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Blacks Must Control Their Own Community
www.garycrusader.com
To The Unconquerable Host of Africans Who Are Laying Their Sacrifices Upon The Editorial Altar For Their Race Audited by
•C•P•V•S•
Community PAPers VerifiCAtion serViCe
VOLUME LIII NUMBER 42—SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015
PUBLISHED SINCE 1961
25 Cents and worth more
We say goodbye to Chuck Deggans By Dorothy R. Leavell Editor and Publisher This week Gary said good-bye to one of its most loyal and colorful citizens when they memorialized noted columnist, Charles M. Deggans. Messages of condolences were pouring in from political, civic and neighborhood citizens, after they received word that the mighty pen of “Chuck,” had been stilled. Leading mourners were his immediate family, including his wife of 33 years: Huella; son, Eric Deggans, who is a TV critic for NPR; daughter, Cheryl D. Wright, division director for procurement services at Union County, North Carolina; four grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Among the mourners were his newspaper family, led by Dorothy R. Leavell, Editor and Publisher of the Gary Crusader, John L. Smith, General Manager and staff members from both the Gary and Chicago Crusader newspapers. Mrs. Leavell sent a message of condolence to his widow that said: Hue, Eric, Cheryl, All Family and Friends of Chuck Deggans: It is with heartfelt sympathy that we must say goodbye to our family member of more than 50 years. Chuck was one of the most dedicated, conscientious and deadline conscious members of our “Crusader Family” and we shall miss him dearly. Chuck was one of God’s most unique creations. We are certain that his spirit and
love will be in our midst for many years to come and we come now to say “thank you” for sharing this awesome gift with all of us. He filled a void in cultural and societal news for the Gary community. You always knew it was correct if he had it in “Deggans Den.” His contributions to all of us, who had the privilege to know him, are legend. May your hearts be lightened during this difficult time in knowing that we miss him already. Dorothy R. Leavell, Publisher - John L. Smith, General Manager and the Crusader Newspaper Group (Chicago and Gary) Similar messages were expressed by Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, former Mayor Richard Hatcher, Senator Earline Rogers, State Representative Charlie Brown, Atty. Lloyd Fisher, Dolly and Naomi Millender; close friends Nymrod Atkins and Fred Marberry expressed their loss of their dear friend; as well as former Gary residents, Charlene Crowell and Vernon Williams. Many more expressed their condolences, too numerous to list here. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson— “Chuck was a legend in his own time. He loved Gary and its people, and he showed it so eloquently each week in his columns. He will surely be missed.” Mayor Richard G. Hatcher—“I met Chuck at St. Timothy Church where he was an usher. We became close friends from (Continued on page 13)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Valentine Day salute in memory of Chuck Deggans (See pages 8 and 9)
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NEWS
Hammond, Griffith boys basketball year suspended because of game fight By Louise Scott The basketball seasons for the Hammond and Griffith boys’ basketball teams have been suspended after a brawl erupted on the court at their recent game. A fight between both teams and people from the stands took place when one of the Griffith players went in for a dunk but was fouled allegedly hard by a Hammond player and pushed into the gym’s padded wall. Anthony Harris, a member of the Griffith team, is a senior and was on the court playing when the incident occurred. Harris said, “Griffith was leading 4 to 0 when the fight broke out. My team player Anthony Murphy shot the ball to make a dunk and the other team’s player Jim Echols allegedly pushed him. I was on the floor when the fight broke out. We went over to check on him and someone grabbed his twin brother Tramel who was also on the court when it happened. Another Hammond player allegedly punched him in the back of the head and that’s when the fight started.” Harris said Murphy was pushed into the gym’s wall. After all of the mayhem had settled the Griffith coach took his players into the locker room and told the team to calm down, sit down and don’t come out unless he said so. Harris said his father was at the game and told him before the junior varsity game, that he told the Hammond coach to control his
players. According to Anthony the Hammond players were pushing them during warm up. As a team Harris said before the game he told them not to say anything to them and to just keep their mouths closed. He said the team found out they were suspended Tuesday by the school administrators. Harris said he feels the other team started the fight. Because of this suspension they are losing the ability to play six games for the rest of the season. Because Harris is a senior he was anticipating an athletic scholarship, but does not know what this means for him now and since this has happened he and the other members of his team have not spoken. He said, “We were both wrong. They were wrong for starting everything and we were wrong for retaliating.” The Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc. (IHSAA) has issued penalties to the Hammond, Griffith boys’ basketball teams at all levels and have cancelled their games for the remainder of their 2014-15 seasons including their participation in the state tournament. Both schools basketball teams have been suspended in the participation of the IHSAA State Tournament and reassigned as a five-team tournament. Their remaining regular seasons at all levels are cancelled and must pay the forfeiture fee of $500 to each hosting school on their remaining
GRIFFITH SENIOR ANTHONY HARRIS’ chances of getting an athletic scholarship is probably over since his school’s basketball season has been suspended because of a fight that took place last week between his team and Hammond High School’s team. He said, “Kids will fight one day schedules. The game between the two schools during the incident and be best friends the next. We will stand as a double forfeit and have to show the world that these both schools are placed on proba- kids from both schools are not tion for the entire 2015-16 school thugs or animals. They are kids who made a mistake. Bring them year. Anthony’s father, Terrance A. together as one and it will show Harris, said he would like to see unity and set an example. The the incident settled by having whole country needs to see them both teams come together to apologize, forgive and move on.” A petition has been formed to show they can get past what haphave the termination of the pened.
school’s seasons reconsidered. It states the following: “High school sporting events are filled with deep emotions. Players, coaches, and parents all demonstrate their emotion for the game. Sometimes, play becomes very physical between athletes. Moreover, parents shout their opinions at referees. Although tempers fly, high school sporting events make a way for studentathletes to find their passion in life. High school sports allow kids to go to college. Furthermore, college allows those student-athletes to see a better way of life and establish a career. Everyone makes mistakes in life, but that does not mean they have to pay for them for the rest of their life. Sometimes good people make bad choices. It does not mean they are bad. It means they are human. Please, help the Griffith Panthers and Hammond High Wildcats get the decision to terminate the season reconsidered. Let us think about how ending this season will impact their life from here out.” Henry Cockrell, III, Harris’ uncle, does not agree with the actions of the IHSAA penalizing the players so harshly. He said, “Anthony is a good kid who makes good grades. He’s never in trouble. He was playing with a basketball before he could walk. His dad and I made him play with grown men on the court at Roosevelt when he was 10. Basketball is his life. This is like a death sentence they have given to him and his team.”
Gary Ivy Tech Chancellor attends President Obama’s speech in Indy By Carmen M. WoodsonWay President Obama made a stop at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis last week as part of his tour across the country to discuss his proposal to make two years of community college free for anyone who’s willing to work for it. His proposal could save a full-time community college student an average of $3,800 in tuition per year and benefit about 9 million students per year if they earn good grades and stay on track to graduate. His proposal, which would be funded by the federal government and participating states, would cost $60 billion over the next 10 years. His plan would transform publicly financed higher education in an effort to address growing income inequality. In his speech the President said, “Right here at this school (Ivy Tech), one of the best in the country, not just in the state of Indiana, you’re finding ways to raise graduation rates.” 2
GARY IVY TECH Community College chancellor Marlon R. Mitchell was able to get photo with President Barack Obama during his visit to the Indianapolis Ivy Tech campus recently to discuss his proposal to make two years of community college free for anyone.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015
Marlon R. Mitchell, Chancellor at Gary’s Ivy Tech Community College, was in Indianapolis to hear the President’s speak and shared his thoughts on it. Mitchell said he was in favor of his plan. He said, “He spoke about the importance of the middle class and that Ivy Tech throughout the state is the key to rebuilding the middle class here in Indiana.” The Gary Chancellor said he was not sure how much of an increase in enrollment The President’s plan would affect Ivy Tech. “It is a hypothetical situation, but I can tell you Ivy Tech is always ready and willing to help more Hoosiers navigate through the higher education system and for so many community colleges it is the best option,” he said. Mitchell said at Ivy Tech there are programs and degrees offered in line with the needs of the local workforces throughout the state. He said it is difficult to predict if this would mean an increase in staff and teachers at the school. Mitchell said, “The plan has a
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
long way to go before Ivy Tech needs to be ready for it. But what I can say is that Ivy Tech Community College is and always will be ready to educate Hoosiers by providing affordable options that result in good paying jobs and credits that transfer for those that look to obtain a baccalaureate degree.” In the President’s speech he said, “We’re not just working to make community colleges free, like Ivy Tech; we want to make our community colleges even better, more responsive and more attuned to what’s going in the marketplace. Right here, at this school — one of the best in the country, not just in the state of Indiana you’re finding ways to raise graduation rates and partner with businesses to help provide apprenticeships and other pathway to careers that pay well in fields like construction and technology.” Mitchell said during the President’s visit to Indiana he did not get a chance to speak to him personally, but he did speak with Ivy Tech’s Indianapolis chancellor and one of the students from his Gary campus. www.garycrusader.com
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NEWS
Gary/Chicago International Airport’s B. Coleman featured on WGN-TV Ben Toles highlighted as feature story celebrating Black History Month Ben Toles, the General Manager of B. Coleman Aviation at the Gary/Chicago International Airport was recently featured by WGN-TV as “One of Chicago’s Very Own.” Toles was acknowledged because of his trailblazing spirit in a special segment honoring Black History Month and Bessie Coleman, the first AfricanAmerican woman to hold an international pilot’s license. Even when Toles was a young boy in Liberia he knew that flying was what he wanted to do. When he was 21, he joined the Liberian Army and soon after found himself with a pilot’s license and a Lieutenant rank. Political uncertainty forced Toles to move to the United States where he got a job at the Gary Jet Center. Over the course of seven years, Toles worked his way up from line ser-
viceman to operations manager to general manager – a position he has since held at B. Coleman Aviation. His work at B. Coleman can be seen as continuing the legacy of one of America’s greatest pioneers. “To carry on her courage, and carry on her dreams, she’d be proud,” Toles said. B. Coleman Aviation is one a recent addition to the Gary/Chicago International Airport and is one of two fixed-based operators (FBO) located at the Airport. The Airport is currently working on a $174 million runway expansion project to access new markets and accommodate a more diverse range of aircraft. The runway expansion project is estimated to be completed during the summer of 2015. The segment aired on WGNTV on February 6 and is available online here: http://wgntv.com/2015/02/06/chicagos-very-ownbenjamin-toles/
B. COLEMAN AVIATION’S general manager, Ben Toles, was featured on a television segment in honor of Black History Month. B. Coleman Aviation is one of two fixed-based operators at the Gary/Chicago International Airport and is named after the first African-American woman to hold an international pilot’s license.
Gary residents get ready for share of construction jobs Efforts to get jobs for Gary residents on the $45 million construction project at 35th and Broadway moved forward this past week! The NWI Federation of Interfaith Organizations, along with Ivy Tech and IUN, joint
sponsors of the building, held a “get ready” job-training workshop. Over a hundred Gary residents participated in the training designed to familiarize them with the essential requirements for em-
REPRESENTATIVES FROM FAITH-BASED organizations, union workers and the universities sponsoring a $45 million building project held a job training workshop for Gary residents recently to familiarize applicants with the application process and increase their acceptance rates.
Visclosky announces $2.6 million in HUD funding To Gary, East Chicago, Hammond, and Michigan City Congressman Visclosky announced grant awards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the Gary, East Chicago, Hammond, and Michigan City Housing Authorities under the Capital Fund Program this week. “I commend the efforts made by the leadership in the Cities of East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, and Michigan City to secure these HUD grants. The ability to provide affordable housing to the residents of Northwest Indiana is essential to improving the quality of life of our residents,” Congressman Pete Visclosky said. The awards breakdown are the folwww.garycrusader.com
lowing: East Chicago Housing Authority, $ 1,270,037; Gary Housing Authority, $477,337; Hammond Housing Authority, $704,978; Michigan City Housing Authority, $200,025. For Fiscal Year 2015, the Department will make available $11.8 billion to approximately 3,100 grantees. The Capital Fund provides grants annually to Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) for capital and management activities, including modernization and development of public housing. For more information on Capital Funds please visit the Office of Capital Improvements - Office of Public Housing Investments.
ployment, including basic math and reading, a high school diploma or GED, and a driver’s license. Along with tips for interviews, the session provided sign up sheets for computer literacy training, basic math, basic reading, and leadership development classes. Help was offered to anyone needing assistance in restoring a driver’s license or cleaning up a criminal record. Union laborers, operating engineers and carpenters assisted in the training, and Work ONE was available to discuss its resources. Ivy Tech president, Marlon Mitchell welcomed the group and had brochures on hand covering its many programs for job skills. What the workers stressed was persistence. One carpenter explained how he filled out an apprenticeship application and then waited 9 years to be called to work. He kept calling and stopping in and making sure his application did not disappear! Throughout the afternoon, optimism and solidarity kept the group together. “Under international law, you have a right to a job,” explained one instructor. Most in the audience already understood that Gary residents had been passed by multiple times for jobs, and that to get a job, they would have to do a lot more than fill out applications. Rev. Dwight Gardner, president of the Federation, closed the day with a spirited message that brought everyone to their feet. “If we don’t get included for jobs, we will turn out in large numbers together to demand work!”
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
RESIDENTS REGISTER AT the workshops for employment opportunities on an upcoming construction project. Assistance with basic employment requirements, identification restoration and criminal record expungement were just a few of the services offered at the workshop. MAYOR TO DELIVER FINAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS OF FIRST TERM Address to be streamed live Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson will deliver her final State of the City Address of her first term Friday, Feb. 20 at the Genesis Convention Center in downtown Gary at 11:30 a.m. The address will also be streamed live. “There are Gary natives who live all over the country who want to stay connected to their hometown,” said Chelsea Whittington, Director of Communications. “We are capitalizing on the opportunity that technology now affords us to promote Gary’s progress as it happens.” Freeman-Wilson plans to share a recap of 2014 accomplishments and challenges while laying out goals for 2015. There are three ways to stream the address: Viewers may visit www.garycommoncouncil.org and click on the legislative media link on the right side of the page. Streamers may also go to www.ustream.tv and type in “wjpn” in the search box. Lastly, viewers may visit the following link: www.ustream.tv/search?q=wjpn. The address will also be rebroadcast on Gary’s public access channel 4 later Friday afternoon. The event’s title sponsor is NIPSCO along with a host of local supporting sponsors who will be acknowledged during the program. Tickets are $25 per person and must be reserved by calling (219) 881-1314 no later than Feb. 13. There are still sponsorship opportunities available as well. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015
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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL THE TRAGEDY OF ADDICTION People were saddened and shocked to hear the news that the late, great Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, was found face down in a bathtub unresponsive. This tragic event eerily recaps what took place three years ago in Los Angeles when Whitney Houston was found dead in a bathtub. At press time, Bobbi Kristina lingers in an induced coma, and people all around the world are praying for a miracle. The circumstances surrounding this state of affairs are extremely mysterious, and gossipers seem to think that drugs were involved. An alleged drug dealer was in the home and supposedly found her, and requested immunity if he is asked to testify as to what went down when he was there. Strange. Bobbi Kristina’s partner/“husband” was also on the scene, and allegedly attempted CPR. Rumors have swirled around the Whitney Houston/Bobby Brown drug addled marriage for many years. At one point, Whitney was interviewed by Diane Sawyer about her alleged use of drugs, which Whitney, in dramatic form, vehemently denied. She famously said “Crack is Wack.” Be that as it may, it is fairly well known that both Whitney Houston and her husband, Bobby Brown, were trapped in an addictive dance. This was apparent on a number of levels as evidenced by Whitney’s and Bobby’s erratic public behavior and the vicious fights that they reportedly had. Hopefully, Bobby Brown has emerged from the throes of addiction. Recently, another story about the family has emerged - Whitney Houston’s former chauffer has leveled the accusation that both Whitney and Bobby smoked crack in Bobbi Kristina’s presence, thereby exposing her to drugs as a child. Whitney and Bobby denied these claims, but numerous witnesses have come forth to support these allegations according to an online article written by Angela L. Braden for the blog Naturally Moi. Current scuttlebutt has it that Bobbi Kristina was addicted to drugs. There are, in fact, those who actually believe that her current situation was somehow drug related. At this point, there are so many questions surrounding Bobbi Kristina’s “accident” that it is hard to say what happened. And if drugs were a problem, the impending anniversary of the death of her mother may have contributed to her plight. Investigations are ongoing, and hopefully the truth will eventually come to light. What is known is that all of the wealth and fame enjoyed by the Bobby Brown/Whitney Houston family was not enough to keep them happy; it was not enough to keep them safe from the scourge of addiction. Both of Bobbi Kristina’s parents were, unfortunately, addicted to substances that significantly lowered the quality of their lives, if not materially, spiritually. Drugs have a way of altering a person’s existence in tragic ways; they ultimately adversely impact health, as for example in the case of Whitney Houston’s death said to result partially from a heart condition caused by the long term use of cocaine. It is also probably true that addiction may have contributed to the break-up of the Brown-Houston marriage, which could have had an unfortunate affect on the young, impressionable Bobbi Kristina. Now, can a child of adults addicted to drugs escape the trap of addiction? Are we looking at nature or nurture? We will probably ask that question for years to come, and the answer is probably that “a little of both” may influence an offspring’s flirtations with maliciously addicting substances. Money and fame, does not bring automatic happiness when the drug lord rears its very ugly head. Money may, in fact, exacerbate the situation by making drugs easier to obtain. Addiction is a disease, and it’s about time that we give credence to this idea. It is easy for observers to say that addicts should “Just say no!” - but the reality is certainly far more complicated! With this said, The Crusader sends prayers and hopes for a miraculous recovery for Bobbi Kristina. A luta continua. 4
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Gary State of City address will be juggling act Dear Editor: The Gary Crusader probably has run more letters to the editor about Mayor Karen FreemanWilson and her departments than all the mayors combined since former Mayor Richard G. Hatcher. Most of the letters, it seems have been highly favorable. In my opinion the current mayor deserves those kudos. Now that she is coming to the end of her first term in office and giving her last state of the city address there is some mystery involved. With the other addresses, the mayor could talk about the previous year and the upcoming one. Now, she is faced with discussing the past year without making that presentation boring. Sure, she can talk a lot about what she would do “if ” re-elected, but taking things for granted doesn’t seem to be her style. Gary has fared well under its first female mayor, and there is no evidence to prove otherwise. Still we should not expect her to be without a serious challenger or two. We know Jim Nowacki has promised to run but I am not sure if he even takes himself seriously. From where I sit, Gary needs the stability a successive FreemanWilson term would bring. The
city has forged some really strong relationships with several federal departments, especially HUD. Those departments have been willing to direct resources to Gary like we have never seen before. Who knows how that pipeline will change after President Obama leaves office? Gary also has received a lot of favorable national attention over the last four years. I know it is a political cliche but I do believe residents can say yes when asked if they are better off today than they were four years ago. The mayor can’t tip her hand and say what she would like to do with another four years as that could turn into fodder for her opposition-whoever that turns out to be. So it seems like the best we can hope for coming out of the state of the city is a decent meal since we already know the story line.
fun-loving ways made us slip sometimes and think he would be around forever. No doubt your pages for several weeks will have a number of wonderful things people will say about knowing and/or working with Chuck. Everyone of them, without a doubt, is well-deserved. Frankly, though I find it hard to put Chuck into words because he was so much to so many people (Continued on page 14)
GARY CRUSADER (U.S .P. S. 214-400)
Editor-Publisher
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J.L. Smith 1549 Br oad way Gary , Indiana 46407 219-885-4357 An independent newspaper serving the Southside Westside and Northside, printing the news impartially empowering what it believes to be right and appealling what it believes to be wrong without regard to party politics. Devoted to the Industrial, Educational, SocioPolitical and Educational advancement of Black people. ______________________________________________________________________________
Patty Lincoln
VOL. LI I I NO. 42 FEB. 14, 2015 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you say when a legend leaves? Dear Editor: I am mourning along with the Deggans and Gary Crusader families the loss of Chuck Deggans. Chuck sort of had us fooled. His self-proclaimed “world’s oldest teenager” tag, along with his
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
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NOSING AROUND
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 newsgathering personnel of this publication. SCHOOL DAZE
then she’s all done. Hatcher hopes that is the case and wants to fill those shoes. Of course it all hinges on whether the voters will return her back to the council.
State Superintendent Glenda Ritz, the Gary Schools Chief Cheryl Pruitt accused the state board of trying to take over Gary schools. This comes on the heels of a deal Pruitt had hoped to work out with EdisonLearning, the company the state hired to run one of the city’s failing schools. That plan was dead on arrival due to lack of support from some of the Gary School Board members.
-NoseyMAKES MORE SENSE TO ME
Seems like the Gary system both public and charter are having a Mike Pence
Glenda Ritz rough time trying to make a go of it. After getting off to a rocky start, for a minute it looked like Gary Community School officials and the State Board of Education were going to try and work things out, they appear to have hit a snag. Word is last week in a letter to
Cheryl Pruitt In the meantime, EdisonLearning is seeking to back out of their contract before it’s over. In addition to the academic problems Gary schools are experiencing, the system is close to going belly up unless it gets a bailout through a referendum that could be on the May 5 ballot. The hoped referendum will ask taxpayers
to support a $5.1 million tax levy to keep the schools afloat. Meanwhile, one of the city’s premier charter schools is dealing with its own problems. The Thea Bowman Academy may have to close its doors if it doesn’t get its house in order. Once viewed as one of the jewels of the charter school system that not only excelled in academics, the school also managed to win two state basketball championships in a relativity short period of time. Unfortunately, that has all changed and the school is on the brink of being closed. From the looks of things, it appears that Gov. Mike Pence and his Republican controlled legislature are in the driver’s seat and are working their way to taking over the school systems across the state. -NoseyTRYING TO GET RIGHT Nosey heard that former City Council person Regan Hatcher is back in the game. Apparently the reason is that she is hoping to keep her Mayoral hopes alive. Awhile back Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said she wanted to do two terms and
www.garycrusader.com
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
Township Board member Darren Washington recently withdrew from the Councilman-at-Large race. Nosey not only applauds his common sense decision but hopes he will do his due diligence on the Township Board. In the meantime, Cloruis Lay wasted no time in showing his love for Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. The
Mayor Karen FreemanWilson Billboard at 19th and Broadway is a clear indication of his support.
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BUSINESS
Tourism industry has growing impact on Indiana economy A new economic impact report released by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) documents the growing impact tourism has on the Indiana economy. The report shows travel, tourism and hospitality continues to be the sixth largest industry in the state (excluding government), supports over 187,000 jobs and contributes $10.3 billion in revenue to Indiana businesses. This is the second consecutive year tourism’s economic impact was measured. This study used data from 2013; the most recent year complete data was available. “The economic impact report for 2013 shows that Indiana’s travel, tourism and hospitality industry continues to grow and have a significant impact on the Hoosier economy,” said Ellspermann. “This important research is possible through the collaboration between tourism bureaus and IOTD. County participants now have meaningful tourism data available at the local level.” In 2013 the travel, tourism and hospitality industry was responsible for 1.5 percent of total Indiana gross domestic product (GDP), 4.7 percent of total jobs in the state and 6.3 percent of state & local tax
receipts. The study shows measureable growth over 2012; a year buoyed by Super Bowl XLVI, a seminal event for the state. Key data points from the economic impact study include: • Total Indiana tourism spending in 2013 of $10.3 billion (an increase of $200 million over the previous year). • In 2013 visitor spending translating to over $7.9 billion in Indiana GDP. • Leisure travelers comprised 85 percent of total visitors. • Direct employment within the Indiana travel, tourism and hospitality industry eclipsing 140,000, making it the sixth-largest industry in the state (excluding government). • Indiana tourism generating over $2.2 billion in tax receipts. • Indiana visitors contributing $572 million or 8.5 percent of sales tax receipts. • Tourism paying direct wages of over $3 billion to industry employees. • Indiana retaining approximately 77 percent of each dollar spent by visitors. “Tourism is big business in Indiana and every Hoosier household benefits from a robust tourism economy,” said Mark Newman,
IOTD’s executive director. “If visitors stopped coming to Indiana, each household would have to pay an additional $478 in state and local taxes to offset the loss of visitor
spending.” The study was commissioned by IOTD and conducted by Rockport Analytics, an independent market research and consulting company that specializes in
economic impact and feasibility studies for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. The methodology employed by this study is in accordance with industry best practices and aligns economic impact data at the state and local level with rigorous methodological standards that are recognized as the highest in the industry. The study used data on Indiana visitor spending derived from multiple sources including Longwoods International, Reach Market Planning and U.S. Office of Travel & Tourism Industries. It was then reconciled with Bureau of Labor Statistics reported employment data, Indiana Department of Revenue reported tax receipts and secondary sources such as Smith Travel Research. Tourism is defined as an overnight stay or a trip greater than 50 miles each way that is not part of an individual’s normal routine. The attached info-graphic offers context for some key data points in the economic report. This year’s complete study, as well as last year’s information for comparison purposes, key travel indicators and other information related to the tourism industry, is housed on the Indiana tourism industry website www.VisitIndianaTourism.com.
Ross to open the door to great futures in Lake County In-store giving campaign to provide funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana
reer opportunities. Members are provided with after school tutoring, homework help and career-related studies. These programs help youth become successful in school. Thank you Ross for making this program possible!”
AT THE FEBRUARY Gary Chamber of Commerce meeting Chuck Hughes, president and CEO of The Gary Chamber (left) shows off the gifts he exchanged with the guest speaker, Ersal Ozdemir, owner/CEO of Keystone Construction Corporation.
Every year, nearly 4 million young people are served by Boys & Girls Clubs. To celebrate these extraordinary efforts, Ross Stores, Inc. (NYSE: FDO) announced that it is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) with a fourweek program called, “Open the Door to Great Futures.” Already underway through the end of February Ross customers in Merrillville and Calumet City can make a monetary contribution at checkout to be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana this February. “Ross is committed to supporting the youth in the communities we serve,” said Gary Cribb, executive vice president, Stores and Loss Prevention for Ross Stores, In. “In the month of February. We invite our customers to join us in donating to the Power Hour program to help youth develop the study skills they need to excel in their studies and beyond.” “We are excited to be partnering with Ross this February,” said Megan Henning, marketing manager, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana. “Our Club members participate in Power Hour every day after school. Power Hour is focused on helping students succeed in school as well as explore different ca-
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015
Campaign facts: • Ross stores invite customers to give at the register during the month of February to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America • 100 percent of proceeds raised at each store will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs • Every $3 donation helps provide one hour of homework help for a Club youth • $15 helps keep a kid safe after school About Ross Ross Stores, Inc. is an S&P 500, Fortune 500 and Nasdaq 100 (ROST) company headquartered in Dublin, California, with fiscal 2013 revenues of $10.2 billion. The Company operates Ross Dress for Less® (“Ross”), the largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States with over 1,200 locations in 33 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. Ross offers first-quality, in season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at everyday savings of
20 percent to 60 percent off department and specialty store regular prices. The Company also operates approximately 150 dd’s DISCOUNTS® in 15 states that feature a more moderately-priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at everyday savings of 20 percent to 70 percent off moderate department and discount store regular prices. Additional information is available at www.rossstores.com. About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana Every child deserves the opportunity to be successful. Currently operating six Clubs in Lake County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana (BGCNWI) has been offering hope and opportunity to local youth since 1954 by providing a safe place for kids to learn and grow through life enhancing after-school and summer programming. With the support of highly trained professional staff and adult mentors, BGCNWI helps build great futures by offering fun, engaging and impactful programs to nearly 10,000 youth ages 6 to 18. When schools are out, Clubs are in! For more information about BGCNWI visit bgcnwi.org or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/BGCNWI. www.garycrusader.com
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COMMUNITY
In Honor of Black History Month
Gary’s Vivian Carter paved the way for many in the music industry By Carmen M. WoodsonWray Gary has been the home and starting point for many in all facets of the entertainment industry. One of Gary’s own who played a significant role in some of the greats throughout this country and the world was Vivian Carter. Born March 25, 1921 in Tunica, Mississippi, Carter moved to Gary as a child, and was well-known as an African-American record company executive, radio disc jockey and one of the co-founders of VeeJay Records. Vee-Jay Records was a major independent record label with acts including the Spaniels, Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Gene Chandler, Jerry Butler, the Four
Vivian Carter Seasons, and for a time, the Beatles. Gordon Keith, another one of Gary’s history-making record producers, who played a role in the city’s most famous family the Jackson 5, was also friends with Carter. Keith said he first met Carter when she and Tommy Williams played R&B music at radio station WJOB in Hammond in the early 1950s. He said he became close to her when she helped the Spaniels become famous, even though they were a problem for her. “She had to pay a lot of money to keep and get them out of jail a lot because of their child support payments,” shared Keith. He went on to say that Carter and her husband, Jimmy Bracken, had a record store on 16th & Broadway where they put out a record for Jimmy Reed, who had a lot of small hits. According to Keith, he was the first artist on the Vee-Jay label. “From there, she recorded for the Staple Singers, John Lee Hooker and the Four Seasons.” Keith said she discovered the Beatles, who were the biggest in www.garycrusader.com
the record industry before the Jackson 5. “She discovered them and put their first record out in America. They were called the Highway Men in Britain, but when they signed with Vee-Jay they were called the Beatles.” Describing Vivian Carter as a nice, cheerful talking person who was elegant in her speech, Keith reflected, “She was a DJ at radio station, WWCA in Gary, and had a good music program that she called, ‘Powderpuff.’ She was very entertaining on the radio when she played hits of that era.” Keith said Carter had record companies on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, England, and Paris. Although she was considered huge in the music industry, she still had to pay to get music played on radio stations. “In our day, we didn’t have radio stations to play our music. There was a station in Nashville that would play our music, but you had to pay, and she did—through the nose.” At one point in her life, she moved to California to expand, but eventually, returned to Gary because she was having financial problems. Tommy Williams said he was very good friends with Vivian and when she came back from California, she asked him to take her place as DJ on radio station, WWCA, in Gary. Williams said to help her out financially, he gave her some money. “She said to
AT THE VEE-JAY OFFICE—Pictured from left to right are Jimmy Bracken, Ewart Abner, Vivian Carter and son Calvin Carter in 1959. me, ‘Tommy, I’m catching hell. I’m two car notes behind.’ I gave her $500 to pay her car notes.” Williams said he was selling cases of custom jewelry and Carter asked him for one of his cases for her to sell. “I gave her a case, and she worked that case in Chicago. She was so proud. It was unbelievable.” Williams said the person in Gary that really looked out for her was Dozier T. Allen, a Calumet Township trustee. Williams said he brought her self-esteem back by
giving her a job at the Trustee’s office. Allen said she was one of his favorite people. He said she wanted to work after her days in the record business were over. “I gave her a job, and she was excellent at it. Her mother and father and my mother and father were good friends. They bought all of their gas at my father’s station. I was a great fan of Vivian’s even though she was a little older.” Allen said he hired her as a supervisor at the Trustee office. “I had
great respect for her. She was a very bright person that knew the music business back and forth. I conferred with her on a number of occasions on bringing musical groups to Gary,” he said. Carter ran for City Clerk for the City of Gary, and Allen said he supported her. “We had some good times together. Vivian was an inspiring person. A lot of people wanted to know her.” Following a stroke, Vivian Carter died in a nursing home in Gary in 1989.
United Way Power of Youth Council delivers birthday cheer Recognizing not all families have the means to celebrate birthdays, high school students from the United Way of Porter County Power of Youth Council made and delivered “Birthday Bags” to benefit the children of Walt’s Place, a Hilltop Neighborhood House after-school program. Birthday Bags were created as a service project at the Power of
Youth holiday party in lieu of a gift exchange. The colorful gift bags included birthday cake mix, frosting, candles, a pan and a handmade card from the high school students. Walt’s Place will be able to share these bags with families in need who utilize their childcare and food pantry. Mackenna Schon, coordinator
Pictured left to right, Josh Otero, Luma Khabbaz, Denis Ribordy, Jenna Georgi, Lyndsey Pratt, Kurt Kohler, Sara Hutton, Austin Rocha, Kiera Markham delivering Birthday Bags to children at Walt’s Place. Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
for the Power of Youth council, shared the thought behind this project. “Being able to celebrate a child’s birthday with a cake is a luxury that not all Porter County families have access to. With a project like these Birthday Bags, we were able to help 15 children celebrate their birthday. We know it means a lot to parents and
guardians to be able to provide their children with this kind of experience.” Power of Youth also sponsors the summer program for Walt’s Place through their annual grant allocation, helping cover the costs for food, field trips, games, sports equipment and other items.
TWO OF THE United Way Power of Youth Council members Anna Jones and Jenna Georgi packing Birthday Bags for children. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015
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IN MEMORY OF CHUCK DEGGANS’ DEN “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” ~Maya Angelou
LORENZO & DIANE
CHUCK & HUELL
MICHAEL AND ADREANA GONZALES
THE PORTERFIELDS
THE POLLAC
MR. AND MRS. RAY TURLEY THE WHITES 8
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IN MEMORY OF CHUCK DEGGANS’ DEN
THE PATTERSONS
THE PARROTTS
& HUELLA DEGGANS
THE SMITHS
THE RICHARDS
THE CLAYS
HE POLLACKS THE MOORES www.garycrusader.com
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CHURCH
REV. DR. ROBERT LOWERY’S daughter welcomes ministry center in his name—Jan Avis Lowery, daughter of Rev. Dr. Robert Lowery, attended the dedication of the newly renovated The Rev. Dr. Robert E. Lowery Ministry Center at St. Timothy Community Church on Sunday. The center is being touted as a premiere banquet and conference facility in Gary. Other guests at the dedication included the Honorable U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, Gary Mayor Karen FreemanWilson and other community dignitaries. St. Timothy’s pastor is the Rev. Alfred Johnson.
RIBBON CUTTING OF Rev. Lowery’s Ministry Center done by youth—Nina Craig and Joshua Hogan participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Rev. Dr. Robert E. Lowery Ministry Center on Sunday.
CHURCH CALENDAR Food and Clothing Giveaway to Gary area The Food Pantry and Clothing Boutique Ministry of the Gospel Truth Apostolic Ministry, Inc. will be distributing food to the general public on the third Sunday after service on Feb. 15 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and on the third Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. The church pastors and founders are Elder Bernard and Evangelist Valerie D. Clarke. The giveaways will take place at the Gospel Truth Apostolic Ministry Church, 5829 W. 15th Ave. in Gary. The public is invited and asked to bring valid identification with current address, as well as bags and/or boxes to carry your items home. For more information visit the ministry on the internet at www.thegospeltruthapostolic.org or call (219) 9495433. Black History Programs First Baptist Church at 626 W. 21st Ave. in Gary will present its Black History Programs on Saturday, Feb. 14 and Feb. 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The theme is “Black Heroes From (Continued on page 14) 10
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EDUCATION
Attorney Willie E. Gary to keynote Katie Hall Awards Luncheon Junifer Hall, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Katie Hall Educational Foundation, Inc. has announced Attorney Willie E. Gary, the world renowned lawyer of the prestigious law firm of Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson, & Gary, P.L.L.C. will be the keynote for the 3rd Annual Katie Hall Public Service Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 4, 2015, at 11 a.m., Genesis Convention Center, 1 Genesis Plaza in Downtown Gary. Attorney Gary has won civil judgments against some of America’s most well known corporate giants on behalf of his clients. He has won some of the largest jury awards and settlements in U.S. history, including more than 150 cases valued in excess of $1 million
Willie E. Gary
Ivy Tech seeks Distinguished Alumni nominees Ivy Tech Community College seeks nominations for the annual Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumni award. The Alumni of the Year will be honored during the Northwest region’s commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2015. To qualify, nominees must have graduated from Ivy Tech with an associate degree or technical certificate, and must have made notable professional or personal achievements since graduation. All nominations must be received by 4 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2015. For a nomination form, please contact Louise Thompson at lthompson89@ivytech.edu or 219-476-4713.
dollars. Gary’s amazing success has earned him national recognition as a leading trial attorney. Recently, Attorney Gary won a $23 billion judgment against one of America’s largest companies. He has been featured in Ebony magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Black Americans.� Forbes magazine has listed him as one of the “Top 50 Attorneys in the United States.� Attorney Gary has been highlighted in many of the Nation’s most respected media publications, such as The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, Ebony, Jet, People, Black Enterprise, Fortune, The New Yorker and The National Law Journal. His remarkable legal career and tireless work on behalf of his clients have been documented on “60 Minutes,� the “CBS Eve- ning News,� and ABC’s “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.� He also made a guest appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,� and made a live appearance on CBS’s “The Early Show� with Bryant Gumbel. Attorney Gary’s triumphant rise to
the top is no overnight success story. His vast appeal stems from his desire to be the best and a passionate work ethic he learned through his humble beginnings. One of 11 children of Turner and Mary Gary, Willie Gary was born in Eastman, Georgia and raised in migrant farming communities in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Willie E. Gary earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Shaw University and went on to North Carolina Central University, where he earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 1974. Gary was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1974, and opened his hometown’s first African-American law firm with the help of his beloved wife, Gloria. In 1991, Attorney Gary donated $10.1 million to his alma mater, Shaw University. Known as a businessman, churchman, humanitarian and philanthropist, Gary is deeply involved in charity and civic work. He is in demand as a motivational speaker delivering speeches at law schools, universities, churches, and various organizations throughout
the country. Attorney Gary will also receive the Katie Hall Educational Foundation’s Chairman’s Award at the April 4 luncheon, along with Mrs. Coretta Scott King (posthumous). The Foundation will also honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and former U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (both posthumous) with the 2015 Co-Katie Hall Public Service Award. Indiana Associate Justice Robert D. Rucker will receive the Merit of Distinction Award. Past recipients of the Katie Hall Public Service Award are The Honorable Richard G. Hatcher, former Mayor of the City of Gary, Indiana; The Honorable Richard G. Lugar, former U.S. Senator (RIN); Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States of America; and The Honorable Katie Hall (D-IN), former U.S. Representative. Tickets for the luncheon are $50 per person. For more information, please contact katiehallfoundation@aol.com.
Gary Public Library presents its
Annual
African American History Month Program 2015 Theme
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8QLW\ +RVSLFHÂŤ Helping You Help the Ones You Love The Unity Diff Differe erence x
Skilled Caregivers
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Therapeutic Music for the Soul
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Palliative Care
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Animal Assisted Therapy
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Durable Medical Equipment
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We Honor Veterans
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- ZZZ JDU\SXEOLFOLEUDU\ RUJ (Note: Library service ends at 4pm)
Program is )5(( ‡ Refreshments!
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Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ ͞ώĎϾͿ ϳϲϾ-ϴϲϰϴ Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ç€Ĺ?Ć?Ĺ?Ćš ĆľĆ? Ä‚Ćš Ç Ç Ç Í˜ĆľĹśĹ?ƚLJŚŽĆ?ƉĹ?Ä?Ğ͘Ä?Žž www.garycrusader.com
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HEALTH
Methodist Hospitals names new chief executive officer After an extensive national search, the Methodist Hospitals Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Raymond Grady has been named President and CEO of Methodist Hospitals. “Ray Grady comes to us with the background, experience and focus to successfully lead Methodist Hospitals into the future. Grady is not only a seasoned leader, but he has also demonstrated the ability to build and maintain exceptional relationships with Medical Staff, forge strong partnerships with communities, and to enhance the quality of patient and family experiences,” said Methodist Hospitals Board Chair Mamon Powers. Grady has spent the majority of his career at NorthShore University Healthsystem just north of Chicago, where he served as Presi-
dent of the hospitals and clinics division and CEO of The Evanston Hospital, its flagship hospital. Grady has also served as the Chief Administrative Officer of Aurora Healthcare, a 15-hospital integrated delivery system. In that position he provided strategic oversight of system wide initiatives in supply chain management, clinical research and Aurora Ventures, the for-profit arm of Aurora. Grady has extensive experience in all aspects of hospital and health care management, including quality and safety improvement processes, cost and productivity improvement, clinical partnership development, ACO development and system growth through joint ventures and acquisition. He has worked on health care reform issues at a national
Raymond Grady level through his service on the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees.
He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has chaired the Illinois Hospital Association, The Institute for Diversity and currently serves on the board of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. Grady currently is Executive in Residence, Department of Health Policy and Management of the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh, and has also served on the adjunct faculty of the Marquette University Graduate School of Business, where he taught healthcare management. Said Grady, “I am gratified to be named CEO of Methodist Hospitals. I am excited by the prospect of leading this strong organization as it faces the challenges and opportunities of the health care environment now and into the fu-
ture. I look forward to working closely with the board, the medical staff and the leadership team and partnering with the Northwest Indiana community and government leaders to continue the hospitals’ mission of bringing high quality health care to all those in need.” Grady will join Methodist Hospitals on February 23, 2015. Dr. Michael Davenport, who has been serving as Interim CEO, will return to his post as Chief Medical Officer. “The Board of Directors extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Davenport, who has served with distinction over the past year. The entire organization has benefitted from his leadership and insight,” said Powers. A reception to introduce Grady will be scheduled for March 2, 2015 at 3:30 p.m.
State of Indiana releases data analytics report on infant mortality Report Will Allow State to Better Align Resources to Improve Outcomes The State of Indiana released a report detailing the findings of an advanced analytics study on the root causes of infant mortality in Indiana. This study, which began in 2013 as a priority project for the Governor’s Management and Performance Hub (MPH) initiative, is the result of a collaboration between the Indiana Office of Technology (IOT), Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and KSM Consulting (KSMC). Several agencies also contributed to the research-gathering phase, including the Family and Social Services Administration, Department of Child Services, Department of Revenue, Department of Local Government Finance, Department of Corrections, and Department of Workforce Development. “As I’ve said before, I am an advocate for strong and healthy families,
and I believe that with this insight into infant mortality we have the potential to save lives,” said Governor Pence. “In my recommended budget, I asked the General Assembly for $13.5 million to reduce infant mortality, and this study will allow us to take a practical, datadriven approach to spending those resources at the Indiana State Department of Health in a manner that will improve outcomes.” Based on the results of this study, MPH has created a tool that will continue research regarding infant mortality risk factors and gauge where and how resources are needed to support positive birth outcomes across the state. The chief risk factors identified by the study are: • Inadequate prenatal care: Of all factors studied, access to prenatal care was the most important predictor of adverse outcomes. The study showed that the highest risk of infant deaths is to mothers with less than 10 prenatal visits.
• Medicaid enrollment: Significant disparities exist in infants born to mothers enrolled in Medicaid, with increased risk for having low birth weight infants. • Young maternal age: 15- to 20year old mothers with fewer than 10 prenatal visits were at the highest level of risk for adverse health outcomes. These mothers are most at risk due to a combination of the above, including more likely to have less prenatal care and be enrolled in
Medicaid. These are complex risks and this is just the beginning of a comprehensive and collaborative plan to make a true impact on this important issue facing our state. While identified high-risk subpopulations account for only 1.6 percent of all births in Indiana, they account for nearly 50 percent of infant deaths. The findings of the report are already changing the way the State of Indiana tackles infant mortality. On
January 14, 2015, First Lady Karen Pence and ISDH announced the launch of a new infant mortality public awareness campaign called Labor of Love – Helping Indiana Reduce Infant Death. This campaign, which took advantage of the findings of the report, encourages women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to learn more about early and regular prenatal care and other ways to help en(Continued on page 14)
INFANT MORTALITY IS the death of a child less than one year of age. The infant mortality rate is an estimate of the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. This rate is often used as an indicator to measure the health and well-being of a nation, because factors affecting the health of entire populations can also impact the mortality rate of infants. 12
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IN MEMORIAM
We say goodbye to Chuck Deggans (Continued from page 1) there forward. He helped form Muigwithania, which is Swahili for We Are United. About 15 of us were friends and our goal was to end the political machine of Gary and elect people from the Midtown to city offices. Chuck was a very crucial part of it. When I ran for office we had a group called the Hatcherettes that he organized. They were first called The Storm Troopers. Chuck and I had some good times together. We once went to Las Vegas. We were single at the time. We shaved our heads and walked around the casino because we didn’t have much money. Chuck was a flashy dresser and people thought he was Isaac Hayes. I told him not to tell them any difference. He was Gary’s column philosopher. He always had a Deggan’s Den statement that had a philosophical ring to it. He also had just about pictures of everybody in Gary and chronicled everything on the entertainment side of Gary. Chuck is an incredible loss to the city and we are going to miss him. Chuck use to call my daughter Regan by her middle name Heather because he was fascinated by that name. Every time he saw her he would call her Heather. There will never be another person like him.”
important voice in the community. He kept up with everything in the community and comprised of it in the community. We are going to miss him. I don’t see how anyone can replace him.” Naomi Millender—“He was an icon in the community and irreplaceable. He was able to share information about what was going on in a positive light.” Atty. Lloyd Fisher—“It was with great sadness that I heard about his passing. It was really unsettling starting back in the 60s that we met. We had a very warm friendship over the decades which had a common interest in music, entertainment, sports, politics and community events. We
partied together, we politicked together and had great times together. I’m going to really miss Chuck.” Fred Marberry—“Not only did we lose a real man, but an institution and everyone was touched by him. We all loved him.” Nymrod Atkins—“He surely will be missed by his peers and friends. He was a great inspiration to everyone in this city.” Everyone you talked to had a “Chuck Deggans” story, even the “man and woman” in the street. There were those who wondered how would they get the neighborhood news without him, many extolled the fact that their picture
State Senator Earline Rogers— “Chuck was a person that I respected and a personal friend of mine. He came out of Roosevelt a year ahead of me. He was gentle, kind and a master of his craft of photography.” State Representative Charlie Brown—“We go back 45 to 50 years during the Hatcher Era. I referred to him as a 50 year old jig-abug. He was ahead of his time. Dolly Millender—“We loss an would never be in the newspaper again because of the loss of Chuck. And he had a unique joke or greeting for everyone he knew. Those who had the privilege of talking with him knew that his mother, Mrs. Minnie Deggans had not spared the rod for any of his younger days of transgressions; knew that those who lived on 26th and Jackson knew that his close friends the Calloways were like family; those who discussed sports with him knew that Chuck was a supporter and proud booster of the Irons family; others knew he had a close relationship with the Smith (Earline, Earl, etc.) family. Again too many close friends and allies to list them all. Chuck loved his family and his chest seemed to swell when he talked about his wife, son, daughter, and grandchildren. Everyone knew www.garycrusader.com
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even if he didn’t mention it that his son’s journalistic career was a source of pride and even before Cheryl settled into her career, it was well known that she was a “Luv-aBull,” a Chicago Bull basketball team cheerleader; in recent years he was proud that his granddaughter, Zoe was studying at Indiana University. Chuck was a pageant originator, rivaling Donald Trump and other pageant directors, which gave beautiful local “Black” models an opportunity to compete in pageants that he directed and produced in Gary and Hammond. He often partnered with Fred Marberry in these productions. He was number one booster for the first Black “Miss Indiana” Kellee Patterson and he kept us up to date on her career long after the spotlight dimmed on her as a beauty pageant contestant. He was
so proud of other local celebrities such as Denise Williams and so many others who pursued careers outside of Gary. Chuck was born on November 24, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Gary and attended Roosevelt High School and was a member of the first all-Black track team to win the IHSAA outdoor track and field championship. He attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, St. Joseph’s College and Indiana University Northwest. He served in the Army from 1957 to 1959 and as a postal carrier for five years. He actually began writing a column “Deggans Den” in 1961 for the Gary Crusader, but lost out when the late Balm L. Leavell, Jr. decided to carry “Teddy’s Tips,” his first wife’s column. It was then he went to the Gary INFO, where he continued “Deggans Den.” He later wrote for the Post Tribune and after a stint there he wrote for the Gary Crusader until his death. It is notable that he was stricken with a stroke shortly after he finished his last “Deggans Den.” He was a disc jockey, a radio host, an aficionado of jazz and all types of music. There is so much more than can be captured in this piece. What many people, including myself, did not know was that Chuck was a crossword puzzle junkie and he almost daily, worked several crossword puzzles (his wife shared this with me shortly after he died at Methodist Southlake Hospital). Above all Chuck Deggans was a good and decent man that God had blessed with many talents. As I said before, we miss you already!!! -30Editor’s Note: Look for a compilation of “Deggans Den” columns to be published in memorial to our friend and family member in the near future.
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Challenger Learning Center plans Valentine’s Day event Program to feature mini mission, laser light show The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana will be hosting a special Valentine’s Day-themed couple’s event on Saturday, Feb. 14. The mission, “Fly Your Sweetie to the Moon,� is a unique date night where couples can test out their communication, problem solving and teamwork skills during a mini space mission. Taking on the role of science and engineering teams, couples will work together to complete mission critical tasks and safely return a lunar explorer to her home in orbit around the Moon. Following the mis-
sion, the crew will be treated to astronaut rations (light hors d’oeuvres) and a Beatles laser show. Registration for the event begins at 5:30 p.m., and the event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost to attend the event is $45 per couple and includes an entry into a drawing for a $250 gift certificate to Albert’s Jewelers. The Challenger Learning Center is located on the Purdue North Calumet Campus, 2300 173rd Street, Hammond, Ind. For more information about the Valentine’s Day event or to make a reservation, call the Challenger Learning Center at 219-9893250 or visit www.clcnwi.com.
SPEND YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY testing your couple’s skills at the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana. The event is hosted by the school and includes a couple’s mission, hors d’oeuvres, and a laser show.
State of Indiana releases data analytics report on infant mortality (Cont’d from page 12) sure a healthy pregnancy and first year of life for infants. “We were able to use preliminary results from the
study to help shape the Labor of Love campaign messaging and placement,� said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “For
CHURCH CALENDAR (Cont’d from page 10) Our Past.� On February 14 come out and see an exciting play and on Feb. 21 come and hear an inspiring speaker, Pastor Regina Bullock. Presented by the Miriam Circle. Pastor Timothy F. Brown invites the public to these programs and asks that you contact the church if you need additional information at (219) 8833216.
will sponsor a Free Soup Kitchen on Tuesday, Feb. 17 in the Church Hall from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The public is invited to this community outreach event at the 20th Century MB Church located at 700 W. 11th Ave. in Gary. For more information contact the church at (219) 8834474.
in concert on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 626 W. 21st Ave. in Gary. This performance is in commemoration of Black History Month. First Baptist Church Pastor Timothy F. Brown invites the public to this concert. For more information contact the church at (219) 883-3216.
Black History Concert at First Baptist Church
90th Church Anniversary at Christ Temple
Free Soup Kitchen at The Voices of Love Com20th Century Church munity Mass Choir will be The Mother’s Auxillary
Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. as they celebrate the church’s 90th Anniversary. The celebration is kicking off with a musical under the theme of “Our church, its legacy, our faith� on Friday evening, March 13, 2015 at 7 p.m. The celebration continues on Sunday, March 15 with Morning Worship at 11 a.m.
The public is invited to this anniversary event at Christ Temple Church of Christ located at 4201 Join the Christ Temple Washington Street in Gary.
Celebrating over 90 years of service.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4) and for so long. Just what do you say when a legend leaves? Not many people, if anyone created more memories in Gary than Chuck, especially with his camera. No one called him the world’s greatest photographer but everyone wanted to be “foto-flashed� by Chuck knowing they would be seen in the Crusader. It seemed like no matter what the event Chuck was there. So many times I would listen to his WGVE radio show and would be amazed at how knowledgeable he was about jazz and great jazz artists of yesteryear. I guess it is safe to say Chuck was Gary, Indiana. I believe of all of the athletes, politicians and entertainers Gary has produced and sent out into the world, none represented our city better. He
Arthur Foster
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didn’t call himself an ambassador, and would proudly dismiss someone describing him as a legend. Chuck, like it or not, that is what you will always be to me and many, many more Gary folks.
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SPORTS
CRUSADER SPORTS NEWS WBB: Purdue Calumet’s Patrice McBee earns first-ever National Player of the Week honor for Peregrine Athletics. The honors keep racking up for Purdue University Calumet women’s basketball junior Patrice McBee, who was named the NAIA Division II National Women’s Basketball Player of the week, as announced by the NAIA office Tuesday. The honor is the first national player of the week honor in Purdue Calumet athletics history. McBee (Monterey, Ind./Culver Community), a 6-foot-3 center for the No. 8 Peregrines, averaged 19.5 points and 19.5 rebounds in two victories last week, performances that earned her second Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Week
nod this season. She scored 20 points and pulled down a career-high 24 rebounds – believed to be a program record – in last weeks game 106-96 win at Olivet Nazarene, while pouring in 19 points with 15 boards in a 8470 win at Judson in January. The two efforts were McBee’s 10th and 11th double-double of the season, giving her 21 for her career. The No. 8 Peregrines return to action this month, when they host No. 4 St. Xavier University in a NAIA Top 10 matchup at the Fitness and Recreation Center.
GARY’S WEST SIDE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY track and field team was honored in front of both the Indiana House and State Tuesday, Feb. 10, with State Sen. Earline Rogers and State Rep. Charlie Brown leading the separate congratulations for each chamber. The Cougar’s won their first state title since 1980.
PATRICE MCBEE OF Purdue Calumet (Ind.), 6-3, Jr., F, Culver, Ind., has been named the NAIA National Division II Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. McBee was selected out of a group of conference winners for her performances from Jan. 26 – Feb. 1. This award is the fifth of the 2014-15 season.
Gary South Shore RailCats re-sign Brockett and Bernal, sign Cummins
The Gary SouthShore RailCats have re-signed infielders Ryan Brockett and Roger Bernal and signed pitcher Chris Cummins to contracts for the 2015 season. Brockett, a Guilford, CT native, returns for his third season on the South Shore after hitting .245 with 2 HR and 21 RBI in 45 games last season. Brockett played collegiately for the University of New Haven, where he stole 67 bases in his 4-year career. Bernal joined the RailCats on August 23 in a trade with the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings, hitting .333 in 3 games for the RailCats. Overall, Bernal hit .302 with 1 HR and 35 RBI in 79 games between the WhiteWings and RailCats. www.garycrusader.com
Cummins, a product of Baker University (KS), was traded to the RailCats from the Florence Freedom on December 16th. He went 1-1 with a 4.61 ERA and 20 SO in 27.1 IP for the Freedom in 2014. The Corona, CA native has a career 1-2 record with a 4.86 ERA and 23 SO. The RailCats 13th season on the South Shore will open up at home against the Quebec Capitales of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball on May 21, 2015 at 7:10 p.m. For 2015 Gary SouthShore RailCats Season Ticket and Group Outing information call 219882-2255 or visit www.railcatsbaseball.com. Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
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