The Deborahs Support Parents of Young Victims of Violence
August 16th, 2011 by Shorty
The Deborah Movement, an arm of The Black Star Project, is a group of concerned citizens that support the families of young people that are victims of violence. Listen to my interview with Claudette Rednic, the Lead Servant of the Deborahs, to find out more about who the organization and what they do.
My Interview with Claudette Redic, the Lead Servant of the Deborahs
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The Deborahs in Action
Shorty: Your Chicago South Side Resource is partnering with We Are Not Alone -No Estamos Solos “to tell stories about the everyday heroes, the well-known community groups and all organizations, whether large or small, who are doing their best to deal with the violence and the problems that nurture it.” Visit Chicago is the World to learn more about the program and how you can contribute.
Black Star Project’s Saturday University
March 15th, 2011 by Shorty
Phillip Jackson, Executive Director of The Black Star Project, has extended his dedication to the education of children by beginning Saturday University. Classes began on Saturday, March 12th. The volunteer-run classes are free and open to all children in need of assistance. Following are the four locations along with the associated specialty subjects, the ages of the students, the times during which the Saturday University will be running, and addresses:
The Black Star Project
3509 South King Drive, Suite 2B
Chicago, IL 60653
reading, math and male mentoring; ages 6-12; 9:30am-12:00pm
Chicago Hope Academy
2189 West Bowler
Chicago, IL 60612
reading, math and open specialty; 6th to 10th grade; 9am-12pm
Greater Bethesda Baptist Church
5301 South Michigan
Chicago, IL 60615
reading, math and open specialty; 6th to 8th grade; 10am-12pm
HumanThread
645 West 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60616
reading, math and Chinese language and culture; 13-18 years old; 12pm-2:30pm
Please call Jami Garton at 773.285.9600 to become a volunteer teacher for this program or to register your child for this program. All students must pre-register for the Saturday University.
They are on a mission to open 50 Universities by the end of the year. Call Jami Garton at 773.285.9600 if your church, school, library, park district or community center would like to be a Saturday University site or if you have any questions about the Saturday University.
Is There Racism at Blackstone Library in Hyde Park?
March 25th, 2010 by Shorty
Note from Shorty: This story was retrieved from the March 24, 2010 issues of The Black Star Project’s. Please review and share your thoughts.
Dear Black Star Project,
…..Yesterday my son was kicked out of Hyde Park’s Blackstone public library.
He has been frequenting this branch for about a month and a half, right after school until about 4pm, when I pick him up.
While doing homework at the table yesterday, he and three other young AA (African American) males were told that “people like them didn’t belong in a library and that they should go to the bar and hang with their peeps.” My son, being the outspoken person he is, responded by showing the work he was doing and told the Librarian (branch manager) he wanted to be at the library and not a bar. The Librarian felt he was being a “wise-guy” and insolent and told him to get out. He was humiliated in front of his peers for speaking up for himself. That is not the message I want my child to get!
I immediately came to the branch to find out what happened – wanting to speak with the adult in this situation. I was not able to have an adult conversation with this woman as she was argumentative and condescending. I was confused as to why she didn’t lead us into her office, instead she brought us into the main children’s area with the security guard. However the security guard had nothing to do with my son being kicked out nor did she hear the comments that were made. I got the feeling she didn’t want to be alone in the office with my husband and I.
She went on and on about these kids going into branches all over the city and treat it like they are at a singles bar and how she doesn’t like how they treat her libraries. When I tried to tell her her comments were offensive, she responded by saying she believes the way they behave is offensive. Not once did she ever apologize or admit the error of her ways.
I think it’s an atrocity that she is allowed within 100 feet of AA children, let alone any child. She obviously has a deep issue with AA children, males especially.
I contacted the central district chief just a few moments ago to file an official complaint. However, I didn’t leave that conversation too satisfied as I was told that maybe the librarian was trying to talk to them in a way that was relatable. Huh?! So needless to say I don’t think this librarian will be fired and I don’t think this situation will be taken as serious as it should. More and more of our children will suffer being stereotyped, talked down to and have their spirits broken via this branch if something is not done.
Your advice and thoughts are welcomed.
Thanks in advance
Nefra Burlock
Silas Purnell Destination College Fair – March 6th
March 5th, 2010 by Shorty
Silas Purnell Destination College Fair for 6th- through 12th-grade Students
Saturday, March 6, 2010
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Black Star Project
3509 S. King Drive, Suite 2B
Chicago, Illinois
These colleges have confirmed their participation in the Silas Purnell College Fair:
Chicago State University
City Colleges of Chicago
De Paul University
Eastern Illinois University
East-West University
Governor’s State University
Illinois College of Optometry
Illinois Institute of Technology
Northeastern Illinois University
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
University of Illinois at Chicago
United States Marines
Westwood College
Xavier University in New Orleans
The purpose of this college resource fair is to offer students the opportunity to:
- Learn about various college options and opportunities
- Gather information about course listings, life on campus, and financial aid at colleges and universities
- Talk with staff or current students about life on their college campuses
For more information or to RSVP, please call Ivory Harris at 773.285.9600 or email smp@blackstarproject.org.