Chicago Defender 103118

Chicago and suburbs $1 Volume 113 No. 27 | October 31 - November 6, 2018

CHICAGO DEFENDER

George’s Beverage Depot Page 7

Go Vote!

What millennials are doing to get their peers to the polls.

Inside: CIty Vote Supplement POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA

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City News Fifth Third Bank Increases Its Commitment to the Chicago Area Fifth Third Bancorp recently announced a $2 billion increase in its fiveyear, companywide Community Commitment, expanding it from $30 billion to $32 billion. The $2 billion increase will be invested entirely in greater Chicago, enlarging the Bank’s local commitment from $3.6 billion to $5.6 billion. The increase in the Commitment reflects Fifth Third’s planned expansion in the Chicago-area market.

The announcement represents the second increase in the Bank’s commitment since it was originally communicated in February 2016, having been increased from $27.5 billion to $30 billion in November 2016. The $30 billion plan was developed with the National Community Reinvestment Corporation (NCRC) after in-depth consultative sessions with more than 200 community organizations. At the halfway mark (June 30, 2018), Fifth Third had delivered $17.1 billion under the plan, which runs through 2020.

“We are committed to all the markets we serve, and we’re especially focused on improving lives in greater Chicago, where we plan to expand significantly in the coming years,” said Greg D. Carmichael, chairman, president & CEO of Fifth Third Bancorp. “The Fifth Third Chicago team has worked closely with local community organizations and business associations to drive positive change for many years. This work -- including the $2.1 billion the team has already delivered as part of our original Commitment

announced in 2016 -- is inspiring. We expect to deliver the remaining $1.5 billion, plus this additional $2 billion, within the initial time frame that runs through the end of 2020.”

Eric S. Smith, regional president for Fifth Third in Chicago, said, “This additional investment reflects leadership’s confidence that we will continue our track record of strong commercial and consumer bank business. It also is a clear expression of our determination to increase and deepen our investment in greater Chicago.”

The enhanced $32 billion Community Commitment includes: * $200 million more in mortgage credit access in the Chicago area, from $1.166 billion to $1.366 billion. * $1.1 billion more in small business lending loans and investments in the Chicago area, increasing from $1.360 billion to $2.460 billion. * $600 million more in community development loans in the Chicago area, up from $968 million to $1.568 billion. * $65 million more in Fifth Third Community Development Corporation (CDC) investments in the Chicago area, up from $148 million to $213 million. * Additionally, Fifth Third Bank is committing to $54.8 million more in additional facility investments, service and marketing in the Chicago area.

For more detailed information, go to: www.53.com.

Contributing Editor: Sharice Bradford Contributing Writers: Rick and Brenda McCain, Charles Preston, Deborah Bayliss, Marshelle Sanders Photographer: Worsom Robinson ADVERTISING

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Students (from l-r) Hasan Lipscomb, Antonio Finley, TyVon Jones, Yetunde Arogundade and Diate Jackson recently received an award for their business idea, DesignAhhJeans.

Five local teens were named winners in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship’s newest advanced course, Entrepreneurship 2 Competition, after recently battling against student-entrepreneurs from across the globe in New York City. Yetunde Arongudade, 18, Antonio Finley, 19, TyVon Jones, 19, Diate Jackson, 18, and Hasan Lipscomb, 18, received $2,500 for their business idea called DesignAhhJeans, which customizes jeans based on the unique style of clients. The students were judged by successful business owners.

“We congratulate this year’s win-

ners and commend all the competitors.

Participating in our national finals is an accomplishment whether or not you take home the top prize. It’s a highly demanding, highly competitive day of back-to-back pitching. They’re an extraordinary group of young people, who demonstrate the kind of creativity and initiative it takes to be a successful entrepreneur,” said Shawn Osborne, President and CEO of NFTE. “But those are qualities NFTE students and alumni are known for. Our programs help young people build business skills and develop their entrepreneurial mindset, so they can thrive–in business and in life.”

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Eva Maria Lewis

South Side Student Represents US at Human Rights Defenders World Summit in France On October 29-31, 2018, Eva Maria Lewis will be representing the United States of America at the Human Rights Defenders World Summit in Paris, France. Eva Maria is a 19-yearold award-winning student, activist, and artist from the South Side of Chicago.

She is most known for her work with The I Project, a non-profit organization aiming to create equitable communities, which she founded when she was 16 years old. A student at the University of Pennsylvania on a full-ride scholarship, Eva aims to use her education to create tangible solutions to gun violence in pertinence to lack of resources. The Human Rights Defenders World Summit will bring delegates from 160 countries to discuss human rights issues. Eva Maria will be speaking on the “Americas” panel, alongside human rights activists from Latin America, to discuss youth-led movements in the United States, as well as the state of Black and Brown people in the country. The Summit is organized by eight international human rights organizations, and will be attended by highly recognized international leaders, including officials from the United Nations.

Vacant Lots for Sale in Chicago The City of Chicago is selling 4,000 vacant lots for $1 each. The lots are located on the South, Southwest and West Sides of the City. The lots are available through Chicago’s Large Lots program created by Mayor Emanuel in 2015. For more information visit: www. largelots.org.

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Cover Story

Go Vote!

What Millennials Are Doing To Get Their Peers to Vote

By Charles Preston Will there be a transition to Defender Contributing Writer the polls? Absolutely, according to several organizations that are committed to pushing Black milIt’s election season in Chicago! lennials and generation-Z to the Cue the political rallies, fund- polls: raisers, candidate forums, corporate endorsements, big money ads, pompous rhetoric, mudslinging, petition-signing, yard signs, and –– for young people –– a constant reminder that they better vote. But have youth heard—and acted upon—that message?

The upcoming elections are clearly a serious matter. The gubernatorial election features two Good Kids Mad City billionaire candidates who have Good Kids Mad City (GKMC) both had their share of nationally originated after high school stupublicized controversies. dents across the country led Both candidates have also national walkouts following the spent unprecedented amounts of Parkland shootings earlier this money on their campaigns (early in year. Named after rapper Kendthe race, ABC 7 reported that the rick Lamar’s classic work “good candidates were spending $300K kid m.A.A.d city,” the group’s a day on their campaigns.). Im- Twitter bio reads “We are Black portant measures on the ballots and Brown young people united include: term limits, paid vacation, in fighting to end violence in our marijuana legalization, and mini- cities. We call for more resourcmum wage. es to underserved communities.”

The November ballot is as sig- GKMC identifies voting and elecnificant as the previous ballots, but toral politics as integral in acquir- Chicago Votes Community Engagement Coordinator Erica Nanton (r) and Rapper King Louie. there is something unique about ing the resources needed for vithe current Chicago political cli- olence prevention. In addition to mate. For almost a half-decade waging protests that highlight gun ily in electoral politics. The orga- ating a process that ensures that Chicago’s young people have been violence, the youth-led organizanization is responsible for voter pre-trial detainees can cast their protesting a variety of issues –– tion has taken the streets to canregistration drives for young peo- ballot during elections. laying bodies on concrete against vass Black communities in hopes ple in Cook County and Chicago 2. The Illinois Department of police brutality, taking trips to the to raise consciousness around and pushing a Voting Rights Bill Corrections and each county jail Illinois legislature to question the voting. These street canvassers for the incarcerated (HB4469) must provide eligible citizens reChicago Votes absence of a state budget, em- attempt to have registered voters Chicago Votes is an organiza- into Springfield. They advocate for leased from their custody a voter phatically chanting about educa- sign voter pledge cards –– cards registration application. tion dedicated to informing and three key aspects in voting: tion during rallies at the Thompson symbolizing a registered voter’s 1.

County jails and election autraining young people in learning Center. commitment to vote. continued on page 4 the basics of democracy, primar- thorities must collaborate in creTHE CHICAGO DEFENDER www.chicagodefender.com October 31 - November 6, 2018 3

Cover Story

Good Kids Mad City encouraging others to vote.

Go Vote, continued from, Page 03

3. The Illinois Department of Corrections to provide citizens released from their custody detailed information about their voting rights.

Governor Rauner vetoed the bill after it passed both chambers with bi-partisan support.

Despite the governor’s veto, Chicago Votes is still churning out effective voter education programs and civic engagement events for the millennial voter. “Millenials are at a point that they have the power to decide what politicians look like,” says Erica Nanton, a Chicago Votes Community Engagement Manager. “I’m not just talking about the color of their skin. We’re talking actually influencing culture. We can decide on their style of dress, how they talk, and what they talk about. Millennials have the power to completely shift this dynamic.”

Nanton points to the Chicago Votes “Give A Sh!t” campaign as a testament to a reimagining of political engagement for younger generations. The campaign brings civic engagement and political discourse to popular and nonconventional events. “Why can’t we engage politically at a party?” questions Nanton. “Why can’t we 4 October 31 - November 6, 2018

have conversations on voting at places where we want to be? One of the reasons many young people do not participate is because the political ether is boring and stuffy.”

The “Give A Sh!t” campaign brings politics to unexpected venues like streetwear fashion shows, music concerts and happy hour at bars. “Give A Sh!t” even partnered with the Chicago’s Women’s March for a “Parade to the Polls” event that featured live performances from local Chicago musicians. “This is our time for us to create the world we want to live in,” says Nanton.

Chantel Grant with Revin Fellows, State Rep. LaShawn Ford and Enoch Muhammad.

Level Up & Vote “You have to meet the people on the block and speak their language because they feel disconnected to politics,” says Chantal Grant, co-founder of Level Up & Vote. “I try to continue the work of Josie Childs and so many others before me. They would be trying to push our people to polls at my age because there are important

issues that need to be addressed.”

Level Up & Vote is a Black-led initiative that aims to bring untapped Black voters to the polls, especially the young voter. The organization partnered with WVON to host a Thursday night radio show highlighting young voices airing their grievances about politics but also informing Black audiences civic engagement; this is one of its many collaborations.

“We like to be intergenerational in our approach because the www.chicagodefender.com

young people should set aside ego and listen to wisdom,” says Grant.

“But elders need to know that we’re going to be the ones who lead our people into a new world.”

As an example of its intergenerational approach, Level Up & Vote partners with “10 x 10 to Win” in its effort to establish a Black voting bloc, and it supports the Coalition of African American Leaders (COAL) in its monthly power breakfast series.

In Chicago, young people are

pushing their peers to the polls.

Many do recognize the importance in voting as well as the history tied to it. Perhaps, those that refrain from the process need someone who looks like them to help them get engaged or feel represented.

Nanton believes this to be the case, “Right now we are living in the imagination of the people who participated in this process. We have to see ourselves involved in this process –– participating –– to get our young people involved.”

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Community Chicagoans Speak Out at Last Public Hearings on Police Reform Plan

By Nissa Rhee, Yazmin Emilia Dominguez and Maggie Sivit City Bureau For two days last week, a courtroom in downtown Chicago was transformed into a forum for citizens’ griefs, hopes and fears about the Chicago Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert Dow called the hearings so members of the public could comment on the proposed police consent decree before it is finalized.

The decree, a court-enforced agreement between the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, could dramatically change how policing is done in Chicago. It draws upon the recommendations from the Police Accountability Task Force’s 2016 report and the Department of Justice’s 2017 investigation into the CPD’s unconstitutional use of force.

Mothers whose sons had been shot and killed by police officers, faith leaders and decades-long veterans of the CPD were among the nearly 100 people who came to voice their opinions on the decree and how policing is done in Chicago.

“We must end the assumption that Black and Brown men are a target regardless of whether they wear a hoodie or sport a sag in their pants or wear a three-piece suit … I am tired of paying higher and higher taxes partly due to the payments to families abused by the CPD.” Rev. Lisa Goods Here is some of what they had to say: On how the police treat people of color “We must end the assumption that Black and Brown men are a target regardless of whether they wear a hoodie or sport a sag in their pants or wear a threepiece suit … I am tired of paying higher and higher taxes partly due to the payments to families abused by the CPD.” - Rev. Lisa Goods, member of the Community Renewal Society “During my interrogation, it became clear that the police didn’t have to prove I was guilty, I had to prove that I was innocent.” - Michael Harrington of Network 49, who said he was arrested after being falsely accused of a shooting On police abuse “How many times can we hear [from

Chicago Urban League Receives $1 Million Grant from MacArthur Foundation The Chicago Urban League has been awarded a $1 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to fund infrastructure improvements, including building and technology upgrades that will enable the organization to better meet the needs of its clients.

“We are extremely grateful to the MacArthur Foundation for this investment in the future of the Chicago Urban League and our communities,” said Barbara Lumpkin, the League’s Interim President and CEO. “With hundreds of individuals visiting the League each week, our building serves as a resource to the community. We want to ensure that it is equipped to properly serve our constituents in today’s technologically advanced society, while appropriately meeting today’s environmental and energy demands.”

The Chicago Urban League’s four-story, 40,000 square-foot headquarters, located at 4510 S. Michigan Avenue, has not had significant upgrades since it opened THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

in 1984. The building houses roughly 50 employees and includes classroom, workshop and meeting spaces for its job training, housing and financial education, youth education, entrepreneurship, and professional development programs. The building is also used by various community organizations to host meetings and events. The League serves more than 15,000 people each year through direct service and civic engagement.

The MacArthur Foundation grant, which will be received over four years, will help position the League to be able to adapt quickly to changes that drive economic opportunity, quality education, and social mobility—and ultimately to serve more clients.

Lumpkin added that the grant is the start of a capital campaign fund and that the League will seek additional sources of support once it completes its master plan for bringing the building up to stateof-the-art level.

police officers], ‘I was afraid for my life’? If you’re so afraid, this isn’t a job for you.” Edvette Jones, youth leader in Rogers Park “We don’t need you [the police] the way you think we need you. If you look at violence against women, the majority of it is intimate partner violence, and police aren’t doing anything to stop it. You know why? Because you can’t stop it in your own home.” - Crista Noel of the Women’s All Points Bulletin (Ed. note: An ABC 7 investigation found there have been over 5,000 domestic violence complaints filed against Chicago police officers between 2000 and 2017.)

“400 days of cover up, 16 shots, 5 million dollars of hush money … That is money that could have been spent building our city.” - Jesse Jackson of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition On the need to end violence in Chicago “The police didn’t make this environment. The criminals made this environment. I want my Chicago safe and this decree is not the way to do it.” - Michael Garza, CPD officer for 25 years “Until we start explaining to these kids that their personal choices have consequences, no consent degree is going to change anything.” - John Cantanzara, CPD officer for 24 years On what’s at stake with the consent decree “To this day, my office receives false

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police reports that don’t match the evidence … We need the oversight that the consent decree will bring to the police department.” - Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli “The consent decree is a hopeful first step. It’s not everything, but it is a step in the right direction, and I hope it’s successful. If it’s not, it will blatantly showcase that the City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department and the entire justice department in Chicago does not care about Black and Brown people. The only response I heard from the officers [today] was about their pay, their conditions and what they were gonna have to go through. But it’s not about them.” - Taylore Norwood of Good Kids, Mad City ** If you did not get a chance to speak at the public hearings last week, you can submit a written statement to the court by November 2. Mail or drop off your statement to: Clerk of Court United States District Court Everett McKinley Dirksen Federal Building 219 S. Dearborn St., 20th Floor Chicago, IL 60604 This report was produced by City Bureau, a Woodlawn-based civic journalism lab. Learn more and get involved at www. citybureau.org.

October 31 - November 6, 2018 5

Community

Left to right: Majani co-owners Tsadakeeyah and Nasya Emmanuel; Laine’s Bake Shop’s Rachel Bernier-Green; and Exquisite Catering’s Tiffany Mone’t Williams prepare for new businesses in Pullman neighborhood.

Pullman Plans For New Restaurants in Retail Center

By Deborah Bayliss Emmanuel currently operate MajaDefender Contributing Writer ni’s Restaurant in the South Shore neighborhood. The 111th Street location will be their second site.

Three African-American restau“We are absolutely excited rateurs will bring their delicious ofabout our expansion” Emmanuel ferings to the historic Pullman area told the Chicago Defender. “We next year as part of the new 111th struggled to get our first location Street Gateway Retail Center. open. We knew the demand for “This will be a place where healthy options was there. Being people can come in, choose from able to expand to provide those different food options offered by same healthy options for other some of the community’s favorite areas is something we’re happy vendors and socialize,” said Ciere about.”

Boatright, vice president, Chicago Tiffany Williams, owner of ExNeighborhood Initiatives Real Esquisite Catering, has prepared tate and Inclusion (CNI). “We are dining experiences for President creating a unique experience for residents and visitors to Pullman Barack Obama, Beyonce, Chance that’s sure to become a new gath- the Rapper, Cold Play and other celebrities. The Pullman location ering place for everyone.” will be Exquisite’s first brick and The One Eleven Food Hall is mortar restaurant. expected to open January 2019 in “I’m truly excited to get this what’s called the gateway to the place versus having to go to lots Pullman National Monument. of different places all the time,” Majani’s Restaurant, located Williams said Thursday. “People at 7167 S. Exchange Ave., Laine’s are always asking me where they Bake Shop, 1057 South Home- can get my food and now I can tell wood Ave., and Exquisite Catering them they can get it in Pullman. will offer a variety of food options I’ve been getting a lot of good from breakfast bakery goods, full feedback from people who’ve Italian dinners, and vegan or “soul heard that I’m coming to Pullman.” vegetarian” dining options in a Getting the brick and mortar casual restaurant setting at a fairly new retail site located at 111th also means Williams can hire more Street and Doty Avenue. A PotBel- staff.

“I just signed on a director of ly Sandwich Shop and dry cleaners operations and will add six to eight are already operating at that locamore people for production and to tion.

Chefs Tsadakeeyah and Nasya work at the Pullman location,” Williams added.

6 October 31 - November 6, 2018

Boatright said of the selection of the three restaurant owners that CNI was already in touch with them in some form or another.

“We wondered how we could attract small businesses to the area and bring some diversity as well,” Boatright said. “These businesses are already successful and are passionate about the South Side.

We are committed to seeing that they continue to be successful.

They will outgrow the 111th Street space as part of their success and move on and other restaurants will move in. It will be like a restaurant incubator. We think of this 10,000 sq. ft. building as the start. We are exploring our second phase where other kinds of small businesses will also be welcomed.”

Developed by Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives in the fall of 2017, Pullman resident and architect Ann Alspaugh did some of the preliminary planning for the food hall project.

“This is very exciting,” Alspaugh said. “Pullman, Roseland and the surrounding area had been a food desert for a long time until we got the Walmart and then PotBelly.

We had the diner (Cal-harbor Diner) and the McDonald’s and now we have new owners of the Pullman Café (11208 S. St Lawrence Ave.) The Food Hall brings in more local restaurants. As a National Monument, tourists and residents will now have more options and www.chicagodefender.com

residents will have more jobs.”

CNI provided micro funding for the restaurant expansions.

“The arrival of a food hall in Pullman is the latest sign that the historic neighborhood is once again becoming a destination of choice for people both within and outside of Chicago,” said Chicago 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale.

Besides serving the community and the expected 300,000 annual visitors a year to the National Monument site, One Eleven Food Hall will provide the restaurateurs with opportunities to test new offerings and build their brands as they grow.

CNI is a community and economic development organization working collaboratively in low to moderate income neighborhoods to identify and implement high-impact projects that build strong, healthy neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Since its inception in 2010, CNI has generated more than $300 million in investments for new developments in Pullman, creating more than 1,300 new jobs and scores of affordable housing, and made more than $2 million in over 100 micro-loans to growing small businesses across the Chicagoland region from its subsidiary CNI Micro Finance Group, a certified Community Development Financial Institution. Additional informa-

tion is available at www.cnigroup. org.

Additionally, construction preparation is underway for the Pullman Artspace Lofts, also a CNI partner project that includes PullmanArts and Minneapolisbased, Artspace Projects Inc., The lofts will be the first new residential development built in the historic Pullman community in decades.

The Artspace Lofts project includes a new three-story, 32,000 square foot, affordable housing building on land that has been vacant for more than 30 years, as well as restoration of two existing abandoned 8,500 square foot historic buildings on Langley Avenue, just south of 111th Street.

Construction is expected to employ 120 people. A consultant reportedly was hired to ensure that women, local businesses, and people of color are employed for the project.

Rent amounts for those with qualifying incomes are expected to range from $360 a month for a studio apartment for a single person to $910 a month for a two-bedroom unit.

The complex will include three studio apartments along with 16 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom units, and a parking lot for 17 cars.

The expected completion date is late 2019.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

George Daniels Opens Beverage Depot The Chicago legendary business owner George Daniels strikes again with another business in the community. The former owner of George’s Music Room is now the co-owner of George’s Beverage Depot, located at 5401 S. Wentworth Ave. The business had a soft opening earlier this month with a grand opening coming soon.

But the liquor store is open and

ready for business. In fact the décor is filled with great pictures of Daniels with the many celebrities he’s hosted and met throughout the years in the entertainment industry. And it includes larger than life images of Daniels himself.

Walking through the doors of the store brings back delightful memories of a business that opened in 1969 at 3915 W. Roos-

evelt Road and even made its way to Midway Airport in 1999, but was closed in 2017 when Daniels lost his lease in a controversial move by the city.

Daniels said of the store’s décor, “History lives and people remember; they don’t want to let it go.”

Daniels says he is happy to be

George’s Beverage Depot, located at 5401 S. Wentworth Ave., is now open for business.

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back in business and is excited to work within the community. He is planning a turkey giveaway and more. He also plans to open other liquor depots.

His store sells many brands of wines and spirits and also includes Daniel’s specialty vodka. Daniels will sign the bottle for customers when he is in the store.

Memorabilia from Daniels’ historic career make up the décor at the store, located at 5401 S. The store also sells Daniels’ Wentworth. specialty vodka.

October 31 - November 6, 2018 7

CP Around Town

By Carolyn Griffin Palmer

Email: cpalmer@chicagodefender.com

Community Celebration Recalls History and Future of Seaway Bank Bruce Rauner, representatives from the U.S. Congress, State Legislature, City of Chicago and business leaders from the MacArthur Foundation, Dearborn Realtor, and the community joined Seaway, a division of Self-Help Credit Union, for their reception entitled “Building On A Legacy,” a Community Celebration. The event recognized the long history of the institution while outlining their vision to positively impact communities in Chicago. The reception also served to introduce Daryl Newell, who was named Seaway’s Division President in August of this Year.

I had the pleasure of serving as Emcee for the dynamite, beautiful Lori Wilcox, Bloom Township Committeeman as she celebrated her “40+2” Birthday Party, held at the Serbian Cultural Center in Lansing, Illinois. Marva Campbell Pruitt served as Fundraising and Birthday party chairman.

Condolences Extended to Rev. Gloria Randolph and family in the passing of her brother, Mamon Gibson.

Happy Birthday Mechell Roach Johnson

Roderick Hawkins, City of Chicago Mayor’s Office; Kristin Faust, NHS; Al Bass, EVP Self-Help; Roderick Sawyer, 6th Ward Alderman; Daryl Newell, President, Seaway Division; Bruce Rauner, Governor State of Illinois; Deborah Crable, President and CEO DJC Enterprises, Inc.

Martin Eakes; Virgil Booker, Roman Ruiz; Dave Silha; Rosalyn Rios; Daryl Newell, Gloria King Wright; Rudy Medina; Arnold Pugh; Daniel Martinez; James Gibson; Al Bass.

Beautiful ladies Dr. Donna Leak, Superintendent Sauk Village; Donna Miller, Candidate for Commissioner 6th District; Tonya Cohn

Celebrating the birthday of Lori Wilcox are: Judge Anthony Swanigan; Senator Toi Hutchinson; Judge Kimberly Lewis; U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly; Justice Cynthia Cobb, Appellate Court and Chairman of the Illinois Judicial Council; Lori Wilcox; Justice P. Scott Neville, Illinois Supreme Court; Judge Toya Harvey; Judge Nicole Patton; Calvin Jordan, Rich township Committeman. Photo by: Gene Sparing

Mayor Ronald Gardiner, Glenwood; Mayor Eric Kellogg, Harvey; Mayor Ken Peterson, Steger; Mayor Tyrone Ward, Robbins; Mayor David A. Gonzales, Chicago Heights; Senator Toi Hutchinson; Wilcox; Congresswomen Robin Kelly; Mayor Anne Coulter, Ford Heights; Mayor Vivian Covington, University Park; Calvin Jordan, Rich Township Democratic Committeeman; Mayor Rick Reinbold, Richton Park; Mayor Eugene Williams, Lynwood. Photo by Gene Sparing 8 October 31 - November 6, 2018

Toni Preckwinkle, President Cook County Commissioners; Donna Miller, Commissioner Elect 6th District; Justice Cynthia Cobb; Senator Toi Hutchinson; Lori Wilcox, Bloom Township Committeeman; Calvin Jordan, Rich Township Committeeman; Judge Kimberly Lewis; US Congressman Robin Kelly; 5th District Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims, Debbie Meyers-Martin, State Representative Elect. www.chicagodefender.com THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Let’s Eat: Hay Street Bar & Grill By the Black Foodies Situated in an unassuming strip mall in the Village of Matteson, Illinois, Hay Street Bar & Grill reminded Miss Coretta and me of the 80s NBC sitcom, “Cheers.” The Black Foodies Everyone was having a good time and everyone seemed to know everyone’s name. Located at 4129 211th Street, Co-owner Chuck Simpson told us that Hay Street Bar & Grill caters to the “grown and mature” crowd, offering live music, steppin’ classes, line dance classes and is a great space for any type of party. But, you know The Black Foodies, we are all about the food.

We began our nibbling with one of Hay Street’s signature appetizers, their chicken wings. The wings come tossed in several mouthwatering sauces. You can order parmesan garlic, buffalo, honey hot, BBQ or honey BBQ. Let us start off by saying we enjoyed every flavor offered, but two flavors really stood out to us – the BBQ and the buffalo. The BBQ Wings were nothing short of amazing. The wings were dredged (not naked) and fried perfectly. The BBQ sauce had a smoky/tangy quality – precisely how we like it – with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a tight sauce, meaning it wasn’t runny and clung nicely to the wing. In a play-on-words from the Ohio Players’ hit, “Sweet Sticky Thing,” we would go one better and declare, “sweet sticky wing.” The Buffalo Wings had a nice, spicy kick to them while not being over-the-top hot. We really enjoyed the full flavor of the buffalo sauce and the crunchiness of the wing. We had our wings dredged, but for a more authentic buffalo wing, have them naked just like they do in Buffalo, NY. Miss Coretta and I really enjoy and appreciate jerk flavors, so we were really looking forward to sampling Hay Street’s Jerk Turkey Sliders. These sliders certainly did not disappoint. They were delicious!

Three sliders topped with grilled onions and butter pickles are nestled in the soft-

Co-owner, Chuck Simpson ness of a yummy sweet bun. The sweetness of the caramelized onions and the sweet bun pair well with the spiciness of the jerked ground turkey. The butter pickles add tartness and texture, the end result being a very satisfying bite. The heat from the habanero slowly sneaks up on you and definitely adds to this smorgasbord of flavors. These sliders are money in the bank. We also had the Garlic Butter Fries with our sliders, and they were pretty darn good. They were tasty and full of flavor but lacked the crunch of a superior French fry.

Overall, we would order them again.

The St. Louis Toasted Ravioli with housemade marinara sauce caught our eye on the menu, so we gave it a try. “Mama Mia!” this appetizer had us wanting to book a trip to Italy. The ravioli were stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach. They appeared to be deep-fried…a really delightful bite! The ricotta was smooth and creamy, while the spinach added freshness. The marinara sauce was as good as it gets. Nothing tasted canned, and the fresh herbs gave the marinara a true Italian authenticity.

Hay Street’s Shrimp Tacos were also a big hit with us. Three flour tortilla tacos are stuffed with chili lime shrimp – either fried or grilled – with chipotle mayo and topped with fresh pico de gallo. The one word that best summarizes them is: fresh. Hay Street Bar & Grill makes some really great tacos…a true tastee-bite!

Hay Street’s menu can be summed up as bar food done right. We also suggest

Buffalo Wings

Jerk Turkey Sliders

Shrimp Tacos

sampling their Beer Battered Onion Rings, any of their delicious Burgers or Sandwiches, and have a Cocktail, or two. Hay Street Bar & Grill is warm and inviting, with food that we are sure you will appreciate. When you go, tell them The Black Foodies sent you!

We rank restaurants based on number of kisses (one thru five). One…two… three…four, with five being the best. Hay Street Bar & Grill receives 4 kisses. Check out the video of our review https://youtu. be/3b378El_2s4

The Black Foodies are food bloggers/ vloggers and husband and wife of 25 years. FOLLOW us on Instagram and Twitter @theblackfoodies, SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel “The Black Foodies” https://youtu.be/f1fsSQ24wgQ. Also LIKE us on Facebook and join our Facebook group, “World Wide Black Foodies.”

Lastly, if you have a restaurant you would like The Black Foodies to review, email us at theblackfoodies@gmail.com.

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All our products are made with beeswax and are naturally blessed for 7 days with holy water.

Great gift idea.

Call today (773) 312-0401 THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

www.chicagodefender.com

October 31 - November 6, 2018 9

Gypsy Showcases the Ultimate Stage Mother

By Rick and Brenda McCain Let’s Play!

The Marx Brothers, Drew Barrymore, Shirley Temple, Elizabeth Taylor, Brooke Shields, Dorothy Dandridge, Lindsey Lohan, and Kim Kardashian all had overbearing stage mothers dubbed as “Momagers” to push them to success.

However, long before Kris Jenner hit the scene to do whatever it took to make her daughters Brenda and Rick McCain famous, there was one legendary “Stage Mother” by the name of Rose Hovick, a woman who was a force to be reckoned with and would stop at nothing to make sure she and her daughters were in the spotlight.

If you haven’t heard of “Gypsy,” let us introduce you to this musical fable written by playwright Arthur Laurents. Gypsy was considered by many to be the greatest American musical. It is loosely based

The unconquerable E. Faye Butler in “Gypsy” and inspired by one of showbiz’s unique personalities, Rose Hovick, and the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist. Gypsy’s mother, Rose, has become known as “the ultimate show

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10 October 31 - November 6, 2018

business mother.”

Rose is the most profit-making “Stage Mother” of the mid-twentieth century, a star in her own right. The musical includes some standard favorites such as “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” “Together, “Wherever We Go” and the show-stopping, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”

“Gypsy” is set in various cities throughout the United States in the early 1920s to the early 1930s, where the world of bigtime, family oriented vaudeville is quickly fading away to the adult-themed burlesque industry.

In this electrifying and heart-wrenching story of a woman who raises her daughters to navigate their dreams of stardom whether they wanted to or not, Mama Rose, a victim of her wander-lust for personal success, becomes the “Momager” from hell where agents and producers refuse to work with her.

“Gypsy” is an old favorite that hit the stage with several talented actors such as the unconquerable entertainer with the extraordinary gift to capture an audience, E. Faye Butler, who leads the cast in “Gypsy” as Mama Rose. Like so many before her playing the character of Mama Rose, she brought her feisty persona to life with a lot of zest.

Daryn Whitney Harrell, who played Louise, Mama Rose’s eldest daughter, was such a pleasant surprise to grace the stage. Louise comes out of the shadows of her younger sister June (Aalon Smith) the one Mama Rose invested so much in; Louise eventually rose to stardom as the sophisticated “Gypsy Rose Lee!” This well-rounded cast also included Herbie (José Antonio García). His character fell instantly in love with Mama Rose as he waited patiently on her terms to marry her. He tried to add balance to her life as he became the girls’ official manager.

Director Michael Weber showcases this dynamic fast-paced musical as it follows the dreams and hardships of Mama

www.chicagodefender.com

Porchlight Music Theatre Presents Gypsy Book by Arthur Laurents Director Michael Weber October 12 - November 25 Rose to raise her two daughters to perform on stage and it casts an affectionate eye on the struggles of business life during the vaudeville era.

Let’s Play “Highly Recommends” that you check out this amazing musical “Gypsy” at Porchlight Theatre where “everything’s coming up roses!”

The cast includes: E. Faye Butler (Rose) Daryn Whitney Harrell (Louise) Aalon Smith (June) José Antonio García (Herbie) Honey West (Agnes, Electra/Miss Cratchitt) Dawn Bless (Mazeppa) Melissa Young (Tessie Tura) Marco Tzunux (Tulsa) Saniyah As-Salaam( Newsboy) Larry Baldacci (Uncle Jocko / Mr. Weber / Mr. Goldstone / Pastey) Tatiana Bustamante (Marjorie May) Joshua Bishop (Bougeron-Cochon) Elya Faye Bottiger (Agnes, showgirls) William “Pierce” Cleaveland (Clarence) Jared David Michael Grant (Georgie / Mr. Kringelein / Phil) Michelle Huey (Dolores) Jillian-Giselle (Baby Louise) Hannah Love Jones (Balloon Girl) J. Michael Jones (Pop / Cigar) Marvin J. Malone II (Yonkers) Desmond Murphy (Arnold) Renellè Nicole (Gail/Renee) Jeff Pierpoint (L.A.) Ariel Triunfo (Edna Mae) Isabella Warren (Baby June) THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Chicago Legend Paul “Guitar Red” Johnson Reflects on His Long Music Career

By Deborah Bayliss Defender Contributing Writer Chicago musician Paul “Guitar Red” Johnson spends his time lounging in his Morgan Park home, reminiscing with his girlfriend and occasional visitors about his long musical career that started when he was a young teen with the help of a guitar he found discarded in a garbage dump.

“When I found that guitar, it didn’t have any strings,” said the now 80-year-old multi-instrumentalists. “I later taught myself how to play on that guitar. I was very poor when I was a kid. My mother died when I was about 11 years old so I was raised by my grandmother.”

Described by his peers and others as a one-man band, in addition to playing lead and bass guitar, Red also played harmonica, the keyboard and wrote all the songs on his 14-song, CD, Alive in the City. Songs on the album include, “Share Your Love with Me,” “Don’t Forget the Love,” “Until I Lost You,” “Shoe Booty Blues,” “Retro Glide,” “Tears,” and “From the Pits to the Peak.”

“I could play bass and lead guitar simultaneously,” said Red, as he strummed his guitar that rested on his lap. “Nobody was doing that at that time. I started out with a church group called the Rising Stars. As a musician, I travelled throughout the South at a time when Blacks had to drink from the “Colored” water fountains. I experienced a lot of racism during those times.”

Red is referring to a period in America called “Jim Crow,” a system of segregation and disenfranchisement laws that were put in place as a formal system of racial apartheid that dominated the American South from the 1890s and lasted until 1965. Jim Crow laws affected almost every aspect of daily life, mandating racial segregation of schools, parks, libraries, drinking fountains, restrooms, buses, trains, and restaurants. Segregation was harshly and thoroughly enforced with “Whites only” and “Colored” signs.

Born in 1938, by the time he was 15, Red was making music and earning money from it.

“I was making a lot of money as a teenager,” Red said. “I was making so much money I had three cars as a teenager and I never held a regular 9 to 5 job. I worked all my life as a musician, writing all my own songs and playing various instruments for myself and accompanying other artists.”

He said at one point in his career that Mom’s Mabley, who was playing at the same club as he was one night, advised him to leave Chicago if he wanted to be successful.

“She didn’t know I was making good money so what would I want to leave ChiTHE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Guitar Red during the height of his career.

Paul “Guitar Red” Johnson reminisces about his career. cago for,” he said rhetorically.

In the early 1960s, Guitar Red, by now a well-known Chicago name, worked as a studio musician for Chess Records. It’s been said that Chess Records is to Chicago, what Motown is to Detroit.

Red’s musical talents garnered the attention of some of the biggest African-American entertainers. As a studio musician for Chess, Red played with artists like Chuck Berry and Jerry Butler. He also played with many other artists and groups.

Though often mistaken as a “Blues” musician, Red said he was not a Blues musician and resented when people tried to put his musical style in that category even though a few of his songs had Blues in the titles.

In his autobiography (“Nigger”) published originally in 1964, the late, author, comedian and social activist Dick Gregory paid a compliment to Red, saying that Guitar Red was the best guitar player he’d ever seen.

Married and now divorced, Red never

had children. He said being born with Albinism was not something he wanted to pass on to his children. His moniker was pinned on him due to his skin tone as a very light-skinned Black man.

Red resides quietly with his girlfriend Driscilla Aardeman, whom he met in 1995.

“Of course I knew Red was a singer when we met,” Aardeman said as she pulled out old articles and pictures of the musician in his heyday. “He sang in clubs and lounges all over Chicago, including the Esquire that used to be located on 95th and Wentworth. He got sick and has been battling an illness for three years now. He has slowed down but still plays when his health allows.”

Crissy Hunter, an acquaintance of Red, said it’s important to highlight our senior musicians who shared their talents with the community while they are still alive.

“It’s part of the link to the history of Black people,” Hunter said. “We have such a rich Black history throughout Chicago.”

And Red is definitely one of those historical and talented links.

November 16 A Concert Celebrating Nelson Mandela

Enjoy the incomparable power of African gospel music in a two-part performance of songs that celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth and international gospel classics, including the choir’s worldrenowned interpretation of “Amazing Grace” and an unforgettable version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

With their soaring voices and rousing drumbeats, you’ll find it difficult to stay in your seat!

cso.org | 312-294-3000 Artists, prices and programs subject to change.

www.chicagodefender.com

Media sponsor:

Tickets start at $20

October 31 - November 6, 2018 11

12 Voices

The Black “Warrior Princess”

By Lauran “Elle” Smith 12 Voices Outside of my late mother, I have been immensely blessed to grow up around some of the world’s most powerful women.

The phenomenon known as “Black Girl Lauran Smith Magic” is VERY real, and I am always in awe of the wonderful things that Black Women are doing, have done, and still have yet to do.

One such woman is a breast cancer survivor and breast cancer awareness advocate, a Chicago legend, a fashion Goddess, a business owner, one of society’s most renowned clothiers, a dynamic speaker, a motivator, and is simply “cooler than a fan.” I call her

a Black Warrior Princess...but her mother named her Barbara Bates.

Many may know Barbara for her timeless fashions, amazing runway shows, and by being amongst those given the opportunity to dress/style a few household names i.e. Sinbad, Ce Ce Winans, Bernie Mac, Michael Jordan, “Iron Mike” (Tyson), Val Warner, and the list goes on and on! In the midst of being a style maven “leather Queen,” Barbara also survived breast cancer. With a Stage Three diagnosis in June 2009, Barbara was in for the fight of her life. While taking chemo, she would STILL come in to work… “gotta keep it movin”, she says.

She states that she had to get into “survival mode,” because not only was she dealing with a terminal illness (and there was no history of breast cancer in her immediate family), she was dealing with the fact that her youngest son was facing 19 years in federal prison for a non-violent offense (conspiracy to distribute drugs). In the midst of caring for her family, and running her business, she still managed

to survive, and ultimately defeat breast cancer.

I call her the “Black Warrior Princess” because so many would have given up, let depression set in, and may have even stopped focusing on a reason to live. That wasn’t Barbara. When you’re clear on your purpose, you fight for that purpose. She continues with her fabulous fashion designing skills and this past August, she celebrated the 5th annual “Walk Where You Live” Breast Cancer 5K Walk/ Run, sponsored by the Barbara Bates Foundation. So she not only understands the importance of fighting for self, but she also understands the benefit of being in the fight for others dealing with this disease.

Listen...if you want to see a TRUE Black Warrior Princess at work? Take time to visit her website at www.barbarabatesdesigns. com.

Bates hosted the “Real Women Wear Bates” Fashion Show, on Sunday, October 21 at the Bridgeport Art Center. She once again proved that real women fight for their causes; real wom-

Leeching Off the Ghetto

By Carl West 12 Voices As the many elections are currently underway, primarily the Illinois governor’s race, which will be followed by the citywide races like Aldermen and the mayor of Chicago, there is serious chatter about which political par- Carl West ty has, for the most part, been good to Black people.

I know, I know, the discussion is always what’s in it for Black people? Yep, because of the current

and past state of affairs that the Black community continues to find itself in, it’s still extremely crucial that Black people know exactly what’s in it for them--especially knowing the progressive benefactors of all things in America have not been heavily concentrated on the quality of Black life.

With that said, the two political parties have always treated poor communities like third class citizens-- and that’s any race of people who find themselves in the poorer economic status in this country and globally. The poor are typically ignored, denounced and are only used for profit and gain from big corporations and the government. Therefore, the leeches who control this country like big box stores, the financial markets (banks, wall street), gouging educational institutions, and our trusted U.S. Government, present

12 October 31 - November 6, 2018

trinkets and programs that are only meant to keep people poor.

Now, if you can find your way out of poverty, damn good for you!

But that’s a very small percentage of people, especially if they come from generational poverty. The chances of them rising from the concrete jungles are rare, at best.

But it doesn’t matter, because there are enough poor people in America (1.6 billion people globally live in extreme poverty, according to www.dosomething.org) to be leeched off for capital gains.

See, rich people don’t buy an overabundance of Air Jordan’s, Kobe’s or LeBron’s sneakers. Only the poor attempt to deal with their hardship reality by buying simple things that they can’t afford but gives them immediate gratification. And when I say can’t afford, I don’t mean they don’t have the money for it. Clearly they have the www.chicagodefender.com

Barbara Bates en give back to their community; IG: @officialchicagobrw & @ real women are Survivors; real ellesdigitalagency_ women wear invisible crowns. BarWeb addresses: www.chiblackbara Bates is The Black Warrior restaurantweek.com & www.ellesPrincess. digitalagency.com Follow Lauran “Elle” Smith

money if they’re making the purchase--nobody is giving it to them for FREE! See, what happens with the poor is that the most important things they truly need (education, tutoring, insurance, etc.) for long-term gains are sacrificed.

They don’t see these things as valid investments for their “right now” survival.

They’re so not used to having the basics (quality education, affordable and decent housing, etc.) so when they can have a few trinkets ($200 gym shoes, every cable channel), they will afford themselves those simple priced-out luxuries. And the leeches of big businesses will pimp every dollar from them. The U.S. Government is the main co-conspirator. They provide subsidized handouts to poor and uneducated people, whom they know will immediately deliver their limited funds right back into their partnered corporations’ slimy hands. And these companies are bipartisan. The leeching system is orchestrated by both political parties, equally.

Ghettos of America are the new

and cheap reality shows. We’ve seen them. They don’t appeal to the intellectual part of our brain.

And they don’t appeal to rich people even though most of the programs are set in wealthy environments, for example, Housewives of Celebrities or Sports Stars. The backdrop of these shows presents wealth. But remember, most of our modern-day athletes and entertainers came from impoverished situations, so the celebrated women and men in these television programs appeal to the true ghetto person at heart.

This is what these leeches know! Therefore, they feed off poor people’s need to dream and see themselves living “champagne wishes and caviar dreams.” Remember the name of the man who hosted that extremely popular program - Robin LEACH! (LOL). Go figure! God rest his soul.

Carl D. West is the CEO/Publisher of TBTNews and founder of the TRUTH 4 Literacy Foundation, Leadership Luncheon, Legend and Pioneer Awards, all powered by Midwest Gap Enterprise.

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

Community Calendar

November 3: Annual Fatherhood Empowerment Symposium

NOVEMBER 3 Prostate Cancer Pathways for Patients and Caregivers A free educational event and webcast providing live video and audio presentations from medical experts. Includes valuable information on prostate cancer testing and treatment options, and a presentation from expert and author Dr. Jeffrey Albaugh on erectile dysfuncation ED) and incontinence related to treatment.

NorthShore University Health System Skokie Hospital, Sharfstein/SH Rooms A, B, and C, 9600 Gross Point Road Skokie, IL 10 a.m. -3 p.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.)

A free lunch provided for pre-registered, in-person attendees.

To register, visit mainstreamchicago. com/ustoo-pathways-chicago-registration or call (877) 978-7866.

The presentation will also be available via livestream; register at the above address to receive streaming instructions.

NOVEMBER 3 Lupus Patient Educational Event Searle Conference Center at Rush University Medical Center 1725 W. Harrison St 9:30am-1pm To register, go to: lupusil.salsalabs.org or email mary@lupusil.org

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

November 3, 7, 10, 14, 17 Free Flu Shots Available at South Shore Hospital 8012 S. Crandon Ave 1st Floor P.A.T. Room Nov 3: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Nov. 7 and Nov. 14: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Nov. 10 and Nov 17: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Must be 9 years old or older For more information, visit: southshorehospital.com or call (773) 356-5000

NOVEMBER 3 Annual Fatherhood Empowerment Symposium The Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood hosts its annual symposium, which will include a series of presentations by professionals covering a wide range of fatherhood-related topics. There will be ample time for questions from the audience.

Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St. Oak Park, Ill. 12:30-4:30 p.m.

To RSVP or for more information, visit responsiblefatherhood.com or email info@responsiblefatherhood.com Free

NOVEMBER 7 Veterans Resource and Wellness Health Fair Olive-Harvey College 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. Main Foyer 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

For more information, visit: ccc.edu/oliveharvey

NOVEMBER 7 Evening of Jazz Musical Arts Institute Board of Directors presents its “Evening of Jazz” featuring Grammy Award winner Jeff Lorber Fusion.

Promontory Chicago Hyde Park 7 p.m.

This is a benefit performance for the Musical Arts Institute For tickets, visit Eventbrite.com

NOVEMBER 8 Small Business Program Learn about the many programs and resources that the State of Illinois has to offer small businesses. This event is open to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners Tuley Park Fieldhouse 501 E. 90th Place 5:30-7:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER 10 Beyond October 3241 S. Federal St. For more information or to register, visit: chicagobreastcancer.org/byo2018 Free food, activities, and health screenings; sponsored by the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, uniting to end disparity.

NOVEMBER 10 Free Beginners Yoga Class Kelly Library 6150 S. Normal 9:30-10:30am Please arrive 5 minutes early For More information: YogaWithRenita@comcast.net

www.chicagodefender.com

NOVEMBER 16 Free Concert Hosted by Illinois Tech and the National Museum of Gospel Music, featuring national recording artists. A discussion about the museum scheduled to open in 2020 to be held before the concert.

S.R. Crown Hall 3360 S. State Street Discussion at 5:30 p.m.

Concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER 19 Free Mental Health Awareness Training Provided by Sertoma Centre Free training to the community on how to identify signs and symptoms of mental illness, reduce stigma, understand recovery and treatment and how to help during a mental health crisis.

Jesse Owens Park 8800 S. Clyde Ave 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Please RSVP to Sierra Petersen (Sierra@namichicago.org).

NOVEMBER 29 Book Release and Panel Discussion Join author Michelle Redd Newell (“Where’s Taylor?”) for a conversation featuring community organizations, counselors, and families on how grief and loss effects children. A book signing will be held directly following the event.

1420 S. Michigan Ave. For more information or to register, visit Wherestaylor.eventbrite.com

October 31 - November 6, 2018 13

CLASSIFIEDS

At Your Fingertips!

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO Sealed proposals, endorsed as below, will be deposited in the sealed bid depository located in the lobby of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Administration Building, 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or her designee at 11:00 A.M. on the stated bid opening date below for: CONTRACT 17-606-31 FURNISH, DELIVER AND INSTALL TELEMETRY REPLACEMENT FOR SCADA CONTROL AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS Bid Opening: November 27, 2018 Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D and the Multi-Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract. ******************************************************************************************************* The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice - Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the District’s website, www.mwrd.org; click the Contracts and Proposal quick link on the District’s Home page. Go to Contracts Currently Being Advertised and click for further information.

DIGITAL DAILY WWW.CHICAGODEFENDER .COM

Specifications, proposal forms and/or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement & Materials Management, Room 508, 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, Monday - Friday, between 8:45 A.M. and 4:15 P.M. Documents, unless stated above to the contrary, will be mailed in response to a fax request (312/7513042). The vendor may also download specifications, proposal forms and/or plans online from the District’s website, www.mwrd.org. No fee is required for the contract documents unless stated above.

All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-et seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the public’s best interest.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

By Darlene A. LoCascio Director of Procurement and Materials Management Chicago, Illinois October 31, 2018

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Walsh Construction Company II, LLC

This letter is to notify that on November 25, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at 83rd & Halsted Self Storage, Inc., located at 8316 S. Birkhoff Ave, Chicago, IL 60620, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.

1. 186 Taneshia Williams 2. 341 Chesstine Gaulding 3. 135 Theresa Avant 4. 198 Donna Brandon 5. 472 Keisha Cain 6. 165 Pamela Ramsey 7. 462 Keith Hudson 8. 227 Robert Hill 9. 241 Theresa Avant

Illinois Department of Transportation Contract No. 60x79 IDOT #3 FAI Route 90/94/290 – Halsted Street on the East (FIS Route 290) to Jackson Boulevard on the North (FAI Route 90/94) Bids Due to Walsh Construction Company II, LLC up to November 8, 2018 5:00 PM (CST)

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@chidefender

We request a proposal from your firm for the Illinois Department of Transportation IDOT #3 FAI Route 90/94/290 – Halsted Street on the East (FIS Route 290) to Jackson Boulevard on the North (FAI Route 90/94).

Subcontractors and suppliers can access plans and specifications online at the Walsh Group Site, https://secure.smartinsight.co/#/ PublicBidProject/407762 or are available to review at Walsh Construction Company II, LLC office located at 929 W. Adams Street Chicago, IL 60607.

In order to assist certified DBE Enterprise, Contractors and Suppliers, we will divide total requirements into smaller activities or quantities and establish delivery and construction schedules which will permit maximum participation of disadvantaged businesses where feasible.

All subcontractors and material suppliers are required to execute our standard “Subcontract Agreement” and/or “Purchase Order”. We do require 100% Performance & Payment or supply bonds. If there are any questions or concerns with our standard subcontract, bonding requirements, insurance, or any other matter regarding this project please feel free to contact us.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This letter is to notify that on November 25, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at Hyde Park Self Storage, Inc., located at 5155 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60615, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.

LEGAL NOTICE

1. V329 Alexander N. Adamchuk 2. 339 Daniela Comprindo 3. 10185 Michael A. Hall 4. 54 Jasmine A Thomas

Walsh Construction Company II, LLC

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF COOK, ss.

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the Marriage of Rodney Miller, Petitioner, and Deena Miller, Respondent No. 2018D 630830.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Sixth District, Room 2049, 16501 South Kedzie Parkway, Markham, IL 60426 on or before, November 5, 2018, at 10:00 am, court room 0202, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and an Judgement for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

Dorothy A. Brown, Clerk.

Published Date(s) October 17, 24, 31, 2018

Illinois Department of Transportation Contract No. IDOT #4 60x93 FAI Route 90/94/290 – Clinton Street on the East and Halsted Street on the West (FIS Route 290) to Jackson Boulevard on the North and Taylor Street on the South (FAI Route 90/94) Bids Due to Walsh Construction Company II, LLC up to November 8, 2018 5:00 PM (CST) We request a proposal from your firm for the Illinois Department of Transportation IDOT #4, FAI Route 90/94/290 – Clinton Street on the East and Halsted Street on the West (FIS Route 290) to Jackson Boulevard on the North and Taylor Street on the South (FAI Route 90/94).

Subcontractors and suppliers can access plans and specifications online at the Walsh Group Site, https://secure.smartinsight.co/#/ PublicBidProject/407757 or are available to review at Walsh Construction Company II, LLC office located at 929 W. Adams Street Chicago, IL 60607.

In order to assist certified DBE Enterprise, Contractors and Suppliers, we will divide total requirements into smaller activities or quantities and establish delivery and construction schedules which will permit maximum participation of disadvantaged businesses where feasible.

All subcontractors and material suppliers are required to execute our standard “Subcontract Agreement” and/or “Purchase Order”. We do require 100% Performance & Payment or supply bonds. If there are any questions or concerns with our standard subcontract, bonding requirements, insurance, or any other matter regarding this project please feel free to contact us.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Need to place an ad? Call the Chicago Defender 14 October 31 - November 6, 2018

www.chicagodefender.com

This letter is to notify that on November 25, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at South Shore Self Storage, Inc., located at 7843 S. Exchange Ave, Chicago, IL 60649, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.

1. 229 Demetria L Taylor This letter is to notify that on November 25, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. an auction will be held at Aaron Bros. Self-Storage, Inc., located at 4034 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653, to sell the following articles held within said storage units to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the state of Illinois.

1. 625 Joe Campbell

PSYCHIC Psychic Rev Rosemary

Help with Advice on all problems, Love – Marriage & Career call for reading today!

419.586.8566

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS CONCERNING THE INTENT OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO ADOPT A 2019 ANNUAL BUDGET, TWO-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN, FIVEYEAR CAPITAL PROGRAM, AND FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN ALL INCLUDING THE USE OF INNOVATION, COORDINATION AND ENHANCEMENT FUNDS. PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Regional Transportation Authority (“RTA”) will be holding a series of eight (8) public hearings, as follows, to receive public comments on the aforementioned financial matters, in accordance with the RTA Act, (70 ILCS 3615, et seq.).

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.MARIO R. ZELAYA, BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWHEQ, INC., HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-S7, ATRIUM LOFTS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 13 CH 016796 4101 S. MICHIGAN AVENUE UNIT #217 CHICAGO, IL 60653 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 19, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 27, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 4101 S. MICHIGAN AVENUE UNIT #217, CHICAGO, IL 60653 Property Index No. 20-03-114-030-1023; 20-03-114-030-1054; (20-03-114-001 Underlying).

The real estate is improved with a condo/ townhouse.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-16108.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-13-16108 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 13 CH 016796 TJSC#: 38-8350 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I3102747

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.LINDA R. JONES, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY-INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, VANGUARD LOFTS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 17 CH 12531 1250 W. VAN BUREN ST., UNIT 403 CHICAGO, IL 60607 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 29, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 30, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1250 W. VAN BUREN ST., UNIT 403, CHICAGO, IL 60607 Property Index No. 17-17-117-036-1043 (Unit 403)17-17-117-036-1193 (Unit P100).

The real estate is improved with a residential condominium.

The judgment amount was $44,065.91.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 Please refer to file number 624955041.

If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 422-1754 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney File No. 624955041 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 17 CH 12531 TJSC#: 38-7115 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

All locations will offer a live-stream broadcast of the RTA’s Special Finance Committee Hearing beginning at 9:00 a.m.

DuPage County Wednesday, 11/28/18 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Office of DuPage County, Department of Transportation, Board Room 2-400, 421 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL Cook County Wednesday, 11/28/18 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Village of Flossmoor, Committee Room, 2800 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL Wednesday, 11/28/18 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Village of Arlington Heights, Buechner Room, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL Wednesday, 11/28/18 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., RTA Headquarters, Board Room, 175 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1650, Chicago, IL McHenry County Wednesday, 11/28/18, at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., City of Woodstock, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 121 West Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL Will County Wednesday, 11/28/18, at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Will County Administration Building, Conference Room B, 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL Kane County Wednesday, 11/28/18 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., City of St. Charles, City Council Chambers, 2 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL Lake County Wednesday, 11/28/18, at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Village of Mundelein, Conference Room, 300 Plaza Cr. Mundelein, IL RTA hearings are open to the public and are ADA accessible. If you require reasonable accommodation in order to attend a public hearing or have questions, please call (312) 913-5518 at least 3 business days before the hearing. For more information call (312) 913-3200 or visit www.rtachicago.com

LEGAL NOTICE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY OF NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS (“RTA”) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (“RFP”) REQUISITION NO. 4708 (2018) FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) PARATRANSIT INNOVATION STUDY The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) invites firms to submit a proposal in response to this RFP. The RTA has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) Program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation 49 CFR Part 26, applicable to all its contracts regardless of funding source. The RTA strongly encourages vendors to make good faith efforts to utilize DBEs as subconsultants, subcontractors, suppliers or joint venture partners on this project. A listing of certified DBEs providing relevant services or commodities can be accessed at the Illinois Department of Transportation website www.dot.state.il.us/ ucp/html Procurement Contact: Annisha Whittaker Procurement Specialist whittakera@rtachicago.org Proposal Due Date and Time: Friday, November 30, 2018 at 11:00AM, CST Pre-Proposal Conference Date and Time: Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 10:00AM, CST All questions must be submitted through the RTA Procurement Portal at https://rtachicago.procureware.com/ no later than Friday, November 16, 2018 at 12:00PM, CST. The RTA invites Respondents to submit an electronic proposal for the above described solicitation number. Respondents shall upload all documents as described in the RFP via the RTA Procurement Portal at: https://rtachicago.procureware.com/. Proposals must be received and electronically time-stamped no later than the date and time listed in the solicitation. Proposals are received, but not publicly opened.

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MEMORIES TAYLOR

Funeral Home DAVIS Carl Davis.....….. Wake was held: Friday, October 26, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com SIMS Marion Sims.....….. Wake was held: Saturday, October 27, 2018; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 2:00 p.m.

– 3:00 p.m. Cremation. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com WALKER Jestin E. Walker.....….. Wake was held: Saturday, October 27, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com STOVER Mattie Stover.....….. Wake was held: Saturday, October 27, 2018; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral was held: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com CHAMBERS Sheila Chambers......….. Wake was held: Saturday, October 27, 2018; 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.@ Taylor Funeral Home. Memorial Service was held: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com WHITE Emily White......….. Family Hour was held: Sunday, October 28, 2018; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.@ Taylor Funeral Home. Memorial Service was held: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com KELLY Lafayette Kelly......….. Wake was held: Monday, October 29, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Cosmopolitan Community Church, 5249 South Wabash Avenue. Funeral was held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

Funeral Directory Call Classifieds 312-225-2400 to advertise

CALAHAN

A.A. RAYNER & SONS

“The Home of Personal Service” 7030 S. Halsted St.

318 E. 71st St. 5911 W. Madison St.

FUNERAL HOME

(773)723-4400 Taylor Funeral HOME, LTD.

63 East 79th Street Chicago, IL 60619 & 5350 W. North Ave. 773-488-7300 Chicago, IL 60636

FUNERAL HOME

(773)846-6133 (773)626-4222 GOLDEN GATE FUNERAL HOME

2036 W. 79th St.

(773)846-7900 “Families Come First at Golden Gate”

WESBY Gail Wesby.....….. Wake will be held: Friday, November 2, 2018; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral will be held: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cremation.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

LUVERT William L. Luvert. ….. Memorial Service was held: Friday, October 26, 2018; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. @ Refuge and Strength Full Gospel Assembly, 4727 S. Wabash Avenue. Interment: PRIVATE. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400

BARNES Darius S. Barnes.......….. Memorial Service will be held: Friday, November 2, 2018;12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

CRAFT George Craft, Sr. ….. Visitation was held: Friday, October 26, 2018; 10:00a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted Street. Funeral: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Interment: Lincoln Cemetery.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400

BLACKSHIRE Patricia Blackshire.....….. Wake will be held: Friday, November 2, 2018; 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral will be held: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Cremation.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

CALAHAN Funeral Home

McHANEY Joseph Thomas McHaney. ….. Visitation was held: Thursday, October 25, 2018; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. @ Holy Spiritual Church, 5541 S. State Street. Funeral: 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400

JONES Kenneth E. Jones. ….. Visitation was held: Saturday, October 27, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted. Funeral: 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: PRIVATE. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400 ROBINSON Retha M. Robinson. ….. Visitation was held: Saturday, October 27, 2018; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; @ Emmanuel Baptist Church, 8301 S. Damen Ave., Funeral: 11:00 a.m.

– 12:00 p.m. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted To: Calahan Funeral Home, 7030 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL (773) 723.4400

LEWIS Elizabeth Lewis.....….. Wake will be held: Wednesday, October 31, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. @ Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment: Burr Oak Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th. Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com WILLIAMS Susan Williams......….. Graveside Service will be held: Thursday, November 1, 2018; 12:00 p.m. @ Mount Hope Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com WILLIAMS Loretta Williams.......….. Wake will be held: Friday, November 2, 2018; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.@ Sweet Holy Spirit Church, 8621 South South Chicago Avenue. Funeral will be held: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Interment: Lincoln Cemetery, Worth, Illinois. Arrangements Entrusted To: Taylor Funeral Home, 63 East 79th.

Street, Chicago, IL 60619: (773) 488.7300 cbtaylorfuneralhome.com

Cherished memories of those we loved October 31 - November 6, 2018 15

2019 NOMINATION FORM Nominee Information Name of Nominee

Age

Title/Positions Company/Affiliation Years in Industry

The Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Awards celebrate local African American men who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievement and participation in community service.

Address City/State/Zip Day Phone Evening Phone

They are men who exemplify extraordinary strength and commitment to their profession and to the community.

These men do it all while filling the roles of leader, father, teacher and professional.

E-mail

Criteria Proven success within his profession/industry

The selected honorees will join an exclusive society of 550 professional men who have previously received this distinction.

Positive role model whose contributions encourage others Active in community service or organizational involvement Local African American male executive or business owner

The Men of Excellence reception will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Grand Ballroom.

Questioned to be Completed Describe specific accomplishments that demonstrate nominee’s excellence

1. The nominee must be a man (at least 21 years of age) who resides in Chicago metropolitan area (the city of Chicago and contiguous communities within fifty (50) miles radius of the city center).

2. The nominee must be active in his career or profession. Career or profession is defined as paid employment in his field. Nominees must agree to have their photograph and biographical information published in The Chicago Defender. All nominees selected as a Chicago Defender Men of Excellence will be featured in a 2019 edition of the Chicago Defender.

3. Evaluations will be based on the quality of a nominee’s achievements, rather than the quantity of information submitted.

4. Selections will be made by the Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Selection Committee based on following criteria: • Local African American Male Business executive or entrepreneur.

• Proven success in career/profession • Positive role model • Demonstrative community service

Describe nominee’s community service activity/organizational involvement

How has the nominee mentored others?

Nominator’s Contact Information Name Title Firm/Organization Address City/State/Zip Day Phone Evening Phone E-mail

E-mail submissions to: MOE@chicagodefender.com or Mail to: Chicago Defender Media Company 4445 S. King Drive • Chicago IL 60653

Nomination Deadline • Friday, November 23, 2018 • 5:00 PM 16 October 31 - November 6, 2018

www.chicagodefender.com

THE CHICAGO DEFENDER

CHICAGO DEFENDER

CITY VOTE 2018 THE CHOICE

Gov. Bruce Rauner

Kwame Raoul

JB Pritzker

Erika Harold

Who To Call About Your Right To Vote Ami Gandhi explains how the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline can help you resolve voting issues on election day

By Marley Arechiga, City Bureau

V

oters can encounter a wide range of obstacles on election day, from faulty equipment to intimidation or harassment. When challenges arise at the polls, voters can call a hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE, to speak with a legal volunteer—in many cases, a lawyer—to find a solution.

The hotline is part of a larger national, nonpartisan coalition of more than 100 local state, and national organizations called Election Protection, which is working to ensure everyone’s right to vote. The Voting Rights Project at the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights runs the hotline’s call center in Chicago and monitors polling places in the city and suburban counties. Most of their in-person assistance takes place on the South and West Sides, where many voting issues and inquiries are reported.

Ami Gandhi, director of voting rights and civic empowerment at the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, demystified some common misconceptions about voting and discussed how the hotline can be used to ensure one’s right to vote is met.

What are some of the most common reasons that voters call the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline?

Many voters call us wondering how, when and where to register to vote. Luckily, in Illinois we have many valuable ways that we can register to vote, including online voter registration, early voting registration, election day registration and, now, a new program called automatic voter registration. We also hear from voters every election who face more egregious issues such as an election judge or poll worker who’s serving as a barrier to a person’s right to vote; improper pressure from candidates or campaigns (electioneering); equipment malfunctions or delays; or voters who can’t access the type of ballot that they need.

Unfortunately, every single election we also hear from voters who face intimidation at the polls. It’s not something that happens frequently in Illinois but it certainly still happens every election and we believe that should never be 2 October 31 - November 6, 2018

happening to any eligible voter.

We address issues affecting marginalized communities, so it makes sense for us to have a strong presence on the South and West sides. It’s where many of our calls originate. There are sometimes language barriers. Those communities are often our clients and partners for other areas of civil rights work. Unfortunately in this city and culture we live in, conditions at the polls are often racialized.

It’s been part of the fabric of Chicago for many years. A variety of candidates and campaigns manipulate that for their benefit, and then it’s voters and communities who suffer.

What are the rules in Illinois for voting with a criminal record?

In Illinois, people can vote once they have completed a sentence even if they’re on probation or parole. When they were serving their sentence, it’s possible that their name was taken off of the rolls, which means that the person would need to re-register when the sentence is complete.

People are also allowed to vote if they are in pretrial detention and haven’t been convicted or acquitted of a crime yet. In other words, most of the population in Cook County jail is awaiting trial, hasn’t had a trial yet, hasn’t been convicted yet and is fully eligible to vote.

How long before and after election day is the hotline staffed or available to voters?

The hotline is available year-round, though the vast majority of calls come around elections. It will go to voicemail on most days of the year but as it gets closer to the election and, of course, on election day there will be live assistance available. Usually it would be for the full hours that the polls are open (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and some time before and after that. But even a day or two before the election, live assistance is available and people can leave a voicemail and we would promptly get back to them.

Can you text the hotline?

No. There have been options before where voters could access us online and it wasn’t as effective as us being able to actually speak with the voter. We do, however, have fre-

quently asked questions and other information online on 866ourvote.org Can you describe the volunteer application process and how volunteers are trained for the hotline?

People can sign up through our website and 866ourvote.org so that they can be alerted once we have specific volunteer shifts and training in place. Volunteers have the option of signing up to help voters over the phone or to do in-person assistance through non-partisan poll-watching work. Any volunteer shift would be associated with a twohour training that’s available in-person at a law firm in Chicago. Otherwise, volunteers have the option of receiving online training.

In addition to the training, there are specific materials that we distribute to all of our volunteers. There are also continuing legal education (CLE) credits available for people in the legal field who need to get that CLE credit in order to keep their legal license active. One important thing to remember is that you don’t have to be a full-time voting rights attorney in order to provide meaningful assistance to voters on election day.

The 866-OUR-VOTE hotline is also available in several languages besides English.

•For assistance in Spanish voters can call 888-Ve-YVota •For assistance in Arabic, voters can call 844-YALLA-US •For assistance in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Urdu, Hindi or Tagalog, voters can call 888-API-VOTE •Relay services are also available to help those who are hard of hearing to place calls to standard telephone users. Deaf voters and those with hearing impairments can reach out to Election Protection on Twitter (@866ourvote). Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights is working with the National Disability Rights Network to expand options for voters with disabilities.

This story was produced by City Bureau, a Woodlawn-based civic journalism lab. Find out more and get involved at www.citybureau.org.

CITY VOTE

VOTE! History Will Not Look Kindly on 21st Century Jim Crow

By Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League

A

fter years of preclearance and expansion of voting access, by 2013 African American registration and turnout rates had finally reached near-parity with White registration and turnout rates. African Americans were poised to act as a major electoral force.

But, on the day after the Supreme Court issued Shelby County v. Holder, eliminating preclearance obligations, a leader of the party that newly dominated the legislature announced an intention to enact what he characterized as an “omnibus” election law.

Before enacting that law, the legislature requested data on the use, by race, of a number of voting practices. Upon receipt of the race data, the Marc H. Morial General Assembly enacted legislation that restricted voting and registration in five different ways, all of which disproportionately affected African Americans. – Judge Diana Gribbon Motz, 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, NAACP v. North Carolina The National Urban League has been at the forefront of the fight for voting rights for decades. At the national and state level, we and our network of 90 affiliates in the Urban League Movement have advocated for access to the ballot, condemned efforts at voter suppression and fought for our rights in the courts and in the streets.

My predecessor, Whitney M. Young, stood proudly with the other Big Six civil rights leaders beside President Lyndon Johnson as he signed the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

Our rights are more threatened than at any time since that moment. That’s why the Urban League Movement is engaged in a voter education and civic participation campaign called “Enough is Enough. VOTE!” I could quote statistics showing how voter registration and voter participation rates rose steadily from the signing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 until 2013, when the Supreme Court gutted the Act with its decision in Shelby v. Holder. That is generally how we measure the success of the Act. But to quote Congressman John Lewis, who very nearly lost his life in the battle for the Voting Rights Act, “increasing the voter rolls was not the central purpose of the legislation. It was intended to stop state-sponsored terrorism, intimidation, and unjust, humiliating practices—literacy tests, poll taxes, and even lynching—which led people of color to fear registering and voting on Election Day.” It is no coincidence, and no accident, that the push to dismantle voting rights intensified after the election of 2008 – the first time in United States history when the Black voting rate equaled the White rate.

That’s exactly when Georgia, for example, tried to enact its controversial exact-match policy – which allows the state to reject voter registrations if so much as a hyphen is out of place. Under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, however, the policy was rejected.

Despite the Justice Department’s determination that “flawed system frequently subjects a disproportionate number of African-American, Asian, and/or Hispanic voters to … erroneous burdens on the right to register to vote,” Georgia is now on its third attempt to enact “exact match,” and is being sued for the second time.

In 2018, voters in at least eight states will face more stringent voting laws than they did in the last federal election. Overall, voters in 23 states will face tougher restrictions than they did in 2010. Tens of thousands of registered voters were deterred from voting by these racially discriminatory voter-suppression tactics.

CITY VOTE

In The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, Michelle Alexander wrote, “The genius of the current caste system, and what most distinguishes it from its predecessors, is that it appears voluntary. People choose to commit crimes, and that’s why they are locked up or locked out, we are told.”

So it is with voter suppression laws. They purport to target people who supposedly can’t be bothered to acquire photo identification, or who supposedly misspell their own names – never mind that it is overwhelmingly voters of color who lack the documentation to acquire required identification, or whose names are likely to be misspelled

by overwhelmingly White county elections workers.

Poll taxes and literacy tests didn’t explicitly mention race, either. History will look no more kindly on the 21st Century Jim Crow.

Ultimately, these efforts to suppress voters of color are mere sandbags against the rising current of an increasingly racially diverse electorate. They may delay but never halt our progress toward equality. But only if we press on, continue to wage battles in the courts and in our communities, continue shining a light on discrimination and speaking truth to power.

October 31 - November 6, 2018 3

Black Women Voters Seek to Shake Up Midterms

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA

N

ational Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., heralded 2018 as “payback year” for African Americans and other minorities who have suffered on the new presidential administration policies and it seems that Black women are in lock-step with Chavis.

Two years into the presidency of Donald Trump – which has seen an onslaught of attacks on health care, reproductive and other rights – the stakes for Black women could not be higher this midterm cycle, according to many observers.

Statistics reveal that Black women face disproportionate barriers to reproductive health care and are more likely to die after childbirth than their White or Latinx counterparts.

Also, women of color are disproportionately impacted by bans on insurance coverage for abortion and at risk for criminalization should abortion be made illegal once again.

“Black women in America face significant barriers to health care, including abortion. We are also three times more likely to die after childbirth than White women,” said La’Tasha D. Mayes, founder and executive director of New Voices for Reproductive Justice, a nonprofit that promotes the complete health and well-being of Black women and girls.

“The Trump presidency has repeatedly undermined the Affordable Care Act and other health programs that benefit the health of Black women. Black women will step up and vote for those who will work together with us to create health equity so that our families and communities can thrive,” Mayes said.

The pain of Black women and their rising up as one has also been heard in the LGBTQ community, said Candace Bond-Theriault, a reproductive health, rights and justice policy counsel and democracy project director at the National LGBTQ Task Force.

“We too are a part of the American body politic and though the system is broken, we demand a seat at the table so we can center our own experiences and stories and vote for candidates who are dedicated to our collective liberation,” Bond-Theriault said.

“All of the issues that we care about – living in neigh-

borhoods with safe drinking water, nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQIA folks, and access to safe, legal abortion – are always on the ballot because the legislators we elect will make decisions that affect our everyday lives.”

In a series examining the role of women in the 2018 midterm elections, NPR noted that more than a year and a half ago, the day after Trump was inaugurated, millions of women worldwide took to the streets in fury over his election.

It was a massive show of resistance.

One of the biggest questions that loomed over the demonstrations that day: Could the energy last?

Amy Chomsky, an ophthalmologist from Nashville, attended the demonstration in Washington, D.C., and she wanted to make it clear that she and her fellow marchers were serious in their anger.

“We’re not just crazy protesters,” she said the day of the march. “It’s a shame that we have to still be fighting for women’s rights or saying that we have a right to decide on our own reproductive health. We have a right to equal

pay. It’s a shame that we’re still doing this.”

Already, a record number of women have run and won primaries for the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and governorships this year, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, and a record number of women have also won nominations for state legislatures; the vast majority are Democrats.

In particular, according to the NPR series, Black women have relatively high turnout rates, and they vote heavily Democratic.

For instance, Black women in Alabama propelled Democrat Doug Jones to a Senate seat – a remarkable political upset – in a December special election, and they also helped push Ralph Northam to a win that was larger than predicted in most polls in his 2017 election for the Virginia governorship.

In a feature on “How 2018 became the year of the Black Progressive,” Politico noted that 2018 may well be remembered as the political “Year of the Black Progressive,” much as 1992 was the “Year of the Woman.”

The online publication noted that Black women are taking office as mayors in major cities such as San Francisco and New Orleans.

Record-breaking numbers of Black candidates are running for office at the state level.

No fewer than three Black candidates are being seriously discussed as presidential nominees.

And with gubernatorial candidates Stacey Abrams in Georgia, Andrew Gillum in Florida and congressional candidate Ayanna Pressley in Boston, among others, Democrats have nominated young, Black, progressives where they typically would nominate White moderates.

“No matter the outcome, this election results will give us a taste of what to expect in the next presidential race,” Politico’s Theodore R. Johnson wrote.

“Senators Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, as well as former Governor Deval Patrick, will be watching how Black progressives fare this year very closely before making their decisions on whether (and how) to embark on a presidential run.

“Trump and the Republican Party will be paying attention, too. The nation will be tuned in to see if this is truly the year of Black progressives, or if they’re just the flavor of the month.”

Cook County Bar Association (CCBA) Announces Judicial Election and Retention Ratings For Nov. 6 General Elections Just ahead of the 2018 General Election, the Cook County Bar Association has released their Judicial ratings for current judges and those seeking office. The CCBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screens candidates and makes recommendations to promote quality representation and diversity on the bench. The judicial candidates and sitting judges are evaluated on litigation and professional experience, legal knowledge and ability, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, professional conduct, health and age, impartiality, character and integrity.

The CCBA’s ratings of candidates are: Highly Recommended, Recommended and Not Recommended.

“The role of the JEC is to empower voters with information about the judges before them on the general elec4 October 31 - November 6, 2018

tion ballot,” said Nicholas Cummings. “We encourage everyone to do their due diligence as we near this crucial election.”

The Cook County Bar Association (CCBA) is a founding member of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening (Alliance) which includes eleven member bar associations. As an Alliance member, the CCBA investigates, interviews and issues recommendations regarding candidates for judicial office. The goal is to obtain a fair, accurate and complete evaluation of all candidates. Each bar association participating in the Alliance issues its own individual evaluation of a judicial candidate.

About the Cook County Bar Association Since its inception, the Cook County Bar Association (the “CCBA”) has been at the forefront of legal issues of

concern to the Black community. During the 1919 Chicago race riots, CCBA members defended Black residents who were unlawfully arrested and initiated civil lawsuits for damages. For over 100 years, the CCBA has aggressively supported the civil, political, and economic rights of the Black community and its members. Through organized activities and individual contributions from its members, the CCBA has held various legal clinics and community forums at various sites and has been supported by renowned civil rights organizations including Rainbow PUSH, local chapters of the NAACP, and other local groups and churches. The CCBA Foundation provides legal information, resources, and referrals through its monthly legal clinics.

To view the CCBA’s judicial candidate recommendations, visit: https://cookcountybar.org/ CITY VOTE

VOTE for

KWAME ELECTION DAY IS NOV 6

Born in Chicago to Haitian immigrants, a lifelong resident of the Hyde Park/Kenwood community.

Filled Barack Obama’s seat in the state Senate (2004).

A leading voice for equal rights, criminal justice reform, and protecting our right to vote, Kwame also worked hard to eliminate the death penalty in Illinois.

Kwame lost his father and both grandfathers to prostate cancer.

He was diagnosed three years ago. As a cancer survivor, Kwame will always fight to protect our access to affordable, quality healthcare -- because it saved his life.

The Attorney General is our last line defense against Donald Trump’s attacks on our right to vote, access to healthcare, and our communities.

ENDORSED BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

VOTE FOR KWAME TO FIGHT BACK AND WIN! /kwame.raoul.illinois

@kwameraoul

kwameraoul.com

Paid for by Raoul for Illinois.

CITY VOTE

October 31 - November 6, 2018 5

By Jeffrey L. Boney NNPA Political Analyst

T

“I Will Vote!” hat is such an empowering statement, when you think about it, especially considering how important voting is for Black people at this critical time in this country.

The voting rights of Blacks are being targeted and threatened every day and those threats have become extremely rampant over the course of the last several months leading up to these important midterm elections.

Early voting has begun in several states and the shenanigans have also increased. There have been a number of reports coming out across the country about voter disenfranchisement and voter suppression tactics that are negatively impacting African Americans, and it is startling.

In Georgia, for instance, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, who is also running for governor against Democratic opponent Stacey Abrams, who is African American, has been hit with a federal lawsuit after being accused of hampering minority voters from registering prior to the midterm elections on November 6. This is troubling, especially because Kemp is running for governor, while holding the office responsible for handling the important process of voter registration.

According to reports, Kemp’s office put approximately 53,000 voter registration applications on hold because of minor discrepancies, and although Blacks make up roughly 32 percent of Georgia’s population, approximately 70 percent of the applications in Kemp’s office that were placed in this voter registration pending status were those of Black applicants.

Back in August, the Forward Times published an extremely troubling story entitled, Jim Crow 2018 – Black Voting Rights under Attack in Harris County, highlighting a voter suppression tactic that took place where roughly 4,000 eligible Harris County voters, mostly African Americans located in Houston’s historic Third Ward, had their voting rights attacked by an independent operative who used an antiquated Texas state law to legally challenge their voting status.

The issue of voter disenfranchisement, voter intimidation and voter suppression is not new, just like protecting the voting rights of African Americans has been an ongoing fight for centuries and one that cannot be ignored. Voting matters. Voting makes a difference.

After the Civil War, Black men were elected to the U.S. Congress and the South even elected some Black senators. These political gains and the progress made by Black people as a result of Reconstruction governments in the South empowered many Blacks financially and socially.

Many Southern Whites knew that if they wanted to reestablish control and political dominance over Black people in this country, they would have to stop Black people from voting by any means necessary. Thus, the Ku Klux Klan was formed, which came with a primary focus of tak6 October 31 - November 6, 2018

ing back the South through voter suppression, voter intimidation and voter disenfranchisement. Fast forward to 2018 and the apple has not fallen too far from the tree, as it relates to many of the same tactics being used to disenfranchise Black people in this country politically through voter suppression, voter intimidation and voter disenfranchisement.

It is impossible for Black people to be disengaged politically, and then hope to get the best treatment, outcomes or results from the elected officials they failed to engage with while those candidates were running for their respective seats.

Black people must get engaged and must vote.

However, choosing not to vote at all is a completely different situation altogether. It is detrimental to the growth of the African American community. It does not help, it hurts.

There is a quote that is often referenced when describing someone who is not a part of a major decision that affects them that goes, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

The worst thing African Americans could ever do in the realm of politics is: Nothing.

Have you ever asked yourself why it has been so important to other people to make it difficult for Black people to vote? Why have so many people and groups poured so much money into getting behind select candidates and political parties? Why are people constantly seeking to suppress the vote? Why would people do anything to steal an election through voter suppression and voter intimidation tactics with an emphasis on disenfranchising African American voters?

It is because Black votes matter — and everyone knows it.

African Americans must know it and must show it on November 6. Black people must show that we are actually “at the table” and are no longer just “on the menu” come November 6.

To avoid being “on the menu” as the main course meal on someone else’s table, Black people must show up to the polls this election cycle and make their voices heard.

Black people must do this, in spite of the continuous neglect and lack of concentration of reaching Black voters through the mediums they are accustomed to by both political parties. Black people must not rely on others to plead their cause or fight their overall battles for them.

Black people must vote.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents over 200 Black-owned media companies across the U.S., has been focused on registering 5 million, new Black voters before the midterm elections and is working collaboratively with other national organizations to fight voter suppression and increase Black voter turnout.

“We want the largest, Black voter turnout in American history,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis. “Voter suppression is taking place, because we’re voting. But we’re going to overcome voter suppression this year, as this is a payback year for African Americans all

over the country at the polls.”

African Americans should use these midterm elections as a beta test for the 2020 Presidential election and use the results as a tool to make demands and ensure a dedicated seat at the head table prior to 2020. In Texas, straight-ticket ballots will go away, so neither political party will be able to take a lazy approach to proactively educating potential voters on who their candidates are.

More importantly, candidates of either party will no longer be able to simply skate in to office on party affiliation alone and must put in the necessary ground work and investments to make potential voters more aware of their position on the issues that matter to African Americans.

The Black vote should no longer be considered a guaranteed vote.

Choosing not to vote leads to dire consequences for African Americans.

There is a big difference between being able to choose what you want versus being told what you will get. No one likes to have things forced upon them. Of course, you could choose to do nothing, which is still your choice and right to do so. But, by choosing not to vote, you are in essence being told who you will get to represent you at every level of government – local, county, state and federal, as well as what you will get when it comes to key public policy issues.

Those who have sought to disenfranchise and discourage African Americans from voting know the importance of voting, as well as the profound impact that voting has on representation, political outcomes and critical decisions that must be made on major issues that impact you.

More importantly, those who seek to disenfranchise African Americans from the voting process know that whoever holds these political positions of power are able to direct necessary and critical resources to select areas.

They are also able to ensure that select people are appointed to key boards and select positions that have an impact on you.

Whether you believe your vote matters or not — and it most certainly does — every Black person will have to adhere to any law that is passed and every decision that is made by the elected body of representatives who hold every seat.

There is absolutely no level of complaining or reactionary response that will change that.

There are no acceptable excuses when it comes to voting. Either Black people vote or reap the consequences of not voting. Every Black person should get engaged in politics if they wish to bring about change. So, this is your chance to make a difference. Say it – I Will Vote!

Now go do it! Cast your vote early or be sure to vote on November 6.

Jeffrey Boney is a political analyst for the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com and the associate editor for the Houston Forward Times newspaper. Jeffrey is an award-winning journalist, dynamic, international speaker, experienced entrepreneur, business development strategist and founder and CEO of the Texas Business Alliance Follow Jeffrey on Twitter @realtalkjunkies.

CITY VOTE

CHICAGO DEFENDER ENDORSEMENTS

GENERAL ELECTION Tuesday, November 6, 2018

ISTING

AL L PARTI

Unopposed candidates NOT included

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul

Illinois Governor and Lieutenant Governor JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza IIllinois Treasurer

Michael W. Frerichs Representatives in Congress (select districts) 2nd Robin Kelly 7th Danny K. Davis 14th Lauren Underwood Assessor of Cook County Frederick “Fritz” Kaegi

Commissioner, 3rd County Board District Bill Lowry

Select Proposals on the Ballot

1. Should the State of Illinois strengthen penalties for the illegal trafficking of firearms and require all gun dealers to be certified by the State? Vote YES 2. Shall the minimum wage in your municipality match the $13 per hour Cook County minimum wage law for adults over the age of 18 by July 1, 2020, and be indexed to the consumer price index after that? Vote YES 3. Shall your municipality match the Cook County earned sick time law which allows for workers to earn up to 40 hours (5 days) of sick time a year to take care of their own health or a family member’s health? Vote YES 4. Dolton: Shall the terms of office of Village Trustee for the Village of Dolton be limited such that no person may serve more than 2 consecutive 4 year terms? Vote NO CITY VOTE

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8 October 31 - November 6, 2018

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