March 28, 2008 - Strategic Human Services and North Lawndale

Transcription

THE NORTH LAWNDALE
COMMUNITY NEWS FREE
1211 S. Western, Suite 203
Chicago, IL 60608
Since 1999, More News, More of Your Issues, and More of Your Community Voices.
“News that Improves Your Lives”
Serving North Lawndale, East & West Garfield, Austin, Pilsen, Humbolt Park, Near Westside & South Lawndale
PUBLISHER : STRATEGIC HUMAN SERVICES
VOLUME NO. 8 - ISSUE NO. 7
ISSN 1548-6087
March 29- April 11, 2006
PROVIDING INFORMATION ON RESOURCES AND EVENTS THAT IMPROVE THE LIFESTYLE OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY
BLACK WOMEN EXPO 2006: A TREAT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Iva Robbins
Winnie Mandela spoke at the Expo
On March 4-5 the 14th
anniversary of the V-103’s Expo for
Today’s Black Woman was held at
McCormick Place, 2900 South
King Drive. It was a treat for the
whole family. Sponsored by
The
weekend
approximately
event occupied 12,000
twenty prominent
sq. ft. of McCormick
black women of the
Place which included
Chicago area, to
four conference rooms
mention a few, Fox
for guest speakers, an
32- TV’s Robin
entertainment stage
Robinson, V-103’s
area overlooking 200
Adrienne Jones,
vendors, many who
Christ Universal
were in designated
Temple’s
Rev.
areas such as: Literary
Johnnie Coleman,
Trey Songz performed at the
Café, Club Expo,
combined all of Expo
Kid’s Korner and the
their efforts to make
a dynamic list of attractions. A $12 Education Recruitment Pavilion.
The speakers for the Expo were
admission fee for adult and $7 fee
for children brought you the phenomenal local black women
likelihood to find something of picked for the advisory panel for
interest to everyone, giving you this event .The diverse selection of
enlightening topics is what lit this
your money’s worth.
Teena Marie also performed at the Expo
Expo with sparks, and topics from
Health to Inspiration and (finance),
Relationships to Divorce,
Publishing to Travel, and many
See Expo page 14
Building Communities One Homeowner at a Time
“Under all is the land.”
Begins the preamble to the code
of ethics in real estate and Phyllis
M. Logan believes that these
words are just as profound today
as they were when first written.
As we recognize Women History
Month, Phyllis M. Logan,
President and Broker/Owner of
Bryant-Logan Realty located at
5933 W. Madison St. on
Chicago’s Westside is one woman
who is committed to serving the
community and takes her motto
“Building Communities One
Homeowner at a Time,” to heart
and it shows by her efforts in
assisting people in purchasing
homes.
Born and raised on the
Westside of Chicago, Logan was
always pursuing to better herself
and the lives of her family. For
years she worked in the areas of
Priscilla Lucas
clerical,
accounting
and
management working diligently to
secure a career that compensated
her fairly in accordance with her
knowledge and her work ethics.
Family is very important and
being one of ten siblings and a
mother of four she is adamant about
how children should be nurtured
and loved especially young boys.
She had her own style of
childrearing, which meant that she
made sure she was available to them
at any given time. Logan expressed
that working outside the home
meant that she had to choose
positions that worked well with her
home life.
“I wanted to always be in a
position that if something happened
with my kids during the daytime I
could just stop doing what I was
doing,” she said. “It was a priority
to say can I leave
this
job
if
something
is
going wrong with
my family because
that
was
important,” said
Logan.
A professed
workaholic and a
woman that’s
driven
and
focused
she
speaks about her
love of the accounting field and how
she transitioned over into real estate.
“My first interest and love is
accounting. I started doing small
business accounting and then
working with a lot of individuals in
the field of taxation. Many of my
long-term clients had interest and
investments in real estate,” said
Phyllis Logan
Logan. “ And I knew nothing
about the concept of real estate
while doing taxes so I took a class
just to understand the concept of
real estate,” she adds.
This six-week real estate
course gave Logan the
See Logan page 10
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
APRIL BUSINESS OF
THE MONTH LIVIN’
CLEAN
ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE - 9
ALSO INSIDE
JAIRA HARRINGTON
NORTH LAWNDALE
NATIVE STUDYING
IN DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC
PAGE - 6
COMMUNITY
CONCERNS ABOUT
VIOLENCE AND
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
GO UNHEARD
PAGE - 6
CITY BRINGS FREE,
ONE STOP SERVICE
FAIRS TO SOUTH
LAWNDALE
PAGE - 13
BLACK LIFE HAS VALUE RALLY BRINGS CALL FOR UNITY,
RESPONSIBILITY, AND RESOURCES
Richard Muhammad
Denise Reed, Starkesia Reed’s mom, with other family members and supporters
The sanctuary, basement and
overflow rooms at Fellowship
Missionary Baptist Church were
packed with people and others
clutched babies tight against the
cold, trying to squeeze their way
inside.
The “Chicago Stand Up
Because Black Life Has Value”
rally, sponsored by Clear Channel
radio stations WVAZ-FM,
WGCI-FM and WGRB-AM was
sparked by the recent deaths of
two Englewood girls, but dealt
with the problem of violence and
its toll on the Black community.
The overarching message the
evening of March 20 was that it
was time for action – collective
action and individual action – to
end violence in Chicago. A
combination of more resources,
more jobs and programs, better
policing, better parenting, greater
spirituality, greater unity and
responsibility as a community was
needed, speakers said.
“I am in an elite club, something
that I have never wanted to be in,
but I’m a mother that has lost her
child to violence in the streets,” said
Denise Reed, whose daughter
Starkesia Reed, 14, was killed in
early March. A stray bullet from an
AK-47 crashed through her
window, killing the honor student
as she dressed for school.
Reed said her daughter was now
an intercessor and praying for her
family and for the city to understand
that Black life is precious. She was
one of several parents that lost
children who spoke. All expressed
gratitude for the lives of their
children and shared the pain at their
losses. But underneath the pain was
a call for more involvement in the
lives of youth and anti-violence
efforts.
Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.)
spoke passionately and offered a
somewhat different message from
his father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson,
who urged the audience to take to
the polls the next day and exercise
the ballot as a tool for change. The
younger Jackson called for Blacks
to police themselves, and not look
for scapegoats. “It may be a
constitutional rights violation, if
(police) do a stop and search,” he
said. “But not if you do it,” Jackson
added, saying it was time for men
to “man up” and take control of out
of control, boys in the streets.
See Rally page 7
Visit us on our website at www.nlcn.org for more articles, information, photos and opportunities.
THE NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY NEWS
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THE NORTH LAWNDALE
COMMUNITY NEWS
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Advisory Board:
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Consulting Editors and Writers:
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March 29 - April 11, 2006
Writers’ Meetings!!
THE NOR
TH L AWND
ALE
ORTH
WNDALE
COMMUNITY NEW
S
EWS
Where: 1211 S. Western, Suite 203
The primary focus for SHS/ NCLN during 2006 will be
Health, Education, and Welfare. Health is essential to a good
life. Education is necessary for the pursuit of happiness
especially in an economy driven society. Welfare is
unavoidable in showing man’s humanity (love) toward man.
All year long NLCN will concentrate and focus on more
articles related to health, education and our welfare through
our newspaper, weblog, and website that serves the Westside
of Chicago.
There is a great disparity in the statistics of the health of
a majority of our community areas. This announcement of
newsprint is too small to go into great detail, but some
resources that can help affirm the state of our health can be
found in a survey conducted by the Sinai Health System titled
Improving Community Health Survey, “The State of Black
Health Care” published as a health supplement in a special
edition of the Philadelphia Tribune and the Chicago Tribune
in November 2005 and “Natural Cures” at
www.naturalcures.com . Our articles and links will point to
other resources that will go into greater detail because health,
education and welfare are their core missions, ours stands as
messengers. The natural cures, an interestingly new area to the
masses in our society leads to solutions that have been
overlooked by mainstream medicine and some corporations
maybe because of the love of money or closed minded doubt
to even investigate better ways to better health, or not get sick.
Education can reduce and minimize high rates of
unemployment and underemployment, produce healthier
citizens, and reduce the dependency on traditional welfare.
The Westside is changing but not always in favor of the less
fortunate who have lived here for years. Throughout the year,
we will connect North Lawndale resident with resources in
these areas. The North Lawndale Community News will
continue to provide news and information on people, issues,
and events that are relevant to our readers, as well as touch
on the focus for the previous years. Becoming an intelligent
people we can also participate and benefit in making our
community a model neighborhood. We hope by reading our
community newspaper you become or remain inspired to keep
moving foward to a better life.
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To Your Health
African-American Hospice to Meet Health Needs of Community
Typically when the African-American
community hears the word “hospice,” several
myths associated with this care emerge. The
first myth asserts that it is time to give up hope
because there is nothing more to be done.
Another myth asserts that hospice is not
affordable, or that to accept hospice is to give
up one’s faith in the healing power of God.
Although typical hospice care provided
in the African-American community may had
fueled such myths, nothing could be further
from the truth of what hospice care really is
at A Touch of Grace Hospice, the first hospice
in Illinois owned solely by African Americans
and dedicated to providing culturally and
spiritually sensitive end of life care.
A Touch of Grace Hospice’s focus is to
embrace the role of culture and faith in the
African American community while
supporting families and their loved ones
facing a serious illness. In addition, A Touch
of Grace Hospice is dedicated to educating
the community about this wonderful
supportive care, that is paid for by Medicare,
Public Aid, and Private Insurance.
In fact, A Touch of Grace Hospice also
cares for the uninsured. So, give the
affordability of the care, the necessity of the
care, and the fact that African Americans are
disproportionately affected by the major
diseases that qualify for hospice care, such
as cancer, chronic heart failure, Alzheimer’s
and Dementia, stroke, and AIDS/HIV, to
name a few, why is it that African Americans
need it the most and get it the least?
Hospice developed in the United States in
the 1970s as a grassroots movement to promote
more humane care for dying people. The goal
of hospice care is to provide medical, spiritual,
social, and emotional support to families where
a loved one is facing a serious/terminal illness.
The goal of hospice is to keep your loved one
comfortable, pain free, surrounded by loved
ones, and emotionally and spiritually healthy.
Care is provided by Nurses, Social Workers,
Chaplains, Certified Nursing Assistants,
Physicians, and trained Volunteers. This
holistic approach promotes self-determination
and a dignified and painless quality of life when
coping with a terminal illness.
Dr. Jennifer Moore’s research has
revealed that the two major barriers to
accessing hospice care by African-Americans
is the blatant disregard for the role of faith in
the Black community when facing a terminal
illness, and the lack of awareness about this
wonderful healthcare option. In an effort to
help decrease the disparity in the use of
hospice care, A Touch of Grace Hospice takes
an active role in educating the community
about hospice in Churches, schools, hospitals,
civic organizations, and any other arena that
will impact the community.
Second, A Touch of Grace Hospice
promotes the use of prayer and faith for
hospice patients, which is why this hospice
organization is the first hospice in the country
to have a 24-hour prayer team ministry
available for patients and family who desire
someone to stand in agreement with them in
prayer. Now, it may seem odd that a hospice
organization, which cares for those diagnosed
with an incurable disease, would embrace
prayer and faith for healing. However,
according to Dr. Moore, “the loved ones that
we care for are strong in faith and believing
in God for their healing. It is not our position
to strip them of their belief. In fact, we know,
and have seen people receive all kinds of
healing, including physical, spiritual, and
familial. It is our position, however, to make
our community aware of the fact that they can
get the wonderful and much needed support
of hospice for families struggling to care for
a loved one, and allow our staff to help them
while they await God’s ultimate decision
concerning their illness. And, if and when
loved ones receive physically healing, they
simply come off hospice. It doesn’t get any
better than that”
This unique approach to making hospice
care available to the African American
community is having an excellent impact on
the quality of life African American patients
and their families are experiencing throughout
the Chicagoland area, which is exactly what
A Touch of Grace Hospice hoped to see. After
all, their motto says it all: ‘Every Life
Deserves A Touch of Grace.’
Dr. Jennifer Moore, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
A Touch of Grace Hospice, Inc.
1033 W. Van Buren, Ste. 705
Chicago, IL 60607
PH: (312) 733-2317
FX: (312) 733-2392
www.atouchofgracehospice.com
jmoore2@atouchofgracehospice.com
WOMEN VETERANS SPEAK OUT ON HEALTH CARE
Women veterans spoke out about their
health care Saturday March 18th with a panel
discussion on women veterans health care
being provided at the Jesse Brown Westside
VA hospital. The seven member panel
included Dr. Irene Trowell-Harris Maj.
Gen. USAF (Retired) director, center for
women veterans, and Dr. Gwenn Garmon,
director, JBVA women’s health center.
Rochelle Crump, Assistant director (IDVA)
wanted everyone to know that the purpose
of this discussion was to insure that all
women veterans active and non active will
be able to receive proper health care.
According to the department of veterans
affairs VA has responded to the growing
number of women veterans by targeting
programs to meet their unique health-care
needs. A veteran’s health administration
office to address women’s health issues was
first created in 1988.
Public Law 102-585, veterans’ health
care act of 1992, authorized new and
expanded services for women veterans,
including counseling for sexual trauma on
a priority basis; and specific health services
for women, such as pap smears,
mammography, and general reproductive
health care. This law also includes outreach
and counseling services for women veterans
who experienced incidents of sexual trauma
while serving on active duty in the military,
but even with these laws in place many
women veterans feel that their health care is
still not taken as seriously as their male
counterparts.
Women veterans have run into many
stumbling blocks when it comes to health
care and benefits. As one member of
NWVU (National Women Veterans United)
said: “when you go to other agencies to
Mary Moran
get help, and they find out that you are a
veteran, they send you back to veteran
agencies who then, turn their backs on you,”
she said.
One of the topics was the issue of post
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Members
of NWVA wanted to know why there was not
a PTSD groups for women at JBVA. Dr.
Garmon states that there is a post traumatic
group at the hospital that is open to everyone,
and that there are other groups at the hospital
that are only for women.
What many women veterans look at when it
comes to their health is the same thing that many
non veteran women look at: women health is
different from men. Women veterans who have
suffered (PTSD) as the result of sexual trauma
do not feel comfortable talking about it in a group,
dominated by men, which is what makes up the
majority of the PTSD groups at JBVA.
Another issue is mammograms. Right now
women are sent to Hines VA in Maywood to
receive their annual test. Many women feel it
would be easier if the test was given at JBVA.
The response to that question was numbers.
Many women who are in the age range for
mammograms do not use the JBVA. This can
be due partially to private health coverage that
they may have on their jobs. Also many
women do not keep their appointments for
mammograms, but women veterans argue that
the wait period at Hines is long and if these
women have children they cannot wait two
to three hours to do their mammograms.
The women clinic at JBVA is top priority
for women veterans but it’s only open one
half of the day. This was another numbers
issue about how many women use the clinic
depends on how the clinic can operate but it
was made clear that it is data that is used to
see how many different services that women
veterans are actually using, not only in the
clinic, but the hospital as well.
Many NWVU members stated that
women veterans wanted to use this panel
discussion to put (their issues) out there so
the federal government can hear it. Moreover,
all of the women expressed that they don’t
want “numbers” deciding their health care.
Dr. Trowell-Harris will be taking these
recommendations back to Washington.
Mary Moran is a writer for NLCN. Mary
is a veteran of the U. S. Army and a
journalism graduate from Columbia
College in Chicago. To comment on this
article visit our weblog at: www.nlcn.org.
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Education & Employment Training
MAYOR DALEY,
SECRETARY
SPELLINGS
ANNOUNCE
READING GRANT
32 Chicago Schools
Will Benefit Over Next
4 Years
Mayor Richard M. Daley, U.S. Secretary
of Education Margaret Spellings and Chicago
Public Schools Chief Education Officer
Barbara Eason-Watkins announced on March
22 a $24.5 million reading grant to 32
Chicago public elementary schools. The
grant, which will run from March 2006 to
December 2010, is one of eight awarded
nationwide and the largest amount received
by a single district.
The grant will fund Striving Readers, a
new program designed to raise the reading
achievement levels of students in grades 6-8
in Title I-eligible schools with significant
numbers of students reading below grade
level.
“Reading is the key to all learning, and
it’s the most important part of providing a
strong education,” Daley said at a news
conference at Talcott Elementary School,
1840 W. Ohio St., one of 16 schools that will
share the grant. “Obviously, the Department
of Education recognizes that as well, and
we’re pleased that they’re supporting us in
our efforts to improve literacy.”
Striving Readers will fund after-school
tutoring for targeted students; teacher training
in partnership with
National-Louis University, including
university coursework toward reading
endorsements; staff positions to coordinate
the program; assessments; technological
support; and instructional materials. The
program also includes staff training and
special programs for “intervention” to identify
and help struggling readers.
Reading scores have been improving
consistently in the Chicago Public Schools,
having reached all-time highs on last year’s
Illinois Standards Achievement Test and
Prairie State Achievement Exam.
The other schools included in the grant
this year are: Pope Elementary in North
Lawndale at 1852 S. Albany Ave., Burr, 1621
W. Wabansia Ave.; Burroughs, 3542 S.
Washtenaw Ave.; Carson, 5516 S.
Maplewood Ave.; Coles, 8441 S. Yates Blvd.;
Eberhart, 3400 W. 65th Pl.; Fuller, 4214 S.
St. Lawrence Ave.; Gray, 3730 N. Laramie
Ave.; Hendricks, 4316 S. Princeton Ave.;
Linne, 3221 N. Sacramento Ave.; Lovett,
6333 W. Bloomingdale Ave.; Marsh, 9810 S.
Exchange Ave.;; Salazar, 160 W. Wendell St.;
Telpochcalli, 2832 W. 24th Blvd.; and Volta,
4950 N. Avers Ave.
Schools were selected based on Title I
status and their willingness to implement the
program. An additional 16 schools will be
selected next year. With full implementation,
the grant will impact 32 schools, 248
classrooms and 3,500 students, including
1,700 who are reading below grade level. All
participating schools have at least 45 percent
of their students performing below state
standards on the Illinois Standards
Achievement Test.
The Chicago Public Schools is the
nation’s third-largest school system. It
includes more than 600 schools and serves
about 426,000 students.
Letter To The Editor
COMMUNITY CONCERNS ABOUT VIOLENCE & SCHOOL
CLOSINGS GO UNHEARD
Derrick B. Harris, North Lawndale Accountability Commission
In the last issue of The North Lawndale
Community News, I wrote about Renaissance
2010 and the multiple harmful effects of
school closings. One of the problems
resulting from school closings is violence.
Arne Duncan and the Chicago Board of
Education have demonstrated disregard for
the concerns of students, parents, and
community residents, as it relates to the
violence that has occurred as a result of
students being transferred due to school
closings.
Recently, I attended the March 22, 2006
meeting of the Chicago Board of Education
for the purpose of questioning Arne Duncan
about a statement credited to him in a Chicago
newspaper, “School CEO vows closings will
go on despite violence.” When I rose to
speak, Arne Duncan, CEO, Chicago Public
Schools left the Board meeting.
Consequently, I directed my concerns to
Claire Munana, Vice President, and the other
members of the Board who were present.
According to Chicago Public School
records, the violence rate in the first five
months of this school year was higher in the
eight largest receiving neighborhood schools
than in the 2003-2004 school year just before
the closings began. The black community
should be outraged and “up in arms,”
regarding Arne Duncan’s comments which
demonstrate his reckless disregard for black
children in particular, and the black
community in general.
Alderman Chandler proposed a
resolution in the City Council for a
moratorium on school closings, and
Representative Soto’s proposed legislation
designed to address community concerns
about school closings.
What is also disturbing is that there is no
plan in place to address the concerns of
students, parents, and the community regarding
the problem of violence.
Michael Scott, Board President, and Dr.
Barbara Eason-Watkins, Chief Education
Officer, Chicago Public Schools were not
present at the board meeting. I raised the
following questions to Arne Duncan in his
absence.
1. Was he quoted correctly? If so, was he
speaking as an individual; or, in his official
capacity as CEO of the Chicago Public
Schools?
2. In the article referenced above Arne
Duncan was further quoted as saying, “the
counselor-to-student ratio is ‘way out of
whack,’ but CPS can’t afford more counselors.”
If that is the case—Can he explain why
Hosanna Mahaley Johnson, Chief of Staff/
Renaissance 2010 Managing Director, and her
staff, got across the board raises, and a budget
increase for the Renaissance 2010
Department?
3. Why doesn’t CPS have a plan in place
to address the problem of violence, one of the
most troubling consequences of Renaissance
2010’s “school closing component?”
We must demand answers to these
questions, please call Arne Duncan at (773)
553-1500. We need a minimum of one
thousand (1000) people from North Lawndale,
Austin, and East and West Garfield Park to
call his office. And remember, “Never doubt
that a small group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s
the only thing that ever has!”
Derrick Harris Is a founding member of the
North Lawndale Accountability
Commission. He is recognized citywide as a
education thought leader on Renaissance
2010, school reform issues, parent
involvement, and local community control of
schools. To comment on this article visit our
weblog at: www.nlcn.org.
Save the Date!
Strategic Human Services
and
The North Lawndale
Community News
Annual Fundraiser
Saturday, May 6,2006
Help us Help the Community
Stay informed
and
honor
Eight individuals that have helped
people help the Commuity
See Ad on Page 3
March 29
Black Facts
Walt “Clyde” Frazier
* On this date in 1945, hall of fame
basketball player Walt “Clyde” Frazier was
born in Atlanta, Georgia. Frazier played 10
seasons with the New York Knicks and was
known his flamboyant style on and off the
court. He was a member of the Knicks’ 1970
and 1973 NBA championship teams.
* On this date in 1955, former Houston
Oiler running back Earl Campbell was born
in Tyler, Texas.
* On this date in 1918, singer Pearl Bailey
was born in New Port News, Virginia.
* On this date in 1968, students at Bowie
State College seized an administration building
on campus in protest of the Vietnam War.
And And
God said,
I have given
yougiven
every herb
seed,bearing
which is seed,
upon the
face of
the earth,
Godbehold,
said, behold,
I have
you bearing
every herb
which
is all
upon
the face of all the earth,
Page 7
North Lawndale Native Studying Abroad in the Dominican Republic Sister Thea Bowman
Jaira Harrington, Lawndale native, is and institutions. Some of the awards she
spending the second semester of her junior received include: the Chicago Public Schools/ was Pillar of Faith and
year abroad in the Dominican Republic. She UNCF which covers full tuition and fees at
Strength to the Black
attends Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia any UNCF institution, the Jackie Robinson
where she is studying Political Science and Foundation award, the PUSH-Excel Ora Lee
Community
Sanders Scholarship Award and the N’Digo
Spanish.
Jaira Harrington on the beach in the Dominican
Republic
Ms. Harrington credits much of her
current accomplishments to an early start in
high school activities. At her fair alma mater,
Kenwood Academy, she competed in
scholastic competitions with the Academic
Decathlon, assisting her team to place in the
top five for two consecutive years, and in
musical competitions including the Chicago
Public Schools (CPS) Annual Piano Recital,
where she was awarded the Excellence honor,
and the CPS Ensemble and Choral
Competitions. She also held presidential
office in the National Honor Society and
Kenwood Academy Concert Choir.
In her junior and senior years of high
school, Ms. Harrington received more than
15 scholarships from private organizations
Foundation Award.
Community involvement is especially
vital to Ms. Harrington. As the president of
the Lawndale Civic and Educational Junior
Boys and Girls Club, Jaira led the
organization to participate in community
service activities including blood drives,
bread delivery to the homeless and needy
families, donation of toiletry items to
women’s and children’s shelters on the
Westside, amongst a host of other service
activities.
In her undergraduate career, Ms.
Harrington has maintained the same standards
of excellence. She participates in a myriad of
campus activities including: the Spelman
See Harrington page 15
Tamiko I. Bowie
As we reflect on Women’s History
Month, we honor women of purpose.
These women have made a significant
impact on our society. One of those
women was Sister Thea Bowman. Sister
Thea was a Catholic nun who was also
African-American. Sister Thea was
influential in the Black Catholic
Movement. Since her death on March 30,
1990, many lives have been inspired and
touched by the story of Sister Thea
Bowman.
Her remarkable life was dedicated to
serving God. Fiery and charismatic, Sister
Thea was not only an activist but religious
throughout the world. Born Bertha
Bowman in 1937 to Mary Ester
(Coleman), who was a teacher and Theon
Bowman, who was a doctor in Yazoo City,
See Thea page 11
Rally from front page
Seritha mom points down as she descrobes the day she
laid her daughter Seritha to rest
Rev. Charles Jenkins, pastor of Fellowship Baptist
Church, called for more resources. Job training, small
business loans and union apprenticeships are needed
to create more opportunity and less desperation, he
said.
Rep. Bobby Rush agreed additional resources were
needed. He noted how his efforts have brought
development projects and dollars into Englewood, but
Rep. Rush, whose son was killed seven-years-ago on
a city street, said, “We’ve got to work to establish a
neighborhood. If you’ve been blessed, it’s your
responsibility to bless somebody else.”
Siretha Woods told the audience about going from
the burial of her daughter Seritha White, 10, killed by
a stray bullet at a surprise birthday party, to the hospital
where her ailing husband passed away the same day
as her daughter’s funeral. “We need to stop this
violence. I would have never believed I would be
standing her in a predicament like this never. We got a
fight, we got a battle and we are going to win. We are
going to win.” She also announced a new campaign
and logo, “Tell For Seritha and Starkesia,” to help
combat guns and violence.
“When the marches stop and the signs come down,
and the politicians go home and the cameras are turned
away, what will we be doing tomorrow?” asked Sen.
Barack Obama (D-Ill.).
Obama, who vowed to fight for more money and
programs, stressed Blacks must make individual and
collective changes.
“If we don’t change how we raise our children,
then it doesn’t matter how many more programs come
in here. It doesn’t matter how much more money comes
in here, it doesn’t matter how many politicians make
speeches. There’s a reason they shot each other,
because they don’t love themselves. And the reason
they don’t love themselves is because we are not loving
them. We’ve got work to do people,” he said.
Richard Muhammad is a Chicago-based writer
and contributor to the Katrina Information Network.
To comment on this article visit our weblog at:
www.nlcn.org.
and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. Genesis 1:29
Page 8
STATE SENATOR MATTIE HUNTER VISITS
BETTER LIFE FOR YOUTH
State Senator Mattie Hunter, Illinois 3rd District
visited the Better Life for Youth (BLFY) program
on Saturday, March 25 at the office of Senator
Rickey Hendon, 5th Senatorial District. The Senator
talked to youth in the program that are going to
visit Historically Black Colleges in the Atlanta,
Georgia area and their parents. She told the youth
about the importance of going to college and that
there are not many programs out there like BLFY
that gives them the opportunity to visit colleges of
this type. Senator Mattie Hunter was also a graduate
from an HBCU college, Jackson State University.
Along with Senator Hunter was Dr. Smith, who
spoke about how he graduated from school and
got a degree and became a doctor. He also let the
students know that it is rare for organizations like
BLFY to take kids on college trips and how
important it to finish school.
Jerome Hershell Jones, Jr. has been in the
program for several months. He said that the
highlight of what he heard from Senator Hunter
was that they we were the future and if we don’t
put a deposit in we can’t get a good return, talking
about the community. Jerome is interested in going
to see Clark Atlanta University. One of the
interesting things mentioned by Jerome in a
previous BLFY meeting was being exposed to a
table etiquette presentation given by Nathan
Wright. “At first, I thought it was going to be
boring”, said Jerome.
Better life for Youth, is scheduled to have one
more meeting on Tuesday 4th, from 6-8pm. Then
they are leaving for the big educational trip on Aril
6th to Atlanta, Georgia. It will be a 12 to 13 hour
drive. Their first HBCU college stop will be
Spellman College for women on Friday April 6th.
For more information contact Better Life for Youth
at 312 243-9730 or 312 671-1026.
Better life for Youth leaving Saturday afternoon meeting at State
Senator Ricky Hendon’s office After Senator Mattie Hunter’s visit.
Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
(Ephesians 6:2).
Page 9
Harris Bank and the North Lawndale Community News Honors
North Lawndale’s Small Business of the Month
Clemolyn (Pennie) Brinson
LIVIN’ CLEAN ENTERTAINMENT
Johnson, Anderson and Clay
The North Lawndale Community News and Harris
Bank are proud to honor Livin’ Clean Entertainment as
April’s North Lawndale Small Business of the Month.
Located at 1539 S. Pulaski, the company was founded
by Donald Anderson and friend/mentor, John L. Clay, Jr.
It provides live performances Friday and Saturday nights
from 8 pm until 9:30 pm and has a seating capacity of
50.
The company also provides an opportunity for
performers and would-be performers to display their acts.
Auditions are held Tuesday evenings from 6 pm until 9
pm. Livin’ Clean Entertainment’s opening night was
October 15, 2005 when it opened with a one-woman show
that ran seven weeks. The company has a staff of seven.
The idea of a performance studio came as an
afterthought. Initially, the co-owners planned to develop
the building into a coffee shop, already owning the Clean
Cut Barbershop next door at 1537 S. Pulaski. But in
researching the coffee shop business, said Anderson, they
realized they could not devote the many hours required
because they had other jobs. After praying and meditating,
said Anderson, “as clear as day the vision came from
God to turn it into the performance studio.”
The men have been friends since 1977 when they
met at the Better Boys Foundation. Anderson was 16.
Clay taught video camera production there. “I realized
from the perspective of an adult,” said Clay, “that
[Anderson] was a good and special kid. I took a liking to
him.”
Clay took Anderson along with him on wedding
shoots, and soon discovered that Anderson had “natural
leadership ability in organizing and getting people
together.” As time passed Clay encouraged Anderson
along in various entertainment and production projects.
Eventually Anderson developed his own company, which
he called DA Productions.
Later on Anderson took a trade at Lincoln Tech in
diesel and auto mechanics and became a brakes specialist.
But his heart wasn’t in it, he said, and he went back to
producing. With training from Harpo Studios, he and his
business partner, who has a background in theater, have
since produced a host of variety shows throughout the
city before establishing Livin’ Clean Entertainment.
The establishment is a cozy setup designed by the
owners with the help of an architect. Clay is the technical
director who controls lights and sound during the shows.
When the company is not putting on a show the facility is
available for rent for parties and such.
The proprietors also own the real estate at 1450 S.
Pulaski which they plan to developed into a film
production studio that will seat 200 people.
“1450 not only will be a place where we will have
shows, but it will subsequently be a place to train kids in
the neighborhood on how things go in the entertainment
business, behind the camera, the set up, lighting, directing,
things of that nature,” said Bryant “Bear” Johnson, Livin’
Clean’s emcee. Johnson also has a background in film
production.
The company’s only challenge, said the men, is getting
more North Lawndale residents involved. “Eighty percent
of our audience is from the south-side and the suburbs,”
said Anderson.
“We’re trying to get the Lawndale community aware
that we’re here and of what’s going on . . . for the general
public to realize that this is a place of interest. That we
See Entertainment page 14
Inside Livin’ Clean Entertainment
Outside Livin’ Clean Entertainment located 1539 S. Pulaski
Page 10
Economic Development
Affordable Housing Is Not Only Good IT’S THE LAW
Wendell Hutson
These days not every family can afford to
pay market prices for homes or rent apartments
so Illinois legislators did something about it.
In 2003 the General Assembly passed the
“Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act,”
which encourages counties with less than 10
percent affordable housing to develop a plan to
increase that percentage. And while the bill is
nearly three years old, many families are just
becoming aware of the new opportunities the
bill is set to create.
The affordable housing bill specifically
states: “there exists a shortage of affordable,
accessible, safe, and sanitary housing for lowincome and moderate-income households in the
state; it is imperative that action be taken to
assure the availability of low-income and
moderate-income housing; and local
governments in the state that do not have
sufficient affordable housing are encouraged to
assist in providing low-income and moderateincome housing opportunities to assure the
health, safety, and welfare of all citizens of the
state.”
Real estate experts say it is important that
consumers know just what “affordable” really
means when searching to buy or rent properties.
“Everyone is walking around saying
affordable but no one is really breaking down
what that term actually means and that is so
important to consumers,” said Craig J.
Robinson, a real estate agent for Keller Williams
Reality. “Is affordable someone who can pay
$100,000 to buy a house or $900 a month to
rent an apartment?”
Recognizing that “affordable” could have
many definitions, the state outlined just what
affordable housing really is in the new
legislation.
Logan from front page
information to better aide her clientele and
while working in the Downtown/Loop area
her clientele base grew as this hardworking
woman continued to assist people in finding
houses. The advice she gives to her clients
is “to buy within their communities.”
“I tell everyone to buy in your
community, buy in Chicago, “ she says. “I
think that Chicago is possibly the best city,
and will be one of the top cities soon,”
Logan said.
As many parts of the inner-city are going
through restructuring and homes are being
built with prices ranging out of reach to
many families who have lived there for years
many are finding themselves on the outside
looking in. Logan shares her perspective on
gentrification.
“We look at gentrification in a negative
sense…when I moved into the Austin
community in 1982 it possibly could have
been said that African-Americans were regentrifying the Austin area. When we moved
into the neighborhood my family was
possibly the third African-American family
to move in 1982 “what did they call it then?”
Logan said.
“So they need to take that word away
and let people know that the price has
changed because of the cost of living has
changed, because manufacturing costs has
changed-what really hasn’t change and what
hurts the people that live in the community
the most is when their income has not
changed to afford the cost of homes for
sale,” she said.
Real Estate is a business that has no
limits in Chicago where on every corner a
new building is being constructed and new
agents are eager to cash in on the wealth
that could be made in the market. Logan
exhorts new agents to not come into this line
of business looking to make huge profits.
“New Agents should not come into this
business with the mindset of making money.
I have been taught that if you do good money
will follow. Agents should have a sense of
According to the new bill, affordable rather than rent thanks to the bills.
“Consumers can expect to see more
housing is housing that has a sales price or rental
amount that is within the means of a household construction of new homes, condominiums and
that may occupy moderate, low-income or very apartments at economical-low prices,” said
low-income housing. In the case of dwelling Peter Feinstein, a Wall Street analyst.
In Cook County alone, there are numerous
units for sale, housing that is affordable refers
to housing in which mortgage, amortization, first-time buyer programs available to
taxes, insurance, and condominium or consumers looking to become homeowners
association fees, if any, constitute no more than either by purchasing a home or condo or renting
30 percent of the gross annual income for a with the option to buy. U.S. Rep. Danny K.
household size that may occupy the unit. In the Davis (D-Ill.), who started a new housing
case of dwelling units for rent, housing that is program in 2003 to assist first-time buyers, sums
affordable is housing for which the rent and up the cost to a person who chooses to remain a
utilities constitute no more than 30 percent of long-term renter: “You know what a person will
the gross annual household income for a have after 50 years of living in an apartment? A
household of the size that may occupy the unit. drawer full of rent receipts.”
His new program will assist first-time buyers
And what about the developers? With so
with
the down payment and closing costs for
many commercial and residential developers,
how can consumers tell the difference? Well, homes purchased in his 7th Congressional
the state legislator also identified what is an District. The 7th District is made up mostly of
West Side neighborhoods such as North
affordable housing developer is as well.
It states that an affordable housing developer Lawndale and many western suburbs as well.
However, the program is targeted for
is a not-for-profit entity, limited equity
cooperative, public agency, private individual, specific areas, and buyers must be willing to
firm, corporation, or other entity seeking to build purchase a home in one of these communities.
an affordable housing development. And They include Armour Square, Austin, Douglas,
affordable housing development means any Fuller, North and South Lawndale and West
housing that is subsidized by the federal or state Garfield Park on the West Side, and Oakland,
governments or any housing in which at least Kenwood, and Washington Park on the South
20 percent of the dwelling units are subject to Side.
“Of course, there are other communities
covenants or restrictions that require that the
dwelling units be sold or rented at prices that within the 7th District that
preserve them as affordable housing for a period also need affordable
of at least 15 years in the case of for-sale housing, housing, but we are
concentrating in these areas
and at least 30 years for rental.
Real Estate analysts predict a surge in for now,” Davis said. “And
affordable housing developments and more only 28 percent of
housing assistance for families looking to own homeowners in the district
pride and a real understanding of the product and who you’re
servicing,” Logan said. “The focus has to be to help people and
if your focus is not on helping people then you shouldn’t even
be in this business because it doesn’t work like that.“
She emphasized that a career in real estate is a service
business and one must learn the basic of serving people in this
line of business. As she lectures in classes that its important to
buy homes that fix your needs and she goes about servicing her
clients to ensure that she meets their needs.
There is no boundary in the State of Illinois that Ms. Logan
will not venture out to survey for prospective clients and her
inspiration comes from many African-American Women who
have paved the way for others to succeed in a man’s world.
“I have been inspired by knowing that there are many
African-American women who have reached a high plateau. Just
knowing that there are women that are higher positions, whether
it is in education or jobs, knowing, that they got there tells me
whichever level I want to go – I can go,” Logan said.
She credits her mother for introducing her into politics and
exposing her to a different way of making choices and
experiencing life with a positive outlook. When asked where
would she like to be in ten years, she laughs and reflects about
her aspirations.
“I do have aspiration to climb finally into politics, I want to
set my feet firmly, “ Logan said. “In ten years I can definitely
see myself in the midst of politics,” she
said.
In the meantime she is busy preparing
her children to become a part of the family
owned business and as she speaks lovingly
of her children you know that family is vital
and important in her life.
“Building Communities One
Homeowner at a Time,” words that she has
coined and made possible to many families
in Illinois. Logan’s commitment and
insight to the changes in the community
and how African-American can achieve
their dreams of home ownership is
enlightening and truly inspiring. Her desire
to serve others is a trait that is worthy of
recognition and a living testament to others
to follow.
Priscilla Lucas is a North Lawndale
resident and a journalism major at
Columbia College. Priscilla is a student
intern at NLCN. To comment on this article
visit our weblog at www.nlcn.org.
are black. This shows a huge gap in home
ownership. Keep in mind that 650,000 people
[according to the U.S. Census Bureau] reside
in the district.”
The city of Chicago offers first-time
homebuyers low-interest mortgages through its
City Mortgage Program, which is coordinated
through the Department of Housing. The
program provides mortgage financing and
optional assistance to qualified buyers of owneroccupied residential properties.
This assistance is up to 4 percent of the
mortgage amount, and must be used to pay
closing costs or as down-payment assistance.
According to the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a
first-time buyer is someone who has never
owned property or has not purchased property
within the last three years. And unlike states,
which sometimes have its own interpretation of
affordable housing, HUD defines what low and
moderate-income housing should consist of.
“Low-income housing” is affordable for
either home ownership or rental, and that is
occupied, reserved, or marketed for occupancy
by households with a gross household income
that does not exceed 50 percent of the median
gross household income.
“Moderate-income housing” is property
that is owned or rented, and is occupied,
reserved, or marketed for occupancy by
See Housing page 14
Thea
from page 7
Sister Thea Bowman
Mississippi.
While growing up in Canton, Mississippi,
Sister Thea was called an “Old folks child”
because her parents were older and spent a
lot of time around their friends who were
grandparents and great grandparents. After
discovering she still could not read after five
years in a public school, her mother sent her
to a Catholic school.
As a high school junior, Sister Thea
decided to enter the convent. She entered the
Franciscan Sisters Community in LaCrosse,
Wisconsin, She eventually took the name of
Sister Thea, which means “Of God.” After
professing her first vows, she began teaching
at the Blessed Sacrament School in LaCrosse.
Sister Thea felt becoming a Catholic nun ,
she would be part of an effort to help feed the
hungry, find shelter for the homeless and teach
the children.
Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s degree
from Viterbo College in La Crosse,
Wisconsin, she began teaching. She taught
English and vocal music at Catholic schools
in Wisconsin and Mississippi/ After ten years
of teaching, her community asked her to
attend the Catholic University of America to
prepare for college-level teaching. She
received a Master ’s degree and then
completed a Doctorial degree.
Those degrees helped provide Sister Thea
with opportunities to teach and lecture at
universities across the country. She shared her
black heritage and spirituality in her many
lectures and speeches. It gave her great joy
in sharing her culture in the Catholic faith. In
1979, she became the Diocese of Jackson,
Mississippi’s Consultant for Intercultural
Awareness and taught at the Institute of Black
Catholics at Xavier University in New
Orleans, Louisiana. In 1984, Sister Thea was
diagnosed with breast cancer. She began using
a wheelchair and was required to travel with
a companion.
In the book: Sister Thea Bowman ,
Shooting Star: Selected Writings and
Speeches (Edited by Celestine Cepress) is
part of that ethic that enables me to do that.
“Old people in the black community taught
us that we should serve the Lord until we die.
We can even serve the Lord on our death beds
or in any circumstances in life. If we have
faith, hope and love, we can pass it on,” she
said.
Sister Thea’s abilities in sharing her Godgiven talents, drive and strengths are
admirable. Throughout the years before her
death, Sister. Thea performed works to help
people in need. At one point, she returned to
Canton to care for her elderly parents. She
continued her one woman show of scriptural
singing and narratives across the country. In
1987, Sister Thea was profiled on “60
Minutes.” The segment, while being
interviewed by correspondent Mike Wallace,
was a testament of her life as an inspirational
See page 15
Page 11
Save That Penny For A Sunny Day
X’ernona Woods
The state of Illinois has over 487,363
children who live in poverty.
Eight years ago the poverty rate was at
13.8 percent and is steadily climbing.
Single parents are hit the hardest a
whooping 46 percent of single parent
households face economic hardship.
The median income of African Americans
is $34,369 in comparison to Whites: $55,768
and Asian Pacific Islander’s $63,251. Their
annual income is far less than whites, yet
African-Americans are the one of America’s
largest consumer group. African-Americans
earn far less, but spend more not only do
African Americans spend more money that
is spent, less than two cents remaining within
the community. The graffiti dilapidated
buildings, young men gambling, currency
exchange, liquor stores and tons of unhealthy
corner restaurants that pay tribute to high
blood pressure, hypertension and ever the
prevalent cancer.
A common mural that is seen throughout
the urban African-American communities.
Communities where a small percentage own
their homes, and youth rock $150.00
sneakers, gleaming white T-shirts, and
pressed designer jeans all while standing on
a corner for hours on end. Women who pay
$200 and up for popular micros and nail fillins ranging from $15 to $25, toting a blue
American Express a.k.a. Link card
compliments from our state government in
their phony Louis Vuitton handbags.
As I drive away from the hood and over
the railroad tracks I see neatly trimmed grass,
and not one brick is out of place from the
$300,000 gated home, the corners are free
and clear and I spot one 7-Eleven convenient
store.
Although African-Americans significantly
make less money, African-Americans must
learn to save more and stop living just to get
by.
Q. How can I get my child who is fourteen
years old to begin to save her allowance? She
spends every dollar and asks me for money
before her next allowance?
A. Sounds, like your daughter is setting
up the “living paycheck to paycheck” plan at
a young age. You and your daughter should
visit various banks and compare their
percentage rates on there savings accounts
Find a bank or credit union that often have
higher percentage rate than banks that is
geared towards children setting up accounts.
Teach her to pay her self first and give 10
percent to charity or tithe at the end of every
month take a special trip to the bank where
she will receive her banking statement.
You can show her how to her money can
work with her instead of against. It is
important that kids realize that parents are not
ATM machines.
Q. I want to purchase a home and I earn
$30,000 a year. Is it possible for me to afford
a home?
A. Yes, if you can pay rent, you can own
a home. If you multiply your salary by 2.5 it
will give you how much home you can afford.
Q. I want to start my own business, but I
don’t have the money for start up cost. Are
their any organizations that can support
starting my own business?
A. Here are a few websites that will
support your search for funding:
womensnet.net/ambergrants, score.org and
score-lansing.com.
X’ernona Woods is a freelance writer and
host of her own cable television show. To
comment on this article visit our weblog at:
www.nlcn.org.
FREE TAX & BUSINESS SEMINAR
SATURDAY, APRIL 1st 9:00AM to 12:00
At the North Lawndale Community News Office
1211 S. Western Avenue, Suite 203
James E. Bohm, CPA, Entrepreneur,
Businessman, College Professor, Tax Specialist, Consultant
Co-Sponsored by the North Lawndale Community Newspaper
Topics to be Discussed & Analyzed
1. How to satrt and fund a business (Profit & Non-Profit)
2. How to write a successful Business Plan
3. Preparation of 2005 Tax Returns - $70 or less paid out
of tax refund. We guarantee the largest REFUNDS!
4. Free review of previous year’s tax returns
5. Confidential advice and help with any IRS problems
6. Help in credit clearing
7. Financial planning with CPA
8. How to purchase a home vs. renting
Please call (312) 492-9090 to register for the FREE seminar
and reserve your space. All are welcome. Make this the first
step to change and improve your financial life for you and
your family. No obligations, just solid, informative advice
for taxes and business on a one-to-one basis.
James E. Bohm, CPA, Tax Preparer, Businessman (312) 953-2854
Page 12
Entertainment & Sports
AT THE FLICKS
What It Iz In The Biz
David Schultz, Film critic
Marquita Ware
Evan Ross and Tip “T.I.” Harris in Warner Bros.
ATL
A T L (**1/2) The film’s title is short slang
for Atlanta Georgia. The movie is set in the
south side area known as Mechanicville, where
this urban coming-of-age comedy drama is
based. The movie centers on the lifestyle and
relationship between two brothers, Rashad (Tip
“T.I.” Harris) and “Ant” Swann (Evan Ross)
living with their Uncle George (Mykelti
Williamson) who operates a janitorial service.
Rashad (Tip “T.I.” Harris) represents the
moral voice of the film, who tries to advise
and protect his younger brother, who is selling
“weed” from the school to the streets, and he’s
already in debt to a pimp truck riding kingpin
(Big Boi).
But in watching this movie unfold, this
factor isn’t apparent enough to matter much,
because the film doesn’t dramatize what led
them into music. Still, “ATL” is a decent film
about growing up Black and it has its moments.
The film fails to bring much new that we
haven’t seen before. PG-13; 110min. A Warner
Bros. Pictures Release – presented at selected
theaters
BRICK (***1/2) Nerdy-looking high
school student Brendan Fry (Joseph Gordon
Levitt) receives a distressing phone call from
his ex-girlfriend, Emily (Emily de Ravin). Two
days later he finds and hides her dead body
inside the darkened tunnel of a water system.
Brendan turns himself into a relentless
amateur sleuth seeking clues and information
to the reason behind her murder. His singular
determination turns this high school /teenage
haven into an old/new “film noir” remix that
is intense and compelling to watch.
“Brick” is a crafty, hip, intense thriller done
with piercing vision and style that helps create
something new and vibrant from a familiar film
noir that gives this movie its own distinction
and a new cinematic experience. R; 110min.
A Focus Feature Release – Opens Fri. April 7
at LandmarkCentury Centre and other selected
theaters
LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN (***1/2)
This movie begins with the brutal murder of
two separate, yet crooked bookies who worked
for the mob. There was news of a doped-up
race horse considered to be a sure thing. The
horse dies while crossing the finish line. A
family man trying to make some quick money,
bets on that race and owes money to the mob.
The story is told in flashback by a
mysterious man, Mr. Smith (Bruce Willis.)
Enter Slevin (Josh Harnett), a young man
having a bad day, losing his job, finding
another man with his girl in their apartment.
He wanders off with nowhere to go when he
receives a phone call from his friend, Nick
who invites him to New York.
The film is filled with intrigue and fun.
The audience will enjoy seeing which way
the story and characters reveal themselves and
how the movie manages to tie itself up neatly.
In short, as mentioned in the film, this movie
does its own “shuffle” on its audience with
entertaining results. “Lucky Number Slevin”
is a deceptively clever and intriguing mob
thriller with a dry sense of humor, cheeky style
See Flicks page 14
ON VIDEO
Compiled and Reviewed by David Schultz
DIRTY (**) Cuba Gooding Jr. tries to
follow Denzel Washington’s bad cop role,
starring in this gritty urban drama with
Clifton Collins Jr. as an ex- street gang
member working as a rookie cop whose
loyalty is put to the test between his former
and current life. While these two patrol cops
on an anti- drug duty. They are also
investigated for the accidental killing of a
bystander during a previous drug bust
incident in this poor man’s rip-off of
“Training Day”. Wyclef Jean and Taboo costar as stereotypical gangsters R; 97 min Sony
Pictures Home Video; Available: April 4
GET RICH OR DIE TRYING (***)
Curtis “50” Cent” Jackson puts in his ‘two
cents’ in his acting debut for this semiautobiographical account of the life of
abandoned street kid who forged a living
through drug dealing until able to get
straight as a rap star. Irish–born filmmaker
Jim Sheridan who did “In Country” and
knows something about immigrants and
revolution delivers the goods from this
compelling and gritty script from “The
Sopranos” writer Terence Winter. Terence
Howard who replaced Samuel L. Jackson
co-stars with another credible performance.
R; 114min. Paramount Home Video
FUN WITH DICK AND JANE (**)
Jim Carrey seems to have taken a step
backwards to his hyper physical comedy
roots in this quickie movie remake of the
1977 George Segal – Jane Fonda comedy
that should have been more of a biting satire
Skandar Keynes,
Georgie Henley,
Anna Popplewell
and William
Moseley in Walt
Disney Pictures’
The Chronicles of
Narnia: The Lion,
The Witch and
The Wardrobe
on social ills than
a wild romp.
Carrey plays a successful executive
promoted to media fall-guy for an Enrontype industry that boss Alec Baldwin
embezzled the money that left the
employees out of a job. Unable to find work,
Carrey and wife Tea Leoni decide to
maintain their suburban lifestyle through
robberies. Until Carrey meets up with his
ex-boss’ assistant (Richard Jenkins) who
intend to retrieve the company money kept
in bank bonds. PG; 90min. Sony Pictures
Home Video; Available: April 11
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA:
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE
WARDROBE (***) Based on the first of
seven C.S. Lewis’ fantasy adventure novels;
Forced to leave their England home during
the German air raid bombings, The Pevensie
children are sent to live with a reclusive
professor in a countryside mansion. When
the baby sister discovers a wardrobe closet
that is also the entry into a magical, wintry
landscape created by an evil witch in search
See Video page 15
All you ladies out there stand up and
be accounted as we celebrate Women’s
History Month.I know I have made some
history!
Rapper Corey C-Murder Miller was
released from prison on March 20th after
his conviction of second degree murder was
overturned on March 10th. He posted a
$500,000 bond after having being
imprisoned for four years. He will be under
house arrest at his Louisiana home were he
will be allowed to leave only for court
appearances and is not allowed to talk to
anyone except family and his legal team.
G-Unit member Young Buck is being
sued by celebrity chef Irving Brown III.
Young Buck never paid the chef the $5600
when he catered his 3 day 25th birthday party
at Nashville’s King of Clubs. Brown was
initially supposed to cater the 3 day bash
but Buck cancelled after saying that he
could not afford it. (WHAT!)
On March 23rd, a Los Angeles judge
issued Suge Knight an ultimatum to appear
at a court hearing to discuss his assets or
else. Suge is currently in a legal battle with
Lydia and Michael Harris, the couple who
claimed they helped him start the Death
Row label. Harris who claimed he gave
Knight 1.5 million dollars to start the label
is serving a 28 year sentence in San Quentin
prison. Even though Knight denied the
claims, he was ordered to pay $107 million.
Michael He and his wife who has since
divorced said Knight is not making his
payments. The hearing is set for April 1st
and I will keep you updated.
A judge has issued a temporary
restraining order requiring David Hasselhoff
to stay away from his estranged wife,
according to court papers unsealed this
week. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge
Mark A. Juhas signed the order March 6
ordering the former “Baywatch” star to stay
at least 100 yards from actress Pamela Bach
except for “peaceful contacts related to court
ordered visitation” of one their two teenage
daughters. Bach, 42, has custody of one
daughter while Hasselhoff, 53, has custody
of the other. A hearing for April 4 to decide
whether to extend the order to three years.
In her request for the order, Bach claimed
instances of domestic violence in December
and February. In one incident, police officers
were summoned but didn’t give Bach an
emergency protective order, according to
court documents. Hasselhoff filed for
divorce Jan. 12, citing irreconcilable
differences after 16 years of marriage. Bach
filed her own divorce papers a day later, also
citing irreconcilable differences.
Hasselhoff played lifeguard Mitch
Buchannon on “Baywatch” from 1989 to
2000. He also starred in the 1980s TV series
“Knight Rider,” in which his character,
Michael Knight, teamed with a talking
Pontiac Trans Am sports car to fight crime.
Bach appeared in the soap opera “The
Young and the Restless” and in numerous
episodes of “Baywatch” and “Knight Rider.”
Sources: www.bet.com www.msnbc.com,
Marquita Ware is the Production/Layout
Coordinator for the North Lawndale
Community News.
A Season to Remember
Todd Thomas
2005/06 was a season to remember for
Chicago Public League basketball players,
students and fans. Several highly regarded
players players capped off stellar seasons in
glorious fashion during the city and state
championship tournaments, while up and
coming underclassman took the required steps
to become leaders of the pack next year. Three
teams were especially strong this year
including West Side schools Marshall and
Crane and of course, city and state champion
the South Side Simeon Wolverines.
MARSHALL: The Marshall Commandos
(32-3) were ranked No 1. for most of the year
and finished in third place at the state
tournament. Their up-tempo and no-holdsbarred style was thrilling to fans and gyms were
often packed to capacity to see their games.
The sensational Patrick Beverly led the
Commandos. The incredibly agile 6-3 senior
guard was awesome, averaging 32 points, 6
rebounds and five steals. Beverly was not only
a high flier and scorer he was also a major force
on defense and when his shot wasn’t falling he
had several teammates to defer to. Junior guard
Mike Stovall (18ppg), senior forward Darius
Gators, and sophomore guard Ryan Hare
(22ppg) all played well throughout the season
and the two underclassman should make them
a strong team again next year. Coach Lamont
Bryant is a fierce competitor with a very
demonstrative style and should be able to guide
the already talented squad to another winning
season.
CRANE: The Crane Cougars were a little
overshadowed by Marshall on the West Side
but they too had an excellent season (24-6).
Senior Guard Sherron Collins provided most
of the firepower. The 5-10 senior guard
averaged 26 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists
per game. The rugged ballhandler, who is
also All-State in football, was unstoppable.
His dexterity with the ball is magical and he
For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. (4:2).
causes chaos for opponents with his relentless
defense and will to succeed. Some observers
have said that Collins is the best athlete to come
out of the Chicago area in 30 years. Although
Collins will be departing for the University of
Kansas, the Cougars should be in good hands
with Dion Dixon, Brandon Mcgee and Lavonte
Douglas all returning. Coach Anthony
Longstreet seems to truly love coaching his
kids and the camaraderie and chemistry he
teaches will be critical for Crane next season.
SIMEON: The undisputed city and state
champions (33-4) won their first state title
since 1986 on a last second buzzer-beater in
overtime by junior forward Derrick Rose. The
highly touted Rose averaged 20 points, 7
rebounds, 8 assists per game and during the
city and state tournaments he blossomed into
the kind of team leader many basketball
pundits had predicted him to be. Rose is an
awesome athlete with a combination of toplevel speed, jumping ability and a solid
shooting touch. He is also an excellent
defender and rebounder and despite his many
talents he always seems more interested in
keeping his teammates involved in the game
than stealing the show for himself. But
Simeon is far from a one man gang and junior
center Tim Flowers and a cast of others will
all be returning with Rose next season. Coach
Robert Smith, having led Simeon to the state
title in only his second season should have a
great time guiding the Wolverines to another
exceptional season next year.
North Lawndale Prep had an
outstanding season in Class A. The Phoenix
went into the state tournament with a 30-2
record but fell in the quarterfinals 58-40 to
the eventual state champions Chillicothe.
Todd Thomas is a freelance writer for
NLCN and other publications. To comment
on this article visit our weblog at:
www.nlcn.org.
CITY BRINGS FREE, ONE-STOP
SERVICE FAIRS TO SOUTH LAWNDALE
The City’s second Chicago Works For
You Service Fair will kick-off April 6 at Little
Village High School, 3100 S. Kostner. The
three-day fair offers residents free, immediate
access to a range of city services at one
convenient location.
The April 6 - 8 fair at Little Village High
School will operate from 12 noon to 8pm on
Thursday and Friday, and 9am – 5pm on
Saturday.
“The Chicago Works For You Service
Fairs are designed to help low-income
families build financial security and enrich
their daily lives,” said Sheryl McGill, Acting
Commissioner of the Chicago Department of
Human Services.
More than 18 City departments, 2 state
agencies and 20 private organizations will be
on-site to provide services and conduct
workshops. Services relate to education,
employment, health, finance, housing, senior
citizen support, small business, special needs,
transportation and more.
“What sets these fairs apart is that
participants can leave with something tangible
in their hands,” said McGill. “Visitors can
create and post a resume, open an e-mail
account, get screened for a variety of health
issues, learn about housing opportunities,
enroll their child in youth activities and
receive tax assistance.”
SERVICE FAIR HIGHLIGHTS
For Children and Young Adults:
· Enrollment information for local Head
Start and Child Care programs.
· On-site enrollment in youth activities
· On-line financial aid for college students
For Seniors and People with
Disabilities:
· Assistance applying for Medicare
Prescription Part D
· Information on how employment
impacts Social Security benefits for people
with disabilities.
· Services for grandparents raising
grandchildren
For All Ages:
· Blood pressure tests, screening for breast
cancer, HIV/AIDS, Prostate cancer
· Create and post resumes, conduct job
searches, open e-mail accounts
· Tax assistance
· Enrollment in the Historic Chicago
Bungalow Program
· Employment and housing opportunities
for people with disabilities
· CTA trip planning
Applications for Food Stamps will be
taken on site from noon to 5pm on Thursday,
April 6 and Friday, April 7 only.
The next Chicago Works for You Service
Fair is scheduled for May 18, 19 and 20 at
Truman College .
Guests will be greeted by a
knowledgeable volunteer, who will help them
plan their time at the fair effectively and locate
services they need. While the focus of the
fair is to provide immediate results, followup service will be available for those who
want it.
In the fall of 2005, the City and its partners
established an assistance center for victims
of Hurricane Katrina. Thousands of Gulf
Coast families passed through the center and
were able to resolve multiple needs on the
spot. The success of this operation inspired
the concept for the Chicago Works for You
Service Fairs. They are designed to bring the
same level of coordinated, easy access service
to Chicago’s own families.
The first fair was held in late February at
the Hamilton Park Field House in Englewood.
More than 700 families benefited over the
three-day period. Five additional fairs,
including the one scheduled at Little Village
High School, will take place this year.
Information on specific services and the
dates and locations of future fairs is available
by
calling
311
or
visiting:
www.cityofchicago.org/humanservices.
Page 13
Will Black-Jewish Divide Impact
Governor’s Race?
Richard Muhammad
during an appearance on WVON-AM’s Cliff
Kelley Show. She and other Nation officials
beat back the charges of anti-semitism. They
found support from callers.
“I am so tired of those who have made
their life agenda, and the ADL is one of
those, to demonize the Minister and to
continue to misinterpret, attack and discredit
him. They can’t dispute his truth and when
you can’t dispute the truth of what somebody
is saying, you attack the personality and
discredit the person, so people won’t listen
to the truth,” said Father Michael Pflegher,
Father of Saint Sabina Church, during a call.
The governor has broached the idea of
dialog between the two groups, which
Jewish organizations rejected. A suggestion
from other panel members to hold closed
door discussions was also dismissed as a
violation of Illinois open meeting laws.
The clamor arose after Muhammad
invited commission members to hear Min.
Farrakhan’s Feb. 26 Saviours’ Day address
at the United Center. It continued after his
remarks.
In the speech, Min. Farrakhan criticized
U.S. policy in the Middle East, warned of
divine judgment against America for her
moral failures, and domestic and international
injustice, and spoke out against the war.
The Bush administration is pursuing a
doomed policy in Iraq and by putting Israel
at the center of its Middle Eastern policy,
Min. Farrakhan said, speaking to thousands
inside the United Center. “These neo-cons
and Zionists have manipulated Bush and the
American government and our boys and
girls are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan for
the cause of Israel, not for the cause of
America,” he said.
The synagogue of Satan spoken of in the
bible is not a religious house for Jews, but a
gathering place for like-minded people, he
continued. That includes the Christian right,
some influential White House advisors,
Zionists and others poisoned by the doctrine
of white supremacy and committed to U.S.
imperialism, said Min. Farrakhan.
The Bush administration and the
religious right see the modern state of Israel as vital, but
it is the “spiritual Israel,” represented by Blacks in
America, that God wants protected, he said.
A Jew is one engaged in a covenant relationship with
God, not a nationality, just as Christians are bound to the
example and teachings of Jesus and Muslims bound to
the way and word of Muhammad, the Minister said.
Obedience to God determines whether one who takes the
name of faith is a true believer, he said.
White Christians used the bible to justify slavery and
murdering Blacks that had nothing to do with the teachings
of Jesus and the prophets, Min. Farrakhan noted.
Black America must make a decision, Min. Farrakhan
said. The choice is to separate from wickedness and pursue
righteousness, or integrate into a rebellious, wicked nation,
he said. “It’s not about Black and white. It’s about wrong
and right,” said the Minister.
Another focus of the Saviours’ Day speech and weekend
events was the plight of Blacks after Hurricane Katrina.
Mutagulizi Sanyinka, a New Orleans resident and activist,
spoke before the Minister’s keynote address. Sanyinka
appealed to Black America to stay focused on the need to
obtain justice for their brothers and sisters evacuated from
the Big Easy.
“Don’t let Katrina fatigue set in to your soul,” he said.
Sanyinka urged support for Katrina evacuees by passage of
city resolutions backing their right to return to the city; by
helping evacuees participate in upcoming April elections;
by keeping hearts open to their needs; by forming citizen
disaster and survival committees and by joining a national
movement to reclaim New Orleans and protect its African
American presence.
Richard Muhammad is a Chicago-based writer and
contributor to the Katrina Information Network. To
comment on this article visit our weblog at: www.nlcn.org.
While Gov. Rod Blagojevich has won the
Democratic Party primary, a Black-Jewish
battle over an African-American political
appointee to a state hate crimes commission
could impact the governor’s race.
According to a March 24 article
published by Haaretz.Com, members of the
Jewish community upset by the governor’s
failure to oust an aide to Nation of Islam Min.
Louis Farrakhan are being courted by the
GOP in efforts to attract voters and money.
“The Jewish community in Illinois is not
pleased with Governor Rod Blagojevich,
whom they helped elect: When it came to
the question of placating the state’s Jewish
community or avoiding angering the larger
African-American one, Blagojevich decided
in favor of the latter,” said the article.
“Some members of the Jewish
community now find themselves on the horns
of a dilemma. Should they abandon the
Democrat Blagojevich come November and
vote for Judy Baar Topinka, who won the
Republican primary Wednesday?” it asked.
The problem arose publicly in February
with complaints by the Anti-Defamation
League regional director Lonnie Nassitir,
who complained about the presence of
Claudette Marie Muhammad, Nation of
Islam chief of protocol, on the commission.
His denunciations led to demands that
Claudette Muhammad repudiate alleged
anti-semitic remarks by the Minister or
resign. Eventually five Jewish members of
the panel stepped down in protest.
Meanwhile, Black lawmakers and allies
of the Nation of Islam condemned the effort
to force Muhammad out. A gay rights
member of the panel also said Muhammad
should stay. The governor responded with
criticism of Min. Farrakhan, but did not ask
Muhammad to step down. She has served
on the commission since August 2005.
“For those who try to condemn me
because of the Honorable Minister Louis
Farrakhan’s remarks ... perceived by some
as anti-Semitic, it’s ridiculous, absolutely
ridiculous,” Muhammad said March 7
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; Proverbs 1:32
Page 14
Flicks from page 12
Denzel Washington and Jodi Foster in Inside Man
and high caliber name cast. R; 110min. A
Weinstein Company Picture Release – Opens
Fri. April 7 at selected theaters
TAKE THE LEAD (**1/2) From the
classroom to the ballroom, “Take the Lead” puts
an alternative twist to a familiar movie genre
that starts out being “inspired by a true story”.
Antonio Banderas gets the chance to portray a
real person whose talent and unorthodox
methods helps ignites a group of inner city,
underachieving high school teens to rise above
their impoverished conditions and lifestyle.
Pierre Dulane (Banderas) is an
internationally renowned professional dancer
who finds himself in need of stimulation from
teaching self centered pupils belonging to
wealthy parents at his New York dance academy.
The film opens shifting back and forth
from Banderas observing and teaching his
pupils to the structured ballet and ballroom
dancing. Rob Brown is a troubled teenager
(Jason Rockwell), the lone, remaining son
trying to overcome an abusive, alcoholic
father who is still grieving over the loss of
the older son killed by street gang violence.
Although this film is based on the life of
Pierre Dulane, the script tends to show too
much of its influence from other films. The
movie attempts to dance to a different
drummer, even though it skips a beat here and
there. PG-13; 100 min. A New Line Cinema
Housing from page 10
households with a gross household income that
is greater than 50 percent but does not exceed
80 percent of the median gross household
income.
The Illinois Housing Development
Authority (IHDA) is among the scores of
agencies that offer assistance to Illinois residents
looking for purchasing assistance.
“Because IHDA is a state of Illinois agency,
we can offer qualified first-time home buyers a
30-year fixed rate that are significantly below
the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and
conventional market rates,” said Kelly KingDibble, executive director for the Illinois
Housing Development Authority. “IHDA also
offers a special tax credit program [called the
Mortgage Credit Certificate program or MCC]
where home buyers can take advantage of
dollar-for-dollar reduction in the federal income
taxes equal to 25 percent of mortgage interest
paid for the full 30-year life of the mortgage.
This program is a bit more sophisticated, but
can often result in purchasers qualifying for
bigger mortgages and saving more money after
taking taxes into consideration.”
Effective Jan. 1, the bill empowered the
IHDA to be the governing body to decide which
counties are exempt from the bill appeals
process.
Specifically, IHDA will determine which
municipalities are exempt from the operation
of the bill based on the total number of yearround housing units in the most recent decennial
census for each local government within the state
and by an inventory of for-sale and rental
affordable housing units, as defined in the bill,
for each county from the decennial census and
other relevant sources.
Wendell Hutson is a freelance writer for
NLCN and various publications. To comment
on this article visit our weblog at: www.nlcn.org.
Release – Opens April 7 at selected theaters
INSIDE MAN (**1/2) When is a heist
movie, not a heist movie? When the movie fakes
its caper in order to serve an ulterior motive and
built suspense. A heist drama usually involves
committing the “perfect crime” by getting away
with it. “Inside Man” creates the illusion of a
bank heist with star power on loan. This is a
movie you want to believe in more for the
participants than the story.
Already demoted to desk work for a
possible corruption scandal under
investigation, Hostage negotiator Keith Frazier
(Denzel Washington) and his partner, Bill
Mitchell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) are given a second
chance to redeem themselves when the
detectives are assigned to a Manhattan bank
hostage situation in progress.
Dalton Russell (Clive Owens) is the
mastermind leader of a group of disguised bank
robbers, first posing as painters that position
themselves inside the Manhattan Trust bank.
While it might seem clever to create a crime
that wasn’t committed, this wasn’t what was
advertised, or what we were led to expect. We
feel more “bamboozled” by this film and that is
more the fault of the writer, than the director
Spike Lee who continues to diverse a creditable
cinematic career. R; 128min. A Universal
Pictures Release – Presented at selected theaters
FRIENDS WITH MONEY (**1/2) This
is a small social comedy that centers on the lives
and relationship between three L.A. women who
have money and husbands and their friend who
is not married. . They all gather for lunch
regularly to discuss what charity organization
should receive their money; new about their
husbands and social trends.
The movie affords women viewers more
to chew on from these on-screen issues, doubts
and ambiguous form of disenchantment, with
the men playing second fiddle throughout the
picture. Clearly, a film for and about woman
“Friends with Money” is a genuinely nice and
balanced movie. An engaging and enlightening
movie that seems to end just as it was getting
interesting. R; 88min. A Sony Pictures Classics
Release – Opens Fri. April 7 at selected theaters
David Schultz is film critic for NLCN and
other publications. To comment on this article
visit our weblog at: www.nlcn.org.
Expo from front page
Entertainment from page 9
other issues of relevance to the community
of women who attended.
Upon entrance, the forum was very
visible so you can set aside time to hear
your topic of interest and/or your favorite
speakers. Touching on a few out of the
many discussions, Killing Me Softly:
Lupus, Breast Cancer and Uterine
Fibroids, The Write Stuff: From Pen to
Print, You Deserve to Be Wealthy. These
and many other well-structured discussions
made the admission fee well worth it.
Speakers like the inspirational Les Brown
tripled the value of the event by taking the
time to share information with attendees.
The stage area was always occupied
with an assortment of entertainment.
Whatever entertained you, the stage area
had it:
Fashion shows, Dance
performances, Gospel Choirs and
entertainers such as Tina Marie and Trey
Songz made this expo a bash of events.
Pattie Labelle made an appearance at a
separate location, not included in the fee.
Not notable to the first-time goers of
the Expo, but to annual goers of this event
were some quality out-of-state vendors.
Some local vendors received plenty of
attention. Vendors with services for
massages, and products such as oil
paintings, black legendary posters and
portraits made the shopping experience
great. Some venders offered 2006
calendars and rare footage of black
legendaries on DVDs such as Malcolm
Speaks, The Story of Miles Davis, and
many more. There were key chains with
positive messages, hand-made jewelry, and
other goods that gave the Expo culture.
Corporate America showed their
support with the presence of many big
companies that had incentives or passed
out discount coupons and free samples of
known products. Also present in large
numbers were higher educational schools
advertising their curriculums.
The Literary Café was flocked with
book readers. Young ones who want to
See page 15
are doing something that contributes, positively
to this changing community.”
Their principle goals at this time are to get
more North Lawndale residents out to see the
shows, and to get more of them to come out
and audition. “There’s a lot of wasted talent in
North Lawndale; unseen talent, with no place
to develop it,” said Anderson.
Clay advises, “If you feel that you have some
kind of talent, there’s a place you can come and
express that. If you think you have something
you can do in a performance level.”
They also advise that entertainers come
prepared. Anyone who would like to audition
for a stage performance as a singer, comedian,
dancer of any sort (tap, ballet, etc.), poet,
musician, whatever your talent, remember the
name and come with appropriate material.
Come confident, knowing your material just like
you would for any other audition.
If selected, Livin’ Clean Entertainment will
have the opportunity to incorporate the
entertainer into one of its shows, and will give
he, she, or them the opportunity to be on stage
before an audience and learn the procedure of
stage performance.
Scheduled for March 31 are comedians,
Marlon Mitchell, Baldhead, and Reggie Red. On
April 1 there will be comedy acts from Baldhead,
Reggie Red, and Special K. Admission is $12.
Minimum age without an adult is 16.
The following weekends Livin’ Clean
Entertainment will feature gospel singers
including Cerita Brown, and Darren Tidwell.
Complimentary snacks will be served. The
establishment is an alcohol-free, smoke-free,
safe and comfortable environment. Patrons can
park in the church parking lot across the street.
For information on performances or auditioning
call 773-521-9150.
John L. Clay, Jr. served in the military during
the Vietnam War where he received training in
environmental systems of airplanes. He studied
theater at Columbia College. Donald Anderson
has a background in sports television production
covering Bulls, White Sox, and Cubs games.
Clemolyn (Pennie) Brinson is a poet and
writer for NLCN and Residents Journal. To
comment on this article visit our weblog at:
www.nlcn.org.
Intellectual Helotry
Part 3 of 4
Julius Goodman
Everything that is
associated with evil, hatred, sin, and
hedonism has the basis of black in
America. In American society, if you
are excluded socially you are
blackballed. If you have been defamed,
you have been blackened. Society as
decided that Black Americans have their
own form of English called Black
English. A pirate flag is a black flag
designed with the symbols of a skull and
crossbones. A rude or unscrupulous
person is a blackguard.
A lawless secret society engaged in
criminal activities is called the
backhand. If you are on the list of
persons who are disapproved of or who
are to be punished or boycotted then you
are on a blacklist. If you are extorted
by threats of public exposure or criminal
prosecution you are black mailed. Illicit
trade in goods or commodities in
violation of official regulations, or in
other words if you got something illegal
you got it on the black market.
A discreditable member of a
respectable group is a black sheep. And
the newest word was created right after
the most recent stock market crash,
Black Monday.
It is this kind of psychological
genocide that has been perpetuated and
manifested into government policy.
The designs of America are against
black. When you take a nation of
people out of their natural environment
for the purpose of complete social
dominance and degradation, your brain
washing begins to work. No more
physical slavery, now you have mental
slavery.
The black mind has been saturated
with oppression. Schools in America
teach the history of America from the
social majority view. Black Americans
are not taught about themselves; they
are taught the values of the majority.
All of this is very confusing. America
is confused. Imagine what this
confusion has done to a nation of black
people over five centuries. This black
nation is also confused. Black
Americans are so busy thanking the
majority for all they have done for so
few, many black Americans become
stagnant and their view on success
becomes so cloudy and tiresome that
many struggle no more. The majority
of Black Americans only reaches out
and touches what is made available to
them.
All Black Americans have become
a nation divided. Families divided.
Senseless abandonment of children
(these children will be the next
generation of Black Americans) by
fathers! What does a father represent?
A father represents: responsibility,
honor, discipline, respect, direction,
leadership, producer, builder and
creator. A great many Black
Americans look and live like they
don’t care. Care is the reality of
thinking. Black Americans have basic
needs and work habits and desires.
However, because of this continued
social problem these desires can breed
negative results.
Julius Goodman is poet and
motivational speaker. He is also a
student at National Louis University
majoring in Behavioral Science. This
article is Part two of a four part series.
If you missed part one or would like
to comment on the series visit our
weblog at: www.nlcn.org or call Mr.
J. at: 773/ 387-5600.
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (Proverbs 3:13).
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Page 15
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SPERTUS COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE
April 24th at 6pm. Learn how a degree in
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THE NORTH LAWNDALE
PARTICIPATING
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INVITE COMMUNITY MEMBERS
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on Tuesday, April 4th at 5:30 p.m. at Sinai
Institute, 2653 W. Ogden. For more
information contact Frances Wooley,
Sankofa Safe Child Initiative, at: 773/
542-8624
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Harrington from
page 7
Expo
from page 14
get their hands on both Terry
McMillan’s and Fantasia’s new
book and older readers who
appeared interested in healthy
eating cookbooks purchased items.
Despite your age, the Literary Café
had what you wanted to read. Also,
free books were available and
passed out by the authors
themselves who were promoting
their books.
Club Expo was another popular
area, for adults only. Here there was
an abundance of alcoholic beverage
vendors. Each gave out free
miniature cups of alcoholic
beverages. They also liberally gave
out free t-shirts with advertised
alcoholic beverages; in addition, a
dance floor was set aside where
stepper CD’s were sold right outside
of this area. At the Kid’s Korner,
the teens were left on the karaoke
stage with an adult host and the
Brookfield Zoo gave out gadgets,
one of many treats for kids.
Hats off to the sponsors of Black
Expo for Today’s Black Woman;
they earned straights Es’ for an
Excellent Effort to have something
for everyone at their local annual
event. The Black Expo is an annual
event hosted by V103.
Iva Robbins is a community
resident. To comment on this article
visit our weblog at: www.nlcn.org.
College Glee Club, the Dark
Tower Project, the MorehouseSpelman Pre-Law Society,
Amnesty International and
Trailblazers International Society.
She was recently inducted into the
Golden Key Honor Society which
represents the top 15 percent of the
class. She is frequently involved
in community service activities
throughout the Atlanta community.
In summer 2005, Ms.
Harrington participated in the highly
sought after Congressional Black
Foundation Summer Internship
program. She worked for nine weeks
with Congressman Danny K. Davis
in Washington DC on Capitol Hill.
This voyage to the Dominican
Republic is not only Ms.
Harrington’s first experience
studying abroad; it is her first time
outside of the country. Through a
series of articles, it is Jaira’s hope
to enlighten and encourage
students to take advantage of
opportunities such as this.
Thea from page 11
nun, teacher and singer. Wallace
offered a forward in the book: Sister
Thea Bowman, Shooting Star:
Selected Writings and Speeches. He
stated in his introduction of her in
the “60 Minutes” profile: “Thea
Bowman was born a Protestant in
Canton, Mississippi. At the age of
twelve, she startled her parents with
the news that she was going to
become a Catholic. A few years
later, she delivered even more
shocking news: she would become
a nun. Today at forty nine, Sister
Thea is still shaking things up ,
preaching a new black Catholic
Gospel powered by the conviction
that when something’s wrong, you
change it. Change it, she did,”
Wallace said. Sister Thea Bowman
left an impressionable mark on her
Catholic faith and to the world.
Tamiko Bowie is a North
Lawndale resident. Tamiko is a
freelance writer for NLCN and
other publications. To comment on
this article visit our weblog at:
www.nlcn.org.
Video from page 12
of a child to extend her life. A visual
spectacle within an adventure about
empowerment and family values. Not
close enough to the “Lord of the Rings”
caliber, “Narnia” sets a wondrous tone
for this promising movie franchise. PG;
135 min. Walt Disney Home Video;
Available: April 4
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA
(***) The scope, pageantry
outweighs the story of a poor girl
(Ziyi Zhang) from a fishing village
who overcome the adversity from
her aged and newcomer rivals
played respectively by Gong Li and
Michelle Yeoh; to become the most
celebrated geisha of the 20th century,
while winning the heart of ‘The
Chairman” (Ken Watanabe).
Handsomely mounted under the
direction of Rob Marshall whose
first film was the Oscar winning
“Chicago”.
PG-13; 140min. Sony Pictures
Home Video
David Schultz is film critic for
NLCN and other publications. To
comment on this article visit our
weblog at: www.nlcn.org.
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (Proverbs 2:2)
Page 16
Community People
Westside Youth makes National Honor Society
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Grandmother, Diane Spence, Grandson Marcus Spence National Honor Society recipient and Mother, Felicia Spence
Marcus Spence was selected by the National Honor
Society for academic excellence. Marcus is in the 7th grade
at Victor Herber Elementary School located at 2131 West
Monroe. The Principal is Ms. Denise M. Gamble.
“I study hard, read alot, and stay focused and do my
homework” said Marcus shyly, about how he received this
honor. “He loves to read. He is always reading something
and he plays basketball, baseball, and football. He’s an AllAmerican.”, Ms. Spence, his grandmother said. Marcus says
he reads 2 books a week. Even after interviewing Marcus for
this story I was sitting in my car and I saw him go across the
street to the car where his mother Felicia was sitting. He was
carrying a newspaper along his side. “I am proud of my
son,”said Felicia Spence, his mother.
At a recent meeting 5th District meeting of State Senator
Rickey Hendon, the Senator announced Marcus Spence’s
accomplichment. He was awarded a donation by the Senator
and the crowd of meeting members who were in attendance.
Marcus received $164 dollars that night.Marcus said he is
putting his gift in the bank for his college education.
Four main purposes have guided the chapters of the
National Honor Society (NHS) from the beginning: “To create
enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render
service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the
students of secondary schools.” (from the NHS Constitution)
These purposes also translate into the criteria used for
membership selection in each local chapter.
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March 28, 2008 - Strategic Human Services and North Lawndale

Transcription

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