TTTTTHEHEHEHEHE NNNNNORORORORORTHTHTHTHTH LLLLLAAAAAWNDWNDWNDWNDWNDALEALEALEALEALECCCCCOMMUNITYOMMUNITYOMMUNITYOMMUNITYOMMUNITY NNNNNEWEWEWEWEWSSSSS

PROVIDING INFORMATION ON RESOURCES AND EVENTS THAT IMPROVE THE LIFESTYLE OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY PUBLISHER : STRATEGIC HUMAN SERVICES VOLUME NO. 10 - ISSUE NO. 7 ISSN 1548-6087 February 14 - February 20 , 2008

Serving North Lawndale, East & West Garfield, Austin, Pilsen, Humbolt Park, Near Westside & South LawndaleSince 1999, More News, More of Your Issues, and More of Your Community Voices and Faces.

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Visit us on our website at www.nlcn.org for more articles, photos, information and more

INSIDETHIS ISSUE

CONRAD WORRILLOFFERS INSIGHT

ABOUT THE BLACKVOTE IN

PRESIDENTIAL RACEPAGE - 3

STATE REP. FORDAND LEAMINGTON

FOODS TEACHNORTH LAWNDALERESIDENTS TO SHOP

HEALTHIERPAGE - 5

On February 9, the RenaissanceSchools Fund sponsored a NewSchools EXPO that offered theopportunity for parents in Chicagoto learn about newly created schools.The expo was held at WilliamsMultiplex, located at, 2710 S.Dearborn.

CEO Ms. Phyllis Lockett saw itas a day for parents to meet with

RENAISSANCE SCHOOLS FUND HOST NEW SCHOOLS EXPOZaki A. Muhammad

representatives of over 40 of thecity’s elite schools.

In addition to a table for eachschool, to present information abouttheir campus, there were workshopsdealing with educational topics.What Makes A Quality SchoolModerated by Ms. Lockett with TimKing, Founder and CEO Urban Prep

Academies and Lakita LittlePrincipal of Frazier PreparatoryAcademy, Ms. Veda SimmonsParent and Ms. Mildred Wiley TACLiaison is an example of oneworkshop. It was dedicated toexploring how parents and guardianscan go the extra mile in making surethat their children receive a publiceducation that suits their needs.

In talking with Ms. Lockett, shepointed out that the “Charter” schoolstudents spend 90 more minutes aday on average participating inacademic exercises. “We arecompeting globally today withChina, India. If you want to have anylevel of success, you have to pursuethe best type of education and workhard to be the best.” She added eachof us has to take leadership morethan we have in the past. “We arelosing too many of our children andit is up to us to provide them withopportunities by creating models ineducation that are dramaticallydifferent than those that previouslyexisted.”

In commenting on how she felt

about the day’s event’s she respondedby saying “Wonderful!”

Parents across Chicago have hadthe opportunity to seek outinformation for better schools andthey are demanding high quality fortheir children. I personally am gladto see they have awakened andengaged in the process and am veryhappy to help.”

Parents for School Choiceprovided a fact sheet that wasdistributed at the Expo and itincluded these statistics : 61 percentof CPS high school students are notproficient in reading, 70 percent ofCPS high school are proficient notin math and only about half ofAfrican-American and Latino CPSstudents graduate from high school.Only 3 of every 100 African-American and Hispanic males inCPS earn a college degree. NewSchool Performance statistics arebetter with 91 percent versus 83percent of CPS. Elementary schoolsspend 317 minutes/day on coresubjects versus 240 minutes/day at

From left to right Jackie Boughton, Shameka Williams, Robin Johnson,CourtneyFrancis

See Expo page 4

During the month of February,people all across the countrycelebrate Black History Month.It’s a time for recognition of thetrials and tribulations of African-American history, with anemphasis on the accomplishmentsof historical African-Americanfigures.

Last Thursday, at Navy Pier,over 400 students and visitors,including four Chicago PublicSchool baseball teams, gathered atthe Pier’s Crystal Gardens for aneducational experience thatincluded valuable lessons fromaccomplished African-Americansof the past and present, as well as

NAVY PIER CELEBRATES

BLACK HISTORY MONTHMegan Sieberg

lessons on the importance oflooking to the future.

The first speaker was FrankClark, President and CEO ofComEd. To begin, Clarkestablished himself as a supporterof Presidential Candidate BarackObama. Claiming not to bear apolitical agenda, Clark stated thathe merely wanted to point out theimportance of Obama’s message ofchange.

“Change is everywhere,” hesaid. “Change is what this societyneeds.”

Clark then reflected on his lifeSee Pier page 4

Mexican PresidentFelipe Calderon was inChicago Tuesday. This is hisfirst trip to the United Statessince taking office 14months ago. The presidentmet with Mayor Daley andGovernor Rod Blagojevich.

Calderon visited theLittle Village neighborhood,on the city’s Southwest Side,to speak Tuesday afternoon.Calderon came to Chicagoafter first visiting New Yorkand Boston. He was headed next toCalifornia.

Calderon wants Americanlawmakers to let more Mexicanslive and work legally in the UnitedStates and he has told Mexicanconsuls here to work harder topromote the positive contributionsof immigrants.

The United States and Mexiconeed to be united to prosper, he toldthe crowd in Spanish.

“It is not by closing our bordersor canceling our commerce treatiesthat we can prosper together. Wewant to build bridges because it isbridges not walls that unite people,”Calderon said in a quote translatedby a Spanish-speaking journalist.

There is a tremendous amountof controversy surroundingPresident Calderon’s visit to theUnited States. His critics say this issimply a political ploy and questionwhy he did not set up a meeting withPresident Bush or Congress.However, Little Village residents

Mexican President Felipe CalderonVisits Chicago Amongst Controversy

James Glover

were excited to meet the president.“This seems like a excellent

opportunity to talk and reallycommunicate with the man who isleading my family and my country,”said Tyler Acevedo, who movedfrom Mexico almost ten years agoand is now a US Citizen. “Hopefullyhe can take what he is learning andnegotiating here in the United Statesand put it to valiant use in Mexicoso that our loved ones are cared forproperly.”

Calderon is not leaving Chicagoempty handed. He has a deal thatwill help Mexican restaurantworkers and an agreement with thestate to strengthen educational tiesbetween Mexico and Illinois.

The City Colleges of Chicago,the Illinois Restaurant Associationand Mexican education officials areworking together to launch acertification program for restaurant

See Visit page 5

Felipe Calderon

ComEd CEO Frank Clark

ALSO INSIDEOPEN LETTER TO

ELECTED OFFICIALS

PAGE - 3

THE N-WORD

(PART - 1)PAGE - 4

HAPPY NEW YEARPAGE - 5

AT THE FLICKSPAGE - 6

THE NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY NEWS February 14 - February 20, 2008Page 2

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PrPrPrPrPresented By Congresented By Congresented By Congresented By Congresented By Congressman Dannessman Dannessman Dannessman Dannessman Danny K. Day K. Day K. Day K. Day K. Davis &vis &vis &vis &vis &RRRRResidentesidentesidentesidentesidents os os os os of the 7th Congrf the 7th Congrf the 7th Congrf the 7th Congrf the 7th Congressional Districtessional Districtessional Districtessional Districtessional District

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Time: 6:00 p.m.Date: February 21, 2008

Free Training in Community Journalism!Everyone is Welcome!

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The North Lawndale Community News is now publishedweekly by Strategic Human Services. Our purpose is to helpinform our community on resources, events, and issuesrelevant to them and our neighboring communities. Ourcommunity includes those who live, work, worship in, and/or care about North Lawndale. Our focus is on positive,productive solutions, that will improve the lifestyle of ourcommunity members.Board of DirectorsFrank Bass, Chairman Dennis Deer, DirectorBruce Miller, Treasurer Creative Scott, DirectorCarolyn Lewis, Secretary Patrick McGee, DirectorVivian Lewis, Director Brent Michel, DirectorBetty Mason, Director Dr. Betty J. Allen Green, Director

Founding Board of Director: Larry LeonardAdvisory Board:Cong. Danny K. Davis, Rev. Randall Harris, Fred Mitchell, LauraWashington, Susan Munro, Marta Foster, Margaret Davis, Larry Leonard

Consulting Editors and Writers:Constanza Williams, Wilbert Cook, Bill Goosby, Fred Mitchell, Dr.Shemuel Israel, Tamiko Bowie, Danita Bowie, Marquita Ware,Warren Polk, David Schultz, Wilbert Bledsoe, Reggie Lewis,Angelic Jones, Mary Moran, Clemolyn (Pennie) Brinson, PriscillaLucas, Todd Thomas, Kabuika Kamunga, Sophia Karalexis,X’ernona Woods, Zaki A. Muhammad, Ben Protess, Chase Castle,Tegan Jones, Laura Onstot, Aricka Flowers, Hertz Clyde Dezir,Demetrius Porter, Jasmine Dowden, Leroy Burton Jr., CalvinCrayton, Julius Goodman, Celeste Kennel-Shank, Wendell Hutson,David Schultz, James Glover and Jasmine StuartFounding Publisher & CEO: Isaac Lewis, Jr.Production/Layout Coordinator: Marquita WareIT (Information Technology) Manager: Ronnie AllenManaging Editor: Wilbert BledsoeStaff Accountant: Dan BedollaCommunications Manager: Megan SiebiergCopy Editors:Sophia Karalexis and Kabuika KamungaWebsite Consultant: Lamont SimmonsPhotography: Community members and writersMarketing Consultant: Dr. Shemuel IsraelAccountant: Willie DoverAdministrative Assistant: Julius GoodmanAdvertising Representative: Andre StokesTechnical Assistant: James GloverResource Project Director: John MooreStrategic Door to Door Distribution (Weekly)Community YouthCirculation: 15,000 copiesDrop Site Distribution: Todd Thomas, James Glover,Reginald Lewis and Phillip Lewis distributed weekly over280 dropsites, and over 340,685 potential readers throughoutNorth and South Lawndale, East and West Garfield, HumboldtPark, Austin, Pilsen and the Near West Communities.Weekly Mail Subscription Rates: $15.00 for 3 months.$25.00 for 6 months $45.00 for 1 year

The North Lawndale Community News is funded by the dedicatedwork and support of the community, and made possible with grantsfrom The Steans Family Foundation,The John D. and CatherineMacArthur Foundation, Harris Bank Foundation The Leo S.Guthman Family Fund ( Lynne C. Rosenthal), The SoderquistFamily Foundation, U.S. Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD), J-Lab Institute, AfterSchool Matters , SBC(now AT&T), The Illinois State Board of Education (State SenatorRickey Hendon), State of Illinois Depart of Commerce andEconomic Opportunity.(Digital Divide Program under Gov. RodBlagojevich) and DCEO through Sate Rep. Art Turner, TheMcCormick Tribune Foundation, the National Black Caucusof States Institute and contributions from our community,advertisers, and readers. The North Lawndale Community Newswas started with a grant from the North Lawndale Small GrantsInitiative now known as the Small Grants Human DevelopmentCorporation and the Steans Family Foundation..

North Lawndale Community News1211 South Western Avenue, Suite 203

Chicago, IL 60608Phone: 312/492-9090 Fax: 312/492-7162

Website: www.nlcn.org

For Advertisement Ratesand all other inquiries contact us at:

Circulation Verification Council is a third partyagency that audits and verifies our circulation which is

currently at 15,000 issues per publication.

NLCN 2008 Focus

THE NORTH LAWNDALECOMMUNITY NEWS

Spirituality & Financial LiteracyThe primary focus for Strategic Human Services and the

North Lawndale Community News during 2008 will beChurch, Financial Literacy and Technology. There are manyproblems that face North Lawndale and its neighboringcommunities. All are the most important to any individualwhen it is his, her, or their biggest battle.

Many people believe in God. Churches, Synagogues, orTemples are good places, albeit not the only places, to developa connection. There are many churches on the Westside andin Chicago, with the Faith based Initiatives, they havedeveloped more outreach into the communities with programsand advocacy. We want more people to know that church is agreat resource that helps improve the lifestyle of individualsand families.

There is still a great economic inequality. Beingfinancially, unwise and uneducated, has created anuncountable loss for many in our coverage area.

The National Black Caucus of States Institute.(NBCSI)recognizes that while personal finance is important toeveryone—lack of personal financial knowledge, increaseddebt and access to financial services has had a negativelydisproportional impact on families—particularly AfricanAmerican families with limited resources.

Data indicate the overwhelming gap of economicresources as African Americans lag in home and businessownership, lack of savings accounts and lower credit scores.

There are alarming statistics that help frame theseconcerns:

· According to the Corporation for EnterpriseDevelopment 60% of African American families have zeroor negative net financial assets.

· The average Black household has 54 cents of incomeand 12 cents of wealth for every dollar earned and held bywhites.

· In the United States, 10% of the families control 90 % offinancial wealth.

· A consumer with a low credit score of 560 compared toa consumer with a high credit score of 720 will payapproximately $400 a month more or $4,800 more a year—if they qualify for a loan.

· A disproportionate number of low credit scores are foundin predominantly African American communities.

If there is going to be long-term improvement in thissituation, NBCSI believes that it will begin with economic

Education. From the Economic Empower Forums of theNational Black Caucus of States Institute website. www.nbcsi.

SHS believes becoming financially literate can help solvethe challenges above, and others, while also helping to createa better community for all.

We also wll continue using technology to help educate,connect you to these resources. Throughout the year, we willconnect you with resources and residents working in theseareas. Check out our website and links such as the LawndaleBeehive. NLCN will continue to provide news andinformation on issues and events that are relevant to ourreaders, as well as touch on the focus of our previous years.By becoming a God connected, financially wise people,knowing, loving and caring about each other more, we canmore participate and benefit in making our communitiesmodel neighborhoods. We hope by reading this communitynewspaper, you will become or remain inspired to keepmoving foward to a better life wisely, overcoming adversity.

THE NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY NEWS Page 3February 14 - February 20, 2008

Barack Obama: Not the first black personto run for the US presidential seat. In fact,Shirley Chislom, a member of Congress, wasthe first black woman to run for US presidentin 1972. Jesse Jackson’s name then appearedon the US presidential ballot in 1984 and1988. So what is it about a black man runningfor the 2008 presidential seat that haseveryone on their toes? Could it be that thistime the black man has a real chance to winthe election?

“The battle of the black vote has been abloody struggle,” said Conrad Worrill, anexpert in African-American history, politicsand culture. Worrill is the director of the JacobCarruthers Center for Inner City Studies atNortheastern Illinois University and aprofessor of History and Education. He alsowrites “Worrill’s World,” a famous weeklycolumn in African-American newspapersacross the entire country.

On February 3, 1870, the 15th amendmentallowed the right of citizens of the UnitedStates to vote without being denied due totheir race. Worrill believes that historicalstrides like the ratification of the 15th

amendment greatly influence the evolution ofthe African-American vote in the US and itsimpact on the current 2008 presidentialelection.

Born August 15, 1941 in Pasadena,California, Worrill grew up the eldest of twobrothers. His mother and father stressed blackcommunity life. These early teachings shapedhim into the individual he is today andinfluenced his thoughts toward blacks andtheir roles in American politics.

In regards to black history, Worrillsuggested that he “lived through it.”According to him, black people have a stronginfluence on American politics and thisinfluence has caused Barack Obama to sparkan evolutionary, groundbreaking politicalchange in America. Black people are now ata place where they believe that, finally, theyhave the chance to create change.

“Black people have always been ready forchange,” said Worrill.

The argument that this election is notcentered on race is not true to Worrill. In hisopinion, it is about race. The fact that the 2008presidential seat is centered on the black racehas empowered the black community,especially the younger generation. Obama’scampaign has fired up the young blackgeneration, and the young white generationhas been impacted by this same fire.

CONRAD WORRILL OFFERS INSIGHT ABOUT

THE BLACK VOTE IN PRESIDENTIAL RACEVeronica Harrison

Former President Bill Clinton has beensaid to be “the first black president.” He washighly favored and supported in the blackcommunity. In fact, following his scandalinvolving Monica Lewinsky, the blackcommunity gave him great support.

According to Worrill, Clinton was not thefirst black president and he thinks that the factthat the black community thinks this isabsolutely ludicrous. However, the belief thatClinton was considered the first blackpresident greatly supports his wife, SenatorHillary Clinton, and her vote in the blackcommunity.

Worrill described the 2008 presidentialelection as a “parallel historical phenomenastaring us in the face.”

For the first time in history, a black manand a woman are running neck and neck forthe presidential seat. Needless to say, this ishistory in the making.

So, how has the African American voteevolved? Well, the black community is gettinginvolved and exercising their right to vote ina way that has never been seen before.

“Anything that we do as a people is animpact on the world,” said Worrill.

Worrill encourages the black communityto stick together and fight to better our people.He lives by the motto stating that “the struggleis protracted.”

“This means that the struggle is ongoing,”he said. “(Black people) never give up nomatter what the cause.”

Veronica Harrison is a journalism studentat Columbia College. To comment on thisarticle visit our weblog at: www.nlcn.org/

Conrad Worrill

Dear Elected Officials:The Lawndale Alliance needs your

assistance on pushing for TIF reform on theproposed Ogden/Pulaski TIF. As you mayrecall, Alderman Dixon (24) and AldermanMunoz (22) promised to put in place anAdvisory Council and a framework withinwhich to negotiate community benefitagreements by the end of November, 2007.These measures protect the interests ofcurrent residents, while encouragingbalanced community development. Forwhatever reason, this has not yet happened.Perhaps Alderman Dixon and AldermanMunoz may be waiting to create the councilwhen the TIF passes in the City Council,which we feel will be too little too late. Ifcommunity input is not in theRedevelopment Plan, it will not be includedin the ordinance that will govern the TIF.Instead, we would be forced to rely uponverbal promises that may or may notmaterialize for a number of reasons. Givenpast experiences, we really don’t want totake that chance.

You may be aware that the LawndaleAlliance found a number of errors andomissions when the first RedevelopmentPlan was presented to the community. Theerrors included the list of PropertiesPotentially Displaced, which included asignificant number of homes that had beensubstantially improved by their owners,including Alderman Dixon’s property. In

Letter to the EditorAn Open Letter to CongressmanDanny K. Davis, Senator Rickey

Hendon, Representative Arthur L.Turner, Commissioner Robert Steele,Alderman Sharon Denise Dixon and

Alderman Ricardo Munoz

See Officials page 7

THE NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY NEWS February 14 - February 20, 2008Page 4

Congratulations toHARRIS

DEVELOPMENTFebruary Business of

the Month

North Lawndale Community News andHarris Bank are proud to honor HarrisDevelopment (Low-cost Construction) asNorth Lawndale’s Small Business of theMonth for February.

Harris Development offers low costconstruction that includes: Drywall, InteriorDemolition, Decks, Electrical, Porches,Concrete repair, Wood Fencing and otherhome improvements projects for home, oroffices. An agent for change is one way todescribe Archie Harris, Jr., an enterprisingyoung man whose five-year-old businessHarris Development is making a differencein the North Lawndale community.

To read the full version of this article seethe North Lawndale Community NewsFebruary 7, 2008 issue.

Archie Harris Jr.

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CPS elementary schools.US Census Record Information for 2000

North Lawndale demographics are as follows:Population 41,768 with 93 percent black, 4.5percent Hispanic 0.92 percent white 0.65percent other and 0.13 percent Asian a medianincome of 18,342 and 44.3 percent of residentsbelow poverty and unemployment 25.8 percentwith educational attainment of 25 years old andabove with no high school diploma 40percent.2007 According to CPS ISATperformance data 45.5 percent of students readat a district score of 60.9 percent, and 55percent of students have a district score of 68.6

percent in math. PSAE performance score is17.9 percent in reading and the district scoreis 39.4 percent for the district and 7.6 percentmath with 30.5 percent for the district.

North Lawndale‘s LEARN Charter Schoolat 1132 S. Homan began in 1980 with 11students. Today it is pre K through the 8th grade.They have an astonishing rate of successfulrecognition as a Spotlight School and anAcademic Improvement Award winner and oneof only 38 double winners in those categoriesand 1 of 4 given those honors in Chicago.

They have an extended day of 7.5 hours asa school day with 200 days of school, makingfor an extended year. Tutoring combined withsummer school has enabled it to boast 95percent of its graduates earn high school

diplomas. Their success has allowed them totriple in size and move into a brand newbuilding. Originally, the school was on the 2nd

floor of a three flat building in Lawndale. Thesuccess has caused the school to move 6 times.Plans are underway to open two new schoolsin the next three years starting withkindergarten through 2nd grade with a gradeper year until they reach capacity. Ms.Courtney Francis the Head of School stated“We will do better in the future, because weare data driven. That means when weadminister interim tests we examine the resultsmore closely.” She continued by saying, “Whatwe discover informs our practice” and whenquestioned it (practice) refers to education. Hercomments addressed why the Charter school

concept is different and gets seemingly betterresults than CPS regular schools by saying“Through our testing we now focus on 2 keyareas in writing: Vocabulary and ExtendedResponse Writing.”

asked to clarify that Ms. Francis said “When students respond to questions in writingthere is an opportunity to reflect on somethingthat compares to what they’ve read or seen”

Other organizations like the PTA wererepresented and Up With People. ChicagoHousing Authority sent personnel. There waseven a screening for diabetes. All in All, theEXPO was a success.

Zaki A. Muhammad is a West Side residentand writer. To comment on this article pleasevisit our weblog at: www.nlcn.org.

Expo from front page

Why is there so much conversationconcerning the new connotation called the N-word. Of course we know what it means, or dowe? It seems now we as blacks or whoever thepowers that be; are discussing who we are inwords and these words (Niger, Nigger, Negro,Colored, Afro-American, African American, andnow N-Word) have been in existence sinceslavery, before slavery, and after slavery.

There always seems to be somebody or someother ethic group (including black folk)discussing who we are or shall I say who blackfolks are. Now we are involved in the discussionsconcerning the N-Word. Now our opinions aboutwho we are seemed to matter, or do they? Thereis so much talk from different facets of society; itseems again to be just rhetoric. Have we, as blackfolk progressed? Do we have a choice to usethe word? If so, is it positive when we use it ordoes it depend on the circumstances? Do welike it or not. Whom does it affect? How andwhen should it be used? Should the N-Word beused at all? If not the N-Word than what word,are we African Americans or are we the N-Word?

Now the N-word is big news or shall I saybigger news than “African American”. I wonderif it has anything to do with the fact that nowthere is a black man actually making a legitimaterun for the job of president of the United States.Not to say that any other time a black person ranfor president it was not a legitimate run but Ibelieve if all N-words vote he can win. Do wehave the power to get rid of every negativeconnotation surrounding the N-Word? Can weeliminate every word and every reference to theN-Word? Should we even try? The N-word refersto the word Nigger. A word that; when used in acertain context, refers to a race of people whoseancestors were slaves.

“The N-Word, if used in a derogatory manor;

it is negative but if you are using it in aneducational discussion than it should bepermissive to use by anybody in that discussionand the person who is using the word should besensitive to the audience,” said K Jenkins.

Here we should understand that if you arein a teaching or learning situation, and the subjectis history, clearly the teacher should use the worditself, Nigger, without fear of any kind of negativereprisals or undertones.

The N-Word could have would have beenabolished many years ago if our so call blackactivist’s leaders and civil rights workers,(especially those who came to be politicians andstarted to get money and grants from the whiteestablishment) came back to the community withthe truth. The truth as it tells us that just becausesomeone calls you a name that does not meanyou should act like it Instead the majority ofthem came back to the community preachingthere own agenda under the disguise of “UncleTom” and “Jim Crow”. They said they were soconcerned about our freedom and yet theycontinued to perpetuate, if not the word nigger,surly the concept of the word nigger and nonesaid anything nationally or locally and they didnothing to protest its use as the media keptperpetuating its usage and meaning to furtherinstill its negative connotations on us and ourchildren, and our grandchildren.

We must eliminate the last visages of slaveryin our lives by reinstituting our morals and valuesalong with dignity and self respect. This is part 1of a series. Please see the next issue and read thecomments of the community.

Julius Goodman is poet and motivationalspeaker. He is also a graduate from NationalLouis University with a degree in BehavioralScience. To comment on this article visit ourweblog at: www.nlcn.org.

The N-Word: Part 1Julius Goodman

Leagues, former players Henry “Hank”Presswood and Johnny “Lefty” Washingtonwere honored with the “Perseverance &Persistence” Award. Both men admitted to thechallenges of being African-American baseballplayers in the days before the Civil RightsMovement, but as stated by Lefty, “the sacrificewas well worth it.”

Born on October 7, 1921, in Electric MillsMississippi, “Hank” played for both theCleveland Buckeyes and the Kansas CityMonarchs. He went on to work at InlandSteele, where he played fast-pitched softballand won several trophies and a goodsportsmanship award.

“Lefty” was born in Chicago on April 20,1930. He played for the Chicago AmericanGiants and the Houston Eagles. After joiningthe U.S. Marines he played semi-pro for theChicago and Mid-west League until 1963.

Throughout the event, Chicago studentswere exposed to the successes of majorAfrican-American influences. Interspersedwith rich, African-American cultural, theprogram provided students with lesson in blackheritage, as well as advice on catalyzing changeand continuing the process of making history.

Megan Sieberg is a recent graduate ofNorthwestern University. She has a degree inCommunication Studies and is currently theCommunications Manager at the NorthLawndale Community News.

Pier from front page

to prove to students the importance ofbelieving in themselves, working hard andinvesting in themselves. In doing so, hebelieves the next generation of black leaderswill be equipped to make the changes headvocates.

“You can do more, you can do it better,and you can do it faster,” he said.

After working in a book store as a youngman, Clark was inspired by his wife to seekemployment at ComEd, where he initiallyworked in the mail room. Although nothappy with his position, and several positionshe held thereafter, Clark emphasized that hissuccess has been, in part, due to hiswillingness to perform jobs he did not like.

“Every job I did at ComEd was not a jobI wanted to do,” he said. “But, I always didmy best.”

Since joining ComEd in 1966, Clark hasrisen steadily through the ranks, holdingpositions in corporate policy, support and linefunctions. He is currently responsible foroverseeing ComEd in its mission to serviceapproximately 3.8 million customersthroughout northern Illinois.

The next keynote speaker was jazzmusician and composer, Orbert Davis. Davisis one of Chicago’s most prominent trumpet

players, having worked with artists such asStevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, DuranDuran, Gladys Knight, The Temptations andothers.

After dazzling the audience with a shorttrumpet solo, Davis told students about theimportance of “reaching for the stars,” and notbeing afraid to be unique.

“You are at a time and place where youcan make a difference,” he said. “In order todo so, you have to create your own groove.”

The last speaker was Former Cook County

Board CommissionerBobbie L. Steele.Speaking as an African-American, as well as thefirst woman president ofCook County, Steeleemphasized to studentsthe notion that history isa process, of which theyare all currently a part.

“You too are part ofblack history,” she said.“What you do today willcount tomorrow.”

This, she noted, is notjust a right, but aresponsibility. She madeit clear that despite her

success as Cook County President, she washappy making a difference as a teacher, amother and a community activist.

Accompanying the keynote speakers at theevent were several local artists including:Terisa Griffen, who sang Life Every Voice andSing; Najwa Dance Corps, who presented anexciting repertoire spanning eras of African-American heritage; Orator, Gloria M. Jackson,who performed her rendition of Dr. MartinLuther King’s speech “I Have Been to theMountaintop;” and The Choir AcademyCharter School of Chicago.

In recognition of the Negro Baseball

Former Cook County President Bobbie Steele

THE NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY NEWS Page 5February 14 - February 20, 2008

Asian American’s at the Daley Centercelebrated the Year of the Rat New Year’sobservance February 7, 2008. Performances byMelody Chorus and Sunrise Chorus together withThe Magical Strings of Youth of the Betty HaagAcademy of Music performed both Chinese andWestern Classical Music to usher in the 4706th yearof the lunar calendar.

Ms. Mei Lin, acting as the Mistress ofCeremonies, explained the correlation of theFortune God who is similar to Santa Claus andgives presents at Christmas time. She continued tointroduce traditional Chinese cultural informationby noting that (Hong Bao or Ya Shi Qian) “Redenvelopes” were hidden and waiting for audiencemembers to discover them at the appropriate timeand that they symbolized good luck in the comingyear. Moreover, to make it more extraordinary, therewas a special one containing money for shopping.

The festival usually begins on the first day ofthe first lunar month in the Chinese calendar andends on the 15th. This day is called the LanternFestival. It is the major holiday for China and areasbeyond China and has had a strong influence onthe New Year celebrations of its neighbors. Thistakes in Korea, Mongolia, Nepal Vietnam JapanSingapore Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines,Thailand and other countries with significantChinese Populations.

It is marked by visits to relatives and friends ina practice known as “new-year visits”. New Clothesare worn to signify a new year. And the color “Red”is liberally used in all decorations. The history ofthe beginning of the festival dates back to the QinDynasty and was said to have begun in month 1during the Xia Dynasty, month 12 during the ShangDynasty, and month 11 during the Zhou Dynasty.But records indicate that the Zhou Dynasty beganits year with month 1. Intercalary months, used tokeep the lunar calendar synchronized with the sun,were added after month 12 during both the ShangDynasty (according to surviving 0racle Bones) andthe Zhou Dynasty (according to Sima Qian). Thefirst Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, changedthe beginning of the year to month 10 in 221 BC,

also changing the location of the intercalary monthto after month 9. Whether the New Year wascelebrated at the beginning of month 10, of monthone, or both is unknown. In 104 BC, Emperor Wuof the Han Dynasty established month one as thebeginning of the year, where it remains.

Chicago’s celebration at the Daley Center wassponsored by the Chinese Fine Arts Society. Started24 years ago, it is a non-profit organizationdedicated to education and promotion of theChinese Cultural Arts and exists to provideprograms and activities that promote theunderstanding of Chinese culture through musicand other fine arts. Participating in the program wasMs. Linda Chiou, an award winning choreographerand professional dance instructor known for hervarious appearances on Taiwan Television DancingPrograms where she has showcased her talents inChinese communities in Chicago, St. Louis andother cities.

Ms. Lori Ho, Soprano/Conductor, is a graduate

of Shih-Chien University School of Music inTaiwan. She trained in Classical OperaticPerformance. She is also a Music Director/Conductor with six Community Choruses inChicago. Recently, she performed with the YouthSymphony of Du Page and the Chicago Children’sChoir for Silk Road Collaboration Concert at theChicago Art Institute.

Ms. Wen Ming Leung is a graduate of theUniversity of Minnesota Music School in PianoPerformance and is the Music Director of theChinese Fine Arts Society and performed a leadingrole in Ibsen’s “Doll House” to critical acclaim.

Melody Chorus is a sister Chorus of SunriseChorus and is conducted by Ms Lori Ho and hasparticipated in the 2005 through 2008 New YearCelebration at the Daley Center and Navy PierChinese Celebration.

Sunrise Chorus, formed in 1996, with Ms Hoas the Conductor and Ms Leung as its MusicDirector, has performed in many venues

representing Asian communities. Most notablyAsian Pacific Heritage Month events, and a tour inTaiwan to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of theProvidence University in Taichung and a concertat Zee Shan Kaoshung Cultural Center as well aslocal events like the Millennium Park GrandOpening Celebration, WGN 9 News, ChicagoCultural Center Preston Bradley Hall and variousMulticultural celebrations.

The Magical Strings of Youth of the Betty HaagAcademy of Music of Buffalo Grove performedwith the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and GrantPark symphony, locally. Nationally, they appearedon the Phil Donahue Show, Kids Say the DarnedestThings with Bill Cosby and Carnegie Hall,Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center.

Internationally, they have played for Pope JohnPaul II at the Vatican, President Nasurbaev inKazakhstan, Princess Margaret of the British RoyalFamily, Boris Yeltsin in Moscow, President Lee inTaiwan, and were the featured entertainment forthe Kellogg Hannah Neil World of Children Awardsand performed at the 37th Annual AmericanAcademy of Achievement Awards Ceremony.

In conclusion, the program was Gong She(Happy New Year) performed by the combinedvoices of the Sunrise and Melody Choruses,Grandma’s Pern Hu Gulf, the Moon RepresentsMy Heart A Wedding and The Harvest-an AmiAboriginal Song in Taiwan interspersed with TheMagical Strings of Youth Betty Hagg Academy ofMusic performing: Folk Tunes by German MinuetOne by J. S. Bach Bouree b G. F. Handel, Sound ofMusic by R. Rogers, Over the Rainbow by A. Arien,Edelweiss by R. Rogers, Plink Plank Plunk byLeroy Anderson, Joy of Spring (Chinese New yearCelebration), Yuen Mao, Concerto Grosso Opus 6# 8 by A. Corelli, Rumanian Dances B. Bartok,Fiddle Faddle Leroy Anderson, Orange BlossomSpecial A. Arien, and Moe Li Hwa Chinese FolkSong. Directed b Ms. Betty Hagg Kuhnke andPiano Accompanist Thomas Zeman.

Zaki A. Muhammad is a West Side resident andwriter. To comment on this article please visit ourweblog at: www.nlcn.org.

HAPPY NEW YEARZaki A. Muhammad

Chinese New Year Celebration at the Daley Center

STATE REP. FORD AND LEAMINGTON FOODS TEACH

NORTH LAWNDALE RESIDENTS SHOP HEALTHIERLavonte’ Roache’

On February 1, LaShawn K. Ford 8th

District Representative and LeamingtonFoods, located at 5467 W. Madison, teamedup to teach North Lawndale residents howto shop for healthier foods. The event washeld at Leamingtons. The event wassponsored in hopes of making a differencebecause nowadays there are not many peoplein today’s generation who eat healthy. Fordand Leamington are trying to make a change,trying to stop heart disease, obesity andstrokes, while promoting healthy eatinghabits.

This was the first event of Black historymonth for La Shawn K. Ford but he plans tokeep it going thought out the weekend withfestivities to include taste testing of healthy

foods, dieticiansproviding experti n f o r m a t i o n ,books andp a m p h l e t sproviding healthinformation, asection ofL e a m i n g t o nfoods dedicatedto health foodsand pledge drive

promoting healthy eating.“I think coming here was a great idea

North Lawndale community needs somebodyto help us with eating healthier. I shop hereall the time and hardly notice anyone buyingvegetables and fruits, but lately I noticed thatafter talking to Ford before leaving the store,people go grab some vegetables and fruit,”said Ieshia Thomas customer of LeamingtonFoods. It is amazing how one person canaffect group.”

La Shawn and his people arrived early tomeet with the manger of Leamington and theystarted off the day on a healthy note for a lotof people. Adults and children were askingwhat should they start eating and if he hadany suggestions to help them have a healthier

diet. He had quite a bit to say about healthyeating habits, but he could not spent toomuch time with one person so he gather themup and talked to everyone as a group. Ithought he was going to loose control. Hebrought some contracts with him and askedcostumers who signed it to promise they willtry to stick to a healthier diet. They alsohanded out cooking books with somedelicious and tasty healthy foods in it. I haveone myself and it makes eating healthy mucheasier.

La Shawn said “helping people eathealthier is just one way I could give backto the community and I would like to domany more things for the North Lawndale. Ithink healthy eating is a big part of life andmore people need excel their eating habitsto a healthier level. A large amount of peoplein America are over weight and dying fromdiseases such as obesity, strokes and heartdisease.”

As I stood there watching the customersleaving the store with their healthy foods andcook books in their hands I realized that Mr.Ford had made a difference in those peoplelives by helping change the eating habits ofa few of the people today. He inspired peopleto live a longer life while also saving themfrom a lifetime of high blood pressure andheart disease. Ford should go to more placesin the North Lawndale Community and sharehis knowledge about healthy eating habits.

Lavonte’ Roache’ is a resident on theWest Side. To comment on this article visitour weblog at: www.nlcn.org.

Rep. LaShawn K.Ford at LemingtonFoods

workers.Daley’s office said it is a skills

certification program similar to what’savailable in Mexico for a variety of jobs.

“Chicago is truly an international city andour membership relies heavily on a work forcethat is made up of immigrants from Mexicoand all over the world. This certificationprogram will enable our membership to savetime and money on training,” Sheila O’Grady,president of the Illinois RestaurantAssociation, said in a statement.

Mayor Daley, who has been, especiallyin recent years been dealing with a lot ofimmigration related issues here in Chicago,with the immigration argument reaching acritical point in 2007 with several marchesand protest on both sides, is now in favor ofworking together to reach a positive solution.

“The contribution from the Mexicancommunity not only in Chicago but acrossAmerica has become vital to the success ofmany communities,” said Mayor Daley in apress statement. “Now is the time to work withleaders from every avenue in order to ensurethat not everyone who comes to America insuch of education or a better financial life asa potential criminal or drug lord. The morewe communicate, plan and develop solutionsas opposed to screaming about problems, themore we can achieve as a unified society.”

The day was not without its issues, asprotestors did indeed gather outside LittleVillage High School to protest the President’spresence.

“It would make much more sense forPresident Calderon to make improvements tohis country so that his citizens don’t feel theneed to break US laws to seek a better lifeover here,” said Robert Grace, protestor andDepartment of Immigration employee.

Visit from front page

See page 6

THE NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY NEWS February 14 - February 20, 2008Page 6

Sports & Entertainment

George A. Romero’s DIARY OF THEDEAD (***) Horror filmmaker George A.Romero goes “back to the future” and delivershis latest zombie opus with its brains andhumor. After the street riot, doomsday lookof his last zombie film 2006’s “Land of theDead”, in which the zombies wererepresented as racial outcasts trying to find aplace to be that later led to their beginningdevelopment of thought and reasoning.

Diary of the Dead” is a movie that standsaway from the others by returning Romeroback to his grassroots in the rural areas outsideof Pittsburgh. Where it all began with his 1968black & white cult classic, Night of the LivingDead”. While Romero almost in the samebreath, takes on the computer age.

Romero’s new stanza is scaled down from

his previous ‘zombie” efforts, taking on amore intimate approach through thecamcorder viewpoint reminiscent of “TheBlair Witch Project” and more recentlyutilized in “Cloverfield”.

A small group of co-eds are performingin a mummy movie as a thesis for its seldomseen student filmmaker, Jason Creed (JoshClose) who is having his work in progressobserved by his alcoholic and cynical Britishprofessor Andrew Maxwell (ScottWentworth).

As in the original 1968 film, a radiobroadcast interrupts their production withnews of an unexplained event of dead peoplecoming back to life that is beginning to spreadinto an epidemic. Jason decides to scrap hismummy movie project to record the eventsof this epidemic that was initially refer to asa “terrorist act” that begins to personally affectthe group into their quest for survival.

The premise serves the chills and thrillswith psychological comments and socialobservations geared toward the hi-techinfluences and the youth driven society welive in that makes Romero’s “Dairy of theDead” an often funny yet smart zombie movie

Upon hearing the news report, the leadactor in the mummy costume, Ridley (PhilipRiccio) who lives off the wealth of his richparents; decides to leave Jason and his crewbehind. But he invites to return with him tohis parents’ secure compound mansion home.

Filming all the time in order to preservethe truth over the distorted version of thezombie epidemic by the manipulated newsmedia, Jason returns to the dorm where hefinds his disenchanted girlfriend, Deborah(Michelle Morgan) who begins to growstronger with confident and determination

through the crisis.Romero’s script and action briefly takes

on an inner city viewpoint. When the whiteco-eds in need of RV gas, and ammo; teamup with a small army of blacks who take themto their warehouse hideout. Where the blacksthink they have now the power since the threatof zombies has run all the white people outof town.

Clearly, Romero doesn’t make the ethnicparticipation enough of an intricate part ofthis story as he has done in his previousmovies. But at least, he tries to address theghetto response to this aftermath

Then both groups have to search for a loneblack member who just died from a heartattack, who is now walking among them allas a zombie.

Through each encounter, Romero’s scriptand direction often touches a nerve that oftenregisters insight and humor not only showhow in tone Romero is with today’s youth,thorough their thoughts and concerns.

All becomes Romero’s fertile territory tomake social and political statements thatstrikes a chord along side the body count thatmakes “Diary of the Dead” a socially reverentmovie about our true fears and concerns thatare real and more threatening than zombies.

When Romero climaxes this film with thehanging of a zombie woman shot in half forsport by two redneck hunters. Aftersuggesting the zombie invasion as a form ofunexplained terrorism. Romero echoes theOld South’s lynching mob that Romero usesto point up our own paranoia and ignorancethat might allow a different yet familiarscenario that could let a part of history repeatitself.

Therefore, we should never let our fearsoverrun our capability to reason through anysituation. An example of the insight behindthe terror of this movie. Which If you excusethe pun, Romero’s “Diary of the Dead” leavesus something to chew on in our mind beyond

the horror premise. R; 95min. A WeinsteinCompany Picture Distributed by Third RailReleasing – Presented at selected theaters

DEFINITELY, MAYBE (**1/2) Thelatest, designated “chick flick” romanticcomedy could divide the opinions betweenthe movie theater couples. As the men mightview this movie as predictable compared tothe counter response by their soul mate. Butthe movie is nothing that doesn’t rock thefoundation of love and matrimony.

Essentially, this is an engaging comedybased on a premise that leads into anexploratory odyssey that climaxes into a selfrevelation

Ryan Reynolds portrays a N.Y adexecutive, Will Hayes whose consideringwhat to do the about the terms of his divorcepapers from his ex-wife that he just receivedat work The movie audience doesn’t see whothe ex is physically because of what occurssoon after. When Will leaves from his officeto pick up his 10 yr old daughter, Maya(Abigail Breslin) at her public school. He runsto a chaotic scene of outraged parents overthe explicit mature their children are beingtaught about sex.

This occurrence leads to the inquisitivechild wanting to know everything about hislife before marriage and how he and his soon-to-be “ex” and the child’s mother met and fell

AT THE FLICKSDavid H. Schultz, film critic

Michelle Morgan in Diary of the Dead

See Flicks page 7

Ryan Reynolds and Rachel Weisz in Definitely,Maybe

“Instead of telling the US to make changes toaccommodate Mexico, why not actually workon the poverty, job issues and corruption inyour own country? Take responsibility foryour citizens Calderon, instead of dumpingthat responsibility on the US.”

Not all presence was negative. Whilemany citizens do believe that Mexico has itown share of problems that need to behandled, there are also those who believe thatit is a two way problem that can be fixed withsome hard work from both sides.

“I do agree that changes must be made inMexico to help its citizens not feel as thoughthey have to leave in search of a better life,

but I do think the US should play some rolein the process,” said Heather Rios, aImmigrant Rights Activist, who attended thePresident’s event. “The US, after all, makesbillions of dollars in Mexico and fromMexican labor within the US, so throwing uptheir hands and saying it’s not their problemis really not an option. It’s not an easy issue,but one that can be solved if the US andMexico work together.”

James Glover is a North Lawndaleresident and NLCN staff writer. He is alsoinvolved in Non Profit work and CommunityOrganizing. To comment on this article visitour weblog at: www.nlcn.org.

Visit from page 6

THE NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY NEWS Page 7February 14 - February 20, 2008

Frederick Douglass

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in love. In attempt to try to sanitize his storyto his daughter.

Will admits to having several femalerelationships through his life. In particular,three women from what he speaks about usingtwo of three aliases. To possibly hide “tradesecrets” toward what kind of a “dawg’ mencan be to women.

After an auspicious start in the localcampaign office as a toilet paper re-filler, Willmeets up with apolitical minded copy girl,April (Isla Fisher) with a cynical viewpointto politics.

Later while trying to get Emily to visithim in New York. She instead mails him adiary to deliver to a free spirited andambitious journalist; Summers (RachelWeisz) share her apartment with her mentor-teacher, Hampton Roth (Kevin Kline) a notedsexagenarian author.

As Will unfolds his story upon hisdaughter, Maya. there are amusing scenes ofdialogue and situation from Will’s stumblingthrough certain sensitive areas that he tries togloss over. But the precocious daughtercontinues to probe and offers her matureinsight into the proceedings, which developsinto a deeper reason before the initial questionthat shows a child’s concern for her father.

This eventually leads into a revelation forWill who discover whom he should have beenwith initially, over the choice he made thatgave him a daughter who only wants her dadto be happy.

Writer Adam Brooks tries to establish asense of irony and honesty through his peopleand the humor that flows out naturally, notlike a parade of one liner jokes and onedimensional caricatures that works withoutbeing too cliché for such an insightfulpremise to built this charming movie on.

PG-13; 110min. A Universal PictureRelease – Presented at selected theaters

David Schultz is a film critic for NLCNand other publications. To comment on thisarticle visit our weblog at: www.nlcn.org.

Flicks from page 6

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fact, the errors were so pervasive the list wasreduced from 317 to 41. Thanks to the duediligence of the Lawndale Alliance andconcerned community residents, theRedevelopment Plan was revised.Unfortunately, we are still getting phone callsfrom property owners that tell us that theirproperty is on the list in spite of the fact thatthey have recently improved their property.Clearly, the plan needs to be revised, yetagain. This needs to be done before the planis approved. It would be a shame to includethese properties in a City ordinance in error.

We are equally concerned about theRedevelopment Budget for the ProposedOgden/Pulaski TIF. The budget seems moreintent on taking care of people moving inand less on the people who are already here.There is some money for job training butnone for job creation/development or newbusiness development (this goes back to theold saying “Give a man a fish he’ll eat for aday, Teach him to fish and he will eat for alifetime”). The City insists that they willprovide a Small Business Improvement Fundif the TIF is approved. We prefer that thefunds be included in the 23-year TIF budget,where they will be included in the ordinance,and not subject to changing priorities of theCity’s general operating budget. Thisprecedent was set by the City when theyincluded $2,500,000 for job training in theRedevelopment Budget in addition to theCity’s promise of a TIFWorks (employment)program once the TIF is implemented.

Officials from page 3We could continue, but we think you see

where we are on this issue. What do we needfrom you? First we need you to testify at theCDC meeting on February 19th in favor ofpostponing implementing the TIF until thecommunity has its input included and thealdermen follow through on the AdvisoryCommittee. Specifically, we would like tosee suggestions that were made by the publicincluded in the body of the RedevelopmentPlan, as well as the Redevelopment Budget.We would also like to convene majorstakeholders, including members of theLawndale Alliance, to negotiate a frameworkfor creating legally binding multilateralcommunity benefit agreements, wherein eachparty agrees to provide some benefit to thecommunity in exchange for TIF assistance.This would include members of the communityas well. The negotiations should be facilitatedby a dispassionate party with knowledge of locallaws, understanding of community developmentissues and skilled in mediation. Potential sourcesfor such a mediator include the CommunityEconomic Development Law Project or a legalclinic within one of the local universities.

Ideally, we would like for you to providepublic testimony and a letter to theCommunity Development Commission asfollows:

Ms. Mary Richardson-Lowry, ChairmanCommunity Development Commission121 North LaSalle StreetChicago, IL 60602Please carbon copy Alderman Dixon,

Alderman Munoz, and the LawndaleAlliance on the letter and fax it to

the attention of Valerie F. Leonard at 773-522-1832. If you are unable to make thehearing for any reason, please send a memberof your staff to read the letter for the publicrecord, or give us permission to read it aloudas we present testimony.

We need you to assist us in approachingCongressman Danny K. Davis to file for anextension of the life of the LawndaleCommunity Conservation Council, which isexpected to sunset within the next month orso. It is important that this body beassembled according to best practices oforganizational development. This wouldinclude provisions that mitigate conflicts ofinterest, separation between the planning,development and advisory functions, abalance of membership that includes broadbased representation, geographically, acrossquality of life sectors and individual skill setsand backgrounds. With these committees/commissions in place, we can then work oncommunity benefit agreements with thedevelopers in our community. We alsobelieve that this approach would be anexcellent model of community developmentthat is holistic and inclusive.

Joe Ann Bradley will be giving you a call toset up an appointment with you to go into moredetail about our concerns. Thank you so muchfor your assistance in these matters and we lookforward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,THE LAWNDALE ALLIANCE

FEB 14 BLACK FACTS

* On this day in 1817,Frederick Baile Douglass wasborn into slavery. Douglasspurchased his freedom in 1845 andwent on to become the greatestabolitionist of his time.

* On this day in 1867,Morehouse College was organizedin Augusta, Georgia. Theinstitution was later moved toAtlanta. New registration law inTennessee abolished racialdistinctions in voting.

* On this day in 1936, NationalNegro Congress was organized at

Chicago meeting attended by 817 delegates representing more than 500organizations. Asa Phillip Randolph of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porterswas elected president of the new organization.

* On this day in 1760, Richard Allen was born into slavery in Philadelphia.

* On this day in 1946, Entertainer and dancer Gregory Hines was born.

THE NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY NEWS February 14 - February 20, 2008Page 8

INTERSTINTERSTINTERSTINTERSTINTERSTAAAAATETETETETEMuffler & AMuffler & AMuffler & AMuffler & AMuffler & Autututututomotivomotivomotivomotivomotive Re Re Re Re Repairepairepairepairepair

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ChicagoChicagoChicagoChicagoChicago

773-522-0773-522-0773-522-0773-522-0773-522-0122122122122122

Chicago Public League playoffs are in full gear andthis week features several big games for schools in thearea.

The west side boasts four of the top six spots in therankings including; No. 6 North Lawndale. The Phoenix(22-3, 9-1 Red-Northwest) are playing in their first-everPublic League playoff tournament. They defeatedSteinmetz in their first –round contest last week, and nowface Red-North runner-up Senn High School (16-5, 7-3Red North). The game is Thursday Feb. 14, 4pm CollinsGym.

The Marshall Commandos (21-4, 10-0 Red West)finished in first place in the Public League Red WestConference and are having an inspired season under theleadership of their new coach. They play Hubbard HighSchool (12-14, 4-6 Red Central) on Thursday, 4pm atMarshall.

Farragut (16-5, 8-2 Red West) have played respectablyfor the majority of the season but they need a signaturevictory to solidify their effort. Center Mike Dunigan solidinside and his role is complemented by the outside gameof Isaiah Williams. They play Hope High School ((15-6,8-2 Red Central) on Thursday, 4pm at Farragut.

There is a possibility that Whitney Young (21-4, 9-1Red-Northwest) may not qualify as west-side-proper, theyhave mixed it up with the area’s best teams and aren’tranked No. 3 for nothing. The Dolphins play Payton HighSchool (19-7, 4-6 Red-Northwest) on Thursday, 4pm atYoung.

Crane (12-7, 6-4 Red West) is doing okay and werenot expecting to have a stellar season. They face No. 1

SPORTS ROUNDUPTodd Thomas

Simeon (22-2, 10-0 Red South) in their next game. Simeonsurprised many when they came back strong after thedeparture of their stars from last season. Several basketballtalents transferred over for the season. However, they arenow the team to beat on the road to the 2008 Public Leaguechampionship.

It is a good thing high school basketball is entertainingbecause there has not been much to cheer about at the UnitedCenter. The Bulls (20-30) are in eleventh place in theEastern conference playoff hunt at mid season.

They have been struggling and every game has takennear perfection to win because the margin for error is slimfor them. The season has been difficult in the best of timesand they will be hard pressed to improve. The injuries tokey players, forward Lual Deng, shooting guard BenGordon, and guard Kirk Hinrich have taken a toll. The mostseriously injured, Deng, will be out until after the all-starbreak and his status is unknown for the rest of the season.Also do not forget that they have an interim head coachand all kinds of free-agent headaches looming after theseason.

To brighten things up Chicago sport fans will have tolook south and enter the summer like worlds of the Cubsand White Sox who will be opening spring training inArizona this week. The status of the ball teams is uncertainas well. They both had sub-par off-seasons as far as newacquisitions and will have to come up with big surprises tomake this a baseball season to remember.

Todd Thomas is a freelance writer for NLCN and otherpublications. To comment on this article visit our weblogat: www.nlcn.org.

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