Chicago Crusader 12-17-2016

CHICAGO CRUSADER 12-17-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/15/16 5:31 AM Page 1

www.chicagocrusader.com Blacks Must Control Their Own Community

•C•P•V•S•

To The Unconquerable Host of Africans Who Are Laying Their Sacrifices Upon The Editorial Altar For Their Race

AUDITED BY

VOLUME LXXVI NUMBER 35—SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

PUBLISHED SINCE 1940

25 Cents and worth more

No Safety Net for Mental Health Patients

By J. Coyden Palmer Citing the impending privatization of the Roseland Mental Health Clinic, 200 E. 115th St., patients are still struggling to find adequate care after Mayor Rahm Emanuel closed six mental health centers. More mental health patients are showing up in Cook County Jail, and mental health advocates say, “Chicago is on course for a mental health crisis of epic proportions.” Those words have been seconded by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.

Last week, two dozen protesters chained the doors shut to the Roseland site as a protest. For three hours, they prevented people from going in and out of the front door as one protester in a wheelchair chained himself to the doors inside. Another protester put a huge lock and chain on the front door. It was only after a S.W.A.T. team arrived and the locks were cut off, the doors of the facility were reopened.

Access to mental health treatment in PROTESTORS DEMONSTRATED RECENTLY in front of the Roseland Clinic on Chicago’s South Side to bring awareChicago continues to be a problem lawmak- ness to the pattern of mental health clinic closures related to privatization. ers and healthcare providers have yet to be even more uncertainty.

N’Dana Carter says her major concern is close it without warning, leaving many pasolve. The proposed privatization of the Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) supports the pri- that by privatizing the clinic, it means that if tients out in the cold.

Roseland clinic by Community Counseling vatization plan put forth by Emanuel, but the business running it does not feel they are She said such sudden closure has already Centers of Chicago (C4) means there will many think it is a bad move. making enough money, they can decide to (Continued on page 3)

Former Illinois Senate president cements legacy

By Glenn Reedus At 81 years old, former Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., is one of the most powerful members who ever occupied a seat in Springfield. His might not be a household name to a generation of millennial voters, but he recently cemented his political legacy with a donation to the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC).

Jones, who retired in 2009 after 36 years as a state representative and state senator, donated papers from his legislative and political life to the university.

“I am not really sure. I just know there are boxes and boxes and boxes of papers,” he replied when asked about how many papers are contained in the donation. The former South Side legislator also said he wasn’t certain how soon the university will let the public have access to those papers.

He is only the second African American in Illinois history to serve as Senate president.

The first was the late Cecil Partee.

Over the course of his political career, Jones’ name was synonymous with Chicago State University. In the early 70s he gal-

Emil Jones, Jr. vanized the few Black legislators in Springfield and got them to concur that they should work to ensure CSU received the same level of state benefits as the UIC and University of Illinois, and the directional (Eastern, Western Northern and Southern) universities. Acknowledgement of his valued commitment to CSU is reflected in the fact that the convocation center bears the name of his late wife Patricia, and Jones.

A one-time mentor to President Barack Obama, Jones explained that UIC received his donation because that university already has a vast collection of political papers. “Those papers are very, very important,” he offered. The papers bear tremendous social relevance because Jones’ first term in the legislature coincides with the rise of his former colleague, Harold Washington’s ascent to the mayor’s office in Chicago.

It’s a career Jones said he doesn’t miss.

During his earliest years in the Illinois House, CSU had been operating under that name approximately 10 years, and Jones and other Black legislators saw although it was a state-controlled school, it didn’t have the same level of resources other state universities were receiving. That’s when Jones convinced the Black legislators to make CSU a priority, he shared, adding that there was a lot of horse-trading to achieve their goals. When downstate legislators wanted something special for Southern Illinois University (SIU), the Black Caucus found a way to hold up that legislation, until they had extracted a promise for some improvement or change at CSU. “In the 80s and 90s we were all about power.”

An example closer to home is the University of Illinois-Chicago Medical Center.

UIC wanted state funding for the center, but Black legislators withheld their votes,

and ultimately when UIC got the $100 million it wanted for its medical center, CSU got a new library and convocation center.

He added that even though there were fewer Black legislators back then compared to today, the ones from the other era “were able to pour all of our power into a project to make it happen.” Jones said that clout went beyond CSU and the lesson he learned was “one’s vision must be bigger than one’s self. If it is going to impact our people you have to look at it in a global nature,” he opined.

Jones indicated he has no plans to pursue public office, but did have advice for anyone who is considering doing so. “Get in at (Continued on page 2)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Major temp agency sued for discrimination (See story on page 14)

CHICAGO CRUSADER 12-17-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/15/16 5:31 AM Page 2

The High Price Of Imprisonment A growing list of costs are being passed on to inmates and their families

By Eric Easter Urban News Service As incarceration rates continue to grow around the United States, the enormous costs of some prison services are increasingly being paid by those who can least afford it –- the families of inmates.

In 2001, when the DC Department of Corrections closed its notorious prison facility in Lorton, Virginia, Ulandis Forte, in prison for murder, was relocated to facilities far away from home, and family. His grandmother, Martha Wright, nearly blind and unable to travel, made frequent calls to prisons out of state –-in New Mexico, then Arizona, then Kentucky — only to find herself deeply in hardship and debt due to exorbitant fees charged by the private companies contracted to provide prison phone services.

Forte and Wright are only the most well known among thousands of families struggling to stay in contact with incarcerated relatives. Their

Link, and Securus Technologies.

Early in December, 2016, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (DIll) was joined by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in introducing a Concurrent Resolution to address exorbitant prison phone rates for phone calls between inmates and their families.

Since the 109th Congress Rush has introduced federal legislation, and has long advocated nationally, for the reduction of exorbitant prison phone rates. In 2005, he first introduced the Family Telephone Connection Protection Act, to require the FCC to regulate high priced, interstate calling rates for prison phone calls.

“For the last decade I have sought to end the “family divide” that exists with regard to unequal access to communication services between incarcerated members of our society and their loved ones” Rush said.

Rush has reintroduced this legislation in every subsequent Congress to put an end to kickbacks known as “site commissions” received by pris-

THE PRISON TELEPHONE business has been a very lucrative business for two major contractors in the industry. A 2015 ruling by the FCC placed a cap on the rates, which gave some relief to African American inmates and their families, who are disproportionately affected.

2%, as far away as 1000 miles minute in some extreme cases. In- fectively put most new reforms on (source: Prison Policy Initiative). mates themselves make on average, hold. While a new ruling is pending, Steven Matthews, the former chief $4.73 per day. At the rate before the some fees have been held to an “ininformation officer for the Illinois proposed caps, a full day’s wages was terim cap,” which may or may not Department of Corrections ex- equivalent to about 3-4 minutes of a remain. plained the dilemma, “In Illinois, phone call.

Still, prices can vary wildly deyou have most prisoners being held But any sense of long term relief pending on where an inmate is downstate. For a family from Chica- was short-lived. Attorneys represent- housed, from as low as $0.45 for a go, a visit in-person can mean the ing the major providers of phone ser- 15-minute call in West Virginia to cost of a rental car, gas, food, maybe vices, went on the attack, arguing in $5.65 for the same call just one state loss of work. Then when you get courts that the FCC lacked jurisdic- over the border in Maryland. there, a lockdown or any number of tion over calls made intra-state. The What was an obvious victory for things can happen. So add to that the argument was sufficient enough for a (Continued on page 14) cost of lodging, food and another day federal judge to stay the action and eflost. By the end of that, it can be upwards of $600 or more for a visit.

And that’s in the same state. Compared to that, a phone call is sometimes the only option.”

Yet, that “cheaper” alternative has become its own costly barrier. For (Continued from page 1) some families, they can mean hundreds, or thousands of dollars in fees the ground level. Learn the process tics because he saw “there was alin addition to more than $13,000 on by volunteering, handing out liter- ways some (public) official who average in already existing debt from ature, doing the phone bank. It has made decisions regarding our lives.

I saw the government as a way to court costs and other expenses relat- to be something you enjoy doing.

“Work for somebody. Do some- bring about change.” There was a ed to incarceration.

The phone services are not provid- thing for somebody. You can’t join wealth of highlights during his ed by traditional telecom companies the Catholic Church today and four-decade career, and Jones said such as AT&T, Sprint or other want to be Pope tomorrow. Go he is proudest of being the first providers. At the center of the issue knock on some doors. You can get Black person selected as the Demoare handful of private contractors, led more accomplished working for cratic leader, and then being electby industry leaders Securus and somebody else than just doing for ed State Senate President. “I consider that quite an achievement,” Global TelLink (GTL), who provide self.

He recalled that he entered poli- he noted. both equipment and calls centers through which the call are routed and monitored for security reasons.

In court cases, representatives of the industry say those security challenges are among the reasons calls come at such a high cost.

After many long years of effort, in 2015, part of the battle against high rates appeared to be won, when the FCC announced new rate caps that lowered rates to a range of $0.12 to $0.31 per minute, a sliding scale based on the size of a facility. Prior to that ruling, a family could be charged an average $1.21 per minute in some facilities, and as high as $40 per

Former Illinois Senate president cements legacy

fight lies at the heart of more than a decade of work by lawyers and activists -–in courts and before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – to find relief.

Yet fifteen years later, with only some successes to claim, the fight continues, stalled repeatedly by bureaucracy and the power of corporate lobbyists.

But even as that phone battle looks for resolution, the companies providing those phones are finding new and creative ways to make an array of new services “essential” to prison management.

The prison telephone service market is a lucrative one, totaling approximately $1.2 billion dollars annually.

And that revenue comes at a high cost to inmates and their families. Two telecom companies dominate the prison services market, Global Tel 2

ons based on incoming and outgoing calls between inmates and their families.

The evidence is clear — inmates who stay in regular contact with families and friends fare much better in prison, adjust to life better upon release and have a dramatically better chance of staying out of prison.

Phone calls are intended to solve a critical problem when visitation becomes both a financial and logistical burden.

According to the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, the families of inmates are among America’s poorest, with nearly two-thirds falling under or near the poverty line and unable to meet basic food and housing needs.

More than 53% of American inmates are housed from 100-500 miles from where their families reside with over 16,000 inmates, about

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

www.chicagocrusader.com

CHICAGO CRUSADER 12-17-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/15/16 5:31 AM Page 3

Richard Boykin releases final gun violence study Gives answers to decrease shootings

By Chinta Strausberg In a move of unity aimed at reducing gun violence, Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart released their Gun Violence Task (GVTF) Force report which reveals that sharing the expertise of the Chicago Police Department and the Sheriff’s police could put a dent in gun crimes.

The report called for a greater need for information, sharing of statistical reporting, and research studies needed to understand the gun violence issue, including its patterns and potential predictors.

The areas recommended for sharing resources are in Law Enforcement with improved and more strategic community policing. By using hot-spot and focus-deference policing which identify specific areas of criminal activity, implementing coordinated practices and resources in those volatile areas could make a difference.

Boykin said the study proved there needs to be more collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the Chicago Police Department. The agencies would be more effective in combatting gun violence by working in tandem.

In agreement was Sheriff’s Police

Comm. Richard Boykin Deputy Chief Mike Anton, chairman of the GVTF, who echoed the Sheriff and said that together Sherriff Dart’s office and CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson’s office could put a real dent in gun violence.

Data sharing by law enforcement agencies has been woefully lacking.

Cooperative sharing of data is needed to get at the perpetrators of gun violence.

“The GVTF reportedly found that a substantial lack of quality data related to crime-related violence, exists in any cohesive or analytical sense,” the report stated.

Sheriff Dart said, “We started this with the goal of aiming small, not re-

lying on an ineffective legislature to pass sweeping laws, but instead focusing on evidence-based strategies that we could actually implement, to try and curb the gun violence that plagues our streets. In a measure of initial success, we’ve already begun implementing a number of the recommendations within the report.”

The report called for more crimerelated violence research to be conducted by government-university partnerships and the creation of local and state-based crime-related research centers.

Said Dart: “We need to be smarter on this issue and are sure we know all that we can about how to prevent and deter crime-related violence and the fact of the matter is that we just aren’t there right now.”

Dart’s office has drafted legislation he says would create a state-based Crime-related Violence Research Center within the University of Illinois. His bill unanimously passed the Illinois House Higher Education Committee with bipartisan support.

The GVTF discovered that the traditional punishment-based policing strategies “do not create a conducive environment to reduce gun violence.” The report called for greater cooperation and partnering with local agencies and community organizations.

Referring to sharing of law enforcement services, sharing data and better relations with the community, Boykin said, “These three things we

Sheriff Tom Dart can do without any legislation from Springfield, the city or the county.

You see better relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and the city than under former Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy.”

According to the report, in the past ten-years, more than 50,000 African American men were victims of firearm homicides in the U.S. What is puzzling, according to the report, is that Chicago has a population that is three times smaller than L.A. and New York yet Chicago has more gun violence, even though police confiscate more guns than both of those cities combined, In Chicago, three-fourths of the

gunshot victims are Black and they live in concentrated 10-20 highcrime areas on the south or west sides of the city. “A disturbing number of these victims are innocent children who get in the way when criminals target rivals,” the report stated.

On one side of the picture, the report said homicides that result from gun violence account for only one half of an otherwise incomplete picture but too often people forget about the other half…the non-fatal shootings who are treated at the Stroger Hospital by doctors from the Cook County Health and Hospital Systems.

Boykin has often said the cost of caring for gunshot victims ranges between $35,000 and $50,000 per patient, but the report said in some cases, those costs could rise between $250,000 for the first year and $200,000 for subsequent years.

The report called for “police-based policing” or “hot spot policing.” It is a way of zeroing in on gun violence areas.

Commissioner Boykin presented the report to the Cook County Board. “Nobody expected over 700 people would be killed in 2016 and over 4,000 people shot. These kinds of shootings shock the conscious of a civilized society.”

Looking forward to a new year, Boykin added, “We have to work as hard as we can to make sure 2017 is not like 2016. We cannot afford for this to happen next year.”

No Safety Net for Mental Health Patients (Continued from page 1) happened at one clinic on the city’s North Side that was operated by Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4)—the same group slated to take over the Roseland clinic. Carter fears if it were to happen again in Roseland, it would have a devastating effect on the South Side as the clinic services over 400 people a month.

“This clinic serves six different communities,” said protester Diane Adams. “We cannot monitor C4, but we can monitor the city.

The city had to bail them out before when they almost went broke.

We’re not trying to cause problems, but we need to save this clinic. This area here is a high-crime area and all the stats show the highest crime areas in the city also have the least amount of mental health services.”

What Carter and others want is a safety net in place that will allow patients access to care should the clinic closes. Carter said simple things like recommendations on where they can go to receive care would be helpful.

Inside sources say the Roseland www.chicagocrusader.com

Mental Health Clinic is the only clinic with a full-time psychiatrist within the entire City of Chicago’s Department of Mental Health. The clinic sees over 400 patients a month. More than 100 patients will lose follow-up care if the Roseland MHC closes on Dec. 16. Although C4 recently received grant funds through County Care as well as an additional grant, C4 is unable to hire staff and contractual psychiatrists to do telepsychiatry and treat patients before Dec. 16.

At least 31 aldermen have signed off on a proposed ordinance that would give some protections to mental health patients. The Mental Health Safety Net Ordinance is being sponsored by Ald. Jason Ervin (28th).

Among other things, it calls for the Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Julie Morita to adequately staff all mental health centers with psychiatrists within four months passage of the ordinance. It also calls for mental health workshops in communities disproportionately affected by violence and for the commissioner to enter into contracts with three managedcare entities for reimbursement for

health care services provided to individuals with Medicaid health plans.

The ordinance has yet to be presented to the full City Council for a vote. It has been tied up in the health committee, and there is no timetable if it will ever come to the Council floor.

Carter said that this is one of the most frustrating things she and oth-

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

er activists have to deal with. She said while the ordinance sits in committee, people are suffering.

The ordinance recognizes there are significant challenges with staffing, insufficient community outreach and billing problems. It also acknowledges that some patients have been turned away from services when the Illinois Department of Human Services indicated a plan to

shift Medicaid recipients to a managed-care plan.

“We’ve had people left out in the cold literally because of the city’s poor management,” Carter said.

“You can’t have people in need of medication waiting weeks because they can’t get their prescriptions filled because there hasn’t been a doctor available to renew their scripts. It’s a dangerous gamble the city is taking that will have horrible results.”

Nicole Pruitt is one of those who got caught up when C4 closed one of its clinics last year. Pruitt had to turn to street drugs to self-medicate.

She told the Crusader when the clinic closed without warning, they gave her no help or directions on where to go to get services. She said there are many others stuck in the same situation. It took her over a year to be seen by a doctor and get her prescriptions back on track. She said during that time she could have died.

“It’s a terrible thing I went through. Every place I tried to get help turned me away and I really didn’t understand what I was doing wrong or right. I was in dire need of help and the city abandoned me,” she said.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

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CHICAGO CRUSADER 12-17-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/15/16 5:31 AM Page 4

RACISM, XENOPHOBIA AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF BELIEF The American Circus is in full swing. Things happening now since the November 8 election of Donald Trump as president-elect defy belief! First of all, the President-elect’s cabinet choices include the crème of plutocracy. It is as though he and his transition team tried to snag every right wing bigot, millionaire and billionaire who was available.

Race aside, it becomes obvious that there are two major types of people in the world.

There are those who believe that they have the right to treat others whom they consider less than themselves, with a profound lack of respect and consideration. On the other hand, you have people who think about others, who feel that workers should make a livable wage, and that everyone has the right to live and be themselves. This is the eternal clash between opposites, between so-called good and evil.

The unbelievable conundrum, however, is that both sides think they are right!

During a recent television program, people were interviewed regarding certain societal problems. There were actually people who believed that all people have equal opportunity and, therefore, that they are on the right side of history in a dog-eat-dog world. They, therefore, felt that people should not qualify for free college tuition.

The challenge that America faces is that it seems that there is a disproportionate number of people allied with president-elect Trump who have beliefs such as this one that can be interpreted as being selfish.

Belief is a funny animal; people believe what they do for various and sundry reasons, most connected with their experiences during their formative years. People learn about good and evil, about how to behave in society, from their parents and others with whom they were in contact when they were growing up.

Now, lest we begin to feel self-righteous about the obvious racism and hatred supported by Trump’s sycophants and others of that ilk, consider this: the gangsta’ rappers who saturate our radio and television airwaves with music that is considered deleterious to young Black minds, seem to have a distinct mindset that what they are doing is all right. In other words, a lack of humanity and caring has no color boundaries.

Some of these rappers, including a number of African American males who have decided that it is their job and duty to snuff out the lives of other African American males, are cut from the same cloth as Trump supporters. For whatever reasons, they don’t feel any allegiance between themselves and the Black community as a whole. It would be very difficult to dissuade them from their beliefs, and when all is said and done, they are operating from a mindset that they feel is justified.

Belief systems therefore, are going to have to be addressed if there is to be positive change in America. Someone will have to figure out how to reach people whose developmental mindset is stuck on racism, xenophobia, and hatred, among other malignant social elements that they, in the long run, do not believe are evil.

Question - is there an absolute definition of what is good and what is evil? In other words, are we just looking at an example of sociological relativity and that it depends upon where we reside psychologically as to the goodness or evilness of a situation?

Basically, we can say yes, that there is a yardstick by which we can measure social behavior to determine the efficacy of a particular stance, and that rule is this: does it hurt or help others? This idea alone can determine the rightness or wrongness of a particular belief system.

Unfortunately, at this juncture, a large number of Americans are on a path of social destruction, and many of them appear to be Trumpites. Hopefully, positive changes will occur before it is too late, but judging from the cabinet that Trump is assembling, hope seems distant. Black people at this time need to become proactive and address whatever happens in order to ensure that the community survives intact. A luta continua.

Given the level of violence in Chicago, it is very understandable that everyone wants to bring about a solution, but it is extremely disappointing when someone who should know better proposes a half-cooked idea.

I guess it is doubly disappointing because not only should State Sen. Kwame Raoul know better, he has the background and resources to come up with a more practical and plausible solution.

The senator, who is often rumored to be interested in running for governor, wants his colleagues in the general assembly to pass legislation that will tag longer sentences on individuals convicted of a crime using a gun.

How in the world is that going to prevent people from being shot in the city? If Raoul was thinking, he would proffer legislation that addresses the violence issue on the front end, not as an afterthought.

Raoul has access to an entire research arm in state government. If he were serious about stopping violence he would have had them look into what works when it comes to violence reduction.

Raoul could read a few past issues of the Crusader and see there have been stories and letters to the

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Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sen. Raoul just doesn’t get it Dear Editor:

editor pointing out that CeaseFire is doing a stellar job on the West Side and South Side preventing shootings and killings.

Wasn’t Raoul paying attention a few months ago when the general assembly allocated more than $4 million in stopgap funding to CeaseFire? Surely, they didn’t get that money because that operation is ineffective. Just the opposite is true.

I have to wonder if Raoul is under some kind of personal stress because in the past he has been much sharper and on point with his legislative ideas. But to think that violence will be curbed by keeping people in prison longer…?

What does he think will happen with the ones who don’t get caught and keep shooting? Raoul is truly disappointing on this one.

Lester Franklin

less of how much or how little one knows about Electoral colleges and voter suppression, Trump seems to be fair game for ridicule.

My concern is that so many of us will get caught up in dissing Trump we don’t pay proper attention to the other political duty at hand. That would be races in the (Continued on page 17)

CHICAGO CRUSADER (U.S.P.S. 596080)

Editor-Publisher

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J.L. Smith 6429 South King Drive Chicago, Illinois 60637 773-752-2500 An independent newspaper serving the Southside Westside and Northside, printing the news impartially empowering what it believes to be right and appealling what it believes to be wrong without regard to party politics. Devoted to the Industrial, Educational, SocioPolitical and Educational advancement of Black people.

VOL.LXXVI NO.35 DEC.17, 2016

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Don’t over-focus on Trump Dear Editor: I understand how easy it is right now to get caught up in all things Trump. Even though he is now president-elect, the man is still an easy target for ridicule and speculation because of what looks to be buffoonery. He also comes off as being lost when it comes to presidential-level governing. Regard-

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The SBA is coming Back!

Beyond the Rhetoric

By Harry C. Alford Oh, how I remember when the Small Business Administration was vibrant and active throughout the nation. The staff of the SBA was extremely active and worked out in the grass roots helping new entrepreneurs get started, get funded and succeed. I have asked many people a simple question: “Who is the current administrator of the SBA?” After two weeks, I have yet to hear one person state her/his name. I find that amazing.

What has happened to the administration started by President Richard Nixon?

I remember when my wife, Kay, and I founded the National Black Chamber of Commerce. We were immediately immersed in SBA activity locally, regionally, and nationally. Quickly, I was appointed to the White House Conference on Small Business. The Conference assembled here in DC and had multiple visits by both President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. Many business organizations participated and we all got along smoothly and came out of the conference with a proud platform and motivated. There was supposed to be a White House Conference on Small Business every ten years. But that has

not happened.

There used to be many congressional hearings involving small business owners dealing with many issues such as the 8(a) Development Program, the Alaskan Native Program (ANC) – which was an attack on 8(a) contractors – the 8(a) program has not been the same since. Contracts were bundled to where they were so big only billion dollar companies could bid on them. We won that battle but now I see it is coming back under this administration. Is there anyone to fight it from the government side now? Back then the SBA would ask the NBCC for candidates for job vacancies. I gave them Kerry Kirkland’s name for Region 2 Director. He got it!

Our last big battle in concert with the SBA was the Katrina Rebuilding beginning in 2005. After a slow start we got going. The biggest break was when I had a few seconds to speak to President George W. Bush. I told him we were frustrated over the lack of access to contracts for rebuilding after the hurricane. He told me to give him a few weeks and tell my members to go back to those same contracting officers. The contracting officers’ attitudes had totally changed! We did over $3.2 billion in contracting (verified through the help of FEMA). The SBA was

Harry C. Alford with us through these events.

In 2009, the SBA lost its legacy.

It had completely changed. Their district directors and other staff members were frustrated with manning levels. The field force was shrinking year by year. I asked a SBA speaker who addressed the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, July 2016, about the drastic decrease in the presence as well as performance in lending and contracting. He started to tear up.

I encouraged him by predicting

changes will come in 2017. To use the term decrease is a great understatement. Contracting and lending to Blacks at the SBA fell through the “floor.” It appears it was deliberate. Imagine, the NBCC’s telephone, email and fax numbers were formally blocked by the SBA. We couldn’t even contact them. Was this America? They would lie about their numbers falling to near zero by saying they did not track them. Finally, the Wall St. Journal did an investigation and the truth, indeed, came out. It was a tragedy. Never in the history of the SBA did their contracting and lending dollars retreat so far back. This federally funded agency was declaring “incommunicado” with the largest Black business association in the world. Naturally, they were going to lose at the expense of Black entrepreneurs.

Their attitude and arrogance shall be added to their legacy.

I remember the day my sons came to me after trying to get their business certified as a “Small, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise” DBE. The SBA agent told them there is no need to do that because they “probably wouldn’t get any business anyway from the program.” How dismal did it get!

That administration of the SBA is starting to pack up. Get gone!!! It is time for better things to happen.

President Elect Donald Trump has named Linda McMahon to become the new Administrator of the SBA. You will soon become quite familiar with her name and background. A self-styled winner and leader. She brings a wide range of expertise and, in fact, has been studying the SBA for a few years. Once again Black entrepreneurs and all other entrepreneurs can get motivated. Bias will not be tolerated!

I remember the days of great “Matchmakers” the SBA would sponsor. They would recruit corporations to come and meet small business contractors, face to face, and then would account for new business that was gained from the event. They even hosted a Matchmaker at one of our annual conferences (it was a huge success).

Those were the days.

Cheer up America! There’s a new “sheriff” in town. Let us refer to the past seven years as the SBA “Dark Days.” Scratch them from your memory. New days are ahead and things are going to improve immensely. They simply cannot get worse.

Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.

Website: www.nationalbcc.org Email: halford@nationalbcc.org

FHA lending violations lead to $93 million fine and convictions

By Charlene Crowell A 2011 case that was filed in Manhattan’s U.S. District Court led to a five-week trial in Houston and a unanimous jury decision against one of the largest FHA home loan originators, Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation, (also known as Allied Capital, and Allied Home Mortgage Corporation) and Jim C. Hodge, its president and chief executive officer.

The corporations and Hodge were charged and convicted of violations of both the federal False Claims Act (FCA) and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA).

As a result of the convictions, the federal government will receive nearly $93 million from Allied Home Mortgage Capital and an additional $7.3 million from Hodge. Under the FIRREA, additional penalties will be assessed at a later time for each fraudulent violation ranging from a low of $5,500 to $11,000.

The additional penalties could be substantial. Over nearly a decade, Allied Capital originated FHA-insured home loans. Of these loans,

Charlene Crowell at least 1,192 were actually ineligible for FHA insurance under HUD guidelines. When the loans defaulted, HUD incurred losses of $85,612,643.

According to an investigative article by ProPublica, Allied had the highest serious delinquency rate among the top 20 FHA loan origi-

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nators from June 2008-May 2010.

During these years, nine states issued sanctions against Allied for its use of unlicensed brokers and practices of misleading borrowers.

“For years, Jim Hodge and Allied lied to HUD in order to fraudulently reap profits from the FHA mortgage insurance program”, said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. “After a month-long public trial where all their misconduct was exposed, a jury has held Mr. Hodge and Allied responsible for their lives and has made them pay for losses the United States suffered on loans that would never have been insured by HUD absent their lies.”

FHA guidelines ensure that its loans can only be made to consumers who can afford to repay them. To protect the ongoing availability of FHA mortgage insurance funds, HUD is responsible for accurately assessing the risk of default on loans it insures. HUD relies on assurances from lenders that they and the loans they submit fully comply with program requirements.

Allied operated as many as 600 branch offices, but only a few locations had quality control employees to review loans. Allied Capital –

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

with Hodge’s knowledge and approval – originated loans at more than 100 “shadow” branch offices that did not have the required authorization. The scheme included submitting loans from those branches to HUD using ID numbers of authorized sites.

When HUD auditors asked for quality control reports, Allied provided falsified information and Hodge directed employees to falsify quality control reports. Each year, both the firm and Hodge falsely certified to HUD that the business was in compliance with required quality control standards.

For Kenneth Magidson, Houston U.S. Attorney, the case represents an example of how fraudulent acts are aggressively pursued even when multiple U.S. Justice Offices are involved.

“Working together, we ensured a successful outcome following a lengthy trial and investigation against Allied and its CEO. We will continue to apply our resources whenever and wherever we can to ensure those that perpetuate such egregious fraud against the United States are held accountable for their actions,” said Magidson.

While the federal government and HUD can and should prose-

cute unlawful activities, the consumers who were snookered into these fraudulent loans deserve to be made whole.

For many consumers, a home represents the single largest investment of a lifetime. Its loss leads to several financial harms that affected consumers will suffer. Foreclosures dramatically depress credit scores and, as credit scores drop, the likelihood of new credit costing more is a near certainty. Some affected consumers will wind up paying a cumulative cost for receiving one predatory loan.

The Allied convictions also are a reminder of how the Justice Department can use its authority to take action when mortgage lending rules and laws are violated.

The future of this vital federal office should be a focal point of the upcoming confirmation hearings. Senate Judiciary committee members must acknowledge that the journey towards fair housing has yet to reach its destination.

Charlene Crowell is communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

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THE KWANZAA SEASON AND ECONOMICS Dr. Conrad Worrill, Director/Professor, Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS), located at 700 East Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, Illinois, 60653, 773268-7500, Fax: 773-268-3835.

E-mail: c-worrill@neiu.edu, Website: www.neiu.edu/ccics, Twitter: @CCICS_Chicago.

Dr. Conrad Worrill Kwanzaa is an African in America celebration, based on African agricultural/harvest celebrations and collective principles, which contribute to the unity and devel-

opment of our community in the United States. This is the 50th anniversary of Kwanzaa and the 47th year of its celebration in Chicago.

Kwanzaa was created to introduce African people in America to new values. Kwanzaa is a seven day celebration that is held from December 26 to January 1. These new values are called the Nguzo Saba or the seven principles of Blackness, which “if practiced would give them (us) a set of priorities and commitments which would enhance their (our) human possibilities and lead to their (our) liberation and a higher level of human life.”

The United States economy is suffering from the arrogance of white supremacy and centuries of brutal exploitation of the world’s resources and its people.

This era of United States history demands that African people in America place a greater degree of emphasis on our collective economic salvation. Once again, the old truth that “Black people are the last hired and the first fired,” is resurfacing throughout the major employment centers in this country.

Given this economic crisis, the Kwanzaa season helps us place the

question of economics high on the agenda of our struggle. The eradication of our economic slave condition must continue to be a major challenge as we enter the twenty-first-century.

It cannot be stated enough that we are far too dependent on Europeans and Asians for our food, clothing and shelter.

The principle we commemorate during the Kwanzaa season that speaks to this issue is Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). This principle encourages African people in America “to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.” On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, Thursday, December 29th, this principle is celebrated.

In this regard, it is important, once again, to state Malcolm X’s economic philosophy of Black nationalism. Malcolm said: “We must be re-educated to the importance of controlling the economy in which we live by owning and operating the business in the community we live in and developing some industry that will employ our people so we won’t have to boycott and picket other people in other communities to get a job. We must under-

stand the importance of spending money in the community in which we live.”

Malcolm went on to say that, “The neighborhoods in which you spend your money become richer and richer and the neighborhoods in which the money is taken out of become poorer and poorer. This creates slums- all the wealth leaves.”

Finally, speaking on the topic of economic philosophy of Black nationalism, Malcolm continues by pointing out: “Even when we try to spend money in our own community we don’t. Business is controlled by outsiders who don’t live in the community because we don’t know the importance of owning and operating businesses ourselves. So money leaves the community in a basket at sundown.

We must control our own economy.”

One important activity African American people should practice during the Kwanzaa season is doing business with each other, and they should continue this practice throughout the year.

In next to the final chapter of Dr. Chancellor Williams’ classic book, The Destruction of Black

Civilization, he addresses the issue of “Organizing A Race For Action.”

Dr. Williams explains that this organizing for racial action should have as a major component, “The Division of Economic Planning and Development.” He explains that: “The Division of Economic Planning and Development should be the foundation of the organized efforts and a principal source of support and promotion of the most important activities of the whole race. A guiding principle should be that all promoted community enterprises shall be cooperatively owned and controlled by the people of the community and that each enterprise be highly trained management and competent service personnel.”

In this connection, Dr. Williams makes this observation: “The second great understanding should be that economic activities are so fundamental in any truly upward movement, so clearly indispensable at this stage in history, that it should be unnecessary to state it even.”

If we are ever to become a free and independent people, we must organize the race for action.

WILL WORKERS SWALLOW A BITTER PILL?

By Julianne Malveaux When Donald Trump was running for President, he specifically targeted the “white working class,” telling them that he’d prevent their jobs from leaving the country, that he’d bring back manufacturing jobs, and that he’d revive the oil and steel industries.

He hasn’t taken office yet, but he has already celebrated the fact that Carrier, a furnace manufacturer in Indianapolis, Indiana, has agreed to keep jobs in the United States, even though they had earlier announced that they would move jobs to Mexico.

The Carrier deal that Trump has been crowing about is so deceptive, that some business writers describe it as a scam and the President of United Steelworkers 1999, Chuck Jones, accused Trump of lying his hind parts off.

Trump says he saved over a thousand jobs, but the real number may be closer to 730. Carrier will still relocate more than 500 jobs to Mexico, and they had already planned to keep about 300 jobs in the United States. So Trump may have “saved” 400 jobs, not 800 or a thousand, and Indiana governor Pence had to give up $7 million in tax benefits 6

to keep the jobs here.

Trump and Pence have also signaled that they are willing to play “let’s make a deal” on a case by case basis to keep jobs in the United States, instead of using public policy to encourage the development of US jobs and to limit the mobility of capital. And, Carrier is still closing another Indiana plant, but there has been no intervention for that closure.

Now, Mr. Trump has indicated that Andrew F. Puzder is his choice for Secretary of Labor. Puzder, the CEO of CKE Restaurant Holdings, a company that franchises Hardee and Carl’s Jr. fast food outlets, has opposed minimum wage increases, worker protections, paid sick leave, and the Affordable Care Act. He has said that he welcomes automation in the restaurant industry because machines are “always polite. . .never take a vacation, never show up late, there’s never a slip and fall or an age, sex, or race discrimination case.” While the Department of Labor has been the advocate for workers, Mr. Puzder seems to be an advocate for worker exploitation.

Okay, y’all working class white folks, those of you who voted for Mr. Trump, are you ready to swal-

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

Dr. Julianne Malveaux low a bitter pill? Because Mr. Trump has shown you, yet again, what he thinks of you. The historian Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote about President Abraham Lincoln’s Team of Rivals. What Mr. Trump seems to have assembled is a team of war-mongering generals and bombastic billionaires.

The Puzder appointment, then, is consistent with Mr. Trump’s philosophy, but it is inconsistent with the notion that the Labor Department should be an advocate for workers, and should regulate labor markets and enforce la-

bor legislation.

The minimum wage was stuck at $5.15 an hour for ten years before it was increased in 2007.

Then, Congress approved a threestep increase, raising the wage to $5.85 an hour in July 2007, then $6.55 an hour in 2008, finally increasing to $7.25 an hour in 2009. It has been stuck there ever since.

President Obama has recommended an increase of the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, less than the $15 an hour that many activists are advocating through the Fight for Fifteen. Puzder does not think the minimum wage should be more than $9 an hour.

He also opposes Obama Administration efforts to give overtime pay to more workers.

It would be crass to say that Puzder purchased his position, but it is important to note that he contributed more than $300,000 to the Trump campaign.

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

His nomination is consistent with that of Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt, a climate change denier, to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Just as Pruitt has no intention of protecting the environment, prioritizing energy production over environmental protection, Puzder has no intention of advocating for or protecting workers.

Lots of people who voted for Mr. Trump swear they aren’t racists and say they simply voted for “change.” If Mr. Trump and Mr. Puzder have their way, they’ll get chump change for hourly pay. Is that the change they want to believe in?

Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via www.amazon.com for booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com.

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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 thenews 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!

SO SAD TO HEAR!!

Just when Ima thought all of the sadness that came with the jailing of one of our young power cou-

Jesse Jackson, Jr. ples – Sandi and Jesse Jackson, Jr. was now behind them, comes word this week that Jesse Jr. has filed for a divorce. Now we are certain that the couple will get over a divorce, but what about the children, through no fault of their own they are in the middle of this whole mess. Haven’t they had enough??? Will someone think about the children!!!

weather are being closed down and Andrew Holmes is sleeping under viaducts with them; mental health centers in the Roseland area are being put in a trick bag and many of the mentally ill will be without their meds if something is not done right away. Let the truth be told that a lot of the violence on the streets is caused by mentally ill persons. Million dollar kitties are being developed by the Mayor to help the illegal immigrants, but what about the legal citizens that are most in need? Ima ain’t got nothing against the immigrants, but our streets of violence have been neglected too long. Meanwhile the slickster Governor Bruce Rauner is quietly courting the sell-outs who will probably stand with

him at re-election time. You know who they are, dey been meeting secretly and out in the open with the Gubner trying to be first in line for the hand-outs. You see the khaki-wearing Gubner knows the sell-outs. He even knows that dey will sell out their Mamas (oops).

But back to the Gubner and the Democrats. The Gubner is beating dem at their own game and the folks in need lose again!!!

‘Cause the Democrts ain’t doing do do. Why ain’t there no outcry about the failing schools and the dried up money??? The Gubner said they gotta agree with time limits and a pension plan. They say no way!!! Who looks bad???

-ImaLEGACY YOU SAY???

Here’s just a little somethin’ to gnaw on!!! If the President of the United States is from Chicago, Illinois and he is lauded with bringing the unemployment down across the country to around 5%, why is the unemployment in Black Chicago something like 15%??? And further, if it is generally believed that violence erupts when unemployment is high, why did we vote to send someone from Chicago to stay in the White House for eight years?

Just asking…???

National unemployment rate vs Chicago Black unemployment rate 18.60%

-ImaDEMOCRATS LOOKING BAD

Sandi Jackson

You think Democrats are in bad shape on the national scene think about the local Democrats who may feel an avalanche of repercussions about the budget impasse.

Homeless shelters in below zero

4.60%

Governor Bruce Rauner

National unemployment rate

Chicago Black unemployment rate

Owner of Taurus Flavors Edward Perkins Passes Away at 79

By J. Coyden Palmer For over 50 years Chicago residents have endured the long lines at South Side and south suburban eatery locations because the Hoagy sandwiches are well worth the wait.

That kind of customer loyalty is what has kept Taurus Flavors founders and owners, Edward and Bernice Perkins, in the Chicago area all these years.

Last week their son announced that Mr. Perkins passed away on Dec. 3rd at the age of 79. “It’s with a heavy heart that we must announce the sudden passing of our father, founder, mentor, and friend, Edward Perkins,” read a message on the company’s website.

Perkins was an upstanding member of the city’s African American business community and was a fixture at Taurus stores around the city.

News of Perkins’ death shocked longtime customers, many of whom have been patronizing Taurus since they were kids. Ron Garrett said “… man, I have been coming in here since I was a kid and lived in Avalon Park. I mean you can’t drive down this street and not think of pulling over every time. You’ll look to see how long the line is and then say ‘aw

Edward Perkins forget it, it’s worth the wait,’” he said with a laugh. Garrett drives into Chicago to the Stony Island location from northwest Indiana.

Reflecting on his personal interactions with Perkins throughout the years, Garrett, now 59, commented that “I come in here at least once a week and I would see him either in, or around the property all the time.

He would always speak and have a big smile on his face.”

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A successful entrepreneur, Perkins was also dedicated to his employees he hired, trained, and provided livelihoods for many throughout the years.

It was through a tragedy in March of 2001 that the community really understood Perkins’ commitment to his Taurus family. One evening two masked men robbed the Stony Island store. During the robbery they murdered popular manager Queen

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

Smith, a customer favorite who had worked at the shop for 30 years.

Perkins put up some of his own money to help Smith’s family after her death.

The Crusader spoke with Perkins after Smith’s tragic death. He offered his condolences to the Smith family and said she was his most dedicated worker. When it was later discovered that one of the men convicted in the robbery was a former

employee, Perkins was heartbroken, but said it was not an accurate reflection of the character of the many people he had employed throughout the years, and that the tragedy would not run him out of the community.

While the numbers of Taurus Flavors locations have decreased from a high of 13 at one time, customers still say it is one of the best places to eat in the Black community. For Perkins and his family that means a lot.

“The only way we’re able to stay here is because the people want us here,” Perkins told the Crusader back in 2005. “We love this community. This community has given me the ability to provide for my family and live out my dream.”

Edward Perkins leaves behind his wife and co-founder of Taurus Flavors, Bernice Perkins. The couple has four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Along with the legacy of Taurus Flavors, Perkins leaves another enduring legacy of a strong belief in “Black Economics,” and service to his community.

Services took place at Third Baptist Church, 1551 W. 95th Street in Chicago on December 13, 2016.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

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SEASON’S GREETINGS TO YOU AND YOURS FROM SBND! Come Celebrate with Small Business & Nonprofit Development Group (SBND) founded in 2011 by Strategic Solutions Network, Inc. (SSN). It has been a long year and they appreciate all the support you extended to small business and nonprofit community enterprises. Now it’s time to extend a thank you celebration for your support, reflect on past endeavors, and build platforms for long-term financial stability. On Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., join SBND for a holiday season thank you celebration that includes a sneak preview of Kathy Edwards’ financial restoration program. Previous dates announced for Kathy’s presentation are postponed and instead combined into one grand finale during the December 17th event at Hyatt Place Chicago-South, 5225 S. Harper Avenue, Chicago, IL. Space is limited and you must pre-register to attend!

This is a FREE SBND sponsored event and you are welcome to bring a friend or colleague. For more information, call: 773-614-7619; send email to: nmarchant@ssncandoit.com, or visit SBND Website: www.sbnd-bizhelp.com; SSN Website: www.ssncandoit.com SHEDD HOLIDAY BREAKFAST: It’s the most wonderful time of the year... Shedd’s holiday breakfast! Join them for breakfast and hot chocolate, a screening of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 4-D Experiences, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Afterward, you can explore Shedd’s children’s exhibit, Polar Play Zone, and finish your special day with reserved seats to the aquatic presentation, One World. The date for the upcoming breakfast is: Saturday, December 17 at 8 a.m. Cost: $49.95 for adults; $39.95 for children (ages 3-10); Shedd Members: $44.95 for adults; $34.95 for children (ages 3-10); Children under the age of 3 are free! Ticket price includes admission to the aquarium. Connect with Shedd Aquarium online through Facebook; Twitter; YouTube; and Instagram.

CHICAGO READER TO HOST 4TH ANNUAL MADE IN CHICAGO MARKET SHOWCASING LOCAL SHOPS, FOOD, GOODS AND SERVICES: The Chicago Reader, the nationally renowned and award-winning alternative weekly, will host its fourth annual Made in Chicago Market on Sunday, December 18th from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Local 130 Plumbers Union Hall (1340 W. Washington Street). The market is free admission to all attendees. The Made in Chicago Market will be brought to life with over 80 amazing local vendors including beauty, apparel, housewares, 8

food and drink, jewelry and more!

The Made in Chicago Market will provide a day of family friendly fun for all ages, and it’s perfect for last minute holiday shopping! The purpose of this event is to shine a light on local Chicago businesses and manufacturers. They want to continue to encourage Chicagoans to buy local with the goal of boosting the economic environment and showcasing local businesses that make up Chicagoland. Exclusive Activation: This year they’re proud to announce their partnership with One Strange Bird to allow guests of the market to create their very own terrarium ornaments. This activation will be first come, first served and is free while supplies last!

Don’t miss out. For more information about the event, visit chicagoreader.com/madeinchicago.

THE HUNT - THE PREY - THE SPIRIT: This all-woman show, focused on the portrayal of animals, is an exhibition that is ONGOING through Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. The exhibition consists of vegan and rogue taxidermy, installation, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing. The range of work is a diverse survey, both shocking and charming, of the complex relationships between humans and animals. Exhibiting Artists: Jessica Bohus, Sarina Brewer, Kate Clark, Erin Cramer, Laurel Izard, Teresa James, Kelly Jelinek, Jessica Joslin, Anne Lemanski, Christina Mrozik, Deborah Simon. For more information contact <artinfo@lubeznikcenterforthearts.ccsend.com> CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD AND HOLIDAYS OF LIGHT: A holiday favorite returned to the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, is ONGOING through January 8, 2017.

Guests can celebrate festive traditions from around the globe with a forest of beautifully adorned trees, each one decorated by local volunteers from cultural organizations and Chicago’s diverse communities. Looking for the perfect family photo op? The trees encircle a miraculous floor-to-dome Grand Tree wrapped in 30,000 twinkling lights. Guests can also catch “snow” as it falls every 30 minutes inside the Museum’s Rotunda. New this year, and in conjunction with MSI’s Brick by Brick exhibit, guests can create their own holiday trinket to remember their visit—a LEGO® ornament! Santa Claus will also be stopping by MSI’s Holiday Lane to meet with families, snap photos and ask children what they’d like for Christmas. Both ornament making and Santa visits will be held on select weekend dates throughout the exhibit’s run. Also in Holiday Lane, guests can explore celebrations of light or en-

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL and LISC Chicago, in partnership with the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) and Teamwork Englewood recently announced the Southwest Corridor Collaborative (SWCC). The SWCC is a coordinated effort primarily along 63rd Street from Cottage Grove to Pulaski, incorporating key nodes along south Halsted and 79th Street. It will produce community-led strategies at targeted intersections along the corridor that will leverage investments in real estate, housing, small businesses, transit and employment opportunities.

Representatives of the various organizations join Mayor Rahm Emanuel (at the podium) in the announcement. lightenment, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, in their beautiful Holidays of Light digital display. Cultural performances including Japanese drumming and Irish dancing will also be held on select dates at the Museum’s Main Auditorium inside the West Pavilion. MSI is located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. For more information, contact Isabel Morales, 773-947-6003, isabelmorales@msichicago.org.

CREATING A NEW PROMISE – THE GREAT MIGRATION: Join the Great Migration Centennial Commission and the Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Commis-

sion in the year-long, city-wide celebration of the Great Migration Centennial (1916-2016). The largest and single most important movement of people to ever occur in North America, seven million African Americans left the rural south for the urban north between 1916 and 1970, where they transformed the landscape and the culture. Everyone is welcome to participate. Visit the 2016 Great Migration Centennial Celebration Facebook page, send email to greatmigrationcentennial@gmail.com, or call 773536-9775 for more information.

CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS: Businessmen Larry Huggins, Everett

Rand and Tim Rand of the nonprofit Christmas in the Wards (CIW) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary of doing good—on the city’s South Side after having held the same event on the city’s West Side on December 10.

They will be joined by a bevy of local Aldermen and other elected officials - and will hand out donated toys and gifts to hundreds of deserving families from some of Chicago’s most impoverished neighborhoods on Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., during the 20th Annual Christmas in the Wards Toy Give-Away, which will be held at Olive Harvey College, 10001 South Woodlawn in Chicago.

INSURANCE CENTER

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

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“How can you keep hop pe alivve and help them to believe that h tomorrow has the po otenti ntial of being better than yesterdayy and thatt there is a brightness for them in n the future that t they currentlly do on’t see?”

– U.S. Reep. Danny D Davvis

Let us u move fo forward and suppo ppor t the you uth in ways that spark chaange. Invves e ting in our o children is an a invvestment m fo or our o future. e

www.chicagocrusader.coM

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

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The Emotions headline Links’ Luncheon Annual Holiday Fundraiser Benefits South Suburban Service Initiatives

The South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter (SSCC) of The Links, Incorporated (The Links) hosted “Giving You the Best of Our Love,” its annual holiday luncheon, on December 3, at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Event chairman Michelle LeeMurrah said more than 750 guests from throughout metropolitan Chicago enjoyed luncheon fare, and entertainment by R&B singing group The Emotions. “Our guests had a thoroughly good time and really felt the holiday spirit. People were on the dance floor from the time The Emotions took the stage. Our goal is always to present a memorable afternoon for our guests; we cannot do what we do without their support.

All indications are that our event was a great success.”

Event sponsors included Angelica’s Bakery, AT&T, FSH Communications LLC, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, ICON Tickets LLC, JPMorgan Chase, Macy’s and Sutton Ford Lincoln.

Chapter president Jacqueline James Lewis said that fundraiser proceeds will benefit The Links Foundation, Inc., and SSCC’s program initiatives

in Chicago’s Southland.

A Grammy award-winning vocal group, The Emotions’ members are originally from Chicago’s Englewood community. The group’s first Top 40 hit, “So I Can Love You,” entered the charts in 1969.

The group continued to make hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

They currently tour throughout the world, and sometimes make special appearances with Earth Wind & Fire, with whom they recorded the 1979 chart-topping smash single, “Boogie Wonderland.”

The 59 members of the Links’ South Suburban Chicago Chapter contribute more than 3,000 documented hours of community service annually – strengthening Chicago’s Southland and enhancing the nation.

The Links’ programming has five facets: The Arts, Health & Human Services, International Trends & Services, National Trends & Services and Services to Youth.

Programs are implemented through direct service and strategies such as public information and education campaigns.

The Links is an international, not-

PAAARRTY!: KEY MEMBERS of the Links’ South Suburban Chicago Chapter celebrate with The Emotions trio before show time. From left: event co-chairs; in red dress, Chapter President Jacqueline James Lewis; far right, event chairperson Michelle Lee-Murrah; past National President Gwendolyn Lee. for-profit corporation, established in nearly 14,000 professional women 1946. The membership consists of of color in 283 chapters located in

41 states, the District of Columbia and the Bahamas.

Applications Now Open for Apprenticeship and Internship Programs 7,000 program opportunities available to Chicago teens this spring After School Matters® is now accepting teen applications for its Spring 2017 program session.

Teens can search and apply for Spring 2017 programs at afterschoolmatters.org. All After School

Matters programs are free and open to Chicago teen residents who are at least 14 years of age (16 years of age for internships) and are currently enrolled in high school. As part of the application process, teens interview with program instructors to discuss and present their skills and interests.

Chicago teens are encouraged to apply early, as program opportunities fill up quickly. Application features include an interactive map to help teens search for programs and a full Spanish translation on a mobilefriendly platform. For questions about programs and applications,

ALL AROUND THE city teens will have an opportunity to participate in unique learning experiences while earning a stipend with After School Matters. Applications for the programs are available now online for apprenticeships in programs from Aquaponics to Wood Shop.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

call 312-742-4182 or email applications@afterschoolmatters.org.

More than 350 programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology will be offered beginning the week of February 20 at more than 65 Chicago public high schools, as well as Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community organization locations throughout the city, and downtown at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts.

In total, more than 7,000 paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities will be available to Chicago high school teens this spring through After School Matters. Fall programs will meet approximately three days a week for three hours per day over the course of 10 weeks.

Participating teens will be eligible to earn a stipend of up to $425 (depending on the program level), and interns can earn $10.50 per hour.

“After School Matters is committed to providing teens with exciting and diverse opportunities to explore their interests,” said Mary Ellen Caron, chief executive officer of After School Matters. “Through our programs, teens are able to discover their passions and develop skills that will help them succeed in high school and beyond.”

After School Matters’ unique pro-

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

grams offer teens an opportunity to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for their futures. Multiple independent studies and recent data have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters programs have higher Freshmen On-Track rates, improved school-day attendance and higher high school graduation rates than their peers.

For program offerings, locations and more information, visit www. afters choolmatters.org.

About After School Matters After School Matters provides Chicago high school teens with high quality, out-of-school time opportunities to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. Over the past 25 years, more than 200,000 teens have participated in our hands-on, project-based after-school and summer programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology. Programs take place at locations throughout the city including Chicago public high schools, Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library locations, community-based organizations and downtown at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts. www.chicagocrusader.com

©2016 The Coca-Cola Company. All Rights Reserved.

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Line17, Screen: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2016100

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Off the Rails shows Darius McCollum’s love of trains and mental illness

By Raymond Ward

I just wish the public transportation authority in New York City would just give Darius McCollum a job already–if only it were that easy. He knows the system inside and out, because as a child someone took him under his wings and showed him all

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO: Jerome Simmons, Angela Thompson, Janet Langhart Cohen, Freddie Jackson, Jennifer Holliday, Carmen DeLavallade, Hazel Thomas, John Hall, Jr., Patti LaBelle, Carol Lynn Patterson, Valerie Norman-Gammon, Alana Singleton, Dorothy Leavell, Abe Thompson, Sherri Shepherd, Hosea Sanders, Roz Varron, Phyllis Stickney, Mariah Carey, Judge Greg Mathis, Debbie Davis, Mikki Taylor, Bernard Kinsey, Judith Yancy Ward, Beverly Paige, Diana Palomar, Terrell Brown, Dr. Carol Adams, Keiana Barrett, Sharon Fountain, Dennis Kimbro, Gloria Gilbert, Sandra Trim DaCosta, William Cohen, Donnie McClurkin, DeeDee Bridgewater, Shirley Kinsey, Melba Moore, Carl Perrin, Mary Ann Johnson, Jerry Butler, Young Hughley, Michael Jordan, Christina Ludgood, George Faison, Bonnie DeShong, Diane Narcisse West, Candace Jordan, Morris Smith, Irene Gandy, Norman Bolden, Marvin Winans, Patti Caire, Patricia Jackson Duncan, Bryant Gumble, Kenneth Cole, Denzel Washington, Reuben Cannon, Colin Channer, Desmond Richardson, Felicia Blasingame, Merry Green, Judi Bradley, Marion Brooks, Antonio Mora, Rick Foxx, Matt Lauer, Barbra Streisand, Sasha Daltonn, Tiki Barber, Reverend Helen Carry, Anika Noni Rose, President Bill Clinton, Rubye Wilson, Malrie Sonier, Val Warner, Annette Thompson, Earlene Gray, Simone Smalls, Amber King, Ellen DeGeneres, Jeremy Winters, Zuri Edwards, Jacqueline Williams, Bill Hageman, Sharon Morgan, Gemma Mulvihill, Derrick Rose, Katie Couric, Robert Blackwell, Sr., Delores Williams, Barbara Bates and Perri Irmer.

HAPPY KWANZAA TO: President Barack Obama, Damani Bolden, Jerry Bulger, Susan Taylor, Desiree Sanders, Stella Foster, Deitrick Haddon, Armstead Edwards, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Tracey Williams, Reverend Derrick Wells, Evelyn Holmes, Maudlyn Ihejirka, Carrie Walker, Patricia Edwards, Stephen Pottinger, Kadeem Hardison, Brenda Edwards, Vickie Winans, Raymond Boyd, John Smith, Charles Gueno, Jr., Warren Lanier, Barbara Nunn, Dee Dee Sharp, Tyson Beckford, Nancy Wilson, Diana Ross, Conrad Worrill, Val Gray Ward, Jennifer Hudson, Dwayne Kyles, Deborah Reasno, Karen Thomas, Darryl Tookes, Heather Headley, Malik Yorba, Dori Wilson, Kirkland Burke, Spike Lee, Idris Elba, LaTanya Richardson, Samuel L. Jackson, Lee Ann Mueller Wharton, John Monds, Regina Belle, Stephanie Hughley, Robert Hebert, Kevin Powell, Merri Dee, Cynthia Tyus, Jacqueline Jackson, Barbara Britton, Clarence Smith, Harry Porterfield, Kephra Burns, Patti Webster, Brian McKnight, Annette Butler, Dwayne Johnson, Alison Slon, Yusef Jackson, Nia Augustine, Reverend Evelyn Boyd and Terrie Williams.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO: Donna McGregor, Shawnell Richie, Dr. Ian Smith, Chris Brown, Kiplyn Primus, Willie Gault, Jonathan Jackson, NeNe Leakes, Khandi Burrus, Fran Allen, Robin Robinson, Jamie Foxx, William Leftwich, Dr. Warren Furey, Martin Christopher, Aretha Franklin, Jasmine Guy, Jackee Harry, Vanessa Williams, Erma Byrd, Charles Huggins, Fantasia Barino, Ben Vereen, Rhonda Ross, Edward Gardner, Gwen Lanier, John Iltis, John Moore, Deborah Burrell, Toni Braxton, David Justice, Anna Maria Horsford, LaVerne Hughley, George Wilborn, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Chris Chambers, Janette Wilson, Wanda Wells, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Leeann Trotter and Leo Holder.

SEASONS GREETINGS TO: Dondre Whitfield, Paula Deen, Roz Ryan, Willa Holden, Virginia Hopson, Mildred Harris, Eric Peterson, Yolanda Adams, Michael Winans, Terri Hinte, Jane Pauley, Steve Abrams, Tom Joyner, Marv Dyson, Gordon Henderson, Clinton Donaldson, Carol Hanks, Donna Karan, Joli Burrell, Norma Harris Gordon, Marcia Ludgood, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Naomi Campbell, Ann Yancy, Betty Magness, Glenn Jones, Terry Mason, Steve Manning, Larry Hanks, Angela Winbush, Montell Williams, Quincy Jones, Mario Van Peebles, Lillian Smith, Phil Donahue, Vicki Lynn Reynolds, Richard Steele, Bettiann Gardner, Curtis Cooper, Tom Burrell, Gus Redmond, Carl Sissac, Carole Simpson, and Steve Harvey.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO: Flo Anthony, Troy Ratliff, Jamie Foster Brown, Curtis Gadson, Rae Lewis, Wynton Marsalis, Leah Hope, Linda Murrain, Meryl Streep, Doris Zollar, Najee, Michael Elder, Jerry Cleveland, Jenifer Lewis, Courtney Vance, Louis Price, James Earl Jones, Darlene Hayes, Lynda Hall, Cheryl Burton, Maurice DuBois, Reggie Wells, Sandra Martin, Roberta Flack, Jackie Jackson, Lester Holt, Dr. Nancy Furey, Maurice Clayton, Susan Fales, Bill Cosby, Pauletta Washington, Angela Bassett, Carolina Herrera, Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, Chip Fields Hurd, Leigh Jones, Kathy Sudekis, Carl Lewis, Naurice Roberts, Eddie Murphy, Lewis Dix, Kim Fields, Dolly Parton, Judith Jamison, Genice Leavell, Millie Jackson, Will Smith, Antonio Banderas, Nelson George, Harry Lennix, Jeremy Winters, Matt Levy, Dwayne Jenkins, Peggy Montes, Stacy Leak, and Reggie Bush If I have forgotten anyone, charge it to my mind and not to my heart.

Blessings Raymond Ward Christmas 2016

DARIUS MCCOLLUM IN his New York apartment in front of a subway sign that shows many of the stations where he has whizzed right through during his train adventures, posing as a transit employee. there was to know about the city’s by himself, making all the stops passions of a harmless, mentallybus and rail systems. Years later, as and announcements. Over the challenged man into a productold in the documentary “Off The next three decades, McCollum tive career and purposeful life.

Rails,” McCollum is a man with commandeered hundreds of trains You can’t watch this documenAsperger’s syndrome whose over- and buses, staying en route and on tary without feeling sorry for whelming love of transit has land- schedule, without ever getting McCollum. His only joy comes ed him in jail 32 times for imper- paid. He also attended transit from being behind the wheels of sonating New York City bus driv- worker union meetings, lobbying the buses and the trains, and exers and subway conductors and for better pay and working condi- perts note that this makes him driving their routes. tions for a union to which he did- content and filled with selfAs a boy in Queens, New York, n’t belong. worth. Of course, he takes medMcCollum found sanctuary from Although McCollum has never ication for his Asperger’s, but I school bullies in the subway. damaged any property or hurt submit that if he only had a job There he was befriended by tran- anyone in his decades of service, working within the system, insit workers who taught him to dri- he has spent 23 years in maxi- stead of outside of it, he probably ve trains. By age 8, he memorized mum security prison. His recidi- wouldn’t need his medication. the entire subway system. At 15, vism embodies the criminal jus- New York City transit officials say he drove a packed train eight stops tice system’s failure to channel the they do empathize, but they can’t take a chance on McCollum blowing up and putting passengers and others in harm’s way, if they were to hire him.

The documentary shows his relationship with his mother, who extremely coddles him, and who is living in North Carolina and can’t get to see him, even while he is fighting his cases in New York City courts. Toward the end, she is sick and her husband has taken ill, as well. McCollum endures one arrest after another.

In between this, however, he DARIUS MCCOLLUM’S LIFE struggling with a form of meets and marries a woman. But this union doesn’t last too long, autism is highlighted in the documentary “Off The Rails,” as McCollum leaves throughout coming to a local theatre. Here McCollum is in full New York the night to steal buses and transit uniform, although he is not an employee of the public agency.

(Continued on page 17)

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Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J.

www.chicagocrusader.com

CHICAGO CRUSADER 12-17-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/15/16 5:32 AM Page 13

World Premiere!

Sideshow Theatre Company Presents

GIVE IT ALL BACK Sideshow Theatre Company continues its 2016/17 Season with the wry and subversive world pre-

miere of GIVE IT ALL BACK by artistic associate Calamity West.

Directed by artistic associate Marti

Lyons, it plays thru December 18, 2016 at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater,

2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.victorygardens.org, by calling (773) 871-3000 or in person at the Victory Gardens Box Office.

GIVE IT ALL BACK features Sideshow company members Matt Fletcher and Andrew Goetten with McKenzie Chinn, Lindsey Kite, Paloma Nozicka, Pat Whalen and Mary Williamson.

table, he has to decide which version of himself he wants to be, and how to keep the past from bubbling up beneath him.

Calamity West delivers a hilariously sardonic examination of how you hold on to your art when everyone else thinks that it’s theirs.

Regular run: Thru Sunday, December 18, 2016 Curtain Time: Sunday at 3 pm.

In a swank French hotel room in the mid-1960s, an artist hides out from a world that’s turned on him. As a cavalcade of familiar faces tries to break down his door, he smokes, talks, drinks and tries not to think about acoustic versus electric. But when a prime career opportunity lands on the

GIVE IT ALL Back, playing at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theatre closes this Sunday. Pictured above Pat Whalen, Paloma Nozicka, Andrew Goetten and McKenzie Chinn.

Written by Calamity West, directed by Marti Lyons. (Photo by Jonathan L. Green)

Tickets: Regular run: $20 – $30.

Students/seniors/industry: $15 for all performances (excluding opening).

For additional information on Sideshow Theatre Company, visit sideshowtheatre.org.

Readers Journey to Ancient Egypt in The Blazing Star Book Takes Readers to the Past to Help Them Discover Their Future Former Miss Chicago and Miss Black Illinois Launches The First In-

stallment Of A Young Adventure Fiction Series For People Of Color titled “The Blazing Star.”

For years young adult fiction series have taken the world by storm. The likes of Harry Potter and Twilight

Published by Wise Ink Creative Publishing, “The Blazing Star” is Imani Josey’s debut novel. She earned her Bachelors degree from Howard University and Masters degree from Northwestern University.

An avid writer, she has penned stories for leading publications and developed scripts for plays. Her one-act

the mystery of being teleported from their history class to Ancient Egypt, after Portia has an encounter with an Egyptian scarab beetle.

The twin sisters build their relationship as they learn to work together in finding their way home. “The Blazing Star” teaches lessons in history, love and friendship.

play “Grace” won the 19th Annual Young Playwrights Festival.

“I’ve had a passion for writing since I was a child. I’m proud that I will be able to tell a story that we aren’t used to hearing, the adventure of two young African American women learning their history and working to(Continued on page 17)

Händel’s Messiah at St. Mark U.M.C. on Dec. 18th The 78th presentation of Händel’s Messiah by the Chancel Choir of St. Mark United Methodist Church will be Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

Each year St. Mark presents its consecutive performance of Hän-

Imani Josey

del’s monumental oratorio with orchestral ensemble and soloists Jonita Lattimore, soprano; Joyce Carter, mezzosoprano; Henry Pleas, tenor; and Arthur Griffin, Jr., bass-baritone. Leading the voices and the string ensemble

from the organ console is Charles G. Kendrick, St. Mark’s organist and choirmaster. This will be Kendrick’s 53rd performance of Händel’s Messiah at St. Mark.

The public is invited to attend.

Admission is FREE.

have captured peoples’ hearts, young and old. “The Blazing Star” tells a unique story that has never been heard, the adventure of African American twin sisters from Chicago who are teleported back in time to Ancient Egypt. Along the way the pair are attacked by vicious monsters and find themselves lost amidst the wilderness while struggling to escape.

The first installation of a three part series, “The Blazing Star” launched on December 6, 2016.

The novel’s main characters, 16 year-olds Portia and Alex, share in

www.chicagocrusader.coM

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

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Major temp agency sued for discrimination

By Keith Chambers Several Black workers filed a classaction lawsuit against MVP Staffing and its clients, accusing them of discriminating against Black temp workers in favor of Hispanic workers.

There are details in a legal case that may cost MVP and their clients millions of dollars. It may also be the biggest case where one of the country’s largest temp agencies has been accused of systematic discrimination against Black workers.

For years, MVP prospered as it helped its clients make millions of dollars off the backs of low-wage temp workers in Chicago and across the country. Most of the workers in Chicago are believed to be Hispanic. Meanwhile, Black workers at temp agencies have lagged behind in achieving similar success.

Seeking damages, Black workers in Chicago filed a lawsuit against MVP on Dec. 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The complaint alleges that MVP dispatchers and

management honored their clients’ request to not send the Black workers by using special discriminatory codes when temp assignments were given out.

The complaint is the latest in a string of discrimination lawsuits against temp agencies in Chicago and across the country. Their alleged discriminatory practices were detailed in a story by the Chicago Crusader last November. Seeking to avoid further damages from negative publicity, many of these temp agencies have settled out of court.

The plaintiffs in the latest lawsuit include Antwoin Hunt, James Zollicoffer, Norman Green, James Lewis, and Kevin James.

The lawsuits request certification for class-action status.

The plaintiffs are represented by a team of lawyers, including Chicago Attorney Christopher Williams, who has represented individuals who have sued other temp agencies in Chicago for alleged discrimination.

“This is going on across the country,” Williams told the Cru-

The High Price Of Imprisonment (Continued from page 2) the private phone companies was also cheered by an unexpected ally of the high price phone call game –- the prisons themselves.

Through a complicated system of “commissions,” a practice the Campaign for Prison Phone Justice openly describes as “kickbacks,” Securus, GTL and their smaller competitors win contracts, in part, based on the level of commissions they pay to prison administrations and sheriffs’ offices on a per call basis.

In some proposals, those commissions can run as high as 60% or more.

Often, the difference between the charge for a phone call, absent of commissions, and the charge including commissions can be dramatic.

Lee Petro, the Washington, DC attorney who represented Martha Wright and other inmate families pro bono has been working on the issue for more than 12 years, cites a North Dakota proposal as a prime example.

“Securus, in response to an RFP, proposed charging as little as $0.04 per minute without a commission, so they could presumable make a profit at that low a rate. But the rate they proposed, after commissions, was more than three times that rate at $0.13 a minute.”

For their part, prisons claim the commissions are deposited in “inmate services” funds that, in turn are used to fund such programs as dis14

tance learning and rehabilitation programs. But according to Aleks Kajstura, legal director of the Prison Policy Initiative, which studied FOIA requests of expenditures, found that “… the great bulk of money raised by phone commissions have gone to salaries and administration, not to inmate programming.”

“The prison industry also claims that their bottom lines would be hurt irreparably at greatly reduced rates.

Yet in states such as New York, where lower mandatory caps have been implemented, all evidence shows that lowering rates results in a higher volume of calls, and higher revenue than before the rate cuts. Basically, the lower the cost, the more people make phone calls,” said Kajstura.

Meanwhile, the families and inmates at the heart of the issue, wait in limbo as the FCC and advocates figure out their next best move against a powerful foe. Yet, one day after the election of Donald J. Trump, prison industry stocks went up significantly in the speculation that the new Administration would wipe away important gains made on the issue by the FCC. According to Petro, “What’s most alarming about all these costs is not just that they are high, but they represent what is essentially a growing transfer of the cost of prisons from the government to the families of inmates. People need to know this.”

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

MANY OF THE discrimination allegations in the lawsuit came out of the MVP Staffing office in Cicero, but that operation has since been taken over by another temp agency Elite Staffing, which settled a discrimination lawsuit last year. (Photo by Keith Chambers) sader. “A lot of this is driven by the The lawsuit also alleges that Black pervisor complained that he was almighty dollar. MVP might as workers were called “guapos,” taking too many breaks, which he well put up a sign that says ‘Blacks which means pretty boys who didn’t disputed. Hunt said he was never need not apply.’” want to do dirty work. Hispanic offered full-time employment.

“They’re (MVP) racist people,” In addition to MVP, the lawsuit workers, whom many were allegedalso names other Chicago compa- ly illegal immigrants, were favored Hunt told the Crusader.

The latest lawsuit filed against nies as defendants, including the because they complained less and MVP may be the biggest one yet, Segerdahl Group, Mercury Plas- were easily exploited. tics, Inc., Jet Lithocolor, The PenA former dispatcher at MVP, and thousands of Blacks could win ray Companies Inc., WestRock Rosa Ceja, 29, said most of the damages for being alleged victims.

Consumer Packaging Group, AGI codes were used to discriminate The case has led the U.S. Equal Media Lawrence Foods Inc., and were in Spanish because all of the Employment Opportunity Comthe Blommer Chocolate Compa- managers at the Cicero office who mission to subpoena thousands of ny. Personnel Staffing, which does refused to hire Blacks were His- documents that contain employment data and background inforbusiness as MVP Staffing, was also panic. named in the complaint.

Ceja said MVP’s corporate mation on MVP’s thousands of The lawsuit accuses MVP of clients would often try to conceal temp workers.

On Dec. 5, U.S. Judge Matthew eight counts of discrimination and their request by telling a MVP dissaid the practice has damaged patcher that they wanted to hire F. Kennelly granted the EEOC’s Black workers. Many of the inci- employees who listened to Chica- request, despite objections from dents allegedly occurred out of go’s Spanish-language radio sta- MVP’s attorneys.

Like in past cases, if the EEOC MVP’s branch office, 5637 Roo- tion, WLEY 107.9 FM. sevelt Road, in Cicero, where disOne of the Black plaintiffs in the investigation agrees with the compatchers were constantly pressured lawsuit, Antwoin Hunt, worked at plaint, the agency can join the lawto classify Black workers as “DNR,” Gold Standard Bakery, a large fac- suit and impose heavy fines against which is the code for “Do Not Re- tory in Chicago in 2014, where he MVP and its clients.

Efforts to reach MVP and its turn.” said Hispanic workers were usually As Blacks waited in the office for offered full-time employment po- clients on Wednesday were unsucassignments, they watched His- sitions far more often than their cessful. The MVP branch office in Cicero was not yet open for busipanic workers come and go with counterparts. job assignments, according to the After six months Hunt’s assign- ness during a visit by a Crusader complaint. ment was terminated after his su- reporter on Wednesday.

The Englewood Peace Company has a new CEO Sam Sparks is the new CEO of Englewood Peace Company. He is working to share a message of courage, opportunity and hope in and beyond the community.

Sparks transformed his life powerfully, from living below the poverty line and selling drugs on Chicago’s streets to working as a professional nationwide motivational speaker, life coach and personal stylist to Steve Harvey.

Sam grew up in a single parent home and resigned to life on the streets as a young adult. He dealt narcotics and was in direct shootouts. With each day becomBlacks Must control their own coMMunity

Sam Sparks

ing harder to deal with, life around him began to cave. In 2011, Sparks was faced with the possibility of going to jail but was granted an opportunity to remove himself from the situation. He took this as a sign to change his life and began working to help others. Sam always felt driven to dress immaculately. He attended a live taping of the Steve Harvey show and caught Harvey’s eye, ultimately becoming Harvey’s stylist and mentee.

Englewood Peace Company is a t-shirt company with a focus on (Continued on page 16) www.chicagocrusader.com

CHICAGO CRUSADER 12-17-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/15/16 5:32 AM Page 15

A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking

By Effie Rolfe Give Love Away now —don’t wait until Christmas. What the world needs right now is true agape love-spiritual, benevolent love.

That’s the only thing there is just too little of.

These powerful lyrics are the core of a favorite song that comes to mind in light of what our cities, country and the world have encountered of late. The hatred spurred during the recent political campaign showed that the underbelly of America is not so pretty.

The faces may change, but the people and too much of the past remain the same.

Only God’s love can make a difference. Love is an action word. It has no value or meaning until you give it away. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3).” The greatest measurement of God’s love is when you share it with others.

Sometimes I look around in utter

disappointment and think “whatever happened to us as a community of caring people?” We must never forget that the only race is the human race. It seems that we have become our own worst enemy, behaving increasingly violent towards each other.

Whoever heard of American terrorists? Nowadays that’s just another awful fact that we have become familiar with hearing. At one time, African Americans were known as a kind and gentle people, but now there is tremendous anger and frustration, which has caused hostility towards our brothers and sisters.

The love we had—is gone. Matthew 24:12 states, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…”

Whatever happened to being a good neighbor? When did we as a people become so callous hearted that we can get on the elevator with a neighbor or co-worker and not even smile or speak?

The law of reciprocity is about sowing and reaping. Let us forever

Effie Rolfe

be reminded that whatever you give out will come back. An age-old adage is ‘what goes around comes around.’ Thus, the golden rule reminds us to ‘…do to others what you would have them do to you.’

(Mathew 7:12). It appears the mantra of today is ‘do to others before they do you.’

Take me back. Your outward reflection is an indicator of what’s happening on the inside. Could it be that all of this is simply because of a lack of self-love and self-respect? We need to go back to the old time way—when we spoke to our neighbors, opened the door, smiled and practiced good old fashioned courtesy.

By the way, ‘thank you’ goes a long way. Without these simple courtesies we are mere zombies or the walking dead with no interpersonal skills and absolutely devoid of God’s love.

This message of love is for everyone.

We can all use improvement when it comes to sharing love in every area of life. Let’s start with a smile. Greet someone at work, home, church or

on the street with a friendly ‘hello’ or a smile. This is applicable in person or on the telephone—trust me you can hear a smile.

Lastly, faults are like headlights— you always see someone else’s first.

Instead of desiring love from others let’s become the agents of change when it comes to sharing love. Love God’s way will make the world a better place for people and generations to come.

Most of all, I believe God would be pleased. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).

Remember, someone is in need of love that only you can give. Will you give some real love away...? © Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker.

You can contact her on twitter.com/effiedrolfe. Listen to her show daily on urbanpraiseradio.org (2015 Stellar Award Winner for Best Internet Radio Station)

The Crusader Gospel Corner Kudos to Entertainment One (eOne) as they celebrate nine nominations for the 2017 GRAMMY Awards® announced yesterday. eOne Music artists received eight nods across five categories in Gospel and R&B, dominating the category of Best Gospel Performance/Song with three nods. Additionally, the label received a nomination for Best Dance Recording.

Eleven time GRAMMY® winner Shirley Caesar celebrates double nominations in Gospel, with her chart-topping album Fill This House nominated for Best Gospel Album, and her hit single “It’s Alright, It’s Ok” (featuring Anthony

Shirley Caesar Hamilton) nominated in the category of Best Gospel Performance/Song.

Three time GRAMMY® winner Lalah Hathaway also celebrates double nominations in R&B, with her hit www.chicagocrusader.com

album Lalah Hathaway Live nominated for Best R&B Album and her chart-topping song “Angel” nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance.

Two time GRAMMY® winner Hezekiah Walker garnered a nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song for his chart-topping single “Better,” as well as eOne signed writer Jason Clayborn, garnering a first-time nomination for “Better.” Todd Dulaney and Label Services artist Jekalyn Carr each celebrate being first-time GRAMMY® nominees, with Dulaney nominated in thecategory of Best Gospel Album for his chart-topper A Worshipper’s Heart and Carr nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song for her chart-topping single “You’re Bigger.” Musiq Soulchild celebrates his 12th nomination with “I Do” for Best R&B performance. Riton, an eOne/Ozone/Hardlivings Management client, is nominated for Best Dance Recording for “Rinse and Repeat,” which features another eOne/Ozone/HardlivingsManagement client,Kah-Lo. Chris Taylor (President, eOne Music) says: “Our team in Nashville has knocked it out of the park once again this year, which is a testament to the hard work of Michael Olsen, Gina Miller and the entire team. We are also excited for our first management division nominees, Riton and Kah-Lo, our first publishing company nominee, Jason Clayborn, as well as Musiq Soulchild’s R&B Performance nomination. All three divisions, management, publishing and records, help tell

our whole story at eOne Music.”

Gina Miller (VP/General Manager of Urban Inspirational, Entertainment One Music Nashville) says: “Congratulations to all of our nominees: Shirley Caesar, Lalah Hathaway, Hezekiah Walker, Todd Dulaney, Jekalyn Carr and writer, Jason Clayborn!It is an honor to celebrate seven nominations for the Nashville division. While we are excited today, moreover we are proud of the work they have done and the music they continue to make that inspires and impacts so many across the world.”

The GRAMMY Awards® will air live on Sunday, February 12, 2017 on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. Condolences to the family of Joe Ligon, the lead vocalist of the Mighty

Joe Ligon

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

Clouds of Joy. He was one of the most prolific voices in the gospel music industry and catapulted quartets into the contemporary sound as well as mainstream. His powerful vocals can be heard on gospel classics with the legendary quartet including I’ve Been in the Storm, Mighty High, Heavy Load, Wind Beneath My Wings and more.

Following is the Official Statement of Joe Ligon’s death from the group’s Facebook page: We are heartbroken to share the news that the World’s Greatest Male Gospel Singer – Willie Joe Ligon, Founder and Lead Singer of the three time Grammy Award winning group The Mighty Clouds of Joy, of Los Angeles, California passed away Sunday, December 11, 2016.

Joe was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Cousin, Uncle, Mentor, and Friend to so many who loved him dearly. As much as Joe cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life. While we mourn the loss of a very good and humble man, we also celebrate his remarkable life as one of the most successful Artists in Gospel Music History, and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.

For those who may ask what they can do to honor Joe, we have a sim-

ple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a stormy day think of Joe and get comfort in knowing that he is no longer in the storm.

Additional information about the final arrangements will be released to the General Public pending Mr. Ligon’s Family’s approval.

We kindly ask everyone to please respect the Family’s privacy during this time of bereavement.

The Mighty Clouds was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock flourishes into their musical mix (one of their early hits was produced

by Gamble and Huff) without diluting the essential religious essence of their material.

The long-lived group flourished throughout the rest of the 20th century, scoring numerous Grammy Awards and nominations, as well as several hit albums along the way.

He appeared with the legendary quartet to headline the Chicago Gospel Music Festival in 2013 to a park full of gospel music lovers and fans.

Also, earlier this year, the Stellar Awards Founder Don Jackson bestowed special honors to Joe Ligon with the Ambassador Bobby Jones Legends Award. Unfortunately, he was ill and not able to attend the ceremony. He continued with health challenges and passed away on Sunday, December 11. He was 80 years old.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

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Reunification Ride unites children with incarcerated moms for Christmas On December 17, 2016, two buses will take over 100 children and caregivers to see their mothers at Logan Correctional Center, over 180 miles from Chicago.

Families will make Christmas arts and crafts, play games, take photos with Santa, eat lunch, and children will receive gifts. Most importantly, mothers and children will spend crucial quality time together.

Children on the buses will range from under a year old to 17 years old.

The Reunification Ride was launched after the Illinois budget impasse led to a former bus program being cancelled. The bus had brought children to see their parents in prison, an essential connection that increases the probability of family reunification and decreases recidivism. The end of the bus program had a profound impact on Chicago children and the mothers whose only opportunity to see their kids was through this bus.

After the previous bus program cancellation, three Chicago-based organizations—Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers/Cabrini Green Legal Aid; Moms United Against Violence and Incarceration, and Nehemiah Trinity Rising joined forces to create the Reunification Ride. Initially the coalition raised money for two buses to take children to see their mothers for Mother’s Day in May of 2016. However, the coalition became determined to continue the program after seeing the impact of being separated on both the children and the mothers.

To date, more than 300 donors have contributed to the Reunification Ride through a crowdsource campaign on the youcaring.com website. In addition, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wilmette and Temple Sholom of Chicago have each sponsored one month of the Reunification Ride.

Altogether, donors have raised enough funds for nine bus trips, leading to almost 400 visits for families.

Impacted families have also joined forces, meeting monthly to discuss the need for reunification programs and ways to counteract mass incarceration. They have shared their stories about what would have prevented their loved ones from becoming incarcerated, focusing on mental health, domestic violence, and drug treatment services, as well as the need for economic development and opportunity in their communities. The children have also written letters to Governor Rauner asking for funding for reunification programs.

The majority of women who are incarcerated in the U.S. are there 16

HAPPY FACES SHARED hugs and kisses with their moms this summer during a Reunification Ride trip to the Logan Correctional Center. Over 130 children, caregivers, and incarcerated mothers will repeat the happiness and joy the Ride brings as families celebrate this Christmas together with another Reunification Ride. Started by a coalition of three organizations in response to the cancellation of bus program services due to the Illinois budget impasse, the Reunification Ride will highlight the holidays for both the children and their mothers. To date the three organizations have raised enough money to host nine bus trips, including the upcoming Christmas trip. for acts directly related to domes- dren and their parents. To donate ReunificationRide2017 or con- Green Legal Aid at (312) 374tic violence, poverty, addiction to this effort, visit http://bit.ly/- tact Alexis Mansfield at Cabrini 6192 or alexismansfield@cgla.net. and other traumas. In Illinois, an estimated 80 percent of incarcerated mothers have children who are under the age of eighteen, approximately half are under the age of ten. The majority of these mothers were the primary caregivers for their children before they were incarcerated, and many will remain the primary caregivers to regain custody when they leave prison.

In Illinois alone, over 186,000 children have or have had an incarcerated parent. Sustained contact is crucial to family reunification, and to the well-being of children and moms. It is also directly correlated with a reduction in recidivism. In addition to transportation, the buses provide a community for kids whose parents are incarcerated, which can often be a lonely, traumatic, and stigmatizing experience. The ma- SAM SPARKS HOPES to change people of all races with a unifying message, “Bury Prejudice, jority of caretakers are grandGrow Opportunity,” which is printed on a line of his T-shirts. mothers, and they, too, have connected with each other through the Reunification Ride.

(Continued from page 14) Budget cuts in Illinois have left “Everyone has a tie to prejudice,” indivisible means unable to break reunification and re-entry pro- positive social messaging, found- says Sparks. “Whether it’s one’s own or separate,” says Sparks. “I put grams desperately under-funded ed by Quentin Mables, currently prejudice, or prejudice among the word ‘opportunity’ in gold. or cut completely. Because of this, operating as COO. Twenty-five friends, family, the world—I’ve cre- We need to turn from prejudice the CLAIM Program of CGLA, percent of the company’s proceeds ated this message to say let’s bury and see each other as humans.

Moms United and Nehemiah go to Grow Chicago, an Engle- prejudice among all: Black, white, When we share our strengths and Trinity Rising are reaching out to wood-based nonprofit and com- Mexican, gay, straight.” The shirt opportunities, we lift each other community, student and faith- munity center offering free sup- features an image of the American up. Sharing our gifts shows us based organizations, and individ- portive and holistic services. flag, with the red stripes serving as we’re equal.” uals around the city to support Sparks is launching a new shirt shovels, symbolizing bloodshed the Reunification Ride, a crucial with the message “Bury Prejudice, and burying the prejudice, which The new t-shirts are available at program for Chicago-area chil- Grow Opportunity.” causes it. “One nation, under all, englewoodpeace.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

The Englewood Peace Company has a new CEO

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

www.chicagocrusader.com

CHICAGO CRUSADER 12-17-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/15/16 5:32 AM Page 17

S v J D e f 1 N P t

C 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR time in Springfield.

That is why we need to focus on re-electing some and â&#x20AC;&#x153;un-electingâ&#x20AC;? some others, rather than spending a bunch of time on Trump.

The way I see it, Trump has no redeemable qualities, but our local legislators at the state level impact our lives on a daily basis more than the president does.

There are plenty of people who can take Trump to task so we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all need to be on that bandwagon.

When you think about the fact that we are into our second year of no state budget and no word on when

(Continued from page 4) State of Illinois for some state senate and state house seats.

If you are Black you need to pay special attention to your state rep and state senate elections. Black legislators in both of these chambers pretty much have just been phoning it in.

By no stretch of the imagination are they aggressively representing us. Can you recall the last time your Black legislator introduced a meaningful bill, much less got one passed? I am clueless as to what we get in return for them spending

(Continued from page 12) trains, taking them on their that incarceration will nevscheduled routes. He is fi- er be the key to his comnally at a point where he re- plete recovery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Off The Railsâ&#x20AC;? has won ceives probation and is able to leave the state. He visits many awards at recent film his mother, only to miss festivals, and press materiNew York City. He returns als state that the Hollyback to the city that never wood Reporterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Awards sleeps and eventually is Analyst Scott Feinberg propulled in the direction of jects that it will be an Oscar his love for the trains. His contender for Best Doculast sentence in jail is just mentary Feature. The film asinine. The same experts will screen at Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facets featured in the documen- Cinematheque, 1517 W. tary say that McCollumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fullerton Ave., from Decemcase of autism is one that ber 30 through January 5, they had rarely seen. But 2017. For more information, what they all agree upon is visit www.facets.org.

we will get one, it is clear our legislators arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doing their job. Neither my state rep nor state senator has sent me a newsletter, a letter, or called me to update me on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on with

the budget. I bet most, if not all of the people reading this are in the same boat.

When it comes to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on in Springfield that affects our districts, we

Readers Journey to Ancient Egypt . . .

(Continued from page 13) gether to unlock their future. life, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited for the Far too often people of color next step. I am living in my donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read about themselves in purpose completely by emnovels, especially in the YA barking on a writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey. fantasy genre, and this story Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken over five years to changes that. It showcases our write, edit and publish â&#x20AC;&#x153;The imagination and our magic,â&#x20AC;? Blazing Star,â&#x20AC;? and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ecstatic said Josey. to share it with the world. I Josey has strived for excel- hope this inspires people to lence throughout her life. A move forward with their pageant girl since her late teens, dreams no matter what they she won the titles of Miss are going through and how Chicago and Miss Cook long the journey takes.â&#x20AC;?

County for the Miss America The book can be purchased Organization, as well as Miss on www.ImaniJosey.com and Black Illinois USA. She is also a Amazon in paperback

Thhe Chicago

Crrusadeer

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE BLAZING STARâ&#x20AC;? author Imani Josey greets students at book signing event. certified fitness instructor and ($14.95) and ebook ($4.99) professional dancer, having formats. To join the social condanced professionally for the versation follow @OfficialiChicago Bulls as a Luvabull manij on Twitter, and @imanicheerleader. josey on both Instagram and Josey adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very proud of Facebook via the hashtag what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve accomplished in my #TheBlazingStar.

6 outh King Dr. $ JDBHP *- p. 773.

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NOTICE INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO Sealed proposals, endorsed as below, will be deposited in the sealed bid depository located in the lobby of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Administration Building, 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or her designee at 11:00 A.M. on the stated bid opening date below for: CONTRACT 11-240-3P ORGANIC WASTE RECEIVING FACILITY AND DIGESTER GAS FLARE SYSTEM UPGRADE AT THE CALUMET WRP Document Fee: $50.00 (Non refundable, in the form of cashier's check, certified check or money order payable to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District) Estimated Cost: $10,500,000.00 Bid Deposit $420,000.00 Mandatory Pre-Bid Site Walk-Through:

Tuesday, January 10, 2017 8:00 a.m. Chicago Time Calumet Water Reclamation Plant 400 E. 130th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60628

Mandatory Technical Pre-Bid Conference:

Tuesday, January 10, 2017 10:30 a.m. Chicago Time Calumet Water Reclamation Plant 400 E. 130th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60628

Bid Opening: January 31, 2017 Compliance with the District's Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D, Appendix C, Appendix K, and the Multi-Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract. ******************************************************************************************************* The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice- Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, www.mwrd.org; Click the Contracts and Proposal quick link on the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home page. Go to Contracts Currently Being Advertised and click for further information.

Specifications, proposal forms and/or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement & Materials Management, Room 508, 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, Monday - Friday, between 8:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Documents, unless stated above to the contrary, will be mailed in response to a fax request (#312/751-3042). The vendor may also download specifications, proposal forms and/or plans online from the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, www.mwrd.org. No fee is required for the contract documents unless stated above.

Signature

All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-et.seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page.

ffi ce Only ayment ConfJrmation

Date

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best interest.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

By Darlene A. LoCascio Director of Procurement and Materials Management

anagement Chicago, Illinois December 15, 2016

www.chicagocrusader.com

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

Plaintiff, s e

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s , 16270 SALE HEREBY GIVEN

cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Monday, January 9,

HOUSES FOR SALE

get crickets. Unfortunately, the newest Black members follow the lead of their long-time colleagues and look at voters as an afterthought, except around election.

The strange thing is we are against Trump and barely know him, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say peep about the man or woman who has represented us a decade or longer in Springfield. In my opinion, that is pretty twisted thinking. We are making this huge fuss over Trump and he hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even taken office yet. Black people have, or should have, a different set of priorities than white voters.

Allison Groves

HOUSES FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK ILLINOIS COUNTY, DEPARTMENT COUNTY DIVISION CHANCERY NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC P l a i n t i f f , . s v JOANNE JOHNSON; THE LAW OF OFFICES CHRISTOPHER D. EDMONDS, LTD.; COUNTY, COOK ILLINOIS; SPRINGLEAF FINANCE FKA A M E R I C A N CAVALRY FINANCE; GENERAL SERVICES, PORTFOLIO LLC; MIDLAND FUNDING LLC; P A L I S A D E S ACQUISITION XVI, LLC; CAPITAL ONE (USA), BANK N.A., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO ONE CAPITAL Defendants, BANK 5438 CH 16 SALE OF NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 9, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged estate: real Commonly known as 7944 South Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620.

20-31-204-028-0000.

P.I.N. 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 Act. Property Condominium Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be inspection for open For information call Sales Department at Deas Manley Plaintiff's Attorney, Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

F2 16-008649 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N (312) 444-1122 Selling Officer, I709310

estate: Commonly known as 8018 South Harvard Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620.

P.I.N. 20-33-208-030-0000.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

15-032373 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I709288 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION NEIGHBORHOOD LENDING SERVICES, INC. P l a i n t i f f , v s .

JOSEPHINE HAMPTON; NEIGHBORHOOD LENDING SERVICES, INC.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 14 CH 11585 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 9, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 8531 South Loomis Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60620.

P.I.N. 20-32-319-012-0000.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

13-039604 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I709261

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-M2; Plaintiff, v s .

OTIS W. BOWDEN, JR., CURRENT SPOUSE OR CIVIL UNION PARTNER, IF ANY, OF OTIS W. BOWDEN, JR. UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 11 CH 30519 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 9, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 21-31-107-016-0000.

Commonly known as 7941 South Manistee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 W15-0326.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I709251

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH C E R T I F I C A T E S , SERIES 2005-9; Plaintiff, v s .

JUDY KNOX-CARTER; D e f e n d a n t s , 15 CH 16270 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 9, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: C IL 60620. DECEMBER SATURDAY, P 20-33-208-030-0000.

T real estate is improved w a single family residence. If the s

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the

than a mortgagee shall assessments required by the Property Act. funds,

The property will NOT be for inspection Sales Department at Attorney, Manley Deas One East Wacker Drive, (614) 220-5611.

F2 I JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N o F P K C

17, 2016

17

CHICAGO CRUSADER 12-17-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/15/16 5:32 AM Page 18 COURT OF COOK ILLINOIS COUNTY

C D

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ILLINOIS V

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. P l a i n t i f f , v .

LAURA FOLDS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD C L A I M A N T S D e f e n d a n t s 16 CH 007214 8227 S. BISHOP STREET CHICAGO, IL 60620 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 6, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 9, 2017, 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 8227 S. BISHOP STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60620 Property Index No. 20-32-127-008-0000. 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. 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 14-16-05808. 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 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-16-05808 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 007214 TJSC#: 36-12266 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.

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DANIEL J. CAMPOS AKA DANIEL C. CAMPOS, YASMINA CAMPOS, STATE FARM BANK, FSB, CITY OF CHICAGO, ALLY FINANCIAL, INC. D e f e n d a n t s 14 CH 04533 2941 E. 96th St. Chicago, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 9, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 9, 2017, 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 2941 E. 96th St., Chicago, IL 60617 Property Index No. 26-07-120-001-0000.

The real estate is improved with a multi unit building containing two to six apartments. The judgment amount was $85,754.04. 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, contact Plaintiff's attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney. 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. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 422-1754 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 14 CH 04533 TJSC#: 36-13077 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.

I708337

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC P l a i n t i f f , v .

NORA RHYMES-EDWARDS, PHILLIP T A Y L O R D e f e n d a n t s 16 CH 005430 8515 S. WOLCOTT AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60620 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION E V E R B A N K P l a i n t i f f , D 18 SATURDAY, DECEMBER

17, 2016

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LEGATEES OF JOHNSON, IF ANY; OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; D e f e n d a n t s , 15 CH 2847 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 20-28-404-022-0000.

Commonly known as 7557-59 South Wentworth Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 WA14-0396.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I710308

C SALE HOUSES FOR

a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 28, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 30, 2017, 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 8515 S. WOLCOTT AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60620 Property Index No. 20-31-417-055-0000. 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 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 14-14-08803. 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 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-14-08803 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 005430 TJSC#: 36-13044 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.

I710438

C 2

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC; P l a i n t i f f , v s .

GERALD ROGERS; CITY OF CHICAGO; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF GERALD ROGERS, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; D e f e n d a n t s , 15 CH 17422 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 20-31-428-055-0000.

Commonly known as 8601 South Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 W15-1627.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I710292

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.; P l a i n t i f f , v s .

HELENA JOHNSON; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; CITY OF CHICAGO, A MUNICIPAL C O R P O R A T I O N ; CLEAR WATER PLUMBING, INC.; IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK UNKNOWN OWNERS COUNTY, ILLINOIS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; COUNTY DEPARTMENT D e f e n d a n t s , CHANCERY DIVISION 16 CH 6321 DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST NOTICE OF SALE COMPANY, AS PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TRUSTEE FOR RESMAE that pursuant to a Judgment of ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1; entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales P l a i n t i f f , Corporation will on Monday, January 16, v s .

2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at CHARLES E. JOHNSON; CITY OF 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, CHICAGO; UNITED Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to STATES OF AMERICA; 362 RAB, LLC; the highest bidder for cash, as set forth A M E R I C A N below, the following described mortgaged EXPRESS BANK, FSB; CAPITAL ONE real estate: BANK (USA), Commonly known as 12450 South Perry N.A.; CITIFINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.; Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628.

M I D L A N D P.I.N. 25-28-410-040-0000.

CREDIT MANAGEMENT, INC.; The mortgaged real estate is improved PORTFOLIO RECOVERY with a single family residence. If the ASSOCIATES LLC; UNKNOWN HEIRS subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a AND LEGATEES OF common interest community, the purchaser CHARLES E. JOHNSON, IF ANY; of the unit other than a mortgagee shall UNKNOWN OWNERS p the assessments required by A their o coMMunity s ofwn Section 18.5 of the D f e n dBlacks a n tM s ust , control C Property Act. 1 CH 2847 S certified funds, N OF SALE b P HEREBY GIVEN property will NOT be t o for inspection above F at e Judicial Sales P Attorney, Manley Deas C will on Friday, January 20, K One East Wacker Drive, 2 at C (614) 220-5611.

1 F2 auction to I JUDICIAL SALES t as set forth C O N b S (312) 444-1122 estate: I P 20-28-404-022-0000.

C known as 7557-59 South W 60620.

T mortgaged real estate is improved w single family residence. If the s

C A P T w s

estate: known as 12450 South Perry Chicago, IL 60628.

25-28-410-040-0000. mortgaged real estate is improved a single family residence. If the

unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

16-010970 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I710266 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF SOUNDVIEW HOME LOANS TRUST 2005-DO1, A S S E T - B A C K E D CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-DO1 P l a i n t i f f , v s .

MATTHEW J. JACKSON, HSBC MORTGAGE SERVICES, INC., SPRINGLEAF FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. F/K/A AMERICAN GENERAL FINANCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS, G E N E R A L L Y , AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS D e f e n d a n t s , 15 CH 9743 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on October 12, 2016 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 25-11-107-006-0000.

Commonly known as 9617 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60628.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Kimberly S. Reid at Plaintiff's Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 65 East Wacker Place, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

(312) 236-0077.

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I709384

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC P l a i n t i f f , v s .

UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF FLORA J. ROBINSON, DECEASED; KAREN WOODLAND, AKA CARRIE WOODLAND; JULIE FOX, AS S P E C I A L REPRESENTATIVE TO FLORA J. ROBINSON, DECEASED D e f e n d a n t s , 15 CH 17202 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: Commonly known as 9531 South Calumet Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628.

P.I.N. 25-10-105-016-0000.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611.

15-032653 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES C O R P O R A T I O N Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I709355

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC FKA GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC P l a i n t i f f , v .

UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF RICKY SAULTER, HERMAN SAULTER, AS HEIR OF RICKY SAULTER, WILLIAM P. BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF RICKY SAULTER, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD C L A I M A N T S D e f e n d a n t s 15 CH 16433 1 W. BRAYTON STREET Chicago, IL 6 0 6 2 8 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 14, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 18, 2017, 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 1 W. BRAYTON STREET, Chicago, IL 60628 Property Index No. 25-28-431-015-0000 Vol. 470.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $117,509.81. 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, contact Plaintiff's attorney: JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 541-9710 Please refer to file number 15-2549. 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. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonbl u m b e r g . c o m Attorney File No. 15-2549 Attorney Code.

40342 Case Number: 15 CH 16433 TJSC#: 36-12475 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.

I708990

www.chicagocrusader.

CHICAGO CRUSADER 12-17-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 12/15/16 5:32 AM Page 19

Christmas in the Wards – West Side

By Patrick Forrest

contributors every year who help make this event possible, primarily due to the extreme generosity of the dynamic group of businesses, corporate partners and individuals who provide support, we’re able to make happy holiday dreams a definite reality.”

And others were honored for following that thought as well. Sam Love, 13, who raises money to send gifts to those children affected by disasters around the world, was given a $1,000 donation to the Sam Love Foundation.

Also students from throughout the area are selected not only by schools and principals, but by the alderman who represents them, and attending families are given a raffle ticket for prizes at the end of the event.

“One of the hardest things in the world is being a hardworking yet financially challenged parent during Christmas time. Every parent wants to see the light of happiness shining in their children’s eyes, but what do

The Christmas holidays are typically a magical time of decorated trees, lights, presents, family and friends to brighten up the spirit of the season. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case for many economically insecure, struggling families today, especially on Chicago’s West and South Sides.

That’s why a dedicated group of business and civic leaders believe it takes the kindness of the community to help keep the joy and excitement in a child’s eyes when they receive a Christmas present. Otherwise, their parents may be unable to afford anything under the tree.

“Everyone deserves to get a ‘W’ [win] during the Christmas season,” said Tom Ricketts, owner of the Chicago Cubs.

That’s the inspiration behind the nonprofit Christmas in the Wards organization according to Christmas in the Wards founder Larry

SAM LOVE, 13, of the Sam Love Foundation beams as he accepts a check for $1,000 in support of his organization from Christmas In The Wards founder Larry Huggins. Several other guests and supporter share the moment with them. From l-r: Comcast Sportscaster Mark Schanowski, Sam Love, NBA player Kendall Gill, an unidentified youth and Larry Huggins.

Wards, and events like it important to celebrate about the tremendous for struggling communities. warmth and goodwill spread over “Today more than ever, many in the last two decades by Christmas in the community confront unem- The Wards. It takes all of us, workployment, food insecurity and the ing together, to address the chalthreat of homelessness, and struggle lenges that far too many individuals to provide the basics for themselves face during this time of the year,” and their families. Yet, there is much said Davis.

SANTA’S SLEIGH WAS filled with gifts for these Christmas in the Wards guests. Alderwoman Emma Mitts (37th ward) in white cap, Alderman Michael Scott (24th ward) in white sweater, joined their young constituents to say Merry Christmas!

Huggins. Huggins, who along with co-founders Everett and Tim Rand, brothers, have nurtured and expanded the charitable event significantly over the last twenty years.

“I have seen firsthand how the lack of resources affects many people, especially during the holidays.

That’s why we started this community based initiative—to make a positive impact in the lives of others, especially the children,” said Huggins.

Over the last 19 years, Christmas in the Wards has generated more than $2 million in charitable and inkind contributions to purchase bikes, educational games, computers and other toys for children and families.

“We thank all of our sponsors and

you do when you’re not sure that you will be able to make that happen? That’s why we do this every year,” said Huggins.

One of the families affected by this night was Jeanette Eubanks and her two grandchildren, Dante Eubanks and Markesse Johnson. “My daughter passed away in 2012 so I have custody of them,” Jeanette Eubanks said pointing to the two boys beside her. “And I have not been able to do for them the way I really want to.”

Trying to explain the hardship to her grandchildren was difficult for her; but with the help of Christmas in the Wards now she won’t have to.

“I was trying to find out how I could make Christmas possible by the grace of God. This really is going to be a blessing,” Jeanette explained.

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“Now he doesn’t have to wake up with nothing under the tree.”

Families and elected officials alike saw the importance of the event, and the opportunity to provide children, not only with presents, but the storied Christmas joy.

“This event has consequences that you can’t measure. You don’t know how many kids that you produced joy in,” said Congressman Danny K. Davis, Illinois Representative of the 7th District. The event was held in his District. “To see them coming out, getting the stuff and learning about everything, it’s just a wonderful event. It means more than you can measure, a great deal.”

Davis, a longtime fighter of poverty, noted its importance among the issues that make Christmas in The

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

CONGRESSMAN DANNY DAVIS enjoyed seeing the excitement and pleasure in these young ladies’ eyes when they received their laptop computers. “This event has consequences that you can’t measure. You don’t know how many kids that you produced joy in,” he said.

SUPPORTERS OF THE Christmas in the Wards share a photo with the organization’s founder Larry Huggins. From l-r: Larry Huggins, Andrea Zopp, Tom Ricketts, and Rev. Walter Turner.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

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