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AUSTIN WEEKLY news ■
Sharpton visits West Side to announce march on Washington,
Vol. 31 No.29
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July 19, 2017
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austinweeklynews.com
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Also serving Garfield Park
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A story of faith faith, Page 9
Douglass High principal fired without explanation Troy LaRaviere says Vanessa Dereef’s termination is part of troubling pattern By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
Vanessa Dereef, who’s been a major force behind the ongoing efforts to improve Douglass Academy High School, has been fired as its principal effective July 7. While the Chicago Public Schools district confirmed the firing, it did not give any reason as to why, simply indicating that Dr. Abdul Muhammad, formerly a principal at Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative School, will be taking over as interim principal. Troy LaRaviere, president of the the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, said that he saw the firing as part of a pattern of CPS terminating black principals for seemingly no apparent reason. His organization is currently working on a more in-depth study to see just how far the pattern goes. Dereef has been a major advocate for the ongoing efforts to convert Douglass High School into a performing arts focused school. She has also been working to build on the programs that already exist. On April 20, she talked to the FBI about enhancing the school’s forensics class. At the time, she said that the discussion went well. Dereef also launched music and theater classes in partnership with the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, as well as local theaters in the Austin area. She had been trying to reach out to North Lawndale-based Cinespace Chicago Film Studios for possible collaborations. See DOUGLASS on page 1
WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographe
Ride for peace On July 15, the nonprofit BUILD Chicago hosted a ‘Bike Ride for Peace,’ which started at the organization’s headquarters located at 5100 W. Harrison St. The event was open to riders of all ages. See more photos from the ride on page 4.
Late Robert Steele’s replacement named Dennis Deer, a North Lawndale business owner, will be the next 2nd District county commissioner By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
West Side business owner Dr. Dennis Deer was unanimously selected by a committee of aldermen and Democratic Party leaders to replace the late 2nd District Commissioner Robert Steele, who died on June 19.
According to the Cook County Code of Ordinances, the Democratic committeemen for the wards that are in the 2nd district were responsible for choosing Steele’s replacement. The committee members said that Deere’s selection came after a series of close votes. There were 11 candidates who applied
and interviewed for the position, but Deer had the backing of Bobbie Steele, Robert Steele’s mother — a former 2nd District commissioner and Cook County Board President — and Ald. Michael Scott (24th), who chaired the appointment committee. Both officials lauded Deer’s community advocacy, as well as his political work. Deer will serve out the remainder of Steele’s term, which will end in spring
Austin Chamber of Commerce on the move... 773.854.5848 • www.austinchicagochamber.com
See DENNIS DEER on page 6