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Week of September 20, 2017 | Vol 1 • No 5 • www.cstweekly.com

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SuburbanTimes

Community

Helping the Homeless and Hungry

Stephanie Hobson

As the winter approaches, Respond Now discusses how it’s getting services to people who need it most. More Inside Community > PAGE 3

w Plan A Memorable Family Vacation TRAVEL > P2 advertising@cstweekly.com

w How Muslim Americans are fighting Islamophobia and securing their civil rights POLITISCOPE > P3 stweekly@citizen6news

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September 20 2017

SuburbanTimes

ARTSCENE

CHICAGO TEENS HOST 4UBYU A variety of Chicago area teens developed the event for their peers and the public as an expression of what matters to them in each of their schools.

On September 16, 2017, at Throop Studios, located on 1500 N. Throop, Chicago area high school students came together to produce 4UBYU, an interactive gallery-style event featuring video installations, creative writings, and visual arts by more than 75 students. A variety of Chicago area teens developed the event for their peers and the public as an expression of what matters to them in each of their schools. Topics such as depression, teen pregnancy, body-image,

self-esteem, suicide and domestic violence were among the featured art expressions. The teens who produced the event came from schools across the city and suburbs, including Gwendolyn Brooks, Homewood-Flossmoor, Walter Peyton, King College Prep, Fenger Academy high school, Mather High School, South Shore International and more. The featured artists for the evening represented 100 finalists who were among the 2,642 students

who entered the 2016 Walgreens Expressions Challenge -- a peer-topeer education platform for teens to creatively express how they are impacted by today’s social issues such as self-esteem, sexual responsibility awareness, sexting, bullying and peer pressure. The event provided teens not only an opportunity to present their work to the public to create an impact and positive influence, but it also encouraged students to express their voice artistically.

TRAVEL

Plan A Memorable Family Vacation (NAPSI)—Multiple studies confirm that many Americans don’t take all their paid vacation days. One theory is that the pressure people put on themselves to plan a perfect getaway leads them to plan nothing at all. After all, dreaming of the perfect family vacation is one thing, actually planning it another.

they’re part of the process and reinforces the idea that sometimes things are planned just because it will make someone else happy. 2. Choose a special place to sleep. Traditional accommodations have plenty of perks, but seeking out truly unique places to stay, such as a tree house (they’re out there) or even a castle (it’s possible), can be what sets this year’s trip apart from all the rest. The good news? HomeAway.com can help you find both.

The Problem

Factors like where to go, what to do and how much to spend are all reasons vacation planning is daunting for many families, but a recent study found it may 3. Write down a daily help to skip the Internet memory. Bring along some research and call the kids printer paper and a nice instead. marker. Write the name of Your Kids May Have the the trip across the top—for Answer example, “Cape Cod 2017”— Family vacations can be more fun than ever when parents and children plan them out together. The Kidpinions study by then take turns each night The survey also showed that kids and parFamilyFun magazine and writing down one favorite HomeAway, the world’s leading online vacation ents share the same vacation vision. In fact, memory from the day. When you’re home, both parents and kids have “pool” as the most rental marketplace, surveyed hundreds of parscan it and upload it to a photo service such important amenity when choosing where to ents and kids. Nine out of 10 parents said their as Minted.com. It’ll clean up the smudges and stay, followed by having enough rooms for kids play a role in vacation planning. send you a frame-worthy digital print. everyone to claim their own. “People always ask adults their opinion, but With more than 2 million vacation homes for what’s really cool about including kids in the rent around the world, HomeAway is investing Tips For Your Trip research is that we found making memories is in finding out what kids and parents want on Elizabeth Shaw, editor in chief of Famijust as important to them as it is to their parvacation as part of its mission to help families lyFun magazine, offered advice on how to ents,” said Melanie Fish, HomeAway’s family disconnect from everyday life and spend time make the planning easier and a vacation more travel expert. “Young people value experiences reconnecting with each other. over ‘stuff,’ and families are planning vacations memorable. Learn More together.” 1. Let each person in the family plan a day. Forty-three percent of kid respondents said For further information on the Kidpinions Have each family member get a turn or two to they’d prefer to go on vacation rather than survey or on booking a vacation rental, visit choose what to do. It helps everyone feel like receive a physical gift for their next birthday. www.HomeAway.com.

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September 20 2017

SuburbanTimes

COMMUNITY

Respond Now helps the homeless, feeds the hungry CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

By Lisette Gushiniere

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development delivered its Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. Key findings of the report included data showing on any single night in 2016, 549,928 people were experiencing homelessness across the United States. A majority (68%) was staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, or safe havens, and 32 percent were in unsheltered locations, according to the report. Homelessness has no particular face, no particular name or personal profile, it can affect almost anyone at any given time. In fact, people who were once living off of high to moderate incomes fell into homelessness during the subprime crisis as the rate of foreclosures increased. In late 2008 and early 2009, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), in collaboration with six other nonfor-profit organizations conducted an e-mail survey of organizations providing direct service to homeless populations. The survey’s primary aim was to establish whether or not communities were seeing an increase in homelessness due to the foreclosure crisis. The survey concluded that 79% of respondents stated that at least some of their clients were homeless as a result of foreclosure to homes. Moreover, the survey found that there were 342,038 foreclosure filings on US properties in April 2009, a 32% increase from April 2008. When performing her job as HUB Coordinator at Respond Now, Stephanie Hobson uses three words to describe the organization’s mission: hunger, health and housing, but servicing clients with dignity, is high on the priority list. “My organization’s mission is in the name,” Hobson said. It’s to respond to basic human needs and rights, she added, including shelter, housing, food and clothing.

On any given day, from Country Club Hills to Crete to Flossmoor, among other cities, Respond Now serves clients in 22 different south suburbs. Working to alleviate hunger and homelessness for people at risk, the organization keeps over 125 families in their homes and helps more than 133 families with utility assistance. Other services include preparing bags of food, providing transportation for over 400 people to access services, and distributing school supplies and books. There’s no blanket description to describe who may be impacted by homelessness or food insecurity, Hobson said. “Some go to work everyday like you and me,” but there might be a “constant feeling of stress,” or self-imposed questions like, “How did I get here?” she said. As the colder months approach, dangerous conditions for the homeless rise as temperatures continue to drop. While nationwide statistics on those who die of hypothermia and other cold-related deaths are hard to track, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports between 1979-1990, 9362 deaths were attributed to excessive cold in the U.S. On one of the coldest nights this past January, Respond Now worked to identify people who needed shelter and refuge from the cold. Approximately 65 people, were given goodie bags, assessed on the spot and linked to possible housing opportunities. “We were able to do this with help and support of volunteers and several other social service agencies,” Hobson added. Those organizations included South Suburban Pads, Ford Heights Community Service Organization, Together We Cope and many others, she said. If you or someone you know needs help with housing or other basic needs, contact Respond Now at 708.755. HELP (4357). Additional resources can be found online by going to http://housingactionil.org/get-help/ resources-homeless/.

Respond Now serves 22 different south suburbs and assists with basic human needs including shelter, housing, food and clothing.

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POLITISCOPE

How Muslim Americans are fighting Islamophobia and securing their civil rights The past year has been a difficult one for American Muslims. According to a July 2017 Pew survey, 48 percent of Muslims Emily Cury report experiencing at least one incident of discrimination in the past 12 months. The Council on American-Islamic Relations and other Muslim advocacy organizations found these trends were particularly intense during the 2016

campaigns and the early months of the Trump presidency. And while the survey shows that Americans report warmer feelings toward Muslims today than they did in 2014, Muslims continue to be the most negatively rated religious group – followed closely by atheists. In fact, about half of Americans (49 percent) believe that at least

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“some” Muslim Americans are anti-American. As a scholar of religion and politics, I’ve studied how U.S. Muslim advocacy organizations have advanced their community’s integration in America. Their work reminds us that minorities in the U.S. are still struggling for civil rights.

Islamophobia in politics

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Spikes in anti-Muslim sentiments

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and hate crimes appear to correlate with elections cycles. This is not a coincidence. In recent years, politicians have increasingly relied on anti-Muslim rhetoric to mobilize voters. What was once considered unacceptable discourse by members of both parties has gradually been normalized, particularly among Republican candidates. During the 2016 presidential primaries, for example, Sen. Ted Cruz

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September 20 2017

SuburbanTimes

FOOD FABULOUS FOOD

Serve Sensational Sardine Flatbread FOOD PX (NAPSI)—Whether for lunch, dinner or as a party appetizer, sardine flatbread can do it all. You can go as simple or as fancy as you like with your toppings. For a special taste sensation, add chopped red onion or artichoke hearts.

Sardine Flatbread 2-4 servings 1 can King Oscar Skinless & Boneless Spanish Style Sardines, drained, oil reserved 1 prepared flatbread or pizza crust, about 12” diameter 8 oz prepared olive tapenade 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced 1 sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, sliced or chopped 1 oz Manchego or Parmesan cheese, shredded You won’t need to fish for compliments when you serve this savory Sardine Flatbread. Lemon zest and chopped parsley, optional This dish is not only delicious, it’s nutri2. Go for wild-caught: Food producers have Preheat oven to 400° F. Brush flatbread with tious, too. Consider this: The U.S. government reacted to depleted fisheries by “farming” reserved sardine oil, then spread with a thin recently revised its Dietary Guidelines for seafood, either on land in pools or in shoreline layer of tapenade. Layer vegetables thinly over Americans to strongly stress the need for pens. While this limits ocean overfishing, it flatbread. Top with chunked sardine fillets. can lead to other problems, such as sanitary Sprinkle with cheese. Bake assembled flatbread increased consumption of seafood. But which seafood? Concerns about overconditions, environmental hazards and crosson a nonstick cooking sheet for 10 minutes. fishingand environmental contamination may breeding with native species. Wild-caught fish Top with optional lemon zest and parsley make people unsure of their seafood choices, include sardines, mackerel, Pacific cod, wild and slice into desired serving sizes. Serve so here are two handy tips to make the choices trout and Pacific rockfish. immediately. clearer: Learn More 1. Seek sustainable fish: Some species of fish You can find other information on the Hints are in critical decline due to overfishing, so healthiest and most environmentally correct it’s best to eat fish from healthy, renewable seafood at www.seafoodwatch.org. For more Cut flatbread into smaller sizes and serve as sources such as sardines, Alaskan salmon, catrecipes and facts on fish, go to www.kingosan appetizer. Try with other sardine varieties fish, crab and Atlantic mackerel. car.com/recipes. for new and different flavors.

How Muslim Americans are fighting Islamophobia and securing their civil rights CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

called for law enforcement to “patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods.” Ben Carson claimed that Islam was incompatible with the Constitution. And former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal warned that some immigrants were trying to “change our fundamental culture and values and set up their own.” Then, candidate Donald Trump called for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” Many critics consider that statement the basis for his January 27 executive order banning immigration from seven Muslim majority countries. Muslim Americans are responding through organizations that represent their interests, and are increasingly visible, engaged and assertive. advertising@cstweekly.com

At the grassroots level, their presence is seen through the work of activists like Linda Sarsour, a co-sponsor of the 2017 Women’s March. At the policy level, Muslim advocacy organizations such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations also work to advance the community’s legislative agenda. Advocating for Muslim Americans There are an estimated 3.35 million Muslims in the U.S. A majority of them, 58 percent, are first-generation Americans who arrived in the U.S. after the passage of the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965. As these immigrants began to settle in the U.S., they established institutions. In fact, most Muslim advocacy groups were founded in the late 1980s and early stweekly@citizen6news

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1990s, but gained prominence in the post-9/11 era. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Muslim Public Affairs Council and the more recently established U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations are among the largest at the national level. By working on behalf of one of the most stigmatized religious minority groups, Muslim advocacy organizations aspire to uphold the most cherished of American ideals and values: liberty, equality and the inalienable rights of all citizens. They aim to make U.S. Muslims agents of their own narratives, fostering their civic engagement and strengthening the social fabric of our

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September 20 2017

SuburbanTimes

NEWS

End of DACA leaves Uncertainty for Immigrants

By Christopher Shuttlesworth

The Trump administration announced on Sept. 5 that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be phased out after six months, causing uncertainty for almost 800,000 immigrants. Former President Barack Obama established DACA in 2012 and offered a two-year renewable protection period from deportation and a work permit to immigrants who came to the United States before the age of 16 and complied with education and background check requirements. Luis Quiroz, a 27-year-old college student is one of many individuals who have benefited from the DACA program. Quiroz was born in Mexico, but his family moved to San Diego, California when he was sixmonths old. He said when he heard the news of DACA being phased out, his eyes were filled with tears. “Personally, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional stress,” Quiroz said. “My whole life, I have been devoted to the United States. I know no other home [besides] California.” He continued to explain that the DACA program has helped him obtain a good job to pay for college out-of-pocket and obtain a driver’s license. Immigrants protests over plans to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Photo Credit: United We Dream “It was one of the most freeing experi5, 2017 will still be processed normally.” ences both literally and figurality,” Quiroz Davenport advised people to contact legal services to said. “It gave me an identity that I could prove to the understand and learn more about their legal options and DACA two-year renewables that expire on Mar. 5, world that I was Luis Quiroz, a California resident.” immigrant benefits. Allison Davenport, a states attorney for the Immigrant 2018, are still allowed to renew for DACA a final time by “There is so much confusion and fear in these commuthe Oct. 5, 2017 deadline. Legal Resource Center (ILRC), said due to the DACA nities and we don’t want people to fall prey to fraudulent “This represents a major shift since so many people program now being phased out, any DACA recipient will service providers,” she said. “A great service provider have been enrolled in the program and renewed their still be protected under law until their two-year renewis Immigration Advocates Network, which provides a registration over the last five years,” Davenport said. able protection expires. national legal directory.” “We want to ensure people that there is no immediate “The Immigration Service will no longer accept new For more information, on legal services you can visit effect if they still have DACA and they will still be able to applications for the DACA program,” Davenport said. https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/ work via their work permit until it expires.” But anyone who had a DACA application on file by Sept. or https://www.immigrationequality.org.

SuburbanTimes

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nation.

Muslim American advocacy today For years, these organizations have encouraged and registered Muslim citizens to vote. More recently, they’ve begun encouraging them to run for office. These efforts are significant because many Muslims are not registered to vote, and only 44 percent of those who are voted during the 2016 elections. Muslim advocacy organizations are also actively bringing their community’s concerns to

the attention of elected officials. Some of their most recent lobbying efforts include calling on the House and Senate to support two bills. The No Religious Registry Act of 2017 (H.R. 489) would protect the constitutional rights of American Muslims. And Senate Bill 248 would block Trump’s travel ban on seven Muslim majority countries. They’ve also lobbied for the protection of immigrant communities and the cessation of religious and racial profiling. In particular, they have focused on building support for the BRIDGE Act, which would protect young undocumented

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immigrants from deportation, and the End Racial and Religious Profiling Act of 2017 (S.411), which would protect all Americans from discriminatory profiling by law enforcement. U.S. Muslims face serious challenges, but they are also increasingly motivated to confront them. Their efforts show how minority groups in America work to secure their collective interests and continue the process of building an inclusive democracy. Emily Cury is a Research Fellow in International Affairs and Middle East Studies at Northeastern University.

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NEWS

Wilson and Church Leaders Plan Fundraiser to Help Hurricane Victims

Illinois Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and local community leaders announced the 20th annual Chicago Football Classic, which will take place on Sept. 30 at Soldier Field. Photo Credit: Christopher Shuttlesworth

By Christopher Shuttlesworth

How Muslim Americans are fighting Islamophobia and securing their civil rights

September 20 2017

s national celebrities including the likes of Beyonce, Blake Shelton, Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey came together last week for a one-hour telethon to benefit the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, Dr. Willie Wilson, a humanitarian from the South Suburbs of Chicago, stepped up to join the cause. Pledging $100,000 of his own money, Wilson said, he and a group of local pastors will travel to Texas to help storm victims in Houston. On Aug. 25, Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm, landed in southeast Texas, dropping record-shattering rain resulting in extensive floods. Estimated damages for the U.S. have topped off at $75 billion, while CNN is reporting more than a million people have been

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displaced. During a press conference last week, Wilson was flanked by a group of local Chicago pastors who plan to help him raise the funds. The pastors have set a goal of raising between $50,000 and $100,000. Pastors plan to raise the funds over the next six weeks via church collections. Darryl K. Webster, pastor of the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, is expected to accompany Wilson on his trip to Houston and has already received a special church collection for the victims. Pastors in Houston will identify the families without homes or food, Wilson said. “Then they will send the victim’s contact information to us and we will pass out cash money to families,” he stated. Pastor Dr. Robert Patterson of Spirit of Truth Baptist Church and president of the

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Baptist Pastors Conference said, he’s asked his conference and local pastors to raise additional funds by Oct. 28th for Wilson’s cause. “This is what we do as Christians, citizens and clergymen to help the least of these,” Patterson said. “We must not forget that whatever God does, he does it for our good. Sometimes he does it to let us know that we must have a heart for the people.” Wilson will personally give the flood victims the money during a press conference on Oct. 29th at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, located on 4200 Lockwood Dr., in Houston, Texas, headed by Rev. Dr. Stan Hilliard. “We’re getting to the root of the whole situation,” Wilson said. “We realize that there are other organizations in Houston, but some of these things take common sense. You don’t have to require paper work to know that a family is hungry,” Wilson said.

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September 20 2017 8 SuburbanTimes

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