Chicago Defender 6/12/19

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Volume 114 No. 7 | June 12-18, 2019

Fathers, Real Men Community P5 | City.Life.Style: P7 | Music P9 POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA

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CITY NEWS

Medical and Sports Facility to Celebrate Open House Hyde Park’s newest medical and sports facility has opened. Dr. Gregory L. Primus and a team of several exceptional doctors have opened their Medical and Sports Multiplex in Hyde Park. The grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, June 15 at 1301 S. 47th St. The celebration is free to all and will feature tours of the facility, food, games, music and fun.

Dr. Gregory Primus is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed medical school at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and went on to complete his orthopedic residency at the University of Chicago Hospital. He is fellowship trained in sports and arthroscopic surgery, as well as knee and shoulder reconstruction, which was completed at the Southern California Center for Sports Medicine.

Dr. Primus is a former NFL player; even during his football career, he always planned to become a medical doctor. His

success on the football field delayed his eventual pursuit of his life’s passion to become a surgeon as he went on to play three years in the NFL — one season with the Denver Broncos and two seasons with the Chicago Bears.

In 2009, Dr. Primus organized his team and formed the Chicago Center of Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery. He created a state-of-the-art, 15,000 square foot sports medicine and arthritis facility in the south suburbs. Most recently in 2018, he expanded the medical practice to include a medical/sports complex sprawling more than 95,000 square feet. This complex is like none other in the country in that it comprises a multi-specialty medical clinic, including an urgent care facility and physical therapy services, but also houses 80,000 square feet of sport court space, indoor athletic turf training space, a therapeutic pool and a fitness/health club. The facility is called the CSO Sports Multiplex and is

located in the heart of Chicago in one of the city’s famed neighborhoods of Hyde Park.

The CSO Sports Multiplex also features a grand sports facility for a variety of sporting events. Located in the facility are five basketball courts, two that are the size of an NBA court, six volleyball courts, three batting cages, a mini football turf, baseball turf and locker rooms.

The facility can be used for sporting tournaments, training facilities and other sporting events.

The medical facility also includes a Premier Urgent Care and Occupational Health Center operated by Dr. Michael A. McGee and Dr. Reuben Rutland. Their approach is to deliver individualized patient care with compassion and a personal commitment to follow best practices grounded in evidence-based medicine.

They will provide several urgent care services as well as occupational health services.

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HFS Student Scholars Win Top Prize The inaugural year of the ComEd HFS Scholars STEM Program and Energy Academy concluded this weekend with student project presentations and an award ceremony recognizing the top three teams. Winning criteria for student prototypes in the competition included the potential to deliver community benefits related to health, safety, sustainability, connectedness, mobility, efficiency and education.

Winning students among the 50 participating freshmen were Austin Ayite, Kamron Brown, Bryce Choice and Chris Iwuoha. They were awarded the top prize of $2,000 for their innovative technology concept, Smart Pathways. Smart Pathways was designed to light pathways, more energy efficiently, through motion sensors and light dimming capabilities. The Smart Pathways prototype also included safety features such as tracking movement through its light sensors.

ComEd’s HFS Scholars STEM Program and Energy Academy is a fouryear educational program connecting socioeconomically disadvantaged high school students to STEM subjects specifically related to the energy industry.

Since its kickoff in December, students have been taking part in an immersive experience, learning the fundamentals of energy, smart city technologies and sustainability, and developing smart grid prototypes with professional engineer mentors.

“While the partnership we’ve built with HFS Chicago Scholars offers its 2 June 12-18, 2019

students the unique opportunity to learn about the exciting future of energy, it also grants us the opportunity to learn from these bright students,” said Shay Bahramira, vice president of Engineering and Smart Grid at ComEd. “We look forward to building upon this partnership and to see these freshmen students grow over the course of their high school career, as they all achieved excellence over the past five months.”

Mia Cadichon, Dulce Chavez, Ashley Farinango, Dayanara Orellana, Luz Perez and Amanda Zavala won second place and were awarded $1,250. The team developed an energy efficient Smart Charger designed to charge phones while reducing the chance of overheating and/or battery explosions by shutting off once the phone reaches 100 percent battery power.

Saul Garcia, Edgar Mijarez, Leslie Ortega, Israel Ramos and Edgar Valadez placed in third place and received a prize of $750 for developing a Smart Carbon Dioxide Detector. The detector was designed to improve air quality and emergency response times in regard to carbon dioxide emissions. The prototype included integrating sensors into existing technology to sense the amount of carbon dioxide in the air as well as assist in emergency response by rerouting GPS systems and working with traffic signals to route traffic away from dangerous areas.

“ComEd has been a fantastic partner for over 10 years,” said Mike Kennelly, founder and chairman of HFS Chicago

Scholars. “They launched this program this year, and it’s been great for our freshmen scholars — learning scientific concepts from ComEd’s scientists and engineers and how to apply them. But more than anything, seeing them have a lot of fun along the way.”

Other student prototypes ranged from smart outlets, which help reduce excess energy usage, and smart canes, which help the sight impaired, to technology that would use precipitation as an energy source to generate electricity and as a water source by filtering the water for home appliance usage.

The HFS Scholars STEM Program and Energy Academy is part of ComEd’s Community of the Future in Bronzeville, a collaborative effort of local residents and ComEd to use smart grid technologies to create a connected, green and resilient community as well as enhance people’s everyday lives. Additional pilots of ComEd’s Community of the Future include a microgrid that enhances the security and resiliency of the electric system; an electric vehicle transportation service for seniors; a community energy storage pilot; off-grid renewable lighting structures; and sensor-based technologies that are being piloted with nearby Illinois Tech. The Community of the Future also features STEM education programs for Bronzeville and Chicago-area high school students who are applying microprocessor technology to design solutions that address community needs and enhance quality of life.

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COVER STORY

Damon Williams Talks Fatherhood

By LaShawn Williams Contributing Writer cooking and working on Father’s Day! Damon Williams has long ago cemented his standing as one off the most well-known comedians from Chicago. With a diverse portfolio that includes appearing on television, producing and hosting comedy shows, performing in stand-up comedy tours or holding down the “Friday Funny Chair” on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Williams shows no signs of slowing down.

The Chicago Defender caught up with the Windy City native to talk about raising his son in Chicago, balancing comedy and fatherhood and the never-ending Father’s Day “hustle.”

Chicago Defender: This is a very different Chicago for your son than it was for you as a young man; do those comparisons ever cross your mind?

Damon Williams: All the time; it is constantly on my mind. My son initially grew up in Country Club Hills, but we moved back into the city near the Brainerd neighborhood. When he was younger, because he loved to play basketball, I put a rim at my house so that our home was the focal point in the neighborhood; it helped me keep my eye on things. Because we were in an area where anything could happen, I made it a point to tell him that if a fight broke out, to not stand around and watch but go the other way.

Also, if we’re comparing, I think we parents feel like we were raised better but I don’t think we [necessarily] were. I just think the times were better then.

CD: Given the strained relationship between young Black men and law enforcement, as a father, how do those situations affect you — especially in your line of work where you are expected to be funny and “on” all the time?

DW: It’s a tricky position to be in because my job as a comedian is to bring light to people when they come out to my shows. As far as humor goes, I can make light of what’s going on in the news or bring attention to a headline and still try to find the laughter within it. However, I try not to be too heavy-handed while on stage. I still make my statements, but I tend to use my social media as a platform for that.

CD: How do you incorporate fatherhood into your comedy in general?

DW: All year, not just on Father’s Day, I salute all the fathers. I do it year ‘round because Father’s Day is such an underappreciated holiday. Now, of course mothers are the greatest and in many cases in our community, they are the backbone of the household…however, fathers who are around and who are doing the right thing don’t [always] get the love and appreciation. So, I just take a moment in my show to say, “Happy Father’s Day.”

CD: And from the looks of things, kids can certainly step up their Father’s Day gift game, no?

DW: With the gifts, moms get fragrances and flowers — dads get a drill or a hammer! Basically, it’s: “Now that we’ve got you this brand-new power drill, you can fix that banister!” It’s not always bad on Father’s Day, but it’s definitely a little biased.

CD: Speaking of young Black men in Chicago — your son Damon, through his Let Us Breathe initiative, is blazing his own path by helping to crush all the stereotypes about young adults in Chicago. Can you tell us more about the work he’s doing there?

DW: My son is my proudest achievement in life.

He amazes me on a daily basis — all the trips, flights, dive bars and comedy shows I’ve done that paid for his education have paid off because he’s a brilliant, scholarly young man. And by his own choice, he decided he wanted to be a social activist and for that, I commend him. Let Us Breathe is in the heart of Englewood and it serves as an incubator for men’s issues, gender and lifestyle equality and it’s also for artists and activists. All these poets, writers, intellectuals and hip-hop artists fellowship and do neighborhood outreach. He felt it was his mission to change the Southside of Chicago and on a larger scale, change the world. I’m very proud of him and his initiative to give young people a place to use their voice — to try to find resolutions to problems so many youths are facing.

CD: Father’s Day is here. What kind of message would you like to send to all the African-American dads out there?

DW: I want to remind fathers that they are valued, they are a powerful force and they definitely matter.

CD: I don’t know if anyone would disagree with you that even after all this time, Father’s Day still flies way below the radar…

DW: For sure! In fact, I even talk about how you can’t even get a restaurant reservation around Mother’s Day but on Father’s Day, you can get a table for a party of 20 — that same day!

CD: So, not many dinner reservations or even home-cooked meal from the kids on Father’s Day? DW: You see, they trick us into believing we’re these great “grill masters,” so they [coyly] say, “Daddy you should grill on Father’s Day!” Now daddy is www.chicagodefender.com

June 12-18, 2019 3

NHS Chicago Urges Homebuyers to Seek Qualified Housing Counselors This month, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) had advice to lend to Chicago consumers who are considering buying a home, or existing homeowners looking for help with their current home. NHS urged these individuals to seek the support of qualified housing counselors and education organizations.

NHS housing experts can help provide the tools and resources to make informed housing decisions. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than half of those who sought counseling purchased a home within one year.

“Homeownership is a journey of empowerment and often times the largest asset most people will own in their lifetime,” said Kristin Faust, NHS president. “Being as prepared as possible before taking on the responsibilities of homeownership is critical and that’s where NHS can provide the tools and resources to promote strong and sustainable homeownership.”

Housing counseling and education organizations like NHS are able to help prospective homebuyer’s access grants for down payment assistance; it helps them put together a solid budget that clearly outlines housing and other expenses; and they offer support, such as financial coaching and more, after the home is purchased.

Throughout the month of June, NHS has scheduled a robust calendar of events consisting of financial planning, trolley tours to view homes for sale and more. In addition, existing homeowners can now access a homeowner’s toolkit that will provide resources on a variety of topics from property tax exemptions to utility savings and assistance programs, which will all help reduce monthly expenses.

NHS is a HUD-approved nonprofit housing counseling agency committed to supporting people through the process of buying, fixing and keeping a home. For more information about homeownership tools and resources, visit nhschicago.org or call 773-329-4111.

4 June 12-18, 2019

COMMUNITY Fundraiser to Help student in Ghana

By Megann Horstead Contributing Writer The Susan Lankai Debrah Educational Foundation’s inaugural Taste of Ghana fundraiser is set for June 13.

At the event, guests can expect to enjoy Ghanaian delicacy, a raffle drawing, music and mingling.

The Susan Lankai Debrah Foundation, according to its website, works to help equip junior high school students at Osu Presbyterian Girls School with the materials and resources needed to facilitate a world-class 21st century learning environment.

The school has its challenges.

“It has some specific capital issues,” said Joyce Debrah-Sheppard, president and co-founder of the Susan Lankai Debrah Foundation.

“The resources in the facility and the condition of the facility — there’s some things that need some improvement.”

Organizers said the goal is to raise between $8,000 and $10,000 to pay for flooring and white board installations.

Once completed, the project will serve as the fourth project undertaken by the foundation.

The foundation’s board of directors has taken several trips to Ghana to complete service projects in the past.

Debrah-Sheppard said that seeing the students during the foundation’s first trip, which took place in August of 2017, particularly tugged at her heart.

“They were taking an exam that was going to determine what high school they would be able to go to,” she said. “Instead of having a desk where they could focus, they were sitting on church pews that the church had discarded.”

A short time later, the foundation raised money and received a donation to help support the building of 100 desks for the students.

The junior high school has approximately 130 girls.

“It’s really an opportunity to engage with the foundation,” Debrah-Sheppard said when referring to the fundraiser. “Stakeholders, they’ll learn more about the school, about the girls and about the impact of aesthetics on academic performance.”

The students who’ve benefitted from the foundation’s contributions have yet to graduate from high school or make plans for post-secondary education, but Debrah-Sheppard said the foundation “hopes to be supporting their collegiate endeavors.”

The foundation hopes to make that possible in different ways, with one being that the foundation took students on a college visit of Ashesi University during August of 2017.

“We were able to take 30 of their highest performing students to the college,” Debrah-Sheppard said. “They absolutely loved it. We hope that providing that exposure on a regular basis will only increase the number of students, especially female students in that region, that want to go to college.”

The foundation received a generous anonymous donation and raised funds by way of friends, family and social media to make its efforts possible in the past.

Debrah-Sheppard said that getting people to support the cause makes more of a difference than they may realize.

“I think our future leaders have an opportunity to come from all sorts of places,” Debrah-Sheppard said. “There are a good number of African students that arrive in Chicago, specifically because we do have a large Ghanaian population, and they become future leaders.”

Organizers hope the fundraiser draws between 125 and 150 guests.

“We can build up a cadre of monthly subscribers or monthly donators to raise funds for the school,” Debrah-Sheppard said.

Event organizers want the fundraiser to be family-friendly. For every ticket paid in full, guests can bring one child, under the age of 7, for free and they can purchase a ticket for $20 for youth ages 8–17.

The Taste of Ghana fundraiser will take place at Hyde Park Art Center, located at 5020 South Cornell Avenue, in the Pond Room from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

To donate, visit educateghana.com. For other information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-ghana-fundraiser-tickets-60978442162.

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COMMUNITY

Real Men Cook: 30 Years Strong (And Counting)

By Lee Edwards Contributing Writer For many in Chicago’s Black community, Father’s Day has become synonymous with Real Men Cook’s annual celebration of fathers — men who take on the unique responsibilities of being more than just the father of a child.

These men are also parents who offer and represent love, affection, guidance, understanding, patience and leadership, among several other worthy adjectives, both in and outside of the household as well as within their communities at-large.

Since its launch in 1990, Real Men Cook Father’s Day celebrations have been held in Chicago, Atlanta, the Bahamas, within the continent of Africa and several other locations.

In recent years, the Real Men Cook Father’s Day celebration has been an afternoon of men (some of whom are fathers) volunteering to cook free food samples for one-and-all for a family friendly day of fun, community and reverence for dads everywhere.

This year’s Real Men Cook Father’s Day celebration in Chicago will be held from 3 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 16 at Hales Franciscan High School, 4930 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Tickets are $15 in advance for adults and $10 for children. Admission is $30 on the day of the event. Local musicians are scheduled to perform.

To purchase tickets, visit https://eventnoire. com/30th-real-men-cook-celebration/.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will move indoors for participants.

Real Men Charities, Inc. is the nonprofit arm of Real Men Cook, which prioritizes men’s wellness. Ayinde Cartman, executive director of Real Men Charities, Inc., said the nonprofit hosts a free intergenerational healing circle for men only on Sunday afternoons from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Quarry Event Center located at 2423 E. 75th St. The healing circle events first began in March 2018.

“This [celebration] has consistently provided a space for men to be celebrated — particularly fathers on Fa-

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ther’s Day. It’s a pleasure to keep this event alive,” Cartman said. “Father’s Day is the real celebration of manhood.

And everybody loves food so it’s the ability to combine the two in a way that has a larger impact than your standard family barbecue that may be smaller and for a particular crowd. Real Men Cook is open to everyone; it’s for the community.”

The food choices this year will feature traditional barbecue, vegan and vegetarian options. One of the event’s sponsors — University of Chicago Medicine — will provide vegetable, pineapple and chicken kabobs, Cartman explained.

In preparation for the outdoor cooking aspect of Real Men Cook, all male volunteers must complete an outside festival sanitation certification administered by Faith Dining Chicago, according to Cartman. He said 30 volunteers in total have completed three classes thus far. The volunteers hail from Chicago’s Westside, Southside and south suburbs.

A portion of the revenue raised from the upcoming Real Men Cook Father’s Day celebration will ben-

efit Hales Franciscan High School and support programs for Real Men Charities, Inc., such as the men’s healing circle and a mentorship program called “Real Mentors.”

MANifest is another program that will receive a portion of the revenue. MANifest, which intends to use hip-hop as an opportunity to encourage literacy, was created by Real Men Charities, Inc. under program director Dr. Obari Cartman.

For more information about Real Men Cook, visit https://www.realmencook. com/index.html.

June 12-18, 2019 5

EDUCATION By the Hand, Kids Learn Meaning of

“Life Goes On”

A little boy was killed in a tragic auto accident 27 years ago, and his liver was donated to a 9-month-old girl, which saved her life.

During June, more than 200 students of By the Hand Club for Kids will celebrate the life, death and gift of life Evan Samata, then just over two years old, gave to Kara Thio, who is now 27 and recently became Mrs. Brendon Smith. The students will also honor Evan’s parents, Greg and Pat Samata, who make Evan’s Life Month possible at By the Hand.

By the Hand children are creating posters to educate and increase awareness for organ donations. On Monday, June 3 at By the Hand Club for Kids, located at 415 N. Laramie Ave, judges chose the best posters.

The kids celebrated Evan’s Life Month with the Samatas at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 by tying blue hearts, which honors donors and recipients of organs, on a pear tree donated by the Thio family.

The winning posters will be displayed in public places throughout the month and on the website at https://bethesolution.club to promote organ donation.

“As a young girl, Kara and her mother, Victoria, joined a coalition of organ recipients who went to Washington D.C. and spoke

before congress about the importance of organ donation,” said Pat Samata. “Kara also participated in the Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade as she rode on the “Life Goes On” float while holding a large photograph of her donor, Evan.”

“Organ donation is vitally important, and we are very grateful that Pat and Greg Samata and their son Evan make it possible each year for our students to learn the true meaning of how life goes on through organ donation,” said Donnita Travis, founder and executive director of By the Hand.

By the Hand is an after-school program that emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing the whole child — mind, body and soul. Its five clubs serve nearly 1500 students located in Cabrini-Green, Englewood, Altgeld-Gardens and two in Austin.

Big Shoulders Fund Celebrates 11th Year of Stock Market Program

Ariel Investments Malik Murray, Mario Gage, and Victoria Bills share their passion for their career with the students while serving on the career panel.

Nearly 1,000 eighth grade students gathered at the Goodman Theater in Chicago to celebrate another successful year of the Stock Market Program. The Stock Market Program brings more than 150 Chicago business leaders into 61 Big Shoulders Fund schools to teach the basic concepts of saving and investing, the stock market, and careers in the finance and business sectors.

The Stock Market Program was developed by two Big Shoulders Fund executive committee members, Charlie Bobrinskoy and Jim Hoeg, who sought to share their passion for the markets with the next generation and hopefully inspire another group of traders. Under their leadership, students in the program will build 6 June 12-18, 2019

a virtual portfolio tied to actual financial incentives for their school. What began as three schools during the 2008-2009 school year has now grown to 61 elementary schools and two high schools for the 2018-2019 school year.

“As someone who was introduced to the stock market by my dad when I was in 5th or 6th grade, I understand the importance of learning about finance and investing at an early age,” said Bobrinskoy who also serves as vice chairman and portfolio manager of Ariel Investments.

“Jim and I are very grateful to all of the teachers who dedicate their time to help make this a meaningful and influential program for the Big Shoulders Fund students who participate.”

This year’s event featured a mock investors meeting from Jennifer McManus, director of Investor Relations at GATX, followed by a career panel that included Ariel Investments’ Malik Murray, Mario Gage and Victoria Bliss.

At the end of the event, the Stock Market Program winner was announced. The school whose portfolio grew the most and won the Stock Market Program Cup was St. Nicholas Cathedral School.

“It was wonderful to see how excited the students were and join them in celebrating the end of a very special learning experience,” said McManus. “I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to share what I’ve learned from my time in the financial industry and hopefully help inspire the next generation of professionals to achieve great things in their own careers.”

Now in its 11th year, the Stock Market Program provides Big Shoulders Fund eighth grade students with a unique opportunity to learn about key aspects of business, such as the financial markets, the importance of managing risk, and personal savings and investing concepts.

The students are taught by business and corporate executives from across the greater-Chicago area. Through the Stock Market Program, these professionals have an opportunity to encourage students to get involved in the profession, as well as share their passion, knowledge and expertise with students who otherwise might

not have been exposed to such concepts.

Each school in the program receives up to $3,000 that students manage throughout the year, providing them with an invaluable first-hand lesson in the challenges and responsibilities associated with managing and growing real money.

“Big Shoulders Fund believes in making long-term investments in our students in order to help them not only succeed academically but give them the tools they will need when they graduate and enter adulthood,” said Joshua D. Hale, president and chief executive officer of Big Shoulders Fund. “Our Stock Market Program brings educational concepts to life, teaches students valuable skills they can start using today and keep for the rest of their lives, and we are very excited to see what they do with this knowledge in the future.”

Charlie Bobrinskoy and Jim Hoeg prepare to present the Stock Market Program trophy. www.chicagodefender.com

CITY.LIFE.STYLE

Love Story Inspires Marvin Gaye Musical,

‘Pride & Joy’

By Tia Carol Jones The love story between singer-songwriter Marvin Gaye and business woman Anna Gordy Gaye is at the center of the new play, “Pride & Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical.” Performances will take place Wednesday – Sunday, June 19 – 23 at the Chicago Theatre located at 175 N. State St. The play about Gaye and Gordy, who was the older sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy, features 28 songs from the Motown catalogue.

Marvin Gaye III, son of Marvin and Anna and chief executive officer of MGIII Global Licensing International, is involved with the production.

Krystal Drake portrays Anna Gordy Gaye, whom she described as a mogul.

“She was very much about her business. Things had to be done and things had to be done right,” Drake said. “She wasn’t a performer, but she was backstage. She was orchestrating everything.”

Drake said Anna was the inspiration for some of Gaye’s songs.

“This show centers around them both and how their relationship contributed to the sound of Motown.”

To prepare, Drake said she did a lot research.

“We are playing actual people, so you want to do it justice. I did some personal work of my own so I could connect with the character,” she said.

Some of that work included connecting to some of Drake’s own personal experiences and drawing from past romantic relationships. She also said the directors — Angela Barrow-Dunlap and D’Extra Wiley — were incredible and helped the cast get through the journey.

“Collectively, we all want people to remember Marvin Gaye and what he stood for,” Drake said.

“We also want people to remember Anna and all the things she stood for.”

Jarran Muse portrays earlier Marvin Gaye. Muse was also handpicked by Berry Gordy to portray Gaye in “Motown: The Musical.” He said he received a lot of help from Gordy in order to prepare for his portrayal of Gaye for the first time. Now, Muse has gained a lot of insight into the type of man Gaye was.

“He’s definitely a different person than he was in the ‘70s. He was influenced by Frank Sinatra and Perry Cuomo,” Muse said. “I think Marvin was one of the truest artists we ever had. It’s literally his life in music when you listen to his albums.”

Muse said to prepare, he also read all the books he could about Gaye. He even found moments where his life paralleled Gaye’s life.

“He was a very sensitive soul, as am I. I always wanted to be a balladeer,” he said. “I find myself attached to him so much.”

Muse said he hopes he does Gaye justice.

“I just hope people are able to witness Marvin coming alive for those 2 ½ hours. The two Marvins…

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Chae Stephen

Krystal Drake

both of us have this same goal. We feed off each other and it’s awesome,” he said.

Muse said he hopes that people receive the prevailing message of the play: Love.

“I hope that they really understand the relationship that Anna and Marvin have. I hope that people understand love conquers everything,” he said. “I hope they get to see Marvin and Anna on their incredible journey.”

Chae Stephen portrays latter day Marvin Gaye.

He said everyone knew that Gaye was a troubled man. After the death of Tami Terrell and the Vietnam War, he was different.

“His position kind of shifted a little bit,” he said.

“He became a little more attuned.”

Stephen described Gaye as complex and emotionally connected. He said he was trying to get a message out to save the hearts of man.

Stephen said he has been studying Gaye for about five years because he was going to start a Marvin Gaye revue but then he found out about “Pride & Joy.” “I sang a few songs, read a few lines and I got the gig,” he said.

Stephen is aware of the weight of portraying someone like Gaye.

“This is truly an awesome opportunity that I’ve been given to perform Marvin Gaye’s music,” he said. “He was so beloved by so many people.”

Stephen said he hopes people can experience Gaye’s level of musicality.

“What I hope people get is an idea of what real music is and what it can do for our spirit and our soul,” he said. “Unfortunately, music today is really shallow; there isn’t much depth.”

Stephen also said that he hopes people leave the play with a feeling that never leaves them.

“People have said to me, ‘You really made me feel the way I felt when I first heard that song,’” he said. “It’s very important that spirit (of Marvin Gaye) takes over.”

Stephen added that he hopes people in Chicago will come out to see the play.

“It’s something that is worth their time and energy. I hope they feel the energy that we’re putting out there,” he said.

For tickets, visit www.marvingayemusical.com.

“Pride & Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical” Wednesday – Sunday, June 19 – 23 Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. 7:30 –10 p.m. Wednesday, June 19 7:30 –10 p.m. Thursday, June 20 8 – 10:30 p.m. Friday, June 21 3 – 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22 8 – 10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22 2 – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23 7:30 –10 p.m. Sunday, June 23

June 12-18, 2019 7

CITY.LIFE.STYLE

Hyde Park Brew Fest Pulls in Massive Crowd Despite Rain, Hail

By Tony Ho Tran Downtown Hyde Park exploded over the weekend with bumping music, dancing people and plenty of cold beers as the 6th annual Hyde Park Brew Fest took place.

Smoke swirled around Darryl Perkins as his hands moved to flip dozens of turkey legs on the grill. As music pulsed from a set of speakers across the street, his arms seemed to dance to the beat with a conductor’s grace.

His face was a road map of determination and focus.

After all, he had orders to fill…and with the thousands of people turning out for Hyde Park Brew Fest, his work wasn’t getting done anytime soon.

As he paused for a moment to talk to the Defender, he looked around and took in the sunny blue skies over Chicago’s Southside.

“Beautiful, beautiful,” Perkins said.

“God has blessed it to be a great day.”

Indeed, the sun and cooler weather prevailed on the second day of the event after rain and hail ended the festival early the evening before — not that it put a damper on attendance numbers.

Now in its sixth year, the Hyde Park Brew Fest saw an estimated 50,000 people turn out for the annual festival in downtown Hyde Park. The festival offered attendees 50 different beer samplings as well as food and fare from more than 100 vendors.

Among them was Perkins who was working for Premier Caterers. Though it was just his second year working at the festival, he told the Defender that he has been very happy with the annual event.

“I love it because it’s peaceful,” Perkins said. “Everybody getting along with everybody. Everybody smiling [at] everybody. I haven’t seen anybody mad at each other at all. It’s been the best two days out of the whole year so far.”

Accompanying the vendors were a lineup of hip-hop artists, singers and DJs, including DJ Mars, Mad Skillz, DJ Clark Kent, Biz Markie and Terry Hunter accompanied by Estelle, Chantay, Byron Stingley and Terisa Griffin.

Hosting the artists was Brew Fest founder Jonathan Swain.

Though trained as a lawyer with experience in community development nonprofit work, Swain got his start in event 8 June 12-18, 2019

planning after he joined his family’s business, Kimbark Liquor and Wine Shoppe located at 1214 E 53rd St. In 2013, he decided to create the event that would go on to become the Hyde Park Brew Fest.

Though that event started with 500 attendees in one day, it has since ballooned to more than 25,000 people per day.

For him, it’s a clear source of pride — and a great way to give back to a community that’s given so much to him.

“I was born and bred in Hyde Park and this is where my roots are,” Swain told the Defender. “I really believe that as you grow in life and you can become successful, it’s incumbent upon you to give back to your community.”

Even though the rain and hail threatened to slow down attendance numbers and dampen spirits, Swain has seen nothing of the sort.

“We have had a great day today — people having a good time,” he said. “Anytime the community comes together to celebrate the diversity has Hyde Park, the diversity has Chicago on the Southside. It’s a win.”

Photos by Pat Nabong www.chicagodefender.com

CITY.LIFE.STYLE.

“Let’s Get It.”

Southside Blues Guitarist Melody Angel Doesn’t Know the Meaning of the Word ‘Quit.’

Photo by Alain Broecks

By Tony Ho Tran Contributing Writer Growing up on the Southside, the blues guitarist cut her teeth watching YouTube videos of her favorite artists and learning from them. At 15 years old, she fell in with a band and began her career in music.

Though she’s encountered pushback as a female African-American guitarist, she’s kept the flames of her passion for music burning bright — and it comes through her incendiary guitar playing.

The Chicago Defender talked with Melody about her life in music, early influences and her advice to women looking to pursue their passion.

When did you start playing?

My mom’s a singer. Because my mom sang, I started to sing pretty early on — probably around 7 or 8 years old. When I was like 14 or 15, I kept begging for a guitar. Eventually mom got me a guitar at a pawn shop. It was everything. Best day of my life.

I was 15. We did club shows and I’d have on this because it makes them uncomfortto wear a band on my wrist because I was able. People will say things like, “There so young. are plenty of girls out there playing guitar.”

Eventually, I moved up to doing a full And I’ll say, “Name me a few female guiset of songs. I didn’t have any fear; I just tar players that you would put in the same breath as Gary Clark Jr. or John Mayer.” went for it.

And they just look at you like, “Uh, I mean, What did you like about the blues?

I don’t know their names, but I’m sure Anybody playing guitar just totally stole they’re out there!” And if they can name my focus. When I first started listening to a few names, they’re probably white girls. the blues, I just thought, “Oh, I want to I’ve had promoters tell me no for gigs learn how to play that.” As I really sat and because they were looking for “the top listened to it, and how I felt when I really players that really shred.” Well, I can do that! played it — just by myself where I would I’ll try to show them a clip or something on play a blues progression and just solo the guitar. But still, they say no. There are over it for awhile…I literally could play all all of these excuses they’ve made. day long — all of my emotions would come When you say that, they’ll just say up…everything I was feeling. It would just you’re complaining…that you’re not as come up and through the music. good as them. You can’t really win someI thought, “This is a powerful thing times. Even just mentioning how hard it is here.” It was hard to explain. Usually I can as a Black woman playing guitar — it’s like only get to those real emotions when I nobody wants to hear from you. Nobody sing, but the blues brought them out of wants to hear you talk about that. me just playing. That was totally different That sounds incredibly frustrating. for me. That’s why it’s so vital to me.

I think it’s supposed to darken my spirit Blues, rock and roll and guitar playor make me bitter or angry or something ing, in general, has historically been like that, but a space dominated by white men. Do

because I know that’s the intent of it, I have to fight back with joy and with happiness. I can’t allow anyone to take away from me how much I love music. It’s frustrating, but I will not do anything else with my life other than the pursuit of being a full time musician and being respected as a guitar player.

That’s the right kind of attitude you need — especially when someone might be looking to you for inspiration.

I try to tell every female — whether or not they play an instrument — that it’s about the mindset. You can’t let them break how you feel about what you love… what your passion is.

They can tell you no, but they can’t stop you from playing. You have to push forward. When I do, every now and then I come through that back door and they’ll be like, “Hey, how did she get on stage?”

And I’ll say, “I don’t know but here we go.

Plug it in. Let’s get it.”

After that, I taught myself a couple of songs and I went to my first open mic at you feel that your experiences as an the Subterranean. I met other musicians African-American woman has been difand they were like, “Hey, you want to jam ferent? sometime?” So I started a band when People don’t like to hear my opinion

www.chicagodefender.com

June 12-18, 2019 9

CP AROUND TOWN

By Carolyn Palmer

The South Suburban Women came together to demonstrate their support of the Women’s Luncheon for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The luncheon will be held on July 1, 2019 at the Chicago Sheraton.

Please visit the PUSH website for tickets.

A meet and greet was recently held at the home of Calvin Jordan, committeeman of Rich Township, featuring “The Reverend” as the guest speaker.

Seated in the photo: Trustee Yumeka Brown, Matteson, IL; Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.; and Karimiah McKee. Back Row: Carolyn Palmer; Desiree’ Watkins, Olympia Fields trustee; Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Matteson, IL.; Attorney Ashonta Akiwowo; Monica Fox, National Kidney Foundation; Louana Peters, PUSH Women’s Luncheon Committee.

Attorney Lewis Raymond; Mayor Jonathan Vanderbilt, Park Forest; L. Cliff Taylor, Insure Source; Jonathon Currin, Library trustee, Matteson, IL; William McClinton, president, school board 159; Trustee Adam Shorter, Matteson, IL; Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.; Randy Alexander, school board 227; Calvin Jordan, committeeman, Rich Township; Herb Pittman, Governor State University; Marty King, chairman & president Rainbow PUSH Coalition; Trustee Joseph Woods, Park Forest.

Southland College Prep Charter High School in Richton Park, Illinois, held their 1st Annual White Party Fundraiser featuring the fabulous Terisa Griffin and DJs Brain and Fanta. The gala was held to raise monies for the fine arts program at the school.

The Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Rho Gamma Gamma Chapter) and Basileus Robert Harris in conjunction with the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. recently held their 13th Annual Charles R. Drew Blood Drive and Health at the Kroc Center. There was free food, free screenings for prostate, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, pulmonary functioning, HIV and more. Photo by: Ken Johnson

The 2nd Annual Summer Kick-Off “Peace Rally” organized by The Far South Community Action Council was a huge hit! The event was attended by more than 25 elementary and high schools wearing “PEACE” shirts at Gately Stadium. Joyce Chapman, coordinator and chairman, and team provided an atmosphere of fun with a message! Photo by: Kyra Mitchell 10 June 12-18, 2019

Pictured: Chip Johnson, chief officer for Family and Community Engagement in Education, Chicago Public Schools; Vivian Covington; Yvonne Williams; Dr. Blondean Davis, chief executive officer, Southland Charter H.S. and superintendent 162; Carolyn Palmer; Trustee Andre Satchell, Matteson, Illinois.

Thank you to Ms. Kimberly Armstrong, special education teacher and Principal Elizabeth G. Meyers at A. Phillip Randolph Elementary School for inviting me and noted historian Timuel Black to speak with the students about the history of the Chicago Defender newspaper. The students were wonderful!

Happy 23rd Anniversary James and Pamela Floyd celebrated their 23rd anniversary on Saturday, June 8. www.chicagodefender.com

MONEY IRS Tax Scams Never Stop

By Constant W. Watson III Although the April filing deadline has passed, scam artists remain hard at work.

The IRS today urged taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of evolving phishing emails and telephone scams.

The IRS is seeing signs of two new variations of tax-related scams. One involves social security numbers related to tax issues and another threatens people with a tax bill from a fictional government agency. Here are some details: • The SSN hustle: The latest twist includes scammers claiming to be able to suspend or cancel the victim’s social security number. In this variation, the social security cancellation threat scam is similar to and often associated with the IRS impersonation scam. It is yet another attempt by con artists to frighten people into returning ‘robocall’ voicemails. Scammers may mention overdue taxes in addition to threatening to cancel the person’s SSN. • Fake tax agency: This scheme involves the mailing of a letter threatening an IRS lien or levy. The lien or levy is based on bogus delinquent taxes owed to a non-existent agency: “Bureau of Tax Enforcement.” The lien notification scam also likely references the IRS to confuse potential victims into thinking the letter is from a legitimate organization.

Some things to keep in mind: The IRS does not leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages. In many variations of the phone scam, victims are told if they do not call back, a warrant will be issued for their arrest. Other verbal threats include law-enforcement agency intervention, deportation or revocation of licenses.

Criminals can fake or “spoof” caller ID numbers to appear to be from anywhere in the country, including from an IRS office.

This prevents taxpayers from being able to verify the true call number. Fraudsters

also have spoofed local sheriff’s offices, state departments of motor vehicles, federal agencies and others to convince taxpayers the call is legitimate.

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. The IRS will initiate contact through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. However, there are special circumstances when the IRS will call or come to a home or business. These visits include times when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, a delinquent tax return, a delinquent employment tax payment, or the IRS needs to tour a business as part of a civil investigation (such as an audit or collection case) or during criminal investigation.

If a taxpayer receives an unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS or a program closely linked to the IRS, report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov.

Find complete details at https://www.irs. gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing.

More telltale signs of a scam; the IRS and its authorized private collection agencies will never: • Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes. All tax payments should only be made payable to the U.S. Treasury and checks should never be made payable to third parties.

• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.

•Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

• Use text messages or social media to discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving bills or refunds.

If you feel you are on a fraudulent IRS call: • Do not give out any information. Hang up immediately.

• Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report the call. You can also use the IRS impersonation scam reporting web page: https:// www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_ scam.shtml • Report the caller ID and/or callback number to the IRS by sending it to phishing@irs.gov (subject: IRS Phone Scam).

• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the FTC complaint assistant at FTC.gov. Add “IRS Telephone Scam” in

the notes.

For more information, visit the tax scams and consumer alerts page on IRS.gov. Additional information is also available on IRS social media sites and YouTube.

Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, is a certified public accountant and one of only ten certified tax resolution specialists in the state of Illinois certified by the ASTPS. Watson has more than 30 years of income tax and accounting experience.

You can hear his radio program, “Watson On Taxes,” every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. by tuning in to AM 1390. For more information, visit WatsonOnTaxes.com or call (708) 206-9900.

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June 12-18, 2019 11

12 VOICES

On the Front Porch:

Dressing While Black Shanita Baraka Akintonde 12 Voices Black folks and sharp dress attire go together like peanut butter and jelly, Bert and Ernie, T.I. and Tiny, Jimmy and Shanita, Dill pickles and just about anything.

Since the beginning of time, Black folks have always dressed “cleaner than the board of health.” My maternal great-grandmother, Lucille Jones aka Great Grand, put it this way: One day, God was up in heaven handling his heavenly business when he stopped abruptly. Something was amiss.

“Do you see this?” The Almighty asked his angelic crew.

Confused, the holy rollers shook their heads and flapped their wings. Their feathered fans looked like the broken windshield wipers on the front of a dilapidated Chevy truck.

The angels were tired. They were still recovering from the color distribution exercise they had helped God administer the day prior.

For that activity, God had handed out colors to distinguish the various people around the globe. Our Father had already created earth, now he wanted to bring diversity to his deed; he would paint his people. His colors of choice were red, yellow, tan, orange and white, which he dispersed freely. At the end of six days, God looked at his work. He was pleased.

Just when His Majesty thought he was done, a large group of people flagged him down. They wanted to know why they hadn’t received any color.

Our Father pondered their question.

“What should I do about this last group who needs color bestowed upon them?” he asked himself. The bulk of color options had been used.

Suddenly, the animated assemblage started to jump around. Their abundant energy distracted the Divine and he yelled to the crowd, “Get Back!”

But the gallant group misunderstood and thought he said, “Get Black.” So, they did.

Upon realizing what happened, God took a step back. Before him stood an abundance of Black beauty. He decided on the spot to complement this group’s coffee-colored covering. With assistance from his angel ambassadors, the Almighty created elaborate robes in variations of red, yellow, tan, orange and white — saved shades from his earlier color campaign.

Once their wardrobe fitting was complete, the Messiah blessed Black people with the ‘best dressed’ title. Black people strutted themselves from one end of the earth to the other, determined to show their appreciation. And the rest, 12 June 12-18, 2019

as they say, is glitz-story.

Great Grand loved telling me that story. I’m not sure where she heard it, but I’m certain that whoever told her that tale, read it in a book somewhere.

Regardless of the tale’s origin, Black folks tend to wear ornate outfits. Bozoma Saint John, Black businesswoman and chief marketing officer of Endeavor, expressed: “I like bold, red lips and my hair naturally curly or in a weave down to my ankles. I like extravagance. When I’m dressed that way, my personality shines through.” She continues, “It’s a disservice when we talk about fashion or the way people look as superficial. It is much deeper that. It has much deeper implications, especially for Black women…For me, trying to tone things down meant that I was also hiding everything that I am — all that I bring” (Essence Magazine, March 2019).

Black people’s relationship with clothes runs a gamut from ritual practices to reputation management. A brother wearing a tailored suit is like chicken and waffles — sweet and salty goodness wrapped into one. A sister rocking a freaky frock “with brown cocoa skin and curly black hair” will most likely cause more than one person to turn and look at her with a gentle, loving stare.

Dressing while Black has historic roots as well. While Black people may have been prohibited from voting or sitting at certain lunch counters during the Jim Crow era, they could assure their

children were clean and neatly styled.

A Black man may have been forced to wear the dingy uniform of a bellman or bus driver daily, but his attire would be so tightly starched that he resembled a capital letter “I” when standing still.

Black women may have been forced into domestic work, but they would be pressed and pleated at the same time.

These uniform strategies helped Black people fare better in a racist world; an unspoken rule for survival. Blacks “had to look better, be better and act better than white folks just to get a foot in the door,” Judy Belk noted in her article, “Black people are better dressers than white folks. There’s a reason” (LA Times, February 2019).

I, like many of my Black brothers and sisters, come from a long line of ‘sharp dressers.’ Dressing up is in our DNA. As Great Grand told me, “The right dress

tells people who you are without you even opening your mouth.”

Amen.

Shanita Baraka Akintonde is an award-winning author, podcaster, professional speaker, professor, wife and mother propelled by love. Her second book, Leading from the Heart, was released in September 2018 and her third book, Hear Me ROARR, is set for release in Spring 2019. Add yourself to her event calendar and book signing distribution list. Email her at sakintonde@colum.edu. You can also reach her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/shanitaakintonde.

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PARENTING TIPS

A Special Father’s Day Tribute

By Marnita Coleman This Father’s Day, we acknowledge all fathers, because without them there would be no you or me. Fathers literally bear the seed of our existence. This is where it all began.

Celebrate indiscriminately with me today. Allow this holiday to resonate within you, beyond the purchase of a new tie, some handyman tools or perhaps a grill master apron. Let’s forego the typical Father’s Day routine to reflect on how Marnita Coleman wise our God is to know that we needed earthly fathers to feed, guide and shield us.

Dr. David Popenoe, professor of sociology at Rutgers University and co-director of the National Marriage Project, stated: “Fathers are far more than just ‘second adults’ in the home. Involved fathers — especially biological fathers — bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring. They provide protection and economic support and male role models. They have a parenting style that is significantly different from that of a mother and that difference is important in healthy child development.”

The National Father-

www.chicagodefender.com

hood Initiative confirms Dr. Popenoe’s statement in its report explaining that a father’s presence promotes healthy development and is a deterrent to destructive influences such as drug abuse, crime, teenage pregnancy, suicide, runaway and school dropouts. The father-factor gives children a greater rate of success.

However, keeping it 100, fathers are not perfect. No judging, but they can be grumpy, indifferent and harsh at times. Some have even made very costly mistakes. Nevertheless, their presence makes a difference and there is, without a doubt, something inherently “special” about everyone’s Dad. Unaware of how great or grievous the role fathers play, I took a poll to the streets and asked some folks to share what is or what was special about their father. There was genuine joy and pain; here are their uncensored responses: “What makes my Dad special to me is the fact that he’s super funny and I’m always cracking up laughing. We are huge movie buffs. That’s something that has always brought us together.

I can remember when my sister and I would spend weekends with my Dad, we’d always just chill around the house and watch as many movies as we could and enjoy being around each other. That’s something that will always stick with me.”

– Jessica, 25 “I am a huge Marvel fan; they remind

me of my hero, my dad. I have known him for 11 ‘long’ years. He knows how to handle me and my sister’s temper tantrums because he is an expert with girls. He takes care of my mom, my sister and myself. He just loves making us happy. Thank you for being the hero!”

– Sommy, 11 “What makes my father special is who he was. As a man born in the South, he didn’t have a lot of education. He loved his family and proved it throughout the years. Anybody that knew him knew he was the kind of man you could depend on. I remember one of my uncles broke down on the highway over three hours away — this was before cell phones and beepers — he called my Dad from a pay phone. Without hesitation, my Dad gathered his things and went and got him.” – Alvin, 61 “My father was very special to me.

He took the time to ensure that his girls had what they needed to be successful in life. He constantly spoke words of affirmation. Setting the bar high, he often referred to me as his model daughter. After our mother passed, he took on the responsibility of being a full-time, single dad. Although new to him, he tackled it well — taking us to school, showing us how to prepare meals, grocery shop, pay bills, and he attended all of our school functions.

Even after I had a child out of wedlock, he continued to encourage and support me…allowing me to work while he watched my daughter. My father

was a true father.” – Monique, 37 “My father was young when I was born. Though I knew of him, we didn’t have a father-son relationship. He was not able to give me the care that a father should because he did not have it. From a distance, I have developed some of his traits of [being] hardworking, always saying yes to helping others, and sometimes I am too laid back like he is.” – Dean, 38 “My father — with nine sons and one daughter — in my opinion, is Superman. My father was hard working until retirement. He is a man that took care of an ill wife and son (who lived in the same house) until their deaths two weeks apart from each other and still he had the strength to hold our family together. I appreciate everything he has done for me.” – Melvin, 51 These sentiments are extraordinary glimpses into fatherhood.

Parents, between us, it doesn’t take much to be special in the eyes of your child. Indeed, each person could have taken the opportunity to put their father on blast for his shortcomings, but instead, they chose to accentuate his “specialness” — even if that included only one thing.

Happy Father’s Day, dads! You rock!

Marnita Coleman is an author and host of The Marnita Show, a parenting show heard daily across the globe. For more information, log onto TheMarnitaShow.com.

June 12-18, 2019 13

CLASSIFIED

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

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Defender is Published EveryDAILY Sealed proposals, endorsed as below, will be deposited in the sealed bid depository DIGITAL located in the lobby of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Administration Building, W W W. C HWednesday I C AG O D E F E N D E R . C OM 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to NOTICE INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO

11:00 A.M. on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or her designee at 11:00 A.M. on the stated bid opening date below for: CONTRACT 19-804-21 FURNISH, DELIVER AND INSTALL FOUR SACRIFICIAL DEEP ANODE GROUND BEDS FOR THE CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEM AT THE CALUMET TARP EAST AND WEST PUMPING STATIONS

Bid Opening: July 9, 2019 Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D, Appendices C and V, and the Multi-Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract. **************************************************************************************************** The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice - Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the District’s website, www.mwrd.org; click the Contracts and Proposal quick link on the District’s Home page. Go to Contracts Currently Being Advertised and click for further information.

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

All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Follow Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-et seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page.Us On The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the public’s best interest.

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– 11:00 a.m. @ Southlawn United Methodist Church, 8605 S. Cregier Ave., Chicago, IL. Funeral was held: 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com ROBINSON Louis Robinson.......….. Wake will be held: Monday June 10, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Carter Temple CME Church, 7841 S. Wabash Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Cremation; Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

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

63 East 79th Street Chicago, IL 60619 & 5350 W. North Ave. 773-488-7300 Chicago, IL 60636 CHRISTIAN Gwendolyn Christian.......….. View will be held: Monday, June 10, 2019; 12:00 p.m. 8:00 P.M. @ Taylor Funeral Home, 63 E. 79th Chicago, IL. Street. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com WOODS Ester Woods.......….. Wake will be held: Monday, June 10, 2019; 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home Ltd., 63 E. 79th Street, Funeral Service will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Lincoln, Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com ASHWOOD Nathaniel Ashwood.....….. Graveside Service will held: Tuesday June 11, 2019; 10:00 p.m. @ Restvale Cemetery, 11700 S. Laramie Ave. Alsip, IL; Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

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

FUNERAL HOME

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

2036 W. 79th St.

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

CALAHAN Funeral Home HOWARD Johnnie Howard. ….. Memorial Service was held: Friday, June 7, 2019 @ Calahan Funeral Home.

Interment. Lincoln Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400 JONES Eddie Jones II. ….. Visitation was held: Friday, June 7, 2019. Funeral was held: Saturday, June 8, 2019 @ New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, 754 E. 77th Street, Chicago, IL. Interment. Restvale Cemetery.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400 ECTOR Keith Ector. ….. Funeral Services: Thursday, June 13, 2019 @ Monument of Faith, 2750 W. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL. Interment. Mt. Hope Cemetery.

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

SMITH

JONES

Stella B. Smith.......….. Family viewing will be held: Thursday, June 13, 2019; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home Ltd., 63 E. 79th Street, Funeral Service will be held: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

Thelma Jones. …..Funeral Services: Thursday, June 13, 2019 @ Calahan Funeral Home. Interment.

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

BERRY Betty Berry.......….. Wake will be held: Thursday, June 13, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home Ltd., 63 E. 79th St. Chicago, IL, Service will be held: 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Abraham Lincoln Cemetery, Chicago, IL. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

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

JEFFERSON Thomas Jefferson. …Funeral Services: Friday, June 14, 2019 @ Calahan Funeral Home. Interment.

Cedar Park Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723-4400 BROWN LaDonna Erving Brown. …Visitation: Thursday, June 13, 2019 4:00PM-7:00PM. Funeral Services: Friday, June 14, 2019 @ Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 1309 Madison St., Maywood, IL. Interment. Burr Oak Cemetery.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723-4400

W W W. C H I C AG O D E F E N D E R . C OM

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR 6/13 Taste of Ghana Fundraiser Hosted By: The Susana Lankai Debrah Educational Foundation 5:30-7:30p.m.

Hyde Park Art Center The Pond Room 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Tickets $20-$60 available via Eventbrite Black Tech Unplugged Presents: Black Tech Unplugged Live in Chicago Hosted By: Black Tech Unplugged 6-8 p.m.

1917 N. Elston Ave. Tickets $5 available via Eventrbite 6/14 Bronzeville Summer Nights Hosted By: Quad Communities Development Corporation 6-9 p.m.

Bronzeville (various locations) Free and open to the public Father’s Day Comedy and Music Bash Hosted By: Mic Check 7-10 p.m.

2710 W. Chicago Ave. Tickets $25 available via Eventbrite 6/15 The Truth About Black Men Hosted By: GM Marketing/NMOL 8-10 p.m.

Harold Washington Cultural Center 4701 S. King Drive Tickets: $40-$80 available via Eventbrite June Fleek Market Hosted By: Sassy Thrifters/ Tameka Grant 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Black Magnet Elementary School 9101 S. Euclid Ave. Free Admission GirlCon Chicago Hosted By: GirlCon 9 a.m. -4 p.m.

Google Chicago 320 N. Morgan Free Registration via Eventbrite Community Wellness Retreat Hosted By: Northwestern University, Howard Brown Health, YogaCare 12-4 p.m. www.chicagodefender.com

Hamilton Park Cultural Center & Fieldhouse 513 W. 72nd St. Bronzeville Trolley Tour & Peace Talk Hosted By: Illinois Institute of Technology Community Affairs 9:15 a.m. -12:45 p.m.

IIT Tower Building 10 W. 35th St. Tickets $10 available via Eventbrite 6/16 Real Men Cook 30th Annual Celebration Hosted By: Real Men Cook 3-6 p.m.

4930 S. Cottage Grove Tickets $10-$15 available via Eventbrite Father’s Day Brunch Hosted By: Lincoln Park Zoo 11, noon and 1 p.m. seating available Lincoln Park Zoo Café Brauer 2021 N. Stockton Drive South Shore Farmers Market Sundays 6/16-9/29 12-5 p.m.

Rainbow Beach 6/18 City Wide Job Fair 2019 Hosted By: The Chicago Urban League 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

UIC Forum 725 W. Roosevelt Road

6/22 It’s a Family Affair Hosted By: Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church Noon-4 p.m.

600 E. 35th Street For more information contact: 312-225-5300

6/13 Rearview Mirror Session: Curtis Mayfield Hosted By: Arts & Public Life 6-9 p.m.

Green Line Performing Arts Center 329 E. Garfield Blvd.

Free Registration via Eventbrite

UNCF “A Mind is….” Gala Hosted By: UNCF Hyatt Regency Chicago Grand Ballroom 151 E. Wacker Dr.

Maceo Parker Hosted By: Space 9:30 p.m.

Space 1245 Chicago Ave. Evanston, Ill. Tickets $25-$65 available via Eventbrite

6/22-6/23 Chicago Food Truck Festival Hosted By: Chicago Food Truck Festival 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Chicago South Loop 1800-1600 S. Wabash For more information: www.chgofoodtruckfest.com Black Music Month 6/1-6/30 Unsung Bronzeville: A Musical History Exhibition Hosted By: Chicago Blues Museum Monday-Saturdays 9 a.m.-Closing Harold Washington Community College 30 E. Lake St.

6/14 Jazzin in Bronzeville Hosted By: Anita Strange-Rebecchi 7 p.m.

Corpus Christi Hall 4910 S. King Dr. Tickets $15 available via Eventbrite All Hail the Queen: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin Hosted By: The McNary Experience 3-5 p.m.

DuSable Museum of African American History 740 E. 56th Pl.

Boost Your Business with Facebook Hosted By: The Chicago Urban League 6-7:30 p.m.

Chicago Urban League 4510 S. Michigan Ave. 6/19 US vs Everybody: A discussion on Reparations, Culture and Self-Determination Hosted By: Black Culture Week 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Africa International House 6200 S. Drexel Ave. Free registration via Eventbrite

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