Friday, July 31, 2009

BRONZECOMM: Friday Morning News and Events Roundup 7/31/09

1. From: Raynard
Subject: Illinois worst at using Web to inform about stimulus spending

States rate poorly on stimulus info; Ill. worst
By MICHAEL TARM
Source: Chicago Tribune
On a scale of zero to 100, it can't get worse than the big goose egg.

That's the embarrassing rating Illinois received in a report released
on Wednesday that concludes the state is worst in the nation when
it comes to information available online about how federal stimulus
money is being spent.

The 50-state study by the Washington, D.C.-based watchdog Good Jobs First
sought to assess how well states are living up to President Barack Obama's
pledge that the $787 billion federal stimulus bill would seek "an
unprecedented level of transparency and accountability."

To fulfill that and similar promises from governors, state Web sites were
supposed to play a central role as one-stop shops where watchdogs,
reporters and citizens could go to track stimulus cash.


While Illinois' official stimulus site garnered a zero, most states also scored poorly
-- with an average rating of just 28.

Read the entire report online: click here>>>








2. From: Esther J. Cepeda
Subject: on parting with Pilsen

· Dispelling the Hispanic Chicago Pilsen Myth: We’re – GASP! – everywhere
ThatR17;s right, folks: 800,000 Chicago Latinos call the city limits home, as do about a million
or so Chicago metro region Hispanics, and contrary to popular belief, we don’t ALL live in Pilsen.







3. From: twylerjenkins@aol.com
Subject: Bronzeville Family Fest this weekend










4. From: Charmaine Thomas/Kurt Rice Subject: JAMES MOODY & NORMAN CONNORS HEADLINE -THE 28TH ANNUAL JAZZFEST HERITAGE MUSIC WEEKEND

Heritage JazzFest Music Weekend lineup
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, August 1st the program begins with the High School Bands,
at approximately 11:00 a.m. and concludes with the James Moody
Quartet. Other performers scheduled to appear include:

Fernando Jones
Crosswinds
Theresa Griffin
Orbert Davis
James Moody Quartet

SUNDAY, August 2nd, 2009
THE SUNDAY AUGUST 2ND CONCERT BEGINS AT 12:30PM
12:30 p.m. - 8:30pm

Mr. Fernando Jones
The Mambo Express Afro Cuban Band
Michael Ross
The Deep Blue Organ Trio
The Norman Connors Starship Orchestra
with/ Special Guest Tom Browne
&Jazz Vocalist
Tecora Rogers

JAZZ UNITES
http://www.jazzunitesinc.org/index.htm








5. From: Karen Durham
Subject: Save the Dates - Black Harvest Film Fest

Gene Siskel Film Center presents the 15th Annual Black Harvest
International Festival of Film and Video, August 7-September 3



The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago presents its15th Annual
Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video. The Midwest’s largest festival of the
Black experience on film, Black Harvest showcases Chicago premieres of 21 features
and documentaries and 22 short films.

Special events include opening night A Black Harvest Feast (August 7) featuring five short films
which convey the spirit and vibrant feeling of the festival with a number of filmmakers in person.
Harmene Hartman, publisher/editor-in-chief of N’DIGO, will receive the Deloris Jordan Award
for Excellence in Community Leadership in person. Hill Harper will receive the Gene Siskel Film
Center Renaissance Award and convey his gratitude via DVD. NBC 5’s LeeAnn Trotter will
emcee the program. Other events include “Date on State” (August 14), Real Men Cook (August 21),
advance screenings of The Nine Lives of Marion Barry (August 9) and Blaxploitation parody
Black Dynamite (August 15 and 20), festival panel discussion How to Get a Movie Made (August 15),
and a number of filmmaker and special guest appearances.

This year festival passes are available for $50—see six films for the price of five plus six free popcorns,
an $83 value! Tickets are $10/general admission, $7/students, and $5/Film Center members. The
Gene Siskel Film Center is located at 164 N. State St. Learn more about Black Harvest
at www.siskelfilmcenter.org or call 312-846-2800.








6. From: W Casey
Subject: The health-care reform town hall


BE THERE!!! UPCOMING EVENT

Congressman Jackson will host another town hall meeting
about efforts in Congress to overhaul our nation's
health care system.

The health-care reform town hall will take place from
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18th,
at the Sheldon Heights Church of Christ located
at 11355 South Halsted Street in Chicago.

Congressman Jackson hopes to see you there.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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7. From: Kine Corder
Subject: Teaching young people about money

Kids can learn about money at all ages

It’s never too early to begin teaching kids about money. Teaching your children to be financially responsible at a young age can help them achieve financial security from childhood to retirement.
Children learn more about how to handle financial responsibility from their parents than from any other source, including schools. The best time to start discussing this topic is when children begin asking for new things.

Younger Children

Before children can learn about money, they must practice making choices. Children as young as 18 months can be taught they don’t always get what they want. Teach your child to make decisions at a young age. The decision-making skills they learn will be applied to financial decisions later in life.
R26; Start young children with simple choices, such as “Would you like to use the green or the yellow crayon?”

• Move on quickly to three or four choices so that children learn to handle more than two. Most children four years of age can handle up to six choices.
Kindergarten to Second Grade

From kindergarten through second grade, children learn how to count and perform simple mathematical equations. This is a perfect age to start giving them a small amount of allowance and teach them financial responsibility.

• Choose an amount you feel comfortable with and pay it regularly.

• Let children see the results of their decisions. If your daughter spends all her money on candy the second day of the week, don’t give her more money when she wants a new toy on the fourth day.

• Encourage children to divide their allowance into three equal categories. Make envelopes for immediate spending, charity and long-term savings. Only let them spend the long-term savings when it reaches a certain amount, such as $10 or $25.
Third to Fifth Grade

Since this age group may want more expensive toys, like in-line skates and video games, consider increasing the amount of their allowance.

• Teach this age group how to save for a goal. For example, if your son wants an expensive computer game encourage him to save for the game.

• Match their savings. If your child wants a new bike, tell him you will give him the same amount he saves. This encourages him to reach his goal and teaches him how to wait for what he wants.


Middle School Children

Your son or daughter might be starting to make extra money by babysitting, mowing lawns or shoveling snow.

• Open a savings account with your child so they can watch their money grow.

• Consider giving them a larger allowance. But if you do, also consider giving them the responsibility of buying their own clothes. This teaches them the value of money and they will learn to look for bargains.

• Explain how buying on credit works and ways you get the most from the family’s money. Ask your children to evaluate television and radio commercials and newspaper ads when the family is buying a higher ticket items such as new television or computer.


As a family

Each family member can learn about money when planning a trip. Give each child some responsibility by delegating tasks. Older children can help mom and dad plan a budget and decide on the vacation location. Middle school children can research hotel rates and airfares. Younger children can clip coupons for small things the family will need on the trip, like sunscreen, film and snacks.

No matter where they’re starting from, you can teach your children how to achieve financial security that will last a lifetime.

If you would like to receive a free budget that is easy to use or if you have any questions please email me at kine.corder@countryfinancial.com or call me at 708-430-2540.

Good luck on raising financially responsible children.



Kine' Corder
708-430-2540 office
708-430-2617 Fax
COUNTRY Financial
9630 S Roberts Rd Suite B6-b
Hickory Hills, IL 60457

Relax, you have a Financial Representative now.
Referrals are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Investments - Life - Auto - Home Retirement - Disability - LTC
www.countryfinancial.com/kine.corder
kine.corder@countryfinancial.com






8. From: Barbara Kensey
Subject: BUD BILLIKEN'S 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY SATURDAY, AUGUST 1








Bud Billiken is having a birthday party in honor of Bud at 80
and EVERYONE is invited. Join us this Saturday, August 1st
from 12-3 pm on the northwest corner of 47th & King Drive.

It's free!

There will be live entertainment, including Vance Kelley & the
Back Street Blues Band, drill teams, a marching band, majorettes,
dancing to old school and new school music and ice cream & cake.

It's a prelude to the 80th Bud Billiken Parade & Picnic on the
following Saturday, August 8th.

For more information, call Chicago Defender Charities
at 773-536-3710.















9. From: Aina Holmes
Subject: Mortgage HELP from - NACA - Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of America

Hello!

I just learned about NACA (a non-profit HUD certified counseling agency) that helps people keep their homes.

The address for the local Chicago office is below.

NACA’s tour began July 17th in Cleveland and then every week nationwide. The tour was in Chicago last weekend.
Over 25,000 homeowners participate at each event with thousands having their mortgage restructured
the same day to an affordable payment with interest rates permanently reduced to as low as 2%.
NACA has legally binding agreements with all the major lenders/servicers to achieve this.

All of NACA’s services are FREE.

NACA - Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America
www.naca.com
4425 W. 63rd St.
Chicago, IL 60629
773.723.6222
888-302-6222





10. From: jking
Subject: Prayer Vigil For Mental Health Services


Prayer Vigil For Mental Health Services
Friday July 31st - 5pm
Greater Grand Clinic - 4314 S. Cottage Grove

We need you to join us (Friday 7/31 at 5pm
at the Greater Grand Mid South Mental Health Clinic
4314 S. Cottage Grove - Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

For more information:
Southside Together Organizing for Power
813 E.63rd Street, 2nd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60637
773-753-9674
www.stopchicago.org





11. From:
Subject: Mentoring in the Park - African Drumming

As a part of our summer youth employment program,
an African-Drumming/cultural enrichment Life-Skills
workshop is planned for Burton Park on Friday, July 31,
at approx 1:30 pm, at 16th & Washington, Maywood.

We will meet at the gazebo in the Fred Hampton Park behind the Police Station.

Donations of hot dogs, burgers, rolls, pop, chips, cookies, etc. are appreciated.
We are planning for approximately 100 youth.

Drop off items at our office or at the park on the day of (we will freeze any
perishables for use on another day -- the youth are always ready to eat!).

Barbara Cole - 708-343-9600 or 344-3577
Maywood Youth Mentoring Program, Inc.
840 S. 17th Avenue, Maywood





12. From: Dr. Daniel Dixon
Subject: The Mandatory 15-Second Voicemail Instructions



The Times's technology columnist, David Pogue, keeps you on top of the industry
in his free, weekly email newsletter.
Sign up | See Sample



Suppose you call my cell to leave me a message. First you hear my own voice: "Hi, it's David Pogue. Leave a message, and I'll get back to you"--and THEN you hear a 15-second canned carrier message.


* Sprint: "[Phone number] is not available right now. Please leave a detailed message after the tone. When you have finished recording, you may hang up, or press pound for more options."





* Verizon: "At the tone, please record your message. When you have finished recording, you may hang up, or press 1 for more options. To leave a callback number, press 5. (Beep)"





* AT&T: "To page this person, press five now. At the tone, please record your message. When you are finished, you may hang up, or press one for more options."





* T-Mobile: "Record your message after the tone. To send a numeric page, press five. When you are finished recording, hang up, or for delivery options, press pound."





(You hear a similar message when you call in to hear your own messages. "You. Have. 15. Messages. To listen to your messages, press 1." WHY ELSE WOULD I BE CALLING?)





I, the voicemailbox owner, cannot turn off this additional greeting message. You, the caller, can bypass it, but only if you know the secret keypress--and it's different for each carrier. So you'd have to know which cellphone carrier I use, and that of every person you'll ever call; in other words, this trick is no solution.





These messages are outrageous for two reasons. First, they waste your time. Good heavens: it's 2009. WE KNOW WHAT TO DO AT THE BEEP.





Do we really need to be told to hang up when we're finished!? Would anyone, ever, want to "send a numeric page?" Who still carries a pager, for heaven's sake? Or what about "leave a callback number?" We can SEE the callback number right on our phones!





Second, we're PAYING for these messages. These little 15-second waits add up--bigtime. If Verizon's 70 million customers leave or check messages twice a weekday, Verizon rakes in about $620 million a year. That's your money. And your time: three hours of your time a year, just sitting there listening to the same message over and over again every year.





In 2007, I spoke at an international cellular conference in Italy. The big buzzword was ARPU--Average Revenue Per User. The seminars all had titles like, "Maximizing ARPU In a Digital Age." And yes, several attendees (cell executives) admitted to me, point-blank, that the voicemail instructions exist primarily to make you use up airtime, thereby maximizing ARPU.





Right now, the carriers continue to enjoy their billion-dollar scam only because we're not organized enough to do anything about it. But it doesn't have to be this way. You don't have to sit there, waiting to leave your message, listening to a speech recorded by a third-grade teacher on Ambien.





Let's push back, and hard. We want those time-wasting, money-leaking messages eliminated, or at least made optional.





I asked my Twitter followers for help coming up with a war cry, a slogan, to identify this campaign. They came up with some good ones:





"Where's the Beep?"
"Let it Beep"
"We Know. Let's Go."
"Lose the Wait"
"My Voicemail, My Recording"
"Hell, no, we won't hold!"


My favorite, though, is the one that sounds like a call to action: "Take Back the Beep."





And here's how we're going to do it.





We're going to descend, en masse, on our carriers. Send them a complaint, politely but firmly. Together, we'll send them a LOT of complaints.





If enough of us make our unhappiness known, I'll bet they'll change.





I've told each of the four major carriers that they'll be hearing from us. They've told us where to send the messages:





* Verizon: Post a complaint here: http://bit.ly/FJncH.





* AT&T: Send e-mail to Mark Siegel, executive director of media relations: MS8460@att.com.





* Sprint: Post a complaint here: http://bit.ly/9CmrZ





* T-Mobile: Post a complaint here: http://bit.ly/2rKy0u





Three of the four carriers are just directing us to their general Web forums. Smells like a cop-out, I know. (As for AT&T: Props to the guy for letting me publish his e-mail address! Hope he knows what he's in for!)





Yet all four carriers promise that they'll read and consider our posts. And we have two things going for us.





First, I have a feeling that the volume of complaints will be too big for them to ignore. To that end, I hope you'll pass these instructions along, blog them, Twitter them, and spread the word. (Gizmodo, Consumerist and others have agreed to help out.) And I hope you'll take the time to complain yourself. Do it now, before you forget.





Second, we'll all be watching. I'll be reporting on the carriers' responses. If they ignore us, we'll shame them. If they respond, we'll celebrate them.





Either way, it's time to rise up. It's time for this crass, time-wasting money-grab to end for good.


Sign in to RecommendMore Articles in Technology »









13. From: Thomas Palmer
Subject: Hate delivered as news -- Stop CNN's Lou Dobbs

Dear _______________,



CNN's Lou Dobbs has been using his show to give life to conspiracy theories claiming President Obama wasn't born in the U.S. The question was put to rest long ago, but Dobbs is pretending that this extremist nonsense is a legitimate national conversation.

Dobbs, intentionally or not, is stoking the fires of racial fear and paranoia in the same way that the McCain/Palin campaign did when they cast Obama as "not one of us." Even after being called on it, he refuses to stop.




President Obama: an undocumented immigrant?







Why is Lou Dobbs pretending that a racist conspiracy theory is news?



It's not the first time. Will you take a moment to demand CNN drop Dobbs?











CNN claims to be "the most trusted name in news," yet it is allowing one of its hosts to give legitimacy to debunked, racist conspiracy theories. Will you join me in calling on CNN to dump Dobbs -- and ask your friends and family to do the same? It takes just a minute:


http://www.colorofchange.org/dobbs/?id=1958-279308

For more than a year, folks on the far right have been claiming that Obama is not a U.S. citizen, that he was born in Kenya , and that as a result he can't be president. The theory has been repeatedly debunked. Not only has the state of Hawaii produced a birth certificate several times, there were also birth announcements in two separate Hawaii papers when Obama was born, placing his birth in Hawaii--for most reasonable people, that would remove any doubt.

Members of Dobbs' own staff have said they're uncomfortable with his insistence on pursuing this story, but Dobbs insists on claiming there must be something to it because "Obama refuses to produce the long-form of his birth certificate." Other news outlets have refused to give the idea any credence. The head of MSNBC, Phil Griffin, had this to say about the claim: "It's racist. It's racist. Just call it for what it is."


Dobbs and race



Lou Dobbs has a history of attacking immigrants by spouting hateful rhetoric and lies. He once claimed that "the invasion of illegal aliens is threatening the health of many Americans" through "deadly imports" of diseases like leprosy and malaria. This kind of rhetoric feeds anti-immigrant hate, which has led to horrors like the beating death of Luis Ramirez in Pennsylvania and the shooting death of 9-year old Brisenia Flores in Arizona earlier this year. Dobb's role in creating this environment has led organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) to call on CNN to reign in Dobbs in the past.



Now Dobbs is going after Obama by giving voice to the same kind of xenophobic rhetoric, stoking the deep-seated fears of angry right-wing extremists who, as CNN analyst Roland Martin has said, can't accept the fact that their president is Black.



Dobbs may not like Obama. But it's a real problem for him to use his powerful position as a moderator of discussion about the news to validate a dangerous falsehood that's rooted in racism.



Several watchdog groups have demanded action on the part of CNN. The head of the Southern Poverty Law Center wrote CNN last week asking that they fire Dobbs based on his recent actions9. Media Matters and others have launched efforts to hold CNN accountable as well.



CNN has the opportunity to live up to its description of itself as the most trusted cable news network. Or it can start to look like FOX, where the legitimizing of extremist propaganda is part of doing business.



I've joined ColorOfChange.org in calling on Jon Klein, the president of CNN, to take Dobbs off the air. Will you join us, and ask your friends and family to do the same?



http://www.colorofchange.org/dobbs/?id=1958-279308

Thanks.


Here are some links to more info:


Lou Dobbs Show, CNN, 7-23-09
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvYcFgXCJrE

"Mob scene or campaign rally?" ColorOfChange.org, 10-14-08
http://www.colorofchange.org/united/message.html

"(Still) Challenging Obama's birth certificate," Politics Daily, 11-24-08
http://tinyurl.com/m2xhue


"CNN chief addresses Obama birth controversy," LA Times, 7-25-09
http://tinyurl.com/mk4rfd


"On Television and Radio, Talk of Obama's Citizenship," The New York Times, 7-24-09
http://tinyurl.com/mb467j

"CNN's Immigration Problem," Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting, 4-24-06
http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=2867

"Broken Record," Intelligence Report, Winter 2005
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=589

"CNN's Martin: Birthers' "I want my country back" comment means "How is this black guy all of the sudden running the country?" Media Matters, 7-22-09
http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/200907220041

"Major Civil Rights Group Demands CNN Remove Lou Dobbs From The Air," Huffington Post, 7-24-09
http://tinyurl.com/lafpuw

"CNN's Dobbs Problem," Media Matters
http://dobbsconspiracy.com/

Source: http://www.colorofchange.org/cgi-bin/py/dobbs-petition.py








14. From: Michelle Williams
Subject: Actor Jeffrey Wright - Commentary: Obama, race and my arrest


Be Well, Be Free


By Jeffrey Wright
Special to CNN

Editor's note: Jeffrey Wright is a stage and screen actor who has won a Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe.
Wright has appeared in "Angels in America," "Basquiat," "The Manchurian Candidate," "Syriana," "W."
and "Casino Royale."


Actor Jeffrey Wright says a nation that put a man on the moon should be able to take race out of policing.



President Obama expressed what many Americans feel regarding the recent arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis "Skip" Gates -- that the Cambridge, Massachusetts, police responded "stupidly."


Obama is catching some flak for that, but I applaud him for having had the courage to speak his heart and mind.



I wonder if the president himself has ever experienced the blunt end of racial profiling, or if he personally knows of anyone other than Professor Gates who has. Among African-American males in this country, the small minority is those who have not or do not.



Did some prior experience or knowledge inform his response about the Gates incident? I have no facts to back this up, but, to me, it seemed personal. If it was, I understand.


I was arrested last July in Shreveport, Louisiana, outside a bar where dozens of members of the cast and crew of the movie "W." and I had gathered to celebrate the end of filming. There was no bar brawl as widely reported -- nor even a pre-election political argument.


Nine police cars and a fire engine responded; seven people were arrested. Two of the seven suffered minor head wounds at the hands of the Shreveport police. Josh Brolin and I were pepper sprayed by cops, and while face down in the street, I was made to feel the business end of a Taser.


The truth of what led to the whole morass has never been accurately reported. I was asked to leave the bar by a white female bartender who took exception to a comment I made.


As with Professor Gates, the police in my case backed unquestioningly the suspicion of a white woman that the black man she accused must be guilty of something. Once that die of accusation was cast, a ghost of racial bias, misperception, and the potential abuse of police authority was set free to make mischief.


The bar was one of two places in downtown Shreveport that serves food after 10 p.m. A few nights before my arrest, I had gone there very late after work to grab a bite to eat. It was before closing, and there were a few customers and employees inside, but the door was locked. I knocked and asked, over the music streaming from inside, if I might buy a small pizza. The bartender insisted that they were closed.


"Whatever," I said with a shrug of resignation and walked back to my hotel room.


Four nights later and in a festive mood, we gathered at this same establishment. Upon seeing the bartender who had a few nights before told me that the place was closed, I asked her for a drink, which she poured. I quipped, "Ah you're going to serve me tonight!"


At that, she pulled the drink away and told me that I had to leave. I asked if she was kidding. She went on to say that if I didn't leave, she would call the police. As I stepped away to tell friends what had happened, a call was made to Shreveport police.


Two cops, the first of many, arrived in minutes, and I was physically escorted outside although neither of them had the curiosity to ask what had transpired before they arrived. A mess ensued.


To their credit, Josh and the others arrested followed me outside with a few others from our group. The cops physically released me and were seeming to be ready to let me go altogether when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw another member of the film crew driven headlong into the sidewalk by two newly arrived cops.


Josh verbally objected to their actions, at which point a cop said to him, "You too!" I moved Josh away from the fray and held him. We were then pepper sprayed to separate us, after which Josh knelt in submission and was handcuffed.


Disoriented and blinded by the pepper spray, I remained standing until I was kicked in the knee and forced to the ground. I did not completely relax one of my arms as it was twisted behind me, so I was tasered in the back of my ribs repeatedly, eventually handcuffed, left to lie in the street for several minutes, then arrested and hauled off to jail, and charged with impeding police. The six others were similarly charged -- and it all began with a joke.


Nearly six months later, after a good-size storm kicked up in Shreveport over the incident, prosecutors agreed to drop the charges against all of us arrested that night.


New Year's Day 2009 and the same week in which charges were dropped against us, in Oakland, California, Oscar Grant, a young father, was killed in a BART station, surrounded by cops and in the same position as I found myself down in Shreveport. It seems the BART cop may have pulled the trigger of his firearm thinking that it was his Taser.


Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover is known as a law-and-order mayor. The day after the encounter, in the presence of his police chief, Glover apologized to me and privately acknowledged that while most Shreveport's cops were good, there were some "devils" among them.


In public meetings regarding the "W." incident, however, he held fast that the responding officers acted appropriately. Either Glover's public statement was dead wrong, or the joke was on us.


Of course, public officials, particularly at the local level, are loathe to criticize law enforcement officers. On a certain level, it's understandable. Cops answer a noble and difficult calling. The pressure must be relentless, and I imagine a cop is largely underappreciated by most except those with whom he or she serves.


A political pat on the back from the executive in charge must be a comforting thing in controversial times, and politicians prefer to duck behind the political safety of the blue wall of silence than upset the men and women who, like our nation's troops, are charged with placing themselves every day in harm's way to keep us safe.


When he was mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani encamped himself behind that blue wall. After Amadou Diallo, living out the All-American, hard-working immigrant story, was brutally shot down on the steps of his Bronx apartment building, Giuliani refused to question the actions of the cops who fired 41 bullets in killing the unarmed young man.


Is a politician's unwavering fidelity to law enforcement officers the best approach, or does it promote a police culture of impunity and retard progress on law enforcement issues?


What if after the Diallo tragedy, political leadership in New York inspired the passage of serious legislation to keep in check the presumption of criminality that cops so often direct toward young men of color. What if that had led to similar acts nationwide around these issues?


Gates might not be headline news today; Grant might not have died; and New York police Officer Omar Edwards, an African-American undercover officer shot down two months ago by a white fellow officer while chasing a suspect through a Harlem street, might be alive today to toss a football again with his son. iReport.com: "Shame" on Gates


I'm not presuming to blame Giuliani alone for what has become a systemic problem in our country -- that would be absurd, these issues predate him -- but when political leaders in this country express compassion only for those for whom they perceive it to be politically expedient or fail to challenge law enforcement and incarceration issues that cut to the core of the history and culture of race in America, they fail us all. They exemplify what U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder meant when he spoke of the cowardice with which we as a society approach race dialogue in this country.


These are messy, even bloody issues, but the cost of not addressing them is too draining of our societal health. Among other things it fosters a society in which too many young Americans internalize the aura of criminality that's projected onto them and handcuff themselves to self-imposed limitations that stifle us all.


Going to prison rather than to college becomes a rite of passage. They wear their pants below their behinds in solidarity with their friends, brothers, uncles or fathers who aren't allowed belts while incarcerated, though perhaps the low-hanging pants are a defiant gesture to society at large for continually presuming them to be miscreant.


This past week the Apollo 11 crew was at the White House welcomed by the president of a new generation of dreamers. Our great nation put a man on the moon, but it can't train its cops to distinguish between an ordinary brown-skinned brother and a criminal. At its least injurious, as with Gates and myself, this leads to bruised pride and reputation; at its worst, Grant or Edwards gets killed.


President Kennedy famously said, "We choose to go the moon ... and do the other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard." Maybe properly educating, screening and training our nation's police is one of "the other things." My son is 7 years old. May our generation have accomplished this other thing before he's a young man, and before we've sent a man to Mars.


The challenge is one that many Americans are willing to accept -- one, that for the sake of our children, all Americans should be unwilling to postpone.


The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jeffrey Wright.



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This year, I'll be participating in a very special event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day.I'll walk 60 miles over the course of three days with thousands of other women and men. The net proceeds will support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.I've agreed to raise at least $2,300 in donations. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation. Keep in mind how far I'm walking - and how hard I'll have to train. You can give online at www.The3Day.org. Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage and make a donation. You can also call 800.996.3DAY to donate over the phone.According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, approximately 200,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and nearly 40,000 will die from the disease. I am a Breast Cancer Survivor and that's why I'm walking so far and doing something bold about breast cancer. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.Thank you in advance for your generosity!Sincerely,Debbie SteeleP.S. Ask your employer if they will double your donation through a matching gift program!
Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/ChicagoEvent2009?px=3210541&pg=personal&fr_id=1293&et=ufnFmh7DWlg4CjZqHgEanQ..&s_tafId=232881
Click here to view the team page for NIA WalkersIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/ChicagoEvent2009?team_id=58170&pg=team&fr_id=1293&et=cPC2Hde1sYBLboVwwAngow..&s_tafId=232881
For more information about the Breast Cancer 3-Day, Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, visit http://www.the3day.org/ or call 800.996.3DAY.
Click any of the logos below for more information about that sponsor/partner.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

BRONZECOMM PARTNERS

www.bronzecomm.com
BRONZECOMM
PARTNERS

Celebrating African American
History Everyday

www.dusablemuseum.org

Home of African Festival of the Arts

Africa International House

U of C Cancer Research Center

http://uccrc.uchicago.edu/

Mayfair Academy of Fine Arts


www.mayfairacademy.net

Mayfair Academy TOO!


www.mayfairacademy.net

The Black Star Project

www.blackstar.org

Dr. Sheila Brown, D.D.S

Call for an appointment today
312 663-1890


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Promote your business
or organization:
Write to: radarnard for more information







In the Tuesday Morning Bronzecomm Newsletter:



Meet the New Elite - Ivy-League educated blacks step up


N'Cobra comes to Chicago


Upcoming Events at the DuSable Museum


African Festival of the Arts preps for 20th Annual Celebration


NUL seeks donations of clothing for needy professionals


Making Sense about Money for young people


Youth Summit in Bronzeville


Oak Park Film Fest seeks entries


Pew Study says Black users lead in Mobile Technology


...and there's more, much more.


If there are items you think will be of interest to your friends,
family or co-workers, please pass our Newsletter on to them
with an invitation to take advantage of the FREE SUBSCRIPTION
by sending an email to with the
word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. That's all it takes.

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Thank you.
Raynard









1. From: Raynard Hall
Subject: Meet the New Elite, Not Like the Old - Affirmative Action and America’s Leaders


WASHINGTON — They are the children of 1969 — the year that America’s most prestigious universities
began aggressively recruiting blacks and Latinos to their nearly all-white campuses.


Source: New York Times.com



No longer would Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Columbia be the domain of the privileged. Instead,
in response to the national soul-searching prompted by the civil rights movement, America’s premier
colleges would try to become more representative of the population as a whole.


Forty years later, America is being led, to a striking extent, by a new elite, a cohort of the best and
the brightest whose advancement was formed, at least in part, by affirmative action policies. From
Barack and Michelle Obama (Columbia, Princeton, Harvard) to Eric Holder (Columbia) to Sonia Sotomayor
(Princeton, Yale) to Valerie Jarrett (Michigan, Stanford), the country is now seeing, in full flower, the
fruition of this wooing of minorities to institutions that for much of the nation’s history have groomed
America’s leaders.



And yet the consequences of that change remain unresolved, as became clear on Friday, when
Mr. Obama grappled a second time with the arrest of the Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.
in his own home.



The incident, the president said, offered the potential to soothe longstanding distrust between minorities
and police officers. But it also laid bare another reality, that the children of 1969, even those who now
occupy niches at the top of society, regard their status as complicated, ambiguous and vulnerable.



Read the entire report; click here>>>






2. From: Raynard
Subject: Reparations Advocates come to Chicago

Group advocates reparations for African Americans
Source: ABCLocal.com



A group that supports reparations for African Americans made a stop in Chicago
Monday on its nationwide tour.


The National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America held a news conference
outside DuSable Museum.



In June, the U.S. House and Senate passed resolutions apologizing for slavery
and racial segregation of African Americans.



The group expressed the measures should be viewed as a means to open dialog
about the reparations issue, but more needs to be done.



"Due to the fact of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, a group of people have been
dismembered, and reparations will remember that group of people," Pat Hill,
of the African American Police League said.



The demonstrators say five areas of injuries should be compensated for, education,
economics, health, human rights and criminalization.



The coalition explains that reparations are what it calls a crossroad solution
to the human capital development of African Americans.



Read Online and leave a comment: click here>>>








3. From: DuSable Museum Events
Subject: Upcoming Events



DuSable Museum Events
You make history every day! Help us
celebrate by becoming a member today!
Call (773) 947-0600 x 238 for more information.
www.dusablemuseum.org


Celebrate Black History Month
At the DuSable Museum of African American History


SPECIAL EVENTS:
Children’s Penny Cinema
Looking for something fun and educational for your children?
Plan a trip to the DuSable Museum of African American History's
"Children's Penny Cinema." Each Wednesday and Thursday
at 10:30 AM, during July and August, see a family friendly film
which presents the rich historical experiences of people of African
descent to a younger audience. Best of all, admission is only
ONE PENNY (does not include Museum admission).

ALL ADULTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CHILD!

WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2009
10:30am
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (110 minutes)---Set in 1933, Mississippi,
this story focuses on the Logan's, a closely knit, fiercely independent
African-American family.

THURSDAY, July 30, 2009
10:30am
Veggie Tales: The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's (50 minutes)---Meet Darby,
the son of a Kansas floss farmer who just wants to have fun! When he
learns about the "wonderful land of Ha's," where you do whatever you want,
Darby is determined to go...even against his father's wishes. But when
Darby reaches Ha's will he find all he's searching for....and at what price?

CURRENT EXHIBITS
The DuSable Museum of African American History presents
The Soul of Bronzeville, The Regal, Club DeLisa and The Blues
An exhibit by The Chicago Blues Museum
Through December 15, 2009

Focusing on American music traditions, the DuSable Museum is pleased
to present The Chicago Blues Museum exhibition The Soul of Bronzeville.
This exhibition salutes Chicago as the home of many legendary blues
and R&B musicians including: Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy,
Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, Mavis Staples, The Chi-Lites, The Dells
and many, many others. Through instruments, original photographs,
personal memorabilia, concert collectibles, music and moving footage,
The Soul of Bronzeville chronicles the musical contributions of
Bronzeville and the artistic legacy of the blues.

DuSable Museum Events
740 East 56th Place
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 947-0600
www.dusablemuseum.org











4. From: africanfest@aol.com
Subject: 20th Annual African Festival of the Arts



20th ANNUAL AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS ROCKS
WASHINGTON PARK LABOR DAY WEEKEND

One of the largest events focusing on African culture will return to Chicago
as the must-attend event of the summer. Africa International House (AIH)
will present the 20th Annual Chrysler Financial African Festival of the Arts
Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4 – 7, 2009, in Washington Park, located at
51st and Cottage Grove. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The African Festival of the arts celebrates 20 years of Africa and Africans
throughout the Diaspora and especially in Chicago. Washington Park, located
a stone’s throw from President Obama’s Hyde Park neighborhood, will be
transformed into an African village filled with artists and artisans, music,
dance, drumming, the exotic aroma of African cuisine and more than
250,000 festival-goers seeking to experience the continent and culture
of Africa.

This year’s theme is “History, Traditions and Legends,” which, according
to Festival Producer and Africa International House President Patrick Woodtor,
is indicative of the cultural influence of Africa from ancient times through
present day and beyond.

“This year’s Festival represents 20 years of our mission to educate our
audiences about Africa, the cradle of all civilization, while celebrating her
significance and impact on mankind,” Woodtor said.

As always, the Festival offers something for everyone. At the heart of the
Festival is the African Marketplace featuring more than 300 artists and
vendors with a variety of African and Afrocentric wares including fine art,
artifacts, crafts, fashions, jewelry, masks, collectibles, baskets, beads, fabrics,
textiles, museum quality African art, furniture, household goods
and gift items.

Additionally, the fine arts, film and quilting pavilions will have a diverse array
of offerings. The Children’s Pavilion will be filled with activity to entertain
and educate young festival-goers. The Wellness Village will focus on health
and fitness. The Spiritually Pavilion will explore ancient belief systems and
the roots of religion.

Festival favorites such as the Drumming Village and the Bank of the Nile Food
Court will keep festival-goers in Washington Park all weekend long.

The entertainment line-up will include performances by world-renowned
jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, South African songstress Lorraine Klaasen, vocalist
Julia Huff, musician Booker T. Jones, Congolese touring ensemble Soukous Stars,
the first US tour of the Cuban group Los 3 de la Habana, Spirit dance troupe,
and more.

The 20th Annual African Festival of the Arts presenting sponsor Chrysler Financial
is joined by sponsors including State Farm Insurance, BlueCross BlueShield
of Illinois, Target, Illinois Department of Human Services, National Endowment
for the Arts, Illinois Arts Council, Black McDonalds Owner/Operators Association,
US Bank, UIC Sickle Cell Center, Cricket, Chicago Park District, Wine Cellars
Distribution, Chicago South Loop Hotel and United Africa Organization.

Media sponsors include NBC5, Citizen Newspapers, The Africa Channel,
Power 92.3 FM, Soul 106.3, WYCA Rejoice 102.3, Bronzecomm.com,
Soleil’s To-Dos and Click Around Chicago.com.

Festival tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. For tickets, sponsorship
opportunities and more information, call (773) 955-ARTS (2787)
or visit www.africanfestivalchicago.org.

The mission of Africa International House is to serve as a center that exposes
and educates all people to the individual works and collective contributions
of African cultures.

For more information contact:

Phyllis D. Banks
P. Banks Communications
pdenise@msn.com
(312) 933-8396




5. From: Raynard
Subject: NUL collects clothes for needy at Convention



Great Gifts along the Path

Dress for Success national Community Service Project

MAKING A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO CHICAGO'S UNEMPLOYED AND NEEDY.

This year, the annual conference community service project will give those in need business attire
and professional clothes that can be worn to job interviews, career fairs and that first day on the job!

THIS PROJECT NEEDS YOUR HELP TO BE A SUCCESS.

Donate your gently worn or new professional attire (men's and women's business suits, shoes, pants,
shirts, ties, blouses, skirts, and sweaters, etc.) at the 2009 NUL Conference in Chicago. Drop off
your donations at registration at McCormick Place Convention Center, on Wednesday
and Thursday, July 29 & 30. from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.*

The Chicago Urban League will distribute to area churches and non-profits. Backpacks for students
returning to school will be distributed (limited quantity).

Your donation of clothing and shoes will directly help those who are hardest hit by today's dire economy.
Help someone to land their next job and get on The Path to Power.

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!

*receipts will be issued for clothing


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



6. From: Kine Corder
Subject: Teaching young people about money

Kids can learn about money at all ages

It’s never too early to begin teaching kids about money. Teaching your children to be financially responsible at a young age can help them achieve financial security from childhood to retirement.
Children learn more about how to handle financial responsibility from their parents than from any other source, including schools. The best time to start discussing this topic is when children begin asking for new things.

Younger Children

Before children can learn about money, they must practice making choices. Children as young as 18 months can be taught they don’t always get what they want. Teach your child to make decisions at a young age. The decision-making skills they learn will be applied to financial decisions later in life.
R26; Start young children with simple choices, such as “Would you like to use the green or the yellow crayon?”

• Move on quickly to three or four choices so that children learn to handle more than two. Most children four years of age can handle up to six choices.
Kindergarten to Second Grade

From kindergarten through second grade, children learn how to count and perform simple mathematical equations. This is a perfect age to start giving them a small amount of allowance and teach them financial responsibility.

• Choose an amount you feel comfortable with and pay it regularly.

• Let children see the results of their decisions. If your daughter spends all her money on candy the second day of the week, don’t give her more money when she wants a new toy on the fourth day.

• Encourage children to divide their allowance into three equal categories. Make envelopes for immediate spending, charity and long-term savings. Only let them spend the long-term savings when it reaches a certain amount, such as $10 or $25.
Third to Fifth Grade

Since this age group may want more expensive toys, like in-line skates and video games, consider increasing the amount of their allowance.

• Teach this age group how to save for a goal. For example, if your son wants an expensive computer game encourage him to save for the game.

• Match their savings. If your child wants a new bike, tell him you will give him the same amount he saves. This encourages him to reach his goal and teaches him how to wait for what he wants.


Middle School Children

Your son or daughter might be starting to make extra money by babysitting, mowing lawns or shoveling snow.

• Open a savings account with your child so they can watch their money grow.

• Consider giving them a larger allowance. But if you do, also consider giving them the responsibility of buying their own clothes. This teaches them the value of money and they will learn to look for bargains.

• Explain how buying on credit works and ways you get the most from the family’s money. Ask your children to evaluate television and radio commercials and newspaper ads when the family is buying a higher ticket items such as new television or computer.


As a family

Each family member can learn about money when planning a trip. Give each child some responsibility by delegating tasks. Older children can help mom and dad plan a budget and decide on the vacation location. Middle school children can research hotel rates and airfares. Younger children can clip coupons for small things the family will need on the trip, like sunscreen, film and snacks.

No matter where they’re starting from, you can teach your children how to achieve financial security that will last a lifetime.

If you would like to receive a free budget that is easy to use or if you have any questions please email me at kine.corder@countryfinancial.com or call me at 708-430-2540.

Good luck on raising financially responsible children.



Kine' Corder
708-430-2540 office
708-430-2617 Fax
COUNTRY Financial
9630 S Roberts Rd Suite B6-b
Hickory Hills, IL 60457

Relax, you have a Financial Representative now.
Referrals are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Investments - Life - Auto - Home Retirement - Disability - LTC
www.countryfinancial.com/kine.corder
kine.corder@countryfinancial.com






7. From: yvette.d.kelly@gmail.com
Subject: Be the Change Youth Summit









8. From: MARKETSTOR@aol.com
Subject: Youth Use of Internet growing


Kids Jumping Online Once kids couldn't wait to run outside to play. Now they log on. The number of child Internet users in the US is growing faster than total Internet users--as well as faster than the number of US children. The "NetView" report from Nielsen Online pegs the population of online children ages 2-11 at nearly 16 million, almost evenly split by gender. Nielsen cites US Census Bureau data which predicts a 1% decline in the number of kids under 14 between 2004 and 2010. But since 2004, the online child population has increased 18%, compared with 10% growth in Internet users as a whole. The amount of time children spent on a PC also increased, by 63% in the past five years. Boys surfed somewhat longer than girls, but girls viewed more Web pages. According to Nielsen, kids spent an average of more than 11 hours per month online in May. With so much time online, kids are eating up online video. Nielsen reported Pokemon and Barbie were the top Web brands for video viewing among boys and girls, respectively. The digital lifestyle may start at a young age, but kids still know how to be kids.




9. From: eefortomorrow
Subject: See History Made on CBS News,Tuesday, July 28th!
Middle Class Family Lives Off Black Business and Inspires a Movement...




If you cannot see this image, please click here:
http://www.eefortomorrow.com/CBSNews_Announcement.htm.

To learn more, get involved, or join The Empowerment Experiment, please visit: www.EEforTomorrow.com.





10. From: S WEST
Subject: Oak Park International Film Festival - CALL FOR ENTRIES



CALL FOR ENTRIES


**Please note that the deadline for film entries has been extended to August 7 for the Oak Park International Film Festival.

The Oak Park International Film Festival, scheduled for Saturday September 19
and Sunday September 20, 2009 at the Oak Park Public Library, is a free event
by local filmmakers featuring local subjects.


The festival is seeking entries.


There must be a local connection (cast, crew, subject, location, etc).


This year’s theme is “Fact and Faith.”


The extended deadline is August 7.


Please send DVDs, bios, film descriptions, contact information, and
publicity materials to:


Oak Park International Film Festival,
PO Box 1294,
Oak Park, IL 60304.






11. From: Sylvia Fedrick
Subject: Open Casting Call For Christian Film on Tuesday July 28, 2009



There will be a casting call for the film I'm appearing in "You Better Watch Your Tongue"
scheduled to premiered Fall 2009.



Please see details below:



Open Casting Call for Upcoming Film

Overflow Gospel Productions is having an open casting call for their upcoming movie
on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 from 6pm to 7:30pm located at Home of Life,
4650 W. Madison St. in Chicago. We are looking for committed, seasoned people
who desire to work in this upcoming production scheduled for the Fall 2009.



If you would like to be a part of this film project please contact (708) 466-1343
or (773) 879-1267. Only serious inquiries only please.




Please feel free to pass this email along to your friends & family. There could be someone close
to you that has experience in acting, work as an extra or has the desire to be a part of
a great production!



If you plan to attend, please send me an email at sylfed@sylfedsang.com.








12. From: paula1077@aol.com
Subject: America Unwired & African Americans Most Active Users of Mobile Web


PEW INTERNET & AMERICAN LIFE PROJECT
America Unwired

by John Horrigan, Associate Director, Pew Internet & American Life Project

Summary

Accessing the internet is for many Americans now a multiplatform affair. Just a few years ago, desktop or laptop computers were typical onramps to the internet for the tech-oriented crowd.. The digerati, already accustomed to lugging their laptops around in search of ports for their Ethernet cables, rushed to equip their computers with wireless cards so they could take advantage of WiFi links to the net.

Today, the wireless router at home is the center of an untethered online access experience for many Americans that revolves around a range of devices that connect to the internet. The laptop, gaming console or handheld device may all be connected and in use at once. And that's only the tip of the iceberg for wireless access. Wherever Americans can find a wireless network, whether it is WiFi or one provided by a cell phone carrier, many are apt to take advantage of it for a tweet, text or information nugget.

This report examines how Americans are accessing the internet by wireless means using a range of devices -- such as the laptop computer, the handheld device, the gaming console or e-book reader. It will also update Pew Research data from a December 2007 survey on mobile access to data and information on a cell or Smartphone.

An April 2009 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project asked respondents whether they had used a variety of devices -- laptops, cell phones, game consoles and more -- to go online using a wireless network. Altogether, 56% of Americans said they have at some point used wireless means for online access.

39% of all Americans have used a laptop computer to go online wirelessly, making this the most prevalent means of wireless access.

32% of all Americans have gotten online with a mobile device -- meaning they have used a cell phone or other handheld device to check email, access the internet for information or send instant messages.

Together, laptop and mobile wireless access account for the vast majority of wireless access, as 51% of Americans have gotten online using either of these two methods. Some people (19% of Americans) opt for both means of wireless access -- portable laptops on fast WiFi networks or handheld access on slower networks from cell carriers.

Use of the internet on mobile devices has grown sharply from the end of 2007 to the beginning of 2009.

In December 2007, 24% of Americans said they had at some point used the internet on their mobile device.
By April 2009, 32% of Americans said they had at some point used the internet on their mobile device.
In December 2007, 11% of Americans said they had yesterday accessed the internet on their mobile.
By April 2009, 19% of Americans said they had yesterday accessed the internet on their mobile.

African Americans are the most active users of the mobile internet -- and their use of it is also growing the fastest. This means the digital divide between African Americans and white Americans diminishes when mobile use is taken into account.

48% of Africans Americans have at one time used their mobile device to access the internet for information, emailing, or instant messaging, 50% higher than the national average of 32%.

29% of African Americans use the internet on their handheld on an average day, also about half again the national average of 19%.

Compared with 2007, when 12% of African Americans used the internet on their mobile on the average day, use of the mobile internet is up by 141%.

The high level of activity among African Americans on mobile devices helps offset lower levels of access tools that have been traditional onramps to the internet, namely desktop computers, laptops and home-broadband connections.

By a 59%-to-45% margin, white Americans are more likely to go online using a computer on a typical day than African Americans.

When mobile devices are included in the mix, the gap is cut in half; 61% of whites go online on the average day when mobile access is included, while 54% of African Americans do.

Looking across a range of digital activities -- some done online typically using a computer and others being non-voice data activities on a mobile device -- African American and white Americans, on average, do the same number of activities.
Broader measures of use of mobile digital resources also show fast growth from the end of 2007 to the beginning of 2009. In 2007 and 2009, respondents were asked about 10 different non-voice data activities they might do on their cell phones: sending or receiving text messages, taking a picture, playing a game, checking email, accessing the internet, recording video, instant messaging, playing music, getting maps or directions or watching video. Although several activities involve using the internet on a mobile device, many (such as taking a picture) do not.

In 2009, 69% of all adult Americans said they had ever done at least one of the 10 activities versus 58% who did this in late 2007.

In 2009, 44% of all adult Americans said they had done at least one of the non-voice data activities on a typical day, up from 32% in 2007.

Other access devices -- iPods, game consoles or e-books -- for now play a small role in people's wireless online habits.

45% of adults have an iPod or MP3 player, but only 5% of adults have used such a device to go online.
41% of adults have game consoles and 9% of adults have used it to go online.
14% of adults say they have a personal digital assistant and 7% of adults have used a PDA to go online.
2% of adults say they own an e-book reader - for example, a Kindle or a Sony reader -- and just 1% of all adults have used it to access the internet.

This comes to 17% of Americans who have used one these four devices for wireless internet access, but the pool of users on these devices adds just 5 percentage points to the pool of wireless users. In other words, absent users of these devices for wireless access, 51% of Americans would be wireless internet users, not 56%.

When mobile users are away from home or the office, they like mobile access to stay in touch with others, but also to access information on the go. When mobile users were asked to think about how they get information or communicate with others while away from home or work:

50% say it is very important to them to have mobile access in order to stay in touch with other people.

46% say mobile access is very important for getting online information on the go.

17% say mobile access is very important to them so they can share or post content online while away from home or work.
The April 2009 survey interviewed 2,253 adult Americans, including 561 who were interviewed on their cell phone. The margin of error in the survey is plus or minus two percentage points for results based on the entire sample. The survey contained 1,687 internet users and the margin of error for results based on internet users is plus or minus 3 percentage points. The survey contained 1,818 respondents who are cell phone users, and the margin of error for results based on questions directed at cell phone users is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. The data points above for December 2007, used in comparisons with the April 2009 survey, come from a survey with cell phone numbers included in the sample.

Read the full report at pewinternet.org





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Young Democrats of America

Young Democrats of America (YDA) will come together August 5-9 in Chicago to celebrate the
successful 2008 Young Voter Revolution and begin planting the seeds of victory for 2010 at the 2009
YDA National Convention. In Chicago, our members will hear from prominent national leaders, learn
from talented trainers, improve campaign skills, give back through a major community service initiative,
network with fellow YDs, debate our national platform, and elect our new national officers. We want
you to be there with us. You can learn more at www.ydachicago2009.com.
Basic information on the convention:
- Attendees
o Over 1,000 democrats, ages 18-36 from across the country;
o Local and national elected officials;
- Featured speakers and guests (to date) include:
o Governor Howard Dean
o DNC Vice Chair Ray Buckly
o DNC Secretary Alice Germond
o Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear
o Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias
o Mayor Richard M. Daley
o San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome
- Trainings, forums and discussions
o Running for office
o Election reform
o Global warming and the environment
o Higher Education
o Field campaigns
o Media and online organizing
o Healthcare
o Marriage equality
o Housing
- Welcome Reception on August 5th
- Awards Gala on August 8th
In order for this convention to be a success we need your help. We are still looking for
volunteers. We know your schedules are hectic and busy, but even a few hours would help. Please go to
http://tinyurl.com/chicagovols and fill out the volunteer form. If you have friends or family members
who aren’t members of the young dems but have time to volunteer, please sign them up.
We also are still looking for YD members to serve as delegates at the convention. We have two
local members running for national office and in order to get them elected we need to have everyone there
to vote. To apply to be a delegate please go to http://tinyurl.com/ydidelegate and complete the
application.
Please contact Emily Robinson at 773.220.9742 or emilydrobinson@gmail.com for more
information.

Young Democrats of Illinois

Young Democrats of Illinois
YDA 2009 Convention Delegate Application
(please scan and email to emilydrobinson@gmail.com or fill out the online form at http://tinyurl.com/ydidelegate)

Name ___________________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________
City/Zipcode ___________________________________________________________________
County ______________________________ Local Chapter __________________________
Email ________________________________ Cellphone ______________________________
Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) _________________________

Affirmative Action Goals
YDA has established diversity goals for each state. To assist us in reaching our goals, please let us know if you are or you identify as any of the following. This information is for internal purposes only and will not be released.
Please select all applicable:

__________ African American

__________ Woman

__________ Hispanic or Latino

__________ LGBT

__________ Disabled

Delegate Responsibility
Delegates to the YDA National Convention are responsible for representing Illinois by voting in general sessions, including the elections for new officers. You may also be asked to attend trainings, receptions, and committee meetings during the convention and use that information to help grow your chapter.


_________________________________________________________________________
Signature and date

Young Democrats of America National Convention

Hello,

As you may or may not be aware, the Young Democrats of Illinois are hosting the Young Democrats of America 2009 National Convention in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive. The bulk of the convention will run from August 5-8, bringing in over 1,000 young Democrats from around the country. Convention attendees will participate in trainings, hear from speakers, decide on the national platform and cast votes in the election for national officers.

In order to make this convention a success we are asking for your help- we are looking for volunteers. There are many different volunteer opportunities, from being a tour guide to helping with registration to answering questions from attendees. If you can give a few hours, or more, of your time during the convention period please let us know. You don’t need to be a member of the Young Democrats to help.

If you are interested in volunteering, or know someone who is, please reply to this email (ydachicago2009@gmail.com) and let us know your interest and availability. If you don’t know exactly when you can help but are still interested, please respond to this email and include as much information below as possible.

You can also complete the information at: http://tinyurl.com/chicagovols




Name: __________________________________________

Cell: ___________________ Email: __________________________________________

Day morning afternoon evening
Sunday, August 2 (putting together goodie bags) ________ ________ ________
Monday, August 3 ________ ________ ________
Tuesday, August 4 ________ ________ ________
Wednesday, August 5 ________ ________ ________
Thursday, August 6 ________ ________ ________
Friday, August 7 ________ ________ ________
Saturday, August 8 ________ ________ ________
Sunday, August 9 ________ ________

Blog Question


Should Burr Oak and Mount Greenwood Cemetery Personnel be held accountable for all their evil and greedy deeds to the family members of the deceased of the African-American community of Chicago or is it just one of those things, in which the community simply has to get over it? Log on your comments by clicking on the comments line.

Mayor Daley's Senior Fest 2009

Mayor Daley's Senior Fest 2009 will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 9:30 A.M. until 2 P.M. at the McCormick Place--North Building, 24Th Street & Marin Luther King Drive open to all Chicago residents age 60 and better--Come inside and enjoy the fun!!! Raffle, prizes, Bingo, picnic lunch, game area with pool tournament, dance pavilion health aging pavilion and senior artist pavilion. For more information, call the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Senior Services Area Agency on Aging at (312) 744-4016.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Chatham Food Market Outdoor Cookout Coming This August 1, 2009

Chatham Avalon Park Community Council has learned that Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79th Street, will be holding an Outdoor Cookout for the Community on location in the parking lot adjoining the store on Saturday, August 1, 2009. Everyone in the community is invite to stop by for the great servings of food with games and prizes! Vendors, including Frito-Lay, among others, will be there exhibiting their food offerings. Mr. Derrick Griffin (of Griffin Cleaners) and his wife will join in with the cooking. So all customers and the community as a whole are welcome to come to the Outdoor Cookout beginning at 11 A.M. until 5 P.M. For more information, visit www.chathamfoodmarket.com.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Blog Question: Racism 2009

Do you think the arrest at his home of distinguished world-renowned Harvard University Professor Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Director of the African-American Research Institute at Harvard by the Cambridge, Massachusetts Police Department, and the disposition of 65 African American children with Creative Steps Day Camp in Philadelphia, who had their club membership rescinded from the suburban Philadelphia Valley Swim Club was racist or just a glimpse of what we will be seeing from private citizens in the white community during the Obama White House years? Leave your comments on the comments link.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Cole Park/Jazz in the Park

Chatham Avalon Park Community Council wishes to announce that the Cole Park/Jazz in the Park will begin 6:30 p.m. and go to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2009. For more information, please call the CAPCC Office at 1-866-272-1215 or visit the CAPCC Blog at chathamavalonparkcommunitycouncil.blogspot.com. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

From the Archives: United States Senator Roland W. Burris Will Not Seek a Full Term in 2010

Video excerpts about the announcement made by the Senator are available by copying these URLs and putting them into your Web browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhcMhvWkZjg; and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ShMIStI9PU.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Chatham Avalon Park Community Council Sub Area III Meeting

It is imperative that you attend this meeting, your participation is critical and necessary for the survival and growth of our community. We are seeking your attendance and input. Numerous items which have a terrific impact on you and our total community will be addressed. Please participate!!!

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2009
Place: Captain Curt's Barbecue
8206 South Cottage Grove
Chicago, Illinois 60619
Time: 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Chitown CSA Complimentary Produce Tasting - Pearl's Place

Chitown CSA community supported agriculture)

Pearl’s Place 3901 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL
Thursday, July 23, 2009 6pm to 8:30pm
Delicious Recipes Prepared by Chef Vino

RSVP by July 22nd: 773/213-5383 or dm@engagee1.com



www.chitowncsa.com










_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Membership Choice Number of Wks Price Full Pymt or Wkly
1 share 14 wks-1 bushel $635 or $45.36/wk
1/2 share 14 wks-½ bushel $375 or $26.79/wk
1 share 7 wk-1 bushel $375 or $53.57/bi-wk
1/2 share 7 wk-½ bushel $195 or $27.86/bi-wk



Products Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Products Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Products Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Asparagus Heart of Gold Winter Squash Radishes
Acorn Squash Honey Dew Melon Romaine Lettuce
Apples Hot Peppers Snow Peas
Beets Head Lettuce Specialty Melons
Bell Peppers Kohlrabi Strawberries
Broccoli Kale Sweet Corn
Brussel Sprouts Leeks Sweet Peppers
Butternut Squash Leaf Lettuce Tomatoes(Grape)
Buttercup Squash Onions Tomatoes(Cherry)
Cabbage Peaches Tomatoes(Beefsteak)
Cauliflower Muskmelon Tomatoes(Roma)
Cucumbers (Sliced) New Potatoes Turnips
Eggplant Okra Watermelon
Indian Corn Pickle Cucumbers Yellow Sum Squash
Garden Onions Popcorn Zucchini
Green Beans Pumpkins(Pie) Carrots
Green Tomatoes Pumpkins(Jack-o-Lan) Spinach

St. Dorothy School Presents Its “Back to School” Golf Outing

SPONSORSHIP GUIDELINES

1) Sponsorship forms must be received by

July 25, 2009

2) Make checks payable to:

St. Dorothy School
Student Financial Assistance Program

3) Mail check to:

St. Dorothy School
7740 South Eberhart
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 783-0555

_____________________________
Company/Organization Name

_____________________________
Company/Organization Address

_____________________________
Contact Name

_____________________________
Phone/Fax

_________________________
Email Address

Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

All proceeds benefit the St. Dorothy school student financial assistance program



SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS

We welcome the opportunity for sponsorships:

Blessed Underwriter
Special Plaque Award
One paid foursome for the golf tournament
Prominent logo placement on the golf tournament banner
Recognition at the Awards distribution

Gold Sponsor $500
Prominent logo placement on the golf tournament banner
Recognition at the Awards distribution.
Certificate of Appreciation

Silver Sponsor $300
Prominent logo placement on the golf tournament banner
Recognition at the Awards distribution
Certificate of Appreciation

Bronze Sponsor $100
Prominent logo placement on the golf tournament banner
Recognition at the Awards distribution
Certificate of Appreciation

Bag Sponsor Min. 100 items
Item(s) included in participant gift bags
Recognition at the Awards distribution
Certificate of Appreciation











ST. DOROTHY SCHOOL
Presents Its


“Back to School”
Golf Outing

Proceeds benefit the St. Dorothy School
Student Financial Assistance Program


Cardinal Creek
Golf Course
615 Dixie Highway
Beecher, Illinois 60401

Phone: 708.946.2800


Saturday, August 15, 2009

8:00 AM Registration

9:00 AM Tee Off












We realize you have a choice where you contribute your charity dollars and hope you will participate and support this great cause.

The proceeds from this outing will help assist those students who might not otherwise be able to attend St. Dorothy School.

This year we have great plans for a wonderful day! We are moving to Cardinal Creek in Beecher, IL with a 4-person scramble, best ball format. It will begin with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start and an Awards Ceremony following immediately.

St. Dorothy is a premier Catholic grammar school. It has educated children for ninety years and whose graduates have become successful citizens, business men, and civic leaders throughout our nation.

The school’s foundation is based on a strong academic curriculum, technology, fine arts, and spiritual development.

Thank you to all who planned and participated in this year’s fun outing and will make a difference for our students.

For more information concerning the success and achievements of St. Dorothy School and its students, please visit our website:

http://saintdorothy.net

Your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Proceeds benefit the St. Dorothy Student
Financial Assistance Program.
GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2009, with a 4-person scramble format.

Registration from 7:00 AM— 8:00 AM

Tee off at 9:00 AM — Shotgun Start

Golf club rental available for additional fee.

Key Information
* $1000 hole-in-one contest
(Sponsored by Cardinal Creek GC)
* Scramble format
* 27 hole golf course
* Complimentary gift bag
* Tournament prizes


Included in the registration fee:
* Golf cart and green fees
* Lunch and one beverage
* Raffle prizes
* Gift bag for participants

Golf Contests
* Longest Drive
* Closest to the pin
* Longest putt






TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION FORM

(Please detach and return this portion to the address below)

Golf Registration Options: Register as a team or individual (individuals will be placed into an open foursome).

Fee: $60.00 per person

Registration fees include: Green fees, cart, lunch, beverages, and gift bag. A cash bar will be available.

Name(s) of golfer(s)

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

Total Fees: $ __________________


[ ] Sponsorship (see Sponsorship options on reverse side; indicate type)

___________¬¬¬¬________________________

Total Payment Enclosed $_______________

The registration form and fees need to be received by July 25, 2009 to avoid late penalty.

Make checks payable to St. Dorothy School Golf Outing and mail to: 7740 S. Eberhart St. Chicago, IL 60619.


7740 South Eberhart
Chicago, IL 60619

Presents Its

“Back To School” Golf Outing

Saturday, August 15, 2009
Cardinal Creek GC
615 Dixie Highway ~ Beecher, Illinois 60401


Dear Patron:

St. Dorothy School is making plans for its annual golf activity. The success of our outing is credited largely to our sponsors, who lend their names and financial support to the event. The money we raise each year goes to the
St. Dorothy Scholarship Fund and this year’s goal is $5,000.00 dollars.

By participating as a sponsor, your organization will benefit from extended exposure through media campaigns and promotional efforts directed toward the supporters of St. Dorothy School. For a small donation, you'll be able to enjoy excellent exposure to this important segment of your target audience.

Below are the levels of sponsorship as described in our registration brochure:

Blessed Underwriter (A donor who pays entire cost of event)
Golden Sponsor $500.00
Silver Sponsor $300.00
Bronze Sponsor $100.00

You can select the level of participation that best meets your needs, and be secure in the knowledge that your sponsorship will be used to help our school. We will also include your company’s name in our promotional material and dedicate one of the holes in your honor.

We're counting on your support, and will be happy to answer questions you may have. Please return your sponsorship commitment form to:

St. Dorothy School
7740 S. Eberhart St.
Chicago, IL 60619
(312) 859-1478 773-651-7000 (fax)

As always, your contribution (or its value) is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to support our efforts. As our event continues to grow, we will provide more opportunities to recognize your participation and generous contribution.

Sincerely,

Bob Anderson
Golf Outing Coordinator

Illinois Institute of Technology - Thinking About Applying?

Illinois Institute of Technology is still accepting
applications for Fall 2009 enrollment.

Classes begin: August 24, 2009 Orientation: August 19-20


TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IIT:

The online 2008 College Salary Report issued by PayScale, Inc. ranks students who earn B.S. degrees in engineering from IIT number 12 for highest starting median and mid-career median salaries among graduates from U.S. engineering colleges.
The average starting salary for the IIT class of 2008 was $53,414.
Last year, over 500 companies provided placement, internship, co-op and other professional opportunities for IIT students.
Almost every undergraduate student at IIT—97 percent—receives some form of financial aid.
First-year students are automatically considered for the Heald and University Scholarships (up to $10,000 each annually).
On-campus housing is assured for all first-year students.
Students at IIT are taught by award-winning professors. IIT Pritzker Professor of Science Leon Lederman recently received the 2009 National Space Grant Distinguished Service Award, only the sixth person to do so.
IIT offers competitive sports and is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA), playing in the Division I level of competition. IIT athletes earn recognition as NAIA All-Americans each year.
IIT's Interprofessional Projects Program provides students the opportunity to work on solving real-world problems via teamwork; students exhibit their work during IPRO Day.
IIT students participate in over 100 co-curricular activities—including student organizations—that host over 600 events every year.


Go here to apply online. Go here to read our viewbook.

To learn more about applying for Fall 2009, please contact Gerald Doyle, Vice Provost of Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid, at 312.567.5203 or doyle@iit.edu.

And the Children Shall Save Chicago from Violence, Outrageous Math Race Gap In Illinois, Million Father March Updates

"And the Children Shall Lead the People of the City of Chicago Away from the Curse of Violence"
Because adults can't or won't stop the
violence, the children must!!!


Jabril Porter-Ollarvia, 7 years old (center with African dashiki), and his band 3, 4, and 5 years olds from the Chatham-Avalon Nursery School in Chicago, recently signed pledges stating that they would not participate in any kind of verbal, physical, emotional or spiritual violence. Copies of these pledges were sent to President Barack Obama asking him to help stop the violence in Chicago.

With five police-involved shootings in the last week in Chicago, Police Superintendent Jody Weis said,"People are trying to murder police officers left and right ... and if they'll do that to a uniformed officer, what will they do to civilians and innocent people on the street?"

And with 43 children and youth killed in the past 10 1/2 moths, The Black Star Project has launch the most comprehensive stop the violence campaign in Chicago history, "The Peace In The Hood" Campaign. This campaign builds on the work of the "Peace In The Hood" Campaign in Cleveland, Ohio.

The "Peace in the Hood" Campaign consists of:
"PEACE IN THE HOOD" window signs in about 2,500 businesses throughout Chicago
"PEACE IN THE HOOD" window signs in about 10,000 homes throughout Chicago
"PEACE IN THE HOOD" windshield signs in about 5,000 cars
Thousands of "Peace in the Hood" T-Shirts on Chicago youth
All information translated into Spanish - "PAZ EN EL BARRIO"
Thousands of pledges by children and youth to "Stop the Violence"
Men walking "Peace and Hope Patrols"
We need men to walk up and down their streets to bring peace and hope back to their community. So far, very few men have signed up, but we are out on patrol.
Please call 773.285.9600 for men and women to join this "PEACE IN THE HOOD" effort or for more information about "PEACE IN THE HOOD".
'Outrageous' state race gap in math in Illinois
The black-white math gaps were also unusually large in Wisconsin, Connecticut and Nebraska.



'Outrageous' state race gap in math

DISPARITY EXCEEDS NATION'S Illinois Blacks score much worse than whites
July 15, 2009
BY ROSALIND ROSSI, Education Reporter

Illinois has one of the biggest black-white achievement gaps in mathematics in the country, national data released Tuesday indicate.

Newly analyzed results from a 2007 national test show Illinois is one of only four states in which the black-white math performance gap is larger than the nation's at both fourth- and eighth-grade levels"In this land of Lincoln, we are really creating a stratified system,'' said Max McGee, president of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and former Illinois superintendent of schools. "These results are outrageous and ought to be an immediate call to action."

The black-white math gaps were also unusually large in Wisconsin, Connecticut and Nebraska.

In fourth-grade math in 2007, white Illinois students scored 32 points higher than their African-American counterparts on the 500-point national test. The national gap was only 26 points.

By eighth grade, white Illinois kids scored 38 points higher than black peers. Nationally, white eighth-graders outpaced blacks by 31 points. The disparity was largely due to black Illinois students doing worse than African Americans nationally.

The results reflect only public school students who took the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
In reading, Illinois' racial disparity was much closer to that of the national average.
Some studies have tied the black-white achievement gap to the fact that African Americans are more likely to be poor, come from single-parent homes, face less classroom rigor and have less-prepared teachers.

McGee said Illinois needs to attack the math gap by teaching teachers to make math more interesting.

"The problem is, kids get to eighth grade and they don't like math because it's not taught in an interesting manner,'' McGee said.

A would-be fifth-grade math teacher in Illinois needs only six semester hours of math as a college student to get an elementary teaching certificate, noted Barbara Radner, director of DePaul University's Center for Urban Education.
"Nationally we have been looking at school reform with a focus on the school itself,'' Radner said. "We need to intervene where the problem begins -- at the requirements for teacher preparation.''
In North Carolina

Countdown to the Million Father March begins in North Carolina

Published Monday, July 13, 2009 by Sommer BrokawWAKE FOREST - A local planning committee expects to have thousands of fathers march their children to school Aug. 25 as part of a mass movement.

The W.E.B. DuBois Community Development Corporation planning committee has begun holding meetings for the local third annual event. Phillip Jackson, executive director of The Black Star Project in Chicago, is the brainchild behind the idea. Jackson started the national march six years ago to send a message that, contrary to stereotype, black fathers are involved in their children's lives. Since then it has grown across the country.
"Education has become a matter of national security," he said. "Because we cannot control our schools, we cannot control our economy. And because we cannot control our economy, we cannot control and protect our quality of life in America."
Bettie Murchison, CEO and president of W.E.B. DuBois C.D.C., a family counseling services center and this year's southeast regional coordinator for the march, said they became involved because they have participated in other fatherhood movements. "It's an extension of what we do anyway," she said. Murchison said the march grows every year, and this year will be different because they are hoping to get more long-term, hands-on involvement from fathers.
"There's this myth or image that all black men abandon their children and that's just not so," Murchison said. "A lot of fathers are involved in their children's lives. This is just a visual manifestation of what we know is true."
Considering the year-round calendar in several schools and varying start dates, the committee is asking fathers to take their child to school Aug. 25 to show unity and solidarity even if it's not their first day of school.
The committee is also hoping to extend the reach beyond Wake County to Durham and Orange counties this year. Volunteers will receive colorful Million Father March stickers, and fathers will receive labels stating that they took their child to school. They also hope to attract local celebrities to promote the event, and to get donations for backpack giveaways and school supplies.
Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their education earn better grades, score higher on tests, enjoy school more, and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. An estimated 600,000 men in 475 cities participated in 2008. This year, officials anticipate 800,000 men from 550 cities.
Murchison said it is more than a symbolic gesture. "We know it makes a difference in the lives of children whose fathers walk them to school," she said.
Call (919) 560-0709 for more information, or visit www.duboiscdc.org/2009MillionFatherMarch.htm.
____________________________________________________

The 2009 Million Father March is managed by The Black Star Project, U.S.A., sponsored by the Open Society Institute's Campaign for Black Male Achievement and the Schott Foundation for Public Information, in partnership with the National Association of Black Social Workers and the National PTA. Please visit our website at www.blackstarproject.org to bring the Million Father March to your city or for complete information about the march. You may also email blackstar1000@ameritech.net or call 773.285.9600 for more information or to join the March.
Des Moines, Iowa Plans Midwest Back to School Effort with Million Father March


Million Father March Planning Category: Clubs/Groups/Organizations
Location: Forest Avenue Library1326 Forest Ave.Des Moines, IA 50314(515) 283-4152 more about this venue
Summary: This is not an actual march but an event held on the first day of school to encourage most importantly black fathers but all fathers, mothers, caregivers, foster parents to take children to school on the first day. There will be several planning meetings held at the Forest Ave Library until the first day of school Aug 27th. These meetings will be held to organize the event as well as gather volunteers to work at various schools around Des Moines. Any city across the state interested please contact me for further information.
_______________________________________________

The 2009 Million Father March is managed by The Black Star Project, U.S.A., sponsored by the Open Society Institute's Campaign for Black Male Achievement and the Schott Foundation for Public Information, in partnership with the National Association of Black Social Workers and the National PTA. Please visit our website at www.blackstarproject.org to bring the Million Father March to your city or for complete information about the march. You may also email blackstar1000@ameritech.net or call 773.285.9600 for more information or to join the March.
340 Cities Have Signed Up for the Million Father March 2009. Please send this email to other people around the country and the world!
The Million Father March is an undeclared "National Holiday." All fathers and men should take two hours off of work on the first day of school in your city to be at a school with children. Jobs should give all fathers and men (and all mothers and women) two hours off to be at a school on the first day. This is a matter of national security. It will also help schools improve attendance, academics and student behavior. Take the holiday!!!

550 cities and 800,000 men expected to participate. Please call 773.285.9600 to register your city now.
Press Release
One Million Fathers Asked to Lead the Nation Back to School this Fall 550 Cities Could Participate in the Largest, Organized Back-to-School Effort in U.S. History
"Education has become a matter of national security. Because we cannot control our schools, we cannot control our economy. And because we cannot control our economy, we cannot control and protect our quality of life in America," says Phillip Jackson, Executive Director of The Black Star Project, U.S.A. The Black Star Project is sponsoring the Million Father March 2009 on the first day of school in nearly 550 cities across America. The Million Father March has become a special day that fathers and men use to make a commitment to their children, their families, their communities and their country with their dynamic presence at a school. This is the real fathers' day! The Million Father March 2009 will play out at thousands of schools across America and in other parts of the world. An estimated 600,000 men in 475 cities participated in 2008. This year, an estimated 800,000 men from 550 cities are expected to participate. The Million Father March also provides an escort of safety, support, and encouragement to children of all ages on their first day of school. Jackson says, "Gang recruitment, bullying and random violence goes way down on any day that a group of men are at a school." Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, get better test scores, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. Additionally, children have fewer behavior problems when fathers listen to and talk with them regularly and are active in their lives. A good father is part of a good parent team and is critical to creating a strong family structure. Strong family structures produce children who are more academically proficient, socially developed and self-assured. Such children become adults who are valuable assets to their communities. "Better parents produce better communities, better schools, and better students with higher academic achievements," says Jackson. Participants in the event include fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, significant male caregivers and friends of the family. Although this event is created by Black men, women and men of all ethnicities are also encouraged to take their children to school on their first day. Businesses are asked to give fathers and men 2 hours off that morning to take their children to school. Men will also be encouraged to volunteer at schools throughout the year. A special effort will be made to coordinate Latino Fathers in La Marcha de los Padres. Since schools across America and the world start the new school year on different days and months, the March will be a rolling event that takes place on the first day of this school year in cities, villages, and towns between August 3, 2009, and October 2, 2009. The 2009 Million Father March is managed by The Black Star Project, U.S.A., sponsored by the Open Society Institute's Campaign for Black Male Achievement and the Schott Foundation for Public Information, in partnership with the National Association of Black Social Workers and National PTA. Please visit our website at www.blackstarproject.org to bring the Million Father March to your city or for complete information about the march. You may also email
blackstar1000@ameritech.netor call 773.285.9600 for more information or to join the March.