
The State of Black Chicago?Commentary by Carl West of TruthBTold News Service and Next Generation Leadership Council Chicago has spent countless hours in the global news over the last few years and most of it has been less than favorable. Violence, higher than the national average unemployment and gas prices, terrible involvement by minorities in city and state construction contracts and powerless political operatives who continue to deprive their voters of economic opportunities. A host of civil rights, business, community and spirituals leaders will convene this Saturday to discuss Chicago's past, its present and future in relations to how Blacks have progressed since the great migration. These panel of experts are expected to discuss failures, accomplishments and how certain parts of Black Chicago has remained stagnated when it comes to economic development and educational advancements. |
I will be on hand as a member of the Media Committee to give relevant insight into how I think we must execute strategies and changes for long term growth, as well as some immediate impactful changes with meaningful results. Veteran political power broker Dorothy Brown, who presently resides as the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, was one of the brain thrust behind this gathering of thinkers, planners and successful personalities. The planning committee, along with a host of other scholars and community activists will try and unscramble the hidden causes of why progress in certain areas of the Black community has been slow to materialized in the third largest city in America. |
![]() Mr. Edward Gardner |
The State of Black Chicago Congress (SBCC) will focus on the African American community and address some of the many issues that we face in today's society. The SBCC has chosen nine issue areas that will lead the discussion.
Others who'll participate are Dr. Carol Adams, Dr. Robert Starks, John Rogers, Dr. Lance Williams, Harold Davis, Jr., Dr. Cathy Cohen, Marcus Smith, Honorable Bobbie Steele, Mary Datcher, Newsense, Dr. Michael Dawson, Dr. Frances Carroll, Jahmal Cole, Dr. Michael Toney, Dr. Garrard McClendon, Pastor Cy Fields, Klyn Jones, Dr. Valerie C. Johnson, Ranoule Tatum, Kenny Johnson and a host of others.
Honorary Chairs are Mr. Ed Gardner & Mr. Lupe Fiasco. Honorary Co Chairs are Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., Bernetta Howell Barrett, Rev. Willie Barrow, Dr. Timuel Black, Justice William Cousins and Dr. Christopher Reed.
The State of Black Chicago Congress: Saving Our Children, Saturday, June 1, at Chicago State University (Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center), 9501 S. King Drive. Check-in begins at 7:30am. Opening Session at 8:30am. Panels, networking, youth showcase & more! FREE admission and open to the public. It's advised that people register in advance, stateofblackchicago.org or 772.893.0265.

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marksallen2800@aol.com
Chairman & COO National Black Wall Street Chicago
(Rev. Willie T. Barrow Consumer Education and Consumer Action Project)
Founder/Lead Organizer, Illinois Voter Restoration Civic Education Project
Chief of Staff to National Chairman, National Black Wall Street USA
"And The Ordinary People Said" News Blog, www.chicagonow.com
Chairman, Community Reinvestment Organizing Project
Listed in 2012 Edition Who' Who In Black Chicago
4655 South King Drive, Suite 203
Chicago, Illinois 60653
(Office) 773-268-6900 or direct 773-392-0165
The Rev. Al Sharpton calls Mark Allen "one of Chicago's legendary political activists and one of the best organizers of his generation"
Chairman & COO National Black Wall Street Chicago
(Rev. Willie T. Barrow Consumer Education and Consumer Action Project)
Founder/Lead Organizer, Illinois Voter Restoration Civic Education Project
Chief of Staff to National Chairman, National Black Wall Street USA
"And The Ordinary People Said" News Blog, www.chicagonow.com
Chairman, Community Reinvestment Organizing Project
Listed in 2012 Edition Who' Who In Black Chicago
4655 South King Drive, Suite 203
Chicago, Illinois 60653
(Office) 773-268-6900 or direct 773-392-0165
The Rev. Al Sharpton calls Mark Allen "one of Chicago's legendary political activists and one of the best organizers of his generation"
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