CMBR holds an archival collection encompassing the rich music and cultural history of black

“[R]esearch into Afro- American [music] must become the concern of musicologists if the definitive history of American music is ever to be written, “ Eileen Southern, music scholar and pioneer in the still largely untapped field of Black music history in the U.S., wrote in “New Needs and New Directions: Needs for research in Black-American music.” Southern, Harvard’s first black female tenured professor, wasn’t taken seriously by her colleagues, but their disregard motivated her to continue her studies and research and eventually, self-publish. What Southern began decades ago has grown into a legitimate field in some U.S. academic institutions, but the importance of African American, of Black music history has yet to fully take hold.

Columbia College’s Center for Black Music Research (CBMR) is helping to fill the void. CBMR, founded in 1983 by Samuel A. Floyd, Jr., houses a library and archives filled with primary and secondary sources about black music worldwide. CBMR is the “only repository where you can find classical black music and Jamaican field recordings by some of the world’s leading ethnomusicologists,” said Monica Hairston, CBMR Executive Director. CBMR hosts educational, outreach and performance programming for students, scholars, musicians, teachers, the public.

The New Black Music Repertory is CBMR’s current performance group—an ensemble of up to 80 musicians provides performances that exemplify the wide variety of music from the African Diaspora. “[T]he challenge is really getting the word out past the academy. It’s our history, everybody’s history, American history,” said Hairston. “It’s not a museum, it’s not a lending library, but as long as there’s a serious interest in learning anyone can come.”

CBMR is located at 618 S. Michigan Ave. For more information, call 312-369-7559.

Dr. Kunjufu spoke of NEIU’s Carruthers’ Center for Inner City Studies’ long history. WEB Dubois, Ida B. Wells, Fred Hampton, and Dr. John Henrik Clarke, among others spoke there, lent their voices to the fight for equality. The forum was also an opportunity for community members, young and old, to lend their voices. Photo: Shanita Bigelow

The Association of Black Psychologists (ABP) held its 42nd Annual International Convention in Chicago this year (July 27-August 1). Each year, ABP hosts a forum with the community in the community. This year, ABP assembled a panel of national experts to discuss, to offer solutions to the unwarranted expansion of youth violence at last week’s forum, “Violence and Black Youth: Repairing, Restoring and Renewing the African Spirit.”

“My only answer is love,” said panelist Sister Afrika Porter, a member of the Deborah Movement, a group of women— mothers, warriors, leaders—dedicated to fostering youth, instilling a sense of hope and eliminating violence.

In 2009, 314 American soldiers were killed in Iraq, said moderator Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, an author, lecturer and mentor. That same year, 509 Chicagoans were killed. African Americans are 13 percent of the population, yet make up 49 percent of all homicides, he continued.

With growing disparities in the criminal and juvenile justice systems, in education, health and employment, African Americans must take action. “There is no progress without a national movement,” according to panelist Rev. Dr. John Porter, a founder of Operation PUSH and organizer for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Chicago in the summer of 1966.

At the root are issues that have grown over the years—a deterioration of family, home, community and accountability. Dr. Kunjufu outlined five major contributors to youth violence: fatherlessness, unemployment, illiteracy and dropout rates, gangs, guns and self-hatred. In 1960, 80 percent of African American homes had fathers, now there are fathers in only 32 percent of black homes. Kunjufu posed the question: Is the village strong enough to raise all the children without fathers?

As of June, the unemployment rate for black youth (16 to 24 years) was 31.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. For every thousand African Americans only nine will start a business, Kunjufu said. African American people spend $900 billion a year. Only three percent of that $900 billion goes to black businesses, he continued, suggesting the need for more community support.

“A people without values are dangerous,” Kunjufu said, quoting activist/scholar Dr. Maulana Karenga, while addressing the issue integral to any solution: self-image. Today’s youth are most influenced by their peer group, entertainers and TV programs, according to Kunjufu. He asked the panelists for one solution to the challenges youth violence presents. Panelists agreed that there isn’t one solution, but each provided concrete examples of what can be done.

“Behavior is complex [and] multidimensional,” said Dr. Carl C. Bell, President/C.E.O. Community Mental Health Council, Director Institute for Juvenile Research and Professor, Department of Psychiatry and School of Public Health at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

Healthy food and supplements are a solution, according to Bell. Omega-3s, the “good fats” found in fish and some plant and nut oils, according to Bell, are not just good for the brain, but also have a calming effect. “I don’t think there’s one answer,” said Dr. Margaret Spencer- Beale, Professor of Urban Education in the University of Chicago’s Department of Comparative Human Development. “We need to begin thinking of our youth… developmental[ly].”

It starts at home, with “establishing order in your home,” according to David Lemieux, activist and retired Chicago Police Officer. Sister Porter continued that sentiment, speaking as a mother, a proud parent: “Parents are their children’s first teacher…parenting never stops, educating never stops.”

“All humans are vulnerable,” Dr. Spencer-Beale said later, adding that we buy into the language that designates those most vulnerable as “at-risk.” Parental monitoring, according to Spencer-Beale, is one way to combat negative influences— that a parent’s presence, their lessons are with the child no matter where he/she is. Youth in attendance also had the opportunity to speak. They shared their experiences as well as their own personal solutions, echoing the sentiments of the panelists: the need for self-love, self-respect and self-knowledge.

“Everybody can’t reach 100 people [but] everybody has family,” said Lemieux, adding that being a mentor to a niece or nephew is a solution. Healthy eating and becoming more active in community and national organizations are also solutions,said Sister Porter, adding that “We are our own solution.”

The audience swayed to the sound of “dusties” including, “Have You Seen Her,” and “Oh Girl” and after an outstanding performance by the Chi-Lites, disc jockey for the evening Al Greer of AG Entertainment, brought the people to their feet on the dance floor in a rousing performance of the “Electric Slide.” During the gala, several past scholarship recipients were able to express their appreciation, notably Selena King, a 2000 graduate of Simeon Career Academy who went on to attend Bradley University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Communications Degree as well as a Public Relations Degree. King is alsoa graduate of the  University of Illinois in Springfield where she received aMasters in Public Administration. Because of the QBG Scholarship, “I have dedicated my career to helping people,” King said.

Another past recipient, Markeia Jones, a 2008 inductee who is working her way through college and who was unable to attend, said in a written message, “As a result of the scholarship I have received from the QBG Foundation/Com-Ed, I have been able to enjoy the benefits of an outstanding education—-one that I am sure will prepare me for a successful future asI work to attain my degree in English at Hampton University in Virginia.

Although I am unable to join you tonight… I am there in spirit and wish all the best for QBG and the newly inducted scholarship recipients!” As a result of the donation from Com-Ed, Jones’ scholarship was renewed for the 2010-2011 school year in the amount of $10,000. Com-Ed has been a long-time supporter of the QBG Foundation. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group has agreed to identify five students for IIT’s STEM Educational and Scholarship Initiative Program. The program is for students who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as the fields of business, architecture and psychology. Household income must be between zero and $45,000 to be eligible for the scholarship. Students within the city of Chicago could receive full financial support including tuition which is $31,363; a $1,000 allowance for books and $1,000 allowance for fees along with a $3,The scholarship is also available to Chicago residents and/or Chicago secondary school graduates only. CPS graduates will be designated as Collens Scholars, according to IIT’s website.

Students are required to submit the FAFSA every year. A resident who is ineligible to submit a FAFSA should contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional instructions. Institutional support is provided after all applicable federal and state grants and loans are applied to a student’s financial aid package. The STEM+ Scholarship is available to freshmen pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

Also at the event, a tribute by QBG Board Members to Leroy Brown, a board member who passed away was held as members expressed their gratitude for his past contributions. Additionally, several public officials and private companies were recognized for their contributions to the community and were presented with awards including, ComEd and Crown Commercial Real Estate and Development which received the “Corporation Investing in Education Award.”

State Representative Marlow Colvin (33rd) was presented with the “Governmental Advocate to Close Digital Divide for Urban Youth Award,” and the “Visionary Leadership Award,” was presented to Alderman Carrie M. Austin (34th). Alderman Michelle Harris (8th) was also recognized for creating economic opportunities for the youth and recognition went out to Alderman Freddrenna Lyle (6th) for creating and promoting excellent youth initiatives in the community.

In the beginning of the program, Lisette Livingston, managing editor at the Citizen Newspaper and QBG volunteer committee member kicked off the event with a special message about the gift of giving. She reminded the audience about the fourth annual National Minority Donor Awareness Day recognized on August 1 and celebrated a day right after the gala which was held on July 31st.

National Minority Donor Awareness Day recognizes why it is important for people from various racial backgrounds to become organ donors, Livingston said. “In the Black community …minorities account for approximately 54 percent of the people on the national organ transplant list,” she added, “so we wanted to use this day as an opportunity to raise awareness about this important issue,” she said in an interview.

Telling a poignant story that evening of her own where in 1999 she made the decision to allow her now deceased husband’s organs to be used to save someone else’s life, she also focused on Citizen CEO William Garth, Sr., Chairman of the QBG Foundation who is currently on the kidney transplant list.

“With so much Mr. Garth has done to help others,” she added, “We just wanted to send the message out of the need for people to become organ donors and that when thinking about giving, there is no greater gift than the gift of life itself,” she stated. Wearing a green ribbon symbolic of organ donation which was also handed out at the event for others to wear, she added, “without life — no dream is realized, no hope fulfilled, no child is educated. We want people like Mr. Garth who have done so much for the community to be around for as long as possible and by becoming an organ donor, that can all be accomplished,” she said.

If you are interested in becoming one of the five students the Citizen Newspaper is trying to help IIT identify for its STEM Program Initiative, call 773-783-1251 or Fax 773-783-1301. You can also write to wgarth34@yahoo.com

His name is Coleton Meseke, a 13 year old resident of Chatham who is leading the fight against childhood obesity. Meseke is one of 25 exceptional young people selected to serve on the 2010-2011 Youth Advisory Board for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an organization founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation. This is not the first time Meseke has been selected to serve, it’s his third. He’ll be an eight grade student at Glenwood Middle School in Chatham this fall.

“Seeing other kids in the community that don’t eat healthy and not staying physically fit,” is what Meseke said motivates him. The young man also speaks to children at various schools to educate them about the benefits of healthy eating and physical fitness. “I want to help them get outside and do something. Tell them how easy it is to get physically fit,” he said.

He has participated in media interviews, observed healthy foods cooking demonstrations, led healthy lifestyle games, and organized a service learning project that collected healthy food for the local food pantry. “My favorite healthy food is strawberries,” he said. “I like grilled chicken, it’s healthier than fried chicken,” he adds.

Black Wall Street was destroyed by a mob of angry whites on June 1, 1921, however, there are efforts from community leaders and the Illinois Legislature to recreate the successful African American economic movement.

Imagine over 600 successful businesses including churches, restaurants, grocery stores movie theaters, hospitals, banks, a post office, libraries, schools, law offices, a half dozen private airplanes and even a bus system all destroyed, along with 3000 people killed. It didn’t happen in some far off country in the Middle East, nor did the carnage take place in a poor African or Eastern European country. The incident took place in Tulsa Oklahoma, in one of the most affluent Black communities of the time, right here in America. It was June 1, 1921 when Black Wall Street was bombed from the air and burned to the ground by mobs of envious whites.

However, the bloody event has not been forgotten. In fact, Black Wall Street lives and continues to grow right here in Chicago as well as in other cities. The necessity of a Black Wall Street is underlined by new leaders and new efforts, determined to revive this African American economic movement. Black Wall Street came about based on need, says Ron Carter, Chairman of Black Wall Street Chicago. “It was frustration about what’s not happening in the Black community. We needed a vision as to what’s going on in our community,” Carter said about why Black Wall Street Districts are necessary. “We came up with, we want to control our business strip. Black people need it,” Carter says. “We need a vision of what our community can be like,” he added.

Black Wall Street was created to sustain and strengthen Black businesses in the Black community and in other communities through economic development. To this end, the State of Illinois House of Representatives and Senate recognized the potential to recreate on Stony Island Avenue and 75th Streets east of the Dan Ryan Expressway, the positive aspects of the historic Black Wall Street in Tulsa, by issuing resolutions proclaiming the areas Black Wall Street Chicago Districts. “It’s important for Black businesses to support each other. It’s important that Stony Island businesses support each other and keep black dollars in the Black community,” says Angela Williams, executive director of the South East Chamber of Commerce.

The mission of Black Wall Street District Chicago is to enhance and strengthen Illinois’ premiere African American  spiritual arts and commerce district through on going promotion, advocacy, business development, and community relations; to make the Black Wall Street District a vital clean safe and attractive business district for the enjoyment of members and visitors and to institute and maintain a method of exchanging and interchanging business information.

Creating a Black Wall Street district is necessary because, “When we go outside our community, we take away from what our ancestors worked so hard to create,” Williams said. There are also Black Wall Street Districts established in California; Minnesota and Georgia. The organization’s National Summit Agenda will be held in Chicago this year August 20-23 at various locations throughout the city

Exelon’s solar plant “demonstrates that Chicago and any city can be a solar city,” said Julie Blunden of SunPower, whose solar tracking technology allows each panel to generate 25-30% more power than conventional panels.

Through the collective efforts of public officials, private businesses and local residents, Chicago’s South side has the largest urban solar plant in the nation. “It takes not one individual…it takes us all collectively,” said Ald. Carrie Austin (34th).

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included over $80 billion for the creation and expansion of renewable energy sources and clean energy technology in an effort to move the nation toward a more environmentally sound existence.

“As we recover from this recession, the transition to clean energy has the potential to grow our economy and create millions of jobs -– but only if we accelerate that transition…only if we seize the moment. And only if we rally together and act as one nation –- workers and entrepreneurs; scientists and citizens; the public and private sectors,” President Barack Obama said in his June 15 national address on the BP oil spill.

Citizens, community organizations, public officials and private businesses on Chicago’s South side are seizing the moment. On July 21, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Ald. Carrie Austin (34th), Exelon officials, Julie Blunden of SunPower and President/CEO of Riteway-Huggins Construction Larry Huggings, joined community members for the dedication of Exelon’s new solar power plant.

“In Chicago, the environment is a major component of our strategy to attract people and jobs, remain competitive in the global economy…Our challenge now is to seize the future and the opportunities it offers,” said Daley. “Those who do not see the future will not survive in this global economy.”

The 41-acre West Pullman site, a former industrial brownfield had been vacant for 30 years. Work on the plant began in July of 2009 after years of site remediation by Navistar International Corporation, the former owner of the site. Navistar, formerly International Harvester, owned the West Pullman Works site for more than 75 years. In 1996, they enrolled the property (21 acres) in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Site Remediation Program (SRP). In conjunction with community officials and organizations like Austin and the Victory Heights/Maple Park Advisory Council, remediation ended in September 2009 with the Remedial Action Completion Report currently under review by Illinois EPA. Projects like this take the entire community, not just one individual, according to Austin. “We have to…take our desolate areas and turn them into something,” she said. “It (the site) is something now…where we can have our children come in and learn.”

The plant, a $60 million project, has 32,292 solar voltaic panels. These panels convert sunlight into enough electricity (over 14,000 megawatthours) to meet the annual energy needs of up to 1,500 homes—emitting no carbon emissions, according to Exelon.

In addition to its benefits to the environment, plant construction created 200 construction jobs most going to local residents and about 40 percent of the contractors were minority-owned, according to Exelon Chairman and CEO John Rowe. The plant along with other clean energy sources throughout the city is, according to Daley, showing how a large city can live in harmony with the environment. The Exelon project is moving Chicago towards its environmental goals, as described in the Climate Action Plan—its strategy for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change in the city, Daley said. “The benefits of the Climate Action Plan go beyond the…goal of improving the environment. The actions that have the greatest impact…will also create jobs, save companies and residents money, enhance our quality of life and position the city and its residents for future economic growth.”

Marshall Thompson, the last original member of the Chi-Lites. Photo courtesy of Mediaesque.

The early days of the Chi-Lites. Photo courtesy of Mediaesque. Top (LR): Creadel ‘Red’ Jones, Eugene Record, Robert ‘Squirrel’ Lester Bottom: Marshall Thompson

The legendary Chi-Lites, known for hits like “Have You Seen Her” and “Oh, Girl” are now in their 50th year and continue to delight audiences with their soulful vocals and impeccable style. They are “the sharpest cats on stage there ever was,” according to original Chi-Lites member Marshall Thompson. The Chi-Lites, consisting of Thompson, Frank Reed and Fred Simon, are currently on tour and will be featured at the Quentis Bernard Garth (QBG) Foundation Scholarship Gala on July 31st.

“I’m looking forward to it (the gala). It’s going to be fabulous,” Thompson said. The event is “very important to the Chi-Lites,” he continued. Growing up in Chicago, Thompson is more than aware of the challenges Chicago’s youth face. “All we had was the CDC, the Cadet Drill Corps [which] prepared young folks to be men and not to be violent,” he said, adding “there’s got to be a change…[QBG] is helping more lives stay alive.” Last month, the Chi-Lites performed at the “Forever Michael” memorial held in Los Angeles and next February through March they will embark on a European tour. With more than 23 top ten hits spanning 50 years, it’s no wonder the Chi-Lites continue to entertain audiences worldwide.

“We did not cause it to happen,” said Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th), as she expressed her frustrations with the changes she’s seen in the community over the years. “We’re not giving up.” Photo: Kimani Brooks

At a sundown prayer vigil last Wednesday, Chicago residents, members of the Park Manor community, and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) gathered to mourn, to honor and celebrate the life of police officer Michael Bailey. Bailey’s funeral was held Friday at St. Sabina’s Catholic Church. Officer Bailey died in an attempted robbery on the morning of Sunday, July 18 in front of his Park Manor home while cleaning his car. He’d just returned from his overnight post guarding Mayor Daley’s home. He was still wearing his uniform.

Bailey and the assailant(s) exchanged fire and he was fatally injured. The 62 year-old Bailey, was going to retire in August. Bailey, a great father and friend, according to family spokeswoman Stephanie Tatum, was also Vice President of the 74th and Evans Block Club. Speakers talked of Bailey’s dedication to his family, to his community. As they spoke of his life, they also spoke of their frustrations and the need to move forward, to come together and transform the community, their lives.

“We will not be scared,” said Darlene Tribue, President of the Park Manor Neighbors’ Community Council before a crowd of residents, ministers, officers and local officials at the intersection of 74th and Evans. “We stand strong as one Park Manor…Share yourself outwardly, love, show forgiveness…help repair the cracks in our village.” “I am very angry about what causes us to be here,” said Freddrenna Lyle, Alderman of the 6th Ward, also home to slain police officer and Iraq veteran Thomas Wortham IV. Lylestood amidst the crowd just a few feet from Henry O. Tanner Elementary School. “I went to Tanner,” she said, adding that she’d walk to school and back every day without fear of any harassment. “They had gangs,” she clarified,”  but “they weren’t taking our babies and seniors…because they had respect…they were a part of the community… something’s changed.” Park Manor has  to contend with this change. “We go through so much turmoil…to change,” Tribue said, adding that she hopes this can be a time to  heal, rise up, thrive and grow in the great city of Chicago. Park Manor stretches north to south from State Street to Cottage Grove and east to west from 67th to 79th, encompassing about four square miles. Residents have been in Park Manor for 65 years, according  to Tribue. “We had to fight to come in here and we’re going to fight to stay here,” she said. That fight requires courage  and unity. “If we can quite finger pointing, we can point the shooters out,” said activist Andrew Holmes.

The reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer(s) of Officer Bailey was up to $65,000, Weis sad  at the vigil. The Fraternal Order of Police Chicago is offering $25,000 and urges anyone with information to call Area 2 Detectives at 312-747- 8272. “We don’t care if the motivation  is reward money, good citizenship or whatever. Just please let us get these criminals off the street. If they kill a police officer, the question comes up, “Who’s next?’” Weis said at a press conference last week. Bailey was the third officer killed since May. CPD has received calls threatening the lives of police officers, United Press International (UPI) reports. The threats, according to UPI, have been toward officers patrolling the Chatham community, where both Bailey and Wortham were residents. Weis said CPD takes the threats seriously but hasn’t found them to be credible, UPI reports.

Bailey’s death and the treats came just weeks after the city’s  new handgun ordinance, which went into effect July 12. The ordinance requires that residents who own a firearm(s) or are looking to purchase a firearm(s) fill out an  application for a Chicago Firearm Permit (CFP), necessary for legally registering a firearm. Visit www.chicagopolice.org for more details. In order to truly transform the city, to ensure the safety of its  residents, it will take efforts on the part of police, public officials and residents—the entire community. “We have to bring the people responsible for this to justice,” said Chicago Police Superintendent  Jody Weis. “As a community we can overcome this.”

My passion is to help young kids. I spend a lot of time helping them find employment both through the foundation and through the Chatham Business Association (CBA) where I am also Chairman. The young people there range in age from 14 to 24. My focus has also been to train young people to become entrepreneurs and two Saturdays out of the month, I meet with them at the QBG Foundation where we participate in activities that stress the importance of creating jobs. This is my passion, this is my focus…but it’s important for everyone to give back, each one to the best of his or her ability.

Giving back, changes the world. It changes generations and it does make a difference. Some may use poverty as an excuse for not giving of their time, resources, knowledge and/or skills. But it’s no excuse. As one of eleven children from Alabama, I was poor but was able to build a successful business in spite of the odds. Most people who are successful today, were born poor but when you give back, you create a cycle of help and a cycle of hope. By helping somebody else, they will in turn help the other person and the cycle repeats itself. Just like the change agents including Dr. King and other civil rights leaders whom I marched with fought for change, that’s what we should do.

When you come into the foundation, you will see an oil-painting of my son, Quentis, to the left and right across from it, a picture of myself. These pictures represent two generations of Garths. It was the loss of my son, Quentis, in 1989 which inspired me to start the foundation which is named after him.

Since its inception, we have been stressing the importance of education and using it as a tool to help facilitate change. At Q.B.G, we believe that what we do can change our youth, our communities and future generational leaders. We do this by giving inner city youth who may not have been able to go to college, a chance to succeed, awarding them up to $10,000 per student.

Our recipients have graduated from institutions like Clark Atlanta University; Tennessee State University; Florida A&M University; Chicago State University, Howard University; Tuskegee University; Spelman College; and Alabama A&M University. We are proud of them all. The QBG Foundation also boasts of a stellar list of past and present contributors, which without their help, none of this would have been possible. These partners have included Dominick’s, Jewel, ComEd, and Coca-Co, to name a few. We have also hosted other fund raising and community events, including the Q.B.G. Annual Rodeo and a Back to School and Wellness Fair, as well as a job fair sponsored by Target.

In keeping with the tradition of assisting aspiring Black students, Change Through Education: “Preparing Future Generational Leaders” the theme of this year’s gala, the Q.B.G. Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner and Fundraiser promises to be an exciting and powerful display of our mission and our purpose. We hope you will join us as we recognize both past and future recipients on Saturday, July 31st, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, located on 151 E. Wacker Drive. We will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner promptly at 7 p.m. Our host will be V103’s Herb Kent featuring Chicago’s very own The Chi-Lites. We look forward to seeing you there

QBG and IIT are partnering to open the doors of higher education for deserving youth throughout the city and state. Left to right: Mike Gosz, PhD, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Associate Professor of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at IIT; William Garth, Sr., CEO of the Citizen Newspaper and Founder and Chairman of the QBG Foundation; Jerry Doyle, IIT’s Vice Provost, Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid. Photo: Kimani Brooks.

For young people looking for hope and a way to survive, an education is often the only way to turn a bad situation into something good. In an effort to effect positive change and provide hope for Chicago’s youth, the Quentis Bernard Garth (QBG) Foundation awards scholarships to hardworking college-bound high school seniors who need financial assistance. This year, the foundation identified students who are achieving even in the face of adversity.

Most can’t help but think of 16-year old Derrion Albert, the Fenger honor student whose death made national headlines. The innocent Albert was fatally beaten while leaving school last  year. His death has greatly affected the school and the wider community. Now, there’s a different story unfolding at Fenger as recent graduates Glen Fulton and Christina Bass, along with Kiara Caradine, a 2010 graduate of Homewood-Flossmore High School, have been selected as recipients of the 2010 QBG Foundation “I Believe in Me” Scholarship. The scholarship, which will be presented at the Annual QBG Fundraiser and Dinner held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago at 5:30 on July 31, offers students a chance to excel in spite of the odds.

“When we see kids are having a hard time, we have to reach out to those kids and realize that if someone just believes in them, we could improve their lives,” QBG Chairman Bill Garth said. Believing in kids—that’s what the foundation set out to do when it looked at students who have overcome major obstacles, Garth added. With the scholarships, he hopes the foundation will help make a difference. QBG, in conjunction with its community and corporate partners, the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Central State University, Jewel, and ComEd, among others, are making sure that Bass and Fulton don’t have to worry about the cost of continuing their education.

Fulton, whose life has been side tracked by family issues, has lived with his twin sister in Chicago all of his life. The siblings grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes with their parents until they were ten when they were removed from their parents care by DCFS because of domestic violence.

The two were separated for a time while being raised by two of their aunts, but ended up back together at age 13 with their Aunt Lillian Fulton. Since then, they have been living in Roseland and attended Fenger High School for all four years. Despite some setbacks, Fulton only missed one day of school at Fenger during his freshman year where he gained a reputation for being kind and respectful.

When it comes to computers, he’s a wiz and over the years has learned to troubleshoot most computer problems, a skill, for the most part, he has learned on his own. At  Fenger, he continues to work as part of the technology crew where the promise for success lies in his hope to attend Chicago State University where he plans to go on to study computer technology. As he worries about basic necessities like housing, he hopes the scholarship opportunity will help him to build on what he has already accomplished–putting him one step closer to a career in computers.

Bass, who has had to care for her mother who has cancer, aims first to attend the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). If she does well, she may have a chance to further her education at the Illinois Institute of Technology, which works with the city colleges to help students build a pathway to succeed at the private four-year institute. Over the past several months, the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Office of the Chancellor at CCC have begun to set the groundwork to develop a coordinated path to IIT for students who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (traditionally referred to as STEM fields) as well as the fields of business, architecture and psychology.

According to Jerry Doyle, IIT’s Vice Provost of Admissions and Financial Aid, many students who start at one of the city colleges and then go on to complete their educations at IIT have done extraordinarily well in recent years completing research projects and academic work at the highest levels.

“The message that we need to send is this, ‘there are many paths to achieve  your professional and personal goals in life and for a great many students, this path starts at a city college. At Illinois Institute of Technology, we are proud to partner with Chancellor Hyman and the presidents of the city colleges of Chicago  to build clear pathways for students. We are equally committed to providing  merit-scholarships and need-based financial assistance to enable students to realize their dreams.”

“We are committed to preparing the next generation for undergraduate  and advanced degrees in STEM fields,” says Alan Cramb, IIT Provost and Senior Vice President. “At IIT, students who excel in these fields will be tomorrow’s leaders in improving and advancing the human condition,” he adds.

Doyle has also indicated that the Office of Admission very much wants to talk to students and their families who are interested in pursuing an undergraduate education at IIT for Fall 2010. There are dozens and dozens of highly qualified students in the city of Chicago who have  the academic credentials at the secondary school or community college level but who have either not made a final choice for Fall 2010, or who as one incoming south side student recently told Doyle, “Going to IIT is the most important investment that I can make in my future, and that with IIT institutional grants and scholarships along with federal and state assistance, the  education at IIT is affordable. Unfortunately, not everyone knows that there are financial and academic resources available to support a private school education. We just need to get this word out.”

It’s important to note that at IIT,  every student applicant to the university will automatically be considered for Heald and University merit-scholarships (up to $10,000 each per year). In addition, IIT offers many full-tuition need-based scholarships for the residents of the city of Chicago; these scholarships also include  assistance for housing, books and fees. IIT has committed to working with the Citizen Newspaper in an effort to recruit deserving underrepresented students. For more information, please call 773-783-1251.

The QBG initiative has captured the attention of the broader business community. A. Finkl & Sons, a Chicago-based manufacturer of specialty steel products, intends to relocate to the city’s south side. Finkl CEO Bruce Liimatainen, who has also served on the board of IIT, said, “Our company’s success and future growth depends on qualified employees and interns who are looking for real-world manufacturing experience. We support the QBG Foundation’s efforts to bring more young people into science and technology and are committed to furthering the cause.”

Central State University, located in  Wilberforce, Ohio, is also partnering with QBG to provide a $10,000 scholarship to a deserving student. The university offers leading edge programs in urban education,  manufacturing and environmental engineering as well as jazz studies and has graduated generations of leaders in fields ranging from education, business, and communications, to the natural sciences  and the fine and performing arts. More than 80 percent of Central State University graduates go on to graduate school or  pursue a career in their field within one year of graduation.

“Central State offers a welcoming and diverse community designed with the student in mind,” says Hedy Diop, president  of Central State University-Chicago Alumni Chapter whose participating in the effort on a local level. “Our nurturing environment encourages both the intellectual and social development of our students;  we will prepare students to not only excel in their chosen careers but also to lead and serve others. Here students will  be part of a caring community. They will receive hands-on learning and personal mentoring by professors who truly care  about their goals and ambitions.” Bass and Fulton live in the 34th ward. “There is no project without community partnerships…partnership[s] start with the community,” said Ald. Carrie  Austin (34th). “Our children…that’s my future…my legacy…[it] is my charge to open up every [avenue],” she continued, adding that the charge allows them to say, to believe, ‘I can do things of substance.’”

“I really like taking care of people,” said Bass, who wants to go into nursing, criminal justice or another science-related field. “My mom is really sick…I’m busy trying to take care of her,” Bass continued. “This scholarship would mean a lot to  me.” Caradine will be attending Concordia University in Wisconsin, where she will pursue courses in physical therapy. While running track she  snapped her hamstring. Since going through physical therapy, she’s decided she wants to help others do the same. “I want to help people like me get back on their feet and continue to do something they love,” she said. As Garth looks ahead, he sees an opportunity to brighten the futures of many young people. “With all of our corporate and institutional partners, we can play a pivotal role in changing things on the South side and throughout Chicago,”  he said. “That’s the key…that way, when you read the newspaper or turn on the television, it’s not about someone whose become the victim of some grave circumstance–it’s about someone who is succeeding, someone who is really trying and wants to succeed.”