Mr. & Mrs. Abe Thompson, Mr. Richard Barnett and,friend, Ms. Francine, and Mr. & Mrs. Max I. Julion
The Black United Fund of Illinois recently celebrated their Annual Gala Benefit Awards Ceremony. The Living Legends Passing of the Torch theme was named The YEAR of the MAN. The event was held September 29, 2012, at the legendary Musician Parkway Ballroom, 45th&King Drive. This year’s recipients were Mr. Richard Barnett , Community Activist, Mr. Abe Thompson, Radio/Movie Entrepreneur, and Mr. Max I. Jiulion, Pres. of Branch #11 of U.S. Postal Service Letter Carriers. The event was hosted by Robert T. Starks and Conrad Worrill of Northeastern University Jacob Carruthers Inner City Studies. .This was the 12th Annual Passing of the Torch ceremony by the Black United Fund. Mr. Henry L. English is the CEO/President. Mr. Eric Whitaker, MD was also co-host.
In September I traveled to Washington D.C. with cancer survivors and volunteers to call on Congress to support legislation that emphasizes patients’ quality of life during treatment for a serious disease such as cancer. Lawmakers have the power to improve the lives of cancer patients by making treatment of their pain and other symptoms standard practice during the course of care. I joined more than 600 cancer patients and survivors from across the country who volunteer for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to educate lawmakers about proposals that have the potential to better coordinate patient care and reduce the pain, fear and anxiety that many patients feel during treatment. When I met with Congressman Davis, I asked him to make a commitment to patients’ quality of life by co-sponsoring legislation that gives patients more control, makes sure that their pain is properly managed and provides better coordination between doctors and medicines so that patients know what to do when they’re discharged from the hospital. A national commitment to protecting quality of life will help cancer patients get well, stay well and live full lives. Efriam Juarez, Volunteer American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Chicago, IL
The march is led by a number of elected officials and civic and business leaders, including Congressman Danny K. Davis (left of center), retired businessman Webb Evans (center), former Senator Roland Burris (right of center) and State Representative Mary Flowers (second from right).Photo courtesy of Valerie F. Leonard.
Continuing his fight for a fair share of jobs and opportunities, Soft Sheen founder and retired businessman Gardner called for 10,000 people to join him after their 3 p.m. church on Sunday, September 30, 2012, at 95th and Western to demand equal opportunities in contracting and hiring on Chicago’s construction jobs. While Mr. Gardner didn’t get 10,000 people, the crowd was impressive, and represented a broad cross section of the Black community. There were leaders from the political and business community, construction workers, community activists and rank and file residents from the South and West sides of Chicago and surrounding area.
On Saturday Sept. 22nd. 2012, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ron C. Walters, A New Gospel Artist. He was one of the Performers for the {M. M. W. G. is} which is The Mighty Men & Women Of God Hosted by John BarBush. Dr. Larry Love is the Foundation of the Organization. Ron was waiting very patiently during the show for his chance to perform for a nice size audience at The U.I.C. FORUM on Roosevelt and Halsted. It was a beautiful Evening filled with much talent, mostly from Chicago. Which I will follow- up with on a story in the next issue. So, I decided to get a small Interview with looked like an Actor or a Model. But, he is a very Humble Christian Man. Not all Gospel Artists are Black. Ron is white and just as well versed in the Bible as anyone else. By the way, he seemed very serious and committed. I was Impressed by his patience as I Interviewed him. He took his time and told me his story. I asked Ron was he married? He said that he was married to the same woman for 11 years and has 7 children: 4 girls and 3 boys. But, is now Divorced. But, still loves his family very much.
TAKEN 2 (**) One would think that this family with its lethal CIA operative dad, Bryan Miller (Liam Neeson) would have learned their lesson from their last European trip. But when the father to the Albanian kidnappers that were killed by the agent for kidnapping his teenage daughter for the sex slave trade market. The terrorist father, Murad (Rade Serbedzija) is determined to avenge the death of his sons by killing the agent. Still the sequel offers some ridiculous circumstances help bring these fathers together that begins when Brian visiting his ex-wife (Famke Janssen) to pick up his daughter (Maggie Grace) to help her practice for her upcoming driver’s test.
– Erin Nixon (right) event director for the BBF KnitIN fundraiser, enjoys the company of Michael Lopez, the only male supporter to participate in the first ever event on Saturday, September 22nd.
On Saturday, September 22nd, the Better Boys Foundation of North Lawndale added more than $2,000 to its operating budget thanks in part to some supporters who love to knit. On that Saturday for more than four hours, over 30 people participated in the BBF inaugural “KnitIN”, a special fund raiser, the first ever of its kind for that organization. Coordinated through the efforts of Erin Nixon, a professional artist who oversees the knitting program at the BBF, the fund raiser included 26 adults, four youths and one lone male at the organization’s center located at 1512 S. Pulaski Road.
Members of the first graduating class at North Lawndale College Prep (Class of 2002) include (from left), Cassandra Horn, Joseph Berry, Jerry Banks and Nitane.
Anyone familiar with the history of west side neighborhoods are probably well aware of the key role North Lawndale has played in the development of Chicago as a successful international city. There have been many high lights in North Lawndale’s storied history, and one of the most brightest of all has been the establishment and development of North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) School. On Saturday, September 22nd, NLCP held a special alumni dinner at Pompeii’s restaurant on Taylor Street, to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the school’s first graduating class in 2002.
As Alderman of the 24th Ward I want to make sure you are aware of the opportunity to secure your Empowerment Zone Federal tax credits. These credits can translate directly into a tax refund, but you must act soon as time is running out. Don’t permit your credit dollars to go unclaimed. I encourage you to take advantage of this Federal tax credit and tax refund opportunity. It is money that belongs to you as a business owner operating in the Empowerment Zone. In these challenging economic times, this opportunity should not be missed. You may be able to put money in your pocket that you didn’t even know was available to you. It is so easy and requires little of your time. You can realize the cash benefits while staying focused on your business.
Anyone who lives in North Lawndale knows firsthand that life here is a struggle. Our unemployment rate of over 17% is more than twice the national average. This does not include discouraged workers or those who are unable to work. About 40% of the population lives below poverty levels. Two of our police districts rank among the top in the city with respect to crime. Many of our schools are under-utilized, underresourced and under-performing. As a result, they are first in line to be closed, turned around and otherwise de-stabilized. At times, it seems that some of our elected officials are unwilling take the bold actions that are necessary to bring about the necessary changes that will create a sustainable community.
Youth and Adults residents enjoying troy block club picnic (Beverly Tinsley in dk USMC sweatshirt)
On Saturday September 14th The Police Officers of the 10th District Police Dept. Held a Picnic in the Community for the Residents of the 24th WARD. The Picnic & Barbeque was held on the Block of 19th and TROY. This was a Celebration for the work and efforts of everyone in The Block Club including the Officers who conducted a STING to rid the area of the DRUGS and DRUG Dealers.
There is a Block Club that meets On the last MONDAY of every month, to discuss changes and come up with solutions to maintaining their safety and security on their Block. Also ways to keep it clean. Alderman MICHAEL CHANDLER of the 24th ward was in attendance To support everyone’s efforts and success. Also in attendance was: The President of The Block CLUB, Ms. Beverly Tinsley, The Secretary Barbara Holman, Pastor Fluker, many Uniformed Officers, & The Commander/ Director of CAPS Mr. RONALD HOLT,.
