Chicago Crusader 12/28/13 E-Edition

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Blacks Must Control Their Own Community

To The Unconquerable Host of Africans Who Are Laying Their Sacrifices Upon The Editorial Altar For Their Race AUDITED BY

•C•P•V•S•

VOLUME LXXIII NUMBER 36—SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE 1940

25 Cents and worth more

Hudson Sisters bring holiday cheer

By J. Coyden Palmer Chicago native and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, along with sister, Julia teamed up with WGN television to donate Christmas toys to disadvantaged children this week. The toys were given out to kids at the Salvation Army’s Ray and Joan Kroc Center on the city’s South Side Christmas eve. This is the fourth year for the event, which is a part of the Julian D. King Foundation, named after Julia Hudson’s son, who was murdered by her exhusband in 2008.

The Hudsons collected the new, unwrapped toys last week at WGN’s studios headquarters on the North Side. People drove up in cars and vans despite the cold, rainy morning dropping off presents.

Many said they felt a connection with the sisters and their efforts, and said donating the toys are good for promoting the Christmas spirit.

For Julia Hudson, the annual toy drive is therapeutic as she continues to deal with the loss of Julian. The more reticent of the two sisters, Julia and Jennifer’s bond is still

tight, despite the tragedy in which they lost Julian, along with their mother Darnell Donnerson and brother Jason Hudson. Julian was Julia’s only child.

“The toy drive helps me because I’m still

able to do for a child, even though I lost my own,” said Julia Hudson. “I feel like I have a lot more kids now and that I am taking care of them as if I were taking care of him.”

CHICAGO SINGER AND ACTRESS Jennifer Hudson poses with a young fan during a toy donation drive in Chicago on Dec. 20. Hudson and her sister Julia passed out the collected toys to kids in need on Christmas Eve at the Salvation Army’s Ray & Joan Kroc Center on the city’s South Side. (Photo by J. Coyden Palmer)

“Despite the negative circumstances, you still have to get up the next day and the day after and survive it,” said Jennifer Hudson.

“This is our way of that. It’s a family effort and at the same time we’re healing as well.”

Those who donated said they felt for the sisters, now five years after the tragedy. But many the Crusader spoke with said they were inspired by the sisters’ resolve.

“We are fortunate as a family to have means, but there are many out there who are struggling, so as a family this is something we all wanted to do,” said Travis James, who along with his wife and two daughters drove from Melrose Park to drop off toys. “We purchased four items to donate, one from each of us.”

Hudson was also joined by the Blue Man Group and the Soul Children of Chicago choir. Founded in 1987, the Blue Man Group produces theatrical shows and concerts featuring experimental music, comedy and multimedia; recorded music and scores for film and television and has one of the longest live production shows in Chicago history. The trio group features (Continued on page 2)

Video shoot gets single mother evicted

By Wendell Hutson A gangster rap video shoot by her son and his friends has resulted in a single mother losing her public housing apartment at the Roosevelt Square complex on the West Side.

The son, Nokomis Jefferson, who raps under the name “Shoota Mac,” shot the video with about 18 young men, including some who were waving guns around in the video inside the Chicago Housing Authority development, 1222 W. Roosevelt Road.

The leaseholder, 47-year-old Bridgette Leachman, was unavailable for comment.

The video was posted on YouTube July 2012, according to Cook County court documents. Jefferson has also posted several other videos on YouTube, including one called “Strapped Up” and “Man Down,”

where he raps outside Roosevelt Square and the Robert Brooks homes, a nearby public housing complex.

However, the video that got his mother in trouble with the CHA appears to be the only one where weapons can be seen and is no longer online. Under CHA policy, officials can terminate a lease if a resident engages in “any activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises” of other residents, CHA employees or property managers, or even “persons residing in the immediate vicinity.” Any activity resulting in a felony conviction is also grounds for termination.

What’s more, residents are responsible for behavior by relatives or guests: “The CHA (Continued on page 3)

GANGSTER RAPPER NOKOMIS JEFFERSON, 21, shot a video in his mother’s West Side public housing apartment and now she is being evicted as a result him holding a gun in the video.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Crusader Newspaper Group Holiday Party (See page 10 and 11)

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NEWS

Minimum wage war headed to March ballot

By Wendell Hutson Voters would be allowed to decide if they want a state minimum wage bumped up to $15 per hour in the March primary if community groups have their way in getting a referendum on the upcoming primary ballot.

But the precinct-by-precinct advisory referendum, even if ultimately adopted, would only apply to major businesses making $50 million a year, like Wal-Mart and McDonald’s. “There is a direct link between poverty and increases in violence and crime, as well as decreases in educational achievement. When workers make a living wage, it helps build up the whole community,” said Gloria Warner, president of the grassroots group Action Now! “I am ab-

A NOVEMBER PROTEST at a Walmart store by union workers and community groups called for an increase in hourly wages to $15 per hour.

THE REV. WALTER TURNER, pastor of New Spiritual Light Missionary Baptist Church, is advocating for a hike in the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour from $8.25.

solutely confident that working families and communities across Chicago will lift our voices and vote for this proposed referendum in huge numbers.”

However, President Barack Obama said he supports increasing the federal minimum wage to $10 per hour, which totals $18,000 a year for an employee working 40 hours per week. At the current federal minimum wage a full-time employee would earn $15,000 annually. The current state minimum wage is $8.25 per hour while the federal is $7.25 per hour.

Action Now! is part of the Raise Chicago Coalition behind the referendum. Other groups involved include the Grassroots Collaborative and Service Em-

ployee International Union Healthcare Illinois.

“They’re targeting individual precincts,” said Jim Allen, spokesman for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. “They’ve submitted about 100 petitions to put the referendum on the ballot in about 5 percent of Chicago’s 2,069 precincts. (But) this won’t be everywhere.”

Officials with the Illinois Restaurant Association contend that higher wages would lead to layoffs and higher prices.

Gov. Pat Quinn also supports a bump in pay for workers.

“No one should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty. Increasing the minimum wage will ensure that workers get a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work, while

fighting poverty and bolstering our economy,” Quinn said. “Earlier this year, I called for increasing the minimum wage in Illinois to at least $10 an hour, and I will continue to work with members of the General Assembly to make it happen.”

Even though the City Council filled up the ballot for citywide referendums in the March 18 primary earlier this month with three issues concerning the concealed carrying of guns in restaurants, high-capacity ammunition magazines and higher taxi rates, groups can still submit advisory referendums on a precinct-byprecinct basis.

The Rev. Walter Turner, pastor of New Spiritual Light Missionary Baptist Church, said he too supports higher minimum wages.

“We are not going to take this anymore. Wal-Mart needs to get off their butt and pay their employees a livable wage,” Turner said. “A multibillion dollar company like Walmart should be ashamed at the salaries they are paying full-time employees.”

Alderman Howard Brookins (21st), whose ward includes the West Chatham neighborhood, said he also supports higher minimum wages for employees.

“No one should have to work 40 hours a week and be paid poverty wages. One of the conditions Wal-Mart had agreed to before this store was built was to pay employees 50 cents more an hour than other retail stores,” Brookins said. “I think asking to be paid $25,000 a year is a fair request.”

Hudson Sisters bring holiday cheer (Continued from page 1) men in blue paint. The Soul Children of Chicago were also on hand, serenading those who do-

nated toys with Christmas carols.

Julia Hudson said the Christmas holiday takes on an even more personal meaning for her with the loss of her three family

how Jennifer comes in and seasons one dish and makes some of the desserts, but that she is clearly the better cook in the family.

In addition to the annual toy drive, the Julian D. King Foundation also sponsors a school supplies drive in the fall. Jennifer Hudson will also be celebrating the release of a new CD in 2014 and continues to evolve as an actress as well as a singer.

THE SOUL CHILDREN of Chicago choir brings in some Christmas cheer to people throughout the city this holiday season. The choir joined Jennifer Hudson during a toy drive last week at WGN television studios on Bradley Place.

JENNIFER HUDSON WAS joined by members of the Blue Man Group during a toy drive to help kids in need.

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Saturday, December 28, 2013

members. She said she and Jennifer get together with other fam-

ily members and she does most of the cooking. She joked about

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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NEWS

Grieving parents sing Christmas songs at Saint Sabina ‘Memorial Wall’ Hung ornaments with photos of their child on tree

For the first time, Purpose Over Pain, a group of more than 40 mothers and fathers, Saturday sang holiday songs and placed ornaments bearing pictures of their deceased children on a Christmas tree that sits adjacent to Saint Sabina’s “Memorial Wall” a pictorial remember of the “senseless” gun violence that has taken the lives of so many youth.

At a press conference held at Saint Sabina’s ARK, 7800 South Racine, Father Michael L. Pfleger, who was joined by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-2nd), Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D16th), Pastor Ira Acree, Greater St. John Bible Church, Kevin Doyle, founder and executive director of the Sheilah A. Doyle Foundation, Tommie and Pamela Bosley, Annette Nance-Holt who lost her son, Blair Holt to gun violence, and more than 40 grieving parents, said, “We can’t get immune to violence” and that the parents “are not alone” in their mourning.

In the spirit of unity, Pastor Ira Acree, who heads the Greater St. John Bible Church on the West Side, gave the opening prayer saying, “I wanted to be here because this problem with violence is not just a south side or west side problem. We are one city bleeding,” he said giving support for the grieving parents “during this tough time” of the year.

Wearing his black and white Peacemaker T-shirt, Pfleger said while officials claim violence is down, “we can’t get complacent and we can’t get immune. Last night one person was killed, six were shot. We hear that every day in the city of Chicago.

“Although the numbers are down, somebody lost a life last night and somebody is fighting for a life in a hospital right now. We cannot get complacent. We’ve got to stay outraged and mad because while we hear numbers are down, the person in the hospital and the person at the funeral director today doesn’t care about the number because their love one is not lost or suffering or struggling,” said Pfleger who thanked Quinn, Kelly and Collins for fighting for sensible gun laws.

“They had the courage to fight and are under attack and have NRA money coming against them, have Tea Party coming against them. We will let them know…we will support people who supporting our causes in the community…and we thank them for that,”said Pfleger.

However, Pfleger reminded them that “it’s not yet safe” referring to students to go to school in fear. Referring to his own son, Jarvis Franklin, 17, who was fatally shot on May 30, 1998, Pfleger said, “We want to make sure we do not forget our children. This is the season of children. We want to let all of our children know who are sitting now on the throne room of God, that we remember them hereon earth….

We love our children and they are

(Continued from page 1) is not required to prove that the resident knew or should have known that a family member, household member, guest, or other person under the resident’s control was engaged in the action that violated the lease,” the policy states.

In an eviction filing, Rola Osman, a Roosevelt Square property manager, said after the video was posted she viewed it, recognized Jefferson and believed it was filmed in the complex. Osman, who works for the Related Management Company, which runs the complex on behalf of CHA, said she then went to Leachman’s second-floor unit last August to do an inspection and “at that time I recognized that the ‘All I Know Is Shoot’ video was shot in the premises.”

Additionally, Jefferson and two other men described as “members of the New Breed street gang” were seen last August loitering in a CHA parking lot, which is a known hot spot, according to a police report.

Osman said Leachman, whose monthly rent is $502, came to see her to discuss the situation but “did not deny any of the two reasons given for the Notice of Termination.”

In October 2012, Related Management formally filed a motion in Cook County Civil Court to evict Leachman, alleging she had breached the lease agreement.

In later court filings, Related Management stated that Leachman was being evicted because Jefferson was an “unauthorized resident and/or guest” of hers. It listed as reasons his gun arrest and that he “possessed and displayed firearms in defendant’s unit and on the project grounds which was posted in a July 12, 2012 video.”

In court filings, Leachman denied her son was living with her or was a guest of hers either when the video was filmed or when he was arrested. Her recent attempt to have the case dismissed was denied in October.

Leachman’s attorney, Michelle Gilbert, said her client was voluntarily leaving and no longer being

By Chinta Strausberg

GREIVING PARENTS INCLUDING the Rev. Michael Pfleger recently hung ornaments bearing their late sons and daughters photos on a memorial wall during a special ceremony at St. Sabina’s on South 78th Place. still with us in our hearts, in our minds, in our spirits every day.”

To the grieving parents, Pfleger said, “you are not alone…. I know sometimes it’s hard. I know sometimes you cry. I know sometimes you’re angry, but don’t get discouraged, don’t give up and don’t get overwhelmed. This is the season that reminds us that hope wins, peace wins, love wins, and justice wins. We win the battle in the end so don’t give up. Stay around because it’s a great ending.”

Gov. Quinn, said, “There are no words in the English language or any language” to ease their pain. “It is our duty, the living, to carry on their memory…. We have the hope that we can work together in the best traditions of our democracy to pass laws to protect the people and to end violence that has taken so many lives.” “Never forget those young boys and girls who lost their lives to gun violence. We’ve got to do something about that and we will.”

Mr. Bosley, president of Purpose Over Pain and who lost his son, Terrell, 18, a gospel base player who was murdered on April 4, 2006 while helping to bring his friend’s drums into church, said his group, Purpose Over Pain, partnered with the Sheilah A. Doyle Foundation which laminated photos of the deceased children unto Christmas ornaments. “We can drive by 78th Street,” look over at the tree that now bears their pictures and remember their children.

Given the holiday season, Mr. Bosley said, “It is very difficult time of the year for us parents who have lost their kids to senseless acts of gun violence…. It is very difficult…to just get out of bed, but we are determined to remember our children in the positive life that they lived and also to advocate for safer streets and tougher gun laws.”

Rep. Kelly said, “I am committed to seeing this fight through…to seeing legislation passed…” she said referring to sensible gun laws.

Jeanie Hernandez lost her son on May 25th. “Holidays are not the same. The emptiness in my heart never goes away, pretending to smile when I’m really crying inside. How can I celebrate and have joy. This is my nightmare,” she said asking for prayer.

Senator Collins said it is difficult to image the pain these parents are going through this holiday season. “I just pray that God’s grace brings them comfort and peace at this (Continued on page 17)

Video shoot gets single mother evicted

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THE EXTERIOR OF THE Roosevelt Square Apartments where the management company is strictly enforcing violations of an anti-violence clause in leases. evicted. A spokeswoman for Re- agement team at Roosevelt the incidents, have taken the lated Management said that Square and we work in close part- most expeditious action available CHA took action “as soon as we nership with the Chicago Police to us and Ms. Leachman and Mr. Department and the CHA on all Jefferson will be vacating their were made aware of the video.”

“The safety and security of our of our efforts,” RM officials said apartment in the next few residents is a priority for the man- in a statement. “We are aware of weeks.”

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

Saturday, December 28, 2013

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EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL RESOLVE TO DO BETTER IN 2014!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Time really flies - it seems as though it was just yesterday that we welcomed 2013, which is now out so that we can make way for 2014. We hope you were able to accomplish all of the things that you set out to do in 2013, but more importantly, we hope that you set reasonable goals for 2014 that you are able to accomplish. New Year’s resolutions are a tradition in America, and every year people make them.

These resolutions represent good intentions, and the ability to carry them out is directly related to the strength of our will.

Resolutions, if followed, can help make us better people, since they usually focus on things that will improve us.

When looking at the state of the world, we might recommend a few resolutions that world governments should embrace. For starters, man’s inhumanity to man should cease and desist. In Nigeria, Sudan, Afghanistan, the United States, and various other places around the globe, people are killing each other in a major way due to various and sundry differences. If we could focus on our similarities as opposed to differences, some of these issues might possibly be resolved.

Gross inequities in the distribution of resources is a problem worldwide, and because of this, rich people should resolve to understand that they are stewards of wealth and that they can benefit the world by sharing more of their resources. Not all wealthy people are greedy, but those that are should do a lot of soul searching in order to see how they can help to make the world a better place. On this same note, corporations should resolve to pay fair wages for fair work. It is counterproductive for individuals to work their lives away in full time employment and remain in poverty. In this regard, governments should resolve to ensure a livable minimum wage.

Other resolutions - the Black communities in America and throughout the Diaspora should resolve to work together, to spend money with each other, to share resources and to cut down on Black-on-Black violence. Some Black American communities have literally devolved into war zones where children are dying at alarming rates! This is unacceptable, and to continue this trend is to entertain the notion of self-genocide.

In politics, Republicans should resolve to drop their vendetta against anything Obama and start to help heal this country.

Infighting hurts everyone, and to cut your nose off to spite your face is just plain dumb, which is what many conservative Republicans are doing. Democrats should resolve to do what they say and say what they do - they need to be held accountable for their actions and think about what will make communities better. Both Democrats and Republicans have been guilty of being self-serving and reneging on their promises to serve the people. The rate of corruption in office is a stark testimony of this situation. Actually, all public servants should resolve to serve the public, which is their only real charge.

And finally, we all should resolve to make our public schools better by respecting teachers, giving administrators more leeway to run schools as they see fit, and ensure that parents become, and remain, involved in their children’s education.

When considering the gap between minority achievement and that of whites, a lot of improvement is needed in this arena.

With this said, The Crusader wishes for you a safe and Happy 2014!!!

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Saturday, December 28, 2013

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Are we supposed to be fools?

Dear Editor: I have seen this space in the Chicago Crusader talk about the Chicago Police Department and usually it is what is wrong with that operation. I decided I need to add my voice to that group after the latest attempted con game by the police superintendent.

Last week he was on television talking about all of the great things the department is doing and how those things are causing this big decrease in crime in the city. He keeps singing the same tune and we keep hearing and reading about another murder, and another shooting and another stabbing. The police superintendent is obviously living in a fantasy world.

To make matters worse the superintendent keeps comparing what is happening today to the numbers the department manufactured in 2011. He completely skips 2012 telling reporters and others that it was an exceptionally bad year and should not be in the mix. Isn’t that what life is all about? You have some good stretches and some bad patches and you learn from them both.

The superintendent has a strong tendency to talk about what he did in New York City, or what happened in the Big Apple. It is hard to think of anything more insulting. Chicago and NYC are two very different cities with dif-

ferent kinds of problems and levels of violence. And he was never the superintendent of that department, so what is he constantly yapping about New York for?

Now he is running up and down the street swearing the cops will get the person(s) who assaulted a teen-aged girl a week or so ago. Once again the day-to-day police work gets short shrift so the cops can chase the case that gets the bright television lights and loads of newspaper coverage.

It really seems that the superintendent is following that old line about telling a lie enough times people will believe it. Sorry but I ain’t buying that this guy has come here and crime has gone down.

Cecil Hearns

Math for Dummies Dear Editor:

the district is initiating the conversations. It seems that would mean the people doing the adding and subtracting would take their collective time and check and re-check their numbers. After that process is when they should share the information with the public.

It is mind-boggling that there are people involved who have multiple advanced degrees, have direct and indirect responsibilities for millions of dollars and can’t seem to do basic arithmetic.

(Continued on page 17)

CHICAGO CRUSADER (U.S.P.S. 596080)

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J.L. Smith 6429 South King Drive Chicago, Illinois 60637 773-752-2500 An independent newspaper serving the Southside Westside and Northside, printing the news impartially empowering what it believes to be right and appealling what it believes to be wrong without regard to party politics. Devoted to the Industrial, Educational, SocioPolitical and Educational advancement of Black people. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If I wasn’t living through it I don’t think I would believe that the Chicago Public Schools screwed up another financial matter. This time district officials are telling us that the cost to close the 50 schools will run three times the original estimate.

I know I am not the only one who has noticed every time the people at the district headquarters tell us something about the school closing they wind up amending what were supposed to be the initial facts. This is very difficult to understand because

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COMMENTARY

An American Tale about Union Racism

By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist It was the early 1970’s and my mentor, the late Dr. Arthur Fletcher, received the “green light” from Secretary of Labor George Schultz and President Richard Nixon to integrate the construction workforce on federally regulated projects.

Construction unions were livid about this. AFL-CIO president George Meany demanded the firing of Secretary Schultz and the immediate shutdown of this program.

President Nixon ignored him and Art kicked off the program in Philadelphia – The Philadelphia Plan. The second city was Chicago.

The Chicago Plan was very confrontational. Construction unions tried to invade the Palmer House Hotel where Art was having his meetings with local labor leaders.

Death threats were real so President Nixon called Mayor Richard Daley and warned him that if Art is harmed in any way the 101st Airborne will be marching down Michigan Ave. Art left Chicago alive but the mob put out a contract on his life. For the next two years he had Secret Service body guards. The Chicago union halls had to sign a Consent Decree claiming they would integrate their ranks.

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist PRETORIA, South Africa – It’s not easy walking in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, the nation’s first democratically elected president. No one knows that better than the two men who succeeded him as president of South Africa.

A larger-than-life figure, Mandela was elected president of the formerly white minority-ruled country in 1994, an accomplishment made even more remarkable by his having served 27 years in prison for his struggle to win equal rights for the violently oppressed Black majority. After serving one term and still at the apex of his popularity, the former lawyer decided to forgo a second 5-year term, clearing the way for his chief deputy and African National Congress (ANC) colleague Thabo Mbeki to assume the top office in 1999.

But after serving eight years in office, Mbeki was recalled by the ANC in 2007 after losing an elective conference to Jacob Zuma at a party gathering in Polokwane, Limpopo, just north of Johannesburg. He resigned in September 2008. Zuma succeeded Mbeki and there appears to be growing disenchantment with www.chicagocrusader.com

Harry C. Alford The following is what happened after the event according to Justia US Law. “The backdrop to this case of individual racial discrimination is the historic resistance within the building trades in the Chicago area to accepting racial and ethnic minorities into their ranks. The plaintiff, Frank Daniels, is Black.

He was able to get his start as a pipefitter and welder on account of the Chicago Plan, a government-sponsored directive designed to increase minority representation in the construction industry. Daniels left the building trade fourteen years later

when he was expelled from his trade union, Pipefitters’ Association Local Union Number 597. His abrupt departure was also predicated on race, but this time the union used his race against him rather than in his favor.

After he was expelled from Local 597, Daniels filed suit against the union. He charged the union with race discrimination and retaliation causing him to be denied job referrals and to be expelled from Local 597. Daniels alleged multiple legal theories and claimed relief under Section 1981 of the 1866 Civil Rights Act, Section 301 of the Labor Management Relations Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. His 1981 and 301 claims were tried before a jury, which returned a general verdict in Daniels’ favor and awarded him compensatory damages of $181,063.50 and punitive damages of $150,000.00.

The district court held a bench trial on plaintiff’s Title VII claim and entered judgment in favor of Daniels.

Plaintiff then petitioned for attorneys’ fees and the district court awarded fees of $265,777.00 and costs in the amount of $6,312.10.

For the following reasons, we affirm.

A recitation of the racist slurs directed at the Black members of Local 597 provides an introduction to

the work environment that plaintiff protested against. When the federal government initiated the Chicago Plan and directed the union to accept additional Blacks, the union’s head complained that “big brother government came in and told us that we had to accept Blacks and the rest of the minorities.”

When a Black pipefitter decided to run for a union position, the same union head complained that “this has been a white man’s union.” Use of racial epithets by union officials pervaded the hiring hall. White members were told that they would not get jobs while they were “with those Black people and with those niggers.” Another official told a white member that “You’re just too friendly with the wrong kind of people. You’re always with those niggers, porch monkeys,” Blacks were referred to as “baboons,” “porch monkeys,” “spear-chuckers,” “ghetto assholes,” “nigger,” “super nigger,” “melanzanni” (Italian for eggplant), and “tutsune” (Italian for nigger).”

You can get the whole report about this case at: http://ow.ly/rVLiZ. For more on Dr. Arthur Fletcher: http://www.youtube.com/nationalbcc The union learned a hard lesson, or did they? A few years later another discrimination lawsuit was filed against local 597. Yes, they

were found guilty again. They just won’t change their racist ways. Believe it or not another (the 3rd) discrimination lawsuit against the pipefitters union will be filed in the Chicago courts within days. So now, we come from the early 1970’s to the current 2013 and the racist unions are still racist. They need to change or cease their existence.

What the great Art Fletcher did was revolutionary and a “tonic” for an ailing nation. Let’s continue the fight until freedom is won. Mr. Frank Daniels deserves the Art Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award for his courage and determination to live as a free American.

Construction trades still discriminate against Blacks and this is what sickens me when President Obama demands union only projects (Project Labor Agreements) along with many other ignorant or sell out Black politicians, officials and traditional civil rights organizations. Is the union money (sponsorships, donations, etc.) that good? Let’s stay in court until it finally changes.

Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®.Website: www.nationalbcc.org.

Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.

Walking in Mandela’s Footsteps the country’s third Black president’s performance.

Zuma’s presidency has been tarnished by repeated reports of scandals, including charges that he used state funds on his private residence in Nkandla, a rural town in KwaZulu-Natal province. Improvements include the addition of a swimming pool, visitors’ center and amphitheater. The Zuma administration said the expenses, estimated at approximately $2 million (U.S.), are for security reasons.

Photographs of the sprawling home have reminded South Africans of the contrast between the lavish lifestyles enjoyed by the elites and the millions of residents mired in poverty. The allegations of corruption are taking a political toll on Zuma, who is in his second term.

According to the Sunday Times, Mbeki told a UK television network that Zuma should resign if recalled by the ANC. “So when they look at some of the things that are happen-ing … when they see this corruption in the country, which seems to be increasing at all levels of government, the people are aggrieved. They are saying that this is not what freedom was for.”

With nearly 100 international leaders in South Africa to memorialize the beloved Nelson Mandela, Zuma was loudly booed by some

George E. Curry participants at the main memorial service. At a send-off from Pretoria the day before Mandela’s funeral, Zuma seemed to be answering his critics when he said, “I’ll be very happy if, as we mourn and celebrate Madiba, we do not abuse his name. Mandela never abused his membership and his leadership in the ANC. We should not think that Madiba’s passing on is a time for us to indirectly settle scores.”

Mbeki is not the only Mandela loyalist to believe that Zuma is not the leader the nation needs at this time.

In an interview earlier this year with the The London Daily Mail and The Guardian, Archbishop

Emeritus Desmond Tutu said: “I have over the years voted for the ANC, but I would very sadly not be able to vote for them after the way things have gone.” Tutu explained, “We really need a change.

The ANC was very good at leading us in the struggle to be free from oppression. They were a good freedom-fighting unit. But it doesn’t seem to me now that a freedomfighting unit can easily make the transition to becoming a political party.”

Last week, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, the country’s largest trade union and a traditional ally of the ANC, called for Zuma to resign and announced that it will not support the ruling ANC in next year’s election.

The pressure for Zuma’s resignation continues to build.

According to a poll released Dec. 15 by the Sunday Times, slightly more than half (51 percent) of registered ANC members believe Zuma should resign from office as a result of a scandal involving his home in Nkandla.

Zuma’s critics acknowledge that the dissatisfaction with the president has as much to do with disappointment at the slow rate of progress over nearly 20 years of freedom, including the Mandela years, than Zuma individually.

A report last year by Statistics

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

South Africa showed that over the past decade, annual earnings of Black households increased by 169 percent to 60,613 rand (approximately U.S. $6,644) while white household earnings over that same period rose by 88 percent to 365,134 rand (about U.S. $40,927).

Official unemployment is nearly 25 percent. If you add discouraged workers no longer actively seeking work, the figure is 33 percent.

The Economist noted, “… the gap between rich and poor is now wider than under apartheid.”

South Africa is learning the lesson that other countries around the world, including the U.S., are being forced to accept. It’s one thing to criticize government as an outsider, It’s quite another to assume power and make fundamental changes.

George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter. com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

5

COMMENTARY

(Continued from page 1)

KWANZAA: THE CHALLENGES OF A NEW SEASON Dr. Conrad Worrill, Director/Professor, Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS) located at 700 East Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, Illinois, 60653, 773-268-7500, Fax: 773-268-3835 E-mail: c-worrill@neiu.edu, Website: www.ccicschicago.org, Twitter: @CCICS_ Chicago.

Dr. Conrad Worrill

As we enter a New Kwanzaa Season, we must remind ourselves of the continued challenges that we face. The fundamental issue that Africans in America must face is centered around the continued assault by the systems of racism and white supremacy that keeps us in bondage, servitude, and often times, confusion. What is at stake is our survival as a race of people.

We must come to grips with the following challenges as we enter a New Kwanzaa Season.

Family Development: There is no question that the African in American family is in major disarray and is in need of major repair. Without strong African in America families, raising and nurturing our children, the future will remain bleak. Families are the foundation for the survival and development of a people. African men and women need to close ranks and reestablish the tradition of strong Black families in America.

Economic Development: Many Africans in America women and men continue to remind us that we earn in excess of 600 billion

dollars a year in this country. The tragedy of this economic potential in the African Community in America is that the overwhelming majority of this income we earn, we spend with other people and not with our own. Other people still continue to dominate and maximize profits from our communities for their own advancement. When are we going to stop this awful practice of allowing other people to benefit from the dollars we earn?

Political Development: We have often said that politics is the science of who gets what, when, where, and how. And in this regard, we should recognize that the white power structure and its Black allies are doing everything possible to rupture our continuing movement for Black political empowerment. In electoral politics the lessons are clear. Personality clashes and individual personal conflicts have no place in the world of politics! The only thing that matters is what is best for African people in America. If we don’t remain unified politically, we will not benefit from our ef-

forts to increase Black political power in Chicago or in any other cities in which we live.

Cultural Development: Why should other people profit from our artistic and creative endeavors? It is clear that we are a creative people with a unique culture of our own. However, in this area the writers, poets, musicians, dancers, singers, actors, etc. must strive to control what we create and the entire African Community should aggressively support their efforts.

International Affairs: We must work harder to support the struggle of our brothers and sisters in Africa, the Caribbean, and South America in their continued liberation struggle for land and independence.

Historical Discontinuity: It appears the more we are oppressed under the system of racism and white supremacy, the more we forget our history. One generation from the next has difficulty remembering our great struggles, battles, and movements.

Harold Cruse points out in his

book, The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual, “The farther the Negro [Black person] gets from his [her] historical antecedents in time, the more tenuous become his conceptual ties, the emptier his [her] social conceptions, the more superficial his visions.”

It must be clear, at this point in history that African people need to determine for ourselves solutions to the many serious problems we face. We should realize going into this New Kwanzaa Season that no one will do for us what we really need to do for ourselves.

It is time we begin providing for ourselves in all areas of life. No longer should we listen and adhere to how other people define us and our struggle. Accomplishing the objective of elevating our struggle to a higher level will require that we become more skilled in organizing our communities toward our liberation and freedom.

As an old African proverb points out, “Those who are dead have not gone forever. They are in the woman’s womb. They are in the child who whimpers.”

IMPROVED ECONOMY? THE FEDS THINKS SO

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist There are two ways to end a recession. One is to increase federal spending on the theory that people will spend more money when they have more money. Obviously this Congress doesn’t care about economic stimulation.

They’ve cut budgets, not raised them. They failed to pass the jobs bill that President Obama proposed a year or so ago.

They’ve cut the food stamps program. They closed the government down, causing millions economic hardship and caused others to carefully hold onto their funds, saving as opposed to spending. One might say that the Congressional failure to stimulate the economy has contributed to the length of the recession.

The Federal Reserve Bank has picked up some of the slack, buying $85 billion of bonds each month to put money into the economy. Some economists do not agree with the Fed’s action because it has artificially kept inflation down. Without the bond purchases, they argue, inflation would rise, and reflect the true value of goods and services.

Without increased inflation, some businesses are holding onto 6

cash instead of investing it, and others are adversely impacted.

Now, on reports that the economy is improving, the Fed says it will “taper” off their stimulus.

Their tapering will not be a major shock to the economy. Instead of buying $85 billion of bonds each month, they’ll buy $10 billion less, or $75 billion. Why? They say a robust jobs report this month, with the unemployment rate at its lowest level in ten years – seven percent – suggests the job market is on the mend. Economic growth is higher, too, at 2.8 percent.

The Fed fails to consider the fact that the unemployment rate looks better because of the number of people who have dropped out of the labor market. If those people continued to look for work, the rate might be as high as it was last month. Furthermore, when you look at alternative measures of unemployment, the overall rate is 13.2 percent, the same as it was last month. The alternative report says that Black unemployment is 12.5 percent, but if it is extrapolated, that rate is 24 percent, or one in four African Americans. Some find this a low estimate based on their experiences with the African American population, especially those with lower-paying occupa-

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Dr. Julianne Malveaux tions. In any case, the unemployment rate for African Americans is entirely too high, and “economic recovery” has not trickled down.

What does Federal Reserve tapering mean to you? If you are in the stock market (African Americans 35 percent less likely than whites to be in the stock market) you realized record gains and are far more likely to see the value of your portfolio rise in the short run. On the other hand, stock values are likely to correct (maybe

fall) in the first quarter of 2014.

Rising interest rates will also mean (in a year or so) that the value of CDs and other interestdependent investments will slowly increase in value (now you are getting between one and one and a half percent. On the other hand, as interest rates rise, the value of bonds will drop.

What about unemployment? If those holding dollars invest them, unemployment will drop slowly. We still have excess unemployment – the unemployment rate was about 5 percent at the beginning of the recession.

We lost nearly a million jobs a month at the beginning of the recession, and in the past several months, we have gained about 300,000 jobs a month. It may take until 2015 to return to the level of employment from 2008 or early 2009.

In addition, in some occupa-

tions the level of technological change has been rapid, and machines are doing the work that people once did. Furthermore because of the recession, some employers have found that they can make do with fewer employees. For example, we have seen drops in clerical employment as managers use computers more.

In some offices as few as one or two employees do the work that half a dozen did just three years ago.

While investors are applauding the Fed move, workers should be wary of the “tapering” that will pull $10 billion a month from the economy. African American workers, especially, will be hit harder than others by these changes. Improved economy? For who?

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, DC based economist and author.

The Crusader Newspaper Group is interested in our readers’ ideas, thoughts and opinions, whether you’re in Chicago, Northwest Indiana or any part of the U.S. we encourage you to send a letter to the editor at crusaderil@aol.com.

Please limit your letters to 200 words.

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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BUSINESS

Community Center Partners with Pullman Bank & Trust The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center recently partnered with Pullman Bank & Trust to help improve the lives of various children, teens, adults, and seniors residing throughout the Chicagoland area. Pullman Bank & Trust is located at 861 W. 115th Street and serves as a true community bank, dedicated to meeting the needs of all consumers.

“The South Side of Chicago has been a financial desert,” said Major David Harvey, Ray & Joan Kroc Center Senior Administrator. “We are thankful to Pullman Bank for investing in an institution in our neighborhood and also investing in the Kroc Center.

With these funds of $10,000, our members of all ages will be able to access accounts and get financial education,” Harvey added.

The partnership with Pullman Bank & Trust will provide valuable financial resources for the communities we serve in the form of educational seminars or events. Additionally, differences

will be made in economically disadvantaged communities which lack resources, prevent violence, provide a safe haven for children, and present positive alternatives to gangs or drugs.

“We are delighted to partner with a local organization that truly cares about improving the lives of others and provides constructive activities which highlight our bank initiatives,” said Bill Cordes, President of Pullman Bank & Trust. “The alliance will continue to help Pullman Bank & Trust maintain and strengthen community impact for future philanthropic endeavors.”

About the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Chicago exists to express the mission and ministry of the Salvation Army through a safe, enriching, and sacred envi-

THE SALVATION ARMY Ray & Joan Kroc Center and Pullman Bank & Trust create a new partnership that will provide valuable financial resources for the community. Major David Harvey (Center), Senior Kroc Administrator, receives a $10,000 check from Bill Cordes (far left), President, Pullman Bank & Trust and Eric Thompson (far right), Market Manager, Pullman Bank & Trust.

About Pullman Bank ronment where all individuals area. Pullman Bank & Trust is a & Trust have access to opportunities to branch of Beverly Bank & Trust reach their physical, intellectual, Company, N.A., Member FDIC social, and spiritual potential. For Pullman Bank & Trust, a Win- and Equal Housing Lender. Visit more information on the Kroc trust Community Bank, provides our website at www.bankpullman.Center please visit, www.kroc- customized financial solutions for com and “Like” us on Facebook at centerchicago.com. residents and businesses in the www.facebook.com/BankPullman.

Which gifting consumer were you this year?

By Cheryl Pearson McNeil NNPA Columnist Ok, hopefully, we can all sit back and catch our breaths for a few minutes before 2014 rolls in. Our adrenaline levels should be getting back to normal. Most of the holiday hustle and bustle is over. The gifts have been given and received; loved or ready to be returned. How did you fare this year? Were you able to find the perfect present for your

Cheryl Pearson McNeil folks and everything (or, at least a gift or two) on your kids’ list to Santa this year? How about that ideal surprise for your significant other?

Or that friend who you always have a hard time finding the perfect gift?

We know that African-Americans are powerful consumers; and, that consumers across-the-board fall into very specific categories. Even though we may not have consciously thought about it while making our lists and checking them twice in the stores or online, chances are we automatically classified our gift recipients into consumer groups, as www.chicagocrusader.com

was encouraged by consumer insights from research for Nielsen.

Now, this might seem a little “after the fact,” but, these insights are not only fun; but studying our trends as consumers helps businesses craft the messages and outreach strategies to engage us and better meet our needs (and their bottom line) down the road. This year’s gift guide survey, focused on five consumer categories: working moms, sports fans, arts enthusiasts, connected consumers and status seekers.

According to the survey, the Working Moms in your life typically buy and appreciate anything that helps to keep their lives organized and moving forward (raises hand and count me in)! For instance, working moms are more likely to thrive on all varieties of coffee, and enjoy specialty coffee packages.

Working moms are 23 percent more likely than other consumer groups to visit the local pizza place, so it makes sense that a pizza stone and ingredients would have been a good gift. Other great presents would have been a tablet PC or any kind of home décor or decorative storage pieces.

Sports Fans for purposes of this survey, were defined as U.S. adults who say they’re interested in the MLB, NBA, NFL or NHL (Well, the sports fan in my house is not technically an adult yet, but, I think this applies to him, too). We know that sports fans (no matter the age) can never get enough sports stuff.

These consumers are 36 percent more likely than others to shop at a sporting goods store for equipment

or gear. They love tickets to any game and are nearly three times more likely to purchase sporting events tickets themselves (hint, hint for future gift-giving). Sports enthusiasts want to be able to enjoy their games on multiple screens and

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

are 34 percent more likely to purchase HDTVs and 38 percent more likely to spring for a tablet PC. Then, we’ve got our Arts Enthusiasts, who love all things fine art.

Twelve percent of those surveyed who classified themselves as such,

appreciate donating (or charitable donations made in their name) to arts organizations. These consumers are 48% more likely to do yoga/pilates (kinda artsy, I guess) and are 41 percent more likely to patronize art (Continued on page 14)

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ILLINOIS TOLLWAY JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Several important positions with the Illinois Tollway are available now. The completed Illinois Tollway Employment Application is due Tuesday, December 31, 2013 and can be emailed to employment@getipass.com, or mailed or hand-delivered to Human Resources, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515. The jobs are as follows: Intelligent Transportation System Engineer (ITS Engineer) ($74,000.00 - $78,000.00/Year) - requirements: Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering is required for this position. Registration as a professional engineer is required for this position, and 7-10 years of experience in Intelligent Transportation Systems or related field.

Certification by Cisco or other network equipment manufacturer is required. Must have the ability to work overtime as required including during off hours / holidays / weekends. Must carry Tollway issued cell phone for on-call support and for response to calls/incidents before or after shift hours / weekends / holidays.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Field Technician ($61,500.00 -$66,500.00/Year) -Requirements: Associates Degree in Electronic Technology; or greater than 30 credit hours of related electronic courses and an "A+" Certification (documented); or 30 credit hours of IBEW "C" card Apprenticeship School.

Incumbent must have a minimum of 5 years' experience in analog and digital electronic systems installation, testing, troubleshooting and field repair of video systems, sensor technology, power systems (including uninterruptible power supplies and solar power generation), Cisco networks, and data communications. The ability to read and interpret electronic schematics is required. Operation of standard, hand held field test equipment is required. The ability to expertly use standard Microsoft Office software, terminal emulators and other laptop computer applications is required. The ability to use Cisco IOS operator commands to configure level 3 switches is desirable. Proficiency is required operating the necessary test equipment. Must have current certification of program completion and experience with terminal emulators, TCP/IP, UDP, and RSTP protocols, network routing, spanning tree, fiber optic communications, uninterruptible power supplies, solar power, battery charging systems, 8

grounding, surge arrestors, and lightning protection. A valid driver's license is required and must be maintained for this position, and the ability to lift objects weighing as much as 50 pounds is required. The incumbent is also required to be scheduled to work on a rotating schedule which includes weekends and holidays, to work overtime when necessary and be available for emergency call outs during off hours, nonscheduled weekends, and holidays. The incumbent must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions. More information can be found at www.illinoistollway.com.

2014 - NEW BEGINNINGS FOR YOU AND YOUR SURROUNDINGS: On Thursday, January 2, 2014, 10 am to 3 pm, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum will assist Chicagoans of all ages in accomplishing their service project resolutions for the New Year. The first Habitat Conversation Fair is a one-stop shop for people seeking new opportunities to immerse themselves in conservation efforts such as citizen science projects, sustainable backyard creations and service days at natural areas within our region. Prospective volunteers can visit with more than 50 exhibiting groups such as the Nature Museum, Chicago Botanic Garden and Chicago Audubon Society to decide which projects best matches their personal passions and skills. There is no cost, and all ages are welcome. The Nature Museum will have a variety of its own conservation projects on display. Meet with representatives from the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network, Project Squirrel (have you seen their new mobile app?) and more to learn how you can become part of a unique group of citizen scientists. The Habitat Conservation Fair is free. On Thursdays, the Nature Museum hosts suggested donation days for Illinois residents. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is located at 2430 North Cannon Drive, just off Lake Shore Drive at Fullerton in Lincoln Park.

SNOW MUCH FUN AT CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: Where can you throw snowballs, dress up a snowman and perform a polished pirouette on ice...inside? Chicago Children's Museum (CCM), of course! An all-new Snow Much Fun, the museum's much loved winter experience, is now open and is ONGOING through January 5, 2014. This family has

Saturday, December 28, 2013

COMMISSIONER MARIYANA SPYROPOULOS, Chairman of Finance at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago joins Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State, at the Annual Holiday Turkey Give Away. A 40-year tradition continued in the early morning hours as 13,000 turkeys and hams were being assembled for distribution to some of Chicago’s neediest residents. Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos arrived at 6:00 AM, along with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, to unload boxes from the trucks and prepare for the food drive. “For a lot of Chicagoans, food drives like this help make their holiday celebrations more festive. Many families only have a ham or turkey as a result of this initiative. I’m glad I could make a small contribution and hopefully a difference,” said Spyropoulos. been re-imagined as an immer- children to skate in socks and snowball fight! For more inforsive snowy cityscape that's the practice a perfect spin! Winter mation, visit CCM's website. perfect setting for winter fun--no Snow Essentials - Sleds, shovels WHI-HBCU PRESENTS 2014 mittens required! The all-new and over 200 big "ice" blocks for HBCU ALL STAR STUSnow Much Fun exhibit fea- building impassable snow forts DENTS: The White House Initures a variety of indoor, frosty and castles! Stylish Snowmen tiative on Historically Black Colfun activities, including: Pret- Calling all fashionistas to dress an leges and Universities ( HBCUs) end You're on Ice - Chicago's entire family of snowpeople! works to promote HBCU excel"coolest" "ice" rink will be open Snowball Fun - Over 1,000 all day and is the perfect place for "snowballs" for a family-friendly (Continued on page 17)

Extended Coverage should be included.

Insurance coverage for contractors and construction risks presents an interesting dilemma. Because the building owner makes some payment as construction progresses, there may be a question of who has what insurable interest. *** The answer may be entirely determined in the terms of the building contract and the lending institution’s interest. ***

Milton E. Moses

*** For all your insurance needs, you can depend on our knowhow at Community Insurance Center, Inc., 526 E. 87th Street, your insurance headquarters. We have been serving the community since 1962. For more information about the services we provide, call (773) 651-6200. You can also reach us via email at: sales@communityinsurance.com or visit the website at www.communityins. com.

Builders’ risk form coverage indemnifies for loss or damage to a building under construction for specified perils. Written for a specific amount, it applies only in course of construction. *** Heavy construction work and building structures of all kinds involves the use of valuable machinery and equipment that may be insured against a variety of specified perils or all risks. *** If vital equipment is damaged or destroyed, there may be a time element involved in losses. That’s why business interruption, rental value and extra expense coverage BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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GOSSIPTARY

By Ima Gontellit EDITOR'S NOTE: This column is published as political satire, street gossip and humor, and therefore should not be considered as fact but rather as matter of opinion. None of the items therein are collected by the news gathering staff of the Crusader Newspaper Group. Items forwarded to The Chatterbox are kept confidential unless otherwise requested by the author in writing. For submissions please forward to: AChicagoCrusader@aol.com. Original photography and artwork are permitted.

Thank you for reading!

OUT WID DE OLD Well chillrun’ 2013 done come and near ‘bout gone and it’s been one rocky ride, ifn you’d don’t say.

We done seen a whole new set of Crook County leaders taken off to prison; and a whole new slew of wannabe’s rise up to take dey place. What ain’t changed, however, is de white control that done stamped down on the backs of Negro power in this town. What we done found out, however, is deese white folk had a whole lot of help from us.

See, we don’t make it harder for them when our boys and gurls out here toting all these pistols and shooting dead one another and innocent bystanders. We don’t make it easy when our

Minister Farrakhan right—in most cases. People generalized, used blanket approaches, and slowly and quietly attacked people’s civil rights, human rights and civil liberties all under the watchful eye of our black elected officials, the news media and activists crowd, that spent most of its time trying to raise money in order to stay afloat from month to month And despite babies being born, and new dances being made by de young folk, dreams were shattered, lives were lost and the days rolled on by lak dey was nothing.

A few small voices have emerged with some promise, but dey is gonna have to fight the Negro establishment or join with them in order to get any play in this

these-low self-esteem folk, who done got mad at Jesse Jackson and Farrakhan, decide to say “F it” and then they take to the internet to tear down any and everybody dat look lak them. We don’t do no good when we got good people out here who works hard for us, be loyal to us, will do whatever be asked of them, but we tear them down behind dey back, make ‘em feel used and worthless, and dat we don’t really give a damn about dem at all the first time they make a mistake or miss a single deadline.

Yes 2013 done come and now it’s gone. Goodbye—and please take all that misery and apathy with you. We done the best we could with the Chatterbox to keep folks laffin’ and chattering away about some of this stuff that might matter, but we know this little ole’ column ain’t nothin’ but an escape for some and a curiosity to others. See you later 2013, with your old mean self!

Mayor Emanuel preachers be the first in line to sup with de king even when his highness is showing “tough love” by shutting down schools, closing mental health clinics, refusing to redeploy police, stealing old folks retirement money, raising the price on our water bills, and doing it all the while they is giving everything but the kitchen sink to their rich, white friends.

We saw a lot of mental sickness in 2013. What was right was wrong and what was wrong was www.chicagocrusader.com

town. In de meantime, white folks continued getting all de money, all de property and all de power they could hold. Latinos got smart and said, “let’s look out for numero uno” after having learned everything they could from us Negroes. And while we sat back laffin at BET and pouting and being mad because some woman wearing perm in her hair, we continue to lose without even putting up a credible fight.

We don’t make it easy when we don’t come out and get together and stand together to not only demand what’s ours but protect what we got. We to blame when

-Ima-

We wondering if thangs will get worse in 2014 and if they’ll be any of us left at all. Maybe everything is gonna be alright, ya think? Maybe our clergy gone speak truth to power next year?

Maybe our electes gone realize they got the votes to have their jobs for life—so all they gots to do is stand? Maybe voters gone rise up and do the damn thang and throw deese bums out? We got lots of these types of questions for 2014. Will Bronzeville turn into Vanilla City? Will the new and revitalized Englewood suddenly be too expensive for the folks who grew up there? Will Chatham fall by the way side?

Will Pill Hill turn into Roseland?

Will the rents go so high in Lawndale and Austin that the West Siders all move to Maywood? Will we get some Black businesses? Will Woodlawn gets its comeuppance despite being sold out to developers and a giant church that’s in the pockets of de mayor? Will Ima get some new teeth—because the ones we got

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

asked that only the Board remain.” “Well, that included me too,” replied Mr. Jones, “cause I was never mo’ bored in my whole life, listening to you preach this morning.”

-IMA-

2014 WATCH NIGHT RECIPIE

IMA MAILBAG

Opossum and Sweet Potatoes

1 opossum 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp.pepper 1 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. leaf sage 2 garlic cloves 5 slices of bacon 8 medium boiled sweet potatoes

William Beavers

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

from Wal-Mart be hurtin’ a sista’s gums.

All this and more to be answered in the days ahead.

Clean, dress and wash opossum well. Place overnight in your Frigidare. Drin and wipe dry.

Rub well with mixture of spices.

Lay in a baking pan. Cover with thick slices of de bacon and set in a slow oven at about 300 degrees.

Bake and baste for 1 to 1 ½ hours. During that time get you some moonshine and take a few swigs. Now for de last hour of baking cut up dem potatoes and then arrange them around de game. Bake until brown, basting with de drippings. Serve with country salad, cornbread and buttermilk.

-IMASUNDAY AT THE MET The preacher over at Metropolitan ended his sermon and then announced that he like to have all the Board to remain for a few minutes. Mr. Jones who lived in Parkway Gardens made his way to the front pew and sat down real satisfied right next to the deacons and the elders. The reverend approached him and say, “My dear sir, perhaps you misunderstood, after all I have a Ph.D. from McCormick and maybe you don’t get my proper diction. I

Dear Ima: Child, thank you so much for sending me that sack full of pecans and walnuts. It sho made me remember how i use ta have pecan trees in my yard down in pine bluff and i sho do miss dem trees. I gona hide them pecans and have them for my grandbaby’s christmas sacks, child i bet they wont even no what dey is when dey sees them. all dem kids nos about is that macdonalds and dem hot cheese thangs. Cum to thank of it how cum I don’t be seeing no pecans and walnuts at da store like we use to be seeing. ima go round to the jewels and ask somebody bout that.

I been watchin all dat stuff bout Mr. Madella on my tv and I just dont understand it. Cause some of them folk was dancin like they was at a party. I guess dem Afrikans don’t be sad when somebody pass but child that jessie jackson sho gets around, i looked up and dere he was. all the way cross the water ovar dere in afrika.

Ima i knows dat you knows him and i wants you to call him and tell him dat he aint getting enough rest, he be lookin mighty poorly bout his face.but ima the spirit tellin me to keep on liftin him up in prayer.

Well child, ima gonna make you a gud ole karo surp pie fo christmas to thank you fo always thankin bout me and my peoples. i already made you a new hat for church but its a surprize.I hopes you can cum over for new year’s day....cause im gona make some hog head souze with my blackeyes pees and child you knows i can make sum real good souze.

Merry Christmas from yo friend Lurlene.

Call 773-752-2500 to place your Help Wanted Ad

Saturday, December 28, 2013

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Saturday, December 28, 2013

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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One of the Crusader Newspaper Group’s favorite reasons for the season is the knowledge new and old friends will come out to enjoy our annual Christmas party. This year was Gary’s turn to host the get-together that attracts politicians, business owners, and the folks from down the street. We promoted the holiday spirit with some dancing, singing and eating plenty of good food at the Beach Café. Not a single guest escaped Crusader Publisher Dorothy Leavell’s effervescent greetings and good natured recollections of days gone by. Plenty of Chicagoans trekked to the Steel City to be part of the festivities. Next year’s soirée will make its way back to Chicago. Happy New Year!

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Saturday, December 28, 2013

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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ENTERTAINMENT

By Raymond Ward POST CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TREAT: Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University will present the 9th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah” on January 18th and 19th. Chicago (and Christ Universal Temple) favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson will join more than 200 musicians and vocalists under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mailare Acton for two public performances only...filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.”

“This show provides our community with a truly unique way to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend not only because of Dr. King’s deep love of gospel and jazz music, but the way in which it represents Chicago’s diversity in both performers and audience Karen Marie Richardson members,” said Executive Director Brett Batterson.

Mixing gospel and jazz stylings, “Too Hot” brings music lovers of all genres to their feet while embracing the music brought to life onstage by more than 200 musicians from both Chicago as well as Detroit—

By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ

Dallas Buyers Club Matthew McConaughey stars in the film Dallas Buyers Club, which chronicles a straight man’s relentless fight against the AIDS drug AZT, beginning in 1985.

McConaughey plays Ron Woodruff, a Texas electrician and ladies’ man who has found himself diagnosed with a new disease that the medical community isn’t

While Woodruff’s combination of drugs instead of AZT to combat HIV might be considered controversial, McConaughey is gaining Oscar buzz for his role.

He is at turns insolent and compassionate in his quest to not only help himself but to help others around him. He travels to Mexico, Turkey, Japan and other

However, it was weird watching the medical and general community take on the meaning of HIV/AIDS, the gay community and what would now be considered politically incorrect attitudes and language.

And although Woodruff was given only 30 days to live, he lived more than six years after this

JARED LETO AS Rayon and Matthew McConaughey as Ron are not the best of friends at the beginning of Dallas Buyers Club.

Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon including 150 voices from the “Too Hot Choir” under the direction of Old St. Patrick’s Church music director Bill Fraher and a 50-piece symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble under the baton of conductor Suzanne Mailare Acton.

This collaboration between cities fuses both Chicago and Detroit sounds, enhancing the camaraderie on stage and in the theater. Powerhouse vocalists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson lead the group through the incredible music that fills the Auditorium Theatre, bringing an entire audience together in order to remember a man whose indelible mark on the world will forever live on. The show is enhanced through a large LED screen that will capture both the performers and audience members during the concert.

“Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” performs at the Auditorium Theatre Friday, January 17, 2014 at 11:00 AM (one hour Student Matinee Performance) Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 7:30 PM Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 3:00 PM ( A free Q&A with “Too Hot to Handel” artists immediately follows ) Tickets to the January 19 and 20 performances are $25 - $68 and are available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling 1-800982- 2787 or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office, located at 50 East Congress Parkway in Chicago.

The Friday, January 17th student matinee is available to elementary through high school student groups of 10 or more people. Group tickets are $10 each and available by calling 312-341-2357. ......and HAPPY NEW YEAR! 12

Saturday, December 28, 2013

yet prepared to handle.

Woodruff goes all out in order to find drugs to help elevate his rapidly declining T-cell count, and in the interim—although homophobic—becomes somewhat of a crusader for less toxic drugs for early HIV treatment in the United States.

Based on true-life events, Dallas Buyers Club shows McConaughey as a very thin, cocky womanizer, whose entire life is turned upside down. He has been shunned by his buddies, kicked out of his trailer home and suddenly can only count illegal drugs and alcohol as his latenight companions.

Jennifer Garner stars as the doctor who can’t seem to keep Woodruff still long enough for trial drug treatment but, on the other hand, can’t seem to keep Woodruff off her mind, as he goes renegade against the U.S. government to help his situation, as well as other HIV patients who visit his makeshift office out of a local motel to buy mixtures of drugs and vitamins to address their medical needs.

places to make sure that his club members, who pay $400 a month for treatment, get what he feels they deserve, as far as medicine goes. The $400 is nothing compared to what the drugs would cost at a registered pharmacist, and similar clubs pop up throughout the country.

I really enjoyed this movie.

initial prognosis. McConaughey was brilliant in this role, one of many good roles in which he has appeared this year. Jared Leto plays a transgender woman who surprisingly works alongside Woodruff as a business partner.

Dallas Buyers Club is in theaters now.

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY TRIES to clear customs in a scene from Dallas Buyers Club.

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

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ENTERTAINMENT

Goodman welcomes CPS to Student Subscription Series More than 2,700 students and 66 teachers from 28 Chicago high schools join Goodman Theatre’s 2013/2014 “Student Subscription Series” (SSS), the theater’s longestrunning education program and the first of its kind in the country.

SSS unites Goodman staff with teachers—two to three per school, including at least one math or science teacher—who attend workshops to learn how to use theater process and product to differentiate instruction, build curriculum that connects the plays on stage with students’ classroom studies and activate student engagement. Twentysix of the participating schools are Chicago Public Schools and two are parochial schools; 22 of the schools serve students on the South and West sides of Chicago. Five schools are new to the program, and 10 schools have participated in SSS for five years or more. Last year, 88 percent of SSS participants were from low-income families with only 70 percent on-track to graduate from high school. This year, participants experience four Goodman productions—Pullman Porter Blues by Cheryl L. West, Luna Gale by Rebecca Gilman, Buzzer by Tracey Scott Wilson and The White Snake written and directed by Mary Zimmerman— completely free of charge.

“What distinguishes the Goodman’s Student Subscription Series from programs at other organizations is that we see theater as a transformational art form and believe in the arts as education. Students see a

DIRECTOR CHUCK SMITH addressing students after a matinee performance of Pullman Porter Blues earlier this season (Photo by Teresa Rende courtesy of Goodman Theatre). series of shows, so the topics, themes sents more than 30 different mathe- geometry, algebra, law, biology, enand issues around which we can get matical applications that teachers gineering and theology. Prior to atstudents and teachers engaged in can use to spark students’ interest in tending the performances, particiconversation is extraordinarily wide- math and science. These elements, pants receive play scripts and a ranging,” said Willa J. Taylor, now plus the fact that it’s offered com- student guide, plus additional free in her seventh season as director of pletely free of charge, make SSS one tickets for parents and guardians interested in viewing the production education and community engage- of a kind.”

Taylor and her team pair math, sci- prior to their student’s experience. ment and who previously led educa“I can think of dozens of students tion programs at Lincoln Center ence and other non-humanities Theater and Arena Stage. “We also teachers with drama, English and for whom SSS has been either a understand that teaching goes be- history teachers to develop curricu- doorway to a bigger vision of life, or yond the lines delivered on stage; the lum that integrates theater across all a literal life-saver,” said Ira Abrams, set of Luna Gale, for instance, is de- subject areas. Classes participating in a teacher at Chicago Military Acadsigned on a turntable, which pre- the 2013/2014 SSS include music, emy at Bronzeville who has worked

with the Goodman to bring theater to his students for almost 10 years.

“The Goodman program has been the cornerstone of my effort to help students see what is possible with a text. There’s a light bulb that comes on when they see the shows on stage, and I would be hard-pressed to reproduce that kind of learning by any other means.”

Participating schools include: Chicago Math and Science Academy, Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville, Chicago Vocational Career Academy, Collins Academy High School, Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, Edwin G. Foreman High School, Frederick Douglass Academy High School, Gage Park High School, George Washington High School, Gordon Tech College Prep, Holy Trinity High School, John Hancock College Preparatory High School, Johnson College Prep, Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Stephen T. Mather High School, Muchin College Prep, Multicultural Academy of Scholarship High School, Nicholas Senn High School, North Lawndale College Preparatory Charter High School – Collins Campus, Orr Academy High School, Simeon Career Academy, South Shore High School of Leadership, South Shore International College Preparatory High School, Spry Community Links High School, Vaughn Occupational High School, VOISE Academy High School, Walter Payton College Prep and Westinghouse College Prep.

The Vivian Maier Mystery – Chicago photographer larger than life in death

By Elaine Hegwood Bowen The Vivian Maier Mystery is a fascinating documentary that uncovers the life of Vivian Maier, a nanny working in New York and Chicago who, unbeknownst to many, had a secret passion for photography.

When she died in 2009 at age 83, she left behind thousands of photographs and an incredible body of work that now lives on and estab-

Vivian Maier lished her as one of the century’s master street photographers.

The Vivian Maier Mystery uncovers the story behind the woman behind the camera. This documentary moved me and disturbed me a bit, because the subject appeared to be a private woman. Now in her discovwww.chicagocrusader.com

ery and death, she is being heralded as a master street photographer, who took a few “selfies” of herself, even.

I don’t doubt that she was a master street photographer, because that is evident in her work. But, as one person noted in the documentary, at the time that Maier was taking her photographs, they would have been dismissed as simply snapshots. Upon her death, or nearing the time of her death, she could no longer pay the storage fee on a few lockers that she owned, and when folks came to buy the contents of the locker, her more than 100,000 photographs were discovered.

Born in New York in 1926, Maier has been described as a woman of “intrigue, deception and mystery.”

She told folks that she was born in France, but she did live in France for a few years back and forth, before settling back in New York in 1951 and then later moving to the far North Side of Chicago. Maier worked as a nanny for a family in Winnetka, and she took many photos of regular life: the kids, the parents with the kids, etc.

Jim Dempsey, who once ran a theater and who now runs an art gallery

in Chicago, befriended Maier, saying that she saw movies about three or four times a month. He describes Maier as “quirky and seeming close to homeless.”

Others in the documentary admit that Maier was private and though interested in other people’s lives, little was known about hers. Jeff Goldstein remarked that Maier would probably not be happy to know that folks are delving into her life, trying to pull back every layer in an effort to understand her.

One of Maier’s last jobs was with the Ginsberg family, whose employ she left in the late 1960’s. It was around this time, according to the documentary, that she became disillusioned with taking photos within the city. Prior to this era, she would take photos of scenes in different neighborhoods; scenes from downtown, which I just loved to see, because they reminded me of places that I frequented as a young teen.

But after the riots in the late 1960’s, it was noted in the documentary that Maier didn’t see the beauty anymore; it was mostly garbage and sad headlines on the newspapers that were hawked from downtown news-

stands.

Out of the many photos, one that caught my eye was one that Maier took of acclaimed painter Salvador Dali outside of the Museum of Modern Art in New York in January of 1952. It is assumed that she had attended an exhibit of the great artist’s work, as well. She took one of him giving a lady an autograph, and she followed him and took one of him

had taken of the woman’s mother.

The mother owned a bake shop, and the lady noted that the picture showed her mother in a calm state, as opposed to the hurried condition in which she was normally in while running the business. She was grateful to have received this photo. This made me misty eyed, and when I get misty eyed, I say it’s a good film!

Maier’s photographs are on display

alone with her Rolleiflex camera.

And although I am vexing about how this woman would view all of this inspection into her life, one good part of the documentary was when a woman with whom Maier lived in France was given a photo that Maier

in exhibits throughout the country and around the world. To learn more about this magnificent photographer—whether she approves or not— and to watch the documentary on VOD or other formats, visit www.filmbuff.com.

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

Saturday, December 28, 2013

13

ARTS AND CULTURE

Matthias Goerne and Christoph Eschenbach launch CSO’s Schubert song series Susanna Phillips and Eric Owens complete the series in May Both renowned as sensitive interpreters of Schubert, baritone Matthias Goerne and pianist and conductor Christoph Eschenbach join forces for a performance of Schubert’s “Die schöne Müllerin” on Sunday, January 19 at 7:00 p.m. This recital is part of the 2013/14 Symphony Center Presents Schubert Song series, an exploration of Schubert’s most

beloved compositions for voice performed by artists renowned for their interpretations of these masterpieces. The duo will also appear in recitals this season at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and also in Germany at Baden Baden and Hamburg.

Goerne and Eschenbach collaborate frequently. They have per-

Christoph Eschenbach is in great demand as a distinguished guest conductor with the finest orchestras and opera houses throughout the world. He began his tenure in September 2010 as music director of the National Symphony Orchestra and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. He has served

Susanna Phillips

Christoph Eschenbach

Matthias Goerne

formed Schubert lieder together to great acclaim around the world, and recorded all three of the great song cycles. Matthias Goerne was last heard at Symphony Center in November 2013

as part of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s performances of Britten’s “War Requiem.” Eschenbach led the CSO in performances of works by Beethoven, Bruckner and Rands on December 19 through 21, 2013.

Matthias Goerne is one of the most internationally sought-after vocalists and a frequent guest at renowned festivals and concert halls. Since his opera debut at the Salzburg Festival in 1997 (Papageno), Goerne has appeared on many of the world’s principal opera stages.

Eric Owens as principal conductor of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival International Orchestral Academy since 2004, and appears regularly in Germany and on

tour with the SHMF Orchestra.

Eschenbach was music director of the Ravinia Festival from 1994 to 2003.

Seating in Orchestra Hall will be limited, with reserved seats placed on the Armour Stage in order to bring the audience and artists as close as possible. This is the first of two recitals in this special series. The second performance in the series is on Sunday, May 11 with soprano Susanna Phillips performing “Der Hirt auf dem Felsen” with CSO clarinet John Bruce Yeh and pianist Myra Huang and bass-baritone Eric Owens performing “Auf dem Strom” with CSO Acting Principal Horn Daniel Gingrich and pianist Huang.

Tickets for all CSO concerts can be purchased by phone at 800-223-7114 or 312-294-3000; online at cso.org, or at the Symphony Center box office, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Discounted student tickets for select concerts can be purchased, subject to availability, online in advance or at the box office on the day of the concert. For group rates, call 312294-3040.

Chicago Chamber Musicians schedule ‘Free First Monday’ Concert for 2014 The Chicago Chamber Musicians (CCM) will feature special guests Minghuan Xu, violin, and Winston Choi, piano, on the January 6 with works by William Bolcom (b. 1938) and Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) as part of the FREE First Monday Series Concert in the Grand Army of the Republic Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center.

For 27 years, CCM has partnered with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Minghuan Xu to produce these monthly lunchhour concerts at the Chicago Cultural Center’s, 78 E. Washington Street. The programs begin at 12:15 p.m. and are also broadcast live on

Chicago’s 98.7 WFMT. For more information, call 312-819-5800 or visit chicagochambermusic.org.

During the 2013/2014 season CCM is honoring the 75th birthday anniversary of William Bolcom (b. 1938). His Violin Sonata No. 2 (1978) was first performed in 1979 in The Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. by Jazz Violinist Sergiu Luca with the composer at piano. The Sonata is in four movements: “Summer Dreams,” “Brutalfast,” “Adagio” and “In Memory of Joe Venuti.” The first movement, “Summer Dreams,” is a modified blues with a contrasting middle section. Brutal, fast is a furious improvisation on a small interval, containing one of the toughest passages for the piano I have ever written. The Adagio which follows is a rhapsodic arioso leading to a closing, hymn-like tune. The final “In Memory of Joe Venuti” is a tribute to the great jazz fiddler and recalls much of his style.

Named 2007 Composer of the Year by Musical America, and honored with multiple Grammy Awards for his ground-breaking setting of Blake’s “Songs of Innocence and of Experience,” William Bolcom is a composer of cabaret songs, concer-

1998 to 2003 and was named the Ross Lee Finney Distinguished University Professor of Composition in the fall of 1994. He retired from teaching in 2008.

Founded in 1986, The Chicago Chamber Musicians (CCM) is currently celebrating its 27th season as a society of musicians and music devotees committed to building an internationally recognized chamber music institution in Chicago. Since its inception, CCM has launched a critically and popularly-acclaimed subscription series; a touring proWinston Choi tos, sonatas, operas, symphonies, and much more. He was awarded the 1988 Pulitzer Prize in Music for his Twelve New Etudes for piano.

As a pianist he has recorded for Advance, Jazzology, Musical Heritage, Nonesuch, Vox, and Omega. With his wife, mezzo-soprano Joan Morris, he has performed in concert for 40 years throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Bolcom taught composition at the University of Michigan from 19732008. Named a full professor in 1983, he was Chairman of the Composition Department from

CORRECTION The title of Johann Strauss’ Jr.’s comic operetta “Die Fledermaus” (The Bat’s Revenge) beneath the photo of the cast of Lyric Opera of Chicago in its current production contained an inadvertent typographical error in last week’s issue of The Chicago Crusader. The Crusader regrets the error and any inconvenience that may have resulted from it. “Die Fledermaus” continues its run through January 18 at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. For information or tickets, call 312-827-5600 or go to lyricopera.org.

14

Saturday, December 28, 2013

gram; the annual Family Concerts; and a remarkable set of community service programs. In 2014, CCM will present a Spring Chamber Masterworks series and continues its long-running collaboration with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and 98.7WFMT to present the free First Monday Concert Series in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center.

For more information, call 312819-5802 or email keri.shane@chicagochambermusic.org

Which gifting consumer. . .

(Continued from page 7) to plan to purchase a video game museums.

The survey shows Connected system, so that’s an awesome gift Consumers, U.S. adults who own a choice. And, interestingly, they are laptop/notebook, computer, smart- 43 percent more likely to have atphone and tablet, to be more social tended an R&B/Rap/Hip Hop conand a bit more curious about exotic cert in the past 12 months.

It has been my great pleasure to cultures (27 percent) and cuisine.

Great gifts would have been coffee bring these kinds of consumer ingift cards, as they are 66 percent sights to you over the last four years. more likely to visit a coffee house/- No matter what consumer preferbar. Fifty-four percent of this con- ence category you or those you giftsumer group was more likely to buy ed fall into, I encourage you to ala Blu-Ray player. They also have ways choose wisely. You’ve got the their eyes peeled for the latest power. And, don’t forget to chat restaurant ratings guide for their with us on Twitter or Facebook, so we can keep the conversation going. city.

The final category in the survey were the Status Seekers. You know Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior – the “hostess with the most-est.” vice president of Public Affairs They love to entertain and are near- and Government Relations for ly three times more likely to open Nielsen. For more information their homes to guests. The Status and studies go to www.nielsen.

Seekers are 50 percent more likely com.

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SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking

By Effie Rolfe Your reputation does not determine your destination. Why, because you are the sum total of your experiences. There are few people who would not welcome the chance to take a chunk of their life and erase certain chapters into oblivion. The truth is you can never escape your past— it’s like your shadow because it’s always there and you can’t outrun it. Embrace it. What you are experiencing right now is a result of your past thoughts. Your present situation is a result of your past thoughts—even if it was one second ago—it’s still your past. Perhaps what you consider a mistake is what makes you unique. Actually, those mis-steps are minor in the grand scheme of things but major as they are marks of great-

Effie Rolfe

ness for your life. Just for the record, God only uses people who make mistakes—who have imperfect past. No one on this earth is perfect—no one is exempt! Everyone encounters dark chapters in their lives whether voluntarily through ignorance or as a victim of circumstance of bad choices.

We all are ex- something but if we allow God—He can take your misery and give you a mission.

Test will becomes a testimony and grief can be replaced with grace. Isaiah 61:3 states, “…He will give you a crown of beauty for your ashes” and Psalm 30:11, “You have turned my mourning into dancing…” Plain and simple we have all been tore up from the floor up—straight up jacked up. But remember God specializes in things impossible—there

is nothing too hard for God including forgiving your past. Let’s revisit some of the most noted bible characters that God used mightily. These men of God had messed up tainted lives. Paul was a serial killer, David was a murderer and adulterer, Moses was a fugitive and Peter lied and denied Jesus Christ. In other words—all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

I believe God allows us to mess up so we don’t boast in our own abilities and works. Trials and challenges of life often makes us stronger, better, wiser, thankful and more compassionate people.

Your past should not be your autobiography, but rather a reference point. Since, you can’t drive forward looking through the rearview mirror, resist allowing your past to rob you of your fu-

ture. It is an active part of who you are—God wants to use all of you. He is looking for ordinary people available for service that will give Him glory. We should be willing vessels to allow His works to shine bright like a diamond in the sky. As we prepare for 2014, don’t look back—you’re not going that way. Instead look forward to a better—bigger and brighter future that is more than you could ever imagine as you make your life print in this world.

What’s in your future…? ©Effie Rolfe is the author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” a Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can visit my website: effierolfe.com or follow me at twitter.com/effiedrolfe.

The Crusader Gospel Corner Marvin Sapp is coming Home for Christmas with a personal Christmas Card the title of the gospel superstar’s latest project. The CD promises to give you plenty of holiday cheer. The popular singer spoke about his single, “Home for Christmas” and how he collaborated with R&B singer, Joe. “To be honest, the single with Joe was an amazing miracle, to be honest,” shared Sapp. “I was listening to the song Home for Christmas and my A&R director, Joseph Birney and I said this would be real sweet if we could get Joe to sing on this and Stanley Brown said yeah, yeah. I was in New York for Cathy Sharpton’s birthday party—

Fred Hammond the ex-wife of Al Sharpton.” A strong man of faith, Sapp believed in answered prayer which was evident when Joe’s manager was also in the audience during the event. “I said oh my God—I went up to him and said man I don’t believe in mistakes, I believe everything is divinely appointed and I told him I wanted Joe to sing on my Christmas album and Joe consented and did it www.chicagocrusader.com

for free. I’m like this is amazing.

Next thing you know—me and Joe are singing Home for Christmas.

Sapp continued to speak of his latest project, “Christmas Card is an amazing CD that I promise will be a great blessing for you. Children to seniors will enjoy it. It’s a wonderful, wonderful album filled with music that will put you in the mind of Boyz to Men, I’m singing with Brian McKnight. I have Commissioned, I’m singing with my children and Fred Hammond’s on there as well. It’s an amazing CD,” said the pastor. The CD is available wherever music is sold. *** Congratulations to pastor and radio personality, Bishop Hezekiah Walker who not only has one of the top gospel albums in the country, but was recently signed to the Word Network for his show ‘Hezekiah Walker Presents Choirfest.’ The popular channel is the largest and most watched African-American religious network in the world and is proud to present and welcome, Hezekiah Walker and his program.

Beginning next year, Choirfest will

Bishop Hezekiah Walker

air each Saturday at 2 p.m. and will shine the spotlight on choirs throughout the world. WORD Network CEO, Kevin Adell announced, “The Word Network is pleased to broadcast the Hezekiah Walker program as it levels the playing field for ALL gospel performers.” The network is committed to bring viewers the best in urban ministries and gospel music. For more information visit www.thewordnetwork.org. *** Speaking of choir—back by popular demand, the legendary Chicago Mass Choir is abroad in Spain for a phenomenal 14city tour throughout the country and the Canary Islands. The choir’s international Christmas tour began December 5th and culminated this past Monday on December 23rd. Over the last 10 years, Chicago Mass Choir has become a Gospel Music staple overseas and it’s evident that their music ministry has encouraged many in several international areas. The choir is truly honored to tour the country and share their music and new radio single “Glory and Honor,” the choir has been asked to cover the songs, When the Saints and Oh Happy Day. *** The birthday boy and Stellar Award winner, Dr. Charles G. Hayes and Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer will celebrate a “Homecoming Love Musical” honoring the gospel legend on December 29, 5 p.m. at Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer, 842 E. 65th Street where Hayes is the Pastor. All former choir and church members are invited to participate in this mu-

Chicago Mass Choir sical to remember. Hayes, best known for the classic, “Jesus Can Work it Out,” just celebrated his 76th birthday on December 10 and has also experienced a few health challenges. The admission for the event is free. *** Pastor DeAndre Patterson and Destiny Worship Center along with Miracle Revival Cathedral is preparing for a New Year’s Eve Explosion at 2010 St. Charles Road in Maywood. There will be singers, dancers and choirs featuring the new singing sensation, Favor. The guest speaker for the evening is Evangelist Terrell Edwards. It’s a family affair for all and the program begins at 10 p.m. sharp. *** Happy birthday blessing to gospel superstar, Fred Hammond who will also be in Chi-town with Pastor John Hannah and the members of New Life Covenant Church for special New Year’s Eve services. The former lead singer and co-founder of Commission is sure to ‘jam for the Lamb!’ The services are free at UIC Forum at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

***

This year has been remarkable for Chicago’s Dexter Walker and Zion Movement, national winners of How Sweet the Sound Gospel Choir and a recording contract. Also, the choir was thrilled for a once in a lifetime opportunity to record with the Queen of R&B/Hip Hop Mary J. Blige’s on her first and only Christmas album. Finally, the group’s latest CD entitled, “Greater Than Before” has been nominated for Contemporary Choir of the Year for the 2014 Stellar Awards. To personally congratulate Walker and the Zion Movement, you’re invited to their final concert of the year appropriately called, Closeout on December 29, 7 p.m. at Grant Memorial, 4000 S. Drexel Boulevard in Chicago. *** Our prayers and sympathies go to Chicago Crusader’s John Smith and Roy Smith in the passing of their sister Verlee Smith James Frazier. Verlee made her transition on Saturday, December 14. The homegoing service was this past Saturday, December 21st at Leak and Sons Funeral Chapel in Country Club Hills.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

15

HEALTH

Zeta Phi Beta works against infant mortality Members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Psi Psi Zeta chapter recently teamed with Jackson Park Hospital and Medical Center to host the organization’s first Stork’s Nest Program. Stork’s Nest is a 42year-old program aimed at helping young mothers have a healthy pregnancy, thereby reducing the infant mortality rate in our community.

The program was launched in 1971 and addresses the issues of low birth weight, birth defects, and infant deaths, especially among low income, young unwed minority women. Pregnant women across the country participate in Stork’s Nest programs that offer educational sessions on how to have a healthy pregnancy. It also encourages early and regular pre-natal care.

Cynthia A. McCoy, President of

Psi Psi Zeta Chapter said “Jackson Park Hospital and Medical Center has been a well-respected hospital in our community since 1959. Jackson Park Hospital opened their new maternity and OB unit in May of 2012. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Mr. Merritt J. Hasbrouck, President; our liaison Mrs. Vernell Williams, SVP of Patient Care; and all hospital staff for their continued support. When they chose to partner with us for our program, it made for a perfect marriage.”

Stork’s Nest meets monthly and provides refreshments for every session and hospital staff facilitate the various educational sessions.

The organization also provides free clothing, diapers, baby bottles, bibs, blankets, pacifiers, gift certificates and Ventra bus cards,

ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY members are working to help ensure healthy pregnancies for low-income young local mothers. Sorority members teamed with participants from the community for the Stork’s Nest initiative at Jackson Park Hospital. just to name a few of the gifts we McCoy added, “We’d love to offer to the participants. hear from you so that you too can learn how to reduce infant mortalSpace is always available in the ity by participating in a healthy Stork’s Nest Program. For more lifestyle during and after your information or to make dona- pregnancy and participating in tions, only need contact us at 1- prenatal care. Our children are 800-960-5175 or email us at psip- our most valuable asset so let’s give sizeta1920@gmail.com. them a fighting chance.”

PSI PSI CHAPTER President Cynthia A. McCoy (far right) of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority led the first Stork’s Nest project recently at Jackson Park Hospital. Young mothers and other members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority attended to ensure success.

Army veteran named top nurse at Advocate Trinity A veteran of the U.S. Army and a nursing graduate of Governors State University is the new chief nurse executive at Advocate Trinity Hospital. Jacqueline Whitten brings more than 15 years of nursing leadership experience to the job. Her background includes working in the emergency and critical care departments, as well as maternal/child services, admission center and the stroke program.

“Jackie is a dynamic leader with a passionate and energetic leadership style. She successfully motivates her team because of the genuine care and commitment she demonstrates,” said Michelle Gaskill. Gaskill is the hospital’s incoming president. About Whitten, she added, “Her background positions her well to influence and drive continuous improvements in nursing care and quality.”

Whitten earned her Bachelor of 16

ing Executive leadership course at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Jacqueline Whitten

About Trinity Hospital Providing healthcare on the southeast side of Chicago for over 115 years, Advocate Trinity Hospital is a 193-bed not-for-profit health care facility. Part of Advocate Health Care, Trinity offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services as well as a variety of community outreach programs.

For more information on Trinity, please visit www.advocatehealth.com/trinity or call 1-800-3-ADVOCATE.

Science in nursing from Lewis University and her Master’s and Doctoral nursing degrees from Governor’s State University in University Park, Illinois. She also holds a certificate in Project Management from the Harvard School of Public Health Project and recently completed a Nurs-

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Grieving parents sing Christmas songs . . .

(Con’t. from page 3) time” for that, she said, will be able to “lift them up from the quagmire and depression of sadness. I’m just here to be a witness to celebrate their love ones…and they were not just statistics.”

Collins said, “They were gifts from God” and should never be forgotten. She promised to continue to “fight and advocate in the struggle to ensure we have commonsense gun laws.” “In 2014, we have to come out and vote,” Collins said even though President Obama won’t be on the ticket. “We have to come out to honor these parents, to fight for them to ensure we have the votes to pass strong gun legislation….” She said God has promised them they will one day see their loved ones again.

Marsha Lee, who lost her son, Thomas, on August 14, 2008 is Harvey, said her son’s case is yet unsolved. “We will not forget when it comes time to vote.”

Alice Norris, the mother of then 14-year-old Rolanda

LaKesia Marshall on August 28, 1993 was killed as a result of a gang-related drive-by shooting. Today, Norris said, her daughter would have been 35 years old on January 8, 2014. Referring to the biblical story about David whose child had died, Norris said, “David said the baby cannot come back to me, but I must go back to the baby. So we all must go to our baby…by living a righteous life…and know God.” Pam Bosley, the wife of Tommie Bosley, said some of the parents are not only celebrating Christmas but birthdays and anniversaries. She asked them to hold their Christmas ornament up and state the name of their child.

The Family of Saint Sabina partnered with the Sheilah A. Doyle Foundation, which supports youth between the ages of 7 and 17, whose parent; guardian or siblings were victims of homicide. When asked why did he go into the bereavement field, Doyle explained when he was 17 his mother, Sheilah A. Doyle,

40, a nurse at the Little Company of Mary Hospital, was killed on July 3, 1993.

“She was followed home by three guys,” Doyle said referring to Marcos Gray, 19, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole in January of 1996, and Antwon Tyler, 24, who reportedly shot Doyle during a botched robbery attempt, was also sentenced in 1994 to life in prison without parole. The third man, Gregory Jackson, 23, the driver, was acquitted of all charges.

“Back in 1993, she was followed home by three guys who wanted to steal the hood of her car,” recalled Doyle.

His mother was later found shot to death in the trunk of her car. Years later, Doyle said he had an “itch” to give back to youth “who have gone through what I did.”

Doyle, who was joined by his mother’s twin sister, Sharon Vinicky, said there is healing that takes place when a child has to experience a death of a loved one and it’s important to do so “in a safe place.” “My family didn’t talk

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Maybe some money should be put in the next budget to buy several copies of Math for Dummies.

What a poor example being set for our students as they see administrators time and again unable to get the adding and subtracting correct. Doesn’t it make you wonder too, what other figures are district officials messing up and not sharing with us?

The numbers district officials threw at us to justify closing schools in our community, but not the lakefront areas, are even more suspect now.

CPS has been fraught with problems for decades. We used to be able to say those problems were brought on by the fact we had people like Ron Huberman and Arne Duncannon-educators at the helm of the district. Now, however, the person at the top has a long and supposedly distinguished record in the classroom and on the administrative side. We know she must cater to the whims of Rahm Emanuel, the power hungry mayor.

He may very well be the reason the numbers never seem to add up. He is trying to create a false sense of accomplishments, just like

(Continued from page 4) he is attempting to do with the police department. The school superintendent was probably promised the opportunity to run things, little did she know she was going to be one of the most highly paid puppets in the city.

Frank Waller

Missing Black dolls show insensitivity Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing about a very grievous oversight and a sign of disrespect on the part of the Toys R Us at 5001 West Lincoln Highway in Matteson, IL 60443.

Because I am the grandmother of 4 young girls and the Godmother of 6 girls who all wanted dolls for Christmas, I am outraged that this store could not meet my needs. First, I must apprise you of the fact that Mattel Corporation has finally designed a Black doll that looks like many of the consumers who buy dolls. Walt Disney Corp. has finally added a Black princess to their

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line of princesses.

Tell me why a Toys R Us, located in an area where more than 60% of the population is made up of Americans of African descent, doesn’t have Black dolls?

Most corporations are intelligent enough today or are market driven enough to realize that a large percentage of their profit comes from consumers of African descent.

Most affluent citizens of African descent will travel far and wide to give their children the images that are akin to theirs. Unfortunately, the less affluent do not enjoy this privilege, however, they too, refuse to buy white dolls for their precious Black children.

“Children Learn What They Live” and smart merchants realize the value of the colors green and Black and they respond to the needs of their market.

Your insensitivity is woefully lacking in both intelligence and affirmative marketing.

Written with anguish, Helen L. Burleson, Doctor Of Public Administration

about it for 17-years…. If you want to start changing the culture of violence, you have to start with the kids.

Our hope is with our camp program, that we take their anger and turn it into something positive.”

(Con’t. from page 8) lence, innovation, and sustainability. In 2014 the Initiative will recognize current HBCU students for their dedication to academics, leadership and civic engagement. Nominate yourself as an ALL-STAR today! The nomination period is ONGOING through January 10, 2014. Eligibility and Rules: 1. Nominee must be a current undergraduate or graduate student at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

2. Only completed applications will be considered.

This includes signed nomination form, unofficial transcripts, short essay, resume and endorsement. 3. Submissions entered past the due date will not be acknowledged. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., EST on January 10, 2014.

Please submit application to: oswhi-hbcu@ed.gov.

HOUSES FOR SALE 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. For information, contact Plaintiffʼs attorney: LAW OFFICES OF IRA T. NEVEL, LLC, 175 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201, CHICAGO, IL 60606, (312) 3571125 Please refer calls to the sales department. Please refer to file number 10-2800 N. 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. LAW OFFICES OF IRA T. NEVEL, LLC 175 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201 CHICAGO, IL 60606 (312) 357-1125 Attorney File No. 102800 N Attorney Code. 18837 Case Number: 10 CH 36761 TJSC#: 33-24577 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffʼs attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I578010

HOUSES FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE OF THE HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSETBACKED TRUST SERIES SPMD 2004-C, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES SPMD 2004-C UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED DEC 1, 2004, ASSIGNEE OF INDYMAC BANK, FSB Plaintiff, -v.DUSAN SAVIC, MAYA SAVIC Defendants 10 CH 36761 6042 SOUTH GREEN STREET Chicago, IL 60621 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 10, 2013, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 15, 2014, at the The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive - 24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 6042 SOUTH GREEN STREET, Chicago, IL 60621 Property Index No. 20-17-414039. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $178,338.17. 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, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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

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SPORTS

City plans new South Side arts and rec center Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, Alderman Will Burns (4th) and Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd) were joined recently by community members, faith leaders and Quad Communities Development Corporation to announce plans for a new arts and recreation center at Ellis Park.

“It is important that every child – no matter their neighborhood and no matter their income – has

access to recreational activities,” said Emanuel. “This announcement is a perfect example of how three separate City departments can come together and act as one unified entity to better Chicago by providing a safe place where neighborhoods will gather and communities will be solidified.” The City of Chicago is leading the development and financing for the proposed 30,000square-foot, $16 million facility

that will serve the greater Oakland, Douglas and Bronzeville communities. Funding sources include the Chicago Housing Authority, TIF funds and New Market Tax Credits. “Today’s announcement is a fulfillment of a decade long effort by the Bronzeville community to secure a level one park district field house,” said Burns.

“Today is a great day for Bronzeville and its residents.”

“I am extremely pleased to be a

partner in this anchor we are building to support the Grand Boulevard, Douglas, Kenwood, and Oakland Communities,” said Dowell. “Alderman Will Burns, the Quad Cities Development Corporation, and our communities have been tireless advocates for this project for years and we thank Mayor Rahm Emanuel for his support.”

The site is currently comprised of approximately 5 acres in Ellis

Park. The facility will include a full-size gymnasium with two basketball courts, an indoor pool, art and education club rooms, a fitness center and studio, meeting hall, and music and theater performance spaces.

Land assembly and design would be completed by fall 2014. Construction is projected to begin next fall and to be completed by the end of 2015.

(Photo by Chicago Park District)

Leo to Host 2014 IHSA Class 2A Basketball Regional Leo is going to host its first ever IHSA Class 2A Basketball Regional.

Leo’s Athletic Director Edward Adams secured the Class 2A Regional location.

The dates and times will be determined at a later date. www.chicagocrusader.com

The Regional is one of four 2A regionals that will go into the Roberson High School 2A Sectional.

“The IHSA is very happy with Leo High School and their ability to host athletic events,” said Adams.

Over the past several seasons, the Lions hosted home football games at the Kroc Center and during the semi-final playoff run this season they hosted games at St. Laurence and St. Rita High Schools. During track, Leo has hosted the Indoor Chicago

BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OWN COMMUNITY

Catholic League Conference Meet at Proviso West High School and the University of Chicago for the past fifteen seasons. In 2012, Leo also hosted the Class 1A Baseball Regional at the Kroc Center.

“This is a good opportunity for

Leo to continue working with the IHSA to host events,” said Adams.

School Principal Phil Mesina prides himself on Leo’s positive involvement with the IHSA and this interaction is a primary example.

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