Chatham-Southeast Citizen 2-12-2020

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Citizen Week of Feb. 12, 2020

| Vol. 55 | No. 46 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHATHAM SOUTHEAST

Former U.S. Sen. Roland Burris purchased his Chatham home from the late gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in 1972. Three days before he closed on the home sale, Jackson died.

Photo credit: Wendell Hutson

HOUSING CHOICES FOR BLACKS HAS FALLEN AND RISEN

There used to be a time when blacks had to be careful where they lived in Chicago and the suburbs because segregation had divided people up based on their race and economic status. PAGE 3

REAL ESTATE

NEWS

BUSINESS

Smart Saving Strategies

Ilyce Glink and ThinkGlink Announce New Credit Education Series, Sponsored

by Equifax

Check out our real estate listings for important foreclosure information

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2 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 12, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION

NEW AGREEMENT OFFERS NURSING STUDENTS PATH FROM LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO UIC BSN DEGREE The board of trustees of the University of Illinois, on behalf of the UIC College of Nursing and UIC Extended Campus, and Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) in downstate Godfrey, Illinois, has entered into a memorandum of understanding to create a dual-admissions pathway from the Lewis and Clark associate degree in nursing (ADN) program to UIC’s online RN to BSN degree completion program.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of registered nurses that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for health care grows. “This innovative new opportunity for students is an example of higher education in Illinois working together to fill a critical workforce shortage in our area,” said State Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill). “This new dual credit pathway with the University of Illinois System and Lewis & Clark Community College is exactly the type of thing we should be doing in Illinois to help better deliver higher quality healthcare to underserved areas.”

The City of Chicago Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Buildings, Chicago Park District, Streets and Sanitation and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications will conduct a Shoreline Vulnerability Assessment. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

HEALTH

2019 DEBBIE’S DREAM FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) recently announced the winners of the 2019 DDF Scholarship Essay Contest. Nasir Thompson, 10, from Las Vegas won $100 in the elementary school division for his essay on ways to treat stomach cancer and his dreams for finding a cure.

Melanie McNair, 12, also from Las Vegas, won $200 in the middle school division for writing about how she would work to improve the lives of stomach cancer patients if she were president. Amari Carpenter, 16, from Atlanta, Georgia, won $700 in the high school division for his compelling essay on the importance of stomach cancer research and how he thinks the federal government should allocate more funds to that area.

Amari Carpenter This year’s essay contest was open to children between the ages of 5 to 18 across the United States and consisted of three categories: elementary, middle, and high school.

Submissions were accepted from September to December 2019. The essays were scored by celebrity judges Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and Rochelle Weinstein, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author.

LAW & POLITICS

FTC WARNS 19 VOIP SERVICE PROVIDERS THAT ‘ASSISTING AND FACILITATING’ ILLEGAL TELEMARKETING OR ROBOCALLING IS AGAINST THE LAW Federal Trade Commission staff recently sent letters to 19 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers warning them that “assisting and facilitating” illegal telemarketing or robocalling is against the law.

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Andrew Smith said, “These warning letters put VoIP providers on notice that we will take action when they knowingly facilitate illegal robocalls.”

The letters warn the VoIP service providers that the FTC may take legal action against them if they assist a seller or telemarketer who they know, or consciously avoid knowing, is violating the agency’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR). The FTC is not disclosing the names of the companies and/or individuals to whom it sent the warnings.

The letters note several types of conduct that may violate the TSR, including but not limited to making a false or misleading statement to induce a consumer to buy something or contribute to a charity, misrepresenting a seller or telemarketer’s affiliation with any government agency and transmitting false or deceptive caller ID numbers, among other conduct.

An overhead view of Burnham Park, which has been designated as one of the wet pavement areas by the Chicago Park District. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

City to conduct shoreline study to assess affects of high lake levels

BY TIA CAROL JONES

As Lake Michigan rises and beachfront erosion continues, the City of Chicago Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Buildings, Chicago Park District, Streets and Sanitation and Office of Emergency Management and Communications will conduct a Shoreline Vulnerability Assessment.

Seventh Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell sent his constituents an email in January where he informed them that the assessment would take place in the coming weeks.

According to the email, three teams, which include CDOT, the Department of Buildings and engineering personnel, would assess the vulnerability of the exterior and interior of private properties.

The goal is to gain information in an effort to ask for state and federal assistance to deal with high lake levels.

The Chicago Park District has designated the Burnham Park, Washington Park and Jackson Park areas along the lakefront as wet pavement areas. On the website, it cautions residents that “due to rising lake levels, some lakefront sections have water washing up on the pavement that runs along the lake.”

After recent storms and high levels of water, Mayor Lori

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Lightfoot along with CDOT, the Chicago Park District and other departments took action to mitigate damage, prevent erosion and preserve infrastructure along Chicago’s North and South shoreline.

“The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Chicago Park District are committed to preserving infrastructure and mitigating damage along the shoreline caused by high lake levels and storms. In order to help the City better understand the full scope of shoreline vulnerability, CDOT and Parks are working closely to gather data on the potential damage to private property,” CDOT said in an emailed statement. “This is part of the City’s ongoing work with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to study and prepare for potential impacts of the near-record high lake levels in Lake Michigan.”

Part of those actions included the installation of 5,000 feet of jersey barriers and 1,000 feet of sandbags on the North and South shorelines, as a way to protect roadways from flooding during storms. Barriers also were placed from 49th to 50th Streets, 67th and 75th Streets as protection. In an effort to stop flooding, catch basins along the lakefront were cleared. Concrete barriers and sandbags were also placed at Lake Shore Drive and South Shore Drive to stop waves from flooding the streets.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 12, 2020

NEWS

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BLACK HISTORY

Illinois ethics laws among the weakest in the nation Advocates urge stricter rules on conflicts of interest, financial disclosure

BY PETER HANCOCK CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

Springfield – Government reform advocates told a panel of state lawmakers recently that Illinois has some of the weakest governmental ethics rules in the country and that lawmakers should put more teeth into them if they hope to regain the trust of the public.

“For me, the disheartening part of all of it is not that so many lawmakers at all levels of government have strayed so far from the rules and have overshadowed the good work of ethical lawmakers, but that so many across our state kind of react to this news with a shrug,” said Georgia Logothetis, assistant director of the watchdog group Common Cause Illinois. “It’s a kind of disheartened acceptance that, well, this is just the way things work in Illinois.”

Logothetis was part of a panel of reform advocates who testified before the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform. The commission was formed last year in the wake of federal investigations that led to indictments against three sitting state lawmakers, two of whom have since resigned.

The recent hearing, the third since the panel was formed, focused on the state’s Governmental Ethics Act, and specifically its provisions dealing with conflicts of interest and financial disclosure requirements.

While some states specifically prohibit lawmakers and other public officials from acting on issues in which they have a direct financial interest, Illinois has no such provision.

In fact, the only thing the Illinois law says about conflicts of interest is that when they arise, lawmakers “should consider the possibility of eliminating the interest causing the conflict.”

“If that is not feasible,” the statute continues, “he should consider the possibility of abstaining from such official action.”

Marie Dillon, policy director for the Better Government Association, a Chicago-based advocacy group, said that law was the result of a 1965 study commission that initially recommended mandatory rules, along with penalties and public reporting for violators. Those suggestions were rejected by lawmakers at the time.

“So, we ended up with a law that leaves it up to individual legislators to decide if they have a conflict of interest and, if so, what to do about it,” Dillon said. “As a taxpayer, I have to say emphatically, that’s not good enough.”

Nicholas Birdsong, a policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said conflict of interest laws vary widely among the states. He said 35 states require lawmakers to recuse themselves from votes in which they have a conflict of interest and 13 states, including Illinois, leave the decision up to the lawmaker.

In Tennessee, where the rules are different in each chamber, the state House has a mandatory recusal policy and the state Senate has a discretionary policy.

Utah, Birdsong said, requires legislators to vote if they are present, regardless of whether they have a conflict.

Birdsong said some states have adopted the idea that lawmakers should be able to vote, even if they have a conflict of interest, because “legislators are elected and they’re obligated to vote according to the will of their constituents regardless of whether or not it serves or hurts their

Former Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon says the state should require more financial disclosure from lawmakers during recent testimony before the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform at the Capitol in Springfield.

Capitol News Illinois photo

by Peter Hancock

interest, and so having these sort of mandatory recusal rules essentially limits their ability to do their jobs.”

Many of those testifying also called for updating and expanding the Statement of Economic Interests forms that public officials in Illinois are required to fill out.

“The interesting thing about this document to me is, I’m not sure it adequately assesses what the interests are,” said Brad Cole, executive director of the Illinois Municipal League.

As an example, Cole pointed to one question on the form that asks what other units of government the person filing the form has worked for in the preceding year.

“It doesn’t say what you do for that unit of government, and that makes me wonder what is the interest,” he said.

“If you are employed, what are you doing? What is the interest that you might have with the unit of government.”

Other questions on the form ask filers to identify the names of businesses in which they have an ownership interest; the names of professional organizations in which they are an officer or director; the nature of any professional services they rendered for which they were paid more than $5,000; the identity of significant capital assets they own; and the name of any lobbyist with whom they have a “close economic association.”

Others pointed out that people filling out the form do not have to disclose outstanding debts or credits, any real estate holdings they may have other than their home, or how much income they derive from sources that might present a conflict of interest.

Former Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, who served from 2011 to 2015 under then-Gov. Pat Quinn, said reporters often refer to the current document as a “none sheet” because people can write the word “none” on virtually all of the questions, even though they might still have significant outside interests.

She argued that the form should be designed in a way that is useful to the public rather than in a way that protects the privacy of public officials.

“I’d ask you to step back and look at how it’s going to affect people back home,” she said. “How is it going to affect not just members of the state House and Senate, but how is it going to affect people who are on the city council and the county board and the library district and everyone who is a constituent of those elected people who would like to know, does the person who’s proposing the new library board have an interest in the property where they’re going to build the new library?”

The joint commission so far has not made any recommendations for new ethics laws. Its final report to the General Assembly is due March 31.

But Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker made a forceful plea in his recent State of the State Address that he expects lawmakers to pass “real, lasting ethics reform this legislative session.”

“I think that message coming from the leader of our state is one of the strongest messages that can take place,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, a member of the commission, said after the meeting.

The shuttered Central Arms Motel in Bronzeville was among the few motels in the neighborhood 40 years ago when housing choices for blacks were limited. Photo credit: Wendell Hutson

Housing Choices for Blacks Has Fallen and Risen Continued from page 1

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

There used to be a time when blacks had to be careful where they lived in Chicago and the suburbs because segregation had divided people up based on their race and economic status.

To some degree, housing is still based largely on race and income even though The Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) outlawed such measures. Under this federal law, it is illegal to refuse to sell or rent a dwelling to any person because of religion, sex, familial status, race, color, disability, or national origin.

From 1910 to 1930, the “Great Migration” occurred and brought large numbers of blacks to Chicago from the South.

In fact, from 1940 to 1960, blacks began coming to Chicago in droves (which historians said was around 60,000) hoping to find good, paying industrial jobs.

But Chicago’s housing market grew thus pushing blacks seeking housing to what was called the “Black Belt” located between 12th and 79th streets and Wentworth and Cottage Grove Avenues.

And such overcrowding resulted in poor housing conditions for blacks, which was the goal of whites, according to Timuel Black, a 100-year-old historian.

He said the game plan all along was to keep blacks out of good neighborhoods and lump blacks together in one concentrated area.

These days, a millennial wouldn’t know what a “kitchenette” is but Black said, “those of us old enough to remember can tell you it was not an ideal place to live.”

With supply not being able to keep

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

up with demand, landlords opted to divide up apartments also known as kitchenettes and then charged ridiculous rents for units with no bathrooms.

Fast forwarding to nearly 30 years later, local housing choices for blacks improved after years of decline.

The Chatham neighborhood on the South Side has historically been a middle-class area where blacks “with a little money” would move to once they “made it,” explained former U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, who has lived in Chatham since 1963.

“I remember as a young man I would drive through Chatham and look at all the beautiful homes and say to myself ‘one day I will live here.’ And wouldn’t you know it, I have been a Chatham resident now for almost 60 years,” Burris told the Citizen. “For as far as I can remember, Chatham has always been a predominately black neighborhood although I am beginning to see a few whites walking their dogs in the area, so I guess the neighborhood is diversifying and that’s good.”

According to census data, Chatham has a population of 32,844 whose residents are 97 percent black, 2 percent white and 1 percent Hispanic.

Burris, an 83-year-old husband, father and grandfather, lives in the same home he bought in 1972 from the late gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.

“I bought this home January 30, 1972 and Mahalia died Jan. 27, three days before the sale was to become final,” recalled Burris, who was a real estate attorney at the time. “Her family tried to stop the home from being sold but it was too late because a contract for the home was already in place. It is my Continued on page 8

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BUSINESS

CITY OF CHICAGO

CONSTRUCTION SUMMIT 2020

F E B R U A RY 1 9 , 2 0 2 0 M a l c o l m X C o l l e g e | 1 9 0 0 W. J a c k s o n B l v d . | 1 0 a m - 2 p m Americans are carrying $13.95 trillion in total household debt, according to 2019 data from the Center for Microeconomic Data.

Come out and receive details about upcoming construction contracting opportunities and employment resources!

S P E A K T O K E Y S TA F F F R O M :

City of Chicago Cook County State of Illinois City Sister Agencies

Assist Agencies Support Organizations Employment & Labor

R E G I S T E R N O W AT

W W W. C H I C A G O . G O V / C O N S T R U C T I O N

Ilyce Glink and ThinkGlink Announce New Credit Education Series, Sponsored by Equifax Americans are carrying $13.95 trillion in total household debt, according to 2019 data from the Center for Microeconomic Data — this includes credit card debt, mortgages, home equity lines of credit and auto loans.

In a new 5-part Credit 101 series, Ilyce Glink explores common questions about credit reports and credit scores. The series, sponsored

by Equifax, will help consumers better understand their credit reports, explain the various types of credit scores and how a consumer’s credit history may influence their ability to get approved for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards or other credit accounts.

The series is designed to help consumers make more informed decisions in pivotal financial moments of their lives.

Below is a preview of the first article in the series. Read the full article on ThinkGlink.com.

Part 1: What’s in your credit reports?

Your credit reports summarize your history of borrowing and paying back debt. They help prospective lenders and creditors evaluate how you’ve handled repaying debt in the past which can in turn help them decide whether to offer you credit and at what terms.

Although each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies formats and reports your information in a slightly different way, credit reports generally include the following: Personal identifying information.

This includes identifiers such as your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth.

Credit accounts. This includes

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

open lines of credit, including mortgages, installment loans, revolving accounts and other loans.

Credit inquiries. This section lists companies that have accessed your credit history.

Potentially negative information.

Your reports may include a section on potentially negative information such as bankruptcies.

It’s a good idea to check your credit reports regularly to ensure they’re accurate and complete and to make sure you recognize all of the accounts and activity on the report.

You can create a myEquifax account (at www.myEquifax.com) to receive six free Equifax credit reports each year. Or you can click “Get my free credit score” on your myEquifax dashboard to enroll in Equifax Core Credit™ for a free monthly Equifax credit report and a free monthly VantageScore® 3.0 credit score, based on Equifax data.

A VantageScore® is one of many types of credit scores.

As a syndicated financial journalist, media personality and Founder/ CEO of an award-winning financialwellness company, Glink has spent her career empowering consumers by providing them with accessible, comprehensive financial information.

She chose to work in partnership with Equifax, an industry-leader in consumer credit education. In the new education series, she’ll provide easy, accessible answers to some of the most common credit questions.

The series will update weekly on Ilyce’s website at thinkglink.com.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 12, 2020

MIKE GETS IT.

MIKE GETS IT DONE.

THE ENDURING LEGACY OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION CONTINUES TO STAND IN THE WAY OF CREATING WEALTH IN BLACK COMMUNITIES.

MIKE’S GREENWOOD INITIATIVE IS A COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL APPROACH TO CREATING GENERATIONAL WEALTH FOR BLACK AMERICANS. IT INCLUDES:

CHILDREN WITH A GOOD EDUCATION ARE MORE LIKELY TO ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM. KEEPING KIDS OUT OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS THE KEY TO A BRIGHT FUTURE.

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Creating 1 million new Black homeowners.

Supporting the development of 100,000 new Black-owned businesses.

Investing $70 billion in neighborhoods that need it most.

DURING HIS TIME AS MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY, MIKE:

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Increased teacher salaries by 43% and Black student graduation rates by 53%.

Reduced crime to historic lows by cutting the murder rate in half and reducing juvenile detention by 36%.

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In Celebration Of Black History Month

MWRD President Kari. K. Steele shares history making ceremony with the Raising of the Black Heritage Flag. MWRD for the first-time in their 130 -year history raised the Black Heritage Flag as an expression of their support for the Black Community and their commitment to diversity.

The Chicago "300' Black Women, Network Celebrated Chicago's leading Black and small business Professionals The Chicago “300” Black Women, Network celebrated Chicago’s leading Black professional and small-business Professionals, at their 9th annual Top Influential Black Women Professionals Gala & Awards Ceremony at the Tuscany Falls Banquets. Pictured Bottom from left to right: Marissa Nelums; Angelina Hill; Mike and Parris Fitzpatrick; Ryenne Shaw, Esq; Dr. Tammy Hicks, PhD; Nakia Lee Samuels ; Ka’Tee Abercrombie; Mimi Johnson; Farrah Ollins; Tameki Warner; LaTrina Joshua . Top Back left to right: Jessica Boyd; Ryan Lee; Coresa Hill; LaKrisha Davis; Jerquette Balentine; Winter Balentine. Photo by: Billy Montgomery Media Videos

A Double Celebration For Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month and the birthday of Fernando Jones at the Chicago Center for Arts and Technology are: Kappa brother Judge Boyd; Retired State Senator Emil Jones; Fernando Jones; Retired Alderman Bob Fioretti. Photo by CREDD

Boykin Gets Support For Office

A countywide coalition of 100 Pastors and Faith Leaders came together to endorse Attorney Richard Boykin for Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

IL. Association of School Board Members Go To DC

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) recently held the 2020 Equity Symposium in Washington, DC. School boards from across the nation participated in workshops and lobby legislatures on Capitol Hill. The representatives discussed various issues affecting school districts in their states. Lobbying in the Congressional Office of US Congresswoman Robin Kelly are: Christina Dupee, SD; Dr. Donna Simpson-Leake, Vice-President Illinois School Boards and Superintendent 168; Allison McCray, VP SD 163; Kelly Fair, CEO Polish Pebbles, Inc; Carolyn Palmer, VP SD 159; US Congresswoman Robin Kelly; Michael Holmes, Int. VP Chicago State University; Attorney Patricia Brown Holmes; Mayor Varnard Alsberry, Hazelcrest, Illinois; Tammy Jones, President SD 168 ; Bernice Brown, Secretary SD 159.

Pictured are: Thomas Neeley, President IASB, Susan Hilton, Director Governmental Relations,; Tom Bertrand, Exec. Director IASB; Dr. William McClinton, President SD 159; Kieta McCloskey, President SD 156; Larry Lawrence, President SD 148; Janet Rogers, President SD152; Mable Chapman, SD 147; Tammy Jones, President SD 160 and Allisaon McCray, VP SD 163.

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NEWS

Smart Saving Strategies Family Features - Money management and building long-term financial health is a careful balancing act between long- and short-term financial needs, and now is a perfect opportunity to re-examine your goals.

People sometimes focus on short-term needs, making sure they can cover routine bills and living essentials. However, many Americans do not have the resources to cover an unexpected expense, much less save for the future.

Data from the U.S. Financial Health Pulse shows that Americans are savings-constrained, over-indebted and underinsured.

In fact, despite it being the longest period of economic expansion in modern times, 79% of Americans are not financially healthy, and many live paycheck to paycheck just to cover bills, rent and basic living expenses.

As a result, 60% of households are unprepared for a financial shock, with 41% unable to cover an unexpected $400 expense without borrowing money or selling a personal item. This makes saving incredibly challenging, especially for many low-income households.

“The data makes it quite clear that a significant segment of America is struggling to create a meaningful savings account, whether it’s intended as an emergency fund or a means of attaining a goal without incurring debt,” said Deborah Winshel, global head of

social impact at BlackRock.

Last year, the firm launched its Emergency Savings Initiative, a program designed to help people living on low incomes gain access to, and increase usage of, savings strategies and tools to help establish important safety nets.

As with any financial matter, there’s no one “right” way to save. Individual circumstances require a customized approach to determine the best method to fit needs. In addition to traditional saving methods, Common Cents Lab, Commonwealth and the Financial Health Network are working with financial institutions and other enterprises on an initiative to create new and experimental programs that address the challenges many consumers face when it comes to saving money.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider these options and consult with your credit union, employer or financial institution to learn more about the options available to fit your unique lifestyle and savings goals.

you to consistently funnel money into savings with a one-time setup process.

Automated Savings Often offered as an option through employer payroll, this approach allows you to designate a portion of your paycheck to be deposited in a savings account. Whether you choose to make it a flat amount or percentage of your income, it’s an easy method that allows

Windfall Moments When you receive a substantial amount of money from a source like a tax refund or a work bonus, it can be tempting to splurge on immediate needs or something fun, like a vacation. Allowing yourself to enjoy a portion of the money isn’t a bad idea, but you can also take advantage of the

Round Up Some financial institutions offer programs in which every transaction you make on your account, or perhaps just those made using your debit card, are rounded up to the nearest whole dollar. The difference between that whole dollar amount and your actual purchase amount is then directed into your savings account.

Prize-Linked Savings Marrying the fun of winning prizes and a savings account, this type of program incentivizes personal saving by offering an on-going, risk-free chance to win a prize, such as additional cash, by making savings account deposits. Promising both security and opportunity (and perhaps some fun), the amount deposited by the account holder is never at risk, unlike lotteries and games of chance.

As with any financial matter, there’s no one “right” way to save. Individual circumstances require a customized approach to determine the best method to fit needs. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

unplanned income as an opportunity to launch, or grow, your savings account.

Collective Savings Accountability is a common barrier to better saving habits, but when others are counting on you to contribute your share, there’s a greater level of responsibility at play. A collective savings account may be a good solution for a shared goal like a trip, special project or funding a special event for a loved one.

To learn more about the savings problem and some of the work being done to help employees, customers, gig workers and students take essential steps toward long-term financial well-being, visit savingsproject.org.

SOURCE: Financial Health Network

BLACK HISTORY

Housing Choices for Blacks Has Fallen and Risen Continued from page 3 desire to remain in this home forever.”

Jackson bought the 4,000-squarefoot home in 1956 when it had three bedrooms and one bath only to add space to the home and expand it to a four bedroom and two and a half bath house with no basement but a large attic.

Chatham is unique though because traditionally, it has always been a black neighborhood. However, Bronzeville is a different South Side neighborhood and is quickly changing into a very diverse community thanks largely to the Chicago Housing Authority’s Plan for Transformation in 2000. The plan included demolishing high-rise buildings and replacing them with two to three story mixed-income, apartment buildings.

As a result, Bronzeville, which is 5.2 miles from Downtown, has attracted a drove of middle to upper class families including many whites.

Gone is the former Ida B. Wells public housing complex at the corner of Pershing Road and Cottage Grove Avenue. The complex has been replaced with spacious apartments, townhomes and condominiums.

“Bronzeville is becoming the ‘new’ version of Hyde Park when you look at the housing available in the area,” contends Harriet Moore, 74, a Bronzeville resident since 1984. “I can tell you that blacks still dominate the population but whites are quickly discovering the neighborhood too.”

There are 24,014 residents in Bronzeville, according to census data, and the average household income is $50,157 and the median household income is $33,959.

“There’s not a lot of poor people living in Bronzeville anymore since public housing was redeveloped in Chicago,” she added. “That’s why I say Bronzeville is looking more and more like Hyde Park, and soon it may be too expensive for common folks like myself, a retired school teacher, to live here.”

Beyond historically black neighborhoods like Chatham and Bronzeville, housing has shifted in other areas like Auburn Gresham on the South Side based on race.

“Auburn Gresham used to be a predominately white community but then a shift began around 1980 when whites were moving further west, and the dividing line was Damen Avenue

The Sutherland Building in Bronzeville is not only a historic building but has been redeveloped into an affordable housing complex. Photo credit: Wendell Hutson

and today it’s Western Avenue,” said Burris. “You’re not going to find too many black families living pass 87th and Western where suburbs like Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn begin.”

Sheryl Gilmore, 49, said she grew up in Auburn Gresham but now lives in Evergreen Park, “and I love it.”

The human resource executive said while Evergreen Park is mostly white, there are “a lot of middle-class, black families living here and we all get along just fine regardless of race,” she added. “My church and my job are in Chicago but my heart is suburban life.”

Not far from Auburn Gresham is Beverly, which has historically been a mostly white neighborhood. Today, its population is 20,815 residents including 56 percent white, 35 percent black and 5 percent Hispanic, according to

census data. There are very few apartment buildings in Beverly also, which could explain why blacks rarely relocate there, said Madison Carruthers, a Chicago real estate analyst.

“Research has shown that crime breeds mostly in neighborhoods saturated with rental units, and homeowners are more likely to report criminal activity and maintain their properties,” said Carruthers.

“But renters often do not care about maintaining property they do not own and will not report crimes even if they are a victim themselves.”

Other south suburbs have also been transformed since the early 1980s when whites started moving back to Chicago neighborhoods from Markham, Country Club Hills and Flossmoor, which all previously had a

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The historic Rosenwald Courts Building has been redeveloped into affordable housing units including some that are market rate units. Photo credit: Wendell Hutson

majority white population, but is now mostly black, according to census data.

June Isaac, 81, a Markham resident since 1995 remembers when Markham was mostly white but looks at it now and sees dilapidated homes, run down apartment buildings, vacant lots, closed up businesses and crime running rampant. “I moved to the suburbs from Roseland to escape the gangs, bad public schools and corrupt politicians. And after running away from what I thought were problems behind me, I am now dealing with here in Markham.

There’s no glory days here anymore and if I wasn’t old and stubborn, I would gather my things and move back to the city.”

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

LEGAL Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business nt he State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Nmber: Y2003120 on FEBRUARY 4, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of JL EVENTS AND DESIGN with the business located at 8008 S. RHODES AVE, CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60619. The tue and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s)/Partner(s) is: OWNER/PARTNER FULL NAME: LESA BEVIL Complete Address: 8008 S. Rhodes Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60619, USA __________________________________

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

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Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com

Classified Advertising call us at

(773) 783-1251

Display Advertising call us at

(773) 783-1251

Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor, Greater Grand Crossing, Burnside, Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

SOUTH END

Washington Heights, Roseland, Rosemoor, Englewood, West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

MISCELLANEOUS

Hiring Now

SOUTH SUBURBAN

Permanent employment 61/2

Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

Personal assistant Full-time,

TRAINING/EDUCATION AIRLINE CAREERS FOR NEW YEAR BECOME AN AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECH. FAA APPROVED TRAINING. FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED - JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. CALL AIM 800-481-8312 __________________________________

hours/day 5-days/week must have a valid driver’s license as driving is necessary. Please call

HELP WANTED

CREDIT REPAIR

JOB OFFER PERSONAL CAREGIVER ASSISTANT POSTION MUST HAVE DRIVER’S LICENSE CALL (773) 233-5678 ASK FOR PAUL CALL AFTER 6:00 P.M. _______________________________________

REAL ESTATE HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM _______________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ______________________________________

WANTED TO BUY Paying Cash For Comics! Top national comic buyer will be in your area, paying cash for vintage comics (1970 & earlier).

Call Will: 866-461-0640 __________________________________ Freon Wanted: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-598-1758 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com __________________________________

(773) 233-5678 After 6:00 P.M.

HYDE PARK

Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores, Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland, South Shore and Hyde Park.

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

RESTORING YOUR CREDIT SCORE STARTS WITH YOU. . .

CALL YOUR CREDIT MAINTENANCE GURU REPRESENTATIVE MR. FREDRICK TODAY AT CREDIT RESTORATION SERVICES AT (218) 833-3769 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m Monday thru. Friday DON’T HESITATE TO CALL US FOR A FAST AND FREINDLY REPAIR. LEAVE THE WORK TO US. WE CAN DO THE JOB. WE WORK TO CLEAN UP YOUR CREDIT SCORE WITH THE ALL THREE MAJOR CREDIT BUREAUS. _______________________________________

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger

Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually).

Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

12 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 12, 2020

“It’s About You, It’s About Me, It’s Actually All About Us… We should celebrate our history

“24/7-365”