Gary Crusader 10-1-2016

GARY CRUSADER 10-1-2016_1-737001941.e$S_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 9/29/16 4:20 AM Page 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Grand sendoff for late Publisher of Chicago Citizen (See page 3)

Dana Evans chooses the Louisville “Cards (See page 15)

Blacks Must Control Their Own Community

www.garycrusader.com

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

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VOLUME LV NUMBER 23 —SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

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Gary’s future at stake as election nears Deadline to register to vote Oct. 11

By Erick Johnson With the general election just over a month away, time is running out for Gary residents to decide Indiana’s next governor and America’s next president. As Gary’s unemployment rate and economy continue to lag behind the state, the Nov. 8 general election is becoming increasingly important for frustrated voters to voice their disappointment on both state and national levels.

At the center of these frustrations is the state’s Republican leadership, particularly incumbent Governor Michael Pence. Under his leadership, Gary has suffered while most cities in the state have flourished with

Nov. 8.

In the race for president, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton is still ahead in the polls against Republican nominee Donald Trump, but sliding poll numbers has her fighting to keep the lead in a race that con-

tinues to tighten.

Clinton won favorable reviews after a heated, televised presidential debate on Sept.27. It was the highest viewed debate in the nation’s history. Poised and composed, Clinton persevered as Trump un-

leashed an onslaught of personal attacks that seemingly backfired and hurt his image in the latest polls.

Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized Trump, who has shown little remorse for not paying millions of dollars in federal taxes over the years. It’s a reality that Clinton reminded a national audience on Monday night. The day after the debate, Trump said the debate was unfair and vowed to unleash harsher attacks in the next presidential debate, which is a townhall format, on Oct. 9.

Trump’s vice presidential nominee, Pence, will debate his opponent, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine on Oct. 4. Since joining the Republican ticket last summer, Pence has expressed the same consecutive views that are at the heart of his policies on abortion as Indiana’s governor.

Those same policies has drawn Pence heavy criticism and made the race to the governor’s mansion easier for John R. (Continued on page 2)

Hundreds in East Chicago still in limbo after high lead levels found in soil Story said CDC report left children vulnerable to lead poisoning surging job markets and booming economies.

Meanwhile, Gary’s economy and school district are struggling to rebound, and Pence has often been accused of being out of touch with the needs of the working class and ignoring the economic problems that have plagued cities like Gary. Now, Pence is trying to win the nation’s secondhighest office. Both the gubernatorial and presidential races have ties to Gary, and voters who have been frustrated with the state’s leadership can help stop Pence from becoming America’s next vice president.

Time is running out to make a difference next month; Oct. 11 is the deadline to register to vote for the general election on

Gary Crusader staff report Hundreds of Black residents in East Chicago are still in limbo after extremely high levels of lead have been detected in a public housing development. While many poor tenants have no place to go, others remain worried after learning their children have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.

Now, East Chicago officials are trying to keep the city calm and avoid the backlash Flint, Michigan officials received during their city’s lead crisis in 2015.

It’s a problem one attorney said has been known for a long time and federal, state and even city officials did nothing about it. And a recent investigative story by Reuters news agency said a flawed report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is leaving children vulnerable by saying they were not at risk when they really were.

The problem has residents angry and an attorney preparing to take legal action on

Mayor Anthony Copeland behalf of numerous families that are being forced to move out of the West Calumet Housing Complex, a 44-year-old development that has 346 units. The complex was

built on the site of the defunct former Lead Product smelting operation.

The company closed some 33 years ago, but it left high deposits of lead in the soil.

As it turned out, the grounds were never cleaned up and for decades children who played outside were at risk. Some ended up poisoned by the contamination and their parents went years without knowing it. A new elementary school at West Calumet Housing Complex was built on the contaminated grounds.

The high levels of lead were finally detected last May when Robert Kaplan, an official with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), took several samples of the soil and detected the elevated lead levels.

He told NBC news that letters were sent to everyone when the findings were released.

Tenants of the West Calumet Housing Complex were notified of the high lead levels in July when the city’s mayor, Anthony Copeland, told them that their complex would be demolished and they would be relocated to safer neighborhoods. But as residents began searching for safer places to (Continued on page 3)

GARY CRUSADER 10-1-2016_1-737001941.e$S_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 9/29/16 4:20 AM Page 2

Covered Bridge Wins License Plate Vote More than a Quarter-Million Hoosiers Voted After a month-long vote starting in August and ending in September, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Commissioner Kent Abernathy announced Indiana residents have chosen a covered bridge design to replace the outgoing Bicentennial license plate.

“The first day of fall is a great time to announce the covered bridge license plate is our winner,” said Com-

missioner Abernathy. “Not only is this colorful design with a red bridge spanning a creek the top vote getter, it won big,” he added.

Three plate designs were in the running but it was the covered bridge choice that garnered 54 percent of the vote. The Hoosier State silhouette plate was second with 39 percent and fewer than seven-percent of those who voted liked the “Crossroads of America” design.

In all 331,298 votes were cast in the license plate choice, through myB-

MV.com, at BMV’s State Fair Booth or at BMV Self-Service Terminals throughout the state.

Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Intellectual Technology Inc., a firm that designs and manufactures license plates for

states all over the country, did the artwork.

The covered bridge plate will begin appearing on vehicles in January of 2017 as older plates are replaced at

the end of the normal seven-year life cycle. It will join “In God We Trust” as one of two, standard, no-extra-cost plates. The new design can also be purchased before the end of the license plate life cycle for $10.25.

Gary’s future at stake as election nears ing to Indianavoters.com In the race for governor, the political climate may be ripe for Gregg to pull off an important victory for Democrats. The stage may have been set July 15 when Pence accepted an offer to run for the White House against Clinton and Kaine.

Although declining in popularity, Pence was viewed as Gregg’s biggest hurdle to the Governor’s mansion. Despite Indiana’s strong Republican electorate, Gregg al-

(Continued from page 1) Gregg, who is attempting to become the state’s first Democratic governor in 13 years. His opponent, Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb, aims to be the third consecutive Republican to lead the Hoosier State.

On Sept. 27, the candidates squared off in a townhall meeting style debate at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis. It was the first of three gubernatorial debates for the candidates.

Holcomb has proposed an education plan that would largely continue the policies of Pence.

He wants to expand a state-funded pre-school pilot program for low-income families; provide incentives to outstanding teachers; and defend GOP-led expansions of the state’s private school voucher program and the growth of charter schools.

Gregg’s platform involves greater support for struggling communities and cities like Gary. He has called for universal, state-funded preschools; abandoning the state’s A-F school accountability system in favor of more comprehensive performance measurements; scaling back the state’s private school voucher program; and halting further charter school expansion.

On Sept. 23, the Indiana State Police Alliance’s Political Action Committee became the latest organization representing public safety to throw their support behind Gregg. The announcement 2

John R. Gregg

Eric Holcomb

followed the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police’s endorsement of Gregg in August.

On the Republican ticket, Holcomb has toned down the highlycharged conservative climate by aligning himself with sociallyconservative policies.

In his campaign, Gregg has rebranded himself as the LGBTfriendly alternative to Pence, whose hard-line religious conservatism placed him at odds with big business and its support of gay and transgender rights.

Pence had faced a tough re-election campaign for governor before abandoning those efforts to become Trump’s running mate.

His approval ratings fell as he drew criticism for his handling of the state’s controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act and

support of new abortion restrictions that a federal judge has since ruled unconstitutional.

With the state’s Republican majority and rising opposition to Pence’s conservative policies, it will be a heated gubernatorial race when voters throughout Gary and Indiana go to the polls next month.

Secretary of State Connie Lawson reported there’s been a significant increase in online voter registration in Indiana since Facebook posted an online reminder.

Since Friday, Lawson stated 30,000 Indiana residents have registered to vote online. She went on to say that Friday was the highest daily total ever for online registrations with 21,000 people registering. Indiana residents can register to vote by go-

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

most defeated Pence in the 2012 gubernatorial race, grabbing 46.4 percent of the vote to Pence’s 49.6 percent.

In this election, Gregg just may come out on top. If he becomes governor, millions of state dollars could bankroll Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson’s plans to turn Gary into a bustling city once again. A loss could be a significant setback to those efforts.

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GARY CRUSADER 10-1-2016_1-737001941.e$S_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 9/29/16 4:20 AM Page 3

Grand sendoff for late Publisher of Chicago Citizen Horse-led procession to precede funeral of Bill Garth Sr.

By Lisette Gushiniere (Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group, NNPA Member) William Garth, Sr., the CEO of the Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CCNG) and Chairman of the Chatham Business Association (CBA), died on Friday, September 23, 2016. He was 79.

He will be honored Saturday, October 1 with a funeral that will be held after a horse-led procession.

The procession will begin at 10 a.m. at AA Rayner Funeral Home, 18 East 71st Street. The procession will end at New Convenant Missionary Baptist Church, where the funeral is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m.

The church is located at 754 East 77th Street (Cottage Grove). Garth will be buried at Oak Woods Cemetery in Woodlawn.

A pillar in the community, Garth led the Citizen with a steady hand and worked hard to make the news operation the largest Black-owned ABC audited newspaper in the Midwest. Starting out as an advertising salesman for the Citizen, Garth lived the American Dream. After gaining recognition as a master salesman at the Citizen, he ended up owning the newspaper chain in 1980 when he purchased the business from Gus Savage, a six-term Democratic congressman, who represented Chicago’s South Side. The sale to Garth included the “Chatham Citizen,” “Southend Citizen” and the “Chicago Weekend” newspapers. Under Garth’s leadership, the Citizen flourished. Between 1984-1987, Garth grew the newspaper chain when he added the “South Suburban” and “Hyde Park Citizen” newspapers.

The Citizen was a business Garth nurtured and loved. He once said, “I’ve been good to the Citizen, be-

cause the Citizen has been good to me.” He was right. With a current circulation of 112,000 newspapers and a following of 400,000 readers weekly, the Citizen established itself as an important source for community news focused on the AfricanAmerican market.

During the early years, while the Citizen prospered, Garth remained close to his roots. For years, the Citizen operated from a storefront on 87th Street near King Drive, but as the business expanded, Garth moved on, but not too far away. Instead of opting for a lofty downtown office outside of the Black community, Garth stayed on Chicago’s South Side where he purchased a 12,000 square foot building on 806 East 78th Street.

From the Citizen’s new home, Garth established a not-for-profit foundation in memory of his late son, Quentis B. Garth, where he served as chairman. Through the QBG Foundation, the organization helped over 49 students and disbursed over $1 million in scholarship awards to disenfranchised, inner city youth in the Chicagoland area.

During his lifetime, Garth instinctively understood the importance of passing on the torch to the next generation of leaders. In essence, this was the purpose of the foundation.

It’s no wonder that one of the numerous awards Garth received was the opportunity to carry the torch in Chicago during the 2002 Olympic Torch Relay. It was one of many local and national awards and honors he received during his lifetime.

Garth’s son, Darrell Garth, president and publisher of CCNG, was thankful for the support he and his family received from members of the community.

“The family would like to express our deepest gratitude and thanks for

William Garth, Sr. your prayers, cards, flowers, kind gestures, sympathy and show of support as we mourn the loss of my father,” said Garth. “The overwhelming response from members of the community who expressed love, care and concern during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.”

Garth was just as passionate about Black entrepreneurship as he was about helping young people. Through the Chatham Business Association (CBA), a business resource center offering an array of customized services and programs designed to assist businesses, he worked tirelessly to lead and guide the development of the CBA. A dedicated activist in the community, it was important to him that Blacks had a seat at the table and were represented on all levels in business.

Garth deeply understood the power of the Black press and was an active member in the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), an

organization whose mission he vigorously supported. As the former President of Midwest Region III of the NNPA, he was also Region III Advertising Representative with the association. In addition to the NNPA, Garth was active throughout the publishing industry. He became the first Black person to be elected president of the Illinois Press Association (IPA).

The IPA is the state’s largest newspaper association and is the office trade organization for Illinois weekly and daily newspapers.

By holding this title at the IPA, Garth became the second Black person in the nation elected president of a statewide press association. He also sat on the Board of the Government Affairs Committee, of the Illinois Press Association and served as a board member for more than 15 years. In addition, he was elected a stockholder in the Cook County South Suburban Publishers Association and in 2009, was elected Chairman of the Cook County Publishers Association for 2010.

His business acumen and knowledge in the publishing industry allowed him to also serve as a board member of the Midwest Black Publishers Association.

Garth left a lasting impression on the people he met. “Bill Garth was my hero, my friend and my business partner,” commented Al McFarlane, Founder of Insight News and Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Foundation. “He was part of the Pantheon of legendary newspaper owners and civic leaders,” he said.

“Garth was a master salesman, consummate strategist, and visionary philanthropist. He traveled the world…challenged and afforded American business leaders the opportunity to renegotiate the marketing relationship between prod-

uct producers and our consumer marketplace. He highlighted the burgeoning purchasing power of Black consumers and unwaveringly marched into often bare knuckle negotiations demanding and achieving movement toward equity and parity. Fearless, he commanded the attention and respect of presidents and heads of state, governors and congressional leaders, captains of industry and the everyday citizen as well.

“Garth and I met with His Excellency John Atta Mills, the Vice President of Ghana in his offices at Osu Castle, Accra, Ghana. We were on a mission on behalf of our company, Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, to connect African Americans with Ghana and Africa through the 1999 4th Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST ’99).

“I saw first-hand his confidence and competence, quickened by the power of his personality, resulting in his ability to slice through layers of formality with laser sharp focus on issues at hand. In travelling with him, and at dinner time reminiscing with colleagues and clients, I learned that what I perceived was in fact the genuine article, “True Blue Bill,” the rule, and not the exception.

“So it made sense that at any given time some 40 students from the Greater Chicagoland area were attending colleges and universities thanks to millions of dollars he raised on behalf of the Citizen Newspaper and the QBG Foundation. It made sense that he was a leader in the Illinois Press Association and the Cook County Publishers Association. It made sense that Chicago named a street after him. It made sense that he enriched every life he touched.

Hundreds in East Chicago still in limbo after high lead levels found in soil (Continued from page 1) live, the EPA began laying down mulch over bare soil as a barrier against the lead.

The East Chicago Housing Authority gave out $1.9 million in federal housing vouchers to residents, and told them they had 60 to 120 days to move, depending on extensions. But many say they can’t do it that fast without more resources.

On Wednesday, September 28, a new bill in Congress would fasttrack new affordable housing development in East Chicago.

The bill, from U.S. Rep. Todd Young (R-Ind.), aims to help more than 300 families who must move out of West Calumet withwww.garycrusader.com

in two months.

East Chicago residents have criticized Governor Mike Pence, saying he has not visited the city since the discovery was made. Democratic Gubernatorial candidate John Gregg has visited East Chicago during a community meeting August 31 at the First Baptist Church in East Chicago. His opponent, Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb has yet to do the same.

In response to the discovery, Indiana Governor Mike Pence dispatched some staffers to East Chicago to investigate the situation. Through a spokesman, Pence has promised financial and medical assistance to the hundreds of displaced families, but so far residents haven’t seen any help.

Some community leaders believe that East Chicago is on the verge of becoming the next catastrophe after Flint, Michigan.

Like Flint, many believe the lead problem was poorly handled and could have been avoided. In an investigative report by Reuters, the news agency published a story that said a flawed report by the Center of Disease Control in 2011 left children vulnerable to high levels of lead in the soil. The CDC report said the soil was safe when it really wasn’t.

“Breathing the air, drinking tap water or playing in soil in neighborhoods near the USS Lead Site is not expected to harm people’s health,” according to the CDC report in the Reuters’ story.

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

Reuters said the report was built on “flawed or incomplete data.

The news agency also said the CDC report made a wrong assumption that residents weren’t at risk and that many of the report’s key findings were unfounded and misleading.

A Reuters analysis found that 22 percent of children tested at the West Calumet Complex had elevated lead levels. That’s many times higher than the national rate. Nearly a third of the complex’s residents are children. The levels were so high, EPA officials advised parents to not allow their children to play outdoors.

Barry Rooth, an attorney representing numerous families at the West Calumet Complex, said

federal, state and city officials knew for years that residents were living in unsafe conditions.

Rooth said 85 of the children he represents have been diagnosed with unsafe lead levels.

One child, 3-year-old Josiah King, has worrisome levels of lead in his blood, according to one report in the New York Times. His mother, Stephanie King sweeps and mops her unit with bleach twice a day to remove any traces of soil her children brings in the house.

“If I’d have known the dirt had lead, he wouldn’t have been out there playing in it,” Ms. King, 35, told the newspaper.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

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GARY CRUSADER 10-1-2016_1-737001941.e$S_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 9/29/16 4:20 AM Page 4

THE STATE OF THE POLICE STATE So far this year, at least 194 Black people have been killed by the police in the United States according to The Guardian, a project that tracks police killings of Black people. The latest incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, involved the killing of Keith Lamont Scott, a man who was disabled, according to a relative. This incident has set off a firestorm of protests along with calls to release the video of the event. Though this is the case, the authorities released a video that did not prove one way or another that Mr. Scott had a gun. His family insists he was not armed, and that he had a book.

Incredibly, the police chief stated that they were not going to give 100 percent transparency, and that they would not release additional footage at this time. The family of the victim was allowed to view the one video that was released, but agreed that the video left more questions than answers. What it did show, however, was Mr. Scott backing away from the car and not acting aggressively toward the police. He did not have a gun in his hand at the time he was shot, though police say they found a small handgun on the ground after the shooting.

The day before Scott was killed, police shot 40-year-old Terence Crutcher to death after officers spotted his SUV stalled in the middle of a road. It was said that Crutcher did not follow directions from the police to put his hands up, but a video that was released showed him walking towards his car with his hands in the air.

What has become very obvious is that police lie. They have been caught on several occasions in their lies because of the prevalence of videos. This is why the Black community is extremely distrustful of the police, and today that distrust is expanding exponentially, even though rational people admit that all police are not cut from the same malevolent cloth.

Some activists are now calling for more diversity on the police force as a stop gap measure to help curtail the spate of police murders of Black people. But, as pointed out by others, the police officer who killed Scott was Black, as was the Charlotte, NC police chief. Race, therefore, is not the only factor involved in the issue of police shootings of Black citizens, although it has been known for some years that the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist organizations have infiltrated police forces in the United States.

The real issue that we face is that we are becoming (have become!) a police state. We constantly decry the use of unnecessary force by the police, but police murders of Blacks are continuing unabated with very few offending officers being brought to justice for their crimes. There are a lot of historical reasons for this descent into oppression by law enforcement, but chief among the current madness is the ascent of President Barack Obama to the Oval Office. Die hard racist bigots just can’t take seeing a Black man in power, and it has become alright to express extremely bigoted opinions and demonstrate crass behavior while eschewing so-called “political correctness.”

America is at a crossroads, and the future of Blacks in this country will depend greatly upon who becomes the next president. One of the candidates, Donald Trump, has loudly trumpeted “law and order” as a remedy for problems facing the country. For Blacks who support him please take heed and READ BETWEEN THE LINES: a law and order platform would not bode well for the Black community! It would probably end up looking like the current situation on steroids if Trump is elected. He is calling for a reinstatement of “stop and frisk,” with a lot of his sycophants strongly supporting this ill-conceived stance. If he had done his homework, he would know that it did not work in New York, and it would not work now, especially since a lot of states have concealed carry laws.

It would only result in the further legal enslavement and murder of Black citizens. A luta continua.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Black Lives Matter is leading the way Dear Editor: Let me begin by saying I am no fan of Black Lives Matter (BLM). To me, they generally take the wrong approach to the problems they want to solve, as well as how they exclude so many who can possibly help them.

Recently, the Northwest Indiana division of the group offered something that made me reevaluate how I see BLM. The organization held a #knowyourrights workshop.

Several lawyers, former cops, and activists talked about Black people and legal encounters with the police.

There was an incredible amount of useful information there. Personally, it was far more helpful than any takeover or disruptions which the group has come to be known for. I also believe it was so informative in part because BLM teamed with the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL)-an extremely smart move.

From the looks of the people attending, it was easy to see this was new knowledge to many, and something we could use.

Given that the NCBL and BLM have a presence in nearly every major city in the U.S., it seems the perfect idea is to hold similar workshops on an ongoing basis across the country. I

have to believe that there would be several churches willing to house these workshops. We have witnessed there is no part of the nation that is immune from Black people being mistreated by the police. For any number of reasons, everyone doesn’t know or understand what their rights are when they have an encounter with cops. The workshop made it perfectly clear when to be compliant and when to dispute what happened to you. The latter is for the courts, not at the scene with the cop(s).

Something else about the workshop was it applied to people of all ages. We have seen the news accounts of police accosting pre-teen Black boys as well as octogenarians. We are living in a climate where police are running roughshod over whomever they please. Workshops like the one at the Kennedy Library really equipped people with the knowledge we need during these times. It is very, very clear cops aren’t going to change, so we must change how we deal with them and that is through knowledge of what they can and cannot do legally.

There is no doubt that BLM has the attention of the nation and probably will for the foreseeable future. It is this sort of event that can not only improve the visibility of the organization. Such events also can increase the credibility of the organization for skeptics like me.

Jose Richardson

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

Hopefully Hatcher will try again Dear Editor: The old saying goes ‘hindsight is 20-20.’ It means after something has happened we have perfect vi(Continued on page 5)

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GARY CRUSADER 10-1-2016_1-737001941.e$S_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 9/29/16 4:20 AM Page 5

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following column is a gossip column. We ask that items contained herein be judged by individuals that read it as such and not as documented facts gathered by the news-gathering personnel of this publication.

WASN’T EVEN CLOSE Know ya’ll watched the debate Monday night and if ya saw Hillary tear Donald Trump a new one. Man she wiped that butt, as the old folks used to say for old and new. She was able to

do to him what those Republican wimps weren’t able to do during the primary debates. But even though Clinton turned in a stellar performance last Monday strangely the election is still too close to call. What makes it that way has to do with enthusiasm, The “Trumpetts” are all fired up about their candidate while on the Democratic side the support for Hillary runs from lukewarm to just all apathy. Got some folks out there mad cause ain’t nobody trying to feel the Bern anymore.

Then there are your Nick Cannons going around saying there ain’t no reason to vote, n*gga

The Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee “Committee Commemorates Come Alive October 5 Voter Registration Drive of ‘82” with Celebration and Voter Registration.”

The Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee will commemorate the legendary Come Alive October 5 Voter 5 Voter Registration Campaign that paved the way for the first African American mayor of Chicago. The event will be held at Apostolic Church of God, 6320 South Dorchester on Wednesday, October 5, 2016.

“The original ‘Come Alive October 5’ was an historic voter registration drive that swept the first African American Mayor of Chicago into

Mayor Richard Hatcher office,” said Dr. Robert Starks, Committee spokesperson, former Professor at the Center for Inner City Studies, and former political columnist for the Chicago Defender. “Our Mayor Harold Washington was dedicated to empowering voters and committed to a robust democracy of informed citizens,” he continued.

Through films and speakers, the event will bring back fond memories for those who were there during that historic time, and it will hopefully inspire younger attendees to register to vote. Registrars will be on hand for those who are not yet registered to vote.

Speakers will include Mayor www.garycrusader.com

Mayor Johnnie Ford Richard Hatcher, former mayor of Gary, Indiana and the nations oldest African American Mayor, who will conduct a “Generation Conversation” with one of the nation’s youngest African American Mayors; and Tuskegee, Alabama Mayor Johnnie Ford who will provide insight into Mayor Washington’s impact on other Black mayors and on the nation. Dr. Timuel Black will enlighten the audience with the history of the process of the election of Harold Washington as the first African American Mayor of Chicago.

There will be a panel discussion, by the Women of the Washington Movement; and the event will conclude with hip hop artist and politician, Rhymefest and a roundtable discussion of “Where do we go from here?”

The luncheon and award ceremony will feature jazz singer, Maggie Brown.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The program will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. Attendance is free, and guests are urged to come early to hear the speakers and panel discussions, to enjoy the luncheon and entertainment, and to take this opportunity to register to vote.

For more information, contact Josie Childs, President of The Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee at 773-643-4828.

please just ‘cause Mariah left don’t mean the world is ended. Now if Trump wins the election the world could very well come to an end. Can you imagine Omarosa with a cabinet position, and it will get worst. Hopefully folks will wake up and smell the coffee beans before it’s too late.

erator and wouldn’t let him keep taking the subject away from the subject at hand and he tried to keep him from interrupting Hillary Clinton when she was speaking and he tried to keep him within the time allotted for his responses, rebuttals and everything else. How can such a bully whine so much???

-Nosey-

I AM LOVING THIS!!!

WHAT A WHINER!!

He whined that his microphone had been sabotaged. Best explanation I heard yet was from Hillary herself.

Complaining about the microphone meant that he wasn’t having a very good night!! The other complaint was Lester Holt acted beyond a mod-

When First Lady Michelle Obama gave George W. Bush a big hug Saturday at the opening of the Smithsonian Museum for African Americans I thought he would turn red forever and pass out! But one thing for sure he was loving it! I’m wondering if he will join his father and vote

George W. Bush and Michelle Obama for Hillary Clinton? Do you think he would if Michelle asked him??? Another hug like that and I would place my money on it!!!

The city of Gary reminds candidates of city’s political sign ordinance In light of the upcoming election in November, the City of Gary reminds political candidates, organizations and others who place political campaign signs, of the city ordinance that specifically outlines guidelines regarding placement of signs within city limits.

The sign ordinance speaks to regulations for all types of signage however section 117-10-Temporary Signs relates to political signs.

Item B reads as follows: (b.) Signs advertising a political candidate seeking office, slates of

candidates, political parties, and/or political and public issues appearing on a ballot shall be posted no more than thirty (30) days in advance of the election to which they pertain and must be removed within seven (7) calendar days following the election. Political signs do not require approval from the Zoning Administrator provided they conform to all relevant requirements provided in this chapter.

Thus, political signage placed prior to October 8, 2016 is in violation of the city’s sign ordinance. Signs placed

prior to the allowable timeframe in the city of Gary are subject to removal and possible fines. Signs placed in improper locations will also be subject to removal and possible fines.

Additionally, Section 117-10-C states, No temporary sign shall be placed within five (5) feet of any adjacent street or public right-of-way.

For additional information, contact the Zoning Department via email: mhurt@ci.gary.in.us or at (219) 881-1332. The Zoning Department is located at City Hall, 401 Broadway.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4) sion on what should have been done differently as well as how it could have been done. That adage certainly is in play when we look at the presidential election which is less than two months away. Voters are being asked to go to the polls and select from the two most untrusted candidates in memory.

One is taking the Black vote for granted and the other is telling us we have it so bad now it can’t get worse if we give him our votes.

Using hindsight, I am pretty sure the mess we are facing could have been avoided. First of all, I am sure if we were more politically astute we wouldn’t find ourselves in situation with such dismal choices. Secondly, I really believe if we had shown ourselves to be more in line with each other politically we would have had more say in primaries and caucuses. That translates into more say into who the candidates would be.

One way to fix both those scenarios in my opinion is for former Gary Mayor Richard G. Hatcher to try again. Mayor Hatcher, not too many months ago, held the first Black National Political Con-

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

vention since the initial one in 1972. There is no way to describe this summer’s “convention” other than as a flop. That is not to discredit Mayor Hatcher. From the original announcement for the convention to the day it actually occurred it was nothing like promised. Most of the keynote speakers, including the presidential candidates decided to take a bye on attending. In my opinion that was insulting to Black people across the country, but especially to Mr. Hatcher who has given so much of himself to America and the Democratic Party.

My hope is that Mayor Hatcher is resilient enough (and healthy enough) to try to pull off another Black Political convention before the next presidential election. I think it definitely is needed because too many of our brothers and sisters lack the political knowledge to make the Black vote more effective. If planned properly, the convention organizers can use the time leading up to the convention to offer an extensive political education push. If they do that, I think more Black voters will turn out at caucuses and pri-

maries across the country. Who knows, with all of the talk about a third party, one could come into its own during that time? If Mr. Hatcher is unable to or unwilling to try another convention hopefully there are some in our ranks who will tap his vast knowledge and pick up his mantle.

Personally, it was gut-wrenching to watch the convention idea fizzle to almost nothing. It was painful to watch because Mr. Hatcher has always been there for Black people - from the Summer of ‘64 in MIssissippi to one of the nation’s first Black mayors to lifting up Rev. Jesse Jackson’s bid for the presidency in 1984. Recently, it could have been so easy for Mr. Hatcher to rest on his laurels; but no, he led and led by example. The idea to reimagine the 1972 convention was brilliant. Whe-ther we are in Gary, Los Angeles, Miami or any point in between we owe it to Mayor Hatcher to try again. No one can deny that if it weren’t for people like him, Black people would not have come as far as we have.

Bobbi Server

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

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Top community leaders honored with NIPSCO’s 2016 Luminary Awards Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has announced the recipients of the company’s fifth annual Luminary Awards – recognizing leaders and organizations for their outstanding commitment to strengthening local communities.

The Luminary awards were created in 2012 in celebration of the utility’s 100-year anniversary to honor individuals or organizations that have displayed leadership in the areas of: Community Leadership, Economic Development, Education and Environmental Stewardship.

The 2016 recipients are: • Community Leadership – Barb Young, President and CEO Porter County Community Foundation • Economic Development – Jim Staton, Regional Director Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) • Education – Chancellor Thomas Keon, Purdue University Northwest • Environmental Stewardship – Shirley Heinze Land Trust NIPSCO is also making a $1,000 contribution to each award winner’s charity of choice. Winners were announced in conjunction with a community reception held Thursday evening.

Award Winner Bios Barb Young – Community Leadership Award Barb will be retiring at the end of

2016 after 20 years with the Porter County Community Foundation and eighteen as its President. She leaves with a legacy of unparalleled leadership. A staunch proponent of community philanthropy as a means to improve quality of life, she has been deeply involved in a variety of initiatives to address important issues that span all elements of the community.

Jim Staton – Economic Development Award Jim Staton has had a long affiliation with economic development in northwest Indiana including success as the Jasper County LEDO to promote development in the County, continued commitment to bringing jobs and investment to northwest Indiana and demonstrated ability to bring together key stakeholders and resources to help land major new industries and investment in northwest Indiana (i.e. Pratt Industries, Hoist Lift, etc.)

Chancellor Thomas Keon – Education Award Chancellor Thomas Keon with Purdue University Northwest is being proposed for the Luminary Award for Education due to the school’s initiatives to take STEM education efforts out of the classroom and into the community to support private business initiatives, including some at NIPSCO, while preparing students for job opportunities with area businesses. These initiatives include the Center for Innovation

New Fire Training Academy to support 80 Fire Departments The Multi Agency Academic Cooperative (MAAC) Foundation hosted an official groundbreaking ceremony on September 22nd at the site of the new Fire Fighter and Public Safety Academy Training System, located at 4203 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, Indiana. The MAAC Fire Training Academy will support over 80 Fire Departments and over 2,000 Firefighters throughout Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, and Newton Counties.

"We are committed to developing a state-of-the-art campus that will serve as a leading provider of safety, emergency preparedness, and response training. Our dedication stems from our desire to ensure that we develop a valuable asset that truly benefits all of Northwest Indiana's public safety community now and in the future," Celina Weatherwax said.

District 1, Fire Training Council, Indiana Department of Homeland Security has served as a primary partner throughout this process.

“The current Indiana fire training system began 11 years ago.

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During that time, the Northwest Indiana Training District has been a leader in the delivery of the fire and public safety training,” said Jim Greeson, Indiana State Fire Marshal. “District 1’s attitude of collaboration and the willingness of the professionals here to participate and partner with the state has enhanced training opportunities for firefighters and public safety stakeholders throughout Northwest Indiana.”

The special guests included David Kane, Executive Director, Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Jim Greeson, State Fire Marshal, Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

BARB YOUNG (left), CEO Porter County Community Foundation accepts NIPSCO’S Community Leadership Award from Violet Sistovaris, executive vice president of NIPSCO. (Photo credit: NIPSCO)

through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS), Energy Center for Business and Economic Development Solutions and the Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust – Environmental Stewardship Award Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been protecting natural land in Northwest Indiana and NIPSCO’s service area since 1981. It manages more than 1,900 acres in Lake, Porter, and La Porte Counties and is further expanding the area it serves in Northern Indiana. This year they acquired an additional 400 acres of permanently protected land, and are working on the restoration of another 250 acres.

Shirley Heinze has also partnered with NIPSCO and other industries, corporations, organizations, businesses, donors, and volunteers to achieve mutually beneficial goals.

Six organizations bringing Business Outlook to NWI Interest is already running high for the 2016 Business Outlook and Overview – a free informative event brought to life by the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable’s (NWIBRT) and the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) where local business leaders gather with experts to learn more about approaching trends that could impact their industries. With just a few weeks of open registration left, attendance figures are already higher than previous years.

Seats are still available for people hoping to attend, but guests are advised to register soon to ensure their spot. Registration info can be found by visiting NWIBRT.org, and clicking the link to the 2016 Business Outlook and Overview.

The Outlook will be held on October 21st (8:00 a.m. to Noon) at the Ivy Tech location in Valparaiso (3100 Ivy Tech Drive) and registration is completely free. Last year, more than 150 leaders from several of the region’s largest companies gathered for the event.

Don Bull, NWIBRT Executive Committee Chairman and NIPSCO Director of Outage Management, said, “We really want to study what’s driving our industries, what factors will be influencing them, and what we can do as a community to change those factors.”

Other entities that are partnering together to bring the Outlook to life include the Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance (LCEA), the Northwest Indiana Forum, the Center of Workforce Innovations, and the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC).

The Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable is an independent, nonprofit council of local firms

committed to the improvement of construction and maintenance projects in Northwest Indiana. Its purpose is to promote safety, quality and cost-effective solutions to challenges faced by owners, contractors and labor in the region. For more information please visit www.nwibrt.org or call 219-794-2883.

Speakers and Presenters at the 2016 Business & Economic Outlook ● Moderator: Don Babcock, Northwest Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) ● Micha Pollack, Indiana University Northwest – NWI & Economic

Outlook ● Steven Skalka, Horizon Bank – Market Outlook ● Bill Hanna, Regional Development Authority (RDA) – RDA Projects ● Karl Stanley, NIPSCO – Energy Sector ● Ty Warner, Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) – Roads & Transportation ● David Holt, Conexus Indiana – Manufacturing and Logistics ● Peter Novak, Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors (GNIAR) – Residential Real Estate ● Lori Tubbs, Commercial Advantage – Commercial Advantage

Brand specialist to speak at WEA monthly meeting Northwest Indiana Chapter of Women Entrepreneurs of America (WEA) will host its monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 4, 2016. Join them at 6:00 p.m. at the Gary Neighborhood Services, 300 West 21st Avenue, Gary, IN. Anyone interested in Jumpstart Your Brand Meet their Special Guest Audrey Woodley, The Brand Therapist who believes in ‘Helping You Achieve the Beauty of Success!’

President Joyce Reese says: “Sisterhood and Success best describe our organization.”

We welcome all entrepreneurs.

The deadline to RSVP is October 3. Send your RSVP by email to Joyce Reese at: s4usweetzntreatz@gmail.com.

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

Audrey Woodley www.garycrusader.com

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Don’t disgrace those who paid the ultimate price for your right to vote CIRCLE CITY CONNECTION

By Vernon A. Williams There is no nobility in nonchalance. Since when did it become cool to become detached from moral, social and civic responsibility?

How dare you even hint that you might have to sit this one out because you don’t like any of the candidates in November’s presidential election?

And who do you think you are to conclude that because neither candidate is perfect, your lethargy is validated.

You would be like that person who goes to church on Sunday but refuses to stomp a foot, who would sit on their hands rather than clap, who would feel above a demonstrative response to the Word of God, but then go away from church criticizing the pastors, the choir and the ushers.

Just like you should’ve brought your faith and worship with you before stepping foot into the sanctuary, so should you place your duty as a citizen ahead of any petty intellectual conveniences manufactured to justify nonchalance.

News flash: Life isn’t perfect. But it’s the only life you’ll have on this earth and it wreaks of ingratitude to your Creator to go about from day to day like you really couldn’t care less.

Just like a teacher is still obligated to the most uncooperative student; doctors must treat every patient with the same degree of urgency; and law enforcement professionals are sworn to serve and protect, no matter their disdain for any population – so are you committed. You have to be registered to vote and encourage others.

You have to be informed and make choice. It’s unacceptable for you to constantly plant seeds of contempt for the system, then abdicate your single most critical role in a democracy.

Extreme conservatives pretend to wear the Constitution as a tattoo on their backs. The favorite, of course, is the 2nd Amendment. But with gerrymandering to disengage people of color, ridiculous voter ID laws, limited voting hours, obscured polling places and election day shenanigans, there’s no love for the 15th Amendment: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the U.S. or by any state on account of race, color or previous condition.”

Those who foolishly decide to voluntarily drop out of the process unwittingly accommodate some of the worst elements of our society as well as desecrate the legacy of those whose blood, sweat and tears fertilized the grounds on which voting rights blossomed. www.garycrusader.com

Never forget that the struggle for full citizenship isn’t just a Black thing.

For America’s women, securing the right to vote was a long, hard-fought struggle. Their peaceful protests were met with jail time, ridicule, and social exile. In jail, women were often tortured, beaten and forced to live in inhumane conditions. Finally, the 19th Amendment cleared the path to the polls for American women.

1963 killing four precious children – Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cyn-

thia Wesley.

Inspired by television reports of the brutal attacks on marchers at the Ed-

mund Pettus Bridge, Viola Gregg Liuzzo, a white Detroit housewife (Continued on page 12)

Vernon A. Williams Victories have been the result of struggles. As you contemplate distancing yourself from the political process, and taking a pass on voting in November, at least be aware of some of those who paid the price: Rev. George Lee of Belzoni, MS was one of the first Blacks registered to vote in his county and used his pulpit and printing press to urge others.

White officials offered Lee protection on the condition that he end his efforts, but Lee refused and was murdered.

Lamar Smith of Brookhaven, MS was shot dead on the courthouse lawn by a white man in broad daylight while dozens of people watched after leading a drive to organize African American voters. The killer, by the way, was never indicted but no witnesses would talk.

Herbert Lee of Liberty, MS worked to register voters in Liberty, Mississippi before he was shot and killed by a white state legislator who claimed self-defense and was never arrested. The only witness, a black man named Louis Allen, was slain later.

Medgar Evans directed voter registration efforts and headed the NAACP before he was ambushed, shot and killed exiting his car on the driveway of his Jackson, Mississippi house while his wife and children just inside the house were startled by the tragic shotgun blasts.

The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL was a center for organizing civil rights and voting registration initiatives until a bomb exploded there September 15, Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

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Partnership creates EMT Certification Program for Students The Gary Area Career Center already provides high school students in the city the opportunity to receive training, education and even certification in 14 career paths. Now, the Gary Community School Corporation is partnering with the Gary Fire Department to offer students EMT training and certification, which could not only open up doors to new careers, but could also teach life-saving skills.

Once the Board of Trustees for the district approves the program, classes will begin, which could be as soon as the second or third trimester of this year. Additionally, courses will be taught by state-certified fire professionals.

"There will be no charge to the district," said Superintendent Cheryl Pruitt of the new curriculum.

The program will be available to high school seniors who meet eligi-

THE GARY COMMUNITY School Corporation and the Gary Fire Department recently announced the creation of an EMT Certification Program for high school students they hope will lead to new career opportunities. (Photo credit: The 411) bility requirements to take classes at "I was in an EMT program as a se- time I graduated from Lew Wallace, the Career Center. Upon comple- nior at Lew Wallace," said Gary Fire I had my certification and immedition of the program, students will be Chief Paul Bradley, who is one of the ately went to work as an EMT. I EMT certified and able to go straight driving forces behind getting this know it can be done." to work after graduation. program into Gary schools. "By the In addition to providing Gary stu-

dents with another avenue to a reliable career, the program will help to fill the gaps in staffing at the Gary Fire Department, which stem from the absence of a volunteer program in the city. These students will have the opportunity to receive a certification, find a career path and help their city.

"If we can get this curriculum going, it will give young people something to look forward to," said GFD Training Officer Tia Thompson, who has used her experience with the Department to work towards and obtain her nursing degree. "This may be a stepping stone for some people to go further into the medical field."

To learn more about programs available to Gary students through the Career Center, visit www.GarySchools.org.

The Clothesline Project Exhibit returns to IU Northwest Guest speaker to kick-off exhibit with talk on race, gender and harassment Oct. 3-14 The Women’s and Gender Studies Program (WGS) at Indiana University Northwest invites the campus and greater community to view “The Clothesline Project” to be featured in the Moraine Student Center from October 3-14. The T-shirt exhibit is part of a national project intended to educate, break the silence, and bear witness to violence against women.

The Clothesline Project is part of a broader WGS effort at IU Northwest intended to create awareness about violence and its prevention. Guest speaker Louise Cainkar of Marquette University will be giving a talk on “Race, Gender and Harassment: Arab and Muslim Youth Becoming American” on the first day of the exhibit from 1 to 2:15 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3 in the Hass Birky Women’s Center, located in the Savannah Center, Room 207.

The idea behind the Clothesline

Project comes from the fact that, historically, doing laundry was considered “women’s work.” This meant that women hung their clothes to dry while conversing with their neighbors, often about taboo domestic issues. Although it was once considered shameful to “air one’s dirty laundry,” the Clothesline Project is intended to raise awareness about gender violence and give expression to previously silenced voices.

The exhibited T-shirts are designed

by IU Northwest students, staff and faculty as an expression of their personal stories or in honor of a survivor or victim, whether child or adult, male or female.

The T-shirts are color coded to demonstrate the prevalence and severity of various types of abuse:: • Yellow represents battering or assault survivors • Red, pink, and orange signify survivors of rape or sexual assault • Blue or green is for survivors of incest or sexual abuse • Purple or lavender stands for per-

Marquette Elementary School book fair

Marquette Elementary School, 6401 Hemlock Ave., will host a book fair, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, Oct. 3-7 in the school's library. For more information, call Marquette at (219) 321-8545.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

sons attacked due to their sexual orientation • Black represents those attacked for political reasons • White memorializes those who died from violence “I have found that participants experience a therapeutic release as well as a sense of bonding as they create T-shirts that are exhibited alongside others who have had similar experiences,” said Tanice Foltz, The Clo-

thesline Project organizer. “The Women’s and Gender Studies Program sponsors the exhibit to encourage students to break the silence about gender violence and reduce the shame associated with it, while connecting and empowering participants.”

Relevant films and events are planned during the year as well as the annual WGS student research conference, scheduled for March 7, 2017,

featuring outstanding papers and a keynote speaker.

For more information, contact Tanice Foltz, professor of Sociology and director of Women’s and Gender Studies, at tfoltz@iun.edu or (219) 980-6786.

The Women’s and Gender Studies Program, the Departments of Sociology and Anthropology and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs are sponsors of the exhibit.

High School Chess Players Invited to Compete at Local University Local K-12 student chess players gathered at Purdue University Northwest’s Hammond campus on Sept.

24 for the first annual PNW High School Chess Challenge. The event was sponsored by the university’s Communication & Creative Arts Department in collaboration with the School City of Hammond.

Students from Hammond, Morton, Gavit, Highland and Area Career Center University participated in the tournament.

PNW Communication & Creative Arts Department Head Thomas J. Roach, who has been playing chess recreationally since he was in third grade, proposed hosting the tournament to introduce a younger generation of students to the local branch of Purdue.

“The university should be a cultural center for the community,” Roach said. “We want to encourage young people to play chess as well as get local high schoolers interested in college. We hope they consider Purdue Northwest when deciding where they want to go.”

Volunteer Cindy Murphy, who organized and ran the Chess Chal-

lenge, handles tournament logistics and fundraising for Hammond schools in addition to mentoring coaches and their teams.

“Based on the socioeconomic demographics of Hammond, many students don’t believe they’re going to graduate high school, let alone go on to get a higher education,” Murphy said. “We want to show students that they can compete anywhere in the state, and this university is right in their backyard.”

Director of Talent Development & Special Programs for the School City

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

of Hammond Mary Beth Nickolaou, who oversees Hammond schools’ academic teams and helps coordinate opportunities for highability students, was also in attendance.

Nickolaou applauds Murphy for her contributions to the local chess community.

“Hats off to Cindy Murphy for coordinating the event to help establish the connection between high school and college for our young chess players,” she said. “It shows students that college is something to start thinking about now,” she said.

Butler University student David Vogel also volunteered at the event as a representative of the College Bound Scholarship program, which provides full-ride scholarships to select high school graduates. Vogel is a former member of Wilber Wright Middle School’s chess club.

“I like coming back to volunteer,” said Vogel, who is now attending pharmacy school. “I get to play in the tournament, which gives me the opportunity to talk to young people about college life and helps get them thinking about higher education.” www.garycrusader.com

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Congressman Visclosky greets 2016 Davidson Fellow in D.C. Justine Izah Was Awarded $10,000 as a 2016 Davidson Fellow at a Reception in Washington D.C. Justine Izah, 2016 Davidson Fellow, met with Congressman Peter Visclosky September 21 in Washington D.C. before accepting her award at the 2016 Davidson Fellows reception. Izah was awarded a $10,000 Davidson Fellows Scholarship for her project, “An Examination of Black Liberation, Stereotypes, Healthcare and Education through the Eyes of a Black Woman.” She is one of only 20 students from across the country to receive this honor.

“We are thrilled to recognize the 2016 Davidson Fellows not only for their incredible projects, but also for the journey they forged to reach this point,” said Bob Davidson, founder of the Davidson In-

JUSTINE IZAH (CENTER) from Crown Point, Indiana was awarded $10,000 as a 2016 Davidson Fellow at a Reception in Washington D.C., where she was greeted by Congressman Pete Visclosky (left). Justine’s mother (right) accompanied her on the trip to Washington, D.C.

stitute. “Every year I am amazed by the depth of the Fellows’ accomplishments. Through encouragement and recognition, the Davidson Institute for Talent Development anticipates that gifted students like these will be among the pioneers who will solve the world’s most vexing problems.”

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship program offers $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 college scholarships to students 18 or younger, who have completed significant projects that have the potential to benefit society in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature and music. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship has provided more than $6.7 million in scholarship funds to 286 students since its inception in 2001, and has been named one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships by

U.S. News & World Report. It is a program of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Reno, Nev. that supports profoundly gifted youth.

Davidson Fellows not only represent some of the brightest young minds in the country, but they also represent kindness, compassion and a strong desire to improve the world around them. Many of the Fellows’ projects are inspired by personal experiences that drive them to find a solution to a problem, and each Fellow is driven to use their passion and intelligence to make the world a better place.

“Being a Davidson Fellow means that I am able to share personal experiences backed by academic research in order to show peers that a change needs to come about,” said Izah.

2016 Women’s Energy Summit Approximately 200 participants, including energy and utility regulators, industry leaders, political officials and consumer advocates attended the third annual Women’s Energy Summit on September 20 in Chicago. Illinois Commerce Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards and WES (Women’s Energy Summit, Inc., a non-profit organization) hosted the day-long event at the JW Marriott in Chicago.

The Summit focused on pertinent topics including cybersecurity and measures taken to enhance the reliability and security of the nation’s most critical infrastructure, the utility of the future and how utilities can embrace innovation and enhance customer alternatives, and a discussion of the C-Suite collaborative from the perspective of a utility holding company CEO and the CEO of its subsidiary. In addition to the daylong Summit, a half-day Rising Star Forum was held on September 19 to

THE WOMEN’S ENERGY SUMMIT (WES) donated $5,000 to the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana to spark new STEM program. Left to right (top): Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) Board of Directors President Karen Layng; GSGCNWI CEO Nancy Wright; ICC Commissioner, WES founder and GSGCNWI Board Member Sherina Maye Edwards; and GSGCNWI Board Treasurer Sidney Dillard. Left to right (bottom): GSGCNWI Girl Scouts.

GIRL SCOUTS OF Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana attending the luncheon speak with ICC Commissioner, Women’s Energy Summit founder, and GSGCNWI Board Member Sherina Maye Edwards. recognize over 25 stellar, up and coming women energy professionals.

As an exciting addition to this year’s www.garycrusader.com

event, and in furtherance of the organization’s philanthropic goals, WES presented a check for $5,000 to the Girl

The Summit’s distinguished morning and luncheon speakers include Colette D. Honorable, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District; and Susan N. Story, President and CEO, American Water.

Additional speakers include some of the most well recognized leaders in the energy industry such as Christopher M. Crane, President and CEO, Exelon Corporation; Anne Pramaggiore, President and CEO, Commonwealth Edison; Elizabeth Reese, Executive Vice President and CFO, Southern Company Gas; and Lisa A. Sparrow, President and CEO, Utilities, Inc. The event was sponsored by Deloitte, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Russell Reynolds Associates, the National Association of Water Companies, Blaylock Beal Van LLC, Loop Capital, Osceola Consulting, the

AS OTHER GUEST speakers look on, Illinois Commerce Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards addresses the nearly 200 attendees of the Women’s Energy Summit held recently in Chicago.

Scouts of Greater Chicago and North- couraging young girls in STEM (sci- Natural Gas Supply Association, Eire west Indiana to help fund a new pro- ence, technology, engineering and Direct Marketing LLC and Reed gram focused on educating and en- math).

Smith.

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

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A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking

By Effie Rolfe What’s in your dash? Yes, the summer Olympics just ended, however this is not in reference to the 100-yard dash or the 400-meter dash. This dash is personal. It’s every move you make and every breath you take beginning with your birthdate and ending on the day you transition from this earth. If you have breath you have purpose. The dash is about how well you live your daily life. Exactly what are you doing? Abraham Lincoln said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life, but the life in your years.” Lillian Dixon likened life to a coin “You spend any way you wish—but you can only spend it once.” Therefore, the question, is ‘how are you spending the life you have been given?’

A great way to unpack that question is to think about the following ‘Am I making a living or am I living my making?’ At the end of the day, is it about a paycheck or fulfillment?

Too often, people live a life that is empty, unfulfilling and passionless.

CHURCH CALENDAR

Don’t be one of them. Let’s look at what is considered the three most important days of your life. The day you were born. Your life is not a mistake but rather an integral part of God’s plan. The bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 indicates that God is intentional about your life. You are a part of His Master Plan. “He knows the plan he has for you, thoughts to give you a hope and a future.” Your future is God’s History!

The day when you discover why you were born. This is when you become intentional about the significance of God’s plan for your life. It is your responsibility to seek Him in prayer, guidance and direction for the path that He has already given you before creation. When you begin to do what you were born to do. It is absolutely crucial that you understand that you are vitally important to the world. You were created for such a time as this. You have a different fingerprint and you have a different life print. No one can do what God has ordained for you.

Effie Rolfe What God has for me—it is for me!

To be honest, it is vital and signifi- so much bigger than what you could cant that you fulfill those dreams ever imagine. When you live your and God given destiny because it’s making—you are manifesting what

God has designed for your life to inspire, impact and bless generations to come. People see God shining through you in ministry and the marketplace “You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth” (Matt 15:13-14).

In the meantime, think about what puts a smile on your face.

What would you do for free? It’s been said that ‘when you love what you do—it’s no longer work—it’s your passion.’ In your passion—you will find your purpose. Chances are—you are already doing it and have been for quite some time. So often, we overlook the forest for the trees. Your gift is right there—use it.

Walk in the area that has been destined for you. The minute you start, the sooner you bless yourself and the world. Most importantly, the sooner, God gets the glory. The calling and purpose for your life is God’s gift to you. How you use it is your gift to God. Your Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for your life. Just ask. At this point in life, you need to be sure of your life’s calling. There is no room for careless mistakes that could cause a set back of 20 years. So in addition

to wisdom, pray for insight and perception. You need detailed instructions to know your next move. Ask and God will give you a sense of knowing. It could be a request to do something; a dream or spoken word but someway you will know. Your dash is your life right now. Therefore, living your life on purpose is an absolute must and it gives a summary of what you’ve done and how you are remembered. Make a concerted effort to keep your dash from ending with woulda’, coulda’ and shoulda’. Got talent—use them to be a blessing and be blessed. Let your contribution make a difference and change the world for generations to come.

Live life full - Die empty!

What’s in your dash..? ©Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker.

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

6th Annual Bettye J. Eichelberger Clothing Giveaway The Bessie Griggs Mission Ministry at First Baptist Church, 626 W. 21st Ave., Gary, IN. will sponsor its 6th annual Bettye J. Eichelberger Clothing Give Away on Saturday, October 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the same location. This is a community outreach "Act of Love" that has serviced over 150 people in the city.

Clothing items will be for all ages and will include dresses, slacks, pants, shirts, skirts, blouses, sweaters, tops, winter coats, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, etc. Visitors are always welcome. The Images of Hope Resale Shop is also open Oct. 8th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information contact the church at (219) 883-3216.

Coat Give-Away at Trinity United Church Somebody's Closet Clothing Ministry of Trinity United Church of Christ - Gary, 1276 West 20th Avenue, Gary, Indiana, will host a "Coat Give-Away" for men, women, teens and children on Saturday, October 22 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.

The church will also accept donations of gently worn (clean and in good condition) coats, scarves, hats, and gloves. The donations should be brought to the church on Saturday, October 15, 2016 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

For further information, contact Maxine Brown at 219-201-0840.

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Poor handmaids coming home to Northwest Indiana The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ have a rich and lengthy history of serving the people of Northwest Indiana. During the period from 1900 to the present, they owned and operated hospitals such as Holy Family in LaPorte, St. Mary Mercy in Gary, St. Catherine in East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. They taught thousands of children in many different schools. They have served in numerous parishes, educational and healthcare ministries. Today, Poor Handmaid Sisters continue to serve Northwest Indiana through their ministries: Bethany Retreat House, Sojourner Truth House, Ancilla Systems, Nazareth Home, Health Visions Midwest and The Linden Houses.

To celebrate this long history, Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ are reconnecting with friends, family and people they have known, served and worked with in this area. The event, called PHJC Coming Home Northwest Indiana, will be held October 22-23, 2016 and is open to the public.

Several events will be included in this weekend celebration. On Saturday, October 22 starting at 12:00 p.m. at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, a meet and greet will be held. People are invited to visit and reconnect with the Sisters, share sto-

THE POOR HANDMAIDS of Jesus Christ operated St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Gary from 1913 – 1994. ries and learn who the Poor Handmaids gram.

On Sunday, October 23 prayer services are today. A light buffet will be available.

Also at Bishop Noll, a reunion of former honoring Poor Handmaids who served and Sisters and alumnae of Ancilla Domini are buried in the area will be held at St. High School will take place starting at Joseph Cemetery in LaPorte at 9:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m. Come and reconnect with for- and at Calvary Cemetery in Portage at mer classmates. At 3:00 p.m. a presenta- 10:30 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. lunch will be protion titled “PHJC Past, Present and Fu- vided at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart and a tour of The Linden House of ture” will be shown in the auditorium.

Bishop Hying will celebrate Eucharistic Hobart will be available at 12:30 p.m.

Liturgy at 4:30 p.m. in the Bishop Noll Field House followed by a buffet and pro-

SISTER BARBARA KUPER hugs a former Nazareth Home child at a Nazareth Home reunion. Sr. Barbara ministered at the foster home for 18 years.

Everyone is invited.

For more information and to register for any of these events visit www.poorhandmaids.org/cominghome or call Abigail Blake, at 219-947-8560. Registration will help us plan for our events.

CATHOLIC CENTRAL 1920 - Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ taught at Catholic Central High School from 1922 until 1933. Catholic Central later became Bishop Noll Institute.

SOJOURNER TRUTH HOUSE, a day care center for homeless and at risk women and their children, helps women break the cycle of poverty. Marlene Birdsong-Smith is facilitator for STH’s Child Enrichment Center.

SEN. EARLINE ROGERS was recently honored by the Northwest Indiana Federation of Organizations during the organization’s King-Chavez Citizen Education Institute and Awards Luncheon. The event was held at the Genesis Convention Center. Rogers, who received the Lifetime of Excellence Public Service Award is pictured with l-r: Rev. Charles Steietelminer, Rev. Tommie Pierson, program guest speaker; Iris Russi and Minister Emmet Mosley. (Photo by Ted Brown)

THE REV. DWIGHT GARDNER is the recipient of the Rev. A.R. Burns and Rev. Dr. Vincent L. McCutcheon Lifetime Social Justice Award. The honors were bestowed on Gardner at the Northwest Indiana Federation of Interfaith Organizations 2016 King-Chavez Citizen Education Institute and Awards Luncheon. Pictured l-r: Rev. Charles Strietelmimer, Rev. Tommie Pierson, Rev. Gardner, Iris Russi and Minister Emmet Mosley. (Photo by Ted Brown)

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Historic buildings host Michigan City’s Heritage Ball Two of Michigan City's most historic buildings are set to host the city’s 180th anniversary celebration: Barker Mansion and Barker Hall. The Heritage Ball is planned on Saturday, October 1 as a fundraising event for the preservation of the two Barker heritage buildings. The two-part event kicks off at 4 pm at the Barker Mansion with a champagne reception. The party continues at 6 pm at Barker Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church with live music, dancing, food, bar and a silent auction of Michigan City historical items. Tickets are $50 per person or $85 for a couple and are available by calling Barker Mansion at 219-873-1520 or online at Eventbrite.com.

John Barker Sr. arrived in Michigan City in 1836, the same year as the city’s incorporation.

Parts of the Barker Mansion, located at 631 Washington Street, date back to the home he built in

States in the late 1800s. The mansion seen today is the result of a 1905 expansion and remodeling.

The mansion contains 38 rooms, seven fireplaces and 10 bathrooms all decorated in the elaborate style of the turn-of-the-century wealthy. Those attending the event can wander all three floors. They will see carved walnut and mahogany woodwork, silver door plates, coffered ceilings and the finest furnishings. Each room is decorated with tapestries, paintings and sculpture imported from Europe.

Mansion visitors always find humor in the face of John H. Barker carved into the marble drawing room fireplace. Nearby is the lifesize statue of the Three Graces by Italian Sculptor Antonio Canova.

Catherine Barker, heiress to the family fortune, gifted the family home to Michigan City to be used as a Civic Center in 1968. Under its new director, Jessica Rosier, the mansion continues to offer tours

Barker Hall Interior Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Sixth and Franklin streets in 1929. Even though the building connected the 1889 church with the church rectory, Catherine dedicated it “for the use of the people.”

When the large, romantic Renaissance Gothic building opened it was complete with sports facilities, classrooms, meeting rooms, offices and a chapel and the grand second level multipurpose room called “The Great Hall.” Today Barker Hall houses the church’s outreach

programs including the largest food pantry serving Michigan City, a thrift shop, the longest running AA program, and a new youth and children’s “Angel Choir” program.

When arriving at Barker Hall during the Heritage Ball event, partygoers will enter the formal lobby with its beamed ceiling and double staircase leading to the upper level. The Heritage Ball will be held in the most impressive part of the building, The Great Hall, located on the second floor. Those

attending the party will find an elegant 3600-square-foot oak paneled event space, lit by multi-tiered chandeliers and 20-foot-tall leaded glass windows.

“Many people haven't been in either of our two Barker heritage buildings or even know they exist,” says Rosier. “The Heritage Ball is an opportunity to experience a night of glamour, fun, and entertainment in two historic buildings that can now be used by all of our citizens.”

Barker Hall Library 1857. Barker and his son, John H. Barker, became wealthy industrialists through the manufacture of railroad cars serving the westward expansion of the United

and many public events and special programs honoring the Barker family legacy.

Catherine was also the benefactor who gave Barker Hall to Trinity

CIRCLE CITY CONNECTION

Don’t disgrace those who paid...

(Continued from page 7) and mother, was shot and killed using her car to help ferry participants in a voting rights demonstration from Montgomery to Selma. · Jonathon Myrick Daniels, a white Episcopal Seminary student from Boston came to help with Black voter registration in Lowndes County Alabama. He was arrested during a demonstration, jailed in Hayneville, AL, suddenly released and shot dead by a deputy sheriff.

The list of those who made the ultimate sacrifice is endless. All they would ask of you in return is to get involved, get informed, encourage 12

others, vote responsibly and hold elected officials accountable. Is that too much to ask?

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 differencemakers 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.

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WLTH Radio Host to receive Elijah Muhammad Lifetime Achievement Award Dinahlynn Biggs is a nationally recognized and locally adored Radio Personality, Program Director, Promoter, Producer, and Community Activist in her own defining style. On October 7, 2016 the Nation of Islam will present Biggs with the 2016 Elijah Muhammad Lifetime Achievement Award at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. in Chicago, IL. during this event to celebrate the birth of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The special guest speaker is Silis Muhammad.

Biggs has built a large fan base across the Midwest over 30 years for her ability to take her listening audiences from the 8 Track to the latest App. This in itself encompasses all genres of listeners’ young and old. Her weekly theme has been to keep Music Legends in the Light.

What sets Biggs apart is her willingness to actually go out of the radio studio with her show and take it to the streets. Every month Biggs can be caught on a street corner, café, parking lot or even in another state with her team. This gives her that personal touch with the listeners to energetically communicate with her audience.

As Biggs approaches her 3-year anniversary this month of being back with WLTH Ra-

AM WLTH Radio Gary, Ind. can be heard in the car or on the computer where it streams all over the world on: USTREAM WLTH. In order for Biggs to do the show, she travels weekly from Indianapolis to Gary, IN every week to be there for the community.

Dinahlynn is a graduate of Gary Roosevelt High School, Indiana University Northwest,

Dinahlynn Bigg dio, she has taken Social Media by storm with Google recording over 175,000 views alone. “The Dinahlynn Biggs Show” can be heard on her hometown radio station Saturday’s from 3-6 (CST). The station is under the direction of Dr. Marion Williams, 1370

Gary’s Fall Blight Buster Day targets Grant Street Corridor The City’s Gary for Life Blight Elimination Initiative continues this weekend when volunteers, local businesses, faith groups, youth groups and others partner with the city in its “Building Blocks” Blight Buster Day on Saturday, October 1, 2016. The city urges volunteers to participate in this citywide clean-up effort. Volunteers may register at the city’s website at www.gary.in.us or at teamgaryindiana.com. Registration will also be available at the Genesis Convention Center at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday where the Rally will kick off the day. Advance registration is however encouraged. The cleanup will be from 8:00 a.m.2:00 p.m.

This fall cleanup will concentrate on Grant Street, from 2nd Avenue to 47th Avenue.

Businesses along Grant Street are also asked to commit to the effort by cleaning up around their businesses and in the vicinity on Blight Buster Day. The City has teamed up with businesses like Advance Construction Services, JMD Construction, D & R Site Services, Republic Services, the Gary Sanitary District, Powers and Sons Construction, Gariup Construction and the Lake County Highway Department www.garycrusader.com

to clean up along the city’s Grant Street corridor. The businesses will work together to supply equipment, tools, manpower and supplies.

Additionally, Ultra Foods continues to support the cleanup effort. City departments including General Services, Parks, Demolition and Board Up, Code Enforcement, Police and Fire, Gary Sanitary District, Green Urbanism, Recycling have continued to work weekly in the city’s Gary for Life 5x5x5 project over the past months to make an impact on blight in Gary. The cleanup on Blight Buster Day will assist the city departments tremendously.

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson says, “We are encouraging our community to come together on October 1st. This is a collaboration that requires all of us. Everyone may not be able to clean up, but there is something for everyone.

We particularly thank the many volunteers for their time and energy and the businesses that have stepped up to the plate and that continue to support this cleanup effort that will make a difference in our city.”

Businesses, Community Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations, Educational Institutions, Block Clubs are all invited and encouraged to join the collaborative effort on Saturday.

Again, advance registration is encouraged by logging on to the city websites at www.-teamgaryindiana.com or www.gary.in.us. Volunteers may bring items such as rakes and brooms. Assignments and safety materials will be provided at the Genesis Center during the rally.

For more information contact the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at mocs@ci.gary.in.us or by calling LaShawn Brooks, Director at 219-881-4815. Sponsorships and Monetary and Food Donations are still being accepted.

along with being the Hometown Beauty Queen. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dinahlynn is now living in Indianapolis, Indiana and working with Super Attorney Nathaniel Lee of the Law Firm of Lee & Fairman, with offices in both Indianapolis and Illinois.

In addition to everything else Biggs is also a proud grandmother who supports the PTA and fundraising events for the schools. She is a Precinct Committeeman in Marion County Indiana, where she is editor of the Julia M. Carson Democratic Newspaper under the director of Center Township Trustee Eugene W. Akers. If there is more time in a day, Dinahlynn is the sole caregiver of two elderly members of her family that are WWII Veterans in their 90s. This is where she gets her joy and what makes her smile. Often times callers that call into “The Dinahlynn Biggs” show say how they see her in the community with them.

Hammond Hosts 30th Annual Volunteer Awards Breakfast Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. and the City of Hammond Planning and Development present the 30th Annual Volunteer Awards Breakfast on Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Dynasty Banquet Hall, 4125 Calumet Avenue, Hammond. For the 30th anniversary edition of the breakfast, the theme is “Volunteering: The Heart of America.” Tickets for the event are issued on a first come-first serve basis.

Nominations are being accepted until Friday, October 14 for anyone in the community that is a dedicated individual, team or organization/agency and works on a volunteer basis. There are several categories in which to nominate a deserving volunteer or

team of volunteers: Outstanding Adult Volunteer, Outstanding Youth Team, Outstanding Adult Team, Outstanding Youth Organization, Outstanding Adult Organization, Outstanding Parent Involvement, Advocate for Children, Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Youth Volunteer, “Spirit of Hammond’ Award, and the Frank Van Til Lifetime Achievement Award.

The definition of each award is outlined fully on the Nomination Form. The Volunteer Nomination Form is available for downloading at www.gohammond.com. For additional Nomination Forms, tickets and more information, contact Gloria Mabry, Social Services Coordinator at (219) 853-6358 extension 2.

Legacy Foundation opens fall grant applications Transform Lake County And Thriving Hobart Seniors On October 1, eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for a Transform Lake County and Thriving Hobart Seniors grant from Legacy Foundation. Grant applications will be open from October 1 – November 1, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. CST. The Transform Lake County grant funds nonprofit organizations serve Lake County, Indiana residents. Legacy accepts funding requests in the areas of arts & culture, animal welfare, education, environment, health & human services, and general operating. Legacy Foundation’s donors support Transform Lake County grants through the Lake County Community Fund.

Thriving Hobart Seniors grants support organizations that provide senior citizens in Hobart, Indiana with opportunities for housing, health care, economic security, education, employment, transportation, companionship, and recreation. The Thriving Hobart Seniors grant is funded by the Maria

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

Reiner Senior Citizens Trust at Legacy Foundation.

To assist nonprofits with the applications, Legacy will host two free training sessions.

Legacy Foundation staff will review the application step-by-step and leave time at the end for Q & A. Both sessions will take place at Legacy Foundation: 1000 E. 80th Pl., Suite 402N, Merrillville, IN. Training 1: Monday, October 3 from 4 PM - 5 PM Training 2: Thursday, October 6 from 12 PM - 1 PM Space is limited. Register at: engage.legacyfdn.org/upcoming-events.

Legacy Foundation will not award Transform Lake County grants in spring 2017. If an organization does not apply by the November 1, 2016 deadline, the next opportunity to apply will open June 1, 2017. Thriving Hobart Senior grants become available once per year.

In summer 2016 Legacy Foundation awarded over $190,000 in Transform Lake County grants. Last year the Foundation awarded $56,500 in Thriving Hobart Seniors grants.

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Dana Evans chooses the Louisville “Cards

THE PARENTS OF West Side Leadership Academy point guard Dana Evans (center), Damon and Shwanda Evans, SURROUNDED BY HER coaches, l-r: DAMON EVANS ASSISTS his daughter Dana join her at a press conference before Dana announces her Bernettr Grayer, Dana Evans and Head Coach Evans in removing her jacket to reveal her deciRod Fisher. sion to join the Louisville Cardinals Women’s college choice. (Photos by Donald Luckett) Basketball team.

The dynamic West Side Leader- asked God to show me the way.” skeptics when she plays because not ship Academy point guard, who Dana Evans was joined by her par- only is she a high scorer — averaging commands the floor at only 5-foot-6 ents Damon and Shwanda Evans, 35.8 pints, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 asinches, announced at a Sept. 27 press who have supported her athletic sists — she also is a great point guard conference her intention to attend goals since elementary school. Long expertly directing her teams offense the University of Louisville, where before it was time for Dana to con- with no hesitation.

Dana Evans will play with the Cardi- sider college she was receiving full Dana won a gold medal with the nals Women’s Basketball team. scholarship offers from universities 2016 USA Women’s Basketball U18 “I chose the Cards,” Evans said as trying to secure stakes in someone National Team in Valdivia, Chile. she elaborated on her relationship destined to be an exceptional ath- Although Evans tried out for the with the Cards coaching staff that led lete. When she was just 11 years old, team, she was placed on the alternate to her decision. “They’re going to she received an offer from Val- list. It wasn’t until a player was inmake me a better player.” She also paraiso University and then later jured that opened the door for Dana said a lot of praying went into the de- Purdue. to join the team. On a team of the cision. A decision she didn’t reveal to They were right. This West Side best of the best she averaged 8.8 DANA EVANS CUTS a celebratory cake for the guests attending announcement event. anyone until the press conference. “I Cougar makes a believer out of the points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

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GCSC football players exemplify teamwork and compassion The high school football season has begun and regional teams are competing each week under the Friday night lights hoping to be able to make a trip downstate later this fall. However, at the Gary Community School Corporation, football is about more than winning and losing. Justin Davis, a sophomore who plays for the district team in a West Side Leadership Academy jersey, exemplifies how football can impact life outside the uprights.

Justin is a GCSC student who chose to go out for the football team, despite having no background in the sport, because he wanted to get involved at school.

Justin has autism and faces several other mental and physical challenges daily, but that doesn’t stop him from giving maximum effort each day at practice.

“He was here all summer, working as hard as he could,” said West Side’s assistant coach Ron James, who has formed a bond with Justin. “He’s an example to all of us.”

Justin played in his second game for the Cougars on Friday, September 2 against Mount Carmel, a strong team from Illinois. Little did he know coming into the game that it would be one of the most memorable nights of his life.

At the start of the fourth quarter, with the Cougars yet to score, Coach Jason Johnson, West Side graduate and former NFL player, put Justin in the line-up. The ball was snapped and passed to Justin who, flanked by his teammates, ran it 80 yards up the field for a touchdown. The West Side Stadium erupted with cheers and Justin flashed a proud, gleaming smile.

“I ran really fast,” said Justin. “It was like the NFL. I felt famous.”

All of Justin’s teammates and coaches and even the players of the opposing team, who were made aware of the play ahead of time, congratulated him. Although the Cougars went on to lose by a score of 56 – 6, all anyone could talk about was Justin and his big play.

“I was trying to pump Justin’s head up,” said West Side junior Desmond Crews. “I told him to take the ball and run until they tackle you. They didn’t. I was running down the sideline with him.”

Justin’s touchdown goes far beyond the game of football. It tells a story of hard work, acceptance and compassion.

“Here’s this young man, with a lot in front of him, just doing his very best every single day,” noted Assistant Coach Ron James. And doing it “with a smile on his face.”

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Justin Davis

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Community School Corporation works to help students become well-rounded citizens. While it is certain that Justin will never forget that day, his teammates and all who were in the stands that night, will also remember it as a time when being kind, working together and helping one another trumped the numbers on the scoreboard. To learn more about how GCSC students learn life lessons and go beyond what is expected, visit www.GarySchools.org.

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