as a tribute to rapper Meek Millz, who is currently incarcerated for violating probation. Some of the well-known designers were reported to have big interactive themed shows to showcase their fall collections. The Calvin Klein collection under the new creative direction of captain save-a-brand Raf Simons featured an entire floor filled with popcorn, and designer Philipp 10 February 21 - 27, 2018

Jelinda Smith in caution tape skirt.

Lexus was an official partner for NYFW. Plein turned an entire event space into a snowy robotic galaxy complete with UFO’s and a robot walking the runway. Some seemed to criticize that fashion week is becoming more and more underrated; others say less designers are willing to even showcase at fashion week and public access is getting more limited while the invite only events are the most interactive and fun events; some critics even chose the adjective “boring” when talking about events during one of New York’s most coveted time periods. I personally think that fashion week has become a social gathering for fashionistas (o’s). Many people come to New York, see shows and meet people who are aspiring designers, models, journalists and photographers. These artists get together and put together photoshoots, lookbooks, videos and other fashion related artwork to showcase on social media, print or other platforms in order to get to be one of the exclusive “invite only” guests or media at the next NYFW. I personally think that this is a cycle and tradition of fashion week that will never end, and it

makes the week more fun. Normally most who attend plan the entire trip from head to toe. After that, most plan where they are going to go and what they are going to do, and lastly how to get as close to the main event as possible. Many call it an eye-opening experience whether you are lucky enough to see or work the shows or even just hang in the city streets networking and having fun. NYFW will never be boring or cliche to those who truly love fashion. The week is truly a form of expression on the amateur and professional levels of fashion; after all, many models and famous bloggers get discovered on the web and on the street by photographers. Designers get lucky enough to get their product into the hands of a trendsetter like R&B artist SZA or rapper sensation Cardi B who believe in promoting young up and coming artists, and suddenly you are the next big thing in fashion. NYFW is where young artists come to try and make their dreams happen, and where the established and elite come to view the next pieces they are adding to their wardrobes. Fashion is such a complex www.chicagodefender.com

NYFW is all about self-expression. art form that has many components and it’s all shown at fashion week. There is truly nothing at an NYC fashion week that you cannot find -- the hair and makeup crews cramming into a small space, dressers from fashion schools excited to work a runway show, PR firms setting their interns into place to check in media and guests, designers running rapid to fix a hem or stitch a model into a look, and of course models in hair and make-up preparing to get into an outfit. When you are backstage, it is always a feeling of the calm before the storm; right as the first cue begins, many people have their fingers crossed hoping every-

thing goes as planned; the show proceeds as the designers walk out for the finale and the back of house all breathes a sigh of relief applauding the hard work of the designer. It’s a great sight and an adrenaline rush to someone who again enjoys fashion. Next may come an after party at a club with really expensive drinks but you are literally arms length from a celebrity; you can see them dance, drink and have a good time. Music lovers have music festivals, comic book readers have comic cons and movie premieres, but us fashionistas (o’s) will always have NYFW. THE CHICAGO DEFENDER


City.Life.Style

Chantae Cann: A Fresh Voice, A Fresh Sound By Mary L. Datcher Defender Managing Editor A beautiful voice is on the horizon, breaking through the Jazz scene with a fresh new sound. Chantae Cann hails from the South Side of Chicago but has called Atlanta home since her childhood, relocating there with her parents at 8. She’s created a name for herself over the years throughout the burgeoning music scene in Atlanta, traveling on the road as a background singer for R&B singer India Arie and eventually breaking out on her solo career. Cann’s freshman album, “Journey to Golden,” is a critically acclaimed CD that garnered her accolades and collaborations with Snarky Puppy, The Foreign Exchange and Gospel Grammy nominated artist Jonathan McReynolds. The CD topped iTunes Jazz charts at #1 and the Billboard Jazz charts at #1 in March 2016. Her follow-up full-length, “Sol Empowerment,” released in October 2017 and has brought on some familiar features including artist/songwriter and musical mentor PJ Morton.

She continues to build her following by joining J Dilla’s Donuts tour as one of the featured performers. The Chicago Defender had a chance to chat with Chantea during the tour’s stop in Chicago. You have such a beautiful voice. Who inspired you and how did you start out in the music business? I didn’t necessarily know that I wanted to be an artist. My mom was a music teacher at a school I went to, so I did everything musically from the chorus to the band-every single thing because I had an affinity for it. But I had no idea what I was actually going to do… maybe [become] a teacher like my parents. I was shy. I never wanted to sing in front of anybody. I wanted to keep the musical “goodness” to myself. In my early twenties, I joined a youth group in my church and they forced me to sing outside of my will. I wanted to sing but I didn’t want people to look at me. It took a long time to get over that until people mentored me, helped to develop me and helped me to cultivate my sound. At the same time, I started sneaking out to these open mic events in Atlanta.

Chantae Cann I fell in love with the live music performance aspect of it all. The more I did that, the more genuine heartfelt responses people gave me. People were responding in the way that I would respond to someone I truly respected and admired. I’m inspired by so many genres of music especially Lalah Hathaway. My inspiration vocally is Bobby McFerrin because he’s a musical instrument within his own self as well as Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. There’s too many to list. What motivated you in the music business because there’s two different sides, you’re a vo-

calist but you have the flip side of the business itself, which can be a bit scary? It was a gradual transition. I started out singing background for local Gospel artists in Atlanta and I ended up singing for India Arie. I did background vocals for her for over 10 years. All of those experiences and in being in the industry—behind the scenes. I was able to learn so much and gather and soak it up like a big sponge. Being able to travel with an artist I was already a fan of was a huge blessing. Once I started getting comfortable in my element being a live performer and falling in love with what I knew—I knew was going to do something in music. Walk us through your project “Sol Empowerment.” Did you write any of the songs? Yes, a lot more than my first album. The two main differences between my first album, “Journey to Golden,” it felt like it took so long to come out because it was so many things it took in order to produce it. With that particular album, I gathered my musical friends. This one [Sol Empowerment], I literally

tapped into myself. I asked God, “What do you want me to say?” I went to myself and the songs that I know that were about me first and allowed my friends to accompany me. I played a lot more of a foundational piece in making this album. “You Gotta Love Ya” is about self-love and making time for yourself. Loving yourself through the good, bad and ugly. “The Light” is a favorite of mine. I wrote that song a long time ago and had different versions of it. I was able to revamp it. I did a duet with PJ Morton called “Craters.” We go way back to the music scene in Atlanta. What has been the challenge for you? The main challenges can come with holding myself back…in a way. The other doors have been opened. I haven’t had to push or fight for anything. I’m not saying it’s been a 100 percent perfect but when I tapped into my purpose and why I do what I do, the path continues to open. Anytime there was a hindrance or hiccup, it was probably me being intimidated or not realizing “hey this is you, you don’t have to worry about what others say.”

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February 21 - 27, 2018 11


City.Life.Style Keeana Barber: What’s Da Bizness Connects the Black Business By Mary L. Datcher Defender Managing Editor Keeana Barber is the CEO and founder of WDB Marketing, a brand management and marketing agency that has worked with nearly 2,000 businesses throughout the Chicago region. A Northwestern University graduate, Barber’s family was struck by tragedy when her older brother was murdered during a visit back home. Living in California, he started a marketing company, What’s Da Bizness, which began to do well. After his death, Barber decided to carry his legacy by establishing WDB, which is the acronym of his former company. Last year, WDB Marketing celebrated its 10-year anniversary by honoring business men and women who have made a difference in the community and the field of their profession. Celebrating the milestone of her business was just the icing on the cake. The real impact was bringing together past and current clients—recognizing people for their achievements. “After 10 years, we thought we should celebrate because we

worked with over 2,000 phenomenal businesses from all walks of life. We’ve worked with some established businesses like the Chicago Urban League. We’ve had this humble little space and we’ve worked with Blue 1647, but our clients don’t know each other,” she said. Barber said as the idea progressed, she felt the need to celebrate others. It was more than her business. She said, “It’s about God… how He allowed us to walk and work with so many great businesses over the years.” So, it was time for her clients to connect. “From there we thought about our network. Who are some of the people we should celebrate? Emile from Blue 1647 received the leadership awards for all of the things he has done to grow. We honored Diane Laniker from Kids Off the Block.” What has been some of the benefits of collaborating with WDB? Founder and Executive Director of Blue 1647, Emile Cambry is an event partner for this year’s L.E.G.A.C.Y Awards Gala. Last year Cambry received the Leadership

Keeana Barber presents Emile Cambry with award as his sister (l) and grandmother standy by. award. This year, Blue 1647 will play host for the ceremony at Blue Lacuna Lofts on February 24. He says it’s a special meaning when businesses are brought together. “The best part of the program is to show how to bring Black businesses together. We can work together and actually do something bigger together than separately. Previously, we’ve [Blue 1647] done our annual fundraiser. But we’ve combined it together, which gives us a chance to connect with a broader reach of folks,” Cambry says. “There’s a lot of her demographic and base that

I don’t reach—businesses in the South Suburbs who never heard of us and vice versa.” As a start-up company, he believes the partnership with companies like WDB will extend past the awards gala. “It shows the diverse backgrounds of people we touch. We’re known for the tech piece but it’s about the businesses. It’s about economic justice and 21st Century opportunities.” At this year’s L.E.G.A.C.Y. awards gala, there will be a restaurant showcase which will feature

Black-owned restaurants and catering companies including Litehouse Grill, JR Jerk, Unbeatable Eatables, Eggrolls, Ectera and more. Barber says the honorees recognized for their wonderful work may not be household names, but they impact a number of people in the community and beyond. Award recipients honored will be Sheldon Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Dovetail; Demoiselle 2 Femme’s CEO Sherida Morrison; healthcare consultant, author and CEO of Sterling Initiatives Dr. Jeffrey Sterling along with Miss Jessie’s co-founder Miko Branch, who will receive the Groundbreaker award. Others will also receive awards. As Barber continues to carry on her brother’s legacy through WDB Marketing—she has developed her own. Establishing the L.E.G.A.C.Y. awards is a great platform for both new business innovators and established firms to cross paths. She says, “This is for people who are creating that pathway to legacy. We’re giving the bigger awards to people who’ve been making a profound impact over time.”

Chicago’s Spoken Word Scene Still Relevant By Charles Preston of mention have had on Black artDefender Contributing Writer ists across the city. This diversity can also be seen in Chicago’s geographic locaThe late Amiri Baraka, a forbeartion. Places such as the Souther of the Black Arts movement, side Community Arts Center in once poignantly stated, “...we Bronzeville, the KLEO Center in need poems that kill” in his aptly Washington Park, the Quarry in titled poem “Black Art.” The poem South Shore, Chicago State Uniis a reflection of the Black Nationalist ideology that Baraka and versity in Roseland, and now the many others held while navigating TrapHouse in Gresham all display Black life after the assassination a wide spectrum of Blackness and of Malcolm X, and still undergoing represent the many communities collective suffering after the sign- committed to the art. But Black ing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. people practicing spoken word is “Black Art” not only crystallizes obviously a continuance of the art the Black Power ethos of its time, form, but not necessarily a subbut it was the precursor for today’s scription to the ideology of the revolutionary spoken word that de- Black Arts Movement. “Is there a Black Arts Movetails the socioeconomic condition of the oppressed and strikes back ment in contemporary Chicago? Absolutely,” says RJ Eldridge. Elat the establishment. There are a variety of oratori- dridge is a multidisciplinary artist cal, philosophical, and poetic in- and educator. He has contributed fluences in contemporary Black to Chicago’s “open mic” scene Chicago’s spoken word scenes. through his own awe-inspiring Go to any open mic and you can spoken word performances and see the influence that Gwendolyn instructing budding youth artists Brooks, Mike Hawkins (Brother in various spaces including Young Mike), Kanye West, Malik Yusef, Chicago Authors, the non-profit Margaret Walker, Maya Angelou, organization that created the bigLangston Hughes, Baraka, Nikki gest national youth poetry compeGiovanni, and many others worthy tition Louder Than A Bomb. 12 February 21 - 27, 2018

“Chicago is both a contemporary metaphor for blackness, and ground zero for a Black Arts renaissance whose thrust, and influence, extends far beyond its geographic boundaries, and will continue to reverberate in the history of Black people.” It is imperative to recognize that artists of the Black Arts Movement rose to prominence in a period of massive resistance and social struggle. To these ancestors, activism and art were inextricable. Yes, they did write “….poems that kill,” but more impressively, many were able to exercise their ideology by expressing solidarity to and participating amongst the radical organizers of the time. Baraka even established the Black Arts Repertory Theatre and School (BARTS), practicing his Black Power politics of self-determination by creating a Black space for Black art that is owned and operated by and for Black people. But today, Black Chicagoans find it difficult to build, own, and sustain spaces for Black poetry. Ayinde Cartman, poet, organizer, and West African percussionist, has used spoken word for instrucwww.chicagodefender.com

tion and as a medium for education for years in Chicago. Cartman believes that there is a dearth of open mics in Black communities in comparison to the amount of artists that exist within them. “Chicago has so many outstanding poets that its unreal how difficult it is to sustain regularly attended open mics,” says Cartman. “Simultaneously, its absurd how often I meet people who love open mics but can’t find any. This is a minor indicator of how much our community needs functional communication. I’m working on it.” Newcomers to Chicago, such as Resita Cox, echo the insistence on creating Black spaces for spoken word. Cox is a spoken word poet and just recently moved to Chicago from Kingston, North Carolina. Only living in the city since last summer, Cox has been able to recognize the connection that spoken word has with Chicago and emphasizes how expression is for healing as much as it is for liberation. “Expression spaces are abundant here, but I’ve noticed the areas that need the expression spac-

es the most, the areas who need the most healing, are lacking spaces like that; I call them expression deserts,” says Cox. “I started People Say, a monthly open mic on 79th and Ashland in partnership with Trap House Chicago, to try to fight these expression deserts that exist, mainly on the South and West Sides, and give people who need it the most the resources to heal through art, and even equally important, a space to feel safe.” As we celebrate Black Arts, and more specifically the art of spoken word, we must never divorce its beginnings and purpose from performance. Those beginnings are found in Black resistance informed by socioeconomic oppression and its purpose was to amplify voices that jarred the status quo and yearned for freedom through self-determination. Cox puts it eloquently. “Spoken word doesn’t only heal, it is a key tool in the overall fight for Black Liberation, and that is why it is important to continue to make spaces for Black people to express throughout Chicago, and across the country.” THE CHICAGO DEFENDER


City.Life.Style

Skeleton Crew: Pushed To the Limits

Brenda and Rick McCain By Brenda and Rick McCain Let’s Play! In 2008 Detroit was hit hard with the outsourcing of components, the loss of vehicle assembly companies and gas prices going up, leaving the demand for trucks and sport-utility vehicles non-existent. General Motors Corp. was planning to lay off salaried workers, reduce productions and suspend dividends, bonuses, and shares while it looked to borrow billions. With auto plants folding like a deck of cards due to the falling sales of these vehicles, unem-

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ployment was at an all-time high, and this once proud Motor City had become the new American nightmare. “Skeleton Crew,” which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, is a part of playwright Dominique Morisseau’s trilogy. “Skeleton Crew” takes us to the assembly line in the Great Recession where people are pushed to the limits of survival as they deal with the bitter truths brought out in the last auto stamping plant in Detroit. Set during the turbulent period in 2008 in Detroit, where small factories made it possible for the Big Three to exist, plants are starting to close leaving longtime employees to scramble, wondering what their future holds. Workers on both sides of the union were trying to negotiate their situation to survive and find themselves submerged in America’s financial crisis with little to no options. At one of the last auto plants standing, rumors were plaguing the company about a shutdown. The plant had been hit with multiple thefts on the premises as worried employees contemplate if the

Northlight Theatre continues its 2017-18 season with Skeleton Crew Written by Dominique Morisseau Directed by Ron OJ Parson Featuring Bernard Gilbert, Kelvin Roston Jr., AnJi White and Jacqueline Williams January 25 – March 3, 2018 Before you see the play, start off the night by going to Jameson’s Charhouse and try some of their delicious food. stories about the closing are true. As time goes by, employees are dwindling, and the concerns of four workers are becoming more discerning by the day. Supervisor Reggie (Kelvin Roston Jr) is torn between the loyalty of the company, co-workers and his own family’s well-being; he is now being forced to make the ultimate decision on where he stands.

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As the days go by, the workers are feeling the crunch of being another victim of the closing plants, and they are doing whatever it takes to endure their inescapable state. One of Reggie’s co-workers is Faye (Jacqueline Williams), a union member who has been with the company for 29 years and is hoping that the company does not close until she reaches her 30th year anniversary, which will allow her to get a better severance package. Reggie and Faye have a special bond which causes Reggie a lot of frustrations, especially when it comes to her not following company rules. Dez (Bernard Gilbert), a high strung, belligerent worker who seems to be causing issues for himself by being inordinate, is trying to make additional money working overtime to purchase his own garage. Shanita (AnJi White), who is pregnant, is clocking in as many hours as she can while toting the line to make sure she wouldn’t be on the cutting block. Director Ron OJ Parson brought Dominique Morisseau’s trilogy to

life by giving us an in-depth look of the obscurity of life on the assembly line when troubles hit and how far we are willing to go to become the survivor of the fittest. All of the actors were outstanding and did an excellent job keeping the audience engaged, however Jacqueline Williams stole the show with her remarkable performance as Faye. She is witty and thoroughly entertaining. She made you laugh and cry while keeping you engulfed in the story. This play will make you think about the struggles of life and remind you that some of us are genuinely only a paycheck away from being homeless. Let’s Play highly recommends that you come and check out this play. “Skeleton Crew” is worth the drive to Northlight Theatre. Jeff committee, be on the lookout; this needs to be on your list of awards. The cast includes: Bernard Gilbert (Dez), Kelvin Roston Jr. (Reggie) Jacqueline Williams (Faye) AnJi White (Shanita).

February 21 - 27, 2018 13


By Carolyn Griffin Palmer

Email: cpalmer@chicagodefender.com

Black Panther Screening; Go Red Fashions I have truly been “Around Town” this week and had a great time at the private screening of the “Black Panther” hosted by the Harvey-Markham Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (HMAK). Please make it a priority to see this movie! This is a family friendly movie...and it is awesome! And please check out the Male Health Forum sponsored by “Odem’s Outlook,” Doris Odem, Director, Georgia Smith Co-Director and AARP. The group meets once a month on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity Unity Church of Christ at 400 West 95th Street and shares vital information to the African-American Male Community. The Chicago Alumnae Chapter and Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with Sigma Lambda Gamma, Chicago Metropolitan Alumnae Association, hosted “Go RED for Heart Health” at the Ford City Mall this past weekend. The event showcased red fashions to promote the importance of heart health and shared valuable information about preventative measures and living a heart healthy lifestyle. The event was well attended and enlightening. Clothes and accessories were provided by the following stores: Aviskaa, JCPenney, Ashro, Carson’s, Ashley Stewart and Rainbow. Dr. Louverta Hurt, President of the Northeastern Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, invites you to the Annual Leadership and Scholarship Luncheon on Sat. Feb. 24 at Robinson’s, 848 West Madison in Oak Park, Ill., from 2 to 6:30 pm. Wear African attire. Congratulations to Mrs. Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland who will be one of the educators honored by AARP/ Black History Month. The event is Sunday, February 25, 2018, at the St. Stephen’s Evangelical Lutheran Church morning service. Rev. Aaron J. McLeod, Esq. is the Pastor. Happy February Birthdays!

The brothers of The Harvey -Markham Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Kudos to Richard Flowers, Polemark, and Aaron T. Bell, Charter member and Coordinator for the event. Loved the hash tag frames, Andre Hayes!

Going Red are (standing, l-r): Robin Jackson, Eunice Lightfoot Hill, Barbara Keaton Stubblefield, Debby Douglas, President, Tais Crawford Thomas, Cynthia Hughes-Hannah. Sitting: Marcia Britten-Wheeler and Marchell Jackson.

Co-Sponsors of “Go Red for Heart Health” and fashion show models: Gretchen Garcia, Mayra Miranda and Dionne Gomez , Sigma Lambda Gamma; Debby Douglas, President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Chicago Alumnae Chapter, Tiffany Madison, Sigma Lambda Gamma, and Suzette Hayes.

Happy Birthday to Wilson Harris III, his mother Susie Harris and his godson and my grandson Xavier Isaac Pratt Happy 50th Birthday to Robin Mathis! Great Party!

Our African American men empowering themselves with knowledge on their health!

Celebrating with Grand Mom Betty Travis, Mom Brenda Garth and Robin! Happy Birthday to Harriet Eiland and God Grandson Frederic. More February Birthday Shout Outs: Therese Johnson, Donna Guss -Wesley, Thomasine Leon, Nadine Dillanado, Audrey Johnson, Charles Cooper, Pam Carpenter and my brother Shallie Griffin and son-inlaw Christopher Paschal! 14 February 21 - 27, 2018

Robert Walker, Barbara Walker, Patricia Walker, Georgia Smith, Dr. Courtney Hollowell, M.D. FACS., Chairman of Urology, CCHHS, Yvonne Jett, Gail Howard, ED., Dr. Ahmer Farook, DO Associate Professor Urology, Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center. www.chicagodefender.com

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER


ON THE SCENE

Mayor Hosts UNCF Luncheon

Carl Tutt, Tyronne Stoudemire Ore Jones, Lisa Rollins, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Cynthia Armster

Dr. Brian Bridges, Juan Salgado, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Tyler Frazier, Scholarship Recipient; Bishop Horace E. Smith, Dr. Janice Jackson

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www.chicagodefender.com

Lisa Rollins, Andrea Zopp, Priscilla Stratten

February 21 - 27, 2018 15


IN THE MIX In the Mix: Can you say ‘Wakanda’? Black Pride, Education and Connection! By Mary L. Datcher Defender Managing Editor For the past week, the number one word on Black social media is “Wakanda.” That’s it, that’s all. Drops mic. The Marvel Comics Mary L. Datcher movie Black Panther is killing it right now with a $240 million weekend debut. The pre-ticket sales has exceeded everyone’s expectations but more importantly the community engagement has been phenomenal. To say it is a “Black” film is inaccurate. The land of Wakanda is a fictional country in Africa bordering Kenya and Uganda. The character appeared in the Fantastic Four created in 1966 by two White comic book writers and artists Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. So, for comic purists, this film added an extra layer in making sure it reflected key accuracies of the comic book series. Many of us who saw the film did not follow the original series, in fact it took a minute to convince some folks that the character had NOTHING to do with the community activist group from the 1960s. But, as the anticipation grows, and organizations are reserving and selling out entire screening rooms across the country—you can’t help but to wonder, is this the resurgence of modern revolution? Not since “Hidden Figures” has a film with Black leads had this kind of impact of pride, education and unity that was cross-generational or cross-cultural. There were comments made about why movie goers chose to wear African print fabrics and rock tribal paint on their faces to attend the film? But, it wasn’t about the wardrobe or the face paint, it was about the symbolism of what this represents. When so many of us are not as blessed as Alex Haley to trace back our ancestry to our native villages—we know the blood of our African ancestors run through our body. In a time where our sitting U.S. President calls Africa a “sh*thole,” we are encouraged to educate our youth why this statement is far from the truth. While images in media can 16 February 21 - 27, 2018

influence young minds without genuine parental guidance, it was wonderful to see an all-Black ensemble cast in leading roles capturing the audience. Mad shout out to ALL of the organizations, churches, community leaders and mentors who sponsored students from small groups to large groups to see this film. If it takes a movie to reflect who we once were to who we still are now today—kings, queens, princesses and princes-- then we should celebrate our “wakanda” in each of us. Off & Running Candidates have their punch numbers and they are off and running to get the word out to voters. Streets and sanitation will be on standby because most likely there will be a plethora of yard signs, flyers and posters flying in the wind. Early voting kicks off on Feb. 21 at 69 W. Washington Blvd. and Cook County townships on March 5 thru March 19. On Saturday, Feb. 24 100 Black Men of Chicago and The New Black Leadership Council will host the Illinois Attorney General Candidates Forum at Chicago State University (9501 S. King Drive). Doors open at noon and the discussion will begin at 1 p.m. Moderated by WVON’s Perri Small, the program will take place in the Gwendolyn Brooks Library on the 4th floor. All candidates are confirmed to participate. Northside’s Oldest Black Church is Moving When you drive through the Lincoln Park community past the zoo on Clark St., an older church building stands out among the modern high rises. The historic Hermon Baptist Church located at 1754 N. Clark St. is the oldest African American Church on the North Side. In 1887, the church started with 13 members who worked for some of the city’s wealthier families; these members would walk from the Gold Coast to the South Side to worship. At the time, Greater Bethesda and Olivet Baptist Churches were located in the Black Belt (Bronzeville). Needing a place of worship, they landed at a few locations on the North Side before ending up at the Lincoln Park Location. Pastor Keith L. Edwards will have the last service at the church on Sunday, March 4th. Honoring Great Gentle Warriors The National A. Philip Randolph

Black Panther takes over #1 box office sales Pullman Porter Museum will honor several outstanding local women in business, technology, education and labor. Educator Beulah McLloyd, principal, Walter H. Dyett School for the Arts, and Illinois State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford will receive the Gentle Warrior Award along with nationally recognized figures including U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters and actor-producer-director Robert Townsend. Jaquie Algee, vice president and director of external relations for SEIU Healthcare and one of the organizers of the Women’s March on Chicago, and Dr. Byron T. Brazier, pastor of Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, is joined by Derrick Brown, director of urban programming for iHeart Radio, as this year’s Change Agent Award recipients. JinJa Birkenbeuel, CEO of Birk Creative and a Google technology coach, will be the inaugural recipient of the Descendants of Distinction Award, created to honor descendants of the Pullman Porters, the group of distinguished railroad workers who formed the first Black labor union in the U.S., chartered under the American Federation of Labor. “The Pullman porters introduced class, culture and education to the African American community and framed it in a way that made it important to us as a people,” said Dr. Lyn Hughes, museum founder. The awards gala will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Parkway Ballroom, 4455 S. King Drive. To purchase tickets, visit: Eventbrite.com Birthday Shout-Outs Pisces season begins for this week’s birthdays. Happy belated birthday to Chosen Few DJ founder Wayne Williams who celebrated on Feb. 19. Mad love to Red Clay Digital web consultant Kevin McFall; True Star Foundation director www.chicagodefender.com

Cecilia Arnold (left) celebrate birthday on Feb. 21

State Rep. La Shawn Ford honored on Feb. 24 Na-Tae Thompson; Blok Bizness DJs Carlos Lee; and awesome DJ on the decks Bobbie Potter on Feb.20. Hugs to Harvey native, platinum producer and Def Jam Sr. vice president of A&R Tuo Clark along with the woman who birth me and my sister, my mom Cecilia Arnold. She showed me what Black Girl

Magic was before it was a hashtag. They celebrate on Feb. 21. Heeeey DJ Shaun “T” Hardison and music producer Earl Powell blowing out candles on Feb. 23. Last but not least, happy born day to former record label manager Brian Harris and super club promoter Duce Powell on Feb. 24. THE CHICAGO DEFENDER


BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Legendary Artists

Pictured l-r: Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey and Vernon Winfrey Nina Simone

Pictured center: Comedian Red Foxx surrounded by waitresses

Pictured l-r: Attorney Aaron Payne, Maria and Nat King Cole Calvin King, continued from, Page 07

Through the social, emotional, creative learning process that FLA promotes, young adults like James Barnett and Cherelle Taylor can mature into the best versions of themselves. When speaking on what he’s learned from FLA, Barnett, a sophomore at Iowa Wesleyan University, said, “[King] pretty much preached empathy, most of all, throughout the whole message.” “I just take into consideration everything people feel and [what] they’re going through” he continued. Barnett currently studies Digital Media Design, a decision that was strongly influenced by FLA. Taylor, who studies at College of Saint Benedict as a Nursing major, shares advice to new comers for the program: “Be open to learning new things. You meet some amazing people who truly care about you and want you to be THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

successful in life.” Moreover, King has expanded FLA’s reach by broadcasting a radio show on Urban Broadcast Media. This show features FLA Ambassadors advising other teenagers in regards to their problems and effectively helps FLA reach audiences beyond their geographical perimeter. In regards to the future, King hopes to open FLA’s first brick and mortar establishment this year, preferably in an underserviced community. King wants this establishment to be a trauma center that services students, parents, teachers, administrators and supportive adults. He wants the center “to create a community that helps us combat conflict, combat bullying and prevent the things that have a negative impact on the community moving forward.” To learn more about Free Lunch Academy, visit their website at: http://freelunchacademy.com King celebrates with team who won The Greatest Teacher Award. www.chicagodefender.com

February 21 - 27, 2018 17


COMMUNITY CALENDAR David Banner

FEBRUARY 21 Black History Month: Musical Retrospective The Conservatory Choruses from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts will present a variety of music to celebrate Black History Month. Guest artists include Providence St. Mel High School chorus, Rollo Dilworth, and Roosevelt A. Credit, who appeared in Broadway’s “Porgy and Bess.” Roosevelt University Ganz Hall 7th Floor 430 S. Michigan Ave. 7:30 p.m. Free and open to public

FEBRUARY 24 Bronzeville Children’s Museum Black History Celebration In celebration of their 20th Anniversary and Black History Month, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum presents “Live Your Dream and Tell Your Story.” Includes crafts, balloons, music, and storytelling. Admission: $5 per person (free for members) For more information, call (773) 7221-9301 or visit bronzevillechildrensmuseum.com

FEBRUARY 24

Good News Concert Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church presents a concert feaFEBRUARY 22 turing the church’s pastor Rev. Dr. An Evening with David Banner David B. Thornton and world-reand Felicia Chappelle nowned concert pianist Rev. HuntHarold Washington Cultural ley Brown. Center Donation: $20 Light refreshments will be serve. 4701 S. King Drive 600 East 35th St Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Music by E. Dizz For more information, call (312) Tickets available at Eventbrite. 225-5300. om

FEBRUARY 24

FEBRUARY 23 Celebrate Black History Month Join Chicago Park District at Franklin Park to celebrate the rich history of Africa and African Americans through music, dance and community. Franklin Park 4320 W. 15th St. 4-6 p.m. For more information, call (312) 747-7676

18 February 21 - 27, 2018

2018 Gentle Warrior Awards Gala The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum hosts its 2018 Gentle Warrior Awards Gala and fundraiser. It is also the museum’s 23rd anniversary. The black tie-event includes dinner, music and dancing. The awards gala pays tribute to America’s foremost labor and civil rights leaders, and recognizes exceptional individuals whose work provides opportunity and moves us toward equality. Historic Parkway Ballroom 4455 S. King Dr. 5 to 9 p.m. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.com

FEBRUARY 24 Black History Trailblazer Awards Commissioner Richard Boykin presents the 4th annual Black History Trailblazer Award Dinner program. Honorees include Abe Thompson, Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams, and Annetta Wilson. Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Ave. 6-8 p.m. Formal attire required. To attend, you must RSVP with Danielle.watson@cookcountyil. gov or by calling 9312) 603-4566. Space is limited.

FEBRUARY 24 L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala Celebrate Black entrepreneurs at the gala presented by presented by WDB Marketing and BLUE 1647. Featuring keynote speaker: Miko Branch, national best-selling author and co-founder of Miss Jessie’s LLC. Includes awards gala, food showcase, VIP networking and live entertainment. BLUELacuna 2150 Canalport 6-10 p.m. Limited early bird tickets: $35 For tickets or more information, visit: legacyawardsgala.com

FEBRUARY 24

Taste of Africa Celebrate Ethiopia and Puerto Rico, and participate in a discussion on: why should the Christian church care about immigration? Informative speakers, African and Caribbean cuisine, music and great fellowship. Everyone is invited. Friendship Baptist Church 5200 W. Jackson Blvd. 6 p.m. www.chicagodefender.com

FEBRUARY 25

FEBRUARY 27

Trinity United Church of Christ Healing Your Body With invites you to celebrate Black HisNutrition tory as the church participates in A presentation on how food a journey of remembrance as the affects your health. Presented by sanctuary is transformed into a Cynthia D. Willims, FNP-Bc, L.Ac specific time in history. Free event; open to the public 400 W. 95th St Includes healthy snacks. Three services: 7:30 a.m., 11 Friendship Baptist Church a.m., 6 p.m. 5200 W. Jackson Blvd. For more information, visit trini5:30 p.m. Exercise tychicago.org 6-7 p.m. Presentation

FEBRUARY 25 Timuel D. Black Black discusses DuSable High School’s education of iconic students. DuSable Museum 740 E. 56th 3-5 p.m. Free with RSVP aliceb52@comcast.net

FEBRUARY 27

Still Till Tuesdays Join Bright Star Community Outreach on each Tuesday during Black History Month to discuss not only the life of Emmett Till, but also the circumstances like community and systematic racism that contributed to his murder. Topics such as parenting, cultural influences, trauma and violence, the media and others will also be disFEBRUARY 27 cussed. Chicago Urban League Annual Roberts Temple Church of God Black Film Fest and Voter in Christ Registration Drive 4021 S. State Street This year’s theme: #TheStoryoTo register for free event, visit fOURVote. Voter registration takes Eventbrite.com (food provided for place from 5-6 p.m. each Tuesday those who register) and is followed by the presentation of a different movie and feaMARCH 18 tured entrepreneurs and vendors. Best Dressed African Admission is free. American Women in Illinois February 27: “Marshall” RecepThe Society of Mannequins tion and book signing of “Race, Law, and Justice” by Atty. James presents the 10 Best Dressed AfD. Montgomery, Sr. at 4:30-6 p.m. rican American Women in Illinois. Featured vendor: Exquisite CaterTuscany Falls Banquets ing and Events 9425 W. 191st St. Chicago Urban League Mokena, IL 4510 S. Michigan Ave 1-5 p.m. Tickets: $80, includes an open bar. For tickets or more information, contact dlewis@chicagodefender. com THE CHICAGO DEFENDER


MEMORIES

Dr. Agnes Lattimer Dr. Agnes Lattimer, pediatrician, retired medical director of Cook County Hospital died Tuesday, January 9, 2018 in her sleep of cancer. She was 89. Dr. Lattimer blazed so many trails with so many firsts. Agnes was the first African American female to be named Medical Director of Cook County Hospital in Chicago in the 1980s. She was a graduate of Chicago Medical School, the only African American and one of two females in her class. A lead poisoning expert, she testified on behalf of low-income families whose children were exposed to lead in paint from old buildings. And she was an overall champion for children’s causes and the disenfranchised. She mentored and taught medical students at both, The University of Illinois School of Public Health and The University of Chicago School of Medicine. She enjoyed teaching and won the Elise and Philip T. Tsang Award for Excellence in Teaching. As a young black woman planning a career in medicine in the 1940s, Agnes faced the triple threat of poverty, sexism, and racism, yet she refused to be discouraged. As she says, “No obstacles could deter me from my purpose. Not the negative attitudes of others, not lack of money, nor lack of encouragement from outside my family; nothing could dissuade me from my goal.” She leaves a grandson, Bernard Goss III and a sister, Camille Lattimer, both of Chicago. Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Soka Gakkai International Chicago Cultural Center at 1455 South Wabash, downtown. To make a gift in memory of Dr. Lattimer, please direct your gift by check to: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University Attn: Division of Institutional Advancement 3333 Green Bay Road North Chicago 60064-6583

Leak & Sons Funeral Home

LEE Brenda Lee…..Wake was held: Friday, February 16, 2018; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Woodlawn Baptist Church, 6207 S. University Ave. Funeral: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. COTTON Susie Cotton…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 16, 2018; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. ADU Albert Adu…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. @ Shiloh 7th Day, 7008 S. Michigan Funeral: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Interment: In Ghana Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. HEIRMAN Diane Heirman…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ New Mission Temple C.O.G.I.C., 4700 W. Polk Funeral: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Interment: Oakridge Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. NORRELL, III James Norrell, III…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. CAREY Josephine Carey…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. @ Bellevue Baptist Church, 10700 S. Emerald Ave. Funeral: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Interment: Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. HICKS Valerie Hicks…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Emmanuel Baptist Church, 8301 S. Damen Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. GARRETT Johnnie Garrett…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Bethlehem Star M B Church, 9231 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

MORROW Arnette Morrow…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Holy Trinity Church, 6910 S. Halsted St. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. JONES Beatrice Jones…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Progressive Community Center, 56 East 48th Street Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SINGLETON, JR. Robert Singleton, Jr…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Sunset Cemetery, Northbrook, IL Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. THOMAS Ruth Thomas…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oakland Memory Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. ROBERSON Lorraine Roberson…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ New Covenant, 77th Cottage Grove Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BENTLEY Andre Bentley…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ St. John C.O.G.I.C., 7527 S. Cottage Grove Funeral: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. POTTS-MORALES Arnetric Potts-Morales…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Life Center, 5500 S. Indiana Funeral: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. GANT James Gant…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

BURKS Harold Burks…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BROOKS Charles Brooks…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. KING Carol King…..Memorial was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. @ Chapel Lunford Funeral: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. LEE Lawrence Lee…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ St. Michael Baptist Church, 4106 W. Monroe Funeral: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. TENORT Cheryl Tenort…..Memorial was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BROWN Vivian Brown…..Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SCOTT, SR. Andrew Scott, Sr…..Memorial was held: Sunday, February 18, 2018; 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SEAVERS Charles Seavers…..Wake was held: Sunday, February 18, 2018; 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. @ Chapel Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SHIPP Tiara Shipp…..Wake was held: Sunday, February 18, 2018; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Interment: Monday, February 19, 2018; 9:00 a.m. @ Mt. Glenwood South Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. ALEXANDER Darish Alexander…..Memorial was held: Monday, February 19, 2018; 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. BLAKELY Bessie Blakely…..Visitation was held: Monday, February 19, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Interment: Lincoln Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. WALKER Don Walker…..Wake was held: Monday, February 19, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Burr Oak Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. WILLIAM, JR. Lloyd William, Jr…..Wake was held: Monday, February 19, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Bethlehem Star M B Church, 9231 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

MARTIN - ZEDOV Yvonne Martin - Zedov…..Wake was held: Monday, February 19, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ All Nations Worship Assembly, 7359 S. Chappel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. LUSTER Barbara Luster…..Wake was held: Tuesday, February 20, 2018; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SAMUELS, JR. Herman Samuels, Jr…..Wake was held: Tuesday, February 20, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Vernon Park Church of God, 1975 E. Joe Orr Road Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Abe Lincoln National Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. JONES Laura Jones…..Wake was held: Tuesday, February 20, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. LEVEY Jonta Levey…..Wake was held: Tuesday, February 20, 2018; 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. PHILLIPS Jessie Phillips…..Visitation was held: Tuesday, February 20, 2018; 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. @ Chapel Lunford Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. MC GEE Doris Mc Gee…..Wake: Wednesday, February 21, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oakridge Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. PATTERSON Odessa Patterson…..Wake: Wednesday, February 21, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Apostolic Church of God, 63rd Dorchester Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Restvale Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SELDERS Leavador Selders…..Wake: Wednesday, February 21, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Salem B. C., 11800 S. Indiana Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Restvale Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. WILKES Andre Wilkes…..Wake: Wednesday, February 21, 2018; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Sweet Holy Spirit East, 8621 S. South Chicago Ave. Funeral: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. GREER Amanda Greer…..Wake: Wednesday, February 21, 2018; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. CAMMON Collette Cammon…..Visitation: Wednesday, February 21, 2018; 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. @ Chapel King Memorial: Friday, February 23, 2018; 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel King Interment: Abraham Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

GIPSON, JR. Rodney Gipson, Jr…..Wake: Thursday, February 22, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Church of the Living God, 6000 S. Union Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: TBA Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. PORTER - YOUNG Brandon Porter - Young…..Wake: Friday, February 23, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Prince of Peace, 5450 W. Van Buren Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oakridge Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. PRIMAR Amanda Primar…..Wake: Friday, February 23, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Oakdale Covenant Church, 9425 S. Vincennes Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. TAYLOR Frank Taylor…..Wake: Friday, February 23, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel King Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. JOHNSON Edward Johnson…..Wake: Friday, February 23, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. HOLMES Betty Holmes…..Wake: Friday, February 23, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Lunford Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Restvale Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. CLAXTON Jessie Claxton…..Wake: Friday, February 23, 2018; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ First Church of Love and Faith, 2144 W. 79th St. Funeral: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Glenwood West Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. JOHNSON Sheila Johnson…..Wake: Friday, February 23, 2018; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Chapel Jackson Funeral: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. SHAW Isabell Shaw…..Memorial: Saturday, February 24, 2018; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. LARRY Demond Larry…..Wake: Saturday, February 24, 2018; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Fellowship B.C., 4501 S. Princeton Funeral: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. TOMPKINS Virginia Tompkins…..Wake: Monday, February 26, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ New Life Covenant, 1021 E. 78th St. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567. MC DANIELS Virgie Daniels…..Wake: Tuesday, February 27, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Chapel Country Club Hills, 18400 S. Pulaski Road Funeral: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery Arrangements Entrusted To: Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 846-6567.

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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

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

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

175 W. 159th St. Harvey, IL 60426

2036 W. 79th St.

(773)846-7900

(708) 331-0310 A Community Family, Serving with Honesty & Dignity

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Taylor Funeral

LEAK & SONS

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

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

HOME, LTD.

FUNERAL HOME

TAYLOR

Funeral Home HILL Herbert Hill.....….. Wake was held: Friday, February 16, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com PARKER Claudell Parker. Jr......….. Wake was held: Friday, February 16, 2018; 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Interment: Restvale Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com WILLIAMS Dolores Williams......….. Wake was held: Friday, February 16, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.@ Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 8400 South Saint Lawrence Avenue. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Washington Memory Gardens, Homewood, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com JOHNSON Ernestine Johnson......….. Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Saint James A. M. E. Church, 9356 South Lafayette Avenue. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Restvale Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com GRATHOUSE Juanita Grathouse.....….. Wake was held: Saturday, February 17, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens, Glenwood, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com WATKINS Raiford Watkins.....….. Wake was held: Monday, February 19, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens, Glenwood, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com DONLEY Dornise Donley.....….. Wake was held: Monday, February 19, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Inter-

ment: Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com CARPENTER Mildred Carpenter......….. Wake will be held: Friday, February 23, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.@ Apostolic Church of God, 6320 Dorchester Avenue. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens, Glenwood, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com PARSON Lela Parson......….. Wake will be held: Friday, February 16, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.@ Liberation Christian Church, 7400 South Michigan Avenue. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com PATTERSON Duwena Patterson.....….. Wake will be held: Saturday, February 24, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Washington Memory Gardens, Homewood, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome. com

CALAHAN Funeral Home

OUTLAW, SR. Willie J. Outlaw, Sr..…..Wake: Wednesday, February 21, 2018; 10:00 a.m. @ St. James AME, 9256 S. Lafayette Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Private Arrangements by: Calahan Funeral Home Inc., 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621: (773) 723-4400. WALKER Leroy Walker..…..Wake: Thursday, February 22, 2018; 10:00 a.m. @ Chapel Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Interment: Private Arrangements by: Calahan Funeral Home Inc., 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621: (773) 723-4400. BOLER Nathaniel Boler..…..Visitation: Thursday, February 22, 2018; 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Chapel Interment: Private Arrangements by: Calahan Funeral Home Inc., 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621: (773) 723-4400.

MEMORIAL

A service in memory of the life of Alfred DeLeon Cantu will be held on Saturday, 3 March 2018. Service will be at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 6232 South Eberhart Avenue, Chicago, Il, and will begin at one o’clock.

February 21 - 27, 2018 19


CLASSIFIEDS OBITUARY

Edward L. Johnson Edward L. Johnson ….. Memorial Service: Saturday, February 24, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Progressive Community Church, 56 E. 48th. Street. Internment: Private. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Progressive Community Church. Edward Johnson, who passed away on January 18th at the age of 79, spent his life working for a vision of Chicago that could overcome and eliminate conflict between people on the basis of racial, cultural, ethnic, and religious identity. As a Human Relations Regional Director at the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, he worked to create unity and harmony among different communities. He leaves to cherish his precious memory, his wife Bonnie, his son Robert Johnson, daughter Arondia Johnson, siblings, grandchildren, great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, relatives and dear friends.

LEGAL NOTICE SUB BIDS / SUPPLIER QUOTES REQUESTED

Walsh Construction Company II, LLC Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Contract No. RR-13-4117 Ramp Reconstruction Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), Ramp N – Mile Post 138.7 Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Ramp M- Mile Post 29.1 Bids Due to Walsh Construction Company II, LLC up to March 2, 2018 5:00 PM (CST) We request a proposal from your firm for the: Illinois Tollway Roadway and Bridge Rehabilitation and Widening Butterfield Road to Army Trail Road. Subcontractors and suppliers can access plans and specifications online at the Walsh Group Site, https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/ PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=354379 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 DBE/VOSB 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.

MR. SONNY SAYS!

LEGAL NOTICE

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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name In the conduct or transaction of Business in the State, “as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D18153405 on the January 31, 2018. Under the Assumed Name of JUSTUSCREATIONS with the business located at 14720 HARPER, DOLTON, IL 60419. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: CHRISTIAN RYAN WARD, Complete Address: 7818 S GREEN APT 3, CHICAGO, IL 60620, USA Owner/Partner Full Name: CRYSTAL T MAGGIO, Complete Address: 9247 SOUTH 89TH COURT, HICKORY HILLS, IL 60457, USA Owner/Partner Full Name: TAMIKO L PERRY, Complete Address: 14201 UNIVERSITY AVE DOLTON, IL 60419, USA Owner/Partner Full Name: TAMIKO L TALBERT-FLEMING, Complete Address: 14720 HARPER, DOLTON, IL 60419, USA

02/21/18

Need to place an ad? Call the Chicago Defender (312) 225-2400 20 February 21 - 27, 2018

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC Plaintiff, -v.PATRICK BROOKS A/K/A PATRICK L BROOKS Defendants 17 CH 11944 325 WEST 59TH PLACE CHICAGO, IL 60621 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 11, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 3, 2018, 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 325 WEST 59TH PLACE, CHICAGO, IL 60621 Property Index No. 20-16-402-0100000. The real estate is improved with a four or more units with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 263718. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 263718 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 17 CH 11944 TJSC#: 38-100 I3076460

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.MAJESTER MCDADE, DANIEL MCDADE, PHELESIA MCDADE, CITY OF CHICAGO, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 10352 6731 SOUTH UNION AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60621 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 18, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 22, 2018, 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 6731 SOUTH UNION AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60621 Property Index No. 20-21-302-0130000. The real estate is improved with a two units with a detached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 10362. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 10362 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 15 CH 10352 TJSC#: 38-1122 I3076703

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC. Plaintiff, -v.ANDRE WEBB, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LOUISE F. WEBB A/K/A FANNIE L. WEBB, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, WILLIAM P. BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LOUISE F. WEBB A/K/A FANNIE L. WEBB (DECEASED), GEORGE WEBB Defendants 17 CH 005210 7217 S. HARVARD AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60621 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 8, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 19, 2018, 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 7217 S. HARVARD AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60621 Property Index No. 20-28-209-006-0000. 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 in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, 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 14-17-02338. 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. 14-17-02338 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 005210 TJSC#: 37-10356 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. I3073883

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA, NA, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO LASALLE BANK NA, ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2006-HE5, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE5 Plaintiff, -v.TIMITRI TAYLOR A/K/A TIMITRI PIERCE, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A. Defendants 12 CH 30663 8234 SOUTH CAMPBELL AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60652 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 30, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 4, 2018, 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 8234 SOUTH CAMPBELL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60652 Property Index No. 19-36-229-0390000. The real estate is improved with a single family home with a detached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 9317. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 9317 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 12 CH 30663 TJSC#: 37-9884

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NA Plaintiff, -v.SHANELLE BRANDON A/K/A SHANELLE R. BRANDON, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SUCCESSOR TO WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK FORMERLY KNOWN AS WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, F.A. SUCCESSOR TO BANK UNITED, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR EQUIFIRST CORPORATION Defendants 15 CH 13651 10632 SOUTH EBERHART AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60628 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 2, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 4, 2018, 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 10632 SOUTH EBERHART AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60628 Property Index No. 25-15-224-026-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family home with a detached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 10679. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 10679 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 15 CH 13651 TJSC#: 38-1159

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CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK NA Plaintiff, -v.JULIE FOX, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DECEASED MORTGAGOR MARGARET GRIER, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MARGARET GRIER A/K/A MARGARET A. GRIER, IF ANY Defendants 2016 CH 9955 249 WEST 108TH STREET CHICAGO, IL 60628 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 18, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 29, 2018, 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 249 WEST 108TH STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60628 Property Index No. 25-16-408-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family one and a half story home with a detached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 257194. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 257194 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 2016 CH 9955 TJSC#: 38-1355

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NA Plaintiff, -v.CHAUNCEY M TUCKER, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CITY OF CHICAGO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2017 CH 11225 39 EAST 101ST PLACE CHICAGO, IL 60628 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 30, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 26, 2018, 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 39 EAST 101ST PLACE, CHICAGO, IL 60628 Property Index No. 25-10-316-017. The real estate is improved with a single family home with no garage.. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in AS IS condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 264045. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 416-5500 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 264045 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 2017 CH 11225 TJSC#: 38-1000

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LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State, “as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County, Registration Number: D18153463 on the February 6, 2018. Under the Assumed Name of H&H CONTRACTORS with the business located at 7532 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: JOHNNY HUNT Complete Address: 7532 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619, USA

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State, “as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County, Registration Number: D18153481 on the February 7, 2018. Under the Assumed Name of H E R NATURE with the business located at 9221 SOUTH COLFAX AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: KAYLA MARIE MELDON LONGSTREET Complete Address: 9221 SOUTH COLFAX AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617, USA

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State, “as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County, Registration Number: D18153349 on the January 25, 2018. Under the Assumed Name of OSUN NAILS with the business located at 7941 S ESCANABA AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: YEWUMI AWOLOLA Complete Address: 7941 S ESCANABA AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617, USA

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s):

Physicist sought by Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL. Ph.D. degree plus 1 year of research or rel. exp. Review complete job description and apply online at: http://bit.ly/2EBBq4N.

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February 21 - 27, 2018 21


presents

EXHIBIT

DuSable Museum of African American History 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637

February 1st – February 28th, 2018 Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

22 February 21 - 27, 2018

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SPORTS

Simeon’s Talen Horton-Tucker hoists the Wolverine’s 3rd straight City Championship trophy after defeating Orr 69-59 (John L. Alexander/The Bigs Visuals)

Simeon Three-Peats As City Champs Talen Horton-Tucker plays his way into Simeon Greatness By Terrence Tomlin & Eugene McIntosh Sports by #TheBIGS Making their 8th appearance in the City Championship game, the perennial powerhouse Simeon Wolverine’s had history on their mind as they were looking to become the first Public League squad to “three-peat” as city champions since Marshall pulled it off from 1959-1961. The Spartans of Orr, who have played their way into elite status by racking up wins vs public league standouts Whitney Young and Uplift this year, have some history of

their own to consider. Making their first ever appearance in the City Championship game, the west side representers were ready to knock that chip off their shoulder and prove that they belong in the conversation with the city’s top hoop’s programs. Through 2 quarters both squads went blow for blow in this heavyweight matchup. Simeon’s Kejuan Clements made his presence felt early with 12 first half points. The Bigs #1 ranked hooper, Simeon’s Talen Horton-Tucker, was in his bag with 10 points and 8 boards, but it was the physical play from Orr’s Raekwon Drake and Dannie Smith that kept the Spartans close in the first half. But as the saying goes…”big time players make big time plays” and the second half was the Talen Horton-Tucker show. The senior put Simeon on his back in the 3rd

Simeon’s Jr. guard Kejuan Clements maneuvers around Orr’s Ty Mosley for the layup. He finished with 18 pts & 8 rebs in the quarter and caught fire as he was 69-59 W (John L. Alexander/The Bigs Visuals) responsible for 12 straight Simeon points including 3 straight three pointers from NBA range and an and-1 assist to his partner in crime Messiah Jones that effectively put a stranglehold on the lead and the “three-peat” for the Wolverines. Simeon, who continues to cement their reputation and legacy as a true powerhouse on the high school basketball scene not just locally but nationally as well, added yet another notch to their belt with this 69-59 win over Orr. Horton-Tucker, who finished the game with 23 pts, 9 boards and 3 blocks, steps into a legacy as a Simeon great among the likes of Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker. Fans can only hope that more Simeon vs Orr matchups are in #TheBIGS #1 ranked hooper Simeon’s Talen Horton-Tucker store in the near future and a new drops the fade away jumper over Orr’s Ty Mosley on the way to 23 points, 9 rebounds and a 3rd straight City Championship. rivalry is born. (John L. ALexander/The Bigs Visuals)

The Bigs Presents: This Week’s Top 5 Chicago Hoopers By Eugene McIntosh & Terrence Tomlin Sports by #TheBIGS With the city playoffs behind us and Peoria in sight, the high school basketball season is winding down. The BIGS Top 5 Hoopers will make their last run at the Hooper Of The Year award...take a look at this week’s list! 1. Talen Horton-Tucker (SrSimeon) - Talow added to his WolTHE CHICAGO DEFENDER

verine legacy as he led Simeon to a 69-59 win over Orr! He scored 23 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked 3 shots en route to a 3rd straight city title. His 3 consecutive 3 pt baskets & assist to Messiah Jones for the and-1 in the 3rd quarter opened the game up for Simeon. This is basically his award to lose. Last Week’s Rank - #1 2. Ayo Dosunmu (Sr- Morgan Park) - Ayo scored 22 points but it wasn’t enough as the Mustangs fell to Whitney Young 69-66 on

a buzzer beater in the CPS quarterfinal. With the return of Tamell Pearson, MP will definitely make a run for back to back 3A state titles. Don’t forget Dosunmu was injured in last year’s title game. He’ll be locked and loaded! Last Week’s Rank - #2 3. Javon Freeman (Sr- Whitney Young) - Vonno came up HUGE for Young with 19 points & 9 rebounds in their win over Morgan Park. Freeman had 18 points & 5 rebounds but Simeon was too www.chicagodefender.com

much for the Dolphins in the CPS final 4 as they lost 64-53. They are the defending 4A champs...let’s see if Vonno can get them back to the promised land. Last Week’s Rank - #3 4. George Conditt (Sr- Corliss) - The 2A playoffs start this week so we’ll see if the big fella can help add some hardware to the Corliss hallways. Last Week’s Rank - #4 5. Xavier Pinson (Sr- Simeon)

- The “X-Factor” played a great floor game and had 3 steals in the city championship to help Simeon get the W. He’s so smooth that it almost seems like he’s not going hard. Don’t forget...he comes off the bench! Last Week’s Rank - #5 Knocking At The Door Dannie Smith (Sr-Orr), Messiah Jones (Sr-Simeon), Adam Miller (So-Morgan Park), Raekwon Drake (Sr-Orr), Chase Adams (Sr-Orr)

February 21 - 27, 2018 23


Friday, March 2, 2018

Hyatt Regency Chicago

6-9 pm

Regency Ballroom • 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago

Tickets $85 • Tables $950 • VIP Tables $1100 For sponsorship packages, tables and tickets, please contact 312-225-2400 or dlewis@chicagodefender.com

2018 Honorees John E. Adams, Chief Financial Officer Fred Mitchell, Vice President, Development Lifetime Achievement Award Rainbow Push Coalition UNCF Quinton R. Arthur, Owner/Founder Gregory Mitchell, Alderman – 7th Ward Q. Ramone Media and Man of Substance City of Chicago Lester Barclay, Attorney Anthony Mootry, President The Barclay Law Group, P.C. Mootry Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Fred L. Bonner, President Carleton Q. Nolan, Chief Technology Officer and First Deputy Commissioner Bonheur Development Corporation City of Chicago Thomas Bowling, Founder, President & CEO William C. Owens Jr., Partner/Chief Development Officer Obama Energy Corporation Krismon Technology Group LLC Brian J. Packer, Account Supervisor Morris Brent, Director of Staff Education Flowers Communications Group Maryville Academy GENE CHANDLER Dr. Paul Phillips, Owner Jahmal Cole, Community Activist Better Man Than Me My Block, My Hood, My City Singer, Songwriter & Entrepreneur Duke of Earl Enterprises Bryan Porter, Field Project Supervisor Ty Cratic, Principal Partner/President Walmart, Inc. Cratic & Shaffer Consulting/Cook County Young Democrats Legacy Award Hon. Travis Richardson, Judge Thomas E. Crosby, President Cook County Circuit Court The Insurance Exchange Ltd. Frederic Robertson, Doctor of Chiropractic Randy Crumpton, Attorney Halo Medical Professionals Law Offices of Randy Crumpton Rev. Adron Robinson, Pastor Jeff Dase, Chief of Schools – Network 12 Hillcrest Baptist Church Chicago Public Schools Dr. Louis Rutland III, Dentist Will Davis, VP of Development/Chief Executive Officer The Rutland Dental Group Governors State University Dr. Ronald Sam, Physician Robert Fletcher, Coordinator of College Placement Home Health Medical Chicago White Sox Charities Will Smith Jr., President Devry Graham, CEO Will Smith Jr. Security Services Graham Funeral Directors and Cremation Services THEASTER GATES Richardo Spivey, Alderman – 4th Ward Reginald Guy II, Esq. Corporate Associate Artist City of Country Club Hills Ropes & Gray LLP Art21 Stuart A. Taylor II, CEO Charles Harrell, President Analytic Innovations The Information Technology Architect Corporation Bryce Walker, National Director of Network Engineering & Operations Victor Harris, Sergeant Verizon Wireless Illinois State Police Dr. Lloyd Walton, Counselor Rod Height, Principal National Basketball Association Arias Information Solutions Eric Washington, Deputy Chief Dr. Shawn Jackson, President Chicago Police Department Truman College Toussaint Werner, Graphic Artist Gregory Kelley, President Calumet Creative SEIU Healthcare Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas Jeffery Whaley Jr., Agent Howard V. Little, President Mistress of Ceremony State Farm Video Twist Productions KAREN JORDAN Gregory R. White, CO-CEO Ian Mahoney, Director of Emerging Networks Legacy Rail Operations, LLC Weekend Anchor and Reporter Viacom Media Networks George Wright, Director ABC 7 Eyewitness News Tony Medlin, Head Equipment Manager Midwest Region Citi Community Development Chicago Bears Football Club Dr. William Yates, Medical Director Northwestern University Sponsored by

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