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Magic Johnson Brought to Tears at New Bridgescape School in Lawndale

Ex-NBA superstar/businessman Ervin Magic Johnson is overwhelmed by Bridgescape student Haman Cross’ introduction.

North Lawndale Bridgescape Academy student Haman Cross at podium giving a heartfelt speech before introducing ex-NBA superstar Magic Johnson (right of Hayman). Rapper Common also listening (white shirt).

By Isaac Lewis, Jr

An inspiring intelligent speech was given by 18 yr old Haman Cross, a student who attends the new Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy in North Lawndale, located at one of their two schools in the Chicago area, targeting high school dropouts.
Ex-NBA superstar, now successful businessman and philanthropist Magic Earvin Johnson could not hold back the emotional tears. He was caught off guard by the speech and introduction by Haman to the podium. Johnson was overwhelmed with emotion for 46 seconds before uttering out the words “God is so good.” Johnson and Haman marked the high point in the press conference launching Johnson’s “Friends of Magic” initiative.
“When something wonderful happens, we always want to share it with our friends. When we need help with something important, we often call on our friends. Today something wonderful is happening and Mr. Johnson is inviting friends to join him and help a critical national issue, high school dropouts….,” stated Natalie Williams, Vice President Strategic Alliances and Company Excellence with EdisonLearning, Inc. and in charge of the coordinating the press conference for Magic Johnson.
EdisonLearning, Inc. is a strategic partner with the Bridgescape Schools. Magic Johnson Bridgescape core curriculum is provided by EdisonLearning e-Courses. EdisonLearning is also accredited as a Learning Service Provider by the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). EdisonLearning is also accredited as a Distance Education School by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), an accreditation division of AdvancED. Ms. Williams has been selected to head the “Friends of Magic” initiative.
Even though a report by the National Education Association on June 10, 2013 headlines that the U.S. Graduation Rate Highest in 40 Years, 25% of U.S. students are not graduating from high school, that’s one in four, proving the need for schools such as Magic Johnson’s Bridgescape Academy. The dropout rate in America is still in crisis and the rate in Chicago is even more alarming despite recent improvements, according to a report and research done by America’s Promise. 65.4% of Chicago Public Schools students graduate from high school in four years. Only 38% of African-American males in Chicago earn a diploma compared to the national average of 48%. Over 38% of Chicago high school students are at risk of dropping out each year. 50.9% of African-American Males are at risk.
Johnson stated that he is passionate about what he does and everything he does is in urban America. “I’ve built ten Starbucks here in Chicago. I’ve owned three hotels and built mixed-use projects here and put many people to work and I will continue to do so,” said Johnson.
There are Magic Johnson Bridgescape schools across the country already and growing. Magic Johnson also made a heartfelt promise to financially provide for Haman Cross’ education and said, “Young man you don’t have to worry about your education.” Johnson was recently on the new Arsenio Hall show and stated that he had met with President Obama about education and when asked by NLCN about it he stated, “I had already had this in place…. We’re going to still do some great things together and we’re building that right now….The President is really serious about education and also putting people to work, especially in these inner cities because we need those peace jobs for these people.”
Media from across the country were in attendance and many VIPs including Gov. Pat Quinn, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt, 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin, and 24th Ward Michael Chandler, where the Lawndale School is located. Ald. Chandler’s office was instrumental in helping the Lawndale Bridgescape School expedite the necessary city approvals to open up on time with only days left before it was to open. Also in attendance was Sidney Green, former Chicago Bulls player, now the Bull’s team ambassador.
“We just heard how important education is, there are two forces in life on one side there are the movers and the shakers and on the other side there are those who are moved and shaken. And the difference between them is a good education. It’s important that we make sure every boy and girl get a diploma, a high school diploma… This Bridgescape program is really committed to using online techniques to help our young people learn what they have to learn to get that diploma,” said Gov. Quinn.
Chief Development officer for Bridgescape Academy, Matt Given introduced Jack Elsey, Chief Innovation and Incubation Officer at CPS who said, “We recognize that students take different pathways to success and that sometimes, everyone can fall off track. But it is in those instances that we have a collective responsibility, as a school system, as a community, as a city to help our kids get back on a path to success.
The very first friend of the “Friends of Magic” organization is rapper and actor, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. more famously known as “Common,” offering support along with his organization Common Ground to assist the Bridgescape program. Common’s mother, Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines was also in attendance at the event. “When you are friends with somebody, you get to understand what they are truly about,” said Common.
Opening up the press conference was 24th Ward Alderman Michael Chandler stating, “Our children’s educational achievement is critically important, I am pleased to put my stamp of approval on this innovative educational program designed to address student dropout rates and the hope it brings to the future students and families it will serve. Our children are our most important resource. The Bridgescape program will give our youth another vehicle to enhance their educational options and to become contributing positive and productive members of our community.”
Also in attendance, behind the scenes and instrumental in the launch of the two schools in Chicago were Will Polite, Vice President Business Development at Bridgescape and assisting in recruitment and community relations building were Revin Fellows who also introduced NLCN to Bridgescape and Polite. Fellows, a Chief Operating Officer at Books over Balls program along with Family Focus was instrumental in recruiting Haman Cross.
The North Lawndale Bridgescape Academy had initially hired former principal Beverly Jordan of Pope Elementary School, who lost the Pope School position when it closed as part of the recent mass Chicago Public School closings. She was recently rehired by CPS in another position. Replacing her is Cory Gold as Director of the North Lawndale Bridgescape Academy. “We already have over 20 students who have completed at least one course toward their graduation, said Gold. He also recited a poem Diamonds in the Wilderness as an introduction for Haman Cross. “I enrolled at MJBA because I need a diploma. I needed a bridge to cross the gap between traditional schooling and a diploma,” said Cross. To open such a school in the Lawndale Community is a beacon of hope and encouragement to the young student body and to the community,” said Cross.
There are three ways to enroll at the school, online at http://magicjohnsonbridgescape.com, or in person at Lawndale enrollment office at 2177 S. Millard Ave. The school campus is located at 3210 W. Roosevelt. The second school is expected to open in Roseland on November 4, confirmed by Will Polite. The enrollment office is located at 1750 E. 71st Street, Suite 204. The Southside campus will be located at 10928 S. Halsted. You can call for enrollment at either school at (773) 238-2677.

Rapper Tony B “Laid Back”

Extraordinary people go to extraordinary measures to make their dreams come true! Tony Butler was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1995. Tony attended School in Chicago Illinois. Tony B began rapping at the age 12 years old when he was inspired by seeing big name rap artist on MTV Cribs and seeing the lifestyle that he could have. Since that time Tony has been unstoppable!

He started his own record label (HTM Record Label) since the group split and went their own direction. He change his company name to Live Life Entertainment with the help of his Mother/Manager Yolanda Strickland. “Tony B” frequently appears and performs in parks/venues around the Chicago land area. Tony B also toured with WGCI radio host & pop singer Demi Lobo, R & B singer Jacob Latimore and rap artis Ace Primo. Tony B has a powerful message for his peers to always dream big and never let anyone kill your dreams. Tony B has defiantly shown that your never too young to be a CEO!

To check out TONY B go ONLINE to http://www.reverbnation.com/tonybyungceo

At the Flicks by David Schultz

WORLD WAR Z (**1/2)

Ever since George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead”, zombies have been mostly used as a metaphor on social, political, racial commentary. Quite visually, “World War Z” brings forth the zombie apocalypse as an incurable viral epidemic raging on a global scale like “Contagion”.

Only there doesn’t seem to be an explainable reason (only suggesting some virus born out of the environment) for the rise of the undead population that has begun to devour like a ravenous tsunami on major cities during traffic congested rush hour.

Caught in such a moment is Brad Pitt who plays Gerry Lane, a ex- U.N. investigator who used to work” dangerous places” who retired to be with his wife, Karen (Mireille Enos) and their children. But I guess because of Gerry’s profession, danger has a way of finding a person like him.

Gerry with his family finds themselves on route stuck in traffic. Suddenly a fleeing cyclist suddenly rips off his driver’s mirror. And then when a cop on a cycle advises Gerry to stay in his vehicle. The cop gets bulldozed by an out of control truck. These are sudden, shock moments that we observe that drives this

And almost like a scene from 9/11 cloud burst and thunderous sounds heads toward the cars to show a wave of fast moving zombies washing upon and turning people into them.

Gerry and his family find refuge with a Latino family in a hi-rise project. Where Gerry gets a phone call from his former boss, Thierry (South African actor Fana Mokoena in an impressionable performance here) who blackmails Gerry back into action in order to provide sanctuary for his family on a UN ship monitoring the events.

Gerry is placed on a global search for the cure, when he’s paired with a young doctor who knows something about this Zombie epidemic. The trek begins in South Korea aboard a plane where the doctor fighting with the soldiers against the zombies upon landing there; accidentally stumbles with a gun and kills himself.

But soon after and throughout the film, Gerry learns some key dialogue from the deceased doctor and on of the elite force soldiers (James Badge Dale) and a jailed CIA agent (David Morse) for selling ammo to the enemy that is obviously mentioned in a matter that will come into play later for Gerry.

Gerry is then advised to travel to Jerusalem where the Israelis managed (so far) to keep the zombies out with their Great Wall they’ve built in advance of the one word e-mail warning of “zombies’.

Until Gerry arrives and gets paired with a female commando, Segen (Daniella Kertesez) who gets bite that Gerry chops her hand off to prevent the infection from spreading.

But not before another doctor tells and soon after arranges an airplane to take Gerry somewhere near Wales to the W.H.O institute.

Naturally, somehow a lone zombie is suddenly released from the locked toilet in the coach section that leads to an unsuccessful attempt to keep quiet while trying to barricade.

These moments of coincidence are washed over to be less obvious than they become in the film

Still, director Marc Forster handles the action and grandeur of this doomsday nightmare with better skillfulness and tighter scenes than what he did with the James Bond opus “Quantum of Solace”. Although there are missteps made that were more the writers’ fault than his efforts that both should have caught.

Reportedly, the film had difficulties with its ending. The writers who altered the proceedings from Max Brooks’ 2006 novel (Yes, he’s the son to Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft) find a cheap way out that doesn’t solve the zombie problem but provides some kind of hope of its resolution to the cheers of its gullible audience.

When a doctor takes Gerry to see the worst disease in action on the blackest man kept in isolation. Maybe it was, unintentional, but still comes off a bit as an unfair racial slap in the face. Since out of all the plague infected zombies that were white.

This film finds and dramatizes the sickness with the darkest black man with the bulging eyes. The filmmakers and writer should have known better in taking a step backwards in this manner that could be misinterpreted (racially offensive) and laughed at.

And I guess, this is what probably makes Gerry sacrifice himself for humanity more than his family (moved to a concentration camp in Nova Scotia when he was thought to be dead) has to travel through quarantine corridors of the institute. Where contaminated scientists turned into zombies are the obstacles that Gerry must wage through to get the serums with the worst disease that might camouflage the humans from being noticed by the zombies.

“World War Z” is quite visually remarkable and suspenseful. But it’s not gory and/or graphic as this genre tends to be for it’s ravish fans who are currently dining on AMC’s “Walking Dead”. It’s also not enough to make up for some of the movie’s shortcomings during this apocalypse. Even though “World War Z” is quite the popcorn movie to watch.

PG-13; 115min. A Paramount Pictures Release – Presented at selected theaters

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (**1/2)

“Monsters University” is the hollow halls of this year’s offering from Pixar Animation Studios that is an inventive and amusing “pre”-quel to the characters we enjoyed in their introduction to us in their 2001 hit “Monsters Inc.”. Essentially, this is “When Sully met Mike” in what is more parody than farce on college life revolving around the relationship of these ghoulish scarers-in-training.

After seeing his destiny as a child monster on a field trip, Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) grows into a social outcast considered not scary enough to fulfill his dream of being a scarer but is determined to prove otherwise.

When Mike arrives at the college and enrolls into the School of Scaring; he initially shares a dorm room with Randy (Steve Buscemi), the chameleon reptile that can make itself invisible who befriends Mike in the beginning. Only to leave him to be part of the cool kids from Roar Gamma Roar and serves a reminder us as Randy’s future villain status in “Monsters Inc.”.

Soon after Mike meets hot-shot James P. “Sully” Sullivan (John Goodman) making a grand entrance in class; acting cocky and confident as the new “big ghoul on campus” whose living off his father’s reputation and initially becomes Mike‘s chief adversary to prove who can out-scare the other in Professor Knight’s (Alfred Molina’s lab class. Briefly interrupted by the university’s stern dean, Abigail Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren). But like most of the characters she’s little more scary than evil.

As it turns out, Mike’s the brainiac to Sully’s brawn. Mike is studious enough to pinpoints Sully’s mental weakness from not studying in their classes. Even though, Mike’s mental ability can’t off set Sully’s natural talent and physicality over his diminutive size and lack of menacing appearance.

But when an accident occurs in class to the Dean’s prized scare canister caused by Mike and Sully that gets them placed Hardscrabble’s bad side. Hardscrabble advises the classroom that her final scare” exam will be the determining factor on who passes or will be expelled from the school.

I know that I might be pre-dating myself, but this film’s inspiration might have came from some old Harvey Comics cartoons from Paramount Pictures during the 1960’s that featured a similar premise with Casper the Friendly Ghost and his “boo” experiences in school with varied pun jokes. Some of that kind of in-joke humor and puns should have been, but aren’t apparent enough here.

Anyway, secretly fronting off out of fear, “Sully” makes himself sought after by the top frat house group, Roar Mecca Roar led by their pompous leader, Johnny (Nathan Fillion) who always wins everything from Scare Games to the finals.

While Mike is relegated to the lowest frat house of misfits on campus, Oozma Kappa who is relatively defined characters in their moments like in “Toy Story”. Where all of Andy’s bedroom toys would always followed Woody’s lead.

Now Mike intends to be their leader and initially proclaiming he’ll carry the team to victory. When Sully is made to join their ranks. Eventually during the scare games Oozma Kappa manage to be the last surviving team left against Roar Gamma Roar. Only the Oozma Kappa ultimately loses when Mike realizes there is no “I” in “team”.

But also eventually, from these spoils develops a friendship between Mike and Sully with the group members who begin to find ways to meet the varied challenges in the finals.

Even though throughout the film, Mike periodically hears that he’s not scary enough to be a scarer. This echoes discouraging words all kids have heard before. Whether one is too short, too small, too fat , too slow, not coordinated enough etc.

It’s almost like a cinematic page out of the 1993 football movie “Rudy” that fails to come across here. Instead, the movie show Sully receives a warning from Dean Hardscrabble about Mike that makes Sully cheat to help Mike win for their team in a scream –off competition that he later admits to.

In order for Sully to admit his insecurities and what he lacks in one area Mike surely makes up the difference in other area that makes him worthy. When Sully and Mike break into Monsters Inc. to go behind one of the doors leading to a sleeping human child that is a security breach Dean Hardscrabble locks the door on the two trapped ghouls who have to figure an alternative to get back over to their side

Although entertaining at times, “Monsters University” is not one of Pixar’s strongest films in recent years. Maybe the animators and brain trusts at Pixar are in a rut.

After 20 years, Pixar’s audience has gotten older and may feel a little nostagliac at times. But there is not enough balance here to suggest that the animators might be inadvertently overlooking their next generation of young children who may not find enough to enjoy for themselves this time around. Only tolerate for the sake of their parents who might feel differently.

Well, this is what I sort of over heard in the theater. As parents who usually ask their young ones what they thought of the movie they were brought to view. And it’s the kids that were the ones responding in a neutral, almost diplomatic-like comment more like their adults would do to their kid flicks. Now that’s kinds scary

The feature opens with a another gentle mini short, “The Blue Umbrella” about another in-adamant object leading into romantic expressions on the city streets like last year’s Oscar winner short, “Paperman” that is cute but might be going to the same well once too often here.

G; 110min. A Pixar Animation Studio Picture – Preleased through Walt Disney Pictures –

Presented at selected theaters

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (***)

Doing mega-budgeted fantasy-action adventure movie blockbusters like “The Avengers” is more of a logistic nightmare with actor reacting behind green screen background that is later inserted with massive special effects wizardry.

Obviously, filmmaker Joss Whedon who came from comic books and TV horror and sci-fi creation that has given him cult status with “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, “Angel”, “Firefly” and “Serenity” and now working on Marvel’s “Agents from S.H.I.E.L.D” for ABC and scripting “The Avengers 2”.

Before the latter two projects began, Whedon artistically felt the need to scale down and challenge himself on this personal pet project. The end result is a remarkable well tailored and engaging “The Big Chill”-type ensemble from Whedon’s stable of TV actor alums from his series doing Shakespeare on a shoestring budget

With a contemporary look filmed at Whedon’s own Santa Monica mansion with a royalty-like attitude from his cast that are wearing suits and casual wear over medieval armor and gowns. Shot in twelve days; photographed in glorious black and white and taken from the Bard’s own text

Shakespeare’s comedy of the eventual wooing from the sparing matches between Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Beatrice (Amy Acker) amidst a cast of mismatched characters with their own motives and desires. Such as the cruel scheme of Don John (Sean Maher) to sabotage the passionate courtship of the lovesick Claudio (Fran Kranz) and Hero (Jillian Morganese), the beautiful daughter of Leonato (Clark Gregg).

Whedon’s screen variation does not have enough energy and rowdy high spirit as star/ director Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 British made, all star version set in an Italian villa in Tuscamy Also some cast member aren’t up to the Bard’s text and tend to lean on their facial impressions.

Also this film could have benefited from a more spacious and forestry locale somewhere in the Hollywood hills or the Hamptons in upstate New York. But Whedon’s attempt to bring this literary work into contemporary sensibilities retains much of the humor as intended and the genuine performances that make this screen treatment mature and entertaining.

R; 109min. A Roadshow Attractions Picture Released through Lionsgate –

Presented at selected theaters

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Steele meet with Community at United Baptist Church

Cook County Commiissioner Robert Steele, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle,

Community staker holders listening to Cook Countyboard President Toni Preckwinkle speak, 24th Ward Ald. Michael Chandler (black suit – center)

Community stakeholders and residents presented Cook County Bd President Toni Preckwinkle with questions after the meeting

Former Cook County Board President Bobbie Steele (center) and others listening to current Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle

(l-r), Nicole Harvey, Rev. Wilson Daniels, Cook County Commiissioner Robert Steele, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Steele answering a question from audience.

Cook County Government from the 2nd District – Audio

Cook County Board, President Pro Tempore, Commissioner 2nd District Robert B. Steele hosted and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle were at United Baptist Church in Chicago for a panel discussion. Commissioner Steele together with several community organizations followed an agenda focused on issues facing our community and how Cook County plays an important role in addressing these issues. The room was filled with concerned Community Leaders, Stakeholders, Faith Leaders and Residents and 24th Ward Alderman Michael Chandler.

Panelists included Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, and Cook County Commissioner 2nd District, Robert Steele, Nicole Harvey, Executive Director of Eden Advocacy CDC, Donald Dew, Executive Director of Habilitative Systems, Debra Wesley, Executive Director of Sinai Community Institute, Kim Jackson, Executive Director of Lawndale Christian Development Corp. and Claude Robinson, Vice President of UCAN.
President Preckwinkle began by acknowledging former Cook County Board President Bobbie Steele, who was present, as the first woman president to hold the office, while mention herself as the first woman presented elected to the position. She also acknowledged Alderman Michael D. Chandler as a former colleague when she was also an alderman of the 4th Ward before being elected to her current office.
Preckwinkle then informed everyone about the two basic responsibilities of Cook County Government. “County Government has two basic responsibilities, one is public health, and one is public safety.” She stated the 35% of the budget goes to public health and 40% goes to public safety. Both comprising three quarters of the county budget.
Her beginning focus on public safety, she suggested that everyone read “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness,” commenting on her former vocation as a teacher. Preckwinkle stated “when people think of our jails, usually they think of people serving a sentence. When in fact she noted that only 10% are serving a sentence and 90% of the people are awaiting trial. 70% of the people awaiting trial are for nonviolent offences. 30% are awaiting trial for murder, rape, robbery, or battery. Preckwinkle stated that the jail is at the intersection of racism and poverty commenting on the disproportionate population of black and brown inmates. One of the many factors that she mentioned was the ability to raise bail money for low level nonviolent offences, especially drug offences. “We are dealing with poor substance abusers by incarcerating them and detaining them, instead of treating them. We have dealt with our substance abuse issues in this country as a criminal justice issue rather than a public health issue.”82% of the of the total population that come into the jail, regardless of their charge, have illicit drugs in their system, confirmed through drug testing for everyone that goes through Cook County jail system..
The cost to house an adult inmate is roughly $143 a day. Practices to lower the inmate population through electronic monitoring, lower bonds for non-violent offenders and day reporting were stated. The cost to house youth at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC is $600 a day. The JTDC has a declining population strategy which includes much needed education components.
On the state of health-care in Cook County, President Preckwinkle shared her concerns about keeping the best affordable health-care operating in Cook County and the benefits offered by County Care. County Care is a Medicaid program available specifically for Cook County residents who do not receive Medicare or do not qualify for Illinois’ Medicaid program. County Care is run jointly by the State of Illinois and the Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS).
County Care with more than $500 million in Charity Care being absorbed by Cook County last year alone it is important that other major medical health institutions across the region share the cost of charity care. The cost of the Cook County Health System is approximately one quarter of the entire Cook County budget, an estimated $300 million.
Public safety was another key area of discussion. One third of the Cook County Budget supports the office of the Sheriff, Chief Judge, Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC), States Attorney and Public Defender. President Preckwinkle addressed various questions from the audience related to the 2013-2014 budget, partnership opportunities with community based organizations on Violence Prevention and Mental Health/Behavior Health resources fo”r outpatient services.
Commissioner Steele stated, “We may not have all of the answers, but we have an open dialog to continue addressing the issues we face, working together, truly makes the difference. The importance of having President Preckwinkle show her support of what we are doing here in the community on a local level is to make sure that we are engaged in providing her with information that are concerns to our community. We talked about those issues that are germane to us,like public safety which includes our jail system.
What we are trying to do is not always send people to jail. But what we are trying to do are alternatives to keep people out of jail, he healthcare system, which is going to be changing dramatically with the affordable healthcare Act and we talked about what we are doing here in Cook County to engage people to getting healthcare, also providing a quality of care that they are going to need on an ongoing basis. We also wanted to make sure our community folks who are serving the community on a day to day basis were able to engage her (President Preckwinkle) on a local level be able to talk to her on our common based opportunities.” Commissioner Steele also said, “alternatives and intervention is really what we want to drive our work into, so that we can stop the flow.”
An award was given to President Preckwinkle by representatives on the panel and presented to her by Kim Jackson. Debra Wesley Freemanm At the end President Preckwinkle stayed awhile to answer more questions that did not get asked during the meeting. Go to the www.nlcn.org for more photos and audio of the meeting. The office of Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele is located at 3936 W. Roosevelt Rd. The telephone number to the office is 773 722-0140.

Boxer Martez McGregor Looking for 2nd Golden Gloves Title

When light-heavyweight boxer Martez McGregor lands a punch it has a distinctive sound like a Michael Jordan jump shot swishing through the hoop sounds a little different from other players. It’s a sound that means it was done the right way, with precision and strength.

McGregor hopes to land enough of these punches to win his second Golden Gloves title and advance to national competition in his pursuit of a professional boxing career.

A few years ago the 6-foot 175 pound 22-year-old was a standout athlete at Proviso East High School in Maywood. He lettered in three sports, but received most of his notoriety as a linebacker and safety where he earned all-state honors in 2007.

McGregor went to junior colleges in Iowa and Illinois, but things didn’t work out for him so he came back to Chicago and eventually started boxing.

“As far a college I had insufficient funds. It was kind of hard getting the support I needed so I picked up boxing to get ready to play football again, but I stayed and I’m here now. People who saw me fight said convert your passion for football to boxing and I’m here,” McGregor said.

Although he’s played many sport over the years McGregor said that boxing is unique because it’s a completely individual sport that requires a lot of skill development.

“In boxing it’s just you,” he said. “But it depends on how bad you want it. I’m athletically gifted so athletic-wise it was easy, but as far as technique there was a lot more to it. You have to work hard at it and repetition is the key.”

McGregor won his division at last year’s Golden Gloves tournament, and he won his first bout in this year’s Golden Gloves competition. His career amateur record is 22-1 and he’s confident in his abilities in the ring.

“After a while of staying focused on boxing the technique kicked in with the athleticism, the hunger, and the ambition, and everything together just helped complete me as a fighter,” he said.

McGregor works out most days at Sam Colonna Gym on the South Side. He runs up to six mile per-day, trains on the punching bag, and spars. He puts in a lot of work, but trainer Sam Colonna said he needs to work even harder to reach his potential.

“Martez is a naturally talented guy, but he’s so naturally talented he feels he doesn’t have to work as hard,” said Colonna, who’s been training boxers for over thirty years. “If he would commit himself more than he does there’s no telling how far he can go — the skies the limit.”

McGregor’s Mother Lisa Givens is also a big part of his life, and she has been there to support him in his athletic endeavors even while battling a severe kidney illness that eventually required her to undergo a kidney transplant.

“He’s so athletic … I‘ve never seen a kid like him,” said Givens. “He stays busy in sports and I just like to support him. You have to support your kids because that’s the only way you’re going to win in this society today.”

Boxing is an all-encompassing sport that doesn’t leave a lot of time for other things, and even holding down a part-time job would be interfere with training in a big way. McGregor and his Mom said they would love to have someone help them out financially with his boxing career.

“We need sponsors — one or two people to help him out with transportation and equipment,” Givens said.

“If there are sponsors that want to lend me a hand that would be awesome,” McGregor adds. “But until then I’ll just have to live it one day at a time.”

But for now they’ll keep doing things the only way they know how and that’s to keep pushing even if it’s just the two of them.

Boxing can be an unforgiving sport, but McGregor is confident that he can last, and make it in a sport that has gotten the better of many before him.

“If you don’t love it you’re not going to be able to get in here and do it — you have to be driven. If I fall off I’m dead. I refuse to fall off – I want to live,” he said.

Mary’s Barbecue Restaurant, Family Success and Love for the Community

On the northwest corner of Fifth Ave. and Pulaski Rd. sits a piece of history that tells a story of good food and family pride. Mary’s Barbecue Restaurant has been serving the community since 1968.

Owner, Chris Jones has been groomed for the restaurant business since his mother and father, Mary and Mckinley Jones both started him, along with nine other siblings, helping out when he was around eight years old. He took over the restaurant in 1997 after his mother died. His father died in

Although the economic climate has been devastating for many businesses and home owners in the community, Mary’s Barbecue has found its niche and remained even during tough times.

Chris Jones says, “most of it is because of our barbecue. He showed his special seasoning mix that he uses on the meat in preparing it for the smoker pit. You can smell the barbecue from the smoke stack in the area outside surrounding the restaurant. We have pleased our customers, I believe because we use premium meats from our suppliers. It may cost us more but the satisfaction from our customers gives us a justifed return on our investment in the best meat we can buy, said Chris Jones.

“I have started the process to began marketing the seasoning mix that we use, to sell it at our restaurant and in stores,” he said.

“We also added gyros, philly cheese steak, chicken Sandwich, gyro-chicken sandwich, bacon cheeseburger, catfish fillet, and our chicken wing special, which we sell six wings for five dollars with fries to our menu,” he stated, when asked has he changed the menu any.

Mary’s Barbecue and Chris Jones were in the TimeOut Chicago 2010 Eat Out Awards magazine as a Chicago Barbecue Pit Master. TimeOut Chicago is part of a International Magazine that has city versions from New York to London.

Mary’s Barbecue has also been featured at North Lawndale’s Taste of Chicago and supports. Chris’ nephew, Shawn Jones has been working with Chris for over 20 years. Nicholas, another family member also works at Mary’s Barbecue and worked his way through school.

To get tender and succulent rib tips from Marys Barbecue or some their other great menu items visit them at 606 S. Pulaski Rd. or call them at 773-638-2233.

1st African-American Congresswoman of Illlinois, Cardiss Collins dies at 81

Congresswoman Cardis

Collins

Born Cardiss Hortense Robertson in St. Louis, Mo. in Sept 24, 1931, Cardiss Collins died at the age of 81 on Sunday, February 3, 2013. She had a well respected career as Congresswoman of the 7th District from 1973 to 1997. That seat is now being held by Congressman Danny K. Davis who succeeded her in 1997.

Cardiss Collins first became Congresswoman after running for the seat left vacant by her husband, Congressman George Washington Collins, who died in a plane crash on December 8, 1972.

Winning the seat in a special election, she went on to win 12 straight terms of office, (24 years) as Congresswoman. Collins focused a lot of her attention on the social and economic needs of the 7th district, which was changed from 6th District to the 7th upon her 1st election to office.

In the 1980’s, Collins was a strong advocate for affirmative action investigating federal agencies such as the U.S. Dept of Justice, the Federal Trade Commisson, and the National Endowment for the Humanities and finding that they were not in compliance with conditions of the cival rights act. Stating that “Laws that have been debated and passed by the courts cannot arbitrarily be negated by individuals.”She also targeted U.S. Airlines for not fairly hiring African-Americans in professional positions.

Congresswoman Collins also fought for equality and fairness targeting advertising agencies and media, the health industry, medicare and the elderly, women rights, higher education, achieving many accomplishments.

Congresswoman Collins is survived by her son, Kevin Collins and granddaughter, Candice Collins. Service will be held Monday, February 11, 2013 at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

Bethel New Life Entrepreneurship Program by David Tenario

Thomas E. Crosby, president of the Insurance Exchange, Ltd., exchanges ideas on how to start up small businesses during the Bethel Entrepreneurial Training Program.

While the State of Illinois, along with the rest of the country, struggles to deal with the slow progress of our economy, Bethel New Life Church, located at 4950 W. Thomas street, has initiated its own program to help stimulate financial success among near west side Chicago neighborhoods.

Just this past December the church started the Bethel Entrepreneurship Training Program specifically geared to help business minded individuals receive training, support and guidance in starting up their own businesses. With the support of many groups, including the State of Illinois Small Business Development Center, Bethel received over 150 applicants whose business plans had to undergo a detailed evaluation by a panel of business experts who finally narrowed the number of actual participants down to 30.

Those individuals whose business startup ideas were approved by the panel were required to attend a 15 week classroom program where they received advice, guidance and mentoring from a number of successful business owners and financial experts. The basic concepts of starting up a business, seeking a location, finances, and marketing ideas were integrated into the educational program.

After successfully completing the 15 week classroom, those students who have saved up at least $1,500 of their own seed money toward their business, will then be awarded a $6,000 grant from Bethel New Life to help with the startup costs. In addition to the grant from Bethel, there are a number of local banks who support the entrepreneurship program by offering micro-lending programs of up to an additional $10,000 to those who complete the program and quality.

The first graduating class of the Bethel New Life Entrepreneurship Training Program is slated for early April, according to Ed Coleman, vice president of Bethel’s Community Economic Development Program. “At this time we expect all 30 of our participants to successfully graduate in April and then move on to the process of starting up their own businesses,” said Coleman. “We are extremely pleased at the progress this program has made in its first year,” he added.

“We think this is a win-win program not only for the community economy, but for that of the individual investor and business owner at well,” Coleman stated. “We have received a great deal of support from local business leaders, chambers of commerce and financial institutions as well and we expect to see a number of successful businesses being started up in the west side of Chicago as a result of this program.”

Coleman added that even though the current entrepreneurship program will end in April, his office and Bethel has already begun to think about beginning a new training program in the fall. “We know there are a good number of residents who have some great ideas of starting their own business or those existing business owners who want more structure or licenses, and we can help them accomplish this while helping many become financially successful and independent at the same time.”

Inquiries on the current or future entrepreneurship programs may be obtained by calling Bethel New Life offices at 773-473-7870.

NORTH LAWNDALE NEWS – STRATEGIC HUMAN SERVICES

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