50 Reasons to Nominate Your Father for Father’s Day Contest
May 24th, 2010 by Shorty
The first reason why you should nominate your father is…he’s your father. Fast forwarding to reason number 50, that is the amount of the gift certificate from Park 52 restaurant in Chicago’s Hyde Park Community.
To win the certificate, you must tell me why, either in writing, photo slideshow, or video, what makes any deserving father in your life a good father. Written submissions should be 100 words or less. Slideshows and videos can be up to 2 minutes.
Be sure to include:
• Name of nominee
• Why the person should receive the certificate
• A photo of the nominee (not required, but nice)
• Your name and relationship
The winner will be determined by the number of comments (votes) for individual posts, which means you will have to encourage people to visit Shorty and vote for your caregiver. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 4, 2010. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 9, 2010.
Special thanks to Marc Brook, President of Park 52, for his generous support with this contest.
Preparing for Adolescence for Daughters & Moms – May 8th
May 3rd, 2010 by Shorty
Spend Saturday morning, the day before Mother’s Day, with your daughter, learning about the changes she will go through during adolescence. Doctors and nurses from the University of Chicago will discuss topics including body changes during adolescence (ages 8-13), making good health choices, getting along with family members and others, and the importance of good diet, skin care, and exercise.
Free Seminar for pre-teens and their moms
9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
University of Chicago Campus
Biological Sciences Learning Center
924 E. 57th Street, Room 109
on the north side of 57th Street
between Drexel and Ellis Avenues
Register Early!
Space is limited.
Call (773) 702-9200.
Street parking is available.
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
The Belly of an Architect – March 21st
March 15th, 2010 by Shorty
The Belly of an Architect (1987)
Sunday, March 21, 2 pm
Cochrane-Woods Art Center, 5540 S. Greenwood Avenue, room 157
Directed by Peter Greenway, this fim tells the story of Stourley Kracklite (Brian Dennehy) who has been commissioned to construct an exhibition in Rome dedicated to the work of 18th century French architect Étienne-Louis Boullée. Doubt about the legitimacy of Boullée causes Kracklite to harbor physical and social problems.
This film will be introduced by curator Stefano Questioli. For more information, visit www.iicchicago.esteri.it.
Open Mic at Smart Museum of Art – March 4th
March 3rd, 2010 by Shorty
Open Mic: The Dark Mirror
Thursday, March 4, 7–9 pm Step up to the open mic and share a few poems, a short story, or a creative essay about your darker side. Hosted by poets Matthias Regan and Eric Elshtain. Featuring astro funk spun by DJ The Rob Sizwe.
All are welcome to participate. There will be a 5 minute time limit and you must sign up to read. The sign-up sheet will be available at 6:45 pm with slots available on a first-come-first-served basis.
