february 2016 - Chicago People`s Voice Newspaper

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February 2016
The Heart & Soul
of Chicago TM
First Edition
Volume 20 Issue 2
FREE
Lake County
Edition
Minister Terry & Sandra Atwater
Named Most Infuential African
Americans of Lake County
See Most Influential stories
throughout this edition.
Page 2
Chicago People’s Voice
The
E. Reed Report
Regional • State • Federal
Business • Social • Legislative
Activity That Affects You
The Strength To Love
Special Note: In honor of Black History Month, I abdicate the pen to Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. and to excerpt(s) of his book “The Strength to Love” where he
articulated the concepts behind the non-violent civil rights movement he led.
T
hen said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they
do. -Luke 23:34
Few words in the New Testament more clearly and
solemnly express the magnanimity of Jesus’ spirit than that sublime utterance from the cross, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they
do.” This is love at its best.
We shall not fully understand the great meaning of Jesus’ prayer
unless we first notice that the text opens with the word “then”. The verse
immediately preceding reads thus: “And when they were come to the
place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors,
one on the right hand, and the other on the left. “Then said Jesus, “Father,
forgive them.”
Then-when he was being plunged into the abyss of nagging agony.
Then – when man had stooped to his worst. Then – when he was dying, a
most ignominious death. Then – When the wicked hands of the creature
had dared to crucify the only begotten Son of the Creator. Then said
Jesus, “Father, forgive them.” That “then” might well have been otherwise.
He could have said, “Father, get even with them,” or “Father, let
loose the mighty thunderbolts of righteous wrath and destroy them,:” Or
“Father , open the flood gates of justice and permit the staggering avalanche of retribution to pour upon them.” But none of these was his response. Though subjected to inexpressible agony, suffering excruciating
pain, and despised and rejected, nevertheless, he cried, “Father, forgive
them.”
Let us take note of two basic lessons to be gleaned from this text.
First, it is a marvelous expression of Jesus’ ability to match words with actions….On the one hand, we proudly profess certain sublime and noble
principles, but on the other hand, we sadly practice the very antithesis of
those principles. We make our fervent pleas for the high road of justice,
and then we tread unflinchingly the low road of injustice. This strange dichotomy, this agonizing gulf between the ought and the is, represents the
tragic theme of man’s earthly pilgrimage.
February 2016
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But in the life of Jesus
we find that the gulf is
bridged. Never in history was
there a more sublime example
of the consistency of word
and deed….This strange doctrine awakened the questioning mind of Peter. “How
oft,” he asked, “shall my
brother sin against me, and I
forgive him? Til seven times?”
Peter wanted to be
legal and statistical. But Jesus
responded by affirming that
there is no limit to forgiveness. “I say not unto thee,
Until seven times: But, Until seventy times seven.” In other words, forgiveness is not a matter of quantity, but of quality. A man cannot forgive
up to four hundred and ninety times without forgiveness becoming a part
of the habit structure of his being.
Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.
Jesus also admonished his followers to love their enemies and to
pray for them that despitefully used them.
The oceans of history are made turbulent by the ever-rising tides
of revenge. Man has never risen above the injunction: “Life for life, eye
for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” In spite of the fact
that the law of revenge solves no social problems, men continue to follow
its disastrous leading. History is cluttered with the wreckage of nations
and individuals that pursue this self-defeating path.
Jesus eloquently affirmed from the cross a higher law. He knew
that the old eye-for-eye philosophy would leave everyone blind. He did
not seek to overcome evil with evil. He overcame evil with good. Although crucified by hate, he responded with aggressive love.
What a magnificent lesson! Generations will rise and fall; men will
continue to worship the god of revenge and bow before the altar of retaliation; but ever and again this noble lesson of Calvary will be a nagging reminder that only goodness can drive out evil and only love can conquer
hate.
February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
Page 3
New Lapel Pin Renews Conversation About Race Equity
After visiting the civil rights
museum in Birmingham Alabama,
Retired Military leader, John Woods
developed an idea. An idea that he
thinks will help to correct a wrong
prevalent in our society.
According to John, African
Americans lag as an ethnic group
far behind whites, Hispanics, and
Asians in most social and economic
indicators. In an age of proclaimed
social equity, “We are all on a level
playing field,” the question arises,
Why?
Woods is not alone in his assessment of the conditions of
African Americans in the United
John Woods- Lapel Pin Designer
States. According to the American
Psychological Association, African
American children are three times more likely to live in poverty than Caucasian
children. Minorities are more likely to receive high-cost mortgages. And the unemployment rates for African Americans are typically double those of Caucasian
Americans. Additionally, African American men working full time earn 72 percent
of the average earnings as compared to caucasian male.
One can look at health disparities, unemployment among black youth (his-
torically running more than 50% in urban areas), crime, you name it, African
Americans disproportionately suffer.
If then the playing field is level, as some claim it to be, why are all these
indicator so-skewed.
According to John, if you were to look at it from the perspective of a
race track, the answer becomes clear.
Theoretically speaking, Whites are on the inside lane of the race track of
life. Asians are second, Hispanics are third and Blacks are on the outer realm.
As any track and field athlete will share, runners on the outside lane have
further to go get to the finish line -even though they are all on the same track.
On the surface, it looks like all is fair, but upon closer scrutiny, Whites
have a head’s up in a number of areas, namely: better education, familiar coaching,
and access to better jobs through existing relationships. All advantages ensure an
inside track to success.
All of these place Majority citizens in the inner circle of the race, ensuring
that they will be further along as it relates to identifiable indicators of the quality
of life.
John Woods, said that he designed a lapel pin for everyone to wear during
Black History Month. The Lapel pin graphically explains the racist tract that the
races are on which depicts African Americans on the outer lane.
He hopes that by wearing the pin, individuals will spark conversations
about the condition of African Americans and how that we as a society can overcome the inequities. To learn more about the Race Track PIN, please call John
Woods at 847-828-8970.
-Story by Elroy Reed
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Keynote Speaker
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Page 4
Chicago People’s Voice
The
LOCKHaRT-WHITE REPORT
February 2016
February 2016
Barbara Gist
Community Service Award
A communique of the Community Action Partnership of Lake County
CLOSING THE
ACHIEVEMENT GAP
To increase the
achievement levels
of minority and lowincome
students, we
Mary Lockhart-White
need
to
focus on
Executive Director, CAPLC
what really matters:
high standards, a
challenging curriculum and teachers.
There’s been a lot of talk about the
achievement gap that separates low-income
and minority youngsters from other young
Americans. For more than a generation, we
focused on improving the education of poor
and minority students. Not surprising, we
made real gains. Between 1970 and 1988, the
achievement gap between African American
and White students was cut in half, and the
gap separating Latinos and whites declined
by one-third. That progress came to a halt
around 1988. However and since that time,
the gaps have widened.
Although everybody wanted to take credit
for narrowing the gap, nobody wanted to
take responsibility for widening it. So, for a
while, there was mostly silence.
But that is changing. Good. Because if
we don’t get the numbers out on the table
and talk about them, we’re never going to
close the gap once and for all. I worry,
though, about how many people head into
discussions without accurate data. And I
worry even more about how many education
leaders have notions about the whys beneath
the achievement gap.
What’s going on? Over the past five year’s
staff members at the Education Trust have
share these and related data on the achievement gap with hundreds of audiences all
over the United States. During that time they
learned a lot about what people think is
going on.
When they spoke with adults, no matter
where they were in the country, they made
the same comments. “They’re poor.” “Their
parents don’t care “They come to school
without an adequate breakfast, “They don’t
have enough books in the home.” Indeed,
there aren’t enough parents in the home; parents are workings and not always available to
engaged, right or wrong.
Young people, however, have different
answers. They talk about teachers who often
do not know the subjects that they are teaching. They talk about counselors who consistently underestimate their potential and place
them in lower-level courses. They talk about
Principals who dismiss their concerns. And
they talk about a curriculum and a set of expectations that feel so miserably low-level
that they literally bore the students right out
of the school door.
The truth is that the data bear out what
the young people are saying. It’s not that issues like poverty and parental education
don’t matter. Clearly they do. But we take
the students who have less to begin with and
they systematically give them less in school.
In fact, we give these students less of everything that we believe makes a difference.
Let me be clear, it would help if changes
were made outside of schools, too. If parents spent more time with their children, if
poverty didn’t crush so many spirits, and if
the broader culture didn’t bombard young
people with so many destructive message.
But because both research and experience
show that what schools do, matters greatly.
Let’s concentrate on what works in education.
Give them a Head Start and Parent and
Community Engagement. SOURCE DATA FROM
ASCD, LEARN, TEACH, LEAD
Barbara Gist and State Rep. Rita Mayfield
Barbara is the recipient
of the 2016 Most Influential
African American Community
Service Award. She was previously employed with the Lake
County Health Department for
13 ½ years in the Behavioral
Health Assertive Community
Treatment Program, serving the
homeless and mentally ill in our
community. She is currently
working for the Lake County
Assessor’s Office providing assistance to Seniors, Veterans and
Homeowners seeking to reduce
their property tax liability.
Barbara is a member of
the DOVES (Divinely Orchestrated Vessels Empowering Sisters) which provides mentoring
to youth in Lake County, a
Member and Business Manager
for the Enlightened Rydaz
Motor Club that provides free
book bags to area youth. She
serves as the original Lake
County Honor Guard Escort
and provides free Thanksgiving
dinners to area homeless and
disadvantaged.
Barbara volunteers at
the Captain James A. Lovell
Federal Healthcare Center participating in the Readying Warriors and Caring for Heroes
Programs.
In her spare time she is a volunteer Zumba and Step Aerobics
Instructor for the Family First
Center in Waukegan and the
Lake County Women’s Residential Services in Vernon Hills.
She is the proud mother
of two beautiful daughters
Tamaron & Raven and grandmother to an awesome granddaughter TaMiyah.
She gives God all the
honor and glory for the talents
and gifts he has placed in her.
Service to others is one of the
greatest gifts a person can give.
Money is spent, material things
fade away and memories are a
thing of the past. But the ability
to serve is always present.
February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
US Congressman Bob Dold
Freedom Award
tives. During his first
term he served on the
prestigious Committee
on Financial Services and
amassed a record as one
of the most effective, independent and bipartisan
members of the 112th
Congress.
He
was
deemed the most effective freshman in Congress at advancing his
legislative agenda.
After a two-year break in
Congressman Dold seen here with
service, Bob was again
Publisher, Elroy Reed
elected to represent Illinois'
10th District in Congress in
November of 2014 and was
US Congressman Bob Dold is sworn in as a member of the 114th Conthe recipient of the 2016 Most Influential gress in January of 2015. He serves on the
African Americans of Lake County Free- Committee on Ways and Means, which is
the chief tax-writing committee of the
dom Award.
Congressman Bob Dold is cur- United States Congress. Serving on the
rently in his second term serving the peo- committee gives the Tenth District an
ple of Illinois’ 10th Congressional even larger role in advancing solutions to
some of the most pressing challenges we
District.
A native of northern Illinois, face. Bob is committed to advancing biDold earned B.A. from Denison Univer- partisan legislation to grow the economy,
sity. He later earned a law degree from In- protect our environment, and ensure the
diana University, where he was selected by safety and security of America’s homehis classmates to give the commencement land, as well that of our greatest ally, Isaddress. He also holds a Masters in Busi- rael.
Bob and his wife Danielle are the
ness Administration from Northwestern
University’s Kellogg School of Manage- proud parents of three children – Harper,
Bobby and Honor. Bob has served on the
ment.
Prior to being elected to Con- Board for the Boys & Girls Club of Lake
gress in 2010, Bob served as President of County and volunteered his time as a
his family’s business, Rose Pest Solutions, board member for the Northeast Illinois
the oldest pest management company in Council for the Boy Scouts of America.
Bob also has been active with the
the United States, which serves families
and businesses throughout the 10th Dis- Honor Flight program, which is committed to ensuring that those who so bravely
trict and beyond.
Recognizing that it was time to served this country in World War II have
lead, Bob first ran for Congress in 2010 the opportunity to travel to Washington,
and was elected that year to serve the 10th D.C. and visit the WWII Memorial.
District in the U.S. House of Representa-
Page 5
Community Leaders Read To
Disadvantaged Children on King Day
Waukegan, IL – CAP of Lake County’s RSVP Program led 14 Lake County
residents in reading an age-appropriate book on the life of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. and created “dream clouds” with Head Start children ages 3-5 years
old at several Lake County Head Start Centers in volunteer service to honor
Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy. Lake County residents were joined by hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the country on this national day of
service.
Among the volunteers were Congressman Robert Dold, Mayor Kristina Kovarik, Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., Former State Representative Brad
Schneider, Mark Dietzen (representing Senator Mark Kirk), National Association of University Women members Jeanette Keyes and Sylvia England,
Lake County Sheriff ’s Office Chief Jennifer Witherspoon, Marsha Belcher,
Pamela Buckle, Timothy Hyland, Moszella Jackson, Candace Jacobsen and
Mary Latham.
“On Tuesday, January 19, 2015 we answered Dr. King’s call to serve and to
make a difference in the lives of Lake County residents,” said Mary Lockhart
White, the Executive Director/CEO of Community Action Partnership of
Lake County. “A resourceful way to meet local needs, volunteer service is a
powerful tool that builds strong communities. We are putting the core American principle of citizenship and service into action.”
Page 6
Chicago People’s Voice
February 2016
Pastor Jimmie L. Williams
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Williams
is the recipient of the Lifetime
Achievement Award.
After serving for 26 years in the
military, Williams became active in
the YMCA working in Denver, Colorado, Wichita, Kansas and subsequently relocated to Waukegan as the
Executive Director of the YMCA
South Side Branch. There he became
active in shaping the lives of many
Rev. Jimmie L. Williams with
young men and women through proRev. Eugene Roberson
gramming. He joined the Ward Memorial Church of God in Christ and
served as Associate Pastor. And later, in December of 1984 he founded
Heavenly Places Tabernacle of Prayer of North Chicago.
On December 13, 2015 Williams celebrated his 76th Birthday and
30th Anniversary of the Heavenly Places Tabernacle of Prayer Church.
Over the years, Heavenly Places has ministered to thousands and nur-
tured several ministers who have gone on to pastor other churches.
One of Pastor Williams’ crowning achievements is the nurturing of a
professional heavy weight boxer, Renaldo Snipes. Williams explains that
he discovered Snipes in Wichita, Kansas while he was working as a YMCA
Director. Snipes moved to Lake County when Williams accepted the position of YMCA Director in Waukegan. Snipes moved to continue his
boxing training. Renaldo Snipes turned Pro in 1978 and in 1981 he gained
national recognition as he fought Larry Holmes for the Heavy Weight
Championship World Title. Snipes was stopped in the 11th round. Prior
to that, Snipes had been undefeated with a professional record of 22-0.
Williams, himself, was a championship boxer while serving in the Marine Corp. Prior to that he was an all-around athlete. He played basketball,
and played semi-pro baseball at the age of 15.
Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Williams is a member of the North Chicago Chamber of Commerce and the NAACP. In 1991 he was Harambee’s “Man
of the Year”. In 2006, he was inducted into the Lake County Civil Rights
Hall of Fame and in 2008 he was recipient of the Vision Award for the
Lake County’s Most Influential African American
February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
Page 7
Frank Tatum Lifetime Achievement Award
Frank Tatum is the recipient of the Lifetime
Achievement Award.
To know Frank Tatum is to know Jesus. For
34 years, Frank played the title role of Jesus in
the Easter production “He Decided to Die”,
written and directed by the late Edna Earl Scott
Brown and produced by the First Corinthian
Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago.
Frank worked at Veteran’s Administration
Hospital in North Chicago and retired after 28
years
of
faithful service.
Frank, age
69, has been
a member of
F i r s t
Corinthian
Missionar y
Baptist for
the past 46
years and is a
veteran
member in
the Voices
of Corinthian choir, the platform that made him a
local legend
Frank spends time serving others and for the past
nine years, has volunteered 600 hours per year at the
Lakeside Rehabilitation Center’s Countryside Association and also gives service to the First
Corinthian’s Kitchen.
Frank says, “I want people to know that they
should do the very best in anything that they are
given to do. Give your all and always seek God.”
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Page 8
Chicago People’s Voice
February 2016
Michele Vaughn, Ed.D.
Humanitarian Award
Michele Vaughn is the recipient of the 2016
Most Influential African Americans of Lake
County Humanitarian Award. Vaughn is the
Founder & CEO of the Teen & Single Mother Resource Center, Inc.
The primary mission of the organization is to
empower single mothers to become a role model
to their children through the power of advanced
education. Prior to the launch of this non-profit,
Darius Brooks, Michele Vaughn, and Tammy Moore
Dr. Vaughn worked for eight years in higher education at the College of Lake County in Grayslake,
her own company recently launched “Lead 2 Inspire
IL., as an Associate Dean.
It was here that she worked diligently to make edu- Training Institute”.
Dr. Vaughn has earned an Associate of Arts Degree
cation accessible by partnering with various community
from
the College of Lake County, a Bachelor Degree in
agencies to offer GED, ESL & Career Development for
a population that was considered least likely to succeed Psychology from Columbia College of Missouri, a Masbut the most in need. In 2015, Dr. Vaughn joined the ter of Science Degree in Counseling from Capella UniJohn C. Maxwell Certified Leadership Team as a Coach, versity, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at
Teacher and Speaker that has been embedded within Argosy University.
Jerrice Young
Scholarship Recipient
Jerrice Young was born September 28, 1995 to
the proud parents of Vanessa and Gale Young. Jerrice was raised in a traditional Christian household
with her five siblings, Gale, Dominique, Curtis,
Demetrious, and Maurice Young, her twin.
Jerrice started her dance career at the age of
seven at Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Zion
IL, and has performed in Milwaukee and throughout the Lake and Cook County area. Not only has
Jerrice been active in praise dancing since she was
young, she was also an award winning cheerleader throughout grade and high school.
She has also received numerous awards for the best captain and leadership awards
from the Jazz Steppers and Elite Striders Drill Teams.
Jerrice is currently a Sophomore at Central State University Wilberforce Ohio, with
two of her other siblings. She is majoring in psychology and mortuary science. Her ultimate goal is to be a Mortician. Jerrice is also a part of a teen based web series called "The
Bridge", and the driving force in Jerrices' life at this time is her LOVE of FAMILY.
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February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
Page 9
Brian Isom
Civic Leadership
Brian Isom is the recipient of the
2016 Most Influential African American
of Lake County Civic Leadership Award.
Brian Isom has worked in the
criminal justice field approximately 20
years. He is currently a Principal Probation Officer for the 19th Judicial Circuit
of Lake County in Waukegan, IL. Brian
has been with the 19th Circuit since FebBrian Isom with State’s attorney Mike Nerheim, Darius Brooks and Tammy Moore
ruary 1999 and his experience consists of
both the Juvenile and Adult Systems.
During his career with the 19th Judicial Circuit he has held posi- ices to adult clients as an agent of change and as an advocate for public
tions as a Senior Detention Counselor, Principal Juvenile Intensive Officer, safety. Brian is a graduate of Indiana University, where he received his
and currently a Principal Adult Probation Officer specializing in domestic B.A. in Criminal Justice. While there he became a member of Phi Beta
violence cases. In 2003, Brian was selected as Employee of the Month in Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.
In addition to his longstanding interest in community, Brian serves
the Juvenile Division.
as
a
Deacon
at North Shore Church of Christ in Waukegan. Brian lives
In 2013 he earned Employee of the Month in the Adult Division and ultimately achieved the award of “Employee of the Year” in that same year. in Lindenhurst, IL with his wife, their two children, and his mother.
Brian continues to be committed to Lake County providing needed serv-
Page 10
Chicago People’s Voice
Pearl Lawson
Humanitarian Award
Pearl Lawson is the recipient of
the 2016 Most Influential African
Americans of Lake County Humanitarian Award.
“God’s Amazing Grace” are
the profound and provoking words
that remain at the core of what motivates Pearl J. Lawson as she stays
steadfast on her life’s journey to empower, educate, encourage and mobilize women about the importance
of breast cancer awareness. While
also making time to reach back to
the youth in the community to encourage, prepare and assist them
with future college plans.
Pearl’s community involve-
ment includes:
Waukegan Township Volunteer Fundraiser, Social Media and
HBCU College Tour Recruiter and
Chaperone, Advocate Condell
Medical Center – Cancer Wellness
Volunteer Designer Barbara Bates
Foundation – Fundraiser and
Knocking Out Breast Cancer Gala
Fashion Show Model Volunteer,
Member of Sigma Gamma Rho
Sorority Incorporated
P earl is also an active member of
Mt. Sinai Institutional Baptist
Church in North Chicago, IL.
Pearl Lawson and
Darius Brooks
February 2016
Page 11
Chicago People’s Voice
February 2016
Various Scenes
A Night
The Most Influential
to Relect
African Americans
and
of Lake County
One to
Awards.
Remember
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When you sign up before January 6, 2016
Page 12
Chicago People’s Voice
February 2016
James Sisson
Arts and Entertainment Award
James W. Sisson is the recipient of the 2016 Most Influential
African Americans of Lake County
Awards Arts and Entertainment
Award. He is the founder of a community based choir known as The
Chosen Ones. The Choir was formed
in 2001 with about 25 members.
Among putting on gospel concerts,
the Chosen Ones and James Sisson
has a ministry of visiting the homes
of sick and shut in, nursing homes,
and medical facilities. The Chosen
Ones will be found feeding the home-
less, ministering at the mission, homeless shelters, and to those in recovery.
You will also see TCO in the community working on fundraisers. By patronizing and supporting our efforts,
you too are a part of this great ministry! The future aspirations of TCO
are to conduct music workshops and
perform a live recording. In all, James
Sisson and The Chosen Ones endeavor to be instruments of praise,
while striving to be a blessing in the
lives of God’s people.
Davarrius Wilson
Arts and Entertainment Award
Davarrius Wilson is the recipient of the 2016 Most Influential
African American of Lake County
Arts and Entertainment Award.
Davarrius
is a musical child
prodigy. Born to Pamela London
and Kenny Wilson, at the age of 4,
Davarrius discovered a talent for
playing the drums.
At the age of 14, he had a
dream that he could play the keyboard. So his parents took him to
the store and purchased a portable
piano. When he received the keyboard, he started playing with no
practice or training. By 16 he had
mastered the art of the musical keyboard.
Since then he has received
the Black Diamond Award. He was
a two-time gold medalist winner in
the NAACP Actso Competition.
He won first place in Lake County
Got Talent contest.
Davarrius plays for Youth Praising
God, with Tranelle Duffie, and
teaches music theory at Lions Math
and Science Academy.
Davarrius is the Director of
Music for the Waukegan Community Church.
February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
Page 13
Teena Longmire-Watkins
Community Service Award
Teena Longmire-Watkins with Darius Brooks and Tammy Moore
Teena Longmire-Watkins is the recipient of the 2016 Most Influential
African American of Lake County Community Service Award.
Teena has been an event planner for 10 years. She holds a Bachelor's
degree in International Business, She is currently pursuing her Master's
degree. Since 2005, Teena has mentored women of all ages and races
by providing mentoring for personal development.
In 2005 she started Sweetface, a program targeted for mentoring and
helping junior high and high school girls to build their self-esteem, develop life skills, apply for scholarships, learn finance, etiquette and much
more. Her focus to empower women continued to grow with the creation of Picture Me Elevating, a women's empowerment conference in
2012 which she hosts annually.
In 2014, Teena’s commitment and focus on empowering women expanded even further, to honoring women in the local community for
their success when she began Women Who Dream.
Teena is very active in her community and continues to volunteer her
time and service. Teena continues to provide programs, conferences and
events to empower young women to be their best, live their best and to
create their best life.
Latrice Benjamin
Entrepreneurial Award
Latrice Benjamin is the recipient of the 2016
Most Influential African American Entrepreneurial
Award. She is the owner of L’Amari Hair Salon in
Waukegan IL, founded in 2006.
Born and
raised in Waukegan, Benjamin is a single mother of two.
A licensed Cosmetologist for 23 years, Latrice attended cosmetology school at John Amico through the
Waukegan High School Vocational program. While in
Cosmetology school, Latrice worked as an assistant for
Bernadette Tally and Michael Miller at Foxworth Hair Design from 1990 to 1992.
In 1993 Latrice worked at Essence VIP under the
training of owner Terez Ziegler. Under her leadership Terez mentored
Latrice and taught her many cutting and styling skills.
Latrice was offered an opportunity to manage a salon (The
Works) from 1998-2005 before opening her own salon L’Amari in 2006.
Latrice Benjamin, Janice Bennett and Tammy Moore
The name L’Amari means “The Strong Builder” which is a philosophy that Latrice stands by.
Latrice has a very loyal following and she can credit that because
of her genuine need to make her customers happy.
Page 14
Chicago People’s Voice
February 2016
Rev. Clarence and Karen Evans
Religious Leadership Award
Rev. Clarence and Karen Evans with State’s attorney Mike Nerheim
As a couple, Rev. Clarence and Karen Evans are the recipient of the 2016
Most Influential African Americans of Lake County Religious Leadership Award.
Karen is currently the Superintendent of Sunday School and Director of the
Mass Choir at Mt. Sinai Institutional Baptist Church. She is a strong advocate for
Christian Education and encourages others to be all they can be in Christ. Karen is
a charter member of the renowned community choir, the Voices of Innerpeace.
For the past 18 years, she has worked as the Director of Human Resources at Consumers Credit Union. There she is driven to build a diverse employee population
and have created an environment and culture to make Consumers Credit Union
an employer of choice in Lake and Cook County. Consumers Credit Union is an
annual sponsor of the Most Influential African American Awards night.
Rev. Clarence Evans is currently an Associate Minister at Mt. Sinai. He spearheads the Evangelism Ministry. This ministry provides Bible Study to residents
of Gateway, a local treatment facility. He also drives the initiative to donate to
PADs.
Rev. Evans developed a program to provide the Lord’s Supper to residents
in local Nursing Homes, where he speaks Words of Encouragement to those residents who can’t make it to church. As a Sunday School teacher, he teaches God’s
Word to the Senior Saints of Mt. Sinai. He is now chaplain of the newly opened
Autumn Leaves Nursing Home in Gurnee and will be providing monthly services
to those residents. Rev. Evans is being considered to be a member of the Governing
Council for the Lake County Health Department. He is the former Director of the
local chapter of CeaseFire.
Rev. Clarence and Karen Evans have united in serving God and the Community. They have 3 daughters and 2 grandsons.
February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
Rev. Ramone Jones
Religious Leadership Award
Lake County Jail as a mentor,
bible study leader. worship leader
and as a chaplain for more than
10 years.
Jones is noted for assisting
newly released inmates with obtaining housing and transportation to church so that they can
stay connected.
Jones is a member of the
Rosalind Franklyn Medical
Rev. Ramone Jones is the School Institutional Review
recipient of the 2016 Most Influ- Board and is the Associate Minential African Americans of ister at First Baptist Church of
Lake County Religious Leader- North Chicago. He is married to
Daphne Jones and they have
ship Award.
Jones has worked in the three children and one grandchild.
Page 15
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Chicago People’s Voice
February 2016
Patricia Woodard
Charity Award
Patricia Woodard is the recipient of the 2016 Most Influential
African Americans of Lake County
Charity Award.
Woodard has worked for a
number of years as a model, fashion
show producer and commentator.
She has worked as a Gospel Radio
Announcer. She was the co-owner
of Fashions for All Seasons,
women’s and men’s retail clothing
boutique for about 10 years. She
also worked at Studio 41 in Sales and
Marketing. She holds a sales and
managerial certification in the car in-
Celebrating 30 Years In the Ministry
Heavenly Places Tabernacle of Prayer
1410 15th Street • north Chicago, iL 60064
847-473-2324
dustry with Lincoln, Mercury, Ford,
Jeep and BMW
Woodard worked with the
What’s Happening Magazine as Assistant to the Publisher in production
and administration. There she designed ads, was a writer, and worked
in sales and marketing.
Woodard serves in the community by supporting a multitude of
businesses including Changing Closets Resale where the proceeds benefit Shelia Daniels Christian Academy.
She also volunteers with Dr. Mary
Lacey / Mary's Mission & Shelter.
North Shore
Faith Community ChuRCh
Weekly Activity
Monday,
Bible Study Kukula Towers
6:00 pm
Wednesday,
Bible Study 6:00 pm
Thursday,
Prayer 6:00 pm
Friday,
Healing & Deliverance
Service 7:00 pm
Rev. Rosemarie Green, Senior Pastor
Soulful Sundays
Bible Study / Sunday School
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Sunday Services
Hour of Power Worship
Sunday School
10:00 AM
Sunday Morning
Worship Service
11:30
From 10:30 am - Noon
Founder and Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jimmie J. Williams & First Lady Juanita Williams
Meeting at Hampton Inn
550 Grand Avenue, Gurnee
Po Box 1802
847-770-5157
www.northshorefaith.org
Find us on Facebook [email protected] Gurnee, iL 60031
February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
Page 17
Scenes from the 2016 Most Influential African Americans of Lake County Awards
Queens Braids and
Beauty Salon
1131 Shiloh Boulevard
Zion, IL 60099
Proprietor - Corina Roberson
Salon Number 847-731-7222
Cellular: 847-975-7310
Regional Office of Education
Roycealee J. Wood
Regional Superintendent of Schools
800 Lancer Lane Suite E-128
Grayslake, Illinois 60030-2656
Phone 847-543-7833 Direct Line 847-543-7491
847-665-0595
Fax 847-543-7832
E-mail [email protected]
Joyce Parnell Realty
Joyce Parnell
Broker/Owner
Chicago Peoples Voice
The Heart & Soul of Chicago
(847) 722-6076
E-mail: [email protected]
~Certified HuD bidder~
www.joyceparnellrealestate.com
Telephone (847) 689-8855
Fax (847) 473-5588
Circulation - Lake County, Illinois Edition
approximately 10,000
E-mail: [email protected]
ChicagoPeoplesVoice.com
PeoplesVoice-Site. Org
Chicago Peoples Voice
PO Box 16464 • Chicago, Illinois 60616
847-473-5501
Give Cooperative Living a try
Carrying Charges starts at $526.00
tm
To advertise call us today
at 847-473-5501
Page 18
Chicago People’s Voice
February 2016
Gloria & George
Moore
Vision Award
George and Gloria Moore are the recipients
of the 2016 Most Influential African Americans of Lake County Vision Award. The
Moore’s are co-owner of Glo-More Cosmetics and Spa Salon of Gurnee, IL. Gloria
is a fashion model, entrepreneur, and
Regina Presley
Community Service Award
Regina Presley is the recipient of the 2016 Most Influential
African American of Lake County
Community Service Award. Presley
has been involved in outreach ministry for over 35 years.
She has spearheaded PADS
at Shiloh Baptist Church of
Waukegan since 2009 and has
hosted, served, orchestrated, clothed,
fed and provided services for over
5,000 homeless individuals ranging
from ages 7 days old to 83 years old,
every Wednesday from the months
of October to May.
She has recruited numerous
volunteers throughout Lake County
to assist her with her efforts, such as
Fraternities, Sororities, Co-workers,
Top Teens, church members and
auxiliaries, etc.
Regina resides in Waukegan
with her devoted and supportive husband (Leroy), and is the proud
mother of 1 lovely daughter
Monique and grandmother of 1
adorable grandson (Kaleb) of
Grayslake, IL.
Gloria is a fashion model, cosmetologist, entrepreneur and beauty shop
owner.
George Moore retired from
ComEd after 36 years of service.
Nearly ten years ago, George
Moore had a heart transplant. As a team,
they are licensed ministers who uses their
business, Glo-More Cosmetics and Spa, to
help instill in others a sense of self-worth,
self-improvement, and health awareness.
And while the salon specializes in outer
beauty, they say the real value is in helping
others bring out the beauty that lies within.
They have four adult children and
four grandchildren.
February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
Page 19
The Church of Three Ships...
Friendship...Fellowship...Worship
First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church
1529 Elizabeth Ave., North Chicago, IL 60064 ..........Office: (847) 473-1610 • Fax: (847) 473-2616
Rev. Eugene Roberson, Pastor
Sunday Morning
Worship Service.....8:00 a.m.
Sunday School.......9:00 aM
Sunday Worship...10:45 aM
bTu......................... 5:00 PM
Soup Kitchen..........3:00 PM
Every Saturday in the
annex Building at
Greenfield and 16th Street,
North Chicago
For more information, please call the church at (847) 473-1610
www.firstcorinthian.com
Pastor and First Lady
Eugene Roberson
Page 20
Chicago People’s Voice
Living Waters Apostolic Pentecostal Church
2001 Seymour Avenue
North Chicago, Illinois 60064-0559
Phone • 1-847-689-1955 : Fax: 1-847-689-2917
Church Schedule
10:00 a.m.
Christian Education
11:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship
4th Sunday, Women's Ministry 11:30 p.m.
Tuesday Fast & Prayer 7:00 p.m. • Thurs.Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
2nd Fri. Youth Service 7:00 pm. • Wed. Discipleship Class 7:00 pm.
February 2016
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist
Church of Waukegan
409 Wainlow avenue• Waukegan, IL 60085
847-244-5503
Sunday:
Sunday School 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
Mid-week Worship Study 7:00 p.m.
Pastor: Rev. Arthur J. Gass Sr.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. -John 3:3
February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
Page 21
...about
The Most Influential African American
Couple of Lake County
Minister Terry
& Sister Sandra
Atwater
Minister Terry V. Atwater
Sandra J. Atwater
Bro. Terry V. Atwater has been the minister of North
Shore Church of Christ in Waukegan, Illinois for 40 years and
a member of the Church over 55 years. Through his leadership
at North Shore, the Church has grown numerically and spiritually and has been blessed by many successes in the Youth Department, Substance Abuse Programs, Feeding the Hungry,
Training and Seminars helping people to raise their quality of
life.
He is the Director of the Midwest Youth Conference;
Board of Directors of Midwest Teachers Workshop; and the
Board of Directors of the Midwest Lectureship.
Atwater was educated at the University of Evansville,
Evansville, Indiana with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration.
He was a member of the University of Evansville basketball
team that had a perfect season winning the NCAA Championship.
He is the owner and President of Midwest Engineering
and Technical Services. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Lake County; and Kenosha
Achievement Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Bro. Atwater and
his wife, Sandra were recognized and warded the 2010 Vision
Award Most Influential African American in Lake County in
Illinois.
Bro. Atwater has three sisters whose parents are E. W.
& Thelma Atwater of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Bro. Atwater’s motto: “Serve People and Save Souls.”
Sis Sandra J. Atwater has been a member of the Church of
Christ over 50 years. She was baptized and developed spiritually by
teaching Primary and Junior Bible Classes in Evansville, Indiana
and continued at North Shore. Sis. Atwater has organized and presented at many Ladies Day Programs and Workshops, Lectureships
and Retreats, and other civic organizations. She is committed to education through United Way’s Success By Six Committee of the
United Way of Lake County.
Sis. Atwater graduated from Nursing School in Evansville,
Indiana and has worked as a Staff Nurse in Evansville and
Waukegan as as the Skin Care Co-Ordinator for Sunrise Crown
Manor Rehabilitation Center.
In 2014, Atwater authored a very successful book, “Serving
the Servant”.
Sis. Atwater is the oldest of five children. (two sisters and
two brothers) She is the daughter of Irene Walters of Fishers, Indiana and the late Elmer S. Walters Sr. Her motto: “Be all I can be,
but first be happy with who I am! Succeed by putting God first,
family second and everything else will fall into place with the Lord
as my Guide.”
Bro. & Sis. Atwater has been married for 49 years.
They have a daughter, Kimberly J. George of Kenosha Wisconsin;
a son, Terry V. Atwater II, of Gurnee, Illinois. Both children are
members of North Shore Church of Christ They have one granddaughter, Tiara L. Atwater; four grandsons, Vernon I. George, Terry
V. Atwater III, Vaylan I. George and Titus W. Atwater; all members
of the Church.
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Chicago People’s Voice
February 2016
Scenes from the 2016 Most Influential African Americans of Lake County Awards
February 2016
Chicago People’s Voice
Page 23
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Chicago People’s Voice
February 2016