Month: July 2016

There Are Still Gunshots Outside My Window Even After President Obama’s Speech

Yesterday my husband and I watched the Democratic National Convention while anticipating President Obama’s speech. Prior to him being introduced they played a video highlighting some of the President’s most pivotal moments. I remembered most of them, but two in particular stood out: I will never forget when the President cried over the innocent children and adults who lost their lives in Sandy Hook. Guns were…

Michael Jordan Speaks Out Against Gun Violence

The G.O.A.T. has spoken and spoken loudly. Michael Jordan has broken his silence on the shootings of African Americans and the targeting of police and he did it in a big way. Not only has he released a verbal statement, he also made $1M in contributions to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s…

Long Live Emmett Till Who Would Have Turned 75 Years Old Today

Emmett Till would have turned 75 years old today. Born in Chicago, in 1941, Till was murdered in 1955 in Money, MS. Till’s brutal murder sparked the Civil Rights movement across the nation, but it especially woke up Chicagoans. Our Northern city hadn’t quite experienced the ramifications of racism that seemed to hold the South hostage. Here it was, on…

Donald Trump Got It Right on School Choice. How About Hillary?

Even a broken clock is right twice per day. If you listened to Donald Trump’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, you might find that this saying is apropos. You probably heard a lot of things you didn’t like.  But, how about his stance on the right of parents to choose a high quality school environment for their children? Now,…

CPS Could Be Fully Funded Through Taxes on Services Like Haircuts: Expert

The funding for Chicago Public Schools may soon come from an unlikely source: haircuts. Or at least from services like it. The idea was promoted by Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, who was among the speakers at a budget forum hosted Monday night by the education advocacy group Raise Your Hand. Illinois ranks dead last in…