Blacks Must Control Their Own Community
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To The Unconquerable Host of Africans Who Are Laying Their Sacrifices Upon The Editorial Altar For Their Race Audited by
•C•P•V•S•
VOLUME LXXII NUMBER 32—SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2012
PUBLISHED SINCE 1940
25 Cents and worth more
South Side funeral leaves one man dead By Wendell Hutson Friends of Sherman Miller said they never thought attending a funeral could be so dangerous. “Seeing him laying on the ground did something to me. I cannot believe he is gone. I spoke to him on Thanksgiving and he was telling me about this female he met that was so hot,” recalled Benjamin Harp, 20, who attended the funeral with Miller for James Holman, 32, also a gunshot victim. “I hope the police catch whoever did this. They took a good friend from me and I will never forgive them for that.” Chicago police had no suspects in custody as of 10 a.m. Wednesday and were trying to determine if the shooting was gangrelated since Miller and Holman were both gang members, according to Chicago police. As it turned out Monday, going to a funeral of a convicted gang member had deadly consequences for Miller, 21, who was shot dead on the steps of St. Columbanus Church, 331 E. 71st St. An unidentified 26-year-old man was also shot and remains in critical condition, a Chicago police spokesman said. Across the street from St. Columbanus is A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, which is Black-owned. Charles Childs, a funeral director at A.A. Rayner, witnessed the shooting and said it appeared as though the gunman shot both victims as they attempted to run away. The fatal shooting now has Shelby
Brown, 29, who lives near St. Columbanus Church, rethinking whether to attend a funeral ever again. “It’s crazy that you can’t go pay your last
respects to someone without worrying about getting shot,” she said. “I have a funeral next week to go to, but now I don’t know if I will attend after what happened
Monday.” A school is adjacent to the church and “luckily no children were outside when the (Continued on page 2)
CHICAGO POLICE OFFICERS investigate a double shooting earlier this week on the South Side at St. Columbanus Church. Police are still investigating speculation the shootings were gang-related.
Public hearing reveals CPS budget woes By J. Coyden Palmer The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are facing a major budget deficit the next three or four years that will require tough choices, said Chief Administrative Officer Tim Cawley at a public hearing this week at the UIC Forum. Cawley, said an expected reduction in funding from the state and federal levels combined with an increase in expenditures means CPS will be operating under a deficit starting next year. He added CPS was only able to make this year’s budget by draining its reserve funding. “CPS is in a very difficult financial situation and unfortunately we don’t have many places we can go to solve it,” Cawley said. “Historically we’ve had a pretty good deal frankly, revenues have steadily gone up going back decades and increasing every year, but that pattern of growth was disrupted in
Frank Clark
2008. We’ve been able to get through it the past four years with one-time fixes, which has really disguised things. But the current situation is pretty clear…we’re in the worst situation you can have, our revenues are declining and our expenses are rising.” The dire report by Cawley came during the first of five public hearings being held by an independent commission looking into the possibility of closing or consolidating schools. The budget shortfall presented by Cawley showed hundreds of millions of dollars being lost starting next year until the year 2016. The chairman of the commission, Frank Clark, former CEO of ComEd, said the numbers Cawley presented were probably a best case scenario and things may actually be worse. However, Clark ensured those in attendance no decisions or recommendations have been made and the commission is seeking input from the community. Six of the nine commis-
sioners were present for the first meeting. “We could decide to recommend the (Continued on page 17)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Candidates crowd the ballot in hopes of replacing Jr. (See story on page 2)
NEWS
Candidates crowd the ballot in hopes of replacing Jr. By Glenn Reedus After the candidates file to fill the Second Congressional seat recently vacated by Jesse Jackson, Jr., the next major step is competing in the February 26, 2013 special primary election. Gov. Pat Quinn set that date this week for a crowded, yet undetermined number of candidates seeking the job. Quinn ordered a subsequent
eral election because state law requires any special general election to be held within 115 days of a congressional vacancy occurring. The special general election
mer state representative David Miller; and Mel Reynolds, who held the Second District seat from 1993-95. Although he was re-elected, Reynolds resigned in October 1, 1995, after being convicted of 12 counts of sexual assault, solicitation of child pornography, and obstruction of justice The field also will include former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger; State Sen. Donne E. Trotter (D-17); and the Rev. Anthony Williams, who had formally filed to run or expressed interest in running. Williams ran unsuccessfully as a
Anthony Beale
special general election for March 19, which will determine who will ultimately replace Jackson for the rest of his term. The primary election occurs on the same date as the municipal primary elections. The special general election will be three weeks earlier than the actual gen-
Debbie Halvorson
Corey Brooks
Alderman Will Burns; former National Football League linebacker Napoleon Harris; former U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson; State Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-40); for-
guarantee the slate-making committee will agree on one person. In that case all candidates will proceed without the endorsement of the county Democrats. Political pundits and observers speculate the large number of Black candidates may cancel one another, increasing the opportu-
Napoleon Harris Since 1981, voters there have elected an African American male as their congressional representative. Before Jackson the district
David Miller could still be moved to April 9, as Quinn said he would work with the General Assembly to change the state law in order to save money. At Crusader press time, a dozen candidates including noted whitecollar defense attorney Sam Adam, Jr.; Ninth Ward Alderman Anthony Beale; New Beginnings Church Pastor Corey Brooks; Fourth Ward
population is approximately 82 percent white, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Sam Adam Jr. nity for a white candidate or a lesser known to emerge the winner. Sixth Ward Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer described the current field as having “a lot of qualified people.” The first-term Alderman said he expects the field will winnow itself as primary election day draws near,” so we can have proper representation, “Sawyer said. The son of former Mayor Eu-
Mel Reynolds write-in candidate against Jackson earlier this month. Halvorson was trounced by Jackson in the primary, racking up less than 25 percent of the votes cast. The ministers – Brooks and Williams are the only ones in the field who have not held public office. Harris was recently elected to his first term as a state senator and has yet to be sworn in. Halvorson is the only candidate who is not an African American. She lost to Jackson earlier this year in a primary election and will be competing in a district where the majority of residents are African American, although the boundaries have been extended to parts of Will County, whose
Rev. Anthony Williams was represented by Mel Reynolds and Gus Savage. The second district is one of the smallest in the country. In the 2012 primary election, 78,781 voters turned out for the Democrats, and 71.2 percent or 56,109 voted for Jackson, while 22,672, or 28.8 percent voted for Halvorson. Although the county’s top Democrats will be charged with trying to select a single candidate among those who file, there is no
South Side funeral leaves one man dead (Continued from page 1) shooting occurred (around noon),” added Brown. Aside from the 500 people who attended the funeral, Corey Brooks, pastor of New Beginnings Church on the South Side, also was there. This, he said, was not the first time he attended a funeral and afterwards someone was shot. In 2011, while officiating over a funeral of a Black, male youth at his church, another Black, male youth was shot dead across the street from the church. That was when Brooks said he had enough. “Now we are living at a day and time where these younger criminals have no regard for life or for street rules,” Brooks said.
MURDER AT A FUNERAL is what took place Monday on the South Side and across the street from the Black-owned A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, where an employee witnessed the shooting.
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Saturday, December 1, 2012
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
State SenatorTrotter gene Sawyer, the younger Sawyer has been around politics most of his life. His assessment of this race is candidates who are incumbents will have an advantage primarily because they will already have their “ground game” getout-the-vote, fund-raising arms and communications operations already in place. They also will have an inside track on fund-raising, as some will be able to tap their current campaign treasury. The other advantage most incumbents will bring is name recognition, according to Sawyer. He said unlike traditional campaigns, the crowded field and protracted window likely means capable campaign workers will be at a premium. “That means they (the candidates) will have to pay workers,” Sawyer. Traditionally, campaign workers are volunteers. (Continued on page 17) The Chicago Crusader
NEWS
Community policing will live on By Wendell Hutson One thing Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he plans to change next year is the structure of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, better known as CAPS. “The city’s CAPS program has as many people in the downtown office as in the districts they are supposed to serve,” Mayor Emanuel told the City Council during his 2013 budget address in October. “The 2013 budget proposes moving CAPS resources out of downtown and back into the districts where they belong and putting every commander in charge of their own community policing office.” However, one community activist, who has been critical about how Blacks are treated by police, said it sounds like the mayor wants to dissolve CAPS. “By doing so, it means ultimately that individual police districts would design and manage their own CAPS programs,” said Harold Lucas, chief executive officer and president of the Black Metropolis Convention & Tourism Council, a neighborhood organization on the South Side. And if that should happen then CAPS would no longer be responsible for such things as organizing court advocacy programs, handling community outreach or coordinating cooperative efforts between CAPS and other city agencies. Long-term Ronald Holt, director of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, said there would be changes made to CAPS but not to the extent that CAPS would be totally disbanded.
“I don’t see CAPS going anywhere no time soon. CAPS is being reorganized, not eliminated,” Holt told the Crusader. Sitting in his office at Chicago police headquarters Holt talked candidly about CAPS’ future role in fighting crime and where he hopes to be professionally five years from now. Holt described CAPS, which was created in 1993, as a city agency with a $4.5 million budget that brings the police, organizations, community members, and other city agencies together to identify and solve neighborhood crime problems. “With so many communities invested in CAPS, dissolving it would be a challenge,” explained Holt. “There is definitely still a need for CAPS.” And according to Holt, one of CAPS’ fundamental missions is to increase awareness among residents; enhance partnerships with community residents and institutional stakeholders, police and other city agencies to address crime. “Block clubs are a key component to us connecting with residents. There are 325 block clubs in Chicago and for neighborhoods without block clubs, CAPS can help organize one,” added Holt. “As far as our organizational shift, district commanders would oversee CAPS in their districts while I remain director.” Currently there are 43 CAPS employees, down from 54 just two years ago, according to Holt, who adds that employees would now work more closely with district staff. There are 23 police districts and
CAPS DIRECTOR RONALD HOLT said while changes may occur next year, the city’s community policing division is not being phased out. out of those districts the fourth district on the Far Southeast Side is the largest, Holt said. While police officials acknowledged the need for CAPS they also said it would be used in a different manner moving forward. “I would not go as far as to say we are getting rid of CAPS because we consider its outreach services vital to connecting to residents,” said Melissa Stratton, a spokeswoman for the CPD. “What I will say is that Supt. [Garry] McCarthy shares the mayor’s vision for CAPS and that’s reorganizing it to fit the current needs of the department.” On that note, Holt agreed. “With any department there comes a time to make changes and
I welcome that. But I want to make clear that there are still violent crimes out here and as long as these types of crimes exist, there will be a need for CAPS,” added Holt, a police officer for 21 years. “CAPS have given the CPD a stronger credibility in minority communities [whose residents for years have felt disrespected and neglected by Chicago police].” Complaints about a lack of communication between CAPS and residents is something Holt said he takes seriously. One regular complaint from residents is not knowing when and where CAPS meetings are held. For nine years Mary Barber, 56, has lived in the 7900 block of South Escanaba Avenue in the
South Chicago neighborhood, but have yet to attend a CAPS meeting. “I don’t know where to go. When I need food I know what food pantries in the area to go to,” said Barber, who is unemployed and receives $620 a month in disability. “I hear that you can tell the police what goes on in your neighborhood at these CAPS meetings and can remain anonymous too.” Residents can call 311 to find out about CAPS meetings in their neighborhoods, which is usually held at least once a month at a neutral location like a church, Holt said. Beyond informing the police about neighborhood concerns, Holt said there are other benefits CAPS offers like its five-year-old Citizen Police Academy, where for six weeks residents learn such things as how to approach police officers in public; how to deal with teenagers in public; and how the police receive information, such as crime reports. Five years from now Holt, who lost his only son to gun violence in 2007, plans to retire but is confident CAPS would survive without him. His 16-year-old son, Blair Holt, was shot and killed while riding the bus home from school. Photos of Blair line the walls in Holt’s office as a reminder of the dangers that exist on the streets. “That’s one of the reasons why I am so passionate about stopping gun violence. My son was taken away from me because of a gun and I do not want another parent to experience the pain I still feel from burying him,” Holt added.
Rep. Ford introduces bill to help save Covenant Bank By Chinta Strausberg In an effort to get the additional time needed to help Covenant Bank improve its capitalization problem, Representative La Shawn Ford (D-8th) Tuesday introduced HR 1305. The bill requests that the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) grant an extension to the bank that was purchased in 2008 by the Rev. Bill Winston, pastor of the Living Word Christian Center. “Covenant Bank has been working with IDFPR and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and has until December 2, 2012, to correct the capital impairment,” said Ford. His resolution asks IDFPR to extend Covenant Bank’s deadline by 180-days, barring any critical undercapitalization levels, and to
consider similar extensions for other small community banks still trying to recover from the Great Recession. “The West Side has struggling homeowners, landlords and businesses and this bank is a needed resource that could help them, as well as those aspiring to open businesses on the West Side,” Ford said. “The state’s unemployment rate is still one of the highest in the nation and the West Side of Chicago has one of the highest unemployment rates by community in the nation. I urge the state not to rush to close businesses in Illinois, but to find solutions to help business that have already invested in the state to stay in business and help them grow stronger,” Ford said. (Continued on page 17)
The Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
NEW COVENANT BANK’S future was the topic of discussion when (left) Rev. Marvin Hunter, Belinda Whitfield, CEO/President, Rev. Dr. William Winston, Chairman, and Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-8th) met at the Covenant Bank, 1111 S. Homan Avenue, Tuesday to discuss ways of saving the West Side's only African American bank. (Photo by Chinta Strausberg) Saturday, December 1, 2012
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OPINION
EDITORIAL ACCEPTING INACTION DEVELOPS SLOTH (AIDS) World AIDS Day is December 1. It has been more than 30 years since this dread disease reared its very ugly head. It is probably certain, however, that it existed before that time, but that it went unrecognized. In America, on the east and west coasts, homosexual men were dying in droves. Purple bruises, diagnosed as the opportunistic cancer, Kaposi’s sarcoma, were seen in many of the cases, and no one knew what was going on. Soon, it was evident that intravenous drug users were also at risk. Eventually, the disease was identified as AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The precursor to the full blown disease was called ARC - AIDS Related Complex, which often developed into AIDS if not caught early enough and treated effectively. The virus that causes this disease was subsequently called HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus. At the same time, on the continent of Africa, people became afflicted with the same “slimming” disease, but it was spread exclusively among heterosexuals. Today, it is said that there are whole villages in Africa that are populated predominately by very young, and very old people, because many of the mature adults have died from this dreaded disease. In the early days, because HIV/AIDS was deemed a “gay” disease, heterosexuals developed a false sense of security. The incidence of HIV/AIDS in Africa, however, should have provided everyone with the glaring clue that the disease was no respecter of persons. Yet stubbornly, heterosexuals felt that they were immune because of their sexual orientation, or because they were not intravenous drug users. Numerous pundits adamantly opined that the disease would never spread to the heterosexual population or among Blacks. Hindsight, however, has shown that they were outrageously wrong. Today, the largest number of new cases is disproportionately found among Black heterosexuals, and particularly among Black women. For some reason, we are not making the right decisions in the Black community. Like so many ostriches we bury our heads in the sand hoping that real challenges will dissolve without our input. For example, because of internal bigotry, people ignored the burgeoning scourge until it became too large to ignore. The Black church contributed to this impact, averring that the disease was “God’s punishment for sinners.” Now, however, with many innocent women, men, and children affected, the folly of this idea has become painfully apparent. Complicating matters is the fact that a growing number of formerly incarcerated Black males upon release from prisons pass the disease on to their wives and girlfriends. The depressing impact of HIV/AIDS on the Black community is just one more symptom of the psychic imbalance that is demonstrated by a plethora of other debilitating physical and economic conditions. In this regard, we could probably look at AIDS as an acronym for Accepting Inaction Develops Sloth. In other words, not acting on our own behalf results in laziness and ineffectiveness. Somehow, we are making the wrong decisions. If bigotry had not reared its ugly head early on, we would not be in the current debased position in regards to this malevolent interloper. If we were more unified as a community, we would be able to pool our resources and rally our defenses in order to combat it. But today, unlike gay white males who have drastically reduced the impact of HIV/AIDS in their community by coming together and acting in their own best interests, we have refused to do this. Ultimately, if we are to defeat this disease, we will have to think strategically and work together. If we do this, not only will we defeat HIV/AIDS, but we will reduce a number of other ills that beset the community. A luta continua.
I sure hope the Chicago Crusader has the influence I think it does because we need a voice of reason to prevent something that can be tragic to the community. I bet nobody has forgotten the fiasco the Black community had for the last mayoral election. We had a chance at electing a Black mayor, but those chances got shot down when a bunch of “so-called” Black leaders tried to push a Black consensus candidate on the community. I am begging the Crusader to do whatever it can within its power not to let that same situation happen with the upcoming special election to replace Congressman Jesse Jackson, or former Congressman, whatever he is called. Word in the barbershop and in the mainstream media is that there are a passel of Black folks saying they want to run for that Second Congressional seat. Somebody needs to tell some of them to keep the seat they already have – at home in front of the TV – and don’t even think about elected office. That is what I am hoping the Crusader will do. I think the chances are pretty remote that we will wind up with a white Congressman for the area, but if we aren’t careful, that might be the case. There are some people who just have no business thinking about
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Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Saturday, December 1, 2012
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We don’t need another political show Dear Editor:
being a Congressman. And somebody with authority needs to name names. There also are some people who are already in elected office and would serve the citizens best by staying in those offices. Regardless of anyone’s reasons for running we don’t need to give white folks another political show of divisiveness like we did with the mayoral election. And of the dozen or so names that I have heard of that might be seeking this seat I see only three at the most as being qualified. We don’t let the mainstream media select who they think will serve us best. I read in one of the daily newspapers that it is time for the younger folks, and people who have never held office, to get the political seats. If it is, let them explain it to us how they will be better or different than the people who have been in trenches for decades fighting our battles. In this whole process I also hope we take a few minutes to reflect that none of us REALLY know the depth of the former Congressman’s illness. Some have speculated there is no illness at all. That the Mayo Clinic visits and everything associated with it was just a ploy. Hopefully no one is stupid enough to believe that an institution as prominent as the Mayo would risk its world-renown, highly favorable, long-standing reputation to aid an Illinois politician, or any Congressman. We need to pray that Junior, whatever his ailments are, gets better and do so soon.
Less is really more in the Second District Dear Editor: Can you believe the number of people who say they are interested in running for the congressional seat Jesse Jackson, Jr. just resigned from? It is sad the congressman had to step down under the circumstances he did, but it is even sadder (Continued on page 18)
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BEYOND THE RHETORIC
Cable Television – An American Success Story By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist It seems so natural today. Having cable television in our homes, giving us a vast selection of channels from which to choose, is a given condition for the vast majority of us. I can remember in my early years it was not like that. We had the three networks and a few local channels. A Black face on television doing something productive was very few and far between. When the great singer Nat King Cole got his own television show in Los Angeles, we were all so proud. Our music was available to us and we were indeed becoming a valuable part of American culture. Gone are those simple years that discounted and downplayed Black intellect, talent and culture. It was 1948, when entrepreneurs would introduce cable television to three markets – Arkansas, Oregon and Pennsylvania. They would service the mountain areas of these states where normal television signals were extremely difficult to pick up. In just 4 years, there were 70 cable systems servicing over 14,000 households. By the 1960’s, there were over 850,000 households and 800 cable providers. This was phenomenal growth but was seen as a
Harry C. Alford great threat to the local television owners. They convinced the federal government (Congress and the Federal Communications Commission FCC) to slow the pace down and bring in tighter controls through enhanced regulation. Cable television hit an anemic growth rate throughout the 1960’s because of the above obstacle. They would limit cable operators offering movies, sporting events and syndicated programming. It was actually an assault on freedom of speech. Please keep in mind that the cable growth was coming from private
funds such as venture capitalism and equity investment. There was not a drop of government money – county, state nor federal. This was true Americana as the founders of our government intended it to be. The FCC was, in fact, a prohibitive entity to the growth of this new technology which targeted information, entertainment and thought. Champions of the upstart cable industry finally convinced the government authorities to lessen the blockage they created and let this valuable technology grow and become available to the American marketplace. The demand should determine if it should expand and the demand was about to blow up to incredible levels. The creation of satellite technology along with friendlier regulation caused a spike in available capital. Great American entrepreneurs like Jack Kent Cooke, Charles Dolan and Ted Turner would gather the needed capital and revolutionize programming based on the demands of the American consumer. By 1980, nearly sixteen million households were subscribing to cable companies. It was just the beginning. As these entrepreneurs began to populate and jobs were being created exponentially, Black Americans happily found that they were in-
cluded. Thank the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act for this. Local regulation and licensing would come from the city and county level. The face of city and county government had now become a “rainbow” in most local communities. The newly formed cable companies knew they had to be inclusive. Job hires, training and ownership were being “dipped in chocolate.” Cable companies were coming with diversity in the entertainment and ownership industry. The late Mayor Coleman Young of Detroit and past DC Mayor Marion Barry, along with other vanguard Black mayors in the nation demanded Black ownership participation. Two notable beneficiaries of this new opportunity were the late Don Barden of Detroit and Robert Johnson of Washington, DC (BET). As cable progressed and the more successful ventures became multibillion dollar empires, telecom giants such as Verizon and AT&T have joined the industry which includes Comcast, Cox and others and provide great competition in our larger markets which ensures competitive pricing and even more jobs and careers with very diverse populations. The largest union in telecommunications is the Com-
munication Workers of America – CWA. It is probably the most diverse union and has been very fair when it comes to African American workers. Management at all of these cable providers has an appreciable share of Black participation. Every genre of Black music is now available on cable television. Black produced movies, talk shows, history segments, news and individually owned channels exist today and that is a very good thing. Children, millennial and seasoned Black adults can find what they are looking for and are educated to new ideas and happenings. It is without any doubt in my mind this is the greatest industry sector for economic opportunity amongst Black Ameri- cans. Stories like this keep America great and strong. To keep this story growing and succeeding it becomes very important that regulating authorities at the local and federal level realize that regulations must support free enterprise, encourage private capital and promote diversity. The best model for this is the Cable Story. Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
A ‘Perverse’ Move by the National Black Chamber of Commerce By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist I have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the National Black Chamber of Commerce over the years. I have conducted media training sessions at national conventions, spoken at functions sponsored by state and local affiliates, and enjoyed a friendship with many of its top officers, including president and co-founder Harry C. Alford. That’s why I was stunned and mystified when, in the course of researching a challenge to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to learn that the group had filed a friend-of-the-court petition with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting an objection filed by Shelby County, Ala. In short, Shelby County – after losing at the federal district and appeals court level – appealed to the Supreme Court, hoping to overturn the provision of the Voting Rights Act that requires jurisdictions with a proven history of discrimination in elections to get pre-clearance from the Justice Department before implementing changes in voting laws that might adversely impact Black voters. The court is expected to issue a ruling next summer. The Chicago Crusader
In its petition, the National Black Chamber of Commerce said, “Section 5 is no longer necessary to combat widespread and persistent discrimination in voting and now, perversely [my emphasis], serves as an impediment to racial neutrality in voting and to the empowerment of state and local officials who represent minority constituencies.” Perverse? Nothing is more perverse than a Black business group, with no direct interest in a case, favoring the elimination of a major tool that helps remove the last vestiges of discrimination against African-American voters and officeholders. I placed a call to Alford to ask why the National Black Chamber of Commerce decided to align itself with right-wing groups that routinely oppose affirmative action, the Voting Rights Act, and any other legislation that seeks to level the playing field for AfricanAmericans and other people of color. Alford said he filed the brief out of concern for Black lawmakers, many elected after passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He asserted that the cumbersome preclearance process is a burden on Black elected officials. But there is only one problem with Alford’s position – no rep-
George E. Curry utable national organization representing Black elected officials have called for an end to Section 5 or any other provision of the Voting Rights Act. Not the Congressional Black Caucus. Not the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. Not the National Conference of Black Mayors. Not the National Organization of Black County Officials. I told Alford even if he believes what he was saying, there are ways for jurisdictions covered by Section 5 to “bail out” of the preclearance requirement. In fact, I told him, 46 jurisdictions had done just that and two more cases are pending. So if any official
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
wants to be exempted, all they need to do is show they have not run discriminatory voting operations for the past 10 years. After having assured me earlier that he had read the voting law, Alford said evidently he had “not read far enough” because he was unaware of that bail out provision. It’s perverse for Alford to challenge the provision of an important law that he was not thoroughly familiar with. Finally, the National Black Chamber of Commerce (not to be confused with its rival U.S. Black Chamber) asserted in its petition: “The Chamber rejects the assumption underlying Congress’s reauthorization of oversight of the electoral practices in many states and localities in 1965 and 1975 persist today.” Evidently, that was another perverse instance of Alford not reading far enough into the public record. Congress renewed Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act in 1970, 1975, 1982 and for another 25 years in 2006. In its petition, the Justice Department noted, “based on its exhaustive review of the record, the [lower] court confirmed that Congress had found ample evidence of a history and ongoing pattern of purposeful, state-sponsored voting discriminaSaturday, December 1, 2012
tion in covered jurisdictions.” The petition explained, “Congress concluded that ‘without the continuation of the [VRA’s] protections, racial and language minority citizens will be deprived of the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, or will have their votes diluted, undermining the significant gains made by minorities in the last 40 years.’” With bipartisan support, the Voting Rights Act was extended in 2006 on a 390-33 vote in the House and a 98-0 vote in the Senate. George W. Bush signed the bill into law. With that kind of broad support in Congress and from a Republican president, it is indeed perverse that the National Black Chamber of Commerce would have the gall to support eliminating a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge. 5
COMMENTARY
Worrill’s World By Dr. Conrad W. Worrill
UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORY OF HAITI (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 Much has been said about Haiti and its historical context. In order to understand the history of Haiti and the importance of the Haitian Revolution when Haitian people proclaimed their independence on
January 1, 1804, everyone should begin reading and studying about Haiti. We must do this in preparation for the long struggle that will take place to rebuild this beautiful country of African people. At this time, with the multitude of challenges that face our brothers and sisters, we must lift up our spirits and continue, with a vengeance, the great work that is needed to restore Haiti. Far too many African people are unfamiliar with the significance of Haiti, the Haitian Revolution, and its impact on the world. Far too much misinformation is being spread about Haiti and its history. The Irritated Genie: An Essay on the Haitian Revolution, written by our esteemed ancestor Dr. Jacob H. Carruthers, made a profound contribution to the significance and implications of this event in the history of African people in the world. Brother Jake, as we affectionately called him, was one of the leading African Centered Scholars in the world. His book, The Irritated Genie, is one of the most definitive books on the Haitian Revolution. Brother Jake spent much of his time, over a forty year period, probing the 18th and 19th century Black Nationalist tradition and the
leading thinkers, scholars, and organizers who represented this tradition. Out of this study and research, Jake produced the most incisive analysis in his book on the Haitian Revolution and its implications for our on-going struggle. Since the 19th century, both Black and white scholars have written extensively about the Haitian Revolution, which began in the summer of 1791 and ended in the fall of 1803. However, most white scholars have relegated the Haitian Revolution as an “isolated event” and have interpreted its meaning in the framework of white supremacy of the western world order. In this same context, the Black scholars, who have written on this subject, have suffered from the same problem, the problem of accepting a European framework in their efforts to describe the essence and meaning of this great African Revolution which took place in Haiti. Dr. Carruthers addressed the concept of the “Irritated Genie” and what it meant to the Haitian people who rose up and defeated the socalled great military powers of the era England, France, and Spain. Haiti, an island in the Caribbean where millions of imported, kid-
napped Africans were used by the European slave trading nations to supply their labor needs in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. As Dr. Carruthers writes, “On August 22, 1791 thousands of slaves crudely armed with stolen weapons, various tools and torches, overran and destroyed most of the plantations and besieged the towns of Northern Saint Dominique, the most prosperous European colony in the world at that time.” In his book, Brother Jake informs us that “this well planned, sustained offensive was the culmination of nearly three centuries of periodic Black rebellions against the European settlers.” The significance of the Haitian Revolution is revealed by Brother Jake in pointing out that the African people of Haiti successfully defeated the top military powers of that day Napoleon and his French military might, Britain, and Spain. Many people are aware of the role Toussaint L`Overture played in the Haitian Revolution, but Dr. Carruthers unveils very clearly and concisely the leadership of General Jean Jacques Dessalines and Bookman Dutty. In The Irritated Genie, Dr. Carruthers points out that the Haitian
Revolution “is perhaps the most underemphasized war in what is called modern history.” The fact that many African people are more inspired “by the Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cuban revolutions than the one truly Black revolution in modern history” is the reason all African people need to read this book. Many people will probably be quick to ask the question, “If the Haitian Revolution was so great, why is Haiti in the shape it is today?” I must remind you that Haitian people were in need and struggling before this devastating earthquake. Dr. Carruthers answers this question in the following manner: “For three centuries the crime of being Black was punished by torture, rape, and murder. Dessalines erased that crime by executing all of those he would find who had committed the atrocities, the true criminals. That is why the Haitian personality is so strong today even though most of the leaders sold them down the river after the fall of Dessalines.” Dr. Carruthers was the founder of the Kemetic Institute and professor at the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS) of North(Continued on page 18)
WHEN PUBLIC POLICY HURTS THE POOR By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist Discussions of the fiscal cliff also include discussions about ways to change Social Security and Medicare benefits in order to save money. One of the proposals is to raise the Social Security retirement age to 70. After all, some argue, there is nothing magic about 65 or 67, so why not push the rate up to 70? The difference is the kind of work we do. I can’t imagine that I will ever stop talking and writing, advanced age notwithstanding. However, someone who is waiting tables, working in a nursing home, or doing private household work might not want, but need, to slow it down after 65, or maybe even earlier. Some people take their Social Security earnings, although they are lower, at age 62. Tired, and with sometimes broken bodies, they’d rather take less money than keep working. Consider the construction worker who has not moved up into management. Will he (or in 10 percent of cases, she) still want to 6
wield a hammer, climb onto roofs, or do other heavy work? Raising the Social Security retirement age hurts these people. These folk are also hurt because their life expectancy is also lower. People with less education have shorter life expectancies than those who are more highly edu-
cated. African Americans have lower life expectancy rates than
whites (although this gap is closing), thus, people who have paid into the system, but they will get less out of when they live shorter lives. Again, those at the bottom are disadvantaged by public policy that seems race and class neutral. Why the gap in life expectancy? Part has to do with higher rates of smoking among less educated propel, obesity, and the lack of health insurance, especially among those with lower incomes and less education. Obamacare partly solves the insurance problems, but those living in an unreal time warp seem to think Mitt Romney won the election and they are acting accordingly by attempting to repeal health care reform. Most of us got the memo about the dangers of smoking, but women who lack a high school diploma are more likely than others to smoke. Indeed, among women the levels of smoking have risen, while smoking rates had declined among men. Researchers who study these issues suggest that women are smoking
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Julianne Malveaux
more because of the many pressures women face, including being part of the “sandwich generation” juggling both elder care and child care. I was talking to an elder whose smoking habit spans more than 50 years, and when we talked about the issue, she responded that she was over 70, still living, and wasn’t about to change. We talked a bit about stress and ways that smoking is a tension-tamer for her. I suggested she try yoga, and she just about laughed me out of the room. The health insurance gap between those who are highly educated and less well educated is growing. Among working age adults without a high school diploma, 43 percent have no health insurance, up from 35 percent a decade ago. On the other hand, only 10 percent of those with a college education lacked health insurance. While Americans do not like to talk about class, poor and working class people, they do less well in our society than others. For example, attempting to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood
has a greater impact on poor women without health insurance than others whose contraceptive needs are covered by their insurance. Yet the right wing attempts to characterize Planned Parenthood as an abortion center, not a place that offers education on contraception, breast cancer, and other health issues. Extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy certainly has a disproportionate impact on the poor and working class, but there are hidden attacks on the poorest in our nation. Raising the Social Security retirement age, eliminating Planned Parenthood, and attacking Obamacare are all implicit attacks on the poor. The class status of our federal elected officials (with median wealth of more than $750,000 excluding the value of their home, compared to just $20,000 for the average person) suggests that Congress just doesn’t get it. But we elect these people. What does that say about us? Julianne Malveaux is a DCbased economist and author. The Chicago Crusader
THE CHATTERBOX 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!
IT’S ON . . . . . Waiting in the wings are a number of folks who would like to take over the second congressional seat of Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. As a matter of fact, it lists a long line of folks who shouldn’t try it. Try Mel Reynolds, the former Congressman who specializes in child pornography lifting his head talking crazy. He is a waste of a thought, let alone a vote. Rev. Corey Brooks, who is meditating and consulting with the elders of his church, his family, Rev. James Meeks, and any other person who will enter a conversation with him ought to realize that the bullets flying outside of a funeral he was conducting should be a sign that his career should be in stopping the violence which can’t wait until he raises $15 million dollars for a center to be built on the vacant lot he confis-
career staircase. Don’t look down Toni you are already dizzy enough. Debbie Halvorson, who was beat down this year by the now resigned Congressman, should bow out. Her time came and went. And the list goes on and on. Watch this spot next week for more has beens and should not bees. -ImaYOU THINK? Now comes word that Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. may have been tipped off about the investigation into his finances in addition to the sale of Senator Obama’s Senate seat. Who didn’t already think that? From day one, Ima and her Roundtable of Nosey People done said that. Being naturally suspicious, the Bipolar mess that is being used now to cover up strange, odd and crazy behavior, sounded strange to Ima and Lurlean but we wanted to see if the Feds would buy it. If dey do, Ima gonna use it when she finally throws a superfit on her neighbor that keeps walking her dog on her grass.
-ImaBIPOLAR OR JUST A FOOL? Speaking of bipolar folks, in the street some folks are wondering if some other folks in the spotlight are suffering from dis bipolar stuff. For ‘nstance Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Gov. John Sonunu, former Vice President Dick Cheney, Karl Rove and Don-
Rush Limbaugh
ald Trump. By no means is this list complete this is just for starters. But let Ima say in her most scientific and learned experience dey ain’t suffering from one polar, bipolar or anything else dey are just a bunch of fools!!! -ImaHOW ‘BOUT THAT??? It was so nice of folks to come out and give support to the Jacksons on last Saturday at PUSH. Dey had all the folks bunched up in the middle to look like a big crowd, but dey were all there including Slim Coleman who slept thru most of the program. What struck Ima was the fact that Congressional supporters Danny Davis and Bobby Rush was front and center and has been vocal in support of Jesse Jr. Now Ima don’t like to bring up old things that some folks like to forget (well it sounds nice to say this, don’t it), but I’se remember when Congressman Bobby Rush was having his health challenges, Junior was all but trying to push him out of his seat. Just goes to show you, you never know
Bobby Rush who will help you when you’re down. In this case I betcha Delmarie Cobb, Emil Jones, Jr., Roland Burris, Monique Davis, Mare Daley and a whole flock of Democrats remember him crying his behind off and apologizing for his behavior to Bobby, et al. in Denver, Colorado during the Democratic National Convention Illinois breakfast. Goes back to that old African proverb, don’t dig a ditch too deep, you might fall in it! Truer words have never been said.
Mel Reynolds cated after he ran off the owner. I just hope the lot doesn’t become a multi-floor parking lot for his church across the street (oh Ima is sorry I got distracted a bit). Word is Toad (ehr, I mean Todd) Stroger is thinking about the seat. That’s all he needs to do is think about it, like he should have thought about it before he called himself a radio commentator (they’ll let anyone on the radio ya’ll). The blue suit President of the Cook County Board Toni Preckwinkle is said to be thinking this is her next step on her political The Chicago Crusader
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR IT’S HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTER CHICAGO! Warm even the grinchiest of hearts this holiday season during LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago’s Holly Jolly Holidays from December 1 - January 1! Throughout the month of December, yule have a jolly good time playing special seasonal games, participating in our group build and decking the halls with loads of Brick-tastic holiday fun! Festivities include: Winterthemed speed build challenges (while supplies last); A holiday scavenger hunt with a chance to win four free annual passes; Build a giant snowman out of LEGO® in our group build; A limited-edition winter factory brick in the Factory Tour (while supplies last); Photo opportunities with the life-size Santa and Snowman LEGO models and much more! LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is located at Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road. We ho-ho-hope to see you there! For more information visit: www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com. FREE KIDS PARTY AT MARQUETTE BANK: On Saturday, December 1, Marquette Bank will host a Kids Party at the Marquette Bank located at 7447 W. 63rd Street in Summit. Enjoy Jim Nesci’s “Cold Blooded Creatures” show featuring alligators and snakes, giveaways and refreshments between 1 pm and 3 pm. The event is open to the public. For more information, call 1-773-476-5110 ext. 1476.
Urban Forum, please visit www.uicurbanforum.org/issues. BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP HOLDS TOY DRIVE FOR TOYS FOR TOTS: Give the gift of a teddy bear hug to a local child this holiday season by donating a toy to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Visit any Build-ABear Workshop® store location nationwide between Friday, December 7 and Sunday, December 9 to drop off a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. You can also make and purchase a furry friend to donate to the toy drive at the store. Throughout the weekend, volunteer members of the U.S. Marine Corp will be on hand at stores at select times to collect the toys. The toys will be distributed to children in need in your community this holiday season. For store hours and locations visit: http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/storefinder/findAStore.jsp. HYDE PARK ART CENTER: On Friday, December 7, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm, Hyde Park Art Center invites you to roll up your sleeves, rock out to some tunes, and feel inspiration flow as your inhibitions fall away at ARTBAR, a new ARTventure for creative adults, featuring live music and art making workshops like clay hand building, screen printing, and darkroom photography. The Hyde Park Art Center is located at 5020 South Cornell Avenue in Chicago. For more information call 773-324-5520 or visit www.hydeparkart.org.
Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440. IKEA is celebrating the Swedish tradition of Julbord. Julbord is a special type of smorgasbord which is the standard Christmas dinner in Scandinavian countries. Adult IKEA FAMILY members can enjoy the all-you-caneat IKEA Julbord for only $9.99
per person, Kids 12 and under eat for only $2.49. Non-member tickets are $12.99 and $4.99 for kids. The buffet features Swedish holiday ham, smoked salmon, Swedish style meatballs with lingon berries, assorted cheeses, crisp bread, gravid lax with mustard, poached salmon, assorted desserts, and much more.
JESSE WHITE TARGETS Holiday Shoppers Abusing Disability Parking at Malls Statewide which marks the 7th year Secretary of State Police Conduct Enforcement — Secretary of State Jesse White announced that the Secretary of State Police will conduct a statewide enforcement effort to crack down on people who illegally park in disability parking spaces at shopping malls beginning on Black Friday, November 23rd, the official start of the holiday shopping season. Secretary of State Police will be enforcing the provisions of the Parking Program for persons with disabilities at malls in Chicago, the suburbs, and across the state of Illinois until the end of the year. White urged people to report abuse of accessible parking spaces by calling 217-7850309 or visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com and complete the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities Abuse Complaint Form.
Extended Coverage How much life insurance do you really need? It depends on where you are in life and what you need to protect.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO 2012 UIC URBAN FORUM: The 2012 UIC Urban Forum will bring together elected, civic and community leaders to discuss issues metropolitan areas have been experiencing, their responses and strategies to address those challenges and improve quality of life. This Forum offers sessions covering government efficiency, economic growth, health, safety and welfare, recession recovery, all circling back to metropolitan resilience factors and strategies for the Chicagoland region and the U.S. The 2012 UIC Urban Forum cochairs include Governor Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and University of Illinois Chicago Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares. It will take place on Thursday, December 6, 8:45 am – 3:15 pm at the: UIC Forum, 25 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL. Tickets are $25 for general public and free for all Chicago-area college and university faculty and students with a valid school ID. All attendees must register online in advance of the Forum. To secure your registration, please visit: www.uicurbanforum.org. For more information at the University of Illinois at Chicago
IKEA BOLINGBROOK SWEDISH JULBORD ALL-YOU-CANEAT BUFFET: IKEA Bolingbrook will host a Swedish Julbord All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet on Friday, December 7th, 4:30 pm – 8 pm at IKEA Bolingbrook, 750 E.
*** The quick formula adds up all your debts, plus what you’d need for your children’s college, plus enough for your funeral expenses, plus half your current income for maybe 20 years. *** Where are you in life? The younger you are—and the younger your children—the more you need. That’s where term insurance comes in, to boost permanent coverage during the expensive years or by itself. If you choose term coverage, get a fixed premium period. *** A non-working spouse needs insurance, too, to cover child care when kids need it. How much depends on their ages. *** Certain life changes may trigger an insurance checkup: when you divorce or are widowed; when you remarry; when you acquire a big new expense; if you develop a serious illness; when all the kids graduate and are self-sufficient; or you get really rich.
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FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTSPOLAR PARTY AT THE ZOO: Explore the world of polar bears, grey seals, puffins and penguins, and learn how these animals survive in frigid polar habitats on Friday, December 7 (Session A) and Friday, December 21 (Session B) at Lincoln Park Zoo. Kids will practice moving and communicating like a penguin, get down to the roots of polar bear fur, and imagine what life is like at the north and south poles. Join this cool party before exploring ZooLights with the whole family! Kids can attend either session A or B or choose to attend both. The activities at each session will be different but complementary. The events are from 5:30 pm 6:30 pm and 7 pm - 8 pm. The cost is $16/ $13 (for zoo members) for children 4-5 years old. For more information, call 312-742-2056, or register at http://www.lpzoo.org/education/programs.
Entertainment will be provided by the Nordic Kids singers. Seating is limited. For more information, call 630- 972-9170, visit http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/bolingbrook/restaurant, or you can contact your local store for more details and for tickets.
Milton E. Moses
*** Need an insurance checkup? Talk it over with the folks with know-how at 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.
The Chicago Crusader
The Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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EDUCATION
Chicago area teacher wins $100,000 on Jeopardy By J. Coyden Palmer Colby Burnett, a world history teacher at Fenwick High School in suburban Oak Park, surprised his students earlier this week when they learned he was a winner on the game show Jeopardy. Burnett, 29, who grew up on Chicago’s West Side, was competing on a special teacher’s edition of the Emmy Award winning show that is arguably the most
Colby Burnett challenging game show of all time. Burnett said he hopes his win inspires his students, who often ask him about why they need to know and understand history. “For my students, I hope my win is an inspiration for them all,” Burnett said. “History is important for two reasons; it gives
us a blueprint of things to do in the future that worked and it shows us mistakes in human history that we don’t want to repeat.” Burnett said he will use his winnings after taxes to purchase a new home for his mother Wilma. He credits his mother with his success. Burnett graduated from Fenwick, an expensive private school, after his mother worked the night shift to help pay his tuition. “She made a lot of sacrifices for me, so this will be my way of saying thank you mom,” Burnett said. “My mom has always supported me, and I’ve wanted to give her a house for quite some time.” Burnett shared his victory with fellow students and staff at Fenwick earlier this week. Although he won the prize money months ago, the airing did not take place until Nov. 21. Burnett said it was hard to keep his mouth shut because people kept asking him ‘how did you do on Jeopardy?’ A loquacious personality, Burnett said keeping everything a secret was one of the hardest things he ever had to do. “I think keeping the secret was harder than the questions they were asking me on the show themselves,” said Burnett with a laugh. “I think everyone knew
A RECENT JEOPARDY winner, Colby Burnett plans to use his $100,000 winnings to buy his mother a house – his way of saying thank you for all she has done for him over the years. something was up because I didn’t have a good poker face.” Burnett sat in the back of the auditorium with a colleague as over 100 students watched the show being broadcasted. When the students saw Burnett’s win, the place erupted into cheers. Burnett defeated 13 other teachers and with is victory, guaranteed himself a spot in the coveted Jeopardy Tournament of Cham-
pions, which will take place in February. “I felt immense pride in representing my school as an employee and as an alumnus,” he said. “Winning the $100,000 means that I set out and achieved what I wanted to do.” Burnett said he hopes his win also inspires other African Americans. He recognized that there are not a lot of Black contestants on
Jeopardy and said Blacks who grow up in the inner-city like he did need to see they can become a success in a variety of vocations. He said teaching is one of the most rewarding careers a person can choose. “You don’t become a teacher to get rich, but your impact and seeing your students learn, grow and succeed is something you can’t put a price on.”
Northstar Lottery Group partners with Ebenezer Community Outreach Northstar Lottery Group, the private manager of the Illinois Lottery, recently unveiled its fifth After School Advantage learning lab program. Located at Ebenezer Community Outreach in Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood, the state-of-theart After School Advantage Lab provides at-risk youth with a meaningful and productive experience during after school hours. Ebenezer Community Outreach is a staple in the Garfield Park community and provides children between the ages of 5 – 17 years old with tutoring service and mentorship programs. “At Northstar, we work with local communities to help bridge the technology gap that frequently confronts children growing up in urban areas, said Marco Tasso, President and CEO of Northstar Lottery Group. “These computer labs not only keep kids busy in a monitored and safe environment, they also help them gain a competitive educational edge.” Northstar donated $15,000 in computer hardware, software, online technology and furniture to Ebenezer Community Outreach to build this After School Advantage lab,
which is outfitted with a combination of Dell and iMac computers. In addition, Northstar employees voluntarily designed and installed the lab and many will remain active throughout the year, instructing students how to best use the equipment. “We are delighted to work with Northstar on behalf of the youngsters in Garfield Park. We know that there is not enough access to technology in this community, said Ebenezer Pastor Leon Miller. “We know that this lab will be able to help many, many students with their homework and sharpen their skills so they are ready to compete in high school, college and the working world.” The After School Advantage program is part of a statewide community investment program by Northstar Lottery Group. Ebenezer Community Outreach’s After School Advantage lab in Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood is the fifth of its kind opened by Northstar since July 2011 when it officially took over as the private manager of the Illinois Lottery. Northstar has opened enrichment computer labs in Lockport, East St. Louis and two labs on Chicago’s west and south sides. All five centers will be fully operational
year-round providing a safe and enriching environment for children and teens in these communities. Northstar plans to open additional labs in several regions throughout the state in the years ahead to maximize its charitable giving and its commitment to education and good causes in Illinois. Visit www.northstarlottery.com for more information on After School Advantage labs and other charitable giving programs run by Northstar Lottery Group.
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Opens its fifth After School Advantage enrichment program in Illinois
Northstar Lottery Group Northstar Lottery Group is a consortium of best-in-class companies with more than 50 years combined experience in Illinois. Northstar Group is led by a partnership between GTECH Corporation and Scientific Games Corporation. Ebenezer Community Outreach Ebenezer Community Outreach is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) that was organized in 1999 to serve the Garfield and Lawndale communities of Chicago’s west side in partnership with the New Baptists Ministers fellowship. ECO provides services to over 200 youth through mentoring and afterschool advantage programs.
AVIS LAVELLE, vice president of corporate affairs for Northstar interacts with afterschool participant Tim Tolliver, who is amazed at the new computer. The Chicago Crusader
COMMUNITY Josh Marks “MasterChef” celebrates International Men’s Day The Chicago native returns home to empower a new generation with message of good nutrition, strong family values, and entreprenuership through Real Men Cook Charities (Chicago) Josh Marks, featured on the mega hit FOX television cooking show “MasterChef ” returns home to Chicago to support the Real Men Charities “Real Men Building Healthy Kids and Strengthening Families” project as Real Men Cook’s national
terChef.” While he didn’t win the big prize, Josh says his celebrity status as second place winner allows him to share his message of healthy eating and formula for success with young people. In re-establishing his Chicago roots, Josh says he’s honored to join Real Men Charities as their official spokesperson, “I am proud to contribute to their longstanding international reputation and legacy of promoting positive male images, building families and en-
teach Englewood Youth the principals, merit and how-to’s of Farmto-Table initiatives. The program is designed to impact the Englewood food dessert by teaching youth how to create urban farms where they can grow their own fresh produce. Ms. Moyo said, “The program has effectively changed behavior and attitudes that serve to reduce and prevent obesity, diabetes and other food-related disease.” During his weeklong tour, Chef Marks will visit Yale Elementary
burne Culinary Institute on November 19 he kicked-off International Men’s Day with an antiviolence panel discussion following a film screening of William Cochran's film "Englewood" at Yale Elementary School (70th and Princeton). He culminated his visit Tuesday evening with an exclusive invitation-only dinner party at Macy’s department store that featured
About Master Chef Josh Marks Chef Josh Marks 25, is a selftaught culinary artist who, upon deciding to perfect his passion for food, studied recipes, watched You Tube videos and absorbed the techniques of his idols, such as Chefs Graham Elliot, Emeril Lagasse and Gordon Ramsay, as well as restaurateur Joe Bastianich, by watching them
PREPARED AS THE main course: Curry Cornish Hens with Collard Greens and Celery root puree. over fifty of Chicago’s leading on cooking shows. Today, Marks men gathering in celebration of has not only turned his attention International Men’s Day. Chef full-time to cooking, he beat out CHEF MARKS’ MOTHER Paulette Mitchell expresses to the guest how proud she is of her son Marks again dazzled participants more than 30,000 contestants, with his fresh and exciting culi- some of them highly trained, to and how amazing the menu was that evening. nary talents and officially launch land a slot on this season’s Master spokesperson and to celebrate In- couraging healthy eating.” As na- School and share his much cele- his association with Real Men Chef. ternational Men’s Day at Macy’s tional spokesperson for the Real brated pecan pie recipe and col- Charities as national spokes- perAlthough he has never taken a flagship State Street store. Men Cook brand, Josh will host lege to career insights with Wash- son. cooking class, Josh was rigorously Josh Marks, a striking seven- Father's Day events, a tradition in tested by Chef Gordon Ramsay foot tall former basketball star for Chicago and throughout the and he passed every challenge you Tougaloo College in Jackson, country where men give upFacan imagine on “MasterChef.” Mississippi, where he earned an ther's Day pampering to serve Marks grew up in the kitchens of economics degree - cum laude - and to forward a message of fafamily members who exposed in 2009, wowed foodies with his therhood. him early on to a range of culiremarkable culinary talents durYvette Moyo, co-founder, Real nary styles. His Panamanian faing the third season of “Mas- Men Cook and RMC Charities ther, introduced Marks to the wonsays, ”Josh is the quintessential ders of curry and coconut— example of what Real Men Charingredients that are trademarks of ities represents and he allows us Marks’ cuisine. Marks’ mother uses to reach the Y-generation in a healthy, organic ingredients in her high impact manner. He’s only dishes and has taught her son to use 25, family focused and destined healthier alternatives when preparfor phenomenal entrepreneurial ing traditional dishes. From his success.” grandmother, Marks gained an apThe Real Men Building Healthy preciation for what he calls “homeKids and Strengthening Families style” cooking, which for her means project is an Englewood based Southern comfort food, while an program funded by Blue Cross aunt who knows her way around Blue Shield of Illinois and operates the kitchen, provided the budwith the mantra "Everything Good ding chef knowledge of Creole Grows in Englewood” which counand Cajun cooking. ters the community’s prevailing Marks, who prides himself on negative image. “I grew-up on the adeptly manipulating spices and all Southside, says Josh Marks, “I am types of curry, and ice creams and just one of the area’s many success sorbets. A native Chicagoan he was YVETTE MOYO, co-foundstories and the Real Men Cook alone of the tallest centers in Tougaer, Real Men Cook and RMC liance allows me to identify and loo College’s history. If his passion Charities address guest about create new models of success for for cooking had not taken hold, Chef Marks and his quintes- youth.” RAEL JACKSON STANDS with Ahmad El Khatib, owner of A&S Marks probably would have pursential example of what Real The Eat to Live Garden and Beverages, as El Khatib expresses his support of Real Men Cook sued a professional basketball caMen Cook represents. Farm Development programs and Chef Josh Marks example for the younger generation. (Continued on page 17) The Chicago Crusader
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ENTERTAINMENT
The NEW Four-One-One By Raymond Ward Entertainment Editor THE KING OF POP: When Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, millions of fans around the world were shocked. Many of them gathered at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, at the Jackson family homes in Los Angeles and Gary, Indiana, and in cities across the globe to grieve for a star whose music is universally recognized as timeless. Jackson was the most talented, richest, and most famous pop star on the planet. But the outpouring of emotion that followed his loss was bittersweet. Dogged by scandal for years and undone by his own tendency to trust the wrong people, Jackson had become untouchable in many quarters. A new book, “UNTOUCHABLE: The Strange Life and Tragic Death of Michael Jackson,” by Randall Sullivan ( $35.00; Grove Press) takes readers into the reality of a Michael Jackson, they have never met—a man who, from his childhood under the constant glare of the spotlight to his fall from grace, has always been alone and who,
Michael Jackson in the wake of a criminal trial that left him briefly hospitalized and broken in spirit, abandoned ‘Neverland’ to wander the globe without a home. Jackson shuttled from Bahrain, where he was the guest of a prince who later ended up suing him, to Ireland, where he lived for a few brief months a quiet domestic life, until his attempts to work on a comeback album brought the paparazzi and shattered his peace. With his return to the United States—to homes in Las Vegas and Los Angeles—his attempt to recapture his wealth and reputation would begin in earnest, with a financial bailout for his massive debt and plans for a series of fifty megaconcerts for which he was rehearsing until his death. The Jackson that emerges in the pages of the book is both naive and deeply cunning, a devoted father whose parenting decisions created international outcry, a shrewd businessman whose failures nearly brought down a megacorporation, and an inveterate narcissist who wanted more than anything a quiet, solitary, normal life. Randall Sullivan delivers never-before-reported information about Jackson’s business dealings, his relationship with his family, and the pedophilia allegations that irreparably marked his reputation and changed him personally as well as the inside story on the guardianship of his children, the foundations of his estate-whose value has grown dramatically since his death-and whether anyone besides Conrad Murray will be held accountable for his death. Based on exclusive access to inner-circle figures including former attorneys, business partners, managers, as well as advisors to Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson, the guardian of his children. “Untouchable” is an intimate, unflinching, deeply human portrait of the life and afterlife of Michael Jackson, a man of uncountable contradictions who continues to reign as the King of Pop. 12
Saturday, December 1, 2012
ENTERTAINMENT: CHICAGO - STYLE By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ
The Central Park Five A new documentary from awardwinning filmmaker Ken Burns is scheduled for screening at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre beginning December 7. The Central Park Five chronicles the events of April 19, 1989, in New York when five Black and Latino teenagers from Harlem (Raymond Santana, 14, Kevin Richardson, 14, Steve Lopez, 15, Antron McCray, 15, Yusef Salaam, 15, and Kharey Wise, 16) were arrested and later convicted of brutally beating and raping a 28-year-old white investment banker named Trisha Meili who survived the attack, suffering traumatic brain injuries and sinking into a coma for 12 days. At the time, New York Mayor Ed Koch called it the “crime of the century,” and it remains to date one of the biggest media stories ever. The five accused spent between six and 13 years in prison before a shocking confession from a serial rapist and DNA evidence proved their innocence, winning their release in 2002. If authorities had paid closer attention, they would have arrested Matias Reyes for the Central Park crime, before he went on to cause more harm to women and their families. Media outlets tried to “out headline” each other, and new terminology was born: “wilding” and “wolf packs;” Donald Trump spent $89,000 to run full-page ads in New York dailies calling for the death penalty to be reinstated; Pat Buchannan suggested that it would be good for the oldest boy (16) to be “tried, convicted and hanged in Central Park by June 1.” The documentary, which was screened at the recent Chicago International Film Festival, is unsettling enough. Racism permeates the comments of the regular “man on the street” and also city officials. But to learn that the five accused were wrongly convicted will just turn a viewer’s stomach. The writing was on the wall: the youth were questioned and taped, without the benefit of attorney or their parents being in the room. The interrogations ran throughout the night and early morning after the jogger’s body was found. Four of the five confessed, under coercion, but all later recanted—to no avail. The so-called “wilding” case saw overzealous police and prosecutors working feverishly to convict the five guys, who were in or near the park on that night. But none of them knew one another. These were
THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE depicts the story of five teens who were arrested for raping and beating a 28-year-old investment banker and after years in prison a serial rapist confessed to the crimes. just guys out on a summer night they were emotional while creating having fun, doing not much of any- the documentary, they stayed with thing. Although unknown to each the facts. After the CIFF screening, other, each is questioned and each is one of the men Raymond Santana fed the same story by the cops for fielded questions about his innomore than 36 hours. One young cence and more particularly his life boy’s mother is told that she should before and after the verdict and his go home and get some sleep. Most conviction. were told if they would just corrobEven though the sentences were orate what the police were telling vacated, the documentary reveals them, then they would be on their that the five men still face obstacles way home. But that wasn’t the case. in finding employment and most The Central Park Five cont- are distracted. Santana said that the ains archival footage, including the “decks were stacked against me.” taped “confessions” of the boys, as He had grown up in the system, well as them being led back and which resulted in criminal activity. forth to trial and the demonstra- Even after he was vindicated for the tions at the courthouse—either for Central Park case, Santana was later their release or for hard sentences. arrested for a drug charge—extra The Central Park Five examines time was levied against him, he said, race relations in a town that was al- because of his prior felony convicready polarized, but it also really tion in the Central Park case. But he makes human the men accused of shares that he couldn’t find employthe horrible crime, after the media ment after his release from prison, has characterized them as being sav- “It’s all about awareness, and it is up ages. There is no way that any per- to us to give one another second son with any kind of emotion or chances,” he told the audience. feelings can watch The Central Park Santana is currently advocating Five without becoming upset. Up- for changes in custodial interrogaset that not much was done to find tions. And while the five men and the real suspects and much was their attorneys wait for disposition done to lasso these five men into of their lawsuit against the city; they custody. I suppose on one hand you say they haven’t received any apololook at the authorities and see what gies from the City of New York, and they were up against—they had to no one involved in their rapid, find someone. But finding some- shameful convictions has been repone at the cost of denying others rimanded. freedom is just wrong. A Houston prosecutor in the auThe film does not go into great dience says she uses this as a teachdetail about the pending 2003 fed- ing tool. “Raymond is a hero, and eral lawsuit against New York City, we have to be sure that what we are in which the five men and their doing is just,” she said. Another aufamilies are reportedly seeking $50 dience member apologized for the million each in damages – a case city of New York, simply because he that reportedly may involve the lived in New York at the time of the filmmakers, whose raw footage and crime. outtakes have been subpoenaed. Sarah Burns had worked on the The Central Park Five will screen story while in college, and her fa- beginning December 7 at the Muther, Ken Burns, said that while sic Box Theatre in Chicago.
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
The Chicago Crusader
ENTERTAINMENT
The Bookworm Sez “Sexy Little Liar”
The Misadventures of Mink LaRue” by Noire c.2012, Dafina Books $15.00 / $16.95 Canada 320 pages There’s one thing about you that people need to know: when you want something, you go for it. You’ve known most of your life that things don’t get handed to you. You have to hustle and work to get what you want, so you set your eyes on the prize and never look away. You want it. You go for it. You get it. What Mink LaRue wants is money, pure and simple, and she won’t let anything keep her from it. But in the new book “Sexy Little Liar” by Noire, there’s one thing that might slow her down… The girl on the milk carton couldn’t possibly be Mink LaRue. That’s what Bunni Baines thought because she’d just seen her girl Mink, who was alive and
well and living in the projects in Harlem. No, the child in the ageprojected photo wasn’t Mink, but Mink was a dead-ringer for little Sable Dominion. Mink wasn’t Sable. But Mink knew a possibility when she saw one. She figured she could “borrow” from the cash-stash her boy, Gutta, left her before he went to prison. Then she and Bunni could fly to Texas and pull off the con-mami job in time to replace Gutta’s money before he came home, and spend the rest. And the scam worked! Mama Selah took to Mink like the long-lost daughter Mink pretended to be. “Brother” Barron took one look and decided that Mink was no Dominion, and she was getting no money. Uncle Suge, knowing the score, took Mink to bed with him. The problem was that $100,000 didn’t last long. Mink was soon broke and dipping into Gutta’s money again. She also borrowed from the local pusher, knowing that both of them could (and would) kill her in a minute for it. Back in Houston, Viceroy Dominion, Mink’s fake “papa” was dying and Barron Dominion couldn’t wait for his father’s last
breath to send that ghetto-rat Mink packing. He had paper that proved she was a scammer. He even knew her DNA test was faked because another test came back positive: a girl in Philly showed up with Dominion blood in her veins. There couldn’t be two Sables. Mink LaRue was all La-Wrong. No doubt about it: when it comes to jumping from book cover to big action, author Noire doesn’t waste time. No, her novel grabs you by the eyeballs and throws you into the streets, right from the start. Like a Girl’s Night Out that never stops, “Sexy Little Liar” takes readers from bar to bed to billionaires and back, all in the same breathless minute. Noire’s main character, Mink, has everything figured out with her scams and schemes, and when you add a few fog-up-the-mirror bedroom scenes (that don’t always happen in a bedroom), you’ve got a book that’ll make you holler. I think if you’re looking for something steaming-hot and wild, you’re going to like meeting Miss Mink LaRue. She’ll take you for a ride in “Sexy Little Liar” and if you’re up for that – go for it.
About Face Theatre Presents
We Three Lizas About Face Theatre blends classic Christmas tales with queer pop culture for its world premiere holiday production “We Three Lizas” with book and lyrics by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Bradley, music and additional lyrics by Alan Schmuckler, directed by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Ferguson, playing November 30 – December 23, 2012 in The Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Show times include a 45-minute “cocktail hour” in Liza’s Lounge with special opening acts by guest artists. Tickets are currently on sale through Steppenwolf Audience Services online at www.steppenwolf.org or by calling (312) 335-1650. The press performances are Sunday, December 2 at 3 pm & 7 pm. We Three Lizas features AFT Artistic Associates Scott Bradley, Scott Duff, John Francisco and Arturo Soria with Sean Blake, Sharriese Hamilton, Sean Mic- hael Hunt, Danielle Plisz, Andrew Swan, Dana Tretta and AJ Ware. We Three Lizas hijacks Christmas classics to create a dark, sexy holiday musical for a queer new world. In a quest for unrivaled glory, Conrad
Ticklebottom and his anxious assistant Reggie conjure the Great Queen of Wishes to bestow upon him the trinity of power: youth, wealth and beauty. Instead, Liza Minnelli knocks at Conrad’s door bearing holiday gifts and all hell breaks lose. The production team for We Three Lizas includes: Jerre Dye (set design), Mieka van der Ploeg (costume design), Mac Vaughey(lighting design), Josh Horvath (sound design), Alan Schmuckler (music director), AFT Artistic Associate Patrick Andrews (choreography) and Jeremy Phillips (stage manager). About Face Theatre (Bonnie Metzgar, Artistic Director; Jason L. Held, Executive Director) is one of Chicago’s most acclaimed theatre companies, and is a national leader in the development of new work exploring gender and sexual identity. Since its founding by Kyle Hall and Eric Rosen in 1995, the company has premiered more than 45 world premieres by writers and directors who have been recognized with several Tony Awards, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The MacArthur Fellowship and dozens of Joseph Jefferson Awards.
The Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
WHEN CONRAD TICKLEBOTTOM and his anxious assistant Reggie conjure the Great Queen of Wishes to bestow upon him the trinity of power (youth, wealth and beauty, that is), he ends up with Liza Minnelli knocking at his door instead. And Liza — played by About Face Theatre Artistic Associate Scott Bradley, who also wrote the show’s book and lyrics — comes bearing gifts. Soon all hell’s breaking loose in this dark, sexy holiday musical that cleverly hijacks Christmas classics for a queer new world. AFT Artistic Associate Scott Ferguson directs.
The Colors of Change present an All-Star vocal line-up Timeless performances by Peabo Bryson, James Ingram, Stephanie Mills, along with Marilyn McCoo and Blly Davis, Jr. will be the featured fare at the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc’s holiday extravaganza. The December 14 event will be at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville. This is a scholarship event benefitting the fraternity’s Edward G. Irvin Foundation of the Chicago Alumni Chapter. Tickets are $75 or $95 for VIP seating. There is a 6 p.m. reception in the Radisson Hotel Ballroom. The concert begins at 8 p.m. More information on tickets or overnight accommodations is available by calling 800-333-3333. Callers should ask for the Kappa Aloha Psi rate. Tickets also are available at www.colorsofchristmasegif.org. Major Armstead is the EGIF president ad Richard Miles along with Walter Miller are co-chairs.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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WORLD OF MUSIC
By Barbara Wright-Pryor
Ravinia Festival offers a sneak peek at its 2013 classical season Thursday, November 29, Ravinia Festival presented a “sneak peek” at its 2013 classical music concert season on which will include a performance of Vaughan Williams’ “Serenade to Music” in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and vocalists from the festival’s summer conservatory along with Itzhak
Ravinia Music Director James Conlon
Perlman on the same program. Pianist Lang Lang will return to the stage that launched him to superstardom when he filled in at the last minute for an ailing Andre Watts and Ravinia Festival Music Director James Conlon will conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a complete concert performance of Verdi’s “Aida,” this year’s “One Score, One Chicago” selection, in commemoration of Verdi’s bicentennial. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will perform Howard Shore’s score to “The Lord of the Rings—The Two Towers,” while the entire film is broadcast on video screens in the pavilion and on the lawn—this has been the most requested CSO concert at Ravinia in decades, following the popularity of the trilogy’s first film in concert two summers ago. Ravinia Festival President and CEO Welz Kauffman said,“We have such exciting things in the
Itzhak Perlman works for 2013 that I’m spilling the beans now—or at least some of them. I’m tremendously proud of what’s in store, a season that presents the incomparable CSO with all-time iconic works such as “Aida” along with performances that may capture the imaginations of new symphonic audiences, such as “The Lord of the Rings.” Not just young listen-
ers—kids and students through college are always free on the lawn for classical concerts—but young artists are top of mind for me. Whether it’s the superstar of his generation, Lang Lang, headlining our annual gala—the very event that placed him on the world stage in 1999—to the fellows from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute, who will showcase their talents in a variety of opportunities throughout the summer, including the vocal showcase “Serenade to Music.” Additional highlights of the 2013 season include Christoph von Dohnányi returning to lead the CSO in two all-Beethoven evenings with Emanuel Ax; Ravinia Music Director James Conlon will lead the CSO in Mahler’s Symphony No. 7; the Juilliard String Quartet presenting its final performance by violist Samuel Rhodes and the first appearance of his successor Roger Tapping; The Lincoln Trio in an audience-request concert; the
360-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir; Wednesday, Aug. 7, vocalists from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute join the CSO conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto (in his Ravinia debut), in honor of the 25th anniversary of the summer conservatory, performing Vaughan Williams’ “Serenade to Music”and perennial Ravinia favorite, violinist Itzhak Perlman returns to perform Mendelssohn’s popular E minor Violin Concerto. The program also features three Spanish-themed orchestral works including Ginastera’s “Estancia Suite” and Ravel’s “Rapsodie Espagnole” and “Bolero.”
Salon Vocal presents Carols, Lessons and Songs The Salon Vocal ensemble will share the beauty of music composed for four solo voices in its upcoming concert “Salon at the Holidays: Carols, Lessons and Songs,” Saturday evening, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Second Presbyterian Church, Culler-
ton St. (20th St.) at Michigan Ave. Salon Vocal members are soprano Anne Marie Lewis; contralto Martha Kasten; tenor Henry Pleas; and bass-baritone Timothy Christopoulus. A Salon Vocal performance traditionally recaptures the experience of
SALON VOCAL artists (from l. to r.) bass-baritone Timothy Christopoulus; soprano Anne Marie Lewis; contralto Martha Kasten; and tenor Henry Pleas.
the 17th to 19th century salons, where music, philosophy, and poetry fueled the gathering and sharing of ideas among friends and neighbors. With a focus on classical music, Salon Vocal will unearth rarely performed musical treasures and breathe new life into familiar works. Instead of a worship service, “Salon at the Holidays: Carols, Lessons and Songs” is a collection of readings and music, both sacred and secular, featuring scripture, traditional carols, humorous pieces, some new carols and some favorite old tunes, all related to the Christmas season. Second Presbyterian Church is a landmark Gothic Revival church located on South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, some of Chicago’s most prominent families attended this church. It is renowned for its interior, completely redone in the Arts and Crafts style after a disastrous fire in 1900. The sanctuary is one of America’s best examples of an unaltered Arts and Crafts church interior, fully embodying that movement’s principles of simplicity, hand craftsmanship, and unity of design. It also boasts nine imposing Tiffany windows. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and later designated a Chicago Landmark on September 28, 1977. General admission to “Salon at the Holidays” is $18; Family rates, $50; Students and Seniors, $12.00. Call 312-429-0211 for tickets or more information.
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Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Saturday, December 1, 2012
POPCORN & PASQUALE on Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Civic Opera House stars Marlis Petersen (Sofronia/Norina) and Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Don Pasquale) 20 N. Wacker Dr. Photo/Dan Rest.
Lyric Opera presents ‘Popcorn & Pasquale’ An opera adventure for kids 5-12 & their grownups Lyric Opera of Chicago will present a 70-minute performance featuring selected scenes from Gaetano Donizetti’s comic opera “Don Pasquale” written expressly for children with special guest actor Ross Lehman and the mainstage production stars, Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Don Pasquale), Marlis Petersen (Sofronia/Norina), René Barbera (Ernesto) and Corey Crider (Dr. Malatesta) with the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus Advertised as a terrific and affordable family outing during the
holiday season, Lyric’s “Popcorn & Pasquale” will play for one performance only at the Civic Opera House on Sunday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. A project of Lyric Unlimited, the 70-minute opera adventure was created especially for kids ages 512 and their families – a breezy introduction to opera at familyfriendly prices, was written by David Kersnar (Lookingglass Theater Company) and Jacqui Russell (Chicago Children’s Theater). Tickets are $10-$20 for children; 20-$40 for adults. Call the Box Office at 312-332-2244 or go to lyricopera.org. The Chicago Crusader
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
Bible Gateway offers the NRSV Bible translation to millions New relationship with the National Council of Churches to bring scripture translations to a new audience As the result of a new relationship between Bible Gateway and the National Council of Churches (NCC), visitors to BibleGateway.com have access to the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translations of the Bible. With great appeal to Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian traditions, these translations now have the opportunity to expand their reach and influence among Bible Gateway’s visitors. The RSV and NRSV will be added to the website’s more than 160 Bible translations in approximately 70 languages. Clare Chapman, National Council of Churches deputy general secretary, said, “Today’s readers look for the Scriptures on many different platforms. Adding the NRSV and RSV to the Bible Gateway website will encourage the widest possible use of the translations. We believe it will be a valuable tool that will encourage the use of the NRSV and RSV in public worship and educa-
tion, as well as in private study and devotion.” With roughly 13 million visitors each month, adding the RSV and NRSV will allow Bible Gateway to serve its current visitors and appeal to a new group of Bible readers. By participating in the website’s program, the NRSV and RSV translations will quickly become part of the daily visits of those who are attracted to Bible Gateway’s free and easily accessible website. Rachel Barach, General Manager for Bible Gateway stated, “Bible Gateway visitors have long been asking for access to the NRSV family of Bible translations and we are so happy to fulfill their wishes.” The website will help raise awareness of these translations among the Bible reading public around the world. “By allowing the texts of these translations to be presented on BibleGateway.com,” Barach continued, “the NCC is providing a tremendous blessing to the millions of people who frequent the site. All of us at Bible Gateway are absolutely thrilled by this new relationship, and the way it advances the Kingdom and the missions of both organizations.” Both the NRSV and RSV are now
West Point’s Cantata “Born to Die” Sunday, December 2 West Point Missionary Baptist Church will present world renown composer Glenn Burleigh’s Christmas Cantata “Born to Die” Sunday, December 2, 2012, at 4 p.m. This composition utilizes biblical scripture to document the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.
Glenn Burleigh In December 1990, the late Ann Landon Hawkins, West Point’s minister of music, introduced this work
to Chicago. From 1990 until 2007, she saw her choir grow from a 30voice West Point church choir to an 115-voice metropolitan area choir. Landon also recruited a five-piece local high school age orchestra to accompany the choir. At her invitation Glenn E. Burleigh, composer, came to Chicago specifically to conduct his work on five different occasions between 1990 and 2007. Since 2008, the “Born to Die” cantata has opened the Advent Season at West Point Missionary Baptist Church. The choir has continued to grow. There were 195 voices in the cantata choir in December 2011. The music directors, all mentored by Ann, have continued the annual concerts, remaining true to the compositions as designed by Burleigh. The directors are Joseph Smith, Sr., Anita Gathing-Green, Tony Fisher, Susan Glover and Rev. Adam Cowan. West Point Missionary Baptist Church is at 3566 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago.
THE BIBLE GATEWAY is a searchable online Bible in more than 100 versions and is available in English, German, Spanish, Latin, French, Portuguese, Italian, Tagalog, and Norwegian. live on www.BibleGateway.com. About Bible Gateway: BibleGateway.com, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, seeks to encourage Bible reading and Scriptural understanding among Bible readers everywhere. Online for nearly 20 years, Bible Gateway offers free access to the Bible in more than 70 languages and 162 different
translations. BibleGateway.com has grown to currently more than 10 million unique visitors per month. Please visit Bible Gateway at www.biblegateway.com. About the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA: Since its founding in 1950, NCC has been the leading force for shared ecumenical witness among
Christians in the United States since its founding in 1950. The NCC’s 37 member communions—from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches—include 40 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
Share your church news The Crusader is interested in your church news. Religious organizations and all places of worship are encouraged to share news and events with the Chicago Crusader. Sent information about your special event, pastor’s anniversary or special choir performances to Chicago Crusader, 6429 King Dr. Chicago IL 60637 or email to crusader65yrs05@aol.com. Your items will appear in our Spiritually Speaking column. The Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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HEALTH
More than half of young HIV-infected are unaware of their status Too many young people continue to become infected and few are tested for HIV Young people between the ages of 13 and 24 represent more than a quarter 26 per cent of new HIV infections each year and most of these youth living with HIV (60 percent) are unaware they are infected, according to a Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most-affected young people are young gay and bisexual men and AfricanAmericans, the report says. The analysis looks at the latest data on HIV infections, testing, and risk behaviors among young people and was published in advance of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. Overall, an estimated 12,200 new HIV infections occurred in 2010 among young people aged 13-24, with young gay and bisexual men and African-Americans hit harder by HIV than their peers. In 2010, 72 percent of estimated new HIV infections in young people occurred in young men who have sex with men (MSM). By race/ethnicity, 57 percent of estimated new infections in this age group were in AfricanAmericans. “That so many young people become infected with HIV each year is a preventable tragedy,” said CDC
Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “All young people can protect their health, avoid contracting and transmitting the virus, and learn their HIV status.” According to CDC experts, a number of factors contribute to the high levels of HIV in young people and vary by population. HIV prevalence is higher in some communities than in others, which can increase the likelihood that a person will be exposed to infection with each sexual encounter. Previous research has also found that other factors can increase risk of infection, such as higher levels of unrecognized and untreated infection, as well as social and economic factors, such as poverty, lack of access to health care, stigma, and discrimination. Despite recommendations from CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics that call for routine HIV testing of youth in medical settings, the analysis shows that 35 percent of 18-24 year olds have been tested for HIV, while only 13 percent of high school students (and 22 percent of sexually experienced students) have ever been tested. Partially as a result of lower testing levels, HIV-infected people under the age of 25 are significantly less likely than those who are older to get and stay in HIV care, and to have their virus controlled at a level
that helps them stay healthy and reduce their risk of transmitting HIV to partners. CDC also examined risk behaviors among high school students in 12 states and nine large urban school districts, and found that young MSM reported engaging in substantially higher levels of risk behavior than their heterosexual male peers: • Young MSM were more likely to report having had sex with four or more partners or ever injecting illegal drugs. • Among students who were currently sexually active, young MSM were more likely to have used alcohol or drugs before their last sexual experience, and were less likely to have used a condom. • Young MSM were also less likely to report having been taught about HIV or AIDS in school. “We can and must achieve a generation that is free from HIV and AIDS,” said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC. “It will take a concerted effort at all levels across our nation to empower all young people, especially young gay and bisexual youth, with the tools and resources they need to protect themselves from HIV infection.” These efforts are underway as part
MORE THAN HALF of young people who are affected with the HIV don’t know it. The most affected groups of young people are gay and bi-sexual and African American. of the National HIV/AIDS Strate- to address the social and environgy. mental factors that can place some CDC works with partners across youth at increased risk. CDC also the country to help prevent HIV provides data and support to help and other STDs among young peo- communities develop effective school ple. These efforts include encourag- and community-based HIV and ing HIV education and testing, STD prevention efforts. funding the delivery of targeted More information about the Vital testing and prevention services for Signs release is available at www.youth at greatest risk, and working cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom.
EXCLUSIVE
NAACP MOUNTS NATIONAL WILMINGTON TEN PETITION [WILMINGTON, NC] The national NAACP has now joined its North Carolina conference of chapters in supporting pardons of innocence for the Wilmington Ten. Meanwhile sources maintain that there is opposition to the proposed pardons, primarily from former law enforcement and state officials who still believe – despite no evidence proving that the Wilmington Ten had anything to do with the 1971 firebombing of a white-owned grocery store, or sniper shots at responding firemen – that they are guilty. With the deadline for petitions and support letters looming, last week the national NAACP tweeted out an appeal to its over 32,000 followers on Twitter to sign a brand new petition in support of the Wilmington Ten pardons effort. “Wrongfully framed by the courts, we ask that North Carolina clear the names of these ten innocent people - four of whom are now deceased - who deserve their justice forty years later,” the NAACP petition states. “Forty years later we stand to-
gether in the name of justice for the Wilmington Ten and their families. Let us put such issues to rest and move forward from the days of racial tensions and injustices,” the NAACP petition statement continues. “Pardon the Wilmington Ten and declare them their warranted innocence. They deserve nothing less than to get an opportunity to put this experience behind them, and have their names cleared for history, once and for all.” The NAACP petition can be found at http://www.naacp.org/pages/naacp-petitions. It should be signed by Nov. 30th. “There are still too many Black activists who are still being mistreated in this country, who carry badges of shame, if you will, for spending time in prison, who at the end of the day their only crime was standing up for the people,” NAACP Pres. Benjamin Todd Jealous told The Carolinian last March. “In the case of the Wilmington Ten, we will push [for pardons] and support our state conference in their push to ensure that finally, their names are cleared.” Two days after the pardons of innocence effort was made public last May, and with the blessings of
NAACP Board Chairwoman Roslyn Brock, NCNAACP Pres. Rev. William Barber, along with civil rights attorney Al McSurely, and NAACP Board Executive Committee member Carolyn Coleman, pushed through a resolution supporting the Wilmington Ten that was unanimously adopted by the national NAACP Board of Directors. Rev. Barber also facilitated having the Pardon Project’s hard copy petitions setup during the national convention in Houston, Texas last summer, and was the keynote speaker during the June 26th prayer rally at St. Stephen’s Church in Wilmington. Support from the nation’s oldest civil rights organization and its leaders hasn’t stopped there. In an effort to make sure that North Carolina’s major newspapers were fully apprised of both the moral and legal implications of the Wilmington Ten case, the state NAACP, joined by area ministers, along with Pardon Project attorney Irving Joyner, and civil rights Al McSurely, held a press conference this week in Raleigh, urging the governor to grant the pardons. The legal argument hinged not only on the Ten’s innocence and
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Saturday, December 1, 2012
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
By Cash Michaels Staff writer
the US Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals 1980 ruling overturning the convictions, but also on the newly discovered handwritten notes of state prosecutor James “Jay” Stroud. The prosecutor’s notes document how he not only attempted to gerrymander a “KKK” and “Uncle Tom” type jury to assure convictions of the Wilmington Ten, but deliberately calculated a mistrial in the first trial because a jury of ten Blacks and two whites had been selected. When the second trial commenced in September 1972, Stroud was able to engineer a jury of ten whites and two Blacks, in addition to three witnesses he coerced into committing perjury. The Wilmington Ten were ultimately convicted. “I believe when the governor studies this evidence, she will do the right thing and sign the pardons,” said attorney McSurely. The state of North Carolina has let the false convictions stand for forty years, allowing the Wilmington Ten to remain convicted felons ever since. Four of the ten have since died, and three of the remaining six are in poor health. With Gov. Beverly Perdue leav-
ing office on Dec. 31st, the push is on to deliver all petitions and support letters to her by the first week in December. UNC – Chapel Hill School of Law Professor Richard Rosen, considered nationally to be an expert in criminal law, has agreed to join the other legal scholars, elected officials and members of Congress in formally asking Gov. Perdue to grant pardons of innocence to the Wilmington Ten. For Rosen, this case is more than just what he’s read in a law book. “I actually attended a few days of the trial, and when I was a law student I worked with [Wilmington ten lead defense attorney] James Ferguson on the appeals,” Prof. Rosen said in a statement. “I also was involved in some of the post-trial organizing. So I’m willing to do whatever I can to help.” (To sign the Change.Org online petition asking Gov. Beverly Perdue to grant pardons of innocence for the Wilmington Ten, please go to https://www.change.org/petitions/nc-governor-bev-perdue-pardon-the-wilmington-ten by Nov. 30th.) The Chicago Crusader
COMMUNITY Rep. Ford introduces Candidates crowd the ballot in hopes (Continued from page 3) “We want the community to call their legislators to sign onto HR 1305 so that the banking department understands” the Illinois House members are in favor of granting Covenant Bank more time to raise the equity it needs to become well capitalized, Ford said. “It’s important that we do everything we can to help Covenant Bank on the West Side. We have had at least three banks to close on the West Side within the last two years. They did not want to be in the community,” said Ford. Referring to Covenant Bank, Ford added, “Here, we have a bank that is fighting to stay in the community and wants to be here,” Ford said of the only Black-owned bank on Chicago’s West Side. Belinda Whitfield, CEO/President of the Covenant Bank, added, “The State Department of Banking has issued an order for Covenant Bank to raise capital in a very short timeframe. At this point, we need an extension to accomplish that. “We are making our best efforts and are being quite aggressive in raising capital on a short term basis. We simply need more time,” Whitfield said hoping that the state will extend their time to February of 2013. Located in North Lawndale, the bank, then called the Community Bank of Lawndale, was founded in 1977. Winston acquired the bank in 2008 with the help of 3,000 shareholders who are his members “who believe in the vision and the mission” of the bank. Winston added, “The mission is to revitalize the community of Lawndale and to take this particular model to other communities that are under pressure for economic de-
velopment and to financially educate its citizens which is a large piece of why in the African American minority communities it seems to be that we are always going from hand to mouth in terms of economics. “We’re talking about not only creating jobs in those communities, because we’re creating entrepreneurs, but also passing on a legacy to the next generation so we can increase the economic participation of the minority community in any city,” said Winston. “The biggest thing that we do is that we service the customer at a micro level,” he said. Winston said all too often minorities including Blacks do not have a financial education. “They don’t understand how to handle finances. Without knowledge, the people perish.” So what Covenant Bank teaches its customers is to “not only open an account but how to service that account, how actually to pay on a mortgage, how to pay off a mortgage ahead of time, to actually buy real estate, to be able to train their children in terms of financing. We’re coming to the public we serve on a more personal level,” Winston noted. The Rev. Marvin G. Hunter, pastor of the Grace Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, 1457 S. Kenneth, is leading the charge to help save the bank. He is on the bank’s advisory board and has been a resident of North Lawndale for 46years. “I have always had a desire to see this community a beautiful place to live. Lawndale has beautiful people in it despite all the bad press. “Covenant Bank is one of the institutions that has shown its commitment to be a socially responsible
(Continued from page 2) Sometimes the top people on the campaign management side are paid. Sawyer estimated the successful
Will Burns
Toi Hutchinson investor in the community of Lawndale. They came into a situation where they knew it was going to be an uphill battle and they fought the battle every day since they’ve been here,” Hunter said. “They’ve done the behind the scenes work of cleaning the bank up, getting rid of all of the things that were not making the bank meet its mission of taking care of the indigenous people of Lawndale” including installing new leadership which has “made a commitment to the economic redevelopment of North Lawndale,” said Hunter. Saying North Lawndale is a community where many great people have lived, Rev. Hunter quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who once lived in that area: “The man with the ability to change North Lawndale is the man with the ability to change the world.” “Pastor Winston is not from Lawndale, but I am. He’s partnering with us and we thank God for the help that he sent us,” said Hunter.
Public hearing reveals CPS budget woes (Continued from page 1) closings of several schools or the closing of none, at this point we just don’t know yet,” said commission member and 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins. “I will say though hearing the magnitude of the numbers and the amount of money we will be losing has to give everyone a bit of pause when you realize what we are facing.” While there were no questions from the public taken at the meeting, commissioners were able to ask questions of those who testified. In addition to Cawley, Northeastern Illinois Professor Robert Starks and current teacher Brandon Jennings told of how consolidating or closing schools could bring about a multitude of problems around the city. Starks presented concerns previously stated by others that trans-
portation will be affected, and there were questions about security, how many pupils in a classroom and viable options for parents to send their kids to school. Starks also warned the commission about a situation first reported on by the Crusader last year. Starks said the proposed closing of Dyett High School will bring on a fight with the community that CPS is not ready for. “Please be aware that most of what you are doing is perception,” Starks said. “One of your major tasks is to give the perception that you are open, fair and independent. Otherwise you’re going to run into a brick wall. People in the community right now believe this is a done deal and that Black kids and the South and West Sides are going to be out on the streets.” Teacher Brandon Jennings said
The Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
teachers fear that CPS will do business as usual. He said he and most of his colleagues fear overflowing classrooms with teachers having to be human shields as kids try and get to new schools that could cross gang and neighborhood boundaries. “When they claim this is a utilization issue but there could be possibly 35 to 40 children in a classroom, that raises the eyebrows of all us,” he said. “So when we talk about utilizations, if we’re not having a conversation about class size, the utilization space issue is somewhat moot. What we also find suspicious is not only the classroom size, but when it comes to teaching poor children, class size is something that has proven to be a response to making sure that schools are better.”
candidate will spend approximately $1 million to win this election. Besides workers, the
budget line items will include: advertising (cable television, radio, network television and print), signage, telephones, literature, office rental including utilities, transportation, research and Election Day activities, including get-out-the-vote initiatives. Besides working on his father’s and his own campaign, Sawyer brings the recollections of having worked on Jackson’s first campaign, which he describes as similar to this election. “When Jesse ran there was no incumbent either,” Sawyer recalled. He said in that election to replace Reynolds about seven Democrats tried to win the nomination.
Josh Marks “MasterChef” (Continued from page 11) reer. Instead, he spends most of his time preparing succulent dishes for friends and family at his home in Jackson and sharing recipes on his blog and Facebook page. View his final “MasterChef “ episode:http://www.hulu.com/watch/399659 About Real Men Charities, Inc. Real Men Charities, Inc. is the nonprofit extension of Real Men Cook® Father’s Day events, with a mission of building healthy families and communities. Since its founding Real Men Charities, Inc. has a demonstrated track record of accomplishments, outreach, partnerships and campaigns to promote male involvement in families and communities. Born out of a demand for the Real Men Cook spirit of mentoring and service to be provided year-round, the organization partners with organizations and stakeholders, public and private. Eat to Live Englewood Urban
Garden and Farm Development http://www.facebook.com/sybil.early#!/EatToLiveEnglewoodUrbanGardenAndFarmDevelopment?fref=ts About International Men’s Day A call for an International Men’s Day started in the 1960’s and became a reality on November 19, 1999 in Trinidad, Tobago. International Men's Day (IMD) celebrates and examines the social issues confronting young boys, teenagers and men who are not fathers. IMD is recognized in over 60 countries with celebrations that focus on men's and boys' health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion to highlight discrimination against men and boys and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and childcare. The broader and ultimate aim of the event is to promote basic humanitarian values.
Hales Franciscan High School Public Service Announcement Hales Franciscan High School will be hosting its final OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, December 9th, from 3-5 pm for middle school boys and their families. We are also inviting all 8th graders to Hales for a FUN DAY of activities to be held Wednesday, Dec. 12th from 8:30 am to 12 noon. (You must register for this event). Shadow visits for 8th graders are available by appointment. Hales Franciscan is located at 4930 S. Cottage Grove Avenue. For more information, or to register for Hales Fun Day, please call the admissions office at 773-285-8400 ext. 216. Hales Franciscan High School, CELEBRATING 50 years and counting!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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Worrill’s World (Continued from page 6) eastern Illinois University will agree that Dr. Jacob H. (NEIU) in Chicago, where Carruthers was a profound he developed as one of the African Deep Thinker! most gifted intellectuals and As we look to the days scholars in the African world. ahead, we must fortify ourAny one of hundreds of stu- selves. Read The Irritated dents who took his classes at Genie, lift up your spirit and CCICS, or people who let your positive healing enerheard his numerous commu- gies flow over us all as we nity or conference lectures work to restore Haiti.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4) that some of these people have an effective campaign believe they are qualified to style, or seems to instill the kind of confidence and verve serve in Congress. Let’s start with Corey for the House. Preckwinkle’s predecessor, Brooks, the pastor who sat on top of the roof of a motel for Todd Stroger, has been laying three months. Really that is his low save weekly appearances claim to fame. And he wants on a WVON Radio show. My to try to parlay that into a con- advice to Stroger is keep doing what you have been doing. gressional seat? Unbelievable! Rev. Anthony Williams just There is no reason to run for got his political head handed Congress and embarrass yourto him in the most recent elec- self more than you have in the tion for that Congressional past. Finally, when it comes to seat. Rep. Jackson didn’t even campaign but Williams Debbie Halverson, former couldn’t even come close. It is congresswoman from the not the first time Jackson pad- South Suburbs. Her time has dled Williams, but even with come and gone and has not the former congressman out come back around. of the race Williams chances Preston Thomas have not improved. Napoleon Harris has yet to DRIVERS WANTED put his butt in an elected seat. He was just voted into office FB Drivers $2000.00 Sign on in the last month but now he bonus$$ $.50 per mile & $16.00 is making noise about being Strap/Tarp Class A CDL Dedicated Midwest. Hogan. the congressional rep from the Call Tabitha 866-275-8841 second district. This is as unwww.hogan1.com believable as Brooks’ idea about being a Congressman. FB Drivers $2000.00 Sign Alderman Anthony Beale is on bonus $$ $.50 per mile dreaming if he thinks he has a & $16.00 Strap/Tarp Class A CDL Dedicated decent shot at trading in city Midwest. Hogan. hall for a spot on Capitol Hill. Call Tabitha Beale has had a less than stellar 866-275-8841 career as an alderman. The fact www.hogan1.com Wal Mart landed in his ward is a testament to real estate availWE BUY GOLD ability – not necessarily Beale’s political acumen. He would Got Gold? We got cash! probably be out of his league Your unwanted, broken, on the state level, much less old, useless solid gold jewelCongress. ry and sterling silverware These four are doing nothfor our crisp, useful cash. ing but wasting their time and We’re mobile gold buyers the voters. our reps come to you! Former State Rep. David Call Now! 312-300-7991, Miller seems to have enthusiExt. 470 astically embraced the idea of www.abstractmetals.com running for the vacated seat. Mention code: Why David Why? Miller lost CCAMGG0001 his last bid for public office when he ran for state compHOUSES FOR SALE troller – a seat he should have won. His campaign was IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT C O U R T mediocre and I doubt he can FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF I L L I N O I S ramp it up to the level it needs EASTERN DIVISION to be for a congressional seat. HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as Trustee for the holders of Renaissance Equity Cook County Board Presi- registered Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series dent Toni Preckwinkle ruled 2 0 0 7 - 3 , P L A I N T I F F out a bid for governor in V S . L. Orr, 2014, and she should do the Erika D E F E N D A N T ( S ) same for the U.S. House of 1 1 - C V - 4 8 1 3 OF SPECIAL Representatives. The former NOTICE COMMISSIONER'S SALE 4th Ward Alderman doesn’t NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in 18
registered holders of Renaissance Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2 0 0 7 3 , P L A I N T I F F V S . Erika L. Orr, D E F E N D A N T ( S ) 1 1 - C V - 4 8 1 3 NOTICE OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONER'S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in pursuance of a Judgment heretofore entered on April 19, 2012. I, Gerald P. Nordgren, Special Commissioner for this Court will on January 4, 2013, 1t 4:00 p.m., immediately inside the front entrance of the building near Clark and Washington in Chicago, Illinois, located at 50 W. Washington, Chicago, Illinois, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash and all singular, the following described premises and real estate in said Judgment mentioned, situated in the County of Cook and State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment to wit: PERMANENT INDEX NO: 20-22-2 3 0 - 0 1 0 - 0 0 0 0 The property is commonly known as: 6629 S. Langley Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637. Amount of Judgment $215,571.13 Anyone interested in bidding at the foreclosure sale should make their own examination of title and the estate and should also examine the court file. Nothing herein is to be construed as a substitute for the necessity of making these e x a m i n a t i o n s . Property will NOT be opened for i n s p e c t i o n . SALE TERMS: 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, certified funds. No refunds. The sale shall be subject to general taxes and to special a s s e s s m e n t s . Upon the sale being made the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed on a specified date unless the property is redeemed according to law. For information contact Burke, Costanza & Cuppy LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 9191 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410. Pursuant to section 15-1507 (c) (7) of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, no information other than the information contained in this Notice will be provided. I485889
mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the required by The assessments Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER OF AN ORDER OF ENTRY IN ACCORDANCE POSSESSION, WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-10-20608. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-9876 Attorney File No.: 14-10-20608 ARDC# 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case # 10 CH 026970 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used that purpose. for I485494
FORECLOSURE LAW PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on September 14, 2012, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described property: P.I.N. 20-21-326-008-0000 Commonly known as 7031 SOUTH PARNELL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60621 The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the premises after confirmation of the sale. For information: Visit our website at http://service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only. Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel.No. (312) 476-5500. Refer to File Number 1 2 0 2 1 7 8 . INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I482888
HOUSES FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I LLC, ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2 0 0 7 - A C 3 Plaintiff, 09 CH 51784 v s . TIFFANY HARRIS; MORTGAGE E L E C T R O N I C REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR FIRST GUARANTY MORTGAGE CORPORATION; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF TIFFANY HARRIS, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; D e f e n d a n t s , 09 CH 51784 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on September 18, 2012, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, December 20, 2012, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described property: P.I.N. 20-27-427-024-0000 Commonly known as 7800 SOUTH ST LAWRENCE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 6 0 6 1 9 The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the premises after confirmation of the sale. For information: Visit our website at http://service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only. Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel.No. (312) 476-5500. Refer to File Number 0 9 3 7 5 2 8 . INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I482943
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION ONEWEST BANK FSB P l a i n t i f f , v . KAREN RICKS A/K/A KAREN L. RICKS, PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY BANK D e f e n d a n t s 10 CH 026970 7855 S. WOODLAWN AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 21, 2012, an agent of The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 26, 2012, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7855 S. WOODLAWN AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-26-424-017. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK confirmation by the court. If the sale is set COUNTY, ILLINOIS aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the COUNTY DEPARTMENT sale shall be entitled only to a return of the CHANCERY DIVISION deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, further recourse against the Mortgagor, I N C the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's P l a i n t i f f , attorney. Upon payment in full of the v s . amount bid, the purchaser will receive a ARTHUR BRIDGEFORD A/K/A Certificate of Sale that will entitle the ARTHUR M.L BRIDGEFORD purchaser to a deed to the real estate after UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON confirmation of the sale. The property will RECORD CLAIMANTS; NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the D e f e n d a n t s , condition of the property. Prospective 12 CH 11051 bidders are admonished to check the court NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO file to verify all information. If this property JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a FORECLOSURE LAW mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the legal fees required by The pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS entered in the above entitled cause on 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a September 14, 2012, Intercounty Judicial condominium unit which is part of a Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, common interest community, the purchaser December 18, 2012, at the hour of 11 a.m. of the unit at the foreclosure sale other in their office at 120 West Madison Street, than a mortgagee shall pay the Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the assessments required by The highest bidder for cash, the following Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS described property: 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU P.I.N. 20-21-326-008-0000 pursuance of a Judgment heretofore HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN Commonly known as 7031 SOUTH entered on April 19, 2012. 30 DAYS AFTER coMMunity own their control Must Blacks 1, 2012POSSESSION FOR December PARNELL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60621 Saturday, I, Gerald P. Nordgren, Special ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF Commissioner for this Court will on The mortgaged real estate is improved POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE January 4, 2013, 1t 4:00 p.m., immediately with a single family residence. If the WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE inside the front entrance of the building subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE near Clark and Washington in Chicago, common interest community, the purchaser LAW. For information, examine the court Illinois, located at 50 W. Washington, of the unit other than a mortgagee shall file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: CODILIS Chicago, Illinois, will sell at public auction pay the assessments required by & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH to the highest bidder for cash and all subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR singular, the following described premises Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please and real estate in said Judgment 25% down by certified funds, balance refer to file number 14-10-20608. THE mentioned, situated in the County of Cook within 24 hours, by certified funds. No JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One and State of Illinois, or so much thereof as refunds. The property will NOT be open South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment for inspection. Upon payment in full of the IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can to wit: amount bid, the purchaser will receive a also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation PERMANENT INDEX NO: Certificate of Sale which will entitle the at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of 20-22-2 3 0 - 0 1 0 - 0 0 0 0 pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, purchaser to a Deed to the premises after The property is commonly known as: 6629 P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE confirmation of the sale. S. Langley Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE OF THE HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED TRUST SERIES INABS 2005-D, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN A S S E T - B A C K E D CERTIFICATES, SERIES INABS 2005-D UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED DEC 1, 2005, Plaintiff, v s . WALTER B. BAKER, KAREN BAKER AND TCF NATIONAL BANK, Defendants, 11 CH 43045 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on September 17, 2012 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 20-21-113-011. Commonly known as 6437 South Normal Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60621. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Clerk at Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. Ref. No. 10-4486 N INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I482875
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CMLTI 2007-WFHE2 Plaintiff v s . CARLENE LUELLEN; HSBC BANK NEVADA, N.A.; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF C A R L E N E LUELLEN, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; D e f e n d a n t s , 10 CH 43159 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on September 19, 2012, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, December 21, 2012, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described property: P.I.N. 20-26-302-008-0000. Commonly known as 7515 SOUTH DREXEL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60619. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multi-unit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession. Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the premises after confirmation of the s a l e . For information: Visit our website at http://service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only. Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel.No. (312) 476-5500. Refer to File Number 1 0 2 3 3 8 9 . INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I482986
units within the multi-unit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession. Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the premises after confirmation of the s a l e . For information: Visit our website at http://service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only. Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel.No. (312) 476-5500. Refer to File Number 1 0 2 3 3 8 9 . INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I482986
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Cook County, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division. U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Delaware trustee and U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Co-Trustee for Government Loan Securitization Trust 2011-FV1 P l a i n t i f f , v s . Jennifer O. Schultz; City of Chicago; Unknown Owners and Non-Record C l a i m a n t s D e f e n d a n t s , CH 12348 12 Sheriff's # 120685 Pursuant to a Judgment made and entered by said Court in the above entitled cause, Thomas J. Dart, Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois, will on January 3, 2013, at 1pm in room LL06 of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction the following described premises and real estate mentioned in said Judgment: Common Address: 7450 South Euclid Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60649 P.I.N: 20-25-136-119-0000 Improvements: This property consists of a single family residence. Sale shall be under the following terms: payment of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the successful and highest bid to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier's check or certified funds at the sale; and the full remaining balance to be paid to the Sheriff by cashier's check or certified funds within twenty-four (24) hours after the sale. Sale shall be subject to general taxes, assessments. special Premise will NOT be open for inspection. Firm Information: Plaintiff's Attorney FREEDMAN ANSELMO LINDBERG LLC 1807 W. DIEHL., Ste 333 Naperville, IL 60566-7228 630-983-0770 866-402-8661 fax 630-428-4620 This is an attempt to collect a debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I478816
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY D I V I S I O N THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, 2007-5, SERIES P l a i n t i f f V . JIMMY CHRISANTHOU; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., D e f e n d a n t s , D e f e n d a n t s 09 CH 16791 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 6938 SOUTH PRAIRIE AVE. CHICAGO, IL 60637 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Fisher and Shapiro file # 08-009725 (It is advised that interested parties consult with their own attorneys before bidding at mortgage foreclosure sales.) PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on October 4, 2012, Kallen Realty Services, Inc., as Selling Official will at 12:30 p.m. on January 7, 2013, at 205 W. Randolph Street, Suite 1020, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real property: Commonly known as 6938 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637 Permanent Index No.: 20-22-317-017 The mortgaged real estate is improved with a dwelling. The property will NOT be open for inspection. The judgment amount was $ 243,566.18. Sale terms for non-parties: 10% of successful bid immediately at conclusion of auction, balance by 12:30 p.m. the next business day, both by cashier's checks; and no refunds. The sale shall be subject to general real estate taxes, special taxes, special assessments, special taxes levied, and superior liens, if any. The property is offered "as is," with no express or implied warranties and without any representation as to the quality of title or recourse to Plaintiff. Prospective bidders are admonished to review the court file to verify all information. For information: Sale Clerk, Fisher and Shapiro, Attorney # 42168, 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301, Bannockburn, Illinois 60015, (847) 498-9990, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. weekdays only. I478531
The Chicago Crusader
SPORTS
1,000 needy attend “. . . Body & Spirit” program BMOA’s Signature Thanksgiving Program brings out local dignitaries and provides inspiration to attendees, kicking-off Holiday Season Wednesday, November 21, the morning before Thanksgiving, the halls and surrounding areas of Apostolic Church of God on Chicago’s south side were full of activity. In addition to the funeral service honoring Chicago firefighter Walter Patmon Jr. which
the historic church. The program emphasizes the importance of nutrition, volunteerism, and quality time with family. The BMOA transported attendees from numerous homeless and human services shelters around Chicago. They were treated to a hot breakfast, along with inspirational performances by area Gospel artists, including Kim Stratton, MAC 2, and the Chicago Westside Choir. Attendees were also provided with health screenings, winter-wear, and hygiene kits.
BMOA MEMBERS POSE for a photo with Gary, Indiana Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Chicago C.A.P.S. Director/Commander Ronald M. Holt, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and McDonaldland character Birdie. dance. About the BMOA
BMOA MEMBER Esperanza McSween pours coffee for a table of attendees to their 13th annual Food for the Body & Spirit program. was held in the sanctuary, the Dignitaries in attendance this Black McDonald’s Operators As- year included Gary, Indiana sociation of Chicagoland & Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Northwest Indiana (BMOA) Cook County Board President hosted its 13th annual “Food for Toni Preckwinkle and Chicago the Body & Spirit” community C.A.P.S. Director/Commander outreach program in the church’s Ronald M. Holt. Ronald Mcbanquet hall. Donald, Birdie and Grimace of This was the first year Food for McDonaldland also stopped by the Body & Spirit was hosted at to greet the children in atten-
The Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana is a membership organization of 15 owner operators who are dedicated to empowering minds and building leaders in the communities they serve. This is achieved through signature educational and community outreach programs, employment and career development programs and embodiment of the spirit of entrepreneurship. BMOA members are committed to assisting the next generation of McDonald’s owner operators, encouraging the importance of reading, writing and life skills, and giving back to the community.
L to R: BMOA President Ron Lofton gives a certificate of appreciation to Courtney Parker of Apostolic Church of God for their support of the 2012 Food for the Body & Spirit program.
FOOD FOR THE Body & Spirit volunteers travel down the assembly line to take trays of hot breakfasts to attendees in the dining hall.
STUDENTS FROM THE Chicago Westside Choir give an inspirational performance. The Chicago Crusader
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
COATS THAT WERE distributed as part of the winter-wear drive at 2012’s Food for the Body & Spirit program. (Photos by Jason McCoy/Courtesy of Flowers Communications Group) Saturday, December 1, 2012
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Saturday, December 1, 2012
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
The Chicago Crusader