Chicago crusader 01-17-15 E- Edition

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:46 AM Page 1

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Blacks Must Control Their Own Community

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 LXXIV NUMBER 39—SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

PUBLISHED SINCE 1940

25 Cents and worth more

Rauner vows to make Illinois more competitive; fix state’s financial mess

By J. Coyden Palmer The honeymoon period for the state’s 42nd governor has officially begun. Along with other elected leaders, Republican Bruce Rauner was sworn in January 12 in Springfield, and during his inauguration speech, the married father of six, whose wife is a Democrat, stated that it is time to put partisan politics aside and start focusing on the people.

Rauner’s first official action was to name Leslie Munger as Comptroller to fill the vacancy of Judy Barr Topinka, who died unexpectedly last month just weeks after being re-elected.

He then issued his first executive order as governor and declared a moratorium on any new spending not already allocated in the present budget.

“Years of bad decisions have put Illinois in a financial crisis,” Rauner said. “Today, we start the process of putting our state back on the road to fiscal stability by reviewing agency spending, stopping contracts and grants, and selling excess state property. Every dollar that we spend unnecessarily in government cannot be used to help our most vulnerable citizens.

We must take every step necessary to ensure Illinois becomes the most compassionate and competitive state in the nation.”

(Continued on page 2)

JUDGE SHARON JOHNSON COLEMAN swears Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner into office Monday, Jan. 12 during the state inaugural ceremony at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Rauner’s wife, Diana, holds the Bible as his children look on.

Obama Library should be in Chicago The only consensus from meeting

By Evan F. Moore The consensus among most Chicagoans is that the Barack Obama Presidential Library should be in the city that the sitting president

made a name for himself.

Initially, 24 locations in the Chicago area were in the running and those choices were narrowed down to Washington Park, Jackson Park and UIC/North Lawndale. However, the location,

TRAUMA CARE COALITION members held a die-in outside of the hearings.

Touting the slogan “No Trauma Center, No Obama Library,” the group has been protesting for many months and the University of Chicago says that the two issues are unrelated.

along with the players involved, continues to be a polarizing proposition for everyone who will be affected.

On Tuesday night, a large crowd filled Hyde Park Career Academy’s Loomis Hall to hear plans for the Barack Obama Presidential Library. Chicago Park District Commissioner Avis LaVelle moderated the hearing, and attendees were given a comment card and allowed to speak for two minutes. The comments ran the gamut.

Many in attendance spoke out in support of the library. However, some questioned the location, the people involved, along with the timing of the hearing. LaVelle had to remind the crowd several times not to inject while commenters spoke.

Jeering from the crowd rang out as the University of Chicago made their case led by Derek Douglas, vice president of Civic Engagement for U of C, and accompanied by a slide show (Continued on page 3)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

(See Martin Luther King Jr. pullout section in this issue)

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:46 AM Page 2

NEWS

Howard Morgan Coming Home Quinn Grants Several Clemencies in Final Hours as Governor

By J. Coyden Palmer Twelve years after former Governor George Ryan commuted the sentences of all on Illinois Death Row to life in prison the office is still being flooded with clemency requests. During his final hours in office Monday Jan. 12) Pat Quinn commuted two sentences to time served in high-profile cases and granted clemency for 43 others. Quinn has granted clemency in 36 percent of the cases brought across his desk; more than any Illinois governor in history.

The Howard Morgan case, which the Crusader has covered extensively throughout the years, came as the

Tyrone Hood biggest surprise to many. Morgan was convicted in 2012 of attempted murder of four Chicago Police officers. A railroad police officer himself at the time of the incident in February of

2005, Morgan denied he ever threatened the officers and was shot several times during an encounter in the early morning hours on the city’s West Side where he resided with his wife and kids.

Prosecutors said during his trial Morgan became combative with the officers who pulled him over after police claimed he was driving down a one way street with his headlights off. During the altercation they said Morgan drew his gun on them, prompting the officers to fire. He was sentenced in 2012 to 40 years in prison.

His wife Rosalind has vehemently defended her husband, along with the Nation of Islam. They along with Morgan’s attorneys have contended Morgan was the victim of “double jeopardy,” prosecutors did not present sufficient evidence in his case and evidence that would have helped Morgan’s case was destroyed. Morgan was never tested for gun residue to determine if he fired a shot at the four officers during the encounter. All of the officers in the case; John Wrigley, Eric White, Timothy Finley and Nicolas Olsen are white.

“So many politicians wouldn’t have gone anywhere near it,” said Morgan’s attorney Sam Adam Jr. “But instead of worrying about his political future or legacy, (Quinn) did what was right.

This is why we have a clemency process. Howard Morgan is going to be home with his family very soon.”

Morgan’s supporters claim of “double jeopardy” are based on him being

ROSALIND MORGAN (wearing hat) speaks with the media last year during a press conference in which she was asking the Illinois Supreme Court to take a look at her husband, Howard Morgan’s case. Morgan had his sentence commuted by former Gov. Pat Quinn earlier this week. (Photo by J. Coyden Palmer) founded not guilty of battery or dis- are thrilled with the decision and will gan Sr., the victim’s father, has raised charging a firearm in his 2007 trial; no grant the Crusader an interview in the many suspicions. In the months before verdict was returned on attempted near future. his son’s murder, Morgan Sr. purchased Another person who had his sen- a $1 million life insurance policy and murder, which is how prosecutors were able to recharge him on that case. But tence commuted by Quinn was Ty- was the sole benefactor. The elder MorMorgan’s wife, Rosalind, told the Cru- rone Hood, who has spent over 20 gan also was in financial difficulty at the sader in 2012 it is impossible to con- years in prison for a murder that time of his son’s death. Two years later vict someone of attempted murder mounting evidence has shown he may his then fiancé was also murdered with with a gun, when they were already not have committed. At Crusader the elder Morgan also having insured found not guilty of battery or discharg- press time, Hood was expected to be her. He was never charged in either of released from a correctional facility in the cases. But in 2001 he was convicted ing a firearm.

Morgan was released from a prison in Menard. He was convicted for the of murdering his then girlfriend and is downstate Dixon Wednesday, Jan. 14. 1993 murder of Illinois Institute of serving a 75 year sentence.

Morgan has daughters and grandchil- Technology basketball player Marshall Supporters for both Hood and dren, but is also in deteriorating health Morgan Jr. Howard Morgan say they are grateful Hood has always maintained his in- Gov. Quinn commuted their sendue to his incarceration, according to his wife. Family members declined nocence although prosecutors con- tences to time served, but they will concomment when reached by the Cru- tended he robbed and murdered the tinue to try and get the convictions sader this week, other than to say they young man. However Marshall Mor- overturned and clear the men’s names.

Rauner vows to make Illinois more competitive; fix state’s financial mess (Continued from page 1) Rauner said he has traveled across the state and been stunned by the number of people who he met that owned businesses who were considering leaving or those who wanted to start a business, but said they would not do it in Illinois. He added that getting Illinoisans working would be a top priority of his administration.

“Today, Illinois is not able to compete effectively with our neighboring states—our citizens are suffering because of it; and, in many cases, they are up and leaving. Last year, we lost more people than any other state in America, and over the last ten years, we have ranked right near the bottom of all fifty states for out-migration,” Rauner said. “People are leaving to find jobs, or because they run companies, and they are taking their jobs with them. Our local businesses look in every direction and see states that are more appealing.”

He added that it would be morally corrupt to not address the state’s many fiscal problems now and said delaying action would put an unnecessary burden on future generations.

In order to fix the problems, Rauner is calling for a need to shake up the way government in Illinois has been thinking. He also said sacrifices 2

would need to be made by everyone.

But, he admitted that getting people to buy into sacrifice would be a tough sell based on the state’s history.

“We have a moral crisis…we have a state government that too few have faith in; that lack of faith is justified and undermines people’s willingness to sacrifice and help the government in its mission,” Rauner said. “Illinoisans see insider deals and cronyism rewarded. They see lobbyists writing bills for special interests and taxpayers being left with the tab.

They see government union bosses negotiating sweetheart deals across the table from governors they’ve spent tens of millions to help elect. It’s a corrupt bargain and the people of Illinois are left to wonder where they fit in. Taxpayers’ money belongs to them; not the government. We have a moral obligation to minimize how much we take and to ensure what we do take is spent efficiently and effectively.”

Secretary of State Jesse White, who won a fifth term in office, used his speech to tell of how government can be revamped under an elected official’s leadership.

White, the longest-serving and only African American to hold his position, said he took over an office in 1998 that had the same manage-

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

REV. JAMES MEEKS, right, prays with Governor Bruce Rauner, left, and his wife Diana, prior to him being sworn in at an interfaith prayer service at First Presbyterian Church in Springfield on Monday morning. ment and image issues as the entire cient and customer-friendly,” White state does now. He praised former said. “For as long as many of us can U.S. prosecutor Jim Burns, who remember, visiting the DMV was now runs the Secretary of State In- once one trip that many of us would spector General’s Office, for cleaning have rather went (sic) to the dentist’s up a department that was once a can- office instead of the DMV. It was so cer to the state. bad that many told me in 1999 that I “I’ve focused my work to restore in- would never be able to improve the tegrity, to make the office more effi- office and that I shouldn’t waste my Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

time in trying. For those who know me, they know it’s never a good idea to say I can’t achieve. Those long lines that once wrapped around the building are now gone.”

White has transformed the Secretary of State drivers facilities and made the renewal and license plates and driver’s licenses a timely and painless experience. Before his tenure, people would plan to take a half of day of work off just to get through the process, but using new technologies and investing in employee training, the system has improved greatly, and White believes that is why he continues to get elected.

Customers now can have their renewal information sent to their email, instead of in the mail, which saves White’s office money, is environmentally-friendly and more time-efficient. Customers who want personalized plates can also do the service online as opposed to, in years past, having to mail in a request and then wait for the SOS office to reply to see if the plate was available.

“The people of Illinois have confidently elected me because I have a job to do. So, like I used to do when I was a paratrooper, I am reporting for duty,” said White as he stood at attention and saluted to end his speech. www.chicagocrusader.com

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:46 AM Page 3

NEWS

Cong. Danny K. Davis announces his committee assignments in 114th Congress Congressman Danny K. Davis announced that he has been appointed to serve again on the Committee on Ways and Means. He will be a member of the Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Human Resources. He has also filed for a waiver to continue service on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to continue his work on postal reform.

Congressman Davis stated, “Much of the work of the Congress is done by committee. The responsibilities associated with these assignments are critical for the nation and especially for the people of the 7th Congressional District of Illinois. I am looking forward to getting back to work on the array of challenges facing our community. My participation in these committee structures will provide an opportunity to help ensure that the concerns and voice of urban America will be heard in our national debate on policy and

program, in prioritizing and implementing a national agenda and in ensuring that the actions of our government reflect the values and commitments which the American people expect and demand.”

According to the rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Ways and Means has the responsibility for raising the revenue required to finance the Federal Government. This includes individual and corporate income taxes, excise, estate and gift taxes, as well as bonded debt, trade and tariffs, most of the programs authorized by the Social Security Act, child welfare, unemployment insurance, social services programs providing payments for health care, health delivery systems, or health research and health insurance premiums and health care costs.

The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Health include bills and matters referred to the Committee

on Ways and Means that relate to the public assistance provisions of the Social Security Act, including temporary assistance for needy families, child care, child and family services, child support, foster care, adoption, supplemental security income, social services, eligibility of welfare recipients for food stamps, and low-income energy assistance.

The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Human Resources include bills and matters referred to the Committee on Ways and Means that relate to the Federal-State system of unemployment compensation including programs for extended and emergency benefits.

Because the Committee on Ways and Means is one of four “exclusive” committees of the Congress, members who seek an additional assignment must request a waiver for permission to hold the additional assignment.

Congressman Danny Davis

Obama Library should be in Chicago (Continued from page 1) displaying the benefits of having the Obama library near their campus.

Based on a study by the Anderson Economic Group, the annual economic impact to the city would be in upward of $220 million. The library would create 1,900 permanent jobs while another 3,000 can be created during construction.

Sean Harden, an economic development consultant from Bronzeville, believes that the proposed Washington Park location would be a better fit for the surrounding community.

“I think in terms of the overall economic impact it would have, it would be greater,” Harden said. “Washington Park is the best backdrop for a presidential library.”

“I embrace the effort to bring the Obama Presidential Library to Chicago, a city that is rightly proud to call itself the home of the nation’s first Black president. But, this endeavor does not need to be linked to a private raid on the people’s limited public assets.”

Fioretti echoed Garcia’s sentiments by calling the university’s involvement a “university land grab.”

The hearings did not go on without controversy.

Members of the Trauma Care Coalition held a die-in outside of the hearings. The group stood in front of a banner that read, “Obama Cares, U of C Doesn’t, No Trauma Center, No Obama Library.”

They believe that the area would be better served in having a trauma center

A SUPPORTER FOR a Washington Park site for the Obama Library says it all: “Bring It On Home to Washington Park.”

The event was attended by local cler- at the University of Chicago instead of gy, elected officials, concerned citizens, the Obama Library.

Amelia Aldred, U of C alumnae, beand community leaders, along with mayoral candidates Jesus “Chuy” Gar- lieves the community is better served cia, 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti, with a trauma center instead of a liWilliam “Dock” Walls, and Willie brary. “I’m absolutely for building a library, but I think we need to look at Wilson.

Garcia released a statement before what the university is doing for Black people.” She went on to say, “The fact Tuesday night’s forum: www.chicagocrusader.com

there’s no trauma center, I think that’s absolutely immoral.”

The University of Chicago’s news office released a statement during the hearings: “In hundreds of meetings with community members about the library, we heard consistently that efforts by protesters to link the library to unrelated issues do not reflect the widespread support of the community.”

Some believe that the people most affected by the library’s location did not have a say until it was too late.

Rap artist and former aldermanic candidate Che “Rhymefest” Smith attended the hearing, and says the event was typical of Chicago machine politics.

“Dog and pony show…theater. People were already organized by the university,” Smith said. “You got the preachers, the politicians and the same old faces and names here and they’re saying the same thing.”

He also questioned the timing of the hearings.

“It’s not to say that we don’t want a park or a library; it’s just why are we having community hearings at the ninth hour? The decisions have already been made.”

A West Side contingent led by Paul Norrington, founder of the North Lawndale Presidential Library Committee, believes their bid has been overshadowed by the power and prestige of the university.

“They were still doing community outreach. They put a great amount into that,” Norrington said. “They had some heavyweights speak.”

He went on to say that having the library in the same Chicago neighborhood Dr. King lived in can bring closure to the damage done by the riots.

“We still hold the scars of the Civil Rights movement. By having the li-

brary in the same neighborhood Dr. King lived in, that would be the ultimate homage to that era.”

The second hearing took place Wednesday afternoon at the Washing-

ton Park Fieldhouse.

For more information of the proposed locations, log on to http://www.oplsouthside.org and www.northlawndalepresidentiallibrary.org.

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CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:46 AM Page 4

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL TWO MASSACRES AND DR. KING’S DREAM The 86th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be celebrated on Monday, January 19, though his actual birth date was January 15, 1929. Dr. King was a mighty, MIGHTY warrior who paid the ultimate price as a martyr struck down in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968, after advocating on behalf of striking garbage workers in that city. His death sent ripples of pain around the world among those who are sensitive enough to know that we are all connected on this little blue-green ball that we call home, and that it would make more sense to act humanely than it does to solve problems through violence. Violence is only a temporary fix at best!

As we gear up to celebrate Dr. King, the world is reeling with the news of two horrendous massacres. Everyone is talking about the bomb attack on the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, and the 12 individuals who lost their lives. In a related case, an attack on a kosher market, 4 others were killed and a policewoman in the suburb of Montrouge also lost her life. Altogether, so far, 17 people were killed in this spate of violence. This is ridiculously evil and aberrant behavior. There is no doubt about this.

Interestingly, the second massacre was even more terrible than the Charlie Hebdo debacle. A whole town was razed in Nigeria

by Boko Haram! Thousands of people were killed, and reports are coming in that there are too many dead to be counted. This is a tragedy of absolutely mammoth proportions, yet, in comparison to the Paris murders there is barely a peep from the mainstream media. Do Black lives count? There is a question as to whether or not they do based on the unbalanced attention given to the two mass murders. Unfortunately, even the disjointed media in Africa is not really helping to get the word out. African leaders are derelict in their duties - it is being said that an upcoming election is causing a certain head of state to drag his feet when it comes to dealing with the situation. So, if African leaders are not pushing the issue, why should we get upset when the white media does less than Black people think that they should do in covering this news? Millions spilled out into the streets in Paris in protest of the Charlie Hebdo tragedy, but that has yet to happen in Nigeria.

The details of these massacres are shocking and appalling; the bigger issue, however, is the lack of conscience seemingly shown by people who are willing to slaughter people, innocent people, who hold differing viewpoints about the world. Freedom of speech and of the press was certainly disdained and ignored in the Paris slaughter, but the freedom to LIVE was equally ignored in Nigeria. It has been reported that 1.5 million people have been displaced by violence in Nigeria to date.

The bottom line is that the level of world violence does not seem to be abating; in fact, it seems to be escalating. Ironically, most of the violence centers around religious issues! Religion is the excuse being used to slaughter people all over the world! This is a far cry from the dream that Dr. King had. Is his dream deferred? On the other hand, it is heartening to see the outpouring of support in the various incidents where victims are cut down by zealots, whether religious, law enforcement or otherwise. As said many times before, it is always darkest before dawn. It is very dark now and is getting even darker. There is light, though, at the end of the tunnel, as evidenced by the growing number of people who are beginning to see the value in human rights and decency and in the hypocrisy of bigotry. This is something to cheer about.

The movie Selma, which was recently released, chronicles the struggle for voting rights in Selma Alabama and the protests connected to it led by Dr. King. It shows him in a varied light, including his insecurities as well as his power and fortitude. It is very apparent that he was truly a great man in that he was able to actually demonstrate that non-violence works and that it can bring people together. We salute him, and hope the time will come soon when his message will be understood by all. Happy Birthday Dr. King.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Poor Poor President Obama Dear Editor: We have known for a long time that no matter what President Obama does in this country, folks will criticize him for it, or worse.

Last week we saw the senator from Kentucky giving his GOP Party credit for the country’s economic turnaround. He had the audacity to pat them on the back even though they tried over and over to block the moves the President made. Surely it won’t be the last time before he leaves office that the Republicans try to steal his thunder or poo poo a plan of his that works.

I see the other day though that it is not just the Republicans in America. White people here and in Europe are blasting Mr. Obama because he didn’t go to France for the solidarity walk. After those men went into that newspaper office and murdered 12 people in Paris, all of France went into mourning. That is understandable. Then, a few days later all of the heads of state of the European countries came together in Paris for a solidarity walk against terrorism. Prime ministers and presidents from all over Europe showed up all with an estimated 1 million people. But that wasn’t good enough for some.

Before the sun went down on the day of the protest against terrorism, news organizations were talking about the fact that President Obama didn’t show up. I just don’t get that one. Since his first term as president, Mr. Obama has always been the first one to send aid to Europe or Asia or whoever needed it. Some here criticized him for that because they said he should make other countries help more.

Now somebody half way around the world has a protest against terrorism and gets their shorts in a knot because Mr. Obama did’nt drop whatever he was doing for America and jet over to Paris. For what, is what I would like to know. I could be wrong but I don’t see how him being over there would have helped anything. If he had gone there somebody would say he was trying to steal the spotlight from the Europeans. Seems like no matter what poor, poor Obama does it won’t ever be the right thing for somebody.

Marvin Freeman

Shame on Anita Alvarez Dear Editor: It was great news that outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn commuted the

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

40-year sentence of Howard Morgan, who should have never been tried, much less imprisoned in the first place. As much of a high as the Quinn decision gave us, a letter from Cook County State’s Attorney took things to a new low.

Alvarez campaigned on bringing changes to the state’s attorneys’ office and a lot of folks, particularly (Continued on page 17)

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CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:46 AM Page 5

COMMENTARY

Je Suis Charlie Beyond the Rhetoric

By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist What recently happened in Paris was more than a typical act of Islamic Terrorism. No, this was the latest addition to the making of a very vicious and vile monster which hides under the shield of an organized religion. This is starting to take a form that we have never imagined. As President Obama and Vice President Biden tried to explain away the acts of terrorism as something short term and under control, their claims were just deception.

This movement that is taking place is more than one man, Osama Bin Laden, and greater than one group, Al Qaida. Some of the best street level guerrilla warfare specialists are merging with ruthless, cold hearted gangsters. They put “dressing” on this dogma by convincing the naïve that it is something “holy” – a purpose blessed by God. Their god is actually a devil. He is a devil that condones mass murder and gives no respect or honor to the female gender.

There are various “tribes” blending into this movement. The lead-

Harry C. Alford ership is diverse and fully independent of each other. Not too long ago we could assume management coming from the Middle East. The Al Qaida clique that organized the 9/11 attack on our nation were mainly of Saudi Arabian heritage. 18 of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia and their leader, Osama Bin Laden, was from a very prestigious fami-

ly based in that nation. The recent attackers are coming from various parts of the world. They can be as third world as Somalia or as upscale as downtown Paris or London. Our investigative units are talking to one another and are sharing information as they try to get a handle on the “monster.” Nothing seems to be effective right now. How can two individuals slowly steal two different cars, stroll down a street in Paris shooting AK -47’s at police and kill 10 persons working in an office all within minutes and then escape out of Paris and into the outback forest?

The recent group known as ISIS may be influencing the development of the “monster.” ISIS may have shown the world that you don’t need an industrial base to prosecute a war. If you need weapons go steal them. If it is money that keeps an army moving then go rob some banks. Rely on impressionable youngsters as your recruiting base. Through high tech methods communicate to this base of young thugs and organize them through social media and bring them to action. Apparently there are hundreds of thousands of possible recruits who are

willing to do anything in the name of promoting terrorism.

ISIS is recruiting about 5,000 new troops per week. It has a treasury of billions of dollars (stolen, ransom, etc.). They come from the living rooms of middle class families from around the globe and are somewhat educated. They fly over oceans to get to a designated sight to initiate their training. They are fighting established armies and, for the most part, are gaining ground while, at the same time are causing havoc within civilian populations. Amongst these devils, ISIS has become a “best practices model.”

President Obama and his security team could not imagine what has been happening over the last ten years. Our allies are shaking their heads and wondering what has happened to the great American Pride and Courage. Somehow, a new hero from our side of this fight is going to have to evolve. God will see us through this but how many of us must suffer and die before that happens? That will depend on us who live on the good side. It is time for us to take this very seriously and deal with it straight up.

The fact is we are at war! The one

who wins at war is the most organized, strongest and bravest one on the battlefield. Right now, our president is afraid of the battlefield. Somehow he is going to come to the reality that this is a serious war and it will be incumbent upon him to rise up and lead the charge against the devil. If he keeps stalling our casualties will rise to pathetic levels. We have various presidents, prime ministers, chancellors from our allied side of this war but none of them seem to have much courage and leadership. Meanwhile, the devil is growing and striking in Australia, Canada and Nigeria. Who will be next?

The thing we, the faithful, must understand that as each battle is waged the pain will fall on all of us. We must fight and fight ruthlessly if we are to survive. Remember like the newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, we were all attacked and thus, there is the choice between the devil or Charlie. I am Charlie: Je Suis Charlie!

Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.

Website: www.nationalbcc.org Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.

Is Obama Trying to Kill Black Colleges?

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist Is Barack Obama, the nation’s first African American president, trying to kill Historically Black Colleges and Universities?

If he’s not, he’s going to have a difficult time convincing HBCU presidents, trustees and alumni.

Surprisingly, Obama has become their worst nightmare.

Neither Obama, the First Lady, the Secretary of Education or the president’s closest advisers attended an HBCU and, consequently, are tone death in recognizing what is broadly viewed as sound policy can inadvertently harm our nation’s HBCUs. President Obama’s proposal that the federal government pick up the tab for a worthy student’s first two years of community college is a case in point. Without a doubt, a move toward free, universal higher education is an excellent decision.

But if the president had consulted the major organizations representing HBCUs, he would have heard suggestions on how to tweak his proposal so that it would not needlessly harm Black colleges, which it is certain to do.

The amended Higher Education Act of 1965 defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of www.chicagocrusader.com

George E. Curry black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”

HBCUs enroll only 3 percent of college students yet are responsible for nearly 20 percent of all bachelor degrees awarded to African Americans. In some fields, the figures are significantly higher.

President Obama noted, “Ameri-

ca thrived in the 20th century in large part because we had the most educated workforce in the world.

But other nations have matched or exceeded the secret to our success.” And the U.S. can’t afford to lose the valuable contributions of HBCUs. HBCUs compete directly with community colleges. Both enroll students who may need some additional tutoring or training before they are college ready. More importantly, students who enroll in community colleges and HBCUs are in dire need of financial assistance. If you make the first two years of college free to community college students – and not to HBCUs – you don’t have to be a rocket or social scientist to see that Black colleges will come out the losers.

And the bleeding doesn’t stop there.

If and when community college students decide to continue their education, they may be more inclined to transfer to a state-supported public university, where costs are cheaper than those of a private or public HBCU. In many instances, that state-supported university might accept all of the student’s credits whereas the Black institution might accept some of them.

Public HBCUs are likely to suffer under this scenario as well. If a Black student has attended a community college in Alabama, for ex-

ample, he or she may be more prone to enroll in the University of Alabama or Auburn than they would if they had initially enrolled in Alabama A&M University or Alabama State. And given the costs, those students might totally bypass Tuskegee University, Talladega College or Stillman College, all private institutions.

Colleges such as Spelman and Morehouse, though harmed, can probably sustain the drop in enrollment. But without any adjustments, it could be the death knell for many others, including Miles College, Tougaloo, Paine and my alma mater, Knoxville College, which already has a foot in the grave.

With Republicans now in control of the House and Senate, it would have been far wiser for Obama to huddle with Republicans – whose presidents have been strong supporters of HBCUs over the years – to come up with a proposal that both sides could support. Going it alone, especially in this environment, virtually guarantees that the America’s College Promise program will go nowhere.

What should be done?

As one educator told me, it would have been better if Obama had said the federal government would pick up the first two years at a two- or four-year college. That would be better for most HBCUs. Because public tax dollars probably would not be designated for private col-

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

leges, the private and religious-affiliated institutions would still be in a bind.

As for the Republican majority accustomed to saying “no” to everything when they were out of power, education would be a good thing to say “yes” to. And correcting the blunders made by the White House may even help in reaching out to a broader political base, a goal the GOP claims it wants to achieve.

In the meantime, this new community college proposal, coming on the heels of the administration dropping the ball on Parent PLUS student loans that caused some HBCUs to lose as much as 20 percent of their student body and a proposed federal rating system that could also disadvantage some HCBUs, has some of Obama’s ardent supporters wondering if this is part of a plan to kill Black colleges. If it’s not, it may have the same sad effect.

George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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COMMENTARY

REPARATIONS FOR AFRICAN PEOPLE WILL NEVER DIE! (Dr. Conrad Worrill, Chairman Emeritus of the National Black United Front (NBUF) located at 1809 East 71st Street, Suite 211, Chicago, Illinois, 60649, 773-4930900, Fax# 773-493-9819, E-mail: nbufchic@sbcglobal.net, Web site: nbufront.org)

Dr. Conrad Worrill Our great historian and departed ancestor, Dr. John Henrik Clarke described in his classic book, “Notes for an African World Revolution,” that, “The idea of uniting all Africa had its greatest development early in this [20th] century.”

In this context, Reparations for

African people will never die.

Dr. Clarke wrote that, “In 1900, the Trinidadian lawyer, H. Sylvester Williams called together the first Pan African Conference in London. This meeting attracted attention and put the word Pan African in the dictionaries for the first time.”

According to Dr. Clarke, there were only thirty delegates to the conference that came mainly from England, the Caribbean, and the United States. Dr. W. E. B. DuBois led the small delegation from the United States. When we use the term Pan Africanism we must be very clear. Pan Africanism is the belief that people of African ancestry throughout the world have the same racial and cultural characteristics, and the same social and economic conditions as a result of our African origin.

The Pan African component of the Reparations Movement launched its first international conference on Reparations in Lagos, Nigeria in December of 1990. After that conference, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) set up a Group of Eminent Persons (GEP), in June 1992. Its aim was to work out the different ways in which to proceed, and secure technical advisors, who would help solve some of the difficulties associated with the

claim for reparations.

A second conference on Reparations was held in Abuja, Nigeria in 1993, attended by representatives from throughout the Diaspora.

That conference issued a declaration, “The Abuja Proclamation,” which called for a national reparations committee to be established throughout Africa and the Diaspora. The African Reparations Movement (UK) was formed in 1993, as a result of this proclamation.

It is important that we understand that the idea of Reparations has caught on with the masses of African people worldwide, in spite of the opposition of the forces of white supremacy.

A delegation from the United States, led by the late Dr. Jacob H. Carruthers and the late Dr. Ron Walters, participated in Abuja’s First Pan African Conference and reported back to the leaders of the Reparations Movement, in this country, their observations and analysis of the conference.

As we think about Pan Africanism and continue our struggle, let us reflect on the contributions of our ancestor, Malcolm X. We must remember his role in helping to stimulate the Pan African Movement that we stand on today as we fight for Reparations for

African people throughout the world.

In Malcolm’s last visit to Africa before his untimely departure from us, he visited the President of Ghana; Osagyefo Dr. Kwamé Nkrumah. Malcolm gave this account of the meeting in his autobiography. Malcolm said, “We discussed the unity of Africans and people of African descent. We agreed that Pan Africanism was the key also to the problems of those of African heritage… My time with him was up all too soon. I promised faithfully that when I returned to the United States, I would relay to Afro-Americans his personal warm regards.”

There is no doubt that the spirits of Malcolm and other great Pan African leaders are helping to keep the idea of Reparations for African people alive.

“The Abuja Proclamation” should be the basis for our continued organizing of the Reparations Movement throughout the world.

These ideas are still relevant to our organizing work in the Reparations Movement today. The following are some of the key points presented in “The Abuja Proclamation: on April 27-29, 1993: “Recalling the Organization of African Unity’s establishment of a Machinery the Group of Eminent

Persons for appraising the reparations in relation to the damage done to Africa and its Diaspora by enslavement, colonization, and neo-colonialism.

Convinced that the issue of reparations is an important question requiring the united action of Africa and its Diaspora and worth of the active support of the rest of the international community.

Fully persuaded that the damage sustained by the African peoples is not a thing of the past but is painfully manifest in the damaged lives of contemporary Africans from Harlem to Harare, in the damaged economies of the Black World form Guinea to Guyana, from Somalia to Surinam.

Cognizant of the fact that compensation for injustice need not necessarily be paid in capital transfer but could include service to the victims or other forms of restitution and readjustment of the relationship to both parties. Convinced that the claim for Reparations is well grounded in International Law.” We must always remember what Dr. Clarke taught us and that is, “powerful people never teach powerless people how to take power away from them!” Reparations for African people will never die!

The Education of Dr. King

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist As he labored for social, civil and economic justice, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was extremely concerned both about the educational inequities that were a function of segregation, and about the purpose and quality of education. As early as 1947, as a Morehouse College student, he wrote an article, The Purpose of Education, for the Maroon Tiger, the college newspaper. His article is as relevant today as it was then.

Today, much of the focus of education is on passing standardized tests; and while educational measurement is important, Dr. King suggests that these measures are insufficient. In his article, he pondered the meaning and purpose of education. He wrote that “Education must enable a (person) to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his life.”

King was critical of the results of specific aspects of education when he wrote, “education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking. To think incisively and to 6

think for one’s self is very difficult.

We are prone to let our mental life become invaded by legions of halftruths, prejudices, and propaganda.

A great majority of the so-called educated people do not think logically and scientifically. Even the press, the classroom, the platform, and the pulpit in many instances do not give us objective and unbiased truths.”

True in 1947, but even more so today with 3-minute commentary passing for news, and some classrooms the site of propaganda delivery. Some Southerners still believe that the South won the Civil War, and they fly the confederate flags to honor it, and teach this falsity in their classrooms. A friend who lives in Georgia said nearly half of her junior high school-age daughter’s U.S. history curriculum covered aspects of the Civil War. From that perspective, young King was quite critical of segregationist, their intelligence, and their prejudice. “The late Eugene Talmadge, in my opinion, possessed one of the better minds in Georgia, or even America. Moreover, he wore the Phi Beta Kappa key. By all measuring rods, Mr. Talmadge

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

Dr. Julianne Malveaux could think critically and intensively yet he contends that I am an inferior being. Are these the types of men we call educated?”

King said that intelligence is not enough. He said, “Intelligence plus character is the goal of true education.”

We must develop and support young people who are educated in the King tradition – young people with character and discernment. We cannot do this work without a consciousness of people who are committed to breaking down education-

al barriers, closing the achievement gap, improving the quality of schools and access to education. But while other countries are increasing their commitment to education, the United States is cutting back.

Said King, “The most dangerous criminal may be the man (person) gifted with reason, but no morals.”

How moral is it to consign millions to low wages, refusing, even, to increase the minimum wage. How moral is it to cut food stamps and jobs programs in the name of economic growth, although many are still suffering? The art and science of politics is about compromise, but how do we compromise with people’s lives and well-being?

There ought to be a floor under which no citizen is allowed to fall.

Wages, health career, education, and access to housing should not be bargained over, but automatically given. Too many of our legislators are educated, but lack morals. It is shameful to watch them celebrate the shredding of the safety net.

Budget cuts have made education less obtainable than ever. While many parents hire coaches to help their children write essays and complete their college applications,

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

working class parents don’t have the money to do this kind of hiring.

The American School Counselors says that many states mandate a ratio of between 500 and 750 students per counselor. Even at the lower number, a counselor can spend just an hour per student per semester, hardly enough to get advice about college attendance, the filling out of applications, and other matters. Some states have no mandate at all. They include (but are not limited to) Florida, Illinois, Kansas, and Kentucky. Unless parents or civic organizations are willing to step up, some students face major barriers to college attendance and career preparation.

President Obama says he wants the U.S. to be a leader in world education. Others could care less about the education of too many students.

Those who fail to care about the next generation are, in Dr. King’s words, “dangerous criminals.”

Let’s celebrate the King holiday with a commitment to close the achievement gap and to improve the quality of education in our nation.

Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based in Washington, D.C. www.chicagocrusader.com

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:46 AM Page 7

GOSSIPTARY

don had everybody scratching they heads when he bust out of nowhere saying he was quitting his state job in the Illinois Senate because he couldn’t take it anymore. No one knew what he could not take, and one young, West Side rabble rouser ran up and down Madison telling people that Hendon was forced out and he “took a deal to save his Black a . . .” One of his supporters said the state senator was mad at Negros for voting for a man who “ain’t no good” instead of the consensus sellout Carol M. Braun. The guy also claimed that De Tiny Emperor had something to do with what happened

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!

PRODIGAL SON? The son of a man all up on de TV is famous on Instagram. Not because he was recently seen on de TV too. Young people is claiming the boy is affiliated with some group called the “Rack Boys,” who according to one little gal, got involved in some kind of bank scheme. “Yeah, we know him. He got a lot of followers to,” she was heard saying. “But he be on that check cashing scheme. Some kind of way they cut these checks and then put fake contact information on them so they can get approved. I don’t know what he on, but he’s just as shady as his daddy.”

Maybe de apple don’t be falling too far from de tree.

Bruce Rauner

Carol Moseley Braun

Commissioner Kari Steele to address 5th District Seniors

everybody ain’t like how he backed Rauner like that. We ain’t all fools.” Another ex-member claimed that because Salem’s membership is drying up so is

because they claim he ain’t got no credibility, he is tricking people with the mayoral campaign, and that he can’t dodge unproven rumors that he is “wearing a wire” for the Alphabet people. You see, there is one West Side person going around telling all who will listen that Hendon got snatched up by the feds a while back and wound up in the MCC where he was treated like a “two dollar hoe,” according to the man, “and told to do what you gotta do” or he would find himself roomates with Jesse JUNIOR. Hendon has never been accused of a crime, that people know of, and other than sounding real silly and wearing purple suits, people seem to like him for what its worth. Four years ago, however, Hen-

Commissioner Kari K. Steele of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will address the 5th District Seniors, Wednesday, January 21st at 12:30 p.m. at the 5th District Police Station, 727 E. 111th Street.

Officer Tim Crawford, coordinator, announced that Steele will discuss “Green Infrastructure” which pertains to preserving and protecting our invironment.

Steele was elected November 6, 2012 to her first term as a Commissioner. Steele is a Chemist, an Environmentalist and a Community Leader. She has more than 11 years of experience working as a Chemist. She has worked at both the Jardine Water Purification Plant (as a water chemist) and The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (as a water sampler and lab technician). This background makes Commissioner Steele uniquely qualified to discuss and analyze proposed operational changes and operational efficiencies.

Commissioner Steele is Chairman of the Budget & Employment Committee and Information Technology Committee at the District. She is also Vice Chairman of the Storm water Management Committee and Monitoring & Research Committee.

Commissioner Steele has a Pre-Med degree in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana.

-Ima-

Ricky Hendon

THE BIG PAYBACK

the money and the former state senator and his 5 Links wife are having a hard time raising money to pay for that giant basketball stadium, we mean church, that he got from Jerry Reinsdorf. Yet, one other person who don’t even go to Salem claims something else is fishy with senator Meeks, because he don’t understand “how he can run no state education board when he couldn’t even keep our school open and the kids who went to the school needed a lot of tutoring because they ain’t learn nothing. How he gone lead the state on Education when he lacks comprehension himself.”

Well 10 people was happy that de new governor put Izod-sweater-wearing preacher James Meeks as the head of education in Illinois. But, about 4,000 members of his dwindling South Side church said the appointment ain’t nothing new to cheer about.

Said one man with a stutter, “That (nword) asked us to give up 1,000 dollars each on Christmas and he would come by the house and pick it up. I ain’t got that kind of money. The church is losing members left and right because

with Hendon, but don’t nobody know what happened. All folks know is some people close to Hendon got caught up in a state grant scheme and we don’t no nothing ‘bout dat either. None of that ever come to light and few people thought about the short, pudgy faced former politician until he resurfaced as an operative making noise once again in the upcoming mayor’s race. “Rickey almost messed up some petitions and he is bad news,” said one lady who gets too close in your face when she talks.

Whoever he is behind in the mayoral race then we know this is some tricking for Rahm.”

-Ima-

REPENTANT NEGRO

Rev. James Meeks www.chicagocrusader.com

The teenagers come to the Goodbye and Good Bye Convalescent Home and help us old folks get on the computer. One young lady showed us some page from Hollywood Hendon, the West Side Negro, who is fond of making himself look silly on de TV. Well apparently, he is apologizing to people for making “mistakes.” This is coming after he started getting his John Brown hind-parts handed to him by other people on de computer Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

KID-TESTED, PARENT-APPROVED JUICEBOX RETURNS WITH EXCITING WINTER/SPRING LINEUP AT CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY: This free series offers eclectic music, theater and dance experiences for toddlers and their families. The popular Juicebox series hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events— with its engaging music, dance and theater performances in a kid-friendly setting—will return to the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington Street), the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Avenue) and other select Chicago venues beginning Friday, January 16, 2015.

Juicebox programs are geared toward the stroller set, but are engaging for the whole family—and they are always FREE. Children experience a diverse range of artistic and educational performances, with hosts regularly inviting youngsters to move, dance and otherwise interact with performers. Except where otherwise noted, the series is scheduled for 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. on the first and third Friday and Saturday of each month through May. Upcoming in the series: Friday, January 16, 11 a.m. in Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street, Bluegrass Music: A Truly American Story. Keith Baumann and the Hard Times Bluegrass Band present a lively educational performance that combines musical performance, visual demonstration, audience participation and spoken word in a celebration of bluegrass music, one of the few truly American art forms. Featuring banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass, this music is known for its strong rhythmic drive and heartfelt songs that focus on family, work, religion and the joys and sorrows of day-to-day life.

PUSH EXCEL 25TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST: 25 Years - Dr. King’s Unfinished Agenda: Completing the Dream, the 25th Annual PUSH Excel Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, will be held on Monday, January 19, in the Hyatt Regency Chicago Grand Ballroom, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. Tickets are $125 per person; $1,250 per table. For more information contact Rev. Janette C. Wilson at 773-256-2731.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY ZOO CAMP: On Monday, January 19, spend your day off of school at Lincoln Park Zoo! The theme for this camp is “All About Birds.” From the brightly colored flamingo to the mohawk crested wood partridge, birds can have some unique appearances! But looks are only one of the curious characteristics 8

of birds. Campers will learn the reason European white storks clack their beaks and why hummingbirds build their nests using spider webs as they get an inside look at the charming lives of our feathered friends. Lincoln Park Zoo is located at Cannon Drive and Fullerton Parkway in Chicago.

The camp is for preK-4th grade: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.. The cost is $67/day ($57/day for members); More info: www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar.

SHEDD AQUARIUM: Shedd Aquarium will be closed on Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22 for routine maintenance and cleaning. Shedd reopens on Friday, January 23, welcoming back locals with Illinois Resident Discount/Free General Admission Days through Tuesday, January 27. Every Monday and Tuesday in January, Illinoisans enjoy free general admission with access to the aquarium’s original galleries during Illinois Resident Discount/Free General Admission Days. On those days, residents can purchase discounted admission to Shedd’s other exhibits, including the Abbott Oceanarium and Wild Reef. Illinois Resident Discount/Free General Admission Days: January 1820. Prices - Original galleries only: FREE Shedd Pass with discount: $22.95 for adults; $15.95 children (ages 3-11). Proof of residency must be provided in-person when purchasing tickets at the discounted rate. For the latest information about the aquarium hours and discounts, please call 312939-2438. John G. Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605. Shedd is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekends.

ONE BOOK, ONE CHICAGO: On Wednesday, January 21 at 6 p.m., Chicago’s Heroic Architecture will be the topic at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, Lower Level. Though famous for its landmark architecture and design, some of Chicago’s most pivotal social, political and economic achievements took shape in the shadow of our city’s major monuments. Terry Tatum, former director of research of the City of Chicago’s Landmarks Division, offers an enticing look at the obscure, unexpected or overlooked landmarks of Chicago, where heroism swept to the fore but left few recognizable traces. This program is presented in partnership with Landmarks Illinois, as part of the ongoing 2014-15 One Book, One Chicago selection’s (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon), seasonlong exploration on the theme of Heroes: Real and Imagined. One Book, One Chicago is presented by the City of Chicago, Chicago Public

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

Library, Chicago Public Library Foundation, Allstate and BMO Harris. For more information visit onebookonechicago.org.

VOCALIST ANTHONY P. MCGLAUN: As part of the Music in the Library series, world-renowned tenor vocalist Anthony P. McGlaun performs works by African American composers including a song cycle by Robert Owens and some Leslie Adams and Harry Burleigh art songs.

McGlaun is noted for his clarity of tone, musicality and expressive delivery of text. This will take place on Friday, January 23 at 12:15 p.m. in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, Lower Level, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602. For more information visit chicagoculturalcenter.org.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY EXHIBITS: The Art of the Bicycle is ONGOING through 2018 at the Museum of Science and Industry. See some of the Museum’s most fascinating –and rarely-exhibited–historic bicycles, juxtaposed with the coolest, fastest and most high-tech bikes currently on the market, in The Art of the Bicycle. Invented 200 years ago, the bicycle has

THE METROPOLITAN WATER Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) recently announced its new officers. Commissioner Mariyana T. Spyropoulos has been elected the new Board President, Commissioner Barbara McGowan was re-elected Vice President and Commissioner Frank Avila is the new Chairman of Finance. Pictured, left to right, are Commissioner Frank Avila, President Mariyana Spyropoulos and Vice President Barbara McGowan.

THE CHICAGOLAND SPEAKbeen continuously reshaped and re-engineered to make riding ERS NETWORK: Would like to safer, more reliable, and more fun. help area residents and professionals The Art of the Bicycle traces this meet their self-improvement goals in amazing evolution and shows 2015 through a Public Speaking Symhow the bicycle continues to posium. The Chicagoland Speakers evolve driven by the inventiveness Network has planned this half-day of of its riders. The Museum of Sci- educational workshops on various ence and Industry is located at topics related to effective professional 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, speaking at South Suburban College’s Chicago, IL 60637. For more in- Oak Forest Center on Thursday, Janformation, call 773-684-1414 or uary 22, 2015, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. visit www.msi.org.

(Continued on page 18)

Extended Coverage HSA—THE SECRET RETIREMENT PLAN When insurance offers a super retirement gimmick, it’s worth considering. High-deductible health insurance plans offer an unusual side benefit, the health savings account. *** Tied to your health insurance policy, the health savings account lets you put away money for out-ofpocket medical expenses. The federal government determines—and regularly updates—how high the deductible must be and how much can be saved in the HSA.

Milton E. Moses

*** What’s your health insurance situation? What might be more advantageous to you. Talk to us at the Community Insurance Center, Inc., 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) 651-6200. You can also reach us via email at: sales@communityinsurance.com or visit the website at www.communityins.com.

*** Of course, it is important not to avoid necessary treatment, just to guard the funds in the account. *** Contributions to the health savings account are pre-tax, and the funds can be invested until they are needed. *** Last year, a married couple could contribute as much as $6,550, and over the years the funds can really appreciate. Money can be withdrawn tax-free for medical expenses, and past age 65, the money can be used for anything—still tax-free!

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

www.chicagocrusader.com

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:47 AM Page 9

BUSINESS

A Presidential Plan to Give More Americans Their Own American Dream Lowered mortgage insurance premiums expected to help current and future borrowers

By Charlene Crowell About 800,000 homeowners whose mortgages were backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) could save $900 annually on mortgage costs, due to a small reduction in mortgage insurance (MI) premiums. President Barack Obama made the announcement in a January 8 speech in Phoenix, one of the cities hardest hit by the nation’s housing crisis.

By reducing the MI rate by only a half-percent, the move is also expected to enable 250,000 new homebuyers to afford an FHA mortgage. Administration officials predict that in coming years, the fee reduction will save borrowers with similarly-financed mortgages billions of dollars and also boost the housing market’s long-term recovery.

In his address, the President connected the financial concerns of everyday people to his new initiative designed to spur broader housing recovery.

“It’s not just the economy turning around,” said the President. “It’s

www.chicagocrusader.com

turning around the lives of hardworking people. . . . Buying a home has always been about more than owning a roof and four walls. It’s about investing savings, and building a family.”

The move is also likely to benefit consumers of color who tend to secure FHA-backed mortgages far more than private, conventional ones.

In 2013, the most recent mortgage data available from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, although conventional mortgage originations rose slightly from the previous year, 2012, Black consumers nationwide received only 2.3 percent or 36,903 loans. In 2012, the same data point was even smaller, with only 26,500 such loans.

To add some context to this low number of private, conventional mortgages, the Chicago suburb of Calumet City with a population of 37,240 is larger than the number of loans made to the nation’s Black homebuyers last year.

Typically, 30-year conventional mortgages are free from mortgage insurance premiums when home down payments are 20 percent or larger. Over the course of the loan, these are the mortgages that wind up costing borrowers less money.

Charlene Crowell By contrast, borrowers who can afford a monthly mortgage payment but only have a low down payment have frequently turned to FHA. One term on these governmentbacked loans is to charge a mortgage insurance premium.

Housing and consumer advocates were swift to praise the President’s announcement. Mike Calhoun, Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) President said, “This decision is financially sound, socially responsible, and good policy all at

once. Homebuyers, homeowners and taxpayers will all benefit.”

Similarly, Julia Gordon, Director of Housing Finance and Policy at the Center for American Progress noted, “The President correctly observes that owning a house is about far more than putting a roof over your head. It’s also about stability and community for you and your kids – creating a place to call home.

What’s more, for many families, homeownership builds wealth that can be passed down for generations.”

Yet not all housing stakeholders were in agreement. In a prepared statement issued on the heels of the President’s address, the U.S. Mortgage Insurers took a different view and issued a statement that in part said, “Mortgage insurers putting their own capital at risk should be preferred to government risk taking, consistent with the principles put forward by the Administration for housing reform. The MI industry has the capacity and capability to further reduce taxpayer risk and lower costs for many home buyers while expanding access to mortgage credit.”

While this segment of the housing industry may have the capacity to lower costs for many prospective

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

homebuyers, the post-recession consumer experience did not translate into more mortgage access. The combination of higher pricing for lower-wealth borrowers, along with historically-tight credit standards dramatically limited access to homeownership for low to moderate-income borrowers and continued to pose a serious challenge to the mortgage market as a whole.

Limiting home purchase opportunities also has larger economic consequences. New homeowners fuel consumer spending, especially on big-ticket appliances. These major purchases then enhance local governments’ ability to deliver services as a result of higher sales tax revenues.

Most importantly, lost opportunities for homeownership means fewer families will have the opportunity to have that investment build wealth to pass down across generations.

As President Obama observed, it is time to help “more families afford having their own piece of the American Dream.”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

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P

After School Matters® to provide free admission for up to 10,000 Chicago High School teens to see Paramount Pictures’ “SELMA” in theaters After School Matters, a nonprofit organization that provides out-ofschool programming opportunities for Chicago teens, in partnership with a coalition of Chicago business and civic leaders, has announced they will provide free admission for up to 10,000 Chicago high school teens to see the film “SELMA” at participating theaters. The group hopes these teens — who are participating in After School Matters programs — will benefit from viewing the historical importance and message of justice and equality portrayed in the film.

The After School Matters Board of Directors, chaired by Ariel Investments President Mellody Hobson, is spearheading this effort to give After School Matters teens — the majority of whom are minorities with 87 percent living at or below poverty — the opportunity to see the film at no cost. Modeled on a similar initiative underway in New York City and other cities nationwide, the organization’s Board is coordinating the fundraising effort in partnership with friends and leaders in Chicago’s business and civic communities.

“The film ‘SELMA’ represents a powerful moment in our nation’s history,” said E. Robbie Robinson, Managing Director at BDT & Company and Vice Chair of the Board of After School Matters. “It is critical that our teens appreciate the significance of this moment and its extraordinary impact on the advancement of civil rights. After School Matters is thrilled to provide our teens the opportunity to see the film.” Robinson, along with Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing Company and an advisory board member of After School Matters, led the fundraising effort to provide this experience to the teens.

Thanks to that fundraising effort, After School Matters teens will receive instructions on how to gain free admittance to screenings of “SELMA” at theaters in and near Chicago between Friday, January 16, the start of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, and Sunday, March 1. After School Matters teens or parents who have questions about the ticketing process should contact the organization by email at reception@afterschoolmatters.org or by phone at 312.742.4182.

After School Matters is taking further steps to maximize this opportunity for teens. All participants will complete an electronic survey about their experience after seeing the film.

Furthermore, all After School Matters program instructors will be provided with a study guide and encouraged to incorporate the historical material into the curricula for their Spring programs, which begin on February 2. In line with After School Matters’ project-based learn10

ing model, a number of these programs will incorporate the film’s themes and messages into their final projects.

“What took place 50 years ago in Selma is key to understanding much about the civil rights movement, race, equality and democracy,” said After School Matters Board Chair Mellody Hobson. “I want our teens to experience that moment in history and see how it directly connects to the challenges they face today. By encouraging this kind of civic engagement — whether that means talking about civil rights generally or about the right to vote as depicted in the film — we can empower our teens to take hold of their futures.”

ABOUT AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS: After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that offers Chicago high school teens high quality, out-of-school time opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. Over the past two decades, more than 200,000 teens have participated in our hands-on, project-based arts, communications, science, sports and technology programs at Chicago public high schools, community locations across the city and Downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts.

In 2014-2015, After School Matters is creating 22,000 unique opportunities for teens to participate in programs. Teens can search and apply for programs online at www.afterschoolmatters.org. Follow After School Matters on Twitter at @aftrschoolmttrs, on Facebook at facebook.com/afterschoolmatters and on Instagram at @afterschoolmatters.

Continue the conversation with our teens and others across the country on Twitter at #SelmaForStudents!

“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.

The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

DEPICTION IN THE movie “Selma” of the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery where Martin Luther King, Jr. successfully led thousands of protestors to Montgomery from Selma on March 21, 1965 after two failed attempts earlier that year. The three marches were part of the Selma Voting Rights Campaign and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and The participating Chicagoland theaters are: Harpo Films present “SELMA.” AMC FORD CITY 14 Chicago IL Produced by Christian Colson, IL AMC LOEWS 600 NORTH MICHIGAN 9 Chicago Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, AMC RIVER EAST 21 Chicago IL Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive AMC SHOWPLACE CICERO 14 Cicero IL produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron AMC SHOWPLACE GALEWOOD 14 Chicago IL McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, CARMIKE LANSING CINEMAS 8 Lansing IL Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul CHATHAM 14 THEATER Chicago IL Garnes and Nan Morales. The film CINEMARK MELROSE PARK Melrose Park IL is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” KERS SHOWPLACE 16 Chicago IL is directed by Ava DuVernay.

Reclaiming the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist The 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday should have a different impact on the collective consciousness of Black America. Why? Because once again there are millions of Black Americans who are more determined than ever to keep pushing forward to achieve full freedom, justice, equality and empowerment. The historic methodology, style and substance of Dr. King’s leadership needs to be reclaimed by those with the heavy responsibility to lead.

By re-embracing Dr. King’s prophetic activism and mobilization genius, I believe Black American leaders of national organizations will be effective in countering the backward drift of voter suppression, racism, violence and hopelessness. The tone set in the King Holiday ceremonies this year should focus on achieving equality and economic empowerment for all.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a strong, visionary, mesmerizing leader.

He used nonviolent civil disobedience as an effective strategy. He challenged injustice everywhere while generating enough political capital that led to the enactment of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Shortly before King’s assassination in April 1968, he was clear about the need to secure economic justice en

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. route to becoming what he called the “Beloved Community.”

Over the past year, there have been numerous demonstrations across the nation demanding racial justice in the wake of police killing of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and Rumain Brisbon. It was a positive sign of progress to witness street protests that, in the spirit of Dr. King, setranscended race and class. All forms of injustice must be opposed. It was Dr. King who reminded us that “an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

As was the case in the past, young people today are only less prejudiced than their parents and preceding generations. Even so, emerging young leaders are not relenting – they are

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

pushing forward with renewed energy, conviction and vigor. In fact, we should not forget that Martin Luther King was only 26 years old in 1955 when he became the primary spokesman for the nascent Montgomery Bus Boycott Movement.

Many campaigning for public office are looking beyond MLK Day to the 2016 U.S. presidential race. Our challenges is to make sure the quest for equality and justice does not get placated by the politics of expediency. In other words, the momentum to transform America evident in 2014 should not be allowed to dissipate over the next year.

Now that the U.S. economy continues to rebound, efforts to end poverty in our communities should be significantly increased. Interestingly, those who opposed President Barack Obama blamed him for things that were already bad when he assumed office.

And now that the economy has improved, they refuse to give him credit for the recovery.

As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we should remember that he concluded that economic justice was also a key civil rights issue. Two weeks before Dr. King was murdered, he addressed a rally in Memphis of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). King stat(Continued on page 11) www.chicagocrusader.com

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:47 AM Page 11

City turns Blue in honor of MLK The Faith Community of Saint Sabina is celebrating Dr. King with two great events, one of which began January 11 with turning the city blue.

Chicago has a rich tradition of lighting up downtown buildings with a particular color to emphasis an issue. As Dr. King continues to be a symbol for non-violence throughout the world, Saint Sabina contacted the Building Owner and Management Association of Chicago (B.O.M.A.) to ask downtown buildings to light up their buildings in blue. The request was approved by the association. Blue

Elder Bernice King

lights in Chicago’s skyline will once again help to symbolize and help promote anti-violence in communities challenged with a disproportionate amount of violence now through January 21 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

In recognition of the downtown buildings symbolizing the effort, Elder Bernice King, youngest child of MLK, Jr. and CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change provided this statement, “As we observe my father’s birthday, I want you to know that I support your efforts to continue to honor

my father’s legacy of peace and nonviolence by having Chicago’s building lit up in blue lights.”

Father Michael Pfleger

In a second event on Sunday, January 18 at 11:15 a.m., The Faith Community of Saint Sabina will hold its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

Guest speaker will be actor Harry Lennix. He is best known for his roles as Dresser in the film, the “Five Heartbeats.” Lennix was born in Chicago. He attended Quigley South and Northwestern University. Lennix also starred in Matrix and Ray, and is currently on the Blacklist.

North Central College to host panel talk, community forum Jan. 21 on race relations North Central College will host a panel discussion and community forum on race relations Jan. 21 during the College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week.

The public is invited to “Beyond Ferguson: Race, Class, and the Journey to Justice” at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Centennial Hall at the Harold and Eva White Activities Center, 325 E. Benton Ave. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

The panel discussion will feature radio host and civic activist April Yvonne Garrett, Freedom Rider Thomas Armstrong, professor of political science Stephen Maynard Caliendo, assistant professor of sociology Ericka Adams, former North Central College English professor Kim Brown, transfer admission counselor and class of 1992 alumnus Brian Johnson and student John Arrington ’16.

“The addition of a panel discussion to our Martin Luther King Jr. Week events this year creates an opportunity to show students how community members who may have different viewpoints can come together and have meaning-

that uses art and intellectual work to encourage civic participation, media literacy and critical thinking.

Additional Martin Luther King Jr. Week events at North Central College include a keynote address

by Dr. Cornel West on Jan. 23, a prayer breakfast on Jan. 19, and a Gospel Extravaganza Jan. 24.

Sponsors of Martin Luther King Jr. Week events at North Central College include the Student Governing Association, Cultural Events and the offices of Residence Life,

ed, “Now our struggle is for genuine equality, which means economic equality……. For we know now that it isn’t enough to integrate lunch counters. What does it profit a man to be able to eat at an integrated lunch counter if he doesn’t have enough money to buy a hamburger?”

Dr. King was on point.

Today, the struggle is not just about having more money to buy something. It is about knowing how to more effectively invest and spend the $1.1 trillion that Black Americans are expected to spend annually by 2015. It is about owning more businesses in our communities. In the tradition of Dr. King, we have to wisely leverage www.chicagocrusader.com

as among the nation’s “Best Places to Live”—North Central College is just 30 minutes from Chicago’s Loop. With more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, North Central College is committed to academic excellence, a climate that emphasizes leadership, ethics, values and service, a curriculum that balances job-related knowledge with a liberal arts foundation and a caring environment with small classes.

Visit northcentralcollege.edu to learn more.

Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson To Honor Dr. King In City’s Largest Mlk Celebration Cornell West ful dialogue,” says Dorothy Pleas, the College’s director of multicultural affairs. “We also hope the panel discussion helps students understand the historical context of these recent incidents and current viewpoints about the struggle for racial equality.”

Garrett, a Baltimore native, is founder and president of Civic Frame, a nonprofit organization

Reclaiming the Legacy of Dr. Martin (Continued from page 10)

Ministry and Service and Multicultural Affairs. Nicor Gas is an underwriting sponsor of Martin Luther King Jr. Week and Black History Month at North Central College.

Founded in 1861, North Central College is an independent, comprehensive college of the liberal arts and sciences that offers more than 55 undergraduate majors and graduate programming in seven areas. Located in the Historic District of Naperville, Illinois—rated by Money magazine

our huge consumer power.

We are grateful that the legacy of Dr. King’s leadership continues to be vibrant and relevant to the advancement of the cause of freedom and justice. We, therefore, face the future with a stronger confidence that we still shall overcome, largely by reclaiming Dr. King’s legacy.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lectures and other professional consult ations at: http://drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix. com/drbfc.

Fifty years after the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 50 years after Martin Luther King, Jr. and a legion of civil rights leaders endured their brutal walk from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson is celebrating the historic contributions of Dr. King by planning the city’s largest MLK celebration.

Thousands are expected to attend Wilson’s “Renew the Dream in 2015” celebration on Jan. 19 at Salem Baptist Church’s House of Hope, located at 752 East 114th Street. Organizers will open doors

at 5 p.m., service begins at 6 p.m.

The assembly will include prayer, music and personal tributes to Dr. King, including how his legacy paved the way for African American political campaigns across the nation.

Wilson, whose increasing popularity as a mayoral candidate is striking a chord with Chicagoans across the city, will also share information about his principles,

including economic development, education, public safety, and parity and fairness for all.

Wilson is a businessman and humanitarian who once owned five McDonald’s restaurants, and now heads a $60 million medical supplies company based in Matteson with offices in Shanghai. He also is the producer and host of the television gospel show, “Singsation.”

Willie Wilson Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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ENTERTAINMENT

By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ

By Raymond Ward HOT PAGES: Meesha Mink is the author of two explosive literary series: the wild Desperate Hoodwives trilogy (co-written with De’Nesha Diamond) and the thrilling Real Wifeys trilogy. Earlier his year, Mink published Kiss the Ring, a gritty urban novel that Library Journal named one of the Best Books on 2014... and now she returns with the sexy sequel ALL HAIL THE QUEEN: An Urban Tale (Touchstone Trade Paperback Original; $14.95) which features the crowd favorite, Naeema “Queen” Cole.

In ALL HAIL THE QUEEN, life finally seems to have calmed down for Naeema.

After she brought down the Make Money Meesha Mink Crew, Newark’s most notorious bank robbing gang, she was able to make peace with the son she never knew. His memory is even starting to feel like a blessing, rather than a curse. Though she and her on-again, off-again husband Tank took a break, now they’re back on and stronger than ever. But when she finally thought she could put away her undercover identity as “Queen” and just be Naeema, Tank is shot while out on a job

guarding a high-profile rapper.

Everyone thinks it was rapper Fevah, who was the target, but Naeema knows the attack was personal. With Tank in critical condition and everyone else looking in all the wrong places, it’s up to her to find out which of Tank’s enemies would dare to mess with her man. Naeema never thought she would be back on the trail of a killer, but there’s no way she’ll let anyone get away with trying to take away her king.

A “killer” novel with a sexy and strong female protagonist, this page-turner will keep you on your toes as Naeema struggles to find those responsible for attacking her man. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN is emotional, dramatic and sensitive—-it packs a powerful punch, just like Naeema herself. Unapologetic and hard to its core, Mink’s newest urban tale weaves a story you will never forget.

It’s a perfect tale for your book club, a “cabin-fever” book or a quick and delightful read!.

12

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

‘Middle of Nowhere’ is another great film by ‘Selma’ director Ava DuVernay The movie Middle of Nowhere surprised me, because I had seen it around for a bit, but I had never watched it. I loved the premise of the movie, and I think I understand the title.

This “soul-stirring drama” (The New York Times) follows Rubyplayed by 2012 Gotham Independent Film Award winner for Breakthrough Actor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, as she endures the hardships of loyalty and betrayal while her hubby is imprisoned.

the situation, a chance encounter with hard-working bus driver, Brian (Oyelowo) makes Ruby’s decision a bit more difficult.

Thus, she is thrust into the “middle of nowhere,” where before she knew just when her hubby would be getting home. Now, with the recent revolution about just what he has been doing while locked up, a cloud has formed over their relationship, as more time has been added to his sentence.

ting along with her other daughter named Rosie, played

by Edwina Findley Dickerson.

She isn’t allowed to babysit Rosie’s son, and Ruth is irritated by what she perceives as her exclusion from the family unit.

Rosie is supportive of Ruby standing by her man, while he does his time; but Ruth feels that it is a waste of time and that Ruby should never have deferred her academic pursuits, in order to put all her time into

OMARI HARDWICK AND Emayatzy Corinealdi try to figure things out during a prison visit.

Middle of Nowhere has many lay- working and just going back Winner of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival Best Director Award ers: there is the relationship be- and forth to the prison to see for Ava DuVernay, who is enjoy- tween Ruby and Derek; there are Derek. And, of course, Derek ing wide acclaim for the recently also other developing relation- lets her down eventually. Hardreleased Selma, the “elegant, pow- ships, as well, between Ruby and wick is great in this role, beerfully moving and courageous” her sister, as well as Ruby and her cause he is such a nice looking (Salon) film also stars Omari mother Ruth, played by Lorraine guy. His looks and charm get Hardwick and David Oyelowo, Toussaint. Although it is never re- him over, as far as the devotion (Continued on page 13) who plays Dr. Martin Luther vealed, Ruth has a hard time getKing Jr., in Selma.

Ruby was once a vibrant medical student married to the love of her life, Derek. Now with Derek in prison, she is struggling to maintain hope. They were both optimistic, because he had been given 10 years and hoped to get out in five years with good behavior. But as time goes on, and she quits school and waits, while visiting him regularly and working on his case with his attorney, they are both thrown for a loop. At Derek’s latest parole board meeting, Ruby is given bad news that jolts her.

She now must decide whether to keep going on, supporting Derek OMARI HARDWICK, Ava DuVernay, Emayatzy Corinealdi and as she has been, or just throw in David Oyelowo make up the cast and director (DuVernay) for the towel. To add a little flavor to “Middle of Nowhere.”

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

www.chicagocrusader.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

‘SELMA’ – An Interview with Ava DuVernay and David Oyelowo

By Bonnie DeShong The film “SELMA” has just opened and has already been nominated for Golden Globe awards for Best Picture, Director and Actor Drama; and the Oscar buzz is getting loud. I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Director Ava DuVernay and star of the film, David Oyelowo and talk about the film and its impact on today’s issues.

Bonnie: Ava and David in all the interviews that you have been done on the junket, is there a question that you wished someone had asked you but didn’t?

Ava: That is interesting.

David: I mean for me, look, it’s the conversation around this film is shifting that is the truth. It is shifting from Ferguson which there is clear parallels with “Selma” in terms of yes, again, a community is rallying around an injustice and it is having an impact on the nation and the world. The shift that we’ve experienced in that last 24 hours is going to Eric Garner and that now brings up what way do we go from here because in “Selma” we see that campaign gain momentum and success because cameras are turned on the injustices that are going on, and that affects people and it ca-

pening right now is new.

Bonnie: Why did it take so long for the film to be made? Is it “kismet?” It wasn’t supposed to be made until now, because of what is going on in the world or what was it, was it just waiting for Ava? Ava: No, I think it is really beautiful what you said because I think there is poignancy to someone being out in the world at this time in this cultural moment. That it could actually do more now for illustrating the vicious cycle that we’re in instead of it being out maybe three years ago and maybe we wouldn’t feel the impact of the education that we can get about really understanding that this is something that is happening on a continuum happening over and over, so I think that is beautiful and it is true. The technical reasons why it didn’t happen until now is systemic in terms of the studio system that you can have a Jimmy Hoffa biopic and not have a pic with King at the center. It has to do with the myth and the fallacy that Black films don’t travel overseas and the depressed budgets that we are assigned to which should be an epic story. It has to do with challenges with the intellectual property that scared away a lot of folks and the thinking that if we don’t have 100%

AVA DUVERNAY (right) gives David Oyelowo direction during the filming of “Selma.” joles the president into action. With permissions and cooperation we can’t Eric Garner we see footage that tell a story, and we didn’t ascribe to should bring about change and jus- that we did it independently. So I tice and currently looks like it is not, think there is just a lot of tightness so the conversation has to shift. This around the idea of doing it, but for is very raw and very fresh, but that, to whatever reason it all came together, me, in relation to what you just said is Oprah Winfrey being the big driving not a conversation and Ava just men- force, a breath of fresh air, into the tioned something which I think is ab- process that allowed it to happen. In solutely right, a while ago, which is some ways the stars have aligned so not police reform and that is the new that this piece of art in the world at thing that the conversation has to this time when I think it is needed. I shift to. Selma, hopefully represents don’t want to put too much importhe fact that this is cyclical this keeps tance on it, but I think that any piece on going on, and we cannot get com- of art that gets people talking in conplacent and think that what is hap- versation, probing, and hopefully

(Continued from page 12) that Ruby has for him, as well as her belief that all will be well for the two of them again.

Brian plays the bus driver who is smitten with Ruby, and when she finally lets him know that she is also open to something more, the www.chicagocrusader.com

scene is nothing short of magic.

Middle of Nowhere is a dynamic story of self-discovery that is available on DVD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment and Codeblack Films, even though it also has been playing on BET.

BONNIE DESHONG (center) interviews Director Ava DuVernay (left) and actor David Oyelowo (right) who portrays Martin Luther King, Jr. in the new movie “Selma.” triggering some new ideas is worth- opportunity, to me when you look at see you one time, not once. Every while whether it is art of something one of the things most famous about now and then an actor will slip into Dr. King and his dream for this coun- themselves and the character, I never else.

Bonnie: Why did you feel that the try and what, we as Black people may saw you, I only saw Dr. King. Why film being in Ava’s hands would be be able to attain by equality it is just a do you think that you were the perbeautiful cyclical truth that Ava is the son that was chosen to play this man? the right hands to take it to the end?

David: Well, having done “Middle one who now gets to tell this story.

David: I think what you said earliBonnie: David, in the film I didn’t of Nowhere” with her to be honest it (Continued on page 17) was selfish. I felt after doing that, that I had met someone who was getting stuff out of me that I didn’t know was there. I came to this country inspired by the early work of Spike Lee. When I saw he was going to direct “Do the Right Thing” and “Mo’ Better Blues”; these are films that even though they were completely outside of my cultural knowledge I felt them and I wanted to be part of that. I moved to this country to be part of that and I just didn’t read a single script until “Middle of Nowhere” that showed me humanity as a Black person that transcended what it is to stereotypically or in a caricature kind of way symbolize being Black. I was playing a bus driver who was a human being who fell in love and that I can relate to, that I can wrap my arms around, both as a performer and as a human being. I felt that was what we needed with “Selma because there are lots of perceptions about what Dr. King is, who he is and what he represents, but the only thing that is going to make this a satisfying cinematic experience is to have it in the hands of someone who did what I felt Ava did with me in “Middle of Nowhere” which, again, is to show a human being who owns the color of his skin and his ethnicity, but that is not necessarily the overriding factor it doesn’t have to creep into every and anything he does. He is a human being, so that combined with the fact that he is a very, very lovely human being that you would want to go on any kind of journey with, and you know what, retrospectively I just think there is something so beautiful about a Black woman directing this film. When you think about how marginalized Join the party at Black women were within the civil WeddingRingerPhotobomb.com rights movement, when you think LOCAL LISTINGS FOR about how rare it is for a Black female THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES STARTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 CHECK director to be afforded this kind of

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

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ARTS AND CULTURE

CSO appoints Cristina Rocca VP of Artistic Planning Longtime orchestra administrator Cristina Rocca will join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as vice president for artistic planning, the Richard and Mary L. Gray Chair, in March. She replaces Martha S. Gilmer who resigned in September to become chief executive officer of the San Diego Symphony.

The appointment was announced January 8 by Jeff Alexander who officially started January 12 as president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA). Rocca will design and execute the CSOA’s artistic plans and vision, while working closely with Music Director Riccardo Muti and Alexander to develop programs and engage guest artists for the CSO. She will also collaborate with James Fahey, the CSOA’s Director of Programming, in the presentation of guest artists and ensembles from a wide

Symphony Center Presents (SCP) an electric double bill with legendary jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri performing on the SCP Jazz series for the first time since 1998 with his famous Latin jazz septet, and young bassist Carlos Henriquez with his quintet on Friday January 16 at 8:00 p.m. Returning to Symphony Center for the first time since 2013, four-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves shares her “Beautiful Life” project with audiences on Friday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets for all Symphony Center Presents Jazz series concerts can be purchased by phone at 800-2237114 or 312-294-3000; online at cso.org, or at the Symphony Center box office: 220 S. Michigan Ave.,

Cristina Rocca variety of genres—classical, jazz, world, and contemporary—annually offered as part of the CSOA’s presenting series, Symphony Center Presents.

312-294-3040. ******** The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will inaugurate its All-Access Chamber Music Series in a debut concert at the historic South Shore Cultural Center (SSCC), 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Sunday, January 18 at 3:00 p.m. The Civitas Ensemble, CSO musicians Yuan-Qing Yu, violin; Kenneth Olsen, cello; J. Lawrie Bloom, clarinet; and Winston Choi, Chicago College of Performing Arts Chair of the Piano Faculty, will performs works by Rabl, Berg and Schubert.

Admission is FREE but tickets are required and may be ordered by calling 312-294-3000.

Tickets will be held at the door for pickup on the day of the concert. ******** The public is invited to a special free film screening of Sergei Eisenstein’s 1938 film “Alexander Nevsky” on Tuesday, January 20 at Symphony Center. Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti and CSO Program Annotator Phillip Huscher will make introductory comments about the film and its relationship to Prokofiev’s cantata at 7:30 p.m. followed by the screening at 8:00 p.m. The CSO will perform “Alexander Nevsky” during the January 22 - 24 concerts.

Tickets are free and may be ordered at the Symphony Center Box Office, 220 S. Michigan, or by calling the CSO at 312-294-3000.

Dianne Reeves Chicago, IL 60604.

Discounted student tickets for select concerts can be purchased, subject to availability, online in advance or at the box office on the day of the concert. For group rates, please call 14

******** The Hyde Park-Kenwood Chapter of Lyric Opera will present Jerry Tietz, general manager of the Chicago Opera Theater (COT) in “Variety is the Spice of Opera: Teresa Raquin, A Coffin in Egypt and Lucia Silla” Tues-

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

Born in Bologna, Italy, Rocca currently serves as artistic director for the Orchestre National de France, a post she has held since September 2012. Before that, she was director of artistic planning for the Cleveland Orchestra. She also has been the artistic manager at the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg in France; head of concerts and programming for the Bournemouth Symphony in England, and head of artistic planning for the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Italy.

“I feel privileged and honored to have been offered the opportunity to join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Riccardo Muti in this wonderful city,” Rocca said in a statement. “It is particularly exciting as the orchestra approaches the milestone of its 125th anniversary, and I cannot wait to

become a part of their extraordinary story.”

In announcing Rocca’s appointment, Alexander said, “It became clear during the search process to fill this very important position that Cristina Rocca’s background, experience, artistic sensibilities and personal qualities were exactly what we were looking for. Her reputation with artists and artist managers in the United States and internationally is impeccable. I am pleased to welcome Cristina to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, and look forward to working with her.”

Riccardo Muti, Music Director of the CSO, said, “I am very happy that Cristina Rocca has accepted the position of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Vice President for Artistic Planning. She is someone I have known well for many

years and is a person of great experience and professionalism. She will be a wonderful addition to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra family.”

The Vice President of Artistic Planning, the Richard and Mary L. Gray Chair, is the only administrative position at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association that is endowed. In 2013, longtime supporters Richard and Mary L. Gray and the Richard and Mary L. Gray Foundation made a $1.25 million commitment to the CSOA. The contribution was divided: $250,000 was to support artistic innovation and programming, while $1 million was to endow and name the vice presidency responsible for artistic administration. At that time, Martha S. Gilmer held the position, having been appointed to it in 1998.

day January 20 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 801 at The Logan Center for the Performing Arts, 915 E. 60th St. The three operas will be performed as the

2015 COT season.

Admission is $20 for non-members; Pre-paid members and students, free of charge; other members $15.

The Logan Center Café will be open for refreshments. For further information, call Claude Weil at 773-2483954.

‘Candid Camera’ catches CMA members at work and at play

ENJOYING A MOMENT of relaxation during the 2014 NANM conference in Los Angeles are (from l. to r.)

Virginia Prince, Vice President; Dorothy Canady, Treasurer; Vickie Johnson (standing); and Claudette Douglas, Executive Secretary.

One never knows when or where a “Candid Camera” will pop up to snap photos of Chicago Music Association (CMA) members and officers who are forever on the scene when musical activities take place. The camera even showed up at the conference of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. held in Los Angeles July 20-24, 2014 at the Doubletree Hotel-Culver City.

CMA MEMBER VICKIE D. Johnson presented flowers to CMA President Barbara Wright-Pryor during the NANM Life Members Luncheon. (Photos/Barry K. Elmore)

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

www.chicagocrusader.com

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:47 AM Page 15

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking

By Effie Rolfe Help us Lord—we all have issues—absolutely no one is exempt. I speak from experience, just a few days ago, I found myself discussing a situation that didn’t go too smoothly and ended in an argument. The conversation began discussing a person’s lack of integrity as well as the annoying trait of selfishness. However, the more we talked about that person, the more I realized the seemingly unending issues of my own—although somewhat different—yet, just as equally annoying.

If people knew better, they would do better—there are so many folks who have no idea of how offensive certain actions are and how they directly or indirectly affect one’s character, reputa-

tion, family or friends. People can be sincerely wrong, meaning they have every intention of doing right but don’t have a clue of the truth. How do I know, because it took me nearly 40 years to discover my idiosyncrasies and irritating habits that followed me the majority of my life?

As the song goes—don’t judge a man unless you have walked in his shoes. Scripture reminds us: Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye (Matthew 7:3 English Standard Version)?

Growth and maturation has taught me not to speak ill or condescending of anyone, anytime, anywhere—ever. Now, I wish I could say I stayed true to avoiding useless chatter, but at least, I recognize it’s not the best use of my time. Why? It is by the grace of

The Crusader Gospel Corner Sadly, on last Thursday, January 8, the gospel music industry lost a gospel giant in the person of legendary Grammy, Dove, Stellar Award gospel artist, Andraé Crouch.

The popular musician, composer, producer and pastor transitioned after several health challenges including throat cancer. The multiple award winner considered the “Father of Modern Gospel Music,” gave radio and churches a catalogue of favorite songs for Sunday services including countless hits such as “Take Me Back,” “Soon and Very Soon,” “Jesus

The Church Say Amen Andraé Crouch Celebration Tour” featuring Marvin Winans, Marvin Sapp, Cece Winans, Rance Allen, Israel, Gerald Albright and more was postponed after Crouch became ill. The musical celebration was tentatively scheduled to resume this spring.

Crouch’s accolades include seven Grammy Awards, six GMA Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for “The Color Purple,” induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His songs have been

God that I’m not in the same predicament or even worst than you. Grace and mercy is the reason that I’m not doing, going, being or having the same symptoms and problems as any other troubled soul.

Effie Rolfe

www.chicagocrusader.com

recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music’s top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others. Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson’s hit singles “Man in the Mirror,” “Keep the Faith,” “Will You Be There” and “Earth Song.” Our prayers continue with his family and twin sister, Sandra Crouch whom he co-pastored with at the New Christ Memorial Church.

Who have you shown mercy to today…?

Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her at effierolfe.com or on twitter.com/effiedrolfe.

Leaders gather to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 29th Annual Interfaith Breakfast 2015 interfaith breakfast and ceremony to highlight the importance of education Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the City of Chicago are pleased to welcome Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), as the keynote speaker of the 29th Annual Interfaith Breakfast honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Friday, January 16. The invitation-only breakfast will be held at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, in the Grand Ballroom, beginning at 8 a.m.

Each year the City of Chicago hosts the ceremony along with civic and religious community members to honor the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to reflect on his accomplishments, which have impacted American history. While at Morehouse College in 1947, a piece titled “The Purpose of Education” appeared in the student newspaper where Dr. King wrote “The

Andraé Crouch is The Answer,” “Bless the Lord (Oh My Soul),” “Through It All,” “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory),” “I’ll Be Thinking of You” and “Let the Church Say Amen.” He also worked with recording artists such as Take 6, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and Michael W. Smith. The gospel pioneer featured Danniebelle Hall and Tramaine Hawkins as background vocalists in his group The Disciples.

The gospel music mogul later helped discover Walter Hawkins and The Family as well as the Winans.

Last month in December, the “Let

Everyone has their own journey and with the vicissitudes of life— we must learn to carry our own cross. While your cross is different—the load is appropriate according to our spiritual make up and what we can handle. God doesn’t give you any more than you can bear. This is why we can’t judge someone without being in their shoes. Given the same circumstances and experiences, you could very well go the same route. When it all boils down, the truth of the matter is—I can’t talk about anyone. Neither can you.

I can see clearly now that God’s mercy is vital for everyday survival. Just as we stand in need of His fountains of mercy, as much as possible, we should forever be mindful of our need to extend mercy to others without respect of persons or restraint. Go ahead, now is a great time to use the golden rule and bless someone with a dose of mercy—you will find yourself being inevitably blessed as well.

Dr. Michael L. Lomax

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” The importance of education will be the theme throughout the ceremony.

Since 2004, Dr. Michael L. Lomax has served as president and CEO of UNCF, the nation’s largest private provider of scholarships and other educational support to African-American students.

Under his leadership, UNCF has raised $1.5 billion and helped more than 92,000 students earn college degrees and launch careers. Annually, UNCF’s work enables 60,000 students to go to college with UNCF scholarships and attend its 37 member historically Black college and universities. Throughout his career, Dr. Lomax has worked to provide educational opportunities for African-Americans and other Americans of color.

The 2015 recipient of the Champion of Freedom Award is Reverend Dr. Clay Evans. Ordained as a Baptist minister in

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

1950, Rev. Dr. Evans founded Chicago’s Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in 1958 and was a founding national board chairman of Operation PUSH. During his career, Rev. Dr. Evans has been responsible for launching the ministerial careers of over 90 individuals including Rev. Mother Consuela York. Rev. Dr. Evans is being honored for his lifetime work as an evangelist and civil rights leader not only in Chicago, but across the nation.

In addition to a special welcome

by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, event highlights include unity prayers led by several of Chicago’s religious community leaders and a special musical performance by Chicago Voices United. The group is comprised of several Chicago area choirs including Salem Baptist Church, Soul Children of Chicago and Providence St. Mel choir. The group will perform excerpts of the oratorio, Exodus by acclaimed African-American composer Earnestine Rodgers Robinson. This is a sneak peek of the world premiere of Exodus at Carnegie Hall in New York on February 16.

The Interfaith Breakfast is presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the following partners: Ariel Capital, BMO Harris Bank, ComEd, Eastlake Management Company, Globetrotters Engineering, Loop Capital, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, Walgreens, United and U.S. Bank.

For more information regarding the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Breakfast please contact the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events at (312) 7443316 or visit cityofchicago.org/ dcase.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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HEALTH

Answering your questions about the Affordable Care Act Q&A with Colleen Van Ham, President and CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Illinois What is open enrollment?

Open enrollment is the period during which the public can purchase health insurance plans for 2015. You won’t be able to buy outside of this period unless you lose a job or experience a qualifying event such as the death of a spouse or birth of a child.

When is the open enrollment period?

It began on November 15, 2014 and ends on February 15, 2015.

How much will insurance cost me and my family?

Your monthly rates will vary on the type of plan you purchase. Be aware of how much coinsurance, deductibles and co-pays cost to fully understand the type of coverage you are purchasing. Usually, lower monthly rates have higher deductibles and you pay a greater portion of the costs. Also, you may be eligible for a subsidy – or

vices. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly a quarter of African-Americans have indicated they don’t have a basic understanding of health insurance. We are looking to help change that by making healthcare simple.

tax credit – to help pay for a portion of your monthly premium.

Approximately 85 percent of individuals who purchased insurance last year received subsidies due to low or moderate incomes.

Any other important tips the public should know before they begin shopping for insurance?

Individuals who purchased coverage last year will be auto-enrolled in their existing plans unless they actively make a change.

They should revisit their options rather than just auto-enroll because in some cases they will be able to find lower rates, better plans and possibly a higher subsidy.

Is it true I could pay a fine if I don’t have health insurance?

If you don’t have insurance through your employer, Medicare or Medicaid, and select not to purchase it, you could be charged a penalty. In 2015, the penalty will be $325 per person and $162.50 per child (up to $975 per family) or 2 percent of taxable in-

Colleen Van Ham come, whichever is the greater amount.

Why is there a focus on the African-American community and educating them about health care coverage?

17 percent of African-Americans were uninsured last year according to the United States Department of Health and Human Ser-

What are you doing to reach the African-American community in Chicago?

We are active in the community explaining our services to the public. Local residents will have the chance to visit with UnitedHealthcare during an enrollment event at the Gary Comer Youth Center (7200 S. Ingleside Ave.) on Saturday, January 31. The public is invited to stop by, ask questions and learn about the health plans we are offering. We also sent mailings to inform people about open enrollment.

Additionally, we have the tools to help individuals and families who are buying health insurance understand how to use their benefits to become and stay healthier,

as well as how to save on their health care costs. We offer Health4Me, a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices, providing millions of UnitedHealthcare plan participants with simple, easy-to-understand health benefit information in the palm of their hand. Our myHealthcare Cost Estimator enables consumers to compare health care costs and access quality information before they receive treatment. Our research shows consumers who use myHealthcare Cost Estimator are more likely to choose a higherquality care provider. Plus, Just Plain Clear is a glossary that defines thousands of health care terms in plain, clear language to help people understand their insurance benefits. It is available at www.justplainclear.com.

Is there a website or phone number the public can call for more information?

Yes, more information is available by calling 1-844-JOIN UHC (1844-492-8769) or visiting www.UHC.com/join.

Red Cross celebrates a century of serving Chicago Blood drive comes during time of year when donations tend to decline

lenging winter months.”

Throughout 2015, the American Red Cross will celebrate 100 years of serving the residents of the Greater Chicago area. From disaster response, health and safety classes, to blood collection and support of military members and their families, the Red Cross has served the needs of the Chicago area for a century.

To help kick-off the year-long celebration, the Red Cross is partnering with ABC 7 Eyewitness News, Fresenius Kabi, iHeartMedia Chicago and Univision to host the 100th Anniversary Blood Drive on Jan. 21 at Union Station. This special event blood drive comes at a crucial time of year for hospital patients in need.

Inclement weather and seasonal illnesses often result in fewer blood donations, increasing the need for donations during the winter months.

Blood collected on Jan. 21 will help ensure cancer patients, trauma victims, surgery patients and others have the blood products they need.

“Not only does the 100th Anniversary Blood Drive commemorate a century of the Red Cross serving Chicago, those who roll up a sleeve on Jan. 21 will give the gift of life to patients,” said Greg Novinska, CEO of the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region.

“There’s no better way to celebrate this special milestone than by helping the Red Cross maintain a sufficient blood supply during the chal-

Jan. 21 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Union Station – Great Hall, 500 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Ill. Those who come to donate will receive a commemorative Red Cross 100th anniversary T-shirt and free gift bag, while supplies last.

To make a donation appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767), visit redcrossblood.org (enter sponsor code Union Station) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App. To engage with the Red Cross in Chicago during their centennial year, use the hashtag #ChicagoRedCross100 on social media.

Donors of all blood types are needed on Jan. 21, particularly O negative, A negative and B negative. Each day, the Red Cross needs 15,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. There is no substitute for donated blood products.

16

100th Anniversary Blood Drive

How to donate blood Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at checkin. Individuals who are 17 years of

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and

supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-forprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @ChicagoRedCross.

Oak Street Health’s free transportation ensures access to vital healthcare Seniors are urged to not let the weather deter them from keeping up with their health Oak Street Health is urging seniors not to risk exposure to the bitterly cold temperatures and to not cancel or postpone doctor visits due to lack of transportation.

At Oak Street Health free transportation is provided to and from doctor’s appointments all year round ensuring seniors have access to vital healthcare especially in times of severe weather conditions.

“The ability of seniors to access affordable healthcare is key to our efforts to enrich the condition and welfare of this vulnerable population,” said Mike Pykosz, Oak Street Health’s Chief Executive Officer. Providing free transportation is just one-way Oak Street Health is directing their efforts toward the health and well being of all our seniors. We strive to be an important part of our community as we help seniors live better, longer and healthier lives.

We want to inspire local seniors to engage and use all the great benefits we offer."

Oak Street Health is a Chicagobased health care company that provides medical, dental, and social services to seniors on Medicare with same-day and next-day appointments available for seniors with unexpected health concerns.

In addition to healthcare, the centers offer members access to a community room with educational sessions, activities and events designed

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

specifically for their unique needs at no additional cost.

Oak Street Health has seven convenient locations in Portage Park, Edgewater, Bronzeville, Ashburn, Avalon Park, Berwyn and Blue Island. This year Oak Street Health’s expansion continues with more locations in Chicago and its surrounding areas.

To learn more about Oak Street Health please visit www.oakstreethealth.com or call 773-326-4093 (Continued on page 18)

www.chicagocrusader.com

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:47 AM Page 17

NEWS

SELMA – An Interview with Ava DuVerney and David Oyelowo (Cont’d from page 13) er about “kismet” and there is the divine at play here I think there was the divine at play with Ava coming on board, there was divine at play with Oprah coming on board, there was the divine at play with the timing of this film, and my first interaction with the script was reading it and feeling like God told me I would play the role. I would never have picked me and I honestly mean that. I like to think I am a good actor, but I would never have thought that I was the guy who should play Dr. King culturally or physically. Spiritually, I had an entry point because sharing Dr. King’s faith and that was the thing that enabled me to kind of go, “okay, well if this is what you are saying I will go on this journey,” and it never left me. It was the thing that no matter how many frustrations we had along the way, kept me going, and I truly believe that it happened in the way it was meant to over those seven years because I don’t think I would have been able to do what you just mentioned there of never having myself be evidenced if it had happened earlier rather than when I did it later.

Bonnie: Ava there is one character that sticks out in my head and please forgive me I do get emotional, I will cry on you, it’s Mr. Lee. Ava: Cager Lee played by Henry Sanders.

Bonnie: At the end I just thought…my aunt just passed at 96, and I can imagine how she felt, and I was in my teens when Selma happened. I know how my mama and daddy felt going to the polls and making us go with them to understand what it meant. I was so happy to see my aunt voting for Barack Obama and how excited she was to vote for a Black man for president, and Mr. Lee, all that he stood for.

You painted the picture in such a realistic way – you made it not feel like I was watching a film, I was watching my family.

Ava: That is a high compliment thank you.

Bonnie: This film is huge for you. How did you get that sense of spirit?

Ava: Because that was the first thing that we made sure that we had. It was not about deconstructing King, it was about pleasing my father who is from Lawrence County, Alabama, whose mother voted for the first time for Barack

Obama. She did not even feel that it was worth registering to vote people had died in Lawrence County, which is where they are from in the backwoods of Alabama, over the voting thing. She was just not going to do it, until, when she registered and voted and passed shortly thereafter. This is the spirit of my family in that place for someone to say that they feel like their families are reflected in it. I really wanted to tell the story of my family and people from that place in the South who had been terrorized up until this point, terrorized out of demonstrating their rights. That was the starting point for me and then from there you do all the filmmaker stuff. I thought it is a big opportunity and a bigger canvas and I thought even if I fail at this I need to be satisfied with what I did. Even if it’s a bomb and people hate it I need to be able to look at it 10 years from now and say I did what I set out to do and I made my father proud being from this place. With that as the entry point that is the highest compliment you can give me about this film is that you see us in it, and the way we did it was just how we intended to do it and we made it so. We did not go into it “we’re making a movie and I have a big opportunity to jump and I want to show the studio what I can do.” I went into it saying “I may not get this opportunity again, they are not going to give me $20 million dollars again,” so what am I going to do with it? I am going to tell the story of my people here and I am going to tell it as strong as I can and thank goodness people are responding to it, but that was the intention and now it has borne some fruit.

Bonnie: The way you did the four (4) little girls and the church bombing was so real and impactful. Nowadays so many Black people will not support films about our history. Their excuses are – “I don’t want to be sad, I don’t want to see this, no honey that is just going to bring me down.”

How are we going to get these people to see something this important or what in our spirit is going to have to change so that we can see the importance of our history?

Ava: I think a big part, and definitely I hear that all the time, I don’t want to be sad, and I think a big part of it is the way that the films have been made in the past. They are being made through the lens of a

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White storyteller, they don’t have the density, the beauty and the texture of what our history really is. When we are sitting down and your mama is telling stories it is interesting you lean in and you want to know. When you are looking at pictures in your photo album you are riveted, but that hasn’t translated to the cinematic realm because we are not telling our own stories. So the hope is that McQueen’s, “Twelve Years a Slave” or Lee Daniels, “The Butler” or me, we are all different filmmakers, but at least you know there is true intention and there is a Black voice, a Black mind and a Black imagination telling our own stories. I think more of the Black folks seeing that thing, that spirit that you can’t manufacture, you may try and do a good thing and tell a story about someone else but there is something different about being close to the subject, Black people telling Black people’s stories. We haven’t had enough of it. I think it has created this distance between us and our souls on film. It is damaging and it affects the way we see ourselves and the way that we are seen, and it’s really just a vicious cycle, so if we can start having more Black directors

tell the stories, people are seeing more visceral more exciting stories about us, more detailed deeply rooted stories then you may not get this “I don’t want to see that.” If somebody else is telling our story it is a “woe is me story” with a White savior hero saving the day and who wants to see that. I hope that these images and the trailer of “Selma” and David and I being out, young people telling our stories, I hope that will change people’s minds about what historical drama can be. I hate historical dramas. I don’t like Black history dramas. I don’t like them because they don’t feel like me they don’t feel like my family. I tried to make something that felt like us, hopefully people will see it and start to reverse this apathy because there really is an apathetic thing that happens and that is our hope.

Bonnie: Coming from Europe and technically not an African-American how do you, from the outside looking in, see the spirit of the AfricanAmerican and how we respond to our history?

David: You have been brutalized in this country. I know that and even though I was born in Europe and grew up there I lived in Nigeria for sev-

en years and I know what it is to be in the place that you are embraced, you are loved, you are nurtured, you are King, and that brutalization is still very evident in people here, and it feeds into what you just said about no one wants to see the pain. It is understandable, but the problem is our history as Black people in this country for a lot of people it starts with slavery, so that is the definition you carry in your posture, so you are either brow-beaten or you have a posture of fight and both are exhausting. If you are able to connect to the fact that you are a King, you are a child of God and the color of your skin does not equal criminality, does not equal marginalization then we can be on our way to being who we truly are. We have given this world so many beautiful things by way of culture, beauty and excellence.

Living in this country as I have for seven years now it is just heartbreaking to me how there has been no repentance for what has been done to us here and it makes it almost impossible for there to be reconciliation. White people also don’t want to see this stuff because it makes them feel guilty “oh that was my forefathers,” but it is not about that. We are still liv-

ing the legacy of it. The disproportionate amount of Black men in prison is evidence that there is still an overflow… you see men serving hard labor and it looks like the plantation still and that is not okay. I don’t have all of the answers for it, but I do know that Germany is a perfect example they are repentant for what happened and you feel it when you go to that country and for “Inglorious Bastards” to have Germany be one of the places that film does the best business tells you something. Until we find a way to that, a communal acceptance of the wrongs that have been done, and how we can in an apologetic and, not in an apologetic patronizing way, in a way that is demonstrated in your life today which is to not deem me as less of a new when you see me that would be beautiful and that is the difference between living here and living in Africa I would say.

“Selma” is playing in select theaters now and opened January 9 nationwide. I say SPEND THE MONEY take your families, form groups, and tell your friends to see this film at the theaters. Then buy it when it comes on DVD (not bootleg) and keep it in your library.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR minorities had a belief that a Hispanic in that job would lead to fairness in prosecutions. Well we haven’t seen it, so it probably should have been no surprise that Alvarez wrote a scathing letter about Quinn pardoning Howard Morgan. She took exception that the former governor didn’t check in with her office first. I guess she doesn’t understand that the governor does not answer to the state’s attorney of any county.

The way Alvarez has handled her job over the years, refusing to prosecute cops, or being shamed into doing so; not improving outcomes for minorities who go to trial in Cook County, and generally behaving like her white male predecessors, means she is not deserving of any special respect from a governor as well.

Alvarez did not need to chime in on the Howard Morgan commutation. Her words are not going to change anything. The trial and conviction were simply

(Continued from page 4) a travesty that she should go. (Posted on Facebook) I had just dismounted from accept and commit to not letting it happen again. No my motorcycle on Michigan doubt that later this year she Avenue and hadn’t yet taken will come fawning in the off my helmet when out of Black community claiming nowhere a guy comes runto have done so much for ning at me full speed with minorities. She will only be his helmet on and smashes in our community to ask into my neck. Fortunately, for our vote. Hopefully by a police officer was there, he then Sam Adam Jr., who arrested this maniac and he has said he will run against ended up getting five years her will have decided to do for assault and battery. I got so and we will have a clear a concussion but justice was choice regarding who should served.

Actually, that never hapbe in that office. If it isn’t the younger Adam it certainly pened to me but it did happen to Bears second-string should not be Alvarez. quarterback, Jimmy ClauWalter Meeks, Jr. sen, when he took a vicious hit from Ziggy Ansah on the next to last game of the season. Mr. Clausen suffered a concussion and his season was over. How did the NFL penalize Mr. Ansah after he deliberately inflicted what could have been – and still might be – a devastating Dear Editor: injury? His team got “penalized” 15 yards, he got fined I sent this letter to the edi- $22,000 and he got a letter tor of both Chicago daily from the commissioner. I’m newspapers. It’s doubtful sure this multi-millionaire they’ll publish it so here you athlete got a good laugh out

Penalties could solve this

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

of his “punishment.” $22,000 to him hurts about as much as a parking ticket hurts me.

If the NFL was really serious about stopping this sort of “unnecessary roughness” here’s what they need to do: after the first such offence the player should be fined $500,000 and be immediately thrown out of the game. If that player does it again at any time during the rest of the season he should get a $2 million fine and be thrown out for the rest of the season.

I guarantee that if the NFL imposed this type of penalty the number of concussions and other injuries caused by deliberately vicious hits would drop dramatically. True, fans might miss the spectacle of seeing players taken off the field on stretchers and the game might be slightly less violent but it would be just as exciting.

Steve Robinson Vice President, 98.7 WFMT-FM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

17

below, the following described mortgaged

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 real 2007 1/15/15 4:47 estate: AM Page 18

Oak Street (Cont’d from page 16) Oak Street Health Locations: Portage Park 4848 W. Irving Park Chicago, IL 60641 773-724-6200 Edgewater 1541 W. Devon Avenue Chicago, IL 60660 773-250-5222 Ashburn 3348 W. 87th Street Chicago, IL 60652 773-768-4471 Avalon Park 1715 E. 95th Street Chicago, IL 60617 773-768-4437 Bronzeville 4318 S. State Street Chicago, IL 60609 773-285-9304 Berwyn 7000 W. Cermak Road Berwyn, IL 60402 708-484-8090 Blue Island 3046 W. 127th Street Blue Island, IL 60406 708-377-7920

Community Calendar (Cont’d from page 8) Advanced registration is $39 through January 15th, or $49 from January 16th through the day of the Speaking Symposium. To RSVP or for more information, please visit www.csnsymposium.eventbrite.com or email Lori Klinka at lklinka@sbcglobal.net. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

HOUSES FOR SALE

Commonly known as 5621 South Green Street, Chicago, IL 60621.

P.I.N. 20-17-215-039-0000 and 20-17-215- 0 4 0 - 0 0 0 0 .

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 Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

1 4 - 0 0 7 0 2 4 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I640513 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL A S S O C I A T I O N P l a i n t i f f , v .

CHRISTOPHER BAKER, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD C L A I M A N T S D e f e n d a n t s 12 CH 33036 6741 SOUTH WABASH 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 November 13, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 17, 2015, at 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 6741 SOUTH WABASH AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60637 Property Index No. 20-22-301-011-0000.

The real estate is improved with a 2 flat with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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/or wire transfer, 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 required by The assessments 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 OF AN ORDER OF ENTRY IN ACCORDANCE POSSESSION, WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 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 PA1211157. 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. PA1211157 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 33036 TJSC#: 34-20751 I640455

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC P l a i n t i f f , v s .

MUTAR N. THOMAS; CITY OF C H I C A G O D e f e n d a n t s , 14 CH 5766 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, February 9, 2015 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: Commonly known as 5621 South Green Street, Chicago, IL 60621.

P.I.N. 20-17-215-039-0000 and 20-17-215- 0 4 0 - 0 0 0 0 .

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 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK pay the assessments required by COUNTY, ILLINOIS subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY Condominium Property Act. D I V I S I O N Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, MIDFIRST BANK, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

P l a i n t i f f No refunds. The property will NOT be V . open for inspection LISA HARRIS, AS INDEPENDENT For information call Sales Department at 18 ADMINISTRATOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015 OF THE ESTATE OF Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas JOYCE R. HARRIS, DECEASED; CITY Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, OF CHICAGO, AN ILLINOIS Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION; 1 4 - 0 0 7 0 2 4 UNKNOWN OWNERS AND INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; C O R P O R A T I O N UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS, Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 D e f e n d a n t s I640513 13 CH 17098

Property Address: 7733 SOUTH HERMITAGE AVE. CHICAGO, IL 60620 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Shapiro Kreisman & Assoc. file # 1 3 - 0 6 7 5 3 3 (It is advised that interested parties consult with their own attorneys before bidding at mortgage foreclosure sales.)

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on December 2, 2014, Kallen

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY D I V I S I O N MIDFIRST BANK, P l a i n t i f f V .

LISA HARRIS, AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JOYCE R. HARRIS, DECEASED; CITY OF CHICAGO, AN ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CORPORATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS, D e f e n d a n t s 13 CH 17098 Property Address: 7733 SOUTH HERMITAGE AVE. CHICAGO, IL 60620 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Shapiro Kreisman & Assoc. file # 1 3 - 0 6 7 5 3 3 (It is advised that interested parties consult with their own attorneys before bidding at mortgage foreclosure sales.)

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on December 2, 2014, Kallen Realty Services, Inc., as Selling Official will at 12:30 p.m. on March 3, 2015, at 205 W. Randolph Street, Suite 1020, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real property: Commonly known as 7733 South Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620 Permanent Index No.: 20-30-425-010-0000 The mortgaged real estate is improved with a dwelling. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

The judgment amount was $ 71,478.36.

Sale terms for non-parties: 10% of successful bid immediately at conclusion of auction, balance by 12:30 p.m. the next business day, both by cashier's checks; and no refunds. The sale shall be subject to general real estate taxes, special taxes, special assessments, special taxes levied, and superior liens, if any. The property is offered "as is," with no express or implied warranties and without any representation as to the quality of title or recourse to Plaintiff.

Prospective bidders are admonished to review the court file to verify all information and to view auction rules at ww w . k a l l e n r s . c o m .

For information: Sale Clerk, Shapiro Kreisman & Associates, LLC, Attorney # 42168, 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301, Bannockburn, Illinois 60015, (847) 291-1717, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. weekdays only.

I637445 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.KEVIN JACKSON, SHELDON JACKSON, MARVIN JACKSON, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), NA SII TO CAPITAL ONE BANK, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MELVIN D. JACKSON, IF ANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, THOMAS P. QUINN, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE Defendants 11 CH 32862 7637 SOUTH CARPENTER STREET CHICAGO, IL 60620 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 31, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 3, 2015, at 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 7637 SOUTH CARPENTER STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60620 Property Index No. 20-29-411-013-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family home with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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/or wire transfer, 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 as-

HOUSES FOR SALE sessments 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 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.attypierce.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 PA1115691. 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. PA1115691 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 11 CH 32862 TJSC#: 3419030 I638774 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO NATIONAL CITY REAL ESTATE SERVICES, LLC, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY MORTGAGE, INC., FORMERLY KNOWN AS NATIONAL CITY MORTGAGE CO. DOING BUSINESS AS COMMONWEALTH UNITED MORTGAGE COMPANY Plaintiff, -v.BERNICE BRACY A/K/A BERNICE B. BRACY Defendants 14 CH 00735 6932 SOUTH CALUMET A/K/A 6932 SOUTH CALUMET AVE 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 April 29, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 10, 2015, at 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 6932 SOUTH CALUMET A/K/A 6932 SOUTH CALUMET AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60637 Property Index No. 20-22-318-0180000. The real estate is improved with a two story single family home with a two car detached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (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 EN-

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

TRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 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 PA1318638. 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. PA1318638 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 14 CH 00735 TJSC#: 34-20364 I639824 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.DEIRDRE REED, PALISADES COLLECTION, L.L.C. Defendants 13 CH 016807 7625 S. DAMEN AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60620 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 5, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 9, 2015, at 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 7625 S. DAMEN AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60620 Property Index No. 20-30-412-009. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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/or wire transfer, 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. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-06899. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago,

IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-06899 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 13 CH 016807 TJSC#: 34-20040 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I639646

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 .

GERALD BENNETT, NADINE BENNETT D e f e n d a n t s 10 CH 31360 6938 SOUTH VERNON AVE 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 October 30, 2014, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 2, 2015, at 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 6938 SOUTH VERNON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60637 Property Index No. 20-22-414-028-0000.

The real estate is improved with a brick 2 unit home; detached 1.5 car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation.

No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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/or wire transfer, 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. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 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 PA1015439. 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. PA1015439 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 10 CH 31360 TJSC#: 34-19007 I638643

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CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:47 AM Page 19

HEALTH

Five handwashing mistakes people make With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that Illinois and 42 states are experiencing high or widespread flu activity, health officials say it’s extremely important that everyone take all the flu-fighting precautions they can.

These include getting your flu vaccination, covering your cough and sneeze and washing your hands.

Washing your hands may sound simple, but you could be making mistakes that make your hand washing less effective and leave you susceptible to the flu or other infections.

According to Dr. James Malow, infectious disease specialist at Advocate Illinois

Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, there are five common slipups most people make when trying to get their hands clean: 1. Not washing long enough—You may often be in a rush and think just using soap and water will be enough. Experts say you should wash for at least a full 15 to 20 seconds. According to one study, only 5 percent of participants met that standard. If you don’t want to count the seconds, try singing “Happy Birthday”—twice.

2. Not washing often enough—Do you wash every time you use the restroom?

According to the study by researchers at Michigan State University, 10 percent of the more than 3,100 participants didn’t

wash at all. And it’s important to wash your hands not only after using the restroom, but after handling garbage, before you eat and even after you’ve touched surfaces in

public areas that may contain flu and cold germs, such as stores, gyms and public transportation.

3. Insisting on antibacterial soap— This may sound like a more effective way of fighting germs, but that’s not necessarily the case. Any soap, if used properly, is just as effective at killing germs. Concerns have also arisen that antibacterial soaps may contribute to a rise in drug-resistant bacteria, as well as the growth of liver tumors.

4. Not drying off completely— If you’re not drying your hand completely, you’re only doing half the job. Germs thrive in moisture, so even if you’ve used soap, you open yourself up to contamina-

tion if you don’t dry thoroughly.

5. Touching bathroom surfaces—As seen with recent outbreaks of norovirus in closed quarters, like cruise ships, faucets, counters and other restroom surfaces are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. After you’ve washed use a clean towel to turn off the tap and open the door in public restrooms. It’s a good idea to do this at home too if a family member is sick.

“Clean hands save lives,” Dr. Malow says.

“Hand-washing is simple, effective and proven to help avoid the spread of illness like the flu. Pay attention to how you’re washing and you’ll effectively protect yourself and those around you.”

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

19

CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 01-17-15_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 1/15/15 4:47 AM Page 20

CHICAGO2015 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT •

Creating entrepreneurship opportunity

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