Statement by Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael T. Carrigan

The working families of the Illinois AFL – CIO applaud the Illinois Supreme Court on its unanimous decision today. The capital construction bill passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Quinn puts Illinois solidly at the forefront in the country in job creation and infrastructure investment.

As we climb out of the worst economic slide since the Great Depression, Illinois has made an investment that will, most assuredly, create a climate of economic renewal well into the future. Thousands of Illinoisans are working on projects that make our state a better place to live and work. This decision keeps those projects moving and people on the job.

Again, the Supreme Court decision affirms what we believed – that the capital bill was created lawfully and with the best interests of the state in mind.

New York – With an intense focus on conquering the nation’s employment crisis, the National Urban League has opened registration for its Conference, “Jobs Rebuild America” – four days of dialogue, workshops and forums on jobs, education reform, wellness and housing at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center July 27-30.

“Each year the National Urban League Annual Conference attracts the nation’s thought leaders from the corporate and community sectors, to influence the national debate on issues that affect urban and minority communities,” said Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President and CEO. “As the nation continues to recover from the Great Recession, no issue is more important than jobs – not only how best to bring jobs to the community, but to prepare the community for those jobs.”

The conference is a unique opportunity to experience the invaluable perspectives of business, political, and community leaders; connect with companies looking for savvy entrepreneurs and sharp business minds; and learn how to achieve true and lasting prosperity, Morial said.

A historic plenary session on education will feature a conversation between Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Harvard professor and author Dr. Henry Louis “Skip” Gates. Other featured speakers are Suzanne dePasse, co-chair of dePasse Jones Entertainment; Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing; Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and Dr. Charles Ogletree, Harvard Law Professor and Director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice.

A career fair, college fair, housing fair and Expo Hall are free and open to the public.

For more information about the conference, view the conference schedule, or to register, visit www.nul.org, or register onsite.

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts President Darnell Williams Business and community leaders, elected officials and celebrities will attend the conference.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.nul.org/conference

Father Michael Pfleger raises the bar of excellence as an ardent, auspicious religious leader, and giving of himself as a social and civil rights activist

By Juanita Bratcher

Father Michael Pfleger is the epitome of an “Exceptional Do-Good” Religious leader and a strong, dedicated public servant when it comes to social justice and civil rights issues.

So thank God, Father Michael Pfleger is back in the Pulpit at St. Sabina Church where he belongs.

And thank God Cardinal Francis George, with the infinite power of wisdom to do so, reinstated Father Pfleger back to the Pulpit of St. Sabina Church after a brief absence of duty from a church he so ardently and auspiciously headed up for the past 30 years.

Father Pfleger is right where his parishioners want him to be: continuing his work at St. Sabina Church where he has done an extraordinary job as a religious leader, and yes, as a social justice and civil rights activist for the past 30 years. During that period of longevity, Pfleger has covered a lot of religious and social ground in his efforts to address the negatives that can certainly take toll on a community if left unattended.

Over the years, Father Pfleger has stepped up to the plate, graciously giving of his time and expertise for all the right causes, offering suggestions and workable solutions to deal with a myriad of problems facing communities on a daily basis, and/or trying to bring about stability to both a community and a city. His life’s work and ministry have been a phenomenal of greatness, something many tend to expect from leaders whether religious, civic or corporate.

Some people are born leaders. Michael Pfleger is a born leader. He is a Roman Catholic Priest. He was ordained a Priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 14, 1975, at the age of 31. At the time, he was the youngest pastor in the Chicago Archdiocese. In 1981, Pfleger became pastor of St. Sabina Church. During that same year, he adopted an eight-year-old son, Lamar. His actions were threatened with firing by Cardinal John Patrick Cody. In 1992, he adopted another son, Beronti.

Pfleger does not need an introduction in the Chicago area. He is somewhat of a household name in the Windy City. He has made his mark in Chicago and in places around the country. His sacredness of church and his tireless community involvement emanate from the pulpit of St. Sabina Church. His life’s work ministry has been dedicated to certain causes such as anti-drug campaigns and removal of tobacco and liquor billboards from neighborhoods, among others. In some cases, billboard signs were defaced. Although he was charged with destruction of private property, he was acquitted by a jury in 1991. Sometime later, the Chicago City Council voted 44-1 to eliminate tobacco and alcohol billboards from selected areas in Chicago; which certainly was a victory for Pfleger and his supporters.  He has been unrelenting in his efforts to bring about positive change in a community and city in which he serves.

Pfleger and another Chicago Priest, Father George Harold Clements, formerly of Holy Angels Church (he was the first Black pastor of Holy Angels), at times would team up together in their efforts to deal with social justice and civil rights issues. Clements marched in Selma, Alabama with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Subsequently, Clements founded “One Church, One Child”, “One Church, One Addict”, and “One Church, One Inmate”.

In 1981, Clements was the first Priest in history to adopt a child. While Cardinal John Patrick Cody was in opposition to the adoption, Pope John Paul II allowed it. Over a period of time, Clements adopted four sons.

Pfleger and Clements led protest marches together dealing with problems of widespread drug abuse in the community. They organized a boycott of stores that sold drug paraphernalia. They received death threats in regards to their efforts. They were arrested for an Act of Civil Disobedience when campaigning against alcohol abuse, and arrested for trespassing when they went to G. Heileman Brewing Company’s headquarters in LeCrosse, Wisconsin, to meet with Heileman’s officials after the company announced plans in 1991 to market a new malt liquor allegedly aimed at Black men. Reportedly, the malt liquor had nearly twice the alcohol content of most beers. They didn’t get a meeting with Heileman officials but were arrested after they refused to leave the building.

As a longtime Journalist/News Reporter, I am very much aware of Pfleger’s and Clement’s thriving careers as Priests and their community involvement work where they have made and continue to make a precious difference in the lives of so many in regards to their activism as social justice and civil rights activists.

Cardinal Francis George had suggested that Pfleger take the position of president at Chicago’s Leo High School. However, Pfleger said he would consider leaving the Catholic Church if forced to leave his parish.

If it “ain’t broke” don’t fix it. I’ve followed Rev. Michael Pfleger’s career over the years. It has been one of a positive outlook with lots of energy in doing right by his parishioners, the community and city at large. He has had one heckuva career in the ministry and in his civic endeavors, many times going beyond the call of duty. He has walked the South Side streets with followers to shed light on a myriad of problems and issues.

Father Pfleger returned to St. Sabina’s Pulpit Sunday, May 22, two days after Cardinal George lifted the suspension and reinstated him (May 20, 2011).

It was a glorious day of jubilation for Pfleger and his congregation.

Journalist Chinta Strausberg, a member of St. Sabina Church, in an article posted on CopyLine Magazine’s website (www.copylinemagazine.com) thanked Cardinal Francis George for reinstating Pfleger.

“Thank you, Cardinal George, for doing the right thing and reinstating our Pastor and thank you Pastor for handling this painful experience in a first-class manner and in the spirit of your mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I can’t wait to get to church Sunday. I just can’t wait for this joyous celebration,” said Strausberg.

I am mindful of that famous quote by President John F. Kennedy: “Of those to whom much is given, much is required. And when at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each one of us…recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities to the state – our success or failure, in whatever office we may hold, will be measured by the answers to four questions – Were we truly men of courage? Were we truly men of judgment? Were we truly men of integrity? Were we truly men of dedication?”

Father Pfleger is back where he belongs. Thank God for his blessed leadership and phenomenal vision and skills in dealing with many societal problems.

“Great, New African American Civil War Museum

Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony Planned”

Washington, DC – “With much generous support from the Mayor and Council of the District of Columbia and hard work by our staff and volunteers, it is finally finished, a great new 5,000 sq. ft. African American Civil War Museum at 1925 Vermont Avenue, N.W.” said Dr. Frank Smith, Founder/Director.   2011 ushered in the beginning of a four-year celebration as America remembers the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War and the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. The 3-Day Celebration theme is “Civil War to Civil Rights, Pathway to Racial Healing.”

For more than ten years, the African American Civil War Monument and Museum has stood as a testament to the struggle of African Americans and others to rid this nation of the scourge of slavery and racial bias. There is no doubt, America is a much better place for all having shed itself of slavery and a Jim Crow past, now comes closer to living out the meaning of the words ‘One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for All’.

On July 18, 2011 at 12 noon, the Grand Opening of this ‘great, new and permanent site of the African American Civil War Museum,  will join the ranks of educational, historically accurate and interactive museums, with $5 million in exhibitions, touch screens and the best curator in town! The New location at 1925 Vermont Avenue NW is directly across from the African American Civil War Memorial, which highlights the story of the 209,145 African American Soldiers who served during the American Civil War.

The Board of Directors and Staff of the AACWM invite all to attend the Grand Opening Ceremony of the New Museum, to be held Monday, July 18, 2011 beginning with a VIP reception at 12:00 noon.  The Opening Ceremony and Awards Program will start at 1pm.  

Mayor Vincent Gray and Congresswoman Eleanor Norton and other elected officials and dignitaries have been invited.  Other events include a Saturday (July 16, 2011) Racial Reconciliation, Teachers and Scholars Conference; and Sunday (July 17, 2011), a Civil War to Civil Rights Film Festival.  All events will be held at the new location listed above, which includes the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new site.  All Access Passes are being sold for $200.00/per person for attendance on all three days.  Proceeds will benefit the museum programs.

Former Ward One Councilman, Honorable Frank Smith is the founder of the project.  July 18, 1998, is a significant date; when the African American Civil War Memorial, Spirit of Freedom was unveiled, now a national monument, located directly across the street from the new museum. Thus, July 18, 2011, the date of the new museum opening has been planned to directly connect the museum to the July 18, 1863 battle, as seen in the movie “Glory” starring Academy Award winner Denzel Washington.  You see the heroic assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, with this historically documented battle of the US Colored Troops. 

Over the next four years, America will celebrate from 2011 – 2015 which reflects the Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary of the American Civil War (1861 – 1865).  Dr. Smith said, “We always want to plan our celebrations around significant dates when the US Colored Troops made history!”

The new location also contains a media center and a research area for descendents and scholars.  The African American Civil War Monument and the new museum site has added greatly to the master narrative about Civil War slavery and justice by injecting primary information on the heroic

role of blacks in helping Lincoln to win the war to keep America united under one flag.

Between 2011 and 2015, the African American Civil War Memorial Museum is putting together a series of programs on the American Civil War from the start of the war;  emancipation; to the end of the war; and post war situations of the newly freed slaves. The next four years present a great opportunity for the nation to make great strides in the discussion about race and equality and it is for this reason that we have adopted the theme:   “Civil War to Civil Rights, Pathway to Racial Healing.”

We invite the general public on this great journey to mark your calendar and plan to attend this special celebration.  A schedule of events along with our promotional flyer is attached for your review.  Beverly Perry, Senior VP, PEPCO is the board chairman.

1925 Vermont Avenue, NW  Washington, D.C.  20001  202/667-2667  202/667-6771 (fax) www.afroamcivilwar.org

(Northwestern News)

Book tells tale of post-Civil War Washington, D.C., and struggle for equality

Evanston, IL – A recent book by a Northwestern University professor shines a light on post-Civil War Washington, D.C., to tell a larger tale about the struggle over issues of race and equality that still shapes America today.

“An Example for All the Land: Emancipation and the Struggle Over Equality in Washington, D.C.” (University of North Carolina Press) places the capital at the center of a fresh analysis of Reconstruction and the debate over the meaning of equality in the period after slave emancipation.

The book, by Kate Masur, assistant professor of history and African American studies, shows how the unique dynamics of Washington – oddly placed by the Constitution under the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress – created a laboratory of sorts for understanding America’s thorny debate over inequality.

The first comprehensive treatment of Washington during Reconstruction in more than five decades, the book focuses on legal and popular development of concepts of equality, the effect of popular politics on policies and the juridical structures that in turn shaped and constrained political arguments.

African-American activism is a generative force in the book. Black Washingtonians from various walks of life, Masur shows, insisted on equality in a wide range of arenas as well as respect for their own independent institutions, particularly schools and churches. At the same time, a cadre of Republicans in Congress viewed the capital as a laboratory for progressive social policy and passed legislation that was in harmony with African Americans’ demands.

As a result, during the 1860s, the capital was home to many of the most racially progressive policies of the era. In fact, women’s rights activists sought to take advantage of Congress’ inclinations and, for a time, pressed hard for women’s voting rights in the capital.

Remarkably quickly, however, that period of ferment came to an end. A new coalition gained the upper hand in local affairs, Congress’ politics shifted, and the District of Columbia became an example of the era’s most conservative tendencies. In 1874, Congress declared the experiment in universal manhood suffrage in the capital a failure and installed a government run by three appointed commissioners. “For almost 100 years, residents of the capital were completely disfranchised,” Masur said. “Not only did they have no representative in Congress, they had no formal voice in the governance of their city.”

The book emphasizes how vehemently Americans disagreed about the meaning of civil rights. “Did civil rights include only basic rights to enter into contracts or own property or travel from place to place?” Masur asked. “Or would they also include a right to equal access to education or public transportation? The right to vote? The right to be on a jury? All of those things were up for grabs.”

Masur argues that struggles to define equality pivoted on the question of where the “social” or private domain stopped and where “civil” or public life began.

Whenever radicals pushed the bounds of racial equality — for example, by demanding the equal right to vote or hold office or access to public schools or public accommodations — opponents charged them with seeking something that just about everyone at the time professed to despise: “social equality.”

“People used social equality to describe what they saw as inappropriate government interference in whatever relationships they believed should be considered private matters of personal taste,” Masur said. “One conservative newspaper even insisted that Congress should not enfranchise black men in the district because the vote was a ‘purely social question.’”

The discourse of “social equality” continued to fuel arguments for racial segregation into the 20th century.

“Seeing the struggle over equality in this way helps explain why opening white schools to black children was more politically contentious than opening fancy restaurants and theaters to black patrons,” Masur said. “It helps us understand how white Republicans — in the early 1870s — could argue for racial equality while at the same time opposing independent black political organizations. It sheds light on the crucial but slippery discourse of ‘social equality,’ which became a key justification for racial segregation in the 20th century.”

“An Example for All the Land: Emancipation and the Struggle Over Equality in Washington, D.C.” received Honorable Mention for the prestigious 2011 Lincoln Prize from Gettysburg College and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. It also received Honorable Mention for the Avery O. Craven Award for scholarship on the Civil War Era, given by the Organization of American Historians.

“Masur’s rich, well researched discussion of how the debates over equality played out in the nation’s capital is required reading for scholars of race and Reconstruction,” according to a review in Choice, a journal for university libraries. “Also important is her treatment of the larger implications of Washington experiments in equality, particularly as they informed the evolving feminist movement in the postwar years. A sophisticated and fascinating treatment deserving of a wide audience.”

NORTHWESTERN NEWS: www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/

Army Provides $13 Million for Education Scholarships, Hosts Education Seminar

Essence Music Festival Mainstage Salute to HBCUs Presented by the U.S. Army. Brigadier General Barrye Price, the Deputy Commanding Officer of the U.S. Army Cadet Command, presented education scholarships totaling over $13 million to the UNCF and Thurgood Marshall College Fund during a special HBCU presentation on the concert mainstage at the Essence Music Festival.

New Orleans, LA (BlackNews.com) — The United States Army presented a patriotic flag salute in honor of HBCUs on the concert mainstage during the 2011 Essence Music Festival. The presentation featured Army ROTC Cadets representing their HBCU and a check presentation of education scholarships totaling over $13 million to the United Negro College Fund and Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Army has sponsored the Essence Music Festival since 2000. This year, a record number of Army General Officers and Soldiers participated in several Army-sponsored events including a seminar – Promise, Pride and Power of the HBCU Education – for Essence’s Transforming Your Community Empowerment Experience. CNN reporter Soledad O’Brien was the moderator for the discussion about the current state of higher education and the financial and social challenges for young African Americans attending HBCUs.

Army, the single largest provider of college scholarships in the country, provides $100 million in scholarships annually to HBCUs. There are nearly 700 HBCU students currently receiving Army ROTC scholarships.

Army currently supports education and mentoring programs and events offered by the United Negro College Fund, The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and 100 Black Men of America, Inc. The Army also offers a variety of education benefits for those who choose to enlist, including up to $80,000 through the Army College Fund and Montgomery GI Bill for education and career development. To learn more about Army education programs and wide variety of career choices, please visit www.goarmy.com.

The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), a subordinate command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, meets the human resource needs of the Army by transforming volunteers into officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers. In providing the force, the 18,400 men and women of Accessions Command prepare these future Soldiers and leaders for their initial military training. Commanded by Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, USAAC is located at Fort Knox, Ky., and Fort Monroe, Va.

Markets and farmers in 21 counties now LINK accessible

Bloomington, IL – July 11, 2011. Speaking to a local food summit at the Illinois Farm Bureau today, the state’s leading fresh food advocate Lt. Governor Sheila Simon released “promising” figures that show more low-income residents are accessing fresh food at farmers markets.

The amount of food stamp benefits known as LINK redeemed at Illinois farmers markets and from direct marketing farmers jumped to $41,146 from $11,146, a 269 percent increase between 2009 and 2010, Simon said. She attributed the growth, in part, to wider access.

Last year, 35 Illinois farmers markets and direct marketing farmers were certified to accept state-issued LINK debit cards, Simon said citing data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Currently, 49 Illinois farmers markets and direct marketing farmers accept LINK cards across 21 counties, including two in Bloomington-Normal.

“We are seeing a promising trend: more farmers markets accepting LINK and more food stamp benefits being used to buy locally produced, fresh food,” Simon said. “But with over 300 farmers markets and direct marketing farmers in Illinois, there is room to thrive. I am committed to helping expand LINK usage at farmers markets to improve the health and economy of our state.”

Lt. Governor Simon’s pledge comes nearly one year after Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the Farmers’ Market Technology Improvement Program Act, which created a fund to help Illinois farmers markets conduct outreach to SNAP recipients and purchase the equipment necessary to accept LINK cards. Simon said no revenue was ever dedicated to the fund, a problem she hopes to address as chairperson of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council.

Chicago non-profit Experimental Station estimates the average start-up cost of equipping farmers’ markets to accept LINK is $2,500. That cost covers, outreach to SNAP recipients, purchase of a wireless EBT machine to accept LINK, and the servicing charges associated with the machines.

 “While many farmers markets could afford this investment, there are others that need assistance. Working with other state agencies and both private and public organizations, it is my goal to find grant dollars that will have a huge multiplier effect on our state economy,” Simon said.

The Lt. Governor said a more sustainable food system has huge economic potential. Every dollar that is spent on local foods in Illinois has a total economic impact of $1.34, while every dollar spent on imported food returns only 20 cents to Illinois’ economy.

But despite Illinois agricultural resources, $46 billion of the $48 billion spent annually by Illinois residents on food is imported and travels an average distance of 1,500 miles. Growing, raising, and processing food in Illinois is an opportunity for emerging and existing farmers.

The Illinois Farm Bureau’s first Local Food Connections Summit brought together a diverse set of stakeholders including various government agencies, nonprofits, and agriculture associations.  The summit served as a platform to facilitate the sharing of ideas and resources among these key stakeholders.

“While there are several individuals and organizations working on local food initiatives, it is important for us to synergize in order to minimize duplication, minimize cost, and get more accomplished,” said Cynthia Haskins, Manager of Business Development and Compliance for Illinois Farm Bureau. “Working together will mean greater opportunities for market access for farmers across Illinois. The Farm Bureau is working to make sure we build bridges that link our members with stakeholders and we look forward to working with Lt. Governor Simon on making that a reality.”    

Silk Road Theatre project’s Yellow Face also extends through July 31

Chicago, IL – By popular demand, Goodman Theatre extends the world premiere of Chinglish, the sexy new comedy by Tony Award winner and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist David Henry Hwang, directed by OBIE Award winner Leigh Silverman. The “shrewd, timely and razor-sharp comedy” (Chicago Tribune) continues for seven additional performances, through July 31, with its cast of seven intact. The Broadway engagement of Chinglish is scheduled for Fall 2011 at a Shubert Theatre; cast to be announced soon. Silk Road Theatre Project’s hit Yellow Face, directed by Goodman Associate Producer Steve Scott, also continues through July 31. The “provocative, caustically funny and touching” (Chicago Sun Times) Chicago premiere of Hwang’s recent work is on stage now at The Historic Chicago Temple Building (77 W. Washington), produced in association with the Goodman. Tickets to Chinglish ($25 – 80) and Yellow Face ($34) can be purchased at GoodmanTheatre.org, at the box office (170 N. Dearborn) or by phone: 312.443.3800. Artists, dates and ticket prices are subject to change.

Added performances of Chinglish at the Goodman include:

Wednesday, July 27 at 7:30pm

Thursday, July 28 at 7:30pm

Friday, July 29 at 8pm

Saturday, July 30 at 2pm and 8pm

Sunday, July 31 at 2pm and 8pm

In Chinglish, Daniel, a Midwestern American businessman who’s desperately looking to score a lucrative contact for his family’s sign-making firm, travels to the provincial capital of Guiyang, only to learn how much he doesn’t understand: his translators are unreliable, his Australian-born consultant may be a fraud, and he is captivated by Xu Yan, the beautiful, seemingly supportive government official who talks the talk— but what is she saying, anyway? Major Production Support for Chinglish is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Goodman Theatre Women’s Board is the Major Production Sponsor. Chinglish is the recipient of an Edgerton Foundation’s New American Plays Award. Bank of America and PwC are the Corporate Sponsor Partners. Principal support of Artistic Development and Diversity Initiatives is provided by The Joyce Foundation. The Broadway production is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Roy Gottlieb, Barry & Carole Kaye and David and Barbara Stoller, in association with Goodman Theatre.

Yellow Face is a revealing backstage comedy and memoir which chronicles Hwang’s struggle to define racial identity in the mixed-up melting pot of contemporary America. Part fact, part fiction, Yellow Face explores the pitfalls and promise of the politically correct. Production support for Yellow Face is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and ComEd.