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Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2017 3:28 PM
To: Hairston, Leslie
Subject: 2018 Early Bird Membership and Big Media Hits!
November 8, 2017
We cannot thank you enough for your investment in speaking up for open
space!
Friends of the Parks has been in the eye of the storm these last few years,
and you've been right there with us. Because of you, current and future
generations of Chicagoans won continued access to our lakefront as together
we fended off the fury surrounding the proposed Lucas Museum. But though
the judge was with us, one lesson we've learned from that whirlwind is that
there are not enough of us who understand the value of our parks.
And we've seen it again this year. Too many Chicagoans are not phased when
someone wants to construct a building on public open space! They don't
understand that Chicago only ranks 13th of 18 of the U.S.'s high-density
cities in terms of parkland per 1,000 residents, according to the Trust for
Public Land. We are this nation's third largest city by population. We should
have more green space than that. We cannot afford to have our public parks
confiscated-even for presidential centers!
But different projects sometimes call for different strategies. We do not see
a legal path to victory to keep the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) out of
Jackson Park. So we continue to lift up our demand that all green space and
park amenities that are displaced by the OPC be replaced nearby. And we
continue to voice concerns about the need for and the pace of
comprehensive planning for Jackson Park and surrounding green space. (In
fact, scroll down for recent national & local coverage of our advocacy--as
well as an opportunity to join our ranks!)
Our calls are being heard. The City, the Chicago Park District, and the
Obama Foundation launched a series of public meetings. But they provided
slick presentations about the proposed Obama Presidential Center and PGA-
level golf course and how they will elevate Chicago's profile throughout the
country and the world without divulging the fact that they plan to destroy
existing natural areas and sports fields that are important to area residents.
And, they haven't given us reason to believe that the new golf course will
remain truly accessible to the public.
Earlier this fall the Sun-Times Editorial Board wrote: "The Park District has
set a deadline of October to create a final framework for the plan, and the
Golf Alliance hopes to see construction begin as soon as weather permits in
the new year. But on this one, we're with the Friends of the Parks, which
has called on the Alliance and the Park District to slow down, do a better
job on their homework and make a better case."
Just this week, news reports suggest that the Obama Foundation is
rethinking their parking plans. Advocacy works! Together, we're keeping
them on their toes!
We are keenly aware that there are varying positions about the OPC among
the community and the greater Chicago area. FOTP board and staff have
been actively participating in many neighborhood-level discussions and
committees considering the pros and cons related to the Obama Presidential
Center. This has given us the opportunity to engage more deeply with South
Side neighbors and to introduce some residents to park-related issues that
weren't on their radar screen.
In the process, we have gained more friends and allies, even people who
thought of Friends of the Parks as the enemy because of our Lucas Museum
stance.
Chicago has been battered by two fifty-year storms back to back-first the
Lucas Museum, now the Obama Presidential Center. In order to be healthy
and resilient as a city and as an organization, it is incumbent upon all of us
to invest in the development of more voices who can speak to the
importance of economic development that does not deface or displace our
parks. Chicago needs leadership that doesn't force us to choose between the
two. We can and should have more of both.
We need your help to raise up the next generation of advocates for open
space, for our parks, for our lakefront. To identify and grow the next
generation of environmental stewards. To recruit and engage the next
generation of members and board members for Friends of the Parks.
Your partnership with us in this work means the world to us . Will you click
here to take a look at membership benefits and levels and sign up for early-
bird 2018 membership today? And maybe recruit a friend, too?
We truly cannot do this without you.
Most sincerely,
Juanita Irizarry
Executive Director
Below is a brief round-up of some of the more significant (and Friends of the
Parks-related!) updates on the Obama Presidential Center. Click here to
follow us on Facebook for more updates and articles that aren't included
here!
"The nonprofit Friends of the Parks initially pushed for the center to be
built instead on vacant land across the street from a different Chicago
park.
Big kudos for this press coverage of many of the folks that FOTP has been
engaging with in the greater Jackson Park area in complicated discussions
about Obama Presidential Center's impact on the park and the community!
"Friends of the Parks has signed on as an official ally because the group has
its own concerns about the loss of park space...
"We are promoting the idea that any park amenities displaced should be
replaced in the community," said Juanita Irizarry, the executive director of
the group. "We have heard words from the Obama Foundation that suggests
in spirit they agree. But we don't think it's appropriate to trust that these
things will just get done. There are many players involved, and we think it's
appropriate to expect a higher level of accountability."
"Williams also addressed the two controversial aspects of the design: a two-
story, aboveground parking garage, largely hidden by landscaping, that
would be at the Midway Plaisance's east end, across Stony Island Avenue
from the center; and the museum tower itself, whose proposed height
(initially described by the architects as 160 to 180 feet) has raised
concerns.
Open space advocates have called both features intrusions on the landscape
of Jackson Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert
Vaux.
The garage, Williams said, could be "pressed further into the ground,"
which presumably means that all or part of it would be shifted
underground. The garage also could be moved east of Stony Island Avenue,
though the architect did not say where."
Had park users been more actively consulted, they could have told the city
about real needs in the park. We need restoration of the closed Clarence
Darrow Memorial Bridge that connects the parking to Wooded Island, not
scheduled to reopen until at least 2019. We need completion of half-
finished landscaping, commenced years ago and still fenced off.
Click here to follow us on Facebook for more updates and articles that
aren't included here!
Stay Connected:
Check out our Facebook page! | http://www.fotp.org | info@fotp.org
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From: Alliance of the SouthEast [amalia=asechicago.org@mail227.atl121.mcsv.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2016 2:44 PM
To: Hairston, Leslie
Subject: ASE Annual Gala tomorrow!
Join us for ASE's Annual Gala tomorrow, November 10th at 6pm! Today is the Is this email not displaying correctly?
last day to buy tickets before prices go up! View it in your browser .
Join us! Today is the last day to purchase early bird tickets!
MB Financial Bank
3030 E 92nd St
Chicago, IL 60617
Purchase Tickets
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South Side Coalition's Community Benefits Agreement
South Side leaders seeking a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for the planned
$500 million presidential library of Barack Obama in Jackson Park met last week
with representatives of the Barack Obama Foundation to share concerns and press
for the protection of local jobs, affordable housing, education and economic
investment.
Ms. Williams lives at Island Terrace Apartments, a large rental property across the
street from the planned site of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, and she and
her fellow residents are concerned that Woodlawn seniors and limited-income
families will lose affordable housing once the presidential library comes in if
protections are not put in place. “This is a make-or-break moment for us in
Woodlawn,” Ms. Williams said.
The Coalition has been advocating for a CBA, or a legally enforceable contract, that
would require the Obama Foundation to follow a set of principles developed through
numerous town hall meetings that include setting aside jobs for Woodlawn residents,
youth and formerly incarcerated people, guaranteeing a living wage for employees,
partnering with local public schools to provide educational programming and free
admission for students, and improving nearby public transportation.
"We were pleased to share some of the community's concerns with theObama
Foundation and look forward to continued dialogue with them. We will continue to
push for a process that supports hundreds of neighborhood residents who are
developing a Community Benefits Agreement that protects the community and builds
on President Obama's legacy,” said Jawanza Malone, Executive Director of
Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO).
Allegra Cira Fischer , an attorney with Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil
Rights providing legal assistance to the Coalition, said: “The truth is that systematic
discrimination against African-American residents and businesses of the South Side
has left many community members wondering whether the Obama Presidential
Center coming in will ultimately uproot and displace them.” Community members
interested in more information about the proposed Community Benefits Agreement
are invited to attend a town hall meeting on Tuesday, April 18th at 6pm at Hyde Park
Academy High School (6220 S. Stony Island Ave).
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For nearly two decades, Mr. Pritzker has been focused on building Chicago’s
ecosystem for technology entrepreneurs. He was appointed the founding chairman of
ChicagoNEXT, the mayor’s council on innovation and technology, and he founded
1871, Chicago’s digital startup center. He was instrumental in the creation of the
Illinois Venture Capital Association, the seed fund Chicago Ventures, the accelerator
Techstars Chicago and the online community BuiltInChicago.org.
With his wife M.K., he leads the Pritzker Family Foundation. He led the campaign to
build the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center and is one of the nation's
leading supporters of high quality early childhood education. He also founded
Pritzker Group Venture Capital in 1996 as New World Ventures, is the largest
technology venture investor based in the Midwest. The firm invests nationally in
rapidly growing technology companies at all stages of their growth, with a principal
focus on enterprise software, ecommerce and managed services.
Mr. Pritzker earned an A.B. in political science from Duke University and a J.D. from
the Northwestern University School of Law. He lives in Chicago with his wife and
their two children. J.B. recently announced that he'll be a Democratic candidate for
Illinois Governor.
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Kamlesh Amin, Manager of Energy Efficiency Programs (ComEd); Scott Bertrand, Manager of Customer
Accounts, National Accounts (ComEd); Mark Falcone, Vice President of Support Services (ComEd); Ryan
Hill, Manager of Energy Services (Mariano’s); Angeles Sandoval, Account Manager, National Accounts
(ComEd); Don Rosanova, President of Mariano’s
Mariano’s conducted 21 new construction projects to build new and improved energy
efficient supermarkets throughout the Chicagoland area, including a completed full
renovation of the refrigeration, HVAC and lighting systems in one store. The projects
resulted in more than 13 million kWh in savings, which is enough to power nearly
1422 homes with electricity for a year.
The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program has helped tens of thousands of businesses
achieve savings by becoming more energy efficient and lowering their energy use. The
ComEd Energy Efficiency Program has saved customers more than $2 billion in
energy costs. Since the program started, ComEd has paid out more than $515 million
in incentives, reducing energy usage by more than 21 million MWh, which equates to
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From: Alliance of the SouthEast (ASE) [amalia=asechicago.org@mail12.suw13.rsgsv.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 8:15 AM
To: Hairston, Leslie
Subject: March Against Violence, Jobs, Business, & Training Opportunities, Upcoming events
Updates
Day Without Hate
March & Rally Against Violence & Bullying
Come and join us! Support our youth and take a stand against violence!
DWOH is a national youth-led day that promotes non-violence, respect, and unity within our
community. The youth are planning the DWOH activities, including a candle vigil, a balloon release
ceremony, and a mural dedication (We are one. Stand up Chicago!). Alderman Mitchell is
confirmed.
We welcome posts from youth and adults with messages against violence and bullying onour
Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/A-Day-Without-Hate-southeast-YLC-
432733233528573/
ASE coordinates the Coalition for a Lakeside CBA, which is focused on making sure the former
U.S. Steel site on the southeast side benefits local residents, by addressing the overwhelming
need for training, jobs, affordable housing, and educational partnerships in southeast Chicago.
Lakeside Development covers more than twice the size of the Chicago Loop, and will take place
over the next 30 years. The site will create numerous jobs and affordable and market rate housing.
Southeast Side residents have been advocating for a Community Benefits Agreement, which will
ensure that development of the region does not lead to displacement of its current populations.
For more information, please call 312-747-4400 to register for a one-on-one consultation.
Registration begins on April 26.
To pre-register or for more information, please contact the South Chicago Chamber of
Commerce at 773-768-1221.
Green Initiatives
Supporting initiatives to make our neighborhoods enjoyable, energy efficient, and healthy
ASE provides leadership trainings for youth take action on issues they have identified-
neighborhood safety, summer jobs & internships, and educational supports. Last year: Youth
spoke at several events on access to summer jobs, STEM/vocational programs, and a
community center. They led a 100 person march/rally against violence. They have received news
coverage on CAN-TV and in the Chicago Reporter.
WHAT: Learn job skills, Develop resumes, Explore a range of career interests from working
outdoors to involvement in art and academic enrichment programs.
DEADLINE: May 15
For more information for help filling out your application, please call 312-742-4182 or email
applications@afterschoolmatters.org.
Recipients all have a compelling desire to pursue higher education, in spite of many personal,
socio-economic setbacks, including teen pregnancy, former incarceration, interrupted schooling,
poverty, and homelessness. They are want to make positive contributions to their local and global
communities.
Eligibility requirements:
High school seniors, students with GED diplomas, undergraduate (2 year or 4 year) college
students, and students at vocational or trade schools
US citizen or Permanent Resident
25 years old or younger
Minimum 2.0 GPA
Applications must be submitted by April 30.
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From: contact@nbacchicago.org
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2016 10:33 AM
To: Ward05
CC: James Hill; Dr. Gale Frazier
Subject: National Black Agenda
Attachment(s): "NATIONAL-BLACK-AGENDA-2016v3-121515.pdf"
Alderman, you may or may not be aware that there is a 2016 National Black Political Convention
planned for June 9-12, 2016 in Gary, Indiana. The theme is Setting the People’s Agenda
For your information and use, the National Black Agenda Consortium Chicago (NBACChicago) would like to provide you with a copy of
the National Black Agenda we've recently updated, with input from a number of local community organizations. This Agenda has been
used to develop candidate questionnaires for the 2015 Municipal Elections and 2016 General Primary Elections here in Illinois.
Additionally, many organizations have used this agenda as a source for questions at candidate forums and for developing their
organization's action agenda.
NBACChicago was established to be a repository for the national black agenda and a forum for discussion of the issues impacting
Black America. Our goal is to Educate, Organize and Mobilize towards improving the quality of life for our diverse community. You
can find out more about NBACChicago and the national black agenda at http://nationalblackagendaconsortium.org/ or feel free to
contact Dr. Gale Frazier, Chairman (708.985.1579) or James Hill, co-founder (773.457.8619).
Craig Wimberly
NBACChicago Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Honored Statesman
Senator Bill Owens, Founder and Chairman - National Black Agenda Convention (NBAC)
If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate
agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder
and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a
moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle.
Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.
― F ede i k Douglass
To those who have contributed to the authorship of this document, to our children, to our families, to
future generations, the memory of our forebears, and the countless others who have died in the
struggle, we say thank you. We acknowledge your sacrifices and applaud the great victories. We are
resileint people, we are overcomers, we are committed to this work, and with the power of God—we
will finish the course because this is our time.
The NBAC Chicago Board of Directors wishes to first acknowledge those that have come before us and
developed a Black Agenda ; we build upon the work of those that stretch back to the first National Black
e e ts held i Ci i ati, Ohio i the s a d the fi st Natio al Bla k Politi al Co e tio held i
Philidelphia, Pennsylvania in 1830 (followed in 1832, 1833, 1835 and 1855).
At key junctures in American history, African American communities have hosted political conventions as a
means to organize, focus on important issues, and demand effective action. Outstanding among them are
conventions in 1840 in Albany, NY; 1875 in New Orleans, LA; 1905 in Niagara, NY; 1972 in Gary, IN; the
2004 National Black Agenda Conference held in Boston, Mass; and the 2012 National Black Agenda
Convention – Virtual Conference in Chicago, Ill.
We further acknowledge, with deep appreciation, the following individuals who worked closely with NBAC
Chicago and contributed to this latest update of the Black Agenda:
Dr Mustafa Ansari (American Human Rights Institute), Ron Barker Autho of The Pe fe t “ o e , Kristen
X Bell (10.10 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chicago), TJ Crawford (10.10 Local Organizing Committee
(LOC) Chicago), Rev. Doris Green (Men and Women in Prison Ministries), Kamm Howard (Legislative
Committee Chair, N COB‘A, Reparations Working Group Chair – BIBC, Commissioner, NAARC ), Pastor
Tyrone Johnson (Christ Lives in Me Ministries), Corey Mason (Co-founder of Fearless Leading by the
Youth (FLY)), Leah Mabery Esq. (10.10 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chicago), Yusufu Mosley
(Individual contributor), Imam Abdullah Muhaiman (Dinal Fitrah), Randy Ryder (Keepin It Real Law
Project), and Rev. Joel Washington (Khunanpu Sangoma) (Reformation Church).
And lest we forget, the NBAC Chicago Board of Directors acknowledges the work of Board Member Paula
Green as Contributing Editor and Board Member Craig Wimberly as Digital Editor, for the Black Agenda
2016.
PREFACE ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
COMMUNICATIONS / MEDIA / SOCIAL NETWORKS ..................................................................................... 7
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 7
Community Strategy ................................................................................................................................. 7
What the Community Can Do ................................................................................................................... 8
What Individuals Can Do ........................................................................................................................... 8
What Leaders and Elected Officials Can Do .............................................................................................. 9
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT ..................................................................................................................... 10
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 10
Community Strategy ............................................................................................................................... 10
What the Community Can Do ................................................................................................................. 12
What Individuals Can Do ......................................................................................................................... 12
What Leaders and Elected Officials Can Do ............................................................................................ 12
EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 13
Community Strategy ............................................................................................................................... 14
What the Community Can Do ................................................................................................................. 15
What Individuals Can Do ......................................................................................................................... 15
Laser-beam Focus on the Main Problem: ............................................................................................... 16
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE .................................................................... 21
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 21
Community Strategy ............................................................................................................................... 21
What the Community Can Do ................................................................................................................. 22
What Individuals Can Do ......................................................................................................................... 22
FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY AND ORGANIZATIONS .................................................................................... 23
What Individuals Can Do ......................................................................................................................... 24
Faith Based—Imani For Justice (IFJ)........................................................................................................ 25
HEALTH & WELLNESS .................................................................................................................................. 26
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 26
Community Strategy ............................................................................................................................... 27
Organizational Strategy .......................................................................................................................... 27
NBAC Chicago – National Black Agenda 2016 121515 3
What Individuals Can Do ......................................................................................................................... 28
HOUSING ..................................................................................................................................................... 30
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 30
Community Strategy ............................................................................................................................... 30
What Individuals Can Do ......................................................................................................................... 31
What Leaders and Elected Officials Can Do ............................................................................................ 31
References .............................................................................................................................................. 32
INTERNATIONAL POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................... 33
Current U.S. Policy – Africa ..................................................................................................................... 35
Public Policy Recommendations - Africa................................................................................................. 35
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 36
Community Strategy ............................................................................................................................... 37
What the Community Can Do ................................................................................................................. 37
What individuals Can Do ......................................................................................................................... 38
What Leaders and Elected Officials Can Do ............................................................................................ 38
POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT........................................................................................................................ 40
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 40
Community Strategy ............................................................................................................................... 42
What Individuals Can Do ......................................................................................................................... 43
PUBLIC SAFETY AND JUSTICE ...................................................................................................................... 44
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 44
Organizational Infrastructural needs ...................................................................................................... 45
Community Strategy ............................................................................................................................... 46
What individuals can do.......................................................................................................................... 46
What leaders and elected officials can do .............................................................................................. 47
Appendices.............................................................................................................................................. 47
REPARATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 51
Public Policy Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 51
What Community and Individuals Can Do .............................................................................................. 51
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................ 53
If ou a t to go ui kl go alo e, if ou a t to go fa go togethe .
If ou thi k ou a e too s all to ake a diffe e e, ou ha e ot spe t a ight ith a os uito.
Whe othe s fight to the death, a st a ge i he its thei fathe s estate.
Whe the e is o e e ithi , the e e ies outside a ot hu t ou.
Whe spide s u ite, the a tie do a lio . Ethiopian Proverb
The Af i a a e is a u e all. The ha de ou dash it to the g ou d, the highe it ill ise.
Christian Bible verses for Unity
A d hold fast, all togethe , the ope hi h God st et hes out fo ou , a d e ot di ided a o g
ou sel es; a d e e e ith g atitude God s fa o o ou; fo e e e e e ies a d He joi ed ou
hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and
He sa ed ou f o it. Thus doth God ake his sig s lea to ou: That e a e guided. Quran 3:103
We cannot assume responsibility for the raising, socialization, education and economic development of
our community without engaging in continuous acts of collaboration. This obviously involves working
with those within and outside our group to achieve our goals; however the primary impetus must be to
first pool our resources towards the creation of community re-investment funding and development.
Our greatest challenge is learning to work together; using ou o ultu al o te t, to oales e
around our collective interest.
We stand on the presumptions embedded in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the
UNESCO World Education 2000 Report issued i Daka , “e egal hi h affi , Edu atio is a
fu da e tal hu a ight a d a i dispe sa le ea s fo effe ti e pa ti ipatio i the so ieties a d
economies of the twenty-first centu . Also, the U ited Natio s Co e tio o the ‘ights of the Child,
A ti le , states: I those “tates i hi h eth i , eligious o li guisti i o ities o pe so s of
indigenous origin exist, a child belonging to such a minority or who is indigenous shall not be denied the
right, in community with other members of his or her group, to enjoy his or her own culture, to profess
and practice his or her own religion, or to use his or her own language, and choose his or her own
identity in the process of self-determination.
We stand in solidarity with the conveners of the National Black sovereignty and Economic Development
Agenda who have declared that our charge, therefore, is: To advance a national movement that
advocates education, economic development, political empowerment, social/environmental justice and
health and wellness etc., as part of our collective human right on behalf of African American/Black
families; to hold ourselves, these United States of America and all other countries that are signatories to
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights accountable for guaranteeing that all Black people, wherever
they are, have access to quality schools, sustainable economic development, social and environmental
justice, health and wellness infrastructure and resources with-out discrimination, so that our children
and families can be equipped for collective survival and group self-determination, as well as individual
advance-ment, through personal responsibility, academic excellence and collective self-sufficiency.
CHICAGO 2016
Media and Communications play an enormous role in shaping local, national and international
perspectives, conversations and agendas on economic, political, social, cultural and criminal justice
policy and systems apparatus. Communication mediums shape public opinion—and ultimately helps
decide what policy solutions are adopted.
To achieve parity in opportunity and outcomes in a hostile climate; the Black Community needs to
broaden access as well as fortify communication mediums and content that engage, inform and frame
relevant conversations. Black Communication mediums must engage in language and policy solutions
that translate into smart, strategic and tactical, common-sense messages for our community, our
representatives, our leadership and for campaigns of action.
Community Strategy
Take ownership of what is being communicated to our children at schools (both public
and private) and in other public institutions, in our churches and in our homes. We must
create a sense of community within our community starting with our children
understanding the richness of our history and the strength of our people.
Start and or participate in community/town hall forums focused on community based
solutions.
Start and or support internet based radio/TV focused on PROVIDING urban dwellers
information relevant to the community.
Start a blog that focuses on issues and information our people have interest in.
Willingly share information (political, social, environmental, performing art, health and
wellness) etc., which can help others in the community.
Retired media professionals lend your experience and skills to up and coming media
entrepreneurs through mentoring and access to your rolodex/contacts.
Research, present and or support legislation that supports net neutrality and the privacy of
the black community.
Advocate for black media outlets in urban communities you represent.
Create political information programming that educates the black community on the political
process, proposed legislation and impact studies.
Support media content that empowers black cultural perspective and actively repudiate content
that disparages black people overtly or by subtle subliminal suggestions.
Chicago 2016
We are determined and committed to Economic Development that will empower the masses of our
people from the bottom up and not from the top down. Thus, we are committed to Parallel
Development, i.e., development of the African continent and the rest of the rest of the African World
Community parallel with the development of Black America. Radical Transformation of our socio-
economic condition must be driven by Black American collective action (Cooperative Economic
Engagement)! The current economic system is predicated on the backs and buying powers of the poor
and middle class, especially the black community. Consumption is the key driver of American Capitalism
but for the black community a radical paradigm shift into production is necessary, to transform our
families and communities into thriving, solvent, self-sufficient communities.
The desire for self-employment and entrepreneurship looms large in our neighborhoods; however our
lack of collective financial intelligence, access to investment capital, business development skills and the
absence of cooperative economic practice, creates concrete barriers to economic self-sufficiency and
communal development. In order to survive and ultimately thrive, the black community must begin to
work together towards the goal of socio-economic self-sufficiency. We have sufficient income to
increase our wealth simply by changing what we buy, when we buy, and how we buy it. We must
circulate money within our own communities. The following are action items to pursue in laying the
foundation for African American Community transformation.
2. Advocate/Lobby for implementation of the Sheltered Market Program (Source P.A. 88-597 eff.
8-28-94) a procurement procedure whereby certain contracts are elected and specifically set
aside for business owned by minority, females and persons with disability on a competitive bid
or negotiated basis.
Community Strategy
1. Join, create and or empower organizations that are directly or indirectly engaged in facilitating
economic development i.e. (business and or organizational development, capacity building,
1. Become entrepreneurs and/or acquire career making jobs. To build wealth, focus on savings,
investing, and estate planning through stronger financial education and a commitment to long-
term economic self-sufficiency.
2. We must demand that corporate America recognize that diversity and equal opportunity
extends beyond jobs, but also into procurement opportunities for urban entrepreneurs and the
boardroom.
3. Advocate for Black churches and other black institutions to bank with black-owned banking
institutions.
4. Advocate for all businesses in the black community to bank with black-banking institutions to
the extent they receive Black dollars. (i.e. If Home Deposit receives 20% of revenue from
Blacks, then 20% of its deposits should be directed to Black banks.)
1. Open and maintain a savings account regardless of your income and encourage children to save.
2. Open accounts at Black-owned banking institutions.
3. Shop at Black-owned businesses.
4. Create neighborhood job and entrepreneurs clubs to share information about available jobs.
5. Participate in the Community Asset Mapping Project for your neighborhood.
Chicago 2016
True education gives us power to remove impediments in the pathway of our progress. Education for
the black community must involve and be predicated on the development and transmission of applied
knowledge. Knowledge, that allows our community to evolve into a highly productive social structure
which supersedes our survival instincts and creates a framework for economic, political, social,
environmental and spiritual growth and development.
Each member of the family, in particular children and their direct care providers must be given an
opportunity to learn in a supportive, safe, and productive educational environment. Equality of
EDUCATIONAL opportunity has to be driven from within our community. To deny our children and
ourselves opportunities to achieve and acquire proper education is to deny ourselves and our
community its collective human rights.
The American educational system and by extension, the black community is in crisis because we have
failed to take collective responsibility for the education of our children and our community. Dependence
o the hostile ajo it , to take espo si ilit hile a di ati g ou espo si ilit to edu ate ou sel es
and our families; continues to perpetuate systematic underperformance and a measurable level of
depravity in our neighborhoods. NBAC-C understands our collective neglect and is recommitting itself to
reversing the trajectory of our communities by educating, motivating and mobilizing us towards the
development of a self-sustaining education system that meets ou o u it s eeds.
1. Support or Implementation public policy focused on equitable public education for all Black
People of African descent up to their highest attainable level with special federal support for
higher and pre-college level education controlled by Black people at a level of at least 25
percent of the annual budgetary expenditures authorized in each relevant area of the country.
(This recommendation is specifically aimed at public community colleges and state supported
colleges and universities.)
2. Develop strategies for influencing and/or controlling the policies, administration, curriculum,
and resources of schools that educate Black Children of African descent.
3. Develop strategies for supporting and establishing successful alternatives for educating children
and their direct care providers, such as weekend schools offered in homes, churches and other
community centers.
4. Support Implementation of African-Centered curriculum wherever our children attend school.
a. De elop Ce te s fo Af i a people s histo edu atio e apsulated i ou o histo i al
and cultural context.
b. Affirm Africa as the birthplace of humanity and the cradle of civilization
c. Address the learning styles of African People
d. Teach the accomplishments and contributions of African people
Community Strategy
1. E gage a hild o hild e a d help the lea thei ABC “ a d , , s the ea lie the ette
2. Encourage your neighbors and young parents to egi tea hi g thei hild e thei ABC “ a d
, , s
3. Volunteer to homeschool children or help with homework on your block if you are retired
4. Encourage your youth at home to volunteer their time to help others with homework and
mentorship
5. Start your own afterschool homework group on your block or your neighborhood
6. Start a community education group at your church or civic organization
7. Contribute your time or resources to a local literacy group working to help our children and
community become literate
8. Support local write in or call in campaigns to your elected officials regarding education
improvements
The following is an overview by Ron Barker, Education Specialist that synopsizes the challenges our
children face in the current education system as well as potential solutions that can be adopted to
reverse the disparities.
What I fou d… ell fi st let e tell ou thought p o ess: ith all the talk of the Common Core State
Standards (CCSS) to be implemented all across the country this past (2014-15) school year; I wanted to
break down why everyone in education that wanted this change felt that Common Core was the way to
go. So after reading every book, magazine and newspaper article that I could find on the standards, I got
the sense that businesses had been pushing this change for quite some time because their recent
ollege g ad hi es did t ha e the e essa skill-sets eeded to e su essful i toda s glo al
marketplace.
All of my readings talked about how businesses felt that teachers needed to change the way they have
taught in the past (through lectures and worksheets) to letting students actually do what it was that
they were supposed to be learning, and to create a test that made it possible for students to have to
p o e hat the d lea ed e plai i g ho the a e up ith thei o lusio s…i othe o ds,
teaching through hands-on learning to better prepare students for what they would be expected to do
in a real-world learning environment. Hence, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College
and Careers (PARCC) test was born.
And as I stated earlier, the one thing that all of the educational experts seemed to agree on was that
e e stude t eeded to e a le to ead ith o p ehe sio if the e e goi g to e su essful i
s hool…a d i life. “o follo i g the the e of ha ds-on learning, I created a comprehensive analysis on
ou e ti e edu atio al s ste as it pe tai ed to ha ds o eadi g…I all it, The Cribs to Careers Hands-
on Reading Chain Links. It s a eakdo of all of ou lea i g g oups a o di g to age a kets as it
pertains to hands-o eadi g. The e a e si g oups…o hai li ks. The g oups a e: e o s to age
t o… hat I all C i s; the to ea olds p ek a d ki de ga te e s ; the th ough ea olds st –
8th g ades…ele e ta s hool; the to ear olds (the high-schoolers); the 19 through 22 year olds
the ollege stude ts a d the ea olds a d up Ca ee s …that s ho I got the title, C i s to Ca ee s.
What E a tl Is ‘eadi g With Co p ehe sio ?
NBAC Chicago – National Black Agenda 2016 121515 16
The generally accepted definition by educational experts is:
Listening Comprehension + Word Recognition = Reading Comprehension.
I found this simple, yet accurate definition to have been what kept me focused on what was important
to constantly look for as I analyzed each of the six learning stages of my comprehensive analysis.
And as previously mentioned, as I looked at each of the six groups as they pertained to hands-on
eadi g, the o l g oup that did t use a ha ds-on reading was the 3 to 5 year old age bracket.
But when the child is placed in the three-year old age group in preschool, since there are twenty,
twenty-five or sometimes as many as thirty kids in a classroom, the children are made to fold their
hands criss-cross applesauce (it used to e alled I dia -st le u til it as o side ed politi all -
incorrect) while the teacher reads them a story. Consequently, the children are just expected to sit there
as nonparticipants as the teacher does everything. This is done every day on a reading rug for not only
the three-year old age group, but continues with the four- ea old age g oup…a d the follo i g ea
with the five-year olds in kindergarten. So the great work that the mothers did exposing their child to
oth hal es of the eadi g ith comprehension equation and with teaching their small child that
reading was a hands-on learning activity when they were first born through age two gets totally wiped
out by their child just sitting there with their hands folded only being exposed to one half of the reading
ith o p ehe sio e uatio …liste i g o p ehe sio fo th ee full ea s - because their teachers
are the only ones to have a book!
A Tragic Flaw in the System: What makes this three-year time span even more devastating to the
childre is that these th ee ea s a e the hild s fo ati e ea s he e the a e fo i g thei opi io s
and attitudes about school and learning in general.
And by the teachers doing all of the work when it comes to the one thing that all experts agree to being
the number one thing that a child needs to being successful in school, it gives our young black children
the misconception that there will always be someone there to do their work for them throughout their
edu atio … he e k o that s ot goi g to e the case. Therefore, the three years from age three to
age fi e is hat I e dee ed, The ‘oad of Lost Pote tial.
According to the U.S. labor statistics, there are only 2.7% of men that teach in preschool and
kindergarten. That means the vast majority (97.3%) of preschool teachers are women. So when little
o s… ho a e full of testoste o e a e asked to sit ith thei ha ds folded fo lo g pe iods of ti e to
liste to eadi g…the a t a d o t do it. “o the get into lots of trouble, which causes them to get
And this lack of confide e eall egi s to sho up late i gi ls li es he the g o up a d a e af aid
to take risks, especially when it comes to developing their ideas and going into their own businesses. All
the esea h sho s that the A hie e e t Gap is al ead the e efo e oth the o s a d the gi ls e te
ki de ga te . All this stuff e tal a guish f o ot ei g ade uatel p epa ed to e su essful i
s hool eall egi s to sho itself i e t age g oup; the si th ough thi tee ea olds…the
elementary school-aged children.
I fi st g ade, the stude ts a e fi all gi e thei o ooks, ut the do t ha e the eautiful olo -
illustrations that made reading fun and entertaining like they had in preschool and in kindergarten. And
in first grade is where the usuall the gi e stude ts the d eaded o d lists…if ot efo e.
The p o le ith o d lists is that the do t do a thi g to help a hild de elop st ategies fo eadi g
ith o p ehe sio . That s e ause the o ds a e all alo e…the a e ot ead i any context.
Therefore, they just help children read almost as if they are reading a grocery list; butter, sugar, milk,
eggs. The a e eadi g the o ds, es, ut ith o u de sta di g. I the tea hi g p ofessio that s hat
e all, Wo d Calli g. This i effe ti e a of tea hi g stude ts ho to ead ith o p ehe sio
does t sho up u til the take thei fi st sta da dized test i thi d g ade. A d the sad thi g is he the
tea he of pa e ts hose hild e e e o l eadi g o ds a d ot eadi g ith o p ehe sio get
the results of their third grade reading test, and the teacher tells them that their child is reading on a
kindergarten level, the parents wonder how could that be when their child had been reading since they
were three or four years old. As e k o all too ell, la k hild e s edu atio al situatio o l gets
o se f o he e e ause s hool o k is u ulati e, ea i g that hat s to e lea ed i the thi d
g ade is the fou datio of fou th g ade o k; hat s to e lea ed i the fou th grade is the foundation
of fifth grade work - a d so o . It s like ei g ehi d o a o tgage; he Ja ua s a ou t does t get
paid; he Fe ua o es oth o ths a ou ts a e due. That s h it s ea l i possi le fo la k
children to catch up once they fall behind.
SOLUTION:
A ed ith this e i fo atio , I de ided to ite a hild e s ook that ould ake a eal
diffe e e i ou g hild e s li es, I alled usi ess pa t e a d fello ite / usi ia , Ti
Whalen. As we began to decide what our story was going to be a out, e e t a k to hat I d lea ed
from the top performing students at the school where I was the Reading Specialist: that if you wanted to
oti ate hild e to e e e a sto , it ette ot e o i g…o p edi ta le. “o he it as ti e fo
us to choose the su je t atte fo ou sto , e did t take a ha es. We hose to i o po ate the
three things that we found that all young children seemed to love; animals, music and bright colors.
Doing this allowed us to make the story longer and more interesting so that we could divide it up into
twelve short chapters. Breaking up the story into twelve short chapters would demand multiple sittings.
These ultiple sitti gs ould e phasize o p ehe sio e ou agi g ou g hild e fo the fi st
time) to remember what was previously read to them in order to make sense of the story.
After finalizing the story, we then commissioned an illustrator to draw all of the pictures and found a
printer outside of the United States to agree to print the extra-lo g hild e s sto . When the
hild e s ooks fi all a i ed f o the p i te a d e sa all of ou ightl olo ed )oop e e
characters professionally laid-out over our rhyming text like a modern-day Dr. Seuss book; neatly
separated into twelve short chapters, entitled, Mr. Barker & The Zoopremes in The Imaginary Zoo,
that s he e ealized that e had eated a e ti el e ge e of hild e s ook; A FULLY-COLOR
ILLU“T‘ATED CHAPTE‘ BOOK! What e affe tio atel all a pi tu e- hapte ook.
1) Economics: picture books cost $16.95 apiece and are read in one sitting. So to buy each student
a book for each story would be the $16.95 multiplied by the number of students in the
lass oo ti es the u e of sto ies to e ead…a s all fo tu e!
2) Children have to be taught how to care for books: giving young children their own books means
they would have to learn how to care for the books and how to turn the pages without tearing
them.
3) Children have to be taught how to follow along as the teacher reads aloud: to maximize having
their own books as the teacher reads aloud, the children must somehow be taught how to
follow along.
Template for How to Teach 3 to 5 Year Olds to Read In The 21st Century:
Instead of trying to explain all of the components to my reading program, I have written a fictionalize
short story, entitled, The Perfect Score, that demonstrates how everything works together to nurture
ou g hild e s atu al a ilities. The eautiful thi g a out the Tea he s Guide is that it e plai s ho to
teach the children everything – so the e s o t ai i g eeded fo the p es hool tea he s – OR FOR
PARENTS! The problem is that I have to actually create it to be manufactured.
Expenses to work on it full time: I would need to have $40,000 + $10,000 to cover taxes to be able to
uit jo a d o k o eati g the Tea he s Guide full ti e.
Chicago 2016
The Black Community is not prepared in the event of a major disaster. Thousands would be negatively
impacted because of a lack of preparation (remember Katrina) and resource allocation. As a
community, we must consistently pursue resources and local planning to safely mobilize our community,
and recover successfully in the aftermath.
Emergency Preparedness education must be the first order of business in the African-American
o u it . The o u it s a ilit to add ess issues, o e s, p o le s of disaste s, health
epidemics and public safety is critical. An increase of African-American professionals and policy makers
within the emergency management industry is crucial to ensure the resiliency of the black community.
To establish this goal, we must create a professional training institute for professionals, volunteers and
community leadership funded by public and private entities. This institute would include an applied
research unit to develop best practices, engage and collaborate with leadership and residents of the
community in times of disasters, health epidemics, and public safety threats.
4. Advocate, organize and mobilize the African-American community around public policy
issues of emergency preparedness, decision making and emergency management
implementation.
Community Strategy
1. Establish a formal Black community emergency response network (individuals,
organizations, and service providers who are responsible for community emergency
preparedness).
2. Monitor government agencies who are involved with emergency management to assure
their due diligence as it relates to the African-American community.
3. Advocate for community education training for disaster management, recovery and
rehabilitation.
4. Develop quarterly community education and training for emergency preparedness and
require annual community participation and training.
1. Block Clubs develop disaster preparedness plans to identify evacuation and safety zones etc.
3. Hold elected officials accountable for supporting local disaster preparedness plans.
2. Create family disaster preparedness plan delineating communications, evacuation and survival
processes.
Chicago 2016
The Black Church and other faith-based institutions and organizations are supposed to be the vanguard
of the Black community. Historically, the Black Church was the pillar and strength for oppressed African
Americans since its inception within the United States of America. It was known for being a place of
fellowship, safety, support, comfort, and worship—a place where individuals and families came together
for a common cause. The Black Church was the Balm of Gilead during slavery, Reconstruction, and the
Jim Crow era.
As a source of strength, the faith-based community and organizations must assist in the healing process
and restoration of the Black community which has been devastated by willful and wanton neglect, social
and political polarization, repression, institutionalized racism, racial hatred-white supremacy,
disparaging and skyrocketing unemployment, decaying infrastructures, homelessness, chaos, Black-on-
Black violence, and a myriad of other scathing elements and impediments. Thus, there must be a Black
Agenda specifically targeted to the Black Faith-based community to help us navigate through the storms
of life.
It is imperative that the faith-based community align itself with the National Black Agenda and its
entities, in order to reaffirm and provide ancillary support—in the form of: cultural awareness,
promoting Black-on-Black love, community engagement, reaffirmation with our relationship with God,
and basic tenets of humanity and moral grounding. It must endeavor to reconnect, realign, and re-forge
our connections with the African Diaspora and Africa as a centralized objective of being one body.
The faith-based entities must endeavor to support the Black family and community by its recommitment
to the guiding principles of faith. Each organization must create strategic goals and objectives,
specifically targeted to the goals and objectives of the Black Agenda and its mission—thus, promoting
unity within the community.
Responsibilities:
Develop comprehensive plans and strategies in concert with the Black Agenda to engage in
political and social discourse with officials regarding relevant issues of the African American
community
Develop and/or support programs that help the community and provide outreach programs
targeted to youth and families
Develop and/or support prison and juvenile outreach and other such programs including:
1. Mentoring
2. Job readiness, workforce development training. and entrepreneurship training
3. Collaboration with other organizations
4. After school and daycare support programs
5. Youth programs and safe havens
6. Adopt a school or adopt a student
7. Re-entry training for returning citizens
8. Intergenerational support (senior citizens)
9. Investment and financial literacy classes
NBAC Chicago – National Black Agenda 2016 121515 23
10. Various forms of tutorials for youth and adults
11. Spiritual classes and counseling that focus on character development and
leadership training
12. Parenting classes
13. Assistance with transitional housing
14. Bartering programs and cooperative economics
15. Green technology and community gardens
16. Provide a career/professional day—Black children need exposure to positive role
models
17. Establish and support mini-businesses within the church, mosque, or other location
18. Support Black businesses
It is the charge of the National Black Agenda Consortium-Chicago to educate, organize, and mobilize the
community as co-facilitators of the agenda. The Black Agenda incorporates all structures and
substructures in the process to help restore Black people to our original dignity and respect throughout
the world.
IMANI FOR JUSTICE: THE BLACK FAITH COMMUNITIES UNITED FRONT FOR NATIONAL BLACK AGENDA
CONSORTIUM-CHICAGO (IFJ)
First, heretofore conspicuous by its absence has been a clearly articulated National Black Agenda
Consortium-Chicago (NBAC-C) plan for faith community development and inclusion. This absence
ignores the need of seeking support of the key moral and spiritual institution essential for effectively
promoting NBAC-C “ o e all Black community agenda among the African American people City-wide,
regionally and nationally. Second, IFJ seeks to address NBAC-C “ p e ious a se e of a pla fo Bla k
religious inclusion by serving as an Africana faith communities united front and outreach project
organized to advance the NBAC-C “ age da i side a d outside Bla k o ship o u ities ia
p o oti g Bla k eligious u it ithout u ifo it ehi d the NBAC-C p oje t, Bla k eligious u it i
di e sit .
Third, the general aim of IFJ is to build a Black ecumenical and interfaith coalition for racial and social
justice supportive of the overall thrust of NBAC-C. By ecumenical we mean advancing the already
established tradition of Black ecumenism meaning both spontaneous and formal unity among Black
Christian denominations, local congregations, and Black para-church organizations against White
supremacy and racism as well as for racial and social justice. By interfaith we mean extending the
historic Black Church united front practice to include the increasing number of Black adherents to
diverse faith communities beyond established Black Church Christianity.
Forth, because the basic cause of IFJ is that of advancing NBAC-C “ age da o the eligious f o t, the
Consortium borrows from, and further develops, the religious support model of Euro-American-led
inter-faith oalitio s latel spa ed a ou d the A e i a la o o e e ts u a et o k of
metropolitan central labor councils-of which the Chicago-based Interfaith for Worker Justice (IFWJ) is an
important local example. More, a key inter-faith model of the Black context, adopted by IFJ, is the
grassroots Black Community Clergy and Labor Alliance of Los Angeles (BCCLA) organized out of the
African American Cultural Center/Us of Los Angeles-now in its 50th year of service, struggle, and
institution building.
Finally, IFJ is best understood as a faith-based, Afrocentricity, united front. This said, IFJ is an advocate
of the Pan African cultural holiday of Kwanzaa principles on the one hand and its companion Kawaida
cultural nationalist philosophy for racial and social justice on the other-both established and advanced
by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, CAL State ULB-as a distinctive approach
within the field of Afrocentricity. IFJ further understands Afrocentricity as a development out of the
Africana Studies discipline itself a viable multicultural alternative to the mono-culturally imposed Euro-
centricity in education and all media forms. More, IFJ seeks to help institutionally unite the Black
Studies Academy and the Black community not only for the advancement of the National Black Agenda
but to also contribute to developing an African World agenda as well as that of serving the general
public good in the U.S. and internationally.
Chicago 2016
The vitality of the Black community is ultimately driven by its health and well-being. Health is not the
absence of disease, but the overall well-being of the greatest number of African people living in the
United States and the African world. The necessity to address our communal mental, physical and
spiritual health, is contingent upon taking control of our access to; healthy food production/distribution,
community based human restorati e de elop e t, a d t ai i g odalities fo t aditio al a d
technologically driven healing practices and practitioners.
Our evolution into self- sufficiency requires our collective attention and commitment to developing
healthcare practices that are conducive to our individual, familial and community well- being. The Black
community has historically depended on a hostile system to provide what only black people can provide
sustainably. The intent and mindset that drives this agenda, is the acknowledgment that only we can
create, implement and sustain our collective well- being in our community and on this planet. Our
current health and wellness challenge presents an economic opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs and
those of us committed to meeting the needs of ourselves, our families and our community. The
following strategic framework provides a path towards optimum health and wellness as long as we
commit to the work required to thrive.
1. Advocate for and or support the recruitment, promotion and advancement, of Black into allied
healthcare programs i.e. (EMT, paramedic, nursing, LPN, nurse practitioners and physician
assistant programs).
2. Advocate for and or support a mandate to establish first aid and CPR training in high schools and
college because such skills save lives in the community.
3. Advocate for and or support the establishment of healthcare delivery training in high schools
and healthcare services programming that exposes high school and elementary students to
healthcare careers.
4. Establish and support, public first aid stations manned by community members with appropriate
training from fire departments.
5. Advocate for and support legislation that reframes violence and crime in as a public health
challenge. Engage community participation in problem solving through public and civic
education.
6. Advocate for and or support legislation mandated funding for more African American
accreditation/licensure to become social workers, counselors, substance abuse counselors and
trauma specialists.
1. Develop urban gardening clubs in every neighborhood that engages young and old to participate
in growing fresh organic produce in available empty lots and teach canning techniques to
residence.
2. Petition state government to allow gardening clubs to accept link as payment for fresh produce.
3. Civic organizations and churches develop healthy food events in partnerships with local chefs to
demonstrate healthy cooking techniques in community, using produce from neighborhood
gardens.
4. Advocate for healthy food preparation in local schools, using locally grown produce and meats.
5. Civic organizations must advocate for and support green space development in and for local
communities.
6. Develop and or support coalition building to advocate for parity in healthcare practices and
healthcare institutions that serves the Black community.
7. Civic organizations develop local sporting teams and events to foster discipline, civic
engagement and healthy residence.
Organizational Strategy
1. Develop Wellness Campaign that promotes pride, self-esteem and identity in African
American culture
2. Increase number of Social Workers, Counselors, and Psychologists in schools that are
predominantly African American - focus on conflict resolution, coping skills and Post
Traumatic Stress.
3. Increase access to health curriculums for school children focused on healthy lifestyle choices
i.e. Diet and Exercise
Establish farmers markets and healthy food hubs in African American communities
(highlight African American Farmers)
5. Educate, train, and recruit 20% more African American Healthcare Providers- Physicians,
Nurses, Pharmacists, Dentists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors
Expose School aged children to STEM curriculum and supplemental resources starting k-
12
Establish Scholarship fund for African American High School students who major in
healthcare careers that will support the students through post-secondary education
Establish Advocacy Program that helps African Americans find Primary Care Providers
and Pediatricians
5. Support any endeavor to create and or provide healthy foods through local gardens, farmers
markets and local grocery stores that sell fresh produce etc.
6. Engage in preventative health screenings and follow ups i.e. (dental, vision, and regular
checkups)
7. Create and or participate in local peace circles and stress management forums
Since the implementation of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, banking systems have targeted African
American and Latino communities through reverse redlining, among other dilatory tactics. Not only
does Gramm-Leach-Bliley negatively impacts mortgages, but also student loans and pensions.
Particular mortgage backed trusts have been using forged and fraudulent mortgage assignments in
foreclosure actions in Illinois, and throughout the United States. Certain Title Companies and their
employees, particularly notaries have and continue to forge mortgage assignments as corporate
officers.
Unfortunately, many homeowners are underserved, not as a result of funding, but systemically
organizations are not ensuring public needs are met in accordance with their purpose for funding of
public services as non-profits.
Although certain cities have established public land banks, managed by non-profit organizations, the
interests of the community are not at the heart of sustainable communities, community wealth
building and legacy homeownership, particularly in dilapidated communities, that have been
victimized by disinvestment and gentrification. Many of the city and county land banks are recipients
of the National Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement, 2012 homeowner money. The legislature has a
responsibility to ensure funding is appropriately allocated and those organizations are serving their
mission.
2. Support passage of H.R.4963 - National Homeowners Bill of Rights Act of 2014, introduced in
the 113th Congress (2013-2014) H.R.4963 (Bill Status .)
Community Strategy
10. Consider a tax credit program to help the middle-class afford housing
11. Work with community and union groups to expand low and moderate-income housing
12. Retain land ownership within the family
13. Support the call by the Congressional Black Caucus for one million new homeowners
14. Offer family education on housing and homeownership for all members of the family
15. End rental insurance discrimination based on race, color and creed
2. H.R.4963 - National Homeowners Bill of Rights Act of 2014, introduced in the 113th Congress
(2013-2014) H.R.4963 (Bill Status .)
Previous Agenda: 2004 National Black Agenda and Gary 1972 Combined Section:
Economic Empowerment
Subsection: Pension Funds #4, #5
Page: 16
Previous Agenda: National Black Agenda 2012
Re: Cooperatives and Housing
Page 7
Previous Agenda: National Black Agenda 2012
Re: Foreclosure
Page 22
Previous Agenda: 2004 National Black Agenda and Gary 1972 Combined Re:
Housing
Page: 16, #2
Previous Agenda: 2004 National Black Agenda and Gary 1972 Combined Re:
Housing
Page: 21, #5
Previous Agenda: 2004 National Black Agenda and Gary 1972 Combined Section:
Environmental Planning & Community Development
Re: Housing and Community Land Bank
Page 27
CHICAGO 2016
Traditionally, African Americans fought for inclusion to gain political leverage in order to survive, and to
e e og ized the A glo-A e i a s ste as legiti ate A e i a s. But I the U ited “tates of
America, the path to poverty, mis-education, and societal discriminations are preconditioned by
i th ights. i What e ha e see happe to the Af i a A e i a s is the ost oto ious of hu a
ights i es: the dest u tio of i th ights.
The crime of mis-categorization started with the civil war Congress and the Supreme Courts
interpretations of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendment decisions which regulated the African Americans
into a simple minority, ith o ati e olle ti e i th ights as a people . Du i g this ti e Af i a
Americans remained a colonized people through Jim Crow laws, apartheid institutions and second class
citizenship status.
In 1960, in response to independence movements worldwide, the United Nations re-convened at the
request of these emerging nations and made a Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples. Adopted by General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV).
In 1960 the United States was supposed to disseminate information to the African American on their
rights and privileges as a colonized people and to allow them to make choices concerning their
status.iii The United Nations were very concerned about racial discrimination, See Session XV 1636., and
the economic condition of these peoples. The United States of America of 1960 was clearly an
apartheid state, with racial violence and economic exclusion, however the U.S.A. did not list the
African Americans as a colonial people. This is a violation of Art. 73 of the aforesaid, Charter of the
United Nations since African Americans were a created people birthed out of colonialization.iv
Art. 73 of the Charter of the United Nation mandates that countries that have captured or colonized
people to list the a d allo the the ight to “elf-dete i atio . The ight to i th ight self-
dete i atio is a THRESHOLD human right issue that must be resolved in order to proceed to
dis uss hi h ights a d p i ileges a e a aila le.
Self-determination is a positive right and a restorative, reparative remedy because, over time, it wipes
away the effect of the illegal status and allows the African American people the ability to attain the
Presently, the imposition of this apartheid racial status has caused America to be the most virulently
violent and racist countries in the world. The fact that these racial classifications have become
legislatio the “tate o stitutes “tate spo so ed i es agai st hu a it v . Legislation that says that
the Africans in America are Negro, if they possessed 1 drop of African blood, or more than ¼th, 1/8th, or
1/16th African blood are illegal, apartheid, classifications by Congress and its courts that still support the
usto a otio of a hite sup e a ist ideolog alled a ial pu it . This inane notion of racial purity
has directly, indirectly and continually causes racial killings, economic and political harms in violation
of the International Covenant on the Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination, the International
Convention on Civil and Political Rights and the International Convention on the Suppression and
Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 30
November 1973 and other crimes against humanity.
Co se ue tl , a Indigenous Status Plebiscite is the ost logi al a d p o edu all fit esto ati e
e ed to esol e these apa theid a e atio s of ho e a e , e ause it is o l the Af i a Nati es
ho a dete i e ho the a e . I a ase, o se t to a status, o o je tio s to that status, a e
political questions, rather than a simple judicial question that can be submitted to a court of the
American government. Consent by the African American people can be obtained by a vote called a
Ple is ite . A plebiscite vote is necessary because the majority Whites in the United State through
their White Judges ha e edu ed the Af i a A e i a to a u e og ized i dige ous pe so , a
i di idual i o it , ith o i th ights.
Social dominance theory tells us that societies are organized around the notion of dominant and
subordinate groups with the dominant groups possessing a disproportionate amount of wealth, power,
status, and so forth. The dominant group will naturally seek to maintain its dominance through
instrumental and psychological means (Sidan-ius, 1993, Sidanius and Pratto, 1999, Sidanius, Singh,
Hetts, and Federico, 2000). vi Category segregation by the dominant white group in the United States
is a systematic and purposed form of apartheid practiced by a dominant white society that intends to
maintain a racial and economic dominance over the African Native Indigenous People.
A successful plebiscite will establish a juridical and [legal] national identity that will allow African
Americans the enormous ability to reverse the effects of slavery, and be a productive, healthy economic
and social unit of the United States.
We as people on a path to self- determination will act as representatives of a nation, even though we
a e p ese tl , UN‘ECOGNI)ED. We ha e a ight to e la eled INDEPENDENT…We ha e the ‘ight to ou
IDENTITY and we will not give that up.
Our politics must reflect an African Centered perspective which places African- Americans, Africa and
Africans as a First Priority in international, as well as, domestic concerns.
The O a a ad i ist atio s g eate e phasis o t ade a d i est e t diffe ed f o the Bush
ad i ist atio s fo us o hu a ita ia assista e.
b. Trade Africa: A program to bolster intra-regional and global trade. The U.S. works to expand
trade agreements, reduce barriers, and increase o petiti e ess a o g a of Af i a s
leading economies.
c. The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI): Hailed as P eside t O a a s flagship i itiati e i
Africa, YALI builds the leadership skills of young Africans through exchanges in the U.S. The
program seeks to nurture leaders who can propel economic growth and strengthen democratic
institutions.1
2. Advocate for and support legislation which recognizes African Americans as a sovereign people
3. Create /support Legislation which addresses the growth and development of sub –Saharan
Africa
1
Freedom House
NBAC Chicago – National Black Agenda 2016 121515 35
4. Create /support legislation which addresses and ends sex slavery of African people
5. Create /Support legislation that restricts American foreign policy intervention in the democratic
process of African Countries
8. Spur economic growth, trade and investment by creating/ supporting and restructuring all
legislation and policy that impacts these areas:
Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, (AGOA) which provides duty-free status for certain
African imports
Create/ support the African Growth and Competitiveness Initiative (AGCI). Run by
U“AID, it eates egio al hu s fo glo al o petiti e ess a d p i a il fo uses o
support of programs that improve the environment for business, i.e. finance,
infrastructure, and regulatory compliance, environment, and improve the knowledge
and capacity of enterprises.viii
Create /support legislative agenda for Power Africa, which provides technical
assista e, fi a i g a d i est e t suppo t fo Af i a s e e g se to , de elopi g
an infrastructure in the African American community that can benefit from these
opportunities.
9. Advocate for peace and security through a continued reassessment of American Foreign Policy
and its impact on black and brown people of the world
10. Review, educate, advocate and participate in a two way The Young African Leaders Initiative
(YALI), hi h att a ts the est ou g Af i a i ds to a p og a that shapes the e t
generation of African and African American leaders through partnering with private sector, host
country governments, international and regional bodies, and civil society organizations.
1. Review, create, support legislation that addresses the devastating impact on those countries
ta geted U.“. Fo eig poli to ste the tide of d ugs i the U ited “tates.
2. Advocate for a complete revie of the a o d ugs a d its i pli atio s fo the Af i a
American communities and the private prison pipeline.
2. Advocate for the development of a cohesive strategic response to NAFTA and its long term
ramifications
3. Mobilize businesses to lobby CONGRESS and The Executive Brach for overhaul of NAFTA
3. Mobilize businesses to lobby congress and the Executive Branch for transparency and
accountability with TPP.
Community Strategy
1. Sponsor open forums to discuss international trade and foreign policies that impact the black
community.
2. Educate, organize and mobilize community to understand and support positions related to the
best interest of the Black Community.
3. There should be social, cultural, and educational exchange and joint ventures, such as scholars
f o Af i a, the U ited “tates a d the Ca i ea taki g sa ati al lea e to tea h i ea h othe s
countries.
1. The creation of an outreach campaign that makes Black people aware of what is needed to
create true self –determination for the Black community in America, and to address the
apartheid systems which continue to destroy our people and communities across America.
2. All Afri a des e ded people should ead a d ha e a o ki g k o ledge of the AU s Agenda
2063. The Africa we want.
3. Creation of questions to the African Union which solicits what assistance they are in need of as it
relates to US foreign policy. To include policies which are detrimental to the AU and need to be
changed? Policies that is not written but needed?
2. Advocate for AU s Diaspo a A assado in Washington DC. to visit each city where large
African populations live and begin to build a working relationship with the people.
3. Create an Pan African Council in each state where all African, African-American, Caribbean and
Afro-Lati o people s li e a d he e o ga izatio s a eet, to get to k o ea h othe a d
olla o ate o p oje ts that tie i to the AU s Age da goals.
Lobbying
1. Advocate for the creation of a Lobbying arm to address foreign policy issues favorable to Africa,
the African Union, the Caribbean and Latin America and or leverage laws and policies already in
place to meet the same goals.
4. Lobby ECOWAS for an African - African Indigenous Bank so that we can exchange goods and
services between our people, since we have infrastructure, technology, and financing capability.
2. Learn more about your history and ancestors. Incorporate your history into your daily living
experiences by creating spaces that acknowledge our ancestors and history. Pass on this
knowledge to family members.
3. All African descended people should read and have a working knowledge of the Af i a U io s
Agenda 2063. The Africa we want.
4. Educate yourself on current and proposed policies related to black people and get involved
2. A Plebiscite vote is needed in the US so that Blacks can vote to have Sovereign status.
3. Monitor issues that impact Global African communities and prevent legislation that has
negative outcomes.
4. Speak up on behalf of our community highlighting issues that have an adverse impact for us.
5. Support US foreign policy which are win/win for all countries involved and leave a positive
legacy for Black people globally.
NBAC Chicago – National Black Agenda 2016 121515 38
6. Provide funding for the Policy Institutes that can help elected officials become more
knowledgeable.
Chicago 2016
African Americans involvement in the United States political system began with Mathias de Souza, first
person of African ancestry elected to Colonial Maryland Legislature in 1641-1642. Despite the increase
in black political representation, the socio-economic condition of black communities continues to see
little improvement in general.
The objective of this political agenda is to identify the best course of political actions our community
needs to pursue, in order to reinstate and secure our God given sovereignty/birthright and human
rights. As a o u it e ha e a espo si ilit to futu e ge e atio s to se u e a f a e o k of
freedom for self-determination, self –identity and sustainable development.
Dr. Ansari an International Esq. and Dean of the American Institute of Human Rights; describes the
African American plight within the following parameters. I the U ited “tates the path to po e t ,
mis-education, and societal discriminations are preconditioned by birthrights. Slavery, the most
oto ious of hu a ights i es as p edi ated o the dest u tio of Af i a A e i a s i th ights
a d su se ue t i stitutio al a gi alizatio i o it status of a e ti e people a hostile A glo-
A e i a Majo it . Ho the do we seek remedy for these human rights violations?
Article 73 of the Charter of the United Nation mandates that countries that have captured or
olo ized people to list the a d allo the the ight to “elf-dete i atio . The ight to i th ight
self-dete i atio is a TH‘E“HOLD hu a ight issue that ust e esol ed i o de to p o eed to
dis uss hi h ights a d p i ileges a e a aila le.
Self-determination is a positive right and a restorative, reparative remedy because, over time, it wipes
away the effect of the illegal status and allows the African American people the ability to attain the
status necessary to attain cultural, political and economic healing, privileges and native rights. Logically
and legally, peaceful, democratic, self-determination is the most comprehensive and appropriate
solution to the harms caused by slavery and apartheid.
Leadership in our community will address on some level, advocate and adhere to the
1. Construct and or support a Strategic Plan for the passage of Reparations legislation.
2. Legally Challenge Federal racial classifications to eesta lish Af i a A e i a s ight to
self- identity and self-determination.
3. Legally challenge the apartheid practice in the United States because of the following:
(a) denial to a member or members of a racial group or groups of the right to life and
liberty of person: (i) by murder of members of a racial group or groups; (ii) by the
infliction upon the members of a racial group or groups of serious bodily or mental
harm, by the infringement of their freedom or dignity, or by subjecting them to torture
or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; (iii) by arbitrary arrest and
illegal imprisonment of the members of a racial group or groups;
(b) Deliberate imposition on a racial group or groups of living conditions calculated to
cause its or their physical destruction in whole or in part;
(c) any legislative measures and other measures calculated to prevent a racial group or
groups from participation in the political, social, economic and cultural life of the
country and the deliberate creation of conditions preventing the full development of
such a group or groups, in particular by denying to members of a racial group or groups
basic human rights and freedoms, including the right to work, the right to form
recognized trade unions, the right to education, the right to leave and to return to their
country, the right to a nationality, the right to freedom of movement and residence, the
right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to freedom of peaceful
assem l a d asso iatio …
4. Advocate and or support a White House commissioned National Citizens' Redistricting
Conference to inform the citizenry of the importance and long range implications of
redistricting.
Community Strategy
1. Support Civic organizations that support the black political agenda and are implementing
some aspect of community engagement.
2. Reach out to and partner (MOU) with other organizations that are working towards some
aspect of the Black Political Agenda and community empowerment.
3. Share information and human resources collectively to move the agenda forward.
Chicago 2016
Discussion:
Justice is defined as the principle or ideal of moral rightness; equity; the upholding of what is right and
la ful We ste s Ne Collegiate Di tio a
African Americans have been denied justice in all sectors of society within the United States and
throughout the world. We have been stripped of human dignity and the right to live as human beings.
As a people, our life chances have been greatly compromised and curtailed due to various dysfunctions
to which we have succumbed.
As African Americans, we have decided to actively respond to our needs as a collective body having
come to the conclusion that we must deliver ourselves from the onslaught of the oppressive constructs
and systems of a hostile majority.
An enemy is defined as: one feeling or displaying hostility or malice toward another: a hostile force or
po e : so ethi g ha i g dest u ti e effe ts We ste s Ne Collegiate Di tio a .
In order to initially address the myriad of issues relative to justice; we must confront and systematically
dismantle all contrary and subversive policies, agendas and so forth that continue to adversely impact us
as a people.
African American males are disproportionately targeted and impacted by the criminal justice system—
through unfair sentencing, policies, racial profiling, brutality and so forth. As a result, African American
families and their communities have suffered adversely in every sector of the Human Index.
Police Reform
Justice is a broad topic—the American justice system has moving parts that simultaneously affect life,
death, freedom, and justice; so, disrupting the operation of a single part may often yield no visible
results. This is why we must attack the problem of injustice, as it pertains to Black Americans, from
many different directions, using different tactics, in a united, yet non-uniform manner.
Reinstate and maintain funding for the Torture Act Human Rights—775 IL CS 40/) Torture
Inquiry Relief Act
Eliminate all crime policies that disproportionately target African Americans
Aggressively prosecute any law enforcement personnel involved in crime, corruption and cover-
ups relative to African Americans
Swiftly address all issues involving and/or alleging police misconduct or brutality, including
wrongful deaths
Establish a Civilian Police Accountability Council nationwide
Eliminate the disparity of African Americans on the police force
Provide enhanced cultural sensitivity training for law enforcement using best practices models
Review records of police officers and provide ongoing psychological assessments of behavior
patterns—stiffer and harsher penalties for police abuse and misconduct
Community Strategy
Appendices
You are receiving this proposal and hopefully we can work collectively to make this a reality for the
millions of Returning Citizens who are being denied opportunities based solely on their criminal
background/record. The question of when we have completed our sentences needs to be answered and
a National standard established. When has our debt to society been paid? Does anyone know? Some of
ou o i tio s a e se e al ea s e e de ades old a d yet the formerly incarcerated still face
discrimination; therefore the question of continued punishment by society needs to be answered by
legislative and judiciary measures.
The Argument
In the past this issue has been addressed as a moral issue and those efforts have been unsuccessful. The
root cause of the inability to successfully reintegrate back into society for Formerly Incarcerated citizens
are the discriminatory administrative policies and statutory laws that either limit or deny participation in
the areas of employment, housing, and most importantly, education.
Under the current system regardless of how long we were incarcerated it amounts to a life sentence of
being a second class citizen. There is no uniform means to regain our citizenship or rid oneself of the
stigma associated with being an ex-felon. The Formerly Incarcerated and the LBGT communities are the
only Citizens in this Country whose citizenship rights vary from State to State. For instance most
The effect of these policies has created a permanently dependent class or a predatory one. Since
Formerly Incarcerated citizens are not allowed to earn a living and support themselves they must prey
upon those who do, either through entitlements or sponging off someone who is working. This is the
root cause of the high recidivism rate here in Illinois and across the nation. The Formerly Incarcerated
population is asked do something no other class of citizen is required to do, live in a capitalist society
without any legal means of earning capital.
The discriminatory policies created by administrators, legislators and employers amounts to a post
incarceration sentence is a violation of the double jeopardy clause in the 5th Amend and the separation
of powers, because only the judicial branch is empowered under the constitution to mete out and
impose punishment. The judge did not sentence us to life!! The Formerly Incarcerated population is the
only class of people it is legal to discriminate against in the United States.
Moreover if the United States government can consider providing a pathway to citizenship to an illegal
immigrant population, who they do not know what crimes they may have committed in their country of
origin. They should do no less for United States citizens.
Therefore I am proposing the following steps for the Formerly Incarcerated to regain their Citizenship:
1. Must complete parole/probation and special board orders such as drug treatment, anger
management, life skill development et .….
2. Must obtain a G.E.D. or have a High School Diploma
3. Must be employed, actively seeking employment, enrolled in vocational training, college or
entrepreneurial/microfinance program
4. Not have had any felony conviction for a period of time commensurate with the conviction. (1,
3, 5, or 7 years)
5. If the above steps are successfully completed then the Formerly
Incarcerated shall have his/her record forever sealed unless he/she re-offends
It is critical we address this issue both in legislature and in the Courts.
Benefits of this Proposal
What this proposal does is empower the Formerly Incarcerated Citizen with the ability to determine
their destiny.
The Information in this document has been copyrighted any attempt to duplicate the
information for public or private use is prohibited without expressed written consent Keepin It
Real Law Project or its author.
Appendices continued
(Please refer to any of the documents below)
IPRA Ordinance.pdf
IPRA_AnnualReport2009-2010.pdf
Legislation-2.pdf
policecorruption.pdf
Shocking ACLU Report One Life Without Parole Sentences For Nonviolent Crimes
Use of force.pdf
Please find attached, Reports, Articles, Successful strategies of the past, Laws and Current strategies to
combat INJUSTICE IN OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Every 28 hours is a report that outlines the frequency at which Black people in America are victims of
extrajudicial killings
A Plan For Activism is an outline of the strategy to combat injustice in our judicial system
CPAC Legislation Summary and Legislation are a summary and full copy of the proposal for an Elected
Civilian Police Accountability Council, a Chicago ordinance that would give civilians control over the
actions and discipline of their police
Police Corruption is a report, issued by the University of Chicago, which outlines the audacity of police
corruption in Chicago
Racial Bias Report is an article that outlines facts found in a report by the Sentencing Project, which
clearly shows the disparity in sentencing between the races
Title 6 Case outlines the successful fight that organizations in San Antonio waged against a brutal
police force, filing department of justice complaints, and having the police force censured based on their
violations of title 6 of the civil rights act
Racial Profiling Bill is the actual bill passed by the 112th congress addressing racial profiling, on the
books and underutilized
IPRA 2012 numbers show the insulting rate at which the Independent Police Review Authority, the
organization that is charged with investigating police misconduct, finds officers liable for the crimes they
commit.
Contract Police is a copy of an old contract between the city of Chicago and the police union. In this
contract we find protections for police officers that make it hard and close to impossible to hold police
accountable for wrongdoing, without the okay of the police union, which has a history of protecting
thei o , at all osts
All of these documents will be compiled into a final agenda report that will be guided by the wants and
needs of the community as they have been reported by the organizations on the ground, yet infused
with proposed strategies, developed by the experience and research of those that have dedicated 1000s
of hours toward finding a solution for these problems.
Displaying IPRA_AnnualReport2009-2010.pdf.
Chicago 2016
Our Sisters and Brothers on the Continent of Africa, in Europe, in the Caribbean and South America
(particularly Brazil and Columbia) are waging a global struggle for repair at this very moment. Blacks in
America are out of step with our global family in this regards.
N COB‘A, the Natio al Coalitio of Bla ks fo ‘epa atio s i A e i a has ot let up i ou ighteous
st uggle fo Bla ks to e epai ed i this ou t . I fa t, it has ee N COB‘A that has at a ious ti es
led the international conversation that inspired our Brothers and Sisters globally to engage this battle.
As the fight agai st the Eu opea po e s, i additio to N COB‘A, the Bla k Is Ba k Coalitio fo “o ial
Justice, Peace and Reparations, the North American Reparations Task Force, various social media forces,
and the newly formed National African American Reparations Committee, Blacks in America are once
more becoming engaged against the United States Government – one of the biggest players in this
global criminal enterprise that is ongoing.
As we formulate a new Black Agenda - one that crafts strategy and policies to advance us from the state
of injury to repair, from injury to wholeness, from injury to health, to avoid the causation of these
injuries (the global crimes against African humanity by the United States government, corporations,
institutions and prominent families) - would also be continuing the original crime.
1. Develop a resolution and push nationally and locally for all government parties to
recognize, honor work fully to incorporate the International Decade of People of African
Descent into public policy with the themes
a. Recognition
b. Justice
c. Development
2. Aid in enforcing the Durban Declaration and Program of Action which states
a. Slavery, the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonialism and apartheid (Jim Crow
segregation) were crimes against humanity
b. That there was an economic basis to those crimes that enrich the racists and
impoverished and injured the victims ( which is still evident in the descendants of
both groups)
c. There is an obligation on behalf of the criminal to repair the wrongs
3. Sign on and support the Reparations Enforcement Movement, i itiated N COB‘A Chi ago
Chapter that utilizes the direct action model of activism to target corporations and
institutions that criminally injured our ancestors and has led to the current self-destructive
and alienated states within the African descendant community.
4. Sign on and support the call for a presidential executive order for the creation of the John
Hope Franklin Initiative and Commission for Reparatory Justice for People of African Descent
Institute of Medicine, Committee on Monitoring Access to Personal Health Care Services. Access to
health care in America. Millman M, editor. Washington: National Academies Press; 1993.
Bierman A, Magari ES, Jette AM, et al. Assessing access as a first step toward improving the quality of
care for very old adults. J Ambul Care Manage. 1998 Jul;121(3):17-26.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). National healthcare disparities report 2008.
Chapter 3, Access to healthcare. Washington: AHRQ; 2008. Available
from: http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/nhdr08/Chap3.htm
Hadley J. Insurance coverage, medical care use, and short-term health changes following an
unintentional injury or the onset of a chronic condition. JAMA. 2007;297(10):1073-84.
Insuring America's health: Principles and recommendations. Acad Emerg Med. 2004;11(4):418-22.
Durham J, Owen P, Bender B, et al. Self-assessed health status and selected behavioral risk factors
among persons with and without healthcare coverage—United States, 1994-1995. MMWR. 1998
Mar;13;47(9):176-80.
FOSTER-FISHMAN, PENNY AND SALEM, DEBORAH A. (1997). Facilitating Collaboration Among Human
Service Delivery Organizations. Michigan State University, Department of Psychology (unpublished)
GO TO 2040 Public Engagement Public participation has been a consistent emphasis of GO TO 2040, and
at key intersections throughout the process, CMAP reached out to the public for input. Documentation
includes CMAP s Pu li Pa ti ipatio Pla , the ‘egio al Visio p o ess, a d the I e t the Futu e
p o ess elated to GO TO s p efe ed s e a io.
See http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/public-engagement.
Forty-seven strategy papers on various topics were researched and produced during the development of
the GO TO 2040 regional comprehensive plan. Documentation includes summaries, full interactive
reports, PDF documents, and related information.
See http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/go-to-2040-strategy-papers.
Bank for International Settlements 2014. BIS Papers No 76; The role of central banks in macroeconomic
and financial stability All rights reserved
Frazier, G. (2009). Voices of Success: Four African American Male School Leaders. University of Michigan:
Michigan
Smiley, T. (2006). The Covenant with Black America: Third World Press: Chicago.
Torture Inquiry Relief Act—Human Rights: 775 IL CS (40/).
NBAC Chicago – National Black Agenda 2016 121515 54
From: Natasha Korecki [illinoisplaybook@politico.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2017 5:19 AM
To: Hairston, Leslie
Subject: POLITICO Illinois Playbook: RAUNER staff SHAKE-UP — SCHOOL FUNDING war looms — SUN-TIMES bid is in
THE BUZZ - At some point this weekend, Gov. Bruce Rauner apparently woke up and realized he is no longer thehappiest
he's been in 20 years.
By Monday morning, Rauner had ousted his combative chief of staff,Rich Goldberg, and stunningly replaced him with
Illinois Policy Institute president Kristina Rasmussen who has advocated a cuts-only budget. (The Pritzker campaign
compiled Rasmussen's past positions: Click here ). Rasmussen - and the conservative Illinois Policy Institute - have been
blasting Rauner for months after the governor publicly embraced an income tax and services tax hike. She once wrote for
the controversial Breitbart.com, and the budget IPI championed included eliminating 600,000 people from the Medicaid rolls.
"Rasmussen has a radical conservative record, signaling that stubborn Rauner is [in] no way ready to compromise,"
Pritzker's campaign said in a statement.
IPI CEO John Tillman had a different take: "We must reform the system that has allowed House Speaker Mike Madigan
and his political machine to create such hardship for working families," Tillman said in a statement. "With the governor's
decision to add Kristina to his team, Illinois taxpayers and families have an effective and proven champion on their side."
By early evening, Republican state Rep. Steven Andersson was asked to step down from his post as floor leader.
This is just some of the fallout - more is expected - from last week's punishing veto overrides that upped the state's
income tax rate while failing to adopt any of the policy changes on which Rauner has banked his term in office. The
overrides happened with the help of 10 Republicans (including Andersson) in the House and one in the Senate.
BLAME GAME - Breaking it down, if Rauner is really this humiliated by the override votes then he either miscalculated the
roll call within his own party, wasn't kept apprised by his surrogates that they weren't fully pressing Republican lawmakers to
vote no - or he underestimated the fallout publicly from last week's override. (All these possibilities suggested by GOP
sources on Monday).
But it also begs the question: if Rauner was so deadset against an override that ultimately gave him revenue without the
blame, then why did he veto the budget package so quickly? He must have known the Senate had barely enough votes on
the Fourth of July holiday to pass the budget in the first place - Democrats even had to summon state Sen. Bill Haine, who
is battling cancer. Rauner could have held onto it - instead of immediately vetoing it and giving it to the Senate to override
within 30 minutes --- then more closely worked the roll call. Same goes for the House.
HOUSE POLITICS - A discussion was brewing last night on Twitter over retaliatory tactics by Rauner. Democrats would be
lambasted for such a move, state Sen. Andy Manar suggested. But some within Rauner's own party believe the governor
didn't act soon enough. The actions he took should have happened before the House's scheduled override vote to quell a
rebellion.
Others say Rauner only has himself to blame. He sent Republicans mixed messages: he publicly stated that he would sign
the "Capitol Compromise" a GOP package that contained a 32 percent tax increase - like the one he vetoed - except
temporary. Hell, if he supported a tax increase anyway then why wait until the state is destroyed to pass it? And it was more
than clear that Rauner's plan had no traction in a Democrat-majority Legislature. At some point, lawmakers say they had to
choose between the fate of their districts and the governor's political will.
'GOVERNOR GOLDBERG' - There are many lawmakers - on both sides of the aisle - cheering Goldberg's exit. Goldberg is
known for his aggressively confrontational style, getting really personal really quickly. One of the chief complaints throughout
the last session was that despite Goldberg's derisive personality, Rauner had given him unfettered negotiating power as
lawmakers attempted to end a prolonged budget stalemate. So much so, he was sometimes privately called "Governor
Goldberg."
But whatever you think of him, the guy was a Rauner advocate while at the same time being pragmatic, those close to him
say. "Rich is fiercely loyal. He's used to being in the trenches, whether it's in Springfield or in Washington," said a friend of
Goldberg's, Aaron Keyak with Bluelight Strategies. "He's always been someone willing to get his hands dirty when needing
to fight for his boss' priorities." Keyak said Goldberg will likely move back to foreign policy work, where he has shined in the
past.
SB1 - From Rauner's standpoint, SB1, a massive school equity funding bill, could be his last real chance at extracting at
least some of the items he thinks will salvage a reelection. If he vetoes the bill and lawmakers fail to override, schools may
not open in the fall. That is where he's seeing his leverage. Hiring Rasmussen now signals the governor is preparing for
serious combat.
Where will the 15 Republicans who voted to override stand? They'll have to do analyses in their districts: Will schools
suffer the most from the bill or from a shutdown? Can these reps withstand attacks from the right?
- "Rauner signals war with new chief of staff," by Crain's Chicago Business' Greg Hinz: "If you think Illinois' budget
wars have been mean and nasty so far, just wait. That's the unmistakable message Gov. Bruce Rauner sent today in
pushing out his chief of staff after last week's budget override fiasco in favor of a no-tax-hike hardliner who almost makes
the boss look moderate in comparison ... Under her leadership, the institute's budget plan asserted that the state's books
could be balanced and a new spending plan adopted with no tax increase at all. It would do so by, among other things,
removing 600,000 people from Medicaid; slashing the state payroll 10 percent; keeping $1.75 billion a year in income tax
revenues that the state now shares with local governments; forcing local school districts to pick up $1 billion a year in
teacher pensions that the state now pays; and effectively eliminating collective bargaining for all public workers by allowing
officials to impose take-it-or-leave-it terms." Story here
- "Days after lawmakers override Rauner veto, he gets new chief of staff," by Chicago Tribune's Kim Geiger:"A key
adviser to Gov. Bruce Rauner is leaving the administration, replaced by a leader of a high-profile conservative think tank, the
governor's office announced Monday. Chief of Staff Richard Goldberg will be 'transitioning back to foreign policy, national
security and consulting following a three-year plus term as senior adviser' to Rauner, the governor's office said in a
statement. Goldberg's replacement is Kristina Rasmussen, who was the president and chief operating officer of the Illinois
Policy Institute, a conservative think tank." Story here
Welcome to the POLITICO Illinois Playbook! We welcome your tips, events, announcements. Send to
nkorecki@politico.com or @natashakorecki SUBSCRIBE to Illinois Playbook For more Illinois news visit:
http://www.politico.com/news/illinois
TWO-PAPER TOWN? - "Eisendrath confirms cash for Sun-Times deal: 'I'm truly grateful to everybody,'" by Robert
Feder: "Edwin Eisendrath and a coalition of labor unions made good on their promise to secure funding to acquire the
Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Reader, the former Chicago alderman confirmed Monday. With more than $11.2
million placed in escrow, Eisendrath and his group met the deadline set by the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division
to complete the transaction with Wrapports Holdings LLC. Behind the effort were unions affiliated with the Chicago
Federation of Labor and seven individual investors, Eisendrath said. 'I'm truly grateful to everybody for stepping up,' he said.
'Labor and the other investors have been really fabulous. And the outpouring of support and good wishes from the people of
Chicago - just everybody - has been tremendous.'" Story here
CHICAGO
- "South Side community activists push for economic promises from Obama center," by Chicago Tribune's Manya
Brachear Pashman: "South Side community activists who want residents to see dividends from the Obama Presidential
Center have begun drafting their wish list for community benefits agreements that seek new jobs, improved schools and
affordable housing for nearby residents. They say a growing perception that community input is unwelcome has helped to
fuel support for their efforts." Story here
- "Emanuel gets some victories from Springfield," by Chicago Tribune staff: "Mayor Rahm Emanuel could bask in
legislative victories after last week's special legislative session in Springfield wrapped up. Emanuel got pension reforms
passed, the potential for more money from a 911 phone fee increase and lawmakers' approval of an education spending
plan that would drive more money toward Chicago Public Schools. Earlier, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a plan to crack down
on people convicted of repeat gun crimes that the mayor had pushed for." Story here
- "Three Chicago Police officers plead not guilty in Laquan McDonald case," by Chicago Sun-Times' Andy Grimm:
"Three Chicago Police officers have pleaded not guilty to charges they tried to cover up wrongdoing by the officer who shot
Laquan McDonald to death. Officers Joseph Walsh, David March and Thomas Gaffney made their first court appearances
Monday since being indicted last month on charges stemming from the 2014 death of 17-year-old McDonald, who was shot
16 times by fellow CPD officer Jason Van Dyke." Story here
- "Taste of Chicago draws record-setting 1.6 million attendees and more intel," by Chicago Eater's Daniel Gerzina:
"As Chicago Eaters get more and more food festival options every year, the best-known fest in the area is more popular
than ever, according to data provided by the city. An estimated 1.6 million people attended this year's Taste of Chicago that
ended on Sunday -- the most since it moved to a five-day format in 2012 -- multiple outlets report. 1.4 million people
attended last year." Story here
- "Armed kids, some as young as 6, robbing people on South side, police say," by DNAinfo's Sam Cholke:"Police
are searching for two armed boys possibly as young as six years old allegedly behind an attempted armed robbery near
Williams Park on June 28. Police sent out a warning to residents Friday after a string of 11 robberies in June by groups of
children, many of them 10-11 years old, with the youngest involving two boys described by the victim as between six and
eight years old." Story here
- "ACLU urges Emanuel, aldermen to strengthen Welcoming City Ordinance," by Chicago Sun-Times' Fran
Spielman: "The American Civil Liberties Union urged Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the City Council Monday to strengthen
Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance to ensure that "all immigrants are protected, without exception." Currently, Chicago
Police officers are permitted to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement if targeted individuals are: in the city's
gang database; have pending felony prosecutions or prior felony convictions or if they are the subject of an outstanding
criminal warrant." Story here
- "1 in 4 African-American students stuck in subpar schools: report," by Chicago Sun-Times' Lauren FitzPatrick:
"One in four African-American students in Chicago Public Schools attends a "failing" school, according to a new analysis
that puts the number for Hispanic students at two in 25 and, for white students, two in 100. That's according to a report
Monday from the education advocacy group New Schools for Chicago, which also says about one in every five schools
overall isn't fulfilling the promise of a quality education." Story here
BUDGET
- "Illinois tax hikes give Indiana competitive advantage," by NWI Times Dan Carden:"The personal and corporate
income tax rate increases enacted last week by the Democratic-controlled Illinois General Assembly -- over the veto of
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner -- could be a boon for Indiana. 'We've had a lot of businesses from Illinois looking at Indiana
in the past because of our business climate,' said Abby Gras, spokeswoman for the Indiana Economic Development Corp.,
the state's commerce department." Story here
- "Treasurer to Rauner: Go to NY with budget-plan commitment," by AP:"The state treasurer says Illinois Gov. Bruce
Rauner must go to New York to talk bond-rating houses out of knocking the state's creditworthiness into "junk" status.
Democrat Michael Frerichs said in Chicago Monday that the Republican governor should commit to the $36 billion spending
plan the General Assembly adopted last week over his vetoes.'" Story here
- "Picking up the pieces in Illinois," by Inside Higher Ed's Rick Seltzer: "... In May of this year, the 1,200-employee
Northeastern Illinois announced 180 job cuts that did not affect faculty. They followed the elimination of 65 noninstructional
positions in 2015. The university has also furloughed employees, frozen hiring and delayed maintenance. It closed and
canceled classes for several days this spring. It eliminated hundreds of student jobs. So it is no surprise that college leaders
sounded relieved after lawmakers last week narrowly overrode a gubernatorial veto and passed a state budget for the first
time since 2015. The $36 billion spending plan enables them to move out of a triage mind-set." Story here
- "Push to legalize weed still on in Illinois to help solve budget problems," by DNAinfo's Heather Cherone:"A push to
solve the state's fiscal crisis by legalizing marijuana will continue in January when lawmakers return to Springfield for a new
session, one of the lawmakers behind the effort said. Two bills authored by state Sen. Heather Steans and state Rep. Kelly
Cassidy, both from Edgewater, were not brought to a vote before the end of the regular legislative session in June -- by
design, to give the lawmakers time to gather feedback on the measure, Steans said." Story here
STATE
- "FAQ: How would the Republican health care bills affect you?" by WBEZ:"When covering the GOP efforts to repeal
and replace the Affordable Care Act, we tend to focus on the big picture: billions of cuts in Medicaid spending, say, or
millions fewer people with health coverage. But the real impacts would be felt in states, cities and towns, and they would
vary a lot depending on where you live, how old you are and your particular health concerns. Reporters for NPR and NPR
member stations across the country have delved into those geographic and demographic impacts; their reporting fuels this
Q&A, which you can search by topic and locale." Story here
- "Eclipse 2017: Businesses plan for huge crowds," by the Southern Illinoisan's Marilyn Halstead:"Across Southern
Illinois, businesses are preparing for the eclipse and the people who are expected to flock to the area. With estimates of
visitors ranging from 45,000 to 200,000, the region will be crowded. Businesses are planning to have enough goods and
services on hand to capitalize on the event and show the area's famous southern-style hospitality." Story here
- "Illinois highway to be named after Barack Obama," by NPR Illinois' Brian Mackey:"Passing a budget wasn't the only
thing Illinois lawmakers did last week. They also named a major road after former president Barack Obama. Anyone who's
ever listened to a Chicago traffic report knows the names - Edens, Eisenhower, Stevenson, Ryan. Now, an addition: the
Barack Obama Presidential Expressway." Story here
DELEGATION
- "Duckworth criticizes GOP health care plan," by Belleville News-Democrat's Joseph Bustos:"While visiting the
Chestnut Health Systems location in Granite City on Monday, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, spoke out against the
proposed GOP health care proposal and how it could hurt those dealing with opioid addiction. ... Duckworth complimented
the work being done at Chestnut, and like facilities, in treating people in the opioid epidemic." Story here
NATION
- "Donald Trump Jr. in legal danger for Russia meeting about Clinton dirt," by POLITICO's Darren Samuelsohn:
Story here
- "Senate GOP aims to release new health bill by week's end," by POLITICO's Burgess Everett, Jennifer Haberkorn
and Josh Dawsey: Story here
- "How the Miss Universe pageant led to Trump team's meeting with Russian lawyer," by The New York Times'
Steve Eder and Megan Twohey: Story here
- "Federal prosecutors step up probe of land deal pushed by wife of Bernie Sanders," by The Washington Post's
Shawn Boburg and Jack Gillum: Story here
This week - 2017 Supreme Court Update Regional Summer Institute - Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago - This
three-day institute is designed to promote a greater understanding of the Supreme Court of the United States and its roles in
American government.
TUESDAY- JB Pritzker - ChiHackNight - Chi Hack Night is proud to present the second part of our series: Better Know Your
Candidates for Illinois Governor! This week welcome JB Pritzker, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and private
business owner based in Chicago. JB will make his case for being our next Governor, and discuss the vision he has for the
State of Illinois.
WEDNESDAY - Illinois: A State Divided? - ICPR - Polling experts join journalists and grassroots advocates for a frank
discussion on the direction of Illinois through the eyes of its diverse and changing population.
THURSDAY - The Importance of Charter Schools - Chicago Young Republicans - Join a panel of experts on everything you
need to know about Charter Schools and to engage CYR members in an issue that is important in today's political
discourse.
WHERE'S RAHM? Announces food business incubator on West Side then attends Planning Commission meeting.
Want to make an impact? POLITICO Illinois has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the
most influential people in the Land of Lincoln. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to
increase brand awareness amongst this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster
engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: [jshapiro@politico.com] jshapiro@politico.com.
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Updates
VOTE on 10th Ward Funds and Projects
Decide how $1 million in funds should be spent in the 10th Ward. Vote for the first time in the 10th
Ward to decide how funds should be spent to improve the structure of the 10th Ward.
When & Where: Wed., April 13-April 21, 9am-5pm: 10th Ward Office, 10500 S Ewing
Wed., April 13, 12p-6m: Report Card Pickup at:
New Sullivan Elementary, 8331 S Mackinaw Ave
Marsh Elementary, 9810 S Exchange Ave
Jane Addams Elementary, 10810 S Avenue H
OT Bright Elementary, 10740 S Calhoun Ave
Thurs. April 14, 12p-6m: Washington High School, 3535 E 114th St
Mon., April 18, 4-8pm: South Chicago Library, 9055 S Houston
Tues., April 19, 4-8pm: Jeffrey Manor Library, 2401 E 100th St
Wed., April 20, 4-8pm: Vodak Library, 3710 E 106th St
Thurs., April 21, 4-8pm: Hegewisch Library, 3048 E 130th St
Projects include:
Project 1: Archway Welcoming Signs
Project 2: Concrete Flower Beds
(100th & Torrence Ave- Skyway Bowl, 103rd &Torrence-Heines Chicken, 2634 E. 106th
Street)
Project 3: Viaduct Mural Art- $40,000
(9930 S. Ewing, 100th and Ave J)
Project 4: Art Sculptures along the Burnham Greenway Bike Trail- $10,000
Project 5: Calumet Park Dog Park
Project 6: Rowan Park Track Resurfacing
Project 7: Streets and Sidewalks
(Designate a certain percentage of the budget to be used on streets and sidewalks)
7th Ward Townhall
When: Monday, April 18, 6-8pm
Where: Compassion Baptist Church, 2650 E 95th St
ASE coordinates the Coalition for a Lakeside CBA, which is focused on making sure the former
U.S. Steel site on the southeast side benefits local residents, by addressing the overwhelming
need for training, jobs, affordable housing, and educational partnerships in southeast Chicago.
Lakeside Development covers more than twice the size of the Chicago Loop, and will take place
over the next 30 years. The site will create numerous jobs and affordable and market rate housing.
Southeast Side residents have been advocating for a Community Benefits Agreement, which will
ensure that development of the region does not lead to displacement of its current populations.
For more information, please call 312-747-4400 to register for a one-on-one consultation.
Registration begins on April 26.
Job & Training Opportunities
Get the training and experience to prepare for future jobs that may be available at Lakeside
Development.
ASE provides leadership trainings for youth take action on issues they have identified-
neighborhood safety, summer jobs & internships, and educational supports. Last year: Youth
spoke at several events on access to summer jobs, STEM/vocational programs, and a
community center. They led a 100 person march/rally against violence. They have received news
coverage on CAN-TV and in the Chicago Reporter.
WHAT: Learn job skills, Develop resumes, Explore a range of career interests from working
outdoors to involvement in art and academic enrichment programs.
DEADLINE: May 15
Recipients all have a compelling desire to pursue higher education, in spite of many personal,
socio-economic setbacks, including teen pregnancy, former incarceration, interrupted schooling,
poverty, and homelessness. They are want to make positive contributions to their local and global
communities.
Eligibility requirements:
High school seniors, students with GED diplomas, undergraduate (2 year or 4 year) college
students, and students at vocational or trade schools
US citizen or Permanent Resident
25 years old or younger
Minimum 2.0 GPA
Applications must be submitted between April 1- April 30.
For more information, please contact Dante Sawyer at dante.sawyer@mail.house.gov or call 708-
679-0078.
Supporting Education Opportunities
Giving our residents the education and tools needed to prepare for future job opportunities in the
community and at Lakeside Development.
All applicants will be notified by May 31, 2016. COWL Scholarship Program is for the 2016-2017
Academic Year.
Green Initiatives
Supporting initiatives to make our neighborhoods enjoyable, energy efficient, and healthy
unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser
From: Carl West/TBTNewsService.com [midwestgap@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2017 9:45 AM
To: Ward05
Subject: Women with Preckwinkle / KLEO Benefit Gala / Helen Shiller / Why Learning Is Difficult / March for a CBA
Subscribe
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toni preckwinkle
Toni Preckwinkle
TOP STORY: Women with Preckwinkle: Friends, please lend your support to Cook County Board PresidentToni
Preckwinkle. We hope you can join us for an evening with women from across Cook County who stand with President
Preckwinkle on Wednesday, November 7 at Parkway Ballroom, 4455 S. King Drive (Chicago). Complimentary beer and wine
reception from 5:30pm - 6:30pm. Men are welcomed. For more information, contact Marion Batey at 773.664.1785 or
rrcmarion@yahoo.com.
***
TBTNEWS REPORT
Obama Foundation Announces Additions to the Board
The Obama Foundation announced four new additions to its Board of Directors:Penny Pritzker, former Secretary of
Commerce and founder and chairman of PSP Capital; Glenn Hutchins, co-founder of North Island and co-founder of Silver
Lake; Dr. Mahalia Hines , Board President of the Common Ground Foundation; and Juan Salgado, Chancellor of City
Colleges of Chicago.
The addition of the new Directors will strengthen the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to civic and community engagement.
The Board of Directors, who serve in a voluntary capacity, will help the Obama Foundation with its mission to identify, inspire,
and train the next generation of civic leaders to make the positive change needed to strengthen Chicago communities and
communities across the country.
The new Directors will join current members John Doerr, Thelma Golden, Governor Deval Patrick, David Plouffe, J.
Kevin Poorman, John Rogers, Michael Sacks, Julianna Smoot, Maya Soetoro-Ng, and Robert Wolf. Chairman of
the Board is Marty Nesbitt.
“Over the last two years, the Obama Foundation has put together a diverse and talented team to fulfill an ambitious agenda –
from unveiling the initial site plan of the Obama Presidential Center to rolling out the first of our programming initiatives and
events,” said Nesbitt. “I look forward to working with our entire board as we look to create an institution that achieves President
and Mrs. Obama’s vision of identifying and training the next generation of civic leaders.”
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Penny Pritzker said: “I am deeply honored to work once again with President Obama in this historic and vital endeavor to create
greater economic opportunity in Chicago and beyond. Marty has put together an outstanding Board to help counsel and guide the
Obama Foundation, and I am excited to be a part of this terrific team.” Pritzker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics
from Harvard University and a Juris Doctor and Masters of Business Administration from Stanford University.
Glenn Hutchins said: “President Obama's vision of realizing the potential of democracy by activating citizens and communities to
tackle their most pressing civic challenges is compelling and inspiring.” Mr. Hutchins has published essays on economic and
public policy in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Financial Times, Fortune, Foreign Affairs and New
Republic. Mr. Hutchins holds an A.B. from Harvard College, an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, and a J.D. from Harvard
Law School.
Dr. Mahalia Hines said: “As a Chicagoan and an educator, I know the tremendous impact theObama Foundation and the Obama
Presidential Center will have on the South Side community and beyond.” Dr. Hines received her doctor degree from the
University of Illinois, a Master’s from Northeastern University and undergraduate degree from Central State University.
"I am honored by the opportunity to further the President and First Lady's vision for a transformationalPresidential Center," said
Juan Salgado, who completed the Owner/President Management program at Harvard Business School. Salgado has been
nationally recognized for his work, most recently as a 2015 MacArthur Fellow, one of the most prestigious innovation prizes in the
United States.
The announcement comes after the Obama Foundation hosted an inaugural Summit in Chicago. Hundreds of young civic leaders
from around the world participated in a hands-on exchange of ideas to inspire and empower participants with the tools to create
positive change in their communities. For more information, contact Kate Berner at kberner@skdknick.com.
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TBTNEWS ALERT
March for a CBA on site of Obama Library: South Siders continue to mobilize for aCommunity Benefits Agreement for jobs,
housing, and more, pressing forward. On Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 4:30 PM starting at 6220 S. Stony Island, in front of Hyde Park
Academy, over 200 community members and allies will step up the pressure by holding a march through the park where the
Obama Presidential Center will be built.
Since 2014, community groups, now numbering two dozen, have been organized to stop the displacement of long time African
American residents from the neighborhood surrounding the Obama Library. They are fighting for a CBA to ensure long-time
residents’ benefit and have opportunities for jobs and affordable housing is preserved. “As taxpayers and residents, it is not
unreasonable for Black people on the South Side of Chicago to have a CBA to demand that construction and permanent jobs are
guaranteed, that we are not pushed out of our community, and that we create spaces for our young people,” said Parrish
Brown, Black Youth Project 100.
“This is literally a million-dollar question,” said Juanita Irizarry, Executive Director of Friends of the Parks. “Not least, will the
millions of dollars worth of public park land being given to a private foundation result in promised replacement parkland, better
roads and public transportation, and other basics? Chicago won’t take this lying down.” So Chicagoans, stand up for a negotiated,
legally-binding agreement to benefit communities. For more details, contact Devondrick Jeffers at DLCJeffers@gmail.com
at 773-414-4232. - J. Brian Malone
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CELEBRITY TRAFFIC
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Homies Vince Bass, Dometi Pongo, Carl West and Madhatta at Urban League Gala Dinner at Hilton Hotel
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Helen Shiller
Helen Shiller
TBTNEWS HEADLINE
Helen 7.0 Resilient and Relentless
Greetings Colleague and Friend, I couldn’t be more excited about the chance to celebrate my friendHelen Shiller’s birthday.
Nothing could be more appropriate as a venue or emblematic of her enduring commitment than the Center, which, in true Shiller
fashion, fights for social justice each and every day.
On Friday, November 10th, we are gathering to celebrateHelen's 70 years of life and 50 years of activism and public service.
Helen wants to enjoy her birthday with family, friends, and contemporaries while raising awareness and resources for her current
passion, the Westside Justice Center (WJC), a new collective of legal professionals and activists who provide holistic pro bono
legal services, legal literacy, and training for community members.
I hope you’ll join me on November 10th at Cinespace Ballroom, 2602 W. 16th St. (Chicago). For more details, contactWestside
Justice Center at 773-940-2213 at info@westsidejustice.org or westsidejustice.org. - Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
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TBTNEWS UPDATE
Community Leaders Prepare for Annual KLEO Benefit Gala
KLEO Community Family Life Center will present its 11th Annual KLEO Gala, taking place at Alhambra Palace Restaurant
on Sunday, November 19. Hosted by Chicago’s own Damon Williams the night will feature a dinner, silent auction,
presentation of awards and live music by Class Act Entertainment.
“The KLEO Annual Benefit Gala is one of the most memorable events in our local community. With MayorRahm Emmanuel
as the Honorary Chair, hundreds of supporters, elected city and state officials all coming together, this is an event not to be
missed,” says KLEO founder Torrey Barrett.
For over 10 years, KLEO has worked to help families live healthy and productive lives in stable, self-sustaining urban
communities—and has made huge strides. Accomplishments include: providing jobs and mentorship for over 600 youth;
partnering to provide food & healthcare to over 1,200 community residents and providing backpacks and school supplies to over
700 students each year during it’s annual Peace Fest and Back to School Rally held in Washington Park.
Each year the Gala presents a Civic Award and an Angel Award. This year's Angel Award will posthumously be given toKleo
Yolaughn Barrett, a Cook County Deputy Sheriff who the center was named in honor of, after she was tragically killed in 2007
in a domestic violence related incident. Supporters agree that her spirit and soul continues to live on through the great works the
KLEO Center is doing.
KLEO says it is also honored to present this year’sCivic Award_to Bridget Gainer, Cook County Commissioner, who founded
Cause the Effect Chicago, formerly Off the Sidelines Chicago_, to bring civically-engaged women together to turn their ideas into
action. Commissioner Gainer has devoted special interest to the women and children in the County’s criminal justice system. The
locally focused organization has built a community of more than 3,500 women from across Chicago who are motivated to effect
change on the issues that matter to them.
The 2017 Gala Host Committee includes Juan Moreno - Founder, JGMA; YaFawn Smith - Manager, Government &
Regulatory Affairs, Comcast; Emma Asante - Director, Stations Relations, NBC Chicago 5;Juliana Stratton – State
Representative; Derek Douglas - Vice Pres. for Civic Engagement, University of Chicago andMelody Span Cooper -
Chairman, Midway Broadcasting Corporation.
Event tickets for general admission start at $75.00 and can be purchased online atwww.kleogala2017.eventbrite.com or by
calling 773-363-6941 for more information. - Torrey L. Barrett
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ted santos
Ted Santos
C.E.O. EXCHANGE
Why Learning Something New Is Difficult
Contributing Correspondent: Ted Santos
The human brain has an enormous capacity to learn. And it is filled with blind spots that limit learning capacity. For the most
part, we only think the way we were taught to think. In effect, the way you do things is the way you do everything.
The way you do things is shaped by the way you see things. The way you see things is shaped by the way you think or your
thought process. Your thought process is an amalgamation of your brain’s syntax. Your environment shapes your syntax. And
your environment gives you the facts of life. Unlearning the learned facts is one of the biggest hurdles people face. And that
interferes with personal and professional growth.
People make sense of new information by using existing knowledge and experience. If new information invalidates existing
information, the person will defend what they already know, unless there is uncontestable proof. In other words, people think the
way they think because of the way they already think. Asking people to look at any situation from a new perspective is asking
them to alter their brain’s syntax. If that syntax is disrupted they will most likely resist. Hence, the incessant desire to disagree.
That slows learning of breakthrough information. It is easier for people to add improvements to existing knowledge.
The topic of what we learn is inconsequential. Jean Paul Sartre talks about how people process information or incidents that
occur in their lives. If, for example, a five year old is punished for speaking up, they will fear speaking up or resent not being able
to speak up. Therefore, as a five year old, they will make a decision based on that one incident to keep their thoughts to
themselves or be a rebel and speak up regardless of the consequences.
Irrespective of the choice made at five his or her life will be shaped by it throughout their life. In fact, they will believe it is
inappropriate to speak up, if they chose that path. Sartre says once a person believes something is true, they will always seek
evidence that their point of view is right. Being right is more important than learning something new. If you try to convince them
otherwise, they will recall the countless times they paid a price for speaking up.
In some cases, because they remained silent so often, they may not have developed effective communication skills. As a result,
when they speak up, it is done clumsily and not embraced by others. It will be nearly impossible for them to see they are creating
situations by not being able to communicate effectively. If you attempt to teach them to communicate effectively, you will be
teaching them on top of the mindset that speaking up has consequences. That is like putting icing on a mud pie.
This example highlights how everyone learns. We make decisions to avoid consequences. While it appears the decision kept us
safe, we are stuck with it for the rest of our lives, unless we go through a significant transformation. And sometimes the catalyst
for transformation can be temporary. For example, Meyer Briggs personality assessment was administered to many companies
in the twin towers of the World Trade Center. The assessment was administered before the events of 9/11. Shortly after the 9/11
incident, the Meyer Briggs assessment was administered again to many of the same people.
In almost every case, their results changed. The catastrophic event had changed personalities and individual outlooks on life. To