Friday, May 6, 2011

Black Star Project Will Hold Conference To Improve Education For Black Boys

Black Star Project Will Hold Conference To Improve Education For Black Boys

Dr. Alfred Tatum

Chicago, Illinois -
The Black Star Project, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works to improve children's education with the support of students, parents, schools and communities, will hold a one-day conference with top educators to develop strategies and techniques to improve the education of black boys.

Four of the educators who are scheduled to speak at the conference on Saturday May 14 at the Ramada Inn Hyde Park in Chicago are Paul J. Adams, III, founder and president of Providence St. Mel School, a kindergarten to 12th grade school, and Providence Engelwood Charter School; Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, founder of African American Images, a Sauk Village, IL-based publisher and distributor of Africentric books. Dr. Kunjufu also the author of 33 books, including Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys, Understanding Black Male Learning Styles and Keeping Black Boys Out of Special Education; Umar R. Abdullah-Johnson, a Philadelphia-based nationally certified school psychologist, who speaks on topics such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD-ADHD) and black boys and classroom management for teachers; and Dr. Alfred Tatum, associate professor and director of the University of Illinois at Chicago Reading Clinic. Dr. Tatum is the author of Reading for Their Life: (Re) Building the Textual Lineages of African American Adolescent Males.

Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu


Dr. Tatum will train teachers to reconceptualize literacy instruction to help black boys read well above the third-grade level.

Adams will share his ideas about creating exemplary high schools. One hundred percent of the students who graduated from Providence St. Mel have been accepted at the nation's best colleges and universities for the past 30 years.

Dr. Kunjufu will teach principals how to build elementary schools that produce academically high-performing black-male students.

And Abdullah-Johnson will show parents how to keep black boys free from disruptive behavior-disorder labels and out of the stream of special education.

Paul Adams, Jr.
Black boys suffer from the lowest grade point average and lowest graduation rates. They also have the highest school suspension and dropout rates, which lead to high unemployment and prison-incarceration rates. Two reports in the last year have addressed the issues facing young black males who attend the nation's schools. In November 2010, the Council of the Great City Schools, a Washington, D.C.-based coalition that represents the nation's largest school districts, called the lack of black male achievement in America a "national catastrophe."

"And Yes We Can, The Schott 50 State Report on Public Education and Black Males" reported that only 47 percent of black boys graduate from high school. "Currently, the rate at which black males are being pushed out of school and into the pipeline to prison far exceeds the rate at which they are graduating and reaching the high levels of academic achievement," the Schott Report concluded (http://blackboysreport.org/). The Schott Foundation for Public Education is based in Cambridge, Mass.

Umar Abdullah-Johnson.


Phillip Jackson, founder of The Black Star Project, said the conference is an important step in addressing issues that affect black boys. "When we are able to successfully change the trajectory of education for black boys in America, we will have made America better," Jackson said. "We will have made America stronger. We will have made America more humanistic. And if not, all Americans are to blame."

The conference is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost per person is $275. For more information about the conference, call 773-285-9600 or visit the website www.blackstarproject.org.
Click here to sign up now for this conference!
Click here to read the complete The North Star News and Analysis.
The Northstar News & Analysis, Inc.
Chicago, IL | 312.498.9214

Poverty, Promise and Possibility Community Forum!

Join The University of Chicago

as they

"Take Education to the Streets"


The Civic Knowledge Project
from the
Division of Humanities
at the
University of Chicago
invites you to
Poverty, Promise and Possibility Community Forum!
on
Thursday, May 12, 2011
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
at the
School of Social Service Administration
969 East 60th Street
Chicago, Illinois

The event will focus on creating successful, alternative educational and learning opportunities for challenged communities that schools either cannot or will not produce. The Woodlawn, Bronzeville and Englewood communites will be of spceial focus during this discussion.

Panelists include Dr. Bonnie Harrison from Kennedy-King Community College, a Professor of Social Studies; Thom Hale, an educator starting a new Montessori school in the Englewood community; Credell Walls, an environmental educator from the Jane Goodall Institute; and Phillip Jackson from The Black Star Project in Chicago.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Civic Knowledge Project (CKP) is the community connections branch of the Division of the Humanities at the University of Chicago.

Mission Statement: The mission of the CKP is to develop and strengthen community connections, helping to overcome the social, economic, and racial divisions among the various knowledge communities on the South Side of Chicago. We believe that the free and reciprocal flow of knowledge is empowering. Working with our many local collaborators, we (1) Provide educational and humanities programming linking the University of Chicago to other knowledge communities surrounding it; (2) Develop institutional policy for the exchange of knowledge among different local knowledge communities; and (3) Serve as an educational and organizational resource for our community.

'Saturday Universities' planned for Southland

'Saturday Universities'

planned for Southland

BY VICTORIA JOHNSON, Correspondent

May 4, 2011 09:22PM

Students and parents attend a Saturday University in Chicago.

Schoolchildren in the Southland (south suburbs of Chicago) soon will have new educational opportunities as the Black Star Project looks to expand its Saturday University program.
Saturday Universities are eight-week classes for children ages 5 to 18 taught by volunteer "professors" who work with parents and other volunteers to develop curriculums. The classes include instruction in reading, writing and math but also offer specialties that so far include Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, technology and black history and culture.
Saturday University classes typically are held on Saturday mornings - hence the name - in churches, community centers, police stations or just about anywhere space is donated.
The Black Star Project was started in 1996 with a mission to improve the quality of life for Chicago's black and Hispanic communities, with a special focus on closing the academic achievement gap between students from low-income families and the more affluent.
"The educational outcome, especially for black, Latino and low-income students, is abysmal," Black Star Project executive director Phillip Jackson said. "So that's where this came from."
Helen Burleson, of Olympia Fields, a retired teacher and former member of both the Flossmoor School District 161 and state boards of education, is hosting a meeting at 6 p.m. today in Olympia Fields for those interested in volunteering or enrolling their children at a Saturday University planned for Chicago Heights.
She said she is frustrated with schools that stress passing standardized tests.
"We're not interested in test-taking at all or preparing people to take tests," she said. "We're teaching for knowledge and to teach children to love to learn. ... These kids (in public schools) don't care if they learn what they're supposed to learn because they're turned off, and I would be turned off, too."
Burleson plans to have classes start May 14 at Chicago Miracle Temple Church in Chicago Heights and is recruiting volunteer teachers as well as parents and children interested in enrolling. Those interested in attending her meeting should call (708) 747-0919.
The first Saturday University opened in Chicago on March 12. There already are 11 locations, including Riverdale and Harvey. Each university has five or six volunteer "professors," with a ratio of about six children to each professor.
Students are assessed in the first week to help guide the curriculum, and a post-assessment is administered to measure progress.
Jackson said he hopes to have 50 to 75 Saturday Universities up and running by the end of 2011, with at least a dozen in the south suburbs. He emphasized that all children in need of educational help are welcome, particularly those from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds.
"Saturday University is open to all communities, people of all races and people of all faiths," said Jackson, a former chief of education for the city of Chicago and former chief of staff for ex-Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas.
Jackson said the Saturday University program emphasizes parental involvement and seeks to supplement public education, which he says is grossly inadequate. He said the program does not receive any government, corporate or church funding.
For more information about the Saturday University program, call (773) 285-9600.

Scholarship Information

Hello,

Please review the scholarship information. For additional information, you should follow the link to the Organization’s website.

Thanks.



A
AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program
For women 40+ seeking new job skills, training and educational opportunities to support themselves.

Academic Competitiveness Grant
For first-year and second-year college students who graduated from high school.

Actuarial Diversity Scholarship
For minority students pursuing a degree that may lead to a career in the actuarial profession.

Akash Kuruvilla Memorial Scholarship Fund
For students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, diversity, integrity and academia.

American Copy Editors Society Scholarship

Available to junior, senior and graduate students who will take full-time copy editing jobs or internships.

AORN Foundation Scholarship
For students studying to be nurses and perioperative nurses pursuing undergrad and grad degrees.

Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship
For students who indicate a sincere interest in an automotive related career.

AWG Minority Scholarship For Women
Encourages young minority women to pursue an education and later a career in the geosciences.

AXA Achievements Scholarship
Provides more than $600K in annual scholarships to 52 students - one from each state.

B

Beacon Partners Healthcare IT Scholarships
Awarded to a student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the IT Healthcare field.

Best Buy Scholarship
For students in grades 9-12 who plan to enter a full-time undergraduate program upon high school graduation.

Burger King Scholars Program
For high school seniors who have part-time jobs and excel academically in school.

C

CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Developed to assist minority and disabled students, but open to all who meet the requirements.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Four-year achievement-based scholarships given to 250 high school seniors each year.

D

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Recognizes and awards the extraordinary who excel in math, science, and technology.

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Need-based scholarships for college students are part of the progressive movement in their community.

Dell Scholars Program
For students who demonstrate a desire and ability to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

Development Fund For Black Students in Science and Technology
For students studying science or technology at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Discovery Scholarship
Annual scholarship for high school juniors to support continued education and training beyond high school.

E

Ed Bradley/ Ken Kashiwahara Scholarships
Open to full-time students who are pursuing careers in radio and television news.

EMPOWER Scholarship Award
Designed to increase diversity in the medical rehabilitation field by awarding students of color.

ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Scholarship Program
For minority and female students majoring in a field related to computer and video game arts.

F

Fulbright Scholar Program
Sends faculty and professionals abroad each year to lecture and conduct research.

Future Engineers Scholarship Program
For students pursuing a career in engineering who shows outstanding academic performance.

G

Gates Millennium Scholarship
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; established to help low income minority students.

Go On Girl Book Club Scholarship
Supports authors of the Black African Diaspora who want to write their way to college money.

Google Anita Borg Scholarship
For women who excel in computing and technology, and are active role models and leaders.

H

Hallie Q. Brown Scholarship
For African American women who have a minimum C average, and can demonstrate financial need.

HBCU Study Abroad Scholarship
Provides travel opportunities for students of color who are traditionally under-represented in such programs.

J

Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program
Provides fellowships to students who excel in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Javits-Frasier Teacher Scholarship Fund
To increase diverse students' access to talent development opportunities through teacher training.

Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund
For low-income women who have a vision of how their education will benefit themselves and their community.

Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship
For cosmetology and barber school students who can demonstrate a financial need.

K

KFC Colonel's Scholars Program
For college-bound students who can demonstrate financial need, and have a GPA of at least 2.75.

L

Lincoln Forum Scholarship Essay Contest
A writing contest pertaining to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era.

M

McKesson Pharmacy Scholarship
Designed to assist pharmacy students who plan to continue their education.

N

National Achievement Scholarship
Established in 1964 to provide recognition for outstanding African American high school students.

National Black Police Association Scholarships
For students pursuing careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, and other related areas.

National Institute of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship
For students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing science and health-related research.

National SMART Grant
Available to full-time students who are majoring in science, math, technology, engineering, and more.

P

PMI Educational Foundation Scholarships
Established for students in the field of project management or a project management related field.

R
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Seeks to identify African American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society.

Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship
Seeks to recognize outstanding young people who are promoting American values on college campuses.

S

Siemen Competition
Competition for individual or team research projects in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.

T

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships
For first-generation students majoring in business, finance, science, engineering, and more.

Tri-Delta Scholarships
For students who excel in chapter and campus involvement, community service, academics, and more.

Tylenol Scholarship
For students pursuing a career in health care who can demonstrate leadership and academic qualities.

U

United Negro College Fund Scholarships
Administers 400 different scholarship programs so low-income families can afford college, tuition, and books.

U.S. Bank Internet Scholarship
For high school seniors planning to enroll or college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors already enrolled.

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program
For students seeking a Bachelor's degree in agriculture, food, or natural resource sciences and related majors.

V

Vanguard Minority Scholarship Program
Provides merit-based scholarships to minority students studying business, finance, economics, and more.

W
William B. Ruggles Right To Work Journalism Scholarship
Available to undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in journalism or a related field.

Writer's Digest Annual Short Story Competition
Contest for writers who can compose the best fictional short story, written in 1,500 words or less.

X

Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship
For academic high-achievers in science, engineering, and information technology.

South Shore Community Action Council Meeting Saturday May 7th, 2011 8:30-11 am


South Shore Community Action Council Meeting

Saturday May 7th, 2011
8:30-11 am


Breakfast served8:30-8:55 am

Meeting starts promptly at 9:00 am

The New South Shore International College Prepratory High School

1955 East 75th Street

Agenda to Include

Bill Gerstein- Office of Family and Community Engagement (FaCE)

Robert Runcie -Area 17 CAO & FaCE

Discussion On

5 Essential Supports for School Improvement

Learning Walks

The State of our Schools in South Shore

How to Fix Our Schools

Call or Email your CPS Community Action Council Representative ASAP for additional

information


Khaldun Everage 773.841.7446

kdeverage@cps.k12.il.us

BAD GIRL TO A GREAT WOMAN FOUNDATION Presents its 1ST ANNUAL PROM DRESS DRIVE Event sponsored by August Bloom & Deliciously Vintage Boutique


BAD GIRL TO A GREAT WOMAN FOUNDATION Presents its 1ST ANNUAL PROM DRESS DRIVE Event sponsored by August Bloom & Deliciously Vintage Boutique

May 3rd, 2011

(Chicago, IL) Bad Girl to A Great Woman Foundation began in 2009 with a mission to target inner city youth in single-family homes addressing violence prevention, anger management, social empowerment and greatness. The goal of “From a Bad Girl to A Great Woman” Foundation is to allow Founder Tiffany Torrence Davis to share what she has learned from her personal and reality TV experiences to help young girls reach their full potential. The foundation encourages high school students around the country to focus on education and to pursue their passions, whatever those passions may be. Bad Girl to A Great Woman Foundation encourages youth to channel their energy into a positive force with the help of spiritual principles basing the foundation motto as “Step your greatness up!”
Bad Girl to A Great Woman Foundation will be facilitating a prom dress drive helping high-school teen ladies and teen moms in need to prepare for their prom. The foundation is partner ing with Fenger, Corliss and Orr Highschool and C.H.A.R.M. Organizations to create the ultimate fairy tale prom experience ranging from make-up artist consultations, shopping for prom dresses and even different tips to provide girls on prom night. The foundation will be receiving donated prom dresses and accessories as well as provide advice from stylists, make up artist and hair stylist recommended tips. The drive has a 2-part event itinerary:

BG-GW Networking Event: On Saturday May 7th, All donors, sponsors and independent consultants will gather at exclusive Boutique Deliciously Vintage 1747 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60608 to collect all donated items and services including the donation of prom attire to the event along with complimentary X-Rated Fusion cocktails and sounds by DJ Word.
BG-GW Prom Dress Drive: In partnership with CPS teen girls will gather together o a new shopping experience of finding the perfect dress for their upcoming prom. Five teens will be selected to receive full services the day of their prom including make up services, hair stylist, accessories, photography services and a free hair cut for their date.

20th Ward Property Tax Appeals


20th Ward Property Tax Appeals

Greetings!

Areas West of the (Lake Township) Dan Ryan in the 20th Ward are now open for appeals with the Cook County Board of Review through May 17, 2011. Neighborhoods in the 20th Ward that are included are Englewood and Back of the Yards. However, all City residents of the designated area are welcome.

In order to assist you and other 20th Ward homeowners, I have partnered with Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Larry R. Rogers, Jr. to host a property tax seminar on Saturday, May 14, 2011 At this seminar, homeowners can learn how to appeal their property assessment and potentially lower their property tax bills. The seminar on Saturday, May 14th will be held at 9:30 am - 11:30 am at Chicago Embassy Church located 5848 S. Princeton Avenue, Chicago, IL.

The presentation will explain how to file an appeal and how an appeal is granted.Attendees are asked to bring their property tax bills in order to more efficiently file an appeal. Staff from Commissioner Larry R. Roger's office will be available to answer questions and help complete appeal forms. The only requirement for a taxpayer to appeal a property assessment is a completed complaint form filed before the township appeal period closes on May 17, 2011.

Commissioner Rogers and I strongly encourage any Englewood and Back of the Yards property owners to attend this seminar and appeal your assessed property taxes. However, if you cannot attend it on May 14, please call me at 773-955-5610 or come into my office at 6357 S. Cottage Grove Avenue for assistance. You can also drop off your forms to my office until the morning of May 16 and we will be happy to turn them into the Board of Review for you. To download forms, click here: http://www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/assets/pdfs/complaint.pdf.

Don't miss this opportunity!

Property Assessment Tax Appeal Seminar :

When: Saturday, May 14th

Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Where: Chicago Embassy Church

located 5848 So. Princeton

Chicago, IL 60621

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Congressman Danny K. Davis 7th District of Illinois Mental Health Advisory Committee Meeting Friday, May 6, 2011, at 2:00 p.m.


Congressman Danny K. Davis
7th District of Illinois

Mental Health
Advisory Committee Meeting

Friday, May 6, 2011, at 2:00 p.m.
At
Office of Congressman Danny K. Davis
3333 W. Arthington
(Free parking on South Spaulding and Arthington

All are welcome to discuss Policy, Programs and Advocacy related to Mental health.

For additional information, please RSVP to
Tumia Romero, Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of Congressman Danny K. Davis
at 773-533-7520 or tumia.romero@mail.house.gov.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A Parent Empowerment Call-In is scheduled for Thursday, May 5, 2011



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Monday, May 2, 2011

Psychological First Aid and Take Ten:

A Violence Prevention Strategy Bundle
Thursday, May 19th, 2011
9:00am - 1:00pm
Location:
70 East Lake St., Suite 720
Chicago, IL 60601


SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. To register for the workshop, please contact Karin Stortz at (312)986-9200
kstortz@icvp.org. $30 for ICVP members, $45 for non-members. CEU's are available for an additional cost of $15.
Deadline to register is May 17th, 2011.
Questions?
Call Karin Stortz at 312-986-9200 ext. 239

Derrick Rose Celebration Murray Park



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