Pictured is a sample of what the University of Chicago (UIC) professors are working with in terms of a design prototype for its "History Moves" project, a mobile history museum. Creation of the mobile gallery is made possible by a $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant. (UIC) professors are in the beginning stages of creating the “mobile history museum” as a way to bring art exhibits and other information to Chicagoans who are less likely to frequent local cultural institutions. Photo/UIC

Thanks to a $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant, professors at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) are in the beginning stages of creating a “mobile history museum in an effort to deliver art exhibits and other information to Chicagoans who are less likely to visit local cultural institutions and museums.

“History Moves is a space for enacting a project of collecting and displaying Chicago’s history,” says Jennifer Brier, UIC associate professor of gender and women’s studies and history, the project’s lead investigator. “It allows for a direct relationship between interdisciplinary scholars at UIC, community co-curators and the neighborhoods they inhabit.”

The grant will be used towards the design and development stage of the mobile gallery.

Community involvement will play a big role at every stage of the gallery’s development, Brier said. “While there are numerous mobile museums in the United States, none of them make non-professionals central to the work of making public history,” she said.

Prior to the project’s public launch, which is a few years away, a team of historians, architects, graphic designers, and museum professionals from UIC will develop a full-scale model display system and floor plan for testing by focus groups.

The final product of this first phase will be construction documents for the design of one prototype gallery.

The gallery, which aims to increase the visibility of community-based organizations, will feature a flexible interior design.

Early concepts of the layout allow for “changing spatial configurations that are vibrant and physically engaging,” according to Julie Flohr, clinical assistant professor of architecture and lead architect for the project.

“Artifacts, graphics and digital technologies are carefully woven together in order to best present each curatorial project,” Flohr said.

Developers’ long-term plan is to present exhibitions for a seven-month period in various communities.

During that time, the mobile museum will reside in accessible public spaces such as library, school or park district parking lots.

Public programming associated with the exhibit will take place outside the mobile museum or in nearby publicly accessible space.

Sharon Haar, professor of architecture, who consulted on the initial design and urban strategy of the project, said the community co-curated exhibitions will travel throughout the city, drawing in new audiences and “crossing the social, cultural, racial and economic barriers that are reinforced by brick-and-mortar institutions.”

UIC was among 817 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive a 2013 NEA Art Works grant, which were awarded in support of projects in 13 artistic disciplines.

The NEA was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government and has awarded over $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, according to its website.

Community partners for History Moves include the Immigrant Youth Justice League, South Side Community Arts Center, Chicago Cultural Alliance, Chicago Freedom School and Read/Write Library.

Additional UIC partners are the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum and the Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement, which also provided seed funding.

Professors will seek additional funding to implement the final phase of the project.

By Deborah Bayliss

Dorothy D. Armstrong, the Village of Dixmoor’s first elected female African American president, speaks to local rsesidents after being sworn in ion May 8. Photo/Lee Edwards

Dorothy D. Armstrong has officially become the Village of Dixmoor’s first elected female African American president.

Armstrong, who had served as a village Board Trustee for the past six years, defeated the incumbent President, Keevan A. Grimmett, in Illinois’ special election on April 9, by a small but decisive margin of six percent, and was sworn in last Wednesday at the Dixmoor Village Hall, located 170 W. 145th St. in Dixmoor.

“I continued to run for mayor because I felt that there was a [need] for change in leadership for the village of Dixmoor, so I kept running until the people here have gotten ready to make that change, I just kept doing it, I did not give up, I was consistent,” Armstrong told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper.

Dixmoor’s Village Hall was filled to capacity with citizens and well-wishers who came to witness and celebrate Armstrong’s swearing in as well as the swearing in of other elected officials there.

Armstrong is prepared to take on her new responsibilities stating, “I have knowledge of our finances [from being a trustee]; I also have knowledge of the projects we need to develop and bring to the village.”

The new village president has also recognized Dixmoor’s population is becoming more diverse and is therefore looking forward to developing programs and special events that benefit the village’s entire population.

Transparency and accountability is what Armstrong feels will distinguish her from her predecessor and she has already launched two initiatives which incorporate these values including an open-door policy for Dixmoor residents which allows them to discuss village issues directly with her and the dissemination of important village information through newsletters and other materials.

Dixmoor’s website will also now include village meeting minutes, direct messages from the Executive Board and upcoming events, which will help spread the information more quickly and easily to all residents.

Armstrong’s first day in office was May 9 and at the top of her to do-list was: focus on the village’s finances and study the requests of residents to demolish buildings that have become an “eye-sore” in the community.

Armstrong has already met with her board of trustees and she feels confident that they will support her plans for Dixmoor as well as the appointments to her cabinet offices. She also says that she has spoken with Illinois legislators with the goal of fostering strong partnerships with them.

In addition to close friends and family, Armstrong credits her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., of which she is a member, as key components to her success, siting both organizations produced fund raising events for her campaign.

Former Village of Dixmoor President, Keevan A. Grimmett, told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper, “The bottom line is we needed a new injection going forward. This gives us an opportunity to have some hope [going] forward.”

After learning that she had won the village presidency after several unsuccessful attempts, Armstrong stated that there were a lot of tears of joy. Her long journey had come to an end. Now, a new journey begins, that will blaze a trail not only for herself, but for all of Dixmoor.

By Lee Edwards

Kenneth Hamilton, 23, takes part in Kennedy King College's commencement ceremony held May 3 at UIC Pavillion. Photo/City Colleges Chicago.

Kenneth Hamilton, 23, walked across UIC Pavilion’s (525 S. Racine Ave.) stage May 3, graduating from Kennedy King College (KKC) and fulfilling the first “leg” of his journey to become a lawyer. He credits a black male support group implemented at KKC, with helping him accomplish this part of his goal.

To help bridge, social, family and other gaps, black males who attend KKC at 6301 S Halsted St., can take part in the school’s King’s Men Initiative, a support group implemented last October after a study conducted by the school showed disparities between black male and female enrollment and success rates.

“I graduated from Hyde Park High School on Stony Island and grew up in the Woodlawn community in a single-parent household,” Hamilton told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper. “My mother raised all six of her kids. My father was in my life but he wasn’t in our household.”

Hamilton then discussed the mentors he worked with while in the program and how they positively influenced his success.

“As part of the King’s Men, I had two mentors James Floyd, vice president, (general manager) for McDonalds Corporation’s (Central Division) and Don Thompson, president and CEO of McDonalds Corporation and other men in my life who supported and encouraged me to do better and stay focused on what I’m trying to accomplish in life.”

Hamilton admitted that it’s sometimes difficult to focus with all the violence in Chicago.

“As an African American male you think about your life and we are stereotyped with different things going on in the community but I think I’m blessed to be who I am.”

Hamilton also said he’s not shy about sharing what’s troubling him.

“I talk about my issues or any issues going on in the community because, I’m a community activist and I plan to one day become a politician,” he said.

With focuses primarily on Black males of any age, King’s Men aim is to bring black male students together for mentorship, fellowship, scholarship, and career focus.

Students who take part in the group are also given instruction on how to express themselves, effectively communicate and address whatever issues they’re facing.

“We have a “diversity circle” where we address the various subcultures within the African American community,” said Brandon Nichols, director of Academic Support Services, Kennedy King College. “We may have someone in the group who had an alcoholic parent, who may have witnessed murder or sold drugs. Addressing all those things play a role in how successful we will be when we see all this negativity in our life.”

“As part of the workshop, we visited McDonald’s Corporation and learned about basic business strategies and we also had an Ivy League college tour,” Nichols continued. “This is the first time we’ve facilitated something like this for the City Colleges which was primarily focused towards our black male students who were looking to transfer to a four-year institution. It was meant for exposure to show them opportunities outside of Chicago.”

As for the business and career components, among other things, workshops focus on entrepreneurship and networking.

The group has between, 14 to 18 black male student members and Nichols wants to increase enrollment.

“Out of those members, we have five graduates, including one that was Salutatorian of Kennedy King College, having the second highest GPA at Kennedy King College,” Nichols said. “Kenneth was one of the five. This shows that we have five students who are graduates based on this initiative. All of those graduates are matriculating to four-year institutions once they leave here.”

A KKC self-study conducted in 2010 showed Black male students enrolled and matriculated through Kennedy-King College at significantly lower rates than Black female students.

In the fall season of 2010, only 34% of the College’s African-American students were male.

Nearly 4,000 students earned associate’s degrees at City Colleges in 2013, the highest in more than two decades.

“Black women, double the number of men who attend Kennedy King. And this not something that’s necessarily a Kennedy King issue, it’s a school issue,” said Nichols. “We have black men in our society. If they’re not in school, then where are they?

Of the black males who are there, out of that 34 percent, unfortunately, half of those students drop out and never reach degree attainment,” said Nichols.

Having taken advantage of the support group, Hamilton is graduating with an associate’s degree, and will attend Purdue University, Calumet in Hammond, Indiana where he will study political science.

“I’ve wanted to be an attorney since I was ten years old,” Hamilton said. “My father used to ask me what we wanted to be when we grew up and he would tell us that we have to know what we want to be,” Hamilton said. “I always said I wanted to be an attorney and I’ve never changed that.”

By Deborah Bayliss

The SSCAC is the only remaining center, of 110 total Federal Art Project’s centers that stemmed from the Work Progress Administration (WPA). In the late 1930’s, the WPA was a national program that operated its own projects in cooperation with state and local governments, which provided 10%-30% of the costs

“The auction is our main fundraiser,” said Heather Robinson, SSCAC’s executive director. “It keeps the legacy of the Art Center and African American Art alive. It also keeps the original mission of the Art Center alive and supports the lives and careers of artists.”

Scheduled to take place from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 8, the event will be held at the Illinois Institute of Technology, 3211 S. Federal St. and will feature art from established and emerging artists, including such nationally recognized artists as Elizabeth Catlett, Eldzier Cortor, Romare Beardon, Margaret Burroughs, William Carter, David Driskell, Irene Clark and Allen Stringfellow.

In addition to its annual fundraising event, Robinson said the Art Center has survived over the years through community support, donations, corporate and private funding and yearly grants.

Funds raised will support the organization’s mission: to preserve, conserve and promote the legacy and future of African American art and artists, while educating the community on the value of art and culture.

The Auction also gives emerging artists the opportunity to have their works viewed and purchased alongside nationally and internationally established artists.

When asked what the Center means to the community, Robinson said, “It’s a living history of the neighborhood and arts in Chicago and America. It’s an important resource because of that. It’s also a place where people can create and hear lectures right here in the neighborhood.”

Honorary Chairs for the event are Commissioner Michelle Boone, City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell. NBC 5 Chicago’s LeeAnn Trotter will be the evening’s emcee.

SSCAC Board member Diane Dinkins Carr will be honored for her long-term service to the SSCAC, including serving as President of the Board of Directors (1998 – 2011).

Since 1940, SSCAC has been teaching the visual arts and providing art education and programming to Chicago’s metropolitan area youth, adults and seniors. SSCAC helps to fill the void resulting from the reduction of art education programs within the public school system and increased museum and class fees. For the first time, this year’s auction will include art submitted by city high school students and college students.

Tickets for the event are $65 in advance and at the door. For more information, contact SSCAC at 773-373-1026 or visit www.sscac.us.

By Deborah Bayliss

Ald. Roderick T. Sawyer, 6th Ward

Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer of the 6th Ward is still keeping up the fight to get a full hearing for the Privatization Transparency and Accountability Ordinance. Alderman Sawyer, along with over 30 co-sponsors, introduced the ordinance in the October 2012 City Council Meeting that would have required the city council to hold full hearings before any city asset or service was privatized. If this ordinance had been in place controversial deals like the parking meter lease could have either been avoided or structured better.

Alderman Sawyer says that he introduced this ordinance because he was seeing the effect that privatization was having on his community. Well aware that the strong middle class African-American neighborhoods like Chatham are historically home to people with good paying government jobs that provide opportunities to achieve the American Dream, Alderman Sawyer has committed to push for this ordinance. Privatizing Chicago government jobs generally means that the salaries decrease as private companies often pay less and does not maintain the requirement that the people who serve Chicago must live in the city. “With the few services such as water billing and library aids that were cut in my time as alderman,” Sawyer said, “I knew that we needed to assess the full cost of privatization on people before we entered into any more deals. I have no idea what might be up for privatization next, but it is important that we get a fair and uniform process in place.”

The goal of this ordinance is to force a hearing before a privatization over $25,000 and setting certain guidelines moving forward. The privatization must actually save the tax payers a certain amount of money through some open form of accounting that the city council can see, we need to evaluate the effect it will have on employment or particular neighborhood for any unintended consequences and there is a review period after 2 years to ensure that the deal is keeping the promises that were made in the deal. With more information elected officials can make more informed choices rather than creating new local problems in the name of promised savings that may never arrive.

“Evaluating these deals must be more than just about the bottom line, the good wages in city government is a major part of what built our neighborhoods and our local black businesses and we must consider all of the costs before export jobs to balance the budget on the backs of our neighborhood residents,” Sawyer concluded.

Yes, someone out there is developing a “look” based off of human error…they are marketing “fashionable” polish textures are lacquers. Check out the two “grooviest” looks: leather and fur!

Look down at your fingernail polish right now. Is it textured? Does it have dimension? Does it feel furry? Answering “no” to all three of these questions indicates one thing: You did a fine job of applying your traditional (yet boring) flat surface finger nail polish.

Now go out and try a textured polish or lacquer…and then show it off to all your friends on Facebook.

By Larissa M. Tyler

The forever Jones television program will feature the popular Grammy nominated family gospel group, Forever Jones.

The nation’s first-ever broadcast television network for African Americans, will premiere its first original non-scripted series, Forever Jones Presented by Walmart on Wednesday, June 5th at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Coming on the heels of Bounce TV’s successful original special A Forever Jones Holiday, the new reality series will delve deeper into the daily lives and challenges of the close-knit, faith-based family and gospel group foreverJONES. The series, set in the family’s hometown of Shreveport, LA, will run original episodes Wednesday nights at 9:00 p.m. over a six-week period.

The family band foreverJONES came to prominence in the gospel music world after their smash single “He Wants it All” won Stellar Awards, was nominated for a GRAMMY® and Dove Award. This powerful group, parents Dewitt and Kim Jones and their five children, continues their mission to combine the spirit of worship and core messages of their faith through music. Forever Jones Presented by Walmart chronicles each band member as they aim to stay united while simultaneously attempting to separate and balance their own personal dreams and aspirations. The issues that the family tackles in the inaugural season include dealing with one of the children heading off to college and the possibility of launching a solo career. Their goal is to weave their way back onto the music charts, while keeping their family together through the trials and struggles that come along with the business.

The kids in the band are led by Dominique “Doe” Jones, the co-writer, vocalist, and acoustic guitarist and plays keyboards for the band. Doe is also the youth worship leader at their church and feels like she carries the responsibility for the entire band’s success on her shoulders. D’Jeniele’, the eldest of the five siblings, is married with two kids and working on managing her own family along with trying to manage the demands of being in a band. Dewitt Jones IV is the oldest son, simply trying to find his place in the world. Judah, the drummer, is not only branching out for the first time vocally, he is also preparing to depart for college and must decide whether to continue with the band or pursue his athletic dreams. Mya, the youngest, has pure excitement, love and passion for worship and singing. She joyfully sings background and is learning to play the guitar.

“Every family faces challenges, but Forever Jones spotlights a dynamic, highly relatable, loving and positive-energy family, who also happen to be a well-known band striving for success,” said Billy Hall, EVP of Programming and Production for Bounce TV. “This series will provide real-world positive role models that our viewers hunger for, and is a perfect fit for our brand.”

Overall, the congressionally mandated study on credit report accuracy found that one in five consumers had an error on at least one of their three credit reports.

“These are eye-opening numbers for American consumers,” said Howard Shelanski, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Economics. “The results of this first-of-its-kind study make it clear that consumers should check their credit reports regularly. If they don’t, they are potentially putting their pocketbooks at risk.”

The study, in which participants were encouraged to use the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) process to resolve any potential credit report errors, also found that:

• One in four consumers identified errors on their credit reports that might affect their credit scores;

• One in five consumers had an error that was corrected by a credit reporting agency (CRA) after it was disputed, on at least one of their three credit reports;

• Four out of five consumers who filed disputes experienced some modification to their credit report;

• Slightly more than one in 10 consumers saw a change in their credit score after the CRAs modified errors on their credit report; and

• Approximately one in 20 consumers had a maximum score change of more than 25 points and only one in 250 consumers had a maximum score change of more than 100 points.

Other study results can be found in the executive summary of the report.

“Your credit report has information about your finances and your bill-paying history, so it’s important to make sure it’s accurate,” said Charles Harwood, Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The good news for consumers is that credit reports are free through annualcreditreport.com, and if you find an error, you can work with the credit reporting company to fix it.”

The FTC report is the first major study that looks at all the primary groups that participate in the credit reporting and scoring process: consumers; lenders/data furnishers (which include creditors, lenders, debt collection agencies, and the court system); the Fair Isaac Corporation, which develops FICO credit scores; and the national credit reporting agencies (CRAs). It is based on work with 1,001 participants who reviewed 2,968 credit reports with a study associate who helped them identify and correct possible errors on their credit reports.

Consumers in the study were selected to match the demographic and credit score information of the general public, and participants were encouraged to dispute errors that could affect their credit standing. Credit reports with potential errors identified by study participants were sent to Fair Isaac (FICO) for rescoring.

After completing the FCRA dispute process, study participants were provided with new credit reports and credit scores. The original reports were then compared with the new reports. If any modifications were made as a result of the disputes, the impact of errors on the consumer’s credit score was determined.

Congress directed the FTC to conduct a study of credit report accuracy and provide interim reports every two years, starting in 2004 and continuing through 2012, with a final report in 2014. The reports are being produced under Section 319 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, or FACT Act.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

Founder of Armed Citizen Project Kyle ACP Coplen is preparing to establish a headquarters in Chicago and arm citizens who pass a background check and ACP's requirements with brand new one pump action shotguns. David Handschuh/New York Daily News

Chicago has a very serious crime problem made evident by innocent victims, including children, toddlers and infants, who lose their lives to gun violence seemingly every week. Residents are constantly demanding a decrease in Chicago’s violence, a change that the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Mayor Rahm Emanuel must strategically plan every day.

However, Kyle Coplen, founder of Armed Citizen Project (ACP), is vowing to “help” local citizens combat the violence in Chicago. But his plans are non-traditional and controversial…he plans to give away free shotguns.

Coplen, fortified by his non-profit organization, ACP, is planning a tour of several cities across the country where he will supply citizens with free with shotguns so they can feel safe within their own homes. The National Rifle Association (NRA) member from Texas has included Chicago in on his “gun handout” route.

According to the ACP website, the organization is choosing mid-high crime neighborhoods in cities across America, and offering defensive weapons to citizens that can pass a background check, and who will take safety, legal, and tactical training.

“We’re not trying to solve [Chicago’s] gun crimes, we’re empowering citizens in their own homes,” Coplen told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper. “That’s all there is to it. [We’re doing this for] folks who want to feel safe in their own homes, folks who want to be able to defend their life, liberty and property if confronted with a threat, we’re helping those people.”

ACP plans to arrive in Chicago within the next four to eight weeks at which time they will be able to disclose what neighborhoods they will target. In addition, Coplen insists that the ACP was contacted by people around the country who requested their help.

“We’re training an army of folks so it won’t be a one day event; any city that we expand into we are going to be in that city indefinitely,” Coplen stated.

“These folks have come to us; these are people that have stated that they want the help. We’re not forcing anyone to go through our training courses and to acquire a weapon; these people want the tools to protect their life, liberty and property.”

The shotguns Coplen plans to handout are new and have been donated from a variety of private sources. One pump action shotguns will be administered to potential recipients after they complete ACP’s tactical and safety training class. Only residents who have lived in the targeted neighborhoods for at least one year will be allowed to participate in the program. Shotguns were selected as the weapon of choice because of their low cost, small learning curve and effectiveness in deterring potential intruders.

The Chicago Citizen Newspaper asked Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy for his opinion on Coplen’s plans. His response clearly indicated that he is not a fan of more guns coming into

Chicago.

“The answer to the problem of illegal guns is not more guns. We need stronger laws to keep illegal guns from getting to our streets in the first place and provide stronger penalties for the criminals who carry illegal guns,” McCarthy said. “We will continue to work together with the community, residents, clergy and local organizations to protect the public and keep illegal firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals.”

Mayor Emanuel’s office was contacted for comment on the planned gun giveaway, but did not return the Chicago Citizen Newspaper’s telephone calls before press time.

Tio Hardiman, executive director of Cease Fire, an anti-violence program and initiative of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention aimed at reducing street violence, said Coplen’s plan is unsolicited and problematic.

“Speaking on behalf of Cease Fire, we’re unsure of his overall goal or purpose,” Hardiman said. “Nobody reached out to him to ask for his help. We’re about changing minds. People need help as opposed to arming themselves.

Hardiman referenced a recent victim of Chicago’s gun violence who was an innocent bystander.

“Even if Hadiya Pendleton and the other (young victims) had guns, it’s not like they would have had a gun on them at the time they were shot,” Hardiman said making his point and calling Coplen’s plan, ludicrous, a sentiment he said a lot of other people agree with.

“Peace is the only thing that needs to be given away for free,” he said.

Hardiman also stated that he felt Coplen is trying to promote his business and wonders if he really cares about the people he wants to arm with guns.

Other community activists are against ACP’s plan including a prominent member of Chicago’s clergy.

The outspoken Rev. Michael L. Pfleger of Saint Sabina Church told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper, “It’s absolutely insulting and it makes me angry. If they care about what’s going in Chicago why don’t they offer to come do some afterschool programs, keep some schools open, do something that’s going to make a transformation?” Rev. Pfleger added, “Dr. King taught us that violence does not end violence.”

However, Coplen believes that his Chicago critics as well as his other critics are off the mark with their assessment of what he and his organization are trying to accomplish.

“Many people have asked me if I am concerned about the potential liability that I may incur from this project. The short answer is no,” Coplen says in an open statement on ACP’s website.

“We will follow every applicable law, and weapons will only go to those that qualify. We are a very litigious society, and I refuse to be bullied into inaction. Even if, heaven-forbid, one of our weapons is misused in a manner causing injury or death, one would have to accept the premise that guns, not people, cause crime, in order to find us liable. I will not play into the hands of the anti-gun establishment. The future belongs to the bold, we must fight.”

ACP is currently registering to become a 501(c)(3) non-profit. For more information about the Armed Citizen Project visit www.armedcitizenproject.org.

Larissa M. Tyler contributed to this report

Robert Corbin

This week, Guyana’s main opposition party blasted the South African government for withdrawing a post-Apartheid award to a former Guyana president, saying the Caribbean nation did more than any in the hemisphere to fight white racism, including allowing Cuban planes with heavily armed troops to refuel there in the dead of night on their way to southern Africa.

Former Vice President Robert Corbin, an executive member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), which governed the country for 28 years until losing in 1992, called last week’s decision by the government in Pretoria to “indefinitely postpone” awarding the Order of the Companion of O.R Tambo to late Guyana President Forbes Burnham an insult, saying it should have been given to him decades ago.

“We did not beg for it. The fact that he is only now being recognized for all that he did for the liberation struggle in Southern Africa is in itself an insult, [and it’s insulting to] say it is being withdrawn,” said Corbin, who is the immediate past leader of the PNC.

Corbin said that Burnham’s Canada-based daughter and son-in-law were preparing to travel to Pretoria later this month to receive the award after being invited by authorities when they were told about its postponement because of his alleged involvement with the death of Guyanese academic Walter Rodney in 1980.

Rodney, who had taught in Africa and had authored the respected “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa,” was killed in a bomb blast in Guyana. Government critics back then had blamed the PNC—charges it has persistently denied.

A clearly angry attorney at law, Corbin argued that “no other leader in the Caribbean or hemisphere would have risked allowing Cuban planes with troops to fight Apartheid to land and refuel in Guyana during the Cold War era. Such was his commitment to the liberation struggle, but he did it and we can release that fact to the world now.”

He said that Burnham had also given Guyana passports and local addresses to hundreds of liberation fighters to allow them to travel undetected internationally and pointed out how the country donated $50,000 a year to the struggle to liberate Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and South Africa). Regardless, the award has been withdrawn.

“His contribution was outstanding and beyond match in the region and hemisphere, but frankly, it is an insult to even offer him the award after all these years,” said Corbin. “I would not have accepted it personally.”

by Bert Wilkinson

Special to the NNPA from the New York Amsterdam News