Blacks Must Control Their Own Community
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To The Unconquerable Host of Africans Who Are Laying Their Sacrifices Upon The Editorial Altar For Their Race Audited by
•C•P•V•S•
VOLUME LXXI NUMBER 37—SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012
PUBLISHED SINCE 1940
25 Cents and worth more
Seat belt law should reduce Black deaths By J. Coyden Palmer A new law that went into effect New Year’s Day was not enough to save two African American teens who were killed and three others injured during a rollover crash on I-57 early Sunday morning. Avocean Lewis, 17, and Tyon Groves, 16, died when the stolen SUV they were in left the expressway at a high rate of speed and crashed into a tree line near Country Club Hills. Illinois’ new law requires all passengers in vehicles to be buckled in, some 26 years after the State’s first seat belt law was passed. Previously only front seat passengers were required to wear seat belts. Those who favor the new law said it will save taxpayers money by cutting down hospital treatment costs, but more importantly save lives. “Anyone who doubts the importance of this law should ask an emergency department doctor about patients rushed to the hospital with serious injuries because they weren’t wearing a seatbelt,” said Dr. Wayne V. Polek, president of the Illinois State Medical Society. “If everyone in every vehicle wears his or her seat belt properly, we will see a significant drop in serious injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents. It will reduce the strain on
emergency departments, the cost of healthcare and, most importantly, make sure we all arrive safely to our destinations.” African Americans are still more likely to be unbuckled and killed in an auto accident than the national average, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2008, the National Occupant Protection Users Survey showed seatbelt use for African Americans that year was about 75 percent. That rate increased slightly to 79 percent in 2009, but the nonBlack population in 2009, which had a seat belt usage rate of about 84 percent. Earlier this year, a group of African American organizations in collaboration with the NHTSA launched a seat belt campaign targeting the Black community. Members of the National Council of Negro Women, Congressional Black Caucus and the National Medical Association attended the launch of the campaign held in Washington DC. David Bradford is a former police chief who currently serves as the Executive Director of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. He said while Illinois is now the 12th state to require seatbelts on all passengers, there is no raw data as of yet to show how
THE FIRST COUPLE to get married in Chicago is from the Logan Square neighborhood. She is 26-year-old Diana Basner, a prechool teacher and Jeremy Nichols, a 27-year-old owner of Nichols Technology Consulting Services. Basner is pursuing a psychology degree at DePaul University. The couple has been dating for five years, although Nichols proposed on their second date. County Clerk David Orr married the couple Tuesday morning—a tradition he’s upheld since 1991. The tradition also includes showering the newlyweds with donated gifts. This year’s prizes include a complimentary weekend for two at the Palmer House Hilton; two tickets to “Green Day’s American Idiot,” courtesy of Broadway in Chicago; dinner for two at Scoozi!, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant; and flowers provided by La Salle Flowers. The Clerk’s office also paid the couple’s marriage license fee of $60.
effective this will be in saving lives. However, he believes in theory, the law is a great tool to reduce automobile injuries. “Anecdotally and historically it has been
proven that seat belts save lives. Crashes to the rear of the vehicle throw passengers in the (Continued on page 2)
ADS LIKE THESE from the traffic safety marketing branch of the U.S. government are targeting seat belt awareness in the Black community.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Unemployment extension helps Black men greatly (See story on page 3)
NEWS Congressman not satisfied with Chicago police investigation By Wendell Hutson Two separate investigations were launched in November following the deaths of two Black men while in Chicago police custody and now a third one could be underway. U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis, D-7th District, said he did not want to sit around and do nothing and in the end be unsatisfied with the investigations. He fell short of saying he simply did not have enough confidence in the police to do a thorough investigation. “I have no jurisdiction over the
DeVelt Bradford Chicago police so they do not have to adhere to anything I say,” Davis told the Crusader. “However, I do have oversight when it comes to the U.S. Justice Department. And besides, this is what they (Justice Department) do.” On November 19 DeVelt Bradford, 52, a murder suspect, was found dead in his cell hanging by
his underwear at a police lockup facility at 727 E. 111th St., and two days later Melvin Woods, 62, who was arrested for domestic battery, a misdemeanor, was also found dead in his cell hanging by his underwear. Melissa Stratton, director of News Affairs for the Chicago Police Department, said their investigation is ongoing but will be thorough. “There’s no timetable on when an investigation will conclude. The only thing we know for sure is that both deaths were ruled suicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. For now, that’s all we know,” she said. Anytime someone dies in police custody foul play is never ruled out, said Scott Ando, a first deputy chief for the city’s Independent Police Review Authority, (IPRA) which among other things investigate allegations against police officers. “These things take time when you have a death investigation to conduct,” Ando added. Linda Bradford, mother of DeVelt, has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago police and is represented by Chicago attorney Sam Adam Jr., who also represented former Gov. Rod Blagojevich in his first corruption trial that ended in a hung jury. At a news conference last week calling for a federal investigation to coincide with one from the police and the IPRA, Davis said he was asked by Ms. Bradford to look into the murders, which is why he initially got involved.
“This is not just about two Black men being found dead. This is about two human beings found dead when it is a reasonable expectation that they will be protected while in police custody,” explained Davis. “Even if they were white, I still would have called for a federal investigation.” Sitting beside Adam, Davis and Mark Clements, a former death row inmate, who said Chicago police tortured him to confess to a crime he did not commit, was Bradford’s mother. “I’m very sad. I’m very disappointed in the way that my son had to go. I just want to know what really happened,” she said. Meanwhile Adam, who said he wants local U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald to investigate the deaths. He said the two mysterious deaths mirror past accusations against Jon Burge, a former Chicago police commander, accused by more than a dozen Black men. The men had been incarcerated in state prisons after Chicago police officers tortured them until they confessed to crimes they said they did not commit. Although Burge, who was a commander at the same police station on the Far South Side where the allege tortures took place during the 1980s, was never arrested for the torture allegations, he is currently serving time in a federal prison after being found guilty of perjury in a civil case. The Burge allegations have “made the Black community sensitive
backseat who are not restrained into those in the front or even in some cases into or through the front windshield depending on the impact,” Bradford said. Bradford added that public safety personnel are often the victims of automobile fatalities as well, and would like to see more police officers and firefighters strapped in as they respond to calls or patrol neighborhoods. According to statistics released last week from the National
Wooten had donated food to families during the holidays for years. This year marked his first giveaway at the community level. The turkey tour began in Englewood just days before Thanksgiving. He’s hit Burnham, Chatham, and a pair of senior citizen homes, giving out more than 1,000 turkeys and 300 gift certificates. “We’ve run across people with dif-
ferent types of issues – from loss of a job, to being on public assistance, to being new to the community and not having anything to prepare for this holiday season,” Wooten said. “So we were actually able to meet quite a number of needs that truly would have been a catastrophe in the community if we had not been there.” Wooten, 46, is the founder and
CEO of Rich Wooten & Associates, Inc., a protective services company in Auburn Gresham. The 18year veteran of the CPD will be looking to take over for 34th District State Representative Constance Howard, who is poised to retire at the end of her term in 2013. He will also be vying to become the Sixth Ward’s Democratic Committeeman.
Congressman Danny K. Davis when it comes to law enforcement and I can’t say that I blame them,” added Davis. And Vic Henderson, another Bradford attorney, said he is also leery about a complete investigation
Seat belt law should reduce Black deaths (Continued from page 1)
Ex-cop brings gifts to political battle By Matthew Bruce Holiday revelers got an early treat to anchor their Christmas dinner plates at a South Side church recently. Rich Wooten, a longtime Chicago police officer who is eyeing a run for state representative in 2013, teamed with several community leaders and businessmen to give away more than 300 free holiday birds and gift cards on Dec. 19 in Burnham. The event at the Spirit of Grace Church of Chicago, 13957 S. Marquette, was one of six holiday giveaways that Wooten has sponsored since Thanksgiving. Along with turkeys and gift certificates, the freebies included haircuts, cell phones, HIV tests, and other health screenings. “We looked at the makeup and needs of these communities, and we wanted to be able to provide for them,” Wooten said. “We know that because of the economy, a lot of communities are lacking resources right now. So what we wanted to do was to give an edge to people, and give them the opportunity that they’re missing because of the economic status.” 2
It won’t be the 20-year Chatham resident’s first foray into politics. That came earlier this year, when he ran for Sixth Ward Alderman and finished third with 20 percent of the vote. Wooten, a father of two who served in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm in Iraq, plans to run on the same platform he employed during his aldermanic campaign.
EX-COP AND political candidate Richard Wooten attracts several far South Side residents to a recent holiday give-away at the Spirit of Grace Church of Chicago. The former cop will try to replace retiring state Representative Constance Howard. The give-away included gift certificates, hair cuts, cell phones and health screenings. Saturday, January 7, 2012
being done by the IPRA. He added that from his experience as an attorney it is rare that violent offenders commit suicide as both deaths have been ruled by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
“Our kids have no sense of family values anymore,” Wooten said. “We live in a society now where all values have gone out the door. So we have to restore values, we have to balance the power, and then we have to make sure we can get the job done – not just one person, but as a community.”
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in 2011, 64 officers were killed either in car or motorcycle crashes, or by being struck by vehicles while on the job. Bradford said officers and firefighters who do not wear seat belts claim they are uncomfortable with all the gear they wear or believe it will slow them down if they need to get out of the vehicle quickly. He believes none of those excuses are valid and over the last 14 years, more officers died in car accidents than they did from assaults. “Being a former police chief, one of the things that always amazed me is the penchant and idea amongst officers that they won’t wear their seat belt,” Bradford said. “You also will hear from people who use the example of the car crashing into the lake and they were unable to release the seatbelt and get out so that’s why they won’t wear one. I’m not going to say that never happens, but from a statistical standpoint, that is one of out of tens of thousands.” Instead, Bradford believes most the reasoning people do not apply their safety harness in a car is American culture and bravado. He said a person will not think of flying on an aircraft or riding on a roller coaster without a seatbelt even though they are less likely to be injured or killed. “It’s the same reason that Illinois used to have a helmet law for motorcycle operators and injuries and fatalities were reduced. Then they repealed the law because people felt it was less manly to ride with a “lid” on and we’re seeing the numbers on the rise again,” Bradford said. “I think there is something about our culture and American heritage that causes us to do things that may seem to be oxymoronic.” Passengers caught without a seatbelt will face a $25 fine. The law does not cover backseat passengers in taxicabs or those being chauffeured in livery vehicles. The Chicago Crusader
NEWS
Unemployment extension helps Black men greatly By Wendell Hutson When Jonathan Miller heard that Congress had agreed to a twomonth extension for emergency unemployment benefits he started jumping up and down for joy. “Thank God. I don’t know what I would have done if my unemployment check would have stopped,” Miller, 43, said. “This is the only income I have to help support my wife and two children. My wife is already working two jobs and expecting her to work a third job was unimaginable. Without an income I would not feel like a man in my household.” It has been a little over a year since Miller was laid off as a $67,000 a year driver for a national beverage company where he worked for 16 years. And like Miller there are more than 2 million people nationally who have been unemployed for more than a year and who depend on unemployment benefits to help them get by, U.S. Department of Labor data suggest. And while there is no official, government data showing how many Black men make up Illinois’ longterm unemployed, Richard Reinhold, manager of Illinois Department of Employment Security’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics program, said men overall have been unemployed at a higher rate since 2007. “The higher unemployment rate for men is due to the fact that industries with the biggest job losses during the recession, such as construction and manufacturing, primarily employ men,” explained Reinhold. Nationally, the numbers are much
worse for unemployed, Black men, according to the Community Service Society, a non-profit, public policy organization in New York. The national unemployment average for Blacks hoovers around 16 percent, but for Black males, it’s at 17.5 percent, according to the Community Service Society. And in nearby cities like Milwaukee the Black male unemployment rate sits around 34 percent. According to the U.S. Census, there are 12.7 million people living in Illinois and 6.3 million are men while women make up the other 6.4 million. Blacks make up 1.8 million Illinois residents while whites account for 9.2 million. Miller said he knows one reason why so many Black men are unemployed. “I know a ton of guys who are out of work and looking each day for any job that pays. But a lot of ‘good,’ paying jobs today want you to have advanced, college education. Meaning a master’s degree and I don’t have that,” explained Miller. “Hell, a lot of Black men never went to college because they were too busy working to pay their bills.” Miller is not the only Black man nowadays out of work for more than a year and get by on unemployment benefits. Shaun Jackson, 48, was fired in February from his $34,000 a year administrative assistant job at medical association for poor performance. “They said my work was not up to par but I know that is BS. Anytime a company wants to let people go they will sometimes say your performance lacked just to get you out the door quicker and sometimes they hope to have your unemploy-
BLACK MEN IN ILLINOIS and across the nation are being hit hard by the recession as more men are losing their jobs and even more are searching for new ones. ment benefits denied for that reason,” Jackson told the Crusader. Jackson said he is trying to start a networking group for unemployed, Black men looking for a job. “That old adage of who you know still exists and is still the fastest way to get hired nowadays,” Jackson said. “And for us (Black men) sometimes a lack of networking is what hinders our ability to secure employment. A lot of brothers especially blue-collar ones are not use to speaking to large masses of people and may shy away from attending events where they could network.” And Colin Mason, 37, has held a job since earning a bachelor’s degree in Communications 15 years ago. But today, he remains unemployed after being laid off from his $31,000 a year customer service job for a catalog company. “I too am receiving emergency unemployment at the time until I can find a steady job,” he said. “All
this unemployment is new to me but I am learning that it takes time (during a recession) to find a job. Truth be told, if I was not getting unemployment my family and I would be staying at a shelter and I have twin babies, so lugging them around from pillar to post is not something I ever want to do.” Had Congress not extended the emergency unemployment compensation, which is funded by the federal government, Jackson’s $902 biweekly unemployment check (after federal and state taxes are deducted) would have ended in August. In November, the last month data was available; Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 10 percent from 10.1 percent in October, according to the IDES, while adding 600 new jobs. “Illinois’ economy continues to take small, positive steps despite the pressure of an uneven national re-
Absent signature may cost pastor $50,000 By Wendell Hutson Call it a blessing from God but one South Side pastor may miss out on receiving $50,000 at a time when he really needs it. Since November Corey Brooks Sr., pastor of New Beginnings Church, has been sleeping on top of the roof of the closed Super Motel, 6620 S. King Drive, until his
Rev. Corey Brooks The Chicago Crusader
2,500-member church, located across the street at 6625 S. King Drive, raises $450,000. The money is needed to buy the motel’s land so it could then be redeveloped into a $10 million multi-purpose, community center. But Brooks has declined to sign a release form to allow a Nov. 23 Crusader story about his latest efforts to be entered into the “America Inspired” contest sponsored by the website Examiner.com. On Feb. 1 the website will award $50,000 to five stories in five different categories, such as Sacrifice, that received the most online votes from the public from Jan. 9 to 27. For the Sacrifice category, which is where Brooks story would have appeared, the story must show how one person is making a sacrifice to benefit others or for a worthy cause. And the person featured in the story would receive $50,000. “I am not against participating
but on the advice of my attorney I cannot sign any waiver or release forms,” Brooks, 43, told the Crusader. “If there is a way the story could be entered without me signing this ‘release’ form I would be happy to participate. If it helps, the contest organizers can call me.” However, a signed release form was due Dec. 31 and at Crusader press time, it was unclear if the website would make an exception and allow Brooks’ story to be among the five finalists without a signed consent form from Brooks. “Lord knows I could use the money but I have learned from past experience that when you do not follow the advice of your attorney, bad things can happen,” Brooks added. “I will have my attorney call you (the Crusader) so you can speak to him directly to find out what objectives he had to the form.” At Crusader press time, Brooks’
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
attorney had not called. The pastor never shared the name of the attorney. Danielle Williams, a spokeswoman for Brooks, confirmed that the church did accept an anonymous $50,000 donation, and as of December 31, the church had raised nearly $200,000. “(So far) we have raised $193,216, which includes an anonymous $50,000 donation, we received in the name of the late Slyvia Sobolic,” Williams told the Crusader. “(And) it is our goal to have a rooftop garden named in her honor once the community center is built.” Brooks, a Woodlawn resident, husband and father of four (22 years-old, 20, 16 and 10), was not with his family for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and said being away from his family is the hardest part about his sacrifice. “They (my family) know I am Saturday, January 7, 2012
covery,” said Jay Rowell, director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). “Illinois has recorded job growth in eight of 11 months. We have averaged nearly 6,000 new jobs each month this year. And we continue to lead the Midwest in job growth since the recovery began. This is progress that people can see. Illinois’ economy is moving in the right direction.” Unemployment compensation is funded by unemployment insurance, which is paid for by employers and not taxpayers, according to Greg Rivara, a spokesman for the IDES. Those found eligible can receive benefits up to 26 weeks from the state. Afterwards, those still eligible for benefits would receive up to 73 weeks of emergency unemployment funded by the federal government. And the maximum payment an Illinois resident could receive is $531 a week, depending on such things as their marital status, earnings while employed and dependents, such as a child or unemployed spouse. trying to save a community, which in turn could help save families,” Brooks said. He added that the community has been plagued with drugs and violent crime and that it is his goal to rid the community of such bad elements. Plans for the community center include a private, elementary school, social service center, retail stores, and a youth educational center. The church has 75 elementary students attending its Master’s Academy School located inside the church, and plans to move the school into the Super Motel after its redevelopment. This venture is part of the church’s Project HOOD (Helping Others Obtain Destiny), which aims to improve living conditions in the community. 3
OPINION
EDITORIAL IS KWANZAA “WACK(sic)?” The holidays are now over and Americans (and others around the globe) can sit back and begin to deal with the issues of everyday life. The holiday season can put one in a “reality distortion mode” in that normal life is somewhat suspended while honoring special “holy” days. Looking back, one of the more interesting things to note are the attitudes that Black people have, or are developing, around the seven-day holiday period denoted as Kwanzaa. This holiday was developed in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, as a substitute for the commercialism of Christmas, and as a holiday season with meaning. Now, 45 years later, it is interesting to see how Kwanzaa is honored, or not honored. Recently, an article was written by Adisa Banjoko, a West Coast editor for the online publication NewsOne for Black America entitled “Kwanzaa is Wack(sic): There, I Said It.” In the article, Banjoko criticizes the celebration of Kwanzaa because it was founded by “an FBI Informant,” Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga. He also points out the fact that though corn is used to celebrate the period, it is not a vegetable that is indigenous to Africa. Banjoko posted these thoughts on Facebook, and received a number of accolades from both Black and white people in support of this opinion. Here is a direct quote from Banjoko; “Kwanzaa is like a bad weave. People might kinda like it, but we all know it ain’t real. Now, I live on the West Coast, in the Bay Area. The only people I see really on some Kwanzaa “ish” are the hardcore revolutionary types you might find at the Berkeley flea market selling incense and shea butter soap (which they might consider using on themselves).” He further wrote, “It appears as though the only other people who might celebrate it are East Coast college types who still work on a university campus. But I’m not even sure that’s accurate.” No matter how you look at it, this is a self-deprecating stance. Kwanzaa, which basically means “First Fruits,” was never actually considered to be an African holiday; it is designated as an “African American” holiday, a hybrid, so to speak, that has relevance to Africans in the diaspora, wherever around the world we might reside. To knock this holiday because of a dislike for the founder is ludicrous. Are we to not accept something of value from someone simply because we do not agree with some aspect of that person’s life? The seven principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba, are valuable concepts for the African American community. They are Umoja - Unity; Kujichagulia - Self-Determination; Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility; Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics; Nia - Purpose; Kuumba - Creativity; and Imani - Faith. How can we not see value in these principles? In the article, Banjoko actually asked “How do we know he didn’t “found” Kwanzaa in 1966 as a social experiment on Black people for the FBI?” An informed Black person should follow-up with the question, “How would a social experiment highlighting the principles of Kwanzaa hurt the Black community; or “How do we know that you are not an FBI informant whose purpose is that of casting negative aspersions on something that will benefit the Black community?” It is sad to note the number of Black people who agreed with Banjoko that Kwanzaa is wack (sic). On the other hand, it is encouraging to note that more and more people are celebrating Kwanzaa with each passing year. If the Nguzo Saba were honored all year long the Black community would see positive changes as a result. A luta continua...
Recently, the Illinois General Assembly gave Sears and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) a $330 million a year tax break in order to save jobs. Many critics, including the Chicago Teachers Union, argued that the tax relief amounted to highway robbery, a form of corporate blackmail that will now continue unabated as companies attempt to extract more subsidies out of state governments at the expense of vital services. Meanwhile, before the governor’s signature was dry, scandals were erupting from both firms that received the generous contributions. The CME Group and its executive chairman, Terry Duffy, have made a point of lobbying to prevent government oversight of the futures industry. As a result of lax regulations, MF Global, a firm that did most of its trading with the CME, just lost $1 billion in customer money because of risky trades. It now appears that the state of Illinois will be helping the CME pay back the customers that MF Global ripped off. Money that could have been
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Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Saturday, January 7, 2012
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Corporate tax breaks and highway robbery Dear Editor:
used to keep mental health centers and libraries open, provide more social workers, counselors, reduce class size and hire more school psychologists and art and music teachers for children Chicago, will now be used by a corporation, that made nearly $1 billion in profit last year, to pay back wealthy clients who made a bad bet. Looks like Duffy’s hefty contributions to Rahm Emanuel’s mayoral campaign has paid off nicely. Less than two weeks after the bill’s passage, Sears announced that it has plans to close up to 120 stores because of lackluster holiday sales, so much for incentivizing job retention and creation. Conversely, it appears that large corporations are being rewarded for deceiving their clients and making poor business decisions, while our schools, libraries, parks, clinics and other institutions that millions of people depend on, are systematically dismantled. It is time that corporations and wealthy citizens in Illinois paid their fair share and stopped depending on the 99 percent to bail them out of messes we did nothing to create. Jackson Potter Chicago Teachers Union
Dear Editor: It is really hard to put into words how hurt, even disappointed we are in mankind generally, when we get news of a young police officer being killed. Officer Clifton Lewis was gunned down last week in a convenience store. He was working as a security guard. Obviously Officer Lewis had done all of the right things – (Continued on page 7)
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BEYOND THE RHETORIC
Cleaning up the Federal Highway Administration By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) is an affirmative action program that seeks to implement Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in regards to federally funded contracting programs for the U.S. Department of Transportation. One of the model agencies of USDOT is the Federal Highway Administration. The DBE program here is a complete mess replete with corruption, cartel activity and noncompetitive scenarios administered by state transportation departments as they receive federal funds by the billions of dollars. The intent of the DBE program is to develop businesses via a subcontracting program. Of course, when the Civil Rights Act was won it was basically bringing African Americans under the full utility of the U.S. Constitution. At last, there would be assurances that we would no longer be discriminated against. However, that has not been the case. The fact is African American owned firms are doing less in highway construction today than we did when the program was first started. How could this happen? They simply twisted the program to
Harry C. Alford work against us. Instead of directing prime contractors to subcontract to developing Black owned firms, they have encouraged them to use any other group besides Black-owned firms. Namely, they have put white women owned firms into the program like they were the ones being discriminated against. Also, every other ethnicity has been included into the program to actually compete against or offer an alternative to using Black-owned firms. Thus, the discrimination continues at a ruthless and Jim Crow type pace. Many of our Black elected officials appear
to be confused or aloof about this dismal matter. In sum, white women owned firms (many of whom are actually funded and managed by white males) get the lion’s share of DBE subcontracts. Relief seems to be slowly forming. It is not coming from Black elected officials and certainly not from career federal employees at the Justice Department or Department of Transportation. These employees are defenders of the abuse and cause more damage than any type of help. Surprisingly, it is coming from conservative court decisions. Judges who are strict constructionists are starting to make decisions that will correct the corruption, deceit and underhandedness that goes on with these state managed programs. It all started with the Croson Decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. Later, it was reconfirmed by the Supreme Court via the Adarand Decision. These decisions say that the programs are constitutional as long as they directly address discriminatory practices and the remedies are “strictly tailored.” In other words, they can’t lump all groups and genders together under the same goal program and assume that discrimination is being
thwarted. What is really happening is that they take women and other ethnicities and use them to further discriminate against Blackowned firms. The programs are like pouring “gasoline” on a fire as opposed to “water.” Case by case the sham is starting to unravel. The biggest and most recent breakthrough has come from the United States Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit, concerning the program with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The Court concluded in the matter of Rowe Company Incorporated V. Tippett NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund that the North Carolina DBE program is flawed. Having women, Hispanic and Asian contractors in the program is, in effect, unconstitutional as they are over utilized while African American and Native American firms continue to be discriminated against. In sum, the program should only be in effect for Black and Native American firms only. The others need to be kicked out of the program. This is real big – really, really big! Oh, they are upset and will try to resist. Keep in mind this decision (No. 09-1050) came on July 22, 2010. The white press did not say a
word about it. They don’t want us to understand it and certainly don’t want Black legislators to understand the deal and become active. The North Carolina DOT, to date, has ignored the court decision. I guess we will have to take them back to court and have the judges force them out of their corrupt and discriminatory ways. At long last, Black construction firms in North Carolina can have a program as our civil rights leaders intended it to be. The Court stated: “The State has a compelling interest, indeed an “absolute duty,” to remedy this injustice” (against African American and Native American firms), “affecting as it does the distribution of funds… However, because the State has failed to justify its application of the statutory scheme to women, Asian American, and Hispanic American subcontractors, we cannot find those applications constitutional.” There is victory in North Carolina. Now let’s begin to take it state by state until liberty starts ringing across the whole nation. Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
Surge in Polls Helps Obama’s Re-election Prospects By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist After winning the show-down with House Republicans shortly before Christmas over extending unemployment insurance and receiving an uptick in his job-approval ratings, President Obama is now in a better position to win re-election, despite a sluggish economy. With the Iowa caucus over and New Hampshire as the next GOP battleground, Obama is expecting to face former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in the general election next November. Former Speaker of House Newt Gingrich, like other candidates before him, briefly assumed the front-runner mantle before his poor performance in Iowa. The good news for Obama is that his populist themes and his willingness to call out Republicans are winning over voters. A story in the Washington Post observed: “A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds that Americans are still broadly disapproving of Obama’s handling of the economy and jobs, the top issues, but that views of his overall performance have recovered among key groups, including independents, young adults and The Chicago Crusader
George E. Curry seniors.” It noted, “Obama’s job-approval rating is now its highest since March, excluding a temporary bump after the killing of Osama bin Laden: Forty-nine percent approve and 47 percent disapprove.” The poll, taken Dec. 15-18, found Republican Congressional support has fallen to 20 percent. Both parties have actively courted middle-class voters. And Obama seems to be winning that matchup as well, according to the Washington Post-ABC News poll. When asked about protecting the middle class, 50 percent of respondents said they trusted Obama over Republicans, who were favored by only 35 percent. This does not mean that Obama is guaranteed re-election. While Democrats enjoyed
watching Republican candidates form a circular firing squad in Iowa, aided by unprecedented spending by outside groups called super PACs, they realize that once the GOP selects a nominee, all that negative campaigning will be aimed at Obama. A large segment of the GOP hates Mitt Romney, but they hate Obama more. This will be the first presidential election since a pair of 2010 Supreme Court decision cleared the way for unlimited corporate and individual donations to support independent political organizations. It is estimated that such contributions to candidates seeking federal office could reach $6 billion to $7 billion this year. On another front, the Washington Post reported Sunday that Republican officials have created a video catalogue of every word Obama has uttered since launching his 2008 presidential campaign. The story said, “The GOP playbook is designed to take one of Obama’s greatest assets – the power of his oratory – and turn it into a liability.” One attack on Obama will feature a 2009 clip from the “Today” show in which he said that if he could not fix the economy in three years, “then there’s going to be a one-term proposition.” Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus told the
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Post, “That’s a clip the American people will hear and see over and over and over again…The nice thing about Barack Obama is that he’s given us plenty of material. The one thing he loves to do is give speeches.” Obama plans to use even more speeches to argue that he is a stronger advocate for the middleclass and unemployed workers than Republicans. He hopes to depict the GOP as concerned only about the plight of superrich and keeping tax loopholes for large corporations. Like Harry Truman, who campaigned against a do-nothing Congress, Obama is drawing a sharp contrast between his administration and Republicans. However, Obama can’t totally disassociate himself from Congress if he wants any additional legislative victories. One of his first tests in 2012 will be to obtain a one-year extension of unemployment benefits, which is set to expire in less than two months. Obama’s team also must do a better job communicating his message if he is to win a second term. Many polls show that although Obama’s personal approval ratings are low, many of the policies he has proposed – including using a combination of higher taxes on the wealthy and spending cuts to lower the deficit – resonate with most voters, Saturday, January 7, 2012
including many Republicans. Both Democrats and Republicans are disappointed that the economy remains sluggish. When asked on the CBS program “60 Minutes” why he should be re-elected, Obama replied, “Not only saving this country from a Great Depression. Not only saving the auto industry. But putting in place a system in which we’re going to start lowering health care costs and you’re never going to go bankrupt because you get sick or somebody in your family gets sick. Making sure that we have reformed the financial system, so we never again have taxpayerfunded bailouts and the system is more stable and secure. Ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Decimating al Qaeda, including Bin Laden being taken off the field.” He added, “But when it comes to the economy, we’ve got a lot more work to do. And we’re going to keep on at it.” George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. He can be reached through his Web site, www.george-curry-.com You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge. 5
COMMENTARY
Worrill’s World By Dr. Conrad W. Worrill
ELECTORAL POLITICS AND BLACK PEOPLE (Dr. Worrill, National Chairman Emeritus of the National Black United Front / NBUF, located at 1809 East 71st Street, Suite 211, Chicago, Illinois 60649, 773.493.0900 Fax: 773.493.9819, E-mail: nbufchi@sbcglobal.net, Website: nbufront.org)
Dr. Conrad Worrill Since the end of the Civil War in 1865, when African Americans were granted the right to vote, through the 15th Amendment in
1868, electoral politics has played a dominant role in the African American Community. African Americans have been participating in electoral politics for 147 years. With the North winning the Civil War and chattel slavery being abolished, under the Emancipation Proclamation, and as we were given the right to vote, through the 15th Amendment, many Black leaders began to feel that maybe conditions would change in America. Therefore, most leaders started urging Black people to join the Republication Party, the Party of Lincoln. This period in history from 1863 to 1876 is called “Reconstruction” and the first time Black people began to participate vigorously in electoral politics. During the late 1860s and early 1870s, many African Americans were elected to Congress and an African American Senator, Hiram Revels, was elected from Mississippi. The Political Abolition Party and the Equal Rights Party ran Frederick Douglass for Vice President of the United States in 1856 and 1872. Many Black colleges were established during this period through the land grant act that called for public education at the college level. Because of these responses on the
part of the government many African American leaders felt that Black people’s situation could be resolved in America through governmental intervention and effective voting. The presidential election of 1876 brought into focus the real agendas of the white ruled Republican and Democratic Parties. Rutherford B. Hayes was the Republican candidate who was supposed to be representing the vital interests of the North and Samuel Tilden was the Democratic candidate alleging to represent the real interests of the South. In a very close election, the South actually won the popular vote; however, during the Electoral College proceedings, neither candidate received a majority of electoral votes. The Southern representatives made it clear that their interests did not include winning the presidency of the United States, but reclaiming full autonomy for the South. Through much wrangling, a decision was made by those present that later became known as the “Great Compromise.” The Compromise of 1876 resulted in the Republican Hayes being announced the winner of the presidential election and both sides received what they basically wanted
in the first place. Obviously neither side was interested in the liberation of Black people. The emerging northern industrialists wanted entry and new markets into the South and the southern plantation owners wanted their land back. The net result for African Americans was the repealing of some of the voting rights laws that immediately began to wipe out Black elected officials and made it virtually impossible for Black people to vote in the South again until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1964. Through all of this, Black leaders, and those African Americans who voted, remained loyal to the Republican Party even though their voting rights had been sold down the drain. As pointed out, after Reconstruction, many Black people still remained loyal to the Republican Party and tried to fight for change within it just as some Black people are still fighting for changes in the Democratic Party today. This loyalty lasted until the 1930s when African Americans began to switch their allegiance to the Democratic Party and the so-called “New Deal Era” of the Roosevelt Administration. Essentially, since the 1930s to the present, African Americans have voted for Democratic Party candi-
dates in large measure. There have been a small group of African Americans who have historically called for a Black Political Party in response to the domination of the white ruled Republication and Democratic Parties. In fact, in Gary, Indiana in 1972, 10,000 Black people participated in the National Black Political Convention in which the call for the development of a Black Independent Political Party was a prominent discussion at this meeting. However, the allegiance of Black elected officials to the Democratic Party prevented any real movement toward the development of a Black Political Party or independent Black Political Organization. Instead, a strategy of the third force inside the Democratic Party was developed. In Chicago, for example, since the death of the late Mayor Harold Washington, African American leaders are very much divided over strategy and tactics to continue the movement for Black political empowerment. This trend can be observed around the country. There is no question that we need our own political party, or at best, our own political organization. But this must occur in a manner that truly represents the best interests of the African American Community.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN handled when Congress reconvenes. Otherwise, and most likely, let the games begin. The games may have new rules this time around. President Obama is rising in approval polls, while Congress is falling. The public is fed up by the obstructionism that seems to dictate almost every interaction between the White House and Capitol Hill. Congress seems to exist in a Washington bubble, disconnected from the rest of the world. Recent data about the number of Congressional millionaires – many are part of the one percent – suggest that our legislators don’t share our concerns about the cost of groceries, gasoline, or health insurance. It is virtually impossible for an ordinary person to be elected to Congress, because ordinary people don’t usually have the finances to fund a campaign. The Obama campaign proved to be an exception, with frequent Internet requests for small amounts of money -- $5 or even $3. Wealthy legislators need not employ those tactics. Their campaigns are either self or lobby fi-
Most Americans have been enjoying the holiday haze since House Speaker John Boehner (ROH) folded and allowed the twomonth extension of unemployment insurance and the Social Security tax cut, and other key matters. Indeed, if the French take the month of August off by law, we almost do the same in the period between Christmas and New Year. Except for retail establishments that support the great American pastime – shopping – few businesses got substantive work done in the last week. Now that Kwanzaa and New Year’s Day have past, the games will begin again. The House of Representatives is back January 17, and the Senate returns on January 23. House Republicans will be hell-bent on finding ways to pay for the legislation passed on December 22, and Boehner, whose humiliating concession to President Obama had to irk him, will probably be ready to rumble when he returns to Washington.
In the time between now and January 17, people ought to be writing, calling, and visiting members of Congress in their home offices, urging them to minimize cuts to things like education. If we need to make budget cuts, perhaps those cuts can be concentrated on our defense budget. Indeed, as the Occupy Movement is reorganizing itself (I hear they plan to Occupy the Rose Bowl), perhaps they could target key offices, including Boehner’s, for a demonstration.
While I’ve been critical about what I call “Occupy outcomes”, I salute the organization for reminding us of the income inequality that riddles our nation and has gotten worse, not better, in recent years. To begin the occupation on Wall Street, and to spread out to hundreds of cities all over the world, was a brilliant, headline-grabbing move. Now, perhaps, our friends can get more practical and Occupy some congressional home office to remind some of these tone-deaf folk what many of their constituents are thinking and feeling. Congress will have less than six weeks to decide if the two-month tax cut will be extended through the rest of the year. Given their penchant for taking deadlines to the last minute, and refusing to compromise with President Obama, we are likely to find ourselves in the same position on February 20 as we were on December 20, at an impasse. The brinkmanship is getting old, yet we can expect nothing else unless a few House Republicans change their minds about the way this matter will be
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Saturday, January 7, 2012
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
BY JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA COLUMNIST
Dr. Julianne Malveaux
nanced. Occupy’s momentum suggests, perhaps, that the Occupy movement, if organized, can be a significant political force. Could there be an Occupy candidate, or two, in key 2012 political races? ‘Could the street heat turn into the kind of Congressional heat that would give another perspective to these frequent impasses? WE expect to see all kinds of games in the first six weeks of this legislative session. But the games desperately need new players. The official games begin January 17 or so. But some of us need to start playing now by reminding our vacationing Congressional leaders, of both parties, what is at stake with continuing high unemployment and increasing poverty. Don’t let Congress come back to Washington without hearing from you. These highstake games affect the economic status of most of the 99 percent. Julianne Malveaux is President of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Chicago Crusader
CHATTERBOX By Ima Gontellit EDITOR'S NOTE: This column is published as political satire, street gossip and humor, and therefore should not be considered as fact but rather as matter of opinion. None of the items therein are collected by the news gathering staff of the Crusader Newspaper Group. Items forwarded to The Chatterbox are kept confidential unless otherwise requested by the author in writing. For submissions please forward to: AChicagoCrusader@aol.com. Original photography and artwork are permitted. Thank you for reading!
tively impact Newt Gingrich and all he got was eight more votes than Santorum. Santorum showed his true colors while campaigning in Iowa by keeping the lie going that tries to say more Blacks than any other race is on welfare. The stereotype was dispelled years ago, but obviously Santorum didn’t get the memo, which says that he is not up-todate with his facts and therefore is
do the same. Ima can’t find no reason for him to continue. In
-ImaWHY ARE WE ALLERGIC TO GLASS?
Ron Paul
JUST WHEN YOU THINK IT CAN’T GET WORSE . . . The Iowa Caucus winner Mitt Romney wins by eight votes over Rick Santorum. That’s what I call a real mandate. If you
unqualified to be President. The facts are according to the NAACP nine percent Blacks are receiving food stamps, while eighty-four percent of the recipients in Iowa are white. Ain’t nothing like a redneck keeping a lie going . . .
thought the field of Republican candidates was pitiful before, after the Caucus you are assured that it is a sorry lot. Romney spent millions of dollars to nega-
Garrett’s Popcorn, known the world over for its goodness, decides to expand its business and come to the southside. As a matter of fact to Chatham. So far they have been here for approximately two weeks and Ima hear tell they done already broke out the window. Maybe the owners will believe the excuse for us being so ignorant by explaining that we’se allergic to glass. If you believe that one I have a bridge I want to sell you. Call 555-1IMA. -Ima-
Rick Santorum
Mitt Romney
haven’t gotten over Newt Gingrich when he was speaker of the house. His ideas were scary. Thirteen debates to show the world they are a bunch of idiots. What a group – what a group.
HOLIDAY LOVE AND HATE During the holidays word was rampant in the streets about the engagements and divorces in our Black elite community. First, Kobe and his wife annouced they are going their separate ways. And is it going to cost the brutha? You betcha half of property plus child support and other residuals. Then word came that Michael Jordan done lost his mind and wans to be with a Cuban model and their young baby. It ain’t enough that Juanita, his first wife took him for a lot of loot. Ima ain’t mad at her. She deserved it all for putting up with his hoish behind. Good news was hearing that Lebron James was finally going to marry his babys mama. The good thing is that a Sistah is his fiance. Sure hopes it work out. We ain’t gonna talk about dem Kardashian ho ho hoes. They somenudderelse I am sure you agree.
Michele Bachmann
Then there’s Ron Paul who would probably blow away if a strong wind came along. The only thing that is keeping him grounded is the big wind bag he carries around full of racist remarks.
Kobe Bryant
Michael Jordan
GET YOUR OWN COPY OF
The saving grace is Michele Bachmann got out of the race and Rick Perry would be wise to
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4) Of course a police officer’s cacompleted his education, found solid employment and was com- reer is more dangerous and demitted to improving his commu- manding than the average citinity. He also was soon to be mar- zen’s. However, it is not fair or humane in my opinion to say one ried. A group of ministers and the kind of life is more important Police Officers Memorial Fund than another. It seems that as a community have joined forces to raise $13,000 for information that will we should step up to raise the get Officer Lewis’ killers convict- same kind of reward money for regular people who are killed as is ed. Not too long ago, the memorial raised for police officers. fund and other groups raised So far the police chief, the mayabout $25,000 in reward money in the murder of Officer Michael or or anybody else has an answer to all of these killings. Maybe we Bailey. My question is why can’t the will find that if we can raise and community in general raise mon- guarantee that a certain amount ey for rewards when everyday of money will get people to turn people, civilians are killed. Last in the killers who are their family year Chicago had more than 400 and friends. But something has to murders. Periodically a small change because these murders group of citizens or a sole church will not stop by themselves. would offer reward money – usually not enough to get residents to Rosemary Jones break the code of silence. The Chicago Crusader
Rick Perry
Newt Gingrich fact the whole lot of Republicans are so sorry, that the election should be called off until they can find some decent Republican candidates. Let’s not forget we
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Send $20.00 (postage included) to: THE CHICAGO CRUSADER 6429 South King Drive Chicago, Illinois 60637 and we will send you your copy of “The Best of the Chatterbox” (a book of over 50 items from Ima’s best columns) by US Mail or call (773) 752-2500 for more info YOU’LL LAUGH YOUR HEAD OFF!!! An ideal Christmas present for family and friends Saturday, January 7, 2012
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR VISIT THE MORTON ARBORETUM: On Sunday, January 8, at 2:15 pm, in the Morton Arboretum’s Thornhill Education Center, explore the music of the golden age for British composers - the Baroque era. Works by Handel, Purcell, Eccles and Mell will be featured in this remarkable performance by the “Callipygian Players.” Featuring some of the Chicago’s finest period instrument musicians, Craig Trompeter, cello, and Mark Shuldiner, harpsichord, under the leadership of director and Baroque violinist Martin Davids, the afternoon is sure to be a golden performance. The event is suitable for all ages. Season tickets: $130 per person (discount for Arboretum members). Individual tickets $28 per person (discount for Arboretum member). Purchase tickets online at www.mortonarb.com or call 630-725-2066. The Fraser fir has been called the “Cadillac of Christmas trees,” but did you know that this favorite holiday tree is on the Endangered Tree List? Learn more about the Fraser fir and other threatened trees and how you can help in a new exhibit, “Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat.” Debuting at the Arboretum and traveling to other cultural institutions across the U.S., this exhibit aims to raise awareness of how some trees are struggling to survive. The exhibition is suitable for all ages and is Free with Arboretum admission. The exhibit, located in the Conifer Collection, is ONGOING. Conveniently located at I88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 am Central Time until sunset. Visit the Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, to learn more.
terials including willow, spruce and birch woods, features a variety of Chicago-style homes and famous buildings such as the neighborhood bungalow, Chicago Theatre and Chicago Water Tower Place. Lincoln Park Conservatory is located just five minutes north of downtown. From Lake Shore Drive, exit Fullerton Avenue and travel two blocks west. From I-94, exit Fullerton Avenue and travel two miles east. The Conservatory is located on the southeast corner of Fullerton and Stockton. NAVY PIER® PROMOTIONAL SEASONAL PARKING RATES OFFER BIG SAVINGS TO BIG EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS THIS WINTER: An exciting lineup of events and attractions await Navy Pier visitors this fall and winter, including great savings on parking. From Winter WonderFest, presented by Bank of America, which is continuing through Sunday, January 8, 2012, to the Windy City Circus, and fireworks to the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, Navy Pier has lots to offer during the next few months, along with promotional seasonal parking rates that can save you 25% -58% every day in their garages. Through March 18, 2012, parking rates for Navy Pier garages are:$14 Monday Thursday before 5 pm; $18 Friday - Sunday before 5 pm; and $10 after 5 pm seven days a week. Chicagoans and tourists visiting Navy Pier can enjoy those rates during the next upcoming event. For details on parking rates and upcoming visits, please visit: www.navypier.com.
ALL ABOARD! FOR THE WINTER FLOWER & TRAIN SHOW AT LINCOLN PARK CONSERVATORY: Celebrate the holiday with the Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Drive, at the Winter Flower and Train Show through Sunday, January 8, 2012. Admission is free and the conservatory is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. This year, the Show House is the perfect backdrop for family holiday photos where model trains wind their way through a miniature village set among a colorful pallet of Poinsettias. An old-fashioned steam engine and freight trains traverse through a floral display arranged in artistic splashes of color. Visitors escaping the cold can enjoy an eye catching Poinsettia display, with some varieties that are named after world famous artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Di Vinci. The village, comprised entirely of natural ma-
CHICAGO - PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIP FOR CURRENT HS SOPHS/JRS (SCIENCE, MATH, ENGINEERING):Are you interested in exploring careers in Science, Engineering, or Math and want to get some $$ for it? Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory) is offering YOU a PAID, non-residential summer internship opportunity, TARGET: Science and Engineering Program. The program dates are from June 25 – August 3, 2012. During this time, you will participate in both classroom and work experiences for five days each week beginning at 8:30 each morning. Work assignments will include supporting the science done at the lab including administration, computing, and communications. You will be considered a summer employee and paid for your time worked, in addition to receiving a weekly stipend for classroom time. Please don’t miss this opportunity! You must apply in order to parti-cipate! Applica-
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Saturday, January 7, 2012
tion materials are available at http://wdrs.fnal.-gov/eeo/target.html. Applications must be received by Monday, April 2, 2012. Requirements include: 2012 Application (available at above link); Personal Statement (See page 3 of 7 of Application for detailed instructions); Official Transcript; Two Evaluations of Applicant Forms completed by your Math and Science Teachers; You must prove your eligibility to work in the US, and be a current sophomore or junior. Visit the
above link for more information. STUDENT PRIZE: Any high school or college students who write or speak out for social justice and positive change (or if you know someone who does) should check out this opportunity! The Student Stowe Prize recognizes outstanding writing by United States high school and college students that motivates positive action for social justice. The Prize recognizes writing that is making a tangible impact on a social justice issue critical to con-
temporary society. Issues may include, but are not limited to: race, class and gender. Entries must have been published or publicly presented. The winning entry will receive $2,500 and have their work published on the Stowe Center website. Submission deadline: February 27, 2012. Visit http://www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org/worxcms_published/programs.items_pa ge208.shtml, or send email to Sharon Morgan <morganoba@gmail-.com> for more information.
ED MCELROY, host of “Community In Focus” recently interviewed Dorothy Leavell, Publisher of the Crusader Newspaper and Daniel Patlak, Commissioner of Cook County Board of Review. Community In Focus airs on Senior Network Can TV, Chicago channel 19 on Fridays at 5 p.m. and again on Sunday at noon. Pictured from the (left to right) is Daniel Patlak, Ed McElroy and Dorothy Leavell.
Extended Coverage Yes, you can save on homeowner’s insurance premiums. But remember: there is a smart way to do so, and a not-so-smart way. *** First, be aware that premiums are up as a result of recent storm damage. Tornados, thunderstorms, hurricanes and even earthquakes have depleted the funds insurers need to pay claims. *** It is not smart to skimp on coverage because your home’s resale value has gone down. What you are insuring is the cost of rebuilding what may be damaged, and those costs have not gone down.
Milton E. Moses
insurance with the same insurer. It is important to look for a good reputation and a low complaint ratio when shopping for any insurance. *** Want to save on insurance? We’ll show you the smart way to do it at 526 E. 87th Street, your insurance headquarters. We have been serving the community since 1962. For more information about the services we provide, call (773) 6516200. You can also reach us via email at: sales@ community insurance.-com or visit the website at www.communityins. com.
*** One way to save is to raise your deductible to what you could pay in case of disaster. Raising the deductible from $500 to $1,000 could save you as much as 25 percent. Smoke detectors and security devices can help you qualify for valuable discounts. *** Another way to save is to bundle your insurance coverage; place your homeowner’s and auto Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
The Chicago Crusader
BUSINESS A New Year Resolution for Consumers: Say ‘No’ to High-Cost Lending By Charlene Crowell NNPA Columnist The New Year’s tradition of making resolutions is sometimes an opportunity to turn dreams into specific goals and efforts - like losing pounds gained during holiday excesses. When it comes to financial matters, now is a perfect time to also assess lending habits and ways to develop greater financial security. In a downturned economy, where jobs are scarce and dollars are short for many Americans, learning how to keep a greater portion of your monies is a resolution worth the effort. If changes in consumer financial habits can begin in the New Year, chances are there will be a big and better difference by this time next year. These changes can especially benefit consumers with modest incomes as well as those living on governmental assistance and fixed incomes. In fact, the fewer the financial resources, the more important it becomes to avoid high-cost lending and derive greater use of your own money.
For example, if your bank has begun to charge service fees for checking accounts, review the fine print that announced those changes. Payroll direct deposits or maintaining minimum balances may be available options that could spare consumers pesky monthly fees. If you earlier opted in for overdraft coverage, now is a great time to opt out of it and the accompanying average cost of $34 per transaction. Surveys have shown that the vast majority of consumers would prefer to have a transaction declined rather than incur these fees. If your bank does not currently offer these kinds of cost-savings options, it might be time to shop around with area competitive banks or credit unions. As non-profits, most credit unions offer lower rates than commercial lenders. Lower rates and fees translate into significantly cheaper financing costs for major purchases such as homes and vehicles. Although bank and credit union accounts are widely used, approximately nine million Americans have no bank account at all, accord-
Charlene Crowell ing to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. FDIC estimates that one in five Black households is unbanked and relies upon fringe financial services to transact their personal business. A sure way for these consumers to begin building savings would be to avoid fee-based and high costs of check-cashing services, pre-paid debit cards as well as payday and car title loans. Typically, check-cashing services charge a percentage of the check being cashed. As an example, if a Social Security check of $1,000 is
cashed at a cost of $24.75, in a year’s time, the store will take $297 from the recipient. Even with a bank account monthly service charge, the recipient would keep more of their money. If a bank or credit union charged $7.00 per month for an account or $84 per year, the difference the consumer would keep is $213. That amount of money could be better used for utilities, groceries or even savings. Pre-paid debit cards, a growing financial product may also be a more expensive way to transact personal business as well. Whether offered online or from a growing list of major retailers, pre-paid cards frequently come with multiple costs. Beyond converting money into plastic, activation fees are often charged. If ATM use is allowed, additional costs may be incurred for using these conveniently-located machines. Further, if a consumer wants to ‘re-load’ the card once original funds have been depleted, another fee could kick in. In short the fee totals deny consumers full use of their own money. Perhaps the highest cost of fringe
lending occurs with payday and car title loans. Each year, the 12 million Americans using payday loans generate $4.2 billion in fees alone. According to research by the Center for Responsible Lending, most payday customers borrow an average nine loans per year at 400 percent interest; 76 percent of these loans represent repeat borrowing on the same principal. The 17 states and the District of Columbia that have enacted a double-digit rate cap on payday loans have together saved their consumers $1.4 billion in fees. While the legislative battles over these high-cost loan products continue, right now every consumer can say no to high-cost lenders. It is one time when saying ‘no’ will mean ‘yes’ to improving your own financial future. Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.
NEW (TECHNOLOGICAL) YEAR! By Cheryl Pearson-McNeil NNPA Columnist The countdown is on. As we welcome a brand new shiny year, I’ve already been pouring through the magazine articles that promise me, “A New Year, A New You!” Here we go – again. Last year I was convinced that if Jennifer Hudson could lose weight through Weight Watchers, then I could too. And of course, there was an “app” to help me with that. I am not alone in my quest to find a quick way to a new and improved way of life – via my smartphone, according to a recent Nielsen study. The State of the Media: The Mobile Media Report, the latest of Nielsen’s ongoing smartphone analytics research, tells us nearly half of all American mobile consumers (44%) now own a smartphone. Plus, Nielsen’s recently released State of the African-American Consumer Report, confirms 44% of all new mobile phones purchased by Blacks are smartphones, so that now 33%, or a whopping 14 million, of us own one. Smartphones are those handheld mobile devices that allow us to make and receive phone calls, emails, surf the web and perform a host of other activiThe Chicago Crusader
ties, depending on just how “smart” of a model you own. Regardless of the model you choose, Nielsen knows that more Blacks prefer an Android (37%) or RIM Blackberry
available to help with other popular resolutions (and pretty much anything else that might tickle your fancy) like getting organized, spending less to save more, learning something new,
Cheryl Pearson-McNeil (30%) than the 16% of us who choose an Apple iOS, otherwise known as the iPhone. Regardless of the model, we can download diet plans and fitness apps with virtual trainers for practically pennies. Apps are also
etc. And since my quest to be slim like Jennifer did not make it past February 1 in 2011, I decided to get a head start on things this year. Like a zealot on a mission, I spent the entire day
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
after Christmas downloading new and improved apps in preparation for 2012. I have my “to-do list” app all ready to go and my “new goals” app is synced with my Outlook calendar and this time I’m entering the year of new possibilities armed with a “personal trainer” app and even a “101 Ways to Be Healthy” app! Couple those with the apps I have to stay abreast of my financial situation and those that keep my wardrobe organized, and my home redecorating projects coordinated for a total of 49 apps (including those that come with the phone). According to Nielsen, I’m over-indexing on the apps things, since most smartphone app downloaders report having an average of 33 apps on their mobile phone (Apple iPhone app downloaders have an average of 44 apps, while those with Android smartphones have an average of 32). But hey, you can’t say I’m not ready! No end-of-the-year column is complete without a year in review right? So here’s a smartphone recap for 2011: Most of the 18% of mobile subscribers who had smartphones two years ago were more likely to be male. In 2011, more than half (51%) of the 44% Saturday, January 7, 2012
who own smartphones are female. Younger consumers still led in smartphone penetration. 64% of 25-35 year olds and 53% of 18-24 year olds owned smartphones. In 2009, RIM’s Blackberry smartphone was the device of choice (even still the choice of President Obama). In 2011, Blackberrys were used by 17% of the smartphone market. Apple was the top smartphone manufacturer in the U.S. with 28.6 percent of the market, and Android was the most favored operating system by manufacturers, with 44% of the market. The number of smartphone subscribers using the mobile Internet has grown 45% since 2010. Whether you’re a smartphone user or New Year’s Resolution maker or not, on behalf of Nielsen I wish you a safe and Happy New Year. I look forward to sharing more exciting information with you in 2012, because – say it with me – knowledge is power! Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen. For more information and studies go to www.nielsenwire.com 9
EDUCATION
Bridging the Communications Gap South Suburban Teens Meet with Law Enforcement Officers
High School in Country Club Hills, Thornwood High School in South Holland, Tinley Park High School and Vernon Hills High School. Law Enforcement officials came from the towns of Markham, Country Club Hills, Phoenix, East Hazel Crest and Hazel Crest. The Can You Hear Me Now? CAP/YAR Dialogue Series attempts to bridge the communication gap between youth and the police by hosting open dialogues, town hall meetings, public service announcements and other creative activities to inspire discussion and dialogue. The first Can You Hear Me Now? event, held in September in Chicago, was so successful that many po-
ing sponsored by Chicago Area Project and Youth As Resources (CAP/YAR). This Can You Hear Me Now? dialogue was presented in conjunction with the Markham Police Department’s Juvenile Development Program. The teens in attendance came from Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Bremen High School in Midlothian, Hazel Crest High School, Hillcrest
lice departments are now requesting these events in their districts or towns. The in-depth conversation at that first meeting impressed the members of law enforcement so much, that one stated: “Program’s like this should be mandatory throughout the nation.” This sentiment led to the decision by CAP/YAR to hold a series of Can You Hear Me Now? events.
“This dialogue,” states CAP Executive Director David Whittaker, “was launched in the hopes of developing better understanding and interaction between our young people and law enforcement. These events will allow each group to gain insight into each other’s perspective.” During the meeting, police, youth and other adults brought up their concerns and stories of being stopped by police officers. One mother, Denise McGee, a resident of Hazel Crest, shared a negative police experience as her daughter Crystal McGee looked on. As a teen, Denise stopped a police officer after being attacked by a man, only to have the officer accuse her of being a prostitute. Mrs. McGee emphasized that the actions of this one bad police officer were tempered by the actions of the police officers at the station who believed her story and supported her. A number of police officers also shared their stories including Markham Police Detective DeShaun Walker who related a tale from his teen years about going out for chicken and getting picked up and accused of a crime. The negative actions of the police, however, only strengthened his resolve to pursue a career in law enforcement. He remembers thinking, “One day I’m going to be a cop and I will be a better one than you are.” Many of the young people in attendance voiced concerns about police behavior during curfew violation actions. Jamari Hodge, 16, a Junior at Hazel Crest High School, for example, asked why the police have to enforce curfew even if it’s only a minute or so past the appointed deadline. According to Jamari, she and her younger sister ended up being arrested and handcuffed as they were about to be driven home from a movie night at a friend’s house. Others, like Deamonta Drain, 18, a senior at Bremen High School, admitted they were wrong about violating curfew, but wondered what action he could have taken when one officer “went beyond the line in handling the situation.” Several police officers, including Detective Mike Tuley from the East Hazel Crest Police Department and Officer Phillip Miller of the Markham Police Department addressed the curfew issue. “We have rules to follow,” Detective Tuley told Jamari. “If we let you get in that car and you had an accident, we’d be liable.” The consensus of most of the police officers present was that youth needed to make sure they obeyed the curfew because
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Can You Hear Me Now? Event at Hillcrest High School is Part of a CAP/YAR Dialogue Series Between Youth and the Police Teens and law enforcement officers from many south suburban towns attended Can You Hear Me Now?: Bridging the Gap Between Law Enforcement and Teens, recently at Hillcrest High School, 17401 South Pulaski Road in Country Club Hills. The Hillcrest High School Can You Hear Me Now? event is part of a series of police/teen dialogues be-
AFTER SHARING A negative experience he had with police as a youth, Detective DeShaun Walker from the Markham Police Department stressed that the experience made him even more determined to pursue a career in criminal justice. “One day I’m going to be a cop,” he remembers telling himself, “and I will be a better one than you are.” The detective shared his story during Can You Hear Me Now?: Bridging the Gap Between Law Enforcement and Teens on December 13, 2011 at Hillcrest High School, 17401 S. Pulaski Rd. in Country Club Hills, IL. The Can You Hear Me Now? event is part of series of Police/Teen dialogues being sponsored by Chicago Area Project and Youth As Resources (CAP/YAR). This Can You Hear Me Now? dialogue was presented in conjunction with the Markham Police Department’s Juvenile Development Program.
DENISE MCGEE, a resident of Hazel Crest shares a negative police experience as her daughter Crystal McGee looks on, during Can You Hear Me Now?: Bridging the Gap Between Law Enforcement and Teens on December 13, 2011 at Hillcrest High School, 17401 S. Pulaski Rd. in Country Club Hills, IL. As a teen, Denise stopped a police officer after being attacked by a man, only to have the officer accuse her of being a prostitute. The Can You Hear Me Now? event is part of series of Police/Teen dialogues being sponsored by Chicago Area Project and Youth As Resources (CAP/YAR). This Can You Hear Me Now? dialogue was presented in conjunction with the Markham Police Department’s Juvenile Development Program. it’s still the law. One of the meeting highlights was the realization for both teens and law enforcement officials that stereotyping goes both ways. The police, for example, often stereotype youth based on the colors and styles they wear. And
of stopping the police for help after being jumped, only to end up being the one arrested. Then he stated: “We’re saying we act the way we do because of the way you [the police] act. And you are saying you act the way you do because of the way we [the youth]
JAMARI HODGE, 16, a Junior at Hazel Crest High School, listens as Detective Mike Tuley from the East Hazel Crest Police Department tries to explain why the police have to enforce curfew even if it’s only a minute or so past the appointed deadline. youth often stereotype police act. When are we going to calm based on what they hear in the down and settle our differences?” neighborhood or see on TV. The CAP/YAR Can You Hear The point was driven home by Me Now? events are designed to Josevan Arias, 17, from Bremen help settle those differences. High School. Josevan told a story The Chicago Crusader
COMMUNITY
Chasing away the Blues in Red The 4th Annual Chasing Away the Blues in Red Luncheon was held on December 13, 2011 in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The event was sponsored by State Senators Mattie Hunter and Emil Jones, III for seniors in the districts.
ANOTHER TREAT was the performance of Darryl Reed doing an impersonation of Stevie Wonder.
AT AGE 102, Isabel Taylor was the oldest senior citizen to attend the luncheon. Isabel, who is pictured being interviewed by Deloris McBain of the McBain Media Group, still teaches Sunday School every Sunday at the Allen Metropolitan CME Church at 109th and Lowe St.
THE DRESS CODE was red and dancing was optional during the 4th Annual Chasing Away The Blues in Red Luncheon.
THE AUDIENCE WAS treated to a performance of Mr. Bojangles by Mr. Taps (Arie King).
ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE Jesse White is pictured with Rev. Marrice Coverson, Executive Director of the Institute for Positive Living (IPL) one of the supporting organizations that helped facilitate the luncheon.
ENTERTAINMENT included songstress Loretta Lee doing a rendition of songs made famous by Lady Day—Billie Holiday.
Seaway Bank brightens holiday for needy families Seaway’s strength lies in its adherence to sound, community-based banking practices with accessible customer service and a commitment to local initiatives. Established in 1965, Seaway Bank serves the banking and credit needs in underserved and minority neighborhoods. Assets have risen from $5 million during the first year of operation to more than $625 million today.
For most people the holiday season is a time for celebration. But for many others – who may be struggling to keep the heat on – buying gifts is simply impossible. With community assistance groups also hurting in tough economic times, Seaway Bank and Trust Company stepped up its “Trim-a-Tree” program to help families in need. The Seaway “Trim-a-Tree” program provided holiday gifts of food, toys and clothing for 19 local families, an increase over previous years. Since 1990, toy and coat collection boxes are placed annually at each branch, and visitors who make a cash contribution are invited to place an ornament on the bank’s lobby tree. Donors are identified on the ornament, and the funds raised are used to purchase food and gifts. Local churches and staff often help to refer the families in need. The bank works closely with the families to clarify clothing sizes and identify any special requests. Seaway employees were the first
to make donations, but bank customers and visitors stepped up to help. “These activities provided a way to share with those less fortunate. We know some families struggle to make ends meet during the holidays, and our ‘Trima-Tree’ helps to fill that gap,” said Seaway Bank President and CEO
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Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
SUPPORTING THE ANNUAL Seaway Bank and Trust “Trim-a-Tree” program for needy families are Customer Service Supervisor Melda Barker, President & CEO Walter E. Grady and VP Marketing Officer Claudette Harris. Walter E. Grady. While the need was great, Mr. Grady acknowledged that this is a big-hearted community. “Each year Seaway receives a lot of support for this outreach. When the gifts are delivered, we all feel the spirit of the season—and that’s what it’s all about,” he added.
About Seaway Bank and Trust Company Seaway Bank and Trust Company is a full-service commercial bank that emphasizes quality service and community commitment. One of the largest Blackowned banks in the nation, Saturday, January 7, 2012
Seaway Bank has nine branches in the Chicago area, a branch in Milwaukee (WI) and additional foreign currency exchange centers and banking outlets at O’Hare and Midway airports. Seaway Bank ATMs are available at all Seaway branches and at other key locations in the city. For more information about Seaway Bank, call VP/Marketing Officer Claudette Harris at 773602-4865 or visit www.seawaybank.us. Seaway Bank and Trust Company is an FDIC member and an Equal Housing Lender. 11
ENTERTAINMENT
The NEW Four-One-One By Raymond Ward Entertainment Editor 2011: The Year That Was!: 2011 has come and gone and following are some of what I consider to have been the highlights ( and lowlights ) of the year. They are just MY opinions, so don't blame the management or staff of The Chicago Crusader. All I can say is Get Over It! 1. Oprah Finally Said Good Bye.Yes, The Oprah Winfrey Show ended its run of 25 years on national television and all I can say ( and I'll use one of her lines from a well-known film) "I knows there is a God!" 2. Beyonce Is Expecting. Even though I do not think she's "all that" when it comes to singing and God knows she can't act, she seems to be one of the nicest people in the entertainment industry and I wish her and her husband Jay-Z a healthy and beautiful baby....a baby which is supposedly due any day now. 3. The Help: A film version of the best-selling novel, The Help, came to the big screen starring the incredible Viola Davis and all I can say is they might as well give her and her co-star, Octavia Spencer their Oscars now! 4. Reality Television: Admit it. You know you are as addicted to reality television as I am. I can't wait each week for the latest installment of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," "Survivor," "The Amazing Race," "Big Brother," "Project Runway," "American Idol," and even "The Bad Girls Club." Give me my weekly dose of Nene Leakes, Tim Gunn ("make it work"), Julie Chen, and Cynthia Bailey and I am in heaven, although, I still don't understand America's fascination with "Dancing With The Stars." Can you actually put being able to do the "Quick-Step" to any real use in this day and time? 5.Kim & Kris: Kim Kardashian married Kris Humphries in a reported $10 million dollar wedding that was turned into a two-night television special...and the marriage lasted exactly 72 days!....and folks thought Star Jones wedding to what's-his-name was a joke.
ENTERTAINMENT: CHICAGO STYLE By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ
Laugh At My Pain One of the biggest independent film box office success stories of 2011 comes to DVD and VOD. Kevin Hart’s Laugh At My Pain releases on DVD and VOD on January 17, 2012. Produced for only $750,000 by the independent production company Codeblack Entertainment, that also distributed the movie domestically in AMC Theaters, the standup comedy was an industry stand-out grossing over $7 million at the box office. Laugh At My Pain brings Kevin Hart back to the big screen, starring in the theatrical version of his 2011 comedy tour centering on hilariously awkward childhood memories and family dysfunction. By sharing jokes about a crazy uncle, financial issues and other stories that most wouldn't share, the star provides the audience with a solution to the troubles of life, laughing at your pain! The 90city tour of Laugh At My Pain swept the nation and earned more than $15 million in ticket sales and is one of the most successful comedy concerts in history.
6. Adele: An unlikely female singer from "across the pond" named Adele sang, "we could have had it all," on her super-hit record "Rolling In The Deep." The song received six Grammy nominations, spent 13 weeks at the top of the Billboard chart, and is probably the Best Song" of 2011.
Bonus features on the Laugh At My Pain DVD include Hart’s full, unedited interview with Larry King (Larry King Live), “The Plastic Cup Boyz” sketch, and a sneak peak of the upcoming film Think Like A Man, with an introduction from Kevin Hart.
7. Diet Commercials: What is up with all these celebrities doing commercials for diet plans? Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Fisher, and Marie Osmond are all pitching diet food plans. I must admit that Miss Mariah's commercials are HOT! 8. M.J.: Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray was held responsible for the death of the music legend by an overdose of the drug propofol. The doctor was sentenced to four years in prison, and I still say, Dr. Murray was NOT entirely at fault. Where were Michael's brothers and sisters when all these drugs were being taken and prescribed?
Additionally, the fulllength version of the theatrical release features a side-splitting cameo appearance by Academy Award® nominee Taraji P. Henson (Think Like A Man, CBS’ Person of Interest) and a special segment directed by Tim Story (Think Like A Man, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer).
9. Lady Gaga. I don't get it......Rihanna....I don't get it......Justin Bieber: I don't get it....AT ALL! 10. Fact Checkers: I am not one to knock or "bash" the Black Press, but, a local Black newspaper which has been in business for a least a century, recently published it's "Year In Review" and printed that the legendary prizefighter/boxer Joe Louis died in 2011. They included a photo of "The Brown Bomber" on the same page as Gil Scott-Heron, Nick Ashford, and the Rapper Heavy D, all of whom actually did pass away in 2011. Excuse me, but how did this error make it past the Editors and fact-checkers? Joe Louis died in 1981, some thirty years ago...and mind you this is the same newspaper that referred to Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales as "The Princess of Whales" on its front page when she died. Come on people, at least check your facts from time to time. 12
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The Chicago Crusader
ENTERTAINMENT
THE BOOKWORM SEZ . . .
“Creatures Here Below” authored by O.H. Bennett. You just don’t want to talk about it. Whatever it is, better nobody ask you because it’s a sore subject. You’re keeping your mouth shut on that topic. Don’t ask, mum’s the word, and all that. And if anybody dares say something, well, they’re going to get the stink-eye for sure because you don’t want to talk about it. Just remember that tender topics have a way of coming to the forefront eventually. And if not, as you’ll see in the new book “Creatures Here Below” by O.H. Bennett, words left unsaid can crack a family wide apart. Mason Reed always wondered why his mother, Gail, never stuck
up for him. She was always yelling, grabbing him, smacking him upside the head. She was always angry and maybe it had something to do with his father, Pony, who left Mason and his mother when Mason was just a baby. Whatever the reason, her anger lingered and on the night that he almost smacked her first, Mason caught himself, then left the house for good without saying goodbye. Not knowing where her son went made Gail frantic. She couldn’t stand to lose another child. Years ago, when she was just 14, she got pregnant and her mother lied, saying the baby died at birth but Gail knew better. She saw tiny fists waving and heard a cry. But in dreaming of how life might’ve been with a daughter, Gail also ached for her firstborn son. Annie Gant knew what it was like to have empty arms. Once upon a time, Annie helped another family raise their boys and keep their house but she gave the job up to marry her Joseph. Those were good years but now everyone was gone, and 89-yearold Annie lived in an upstairs
room in Gail’s boarding house, left only with memories and a dozen phantom dogs. Jackie Bell never planned on getting pregnant by a white boy, but she did. And she never wanted to be tied down, living in a rooming house with her baby, an addled old woman, a ticked-off landlady, and boy gone missing, but she was. And what Jackie did about it almost blew Miss Gail’s household apart. I almost put “Creatures Here Below” aside – twice. At the beginning, this book is a jumble. Very little of the story makes sense, and there’s a lot of back-and-forth without warning here. I struggled with what seemed like a plot gone wrong. I hoped it would get better. And boy, did it. After that initial confusion, author O.H. Bennett grabs his readers by the hand and leads us through a house of miscommunication where everybody thinks too much and talks too little. Despite what I thought was a rocky start, Bennett’s characters become likeable in their frailties and failures, and the back-and-forth ripens into a welcome addition.
Come out and “Meet The FRESHmen” Marlon Mitchell, and various nationally recognized comedians. The FRESHmen have been honored to host FRESH Sundays every second Sunday of the month at the famous Jokes and Notes since July 10, 2011. The show will feature all new sketches, guest comedians, and plenty of laughter. “The reason people should come see The FRESHmen is because we bring a fresh perspective to the comedic world through social commentary to political satire and everyday relatable topics,” said troupe member Chris Redd. “From national headliners to local upcoming stand ups, you’ll be able to get a great show from stand up, sketch, to improv.”
Southland Area Theatre Ensemble performs ‘Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits’
On January 8, 2012 the hottest new improv group out of Chicago, The FRESHmen Improv/Comedy Troupe, will be hosting their first FRESH Sundays performance at Jokes and Notes, 4641 South King Drive. Showtime is 8 PM. The FRESHmen Improv/Comedy Troupe is comprised of talented improv actors, Chris Redd, Mikko Monro, Brittany Baker, Chucho Perez, and Trey Brazier, who met while studying at the illustrious Second City Chicago. Baker, who is originally from Olympia Fields, is looking forward to the coming season. FRESHmen was created in 2009 after recognizing the need for a more diverse, minority improv group that both the community and the comedy world could relate to. The original group was comprised of 11 students. Since that time the group has morphed into a pool of five brilliant comedians entertaining audiences throughout the north and south sides of Chicago. “I joined Second City four years ago after being encouraged by family and others,” Baker said. “They said that it was the place to go if I wanted to move forward with my career as a comedian.” Baker’s experience in the arts began at age 4. She has performed as an actress, dancer as well as a comedian. The University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana graduate performed
for Congo Square and has served as a teaching artist for the company. “We are intent upon setting a standard in the comedic community, that shows that beautiful, powerful, talented, and intelligent can all be funny,” Mikko Monro, another member of the young group said. “Finding the funny in reality is what we thrive on. FRESH ideas, FRESH perspectives, FRESHmen comedy. We are building something so great that we want it to be legendary.” “The FRESHmen have performed all over Chicagoland, including Jokes and Notes, SketchFest, StudioBE, Gorilla Tango, opening for acts including, Pimprov, Damon Williams, B. Cole,
FRESHLEG FEATURING(l-r) Chucho Perez, Mikko Monro, Brittany Baker, Trey Da Choklitjok, and Chris Redd.
“Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits” is bringing hilarious spoofs of classic musical theater to the Governors State University Center for Performing Arts for three performances. The show, a production of the Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE), comes to the GSU Center on Friday, January 13, at 8 p.m., Saturday, January 14, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, January 15, at 4 p.m. Tickets for “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits” are just $25, and all seating is on the GSU Center stage for this cabaret-style performance. “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits” is directed by J.R. Rose, SLATE’s artistic director. Mark Jancosek is musical director and seven veterans of previous SLATE shows – Ron Bowden, Jessica Carpenter, Meghan Falica-Hoyt, Nate Krug, Annie Litchfield, Michelle McKenzie-Voigt, and Tyler McMahon – make up the talented cast. Since 1982, “Forbidden Broadway” productions have entertained millions of musical theater lovers around the world. The original
lThe Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Group to perform at GSU Center for Three Cabaret Performances on January 13, 14, 15
satirical off-Broadway revue, written and directed by Gerard Alessandrini, spoofed beloved musical theater standards and the stars who made them famous. Versions of “Forbidden Broadway” were a smash hit in New York for nearly 30 years and productions have been performed in more than 200 American cities, as well as theaters around the world. “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits” delivers a sure ticket to a laugh-filled night at the theater. You’ll see 18 Broadway legends come to life as they perform songs from 25 classic shows. SLATE was established in 2009 as an artistic collaboration between the Governors State University Center for Performing Arts, local theater educators, and veterans of area community theater companies. SLATE has produced three critically acclaimed summer productions, “Into the Woods” in 2009, “The Wedding Singer” in 2010, and “Ragtime” in 2011. Additional information regarding ticket purchase and SLATE is available at www.chicagocrusader. com. Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois. For more information about SLATE, visit www.slatetheatre.org. 13
WORLD OF MUSIC
By Barbara Wright-Pryor
MIC presents ACOG’s Brotherhood Chorale in tribute to Dr. King’s legacy The Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) will honor the extraordinary legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. at its eighth annual celebration of the legendary civic leader, featuring the renowned Brotherhood Chorale of the Apostolic Church of God, Brian Rice, director, Sunday, January 15 at 5:00 pm in Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. The 180-member male choral group will perform a program of traditional and contemporary gospel and jazz arrangements. Admission is free; all contributions that evening benefit the William Warfield Memorial Scholarship Fund of the MIC, which annually offers need-based financial assistance for minority students. William Warfield, famed operatic baritone, was a longstanding member of the Music Institute’s board of trustees, a member of Chicago Music Association, Branch No. 1, NANM, Inc. and a past president of NANM, Inc.
The nationally recognized Brotherhood Chorale was founded in Chicago in 1969 with less than 30 members. Under the guidance of its current director, Brian Rice, the Brotherhood Chorale has built an impressive repertoire and grown to approximately 180 members. In addition to performing every fourth Sunday for service, the choir sings engagements outside the church and has been featured at the South Shore Cultural Center and the Chicago Civic Orchestra,
among others. The Music Institute of Chicago was founded in 1931 and is one of the oldest community music schools in Illinois with a mission to provide the foundation for lifelong engagement with music. As one of the three largest and most respected community music schools in the nation, MIC offers musical excellence built on the strength of its distinguished faculty. A member of the National Guild of Community Schools of
the Arts and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, each year, the Music Institute’s music teachers and arts therapists provide the highest quality arts education to more than 5,000 students of all ability levels, from birth to 101 years of age at campuses in Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Winnetka, and Downers Grove. The Music Institute also offers lessons and programs at the Steinway of Chicago store in Northbrook and early childhood
Brotherhood Chorale of the Apostolic Church of God, Chicago
and community engagement programs throughout the Chicago area and the North Shore. Nichols Concert Hall, an education and performance center located in downtown Evanston, reaches approximately 14,000 people each year. The Music Institute of Chicago’s community engagement and partnership programs reach an additional 6,500 Chicago Public School students annually. The Music Institute offers lessons, classes, and programs through four distinct areas: Community School, The Academy, Creative Arts Therapy (Institute for Therapy through the Arts), and Nichols Concert Hall. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is free. For information, visit musicinst.org or call
CSO’s “Symphony Center Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute presents ‘The Song Continues . . . 2012’ Presents Jazz” series resumes Exploring the Art of the Song Recital with Marilyn Horne January 16-19
Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute presents “The Song Continues…2012,” led by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, exploring the song repertoire in order to encourage, support, and preserve the art of the vocal recital. Open internationally to young professional singers, “The
additional guest faculty member this year and will offer individual coaching sessions to the participating master class singers. Participants include twelve young vocalists selected through an intensive international audition process. “The Song Continues…2012” culminates on Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 pm in Zankel Hall with its annual recital, this year featuring special guests, so-
the series. To lead off “The Song Continues . . . 2012” series on Sunday, January 15 at 3:00 pm Fabio Luisi,
Anthony McGill
Friday, January 13 the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s “Symphony Center Presents Jazz” series resumes with acclaimed vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater paying tribute to Billie Holiday with a set drawn from her latest album, Eleanora Fagan (1915–1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee, which just won this year’s Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Bridgewater, who won a Tony Award for her performance as Glinda in The Wiz and hosts NPR’s weekly radio show JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater, celebrates the life and music of “Lady Day” The Russell Malone Trio, featuring the versatile guitar of Russell Malone, opens the concert with a set showcasing their recent release, Triple Play. Friday, February 17, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band with the Trey McIntyre Project appear together for Ma Maison, a unique music-and-dance collaboration celebrating the music and spirit of New Orleans. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, formed in 1961 and known for their traditional take on the New Orleans sounds, has in recent years embarked on a series of collaborations with diverse artists, including the rock band My Morning Jacket. The Trey McIntyre Project, the Idaho-based groundbreaking contemporary ballet company, is known for their use of diverse musical genres—rock, jazz, classical, and bluegrass—to highlight the distinctive, athletic
Song Continues…” features a series of public master classes and recitals to take place from Monday, January 16 to Thursday, January 19 in Weill Recital Hall and Zankel Hall. This year’s master classes will be led by Ms. Horne (Monday, January 16 at 7:30 pm in Weill Recital Hall), soprano Renée Fleming (Tuesday, January 17 at 7:30 pm in Zankel Hall), and pianist Graham Johnson (Wednesday, January 18 at 7:30 pm in Weill Recital Hall). Pianist Warren Jones becomes an
prano Joyce DiDonato and pianist Warren Jones. Leading young artists who have been mentored through the years by Marilyn Horne are also featured on the program. “The Song Continues…” became a program of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in June 2010, and is now one of its Professional Training Workshops. Previously, this annual event was presented by The Marilyn Horne Foundation in partnership with Carnegie Hall. Ms. Horne continues to serve as Artistic Advisor for
Principal Conductor of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra will conduct the Met Orchestra and soloists Renée Fleming, soprano, Anthony McGill, principal clarinet with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Stephen Williamson, principal clarinet with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and formerly co-principal with Mr. McGill at the Met Orchestra, in concert in Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage Mr. McGill will perform Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto and Mr. Williamson will be soloist for Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major. Ms. Fleming will sing works by Barber, Herrmann, and Mahler.
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Renée Fleming, Marilyn Horne and Joyce DiDonato
Dee Dee Bridgewater choreography of founder Trey McIntyre. Ma Maison fuses music and dance to create an unforgettable portrait of New Orleans encompassing both the festive and the macabre. Friday, March 9, after a stellar performance with Allen Toussaint in January of 2011, trumpeter Nicholas Payton returns to Symphony Center with his Television Studio Orchestra. This newly formed big band plays Payton’s own compositions, inspired by contemporary hip-hop and the classic and historic sound of his hometown of New Orleans. Payton has been building a reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in jazz since his time touring with the All Star Brass Band at age 12 to this latest exciting project that showcases his depth and versatility as a musician, leader, and composer. The Chicago Crusader
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
South Park Baptist Church to celebrate life of MLK By Dawn Cherie Jasper The campaign for a federal holiday in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed on the third Monday of the month, which fell on January 20, 1986. This year 26 years later the country will celebrate the life of the
Rev. Dr. E.R. Williams, Jr., slain civil rights leader on Monday, January 16 the day after his actual birthday January 15. Chicagoans are gearing up to remember Dr. King and continue his legacy through service projects to be performed on the 16th, prayer breakfasts events which draw hundreds from various background together to remember the life of Dr. King and where our society stands today in terms of affecting the fabric of the American culture.
This year in the Bronzeville community South Park Baptist Church, 3722 South Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (formerly South Park Boulevard) will honor the memory of Dr. King at the Salute Service on Monday, January 16. The service will last for one hour commencing at 11 AM. Rev. Dr. E.R. Williams, Jr., pastor, South Park Missionary Baptist Church said, “One of the key reasons that all Americans should pause and deeply reflect on the message of the life of Dr. King is that it is a message of relentless pursuit of the reality of quality opportunity, and collective advancement for all peoples in this land.” The Salute Service is the brainchild of Pastor Williams. This year marks the 44th anniversary of King’s assassination and with this in mind Williams asked the participation of 44 representatives from the clergy to join him in a procession into the sanctuary in honor and remembrance of Dr. King. “It is incumbent that we do this so young and old will join in this noble pursuit under God,” Williams said. “We therefore welcome the participation of 44 members of the clergy all recognizing the critical juncture that we now encounter. Where the very fabric of our society is seriously at risk and under constant attack.” Also participating in this first time event are local leaders and elected officials. Johnnie Blair, president of the Bronzeville Chamber of Com-
merce is looking forward to participating in this inaugural affair. “It is indeed a pleasure to join South Park Baptist Church in its first year effort to salute the greatest civil rights leader ever,” Blair said. Included on the list of clerical participants joining Minister Williams in the procession are Reverend Craig Dewitt Williams, son of Reverend Dr. E.R. Williams, Jr.; Pastor Dr. Mildred C. Harris of God First Ministries; Elder Robert McGhee, Sr., Assistant Pastor, Apostolic Church of God and Reverend Ronald Ellis, Pastor of New Christian Life House of Prayer and president of the Bethlehem District Association of Churches. Additionally, Alderwoman Pat Dowell (3rd ward), Senator Mattie Hunter (IL-3rd District) and Minister Donald Crump join Blair serving as general chairpersons for the first year event. “I am excited to be the general chairperson for this special occasion that will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the (celebration of his birth),” Hunter replied. “It is important that everyone take this day to celebrate his legacy and reflect on how much we have accomplished since he shared his dream. I look forward to a wonderful day of remembrance with my fellow Chicago area citizens, as we begin to live new dreams.” The general chairpersons will present 10 Dr. King “Drum Major” Awards. “The Chamber is joining this effort by partnering to award sev-
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. eral key Dr. Martin Luther King continue to love and revere this Drum Major Awards to those gentle giant,” Blair continued. identified as community and Also joining in the salute are business leaders in Bronzeville,” Blair said. A freshman college several of the 24th Infantry Registudent will receive a Dr. King ment of Buffalo Soldiers. NBC 5 retired News Anchor/Reporter Scholarship Award. “The 44 members of the cler- Art Norman will be the emcee for gy who will be marching into the the event and Minister Williams church in honor and in remem- is the primary speaker. The South brance of Dr. King is just Park Baptist Church combined a unique message for young and choirs will provide the musical old alike to witness how much we ambience.
Burning Bowl 2012 at CUT There is a phenomenon that has occurred at the beginning of the new year at Christ Universal Temple since its first new year as a church in the mid ‘50s. In celebration of the new year members of the ministerial staff have facilitated an event known as the
100th anniversary of the ANC celebrated Trinity United Church of Christ and ANC Chicago Midwest Committee in Partnership this weekend Reverend Jeremiah Wright opens session
the South Side of Chicago to erect a “Free South Africa” anti-apartheid sign on its church campus and one of the first churches in North America to publicly denounce the inhumane practices of the South
The Church, American Civil Rights Movement and AntiApartheid Movement
anniversary of the African National Congress at Trinity, said the Reverend Otis Moss III, senior pastor. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will issue a proclamation in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the African National Congress on Sunday, January 8, 2012. The proclamation will be presented at Trinity United Church of Christ on Sunday January 8, 2012 during the 7:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. worship services. ANC anniversary events at Trinity will be held in conjunction with non-partisan, commemorative, centenary programs in South Africa and around the globe that will also honor Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected President of South Africa. Before he was elected President of South Africa, Mandela served 27 years of a life sentence at Robben Island because he was a leader of the antiapartheid movement. On Friday, January 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., Pastor Emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ presented a lecture entitled, “The
Trinity United Church of Christ is working in collaboration with the African National Congress Chicago Midwest Committee to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the African National Congress, Africa’s oldest liberation movement. The South African Native National Congress was founded inside the Wesleyan Church in Waaihoek on January 8, 1912 to free Black South Africans from Apartheid, the system of racial segregation and brutality enforced by the South African government from 1948 until 1994. The South African Native National Congress was renamed the African National Congress in 1927. In 1977, Trinity United Church of Christ became the first church on
African governmental apartheid policies and advocate for divestiture of American companies of their South African holdings. “Trinity United Church of Christ is committed to our legacy mission of social justice, love, and service for humanity on the continent of Africa and around the world. We are honored to host the commencement programs for the historic centennial
The Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Harold Rogers
Role of the Church in Africa.” On Sunday, January 8, 2012, the 7:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. worship services’ liturgy will include reflection of this historic celebration and the office of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will present a proclamation. Later, at 3:00 p.m., a panel discussion will be held in honor of this historic commemoration. The panel will discuss “The Relationship between the American Civil Rights Movement and the Anti-Apartheid Movement.” The moderator will be international humanitarian activist, Harold Rogers. The guest panelists include Nicole Lee, Executive Director of TransAfrica, Professor Johann Buis of Wheaton College, Dr. Rachel Rubin of the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Attorney Stan Willis. “The American Civil Rights movement provided a support system of liberation for the anti-apartheid movement. We must continue to teach this significant history to all children; in South Africa, North America and around the world, said Professor Rogers. Saturday, January 7, 2012
Burning Bowl. The purpose of the Burning Bowl is for the participant to symbolically release the anxieties, disappointments of the past year by listing them on a piece of paper then having them tossed into the fiery bowl that sits upon the stage. Minister Gaylon McDowell, staff minister, offered some insight about the annual tradition
Reverend Derrick B. Wells of out with the old and in with the new. “Burning Bowl is a special service held every year in early January at Christ Universal Temple to help people release the (Continued on page 18) 15
HEALTH
Students, teachers and schools win for health perspectives Six students in Chicago Public School’s (CPS) high schools won over $14,000 for their participation in a peer-to-peer learning program, the Expressions Challenge, held last month, by creating artistic projects depicting the health issues facing teens – thanks to an initiative sponsored by Walgreens. CPS schools and teachers also benefitted from the creativity of their students. Student participants in the Expressions Challenge worked both individually and in groups, to submit art, video/photography, or essay/poetry entries, expressing themselves on the sexual risks they and their peers face and how to make healthy decisions for their future. The Walgreens Expressions Challenge contest amplifies CPS’ current curriculum by focusing, not just on sex education, but on other disciplines as well, including art, English and Health. The awards ceremony was held at Gallery 37 with remarks from Ryan Chiaverini a television cohost on ABC7’s Windy City Live, and Dr. Bechara Choucair, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, as keynote speaker. Out of nearly 600 entries, three $2,000 grand prize winners were awarded, along with $500 for their teachers and $500 for their school. Three (3) $1,500 secondplace winners were awarded
CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bechara Choucair; Walgreens Community Affairs Manager Rafael Malpica; Foreman High School Teacher Francis Allende; Foreman High School Senior and Walgreens Expressions Challenge Art Second Place Winner D’eona Phillips; Mother of D’eona Phillips Donna Phillips; Windy City Live Co-host Ryan Chiaverini; and Walgreens Community Affairs Director John Gremer, following the Expressions Challenge Award Ceremony. D’eona won $2,000 for her entry. $1,500, along with $250 for their teachers. Kenneth Papineau, CPS’ physical health manager, said, “While our comprehensive sex-ed programs are growing, the statistics tell us that our students’ health needs are simply outpacing our impact. We have two staff mem-
out of pocket to cover costs of materials to support curriculum in the classroom. “Over 25 percent of the 2011 Expressions prize money goes directly to support the teachers and the schools. This goes along way,” Papineau added. The grand prize winners were: Maikeya Jefferson, South Shore High School (Art); Edwin Irizarry, Bonito Juarez High School (Photography/Video); and Manal Saleh, Von Stuben High School, (Essay/Poetry). Second prize winners were: D’eona Phillips, Foreman High School (Art); Brittany Hardaway, Dunbar High School (Photography/Video); Tyler Barber, Gallery 37 (Essay/Poetry). The Walgreens Expressions Challenge is a student engagement initiative that will help CPS high schools boost their own efforts to address the alarming rates of teen STDs, HIV and other issues tied to sexual responsibility, through the power of creative expression.
According to a 2011 report issued by the CPS Office of Special Education & Supports, Chicago ranks first and second for the highest rates nationwide of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, respectively, for youth ages 15-19 and saw a 52 percent increase in the number of HIV diagnosis for this same age group from 2000-2009. The Expressions Challenge has run in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), since 2007 and launched in St. Louis for the first time this year. To date, the program has given away nearly $74,000 to students, teachers and schools and has reached more than 100,000 teens. This year’s Expressions Challenge offered larger cash prizes, and sought to directly address three key needs: 1) encouraging discussion promoting teen health; 2) boosting public school resources; and 3) cultivating student creativity; and leveraging new technology.
bers overseeing CPS’ sexual health education across nearly 700 schools. We’re making headway, but there is always room to make what ‘we do great’ even better.” Papineau added that the prize rewards earmarked for teachers and schools is also a plus, saying that it’s still common for teachers to come
Affordable Care Act helps 2.5 million additional young adults get health insurance The National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released data illustrating that the Affordable Care Act continues to significantly increase the number of young adults who have health insurance. Because of the health care law, young adults can stay on their par-
ents’ insurance plans through age 26. This policy took effect in September 2010. Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) shows that since September 2010, the percentage of adults aged 19-25 covered by a private health insurance plan increased significantly, with approximately 2.5 million more young adults
with insurance coverage compared to the number of young adults who would have been insured without the law. “Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 2.5 million more young adults don’t have to live with the fear and uncertainty of going without health insurance,” said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Moms and
THE AFFORDABLE CARE Act will provide coverage for this boy who was suddenly orphaned. He joins Obama Administration officials as President Barack Obama signs the legislation. It is believed more than 2 million young people will be helped by the act. 16
Saturday, January 7, 2012
SOUTH SHORE HIGH SCHOOL Teacher Daniel McElgunn; Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bechara Choucair; Pamela Paramore, mother of Walgreens Expressions Challenge Winner Maikeya Jefferson; South Shore High School Senior and Walgreens Expressions Challenge Art Category Grand Prize Winner Maikeya Jefferson; Walgreens Community Affairs Manager Rafael Malpica; Windy City Live Co-host Ryan Chiaverini; and Walgreens Community Affairs Director John Gremer, following the Expressions Challenge Award Ceremony. On the back row, Chicago Public Schools representatives. Maikeya won $3,000 for her entry. dads around the country can breathe a little easier knowing their children are covered.” Families around the country are benefitting from this part of the law, including families like the Houghs, whose daughter Natalie was diagnosed with a rare heart condition after suffering a cardiac arrest at school. Her condition requires a lifetime of medication and care. There was a day when this diagnosis would mean insurance companies would either not cover Natalie or would offer her unaffordable plans. It would mean that Natalie and her family would have to keep paying, or face the unimaginable alternative. Thanks to the Affordable Care
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Act, Natalie can stay on her family’s plan and has started college. And thanks to the law, by the time she turns 26, it will be illegal for a plan to deny coverage to anyone, regardless of their health and Natalie will have access to quality, affordable care. Data from the first three months of 2011 showed that one million more young adults had insurance coverage compared to a year ago. The numbers announced today show a continuation of the coverage gains due to the health care law as students graduate from high school and college in May and June and otherwise would have lost coverage. The Chicago Crusader
HEALTH
New year, New Beginnings: January Is Glaucoma Awareness Month As you and your loved ones watch the dawning of 2012, everyone is hopeful of what the New Year will bring—reunions, graduations, marriages, and other fun family occasions. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Make seeing your best a part of your new beginning by doing what you can to make sure your eyes are healthy. If you are African American age 40 or older, have diabetes, or have a family history of glaucoma, put learning more about this disease on your resolution list for the New Year. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve of the eye and result in vision loss and blindness. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form. In this condition, fluid builds up in the front chamber of the eye, and the optic nerve is damaged by the resulting increase in eye pressure. “Glaucoma affects more than 2 million people nationwide and is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in African Americans. In fact, African Americans are at risk of developing it at an earlier age.
Glaucoma has no early warning signs or symptoms, and most people don’t know this,” said Dr. James Tsai, chair of the Glaucoma Subcommittee for the National Eye Institute (NEI) National Eye Health Education Program. “It’s very important that people don’t wait until they notice a problem with their vision to have an eye exam.” There is no pain associated with glaucoma. As the disease progresses, a person may eventually notice his or her side vision decreasing. If the disease is left untreated, the field of vision narrows and vision loss may result. “Most studies show that at least half of all persons with glaucoma don’t know they have this potentially blinding disease,” said Dr. Paul Sieving, director of NEI, National Institutes of Health. “Glaucoma can be detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. NEI encourages all people at higher risk of glaucoma—African Americans age 40 and older; everyone age 60, especially Mexican Americans; and those with a family history—to
get a dilated eye exam every one to two years, because early detection and treatment may save your sight.” A comprehensive dilated eye exam is a painless procedure. Drops are placed in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupils. This allows your eye care professional to see inside your eye and examine the optic nerve for signs of glaucoma and other vision problems. If you have Medicare, are African American age 50 or older, and have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, you may be eligible for a low-cost, comprehensive dilated eye exam through the glaucoma benefit. Call 1–800–MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov for more information. To find out about other possible financial assistance for eye care, visit www.nei.nih-.gov/health/financialaid.asp. It’s a New Year, so make sure you and your family start it off right. Keep vision in your future. For more information about glaucoma,visitwww.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma or call NEI at
What African American Women Should Know About Cervical Cancer It is estimated that, in 2010, there would be 12,200 new cases of cervical cancer in the United States and that 4,210 women would die as a result of the disease. Despite these figures, cervical cancer is still one of the most preventable cancers and is highly treatable if diagnosed in its earliest stages. Despite the availability of tests and procedures that can greatly reduce the occurrence of this cancer, African-American women are more likely to die from cervical cancer than any other racial/ethnic group in the United States. Between 2003 and 2007, African-American women were twice as likely to die from cervical cancer than White women. Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus, commonly referred to as HPV. This family of viruses includes more than 150 different types, of which 40 types can be transmitted by sexual contact. Of these, 15 have been identified as “high-risk,” or cancer-causing, types. Most genital HPV infections go away on their own, but persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause cervical cell abnormalities
that, if left untreated, may develop into cancer. Two high-risk types, HPV type 16 and HPV type 18, cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases. Nearly 6 million new HPV infections occur in the United States each year. The procedure used to screen for abnormal cervical cells is the Papanicolaou test, also known as the Pap test. The test involves the collection of cells from the cervix (the lower end of the uterus), which are then sent to a laboratory for examination. The procedure can be done conveniently in a physician’s office or health clinic. In addition to the Pap test, there is also a test available to look for HPV infection. This test can be done using the same cells that were collected for the Pap test. The HPV test is not recommended for women under the age of 30 because HPV infections are quite common in this age group and usually clear up on their own. For women age 30 and older, the HPV test may be useful if done jointly with a Pap test every three years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two vaccines to prevent HPV infections: Gardasil® and Cervarix®. Both vaccines are highly effective in preventing
The Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
By the National Cancer Institute
It is important to continue cervical cancer screenings, even if you have been vaccinated. persistent infections with HPV types 16 and 18. Gardasil and Cervarix are both given the same way - through a series of three injections into muscle tissue over a 6-month period. Gardasil protects against four HPV types: 6, 11, 16, and 18. Types 6 and 11 don’t cause cervical cancer but do cause 90 percent of genital warts. The FDA has approved Gardasil for use in females for the prevention of cervical cancer, and some vulvar and vaginal cancers, caused by HPV types 16 and 18. It is also approved for use in males and females ages 9 to 26 for the prevention of genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11. Cervarix targets two HPV types: 16 and 18. The FDA has approved Cervarix for use in females ages 10 to 25 for the prevention of cervical cancer caused by HPV types 16 and 18. It is important to note that these vaccines don’t offer protection from infection by other
HPV types and that almost onethird of cervical cancers will not be prevented by the current vaccines. Therefore, it is important to continue cervical cancer screenings, even if you have been vaccinated. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer is significantly lower for African-American women (62%) when compared to White women (73%). The term five-year survival rate refers to the percentage of people who are alive five years after they were diagnosed with or treated for a disease, such as cancer. The lower survival rate is attributed to African-American women being more likely than White women to be diagnosed with cervical cancer at later stages, when the disease is less treatable. It is important to receive routine screening for cervical cancer since it can greatly reduce the incidence (new cases) and mortality (death rate) of this disease among African-American women. A nationwide program is available that can provide access to cervical cancer screening. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) helps lowincome, uninsured, and underserved women gain access to timely screening and diagnostic Saturday, January 7, 2012
services, including Pap tests, pelvic examinations, follow-up testing for abnormal results, and referrals to treatment. To locate an NBCCEDP program in your area, please visit:apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/co ntacts.asp. The National Cancer Institute is available to help by offering the latest news and information about cervical and other cancers. To learn more or to locate an NBCCEDP program in your area, call the NCI at 1-800-4CANCER. If you prefer to search the Internet, visit the primary Website of the NCI, www.cancer.gov. Our site links you to a wide variety of cancer education and awareness materials, from publications to updates about research. NCI leads the National Cancer Program and the NIH effort to dramatically reduce the burden of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions, and the training and mentoring of new researchers. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI Web site at www.cancer.gov or call NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1800-422-6237). 17
Burning Bowl 2012 at CUT (Continued from page 15) past and create new possibilities for their futures,” McDowel said. “We have music, joyful singing, prayer, and a great lesson sermon taught by our senior minister, The Reverend Derrick B. Wells.” The experience is exuberant one member claimed. “I have participated in the Burning Bowl experience for several years. I have attended these first of the year services since we were on 86th and State in the 1970s. I must confess that I have been able to realize a lot of negative thoughts and actions and release them from my life through this annual exercise.” “Each year I look forward to the Christmas in July experience,” said Marla Jones who has been attending CUT since her youth. “When we write our letters to God at the Burning
Bowl our letters are placed in a container and prayed over constantly until July when the letters are mailed to us as part of the Christmas in July experience. It is amazing to review the letters and to find how God has blessed you with so much that you have requested in just a six-month period. It really gives one a new perspective on how blessed you are.” McDowell explained, “We (then) ask everyone to write down everything they want removed from their lives. We ask people to give up negative thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that hinder their lives and keep them from fully expressing their potential. We physically burn these lists as a symbol of release, but the real release happens in the minds and hearts of the parishioners through the
Additional information about most articles appearing in issues of the Chicago Crusader are available on our website at www.chicagocrusader.com.
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Saturday, January 7, 2012
power of the Holy Spirit. We then ask the parishioners to write down what they do want, in order to focus their minds on the goodness of God and the life they want to create. We mail back to them their list in six months. We have received marvelous testimonies through the years from people who have received multiple blessings of physical healing, financial blessings, forgiveness of deep-seated emotions, and spiritual growth because of the Burning Bowl.” This year’s Burning Bowl was held on January 6 at the church located at 11900 South Ashland. Just as in previous years it was wise to arrive early because this service is almost always well attended. Additional information regarding Christ Universal Temple is available by visiting www.chicagocrusader.com.
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HOUSES FOR SALE
of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES, Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1031910. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No.: PA1031910 Attorney Code. 91220 Case # 10 CH 51757 I393102
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT COUNTY DIVISION CHANCERY U. S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SERIES CERTIFICATES, 2005-10 Plaintiff, s . v WILLIE MCBOUNDS; 6831 SOUTH SAINT LAWRENCE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF WILLIE MCBOUNDS, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD Defendants, CLAIMANTS; CH 41043 08 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE LAW FORECLOSURE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on April 20, 2009, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described property: P.I.N. 20-22-410-052-1002. Commonly known as 6831 South Saint Lawrence Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL 6 0 6 3 7 . The improvement on the property consists of a single family residence.. Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the premises after confirmation of the sale. For information: Visit our website at http://service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only. Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel.No. (312) 476-5500. Refer to File Number 0 8 2 5 6 5 3 . INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I400672
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION SHORE MORTGAGE CO. P l a i n t i f f , v . IGOR LEVENCHUK, LIANA LEVENCHUK, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF IGOR LEVENCHUK, IF ANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS D e f e n d a n t s 10 CH 51757 6341 SOUTH SAINT LAWRENCE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60637 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 20, 2011, an agent of The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 25, 2012, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 6341 SOUTH SAINT LAWRENCE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60637 Property Index No. 20-22-204-015-0000. The real estate is improved with a red brick two story with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK other lienor acquiring the residential real COUNTY, ILLINOIS estate whose rights in and to the COUNTY DEPARTMENT residential real estate arose prior to the CHANCERY DIVISION sale. The subject property is subject to BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP Blacks Must control oMMunity general real estate taxes, special FKA their own c COUNTRYWIDE assessments, or special taxes levied HOME LOANS SERVICING LP against said real estate and is offered for P l a i n t i f f , sale without any representation as to v s . quality or quantity of title and without DOLLIE R. BREWER; UNKNOWN recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" HEIRS AND LEGATEES condition. The sale is further subject to OF DOLLIE R. BREWER, IF ANY; confirmation by the court. Upon payment in UNKNOWN OWNERS full of the amount bid, the purchaser will AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle D e f e n d a n t s , the purchaser to a deed to the real estate 09 CH 26709 after confirmation of the sale The property PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that will NOT be open for inspection and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure plaintiff makes no representation as to the entered in the above entitled cause on July condition of the property. Prospective 13, 2010, Intercounty Judicial Sales bidders are admonished to check the court Corporation will on Friday, January 6, file to verify all information. If this property 2012, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP FKA COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING LP P l a i n t i f f , v s . DOLLIE R. BREWER; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF DOLLIE R. BREWER, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; D e f e n d a n t s , 09 CH 26709 PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on July 13, 2010, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, January 6, 2012, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described property: P.I.N. 20-21-126-002-0000. Commonly known as 6605 SOUTH LOWE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60621. The improvement on the property consists of a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the premises after confirmation of the sale. For information: Visit our website at http://service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only. Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel.No. (312) 476-5500. Refer to File Number 0 9 1 4 1 6 3 . INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I392826
HOUSES FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK ILLINOIS COUNTY, DEPARTMENT COUNTY DIVISION CHANCERY WELLS FARGO BANK, NA P l a i n t i f f , s . v GERALD BROWN AKA GERALD L. THE BROWN; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT; URBAN UNKNOWN CITY OF CHICAGO, AND OWNERS NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS D e f e n d a n t s , CH 52416 10 OF SALE NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on November 8, 2011 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: 20-23-405-004-0000. P.I.N. Commonly known as 1515 East 67th Place, Chicago, IL 60637. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Kara Findlay at Plaintiff's Attorney, Freedman Anselmo Lindberg LLC, 1807 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (866) 402-8661. For Bidding instructions call (630) 453-6713 24 hours prior to sale. F 1 0 1 1 0 5 8 9 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I400805 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION BLUELEAF LENDING, LLC, P l a i n t i f f , v s . 5647 S. WABASH, LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, D e f e n d a n t s , 11 CH 25823 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on December 15, 2011, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 5647 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Il 60637. P.I.N. 20-15-108-018-0000. The mortgaged real estate is a multi-family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multi-unit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession. Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier's or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Ms. Jodi S. Green at Plaintiff's Attorney, Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson,, 123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1800, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
D e f e n d a n t s , 11 CH 25823 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on December 15, 2011, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 5647 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Il 60637. P.I.N. 20-15-108-018-0000. The mortgaged real estate is a multi-family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multi-unit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession. Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier's or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Ms. Jodi S. Green at Plaintiff's Attorney, Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson,, 123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1800, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 474-7900. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I400738 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NA P l a i n t i f f , v s . UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF EMMA J. SHELL; BERNARD HOLMES; DIANE RUFUS; C A T H E R I N E GLADDEN; BERENDIE HOLMES; BRYON SHELL; GERALD NORDGEN, AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF EMMA J. SHELL; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS D e f e n d a n t s , 10 CH 47591 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on October 17, 2011 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: 20-27-202-025-0000. P.I.N. Commonly known as 7128 South Rhodes Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60619. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Property Act. Condominium Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be for inspection open For information call Kara Findlay at Plaintiff's Attorney, Freedman Anselmo Lindberg LLC, 1807 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (866) 402-8661. For Bidding instructions call (630) 453-6713 24 hours prior to sale. W 1 0 0 7 0 2 8 0 JUDICIAL SALES INTERCOUNTY C O R P O R A T I O N (312) 444-1122 Selling Officer, I395803
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SPORTS
Sky lands pair of WNBA champion players The Sky rang in the New Year with one of the biggest deals in team history. Chicago Sky Head Coach and General Manager Pokey Chatman announced the team has acquired superstar Swin Cash and Le’Coe Willingham from the Seattle Storm, along with one of Seattle’s two 2012 second round draft picks. The Sky will receive the second (23rd overall) of Seattle’s two second round picks. In exchange, the Storm will receive the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft. “With the additions of Swin and Le’Coe, we have gained tremendously skilled players and leaders,” said Chatman. “They
also possess the experience and intensity needed to not only compete, but succeed at the highest level.” Cash, a three-time WNBA AllStar and Champion, earned two titles with the Detroit Shock in 2003 and 2006 and another with the Seattle Storm in 2010. With the acquisition of Cash the Sky add one of the most explosive and dominating players in the WNBA. Last season in Seattle, Cash averaged 13.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, just above her career average mark of 12.8 points and 6.0 rebounds a game. The 10-year veteran has scored over 4,000 points in her career and has averaged double
Swin Cash
South Suburban College Basketball Teams garner top 10 rankings
digits in scoring nine out of her ten seasons. Cash has also led her teams to the playoffs nine times and has averaged 11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in the playoffs. Willingham, who has reached the WNBA finals four times in her 8-year career, is a two-time WNBA champion (2009, 2010) with the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm. Willingham was signed as a free agent by the Connecticut Sun in 2004, and after two breakout seasons with Phoenix in 2008 and 2009, she signed as a free agent with the Storm in 2010. Willingham adds true grit and toughness on the outside for the Sky. Last season she averaged 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds a game with Seattle. “I'm looking forward to experiencing their impact, not only on game nights, but at practice, in the locker room, as well as in the community,” added Chatman.
Le’Coe Willingham
THE LEO HIGH SCHOOL track and field team was recently honored with a resolution from Chicago 17th Ward Alderman Latasha Thomas. The Leo team recently won its sixth Illinois High School Association State Track and Field Championship. Thomas is flanked by (l-r) Philip Mesna, Edwards Adams, Peter Doyle and Dan McGrath.
Three De La Salle teams honored by Illinois High School Association
The South Suburban College Basketball Teams are off to a record setting pace so far this season. The Men’s Team is now ranked #1 in the country in the newest NJCAA Division II poll, tied along with Mott College out of Flint, Mich., for the top spot. It is the second time in two years that the Bulldogs have achieved this feat. The Lady Bulldogs are now ranked #10 in the country in the latest NJCAA Division II women’s poll. This marks the first time in school history that both teams have been ranked in the top 10 at the same time. Recently both the SSC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams defeated Prairie State College by scores of 75-55 and 56-35 respectively. In another victory both teams defeated Morton College,
with the men winning 85-75 to improve their record to 9-0, and the women earning a 72-49 victory to improve to 7-1 on the season. For more information or for a complete schedule of games, please visit www.ssc.edu. Hear more about the Bulldogs and other college basketball news from Head Coach John Pigatti and radio Sports Director Ryan Walsh on WJOB 1230AM, Hammond, Ind., which broadcasts to all of southern Cook County, Ill., and Lake County, Ind. The show–NCAA Insiders: A weekly look at College Basketball–airs on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The show can also be heard and watched online at www.wjob1230.com.
The Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
De La Salle Institute proudly announces that three of its athletic teams were recently honored by the Illinois High School Association for their excellence in the classroom. Provided IHSA Academic Awards for maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade-point average or better were the girls softball team, boys volleyball team and girls soccer team. De La Salle finished the 201011 school year with 10 of its athletic teams achieving this prestigious plaudit from the IHSA. Members of the girls softball team were Jaicie Botica (Canaryville); Rebecca Brazel (Canaryville); Francesca Castagna (Bridgeport); Kayla Castaneda (East Side); Kathy Crowley (Garfield Ridge); Kelly Crowley
(Garfield Ridge); Jillian Duddleston (Bridgeport); Alex Garza (Canaryville); Rebecca Gierut (McKinley Park); Natalie Gorman (Bridgeport); Anisa McHugh (Clearing); Morgan Owens (Alsip); Carolyn Roberts (Evergreen Park) and Nicole Roney (Clearing). Members of the girls soccer team were Veronica Alvarez (East Side); Noemi Camargo (Lake View); Nadia Carmona (East Side); Katie Cline (Archer Heights); Dalilah Earley (Bridgeport); Maria Gonzalez (Back of the Yards); Selena Hernandez (Little Village); Anna Nowaczyk (Willow Springs); Zitlaly Perez (Little Village); Sylvia Reyes (McKinley Park); Maggie Rocha (Little Village); Christina Saturday, January 7, 2012
Sanchez (McKinley Park); Herlinda Sanchez (McKinley Park); Alyssa Sandoval (Chicago Lawn); Wendy Sotelo (Gage Park); Diana Trujillo (Back of the Yards); Nitza Valencia (Garfield Ridge) and Maricruz Zarco (Pilsen). Members of the boys volleyball team were Nick Carroll (Canaryville); Brandon Curry-Tidwell (Auburn-Gresham); Patrick Galvin (Canaryville); Daniel Gorman (Bridgeport); Billy Izzo (West Lawn); Grant Lapinski (Archer Heights); Chris Lisenby (South Chicago); Kelley McKenzie (Canaryville); Tom Platt (Bridgeport); Vince Solis (East Side); Karol Szacilowski (Bridgeport); Eric Tremore (Canaryville); Mario Vega (East Side) and Joshua White (Garfield Ridge). 19
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Saturday, January 7, 2012
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
The Chicago Crusader