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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 LXXIII NUMBER 42—SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2014
PUBLISHED SINCE 1940
25 Cents and worth more
Man sues city for wrongful conviction By J. Coyden Palmer A man who served 20 years in a state prison for a double murder he did not commit, is suing the city with a vengeance. During a press conference Monday, Feb. 3, Daniel Taylor said he would like to see the detectives and prosecutors in his case convicted and sent to prison. Taylor’s comments at the MacArthur Justice Center at the Northwestern University School of Law, came as his attorneys from the Loevy & Loevy law firm looked on. Taylor’s case, according to his attorneys, shows how deep and secretive Black men were beaten and forced into confessing to crimes they did not commit, ran in the Chicago Police Department and Cook County States Attorney’s office. Attorney Locke Bowman called it a “culture of police and prosecutor misconduct,” that was rampant throughout much of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Taylor was arrested Dec. 3, 1992 in connection with the murders that occurred on Nov. 16, 1992. According to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Taylor was in police custody on a disorderly conduct charge from 7 p.m. until just after 10 p.m. on the night when the murders of Jeffrey
Lassiter and Sharon Haugabook took place. Seven police officers backed up Taylor’s alibi, but the information was never given to defense attorneys, according to the suit. The
murders occurred just before 9 p.m. “I’m bringing this lawsuit because I want justice,” Taylor said. “Twenty years of my life have been taken. There is no way I will
MAN SUES CITY -- Daniel Taylor, who was recently cleared of murder charges after serving 20 years in prison, hopes the police and prosecutors who led to his incarceration will face criminal charges.
get it back, but I do want the people who are responsible for this to pay for it.” He said the ultimate justice would be for the detectives and prosecutors in the case to be convicted and sent to prison, even if he does not believe that will ever happen. Taylor said he missed out on experiencing things like his own prom, the chance to live life in his 20s and other milestones in life because of his false conviction. He was arrested at the age of 17 and sentenced to life in prison. He was released last year at the age of 37. “Had I known then what I know today, I would have never pleaded guilty,” said Taylor as he became emotional. “As a grown man I feel that if I could have just taken the beating; held it in throughout the punching and aggressiveness; and stood strong . . . I wouldn’t have done 20 years for something I didn’t do.” A spokesperson for the city’s law department said the city had no comment on the suit since it had not been seen yet. Bowman however, said Taylor’s case is one of the most egregious given that Taylor was in Chicago police custody at the time and there were officers willing to back up that fact. Bowman said Taylor would be enti(Continued on page 2)
Redevelopment changes made to CHA complex By Wendell Hutson The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) recently announced it wants to change its master plan for a mixed-income housing complex on the West Side. The plan calls for the agency to issue a new Request for Proposals sometime in April for Roosevelt Square, 1222 W. Roosevelt Road, to complete the $600 million project. “CHA is revisiting the master plan at Roosevelt Square to ensure the plan created 10 or more years ago makes sense in today’s real estate market,” said Matt Aguilar, a spokesman for the CHA. The six-phase master plan for Roosevelt Square called for the creation of 2,441 units of housing, including a combination of low-income rental units, so-called “affordable” housing for working-class residents and market-rate condominiums. Between 2004 and 2008, a total of 591 units were built at Roosevelt Square, with 245 public-housing units, 185 affordable and 159 market-rate units, according to (Continued on page 2)
THE MASTER PLAN for the $600 million, mixed-income Roosevelt Square housing complex on the West Side, was recently changed by the Chicago Housing Authority.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Many events commemorating Black History month in Chicago (See story on page 10)
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NEWS
South Shore residents attend Grocery Town Hall meeting Feedback from 400 locals strengthens resolve to fight for grocer and influence the Mayor’s Grocery Task Force Recently, nearly 150 South Shore residents battled the cold to attend the third Town Hall Meeting in two months presented by The Planning Coalition at South Shore International College Preparatory School. At the center of the conversation was the presentation of survey results from nearly 400 residents, mostly from the 60649 zip code in South Shore – 99 percent of whom are registered voters. Attendees received an update on a recent meeting with 7th Ward Alderman Leslie Hariston, a member of the Mayor’s Grocery Task Force, and were strongly encouraged to sign up to work on specific committees. Val Free, executive director of The Planning Coalition observed,
“We are happy to see the great turn-out and to share with residents, and block club leaders from all over the southeast and South Shore. This, combined with 400 residents responding to our survey, tells us our work is essential.” In addition to the need for a healthier food entity to occupy the former Dominick’s store location at 71st & Jeffery, the consensus was the community wants a grocer that will capture the economic diversity in the community and be a good, socially responsible business, helping address the chronic health issues directly linked with diet. “The community is coming together. We are fully aware of the need to capture those dollars we are taking to Hyde Park and Roosevelt Road for better food selections that must be kept in our community. We are working to ensure that the new grocery serves the holistic needs of the community. That this
SOUTH SHORE RESIDENTS are conducting surveys, meeting and lobbying to convince a major grocer to take up residence in the recently abandoned Dominick’s store on 71st and Jeffery.
new grocery entity would be an anchor to spur and attract new businesses in South Shore,” said mem-
would like more information about this topic, please contact Val Free or Yvette Moyo at (773) 647-2635, or
email hello@theplanningcoalition.org or connect with The Planning Coalition on Facebook.
Despite frigid temperatures, South Shore residents attended a third town hall meeting where results of a community survey were presented by The Planning Coalition, which indicated a consensus for a grocer that is also a socially responsible partner with the community. bers of the South Shore grocery task force. The mission of the planning coalition is to facilitate the building of community partnerships toward a shared vision that connects family, community and economic development. This decision to engage in these efforts responds to residents, who from workshops, meetings and surveys, have identified the need for improved linkages and cooperation among the block clubs, organizations, institutions and residents of the community. Coalition members are committed to forging and maintaining partnerships that benefit and transform the South Shore community. The next meeting is March 1 at the South Shore Cultural Center at 71st & South Shore Drive. If you
Man sues city for wrongful . . . (Continued from page 1) tled to perhaps millions of dollars but agreed with his client that a criminal investigation needs to take place. Taylor also had some harsh words for the Chicago media. He said oftentimes prisoners are writing to journalists to get them to investigate possible wrongful convictions. He said most often they get a courteous reply, but are told they do not have the time or resources to look into the case. “There are other people right now fighting for their lives who are in the same situation I was in,” Taylor said. “They don’t have the evidence that I have. So I think y’all (media) should look at their
cases as well. When those guys in prison write to you, and send you the paperwork that actually shows they didn’t do it, I would like for you all to pay attention to that. Because here I stand before you a guy who did that for 10 years straight, but I got those ‘dear john letters’ and was told we’re too full or too busy. Pay attention to that kind of stuff.” The case against Taylor’s co-defendant, Deon Patrick, now 42, was thrown out last month and he could also be filing a separate lawsuit. Taylor is now working at Northwestern University and said he is just now beginning to feel like he is truly back in society.
Redevelopment changes made to CHA complex (Continued from page 1) CHA officials. Additionally, 15,000 square feet of retail has been completed along Taylor Street west of Racine. Changes to the master plan comes as the CHA revises its Plan for Transformation, which calls for the redevelopment or rehabilitation of 25,000 subsidized housing units by 2015. The goal of the plan is to revitalize the city’s public housing system by creating a combination of market-rate units and affordable and low-income, government-funded housing on its properties citywide, according to CHA officials. Roosevelt Square, which occupies 35 blocks, was originally conceived in 2002 as a replacement for the ABLA Homes. One community activist said increasing the number of affordable 2
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Roosevelt Square
and market-rate units at Roosevelt Square could reduce violence within the development and potentially attract needed retail to the area. “There was originally a really poor community input process for [Roosevelt Square],” said Dennis O’Neill, founder of Connecting4Communities organization. Roosevelt Square’s second phase of development, which includes two apartment buildings at 1255 and 1355 W. Roosevelt Road, would still proceed, according to O’Neill. And while O’Neill said a revision of Roosevelt Square’s master plan was necessary, he worried that CHA’s timeline didn’t allow for adequate planning and community feedback. “I’m glad that [CHA] has decided to agree to this, but I strongly believe that three months is way too short a time to develop a good
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
master plan. It’s just too fast,” he said. University Village Association Executive Director, Kathy Catrambone echoed O’Neill, saying the UVA wants to see fewer low-income rentals and more retail development, ideally at a still-undeveloped lot at Taylor and Loomis streets. In December, Chicago Police Commander, Melissa Staples, declared a stretch of neighborhood containing some Roosevelt Square units and near another public housing project as her “No. 1 priority as far as violence in the district.” Her comment came after the Crusader had previously reported that a woman had lost her Roosevelt Square home partly due to a gun-filled rap video shot by her son at her apartmen,t in the 1200 block of West Washburne Street. www.chicagocrusader.com
NEWS
President Obama’s pledge helps city residents By Glenn Reedus When President Barack Obama promised, during his recent State of the Union address, to implement plans to help the long-term unemployed, a Chicago non-profit was on his radar. The president identified Skills for America’s Future and Skills for Chicagoland’s Future (SCF) as an organization uniquely meeting the challenge of putting people back to work, especially Black Chicagoans. The agency, currently in its second full year of operation, matched about 600 long-term unemployed individuals with the 25 partners who comprised the alliance with SCF, according to Allison Angeloni, SCF director of strategic partnership and policy. Approximately 75 percent of those placements were AfricanAmerican workers. As of December 2013, the unemployment rate for Chicago and Illi-
nois was reported at 8.6 percent by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). That translates to approximately 355,000 Chicagoans being out of work. The city labor force is 4.2 million. The figure includes collar counties and part of Northwest Indiana. Conventional wisdom puts the rate for Black unemployment at least twice the government reported rate. All of those individuals are not “sitting home and collecting unemployment benefits,” Angeloni said. Angeloni said the pioneering public-private partnership is unlike traditional job placement agencies because SCF identifies employers’ needs, and then directs job seekers to them. The focus is on those who have been unemployed longer than six months. “We are the only organization that is 100 percent focused on the businesses’ demands. We start with jobs and then we source qualified talent indi-
GREG MERRITY WAS out of work for over a year before working with SCF to find a job as an Insurance Advisor at GoHealth. He was invited to a White House summit on long-term unemployment Jan. 31, where President Barack Obama shared his story with the country. Greg is now employed as an Insurance Advisor at GoHealth.
CTU supports ISAT boycott In advance of the Illinois State Achievement Test (ISAT) to be issued to Chicago Public School students March 3-14, 2014, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) recently announced support for parents choosing to opt their children out of testing and renewed a call for the Chicago Board of Education to cease administration of the ISAT. The ‘low stakes’ test is administered over the course of eight days in all elementary schools. Formerly, the test was used to help qualify seventh grade students for selective enrollment high schools. The district recently issued a memorandum to teachers stressing the value of “rigorous, high-quality assessments,” in measuring student progress. The ISAT, however, is not aligned to any CPS curriculum, and in Chicago, it is no longer used to measure student progress, school performance, promotion, or for any other purpose. “The ISAT is an obsolete test— it has no use to educators or administrators and the state is junking it next year,” said CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey. “It is of no use in selective enrollment, and serves no purpose other than to give students another standardized test.” Illinois paid over $18 million this year to Pearson Corporation for the ISAT. The portion attributed to CPS is roughly $3.4 million, impacting over 171,000 students. The total cost of administering the tests are the untold hours of preparation for the exam, and the loss of valuable instructional hours that could be spent on real learning. For the last decade, since the implementation of No Child Left www.chicagocrusader.com
CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION PRESIDENT Karen Lewis and Jesse Sharkey, the union’s vice president, said the organization finds no merit in the continued use of the standardized ISAT exams. Behind (NCLB), the ISAT test has been the primary lever used by CPS for its destructive, destabilizing policies of closures and turnarounds. System-wide, the ISAT has infected the vigor and breadth of curriculum as teachers and students became stymied by the requirements of a narrow test-based approach to learning. NCLB has now been panned as a broad failure, but with the transition into more new tests, CPS threatens to double-down on the failed policy of standardized-test based accountability. The CTU believes that the letter teachers recently received was recognition of the fear that parents will opt out of the Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA
MAP) assessment, despite threats that students without MAP scores will not be eligible for selective enrollment, there will be no alternate instruction given during the days of testing and children who are not participating in the assessment will be left to fend for themselves in “self-guided activity.” The CPS letter to parents also created an additional hurdle for parents, who oppose the excessive class time devoted to test prep and test administration, to opt their children out of testing. Last year, the CTU joined teachers, students, parents and education advocates nationwide standing in solidarity with Gar-field High School in Seattle and all Seattle public schools refusing to administer the MAP.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
viduals from the poll of Cook County residents,” Angeloni noted. Unlike traditional job placement agencies, SCF first finds employers and then matches the unemployed with the jobs the employers have identified. To date about 600 Cook County residents, the majority of whom live in Chicago, are working for the 25 employers who are part of the SCF partnership. The organization began operations in the fourth quarter of 2012 and placed about 60 job-seekers. In its first full year of operation last year, 540 unemployed individuals got jobs through SCF. Angeloni explained that about 75 percent of those placed are African Americans. The jobs range from entry level call center positions, as well as healthcare workers including porters to mid-level to senior level employee and IT level positions, according to Angeloni. On the average, the SCF-placed workers have been unemployed 17 months. SCF provides two levels of service – services we provide to businesses – direct placement and trainto-hire. Unemployed candidates who have the skills and experience employers have identified are moved through the direct hire pipeline. Some employers are offering jobs that don’t have a large pool of candidates. In those instances, SCF arranges initial telephone interviews for the prospective workers and if the employer sees that person as a fit, he or she begins training. There is no mystery for the candidate. If the person doesn’t pass the screening, there is no offer for training. When the employer wants to bring the individual on board, that person is guaranteed a job once training is completed. Angeloni said about 75 percent of the agency’s work is direct placement. Some of the train-to-hire instruction is done in conjunction with City Colleges of Chicago. SCF recruits CCC students and alumni be-
cause of the training those persons have already completed. Customized training is provided in some instances, and depending on the job, training can last from one week to six months. President Obama has enlisted the support of dozens of major corporations in what he described as “a call to action to give the long-term unemployed a fair shot.” In the Jan. 30 State of the Union address, the president mentioned the initiative. The following day he convened a meeting with those executives and detailed how he wanted the new program to proceed. He told the group “research shows long-term unemployed job applicants are frequently overlooked and sometimes excluded from job opportunities – even when they may have identical resumes and skills to other candidates.” He explained the federal government and the corporations “will jointly develop best practices for hiring and recruiting long-term unemployed, recognizing that businesses succeed when their communities thrive and our economy grows when our businesses take advantage of the talent, skills and experience of all Americans,” the president noted. Some of the major companies and non-profit organizations that signed onto the president’s plan include LinkedIn, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), National Fund for Workforce Solutions, Per Scholas, Goodwill Industries, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Pacific Gas and Electric. Illinois-based McDonald’s Corp., Motorola Solutions, Boeing Co., Northern Trust, and Walgreen Co., also participated. SCF’s operating budget comes from grants and some Chicago city government departments whose focus is job development. Those interested in participating in the SCF program should visit www.skillsforchicagolandfuture.com. Saturday, February 8, 2014
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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL BLACK HISTORY YEAR? February is Black History Month. The celebration of the contributions of African Americans began as Negro History Day, which morphed into Negro History Week. The venerable scholar, Carter G. Woodson, was the father of this movement. Several decades ago it became Black History Month. Interestingly, some people are beginning to question the notion of a Black History Year! This is not so far-fetched when you think about the compartmentalization that comes with honoring the contributions of Black people during one month in the minds of many youth who have short attention spans. These youth should be reminded of Black history achievements all year long. This does not mean to say that it is the only thing that is taught, it is that there should be an integration in the curriculum on a constant basis because Black history is indelibly tied in with American history. Another thought: when people talk about Black history they often conjure up images of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, and other celebrated heroes. This is appropriate, but it should also expand beyond the Black sojourn in America. Black people are at the very foundation of the world. The current wisdom is that all life started in Africa, and that we can all be traced back to a single female several million years ago on that continent. Recently, evidence has surfaced that the original Chinese people were Black! Moreover, there are a lot of other surprises when a microscope is applied to the history and activities of Black people on a global level. This is why a study of Black history should go far beyond the trials and tribulations of Black people in slavery in America and elsewhere. Black history is far deeper than that, and our youth need to know this. Because of the fragile nature of memory, there are young people alive today who have no real sense of the importance of major historical events. For example, to them, Emmett Till is just the name of an unfortunate kid who whistled at a white woman in Mississippi and was killed for it. They did not experience the gut-wrenching pain and frustration that those who were alive felt when his mom, Mamie Till Moseley, insisted on having his mutilated corpse published in Jet Magazine for all the world to see. In retrospect, it is easy to see how that one act was a major catalyst for the beginning of the Civil Rights movement in America. Today, we are making history of another sort; Black people are killing each other at incredible rates. This is because a lot of people have internalized self-hatred. Pride has been replaced by selfloathing in too many hearts and minds. This is why a Black life taken by another Black does not elicit the same intense emotion that a Black killed by a white person generates. This is why the word “nigger” is used so liberally, and why so many excuses are made by Blacks who use it against other Blacks while having conniption fits when a white person utters that word. The notion that it is a term of endearment falls on deaf ears of those who lived through the early years in America where that word had its ugly origins. The fact of the matter is that we must look backwards in history in order to determine the future steps that we must take, and this must be done on a DAILY basis, and not just during one month. We are grateful that Carter G. Woodson introduced the concept of the celebration of our history, but we must somehow find a way to get people to connect the dots between what happened before and what is happening now, because we have forgotten who we are! The best way to do this is to honor Black contributions every day of the year! 4
Saturday, February 8, 2014
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Let’s stop trying to draft somebody Dear Editor: It is understandable that a lot of us are not at all happy about how the mayor has interacted, or failed to interact with the Black community. It is obvious that he does some menial things and we are supposed to be happy and excited about it. A lot of people, and I think rightfully so, don’t think the mayor deserves another term. But folks are going about it the wrong way by publically trying to recruit a candidate to run against Mayor Emanuel. Good politics just does not happen that way. What is worse is this clamoring for a Black candidate to run against Rahm. Chicago is at the point where we need the best candidate to go up against Rahm and beat him; that person may not be Black. Take a minute and think about the number of local Black elected officials we have. Now, take another moment and tell yourself how they are helping reduce unemployment in the Black community, how they are making sure the community gets the same level of services that other neighborhoods receive, and how are they making economic development occur on the South Side and West Side at the rate it is happening north of downtown. Those are just the local issues. The situation is even worse on the county and state levels where there is no shortage of Black elected officials. It may be time to talk behind the scenes about a Black-Brown coali-
tion. I don’t know though, if there is a Hispanic candidate a lot of Black folk can get behind, and vice versa. All of us know a couple of things though: it will take millions of dollars for whomever that candidate is to launch a successful campaign and the “draft a Black candidate” was an embarrassment across the board last time. Whatever we do to remove Rahm from office needs to start now and continue right up to Election Day 2015. Gene Turner
There is nothing wrong with early Sunday sales Dear Editor: I have never understood, just accepted that we can’t buy even a sixpack of beer on Sunday morning here in the city. But now there is some movement to change that and move sales up to as early as 8 a.m. on Sunday, and I fully support it. Is the quality of life in Chicago going to deteriorate if people can get their beer before noon? I seriously doubt it. We will not see thousands of people roaming Stony Island or Cottage Grove or Cermak or Roosevelt too drunk to function because they got their beer at 9 a.m. instead of noon. Really this new proposal is just whistling in the wind—something to do but nothing important. It seems like some alderman got his shorts in a knot and decided he would introduce an ordinance, any
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
ordinance, just to say he had done something. I know this is off topic but this kind of “work” is seen too often in the Chicago City Council. Too many members just do anything it seems to get their names in the news; then they prance around talking about how much legislation they have introduced. Of course they never say that it was so insignificant it didn’t gain any traction. As voters we must start demanding more of our local officials, especially requiring them to put togeth(Continued on page 16)
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COMMENTARY
Unionizing College Sports – NO!!! Beyond The Rhetoric By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist There is a movement to unionize college sports. The unionizing would result in college athletes being paid cash for their participation. The United Steelworkers Union, for some strange reason, is the union financing this effort (legal fees, publicity, consultants, etc.). They are proud to win over their first institution – Northwestern University. This is an extreme approach. There is an assumption that athletes receive nothing for their athletic efforts. The fact is they do by way of valuable scholarships. These scholarships will lead them to a valuable education. Booker T. Washington once stated, “You cannot be free without an education.” That is so true, even more so today. I know quite a bit about athletic scholarships. I received one to the great University of Wisconsin for my football skills as an inside linebacker. My wife, Kay, and I guided our two sons as they received scholarship offers from dozens of schools for their excellence in Lacrosse (goalie and midfield/face
Harry C. Alford off). Our twins settled on the University of Maryland. It is so reassuring that if you pass your curriculum you will become a college graduate. The National College Athletic Association (NCAA) sets the standards for athletic scholarships. Athletes are given an extra year of education if needed for graduation. There is an injury clause in the scholarship which is assurance if you are seriously injured and cannot play any longer – the scholarship remains in force. Besides tuition, a recipient has
room and board, books, tutoring, medical insurance and free meals during season. Some conferences offer free meals whenever school is in session. Our boys both had surgery during their four years in college and it was fully paid for per the terms of their scholarships. You see, the advantages of an athletic scholarship have significant value. It’s great getting your college degree without you or your parents burdened with financing it. A degree and debt free! Most Black athletes would not get a college education if it weren’t for the scholarships. That was certainly my case. The two most popular sports are football and basketball. The revenue produced from stadium gates and radio/television coverage is very significant. So significant that the profits are used to fund other sports, facilities upkeep, etc. Plus that, winning teams excite alumni and that encourages them to support their alma mater through donations – more money for the institution. I am a lifetime member of the University of Wisconsin and have contributed to my alma mater on other special occasions. It’s like family to me and millions of other alumni. College coaches often get flack
because of their high salaries. But they certainly aren’t over paid. The market dictates their salaries. Pay them too little and they will be recruited by a rival school or professional sports. They make all the good things about sports happen. If they don’t, they are not tolerated and will be summarily fired. Schools with great athletic traditions are economically sound. It is a system that helps make America great. Truly college sports are the foundation of our culture. Now, what if our colleges were to unionize and start paying our students cash instead of the benefits above. First of all, if they did, the students would be taxed by the federal government, state and local governments plus social security. They would also be hit with union dues deducted from each pay check. Also, they would be under Obamacare and that could really hurt economically. Being employees of the schools would also subject them to some amount of tuition and the housing and other benefits would wither away or become additional income per the IRS. They wouldn’t be playing for the benefit of the school. Players with poor seasons or those who lack playing time would be fired. It
would become strictly business just like professional sports. The total revenue schools now make from football and basketball will drop dramatically for most schools. Team spirit and the motivation of alumni would fade away. A system that has evolved over the last 120 years would be no more and that would have terrible consequences for our nation. We would suffer. This scheme to turn our athletes into collective bargaining chips is just another desperate attempt by the unions to create a new hustle for revenue. Their pension funds are under-funded and their membership is dropping year by year causing their coffers to become “slim pickings.” The idea is just unrealistic and not viable at all. Our young men and women who participate as college athletes are precious to our society. They will gain leadership skills and a rock strong work ethic that will contribute to our future and bring dividends to the strength of our great nation – America the beautiful. Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
Seattle ‘Misfits’ Fit Enough to Win the Super Bowl By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist Prior to Sunday’s Super Bowl, I told anyone who would listen that I like both the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks, so I wouldn’t be terribly disappointed regardless of who won the game. But…I was hoping Seattle would emerge the victor and I will tell you why. First, because as a former high school and college quarterback, I am partial to teams with a Black starting QB. In Seattle’s case, their first and second team quarterbacks are African American. To understand the significance of this breakthrough, for years, Blacks were not allowed to play quarterback or middle linebacker at major universities or in the pros. Quarterback, in particular, was the glamour position and any African American coming up through the ranks as a quarterback was usually converted to a defensive back or a wide receiver, if they made it to the NFL. Regardless of how great a Black quarterback was at an HBCU, for example, he didn’t get a chance to showcase his quarterbacking skill at the pro level. It was as if the scouts thought Black teams played football with 10 men instead of 11. Even a, shall www.chicagocrusader.com
we say, passing look at history would have dispelled that notion. “Fritz” Pollard was professional football’s first Black quarterback in 1920, leading the Akron Pros to victory in the NFL’s first championship game. In the modern era, James Harris, the Grambling great, became the first regular starter for the Buffalo Bills in 1969. Nearly 20 years later, in 1988, another ex-Grambling QB, Doug Williams, became the first Black to start and win a Super Bowl. This season was hailed as the Year of the Black Quarterback in the NFL, with nine starting on the third weekend of the season. The second reason I was pulling for Seattle was their coach, Pete Carroll. I always enjoyed his brand of football when he was head coach of the University of Southern California (USC). But my respect for him deepened when I learned he regularly made midnight trips to the ‘hood in an effort to curb gang violence. LA Times columnist Kurt Streeter would later write: “Few know that about twice a month Carroll leaves his comfy digs at USC, hops in the back of a beaten Camry driven by a former gang member and heads to South L.A. neighborhoods where the snap of gunfire and the anguish of death occur with the steady regularity
George E. Curry of a metronome. “These are not recruiting visits. He’s trying to save lives. “Most often, he arrives near midnight and walks shadowy streets with that familiar electric strut, surrounded by little boys, grandparents, crackheads and gang toughs. He empathizes, listens, encourages, laughs. He talks about jobs and kids and marriage, about perspective and courage, about how difficult it must be to be caught in the madness of the streets. “He realizes that some might think he’s a fool, that some might say he should pay no mind to gang members. Naysayers do not
stop him.” My third reason for cheering for Seattle is that they’ve often been called misfits, with many socalled experts questioning their ability to play in the NFL. However, one-by-one, the players, many of whom were drafted in the low rounds, if at all, have proven their critics wrong. Case in point: Seahawks linebacker, Malcolm Smith, the game’s Most Valuable Player, was not picked until 242nd in the 2011 NFL draft. Yet on Sunday, he was the star among stars, making nine tackles, recovering a Demaryius Thomas fumble early in the third quarter, and with less than four minutes remaining in the game, intercepting a Peyton Manning pass and returning it 69 yards for a touchdown. And there was that quarterback who, at 5’11” would never make it in the NFL. At least, that’s what they told Russell Wilson. All he did Sunday was lead his team to a Super Bowl victory in his second year as a pro. When he was younger, he attended a football camp organized by Peyton Manning. But on Sunday, Wilson was playing as though he were the instructor and Manning was his pupil. Richard Sherman again proved he is NFL’s best cornerback. After Seattle’s division playoff game
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
against San Francisco, he was depicted as a loudmouth defender lacking class. What the talking heads didn’t say was that he had extended a hand to Michael Crabtree, a gesture that was rejected, before he boasted that the 49’ers should have known better than trying to complete a pass on his side of the field. Anyone who has ever played organized football realizes that’s the mindset of defensive backs: Don’t even think about it. When Colin Kaepernick, another Black quarterback, tested him near the end of the division title game, Sherman made him pay. For a group of so-called misfits who routed the favored Denver Broncos 43-8, the Lombardi Trophy seems to fit them very well. George E. Curry, former editor-in-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 Website, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter. com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.
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COMMENTARY
READING AND THE REPARATIONS MOVEMENT Dr. Conrad Worrill, Director/Professor, Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS) located at 700 East Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, Illinois, 60653, 773-268-7500, Fax: 773-268-3835 E-mail: c-worrill@neiu.edu, Website: www.ccicschicago.org, Twitter: @CCICS_ Chicago.
Dr. Conrad Worrill
Henry Louis Gates wrote an OpEd article that appeared in the New York Times on April 23, 2010, essentially attempting to re-conceptualize the reparations issue by imply-
ing that history is too complicated to bring about a “just and lasting agreement on the divisive issue of slavery reparations.” In my view, Professor Gates was “dead wrong” and we should begin reviewing the history of the Reparations Movement by reading and rereading Dr. Raymond Winbush’s book on this subject. In 2003, a book on the African in America Reparations Movement was released entitled, Should America Pay? edited by Dr. Raymond A. Winbush, the Director of the Institute for Urban Research at Morgan State University. In February 2001, Dr. Winbush, who was formerly the Director of Fisk University’s Race Relations Institute, sponsored a two-day conference on slavery and reparations that brought together leading researchers, politicians, historians, and activists from throughout the country to dialogue on the issue of Reparations for African people in America. The conference was so successful that Dr. Winbush suggested that several of the presenters be included in a book he was proposing, which would entail several articles addressing the broad spectrum of the reparations debate in this country. Dr. Winbush, who is now a professor at Morgan State University,
has emerged as one of the leading scholar/activists in this country, and throughout the world, and has used his considerable skills as a researcher and writer as the editor of this book, Should America Pay? What makes this book, perhaps one of the most significant and comprehensive books published on the issue of reparations for African people in America is that it thoroughly covers the broad spectrum of this movement in six sections with more than twenty articles that address: Part I – History and Reparations, Part II – Reparations and the Law, Part III – Voices For and Against Reparations, Part IV – Reparations and Grassroots Organizing, Part V – Reparations and Intervention, and Part VI – Historical Documents. The worldwide African Reparations Movement has become unified around the fact that the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade, Slavery, and Colonialism were Crimes Against Humanity. This unity impacted the United Nations World Conference Against Racism that was held in Durban, South Africa in August and September 2001, to officially declare in the conference outcome that the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery was a Crime Against Humanity.
The momentum gained by African people who participated in the United Nations World Conference Against Racism, particularly the Durban 400, organized by the December 12th Movement and the National Black United Front, led to “The Call” for the Millions For Reparations Mass Rally held in Washington, D. C. on August 17, 2002. More than fifty thousand African people from thirty-eight states and sixty-six cities participated in this all day rally, whose theme was “THEY OWE US.” Against this backdrop, Should America Pay? has now been published by Amistad: An Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. In the introduction chapter Dr. Winbush writes, “As this book goes to press the reparations movement, historically considered a fringe issue in the American Black nationalist community, is now firmly established among various constituencies in the United States as well as in African communities around the world. Its ascendancy as an important social movement— I would argue the most important since Civil Rights — is confirmed by the amount of print space and air time the media devote to it.” Winbush continues by observing, “Though the movement is picking
up speed, compensatory measures for Africans have been elusive because of the entrenchment of white supremacy in world politics that provided legal sanction for this crime against humanity.” Perhaps the most significant aspect of, Should America Pay? is the framework Dr. Winbush develops in his introductory chapter for understanding the rise of the Reparations Movement. Dr. Winbush explains, “A convergence of four groups provides a conceptual framework for understanding the current discussion of reparations: 1) grassroots organizers, 2) legislators, 3) attorneys, and 4) academics. A similar convergence of cooperation occurred during the late 1940s and resulted in what we now call the Civil Rights Movement.” In this context, Dr. Winbush makes the analogy that, “Reparations have a similar history. Grassroots organizations such as the December 12th Movement (D12), National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N`COBRA), and the National Black United Front (NBUF) worked closely with legislators in the mid1980s. John Conyers Jr. (D-MI) for example, and collaborated with the Reparations Coordinating Com(Continued on page 17)
CHILDREN – COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN THE WAR ON WOMEN By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist In President Barack Obama’s State of the Union (SOU) address, he appealed to our nation’s employers to raise wages from the current minimum of $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour. He has already signed an executive order that requires federal contractors to pay $10.10 an hour, an only appropriate move since so many workers on federal contracts are living in poverty. The plight of federal contract workers at the bottom is especially galling, given that CEOs at the top have no limits in what they can be paid. Many earn more than President Obama’s $400,000 salary. They are awarded contracts by coming up with a minimum bid, which too often means paying people the lowest wage they can get away with. There are many consequences to workers earning so little money that they often work at a level below the poverty line. The federal government through food stamps, subsidized health care, and a number of other well-deserved benefits subsidizes those with families and low wages. They are also stigmatized by 6
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receiving government help. Why not pay these folks enough to make it on their own, instead of railing about those who “depend” on the government? When women with children earn a minimum wage, they are challenged to take care of their children. If there is not affordable childcare, or a family support system, many of these women are desperate to figure out a way to work and also find someone to take care of their children. In Henrico County, Virginia, which is part of the Richmond, Virginia Statistical Metropolitan District, 23-year-old Brittney R. Downing admitted her role in the deaths of her two children, aged 3 months and 20 months. Brittney Downing left her children in a parking lot, inside her vehicle, while she went to work at a Henrico hotel. Both of her children were affected by heat stroke, and her 20 month old son died first, her daughter four days later. She is charged with involuntary manslaughter and can spend as many as 25 years in jail. Brittney’s children are collateral damage in the war against women and minimum wage workers. As
Dr. Julianne Malveaux President Obama noted in the SOU address, women are the majority of minimum wage workers. All of them aren’t teens; many are raising children. Too many of them don’t earn enough to sustain themselves. Brittney Downing’s children, Jelani and Jade, died partly because their mother didn’t earn enough to put them in an affordable child care program. Some will say that Brittney Downing should have had better sense than to leave her children in a locked car. I would say that those who value life so much that they rail against
a woman’s right to choose ought to consider the consequences of choices, especially when they aren’t supported. Why don’t we have a work/family policy that makes child care assessable and affordable? Given these provisions, or a living wage, Brittney Downing may not have found the need to bring her children to work with her, and to keep them in the car. Some employers provide on-site childcare, allowing employees with the same challenges that Brittney Downing faced to drop their children off and come back for them at the end of their shifts. While many provide this childcare at a small fee, others are willing to subsidize lowwage workers. These employers are more the exception than the rule. Do they understand their productivity losses when they do not institute policies that are friendly to the work of women who have children? There have been spates of cases where mothers have left their children “home alone”. Not all of them have been cases like Brittney’s, when a woman leaves her children because she has no childcare support system. Some of the cases happen to be women who have walked out to
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
buy a soda or get a stamp. That’s likely to be a woman, cooped up with her children, with not enough support to take a break. Other women have left their children “home alone” while they engaged in social activities. While their actions are foolish, the lack of a support system is still quite evident. There are no excuses for putting a child in danger, or are there? When a woman must work and has no childcare, what is she to do? When the research on post-partum depression suggests irrational behavior on the part of some mothers, why are they vilified? How many women have written the post-partum story, while nannies and maids had their backs? How many, without nannies or maids, are challenged to make it on their own? The low wages that many single mothers earn limit opportunities. The children they try to raise are the collateral damage that our Congress is complicit in when they refuse to raise the minimum wage. Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.
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GOSSIPTARY
Turkey. Jenkins will become one of the richest charter school operators in the town—although he probably won’t send his children there because folks running around town saying this Gulag group only hires teachers from Turkey who come here on a visa and that they start indoctrinating the Negro children with math, rioting, science, praying five times a day, technology and how to like anything related to Turkey and the Gulag.
CULT OF PERSONALITY People on the South Side are scratchin’ their heads as they try to make hay out of some bizarre gossip going around that a lady trying to be a politician was part of some kind of cult like they used to say about people in the Nation of Islam. Most folks seem to be dismissing this as some sort of misunderstanding because at one point in time they said snapping dey fingas in church was considered devil worshipping. One man, who said he is in man-like with that light skinned Urkel named Christian Mitchell, had a sheet of paper he got off the Internet saying somebody named Jay Travis was a leader
Christian Mitchell in a Black cult that had something to do with Kwanzaa. Most folk seem to know this lady as a freedom fighter in Kenwood, Bronzeville and Woodlawn—but this man is saying she was a Black power leader in a WABBA-CHANGA-DO group. (Ima could have heard the name wrong—but it sounded like WAB-
Will Burns BA-CHANGA-DO to her.) The man said he got it off some website and that he believes anything de white man say. He dumb. But another lady who heard about it said she don’t care if this woman got a Foxy Brown afro and is wearing a dashiki, she is still going to vote for this Travis lady because Christian Mitchell “looks like he’s 11 years www.chicagocrusader.com
-ImaJay Travis old” and “wouldn’t take her call” when she wanted him to stop her grandson’s school from shutting down. Both Mitchell and this Travis lady are from the University of Chicago, which seems to have some sort of clone program going on where they spitting out these smart Black people who wind up being our elected officials. But some lady on 45th and Cottage Grove said Travis ain’t nothing like Mitchell and his political mentor Will “I Will Be Your Congressman If It Kills Me” Burns. They say she actually care how much milk cost and whether or not Ne Ne or Kenya started the fight on the Real Atlanta Housewives. Ima’s Hover-Round got stuck in the snow so she can’t tell you what this Travis lady got going on in her campaign office and Mitchell’s office is hidden deep in a shadow on 35th Street.
NEGRO TOUR CONTINUES Governor wannabe Bruce Rauner had so much success on his “chitlin circuit” tour hosted by N’DIGO publisher Hermene Hartman, that he is supposedly considering moving to Englewood where he will buy three city blocks where he can build a home. Not to fret, he also plans to grow some cotton in the backyard and hire some neighborhood resi-
mama? Apparently Daddy Obama loved him some white women. This brother is running around the country peddling some kind of book he thinks we want to read about; African him, his daddy and his white mama. Maybe he thinks he will be the next president if he follows his brother’s footsteps and shares his natal story? What is a little strange is that you ain’t never seen this guy no ways never. He wasn’t at the inauguration. He ain’t been at the graduation, the baby shower, the Halloween Party or nothing. He can’t even get inside the White House. Now we knew Obammy was keeping his dark-skinned African brothers and sisters on lock, but where this caramel colored one come from? Now we know the president got an issue with you Negro folk, but damn’ he don’t even socialize with his own family? At any rate, hopefully the proceeds from his other Obama brother’s book sales will help him get a dermatologist. -ImaALL CHOKED UP DUH former Mayor recently had a health scare on an airplane after he probably heard that his nephew will be going to prison after all for killing
Richard M. Daley some white boy who was out having a good time. Apparently de TV only had one clip of DUH former Mayor and they kept on playing it—like in all the 40 years of him destroying this town they had no other footage. The clip kept showing him walking with Anthony “Pretty Tony” Beale, who recently made the community newspapers when he sued some principal because she claimed he had tried to make her do something strange for a little change. Beale, who is being targeted for removal by a former gangbanger, a former stripper, a former teacher, a former weed man and a current neighborhood resident, is said to be de Emperor Emanuel’s favorite alderman.
-ImaOUT OF SIGHT How come Fellowship business mogul... we mean pastor, Charles Jenkins has disappeared? Is he promoting one of those silly gospel records or is he trying to lay low so all that slime from his selling out the Chatham people can roll off his back? Word is some alphabet people are looking hard into the financial transaction he made with that Gulag group out of the country of
Bruce Rauner dents to help him crop it from time to time. He promises to pay at least $7.25 an hour. -ImaSPEAKIN OF CHITLINS For de record, Ima enjoys eating at Hard Times Cookin’ restaurant and actually likes the fried chicken cooked by Mexicans and cornbread where the butter don’t melt on top. It’s one of the few Black-owned restaurants left in the city and despite we poke fun at it from time to time (because its real funny up in there)...we will still give it our business. -ImaOH BROTHER
Charles Jenkins
I bet none of yah’ll realized Obama got a almost-twin brother who looks like him (sort of), talks like him, is the same height and also has a white BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SECOND SATURDAYS SHOWCASE AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO: This brand-new weekend program offers a unique twist on family-oriented education. Bring the whole crew to the zoo, split up into peer groups focused on the same wildlife topic, then regroup to share and compare your individual experiences. The topics vary each month. The Saturday, Feb. 8 program, called Home Sweet Habitat, gives little ones a look into animal habitats in the wild and at the zoo. Adults will dive into the world of animal behavior studies and exhibit design. It will take place from 9 AM –11 AM or 1 PM–3 PM. Price per person: $17 ($14 for zoo members). For more information call 312-7422056. Register at: http://www.lpzoo.org/education/programs MONEY SMART PROGRAMS AT CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY: The Chicago Public Library continues its free series of financial literacy programs designed to help people become more “money smart.” Presented in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and its partners, Money Smart programs help participants understand the business of money, gain control of their finances and learn practical money skills for life. Money Smart programs are held year round at library locations throughout the city. In addition, all Chicago Public Library locations offer books and online resources which allow participants to learn more about organizing their personal finances and financial planning. On Thursday, Feb. 13 at 12 PM in the Harold Washington Library Center Video Theater, Lower Level, 400 S. State Street, there will be a Money Smart-Small Business Tax Workshop. This workshop is for new and prospective business owners. Sergio Guzman, IRS, presents the basics of business taxes, the different types of small business organizations and tax returns. Get tips on required record keeping and the latest tax updates. The workshop is presented by Money Smart Partner, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more information, visit chicagopubliclibrary.org. IIT CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH: IIT recognizes and celebrates Black History Month. Black History Month in the United States is a celebration of achievements by African Americans and highlights important milestones throughout U.S. history. This year's national theme is "Civil Rights in America." The campus community is invited to participate in the following Black 8
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History Month event, Global Cuisine. On Friday, Feb. 14, the Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion invites you to dine in the Commons Cafeteria for a culinary treat featuring Louisiana Cajun. The lunch- time program for the month of February will introduce delicious meals from four different regions of the world. In partnership with African Student Organization, Black Student Union and Caribbean Visionaries, students from these groups have suggested the recipes for the cultural dishes. Bon Appetite. MUSIC IN THE LIBRARYHIDDEN TALENT 7-HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY: It’s Valentine’s Day and the theme is love for their seventh talent showcase starring patrons of the Music Practice Rooms on the 8th Floor of the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street, on Friday, Feb. 14 at 12:15 PM. Participants this year are (in alphabetical order): Sigrid Alexandersen, Fabienne Arlet, Matthew Garvin, Rene Rivero, and Ger-Ray Welch. Piano accompaniment will be by Gerald Rizzer. The Chicago Public Library continues to encourage lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through materials, programs and cutting-edge technology. For more information, visit chicago publiclibrary.org or call the Chicago Public Library at 312-747-4050. VALENTINE’S DINNER AND BRUNCH OFFERED AT BROOKFIELD ZOO: Show your animal magnetism this Valentine’s Day and treat your significant other to an adventurous evening of dining and dancing at Brookfield Zoo on Friday, Feb. 14. The romantic evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Seven Seas Underwater Viewing Gallery, where you will be able to view the bottlenose dolphins. A keeper will be on hand to answer any questions. Afterwards, board the cozy heated Snowball Express for a short ride to Bocaditos restaurant, where the zoo’s executive chef will have a sumptuous meal waiting to be served. Dinner begins with creamy lobster bisque with shrimp soup and a salad of assorted baby greens served with fresh Bosc pear slices, candied pecans, and crumbled bleu cheese drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette. An intermezzo of lemon sorbet precedes the main course of lobster tail and petite filet mignon with wild mushroom ragout in a port demi glaze and fresh vegetables. You will surely want to save room for the chef ’s Valentine’s dessert: chocolate
Marjolaine, an exquisite composition of chocolate meringue, white chocolate mousse, ganache, and chocolate shavings. Dinner, which includes wine and champagne and open bar services, is $225 per couple. For further information about the Valentine’s dinner or to make reservations, visit the zoo’s website at www.CZS.org/Events or call 708-688-8355. DOLPHIN PRESENTATIONS TO RESUME AT BROOKFIELD ZOO: While the recent weather in Chicago land has been frigid, Brookfield Zoo guests can once again enjoy tropical temperatures at the Seven Seas’s dolphin stadium. The Chicago Zoological Society’s marine mammal trainers are gearing up for dolphin presentations which are ONGOING in February. During the three-and-a-half months the presentations were canceled, staff concentrated their efforts on the care and monitoring of two dolphin calves that were born in October 2013. When presentations resume, guests will be able to see several members of the dolphin group, including Chinook, 31; Allie, 26; Spree, 11; Noelani, 10; and Allison, 8. However, Tapeko, 32, (Continued on page 17)
PRESIDENT KATHLEEN THERESE MEANY, of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, strongly encourages local governments to pursue funding for their water infrastructure projects through the Clean Water Initiative. Meany recently thanked Illinois Governor Pat Quinn for his commitment to clean water and flood protection. The Governor has recognized the need to address critical infrastructure throughout the state and is doubling the investment in clean water projects though the Illinois Clean Water Initiative.
Extended Coverage ***
Some folks call them annuities; we say “income insurance.” An annuity guarantees that a chunk of income will continue as long as you live. Make it part of your retirement planning. *** Simplest is a single-premium immediate annuity. You put in a lump sum—part of a 401(k) payout, perhaps—and the insurance company pays you a set amount for life.
Milton E. Moses
*** How much to invest? One way is to figure out your expenses, subtract any guaranteed income like Social Security and/or a pension, and buy an annuity to fill the gap.
What’s right for you? Talk it over with the insurance folks at 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.
*** But interest rates are low now, you say. That’s the argument for “laddering” your annuities. Buy some now, then more in later years. Rates should rise—and older buyers get more. *** Yet another option is a delayed annuity that pays more when you are older and perhaps more concerned about outliving your other savings vehicles and investments. BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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EDUCATION
Many events commemorating Black History month in Chicago By J. Coyden Palmer February is Black History Month and once again the Chicago area will be inundated with events commemorating the month. Whether you are interested in hearing a Black scholar speak or looking to educate your children about the contributions of African Americans to the world, institutions like Triton College and the Chicago Public Library will be sponsoring programs throughout the month.
Phillip Edward Van Lear
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For those looking to view history, the Chicago Urban League’s Black History Month Film Festival will again present a series of films intended to educate, empower and inspire the community. Now in its third year, the films and conversations that follow the screenings will give audiences an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues including colorism, violence, effects of poverty, Black students and the education system, and the challenges of urban youth. Throughout each topic, Black history will be highlighted as a tool for inspiration and positive action. Three of the films included in this year’s festival are “The Central Park Five,” “Dark Girls” and “Chiraq.” Each film will touch on a different topic. “The Central Park Five” will delve into one of the most controversial cases in U.S. history after five Black and Latino youth were arrested for allegedly raping a white female jogger in New York’s Central Park in 1989. The case stretched racial tensions to the limit in the nation’s largest city. “Dark Girls” exposes the prejudices that dark-skinned women face throughout the world. It tells the story of one woman whose
mother confirms her beauty but also makes her self-conscious of her skin tone. “Chiraq” highlights the devastating effects of youth on youth violence in Chicago. All of the films will be shown on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Triton College will pay homage to African-American artists and the performing arts with a series of events. On February 11, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., local artist Bernie Staggers will present his latest murals and portraits on urban design, along with work by Kenneth L. Ray, who developed and implemented a cultural arts
The Central Park Five program for youth. That will be followed immediately by a live performance by accomplished actor Phillip Edward Van Lear. Van Lear has performed in regional theater productions and has appeared in movies (“Barbershop 2: Back in Business”) and television shows (“The Chicago Code”). Van Lear will also lead a discussion on Black Americans in film since the Civil Rights Act. The Chicago Public Library will feature a variety of programs at branches city-wide. Many of the events will be geared towards children. One will take place Febru-
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
ary 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the AustinIrving branch, 6100 W. Irving Park Road, when storyteller Linda Braggs spins exciting stories highlighting African American history, culture and the Great Migration. This event is recommended for children five and older. On Thursday February 13, the Bronzeville branch will highlight the history and growth of the Black community in Chicago. Beverly A. Cook, assistant curator of the Vivian Harsh Research Collection, will lead several presentations on various Black communities in Chica(Continued on page 14)
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COMMUNITY
Get Covered Illinois joins Black churches to observe Black History Month Get Covered Illinois (GCI) recently announced a church-based enrollment drive during Black History Month to enroll uninsured consumers in health insurance before the March 31 open enrollment deadline. Throughout February, more than 50 African-American churches will host events designed to inform and enroll uninsured community members, in addition to hundreds of other Get Covered Illinois enrollment events happening across the state. The enrollment drive formally kicked off at Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church (7545 S. Vincennes Ave. on Sunday, February 2, where the Rev. Walter W. Matthews Sr. announced Get Covered Illinois church-based enrollment events. After the service, ”navigators” answered a host of questions to assist those still looking to enroll. “The Affordable Care Act provides an historic opportunity to close the gap of the uninsured and reduce health disparities that disproportionately affect minority communities,” said Jennifer Koehler, GCI executive director. “Black History Month is an important opportunity to address health barriers impacting the African American community and remind unin-
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sured residents of the affordable, comprehensive coverage options available to them.” Charles Watkins, GCI regional outreach Coordinator for Get Covered Illinois also participated in the enrollment drive. As of December 28, 2013, more than 61,111 Illinois residents have signed up for coverage through the Marketplace. Individuals, families and small business owners have until March 31 to enroll in a health plan before receiving a fine. In order to get coverage beginning March 1, enrollment must be completed by February 15. Nearly one third of African Americans in Illinois are uninsured, according to Watkins. African Americans are impacted by greater health disparities compared to other races and ethnicities for a number of reasons, including lack of access to affordable health care. African Americans are twice as likely as whites to be diagnosed with diabetes, and are disproportionately impacted by cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. According to the Centers of Disease and Control, insurance coverage is strongly related to better health outcomes. Participating churches will facilitate and provide enrollment resources available through GCI to
GET COVERED ILLINOIS’ drive to enroll African Americans in the Affordable Care Act Get Covered Illinois coverage ramped up this month as the program’s representatives will visit 50 Black churches. The Rev. Walter Matthews’ (far right) Pleasant Green MBC recently hosted the first event. Matthews is shown with GCI workers and Charles Watkins (third from right) GCI outreach coordinator. their congregations and to members how access to quality health care sistance they need to secure afof the surrounding community. affects the physical and spiritual fordable, comprehensive health State-trained navigators will also be well-being of our community,” coverage.” present at these churches through- said Matthews. “The African For a complete list of enrollment out February to answer questions, American faith community is events throughout the state, visit schedule enrollment appointments proud to partner with Get Cov- getcoveredillinois.gov/events. Enand enroll residents on-site. ered Illinois to provide uninsured ter your zip code or address to “As a pastor, I know firsthand residents with the enrollment as- find an event near you.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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ENTERTAINMENT
By Raymond Ward OLD SCHOOL: Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding’s powerful voices continue to be the standard by which ALL other R&B singers are measured. But they also share another bond through the iconic and legendary song “Respect.” Redding originally wrote and recorded the song in 1965 and two years later Franklin’s cover version transformed it into a female empowerment anthem known around the world. Rhino Records will pay some respect of its own to these legendary artists during Black History Month when it releases new four-disc sets that showcase their individual careers. Now available, “THE KING OF SOUL” and “THE QUEEN OF SOUL” both feature over 85 tracks of the most soulful music around. THE KING OF SOUL’s arrival coincides with the 50th anniversary of Redding’s debut album Pain In My Heart, which helped define the sound of Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee. This new set features 92 songs and retraces the singer’s career from his meteoric rise to his untimely death in a 1967 plane crash. The songs reveal the breadth of Redding’s talent, starting with his gift for songwriting: “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” “Ole Man Trouble” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” his posthumous #1 hit. His reputation as a magnetic and dynamic performer is well served by a selection of live performances recorded in 1966 at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, California (“These Arms of Mine” and “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”) and in 1967 during the legendary Stax/Volt Revue tour of Europe (“Shake” and “Try a Little Tenderness.”) THE QUEEN OF SOUL creates a rich musical portrait of Franklin’s incomparable run at Atlantic Records between 1967 and 1976. Packed with 87 songs arranged chronologically, the set opens with generous selections from the first five studio albums Aretha Franklin she recorded for the label: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, Aretha Arrives, Lady Soul, Aretha Now and Soul ‘69. Recorded between 1967 and 1968, all five of the albums topped the R&B charts and gave the world classics like “(You Make Me Feel Like)A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Think,” and the #1 smash “Respect.” The set also mixes in several rare outtakes of songs like “It Was You” from Aretha Arrives and “Talk to Me, Talk to Me” from Soul ‘69. The collection also spotlights the great music Franklin recorded in the 1970s, including the two albums she released to open the decadeThis Girl’s in Love with You and Spirit in the Dark. The former boasted an electrifying version of The Band’s “The Weight” with Duane Allman on slide guitar, while the latter featured the hit “Don’t Play That Song.” Along with several singles Otis Redding from this era (“Spanish Harlem” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”) THE QUEEN OF SOUL also gathers up several live performances with “Spirit in the Dark” (Reprise with Ray Charles) from Aretha Live at the Fillmore West (1971), plus several songs from her live album Amazing Grace (1972). The latter recording won the Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance in 1973 and remains Franklin’s best-selling album to date. Celebrate Black History Month by adding these phenomenal boxed sets to your music collections! 12
Saturday, February 8, 2014
By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ
Douglass, King, Malcolm, Marshall, Obama appear in DVD set Just in time for Black History Month and the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech is History®’s phenomenal collection: African-American Leaders: Past & Present from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. This outstanding DVD set includes five films that tell the stories of five influential AfricanAmericans. The in-depth profiles of Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X,
Frederick Douglass Thurgood Marshall and Barack Obama delve into their lives, the experiences that shaped them and the impact they had on history. The landmark DVD collection profiles five men who changed the course of a nation. “Civil War Journal: Frederick Douglass” examines the life of the brilliant writer and orator who escaped slavery and launched a lifelong fight for emancipation. “Martin Luther King Assassination” looks at the impact of America’s most powerful civil rights leader who, even in death, helped unite the movement. “Malcolm X: A Search for Identity” reveals a man whose intelligence and independent search for meaning made him one of the most charismatic leaders of his generation. “Thurgood Marshall: Justice For All” tells the triumphant story of the first African-American Supreme Court justice, whose fight to end racial discrimination in the South as a lawyer in the ‘40s and ‘50s paved the way for the Civil Rights movement. “Barack Obama” follows the journey of the first Black U.S. president from his life with his single, white mother and estrangement from his African father, to his arrival as the first
President Barack Obama Black president of the Harvard Law Review through to the White House. Of course, I knew about these men before viewing this DVD, but many of the profiles shed another light on what I had already known. Douglass’ efforts with the 54th Massachusetts all Black infantry, led by white officers was very heroic. And his subsequent influence as a lecturer against slavery, his living abroad and his friends having paid for his eventual freedom were among other interesting facts. Among unique details about Thurgood Marshall included the fact that many newspaper accounts of his civil rights work alluded to the fact that he was handsome—as if this had anything to do with his ability to effect change in the Southern states that were being hard hit by Jim Crow laws. But he seemed to co-
sign the fact that he carried himself well. Even during an interview toward the end of his life, Marshall commented that only a jealous husband would be the reason for him to leave his post on the United States Supreme Court. In either case, it was a great day in 1967 when President Lyndon Baines Johnson appointed Marshall to the Supreme Court; he had certainly paid his dues and made inroads in the legal arena across the United States. Malcolm X’s life story is well known, and it was revealed in an interview with comedian and activist Dick Gregory, that even
Thurgood Marshall Gregory knew that Malcolm X’s time was drawing near. He had been threatened, and during the last conversation that the two men (Continued on page 17)
Martin Luther King Jr. with Malcolm X
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ARTS AND CULTURE
Chicago Opera Theater to present the Chicago premiere of Ellington’s ‘Queenie Pie’ Chicago Opera Theater (COT), in collaboration with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra (CJO), will present the Chicago premiere of Duke Ellington’s only opera, “Queenie Pie,” from February 15 to March 5 at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Street. The cast of “Queenie Pie” includes Karen Marie Richardson, best known for her Chicago performances in “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah” in the title role; Anna Bowen as Café O’lay; Keithon Gipson as Holt Faye/King; and Jeffrey Polk as Lil’ Daddy. The conductor is CJO Artistic Director Jeffrey Lindberg; stage direction and chorography is by Ken Roht. The design team includes Danila Korogodsky (sets); Brandon Baruch
Karen Marie Richardson (lights) and Dabney Ross Jones (costumes). “Queenie Pie” will be conducted by CJO Artistic Director Jeff Lindberg, with direction and choreogra-
phy by Ken Roht. Originally commissioned by New York PBS affiliate WNET as a television piece for Lena Horne and featuring a libretto by Betty McGettigan, “Queenie Pie” was unfinished at the time of the Ellington’s death in 1974. Chicago Opera Theater’s production interpolates additional songs from Ellington’s canon to complete the score and features a new adaptation
Anna Bowen of the libretto by Roht as well as new orchestrations by Jeff Lindberg. Andreas Mitisek, COT’s General Director said, “‘Queenie Pie’ is a neglected gem, fascinating musically, dramatically and historically. In keeping with our mission of producing adventurous opera experiences, particularly new and rarely performed works, we are excited to bring to Chicago audiences a largely unknown piece by one of America’s greatest composers.” Ellington’s “street opera” tells a sto-
Keithon Gipson ry inspired by the life of Madam C. J. Walker, America’s first Black female self-made millionaire who developed and sold a line of hair and beauty products. Queenie Pie’s business is challenged by competing entrepreneur, Café Au Lait, a younger, light-skinned beauty from New Orleans. Set during the Harlem Renaissance, the story has been refocused for COT’s production by the creative team. “The goal is to contemporize the piece, to make the piece timeless, while dealing with challenging social issues that seem to persist,” said Director/Choreographer Roht. Reviewing a 1986 production of the opera, Robert Palmer, writing for the New York Times, called “Queenie Pie” a “wonderfully vital and coherent work. In fact, it is something of a marvel. One could justifiably call it a comic opera, since the narrative is advanced primarily through song and recitative…. a su-
The Spring Quartet debuts on ‘SCP Jazz’ Series On Saturday, February 15, 2014, 8:00 p.m., the “Symphony Center Presents Jazz” Series offers a special Saturday night performance of the newly formed all-star Spring Quartet. The Quartet is comprised of two jazz veterans—legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette and Grammy Awardwinning saxophonist Joe Lovano— paired with two rising stars: bassist Esperanza Spalding, winner of the 2011 Grammy award for Best New Artist, and Argentinian pianist Leo Genovese, a frequent collaborator with Spalding. The evening opens with the Symphony Center debut of soul and jazz vocalist Gregory Porter. A Chicago native, DeJohnette is known for his work with jazz and blues icons such as Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Charles Lloyd, Thelonious Monk, Keith Jarrett and many more. He has long
Jack DeJohnette 14
223-7114 or 312-294-3000; online at cso.org, or at the Symphony Center box office: 220 S. Michigan Ave., 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 312-294-3040. Joe Lovano been admired as one of the greatest drummers in jazz, and is in constant high demand for studio sessions and collaborative projects, in addition to his own remarkable touring career. Adding to his multiple Grammy Awards and other accolades, DeJohnette was recently named a 2012 Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts. Gregory Porter gained greater recognition in 2010 with his breakthrough debut album, Water, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2011. His 2012 follow-up, Be Good, received a 2013 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B performance for “Real Good Hands.” Porter has been hailed by critics as a torchbearer for contemporary jazz vocals. Tickets for all CSOA concerts can be purchased by phone at 800-
Saturday, February 8, 2014
perior evening’s entertainment, but, more importantly, it is an evening worthy of Duke Ellington’s talents.” Los Angeles-based Ken Roht has staged Long Beach Opera’s productions of Poulenc’s “The Breasts of Tiresias,” Bohuslav Martinu’s “Tears of a Knife” and Robert Kurka’s “The Good Soldier Schweik.” Of working with “Queenie Pie” Roht says, “It is an honor to lend my perspective to the original libretto…It remains an ebullient melodrama due to Mr. Ellington’s amazing, multifaceted music and the story’s dreamlike, highly allegorical plot of two vastly different women, who are very much the same.” “Queenie Pie” is the second coproduction shared between Chicago Opera Theater and Long Beach Opera, both of which are under the direction of Andreas Mitisek. Duke Ellington, who composed more than 3,000 songs during his lifetime, called his compositions “American Music” rather than jazz, stressing that music is “beyond category. There are only two types of music, good and bad!” His best known titles include “It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing”, “Sophisticated Lady,” “Mood Indigo,” “Solitude,” “In a Mellotone,” “Satin Doll” and three Sacred Concerts. When asked what inspired him to write, Ellington replied, “My men and my race are the inspiration of my work. I try to catch the character and mood and feeling of my people.” Duke Ellington’s popular compositions set the bar for generations of brilliant jazz, pop, theatre and soundtrack composers to come. Ellington’s prolific musical career added a new dimension during the 1960s. In celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the issuance of The Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, Ellington composed a hit musical revue, “My People,” extolling the accomplishments and
Jeffrey Polk contributions made to America and the world by Blacks. “My People,” which opened August 15, 1963 in Chicago’s Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place, was in performance during the historic “March on Washington” led by Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28, 1963. Duke Ellington remains one of the most influential figures in jazz, if not in all American music, giving American music its own sound for the first time. In his fifty year career, he played more than 20,000 performances in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East as well as Asia. Duke Ellington was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966. He was later awarded several other prizes, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969, and the Legion of Honor by France in 1973, the highest civilian honors in each country. He died of lung cancer and pneumonia on May 24, 1974, a month after his 75th birthday, and is buried in the Bronx, in New York City. At his funeral, attended by more than12,000 people at New York City’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Ticket prices range from $35 $125 and can be purchased by calling 312.704.8414 or online at chicagooperatheater.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Harris Theater box office, 205 E. Randolph Drive at Millennium Park.
Many events commemorating Black History (Continued from page 10) go, and those communities’ connections to the Great Migration. The Bronzeville branch is at 3436 S. King Drive. You can also spend Valentine’s Day at the DuSable Museum as it presents “The Art of Sensuality: an Evening of A.W.E.” The event
will feature art, wine and entertainment. The evening will be filled with art work, uncommon wines to go along with live art demonstrations, spoken word performances, Afrobeat music, and exclusive tours of special exhibits. Admission for this event is $15 in advance and $20 at the
door. For more information on this event you can visit the DuSable Museum online at dusablemuseum.org.
Crusader launches array of blog posts The Chicago Crusader begins the new year with a new online feature – blog posts. The posts are written by several Chicagoans and former Chicagoans who cover a wide range of topics from restaurant reviews to technology. The bloggers, Al Greer, Gwen Kelly, Kelly R. Turner, Chef Michelle Reedus, Richard Muhammad, Martin Lindsey, Brian Ray, Jeffrey Walker, Algernon Penn, and Sandra Combs write about their personal and professional experiences. They also throw in some old fashioned common sense. Their work is updated on rotating schedules, so make sure you visit http://chicagocrusader.com/chicago/blog.aspx. The bloggers and the Crusader appreciate your feedback. BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Scan this QR (quick response) code to view the Crusader Newspaper Group’s blogs about STEM, overcoming sexual abuse, mentoring, restaurant reviews, urban agriculture, politics, economic development, and more. www.chicagocrusader.com
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking By Effie Rolfe Let Your Words be few—say what you mean and mean what you say. If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times that your words have power. A lot of times when you think what you say is mere talk, trust me— your conversation has the power to create, build up and destroy. What’s so sad is that too many of us walk around ignorant of this very fact. Oh how I remember the days of my youth, when my
Effie Rolfe
Anita Marie Herron dedicated her life to helping others Anita Marie (Austin) Herron was not the kind of woman who garnered news headlines, but she was well known throughout non-profit and Catholic Church circles. Mrs. Herron was a member of Holy Name of Mary Church. She showed her commitment to the Church in the early 2000s when she lived up to a promise to a dying friend. That friend conceived the idea of the Oblate Sisters of Providence (OSP) Diner, but died before it opened. Mrs. Herron followed
Anita Marie (Austin) Herron through on her commitment and the diner was transformed from initially serving five guests to more than 75 in a week. She asked the diner’s volunteers to refer to patrons as guests and not refer to the diner as a soup kitchen. Her rationale was the patrons would feel respected and valued. The diner was a priority since 2005 until her death January 21. A tireless fundraiser, Mrs. Herron volunteered for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the March of Dimes and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, among other nonprofit organizations. Mrs. Herron committed countless hours to the Catholic Church organization, the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver. On March 7, 1981, she became part of the organization and continuously attained higher offices within the Immaculate Heart of Mary Court #134. She ascended to the Meritorious Fourth Degree Gracious Ladies Adele Stadeker Chapter 12 on Feb. 6, 1999. Workwww.chicagocrusader.com
ers who have proven themselves to be active in the church, community and Noble Order are asked to join the Fourth Degree Ladies of Grace. During her membership, Mrs. Herron worked as recording secretary vice grand lady, and grand lady from 1996 to 2005. Most recently she was vice grand lady. Her term began in January 2011 and lasted until her death. The Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver is the largest and oldest predominantly Black lay Catholic organization. A Chicago native, Mrs. Herron also was involved in many church ministries, and was certified as an auxiliary minister of communion. The church’s sick and shut-in welcomed her to their homes and were provided communion. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Chicago also certified Mrs. Herron as a bereavement counselor. The commitment to helping others was exemplified in Mrs. Herron’s professional career as she worked as a community development specialist for the Chicago Urban League, as well as Mary Thompson Hospital and Cook County Hospital. She retired from that organization as assistant director of personnel and administrative director of the perinatal care unit after a 30-plus-year career there. Her work experience began as an editor/sketch writer with the Marquis Who’s Who in 1962. The Marshall High School honors graduate also attended Chicago Teachers College and St. Xavier University. In 1958, she married Frederick Robinson. The couple had three sons – Frederick Dennis, Rodney Glenn and Gregory David. Eleven years later she remarried and she and her husband Denison R. Herron and the couple had a daughter, Deneen Rochelle. Both husbands preceded Mrs. Herron in death. Besides her four children, Mrs. Herron is survived by five grandchildren; Ebony Nicole, Malik Jaleel, Dominque Imani, Amani Kedar and Daniel Alston. A brother, Ernest U. Austin, also survives her. Services were at St. Margaret of Scotland Church February 1.
mom constantly reminded us that we would have to give account of every idle word that was spoken. Now I recognize the significance of her teachings and try my best to apply them to everyday life (Matthew 12:36). She knew that our words would produce a very real world. How badly mistaken I was to find out that my mother being quiet was not indicative of her having little to say. Now my heart weeps for the times I failed to listen more but rather allowed words to carelessly utter from my lips in jest. Too often, we complain about outside forces, yet so often it’s the words that we have spoken concerning our own lives, family, career and friendships that have caused a good, bad or ugly situation. Unfortunately, no one is to blame but—me, myself, and I—life and death is in…the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Yet, I am thankful that the prayers of the righteous interceding on my behalf intercepted
some of those deadly expressions of mass destruction that could have taken me out, under and away from my destiny. But God—His mercy allows us to understand the power that He has given us through speech for generations to come. This truth is applicable regardless of your status in life. Even in the court of law, you are advised that what you say can and will be used against you. And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell (James 3:6 New American Standard Bible). Since life and death is in the power of the tongue, it is essential to choose life and cautiously adhere to sound principle and begin to listen more than you speak. Again, God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason and throughout scripture, we’re re-
minded to let our words be few (Ecclesiastes 5:2). The bottom line is to be careful and think about the words that are coming out of your mouth which will bring a lasting effect, whether positive or negative to your children and your children’s children. The less you say, the better—so only say what’s necessary—let your words be few. “The wise old owl lived in the oak—the more he saw—the less he spoke. The less he spoke—the more he heard. Why can’t we all, be like that bird?” (Anonymous)
Will you think about what you say? ©Effie Rolfe is the author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” a Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can visit my website: effierolfe.com or follow me at twitter.com/effiedrolfe.
The Crusader Gospel Corner Music filled the air at Madison Square Garden for the 15th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration that featured some of the best in Gospel including Mary Mary, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Tamela Mann and the NFL Players’ Choir—composed of former National Football League players. Lady Patti LaBelle also headlined the praise fest—no doubt folk were blessed and it felt like heaven. By the way—congrats to the Seattle Seahawks! *** Speaking of winning—Congrats to Motown Gospel recording artist, Tye Tribbett who recently won two precious medals during the 56th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Song—If He Did It Before (Same God) and Best Gospel Album— Greater Than Live. “It’s too much to digest—it was my birthday (January 26), I am really just overwhelmed right now and I’m humbled. I was up all night screaming —just random screaming—whoever was next to me—I totally scared them every time—I’m still excited. This is definitely the year of Greater things,” said Tribbett. Interestingly, the title—Greater Than is quite appropriate in that blessings have been nonstop with winning Best Male Vocalist at the Stellar Awards as well as his first ever Soul Train Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance last month. A full-fledged minister for 10 years, Tribbett shared how the genesis of the album developed well over two years ago, “I was actually studying for a bible study and the scripture came up and said Greater is He
Preachers of L.A. that is in you than He that is in the gen network quickly deemed the whole world. I said wow—if you show a huge smash. have God on your side, you have a During a luncheon with Haddon, presence that is greater than anyHaizlip and Wilson, the pastors thing you may face outward or inwere adamant their sole purpose for wardly whether stress, depression, participating in the show was to opposition or trials…you always promote the kingdom as well as rehave this anchor of hope who is God mind others that pastors are regular Himself. So I wanted to kinda’ people with problems in or outside scream that to everyone—in any sitthe pulpit. Bishop Ron Wilson uation, a setback, a failure—loss of a shared, “My primary goal is to use love one, as difficult as times may be the show as a tool to continue witor can get… there is still someone nessing to former gang members greater than everything and not far away. He’s right there in your heart and show them their life can change and I wanted to scream that on this like God changed mine.” Executive album and I think we did that,” Producer—P.K. (Preacher’s Kid) Holly Carter, will know what to shared the New Jersey native. look for and the team plans to ex*** More good news for Bishop Noel pand the series. Next stops are New Jones, Deitrick Haddon, Pastor York, Atlanta, Detroit and Dallas— Ron Wilson, Pastor Wayne Chaney season two of Preachers of L.A. and Bishop Clarence McClendon plans to air this fall. gearing up for season two of PreachOn a sad note—a few days after ers of L.A. The cast became infamous after a bold display of the Tasha Cobbs’ three Stellar wins— blessings that made them rich with Gospel’s sweetheart lost her father, no sorrow. Bishop Clarence Mc- Bishop Fritz Cobbs. The Pastor of Clendon said, “When people asked Jesup New Life Ministries, Inc., in Jesus where he lived…they were in- Jesup, Georgia passed away suddenterested in things other than mira- ly after attending the Gospel music cles and Jesus said to come and see.” awards show in support of his After 1.1 million views, it was obvi- daughter. Our prayers continue for ous people wanted to see and Oxy- Tasha and the family.
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HEALTH
Health Care Workforce Report Released Recommendations to increase the number of health care providers to meet demand due to Affordable Care Act implementation The Illinois Health Care Reform Implementation Council Workforce Workgroup recently released its report with recommendations on how to increase the number of providers in Illinois available to provide health care to more consumers generated by the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “Illinois is already experiencing workforce shortages with many safety net and rural health providers being challenged to deliver adequate care for those in their communities,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck said. “If not adequately addressed, workforce shortages ranging from primary care physicians to dental hygienists to nurses could undermine the ability of these newly insured residents, and even the currently insured, to access services and quality care. This report from the workforce workgroup will help us navigate these challenges and help ensure the health of all Illinoisans.” The workforce workgroup, led by Hasbrouck, includes eight additional state agencies with participation from external stakeholders. The workgroup was charged with: • Assessing the current health care workforce landscape; • Developing gap analysis to identify both current needs and impending workforce needs; • Developing strategies to address workforce gaps; • Coordinating broader statewide engagement on career pathways analysis, health care workforce training investments, and recruitment/retention; • Developing a report and recommendations for the Health Care Reform Implementation Council; • Leading development of draft legislation that may be needed to implement workgroup recommendations to successfully implement health care reform. In its report, the workgroup offers 23 recommendations, which address areas such as scopes of practice
for health care providers; expanding opportunities for health professionals to provide care across state lines; streamlining the licensing/credentialing process for Veterans; developing course curricula that can bridge the gap between military training and requirements to practice in Illinois; establishing the definition and utilization of community health workers; increasing funding for medical school scholarships and loan repayment; and standardizing and expanding health care curricula development, training, recruitment and retention. The workgroup report and recommendations will serve as a foundational document for directing longer term comprehensive strategies for creating health care jobs needed to care for the growing, diverse and aging population. Workgroup members will continue to work with the
Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck
Health Care Reform Implementation Council and the Illinois Workforce Investment Board Health Care Task Force in following through on these recommendations. The report and recommendations from the work force workgroup is available at http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/healthcarereform/Pages/Workforce. aspx. Just as the workforce workgroup report is a guide to aid in full implementation of the ACA by addressing the need for health care providers, the Illinois Department of Public Health Five Year Strategy 2014-2018 is a roadmap to better serve the citizens of Illinois by addressing the priorities of building partnerships; improving data quality, utilization and dissemination; reducing health disparities; speaking as Illinois’ public health authority; and increasing regulatory compliance.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4) er legislation that improves our lives. Isn’t that what they are getting paid to do. I have no idea how a four-hour window for beer fits that bill. Come on Black Chicago, let’s demand that these elected people step up and do what helps Chicago, not their ego. Charlie Watson 16
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
HOUSES FOR SALE
(Continued from page 8) and her calf, as well as a calf for children 3-11 and seniors that continues to be hand-rear- 65 and over. Admission to the ed and monitored 24 hours a dolphin presentation is $4.00 day, will remain off exhibit for for adults and $2.50 for chila few more months. Brook- dren 3-11. Children 2 and unfield Zoo is free on Tuesdays, der are free. Parking is $10. For Thursdays, Saturdays, and further information, including Sundays through February 28. dolphin presentation times, Regular zoo admission is visit www.CZS.org or call $16.95 for adults and $11.95 708-688-8000.
ENTERTAINMENT CHICAGO STYLE (Continued from page 12) had, Gregory knew in his raine Motel, upon whose balheart that the two would never cony Dr. King took his last meet again. The profile of Mal- breath. colm X also revealed the friction between him and Nation of IsThe profiles, indeed, show lam leader Elijah Muhammad, strong Black men who have and the fact that Malcolm was made indelible marks on disillusioned when he said he American history, including, discovered that the leader had of course, Pres. Barack Obafathered children with female ma, the first Black president to secretaries of the Nation. This be elected in the United States. cut through Malcolm hard, His story is also a familiar one, since he so cherished and ad- from his childhood and movemired Muhammad. ment through Chicago and Dr. Martin Luther King’s as- politics to his grassroots elecsassination is fully explored, tion campaign. with all manner of theories into whether James Earl Ray had For more interesting details the brains to act alone or and as a great Black History whether he was assisted by Month DVD addition, check others, including the U.S. gov- out African-American Leaders: ernment. One new angle is Past & Present. Visit http://raised about the man who ran www.lionsgateshop.com/proa restaurant across the street duct.asp?Id=30482&TitleParfrom the now famous Lor- entId=9737.
READING AND THE REPARATIONS MOVEMENT (Cont’d from page 6) mittee (RCC), consisting of attorneys such as Willie Gary, Randall Robinson, and Johnnie Cochran and academics such as Manning Marble and Ron Walters.” Dr. Winbush writes, “These groups conversed long and hard with each other, and as you will see, these discussions were often heated and difficult. What united them, however, was a goal of pressing for reparations on a global level for African people.” I encourage those of you who are interested in learning more about the Reparations Movement to purchase this book. In my judgment, Should America Pay? will be the definitive textbook on the Reparations Movement with contributing chapters from Molefi
Asanté, John Conyers Jr., Deadria C. Farmer-Paellmann, Wade Nobles, Adjoa A. Aiyetoro, Roger Wareham, and others. And yes, I even have two chapters in this most outstanding contribution to the continued discussion of the Reparations Movement in America.
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ESTATE SALE
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National Business League is looking for a Part Time Teacher to teach Youth Entrepreneurship to Urban Youth. You can call us at 773-304-5005 or mail Resume to National Business League of Chicago, P.O. Box 19388, Chicago, IL 60619
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SPORTS
Marian Catholic Spartans resurrects we are family theme By Evan F. Moore Very much like the Pittsburgh Pirates team of the 1980s, the Marian Catholic Boys’ basketball team does not look at itself in the class sense. They prefer to be called a family. The “family” atmosphere not only applies to their on-court demeanor, it also applies in the classroom. John Oliver, the team’s starting the power forward, says that is one of the first things people notice about the team. “A lot of people congratulate us on how hard we work, how we look out for each other on and off the court,” Oliver said. “They get a sense of that. The family values we have on the team.” The Spartans have an all-Black starting lineup. Each member of the starting lineup has at least a 3.0 grade point average. The team is led by point guard Tyler Ulis, Joshua Cohn, John Oliver, T.J. Parham and KiJana Crawford round out the starting lineup. Ulis, a Kentucky commit, who surpassed 2,000 points in his career during a recent night’s win over Marist, was recently selected to the McDonald’s All-American game to be played in the United Center on April 2. He said his father and stepmom both help to keep him balanced. “My parents really help me with that. My dad is really into basketball but my stepmom doesn’t care much for basketball,” Ulis said. “She makes sure I keep up with my work. She doesn’t care what I’m doing on the court if I’m not doing well in the classroom.” Ulis also says that Kentucky coach John Calipari mentioned that academics are very important during his official visit. “Coach Cal, when I went down to visit, he really stressed academics to his players,” he said. “Some people think that Kentucky players don’t go to class. They had a wall there that showed the players that had a 3.0 grade point average or higher.” The team’s tallest player, T.J. Parham (6’7”), is headed to United States Military Academy in the fall —better known as West Point. Each year, more than 10,000 candidates file for admission, but only 4,000 receive nominations. Parham says he balances school and basketball by doing the best he can in both areas. “I study as much as I can. My parents are always on me about academics and getting further in life,” he said. “Basketball is my main goal but academic is my backup.” Oliver, of Matteson, is one of the team’s most inspirational players. The 6’4” senior balances school and basketball despite missing his left hand. “I approach the classroom the same way as the court. School comes first in everything,” Oliver said. “The season organizes me a little better. You have to use your time wisely. Make www.chicagocrusader.com
sure you get your homework done between classes. You got to focus on school first.” Oliver isn’t sure where he wants to go to college as of yet, but he knows what he is looking for in a potential fit. “A good education. A place where I can spend the next four years,” Oliver said. “Get out and get a job to set me up with success for the rest of my life while still being competitive basketball wise.” Oliver’s aspirations are no different than most teens. What makes that unusual is the team star only has one hand, a situation that doesn’t impact his play or outlook on life. Coach Mike Taylor explains to every player who comes through the Marian Catholic program, that they are expected to perform not only on the basketball court but in the classroom as well. “We tell the kids when they start here as freshman, academically, it’s
MARIAN CATHOLIC’S GUARD (25) Josh Cohn is a senior guard who has been an integral part of a team that boasts players who are headed to some of the nation’s toughest colleges. Team members are known as much for their academic prowess as their athletic excellence. most part they do well. It’s the same going to be the biggest challenge buy into that.” Taylor sees the family atmosphere thing we tell them in basketball. Be they will ever face,” Taylor said. “The by how the players interact with each disciplined, be on time and be preteachers here demand a lot. I tell other. pared. All the things you should do them just as I demand a lot from “They work with each other, they on the basketball court, you should them as basketball players; you’re goencourage each other and for the do in the classroom.” ing to have six or seven classes so they
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