See Page 13 for a review of the book “Nelson Mandela” www.chicagocrusader.com Blacks Must Control Their Own Community
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VOLUME LXXIII NUMBER 13—SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013
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Congressmen organize summit on violence By Wendell Hutson Congressmen Bobby Rush and Danny K. Davis said because of the continued violence in America especially in Chicago they have organized an Emergency Summit on Urban Violence next week at Chicago State University. The summit begins 9 a.m. July 26 at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center, 9500 S. King Drive, according to Debra Johnson, a spokeswoman for Rush. There is no ending time because “we will be there for as long as it takes to come up with ways to stop the killing,” said U.S. Rep. Davis (D-Chicago), whose district includes the Austin community on the West Side. “This is a problem not just happening on the West Side or the South Side but all over the country. It is a growing problem especially in Black and Latino communities where we are losing youth one-by-one on any given day,” added Davis. “If you are tired of going to funerals and reading
PROTESTORS FROM THE Trayvon Martin Rally return to Daley Plaza after marching down Michigan Avenue. Many hold signs asking for justice for Trayvon. See story and more photos on page 2 (Photos by Jerrell Watson)
Chicago bans semiautomatic rifles By J. Coyden Palmer
Cong. Bobby Rush
Cong. Danny K. Davis (Continued on page 3)
During a special session on July 17th, alderman voted unanimously to ban what they called “assault-type rifles” despite the National Rifle Association’s plan to sue the city along with suburban Evanston, which also passed a ban earlier in the week. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and aldermen say they are passing the ordinance because it makes common sense and they have a duty to protect the people of the city. Although alderman said the ordinance will probably do little to curtail violence in the city, and will make Chicago vulnerable to a lawsuit they are likely to lose, they still say passing
the ordinance was the right thing to do. “Let them sue!” exclaimed an excited Ald. Carrie Austin. “Sue, sue, sue again. I believe the NRA is nothing but bullies. How can they say it is okay to have that kind of deadly force?” Many semiautomatic rifles look like military weapons but are not. The firearms are widely owned for self defense, sport shooting and hunting and, according to the FBI Crime Reports, are rarely used in crimes. According to the FBI, semiautomatic rifles are used in less than 1% of all crimes involving firearms. Pro-gun activist and Gresham resident Shawn Gowder said the City of Chicago
apparently likes to get sued and lose. Gowder successfully sued the city two years ago after he was denied the right to own a gun based on a misdemeanor conviction many years ago. An NRA member, he said the city will be sued and lose again on the latest ordinance. “I’m so sick of them,” said Gowder via telephone. “They know they can’t do this but they are going to do it anyway. Chicago has a history of passing unconstitutional gun laws.” Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th) justified his vote by saying anytime they can get illegal (Continued on page 3)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Chicagoans Rally for Justice for Trayvon Martin (See story on page 2)
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NEWS
Chicagoans Rally for Justice for Trayvon Martin By Andrea Watson Less than 24 hours after the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial was revealed by the jury, nearly 300 people rallied in Daley Plaza. “Emmett Till, Trayvon Martin, not one more,” they chanted. The death of Trayvon Martin has received international attention. Last February, the Sanford, Fla. neighborhood watchman approached Martin, 17, as he was heading home. Zimmerman, 29, said he shot Martin in self-defense. The young African American was unarmed, only holding a can of iced tea and a bag of Skittles. Exactly what happened next will never be known, but some kind of confrontation occurred, which led to Zimmerman fatally shooting Martin. The jury of six
women, five white, had to decide if Zimmerman was guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter or not guilty. On July 13, they found him not guilty. Allowing Zimmerman to walk away as a free man stirred up frustrations with the justice system for some people, along with a combination of sadness and anger. There were mixed emotions in this weeks’s crowd of demonstrators. No public figures or celebrities joined the rally, just average people. A multi-cultural group, ranging in all ages held signs asking for “justice for Trayvon.” Many had stickers with Martin wearing a hoodie, the one some say caused Zimmerman to racially profile the teenager. A West Side Chicago resident said the verdict brought him
anger and disappointment. He has two sons, 8 years old and 4 years old, and said this affects everyone, which is why he attended the rally. “Even though it wasn’t my son, my nephew or anybody, I feel connected to the Trayvon Martin family and that’s why I’m down here because it could have been any one of us,” Marvin Sanders said. There were surprised faces when a blood relative of Emmett Till stepped forward and took the microphone. Airickca Gordon Taylor said not much has changed from when her cousin was murdered, 58 years ago, for allegedly flirting with a white woman. The Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation, one Till’s mother started after her son’s death, reached out to Martin’s
family last year and it plans to do the same now that the verdict is out, said Gordon Taylor. “The tears that are being shed across America, especially with my family demonstrate that we are hurt, but we have to get angry, angrier, many people are angry, but we need to get angrier and take action,” she said. “I feel we’ve gone from approved killings in 1955 in Mississippi, to approved killings in Florida in 2013, there are approved killings across America. Emmett wasn’t the first, nor the last,” she said. The rally was organized by the Revolutionary Communist Party and it led people from Daley Plaza, along Michigan Avenue and back. John Sheehan marched with them, but said he felt the organi-
zation did Trayvon a huge “dishonor” when some protesters went from being peaceful to confrontational with officers. They attempted to block traffic, he said. This is more than just a “Black” issue, said Alyssa Sorresso, who rode her bike with a Trayvon Martin sign tied to her back. “I’m a white person. I can’t just sit at home and say, ‘I’m not a Black person so…’ I have kids that I work with and people that I know that I deeply care about and are deeply affected by these issues, Sorresso said. “ I can’t just stand by and let them deal with it themselves. I agree that race is definitely a big part of it and that at the same time it is a human issue. Violence is always a human issue.”
Zimmerman verdict prompts national outcry of disgust
A MAN WEARS a dark hoodie like the one Trayvon Martin was wearing the night he was shot by Sanford, Fla. neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman.
A WOMAN HOLDS A sign at the rally as she shouts “No justice, no peace.”
President Barack Obama, community activists, elected officials and everyday citizens spoke almost in unison at the beginning of the week regarding the not guilty verdict of George Zimmerman, who shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin to death in February 2012. The Crusader collected some of the comments from around the country to share with you. President Obama “The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and the jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities. We should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis.”
PEOPLE FROM ALL walks of life attended the rally. Here, a non-black woman holds a sign that reads: "Black Lives Matter."
THE COUSIN OF Emmett Till, Airickca Gordon Taylor, addresses the crowd.
PROTESTORS GATHER IN Daley Plaza Sunday, July 14, the afternoon after George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge “Two years ago, as the story of Trayvon Martin rose to national prominence, thousands of Americans across this country felt the pain of the Martin family. This (Continued on page 3)
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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Saturday, July 20, 2013
A MAN TAKES the microphone and talks about how justice must be served. (All photos by Jerrell Watson) www.chicagocrusader.com
NEWS
County Board President, Comm. Butler and Rep. Flowers tour Institute of Women Today On June 13, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Commissioner Jerry “Iceman” Butler (3) conducted a District Visit at the
Institute of Women Today. They were joined by State Representative Mary E. Flowers (31) for a tour of IWT’s Maria Shelter and Vincennes Senior Center in the
PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE JOINS Maria Shelter’s newest resident and her mother during a tour.
Englewood community. “We were delighted by the selection of our organization by President Preckwinkle and Commissioner Butler for a District Visit and pleased that they were joined by Representative Flowers,” stated Institute of Women Today Executive Director Angela Hicks. “It provided an opportunity for them to see in person the work that we are doing to help women, children, families, and seniors in our community meet their needs and realize their fullest potential.” The Institute of Women Today’s programs include Maria Shelter, a 50-bed interim housing facility for homeless women and their children, Vincennes
Zimmerman verdict prompts national outcry of disgust (Continued from page 2) weekend, when the not guilty verdict was delivered, we all felt it once again. Trayvon was an innocent teenager who died because George Zimmerman chose to take the law into his own hands. Trayvon was neither on trial in this case, nor was he responsible for his own death, and it should never be assumed or accepted that he was.” U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA)
"I am disappointed with the verdict in the State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman case. My heart goes out to Trayvon Martin’s parents and the struggle that
they have endured in an attempt to achieve justice for their son. Like many across the country, I do not believe that justice has been served. I join the NAACP and many others in urging the Department of Justice to review the case and determine whether criminal civil rights charges can be pursued."
merman.” U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder
“The acquittal of George Zimmerman is a slap in the face to the American people but it is only the first round in the pursuit of justice. We intend to ask the Department of Justice to move forward as they did in the Rodney King case and we will closely monitor the civil case against Mr. Zim-
“We are determined to meet division and confusion with understanding and compassion — and also with truth,” he said, according to the remarks released by his office. “We are resolved, as you are, to combat violence involving or directed at young people, to prevent future tragedies and to deal with the underlying attitudes, mistaken beliefs and stereotypes that serve as the basis for these too common incidents. And we will never stop working to ensure that — in every case, in every circumstance, and in every community — justice must be done.”
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly sweep down and pick up 1,800 young, Black men off the streets, then where is the money to employ some of these same Black men?”asked Rush, who is also a minister. “Jails are teeming now with African Americans and Latinos, but mostly African Americans who are locked up in these prisons all across the country and that has still not addressed the problem of gangs, drugs and violence.” He added that newly elected U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-2) would join both him and Davis at the summit along with other community stakeholders. “We are calling for a national Emergency Summit on Urban
Violence that will address the causes and discuss solutions to put an end to gun violence and bring about change in our cities and in our nation,” Rush said. This is not the first time Rush and Davis have teamed up for a cause they are passionate about. In April, the pair walked 10 blocks in the Garfield Park neighborhood on the West Side to get a better understanding on the routes children must take to travel to school. “That’s quite a walk. And especially, it’s quite a walk for young children,” Davis said. “There were drug dealers standing along the route we walked,” he added. “And if they were there now, they’ll be there when the children are walking to school.” Earlier this year Rush had called for a moratorium on school closings but instead the Chicago Public Schools board voted to close dozens of underutilized elementary schools. Ultimately Mayor Rahm Emanuel will have to answer for all the school closings, contends Rush.
National Action Network President Rev. Al Sharpton
Congressmen organize summit on violence (Continued from page 1) about senseless killings like I am then you will attend the summit and bring ideas with you.” More than 10 people were killed and 60 shot during the recent Fourth of July weekend, bringing Chicago’s murder toll to more than 200. The holiday ‘blood bath’ was too much to deal with and the killings need to stop, said Rush, who attributes youth violence partly due to unemployment. “I have been working on stopping the flow of guns not only into the streets of Chicago, but the nation for many years. If you really want to solve these problems then let’s sit down and have a comprehensive and meaningful discussion and let’s begin with summer jobs,” said Rush. The old mentality of locking up criminals and throwing away the key is outdated and ineffective, added Rush. “If ’ you’re going to ask for $30 million to give to the FBI or the Chicago Police Department to www.chicagocrusader.com
PRESIDENT TONI PRECKWINKLE, Commissioner Jerry Butler, and Representative Mary Flowers visited the Institute of Women Today and toured its Maria Shelter in Englewood. Senior Center providing programs and resources for elder citizens in Englewood, and Believe, a second 50-bed interim housing
in the South Chicago Community that serves families, including those headed by fathers.
Chicago bans semiautomatic rifles (Continued from page 1) guns off the streets or encourage citizens not to purchase high capacity magazines or powerful weapons they should do so. He said he does not think the city ordinance goes far enough and admitted that it will do nothing to stop the flow of illegal guns into Chicago. “We have to combine with the state and federal legislators to get an automatic gun registry. Guns should be registered just like cars,” Sawyer said. “We should be able to track them from their production to their destruction.” Gerald Vernon, president of the Chicago Firearms Safety Association, disagreed with Sawyer. He said guns are what keep people safe, especially single women with kids. He added that whenever you purchase a gun in Illinois, you have to go through a background check and the gun is registered with the state anyway. He agreed with Gowder that the city is wasting time and money on something they cannot win. “This is a ridiculous waste of the taxpayer’s money knowing that they are going to lose,” Vernon said. “How many millions of dollars do we have to waste on this stuff? Look at all the money they lost fighting the Otis McDonald case. They are continuously losing and they are costing the citizens of Chicago money when the city is already broke. They need to be using that money to create jobs for these young people because if they had something to do they might not be killing each other so much.” In 2008, McDonald joined three other residents in a lawsuit to get rid of the city’s handgun ban, the most restrictive gun law
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
in the country and probably the most far-reaching because of Chicago’s size. Mayor Emanuel addressed the full city council after the vote, thanking the members. He said he wants Chicago to be an example for the rest of the country on sensible gun laws. He said while the National Rifle Association may have some inroads in the state legislature, they have none in the city council. “We all have a role to play in building safe communities,” said Emanuel. “That includes keeping weapons designed for the battlefield off our streets and punishing those who carry or use weapons around school children with stiff penalties.” Todd Vandermyde, a lobbyist for the NRA, laughed at Emanuel’s comments. He called the vote in Chicago, “typical.” “They don’t respect the rights of law abiding citizens,” Vandermyde said. “They need a scapegoat and a boogie man for their inability to get the crime rate down. So they want to use the NRA as the whipping boy and to deflect criticism for their ineffective laws.” Vandermyde, who testified before the council a day earlier, said his message fell mostly on deaf ears. He said the NRA has entered in numerous litigation cases with the city before and probably will do so again. He said if Chicago is going to try and further restrict the rights of citizens under the new concealed carry law, they can expect to be sued again. He said by next week, the NRA will have a better idea of what they will do. “I think it is safe to say that at this point, all options are on the table,” he said. Saturday, July 20, 2013
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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL AMERICA'S RACIAL JUSTICE ON TRIAL The widely watched trial of George Zimmerman, the man who shot and killed unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin, has ended with a "not guilty" verdict. This verdict has outraged many Americans of all ethnic persuasions, but especially Blacks. It seems inconceivable that someone who would profile a teen who was doing nothing but walking to his father's home in a gated community after purchasing iced tea and Skittles at a local store, minding his own business, could lose his life in such an unexpected fashion. Zimmerman, a "neighborhood watch" volunteer, took it upon himself to stalk, and then kill, Trayvon. Zimmerman was tried by a jury of his peers; six white women. During the trial, however, you would have thought that Trayvon Martin was on trial. His star witness was ridiculed and criticized for no other reason than her appearance and seemingly unsophisticated demeanor. It was brought up that Trayvon was no stranger to marijuana, and other trivial details about his background were introduced in order to besmirch his character. The outrage, however, is that a man who was clearly told by a 911 operator to abort his mission of following Trayvon totally ignored this admonition, and continued to follow the unarmed teen. Zimmerman did not introduce himself as a neighborhood watch volunteer to Trayvon, who apparently thought that he was some weirdo following him with the possible motive of attempting to do him harm. As it turns out, he was right! He lost his life due to the overzealous actions of the cop "wanna be." There has been a lot of talk as to whether or not this was a "racially motivated" incident. Of course it was! Beyond a shadow of a doubt it was! If Trayvon Martin had been a white teen, Zimmerman would not have given him a second look! So, the question is this: how can the jury acquit a man who clearly followed someone against orders and then commence to kill the victim? How can you stalk a person and then claim selfdefense? This is truly a ludicrous notion, and the jury, if they were presented with all of the evidence, should be ashamed of themselves. They have demonstrated for the entire country that the American justice system is seriously flawed. Of course, most African Americans have known this for a long time, but now everyone else can bear witness to the fact that something is terribly wrong. And why should this matter to anyone other than Blacks? The simple truth is that if the system is flawed, no one is exempt from its machinations. This can have a deleterious impact on the morale of the entire country. People can lose faith in the system if this decision is not re-visited by higher authorities. For every challenge, there is an opportunity. This situation has really brought home the notion that racial profiling, especially that which involves young African American males, is a reality. It also provides evidence that young African American males actually are an endangered species. They are being killed with impunity by others as well as by each other. It's interesting to note how the value of Black life (or lack thereof) can be seen by the reality that there is a greater outcry when a white man kills a Black one, than when a Black is killed by another Black. In Chicago alone, Blacks are killing Blacks by the droves. Where is the national outcry about that? In any case, let's hope that the George Zimmerman trial ignites the beginning of real dialogue about race relations in America, and that it does not create deeper fissures in the American racial fabric. A luta continua. 4
Saturday, July 20, 2013
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 45 Years and Growing with Special Olympics Illinois Dear Editor: This week marks the 45th anniversary of the first Special Olympics competition and the beginning of a global movement that now includes more than 4 million adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Illinois takes great pride in being the site of the first Games at Soldier Field (July 20, 1968) and home to some of the early visionaries in the movement including Justice Anne Burke who organized that inaugural event. Special Olympics has transformed the lives of thousands of people in Illinois by giving athletes with intellectual disabilities a platform to discover and develop their talents and to gain recognition and respect. This is only the beginning. Special Olympics Illinois has a 3-year plan to expand its offerings and to make the program available to more children and adults in communities throughout the state. Special Olympics is a proven winner in bringing people together in schools, in parks and recreation settings and in the community at large. Help us change more lives. Encourage a local school or community organization to start a program. Become an athlete, a vol-
unteer or a donor. Please visit www.soill.org or call 1-800-3940562. Together, we’ll tackle the next 45 years. Dave Breen President and CEO, Special Olympics Illinois
Letʼs bury the Taste To the Editor: It’s that time again in Chicago for the festival known as the “Taste of Chicago.” This event has hit the point like so many mechanical, technological and man-made things; it has run its course. In recent years all things associated with The Taste – the number of participating restaurants, their profits, and especially the crowd has taken a sharp nosedive. While the musical acts continue, they aren’t the stellar performers that we had in the early years of The Taste. Times have truly changed which may be all the more reason to believe The Taste has run its course. It has lived through a handful of mayors and each of them wanted to put his or her thumbprint on the event. One of the major changes to occur since The Taste’s inception 33 years ago is Chicago is broke. The city is wrestling with a huge deficit and things that cost the city money need to be lopped. When we think about the police overtime, as well as that for the
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Streets and Sanitation workers; the health department personnel inspecting food; and other city workers, it is obvious the city is in the hole by the time the event starts. In the early part of the last decade The Taste brought notoriety to the city. Residents and tourists helped swell the city coffers. Unfortunately that has changed. So many city residents I talk with say they have no interest in attending the event. There has been a salmonella outbreak, (Continued on page 7)
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COMMENTARY
The Business President and the Vacationing President BEYOND THE RHETORIC By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist You can also call this piece “The Tale of Two Presidents.” The contrast between the attitudes of China’s President Xi Jinping and our President Barack Obama is absolutely shocking. President Xi is straight up about business. In fact, he is very aggressive. President Obama seems to be reticent about the issue. In fact, he can be arrogant and cavalier as if trade and investment don’t really matter that much. Let’s take a look at their Africa trips this year. President Xi wasted no time in recognizing the importance of doing business in Africa. After being in office for two months, he made a visit to Africa his first overseas trip as President. He visited Tanzania, South Africa and the Congo. He came back with 17 major business agreements. While in Tanzania he publically stated his concerns about a big trade imbalance (in favor of China) and assured that his nation will be conscious of doing business on a level playing field with African nations. He concluded,
Harry C. Alford “Africa belongs to the African people. In developing relations with Africa, all countries should respect Africa’s dignity and independence” he added. From there he went to South Africa for a very important business conference. China has a seat on the BRICS Summit – which is composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Their mission is to form a multinational lender that
will rival the World Bank and focus on developing nations. They plan on “slinging” money and develop a growing influence especially in second and third world nations. The summit was in the beautiful city of Durban. From South Africa, President Xi went to the mineral rich Congo. Former Chinese President Zhou Enlai once stated, “Whoever has the Congo and its neighboring nations will rule the world.” China still believes in that claim. No other nation in the world is doing more business in this war torn nation than China. China buys over 200,000 barrels of oil each and every day from the Congo. China’s strategy is to monopolize the precious minerals of the world. The two richest nations in precious minerals are China (itself ) and the Congo. In fact, all of central Africa is loaded in precious minerals and the vast majority of the mining is owned and operated by Chinese companies. His maiden voyage to Africa has indeed been successful from a business perspective and that is the only perspective President Xi was concerned with. China trade with sub-Saharan Africa is worth more than $200 billion per year. China is now in-
vesting in African projects at the rate of $20 billion annually. That is about to increase as it just closed on a $3 billion deal with Nigeria at the rate of just 3% for increased infrastructure projects. When China lends to African nations it does it without rigid conditions such as no corruption, democratic restrictions and poverty reductions like western sources do. It is just straight business and the African nations find it so friendly. Now let us look at President Obama. He made his first trip to Africa in 2009. It was a 24 hour whirlwind to Ghana. He checked out a slave castle, shook a lot of hands and had some meetings. Business was not discussed. This year he visited Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania. The cost of the trip is estimated at $100 million. The Huffington Post claims that a family of 5 would pay about $50 thousand for the trip, including safaris and hotel/air fare. What did he do for business? He claimed he is working on a $6 billion utility plan (not definitive or absolute). That’s nice but is that all we have to propose? We are the richest nation on earth and all we have to announce is one project. China is
running circles around us in Africa. So is India, Turkey, Italy, Malaysia, Japan and many other nations. You would think that with a Black president we would be picking up the pace exponentially. His press gave an announcement that he met with General Electric, IBM and Coca Cola during his trip. Heck, those three corporations have been in Africa for decades. Mr. President, where is your plan for Africa if you have one? Soon, as it builds out its infrastructure and develops its markets, Africa will have 80% of all farmland in the world. When it learns how to process its own minerals and to recycle its new dollars with other African nations, it will become a continent to envy. Those nations who see this coming are building up their business relationships with all African nations. It will be a pity if we don’t understand that doing viable business with Africa is a matter of our national security and economic well-being. Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
Criminal Injustice System Failed Trayvon By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist Watching television Saturday night, I sat in stunned silence as the jury returned its not guilty verdict for George Zimmerman in connection with the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. Then, I was jolted by a comment made by Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda: “… We live in a great country that has a great criminal justice system. It is not perfect but it is the best in the world and we respect the jury’s verdict.” In what country does de la Rionda live? Surely, he couldn’t be referring to the United States. Granted, making the prosecutor prove his or her case against a defendant is a great idea. So is the notion of being presumed innocent until proven guilty. But when it comes to African Americans, this is by no stretch of the imagination “a great criminal justice system.” I don’t say this out of any bitterness over the failure of the jurors to convict Zimmerman for murdering Trayvon Martin. Yes, I thought Zimmerman was guilty of murder or, at the least, manslaughter. But as much as it pains me, I must also acknowledge that the state of Florida did www.chicagocrusader.com
a poor job prosecuting Zimmerman. Trayvon’s death is a cold reminder that the Black homicide rate is more than six times that of whites. According to 2010 FBI statistics analyzed by the Violence Policy Center, the homicide rate for Black victims was 16.32 per 100,000, compared to a rate of 2.66 per 100,000 for whites. For Black women, the rate was 4.28 per 100,000, compared to 1.48 per 100,000 for white females. And African-American men were homicide victims at a rate of 29.50 per 100,000, compared to 7.08 per 100,000 for white males. “America faces a continuing epidemic of homicide among young Black males,” according to the introduction to a Violence Policy Center report titled, “Black Homicide in the United States: An Analysis of 2010 Homicide Data.” The report, published in January, continued, “The devastation homicide inflicts on Black teens and adults is a national crisis, yet it is all too often ignored outside of affected communities.” And what happens when criminal cases move through America’s “great criminal justice system?” Richard Pryor used to joke that criminal justice in the U.S. means “just us.” Although the comedian usually evoked a laugh – unlike
George E. Curry Zimmerman lawyer’s knockknock joke – this is no laughing matter. American Progress, the Washington, D.C.-based think tank, collected some interesting statistics and published an article titled, “The Top 10 Most Startling Facts About People of Color and Criminal Justice in the United States.” Among the facts: People of color make up about 30 percent of the U.S. population, but 60 percent of those imprisoned. Once convicted, Black offenders receive sentences that 10 percent longer than white offenders for the same crimes. In addition, Blacks are 21 percent more likely to receive mandatory-minimum sentences than white defendants and 20 percent more likely to be sentenced to prison.
Although African-Americans comprise 14 percent of regular drug users, they are 37 percent of those arrested for drug offenses. Although Black juveniles are approximately 16 percent of the youth population, 37 percent of their cases are moved to criminal court and 58 percent of AfricanAmerican youth are sent to adult prisons. Blacks are twice as likely to be arrested during a traffic stop than whites and four times as likely to experience the use of force during encounters with police. News coverage and commentary on the Zimmerman trail demonstrated the toxic state of race relations in the U.S., despite having a Black president in the White House. Geraldo Rivera said on Fox News Friday, “I see those six ladies in the jury putting themselves on that rainy night, in that housing complex that has just been burglarized by three or four different groups of Black youngsters from the adjacent community. So it’s a dark night, a 6-foot-2-inch hoodie-wearing stranger is in the immediate housing complex. How would the ladies of that jury have reacted? I submit that if they were armed, they would have shot Trayvon Martin a lot sooner than George Zimmerman did. This is self-de-
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
fense.” This is the same Geraldo Rivera who said last March, “I think the hoodie is as much responsible for Trayvon Martin’s death as George Zimmerman.” Fox News even invited Mark Furman, the former detective for the Los Angeles Police Department, to discuss the role of race in jury selection for Zimmerman’s trial. Lawyers for O.J. Simpson presented evidence that Furman had used the n-word more than 40 times over a 10year period. Yet, Furman, who pled no contest to perjury charges and sentenced to three years of probation, appeared on Fox News’ “America Live” to talk about race. When Zimmerman earlier selected Fox News as the only network he would grant an interview to, he was right at home. 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 Web site, www.-georgecur-ry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook. Saturday, July 20, 2013
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COMMENTARY
LOVING AFRICAN PEOPLE (Dr. Conrad Worrill, National Chairman Emeritus of the National Black United Front (NBUF), located at 1809 East 71st Street, Suite 211, Chicago, Illinois, 60649, 773-493-0900, Fax# 773-493-9819, E-mail: nbufchic@sbcglobal.net, Web site: nbufront.org)
Dr. Conrad Worrill The word love is probably one of the most used and overworked words in the English language. According to most European definitions, love is “a feeling of strong personal attachment in-
duced by sympathetic understanding or by ties of kinship.” And of course we are most familiar with the usage of the word love in connection with, “Tender and passionate affection for one of the opposite sex.” From time to time we also hear the word love used as an expression and articulation of one’s love for African people as a race. It is without question, that segments of the worldwide African Community have lost all sense of moral and ethical relationships with other African people. This is demonstrated day in and day out by the increased number of African people participating in their own genocide; killing each other, mentally and physically abusing each other, stealing from each other, being dishonest with each other, and the list goes on and on and on. This is why the Reparations Movement is so important in the process of repair of the damages inflicted upon us. I can truly say I love African people no matter how frustrated I get with the negative behavior of so many of our people. I love African people because I understand that the creative force of the universe has en-
dowed us to make the great contributions we have made and continue to make to the world. A simple inspection of the ancient Nile Valley civilizations of Kemet (Egypt) should cause African people to love each other. Ancient Kemet and the Kemetic people (African people) were the creators of mathematics, science, art, architecture, writing, governance, astronomy, medicine, and so much more. The ancient Kemetic people produced wisdom that was written down in their language called Medew Netcher / Divine Speech (our classical African language) or what the Europeans call hieroglyphs. We can examine this ancient Kemetic wisdom in The Husia, which gives us insight into how our great ancestors viewed life, death, human relations, marriage, parenting, use of power, God, family, and standard of moral and ethical conduct. Reading The Husia brings out all my love for African people in a most profound and spiritual way.
to the continued struggle for the liberation of Africa people worldwide.
Listen to the words translated in The Husia: “Do not terrorize people for if you do, God will punish you accordingly. If anyone lives by such means, God will take bread from his or her mouth. If one says I shall be right by such means, she will eventually have to say my means have entrapped me.”
We have a responsibility and duty to the Creator who gives us all life, power, and health, by building institutions and giving back that which has been given to us through the creative force of the universe. This responsibility and duty should inspire us to work harder in the Reparations Movement.
This passage continues: “If one says I will rob another, he will end up being robbed himself. The plans of men and women do not always come to pass for in the end it is the will of God which prevails. Therefore, one should live in peace with others and give gifts which another would take from them through fear.”
I love African people because I know we have the capacity to return to the concept of Maat (truth, justice, balance, divine order, righteousness, reciprocity, and love), and by doing so, restore Maat to its rightful place in our lives. Once Maat is restored we can do as the Creator has done by giving life, power, and health. By restoring Maat, we restore ourselves, thus giving us all the necessary ingredients to win reparations.
These words written 4,000 to 5,000 years ago and their wisdom should cause all African people to once again love each other for the greater good of our race.
Only through love can we survive the white supremacy genocidal onslaught. I love African people and I urge all African people to love each other!
Our love for each other and the wisdom of our ancestors, should give us the inspiration and motivation, to re-dedicate ourselves
THE SCOURGE OF GUN VIOLENCE By Julianne Malveaux Trayvon Martin might not be dead except for the fact that George Zimmerman carried a gun around and acted as a wanna-be policeman. Rev. Al Sharpton and others deserve props for rallying people and insisting that Zimmerman be brought to trial. Anytime a gun goes off, I think somebody has to go to trial, simply to ensure that their actions be accounted for. Zimmerman may be found not guilty, or he may (should) be found guilty, but least, at this point, he has been made accountable for his actions. Zimmerman isn’t the only one slaughtering young Black men, though. Too many of our young brothers are slaughtering each other. In Washington, DC, rising senior Omar Adam Sykes was killed on “independence” day. He was a victim of an attempted robbery, when two men approached him and a friend of his with guns. The Howard University police say that robberies on campus are on the decline, but I don’t think that Omar Sykes’ parents find 6
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Julianne Malveaux that any consolation. Indeed, one young Black man lost to gun violence is too many, whether the perpetrator was a vigilante like George Zimmerman, or another young Black man who is so desperate for dollars that he will kill another brother. Seventy-four people were shot, and a dozen killed in gun violence in Chicago during the July 4 weekend. Two of them were young boys, aged 5 and 7. Much of this violence is gang violence,
and too many of the victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time. No matter. This scourge of gun violence is a plague on our nation, but especially on the African American community. The online website Slate estimates that more than 6,500 people have been killed this year through gun violence. The Center for Disease Control says it is at least twice as many. Since the massacre of twenty children and six adults in Newtown, Connecticut there has been a marked concern about gun violence. Concern, however, does not move legislation. Those politicians who have been purchased by the National Rifle Association lament gun violence but are unwilling to do anything about it. So the violence continues. There are heart-breaking stories of those who are massacred. Young men and women at the cusp of adulthood, who happened to be “hanging out” with friends on the wrong corner. Fathers who agitated an enraged driver. Children who “got in the way” of a random bullet. We say
that guns don’t kill, people do. But people without guns can perhaps wreak havoc without creating a fatality. While the population of the United States exceeds 300 million, there are about 280 million guns in civilian hands. Every year, 4.5 million firearms, including about two million guns have been sold. While many do not own guns, those who do keep acquiring them – the average gun owner had nearly 7 guns in 2004, up from 4 guns ten years earlier. More than 30 people are victims of gun violence each day. A third of them are under 20; half are between 18 and 35. Gun violence is the leading cause of death of African Americans in that age group.
man was the slayer, our gun laws are complicit in Trayvon Martin’s execution.
What if George Zimmerman had not had a gun? If he did what he was told to do, police officers may have come and questioned Trayvon as he proceeded to his daddy’s house. Or perhaps there may have been a fistfight. There surely would not have been a deadly bullet, and while Zimmer-
As we mourn for Trayvon Martin, let us also recognize the scourge of gun violence. If we restricted gun ownership, this tragedy, and thousands of others, may not have happened.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
How many young people have been victims of unintended violence, victims of drive by violence, people just minding their business and losing their lives for minding their business? How many people with axes to grind would whoop and holler instead of carrying guns to workplaces, schools, and other places? How many crazy legislatures are relaxing gun laws to allow people to carry guns in bars and near schools? How many retailers, like Starbucks, refuse to ban guns in their establishments (in states where openly carrying guns is legal)?
Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author. www.chicagocrusader.com
GOSSIPTARY By Ima Gontellit
GOOD COMES OUT OF EVIL
EDITOR'S NOTE: This column is published as political satire, street gossip and humor, and therefore should not be considered as fact but rather as matter of opinion. None of the items therein are collected by the news gathering staff of the Crusader Newspaper Group. Items forwarded to The Chatterbox are kept confidential unless otherwise requested by the author in writing. For submissions please forward to: AChicagoCrusader@aol.com. Original photography and artwork are permitted. Thank you for reading!
After seeing, Rachel Jeantel, the best friend of Trayvon Martin, on the Piers Morgan show Tom Joyner promised to pay all expenses for her to finish high school, get prepared for the SAT and expenses to attend a HBCU of her choice in Florida. So, if we must look for some good in the bad, this is definitely it. Joyner raises millions of dollars for HBCU’s every year and he is remembered for giving Genarlo Wilson a full ride scholarship to Morehouse several years ago. He announced that Wilson graduat-
Trayvon Martin her from receiving another beating at the hands of her ex-husband. But again, her being scared and in fear of her life, obviously
I TOL’ YOU!!! Ima tried to get you ready for the not guility verdict by the jurors in the George Zimmerman trial. You would not have thought that a jury of all women would return a verdict of not guility, especially since all but one of them had children themselves. But what was evident is they did not equate Trayvon Martin’s death to what should have struck a parallel to the possible death of their own children. Just goes to show you we are not equal even in death. How Zimmerman could have gotten off scot free, when he admitted that he killed him, is still mind boggling even to the learned ones of our race. We know that Florida has jacked up laws and that a Black woman is serving a 20-year sentence for just shooting in the air to keep
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Rachel Jeantel
ed from Morehouse this past May. It goes to show you “even an evil wind blows some good.” Thanks Tom, we need something good to help us through the week!! P.S. Tom Joyner said Twitter was a flutter with folks talking negativvely about Rachel, but dey sho nuf could not say nothing ‘bout her hair like dey did Gabby Douglas. Rachel obvously had her did before testifying at the trial and appearing on Piers Morgan’s show. he, he, he
the “straught jacket” brigade, but look like it has infected some folks we thought were okay. Oh well, Ima been wrong before, but can someone explain why dey named these unsuspecting babies such strange names?
-ImaSOMEBODY HELP THESE FOLKS!! Just when we were getting use to the name “Blue Ivy” for Beyonce and Jay-Z’s baby, here comes crazy Kim Kardashian and Kanye West naming their baby ”North.” I know it is now fashionable in our community to name our babies some kind of “kisha” or “kashun,” but these entertainers are back to some basic names that nobody, and I mean nobody but them would sack a baby with. I know Kanye has been teetering on the edge of
Beyonce and Jay-Z
Kanye and Kim
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4)
George Zimmerman was not the same as George Zimmerman’s fear for his life. I tell you it is a crock of you know what. -Ima-
Tom Joyner
shooting and violence associated with The Taste’s later years. The loss of money from the food festival and the city’s shaky financial position is all the evidence the city decision makers
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
should need to close the event gracefully. There are plenty of organizations and neighborhood associations offering food festivals that can easily replace The Taste. Calvin Murray
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
7th CHICAGO LATIN JAZZ FESTIVAL: The Chicago Park District and the Jazz Institute of Chicago invite you to attend the 7th Chicago Latin Jazz Festival, presented by BMO Harris Bank, on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1359 N. Sacramento. The Fest is Family Friendly and Free! Celebrate COMMUNITY and the African, Latin American, Caribbean and North American roots of LATIN JAZZ! The event is part of Chicago Jazz Festival: Neighborhood Nights and Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks. Among the performers are Mama Edie and the Drum Divas, Jane Bunnett, Bobby Sanabria, Candido Camero, and Hilario Duran. In addition, a number of other community representatives and activities will be featured. For more information call: 312-427-1676 (JIC), 312-742-PLAY (7529) (CPD) or 312-747-2001 (TTY). You can also visitjazzinchicago.org,chicagoparkdistrict.com, or chicagojazzfestival.us.
of summer cycling tours. After the ride, participants can talk with local gallerists at a reception and BYOB barbecue. And on Monday, July 22, from 1 pm to 3 pm, Jackman Class resident Jen Delos Reyes will be holding studio hours as an opportunity for the public to meet and engage with her work. The Hyde Park Art Center is located at 5020 South Cornell Avenue in Chicago. For more information call 773-324-5520 or visit www.hydeparkart.org.
THE EVANSTON ETHNIC ARTS FESTIVAL: Visit the Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival On Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, noon to 7 pm, in Dawes Park, Sheridan Road at Church Street. Admission is Free. Each July, the Festival transforms the idyllic lakefront Dawes Park, Sheridan Road at Church Street, into a global village. Surrounded by the flags of more than 100 nations honoring the diversity of our planet, attendees experience the colors, sounds, and aromas of world cultures. Every continent is represented in song, dance, spoken word, visual arts and food. There is live music, dance performances and art and craft work of juried artists. Clothing designs by Neysaspeaces will be among the items on display. The Occidental Brothers will perform on the Central Stage on Sunday, July 21. People can also learn the folkdance of a far-away country and explore the intriguing spices and seasonings of new ethnic foods. Join our online community for information and updates regarding events presented by the Evanston Cultural Arts Division. For more information, please call 847-448-8260. The Ethnic Arts Festival is sponsored by the City of Evanston Cultural Arts Division and partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
DEAN EDWARDS AT THE IMPROV: Dean Edwards from “Saturday Night Live,” MTV’s “Guy Code,” and “Creator of the character of Donkey for the “Shrek Musical” will be featured at the Improv from Thursday, July 18th through Sunday, July 21st. With a dynamic energy and an almost tangible onstage presence, Dean Edwards remains one of the comedy world’s most in demand performers across the globe. Armed with a razor sharp wit, an arsenal of characters and spot on impressions, it’s no wonder that he’s become such a favorite, garnering media attention as well as a legion of fans. As one of the stars of MTV2’s hit show, GUY CODE, Dean has helped the show become the networks most successful show in its history. He also just completed hosting TV One’s clip show, VIDIOTS, and serves as a correspondent on BET’s new program, DON’T SLEEP, hosted by TJ Holmes. A talented Actor/Comedian, Dean Edwards has been making his mark in comedy following two successful seasons as a cast member on “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.” With such memorable impressions as Don Cheadle, Michael Jackson and Denzel Washington, as well as such original characters as “Man in Elevator” and “Cop#2”, Dean always pushed himself to the limits of creativity and exhaustion. Director Malcolm Lee chose Dean to finish Bernie Mac’s voice/ADR work on “Soul Men” after the comedian’s untimely death. He spent 2 years workshopping and creating the character of Donkey, leading up to Dreamworks’ SHREK THE MUSICAL on Broadway. Tickets are $17 - $19. For reservations or more information call 847-2402001 or log onto www.improv.com. Make a dinner reservation and receive priority seating seating! Visit http://www.-deanedwards.net/frontpage/andwatch htt p://www.deanedwards.net/klipz/.
HYDE PARK ART CENTER EVENTS: On Saturday, July 20, from 1 pm to 4 pm, the Hyde Park Art Center will head up Milwaukee Avenue to explore artist-run exhibition spaces for its next installment
JAZZ IN THE GRAZZ FREE CONCERT: “A Poetic Evening of Jazz” will be held on Wednesday, July 24th, 6 pm, at Chicago State University, 95th and King Drive. Saxophonist Ray Silkman and sul-
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try jazz singer Zemrah will be featured. Ray Silkman has played every major jazz club in Chicago. His hit single, “So Saxuel,” is a crossover hit. Silkman commands the sax to the point of hypnotism. Zemrah is a sultry jazz singer who captures the mood of traditional jazz. Her style is in the tradition of Nancy Wilson. THE NU BLU BAND AND MAJESTIC GENTS AT SUM-
MERDANCE: Learn to dance and enjoy live music at SummerDance in the Parks – an admission-free series that is part of Chicago SummerDance – coming to five different Chicago Park District facilities Wednesdays through August 28th at: Theater on the Lake; 63rd St. Beach house in Jackson Park; Ping Tom Memorial Park; Austin Town Hall; and the Humboldt Park Boathouse. On Wednesday, July 24, The Nu Blu Band plays R&B
and Majestic Gents teaches Chicago steppin’ at the Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake Street. SummerDance in the Parks is supported by Southwest Airlines. The series offers introduc-tory one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors at 6 pm followed by live music and dancing from 7 pm -9 pm. The diverse lineup showcases traditional and modern dance styles from all corners of the globe. Call 773-287-7658 for more information.
COMPTROLLER JUDY BAAR TOPINKA joined Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s 42nd Annual Convention to highlight the success of minority-owned businesses in Illinois. Picture by: Teresa Potasiak
Extended Coverage ance and buy more without having to prequalify medically.
What kind of life insurance do you need? What do you need insurance to do for you? *** Basically, you want to provide for your family—spouse and children—if something happens to you. In the years of high need, with young children, perhaps a mortgage, through the college years, term insurance is often preferred. ***
Milton E. Moses
*** Let us help you protect your family’s future. Come see us at Community Insurance Center, Inc., 526 E. 87th Street, your insurance headquarters. We have been serving the community since 1962. For more information about the services we provide, call (773) 6516200. You can also reach us via email at: sales@communityinsurance.com or visit the website at www.communityins. com.
Choose level term if you can; this keeps coverage and monthly premiums the same until the premium expires in 20 or more years. *** When you can afford it, consider owning permanent life insurance as well. This coverage offers a savings component, building up cash value that you can borrow against when needed. Gains are tax-deferred, untaxed until withdrawn. *** Best of all, it’s often possible to convert some of your term protection to permanent life insurBLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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BUSINESS
The downside of car-title loans: Fees double dollars loaned Repossessions likely in 21 states By Charlene Crowell For most people, a car paid in full is a sign of financial freedom. When monthly notes are done, household budgets gain the opportunity to redirect monies to savings, a home down payment, retirement investments or other living needs. That financial relief can be enjoyed – unless vehicle owners take on debt that often leads to repossession: car-title loans. Like other predatory financial products, the lure of easy cash almost always leads to nagging, long-term payments and heavy regrets. In the newest chapter in the State of Lending research series, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) analyzed the debt traps of car-title loans. It’s an under-reported financial issue that today affects consumers in 21 states through more than 8,100 retail stores. It’s also an industry
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that annually reaps $4.3 billion in fees on loans totaling $1.9 billion, with an average loan size of only $1,042. Let’s say you find yourself a little short on cash; but have title to your vehicle. A car-title lender is ready however to offer a loan with no questions asked about your credit or other financial obligations. The loan will always be a fraction of the vehicle’s full market value. Just sign the loan papers and ready cash of several hundred or even a few thousand dollars is yours. What car-title lenders seldom mention is that most borrowers are unable to repay the full amount of fees and the loan in just a single payment. The typical borrower takes eight renewals on a single loan and eventually pays $3,391 - over three times the average amount borrowed. Like payday loans, once loan fees are paid, few funds are left for other living needs and a turnstile of debt begins. Worst of all, even if a car-title loan leads to vehicle repossession the borrower must continue to repay all monies still owed even when the borrower has neither title nor use. For ex-
Charlene Crowell ample, in 2008, 60 percent of New Mexico car-title borrowers lost their cars to repossession. And what does the lender get for his money? Let us count the ways: • Excessive loan fees that frequently total more than the principal borrowed; • Repossession of your vehicle, made easier by installed GPS trackers; • An additional loan fee for the
repossession itself, typically $350-$450; • The right to sell the vehicle at market prices —without your notification or the chance to catch up on your loan; • The right to keep all of the vehicle sales proceeds; and • The ability to force continued payments on the loan and fees until the full financial obligation is met. So who borrows these high-cost loans? Typically they are consumers who earn $25,000 or less a year. Further, about half of all car-title borrowers are unbanked. According to FDIC, the federal office that keeps track of the unbanked, the large majority are people of color. FDIC found that more than one in five Black households (21.4 percent) are unbanked and one in three (33.9 percent) are under-banked. Similarly, 20 percent of Hispanic households are unbanked and almost 30 percent (28.6 percent) under-banked. The report’s state-by-state analysis found that Texas leads the nation in the number of stores, loans and loan volume with loans per year valued at half
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
a billion dollars. Tennessee, with a significantly lower population and 837 stores had the second highest loan volume with $254 million but the highest per capita usage. Other states with annual loan volumes exceeding $100 million per year are: Alabama, Arizona, and Virginia. The report’s policy recommendations include: *Limiting loan interest rates to 36 percent or less and denying lenders exceptions to state usury laws – both state legislative actions; *Requiring lenders to evaluate a borrower’s ability to repay the loan and meet other expenses without taking out a subsequent loan; *Additionally requiring loan terms to be structured as equal payment installments with reasonable rate limitations; and Providing borrowers with: 1. Prior notice of a vehicle sale, 2. The opportunity to redeem their vehicle, and 3. The return of surplus (Continued on page 16)
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EDUCATION --
Urban Prep Academy High School is going national By Wendell Hutson In the next five years the founder of Urban Prep Academy for Young Men High School said he would like to open new campuses in Indiana cities Gary and Indianapolis; New Orleans, Atlanta, Newark, N.J.; and Washington, D.C. “We are in talks with those cities about possibly opening a campus there. It has always been my vision to make Urban Prep Academies a national organization,” said Tim King, founder and CEO of the Chicago-based nonprofit. “The success we have had in Chicago with our three campuses has been phenomenal. Now it’s time to take it to another level.” Founded in 2006, Urban Prep has campuses in Englewood, Bronzeville and North Lawndale. And since its first graduating class in 2010, the all-boys charter school has achieved a 100 percent college acceptance rate. For the last four years all seniors have all been accepted into a four-year college or university despite many entering high school reading below grade
SENIORS AT URBAN PREP Academy have recorded a 100% college and university acceptance rate. Students proudly don the caps of those colleges and universities during a recent College Signing Day at the school.
ENTERTAINER BILL COSBY performed at the Water Tower Place on June 29 as a fundraiser for Urban Prep Academy high school. level, King said. “From day one we work with students to prepare them for college. And too often that means getting them caught ‘up to speed’ in reading and writing,” King added. “But in the end our efforts pay off because they continue their education in college.” The majority of students attending Urban Prep are Black and many come from single parent households, according to 10
Saturday, July 20, 2013
King. And many students live in crime plague communities, such as West Pullman, Roseland, Auburn Gresham, Englewood, Grand Crossing, and North Lawndale. “None of that stops them from coming to school to learn. When we first get them they are boys but by the time they graduate they do so as young men,” added King. The thought of Urban Prep spreading to other urban cities is encouraging, said City Treasurer
Stephanie Neely, an Urban Prep board member. “I am delighted at the prospect of having Urban Prep’s winning formula expanded and put to work for even more young people. There is no downside to investing in our youth,” Neely said. “What these young people and educators have been able to accomplish is a testament to hard work, optimism and resilience.” One barrier to opening more campuses outside Illinois is money, explained King. “We would love to have our own school buildings but costs often prohibits us although our West Side campus is not a shared building like the other two campuses,” said King. “Each year we hit the streets and do fundraising to the tune of $2 million to help support our effort of educating Black boys. We spend $10,000 per student and $7,500 comes from CPS (Chicago Public Schools).” David Miranda, a spokesman for CPS, said both charter and noncharter high schools “roughly receive the same funding amount but delivered in different ways.” The latest fundraising effort took place June 29 when legendary entertainer Bill Cosby performed at the Water Tower Place on behalf of Urban Prep. “The concert was sold out and Bill Cosby is still Bill Cosby. Funny, smart and generous,” King said. “His concert raised $50,000 for us, which we will use for operating expenses.” The collaboration between Cosby and Urban Prep came unex-
BILL COSBY JOINED students from Urban Prep Academy and its founder Tim King on stage following a fundraiser for the charter school that netted it $50,000. pectedly, according to King. “I was sitting in my office one day when the phone rang and I answered it and Mr. Cosby was on the other end. At first I thought someone was playing a joke on me but after 15 minutes of talking to him I realized it was not a joke,” recalled King. “He said he had heard good things about Urban Prep and wanted to know
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
what could he do to help keep things going.” King said the organization plans on releasing data next year to show how its first graduating class performed in college. “Everybody wants to know what happened to our 2010 class and how many went on to graduate from college,” he said. “Well, in less than a year we will know.” www.chicagocrusader.com
COMMUNITY
KKK – “Kin Killin’ Kin” - New Exhibition opens at the DuSable The DuSable Museum of African American History is honored to present a new exhibition of images which depict contemporary violent gang behavior and takes aim at the social issue of gun violence in our communities. KKK-“Kin Killin’ Kin,” by James Pate opened on Saturday, July 13, 2013 and will continue through Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at the Museum which is located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago. KKK – “Kin Killin’ Kin” is a powerful and thought-provoking series of images that reflect artist James Pate’s deep love and even greater concern for the epidemic
plete with brothers in pointed hoods in the ‘hood.’ Every piece is a moment of silence and dedication to all people who have to deal directly with our losses.” Pate’s self-described “Techo-Cubist” craft teases the eye. He uses the medium of charcoal coupled with the techniques of illusion, shadow, juxtaposition, shape and perspectives. Drawn in a style akin to film storyboards and comic strips, his KKK images are no laughing matter. Each portrays a specific act or consequence of brutality. Representations range from flying bullets to children caught in crossfire. These works force the viewer to deal with an uncom-
Title Photo of the exhibit – Your History I as a means to illustrate this sentiment, complete with brothers in pointed hoods in the ‘hood.’ Every piece that I complete is also my way of accepting responsibility as a member and team player in my community. Every piece is a moment of silence and dedication to all the people who have to deal with our losses. I hope that troubled youth,
young adults, drug traffickers and gang members will see these images and scenarios as a negative and not the model that will support their hopes, aspirations and potential. This project is worth every stroke if one child can be moved to look forward to gaining skills that cannot only provide a means for healthy survival, but also self-expression. I placed his-
Willis Bing Davis, Curator
James Pate, Artist
of youth violence in the African American community. If he were a singer, he would sing about it. If he were a dancer, he would dance about it. If he were a journalist, he would join the thousands who write about it. James Pate is a master visual artist who has directed his artistic vision to one of the most critical social ills of our time…youth violence. In the KKK – “Kin Killin’ Kin” series, James Pate reveals a negative social reality in hopes of finding collective and positive solutions to a problem that touches us all directly or indirectly. Pate’s powerful images are a visual callto-action to find solutions to youth and community in acknowledging that harsh reality of gun violence, and to dialogue positive alternatives and solutions toward negative behavior. The Black-on-Black violence epidemic is an issue that has long been vocalized, but rarely been the subject of visual art. “It is often said that we, in a ‘strange-fruit’ kind of way, are doing that business of the KKK with our Blackon-Black violence,” says Pate. “I was moved to use art as a means to illustrate this sentiment, comwww.chicagocrusader.com
fortable subject matter head-on. To bridge the generation gap, Pate’s iconography includes historical references to the demonstrations of the Civil Rights Movement and to ancient Africa. Connecting with youth groups, Pate hopes to spark much needed dialog about the violence issue. “The telling of our stories via visual art and popular culture not only means recovering the historical ones but imagining the epic ones to come.” ARTIST STATEMENT I started working on the “Kin Killin’ Kin” series in the year 2000. In the middle of producing the first piece, I decided that as a personal private protest I would continue to compose a rendering as long as these insidious acts continue. The concept of visually comparing Black on Black terrorism to Ku Klux Klan terrorism came directly from conversations among us in the Black community. It is often said that we (African Americans), in a “strange fruit” kind of way, are doing the business of the KKK without Black-on-Black violence. So, I was moved to use art
torical imagery in some of the compositions with the hope that an adolescent will feel a real sense of their bloodline connection beyond their own parents and grandparents. As an artist, my fuel tank is always full just by realizing that I am a part of a lineage that designed and built ancient Egypt. If Jacob Lawrence can create a series of works depicting the south to north migration of the Your History II
(Continued on page 16)
R.I.P. African Americans BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Saturday, July 20, 2013
11
ENTERTAINMENT
By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ By Raymond Ward UAJJ offers innovation and tradition Whether it is young people sharing their vocal styling or long-time instrumentalists, the Universal Alley Jazz Jam (UAJJ) offers Jazz fans a wide variety of options. The UAJJ, in its 10th year is the successor to Jazz in the Alley, which was founded by the Rev. C. Siddha Webber and had a 45-year run in Bronzeville. The UAJJ offers Jazz aficionados several performances every Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. The sessions are in the plaza at 1801 E. 71st St. This week’s show features Tony Norman and the Heart to Heart Band; Gasmu Teus on steel drums; the Generations Big Band; Singer Aquilla Sedalla with Olantungue on guitar; Bagpipes player Henry Blo also is in the lineup, as is Nuwki Nu, a blues harmonica player and singer. Dena Spivey, a fourtime winner of the Apollo Theater competition, will be a featured singer. Webber’s Ancestral Resurrection Ensemble also will perform. Webber explained the mission of “The Alley” was to preserve the (Jazz) culture of the 60s. He said there will be performances every Saturday until August 24. Admission is free. He recalled the practice of DJs spinning records in the alley at 50th and Champlain on the city’s South Side was prevalent in the 1950s. He said that as the crowds grew larger more people there own records for the DJs, and soon Jimmy Ellis began playing his saxophone and the days morphed into live jam sessions. A mural in the alley painted by a friend of Webber’s, Mitchell Caton, “forms the backdrop and the music and poetry fell the same desire-a need for culture and camaraderie,” Webber said. He added that Ellis said he believes the new series captures the old community spirit.
“Watsons Go to Birmingham “The Watsons Go to Birmingham” is a star-studded Hallmark Channel movie that follows the Watson family from their home in Flint, Mich. as they travel by car to Washington D.C. during a historic time in America – 1963. The family’s experiences along the way give them the courage to stand up for what is right and helps them grow stronger as a family. The Watsons are a close knit family of Daniel and Wilona Watson, and their three children including a 15-year-old juvenile delinquent, a nerdy 11-year-old and an 8-year-old adorable sister. After their arrival in Birmingham, the family experiences some lifechanging events. It also will be made available via video, with a companion classroom teacher guide, and archival photos. The movie airs Friday, September 20 at 7 p.m. Cast members include Anika Noni Rose; David Alan Grier; Wood Harris; Skai Jackson; LaTanya Richardson Jackson; Bryce Clyde Jenkins; and Harrison Knight.
Ice-T brings story of celebrated pimp and Black author Iceberg Slim to big screen “My shoes were hand made and would cost three times as much as a banker’s shoes. But my shoes— though perfectly fitted—would be worn in tension and fear for the next 35 years,” Iceberg Slim writes in his first book, Pimp: The Story of My Life. By Elaine Hegwood Bowen At first I wasn’t too excited about reviewing the new documentary out in theaters this weekend—Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp. But when I realized that rock musician, author, actor, public speaker and director Ice-T was one of the executive producers, I decided to give it a shot. And the documentary, presented in a mixed media format, does not disappoint. It is a brilliant retrospective of a man who went from nothing to fame as a glorified pimp to a celebrated author and then to working a job as an exterminator killing mice and roaches. The documentary, which was
Iceberg Slim
molested by a babysitter.” At the early age of 6, Iceberg first became enamored with street life. “My mother had a beauty shop, and she catered to a colony of Black hookers and pimps. I wanted to become a pimp so I could have all those beautiful clothes, diamonds and women, that’s how I got street poisoned,” Iceberg Slim said. The documentary also reveals that as a young boy, Iceberg witnessed his mother destroying their happy home when she decided to run off with a con man who physically abused Iceberg and made her an accomplice in his crimes and then promptly dumped her. All of these situations poisoned him and thrust him into a life of crime, until he was finally arrested. And while Iceberg might have ruled his stable of women, which he first acquired at age 21, he was ill fitted in society, when trying to go straight after having been arrested 11 times and finally being
This fall starting September 28, the 7th annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival (HPJF) brings more than 30 bands to 13 stages throughout the Chicago neighborhood, presenting some of Chicago’s most critically acclaimed artists, as well as nationally and internationally recognized jazz talents. Alongside the outstanding live musical performances, the festival also features youth programming, an outdoor dance floor, and artisan vendors. Co-produced with the Hyde Park Jazz Society, this one-of-a-kind two-day festival showcases collaboration between local businesses and community, cultural and academic institutions to present live jazz performances in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. The 7th annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival remains FREE to the public through the support of the University of Chicago, corporate sponsors, and individual donors. We invite a suggested $5 donation per person to help sustain the festival’s future. More than 300 volunteers help make the festival possible each year. Chicago Magazine named the Hyde Park Jazz Festival the 2011 Best Neighborhood Music Festival.
first screened at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival, reveals through interviews with Iceberg Slim, who was born in Chicago in 1918 and whose given name is Robert Maupin, his daughters and first wife, Betty Beck, Snoop Lion, Leon Kennedy, Quincy Jones, Bill Duke, Chris Rock, as well as clinical psychologist Dr. Seth Kadish, a man who was born into a situation where at an early age he was abandoned or violated by women in his life. According to press materials, “Iceberg’s early life was fraught with physical and mental abuse and a temptation and fascination with crime. As an infant, he was physically abused by his father, and as a toddler he was sexually
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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Hyde Park Jazz Festival announces lineup
Saturday, July 20, 2013
released from Chicago’s Cook County Jail. As a female, I had reservations about the documentary because of the subject matter, and even while screening it across the country, the director, Jorge Hinojosa, said he ran into women who were just as baffled that such a documentary could be made. “They [Toronto Film Festival] basically had thousands of movies from which to select only a few, and our documentary was shown five or six times during the festival,” said Hinojosa, who has been Ice-T’s manager for nearly 15 years. “There are a lot of people who embrace the sentiment that they don’t want to know about a pimp, but the documentary blows their minds,” he added. “In Dallas I asked a woman who leads a group of women’s rights advocates for those who have been victimized, and she loved the documentary.” He explained that he (Continued on page 16) www.chicagocrusader.com
ENTERTAINMENT STYLE
THE BOOKWORM SEZ
“Nelson Mandela” by Kadir Nelson c.2103, Katherine Tegen Books / HarperCollins $17.99 / $19.99 Canada 32 pages Your mother sent you to your room the other day. You hate that. You didn’t think you were being naughty but Mama did, and she punished you. You had to sit in your room alone for awhile and you cried, maybe, or pouted because it just wasn’t fair. Now imagine being locked in a room for years and years and years for no good reason. That’s what happened to a great man in Africa, and in the book “Nelson Mandela” by Kadir Nelson, you’ll read about that man and his life. Rolihlahla loved to play with his friends, fighting pretend-battles
and hunting with slingshots on the grassy hills of Qunu, South Africa. But he couldn’t play forever: Rolihlahla was smart, and smartness like that needed an education. Rolihlahla’s mother knew she would miss him while he was away, and she tried hard not to cry. At school, Rolihlahla’s teacher refused to say his Xhosa name, so she called him “Nelson.” As Nelson grew, he attended the finest schools in Johannesburg. He became a lawyer so he could help his poor and powerless African countrymen. But something else bothered Nelson just as much as poverty; the South African government had a policy that split its citizens into three groups, and it wasn’t fair. They called it apartheid, and Africans hated it. So Nelson organized rallies and spoke to the people. He was jailed for speaking up, but he never stopped fighting against apartheid. He married and became a father, but he never stopped fighting. He organized rallies and protests, and never stopped fighting. A warrant for his arrest was put out, but Nelson never stopped fighting…
Until he was caught, arrested, and imprisoned. He was sent to a
Brookins hosts South Side beautification awards Representatives of the Brookins Funeral Home, Sweet Water Foundation, and Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. are excited to host their first Beautification Award Ceremony on July 27, 2013 to celebrate the participants in the Beautification Award program. This fun-filled event will be held at the Brookins Funeral Home located at 9315 S. Ashland Avenue from noon - 3 p.m. The 21st ward residents are invited to participate in a lawn and garden competition. Applications and rules are available at Brookins Funeral Home located online at http://www.brookinsfuneralhome.com/events, and at Alderman Howard Brookins Jr.’s office located at 9011 S. Ashland Ave.
Residents can submit applications through July 24, 2013. Gardens will be judged from July 1 - July 24 at the discretion of the judges. All gardens must be accessible from the street except for container gardens, which is the only special consideration for residents of Senior Living Housing. The judges are a panel of 21st ward community members, business partners and/or guest judges familiar with gardening, lawn care, and the beautification of residences. Brookins Funeral Home has been civically engaged in the community for over 40 years. This past year, Brookins Funeral Home has been an extremely busy supporting program that make a difference in the community. Brookins Funeral
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY’S Jazz in the Grazz concert series will feature Ray Silkman (left), a saxophonist who has played at every major jazz club in Chicago, at the July 24 event. On the program that same evening will be Zemrah (right), a jazz vocalist who has been compared to Nancy Wilson. The concert will be at Chicago State University, 95th and King Drive, starting at 6:30 p.m. www.chicagocrusader.com
Home offers funding and partnership opportunities year-round to youth centered programs. Supporting wellness initiatives for the senior community has also been a focus of Brookins Funeral Home, which prompted Brookins to host a Health Fair in October 2012. Eager to create opportunities to community members to be enriched by local business owners, Brookins partnered with the local Black McDonald Operators and Alderman Brookins Jr. in May 2012 for a “Chew and Chat” event. The Beautification Award is yet another opportunity to bring the community together. Partnering with Chatham Theater 14, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, and McDonald’s Operator Derrick Taylor, the event is guaranteed to be an engaging event that brings 21st ward residents, city government, business partners, churches, and community members together in an effort to revitalize our neighborhoods. The Brookins team is hopeful that the Beautification Award will be a success and continue to grow both the Brookins Funeral Home and Alderman Brookins Jr. efforts to promote pride and in the community. Studies have proven that by investing time in beautification communities lower crime rates, increase property value, and encourage healthy living.
small island where he sat in a tiny room every day, eating cold meals and working hard labor. He was there so long that when he got out, his children had all grown up.
More importantly, South Africa had ended apartheid. Finally, after almost twenty-eight years, Nelson Mandela was set free. He was elected as South Africa’s new leader. And the people celebrated. You always want to give your child a good sense of history, whether it’s in the past or in the making. “Nelson Mandela” is a good book for both. Author Kadir Nelson gives kids just the right amount of information here; he’s honest in telling what happened, without being scary. Curious kids will appreciate that this book is made kid-friendlier with a two-page section at the end that could help answer lots of questions. But Kadir Nelson’s words are only half the appeal. Nelson is also the illustrator here, and his paintings – from the magnificent cover to every page inside – are addictive. It’s the artwork that makes this a book you’ll want to browse, whether your children are around or not. Kids ages 4-7 will love this story, and I think older gradeschoolers will appreciate it, too. If your child needs a little time out for reading, “Nelson Mandela” is a book you should make room for.
Chicago native is among the herlarious ones Expect a strong dose of Chicago comedy when the comedienne Wanda Sykes presents “Herlarious” on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 20. Sykes will be joined by three of her favorite female comics including Chicago native Marina Franklin. Franklin spoke with the Crusader this week to talk about her career and upcoming show. Franklin who refused to divulge her age said she has been performing as a comedienne for about 15 years and her work has taken her to Europe and Africa, but Chicago holds a special place in her heart. The Rich East High School grad said “Chicago is in a lot of my routines. I basically talk about where I come from. Chicago is very strong with who I am. I talk about Chicago as one of the most segregated cities in the country,” she explained; adding “I also talk about being a Black girl growing up in a white neighborhood, I also talk a lot about Obama, and I reference Michelle.” “I have a lot of pride being from Chicago,” Franklin noted. She said working in other countries doesn’t pose the challenges for her that it does for many comedians. Franklin explained that her travels
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
and living in different places has given her an accent that isn’t associated with any particular region. “I translate quite well because they (foreign audiences) can understand me. Moving back and
Marina Franklin forth from Chicago, adjusting accent wise prepared me for the nonregional accent. If your dialect is too strong the audience won’t be able to get it. You also have to be funny,” she laughed. The most memorable of her trips outside of the U.S. was to South (Continued on page 16) Saturday, July 20, 2013
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ARTS & CULTURE
Morris Robinson as Ramfis and Mark Delavan as Amonasro. Based on the Chicago Public Library’s One Book, One Chicago, Ravinia’s One Score, One Chicago program engages the entire community in a single musical masterpiece and introduces public school students to classical music. Aida was explored by children in hundreds of classrooms
World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s creative consultant, was among the 12 recipients when President Barack Obama awarded the 2012 National Medal of the Arts in the East Room of The White House on Wednesday, July 10. The ceremony was streamed live on wh.gov/live and was archived on the site for future viewing.
Barbara Wright-Pryor
Ravinia Festival presents Verdi’s ‘Aida’ August 3 In honor of Giuseppe Verdi’s 200th birthday, Ravinia will present a concert version of his grand opera Aida, one of the world’s most-loved operas, on Saturday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m. performed by the CSO led by Music Director James Conlon and featuring the Chicago Symphony Chorus. Tenor Roberto Alagna will make his Ravinia debut as Radames and soprano La-
Michelle De Young throughout the Chicago area through live performances, school residencies and teacher workshops as part of Ravinia’s REACH*TEACH*PLAY education programs. A pre-concert discussion of Aida will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Martin Theatre prior to the Pavilion performance. Gates
Music Institute of Chicago Chorale’s Summer Sing-Along, now in its 10th year, will be held Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. For the first time this year an orchestra conducted by guest conductor Frank Winkler will join the singers and soloists soprano Kathleen Van de Graaff, tenor Alejandro Abraham and bass Peter Van de Graaff in Haydn’s “The Creation.” Daniel Wallenberg is Director of the MIC Chorale. An optional free rehearsal will be held Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Nichols Hall. Admission to the Sing-Along is $10. For information, contact 847905-1500, ext. 100. ******** South Shore JazzFest canceled The South Shore JazzFest, an
tonia Moore makes her Ravinia debut in the title role for which she won rave reviews when she stepped in as a last-minute replacement for several performances at New York’s Metropoli-
Roberto Alagna tan Opera. The cast also includes Ravinia Steans Music Institute almuna Michelle DeYoung as Amneris, 14
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Morris Robinson open at 5:00 p.m. and the first 500 guests will receive a free CSO mug. Tickets are $100/$25; Lawn $10 and can be purchased online
Mark Delavan at ravinia.org or by calling 847266-5100. A resource guide to the piece is also available at Ravinia.org.
But a lack of time to plan the event and some debt have forced the cancellation, said Clarence Williamson, who succeeded Geraldine de Haas as president of Jazz Unites, Inc., which created and produced the event. “There were only three weeks left to produce a show,” said Williamson. “We just couldn’t do it this year.”
Yo-Yo Ma joins The Sphinx Organization as advisor Renée Fleming (Photo/Andrew Eccles) ********
The Sphinx Organization has announced that legendary cellist YoYo Ma will be joining us in a new role as Special Artistic Advisor. In this role, he will offer mentorship to Sphinx’s top young artists, in ad-
NU’s Bienen School of Music summer concert series drawing to a close
Latonia Moore
annual summertime rite at 71st Street and the lakefront since 1981, has been canceled. The event had been scheduled to take place Aug. 3-4 outside the South Shore Cultural Center and was to have been renamed the Geraldine and Eddie de Haas JazzFest Heritage Music Weekend, after founder Geraldine de Haas and her husband, bassist Eddie de Haas.
The Northwestern University Summer Jazz Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, in Regenstein Recital Hall 60 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Saxophonist Chris Madsen, the Bienen School’s administrative coordinator of jazz studies, directs the summer jazz band in a program of original works by group members and jazz standards by well-known composers and arrangers. Tickets are $6 for the general public and $4 for students with IDs. The Northwestern University Summer Chorus conducted by Stephen Alltop presents selections for voice, brass, organ and piano Tuesday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. The program includes Gabrieli’s “In Ecclesiis” and Mathias’ “Let All the People Praise Thee, O God.” Great poetry will be heard in works by Frank Ticheli and Eric Whitacre as well as in Ned Rorem’s Shakespearean tribute “Present Laughter” for chorus, brass and piano. The concert will also feature “The Bluebird” by C.V. Stanford, “Gabriel” by Caldwell and Ivory and Whitacre’s “Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine.” The San Marco Brass Ensemble will also per-
form. Tickets are $6 for the general public and $4 for students with IDs. Robert G. Hasty directs Northwestern’s Summer Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 1 in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive. The program includes Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major, featuring violinist Jing Qiao and Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major (“Rhenish”). Tickets are $6 for the general public and $4 for students with IDs. CONSTRUCTION ALERT Due to construction on the south end of campus, Arts Circle Drive is currently closed to traffic. Free parking is still available on weekends and after 4 p.m. weekdays in the two-level lakefront structure located on Campus Drive. After turning onto Campus Drive from Sheridan Road, enter the parking structure on the right by way of ramps leading to the upper and lower levels. For vehicles with handicap placards, reserved spaces are available on weekends and after 4 p.m. weekdays in the lot directly west of Louis Hall. For more construction and parking information, visit pickstaiger.org/construction.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
dition to advising the organization and its Board on the strategic direction of the organization’s programming endeavors. About his new role with Sphinx, Yo-Yo Ma shared: “I am so excited to have this affiliation with The Sphinx Organization, because I believe so much of the values of Sphinx and the values the Silk Road Project and I try to practice are aligned. One of our principal jobs in life is to find and nurture talent, and talent crosses all borders. It is an honor to be associated with this visionary organization.”
Yo-Yo Ma coaches Sphinx Laureate Tony Rymer as pianist Dina Vainshtein looks on.
Previously, Mr. Ma has served as Honorary Chair to Sphinx’s annual Carnegie Hall Series in addition to offering coachings to top Laureates of the Sphinx Competition. “We are deeply moved by Yo-Yo’s commitment to Sphinx’s mission and are grateful for the tremendous generosity of his spirit. This represents an immense opportunity for generations of tomorrow’s artists, in addition to the work of the Sphinx Organization itself,” shared Aaron Dworkin, Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization. www.chicagocrusader.com
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
A Moment to Supersize Your Thinking By Effie Rolfe Grain of a Mustard Seed—I always wondered why it takes such little faith to move mountains. Just think—mustard seed faith—that’s less than a teaspoon! I am convinced that it’s not about the amount of faith you have— because God requires so little, but more so it’s about moving your fingers and toes in the direction of what you want and the law of attraction that works hand and hand with faith will provide the GPS to help you get there. Often times, we can all agree that the most difficult thing is to get started. But once you do, you quickly realize—I could have done this much sooner. Moreover, once you begin your journey of faith, you discover that once you move
your feet, the continued moving is much easier than it was to initiate. Even when you don’t know all the steps or what the entire process entails, often once you start moving, the people and resources you need will show up at the right time to usher you on
Bishop Joseph W. Walker III by the votes of the FGBCFI Bishop’s Council, sends a powerful message of trust and respect in Walker, the 45 year old proven and successful leader. “I’m humbled and thankful by this God ordained responsibility and opportunity. I’m so grateful for the confidence Bishop Morton and the Bishop’s Council has shown in choosing me as the next Presiding Bishop. Certainly, I am committed to the positive future of the Fellowship. I will continue to work hard each and every day to insure that the mission and vision established by our founder is fulfilled. We will remain strong, committed and undivided during this transition.” Bishop Joseph Walker pastors one of the largest churches in the Unitwww.chicagocrusader.com
fore you started. Do you have mustard seed faith…? Effie Rolfe is the author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” a media personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her at effierolfe.com or on twitter.com/effiedrolfe.
The Crusader Gospel Corner
Effie Rolfe
Bishop Walker to succeed Bishop Morton at FGBCFI It’s official! Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III will succeed Bishop Paul S. Morton as Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. Morton, who will retire in 2015, founded FGBCFI 20 years ago, made the much anticipated announcement tonight in Louis-ville, KY among thousands of FGBCFI conference attendees and a world-wide television viewing audience. The appointment, which was determined
and supply your needs to fulfill your requests. Stop waiting for the perfect time, place or situation—it doesn’t exist. Well actually, the perfect time to start is Right now…once you do—the rest will be much easier. I’m not saying you won’t have challenges, but at least you will be much closer to your goal than you were be-
ed States, Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, TN, which has grown from 175 members in 1992 to over 28,000 members today. Mt. Zion Baptist Church is one church, with three locations, offering 30+ ministries for social and economic enhancement of the Nashville community and abroad. Named as one of the top 20 African-American Pastors in the country by TheRoot.com, Walker sits on noteworthy national boards, including the board of the American Red Cross, and holds a Governorappointed post on the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. The influential leader, while preaching seven services per week at Mt. Zion Church, has an international internet, television and radio ministry reaching hundreds of thousands around the world. Bishop Walker will assume his role during a season where the church culture is wrestling with an array of challenges and negative media surrounding it. An astute, spiritual motivator, Walker has turned tragedy and hardship into triumph and testimony: in 2005, his first wife passed away due to cancer; in 2007, his home was destroyed by fire; and in 2012, a flurry of baseless and unmerited lawsuit allegations were filed against him. The adversities have tempered Walker to be a leader prepared to lead a movement. In 2009, Bishop Walker remarried; in 2009, Bishop Walker’s home was restored; and in 2012, the lawsuit allegations were dismissed 100% by the Tennessee Judiciary. As a champion of the faith, Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III continues to carry the message of love, faith and hope that has inspired the world for more than 2,000 years.
Congratulations to Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago who recently performed with Queen Latifah at her concert at the Hollywood Bowl on July 10th. The following day, the youth choir had the premier of Soul Stories. “It was so ironic—we are having our first Hollywood premiere on July 11th and the place that we are doing the premier is right
Festival this week. The former R&B singer known for the classic ‘I had a Talk With My Man Last Night’ is excited, “I’m the only one on it singing Gospel and ministering the Word. We pray that souls will be saved,” said Collier. Her performance will take place on Friday at 2 p.m. To view the performance, click the link http://psf.lepida.tv/
showcasing the inner and outer beauty, as well as uplifting the spirits in all,” said the designer. His ‘Drama Dresses’ have received rave reviews and have been spotted on various celebrities as well as Ebony and Fashion Fair Models. According to the Chicago native and fashion expert, “We live in Colors and every design is not only right—it’s
Queen Latifa and The Soul Children across the street from the Hollywood bowl,” said Whitman. “People that we have working for us in L.A. sent out press releases about the Soul Stories and Aretha (Franklin) actually called back and was interested in what we were doing and was excited about it and she wants to record with us,” shared Whitman. “I got Queen Latifah and the Queen of Soul requesting our presence, which means that we’re on the radar of people…just by being connected it’s opened us up to be seen by more people,” said Whitman.
Meanwhile across town . . . Quinton de’ Alexander, top fashion designer, presents We Live in Colors this Sunday, July 21st, 5 p.m. at DuSable Museum. The evening will serve as a benefit to honor unsung heroes in the community and to launch his latest effort, “The Tour mission is to unify the awareness colors into one ribbon as we stress the importance of obtaining and knowing your test results. Early detection is the key to saving lives. As well as the need to give equal funding to research a cure for illnesses in all areas. While
Back on the home front, Rev. Tyrone Crider invites you to his 10th year anniversary as Senior Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Sunday, July 21st at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Special guests speakers include Pastor Kenneth Flowers of Greater New Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Detroit and Pastor Marvin Wiley of Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood. Services will be held at 1257 W. 111th St. in Chicago. Kudos to Rev. Mitty Collier and Minister Calvin Bridges performing in Piretto, Italy for their Soul
Quinton de’ Alexander
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
breathtaking!” Additionally, the Founder and President of Chez de’ Alexander has an extensive line of women and distinguished men apparel. This Sunday, de’ Alexander will continue to generously give to the community through the project, We Live And Remember in Color. For details visit weliveandremember.com or call 773-621-3372. You’re never to young to dream—just ask 13-year-old Joshlyn Camille Lomax who has already shared the spotlight with veteran actors including Mel Jackson, Terri Vaughn, Lou Meyers and Gospel legend Vickie Winans. The former Soul Child has also shared the stage with Broadway sensation, Felicia Fields, in the Drury Lane production of the musical, Hairspray. This weekend, the talented teen stars in Clara, based on the life of gospel legend, Clara Ward of the famed Clara Ward Singers. Lomax plays the character of a young Clara, who is torn between her mother’s dreams being a gospel legend, and her own dreams of being a wife and mother. The production is at the Open Door Theater in Oak Park. Saturday, July 20, 2013
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KKK – “Kin Killin’ Kin” - New Exhibition opens at the DuSable (Cont’d from page 11) American Negro then I can chronicle this period in our history when “Kin Killed Kin.” There is no doubt in my hope that this wound will heal. But until that day, I will channel as much of my creative resources as I can for the purpose of influencing change. This series will live to remind me of a picture that began to fade prior to being restored. The images will warn and alert us to not repeat this history. As shameful as this topic may be I need the imagery in these renderings to simply tell the children the truth. KKK - “Kin Killin’ Kin” is organized by SHANGO: Center for the Study of
African American Art and Culture, Inc. and EbonNia Gallery. The exhibition was curated by Willis Bing Davis. The DuSable Museum of African American History gratefully acknowledges the Chicago Park District’s generous support of the Museum. For more information on the exhibition please call 773-947-0600 or visit our website at www.dusablemuseum.org. The DuSable Museum of African American History is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 AM until 5:00 PM and Sunday from noon until 5:00 PM. Admission is $10 for adults ($8 for Chicago residents), $7 for students and senior citizens ($5 for Chicago
residents) $3 for children ages 6 through 11 ($2 for Chicago residents) and children 5 years of age and younger are admitted free. Sundays are FREE to all. The Museum may be reached by CTA buses #3, #4 and #55 and free parking is also available on the premises. About The DuSable Museum of African American History The DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Our mission is to collect, preserve and display artifacts and objects that promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements,
illustrate African and African American history, culture and art. For more information on the Muse-
contributions and experien-ces of African Americans through exhibits, programs and activities that
um and its programs, please call (773) 947-0600 or visit us at www.dusablemuseum.org.
Chicago native is among. . . (Third and McDougal). She described the Comedy Cellar as “one of the hottest clubs around. It might have been one of her performances there or an online video that landed her the Herlarious gig. Franklin said it is not unusual today to be hired for shows based on what’s available on the Internet. “Before you had to go from club to club (to get exposure),” she added. One club that will give Chicagoans an opportunity to see her up close is Zanie’s
(Cont’d from page 13) Africa about seven years ago Franklin recalled. She said she met Winnie Mandela, former wife of the Nelson Mandela, and all of their grandchildren. “I didn’t get to stay long enough, but it was a chance to see my roots and visit the motherland. Doing a show there was so rewarding.” Sykes and Franklin have known each other for several years. Franklin said both of them have performed at New York’s Comedy Cellar
on North Wells. She said she doesn’t have a confirmed date yet, but will be here for a performance there. Franklin said she tries to get back to the city several times a year to visit family.
HOUSES FOR SALE
ENTERTAINMENT: CHICAGO STYLE (Cont’d from page 12) has an 11-year-old daughter and that he wouldn’t present anything that would be disrespectful or harmful to her. Indeed, the documentary covers “A-Z” all facets of Iceberg Slim’s life, including when at the age of 42, after more than 20 years of living the “pimp life,” he goes to Los Angeles to restore his relationship with his sick mother and eventually marries his first wife, who encourages him to write his life story. This initial urging resulted in his first book, “Pimp: The Story of My Life,” being written and published in 1967 by Holloway House Publishers. He goes on to become a celebrated author of “gritty, urban literature”—the likes of which hadn’t been known before—that has been translated into at least five foreign languages. “The world he exposed me to in his book ‘Pimp’ was cruel, tragic, oppressive, fascinating, and it was also the reality of the inner cities across America,” said Hinojosa. According to press materials, “As the painful story unfolds, Iceberg Slim reinvents himself, and his transformation from pimp to author makes him an inspiration to many well known and respected artists. The authentic, unfiltered, autobiographical work of Iceberg Slim is considered to be the genesis of Blaxploitation films 16
and Gangster rap and it continues to influence artists today.” Ice-T, who is such a delightful subject to interview, drew the parallels between his life and Iceberg Slim’s. “This movie shows a man who really in the beginning… you hate his guts, and he changes his life,” said Ice-T. “Being an exterminator and to having a marriage with mixed kids right in Watts during the 1960’s had to be tough.” Ice-T continued that Iceberg Slim went from having a great life to living in near poverty and dying in 1992 from complications of diabetes. “At that point, he was out of the game, and he parallels my life. I came from a horrific Z to a positive A, and I live trying to perfect this transition daily.” Hinojosa added: “During his later life, Iceberg Slim was broke, and he lived in South Central Los Angeles in a little hovel of an apartment. He had a hard time becoming a part of society. He once said in an interview that the only time that he dealt with white men was when they were looking for Black pu**y.” Ice-T, 55, who was once a “gangsta rapper” and sold drugs and even, according to the documentary, attempted a pimp life, says that he never wants to go back to where he used to be. “We attempted to pimp, but you are not a professional unless you pay your rent doing it. I never pimped hard enough to
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buy a car.” He added that he loves his life now, which includes a starring role on television’s “Law and Order SVU” and giving motivational speeches at venues such as Harvard University. “I have the ability to go places that at one time I couldn’t. I handle things differently in the street, now, and I have to let things roll off of me. I am not getting soft; it is just that I have a lot more to lose at this point.” Ice-T, born Tracy Marrow, adopted his name from Iceberg Slim, after he started rapping many verses about Iceberg Slim and fans encouraged him. “They called me Tre, and they would tell me to say some more of that ‘ice’ stuff, so Ice-T is short for Iceberg Tea.” He also spoke about some young artists who continue to get into trouble, even after they have achieved some notoriety. “They haven’t made the transition. I understood that I had to change my behavior, but it’s not easy, you know sometimes you want to smack the sh** out of people. Your ideals have to change, and I am so proud that I have gotten over to this other world, and I am bringing some of my friends along and helping them heed to this new phi-
LEGAL NOTICE To whom it may concern, I am caretaker/custodian for the property at 9006 South Colfax /Anthony, Chicago, Il 60617. Contact, Flo Mills 7/13, 7/20, 7/27/ 2013
losophy.” Indeed, at the end of the documentary, Iceberg Slim warns wannabe pimps that he made a lot of money, but he blew it all on dope and clothes. And I submit working as an exterminator after having had all imaginable riches isn’t too glamorous. But I do herald the work of this team and thought it was important that an expert chimed in about the psychological devices at work in the pimp’s and prostitute’s minds, as far as the sex trade is concerned.
Finally, Ice-T said that “Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp” is “an honest portrayal of the man’s life, and the biggest lesson is that redemption is possible. No matter where you start, at any point, a human being can become something else and change.” “Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp” is in limited release throughout Chicago and the country. For more information, visit www.icebergslimmovie.com or check your local theater listings
ADOPTION Considering adoption? Mixed-race Asian mother with adopted African-American son seeks to adopt a second child. Stable, multicultural home full of love and hugs. Bilingual Spanish/English. To learn more, contact: Family Resource Center, (800) 676-2229, (773) 334-2300, email: adoption@f-r-c.org
LEGAL NOTICE TO: CJ, CASEY, BIG T OR ANY OTHER UNKNOWN FATHER OF A FEMALE CHILD BORN ON THE 26TH DAY OF MARCH, 2012; IN THE STATE OF IOWA. THE MOTHER OF THIS CHILD IS MCKANZIE BREWER. You are notified that there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of Court for Muscatine County, a petition to terminate parental rights in case number JV005647 which asks that your parental rights be terminated as it relates to your child born on the 26th day of March, 2012, in the State of Iowa. For further details contact the clerk’s office. The petitioner’s attorney is Oubonh White, Assistant Muscatine County Attorney, Muscatine County Attorney’s Office, 420 East Third Street, Muscatine, IA 52761, 563-263-0382. You are notified that there will be a hearing on the petition to terminate parental rights before the Iowa Juvenile Court for Muscatine County, at the Courthouse in Muscatine, IA on the 29th day of August, 2013, at 10:30 o’clock a.m. You are further notified that unless on or before this time and date of hearing, you appear, or, you serve, and within a reasonable time thereafter file, a written special appearance, motion or answer, in the above-named Court at the Courthouse in Muscatine, IA, judgment by default will be rendered finding your parental rights to be terminated as demanded in the Petition. You are further notified that you are entitled to be represented by an attorney. If you are unable to employ counsel, you may apply to have counsel appointed by filling out an affidavit of your financial situation. You should do this immediately. Jeff Tollenaer Dates of Publication: _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Clerk of the Juvenile Court Muscatine County Courthouse Muscatine, Iowa 52761
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HOUSES FOR SALE
LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D13134896 on the 2nd day of July, 2013 under the Assumed Business Name of Always Onyx, with the business located at 1727 E. 86th Place, Chicago, IL 60617. The true and real name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Sylvia Snowden, 1727 E. 86th Place, Chicago, IL 60617. 7/13, 20, 27, 2013
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HOUSES FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR LONG BEACH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-WL2 Plaintiff, -v.NARLY LAUGHLIN, PATRICK LAUGHLIN, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, PRAIRIE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 12 CH 01323 5636 S. PRAIRIE AVE., UNIT 2S & P8 Chicago, IL 60637 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 14, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 12, 2013, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5636 S. PRAIRIE AVE., UNIT 2S & P8, Chicago, IL 60637 Property Index No. 20-15-110-028-1005 (UNIT 2S); 2015-110-028-1016 (PARKING UNIT P8). The real estate is improved with a residential condominium. The judgment amount was $156,005.48. Sale terms: The bid amount, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, shall be paid in certified funds immediately by the highest and best bidder at the conclusion of the sale. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgageeʼs attorney. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffʼs attorney: HEAVNER, SCOTT, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgageeʼs attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, SCOTT, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 12 CH 01323 TJSC#: 33-14720 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffʼs attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I544714
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SPORTS
Simeon player named to 2013 All-America baseball team Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE:UA), the Baltimore, MD-based leader in sports performance apparel, footwear and accessories, has added Simeon outfield Darius Day to the roster for the 2013 Under Armour® All-America Baseball Game. The game will be played at Wrigley Field on Saturday, August 24th at 1:30 p.m. and air live nationally on MLB Network. The Under Armour All-America Baseball Game showcases 36 of the best high school players, competing in an American vs. National team match-up. The players are selected by a committee of Baseball Factory scouts. “Darius is a quick-twitch athlete who has the range and instincts to play centerfield at the next level. He has plus speed (6.67 in the 60) and plus arm strength (92 mph) in the outfield to go along with advanced hitting tools. His left-handed stroke is short and quick with very few holes for a high school hitter. Darius is a potential middle-ofthe-field defender who can hit at the top of a line-up,” according to scouts. “We are excited to have Darius compete at the Under Armour All-America Game this summer in front of his hometown Chicago friends and family,” said Steve Bernhardt, Chairman of the Under Armour All-America Game
Selection Committee & Executive VP of Baseball Operations at Baseball Factory. “With plus speed, hitting and arm strength, he has the tools to impress scouts on this national stage at Wrigley Field.” The Under Armour All-America Baseball Game is the culmination of a four-day baseball celebration, including a formal workout for Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts and a homerun derby. Over the past five years, 118 of the 138 draft eligible players from the Under Armour All-America Game were selected in the MLB Amateur Draft including 34 first round picks. Top players that went on to sign professional contracts in 2012 include Byron Buxton (2012 No.2 Overall Pick, Minnesota Twins); Kevin Gausman (2012 No.4 Overall Pick, Baltimore Orioles); Addison Russell (2012 No.11 Overall Pick, Oakland Athletics); Gavin Cecchini (2012 No.12 Overall Pick, New York Mets); Nick Travieso (2012 No.14 Overall Pick, Cincinnati Reds); Deven Marrero (2012 No.24 Overall Pick, Boston Red Sox); Styker Trahan (2012 No.26 Overall Pick, Arizona Diamondbacks); Clinton Coulter (2012 No.27 Overall Pick, Milwaukee Brewers); Lewis Brinson (2012 No.29 Overall Pick, Texas Rangers); and Ty
SIMEON PLAYER DARIUS DAY has been added to this year’s Under Armour All Star team. Day is considered among the top major league prospects in the nation. Scouts describe him as having exceptional speed and a better than average throwing arm. Hensley (2012 No.30 Overall Pick, New York Yankees). For more information on the 2013 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game, powered by Baseball Factory, please visit www.baseballfactory.com/allamerica/2013. Tickets are currently available online at http://www.vividseats.com/sports/under-armour-all-america-high-schoolbaseball-game-tickets.html.
Obama welcomes historic Loyola Ramblers team History was relived recently when President Barack Obama welcomed a group of current and former Chicagoans who made basketball history in 1963 – the Loyola University Ramblers- to the White House. The visit comes 50 years after the team played what has become known as “The Game of Change.” On March 15, 1963 the Ramblers, who started four Black players, played Mississippi State University in a regional semi-final game. It took on such significance because Ross Barnett, then governor of Mississippi had issued an injunction prohibiting the state’s team from playing. The team snuck into the East Lansing, MI. gym defying the governor’s order. Then it was an unwritten but widely followed rule that Southern colleges and universities would not play any teams that started even one Black player. Loyola won the Mississippi State game 61-51 at Michigan State University in East Lansing. The victory propelled the team to 262. Ultimately the Ramblers won the NCAA Tournament and finished the season with a record of 29-2, with the final win coming www.chicagocrusader.com
against Cincinnati in a 60-58 overtime battle. A contribution on the White House Blog by Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett related how the team members presented Obama with a framed picture of Loyola Captain Jerry Harkness and Mississippi State Captain Joe Dan Gold shaking hands at center court just before the tip-off. The handshake is considered by many one of the greatest moments in college sports history. Harkness, a consensus first team All-America player, said he was initially nervous meeting the President but that changed when Obama called him “Cap.” They also discussed being left-handed shooters. The Loyola team included a roster where all nine players graduated and many went on to excel in graduate studies. In November, they will be the first team to be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. According to Jarrett, the induction coincides with several major 50th anniversaries of the Civil
Rights Movement, including the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala.; the murder of Medgar Evers in Mississippi; the Children’s March; the Stand in the Schoolhouse Door by then-Gov. George Wallace; the March on Washington, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech.
About Under Armour, Inc. Under Armour® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand’s moisture-wicking synthetic fabrications are engineered in many different designs and styles for wear in nearly every climate to provide a performance alternative to traditional natural fiber products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and worn by athletes at all levels, from youth to professional, on playing fields around the globe. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, with European headquarters in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, and additional offices in Denver, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Guangzhou, China. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.UA.com.
About Baseball Factory, Inc. Baseball Factory has developed programs to provide players with world-class instruction and lifechanging experiences, which when combined, lead to future success both on and off the field. Baseball Factory holds over 500 events nationwide each year in over 40 states and 100 cities. We pride ourselves on giving families an unbiased assessment of where they stand against other players nationwide. Baseball Factory events have featured more than 320 players who have played or are currently playing in the Majors and over 40,000 players have gone on to play at the college level. 98% of Division I, 70% of Division II and 60% of Division III programs have at least one Baseball Factory alumnus on their roster. Learn more at www.baseballfactory.com.
FOUR OF THE seven members of Loyola University’s historic 1963 basketball team visit with President Barack Obama at the White House. The members presented the President with a framed photograph of the center court handshake before the semi-final NCAA game with Mississippi State University, which became known as “The Game of Change.” BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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