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Dr. Willie Wilson makes good his promise, donates $10,000 to JRW for legal fees

Vows to open account for donations

By Chinta Strausberg

With Attorney Victor Henderson already aboard in launching an investigation into the Little League International’s revoking the Jackie Robinson West (JRW) team’s national title based on alleged residency rules violations, mayoral candidate Willie Wilson Friday made good his promise and donated $10,000 for their legal fees and a Black History Achievement trophy that read, “We Shall Believe.”

Henderson is confident that the team did not violate any residency rules and said if necessary he will file an appeal.  He will be at a championship rally for the JRW team Saturday, February 14^th, 10 a.m. at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, 930 E. 50^th St.

In the interim, Wilson, who held a press conference at the corner of 107^th and Aberdeen, where he was joined by his campaign manager, Rev. Greg Livingston, Bishop James Dukes, who is running for alderman of the 17^th Ward, Pastor St. John Chisum, former Cook County Tax Appeals Comm. Robert Shaw and others.

Making it clear that his press conference was “non-political,” Wilson presented the $10,000 check and the trophy, which addressed to the team read, “We Shall Believe,” to Bishop Dukes, who said he is the team’s chaplain.

“We will stick with our kids…,” Wilson said. “The guy who let the air out the football and he is still playing. Why didn’t they get rid of him…. “

Saying this is something dear to him, Wilson said, “I take off my political heart. This is coming from my heart…as a parent.” Wilson said he gave $10,000 to JRW last year and has supported the team for several decades.

Wilson said it is time to open an account so that the team will have operation money. “I will get an account where others can” contribute. He had his political sign removed so prove this was not a political stunt.

“We are going to stand by our kids…,” Wilson said. “Let’s not just talk about it. Step up to the plate” and contribute and support the team.  Wilson said, “Our kids deserve the best we can give….”

Dukes, pastor of the Liberation Christian Center, said he remembered going to the south suburbs and how they were made to take off their uniforms because it said “All Stars” and how they were not allowed to warm up. “We still won,” he said. “We are going to win.”

Shaw said, “There are some adults that stand behind them…. They should not have been involved in this….. Why would you punish the children…. It’s absurd….”

Ald. Carrie Austin (34^th) said as far as she is concerned JRW are “still our champions.” She too questioned why the title was taken away after the team won the national title.

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