KaBOOM! A PLAYGROUND RISES IN A DAY AT ST. ANGELA SCHOOL

KaBOOM! the national nonprofit organization dedicated to saving play came to the front yard of St. Angela School, 1332 North Massasoit Avenue in Austin, with more than 100 volunteer workers from Radio Flyer, the Chicago Bears, plus school board members, staff, alumni, and family and friends of St. Angela. In less than 7 hours, colorful playground equipment was assembled and put in place, cement was poured, mulch was spread, sod laid, benches and a stage were built, and flowers were planted. A magical children’s world grew from nothing.
    Even the President of Radio Flyer was on the scene, hard at work with his company’s employees. George McCaskey of the Bears’ ownership family was assembling slides and climbing walls, all for children they don’t know and will probably never meet. At 3:00 PM, work was done and everyone gathered for a children’s parade leading them to the new playground the volunteer army had just created.

African American Farmers About $1.25 Billion Class Action Settlement

(Washington, DC) - The Court-ordered process of officially notifying African American farmers   and their  heirs  about  the    $1.25  billion    “Pigford  II”  class  action  settlement,  In  re  Black  Farmers Discrimination Litigation, is underway.
    Class  members  should  visit  www.BlackFarmerCase.com  or  call 1-877-810-8110  for  complete information, including the detailed notice, key dates, and claims-filing information. Media are requested to include the toll-free number and website in articles about the Settlement.
    African American farmers around the country who tried to file a claim in the 1999 Pigford Settlement but were unable to receive a decision on the merits because their claims were late are now receiving information about their legal rights and options under the Settlement by postal mail.   A comprehensive paid published notice program will complement this direct notice.  The program will include a nationwide radio advertising campaign, including heavy focus on areas where large numbers of class members are believed to live.   A Summary Notice will also be published in a variety of print publications including African American newspapers, general market daily and community newspapers, and farming and ranching trade publications.  Finally, online ads will appear on a variety of websites.
    The plaintiffs and USDA announced the proposed settlement in late 2010 and President Obama signed the bill authorizing payment of the Settlement on December 9, 2010.  If approved by the Court, the settlement will resolve discrimination claims related to USDA farm loans and other benefits.   The proposed settlement includes $1.25 billion for cash payments and loan forgiveness for class members who file valid claims.
    Class members eligible for the Settlement are African Americans who farmed (or attempted to farm) between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1996; were prevented from applying for or were denied a USDA farm loan during that period or were given a loan with unfair terms; and who filed or attempted to file a late claim between October 13, 1999 and June 18, 2008 in the original Pigford case that was never considered because they tried to submit it after the late claim deadline.  Heirs or kin of people who fit this description but have since passed away may also be class members.
    Class members’ rights may be affected by the Settlement even if they do not act.  Those who wish to object to the Settlement must do so by August 12, 2011.  The deadline for filing claims under this Settlement may be as early as February 28, 2012.  The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia will consider whether to grant final approval of the Settlement at a hearing in Washington D.C. on September 1, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
Contact:
    Lead Class Counsel: Andrew Marks, Crowell & Moring LLP, 202-624-2500; Gregorio Francis, Morgan & Morgan, P.A., 407-420-1414; and Henry Sanders, Chestnut, Sanders, Sanders, Pettaway & Campbell, LLC, 334-875-9264

A STARTING POINT & PLAN FOR COMMUNITY PEACE

We issued a major ‘CALL TO ACTION” and the community responded! Earlier this week, an enthusiastically diverse, multi-ethnic, bi-lingual group of over 250 concerned local residents, including families, working adults, young people and seniors - from the West Humboldt Park community joined me at West Park Academy, located at 1425 North Tripp for an emergency “ANTI-VIOLENCE” community meeting to address the recent spike in gun violence and the recent tragic murders of several young men within the last few days.

Also in attendance were several key church, community and business stakeholders and representatives from the Chicago Police Department – 25th, 11th and 15th Districts, the Chicago Public Schools, CAPS, CeaseFire, the City’s Building Department, Streets & Sanitation, Bureau of Forestry, the City’s Commission on Human Relations – African & Latino Affairs Directors and many others all came to spread the same simple message of hope and action: “We must all STAND STRONG together to win this fight. No one can do it alone!” The Police urged residents to call 311 and 911, talk to or send written notes anonymously to the Police about troubled spots, suspected suspicious activity, abandoned buildings and lack of street lights. They discussed their commitment to increased patrols in the area, and promised more cameras in response to homeowner requests. A new CAPS beat will be established at West Park Academy, with many in the audience enthusiastically agreeing to attend and participate. Many issues and areas of concern were addressed and a Plan of Action will be implemented in conjunction with my 37th Ward community service office to hopefully create a SAFER SUMMER for all!

I want to deeply thank everyone who came out to help be a part of the solution for safer streets this summer, including the residents, City officials; community and church leaders and the Chicago media, channels 9, 7, 2, FOX-32, Spanish-language television-Univision for covering the event. We all know that it takes a VILLAGE - - well staring today, the VILLAGE is going to start taking back OUR streets and neighborhoods!

Feel free to call my ward office at 773-745-2894. or Stop by and see me at 5344 West North Avenue.

Emma Mitts is the Alderman of the 37th Ward and Chairs the City Council Licensing Committee. For information on City programs and for requests for service, visit the 37th Ward Office at 5344 West North Avenue or call 773/745-2894.

AWTHENTIK HOSTS SPOKEN WORD SHOWCASE ON CHICAGO AVENUE EVERY MONDAY NIGHT

Save $100 on DUI treatment

DIVISION & LAWLER NAMED FOR REV. A.P. RANDALL

At 2;30 PM, Saturday, June 18, Reverend A.P. Randall, Pastor of Twelve Gates M.B. Church, surrounded by members of his congregation and Alderman Emma Mitts, climbed a ladder to remove the covering on a new street sign proclaiming Division Street at Lawler Avenue to be Rev. Dr. A.P. Randall Way.
It is altogether fitting that Rev. Randall should unveil his own street sign. He is just that kind of hands-on guy. His is an active member of the 37th Ward Pastors’ Alliance and has quietly, but forcefully, supported improvement efforts throughout his community. He was an early and vocal supporter of the crusade to bring Walmart to Austin.
Rev. Randall closed down a problem liquor store and replaced it with his church on a drug-infested block of Austin. Now, he has set his sights on a dangerous gas station across the street, a favorite hangout for gang members and drug dealers.
So, now it’s official: when deciding the right way to go, look up at the sign and take Rev. Dr. A.P. Randall’s Way.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION SHOWCASES AFRICAN AMERICAN SUCCESSES & STRUGGLES

ST. CATHERINE-ST. LUCY STUDENTS REAP HONORS DURING BANNER YEAR

This was an exceptional year for the outstanding students of St. Catherine-St. Lucy Elementary School, 27 Washington Street, Oak Park, under the leadership of Sister Marion Cypser, Principal. For information on registration for grades Pre-K through 8 and available financial aid, call 708/386-5286.

U.S. REP. DANNY K. DAVIS PRESENTS 32nd ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION

A total of 47 talented young artists entered their works in the 32nd Annual 7th Congressional District High School Art Competition. Winners were introduced and their artwork displayed at an awards breakfast in the United Center. Artists represented ten schools and training programs: Whitney M. Young High School, Hugh Manley High School, The Latin School of Chicago, Oak Park-River Forest High School, Proviso West High School, Proviso East High School, Michele Clark High School, Providence-St. Mel High School, Gallery 37 Center of Chicago, and Marwen Art School.
The competition was coordinated for Congressman Davis by Ben Montgomery and Dr. Louverta Hurt. Sponsors include: the United Center, Southwest Airlines, Covenant Bank, State Farm Insurance, Harris Bank, Christi with an Eye, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Chicago Zoological Society. (Photos by Walter Tidwell)

A Message to 2011 Graduates Let’s Make This a Year of Promise & Possibilities

As the commencement season nears, I offer my heartiest congratulations to all prospective elementary, high school, college and post-secondary graduates of the 37th Ward and throughout Chicago! I am a tireless advocate for quality education, and assisting hard-working students and their families navigate their way to a positive future. Each of you is to be commended on your magnificent achievement. The entire community is proud of you.
    The future is yours, and this year can be full of ‘The Positive Power of Promise and unlimited Possibilities’.  As you move forward in life - -remember one important thing: it will be up to YOU to affirm the “I CAN” Spirit to make your dreams come true. My advice? Believe in yourself, follow what you love, and be willing to ask for help. There are good people from all walks of life looking to help you succeed.
    Today, although you are graduating in the middle of a tough economy and an era of uncertainty, do not let anything keep you from achieving your goals!    It won’t be easy, but the most committed will emerge victorious.  What can you do? Seek out a mentor, look for scholarships and grants and work hard. Most important – never give up. As an intelligent, young, and talented individual, you are the STAR and the ARCHITECT of your FUTURE! Make it a BRIGHT one!! HAPPY 2011 GRADUATION TO ALL!
    Feel free to call my ward office at 773-745-2894. or Stop by and se me  at 5344 West North Avenue

Emma Mitts is the Alderman of the 37th Ward and Chairs the City Council Licensing Committee. For information on City programs and for requests for service, visit the 37th Ward Office at 5344 West North Avenue or call 773/745-2894.