Chicago Defender back issues from October 2003:
Showdown vote on Maryville Academy; City Council will move to block transfer of children
Oct 01, 2003; ... With Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Director Bryan Samuels determined to transfer 139 children from a group home, the City Council is set to vote to block his move today and seek a temporary restraining order, if necessary. Led by Finance Chairman Ald. Edward ...
We all pass torches to the young
Oct 01, 2003; ... Once again, a poignant thought hung with me throughout Saturday evening, especially during the third annual "Passing the Torch" program at the DuSable Museum's Harold Washington Auditorium. I suspect it was one of the most significant mental trips that a Black person could take in this uncertain ...
Daley nominates Brown to succeed Jarrett as CTA chair
Oct 01, 2003; ... Mayor Richard M. Daley Tuesday appointed financial expert Carole L. Brown, senior vice president of Lehman Brothers, to become his new CTA chairman because she has the ethics and experience to step into the shoes of Valerie Jarrett, the former chair. Daley is introducing Brown's ...
Black-on-Black crime must be made a thing of the past
Oct 01, 2003 ... Wake up, everybody. There is a widespread malignancy that is enthralling entirely too much of some areas in the Black community -- guns, drugs and gangs. It's fight-back time against Black-on-Black crime. The obliteration of this social ill in the Black community has been in existence ...
Showtime presents Black Perspectives in film during 39th Film Festival
Oct 01, 2003; ... It was in the first decade of the 20th century that Blacks began producing films in Chicago by a theater group who performed with the Pekin Theater. From that time, African American producers and directors made movies according to their own ethnic life style. That process continued until ...
Andre Ward and Francesca Harper are members in the cast of Mel Brooks' musical The Producers
Oct 02, 2003; ... Chicago is privileged to welcome the premiere of The Producers, the new Mel Brooks musical which was a triumph on Broadway and became the most awarded show in the Great White Way's history. The Tony Award-winning show is scheduled to return Oct. 14 remaining through Sunday, Nov. 30 at the Ford ...
Ghettopoly game 'racist': Dr. Worrill; National Black United Front chair urges youth to ignore site
Oct 02, 2003; ... A racially and culturally offensive game, sold over the Internet, allegedly by a young Chinese businessman, drew the ire of National Black United Front Chairman Dr. Conrad Worril, who on Wednesday urged youth not to buy the product. "Let it die" for lack of purchases, was the advice of ...
Once rich, PUSH minister teaches financial literacy
Oct 01, 2003; ... Once a millionaire who owned five Baskin-Robbins stores but forced out of business by his admitted fiscal ignorance, Rev. John Abercrombie, 47, pastor of the Truth and Deliverance Church, is giving a free financial freedom class Saturday. From 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Dr. King's Workshop, 930 E ....
Spices
Oct 01, 2003; ... In 2002, the United States imported more than 102 million pounds of sesame seed, according to McCormick and Company, Inc. The use of sesame seeds extends far beyond the realm of baking, although breads, rolls and bagels are among the most familiar foods associated with ...
DePaul's program to reform primitive Afghani law will help reform our own system
Oct 02, 2003 ... DePaul University's law school is leading an international program that experts say can create impetus in the Middle East to end repression and brutality there while forming the basis of liberalization throughout the Muslim world. The law school's International Human Rights Law Institute ...
Singing diva Holly Thee Maxwell returns triumphantly from Paris
Oct 02, 2003; ... Just as James Reese Europe, Brick Top, Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, Richard Wright and hundreds of other Black Americans found solace in Paris and other parts of France where they could express their art in peace, so has Holly Thee Maxwell discovered fame and fortune as a singer and co-owner ...
Cop coalition to Daley: Rescind top cop selection process; will introduce African American candidate for job at PUSH
Oct 02, 2003; ... A coalition of policemen's organizations, including the African American Police League, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and The Guardians is asking Mayor Richard Daley to rescind the current process used for selection of the next police superintendent. That ...
Daley, pols defend Maryville; 'Where will the children go?'
Oct 02, 2003; ... While protesters demanded that the Maryville Academy be closed, the mayor and a slew of aldermen on Wednesday said the state should fix the problem, leave the youth alone, and get about the business of "saving their souls." Asked by the Chicago Defender if the 139 children housed at that ...
Distinction In design; Marshall Field's scouts Chicago's best couturiers as the Spring '04 winning designers Fall Collections enter the store
Oct 02, 2003; ... A spiring and seasoned Chicago designers were in abundance at Marshall Field's recently with the hope of selling their lines at Marshall Field's State Street Store for the Distinction in Design competition. A highlight of this season's event, an Awards Reception, was guest judge Patricia ...
Leon Triplett goes solo with Love America
Oct 04, 2003; ... It has been approximately two decades that the Triplett Brothers were extremely active in the entertainment arena. Suddenly they were absent from the scene. Recently, Leon Triplett called and informed the Chicago Defender that he was in the studio producing an album. It is finished and is very ...
Rush to judgment -- Limbaugh, others wrong on McNabb
Oct 04, 2003 ... How often and how much does a Black man have to prove himself before he's given the brand of a champion, a winner? Apparently never enough for the likes of conservative Rush Limbaugh, the now-resigned ESPN commentator and darling of the right wing who foolishly said the media want Philadelphia ...
Nonprofit bridges DIGITAL DIVIDE
Oct 04, 2003; ... Called the "Icon of Technology," Douglas Thompson, founder and executive director of the New Galilee Outreach, Advocacy & Technology Center, Inc., since 1995 has been fighting the good fight against computer illiteracy that plagues many inner city communities. Thompson, the grandson ...
Ladies strut in loveliness to the music of Theodis Rodgers Jr. for UNCF
Oct 04, 2003; ... Pinik A. Hampton, wearing a design by Oscar de la Renta, Victoria Bowers sporting a fashionable brown ensemble and elegant Jada Jackson-Collins, commentator for Ebony Fashion Fair for 2003-2004, along with other beautiful ladies walk in loveliness to the music and direction of Theodis Rodgers, ...
Sodexho thanks minority vendors for scholarships
Oct 04, 2003; ... Jean Crudup, district manager of Sodexho in the Chicago area and her staff, greeted guests to a "Thank You" reception for the company's minority vendors who awarded more than $54,000 in scholarships through Sodexho-Chicago Business Vendors Culinary and Hospitality Scholarship Fund Program ....
Dr. Leslie Dunner to direct Joffrey Ballet's 'Romeo and Juliet'
Oct 04, 2003; ... A new era begins with Joffrey Ballet's production of Romeo and Juliet when its season opens Oct. 8-19 at the Auditorium Theater, 50 E. Congress Pkwy. when Black Conductor Dr. Leslie B. Dunner takes the helm as its music director. It will be the first time that Joffrey Ballet has appointed a ...
Coalition selects O'Shield for top cop; Vows to rid city of gangs and corruption
Oct 04, 2003; ... It was October, 1967 when Leroy O'Shield first donned the blue uniform of the Chicago Police Department. Since that time, the veteran public servant has been a first for his race in a lot of areas. On Saturday, at PUSH, a coalition of Black patrolmen's groups will introduce O'Shield as ...
Don't buy (or play) this sick, racist game
Oct 04, 2003 ... Some capitalist opportunist who seeks to exploit the misery and madness of some African Americans either thinks of us as fools, idiots, morons or a composite of all three. Why then would someone be even remotely interested in purchasing a silly, dangerous new board game that racially ...
Gus Savage, real hero of NY weekend
Oct 04, 2003; ... One of the most significant and solemn events in New York City's social history is underway and will reach its zenith Saturday when the remains of 420 Blacks will be laid to rest -- undisturbed at last. Twelve years ago, the skeletal remains of both slave and free blacks were discovered ...
Maestro Barenboim's Mahler's Ninth create true moments of dynamic symphonic splendor
Oct 06, 2003; ... It has been a long, long time since this writer has heard such a perfectly realized performance of Mahler's Symphony No. Nine, but the impeccable style, the interplay and totally coordinated interpretation of Maestro Barenboim reminded me of Bruno Walters' directions of Mahler's ...
Jesse blames recall on 'radical right wing'
Oct 06, 2003; ... In California fighting against the recall campaign, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. blamed that state's political crisis on the resurgence of a persistent "right wing radical" movement he says is out to destroy America's democracy. Calling in from California where he is campaigning with ...
Hunt urges mayor to 'resurrect' Meigs Field; Daley's not budging
Oct 06, 2003; ... Rufus Hunt, board member of the Friends of Meigs Field, last week unveiled his video -- which will air on cable television -- that shows the potential of a resurrected Meigs Field that will boost the city's economy and once again be the training ground of young pilots. Hunt's video also revealed ...
Chicago's teachers should ignore their union delegates and accept the contract
Oct 06, 2003 ... Tears rose in the eyes of Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Deborah Lynch last week during a TV interview. CTU delegates had the night before rejected the contract she worked out with negotiators in behalf of financially pressed Chicago Public Schools. The contract calls for a hefty ...
Masses honor slave remains
Oct 06, 2003; ... "Today the remains of captured and enslaved Africans are being returned to the site of their discovery, which is the financial district of New York. It's a living history and a moment of triumph and great joy because people who have no name known to us are now being recognized." - Phylicia ...
DCFS boss: 'We're getting it right for kids'; Academy gets 'one last chance'
Oct 06, 2003; ... Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Director Bryan Samuels and Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich unveiled a plan that will help the Maryville Academy "get it right" for the sake of the troubled children who are housed on the spacious DesPlaines campus, but the plan gives the center "one last ...
Daley should increase HIV/AIDS prevention funding
Oct 07, 2003 ... Mayor Richard M. Daley will submit his $5 billion, 2004 budget to the City Council's finance committee in just over a week. However, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago says public health experts fear the mayor will shortchange the health department by $1 million in AIDS education and prevention ...
Daley to garbage unions: 'I'll sue you!' Mediator steps in, but mayor's patience is thin
Oct 07, 2003; ... A perturbed Mayor Daley Monday vowed to sue the unions representing striking garbage workers and private waste haulers to recoup the cost Chicago is paying to keep the alleys clean. Admitting his patience is wearing thin, Daley denied he is a union buster or is engaging in "strike ...
CeCe Winans' Throne Room brings true worship to forefront of gospel music
Oct 07, 2003; ... In a time when contemporary gospel is burning the airwaves of urban radio, CeCe Winans presents a new release that promises to be a classic gospel CD to treasure in the years to come. Throne Room, a PureSprings Gospel/Epic Records release, is a collection of sacred Praise and Worship music that ...
R. Kelly greets fans at George's Music Room during introduction of new CD
Oct 07, 2003; ... R. Kelly was a teenager when we first met him at Kenwood Academy as a student of Dr. Lena McLin who served as his vocal, instrumental and composition instructor. He later left Kenwood. However the now pop supestar would return often for coaching. The international music world revered him ...
South Side mom: 'I believe my baby is dead'
Oct 07, 2003; ... A South Side woman told the Chicago Defender early Monday she believe's her 29-year-old daughter is dead. She also said a search has been launched in the Englewood area between 71st and 74th Sts., Emerald to Ashland Aves. JoAnn Johnson, in a tearful statement said she received a call ...
Smith: 'Willie Wilson a true humanitarian'
Oct 07, 2003; ... After 23 years of being a "trailblazing" and successful McDonald's owner/operator, Ald. Ed H. Smith (28th) Sunday said the entire community owes humanitarian Willie Wilson a "huge" debt for his unselfish contributions to mankind. And, that is what Smith and hundreds of businesspersons ...
Daley facing many city issues
Oct 07, 2003; ... As predicted, Mayor Richard M. Daley Monday approved Philip J. Cline as his new top cop, who in turn made a historic first by appointing a Black as his first deputy. Cline appointed former 11th District Commander Dana Starks, an African American who described himself as a "street guy ... ...
Daley appoints top cop, Starks 1st deputy; It's a sad day here: Cop coalition
Oct 07, 2003; ... Mayor Richard M. Daley's announcment on Monday indicating that he has selected acting police superintendent Phil Cline to lead the city's 13,000 plus member police department as superintendent, prompted Kirk Willis, president of The Guardians Police Association to declare it a sad ...
Carl Thomas to croon for Seagram's show at HOB
Oct 08, 2003; ... Carl Thomas certainly has been excelling as an R&B entertainer and is acclaimed as a fine singer because of his smooth articulating projection and interpretation of songs. He's headlining Seagram's Gin Live 2003 tour co-starring soulstress Lil' Mo, Def Comedy Jam and BET's Comic View ...
Top cop urges Blacks to take entry exam
Oct 08, 2003; ... Just one day after Mayor Richard M. Daley named his interim Police Superintendent Philip J. Cline on Tuesday went on WVON and asked African Americans to take the upcoming November police entry exam. The test will be given on November 22, according to Dave Bayless, a spokesperson for the ...
Sanitation boss miffed over 'expensive garbage'; Sanchez forced to hire 120 workers
Oct 08, 2003; ... The Department of Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Al Sanchez Tuesday fumed over the rising costs the seven-day-old garbage strike is costing Chicago and said they'll be a big price to pay for somebody. Because this is a health issue, Sanchez told reporters he has been forced to add ...
Actor Laurence Fishburne co-stars in Warner Bros. film Mystic River
Oct 08, 2003 ... Principal stars in Warner Bros.' Mystic River include Sean Penn. Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon with Laurence Fishburne as co-star. The film is scheduled to premiere exclusively at the River East Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and will expand on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The film is rated "R" for language ...
The case of a great ball player illustrates the need for universal health care
Oct 08, 2003 ... Ron Santo didn't make it to Atlanta last week to watch his beloved Cubs, for whom he works as a colorful commentator. The old third basemen had recently enjoyed on-field ceremonies and public celebrations signaling retirement of his Cubs number, an honor only Ernie Banks and Billy Williams have ...
Daley places huge food bet on Cubs vs. Marlins
Oct 08, 2003; ... Separate and definitely unequal, a confident Mayor Richard Daley Tuesday placed a huge food bet with Miami's mayor that the Chicago Cubs will triumph over the Florida Marlins. The outcome of the Cubs vs. the Marlins will either be a delectable delight for the Miami mayor or just stone ...
Grave issue hidden in recall vote
Oct 08, 2003; ... That highly publicized election held in California yesterday wasn't just about the recall of a governor who was caught between a rock and a hard place. In the first place, tucked away neatly in the election package was a state referendum that could affect race relations in America for ...
Reynolds takes on Jackson in 'never give up' campaign
Oct 09, 2003; ... Former Rep. Mel Reynolds (D-2nd) announced Tuesday he is running against Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. because the incumbent is allegedly not "taking care of the people's business"--a move that prompted Mayor Daley to back Jackson. But, some Jackson allies, like the Rev. Marshall Hatch, fear ...
BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER STAGES A RETROSPECTIVE OF ITS PERFORMANCES
Oct 09, 2003; ... A packed audience at DuSable Museum's auditorium witnessed a 27-year-old retrospective of the best performances of the Black Ensemble Theater, produced by its Founder and Artistic Director Jackie Taylor with Jimmy Tillman serving as musical director and drummer. This legacy of stars who ...
Let's hope this is goodbye to America's latest public racist
Oct 09, 2003 ... Our American democracy has been blessed for centuries with nationwide publications and broadcasts of stupid statements by politicians and other public figures. There was Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy with his bogus list of 205 State Department communists; Presidential candidate George ...
Blacks in California see 'no hope' with Schwarzenegger
Oct 09, 2003; ... African Americans in Los Angeles are bewildered in the wake of Arnold Schwarzenegger's election Tuesday as California governor, the Chicago Defender learned Wednesday. Los Angeles Sentinel City Editor, Lela Ward, said that African Americans who have contacted the paper or have been ...
City wants public to 'rat' on 'fly dumpers'; Mayor doesn't want rodents to enjoy early Thanksgiving feast
Oct 09, 2003; ... After discovering 50 alleged illegal fly-dump sites, city officials Wednesday urged residents to blow the whistle on illegal dumpers who are helping to rack up the city's garbage collection bills and in doing so, they can earn $500 upon conviction. Mark Farina, a spokesman for the ...
Deadline for student immunizations and checkups is Wednesday
Oct 11, 2003 ... The Chicago Public Schools (CPS), system does much for its youngsters beyond classroom instruction. As part of its educational mission, CPS takes deep interest in student health and spends substantial amounts of money preparing children to learn. It's as if the system's 437,000 ...
Hope visible in California recall
Oct 11, 2003; ... My grandparents and parents left one special message -- among many -- about how to assess life when things go wrong. "Seek out something positive to hang your hat on," always urged. Presidential candidate Jesse Jackson Sr. was correct during the 1980s when he repeatedly shouted, "Keep ...
Braun kicks off petition drive for president
Oct 11, 2003; ... Democratic presidential hopeful Carol Moseley-Braun is kicking off her Illinois petition drive needed to win the Oval Office. Seeking to gather from 10,000 to 100,000 signatures, the Chicago Defender confirmed Wednesday Moseley-Braun is holding a meeting 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at her ...
'IN BLACK AND WHITE: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr.'
Oct 11, 2003; ... Sammy Davis Jr. skyrocketed to international fame as the world's most talented entertainer. He sang, he was a dramatic actor, he danced and he was an articulate comedian. Sammy Davis passed away in May of 1990. It is true that the press carried the news of his death to the four corners ...
Phe-ew...Garbage strike is over; Sanchez: Trucks ready to roll, lawsuit will come
Oct 11, 2003; ... The nine-day garbage strike is over, with union members poised to ratify a tentative agreement that includes a contract containing wage and benefit raises, but Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Al Sanchez on Thursday said those strikers haven't heard the last of him. The agreement ...
The Verdict is in Mammograms save lives
Oct 13, 2003 ... Over the past few years, there has been a great deal of controversy about the effectiveness of mammograms in detecting breast cancer. However, a jury of leading health organizations has deliberated and come back with a verdict. And the verdict is that mammograms are the best screening tool we ...
City poised to cut 1,000 positions
Oct 13, 2003; ... The city is poised to eliminate 1,000 positions in an effort to wipe out a $115 million budget shortfall, but, reliable sources said Sunday there will be no property tax increase. In a briefing with aldermen, officials said some of those positions are union jobs. The current $4.6 billion ...
Metra train derails, 45 hurt, 6 serious; Commuter train derails at 47th and Federal, emergency team responds immediately
Oct 13, 2003; ... An outbound Metra commuter train destined for Joliet derailed Sunday at 47th and Federal, injuring at least 45 people including 6 listed as "Code Red" Chicago Fire Department and Metra officials confirmed Sunday. Molly Sullivan, a spokeswoman for the Chicago Fire Department, said earlier ...
Principal for a Day program provides role models and financial support
Oct 13, 2003 ... American corporations and foundations have substantially increased their giving to tax-supported institutions during the past decade. That kind of philanthropy turns out to be good for business and good for civic improvement as ever-bigger tax burdens choke financial resources available ...
R. Kelly, WGCI's McGee join celebs as Hip Hop awardees
Oct 13, 2003; ... More than a thousand youth stood and applauded Chicago Defender Publisher David Milliner when he assured them that the 98-year-old newspaper is interested in their future and would provide all the support possible. In his remarks, Milliner told the youths about how the publication has ...
D.C. Sniper #8 victim, Ken Bridges, honored
Oct 13, 2003; ... Supporters of the late Ken Bridges, the 53-year-old co-founder of the MATAH Black economic program who became the eighth victim of the sniper, held a commemorative service for their leader whose mission they've vowed to continue. Members of the MATAH Internet/retail program, which ...
Chris Rock booked for two shows at the Rosemont Theatre
Oct 14, 2003; ... The Rosemont Theatre has booked two shows for comedian Chris Rock Saturday, October 25, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. It has been several years since Rock has performed in the Chicagoland area, however the funnyman's fans are anxiously anticipating his arrival. In ...
Eliminating diabetes is a medical and moral cause
Oct 14, 2003 ... Vast numbers of well-fed, inactive Americans consider diabetes a troublesome yet benign ailment. But a study published last week by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports early death and a lifetime of suffering are actually the fate of most victims. The disease afflicts the ...
MATAH to raise $millions for N.C. Black colleges
Oct 14, 2003; ... In a united front, hundreds of African American ministers have launched an $11 million drive to help save North Carolina's Black Colleges by using the MATAH economic program that promotes fiscal solidarity. The idea of using the Black-owned/operated MATAH Buy Black solidarity movement ...
Joffrey Ballet's 'Romeo & Juliet' is overwhelmingly beautiful
Oct 14, 2003; ... Under the direction of Dr. Leslie B. Dunner, music director and principal conductor of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, the company's opening ballet, "Romeo & Juliet" featuring Willy Shives and Maia Wilkins in the title roles, delivers a romantically awesome interpretation of John Cranko's ...
Pfleger urges Hasbro to sue Ghettopoly
Oct 14, 2003; ... St. Sabina's Father Michael L. Pfleger Sunday confirmed he e-mailed Hasbro U.S. Games President Frank Bifulco asking him to sue the makers of Ghettopoly--a game the priest said is "racist" and highly offensive to Black and progressive Americans. But, the priest also confirmed that he has ...