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REPORT FROM ALDERMAN EMMA MITTS

Ald. Mitts Celebrates Local Chicago Achievers In Women’s History Month

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month 2021, I feel it’s important to recognize the achievements of local Chicago’s historical women as well as today’s change agents.
Two years ago, Congress Parkway was renamed for the late Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931), the pioneering African-American Chicago crusading journalist, suffragist and civil rights activist who was also a founding member of the NAACP. Today, Ida B. Wells Drive officially stretches from Grant Park west to the Eisenhower Expressway, making her the first Black woman so honored in Chicago.
Bessie Coleman (1892-1926), famed aviator and Chicagoan was the first Black woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Interesting note: Ms. Coleman was the Bronzeville neighbor of Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Both lived on the 3600 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.
Our city has been blessed with many prominent Chicago-based Black women, past and present. In 1971 the late attorney Hon. Anna Langford (1917-2008) became the 1st Black woman elected to the Chicago City Council. A fierce community advocate, she paved the way for today’s ten Black women Aldermen who represent wards across Chicago. Hon. Lori Lightfoot is distinguished as the 1st Black Woman to serve as Mayor of Chicago-the nations 3rd largest city.
Current prominent African-American women change-makers include:
South sider Michelle Robinson Obama (1964-) made history as the wife and 1st Lady of our nation’s first Black, 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama. Mrs. Obama is an impressive influencer, partner, mother and accomplished attorney, Princeton University and Harvard Law School graduate. As First Lady, Michelle Obama was a role model for women, and advocated for income-inequality solutions, education, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. Today she is an accomplished #1 best-selling author (‘Becoming’), featured speaker and tireless freedom-fighter.
Hon. Juliana Stratton (1965-) is the first African-American woman Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.
High-achieving Chicago native and NASA Astronaut Mae Jemison, MD (1956-) is another phenomenal African-American woman. Dr. Jemison made history as the 1st Black woman Astronaut, who traveled on numerous space missions.
Jennifer Hudson (1981-) is a Chicago-born African-American multi-platinum award-winning singer and actress. She rose to fame as a finalist on American Idol, made her film debut as Effie White in Dreamgirls (2006), and received Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, British Academy Film/Television Awards (BAFTA), and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress. A powerful singer and savvy businesswoman, Hudson’s worldwide-selling albums have won multiple Grammy awards.
Join me in honoring these great examples of Chicago’s African-American Woman excellence. During Women’s History Month 2021, let’s lift up all women and girls - - and help make a difference every day, to better our 37th Ward communities.

The 37th Ward office, 4924 West Chicago Avenue, is giving out PPE masks on a first-come, first-served basis to local 37th Ward residents, Monday-Friday, from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Contact the 37th Ward Office at 773-379-0960 or ward37@cityofchicago.org. You can also follow Alderman Mitts on Twitter: @EmmaMittsAld371

AS I SEE IT By Representative La Shawn K. Ford

Working for Justice in the Courts

I would like to highlight some legislation that I have introduced that will bring more justice to our courts and systems of justice. These pieces of legislation have recently passed out of committees and are now on the floor of the House for consideration.
I introduced House Bill 350 to make Criminal and Traffic Courts fairer. House Bill 350 provides that before the court orders an assessment, the court shall make a determination of the defendant’s ability to pay the assessment. It also provides that if the court determines that the defendant is unable to pay the assessment, the court may reduce the assessment or waive the assessment in the court’s discretion. Very importantly, it deletes language providing that one hour of public or community service shall be equivalent to $4 of assessment, and instead provides instead that one hour of public or community service shall be equivalent to the value of one hour of work at the state minimum wage or the minimum hourly wage in the municipality where the defendant resides, whichever is greater.
I introduced House Bill 434 to immediately expunge or completely remove a charge from someone’s record if they are found not guilty or if the charges are dismissed. House Bill 434 provides that records of charges that result in an acquittal or dismissal with prejudice, except for minor traffic offenses, may be immediately expunged after the final disposition of the case. It also provides that upon entry of judgment, the defendant shall be informed of this right and the proper procedures to follow to have records that are eligible be immediately expunged, and also provides that the petition may be filed on behalf of the defendant by his or her attorney at the final disposition hearing, or by the defendant at any time. Lastly, it provides that no fees shall be charged by the circuit court clerk or the Illinois State Police for processing petitions filed under this provision.
I introduced House Bill 862 to limit the time that a debt may be collected after a city ordinance violation. House Bill 862 provides that an action to collect a debt arising from a violation of a municipal ordinance may not be filed more than 7 years after the date of adjudication.
These pieces of legislation just make sense, and we need to work to get these passed, on to the Senate, and then signed into law by Governor Pritzker. Let’s keep up the fight for fairness and justice!

For more information, contact one of Ford’s Constituent Service Offices: 816 S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park at 708-445-3673, 4800 W. Chicago Avenue in Chicago at 773-378-5902 or in the Stratton Office Building in Springfield at 217-782-5962, or visit www.lashawnford.com.

What Does God Have To Do With It? Who’s Running It?By Angie Mims

I AGREE, MARVIN GAYE - WHAT’S GOING ON?

As a single mother of a 13 year old son, I find myself wondering about the overall well-being of my one and only. If it weren’t for my father, I would be up a creek. We as women unintentionally make the awful mistake of thinking that we can take the place of a man. While we, as beautiful women, are strong and resilient, we must still accept the truth. We are not men. When fathers do not play an intricate and caring role in their children’s lives, one way or another, it shows up. What’s going on?
Fiery and unwavering, Marvin Gay Sr. had already murdered his son’s spirit, Marvin Gaye, long before he murdered him physically on April 1, 1984. This Pentecostal preacher was the first of 13 children. Raised in Lexington, Kentucky, sources cite that Gay Sr. witnessed ongoing violence domestically between both his parents and other family members.
With perfect stage presence, poise and a sultry voice that crossed every color barrier globally, Gaye wrestled with the generational abuse his bloodline seemed to carry. From unashamed lyrics in his songs that highlighted his feelings for the woman that took the seat of his heart at the time, still came domestic abuse, adultery, substance abuse and at times, sexual confusion.
Gay neglected his son and his neglect stemmed from his own demons. The results? Tumultuous. Anna Gordy, Gaye’s first wife, had to endure him impregnating her niece; his admiration was not hidden for his second wife, Janis Hunter and yet, at 17 years of age, he introduced her to threesomes and substance abuse coupled with the fact that he had an unexplained love for his singing match, Tammi Terrell.
So, what does God have to do with it? Although I am not shy about being fascinated by Marvin Gaye’s sensual nature, it was his pain that caused me to ask his same question, “What’s going on?” While we have more broken Black families today than ever before, the trick from long ago is only being sharpened in today’s society. The thief (Satan) still desires to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) and he does it effectively when he goes after the man. As I become older, I am learning that it isn’t only the single women who have to raise their children with little to no help from fathers. There are married women, who could be labeled as single because the man has lost his place in society. Moreover, when a man who either does not know his father or had a father who did not know how to balance attributes like responsibility, love, generosity, honesty and good communication, it can be catastrophic.
As we continue to figure life out during this pandemic, I see it nothing short of God calling all of our attention to Him. Therapists, pastors and various leaders can give their insight on what families can do to thrive better within their homes and communities, nevertheless, it won’t be until the man assesses his own life and humbles himself so that he can receive help from his Creator, God our Father, will a change truly come. This man, these men, our men, must be willing to fight off pride and fear, that keep him in continuous bondage. And to the woman who may struggle to bridle her tongue from the hurt and her own fears, she too, must be willing to pray for her father, her husband, her uncle, brother and children’s father adamantly. Many are eager to return to their normal way of living and church congregants anticipate shouting as soon as the church doors open. However, if none of us have sought out God and if men don’t have a made-up mind, the worse will be yet to come. We no longer will have to ask, “What’s going on?” We will see for ourselves the results of when God’s Men are out of place.

Angie Mims is a radio personality for the Promoting Precision Radio Show. She has interviewed many greats on her show such as NBC 5’s Art Norman, CLTV News Dr. Garrard McClendon, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, Ebony Magazine’s Senior Editor, Lynn Norment, the former president of Nigeria, General Olesugun Obasanjo, NBA players and many others. Visit her online at www.promotingprecision.com. Angie loves to meet new people and is in a constant attempt to unite people from all over the world. If you have a great story, don’t hesitate! Email her at AngieMims@PromotingPrecision.com today! You may also call (708)-612-4864. Support The Austin Voice Newspaper and let them know your thoughts about her column.

REACHING BEYOND THE WALLS By Reverend Dr. T.C. Thomas, Sr. Pastor

SON Rise!

Grace and peace to you all! As we are preparing to celebrate resurrection Sunday, we should be excited about HIS story. Jesus came to share his ministry of redemption thus allowing anyone who asks him for salvation will receive it. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” Jesus came to be the light of the world and to spread the good news of His saving grace.
We are thrust into this season and how amazing that we are alive to march towards Easter. When the SON rises, the sun will shine no matter what the struggles or the issues, God is still on the throne. As we prepare to celebrate this Easter service, remember the extreme sacrifice that Jesus endured for us to have the right to the tree of life. He hung, bled and died, then rose again for us all. Don’t let this praise moment and opportunity pass you by. Worship and praise His name!

Stay rooted and grounded in Him!

Rev. Dr. T.C. Thomas is the Pastor of Walls Memorial C.M.E. Church, 200 S. Sacramento Blvd., on Chicago’s west Side. He is a strong advocate for children, education, healthcare and most of all the people of God “being better and not bitter.” Rev. Thomas is the author of the young reader series: “Who Am I Really?” and “Me and My Crew, Change is Coming.” Copies may be purchased by contacting the church office. Rev. Dr. Thomas may be contacted at 773-533-2721.

A Call To Action: By Reverend Charles C. Brown, Ph.D. - Pastor, New Heaven Christian Church

You Do Not Have To Bash Your Ex To Get Over The Relationship

I am often amazed at how quickly our perspectives change after the relationship ends. When times were good, we dare not speak an ill word regarding our love interest. However, after the relationship deteriorated, the conversation transformed into a profound discourse of character assassination. Suddenly, he was no good, or she was not wife material. He was a cheater, or she was the devil’s spawn. Before the foundation began to crumble, our significant other was the apple of our eyes, and the best thing to happen to us since sliced bread. Now, all of a sudden, all men are dogs, or all women are gold diggers. However, he or she is the same person who used to make our hearts race, and our lips utter melodious words of praise, affection, and adoration.
Truthfully, the only thing that changed is our relationship’s status. The person is still the same, which is why we are so angry in the first place. Internally, we feel like we were lied to or disappointed, and frustrations were born. Now, our shattered dreams are staring us in the face, and our only reasonable course of action is a verbal attack. It is out of deep emotional hurt and pain that jilted lovers lash out, and it is this same emotional pain that verbally pierces our victim’s heart like a double-edged sword. At this point, we cut a little deeper with each spoken phrase, and we feel a little better as we unleash our wrath. We tell our stories to anyone willing to listen, and secretly, we hope the words get back to the ears of our intended target.
Nevertheless, verbal attacks are often counterproductive, and emotional pain often produces toxic speech. These are hate-filled words intended to inflict a tremendous amount of pain, and the phrase hurt people hurt others is one of the most accurate statements that humanity has ever uttered. It is not only universal, but it clearly explains the intense emotions you experience whenever you find yourself in a heated argument, debate, or venting session. At this point, your words escape your lips long before the brain has time to process what we are saying. In turn, we often say too much, go too far, and later regret how we said it.
Therefore, the key to healing is learning how to redirect this negative energy into a positive outlet, which means accepting our situation for what it is. If we believe dating our ex-significant other was a poor choice at the end of the relationship, it stands to reason that they were the same way before the relationship began. Nevertheless, something attracted us to them in the first place, so we do not have the luxury of bashing or belittling someone we chose. Considering this, we must learn how to deal with our emotions and grow from our experiences.
Dragging our ex-lover’s name through the mud or vilifying an entire gender serves us no purpose. Furthermore, if they were flawed, and we were with them. What does that say about us? If we are hurt, disappointed, or upset, say that, but do not stay there. Heal from within, focus on the future, and do not look back. If the relationship is truly over, then we must live like it is.
Pastor of New Heaven Christian Church, Professor of Psychology, author, columnist, Illinois 8th District Chair of Higher Education, Member of the Westside Heroin/Opioid Task Force, Co-Chair for the 37th Ward Pastors Alliance, Member of the New Baptist Ministers Fellowship, Prior Member of Prosser Career Academy’s LSC, and Prior Member of the Board of Directors for the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund.

Pastor of New Heaven Christian Church, Professor of Psychology, Advisor to State Representative LaShawn K. Ford, Illinois 8th District Chair of Higher Education, Co-Chair for the 37th Ward Pastors Alliance, member of the New Baptist Ministers Fellowship, and Board of Directors for the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund.

JESUS FREEWAY EXPRESS by Apostle/Prophet Emanuel Dada

A REPLY TO IMMORALITY ON FACEBOOK

Greetings my Dear Brethren, Note: The message I sent to facebook below in response to evil videos of women totally nude (naked) with nothing on, even having sex with men on facebook. Please read on: Today’s very important message is for my Dear Sisters who 2 days ago exposed themselves to the whole world in Total nudity (Naked); even showing sexual activity video on Facebook without regard for the moral values of Facebook and its public users in general. Dear Sisters in public nudity on Facebook, Be aware of The Living God for He created you In His own image In Holiness ------- Do not pollute your body with sexual immoralities (indecent exposure of your ladyship, note Galatians 5:19--21). God calls you Special and He will not tolerate another Sodom and Gomorrah which was destroyed by God due to their extreme sexual public immoralities. If your Facebook sexual exposure is for money; you can be sure that Father God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Don’t yield to the devil (Satan) to deceive you and lure you to commit these abominations (sins) in order to get you destroyed in hell with his demons torturing you while satan himself laughs at you saying, “l fool you.” Stop, Stop, Stop! Repent, change to be Forgiven by God. Run to Jesus Today before you die in the sins --- then it is too late. So many regrets in hell because No pardon (No Forgiveness of sins) by God in hell ---it is too late!!! and the devil (satan) knows it. God loves you. Don’t hurt His feelings any longer. Turn your life around Now. Jesus is waiting to welcome you back to God --- Make God happy with you; Run to Jesus Today. Be born again.Tell the loser (satan) to go to hell with his demon workers of hell, and run away from him. Don’t follow him to suffer forever and ever --- Big Regrets. T’is time to Repent and clean up!!! Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Start Reading The Word (Bible). God wants to speak to you Today --- You will be happy to hear from your Heavenly father God. Start Reading Psalm 23 of The Bible. Jesus loves you and God bless you. In the vineyard of Christ, Jesus is my strength and hope. Your brother In Christ, Apostle/Prophet & (Mrs.) Evangelist Dada. As always, please call for prayer support at (630)965-0256. God bless. Apostle/Prophet E. Dada.

For Prayer support, please call me at (630) 965-0056. Thanks and God bless. Pastor (Senior Apostle/Prophet) Emanuel Dada.

Dr. James Poulos Presents:

Teeth Grinding

“Keep a stiff upper lip” or “get a grip!” That’s often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress. If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It’s called bruxism, and often it happens as you sleep.
Teeth grinding can be caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. A study in the November 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that teeth grinding is also associated with alcohol and tobacco use. People who drink alcohol and smokers are approximately twice as likely to grind their teeth.

The symptoms of teeth grinding include:
• dull headaches
• jaw soreness
• teeth that are painful or loose
• fractured teeth

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. In some cases, your dentist or physician may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.
Teeth grinding is also common in children. However, because their teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly it is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and most outgrow it by adolescence.
Although in adults teeth grinding is often the result of stress, the same is not always true with children.

Other possible causes of teeth grinding in children include:
• irritation in the mouth
• allergies
• misaligned teeth

If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, ask your child’s dentist about the potential causes and, if necessary, the possible solutions.

James Poulos, DDS, leads a team of dental specialists at Madison Pine Dental Clinic, 5470 West Madison Street, Chicago. Kidzone is a part of Madison Pine Clinic providing care to children and teenagers in a comfortable, nonthreatening setting. The clinic provides orthodontic care, braces, implants, and cleaning, in addition to fillings, crowns, and dentures for patients of all ages. Madison Pine accepts Medicaid patients and most insurance plans. For an appointment, call (773) 287-2277.

COMMENTARY - Rev. Mitchell Johnson

$200 million to fund our community’s needs – the case for safe and legal sports wagering.
With underfunded health care facilities and schools in our communities crying out for resources, it is essential that we look for new state revenue sources that can address these challenges – immediately.
There is now a simple and responsible way to generate $200 million to help our state meet its budget needs. A recent US Supreme Court decision effectively allowed all 50 states to legalize, regulate and tax wagering on sports if they so choose.
Other states are already bringing in millions to address their budget needs by legalizing sports wagering – and they are helping their residents by taking the market out of the shadows where it was dominated by unethical black-market operators and unregulated offshore websites. As a talk show host, resident, and community organizer who works with blighted communities, I have seen the negative impact that dangerous and illegal operators have had preying on our community. Change is sorely needed.
If Illinois acts quickly and implements a simple and fair sports wagering policy, it can almost immediately start generating revenue for key state services without further burdening taxpayers, while creating jobs and better protecting its residents. Every day that Illinois waits to legalize, regulate and tax sports wagering, significant amounts of money go to other states, which have already done so -- or to the illegal black market.
There is a big difference between legalizing sports wagering and other gaming expansion proposals such as building new casinos. Most importantly, legalized sports wagering can begin generating significant revenue for the state almost immediately after its enactment and implementation. Alternatively, the process of licensing and building new casinos will take many years and can be fraught with unforeseen challenges and delays. Illinois has pressing budget needs – particularly for education and health care – that cannot wait for years to be met.
Illinois already has ten operating casinos and over 30,000 video gaming machines in 6,000 locations. Expansion of casinos may simply further cannibalize an existing and saturated industry, forcing communities and casinos to fight for smaller slices of the same pie. This could put at risk the jobs of 6,200 employees at the existing casinos. Alternatively, legalized responsible sports wagering will bring an entirely new market out of the shadows and generate revenue and jobs without harming existing businesses. The large demand for sports wagering in Illinois is already clear; residents already wager on sports through offshore websites, through the large black market, or by traveling to the states that have already successfully legalized sports wagering. These wagers currently generate zero dollars for our community’s needs.
The creation of a legal and responsible sports wagering system in Illinois – run by experienced and qualified operators - will dramatically reduce the reach and impact of unethical and dangerous black market operators who prey on our communities, while helping us fund vital services and projects.
Illinois should pass a simple and responsible sports wagering legalization plan in to law as soon as possible. It is the right thing to do for our budget, our residents and our communities.

MONEY RUN By Kevin Pearson

Plan to Plan

Have you ever wondered why do I need a business plan? One may say to ones self “ I know what I want to sale. Can I just open my doors and start making money.” This is a thought that has crossed many entrepreneur minds, but having or not having a business plan can be the beginning or the end of ones business.
In early 2001, you all may know I published a hip-hop magazine that circulated in Chicago and two other major cities. The idea to start the magazine came over night. I can remember sitting on the floor in my brother’s room flipping through some old magazines. I looked him right in the eye and said, “ I want to start a hip-hop magazine.” Neither of us had writing experience and definitely no publishing experience, yet he was all in. Our entire business plan was fluttering in our imaginations.
Finally in 2003, after hundreds of hit or miss (only by the grace of God) we put out a full color glossy magazine. The hip-hop community loved the publication. We were on the media list of major music labels; we got passes to just about every hip-hop event. So what was wrong with that you ask? NO MONEY. We had zero revenue coming in, and no strategy in place to get any. We were the new guys on the block, and no ad agency would touch us. Also, big hip-hop publications where adding online versions of them selves, called e-zines, yet we still owed the printer. We hung on for a few years but closed shop in 2006.
In the end, we had a great product and tenacity, but no plan to execute anything. Today I plan everything, ever phone call, email, I even wrote a plan to write this column. “Remember no business has ever been totally successful with out a plan in place to make it successful.”

Want to increase your customers and profit, but don’t know where to start? Let us help, contact the Voice Newspapers at Ph: 773-889-0880 or email: austinvoiceads@gmail.com

PCC WELLNESS CENTER By Alexandra T. Chavez, Development Coordinator

PCC Offers Care Centered Around You
Pregnant and struggling with addiction?

With growing heroin use on the west side of Chicago, PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) has started a chemical dependency program that offers combined prenatal care and substance abuse treatment for pregnant women. In this program, the treatment of heroin, alcohol, and prescription drug abuse is offered right in the doctor’s office.
PCC’s goal is to meet patients where they are in their recovery and help them to set goals without judgment. PCC can help improve the patients’ health and the health of their babies. Patients in this program receive safe, medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine and counseling. They visit weekly, are given ultrasounds, and deliver their babies at West Suburban Medical Center with a PCC doctor.
Services are available at our Chemical Dependency Clinic, located inside PCC Walk-In Wellness Center at West Suburban Medical Center at 1 Erie Court, Suite 1300, Oak Park, IL 60302. Pregnant women and their families in this program may continue to receive primary care, pediatric care, and behavioral health care at a nearby PCC location.
PCC accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and many health plans and also offers a sliding fee program for patients without insurance. They do not deny services because of inability to pay.

CANCER SOCIETY WARNS WOMEN OF THREAT FROM RADON EXPOSURE

A new report finds a statistically significant positive association between high levels of residential radon and the risk of hematologic (blood) cancer in women. This study is the first prospective population-based study of residential radon exposure and hematologic cancer risk, leading the authors to caution that it requires replication and whether it truly differs by sex.
Radon is a naturally-occurring byproduct of the decay of radium and is a known human lung carcinogen, the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Modeling studies show that radon delivers a non-negligible dose of alpha radiation to the bone marrow and therefore could be related to risk of hematologic cancers. More than 171,000 new cases of hematologic cancer and more than 58,000 deaths are expected in the United States in 2016. Hematologic cancers are the most expensive cancers to treat per quality-adjusted life year gained.
For the current study, researchers led by Lauren Teras, Ph.D., of the American Cancer Society used data from the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort established in 1992, to examine the association between county-level residential radon exposure and risk of Hematologic cancer. The analysis included 140,652 participants among whom there were 3,019 hematologic cancers during 19 years of follow-up. They found women living in counties with the highest mean radon concentration had a statistically significant 63% higher risk of hematologic cancer compared to those living in counties with the lowest radon levels. They also found evidence of a dose-response relationship.
The authors say men may have a higher baseline risk, possibly because of more exposure to occupational or other risk factors for hematologic cancer, reducing the impact of any additional risk from residential radon. In women, who have a smaller baseline risk, residential radon exposure might be a larger contributor to overall risk. Another reason may be that the women of this generation spent more time in their homes, so had more residential exposure than men.
According to Dr. Teras, “Radon is already associated with lung cancer and if other studies confirm the link to blood cancers, we think it would warrant strengthened public health efforts to mitigate residential radon risks.”

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