South End Citizen 2-12-2020

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Citizen Week of Feb. 12, 2020

| Vol. 53 | No. 1 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH END

BLACK HISTORY FOCUS

Housing Choices for Blacks Has Fallen and Risen PAGE 3

BUSINESS

Ilyce Glink and ThinkGlink Announce New Credit Education Series, Sponsored by Equifax PAGE 4

The Administration Clock Tower Building, located on 11057 S. Cottage Grove is part of the Pullman National Monument. Griggs Mitchell and Alma have been awarded $5.8 million to restore and preserve the building so it can be turned into a Visitor Center. Photo Credit: National Park Service

NEWS

Smart Saving Strategies PAGE 8

LOCAL CONSTRUCTION FIRM TO RESTORE CLOCK TOWER BUILDING IN PULLMAN Griggs Mitchell and Alma Construction is a minority and veteran-owned construction group in Chicago.

They were recently awarded a $5.8 million contract to preserve and restore the Administration Clock Tower Building at the Pullman National Monument at 11057 S. Cottage Grove. PAGE 2

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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.”

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.

Griggs Mitchell and Alma have been awarded a $5.8 million contract to renovate the Administration Clock Tower Building in Pullman. It will become a Visitor Center. Photo Credit: National Park Service

Local construction firm to restore Clock Tower Building in Pullman Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Griggs Mitchell and Alma Construction is a minority and veteran-owned construction group in Chicago. They were recently awarded a $5.8 million contract to preserve and restore the Administration Clock Tower Building at the Pullman National Monument at 11057 S. Cottage Grove.

The site will be used as a Visitor Center for the Pullman National Monument, which became part of the National Park Service in 2015.

Griggs, Mitchell and Alma was started in 2009, then rebooted in 2015.

There are offices in Dallas, Texas and New York City.

“We deal with the three deficits in Black and brown communities, affordable housing, healthcare and education,” he said.

Pullmann, Griggs Mitchell and Alma are responsible for the Cabrini-Green Redevelopment, St. Edmund’s Tower Annex, Gads Hill Center: Brighton Park, Dolton Public Library, Austin Family Health Center and Ashland Family Health Center.

They have also done a large amount of

affordable housing projects in Charlotte, NC. Cornelius Griggs, founder and president, grew up in Austin and served in the military.

“When the opportunity to work with National Park Service came about, it fit some of the work we already do,” he said. “Pullman is an extremely important neighborhood to Chicago.”

Griggs said the construction firm offered a different dynamic being veteran and minority owned, along with a proven history of doing the work. He said they were found to be the most qualified contractor and were awarded the contract at the end of 2019.

Griggs said while the group had an initial meeting with the National Park Service, they are waiting for the official notice to proceed. Once the office notice is approved, they will start construction, which they anticipate will start in mid-to-late February. The work has to be completed within 300 calendar days.

Griggs said they will start with the exterior of the 30,000 sq. ft. building.

“This is extremely important for us,” he said. “It’s going to be one of the highlights for us in our portfolio.”

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The project is being funded by the National Park Service and its donors, along with a National Park Service Centennial Challenge Grant. The goal of the grant is to prepare National Parks for another 100 years of preservation and conservation for the public to enjoy.

According to the National Park Service’s website, the Visitor Center is scheduled to open Spring 2021. The Administration Clock Tower Building was damaged by fire in 1998. The state of Illinois reconstructed the building in 2005 and it has been unoccupied since that time.

“The National Park Service is thrilled to be a partner in the revitalization of Pullman’s history and the neighborhood,” Sue Bennett, acting superintendent of Pullman National Monument said in a release. “In many ways, Pullman is a nationally significant cultural resource, with a fascinating history that provides relevant insight to today’s current events. We expect Pullman will soon become a destination for new visitors throughout Chicagoland and the nation, while encouraging return adventures for others.”

CITIZEN | South End | Week of Feb. 12, 2020

NEWS

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BLACK HISTORY

How Summit Learning is Enhancing Teacher-Student Mentoring Teachers are at the heart of Summit Learning classrooms, and mentoring is an essential part of the Summit Learning experience.

To date this school year, teachers, school staff, and students have held more than 3.8 million minutes of in-person mentoring within the Summit Learning program—the equivalent of watching more than 31,600 two-hour movies.

More than 80,000 students are enrolled in the Summit Learning program, which is designed so that each student meets regularly with a teacher or other adult in the school who serves as a resource for that student’s academic, mental, social, and overall development. This mentoring model provides individualized support to students and creates a deeper connection to the school community—inspiring students to achieve their own success.

Traci McCullough, a teacher at Chicago International Charter Schools (CICS) Bucktown, Managed by Distinctive Schools, which is participating in Summit Learning, said in a news release, that the opportunity to mentor her students is invaluable.

“I genuinely believe that as educators, you are to teach the whole child. I had a student who was excelling in all of her classes, but was not happy. Making friends and communicating with peers and teachers was a struggle. This student is quiet, well behaved, and very bright; she is a student who would fall between the cracks. I was aware of her struggle, because I had the opportunity to be her mentor,” said McCullough. More stories and teacher-student mentoring experiences are available on the Summit Learning website.

The Summit Learning program fosters richer, more meaningful relationships between teachers and students and students and their peers. The technology which supports the program, the Summit Learning Platform, helps empower teachers to enhance the quality of student-teacher interactions by helping teachers develop a more holistic perspective of how students are doing across classes, support student learning, as well as receive input from students on what they want to talk about in advance of one-on-one mentoring sessions.

“Teachers say that mentoring is often the most powerful part of Summit Learning because it gives them the opportunity to develop strong, trusting relationships with students. Mentoring also

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

Founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg in 2015, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) is a new kind of philanthropy that’s leveraging technology to help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges—from eradicating disease, to improving education, to reforming the criminal justice system. Zuckerberg (left) is shown with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in 2016.

helps students develop the habits of effective learners, including goal-setting, help-seeking, and reflection,” said Andrew Goldin, executive director of T.L.P. Education, which runs the Summit Learning program. “Over the past five years, we have worked with hundreds of schools to implement high-quality mentoring, demonstrating that this strategy can be effective in a wide variety of education settings.”

CZI Head of Education Sandra Liu Huang says that the Summit Learning Platform was designed and developed with supporting deeper relationships between teachers and students in mind, “Our work in education provides teachers with the tools and resources so they can ensure every student can get an education that’s tailored to their unique academic and developmental needs. As part of this work, we are proud to have partnered with educators to build tools into the Summit Learning Platform to help them to more deeply engage students in mentoring sessions.”

Teachers are at the heart of Summit Learning classroom, leading collaborative projects, developing deep relationships with students, and inspiring students to achieve their own success.

Since the launch of the mentoring check-in feature during the 201819 school year, Summit Learning students have received over 8.9 million minutes of mentoring.

The value of students being mentored by trusted adults is clear,

and Summit Learning also encourages student collaboration and informal mentoring. A student collaboration feature on the Summit Learning platform uses technology to encourage students to connect in person with peers who can offer help on challenging assignments.

Since implementing this feature on the Summit Learning platform, more than 88,000 students have provided help to their peers.

About Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg in 2015, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) is a new kind of philanthropy that’s leveraging technology to help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges—from eradicating disease, to improving education, to reforming the criminal justice system. Across three core Initiative focus areas of Science, Education, and Justice & Opportunity. For more information, visit www.chanzuckerberg.com.

About Summit Learning Summit Learning is managed

by T.L.P. Education, a nonprofit organization guided by the vision that all educators should be empowered to meet the needs of all of their students. Working with Teachers, Learners, and education Partners, T.L.P. Education provides knowledge, tools, and training to schools across the country through the Summit Learning Program.

Learn more at https://www.summitlearning.org/about-us.

Housing Choices for Blacks Has Fallen and Risen

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 | South End | 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.

• • •

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:

• •

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%.

MIKE BLOOMBERG IS THE ONLY DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WITH A PLAN TO BUILD REAL WEALTH FOR BLACK AMERICA AND A TRACK RECORD FOR GETTING THINGS DONE. For more information visit

M i ke Fo r B l a c k A m e r ic a .co m

Paid For by Mike Bloomberg 2020

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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.

Stay Connected , Visit Us Online At: www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South End | Week of Feb. 12, 2020

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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

Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com

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

Classified Advertising call us at

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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 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 __________________________________

HELP WANTED 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 __________________________________

Hiring Now

SOUTH SUBURBAN

hours/day 5-days/week

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

Personal assistant Full-time, Permanent employment 61/2 must have a valid driver’s license as driving is necessary. Please call

HYDE PARK

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

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

CREDIT REPAIR

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

CHICAGO WEEKEND

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 | South End | 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”