CHICAGO CARES VOLUNTEERS HOST CELEBRATION OF SERVICE DAY AT ELLA FLAGG YOUNG SCHOOL

CHURCHES OF L.E.A.D.E.R.’S NETWORK HOST DR. KING DAY AWARDS BANQUET

AL RABY STUDENTS PITCH IN TO DISTRIBUTE PRODUCE AT NEW MOUNT PILGRIM CHURCH

PROVIDENCE-ST. MEL HOSTS OPEN HOUSE

Show Down On Waller

Douglass And Power House Face Off

Douglass started off struggling to score with Power House going on a 6 to 1 run with 2 min. left in the 2nd quarter.  With a Spark from Power House Cornelius and McCoy the Panthers ended the half with a 34 to 16 lead.  Douglass seemed confident coming in to the game but in 2nd quarter slowly started to self destruct.  The scoring stopped and the defense began to lack.  In the second half Douglass started off like a new team going on a 3-0 run against Power house.  With a spark from William Heard(34 points), and Robert Guthrie(10 points) combining to hit 3 ,3 pointers in a row. With 3 min. left in the 3rd quarter the Tigers pull to with in 4.  A huge Defensive spark from David Hill keeps the Tigers in the game.  Power House stayed in the game with the help of free throws scoring 10 of there 14 points in the 3rd quarter from the charity line.  At the start of the 4th quarter Douglass comes out scoring with the same intensity.  2 early free throws to start the 4th quarter gives the Tigers the lead. But not for long as Cornelius of Power House returns with a quick lay up changing the lead once again.  JoJo Fuquay (14 points) returns the favor hitting a 3 point and a two point shot back to back, putting the Tigers up by 4.  There were 5 lead changes in the 4th quarter.  With a 3 point shot from David Hill of Douglass and tough defense he put a spark to his team mates keep the Tigers fighting. But Power House keeps fighting hitting free throws to stay in game.  But with 45 seconds left Power House starts to self destruct and puts Douglass on line numerous times.  Douglass takes advantage and ends the game 80-76.  Coach Ely says the key to there success was never giving up.  He stated at half time he had to put a fire under his boys telling them the history of Douglass and at that point to change it.  

ISRAYLITE HERITAGE CENTER OFFERING FOOD FOR BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

 Members & volunteer staff of the Israylite Heritage Research & Fellowship Center, 5422 W. North Ave., serve free breakfasts to community residents every Wednesday. They are: Yohoyah, Vickiyah, Karl, Wanda, Shem, Sariyah, Zuri, Amaziyah, Rezillanceyah, Carol, Enduriyah, Obadiyah, Ben Yahuda & Floyd. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

The Israylite Heritage and Fellowship Center is a not-for-profit organization providing a place for enriching the mind and spirit while feeding the body. Located at 5422 West North Avenue, the Center serves free breakfasts of eggs, turkey ham, grits, potatoes, coffee, and orange juice every Wednesday from 10:30 AM until the food is gone.

The mission of the Israylite Heritage Research and Fellowship Center is to increase the knowledge of the African American historical Biblical heritage by educating and assisting those in the community affected by barriers such as unemployment, prison records, emotional distress, and homelessness.

The Center has been operating since June 4, led by founder and President Obadiyah Ysrayl. For information on the Center and its programs, stop in or call 773/466-8213.

 Founder & President of the Israylite Heritage Center Obadiyah Ysrayl greets guests and helps serve breakfast each Wednesday morning. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

 The Israylite Heritage Center is attracting capacity crowds of diners for free breakfasts each Wednesday morning. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

 Amaziyah welcomes West Side residents to the Israylite Center, 5422 W. North Ave. 

(Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

 A happy young man enjoying breakfast at the Israylite Heritage Center. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

Members of the Israylite Heritage Research & Fellowship Center serve free breakfasts to West Siders every Wednesday at 5422 W. North Ave. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

The VOICE Welcomes Mindless Behavior

Entertainment Editor Andrew Griffin Welcomes Ray Ray, Roc Royal, Princeton, and Prodigy to Chicago.

WINDY CITY DOLPHINS TRAVEL TO TAMPA FOR NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

     For 17 years, the Windy City Dolphins Football program has been dominating the United Youth Football League from its home field in Amundsen Park in Chicago’s West Side Galewood neighborhood. The Windy City Youth Football League was founded in 1995 to offer the children of Austin, Galewood, Garfield Park, and North Lawndale a supervised recreation program as an alternative to street gangs. The program is designed to teach young people the fundamentals of football and develop sportsmanship in players. Cheerleading was launched as an auxiliary to the football program. By using football and cheerleading as tools for success, the Windy City Dolphins develop character, instill discipline, and promote teamwork and leadership qualities in children.
    The Windy City Dolphins comprise three teams: the 8-10-year-old Mighty Mites, 10-14-year-old Junior Midgets, and the Varsity All-Americans – ages 10-15 based upon size and skills. All three teams and the cheerleaders traveled to Tampa, Florida, for the United Football League National Championship games. The Mighty Mites split their games 1-1, as did the Varsity All-Americans, while the Junior Midgets went 0-2. The cheerleaders placed 4th in national competition.
    When most high school and park district football programs have wrapped up their seasons, the Dolphins football and cheer squads are still running drills and practicing.
    Since 1995, the Dolphins name has been synonymous with winning, both on and off the field. With more than 15 state and regional football championships, 10 state and regional cheerleading championships, 2 national cheer championships, and one national football championship, the Dolphins have proven themselves to be winners and have represented Chicago with honor.
    The bigger success is the tools provided these young men and women off the field. “There’s a sense of community and responsibility that you can see in these kids’ eyes once they have completed their tenure with the Dolphins,” says WCYFL President Gerald Harris. “Many of our alumni are coming back to volunteer and act as mentors to the new crop of kids; which, in my opinion, states that we are doing something right.”
    Adds Julius Riley, WCYFL Vice President, “For years, many of the top academic high schools in Chicago have been knocking on our door for kids. We instill in our kids that doing right in the classroom as well as in the field can open doors that you wouldn’t believe. With our players doing well both academically and in sports at the likes of Mt. Carmel, Leo, Gordon Tech, Curie, Whitney Young, and Westinghouse, it’s been a lot easier for us to show kids that anything is possible,” Coach Riley emphasizes.
    And, the success doesn’t end in high school. Head Coach Orlando Hoye lists at least 18 Windy City Dolphins alumni who are currently attending or have received degrees from such prestigious universities as Notre Dame, Indiana University, Iowa, Northern Illinois, Valparaiso, Lincoln, and Augustana. These young men are transferring success on the gridiron and in the classroom to success in life!
    For information on joining Windy City Dolphins programs and volunteer coaching positions, log onto their website: www.wcdolphins.com, or call Coach Hoye at 773/370-2448.

WINDY CITY DOLPHINS COACHING STAFF

Gerald K. Harris, President
Julius Riley, Vice President
Melvin Crump, Longest-serving Coach in
    the Program
Orlando Hoye, Head Coach, Varsity All-Stars
LaVelle Brown, Head Coach, Red Jr. Midgets
John Ivy, Head Coach, Big Green
Artiss McCastle, Head Coach, Little Blue
Donna Harris, Head Coach, Cheer Squad
Steve Robinson, Coach, Big Blue Bandits
Ben Teague, Coach, Varsity All-Stars
Ernest Williams, Coach, Little Blue

ORIGINAL WINDY CITY DOLPHIN COACHES:

Thomas Brownlee, Harold Jackson,
Keith Pittman, Kenny McNeal

OUTSTANDING WINDY CITY DOLPHINS ALUMNI

Robert Hughes – Graduate, Notre Dame             (Played for Bears in Pre-season)
Justin Anderson – Graduate, Northern Illinois
Patrick Pinson – Graduate, Buffalo University
Marvin Atkins – Graduate, Michigan Tech
DeAngelo Roberts – Indiana University
Jovon Ivy – Augustana University
Maurice Fleming – Iowa University
Keith Elliot – St. Francis University
Andre Cooper – University of
    Wisconsin-Platteville
Volta Perkins – College of DuPage
Darius Fleming – Notre Dame
Kevin McIntyre – Butte College (California)
Jamell Tambah – Harper College
Donnell Lee – College of DuPage
Davonte Minniefield – College of DuPage
Michael Henry – Lincoln University
Nick Hinton – Valparaiso University

OLAVENIA JACKSON, FORMER TEACHER & ACTIVIST, DIES AT 81 AFTER LONG ILLNESS By Brenetta Howell Barrett

Olavenia Jackson and her husband, Luster, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Jackson died New Year’s Eve at age 81.

    Who could ever experience and then forget the warm, ready smile and that well-modulated voice laced with sunshine of West Sider Olavenia Faustine Jackson? The former teacher in the Chicago Public Schools and West Side community activist died New Year’s Eve at West Lake Hospital in hospice care. She was 81 years old and died after a long illness, including several strokes and bouts of pneumonia. Mrs. Jackson’s husband of 56 years, Luster, and their son, Michael, were at her bedside when she passed.
    Olavenia was born July 12, 1931, in Milport, Alabama, the fifth of six children to Reverend Henry Rush, Sr., and Leona Rush. She and her siblings attended elementary school at her father’s church, Rush Temple C.M.E. Church. She was taught by her mother because African American children could not attend local white schools in the segregated South. Olavenia completed her high school years at Lamar County Training School. Upon graduation, Olavenia enrolled at Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama. She thrived at the school, becoming the campus queen and a charter member and first Basileus of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority-Gamma Mu Chapter in 1949. In recent years, she was recognized as a Golden Soror for her loyal service for more than half a century. Olavenia was a regular at Alpha Kappa Alpha functions.
    Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Olavenia moved to Chicago in 1952 and became a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. She earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science from National Lewis University. During her professional career, Olavenia served as a classroom teacher, literacy instructor, and concluded her working life as a Librarian at Alexander Pope Elementary School in North Lawndale. Her students remember her as compassionate, but holding them to high standards. She was known for her no-nonsense approach, but for always supporting her students in need of assistance.
    Olavenia was united in marriage with Luster Jackson on March 26, 1955, and at the time of her death had been married for 56 years. They had two sons whom they raised with a strong sense of community values and faith. Olavenia and Luster were an inseparable couple at church, social, and political functions. She and Luster moved their family to Chicago’s West Side in 1962. Luster was by trade a construction contractor, but both he and Olavenia were active in community and political affairs. She assisted in organizing the Midwest Community Council’s Helping Hand Committee, which provided sanctuary for endangered children; the Garfield Park Advisory Board, becoming its Secretary; the 3400 West Jackson Boulevard Block Club; and the Chicago League of Negro Voters, launching the Black Independent Political Movement in Chicago in 1959, resulting in the slating of African American attorney Lemuel E. Bentley for City Clerk in 1960.
    Mrs. Jackson was a staunch supporter of her husband’s campaign to become an independent alderman of the 29th ward in 1967. She also organized a women’s support group for the Concerned Citizens of East Garfield Park, which successfully fought to save homes in the path of the Cook County Board’s plan to construct a courts building in the community.
    Mrs. Jackson took a lead role in advocating for issues that benefited her neighbors and all city residents. She was a founding member of the League of Negro Voters Organization and one of the first contributors to the historic Chicago DuSable Museum. In addition, she was a founder of the Garfield Park Advisory Board.
    The daughter of a pastor, Olavenia had a strong religious upbringing at Rush Chapel and Holly Grove Baptist Church. When she moved to Chicago, she joined Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she was a member for more than 50 years. She was a member of the choir, Lay Organization, and Sunday School. In addition, she was the organizer of the Allen Christian Endeavor League, and served as its Secretary for many years. She was a Den Mother and board member for her church’s Boy Scouts organization. She also volunteered for years in the church pantry, serving the needs of families throughout the community, and was a founding member of the Bethel Credit Union.
    Preceding her in death are Olavenia’s parents; two sisters, Ottis & Gladys; and three brothers, Arnold, Harold, and Henry, Jr.
    Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Luster; two sons, Michael (Sylvia) and Larry (Ora); five grandchildren, Michael, Tanya, Michael, Jr., Jibreel, and Ameer; special niece, Dr. Barbara Eason Watkins; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and many acquaintances.
    Funeral services are being held Saturday, January 7, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 4444 South Michigan Avenue. The wake is at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral at 11:00. Burial is at Lincoln Cemetery, 127th & Kedzie Avenue. A repast is being held at Bethel A.M.E. Church Educational Building following the burial. Arrangements are being made by Calahan Funeral Home.

RONALD McNAIR STUDENTS ENJOY A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS THANKS TO THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

 McNair School staff members who coordinated the Chicago Sun-Times gift requests from students. Dr. Shirley A. Dillard is McNair Principal. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Students at Ronald McNair Elementary School receive presents thanks to the generosity of the Chicago Sun-Times who fulfilled their wish lists. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Jacob Latimore: A Star is Born, Not Made.

COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK RIVER FOREST AWARDS CHAMPION GRANT TO GOODCITY NFP

Frank Frigo & Bernard D. Headley II of Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest present a Champion Grant of $1,000 to Sean Harden for Goodcity NFP.

Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest selected Goodcity NFP as recipient of a Champion Grant. The purpose of the Champion Grant is to assist organizations in providing community outreach programs for low or moderate income individuals.
    The mission of Goodcity is to identify and support high-potential community-based programs that promote self-sufficiency and a sense of purpose in lives of individuals in under-resourced communities. Goodcity seeks to propel these social entrepreneurs to achieve maximum impact through training, mentoring, and milestone-based funding. Programs supported by Goodcity focus on employment, workforce development and retention, education, opportunities for area youth, and increasing the utilization of available benefits and government services. Goodcity primarily serves the Austin community, but also supports neighborhood programs throughout Chicago, including North Lawndale, East Garfield Park, Englewood, and Bronzeville.
    A grant in the amount of $1,000 was presented to Dr. Ileen Kelly, Director of Development for Goodcity, and Sean Harden, Chief Operating Officer for Goodcity, on December 29, by Bernard D. Headley II, Community Lending Specialist, and Frank Frigo, Marketing Officer for Community Bank.

CLAIR CHRISTIAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESENTS DANNY DAVIS AWARDS AT 57th BANQUET

LOUISE ROBERTS VANDYKE, ACTIVE COMMUNITY & CHURCH VOLUNTEER, DIES AT 87

    Louise Roberts VanDyke, a tireless worker for others throughout her life, died December 29 at age 87.
    She was born March 16, 1924, in Chicago, the fifth child of Bessie Louise Coles and John Coles, Sr. Louise received her formal education in the Chicago Public Schools, graduating from McKinley High School. She later continued her education by completing business college.
    Louise married Samuel A. VanDyke, a childhood friend, in 1949. Louise began her career with the Federal government, working for FHA & HUD. Later, she shifted her career path, working in the Chicago Public Schools at Nathan Goldblatt School and as a member of the original staff of Whitney M. Young Magnet School, one of Chicago’s premier schools.
    Louise was baptized at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica on September 14, 1969, but her history of involvement with the church and its community dates back to 1960. She worked actively with Our Lady of Sorrows Parent Teacher Association, the Council of Catholic Women, the Order of Secular Servants of Mary, the Dignity Breakfast Program, Prime Time Connection Seniors, and The First Saturday Crew. In addition to being a Lector, Minister of Care, and Eucharist Minister, she proudly served as Sergeant-at-Arms and Mother of the Court for The Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.
    Her community involvement with organizations such as the Friends of Columbus Park Food Pantry, where she volunteered for three years, fueled her passion for giving.
    Louise is preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years; her beloved parents; and cherished siblings, John Coles, Jr., Thomas Coles, Ida McGuire, Earskin Coles, Leslie Coles, and Charles Coles.
    Louise touched a multitude of lives. Her warm smile and gracious heart will forever be remembered by her beloved sons, Kenneth VanDyke and Brian M. VanDyke; her daughter Renee L. White (John); grandsons William E. White, Fredrick J. White (Denise), and Kyle VanDyke; her great-grandchildren Lauren White, Elliott White, and Keyati White. In addition to her niece, Melanie Coles, she leaves her nephews, Alan and Joseph (Barbara); her sister-in-law, Virginia; and a host of beloved cousins, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and a host of cherished friends.
    Funeral services for Louise VanDyle are being held Saturday, January 7, at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, 3121 West Jackson Boulevard. The wake is at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral at 11:00. She is being buried in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

BOXING OUT NEGATIVITY PROMOTING PEACE, POISE & PRIDE IN NORTH LAWNDALE YOUTH

Derekniqua Brown, Derek’s daughter, takes on her father and shows boxing isn’t just for the boys. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

 Derek Brown knows too much about fighting and the temptations of Chicago’s West Side streets. That is precisely why he launched a youth boxing program and called it Boxing Out Negativity. His purpose is to build self-confidence, pride, and respect for peaceful conflict resolution in the boys and girls participating in his program.
    Brown’s boxing program has bounced around North Lawndale. He hopes it has found a permanent home in the basement of the former Blessed Sacrament Church, 3600 West Cermak Road. Father Larry Dowling of St. Agatha Church helped him find this location, hooking him up with the Blessed Sacrament Youth Center and Marilyn Gooch, its Executive Director.

Jearyne Brown, 15, spars with Boxing Out Negativity Director Derek Brown at Blessed Sacrament Youth Center, 3600 West Cermak Road. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

 

 

 

 Currently, there are about 20 members of the program between the ages of 6 and 15. It was a noisy and active scene when we visited Blessed Sacrament recently. Happy kids were working on homework assignments while others played games and the core of young boxers were practicing their moves. Underscoring the importance of Boxing Out Negativity was a report we heard on the radio of five people shot on a West Side street just minutes earlier.
    Brown’s associate, Martin Murff, works with 16-22 year olds on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 2:30-6:00 PM. On Thursdays, they travel to 9th & Madison in Maywood from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Fridays the action shifts to The Rec in Melrose Park at 23rd & Cortez.

Derek Brown, Jr., known as Baby B, practices his boxing moves with his father at Boxing Out Negativity. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

 

Brown says his boxers pay for their training in homework. He and his colleagues keep track of grades, school attendance, and behavior of participants in Boxing Out Negativity because the goal is to teach the positive attributes of the sport, promote physical fitness, and develop self-confidence – not aggressiveness and violence – in the young boxers.
    Young people interested in learning to box should call Derek Brown at 773/310-1743. He is also seeking sponsors willing to donate to the program and defray the costs for equipment, travel, and boxing exhibitions. Interested persons and companies should call him, too, at 773/310-1743.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL STUDENTS OPEN A DIALOGUE WITH BERKELEY NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

Each month, students from St. Paul Lutheran School, 846 North Menard Avenue in Chicago, travel to Berkeley Nursing Home, 6909 West North Avenue in Oak Park, to spend time with the residents. They begin by warming up their audience with a few songs. After a Scripture reading and prayer by the Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Reverend Andrew Schermbeck, the students converse with the residents. “You can tell the residents are delighted to receive visitors and their spirits are lifted by visiting with our students,” Reverend Schermbeck observes. “It’s also a good experience for our students and an opportunity to put their faith into action.” “I like going to Berkeley to visit with the residents,” says Mark Dowsey, an 8th grader. “Some of them don’t have family coming to visit, so maybe us coming makes an impact on the people.” Another 8th grader, Jessica Garner adds, “I enjoy singing at the nursing home because I love seeing the faces of the people as we sing. I like having conversations with the elderly people there because they tell us about what it was like when they were my age. They are so warm and friendly, I wish I could stay longer.” St. Paul Lutheran School has been having its students go to Berkeley for several years. All the students in kindergarten through grade 8 have a chance to go each year. “The visits are good for both our students and the residents of Berkeley,” says Principal Glen Kuck. “Our students learn a lot about living life by talking to older people. It helps them realize how blessed they are. Both the staff and residents of Berkeley have been very hospitable to us and I think it’s been helpful for the residents to connect with younger people, as well.” St Paul Lutheran School offers a faith-based educational experience for students in pre-school through 8th grade. For information on course offerings, extracurricular and sports activities, enrollment requirements, tuition rates and financial assistance available, and to visit the school, call Glen Kuck at 773/378-6644.

ALD. DEBORAH GRAHAM HOSTS COMMUNITY DINNER AT THE REFECTORY