Team 15 United

The old site of Kennedy King College

The old site of Kennedy King College — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:41:00 +0000

The Sixth Ward — Tue Jul 06 17:41:00 UTC 2010
Appears to be all gone now. Perhaps I need to drive by there when I get a chance. What new ideas can be had with this free real estate, I wonder? Photo posted on Flickr by Noah Vaughn.
about: 6th ward construction Flickr free real estate Human Interest King College neighborhood Noah Vaughn photos real estate
at: Kennedy King College

Business Assessment Survey

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:50:41 +0000

Team15United is commissioning a survey of neighborhood businesses. The survey has three objectives:

1. Gain a better understanding of business owners’ perception as it relates to operating in the local community.
2. Learn more about the current status of businesses in the community and their short-term growth estimates.
3. Get an understanding of barriers to growth for businesses in the local community.

Why this survey is important
Chicago neighborhoods are continually evolving as government officials implement policies to attract new residents and businesses . Recent developments to allow more Wal-Marts in the city of Chicago is further evidence of this evolution. It is important that needs and concerns of established businesses in our community are address as further development takes place.
The results of this survey will allow Team15United to:

1. Advocate to local government the results of this survey to attract more resources for the established business community.
2. Create avenues for economic growth and sustainability in the business community.
3. Design educational programs for businesses and an information dissemination protocol to share information regarding government policies and programs.

We will share the results of our findings with local business owners, community organization leaders and with city officials. Your participation is very important and we appreciate you taking the time away from your business to complete this survey.
Thank You,
William Burch
President, Team

Click here to take survey

In Englewood, Sowing Seeds for a Better Day

Teamwork Englewood - Home page — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:08:00 +0000

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Gordon Walek

“You Can’t Go Home Again,” the title of Thomas Wolfe’s 1940 novel, has become shorthand for saying that once you’ve left your hometown or neighborhood to seek success elsewhere, there’s no going back. If you do, you won’t fit in. And the folks who never left will see you in a new, unforgiving light.

That may be true, but it wasn’t apparent on February 1, in Englewood, where a handful of

Balloon launch at 63rd and Halsted to launch Black History Month events.

Gordon Walek

neighborhood alumni – ranging from financiers to writers to health care specialists – spent an evening at Kennedy-King College talking about their roots. The event, called “A Conversation with Englewood Legends,” kicked off an ambitious month of education and entertainment programming by Teamwork Englewood and Kennedy-King College designed to celebrate Black History Month.

Those returning included Dr. Terry Mason, chief medical officer for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System; James Reynolds, Jr., chairman and CEO of Loop Capital Markets; Henry P. Wilson, the “community mayor” of Englewood; and Richard Hunt, a renowned sculptor. Also present was Christine Houston, a Kennedy-King College alum who developed the play that was the original concept for the hit 1980s TV show “227.” All were featured in the City Colleges of Chicago “Rooted in Englewood” billboard campaign, in which their images appear on local billboards, reminding residents – particularly young people – that growing up in a tough environment doesn’t preclude success.

An evening to celebrate
The evening, which began with community leaders launching hundreds of balloons from the

corner of 63rd and Halsted streets in commemoration of Illinois abolishing slavery on February 1, 1865, was intended to introduce the on-going collection of Englewood narratives through the Teamwork Englewood Living Legends of Englewood project being conducted in association with Kennedy-King College. The project is a community-based program designed to empower youth by connecting them with stories of people who are rooted in Englewood and have become influential leaders in politics, business, education, and the arts. The series was launched last year by the living presidents of Kennedy-King College who shared their leadership reflections during an historic gathering that launched the college’s 75th anniversary celebration.

“These stories offer a new source of hope and possibility for youth and prove that there is a lot of good emerging from Englewood,” said Asiaha Butler, chair of the Teamwork Englewood Education Taskforce, which initiated the collaboration with Kennedy-King. The Living Legends project, she said, will provide authentic oral histories of successful Englewood residents to counter the prevalent negative images that portray the neighborhood as a decaying, impoverished community.

Efforts to overcome tough times
Having said that, those negative images aren’t entirely inaccurate. Englewood, like so many Chicago neighborhoods, is struggling these days, which makes partnerships between institutions such as Kennedy-King and Teamwork Englewood so critical. Teamwork Englewood is a non-profit community development initiative formed in 2003 through the joint efforts of St. Bernard Hospital, Greater Englewood Parish United Methodist Church, and Pullman/Park National Bank (now US Bank) to bring together residents, schools, organizations, churches, and businesses in the Englewood community. No questions but that they – a strong educational institution and a community development advocate – are in it together.

Kennedy-King College President John Dozier, left, and Teamwork Englewood chair Leon Jackson.

“Kennedy-King College brings resources and energy to the community that a make a difference and aid us in encouraging our young people to pursue alternative ways to improve their economic condition and achieve their dreams of success,” said Leon Jackson, Teamwork Englewood’s chairman.

The Kennedy-King campus, opened in 2007, has established itself as the center of Englewood, says Doris Jones, the New Communities Program director for Teamwork Englewood. The campus, she said, has “added some prestige to Englewood. You see the new Kennedy-King where the shopping mall was and it is now an educational center. That’s a huge boost for a neighborhood that’s seen more businesses leaving than coming in.”

Black History Month celebration
The Kennedy-King College Black History Month celebration, offers a month-long series of

Former TV newsman Art Norman and Englewood legends.

activities that includes films, literary expression, discussions, and seminars that address pertinent issues impacting the Englewood community or that explore the Black experience. The seminars will be lead by faculty, professors, and instructors from KKC, University of Chicago, DePaul University, Chicago Public Schools representatives and community leaders. Special performances are scheduled for the college’s Sikia Restaurant operated by Washburne Culinary Institute that include the youth group Young Natives /Urban Aspirations, BABA TYEHIMBA MTU, Master Drummer and the KKC Faculty Trio with Dr. Curtis Prince, Brian Felix and Pete Carney.

BHM Program Highlights:
Tuesday, Feb. 9 – Giving You the Green: Sustaining Communities through green and new technologies. Facilitor: Martin Pieters and Openlands

Teamwork Englewood's Doris Jones, left, and Asiaha Butler.

Thursday, Feb. 18 – Africa Diaspora Forum: Focus 2010 Haiti, Facilitator: Africa International House. Poetry from Now for Now: Quraysh Ali Lansana and Gwendolyn Mitchell

Monday, Feb. 22 – African-Americans and Education: The Civil Rights Issue of this Generation. Facilitators: KKC professors Theodore Williams and Richard Forniss.

Tuesday, Feb. 23 – Bronzeville Nights film, part of Chicago Blues Museum exhibit at DuSable Museum

Wednesday, Feb. 24 – Health disparities panel, Facilitator: Dr. Mario De La Hayes-KKC, Dr. Rick Kittles-UC, Dr. Damon Arnold, Ill. Dept. of Public Health

Thursday, Feb. 25 – Health forum and health fair: “Building Healthy Communities”
Connections in Generations: (Closing Session) Facilitator: Prof. Fredrick Douglas Dixon-KKC.

All Black History Month programs are free and open to the Public. All programs were originally scheduled for the KKC Theater Building at 740 W. 63rd St., but because of weather conditions may be moved. Parking is available off-street or in the Student Parking Lot at 65th and Halsted. Visit: www.kennedyking.ccc.edu or www.teamworkenglewood.org for updated schedules or call: Teamwork Englewood: 773-602-4523 or Kennedy-King College: 773-602-5543/773-602-5000 for additional information.

Chicago’s Handgun Ban and RICO

Steve Bartin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:33:00 +0000

We wrote this one for the American Thinker:

An informed public, vigilant press, periodic elections didn't stop Chicago voters from electing a high ranking made member of the Chicago Mob for 23 years to elected office. The Founding Fathers knew an armed populace was a deterrent against corruption and tyranny. When the Supreme Court meets today they are going to determine whether the check of gun ownership can attempt to balance the sleazy Chicago voters that send mobsters to Chicago's City Council. Is it in the public interest to have honest citizens disarmed with corrupt politicians and corrupt police officers making it to the top?

Project Shield a big drain on Cook County taxpayers

Steve Bartin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:53:00 +0000

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/video.

Chicago Black Ministers For Wal-Mart

Steve Bartin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:43:00 +0000

Crain's Chicago Business reports:

A coalition of Chicago ministers is readying a campaign for more Wal-Mart stores in Chicago — and preparing another against aldermen who stand in the way. The alliance of just over 200 ministers, representing more than 100,000 congregants, will first demand that Mayor Richard M. Daley grant administrative approval to begin construction of a Wal-Mart at the Chatham Market shopping center, saving that project from falling into foreclosure. The group also will pressure aldermen to approve that store and others in retail-starved neighborhoods such as Englewood and Pullman. If, as appears likely, more Wal-Marts don't get the green light this year, the ministers say they'll mount a campaign against aldermen who oppose the big retailer's expansion. Taking a page from union groups that have held Wal-Mart back, the ministers say they will support candidates in favor of the store with political advertising and urge their congregants to vote against dissenters.

The man making the decision on Wal-Mart expansion, Alderman Ed Burke isn't always seen as a friend of the black community.

Chicago Journalism – Sneering or Steering: Rich Miller Sneers at 47th Ward Working Stiffs

pathickey — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:14:00 +0000

Sneering is one of the occupational hazards of journalism. It is also one of the most inexcusable. For no one ever sneered without intending to amuse some by hurting others.

Kevin Myers - The Irish Independent and then here in Illinois we have snarkly little Rich Miller, Eric Zorn, & etc. Voila!

Question of the day Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 * Who were the biggest losers on primary day? No snark*, please, and fully explain all your answers. Thanks.

Rich Miller - The Capitol Fax Blog Anyone over the age of twelve who employs the term snark in prose should be hand tailored into a tight fitting Pork Chop Suit and placed in an Englewood Pit Bull arena - with very high and greasy walls. Jesus Christ Almighty! These prissy mopes probably say 'Off the Hook!' and 'It's Money!' and watch Jonas Brothers on You Tube! I tend to sneer at powerful and influential people who nevertheless need to belittle powerless and voiceless people. I will probably go to Hell for sneering ( an eternity of NPR/Studs Terkel Ramblings & etc), but at least I do not snark. Snark means you are too tired, wan and Oh So bored to make a snide remark and thus snark. I am vigorous! A vigorous pain in the ass, to be sure, but Vigorous! I readily sneer at powerful and fatuous Puffer Fish. Snark is one of our Birkenstock neologisms meant to allow one to sneer at someone or thing and somehow avoid a much needed ass-kicking. Last Thursday, Rich Miller's snark-free Capital Fax Blog asked readers and commenters to tally whom they felt to be The Biggest Losers in the Illinois Primary. This followed the previous Day's Snark Free catalog of winners. Snarkless Rich Miller tallied his own losers to include this

- Rich Miller - Thursday, Feb 11, 10 @ 11:19 am: . . . 47th Ward Regular Democratic Organization: The hacks can’t hack it no more. In fact, they haven’t been able to hack it for years. Ann Williams was the final nail in their pathetic coffin.

Snark, snark, snark (cough) and snark Again! Euphues - the Anatomy Wit in Illinois needs a proctologist! I was directed to the Miller Snark-ology by a 47th Ward Regular Democratic worker. This is a guy who takes a day off of work . . .actually many days . . .to gather valid signatures for candidates ( very often Progressive meatheads for whom no one would do a thing, but politics being about addition & etc.), stuff door fixtures and mailboxes, hang posters, put together, deliver and post political signs and speak well of candidates though saying that "Yes, Julie Hamos and Jan Schakowsky did ,in fact, resemble Margaret Sanger on them old gold coins, might have brought up his morning's Red Bull. I like Ward and Precinct workers. I do not care for Snarking Loudmouths and Quicksilver Bigshots. . . .it's just me. You see, Ann Williams ( of whom Miller and SEIU/Progressives wildly approve) defeated Dan Farley ( a sound and good man). Hence, the Miller Snarkless, mind you, sneer. Capitol Fax Blog is the Illinois Must Read!!!! . . . I don't. I gave it a pass a few years ago when it seemed to me SEIU and other paying entities wanted more bang for their bucks and posts were edited accordingly. I do know, without Rich Miller's assistance, that Alderman Gene Schulter runs a Ward Organization that is Service Oriented - Schulter gets elected and elected and elected and elected. He never seems to want for volunteers and help from many,many, many people. Not only John Fritchey would be no where near where he believes himself to be without the Hacks that can't Hack it, but many other Really BLUE - Ain't She Great Democrats who could not find a Chinaman on 22nd Street. Rich Miller is a snark - Big Snarker; V.I.P. Way Important Snarker. The Hacks are little insignificant and hard working people who get other people elected. The Hacks just might go a Hunting for the Snark. That'd make some great reading. *Snark -Combination of "snide" and "remark". Sarcastic comment(s). Also snarky (adj.) and snarkily (adv.)

Derrick Rose Represents

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:22:23 +0000

I remember asking Derrick Rose during the Chicago Bulls annual media day in September what his goals this season were. He said this: “I want to be MVP, I want to make the All-Star team, I want to be the best at my position. All of my goals are high and hopefully I’ll be able to reach thDerrick Roseem [this season].”

At the time, those goals seemed lofty and in December—when the Bulls were teetering on the brink of disaster—those goals seemed virtually unrealistic and unattainable. But with the recent resurgence of the Bulls of late, led by Rose’s stellar play, his goal of becoming an NBA All-Star has come to fruition.

Hampered by an ankle injury during the preseason and for the early part of the regular season, Rose struggled and so did the Bulls. During that time I remember asking him just about every time I saw him how his ankle was and his answer was always that he was fine and that he felt good. The only complaint that he had was on his conditioning, but you could see very easily he just wasn’t the same player from a year ago who had the entire League abuzz.

But now, his conditioning is a non-issue and the ankle is healed and his quickness and explosion are back (just ask Goran Dragic or the Oklahoma City Thunder), and he’s about to make his first All-Star Game appearance in only his second season becoming the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan in ’98 to be named to the team.

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CTA Cuts

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:18:56 +0000

The city is abuzz with gripes Monday about the CTA’s new service cuts.

Nine express buses were eliminated, and 41 other routes had their hours truncated, as the city and union officials failed to resolve a labor disagreement. L service also saw reductions, with an additional few minutes between trains throughout the day. Many are blaming the city for years of mismanagement at the CTA for their financial woes.

Billy Sheahan, a photographer and film editor, rode one of the eliminated buses, the Washington X20, to work every day from the West Loop to downtown. “It’s just so much faster than taking the always overcrowded Madison 20 bus,” he told Huffington Post Chicago. “And since it was an express bus, it was as pleasant as a ride on the CTA could be.”

With the line eliminated, “I can opt to use the Madison 20, which I probably won’t do, or just walk, which I probably will do.” We wish him luck in the upcoming blizzard.

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Hollywood in Englewood

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:03:06 +0000

Many artists (i.e., actors, singers, producers) who start their career in Chicago often leave the Windy City for the bright lights of Hollywood–but not Mark Harris–for this director, producer and screenwriter from the South side, Chicago will always be “home.”
MARK HARRIS.jpg

Growing up in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, Harris always knew he would someday become a writer. “It’s my gift,” he said. Later, he left a job in corporate America to pursue his dream; for him, it was a risk he knew he had to take. “I had no fears at all. I knew I wanted to do it and I never looked back,” said Harris.

Without any regrets, Harris began to hone his craft, and in 1997, wrote his first screenplay. Writing remained his passion; however, he yearned to do more: He wanted to spearhead his own films. “I started out as a writer and then branched out. I realized if I wanted my own projects, I had to do them myself.”

And 1555 Filmworks was born.

Harris founded 1555 Filmworks as a vehicle to write, direct and produce films with stories that he himself wanted to see onscreen. “I wanted to tell stories from an African-American perspective,” he said. “Films are a powerful form of entertainment–they can change people’s lives. As a filmmaker, I think we should focus on uplifting and my films do just that.”

His first film, which he also wrote, directed and produced, was Why Men Cheat (2005); from there, Harris went on to write and produce several more films, including Nothin’ 2 Lose, II, starring actor Brian Hooks.

Through the success of his films, Chicago is never far from Harris’s mind; in fact, he not only makes all his films here, he also works with a regular rotation of Chicago actors and comedians, including Rodney Perry, Vanessa Fraction and Damon Williams. “Working with performers who are from Chicago is very conscious on my part. Because I’m also a native of the city, I try to, whenever I do anything, use Chicago actors.”

Harris’ latest venture takes him from film to the stage with the play, Friends with Benefits, a play he produced with Barry Bowles, with Brian Hooks in the lead role. “Friends” is the story of a group of friends from college who get together for a school reunion. During the reunion, many dark secrets begin to surface, and the audience learns about the consequences of having “friends with benefits.”

But according to Harris, “Friends” almost didn’t come to Chicago.

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