Gary Crusader 2-11-2017 by The Crusader Newspaper Group

GARY CRUSADER 2-11-2017.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 2/8/17 10:18 PM Page 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Urban League creates opportunities for positive change (See pages 8)

Junifer Hall enters prestigious photography competition (See pages 15)

Blacks Must Control Their Own Community

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VOLUME LV NUMBER 42 —SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

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Robert D. Rucker steps down By David Denson Indiana Supreme Court Justice Robert D. Rucker recently announced that he is stepping down after 19 years on the bench. Rucker, 70, is the second African American to serve on the state’s high court. He was appointed by then governor Frank

O’Bannon. Prior to serving on the Supreme Court, Rucker served on the state’s appellate court for eight years after he was appointed by Gov. Evan Bayh. During his career before his court appointments, Rucker practiced law in Gary and East Chicago. He also served as one of

Gary’s assistant attorneys. The Gary native has received numerous honors and recognition during his 19-year career as a judge. The Lake County Court Building in Gary was renamed the Robert D. Rucker Court House in his honor and earlier this week during a ceremony in the (Continued on page 3)

Saving a Piece of History Skyscrapers are going up around the Ebony/Jet building, but will landmark status be enough to save the icon from hungry developers? By Erick Johnson Downtown Chicago is set to explode with construction. In the next several years, the city that gave birth to the skyscraper will have a new look. A new generation of glitzy skyscrapers will sprout up all over the city, dramatically altering its famous skyline with bold new designs and soaring to greater heights. The most fertile ground for the newest crop of high-rises is on South Michigan Ave., where in the last several years powerful developers have been harvesting plans to capitalize on one of the wealthiest residential districts in the city.

After intense meetings with residents and historic preservation officials, developers are moving forward with ambitious and jaw-dropping plans to plant mega-size buildings that would transform a relatively quiet residential district into a bustling neighborhood full of retail shops and post-new condominiums. For developers, it’s a race to the top in a battle to build the biggest and best skyscraper as large as the ego of a high-powered business mogul. Sitting amidst these dreams is a small, but well-known 11-story building that’s been vacant for nearly seven years. Known to many visitors around the country as the Ebony/Jet building, for decades, it was the corporate head-

Robert D. Rucker

quarters of the Johnson Publishing Company. Once a proud symbol of achievement, the once Black-owned building still stands on one of the most prominent streets in America. However, in several years, the Ebony/Jet building will be wedged between two fresh skyscrapers. To the north of it will be the 620-foot “Essex on the Park” skyscraper, which officially broke ground on Jan. 19. When completed, the skyscraper overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan will have 479 luxury rental apartments. The deal also includes rehabbing and expanding the neighboring Essex Inn Hotel to 271 guest rooms. Two blocks south of the Ebony/Jet building will be an 86-story glass skyscraper that will resemble a stack of giant ice cubes. Reportedly named the Jahn Tower, it will have 506 units; 308 will be condominiums. There is the 515foot tower at 1326 S. Michigan and the planned twin skyscrapers on Indiana Ave., which at 76 stories high, will be third tallest building south of the Willis Tower. And this is just the South Loop. Skyscrapers are going up on the North Side, too. As the city experiences a boom in new skyscrapers, the house that Ebony/Jet founder John H. Johnson built remains a decaying relic that’s up for sale as hungry developers push the limits of their projects into unchartered waters. The buzzards of urban progress are closing in while the Ebony/Jet building stands increasingly vulnerable to extinction as space grows tight on South Michigan Ave. and demands for bigger, stylish skyscrapers climb to greater proportions. For the Ebony/Jet building, an edifice whose history and important contributions to Black (Continued on page 2)

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Saving a Piece of History

(Continued from page 1) America has inspired generations for decades, the warning signs are there. With its Ebony/Jet marquee still beaming at the top, it’s a valuable piece of real estate that’s stuck in the past. Its uncertain future depends on what happens in the present, in trending neighborhoods and in corporate America, where big buildings are in and smaller ones are out. Sitting on prime real estate where the demand for multi-million dollar skyscrapers is showing no signs of slow-

John HarryH.C.Johnson Alford ing down, the Ebony/Jet building will meet the wrecking ball if developers seeking to make the next statement on Michigan Ave. have their way. On Feb. 2, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that the building would be considered for preliminary landmark status by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks—a nine-member group that has granted similar status over the years to over 370 historic sites in Chicago, including the homes of writers Gwendolyn Brooks, Lorraine Hansberry and Richard Wright. The group’s latest move capped a month of researching and writing a preliminary report about the history of the Ebony/Jet building. “My father started Johnson Publishing Company to inform, empower and uplift the African-American community,” Linda Johnson Rice, chairman of Johnson Publishing Company and chairman emeritus of Ebony Media Holdings, said in a statement. “With my mother Eunice by his side,

they built an iconic brand. I am thrilled that the building housed our company for so many years and is being considered for landmark status. It’s a true testament to the hard work of my parents and all the people who called Johnson Publishing Company home for decades.” A member with the city’s Historic Preservation Division whose staff sits on the city’s Landmark Commission said the group could take up to nine months to decide whether the Ebony/Jet building should be an official Chicago landmark. The commission has seven requirements for landmark designation. Some of the criteria require prospective buildings to have architectural, cultural historic impact on Chicago, the State of Illinois or the U.S. Another criterion says the building must identify with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the city, state or country. For landmark approval, a building must meet at least two of seven criteria, which the Ebony/Jet building seems to do. If the Ebony/Jet building becomes a Chicago landmark, developers cannot demolish the structure. However, developers can remove the Ebony Jet sign that sits on top of the building since it’s not considered a feature of historic significance, a historic preservation staff member told the Crusader. Also, the interior of the Ebony/Jet building is not part of the designation because the art and furnishings were moved to Johnson Publication’s current home at 200 South Michigan where the company rents a floor. Developers can gut the interior and use the building for a different purpose. The new owner of the Ebony/Jet building could receive tax credits that could help pay for construction costs that were spent on converting the building to a new purpose. In 2016, the storied original Chicago Defender building at 3435 Indiana Ave., was restored 28 years after it was designated a Chicago landmark. However, the building in the city’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood remains empty. The Defender is now located on the city’s prominent Martin Luther King Drive. While the Ebony/Jet building is im-

THE EBONY JET building was once the former headquarters of the Johnson Publishing Company. (Photo by Erick Johnson) 2

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

THE "ESSEX ON THE PARK" skyscraper will be located just yards north of the Ebony/Jet building. At 670 feet, it will be more than three times the size of the Ebony/Jet building. portant to Black history, there are son had an estimated wealth of $600 preliminary landmark status of the questions about its age compared to million—a number much higher Ebony/Jet building, they also announced that the Essex Inn Hotel other Chicago landmarks. Most Chi- when adjusted for inflation. Johnson died in 2005, and his would be given similar designation. cago landmarks were built in the 1800s, 1900s and early 20th century. viewing in the building’s lobby drew In 2014, the Essex Inn was purchased While many are over 100 years old, hundreds of mourners. Cash-strap- by the Oxford Capital Group, which the Ebony/Jet building has stood for ped Johnson Publishing sold the is rehabbing and expanding the hotel only 46 years. It would be the “newest building to neighboring Columbia as part of a plan to build a skyscraper landmark” among the city’s historic College for $8 million in a deal, but between it and the East-West Universtructures. With landmark designa- many believed the building was sity building that’s next door to the tion, the building will be harder to sell worth much more. Johnson Publish- Ebony Jet builiding. Alderman Sophia King (4th) subto developers who usually aim to tear ing Company moved several blocks down structures to make way for big- north before selling off its media em- mitted the application to give landger ones, especially in high-profile ar- pire to a small investment firm in mark status to the Ebony/Jet building. When she was appointed interim al2016. eas like Michigan Avenue. Columbia planned to turn the derman by the mayor last year, King Without a buyer, the Ebony/Jet building could sit vacant for a long building into a library, but those inherited one of the city’s wealthiest time as time and neglect takes its toll plans never materialized. Last year, wards and most diverse segments of on the structure. Too small of an office the school put the Ebony/Jet build- the city. A candidate in the upcoming Feb. building by today’s standards, the ing on the market. With soaring real building will face heavy competition estate values on Michigan Ave., the 28 election, King is walking a tightfrom the handful of residential sky- cost of purchasing the Ebony/Jet rope as she aims to please developers scrapers that will be built just blocks building will be out of reach for most and Black constituents who still value the Ebony/Jet building. She must also Black business owners. away. Sources told the Crusader that a contend with many residents in her Located across from picturesque Grant Park, the Ebony/Jet building handful of developers were interested ward who oppose new development was built in 1971 for $8 million or in tearing the Ebony/Jet building for fear it may bring more traffic and $46 million by today’s standards. It down before it was given preliminary congestion to the South Loop region. The Crusader contacted King for was a stunning achievement for John landmark status. One interested deH. Johnson, who became the only veloper wants to turn the building in- comments for this story, but as of Black business executive on tony to residential apartments. In fact, one press time, the newspaper had not reMichigan Ave. An insurance sales- week before city officials announced ceived a response. man who worked at the Supreme Life Insurance building in Bronzeville, Johnson used his mother’s furniture for collateral to borrow $500 to build his media empire. When it opened, then-Mayor Richard J. Daley closed Michigan Ave. as part of the festivities. Over the years, the who’s who of Black America passed through the building’s doors, from actress Diahann Carroll to boxer Muhammad Ali. Designed by renowned Black architect John Warren Moutoussamy, the 110,000 sq. ft. building won praise for its bold colors and interior design. Today, the building still has a unique driveway that allowed Johnson to drive into the basement parking lot—a feature granted by then-Mayor Daley. In 1982, Johnson became the first Black man on Forbes’ 400 wealthiest Americans list. At one point in his life, JohnBlacks Must control their own coMMunity

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East Chicago designated as ‘area of special concern’ Proposed bill to help address lead contamination at housing complex Gary Crusader staff report A House committee in the Indiana Legislature approved a bill that would direct state agencies to work closely with their federal counterparts to address the needs and concerns of residents living in the lead contaminated West Calumet Housing Complex and in other areas of East Chicago.

State Rep. Earl Harris, Jr. The move came during a special hearing on Wednesday, February 8 about the crisis in the complex, where hundreds of residents re-

main stuck in the complex with no place to go. The hearing was held by the House Environmental Affairs Committee, who heard testimonies from a dozen East Chicago residents, including Mayor Anthony Copeland. All of them voiced their support for the proposed legislation. House Bill 1344, sponsored by state Rep. Earl Harris, Jr., D-East Chicago, designates the West Calumet Housing Complex, other homes built on the sites of past lead manufacturing operations and the city’s Superfund properties as an “area of special concern” for the state. The committee voted unanimously to advance the legislation to the full House, which next week likely will consider possible changes before deciding whether to send it to the Indiana Senate. “This is not a short-term problem. I wish it were. I wish it was something we could get rectified in the next week,” Harris said. “But the reality is it is going to take a lot more time, it’s going to take funding and it’s going to take a lot of help from people.” The bill may be the biggest move the state has taken after it faced months of criticism from community leaders and residents. Many accuse lawmakers of not doing enough for residents who have been in limbo since the crisis

RESIDENTS AT THE West Calumet Housing Complex have been in limbo after lead was discovered in the soil underneath the development. The proposal also requires the urged lawmakers to go further exploded in July with the announcement that high deposits of state to conduct independent lead than the proposed legislation by lead were found in the soil under- and arsenic testing of the soil and funding citywide lead testing, neath the West Calumet Housing water in the area of special con- providing money for residential cern at least once a year. Complex. water filtration and paying to reMany East Chicago residents place the city’s lead water pipes. House Bill 1344 encourages the state departments of environmen- shar- ed how living in a lead-conta“I’m hoping, I’m praying, that tal management and public health, minated neighborhood has affect- this bill is passed so the testing we as well as the attorney general to ed their health, their children’s need to make our city great is assist the federal government, to health and educational attain- done citywide,” said Tara Adams, whatever extent possible, with soil ment. They also complained that a West Calumet resident who deremediation and resident moving the crisis caused a drop in proper- scribed struggling to find a new ty values. Many who testified also place to live. costs.

Robert D. Rucker (Continued from page 1) Indiana Legislature he was recognized as an outstanding Hoosier. During the ceremony Rep. Vernon G. Smith, along with a number of his colleagues, spoke about Rucker’s fairness, humility and his commitment to the citizens of Indiana. Smith, who sponsored the resolution to honor Rucker, said the news of the justice’s retirement hit him like a ton of bricks. He said that he just took for granted that he would always be on the court. Smith, who was a classmate of Rucker at Indiana University said through his accomplishments, Ruck-

er has sealed a place in Indiana history. “Justice Rucker’s history place in Indiana history will be an honored one. He opened doors to women and people of color, so that they could advance their careers through the judicial system, so that system would become diverse and fair,” said Smith. “A person of Justice Rucker’s stature comes around once in a lifetime, if you are lucky. The state of Indiana has been very fortunate,” Smith concluded. As the second African American and the first Black male named to the court Rucker said he did view it from a historical perspective. “I don’t,” said Rucker when asked if he considered himself a trailblazer. He acknowledged that while growing up in Gary, he never dreamed that he would be a lawyer or sit on the state’s highest court. As the longest sitting justice on the court he said that in retiring he finally figured out what to do next. Rucker said that he and his wife plan to continue to travel and spend time ON HIS 70TH birthday Justice with his 17 grandchildren. He is also Robert Rucker announced his contemplating writing a memoir plans to retire. (Photo credit: Indi- about his life growing up in Gary and his experiences on the court. ana Supreme Court)

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Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

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WHERE IS THE BLACK POWER? Sometimes it is necessary to face the truth about situations that will provoke anger. We (the United States and, by extension, the world) are in a time of crisis. These are dangerous times, and it will be important for the Black community to develop a game plan to successfully navigate the ongoing tide of change. One of the first things that we must realize is that we are connected with other Black people all across the globe. However, for the most part, we insist on being culturally myopic; we only see that which is in our immediate surroundings. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but it shouldn’t stop there. Black people everywhere are facing some of the same obstacles, yet people insist on shifting blame for our circumstances to local and/or national politicians. The one truism that is becoming more evident as we continue to evolve on this planet is that we are the greatest influencers of our surroundings. In other words, what happens outside of us is a direct reflection of what is happening inside of us. The sad fact is that if we continue to behave the same way, we will continue to attract the same circumstances. For example, everywhere that Black people reside, there tends to be significant social and economic mayhem. This is because we take ourselves with us wherever we go. Whether it is crime and poverty in inner city American communities, the slums of Haiti, or the challenges faced by the entire African continent, we seem to be at a disadvantage. Africa seems to be on the brink of losing all of its natural resources through investments by the Chinese and others. Foreigners have come in to take control of that which we have refused to control ourselves in what is beginning to look like “neo-colonization.” If things keep going the way they are, the richest continent on Earth will no longer be seen as the home of Black people. This is common behavior. Very often we are more concerned with things that separate us: skin tone, economic status, neighborhood turf, and other artificial barriers that keep us apart, rather than unifying to find solutions to our problems. All the while, power brokers, white and otherwise, are positioning themselves to control EVERYONE. For some reason, we continue to ridiculously blame carnage on a city Mayor or the president or school superintendent, all of whom have changed while the problems have remained the same! President Trump has threatened to send the National Guard to Chicago in order to reduce the incidence of Black on Black murder. Caveat emptor: may the buyer beware! The presence of the National Guard in the Black community will not bode well for the community, whatever some may think. Conversely, we often give a pass to those who are creating the havoc in our neighborhoods. Even though it is possible (according to some conspiracy theorists) that there are others outside of our communities who are actually committing some of the murders while disguised as Blacks, it is also true that many of the perpetrators are not only known, but are protected by community residents. “Snitches get stitches” is a common community refrain. But that shouldn’t keep us from making those who are committing the crimes accountable for their actions. Pookie and Ray Ray are known, yet they are sheltered. Truth be told, they are enemies of the Black community. Couple this with the fact that there is a continual hemorrhaging of Black businesses from our communities and the picture of powerlessness is complete. The way things are today, if our collective behavior does not change, the Black community will go the way of the dinosaurs. With all of the Black Power that we have demonstrated as evidenced by Black successes in every field of endeavor, it does not seem to be enough to convince us to work together to change our circumstances. We must stop squandering our Black Power through negligence generated by self-hate. No one will save us BUT us! A luta continua. 4

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The point the Feds are trying to prove is childish Dear Editor: The federal government’s reasons for not returning Lake County Sheriff John Buncich’s guns smack of childish behavior. The U.S. Attorney refuses to give the sheriff his guns back because the Feds never saw him with his gun during a long investigation. So! They want to hold onto the claim that Buncich didn’t object to turning over his guns when he was arrested, and subsequently signed papers to be released. Well, hell, the man was probably in shock and would have signed something saying he kidnapped the Lindbergh baby. I have to believe that Buncich’s chief concern was getting out of custody and back to his family. I think under those circumstances most of us would have signed something and ignored or not cared about something seemingly as insignificant as a gun. When he was in a calmer state of mind, it was probably then that he determined he wanted or needed his weapons. No doubt when Buncich’s attorney asked a week or so ago about having the guns returned, he and

his client probably figured they had a very good chance of receiving them. After all, the crime he is accused of is non-violent and Buncich has no criminal history. Personally, it was a sign of an effective law enforcement official if he isn’t walking around with a sidearm bulging from underneath his suit coat. Some might even classify his crime as victimless. It is painfully clear that the Feds, like they so often do, want to prove they have some form of power of someone held in high esteem. We get that. But in this case the power is petty and childish. What is the harm in not holding onto Buncich’s guns? It’s not like he can’t easily go out and get another, or even borrow one from one of his employees. By going through the courts, he is being compliant to the process. The U.S. Attorney is trying to make him out to be something he isn’t, a hardened criminal. Maybe the prosecutor knows his case isn’t that strong and Buncich won’t be severely punished, if at all. That possibility is apparently reason enough for the government to stick it to him while they can. We all understand that he is accused of a crime, one that shows him to be greedy. I think the fact that this stupid crime has turned his life upside down is punishment enough. The gun issue is just piling on. There is no real outcry in the

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

county for Buncich to be removed from office. People are waiting for him to be convicted of something before condemning him. The Feds seem to believe even before a conviction in treating the suspect as terrible as possible. This is our tax dollars at work. Jackie Smith (Continued on page 5)

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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. FIXING THE PROBLEM Well it looks as if the Gary Community Schools will soon be on life support. That’s if the senate supports a bill put forth by Senator’s Eddie Melton and Luke Kenley. The two have crafted legislation

Eddie Melton

that if passed will go a long way in helping to relieve a great deal of the school system’s financial woes. Because Kenley, a Republican, is chair of the Senate’s powerful Appropriations Committee, it stands a good chance of clearing the GOP controlled senate. Help can’t come too soon because word is things are so bad that employees of the school system have endured numerous payless paydays. Word is if the bill is signed into law, a three-member board will be selected to handle the finances and the school board members will be left with other non-financial duties. Word is a

Luke Kenley

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4)

Looks like the state is coming in Dear Editor: I guess it was inevitable. It really looks like the State of Indiana will come in and take over the finances of the Gary Community School Corporation. At first blush I don’t think it is a very good idea, the fact we will have an emergency manager here. When I look at the fact that our State Senator Eddie Melton and Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson say things could be worse, I guess we all just have to go along with it. My hesitation is that I have seen emergency financial managers operate in other places; and while they do get costs down and deficit drastically reduced, those actions often come at a huge price. Even though this manager that will work here will work only on the finances, his or her decisions will have a big impact on all areas of the district, including employment and school buildings. There should be no doubt that a manager in place will surely affect the role and reach of the current school board. Right now, I would suggest that if the manager is in place when the next board elections occur, we keep the current group in place. It’s my www.garycrusader.com

opinion that will help us get out from under state control sooner. A month or so ago, the state was talking about consolidating Gary schools with other connecting districts. So, I guess compared to that, this manager plan is better. With the manager at least we get to keep our district. With the other scenario, Gary schools would have been gone. We can only hope that whoever is appointed manager by state officials has some background with urban school districts, or at least urban areas. I say that because our city and schools face some unique challenges that need to be taken into account when making any kind of decisions. I also hope that the state won’t just drop ship someone in here without calling the community together and giving us very exact details and timetables regarding the manager’s role and authority. State law says the manager can be in place for five years. That is a long time and I pray our financial situation will have straightened out long before then. Since we don’t really know how this manager situation will function, it is a good idea that all of us, every resident, start paying much closer attention to what is happening in our schools, as well as surrounding districts. It would be a huge mistake, I think to just let the manager have free reign of all things Gary schools, without any input from us.

team at the White House. This despite the fact that Brady managed to show for his visit during the George W. Bush presidency. Word is Brady will probably attend the gathering this time around due to

couple of board members ain’t to happy with the plan because they don’t like the idea of the state being involved in the school district’s affairs. Well the state should be involved since they are largely to blame for the financial quagmire that Gary finds itself in, and things could have been worse. After the referendum to bail the school system out failed last year, there was talk of closing all the schools. At least under this plan the school system is still intact. -Nosey-

Sheriff John Buncich

LAW AND DISORDER

gun that only had one bullet in it.

Word reached Nosey that earlier this week the Lake County Government Center had to be evacuated. This was due to someone calling in a threat to the prosecutor’s office. Soon after it was learned that the call was a hoax. In a few hours things were back to normal although the caller has not been apprehended. In the meantime Sheriff John Buncich, who is under indictment, is trying to retrieve his guns that were taken during a raid on his house by the Feds. Buncich, who is said to be up for trial sometime in April, has been carrying out his duties as sheriff since the raid and subsequent indictment. It probably would help if he had the tools to carry out those functions. Last time there was a sheriff who didn’t have a gun was Andy Taylor, and we saw how that worked out. He was stuck with a deputy who had a

-NoseyNOT GONNA MAKE IT Supporters of Donald Trump got their panties in a bunch over reports that New England Patriots football players Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty have opted out of meeting the president when the team visits the White House. Word is this ain’t the first time that a few athletes have dissed the prez. Several years ago when then President Barack Obama hosted the 1985 Chicago Bears, defensive player Dan Hampton opted out of meeting Obama. Some believe that his absence was political since he let it be known that he did not agree with Obama on a number of issues. In later years, Patriot’s quarterback Tom Brady also snubbed Obama claiming family obligations kept him from joining the

Martellus Bennett the relationship he and the team coach have with Trump. In fact, it was rumored that Brady may have supported Trump in the presidential campaign. Looks like politics has even tainted the Super Bowl.

Devin McCourty

Priscilla Mandy Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

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Urban League creates opportunities for positive change By Dr. Vanessa Allen, President and CEO, Urban League of NWI We live in challenging times. As a nation, we are compelled to steer our ship of state out of troubled waters. That means those on the ground have a special and urgent task at hand, one that will define who we are for generations to come. Because of our place in world politics, repercussions from what we do here reverberate globally. Many are particularly concerned about those repercussions in light of the results of our recent elections that do not portend peaceful and socially appropriate outcomes. Over the past few years, we have seen too much racist behavior all across our country, in our schools, on the streets, with ugly messages painted on walls and a recent shameful burning of an African American

church in Mississippi. White students at a local Northwest Indiana high school engaged in racist bullying of students of color, creating fear and division among those who thought they “belonged.” Over 400 incidents such as this have been reported nationally. This is why we are proud to endorse the “Civility Counts” campaign sponsored by the Greater Gary Chamber of Commerce and The Times newspaper. We in Northwest Indiana have our task before us. And the Urban League has made clear its role in working to create conversation and conditions that can foster positive change. In this context, our recent Diversity and Inclusion Conference held at Purdue University Northwest is a bright sign that we are on the right track.

Last year, 90 participants joined us on this journey. This year, 140 people showed up, an indication that many more want to know how to create a new working environment, one where through knowledge and heartfelt conversations, we can advance a progressive agenda that serves our communities. Through workshops on unconscious bias, justice and culture, cultural identity, stereotypes and millennial thought, those 140 people were able to have difficult and productive conversations in a safe environment. But conversation is not enough. It must lead to action because, as we know, thought does precede action. Following our symposium, our next Dr. Vanessa Allen step is to recognize those businesses and organizations who have stepped diversity and inclusion among their up to the plate to go on record with workforces. We encourage those proven track records in the areas of who have made strides in these areas

to apply for an award, which will be presented at a March 23, 2017 luncheon celebrating that progress. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Community, Leadership, Workforce Diversity, Moving the Needle, Youth and Lifetime Ach-ievement. Applications should be submitt-ed by Friday, February 17, 2017 at 12 noon. Please see the website at www.urbanleagueofnwi.org to learn more about each award and to print the complete application. We look forward to our luncheon on March 23 where, for 5 years, we have hosted 500 people who come to honor those who have carried the torch not just through words but with action. Please join us this year. Apply for an award. You have plenty of time to do so. We look forward to hearing from you.

National Black Caucus of State Legislators call for debt collection reform ble Lending. “Too often we’ve seen debt collectors file lawsuits in state courts against the wrong person or for a debt not owed. State legislatures and courts must stop this abusive financial practice by holding debt collectors accountable for initiating unwarranted legal actions.” The need for reforms is supported by a recently-released CFPB report on consumer experiences with debt collection. The report, based on a survey explored a range of issues such as frequency of contact, lawsuits, and

By Charlene Crowell When many consumers think of billion-dollar industries, banks and Wall Street often come to mind. Yet there is another industry in the same lucrative league that affects over 70 million consumers each year: debt collection. In recent years, debt collection has consistently topped the list of consumer complaints received by the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and state Attorneys General. Further and according to the CFPB, more than 25 federal debt collection cases have been filed for deceiving and abusing consumers. Collectively, the cases have brought more than $300 million in restitution and another $100 million in civil penalties have resulted from these filings. As state legislatures convene across the country for 2017 sessions, it appears that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) has taken note of the harms that are caused by illegal debt collection practices. An NBCSL resolution calling for an end to abusive debt collection practices was ratified during the group’s annual December meeting. Sponsored by North Carolina’s Senator Floyd B. McKissick, Jr., the resolution notes that “the overwhelming majority of people who are in debt and being pursued by debt collectors are not in debt by choice; but due to circumstances such as unexpected job loss, divorce or other marital problems, and serious illness.” Many Black neighborhoods are more likely to have residents with debts in collection. The resolution further states that our neighborhoods also have double the number of debt judgments compared to White areas - –regardless of income levels. “Unfair, abusive, and deceptive debt 6

the accuracy or inaccuracy of claims. Prominent among survey findings: • About 75 percent of consumers sued do not go to the court hearing, which generally makes them responsible for the debt; • 53 percent of consumers reported receiving collection attempts that were incorrect because the debt was not theirs, was the wrong amount, or was owed by a family member; • More than 40 percent of nonWhite consumers reported being contacted about a debt in collection, while

only 29 percent of White consumers reported having the same experience. “Some debt collectors care only about squeezing as much as they can from the names on their lists,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “The typical collector is paid on commission and may have only a passing relationship with the debtor. Some make the calculation that their chances of being called to account later are remote. But the urgent impetus to secure immediate payment is ever (Continued on page 12)

Charlene Crowell collection practices are hurting consumers and as a result, court judgments are entered against people for debts they do not legally owe,” said Senator McKissick. “The NBCSL resolution affirms the need for strong consumer protections at the state and federal level. This is critically important as abusive debt collection practices frequently target not only African-American communities, but seniors and military families as well.” In calling for state legislatures to adopt initiatives requiring more detailed and accurate information and documentation in debt collection actions, the resolution also notes and supports CFPB’s efforts to promulgate a federal rule to address debt collection abuses. Consumer advocates agree – a call for continued and coordinated support from both states and federal regulators is needed before consumers can find financial relief. “States should continue to strengthen the rules and laws for debt collection to better protect consumers,” said Lisa Stifler, Deputy Director of State Policy with the Center for Responsi-

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The Home Depot kicks off its 2017 Retool Your School In Its Eighth Consecutive Year, the World’s Largest Home Improvement Specialty Retailer Will Award Deserving HBCUs $360,000 in Campus Improvement Grants The Home Depot announced the launch of its 2017 Retool Your School Grant Program, offering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) an opportunity to apply for grants to use toward creating sustainable renovations and additions to their campuses. This year, The Home Depot introduced two ways to enter the Retool Your School program for 2017. HBCUs will have the choice of opting into the program through the standard proposal submission, and for the first time ever, HBCUs can enter the RYS program through an all-new and exciting nomination process. This nomination process allows HBCU faculty, staff, students and community supporters to nominate their favorite HBCU to participate in the program via Twitter and/or Instagram using the school’s sponsor-provided hashtag, which can be found at www.retoolyourschool.com. Accredited HBCUs with a minimum of 100 nominations will then qualify to enter the voting period. Nominations were accepted by an

THE FIRST SHOVELS of dirt are tossed at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the HBCU 2014 Retool Your School winner, Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The winning school can use the grant money to improve the campus appearance. authorized school administrator un- votes. This year, voting begins Febru- proposals. The schools will be catego- provements. til February 10, 2017 to enter the ary 24, 2017, and ends April 16, rized in one of three clusters, based on For the last two years, the Retool 2017. voting period. each school’s student population. Your School Program has been recDuring this period, the HBCU co- Each cluster will have three winners ognized in Washington, DC, by the The second way for schools to vie for a 2017 Retool Your School cam- mmunity can vote in two ways: vying for one $50,000, one $40,000 White House Initiative on HBCUs 1. By casting one online vote per day and one $30,000 grant. pus improvement grant is by having during National Historically Black an authorized school administrator at www.retoolyourschool.com The breakdown is as follows: Clus- Colleges and Universities Week. 2. By using your school’s unique, ter 1 is open to schools with a student complete the online registration “With each year, we’ve seen the form by providing primary contact designated hashtag to cast unlimited enrollment of 4,000 or more; Cluster momentum and engagement arinformation as well as an official social votes through Twitter and Insta- 2 is open to schools with a student ound The Retool Your School Grant school logo, which will be on the Re- gram. enrollment of 1,201–3,999 students; Program continually grow,” says The nine schools that receive the and Cluster 3 is open to schools with Melissa Brown, Senior Marketing tool Your School website. Once submitted, the school will be included highest number of votes during the 1,200 students or less. Manager at The Home Depot. “The on the website for the official voting voting period will advance to the final The nine winners will be ann- program is the embodiment of the round and submit their proposals. A ounced by May 11, 2017, at The culture and commitment of The phase of the program. This information must be submit- panel of distinguished judges will Home Depot headquarters in At- Home Depot’s support to commuted by February 22, 2017, to enter evaluate each school’s proposal. Judges lanta, GA. nity. At the Home Depot, we acwill consider the quality of each prothe voting period. The Home Depot Retool Your knowledge and appreciate the vital Schools receiving 100 or more no- posal and the school’s ability to exe- School Grant Program, established in contributions that HBCUs have minations during the official nomi- cute the project within the specified 2010, encourages and recognizes in- made and continue to make to our nation period will be converted to budget. Proposals for all three grant novative projects that contribute to nation’s rich history, and are proud to levels must highlight how each project the campuses of accredited HBCUs. partner in this legacy.” will make a lasting, positive impact on Since the program’s inception, over For more information on The the HBCU campus. 1.5 million dollars in grant money Home Depot Retool Your School A total of $360,000 will be granted has been awarded to our nation’s Grant Program, visit www.retoolyto the nine HBCUs with winning HBCUs to make sustainable im- ourschool.com. ternships, visit www.in.gov/spd/careers/internships.htm.

INDOT offers paid college internships, scholarships Attention college students! The Indiana Department of Transportation is again accepting applications for Governor’s Summer Internships paying $11.30 per hour and civil engineering scholarships of up to $3,125 per semester. Summer interns INDOT is accepting resumes through Friday, Feb. 24 for more than 50 Governor’s Public Service Summer Internship positions at its offices in Crawfordsville, Fort Wayne, Greenfield, Indianapolis, LaPorte, Seymour, Vincennes and West Lafayette. Governor’s Summer Interns will spend at least 50 percent of their time on a project that enhances collegelevel skills and abilities. Candidates must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate with an accredited post-secondary institution and have completed at least one year of undergraduate education. Students who are graduating in May 2017 are eligible to apply. Selected interns may pick a start and end date between May and August that best fits their academic schedule. For more information about applying to the Governor’s Public Service Summer Internship program and to view available in8

Engineering scholarships INDOT’s civil-engineering scholarship program offers $3,125 per semester or $2,083 per trimester for up to five years of post-secondary civil engineering education. Scholarship funds can be applied to educational expenses, fees and books. In return, recipients will work for INDOT in a variety of full-time, paid positions during their summer breaks and upon graduation. Students must be accepted or enrolled full time in one of Indiana’s Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology certified civil engineering programs. Eligible programs include Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue University, Purdue University Northwest, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Trine University, University of Evansville, University of Notre Dame and Valparaiso University. Learn more about the INDOT Engineer Scholarship program and apply using the form at www.INDOTScholarship.in.gov. Applications for the 2016-2017 school year must be postmarked by Friday, March 31.

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Tom Brady and the Patriots prove winners are sometimes the biggest losers CIRCLE CITY CONNECTION By Vernon A. Williams Many are anxious to say, "You gotta give Tom Brady credit. Coming back from 19 points down in the fourth quarter to win the Super Bowl seals it. He's the best quarterback to ever play professional football." Brady makes about $7 million a year in endorsements, according to Forbes magazine. His most prominent products are Movado, Under Armour and Ugg. He is among the top off-field earners involved with the NFL. His retired rival, Peyton Manning, sat at the top of the list at $15 million. The endorsement that bothers some most is his support for Donald Trump during his presidential campaign. The Donald boasted about their friendship while on the stump. Brady caught on camera sporting his "Make America Great Again" hat. Ironically, Gary, Indiana has a role in the "bromance" between Trump and Brady. During the Miss Universe Pageant held at Trump's Gary casino when he flew Brady into town as a judge. They hit it off immediately and have been tight since. Here is what the quarterback said about the Trump and the campaign hat: "He (Trump) sent it to me via RKK (initials of team owner Robert Kraft, an avid Trump supporter). He (Trump) always gives me a call and different types of motivational speeches at difficult times. So now he's running for president and he sent me a hat...so it found it's way to my locker. I mean, it’s pretty amazing what he has accomplished. He obviously appeals to a lot of people and he is a helluva lot of fun to play golf with. Donald is a good friend of mine and I support all my friends in everything they do." By the way, Trump returns the loyalty. He picked the Patriots to win by eight. But when they went down 283, Trump left his own Super Bowl party, gave up on his favorites and missed the comeback. The owner of the Patriots is an even more enthusiastic supporter of the Donald. Speaking of his orange-hair friend who spent many days in the Patriot's locker room said of the Donald: "Loyalty is important to me and he has been a wonderful friend...and I really think the policies he's going to bring to bear are going to be great for the economic side of America." And to put the cap on the New England Patriots hierarchy support for a racist, xenophobic, woman abuser who – according to objective tracking sources - told more lies during his campaign than truths, never formalized a policy or campaign promise, mocked the handicapped and showed ruthless disregard for www.garycrusader.com

women - Coach Bill Belicheck endorsed Trump in writing. Then-candidate Trump read his letter of support during a rally and "The Hoodie" (as Belicheck is nicknamed) verified it was authentic. Make no mistake. This is America. Brady, Kraft and Belicheck have a right to endorse whomever they please for president. Since they are public figures, everyone else has the right to offer an opinion on such highly placed viewpoints expressed. In the opinion of many, it is a travesty in this case – particularly when 60 percent of the players who also helped them win that fifth Super Bowl are Black. Lest we forget that not once but twice, Trump was successfully sued for refusing to allow Black residents at his properties. Remember, Trump is quoted as being upset when finding out a Black accountant was tallying his earnings at one of his major enterprises, saying he preferred Jewish accountants. Remember, Trump pushed the death penalty for five Black men unjustly accused of a brutal rape and even after DNA proved their innocence, refused to apologize. Remember, the Donald was ringleader of the so-called "birther" movement accusing the nation's first African American president of being both a Muslim and a non-citizen, Trump refused to acknowledge the blunder FIVE YEARS after President Obama produced a birth certificate to prove his legitimacy. People say sports and politics don't mix. To some extent, that's true. When they do – it can be like nitrogen and glycerin – EXPLOSIVE. While there are some “gray areas,” racism and sexism are indisputably evil – no matter whether you call yourself Democrat, Republican, or Independent. Trump not only made it clear where he stood as a candidate but is reinforcing the bigotry in his first month of being president. He is exactly what you think he is. Those who line up behind him, even if they represent your favorite team, are endorsing the hatred by either their tepid support or silence. That's just wrong. Some urge acceptance and forbearance towards Trump. Other can't reconcile being in league with one whose outrageous views are so diametrically opposed to anything this country has touted in the past as decency. One Chicago resident put it like this: "I refuse to be an accomplice to my own execution." There has been nothing to even hint that the new commander in chief has any plans to lift people of color, women, those of varying nationalities, religions, physical capacity or sexuality. He remains the same as his campaign rhetoric of the past two years. Consequently, it is implausible to ask those who support his administration and those who find him repugnant to find middle ground; to somehow coexist in harmony. There are people who refuse to make a deal with the

Vernon A. Williams

devil – who believe you are either part of the solution or part of the problem. When the Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2015, Brady turned down the invitation from President Obama to join the rest of his teammates in a White House tribute. He claimed to have pressing family business that day. Luke O'Neil of the Washington Post perhaps summed it best referring to Brady and his support of Trump. He wrote: "When it comes to Trump, no one can be apolitical. Brady's nonchalant neutrality is itself a political statement. It says he's either too rich to worry about how Trump's whirlwind of chaos will affect his life or, worse, too indifferent about the rapidly diminishing prospects of those who are not

(too rich). This isn't easy to say about someone I've idolized as an emblem of determination for more than 15 years but...in the eyes of many fans, Tom Brady looks like a loser. Tom Brady looks like a coward." CIRCLE CITY CONNECTION by Vernon A. Williams is a series of essays on myriad topics that include social issues, human interest, entertainment and profiles of difference-makers who are forging change in a constantly evolving society. Williams is a 40-year veteran journalist based in Indianapolis, IN – commonly referred to as The Circle City. Send comments or questions to: vernonawilliams@yahoo.com.

IU Northwest celebrates Black History Month through artistic lens Weekly Wednesday film series, August Wilson play, jazz concert featured throughout February Indiana University Northwest’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs invites the campus and community to celebrate Black History Month with a series of cultural events spotlighting African American arts and culture. Film: “Race Against Prime Time” 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15 Savannah Center, Rooms 205/206 This is one of the first films to scrutinize how television news represents African Americans. This hard-hitting documentary takes us behind the scenes at the newsrooms

Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

of the three network affiliates during the Liberty City uprising in Miami which left 18 dead. It provides a classic case study of how the news gets made: what we see—and what we don’t. Film: “The Road to Brown” 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22 Savannah Center, Rooms 205/206 This film tells the story of the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling as the culmination of a brilliant legal assault on segregation that launched the Civil Rights Movement. Concert: Jazz History Concert featuring Billy Foster 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28 Bruce W. Bergland Auditorium, Savannah Center

This group of professional musicians will trace the history of jazz music and its genres from the early 1900s to today. Enjoy New Orleans, Swing, Bebop, Hardbop, Modal, Electric Jazz and more. Audience participation is encouraged. Ticket Information Tickets for the “Piano Lesson” are free and available on a first-come, first served basis. Tickets for the film series are not required. A guided discussion will take place after each film and light refreshments will be served. For tickets and more information, contact Tierra Jackson at 219-9806596 or jacksoti@iun.edu.

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A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking By Effie Rolfe God’s Grace. Grace is unmerited favor, generosity, benevolence, another chance and an undeserved gift from God to mankind. The great part is we do nothing to obtain this. Simply put, no one deserved this generosity and kindness from a loving merciful God. Too many people forget the source of all blessings and instead concentrate on the blessings. Knowing the source of your blessing is imperative to a balanced life. Whatever things you have been given are only temporary and can literally vanish at a moment’s notice. Myles Munroe reminded us to thank God for things but more so to be grateful for the God of the things. Things will come and things

will go but God’s word, grace, mercy, love, faithfulness and goodness will stand forever. We used to sing a favorite church hymn in Arkansas with the following lyrics, ‘build your hopes on things eternal—hold to God’s unchanging hand.’ That beautiful home is now in foreclosure. The football captain is now an amputee. How was that terrific job with amazing benefits including company car and stock options now outsourced to India? Even your gorgeous face, shapely body, sound mind, 20/20 vision, keen hearing even your swag will eventually fade. In this life—things will come to throw you a curve ball or seemingly to get you off course—no one is exempt. It is called life. One minute

Church Calendar Community Outreach at TUCC-Gary Somebody’s Closet Clothing Ministry served over 19 families with gloves and winter wear on Saturday, February 4, 2017. In conjunction with their Chakula Soup Kitchen, Trinity United Church of Christ Gary serves the community hot meals, good clothes, and genuine love each Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. It is their way of sharing the GOOD NEWS throughout our community. Trinity United Church of Christ Gary is located at 1276 W 20th Ave, Gary.

guest speaker will be the Rev. Lawrence Robertson, Senior Pastor and historian, Christ Baptist Church, Gary. There will be a “Taste of Soul Food” event after the service. Guests are asked to dress in Afro-Centric attire. For more information contact Pastor Timothy F. Brown at 219-883-3216.

Effie Rolfe someone is on top of the world and the next minute the walls come tumbling down. There could be a myriad of circumstances to occur. The death of a loved one, sudden illness, betrayal of a best friend, an anointed Pastor in an extramarital affair or those considered the perfect couple now getting a divorce. Per-

haps, a job loss a few years before retirement or your favorite celebrity has somehow fallen from grace. It can happen to anyone and at some point life will find a way to challenge you. Renowned Motivational Speaker, Les Brown would often ask, “What will you do if they fired you today? Do you have any savings or anything to fall back on?” He would then continue, “It’s not a matter of if—it’s a matter of when…? What are you doing to prepare…?” So it is with life—it’s not a matter of if life will present challenges, it’s a matter of when. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). The point is—everything is TEMPORARY! Enjoy whatever you have right now and thank God every second of the day. Never frown on others, because we are all God’s children, created in His image. Don’t go there—it’s not about you or your abilities. It’s God’s grace and mercy that kept you from the drugs, get-

ting pregnant out of wedlock and that’s holding your marriage together and family intact. Remember, pride comes before destruction. When you get the big head—it’s just a matter of time before it will break your neck. Be careful how you treat people…you will more than likely meet a few of those same people on your way down. Most importantly, God is looking for someone to give Him the glory that is due Him and you are that perfect candidate. God’s will is to bless you with the abundance of life and all the good things that come with it. You can truly enjoy heaven’s best on earth. Keep in mind—your very existence is only possible—but by God’s grace. Can you see God’s grace on you and with you…? © Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her on twitter.com/- EffiedRolfe. Listen to her show Mon – Fri (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) on UrbanPraiseRadio.org (2015 Stellar Award Winner for Best Internet Radio Station)

Have a Black Museum Experience at First Baptist Church In honor of Black History Month the Miriam Missionary Ministry presents highlights from the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday, February 18, from 10:00 a.m. – Noon at the First Baptist Church, 626 W. 21st Ave., Gary, IN. The theme of the program is “The Role of Education in the History of African Americans” and the supporting scripture is Habakkuk 1:2-5. On the following Saturday, February 25, at 10:00 a.m., the

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Unity Hospice of Northwest Indiana fulfills Gary resident’s last wish Making one last wish come true for Gary, Ind., resident and retired Air Force veteran Victor McGovern was a top priority for Unity Hospice of Northwest Indiana. On Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, Unity Hospice planned a visit at an airport hangar at the Porter County Regional Airport so McGovern can relive his military days and sit amongst the planes he used to work on during the Vietnam War. Accompanied by his wife and Unity Hospice care team, McGovern was transported to the airport from his home in Gary, Ind., for a complimentary tour of the airport hangar which previously housed the Indiana Aviation Museum. The museum once featured displays of working military and civil-

UNITY HOSPICE CHAPLAIN Steve Buchelt and Jim Read, former owner of the Indiana Aviation Museum, escorted hospice patient Victor McGovern into the museum hangar where they posed in front of one of the three remaining military planes that were part of the museum.

UNITY HOSPICE DIRECTOR of Program Development Brenda McGarvey, Unity Hospice Chaplain Steve Buchelt, and Superior Ambulance’s representative greet hospice patient Victor McGovern and his wife Brenda. Brenda McGarvey, herself a veteran, spoke with patient McGovern about the military and connected with him veteran-toveteran.

MRS. BRENDA MCGOVERN, center, observes as her husband, hospice patient Victor McGovern arrives at the airport hangar. McGovern’s transportation was facilitated by the Superior Ambulance Service in Highland, IN. McGovern was picked up from his home in Gary and transported round trip to the Porter County Regional Airport at no cost by Superior Ambulance. The company donated its time and transportation services in honor of Mr. McGovern’s service to our country. ian planes. Now, it is home to a few regulations and accepted standards dividual and family, in which they SURROUNDED BY WELLWISHERS, Victor McGovern enjoyed military aircrafts, which McGov- of practice. With the dedication to go above and beyond everyday to the day with Unity Hospice professionals, from left Music Therapist make their patients’ days comfort- meet their needs. For more infor- Jory Brown, Chaplain Steve Buchelt, Volunteer Coordinator Chrissy ern was able to view. The tour was led by Unity Hos- able, Unity Hospice provides an in- mation, visit www.UnityHospice- Huntzinger, Social Worker Anna McCabe. All are part of McGovern’s pice Chaplain and Pilot Steve terdisciplinary approach to each in- .com. hospice care team and facilitated the last wish event. Buchelt. Buchelt serves as McGovern’s chaplain during his time on hospice, and it was he who discovered McGovern’s love for planes and desire to see them one last time. Buchelt, along with Unity Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Chrissy Huntzinger, facilitated the last wish event for McGovern. Airport Hangar Owner and prior owner of the Indiana Aviation Museum Jim Read offered his hangar space for McGovern. Additionally, Superior Ambulance Service in Northwest Indiana donated their time and transportation services in honor of McGovern’s service to our country. BE HEART SMART attendees have their questions answered during a session of Purdue Extension’s Be Heart Smart program.

Be Heart Smart

About Unity Hospice Founded in 1992, Unity Hospice is a family owned and operated hospice and palliative care company committed to providing comprehensive care, support and education to people facing a lifelimiting illness, those who care for them and the community. Unity Hospice offers care of the highest quality by licensed and competent staff in accordance with laws & www.garycrusader.com

The next two session program will run February 21, and 28 at the Purdue Extension’s Lake County office in Crown Point. The program provides information to understand heart disease, and how to prevent and manage the disease. As the leading cause of death for Smart program is a new commun- terol and blood pressure 21 & 28, 2017 from 1:30 – 3:00 all Americans, heart disease claims ity program comprised of heart· A heart-healthy eating plan, in- p.m. CST at the “new” Purdue Ex600,000 lives annually. It’s under- health classes. It’s intended to com- cluding a cooking demonstration tension Lake County office, 2293 standably frightening to be at risk plement healthcare providers’ reN. Main St., Crown Point, IN · Techniques for stress reduction for heart disease. But Purdue Ex- commendations and help you, or · Best practices for talking to 46307. tension’s Be Heart Smart program your loved one, prevent or manage healthcare providers can help you fight this disease by heart disease. To register or for more informaJoin Linda Curley, Purdue Extenbetter understanding it and gainTopics include: sion Lake County, Health & Hu- tion, please contact Diana Cook, ing the necessary knowledge to · Identifying and understanding man Sciences Educator, for the Be dmcook@purdue.edu or call the make heart-smart choices. risk factors for heart disease Heart Smart program. This two- Purdue Extension office, 219-755Purdue Extension’s Be Heart · Guidelines for healthy choles- session program will be February 3240. Blacks Must control their own coMMunity

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The Watsons Go To Birmingham 1963 Continues the West Side Theatre Guild’s 20th Season of “Serving the Community…One Performance at a Time.” The West Side Theatre Guild continues its 20th season with The Wat-

sons Go to Birmingham 1963. Ten-year-old Kenny chronicles the events of a fateful summer for the Watson family of Flint, Michigan, in this hilarious and deeply moving story. There's Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta and teenage brother Byron,

TWO OF THE stars in the play are Jariu Taylor-Newman of Clifford Pierce Middle School and D’arnez Gaston of West Side Leadership Academy.

National Black Caucus of State Legislators (Continued from page 6) present.” "The Bureau's survey demonstrates the urgent need for a strong federal rule on debt collection," said Melissa Stegman, a CRL Senior Policy Counsel. “We commend the CFPB for exploring this important topic in depth and look forward to the Bureau

proposing a strong rule that frees consumers from abusive debt collection practices," concluded Stegman. Charlene Crowell is deputy communications director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF GARY, LAKE COUNTY, INDIANA, THAT A PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 401 BROADWAY ON THE 21ST DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2017 AND A COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE 15TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2017 AT 5:30 P.M. C.P.O. 2017-04 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING 2017 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MAYOR’S DONATION FUND IN THE CITY OF GARY. Sponsored by: Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, City of Gary, M. Celita Green, City Controller CITIZENS APPEARING AT SUCH MEETINGS SHALL HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD THEREON. SUZETTE RAGGS Gary City Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF GARY, LAKE COUNTY, INDIANA, THAT A PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 401 BROADWAY ON THE 21ST DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2017 AND A COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE 15TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2017 AT 5:30 P.M. C.P.O. 2017-07 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING 2017 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MUNICIPALITY SETASIDE PROGRAM. Sponsored by: Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, City of Gary, M. Celita Green, City Controller CITIZENS APPEARING AT SUCH MEETINGS SHALL HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD THEREON. SUZETTE RAGGS Gary City Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITIZENS APPEARING AT SUCH MEETINGS SHALL HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD THEREON.

C.P.O. 2017-05 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING 2017 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SPECIAL EVENTS DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF GARY. Sponsored by: Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson, City of Gary, M. Celita Green, City Controller, Special Events Department

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

C.P.O. 2017-08 AN AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 8954 REGULATING CITY-ORDERED TOWING SERVICES IN THE CITY OF GARY, INDIANA MUNICIPAL CODE. Sponsored by Herbert Smith, Councilman -AtLarge, Gary Common Council

SUZETTE RAGGS Gary City Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITIZENS APPEARING AT SUCH MEETINGS SHALL HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD THEREON.

C.P.O. 2017-06 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS INITIATIVE GRANT IN THE CITY OF GARY. Sponsored by: Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson, City of Gary, M. Celita Green, City Controller, Special Events Department

SUZETTE RAGGS Gary City Clerk

THE WEST SIDE Theatre Guild will present the “Watsons go to Birmingham 1963” beginning February 28 through March 5. Rehearsing one of the scenes are actors (l-r): D’Arnez Gaston, Tyyonne LaShea Green, Jasanth Coleman, Ryan Robinson and Jarius Taylor-Newman. who can't seem to stay out of trouble. Starring Jarius Taylor-Newman Performance Schedule: February 28, Concerned about this budding juve- of Clifford Pierce Middle School, March 1, 2, 3, 4 at 7 p.m. and March nile delinquent in their family, Mom- D’arnez Gaston of West Side Lead- 5 at 4 p.m., 2017, 900 Gerry St., ma and Dad decide it's time for By- ership Academy, Judah Coleman Gary, IN 46406. Patrons are asked to ron to have a lengthy stay with strict of Charter of the Dunes, Jasanth use door E. The play will take place in Grandma Sands in Birmingham, Al- Coleman of Charter of the Dunes, our intimate 125 seat theatre. abama. The family piles into the Dwayne Coleman Jr. of Thea BowLike them on Facebook. Follow Brown Bomber and heads south— man High Svhool, Tyyonne LaShea them on Instagram and Snapchat. toward a horrific moment in Ameri- Green of Indiana University NorthTickets are $10.00 in advance, can history: the bombing of the Six- west, Ryan Robinson of Indiana Uni- $15.00 at the door and can be reteenth Avenue Baptist Church. versity Northwest, Nina Turner, and served by calling 219.390.WSTG Directed by Mark Spencer Jim Stewart (9784).

C.P.R. 2017-03 A RESOLUTION BY THE GARY COMMON COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF INDIANA SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 12, CONCERNING THE MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS IN LAKE AND PORTER COUNTY. Sponsored by: Gary Common Council

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

SUZETTE RAGGS Gary City Clerk

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Junifer Hall enters prestigious photography competition The 2017 Pulitzer Prize competition this spring has two photographs submitted in the Best Feature Photography category taken by Junifer Hall, chairman and CEO of the Katie Hall Educational Foundation, Inc. Both historic Pulitzer Prize photographs were published exclusively in earlier issues of the Gary Crusader newspaper in 2016. Hall, a freelance photographer, entered the first photograph entitled, “A Solemn Remembrance of the Life of United States President Abraham Lincoln on the 151st Anniversary of His Assassination, The Lincoln Tomb.” The photographic project was conceived as a floral tribute to Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America. As a great-great-great granddaughter of slaves, Hall wanted to remember and thank United States President Lincoln in the form of a floral tribute for the contributions he made to American democracy, justice, and fairness for all people during the mid-19th century. At the beginning of President Lincoln’s presidency in March 1861, millions of Africans were enslaved in the United States. Further, in less than two (2) months after assuming the presidency, President Lincoln was confronted with the horrors of

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the Civil War, which would eventually cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans on both sides of the conflict by the end of the war. In 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave hope to a large number of enslaved persons. His desire to forever end slavery in America was memorialized with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. As a means of photographing United States President Lincoln’s sarcophagus up-close, Hall secured special permission from Justin Mount, Site Superintendent, State of Illinois Historic Sites at Springfield (Illinois). This photograph was published in the Gary Crusader newspaper on April 23, 2016. The second 2017 Pulitzer Prize Feature Photography entry is entitled, “Gary Lawyers March for Justice and Democracy in Ferguson (Missouri).” In this photograph, Hall captured the anguish and torment on the faces of the “Mothers of the Movement,” Sybrina Fulton (mother of Trayvon Martin) and Lezley McSpadden (mother of Michael Brown), who both led the march in Ferguson, along with other national and inter-

ABOVE IS JUNIFER HALL’S second photo entry “Gary Lawyers March for Justice and Democracy in Ferguson (Missouri).” national dignitaries. The event was publ ished the Pulitzer Prize Feature lumbia University in New York City sponsored by the National Bar Asso- Photography entry on July 30, during mid-May. Hall is the first known Pulitzer ciation during its 91st Annual Con- 2016. The prestigious Pulitzer Prize was Prize nominee in the category of Feavention in July of 2016. The two mothers accompanied by Rev. Jesse established in the 1904 Last Will ture Photography to hail from the L. Jackson, Sr. and then National and Testament of newspaper pub- City of Gary, Indiana. She hopes to Bar Association President Benjamin lishing magnate Joseph Pulitzer, join the ranks of Moneta Sleet, Jr., L. Crump marched in Ferguson, as with the prize being awarded annu- who won the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for the “Mothers of the Movement” ally for excellence in journalism, Feature Photography for his photograph of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther continue to seek justice for their arts, drama, and education. All winners and finalists for the King, Jr.’s widow, Mrs. Coretta Scott sons, who were both unarmed when shot to death by local law enforce- 2017 Pulitzer Prize in various cate- King and their young daughter, Berment authorities several years ago. gories will be announced on April nice A. King at the civil rights leader’s The Gary Crusader newspaper 10, 2017, and distributed by Co- April 1968 funeral.

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Blacks Must control their own coMMunity