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Blacks Must Control Their Own Community
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VOLUME LXXIII NUMBER 20—SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2013
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25 Cents and worth more
Blacks and Latinos see HIV conspiracy By Wendell Hutson A recent survey by a group of researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health queried 600 Chicago residents and found many had different beliefs about how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects minorities, particularly Blacks. In fact, about one in 10 Blacks and Latinos surveyed said the federal government is secretly using the deadly disease to kill “as many minorities as possible.” The study also concluded that one-third of Blacks believed that the government is lying when it comes to how people are affected with the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). About 20 percent of Mexican-Americans also shared this belief with Blacks, according to the survey. Kathleen Sebelius, secretary for the U.S. Health & Human Services Department, was unavailable for comment. However, believing myths and conspiracies about AIDS has not affected Blacks’ willingness to participate in HIV research trials, according to the study. In fact, those questioned said they would be willing to volunteer at a
higher rate than whites. The numbers mirror previous studies showing minorities tend to believe in conspiracy theories about the origin of AIDS at a higher rate than whites, said Dr. Ryan Westgaard, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. The level of mistrust among Blacks is likely tied to the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a 40-year government project that began in 1932 that followed Black sharecroppers, according to the report. The government researchers never told the sharecroppers they had syphilis and did not treat them for it either. Setting up outside stores in what they described as “12 socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods” in Chicago, such as Downtown and Austin, the researchers surveyed 201 Blacks, 190 Mexican Americans and 196 whites participated. Researchers have traditionally had a difficult time finding minority volunteers to participate in research. In the survey, some 59 percent of Blacks said they were probably or very willing to participate in an HIV vaccine study. Among the Latino respondents, 49.7 percent
expressed interest in such a study, compared with 38.3 percent of whites. “Historically low levels of minority partici-
pation in medical research may be more a reflection of inadequate or inappropriately tar(Continued on page 2)
A RECENT STUDY by researchers at the University of Wisconsin focused on the myths Blacks believe about HIV and AIDS.
Group wants red light cameras removed By J. Coyden Palmer
THE END OF SUMMER -- Not long ago some young men playing near fire hydrants caught the attention of photographer Worsom Robinson who said the scene reminded him of his youth when summers were carefree and worries were few.
At least 30,000 Chicagoans including WVON talk show host Mark Wallace want to rid the city of red light cameras, and have signed petitions to put the question on the 2014 election ballot. Wallace said he was inspired by a young caller earlier this year to launch the initiative after the young caller said “the community talks about stuff but never follows it up with action.” Wallace’s response was to create Citizens to Abolish Red Light Cameras. Comprised of a small group of volunteers, the organization has been gathering signatures throughout the city in hopes of getting 100,000 signatures.
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Wallace said he does not see himself as some sort of rebel leader adding that he is not seeking money or fame from the movement. He said he just wants to see the red light cameras abolished like thousands of other Chicagoans. Wallace explained he has several reasons to see the cameras go bye-bye. He said they do not make traffic safer, are only making the private company who has the contract rich and it deprives citizens of due process as required by the U.S. Constitution. “Even before the radio program I thought this was something that was unjust and un(Continued on page 3)
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The African Festival Of The Arts honor Grand YeYe and Grand BaBa (See story on page 9)
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Englewood Aldermen address food desert problem By Wendell Hutson While five Englewood aldermen have different views on how to address the food desert problem they all agreed it is a problem that needs solving immediately. The wards of Aldermen Pat Dowell (3rd), Roderick Sawyer (6th), Toni Foulkes (15th), JoAnn Thompson (16th), and Willie Cochran (20th) all run through Englewood. And given the recent announcement by Mayor Rahm Emanuel that a Whole Foods Market plans to open an Englewood store at 63rd and Halsted streets by 2016, aldermen presented their ideas on just how to go about eliminating food deserts. “We need quality grocery stores that have reasonable prices for residents,” said Sawyer. “I applaud Whole Foods for coming to Englewood but I doubt if that is where residents will do all of the grocery shopping when you consider Whole Foods is a specialty store.” He added that “back in the day we had butcher shops to go buy
our meats and grocery stores that would sell the rest of the products we needed,” Sawyer said. “Those days (at least in Chicago) are gone. Now it’s all about going to one place that has everything.” But Foulkes, who worked 19 years in the bakery department at Jewel Foods (now-Jewel-Osco) said stores like Whole Foods are too expensive for economically challenged communities like Englewood. “Instead of so many corner convenience stores that sell a limited supply of food products, we need to fill vacant lots with full-service grocery stores,” explained Foulkes. “ALDI and Save-A-Lot come to mind when I think of grocery stores with reasonable prices, and right now I don’t see Whole Foods as being one of those stores.” Cochran supports a Whole Foods in Englewood but said the key to erasing the food desert problem is to market the community to other stores to attract a “multitude of food stores.” In Englewood, “there are afford-
WHOLE FOODS EXECUTIVES, along with Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the grocery chain known for organic and high-end foods will open in 2016 on 63rd Street and Halstead near Kennedy-King College. During his campaign the mayor promised to eliminate “food deserts” in the city. able food choices for everyone. We have a Food 4 Less, ALDI and Save-A-Lot,” added Cochran. Thompson said she is tired of people thinking Englewood is a community that deserves less. “We (Englewood) might not
Group Wants Police held accountable By Andrea V. Watson As parents marched for an elected school board, other parents were preparing for a different march right around the corner from the Chicago Public School’s Headquarters. Alleged victims of police crimes, along with their friends and family demanded justice and the opportunity to form a Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC) Aug. 28. An estimated 250 people showed up for the walk to Daley Plaza, which started in Federal Plaza. It was organized by The Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. Mothers shared stories of what they called “police brutality,” and “injustice,” as they let the tears fall freely.
So much attention is placed on the Black-on-Black crime that occurs, daily, in many low-income Chicago communities, that people tend to ignore the crimes between police and the community, says Marco Roc, a member of the Illinois’ Campaign to End The New Jim Crow. “We need to make the public aware that there is a solution to this problem and the solution is to pass legislation that will politically empower the people in the community to have something to say about the way their communities are policed,” said Frank Chapman, field organizer for The Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. He said he wants people to push for an elected board that won’t be appointed by Mayor Rahm Eman-
A MARCH AGAINST police brutality attracted several hundred protestors recently as a community organization wants to call attention to the injustices they say police have committed and gone unpunished. 2
Saturday, September 7, 2013
uel and won’t be biased towards police officers. Roc’s organization has been canvassing local neighborhoods, stopping through CTA train stations, in the hopes of getting as many signatures as possible to present to the City Council. “Stop Police Crimes” is the campaign that his group and the one who organized the march. On the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repressions website, it reads: “In the last four years, Chicago police have killed 63 people and shot another 153. This violence was perpetrated against 172 African Americans and 27 Latinos. Not a single police officer has been charged or disciplined for any of these crimes by the Police Board or the State’s Attorney.” “We’re engaging with the community directly. Our sense is that the police are hostile to this because they want to police, control themselves,” said Roc. “They see this as something that prevents them from doing their job, but doing their job too often means a Black person gets killed.” Both the Chicago Police Department and the Independent Police Review Authority were contacted, but a response was not received by deadline. The petition has gathered 10,000 signatures, says Chapman, who says he and the rest of the group simply want “justice for the victims.” More info on this campaign can be found at www.StopPoliceCrimes.com
have the income of other communities but we have disposable income too,” Thompson said. “Instead of people saying Whole Foods is too expensive for Englewood residents they should be saying residents have plenty of money to spend on good, quality merchandise.” The bigger picture is fixing the
unemployment problem in Englewood, said Foulkes. “People can’t buy food if they do not have a job or sufficient income,” added Foulkes. “That is a problem that seems to get lost in translation when we talk about food deserts. Job creation should be priority number one for the city before it starts to recruit new retailers.”
Blacks and Latinos see HIV conspiracy (Continued from page 1) geted recruitment efforts than a mans when hunters killed the priwidespread endorsement of con- mates for meat and came into conspiracy theories and distrust in the tact with the animals’ infected medical establishment,” Westgaard blood. The earliest detection in a said. human was discovered in a Congo Health professionals at the U.S. man in 1959. Centers for Disease Control and Here are the conspiracy belief Prevention explained that HIV like- questions and the percent of peoly started in a type of chimpanzee in ple by race who said they agree or West Africa. The virus entered hu- strongly agree. 1. The government is lying about AIDS Black: 18.6 percent Mexican American: 19.6 percent White: 14.8 percent 2. AIDS is part of a government plot Black: 13.5 Mexican American: 11.2 White: 11.3 3. I believe doctors and scientists when they say that you can’t get AIDS through social contact Black: 40.5 percent Mexican American: 38.5 percent White: 61 percent 4. The government is using AIDS to experiment Black: 20.9 percent Mexican American: 16.4 percent White: 10.3 percent 5. The government is not telling us the whole story about how AIDS is spread Black: 32.3 percent Mexican American: 21.8 percent White: 19.4 percent 6. The government is using AIDS as a way of killing minority groups Black: 13.4 percent Mexican American: 13.4 percent White: 8.2 percent
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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NEWS
Group wants red light cameras removed (Continued from page 1) necessary,” said Wallace, who has been on the air for two years. “But I didn’t have the platform to drive the issue. This is an issue I felt very strong about. I thought it was a way in which we could coalesce people in the broader community to really take charge of its democracy… and to make more demands on those people who serve as public representatives.” The organization meets on Fridays at Logos Baptist Assembly, 10805 S. Halsted St., and determine where they will be the next week to gather signatures. All meetings are open to the public. During a Roseland community meeting last month at the Salvation Army’s Ray and Joan Kroc Center on the South Side, Virginia Newman and a few other volunteers politely asked people if they would like to sign the petition and told them the requirements. In order to sign, you must be a resident of Chicago and a registered voter. Newman said they have been getting a positive response from people. They were at the Chicago Air and Water Show a few weeks back and over the Labor Day weekend were at the African Festival of Arts in Washington Park. Wallace said the numbers from last weekend have not been counted into the 30,000 as of yet. Wallace and Newman believe the
should have the right to defend myself of this crime,” Wallace said. “The way the red light cameras were sold to us is that they would be placed at intersections where we had a high rate of angled collisions. We’ve found that the cameras are put in some intersections where they didn’t have any collisions whatsoever. This was about generating revenues for the private company and where you have taken police duties away from law enforcement and privatized that. I see that as a way of compromising the trust of the public.” The most profitable red light location, according to the city’s own data and published media reports has been the camera at 99th and Halsted, which has brought in $9 million since it was installed. And unlike a moving violation ticket written by an officer from a municipality, where the city would get a substantial amount of the money from the fine, the bulk of money from red light cameras go to the company that operates them. Wallace said this issue has angered all of Chicago. He said it is an issue that has transcended geographical boundaries as many suburbanites are enraged as well, even though they cannot sign the petition. “There are people who are just as incensed on the North Side of Chicago as there are on the South Side,” Wallace said. “This is just
area expressways, which indicate the number of highway deaths in the state for the year are, an example of the farce that cameras make a difference. Approaching 700 traffic deaths at Crusader deadline, Wallace said driving patterns have not changed throughout Illinois or fewer people would continue being killed on the state’s roadways. Wallace thinks the issue should be put on the ballot for the next election. In order to do that, he will need approximately 47,000 signatures as the law requires 8 percent of the total number of voters in the last municipal election, which according to the Chicago Board of Elections was 585,628. But Wallace wants to get 100,000 to send a clear message to the city’s aldermen and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He said the difficult part is not in getting the signatures presented to the Board of Elections 90 days before the election, but there must be a city alderman willing to sponsor the referendum. He said they have a few people in mind but he admitted it will have to be an alderman that is willing to go against the mayor with a lot of political fortitude. However he said he believes the signatures of 100,000 registered voters is something no politician can ignore. If for some reason Wallace does not get the required signatures or he cannot find a city alderman to present it, he said the
SINCE IT BECAME active in 2005, the red light camera at 99th and south Halsted Ave. has consistently been the city's top producer in terms of citations issued and fines collected, according to data from the city. cameras are illegal and the city lied to citizens about their intent. “You should bring evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that I committed this crime and I www.chicagocrusader.com
about generating revenue for a private company, it’s really about a financial gain and it hasn’t worked to improve safety.” He said the IDOT signs over
group is looking at other options. He said that may include going to the state legislature and asking for a state-wide ban on the systems or filing a lawsuit against
WVON TALK SHOW host Mark Wallace is leading a campaign to remove all red light cameras from Chicago. He got the idea after a young man called into his radio show and said people need to do more than talk about change. the city. He said Naperville, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook and other suburban municipalities have gotten rid of the cameras in their community. Other American cities have done the same and Wallace said Chicagoans should be inspired to see a major U.S. city like Houston have to do a complete turnaround on the issue. Voters in Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S. in terms of population, banned the cameras in 2010. “People were just plain unhappy with the inherent unfairness of the for-profit corporations setting up these systems,” said Byron Schirmbeck, state coordinator for the Texas Campaign for Liberty, who spoke with the Crusader by phone. Schirmbeck is currently working on getting the cameras removed from other cities in the Lone Star State. Wallace and his volunteers are trying to get the word out across the city there is a petition that can be signed. The group has printed up T-shirts they sell for $10. Wallace pays for their printing out of his own pocket and he said they
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
are being used to promote the issue. He said the people signing come from a variety of backgrounds. The group also needs more volunteers, Wallace noted. Volunteers must be a Chicago resident and at least 18 years old. For more information visit http://www.citizenstoabolishredlightcameras.com or call Wallace at (773) 617-2042.
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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL WAR WITH SYRIA WOULD BE SERIOUS BUSINESS President Barack Obama has been involved in a monumental decision-making storm. He is faced with standing down and redressing Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s sitting head, for allegedly using chemical warfare on his own people. Reportedly, according to American sources, sarin gas was released and more than 1,400 people have died horrible deaths as a result. Britain’s prime minister, David Cameron, was soundly defeated by the British Parliament when he tried to drag that country into the fray. The French, on the other hand, have committed to joining the U.S. in a military strike on Syria. For quite a few decades, the United States has acted as “policemen to the world.” This has brought nothing but mixed results and continued warfare. The serious Syria situation brings to mind the uncomfortable memories of another time in recent history where a country was accused of having “weapons of mass destruction.” We are still smarting from that humiliating experience in that no weapons were ever found, yet a sovereign leader was overthrown and murdered and his country thrown in turmoil that continues to this day. People who are reluctant to jump on the “jump on Syria bandwagon” for their alleged transgressions are right to be wary. After all, they are probably remembering the famous quote “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on Me.” They are cautious because they’ve heard it all before and are skeptical. President Obama, after what was surely an anguished period of deliberation, decided to take the issue to Congress. He has made it clear that he has the authority to decide upon a military strike on Syria, but is using the democratic stance of letting Congress have input. This is probably a very masterful move, depending upon what he actually does. If Congress says “yes” to this foray into a war that could possibly ignite the Middle East and bring in formidable allies, the onus will partially be taken off of him. He can say that Congress gave him the go-ahead to strike Syria. If, on the other hand, they deny his request, he will be faced with the decision to make whatever move he sees fit. Whatever he decides to do, however, should encourage him to err on the side of caution, since he could possibly spearhead a move that would lead the United States into another bogus war. A war with Syria would be very serious business indeed! One more point - many African Americans are happy and proud that a Black man is at the helm of power in the socalled free world. Some never thought that they would see an African American in the White House in their lifetimes, especially so soon after the atrocities committed on Blacks that sparked the Civil Rights movement. Emmett Till, Medgar Evers, four little girls in a Birmingham church, Viola Liuzzo, Schwerner, Chaney and Goodman and many others lost their lives in the struggle for justice. It is ironic to watch our first Black president thumping the war drums against Syria after coming down from the high of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington wherein Dr. Martin Luther King advocated nonviolence to achieve goals, and it’s truly unfortunate that Obama is leaning in the exact opposite direction from that which was outlined in Dr. King’s speech 50 years ago. A luta continua. 4
Saturday, September 7, 2013
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Keep the students out of the politics Dear Editor: Even though the Chicago Public Schools head honcho has ordered the closing of schools, firing of teachers and principals, and is looking for more charter schools; Barbara Byrd-Bennett said the district is “trying to keep the cuts as far away from the classroom as possible.” This is a line that the district needs to get rid of because it is not true. CPS just passed a budget that includes reducing the amount of funding many schools received. How can that be considered “away from the classroom?” It is past time for school CEO and the mayor to step up and admit they don’t have the solutions to CPS problems. I know that Byrd-Bennett can make a living on her consulting work, but apparently she is not consulting any school districts with the level of problems CPS has. In my not so humble opinion, the mayor and CEO need to call in some financial experts – preferably from out-of-state. Too many local financial gurus are close associates of the mayor and can’t be trusted to provide an analysis that they didn’t let him “scrub” first. To date the district has not provided the public with a plan on how the district’s $1 billion deficit is going to be eliminated. It is irresponsible and an
outright lie for the mayor and Byrd-Bennett to continue to blame the district’s budget problems on a lack of action in Springfield. Instead of blaming anyone for the CPS budget fiasco, the powers-that-be should be solely focused on solutions. But it is just hocus-pocus to keep telling us the cuts are being kept away from the classroom. Every lie CPS tells impacts our students and not in a good way. Essentially, CPS is using our children as pawns at best. The closings and budget finagling are making guinea pigs of the young people in CPS. And it needs to stop now. The people over at Clark and LaSalle need to start thinking about the students – seriously. It’s their future that CPS is screwing up and that means today they are messing up the city and the region’s future. Byrd-Bennett, Rahm Emanuel and the entire school board need to start showing us how they are preparing our students for their futures. Give them an education, not a lesson in being a pawn.
consistent philanthropist in the National Basketball Association. He donates the proceeds from his annual gala to his foundation that is committed to working with youth and promotes literacy. For the life of me I can’t understand why more pro athletes, especially those right here in the city, don’t follow Wade’s lead. The needs for this kind of help/support are obvious in the city. I can understand why major league baseball players aren’t stepping up because most of the Black ones (Continued on page 16)
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Kudos to Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade on bringing his Wade’s World Weekend to the city once again. The former Marquette University star is one of the leading, if not the leading
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COMMENTARY
Knowing the True Value of Your Business By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist Do you know the true value of your business? I doubt it as 80 percent of all business owners do not know what their business is worth. This creates a lot of vulnerability. This type of knowledge has been an access issue due to the time it takes and the cost of traditional offline methods. The traditional way will cost on average $8,000 and takes about five weeks according to research firm IBISWorld. Realizing this hurdle for small businesses and especially Black owned firms, the National Black Chamber of Commerce conducted a search to find some type of alternative. We have found it! There is a company called BizEquity http://www.bizequity.com- that has patented the first and leading way for every business owner in America to receive a documented estimated value of their business worth online. Over the next ten years there will be over 7.7 million businesses changing ownership. In the past, many would sell “short” – meaning they sold their business below its true worth. Buyers would also buy a
Harry C. Alford business for more than it is worth too many times. There is a need to conduct the process just right so that both the seller and buyer receive a fair value for their precious money. No longer will Wall Street have a monopoly on this type of information when “Main Street” needs it the most. Today, BizEquity can do this for 1/25th of the average cost and in real time (Internet). Let’s look at some of the advantages of knowing exactly what your business is worth. Once you know your true
worth you can budget your costs and risks. A smart entrepreneur can assign so much of his/her total worth to savings to be used as a “rainy day” fund. He can devote so much credit against it. For instance, one might make it a standard to maximize outstanding credit to 20 percent of his total worth. Any more might get him in financial trouble when a recession comes or other unforeseen business crushers. I know a lending company that will loan no more than 1.8 percent of his company’s value to any one customer. So if his company is worth $10 million the maximum loan to any one customer would be $180,000. It spreads his risk. Many victims of Hurricane Sandy learned a hard lesson. After the storm raced through the East Coast many business owners found that they were underinsured. Thus they have two disasters to deal with – their home, car and most of all, their livelihood. Knowing the true value of your business will make sure you are adequately insured. It will also save you money if your insurance agent tries to over insure your firm. Having documentation on how
much your business is worth can improve your negotiation when selling the business. This insures that you are going to get the maximum dollar on the sale. Being ill prepared can cost you millions of dollars and hurt you and your family’s future. It will also help your accountant when preparing IRS reports and audits. Your lawyer will also appreciate the information for any legal matters that may occur. It is very important if the owner dies unexpectedly, the heirs will be able to understand and document the value. We have had too many members who died and their heirs were unable to sell the business for a just price. This is so sad to see. Let me tell you a true story about one of my friends. His city was going to allow one permit to build a medical waste facility (an environmental friendly incinerator to destroy the wastes). He recognized the value in this as he owned enough land to build such a facility and had the political connections to make it happen. He got the permit, built the facility and hired people who could operate it. The business started off with a “roar.” He told me that his ultimate plan
was to sell this “plum” to a Fortune 500 company and cash out in a lovely way. Before long several of the waste management giants were making overtures to him. He had a problem though. He never had a handle on the true worth of his company. Possessing the only permit in his metropolitan area made the company worth many of millions of dollars by itself. He never priced it. He decided on a buyer but there was a catch. The suitor didn’t want to buy it. It wanted to joint venture with him. That way he could get a piece of the volume forever. He took the deal and waited for his revenue share. Boom! The partner shut the facility down forever and transferred all business to another facility out of state that they owned. All they wanted was to kill their new competition and they succeeded. My friend was devastated. He should have found the true value and sold it completely. Word to the wise! Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
D.C. Marches Inclusive – Up to a Point By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist Organizers of the two recent marches on Washington – one called by Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King, III and the other engineered primarily by King’s sister, Bernice – almost stumbled over one another praising the diversity of their respective marches. However, not one addressed the elephant in the room: Why was more emphasis placed on bringing in groups that were not part of the push for jobs and freedom in 1963 than assembling a broad coalition of Black leaders? To be even more direct: How can you justify excluding Minister Louis Farrakhan? After all, he managed to draw more Black men to the nation’s capital on Oct. 16, 1995 than the combined crowds at the 1963 March on Washington, the Sharptonled march on Aug. 24 and the Aug. 28 commemorative march. In fact, the Million Man March at least doubled their combined attendance. Regardless of your personal view of Farrakhan, he has demonstrated that he has a significant following in the Black community and deserves to be part of any serious attempt to address the numerous problems facing Black America. www.chicagocrusader.com
Of course, the reason Farrakhan was excluded is because he is anathema to Jews, who view him as a virulent anti-Semite. Essentially, the choice for Black leaders is that they must choose between Jews, longtime allies of the Civil Rights Movement, and Farrakhan, who inspires and motivates some segments of the Black community that establishment leaders can’t reach. Over the years, Black leaders have sided with Jews. Except for a couple of months under Kweisi Mfume, the Congressional Black Caucus, one of the strongest proIsrael voting blocs in Congress, and the NAACP under Ben Chavis have consistently distanced themselves from Farrakhan. At its 1993 CBC Weekend town hall meeting on “Race in America,” Mfume declared, “No longer will we allow people to divide us. We want the word to go forward today to friend and foe alike that the Congressional Black Caucus, after having entered into a sacred covenant with the NAACP to work for real and meaningful change, will enter into that same covenant with the Nation of Islam”’ and other Black organizations, such as fraternities, sororities and professional groups. But after Farrakhan assistant Khalid Abdul Muhammad gave a speech at Keene College in New Jersey denouncing Jews as “blood suckers”
George E. Curry and the Pope as a “no good cracker,” CBC members pressured Mfume to withdraw the offer of a covenant. Non-Blacks never understood that Mfume wasn’t endorsing Farrakhan’s or Muhammad’s views of Jews. Rather he was advocating what civil rights leaders call “operational unity,” meaning that they will cooperate to collectively address some of the ills in the African American community while maintaining their independence. Democratic pollster Mark Mellman told the Los Angeles Times, “There is a failure of many Jews to understand the sense of crisis in the Black community.” But he added, “There is a lack of appreciation by
Blacks of Jewish anxieties over their embracing people like Farrakhan who are vicious anti-Semites.” Although he spoke at Sharpton’s rally, Jesse Jackson was noticeably absent from the array of speakers at the Aug. 28 observation that featured President Barack Obama and former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Jackson, who had his own share of problems with Jews after he referred to New York City as “Hymietown” during his 1984 presidential campaign, was probably omitted from the program because of his strained relationship with Obama. Jackson alienated Obama supporters when he was caught on tape disparaging then-candidate Obama. As Jackson prepared to be interviewed on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” he was overheard saying Obama had been talking down to Black people. Jackson told a fellow guest that he wanted to cut off Obama’s testicles. He quickly apologized for what he called “crude and hurtful comments.” Jackson’s comments hurt his standing in the Black community more than it hurt Obama, who accepted Jackson’s apology before going on to win the general election. Although Obama accepted Jackson’s apology, Jackson has not been among the civil rights leaders who meet regularly with the president or Valerie Jarrett, a top White House adviser. And many African
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Americans, who overwhelmingly support the nation’s first Black president, have yet to forgive Jackson for his comments. Few will admit that in one respect, Jackson was right – Obama sometimes comes across as lecturing Black audiences while not doing the same when speaking to mostly white groups. Jackson acknowledges that he was wrong for saying he wanted to dismember a certain part of Obama’s lower body. However, that was five years ago and the civil rights leader has contributed too much over the past four decades to be forever excommunicated from the Black race. The two recent marches on Washington are over and should not be the yardstick by which we judge the value of Black leaders. The Black community is in a crisis and needs all of the help it can get, regardless of how unpopular that might be with others. George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
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COMMENTARY
AFRICAN PEOPLE SHOULD NOT FORGET GRENADA (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
Given the current media attention being given to the war against so-called terrorism, African people should not forget significant events in our history. One of the events we should not forget is the United States invasion of the island of Grenada. The Caribbean island of
Grenada has virtually been banned from international news coverage. It was thirty years ago that Grenada was a major international news item as a result of the United States invasion of this African island of 110,000 people on October 25, 1983. The headlines of the October 26, 1983 issue of the New York Times was the following: “1,900 U.S. Troops, With Caribbean Allies, Invade Grenada And Fight Leftist Units; Moscow Protest; British Are Critical.” Just as we observe the United States destabilization tactics in the Middle East today, these were the same tactics used in Grenada thirty years ago. These tactics go something like this: Since the African people cannot govern and rule themselves; we must come to their aid in a humanitarian manner. We must provide them with food and other necessities of life. We must identify or create allies among the African people and create an atmosphere of support for the efforts of the United States to bring peace, harmony, and stability to the African people. Does this sound familiar? Obviously, the majority of the people in the Middle East oppose these tactics and are rebelling against them, just as the people of Grenada resisted the United States
invasion twenty years ago. I began writing my weekly column thirty years ago because of what we, in the National Black United Front (NBUF), observed as the continuing white supremacy policies of the United States toward Grenada, the New Jewel Movement and its leader Maurice Bishop. This is what I wrote in my first column that appeared in the Chicago Defender on October 24, 1983: “The Black Liberation Movement worldwide is deeply saddened by the death of Grenada’s Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop. Mr. Bishop, along with other Grenadian Officials, including Education Minister, Jacqueline Creft, Housing Minister, Norris Bain, Unision Whiteman, a former foreign minister, Secretary of Home Affairs, Vincent Noel and union leader Fitzroy Bain were killed by the new army forces on October 19 in a demonstration to free hundreds of Grenadians who were arrested because of their support for Mr. Bishop. These supporters had been placed in detention in Fort Rupert Army Headquarters, named after Rupert Bishop, Maurice’s father.” As I continued to write in this first column— “This Caribbean identity simply means the interconnectedness of the African experience that resulted in millions of African people being captured and brought to
this region of the world during the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade of the fourteenth through seventeenth centuries.” Further, as I explained in this column, “This area of the world is predominately African and the people in it have been struggling against white domination in an effort to achieve independence and sovereignty. Grenada under the leadership of Maurice Bishop was a shining example of an African government and nation seeking independence and sovereignty.” There are many lessons that the invasion of Grenada taught us. Lessons that continue to plague the worldwide African Liberation Movement that are steeped in the efforts of the white supremacy forces to always find some African person or persons to keep us divided and fighting each other, rather than focusing on and fighting the real enemy. In the case of Grenada, an African man who Maurice Bishop had practiced law with and became the Deputy Prime Minister, was the chief architect of Maurice Bishop’s and the New Jewel Movement’s overthrow that provided the open door for the United States’ invasion of the island. As I wrote thirty years ago in my first column, and as so many had stated before me, “The real ques-
tion for the Black Liberation Movement worldwide is when will we stop killing each other over political disputes? This was clearly a political dispute between different forces within the New Jewel Movement. All factions had pledged a commitment to bring about change for the people of the island, and Bishop was beginning to bring about that change as the popular outpouring of support for him during the fighting intensified. Did someone want that change to stop?” In the same context I wrote— “One thing is certain, African Movement forces must find political solutions to political disputes. Killing each other is not the answer to changing systems that are exploitive of our people.” We must always remember Grenada and the words that Maurice Bishop spoke at Hunter College in New York on June 5, 1983. Maurice said, “Our people, therefore, have a greater and deeper understanding of what the revolution means and what it has brought them.” The people of Grenada and the New Jewel Movement will return, as all African people will once again find our place in the sun. Even though it appears to be bleak, we must continue to struggle and move forward.
from late payments or other major credit issues, including rental housing payments and accounts delinquent by 30 days or more; • Credit score of at least 500; and • Housing counseling by a HUD-approved counselor at least 30 days but no more than six months before submitting an FHA application. For consumers meeting all of these criteria as well as other standing FHA mortgage guidelines, the Back to Work program is now available nationwide through FHA-approved lenders. Once participating lenders determine that mortgage applicants meet all eligibility and policy criteria, the same 3.5 percent minimum FHA down payment requirement will apply. Mortgage insurance and closing costs will also apply. Only one FHA program is ineligible for the Back to Work program: reverse mortgages. Earlier research by the Center for Responsible Lending found that more than 2.5 million homes were lost to foreclosure during the housing crisis. According to CoreLogic, a firm providing data and analysis to financial services companies and
real estate professionals, the number of homes in some state of foreclosure dropped below the millionmark as of July 2013, to 949,000. This figure also represents a drop of 32 percent since July 2012. Underwater mortgages, properties that are now worth less than their purchase price, also continue to haunt housing recovery. As of May 2013, Core Logic, a firm specializing in residential property information and analytics, found that 11 states had more than 1-in5 underwater homes. The states with the seven highest numbers of underwater properties were Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, California and Illinois. As CRL has stated before, the housing crisis is not yet over. But programs that enable former troubled borrowers to regain the pride of home ownership and the chance to build family wealth have to be good news.
New FHA program seeks to return foreclosed borrowers to homeownership “Back-to-Work” Program Cuts Waiting Period to Qualify for a New Mortgage By Charlene Crowell NNPA Columnist In the aftermath of more than 2.5 million foreclosures, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is now offering a homeownership program that will put previously troubled borrowers on a fast-tracked return to the home ownership market. The new program known as “Back to Work – Extenuating Circumstance” cuts the standard three-year waiting period to only 12 months. According to Charles Coulter, HUD’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Single Family Housing, “We understand that families occasionally experience financial difficulties that are simply beyond their control. We already have a policy allowing for exceptions to this waiting period when there is an extraordinary life event. This Mortgagee Letter is a targeted expansion of that policy.” “As part of FHA’s ongoing mission” Coulter added, “we want to 6
make sure that qualified borrowers are not being unnecessarily shut out of the market. We‘re looking forward to working with our industry partners to strengthen our housing market, to protect FHA’s insurance fund, and to make certain access to credit remains available for future generations of homeowners.” That’s good news for borrowers who lost their home due to specific financial hardships but can now demonstrate they have regained previously lost financial ground. The list of eligible financial hardships reads like a list of housing crisis woes: • Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy • Deed-in-lieu • Forbearance • Foreclosure • Loan modification • Loss of income, employment or both that totaled at least 20 percent of previous earnings for at least six months – including copies of applicable termination notices or changes in employment status • Pre-foreclosure sales • Short sales
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Charlene Crowell Additionally, consumers must also meet other verifiable measures to participate in the program: • Proof of borrower’s current income – usually W-2 forms or federal tax returns that show the desired mortgage would be affordable and sustainable; • Credit history pre and post the eligible hardship event that is free
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org. www.chicagocrusader.com
GOSSIPTARY
By Ima Gontellit EDITOR'S NOTE: This column is published as political satire, street gossip and humor, and therefore should not be considered as fact but rather as matter of opinion. None of the items therein are collected by the news gathering staff of the Crusader Newspaper Group. Items forwarded to The Chatterbox are kept confidential unless otherwise requested by the author in writing. For submissions please forward to: AChicagoCrusader@aol.com. Original photography and artwork are permitted. Thank you for reading!
FARCE IN WASHINGTON You mean to tell Ima that she spent two social security checks on a Spirit Airline ticket, a six-piece bucket of fried chicken and a tall boy of Colt 45, so she could be at the 50th Anniversary celebration of de March on Washington only to get there and have her president tell de Negro dat everythang that is wrong in America its all his own fault? We suppose President Obammy is tired of pretending to be a liberal —or whatever you call them politicians that like patting little Black boys and girls on their heads — ‘cause nowadays he just come right out with his anti-Negro speech. While Dr. Martin Luther King’s offspring sat to the side looking despondent, our first Black president was joined on the other side by two other southern Democrat presidents who did mo’ damage to the Negro than bad jehri curls. Jimmy Carter did his darndest to turn back a bunch of civil rights laws while Bill Clinton, ate McDonalds, slept with skeezers, and has the distinction of sending mo’ Black men to prison than at any other time in U.S. history. Clinton also cut yahll’s benefits. And after Opie had her say and all them choirs got through hollering and Michelle smiled at the TV cameras and so forth, de president took the microphone and blew it up with a mean-spirited speech about Negro responsibility. He said: “And then, if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll admit that during the course of 50 years, there were times when some of us claiming to push for change lost our way. The anguish of assassinations set off selfdefeating riots. Legitimate grievances against police brutality tipped into excuse-making for criminal behavior. Racial politics could cut both ways, as the transformative message of unity and brotherhood was drowned out by the language of recrimination. And what had once www.chicagocrusader.com
been a call for equality of opportunity, the chance for all Americans to work hard and get ahead was too often framed as a mere desire for government support — as if we had no agency in our own liberation, as if poverty was an excuse for not raising your child, and the bigotry of others was reason to give up on yourself.” Oh so de reason Pretty Tony and his girl Keshia is now living with his mama in her basement ain’t because the greedy banks foreclosed on dey house last years after giving them a substandard subprime loan. Oh, so de reason all de Black teenagers is umemployed ain’t because of race discrimination and a lack of job creation but because dey pants is hanging down and they listens to that bip bop or whatever you call it. Oh, de reason de Supreme Court shot down our voting rights is because too many of us eat chitlins and hog maws? Thank you Obammy, for setting de Negro straight—we had no idea. So Ima guess it be okay for the police to go back to beatin’ our heads, after all we all be engaging in dat “criminal behavior.” Shame on him, and shame on the King chillun for sitting up there sad-faced as their father’s legacy was further stomped in the ground. Now deese the same silly chillun that didn’t invite Harry Belafonte to their mama’s funeral but did invite George W. Bush. The good news is that right after that charade was over and folk started heading on’ home, Ima got a hook-up with one of the original bus drivers from the ‘63 march. He was pushing 85 but he still had the wiggle of a 50 year old man.
over the internet shortly after he announced his union. That sho’ didn’t look lak no man sitting next to him that day. Some people in Atlanta claimed that Dexter’s wife Leah was actually born Larry but there ain’t no proof of that foolishness far as we can tell. These rumor-mongers had no evidence like a picture, birth certificate or adam’s apple. All they had to say was that Leah co-founded a dating website for Black homosexuals and either she was a homosexual woman or she was a trander-man of some kind. So what would that make Dexter—and do it matter anyway. You know both his mama and daddy stood for all peoples—even the pink sock wearing ones. And you know how hatin’ folks is—dey just take stuff and run with it and leaps to conclusions. At any rate, it was good to see the King chillun, including the fat one, altogether on that day and not fighting each other lak dey been doing. -ImaBALD EAGLE FIGHTS BACK Governor Pat Quinn has recently declared that his new name is Petey Johnson and that he is really a goodlooking Black man trapped in an ugly white man’s body. He is sure that by confessing his soul-brother-
yaki hair to below $5 a bag. -ImaDANNY LOOK OUT
Governor Pat Quinn connectedness in the ‘hood that we coloureds will come out and votes him back into office in 2014. As he sat glassy eyed in a South Side church on first Sunday, Ima could’a sword he started to grow an afro. Looks lak he ain’t gone let Mike “The Riddler” Madigan steal his joy or his job and he has come out swinging. Look for a number of promises to folk of color that will be sure to make us cheer and do a double take at Quinn. For instance he recently implied that he is fixing to reduce the prison population in Illinois by letting all yah’ll cousins who ain’t committed violent crimes back out on the violent, crime-ridden streets of the city. And he also want your other cousins to at least get $10 an hour for working at Harold’s Chicken 17 hours a day. He got Ima’s vote when he get the Koreans to lower the price of that
The West Side is mumbling ‘bout two fellows who are said to be prime candidates to replace the aging Danny K. Davis in U.S. Congress. One of them is some sort of community organizer whose been elevated on TV and radio; and the other is one of them jack leg preachers who cut a deal
Danny K. Davis with the tiny Emperor Emanuel who set some white boy emassaries to his church with instructions and a check. Danny “I Stole Paul Robeson’s Voice” Davis is said to be running around trying to keep the fed(Continued on page 16)
-ImaSPEAKING OF DEXTER People were also snickering about some nonsense as we sat in the hot sun staring up at that stage as the
Dexter King president and crew looked on. Folks was saying that the recently married youngest boy of Martin Luther King moved to California and married a man. They claim it was all BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Saturday, September 7, 2013
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
IN PROPORTION TO THEIR FAMILY AND INCOME-Houses in Jane Austen’s Life and Fiction: Iris Lutz, President of the Jane Austen Society of North America, presents an illustrated lecture of the homes associated with our favorite author in fact and fiction. It will take place on Saturday, September 7 at 2 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Rooms, Lower Level, of the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street. Life brought the 19th century English author Jane Austen full circle from her Hampshire home at the Steventon Rectory to the charming cottage on her brother’s estate at Chawton. Through various relocations and family visits, Austen experienced a wide range of residences that likely inspired those depicted in her novels—Longbourn, Pemberley, Sotherton Park and more. This event is hosted by the Jane Austen Society of North America - Greater Chicago Region, dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of Jane Austen and her writings. ACCESS GRAND BOULEVARD HOSTS HEALTH FAIR: Access Community Health Network will hold a community health fair at its ACCESS Grand Boulevard Health and Specialty Center, 5401 S. Wentworth Ave., on Saturday, September 7, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Free school supplies and face painting for kids, as well as blood pressure and body mass screenings by Walgreens. Parents can also get back-to-school physicals for their children, and community members can get information about STAND Against Cancer mammograms and HIV risk prevention. There will be complimentary healthy refreshments and benefits enrollment, including CountyCare, AllKids and other options. Please note that attendees who are new to ACCESS Grand Boulevard should bring shot records and medical cards to facilitate service. Call 773.288.6900 for information regarding required documents for benefits enrollment. JOIN THE MONROE FOUNDATION FOR IT’S LANDMARK ANNUAL CRA FORUM, SEPTEMBER 7TH: Mark your calendar for September 7th, 2013 and join The Monroe Foundation at its landmark event - the Annual CRA Forum & Bank Report Card event. In addition to reviewing the activities and commitment of Chicagoland banks to the community, City of Chicago Treasurer, Stephanie D. Neely will be recognized for the City’s “Bank On Chicago” initiative. To reserve your seat, contact Otis Monroe @ 773-315-9720 or omonroe@themonroefoundation.org. CREATURES OF LIGHT: Nature’s Bioluminescence: This major 8
exhibition at The Field Museum continues through September 8. It explores the extraordinary organisms that produce light, from the flickering fireflies found in backyards to the alien-like fishes and other fantastic creatures that illuminate the depths of the oceans. In Creatures of Light, visitors move through a series of recreated environments, from the familiar to the extreme, to discover the variety of ways in which organisms use light to attract a mate, lure unsuspecting prey, or defend against a predator. The exhibition’s major sponsor is Discover. Creatures of Light, a companion iPad app, is also available for free download in the iTunes store. PETER ORNER: Author Peter Orner discusses and signs copies of his recent book titled Last Car Over the Sagamore Bridge on Monday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m., at the Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue. In it, he zeroes in on the strange ways our memories define us: a woman’s husband dies before their divorce is finalized; a man runs for Governor of Illinois and loses much more than an election; two brothers play beneath the infamous bridge at Chappaquiddick. In stories that span considerable geographic ground—from Chicago to Wyoming, from Massachusetts to the Czech Republic—he writes of the past we can’t seem to shake, the losses we can’t make up for, and how our stories help us reclaim what we thought was gone forever. Orner is the author of three acclaimed books, Esther Stories, The Second Coming of Mavala Shikongo, and Love and Shame and Love. MARQUETTE BANK EVENTS: Free Neighborhood Block Party – On Saturday, September 7, Marquette Bank will host a free neighborhood block party at the Marquette Bank located at 9503 S. Roberts Road in Hickory Hills. Enjoy family fun, games, prizes and refreshments between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The event is open to the public. For more information, call 708-430-5298. Free Back-to-School Kids Party – On Saturday, September 7, Marquette Bank will host a free back-toschool kids party at the Marquette Bank located at 3521 S. Archer Avenue in Chicago. Enjoy family fun, games, prizes and refreshments between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. For more information, call 773-476-5100 ext. 1001. Free Life Care Seminar – On Wednesday, September 11, The Marquette Club, a social club for Marquette Bank customers over age 50, will host a free life care seminar at the Marquette Bank located at 5700 W. 159th Street in Oak Forest. The health care environment is changing rapidly and recent changes in laws at the state and federal level have re-
Saturday, September 7, 2013
quired the need for coordinated planning by seniors more than ever before. Come learn about the Affordable Care Act and how it is impacting Medicare beneficiaries. Attendees are encouraged to bring their senior parents or adult children. This free seminar will begin at 6 p.m. To register, call 708-342-8404. AARP Driver Safety Program Course – On Wednesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 12, an AARP Driver Safety Program course will be held at the Marquette Bank located at 5700 W. 159th Street in Oak Forest. Participants will learn about safe and defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and may be eligible for a discount on auto insurance after completing the course. The class will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 12 and costs $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. The event is open to the public and sponsored by The Marquette Club, a social club for Marquette Bank customers over age 50. For more information, call 708-342-8403. THE UNIVERSE-A WALK THROUGH SPACE AND TIME: How large is the Universe? Where did
COMMISSIONER FRANK AVILA, with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, will address the 5th District Seniors, Wednesday, September 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the 5th District Police Station, 727 East 111th Street. Officer Earlene Spaulding, coordinator, announced the commissioner will talk about Asian Carp effects on our environment. Commissioner Avila has over 40 years of experience as an engineer and land surveyor, lending his talent to over 300 engineering projects. He received his bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and a master of science from the University of Arizona. it come from? Are we alone? Explore the answers to these big questions in The Universe: A Walk through Space and Time, an ONGOING interactive exhibition. In The Universe, visitors will experience how the Universe evolved over 13.7 billion
years – from the Big Bang to modern day. As they travel through time, immersive media shows visitors how galaxies, stars, planets – and even the very atoms in their bodies – were created as the Universe grew. A spectac(Continued on page 16)
Extended Coverage escape instructions.
Smart move: a room-by-room safety inspection of your home to reduce accidents or other dangers.
***
*** The kitchen is the number-one danger spot in most homes. Keep flammables like curtains, towels, pot holders—even full sleeves— away from flames and hot surfaces. *** Every kitchen should have an easy-to-use fire extinguisher, flame-resistant oven mitts and a well-stocked first aid kit. Smother small stove fires with a pot cover; for an oven or broiler fire, turn off the heat and keep door closed.
Milton E. Moses
Your safety is our concern. We’re the protection people at Community Insurance Center, Inc., 526 E. 87th Street, your insurance headquarters. We have been serving the community since 1962. For more information about the services we provide, call (773) 651-6200. You can also reach us via email at: sales@communityinsurance.com or visit the website at www.communityins.com.
*** Safer bathrooms have strong grab bars in the shower or at the tub, slip-proof tub surfaces and anti-scald devices. *** Furniture straps can secure heavy objects like TVs or bookcases to the wall. Install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home and near bedrooms. Ditto for high-tech smoke detectors; some let you record warning and BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
www.chicagocrusader.com
BUSINESS
The African Festival Of The Arts honor Grand YeYe and Grand BaBa By Robert T. Starks On the closing night of the ceremony of the African Festival of the Arts (August 30th – September 2nd) in Washington Park, those in attendance witnessed a magic moment in which two of Chicago’s civic and cultural icons were installed as Grand YeYe (Queen) and Grand BaBa (King) of the Festival. The installation of Mrs. Dorothy Leavell as the Festival’s Grand Yeye and Mr. Richard Steele as Grand Baba in the West African tradition that honors iconic elders who have contributed greatly to the African community was roundly applauded. The installation ceremony that was represented by more than three hundred vendors from all over the continent and the Diaspora, accompanied by more than 50 performers from all over the African world community. Among the highlights of the jazz performances were Chicago’s Ghalib Ghallab and The Sound Mine Merchants. Grammy Award winner and star of television, Brandy closed out the festival with her stellar singing and stylizing, doing her classic songs and some new ones which followed the Grand YeYye and Grand BaBa installation ceremony. Many dignitaries and elected officials accompanied Mr. Patrick Woodtor, the President and Director of The
munity with distinction for many years and I listen to Richard on WBEZ in the mornings on my way to the office,” said Governor Pat Quinn. The elected officials lauded Mrs. Leavell as “the one that we depend upon to tell the truth about our efforts to serve and protect the interest of the people we represent.” Festival Board member Chuck Bowen stated that “Richard Steele is the master of the broadcast media and the reigning historian of jazz in this city. We look forward to the day when he is able to return to his jazz format on WBEZ.” Dorothy Leavell is an award-winning journalist, editor, publisher and civic leader whose humble start as a publisher and chief executive officer of the Crusader Newspaper Group is legendary. Her newspaper the Crusader has published weekly newspapers in Chicago and Gary, Indiana, since 1940 and 1961, respectively. This unique position has placed her in the highest ranks of the newspaper industry. For more than two decades, Mrs. Leavell has served in a variety of executive positions with the powerful National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a Black newspaper trade organization. Among the many positions that she has served in are chairman, treasurer, and chairperson of the NNPA Foundation. It is in this capacity, as a major leader in the newspaper industry that she has
DOROTHY BROWN, Cook County Circuit Clerk; IL. Governor Pat Quinn; Dorothy Leavell, Grand YeYe 2013 African Festival of the Arts; Richard Steele, Grand BaBa 2013 African Festival of the Arts; Toni Preckwrinkle, Cook County Board President, past Grand YeYe; Alex G'baye, Consulate GeneralLiberia (Emeritus); Carrie Austin, 34th Ward Alderwoman, past Grand YeYe. (All Photos by Cathy Katona; Property of Africa International House) worked in every capacity in that pa- staying in school, going to college sociation of Black Journalists (CABJ). per and as a result, she has gained a and making all of us proud. Our HeMr. Steele is a proud father and unique perspective of the newspaper roes in the Hood program is glad to grandfather who has mentored severindustry from the bottom to the highlight these fine young people.” al aspiring broadcasters. He has top,” says Dr. Conrad Worrill, friend Thus, as a mother of two and grand- served as master of ceremony at and Director of the Carruthers Cen- mother of three, she simply practices many jazz concerts and has had a jazz ter for Inner City Studies, Northeast- what she preaches in her dedication show on radio. He is often asked by ern Illinois University. As a lifetime to improving the lives of young peo- his many admirers when will he get member of NNPA she has been able ple in the inner city. back to his love of presenting jazz to work with, interview, and consult She was overwhelmed when she music and interviewing jazz performwith most of the national leaders of was chosen to be the Grand YeYe be- ers on the radio. “He is clearly one of her generation including Rev. Jesse L. cause she has always admired the the best in the business and one that Jackson, Mayor Harold Washington, work of Mr. Patrick Woodtor and we can trust to present the best in President Barack Obama, Former The Africa International House, classic and contemporary jazz,” says Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, which established the African Festival Festival Board member, jazz musiof the Arts 24 years ago. She accepted cian, and owner of Sound Mine Stuthis honor with humility and pride. dio Jesse Williams. In addition to preAs the Grand YeYe she says that she senting the best jazz music, he is will carry the spirit of the festival with known for his penetrating interviews her as she continues to travel to of musicians, artists, and writers. The Africa, the Caribbean, and the choice of Mr. Steele as Grand BaBa around the globe leading trade mis- was unanimous, all of the board sions. Further, she said “I am flattered members agreed that he was a solid to be serving in this capacity with the choice because of his great contribudistinguished radio and television tions to the community. personality Grand BaBa Richard “I am honored to be chosen as Steele, whom I have admired for Grand BaBa and I will do my best to many years. uphold the principles of this African Grand BaBa Richard Steele is a leg- tradition and serve as the ambassador end in Chicago! He is an acclaimed of the spirit of the Festival from this broadcasting giant whose expansive day forward,” said Mr. Steele. career includes hosting various storied Mrs. Leavell and Mr. Steele have Chicago radio programs, including both pledged to work with Mr. The Morning Connection on Woodtor and the Board of the FestiJOE HARRINGTON, Chairman Africa International House USA, Inc; Grand BaBa Richard WVAZ 102.7 FM and Late Night, a val to make the 2014 African Festival Steele, 2013 African Festival of the Arts; Dorothy Leavell, Grand YeYe 2013 African Festival of talk and music forum on WGCI of the Arts the best and biggest. Mr. the Arts; Patrick Woodtor, Founder/President Africa International House USA, Inc.; Jan 1390 AM. He has hosted popular Harrington, Chairman of the Board Austin, Director of Governmental Affairs/Board Member Africa International House USA, Inc. shows on WBMX 102.7 and has already began plans for the exWVON 1450 AM, and became pansion of the Festival to include Africa International House USA, gained the respect and admiration of national labor leaders and many of “The Real Steele” on WGRT (950 more than four hundred vendors Inc., to the Main Stage for the installa- her colleagues across the country and the corporate giants of the Fortune AM), where he moved to program di- from all over the African World tion ceremony including Governor internationally. Those who worked 500 companies. She is very proud of rector shortly after the station’s transi- Community, doubling the number Pat Quinn, Congresswoman Robin and fought throughout the election her contributions to the community, tion to WJPC 950 AM. At present, of continental performers, and imKelly, County Board President Toni of Harold Washington, the first especially her work as the co-founder Mr. Steele is an award winning host plementing board member AnderPreckwinkle, Clerk of the Circuit Black Mayor of Chicago, remember of Heroes in the Hood, a program and correspondent for WBEZ, son Thompson’s plan for a parade of Court Dorothy Brown, Alderman the tremendous coverage and editori- that celebrates extraordinary accom- Chicago Public Media Radio, where African and Caribbean nations into Willie Cochran, Judge Fredrenna al boost that she and her newspaper plishments of young people who he contributes interviews and reports the Festival on the opening day. Lyle, Alderwoman Carrie Austin and gave to that effort. “There is no doubt have gone unrecognized in the main- to Eight Forty-Eight, The Afternoon Robert T. Starks is Professor the Counsel General of South Africa. that Mrs. Leavell deserves to be stream media. She says “the main- Shift, World View, Morning Edition, All Things Considered, wbez.org, Emeritus of Political Science at the All of these dignitaries and elected of- crowned the Grand YeYe of the Festi- stream media is quick to publish stovocalo.org and special programming. Carruthers Center for Inner City ficials praised the selection of Mrs. val because she is the mother of the ries about our young people who He is Vice President and board memStudies of Northeastern Illinois UniLeavell and Mr. Steele. “I cannot Black press! No one does it better have gone astray, however, they comber of the local American Federation versity. He is nationally known for think of a more deserving public ser- than she does. Over all of these years, pletely overlook those thousands of of Television and Radio Artists as well his writing and analysis of national vant than Mrs. Dorothy Leavell, a she has worked as a reporter, editor young people who are in the majority as a board member of the Chicago Asand African American politics. publisher who has served this com- and publisher. In other words, she has and who are doing the right things by www.chicagocrusader.com
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Saturday, September 7, 2013
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EDUCATION
Students go back to school in style More than 600 kids received Free Hair Cuts, Styles and School Supplies The 12th Annual Free Hair Cut and Style Day event took place recently at barbershops and beauty shops throughout Chicago to stress the importance of showing up for the first day of school and staying there. In addition, each participant received a free book bag filled with school supplies. More than 600 low-income kids, ages 5-16, who want to look their best on the first day of school received free hair cuts and styles at Cain’s Barber College, Another Barber Shop, AT Da Shop, Brittany Reflections, Chop It Up Salon, Gregg’s Barbershop, Issues Barber & Beauty Salon, and Tyrone’s Barbershop. This year’s Free Hair Cut & Style Day was as successful as last year’s event with boys and girls again lined up around the block at the central Cain’s Barber College site, a large location with 50 chairs.
A press conference featuring event sponsors, Chicago Area Project and State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-3); supporters, the Greater Roseland Community Committee representatives and Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward); and barbers and stylists who donated their services was held at Cain’s Barber College to send a strong go back to school message. This year’s Free Hair Cut & Style Day was more important than ever as parents continue to struggle to make ends meet in a tough economy. The Free Hair Cut & Style Day activity helps low income kids look their best on the first day of school. “The first day of school is dress up day for most kids,” points out CAP Executive Director David E. Whittaker. “If they don’t see themselves as well-groomed, a lot of kids will skip that first day. When young people do that they are already trying to play catch up with the rest of the class when they finally do show up. We want to prevent that.” (Continued on page 16)
STATE SENATOR MATTIE HUNTER (secod from left) and Ald. Pat Dowell (far right) are pictured with Bamani Obadeli from the Greater Roseland Community Committee and Leroy and Jessica Cain, owners of Cain’s Barber College during Free Hair Cut & Style Day on August 25, 2013. More than 600 young people got a chance to go back to school in style because of the event.
PARENTS AND THEIR children line up for Free Hair Cut & Style Day on August 25, 2013. The event was sponsored by Chicago Area Project (CAP) and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3). Supporters include the Greater Roseland Community Committee and Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd Ward).
A BARBER FROM Cain's Barber College gives a young man a trim so that he can proudly go back to school.
THIS YOUNG MAN not only got a new hair cut, but a brand new book bag full of school supplies during Free Hair Cut & Style Day on August 25, 2013.
ONE OF THE MANY beauticians who donated their services gives a young lady a new hair do so she can go back to school in style. 10
Saturday, September 7, 2013
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY
Kenwood and Simeon students bring mural to life in Chatham By J. Coyden Palmer As the Chicago Public Schools continues to cut art programs from many schools due to budget concerns, children in the city’s After School Matters program continue to produce high quality art pieces. The latest to be displayed around town is at the Garrett Popcorn shop on 87th and Cottage Grove in Chatham. The large mural is on the west wall of the shop and is a one-of-a-kind spray paint and mosaic art mural that captures how students “Share Handcrafted Happiness” in their daily lives throughout the Chatham/Chesterfield community. The mural reflects those moments in the Chatham and Chesterfield communities that students share happiness by making music, playing sports
on a mission to legitimize the production of aerosol murals. For 15 years he has been doing so as he followed up on the mayor’s theme of contribution. “I live a life-style of observation and creation” Statik said. “I believe that being well informed on the subject of your work and having an organized strategy produces a more intriguing work of art. I believe man has the right to choose his reality. In my reality I have chosen my own destiny; time and fate have confirmed that producing art is my positive contribution to society.” For the students who participated in the project, they said it was a lifechanging experience. Some like Dominique Heath, who just graduated from Kenwood and is on her way to
GARRETT POPCORN SHOP’S western wall gets a new look as students from Kenwood Academy and Simeon Career Academy put the finishing touches on a mural at the E. 87th store. art affects many of his teenage peers tainer image being placed center- program was started by the late First front in the mural. even if they do not show it. Lady of Chicago Maggie Daley. There were a total of 29 students “I feel like I made a big impact on “We have to invest in our children,” what is about to happen in my com- who participated in the project. They said Sawyer, speaking on why the Afmunity,” Cunningham said. “There used 200 cans of paint, 80 paint ter School Matters program is imporwas nothing really hard about this brushes and 20 different colors. Actu- tant with cuts to art education. project because everything came to- al student likenesses are featured in “When you cut programs you are degether as one. But there is so much the mural. After School Matters is a creasing the investment. We’re going going on in this piece it was fun figur- non-profit organization for teens to to have to put money in if we’re going ing out where everything would go in become paid apprentices or club to get money back. This project the final piece,” he said, after seeing members in arts, sports, technology, shows we need to continue to invest the glass he cut in the popcorn con- and communications programs. The into our children’s future.”
GARRETT’S E. 87TH STREET store’s new mural gets the approval of Mayor Rahm Emanuel as he congratulates members of the After School Matters program who developed the artwork. and creating art. Last year Garrett Popcorn commissioned Chicago artist and philanthropist Rahmaan Statik to create a mural depicting the connectivity between Garrett Popcorn and the South Side communities. In a partnership with After School Matters, Statik worked with students from Kenwood Academy and Simeon Career Vocational Academy over the last nine months to produce the work. Mayor Rahm Emanuel was present along with Sixth Ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer during the unveiling ceremony Aug. 19. “The impact of what they have done will live way beyond this painting,” said Emanuel, who did not take questions from reporters afterwards concerning cuts in the city schools art programs. “What you learn, the values, the contribution you make to the community and most importantly like all of us…what you learn about yourself and what you can contribute.” For Statik, the mural represents the constant evolving of his life and work. After becoming involved in the subculture of urban graffiti and a subsequent arrest, Statik became focused www.chicagocrusader.com
Bradley University in Peoria, want to continue into the art world. “I’m amazed at everything that we’ve accomplished,” said Heath, who helped paint the faces and under color on the mural. “The mural came out great. I’m pretty sure it has a positive message and everyone can see the positive message reflecting what the mural represents about our neighborhood. Everything is not just about violence. We have all of this good stuff going on and the vibrant colors on the mural represent that.” Simeon student Asanta Cunningham said what he got most out of working on the project was being consistent over time. He said many young people get frustrated when things do not happen right away. He said the project taught him that if you enjoy something and you are good at it, stick with it and you will see how much better you become over time. “Whatever you can do keep doing it,” Cunningham said. With his school located 1.5 miles away from the mural, he said the work gives him a sense of pride or knowing or because many of his classmates will see it on their way to and from school. Cunningham said BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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ENTERTAINMENT
By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ By Raymond Ward GET READY!: So.......you think you can sing...and dance? You’re always the center of attention at family gatherings. You sing in the shower....and at church.....and you just can’t understand WHY “American Idol,” “The Voice” or “America’s Got Talent” has not discovered you. Well, here’s your chance! Broadway’s biggest hit, “Motown: The Musical” is coming to Chicago in April of next year. The producers are launching a nationwide open casting call for African-American performers to join the Broadway and upcoming national tour of the musical that traces the life of music mogul Berry Gordy. The casting search, billed as “Makin’ It Motown” is planned for Saturday, September 14, 2013, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Oriental Theater, ( Washington Street between State and Dearborn ) where the show will open on April 22, 2014 and continue through July 13, 2104. Please remember that the Producers are seeking “African American men and women, ages 20’s through 40’s with EXCEPTIONAL voices.
Life, Love, Soul Life, Love, Soul writer/director Noel Calloway knows all about life’s hard knocks. Born and raised in Harlem with an absentee father, Calloway found himself in foster care when both parents were incarcerated. Despite a difficult childhood, Calloway chose the books, and finished high school at the Frederick Douglass Academy and headed south to study film at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta. He uses real-life experiences to tell the story of a fatherless son in his debut film. The film is important, given the statistics around young males in fatherless homes:
An absentee father. A fatherless son. It’s a social epidemic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million children in America — one in three children —live in a home without the presence of their biological father. As the emotional tale unfolds, Life, Love, Soul tugs at feelings of abandonment, resentment and loss in a story of a son left behind. At a time when the country is talking about the plight of young, Black men, Life, Love, Soul enters the conversation with an ensemble cast, including Chad Coleman (The Walking Dead and The Wire)
as Earl Grant; Jamie Hector (Night Catches Us and The Wire); Terri J. Vaughn (Meet The Browns); Tami Roman (Basketball Wives); Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson in her acting debut; newcomer Robbie Tate-Brickle, as Roosevelt Jackson; as well as Yandy Smith (Love & Hip Hop NYC), serving as a producer on the project. Life, Love, Soul is a great movie that shows the disconnect that a young man living in a single parent home headed by the mother can have and the distrust and anger that come with it. Roosevelt Jackson (Continued on page 14)
Berry Gordy and Michael Jackson They are also seeking a male African American young man, age 8 through 13, to portray young Michael Jackson/Berry Gordy/Stevie Wonder. (They are not looking for a “Thriller”/”Off The Wall”/”Bad” aged Michael Jackson, but a Jackson Five Michael so don’t get it twisted.) Please come prepared to perform a “Motown” song....not a Whitney Houston song......not a Luther Vandross song.....and please not your version of Jennifer Holliday’s “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” A MOTOWN SONG....if you don’t know any, I’m giving you enough notice so you can do some research. ( If you don’t know any Motown songs, perhaps, you should take a pass on this audition! ) In addition, please bring a copy of your resume and a recent “head shot” (portrait style photograph). If you do not have a “head shot” a recent snapshot will do. NO PRIOR THEATRE EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. For further information, please visit motownthemusical.com/casting. For more details on what to bring and what to prepare, email casting@motownthemusical.com. Charles Randolph-Wright directs Motown: The Musical, which is brimming with songs made famous by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five and many, many more Motown icons. Despite missing out on a 2013 “Best Musical” Tony Award nomination, Motown: The Musical is one of the top-grossing Broadway productions of the year. The hit production received Tony nominations for “Best Orchestrations,” “Best Sound Design,” “Best Actress in a Musical,” and “Best Featured Actor.” 12
Saturday, September 7, 2013
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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ENTERTAINMENT STYLE
CSU Circle of Friends presents “An Evening with Smokey Robinson” 19th Annual Fundraiser on September 19 to feature “ America’s Greatest Living Poet” while raising funds to support CSU scholars The Chicago State University Foundation (CSUF) Board of Directors recently announced its 19th Annual Circle of Friends event - “Circle of Friends presents An Evening with Smokey Robinson.” This Scholarship Fundraising Concert will take place on Thursday, September 19, from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. beginning with a Strolling Supper at the CSU Academic Library followed by the Smokey Robinson Concert at the Jones Convocation Center (JCC) beginning at 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.). This event is the CSU Foundation’s major fundraiser and pro-
ceeds will provide scholarships, technology enhancements and general support for Chicago State University students. The CSU Circle of Friends Gala is pleased to host Robinson, who was once pronounced by Bob Dylan to be America’s “greatest living poet.” Smokey Robinson’s career spans over four decades of hits. He has received numerous awards including the Grammy Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. “We are extremely excited to host this icon of the entertainment industry,” said Dr. Wayne Watson, president of Chicago State University. “This marks another milestone in the work that
the Foundation is doing in support of our students. Concert tickets range from $50 for general admission seating to $200 for VIP seating that also includes an open bar and appetizers. Sponsorship packages are available as well that include the “strolling supper reception.” Those interested in sponsorships may reach the Foundation at 773.995.3839. Visit the CSU website to purchase tickets http://www.csu.edu/foundation.
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They plan to “test out” the new furniture in the house. Enter prudish children’s book author Olive Harriet Smythe (Betty S. Neil of Markham) who is looking for a new publisher. Who knew so much farce could happen with so many couples, all in one apartment? Dean Scalzitti of Hegewisch takes on the roles of director and set designer. Lydia Bellamy-Palma and JoAnna Tassin, both of Park Forest, design lights and costumes, respectively. Angela Martin of Midlothian is the stage manager. Pat Nevins of Homewood is her assistant. Heather
www.facebook.com/ChicagoStateUniversityFoundation for updates on the concert.
About the Chicago State University Foundation The Chicago State University Foundation was chartered in 1967 and incorporated in 1968 as an independent, charitable organization with the sole purpose of soliciting, receiving, and administering private gifts to the Chicago State University. The CSU Foundation is committed to “helping one student at a time”
“Move Over, Mrs. Markham” coming to SSC stage The PAC Rats Theatre Company of South Suburban College will present Move Over, Mrs. Markham, written by John Chapman and Ray Cooney. Performances will take place in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the college’s Main Campus on September 20, 21 and 27 at 8:00 p.m., September 28 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and September 29 at 2:00 p.m. Set in a top floor flat in London, Move Over, Mrs. Markham is a hilarious adult comedy revolving around misunderstandings, mix-ups, and mistaken identities. Philip and Joanna Markham (Eric Atkinson of Chicago and Jennifer Balbuena of Homewood) is a very happily married couple. Philip is a well-respected, straightlaced gentleman who pub lishes children’s books.Philip’s philandering business partner Henry Lodge (Martell Jefferson of South Holland) convinces Philip to let him use his flat that night to meet his newest conquest (Cathy Hundt of Thornton). Meanwhile, Joanna is approached by Henry’s wife, Linda (Laura Tiemens of South Holland), who has decided to have an affair of her own. She persuades Joanna to let her use the flat on the same night so she can meet her “dolly Wally Walter” (Paul Braun of Lansing). In the meantime, Alistair Spenlow (Charlie Furtek of Lansing), the interior decorator the Markhams hired, is in a relationship with Sylvie (Latashia Garney of Riverdale), the Markham’s au pair.
by raising funds to support CSU students and programs. Visit the CSU Facebook site at https://-
Young of Chicago is the prop mistress. Tickets are just $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 55 or better, $6 for students. Call the 24/7 box office voicemail line at (708) 210-5741. You may also reserve tickets by e-mail at boxoffice@ssc.edu. Group rates are also available.
Smokey Robinson
Carts & Cocktails event at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Governors State University is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Bruce Nauman’s “House Divided” and the 35th anniversary of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (NMSP) at Carts & Cocktails 2013. BMO Harris Bank is pleased to support this
sample some fabulous food, and tour our prairie and selected works in a chauffeured cart,” said Geoffrey Bates, NMSP director and curator. “The landscape promises to be ablaze with autumn color and when the late afternoon sun rakes across the hills
South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294. Free, ample, well-lit parking is available.
THE CAST OF “Move Over, Mrs. Markham” is pictured back row left to right: Eric Atkinson of Chicago, Paul Braun of Lansing, Martell Jefferson of South Holland, Cathy Hundt of Thornton, Charlie Furtek of Lansing, and Latashia Garney of Riverdale. Seated, left to right: Jennifer Balbuena of Homewood, Betty S. Neil of Markham, and Laura Tiemens of South Holland.
GUESTS WILL ENJOY a motorized tour of the sculpture park. after cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. annual benefit fundraiser as a it delivers an incomparable expePlatinum level sponsor offering rience.” guests an engaging afternoon feaFollowing cocktails and hors turing remarks by Rick Kogan, d’oeuvres in a lakeside tent, noted authority on the culture of guests at the event will take a moChicago and writer for the torized tour of the sculpture park, Chicago Tribune, cocktails, and where a breathtaking prairie a tour of the park in golf carts. landscape is home to 28 monuCarts & Cocktails will be held on mental works by some of the Saturday, September 21 from 3 to world’s most distinguished sculp6 p.m. tors, including the newest addi“Carts & Cocktails provides the tion to the collection, “Windchance for community members waves” by Mexican artist Yvonne and business leaders who’ve been Domenge. “Windwaves” made curious about the Manilow Park its debut at Millenium Park beto visit informally with others (Continued on page 14) who are committed to its growth,
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Saturday, September 7, 2013
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ARTS AND CULTURE
Barbara Ann Griffin, renowned musician dies at age 80 Barbara Ann Kelley Griffin, renowned musician and First Lady Emeritus of the Historical Landmark First Baptist Congregational Church in Chicago, was destined from birth to be someone the world would come to know as a child musical prodigy, a talented musician and one who mastered the “perfect pitch.” Mrs. Griffin passed away Friday, August 23, 2013 at 80 years old. Learning to love and appreciate music was not optional in Mrs. Griffin’s talented family. Born on July 15, 1933 to Preston Woodson Kelley and Maudeline Lamon Walker Kelley, her mother, Maudeline, an accomplished musician in her own rite was well renowned in Chicago’s music circles. It’s no wonder that Mrs. Griffin began playing piano and performed her first concert at 3 years old. Mrs. Griffin’s toddler, adolescent and teenage years were comprised of endless piano recitals and performances ranging from the Walker School of Music,
Chicago Youth Piano Symphony Orchestra, American Society of Musicians, to the Fall and Spring
Barbara Ann Kelley Griffin Festivals of Music. She was a prize winning piano prodigy and the 1950 Alpha Kappa Alpha schol-
arship winner at Abraham Lincoln Center. She was also part of a group of west siders on a radio show with Roy Rogers. In 1954 Mrs. Griffin graduated from Chicago Teachers College in 1954 with a B.S. in Education and as an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member. After college Mrs. Griffin taught music at the McKinley Upper Grade Center for 10 years, before accepting a post at the Social Security Administration until retirement. Always committed to her first love –“music,” she was affiliated with numerous choirs including the Community Renewal Society, Gospel Music Workshop of America (North Shore Chapter), Illinois State Convention Choir and the Chicago Music Association. Mrs. Griffin’s musical genius was always appreciated in the Sanctuary choir’s annual presentation of the Easter cantata “Seven Last Words of Christ” by Theodore Dubois and again in the presentation of George Friedrich Handel’s “Messiah”
which she directed for so many years. She served for over 50 years with the music ministry of the church, giving unselfishly of her time and talent. Married to Reverend Dr. Arthur Dedrick Griffin Sr. on August 24,1952, together they created a Christian home and were blessed with a daughter, Rachel Louise and a son, Arthur Dedrick Griffin Jr. In November 1957, her husband, Reverend Dr. Arthur D. Griffin Sr. became pastor of Mozart Baptist Church (now First Baptist Congregational) and Mrs. Griffin became “First Lady.” Mrs. Griffin faithfully served by her husband’s side as First Lady until his retirement
relationship with his deceased exwife really ruined his life and consigned him to doing construction work and not really being able to live much. He says that all of his money is being sent to the two boys—so they can live better than him and wear the current designer clothes and tennis shoes, although the deceased mother, played by Roman, was an attorney and making a good living. Tension is so thick in the father’s home that the wife takes it upon herself to endear herself to Roosevelt, take him to school and at least pay enough attention to him. This is all the while that Roosevelt is griev-
EARL GRANT AS father and Roosevelt Jackson greet one another in Life, Love, Soul. nication with him. The father, of ing the loss of the only family that course, finds this disrespectful and he has known. insulting, and he blows up one day. Young men growing up fatherless He tells the son how he believes his often can miss out on maturation 14
Saturday, September 7, 2013
and social development, but in Life, Love, Soul the son and father are finally able to come together on one accord and develop a civil, healthy relationship—that is until Roosevelt gets his new girlfriend pregnant. Then it seems that both his
(Continued from page 13) fore joining the Nathan Manilow collection in late 2012. After the tour, Carts & Cocktails con-
Love, Soul is a tragedy-to-triumph story of a young man who loses everything but rebounds to become the man with whom everyone in his life can be proud. From the RBC Film Group, the film was recently released on DVD
NOEL CALLOWAY AND his daughter Kellen, 5. dreams and those of his girlfriend’s will quickly be derailed. How could they possibly attend college and raise a baby at the same time? Life,
Homegoing Services are at First Baptist Congregational Church, 1613 W. Washington Blvd. in Chicago as follows: Friday, September 6, 4-7 p.m. – Lying in Repose; 7:00 p.m. – Memorial Concert; Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. – Visitation Hour; 11:00 a.m. – Homegoing Celebration.
Carts & Cocktails event at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
Life, Love, Soul (Continued from page 12) brother, and all is going fine. He is smart and in his last year of high school and is poised to go to college. Not much is known or evident about his relationship with his father—not until there is a horrific car accident, and his mom and young brother are killed. This sets in motion for Roosevelt to be sent to live with his father, Earl Grant, who has re-married—a father with whom a relationship is non-existent, and a father who seems angrier about it than the son. Once he gets to the father’s house, Roosevelt is nonchalant and would rather have no commu-
in 2003, when she then became “First Lady Emeritus.” They were married 56 years until his death in December 2008. Her two children, Rachel Louise and Arthur Griffin Jr.; one granddaughter, Lauren Ann Nicole Griffin; and a host of family members and friends survive Mrs. Griffin.
and is also at major retailers, including Wal-Mart stores nationwide as well as on In Demand and other digital outlets, including iTunes.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
cludes with a luxurious dessert presentation in the tent. Rick Kogan will be a guest speaker at the event. “I love the sculptures, which loom like some sort of giant creatures plunked down by alien space travelers,” Kogan said of the park. “They promote conversations about art, compelling visitors to ask questions, if only of themselves.” “We’re thrilled that Rick, who is a friend of Governors State University, has agreed to say a few words about the presence of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park in the Chicago Southland,” Bates said, “We think it’s a very special place and it’s great to know that Rick agrees.” House Divided, Bruce Nauman’s spectacularly unassuming work of sculpture, successfully blurs the line between architecture and sculpture. This “templeshed” has posed an aesthetic riddle since its arrival in 1983 and will be one of the stops during Carts & Cocktails 2013. One of America’s most thought-provoking contemporary artists, Nauman represented the U.S. in a solo presentation at the 2009 Venice Biennale in Venice, Italy. Tickets for the event are $100 per person. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, contact NMSP at www.govst.edu/sculpture or (708) 235-0559 Carts & Cocktails is sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, Bimba Manufacturing Company, St. James Franciscan Health and many other local companies. The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is located at Governors State University’s main campus in University Park. The park is free of charge and open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year. www.chicagocrusader.com
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking to devour (NIV 1 Peter 5:8).” When you become the target— it’s during this time that you must have a “heart dialogue.” In your most convincing inner voice declare loudly to yourself and say, “psyche” I was just playing . . . I’m over here talking to God and all is well. Why? Because, no one has the power to make you mad
By Effie Rolfe Loose here! If people can make you mad or push your buttons— they can control you. The truth of the matter is, they’ve got you and it’s nobody’s fault but your own. Stop giving your personal power away! Unfortunately, there are bullies, cowards and unhappy people in this world assigned to you. Just as sure as you are born, someone; somewhere; some glad morning; is going to spoil your day and make you wish you could put your bible on the shelf; rub you the wrong way or make you grit your teeth and go ‘ewwwwwwwwww with an echo!’ Scripture reminds us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone
without your consent neither can they control your mind without you pulling over at the green light and handing it over. Life is about choices and you must be determined to choose life and that more abundantly. Now is the acceptable time to say with conviction, Loose here devil—you can’t have my mind!
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©Effie Rolfe is the author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” a Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can visit my website: effierolfe.com or follow me at twitter.com/effiedrolfe.
The Crusader Gospel Corner
Effie Rolfe
It was a night to remember— Ricky Dillard and New Generation Chorale, along with eOne Music celebrated the Stellar Award Winning Choir’s 25th Silver anniversary this past Saturday, August 31st. The former Thompson Community singer and founder of New Generation Chorale, affectionately known as New G, gathered from around the country to perform over 3 hours of anointed power packed
music. Nearly 200 choir members filled the choir stand and pulpit of New Faith International in Matteson to comprise the Reunion Choir and perform songs from their new project as well as favorites that kept them high atop the billboard charts for a quarter of a century. “It was hard—but it was an awesome journey,” said Dillard. “I didn’t have any money and had to catch two buses
Liberty Baptist event features Otis Clay and Pam Morris A four-day “spiritual and soul-saving extravaganza” celebration at Liberty Baptist Church will feature Otis Clay, and the Trinity United Church of Christ Men’s Choir as they perform Negro Spirituals, classical masterpieces, folk and art songs infused with Jazz and a hint of Blues. The concerts start Wednesday, September 11 at the church, 4849 S. King Dr. This year’s event theme is “Man Up! Building Better Brothers Through Christ.” The free event begins at 7 p.m. with the Seven Words of Prayer Service, Agreement. This will be an “old school” prayer service presided over by the Rev. Dominic Gangley of Liberty Baptist. Refreshments will be available after the service. Gospel and Blues icon Otis Clay will be featured Friday, September 13 during the Brothers of The Blood-Committed to Christ Concert. Clay will perform a soul -stirring song series of sanctified spiritual soul music He will be joined by surprise guests, and the Trinity United Church of Christ Men’s Chorus. The emcee for the evening of Gospel will be Pam Morris, WVON Radio host of the Gospel Sister show. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m. There will be an employment, education, health and law expo Saturday, September 14. Prominent local experts will offer a variety of workshops designed exclusively for men. Another aspect of the expo includes vendor resource fair, free health screenings and employment assistance. There also will be free health screenings as well as bodymass index (BMI), blood pressure checks, as well as County Care/Medicaid enrollment, glucose/diabetes screening, information on
Have you given your personal power away…?
Otis Clay prostate health, and sickle cell disease. The City Colleges of Chicago will be coming to provide information on: adult education/continuing education and G.E.D. Programs, trade/craftsman programs, culinary/hospitality programs and financing your education. Illinois Service Federal Bank will provide information on: affordable checking accounts, saving instruments, and a financial literacy cheat sheet. The Know the Law Legal Clinic
Pam Morris
will provide information on the legal system. There will be a special panel whose speakers include: • A Ph.D. in the field of Criminal Justice/ Social Work who advocates for victims rights as well as trains law enforcement officers; • A prominent Chicago criminal defense attorney; • A civil rights and community activist; and • A Cook County Judge; This free event will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the church’s lower level. Men with employment, health or legal issues are encouraged to attend. On Sunday, September 15 the celebration concludes with Salvation Sunday –Man Up! Service beginning 10:45 a.m. with keynote speaker the Rev. Darryl A. Lams, associate pastor at Second Baptist Church, Richmond, Va. Lams is a board member of the AfricanAmericans for Justice in the Middle East and North Africa– a DC advocacy group for Middle East affairs. More information is available by contacting the Rev. Damon Smith at 312-671-5599 or via email at rev.d@thefirestarterpres.com. According to Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, “Liberty Baptist Church is proud of its strong legacy of service over the last nine decades, focusing on a large number of primarily moderate and middle-income seniors, children, young adults and working professionals and families in the Bronzeville, North and South Kenwood, Grand Boulevard, Woodlawn, South Shore and other local neighborhoods in Chicago and suburban communities as a caring, concerned and committed church family who believe in outreach beyond the walls of the church building.”
Ricky Dillard and two trains to get to rehearsal at Christ Tabernacle because I wanted to sing,” he shared. “I learned so much on the way here and I learned God even more. My relationship with God increased, my prayer life increased and it changed my life forever with this music assignment,” he shared. The highly sought after recording artist and choir director described his choir as “… innovators, powerful, energetic and convincing,” which has truly made an indelible impact in the gospel music industry. During the program, Dillard took time to acknowledge and give awards and thanks to those who had mentored him as well as helped to bring about his success including the legendary, Dr. Charles G. Hayes. “I’ve taken bits and pieces from everyone I admired—Tyrone Block, Allen Cathey, Janet HarrisSutton as well as others I’ve seen performed in my young years that contributed to my style.” A touching moment was when Dillard presented Tyrone Block with an award and with tears shared, “I didn’t have any money and you bought all of my uniforms…” Always true to his calling, Dillard has remained an original, “When we get on stage—some
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
things are choreographed, but when we’re in the service we don’t know what’s going to come out. We’re using ourselves as vessels that God will do what He will do. What you have seen in the past 25 years is all that’s been created in his presence,” stated the eOne Music artist. The Chicago Heights native has excelled immensely not only in music, but television when the choir was featured in Steve Martin’s “Leap of Faith.” Also, Dillard was handpick- ed to consult on the PBS special “featuring Patti LaBelle and Albertina Walker “Going Home to Gospel” as well as Sister Act II with Whoopi Goldberg. “Those were a taste of God’s glory,” shared the talented producer and director. “I had to go through to get them,” he continued, “the Lord started doing this for me when I was young—I was 23 years old.” Of all the classic hits including The Promise, More Abundantly and Worked it Out, Dillard said his favorite song is No Limit. “Because it was the first project, I did most of the writing and I was able to express in the music to be a testimony to those that heard the record,” shared Dillard. “Things will work out for me…the lyrics really blessed my heart…a lot of times we try to figure how it’s going to happen or how it will turn out. As long as he’s in control, I know things will work out for me…as the scripture says all things work together for the good—Romans 8:28 that’s what that song is about. It’s working out—after the suffering comes God’s glory. I feel like I’m in God’s glory after 25 years,” he said. Dillard was quick to share wisdom from the school of hard knocks with up and coming artist singing gospel music. “This is a call of God, everyone is attracted to music, everybody has a talent and wants to do it, but this is Kingdom and it’s a calling,” he admonished. “When you are called, He will equip you for the assignment. Continue to have a prayer life and continue to sharpen yourself to be successful in the assignment. Being original is important to a new artist—you are not bringing something someone has never seen before, but you are (Continued on page 16)
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HOUSES FOR SALE (Cont’d from page 7) eral po-leece out his business because somebody he thinks
is his friend is trying hard to get him caught up in some nonsense. The good news is the popular congressman is
an honorable man who usually does the right thing. Unfortunately, he’s now being targeted by the same cabal
Students go back to school in style (Cont’d from page 10) “It is a pleasure to partner with Chicago Area Project on this event, which helps our young people go to school well-groomed, armed with school supplies and a fresh look.” said Senator Mattie Hunter. “With prices
at the pump and at the stores rising, it is harder than ever for our low-income parents to afford the things their kids need in order to succeed in school. Activities like this ‘Free Hair Cut & Style Day’ provide a safety net for our young people, their families, and our entire community.”
“The first day of school is a big day for most young people,” states Ald. Pat Dowell. “They want to look good and have their school supplies in order. I always look forward to this event because I see the optimism in the faces of our youth as they start a new school year.”
that took out his sniviling counterpart on the South Side. So Danny—watch out! And pat everybody down before you meet with them; and you may want to stay out of Catfish Corner because that’s where they been plottin’ against you. The good news is that if that snakeskin-boot wearing Wallace Davis find out who dey is, dey gone wind up in that fish grease. Keep yo’ eyes and ears open. -Ima-
Survey finds African Americans hit hard . . . (Cont’d from page 19) concerned that they or a member of their household might be unemployed within the next year. Inability to afford treatment for major illnesses and the sting of racism are common fears identified by those surveyed. More than
one-third of those surveyed (36 percent) reported experiences with racism. Health care access and paying for medical expenses are also dominant concerns expressed by the respondents. In the last year, three in 10 African Americans reported that they or family members had trou-
ble paying for medical expenses. Twenty-four percent experienced difficulties obtaining health care. The respondents were almost split on describing their finances as poor or good. The vast majority of those surveyed, 86 percent, expressed satisfaction with their lives and the commu-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are not from this country, let alone Chicago. But Wade’s fellow NBAers who play for the Bulls make handsome salaries, and surely can afford to establish a foundation if they don’t want to make a single contribution to an established charity. Our athletes are in a pitiable state. They don’t step up to address ANY issues of importance. It is so sad to see them sitting on the sidelines of life when their predecessors, such as Muhammad Ali, Bill Russell, Curt Flood, Jim Brown, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did so much. These men actually risked their livelihood by taking a stand on the issues of their day. Today’s athletes don’t stand for anything.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR (Cont’d from page 8) ular projection showcases the vast enormity of the Universe itself, traveling through regions farther than our Solar System–transporting visitors billions of light-years from Earth to the edge of the cosmos, while touch screen technology allows them to investigate the diverse and beautiful objects of deep space. To learn more and plan your next space adventure, call 312-922-7827 or visit www.adlerplanetarium.org. 16
(Continued from page 4) Sure we see the stories when a jock starts a foundation, but we see nothing when they quietly shut down those organizations and don’t replace them with anything. That is why it is so refreshing to see Wade, who
didn’t grow up privileged, doing so much for those who need it most. Wade has been doing this special weekend for 10 years in a row. We need to salute him for his dedication to Chicago and his work here. Weldon Williams
ADOPTION Considering adoption? Mixed-race Asian single mother with African-American son seeks to adopt a second child. Warm, stable home with laughter and learning. Bilingual Spanish and English. Ask for Suniti's profile at Family Resource Center, (800) 676-2229, (773) 334-2300 or email: adoption@f-r-c.org
LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS WEATHERIZATION CONTRACTOR PROJECT #13-143008 PROPOSAL DUE:
SEPTEMBER 27, 2013 – 10:00A.M
The City of Harvey, Illinois, a grantee of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Urban Weatherization Initiative (UWI), is seeking qualifications from weatherization contractors to provide residential weatherization services to a limited number of homes in the City of Harvey and the City of Markham. The scope of work will include the installation of a variety of energy conservation measures designed to reduce energy usage in a household. At a minimum, contractors must meet the following requirements to participate in the program: • Must meet contractor licensing requirements for the City of Harvey and the City of Markham. • Must be able to meet insurance and bonding requirements that will be outlined at the Mandatory Weatherization Contractor’s meeting. • Must have at least two years experience as a weatherization contractor. • Must not have been debarred from any public contracts (federal, state or local). All interested contractors that meet the above minimum requirements MUST attend a MANDATORY MEETING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 AT 10:00AM at the City of Harvey, Council Chambers, 15320 Broadway, Harvey, IL 60426. Copies of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be distributed at this meeting.
nities in which they live. The sample consisted of 1,081 African American people ages 18 and older.
The Crusader Gospel Corner (Cont’d from page 15) bringing something fresh that they can relate to and be entertained by,” said the Stellar Award winner. While spreading the message worldwide, each week Dillard shares his gifts as Music Director for the adult choir at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. “I don’t know what‘s next for me. I’m just saying yes to the Lord. My eyes are getting dimmer and my body is slowing down. We’re just going to do what we do and write as long as we have a record deal and put this gospel out to the world and win souls for the Lord,” said Dillard. Special guests for the evening included Byron Cage, Pastor LeAndrea Johnson, Anita Wilson and the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones was the host. For information on the upcoming release or auditions for New G, contact Rickydillard.net.
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RFQ should be SEALED AND RECEIVED BEFORE 10:00A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2013 in the City Clerk’s Office located at City Hall 15320 Broadway Avenue, Harvey, Illinois 60426. POSTMARKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. All responses to this RFQ must be clearly marked “WEATHERIZATION CONTRACTOR RFQ,” and shall be delivered during normal business hours Monday through Friday, except holidays, to the City Clerk’s Office. Submit one original and two copies of your RFQ in a sealed envelope. The RFQ respondents understand that all contracts will be negotiated with the City for the aforementioned services. All responses to this RFQ will be reviewed by program staff, and the proposals that best address the project’s needs will continue on for further analysis and negotiation. The City reserves the right, during the selection process, to reject any or all responses to this RFQ or any portion without exception or explanation. The RFQ respondent is specifically advised that the City of Harvey is a grantee of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Urban Weatherization Initiative, pursuant to an agreement entered into and between the above and the City. Payments to the awarded contract will be made by the City only after it has received funds to make such payments from the DCEO/UWI in accordance with the terms of the aforesaid agreement. For information, please contact Rhonda Hardemon, Grant Administrator at (708) 210-5385 or email at rhardemon@cityofharvey.org.
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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORPORATION III Plaintiff, -v.SHEILA E. BOONE AKA SHEILA BOONE Defendants 12 CH 37520 7654 SOUTH HONORE STREET Chicago, IL 60620 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 3, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 4, 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 7654 SOUTH HONORE STREET, Chicago, IL 60620 Property Index No. 20-30-414038-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $123,443.10. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, or a 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 and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). In accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(h1) and (h-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the property, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subsections (g)(1) and (g)(4) of section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. 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: Anthony Porto, FREEDMAN ANSELMO LINDBERG LLC, 1807 W. DIEHL ROAD, SUITE 333, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563, (866) 402-8661 For bidding instructions, visit www.fal-illinois.com.. Please refer to file number F12090250. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 606064650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. FREEDMAN ANSELMO LINDBERG LLC 1807 W. DIEHL ROAD, SUITE 333 NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 (866) 402-8661 E-Mail: foreclosurenotice@fal-illinois.com Attorney File No. F12090250 Attorney ARDC No. 3126232 Attorney Code. 26122 Case Number: 12 CH 37520 TJSC#: 3316323 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. I551164
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HOUSES FOR SALE Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiffʼs attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-12-04291. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-12-04291 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 12 CH 011370 TJSC#: 33-16419 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. I553393
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR RAMP 2004RS3 Plaintiff, -v.RUFUS L. ALLEN, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A. SUCCESSOR IN INTERST TO CAPITAL ONE BANK, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 12 CH 011370 8334 S. INGLESIDE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 10, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 16, 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 8334 S. INGLESIDE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-35-302083, Property Index No. 20-35-302-038. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned
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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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HEALTH
Mount Sinai opens birthing suite Expectant moms interested in a natural childbirth experience can turn to Mt. Sinai Hospital’s new birthing suite. Hospital officials said “The suite offers advanced obstetrical services in a private and peaceful environment.” The suite opened August 9. A laboring tub offers women a means of having a drug-free way to manage pain and relaxation during the early stages of labor. “Over the years, thousands of families have chosen Mt. Sinai as the perfect place to deliver their babies,” Karen Teitelbaum, Mt. Sinai chief operating officer said, adding “We’re delighted to build on that legacy by offering the new birthing suite, which brings all of the comforts of home into the safety and security of a hospital.” A flat screen television, queensize bed, refrigerator, small dining area, blanket warmers, and the laboring tub are the amenities of the suite, which is designed to make labor and delivery more comfortable and a
positive experience for parents and their babies, according to Teitelbaum. Mt. Sinai nursing director Denise Delves said “warm water immersion in a tub during the first stage of labor helps a woman work with her body.” Besides being a RN, Delves also is a midwife. “It also reduces her blood pressure, and conserves her energy,” Delves said. The therapeutic benefits of warm water immersion during labor has been known for centuries. Studies have shown that women who use a bath labor have less pain and fewer epidurals. The hospital does not use the tub for delivery, but only for the early stage of labor, and only for women who have had healthy full-term pregnancies. As a national model for the delivery of urban health care, Mt. Sinai ranks among the top 10 per cent of hospitals nationwide on national hospital quality measures. Mt. Sinai Health System, a
MT. SINAI HOSPITAL’S new birthing blends the timeless therapy of warm water immersion during labor with amenities such as a flat screen television, refrigerators and blanket warmers – all intended to make the labor and delivery more comfortable. Chicago-based private organization is comprised of seven member organizations – Mt. Sinai Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, Sinai Children’s Hospital, Schwab
Rehabilitation Hospital, Sinai Medical Group, Sinai Community Institute and Sinai Urban Health Institute. The system has more than 800 physicians on hos-
pital medical staff, 695 licensed beds, more than 100,000 annual emergency department patient visits and eight physician residency training programs.
Bates Foundation beneficiary of $10K donation On August 17, the Barbara Bates Foundation participated in McDonald’s 1st Annual Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk held on the McDonald’s campus in Oak Brook. The Bates Foundation was one of three organizations selected to be a beneficiary of the fundraising event. Over 600 people registered for the Walk/Run, designating one of the three charities as their beneficiary. The Bates Foundation signed up more than 40 walkers for the event, and in addition to the participants’ donations McDonald’s donated $10,000 to the Bates Foundation The Foundation will host its 2nd Annual “Knocking Out Breast Cancer” Fashion Show on Sunday, October 13th at Venue One, 1044 W. Randolph St. This second annual fashion show raises funds for breast cancer education and awareness targeted to women of color. Proceeds from the Fall 2013 Fundraiser/Fashion Show will benefit Sinai Health Systems.
ABOUT THE BARBARA BATES FOUNDATION Founded in 1999, the Barbara Bates Foundation is a philanthropic organization with two missions: Raise funds for educating African American and Latino women on the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Recognize inner-city high school students who excel despite difficult circumstances by donating to them custom prom attire and formal wear. www.barbarabatesfoundation.org ABOUT SINAI HEALTH SYSTEM Located on the west side of Chicago, Sinai Health System is recognized as a national model for urban health care delivery. Sinai Health System is comprised of Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Children’s Hospital, Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, Sinai Medical Group, Sinai Community Institute and Sinai Urban Health Institute.
SHOWN WITH THE donation check are: Ronald McDonald, Barbara Bates, President of the Bates Foundation, Pat Harris, Vice President and Global Chief Diversity Officer and J.C. Gonzalez-Mendez, SVP-Global Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability & Philanthropy and President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Survey finds African Americans hit hard by high health care costs Economic stability, racial equality, and health status are intertwined, according to a recent poll that confirmed African Americans, hardest hit by the high cost of health care, worry even when they are employed and have health insurance. The poll, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in partnership with National Public Radio and Harwww.chicagocrusader.com
vard School of Public Health, also revealed that one in four respondents encountered problems paying for necessary prescription drugs. Half of those surveyed who are employed expressed fears that they could not afford medical bills if confronted with a major illness. Findings also revealed that unemployment, financial stability and health care access are pivotal
concerns for African Americans who disproportionately suffer from chronic diseases including hypertension, stroke and diabetes. Without adequate financial resources or health insurance, respondents are often fearful to seek medical treatment. “To make living easier for our diverse society, we need to acknowledge that health starts where we live, work, learn and
play,” said RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD. “If we’re going to create a national culture of health, we need to focus as much on factors such as education and employment as we do on providing affordable and equal access to high-quality, high-value care.” RWJF is the nation’s largest philanthropy dedicated to health. The survey comes as the nation
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
turns to the next phase of the Affordable Care Act which will provide coverage to millions of uninsured Americans through health exchanges. The poll is part of a survey on African American lives sponsored by the Foundation. Full findings of the survey can be read here. Nearly half of the respondents surveyed in the national poll are (Continued on page 16)
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