Angola’s Top Brass Accused of “Crimes against Humanity”
Posted on 30. Nov, 2011 by citizen in Global News
Angola child refugees (Courtesy of Global Information Network)
By Sami Disu
Special to the NNPA from the Global Information Network
(GIN) – Angolan anti-corruption campaigner and journalist Rafael Marques de Morais filed a criminal complaint this week against mining businesses and seven Angolan generals for daily acts of torture and frequently murder against villagers and informal miners in diamond producing regions.
Those charged include Minister of State Gen. Manuel Helder Vieira (Kopelipa), and several high commanders in the Angolan Armed Forces for abuses amounting to “crimes against humanity”.
The criminal case, filed at the offices of Angola’s attorney-general last week, will be closely watched by anti-corruption and civil society groups in this poor, but mineral- and petroleum-rich country.
Marques, who has been investigating systematic human rights abuses and corruption in Angola’s Lunda region since 2004, is the author of Blood Diamond: Torture and Corruption in Angola. He has previously called on foreign countries to boycott Angola’s “conflict diamonds”.
Angola, in south-central Africa, has one of the widest income gaps between rich and poor. An extensive list of human rights abuses committed by the government appears on the 2010 Human Rights Report of the U.S. State Dept. published in April of this year.
Cash-strapped cities, schools say: ‘Your Ad Here’
Posted on 30. Nov, 2011 by citizen in Bill's Business
Seven vinyl banners draped along one of Chicago's most iconic bridges, advertisements some have dubbed ``a visual crime'' and ``commercial graffiti,'' are reviving a debate about how governments raise money in tough economic times. Photo Chad Bailey
CHICAGO – In the aftermath of the Great Recession, a public school district in Colorado is selling ads on report cards and Utah has a new law allowing ads on school buses. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration, straining to fill a $600 million budget hole, is looking to raise $25 million from ads on city property _ including bridges, electrical storage boxes and garbage cans.
The effort kicked off with Bank of America ads on the 81-year-old Wabash Avenue Bridge, which crosses the Chicago River and has appeared in movies including “About Last Night” and “The Dark Knight.”
Still, some ask where the line will be drawn. Could the city’s historic Water Tower be next? Or Grant Park’s famed Buckingham Fountain?
Bank of America spokeswoman Diane Wagner said the company said yes when Chicago officials asked if the bank wanted to advertise on the bridge because it’s a major employer and philanthropic supporter in the city.
It’s a similar story in Golden, Colo., where Jefferson County Public Schools’ report cards now feature ads for the CollegeInvest college savings program. The ads raise $30,000 a year.
“Parents understand where we are at with the funding issues and most of the reaction has been positive,” said school district spokeswoman Lorie Gillis.
Retiree Jim Phillips, who leads free tours of Chicago’s bridges, challenged the city to channel public curiosity about the structures into money-making ventures, such as charging tourists to see the bridge houses’ inner workings.
“If it gets to the point advertisements go on more of these historic structures, I don’t think there’s any way to stop them on others,” Phillips said. “What if you put a NASCAR suit on the Picasso? What if you slapped a Google sign on one of the lions at the Art Institute?”
By CARLA K. JOHNSON and ROBERT RAY
Associated Press
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Associated Press writers Peter Banda in Golden, Colo., and Colleen Barry in Milan, Italy, contributed to this report.
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
Chicago Mourns Loss Margaret “Maggie” Daley
Posted on 30. Nov, 2011 by citizen in News
An overflow crowd packed Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, witnessing the funeral services of Maggie Daley which she helped plan, while hundreds more gathered outside to hear the program over a loud speaker.
On Monday, hundreds gathered at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 700 W. Adams St. to pay their last respects to Chicago’s former first lady, Margaret “Maggie” Daley. Daley passed away on Nov. 24, 2011, Thanksgiving Day, at the age of 68 after a nine-year battle with breast cancer.
An overflow crowd packed Old St. Patrick’s and witnessed the service which Daley herself helped plan, while hundreds more gathered outside to hear the program over a loud speaker.
A multitude of dignitaries from across the country attended the service including first lady Michelle Obama, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Vice President Joe Biden, IL Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan.
Former Mayor Richard Daley arrived at the funeral with his children and grandchildren, all carrying a single white tulip and led by a British bagpipe band.
Former Mayor Richard Daley stands with his family during his wife’s funeral holding the hands of his grandchildren who are distraught with emotion.
The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. John Wall. “I often meet people from Pittsburgh and I ask them, do you know the best gift that Pittsburgh gave to Chicago? Maggie Corbett Daley, our first lady,” Wall spoke of Daley during the service. “It truly is the greatest gift, the best gift, that Pittsburgh ever gave this city.” said Wall.
Daley’s son, Patrick Daley delivered the eulogy with his sisters Nora Daley Conroy and Lally Daley Hotchkiss standing by his side.
“To us, she was a grandmother, aunt, sister, wife, and mother. We’re so proud of our mother. She lived a positive life, impacting so many. For such an accomplished woman with so many professional and personal commitments, she always had time to simply be our mother,” he said.
Daley is also remembered as a public servant and a caring person, dedicating most of her 22 years as Chicago’s first lady advocating for the city’s youth. For example, in 1991, Daley created and launched the After School Matters programs, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide Chicago public high school teens opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond.
In addition, the Maggie Daley Center for Women’s Cancer Care at Northwestern University was named in honor of the city’s former first lady because she was an integral part of the Northwestern community for years, lending her name and support to raise awareness.
Daley was buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in south suburban Alsip, to be laid to rest near other Daley family members.
By: Abbréa Stiffend
Rejuvenated Harper Court Development to Debut in Hyde Park in 2013
Posted on 30. Nov, 2011 by citizen in Hyde Park
The build-out of Harper Court is projected to create 800 construction jobs, 350 permanent retail jobs, and 150 permanent hospitality jobs. Photo: Abbrea Stiffend
A rejuvenated Harper Court development will debut in Hyde Park in 2013, providing the community with an abundance of new job opportunities and new options for dining, entertainment and shopping — and the University of Chicago with a major new office tower.
Last month, a joint venture between the project’s local developer, Harper Court Partners, LLC, and Los Angeles based Canyon Johnson Urban Fund (CJUF) closed a $65 million construction loan with Citi Community Capital (CCC), a division of Citigroup.
The mixed-use project represents over $106 million of investment in the local area and collaboration between several public and private entities that provided equity, land and financing to bring a mix of commercial office, retail, residential and hospitality uses to a 3.3 acre site at the corner of 53rd Street and South Lake Park Avenue.
Rendition of a new Hyatt Place hotel that will anchor the rejuvenated Harper Court to include a retail center, apartments, and an office building to be occupied by The University of Chicago. Photo: Legat Architects
A new Hyatt Place hotel, designed by Legat Architects, will anchor the transportation-oriented development, which includes a retail center, apartments, and an office building to be occupied by The University of Chicago.
The University of Chicago is credited as the primary driver behind the project, seeking, in part, to enhance the retail environment along 53rd Street. Earlier this summer the University of Chicago executed a 150,000 square foot lease for the project’s office tower, anticipated to be among the largest office leases signed in Chicago in 2011.
The build-out of Harper Court is projected to create 800 construction jobs, 350 permanent retail jobs, and 150 permanent hospitality jobs. Approximately 500 employees from the University of Chicago will work in the project’s office tower upon completion and over 28% of qualified project costs will be performed by minority and women-owned businesses.
Construction of Harper Court is anticipated to finish in 2013.
Source: Citi , Legat Architects
Black McDonald’s Operators Association Helps Those in Need
Posted on 30. Nov, 2011 by citizen in Weekend
Hosted by Ramonski Love and Joe Soto of V103, hundreds of residents showed up for a hot meal during the Black McDonald’s Operators Association 12th annual “Food for the Body and Spirit” program. Photo: Abbrea Stiffend
To support and uplift the community this holiday season, The Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) held their 12th annual “Food for the Body and Spirit” program at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Van Buren St.) last Wednesday. The program emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community, volunteerism and healthy living.
Individuals and families from approximately 30 homeless shelters were fed hot meals and offered free health screenings during the event which is a collaborative effort between BMOA, McDonald’s employees, churches, student volunteers and community volunteers.
BMOA is able to serve on average 900 individuals yearly through the project.
“We hold this event primarily to give back to the community, for those who are not as fortunate as others,” expressed Melvin Buckley, Vice President of BMOA Chicago.
Hosted by Ramonski Love and Joe Soto of V103 radio station, hundreds of residents showed up for a hot meal that included scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits, grits, and salmon croquets. The Westside Leadership Academy Choir of Gary, IN contributed to the occasion by performing traditional holiday spirituals and carols.
Individuals and families from approximately 30 homeless shelters were fed hot meals and offered free health screenings during the “Food for the Body” and Spirit event. Photo: Abbrea Stiffend
“This is my first time attending this event, and I can say that I have truly enjoyed myself,” said Bernadette Jones who received a free meal and health screening. “It’s nice to see our people helping each other out.”
Dignitaries who attended included Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, Congressman Danny Davis, Cook County Clerk of the Circuit, Dorothy Brown and Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th Ward).
According to its website, the (BMOA) is a membership organization comprised of 14 Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana-area McDonald’s restaurant owners. While contributing to the success of McDonald’s as the world’s leading food service retailer, BMOA members are also committed to exhibiting leadership, supporting education and developing partnerships within the African-American communities and various other communities that they serve.
By: Abbréa Stiffend
Jesmyn Ward’s ‘Salvage’ wins National Book Award
Posted on 30. Nov, 2011 by citizen in Entertainment
``I wanted to write about the experiences of the poor and the black and the rural people of the South,'' said Ward. Photo Jesmyn Ward
By HILLEL ITALIE
NEW YORK – Jesmyn Ward’s “Salvage the Bones,” a bleak but determined novel about a community devastated by Hurricane Katrina, has won the National Book Award for fiction.
Ward’s acceptance, the culmination of a night of emotional speeches and tributes to those who had been silenced, noted that the death of her younger brother had inspired her to become a writer. She realized that life was a “feeble, unpredictable thing,” but that books were a testament of strength before a punishing world.
“I wanted to write about the experiences of the poor and the black and the rural people of the South,” said Ward, whose brother was hit by a drunk driver the year she graduated from college. Earlier in the week, she told The Associated Press that writing was a way to “ease the looking fact of death.” AP
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
Black Businessmen Give Communities A “Tasty” Boost
Posted on 28. Nov, 2011 by citizen in Hyde Park
(L-R) John Hawn, Pizza Hut Franchise Business Coach; Ellisa Johnson, JGJ Management (JGJ) spokesperson; Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.; Sharon Monson, asst. to Ald. Michelle Harris (8th Ward); Henry Gray, CFO, JGJ; Michael Jackson, COO, JGJ; Louis James, CEO, JGJ and Marino Orlandi, Vice President of Business Banking, Fifth Third Bank.
On Nov. 15, dozens of dignitaries and community members gathered to celebrate the grand re-opening of a Pizza Hut restaurant located at 2042 W. 47th St. JGJ Management Company, LLC (JGJ) announced the purchase of the popular pizza eatery and also announced plans of creating more than 250 jobs in the Chicagoland area. In addition to the 47th street location, JGJ has purchased eight other Pizza Hut franchises.
JGJ was established to manage and operate businesses like Pizza Hut in the Chicago market. The company is led by three businessmen with decades of combined experience in the areas of sales, operations and financial management.
Louis James, Chief Executive Officer, Henry Gray, Chief Financial Officer and Michael Jackson, Chief Operating Officer all have a primary objective in regards to the Pizza Hut project which is for each location to be community based and directed toward employing those in under-served areas of Chicago.
On Nov. 15, dozens of dignitaries and community members including the Rev. Jesse Jackson gathered to celebrate the grand re-opening of a Pizza Hut restaurant located at 2042 W. 47th St.
“Our goal is to ensure that community residents are provided the opportunity to maintain their current jobs and employ as many residents that each restaurant location will allow,” said James. “Additionally as a way to include the community, we were equally excited to partner with Fifth Third Bank located in Chicago.”
JGJ partnered with Fifth Third Bank which helped them secure the funding needed to acquire the nine Pizza Hut franchises.
“I’m proud to see another African American owned business on the South Side, and the profits from the business staying in Chicago,” said Marino Orlandi, Vice President of Business Banking at Fifth Third Bank.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. , John Hawn, Franchise Business Coach for Pizza Hut and Juan Manzano, Chief of Staff for Ald. George Cardenas (12th Ward) also attended.
During the event, Rev. Jackson expressed that he was pleased to see people in the community thriving and creating hope by helping others get jobs, pay off loans and educate their children.
JGJ’s eight other locations are located at: 5900 S. Western, 8849 S. Stony Island, 5201 S. Pulaski, 5905 S. Archer, 47 W. 79th St., 6700 S. Stony Island, 12601 S. Western Ave. in Blue Island, IL and 13223 S. Cicero in Crestwood, IL.
By: Abbréa Stiffend
Calumet Township Host Job Fair
Posted on 28. Nov, 2011 by citizen in South Suburban
On November 17, 2011, hundreds gathered at the Calumet Township Center awaiting the chance to hand off their resumes to potential employers. Photo: Abbrea Stiffend
For the third year in a row, State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita (28th Dist.) and the Calumet Township hosted their annual Job and Health Fair last week, where hundreds gathered awaiting the chance to hand off resumes to potential employers.
“This job fair will provide local residents with an opportunity to meet and interview with employers, develop job seeking skills, and find a good-paying job,” said Rita. “Our fair last year drew 1,500 job seekers, and we expect even more job hunters this year,” he continued.
An assortment of over 30 vendors participated in the fair. The event was hosted by Tamela Noel, president of a Chicago-based communication firm The Idea Group Inc., which specializes in assisting businesses develop methods that strengthen their business, enrich and motivate their employees and engage their customers.
Metro South Medical Center, a hospital with roots deep in the Blue Island community, offered free health screenings to job seekers.
The event was hosted by Tamela Noel, president of a Chicago-based communication firm The Idea Group Inc., which specializes in assisting businesses develop methods that strengthen their business, enrich and motivate their employees and engage their customers. Photo: Abbrea Stiffend
Thirty minute professional training seminars were also offered entitled “Networking” and “How to Work a Job Fair.” The seminars were presented to help job seekers navigate through the fair and to also sharpen their job interviewing skills.
In addition, job seekers were allowed access to computers to fill out online applications for jobs available businesses who participated in the fair.
“I think this job fair was the most helpful one that I’ve been to in a long time,” said Kimberly Winfield, a Blue Island resident. “I’ve never been to a fair that has given seminars on how to effectively acquire a job and the businesses present were giving valuable information.”
“The fair will be mutually beneficial to both employers and job seekers alike,” said Rep. Rita. “If one person receives a job from this fair then it would have made a difference,” he added.
To contact Rep. Rita’s office please call 708-396-2822 or 708-291-1288.
By: Abbréa Stiffend
World AIDS Day Reminds the Importance of Awareness
Posted on 28. Nov, 2011 by citizen in Community Focus
Sheryl Lee Ralph, a long time HIV/AIDS activist discusses the importance of HIV/AIDS Awareness at Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville this past summer. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)
Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. The World Health Organization established the day of observance in 1981. The mission of World AIDS Day is to increase awareness, provide support to those living with the disease and remember those who have lost their battle with the illness.
Now more than ever it is important that individuals know their HIV/AIDS status and educate themselves about the disease.
June 5, 2011 marked the 30th anniversary of the first known reported case of HIV/AIDS.
The Aids Foundation of Chicago reports that African Americans account for a disproportionately large share of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Chicago. While representing 36.8% of the Chicago population, they represent 59% of Chicagoans living with HIV. Caucasians represented 42% of the population and 23% of 2009 HIV cases, and Latinos represent 26% of the population but 16% of new HIV cases.
AIDS is an acronym for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome which is defined by aids.gov as the final stage of HIV infection. Individuals at this stage of HIV disease have badly damaged immune systems.
HIV is an acronym for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus is similar to those that cause influenza or the common cold; however, HIV cannot be fought by the human immune system unlike a cold. The reason for this is still a mystery for scientists.
Phill Wilson, founder and executive director of the Black AIDS Institute is a Chicago-area native and attended Thornton Township High School. He was interviewed by the Chicago Citizen this past February during Black History Month.
In February, the Chicago Citizen interviewed Phill Wilson, founder and executive of the Black AIDS Institute.
Wilson who is HIV-positive said he found the Institute in 1999 to “advocate on behalf of black people.”
“I feel very strongly that at the end of the day, the only people that can save black people from HIV is gonna be black people,” he said.
Diagnosed with HIV in 1981, Wilson believes that his HIV/AIDS awareness activism is one of the reasons he is still alive. “The fact that I took control of my disease, control of my life, and the fact that by being an advocate, I have made sure I kept myself aware of issues as they have happened… I think that my activism also has puts me in places where I have had access to care and treatment,” he said.
In August, the Chicago Citizen reported on singer/actress Sheryl Lee Ralph’s visit to a local gallery for the launch of an AIDS awareness campaign.
Lee Ralph said that HIV/AIDS is 100% preventable but yet it is a pandemic. She added that many times people do not disclose their HIV/AIDS status because they are not aware they have contracted the disease.
“The number one reason why folks don’t tell people they have HIV/AIDS is because they don’t know they have it. They haven’t been tested,” she said.
The South Side Help Center is a local community based agency that has various programs regarding HIV/AIDS education and prevention.
According to its website, the center was developed to educate the religious community so that they would be sensitive to the spiritual needs of people dying from HIV/AIDS. Today the organization’s reach extends beyond HIV prevention and now includes direct care services and a full range of youth programs. For more information about the center’s services log on to www.southsidehelp.org
To find a HIV testing center near you log on to www.greaterthan.org
by Thelma Sardin
Sikorsky to cut 3 percent of US workforce
Posted on 27. Nov, 2011 by citizen in News
STRATFORD, Conn. (AP) _ Sikorsky Aircraft says it is laying off three percent of its workforce because of the weak economy and anticipated cuts in the Defense Department budget.
Spokesman Paul Jackson said that the cuts in the U.S. workforce will mainly affect salaried employees. He said the company is offering a separation package to all eligible employees.
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., announced in September that it was trimming its worldwide workforce of 18,000 by about 540 jobs to remain competitive. Jackson said that restructuring primarily involved hourly workers.
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
