Gary Crusader Newspaper

Crusader THE GARY

Own Community www.garycrusader.com

SATURDAY

June 5, 2021

VOL. LX Number 7 PUBLISHED SINCE 1961 50 Cents and worth more

Righteous Ribs holds official grand opening May 28th

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

CIVIC, COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL leaders together celebrate the grand opeining of Righteous Ribs at 500 E. 5th Ave. in Gary, Indiana. (Story on Page 3)

EEOC reporting rise in race harassment cases Crusader Staff Report

With several lawsuits totaling millions in potential damages, officials at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are reporting a rise in race harassment cases across the country.

Disability, sexual and pregnancy discrimination lawsuits have been the biggest EEOC complaints in recent years. But as offices and workplaces grapple with racial tensions after national police shootings, employers and corporations are under more scrutiny as Black and Latino workers report incidents of race harassment and retaliation on the job.

“We have seen an increase in race harassment cases across industries,” said Anna Park, regional attorney for EEOC’s Los Angeles District Office. “It is very important for employers and staffing agencies to be proactive in addressing these issues. We commend Ryder and Kimco for committing to changes

and for being positive change agents in addressing race issues.”

Rosa Viramontes, the EEOC’s Los Angeles District director, added, “It is important for employers and staffing agencies to realize that both entities have a responsibility to address harassment and retaliation in the workplace. Ryder and Kimco have put in place measures that will positively impact employees at both companies.”

In the final week of May alone, the EEOC settled three big cases involving racial discrimination and harassment in lawsuits filed against companies across the country.

One of the biggest settlements came from the prominent transportation company Ryder Integrated Logistics and its temporary staffing firm, Kimco Staffing Services. The two firms settled EEOC Race Harassment and Retaliation Lawsuits for $1 million each, for a total of $2 million.

The federal agency filed a lawsuit against

both firms after accusing them of subjecting their Black employees to racial discrimination.

According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, Ryder and Kimco created a hostile working environment by allowing employees to use racial slurs and epithets towards their Black colleagues.

The EEOC charged that after an African American employee complained about racial harassment, neither Ryder nor Kimco corrected the situation, instead firing the employee within days of reporting the harassment.

The EEOC’s suit also alleged that Ryder and Kimco discriminated against African American workers in the terms and conditions of employment in assignment, training, promotion, discipline and termination.

“This case underscores the unfortunate reality that racial harassment and retaliation remain a problem in American workplaces,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows.

“Confronting these issues is of critical importance to the EEOC and our nation. The EEOC will continue to use outreach, education, and enforcement when necessary to ensure that employers — and staffing agencies — understand their obligation to prevent and correct unlawful harassment and ensure that workers can raise concerns without fear of reprisal.”

In addition to paying $1 million, Ryder entered a consent decree that aims to prevent workplace harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

The consent decree includes the selection of an equal employment opportunity coordinator; the creation of a centralized tracking system for race-based harassment, discrimi(Continued on Page 2)

EEOC reporting rise in race harassment cases WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC! (Continued from Page 1) nation and retaliation complaints; the review and revision of policies prohibiting discrimination; and the distribution of those policies to all employees. Additionally, Ryder will create an internal complaint process and discrimination training for all employees.

Kimco Staffing Services is also under a consent decree with the EEOC, which includes providing neutral references for the claimants along with the re-hiring of the claimants who desire to return to Kimco.

The company also will retain a bilingual third party EEOC monitor, create and implement policies and procedures to prohibit discrimination and harassment, which will then be disseminated to all employees, establish a complaint procedure, and train all employees on discrimination and harassment.

The EEOC said Kimco and Ryder will both develop protocols for handling discrimination and harassment complaints raised by temporary employees on assignment.

The decrees will remain under the court’s jurisdiction for the twoyear term.

In another race discrimination and harassment case, San Francisco-based Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company will pay $725,000 to settle an EEOC racial harassment lawsuit.

Hathaway served as the general contractor for the University of Southern California’s Village Construction Project. The EEOC charged that under the supervision

of the general contractor, Black and Hispanic workers were exposed to racially offensive remarks and graffiti. According to the EEOC, Hathaway failed to take effective corrective action to remedy the racial harassment.

Under a court-supervised, twoyear consent decree settling the suit, Hathaway will retain an external equal employment opportunity monitor to review its compliance with Title VII and the decree.

Hathaway will also review and revise its harassment and retaliation policies and procedures, provide training to all employees on racial harassment and retaliation and establish a centralized tracking and monitoring system for racial harassment complaints and to prevent retaliation.

Hathaway also has agreed to hold subcontractors accountable

by requiring them to verify having policies, procedures, and training against harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. The EEOC will monitor compliance with the agreement.

In Miami, Wild Fork Foods has agreed to Pay $130,000 to settle an EEOC race and harassment suit.

Mayor Prince calls for fairness, inclusivity throughout Gary

Mayor Jerome A. Prince recently issued the City’s first ever executive order supporting national Pride Month, a celebration of inclusivity and respect for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) residents and visitors.

Mayor Prince said the move is long overdue in the 115-year-old City.

“Just as Gary steel built nations and economies, we are about building up people and communities,” Mayor Prince said. “We are a welcoming City, and we will not tolerate hate or the denial of anyone’s human rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms.”

In the executive order, Mayor Prince called on Gary residents to join his Administration in the effort to “help break down the walls of fear and prejudice” and to “work 20 2

According to EEOC’s lawsuit, Wild Fork Foods violated federal law when a Hispanic female employee in its Miami corporate office was subjected to a hostile work environment based on her national origin and race and subjected to retaliation for complaining and ultimately forced out of her job.

In addition to paying $130,000 in monetary relief, Wild Fork Foods will provide specialized training on national origin and race discrimination and harassment to human resources personnel, managers and employees to ensure that employees are aware of their rights and complaint procedures and that management and human resources personnel are aware of their obligations to prevent workplace discrimination and how to address complaints.

The decree also requires Wild Fork to provide EEOC with reports of any complaints of national origin and race discrimination and describe its actions taken in response to the complaint.

In Los Angeles, the EEOC said it has collected over $4.8 million on Judgment in Labor Trafficking Case Against Maui Pineapple for 54 Thai Farmworkers.

According to the judgment, some of the Thai workers were subjected to physical violence such as being slapped on the head, thrown against the wall, grabbed and punched in the face. The Thai workers were also subjected to constant threats of deportation and arrests. They were forced to live in substandard housing infested with rats, scorpions and bugs. Some were provided insufficient or malfunctioning toilet facilities. The Thai workers regularly received inadequate food, and some fainted in the fields. Working conditions were so oppressive that some Thai workers felt that they were treated more like prisoners and slaves.

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Mayor Jerome Prince to build a bridge to understanding and acceptance until gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered, queer, plus individuals are afforded the same rights and responsibilities as all Americans.”

SATURDAY, JUNE SEPTEMBER SATURDAY, 5, 2021 19, 2020

Stonewall Inn uprising, Mayor Prince said the City of Gary joins former President Barack Obama and broader initiatives to “turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists” and in promoting equal rights for all Americans.

Gary already has updated its ordinances to include protection for LGBTQ+ residents, Mayor Prince said.

Mayor Prince also encouraged the Gary Common Council to join him in promoting this human rights issue.

“I have every confidence our Common Council agrees with treating all of our residents and businesses equally, and I look forward to their support for this important cause,” he said.

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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Righteous Ribs holds official grand opening May 28th

WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

Restaurant Co-owners, Apostle Kelly B. Williams, Sr. and Rev. Dr. Eric Boone, Sr. officially opened Righteous Ribs on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 500 E. 5th Ave. in Gary, Indiana. The official grand opening celebration included a ribbon cutting attended by a host of community, civic and political leaders. All guests wore masks and had the opportunity to receive free t-shirts and coupons.

Righteous Ribs started one year ago, during the pandemic, with a simple gesture between friends when Apostle Kelly gave Rev. Boone and his family a pan of ribs. The Boone family loved the ribs so much that these two friends sat down and birthed Righteous Ribs out the garage of Apostle Kelly’s house.

Due to the amazing response for their awesome flavor, the business has experienced rapid growth including the establishment of the current Gary location and employing 20 staff members.

"Simply put, we have been blessed," said Apostle Williams. "The

support and love being shown from our community has been amazing."

The Grand Opening kicked off the availability of dine-in opportunities for patrons. With the U.S. Steelyard adjacent to the property, Williams and Boone noted that the timing of the grand opening aligns perfectly with the

recent start of the RailCats baseball season.

"We recognize that we have a great opportunity to introduce our delicious ribs and other menu items to those attending ball games," said Dr. Boone. "It made sense to capitalize on this audience to broaden our reach.

We expect that many will keep coming back long after the season is over."

The Righteous Ribs space also includes The Diamond Center banquet hall, which is located in the rear of the establishment.

Bookings for all types of events are currently being accepted.

In addition to the signature ribs, some of the most popular menu items include chicken tips, turkey tips and "The World’s Greatest Chicken Breast." For more information, follow Righteous Ribs on Facebook, call (219)939-1383 or email righteousribs2020@gmail. com.

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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

3 SATURDAY, www.chicagocrusader.com JUNE 5, 2021

USINGWALL THE SCIENCE BLACK STREET THREATENED OF LOVEWHITE WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE SUPERIORITY Most people have been lamenting the challenges that we faced in 2020, and most were anticipating things to turn out much better in 2021. Improvement remains to be seen. The truth of the matter is that nothing will Many of us have noted how easy it is for people to kill insects; change until we change it. If you have a wheel and the hub is out of place, people think nothing about killing bugs. Some people even think you can the spokes a time, but each one willThis pop out because that dogsreplace and cats deserveone lessatthan considerate care. is true of the center isn’t in place.

That’s how it is with our lives and our communisome people who do not own pets, for the most part. When conties. sidering the foregoing, it becomes apparent that in order for huDonald Trump has emerged as theacts poster of division; is a master man beings to commit atrocious ofchild violence againstheother life of the science of division.

His strategy is that of turning people against each forms without guilt they must hold the thought in their minds that other in order to sow dissension.

He is a master at this, so much so, that those life forms don’t have the same value as their own lives. In oth- a large swaththey of themust American public believes whatever he says.and Theassume disinforer words, separate themselves from victims mation that has been spread by Trumpians has turned the United the superior position. In that regard, it is alright to kill lesser States beupsideThis down.

His strategy works don’t because Trump has about taken love out ants of the ings. is why most people think twice killing or other small he critters whoit happen to supporters. cross their He paths. total equation; just uses among his plays both sides We must keep this idea in mind when observing the violence against the middle. that Black people haveabout endured white Americans.

Now, when we think issuesatinthe the hands AfricanofAmerican community, Itweishave clearthe that Black peoplePeople are not considered kindof same problem. seem to think to thatbeifthe thesame problems of human beingsand as racism their white counterparts I America.

It is clear white supremacy are resolved, everything would be hunky dory that like the 1921 Tulsa Massacre could not have hapin thesituations Black community. pened the whites who destroyed the entire Greenwood District, This,ifhowever, is a fallacy.

If these problems disappeared overnight, someknown as the “Black Wall Street,” thought that the Blacks who thing else would move in to take their place. That’s because you can’t fixlost one their and without lives were equal tothe themselves. part ofhomes a problem addressing hub of the problem, the core isIt is also clear that the kind of slavery that Black people ensues. dured in America could not have occurred if the whites who enThe issues most likely to cause a greater focus if white supremacy disapslaved them thought they were really mistreating beings on the peared, the gang problem and community domestic viosame level as they thought themselvescrime, to be.including Other evidence of lence and robbery, burglary, et al, would replace the issues that the “othering” of Black people by white people can be had seenpreviby ously been removed, i.e., police brutality, for example. the fact that Black people were actually put in zoos for the enterBasically, in order to fix things in the community in our country as a tainment of white people. For example, Sarah and Baartman, a South whole, internal AND external issues will have to be addressed at the same African Khoikhoi woman, also known as the “Hottentot Venus,” time.considered The lack of understanding this idea one of the reasons why people was a freak attraction in is19th Century Europe and in the community repeatedly complain about the lack of progress. was actually put on display. After her death, her remains were Another in which is evident is thedearea of economic placed on area display at thethis Parisian Musee l’Homme untildevelop1974! ment.

For example, because so many African American youth dropA similar situation happened to Ota Benga, a Congolese are Pygmy who became Exhibit in the monkey house at the Bronx Zoo.for ping out of school or areAdoing poorly in school, people are now calling There are also storiestoabout Human zoos But (called ex-in giving more attention vocational training. even“ethnological in this situation, positions” “NegrotoVillages) groups of Blacks dis-to order for theorstudents succeed inwhere vocational training, they were will have played communities. give theas same attention to self-development as they would in regular school irony is thatinso-called whitearena. supremacists have acted in a very inThe order to achieve the vocational inferior manner akin to animals the way that they mistreatOnce again, if the center is out ofinplace, no matter whathave one does the efed Black people and others.

In Tulsa, there was a conscious, forts will not reap rewards. This goes for ANY positive change that wesyswant tematic destruction of 40 square blocks; up to $4 million dollars to see in our communities. went flames, andif scores buried in unmarked Thisup is ain new year, and we wantoftoBlacks see real,were positive change, we must unmass graves. Blacks were rounded up and placed in internment derstand the Science of Love. In other words, we must bring the opposite centers by deputized white people. The community was actually sides of a by problem together in order tothe create we must bombed airplanes.

Afterwards, citya synthesis; of Tulsa took theaddress land the issue of the hub, of the central factor, of the glue. for themselves that had belonged to African Americans. This was Along these the focus of most of ouron youth is onpeople entertainarguably the same worstlines, example of white attacks Black in ment andoutside sports. Yet we tend to complain about the fact that they don’t America of the institution of slavery.

The qualify outside ofthat thesemay areas.beLiteracy given samepeople focus as Now,for thejobs question asked isisnot this: If the white rapping, sports, hustling, and more.

They are not addressing the central consider Black people inferior to themselves, why would they depoint. destroy what has been called the most successful Black liberately The real bottom line is that unlessGreenwood? we learn to useThe the Science Love, i.e., community in America: Tulsa’s answer of probably the ability to work both sides of a situation, we will never solve our problies in the following notions: 1. Black success dispels the notion lems.

The problems in our community will not be solved by addressing, of their inferiority and hence derails the idea of white supremacy; 2. actually believe that Black people infeoneWhite side ofsupremacists a situation; both sides must receive attention if we areare to achieve rior and, as such, they are justified in being treated like animals, success. and 3. idea, Jealousy.

This “love,” will find us whistling in the wind if it is absent. We will Blackever people should not exist based on it. treatment haveinrenever, progress without understanding As we gothey forward the ceived, and yet they have achieved New Year, 2021, we must keep this ideasuccesses in mind. in every level of society.

The more success the community demonstrates, theidea greater Donald Trump and many of his minions understand this very the well; attempts to oppress them.

One lesson that we should learn from they are unified in their efforts to help Trump overthrow the results of the Black Wall is thatathe Greenwood Community election, and Street they represent formidable force. The opposition,thrived i.e., those because Black people relied on each other.

With thistosaid, we a who oppose Trump must unify among themselves in order provide must keep in mind that the really rabid white supremacists see us strong oppositional force. as inferior animals, and they really believe that they are a superiScience of Love, the are people to-gether in unity accomorThe human species.

They alsoworking concerned that they facetoannihiplish anything, will see positive results if they are consistent in their unity. lation due to their dwindling numbers and the growing number Dr. King was basically talking about the Science of Love, although he didn’t of minorities in America. Because of this, we must stick togethuseinthose words and this is true anyasuccessful theyAare er order to fight what has about become threat toBlack Blackleader; survival. talking about unifying.

Luta Continua.

We need to realize this and understand this; nothing will happen unless 20 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 202119, 2020 4 we take this idea seriously!!!

A Luta Continua.

BIGOTS ARE

HOMO STUPIDUS!!!

...AND THEY CALL US MONKEYS PRIMITIVE!!!

THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

4

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

WHITE BIGOTS BOMB BLACK WALL STREET

LETTERS EDITOR LETTERSTO TO THE THE EDITOR

Let’s face it. All of the administra- a press conference and an apology sionmanagement of the commercials. the first time in a tive, and classroom ex- right-sided won’t mean for a damn thing to those I understand is very, veryinfected. long time.

I ammy thinkpertise lies withinthat the branding CTU. What who get Again, heart an essential and all the good thefor Hard we are seeingpart nowofismarketing tantamount to ing goesthat outwith to those responsible our maybeticket all official papers cangirls. and will do for Gary, inseason holders for aassociatbaseball Rock boys and Dear Editor: ed with theallowed casino had to have that the cluding our name in the advertisteam being to manage Northern Indiana part ongained those ing is not a heavy lift.Betsy Collier My heart goes out to the mothers, team.

No expertise can be Dear Editor, documents.

However, now we are fathers, grandparents and older sib- from watching.

(Continued on page 18) about when Chester Hunt lings taking care of students enrolled talking We have seenadvertising since her first daythe in date I haven’t heard anyone casinothat owners have flexibility inTo Chicago Public Schools.

These office Mayor Lorithe Lightfoot de(Continued on page 5) CHICAGO CRUSADER in my about the tests to identify it however are the circle peoplecomplain the city administracompromise.

I canthey onlywish. sur(U.S.P.S. 596080) GARY CRUSADER new and casino thatboard opened on be Burr Theresheis has absolutely no reason why tion school should lis- mise a Napoleonic complex.

Editor-Publisher (U.S.P.S. 214-400) Street.toAfter all, new business in Her Garyrefusal can’t be mentioned in those tening the most regarding returnto ever see the other side Editor-Publisher Dorothy R. Leavell Gary is prettyback rareto these One and spots.work By omitting name, it isis ing students the days. classroom. towardour resolution Dorothy R.Director Leavell Advertising that will contribute to the tax base bound as though atCity officials and CPS administrato the get casino her thepeople same are results Advertising Director J.L. Smith and also giveneed the to city even Napoleon tempting to theI stigma tors putmoney on theiris listengotperpetuate at Waterloo. am not 6429 J.L. SouthSmith King Drive more rare.

Ofhear course, what there sure of a how down-and-out city thatwould Gary ing caps and what theisleadermany people, if any, Chicago, Illinois 60637 1549 Broadway to complain about?of This has endured long. ship and members theaddition Chicago hold it againstfor herso if she conceded to 773-752-2500 P.O. Box 1153 to our city is a great thing. is al- theYes, I know thatall,theit former MaTeachers Union (CTU) areItsaying.

CTU. After is the smart * independent newspaper serving the Southside, Gary, Indiana 46407 All-Electric so where haveMustang issue.is: Mach-E jestic Star as An And whatIthey areansaying there is thing to do.was We once knowidentified she considers Westside and Northside, printing the news impartial219-885-4357 empowering what it believes to be right and apThe nameevidence of the to casino is the herself being in Buffington not enough conclusively smart—so whyHarbor keep upand the lypealling what it believes to be wrong without regard independent newspaper serving the City of Hard Rock Casino of Northern fight not Gary. the late party politics. Devoted to the Industrial, say all the schools are safe. that However, hurts our when students and to An Gary and Northwest Indiana the news Educational, Socio-Political andprinting Educational adIndiana.

Asthe a Gary resident, I feel Donfamilies?

Barden bought the opera- vancement I know in past the city and the their impartially-supporting of Black people. what it believes to be wrong without regard to party politics. Devoted slighted, almost offended bymost the tion, his advertising regularlytoinunion have clashed, with the Parents want their children be to the Industrial, Educational, Social, Political name because it seems theyformer went safe. terchanged Gary and Buffington memorable being between Continued remote learning enVOL. LXXX NO.of 39 and Economical advancement Black people. the extra mile to avoid including Harbor when identifying loCTU President Karen Lewis and ex- sures that, far more so thanthe going SATURDAY, the name of our city in Ms. the name cation.

RockThere people Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Lewis back intoThe the Hard classroom. are VOL. LX9, NO. 7 JANUARY 2021 SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021 of the casino. Some of usunion couldn’t can dothat the assame withastheir addemonstrated that the she reports recently this week Published Weekly help butwas give casino owners vertising. really believe that an headed notthe a pushover in any there is no Iuniform protocol forisgivPublished Weekly NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE the side a year or soforced ago when “ask”teachers that should comesupplies from City way.

Eveneye when illness her to ing sufficient to National Advertising Representative New Concept Media Service New Concept Media Service theyaway announced name. Irole, felt sanitize Hall. Saying Gary in television step from thethepresident’s their classrooms.

Why on P.O. Box 377968 Chicago, IL 60637 P.O. Box 377968 Chicago, IL 60637 slighted then,acrimony and it is worse now. earth and radio commercials won’t cost the city-CTU continued. would I want my grandchild Member Member a couple of weeksthat the the casino a penny more.

I doubt if newspaItFor is really bothersome city to be in such a setting?

NationalNewspaper NewspaperPublishers Publishers Association National Association *Preproduction computer has been on the television adsHall would more expensive wants to advertising try to manage school per City andget CPS administrators generated Subscription Rates -image $35 Pershown.

Year and radio. heard the are by including those system.

WeWhen knowI first former Mayor ignoring one verytwo real words— fact. And Subscription Rates $35late Per 2020.

Year $20.00 for 6 -months Available commercials, I thought I missed that in Gary.

Richard M. Daley got permission is if one or two students con$54.00 years $20.00 forfor 6 2months the part where theycontrol, wouldbut sayit tract There is no doubt thecan casino from the state to take COVID-19, they un$54.00 for 2 years Periodicals Paid at Gary, IN something like “exit on Burr has been aspread godsend Gary.

If is time for that mistake to beStreet recti- knowingly it to for family memPOSTMASTER: Send address changes to: in Gary.” more lis- bers all goes planned, business fied.

I won’tNope, go intothe having an Ielectwhoaswould go about theirfrom days Periodicals Paid CRUSADER at Chicago, IL THE GARY tened I became assured that Gary and the facility will generate so That muchis ed board of education independent likely spread it to others.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: 1549 Broadway wascity not in either ver- why revenue; Gary’s finances willout. be Gary, Indiana 46407 of hallmentioned here; however, it is somethe ego needs to be left THE CHICAGO CRUSADER thing that deserves serious consider- And if CPS gets its way and there is 6429 South King Drive B LACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY WWW.GARYCRUSADER.COM Chicago, IL 60637 ation. an outbreak traced back to a school,www.chicagocrusader.com

I wouldn’t I want to be a CPS parent

FEEL SLIGHTED

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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

www.chicagocrusader.com

SOMEWHERE TO GET A BITE TO EAT Last Friday a new Gary restaurant held its grand opening. Righteous Ribs is located next to the Rail Cats and focuses on serving up some lip-smacking barbecue and is the third restaurant to open in the present location.

Prior to Righteous Ribs, R&R restaurant was the tenant and before that it was Bennigan’s. When the baseball stadium was built the planners felt a restaurant next to the stadium was a good investment. Well, it didn’t turn out that way. Since the baseball stadium’s opening thousands of people have flocked to the venue, however, the restaurant has not experienced the same level of success. The new owners are no doubt hoping that will change. In the meantime, they’d better be sending up some prayers along with that barbecue smoke that the folks will leave the game and patronize the establishment.

is usually wrapped up in an hour.

Way things lookin’ it doesn’t seem like they are no way near finding a clue as to who is setting the fires.

In the meantime, they are keeping the fire department busy and in so doing we are finding out how hard

CAN’T KEEP UP If there is an investigation into the fires that have been taking place around town, clearly who ever been setting them don’t seem to be aware. Since the announce-

‘Course if some money was spread around, they would have the culprit in no time flat.

-NOSEY-

WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

-NOSEY-

Gary Fire Department ment of an investigation into the fires by the ATF there have been fires in two abandoned schools, one on the east side of town and the other on the west side. It is understandable that the investigation ain’t like an episode of CIS which

and demanding their job is. No doubt they will be glad when whoever is setting the fires is caught.

OUGHT TO BE A LAW AGAINST IT

Word reached “The Nose” that property tax enemy No.1, Jim Nowacki is offering to teach people how to file an appeal on their property tax assessments. With folks getting hit with higher assessments due in part because of the school referendum, quite naturally the complaints are growing daily. Enter Nowacki to show how people get around paying the assessment. Who better to do this than one of the biggest tax scofflaws around? Whether what he has to offer is suitable for the average citizen who is not looking for a way to get over on the system remains to be seen. The one thing for sure

is that he knows his way around the appeal process due to having filed so many. Wonder how many will take Nowacki up on his offer. If things keep going the way the way they been going regarding the property taxes going up, he may one day find that client base is out there waiting to use his services. In the meantime, it would be wise to go the conventional route and get it done right.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

(Continued from page 4)

Redistricting is a foregone conclusion

Dear Editor, Some will likely be offended when I describe the upcoming Indiana legislative redistricting as a step above a charade even though that is exactly what it is. I say and believe this because the Republican Party has had a stranglehold on state government for so long, there is no need to redraw legislative maps in a meaningful way and give up any of their power.

Yes, party officials say the redistricting process will include more public hearings than 10 years ago, as well as even more public sites to let everyday people draw their own redistricting maps. Be serious. How much does the average citizen know about statewide districts? Many don’t even know their City Council boundaries.

U.S. Census Bureau officials said earlier the final population details won’t be available before September. So, the legislature will have a special session focusing on redistricting. Unfortunately, any decisions will be made in a contracted timeframe.

State GOP officials have no motivation or logical reason to make anything other than minor changes to districts. I would be surprised if they even do that.

I also would be surprised if they didn’t chip away at the 14th House District and the Third

District, represented by State Representative Vernon Smith, and State Senator Eddie Melton, respectively. Those two are the most prominent Dems in the Indiana General Assembly.

However, I am positive they will tell us the remaps will be done in an objective way. We have clear evidence to the contrary though.

The GOP got a little over 57 percent in the 2010 elections. However when the redistricting occurred a year later, the party got 70 percent of the legislative seats. How that adds up is beyond me.

If the Republicans wanted the redistricting to be transparent, they should have honored the requests for an independent commission to redraw district boundaries.

I know that system won’t be perfect, however, it will be much betThe ter than the lines the GOP legislators will draw. I have no doubts about that. We can be assured that once the process begins next month and unfolds, the Region will not benefit in any way. Most in the Republican Party seem fine with that.

The Democrats don’t have enough clout to do anything about it. That is why an independent commission is favored.

As it stands, it is almost a waste of money to pay these guys their $161 per diem to come back to Indianapolis to fake debates over redistricting. Hopefully, someone will step forward long before the next census and work out a better way to have Hoosiers represented.

Clifton Derricks

WWW.GARYCRUSADER.COM 20 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

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Blacks Must Control Their

own

Community

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

5

www.chicagocrusader.com 5 SATURDAY JUNE 5, 2021

America is divided into racist, antiracist WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE and the racially THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC! ambiguous mindsets

By Vernon A. Williams

Often in the name of academia or intellectualism, people dissect the most simplistic truths to the point of blurring clear understanding and making commonly shared beliefs a virtual impossibility. A spokesperson for the former administration in Washington, D.C., coined the dubious phrase “alternative facts.”

At the end of the day, people will believe what they choose to believe.

A staggering number of Republicans continue to assert that Barack Obama wasn’t born in the United States and that, even if he was, his religion is Muslim. Similarly, a comparable number refute the COVID threat and/or the vaccine remedy.

An astonishing three of four GOP polled continue to claim there was substantial fraud involved in the 2020 election even though the notion has been factually rejected by more than 100 court cases, most presided over by judges appointed by 45. Even GOP election officials call the last general election perhaps the cleanest in history.

How many of us can remember, or still interact with, that grandparent, parent, relative or neighbor who had limited formal education, if any at all, and yet always seemed to cut through the fog of debate to offer the most common-sense analysis to any discussion.

Too many people are overly concerned about being considered the smartest person in the room and are unwilling to compromise perspectives or opinion, usually deeply steeped in their personal experience, frame of knowledge or exposure.

The unwillingness to stretch beyond comfort zones creates an impenetrable barrier to broadening thought.

Dogma has become more important than democracy. That’s scary.

The concept of one-man-one-vote eludes those trying to restrict the rights of people of color to make their voices heard. White extremists, conservatives, moderates and even liberals are giving credence to theories that they know in their heart to be ridiculous and unfounded.

Their common denominator is the will to prevent the “browning of America.”

20 6

Vernon A. Williams Immigration, police brutality, voter oppression and imbalances in the penal system are all among the myriad tactics being employed to keep America white. Some boldly claim it, others try to couch their bias in finely spoken platitudes confusing to even the best educated.

Here in the middle of 2021, there is a chasm that has folk embracing the “we and they” mentality like nothing in recent decades. And while the foundation of our nation erodes, too many opt to hear no evil, see no evil and say no evil. The idiom that best captures that attitude says, “I’ve made up my mind. Don’t confuse me with the facts.”

Somehow there is the concept that if you are white and don’t endorse the most offensive or oppressive language or point of view, you are somewhat elevated against those overtly radical in their stance. The But if you are white in America today, you are either racist, racially ambiguous or anti-racial. No other options, no matter how you cut it.

And only the latter is useful in the fight for diversity, equity and justice for every American.

When 17-year-old Dick Rowland was arrested in Tulsa in 1921 and falsely accused of assaulting a white female elevator operator, there were only three ways it could have gone, trial and conviction (racially ambiguous); recantation or exoneration (antiracist); or lynching, compounded by rioting resulting in the death of 300 (racist).

Here is a more contemporary example: Antiracists insist that the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol be in-

SATURDAY,JUNE SEPTEMBER SATURDAY, 5, 2021 19, 2020

vestigated and perpetrators held accountable. The racially ambiguous debate the merits of such investigations and/or the reliability of even bipartisan findings. The racist prefers the political rhetoric, denying the brutal assault on the government ever took place or refusing to clearly identify perpetrators and conspirators.

On the matter of stimulus checks and unemployment benefits, antiracists support government assistance for those hardest hit by the pandemic. The racially ambiguous propose severely limited assistance with myriad conditions for qualification. Racists inject the Reagan era “welfare queen” propaganda, denouncing relief and targeting the disenfranchised.

In conclusion, these are difficult times for our nation. Too few seem willing to convene or attend meetings of the minds on any topic of substance, particularly involving race. Whether the hesitancy for dialogue of substance and search for progressive strategies are rooted in fear, apathy, complacency or the belief that whatever is broken will fix itself, the fact is doing nothing only makes matters worse.

America is on fire. Racists are the arsonists, setting, fanning, and relishing flames of hatred and destruction that they kindle. Antiracists struggle desperately to douse blaze after blaze, only to see new ones * All-Electric Mustang Mach-E ignited.

And the racially ambiguous, arguably the most complicit group, nonchalantly sit in the middle of the burning edifice, satisfied that they chose neither to ignite or extinguish the fires, even as the structure collapses around them.

CIRCLE CITY CONNECTION

by Vernon A. Williams is a series of essays on myriad topics that include social issues, human interest, entertainment and profiles of difference-makers who are forging change in a constantly evolving society. Williams is a 40-year veteran journalist based in Indianapolis, IN – commonly referred to as The Circle City. Send comments or questions to: vernonawilliams@ yahoo.com.

*Preproduction computer generated image shown.

(Top) An image of the insurrection on January 6, 2021 is used to deAvailable late 2020. pict a racist America.

(Middle) An image of a Black Lives Matter rally is used to depict an antiracist America.

(Bottom) The image of Candace Owens’ book was used to show a racially ambiguous America due to her comfortability in white supremicist spaces as a Black woman.

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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US Steel Provides College Essentials WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE for Scholarship Winners THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

Gary Works, the largest manufacturing plant of U.S. Steel, presented their USS Lead ERG Adopt A STEM Student Scholarship to West Side Leadership Academy Valedictorian, Cammay Brown, this past week. The scholarship was sponsored by the USS Steel Gary Works Plant and LEAD (Leveraging and Enhancing All Diversity) Employee Resource Group as an initiative to encourage students interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Cammay Brown, who will be attending Valparaiso University in the fall, plans on majoring in engineering.

Cammay was the only student from Gary to receive a scholarship along with two other graduates from other parts of the region.

The scholarship was open to scholars interested in STEM-related fields who demonstrated a financial need with a minimum of 3.2 GPA. The student applying would need to be enrolled to attend in-person college classes in the fall as well as completing an essay of 500 words about their goals for college.

Administrators and counselors surrounded Cammay during the presentation to shower her with support and appreciation. “This scholarship along with the countless others Cammay has received are all well-deserved,” said Principal Othiniel Mahone. “We are truly proud of Cammay and the hard The work she has put into her academics despite the obstacles.”

Cammay lost her mother to cancer during her high school career but managed to stay positive and focused.

"I have definitely been through a lot, but my immediate family and West Side family have been there for me," said Brown. "I am grateful to U.S. Steel for the scholarship and generous acts of kindness."

In addition to the financial assistance, U.S. Steel provided a college care package to fulfill which included many college necessities including a laptop, refrigerator, and dorm essentials.

The scholarship award is a new U.S. Steel initiative, and organizers indicated that the program will continue annually.

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Available late 2020.

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www.chicagocrusader.com 7 SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

Gary Airport receives $3.5 million federal grant

By David Denson

Mayor Jerome Prince was joined on Tuesday, June 1, by Congressman Frank Mrvan and representatives of the Gary/ Chicago International Airport to receive a $3.5 million Department of Transportation grant that was awarded to the airport.

The grant is a critical component to completing multiple years and phases of long-needed rehabilitation of the airport’s main runway, parallel Taxiway A and aprons. The project further supports GCIA’s critical cargo service operations, including a new tenant UPS, and will reduce overall maintenance and repair costs for the airport.

During the press conference held at the Gary Airport, Executive Airport Director Duane Hayden stated that the funds will be used to complete the taxiway that serves the main runway.

Hayden said rehabilitation on the taxiways, and paved surfaces are critical to meet the needs of the current operations, and opens the door for new development opportunities and infrastructure improvements in the future.

Plan along with the $1.9 trillion infrastructure bill being considered

by Congress will help the airport development.

“Today marks the continuation of the development and enhancements that have gone on at this airport for quite some time.

We are poised to see this airport reach heights we could only have imagined. Things like this don’t just happen, it is a collaboration,’’ said Mayor Jerome Prince.

The addition of UPS as an airport tenant, along with the customs facility and the Jet Center and Coleman Aviation proponents of the airport all point to signs of the facility’s continuing growth.

Airport officials say the grant will enhance cargo service for UPS and reduce the cost of maintenance and repairs to the airport.

The Gary/Chicago International Airport is Chicago’s third official airport serving as a partner for Midway International and O’Hare International airports. The airport serves as a vital option servicing cargo and private operations, freeing up needed capacity at O’Hare and Midway and allowing them to focus on increasing passenger demands.

WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

Congressman Mrvan said the runway will create construction jobs, as a taxiway will be constructed as a 14-inch concrete overlay that is 335 feet long.

“What we want to do is allow private business to do what they do best and create life sustaining opportunities for individuals to relocate into Gary, and for

individuals who live here in the city of Gary to have sustainable incomes,” said Mrvan.

“I congratulate Gary Mayor Jerome Prince, the Gary/Chicago International Airport Board Members and staff, and everyone involved who helped support the efforts to secure the federal resources that we are celebrating

today. This investment will put people back to work, enhance this valuable asset, and benefit our region. I will continue to look for opportunities to promote investment in our infrastructure and create an economy that works for everyone,” said Mrvan.

Mrvan also said that the Biden Administration’s American Jobs

49 local businesses to receives a $5,000 Grant during a check celebration The Lake County Community Economic Development Department (LCCEDD) provided a new source of economic relief that was available to small business owners in Lake County. The funding was offered through the Community Investment Fund of Indiana (CIFI), which received a grant for $615,000. LCCEDD secured the grant through the Cares Act, a federal program aimed to help small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In May 2021, CIFI provided a grant of $5,000 to small businesses in Lake County. The organization focuses on serving women and minority-owned business enterprises whose presence delivers a last-ing impact on the local economy.

The funding was available through CIFI’s Fund 21 Small Business Resiliency Program and by the Federal Community Development Block Grant Program through the COVID-19 CARES Act authorized by Congress. LCCEDD and the Lake County Redevelopment Commission awarded $615,000 to CIFI to administer and distribute the grants to eligible small businesses, which are not expected to be repaid. CIFI focused on assisting businesses that had not 820

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received any other funding through existing grants and loan programs.

Various organizations collaborated with CIFI to improve small b u s i n e s s d e ve l o p m e n t i n Lake County, which included partnerships with the Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance, the

SATURDAY,JUNE SEPTEMBER SATURDAY, 5, 2021 19, 2020

Legacy Foundation, the Indiana Small Business Development Center. All the partners are helping to promote the Fund 21 Program and identify small businesses that are eligible to receive the grants.

The Community Investment Fund of Indiana is certified by the

U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution. CIFI is a statewide small business lender with offices located in Hammond and Indianapolis, IN. CIFI is funded by state and federal agencies, Indiana banks, and other

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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LCCEDD is a unit of Lake Available late 2020.

County government that focuses on housing finance and loans to established industrial or commercial businesses with access to the Lake County Revolving Loan Fund.

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Purdue Northwest educator prep program recognized for national excellence Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) School of Education and Counseling is one of 60 providers from 26 states to receive accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Council announced recently.

The CAEP accreditation standards are rigorous, nationally recognized standards that were developed to ensure excellence in education preparation programs.

A total of 423 providers from 45 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are approved for accreditation by the Council.

“These institutions meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate,” said CAEP President Christopher A. Koch. “Seeking CAEP accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider.”

The Purdue University Northwest education preparation program notably produces high-quality educators. Of teachers who graduated from PNW, 96% were marked effective/highly effective in their annual reviews. Additionally, 80% of candidates passed their pedagogy license exams on the first attempt.

“Our students and instructors should be very proud of the work they are doing. We’ve set a very high bar for our teacher preparation program, and our CAEP accreditation validates the hard work we are doing,” said PNW School of Education and Counseling Director Anne Gregory. “Our students and their families are investing in an education program that is designated as nationally accredited for teacher preparation.”

CAEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. CAEP was created by the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. It is a unified accreditation system intent on raising the performance of all institutions focused on educator preparation. Approximately 700 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP Accreditation system, including some previously accredited through former standards.

Educator preparation providers seeking accreditation must pass peer review of the CAEP standards, which are based on two principles: 1.

Solid evidence that the provider’s graduates are competent

WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC! and caring educators, and 2. Solid evidence that the provider’s educator staff have the capacity to create a culture of evidence and use it to maintain and enhance the quality of the professional programs they offer.

The CAEP Board of Directors updated the educator preparation standards in 2020 as part of its commitment to reviewing the standards at least every seven years. The changes to the CAEP standards reflect the Board’s commitment to equity and diversity and also place an emphasis on the importance of technology in preparing future educators.

WWW.GARYCRUSADER.COM 20 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (www.CAEPnet.org) advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

Purdue University Northwest Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to em-

powering transformational change in our students and in our community. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW val-

ues academic excellence, supports growth, and celebrates diversity. For more information about PNW, visit www.pnw.edu.

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Available late 2020.

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9 SATURDAY, www.chicagocrusader.com JUNE 5, 2021

AFTER YOU FIRE THE LAST SHOT

By J. Coyden Palmer

have to explain their actions with every use of lethal force, so will you. But you will not have the benefit of unqualified immunity.

You will not have a union or city attorney working on your behalf.

So, you had better know what you are doing.

Johnson said police may press you for a statement. However, this is not the time for you to start talking. He added you can’t remember every single incident that led up to the shooting. That is what the investigation is for.

“We always believe we can talk our way or explain our way out of things,” Johnson said. “If you just shot someone, the odds of you not going to jail temporarily, even when you were in the right, are slim.”

Johnson said spending a few hours or even a night in jail initially should be expected as the police conduct the investigation. He said too many people get caught up in the “but I was right” argument.

It is why Johnson said knowing your legal rights, how the legal process goes, and having a plan that you have rehearsed over and over again is something every legal gun owner must know.

“Think about a police officer who shoots someone in the line of duty. They get to have 48 hours, that’s at least two sleep cycles before they have to come in and make a statement and when they make that statement, they do so along with their attorney or union rep,” Johnson said. “So why wouldn’t you do the same thing? It’s your legal right to do it, so do it.”

Be the First to Call 911 Coming in second or third place is not bad if you are running in a cross- country event. But if you’ve

just shot someone, you better be the first to call 911 if you want to be seen by the responding officers as the victim.

“While it may seem counterintuitive for the good guy to think the bad guy will call the police after they just tried to kill you, you must realize the bad guy may understand the law better than you,” says Massad Ayoob, considered the foremost expert in the country on civilian and police use of force.

“Whoever calls in first gets to be the complainant. That’s how the system is geared. Whoever is complained about is seen as the suspect. So, it is critical for you to be the one to call 911 and state whatever the attacker(s) did to you.”

When calling 911, experts say be brief. State the location and tell them someone has been shot and to send police and paramedics and then hang up the phone.

Never say, “I just shot someone,” because then the police will come looking for you.

“Many people don’t know that when you dial 911 in the United States, as soon as it starts ringing it is also recording,” Johnson says.

“I can’t tell you how many times people have been busted because they are talking as the phone call to 911 is ringing and recording, and they say things they shouldn’t be saying.”

The second call you make should be to your attorney, Johnson said.

Say Only What Needs to Be Said The 5th Amendment protects you from incriminating yourself.

But time and time again, citizens get themselves in hot water from mundane things like traffic tickets to more serious situations like shootings because they talk to the police, thinking they are in the right to have done what they did.

WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

It’s the thing you never wanted to happen, but it has. The palms of your hands are sweaty. Your heart feels like it is beating out of your chest. Your body is shaking. You may urinate or defecate on yourself, as the human body evacuates all things from it not needed to win a life-or-death fight.

You have fired your weapon in self-defense, and someone has been shot. But whether you realize it or not, the fight isn’t over.

You may have come out victorious, surviving physically, but the legal fight has just begun.

In what experts call “fight or flight” the human body goes into survival mode and clear thinking might not be possible. But having a plan in mind of what steps to take if this situation happens is one of the most important things you can do as a legal gun owner.

Because the actions you take in the moments right after the shooting could be the difference between you being sent to prison or going home to your loved ones in one piece.

To assist readers in making what could be a life-changing decision immediately following a defensive shooting incident, the Crusader gathered information from a variety of legal experts on citizen- and police-involved shootings for this report.

All encouraged legal gun owners, in addition to maintaining regular firearms training, to have a good insurance company that specifically deals with gun owners’ rights, and to have a retainer for a lawyer on standby.

Attorney Terry Johnson, from Firearms Legal Protection, is a criminal defense attorney who for years has been helping people involved in self-defense shootings.

Based out of Farmington, Michigan, Johnson says too many people make mistakes after they’ve been involved in a shooting that have cost them time in prison, money and even their own lives when they were mistaken as the offender.

“The first thing you want to do when the police arrive on the scene is make sure you don’t have anything in your hands,” Johnson said. “There have been incidents of people being shot by the first officer responding to the scene because they couldn’t tell who was the threat and who wasn’t.

“The officer is responding to a call of shots fired. You standing there holding a gun is not a good start.”

Just as law enforcement officers 20 10

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Nothing could be further from the truth says John Correia from Active Self Protection, whose YouTube channel is one of the most popular and best online sources for information about defensive shootings. The Active Self Protection YouTube channel has loads of different scenarios in which Correia gives explanations on what went right and what went wrong in a situation.

“The police are going to investigate anyway, so let them do their job,” Correia says. “There is no need for you to start yapping. We see on the channel all the time people taking actions or saying things in anger after the deadly threat was over that cross the line and get them into trouble.”

Attorney Johnson agrees. He says nothing good can come from you talking to the police at a time when you are emotional and not think-

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BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

ing clearly. He added that talking to police without an attorney is an even worse idea.

Ayoob’s expertise in the area of civilian and police use of force requires him to travel the country speaking on the topic, and he has testified in dozens of criminal and civil cases on the subject. He has a bit of a different take than Johnson but agrees that saying less is more.

Speaking with Marty Hayes of the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network in November of last year, Ayoob laid out what a person can say when they are first contacted by police. Back in the 1980s, Ayoob came up with a five-point checklist of things that need to be established.

“The first thing you have to do is establish the active dynamic. Tell the police or 911, ‘this person attacked my wife or this person was trying to kill me’,” Ayoob began.

“Second, tell the police you will testify against the person who attacked you. It reinforces the first point that you were the intended victim and you were defending yourself or others.

“Next you want to point out the evidence. Preservation of life takes precedence over preservation of evidence, so shell casings, where a weapon is found, or video evidence can all be accidentally moved by police and paramedics responding to the scene. Point them in the right direction.

Ayoob adds, using that same *Preproduction thought process, “youcomputer want to generated image shown. point out anyAvailable eyewitness who late 2020. might be able to help you. Usually someone or a lot of people saw what happened but are afraid to speak up. You can even ask people before the cops get there, ‘did you (Continued on Page 11) WWW.GARYCRUSADER.COM www.chicagocrusader.com

What You Need to Say, Do and Not Do in a Defensive Shooting?

WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE Do you need a second gun?

THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

who can be called into court to testify about what you said to them about the incident, with the exception of a spouse,” Victor said.

“Posting your thoughts on social media is like literally telling the entire world, and your posts can be used as evidence against you.”

Keep Your Attorney’s Information on Your Person When you need an attorney, you won’t have time to look up one in a phone book. In the heat of the moment, you will not be thinking clearly so experts recommend having your attorney’s phone number locked into your contact list.

As an additional backup, having a physical copy of your attorney’s card in a purse or wallet is also a good idea in case the phone is lost or damaged during the encounter. This may also allow you to have a friend or family member make the call for you if they are on the scene.

Johnson and Victor agree that the fight for your exonerationThe is going to be just as difficult as the life-or-death situation you just survived. They offer this final advice.

“Remember, the Miranda Rights says it all: ‘anything you say, can and WILL be used against you in a court of law.’ So, the most important thing you can say is nothing at all,” Johnson said.

“I see no downside to saying, ‘hey I want my lawyer, I got nothing to say’,” Victor told Correia on an Active Self Protection Extra episode.

“That’s what the police get advised to do when they are involved in a shooting. That’s what the police advise their kids to do. So, if it is good enough for the police and their kids to do it, it should be good enough for you as well.”

WWW.GARYCRUSADER.COM 20 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

that if they are involved in a situation where they use or present their weapon in a self-defense encounter, they may not get that weapon back as the investigation gets going or even after it concludes, says Attorney Terry Johnson, who helped Weldon get his license to carry back after his acquittal in Michigan.

“Just consider that weapon gone and buy you a new one,” he advises. “I have a buddy who was a cop that was involved in a justified shooting nearly 20 years ago. He has since retired and they still never gave him his weapon back, so go figure.”

Another practical reason to own a second weapon could be that your primary gun is in need of repair. Guns, like cars, have moving parts that often need to be replaced. Giving your gun to a gunsmith for maintenance could take a few days or a few weeks.

Doing so could mean an undetermined amount of time to be without protection, according to journalist Eve Flanigan, who

writes for the US Concealed Carry Association’s Concealed Carry Magazine.

Since guns are tools, different guns have different uses. Many people prefer carrying a sub-compact handgun for self-defense when they are in public. The smaller-sized firearm is lighter and easier to conceal. However, a full-sized handgun is the preferred choice for home defense.

Full-sized carry arms tend to have a longer barrel for more firepower and generally hold more rounds, up to 19.

Another argument for owning a second gun is that if the gun is used as both a home defense weapon and as a concealed carry weapon, the gun cannot be in two places at once. This might be fine for a person who lives alone, but in a family situation, if one person takes the gun with them on a trip to the grocery store, those left in the house will have no means to defend themselves if there is an attack at the residence.

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(Continued from Page 10) see that?’ That puts some people at ease and they may come forward on your behalf.

“Finally, it is at that point that I would go with telling the officer you will answer no further questions until you have spoken with your attorney.”

Ayoob believes being respectful when telling the officer you do not intend to answer any further questions is important to determining how they label you. Many times, the media reports a person as “not cooperating with investigators,” when often times it is just people exercising their legal right to counsel, according to Attorney Johnson. Keeping the focus that you are the victim should be your primary goal.

Ayoob added this may include requesting an ambulance for yourself if you were injured. Other experts suggest always requesting an ambulance because you can go into shock, suffer a panic or heart attack after going through such an emotional ordeal.

No Posting on Social Media It is no secret that we live in a digital media world and people are wquick to post every aspect of their lives on social media platforms. However, posting pictures of your grandmother’s 100th birthday party won’t get you thrown in prison. Talking about how you shot someone can. Do not talk about the incident, even if you were cleared.

Attorney Mark Victor is not only against people saying anything to police if involved in a shooting, but he says you shouldn’t be saying anything to anyone, including family and friends.

“All of those people are people

The question asked by some of the public is why do legal gun owners need more than one gun?

The answer to that question varies, but it starts with how you view a gun. If a gun is viewed merely as a tool, just like various hammers or screwdrivers have different purposes, then perhaps more people can understand why.

But if you need a more practical example, take a look at the case of Marcus Weldon.

Weldon was featured in Part II of the Crusader’s Carrying While Black series. He was acquitted of six felonies levied against him when he shot two people in self-defense in Detroit in 2014. Though he was found not guilty of all charges by a jury, prosecutors in the case have refused to return Weldon his gun, even though he is legally allowed to have one.

“I think they are just sore losers,” said Weldon with a laugh, who has since purchased another firearm.

Legal gun owners should know

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11 SATURDAY, www.chicagocrusader.com JUNE 5, 2021

West Side Leadership Academy to unveil renovated track with public ceremony The Gary Community School Corporation is inviting the community to celebrate the recent restoration of the track at West Side Leadership Academy (900 Gerry St. in Gary) on Tuesday, June 8th at 10:00 a.m.

GCSC Manager Dr. Paige McNulty will be joined the Athletics staff, student athletes and a host of community stakeholders to officially open the track to the public.

At the conclusion of the brief program, everyone will be invited to take a ceremonious lap around the track.

"We especially want our students and stakeholders to see tangible results of our efforts," said McNulty.

"The restoration of West Side's track is one of many signs that the District is headed in the righ direction."

The ceremony will also be broadcast live on both the Gary Community School Corporation and West Side Leadership Academy Facebook pages.

WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

Houston Texans Lonnie Johnson Jr. to host his Annual “Protect The Youth Football Camp”

By Joseph Phillips Sports Editor Houston Texans defensive back Lonnie Johnson, Jr. will host his Annual “Protect The Youth Football Camp” on Saturday, June 12, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for ages 8-18 years old.

The event will take place at the West Side Leadership Academy, located on 9th Gerry Street in Gary, Indiana, and will feature a host of other football professionals “Aspiring football greats ages 8 – 18, will have an opportunity on Saturday June 12, 2021 to practice with the pros while honing their fundamental skills,” said the Annual Protect The Youth Football Camp.

During the camp, Johnson will be joined by his current NFL and professional football friends which includes Kawann Short – Free Agent/ Carolina Panthers, Jon’Vea Johnson, Antonio Pipkin – Toronto Argonauts, Ryan Neal – Seattle Seahawks and more.

The group also established partnerships with the Element Sports Group, USA Football, the NFL Foundation, West Side Leadership Academy, Big Daddy’s Barbeque, Popcorn World, Heaven Sent Gourmet Cookies & Bakery and Sprayground.

“This one-day camp will run from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. eastern.,” said the Annual Protect Football Camp.

“Campers aged 8 to 12 years old will participate from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Campers aged 13 to 18 years old will participate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and has limited spots available, so be sure 20 12

PROTECT THE YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP

JUNE 12 West Side Leadership Academy Registration begins at 7:30 AM

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to sign up online for this opportunity before all slots are filled.”

According to the camp, each camper will be provided with a camp t-shirt, as well as lunch following their individual camp session.

The event will follow all CDC, state, and local guidelines as it relates to the health and safety of par-

SATURDAY,JUNE SEPTEMBER SATURDAY, 5, 2021 19, 2020

ticipants. Media outlets are welcome to attend. Johnson and other instructors will be available for interviews following the clinic.

For more information on the Annual Protect the Youth Football Camp, visit their online registration at www.protecttheyouthfootballcamp.com.

About USA Football: USA Football (www.usafootball.com) evolves and grows the sport through innovative standards and best practices to advance coach and player development, participation and safety within the fun of the game and its inherent values.

As the sport’s national governing

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8 AM 11 AM

11 AM 2 PM

8-12 years olds

13-18 years olds

body and member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players.

About the NFL Foundation: The National Football League Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by*Preproduction the game ofcomputer football – generated image shown. from players at all levels to commuAvailable late 2020. nities across the country. The NFL Foundation represents the 32 NFL clubs and supports the health and running back of athletes, youth football and the communities that support our game.

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Black His History tory Moments

Gold and Glory Sweepstakes highlighted Black racing

WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC! The roar and excitement of cars racing around the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was alluring to many.

But Blacks were barred from participating. After being told no by the American Automobile Association - the sport’s governing body - multiple times, Black Americans created their own auto racing event.

It was called the Gold and Glory Sweepstakes and it was held annually by the Colored Speedway Association on the dirt oval track at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

It was an event that drew Black elites from throughout the country. From 1924 to 1936, as many as 15,000 spectators attended the race each summer.

The 100-mile race included a grand prize of $2,500, and drew dozens of Black drivers to com-

pete. But only 20 would participate in each race.

Indianapolis native Charlie Wiggins became the star of the race. He earned the nickname "Speed King" for winning the Gold and Glory Sweepstakes four times, driving a car he built from junk parts. The car ran on a special fuel of airplane fuel and castor oil.

Wiggins became known as The Negro Speed King”— more than six decades before Willie T. Ribbs would become the first Black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 in 1991.

Wiggins lived to see one of his protégés, Sumner "Red" Oliver, become the first African-American official mechanic in Indy 500 history as a member of the 1973 Patrick Racing Team.

Wiggins’ racing career ended in 1936 after a 13-car crash that re-

sulted in the loss of his right leg and eye. Despite his injuries and constant pain, he continued to mentor promising young drivers, including some 500-Mile Race winners, and campaigned against segregation in the auto racing industry.

The Colored Speedway Association ceased to exist in 1936 with its biggest star gone as a result of the crippling accident and the onset of the Great Depression.

Black History Moments are brief historical articles and videos presented monthly wby Freetown Village, a living history museum with the mission to educate the public about African American lives, arts, and culture in Indiana through living history, exhibits, allied programs, and the collection and preservation of artifacts.

What Naomi Osaka can teach women, especially Black women about mental health Many Black women can relate to the challenges facing professional Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka and the backlash she experienced after withdrawing from the French Open to prioritize her mental health, says Northwestern Medicine psychologist Inger Burnett-Ziegler.

“Naomi Osaka’s complaint of being asked repetitive questions that lead to self-doubt is one many Black women can relate to,” said Burnett-Ziegler, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “It is not unusual for a Black woman to be in a work situation in which she feels under the microscope and harshly criticized in a way that is disproportionate to her peers.

“Much of the backlash Osaka has received falls in line with the unspoken belief that women should just do what they have to do and put up with things that are harmful to them in order to pacify others, be agreeable and keep their ‘good jobs’,” said Burnett-Ziegler, who researches Black women’s mental health.

“Osaka made a bold and brave move by stating her intentions to not do any press

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST-GARY Naomi Osaka

Father’s Day - FREE

Mobile Food Basket Giveaway PPE (KN-95 Masks & Hand Sanitizer)

* in order to protect her mentalThe All-Electric Mustang Mach-E

health and going on to pull out of the French Open.”

Here’s what all women can learn from her actions, Burnett-Ziegler said: “Osaka took some really important steps that are important to recognize: 1) she identified aspects of her work environment contributing to her depression; 2) she did what was in her control to set a clear and firm boundary in order to take care of herself; 3) she prioritized her needs over the opinions and agendas of others.

“To be sure, not everyone has the same degree of privilege and leverage that she does, but there is a lesson in here for all of us.”

WWW.GARYCRUSADER.COM 20 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

COVID-19 Vaccinations (Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) Vaccinations will be given by Community Healthnet

Saturday June 12, 2021 From 10am – 1pm or Until Food Baskets & Supplies Run Out Location – Trinity United Church of Christ-GARY 1276 W. 20th Ave. *Preproduction computer generated image shown.

Gary, IN 46407 Available late 2020.

Phone 219-944-0500 Website www.tuccgary.org

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

The All-Electric Mustang Mach-E *

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Available late 2020.

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WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

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Available late 2020.

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WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

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Available late 2020.

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Gary NAACP Branch Announces WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE ACT-SO THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC! Winners

The All-Electric Mustang Mach-E *

The Gary Branch of the NAACP has announced the winners of its ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) local competition.

STEM: Lauren Steed – Gold Medalist/Medicine & Health Business: Maia Crowley – Gold Medalist/Entrepreneurship Performing Arts: Samuel Coleman - Gold Medalist/Music: Instr. - Classical Naomi Martin – Silver Medalist/Music: Instr. - Classical Bryce Carter - Bronze Medalist/Music: Instr.

Contemporary Alicia Jones – Gold Medalist/Dance: Contemporary Senee’ George – Bronze Medalist/Dance: Contemporary Mikayla Taylor – Bronze Medalist/Dance: Modern Visual Arts: Dominic Burns – Bronze/Medalist/Photography Humanities: Samuel Coleman – Gold Medalist/Music Composition “We would like to thank all of the students, parents, mentors, coaches, judges, and supporters who assisted in making our ACT-SO Virtual Program & Competition a success,” said NAACP Gary Branch President Steve Mays. “This program is an excellent opportunities for our youth to explore their talents and prepare for their professional careers.”

The NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) is a nationwide yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students.

ACT-SO includes 32 competitions in STEM, humanities, business, and performing, visual and culinary arts. Almost 300,000 young people have participated from the program since its inception.

The NAACP National ACT-SO Virtual Competition will be held in July 2021 (TBA). For information about the 2021-2022 ACT-SO Program, send an email to actso.gary.3050@gmail. com.

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Make Men’s Month Meaningful: Take “HIM” to the Doctor

By Dr. Janet Seabrook

they didn’t mention a health concern because they weren’t ready to face a troubling diagnosis, or because they didn’t want to be judged.”

Regardless of the reasons listed above, it is important to address your loved one’s apprehension while identifying the benefits of checking in with your primary care physician at least on an annual basis.

Early Detection - An annual visit to the doctor can help with early detection of medical conditions. Regular check-ups allow your physician to keep a solid record of your health history. In addition, he or she can more easily notice any changes, ask specific questions and recommend any needed follow-up/tests.

Lifestyle Adjustments - As we get older, our bodies change. A simple chat with your doctor can reveal some of the necessary lifestyle adjustments that may be

ply urge those who are reading this to become a health advocate for the men in your lives. This Men’s Health Month, let these men know how much you care about their well-being, and offer to accompany them to their doctor’s appointment if that helps.

Standing by and being silent until a health condition deteriorates doesn’t benefit anyone involved.

Start by reminding “HIM” (insert his name here) “Your health matters!”

Follow Dr. Janet Seabrook on Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In for more information about health and wellness. Please be sure to visit www.drjanetseabrook.com

WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

The month of June is always filled with warm weather and plenty of special occasions! While we look forward to this time of year for enjoyment, the doctor in me always wants to send out the memo that June is also Men’s Health Month! Why? Because we all have a man (men) in our lives, whether it is a spouse, sibling, father, son, friend… you name it...who doesn’t want to go get his annual check-up! I write this column with a passion to change this narrative.

First, let’s explore why some men avoid going to the doctor.

According to a survey conducted by AARP in 2019, “Common reasons included embarrassment or discomfort with discussing certain issues and not wanting to be told that they should change their diets or lifestyle. Some said

Dr. Janet Seabrook needed to our diets, exercise routine and even workload to eliminate stress.

Peace of Mind - The news that doctors deliver is not always bad!

In fact, we love to hand out report

Indiana Task Force for Assessment of Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities The next meeting of the Indiana Task Force for Assessment of Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EDT).

This will be a virtual meeting and streamed live to the public on the Indiana Family and Social Services YouTube channel. American Sign Language and live captions will be available. More information about the task force is available online at https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/5455.htm.

Requests for accommodations should be made by contacting Kristina Blankenship at 800-5457763 or kristina.blankenship@ fssa.in.gov on or before June 9, 2021.

The task force was originally established by House Enrolled Act 1102 in the 2017 session of the Indiana General Assembly and is chaired by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. Meetings were held around the state in 2018 for the purpose of gathering input and preparing a comprehensive plan for implementation of community-based services provided to people with intellectual and other disabilities. The final report can be found on their website..

Additionally, the task force was reauthorized during the 2019 session by HEA 1488 and, going

The

forward, will meet at least twice a year through 2025 to receive an update regarding the implementation of the task forces’ final re-

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cards with a clean bill of health!

Imagine the peace of mind everyone involved experiences once the great results from the checkup are shared.

I could go on, but I will sim-

Follow Dr. Janet Seabrook on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for more information about health and wellness. be sure to visit www.drjanetseabrook.com and sign up to receive regular updates and health information.

Health Department vaccinated thousands at mass site

The Indiana Department of Health announced that 63,749 individuals were vaccinated at its mass vaccination site at Gary Roosevelt Park and mobile clinics held in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

This included 47,586 individuals vaccinated at the Gary clinic from April 7 to May 29, and an additional 16,163 were vaccinated at 16 FEMA-supported mobile clinics in the same time frame across northern Indiana.

“We are pleased by the impact these clinics had in Lake All-Electric Mustang Mach-E * County and northern Indiana by giving thousands of Hoosiers greater access to this lifesaving vaccine,” said State Health Commissioner Kristina Box, M.D., FACOG. “While I am encouraged by the downward trend in COVID-19 in Indiana, I can’t overstate the importance of getting vaccinated so we can all be protected from this virus that has claimed more than 13,000 Hoosier lives.”

The state recommended the site to FEMA as a way to make vaccine easily available to a large number of Indiana’s high-risk citizens and medically underport recommendations and if any served populations. Throughlegislative changes are needed to out the eight-week clinic, speaccomplish what is set forth in cial focus was placed on raising the recommendations. awareness among area residents BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

and removing any barriers to vaccination.

In addition to FEMA, the state Department of Health thanks its partners for their support of this joint vaccination effort: City of Gary and Mayor Jerome Prince, Gary Community School Corp., Methodist Hospitals, Gary Public Transportation Corp., the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana 211, Indiana National Guard, Luna Language Services and Hamilton Exhibits.

To find vaccination sites around the state, including Lake County, visit OurShot.in.gov and click a site on the map or search by ZIP code. You may also call 211 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT to schedule an appointment.

Patients with an appointment at a state-hosted public vaccination site can get a free UBER or Lyft ride. Call 2-1-1 or (866) 211-9966 to receive a voucher to cover the cost of an Uber computer ride to and*Preproduction from your vaccinagenerated image shown. tion appointments.

IUlate Health Available 2020. offers free Lyft rides to any vaccine site in the state. Call 1.888.

IUHEALTH (888-484-3258) and choose option 9 if you need transportation to your vaccine appointment.

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WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

The All-Electric Mustang Mach-E *

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