CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 12-13-14_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/11/14 3:30 AM Page 1
www.chicagocrusader.com
Blacks Must Control Their Own Community
To The Unconquerable Host of Africans Who Are Laying Their Sacrifices Upon The Editorial Altar For Their Race Audited by
•C•P•V•S•
VOLUME LXXIV NUMBER 34—SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
PUBLISHED SINCE 1940
25 Cents and worth more
Is U of C bending on trauma center? “No trauma center, no Obama Library,” say activists By J. Coyden Palmer This week, when the University of Chicago Medical Center announced expanding the age of their pediatric trauma center to those who are 17, the correlation had to be made that the University softened its stance somewhat on a possible adult trauma center. Previously, anyone over the age of 15 had to go to Stroger Hospital, Advocate Christ Medical Center or Northwestern Memorial Hospital to receive trauma care. However, why the University had a sudden change of heart is a lingering question, and one, in which many in the African-American community are skeptical about. Activists in favor of a trauma center have stepped up the pressure on the University. Three weeks ago, over 150 students and community members disrupted the gala launch of the University’s $4.5 billion capital campaign in Hyde Park. The announcement that the University will expand the pediatric trauma center comes just one week before the University will submit its proposal to host Barack Obama’s presidential library in Hyde Park. “It is our firm belief that this is a strategic move by the University to combat some of those things that we have exposed about (Continued on page 16)
ACTIVIST PROTEST OUTSIDE The University of Chicago Hospital demanding for a full Level I trauma unit for adults in the city’s surrounding South Side neighborhoods.
Annie Lee Memorial Services set for December 20 Memorial services for internationally acclaimed artist Annie Lee will be held on Saturday, December 20, at 10:00 a.m. at New Faith Baptist Church International, 25 S. Central Avenue, Matteson, IL 60443. Lee’s remains will be interred at Cedar Park Cemetery, 12540 S. Halsted St., Calumet City. A repast at South Holland Church of Christ, 15925 State Street, South Holland, IL will be held immediately following internment. Lee, 79, was born in Gadsen, Alabama, and died after a brief illness on Monday, November 24, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lee moved with her family to Chicago when she was two. She lived mostly in Chicago
until moving to Las Vegas in the late 1990s. Lee was best known for her faceless, yet highly expressive paintings and figurines. Her vibrant images are full of life and emotions due to her artful use of body language and movement. Lee had a wonderful sense of humor that could be seen in her many paintings and figurines that tell ageless stories of African-American life, love and struggle.
Annie Lee
Lee is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Darvina Joy Smith, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shults Lewis Child and Family Services in Valparaiso, IN, The Tom Joyner Foundation or the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Lee’s work is highly sought after and collectible, with paintings and figurines appearing in television shows and movies such as “227,” “A Different World,” “Amen” and “Boomerang.”
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Illinois mourns the death Amara Enyia ends campaign of Judy Baar Topinka (See story on page 3)
for mayor (See page 3)
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NEWS
Chicago protestors show up in mass numbers Police excessive force hot-button topic in Black community By J. Coyden Palmer They came from all corners of the Chicagoland area and represented every racial, social and religious community; the protestors who have marched and shutdown streets for the past week say overzealous police officers are a problem in America. Their message was loud and clear; “Black Lives Matter.” Protestors laid down in streets, blew whistles, beat drums and chanted until their throats were sore, in response to last week’s non-indictment of a New York City police officer who choked Eric Garner to death as they were attempting to arrest him for selling non-licensed cigarettes back in July. The Garner announcement, coupled with the non-indictment of Officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri, has brought up old tensions between police and the Black community. “Sadly, once again the judicial system has let the African-American community down,” said Rev. Ira Acree, who led a special prayer service and peaceful protest on the West Side Dec. 7. “We are in a shameful season for justice in America!” Acree, the leader of Greater St. John Bible Church, was just one of several ministers leading protests throughout the city on the same day. Tio Hardiman, former director of Ceasefire, an organization that attempts to interrupt violent behavior in the community, said a community-wide organization is needed to include African American youth to address the issue. Acree said he has tried to meet with
city police officials in the past to address the issue of excessive force but has gotten a lukewarm response. “It’s evident that it’s not a priority,” Acree said. With the national spotlight shining brightly on police departments all across the nation, the country’s top prosecutor, Attorney General Eric Holder has begun to take steps to address the issue. Holder has been engaged on a cross-country listening tour since the summer. He recognizes there is a problem, but also believes there are solutions. “Accountability and legitimacy are essential for communities to trust their police departments, and for there to be genuine collaboration between police and the citizens they serve,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “Although the issues in Cleveland are complex and the problems longstanding, we have seen in city after city where we have been engaged that meaningful change is possible. There are real, practical and concrete measures that can be taken to ensure not only that police services are delivered in a constitutional manner, but that promote public safety, officer safety, confidence and collaboration, transparency, and legitimacy.” Holder’s office began investigating the practices of the Cleveland police department at the request of citizens and local political leaders. His investigation showed a pattern of unreasonable and in some cases unnecessary force in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. Details included unnecessary and excessive use of deadly force, including shootings and head strikes with impact weapons; excessive or retaliatory use of less lethal force including Tasers, chemical spray and fists; exces-
HUNDREDS OF PROTESTORS led by local pastors on Chicago’s South and West sides marched and staged a “die-in” to show their objection to the excessive use of force by policemen and the non-indictments in the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases. (Photo by Robert Earl) sive use of force against persons who got a boost in that effort over the Rev. L. Bernard Jakes of West Point are mentally ill or in crisis and the em- weekend by Chicago Bulls guard Missionary Baptist Church on the ployment of poor and dangerous tac- Derrick Rose, who wore an “I Can’t South Side also led a protest on Suntics that place officers in situations Breathe” T-shirt during warm-ups of day. He said his congregation is inwhere avoidable force becomes in- his team’s game against Golden State volved in the community on a yearevitable. on Dec. 6. Those were the now infa- round basis but this issue needs to be Holder said the investigation con- mous final words uttered by homicide addressed immediately. And while a cluded that the Cleveland officers are victim Garner in New York. small few have criticized protestors for not provided with adequate training, “I’m a parent now. Two years ago, I the inconvenience they have caused, policy guidance or supervision. The probably wouldn’t have worn the Jakes reiterated the small inconvesystems of review that would identify shirt. But now that I’m a dad, it niences are nothing compared to the problems, as many of the protestors changed my outlook on life period,” lives being lost. have been arguing, were found to be Rose said. “We weren’t just laying down for seriously deficient. Cleveland Cavilers star Lebron Michael Brown. We were laying in the Holder said the Justice Department James followed Rose’s lead and wore street for the hundreds of brothers and and City of Cleveland have agreed to the shirt before warm-ups of his game sisters that died to gun violence,” Rev. reform the police department from in Brooklyn against the Nets on Dec. Jakes stated. “The church is damned if top to bottom. 8. James also led Miami Heat players we don’t take a stand, and we’re In the meantime, protestors in in a silent protest last year after the damned if we do take a stand. So I Chicago said they will continue to George Zimmerman verdict in the guess me and West Point will just conkeep the issue in the public eye. They Trayvon Martin case. tinue to stand for Jesus and Justice.”
Willie Wilson makes mayoral bid official By Glenn Reedus Entrepreneur, gospel artist and serial philanthropist, Willie Wilson, used the Greater Harvest Baptist Church, 5141 S. State St.,
to officially announce his plans to unseat Chicago’s incumbent mayor in next February’s election. Before an audience of about 300 people—many of them ministers—Wilson stated that while he
didn’t have the political or governmental experience some say is needed for the job, it would not impede his path to victory. “Most of my life, people have said what I couldn’t do, but
ACCOMPANIED BY FRIENDS and supporters, Dr. Willie Wilson announces his campaign for mayor of Chicago. Wilson held a press conference Monday at Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church on South State Street where he promises to lead the city with “equality, compassion and friendliness.”
DR. WILLIE WILSON IS JOINED by his wife, Janette, following his official announcement at Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church to run for mayor in the February 2015 elections. The businessman and philanthropist says his successful background apart from politics qualifies him to lead the city. (Photos Credit: Terence Guider-Shaw) 2
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
through my belief in God, I was able to accomplish what I set out to do.” He was referring to owning five McDonald’s restaurants, and now a worldwide medical supplies distribution company. A non-existent political background was the same albatross as-
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
cribed to Governor-elect Bruce Rauner, who defeated incumbent Governor Pat Quinn. Wilson, who said he is a lifelong Democrat, offered he supported Republican Rauner because he was the better candidate. His support of (Continued on page 17) www.chicagocrusader.com
CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 12-13-14_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/11/14 3:30 AM Page 3
NEWS
Amara Enyia ends campaign for mayor By J. Coyden Palmer During a downtown press conference on Dec. 10, Dr. Amara Enyia, the West Side activist and daughter of Nigerian immigrants, ended her campaign for mayor. Citing that she did not have the financial resources to continue her campaign, she endorsed 2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fioretti for mayor. “My vision for Chicago is one that is now shared by people from Rogers Park to South Shore, from the lakefront to the edge of the West Side and in between. My platform has resonated with everyday people who are looking for a different kind of leadership,” said Enyia in a joint statement released with Fioretti’s campaign. “However, it has become clear that Alderman Fioretti is better positioned to carry this message forward. Therefore, I am withdrawing from the race and am endorsing Bob for mayor of Chicago and will work vigorously on his behalf.” Last month, her campaign office at 30 E. 69th St. suffered thousands of dollars in damage during a break-in. Appliances and office equipment were taken and cam-
paign materials destroyed. Enyia’s petition signatures were also questioned for their validity. A hearing on that matter was scheduled to take place just hours before she announced her withdrawal, according to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. She has maintained that the signatures were legit, but acknowledged she did not have the resources to fight back against the challenge. Speaking with reporters Wednesday morning outside City Council chambers, Enyia explained her decision to withdraw as more of a sacrifice for the greater good down the road. “The major consideration that we took into account was how do we ensure our message is amplified around the city,” Enyia said. “When I started the campaign, I started with a vision of what Chicago could and should look like, and a message that has resonated across the city. We overcame many challenges to get to this point, and so we reached a point where we had to decide: Do we risk our message not getting out? Do we get tied up in things that serve as a distraction to a
Illinois mourns the death of Judy Baar Topinka Messages of condolences poured in on Wednesday, December 10 as word spread that Illinois Comptoller Judy Baar Topinka had died. Those messages crossed all political lines, gender and race as people who knew her held her in high esteem. Topinka had entered a hospital in Berwin on Tuesday complaining of
discomfort, reportedly had a stroke, became unconscious and died at approximately 2 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Known as a straight shooter Topinka spoke her mind, worked with anyone no matter what party if she felt it was the right thing to do. Message after message expressed al(Continued on page 17)
ONE OF THE last public appearances made by Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka (right) was the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Palmer House Hilton. Two of the children in attendance posed with City Clerk Susana A. Mendoza (left). (Photo courtesy of City Clerk’s office) www.chicagocrusader.com
campaign? Or, do we make sure that we can have a voice in determining what this election looks like, and having a voice and a say in making sure that we can create the kind of city that we want.” Earning her doctorate in education, Enyia works as an urban affairs consultant. With no name recognition, she ran a grassroots campaign that never took hold. The campaign started out behind, and over the past few months, she said it was starting to get some traction. Ald. Fioretti welcomed her support and endorsement. “Amara is a woman of commitment and of action who cares deeply about Chicago. Her presence in this race is testament to the widespread understanding that we need a change at City Hall; that we need a mayor who embraces all of our city and all of its people,” Fioretti said. “In her work with the Chamber of Commerce in Austin and consulting on economics with the city, Amara has continually shown us how to drive Chicago’s economy toward a brighter future. As advocates for change, Amara and I share the same goals to drive Chicago’s future forward.”
Dr. Amara Enyia
Open letter encourages CME members to wear black Dear Members of The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church: We are at a critical crisis in our nation. It is not a moment to be underestimated. The ways we have witnessed and endured the losses of Trayvon Martin in Florida at the hands of a vigilante, of Michael Brown in Missouri at the hands of a police officer, and of Eric Garner, in New York, who could not breathe through his “choke hold” – and the harboring subsequent questions of justice (or injustice) in the facts surrounding their deaths and in the aftermaths of indictments and/or trials (or lack of thereof) – all testify to the mounting crises of unanswered injustices toward Black persons in America. We have witnessed these things; they are in our collective consciousnesses and we dare not think that they pass through our consciousnesses without traumatizing us. This is not a time for the Church to be silent. In joint conversation with Senior Bishop John Bryant of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Senior Bishop George E. Battle Jr. of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and in subsequent conversations with bishops of other denominations, we have agreed to
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
ask the members of our respective denominations to wear black on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in solidarity with the message that “Black Life Matters.” Moreover, we are asking pastors on that Sunday to have special prayer at our altars, asking God’s presence and protection over the lives of our Black men. This action is symbolic. More is being done and more needs to be done. More than 100 years ago, first to the Pan-African Conference in London and then in “The Souls of Black Folks,” by W.E.B. DuBois, said, “…the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of [the] color line.” How prophetic that statement was for the 20th Century, and yet, how tragic it is in 2014 that the statement remains true in this second decade of the 21st Century! Racism is still very much alive, very much entrenched, and is indeed systemic in America’s machinations. As your Senior Bishop, I publicly applaud the participation by many of our clergy and laity who have stood in solidarity with and ministered to the overwhelmed community in Ferguson, Missouri, and who have joined the march to the State Capitol in Jefferson City. Their actions in solidarity with Ferguson’s community are in line with the sal-
vation history that is liberation history, evident in the instances of God’s prophetic call when God’s people were in distress. Moses heard God say, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people in which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them…” (Exodus 3:7-8a KJVS). The prophet Isaiah heard a voice saying, “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3, NJV). Even so, in the wilderness of 21st Century America, God still calls and uses prophets (with credentials and without credentials) to stand on the lines of injustice – even in controversial times and places – and to say, amidst the injustices and oppressions of our desert places, that God is not pleased and we as God’s people will not be silent. Join us, please, in this immediate step of symbolizing our solidarity by wearing black on Sunday, December 14, 2014 – saying to this nation and the world, “Black Life Matters.” Symbols have power. Sincerely, Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL THE RISE OF A POLICE STATE IN AMERICA? America is on the brink of turmoil in the wake of the Michael Brown, Eric Garner and other police murders of unarmed Black men. It is becoming more and more evident that a sense of civility is fleeing to somewhere else. This is partially because people are losing faith in a system that was widely thought, at least by white Americans, to be fair and democratic. Because of recent events, it has people questioning these beliefs. They are beginning to realize that the America that we all want to believe exists is somewhat darker, somewhat more malevolent than that which is conjured up by slogans like “Land of the free and home of the brave,” etc. African Americans, especially the baby boomers and their parents, are not at all surprised by the current state of affairs. Many of them experienced drinking from separate water fountains, fire hoses sprayed on peaceful civil rights demonstrators, and dogs attacking those who only sought basic human dignity. They saw people lynched, and burned; they lived through Jim Crow. Moreover, those who know their history understand the residual impact of the savage institution of American slavery. Fast forward to the present where African Americans are well aware of the dangers of “living while Black.” Regarding this notion, the number of Blacks being killed by the police is bringing to the surface for all to see the obvious racism that has existed subrosa, e.g., just below the surface of the perception of many people in “post-racial” America. In this regard, social media is assisting this situation as seen in a rise in trolls; they are evident all over the Internet, and the racist vitriol spewed by many of them is frightening and appalling. In one story circulating on the Internet, a white female school teacher has allegedly said that if she could, she would like to kill every Black person on Earth, or something to that effect. This spewing of hatred serves a purpose, whether knowingly or unwittingly; it helps to increase the schism between Blacks and whites, and also helps to increase hatred of Blacks among those who are pre-disposed to prejudice. This may be why the police are so “in your face” with their actions. They are sanctioned by their racist supporters, and this is frightening. Police killing people without fear of reproach is reminiscent of Nazi Germany where that same malevolent scourge crept through German society until it became the law of the land. Today, Black males are seemingly becoming “America’s Jews, the despised ones. This time, however, things will no doubt be different because a glimmer of hope is evidenced by a growing coalition of non-Black supporters against the issue of police brutality. Many are beginning to see and understand how unbalanced the American justice system actually is. This is coming to light as a result of the ridiculous decisions that the Ferguson, Missouri and New York City grand juries made in incidents of obvious police misconduct. In both cases, each officer did not even receive a proverbial slap on the wrist for killing unarmed Black men. Moreover, we now know that many other unarmed Black men and other citizens have also been killed by the police. Balance is necessary for health. An unbalanced system such as that which exists in America today will eventually bring society to ruin if there is no positive change. They say it’s always darkest before dawn. It is very dark in America now, and it will probably become darker before things get better. Pain exists to alert us that something is wrong, and the demonstrations happening all over the country may have several possible outcomes: positive change may happen (the optimistic viewpoint); nothing will change, or a police state will become firmly established that will squash the rights of ALL citizens wherein oppression becomes ubiquitous. Let’s hope this does not happen, and that America wakes up in time to avert disaster and actualize Dr. King’s dream of us all living together in peace! A luta continua. 4
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Chicago mayor’s race is a hot mess Dear Editor: In a little more than two months Chicagoans will be voting on whether to keep the incumbent mayor and aldermen. From watching the candidates who are running I can’t help but think we deserve better as residents of this city. The choices are so limited, it is almost unbelievable. Of course we have an incumbent in the mayor’s office who has repeatedly shown he does not give half a hoot about Black people in this city. He talks a good game but the evidence speaks otherwise.There is no real reason to believe he will do any better with another term. I sure wish someone could tell me why Willie Wilson has jumped into the race. A lot of us know he is a multi-millionaire like his pal Bruce Rauner. Like Rauner, Wilson has never held or even run for public office. What makes him think, other than hubris, that he can fix the budget deficit, address the rising crime tide, and keep delivering essential services? The other day he said something interesting, but very farfetched at the same time. He wants to have four police superintendents instead of the one. Like Rauner he
provided no details, including how the city could afford that many top cops, or why four people who believe they are capable of running the department would want to share that responsibility. Believe it or not, the field with one exception gets worse from there. Former Alderman Bob Shaw is pretty much a vapor in this campaign. He has offered nothing of substance and especially no new ideas. Fred Collins has a lot to say, but unfortunately he is offering no plausible suggestions and no real understanding of how a city works outside of the public safety arena. First time candidate Amara Enyia has brought a number of non-traditional ideas to the table. Like her campaign counterparts she has little to no grasp of the city budget process and the fact that the council will need to approve her far-flung ideas. With no political chops or an in-house “godfather,” every one of her suggestions is DOA. Perennial candidate William Dock Walls has repeatedly suggested that there be as many candidates as possible in the race to help ensure the incumbent must be in a runoff election in the Spring. Other than that, Dock Walls as usual comes up short on why people should vote for him. Another last minute entry, Jesus Chuy Garcia seems to have traction, as well as some key endorsements and the needed campaign
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
contributions are starting to flow. Garcia is the only candidate with a track record in politics and government. Right now, unless people want to suffer through another four years of the incumbent, Garcia is the candidate it makes sense to vote for. Ronnie Lester (Continued on page 17)
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CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 12-13-14_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/11/14 3:30 AM Page 5
COMMENTARY
It’s time to start shutting down our Prisons Beyond the Rhetoric By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist How did we let it get so out of hand? The amount of people we have incarcerated in this nation is totally mind-boggling. We are supposed to be a democracy where people are protected by the rule of law. Our rule of law is definitely impaired to the point of being like a plague on humanity. Tyrants and dictators don’t enslave their people as much as we do. I believe it began when “getting tough on crooks” became a political aphrodisiac. If you research it you will find that most get tough laws are implemented during election years. President Reagan’s “War on Drugs” caused a giant leap in nonviolent criminals being locked up. The “Three Strikes” law in our most populated state, California, was like pouring gasoline on the fire. Congress and state legislatures throughout the land would start a movement known as “Overcriminalization.” It’s locking people up for some of the most petty crimes. Rehabilitation and low recidivism rates became a lost art. “Lock’em up and throw away the key” started be-
Harry C. Alford coming more than just a saying. President Bill Clinton decided to shift gears and incarcerate at a turbo pace. He funded money to begin building more and more federal prisons to harbor the mass of humanity going through the court system on their way to incarceration. Inspired by this just about every governor and state legislature in the nation started to emulate the ways of DC by building new prisons all over our land. More construction, more designing, more guards and
massive jobs through supporting what would become the Prison Industrial Complex. Once established, this monster needed a constant flow of “fuel” (human beings incarcerated for long terms). Thus, more laws and regulations to lock human beings behind the walls of prisons. During this period, California has built 33 prison complexes while building just one university or college. This is madness! Yes, it was race related too. Go downtown to your local criminal court and see what I am talking about. Like the great Richard Pryor would lament, “I went downtown for justice and that’s just what I saw – JUST US!” Go see for yourself. You will wonder where white criminals go for legal troubles. Most go free in comparison to Blacks and Hispanics. This is not the ideal America. If we are to remain a great nation, we must be a good nation. It is time to start reviewing all of these laws and mandatory sentencing. We must begin to end them by the thousands. There are a lot of organizations recognizing this but no real action is taking place. Let’s begin to start “peeling” away at this gigantic rotten “apple” that infects our families. I did a poll at our last
annual conference and found that 80 percent of the conferees have or had relatives in our prison network. My brothers and sisters we cannot take this anymore. A continuance of this sickly state will kill our civilization. So, let me start with “the man in the mirror.” I have committed our office to hire only ex-offenders during the next ten years. We are encouraging our member companies to hire ex-offenders in a very aggressive but prudent way. We must not stop until most of these prisons we have built become empty and then convert them to manufacturing facilities (jobs!) and schools. Let us not forget what brought us to this state of horror. Pressure must be put on our elected officials. A steady means of employment is the best cure for this social plague. The laws must be changed or dropped. There is hope. Not only are civil rights organizations actively concerned about this dire situation but conservative groups and think tanks such as the Koch Brothers companies, The Heritage Foundation, The Cato Institute, the US Chamber of Commerce, etc. Republicans and Democrats are now on the same page. As you read this,
our Senate and House of Representatives are starting to draft samples of legislation. The House is further down the road. Coming from the House Judiciary Committee are three champions: Bobby Scott (DVA), James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Jason Chaffetz (R-UT). A staffer for the committee tells me that a Bi-Partisan bill will be ready for the President to sign by the end of 2015. Let’s hope for no “hiccups.” They are going to delete many of the onerous laws and reduce or eliminate many sentencing guidelines. Meanwhile, a group known as the Clemency Project has a mission to free from prison inmates who have done nonviolent crimes and showed steady and good behavior while incarcerated. I pray that all of us make this a top issue. Discuss overcriminalization everywhere you go and inject it into all important conversations. Free our people and shut down the prisons. God is great! Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
Police Shooting Victims Lives ‘Worth’ Less than a Ham Sandwich By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist In Tom Wolfe’s best-selling “The Bonfire of the Vanities,” New York State Chief Judge Sol Wachtler famously said “a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich, if that’s what you wanted.” Given the recent failure of grand juries to indict Darren Wilson, a white police officer in Ferguson, Mo., for killing Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old African American, and a similar course followed by a New York City grand jury in connection with the choke-hold death of Eric Gardner in Staten Island, the criminal injustice system has essentially said Black lives are worth less than the value of a ham sandwich. At issue is a grand jury system in the United States that even Arnold Burns, deputy attorney general in the Reagan administration, called a “foolish anachronism.” Essentially, it is a one-sided proceeding controlled by prosecutors that delivers indictments 99 percent of the time – unless an unarmed Black person is killed by a white police officer, as was the case in Ferguson and New York City. Unlike a trial, grand jury proceedings are secret. Attorneys for the victims are not allowed to attend. Witnesses are not cross-exwww.chicagocrusader.com
amined to gauge their veracity. Even evidence that might cast doubt on a person’s innocence is not required to be placed before the grand jury. The United States is one of the few nations that still use the grand jury system, which is rooted in British colonial law. But Britain discontinued the use of grand juries more than 80 years ago. Traditionally, the grand jury system has been used by the federal government and some states in capital murder cases or major felonies. In addition to protection against self-incrimination, the Fifth Amendment states, “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger…” For prosecutors, the grand jury serves as a rubber stamp. According to the Legal Times, “Justice Department statistics recently obtained by Legal Times, which reveal that 99.9 percent of the defendants called before federal grand juries are indicted, buttress the belief – and concern – that prosecutors today almost always get what they want from a system originally set up to protect citizens from governmental overreaching.”
George E. Curry It also found, “From fiscal years 1994 through 1998, federal prosecutors secured 122,879 indictments, according to DOJ records. During the same period, prosecutors failed to get indictments in only 83 cases.” The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled though a grand jury is the sole charging instrument for the federal government in serious cases, defined as imprisonment of more than a year, that requirement does not apply to states. In Hurado v. California, a case decided in 1884, the court ruled that states are not constitutionally obliged to use a grand jury to charge a person in a crime. Consequently, only 19 states re-
quire that all felonies be prosecuted through grand jury indictments, 23 reserve it for capital offenses and 30 make it optional, according to a study by Gerald D. Robin, a professor emeritus at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. Just as Britain did, it is time to abolish the grand jury system. At the state level, we have demonstrated that’s not the only way to initiate criminal charges. This should be an ideal issue around which liberals concerned about civil liberties and conservatives concerned about an overreaching federal government should be able to coalesce around. The procedure is fundamentally flawed. Short of total abolishment, there should be major changes made to the way grand juries operate. In 1997, California Gov. Pete Wilson, a conservative, signed into law a bill requiring prosecutors to inform grand juries of any evidence that could be considered exculpatory or likely to prove the innocence of the accused. Several states have allowed a witness’ lawyer to accompany a client into grand jury proceedings and provide counsel before a witness answers a question. Reforming the grand jury system will have a greater influence on developing a fair criminal justice system than requiring police officers to wear body cameras.
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Because if those serving as grand jurors refuse to believe their eyes, as they did in the case of Eric Gardner, all the body cameras in the world won’t help. And the problem may be worse than we think. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that hundreds of police killings went unreported from 2007 and 2012. It said, “A Wall Street Journal analysis of the latest data from 105 of the country’s largest police agencies found more than 550 police killings during those years were missing from the national tally or, in a few dozen cases, not attributed to the agency involved. As a result: It is nearly impossible to determine how many people are killed by the police each year.” Reforming the grand jury system will make it easier to prosecute cops who kill unarmed people who pose no threat to their safety. George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.
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COMMENTARY
IS THE REAL MEANING OF KWANZAA BEING LOST? (Dr. Conrad Worrill, Chairman Emeritus of the National Black United Front (NBUF) located at 1809 East 71st Street, Suite 211, Chicago, Illinois, 60649, 773-4930900, Fax# 773-493-9819, E-mail: nbufchic@sbcglobal.net, Web site: nbufront.org)
Dr. Conrad Worrill There are countless examples of African people, throughout the world, creating ideas aimed at the upliftment of African people and when the people catch on to the idea, someone outside our community (European and Asians) tap into the idea for their own commer-
cial benefit. At this moment in history, we find this occurring with the African in America holiday celebrate called Kwanzaa. This African in America celebration was initiated by the US Organization and Dr. Maulana Karenga in Los Angeles, California in 1966. In this context, “Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African people in America as well as Africans throughout the world African community.” It is further explained that “The values are called the Nguzo Saba which in the Pan African language of Swahili means the Seven Principles. These principles stand at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but serve also as its social glue.” These Seven Principles, the Nguzo Saba, are Umoja/Unity, Kujichagulia/Self Determination, Ujima/Collective Work and Responsibility, Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics, Nia/Purpose, Kuumba/Creativity, and Imani/Faith. It was the Pan African/Nationalist Movement in America that embraced the idea of Kwanzaa in the late 1960s and began to organize Kwanzaa activities at the community level throughout the United States. The seven days of
Kwanzaa are celebrated from December 26th through January 1st. The Pan African/Nationalist Movement met great opposition from the so-called established leadership and a segment of the African masses who felt that Kwanzaa was an attempt to establish a new religion, that it was opposed to Christianity and Christ, and that its aim was to replace Christmas. All of these were false notions regarding the true meaning of Kwanzaa and the Pan African/Nationalist Movement spent enormous energy and effort, over the years, to explain the true meaning of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is not a religion, but it has a spiritual foundation. African people from all religious persuasions participate in Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa was not created to replace Christmas and many African people who acknowledge and celebrate Christmas also acknowledge and participate in Kwanzaa. Because of the great educational campaigns of the Pan African/Nationalist Movement, these early misconceptions of Kwanzaa have now been thoroughly dismantled. The concept of Kwanzaa as we have historically understood it, and helped develop it, over the last forty-eight years, is a cultural project that strikes at the roots of Black Power. That is the ability of a people to define themselves in the context of their own experiences.
The idea of defining ourselves in our own image and interests is at the heart of the Black/Pan African/Nationalist Movement out of which Kwanzaa developed. Kwanzaa was never aimed at integration, but rather the national interests of African people in America as a self determining body of people. Kwanzaa has become an aspect of our national identity as more than twenty million African people in America participate in some aspect of Kwanzaa. Because of this tremendous market that has been created by the Pan African/Nationalist led Kwanzaa Movement, it is our challenge to defeat those forces who are attempting to dilute and disrupt the real significance of Kwanzaa. Some may say this should be anticipated in a capitalistic world. But that does not mean we don’t struggle against turning Kwanzaa into a capitalistic venture controlled by the forces of the white corporate world and their African in America allies. One of the biggest mistakes the Pan African/Nationalist Movement made, as we reflect on this growing tendency to commercialize Kwanzaa, is that we did not create a legal structure through incorporation, copyright law, and patents to protect Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa has become a free for all, that many people use to do whatever they want
with Kwanzaa and in many instances it has nothing to do with the real meaning of Kwanzaa. It is important to note that Dr. Karenga’s book, Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture, published in 1997 by the University of Sankore Press, explains his position on the commercialization of Kwanzaa. He states that, “The challenges, for the African in America community as well as African communities everywhere is to resist the corporate commercialization of Kwanzaa; to affirm and hold to the essential meaning of Kwanzaa and refuse to cooperate with the corporate drive to dominate and redefine it and make it simply another holiday to maximize sales.” Karenga says that “Kwanzaa is above all a cultural practice not a commercial one and external and internal attempts to redefine Kwanzaa in commercial terms are not defining Kwanzaa, but rather their commercial interest in it.” We must control what we create – that is, we must control all aspects of our culture. Our songs, dances, writings, and art must be protected from hostile and thieving aliens (internal and external). No longer should other races define who we are and what we should be just because they have the wealth to exploit what we create. We must preserve the Sacredness and Integrity of Kwanzaa.
I CAN’T BREATHE By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist “I can’t breathe,” gasped Eric Garner, again and again and again. “I can’t breathe,” he said, as several police officers were on top of him, choking him, pushing his head onto the concrete sidewalk. The man was not resisting arrest; he simply had the temerity to ask a police officer not to touch him. And because he was allegedly selling loose cigarettes, the life was choked out of him. No one tried to help him or stop the vicious assault (ruled a homicide by the coroner). Emergency medical respondents offered no assistance. Eric Garner’s last words, “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe” ought to motivate all Americans, not just African Americans, but Americans of conscience to breathe life and energy into a movement for justice. Breathing ought to be a simple thing. Air in, air out. It’s not so simple when one’s neck is being choked. Not so simple when one’s spirit is being choked. The image of Eric Garner’s neck in a chokehold, the image of at least four 6
white police officers on top of him, is galling. All the more galling is the invisible choking of spirit that comes when people cannot breathe, cannot speak, and cannot respond to injustice. In historical contexts, how many were as free to speak as Ida B. Wells was when she fought against lynching. Even in her freedom, Wells was threatened and run out of Tennessee, but many feared to speak about lynching fearing the fact that they might be lynched themselves. Can’t breathe. Think of the many African Americans who have served in our armed forces, treated unfairly, serving nonetheless, often silent. How can any of us breathe in an atmosphere of compounded injustice? How can we breathe in an atmosphere of hypocrisy, when justice has never been blind? We live in a nation where a 12-yearold boy, Tamir Rice, is shot because he has a toy pellet gun, not pointed at police. Hard to breathe when video makes it absolutely clear that it was not necessary for Daniel Panaleo to place Eric Garner in a chokehold. Hard to breathe when a grand jury comes
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
Dr. Julianne Malveaux to an incomprehensible decision, one that defies common sense. Difficult to breathe when an elected official, Congressman Peter King (R-NY), chooses to blame Eric Garner’s death on his health. “If he had not had asthma, and a heart condition, and was so obese, almost definitely he would not have died from this,” King told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. King fails to note that use of the choke-
hold was banned by New York Police Department rules in 1993. Instead, there is no shame, no condolence in his insensitivity and ignorance. Can’t breathe. Whether he is svelte or obese, carrying a briefcase or a bag of skittles, wearing a Hermes suit or a hoodie, behaving respectfully or rudely, a Black man’s safety cannot be guaranteed, especially when a white police officer is involved. The mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and wives of these men hold their breath, cannot breathe, except to pray for the safety of their loved ones. Would the system be fairer if a white man walking down Park Avenue had the same fears? Would the protests look different if those who were massacred looked different? Can’t breathe. A metaphor for the African American condition, juggling the space between hopes and despair, between progress and regress. Who would have thought police violence against African American men would so visibly escalate at a time when our nation’s leader is an African American man. Can President Obama breathe, or is he in a figurative chokehold
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
when he parses words about the murders of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and little Tamir Rice? Our President faced protest when he criticized James Crowley; the police officer that arrested Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on his own front steps in 2009. Now, he offers measured words in response to the outrageousness of grand jury failure to indict. Attorney General Eric Holder has been somewhat less measured in his comments. The day after the Staten Island grand jury exonerated Daniel Panaleo for his murder of Eric Garner, Attorney General Holder announced Department of Justice findings of excessive force by the Cleveland police. Perhaps the Cleveland consent decree will be a first step toward cleaning up excessive police action around the country. Eric Garner did not have to die. He did not have to stop breathing. Did his last breath bring life to a movement, or did he gasp that last breath in vain? Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based in Washington, D.C. www.chicagocrusader.com
CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 12-13-14_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/11/14 3:31 AM Page 7
GOSSIPTARY
By Ima Gontellit EDITOR'S NOTE: This column is published as political satire, street gossip and humor, and therefore should not be considered as fact but rather as matter of opinion. None of the items therein are collected by the news gathering staff of the Crusader Newspaper Group. Items forwarded to The Chatterbox are kept confidential unless otherwise requested by the author in writing. For submissions please forward to: AChicagoCrusader@aol.com. Original photography and artwork are permitted. Thank you for reading!
antics in the first place. The good news is that means 15 votes are up for grabs—and Enyia has decided to throw them to that awkward, blond, alderman who looks like he could use a good meal. In de meantime, the Mexican Commissioner is doing as little as possible to actually be thought of as a serious replacement for Karen Lewis, having turned up to one Negro protest, two churches, one school, and a BBQ rib joint since he declared his candidacy. -ImaOVERHEARD WORDS
ENYIA ENDS FAKE RUN Looks lak Nigerian-American political newcomer Amara Enyia’s bosses have decided she ain’t
He must have a big large manila envelope full of dirt on de Negro leaders in de town because ain’t narr one of them opened their mouths to join the “Anybody But Rahm” coalition that started by the unions and some crazy white folks. One leader who rhymes told another person that the little, mean mayor was going to get “another fo’ years” and that this is the most “fu—ed sugar honey ice tea” he’s seen since Wilson Frost tried to run. We hear the deals have al-
pointed to the Board of Education, Shaw will retreat back into the fog, and Walls will wait another four years to run one more time.
7th GRADE INSULT Much is being made of Dr. Willie “Bruce Rauner Tol’ Me To Do This” Wilson’s seventh grade education by the Cloudy Times and others. The multimillionaire mayoral candidate really ought to stop insulting 12-year-olds because when he attempted to tell folk why he believes its okay for “Boo Boo’s” signature to appear 25,000 times on his jacked up petitions he sounded more like he had a second-grade education. It didn’t help that his campaign manager, “Mr. Hollywood” himself was overheard two days before the petitions were to be filed yelling at “Boo Boo” to stop signing his name on all “them damn petitions.”
-ImaNO SELL-OUT Some Black chilren’ who is mad about the police shooting some Black man in New York and Missouri said they is keeping they eyes on one West Side preacher who called into W.V.O.N. to take credit for 100 Black churches acting like Johnnie-Come-Latelys to the nationwide protest. These young people who say they are more like Black Panthers than Freedom Riders, told they uncle, “Man, them (n-words) been standing up there skinning and grinning with the mayor and them the fools who doin’ us in. Now they wanna come out and act lak they down. We got something for ‘em at the right time. That day is over!” Now de uncle was confused because his nephew’s pants were hanging down and he was eatin’ a gyro made by an Arab down the street, but he claims he responded, “don’t truss them new (n-words over there).”
-ImaGRAND DAME Judy Barr Topinka hadn’t been gone five hours when the politicians in de state started scrambling to seize control of her office. We hear GOP-wannabe former state senator James Meeks is NOT in line. We hear he has emerged from hiding (we mean a speaking tour) to show back up at Salem last Sunday after his members almost rioted the Sunday after the election when he sent his new
-Ima-
Judy Barr Topinka member and governor-elect Bruce “Now I’ve Got You” Rauner into the pulpit to say thank you. At least 215 people were said to be reconsidering their “church membership” because “their pastor backed a man lak dat,” said one woman with small eyes. “When Rauner showed up on Nov. 9th he got booed off the stage. People weren’t having it and de pastor wasn’t no where to be seen. He was conveniently speakin’ at somebody’s church dat day. But he’s since been back and he ain’t mentioned the new governor once. He must be watching his bottom line.”
Amara Enyia worth de investment and so they tol’ her to pull the plug on her fake mayoral campaign. Guess they is saying Bill ‘Doc’ Walls, Bob Shaw and Frederick Collins is enuf trickin’ they can stand. Maybe they realized that Enyia was such an appealing candidate to de young Negroes dat they couldn’t risk her stealing precious votes away from De Tiny Emperor, whom people claim was the mastermind behind the Nigerian’s
William Dock Walls www.chicagocrusader.com
Hillary Clinton ready been cut and the only people who do not realize the man they hate de most is going to lead them for another two years is one dummy who is dispensing big donation dollars to one candidate like it grows on trees. We say two mo’ years because they is saying that when Hillary wins the White House, she’s going to tap Emanuel to be her Secretary of State or something high on de horse, and that will pave way for the 50-Foot Woman who leads the County Board to become mayor in a special election—just like it’s been planned. Then the Mexican Nobody Knows can run for president of the County Board and the Alderman Without A Ward can ease into a corporation counsel position. By then Enyia will have been ap-
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
ARTIST TALK WITH AARON WOOTEN AT CPL: Throughout the month of December, stop by Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street, for exciting events and fun exhibits, including the Authors @ the Libraryseries, the annual Holiday Concert Series, the Sox vs. Cubs Exhibit and the Chicago Vintage Art Exhibit and Artist Talk. On Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. in the Chicago Authors Room, 7th Floor, join Aaron Wooten as he discusses his exhibit Chicago Vintage: Paintings of Historic Chicago. For more information, call 312-747-4050 or visit chipublib.org. BUSINESS PLAN CRITIQUE CLINIC: On Monday, December 15, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., the Women’s Business Development Center’s (WBDC) Director of Entrepreneurial Services, Meg Herman, will facilitate “Business Plan Critique Clinic,” an interactive session and lend her expertise on practical strategies in developing your written business plan. As a pre-requisite to this session, participants should have a draft of their business plan in writing and available for discussion. The cost is Free. It will be held at WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603. To register, visit http://goo.gl/W1Uj21. Now in its 28th year, the WBDC provides a continuum of business development services to prospective and established women entrepreneurs including counseling, training, financial, certification and procurement assistance in Spanish and English. More information is available at www.WBDC.org. FINANCIAL WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: “Connecting to Cash: A Candid Conversation about Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs,”a special access to capital outreach event for prospective and established business owners presented by the Women’s Business Development Center in partnership with the Chicago Neighborhood Initiative Micro Finance Group, will be held on Wednesday, December 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fleck’s Coffee, 343 E. 79th Street, in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood. Hear from entrepreneurs and finance experts who will share tips to access funding to fuel your business growth. Moderated by Roxanne Nava, Chief Small Business Officer of the City of Chicago Small Business Center (BACP), panelists include Maria Boustead, founder and owner of Bo Campo, and Mae Whiteside, owner of Cheri K. Lewis Engineers. The event is free but requires registration. For further information, visit http://www.WBDC.org or call 312853-3477. HOLIDAY MARKET AND PREKWANZAA CELEBRATION: Habari Gani? What’s the News? Kwanzaa 8
365: Living the Seven Principles of the Nguzo Saba, Chicago Park District and Africa International House USA, Inc., present a Holiday Market and Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration on Friday and Saturday, December 19 and 20. Hours - Friday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., at the Harriet Harris Park District, 6200 S. Drexel. Come celebrate with the spirit of Kwanzaa! Shop for unique gifts, support the artists, enjoy the Kwanzaa presentation, Ritual and Libation, children’s activities, and live entertainment. Dee Alexander will be the featured artist during the opening reception on Friday, December 19. For more information, visit www.aihusa.org or call 773955-ARTS. MACY’S ON STATE STREET SPONSORS WREATHS OF LUV POPUP STORE: The LUV Institute provides entrepreneurship opportunity for underserved youths and young adults to create Holiday Wreaths on Saturday, December 20, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Macy’s, 111 North State Street, Food Court, Chicago, IL 60601. Love, Unity & Values (LUV) Institute is located at 716 E. 47th Street, First Floor, Chicago, IL 60653. Order On-line: www.luvinstitute.org. For more information call 773-453-1999. THE UNIVERSE – A WALK THROUGH SPACE AND TIME: This exhibit is ONGOING in the Pritzker Hall of Cosmology at the Adler Planetarium. How large is the Universe? Where did it come from? Are we alone? Explore the answers to these big questions in The Universe: A Walk through Space and Time, an interactive exhibition. In The Universe, visitors will experience how the Universe evolved over 13.7 billion years – from the Big Bang to modern day. As they travel through time, immersive media shows visitors how galaxies, stars, planets – and even the very atoms in their bodies – were created as the Universe grew. A spectacular projection showcases the vast enormity of the Universe itself, traveling through regions farther than our Solar System–transporting visitors billions of light-years from Earth to the edge of the cosmos, while touch screen technology allows them to investigate the diverse and beautiful objects of deep space. Using interactive stations in the exhibition, visitors can send epostcards to themselves from the Orion Nebula, Neptune, the Andromeda galaxy, and the Coma Cluster of galaxies. The e-postcards will travel at the speed of light, so visitors will have to wait approximately 2.5 million years for their postcard to arrive from the Andromeda galaxy but, only four hours for a postcard from Neptune. To learn more and plan your next space adventure, call 312-922-7827 or visit www.adlerplanetarium.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD AND HOLIDAYS OF LIGHT! The 73rd annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is ONGOING at the Museum of Science and Industry through January 4, 2015. This exhibit began as a United Nations Day salute to the Allies during World War II. Now the exhibit has grown into a forest of heartwarming trees and homemade displays. Across the Museum’s Main Floor, guests will enjoy more than 50 trees and displays beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities representing their diverse culture and holiday customs. In the Rotunda, MSI’s 45-foot Grand Tree will be decked out with more than 30,000 twinkling lights and hundreds of ornaments and festive trimmings. A mix of festive holiday tunes play throughout the Rotunda; “snow” falls every half hour; and on the weekends and select weekdays, guests can enjoy performances of various ethnic dance and choral groups on the Holiday Stage. Regular Museum hours are 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., but extended hours (until 5:30 p.m.) are offered on the following days: December 13, 14; December 20 – 23; and December 26 – 30. The Museum is closed on Christmas. The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. For more information, please visit msichicago.org.
ON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Valerie Jarrett, who is the Senior Advisor to the President, made several shopping stops to support small businesses in Chicago. One of the stops was at the Fort Smith Boutique located at 1007 E. 43rd Street. It is an upscale women’s fashion store with many one-of-a-kind items of clothing, accessories, and their own line of costume jewelry. Valerie Jarrett is pictured with the store’s owner Clifford Smith.
Extended Coverage Driving an automobile deserves the driver’s complete attention. Too often, drivers have become distracted by other activities. *** Inattentive driving is a leading factor in most car wrecks, said National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study. In 78 percent of crashes, the study found, drivers had taken their eyes off the road within three seconds before the accident. *** The top driver distractions, in descending order, are: using a cell phone or other wireless device; chatting with passengers; reaching for CDs and the like; programming the radio. *** Also, personal grooming, like using an electric shaver or applying lipstick; unwrapping a burger or sandwich while eating; external distractions, like pointing out a billboard or landmark; smoking, and daydreaming. *** Most dangerous of all, though, is reaching for a moving object, such as a spilled drink. This increases risk ninefold.
*** Our advice: drive extra-carefully at all times, and carry adequate auto insurance. See us at the 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@ communityinCRUSADERS WORD DOCsurance.com or visit the website at Milton E. Moses www.communityins.com.
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Call 773-651-6200 526 EAST 87TH STREET CHICAGO, IL 60619-6094 Web Site: www.communityins.com Email: sales@communityins.com The AARP Automobile Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford CT 06155. AARP membership is requires for Program eligibility in most states. AARP dose not employ or endorse agents or brokers. The premiums quoted by a local agent for any Program policy include the additional cost associated with and counsel that your authorized agent provides. 107446
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CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 12-13-14_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/11/14 3:31 AM Page 9
BUSINESS
Five things you should know about your health coverage by December 15 Extended hours and in-person appointments available to help consumers before deadline
if your rates or the amount of financial help you qualify for will change in January.
Illinois residents have more choices that could lead to lower costs, and may result in better coverage, but they’ll need to do some homework to be sure they’re selecting the best plan for their needs. Here are five things people should keep in mind:
4. You may miss out on a better deal and cost savings if you do nothing and are auto-renewed into the same plan. Experts say that most consumers will be able to buy a plan at a lower cost than they paid in 2014 if they shop around.
1. December 15 is the deadline to renew or sign up for coverage for the first time and start the New Year with a new health plan. It’s the last day Illinois’ uninsured can enroll to get coverage that starts on Jan. 1.
5. You don’t have to do it alone. Free in-person assistance from hundreds of trained professionals is available throughout the state. Get Covered Illinois is extending hours and in-person appointments are available to help consumers before the deadline.
2. New insurance plans are available in the marketplace from some of the top carriers in the state. With more than 400 plans available (versus 165 last year), residents have more choices available, which makes it quite possible that a new plan will be a better solution. 3. Your cost may have changed for 2015. Even if you are happy with your plan from last year, you should review your options to see
“December 15 is a critical date, as it is the last day the uninsured can choose a new plan that begins on Jan. 1,” said Jennifer Koehler, Director of Get Covered Illinois. “It’s also important for those who are planning to renew their coverage as it is the last day to choose a new plan or face the possibility of being automatically re-enrolled in their current plan – a plan that may no longer be the best for their needs.”
Get Covered Illinois is hosting enrollment events and extending hours at locations leading up to
the Dec. 15 deadline. For a complete list of locations, visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov or call 866-
311-1119 to schedule an appointment or to find help near you.
Financial Workshop for Women Entrepreneurs The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is presenting a financial workshop entitled, “Connecting to Cash: A Candid Conversation about Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs,” a special access to capital outreach event for prospective and established business owners. This is being done in partnership with the Chicago Neighborhood Initiative Micro Finance Group and the Women’s Business Development Center. It will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chatham Business Association, 800 E. 78th St., in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood. Entrepreneurs and finance ex-
perts will share tips to access funding to fuel your business growth. The event will be moderated by Roxanne Nava, Chief Small Business Officer of the City of Chicago Small Business Center (BACP), panelists include Maria Boustead, founder and owner of Bo Campo, and Mae Whiteside, owner of Cheri K. Lewis Engineers. This event is free but requires registration. For further information, visit http://www.WBDC.org or call (312) 853-3477. About the WBDC:
recognized women’s business assistance center now in its 28th year, the WBDC provides a continuum of business development services to prospective and established women entrepreneurs including counseling, training, financial, certification and procurement assistance in Spanish and English. The mission of the WBDC is to provide services and programs that support and accelerate women’s business ownership and strengthen the impact of women on the economy. The WBDC is headquartered at 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60603.
A nationally and internationally
L Learn earn mor more: e: 312-864-8200 312-864-8200 An Illinois Medicaid Health Plan
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EDUCATION
MB Financial Bank presents $25,000 to South Suburban College MB Financial Bank (MB) presented a $25,000 check to South Suburban College (SSC) recently at their Main Campus in South Holland. The donation is a part of MB’s $45,000 commitment to support a renovation of the college’s primary conference room and to establish an endowed scholarship through the SSC Foundation (SSCF). The commitment includes an additional $20,000 endowment over the next four years to permanently establish an MB Financial Bank Scholarship Fund at the college. The donation developed through a long-standing partnership between the South Holland branch and its neighboring community college. “MB Financial Bank and the MB Financial Charitable Foundation believe that education has the power to transform people and communities,” said Vicky Arroyo, President of the MB Community Development Corporation. “As part of our long-standing commitment to the communities we serve, we’re delighted to help South Suburban College achieve its mission as it brings an affordable education to a large and diverse student population. By working together, MB and South Suburban can help even more people achieve their goals.” The conference room will be called the MB Financial Bank Suite. Located in the most high traffic area of the college near the Atrium and Cafeteria, the space serves as SSC’s most uti-
lized conference room for meetings and workshops. The renovation will include new signage, modern furnishings and the most current presentation and instructional technologies. The room will be renamed with MB Financial Bank Suite signage heading into the spring semester, and SSC plans to complete the project early next year. With the cost of higher education on the rise and the level of state funding on the decline, students are finding it more and more difficult to afford a full-time college education. The MB Financial Bank Scholarship Fund endowment will allow the SSC Foundation to award a new MB Scholarship every year. It will add another opportunity for students to the SSCF’s comprehensive range of scholarship awards based on a variety of qualifications. In 2014, the SSCF awarded over $100,000 for the sixth consecutive year, and has now awarded $1.6 million in scholarships since 1989. “I would like to thank my friend Don De Graff and MB Financial Bank in South Holland for their commitment to education and improving our community,” said Frank M. Zuccarelli, Chairman of the SSC Board of Trustees. “I would also like to thank the wonderful people from the MB Financial Bank Community Development Corporation and MB Marketing who took the time to visit our campus and speak with our stu-
MB FINANCIAL PRESENTED a $25,000 check to South Suburban College Foundation recently for scholarship and technology support. Pictured from left to right: Pat Rush, SSC Foundation Executive Director; Vicky Arroyo, President of MB Community Development Corporation; Vince Laughlin, MB Financial Bank Commercial Group President; Frank Zuccarelli, SSC Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Don De Graff, MB Financial Bank Sr. Vice President & Commercial Division Manager; Timothy Woloszyn, MB Financial Bank Assistant Vice President of Commercial Banking; Don Manning, SSC President; and Lesly Flores, MB Financial Bank Community Development Officer. dents. This project was truly a team effort that will provide some financial relief to the college and our students while also serving as an extension of the MB Financial Bank mission.”
About MB Financial, Inc. MB Financial Inc. is the Chicagobased holding company for MB Financial Bank, which has approximately $15 billion in assets and a more than one hundred year history of building deep and lasting relationships with
middle-market companies and individuals. MB offers a full range of powerful financial solutions and the expertise and experience of bankers who are focused on their clients’ success. Learn more about MB Financial, Inc. at www.mbfinancial.com.
Library offers winter break alternatives for students Research indicates that students lose skills when school is not in session. Chicago Public Library wants to help children and teens continue building their literacy skills, as well as enhance their critical thinking and creativity during the out of school time of winter break by offering the Winter Learning Challenge: Blast Off!, and Teen Winter Challenge: Book Cover Contest. “The Winter Learning Challenge and Teen Winter Challenge keep Chicago students actively engaged in reading and creative opportunities even while outside of the classroom,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “By offering stimulating educational and creative avenues for children and teenagers, like Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge, the Winter Learning Challenge and Teen Winter Challenge, the Chicago Public Library is continuing Chicago’s commitment to the importance of lifelong learning.” “Nurturing learning is a key initiative of Chicago Public Library’s Strategic Plan,” said Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon. “The Library is committed to providing access to a variety of programs and services that advance learning to all of its patrons including families with young 10
formation about the night sky by doing an activity, and creating at least one story, a piece of art or design challenge inspired by the theme “Blast Off!.” All entrants who return a completed log to a library branch by the end of the Winter Learning Challenge will receive a free book. Teen Winter Challenge: Book Cover Contest
children, school-aged children, teens, adults and seniors. The Winter Learning Challenge, Teen Winter Challenge and Summer Learning Challenge expand the Library’s year-long family literacy programs.” Winter Learning Challenge: Blast Off! Open for children up to 14 years old, the Winter Learning Challenge: Blast Off! encourages students to learn about objects in the
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
night sky through a fun and engaging self-paced learning challenge available on the Library’s website from December 15, 2014, through January 5, 2015. The two-week winter break is an optimal time to explore all the Library has to offer and to continue learning with the Winter Learning Challenge. Participation is easy. Following the theme “Blast Off!” kids are invited to think and learn about objects in the night sky—the moon, planets, stars and more! Then par-
ticipants complete the activities log, using the suggested Read, Discover and Create activities listed or enter their own theme-related activities. Activities logs are available on the Library’s website or at all Chicago Public Library locations. To see a list of books, online resources and other activities, visit the Winter Learning Challenge page on chipublib.org/blast-off. Suggested activities include reading a book, magazine or website for 20 minutes a day for at least five days, discovering new in-
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Judge a book by its cover for the chance to win prizes! From December 15, 2014 to January 5, 2015, Chicago Public Library is asking teenagers, ages 14 to 18, to redesign a book cover that doesn’t tell the whole story. Teens can use their favorite book, or select a random title from their local branch of the Chicago Public Library. Create a new cover image by using the artistic medium of their choice including photography, graphic design, collage, etc. All design entries must be submitted, with your name, telephone number and the name of your local branch library to teenservices@chipublib.org between Dec. 15 and Jan. 5. All submissions will be entered into a raffle for three handheld video cameras and three tangling drawing kits. www.chicagocrusader.com
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COMMUNITY
Thornton Township celebrates 15th annual tree lighting ceremony On Saturday, Dec. 6, Thornton Township held its 15th Annual Spirit of Thornton Township Tree Lighting Ceremony. More than 300 Thornton Township residents were in attendance for this holiday season festive occasion. Excitedly, the crowd greeted Santa Claus, Santa’s elf helpers, Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Thornton Township Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli said, “The holiday spirit is amongst us and I’m enjoying the excitement of the children that are lined up to talk to Old St. Nick.” The Spirit of Thornton Township is the yearly celebration of the holiday season by lighting holiday trees that represent each of the 17 municipalities in Thornton Township. After a brief meeting with Santa, children received gifts; Illinois State Representative Elgie Sims Jr. (34th Legislative District) was in attendance and brought along his
two daughters. Sims said, “We enjoyed joining the entire Thornton Township family in coming together for this wonderful holiday celebration. Thornton Township did a great job organizing this event for the children who deserve the best during the holiday season and every day.” A long line of parents and children waited patiently for horse and sleigh rides. Penny Tillman, a parent that attended the affair with her son and daughter said, “It was really nice. The kids got a chance to meet Santa and really enjoyed the hot chocolate and sleigh ride. We look forward to next year.” Thornton Township’s next holiday event will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 – 1500 hot cooked meals will be served at the South Suburban College Fitness Center, 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL from 11:30 AM to 4 PM.
FRANK M. ZUCCARELLI (Thornton Township Supervisor), members of Thornton Township Board, elected officials, and residents observed the tree lighting ceremony. Pictured (l to r): Trustee Norm Cipowski (Thornton Township), Alderman Joseph Whittington (Harvey, IL), Clerk Jacqueline E. Davis-Rivera (Thornton Township), Mickey Mouse, Santa Claus, Frank M. Zuccarelli (Thornton Township Supervisor), Minnie Mouse, Mayor Norm Abbott (Village of Lansing), Trustee Joyce M. Washington (Thornton Township), and Trustee Robert Hunt (Dolton, IL).
The LUV Institute provides entrepreneurship opportunity For youths and young adults to create holiday wreaths Macy’s on State Street to host POP-UP store for wreath sales The Love, Unity and Values (LUV) Institute has announced its second annual Wreaths of LUV Journey to My Better Self Entrepreneurship Program to stimulate creativity and teach basic business principles to youths during the holiday season. Students are decorating and selling fresh wreaths while learning sales and customer service techniques. Cosette Yisrael, executive director and founder of The LUV Institute, says the program has come a long way since its beginning last year. “We are pleased to employ 12 teens and first generation college students working part-time who are being paid for their services as they design and produce 400 handmade wreaths. The wreaths will be displayed and sold at Macy’s on State Street in a POP-UP store and at our offices located in Hyde Park,” she said. The wreaths are made of live, fresh fraser fir and beautifully capture the spirit of the holiday season. Each wreath is 22” and decorated with berried juniper, incense cedar, pine cones, a beautiful handmade bow, and the LUV Institute ornament. Customers are encouraged to place their orders in advance by making their purchase online at www.luvinstitute.org or calling 773-624-5200. All wreaths are $35 each. Pre-paid orders are accepted until Friday, December 12, 2014 and should be placed 48 hours in advance of requested pick-up times. Pick-up is available by request at the LUV Institute offices located at 716 E. 47th Street, 1st floor. Customer sales, pick-up times www.chicagocrusader.com
and dates at Macy’s at 111 North State Street, lower level near the food court, are from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on December 13, and 20, 2014. The LUV Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which targets at-risk youth and young adults who have experienced time in foster care and state-funded group homes, or the juvenile justice system. Some also exhibit behavior and anger management dysfunction which jeopardizes personal, school, and employer relationships. It also serves first generation college students by helping them navigate the college experience and connect to sustainable ca-
reers. The youth and young adult programs are designed to help students learn coping skills, complete school, and prepare for successful entry into the workforce, often as entrepreneurs. Proceeds from the sale of wreaths and ornaments will benefit youth programs at the The LUV Institute. Donations are tax deductible. Sponsors for the Wreaths of LUV program include Macy’s, The UPS Store at 53rd Street, The Napoleon Hill Foundation, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and The LUV Institute. For more information, visit www.luvinstitute.org or call 773624-5200.
TWO STUDENTS EMPLOYED in the LUV Institute’s holiday entrepreneurial program discuss sales strategy for Macy’s customers who visit the LUV Institute’s Pop-Up Store.
Chicago Seniors Celebrate Thanksgiving With Friends
“It can be hard to be alone, but celebrating Thanksgiving without friends or family somehow feels worse,” says Simone Mitchell-Peterson, CEO of nonprofit Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter. “That’s why Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly hosts our Thanksgiving parties on Thanksgiving Day—so our elders won’t spend the holiday alone.” It’s a big undertaking. Nearly 350 Chicago seniors and 200 volunteers celebrated Thanksgiving together at three parties hosted by Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly. Joining them in spirit were more than 250 homebound elders and those in nursing homes, and the nearly 100 volunteers who drove all over the city, delivering meals and treats, along with a friendly visit. “We have been hosting Thanksgiving for 55 years. Imagine having more than 500 people over for Thanksgiving—that’s what we do every year,” says Mitchell-Peterson. “We have parties in three locations across Chicago.
ANGIE, A VOLUNTEER from Little Brothers–Friends of the Elderly makes friends with a couple of seniors at the St. Demetrios Church’s Thanksgiving party Thursday, Nov. 27. We carve and serve well over 50 tion and loneliness among the elderturkeys, and a truly remarkable ly,” says Mitchell-Peterson. “So on amount of pie—with volunteers, el- Thanksgiving, we don’t just serve dinder guests, elders at home, and staff, ner—we create an experience of celenearly 1000 people are involved with bration and friendship. The celebraour Thanksgiving every year.” tion begins when our elders are picked Mitchell-Peterson emphasizes that up by their volunteer driver, who Thanksgiving at Little Brothers isn’t spends the day with them. The conjust about the food, it’s about friend- versation starts in the car, with elders ship. “Our mission is to alleviate isola- and volunteers chatting and getting to
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
know each other. When they get to the party, they sit together. Everyone has someone to talk to, someone to connect with.” Dedicated volunteers make the celebrations possible. “It is uplifting to see how many people are willing to give us a significant part of their holiday to make Thanksgiving meaningful for our elders,” said Mitchell-Peterson. “I feel so lucky to see the best of Chicago every holiday.” This year, parties were held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on the North Side, De LaSalle Institute on the South Side, and at Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly in the west loop. Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly provides friendship to seniors in Chicago who are 70 and older and aging without support from family or friends. All services and programs are free to seniors, regardless of income. The nonprofit organization has operated in Chicago since 1959 and serves more than 1,300 seniors in the city.
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ENTERTAINMENT
By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ By Raymond Ward CELEBRATE THE SEASON: New York City has the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular...and now Chicago has CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE. Cirque Dreams triumphantly returns to Chicago with its critically acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE, December 17th through 21st at the Chicago Theatre. From the creators of the groundbreaking Broadway hit Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE is the perfect holiday gift for families and audiences of all ages. Guests will be amazed by the holiday spectacle with over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 artists from every corner of the globe. Many of these acts have been featured on “America’s Got Talent” and similar tele-
The Power of Words, Mandela’s quotes inspire Tribeca film project Legends make history. And then they become it. When iconic socialpolitical figure Nelson Mandela died of a respiratory infection at 95 last year on December 5, he left behind an abundance of good will, thanks to philanthropic deeds and a wellchronicled life as a revolutionary
pages most are familiar with and putting fresh spins on them via their Power of Words film series. More than a year in the making, the initiative is a collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Out Of Africa Entertainment, Tribeca Film Institute, and Montblanc putting
Nelson Mandela that not only helped his native elite directors and Tribeca Film FelSouth Africa, but humanity overall. lows® students at the helm to create Now that he’s gone, textbooks and five films pairing and embodying a educators will teach of his mantras Mandela quote with a short and doings, but Tribeca Film Insti- movie—some documentary style, tute® is taking his words off the others fictional narratives. Each di-
rector was paired with one alumnus of TFI’s Tribeca Film Fellows® program, a year-long fellowship for high school juniors and seniors that includes development of a personal creative project, workshops, mentoring, and special events. The students collaborated with their respective directors to envision and edit the films and some travelled to South Africa for their premiere last month. “If you want a historic figure to connect with a present day generation, you have to make them relatable,” says TFI Education Director Vee Bravo of how the series bridges the lives of its unknown subjects with Mandela. “Otherwise, they’re just another chapter in a history book.” Participants were asked to consult “Nelson Mandela by Himself: The Authorised Book of Quotations” for potential ideas. Director Nabil Elderkin chose Mandela’s “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying” quote. It inspired his grimy, yet glorious Jamaicaset narrative “Captureland” about Tocky, a charming Rastafari set on leaving behind a shifty lifestyle for a pilgrimage with his brothers. “Every man has a purpose,” he says often as the audience watches (Continued on page 13)
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE vision shows in other countries making CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE the greatest variety show on the planet. Before its opening in New York in 2015, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE will dazzle Chicago audiences with a magnificent production that brings together the best elements of a new cirque show, a Broadway musical, a Christmas spectacular and a family holiday show all in one. You’ll watch in disbelief as snowmen, penguins, angels, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, ornaments and of course Santa performs. Elaborate production numbers, soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats, astounding illusions and more. The show also celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with singers, original music and seasonal favorites all performed in a winter wonderland of enchantment. Directed by world-renowned circus impresario and Broadway director, Neil Goldberg. CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE re-imagines the holiday season with glitz and suspense that one can only dream of in a “Holidaze.” The New York Daily News raves a “delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh-load and so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil” and The Washington Post proclaims that the production “Dazzled...at The Kennedy Center.” Tickets are priced at $25 - $75 and are available at the Chicago Theatre Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, via telephone at 1800-745-3000. The Chicago Theatre is located at 175 North State Street in Chicago. 12
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
TOCKY, THE MAN figure in film inspired by words of Nelson Mandela. Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
www.chicagocrusader.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
‘Take Me To The King, The Turnaround’ Stage Play Shelly Garret 2014 Award winning team stage play “Take Me To The King, The Turnaround” will be held on December 20th and 21st, at North Park University Lecture Hall Auditorium 3225 W. Foster Ave. in Chicago. The play is written, directed and produced by Reverend Sabrina Perrin. Elder William and Reverend Sabrina Perrin are the founders of Davidic Praise Ministries and Divinely Produced Productions. From the stage play, Rev. Sabrina Perrin introduces Stacey, Carol, Jas-Mine and Lisa to the world. These women have gone through the trials of life while growing up in one of Chicago’s toughest projects. Although, going through gunfire and seeing drug deals, somehow their mothers all remained faithful in the hope of the prophecy of the coming King. Now, a decade has passed and the prophecy of the King will happen any day. With the exception of Stacey Spraggs, everyone is preparing to receive the King, but she doesn’t believe in the prophecy spoken by Isaiah of the soon coming King. It is not until her whole family is torn apart and she finds out devastating news of her own that she regains her faith of the prophecy and turns to the King. Surprisingly, her family gets back on the right track and taken to the King through the help of people she would least expect. This story is a modern day twist if Christ was born. This story is to have us all reflect on our own behavior towards one another and our true focus during this advent season.
Joining the cast for the second year is BET’s Season 2 Sunday Best finalist Maurice Griffin. Maurice is a song writer, singer and producer. He is the production’s Musical Director for the stage play. Three of Maurice’s songs will be included in the play. Known for his YouTube videos, leading worship at the National Gospel Music Workshop of America, Griffin is no stranger to the music industry. He is a powerhouse, an atmosphere changer, a well skilled vocalist who can do it all in less than 60 seconds if he had to. He has sold over 11,000 units from his debut project; I Am Somebody, causing him to be considered as a New Artist of The Year Nominee for The 2013 Gospel Stellar Awards. Maurice is a Steller award nominee and more recent, a four time nominee for the Rhythm of Gospel award. This year the play is sure to have a few surprises for those who have been following the Davidic Praise Ministries & Divinely Produced Productions Management Team for two years. Added to this year’s production is a VIP Red Carpet reception on December 21st immediately after the last show. In October when Rev. Perrin and her cast won first place at the Taste of Theatre, award winning playwright, producer and director, Shelly Garrett, “The Godfather of Urban Theatre” was there to present the award. A Taste of Theatre is a community theatre organization created here in Chicago in 2011. A Taste of Theatre Festival exposes, educates and en-
tertains a diverse audience of professional, intermediate and novice playwrights, thespians and staff members. Playwrights compete by showcasing one scene of their play. Just like movie previews or trailers provide the public with insight about the movie they intend to see, A Taste of Theatre does the same thing for live theater allowing playwrights to give you a “Taste” of their play. The winner will have their play broadcasted on the TV cable channels.
“I am still surprised that we won! The cast worked very hard and deserved to win. They are the most dedicated cast a playwright can ask for” says Perrin. “I am very humbled by this experience.” After winning the prestigious Shelly Garrett 2014 Award in October at the Taste of Theater, for performing snippets of the play, Perrin has decided to take the play to other organizations, churches and establishments to get a sense of what they can experience at the
event. Show times for the play will be: Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday December 21 at 5:30 p.m. followed by Red Carpet VIP reception.
(Continued from page 12) him pursue his. “‘I am not a saint’ grabbed me straight away,” says Elderkin of the quote he picked. “The words that followed painted many pictures and faces in my mind. I think Nelson Mandela’s spirit is within anyone that has learned about him. So hopefully my film, which is a part of me, embodies the same spirit as I reflected on his quote.” “The habit of attending to small things and of appreciating small courtesies is one of the important marks of a good person,” was selected by Ramin Bahrani for his piece Lift You Up. Set in North Carolina, it follows a chicken egg sorter that lives by sayings like, “If you don’t give nothing, you ain’t nothing.” The Kentucky gent isn’t inspired by the potential financial gain good deeds provide, but rather the lifting affect that follows. “You might not get no money, but you’ll gain in
your heart and spirit,” he says. “We are not yet free,” spoke to director Hank Willis Thomas, whose Truth Booth invited all comers in Ireland, Afghanistan and the United States to walk into an inflatable room to speak their truths. “Afghan girls, especially in Herat province,” starts one young lady sadly, “have no liberty at all.” “I’m so sick and tired of the violence going on within our communities today,” says another. “Our film uses Mandela’s words about truth and freedom to express how in touch his thoughts were with the challenges of people all over the world,” says Thomas. “The struggle for freedom is never won simply. It is always in progress and it takes the courage of each person to believe they have the power to affect the collective good by touching hearts and inspiring change.” The globetrotting series also made its way to Uganda, where A Fork, A Spoon and a Knight (inspired by
“Difficulties break some men, but make others.”) director Mira Nair documents Robert Katende’s troubled orphan beginnings to becoming a father figure for his community and teaching children life lessons through the game of chess. “How can I use what I have to get what I don’t have?” Katende thoughtfully asks his kids to consider. Kweku Mandela, grandson of Nelson and co-founder of Out Of Africa Entertainment, which aided in the production of the Power of Words series, is proud of the diversity in the films. “We wanted a broad dynamic,” he says. “I want people to watch them and hopefully celebrate with us what my grandfather was able to achieve, but hopefully also take away something they can use in their own lives.” As for how the Mandela family is doing a year after losing its iconic head, Kweku says, “We’re doing as well as you can. He raised us all to be
strong. We’re all pursuing our dreams and doing all these things to pay tribute to not only my grandfather but the entire family.” Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of TFI, recalls being in Nelson Mandela’s presence years ago. “He talked about how that when he was in prison, the one night that he looked forward to was movie night,” Rosenthal remembers, “Because it was the one time that both he and his jailers were equal. They laughed and cried at the same thing. The power of movies to share views and opinions that you normally wouldn’t have in a conversation.” It’s a feat that Power of Words is also attempting to achieve by connecting unlikely dots. Bravo sees the juxtaposition of subjects, directors and locations as one of its biggest victories. “The Caribbean Islands are part of the African Diaspora,” he says, giving historic context to Captureland. “That’s where people in the slave
ships were dropped off first. The symbolism of [Tocky] getting on the boat and making the pilgrimage, that kind if brings it all the way back home for me. It’s been a blessing to watch each film as it comes in.” Nelson Mandela is a larger-than-life figure, and the byproduct of being that tall in stature can often be that others also fighting the good fight can get lost in the icon’s shadow. The Power of Words shows that one Superman doesn’t have to solve all of the world’s problems. Many hands are working to lighten the load. “When people watch these films,” adds Bravo, “I hope that their own experiences in standing up for something and taking the necessary steps to achieve their liberty and sense of purpose…” He trails off in his thoughts before returning for his final words. “I hope they feel valid.” To view the films online, go to http://tribecafilm.com/stories/thepower-of-words-nelson-mandela.
www.chicagocrusader.com
CAST MEMBERS OF the stage play, “Take Me To The King, The Turnaround” are appearing for two days only at North Park University Lecture Hall on December 20-21.
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Tickets for “Take Me To The King, The Turnabout” stage play can be purchased at: http://www.eventbrite.com/o/hosted-bydavidic-praise-ministries-amp-dpproductions-6579134807.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
‘Tis the season to ‘Messiah’ By Barbara Wright-Pryor In the year 1685 two musical geniuses who contributed much of the world’s most beautiful sacred music were born not very far from one another in Germany. Johann Sebastian Bach was born in the town of Eisenbach in Central Germany and never traveled
four days, between August 22 and September 14, 1741. Händel’s friend, Charles Jennens, compiled the text for him. Approximately 4/5 of the “Messiah” text comes from the Old Testament, even the passages that describe the persecution, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The other 1/5 is taken from the New Testa-
sizes the words. Easily understood by the people, it is always sympathetic from the first announcement of the sublime subject of the Oratorio: the Coming of Christ. This is followed by the prophetic announcement of the coming of a deliverer of the people, who will appear as a Child bringing Light and Joy to a dark world.”
Three performances leaning on the traditionalist and more closely akin to the version composed by Händel yet remain during the month of December: Sunday, December 14 at 3:30 p.m.,The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra of First Baptist Congregational Church, 1613 W. Washington Blvd. with solo-
5:00 p.m. The Chancel Choir of St. Mark United Methodist Church presents its 76th consecutive performance of Handel’s monumental oratorio with orchestral ensemble and soloists Jonita Lattimore, soprano; Gwendolyn Brown, contralto; Henry Pleas, tenor; and Arthur D. Griffin, Jr., bass-baritone conducted from
ST. MARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CHANCEL CHOIR will present its 76th consecutive performance of George Frederic Händel’s “Messiah,” Sunday, December 21 at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at 8441 S. St. Lawrence Ave. with soloists seated from (l to r) Jonita Lattimore, soprano; Henry Pleas, tenor; Gwendolyn Brown, contralto; and Arthur D. Griffin, Jr., bass. Maestro Charles G. Kendrick (at organ with back to camera) will conduct the orchestra, choir and soloists from the organ console where he has presided as St. Mark’s organist/music director for 51 years. The public is invited to attend. Admission is FREE. For additional information, call the church office at 773-846-2992. (Photo/Lynne Lee)
very far from his birthplace. George Frideric Händel was born in nearby Halle, Germany and later traveled abroad to Italy because he wanted to study the Italian method of composing opera and then moved to England to spend the rest of his life. Both Bach and Händel went on to compose major oratorios (sacred dramas) chronicling the life of Christ. Bach’s “The Passion of Our Lord according to St. Matthew” and “The Passion of Our Lord according to St. John” have withstood the test of time as has Handel’s monumental work, “Messiah.” Each is as powerful today as it was two and one-half centuries ago. Händel, at age 56, like Duke Ellington at age 64, discontinued creating secular works and dedicated the rest of his life to composing music in the sacred genre. “Messiah” was created in the short period of twenty14
ment, mostly Corinthians and the Book of Revelations. Upon the completion of “Messiah,” Händel departed for Dublin where on April 13, 1742, the first performance was given at The New Music Hall, Fishamble Street. The admission price was one half guinea. More than seven hundred persons attended and the sum of four hundred pounds was divided between three charities. Signs announcing the performance advised that “Gentlemen will Please come Without their Swords; Ladies; Please not to come in Hoops and to lay aside, for One Evening, a Mode however Ornamental on other Occasions. In order to keep the Room as cool as Possible a Pane of Glass will be Removed from the Top of each Window.” The charm of “Messiah” is the perfect way in which the music illustrates and empha-
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
Performances of “Messiah” are traditionally performed during the Advent and Christmas seasons and during the Lenten season as well. For some attending the various performances of “Messiah” this year, this will be a first hearing of the masterpiece as it was traditionally performed in England during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This style, coupled with the exuberance of Black churches, is what many will hear while others will hear “Messiah” in the Baroque style that Händel wrote in 1742 as heard in the recording by Sir Neville Mariner and Academy of St. Martinin-the-Fields. Still others will hear what Quincy Jones adapted in his work, “Joyful Celebration,” or other productions that convert Händel’s arias and choruses into contemporary versions that gospel lovers enjoy and traditionalists frown upon.
ists Felicia Coleman Evans, soprano; Kamaran Alexis Madison, contralto; Jeffrey Burish, tenor; and Antonio Watts, baritone Arthur D. Griffin, Jr., organist will be conducted by Mattie L. Robertson. Admission is FREE. Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. Chicago Music Association presents the 2nd annual Southside Do-It-Yourself Messiah, Charles Thomas Hayes, CMA music director; Renée Baker, conducting The Chicago Modern Orchestra Project, Stanleigh Jones, harpsichord and soloists Elizabeth Norman-Sojourner, soprano; Cynthia Clarey, mezzo-soprano; Jeffrey Burish, tenor; and Brandon Brown, baritone.The public is invited to bring a “Messiah” score (G. Schirmer or Watkins Shaw preferred) and join in the celebration. South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Admission is FREE. Sunday, December 21 at
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
the organ console by Maestro Charles G. Kendrick, St. Mark’s organist/music director. Admission is FREE. St. Mark’s annual presentations of “Messiah” began in 1938 under the direction of then organist/music director Professor Walter E. Gossette, Charles G. Kendrick’s very first organ instructor. The church was then located at 5001 South Wabash Avenue with The Rev. Samuel Sweeney as pastor. St. Mark’s first “Messiah” performances were accompanied by the Ira Frazier String Ensemble, an orchestra comprised solely of Black classically-trained instrumental musicians who were denied membership in other major professional orchestras of the day. Charles Kendrick assumed the position of organist/music director in September 1963, after St. Mark relocated to Chicago’s Chatham community. www.chicagocrusader.com
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SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking By Effie Rolfe Fred Hammond Sings “I Will Trust! If you were to list songs that were recorded, written, produced and arranged by multiple Grammy, Stellar and Dove award winner Fred Hammond—get ready to write pages of nonstop classic hits. “No Weapon,” “Running Back to You,” “He’s Alive,” “When You Praise,” “They That Wait” would be top on the list.
Fred Hammond
After 30 years as a major player in the gospel music industry, Hammond has a lot more to give. His latest single and CD entitled “I Will Trust” is the epitome of real life and the decision to trust God no matter what. According to Hammond the current single was a song birthed out of fear, pain and ultimately faith in God. “One thing that most of the body of Christ may not be aware of is that for the past 15 years I have lived with chronic knee and leg pain,” shared Hammond. “If I would minister or try to do ordinary day-to-day tasks like walking up a flight of stairs, walking through an airport or something as simple as shopping—I would experience excruciating pain. Over the years I learned to function and live with the pain,” he said. The Detroit native admitted that even while on the Festival of Praise Tour with tour-mate Donnie McClurkin, it was challenging. “Donnie had surgery a few months ago and I was having trouble with my knees. So you had one person that couldn’t sing and another one that couldn’t stand, but not one city was cancelled and the anointing
The Crusader Gospel Corner Ambassador Juanita Bynum is coming to a city near you. The popular international evangelist and teacher presented Chicago Prayer Revolution on December 11th and 12th at Christ Unity Evangelistic Church, 208 East 61st Street in
Juanita Bynum Chicago. Service begins at 7:30 p.m. nightly. All seats are free. Pastor and Lady Bill Brown will host the service. For more information call 773955-1750 or JuanitaBynum.com Also, on December 14 -15th Ambassador Bynum will take the service to the western suburbs for the Maywood Prayer Revolution service scheduled to be held at Miracle Revival Cathedral, 2010 S. Charles Road, Maywood. The service will begin at 7:30 p.m. and all seats are free. Elder DeAndre Patterson is www.chicagocrusader.com
Pastor. For more information call 708-865-2999 or JuanitaBynum.com. Christ Universal Church of Holiness, 2715 E. 92nd Street in Chicago cordially invites you to an appreciation service for Elder Lamont Rutledge on Sunday, December 14th at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mother Josie Nall is Pastor. For more information call 773-556-4501. Congratulations to Marilyn Frizzle “The Queen DJ of Gospel Radio” and host of The Gospel Spotlight Showcase. The popular radio personality recently celebrated her 29th year on the air this past Sunday at her church, New Home MB Church, 4804 W. Polk in Chicago where Rev. Mack McCollum is Pastor. Frizzle’s show has aired on WVON and WCEV for nearly 3 decades and features Chicago quartet favorites such as the Heavenly Kings, The Mixon Singers, The Douglas Singers, The Brown Brothers, The Family Jubilees, The Jubilee Travelers, Otis Clay, as well as national recording artists including The Canton Spirituals, Spencer Taylor and the Spiritual QC’s, The Mighty Clouds and more. Rev. Dwayne McDaniels and Jeff Frizzle, IV hosted the celebration services. The Gospel Spotlight Showcase can be heard Monday through Friday at 1 p.m. on WCEV AM 1450. For more information about her show call 773288-1450.
Effie Rolfe filled every concert in the 30 cities within two months,” beamed Hammond. He continued, “There were two major factors why I decided that I would not have surgery done. The first, my doctor suggested that I wait until I was 58-60 years old. Secondly, my father died from complications after the same surgery I was scheduled to have and he only had one knee done. So needless to say, I just
tried to claim victory, live through the pain and not get the much needed surgery. But in doing that, I reached a place where my knees had become so severely damaged that the doctor said I could no longer wait. In August 2013, along with my doctor and my family, I made the decision to have both of my knees replaced at the top of this year Normally it’s suggested that you have the knees done one at a time-but both my knees were so bad-and I had little downtime to have two separate surgeries so I went ahead with the decision to have them both done.” It’s amazing how God takes your misery and gives you a mission. “After the surgery I was unable to move around freely,” Hammond continued, “I needed help from my family, therapists, walkers, crutches and sometimes complete strangers to get around. During those moments my heart was sometimes just overwhelmed with pressure and sadness. Simple tasks like going to the restroom or putting on my socks felt almost impossible without assistance. Simply put-sometimes it was downright embarrassing…it
made me feel as though I had done too much and possibly have bitten off more than I could chew. As I lay there in bed often times with tears running down my face uncontrollably… I would whisper to myself ‘I have to trust Him—I must trust Him and I will look up to heaven and say I will trust you!’ This is the song that was birthed out of my experience. “I Will Trust!” is another powerful message in song that lets you know that Fred is not finished declaring God’s word in song. “I Will Trust” an ongoing journey to recovery takes flight in his robust vocals—stirring melodies to strengthen listeners in their faith, inspire deep reflection, and give praise. The highly-anticipated new album was available for digital downloads and wherever music is sold on November 17. Will you trust God through your struggles...? Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her at effierolfe.com or on twitter.com/effiedrolfe.
Bishop Trotter Is Causing A Stir This Holiday Season A certified culinary artist, Trotter dons a chef hat to unveil prized recipes just in time for the holidays Those accustomed to Bishop Larry D. Trotter serving up unforgettable gospel gems like “Trouble Don’t Last” and “My Worship is For Real” should prepare room on their tables and hearts for what he is serving up next. The best-selling author and loved Senior Pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago has finally lifted the lid on a sweet collection of his culinary secrets via the highly anticipated cookbook, “Cooking With the Bishop,” available now. Whipping up an assortment of must-see recipes just in time for the holidays, the endeavor comes as Trotter’s first published cookbook. This may surprise many who were unaware that the legendary gospel artist is also a certified chef trained at Wasburne Trade School and Chicago Cooking and Catering School. For your copy of “Cooking With the Bishop,” visit Cookingwithbishop.com, Sweetholyspirit.org, or call 773-721-6178 for more information. Bishop Larry D. Trotter is a best-selling author and the Senior Pastor of the world renowned
Sweet Holy Spirit Church. An acclaimed gospel visionary, Trotter has seen his tenure as a spiritual leader in Chicago, Illinois, extend over 30 years. With seven-award projects, one of which was a Stellar Award Nominee, hit songs such as
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
“Trouble Don’t Last”, “My Worship is For Real” and “The Lord is Blessing Me.” Bishop Trotter continues to re-brand himself and remain prophetically relevant as evidenced by his newest endeavor – a cookbook “Cooking With the Bishop.”
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HEALTH
Phillips’ dream season comes up short By J. Coyden Palmer The most successful football season in Wendell Phillips Academy High School’s, 244 E. Pershing Road, history ended with a second place finish after losing 49-28 in the Class 4A championship game in Champaign over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Attempting to become the first Public League team to win a state championship in football, the Wildcats finished their season 122. The Wildcats started off fast, scoring on their first possession
after a 65-yard touchdown run by quarterback DeWayne Collins. But, Phillips missed the extra point and trailed 7—the closest they could get to Rochester (122), who won their fifth straight state championship, an IHSA record. After two more Rochester scores, Collins struck again, this time on a 53-yard TD run, which closed the gap to 17-12 with 2:33 left in the first half. But, Rochester took control with another score on a TD pass from junior quarterback Daniel Zeigler. The two-point conversion was WENDELL PHILLIPS ACADEMY High School senior DeWayne Collins holds the Wildcats’ 2014 Class 4A 2nd Runner Up trophy during a ceremony with other teammates after competing in the state championship football game in Champaign, Illinois. successful to give the Rockets a penalties, turnovers. We just did- with the talent and coaches that n't do the things we had to do,” are in the city that there’s never 25-12 lead at the half. been a state champion,” McAllis“We just never were able to get Collins said. McAllister said even though the ter said. “But, that day is coming. into a rhythm. The game had no flow to it for us,” said Phillips’ team came up short, they have a I want it to be us, but if it isn’t, lot to be proud of. Collins was se- someone is going to get a title coach Troy McAllister. The Wildcats also made several lected to the First Team All-State soon.” mistakes that Rochester capital- Team and running back Corey Next year, the scheduling for ized on. Rochester’s 49 points Warren, who rushed for 189 yards were the most allowed by Phillips against Rochester, proved to be a Phillips will be a lot tougher. They in a game all season. They came potent 1-2 punch all season. will possibly move up to a more into the game only allowing 56 McAllister believes Phillips is on competitive division and will no points all season, but silly penal- the right path, and he predicted longer be able to sneak up on ties and turnovers took them out that in the near future, a Public teams. McAllister said that with League team will win a state title. all of the success this year, they of the game. It’s almost impossible to believe will have a target on their backs. “We made too many mistakes,
Is U of C bending on trauma center? (Continued from page 1) the University and tying some of these issues together,” said Veronica Morris-Moore, spokesperson for Fearless Leading by the Youth and lead organizer for the trauma center campaign. “I hope they don’t believe that this is the only step that it takes. There are still hundreds of thousands of people on the South Side that need that possible life-saving service that only a trauma center can offer. This is a step in the right direction but we want to be clear that we believe the community needs more.” Activists and doctors at the hospital, who are in favor of a full Level I trauma unit, say the small expansion will allow physicians at the worldrenowned hospital to treat an additional 125-150 patients a year. They also say 16- and 17-year-olds are a demographic that is on the rise in terms of needing trauma care due to violence and car accidents. Dr. Phillip Verhoef works in the intensive care unit at U of C and has been working with the Trauma Center Coalition. He thinks the news about the expansion is “exciting” and a testament to the work the hundreds of youth have been 16
putting in since 2010 when the movement began after the death of 18-year-old Damien Riley, who was shot just blocks from the hospital’s doors. “The community has banned together and advocated for what is right and what is just for the South Side of Chicago,” Verhoef said. “Everyone will benefit. To me, this indicates that the University is paying attention. They can’t ignore the advocacy that is being done. This is not the end result we are looking for, but it does open a dialogue towards potentially finding more solutions to the fact that the South Side is a trauma center desert. We still have a tremendous amount of people in this area who either have poor health insurance or no insurance.” The University responded to the news as well. No one would answer the question as to whether or not the decision has anything to do with the proposed Obama Library. Instead, they issued the following press release, in part, to explain their position. “We decided that expanding trauma care to all minor children would help provide an important service to a particularly vulnerable part of our community,” said Sharon O’Keefe,
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
president of the University of Chicago Medical Center. “This underscores our commitment to continually meet the needs of children in our South Side community.” Many say O’Keefe’s remarks were disingenuous seeing that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) disputed the University’s claims that the IDPH would not allow the hospital to raise the age limit without its approval. In a letter obtained by Crusader, Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, director of IDPH, wrote: “If an Illinois Designate Pediatric Trauma Center sought to voluntarily increase the age of patients for whom it would provide trauma care, the EMS administrative code would not restrict the upper-age limit of a pediatric trauma center at 15 years.” In the past, University officials said their hands were tied because of IDPH. Emilio Comay del Junco, a graduate student at the University says it has been an honor to work with other members of the coalition. He also wants to see the University do more. “As someone who spends much of my time at U of C…I know what the University is capable of when they put their minds to it and want to do something,” he said.
“They are capable of amazing things, and this is not enough. It’s necessary for the U of C to live up to its potential as an institution. I don’t think that providing two more years of trauma care to children is maxi-
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
mizing what the U of C can do. They can do a whole lot more than that, so we’re going to keep on fighting to make sure the South Side is getting what it needs from the University.”
www.chicagocrusader.com
CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 12-13-14_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/11/14 3:31 AM Page 17
NEWS
Illinois mourns the death of Judy Baar Topinka (Cont’d from page 3) most the same message, energetic, activist, honest, hard worker . . . Congresswoman Robin Kelly said: “Judy was a vibrant and exuberant spirit who always spoke the truth throughout her career as a public servant. As a strong advocate for women across Illinois, she shattered the glass ceiling for generations to come. She was an ardent believer in bipartisanship who willingly worked across the aisle for the betterment of the state. Her great love of animals moved her to start several pet adoption programs during her tenure in office, including Treasured Pets and Comptroller’s Critters. My sympathy goes out to her beloved son Joseph and to her entire extended family, including her friends and devoted co-workers.” “We were saddened to learn of the passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. This trailblazing public servant was truly a woman for
all seasons. As a legislator, State Treasurer and as Comptroller, Topinka was an elected official who genuinely cared about the constituents she served.” Chicago UrbanLeague President and CEO Andrea L. Zopp added her condolences by saying, “Topinka was and will remain an inspiration to all women who aspire to lead and will be remembered for her humor, wit, and her support of equality and fairness for all communities. “In an era where polarizing partisanship often rules the day, Judy Baar Topinka’s indomitable spirit and down to earth approach empowered to cross party lines and have a significant impact of the lives of the people of Illinois. She will truly be missed. “All of us at the Chicago Urban League send our condolences to the family, friends and staff of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.” “Today is a sad day for Illinois and all those who had
the privilege to know Judy. From her service in the General Assembly, her role as Illinois’ first female Treasurer and ultimately her service as Illinois Comptroller, Judy was a fierce and dedicated public servant who always put the interests of Illinois and Illinoisans before her own,” said U. S. Representative Bobby L. Rush. “This loss is personal for me and my family as well. We were proud to call Judy a friend and, in my wife Carolyn’s case, boss. “My thoughts and prayers are with Judy’s son, Joe, daughter-in-law Christina, granddaughter Alexandra and all of her family, friends and devoted staff,” Rush concluded. City Clerk Susana A. Mendoza spoke of a recent collaboration they had by saying: “Earlier this month, we lit the Palmer House Hilton Christmas tree, one of Chicago’s oldest traditions. It turned out to be one of her last public experiences. Surrounded
was defeated in the November election had praise for the dedicated public servant. Simon said, “I am deeply saddened to hear of Judy Baar Topinka’s passing. People throughout Illinois will remember her for her many years of dedication to public service just as much as they will remember her for her larger than life personality. She truly loved the people of this state. “My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and staff as we mourn the loss of a legend in Illinois government,” Simon concluded. Funeral arrangements had not been made at presstime.
Judy Baar Topinka by children from local schools with guests snapping photos, it was hard to tell who was enjoying themselves more. After more than three decades in elected office, she could still
give the kids a run for their money.” The theme of so many condolences were very similar. Even Topinka’s most recent opponent Sheila Simon, who
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Willie Wilson makes mayoral bid official (Cont’d from page 2) Rauner raised Wilson’s political visibility. Both men are multi-millionaires, and Wilson has long been known in the African-American community as generous benefactor to several causes. Like Rauner, Wilson provided few specifics on how as mayor he will correct the fiscal calamity currently crippling Chicago. He drew a mixed reaction of applause, gasps and giggles when he offered he will fight Chicago’s crime problem by replacing the current police superintendent with four superintendents and adding more bike patrols. He provided no specifics on how the change would be funded. Wilson opened his presentation explaining, “The city needs a mayor who is prepared to serve all of Chicago, not just a particular group; not just a certain part of the city; not the well-off; but all Chicagoans.” He added the city needs improvements in a variety of areas, but he is especially concerned about economic development and empowerment considering this will be a linchpin of his campaign and administration. Referring to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce report, Wilson quoted, “Chicago (government) makes it more difficult to start a business than in most U.S. large cities.” He went on
to say that city policies affecting local government contracts lack parity, and that after being elected, he will “conduct a thorough review of those policies” and implement changes that will make the process for obtaining contracts as “as easy as possible.” When pressed by a local television reporter about whether, as a former fast-food restaurant owner, he supports Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposal to raise the minimum wage to $13-an-hour, Wilson sidestepped the question saying wages should take care of families and that his employees all earn at least $100,000. He added if there is a minimum wage, it should be $50-anhour. The Louisiana native, who said he picked cotton to earn a living, was roundly praised by some members of the audience who shared that Wilson’s generosity had a life-changing impact on them. One man shared that when his financial fortunes changed and he was about to lose his “penthouse,” Wilson stepped in and prevented that. A second man recalled that during a chance encounter with Wilson at a charitable event, Wilson wrote him a check for $10,000 after learning the man was operating a struggling Little League baseball program. Wilson emphasized to the au-
www.chicagocrusader.com
dience that although they were in an African-American church, he doesn’t want people voting for him solely because he is Black, but because he “is the best person for the job.” Rev. Stephen Thurston, pastor of the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church and past president of the National Baptist Convention and the Rev. T.L. Barrett, pastor of the Life Center Church joined Wilson at the pulpit. Another pastor, Gregory Livingston of Mission of Faith Church, is Wilson’s campaign manager. Besides Emanuel, Wilson will face 2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fioretti; Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia; William “Dock” Walls; former Alderman and Cook County Commissioner Robert Shaw; police officer Frederick Collins; Gerald Sconyers; and Fenton Patterson in the Feb. 24, 2015 election. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two will face one another in a run-off election in April. Dr. Amara Enyia—the only female in the race—withdrew December 10, and is supporting Fioretti. All of the candidates, except Walls, are having their nominating petitions challenged. Challenges arise primarily when other candidates or voters believe the petitions don’t meet state election law guidelines. Be-
fore that determination is made, the challenges are reviewed by a hearing officer. Collins and Wilson each had two challenges to their petitions. Michael Foley of South Hamilton Street and Walter S. Graham of West Monroe Street alleged that Wilson didn’t submit the minimum 12,500 signatures to get on the ballot; that some of his petitions were circulated by non-registered voters; some signers of his petitions also signed other mayoral candidates’ petitions; and that pages
were not submitted in the proper order. Based on information on the Chicago Board of Election’s website, no date for hearing the challenge has been set. Pamela McKinney of East Randolph Street and Julian Nicks of North Halsted Avenue alleged some of the same shortcomings in the objections to Wilson’s petitions. Additionally, they maintain there are several forgeries among the signatures the Wilson campaign submitted. Wilson turned in more than 43,000
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4)
Help Families In Need Dear Editor: A gas explosion occurred in my district at 2148 W. 107th Place. Our sympathies go out to the family for the loss of their beautiful home, although we are so thankful that no one was home at the time. I am writing to ask your help in letting the family, and any others in need, know that my office is there to offer any services that we can provide. Please make
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
available my contact information to anyone who is in need. I am so thankful for the first responders, Police District 22 and the fire department, their actions prevented any more harm from being done to homes and to people in the area. I thank them and I thank you for any assistance you can offer in making my contact information available to those in need. Contact Information: State Representative Monique D. Davis 1234 W. 95th Street Chicago, IL 60643 773-445-9700
signatures. Allegations about Collins’ petitions were identical to those charged about Wilson. The first hearing on Wilson’s petitions is December 12.
HOUSES FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK ILLINOIS COUNTY, DEPARTMENT COUNTY DIVISION CHANCERY FSB CENLAR P l a i n t i f f , s . v STEPHANIE LICHTMAN AKA STEPHANIE LITCHMAN; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; D e f e n d a n t s , CH 39795 11 PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on May 28, 2014, Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, 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. 20-19-227-009-0000. Commonly known as 6627 SOUTH HONORE STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60618. 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 1 2 4 6 9 0 . INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I636004
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LEGAL NOTICE Kajundii M. Cannon– Smith of 9922 S. 86th Avenue is trying to locate erica J. CannonSmith for the dissolution of a civil union. 12/13, 20, 27, 2014 and 1/3/2015
HOUSES FOR SALE iN tHe CiRCuit COuRt OF COOK COuNty, iLLiNOiS COuNty dePARtMeNt CHANCeRy diViSiON ReVeRSe MORtGAGe SOLutiONS, iNC Plaintiff, -v.HeRMAN tyLeR, uNKNOWN HeiRS ANd LeGAteeS OF LuCiLLe tyLeR, uNKNOWN HeiRS ANd LeGAteeS OF ViRGiNiA HARVey, uNKNOWN HeiRS ANd LeGAteeS OF dOROtHy tyLeR, FRANK HARVey, ReGiNALd HARVey, byRON OLSey, uNKNOWN OWNeRS ANd NONReCORd CLAiMANtS defendants 12 CH 05354 6409 SOutH PeORiA StReet CHiCAGO, iL 60621 NOtiCe OF SALe PubLiC NOtiCe iS HeReby GiVeN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 7, 2014, an agent for the Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 13, 2015, at 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 6409 SOutH PeORiA StReet, CHiCAGO, iL 60621 Property index No. 20-20-214-0030000. the real estate is improved with a gray, brick, single family home with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to the Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. the balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. the subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS iS” condition. the sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. the property will NOt be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. if this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). if this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/18.5(g-1). iF yOu ARe tHe MORtGAGOR (HOMeOWNeR), yOu HAVe tHe RiGHt tO ReMAiN iN POSSeSSiON FOR 30 dAyS AFteR eNtRy OF AN ORdeR OF POSSeSSiON, iN ACCORdANCe WitH SeCtiON 15-1701(C) OF tHe iLLiNOiS MORtGAGe FOReCLOSuRe LAW. you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where the Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PieRCe & ASSOCiAteS, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHiCAGO, iL 60602. tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1127635. 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. PieRCe & ASSOCiAteS One North dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHiCAGO, iL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1127635 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 12 CH 05354 tJSC#: 34-17674 i636395 iN tHe CiRCuit COuRt OF COOK COuNty, iLLiNOiS COuNty dePARtMeNt CHANCeRy diViSiON ReSideNtiAL CRedit SOLutiONS, iNC. Plaintiff, -v.StACey SMitH A/K/A StACey t. SMitH, AHKeA N. SMitH, MORtGAGe eLeCtRONiC ReGiStRAtiON SySteMS, iNC.,
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HOUSES FOR SALE SPRiNGLeAF FiNANCiAL SeRViCeS OF iLLiNOiS, iNC. F/K/A AMeRiCAN GeNeRAL FiNANCiAL SeRViCeS OF iLLiNOiS, iNC., CAPitAL ONe bANK (uSA), N.A., CHASe bANK uSA, NA, CitibANK, N.A. defendants 14 CH 001072 8211 S. WOLCOtt AVeNue CHiCAGO, iL 60620 NOtiCe OF SALe PubLiC NOtiCe iS HeReby GiVeN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 3, 2014, an agent for the Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 13, 2015, at 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 8211 S. WOLCOtt AVeNue, CHiCAGO, iL 60620 Property index No. 20-31-226-004. the real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to the Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. the balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Residential Property Abandoned Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. the subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS iS” condition. the sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. the property will NOt be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. if this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). if this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/18.5(g-1). iF yOu ARe tHe MORtGAGOR (HOMeOWNeR), yOu HAVe tHe RiGHt tO ReMAiN iN POSSeSSiON FOR 30 dAyS AFteR eNtRy OF AN ORdeR OF POSSeSSiON, iN ACCORdANCe WitH SeCtiON 15-1701(C) OF tHe iLLiNOiS MORtGAGe FOReCLOSuRe LAW. you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where the Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. 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 14-1331068. tHe JudiCiAL SALeS CORPORAtiON One South Wacker drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, iL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALe you can also visit the Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. COdiLiS & ASSOCiAteS, P.C. 15W030 NORtH FRONtAGe ROAd, Suite 100 buRR RidGe, iL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-31068 Attorney ARdC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 001072 tJSC#: 34-20637 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 for that purpose. i636328 iN tHe CiRCuit COuRt OF COOK COuNty, iLLiNOiS COuNty dePARtMeNt CHANCeRy diViSiON CHRiStiANA tRuSt, A diViSiON OF WiLMiNGtON SAViNGS FuNd SOCiety, FSb, NOt iN itS iNdiViduAL CAPACity but AS tRuStee OF ARLP tRuSt 4 Plaintiff, -v.beRNARd bROWNFieLd defendants 09 CH 008772 7959 S. StAte StReet 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 30, 2014, an agent for the Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 2, 2015, at 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 7959 S. StAte StReet, CHiCAGO, iL 60619 Property index No. 20-34-100-0240000. the real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to the Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. the balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. the subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS iS” condition. the sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. the property will NOt be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. if this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). if this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/18.5(g-1). iF yOu ARe tHe MORtGAGOR (HOMeOWNeR), yOu HAVe tHe RiGHt tO ReMAiN iN POSSeSSiON FOR 30 dAyS AFteR eNtRy OF AN ORdeR OF POSSeSSiON, iN ACCORdANCe WitH SeCtiON 15-1701(C) OF tHe iLLiNOiS MORtGAGe FOReCLOSuRe LAW. effective May 1st, 2014 you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues. 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 14-13-28710. tHe JudiCiAL SALeS CORPORAtiON One South Wacker drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, iL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALe you can also visit the Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. COdiLiS & ASSOCiAteS, P.C. 15W030 NORtH FRONtAGe ROAd, Suite 100 buRR RidGe, iL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-28710 Attorney ARdC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 09 CH 008772 tJSC#: 34-17780 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 for that purpose. i635054 iN tHe CiRCuit COuRt OF COOK COuNty, iLLiNOiS COuNty dePARtMeNt - CHANCeRy diViSiON ONeWeSt bANK N.A. Plaintiff, -v.CHiCAGO titLe LANd tRuSt COMPANy SuCCeSSOR tRuStee tO COSMOPOLitAN bANK ANd tRuSt COMPANy u/t/A dAted 6/27/68 A/K/A tRuSt NuMbeR 8115, uNKNOWN beNeFiCiARieS OF CHiCAGO titLe LANd tRuSt COMPANy SuCCeSSOR tRuStee tO COSMOPOLitAN bANK ANd tRuSt COMPANy u/t/A dAted 6/27/68 A/K/A tRuSt NuMbeR 8115, uNited StAteS OF AMeRiCA - dePARtMeNt OF HOuSiNG ANd uRbAN deVeLOPMeNt, uNKNOWN OWNeRS ANd NONReCORd CLAiMANtS, WiLLiAM P. butCHeR, AS SPeCiAL RePReSeNtAtiVe FOR Addie b. COViNGtON (deCeASed), JiMMie COViNGtON a a a a defendants 14 CH 000182 5642 S. eMeRALd AVeNue CHiCAGO, iL 60621 NOtiCe OF SALe PubLiC NOtiCe iS HeReby GiVeN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 26, 2014, an agent for the Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on december 29, 2014, at 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 5642 S. eMeRALd AVeNue, CHiCAGO, iL 60621 Property index No. 20-16-100-065. the real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to the Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. the balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. the subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ?AS iS? condition. the sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the united States, the united States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 u.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the united States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. the property will NOt be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. if this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). if this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/18.5(g-1). iF yOu ARe tHe MORtGAGOR (HOMeOWNeR), yOu HAVe tHe RiGHt tO ReMAiN iN POSSeSSiON FOR 30 dAyS AFteR eNtRy OF AN ORdeR OF POSSeSSiON, iN ACCORdANCe WitH SeCtiON 15-1701(C) OF tHe iLLiNOiS MORtGAGe FOReCLOSuRe LAW. effective May 1st, 2014 you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues. 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 14-13-30986. 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. 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 for that purpose. i634539 iN tHe CiRCuit COuRt OF COOK COuNty, iLLiNOiS COuNty dePARtMeNt CHANCeRy diViSiON deutSCHe bANK NAtiONAL tRuSt COMPANy, AS tRuStee FOR NOVAStAR MORtGAGe FuNdiNG tRuSt, SeRieS 2006-4 NOVAStAR HOMe eQuity LOAN ASSet-bACKed CeRtiFiCAteS, SeRieS 2006-4 Plaintiff, -v.bARbARA edWARdS-HudSON, WAde HudSON, SAXON MORtGAGe SeRViCeS iNC., MORtGAGe eLeCtRONiC ReGiStRAtiON SySteMS, iNC. defendants 11 CH 006499 457 W. 61St StReet CHiCAGO, iL 60621 NOtiCe OF SALe PubLiC NOtiCe iS HeReby GiVeN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 3, 2014, an agent for the Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on december 30, 2014, at 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 457 W. 61St StReet, CHiCAGO, iL 60621 Property index No. 20-16-320-001-0000. the real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to the Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. the balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. the subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS iS” condition. the sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. the property will NOt be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. if this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). if this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/18.5(g-1). iF yOu ARe tHe MORtGAGOR (HOMeOWNeR), yOu HAVe tHe RiGHt tO ReMAiN iN POSSeSSiON FOR 30 dAyS AFteR eNtRy OF AN ORdeR OF POSSeSSiON, iN ACCORdANCe WitH SeCtiON 15-1701(C) OF tHe iLLiNOiS MORtGAGe FOReCLOSuRe LAW. effective May 1st, 2014 you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues. 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 14-13-27275. tHe JudiCiAL SALeS CORPORAtiON One South Wacker drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, iL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALe you can also visit the Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. COdiLiS & ASSOCiAteS, P.C. 15W030 NORtH FRONtAGe ROAd, Suite 100 buRR RidGe, iL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-13-27275 Attorney ARdC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 11 CH 006499 tJSC#: 34-18744 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 for that purpose. i634295 iN tHe CiRCuit COuRt OF COOK COuNty, iLLiNOiS COuNty dePARtMeNt CHANCeRy diViSiON NAtiONWide AdVANtAGe MORtGAGe COMPANy Plaintiff, -v.JOANN GiPSON A/K/A JOANNe GiPSON defendants 11 CH 006022 6625 S. PeORiA StReet CHiCAGO, iL 60621 NOtiCe OF SALe PubLiC NOtiCe iS HeReby GiVeN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 23, 2014, an agent for the Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on december 26, 2014, at 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 6625 S. PeORiA StReet, CHiCAGO, iL 60621 Property index No. 20-20-230-010. the real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to the Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. the balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. the subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS iS” condition. the sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. the property will NOt be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. if this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). if this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/18.5(g-1). iF yOu ARe tHe MORtGAGOR (HOMeOWNeR), yOu HAVe tHe RiGHt tO ReMAiN iN POSSeSSiON FOR 30 dAyS AFteR eNtRy OF AN ORdeR OF POSSeSSiON, iN ACCORdANCe WitH SeCtiON 15-1701(C) OF tHe iLLiNOiS MORtGAGe FOReCLOSuRe LAW. effective May 1st, 2014 you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues. 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 14-11-04397. tHe JudiCiAL SALeS CORPORAtiON One South Wacker drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, iL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALe you can also visit the Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. COdiLiS & ASSOCiAteS, P.C. 15W030 NORtH FRONtAGe ROAd, Suite 100 buRR RidGe, iL 60527 (630) 794-5300 Attorney File No. 14-11-04397 Attorney ARdC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 11 CH 006022 tJSC#: 34-17787 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 for that purpose. i634287 iN tHe CiRCuit COuRt OF COOK COuNty, iLLiNOiS COuNty dePARtMeNt CHANCeRy diViSiON NAtiONStAR MORtGAGe LLC Plaintiff, -v.eMMeRA WALKeR, CHiCAGO titLe LANd tRuSt COMPANy AS tRuStee utA dtd 12/20/06 KNOWN AS tRuSt NO 8002348209, MORtGAGe eLeCtRONiC ReGiStRAtiON SySteMS, iNC., AS NOMiNee FOR COuNtRyWide bANK, 1517-19 eASt MARQuette CONdOMiNiuM ASSOCiAtiON, iNC., uNKNOWN beNeFiCiARieS OF CHiCAGO titLe LANd tRuSt COMPANy AS tRuStee utA dtd 12/20/06 KNOWN AS tRuSt NO 8002348209, uNKNOWN OWNeRS ANd NON-ReCORd CLAiMANtS defendants 11 CH 26542 1517-19 eASt MARQuette ROAd uNit 3e CHiCAGO, iL 60637 NOtiCe OF SALe PubLiC NOtiCe iS HeReby GiVeN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 10, 2014, an agent for the Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 13, 2015, at 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 1517-19 eASt MARQuette ROAd uNit 3e, CHiCAGO, iL 60637 Property index No. 20-23-226-028-1007. the real estate is improved with a multi unit condominium with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to the Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. the balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. the subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS iS” condition. the sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. the property will NOt be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. if this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). if this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 iLCS 605/18.5(g-1). iF yOu ARe tHe MORtGAGOR (HOMeOWNeR), yOu HAVe tHe RiGHt tO ReMAiN iN POSSeSSiON FOR 30 dAyS AFteR eNtRy OF AN ORdeR OF POSSeSSiON, iN ACCORdANCe WitH SeCtiON 15-1701(C) OF tHe iLLiNOiS MORtGAGe FOReCLOSuRe LAW. you will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where the Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. PieRCe & ASSOCiAteS, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHiCAGO, iL 60602. tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number PA1114221. 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. PieRCe & ASSOCiAteS One North dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHiCAGO, iL 60602 (312) 476-5500 Attorney File No. PA1114221 Attorney Code. 91220 Case Number: 11 CH 26542 tJSC#: 34-17892 i636492
www.chicagocrusader.com
CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 12-13-14_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/11/14 3:31 AM Page 19
BUSINESS
Neighborhood Laundry Mat opens state-of-the-art facility A Grand Opening celebration was recently held at 609 East 67th Street for the newly decorated Neighborhood Laundry Mat, which has state-of-the-art washers and dryers, and a new blacktop parking lot with lights. Kurt D. Cargle, the owner, was joined by family, friends and neighborhood residents, who were served refreshments and provided a tour after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Cargle is a longtime resident of the community and dedicated businessman to the concept of entrepreneurship. He also has many years of personal experience in the business. This is one of several clothing cleaning business ventures for Cargle. His father, Elmer D. Cargle, owned seven laundromats in the South Side of Chicago and provided the younger Cargle with his first business experience, as well as instilling the concept of entrepreneurship. The Neighborhood Laundry Mat like his other businesses is designed to attract neighbors who are in walking distance, and those who want to drive from various communities in Chicago. There are trained attendants to serve the customers seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Customers will receive the same high quality customer service as provided at the other locations. Each location is monitored at all times and, comments and requests are all responded to quickly. In addition, to free dry with wash everyday, the Neighborhood Laundry Mat also accepts drop-
off service. The adjacent parking lot provides customers with easy access and free parking. Other locations are New Spin Cycle, 1400 East 47th Street; Neighborhood Laundromat, 2053 East 95th Street; Neighborhood Laundromat, 8523 S. 88th in Justice, Ill. and two cleaners in Chicago called Dry Cleaners & Alterations; one at 11251 S. Halsted and the second one at 1400 E. 47th Street. Today Kurt practices the vision and his goal is to provide residents with first preference for jobs and customers with the highest quality experience in his establishments. “It is our vision that a boarded up neighborhood will become a old era,� said Cargle.
KURT CARGLE, owner of Neighborhood Laundry Mat at 609 E. 67th Street cuts the ribbon to the updated facility as his uncle, Rev. Carrell Cargle, Sr. cheers (left).
THE NEW LAUNDROMAT has state-of-the-art machines and dryers as well as parking adjacent to the building.
THE GRAND OPENING celebration drew many neighborhood residents, who will no longer have to travel as far for laundry services. www.chicagocrusader.com
REV. CARRELL CARGLE, SR., left, marks the grand opening with a brief speech while standing next to his nephew, Kurt Cargle, owner of Neighborhood Laundry Mat.
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014
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CHiCAGO CRuSAdeR 12-13-14_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/11/14 3:31 AM Page 20
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Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
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