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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 43—SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2014
PUBLISHED SINCE 1940
25 Cents and worth more
Metra riders sound off – new CEO selected By J. Coyden Palmer As Metra selected former Chicago Alderman Martin Olberman as its new chairman this week, riders throughout the region are sounding off about poor service this winter. A hearing in Springfield gave lawmakers a chance to grill Metra’s CEO while a meeting in Naperville on Feb. 10 gave riders a chance to vent. But for those in the southern parts of the Chicago area, they have lashed out in the only venue they’ve had: the media. “It’s been pretty ridiculous,” said Mary Jackson-Jenkins from suburban Dolton. “The Harvey station has had a slippery platform as it seems like they have run out of salt or something. I won’t even get started on all of the delays because it seems as though that has been happening everywhere. But Metra increased their rates recently and the service seems to be worse. I’ve been riding Metra for over 10 years, but they have to get better or I may have to just drive to work,” said Jackson-Jenkins who works in the James Thompson Center downtown. State Rep. Al Riley, D-38, head of the House’s Mass Transportation Committee, spoke for many of his constituents earlier this week when he told Metra’s new CEO Don Orseno that his constituents were “deeply dissatisfied” with the transportation
agency. Riley, who lives in Hazel Crest, told Orseno that the excuses Metra was making
about the weather causing logistical problems “is not going to fly with the public.” He said people have been waiting in bitter
cold temperatures on uncovered platforms while Metra trains have been delayed for (Continued on page 2)
(Continued on page 2) STATE REPRESENTATIVE Al Riley told the CEO of Metra earlier this week that excuses will not fly with his constituents. Riley is the head of the House Mass Transit Committee.
Shuttered dry cleaners could benefit Black-owned business By Wendell Hutson Following years of customer decline, K Cleaners, 1417 E. 87th St., closed its doors after 30 years in the Chatham community. “We have been here for 30 years, but the economy did us in. For the last few years, customers have declined especially during the winter,” said Kerry Zarobsky, founder and owner of K Cleaners. “Nobody wants to come outside when it is cold.” Two miles from K Cleaners at 8549 S. Cottage Grove Ave. is TailoRite, a Blackowned dry cleaner with two other locations: 6507 S. King Drive and 8335 S. Racine Ave—that’s where some former K Cleaners customers said they plan to now go. “It won’t be the same without them. The closest cleaner is that one on Cottage Grove, so I guess that’s where I will be going,” stated Shirley Green, 72, a faithful K Cleaners customer for 20 years. Officials with the Chatham Business Association said while it is always looking for
DRY CLEANING CUSTOMER Shirley Green picked up her final item this week from K Cleaners, which recently closed; that she had been going there for 20 years. The 72-year-old Chatham resident said she now plans to go to Tailor Rite, a Black-owned dry cleaners less than two miles away.
ways to support local business, it understands when businesses decide to close. “It is always disheartening to hear of any business closing. K Cleaners was a Chatham community business staple. When a business closes, it may entail a job lost and a potential vacant commercial space within our business corridors,” said Melinda Kelly, executive director of the Chatham Business Association. “Good businesses owners are very savvy people. Their business plans usually includes an exit strategy, and although painful, CBA understands when a business decides to close its doors.” Zarobsky said K Cleaners being a prepaid business was not a contributor to customers slacking off. “Most large cleaners are pre-paid, so I doubt if that had anything to do with it,” he said. “The industry as a whole has (Continued on page 3)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Auditor General Report shows significant drop in findings at CSU (See story on page 3)
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NEWS
Chicago pastors meet with mayor on South Side By Wendell Hutson In a closed-door meeting, a group of 15 pastors met this week with Mayor Rahm Emanuel to discuss issues facing neighborhoods that surround their churches. Held at Josephine’s Cooking, 436 East 79th Street, and lasting nearly two hours, the group addressed several issues including the lack of job opportunities for the youth. “The meeting (with the mayor) was very informative and one that I am sure will bring more jobs to our community,” said Rev. Simon Gordon, pastor of Triedstone Full Gospel Baptist Church on the South Side. “The meeting came about from some of the ministers who had concerns about the communities they serve. I thought the mayor was very receptive to our concerns.” Other clergy in attendance were: Rev. Byron Brazier, pastor of Apostolic Church of God; Bishop Horace E. Smith, pastor of Apostolic Faith Church; Fr. Michael Pfleger, pastor of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina; Rev. Johnny Miller, pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church; Elder Michael Eaddy, Peoples’ Church of the Harvest C.O.G.I.C.; Rev. Leon Miller, pastor of Mt. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church; and
Rev. Dr. Marshall Hatch, pastor of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Absent from the meeting were Rev. Corey Brooks, pastor of New Beginnings Church and Rev. Ira Acree, pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church on the West Side. Mayoral spokeswoman, Tarrah Cooper, stated that the mayor is passionate about creating more job opportunities for youths. “The mayor and pastors discussed a variety of topics, specifically their commitment to improving public safety, education and increasing job opportunities for youth,” she said. A January report by the Chicago Alternative Schools Network concluded that more and more Black youths are finding themselves jobless. The unemployment rate among young Black men climbed above 90 percent for the first time last year, according to the report, which cited U.S. Census data. “We’re almost at 100 percent — 92 percent of Black male teenagers are unemployed in the city of Chicago,” said Michelle Morales, associate director of the Alternative Schools Network. Additionally, Black youths from households in Chicago making less than $20,000 a year are even less likely to have a job. According to the report, 6 percent of poor Black youths are employed, com-
SOUTH SIDE PASTORS formed a prayer circle to end a community meeting they had with the mayor Feb. 10. pared with 13 percent of Hispanic these vacant schools to avoid them increase summer jobs for youths. and 25 percent of white youths becoming ‘education deserts’ in “It wasn’t a bad, hostile meeting. from poor households. our community,” added Gordon. We gave him (mayor) some ideas Also on the agenda was the future “How will these schools be main- and things to look at,” Meeks said. of empty school buildings that re- tained? We know how easily vacant For the Rev. Otis Moss III, pastor sulted from Chicago Public buildings can become an eye sore of Trinity United Church of Schools closing dozens of under- for a community.” Christ, economic development utilized elementary schools last The Rev. James Meeks, pastor of was one of his concerns. year. Salem Baptist Church, said the “We had a very good meeting. I “It is necessary to have a clear mayor spoke about his community anticipate some positive things program designed to deal with involvement and how he plans to happening soon,” Moss said.
Metra riders sound off – new CEO selected
(Continued from page 1) hours. Charese Scott, a nurse from Harvey, said Metra’s delays this winter have caused her to miss picking up her daughter from day care on four occasions. She said she has been fined by the daycare facility three of those times before she had her brother pick up her daughter this last time. “I’ve paid $150 in fines this winter, and I’m not happy about this,” Scott said. “I’ve never been late in the three years she was at the daycare center, now they are wondering what is going on. I get off at 3:30 and have to be there by 6 p.m. But with all of the train delays, I’ve been up to an hour late twice this winter. I think Metra should offer us refunds.” Metra officials told the Crusader that only 30 percent of their trains were on time during two recent polar vortex systems that hit the Chicago area. A spokesperson for the agency said the cold weather froze train switches and “did a number on our rail cars.” Orseno said aging rail equipment and poor communication with customers have made things worse, and that is unacceptable. He said surveys 2
for over 40 years, and I’m not about to change to another form of transportation. I’ve never seen any of these politicians who are complaining riding on a Metra train with me.” In the meantime, Metra is progressing forward with a plan to extend the South Shore Line well into Northwest Indiana. The proposed eight-mile extension of the line would mean residents in Dyer, Schererville, Merrillville, and Munster could have an easier commute. The cost would be $571 million. An environmental study could begin as early as March.
A METRA CONDUCTOR holds the train for a passenger at the 115th Street station earlier this week. Riders have grown tired of the transit agency’s delays during this brutal winter. have been emailed to many riders would be on time. He said while all of us,” said Thompson, who asking riders how Metra can im- his confidence has taken a hit, he works as a bank manager in the prove communication. sees the recent problems as a blip Loop. “It’s been 30 years since we Riders say Metra’s reputation is on the radar and thinks politicians had a winter this bad, so I think we taking a big hit. Robert Thompson are making an issue out of some- all need to give Metra a break. I from the Avalon Park community thing to make themselves look bet- think their consistency over time said he used to be able to set his ter. has shown they know what they watch by Metra and he knew it “This winter has been rough on are doing. I’ve been taking Metra
Saturday, February 15, 2014
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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NEWS
CTU members won’t bow to mayor’s threats The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) vowed to stand firm in its defense of the retirement security of thousands of retired public school educators in the wake of new threats by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his legislative allies to fire another 3,000 teachers and raise student class sizes. CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey said instead of good faith bargaining, “that sounds like negotiations at the point of a gun.” A salvo launched recently by Illinois Senator John J. Cullteron is the start of what could be “The Great Chicago Pension Caper.” While speaking at the City Club of Chicago and upon the heels of a misleading commentary published in the Chicago Tribune, the Senate president acknowledged that Chicago Public Schools (CPS) must make a $613 million payment to the pension fund by June 30, yet failed to mention that the money has already been budgeted
for 2014 CTU officials also said he ignores the fact that teachers do not receive social security. Pensions are not a gift they are the hard won earnings of employees who expect that money to be there when they retire, a union spokesperson related. A CTU representative said “instead of calling on Mayor Emanuel to honor his legal obligation, Cullerton offers a guesstimate of future cuts based on a calculation that uses Senate Bill 1, the pension cutting bill passed by the Illinois General Assembly, as a template. The bill was passed last year to reduce the pension benefits for hundreds of thousands of workers in the state pension systems. When SB1 is used as a model for cuts, city workers and retirees in Chicago are likely to see their retirement incomes reduced by $400 million in five years. The CTU stands in opposition to that bill. “How is the firing of 3,000 more
Auditor General Report shows significant drop in findings at Chicago State University Stronger Compliance Efforts Lead to 45% Reduction Reflecting the efforts of the current administration to instill a culture of accountability at Chicago State University (CSU), the Illinois Auditor General recently released its annual audit report for the school showing a 45% decrease in audit findings from the previous year. This is the third consecutive year CSU has posted a reduction in audit findings. “The report from the Auditor General shines a light on the significant efforts undertaken in recent years to improve and strengthen our compliance efforts,” CSU President Dr. Wayne
ulations. Just as we teach our students the importance of ethics and accountability, we will continue to lead by example at Chicago State University.” Since 2009, the current administrative team has worked closely with staff at all levels to create an atmosphere that emphasizes greater attention to accountability, responsibility and transparency, including better legal compliance throughout the University. Chicago State now has multiple certified compliance officers working throughout the University as part of a more aggressive compliance effort. Watson also noted many of the
Karen Lewis teachers good for children? Nonpayment and underpayment into the fund created the problem. Pension issues in Illinois stem from revenues, not expenses. The district made no pension payments between 1995 and 2005 and then was granted relief from the General Assembly in the form of dramatically reduced payments. Their decisions will directly impact the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund with 30,000 active employees and 22,000 retirees. “We’ve had cuts to the classrooms for the past three years,” said Sharkey. “On top of that we’ve already had thousands of teachers, clerks, teacher’s aides, security staff and other educational support personnel laid off. Any change now won’t reverse those layoffs. On top of that they shuttered 50 neighborhood schools and implemented other cost-saving strategies like student-based budgeting. This isn’t an issue of whether or not there is money for this but whether or not there is the will to fulfill their obligation. We’re not going to
stand by and let them rip off retired public servants.” A CTU news release stated, “further, the district has imposed 9-figure cuts on teachers and other staff each year since 2010. Teachers and district staff have sacrificed. The district has not. Despite claims of “billion-dollar” deficits, CPS ended FY2011 and FY2012 with surpluses in excess of $300 million. CPS could have used some of those budget surpluses to smooth out their pension liability. Instead, CPS officials chose to delay action and faced a huge cliff this year. Irony is not lost on CTU members that while the district and the Board of Education cry broke it has found tens of millions of dollars to spend on the expansion of charter operations, high-stakes standardized testing. CTU spent significant resources and time to craft a solution that would stabilize both the pension fund, retiree healthcare, and the CPS operating budget. In fact, CPS and the mayor would not agree with any of CTU’s substan-
tive plans. They pledged minimal guaranteed revenue and wanted cuts so deep that active and retired teachers would pay for the district’s entire normal cost, plus add $50 million to repay the district for payments it failed to make in previous years. Though the mayor and his political pals would have the public believe the CTU has been unwilling to negotiate the truth illustrates the opposite. CTU proposed revenue solutions that would ensure a stable tax base that primarily targets corporations and those most able to pay, including closing corporate tax loopholes and ending corporate subsidies.” The CTU remains a good faith partner at the bargaining table but it will not negotiate alone nor at the “point of a gun.” Impacted municipal employees from throughout Chicago will take a massive caravan to Springfield on Feb. 19th to encourage legislators not to raid their benefits while their wealthy, corporate allies reap the financial benefits of their hard labor.
Shuttered dry cleaners could . . . (Continued from page 1)
D. Watson said. “When I arrived at CSU in 2009 the University was facing significant internal challenges. But as a team, the CSU family is committed to addressing those challenges head on and I believe this report shows the fruits of that effort. I cannot say I am totally satisfied as the report shows some areas on which we still need to enhance our focus, but overall, I am pleased with the continued improvement of CSU’s compliance with all laws and regwww.chicagocrusader.com
internal issues facing the University were not created overnight and will not be solved overnight but that CSU now has a fully staffed Office of Compliance, something which was missing upon his arrival. In addition to having three board-certified compliance officers in the new department there is also one board-certified compliance officer in financial aid with another in the legal department. For further details or inquiries please call (773) 995-3576.
changed over the past decade. People are not going to big cleaners anymore, but ‘ma and pa’ cleaners.” Customers like to be catered to and prefer personalize service, which no longer seems to exist at big dry cleaners, contends Derrick Malone, a Chatham resident and former K Cleaners customer. “I stopped going there about five years ago because I got tired of paying in advance and being treated like a number instead of a person,” Malone said. The one-story building that once employed as many as 20 people is up for sale, according to
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Zarobsky, who said 10 employees lost their jobs.
offers a variety of support measures.
The cleaners will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays until Feb. 22 for customers needing to pick up their clothes. Any unclaimed items will be donated to local churches. “I hate to leave, but without customers no business can operate,” Zarobsky said. “This is a beautiful community with a lot of really nice people and loyal customers, who I will miss.”
“The CBA continues to offer services within the commercial corridor to support the sustainability of the business. CBA encourages business to take advantage of the technology center and workshops geared to help businesses improve their customer base through social media or through website development,” explained Kelly. “The CBA offers micro-funding to small businesses. In 2013, the CBA was able to assist 29 small businesses with access to capital.”
To prevent more local business from closing, Kelly said the CBA
Saturday, February 15, 2014
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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL CREATE A SUCCESSFUL BLACK HISTORY NOW! It is becoming more and more obvious when watching how the world works that we have the opportunity to create our own destinies. This notion seems to fall on the deaf ears of many Black people however, who are mired in the cesspool of self-pity and victimhood. This was seen several years ago when it was announced that Hispanics had reached a point of outnumbering Blacks in the United States. Some were actually outraged at that notion. It is as though we are determined to remain at the bottom of society. It is past time that we feel powerless, since we’re approaching over a trillion dollars in spending on an annual basis. If this money were turned over in the Black community more than once, it would go a long way toward helping to lift the community. Yet many are so comfortable residing at the bottom that there is a great fear and disdain of immigrants who will come in and take the lowest paid jobs from Blacks. When will we aim higher? There is also the lament about the various and sundry groups who make it their business to do business in the Black community. Jewish people, Koreans, Arabs and others have made a place for themselves, while Blacks complain. How long are we going to take this stance? How long are we going to let others benefit from us while we refuse to benefit for ourselves? This is not a popular question, and anyone who asks it is subject to criticism. But the fact is that we must change the way that we operate in our communities if we are ever going to get ahead, and this is true of Blacks around the world. In Africa, the Chinese are having a field day and will ultimately control the entire continent if something isn’t done, and SOON! Just as others have come in and used our resources in American communities, the Chinese and others are doing it in Africa. We can’t place all of the blame on the conditions of Blacks on white people and others. Make no mistake, it is obvious that white people control the lion’s share of the world’s resources, but this couldn’t happen if people would wake up and pay attention to what’s happening around them. While people are entertained (actually “entrained”) by popular culture and frivolous pursuits, others are planning their work and working their plan. Why, in an age where unemployment is rampant and it is obvious that the powers that be are not sensitive about the plight of those at the bottom of the socio-economic heap, are our youth dropping out of schools at alarming rates? That is a sure-fire way to remain trapped in economic mud! Those in control who have to be convinced that the working poor should have a minimum wage of at least $10 an hour are certainly not individuals that will foster the success of the disenfranchised! And this situation is not just directed at poor minorities; anyone who is not wealthy is at risk in this “new world order” environment where the poor are bearing the brunt of everything that is going wrong in this country and where overarching greed shadows everything. There was an article circulated recently that said that a poor Black community was deprived of a proposed Trader Joe’s store because activists were afraid that it would attract white people. Basically, they were probably afraid of gentrification. But gentrification couldn’t happen if people would join together and pool their resources in order to clean up their communities, become less tolerant of the drug-thug culture that is wreaking havoc in too many neighborhoods, and just take care of property. It is apparent that we are doing something wrong, because a lot of Black communities worldwide are in the same predicament. Is this how we want to build the future? Will future Black history be a repetition of the same sad fate? It’s really up to us! A luta continua. 4
Saturday, February 15, 2014
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Corey Brooks is doing what? Dear Editor: Am I wrong or has it been more than a year since the preacher, Corey Brooks, was on the rooftop of a closed motel promising the nation how much he could do to change Woodlawn if he only had enough money? I know the motel got demolished and the land leveled. I also know that Brooks claimed he was walking across the country to raise money for the be-all, end-all community center he wanted to build where the motel once stood. I drove by the site the other day and from the looks of it, it is nothing more than a parking lot. I know Tyler Perry gave him close to $100,000 for this cause, and it seems a lot of other people chipped in lesser amounts. Granted these are not public dollars, but Brooks made such a public big deal about what his plans were. Now it seems only right and fair that he tells us what he has done with the money and what is the status of the proposed community center. A lot of friends and acquaintances warned me early on not to send in a dime. They said my money would be part of a scam this preacher was running. I had never heard of him so I had no reason to distrust the guy. At the same time, that is probably a very good reason to trust him. Seems to me he has been given the benefit of the doubt to the ex-
treme. In my opinion he needs to step up and give a full accounting of what he has done with the money. He also needs to tell the community at large why there isn’t even one two-by-four in place for a new community center over there on King Dr. Clifford Boyle
Mayor Daley redux with putting the city in more debt
with the mayor, and even more disturbing that some of the newer ones, who at one point showed a lot of promise, are in the mayor’s hip pocket. Maybe it is the politically expedient thing to do but weren’t they elected to serve their constituents and not do the mayor’s bidding? Fioretti, Aldermen Brendan Reilly, John Arena and Scott Waguespack are the only ones who get it. The only four who publicly acknowledged this borrowing is not good (Continued on page 16)
Dear Editor: Several years ago when Bob Fioretti moved from civilian life to Second Ward city council member, I thought it was horrible. The previous alderman, Mrs. Haithcock, had done a decent job and I really didn’t want to see a white man replace a Black woman on the council. Well, as it turns out, Fioretti’s ascent might have been a blessing. I say that based on the fact that last week when the City Council voted on the mayor’s plan to borrow $1.9 billion dollars and put Chicago’s taxpayers in deeper debt, Fioretti was one of less than a handful of aldermen who had the integrity to vote no against the idea. Even today, neither those who supported the mayor, or the rest of us, have any solid idea of how the money will be used. We do know that all of our Black aldermen blindly followed the mayor and voted “yes massa.” It is so disappointing to see long-time Black aldermen get in lock-step
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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COMMENTARY
Radical Environmentalists are Failing Beyond The Rhetoric By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist Climate change is a fact. We have seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, which rotate on an eternal basis. Temperatures vary on an ongoing basis which is why we have weather reports. Man has no control over the weather. Global Warming is a theory which has yet to be proven. Former Vice President Al Gore has created a personal windfall that has given him hundreds of millions of dollars. He claimed that by 2013 there would be no more ice caps on the North Pole. It is 2014 and there are more than ever. His unfounded rants even got him a Nobel Peace Prize. He became one of the greatest hustlers of all time. People who claim that Global Warming is happening try to stop every form of industrial activity in the United States. They want to attack the lifeblood of our economy and way of life. Energy, all forms of it, is their target. Their mantra is “shut it down!” No more coal, oil or natural gas and only
Harry C. Alford new forms of energy should be allowed. This strategy is some sort of insanity and it will never win over the majority of our nation. There was a time when our oil needs were based on importation. We were dependent on nations who were not that friendly to us. Price volatility was out of our control. Today, America is robust with oil. Only ten percent of our oil now comes from the Middle East. Canada and Mexico, our friendly neighbors, are our principal im-
porters. We could be totally independent if the government would allow us to explore the vast amount of federally owned land and off shore on our coastlines. We are limiting our potential. If we opened up our true potential we could become a major exporter of oil. That would mean an economic boom for our treasury and increase jobs by the millions. Soon the Keystone Pipeline will be constructed from the Canadian border to our Gulf Coast. The environmentalists have been fighting this fiercely. But the truth has been confirmed by the State Department. There will be no adverse impact from the construction and operation of this project. This will be another monumental victory for our energy industry. We have been having even more success with natural gas. Fracking is a process of extracting natural gas from rocks buried deep into our soil. The technique was invented in the 1950s but improvements to it have made it much more productive and profitable. We have become the Saudi Arabia in natural gas. No nation has more than we do. The price of natural
gas is about $2 per unit in the United States. In places like Europe and Japan, it is over $14 per unit. Oh, the environmentalists have been trying fanatically to stop the use of Fracking but to no avail. In the end, our economy wins out. We are now taking our $2 natural gas and exporting it to other places for a very nice profit. We have turned our importing docks to exporting docks. The environmentalists have been pressuring the government to stop the permitting of new docks. We will win that fight also because we are talking jobs by the thousands here. Then there is coal. Even our President has exclaimed he wants to kill coal. They have caused some damage with some coal mines closing and a noticeable amount of utility plants shutting down there operations due to pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency. However, that is about to change. Once again, the innovation of our energy industry is taking us to new heights. We can now take hard dirty coal and convert it to clean natural gas. While it is in the ground, we can press it and separate the carbon from the gas. The
gas is brought to the surface for use by our plants. Some of the Japanese owned auto plants in the United States are having their own individual processing facilities. What about the dirty carbon? It remains underground. It is shipped by way of an underground pipeline to oil exploration sites. It is used in the process of underground oil exploration. It never gets into the air. There is no “carbon footprint” as Al Gore would say. Yes, the future is bright for those of us who support our important energy industry. Innovation is what brought this nation to economic success and it will be what ensures our future being bright. There will be cleaner and less costly ways to manufacturing and production. Guess who will be the players in that innovation? Naturally, it will be our energy industry as they have the expertise and engineers to do it. It won’t be done by “rookies.” Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
Dr. King ‘Turning in his Grave’ over Family Greed By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist The children of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sue each other – as well as loyal family friends – so often that you need a program to keep up with the court action. Bernice and Martin Luther King, III sued Dexter because he failed to open the books of their father’s estate. Dexter, hoping to sign a $1.4 million book contract, sued Bernice, who administers their mother’s estate, for not sharing their parents’ love letters. Now, for some inexplicable reason, Martin III has teamed up with Dexter to sue Bernice to compel her to turn over their father’s Bible – the one President Obama used at his second swearing-in – and his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize medal because they have an interested buyer. But Bernice refuses to surrender the items, saying some things are sacred and should not be for sale. The person who was perhaps least surprised by the latest family shenanigans is Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president of what was once called the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation. In a series of tape-recorded interviews with me, beginning April 21, 2011, Johnson, who raised more than $100 million www.chicagocrusader.com
to erect the Memorial, recounted his disappointing experience with the King family. His first disappointment came when the family-controlled entity responsible for preserving Dr. King’s image charged the foundation a licensing fee of $2.8 million. But even that wasn’t enough and the King family refused to extend the licensing agreement. Consequently, the name of the foundation was changed last year to The Memorial Foundation. “When we originally had an agreement with them, it was a licensing agreement to use the name and images of Dr. King [in fundraising material],” Johnson stated. “They said the licensing agreement has expired. Fine. I’m saying, ‘Give me another licensing agreement.’ They’re saying, ‘No we don’t want you to use the name.’ It really boils down to this: They want me out of the way because they are saying they need to raise $170 million for the King Center and I’m in the way. Philanthropy in this country is a $320 billion a year industry. How am I in the way to raise whatever they need to raise?” Johnson questions whether Dr. King is a private figure anymore. “They keep throwing out the fact that Dr. King was a private citizen – that’s why his image is protected. And I told Roland [Martin] to ask Jeffrey Toobin, the lawyer on CNN: ‘At what
George E. Curry point does one stop becoming a private citizen? Is that when we named a holiday after him? Or is it when we put a memorial on the Mall of him next to the other icons of this country?’ (Martin confirmed that Johnson made that request of him, but he never asked Toobin to reply.) “This is the killer part: If he’s a private person, then the King estate and family can say, ‘If you take a picture of the Memorial and you sell it as a postcard, you owe them a licensing fee. I don’t know if a member of the Congressional Black Caucus would be willing to pick that up as an issue, but I am certain a White Re-
publican would say, ‘Get the hell out of here.’” Warming to his subject, Johnson said, “Who makes a profit off the Lincoln Memorial? Who makes a profit off the Jefferson Memorial?…The King family – or any entrepreneur – should not benefit from saying I want to sell some postcards of the Memorial that’s on federal property. “My whole point is that’s crazy. Why are y’all jacking with me, knowing I know all this information? All I wanted to do was raise money to build a memorial for your daddy… Let them go out there and take some pictures of Dexter’s house in Malibu, with him living in a large mansion. Y’all trying to raise $170 million for the King Center.” He noted the King estate had engaged Sotheby’s, the auction house, in 2006 to sell Dr. King’s personal papers. “They were putting the papers on the auction block,” Johnson recounted. “Shirley Franklin [the former mayor of Atlanta] said, ‘We can’t have that,’ and paid the King estate $32 million. Now, the King estate is coming back and saying, ‘Oh, we need $170 million for the King Center.’ I can even understand that. But what did you do with the $32 million? Is this going to be every time y’all need some money, you’re going to put your hands out to hold someone hostage? They are already
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
charging people for the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.” In a statement, Bernice King said, “While I love my brothers dearly, this latest decision by them is extremely troubling. Not only am I appalled and utterly ashamed, I am frankly disappointed that they would even entertain the thought of selling these precious items.” Bernice was correct when she said, “Our father MUST be turning in his grave.” 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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Saturday, February 15, 2014
5
COMMENTARY
ARE WE OUR OWN WORST ENEMY? 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
How many times have you heard someone of African ancestry say that “We [Black people] are our own worst enemy?” If you have lived among African people in this country for any length of time, I am sure you have heard this remark
made many times. Unfortunately, the system of white supremacy developed in the western world, has caused far too many African people in America to believe that the problem we face as a people is “us.” We must remind ourselves, time and time again, that African people in America were captured from Africa and brought to America against our will. As the “1974 Black Capital” article asserted, “Our introduction to the West was in the form of a commodity raped from Africa to be used as labor, capital, chattel, and currency to build a nation for someone else.” In the article, it explained that “... our history tells us that we were below slaves and less than human. We were things who were traded for horses, our women used as breeders and our children raised like chickens.” Finally, the “Black Capital” article pointed out that during the slavery process— “The level of our existence was based upon the skill and the will of those who owned us. They had the right to deem that which was best for their property. Therefore, the profit motive and the skill of the slave master determined how this Black wealth would bring the highest return on his investment.” This formula is still at work today. Just examine the role of African
people in the entertainment and athletic industry. White people own and control these industries and use African people to “bring the highest return off their investment.” If African people are going to ever have a serious mental breakthrough in terms of how we analyze our condition in America, we will have to resolve the question “are we our own worst enemy,” or has the system of white supremacy created a set of conditions that continue to keep us in an oppressed state? We must accept responsibility for answering this question as well as accepting responsibility for solving all the problems we face as a people. But in accepting responsibility for addressing the problems we face as an African people in America, we must have a framework out of which to properly conceptualize our problems. In 1852, the great African thinker in America, Dr. Martin R. Delany, wrote one of the most important books that accurately described our condition at that moment in history that is still applicable to our condition today. The title of the book is The Condition, Elevation, Emigration and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States. Delany wrote, “Unfortunately for us a body, we have been taught that we must have some person to think
for us, instead of thinking for ourselves. So accustomed are we to submission and this kind of training, that it is with difficulty, even among the most intelligent of the colored people, an audience may be elicited for any purpose whatever, if the expounder is to be colored...” Further Delany wrote, “and the introduction of a subject is treated with indifference, if not contempt, when the originator is a colored person. Indeed, the most ordinary white person, is almost revered while the most qualified colored person is totally neglected, nothing from them is appreciated.” In resolving the question of whether “we are our own worst enemy,” we should reflect that for over three hundred years, white people openly discussed African people as a problem (1600 - 1900). Today they still discuss us as a problem but the language is coded differently. As Dr. Anderson Thompson has written on the discussions that white people have had on what they have historically called “the Negro Problem,” “There is a duality in the story of western white man and his culture, which, paradoxically, is thrown into sharp relief wherever the Black man appears (or is dropped) on the scene.” Dr. Thompson says, “Whenever or wherever the white man exists in
proximity to the Blacks the Negro Question appears.” The idea of the “Negro Question” is discussed further when Dr. Thompson writes, “The Negro Question in Western society has been a perennial subject of endless international debates, actions, decisions, wars, riots, lynching’s— all of which flow out a recurring western dialogue: a conversation (for Europeans only) which for a long time took place between white men over what should be done with, about or to the Blacks they found in their captured territories.” Concluding on this point, Dr. Thompson informs us “The International Negro Question, or Nigger Question has, for the most part, been an integral past of European Civilization. Wherever in the world there existed. Europeans in proximity to the African, inevitably the question arose as to how (not why, I nor whether) the Black man should be exploited or should be eliminated.” We are not our own worst enemy— even though some African people in this country behave in manners that are not in our best interest. What we must continue to do is to understand this negative African behavior and assume responsibility for changing it. The enemy and problem is white supremacy and its continued impact on us.
A knockout punch for George Zimmerman By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist Had he not massacred Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman would be an average white man holding down a mediocre job, living under the radar, and aspiring for a law enforcement job. He and his wife would probably be divorcing (as they are now) on account of his brutality (she cites his beatings in her divorce proceedings). Nobody, but nobody, would know his name or give a hoot about him. Zimmerman massacred Trayvon Martin, though, and that’s his claim to fame. He shot down a Black teen armed only with Skittles and iced tea. He said he did it because he felt “threatened”. The police told him not to act after he called them. He also had time to walk, or even run, away. Stand your ground laws gave him an excuse to massacre Trayvon Martin. And so he did. This ought to be the end of the story. But George Zimmerman could not give up the limelight so 6
easily. His “legal defense fund” raised more than six figures and got his wife charged with perjury when she said the family had no assets. Tens of thousands of that money were used to get Mr. Zimmerman “established” post-trial. Who are these people who not only support Mr. Zimmerman, but also are willing to pay to make their support clear? Don’t they understand that in supporting Zimmerman, they also support the massacre of a young Black man? Does it matter to them that millions are galled and appalled by their monetary support of Zimmerman? Or are they “standing their ground”? Zimmerman’s next venture was to take up painting. Though his artwork most resembles a child’s etch-a-sketch rendition, the first painting he put on eBay sold for more than $100,000. The Associated Press has sued him for using their images to create a painting of Angela Corey, the Florida state attorney, who decided to try him in the massacre of Trayvon Martin. Always flippant and out of order,
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Dr. Julianne Malveaux Zimmerman said he will sue AP, putting his threat on Twitter. Does he not understand that the $100,000 he made on his painting is no threat to the Associated Press? Now, Celebrity Boxing owner, Damon Feidman, is considering a three-round, Pay-Per-View fight between Zimmerman and rapper DMX (sorry, I had not heard about
him until the fight came up). George Zimmerman just wants headlines. What is the DMX agenda? Doesn’t he understand that if he looks even close to losing the fight, he might have a stand your ground massacre in his hands? Furthermore, doesn’t he understand, don’t we all, that this is all about monetizing a massacre, allowing Zimmerman to gain because his notoriety is directly connected to the killing of Trayvon Martin? From my understanding, people who participate in Pay-Per-View programs earn a lump sum and a percentage of the monies spent to watch the “event”. Thousands of people say they are interested in seeing this fight. If they are at all interested in sending a murderer a signal, they ought to miss the opportunity to watch this drama. Every dollar spent on this Pay-PerView debacle, is a dollar transferred to the man who not only killed Trayvon Martin but also has no shame about profiting from that massacre. In our haven of capitalism, any-
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
body has a right to attempt to monetize anything. But markets depend on supply and demand. Mr. Zimmerman can supply all the nonsense he wants to in an open market. His massacre can only be monetized when consumers demand it. The same people who stood by Trayvon Martin need now stand against George Zimmerman and actively jettison his plan to monetize his murder of an innocent and unarmed Black teen. Memo to DMX and the other 15,000 people who said they wanted to fight George Zimmerman. When this murderer understands that the market will not embrace him, he will have to go back under the radar and get a job like everyone else. He’ll learn that his traffic tickets and his wife beating are not national news. He will learn that he cannot reap rewards from massacring a child. Julianne Malveaux is a DC based economist and author. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women.
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NEWS
Black men share brutal truths about dating By J. Coyden Palmer
On the first day of Black History Month, over 60 people braved the snowy weather to attend the event, Men Are from Mars, held at Hair Executives Extension Boutique and Salon, 13037 S. Western in Blue Island. The two-hour chat, hosted by salon owner, Nikki Lee and Jasmine Turner of www.matchmadeinheaven.com, gave female attendees the opportunity to engage a panel of Black men on their raw thoughts about topics related to the dating game. Turner pointed out to the female audience members the importance of listening and not giving constant feedback to the all-male panel because too often Black men think that Black women do not want to hear or appreciate what they have to say. She acknowledged the fact that there were just as many men in the audience as there were women adding credence to that thought. “I think the reason there were so many men there was two-fold,” shared Turner, who grew up in a single-mother household. “I think part of it is men want to express themselves, and I also think a lot of men came because they wanted to meet women,” she said with a laugh. “But, I also think many of the women at the event were
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able to get some answers to some questions they may have had, but were either too afraid or uncomfortable with asking before.” Some of the topics covered included: interracial dating; dating a woman with children; expectations men have for women physically; how men deal with dating a woman who makes more money; and who is primarily responsible for domestic chores. Panelist and founder of www.blackmenvent.com, Bennie Holman, 37, revealed that he does not date women with children. “For me, it becomes a problem because I like being spontaneous,” Holman said. “If, at the spur of the moment I say, ‘Hey baby, let’s fly out to Las Vegas for the weekend,’ but the woman has kids, she won’t be able to do that. She has to arrange for a sitter every time we want to go somewhere. I don’t want to deal with that.” Throughout the night, the topics got hotter, and the audience became more engaged. While there were some disagreements between the women and men, Turner said that’s all part of the learning process. She attributed that so many African Americans are raised in single-parent homes, which has led to the crisis of the sexes not being able to understand one another.
“When I first moved to Chicago, I lived with my aunt, who was a traditional homemaker; the complete opposite of my mother. She greeted her husband at the door whenever he came in from work, and it was an eyeopener for me. So, I learned that this is how a man likes to be treated, and he wants to come to a peaceful home,” Turner said. Holman wasted no time responding to the final question of the night, which created a heated exchange between the panel and the audience: What Black men think about marrying or monogamously dating women with children from a previous relationship, and the woman insisting that the children always be placed first. “That is not how it is in the Bible, and that’s not how it should be in our lives,” Holman said. “The Bible says, ‘God, man, woman, and then the kids.’” Other panelists jumped in and suggested to women if they think children are so important, then have them go out and shovel snow or go downstairs with the baseball bat when they hear something go bump in the middle of the night. Dr. Omar, another male panelist, said he believes too many Black women engage in “children worship.” Lee said she was most surprised and
NIKKI LEE (LEFT) OWNER of Hair Executives along with Jasmine Turner of matchmadeinheaven.com pose with members of the all male panel from “Men are from Mars.” The panel included Black men from a variety of different backgrounds. (Photo by Torrick Hall) pleased with the candor from the pan- uine.” el, and while many of the females in Due to the enormous feedback and the audience may have been uncom- citing that so many people are either fortable with some of the comments, not in a relationship or in an unhappy they appreciated hearing it straight relationship, Lee is planning another from the source. Men Are from Mars for next month, “I didn’t think the panel felt they but with a twist. She wants to turn had to impress anyone or alter their the table by having an all-female panel answers in any way. I think they spoke and allowing the men to ask quesof how they genuinely felt, and I tions. think the women took away a lot of “The people want more,” Lee said. great information from the event. So, “They want to hear about more isoverall, I think my mission was ac- sues, get more in-depth on certain iscomplished,” beamed Lee. “The sues, and I think we are really going to women appreciated what the guys draw in some wild cards in terms of had to say because they too felt their the panel with the next one,” she said responses to the questions were gen- with a sly look.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Saturday, February 15, 2014
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI SCREENS AT THE CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER: This free screening will take place on Saturday, February 15, from 2 p.m. 4:30 p.m. in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street, Chicago, in the Claudia Cassidy Theater. The Trials of Muhammad Ali explores the extraordinary and complex life of the legendary athlete outside the boxing ring. From joining the controversial Nation of Islam and changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, from his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War in the name of protesting racial inequality to his global humanitarian work, Muhammad Ali remains an inspiring and controversial figure. Outspoken and passionate in his beliefs, Ali found himself in the crosshairs of conflicts concerning race, religion, and wartime dissent. Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Bill Siegel, The Trials of Muhammad Ali examines how one of the most celebrated sports champions of the 20th century risked fame and fortune to follow his faith and conscience. After the film, there will be a discussion with journalist Salim Muwakkil about the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali and with Aaron Talley of Black Youth Project 100 about the impact of Ali’s story on young activists. The moderator is Mia Henry, Founder of Freedom Lifted. This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit: http://www.itvs.org/films/trials-of-muhammad-ali/photosand-press-kit. FATHERS TO SHARE A SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY WITH DAUGHTERS AT THE SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTER’S 1ST ANNUAL FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE:The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center will host more than 100 fathers and daughters from across Chicago’s South Side, including the Roseland and West Pullman area, on Saturday, February 15, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at their 1st Annual Father-Daughter Dance. This special event features formal dancing, an elegant dinner, live entertainment and the chance to create once-ina-lifetime memories. The event will be held at 1250 West 119th Street - Celebration Room (directions from downtown: take Dan Ryan to I-57 South. Exit at 119th Street; head east approx. ½ mile). Tickets are $40 per FatherDaughter pair and can be purchased at the Kroc Center Welcome Desk. Additional daughters are $10 each. Space is limited. For more information, please call Bradley Baker at 773-9953333. NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE WORLD AT NAVY PIER: The hottest place this winter for fun, flowers, entertainment, excitement, a celebration of cultures and so much more 8
will take place at Navy Pier! See what’s happening over the next few months and be sure to mark your calendars so you can take part in the season’s coolest activities! Neighborhoods of the Worldpresented by ComEd is back to celebrate the rich tapestry of Chicago’s diverse ethnic communities for the fourth year. Over the course of eight select Sundays beginning February 16, celebrate the many cultures of our world-class city by enjoying authentic live music, dance performances, cuisine and folk art from various ethnic Chicago communities. This event is free and open to the public. On Saturday, February 16, enjoy a Chinese Celebration in partnership with the Chinese Fine Arts Society. Other celebrations scheduled will feature Lithuania, Mexico, Greece, Philippines, Africa, Italy and India. CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS PRESENTS A CHICAGO ALLIANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHERS (CAAAP) EXHIBITION: Chicago State University Archives and Special Collections is hosting an exhibit featuring photography from the Chicago Alliance of African American Photographers (CAAAP). The exhibit, called “The Journey Continues,” is on display on the third and fourth floor of the University Library through March 31, 2014. Activities connected with this exhibit include an opening reception scheduled for Thursday, February 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the University Library Auditorium and a presentation on “Africans Within the Americas: A visual representation” by CAAAP member and award winning travel and documentary photographer, Michael Bracey on March 22, 2014 from noon to 2 p.m. Founded in 1999 on Chicago’s Southside, CAAAP’s mission is to photographically document the culture and history of the African American/African communities in the Greater Chicagoland area and throughout the world and provide ongoing education. “The Journey Continues” exhibit is a jury-selected display of over 100 images from the CAAAP membership. It is a continuation of CAAAP’s seminal project, “The Journey: The Next 100 Years”–an exhibit and book depicting life in Chicago’s African American community at the dawn of the 21st Century. The current exhibit continues this tradition by displaying enduring and powerful images captured between the election of President Obama in 2008 and 2013. For more information concerning the Chicago Alliance of African American Photographers visit our website at: http://caaap.org/. WELLS FARGO 2014 SOPHOMORE LEADERS SUMMER PROGRAM: As part of their commit-
Saturday, February 15, 2014
ment to the recruitment and development of diverse talent, Wells Fargo is embarking on a new initiative called the “Sophomore Leaders Conference and Summer Program.” The goal is to attract diverse students early in their college careers, inclusive of minorities, females, people with disabilities, protected veterans, and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender). The program will give diverse college sophomores the chance to experience Wells Fargo’s unique values and culture through a two-day regional conferences in San Francisco, Chicago, Charlotte, and Atlanta in April. There, participants can also interview with hiring managers for opportunities in the new Sophomore Summer Program, to come work in their offices to learn more about them. Sophomores who successfully complete the program will be eligible for another internship following their junior year in the Summer Financial Analyst Program and ultimately, a full-time position in the Financial Analyst Program upon graduation. The application deadline is Friday, February 21. To learn more about the Wells Fargo Sophomore Leaders Conference and Summer Program go to: www.wellsfargo.com/sophomore.
LAUREN BROUGHAM GLENNON recently announced her candidacy for Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County as a Democrat, 3rd Sub Circuit, in the upcoming Primary Election being held on Tuesday, March 18. Glennon is a graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep High School and graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Political Science from Winona State University in Minnesota. Glennon received her Law Degree from DePaul University College of Law where she was the Student Bar Association elected liaison to the Chicago Bar Association. She assisted in the creation of the DePaul University College of Law’s Externship Program for the City of Chicago Law Department’s Building and Land Use Litigation Division. Glennon’s prosecutorial career began within the Buildings and Land Use Litigation Division of the City of Chicago Law Department as a 7-11 law clerk and soon after was hired as an Assistant Corporation Counsel. Glennon is now practicing law in the private sector. She is a Senior Associate with the firm of Worsek & Vihon LLP, and specializes in the complicated arena of Property Tax Law. Glennon donates her time to the Ignite the Spirit Charity of the Chicago Fire Department and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.
Extended Coverage Who knows what about you? The National Security Administration may be listening, but is not likely to scam you of your savings or impersonate you at the bank. Be smart and protect yourself. *** Check your personal data. Keep a close eye on all credit and financial statements; take advantage of free credit reports from major firms like Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. *** Carry a smartphone or tablet? It’s a good idea to use a password or PIN to restrict access to your phone. Some phones are “smart” enough that multiple password failures will trip a wipe program.
Milton E. Moses
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*** Keep your computer current with anti-virus and firewall protection. Many browsers offer DoNotTrackMe services to block firms from reaping data. Take advantage of all privacy settings for social media and limit the personal information you post. *** Be careful on the phone, too. Many cold caller/scammers pretend to represent familiar-sounding organizations. BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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BUSINESS
Consumers of Color and Car Loans: Paying More for Dealer Financing CRL report finds more negotiating doesn’t result in better deals By Charlene Crowell New research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) finds that consumers of color still report paying higher interest rates on dealer-financed car loans than other consumers. This disparity is even more disturbing given that Black and Latino consumers report making more effort than whites to negotiate their interest rates. Thirtynine percent of Latinos and 32 percent of Blacks reported negotiating their interest rate, compared to only 22 percent of white buyers. CRL’s new report, Non-Negotiable: Negotiation Doesn’t Help African-American and Latinos on Dealer-Financed Car Loans, is the first research on the impact of shopping habits as well as information consumers report receiving from car dealers and disparities related to “add-on” products. Findings were based on an October 2012 phone survey of 946 consumers. The report identifies three specif-
ic sales practices as the main culprits behind higher financing costs for buyers of color: Dealer interest rate mark-ups, sometimes called “dealer reserves” or “dealer participation” can and do raise interest rates above those charged by financial institutions. Lenders bidding to buy the auto loan contract from dealers allow the dealer to add to the interest rate for compensation. Dealers then pocket most or all of the difference. As with a similar practice once allowed for mortgage brokers, this discretion to raise interest rates can facilitate discrimination. Previous research shows that people of color get higher interest rates from dealers that are not justified by objective measures, such as credit history. Misleading sales information is a second cause of higher costs. For example, many consumers report they were told that they were offered the “best interest rate available,” when it was not. Other consumers surveyed shared that they
New community affairs manager named for U.S. Bank U.S. Bank recently announced that Eva Brown has joined the bank as Community Affairs Manager for the Chicago market. In her new role, Brown will work with community groups, non-profits, elected officials and government agencies in the Chicagoland area to position the bank as a leader in the community as well as to focus U.S. Bank’s lending, giving, investments and volunteer efforts where those resources are needed most. She will also work to support and further the bank’s environmental, multicultural and supplier diversity goals. “I’ve long admired U.S. Bank’s commitment to the community it serves,” said Brown, a Chicago native with 10 years of experience in the financial services sector. “As the bank continues to grow in this market, the opportunity for that commitment to expand is great and I am excited to be a part of that effort.” Prior to joining U.S. Bank, Brown served as the director of the Access to Capital Program at the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC). In that role, she managed all activities related to WBDC's Small Business Loan Fund. She also worked in Small Business Lending at Fifth Third and BMO Harris. “We are thrilled to welcome Eva to U.S. Bank,” said Marsha Cruzan, Chicago market president for U.S. Bank. “Chicago is an increasingly important market to us. As we continue to grow here, it’s important that we become even more involved www.chicagocrusader.com
Charlene Crowell were told that certain additional items were mandatory for the purchase when in truth, the items were not. Misrepresentations, when accepted by consumers, can increase the total purchase price and then lead to higher default rates. Similarly, “add-on” products sometimes known as “loan-packing” also increase the amount of financing. Non-essential items such as optional insurance and warranties become part of the financing package at highly-inflated costs. Multiple add-on products were sold to Black customers nearly dou-
ble the rate sold to whites – 30 percent versus only 16 percent. Since the report’s Jan. 23 release, auto dealer representatives have criticized CRL’s research for being based on a survey. However, the industry to date has withheld their own data that would allow better side-by-side comparisons – the same kind that consumers deserve when shopping for a vehicle. “As long as dealers can manipulate interest rates, car loans are a gamble for consumers,” said Chris Kukla, Senior Vice-President at CRL. “Car buyers can do their best to negotiate; but they are at the mercy of dealers whose compensation is tied to hidden interest rate increases. That’s a formula for abuse.” CRL has called on regulators to prohibit compensation for dealers that is tied to the interest rate of the loan. Until regulators enact rules to better protect consumers, here are a few useful tips: Get pre-approved loan financing. Historically, credit unions and banks offer better deals than loans obtained from car dealers. And even if the dealer offers a lower rate, the dealer will look to make up the difference in sales of add-on insurance and other items. Remember that those items are not required
and that all of them can be purchased later. Don’t shop by monthly payment. Dealers have many tricks, such as making the loan term longer, that can make a monthly payment look affordable. Understand the entire cost of the loan, not just the monthly payment. Avoid showroom fever. Buying a car is often the second most costly consumer purchase – after that of buying a home. Know the cost of insurance, registration tags and regular preventive maintenance. Every cost associated with a car should be anticipated and estimated. Decide how much of a car loan you can afford. If your budget has little flexibility for a long-term debt, it could be better to begin a dedicated savings account to lessen the amount of a loan you will need. Taking these steps will place consumers in a stronger bargaining position. You’ll know when to walk away from a bad deal or close on a good one. Consumers can save significant stress and costs with thorough planning and preparation. Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.
AT&T launches best-ever prices for families Big savings available for millions of families & small businesses
Eva Brown in the community. Eva’s strong business background and deep roots here will certainly help us do that.” Brown has a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Northern Illinois University. About U.S. Bank U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $364 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2013, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the 5th largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 3,081 banking offices in 25 states and 4,906 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.
Get ready to take advantage of AT&T’s (NYSE:T) best-ever prices for people wanting a family-size bucket of data and unlimited talk and text on the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network. As an example, a family of four can now get unlimited talk and text, and 10GB of data – enough for the whole family to share – for $160 a month. These best-ever prices on AT&T’s best-in-class network are now available to any AT&T customer, including small businesses with up to 10 lines, and customers of Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and other wireless carriers who switch to AT&T. The new prices are as follows: two smartphones cost $130 per month, three smartphones cost $145 per month, four smartphones cost $160 per month, five smartphones cost $175 per month, and with more than five lines it’s $15 more per line. Each of these plans comes with the family-size 10GB of data plus unlimited talk & text. New Customers Can Switch and Save Customers new to AT&T can get these best-ever prices on AT&T’s award-winning network when they
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
sign up for a 10GB or larger bucket of data and purchase a phone with AT&T NextSM (no annual service contract and get a new device every year for $0 down) or bring their own device or purchase a phone at full retail price. Here’s an example: Today, Verizon charges $260 monthly for a comparable plan that’s now $160 from AT&T. A family with four smartphones with unlimited talk and text, and a shared 10GB bucket of data, could switch to AT&T from Verizon and save $100 a month. In addition to the big monthly savings, the family in this example would get a $400 bill credit for the four smartphone lines of service added. Savings for Current AT&T Customers Current AT&T customers can save big with these new plans, too, when they choose a 10GB or larger
bucket of data. For example, a family or small business with four smartphones could move to this new plan and save between $40 and $100 per month, depending on their current plan. “These new plans give customers what they want – our best-ever prices on a best-in-class network,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility. “We’re making it easy for families who want it all – great service, great value and big bucket of data to share.” Also, for a limited time only, all new and existing AT&T customers will receive a $100 bill credit for each new line of service added – whether a smartphone, tablet, feature phone, mobile hotspot or AT&T Wireless Home Phone. Customers can learn more about the new plans and determine which plan is best for them at www.att.com/mobilesharesavings.
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EDUCATION
Mt. Vernon School celebrates Black History Month with A Salute to Music In a battle between Old School and New School In honor of Black History Month, Mount Vernon Elementary School invites parents, alumni, the community, and businesses to support the 2014 Black History benefit Concert, “Music…Then & Now.” This concert produced by Krunchtime Production, Inc. will feature the KTP Band as well as local entertainers, dancing and live performances. This Chicago stellar event will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Mount Vernon Elementary School auditorium, 10540 S. Morgan St. in Chicago. The donation of $20 in advance and $25 at the door will benefit the Athletic & Student Incentive Fund. Principal Dawn Scarlett says, “This is a time when we need to come together as a village to support the educational efforts for our children; we are counting on our parents, alumni, and community to make this a success.” Krunchtime Productions is lining up talented individuals to help make this “Old School vs. New School” concert a fun family event with a purpose. Organizers say, “People will be dancing in their seats and aisle as we bring the history of the best music of a culture to the current
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jams of today.” Mount Vernon Elementary School has a strong technology and academic focus. This Chicago Public School has a high concentration of low-income families that are striving to improve academically. We are proud of our work and community service at Mount Vernon. Teachers and staff work diligently to educate and serve the youth and families of the Washington Heights Community. Over the last five years, the school has been recognized by the State of Illinois for outstanding growth and improvement in student achievement. Teachers are working diligently to help create scholars who are lifelong learners. Much of the success in student academic achievement is due to the incentives provided for students to excel, and the opportunities provided in sports and extra-curricular activities. However, the challenges in school funding makes this effort difficult. This benefit concert will help the school meet a goal of $10,000 as it also highlights and celebrates the history of Black American music that both young and old are sure to enjoy. For more information on the concert and to purchase tickets, call Mount Vernon School, 773-5352952.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Krunchtime Production Band
South Side twins earn twin scholarships
The standout story of recent assembly of University of Chicago Charter Woodlawn School was twin sisters, Aliyah and Olivia Singleton, and Chatham residents receiving full-ride scholarships from The University of Chicago. According to the charter school’s administrators, recent grads at UChicago Charter Woodlawn are enrolling in colleges at record rates and doing so at rates higher than other Chicago, non-selective (Continued on page 17)
ALIYAH AND OLIVIA SINGLETON, receivers of full-ride scholarships from The University of Chicago.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY
Four Honored at Institute for Positive Living’s Annual Fundraiser Gala Event Featured Performance of Seven Guitars at the Court Theatre
The Institute for Positive Living recently kicked off its annual fundraiser gala with a reception at the University of Chicago’s Quadrangle Club. Lester L. Barclay, Attorney/Author, The Barclay Law Group, Mar-
low Colvin, Vice President, Governmental Affairs, Commonwealth Edison, Sonya Malunda, Senior Associate Vice President for Community Engagement, The University of Chicago, and Judy Baar Topinka, State of Illinois Comptroller were honored for making a difference in the lives of Chicago children and their families during the annual event by the Insti-
sion, we honored four outstanding individuals who make a difference in the lives of Chicago children and their families,” stated Coverson. “In addition, we thank all of our sponsors, contributors and those who purchased tickets for helping to provide the vital funding that will contribute to the continuation of IPL’s vital safe haven programs including Open Book, Male Mentoring, Community Technology Center, Health Community Outreach, Entrepreneurship, Parent Education Center and Youth Working for Success.” Coverson stressed the important contributions that the honorees have (Continued on page 14)
INSTITUTE FOR POSITIVE LIVING (IPL) Founder and President Marrice Coverson (center, front) congratulates and introduces the four IPL Honorees during the Institute’s annual Fundraiser on January 30, 2014. The honorees are pictured with Marrice Coverson and Mistress of Ceremonies Deborah Crable of DJ Crable Enterprises, Inc.: Judy Baar Topinka, State of Illinois Comptroller (front), Marlow Colvin, Vice President, Governmental Affairs, Commonwealth Edison, Lester L. Barclay, Attorney/Author, The Barclay Law Group, and Sonya Malunda, Senior Associate Vice President for Community Engagement, The University of Chicago.
MARRICE COVERSON PRESENTS Honoree Lester L. Barclay with a bookmark from Tiffany’s during the event. Coverson praised Barclay for choosing to share his knowledge by empowering individuals through his writing. tute for Positive Living. Then attendees took a Trolley ride to the Court Theater, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., where they saw Seven Guitars by August Wilson. The honorees received gold Tiffany bookmarks commemorating Institute for Positive Living programs including Open Book, an after-school program that inspires the love of reading in students. The gifts were presented by IPL Founder and President Marrice Coverson and the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies, Deb- HONOREE SONYA MALUNDA received praises and also a orah Crable of DJ Crable Enterprises, Tiffany’s bookmark from Coverson for supporting IPL proInc. grams; and for Malunda helping the organization secures “In keeping with the Institute’s mis- space for its fundraisers.
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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Saturday, February 15, 2014
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ENTERTAINMENT
By Raymond Ward WINNER!: Singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Gary Clark Jr., won a 2014 Grammy Award for “Best Traditional R&B Performance” for “Please Come Home.” The song appears on Clark’s debut album for Warner Bros. Records, Blak And Blu. This is the Austin, Texas native’s first Grammy Award. Nominated in two categories: “Best Rock Song” for “Ain’t Messin’ Round,” as well as “Best Traditional R&B Performance” – “Please Come Home,” this marks the first time in Grammy history that a single artist has been nominated in two different genre categories simultaneously from one album in the same year. In addition, Clark turned in an incendiary performance with Keith Urban on the live Grammy broadcast trading lead vocals and guitar solos on Urban’s song “Cop Car,” from his current album. In October of 2012, Clark released Blak And Blu, which debuted on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at No. 6 and received rave reviews from many music outlets, including The New York Times, which called Clark “a guitarist of deep magnetism and tremendous feel,” and Spin Magazine which declared “There truly is nobody else like him around.” Rolling Stone recently dubbed Clark as “The Chosen One.”
By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ
Native Gary resident, historic Alvin Ailey troupe return to Chicago The historic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Chicago for its annual presentation of new and timeless performances at the Auditorium Theatre. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was established more
ALVIN AILEY’S NIGHT Creature. (Photo by Gert Krautbauer)
Renaldo Gardner (Photo by Andrew Eccles)
Gary Clark Gary Clark is now on tour with The Kings of Leon and will win-up his tour on March 8 at the United Center in Chicago. If you want a sneak peek at what Gary will be performing in Chicago, watch him on Late Night with David Letterman on February 17. ROYALTY!: In one of its most ambitious projects to date, Chicago Opera Theater (COT) will collaborate with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra (CJO) to present the Chicago premiere of Duke Ellington’s only opera “Queenie Pie,” running February 15 through March 5 at the Harris Theater, located at 205 East Randolph Street in Chicago. Featuring a rousing musical score that blends Ellington’s signature big band sound and clever lyrics with the musical styles of opera, jazz and musical theater, the opera will be conducted by CJO Artistic Director Jeff Lindberg with direction and choreography by Ken Roht. Ellington’s “street opera” tells a story inspired by the life of Madam C. J. Walker, the first female African American self-made millionaire who developed and sold a line of hair and beauty products. Queenie Pie’s business is challenged by competing entrepreneur Cafe Au Lait, a younger, light-skinned beauty from New Orleans. Set in the Harlem Renaissance, the story has been refocused for COT’s production by the creative team. Tickets which range in price from #35 to $125 are available at The Madam C. J. Walker Harris Theater Box Office. 12
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than 55 years ago in New York City, by dancer, choreographer and visionary Alvin Ailey, to bring African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world. According to its website, the troupe grew from a now-fabled performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City—along with Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers—and that performance forever changed the perception of American dance. The Ailey Company has gone on to perform for an estimated 25 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents, as well as millions more through television broadcasts. In 2008, a U.S. Congressional resolution designated the Company as “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world” that celebrates the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance heritage. When Ailey began creating dances, he drew upon his “blood memories” of Texas, the blues, spirituals and gospel as inspiration, which resulted in the creation of his most popular and critically acclaimed work, Revelations. Although he created 79 ballets over his lifetime, Ailey main(Continued on page 13) BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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ENTERTAINMENT
ABOUT LAST NIGHT By Bonnie DeShong A two part review and interview with Regina Hall and Michael Ealy Part 1 In the 1986 version of the film “About Last Night” starring Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Jim Belushi, and Elizabeth Perkins, two people meet, have an affair, and can’t quite get it together because of interference from their best friends. The 2014 version of the film with Michael Ealy, Joy Bryant, Regina Hall, and Kevin Hart has a totally different flavor. It has a creamier, much more flavorful, spicy taste to it. Before I get into the film and the
conversation I had with Michael Ealy (Danny) and Regina Hall (Joan), I must tell you that this version of “About Last Night” is rated R for a reason and children should not attend this film. Also the language is explosive but has a purpose. Joan (Regina Hall) and Bernie (Kevin Hart) invite their two best friends Debbie (Joy Bryant) and Danny (Michael Ealy) to go on a blind date with them. Talk about opposites attracting in friendships; Joan and Bernie are loud, explosive, and even embarrassing. Debbie and Danny are more reserved, not as trusting and even though they won’t admit it, looking to be loved. The night takes a turn and things happen
REGINA HALL, Bonnie DeShong and Michael Ealy.
when Debbie and Danny end up in bed together; neither wanting a commitment; or so they thought. Walls come down, relationships blossom but so do the problems, fears, jealousy and insecurities. So many things that many couples viewing the film will be able to relate to and still get their laugh on. When I spoke to Michael Ealy and Regina Hall, it was a wonderful look inside the characters and the message of film. This cast is amazing. What did you like about everyone else’s work in the Film? Michael: Let’s start with Regina; she really hung with Kevin step for step. I am so proud of her because, for her it wasn’t, “I’m hanging with Kev.” What it really was, “He brought it, I brought it.” You know what I mean? That’s why she is so good in this movie because she did not step up to the plate to try to hang with Kev. She said, “I’m Joan and this is what I’m going to bring.” A lot of people get intimidated by comedians, specifically ones like Kevin who are really good. She broke Kev. It was so enjoyable to watch her really let go with this character. She was on fire. It was like watching Venus and Serena hitting the ball back and forth. The flow was phenomenal.
MICHAEL EALY, REGINA HALL and William Packer attending the Chicago premiere of “About Last Night” at the Showplace Icon Theater in Chicago. Regina, at the very end, during the credits, you broke Kevin up didn’t you? Michael: Oh, she broke it. That’s what I’m talking about. Same question to you Regina, What did you like about everyone else’s work in the film: Regina: You know, I didn’t get to work with Michael much in “Think Like a Man” but I watched it. I think he is a very handsome and sexy guy in real life, and he is sexy in the movie so, he can’t leave that behind,
he can’t work against it but what I did like or shall I say love in this movie is he didn’t feel like that guy. In this movie, I felt like there was a much darker and funnier side to Michael and it resonated into a guy you wanted to love so much but he is just not there. You are waiting and praying and hoping…the fight is there and he’s not completely a jerk but he is not completely amazing. And I think to fall in love with the humanity he allowed the character (Continued on page 17)
ENTERTAINMENT CHICAGO STYLE
Native Gary resident, historic Alvin Ailey troupe return to Chicago (Continued from page 12) tained that his company was not exclusively a repository for his own work. Today, the Company continues Ailey’s mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones. In all, more than 235 works by more than 90 choreographers have been part of the Ailey Company’s repertory. Before his untimely death in 1989, Ailey named Judith Jamison as his successor, and over the next 21 years, she brought the Company to unprecedented success. Ms. Jamison, in turn, personally selected Robert Battle to succeed her in 2011. A local resident who is making his mark as one of the great dance artists to watch within Alvin Ailey is Gary native Renaldo Gardner, who now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Dancing wasn’t the first thing on 23-year-old Gardner’s mind when he was in middle and high school grades, but his dancing became much better than his sports pursuits. “Personally, dance is a different way of communicating and, as a man, I feel it is another outlet to express myself and a gift from God,” Gardner told the Crusader in an exclusive interview. “I am blessed to share my gift and give back to the community. I played www.chicagocrusader.com
RENALDO GARDNER IN Revelations. sports when I was young, and the and Performing Arts and studied way the body is so free and can be with Larry Brewer and Michael so vulnerable with expression is an Davis in Gary, before winning a art form that is so beautiful. It scholarship to the Talent Unlimitnever feels like work.” ed High School in New York, Gardner recalled his strong Mid- from where he graduated. western roots in shaping his dancWhen asked whether a big move ing career. He studied under Toni was cause for concern, Gardner Simpson at Banneker Elementary said, “My mom and family are my School and the Gary West Side biggest support group. Although Theater Guild. He also attended moving away [to New York] was a the Emerson School for the Visual bit hard, my mother wanted bet-
ter for me.” He added that he knew he could soar as a dancer once his grandfather saw him dance and gave him his blessing. Gardner joined the Company in 2011. In February 2012, he was honored with the key to the city of Gary, which was the first key given by current mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. He tried to explain this experience: “It actually felt like something that I can’t explain, especially with me having been around and seeing the changes in Gary. Not many people become successful and are recognized in this way,” he added. “Every chance that I get, I return to Emerson to teach classes. My ultimate goal is to move back to Gary and open up a dance studio.” But for now, Gardner shares his three keys to success and wishes that young men and women who have a dream and talent would stay on course and pursue that which makes them happy and that thing for which they can’t deny excellence. “Discipline, dedication and determination are three things that stay with me,” Gardner said. “We are so caught up in what society may think and trying to please others, and my generation gets lost in that. But one must be comfortable in what one is doing and
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
who he is.” Gardner says that he has to prepare spiritually, physically and mentally for his performances at the Auditorium Theater, which include Water, Revelation, Lift, River and Night Creature. It might seem like a lot, but it’s never too much for Gardner. “I am blessed to be where I am at such a young age, and I am doing what I love to do.” The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater comes to the Auditorium Theatre from Feb. 28 through March 9. This stop on a 23-city U.S. tour commemorates 25 years since the passing of Ailey. Special program highlights a collaboration between Ailey and the great Jazz musician Duke Ellington in a piece called Pas de Duke, which is a modern dance translation honoring Judith Jamison and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Among other features of the tour are the 2014 Ailey Residency Program and Alvin Ailey Family Day at the South Shore Cultural Center on Feb. 22. Tickets are between $32 and $92 and are on sale now by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Pkwy). For more info, also visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
IN MEMORIAM - Bass-baritone Willie Brown dies By Barbara Wright-Pryor Willie Brown, Jr., bass-baritone, a well-known and beloved soloist who performed in many Chicago area churches and on concert stages nationally, passed away Saturday, February 8 after an extended illness. Willie Brown, Jr. was born on August 17, 1930 in New Orleans, Louisiana to parents who were church soloists. He sang his first solo, “Heaven’s Radio” in kindergarten. Brown attended elementary school in New Orleans and in Redondo Beach and Los Angeles, California. Attending Nelson Junior High School in New Orleans, Brown performed as a church soloist and in school operettas. He formed the group, Willie Brown and the Boys, before graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in
1949. His education at Xavier University was interrupted by service in the United States Army in 1953, but he returned to graduate with a B.A. degree in music education in 1957. After relocating to Chicago, Mr. Brown earned his Masters degree in musical performance from Governors State University in Illinois. He was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Faith College in Birmingham, Alabama. He performed with the McLin Opera Company and became a teacher of special needs children for the Chicago Public School while building a reputation as a church and classical soloist. In the early 1960’s, he appeared as a guest soloist on NBC television’s Dave Garraway Show. In 1967, he was invited as a special guest of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to perform for
Willie Brown, Jr. 1930 - 2014 (Photo: The Historymakers Organization) the SCLC Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Brown was a mem-
ber of the historic Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, Chicago. Shortly after his arrival in Chicago from his native New Orleans, Mr. Brown auditioned for the Lyric Opera of Chicago where he was the only full-time African American artist and performed in more than two thousand performances during his thirty-plus years with the company. His Lyric Opera credits included appearances as Escamillo in Bizet’s “Carmen” and the High Priest in Verdi’s “Aida.” Mr. Brown was also a soloist in Offenbach’s “Tales of Hoffman,” Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci,” and Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana.” Mr. Brown was renowned for his performances as bass soloist in Handel’s “Messiah,” Mozart’s and Verdi’s “Requiem,” Dubois’ “Seven Last Words of Christ,” “Elijah” and “St. Paul” by Mendelssohn,
and Rossini’s “Stabat Mater.” His musical repertoire included operatic arias in Italian, French and German and oratorio arias in Latin. Brown also performs cantatas, English, Italian and German folk songs, American show songs, spirituals, gospels, hymns and popular songs. Mr. Brown was married to the late Clementeen Brown. He is survived by four adult children. At The Chicago Crusader press deadline, services were scheduled for Saturday, February 15 at McCullough Funeral Home, 851 East 75th Street with a Visitation at 4:00 p.m., Funeral Service at 5:00 p.m. followed by a repast at 6:30 p.m. For further information, call McCullough Funeral Home at 773-488-8900. (Contributing: The Historymakers Organization.)
Ravinia Festival seeks 25-year olds as Board members Born in 1989? Come join for free as the Ravinia Associates Board turns 25. The Ravinia Associates Board, a group of young business leaders from the Chicago area, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in
2014. The Associates Board supports the not-for-profit Ravinia Festival and its REACH*TEACH*PLAY education programs that provide music instruction and other music-related experiences for students attending suburban and Chicago Public Schools. To
Chicago A Cappella tells the history of Gospel Music’s Beginnings Through Song Chicago a cappella will tell the story of gospel music’s beginnings through song in The Birth of Gospel. The acclaimed classical ensemble will journey from pregospel Classical works sung in many African-American churches to hymns, spirituals, and finally the full flowering of gospel music itself, which began right here in Chicago. Rollo Dilworth, the internationally-acclaimed choral director, arranger, and teacher, will serve as Guest Music Director for this inspiring new program. In addition to performing energetic and stirring arrangements from Charles Tindley, Calvin Bridges, Rosephayne Powell, Joseph Jennings, and other greats of the gospel world, Chicago a cappella will welcome a youth gospel choir from each of our four concert communities to perform as guest artist. Guest choirs will be Oak Park and River Forest High School Gospel Choir (Oak Park performance), Faith Temple Church of God in Christ Youth Choir (Evanston), DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church Voices of Tomorrow (Naperville), and the Triedstone Full Gospel Baptist Church Youth in Action Choir (Chicago). Join 14
Chicago a cappella to discover one of our city’s most exciting and influential musical styles. The Birth of Gospel will take place Friday, April 11, at 8:00 p.m., at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park, IL; Saturday, April 12, at 8:00 p.m., at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL; Sunday, April 13, at 4:00 p.m., at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL; Saturday, April 19, at 8:00 p.m., at the Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th St., Chicago, IL. For tickets and information, visit chicagoacappella.org or call (773) 281-7820. Chicago a cappella is one of the area’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles. Spanning a repertoire from Gregorian chant to the Beatles and beyond, the group is presenting its 20th season under founding Artistic Director Jonathan Miller. This season’s concerts, prepared by Miller and renowned guest music directors, will be presented at ten venues in Chicago and five suburbs. The ensemble has been hailed as “the area’s best unaccompanied group” (Chicago Magazine) and “the city’s liveliest, most versatile vocal ensemble” (Chicago Tribune).
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commemorate the milestone, the Associates Board—ranked as one of the region’s most influential “junior boards” by Crain’s Chicago Business—is recruiting new members born in 1989, the year of its founding. First-year dues will be waived for these 25-year-old applicants. Aligning themselves with the board’s support of music education, music superstars Lang Lang and Josh Groban have joined the Ravinia Associates Board as honorary
members for 2014. In addition to its educational fund-raising, the Associates Board offers its group many social opportunities and creates parties at Ravinia to help bring new listeners to classical music. “It’s exciting that the 25th anniversary presents the Ravinia Associates Board with new opportunities to grow. This organization of future-thinkers has become a vital branch of the Ravinia Family
that is involved in most every aspect of the international festival, especially in what Ravinia might be 25 years from now,” said Ravinia President and CEO Welz Kauffman. “That’s why the idea of recruiting 25-year olds is so meaningful. They will have an opportunity to shape the Ravinia that their kids will inherit.” For information on joining the Ravinia Associates Board, email associates@ravinia.org.
Four Honored at Institute for Positive . . . made including: Lester L. Barclay, Attorney/Author, The Barclay Law Group: “The Institute for Positive Living believes that one can navigate many things in life just by having knowledge,” stated Coverson. “We believe that books contain knowledge. Attorney Lester L. Barclay has chosen to share his knowledge by empowering individuals through his writing.” Barclay is the managing partner of The Barclay Law Group in Chicago, Illinois. He is also the author of The African American Guide to Divorce and Drama: Breaking Up Without Breaking Down. Marlow Colvin, Vice President, Governmental Affairs, Commonwealth Edison: In every position that he has held, from his years as a State Representative to his current role as Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Commonwealth Edison, Marlow Colvin has supported the youth programs sponsored by IPL,” said Coverson. “Mr. Colvin believes in supporting non-profits.” As vice president of Governmental Affairs, Colvin is responsible for managing state legislative initiatives, as well as developing and maintaining strategic
(Continued from page 11) relationships with key state stakeholders Sonya Malunda, Senior Associate Vice President for Community Engagement, The University of Chicago: “For over 10 years, the University of Chicago’s Sonya Melinda has supported the Institute of Positive Living’s programs and activities including the IPL/Open Book Reading Festival that was held on the U of C Midway for a number of years,” stated Coverson. “Sonya has also been a great help by securing of space, etc. for IPL’s fundraisers.” Malunda has served in various roles in civic and community affairs for the University of Chicago for more than 15 years and currently manages the Office of Civic Engagement’s civic partnerships portfolio. She is responsible for local and state government relations, community and civic partnerships, and education outreach programs. Judy Baar Topinka, State of Illinois Comptroller: “Judy Baar Topinka supports IPL’s determination to do everything in our power to save our young men by preventing them from entering the Juvenile justice system,” said Coverson. “Judy also works tirelessly with non-profits to help us with
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
our cash flow efforts.” Prior to becoming Comptroller, Topinka served as the Illinois State Treasurer from 1994 to 2007. She was the first woman in Illinois history to hold the post, and made history again by becoming the first State Treasurer to be reelected to three consecutive terms. Other highlights of the Annual IPL Fundraiser included a silent auction, Vocalist Alisa Sims and Hors d’oeuvres. The centerpiece of the evening, August Wilson’s Seven Guitars, received a standing ovation. Seven Guitars, August Wilson’s haunting Century Cycle play about fate, justice, and the Blues. In the backyard of a Pittsburgh tenement in 1948, six characters gather to mourn the missing seventh: Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton, a blues guitarist with feet of clay who died with fame and celebrity just beyond his reach. Stitched with vibrant swatches of American blues lyrics and harmonized through a seven-piece ensemble, Wilson’s signature voice is at its richest in Seven Guitars as it seeks to explore the disappointingly dissonant harmonies we sometimes find in the circular nature of hope, violence, fate, and justice. www.chicagocrusader.com
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking By Effie Rolfe Speak it into the Atmosphere— your words have power. We have been addressing the spoken word in our last few columns, because life and death is in the power of your tongue. The sooner we realize that life doesn’t just happen, but is a direct result of what you say and believe, the sooner we can get about living on purpose and receiving our hearts desires. Also, don’t forget that repetition is the mother of learning—the more you hear—the more it gets into your spirit and become a part of your nature. Often scripture reminds us that “…faith comes by hearing…” what ever you hear— positive or negative is what you will begin to believe and ultimately manifest into your world. That’s why it’s crucial you not only monitor what enters into your ear and eye
Effie Rolfe
gate—meaning what you hear (radio, negative conversations, gossip) and what you see (TV shows, scary graphic movies, pornography), but also, you must surround yourself with people that build you up and are positive role models. You need to be with folk who celebrate you and not just tolerate you. As you embrace these principles and truths regarding your word power or the power of your word, there will be a marked change in your life. To illustrate the significance of your word power and the effect it can have on your life, allow me to share with you this example. During a recent service, Pastor John Hannah of New Life Covenant church shared that years ago, one of his brothers sold drugs on the West Side of Chicago. For months and months he began to call out his brother’s name during prayer. Later,
the church went on a 40-day fast and his brother heard about it and although still selling drugs, decided to join the church fast. Eventually, he surrendered his life to the Lord as a result of Pastor Hannah’s intercessory prayer and speaking his name into the atmosphere with the intention of calling those things that are not, as though they already existed. Our primary example is God spoke the heaven and earth into existence (Genesis 1:1). He took nothing and made everything that is, was and will be—through the power of His word. Remember, since we are His children, we have His spiritual DNA. In John 14:12, Jesus states “Whosoever believes in me…shall do even greater works than these...” If you have the power of His Holy Spirit within you—it’s comparable to dunamis or dynamite power and when you speak words of life—
things have got to change for the better. Begin to speak the names of your loved one, potential employers, salaries or whatever you desire into the atmosphere. Remember, it must be with purpose—it can’t be someone’s husband or wife, or wishing for somebody’s job—God has enough to go around without taking something from someone else. In other words, trust Him for your own blessing and most importantly, believe God to honor your words and watch what you speak come to past. What are you speaking into the atmosphere…? ©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 Chicago’s gospel powerhouse, Bridgette Campbell is gearing up for a night of elegance entitled, “Remembering Whitney” on Friday, Feb. 21 at The Salvation Army, Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center, 1250 W. 119th Street in Chicago. Campbell grew up singing gospel in her father, Pastor Willie James Campbell’s, church at St. James
Bridgette Campbell COGIC Ministries. She is also a longtime member of Ricky Dillard and New Generation Chorale and currently works with the music staff at Lighthouse Church of All Nations in Alsip, where Dan Willis is Pastor. When asked why she chose to pay tribute to a secular artist, Campbell shared, “Whitney was a singer’s singer. She was able to stand flat foot and just sing—her music is wholesome and I was one of her biggest fans.” Interestingly, her vacation last year helped to bring this event into manifestation. “I went on a cruise for my birthday…and my best friend told the band I could sing—I said ‘I don’t want to sing on a cruise ship.’ The band started playing Whitney Houston and I said, ‘OMG…they’re playing Whitney www.chicagocrusader.com
Houston’—I love it and I actually sang one song and then another song and then another song. It was a short cruise and they tried to get me to sing the rest of the cruise but I wouldn’t do it. They actually tried to get me to sing the next night, but I said I’m not trying to work on this cruise ship. Later the band suggested that I do something with Whitney’s music and I said maybe I will do something in Chicago,” shared Campbell. “I was kinda’ nervous because it was out of my element and wasn’t worship,” she continued, “I didn’t want people to judge me. But it’s music and for music lovers—she had issues just like we have issues—everyone has issues.” Get ready for a trip down memory lane and expect to hear some of Houston’s classics including I Will Always Love You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna’ Dance With Somebody among other favorites. “They can expect a night of elegance, a professionally put together show, a full band, After 5 event and I really want people to dress up because Whitney was elegant—Clive (Davis) had her dressed in the best gowns and I will be dressed in the best gowns. For those who want church music, the night will end with foot stomping—hand clapping. “I’m closing out with her two church songs—so you will get your church,” smiled Campbell. During Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice, Campbell was often seen in the audience in support of her brother, Jesse, who was a finalist on the show and later ousted by his coach and fan, Christina Aguilera. However, this event promises to be an all around favorite with festivities scheduled at 7 p.m. and show time slated 8 - 10 p.m. For more information call 312-554-9091
Whitney Houston And the winner is—on the heels of the Stellar and Grammy Awards get ready for the 33rd Annual Chicago Music Awards on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Corpernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence at 6 p.m. Although over 250 nominees will be competing in 37 different categories that will showcase several genres of music, this year the show will recognize some of Chicago’s leading gospel artists. The newly added category pays tribute to the late, Queen of Gospel, Albertina Walker, who helped launch careers of Rev. James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews, Delores Washington, Loleatta Holloway, Cassetta George and Dorothy Norwood to name a few. Some of Chicago’s best will be competing for the coveted Albertina Walker Award for Best Gospel Entertainer including newcomer Jonathan McReynolds, Lemmie Battles, Bishop Larry Trotter & Sweet Holy Spirit Combined Choirs, Ricky Dillard and New Generation Chorale, Deacon Reuben Burton and the Victory Travelers, Dexter Walker & Zion Movement and Donald Lawrence who was nominated for a Grammy
and is up for this year’s NAACP Image Award for a gospel performance. The awards show won’t be same without a little hand-clapping, toe tapping songs of praise with Evangelist Lemmie Battles and Deacon Reuben Burton & The Victory Travelers taking to the stage. For more information visit chicagomusicawards.org Attorney Core’ Cotton Wilson, former member of Grammy Award Winner, Sounds of Blackness and lead singer of hit single and favorite, Optimistic, has released her book entitled, “The Three Hundred and Sixty-Degree,” Mother-Daughter Journey Book. Wilson plans to share her story during a free event this Saturday, Feb. 15 from 3 - 6 p.m. at the Hilton/Orrington Ho-
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
Alberttina Walker tel, 1710 Orrington Avenue in Evanston. The event will also honor the birthday of her mother and cowriter, Dr. M. Jeanne Dolphus Cotton, Founder and Pastor of Trinity Universal Center in Waukegan. According to Wilson, “This event is a unique way to introduce Wilson and Dr. Cotton’s new book with story telling of a mother daughter’s parallel journey of come here meets been there; come and lets sit a spell, we have so many stories to tell.” The book is available online.
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.
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HEALTH
Reducing the risk of HIV by 90 percent By Phill Wilson NNPA Columnist The Black AIDS Institute recently hosted National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) which was viewed as an opportunity for the nation to take a look at the AIDS epidemic in Black America from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view. Given the demographics of the AIDS epidemic in this country, this is a very important day. The Black AIDS Institute’s Black treatment advocate networks (BTANS) hosted Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) forums around the country (Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Ft. Lauderdale, Jackson, Little Rock, Los Angles, Minneapolis, and Oakland) to raise awareness and educate our communities about PrEP. Here’s why Pre-exposure Prophylaxis of HIV is important to Black people: 35 years into this epidemic and with all we know about HIV, we still have alarming rates of new HIV infections in this country. Roughly 50,000 Americans are infected with HIV every year and 44 percent are Black. In many parts of the country, 1 in 2 Black gay men are already HIV infected – and many of them don’t know it. Think about are you in a committed monogamous relationship? Are all your friends and family in committed monogamous relationships? If not, do you and do you think all your friends and love ones use condoms with every sexual encounter. If not, you need to know about PrEP. PrEP is a treatment for people who are not infected with HIV (that is, they are HIV negative, or HIV-), that uses one of the antiretroviral treatments that people with HIV/AIDS use, to prevent acquisition of the HIV virus. In clinical trials, when used properly, PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring the virus by more than 90 percent. Yes, 90 percent! If you look at the AIDS epidemic in Black communities, you would not know that we have the tools to end the AIDS epidemic in America. Most Black folks are unaware or have misinformation about the new tools
that could change the trajectory of the AIDS epidemic in our community and dramatically reduce their risk of HIV infection. PrEP is one of them. Those attending the PrEP forums learned what PrEP is, who it’s for, how you use it, and what the risks and benefits are. We will look at the possible impact of using PrEP on condom usage. Current guidelines recommend PrEP be used with condoms. But for people who have already chosen not to use condoms or are unable to use condoms on a consistent basis, using PrEP may provide some level of protection. Given the epidemic in Black communities, we need to know everything we can possibly know about all of the potential tools available to us in order to make informed, rational decisions about which tools to use in which circumstances.
for a chance to win a 2014 Kia Forte. Phill Wilson is the President and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute. He can be reached by email at Phill Wilson AT BlackAIDS.org. About the Black AIDS Institute
Phill Wilson The combination of treatment as prevention – with the possibility of reducing transmission of HIV by more than 90 percent – and PrEP – with the possibility of reducing acquisition of HIV by more than 90 percent – has the promise to break
the back of the HIV epidemic in our community. That’s a conversation we must have. Finally, if you want to help in the fight against AIDS in Black communities, please enter the “Drive Out AIDS” raffle at www.AIDSraffle.org
Founded in May of 1999, the Black AIDS Institute (www. blackaids.org) is the only national HIV/AIDS think tank in the United States focused exclusively on Black people. The Institute’s Mission is to stop the AIDS pandemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront HIV. The Institute interprets public and private sector HIV policies, conducts trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates information and provides advocacy and mobilization from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view. www.blackaids.org
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4) for the city’s future. The next time you see your Black alderman ask him or her what was on their mind to cause them to go for the mayor’s new debt plan. Debt that, even if you are in your 20s now, your grandchildren will be paying off. I bet they aren’t this quiet when they get their monthly checks for essentially doing nothing. Marilyn Shepherd 16
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ABOUT LAST NIGHT (Cont’d from page 13) to have without trying to, but allowing himself to be flawed, allowing himself to not know and to watch a man struggle through that…like his lack of career, he doesn’t have a job and to start those realizations when he is with a woman who is a little bit more together…and the questions he has to ask himself. To watch a man having to grow up while his friends are still drinking, he’s caught in the middle of all that…and to still understand why you love him. You still got why Debbie felt, “if he would just get it together.” And the moment I love so much is when she asks him if he loves her and he says, “I don’t know.” He was honest and flawed. What usually happens when we see a film, we as women will say, “ I wish my man was like that.” Like in “Think Like a Man,” he is so into you and has the perfect kiss on the forehead, he gets the food truck, he is perfect. In this film, “About Last Night,” he is not perfect. I invited three co-workers, two women and one guy, to the screening with me. After the film they felt you were the perfect guy because you were flawed.
Regina: Thing is, he hadn’t done anything. So that was a good moment to tell the truth. Also, not to mention, he might have not been all that happy anyway. Danny said, “Hey look, coaster stain.” I love the man who went and realized, subconsciously it had be ingrained in his head, that the coaster stain was on the table. He did the wrong thing by letting her come home but he did the right thing by not letting her drive home from the bar. Without that in the movie, the story wouldn’t have been grounded. There has to be something that resonates with the man you want, the man you love, the man he actually is, the man you are projecting him to be, the potential man, and the man he really is. It was a pleasure to watch Joy on screen. She had some amazing and wonderful subtleties. The two of them together, just “that couple” and the Joan and Bernie couple, it just felt right. The friendships were real, the jealousies were real, and the fighting was real. There is a method to the madness of both stories. There is the spicy with Joan and Bernie’s relationship and the savory with Debbie
and Dan. The spicy story has the wild sex and the arguing, to the point you are wondering “what the heck is going on with these two” but you see the relationship between Joan and Bernie evolve into a real loving bond. How do you think it enhanced the film? Regina: Well you know, all of us wanted to commit to the humanity of the characters. This film was written for white actors but we were still Black faces and we wanted to represent how multi-faceted and how multi – dimensional we are and those characters are. And I think we were conscience in making sure that it wasn’t just a joke and this was the journey of people, passionate people, erratic people, scared people in relationships and friendships. Sometimes relationships start off where you are “Hey, he’s good in bed,” and then you catch yourself and “hey I have feelings for this person.” Or it starts off, “oh, neither of us is quite ready for something serious, but it would be fun to just sleep with each other,” but then you find yourself sending pictures and daydreaming and then one day you find that you are just in it.
Hall of Fame Coach wants more . . . (Cont’d from page 19) will continue to coach, but said he still loves the sport today as much as he did when
he started his coaching career nearly three decades ago. “There are a number of legendary coaches who have al-
(Cont’d from page 10) enrollment schools. The students are being pushed to apply to colleges that have strong track records of graduating minority students. The sisters weren’t aware of their scholarships until a Feb. 7 ceremony honoring all Charter Woodlawn students who have been accepted to a college or university. The University of Chicago is ranked among the top five universities nationally and in the top 10 internationally. As of Feb. 6, exactly 85 percent of Charter Wood-
lawn seniors had been accepted to a college. That figure represents a 75 percent jump from the previous year at this time. In 2012 and 2013, 100 percent of the school’s students were accepted to college. In 2010 and 2011 the percentages were 98 and 96 respectively. For the first time, the public can see the College Persistence Rates linked to every CPS high school. That information is available at http://incschools.org/charters/charter-school-data-finder/dataschool-performance.
South Side twins earn . . .
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ready been inducted, many of whom were my mentors,” he said. “So whenever you are recognized by your peers it’s a tremendous accomplishment. When I started coaching it was because I had a passion for the sport and I wanted to work with our young people. I didn’t even know there was a hall of fame.”
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Saturday, February 15, 2014
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SPORTS
Hall of Fame Coach wants more Black Kids participating in Track & Field By J. Coyden Palmer Last month, the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association inducted Morgan Park High School track coach Derrick Calhoun into their prestigious Hall of Fame. Calhoun is celebrating his 25th year coaching at the school in the Beverly community. He has coached countless runners who have gone on to have national and international success. But Calhoun said he is worried, as are many others, about the state of the sport within the city’s high schools and the overall African American community. Speaking with Crusader earlier this week about the honor, Calhoun said more support is needed for the sport from parents, school administrators and coaches of other sports as well. Additionally, Calhoun said because the physical education curriculum in the elementary schools is not what it used to be, many city athletes, when they get to the high school level, do not have many of the basic physical skills they need to reach their maximum physical potential. “Alexandria Anderson, who I coached and went on to become a national champion at Texas, was a part of our seventh and eighth grade program so I got to coach her for six years instead of the usual four,” Calhoun began. “But the majority of our kids as freshmen do not have the physical skill set in terms of balance and coordination. We need a more well-balanced physical education curriculum in our elementary schools. All of the games and activities they used to do in gym class coming up, they don’t do anymore. All of those things you acquire by playing a multitude of different sports and games. We have to get that back in the grammar schools; YMCA’s and park district programs. In those communities and cities where they are playing softball, soccer, basketball and swim, they tend to produce a little better athlete even though they may not be as physically gifted.” Calhoun said organizations like Friends of Track and Field have made some progress in recent years in terms of getting more publicity and facilities dedicated to the sport, but admits there is a long way to go. He said when he first got to Morgan Park, the student athletes only focused on doing well in the city championship, not the state meet. Calhoun said he had to change the culture and the way athletes at Morgan Park thought about track. Now with seven state titles to his credit, he has succeeded at Morgan Park but said Public League track overall has not gotten the message. “The Public League has made progress in terms of more individuals finishing earning medals at the state meet, but there still has not been a team that has come along to end up in the trophy circle of the top www.chicagocrusader.com
four besides us, with the exception of Lindblom, which took third in 2012 and fourth last year.” Calhoun thinks there are a variety of factors for this but believes two key things are: selfish coaches who will not allow their athletes to compete in other sports and the lack of financial support put behind track and field programs. He concedes basketball is the king sport in Chicago, but says there are many other opportunities available for children in a sport like track. He also said track and field is an excellent cross training sport. “I think it’s a problem we have to combat first at the parent level,” he said. “The coaches also have to let kids try another sport because that other sport might be something they are better at. But there is such a surge now where parents want their junior high child to be an Olympian right away that they have them specialize in whatever sport they seem
MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL girl’s track coach Derrick Calhoun was recently inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Calhoun said he is grateful to have worked with so many talented athletes during his time as a coach of 30 years.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
to be doing well in at that particular time. The danger in that is the child doesn’t get to develop physically as an athlete. There is a window of time to optimally develop certain things; your balance and coordination, your speed and if it is not done at a certain time it becomes harder later on. We all have to allow the children to develop fully.” Calhoun is proud of his former track star, Aja Evans, who this week will be competing in the Winter Olympics in Russia as a member of the USA women’s bobsled team. He beams with pride when speaking of Evans and said she is the perfect example of a track athlete, using those skills in another sport and succeeding. Calhoun said he was honored to be inducted in the hall of fame. He said he has heard from many of his former athletes on the honor. He does not know how much longer he (Continued on page 17)
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