Chicago Crusader 2-25-2017

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CHICAGO CRUSADER 2-25-2017.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 2/23/17 5:05 AM Page 1

www.chicagocrusader.com

Blacks Must Control Their Own Community

•C•P•V•S•

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

AUDITED BY

VOLUME LXXVI NUMBER 45—SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017

PUBLISHED SINCE 1940

25 Cents and worth more

Candidates aim to conquer a King 4th Ward Aldermanic race enters final stretch Crusader staff report With days left before vorers go to the polls, candidates seeking the 4th Ward aldermanic seat are stepping up their campaigns to represent one of Chicago’s most diverse and affluent districts. The 4th Ward, which runs along Lake Shore Drive, includes parts of the South Loop around Grant Park, Bronzeville, Hyde Park, and Kenwood. In 2016, former 4th Ward Ald. Will Burns abruptly resigned after accepting an executive position with the travel accommodations com-

pany, Airbnb. Now, five candidates seek to serve out Burns’ remaining two years. They include incumbent Ald. Sophia King, Gregory Livingston, Gerald Scott McCarthy, Marcellus Moore, Jr. and Attorney Ebony Lucas. The road to City Hall goes through King,

who was appointed 4th Ward alderman in April 2016 by Mayor Rahm Emanuel—one month after Burns’ resignation. Since then, King has boosted her profile with several big endorsements from organizations and individuals, including former President Barack Obama,

whose home is in the 4th Ward What started as a relatively quiet election race with six candidates turned into a political circus. Challenger Jack Taylor dropped out last December. Gregory Livingston, Marcellus Moore, Jr. and Gerald Scott McCarthy faced claims

that their nominating petitions were not valid and they should not appear on the ballot. They were all cleared later. As the political race heads into its final stretch, election workers set up touch screens and paper (Continued on page 3)

Swift Mansion’s future uncertain Historic home of Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation not protected from demolition as program founders puts mansion up for sale By Erick Johnson The grand staircase where many debutantes once roamed became a meeting place for inner city youth looking for a job. The carved oak mantel on the wood burning fireplace where the well-heeled cuddled on frigid nights for years, held flyers promoting drug treatment programs. For decades, it was known as the historic Swift Mansion, but contrary to what many believe, the house that was around before the neighborhood became known as Brownzeville, is not of-

ficially a Chicago landmark. It is a relic that once served a bygone era of Chicago’s privileged before it became a welcome refuge for poor and unemployed Black residents on the South side. Now the Swift Mansion faces an uncertain future, as does the social services program that has called the mansion home for more than 20 years. On February 13 the founders of the Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation put the 114year-old structure up for sale. The asking price is $1.3 million. For that amount, the buyer of the massive 10,200 square foot gray stone mansion will enjoy 37 rooms, a chef’s kitchen and a 1,500 square foot ballroom. There is also a three-story coach house in the rear of the property. If developers have their way, the mansion could be demolished. It is not protected by the Chicago Landmarks Commission. It would be a double whammy for the Bronzeville neighborhood if both the mansion (Continued on page 3)

THE SWIFT MANSION in Bronzeville is not a Chicago Landmark and could be demolished despite its 124-year history and signifcance in the community.


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