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Volume 110 No. 52
CHICAGODEFENDER POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA
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May 13-19, 2015
The Battle Begins Pages 2
Obama Library
Do The Write Thing
Keeping it 100 Demtria McKinney
Page 5
Page 8
Page 13
FRONT PAGE
The Battle Begins:
CTU vs. CPS
By: Mary L. Datcher Senior Staff Writer
Just when Chicagoans thought the rough and turbulent ride was over from the mayoral elections, here comes the showdown between the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board. Nope, the real fight of the decade will not be Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.; it will be between CTU President Karen Lewis and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Yes Chicago has seen this fight before. But this time, it’s going to be brutal because of the referee. You guessed it—Governor Bruce Rauner. Having the Governor involved with this mess is like having Don King promoting the fight and acting as a manager; the only one that really wins is King himself. Since the CTU went on strike in 2012 – the first one in 25 years led by its fearless leader Karen Lewis – the union is back at the table to negotiate a new contract. Rauner has indicated that with CPS facing a $600 million pension payment, the hole is widening with a significant budget deficit and bankruptcy would be considered. In fact, he recommended it. This move would ultimately handicap the union and its members with drastic cuts to their salaries and pensions. The CPS Board is back at the center of the drama plagued with speculation surrounding CEO Barbara Byrd Bennett’s $20.5 million no-bid contract award to her former employer, SUPES. Bennett recently took a leave of absence amid an investigation by the FBI and has remained mute. In a statement, Lewis points out CPS’s mismanagement of its budget that has denied the proper appropriation of funding to schools and teachers that need it most. “$20 million for the SUPES contract that has them mired in scandal, plus another $22 million for a janitorial contract that has them over budget—a contract, by the way, that is literally and figuratively a mess in our schools. That’s $42 million that could have been saved, just for starters. A closer examination of board contracts would no doubt reveal even more potential savings and resources that could go back into our schools,” she said. In the latest round of negotiations since last November, CTU is insulted by the seven percent pay decrease proposed by the Board of Education. In addition, the Board has rejected nearly all of CTU’s contract proposals that the union feels are good for students and their families. Some of these demands include smaller class sizes, more teaching and less testing, and more services for students such as social workers, nurses and clinicians. Jesse Sharkey, CTU vice president, said, “With rising housing, health care and food
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Wednesday – Tuesday May 13-19, 2015
Front Page Story........................................................2 Local News................................................................5 Opinion......................................................................6 Community Calendar...............................................10 Arts & Culture.........................................................12 Classifieds................................................................16
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Karen Lewis-Chicago Teacher’s Union.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel costs, we can’t afford such a big hit in our paychecks. On top of that, they expect us to pay more for health insurance and work longer hours in classrooms that are overcrowded with fewer resources. That will never happen.” According to a 1981 labor agreement, CPS pension structure outlines that for the average teacher earning around $70,000 annually in base pay, the seven percent slice amounts to roughly $5,000 annually. For new teachers beginning at $50,000 annually, their pay cut would be approximately $3,500. Other administrative and janitorial personnel with an average salary around $40,000 would see a decrease of roughly $2,800. A seven percent raise was included in the Chicago Teachers Union contract 30 years ago when the CPS Board claimed it wasn’t financially in a position to accommodate the request. The average pay for teachers, without benefits, is $76,000 which would make Chicago the second in the nation for the average teacher salary compared to teachers in New York
2 May 13-19, 2015 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER
City who earn approximately $73,751. CPS teachers earn the second-highest average salary in Illinois behind Naperville District 203, according to the Illinois School Report Card database. But Chicago’s teachers’ earnings are drastically decreased because they are required to pay more for health insurance and pension contributions than teachers in other major cities in the U.S. “The City of Chicago has a created a $1.5 billion fiscal crisis in order to justify the ongoing neglect of and its failure to address critical needs of students. Chicago Public Schools is broke on purpose,” said Lewis. “The mayor is lying in wait to raise property taxes and implement regressive taxes on vital services to working families,” according to a recent statement released by the Chicago Teachers Union. One of the main concerns is the effectiveness of CPS teachers with only 27 percent of students achieving a 21 or higher on the ACT exam according to the Illinois Report Card database. Although, there has been an increase of high school graduates to 81 percent, few are ready for college coursework. The Chicago Defender reached out to the Chicago Public Schools Board for an interview; however, a CPS spokesperson was unavailable to discuss the latest developments. Is there a better level of education provided by charter schools versus traditional public schools? Studies have shown that there is not much difference in academic performance, yet parents feel more comfortable enrolling their children in the alternative education system. See CTU vs. CPS , Page 11
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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 13-19, 2015 3 5/4/15 2:10 PM
POLITICS
Standing Strong or Equal Divide: Chicago Black Leadership By Mary L Datcher Defender Senior Staff Writer
If you were fortunate to experience being raised in an era where televisions still had antennas, the neighborhood fire hydrant was the community waterpark, your corner store had an unlimited supply of Chico Sticks, dill pickles and Now and Laters – it was also a time of Black leadership and liberation. Don’t forgot scheduling Saturday mornings between listening to Operation PUSH on the radio and switching over to watch “Soul Train” on television with two iconic national leaders at the time in Black America-- Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. and Don Cornelius. Why include Chico Sticks and Black leadership in the same sentence? The elation of going to the corner store to purchase a bag of penny candy and having strong Black leadership gave Black people similar highs. Children looked forward to splitting their 50 cents on the counter and patronizing Black owned corner stores -- that was priceless. And adults took pride in knowing that Black leaders were fearlessly taking on injustice and racial discrimination towards community. “Power to the People!” In Chicago and across the nation, history was made on April 12, 1983 when U.S. Congressman Harold Washington won more than 50 percent of the vote to become the first Black mayor of the City of Chicago. No one moved around more effortlessly in Chicago political circles as Washington. As he said, “You want Harold? You got Harold!” Yes, and the Black community lost Harold a little after he was elected to his second term. Many have been riding off of this high for the past 30 years as Black and Hispanic leaders have become more powerful, building individual factions and splitting the unified front that helped elect Harold Washington. Although there are disagreements among the leaders of these factions, it’s sometimes considered “taboo” to discuss grievances so openly in public. There was clearly a divide among Black leadership in April’s Chicago mayoral runoff election. Those who openly supported Mayor Rahm Emanuel included Congressman Bobby L. Rush, State Representative Ken Dunkin, State Senator Mattie Hunter, Secretary of State Jesse White and Alderman Emma Mitts among some key voices. Other Black leaders sided with
Mayor Rahm Emanuel(front), State Rep.Ken Dunkin.(left) and Alderman Pat Dowell.(right) instead of standing for what is right and best for our people.” These bonds did not come to light until the mayoral runoff election when Garcia reached out to old colleagues requesting their support. On the flip side, other Black leaders supporting Mayor Emanuel also were part of the Washington era, Former Mayor including former Alderman Dorothy of Chicago, Tillman and Congressman Rush. Harold Washington. Congressman Rush is not a stranger to controversy. Publicly sharing his support for Mayor Emanuel was not about a split in Black leadership for him. “My friends who were with other Commissioner Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia, they wanted to achieve.” including Reverend Jesse Jackson, It was clear that the past elec- candidates are still my friends. I reSr., Congressman Danny K. Davis, tion was heavily dependent on Afri- spect those who have led and who former Cook County Board Pres- can-American voters because of the are leading now in our community. ident Bobbi Steele, former Illinois slim margin that could swing either I am so inspired, encouraged and State Senator Emil Jones, Sr., Com- way for Garcia or Emanuel. Garcia’s energized by the young leaders out missioner Stanley Moore and State ties go back to helping Washing- there. Since the Civil Rights moveRepresentative Mary Flowers. ton secure Hispanic support in the ment, we’ve been devoid of or have Congressman Davis reflects, Pilsen community. Steele met Gar- placed less focus on the need of in“It’s hard to decide and determine cia during this time when there was digenous community leadership. Up who Black leadership is anymore. movement to elect the first Black until recently, community organizers There are some people that emerge mayor of Chicago. Although Steele have become a thing of the 1960’s. as Black leadership when there is supported Garcia in the runoff, Now, it’s re-emerging and rememan election, if there is a tragedy or some other Black leaders split with ber when I was a young man, it was if there is a moment of disrespect. former allies, creating new alliances an opportunity for me to become a There are people that arise in all due to differing political viewpoints leader,” said Rush. With the runoff election over, of those situations. I don’t have an and/or disagreements with the curChicagoans have moved on with aceasy time separating who the Black rent mayoral administration. leadership is.” Steele explains, “I don’t know if cepting another four years of EmanDuring a time when Black lead- all new African-American public of- uel; Black leaders have officially ership and action were felt from ficials will take a stand, but some put their cards on the table. Where various leaders in business, edu- like State Senator Jackie Collins are there was a ”hidden divide,” there is cation and the arts, Congressman taking a stand opposing state bud- now an open and distinctive divide Davis says it was a different type of get cuts. Sometimes, our leaders of opinions. Career community acmovement in the Black community get into office and they want to be tivists who were considered instiga40 years ago. He explains, “Every- a part of the establishment instead tors and not motivators are gradubody wasn’t necessarily together, of standing for the people that they ally being elevated as future voices but a substantial number of people really represent. I’m not calling any because they have mastered the art felt the same things in terms of what names, but I can see a lot of this of grassroots engagement. they wanted to accomplish – what right now. They will go with the flow Operation PUSH, now Rainbow
4 May 13-19, 2015 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER
PUSH Coalition, under the guidance of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. emerged in the mayoral runoff election, choosing to support Commissioner Garcia. Jackson’s son, Jonathan Jackson, is the national spokesman for the organization and represents the next generation of leadership. He explains, “The African-American community is not a monolithic community. Just like in Baltimore, you’re going to see some good and bad Black police officers and some good and bad white police officers. Justice is the issue. The question is not complexion; it’s direction. We need to have renewed voice on accountability for the superintendent of police and accountability for the Chicago School Board that is mired in corruption. The people overwhelmingly voted that they want an elected school board. Will we support the people’s voice? I have no hopes for all of us being on the same page politically unless we’re all trying to seek justice.” Are people shifting their attitudes towards Black leaders? Has the paradigm shifted from political, legislative and social standing to standing on social change? From Selma, Ferguson, Baltimore and back to Chicago, communities are witnessing small groups of young protesters taking the neighborhood streets. These same voices have distanced themselves from the familiar faces that represent the African American community in front of the lights, cameras and in the pulpit. Community activist and urban translator Wallace “Gator” Bradley continues to work closely with young leaders who are engaged in their neighborhoods from the streets to the schools. The generation gap has become more prevalent as baby boomer leaders are now grandparents and great grandparents. Bradley explains, “We were young yesterday, so there is nothing new about youth activism. The difference in what I see today is that they (the youth) feel like they know more than the elders who were the youth activists years ago that brought about the changes they are enjoying. I hear a lot of them saying the older, established leadership can’t tell them nothing (sic) and the older leadership saying, ‘Well, we can’t tell the young people anything.’ Young adults need to listen to the experienced. Older adults should never say that you can’t tell them anything; it is up to the younger adults to accept what you’re telling them.” www.chicagodefender.com
LOCAL NEWS
Mayor Rahm Emanuel(front), Alderman Pat Dowel(left), Congressman Bobby Rush(left)
Dr. Carol Adams
Bringing it Home: Future Barack Obama Presidential Center By: Mary L. Datcher Senior Staff Writer
Once again, the South Side is the center of attention without filled with positive energy and hope throughout our streets on a windy and cool afternoon. The focus is the celebratory energy of the official announcement of the Barack Obama Presidential Center by the Barack Obama Foundation. The Obama Foundation, the University of Chicago, the city of Chicago public officials and religious leaders from the Woodlawn and Washington Park community made up the photo op in announcing this historic milestone. Although, the main gymnasium of the Gary Comer Community Center was overwhelming packed with every news and media outlet, business people and community organizations taking it all in—the question still remained. Where will the location of the library be built? Since last week’s unofficial comment by President Barack Obama signing off on Chicago being the home of the library, both he and the First Lady recorded a video announcing it together. “With a library and a foundation on the South Side of Chicago, not only will we be able to encourage and affect change locally, but what we can also do is attract the world to Chicago.” said President Obama. First Lady Michelle Obama continued, “I’m thrilled to be able to put this resource in the heart of the neighborhood that means the world to me. Every value, every memory, www.chicagodefender.com
every important relationship to me exists in Chicago. I consider myself a South Sider.” The video was played as people eagerly awaited some type of official news of where on the South Side will the library call home. There was a sense of accomplishment from those that have fought hard in pushing the importance of why the South Side should be home – Dr. Carolyn Adams, Rev. Dr. Leon Finney, Dr. Byron T. Brazier, Dr. Timuel Black along with political figures in attendance. Congressman Bobby L. Rush, City Treasurer Kirk Summers, Alderman Willie Cochran (20th Ward), Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) were among the African American public officials standing strong in attendance. What was clear were the Black public officials who weren’t in attendance – Alderman Leslie Hairston (5th Ward) and Alderman Will Burns (4th Ward). Both political leaders would have done the ‘happy dance’ if Jackson Park was chosen – even touched the surface of being the home of this prestigious honor. So, why continue to keep the shroud of secrecy of the official location when it’s pretty obvious that Washington Park is likely to be home base for the library. The University of Chicago’s President, Robert J. Zimmer said, “This would not be possible without the support of groups and individuals across the city and state, especially the leadership and commitment of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.” There was very little doubt that
Mayor Rahm Emanuel would not have Chicago being the centerpiece for the future Obama Presidential Library with so much at stake. According to a study by Anderson Economic Group, a respected economics research firm commissioned by the University of Chicago; there would be $220 million annual economic impact for the City of Chicago. A creation of 1,900 permanent new jobs and the 800,000 estimated visitors would bring additional spending of $31 million on food and retail to the neighborhood near the library. “This is a great deal for the city of Chicago and the South Side,” said
CORRECTION
Emanuel. “We have a deep connection to the First Family, and we are thrilled that they have decided to bring their legacy home through the Obama Presidential Center. It will bring tremendous opportunities to the South Side that will benefit the entire city.” With the celebration of the Obama Presidential Center coming to the South Side, the concern of residents in the community is the lack of having a trauma center. A handful of protesters were positioned outside of the Comer Community Center with signs raised for attendees and to capture the attention of the University of Chicago
executives. The high stakes involved with breaking ground and bringing economic stimulation to the South Side—the void of having a leading hospital without the amenities of a trauma center would seem unlikely. A good friend of the Obamas and Chairman of the Barack Obama Foundation, Martin Nesbitt points out, “Our goal will be to establish a Center that will exist not merely as testament to the President and First Lady’s legacy, but as dynamic, vibrant forum for civic participation, education, action and progress. We are especially looking forward to engaging with the vibrant South Side community in the years to come.”
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In the May 6, 2015 issue of the Chicago Defender this picture ran as “Jonathan Jackson”. That was incorrect, the man pictured is William Calloway, leader of the Christianaire Youth Group.
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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 13-19, 2015 5
OPINION
CHICAGO DEFENDER POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA, INC.
except for his worth in labor. This attitude is insidiously inherent in the American culture intricately woven in to it very fiber to breed and perpetuate it as a constant. If we understand how babies were torn from the womb of a Black mother and murdered in front of her eyes, whipped, amputated, tortured as a way of life then we must understand that Black mothers have witnessed the spilling of their children’s blood at the hands of the white masters since our beginnings in America and that it has never stopped. The timing and circumstances are different. Technology has become a new weapon to our advantage. We have risen from the abyss and in the words of Fannie Lou By Kai EL’Zabar Hamer, “We are sick and tired of beDefender Executive Editor ing sick and tired.” This along with Hate to bust your bubble but I the humanity of others who witness never was a Hallmark holiday sort our pain and the disparity in the poof girl. However, Mother’s Day is lice handling of Blacks compared to the one holiday that is sacred right other races is now viewed as unacup there with Christmas, Passover, ceptable behavior. Easter and any other holy day. And So those mothers who have lost so last Sunday I remembered in a son to the violence of police brucelebration of her contribution to tality, racism, or the blue code I say, others, and me my mother with “Know and trust that your child’s life the rest of America. As I continued was not taken in vain.” Rather, they my inner reflection I thought about have joined the league of martyrs what Black mothers have endured. with Emmett Till whose lives serve I considered those mothers of sons as a sacrifice, each and every one or daughters who have been lost at of them to bring us to this juncture the hands of the police. I pondered where we stand facing the unjust what could I say to them, what could violence against our young men darbe said to ease their pain or give ing to confront it and say, ‘No more. them just a little bit of hope? This stops here and now.’” So many times we’ve heard, “a To each of these mothers I say, parent is not suppose to bury their “You are special in that you have to child.” So I thought about Mamie endure the pain of the loss of a child Till who bravely chose to make her in their prime, yet know that his life son’s death a symbol of our refus- taken too soon is a bridge to the fual to just accept the racist attacks ture where our children will stand on against our sons (daughters) as a “the content of their character . . . way of life. Because of her choice to rather than the color of their skin,” share his tortured, mutilated and ter- and preconceived notions that they ribly distorted body with America so don’t deserve to live because Black the world could see what whites in lives don’t matter. We have declared America do to Blacks and get away war on the injustice against Blacks with, Blacks were inspired to fight by racist police—the police system. against such senseless brutality. We have made it clear that they Emmett’s death helped to spur the cannot and will not get away with Civil Rights movement. Of course murder under the law any longer. there has been countless others We will win and you will be called to who hung from the trees, often cas- judgment.” trated, and their testicles burned, “Black lives matter, so mothers and sometimes the tortured bodies smile through your tears and celewith missing limbs hung burned to brate the victory that each of your a non-descript crisp. But seeing Em- warriors contributed to as we conmett Till’s body made it tangible in tinue to fight on the battlefield. Yet the way that modern technology is we must know too that we can’t revealing the new lynchings of this stop here that we must embrace our day. children in love, nurture them, teach From Rodney King to Trayvon them and shepherd hem home back Martin to Freddie Gray, we must into our bosom where we can keep note that it is not new for a Black them safe and from harm.” man without a weapon to be killed. Let’s stop the racist police deThis has been the way since our ar- partments across the nation and rival here. Black lives did not matter then let’s reclaim our kids. 6 May 13-19, 2015 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER
E NOTES
Robert S. Abbott (Founder) 1905 – 1940 John H. Sengstacke (Publisher) 1940 – 1983 Frederick D. Sengstacke (Publisher) 1983 – 2000
Col. (Ret.) Eugene F. Scott (Publisher) 2000 – 2003 David M. Milliner (Publisher) 2003 – 2004 Michael A. House (Publisher) 2008 – 2013
President/Publisher: Cheryl Mainor
The Black Tax toll is both big and small Racism is so deeply embedded and rouWe documented that car insurance cost tine in America that for many whites it’s more on the Black side of town than it did on nothing more than business as usual. For the white side and that it was far more diffiAfrican Americans, however, racial discrimcult to get home improvement loans in one ination exacts a toll, from being over-poneighborhood compared to the other for a liced to being undervalued. reason. “Millions of dollars deposited by minority group members in most of their comWhen the Chicago police decided to munity banks and savings and loan associacrack down on DUI violations and feed the tions have flowed to home loans in distant city coffers with extra violation fines, they suburbs and only a few thousand dollars has set up shop in the Black community. A Chibeen retained for neighborhood mortgage,” cago Tribune investigation found that 84 we reported. percent of roadside sobriety checks were Monroe Anderson in African American or Hispanic police districts. The We also discovered that living on the wrong side of newspaper reported Sunday that between February Western Avenue, which served as a racial dividing line, 2010 and June 2014 Chicago police staged DUI check- came with a price tag of its own. The homeowners in points at 127 out of 152 in the city’s predominantly the predominantly Black neighborhoods east of Western minority neighborhoods while fewer than four percent had 25 times as many Illinois FAIR Plan policies as the were in majority-white police districts--even though whites on the west side of the avenue. For those who are that is where one out of four of Chicago’s alcohol-relat- not homeowners or who are lucky enough to be insured ed accidents and deaths occurred. by the likes of State Farm or Allstate, with the FAIR Plan, Chicago police also conducted a quarter of a million you pay higher rates for less coverage. “stop-and-frisk” searches during the summer of 2014 Over a lifetime, this Black Tax adds up to jaw-dropthat did not lead to an arrest, according to a finding by ping inequities. White Americans have 13 times the net the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. Although worth of Black Americans. In 2013, white household Blacks represent less than one-third of Chicago’s popu- wealth was $141,900 while the networth of the Black lation, we were close to three-fourths of the stops. household was just $11,000. That’s without even facIn white neighborhoods, Blacks instantly became toring in job hiring and wage discrimination. the usual suspects. In Jefferson Park, which is just one In some ways, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been an percent African American, we were 15 percent of all equal opportunity taxer. He has exacted hidden taxes the stop-and-frisks. In the Near North District, where on Chicago’s Blacks and whites by jacking up water and Blacks are less than 10 percent of the population, we sewer fees and vehicle sticker fees. He has also raised were 60 percent of those stopped by Chicago police. cable TV amusement taxes by $28.80 a year and 911 Police targeting Blacks is small change compared to taxes on landline and cell phones by $16.80 a year. some of the other ways African Americans in Chicago The DUI checkpoints and police stops and frisks have been burdened with separate and unequal treat- demonstrate that, in other ways, the mayor plays favorment. ites. Back when I was a Chicago Tribune reporter, I It’s time for all those Black Chicagoans who, for pitched the editors on our doing an investigative series whatever reasons, believed that Mayor Emanuel was we titled, after what it was called in the community, their man to remind him that he owes them. They need “The Black Tax.” to go tell the mayor that they want their just due. Our 1980 investigation uncovered a not-so-subI’m not talking about anything so grand as the $20 tle but very real practice of economic discrimination: million he’s forking over to the Jon Burge torture victims. Blacks pay more to get less. We sought out bungalows I’m thinking modest. How about he tells his police to on the city’s South and North sides that were virtually quit stopping Blacks and browns on the streets or in identical in appearance. We documented the fact that checkpoints while focusing on the color of their skin those owning the houses in Chicago’s Black neigh- before fairly considering the content of their character? borhoods paid as much as 80 percent more for home It should be a non-taxing thing to do for the mayor insurance than those owning bungalows in the city’s who says he knows how to get things done. white neighborhoods.
Don’t be afraid to sound off! Want to get something off your chest about what’s going on? Write a Letter to the Editor. Letters should not exceed 250 words and must be accompanied by your full name and contact information. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted. Email submissions to: letters@chicagodefender.com.
The Chicago Defender Platform Since 1905: 1. Prejudice and racism in all of its forms must be eliminated and destroyed. 2. Racial profiling and police brutality must be removed from police practices. 3. Reparations, or remediation, must be the final chapter in the arduous ordeal of slavery and legal segregation. 4. Opportunities for inclusion and advancement in all unions must be unrestricted.
5. F ull access to government contracts for all. 6. R epresentation in all police and fire departments must reflect the community they serve. 7. I ncrease access and availability for quality, affordable housing for all. 8. E stablish a living and fair wage as a fundamental right for all Americans. (Revised January 1966, May 2001)
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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 13-19, 2015 7
LOCAL NEWS
100 Middle School Students Honored for “Doing the Write Thing” By Arionne Nettles Defender Contributing Writer
They may be young, but 100 of Chicago’s residents may be among the bravest when it comes to speaking out about violence. Thousands of middle school students accepted the Do the Write Thing Challenge and the Top 100 were honored on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The challenge—which encourages students to submit an original essay, poem, fictional story or play about youth violence—is issued each year by the National Campaign to Stop Violence (NCSV) and since 1998, over 36,000 Chicago students have valiantly written about their experiences in their communities. “This contest is important to young writers for two reasons: first, they are at a very impressionable time in their lives—they need to be rewarded for doing something to stand up against violence, to feel special and to have confidence in themselves,” explains Robin Hulshizer, co-chair of Chicago Do the Write Thing Challenge and deputy office managing partner of Latham & Watkins. “Secondly, it helps them get through the middle school years like shining stars instead of falling into a wrong track. Also, it shows them that people care to hear what they have to say and that they are important.” The contest certainly does help its participants feel special and feel heard within their communities and they brimmed with excitement throughout the night. With their parents, teachers and mentors by their sides, they listened to
motivating praise, discussed their stories and gave support to one another. “It’s an accomplishment because I don’t usually get things like this,” says Bryan Lewis, a 14-yearold at St. Philip Neri School. “I feel really honored to be here.” Tony Iweagwu, policy advisor and counsel to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is among the challenge’s distinguished list of readers for this year’s contest and pushed the participants to continue to control the narratives of their generation as champions for the truth. “You are giving a voice to young people who are saying ‘enough.’ All over the country, young people are expressing their frustration with the status quo and in some cases, those people are taking the streets because they have no opportunities for their voices to be heard. So, with these essays, you are giving a voice not only to yourself, but to your friends, your classmates and your peers across the country who have the same feelings, who are sick of the violence, but may not have the talent with words that you do.” Cleopatra Pendleton, co-founder of the Hadiya Pendleton Foundation, shared her heartfelt sentiments with the participants. Hadiya Pendleton was a 15-yearold student from King College Preparatory School who lost her life to violence and as her mother, Pendleton’s advice and words of encouragement carried a great deal of weight with the participants. “The fact that in middle school, you all are concerned with the issue of violence warms my heart because you are our future,” said
Tony Iweagwu, Policy Advisor and Counsel to Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Brittney Burns from St. John De La Salle Academy
Pendleton. “It gives me a feeling of comfort—comfort in knowing that you have many years ahead of you to make it better, to figure it out.” For many students in Chicago, violence is more than just something they see on TV, but something they’ve experienced firsthand. Daisy Parra, a 12-year-old at Rachel Carson Elementary School, wrote about an actual occurrence of violence that happened in her neighborhood. “Everything in my story was
real,” explains Parra. “When it happened, people in our neighborhood spoke up so I wanted to write about that.” Other students, like 14-year-old Iyesha Childress from Christ Our Savior School, chose nonfiction platforms to express the violence they have seen and experienced. “I like to write because it expresses how I feel. Instead of saying it, I can write it down and put it into a character,” says Childress. The final 10 winners included
Alessandro Beltran from St. Helen School, Brittney Burns from St. John de la Salle Academy, Arinze Egbuna from Christ Our Savior Catholic School, Angela Sanchez and Damian Flores from Columbia Explorers Academy, Arianna Luna from Rachel Carson Elementary School, Christopher Ortega and Fabiola Palomo from Hurley Elementary, and Natalia Perez and Ricky Rivera from Our Lady of Grace School. One of the Top 10 winners, Brittney Burns, created a solutions-based piece. “I wrote about how other people feel about youth violence, how I feel about it, what’s happening in the news and what we should do about it,” says the 13-year-old from St. John de la Salle Academy. Out of the 10, the students with the top two pieces of writing won a trip to Washington, D.C. as ambassadors to the national Do the Write Thing Summit this summer. Regardless of who will be attending, all of the awesome finalists have much to celebrate. As 2014 winner Andrew Bortey shared with the current class of writing scholars, “My favorite part of my experience in Washington, D.C. was being able to see how violence has also affected other kids around the United States. It also was a form of motivation. I felt responsible for Chicago and although some people may not have won today, you have to still remember that you are the Top 100 in Chicago.”
Cleopatra Pendleton, Co-Founder of the Hadiya Pendleton Foundation. 8 May 13-19, 2015 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER
www.chicagodefender.com
LOCAL NEWS
50 Year Old Hales Franciscan High School in Jeopardy of Closing By E. Thomasine Edwards Over 50 years of educating, Hales Franciscan High School has been providing a quality Catholic college preparatory education and a safe learning environment to predominately African American young men (and more recently young women) on the south side of Chicago. The school is responsible for graduating contributing adults who have gone on to make tremendous changes in the world. Some of the more notable alumni include JaVale McGee, NBA center for the Denver Nuggets, Dr. Richard Gardner, Physician, Dr. Marcus Ahmed, Ph. D. English Chair, Governors State University,Rich Gardner, former NFL player, James Capers, Jr., NBA referee and Julius Carry III, Actor (now deceased) as well as other notable associated with the school such as Tim King former principal who went on o establish Urban Prep. “In recent years, the school has seen a dramatic drop in enrollment due to population decline in Chicago, a slow recovery from the economic recession and increased competition from selective enrollment and charter schools,” says Principal Nichole M. Jackson. Joseph P. Moffa, Chair of the Hales Franciscan Board of Trustees says that “As a result, the number of students taking the entrance exam and subsequently applying for admission to Hales Franciscan High School has dramatically declined.” Since its inception, the school’s operating costs were generously covered by the Franciscans of the Sacred Heart Province and the Archdiocese of Chicago in earlier years and, more recently, by the Big Shoulders Fund and generous benefactors such as Michael Jordan and John Canning. “The Board of Trustees,” according to an unidentified board member, “has made a valiant effort to identify and sustain the funding necessary to operate the school. A number of elements, including a downturn in the market, have not allowed the Board to be as successful as it would liked to have been in this regard.” As a consequence the impact has been unsettling and The Board of Trustees of Hales Franciscan High School has informed the Hales’ administration, parents, students, faculty/staff and alumni that the school needs to raise $300,000 immediately if the school is to re-open for the 2015-2016 school year. To the task on hand Principal Jackson says, “It is important that www.chicagodefender.com
native formats and funding sources to assist Hales Franciscan High School in fulfilling its educational mission.” As a result of the precarious situation in which the school finds itself, the Board of Trustees has enacted a resolution now in effecti that if it cannot raise the $300,000, Hales Franciscan High School is in jeopardy of ceasing operations as of the end of the current academic year. “Although we regret that this decision became necessary, we are sharing this information
with everyone to provide students/ parents and Hales’ employees with ample opportunity to seek an alternative school or employment options should that be necessary.” Anyone who would like to make a donation to help the school raise the $300,000 is asked to go to www. GoFundMe.com/sc8gej4 or send your donation directly to the school at Hales Franciscan Donation Fund, 4930 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615-2608.
3.5% Down Gets You A Home "Hales Alumni and NBA player, JaVelle McGee". the school survives because it serves an underserved population delivering the quality education that will help them to level the playing field when they compete for college scholarships and acceptance.” This school that has sat on the south side of Chicago on the outskirts of Hyde Park and the University Of Chicago, close to the DuSable Museum and close enough to nearby Washington Parkway Homes and Wentworth Gardens, and projects has stood amidst the challenges that faced it and has weathered the storm. The students are proof that the school meets its mission is serving the underserved and in preparing them to hold their own amongst the best. Their academic prowess is matched with the excellence of the athletic department from which high-level athletes have and continue to emerge. Jackson says that many of the alumni are disappointed in the school’s transition from all boys to coed expressing that it has strayed away from its original mission, but she differs in opinion stating that,
“True our boys remain at risk, we all know this but as an educator I see how all our children are a risk. Hales Franciscan’s move from a an all boys school to coed is necessary and viable in creating the balance of preparing our girls and boys for college. In what the school’s mission is we have not veered away from but rather expanded upon it to include girls.” The Board of Trustees of Hales Franciscan High School has informed the Hales’ administration, parents, students, faculty/staff and alumni that the school needs to raise $300,000 immediately if the school is to re-open for the 20152016 school year. Jackson says, “The Short term fix is $300,000 that will cover operational expenses from June through December. Michael Jordan Foundation committed 5 million dollars over a 5 year period and one of the payments will be received December 2015.” The Hales Franciscan Board of Trustees, according to Chairman Moffa “will continue to pursue alter-
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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 13-19, 2015 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Defender Community Calendar, May - June, 2015
Kenny Lattimore: The Anatomy of a True Singer By: Mary L. Datcher
Now – June 28th – Chicago De-
fender’s “Journey to Empowerment” exhibit celebrates 110 years of the legendary newspaper at Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State Street, in the Special Collections Gallery.
May 15th – Chicago United Hoops
Classic presented by Nike- The South Side vs. West Side Hoops Classic is a premiere high school basketball all-star game. The purpose is to help UNITE the city by teaching young men and women that basketball must extend beyond the court stressing the importance of non-violence, leadership in our community and education. Join us from 7:00 PM to 10:00 p.m. at the University of Chicago Ratner Center, 5530 S. Ellis Avenue. To purchase tickets visit www.chi-hoops. net.
May 15th – The American Heart As-
sociation invites you to an exclusive evening of networking, inspiration and shopping for a cause. Keynote speaker will be former NFL player Reggie Smith. From 6-8. p.m., at Adamus in the Silversmith Hotel, 10 S. Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603. For more information call 312476-6607.
Mint Condition
May 15th – Lovers In
May Concert featuring Keith Sweat, Mint Condition and Donell Jones-Arie Crown Theater, 2301 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60619. Tickets available Keith Sweat at box office or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
May 16th – Chicago Peace Walk- Sat-
urday at noon begins at 1957 S. Spaulding, 2 blocks west of the pink line Kedzie stop. Wear white and bring a large peace sign. Adults and youth are welcome. For those who want to help organize and be security volunteers, contact organizers at contact@urbanartretreat.com
May 16th – Macy’s celebrates the 125th anniversary of Food Service- Got Your 6 Veterans and Macy’s culinary council celebrity chefs celebrate Macy’s 125 years in food service with the rededication of the restored historic fountain.
Chicago Defender Senior Staff Writer
Kenny Lattimore is one of these dynamic voices that have a very caressing sound that has become recognizable ever since his breakout hit ballad, “For Your” in 1997. The Washington, D.C. native is no stranger to the music scene beginning his musical career as the lead singer of the R&B group, Maniquin while a freshmen at Howard University. The group had a short stint on Epic Records releasing the single, “I Wanna Ride” produced by the Gap Band’s Charlie Wilson. After it’s lukewarm reception, Lattimore made the decision to break out on his own as a solo act and relocated to New York City, eventually signing to Columbia Records. A year later, his self-titled album spawning two top 20 hits--”Never Too Busy” and the timeless classic, “For You” on the Billboard R&B charts. In addition to being a Grammy nominated singer and songwriter, his success continued to rise through his music marrying R&B singer, Chante Moore. The couple released two duet CDs together and have a son from their marriage. Since his last album release, “Timeless” in 2008, Kenny Lattimore has been incognito from the music industry, dealing with a divorce and raising his son ?. He spent time focusing on what was more in important in his life—being a full-time Dad. Never too far from his creative groove, he dived back into what was never too far from his spirit, writing and singing connecting with production team, The Sauce Boys. Now back with on the scene after a 7-year hiatus, the 3? year old Dad has a new album, “Anatomy of a Love Song” on his own label, Sincere Soul Records distributed through eOne Music Group. The single, “Love Me Back” is already building up steam on Urban Adult radio formats around the country and Chicago Defender had a chance to chat about his new project and direction. How did you come up creatively with the new album, “Anatomy of a Love Song”? I’ve been doing a lot of covers over the last few years which was a good way for me to go to a process that I called my ‘journey back
Meet Cat Cora, Tom Douglas, Johnny Iuzzini and Takashi Yagihashi and enjoy their versions of Mrs. Herring’s Chicken Pot Pie as Macy’s celebrates 125 years of food service in their department stores. Join Macy’s for this celebration at 12 noon at the Walnut Room, 111 N. State Street
May 23rd – Chicago Undy Run/Walk -
The Undy Run/Walk isn’t your everyday 5K. Over running gear, attendees sport everything from their favorite underwear to tutus, capes and costumes, with some even com-
10 May 13-19, 2015 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER
to love’. I went through a time period being in the business as a solo artist for 20 years. Life just shifted for me, I spent more time raising my son--laying a foundation for him, being in his classroom ‘hands on’ and taking care of business for him. I lost a little focus as to how I would sound like because I wasn’t recording as much. I had some of my brothers in the industry and Carvin Barias called me and said ‘We need your voice in this industry. I think I have some songs for you. He came up with a song called, “Find a Way” and “Find a Way” began to kicked off this new passion for recording and getting in there again. Prior to that, I was working with Michael Maudlin who managed me. Thank God for Michael because before this album, I did a cover album called, “Timeless” but I wasn’t singing that much after this. I had just come off “Duets” with Chante Moore so this was the first time getting back into the studio, feeling like I’m free again. This is what my voice sounds like. What makes this project different than the previous ones? All of the time that it took to put it together. I had focus groups to listen because I was very unsure about a lot of things. I was unsure about how I felt, I was unsure what the public was going to feel. I had focus groups in LA, Atlanta and Minneapolis. I let people listen to demos. I don’t think artist have done this before. I wanted to feel like it was a conversation, whenever you’re having an effective conversation, you are really hearing back from the other side; prior to coming to Photo Credit: Courtesy of eOne Music a complete conclusion. I wanted that to take place with this album. With the reviews I’ve been seeing online, I think a connection has been made-- greater than even my past albums. What makes people gravitate to your music? I think it’s a combination of things. I was that guy who said for you I’ll give a lifetime of stability and fidelity and all of this other stuff. Can we find forgiveness? I’m never too busy for you. It was just different to hear those things said by a man. It’s the romance, the lovemaking and fitting into that category of just human love across the board. I think people have gotten this from the music.
ing fully dressed as superheroes or ninja turtles. Whatever your style, the Undy takes on colon cancer in a fun and exciting way and gets people talking about this disease. Event starts at 7:30 a.m. and the run/walk begins at 9 a.m. in Busse Woods Park. For more information or to register, visit www.undyrunwalk.org and click on Chicago, IL.
May 29th – 8th Annual Food+Wine Test-
ing Brings Together Chicago’s Hottest Chefs And Sommeliers To Support Outstanding Scholars- Chef Thomas Lents of Sixteen;
Chef Matthias Merges of Yusho, Billy Sunday and A10; Chef Mauro Mafrici of Pelago Ristorante; and Chef James Kozak are among the culinary talent who will prepare exquisite savory dishes, while Pastry Chef Sandra Holl of Floriole Café & Bakery and Pastry Chef Ji Yoon of Acadia will round out the all-star roster with their inspired sweet tastings. To buy tickets, make a donation or to learn more, please contact One Million Degrees at (312) 920-9605 or visit www.onemilliondegrees.org. www.chicagodefender.com
Local News CTU vs. CPS from Page 2 At this rate, the district also plans to expand privately owned charter schools at taxpayers’ expense, spending an estimated $290 million annually on interest payments on debt. In addition, the city continues to push $10 million annually on excessive, high stakes testing.
Dwayne Johnson-Cochran
Native Chicagoan Filmmaker Dwayne Johnson-Cochran Joins Uic Advisory Board By Eleana Elan Born and raised in Chicago, Johnson-Cochran trained as a geologist at the University of Illinois (UIC) and worked for an oil company briefly until he literally fell in love with filmmaking inspired by The 400 Blows, a film directed by Frenchman Francois Truffaut, who he interviewed for the university’s school newspaper. During that interview he realized that he wanted to make films and today that’s what he does. The Chicago native and geologist-turned-filmmaker followed his passion for telling stories to Los Angeles in the in the early 90s and never looked back, building a career in both documentary and narrative forms for television and the big screen. His producing, writing and directing credits range from action dramas to examinations of social and political movements and include Love and Action in Chicago, Story of a Village and Side by Side: The Story of the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone. Most recently White Water, a story about segregation-era Alabama, had its television premiere on TVONE in February and festival premiere at the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles that same month. Be Known, the critically acclaimed documentary about the life and career of jazz great Kahil EL’Zabar- was also screened at the PAFF. Johnson-Cochran taught screenwriting at the University of Southern California in the Guy Hanks and Marwww.chicagodefender.com
vin Miller Fellowship program. He is a two-time winner of the “Mentor of the Year” award from the Fulfillment Fund of Los Angeles and has worked with Oxfam, Save the Children, and Doctors Without Borders. Of his new engagement on behalf of students at his Chicago alma mater, Johnson-Cochran notes, “That he wants to express his appreciation for the opportunity to pursue his college education at UIC by advising students that I believe strongly that the best way to discover your passion and your path is by pursuing a college education that provides you with the broadest range of courses and learning opportunities opening doors to expose and introduce possibility. I hope to assist UIC and LAS to keep those opportunities accessible for the generations to come.” UIC’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a leading public research and teaching institution that integrates learning, discovery, and engagement. The largest of the UIC colleges, LAS houses 22 departments and programs and offers over 40 majors and minors, 14 languages, 50 graduate degrees, and almost 1000 courses. Dwayne is a 1982 alumnus in Geological Sciences (Earth and Environmental Sciences) and has recently become a member of the UIC College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Board of Visitors. The LAS Board of Visitors collaborates with the Dean of LAS to provide students with the highest quality education.
The Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University found in a 2009 report that 17 percent of charter schools outperformed their public school equivalents, while 37 percent of charter schools performed worse than regular local schools, and the rest were about the same. A 2010 study by Mathematica Policy Research found that, on average, charter middle schools that held lotteries were neither more nor less successful than regular middle schools in improving student achievement, behavior or school progress. Among the charter schools considered in the study, more had statistically significant negative effects on student achievement than statistically significant positive effects. National Executive Director for Journey for Justice Alliance Jitu Brown explains, “What is gutting the system is almost a fanatical commitment to privatization. When you look into their budget, almost $750 million internally is dedicated to privatization. The impact this has had on our community has been devastating. We know now that twothirds of the schools that have been
closed, student scores have dipped and in some cases plummeted.” “There’s corporate interest which is driving CPS policy right now. That’s why Governor Rauner has schools named after him – charter schools in our community. Then there’s CTU – a union that has transformed itself into a community-based union. When you look at its contract demands, it’s demanding early childhood education for every child – that’s a community demand. CTU is demanding what we call ‘community sustainable’ schools. That’s a demand they came up with by meeting with organizers, parents and youth leaders. The union asked, ‘what do you want to see?’” A coalition of more than a dozen parent and community groups, from every corner of the city, has invited officials from CPS and the CTU to engage in public forums to discuss the issues of contention in the current negotiations. The CTU has agreed to participate, but so far CPS has declined. The forums are designed to discuss important issues in three public meetings being held before the current contract expires on June 30. Following is a listing of these public meetings. The community is encouraged to attend and participate. Tuesday, May 19, 6 p.m., Luther Memorial Church, 2500 W. Wilson. Thursday, June 4, 6 p.m., Mt. Carmel MB Church, 2978 S. Wabash Ave. Wednesday, June 10, 6 p.m., Kelly Hall YMCA, 824 N. Hamlin Ave.
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City of Chicago
Department of Procurement Services Robin Robinson(left),Executive Director of Parent Power Chicago Christopher Butler, Dr. Shelly Jones
Cook County Office of the Chief Procurement Officer PRESENT
This event provides opportunity for vendors to learn about contracting opportunities with the City of Chicago, its Sister Agencies, Cook County Agencies, State and Federal agencies, and to network with other business owners.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (8:30 a.m. Registration)
UIC Forum 725 West Roosevelt Chicago, Illinois 60607 UIC Forum Parking Available for $10.00 * 1029 S. Morgan, Lot 5 For More Information and to Register:
www.cityofchicago.org/dpsevents 12 May 13-19, 2015 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER
The Love, Unity & Values Institute Hosted First LUV Awards Luncheon By Redessa Harris Contributing Writer
The Love, Unity & Values (LUV) Institute hosted its first, annual LUV Awards during a luncheon and fundraiser event last week at the Peninsula Chicago Hotel. Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and chairperson of Chicago Cubs Charities, was honored as a LUV Champion and received The LUV Award for her philanthropy and commitment to youth causes. Robin Robinson, one of Chicago’s most well-respected media personalities, served as mistress of ceremonies. As a youth agency established to provide college preparation, employment training, education, job placement and other supportive services to high risk, under-served youth between 11-24 years of age, The LUV Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In less than four years, The LUV Institute has serviced more than 1,000 participants through its five educational programs. Cosette Nazon Yisrael is the founder and executive director of The LUV Institute. “Our core mission is to provide hope, skills and opportunity to vulnerable young people from low-income families. We prepare them to be job-ready for economically sustainable employment in a market that increasingly demands a higher-skilled workforce,” she stated. “Hosting The
Calvin Williams(LUV),Leonard McLaughlin(Aon), Gosette Yisrael(LUV) LUV Awards during a fundraising luncheon provided us the opportunity to thank many of our supporters while showcasing our programs and services to an audience of corporative executives, business people, educators, clergy, students and community leaders.” During the luncheon, Robinson moderated a panel titled Philanthropy and Education: A Partnership That Works which addressed the importance of philanthropy in the educational environment. Participants included Dr. Shelly Davis-Jones, superintendent for Dolton
School District 149 in Calumet City, IL, and Christopher “Chris” Butler, executive director of Parent Power Chicago. Leonard McLaughlin, president of AON Cornerstone, served as chairperson of The LUV Awards Event Committee. He was presented a special award for his fundraising leadership by Yisrael and Calvin Williams, chairman of the Board of Directors and president of CCSI Construction. AON Cornerstone, US Bank and Diversity MBA magazine served as event sponsors. www.chicagodefender.com
Entertainment
Demetria McKinney: Keeping it ‘100’ on Music and the Real Housewives of Atlanta By: Mary L. Datcher
Defender Senior Staff Writer
For five years, we knew her from role as “Janine Payne” on the hit sitcom, Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” and most recently her frequent appearance on Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo network. Demetria McKinney has been a visible fixture on the theater scene starring in several Tyler Perry plays including; “Meet the Browns”, “Why Did I Get Married” along with additional stage work with leading roles in “Church Girl” and performing with Jennifer Holiday in “Dream Girls”. Currently, she stars on the TV One’s sitcom, The Ricky Smiley show as Monica, Rickey’s ex-wife. Her familiarity with her fans have been her steady climb as an actress but her first love has always been music. As an R&B singer, McKinney has opened up for national recording artists-- Dwele, Tank and Anthony David. With her latest single, “100” receiving moderate radio play, the hot new uptempo song features Chicago native, Da Brat. With her growing list of film and television credits and music career, Chicago Defender sat down with the dynamic talent to find out her story. What do you have going on right now? I just finished the season on Real Housewives of Atlanta which has been a great growth process for me. I have two movies coming out. One film is “Let the Church Say Amen” which is Regina King’s directorial debut. The other film is called, “Sons to the Grave” and that film was directed by Michael T. Williams. The colors that he brings out of actors is phenomenal. It stars myself, Darrin Henson and Atlantic Recording artist, Trevor Jackson. We know your work as an actress but tell us about your work as a recording artist? It’s been building since I was three. I always knew music was what I wanted to do and acting just fell into place because how God planned it. I’m thankful for that. It’s always been about getting back to the core of who I am which is music. It’s interesting to see how the fans have been reacting. My music tells them how I am. Playing Janine was great, Monica is cool but even playing Dina, opposite of the original Effie (Jennifer Holiday) in Dream Girls – that was amazing. But there is nothing like people actually knowing who you are and really rocking with you. I can represent a whole different genre so the music shows me at my purest form. What makes your latest single, ‘100’ special? I wanted this project to be really about me and I didn’t want to plague it with too many collaborations. Then it would be me featured- I really want people to get to know who I am. The next one, I would like to collaborate all day. As my team and I listen to the EP to figure out on what should come out next, there’s something that speaks differently to each person which is what I love. As a busy professional in the business, how do you maintain balance in such a hectic industry? It all started being a single mom. As a single mom, I didn’t have a choice. I had to take care of home, kid, job, man and had to set aside time for myself. I had to figure out to multitask in a way that I wouldn’t let anything drop. Thank goodness I had that kind of military upbringing because we were constantly on the road. We had to adjust to change. So, coming into the business and being passionate about the levels in my life – I just make it work. You don’t get tired of doing what you love. Why did you decide to be on the RHOA, knowing it’s history with drama? The platform is undeniable. We walked into it with communication. I’ve seen how relationships, images, brands can all be tarnished by reality television. That’s what made me tread so lightly with how I approached it. I wanted to leave the same way I came-if not better. What is your advice to younger women entering the business that you can share? If you don’t know who are, they will make you who you don’t want to be. I came into RHOA and everything else, confident of who I am. I was aware of what I wanted the original outcome to be. With tunnel vision, there are going to be people that will try tell you how to do this and how to do that. Find the right people to help you get there. You will be straight. www.chicagodefender.com
THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 13-19, 2015 13
Food
HELP & HOPE FOR HOMEOWNERS Struggling to make your Ocwen mortgage payments? The NAACP and Ocwen want to help you!
EVENT DETAILS: Date: Saturday, May 16th Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Doors open at 8:00 a.m.) Place: Whitney M. Young High School 211 S. Laflin St. Chicago, IL 60607 Free Parking on Laflin St.
OCWEN CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO: 1.
Get free help from a HUD-approved counselor who’s on your side
2.
Speak one-on-one with an Ocwen Home Retention Specialist
3.
Find a way to make your home more affordable through a loan modification program
DOCUMENTS TO BRING: • • • • • • •
Photo ID (Required) 2 most recent Pay stubs/Profit & loss statement/bonus or commision records 2 most recent bank statements Most recent tax return Your latest utility bill A list of your current expenses (even better - a budget or copies of your bills) Documents related to other mortgages, HOA dues, property taxes, homeowner insurance
Call Ocwen using our NAACP direct-access number: 1(855) 459-2514
14 May 13-19, 2015 • THE CHICAGO DEFENDER
Black America Cooks By Donna Battle Pierce I corrected my son the first time he referred to my method of preparing his favorite hot breakfast cereal as “old-school oatmeal.” “I cook it in the microwave; it’s not old school,” I said, adding, “The microwave is certainly a modern kitchen appliance.” This made him laugh more. It’s all relative. I had to concede that the microwave oven may have joined the list of old-school kitchen equipment when my only child reminded me that from his first memory requesting “utmeal” there has always been a microwave oven plugged into our family kitchen. At least we both agreed this whole grain warms into a delicious breakfast. Just what is oatmeal in relation to amber waves of oat grains we pass in the fields? According to Webster’s New World Dictionary of Culinary Arts (Prentice Hall), when the cereal grass known as oats are harvested and the inedible husks are removed, oat kernels (also known as oat groats) are
steamed and rolled into flat flakes to produce 100 percent whole grain rolled oats, which are also known as old-fashioned oats. “Quick-cooking” oats are rolled oats which are cut into much smaller pieces, and packaged products labeled “instant” were partially cooked before rolling into almost powder form. A 2015 report from an American Medical Association publication (Jama Internal Medicine) highlights Harvard researchers citing daily consumption of 33 grams of whole grains (equal to one bowl of oatmeal) as a major factor contributing to living more than 14 years longer than those who consumed few whole grains. Now that he’s an adult, my millennial son still rates oatmeal among his favorite foods. He stocked the packaged version in his college dorm and later in his first apartment, until his coupon-clipping, baby boomer mom showed him this cost-effective way to use bulk oatmeal and fresh berries from the Farmer’s Market to make a delicious instant breakfast with amazing health benefits.
Farmer’s Market Oatmeal 1/3 cup whole grain oats 2/3 cup water 1/4 teaspoon salt Banana slices, from 1/2 small banana, optional 1 tablespoon milk 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of ground nutmeg, allspice, mace, optional Fresh blueberries, strawberries or other seasonal fruit, to taste Combine oatmeal, water and salt in a large (at least 5-cup) microwave safe bowl. Cover with microwave cover or lightly wrap with a paper towel. Cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes; stir. Stir in bananas, if using. Stir in milk, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add nutmeg, allspice and mace if using. Cook 30 seconds more. Stir. Transfer to a smaller bowl. Stir in fresh fruit as desired. Makes 1 serving. Donna Pierce is a 2015 recipient of a Harvard Nieman Foundation Visiting Fellowship who is currently working on a cookbook about historic black recipes and cook. She is the former
assistant food editor and test kitchen director for the Chicago Tribune and Contributing Editor for Upscale Magazine. Send questions or share your favorite original recipe to dpierce@BlackAmericaCooks.com or Donna Pierce 535 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 3105, Chicago, Ill. 60611. (Include your name and telephone number.) If we print your recipe in this column, you will win a new cookbook. Plus, you will be eligible to have your recipe included in BlackAmericaCooks.com and SkilletDiaries.com. Find more recipes and information by joining Donna on twitter.com/BlackAmerCooks and facebook.com/BlackAmericaCooks. www.chicagodefender.com
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THE CHICAGO DEFENDER • May 13-19, 2015 15