Former Chicago Police Officer and NBPA Founder, Renault Robinson, Also To Speak At The National Black Police Association (NBPA) Conference

Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) — There will be an opening session on August 16, 2011, beginning at 11:00 a.m., in Regency B, 2nd Floor of Hyatt McCormick Place Hotel in downtown Chicago. Chicago Police Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy will give a keynote address to the delegates of the National Black Police Association (NBPA) along with National Chair Malik Aziz, and various other dignitaries. The opening session will mark the beginning of a week-long conference where black police officers from around the nation and abroad will attend workshops and have discussions on relevant issues in criminal justice.

The event will mark the beginning of the 39th Annual National Black Police Association National Education and Training Conference. It will be their first time in Chicago since 1978. It also will bring Renault Robinson to the forefront to address the delegates on August 20, 2011, at 7pm, in Regency A, 2nd Floor. Robinson is famous for challenging the Chicago Police Department’s adverse practices in the 1960’s and was the subject of the critically acclaimed book, The Man Who Beat Clout City, by Robert McClory. Robinson is also the founding father of the NBPA and first information officer.

TUESDAY
PRAYER BREAKFAST – 8:30 AM – APOSTLE KEVIN DEAN – REGENCY A/ CHICAGO MCCORMICK
OPENING SESSION – 11:00 AM – SUPERINTENDENT GARRY F. MCCARTHY REGENCY A
PLENARY SESSION – 2:30 PM – “NBPA Platforms: Past Present and Future”

WEDNESDAY
WORKSHOPS – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
NBPA BASKETBALL GAME – 6:30 PM – CHICAGO’S ORR ACADEMY
SCHOLARSHIP DANCE – 9:00 PM – CHICAGO MCCORMICK/REGENCY A

THURSDAY
WORKSHOPS – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
AWARDS LUNCHEON – 11:00 AM – 1ST DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT AL WYSINGER – REGENCY A

MEMORIAL MARCH – 6:00 PM – MARCH AND STOP FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCE OF THOMASWORTHAM (KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY IN FRONT OF HIS HOME)

MEMORIAL SERVICE – 7:00 PM – DR. JON MCCOY – ST. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FRIDAY
WORKSHOPS / REGIONAL MEETINGS – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SATURDAY
NATIONAL AWARDS BANQUET – RENAULT ROBINSON – REGENCY A/CHICAGO MCCORMICK
For more information, contact the National Office at 855-879-6272 /nationaloffice@blackpolice.org or visit www.blackpolice.org

 Says the wealthy must ante up

By Chinta Strausberg

Saying it’s time for the nation’s wealthiest people to step up and pay their share of taxes, Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-7^th) said the debt ceiling debate led by the Republicans who are calling for a smaller government and fewer social programs is nothing more than a “red herring.”

“If you can’t borrow, then you’re not investing. The debt ceiling is a red herring. I am convinced that we have to figure out a way to extract more money from the very wealthy people in our country. If we don’t do that and all we do is talk about cut, cut, cut, then we are hurting rather than healing. Rather than cutting, we ought to be investing,” said Davis who was interviewed at the Bud Billiken Parade.

Ironically, Davis’ remarks comes on the heels of comments made by billionaire Warren Buffett who Monday who, in several media reports, told elected officials, to “stop coddling” the nation’s wealthiest people and to raise their taxes. The Republicans are trying to protect this class of people many politicians say at the expense of the poor.

Buffet told reporters he only pays 17.4 percent of his taxable income and has no problem with paying his fair share of taxes.  Buffet expressed concern that the American public is losing faith in congress in handling the nation’s budget which thanks to a resolution to the debt-ceiling debate now has a $14.3 trillion debt ceiling in a deal struck before the August 2^nd deadline which averted what would have been an historic default.

“I don’t have a problem being frugal,” said Davis. “I don’t have a problem being as efficient as you can possibly be, but nothing in, you don’t have anything to get out. I think we’re going to have to maintain a level of opportunity that only comes with investment. Some people call it spending. I call it investment in some arenas,” Davis said.

“The money that we put into Medicare, into Medicaid, public housing, maintaining our infrastructure, that is not spending. That’s investment. The money we put into education, that is investing in the future of our nation because it’s helping to prepare our children for the leadership and technical roles that they must play.”

Davis disagrees with the Republican’s push to cut social programs and to have a smaller government. “We have to have a combination of investment as we remain and become as frugal as we can possibly be,” said Davis.

Asked if it is time for elected officials and the public to stop finger pointing over this issue, Davis said, “I’m afraid that the political process mandates or calls for that kind of finger-pointing. I don’t expect that we’re going to stop doing it.”

Asked who is to blame for the debt-ceiling war of rhetoric that led to the downgrading of America’s credit from AAA to AA, Davis said, “Adam was blaming Eve, Eve was blaming Adam. Adams was blaming the snake NS so there is always going to enough blame to go around so I think that is what we’re going to see.”

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host.

Defender Charities gives $1.2 mil in scholarships

By Chinta Strausberg

More than 27 million people watched the 82^nd Bud Billiken Parade Saturday on TV including 800,000 to 1 million present along the parade route that proudly showcased black family unity and the talents of more than 300 participants who danced, strutted their stuff and even roller skated while politicians reminded students it’s almost time to go back to school.

And, thanks to the Chicago Defender Charities, more than $1.2 million in scholarships have been awarded to area students since 2003, according to Chicago Defender Charities President Retired Col. Eugene Scott who also thanked his sponsors for making this a reality.

“This year, the Black McDonald’s Owners Association (BMOA) gave $150,000 for the scholarships,” said Scott.

Gov. Pat Quinn called the parade “a special day in Illinois. It is especially important” because he said the Chicago Defender “for years and years was the only voice of truth. In the southern part of our country, there were Pullman porters who would throw the Defender papers off the train in southern states so that people can know the truth.

“You really have to understand how importance it is to honor that legacy and look to the future” and to believe in the power force of education he said “is the most powerful in our society, equal opportunity and a good education. That is what this parade is all about. We want to teach our children how important it is to be life-long learner. Readers are leaders….”

Asked his feelings about the 82^nd Bud Billiken Parade, Scott said, “I’m excited because it means this is a legacy and an institution in our community that continues to grow and to take care of our kids and that is all what the parade is about,” he stated. This year, school begins on Tuesday, September 6^th for regular track students.

Scott said about 800,000 to 1 million people were along the parade route and more than 27 million watched it on TV.

Held on the second Saturday in August, the parade is a reminder that school is about to begin.  “Our parade is a clarion call to get ready and go back to school,” said Scott.

Begun in 1929 by the Chicago Defender founder, Robert S. Abbott and Defender editor, David Kellum, the 82^nd parade snaked down Dr. Martin Luther King Dr from Oakwood Blvd. to 55^th Street in Washington Park.

Numerous elected officials were present including: Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-7^th), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown, Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-16^th), Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3^rd), Rep. Constance Howard (D-34^th), Ald. Willie Cochran (20^th), Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Rev. Willie Taplin Barrow, Pam Morris from WVON, the Chicago Defender Charities Green Team that as hired by Gov. Quinn, and many others.

Mayor Emanuel reminded the VIP audience that the original purpose of the parade as a reminder to children that school is about to begin. “We did real well this week in an increase in kids for the first day of school.”

Emanuel said Chicago’s school system has changed from the shortest school day and shortest school year “to one where our kids are in the classroom at a full day so they are learning and they are safe in adult supervised activity either in classroom or after-school activities, athletes, academics, what ever their hearts desire.” He wants them to be safe and secure while preparing for their future.

He reminded parents about the city’s new curfew policy. “When that light goes on, 8:30 p.m., back home and doing their studies so they are safe and secure. There is nothing more precious than our children,” said Emanuel.

Preckwinkle, a former teacher, also urged the students to return to school and said education is important to their futures.

Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-1^st) he is 64-years old and for the past 48 or 49 years he has been in the Bud Billiken parade. “My first  Bud Billiken parade was as a Cub Scout. It’s really the most consistent thing I’ve had other than Christmas and Easter in my life. Every year, it’s exciting and inspirational.

“It’s like a national, local family reunion. It is an opportunity for us to highlight our children in a way we used to highlight our children. The quality of it is still so important. I wish we could have Bud Billiken Day every day in our community,” said Rush.

State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez said, “It’s important for our kids to know how important education is. If we can get that message across to all the young kids that education is the key to success and that it opens so many doors.”

Rev. Jackson, who is holding a back-to-school rally at his Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, 930 E. 50^th St., 9 a.m., Saturday, August 20^th, urged parents to sign and take the following pledge: “I will: 1) take my child to school, 2) meet my child’s teacher, 3) exchange phone numbers with my child’s teacher, 4) turn off the TV three-hours a night so my child may study, 5) pick up my child’s report card each grading period, 6) take my child to church, temple or synagogue, 7) fight for equal adequate funding for public education students will also be expected to sign a similar agreement.

The student pledge states, I will: 1. Attend school daily and strive for excellence in all that I do, 2. Respect the authority of my parents and teachers, 3. Study three-hours each night without interruptions from anything and anyone, 4.  Ready each day, 5. Complete all classroom and homework assignments. Jackson said education is key to their success.

Agreeing was Rev. Dr. Leon Finney, Jr., who said, “I think that the end of the day, it’s important to remember what it’s about. It’s not about the luminary. It’s about the kids in this community and other African American communities across the city of Chicago.

“In days like this when we are really challenged to make sure that our kids go to school and get out of schools with decent grades and degrees, this is even more important. I have never seen it more important in my lifetime than to emphasize education. It is the absolute door to opportunity. Without one, we will have no shot at getting jobs and getting further in life.

“There was a time when education was the primary issue that affected the African American community outside of ending discrimination, and my sense is those days are right back here again. Too many of our kids are dropping out of school. Too many of our kids are not going to school, and we’re not competitive in any kind of way with the world community, and we have to bring an end to that,” said Finney. “This is another occasion for us to connect, bring together the resources among ourselves to make a difference.”

Ironically, earlier Rev. Barrow added: “I think it’s a good time for our people to come together and to connect. If ever there was a time for us to connect, it is now.”

On the morning after the parade, two Cook County Department of Corrections buses were parked at 55^th and King Drive. Scores of Cook County Jail detainees were picking up trash left by picnic goers. In fact, during the parade, several Streets and Sanitation trucks including sweepers were doing some serious cleaning along the parade route.

Attorney Ernesto Borges had pushed the cleaning of the park on his Sunday WVON talk show, which airs from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. He had urged parade goers to clean up after themselves and for the city to swiftly clean up the park which they did while the parade was going on and to cut costs both Saturday and Sunday Sheriff Tom Dart dispatched SWAP workers (detainees) and Mayor Emanuel called out his Streets and Sanitation crews for a swift and thorough park cleaning.

Riding on his float that bore the sign “BillBusters,” Borges, who was also in the VIP section behind Rep. Rush, said, “This is my first time as a participant in a float or car, but I’ll be back each and every year, God willing. It’s very enlightening and encouraging.” Borges said he saw many of his clients who called out his name.

“It’s a very positive thing for the community.” He urged students to study hard and if they are a good student “don’t be ashamed of it. Wear it proudly. Theirs is nothing wrong with being smart, educated and being at the top of their class. Some think it’s not cool to be smart, but believe me it’s cool to be smart,” said Borges.

Another first time participant was Borges’ aunt, Lucille Ish, 85, a retired regional director of the Office of Civil Rights covering a six state area in the Midwest. “Today, I’m covering my very first Bud Billiken Parade.” Awed by the number of floats and the people attending, Ish waved at the crowd as she rode on Borges’ float and marveled at the number of tents erected in the park, barbecue grills and tables where families gathered for a peaceful day out in the park.

During the parade, there was a red trolley bus that bore signs reading: “Next Stop Main Street,”  “Tax Wall Street, not Main Street,” “Some Cuts Don’t Heal,” “Blame Wall Street, No Concessions,” “Heal America, Tax Corporations,” “Main Street Contracts for the American People,” “RN Strong Union, Protect our Patients,” “National Nurses United.” There were numerous messages participants used to get the word about their many issues.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host.

State’s Attorney Alvarez: ‘They need to think twice” before breaking law

By Chinta Strausberg

With school starting just weeks away, officials warned “an idle mind is a devil’s workshop” and cautioned youth to think twice before they pull a trigger because of the long-term harm it causes the victim and the shooter’s family.

Rev. Dr. Leon Finney, Jr. said, “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. It’s one thing to tell or preach to young people and another thing to engage them and get them involved in activities.”

When Finney was a child, he said there were many social services but that is now the state this country is in today. “Right now, the social services are gone and the kids, in many instances, are creating their own social services networks. My sense is that we have to go back to creating social services, athletic programs and things like that for kids so they will have something to do.

“If they don’t have anything to do, they will invent their own things to do. We, the adults, have to be actively involved in creating voluntary organizations and building clubs and social clubs…to engage the youth. You just can’t tell them don’t be violent without giving them a way not to be violent,” said Finney.

James W. Compton, former President and CEO of the Chicago Urban LeagueAsked about the violence that has taken the lives of so many innocent children, Compton said,  “It makes no sense. All we end up with are people dead, maim, injured or in jail. Not only is it a tragedy for the individual and their families but for the entire community and the city.”

Compton said he is disappointed in the level of violence that is taking place all over the city especially on the south and west sides of Chicago.

 “It seems to me that more organizations coupled with the various departments of the city of Chicago should come together to conclude that there are ways and means by which you stymie this and offer more and different options other than violence for these young people to move ahead and get their education,” said Compton.

Asked if this rash of violence can be solved, Compton said, “I think it can be fixed with the appropriate measures and resources from every office, federal, city, county governments and independent organizations, churches, social clubs, but you have to organized, plan and coalesce in order to do it. You need a more cohesive kind of effort probably under the auspices of the city and appropriate agencies, churches, school….”

Asked if it is time for a summit to deal with this issue, Compton said a summit by itself would probably not resolve much. “If you have a summit with the intent of having things to occur, events, mini-summits, yes, but just to say you are going to have a summit and expect it to come to an end, that in and of itself would not do that. That’s been tried,” he said.

On the question of the rise of violence especially against the youth, State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez said, “We have to remember that they need to think twice before they pick up a weapon because not only are they ruining their lives but the lives of other people. They should think particularly about their own family and their own mother and the affect that it would have on her.”

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host.

(A Message from the Better Business Bureau)

Chicago, IL – As students across the state are on their way back to school, many of them will carry cell phones, iPads, iPods, laptops and other electronic devices everywhere from their dorms to their cars and their classrooms. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds students and their parents to talk about ways to keep electronics and personal information out of the wrong hands.

College campuses, cafeterias, local hang outs and even classrooms can be an easy target for those looking to steal expensive electronic devices. Not only can thieves steal your personal property, they could gain access to sensitive information which can lead to identity theft.

“People often get a false sense of security when they are surrounded by peers or in a school setting,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Chicago and northern Illinois. “These electronics should be treated like cash. The costs of losing property like this can be extremely significant, especially if personal information is accessed.”

The BBB offers the following advice to students and parents on how to keep personal property and sensitive information safe at school:

• Use password protections. Even if a thief steals your electronic device, having password protections could limit their access to your personal information. Avoid sharing passwords with friends or carrying them around on paper.

• Keep it off the floor. No matter where you are in public – a large study hall in school, a conference, a coffee shop, or a registration desk – avoid putting your electronics on the floor. If you must put it down, place it between your feet or at least up against your leg, so that you’re aware of it.

• Get it out of the car. Don’t leave your electronics in the car – not on the seat, not in the trunk. Parked cars are a favorite target of thieves; don’t help them by leaving your property unattended.

• Don’t leave it “for just a minute.” Your classmates seem trustworthy, so you’re comfortable leaving your electronics on the table while you go outside for a break. The people at the coffee shop seem nice, so you ask them to keep an eye out while you use the restroom. Don’t leave your laptop, iPad or other tablets unguarded – even for a minute.

• Use bells and whistles. Depending on your security needs, an alarm can be a useful tool. Some laptop alarms sound when there’s unexpected motion, or when the computer moves outside a specified range around you. Or consider a kind of “lo-jack” for your laptop: a program that reports the location of your stolen laptop once it’s connected to the Internet.

• Leave it at home. In some cases, school districts may have strict policies about students bringing electronic devices to campus. Be sure to find out what is allowed while on campus and in the classroom. Also, determine if you really need your electronics during school hours or if they can wait until you get home.

For more consumer safety tips, and advice on how to avoid identity theft visit www.bbb.org

Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez will provide an update on the efforts of her office to expand community-based prosecutions programming at the opening of a new Community Justice Center near the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago today.

A program and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held today, Tuesday, August 16 at 11 a.m. at the new office, which is located at 715 W. Maxwell Street, Chicago.

Alvarez will be joined by Chicago Police Department and UIC officials as well as local elected officials as she announces the opening of the State’s Attorney’s fourth Community Justice Center. Assistant State’s Attorney and Community Outreach Coordinator will staff the center, working on the prosecution and prevention of local crime with police districts, community organizations, schools, businesses and area residents.

Teacher of the Year encourages schools and families to work as a team

Springfield, IL ― The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) encourages families to establish and maintain good health and study habits as schools across the state open doors for the start of a new academic year. The onset of the school year provides a good opportunity to review academic content and start the year with a positive attitude and new routines.

“Students need to arrive at school ready to learn and succeed,’’ said Illinois State Board of Education Chairman Gery J. Chico. “Families can help their children excel by developing habits that ensure enough sleep, a good breakfast and a dedicated study time and space. The onset of the school year is a great time to establish new routines that will better prepare children to thrive in the classroom and for the rest of their lives.’’

As students approach the new school year, families might start new bedtime hours for an easier transition during the first week of school. Setting aside a quiet dedicated study space, with good light and appropriate supplies, may help children focus as they do homework.

A review of academic skills before the start of the school year may also help students succeed in the classroom. Some ideas include:

• · Dictate the grocery list to a child to practice writing skills.
• · Ask a child to write about summer vacation for a family scrapbook.
• · Review multiplication and division skills.
• · Talk about current events, the causes and possible connections to the school and local community.
• · Ask students to write three goals for the school year and then discuss steps that might help them realize their goals. 
• · Talk to children about their fears or concerns regarding the return to school.
• If a child is transitioning to a new school building or a new district, arrange a visit to the building so they might be familiar with their surroundings and perhaps meet faculty, staff or even other classmates in advance.
• · Check homework nightly and find ways to expand on topics through trips to local museums, libraries, parks and zoos.

Illinois 2010 Teacher of the Year Annice Brave, an Alton High School English and journalism teacher and finalist for the National Teacher of the Year competition, joins ISBE in encouraging families to make sure children arrive at school ready for the rigors and joy of learning.

“School doesn’t only teach kids how to read, write and do math, but school is a place that prepares students for life,’’ Brave said. “The most important thing to remember is that learning is fun, but learning is a team effort; involved parents help teachers build better students.’’

For additional information about good educational practices and fun learning ideas, visit:

• Discovery Kids, http://kids.discovery.com
• National Gallery of Arts Kids, http://www.nga.gov/kids/kids.htm
• National Geographic Kids, http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids
• PBS Kids, http://pbskids.org/
• The White House, http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/white-house-101
• Scholastic, http://www.scholastic.com/kids/stacks/
• Science Buddies, http://www.sciencebuddies.org
• The Center for Gifted, http://www.centerforgifted.org