February 14 - 20, 2022 Vol. 30 No. 07
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Arts & (Home) Entertainment
More and more events are happening in Chicago, and we want you to know about the best of the best!
6 SportsWise 8 Cover Story: 'the black mozart'
The SportsWise Team discuses the Super Bowl.
The story of "the Black Mozart," Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, comes from France, but befits Black History Month. The son of a French colonial plantation owner and an African slave, he was the best fencer in Europe and a major composer of the Classical music era. His works influenced Mozart. During the French Revolution, he was active in France and England concerning the abolition of slavery. This weekend, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association and Music of the Baroque are cooperating in a concert theater production about his life, "The Chevalier."
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Voice of the streets - Op-Ed
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Inside StreetWise
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The Playground
The co-executive directors of the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance provide an op ed in which they tell how local public housing authorities (PHAs) already have the tools to make homeownership not only attainable, but a sustainable longterm investment for housing choice voucher holders and public housing residents.
A Starbucks manager has kind words for vendor Jimmie Beckless.
ON THE COVER: Contemporary Etching of a 1787 painting after Mather Brown (1761–1831) & William Ward (1766–1826) - Gabriel Banat.- "'The Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Virtuoso of the Sword and the Bow" (public domain). THIS PAGE: Virtuoso Dame Jane Glover conducing on Sept 9, 2018 (Elliot Mandel photo).
Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher
dhamilton@streetwise.org
StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI
Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief
suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Amanda Jones, Director of programs
ajones@streetwise.org
Julie Youngquist, Executive director
jyoungquist@streetwise.org
Ph: 773-334-6600 Office: 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL, 60616
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ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Since being stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time. To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations of what to do at home and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org
Be Inspired!
Only the Clothes on Her Back: Meet the Author Laura F. Edwards On February 15, the Newberry Library is hosting another virtual Zoom event led by historians Laura Edwards and Margaret Storey as they discuss Edwards’ new book “Only the Clothes on Her Back: Clothing and the Hidden History of Power in the Nineteenth-Century United States.” Join Edwards and Storey as they unravel the hidden stories woven into the very fabric of everyday clothing, linens, and cloths. Enter into the conversation on how such articles can reshape our understanding of law, economy and the stories of ordinary people living insightfully in a material world. Event starts at 5 p.m. and is open to the public at no cost. A live stream will also be available on YouTube and the Newberry Facebook page. Register now at newberry.org.
Rock Out!
Porchlight Music Theatre Revisits 'Passing Strange' Rock out to the comedy-drama musical “Passing Strange” that follows the restless dreams and spiritual awakening of a young musician who journeys all the way from L.A. to Amsterdam and Berlin. Sing along as he rebels against his conventional and conservative upbringing, shattering expectations one soulful lyric at a time. "Passing Strange" is the recipient of both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards and has been made into a motion picture by Spike Lee. Tickets are on sale at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org for $49. Performances take place February 16 at 7 p.m. and February 17 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Porchlight Music Theatre, 1016 N. Dearborn St.
All of Your Senses!
(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT
All Together Now: Sound x Design W hat do designers and musicians have in common? Lots, apparently. Join the Design Museum of Chicago, 72 E. Randolph, from now until April 3 to find out how each relies on rhythm, melody, form, harmony, texture and dynamics to communicate and express their ideas. The exhibit will feature work of 24 artists, designers and musicians from across the country and will illustrate how different art forms and fields can create something entirely new. Museum is open daily from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free to the public. More information about the exhibit can be found at designchicago.org.
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There is Still Time!
Weinberg/Newton Gallery Extends 'Human/Nature' Feeling the effects of climate change yet? The Weinberg/Newton Gallery’s “Human Nature” exhibit has been extended through April 16. Learn how you can take immediate action by exploring this scientific and artistic exhibit that investigates how our choices now affect our paths moving forward. Gallery hours are Thursdays and Fridays 1-5 p.m. and Saturday 12-4 p.m. The exhibition is free to attend but registration is requested at exploretock.com. The museum is located at 688 N. Milwaukee Ave. For further discussion of the pieces, join the Human/Nature Artist Panel as they discuss the intersection of art and activism. The virtual discussion is at 1 p.m. February 19. More information at weinbergnewtongallery.com
Preview the World!
Travel and Adventure Show Relaxing on the warm beaches of Costa Rica? Walking the cobblestone streets of Paris? Gazing at the glittering skylines of Hong Kong? Get out of your cramped apartment and see how the Travel & Adventure Show can help you plan your next adventure. Designed to give you insight and invaluable tips from some of the best travelers in the world, the Travel & Adventure show is hosting three keynote speakers for its 17th annual show on February 19 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and February 20 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Speakers include Pauline Frommer, Peter Greenberg and Andrew McCarthy. You won’t want to miss this pre-getaway adventure. Event takes place at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (Hall F), 5555 N. River Rd. Tickets are $11-18 and can be purchased at travelshows.com.
Family Fun!
Downtown Evanston Hygge Fest Hygge, pronounced “hue-gah,” is a Danish expression that emphasizes finding joy in the little, everyday moments we often overlook. Downtown Evanston’s Hygge Fest invites you to get hygge with them in a celebration of coziness, warmth, family and the continual practice of mindfulness and well-being. The Hygge Fest will take place throughout the month of February and will partner with local businesses to host a wide range of events that invite participants to embrace creativity, exploration and gratitude. Events range from weaving classes, sourdough bread baking, board game open houses, fun runs, printmaking, high teas and coffee and cinnamon roll days. While some events are free, others require tickets. For more information about dates, prices and events, visit downtownevanston.org to see their full roster of February fun.
Don't Cry For Me!
Drury Lane 'Evita' opens Clear your calendars for this award-winning rags-to-riches musical from Broadway dream team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Follow the story of Eva Perón as she becomes the First Lady of Argentina, using her popularity and politics to serve her people and create change. The musical showcases Webber’s iconic song “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” and was adapted into a 1996 film. Performances will be held at the Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, until March 20 at various times. Tickets are $64 at drurylanetheatre.com.
Shop 'til You Drop!
Rogers Park 2nd annual 'Shop Where Your Heart Is' The Rogers Park Business Alliance has a new shop local campaign, “Shop W here Your Heart Is,” until February 28 for businesses between Devon and Howard, Ridge and the lakefront. Shoppers can enter their receipts of $25+; each receipt counts for one entry, and there is no limit to how many entries a single customer can submit. Three winners will be announced each Wednesday; the first place winner will receive two $50 gift cards from a Rogers Park restaurant of their choice. Second place will receive one $50 gift card, and third place gets a $25 gift card, all from a Rogers Park business of their choice. A Grand Prize winner of $1,000 will be announced at the end of the month. For more information about entries, prizes, and dates, see rpba.org. .
Notorious R.B.G!
'When There Are Nine' Visit the Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, to watch the world premiere of “W hen There Are Nine,” a new dream play that follows the mind and memory of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s last day on Earth. Written by award-winning screenwriter, playwright, and journalist Sally Deering, the play recalls the ups and downs of RBG’s relationships and professional challenges while highlighting her journey to becoming the first female Jewish Supreme Court Justice. Battling sexism and advancing equality on all fronts, RBG’s life is celebrated in this hilarious, yet touching testament to her character, strength, and legacy. The play runs through March 13, Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m as well as Sundays at 3 p.m. An additional performance will be on March 9. Tickets are $15-$30. Seniors and students can receive a $5 discount. More information can be found at pridearts.org. .
-Compiled by Cora Saddler
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Vendors Russ Adams and John Hagan and chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
Patrick: Wow…has this been a heckuva season and playoffs or what? Teams we were pretty sure would do well this year, well, didn’t; and a couple we didn’t quite expect a ton from played above themselves. I’m not sure where my head is at the moment with these playoffs, so I’m relying on y’all to help me find it. Who wants to give it a go? John: I got it. So, how ironic after the first 54 Super Bowls, when no NFL team hosted the big game, that, this year, is the 2nd straight year that an NFL team has hosted? Last year, it was Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; this season, we have the Los Angeles Rams doing it.
SPORTSWISE
Patrick: That is trippy. Russ: I know, right. Well, shoot, let me first say “Congrats” to the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams for getting to the Super Bowl. I really enjoyed the AFC and NFC Championship games. The Kansas City Chiefs lost against Cincinnati because of bad play-calling. I don’t know what they were thinking just before halftime. Kansas City had first and goal, were up by 10; yet, they managed to get zero points.
John: Could’ve been up by two touchdowns— Patrick: With the ball first in the second half! Russ: Well, this is why they are going fishing, as Charles Barkley likes to say when it comes to those NBA teams who get booted from the playoffs! Also, there is no Tom Brady, no Drew Brees, no Aaron Rodgers; shoot, it’s a whole new era. We got ex-Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl going against QB Joe Burrows a.k.a. Cool Joe B and the upstart Cincinnati Bengals. My prediction has definitely changed since the end of the season—and definitely since the beginning of the season.
Russ: All right, all right. So, I have Cincinnati upsetting the L.A. Rams 31-27. Cool Joe B—Joe Burrows—said that the team do not consider themselves underdogs. He said they’re showing up to win. Definitely a nice attitude to have. Plus, as the #4 seed, they beat the #1 and #2 teams in the AFC in the last couple of weeks, so they’re, without a doubt, on a mission.
ever, the defense is slightly suspect. Now, they were able to get away with it against the Chiefs, due to bonehead coaching decisions by Coach Andy Reid, but I don’t see the Bengals pulling it off against a team with superstars and Pro Bowlers galore, e.g., Matthew Stafford, Odell Beckham, etc. So, Rams 34, Bengals 24. Entertaining early, but the depth and talent of the Rams should be enough.
Patrick: And we all know anyone can win on any day.
Patrick: Wow, fellas. Y’all gave me a lot to think about. Well, I want the Bengals to win in this season of upsets… but Matthew Stafford and the Rams have worked it this year. I wouldn’t be upset either way. And by the time this issue hits, we’ll know which of you is a genius.
Russ: Right. And if you’re not sure about that, ask Jim Plunkett. Not the greatest QB, but, eventually, won the big one with the Raiders. So, I’m going with the underdog Cincinnati Bengals. Final answer. John?
John: It’s been a good year. Patrick: Spit it out, please. John: Yeah, hurry it up, Russ, I got a prediction as well!
John: Okay, so the Bengals have a very talented and young offensive team with Joe Burrow as starting QB. How-
Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org
THE ART OF PIZZA ON STATE STREET by Rivka Benjamin
Steven Riggs has been a vendor with StreetWise for over 10 years now. As a big fan of cheese ‘n’ sausage pizza, Steven often eats at the ‘Art of Pizza’ pizza shop. It's near his location on State Street. Steven first thought when trying their pizza was “Oh My G-d”. He was shocked at how tasty the pizza was, especially for the price. During all of his visits he has tried the cheese slice, pepperoni slice, and of course, the cheese 'n' sausage slice. Although there is more variety on their menu, Steven likes to stick to the pizza when stopping in for lunch. His mom, however, tried the sub sandwich when they went together. She really liked it, and even saved the leftovers for dinner.
Steven Riggs
What really impressed him was the kindness of the people there, the cashier and the owners. Steven always notices Danny and the other owners offer ice water to people who are homeless on hot days, and sometimes a slice of pizza. THE ART OF PIZZA ON STATE STREET Steven recalls one very hot and humid summer day recently. He was working really hard, sellLocation: ing as many magazines as he could at his loca727 S. State St. tion. He stopped into the pizza store to catch his breath since he was feeling faint. Danny, Price Range: whom Steven calls "one of the nicest guys," Under $10 / per person asked if he was okay and offered some water. “Ice water and a slice of pizza would be nice,” Hours: Steven responded. Danny didn’t flinch, and Sunday - Thursday brought him what he asked for, like a regular 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. customer. He was warm, inviting, and friendly. Steven said he felt quite humbled in that moFriday & Saturday ment, and began to tear up. 11 a.m. - midnight In general, he said the atmosphere is extremely clean, friendly and inviting. There are always conversations going on between multiple tables, no matter how far they are from each other. The customers speak about current events, how tasty the pizza is, and Steven often speaks about StreetWise. Sometimes, people will buy magazines form him on the spot when they hear about it (although that isn’t his goal). “Overall, it was GREAT!! I would highly recommend this place for the food, people, and atmosphere. If you’re ever in Chicago, stop by. Trust me, it’ll be a memorable experience. If you’re out of town, you will be back for this!” The Art of Pizza on State Street: Steven Riggs with employee; interior; a slice of stuffed crust.
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Chicago honors
'The Black Moz
composer Joseph Bologne, le Chevalier de saint-Georg
by Judi Strauss-Lipkin
O
ne of the “most unjustly forgotten” and extraordinary composers of the classical period, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, “the Black Mozart,” (1745-1799) has debuted in Chicago! On September 23-25, 2021, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) under Maestro Riccardo Muti began its performance with the overture to Bologne’s late 18th century comic opera “L’Amant anonyme” (“Anonymous Lover”). The finesse and wit of the piece are distinctive, and its quiescent middle section bespeaks the mastery of a composer with his own clear voice. Muti led a beguiling performance, by turns brisk and vibrant, with luminous playing by the CSO strings. Next, on February 18-20, Music of the Baroque teams up with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association and The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts for the Midwest premiere of “The Chevalier,” a new concert theater work written, directed and produced by Bill Barclay regarding the life and work of this master composer, virtuoso violinist, friend of Mozart, music teacher to Marie Antoinette, the finest fencer in Europe, general of Europe’s first Black regiment and a crusader for the abolishment of slavery. Taking a “concert theater” approach, “The Chevalier” features the interplay of four actors with orchestral and chamber music excerpts. Barclay said the production “tells the story of a composer of color who battled injustice in the 18th century, but whose story speaks just as strongly in today’s changing world.” The plot is set in 1778 with a bedridden, bankrupt Mozart being carried into the Chevalier’s kitchen. Despite obvious differences, these two men of genius forge a friendship of equals, navigat-
ing the new racial politics of a city hostile to outsiders. At the same time, the Chevalier’s weekly music lessons with Marie Antoinette associate him with the monarchy at a time of civil unrest, and he must choose between his loyalty to the crown and the violent pursuit of abolition. Dame Jane Glover will conduct the Music of the Baroque Orchestra at all three Chicago-area locations in selections showcasing the breadth of Bologne’s compositional output, from violin concertos to symphonies, string quartets to ballets, with music arrangements by Barclay. Upcoming performances of “The Chevalier” will be at: • the Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd., on February 18 at 7:30 p.m. (baroque. org/chevalier-austin). • the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Alt-J p.m. (northshorecenter.org) February 19 at 7:30 • Symphony Center, February 20 at 8 p.m. (cso.org)
zart'
ges
Right: Young Saint-Georges in 1768, aged 22. The three roses on his lapel were a Masonic symbol (public domain). Below: Artwork promoting "The Chevalier" (provided by Music of the Baroque).
So, are you curious - who was/is Joseph Bologne? Why is he called The Black Mozart? Why now are his life and his music becoming part of our musical repertoire? “He was a superstar,” says Lincoln University music professor Charles Pettaway, summing up the career of perhaps the most unjustly forgotten composer of the classical period. He was born in 1745 on Guadeloupe as the illegitimate son of a wealthy French plantation owner and an enslaved woman, who was probably from Senegal. When he was a child, he and his mother followed his father and the rest of his legitimate family back to France, where Bologne received an education befitting an aristocrat. He was enrolled in the Académie royale polytechnique des armes et de l'équitation (basically, the Royal Academy of Fencing and Horsemanship). When Bologne graduated in 1766, he became a Gendarme du roi (officer of the King’s Bodyguard) and a chevalier (knight). It was then that he became known as “Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges.”
He was introduced to the frothy upper classes of French society. He danced in glittering ballrooms, conversed in delicately appointed parlors, attended shows at opulent concert halls and was rumored to frequent several ladies’ boudoirs. Bologne never married, because racial intermarriage was forbidden, but he was rumored to have had a child out of wedlock with the Marquise de Montalembert, although there are no primary documents to back that up, Barclay said in an email. “The pregnancy and love affair nonetheless feature in the full-length version of my play.” The elder Bologne had provided patronage to several of France’s leading composers, and they schooled the young Joseph Bologne. He is thought to have studied the violin with France’s greatest violinist, Jean-Marie Leclair the Elder. He also mastered the harpsichord. When France’s pioneering symphony composer and most prominent conductor, Francois-Joseph Gossec, founded the Concert des Amateurs series in 1769, he invited Bologne to join as first violinist. Four years later, he was its musical director.
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His first public and critical success as a composer came with two violin concertos, which he premiered in 1772 with Concert des Amateurs. As the French newspaper Mercure de France proclaimed, “These conce r tos we re performed…by the author himself, who received great applause as much for their performance as for their composition,” said Music of the Baroque’s Jennifer More. The careful attention to balance, symmetry and melody were said to be on par with the works of Mozart and Haydn. Mozart later indicated that his ballet score for “Le Petit Riens” (Little Nothings) was inspired by a Bologne melody. Between 1775-78, Bologne wrote at least eight symphonies concertantes for violin and orchestra. French concertgoers dubbed him “Le Mozart Noir” because the two musicians were given equal billing together and the title has stuck. Despite his renown, Bologne was still vulnerable to racial prejudice. He began writing operas and suffered a serious setback when he was nominated to head the prestigious Paris Opera in 1775, only to have his candidacy challenged by divas who argued that they could not be expected to, as they put it, “submit to the orders of a mulatto.” Louis XIV had approved the appointment, but the divas’ objections won out, and to avoid embarrassing the Queen, Marie Antoinette, he withdrew his name. He went on to write operas and to direct the Marquise de Montesson’s prestigious musical theater instead. When the French Revolution erupted in 1789, Bologne joined the Garde Nationale (similar to the Reserves today) and by 1794 became colonel of the first cavalry brigade of “men of color” – the St. Georges’ Legion – which was the first Black regiment in Europe. He was wrongly imprisoned for 11 months and threatened with execution after returning from military duties. After his release, he lived in semi-retirement, unfortunately with health problems. He did, however, become more devoted to his violin during this time saying, “Never before did I play so well.” He died in 1799 in Paris at age 53.
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Bologne’s music suffered the ill effects of the Revolution no less than his person. Many of his manuscripts were destroyed during the early years of unrest, and later, under Napoleon’s government, performances of those few of his works that did survive were banned. While politics played a role, changing artistic tastes were also a large factor. “Tastes were changing very fast in the period of the French Revolution, due to Mozart and Haydn's innovations and Beethoven just starting - meanwhile Bologne gave up composing to fight in the war,” Barclay said. “With artist institutions completely at the whims of the politics du jour, most French composers of the time disappeared from premieres, and the development of French music took a long hiatus, essentially until Berlioz in the 1820s. “His work has not so much been rediscovered as we in the 2020s have realized that we have neglected to honor the extraordinary story of his life and music,” Barclay added. Although Bologne’s music has been played more often in the last two years, Barclay said that the emphasis has been on the same two pieces: the overture to his opera "L'amant anonyme" and his Violin Concerto in A. “There is so much more, however! "The Chevalier" attempts to introduce audiences to a much wider range of his musicianship.” The production is also closely allied with the promotion of anti-racism in concert music. It helps raise money for the Sphinx National Alliance of Audition Support, which helps young musicians of color with the cost of auditioning for jobs in American orchestras. Commissioned by the Boston Symphony in 2018, “The Chevalier” premiered at Tanglewood in 2019 and was a recipient of a National Endowment of the Arts Grant in 2021. There is also a biopic in progress on Chevalier de Saint-Georges, to be released and financed by Searchlight Pictures. Dr. Judi Strauss-Lipkin is the owner of Strauss Tax Service in Chicago. She is an Enrolled Agent and was a professor of management at Benedictine University and George Williams College. In addition, she was president of the Phi Beta Kappa Association of Chicago and treasurer of the League of Women Voters of Chicago.
Above: The cast of "The Chevalier," from left: Bill Barclay as novelist Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (Brownwen Sharp photo); RJ Foster as Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (courtesy photo); David Joseph as Mozart (courtesy photo); Merritt Janson as Marie Antoinette (Stan Demidoff photo); Brendon Elliot as the violinist Bologne (courtesy photo). Inset: "Fencing Match between St.-Georges and 'La chevalière d'Éon'" on April 9, 1787, by Abbé Alexandre-Auguste Robineau (public domain).
Vendor A. Allen draws inspiration from Bologne's relationship with his father When I think of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de SaintGeorges (“The Black Mozart”), I am so inspired and grateful for his recorded life, almost forgotten. Bologne’s story is just in time for Black History Month. He was born in 1745, the illegitimate son of a slave mother and an aristocratic father, Georges de Bologne Saint-Georges (a plantation owner and slave owner on the eastern Caribbean island of Guadeloupe). He was often referred to as a “mulatto,” a person of mixed white and Black ancestry. It is a word I am well familiar with; I was often called the same by my white associates and Black associates, so the more I read about this distinguished young man, the more interested I became. What inspired him to succeed in so many areas of his life? I believe his father provided the motivation. When he was a child, Joseph and his mother followed his father, his sister and his father’s legal wife to France, and at 13 he was enrolled at the Academie royale polytechnique des armes et de l’equitation (the Royal Academy of Fencing and Horsemanship), where he also learned literature and the sciences. At 15 he was beating the best swordsmen, and by 17, he was known for his extraordinary speed. When he graduated in 1766, he became a Gendarme du roi (officer of the King’s Bodyguard) and a chevalier (knight). The year before, however, fencing master Alexandre Picard publicly mocked him as a “mulatto,” which set the stage for a duel. Wagers were made by both abolitionists and pro-slavery people. Bologne’s father encouraged him by promising to buy him a new carriage if he won. Of course, he did, and he got the new carriage – the equivalent of a new car today. He was also tutored by musicians his father had earlier supported. I liked the fact that his father did not deny him, but actually embraced him, and risked ridicule because Joseph was the product of an interracial, extramarital affair. Joseph was almost certainly his father’s only son – or at least, the only one who survived, said Bill Barclay, who wrote, directed and produced the play, “The Chevalier,” which will be performed in the Chicago area February 18-20. Joseph had one sister, who was the daughter of his father and his legal wife. “When Georges died in 1774, his money legally had to go to his legitimate heir,” Barclay said.
Even if Joseph could not inherit his father’s money and title, Georges encouraged him to be the best he could be and placed him in an environment where he could flourish. While Georges was alive, he invested in Joseph, so that when the time came, he could take care of himself, which was extraordinary. The world he gave his son was intangible, which was better than money, which he could have lost. His father developed Joseph’s mind, so that even though he was Black, whites couldn’t take his achievements away from him. That’s the best kind of love a father can have for his son.
Seal of the French abolitionist Société Amis des Noirs from 1788. The inscription reads: NE SUIS - JE PAS TON FRERE? (translated: Am I Not Your Brother?) (public domain).
But even greater than that is when Joseph began to love himself as a mulatto of African descent. As George Benson sang even before Whitney Houston, the greatest love of all is when you learn to love yourself. Although Bologne was afforded some privilege, he was nonetheless a victim of racism. When he was appointed director of the Paris Opera, two divas said it was “impossible for them to be subjected to the orders of a mulatto.” He fought for racial equality in France and in England, he became involved with the abolitionist group, Societe des Amis des Noirs (Society of Friends of Black People). Their medallion showed a chained slave on one knee, surrounded by the inscription “Ne suis-je pas ton frere?” (“Am I not your brother?”) I first saw this in the late 60s and early 70s and I still find this saying relevant. I think it came from the Book of Genesis, 4:9, “And the Lord said unto Cain, ‘Where is Abel, thy brother?’ And he said, ‘I know not. Am I my brother’s keeper?’ ” Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges inspired me and I hope you as a reader can also get some inspiration from his life. Thank you for reading StreetWise.
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Public Housing authorities can make ho by Patricia Fron and Gianna Baker
It has long been established that homeownership is one of the most solid paths to wealth-building in the United States. For many renters, and particularly lower income renters participating in subsidized housing programs, owning a home can feel far out of reach. However, local public housing authorities (PHAs) already have the tools to make homeownership not only attainable, but also a sustainable longterm investment for participants.
VOICE OF THE STREETS - OP-ED
Since 2000, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), authorized PHAs to develop and implement homeownership voucher programs under the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Homeownership vouchers work much like rental vouchers, but instead of paying a portion of one’s rent to a private landlord each month, the homeownership voucher pays a portion of one’s mortgage costs for up to 15 years and in some instances, for the life of a mortgage loan. The goal for both the rental and the homeownership voucher program is to provide subsidies to make housing more affordable for families. A loftier goal is to give families the opportunity to save for the future, to seek educational or other opportunities, and eventually to outgrow the program altogether. Subsidizing homeownership can be a path to meet both goals, and research conducted by the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance (CAFHA), finds that these programs are game changers for families who might otherwise be locked out of homeownership opportunities.
Homeownership can mitigate these longerterm costs and also offer a tangible path to build intergenerational wealth that simply cannot be provided through the rental program. CAFHA’s research demonstrates that voucher holders strongly desire this opportunity as a path toward stability, security, and prosperity.
Despite the benefits, homeownership voucher programs in Chicago and across the country are woefully underfunded and underutilized, and many voucher holders do not even know they exist. For example, 54 families purchased a home through the Chicago Housing Authority’s (CHA) homeownership program, called Choose to Own, in 2020. With roughly 63,000 participants of the CHA’s voucher and public housing programs, this represents less than .001% of the CHA’s overall programming.
The fact that PHAs are not provided with extra resources, financial or otherwise, to implement these programs, presents in itself, a significant challenge to the success of the homeownership program. PHAs must draw from their general HCV funds to support subsidies, staffing, and other programmatic needs. For many PHAs, starting a homeownership program can be daunting. HCV families require an initial investment to get into a strong position to purchase a home. From credit counseling to first- time homebuyer counseling, and even post-purchase counseling, there are several steps that families need to take to meet the requirements of the program and to successfully purchase a home. The capacity needed to administer and fund all these crucial elements may serve to disincentivize PHAs from meaningfully investing in the
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homebuyer program. However, this calculation is shortsighted; in the long-term, homeownership participants will likely have more predictable associated costs with fewer fluctuations due to the stability that homeownership provides. With rents across the country rising with no bounds, year over year costs to PHAs to provide rental subsidies are also increasing. Renters are also more likely to move at more frequent intervals, which sparks an array of administrative steps, from processing moving papers to inspecting new units and entering into new leases and agreements. Moreover, for those with disabilities, modifying a unit with every move is a frustrating process with emotional and financial costs to the renter, and administrative costs to the PHA. Homeownership can mitigate these longerterm costs and also offer a tangible path to build intergenerational wealth that simply cannot be provided through the rental program. CAFHA’s research demonstrates that voucher holders strongly desire this opportunity as a path toward stability, security, and prosperity.
ome ownership a reality - Op-ed
According to the Chicago Housing Authority website, CHA housing choice voucher holders and public housing residents can qualify for the Choose to Own program by meeting initial income (between 50%-80% of the Area Median Income, which for a household of 1 is between $32,650 and $52,200 in annual income), credit score (640+), savings ($3,000), reserves ($1,000 in reserves by closing date for future maintenance issues), and current lease compliance requirements. It is important to note that seniors and people with disabilities do not need to meet the same requirements to qualify. For more information: www.thecha.org/residents/services/chooseto-own-homeownership-program
With an emphasis nationally and locally on closing the racial homeownership gap, the obscurity of this program is incomprehensible. Especially in localities like Chicago, PHA homeownership programs can serve to restore homeownership opportunities unjustly denied due to racist policies. As the city grapples with addressing this history, the legacy of redlining and contract buying schemes, and the ongoing and alarming loss of its Black population, we can make homeownership a tangible reality for the Chicago Housing Authority’s program participants, 83% of whom identify as African American.
munity partners to develop specialized loan products and grant programs.
By layering supports onto this critical program, such as investing in peer mentors to guide new first-generation homeowners through the myriad of obstacles to sustainable homeownership, and simply building awareness about and marketing the program and its benefits, HUD and PHAs can better serve families that desire to become homeowners. This program is also well situated to deepen impacts through partnerships such as those with land banks and land trusts to widen the pool of affordable homes for purchase, and with lenders and philanthropic or com-
Patricia Fron and Gianna Baker are Co-Executive Directors of the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance (CAFHA). CAFHA is a non-profit consortium of fair housing and advocacy organizations, social service providers, government agencies, and municipalities. CAFHA combats housing discrimination and promotes housing justice through education, advocacy, and collaborative action.
There is no doubt that placing a more intentional focus on homeownership voucher programs and meaningfully investing in them, could spark innovation and improvement in voucher service delivery. It could create new private, public, and philanthropic partnerships. And most importantly, it could bring voucher holders and their families on a path to housing stability and wealth building for themselves and future generations.
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Vendor Jimmie beckless makes connections: a letter from our neighbors
Hello, My name is Megan Anstrom, and I am the store manager at the Starbucks at Lincoln, Damen & Irving in the NorthCenter neighborhood. Jimmie Beckless has been our StreetWise vendor for a little over two years, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Throughout his time here, Jimmie has become a part of the NorthCenter community’s morning routine. Our customers (Jimmie’s and Starbucks’) enjoy seeing Jimmie every day to pick up their weekly StreetWise and have a friendly chat with him. He has become a part of the community and an honorary member of our team. We feel so lucky that Jimmie chose our store out of the many that he could have gone to because he truly brightens up everyone’s day. Megan Anstrom | Store Manager
INSIDE STREETWISE
Starbucks Coffee Company
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Lincoln/Damen/Irving 2449
9. e1 to 1/24/22 Sudoku
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Streetwise 1/31/22 Crossword To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the Sudoku numbers 1 to 9.
70 Serengeti grazer 71 Heroic tale 72 Put an edge on 73 Force units 74 Jet black
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10 11 12 13
Taj Mahal city 42 In ___ of Heineken, e.g. (replacing) Camelot lady 45 Canyon sound Change for a 49 Opportune twenty 50 Grooved on 21 Band 52 Packing heat performance 54 ___-Japanese 23 Sage Down War 1 Raucous flier 25 Hokkaido native 55 Gather 2 Take the honey 26 Brown-speckled 56 Mournful European bird and run poem 3 Radio 28 Pro follower 57 Prepare to communication 30 Vases swallow 4 “Ode to 31 Censor’s target 58 Four-letter Psyche” poet 32 Sweep under the word rug 5 Class-conscious 59 Emergency grp. 33 Detail CB channel 6 Across, in verse 34 Did the butterfly 60 Social group 35 Loaf 7 Maid’s cloth 64 One of the 12 8 Sail 36 Old-time oath tribes of Israel 37 Sub station? 9 Nocturnal 65 Wind dir. 39©2022 Juno’sPuzzleJunction.com Greek mammal Copyright of 66 Pop-ups, e.g. Africa counterpart 68 Nth degree
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lastSudoku week's Puzzle Answers Solution
Solution
Sudoku Solution
Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at
PuzzleJu
Crossword Across 1 Trawling equipment 5 Schools of thought 9 Indigent 14 Crude group? 15 Mixed bag 16 Part of a TV feed 17 Unit of pressure 18 Shipshape 19 Lively 20 Light beige 21 It’s the law 22 Mollify 23 Mine passage 25 Barbeque dish 27 Taradiddle 29 Farm butter 30 Reddish-brown 34 Egyptian cobra 37 Halloween costume 39 Rice with raw fish wrapped in seaweed 40 Public-service corporation 42 Breakfast staple 44 Lukewarm 45 Get up 47 Batiking need 48 Like some columns 49 Be mistaken 50 Chop down 52 Search engine 54 Chain of hills 58 Arrange 62 Roofing material 64 Mountain goat’s perch 65 From the top
66 Stubborn beast 67 Cabbagelike vegetable 68 Imbibe 69 De novo 70 Squeaks (out) 71 Mails 72 Chances 73 Trial
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11 Do magazine work 12 Satellite receiver 13 Oxen’s harness 22 Uncle ___ 24 Not bold 26 Louisiana sight 28 On the other Down hand 1 Office memos 2 Notable period 30 Coke’s partner 31 Employed 3 ___ firma 32 Open carriage 4 Back of the neck 33 Mah-jongg piece 5 Letter before 34 Garage kappa occupant 6 Deft 7 Student’s worry 35 Put one’s foot down 8 Kind of sauce 36 Snowman 9 Wealthy one prop 10 Dollar rival
38 39 41 43 46 49 51 52 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 63 66
Biblical gift Direct Jar part Cigar residue Pear-shaped Chow down Cricket equipment NY team Anointed Golden Hind captain Strong winds Discharge Rages Cruel person Parade spoiler Take care Kind of wire Cultural Revolution leader
www.streetwise.org
How StreetWise Works
Our Mission
Orientation Participants complete a monthlong orientation, focusing on customer service skills, financial literacy and time management to become a badged vendor.
Financial Literacy Vendors buy StreetWise for $0.90, and sell it for $2. The profit of $1.10 goes directly to the licensed vendor for them to earn a living.
Supportive Services StreetWise provides referrals, advocacy and other support to assist participants in meeting their basic needs and getting out of crisis.
S.T.E.P. Program StreetWise’s S.T.E.P. Program provides job readiness training and ongoing direct service support to ensure participants’ success in entering the traditional workforce.
THE PLAYGROUND
To empower the entrepreneurial spirit through the dignity of self-employment by providing Chicagoans facing homelessness with a combination of supportive social services, workforce development resources and immediate access to gainful employment.
Solution
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