2014: Year in review and looking forward

It's New Year's Eve and at around this time we often take a look back at some of the stories we've covered during the past year. Many of our 2014 stories will have effects lasting into 2015 and beyond.

To start, it's time for the 2015 elections. We're covering wards 6, 9 and 21 for the 2015 elections and a number of candidates are running in those wards. We're also looking forward to the Mayoral race to see who might be able give Mayor Rahm Emanuel a run for his money.

Speaking of the mayoral race, Rahm would've faced a challenge in his CTU nemesis in Karen Lewis. The Greater Chatham Alliance Chat with Karen forum story in September garnered us at least 900 individual reads. Unfortunately it turned out that she's suffering an illness and was forced to drop from contention as a result.  We'll see who else would be favored instead of Rahm.

Also, back in the community, there was concern over debris left as the result of a fire near 75th/King Drive. While the debris was cleared from the southwest corner, the northeast corner also had a fire in November. The corner contained former Alderman Lyle's ward office and the closed Army & Lou's restaurant. A recent fire in late November now has the neighborhood wondering if there's an arsonist on the loose. Here's another story regarding the fire on the southeast corner of 75th/King Drive.

A major neighborhood financial institution in Seaway Bank & Trust Company has made some changes. This includes a change at CEO and on the bank's board of directors as a result of the bank taking a loss as a result of the acquisition of two failing banks. However, as a result of a restructuring team it turns out the bank actually made a profit. Also 2015 would mark the bank's 50th anniversary.

We're still talking about that Whole Foods Market coming to Englewood at 63rd/Halsted. Even going so far as looking for other retailers to join the Whole Foods there. We're still discussing the "dreaded G word" as Curbed Chicago discussed this development under the tag "gentrification watch".

The Chatham 14 Theaters after going through ownership changes starting in 2012 - from ICE Theaters to Michael Silver in early 2013 - has new owners in the emerging chain Studio Movie Grill. While renovations and a grand opening were scheduled for the past summer now it appears the expected grand opening is expected in winter 2015 according to the SMG website.

Also we talked about the alternative spring break. A group of Morehouse College students led by then graduating senior Corey Hardiman came to Chicago for a week of community service instead of going to much warmer climates for spring break. Hardiman announced his run for 9th ward Alderman but opted to withdraw from that race before circulating petitions.

Surprisingly, the most popular post of the year (and in fact, #4 in our 7 years of posts) was on Jim's Original closing down at 95th. That closing was precipitated by the reconstruction of CTA's 95th terminal. As of Dec. 1 , it garnered 4,411 views (not including those who saw it on a front page). If only our locally owned non-chains received such views ;) (Yes, that was commentary by JP Paulus)

St. Dorothy Elementary School a long standing institution is closing its doors after 50+ years. The school will be merged with St. Columbanus Elementary to form a new school Augustus Tolton, which will be housed in the former St. Columbanus. Augustus Tolton was the first African American bishop in the Catholic church. The move by the Chicago Archdiocese has not been received well by St. Dorothy members, school parents and some community leaders. The new archbishop, Blaise Cupich  has not addressed the group as they requested and has publicly stated the decision to merge is final. He has even gone to the extend to bless Augustus Tolton with Father Bob Miller and Father Matt O'Donnell. The question for 2015 will be,what is the future for St. Dorothy Church and school?

Also, the tragic incident from this summer, the shooting on 79th Evans that killed Chicago Public School teacher/Coordinator Betty Howard, PhD. A gang related dispute that had been brewing all summer spilled onto the streets and a street thug spraying bullets over the street attempting to hit a rival sent bullets through the real estate storefront at 79th Evans and hit Dr. Howard. There was a public outcry that brought a number of civic, business , and religious leaders into the community to discuss violence prevention. Who was not at the table were the community based organizations in the 6th ward. A number of commitments were made but as of yet have not been followed up on. In 2015 we will see if the commitments will be made and will they include local community based organizations. Along with how many community based organizations will survive 2015.

Have we missed anything? Feel free to let us know! Also let us know what you're looking forward to in 2015.

DNA Info neighborhood 2014 in review

DNA Info offers their own year in review with stories they covered in 2014. These stories mainly affect Chatham and Englewood. On New Year's Eve we will offer our own year in review and hopefully you would share yours with us. :)

Petition objections for 9th Ward Alderman

Petition objections for candidates for 9th Ward Alderman. One hearing is scheduled for New Year's Eve 2014. You may also view this document via Chicago Board of Elections.

• 15-EB-ALD-017 | George Brown | Michael E LaFargue | 9th Ward Alderman | ON the ballot; objections overruled | Yamil Colon
• 15-EB-ALD-018 | George Brown | Harold "Noonie" Ward | 9th Ward Alderman | Pending Board Decision | William P. Jones
• 15-EB-ALD-019 | George Brown | Agin Muhammad II | 9th Ward Alderman | Recommendation Pending | Yamil Colon
• 15-EB-ALD-033 | Ronald Walters & Alonzo Anderson | Agin Muhammad II | 9th Ward Alderman | 12/31/14 11:00 AM | Lower Level Conference Room | Yamil Colon
• 15-EB-ALD-020 | George Brown | Theodore "Ted" Williams | 9th Ward Alderman | Recommendation Pending | Yamil Colon
• 15-EB-ALD-021 | George Brown | Curtiss Llong Bey | 9th Ward Alderman | Pending Board Decision | Yamil Colon 
• 15-EB-ALD-022 | George Brown | Marcia Brown | 9th Ward Alderman | Candidate OFF the ballot; Board decision | Yamil Colon
• 15-EB-ALD-034 | Ronald Walters & Alonzo Anderson | Marcia Brown | 9th Ward Alderman | Candidate OFF the Ballot; Board decision | Yamil Colon

Seaway Bank celebrates their 50th year anniversary

Seaway Bank & Trust Company main branch located @ 645 E. 87th Street will be host to a 50th year celebration on Friday, January 2, 2015. It will be one in a series of events as next year Seaway Bank celebrates being in business 50 years. It will definitely be noted in our New Year's Eve year in review to be published on New Year's Eve!

PHOTOS: 9100 S Indiana Block Club "A Winter Wonderland"

We got this e-mail from the West Chesterfield Community Association on Saturday which is two days after Christmas. It would've been nice to show this block which is near 91st/Indiana. The scene along Indiana Avenue is certainly very festive even as we move towards the New Year.

If you have any Christmas displays from the community that you want to share please feel free to e-mail us or post to our fb page, tweet us, or tag us on instagram.

Was your garbage unemptied last week?

I live the area between State and King, 83rd to 79th.  Our scheduled garbage pick-up is Wednesday, and Recyclables had recently been changed to Thursday.

However, the garbage was NOT picked up on Wednesday (Christmas Eve). I understand our recyclables not being picked up on Thursday due to Christmas. But since they hadn't been picked up the week before, I would have expected it to be done on Friday, Saturday at the latest.

Of ALL the weeks to NOT have service, this would be the worst. Due to boxes and wrapping paper, this would be the "ideal" time for recyclable pick up. And of course, garbage would increase, due to meals, preparation, and the like.

Is the garbage here still privately managed? If so, it's time for a new service!

And what will happen since a SECOND holiday is happening exactly a week later? Will they skip us again, or come today?

Please let us know if you have not had your garbage picked up, or if it was, did they come on time?

MyBlockMyHoodMyCity: "K-Town" North Lawndale

[VIDEO] Jahmal Cole visits the west side again with a visit to the North Lawndale neighborhood. He speaks with former county board President Bobbie Steele, lead attorney at Lawndale Christian Legal Center Cliff Nellis, and Pastor Phil Jackson of the Firehouse Community Art Center.

BTW, Cole meets with Steele at an establishment called the Green Tomato Cafe. If only they were ready to expand to our part of the city. Steele breaks down why a place such as a cafe - what she terms a meeting place for everyone - is truly necessary in North Lawndale.

This episode is about 9 minutes. Enjoy.

Curbed Chicago: Will These New Developments Gentrify Black Neighborhoods?

Rendering of the new 95th Street CTA Terminal

Bouncing off an article courtesy of Chicago Public Radio, Curbed Chicago takes a look at new real estate developments in Black neighborhoods around the city that could benefit.

For example, we here at the Sixth have our eye on the Whole Foods Market coming to 63rd/Halsted in 2016. Certainly people are concerned about the "dreaded G word" in like of the upscale grocer moving in.

Another nearby development that Curbed Chi has listed to provide a benefit to the surrounding community is the new 95th CTA terminal that's currently under construction. As a matter of fact in our year in review post coming New Year's Eve we noted one side effect of the new terminal - the loss of a long time hot dog stand. Curbed notes that we shouldn't "discount the effect that new transit hubs can have on a surrounding area".

Which reminds me speaking of transit, what effect could the future CTA Red Line extension south of 95th  have on the surrounding communities when it's finally built? If Curbed Chi revisits these issues in the future perhaps they would revisit the extension.

For addition reading I would like to refer you to our post from back in August 2014 that explores the fact that neighborhoods that are "too Black" don't gentrify. The aforementioned public radio piece seems to consider that same point.

Ruggles alum Demario Bailey will be remembered at the school today

We apologize for the late notice, but we just got this e-mail from Cee Powell of Greater Chatham Alliance. There is a memorial for Demario Bailey, who was tragically shot, simply for defending his brother. 

This event will start at 4pm today (an hour from publication of this event).

I'm sorry for the short notice, but things have been so hectic and I really thought I had sent this to you guys yesterday.  There will be a memorial held for Demario Bailey today.  Because Demario & Demacio have been members of the Ruggles family since Pre-k as well as the community his death has hit us all very hard...and Kendell LaRue being a Ruggles Alumi himself put together this memorial together to give the students at Ruggles as well as the community a way to pay trubute to Demario.  As you may know he still has an abundance of friends & staff members that could not make it to the memorials held at Johnson College Prep and we of his Ruggles family need to give our children an outlet to grieve and honor him.  I in particular because the twins adopted my daughter who's now 13 as their little sister and she was emotionally upset that she could not attend the memorials at Johnson Prep...which I thought was a wonderful thing on Kendells' part. both the school and I have talked to Delores and she was very touched by Kendell's actions.  So if you guys are available please come.

 

 

We hope to have more details soon.

DNA Info: Residents Rip CPS' Rejection of Private School's Offer To Buy Vacant School

Levois J of The Sixth Ward :P

So the fight continues over what to do with the closed Shedd School - 200 E. 99th St. Shedd was closed in 2013 due to declining enrollment having been used as a branch of the larger Bennett School located at 10115 S. Prairie Ave.

Recently there was a meeting held at the office of 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale. It was advertised here on Saturday and this DNA Info article discusses the debate over the sale of Shedd.

The neighborhood of Roseland Heights had been in support of a religious school ultimately moving into the former school apparently CPS accepted the bid of a real estate developer. Needless to say the leaders of the Roseland Heights Community Association wasn't too happy about this development. Here's why:

In fact, Patricia Hernandez, an official with CPS' Department of Procurement, told the group that Shedd's sale wasn't technically part of those being repurposed in the June 2013 closings. Therefore, "soliciting community input is not required or incorporated into this process," a Dec. 9 email to the Roseland group states.

The email stated that the district was required by law to take the highest bidder.

"If that is true, why did they tell the Rescue Missionary School something different?" Tucker asked. "Why did they say they needed community approval?"

CPS officials did not address that in Wednesday's statement but said that the district did have the discretion to resolicit bids if necessary. They said, however, that community input will not be required in the process going forward.

This article mentioned in passing the meeting that took place with Alderman Beale regarding Shedd School. He had been quoted in that article but hopefully someone out there will let us know what happened at that meeting. And hopefully some updates regarding the rebid for Shedd School.

Capitol Fax: On “war zones” and “foreign invasion”

Rich Miller notes that N'Digo publisher Hermene Hartmann was involved with Governor-elect Bruce Rauner's outreach to the Black community. She offered her comments to FOX Chicago about her work with Rauner and bringing him to Black neighborhoods to expose the many issues that exist during the governor's race.

She points to the crime and the dearth of businesses in Black neigborhoods. However, Miller has this to say about some of her comments:

Blaming “foreigners” for this problem is really odd. It’s not like they’re crowding out other potential business owners because there aren’t that many retail stores in the first place.

I hope you read the post and article and feel free to let us know your thoughts.

How does one get to become neighborhood of the year?

I saw this post on Uptown Update regarding Curbed Chicago's Neighborhood Cup. The north side Uptown neighborhood is in the running for the honor of the best neighborhood in Chicago. Basically it's determined by the feedback of Curbed Chicago's readership.

Now they've had this tourney for many years now and I've always wondered what are the nominations based on. Not only that what does it take to get some of the neighborhoods on the south side in the running.

I've always figured Chatham or Park Manor should be on that list. Not only that Pullman should be on the list as in recent years they've started to get some action as far as new retail in Walmart but also interest in turning that area into a national park.

So readers how can we get some of our neighborhoods onto that list? Feel free to talk about the neighborhood where you live and why it should get the recognition of being one of Chicago's best neighborhoods.

Youth helps lead chairty event at SMG Movie Theater

The following is a press release involves a young man who has helped lead these  charity events the past couple of years.

11-YEAR-OLD SAM LOVE TO BRING CHRISTMAS TO ENGLEWOOD AND 2 TORNADO-TORN ARKANSAS TOWNS
Coming to Englewood Dec. 19th

By Chinta Strausberg

Just 9-days before Christmas,11-year-old Samuel Love is bringing his entire Beasley Academic Center school to the 87th Street Studio Movie Grill Chatham Theater, which has partnered with the youth leader for his third annual disaster relief Christmas toy drive, where he will present an adaptive tricycle, to a special needs child.

Sam’s movie day will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 210 West 87th St.. The students are scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to watch either “The Hunger Games or Madagascar Mockingjay, Part I” movie, according to Sam’s father, Victor Love.

And, at 12 noon on that same day, young Sam will present a tricycle to a special needs child, and he will accept a check from the Black McDonald’s Operators Association for his toy drive.

On Friday, December 19, 2014, Sam will be coming to Englewood at 4 p.m. where he will be distributing toys at the Ogden Park, 66th and Racine.

Besides Englewood, young Sam has chosen Vilonia and Mayflower, Arkansas as the 2014 recipients of the “Sam and Santa” disaster relief Christmas toy drive.

After the Englewood toy give away, Sam will be leaving on December 21st going to Arkansas. On December 22nd, Sam will hold a Christmas party in Vilonia where he will meet the children from that town as well as those affected in nearby Mayflower. His father said he and his son would be joined by both the governor and mayors in a huge Christmas celebration.

Recently Sam held at a press conference at the 87th Street theater along with his father, Victor Love, Venisha White-Johnson, theater manager who is also vice president of Variety of Illinois, Angelique Barthel, Executive director of the Variety The Children’s Charity of Illinois, Will Adams, an independent filmmaker who is showing his film, Sex Ain’t Love at the theater, Reginald Cotton from Charity Contributors of Chicago, Sandi Torres, director of Charity Contributors of Chicago, officer Richard Wooten, Bryant Thompson from Red Level Entertainment and others.

Having thought long and hard about where he would deliver this year’s toys for children who were victims of disasters, young Love said he did his homework well before making his selection.

Sam searched the Internet,made phone calls and reached out to his parents in addition to talking to TV weathermen. “On April 27, 2014, an EF 4 tornado came through Vilonia for the second time in just three years. In 2011, a twister came through flattening homes and businesses. On the same day in Mayflower, the tornado destroyed up to500 homes and killed 16 people.

“It was heartbreaking to seethe damage that occurred there,” young Sam said. “I can only imagine the fear and pain of going through that devastation for the second time. I chose those two towns because the kids deserve to have smiles on their faces this Christmas.”

Before including Englewood as his choices for this year, young Sam rode round that community and was shocked to find out the state of poverty it is in. “We discovered that the population of Englewood is 30,900 with an average income of $12,000 a year. The unemployment rate is 21.3 percent, and the violence rate falls within the top10 hot spots in Chicago.” He noticed numerous vacant lots and said the parks“are in need of improvement.”

“After learning this, I felt the need to help make a kid smile in Englewood even though they may be going through some tough times…,” Sam said. “These three areas need our help. I believe with the help of my city, my family, my friends and others from around the world and even with the President and the First Lady, we can make a kid smile….”

Mr. Cotton brought numerous toys from his organization saying, “It’s an honor to give back to one of the youngest members of our philanthropic community. We give it up to Sam….” Adams donated two remote cars.

Barthel’s organization donated an adaptive tricycle. “We are encouraging families who have a handicapped child to apply for it through this toy drive. It can be powered by a pad with a variety of different disabilities but also by their caretakers.

“Children who don’t have a lot of core strength can still ride a tricycle. It is recreational as well as therapeutic,” she said. “Variety of Illinois is so proud of Sam’s offer and excited to be a part of this year’s event.” To apply for this bike or other mobility equipment at www.varietyofillinois.org. The application deadline is Thursday, December 18, 2014. She is hoping to give the bike on Friday, December 19, 2014, at the theater.

Addressing natural disasters can be emotionally draining even for adults let alone a child. Mr. Love said he received a call from a woman from Livonia, Arkansas who was in tears after learning of Sam’s toy giveaway. “She was excited at learning they were selected to get these toys.”

Mr. Love said the priority of Arkansas city officials there was to “get a roof over their heads and to get back to some normalcy some state of living. Toys were the last thing on their list.”Love added, “There are kids affected by this situation.”

The woman reportedly told Mr.Love that she had four grown children and that “they have nothing.” “It gets really emotional sometimes when you talk to these people because it really makes a difference when you can reach out to them,” he said.

‘This is about kids deserving and ready to feel better on Christmas Day. “I thank God for Sam’s having a heart for kids…. This is what Christmas is all about taking care of the less fortunate,” said Mr. Love.

Meeting on the closed Shedd School

MEETING NOTICE!

All Communities Are invited

Please join us for our Meeting on
Monday, December 15, 2014
Discussion: The Sale of Shedd School

Invited Guest: The Every Block & Educational Village Keepers community organizations, concerned citizens; union affiliates & Alderman Anthony Beale

Shedd school was closed in 2013. The school is in a one block park with ball field and play lot. CPS took bids to Sale the school. The top two bids were Rescue Missionary school, which had community support and a housing developer who's name is still unknown. On Wednesday December 3, 2014, we heard from Principal Marilyn Keeter of Rescue Missionary School to inform the community that CPS has given Shedd school to the housing developer. CPS has not given us the name of this organization. We thought that whoever made a bid for the property must have the consent of the community. CPS says soliciting community input is not required or incorporated into this process and it's up to Alderman Beale as to what will be done. If he truly cares about encouraging a greener ward he will not let this developer come into our community and take our green space to build houses.

We plan to meet with him
When: Monday December 15, 2014
4:00pm
Please arrive by: 3:30
Where: 9th Ward Office
34 East 112th Street Chicago, IL 60628

Press Releases for this Sunday's #BlackLivesMatter Church Demonstrations

We have two official press releases this Sunday's #BlackLivesMatter Church demonstrations along 79th Street .  The first is from Greater Institutional AME Church

PROTEST MARCH & PRAYER CIRCLE AT 79th & DAN RYAN SUNDAY

WHO: Rev. Dr. Walter B. Johnson, Jr. of Greater Institutional AME & Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Gordon of Carter Temple CME to March in Protest of Deaths of Eric Garner, Michael Brown and countless others

WHAT: Protest March & Prayer Circle in Protest of Deaths of Eric Garner & Michael Brown

Pastor Dr. Walter B. Johnson, Jr. will lead Greater Institutional AME Church and community members in a march in protest of the deaths of Eric Garner, Michael Brown and countless others.

Pastor Dr. Joseph B. Gordon will also join the march with Carter Temple CME Church.

 

A call to action and prayer for the community will be read at 79th & the Dan Ryan to stop the violence and unjust police brutality against young black men.

WHERE: Event Begins at Greater Institutional Church, 7800 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago, IL and Ends at 79th & Dan Ryan

WHEN: 12:45 p.m; Sunday, December 14, 2014

WHO: Sponsored by Greater Institutional AME Church in conjunction with Carter Temple CME Church, various community leaders, organizations and area residents.

 

I must post this disclaimer:  I (JP Paulus) wrote the following press release at the request of Kenety Gee, senior pastor at Chatham Fields Lutheran Church

Kenety Gee  of Chatham Fields Lutheran Church and the community leaders of Chatham invites everyone to a Walk for Justice this Sunday at 1pm to show the neighborhood that #BlackLivesMatter.

The community will meet at the office of 6^th Ward Alderman Rod Sawyer, 8001 S. King Drive, on Sunday December 14 at 1pm.  The group will then begin the Walk for Justice and march toward 79^th and King Drive.

“Law and Order is important for every community and we must not break the law,” says Pastor Gee.  “Those charged to enforce the laws cannot use the coverings of law enforcement to perpetrate injustice.  Everyone is equal under the law.”

There is a possibility of joining other community efforts, as such  Greater Institutional AME Church and Carter Temple CME Church, who will walk together on 79^th Street at the same date and time.

The location for this event on Sunday is different than the previously announced Cole Park. There will not be any related activities at Cole Park.          

 

For more information, please call the Chatham Fields Lutheran Church office at (773) 723-3661.

9th Ward Alderman on CAN-TV "Political Forum"

[VIDEO] You know I wish I was more in tune to what's going on the CAN-TV call-in program Political Forum. Now that we're in the midst of municipal election season we're probably going to find plenty of incumbents willing to come onto this show to tout their positions on important issues and their accomplishments.

Last Wednesday December 3rd it was Ald. Anthony Beale's turn to talk about "jobs, raising the minimum wage, cab regulations, red light cameras, and more".

I haven't yet had the chance to watch the video above but everyone who reads this blog is more than free to discuss their thoughts on this appearance. The map of the 9th ward which you have seen here from time to time is shown below.

Schedule for 9th ward petition objection hearings

We covered some of the developments over in the 6th Ward as part of our 2015 election coverage for wards 6, 9, and 21. Well today we turn our attention to the 9th Ward. One of these petition objection cases - for candidate Marcia Brown - is scheduled to be decided TODAY December 12th.

Now what you see listed below are the case numbers, the objector, the candidate, the office, the date and time of hearing, the location within board of elections HQ on Washington Street, and finally the hearing officer.

• 15-EB-ALD-017 | George Brown | Michael E LaFargue | 9th Ward Alderman | 12/16/14 10:00 AM | Lower Level Conference Room | Yamil Colon
• 15-EB-ALD-018 | George Brown | Harold "Noonie" Ward | 9th Ward Alderman | 12/17/14 1:00 PM | Lower Level Conference Room | William P. Jones
• 15-EB-ALD-019 | George Brown | Agin Muhammad II | 9th Ward Alderman | 12/18/14 9:30 AM | Lower Level Conference Room | Yamil Colon 
• 15-EB-ALD-020 | George Brown | Theodore "Ted" Williams | 9th Ward Alderman | 12/18/14 11:30 AM | Lower Level Conference Room | Yamil Colon 
• 15-EB-ALD-021 | George Brown | Curtiss Llong Bey | 9th Ward Alderman | 12/16/14 9:00 AM | Lower Level Conference Room | Yamil Colon 
• 15-EB-ALD-022 | George Brown | Marcia Brown | 9th Ward Alderman | 12/12/14 11:00 AM | Lower Level Conference Room | Yamil Colon 

You can check out this document for board of election petition objections here.

#BlackLivesMatter demonstration THIS Sunday, Dec. 14

Following up on last Sunday's demonstrations, more churches are coming together, as coordinating, as they "get off their streets, and go into the streets." This is an effort to show that #BlackLivesMatter, several churches are continuing the movement that Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina initiated less than 2 weeks ago.

Chatham Fields Lutheran Church, 8050 S. St. Lawrence, will start a march  THIS Sunday, Decmeber 14, meeting at Cole Park at 1pm. They will then walk up King Drive to 79th, possibly meeting other churches there as well.

Greater Institutional AME Church, at 7800 S. Indiana, will have a Black Lives Matter Sunday Service at 10 a.m.
Here's their press announcement:

PROTEST MARCH & PRAYER CIRCLE AT 79th & DAN RYAN SUNDAY
Rev. Dr. Walter B. Johnson, Jr., Pastor & Greater Institutional to March in Protest of Deaths of
Eric Garner & Michael Brown

WHAT: Protest March & Prayer Circle in Protest of Deaths of Eric Garner & Michael Brown
Rev. Dr. Walter B. Johnson, Jr., Pastor will lead the Greater Institutional AME Church congregation and community members in a march in protest of the deaths of Eric Garner & Michael Brown. A call to action and prayer for the community will be read at 79th & the Dan Ryan to stop the violence and unjust police brutality against young black men.

WHERE: Event Begins at Greater Institutional Church, 7800 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago, IL and Ends at 79th & Dan Ryan

WHEN: 12:45 p.m. - Sunday, December 14, 2014

WHO: Sponsored by Greater Institutional AME Church in conjunction with various community leaders, organizations and area residentsA March will begin at 12:45 p.m. from GI to 79th & Dan Ryan. There is a strong possibility that this alliance of churches will then move east on 79th to join the Chatham Fields Group at 79th & King Drive.
Participating churches: Greater Institutional AMEC and Carter Temple CMEC (possibly St. James Evangelical Lutheran as well)

Please let us know of other efforts in the community as well!

--jp--

6th ward: Former candidate makes endorsement and petition challenge continuance

Worlee has been doing a great job keeping track of what's been going on in the race for 6th ward Alderman. Yesterday we learned that candidate Dumars Franklin had withdrawn from the 2015 election for Alderman and then we learned today that Mr. Franklin has endorsed Richard Wooten.

That news was announced in the tweet below:

Thank you Dumars Franklin, who previously was an aldermanic candidate for the sixth ward, but has now endorsed me. pic.twitter.com/WkAFozD84d
— Richard A. Wooten (@TeamRichWooten) December 11, 2014

Furthermore it was noted by Worlee on his Concerned Citizens of Chatham page that there is a continuance with the petition challenge for Delton "Jerry" Pierce to December 18, 2014.

Of course for the 2015 elections in wards 6, 9, and 21 we will continue to have further updates.

Chatham Churches Demonstrate that #BlackLivesMatter = part 1

Here are some photos from this past Sunday's #BlackLivesMatter protests by area churches.

From Rev. William Hall and St. James Lutheran https://www.facebook.com/hall.william?fref=ts

Today GOD blessed our church...

TODAY was the FIRST time our church marched in its history!!! 

22 of us marched from our church down 79th and PRAYED and chanted "HANDS OUT WE HELP"... 

Along the route we hugged people, even helped during an accident between an elderly man and a guy....
 

When we were done we ate SOUP...
‪#‎BlackLivesMatterChatham‬‪#‎HandsOutWeCare‬

And from Greater Institutional AME Church

 

 

Temple of Glory International marched with Bethlehem Star on 95th, between Cottage Grove & King Drive. (The churches were for each end, but came together).

If there are others, please share with us...Or if anyone would like to do a guest blog post on your experience, we would welcome it. e-mail photos and text to blog (at) thesixthward.us
Later today, we will share some events coming up THIS Sunday, December 14 (which is also Levois & JP's birthday!)

DNA Info: South Shore Dominick's: City Council OKs Use of Eminent Domain

Former Dominick's 71st/Jeffrey - Eric Allix Rogers/flickr

So now the shopping center at 71st/Jeffrey in South Shore is now subject to eminent domain takeover by the city of Chicago. Now it's the city's problem to figure out who might fill the space formerly occupied by the Dominick's chain - which is owned by Safeway who opted to vacate their Chicago area stores last year.

There's been some difficulty in finding another grocer to take this spot. We've often heard that the Mariano's chain growing in the area after Dominick's departure isn't interested in this location but is looking at other spots in the South Shore area.

The current owners claimed per DNA Info that they had been close to signing a deal with a Puerto Rico based grocery chain. However there are those dismiss this company because of allegations that they stole electricity at this chain's Virgin Island stores.

So the question is will the city prove to be more successful at finding a new tenant for the Dominick's store than the owners of this property?

More petition objections info and a withdrawal in the 6th ward

Yesterday JP posted about petition objection hearings for 6th Ward alderman candidates. Today Worlee posted an update regarding an early withdrawal in Dumars Franklin and that means he will be struck from the 2015 page. Mr. Franklin we hardly knew you!

In any event I wanted to be sure to share this document from the board of elections regarding the hearing schedule. Worlee is definitely helping to keep an eye out for any news regarding candidates in our 2015 election coverage for wards 6, 9, & 21. Now you can do the same in that arena with that document.

In the meanwhile we'll keep our eyes out for anything new regarding aldermanic candidates.

6th Ward candidate challenges on Wednesday

From Worlee's Concerned Citizens of Chatham

Important Dates for Petition Challenges

15-EB-ALD-102 Glen Sanderson Challenges
Dumars Ervin Franklin
6th Ward
Alderman
12/10/14 11:30 AM Lower Level Conference Room June A. Brown

15-EB-ALD-104 Glen Sanderson Challenges
Delton Jerry Pierce
6th Ward
Alderman
12/10/14 12:30 PM Lower Level Conference Room June A. Brown

15-EB-ALD-093 Kirk R Donley Challenges
Dumars Ervin Franklin
6th Ward
Alderman
12/10/14 11:00 AM Lower Level Conference Room June A. Brown

15-EB-ALD-095 Kirk R Donley Challenges
Delton Jerry Pierce
6th Ward 
Alderman
12/10/14 12:00 PM Lower Level Conference Room June A. Brown

We'll find out tomorrow who's in and who's not for 6th Ward Alderman

ANd who do Glen Sanderson and Kirk Donley work for?

Capitol Fax: Plenty of blame to go around on minimum wage

Rich Miller's syndicated column posted to his blog this morning was regarding the push for a minimum wage hike in the state. Of course as well as know last week the Chicago City Council passed a minimum wage hike of their own and will be signed into law by Mayor Emanuel.

That being said locally 6th Ward Alderman Sawyer had been in favor of a hike and put out a statement in support of the minimum wage ordinance after its approval. He had also been out with the Fight for 15 crowd in support of a hike.

Regardless now that the city has supported a hike of their own and the state hasn't been able to pass one of their own what are you thoughts on this?

Do you think it will hurt small businesses? Do you think this will help out those low-wage employees at many of these corporate service-industry establishments? Do you think our young people who need work experience would be adversely impacted by this hike?

St James and Temple of Glory churches to protest THIS Sunday re: #BlackLivesMatter

From Rev. William Hall of St. James Evangelical Lutheran church (8000 S Michigan)

Tomorrow we will march down 79th from State to Eberhart praying on each corner.Our morning worship service will start 10:00am and directly following worship we will march down 79th.Rev. William HallPastorSt. James Lutheran Church

Pastor Fredrick Wilson of Temple of Glory International (311 E. 95th st.) is also planning a protest in conjunction with their 10am service. (Home page = http://www.ttogi.org/) 

I don't usually march or participate in politics but This is IMPORTANT!! I've been inspired by my friends Chris Harris Sr. LaRue I Pastor Kidd and Roosevelt Watkins!!
I need my soldiers tomorrow!!!! Our church is participating in a protest march against the violence and injustice in our nation, from our church to 95th St. & Cottage Grove immediately after church!! We need people! Invite friends! ‪#‎blacklivesmatter‬ (wear or bring comfortable shoes and warm clothes!)
The church MUST take part in this national movement!

Any other churches participating? Let us know BOTH here as a comment, and on Facebook.

Edit: Chatham Fields Lutheran Church at 8050 S. St. Lawrence is also participating.  Their service also begins in the 10 am hour. 

Edit: Temple of Glory is joining Bethlehem Star. See Pastor Roosevelt Watkins' Facebook announcement :

Join us as Bethlehem Star Church will be taking it to the streets, Sunday, Dec. 7th directly after service 1pm. We will gather at 9231 S. Cottage Gr and march to 95th & Cottage Gr. We will be joined by PastorFredrick E Wilson Jr. & Temple of Glory

Sun-Times: Hairston demands Emanuel do more to replace shuttered Dominick's

71st & Jeffrey by Eric Allix Rogers/flickr

It's really unbelievable that the former Dominick's in South Shore still hasn't found another tenant. The space is located at the shopping center on 71st/Jeffrey.

While the Mariano's chain is coming close with a store coming to Bronzeville and another coming to the Lakeshore development on 87th Street they're not interested in the former Dominick's space. Could this become a campaign issue for Mayor Emanuel at least for constituents in South Shore?

 Although one positive development yesterday in addition to voting to raise the minimum wage in Chicago, the city council also voted to acquire the 71st Street Dominick's space. That still didn't serve to appease 5th ward Ald. Leslie Hairston:

South Side Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) said she wants Mayor Rahm Emanuel to summon the CEOs of major grocery chains to a meeting and demand that somebody — anybody — fill the gaping hole at 71st and Jeffrey Boulevard that Dominick’s left nearly a year ago.

“It’s very difficult for the mayor to say he’s doing enough when he’s announcing grocery stores all over everywhere except in the place that needs it the most,” Hairston said.

“He knows people. He could do more. I need him to do more. It will be a year in a few days. It is a black mark on him. Absolutely. It says that he doesn’t care. I want him to use the power that he has as mayor of the City of Chicago to spur economic development in South Shore, just as he’s done in the South Loop. Whatever he has done in all of those other situations, I expect the same here.”

Hairston was asked whether the vacant store two blocks from her home would cost Emanuel votes in the Feb. 24 election.

“Well, he’s already lost support because it has remained vacant. He’s got to earn that support back,” she said.

There is one update on a future Mariano's in South Shore according to this article: "On Wednesday, Hairston said she’s heard from Mariano and he’s ready to talk about other sites — but not at Jeffrey Plaza."

So we should open up the floor here. If a Mariano's were to come closer to our part of town where would you like to see it?

CTA Holiday Bus on King Drive THIS Saturday and Thursday

There's a rough schedule for the #3 route Holiday Bus!

12/6 – Sat*	#3 King Drive	10:30am from Ontario/Fairbanks 2:30pm from Chicago State U./95th 3:25pm from Ontario/Fairbanks Photo stop at 95th/Chicago State U. 12:15pm –1:15 pm
12/9 – Tue	#3 King Drive	12:30pm from Chicago State U./95th 2:25pm from Ontario/Fairbanks 4:45pm from Chicago State U./95th

JP Paulus & his family hope to be there!

More details at the CTA Holiday Bus web page!

Petition objection webinar

From our friends at Aldertrack

Particpate in Aldertrack's first webinar. Jimm Dispensa and Mike Fourcher will provide an overview of the petition objections so far, a review of the process and a Q&A. Open to all, but preference given to Racing Form subscribers. Wednesday, December 3 at 9:00 am CDT. Register here.

We encourage you to check it out!

Aldertrack has had some great resources over the years, and this year, they made it very affordable to keep track. However, we will continue our own coverage as well.

VIDEO: Black Owned

[VIDEO] You may have seen a link to the vid above on our FB page. Produced by students at Chatham Academy High School through their After School Matters program it's a short documentary about Chicago's Black owned businesses.

They definitely highlight the businesses of 75th Street with Brown Sugar Bakery, Lem's BBQ, Soul Vegetarian, Authentic Cooking Catering, and KMT Health Food Store.

This documentary runs over 10 minutes.