Community Focus
Israel Idonije
Posted on 21. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Good Citizenship
Israel Idonije, 31, has been volunteering since he was a child. (Photo Courtesy of Israel Idonije Foundation)
Volunteer Title: founder and president, The Israel Idonije Foundation
Why does he stand out?
For Israel Idonije, giving back to others is an innate role. As a child, the Chicago Bears defensive tackle volunteered at a local soup kitchen.
Through his benevolent outlet, the Israel Idonije Foundation, the football star has been able to help many but is modest about giving himself credit.
“I am fortunate to be a part of a team of people,” Idonije said. “I am just a small part of it. I’m not exactly sure how many people we’ve helped, but I know by working together we touch some lives. Each individual has also helped inspire me and contributed toward my growth.”
The foundation’s objective is to extend opportunities to individuals in economically disadvantaged communities. Among its initiatives is C.A.R.E, a program that provides health services, clean water and youth sports empowerment to the underprivileged in Africa.
Idonije hopes that his philanthropy encourages unity.
“Ideally, I would like to know that we are inspiring hope and affirming individuals so they feel connected to one another, our community and our global family,” said Idonije.
Although many individuals lead busy lives, Idonije said that it’s important to find a platform of interest.
“You have to make time, but it makes it a lot easier if whatever you are volunteering for naturally fits into your life or routine,” said Idonije. “We all have a unique platform and you have to find what works for you.”
by Thelma Sardin
Honoring The Brilliance Of Black Inventors
Posted on 15. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Community Focus
Throughout the month February, the Chicago Citizen will continue to celebrate Black History Month by featuring the ingenuity of African American inventors and their significant contributions to society.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson
Dr. Carter G. Woodson is hailed as the father of Black History Month. Woodson was born to former slaves on Dec. 19, 1875 in Virginia. He was extremely well educated, receiving a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and PH.D in history from Harvard University.
Woodson, an educator, co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) along with Jesse Moorland in 1915. The organization sought to raise awareness about the significance of Black history. Woodson also published the scholarly periodical, the Journal of Negro History, a year after he founded the ASNLH. In addition, as a journalist and author, Woodson wrote several erudite works including, “The History of the Negro Church,” (1922) and “The Education of the Negro,” (1933).
Woodson once said, “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
In 1926, Woodson and the ASNLH established “Negro History Week” which was eventually extended to an entire month.
Woodson died in 1950 and a Chicago Public Library bears his name on the city’s South Side.
Elijah McCoy
Ever heard of the saying, “the Real McCoy?” Well, Elijah McCoy is at the root of that expression. McCoy was born in 1843 in Ontario, Canada. His parents were former slaves from Kentucky who escaped via the Underground Railroad.
As a child, McCoy demonstrated an interested in mechanics. His parents sent him to school in Scotland to study mechanical engineering. After finishing school, he moved to Michigan and worked as an oilman for the Michigan Central Railroad. McCoy was charged with making sure trains were well lubricated. After a few miles of travel, the train had to stop and McCoy applied oil to its axles and bearings.
To streamline the process of lubricating the train, McCoy created a method to automate the task. In 1872, he designed a “lubricating cup” that automatically drips oil onto the train’s axles and bearings. The ingenious device was patented a year later.
Orders for the cup came from railroad companies from all across the country. Imitation cups were produced but many companies only wanted McCoy’s device, hence the term “the Real McCoy.”
McCoy died in 1929.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams is a prominent pioneer in the medical profession. He founded Provident Hospital in Chicago and conducted the first open heart surgery. Born in 1856 in Pennsylvania, Williams attended what is now Northwestern University’s medical school and graduated in 1883. Soon afterwards, he opened his own practice.
In 1893, Williams conducted the first open heart surgery on James Cornish. Cornish was suffering from a knife injury to the chest after a bar fight and was fighting for his life once he arrived at Provident Hospital. Williams made the decision to open the man’s chest and to operate on his wounds. At the time, operating internally was virtually unheard of because of the risk of infection but Williams proceeded to perform the operation which proved to be very successful. Cornish lived another 50 years after the procedure.
Williams died in 1931.
Jan Ernst Matzeliger
Jan Ernst Matzeliger is a Black inventor who revolutionized the shoe industry. Born September 15, 1852 to a Dutch engineer and Black Surinamese slave, Matzeliger developed an interest in mechanics as a child. When he got older, Matzeliger worked as an apprentice in a shoe factory and operated a machine which was used to fasten together the different parts of a shoe. At the time, no machines were in existence that could attach the upper part of a shoe to the sole. Technicians who were able to sew the parts of a shoe together were called “hand lasters” and experienced hand lasters yielded about 50 pairs of shoes in a 10 hour work day. Hand lasters were able to charge handsomely because of their craftsmanship.
Matzeliger studied hand lasters and developed a device to automate the process. In March 1883, the United States Patent Office issued a patent to Matzeliger for his “Lasting Machine.” Within two years, Matzeliger had had made several enhancement to the apparatus and it could produce nearly 700 pairs of shoes daily. Matzeliger’s ingenuity restructured the shoe manufacturing process. As a result, shoes became more affordable.
Matzeliger died at 37 of tuberculosis.
Sources: africanamericanhistorymonth.gov, blackinventor.com
by Thelma Sardin
Twitter:@thelmasardin
African American Inventors
Posted on 09. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Community Focus
In honor of Black History Month, the Chicago Citizen proudly presents Black inventors who have made an indelible mark on everyday living and quality of life. These visionaries are pioneers where many developed inventions at a time when Blacks were marginialized in society.
Dr. Charles R. Drew
Dr. Charles Drew was born on June 3, 1904 in Washington, D.C. and is one of the most foremost pioneers in the medical profession.
Drew developed a technique that enabled the long-range preservation of blood plasma.
Prior to Drew’s findings, blood could not be stockpiled for more than two days because of the swift disintegration of red blood cells.
However, Drew discovered that by separating the plasma (the liquid part of blood) from the whole blood (in which the red blood cells exist) and then refrigerating them separately, they could be preserved for as long as up to a week and then re-joined and used safely for blood transfusions.
Drew was the first African American to receive a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University and in 1948 was awarded the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP for his blood plasma research. His development of the blood plasma bank has afforded millions a second chance at life.
On April 1, 1950, Drew was involved in a car accident and urban legend states that he was taken to an all white hospital and denied a blood transfusion that resulted in his death. Other accountings of the incident site that Drew did in fact receive a blood transfusion but his injuries were beyond the expertise of his attending physicians.
Garrett A. Morgan
Garrett A. Morgan was born on March 4, 1877 in Kentucky. Morgan has several inventions to his credit including the first human hair straightener and the gas mask. He is arguably most famous for creating the traffic light.
It is noted that Morgan witnessed an automobile accident where the vehicle collided with a horse and carriage. The driver was unconscious and the horse was euthanized. After the debacle, Morgan developed a device that streamlined traffic flow without a policeman or traffic worker.
He patented an automatic traffic signal which he said could be “operated for directing the flow of traffic” and providing a clear and explicit “visible indicator.”
Morgan later sold the rights to the traffic signal to the General Electric Company for $40,000 and contemporary traffic lights are derived from his original prototype.
In his later years, Morgan lost 90 percent of his vision due to glaucoma. He died on July 27, 1963.
Madame CJ Walker
Madam C. J. Walker was born Sarah Breedlove December 23, 1867 in Louisiana. Her parents were sharecroppers and both died when she was a child. At age 14, Breedlove married Moses McWilliams and gave birth to a daughter, Leila. Breedlove’s husband died years later and she then moved to St. Louis.
Working as a washerwoman and maid, Walker developed a hair care product to stimulate hair growth for colored women which she later developed into a full hair care line which proved to be a lucrative invention because there were no other hair care products for African Americans at the time.
In 1905, Walker met Charles Joseph “C.J.” Walker, a newspaperman with innovative marketing skills. Breedlove married Walker in 1906 and together they created the Madam CJ Walker Manufacturing Company and advertised the company in Black newspapers across America.
By 1914, Walker’s net worth was more than one million dollars. Her company’s product line included hair conditioners, facial creams and hot combs.
Walker died in 1919 and is remembered throughout the Black community as a beauty and business pioneer.
Lonnie Johnson
Lonnie Johnson was born on October 6, 1949 in Mobile, Ala. During his formative years, Johnson created toys with his brothers. In high school, he competed in a national science competition and presented a robot made of junkyard scraps and won first place. He later attended Tuskegee University on a math scholarship.
Johnson worked extensively in the engineering field before developing a toy that created a worldwide frenzy.
In the 1980’s Johnson began tinkering the idea of creating a water gun that was safe for children. Water guns at the time were ingenuous and inexpensively made.
Johnson developed a working model called “Power Drencher.” He and his partner then began trying to market the toy while securing a patent.
The patent was secured in 1991 and the toy was called “Super Soaker.” Within the next 10 years more than 200 million Super Soakers were sold. Johnson was inducted into the Inventor Hall of Fame in 2000.
Sources: blackinventor.com
By Thelma Sardin
Good Citizenship
Posted on 07. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Community Focus, Good Citizenship
HIV/AIDS activist Rae Lewis Thornton is also a licensed minister. She received a master's degree in divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in 2003. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. (Photo Courtesy of Rae Lewis Thornton)
Name: Rae Lewis Thornton
Occupation: HIV/AIDS activist
Why does she stand out?
In 1986, at the age of 23, Rae Lewis Thornton was diagnosed with HIV. Thornton appeared on the cover of the December 1994 issue of Essence Magazine and the coverage served as a catalyst that allowed the activist to share her story globally.
“If you become infected, you have to make the decision you want to live,” Thornton told the Chicago Citizen. “Living in a denial that it will never happen to you is ridiculous.”
During the 1990’s, Thornton received an Emmy Award for serving as a contributing editor at CBS 2 Chicago. Through a series of news segments, she gave viewers a glimpse into her daily struggle with the disease.
Today, Thornton is living with full blown AIDS and despite her status she is still heavily involved with HIV/AIDS activism. In 2009, she created a fashion bracelet line called the RLT Collection, and pieces are worn by stars such as Sheryl Lee Ralph and Kim Coles.
As for HIV/AIDS awareness in the Black community, Thornton says more activism is needed from everyone; National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day was Feb. 7 and she encourages the public to continue to inform themselves.
“There are a lot of people doing a lot of great work, but more can be done,” she said.
by Thelma Sardin
Black Women Are Not Angry, Just Strong
Posted on 06. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Community Focus
First lady Michelle Obama recently sat down with CBS' Gayle King and said she has "gotten in the habit of not reading other people's impressions of people," referring to a book written by New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor. (Photo Credit: Joyce N. Boghosian, White House photographer)
First lady Michelle Obama recently challenged assertions that she has forcefully imposed her will on White House aides and says that some have inaccurately tried to portray her as “some kind of angry black woman.”
Mrs. Obama told CBS News that she has not read New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor’s new book that characterizes her as a behind-the-scenes force in the Executive Mansion, whose strong views often draw her into conflict with President Barack Obama’s top advisers.
“I never read these books,” Mrs. Obama told CBS’s Gayle King in a recent interview.“So I’ve just gotten in the habit of not reading other people’s impressions of people.”
The “angry black woman” stereotype is an age old misrepresentation of African American women, which many times is pointed at black women with authority and power.
Maya Angelou (Photo Credit: Adria Richards)
Maya Angelou, famous Black poet and author once said, “The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement, distaste and even belligerence. It is seldom accepted as an inevitable outcome of the struggle won by survivors, and deserves respect if not enthusiastic acceptance.”
Angelou has purported that the demeanor of strong, powerful Black women is often times considered “disorderly” and therefore is not respected as a reaction to the struggles and oppression suffered by previous generations of African American women.
Shirley Chisholm (Photo Credit: Thomas J. O'Halloran, U.S. News & World Reports)
Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman ever elected to Congress once said that women are first stereotyped when they are born.
The emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says, “It’s a girl,” Chisholm said.
Chisholm’s approach is more psychological and attempts to explain the root of stereotypes that plague not just Black women but all women.
Arguably one of the most intriguing quotes on Black women and their “anger” comes from the late poet and activist, Audre Lorde, where she proudly proclaims the anger inside of her.
“My Black woman’s anger is a molten pond at the core of me, my most fiercely guarded secret. Your silence will not protect you!” said Lorde.
Dr. Olivia Perlow, assistant professor of sociology at Northeastern Illinois University recently explained to the Chicago Citizen the origin of stereotypes.
“Stereotypes are the basis for prejudice and discrimination; they are used for scapegoating groups or individuals to denigrate and divide and ultimately to deceit.”
Perlow adds that mankind should be angry, but not in the stereotypical way that Black women are sometimes portrayed, but more in an exhibitory manner that signifies opposition to the many ills of society.
“The fact is that all of us should be angry. There’s a saying that goes ‘If you’re not angry you’re not paying attention.’ So all of us should be angry if we have our eyes open. Not just Black women but everybody should be angry at the state of our world, should be angry that there is so much poverty, so little opportunity and so much greed,” she said. According to Perlow, this type of “anger” can serve as a conduit for a better society. “The key is channeling your anger and facilitate social change,” she said.
by Thelma Sardin
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Non-profit Equips College Students with Tools For “Job Seeking Savvy”
Posted on 01. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Community Focus
Deputy Governor Cristal Thomas presents IEF Scholar Timothy Bradford with a tie signed by Governor Pat Quinn. (Photo Credit: IEF)
Individuals searching for employment in today’s tough economic climate must have job seeking savoir-faire.
During a mini-training session on Jan. 21, fifty fortunate college students were counseled about the professional skills they now need to land a job and also received brand new professional business attire during the Illinois Education Foundation’s (IEF) second annual “Suited for Success” event.
Suited for Success, which was held at The Standard Club this year, is a ground-breaking event designed to provide high-quality, interview-worthy clothes and footwear to low-income, highly motivated community college students who will soon be entering the business world.
Brooks Brothers, The Standard Club, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Davis Imperial Cleaners, Allen Edmonds, Lori’s Shoes, LODIS, and juliewatsonstyle donated tens of thousands of dollars in clothing and services to 50 IEF Scholars, ages 18-58.
IEF is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 that empowers extremely driven community college students to thrive in school, work and life. IEF also partners with all seven City Colleges of Chicago and Prairie State and South Suburban Colleges.
Prairie State College student Nadia Crawley (right) and Truman College student Luz Cardoso (left) receive apparel at Suited for Success event. (Photo Credit: IEF)
The students who participated are enrolled in IEF‘s Signature Scholarship program which provides comprehensive student support services including mentoring, academic advising, professional development and financial assistance.
According to IEF, its scholars have a median household income of $14,000. In addition, 43.5 percent of IEF Scholars are African American and another 43.5 percent are Hispanic.
Surprisingly, the average age of scholars in the organization’s program is 27 years old. Many of the older participants have returned to college because they have found it difficult to compete in the global market without having at least a bachelor’s degree.
“I can’t think of a better way to give back to the community than investing in students,” said Tony Anderson, Ernst & Young Vice Chair and Midwest Managing Partner, who gave the keynote address. “At Ernst & Young, we’re committed to supporting education and creating a path toward college completion for students in underserved communities. The strength of our economy, the caliber of our future workforce and our global competitiveness depend on it. That’s why we applaud the efforts of IEF, which helps low-income students attend college, prepare for a career and achieve their full potential.”
Il. Deputy Governor Cristal Thomas presented scholar Timothy Bradford with a tie donated and signed by Governor Pat Quinn, to inaugurate the IEF’s Ties That Bind/Scarves That Support initiative, a new effort to provide pathways for IEF Scholars into the professional world.
“Access to higher education is critical to ensuring that Illinois continues to compete in the global economy,” Gov. Quinn said in a statement. “Organizations like the IEF are leading the way in helping more students attend community college and preparing them for successful careers.”
Bradford is a student at Harold Washington College studying anthropology. An Iraq War veteran, he plans to become a community organizer because he wants to “educate” people”.
“I feel special,” Bradford told the Chicago Citizen about receiving recognition from the governor. “I feel like someone is paying attention to my work.” Bradford said he is a non-traditional student and the honor made him feel a sense of achievement. “It’s always good to have positive reinforcement,” he added.
Bradford appreciated the apparel he received too. “I got several suits, shoes and ties…quality tools for me to go in for a job interview,” he said.
Nadia Crawley, a student at Prairie State College in south suburban Chicago Heights also spoke on the new additions to her wardrobe.
“I absolutely loved the Suited for Success event,” she told the Chicago Citizen. “It was literally an ‘out of body’ experience. I wasn’t too sure what to expect, other than being fitted for a donated suit. But when I discovered the other items we were to receive, the dress workshop, and the room full of dedicated professionals, I was blown away. I thank the IEF and everyone who came that to show support and encouragement for us students.”
Ekaterina Munter, a student at Truman College realized during the event, the importance of maintaining a professional appearance
“It was a fabulous experience!” she said. “This event made me rediscover myself. I am a completely different person when I wear business attire. Only through this event I realized how it’s crucial to look professional. The event motivated me to finish my education and move on into my business career in Human Resource Management.”
The IEF is currently accepting applications for its 2012-2013 Signature Scholarship Program. For more information visit www.iledfoundation.org/applynow.
By Thelma Sardin
Twitter: @thelmasardin
Highly Anticipated QBG Foundation Mentoring Program to Debut this Weekend
Posted on 25. Jan, 2012 by admin in Community Focus
The Mentoring Committee crest embodies the committee’s mission and goals and it also tells a story about each of the founding mentors. The insignia will be formally introduced at the committee’s inaugural session this Saturday.
Debra Jackson
Deyon Dean, Mayor of Riverdale
Gloria Batey
Gloria Collins
Nathan Kirkwood, Jr.
Larissa M. Tyler, QBG Foundation Executive Director
Monique Trujillo-Gary
Nathan Kirkwood III
Dawn Hines
Laneen Blount
Judge LaGuina Clay-Herron
On Saturday, Jan. 28, the QBG Foundation (QBG), the Chicago Citizen Newspaper’s non-profit arm, will commence its highly anticipated mentoring program.
The initiative is the brainchild of Larissa M. Tyler, QBG ’s executive director and will complement the organization’s philanthropic endeavors.
Tyler created and recruited the committee last spring and since then, the group has been tirelessly developing the committee’s infrastructure and programming schedules.
Over the last few weeks, the Chicago Citizen profiled QBG’s mentoring committee and the coverage motivated those far beyond the Chicagoland area.
An incarcerated man in Ohio said in a letter to QBG, that he enjoyed reading about the committee and is encouraged by its community work.
The hand written note was received from the Grafton Correction Institution in Ohio and was addressed to the committee’s chairperson, Gloria Batey.
“I have a subscription to the Citizen Newspaper and I read about your mentoring committee,” the letter read. “I too have dedicated my life in helping the youth of today to make better choice in their lives,” the note continued.
Batey was pleased to learn that the mentoring committee is already inspiring individuals and was moved by the inmate’s letter.
“It is my hope that the committee will continue to inspire those outside of QBG’s immediate community. I am also very interested in working with incarcerated youth and maybe one day the mentoring program will expand in that direction.”
The committee members are: Larissa M. Tyler, Dawn Hines, Debra Jackson, Gloria Batey, Laneen Blount, Gloria Collins, Judge LaGuina Clay-Herron, Mayor Deyon L. Dean, Monique Trujillo- Gary, Nathan Kirkwood, Jr., and Nathan Kirkwood III.
The professionally diverse group boasts numerous years of expertise in several fields including law, healthcare, government and education.
“This is a phenomenal group of professionals who have come together with one goal in mind… inspiring and encouraging the youth of our community into doing great things,” Tyler said. “They are all truly committed to giving back to the community and I am honored and privileged to have them as part of the QBG Foundation team.”
Recently, Tyler designed a crest which embodies the committee’s mission and goals and it also tells a story about each of the founding mentors. The insignia will be formally introduced at the committee’s inaugural session this Saturday.
“The crest will forever represent the mentoring committee’s developing legacy which we know will be a great one,” said Tyler who called on her hidden graphic design skills to create the design.
Essentially, QBG’s mentoring committee’s mission is to provide an environment for positive relationships between area youths, qualified mentors, the educational community, business organizations and society at-large.
These relationships are intended to encourage students to strengthen connections between their families, schools, communities and the world.
Students will be guided in developing their personal skills, academic achievement, self-esteem, social competence, career awareness and avoidance of high risk behaviors.
Once a month, the mentors will engage the youth in group sessions composed of writing exercises, public speaking, life coaching and much more. Moreover, mentors will conduct special events throughout the year as a way of broadening the mentees’ societal horizons.
For nearly 20 years, the QBG Foundation has awarded over one million dollars in college scholarship awards to minority students. To learn more or to enroll a student into the QBG Foundation Mentoring Program, please call Larissa M. Tyler at 773-783-1251 or email to info@qbgfoundation.org.
Good Citizenship
Posted on 25. Jan, 2012 by admin in Good Citizenship
Chloe Graham lives in the south suburbs and attends Illiana Christian High School in Lansing. According to Graham, uStyleu dismantles the perception of what society defines as beautiful. (Photo by Natalie Jill)
Name: Chloe Graham
Occupation: Editor of uStyleu Magazine
Why does she stand out?
Chloe Graham grew tired of flipping through magazines and not seeing an adequate representation of young women like herself.
That is why she created uStyleU magazine of which the first issue was published in July 2011.
“My parents always taught me to love me for me,” Graham, 17, told the Chicago Citizen. “I was one who could never follow the ‘in crowd.’”
Graham said the magazine dismantles the perception of what society defines as beautiful.
“It seems like people let others define their worth by what we look like and how much we spend on our clothes …but uStyleu says don’t let others set the standard, be above the standard,” she said.
The magazine uses photojournalism and fashion to appeal to its readers.
“uStyleu’s concept is a perfect combination for me because I love fashion and I’m very respectful of other’s opinions even if I don’t agree with them,” Graham said. “If a subject matter is relevant to our readers, it’s important to uStyleu.”
Outside of uStyleu, Graham is a member of Top Teens of America. With TTA, she participates in a host of health awareness campaigns. She also volunteers with senior citizens, food pantries and community clean-up initiatives.
By Thelma Sardin
QBG Foundation Rolls Out More Mentors
Posted on 20. Jan, 2012 by citizen in Community Focus
Larissa M. Tyler, the QBG Foundation’s executive director created the committee last spring.
For nearly 20 years, the QBG Foundation, which is the non-profit arm of the Chicago Citizen Newspaper, has awarded over one million dollars in college scholarship awards to minority students. Now the organization is expanding its philanthropic efforts even further with the creation of the new QBG Mentoring Committee.
Once a month, the mentors will engage youth in group sessions composed of writing exercises, public speaking, life coaching and much more. In addition, the mentors will conduct special events throughout the year as a way of broadening the mentees’ societal horizons.
Last week, the Chicago Citizen featured four QBG mentors. This week, the Chicago Citizen is proud to feature three additional committee members.
Larissa M. Tyler, the QBG Foundation’s executive director created the committee last spring. Since then, the group has been developing the committee’s infrastructure and programming schedules.
“This is a phenomenal group of professionals who have come together with one goal in mind… inspiring and encouraging the youth of our community into doing great things. They are all truly committed to giving back to the community and I am honored and privileged to have them as part of the QBG Foundation team.”
Gloria Batey decided to become a QBG mentor because she long pursued an avenue that would allow her to give back to the community.
Gloria Batey decided to become a QBG mentor because she long pursued an avenue that would allow her to give back to the community.
“I had long sought a mentoring program to become involved with and saw the call for mentors in the Chicago Citizen Newspaper. I immediately contacted the executive director and eagerly grasped the opportunity,” she said.
The youngest of five children, Batey says her siblings played a pivotal role in reinforcing the principles set forth by their parents along with life lessons that helped to nurture and guide her path.
As chair of the mentoring committee, Batey believes she has a lot to offer a young person in need of guidance.
“Initially, I would offer an objective ear to listen to their issues. I would also try to bolster their confidence and help them develop sound reasoning necessary for making good decisions,” she told the Chicago Citizen.
Overall, Batey wants to help QBG mentees reach their true potential.
“My primary objective is to help youths realize their true potential, set realistic goals and develop strong work ethics, which will hopefully lead them to make positive life-long decisions and valuable societal contributions,” she said.
Professionally, Batey is a government sector consultant and has worked in corporate education and workforce development for the past 20 years. She is a Chicago native and a DePaul University alumna. Her hobbies include shopping, traveling, watching basketball and studying politics.
Nathan Kirkwood, Jr. joined the committee to support and enhance the QBG Foundation.
Nathan Kirkwood, Jr. says he joined the QBG Mentoring Committee to support and enhance the QBG Foundation which provides scholarships for deserving youths of our community.
He said among the most influential people in his life includes a history teacher he had at Wendell Phillips High School. The teacher ignited Kirkwood’s knowledge for current events.
Kirkwood hopes to impart on QBG mentees that any goal is attainable if they set their sights high, and are open to new things.
Additionally, Kirkwood wants QBG mentees to learn how to exhibit good manners, be respectful and understand how the world operates.
“My role with the mentoring committee is to provide insight and support to all programs suggested, implemented, and developed for the mentees,” he told the Chicago Citizen.
Kirkwood’s career began in door to door sales offering insurance and financial planning services. He is currently the owner of Nathan Kirkwood Associates, a 39 year public accounting and tax firm.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University and is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is the father of fellow QBG mentor, Nathan Kirkwood III.
Debra Jackson joined the committee because she was familiar with the foundation and welcomed the opportunity to give back to the community.
Debra Jackson joined the QBG Mentoring Committee because she was familiar with the foundation and welcomed the opportunity to give back to the community.
She was influenced by many people growing up but says her mother was and still is the most influential.
Jackson says her role with the committee is to share her knowledge and experiences.
She adds that she can lend an ear to a young person in need of guidance.
“The right words spoken to a child at the right time can resonate with them for the rest of their life,” she said.
Jackson is retired human resources professional. In 2009, she retired after 20 years of service with HSBC North America, one of the world’s largest banks.
She is earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from National College of Education and obtained Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute.
Jackson said QBG mentees have the opportunity to learn a lot from the committee.
“After meeting the mentors they will quickly learn that there are a number of professions and opportunities to explore. The possibilities are endless!”
by Thelma Sardin
Yolanda Bailey
Posted on 18. Jan, 2012 by citizen in Good Citizenship
According to Bailey, volunteering is important in the Black community because it helps keep young people out of trouble. (Photo Courtesy of Yolanda Bailey)
Volunteer Title: Youth Teacher
Why does she stand out?
On Wednesday evenings, Yolanda Bailey is charged with making the difference in the lives of young women. She serves as Youth Teacher for the Boys and Girls Club ministry at Bellevue Baptist Church on Chicago’s far South Side.
During Bailey’s 12 year tenure, she has worked with over 100 girls, ages 8-17.
According to Bailey, volunteering is important in the Black community because it helps keep young people out of trouble.
“We as volunteers must provide safe outlets to keep our youths busy and away from violence. It is a proven fact that by keeping youths involved in activities that are productive, they will be distracted from the streets,” she told the Chicago Citizen.
Bailey said her community work not only deters young people from violence but it is also a platform that stimulates their career goals.
Bailey also stated that a young girl in the club was inspired to pursue a career in medicine because of a medical doctor who volunteered with the ministry.
“Our volunteer work is not in vain. By volunteering, you are planting positive seeds in the minds of our youth,” Bailey said.
by Thelma Sardin
