Jackson Hopeful After Key Economic Meetings, Set to Turn Up Heat With NNPA, Rainbow/PUSH Next Week (See story on page 3) Blacks Must Control Their Own Community
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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 LXX NUMBER 7—SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
PUBLISHED SINCE 1940
25 Cents and worth more
Teachers Union sues CPS days before election By J. Coyden Palmer
While some are curious about the timing, Chicago Teacher’s Union President Marilyn Stewart announced earlier this week the Union is suing the Chicago Public Schools regarding a proposal to increase class sizes in the fall. The suit, which was filed in Cook County on June 8th, alleges that student safety will be compromised if a plan to increase some classes to 35 students is implemented. Stewart said a city ordinance requires 20 square feet of floor space per person, thus a room with 35 students must be 720 square feet. However, the timing of the suit has raised some questions. Stewart is in a close battle with candidate Karen Lewis for the CTU presidency. The run-off election will be held on June 11th. Stewart denied politics were motivating the lawsuit and said she raised the issue publicly back in April. “You’re looking at a very dangerous situation,” Stewart said. “We’re asking the Board to prove that they can implement this plan without violating the law. It’s not our fault that CPS is facing a deficit. You can’t fill that deficit by compromising safety.” CPS spokesperson Monique Bond denied Stewart’s assertion that safety will be compromised. She said if the plan is implemented there will be plenty of space as newer classrooms have 900 square feet while 90 percent of older classrooms would meet the 720 square feet require-
ment. For the remaining 10 percent she said those classroom levels would remain at current population levels. “We would never endanger the safety of a
student,” Bond said. CPS is facing a $600 million deficit. School officials have estimated they can save $125 million by increasing class size.
Teachers have balked at the proposal, saying 35 students in a room would be too much to manage. Teachers say in addition (Continued on page 3)
MEMBERS OF CHICAGO-AREA African American Greek fraternities and sororities came together recently, in unity and harmony to mark the third annual Chicago White Sox “African American Greek Night.” The event, held at U.S. Cellular Field each spring, celebrates the rich history and legacy of these groups, and stands as a rare night of fun, professional networking and camaraderie. The 2010 White Sox Greek Night this year featured WVON-AM Radio air personalities Bonnie DeShong and Charles Butler as co-hosts. The dynamic duo raffled off dozens of prizes, and attendees were treated to a special step-show performance by Kappa Alpha Psi, plus a pre-game patio party. The White Sox also presented a special visual tribute to the heritage of Black Greek-letter organizations via jumbotron during the game, which pitted the Sox against Toronto. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority won the inter-alumni ticket-selling contest, earning them the right to throw out the game’s first pitch. The White Sox are now gearing up to present the third annual “Double-Duty Classic” East vs. West all-star game, honoring Negro League baseball in Chicago, on June 30th. (Photo © 2010, by Toya Werner Martin/Courtesy Flowers Communications Group)
Chicago Judge installed as 39th President of IL Judges Hon. Lewis M. Nixon, a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, was installed as the 39th president of the Illinois Judges Association (IJA) at the organization’s Annual Meeting here on May 21. Retired Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow, who officiated at Judge Nixon’s swearing-in ceremony when he was first appointed to the bench on November 30, 2001, performed the induction ceremony during a luncheon at The John Marshall Law School. Headquartered in Chicago, the 1,100member Illinois Judges Association addresses issues impacting on a fair and impartial judiciary, access to justice, and educating the public about their courts and judges. Judge Nixon will use his platform as president to speak out about the impor-
COOK COUNTY Circuit Court Judge Lewis M. Nixon (above) was installed as the 39th president of the Illinois Judges Association (IJA) at the organization’s Annual Meeting on May 21. Retired Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow officiated the swearing-in ceremony held at The John Marshall Law School.
tance of judicial independence. The cornerstone of our democracy, judicial independence is threatened, he says, because of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. “Our country must do everything possible to ensure that judges remain independent,” he states. “Judges must remain free to apply the law based on the facts of a case, not political pressure.” During his presidency, Judge Nixon hopes to increase participation in “7 Reasons to Leave the Party,” the IJA’s hard-hitting, interactive presentation delivered on a volunteer basis by judges to educate teens about the importance of making wise lifestyle decisions. Using a PowerPoint presentation and rap music, the 50minute program walks students through every room at a house party where unlaw(Continued on page 2)