CBMR: Preserving Black music, history and culture

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.

Understanding and Eliminating Violence: National Experts Offer Insights, Solutions

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.”

A Night to Remember, Recipients shine at QBG Gala

Expressing their gratitude, Christina Bass (Christian Fenger High School), Kiara Caridine, (Homewood Flossmoor High School) and Glenn Fulton, (Christian Fenger High School) became the latest high school graduates to receive scholarships from the Quentis Bernard Garth Foundation at its Annual Fundraiser and Dinner held last Saturday at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. Since its inception, QBG has awarded over 1.5 million in scholarships to deserving Black youth in the Chicagoland area. In a poem entitled, “I Believe in Me,” the new inductees expressed their unified appreciation to the Foundation through the spoken word. “I can be anything I choose to be,” recited Bass in the poem while Fulton added, “…if you believe in me, I can use my mind to make this world a better place.” The event, topped off by a soulful and stirring performance featuring Chicago’s very own, The ChiLites, was hosted by Herb Kent’s V-103.

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

South Side Youth Leads Fight Against Obesity

Getting children to eat healthy meals has always been challenging, but how about a kid who motivates his peers, not just to eat healthy meals, but to exercise as well? For many parents, this may seem too good to be true, however, such a person actually exists and he lives right on Chicago’s south side.

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.

The Necessity of a Black Wall Street

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