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Blacks Must Control Their Own Community
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VOLUME LXXIII NUMBER 23—SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013
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Black community angry Payton gets $17 million By J. Coyden Palmer Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s announcement last week that an elite select enrollment high school in the city’s Gold Coast community will be getting millions in new funding to build an additional wing for 400 more students, has been met with outrage. Walter Payton College Prep, which according to the city is comprised of 28 percent African American students, will benefit from $17 million in additional funding. Payton was built and opened in 2000 and is one of the city’s best high schools in terms of academic performance and infrastructure. Critics say with so many schools needing infrastructure improvement and other schools who had to slash their budget for items like toilet paper, it seems the mayor is out of touch. “Basically what this represents is the same policy of creating winners and losers in our school district,” said Chicago Teachers Union staff coordinator Jackson Potter. “He needs to deal with every single building, not just the ones he decides deserve it.” Even some parents who have kids at the city’s select enrollment schools said they have a problem with Payton getting an additional $17 million. Michael Dillard has a son who graduated from Brooks and a daughter who will be attending Jones College Prep. He said Chicago has created a system of haves and have nots when it comes to public education. “They are spending too much on selective schools; monies that are not available
WALTER PAYTON COLLEGE PREP was opened in 2000 with a modern design constructed by Wausau Window and Wall Systems. However, Mayor Emanuel wants to expand the school and announced $17 million in additional funding to build a new wing. (Photo provided by Chicago Public Schools)
to all,” Dillard said. “I have a problem with the city closing schools in low income neighborhoods because of money and then turn around and spend $17 million on Payton.” Dillard added it is important that parents who are fortunate enough to have their kids at one of the city’s elite schools still care about kids at other schools. He said disenfranchised kids will pick on kids at the elite schools because of the vast differences in infrastructure, curriculum and reputation of a school. Teachers at some neighborhood schools are livid with the decision to give Payton more funding. One teacher, who did not want to give her name, said she and her fifth grade students had to sweat out scorching days earlier this month when it was 100 degrees in some classrooms because the school she teaches at had a broken air conditioning unit. Students and staff at Kenwood Academy in the Hyde Park community just got their air conditioning back shortly before classes started this semester after their air conditioning unit was broke for nearly two years. Jitu Brown of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization said he and others are done dealing with CPS officials and are pushing forward with a new strategy to get an elected school board. He said the protests in the past have done nothing and he does not believe any change will come as long as the mayor can appoint whoever he wants to the board. Brown also (Continued on page 3)
Judge Evans: poor defendants entitled to counsel By Wendell Hutson Apparently complaints by poor defendants in Cook County criminal courthouses about not being assigned a public defender have caught the attention of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans. “The law is crystal clear. Counsel must be made available to the indigent,” said Evans, who recently issued a memo to all county judges reminding them. “If a defendant is forced to represent himself, his liberty is at stake in that particular instance. (“And) if his liberty is at stake, then all of our liberty is at stake.” The right to counsel for the poor was established 50 years ago by a U.S. Supreme Court decision guaranteeing criminal de-
Chief Judge Timothy Evans
fendants who can’t afford to hire an attorney, access to free legal counsel. And by law, the income level of someone accused of a crime is not supposed to impact the treatment they get in the justice system or their right to legal counsel. However, some defendants said that’s exactly what has been happening. And because their cases are still pending in court they asked not to have their last names used. “I was denied a public defender because before I was arrested I was working and making $45,000 a year,” said Larry, 51, who was charged with narcotics possession. “The judge told me based on my income from my job I did not qualify for a public defender.” And Michelle, 37, said she too was de-
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
nied a public defender because her family posted a $25,000 cash bond for her. The unemployed mother of twins was charged with attempted murder. “I told the judge that was not my money, but my family’s money. And he said if my family could afford to raise that kind of cash then they could afford to hire a private attorney,” she recalled. In one case, Judge Ann O’ Donnell, reportedly told a defendant they were being denied a public defender because they had posted a $1,000 bond to get out of Cook (Continued on page 2)
Nielsen issues its annual African American Consumer report. See insert
Beavers sentenced to six months in prison (See story on page 2)
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NEWS
Gun violence more prevalent near liquor stores in poor areas By Wendell Hutson Sherri Johnson said she has lived upstairs from a South Side liquor store for the last five years and has never been a victim of crime. But Johnson is considered one of the lucky ones according to a study released recently by Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, which concluded a person is 500 times more likely to be shot if they live near a liquor store on the South or West Side. The study examined the association between proximity to a
liquor store or tavern in Chicago and gunshot wounds from 1999 to 2009. Additionally, Dr. Marie Crandall, an associate professor of surgery at the Feinberg School of Medicine and a trauma surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital who led the study, found no clear link between liquor retailers and gun violence in affluent areas. However, she said clear risks are apparent in impoverished communities, such as Austin on the West Side, and Woodlawn, Roseland and Englewood on the South Side. “You’re adding alcohol to an al-
ready volatile situation in a distressed community. If you light a match in the rainforest and throw it on the ground, the match will go out,” explained Crandall. “If you light a match in a haystack in the middle of a drought, a powder keg will go off. These neighborhoods are powder kegs because they are challenged with high rates of unemployment, faltering economies, loss of jobs and institutionalized poverty and racism.” She added that a solution could be closing liquor stores in certain areas or replacing liquor stores with food stores. But that solution is already being used in many minority communities, according to 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins . The South Side alderman said corner convenience stores, which often sell a few food items but majority alcohol and tobacco, are located throughout many Black neighborhoods. “I’m not sure if more convenience stores is the answer to gun violence,” he added. Other variables the study identified that might increase the likelihood of gun violence include a higher proportion of people, es-
D & J LIQOUR STORE on the South Side is located on the ground floor of a residential building at 444 E. 79th St. pecially young males, on the Chicago neighborhoods were unstreet; and a lack of educational affected except the communities opportunities could make a com- on the West and South sides. munity more vulnerable to vio“We saw this incredible associalence. tion between liquor stores and Several prior studies about the shootings in our most distressed association between liquor pur- communities,” Crandall said. veyors and shootings have yielded “You are 20 to 500 times more mixed results in other cities be- likely to be shot if you are in cause those studies examined the proximity to a liquor store, in effect on the city as a whole. The particular, or a tavern. In some Northwestern study honed in neighborhoods, the association is specific neighborhoods. Most higher than others.”
A RECENT STUDY FOUND that a person is 500 times more likely to be a victim of gun violence if they live near a liquor store on the South or West Side.
Beavers sentenced to six months in prison William Beavers, the former Cook County Commissioner, dodged a bullet this week when he was sentenced to six months in prison on a tax evasion conviction. Prosecutors had recommended a 21-month sentence, while the maximum possible sentence was 12 years. Beavers, 78, who staunchly maintained his innocence since being charged late last year, also was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution and a $10,000 fine. He was accused of using as much as $226,000 in his political campaign war chest and paying casino debts and covering other personal expenses. The one-time police officer and Seventh Ward alderman countered that the money from his campaign was a loan and that he did pay taxes on it once an accounting error was brought to his attention. His assertion has been that he was unjustly prosecuted because he refused to wear a wire against a colleague – Commissioner John Daley. In seeking the 21-month sentence, Assistant U.S. Attorney 2
DEFENDANT GEORGE THOMAS attends a court hearing, but is still awaiting trial after two years of incarceration.
Judge Evans: poor defendants entitled to counsel William Beavers Matthew Getter opined that Beavers was unrepentant, and cited an interview in a local daily newspaper where Beavers is quoted “I am not getting on my knees. I am not begging.” Beavers’ attorney, Aaron Goldstein, said the sentence will be appealed. Beavers was ordered to begin serving his six months on December 2. Goldstein argued for probation for Beavers citing the fact that he was not convicted of public corruption, but a tax issue.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
County Jail. But Judge Marvin Luckman said he has approved plenty of requests from poor defendants for an attorney. “I have been a lawyer for over 50 years. I have given public defenders to defendants who are indigent,” Luckman said. In Illinois, judges do have the authority to refuse to appoint public defenders or seize bond funds to repay the county for the public defender’s services, but only after the court conducts an
(Continued from page 1) assessment of the defendant’s finances through a hearing. A defendant could be ordered to pay up to $500 for misdemeanor cases and up to $5,000 in felony cases to recoup the county’s costs. According to Cook County records, the office of the Cook County Public Defender were appointed to represent defendants in 223,000 cases in 2012, and has an annual budget of $55.6 million. A justice system reform group, Chicago Appleseed, had been
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
looking into allegations by poor defendants that they are not being appointed counsel. Chicago Appleseed attorneys randomly selected courtrooms in Cook County and said they observed a troubling number of instances when judges refused to appoint a public defender without holding a hearing to measure defendants’ financial situation. The advocacy group said it also obtained court transcripts to help illustrate the problem and forwarded them to Judge Evans. www.chicagocrusader.com
NEWS
Volunteers continue to serve homeless during fight By Andrea V. Watson As one woman and her daughter served the homeless like they do every second Saturday of the month a fight broke out nearby, but that didn’t stop them from doing their job. All God’s People is an organization that meets right on the corner of State Street and Van Buren with meals and clothes for the homeless. It also has a wish list so individuals can request one special item and receive it the next month. An estimated 75people stood in line waiting patiently for food and anything else the volunteers could offer them, when two women started yelling and eventually threw punches. One of the men standing in line said another man jumped in and hit one of the women who then began to have a seizure. He described the cause of the fight as “petty,” but admitted he didn’t understand how it was initiated. No one seemed to know what started the fight. Doreen DeBoer, the founder of
VOLUNTEERS WHO SERVE food to the homeless downtown, pray after a fight broke out during the distribution recently. the organization said it was upsetting. “I’ve been doing this for four years and it has never happened before,” she said. Her daughter, Lindsey Bradbury, witnessed the confrontation too. “The others waiting in line have
apologized and they hope that doesn’t keep us from coming back, but we love what we’re doing, she said. “We’re here because we love them and want to serve them so we won’t let it keep us from coming back.”
Within minutes of the fight, police arrived on the scene to take control of the situation. Four officers showed up and after about 10 minutes, they had dispersed the crowd of onlookers and took the man away. No information was given and
the woman’s condition is unknown. DeBoer says they’ll be back in the same location October 12, between 3 and 5:30 pm. For more information on the organization visit WWW.AllGodsPeopleChicago.org.
Final services to be held for William “Billy” James at Park Manor Christian Church Funeral Services for William “Billy” James will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Park Manor Christian Church. The wake will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and funeral at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rev. Dr. William E. Crowder, Jr., pastor of Park Manor, is the officiant and will give the eulogy. On Friday, September 27th the body will be available for viewing at the Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th Street from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. William James was an active member of Park Manor Christian Church, located at 600 East 73rd Street, for more than 50 years. He became a member of the church soon after arriving in Chicago. He was a faithful and dedicated member of the church where he served as a Youth Advisor, was active in the Membership Department, served on the Deacon Board and on the Credit
Union Board of Directors. He also was the Chairman of the Finance Committee from 1992 to 2011. James was the only son of William and Hazel James, born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 19, 1937. His father died when he was seven months old, but became a member of the family that united his mother to James R. Ford (deceased), who was the father of two sons, Elbert and Bernard. He was reared by his mother and step-father and survived his two step-brothers. Receiving his early education in the public schools of Birmingham, William graduated from high school there and attended Tuskegee University. It was at Tuskegee that he met and married his wife, Patricia in 1960, Shortly thereafter they moved to Chicago to make their home. He was employed at the American
William “Billy” James Can Company and later Ford Motor Company. He retired from Ford after 33 years of service. James was the proud father of
one daughter, Angela Jeanette. As a husband and father he achieved his highest distinction. He was loving and devoted to his family, always working for their happiness and full potential. His family reports that two of his proudest moments were the marriage of his daughter, Angela to Gregory Lenard Shephard, and the birth of his grandson, Brandon James Shephard. He was very skilled in arts and crafts. His leather works were well known to his family and friends, and many of them were the recipients of “Money Shirts” that he made. He was also known as a master bar-be-cue chef. After his retirement “Billy,” as he was affectionately known, spent many hours watching his favorite Western movies, square dancing and line dancing with his favorite partner, Patricia. James leaves to cherish his
Black community angry Payton gets $17 million (Continued from page 1) has started a new organization that will meet monthly on the same day CPS board meetings take place. The People’s School Board will hold their Wednesday monthly meetings at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 2876 S. Wabash at 5:30 p.m. Brown said it will give citizens the chance to attend the meetings after work, not like CPS board meetings that happen during the week and at 10 a.m. when many are at work. www.chicagocrusader.com
“In addition to parents actually being able to be heard, we’ll have grassroots education experts; people who have helped navigate around many of the issues we are seeing with special education and local school council,” Brown said. “They can give solid advice to parents about how to get around the bureaucracy within their local school and the district. And we will continue to unite people around this issue of an elected school board.”
House Bill 2793 will come up during the October veto session and Brown is optimistic that it will make it to the House floor for a vote. He said they are prepared for a long fight on the issue. He said his coalition is growing because communities on the North and Northwest sides are now being affected by CPS administrative officials and the school board. “Now it’s easier to form this coalition because there is no hiding place anymore. There is no
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
memory, his beloved wife, Patricia of 53 years; his mother, Hazel J. Ford; daughter, Angela (Gregory); grandson, Brandon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and a loving church family. After the final services entombment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery at 11900 S. Kedzie Avenue in Alsip, IL. Taylor Funeral Home has been entrusted with the services.
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community that is safe. At the end of the day greed consumes everything. They are now talking about expanding charter schools to the Northwest Side.” Brown said. “So you have people who before did not have to engage in the fight finding themselves in the middle of it.” Brown said he is not against Payton getting an extra $17 million, but believes the money should have been spread out to assist more schools. Saturday, September 28, 2013
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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL WILD, WILD WORLD The past several weeks have seen the public media saturated with all kinds of violence. What is happening in the world, or, better said, what in the world is happening? We heard news of 12 people shot in a Chicago park, including one three-yearold victim who was shot in the face. We also heard about the “lone gunman,” a former Navy reservist and military contractor, Aaron Alexis, who allegedly shot and killed at least 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC. And on the heels of these is a drama that is still unfolding at press time; at least 68 people have lost their lives in a stand-off in Nairobi, Kenya where allegedly Islamic terrorists are lobbing grenades and using assault rifles to wreak havoc in an upscale shopping mall. All of this is happening against a backdrop of civil war in Syria, and of physical and economic violence almost everywhere. Life is precious. Most people think that we only live once. Though this may or may not be the case, it is true that each and every human being has to forge a life that is satisfactory for her or himself. We all have our paths, and the choices that we make determine our “destinies,” i.e., where we take ourselves. Life is also challenging. It is rare that we come upon a person who has had no struggles. This planet is a schoolroom, and because of this, we have an opportunity to learn how to navigate the waters of life. But what happens when we lose respect for ourselves and for our planetary mother? What happens when we ignore the responsibilities that we have toward each other, since we share this little blue-green oblate spheroid in the outer arms of the Milky Way Galaxy that we call home? It is almost certain that the violence that we are experiencing is a harbinger of things to come; is a bellwether of planetary imbalance fueled by our inability to get along with each other. What goes on in the mind of a person who can take another’s life, who can deny a sentient being the opportunity to live? What kind of thinking would have youthful gunmen shoot down innocent children? What manner of men can storm a shopping mall and in the name of their god, or for whatever reasons, shoot and kill random people that they do not even know? We may never know the exact answers to these questions, but we do know that there is a spiritual breach on Earth. People are treating each other as so many animals; the world seems to be turning into a gigantic jungle, and everyone knows that one faces danger at every turn in a jungle! When we look around this wild, wild world, it might just seem that all of the violence might have the end result of “thinning the herd” so that there will be fewer and fewer people on the planet. It is no secret that some believe that there are too many people here, and that “useless eaters” are consuming valuable resources. There are allegations of hidden hands that are fomenting discord and stirring up negative events so that people will mistrust and kill each other. In the United States, popular culture seems to be one of the vehicles through which this negativity is delivered. Now, whether or not it is true that there are hidden hands behind the chaos, it is a reality that there is an escalation of violence and that people are dying at alarming rates. If we don’t come around to see the truth of our connectedness, we just might actually see a dramatic decrease in the world’s population. We will either figure out a way to live together, or we will all die together. Let’s hope that we do wake up in time to actually create the “promised land” that was prophesied by our late brother, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A luta continua. 4
Saturday, September 28, 2013
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Choice Versus Equality Dear Editor: Recently the Mayor has gone on a TIF spending spree and secured money for selective enrollment and magnet schools, Wildwood and Payton. Researcher Stephanie Farmer, from Roosevelt University, has found that 24 percent of TIF dollars returned to CPS go to selective enrollment schools, where approximately 1 percent of the students in Chicago attend. So much for equity. It is obvious that all parents want access to the schools that have the most funding and top-notch facilities, like Payton. That is proven by the long waiting list of parents clamoring to enroll their children. However, the city’s approach to meet this demand is to offer the best option to the students who already have the greatest advantages; disproportionately white middle class students who are already primed for college success. Meanwhile, the district provides low budget, largely mediocre charter options with low pay and high teacher turnover as the alternative for parents shut out of the selective schools. When Barbara Byrd Bennett lambasts the teachers union and CPS parents for pointing out the relationship between charter expansion and school closings, she blames the messenger. The district has been on a tear, building charters over the last 10 years without
delivering the promised results. At the same time, many charter networks have aggressively pursued student enrollment with enticements to parents, robust marketing campaigns and through exploiting the accurate parent perception that they are getting the short end of the stick. This has led to more choices, but by and large, not better choices. What if the Mayor and the schools CEO suddenly decided that it was time to address the historic inequalities that have left so many low income students of color behind in our school system? This would require a Marshal Plan for our poorest neighborhoods where our neighborhood schools were supported through a vast infusion of resources to address the “education debt” that has accrued over generations. For too long, Chicago has poured countless education dollars into the schools that serve the most privileged students, thereby helping those who need the least and exacerbating the equity gap between Black, Latino and white; rich and poor. In order to accomplish this, the Mayor would have to take a step back from splashy news conferences where he bestows a handful of schools with gifts while the vast majority of students are left behind. Instead, he would announce a TIF surplus where money could be invested in the schools with the greatest struggles while dismantling the TIF projects that subsidize wealthy companies and developers; he would demand a fair tax in Illinois and require the wealthy to pay their fair share; he would de-
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
mand that big banks renegotiate toxic swaps with the city and the school district and send the savings to our classrooms. We can no longer hide behind the myths of “tough choices” and “limited resources.” Unless and until our city leaders demand the schools our children deserve, there will continue to be the predictable winners and losers when these big projects are announced. Jackson Potter Chicago Teachers Union (Continued on page 17)
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COMMENTARY
Our Rotten Probation System By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist Back in the good old days probation was publicly funded. The process was simple and probation officers’ mission was to assist offenders and help them assimilate into the general population. Rehabilitation was the goal – a noble goal indeed. Like our current prison system, probation is no longer about rehabilitation. It has turned into a profit game and recidivism (repeating crime) makes business better. Yes, probation is being privatized and local, state and federal governments no longer have to be responsible for funding the program. The programs are being turned over to private corporations. The funding is coming from the offenders. Most offenders have lived in poverty for the majority of their lives. It is hard, if not impossible, for people living under the poverty level to be able to fund their own probation. This fact makes our new system evil and oppressive. It doesn’t improve our society by rehabilitating our offenders but ensures that the offenders are forever in trouble. The chances of escaping are remote. Being that private probation services are mo-
Harry C. Alford tivated by income, the heavier the caseload the more the revenue. Public probation systems would be overwhelmed and challenged with limited funds. In fact, private agencies have less incentive to report violations of probation as their income would shrink as the offender returns to incarceration. In Indiana when an offender is released from prison he usually gets a period of house arrest. This is when he has a monitor or bracelet put on his ankle to verify his location. He cannot leave his
residence without getting permission and via GPS his movement will be verified. He will be charged $80 per week for the rental of the bracelet. From the very beginning he has a monthly bill of $320. There is a start - up fee of $25. He is required to physically report daily to a downtown office for blood testing (drugs and alcohol). He is charged a $5 daily fee for this. So now, he has a monthly bill of $470 (bracelet and daily fee). Think about this: A person is released with no job and is probably indigent as his family lives in poverty and has no money to assist him. How does he pay that $470 per month? The US Department of Labor has a few great programs to assist ex-offenders. Congressman Danny Davis (D – IL) has led the charge in assisting offenders as they return to their communities. Employers can be eligible for sizeable tax credits for giving offenders another chance to live a productive life via gainful employment and even a career. The big problem is the programs are hardly enforced or even marketed to the employers. Most don’t know about them or do not know how to process the paper work. Gainful employment is the key to helping offenders get out of this “catch 22.”
This opportunity sits on a shelf and that is a tragedy. Periodically he may find a little work. It will be at minimum wage and will definitely be short term. Housing, food and travel back and forth for daily reporting plus the $470 per month becomes an impossible task. When they fall behind in their payments the private probation firm reports it to credit reporting agencies. Broke, under pressure with no permanent job and terrible credit will make most offenders long to go back to prison. Life is totally miserable unless they have friends or relatives that can cover the demands while he serves out his probation. Most don’t make it and return to crime as a means of income. Thus, the recidivism rate is going through the roof in all of our communities. These private probation firms are making serious money from these offenders. The offenders are like “cash cows” and are treated like chattel or indentured servants. Corruption comes into play also. Having absolute power over the offenders gives the firms the opportunity to even extort more money from the offender. Thus, they are pushing them to find fast cash via criminal activity. Acting on a class-action suit filed in 2010, a judge recently
took control of the municipal court of Harpersville, AL, after finding the probation company and the court operated “a judicially-sanctioned extortion racket.” NBC News did a thorough investigation of this activity. They called the private probation transgressions “Cash Register Justice.” They also found that Sentinel Offender Services is the largest offender management service in the state of Georgia, collecting more than $30 million in 2009 according to company documents obtained through a public records request. In terms of corruption, the temptations are immense. One example is a member of the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles was convicted on public corruption charges for accepting a bribe from a private probation agency. I am certain that this goes on at a rapidly growing rate. America, we need to clean this mess up. Good people are being hurt. Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
Selling Out Black College Football to Make a Buck By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist I cringed as the scores came in over the weekend. Ohio State 76, Florida A&M 0. Florida State 54, Bethune-Cookman 6. Miami 77, Savannah State 7. Our HBCUs have traded their proud, rich football heritage for money. And I don’t think it’s worth it. There’s only one reason our HBCUs schedule games against schools whose head coaches make more than their entire athletic budgets: they earn a big payday, even if that means being publicly humiliated along the way. The irony is that the SEC wouldn’t continue to have a lock on national football championships were it not for their Black players. And it wasn’t all that long ago that Blacks were as unwelcomed in the SEC as they were at KKK rallies. But when Sam Cunningham ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries in 1970 when the University of Southern California routed Alabama 42-21 in Birmingham, the conference got the message that they couldn’t win without Black talent. Until then, if Black athletes wanted to play in the South, they had to attend HBCUs. It was www.chicagocrusader.com
never a question of talent. More than 1,200 players from Black colleges have played in the NFL, including 150 who have made it to the Super Bowl. NFL stars from HBCUs include: Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley), Michael Strayhan (Texas Southern), Walter Payton (Jackson State), Art Snell (University of Maryland Eastern Shore), Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Richard Dent (Tennessee State), Bob Hayes and Willie Galimore (Florida A&M), Donald Driver and Steve McNair (Alcorn State), Deacon Jones and Harry Carson (South Carolina State), John Stallworth (Alabama A&M), Mel Blount (Southern), Larry Little (Bethune-Cookman), Rayfield Wright (Fort Valley State), and L.C. Greenwood (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). Grambling’s Paul “Tank” Younger went to the L.A. Rams and became the first HBCU player to make it in the NFL. Grambling has four players in the NFL Hall of Fame: Willie Davis, Junious “Buck” Buchanan, Willie Brown and Charlie Joiner. Eddie Robinson coached Jim Harris, the first Black quarterback to start in the NFL and be named MVP of the Pro Bowl, and Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start in, win and become MVP of a Super Bowl. Football has always been a part of
George E. Curry my life. I played quarterback at Druid High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala., was quarterback and co-captain of my football team at Knoxville College in Tenn., landed my first job in journalism at Sports Illustrated and wrote my first book about Jake Gaither, the legendary football coach at Florida A&M who won 85 percent of his games over 25 years and never had a losing season. I still love the game and have deep respect for Gaither, Robinson and John Merritt at Tennessee State, the giants of a bygone era. To fully appreciate the depth of athletic talent at Black colleges in those days, imagine all of the Black
football players at the University of Florida, Florida State and the University of Miami on the same team. That’s exactly what Florida A&M had in the segregation era. When Bob Hayes, FAMU’s double-gold medal winner at the 1964 U.S. Olympics and future Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, joined the team, the only time he got off the bench was when they played the national anthem. Gaither said that because of segregation, the only way he was able to prove the quality of his players was when they turned pro. That was true until Nov. 29, 1969 when Florida A&M played Tampa University in the first game in the Deep South between a Black college and a predominantly white university. FAMU, the underdog, won 34-28. Unfortunately, most of our Black youth don’t know about the glory days of Black college football. I tried to help fill the gap in 1977 when I wrote, Jake Gaither: America’s Most Famous Black Coach. Recently, Vern Smith, a screenwriter and former Atlanta bureau chief for Newsweek, wrote a screenplay based on my book. We’re in the process of shopping the script, hoping to present the real story about Black college football. The best known movie about Black college football is “White Tiger,” a made-for-TV movie star-
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
ring Bruce Jenner as the first white quarterback at previously all-Black Grambling College, now Grambling State University. In the movie, Harry Belafonte plays the role of Coach Eddie Robinson. The fact that a white actor was the star in a movie about Black college football is proof that Hollywood was never serious about telling our story. According to the Census Bureau, 53 percent of the Black population is under the age of 35. That means that more than half of African Americans were born after 1978. They don’t know anything about Jake Gaither, Eddie Robinson or John Merritt. All they see are the lopsided scores on Saturdays. Vern Smith and I hope to get our movie made if for no other reason than to let them know that it wasn’t always this way. 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 28, 2013
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COMMENTARY
MATAH AND KEN BRIDGES (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 On Friday, October 11, 2002, the leaders of the National Black United Front, from around the country, began arriving in Kansas City, Missouri for our Fall Central Committee Meeting. The meeting was scheduled to begin Friday evening with a wel-
come reception and an all day meeting for Saturday, October 12th. As the Chicago contingency pulled into the parking lot of the W. E. B. DuBois Learning Center, I immediately observed that many of the leaders of NBUF had arrived and were outside the Center greeting and interacting with each other. It was a beautiful day in Kansas City and it was good to see that so many of the NBUF leadership had arrived early in preparation for this important meeting. About an hour after our arrival at the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center, I received a call on my cell phone from Lloyd Kelley, an activist from Chicago, and a MATAH organizer informing me that our Brother, Kenneth Bridges, had been killed by a sniper (Beltway Sniper) somewhere in Virginia while pumping gas. Needless to say, I found this hard to believe and accept. Immediately, I began to call other MATAH organizers, specifically Gaston Armour, the MATAH Regional Organizer for the Chicago and Midwest area. Brother Gaston confirmed that our friend and fellow worker in the Black Liberation Movement had become a victim of this serial sniper. Immediately, I asked everyone to assemble and I made the announcement. Obviously, everyone was shocked. I asked that we pour libations for Brother Ken and use his spirit to begin our meeting early. We
dedicated our NBUF Central Committee Meeting to Ken Bridges, the Co-Founder of MATAH. I had begun to work very closely with Brother Ken as we prepared for the August 17, 2002 Millions For Reparations Mass Rally in Washington, D.C. Brother Ken was very helpful in making this rally a “grand success.” I must admit, for a very long time I avoided meeting with any of the representatives of MATAH who called NBUF Offices seeking to explain the MATAH program. Personally, I had become somewhat turned off, over the years, by people presenting a variety of economic schemes allegedly aimed at helping solve the economic problems of African people in America. I had become burned out from listening to these proposals. So, I put up a barrier over the last two years and avoided meeting with any MATAH representatives. But apparently, the Creative Forces of the Universe did not want this to continue. Without all of the lengthy background, Gaston Armour joined the NBUF Chicago Chapter and in our meeting, the evening he joined, I discovered I knew his family, specifically his aunt, who I’d worked with over the years. It dawned on me that Gaston was a member of the Armour family in Chicago who owned a very popular Black owned grocery store. The Armour family has established a
tradition in Chicago of being a family of business people. From that moment on, Brother Gaston began to lobby me to become a part of MATAH. One of our members, Sister Iris Dunmore, had been attending some of the local MATAH meetings on our behalf and suggested that we should give the MATAH concept a chance. Finally, I broke down and agreed to meet with Brother Ken at my home earlier this year. The meeting was only to be for an hour, just to touch base. However, Ken and I hit it off so well, we met in my living room for over four hours. It was truly a meeting of the spirit of our ancestors and from that day forward, Ken and I began talking every week on a regular basis. It was out of that meeting that we made the linkage between the demand for external reparations and its relationship to what we must do to repair ourselves, which we began to call “internal reparations.” It became clear to me that Ken Bridges was a deep thinker, a brilliant organizer who had committed his life to the liberation of Black people by making his vision of MATAH become a reality. MATAH, as Ken explained it to me, was a concept given to him by God. Ken constantly made the point that “MATAH was an economic movement of self determination for Africans in America and around the world.” Ken always reminded his
audiences when speaking that “MATAH emphasizes African cultural development and therefore the products and services that the organization represents would focus on the promotion of African culture.” Ken helped NBUF understand that by becoming a Network Business Center, we could help finance the work of NBUF. We had begun working on identifying one-hundred NBUF members who would be willing to purchase $30 worth of MATAH products each month that would provide NBUF with a profit of $600 a month. A simple but powerful formula if executed. Ken and his friend, and business partner, Al Wellington, had created a vision for products made by African people to be purchased and distributed by African people around the world. The key component of the MATAH concept, as Ken taught, is not only should we purchase products from each other that we produce, but we must also control the distribution of these products. In the name of Kenneth Bridges, we should carry the MATAH vision forward by remembering that “MATAH are those people of African descent who know that practicing a race-first philosophy is the key to obtaining true freedom for people of African descent, and who refuse to be crushed.” Let us always honor the spirit of our Brother, Ken Bridges.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THE POVERTY DATA? By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist When the poverty data was released on September 17, comparing the poverty situation in 2011 to that in 2012, many hoped that poverty levels would drop as an indication of economic good news. But while the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) has risen, and the wealthy are gaining income, those stuck at the bottom are still simply stuck. Poverty rates in 2013, at more than 15 percent, are almost the same as they were last year. Poverty in the African American community, at more than 27 percent has not improved. Similarly, Latinos experience an unemployment rate over 26 percent. Again no improvement. In the face of this data, Congress decided to cut food programs by $40 billion, which kicks between 2 and 4 million people out of the program. Additionally, there are work requirements now imposed on those who receive 6
food stamps. With official unemployment rates exceeding 7 percent, where are the poor supposed to find employment? It appears that this is a war, or at least a series of aggressive actions. Congressional stereotypes about the poor has driven their policy decisions to cut back programs like food stamps and to require work as a condition of receiving nutritional assistance. The vote to eliminate nutritional assistance was achingly close, with a margin of about 10 votes separating those who decided to maintain food assistance and those who wanted to cut it. Every Democrat voted not to cut food assistance; some Republicans joined them. I guess those who voted to reduce these benefits have no hungry people in their districts. The message of the poverty data is that our nation really does not care about poor people. We have seen that “trickle down” and other theories don’t work, and we have yet to implement a model that requires those who have
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Dr. Julianne Malveaux gained economic expansion to share their gains with an economy that is faltering. The poverty data, absent of action, suggests that some people think it will “work itself out” the way it has before. Those with that opinion are ignoring the fact that our economy is restructuring. It is easier to get a service job than a professional job and manufactur-
ing jobs are disappearing. Cities have failed to provide economic development dollars to those who would bring jobs to their cities. I’m not talking about any kind of jobs though. I’m talking about jobs that generate a living wage. In Washington, DC, Mayor Vincent Gray vetoed legislation that would raise the wage for those who work in “big box” stores like Wal-Mart and Best Buy. He was stuck between the choice to create more jobs or to impose fair wages. He chose the former. Mayors across the country are faced with these kinds of choices, so this can’t be local policy. It has to be national policy to raise the wages of those at the bottom. Sure, the business community will fight this, asserting that they won’t hire if wages rise. That’s not necessarily true. Higher wages may cut their profits just a bit, but shouldn’t employers be willing to see slightly lower profits in exchange for the economic survival of their workers? Those who aren’t on the bottom
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
now exhale and say this issue doesn’t matter to them. But the way we are going, the person who is living high on the hog today might be making low wages (or no wages) tomorrow. The low wage issue is important to all of us. This poverty issue affects all of us, and we need to respond to the fact that too many of our brothers and sisters (of all races) are poor and unemployed or under employed. Our indifference is a profound concurrence in the oppression of others. Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.
To place an ad in the CHICAGO CRUSADER call 773-752-7500 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!
BUZZARDS AWAKE We hear a conference call went out the other day when folks found out that Rep. Bobby Rush had been M.I.A. from his duties as a congressman since September 12. On the call were a group of people backed by “North Shore Liberals” who are hoping to figure out how to expedite
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Will Burns Rush’s exit from Congress. We hear they are hoping to put short, flip-flopping alderman Will Burns of the 4th district in that coveted seat. Why do people want to lead the 1st Congressional District? Because it’s the largest minority (meaning Black) majority district in the United States, thanks to segregation. The North Shore Liberals had already put the heebee-jeebe on the 2nd Congressional District which has resulted in the uprising of Robin Kelley who lost the Illinois state treasurer’s race in 2010 because she re-
fused to campaign in the Negro parts of town. The buzzards are circling Rush’s office on 79th Street—and one of them, we hear, weighs about 350 pounds and wears glasses. That fat buzzard is said to be thinking of running for public office, but too cowardly to run for mayor, has been talked into running on a statewide ticket (soon) or into replacing the old Panther by an evil cabal the big bird is secretly aligned with (though publicly pretends to be against). Names also being thrown around about potential replaces in the 1st District is State Senator Kwame Raoul, Ald. Michelle Harris, and Rev. Charles Jenkins. So if Rush suddenly sees a shadow overhead know that de buzzards be flying. -ImaWHAT’S UP Speaking of Bobby, folks ain’t buying his excuse that he’s taking an extended leave of office to be with his ailing wife, Carolyn — though folks is praying for the best possible outcome for her
Rep. Bobby Rush mystery illness. She is a nice lady and folk respect her in the ‘hood and the halls of Congress. But some say the timing of his leave is suspect because the last time he was in the news he was defending himself against allegations that there may have been some congressional funny business as it relates to the Metra scandal. Others think he is the one whose really sick, saying his voice has been sounding more and more feeble in recent days. One man down at the Great-Bye-And-Goodbye Convalescent Home say he don’t care
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
about none of this cause “Bobby ain’t doing nothing no way. If they ain’t tell folk on de news we wouldn’t have even know’d he was gone.” And by the way, it wound up on de TV because both Rush and his baritone friend Danny K. Davis of the 7th congressional missed two critical votes last week raising eyebrows of everybody in Washington and about 15 Negroes in Chatham. Neither of them showed up to vote to save food stamps or protect Obama-Clinton Care. And folks found that odd. Now if Danny suddenly announces he’s taking some sort of “leave” then you know what’s up. -ImaCOMMENCE FIRE A big campaign is underfoot to get the city to restore the funding to CeaseFire—a program started by a white professor that hires former gangbangers, thugs and other reformed miscreants to lobby unrepentant thugs, killers, (Continued on page 16)
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
THE FLAT IRON ARTISTS’ ASSOCIATION PRESENTS COYOTE 2013, THE WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: Join FIAA Friday, Saturday and Sunday September 27-29, for “Coyote 2013.” The “Coyote” is alive in Wicker Park! This fall, the FIAA continues to honor the artistic spirit of Wicker Park/Bucktown with “Coyote 2013,” a three day arts festival. Coyote 2013 is a threeday show that will feature the art of over 100 painters, sculptors, photographers and musicians. Highlights of this event also include neighborhood galleries and local businesses participating in a fun and magical atmosphere with live music venues. Wicker Park/Bucktown will be buzzing with art enthusiasts and newcomers alike enjoying the festivities. In 2010, the Flat Iron Artists’ Association revived the Coyote name with “Beyond the Coyote,” a tribute to the shuttered “Around the Coyote” organization and art fair that ceased operations. It was a move that was applauded by the community. The event will take place on Friday, September 27, 6 pm - 10 pm; Saturday, September 28, 12 pm - 10 pm; and Sunday, September 29, 12 pm 5 pm. Start at the Flat Iron Arts Building – Intersection of Milwaukee, Damen and North Avenue; 1579 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The cost: Free with a $10 suggested donation at the door. For more information on these and other FIAA events, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/FlatIron-Artists-Association/112681575485010. FREE FAMILY FALL FEST PARTY: On Saturday, September 28, Marquette Bank will host a free family fall fest party at the Marquette Bank located at 9858 S. Western Avenue in Evergreen Park. Enjoy family fun, games, prizes and refreshments between 2 pm and 4 pm. The event is open to the public. For more information, call 708-423-4450. NATIONAL COFFEE DAYFREE COFFEE OFFER! On Sunday, September 29th at IKEA Bolingbrook, 750 E. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, come celebrate National Coffee Day at IKEA. IKEA FAMILY members can celebrate with a FREE 12oz cup of rich UTZ certified coffee in either the IKEA Restaurant or Bistro. IKEA coffee is certified organic and the beans used can be traced back to the exact farm where they were harvested. For more information, please call 630-972-9170, or visit http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/ boling brook/ activities. GROWING UP DALEY: Growing Up Daley is the title of an event 8
that will take place on Wednesday, October 2, at the University Club of Chicago from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. The event is hosted by the Gary Comer Youth Center. Luncheon speakers are former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and former White House Chief of Staff, William Daley. They will share personal stories reflecting the importance of community and leadership in their lives. Proceeds from the luncheon will be used to support the Youth Center’s Daley Leadership Programs, which introduce youth to the importance of community involvement, practicing democracy, developing leadership traits and exercising civic rights and responsibilities. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased through the Gary Comer Youth Center at www.gcychome.org/index.php/leadership. WOODSTOCK SYMPOSIUM: The Woodstock Institute is hosting its 40th Anniversary Research Symposium and Bash on Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3, at the Sheraton Chicago (301 E. North Water Street, Chicago). Purchase tickets on-line. MANUFACTURING DAY: A number of Manufacturing Day events, in which manufacturers open the doors to the public, are being held across the region on Thursday, October 3 (Harper College) and Friday, October 4 (multiple events). To learn more about the region’s economic strengths and opportunities in the manufacturing cluster, check out The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP’s) drill-down analyses. For more information, visit http://www.cmap.illinois.gov. NATIONAL CINNAMON BUN DAY! OnFriday, October 4th, come and celebrate National Cinnamon Roll day (or Kanelbullen’s Dag as we say in Sweden) by visiting the IKEA Restaurant or Bistro and indulging in a warm, tasty treat for only $1. IKEA Bolingbrook is located at 750 E. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL. For more information, call 630-972-9170. CHICAGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR 2013 PHOTO CONTEST: From aardvarks to zebras, Brookfield Zoo is a photographer’s paradise. So grab your camera and head to the zoo to capture a winning photo and enter it in the Chicago Zoological Society’s 2013 Photo Contest. The grand prize is an airline voucher for round-trip main cabin air transportation for the winner and a companion to any destination within the contiguous 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico served di-
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CITY OF CHICAGO Treasurer Stephanie D. Neely accepts “Bank on Chicago” award from the Monroe Foundation and community reinvestment leaders of the Community Reinvestment Organizing Project (COP) and the P.A.C.T Project recently as part of the 2013 CRA Report Card. Pictured Right: Mark Allen, chairman, National Black Wall Street Chicago; Rev. Anibal Vega, Executive Director, Center for Community Development Initiatives; Clotiel Cameron, Executive Director, Teach Them How; City of Chicago Treasurer Stephanie D Neely (middle); Manny Jimenez, Marquette Bank; Paul A. Labonne, PNC Bank and Board Chairman, the Monroe Foundation; Otis C. Monroe, III, CEO, the Monroe Foundation; and Phillip Jackson, Executive Director, the Black Star Project. rectly by American Airlines. Photo submissions should be 8 x 10 inches and either color or black and white, and they must feature an animal, although it does not have to be taken at Brookfield Zoo. (Photos with
people will not be accepted.) Please do not frame or mat your photo. To enter, fill out an entry form and tape it to the back of the photo (one entry per person). You can download forms and the official 2013
Photo Contest rules from the Chicago Zoological Society’s Web site, www.CZS.org/PhotoContest. Forms are also available at the zoo’s north and south information kiosks (Continued on page 17)
Extended Coverage Many folks who rent apartments and homes—especially first-timers—do not consider that they need renter’s insurance. After all, they think, they don’t own the place they live in.
becomes uninhabitable.
*** What they generally forget is that they own a lot of expensive things IN that place: their furniture, clothing, computers and stereos, all kinds of personal property.
Milton E. Moses
***
*** When you need insurance know-how, talk to the experts 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.
In case of fire, for instance, the owner’s insurance will cover the entire structure, but it does not recompense the renters within for what they lost. *** Some renter’s policies will cover personal property only for its actual cash value, seriously limiting payment on older items. Better: make sure to look for “guaranteed replacement value” on the property, and make sure it’s adequate for what you own. *** Renter’s insurance usually includes liability and additional living expenses if the property BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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BUSINESS
Payday Loans Still a Debt Trap by Design By Charlene Crowell NNPA Columnist Payday loans - the small loans that come with big fees and triple-digit annual interest rates – pose serious threats to the financial well-being of borrowers where they remain available. That was the conclusion reached in new research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). “Whether they receive the loans online, in storefronts or through banks, the vast majority of borrowers cannot both repay the loan and cover all their basic living expenses until their next payday,” states the report. “Payday loans create a debt treadmill that makes struggling families worse off than they were before they received a payday loan.” The newest chapters of CRL’s research series, The State of Lending in America, covering payday loans find these products continue to create a cycle of debt in which borrowers take out a loan, ostensibly pay it back, and then run out of money and have to take out numerous additional loans to afford their living
Consumers Lose $3.4 Billion in Fees Each Year expenses. In fact, even though payday loans are marketed as a convenient way to handle unexpected emergencies, the vast majority of borrowers use the loans for everyday expenses. Borrowers across the country pay more than $3.4 billion in fees. Further, more than twothirds of these fees – at least $2.6 billion - are the direct result of payday loan “churning” or rapid and successive re-borrowing. Any of five factors can create borrower problems and can lead to payday lending’s debt treadmill: 1. Lack of underwriting for affordability – the lending model relies on borrowers’ inability to afford their loans; 2. High fees – often at an annual percentage rates of 400 percent or more; 3. Short-term due dates – usually a borrower’s next payday, generally around two weeks; 4. Single, balloon payment – the entire principal and related fees are due at the same time; and 5. Collateral in the form of a postdated check or access to a bank account – the lender is first in line to be repaid, leaving many borrowers
Charlene Crowell short of funds for living expenses. After years of consumer-focused reforms, 22 states, including the District of Columbia have enacted laws to curb or eliminate payday’s debt trap. In recent years, states with varying locales and demographics have rejected payday lending’s triple digit rates and imposed rate caps: Arizona, Montana, and Ohio. In 2006, enactment of the
Military Lending Act created a 36 percent rate limit and prohibited the holding of a post-dated check from active-duty military and their families. Now, more payday-related developments are occurring at the federal level. Two regulators, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller, are developing guidance to crack down on payday lending by the banks they supervise. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently issued a comprehensive report that reviewed more than 15 million accounts. CFPB is considering rules to address its own finding that the typical borrower is indebted for nearly 200 days in a year. Even so, today 29 states still have no substantive restriction on payday lending. Payday lenders in just 10 states collect 83 percent of all fees. Nationwide, there are 16,341 store locations; but only nine major operators control nearly 50 percent of these stores. Leading the list of states with the most payday lending
activity are Texas and California followed by a host of Southern states including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In the area of bank payday lending, CRL found that: Bank payday borrowers are two times more likely to incur overdraft fees than are bank customers as a whole; More than one-quarter of bank payday borrowers are Social Security recipients; and Bank payday loans carry an annual percentage rate that averages 225-300 percent. Clearly continued state and federal reforms are needed. For a nation that prides itself on freedom, predatory debt is simply un-American. For more information on the new chapters, interested readers should visit CRL’s web at: http://rspnsb.li/16pWoLB. Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached atCharlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.
Black Consumer Power Still Matters It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Resilient, Receptive and Relevant: The African-Consumer 2013 Report. This is Nielsen and the NNPA’s third comprehensive, indepth report on African-American consumers. I along with Cloves Campbell, chairman of the NNPA; Rev. Jacques DeGraff who is the cochair of Nielsen’s External AfricanAmerican Advisory Council, officially released the report during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 43rd Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. during a press conference. Since I have been writing this column, you’ve seen me repeatedly write about our tremendous buying power and how we are to use that power wisely. Well, guess what? That buying power sees no signs of slowing down. Black buying power is on the rise; and is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2017. That’s some serious economic clout. How and where we use it is explained in this year’s report, with an even more thorough picture of the AfricanAmerican consumer. There is so much valuable information; we can’t possibly digest it all in one sitting, so, in the coming weeks, I’ll help explain this report section by section. So, this week, let’s start with our strength in the U.S. population – the demographic information. On average, our population is three years younger than other www.chicagocrusader.com
Cheryl Pearson-McNeil demos – 35 compared to 38, which is a coveted age for marketers. Our population numbers have grown 64% faster than any other group in the country since 2010, which includes people who claim Black and another race. That’s 43 million Black people, or 14%, of the entire population – the largest racial minority in the United States. The Black population remains the largest racial minority in the United States as Hispanic is an ethnic identity, not a race. Blacks live all over the country, mostly in or around large metropolitan areas such as New York City, Atlanta and Chicago. But, 55% of us live in the South. And here’s an interesting fact, Blacks who moved to the South were young – 40% were adults ages 21 to 40. So, the Southern migration is not limited
solely to older retirees. Now, you all know I love Beyoncé’s “Girls Run the World.” And as a matter of fact, we do! Black women are a force to be reckoned with, representing 52% of employed Blacks, controlling 43% of the $1 trillion current, collective African-American spending power, and owning the majority of Black businesses. The insights in this report do, indeed, show that we are a resilient group, but the report also documents our ability to thrive through tough economic times. Seventy-three percent of Whites and 67% of Hispanics believe that Blacks are a great influence on popular culture. Think about it, music (e.g. jazz, blues & hip-hop), clothes language (e.g. slang), gestures (e.g. “Fist bumps,” thanks to the Obamas, and they are also known as “daps”). Education is important to us. The number of African-American college graduates was up nine percent between 1990 (11%) and 2010 (20%). And, in a myth-shattering revelation, the report shows that we spend 44% more time on Education and Career sites than the total market consumers. Did you know that we read financial magazines like Forbes, Fortune and Black Enterprise, 28% more than other consumers? And, we spend an average 87 minutes on finance and investment websites. That’s 12% more than other groups. On the flip side, we could catch up in the actual pur-
chase of mutual funds, first mortgages and stocks. But, the curiosity is there, which helps illustrate to financial institutions that there are opportunities to market and create more awareness about services to Black audiences. Now, we are just getting started so stay tuned. You can also find a fourpage copy of the report in this issue of the Crusader inserted and a full 32page report on their website. Check it out and let us know what you think. Okay, so, I’ve been doing all the talk-
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
ing here for the last three years, but I want to hear from you! Talk to me and let me know what you think. Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow us on Twitter @NielsenKnows #AAConsumer13.Like us on Facebook: wwwfacebook.com/NielsenCommunity. Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen. For more information and studies go to www.nielsen.com.
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EDUCATION
After School Matters® now accepting applications for Fall 2013 More than 7,000 program opportunities in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered to Chicago Public High School Students this fall After School Matters is now accepting applications for its fall apprenticeship and internship programs that will begin October 1. Programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered at 56 Chicago Public high schools, approximately 100 community organizations, Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library locations across the city, as well as downtown at the Gallery37 Center for the Arts. In total, more than 7,000 opportunities in more than 250 programs will be available to Chicago teens this fall. After School Matters unique programs offer teens an opportunity to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. A few of the innovative programs offered throughout the city this fall include: • Asian Culture Workshop Location: Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC) in North Park Teens will learn traditional Korean percussion with a variety of different instruments and perform in ethnic and community festivals. Through peer-led workshops, teens will also research current issues affecting youth today and practice their public speaking skills. • Digital STEMSEL Location: Spencer Elementary Math & Science Academy in Austin Digital STEMSEL is an engaging, project-based technology and engineering program. Teens will learn engineering concepts through the programming of microchips while creating projects that apply to everyday life. The goal of Digital STEMSEL is to
provide unique exposure to a variety of opportunities that may lead to engineering careers. • Urban Garden Scientists and Designers (Downtown Program) Location: Gallery37 Downtown In this environmental STEMbased program, teens will work alongside scientists and industry professionals to learn about sustainable agriculture and green engineering. Teens in this program will draft plans to create an urban garden on the rooftop of Gallery37! • Englewood Codes: Web & Writing Workshop Location: Teamwork Englewood in Englewood Teens in Englewood Codes: Web & Writing Workshop will learn how to design, build and maintain their own multimedia websites while gaining skills needed for success in college, technology careers and entrepreneurship opportunities. • Blocks Together Peace Ambassadors Location: West Town Academy in West Town The Blocks Together Peace Ambassador program teaches community organizing and advocacy skills in an effort to address school violence. This program gives teens the opportunity to be a part of solving issues they face every day such as violence, bullying and negativity in school. Teens will participate in community outreach events and meetings. • Achieving Wellness with Capoeira Location: Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy High School in Little Village This program encourages health and fitness through the art form of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art. Teens will develop a consistent exercise regimen, healthy eating practices and will identify sustainable ways to build healthy lifestyles. Teens will receive an in-
AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS participants hone their arts skills as part of the program that encourages teens to explore and develop their talents. troduction to physiology and the muscular system in order to understand the relationship between regular physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet to combat obesity and achieve physical wellness. • Community Influenced Pop Art Location: Bogan High School in Ashburn Teens in this program take elements of their environment and community and merge those visuals with traditional painting techniques to create pop art. At the conclusion of the program, teens will have experience working on a group mural as well as a portfolio of vibrant contemporary pop art that is relevant to the community. All After School Matters programs, which typically meet three days a week for 60-90 hours over the course of 10 weeks, are free and open to Chicago teen residents who are at least 14 years of age, and entering or currently enrolled in high school. Teens can search for programs that interest them at locations in and around their neighborhood at www.afterschoolmatters.org. Teens must apply online and meet with program instructors to interview or audition for the program. Teens are en-
couraged to apply early as program opportunities fill up quickly. Founded in 1991 by former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley, After School Matters provides teens with opportunities that sup-
Maggie Daley plement and enrich the learning that takes place during the traditional school day. “After School Matters strives to offer Chicago teens unique and productive program opportunities in safe and enriching environments throughout the school year and summer,” said Mary Ellen Caron, chief executive officer of After School Matters. “By supporting their development of skills
Mykhal Suide Chosen to Participate in Academy for Future Leaders De La Salle Institute proudly announces that Mykhal Suide, a student at the Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women, was one of 22 Chicagoland high school students chosen from a pool of 200 applicants to participate in the six-week program for the Academy for Future Leaders in Science and Technology at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Suide, of Dolton, excels in the classroom at De La Salle, maintaining a 3.539 grade-point average and ranking No. 44 in the 10
Young people from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds are given the opportunity to fully develop their abilities so they may be active, contributing members of our complex changing society.
107-member Class of 2015 at De La Salle’s Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women. De La Salle congratulates Suide on her achievements and wishes her every future success. De La Salle Institute is an independent Catholic secondary school rooted in the tradition of Christian Education begun by St. John Baptist de La Salle. Founded in 1889, its mission has been, and is, to foster a desire for excellence in education.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
De La Salle – Institute Campus for Young Men 3434 S. Michigan Ave.
Mykhal Suide
De La Salle – Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women 1040 W. 32nd Pl.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
in a variety of content areas, as well as important career readiness skills, we help them discover their potential and gain the confidence they need to find their future.” Multiple independent studies and recent data analysis have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters apprenticeship programs have fewer course failures, better attendance and higher high school graduation rates. In fact, After School Matters teens, who participate for three or more program cycles were found to enroll in college at an 18 percent higher rate and attend nearly 12 more days of high school annually than their CPS peers. For more information about After School Matters and to apply for Fall programs, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org. Follow After School Matters on Twitter at @aftrschool- mttrs and on Facebook at facebook.com/afterschoolmatters. About After School Matters Founded in 1991 by former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley, After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that offers Chicago high school teens high quality, out-of-school-time opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. Over the past two decades, more than 100,000 teens have participated in our hands-on, projectbased arts, communications, science, sports and technology programs at Chicago public high schools, community locations across the city and Downtown at Gallery37 Center for the Arts. After School Matters programs are developed and delivered through a network of public and private partnerships, including Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Library and a wide range of community organizations. www.chicagocrusader.com
COMMUNITY
Successful Job Fair is Highlight of the CAP/CDTES A large job fair was one of the unique features of the CAP/CDTES Annual Community Day held recently, at 605 S. Albany. The Community Day, sponsored by Chicago Area Project/Career Development, Training & Employment Services, United Way, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Americorps, the Community Violence Prevention Program (CVPP) and United Way/Live United, also featured free backto-school haircuts, free back packs and school supplies, a mobile science lab, health screenings and much more. CDTES Program Manager Geneva Peterson-Castleberry believes that Community Day is a perfect opportunity to strengthen the community. “We’re lucky to be working with generous partners in building a healthier, more-connected community for a population that is sometimes passed over,” said PetersonCastleberry. “The CAP/CDTES Community Day stresses the fact that a family’s healthy lifestyle is the foundation of success in life and in school.” This is the fifth annual CAP/CDTES Community Day. Employment was a major feature of
this year’s Community Day. The Job Fair received rave reviews from employers who were impressed by the quality of the job seekers visiting their booths. Several applications were accepted and one employer, PTI Professional Transportation, Inc., hired a client from CDTES’s Work First program on the spot. Tawanda Holder immediately started her training with Dis-
patch Driver Toyla Moore who showed her how to assist job seekers visiting PTI Professional Transportation, Inc.’s booth. Other employers and service providers at Community Day included American Intercontinental University, Catholic Charities, the Chicago Fire Department, the Chicago Public Schools, the CTA, (Continued on page 17)
A CLIENT, TAWANDA HOLDER, with Chicago Area Project/Career Development, Training & Employment Services (CAP/CDTES) Work First program was hired on the spot by Professional Transportation, Inc. (“PTI”) during CAP/CDTES’s Annual Community Day on September 6, 2013 at 605 S. Albany in Chicago. Holder is pictured as she assists Dispatch Driver Toyla Moore at the PTI Professional Transportation, Inc. booth. STUDENTS FROM NEARBY Jensen Scholastic Academy got a chance to attend the community day events. The students got a chance to visit the University of Illinois Extension’s Science on the Go Mobile Science Lab and received book bags filled with school supplies.
JAMEL TEMPLE FILLS out an application for La Quinta Inn & Suites during CAP/CDTES’s Annual Community Day. The CAP/CDTES Community Day featured a large job fair, mobile health and dental clinics, a mobile science lab, free book bags and school supplies, a puppet show and much more. THE EXODUS DRUM and Bugle Corps entertain the crowds.
SUCCESS BARBER SCHOOL PROVIDED free haircuts during the Community Day events to students like Dejuan Beaseley, 14, shown getting haircut from Terdarius.
STUDENTS FROM JENSEN SCHOLASTIC ACADEMY are pictured as they enjoy a puppet show.
STUDENTS FROM JENSEN Scholastic Academy are pictured as they sign up with CDTES’s Bertran Pitts, Jr. for the University of Illinois Extension’s Science on the Go Mobile Science Lab. www.chicagocrusader.com
JOHNNITTA DAVIS GETS a hug and a fanny pack from Mt. Sinai Hospital’s Ramona Robinson for having her enhaler with her during the event. The Mt. Sinai Hospital booth focused on Asthma education.
AFTER THE PUPPET SHOW, students from Jensen Scholastic Academy get a chance to touch the puppets.
MEMBERS OF THE Green Light Movement’s Young Entrepreneurs Program are pictured with one of their Hot Dog Wrapper carts. The young entrepreneurs provided yummy Chicago style hot dogs for the adults and children.
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Saturday, September 28, 2013
11
ENTERTAINMENT
By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ By Raymond Ward SHE’S BACK!: The one and only, best-selling author Terry McMillan is back with her latest novel, “WHO ASKED YOU?”...and once again family ties are tested and transformed. With her wise, wry and poignant novels of family and friendship— “Waiting to Exhale,” “Getting to Happy,” and “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” among them—-Terry McMillan has touched millions of readers. Now, in her eighth novel, McMillan gives exuberant voice to characters who reveal how we live now—at least as lived in a racially diverse Los Angeles neighborhood.
Terry McMillian Kaleidoscopic, fast-paced and filled with McMillan’s inimitable humor, “Who Asked You?” opens as Trinetta leaves her two young sons with her mother, Betty Jean, and promptly disappears. Betty Jean, a trademark McMillan heroine already has her hands full dealing with her other adult children, two opinionated sisters, an ill husband, and her own postponed dreams —all while holding down a job as a hotel maid. Her son Dexter is about to be paroled from prison, Quentin, the family success can’t be bothered to lend a hand, and taking care of two lively grandsons is the last thing Betty Jean thinks she needs.The drama unfolds through the perspectives of a rotating cast of characters, pitch-perfect, each playing a part, and full of surprises. “Who Asked You?” casts an intimate look at the burdens and blessings of family and speaks to trusting your own judgement even when others don’t agree. McMillan’s signature voice and unforgettable characters bring universal issues to brilliant, vivid life.
AFRICAN TREASURES: As part of a three year grant from the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the 49th Chicago International Film Festival presents its “Spotlight Africa Program,” the third year of the World Cinema Spotlight Program. The Program highlights the exciting and diverse range of contemporary filmmaking from across the African continent and features innovative works and exciting new voices from Algeria, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. Films will be shown at the AMC River East 21 (322 East Illinois Street) to Chicago Public High School students through the Festival’s Education Outreach program, and at two “Community outreach” screenings at the Harper Theater (5238 South Harper) on Sunday, October 13, and The Logan Theater (2646 North Milwaukee Avenue) on Sunday, October 20. Parallel programs, including a series of discussions, panels and a music video event, will complement the films by illuminating the cultural context, filmmaking cultures and artistic visions and experiences of the individual filmmakers. Tickets can be purchased online via Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com/chicagofilmfestival; by telephone at 312-322-3456; or by visiting the Festival Box Office at AMC River East, or Cinema/Chicago office, 30 East Adams Street, Suite 800. 12
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Harry Lennix, Jr., front and center in movies and on television
Chicago native and former Chicago school teacher Harry Lennix, Jr., is in the limelight with his new movie Mr. Sophistication, which is available now on video on demand, and his new television series called The Blacklist premiering on NBC 5 early this week and airing on Monday nights this fall. In Mr. Sophistication, Lennix plays Ron Waters, a troubled comedian/actor at a crossroads in his career. Waters is married to Tatum O’Neal, and his career has seen better days. The marriage appears to be strained, because when he tells her that he is leaving Chicago to go clear across the country to Los Angeles because, in his words, folks out there have been asking for him, she is very concerned about their time away from each other. Waters heads to Los Angeles with hopes of a comeback and also with some relief to get away from his wife and the rut. But as the movie develops, Waters begins a relationship with a younger woman and pretty much finds himself behaving on stage in the same manner that helped derail his career in the first
place. Waters is a handsome, likeable character, and this seems to get him in trouble. His character reminds one of the late Richard Pryor. His jokes are just off his head, the day’s happenings and
HARRY LENNIX, JR., takes a smoke in Mr. Sophistication. how they affected him. He is well dressed, and the club scenes remind you of something that is out of another era. As he is making his way back to stardom, his wife gets word back in Chicago that he has been taking up with a younger woman. She comes to town and validates her suspicions, only to find that this younger woman is madly in
love with Waters and, in fact, admits that this is her first time being in love. O’Neal is lovely as his wife and plays as cool and collected as she can, but a bit concerned—knowing that she met Waters when he was married to
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
his first wife, played by Gina Torres. Up until now, Waters has been enjoying success on the short entertainment circuit that he has been travelling on the West Coast, but the idea that this younger woman—whose name is Rosa and who is played by Paloma Guzman—might be through with him and is depressed hurts him and he resorts back to his old ways—that of freaking out on stage, saying all manner of things and even ending his stand-up shows prematurely. He had been vetted by a former manager named Sterling French played by Robert Patrick, who is betting the bank that Waters won’t disappoint and go off on the weird end again. Mr. Sophistication will have you cheering for Waters in the end and holding your breath to see not only how he will fare with his performances, but also how he will fare with his marriage and outside affair. The movie also stars Richard Brooks and Rick Fox. For more information about Mr. Sophistication, which Lennix also produced, visit website www.mrsophisticationmovie.com. In NBC’s The Blacklist, Lennix plays the assistant director of counterterrorism for the FBI, along with a menacing James Spader. The first episode of this new television series will have you (Continued on page 13) www.chicagocrusader.com
ENTERTAINMENT
A Raisin in the Sun By Elaine Hegwood Bowen I love A Raisin in the Sun and a staging of it is in full swing at the TimeLine Theatre, located at 615 W. Wellington St. in Chicago. I must admit that I had a slight problem NOT imagining Sidney Poitier in the lead role, as well as the other cast members from the original 1961 movie version, which included Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands and Ruby Dee. But local artists, particularly Jerod Haynes as Walter Lee Younger, and the rest of the crew that completes the Younger family as they wait on their late father’s life insurance premium of $10,000 to come in the mail, present fine performances in this iconic play. A Raisin in the Sun is a poignant drama about the Younger family, who believe that a better life is just around the corner. But they are challenged when their plan to buy a home in the Clybourne Park neighborhood is thwarted by racial intolerance. This award-winning play celebrates faith, courage and the human spirit, even as it spotlights divi-
sions that still plague Chicago more than 60 years after the play is set. “Though written more than 50 years ago, A Raisin in the Sun—arguably the greatest play set in Chicago—has as much to say about our city now as it did in the 1950s, and our team of artists is delving into this classic in a way that intimately brings audiences inside the Youngers’ apartment and struggles,” said TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers. “For those who ask why we choose to tackle A Raisin in the Sun now, I point to nearly every local headline that currently dominates our news and say: Because it’s a story about Chicago—then and now and hopefully not forever.” Chicago was the home of playwright Lorraine Hansberry, and, indeed, Chicago is the best place for this re-staging. The actors are powerful in their delivery, and Greta Oglesby, who plays the mother, Lena Younger, is beautifully cast in this role. She wields a strong hand, as family members around her in the crowded tenement that they currently call home pit one against the
THE YOUNGER FAMILY: Mildred Marie Langford as Beneatha; Greta Oglesby as Lena, seated; Toni Martin as Ruth; Jerod Haynes as Walter Lee and Oscar Vasquez as young Travis. other, well primarily the son Walter Ron OJ Parson. “It’s an ‘original’ produced by an African-American Lee, as they map out just what they American classic, which has chang- woman, and Hansberry became the can do with the insurance money. If ed my life forever—not only as a di- first Black playwright and the you are unfamiliar with the story, rector, writer, actor and artist, but youngest American to win a New Walter Lee has his eyes set on an in- most of all, a human being.” York Critics' Circle award. HansMildred Marie Langford plays sis- berry's second play, The Sign in Sidvestment in a liquor store that will probably be successful, but the very ter Beneatha, who is going to med- ney Brustein's Window, opened on thought of it puts Mother Younger ical school, and Toni Martin plays Broadway in 1963 and closed the off—as it is against her Christian Ruth Younger, Walter Lee’s wife. night she lost her battle with panLorraine Hansberry died at the creatic cancer at the age of 34. principles. But she finally relents and gives Walter Lee all his respect age of 34 in 1965. She was an This play is a “must see” and as the man of the family—only to African-American playwright, au- worth the trip to the TimeLine have him derail their plans tem- thor and activist born and raised in Theater on the North Side. It runs porarily in their quest to free them- Chicago. Her play A Raisin in the through November 17. To purchase Sun was inspired by her family's tickets or for more information selves from the South Side ghetto. “It's hard to put into words what battle against racial segregation. about planned after-performance this play means to me, and to be in- When the play opened on Broad- discussions, call the TimeLine Theside of it once again,” said director way in 1959, it was the first to be atre Box Office at 773.281.8463.
Five icons will be honored as Torch Bearers at BUFI awards
HARRY LENNIX, JR., as Harry Cooper in NBC’s The Blacklist.
(Continued from page 12) waiting for the next move from Megan Boone. Reddington not Spader, who plays ex-government only has news about a longagent Raymond “Red” Redding- thought dead terrorist named ton, as he taunts and has his way Ranko Zamani, but after a series with Lennix who plays Harold of tragic events, he also has an Cooper. Spader is on the run earful for Liz about her new husfrom the FBI, and when his is fi- band. nally caught—or when he surrenI really liked this new drama, ders to the FBI headquarters in Lennix is great in the role against Washington, D.C.—he has such Spader, and the pairing of these good intelligence about a child two, combined with the subject abduction that is about to occur matter and the conniving personthat Cooper can’t help but take ality of Spader that you have seen his advice and have him help out him exhibit in other television seto ensure that the young girl, who ries, makes you want to come is the daughter of an important back every Monday to see just U.S. Diplomat, makes it back how things further develop. home safely. But in the interim, Check your local listings for The Reddington plays a cat and Blacklist, which has been called mouse game with the new female “Fall’s best new drama” by USA FBI profiler Liz, played by Today, on NBC. www.chicagocrusader.com
A doctor, real estate developer, an investment guru, a publishing maven, and a retired entrepreneur have been identified by the Black United Fund Illinois (BUFI) as “Living Legends.” Dr. Kyra Barnes, Elzie Higginbottom, Jr., Eric Higginbottom, Linda Johnson Rice,
Dr. Kyra Barnes and John W. Rogers, Jr. will be feted at BUFI’s 13th Annual “Living Legends/Passing the Torch Award Dinner October 5 at the DuSable Mu-
ed by their parents and now continue the legacy of community service and entrepreneurship. “We are proud to recognize these individuals as leaders and role models for the generations coming behind them,” English said. Barnes, a dentist, is a member of
Elzie Higginbottom, Jr. seum of African American History. The event lasts from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a catered reception, silent auction, and entertainment. BUFI is observing its 28th year of community service, according to Henry L. English, BUFI president and CEO of BUFI. “Our 2013 honorees are exceptional people who have picked up the torch ignit-
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Linda Johnson Rice the State of Illinois Board of Dentistry; Elzie Higginbottom, Jr. is the founder and CEO of East Lake (Continued on page 17)
Saturday, September 28, 2013
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ARTS AND CULTURE
The CSO presents ‘SYMPHONY BALL’ An all -Verdi Program conducted by Music Director Ricardo Muti followed by a Gala Ball By Nancy Berman, guest columnist
Progeny of Chicago Sinfonietta advances diversity challenge in Chicago Modern Orchestra Project The odds of one symphony starting and thriving in Chicago with the message of diversity and excellence in music are EXTREMELY high. How about a second orchestra, spawned with grooming gained from 26 years within the ranks of the Chicago Sinfonietta, namely Reneé Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project? Functioning and thriving as one of the hottest new audience draws in Chicagoland, the orchestra, CMOP, as we shall call it, is sweeping through not just Chicago, but Music Director Renee’ Baker is flinging the message as far as Berlin, London, the Netherlands, and Los Angeles with new projects under the umbrella of CMOP. As Principal violist of the Chicago Sinfonietta, Ms. Baker had a front row seat, literally, to watch the magic made under Maestro Freeman. Dr. Freeman has been an important sup-
Reneé Baker port mechanism for Ms. Baker as she developed in her Sinfonietta years into an internationally acclaimed instrumentalist, composer of note with commissions from ensembles worldwide, and embraced her mentor’s profession of conducting with a furor matched only by Dr. Freeman’s legendary podium episodes. Under the coaching and advice of noted conductors like Philip Baumann, Leslie Dunner, William Porter, John McLaughlin Williams, Anthony Parnther (and even a few kind moments from Maestro MeiAnn Chen), Ms. Baker, formed and conducted the Chicago Sinfonietta Chamber Ensemble for 4 years and then took the leap to forming her own symphony orchestra. The Chicago Modern Orchestra Project was born, not only out of love and respect for the mission maintained by the Sinfonietta for it’s first 22 years, but out of a continued need for the presence of visibility for minority musicians and audience members to embrace the art of music through all genres. Ms. Baker states, “I could not have had a better grooming ground for what was to come. Maestro Freeman 14
Barbara Wright-Pryor encouraged all facets of my musical life and his support made me feel that I could do anything. During my very precious time with Sinfonietta, I have served as Education Director, Orchestra Personnel Manager and Contractor, Principal violist and my proudest moments were as cofounder of what has been branded now as Project Inclusion, with Dr. Paul Freeman. Our original program was designed to kick open the door to help jumpstart the careers of promising minority musicians by extending a friendly hand. Endeavoring to embrace minority musicians and let them know that we valued them, they were not window dressing to procure funding and we were willing to invest time, money and energy in their development as well rounded musicians, and they could become a valued part of the classical music landscape, hopefully not just in Chicago. As co-founder of Project Inclusion, the model has accomplished more than I ever thought it could, so from Chicago, Chicago
Maestro Paul Freeman Modern Orchestra Project will reinforce and continue the same mission with the formation of two programs: ADEP (Assertive Diversity Enactment Program) for all people of color and PROJECT INDIGO, which will focus primarily on school-age African American children and their exposure to the world of music...” It appears that Ms. Baker truly embodies the bold mission of diversity and is eager to carry forth Dr. Paul Freeman’s mission of “musical excellence through diversity.” Chicago Modern Orchestra Project will produce its 2013-14 concerts at South Shore Cultural Center and Dominican University, both venues in the Chicagoland area. (Reprinted from Africlassical.com)
Saturday, September 28, 2013
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) 2013 Concert and Symphony Ball was held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 with Music Director Riccardo Muti leading the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. A pre-concert cocktail celebration at Symphony Center for all ticket holders began at 6:00 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. concert. As guests arrived at the CSO Adams Street entrance, guests were greeted by members of the brass duo from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. As guests entered the Michigan Avenue Red Carpet entrance, the Civic brass quintet greeted the guests. The concert began with the orchestra performing the Star Spangled Banner, and continued with an all-Verdi program as part of the CSO’s celebration of the bicenten-
AMONG THOSE HELPING the Chicago Symphony Orchestra raise $1.2 million through its recent Symphony Ball were Shirley and Walter Massey. The couple was among the ball’s 680 attendees. of the Board of Trustees, Deborah Hanging floral and tall tree deRutter, president, Chicago Sym- signs that incorporated orchids, hydrangea and roses in shades of white and green adorned the dining area. The design paid homage to one of the CSO’s great performances, “The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.” The menu included lobster bisque, sirloin of beef and a crème brule. Members of the Civic String Quartet played during dinner and the Bill Pollock Orchestra played for after-dinner dancing. Guests numbering 685 attended the Symphony Ball and receipts from the evening were $1.2M. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, now beginning its 123rd season, is hailed as one of the world’s finest orchestras. Riccardo Muti, one of the preeminent conductors of our day, is the CSO’s tenth music director. Born in Naples, his vitae includes association with the NANCY AND LESTER McKEEVER were among the many lu- Philadelphia Orchestra, La Scala, minaries who attended the All Verdi Concert recently as part the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic Royal Opera, Covent of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 2013 Symphony Ball. Garden and the Metropolitan nial of Italy’s greatest opera compos- phony Orchestra Association and Opera. (For further information, er, Giuseppe Verdi. Muti conduct- Ball Chairs, Elisabeth Adams and please call 312-266-8729 or 312ed the Orchestra and its Chorus in Katherine Barber. 294-3185.) excerpts and choruses from some of Verdi’s most popular works including “Va pensiero” from Nabucco, as well as music from Macbeth, Ernani, and I vespri siciliani. Renowned opera stars soprano Barbara Frittoli and bass Luca Dall’Amico sang the impassioned second act finale from La forza del destino. The Symphony Ball followed at the Palmer House for Gala ticket holders. As guests entered the Palmer House, they were greeted by a group from the Sherwood Community Music Suzuki Program. Cocktails were served in the hotel’s State Ballroom, and then the dinner NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY WAS well represented during guests entered the hotel’s Grand the Symphony Ball – the annual gala of the Chicago Symphony Ballroom and awaited a procession Orchestra. Dr. Toni-Marie Montgomery, dean of the Bienen School of special guests. Herald Trumpets of Music at Northwestern University and Dr. Henry Bienen, former from the CSO announced the entry president of Northwestern University, were part of the evening highof Maestro Muti, Ms. Frittoli, Mr. lighted by Ricardo Muti conducting the orchestra. (Photos by Robert Dall’Amico, Jay Henderson, chair Carl) BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
www.chicagocrusader.com
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking By Effie Rolfe There’s nothing new under the sun—maybe you’ve said this before—heard this before or perhaps even wrote this before. If your answer is yes, you’re probably right. The wisest man in the bible, King Solomon said, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Thus, because it hasn’t been heard doesn’t mean it’s not been said and just because you haven’t done it, doesn’t mean it hasn’t been done or won’t be done again. Since, repetition is the mother of learning and in order to undo a lie you must hear the truth 13 times. In radio advertising—
Effie Rolfe
Fall concert features Gary Roebuck Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church’s Fall Chancel Concert will feature award-winning baritone Gary Roebuck. Roebuck, a Chicago native, will sing Saturday, September 28 beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the church, 600 E. 35th St. He will perform a program of classical, operatic and art songs. The 36-year-old Roebuck is a graduate of the University of Rochester’s prestigious Eastman School of Music in New York. He received the William Warfield Scholarship in Voice. Roebuck has performed in a music series hosted
by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the Chicago Music Association. Roebuck is currently the director of information technology for the Association of Research Libraries in Washington D.C. He also is a two-time national winner of the NAACP ACT-SO competition in classical voice; as well as an awardee of the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts competition, and a regional finalist of the National Association of Negro Musicians’ Voice Competition.
Freddia Daniel, Co-Founder of Awardwinning PR Firm, Passes at Age 78 The Danielle Ashley Group regretfully announces the passing of its “matriarch” co-founder Freddia Daniel, mother of founding Chief Executive Officer Tracey Alston. Freddia was best described as a
Freddia Daniel “colorful person” who possessed a zest for life. She had ambitions on becoming a nurse, and spent two years in the nursing program at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. However, shortly thereafter she changed paths to pursue a career in education. The tapeswww.chicagocrusader.com
try of her life included a successfully committed career as a teacher for the East Chicago Indiana Public School System for 29 years. She was loved and respected by students and fellow educators alike. She was also a dedicated wife of Thomas L. Daniel Jr. who preceded her in death in 2007. Freddia received her elementary education through the Indiana public school system. In 1953, she graduated Hammond High School in the top 10 percent of her class. Her secondary education began at St. Joseph’s College where she earned her B.S. in elementary education 1957. She obtained her master degree in education at Indiana University where she graduated cum laude in 1967. As mother and teacher, Tracey was Freddia’s first and favorite pupil. Tracey not only learned the basic principles of education through continuous home schooling, but was inspired to also become a teacher following in the tradition of both her mother and grandmother. However it was (Continued on page 17)
studies show that a commercial has to be repeated a minimum of 12 times before the message begins to even remotely register with the listener. Not only will you hear the message again, but you need to hear the message repeatedly as well as learn from whatever you read, hear or see. A few years ago, I had a conversation with Donald Lawrence regarding a song he wrote and produced for Karen Clark Sheard entitled, “We Acknowledge You.” The first few notes of that song sounded like the “Best of My Love” by the Emotions. I told him… “Wow…that song sounds like one of my favorite back in the day songs by the Emotions. Then Donald looked at me as if
to say ‘exactly what are you saying…’ I smiled and belabored the point and boldly asked him, ‘Did you sample that song when you were writing that song for Karen?’ Then Donald looked at me with a serious look and said, ‘There’s only so many notes in a bar…so at some point you are going to hear sounds or songs that repeat—or sound alike.’ My immediate thought was ‘ok, that makes sense’!” Sooner or later something you have heard, seen or read is going to resurface. The message in this is that regardless of whether you have seen it or not—the lesson is to glean the truth from it and in it. Lastly, my mom used to always say, “there are worlds of stuff you don’t
know.” Our eyes will never see it all—our ears will never hear it all—your mouth will not be able to say it all neither will your hands be able to do it all. The circle of life exists because of divine circulation. The first will be last and the last will be first. Isn’t that just like life to teach us to see something new in something old? What do you see—you’ve probably seen it before…? ©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 Pastor Maceo L. Woods and Christian Tabernacle Church presented Gospel Supreme 2013 this past Monday night. Over the years the highly anticipated show’s theme has remained— Christian Dignity and Gospel Elegance. First Church of Deliverance was filled to capacity as supporters came to celebrate this year’s recipients including Pastor J.D. Anderson, Rev. Craig Jenkins, William Hamilton, Mother Mary Shurn, Pastor Leon Perry III and Brandon Rued. For the past 51 years, Woods has been the mastermind of the extravaganza, “The idea was to start on
Mahalia Jackson
Rev. Craig Jenkins
(Gospel Supreme) to the Civic Opera House. We also went to the Auditorium Theater and the Bismarck Theater.” Reminiscing on his first Gospel Supreme, Woods shared, “We really started in 1963 at DuSable. The very first one…we had James Cleveland, Billy Preston and Mahalia Jackson and that’s sort of where it started.” The former organist always operates in a spirit of excellence, Woods shared, “Over the years, we have never been late starting.” In the spotlight this year was First
time and do things with excellence...not to take away from the Spirit—we have a good time— but I wanted to leave a legacy where people would have an appreciation for an evening that had been well planned as opposed to renting a place and telling somebody to do an A & B selection. When the curtains are open, people need to know what they are going to do,” smiled Woods. “We were the first to go to the Arie Crown Theater — before it burned down and they rebuilt it. We continued after they rebuilt and we were the first to take it BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
Billy Preston
Church of Deliverance, the Wooten Ensemble, Lakiya Blissit, Complete Praise, Pastor Vicki Johnson, Min. Tim White and Deandre Patterson, the Crown Prince of Gospel music who also served as alternate narrator. “The idea was ole’ school inspiration and new school education,” smiled Woods. As the program continued to grow, the pastor and the committee expanded the ceremony to include awards. “We started giving out awards in 1992. Those we observed had labored in Christian work—for those who had covered a lot of ground and we thought the Gold Star Award would show appreciation for their labor.” This year Woods and Gospel Supreme 2013 were proud to proclaim Chicago’s songbird and living legend, Doris Sykes, as Lady Supreme. Sykes has been a longtime faithful member and lead singer of the Christian Tabernacle Church. **** Get ready for the 1st Annual National Mime Conference & Showcase—MIME4Life. This event will be held at Tinley Park Convention Center Friday, September 27 through September 28. Felicia Harmon Brown, internationally recognized gospel mime and instructor, and leader of Born To Praise Ministries, Inc. will present the conference. The faith-based non-profit organization, which specializes in the Worship Arts areas of gospel mime and liturgical dance, as well as provides mentorship to dance leaders and consulting for churches and organizations hopes to start a Christian dance ministry. The showcase will feature mimes locally and from all over the country. For details visit mime4lifechicago.eventbrite.com.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
15
COMMUNITY
(Continued from page 7) dope dealers, wife beaters and the like to stop their wicked ways. Unfortunately, Cease Fire ought to change its name to Keep On Shooting because it don’t look like all of their “urban politicking” is working too well given the series of shootings, murders, ass whuppings and the like going down on the South and West sides of Chicago. One man standing in Garfield Park near the water fountain was heard saying: “CeaseFire ain’t (cuss word). They stole that program from the GD’s who had come up with a way to get these young brothers off the streets and engage in something positive. Some guy studied what the Disciples were doing and came up with CeaseFire and got hooked up with millions of dollars by the government. I ain’t never figured out why you gotta pay a thug to stop thugging against his own people? And now that shootings and stabbings are back up, does that mean
day now. What he wants everyone to forgets is that he closed 50 schools—most of them named after Black heroes and sheroes; tried to close libraries; shut down mental health clinics; danced to Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines; blamed bad parents for their kids getting bad grades; privatized a bunch of jobs; fired a bunch of traffic directors, most of whom were just making about minimum wage; got rid of a
the CeaseFire people who lost their jobs have turned their back on the community? It’s bad enough their own leader got accused of beating the horsehairs off his wife—right or wrong? She took the allegation back, but that opened my eyes up. Man, I need me one of them Jew Town polishes—you got two dollars?” -ImaRE-ELECTION ROAD
bunch of janitors; has few Black people in his administration; has a horrible policing strategy that has led to crazy waves of violence; sent teachers on strike; got the cops mad at him; got the fire department mad at him; won’t comb his hair; and refused to eat chitlins and hog maws at the Soul Fest. By 2015 he will get 90 percent of the Negro vote because by then he will have donned the persona of a “savior” and Barack and Michelle (with nothing to lose) will float into town and christen him king. He is also happy that not a single Negro in the town has the courage to take him on—not one. Congratulations Emperor Emanuel on your second term. Please don’t kill us all, sir.
You know de old folks used to talk about the pot callin’ the kettle black. We wonder if that’s how Jesse JUNIOR feels now that he and his arch rival William Beavers will both be serving time in the federal big house at the same time? You see, Triple Jay and his elf, we mean wife, was in a 7th Ward war with the Beaver and his daughter, Darcell. There was bad blood between these folks—so much so that Jesse got Beavers to scream like a stuck pig that he’s the hog “with the big nuts.” While the mean-spirited, but articulate congressman giggled with
FATHER MICHAEL PFLEGER of St. Sabina Catholic Church receives a blood pressure screening from Walgreens Pharmacist Maurice Shaw during Sunday’s First Ladies Health Day in Chicago, as the company’s Director of Community Affairs John Gremer (center) looks on. The 2013 Health Day included more than 40 host churches, and marked the first year of St. Sabina’s participation. An estimated 10,000 individuals received free medical screenings for chronic illnesses including high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and more. evil delight, the Beavers empire declined rapidly, forcing them to take refuge behind, none-other-than Todd “I’m Not Urkle” Stroger.” You see Mr. Jackson the second prided himself on not being corrupt and telling on others who might have been. What’s now so ironic with this pot and kettle situation, is
Beavers, who is accused basically of doing the same thangs Junior and Sandi did, says the reason the Alphabet Boys tuned in on him was because he wouldn’t snitch—and he’s sticking to that story, too. Ima just find all of this so ironic and funny and sad and pathetic at the same damn time. What about you?
-ImaJUST MAYBE Perhaps yah’ll can talk Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans into running for mayor. He seems to be doing all de right things—and he still looks good. Recently, he
Emperor Emanuel is on a good start to being re-elected mayor of the city of Iraq, we mean Chicago. Given his record as a mean-spirited, cold-hearted politician, he knows that it will take two years to trick, we mean convince, voters that he isn’t so bad after all. Although the election ain’t until 2015, he is already rolling out his new campaign of being Mr. Nice Guy. He’s building new schools, feeding the hungry in Englewood, apologizing to the prisoners, clothing the naked, tithing and kissing Negro chilluns. He might change his name to Jesus any 16
-ImaHOG CALLING TIME
Rahm Emanuel
Tio Hardiman
went off on the State’s Attorneys office for failing to get poor criminals and might be criminals free defense attorneys as stated by the Constitution. He said there seems to be some plot or scheme to deny poor Black folks their right to a credible defense. He ain’t never lied. How come Jim Bob gets off on probation and Jakeim gets life? Run Timothy Evans Run.
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Tim Evans BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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Freddia Daniel, Co-Founder of Award-winning . . . (Cont’d from page 15) Freddia’s continuous support, coaching, and financial investment into Tracey’s dream of becoming an entrepreneur served as a key catalyst for the founding of The Danielle Ashley Public Relations Group. When the first offices of The Danielle Ashley Group opened in 1997, Freddia was its one and only staff member. She served as Office Manager, and her tireless dedication is a monumental portion of the foundation on which The Danielle Ashley Group currently stands. Her legacy lives through continued growth of the agency’s client roster that includes corporate, political, and nonprofit entities. Freddia was also the inspiration behind the Michigan Avenuebased agency’s very successful, philanthropic Black History HBCU calendar which serves as a national fundraiser for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Upon her diagnosis of the onset of Alzheimer’s in 2005, she immediately employed her educational finesse (along with proper medical care) as a strategy to maintain mental agility. She read regularly and wrote
in her journal daily. Additionally, she continued to enjoy word games, puzzles, and television game shows. Freddia will be sorely missed by her devoted daughter Tracey who was by her side until the very last moment.
She is also survived by her son-in-law Marcus Alston; three cherished granddaughters - Marquise, Taylor and Morgan; her cousin Armetta Turner (Chicago); sister-inlaw Henrietta Daniel (Houston); cousin Norma Peterson
The Bogan Quarter, Capacity Building Blocks, Carter’s Barber, Dental Group, the Epilspsy Foundation, DiTrolio Flexographic, Equip for Equality, Fathers Who Care, First Defense Legal Aide, First Transit Chicago, Gilda’s Club, Hilton House, the Illinois Department of Health
(Cont’d from page 13) Management and Development Corp.; Eric Higginbottom is a retired entrepreneur. The other honorees included Linda Johnson Rice, CEO of Johnson Publishing, and John W. Rogers, Jr., chairman and CEO of Ariel Capital Investments. The annual benefit raises funds to help support BUFI’s programs for services and community-based programs. The organization’s mission is “to bring about social and economic change in Chicago
and throughout the state by ensuring that resources, including time, money, ideas, supplies and skills are direct-
by calling 708-688-8351; and at House of Color, which is located at 9912 West 55th Street in Countryside. Send entries to: Brookfield Zoo, 2013 Photo Con-
(Continued from page 8) test, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513. Photos may also be dropped off at the zoo’s South Gate reception. All entries must be received by Monday, October 14,
John W. Rogers, Jr.
and Family Services, the Illinois Secretary of State, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Manufacturing Works, Mindful Practices, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New Vision, PACE Suburban, Staffing Network, Real Game Machine, the Salvation Army, the Social Security Administration, Star Detective and Se-
curity, State Representative Derrick Smith, Success Barber School, United Insurance, University of Illinois Extension, Walgreens and the YWCA. Chicago Area Project’s CDTES assists low-income individuals develop the skills to gain employment and build futures with economic independence.
Company sets a great example Dear Editor: Thank you for the story about the Related Companies and what they are doing at the Parkway Gardens Apartments on King Drive. That complex has needed a lot of attention and investment for a long time now and it is great to see it finally happening. I am sure there are many, many more properties on the South Side and the West Side that could use
the kind of investment that Parkway got. For those who did not attend the ribbon-cutting or read the story in the Crusader, this company put together a deal to invest $100 million in the Parkway Gardens, and the place needed every penny of it. Too often when a building or a complex becomes run down, elected officials and the business community just write it off. Usually that just about guarantees the complete demise of one of these sites. While Parkway Gardens weren’t completely gone, they had truly seen better days. The company that did the rehab also did some-
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ed to communities that need them the most.” Nikki Zollar, president and CEO of Safespeed, LLC, and William A. Von Hoene, Jr., Exelon Corp.’s senior executive vice president and chief strategy officer are general chairs of the event. Robert T. Starks, professor at Northern Illinois University, is BUFI’s board chairman. The 2012 honorees were Richard Barnett, Abe Thompson, and Mack I. Julian. More information is available by calling 773-324-0494 or emailing iris@bufi.-org.
2013, 5 pm. Entries will not be returned. Judges will select one grand prize winner from all entries. In addition, a first, second-, and third-place winner will be selected in two age categories: adult (12 and older) and child (11 and under). Photo Contest winners will be notified by phone and invited to an awards reception on Saturday, November 9. Winning photos will be displayed in the zoo’s Discovery Center lobby, as well as on www.CZS.org.
CHICAGO CRUSADER CLASSIFIED
HOUSES FOR SALE
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Cont’d from page 4)
(Gary); cousin Rose White (Gary); and a host of cousins and nieces in both Indiana and in California. Services will be held on Saturday, September 28 at Salem Baptist Church of Chicago.
Five icons will be honored as Torch Bearers
Successful Job Fair is Highlight. . . (Cont’d from page 10)
HOUSES FOR SALE
thing all developers working in the city should have to do –include an enhancement or some sort of improvement for a nearby school. The Related Companies had a state-of-theart football/soccer field installed for the students at Dulles Elementary School, next door to Parkway Gardens. It probably wasn’t a huge cost, but the impact will be very large. The company, from what I see, has set the standard for how businesses should enter and operate when they come to our community. Hats off to the Related Companies. Paul Boyce BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY
DLS’ Jamarco Jones named to All America Game De La Salle Institute recently announced that senior offensive lineman Jamarco Jones has been chosen to participate in the 2014 Under Armour All-America High School Football Game. The game will be played on January 2, 2014 at 3 pm at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL and will be televised on ESPN. The Under Armour All-America High School Football Game showcases the best high school seniors from across the country and is in its seventh year. Jones, who will attend Ohio State University, was chosen to
the All-Chicago Catholic League First Team in 2012 after making the All-CCL Second Team in 2011. In addition to his success on the gridiron, Jones (Kenwood) also excels in the classroom, holding a 3.871 grade-point average and ranking No. 34 in the 152-member Class of 2014 at De La Salle’s Institute Campus for Young Men. De La Salle Institute is an independent Catholic secondary school rooted in the tradition of Christian Education begun by St. John Baptist de La Salle. Founded in 1889, its
mission has been, and is, to foster a desire for excellence in education. Young people from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds are given the opportunity to fully develop their abilities so they may be active, contributing members of our complex changing society. The school has two campuses: De La Salle – Institute Campus for Young Men 3434 S. Michigan Ave. and De La Salle – Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women 1040 W. 32nd Pl.
A PROUD METEOR Jamarco Jones is congratulated by his mother Mrs. Urica Jones and De La Salle Head Football Coach Dan O’Keefe after being named a participant in the 2014 Under Armour All America High School Football Game.
Morehouse College plows over Central State 42-20
MOREHOUSE QB MONQAVIOUS JOHNSON runs through Central State defenders in the Football Classic Saturday at Soldier Field. The annual game pits two HBCUs against one another.
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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY
CENTRAL STATE BAND members were in fine form after the classic even though their team lost 42-20 to Morehouse College.
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