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Chicago Celebrates St. Patricks Day WITH GREENING of river
Thousands Gather For St. Patrick's Day Water Dyeing
Chicago held its annual St. Patrick Day Celebration in Downtown Chicago on Saturday March 11th, 2023. The celebration kicked off with the dyeing of the Chicago River using a vegetable dye. The green dye was originally used to help in the effort to clean up the river's waterfront areas. According to NPR, when Richard J. Daley was first elected Mayor of Chicago in 1955, he attempted to discover where the sewage in the water was originating. The green dye was used to help identify the source of leaky pipes. Now the dyeing green of the Chicago River, a St. Patrick's day city tradition, is done with vegetable dye, to avoid toxic chemicals in the water. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
Dignitaries Join Citizens For Annual St Patrick's Day Parade
After the dyeing of the Chicago River, the St. Patrick Day Parade featured marching bands, union employees, and politicians. Chicago plumbers can be credited with creating a tradition of dyeing the river green for St Patrick's day. In 1962, the Plumbers Local union used 100 pounds of dye to turn the river green for St. Patrick's day and it stayed that way for an entire week. Smithsonian Magazine reports that environmentalists were able to convince the city to adopt a vegetable based dye, which ironically is orange. Apparently orange dye and blue water makes a lime colored green. Photo by Parthenia Luke
Artists Paint History of Activism on Chicago's South Side
The mural the side of Woodlawn Family Health Center, 6250 S. Cottage Grove was created by Rahmaan Statik. The other artist were Damon Lamar Reed and Sterling Price (Pugs). Afrika Porter's likeness with her trademark locks is painted on the wall in the historic Woodlawn community where the literary legend Sam Greenlee, writer of the legendary novel "The Spook Who Sat by the Door" once resided. His novel, turned into a film, was recently inducted into the Library of Congress. This inspired Afrika to create the Emmy Award winning documentary on urban violence, Chicago at the Crossroads (www.chicagoatthecrossroad.com). Photo by Naimah Latif
Shoppers at Five Store Locations Line Up Early For Free Coupons
Hundreds stood in line in the cold in anticipation of this special holiday gift from Dr. Willie Wilson. In addition to Montrose Food Mart and Deli at 6601 West Irving Park, Dr. Wilson also distributed $25 coupons at four other Chicago Grocery stores: Pete's Produce, 1543 E. 87th Street, Pete's Produce, 1411 W. 87th Street, Cermak Little Village, 3311 W. 26th Street, and Shop and Save Market, 6312 N. Nagle Avenue. This food give away program was done through the Dr. Willie Wilson Foundation, a non profit organization headquartered on Chicago's south side. Here, Dr. Wilson and store owners of Montrose Food Mart and Deli hand out $25 gift coupons tor groceries to shoppers. Dr. Wilson stated that he has been doing charitable activities such as food giveaways and financial assistance to the needy since 1980, in Chicago, across America and even overseas, though his actions were not made public until he became a candidate for public office. He is currently one of nine candidates who are running against current Chicago Mayor Lorie Lightfoot in the upcoming February 2023 election. Photo by Naimah Latif.
Rainbow PUSH Feeds 1,000 For Thanksgiving
Rev. Jackson Breaks Bread With Veterans
CHICAGO - In the spirit of giving, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. had a sit down dinner with veterans and distributed 1,000 meals to others throughout the city on Thanksgiving. The Rainbow PUSH Thanksgiving Day Food Justice Program is made possible with the partnership of Gibson's Steakhouse, which provided 500 Thanksgiving meals, and 500 meals donated by Boston Markets. Rev. Jackson at with 100 veterans at the Rainbow PUSH Headquarters and delivered 900 meals across the city.
In photo: Bishop Tavis Grant, Rainbow PUSH Acting National Executive Director, prays over the meals as student volunteers prepare to serve. Photo by John L. Alexander
Many Veterans "Unsung Heroes"
"No one should be hungry in America," said Rev. Jackson, "And they shouldn't have to go to jail just to get three meals and a warm place to sleep." Rev. Jackson said many detainees are "jail hawkers who are cold, and they have a lot of friends, too."
"We are focusing on veterans," said Bishop Grant. "These unsung heroes have served our country. Many of them are homeless, uninsured, and many are left out of the opportunity of realizing quality of institutions. We must do better." Photo by John L. Alexander
CPD Tactical Officer Saves A Life
Quick Thinking, Life Saving Skills Make A Difference
CHICAGO - A man owes his life to the quick thinking and rapid response of a Chicago Police Officer who responded to a medical emergency call in the city's 20th District early Saturday morning, January 22, 2022.
Tactical Officer Dambra was first on the scene and noticed an unresponsive male. Officer Dambra immediately began performing CPR for several minutes before handing the man over to Chicago Fire Department Paramedics. Officer Dambra is trained in Law Enforcement Medical and Rescue Training (LEMART). Because of Officer Dambra’s training and quick response, a man is alive today to enjoy more time with his loved ones.
CPR training can make the difference between life and death in the moments before paramedics arrive on the scene. The citizens of Chicago say "Thank you, Officer Dambra." #CPDMediaCar
Black Farmers Fear Land Harmed By Nicor Gas
Black Farmers Fear Land Harmed By Nicor Gas
Black Farmers Fear Land Harmed By Nicor Gas
Rod Wilson of the Eugenia Burns Hope Center expresses concerns by Black Farmers in Pembroke that they will lose ownership of their land to Nicor Gas Company. Photo by Marcus Robinson
Farmers Demanding Renewable Energy Sources
Black Farmers Fear Land Harmed By Nicor Gas
Black Farmers Fear Land Harmed By Nicor Gas
Dr. Jifunza Wright-Carter of the Black Oaks Center in Pembroke, which is already using solar panels, states that clean, renewable energy sources can be used to generate power for their farms. Photo by Marcus Robinson
Forty Years Ago Gas Requested: Not Today
Forty Years Ago Gas Requested: Not Today
Forty Years Ago Gas Requested: Not Today
Ephraim Martin, a Pembroke farmer, states that.while forty years ago the Pembroke community had asked for a gas pipeline, gas is now obsolete and clean, renewable energy is preferred. Photo by Marcus Robinson
Lawyers Represent Farmers in Court
Forty Years Ago Gas Requested: Not Today
Forty Years Ago Gas Requested: Not Today
Gavin Kearney with the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights that is representing the Black Farmers of Pembroke, states that this is an environmental issue that must be fought. Photo by Marcus Robinson.