Deanna Kimberly Burrell's Blog: The Red Cup Adventures, page 2
September 28, 2020
Someone You Should Know: Mandene Muhammad, Owner of the Legacy Men's Boutique
What is Your Legacy?
Founded in fall of 2017 by Mandene Muhammad, Legacy Men's Boutique exists to provide high end men's clothing and accessories at affordable prices. Previously nestled in the heart of Bronzeville Chicago on King Drive, Mandene and staff are proud to serve the community and provide an inviting atmosphere which caters to the urban and sophisticated man who is building a legacy of style. On Saturday, October 3rd (11am-7pm), the Legacy Men's Boutique will launch a new chapter in a new location at 107 E. 47th Street next to the Abundance Bakery. The new location will be bigger and even better.
About Mandene Muhammad
As a dedicated follower of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Mandene said like a lot of people he understands the importance of giving back. His mother died at a young age and his aunt did not hesitate to adopt him and his brother. He remembers that finances in the household were tight and his aunt struggled to collect nice clothes for them. As an adult, Mandene took to collecting clothes so he could help kids in need of every day school clothes and special occasion outfits for graduation, prom, etc. Mandene had collected so many clothes that his closets were overflowing, but he had not yet gotten to the important step of distributing the clothes back into the community. It was good news that people were so generous with their donations. But bad news because Mandene was running out of space.
For many years Mandene worked in the background with Brother Munir Muhammad running the Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad (C.R.O.E.) and the popular Munir Muhammad TV show on cable access. He was comfortable in the background and it wasn't until he decided to open his own business that he realized all the entrepreneurial lessons he had gained from having Brother Munir as a mentor. Brother Munir often spoke about how he always had multiple streams of income. Munir sold insurance and he sold men’s and women’s suits out of the truck of his car. Munir said in business it's important to have flexibility and low overhead. By selling out of the trunk of his car, he could sell when he wanted to or needed money and he didn't have the expense of a brick and mortar store.
In 2017, with overflowing closets of donated clothes, Mandene decided it was his time to give back to the community. He wanted to cater to men, boys, and parents of young men who want to invest in style without breaking the bank.
Quality Clothes At Thrift Shop Prices
Legacy offers a wide selection of clothes (many major brands) and a full line of accessories for men. Staff members are always happy to assist and can answer any questions you may have. There is something for EVERY man in your life. For people who don’t like previously owned or gently used clothes, there are new items in stock. At Legacy, you don’t have to break the bank to look good. Shop Strong, Recycle Black Dollars, Look Fly, and still have money in your pockets.
Clothing
Whether you're on your way to an interview or a night out on the town, Legacy has classic pieces to help make your experience legendary...Everything from unique suits to jeans.
Accessories
Its always a great idea to finish the look with pieces that adds a little extra to the top. Legacy has everything from exquisite neck ties to sunglasses.
Shoes
You can always tell where a man is going by looking at his shoes. Legacy offers a wide array of shoes for him...Everything from dress to casual.
"Our Legacy Lives Long."
In 2017, Mandene knew it was time to get the overflowing clothing donations out of his house and into the hands of young boys and men in the community. He often ordered food at the now closed Jerk Shack across from National Black Wall Street Chicago at 47th and King Drive. When he was waiting for them to prepare his order, he'd walk around the building. One day inspiration hit and he knew it was time to come out from Brother Munir's shadow and build his own legacy. He rented space in the EastLake building on 47th and the business took off. Personally, 2019 was a rough year with the passing Brother Munir, two uncles, and one cousin he was very close to was murdered in a tragic shooting. And 2020 has been...well 2020. But Mandene has built his legacy. He's prepared to weather the storms to fulfill his purpose to give back to the community by providing quality men's clothing at thrift store prices. He feels blessed that in this hectic year, he was able to move to a larger location that grants him visibility to street traffic. Please join Mandene and his staff on Saturday, October 3rd for the Grand Opening at the NEW LOCATION...107 E. 47th Street from 11am-7pm.
Reviews from Facebook:
*Great service! I brought my son in to purchase some items for graduation photos. I was able to afford shirt, tie, sweater, pants, belt, shoes and even cuff links! The salesman was able to coordinate his entire outfit effortlessly and even showed my son how to properly tie his necktie ! � I met the owner while I was there. So impressed and I will be back!
*Beautiful place, atmosphere and clothing. Highly recommended!!!
*Stopped in today to pick up a few things for my husband and son. I hit a home run with the amazing pieces I was able to find. Both my husband and son we’re pleased with the shirts, jacket and watch. They had a great selection of quality items at an affordable price. The service and atmosphere was phenomenal as well. I encourage you to check it out and support. We need more of this in our community. It certainly an inspiring experience.
*Great service and the prices are just right!! Their shoe selection is outstanding!!
*Great place to find blazers; greater place to give in donating for others to have!
*Fantastic atmosphere and clothing tailored towards men, that a thoughtfully chic fashionista can wear too.
*Quality and elegance personified-- to look elegant, classy & swanky, you don't need to break your bank & you wont at Legacy Men's Boutique
*OUTSTANDING SERVICE...OUTSTANDING PRICES
One of the best kept secrets on the South side of Chicago. Black owned with great selection. Please check it out.
107 E. King Drive (NEW Location)
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: (872) 228-1871
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sat, 11am - 7pm
Sundays by appointment
(872) 228-1871
Founded in fall of 2017 by Mandene Muhammad, Legacy Men's Boutique exists to provide high end men's clothing and accessories at affordable prices. Previously nestled in the heart of Bronzeville Chicago on King Drive, Mandene and staff are proud to serve the community and provide an inviting atmosphere which caters to the urban and sophisticated man who is building a legacy of style. On Saturday, October 3rd (11am-7pm), the Legacy Men's Boutique will launch a new chapter in a new location at 107 E. 47th Street next to the Abundance Bakery. The new location will be bigger and even better.
About Mandene Muhammad
As a dedicated follower of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Mandene said like a lot of people he understands the importance of giving back. His mother died at a young age and his aunt did not hesitate to adopt him and his brother. He remembers that finances in the household were tight and his aunt struggled to collect nice clothes for them. As an adult, Mandene took to collecting clothes so he could help kids in need of every day school clothes and special occasion outfits for graduation, prom, etc. Mandene had collected so many clothes that his closets were overflowing, but he had not yet gotten to the important step of distributing the clothes back into the community. It was good news that people were so generous with their donations. But bad news because Mandene was running out of space.
For many years Mandene worked in the background with Brother Munir Muhammad running the Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad (C.R.O.E.) and the popular Munir Muhammad TV show on cable access. He was comfortable in the background and it wasn't until he decided to open his own business that he realized all the entrepreneurial lessons he had gained from having Brother Munir as a mentor. Brother Munir often spoke about how he always had multiple streams of income. Munir sold insurance and he sold men’s and women’s suits out of the truck of his car. Munir said in business it's important to have flexibility and low overhead. By selling out of the trunk of his car, he could sell when he wanted to or needed money and he didn't have the expense of a brick and mortar store.
In 2017, with overflowing closets of donated clothes, Mandene decided it was his time to give back to the community. He wanted to cater to men, boys, and parents of young men who want to invest in style without breaking the bank.
Quality Clothes At Thrift Shop Prices
Legacy offers a wide selection of clothes (many major brands) and a full line of accessories for men. Staff members are always happy to assist and can answer any questions you may have. There is something for EVERY man in your life. For people who don’t like previously owned or gently used clothes, there are new items in stock. At Legacy, you don’t have to break the bank to look good. Shop Strong, Recycle Black Dollars, Look Fly, and still have money in your pockets.
Clothing
Whether you're on your way to an interview or a night out on the town, Legacy has classic pieces to help make your experience legendary...Everything from unique suits to jeans.
Accessories
Its always a great idea to finish the look with pieces that adds a little extra to the top. Legacy has everything from exquisite neck ties to sunglasses.
Shoes
You can always tell where a man is going by looking at his shoes. Legacy offers a wide array of shoes for him...Everything from dress to casual.
"Our Legacy Lives Long."
In 2017, Mandene knew it was time to get the overflowing clothing donations out of his house and into the hands of young boys and men in the community. He often ordered food at the now closed Jerk Shack across from National Black Wall Street Chicago at 47th and King Drive. When he was waiting for them to prepare his order, he'd walk around the building. One day inspiration hit and he knew it was time to come out from Brother Munir's shadow and build his own legacy. He rented space in the EastLake building on 47th and the business took off. Personally, 2019 was a rough year with the passing Brother Munir, two uncles, and one cousin he was very close to was murdered in a tragic shooting. And 2020 has been...well 2020. But Mandene has built his legacy. He's prepared to weather the storms to fulfill his purpose to give back to the community by providing quality men's clothing at thrift store prices. He feels blessed that in this hectic year, he was able to move to a larger location that grants him visibility to street traffic. Please join Mandene and his staff on Saturday, October 3rd for the Grand Opening at the NEW LOCATION...107 E. 47th Street from 11am-7pm.
Reviews from Facebook:
*Great service! I brought my son in to purchase some items for graduation photos. I was able to afford shirt, tie, sweater, pants, belt, shoes and even cuff links! The salesman was able to coordinate his entire outfit effortlessly and even showed my son how to properly tie his necktie ! � I met the owner while I was there. So impressed and I will be back!
*Beautiful place, atmosphere and clothing. Highly recommended!!!
*Stopped in today to pick up a few things for my husband and son. I hit a home run with the amazing pieces I was able to find. Both my husband and son we’re pleased with the shirts, jacket and watch. They had a great selection of quality items at an affordable price. The service and atmosphere was phenomenal as well. I encourage you to check it out and support. We need more of this in our community. It certainly an inspiring experience.
*Great service and the prices are just right!! Their shoe selection is outstanding!!
*Great place to find blazers; greater place to give in donating for others to have!
*Fantastic atmosphere and clothing tailored towards men, that a thoughtfully chic fashionista can wear too.
*Quality and elegance personified-- to look elegant, classy & swanky, you don't need to break your bank & you wont at Legacy Men's Boutique
*OUTSTANDING SERVICE...OUTSTANDING PRICES
One of the best kept secrets on the South side of Chicago. Black owned with great selection. Please check it out.
SHOP IN CONFIDENCE:
Great Selections, Amazing Prices, Friendly Service
Legacy Men's Boutique is a high end men's clothing boutique with thrift store prices. We specialize in styling the man who is building a legacy!
107 E. King Drive (NEW Location)
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: (872) 228-1871
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sat, 11am - 7pm
Sundays by appointment
(872) 228-1871
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The $13 paperback and $5 ebook are available by clicking here.
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June 17, 2020
Thursday, 6/18/2020: After Happy MLK BornDay, Now What?
GodS MORNING!
MONDAY was Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's Born Day. I didn't post a blog because I spent the ENTIRE day in deep reflection and contemplation. Since I didn't post a blog, I know you know that the last posted homework rolled over to yesterday and subsequent days. You have had more than enough work days and a weekend to ideate and complete the same homework assignment. Your homework should be ready to be turned in. This is your last warning. Stand by to await instruction.
Intermittently over the past few days, I've crawled into a WonderLandHole, CurledUp, and SnuggledComfortedMyself. I AM AN ESSENTIAL WORKER. I TAKE CARE OF ME FIRST THEN I TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF MY QUEENDOM.
Rev. Dr. King was born January 15, 1929. He would have been 91 years old if he had not been assassinated on April 4, 1968. Significant controversy remains surrounding his death. In 2004, Reverend Jesse Jackson SR. stated:
The fact is there were saboteurs to disrupt the march. And within our own organization, we found a very key person who was on the government payroll. So infiltration within, saboteurs from without and the press attacks. ... I will never believe that James Earl Ray had the motive, the money and the mobility to have done it himself. Our government was very involved in setting the stage for and I think the escape route for James Earl Ray.
A persons' BORNday says a lot about them. I was born on Feb 23rd which is W.E.B. DuBois' birthday and annual finale day for the Nation of Islam's Saviours Day conference. Saviours' Day is a holiday of the Nation of Islam commemorating the birth of its founder, Master Wallace Fard Muhammad (W. D. Fard), officially stated to be February 26, 1877. February 23rd is a big deal because it's the final day and Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan always delivers a dynamic and powerful finale.
Growing up learning about Black History Month ICONS and attending NAACP event with my social butterfly, maternal grandmother, I identified that I had the same Bday as WEB. In learning more about his life and philosophies, I knew that I was the Talented Tenth he spoke of and I happily settled into my responsibility of educating and enlightening myself, building leadership skills, and fortifying my backbone.
It wasn't until Northwestern freshman year that I learned my birthday falls on the Nation Of Islam's Saviours' Day Conference finale. A theology grad student and undergrad from Gary, IN who were roommates off campus had adopted me as their little sister. They invited me to go with them as my birthday present to Saviours' Day to see Farrakhan speak but I refused. I wanted to do something fun on my Bday with my two college girlfriends or maybe I was dating some guy. I assumed someone would plan something fun for me. I don't remember the particulars, but I remember laying on my pink extra-long twin bed sheets alone and bored. I remember thinking...I should have gone to Saviours' Day to hear Farrakhan speak who I didn't know much about. For the next three years, they invited me to Saviours' Day and I always refused and then regretted it. Having a dead of winter birthday is challenging. I don't remember having any fun birthday celebrations at Northwestern where its extra cold being right on Lake Michigan. Every thing and one is frozen, miserable, and cranky. Planning and then going outside to do something for my birthday is very low on totem pole and so easy to forget and dismiss. Having a winter birthday often feels like having no birthday at all. You just add a year to your age, bundle up, and keep it moving. #WinterBabyBlues #MyFirstWorldProblems
You can tell a lot about a person from their birthday. In my illustrious dating career, I have snagged some choice and interesting fish to match my personality as a premium and interesting girl. Remember, I happily settled into my role as DuBois' Talented Tenth at an early age. I went on my first date in 8th grade. We took the bus to the movies to see Boomerage. He laughed hard at everything. I had no idea what was going on in the movie but it was obvious that he was way more knowledgeable about the sex stuff than I was. He really liked me, but I thought the whole thing was weird and I was confused on why Eddies' toes stuck up in the bed and why that was soooo funny. After the movie, we went to the toy store in the Ford City Mall so I could buy packs of Beauty and the Beast trading cards. I was so close to completing my collection. We both knew we were a mismatch so we easily, quickly, and quietly returned to just being friends.
Having to traverse from 80th and Constance on the SouthSide to Whitney Young Magnet High School, helped me mature considerably. I've always marched to my own beat, but I love to laugh and make others laugh. Other girls usually think I'm weird so my circle of associates was mainly the fellas. Yes, I'm one of those girls who has mostly male friends. Guys can handle my biting sarcasm and I enjoy hearing their uniquely male perspectives on life. In high school, I ended up dating not one...but two guys with January 15 birthdays.
My first January 15 BORNbaby was in my sophomore year. He was a tall, light-skinned, goofy freshman crushing on my hard. I said I mostly have a cadre of male friends, but for time-to-time, I will align with one or two females who have a similar sense of humor. We'll kick it hard; being close for years and then something will happen (sometimes I know exactly what happened and sometimes I don't) and that relationship will end. My "best female girlfriend" at the time would roast this freshman royally and shamelessly subtly preying and laughing at his growing affection for me. He was the first person to stick in my mind that January 15 was King's birthday so I should never forget his birthday. He was goofy, but super sweet and you gotta admit...the kid had good taste. The most interesting things about this Hyde Park baby was that his father was a Civil Rights Attorney with the NAACP and he was the first person I knew who attended Mosque Maryam highly recommending I go. He had a car and would occasionally drive me to lunch. On Valentine's Day, he delivered 11 pink roses to my door. Flattered by his persistent courted, I started to see him in a new light. Unbeknownst to me, he was courting me while another was chasing him. She gave him access to her jewel and he told me my kisses were too wet. We soured and he enfolded himself in her bosom. I momentarily mourned what I now had wanted yet lost. But as a student under the tutorship of the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Colemon, I ultimately concluded the universe had decided and I would continue on my solo scholarly sojourn. They were both light and tall. I saw from the bus stop as he drove her home every day as he should. I fix my posture, busied my eyes with distraction, and let the feelings wane. No harm. No foul. I get a call one day...Your boy is in JAIL! WHAT? He's so goofy. For what bogus police racism? NO...it's serious. He and his HP crew jacked a car and got caught. WHAT? I thanked the universe that he was not my problem and went back to studying. Different version swirled around. He returned to school eventually but the rest did not. I was curious...yes nosey...by my compassion directed me. I reached out to him to let him know I was still his friend and praying for him. Surprisingly he unburdened himself to me. Yes they had done it. Yes they were caught. But he was freed on a technicality. When arrested, he told the police his father was a lawyer but they continued to question him. Hound him and the others. When his father got to the station, his lawyer hat flipped on. The police violated his rights so they had to release him. The others not so lucky. The guilt was heavy. My compassion turned to rage. I couldn't nor wouldn't hold my tongue. You have a car. Why did you try to steal someone's car? No good answer. Are you just bored? Stupid? Fucking goofy? The conversation ended that he needed to grow the fuck up and even though I'm pissed I'm still your friend you fucking idiot. He ended up marrying a different classmate and seems happily familied. Alls Well.
My second January 15 BORNbaby was junior year. We met at a party. He was tall, light skinned, broad shoulders, smooth, and funny. But he lived in the far blackfight suburbs of Olympia Fields. His family ran a precious hair care business and their Luster shined bright behind the gated community of MayneGate. Dont remember ever going to his house. His Southern crew loved hanging in the city so they would drop him at my house. I fell hard seduced by the softest lips surprised that distance only increased our attraction. He challenged me with word play, confusing stories, and sophisticated tales. We talked all night and I struggled to fill the air with worth words. His kisses made me tingle. We whispered on the landline with the refrigerator as our soundtrak. He asked for more. I initially was grossed out with his mouthy suggestion but upon further consideration realized I could be open to something more. Our undoing was Baby bell phone math. My parents raged when they saw the phone bill. Long distance love would have to flourish without lengthy conversations. It did not. We did not. But we would run into each other occasionally. Him smile and easy laugh always warmed my heart. I heard you got married and had a family. Then he died. I discovered this in passing and didn't do the research to fully verify. I don't want to know. (I wrote this blog on Monday and couldn't post it. I now know why. I had to confirm if Precious was passed on. I found a post from his sister who I don't know and have never met. Apologies for posting your FB post without your permission. I pray this is okay. Let me know I you want the post deleted.)
So every January 15th, I think of King's Birthday and his LEGACY of SERVICE.
I'm moving slow this week and hope Black Chicago is also. This is time for reflection and healing. Call the names of the ancestors. Tell the funniest signature tales. Black Chicago is on RonaLockdown. Enjoy the down time. You should be well rested. Lets start waking up. The weekend will be litAF...Juneteenth will FINALLY GET A PROPER CELEBRATION AND WE MUST HONOR OUR DADDYKINGS. STEAK AND EGGS...FRANKS RED HOT FOR ALL...I'MA DADDYS GIRL...LOVEMYDADDYCAKES!
FIREWORKS, JUNETEENTH, DADDYSDAY...ENJOY THE WEEKEND CAUSE NEXT WEEK WE GRIND ON THIS NATION BUILDING.
Today’s Chicago Renaissanve assignments (6/18/20):
What three things are you purging/cleaning today?
What three things are you planning for today?
What three things are you preparing today?
WAIT...Did I hear you say...HEY...Today's assignments are the same as yesterday. Yes, It's the same. Why...you ask? Well, did you do yesterday's assignments? No...and there's your answer. That was the pop quiz. Grade your paper and put your grades and notes in the comments below or the RCA Facebook page.
I will add this bonus assignment:
GROUP SUPPORT EFFECT: FUNDRAISING FOR PUSH BLACK
Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I'm raising money for PushBlack and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I've included information about PushBlack below.
PushBlack is a nonprofit media company dedicated to raising up Black voices. We are a small team but we have an outsized impact:
We reach tens of millions of people with our BLACK NEWS & HISTORY STORIES every year.
We fight for CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM to protect our community.
And as a nonprofit, we rely on small donations from subscribers like you.
With as little as $5 a month, you can help PushBlack raise up Black voices. Support our work: https://www.pushblack.us/donate-now?source=facebookabout
Check out the latest: https://www.pushblack.us/
Join the Chicago Renaissance Revolution by liking The RED CUP ADVENTURES Facebook (click here) page, find this post, and drop your check ins through out the day to track your progress.
USE THE HASHTAGS:
#HowWeFight #CHICAGORenaissanve #FollowTheRedCup
The top three comments will win an awesome RCA prize to be announced tomorrow at 9am. Winners must LIKE the RCA FB page AND use ALL three hashtags!
In the meantime, break yourself FOOL!
Now back to the program:
MONDAY was Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's Born Day. I didn't post a blog because I spent the ENTIRE day in deep reflection and contemplation. Since I didn't post a blog, I know you know that the last posted homework rolled over to yesterday and subsequent days. You have had more than enough work days and a weekend to ideate and complete the same homework assignment. Your homework should be ready to be turned in. This is your last warning. Stand by to await instruction.
Intermittently over the past few days, I've crawled into a WonderLandHole, CurledUp, and SnuggledComfortedMyself. I AM AN ESSENTIAL WORKER. I TAKE CARE OF ME FIRST THEN I TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF MY QUEENDOM.
Rev. Dr. King was born January 15, 1929. He would have been 91 years old if he had not been assassinated on April 4, 1968. Significant controversy remains surrounding his death. In 2004, Reverend Jesse Jackson SR. stated:
The fact is there were saboteurs to disrupt the march. And within our own organization, we found a very key person who was on the government payroll. So infiltration within, saboteurs from without and the press attacks. ... I will never believe that James Earl Ray had the motive, the money and the mobility to have done it himself. Our government was very involved in setting the stage for and I think the escape route for James Earl Ray.
A persons' BORNday says a lot about them. I was born on Feb 23rd which is W.E.B. DuBois' birthday and annual finale day for the Nation of Islam's Saviours Day conference. Saviours' Day is a holiday of the Nation of Islam commemorating the birth of its founder, Master Wallace Fard Muhammad (W. D. Fard), officially stated to be February 26, 1877. February 23rd is a big deal because it's the final day and Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan always delivers a dynamic and powerful finale.
Growing up learning about Black History Month ICONS and attending NAACP event with my social butterfly, maternal grandmother, I identified that I had the same Bday as WEB. In learning more about his life and philosophies, I knew that I was the Talented Tenth he spoke of and I happily settled into my responsibility of educating and enlightening myself, building leadership skills, and fortifying my backbone.
It wasn't until Northwestern freshman year that I learned my birthday falls on the Nation Of Islam's Saviours' Day Conference finale. A theology grad student and undergrad from Gary, IN who were roommates off campus had adopted me as their little sister. They invited me to go with them as my birthday present to Saviours' Day to see Farrakhan speak but I refused. I wanted to do something fun on my Bday with my two college girlfriends or maybe I was dating some guy. I assumed someone would plan something fun for me. I don't remember the particulars, but I remember laying on my pink extra-long twin bed sheets alone and bored. I remember thinking...I should have gone to Saviours' Day to hear Farrakhan speak who I didn't know much about. For the next three years, they invited me to Saviours' Day and I always refused and then regretted it. Having a dead of winter birthday is challenging. I don't remember having any fun birthday celebrations at Northwestern where its extra cold being right on Lake Michigan. Every thing and one is frozen, miserable, and cranky. Planning and then going outside to do something for my birthday is very low on totem pole and so easy to forget and dismiss. Having a winter birthday often feels like having no birthday at all. You just add a year to your age, bundle up, and keep it moving. #WinterBabyBlues #MyFirstWorldProblems
You can tell a lot about a person from their birthday. In my illustrious dating career, I have snagged some choice and interesting fish to match my personality as a premium and interesting girl. Remember, I happily settled into my role as DuBois' Talented Tenth at an early age. I went on my first date in 8th grade. We took the bus to the movies to see Boomerage. He laughed hard at everything. I had no idea what was going on in the movie but it was obvious that he was way more knowledgeable about the sex stuff than I was. He really liked me, but I thought the whole thing was weird and I was confused on why Eddies' toes stuck up in the bed and why that was soooo funny. After the movie, we went to the toy store in the Ford City Mall so I could buy packs of Beauty and the Beast trading cards. I was so close to completing my collection. We both knew we were a mismatch so we easily, quickly, and quietly returned to just being friends.
Having to traverse from 80th and Constance on the SouthSide to Whitney Young Magnet High School, helped me mature considerably. I've always marched to my own beat, but I love to laugh and make others laugh. Other girls usually think I'm weird so my circle of associates was mainly the fellas. Yes, I'm one of those girls who has mostly male friends. Guys can handle my biting sarcasm and I enjoy hearing their uniquely male perspectives on life. In high school, I ended up dating not one...but two guys with January 15 birthdays.
My first January 15 BORNbaby was in my sophomore year. He was a tall, light-skinned, goofy freshman crushing on my hard. I said I mostly have a cadre of male friends, but for time-to-time, I will align with one or two females who have a similar sense of humor. We'll kick it hard; being close for years and then something will happen (sometimes I know exactly what happened and sometimes I don't) and that relationship will end. My "best female girlfriend" at the time would roast this freshman royally and shamelessly subtly preying and laughing at his growing affection for me. He was the first person to stick in my mind that January 15 was King's birthday so I should never forget his birthday. He was goofy, but super sweet and you gotta admit...the kid had good taste. The most interesting things about this Hyde Park baby was that his father was a Civil Rights Attorney with the NAACP and he was the first person I knew who attended Mosque Maryam highly recommending I go. He had a car and would occasionally drive me to lunch. On Valentine's Day, he delivered 11 pink roses to my door. Flattered by his persistent courted, I started to see him in a new light. Unbeknownst to me, he was courting me while another was chasing him. She gave him access to her jewel and he told me my kisses were too wet. We soured and he enfolded himself in her bosom. I momentarily mourned what I now had wanted yet lost. But as a student under the tutorship of the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Colemon, I ultimately concluded the universe had decided and I would continue on my solo scholarly sojourn. They were both light and tall. I saw from the bus stop as he drove her home every day as he should. I fix my posture, busied my eyes with distraction, and let the feelings wane. No harm. No foul. I get a call one day...Your boy is in JAIL! WHAT? He's so goofy. For what bogus police racism? NO...it's serious. He and his HP crew jacked a car and got caught. WHAT? I thanked the universe that he was not my problem and went back to studying. Different version swirled around. He returned to school eventually but the rest did not. I was curious...yes nosey...by my compassion directed me. I reached out to him to let him know I was still his friend and praying for him. Surprisingly he unburdened himself to me. Yes they had done it. Yes they were caught. But he was freed on a technicality. When arrested, he told the police his father was a lawyer but they continued to question him. Hound him and the others. When his father got to the station, his lawyer hat flipped on. The police violated his rights so they had to release him. The others not so lucky. The guilt was heavy. My compassion turned to rage. I couldn't nor wouldn't hold my tongue. You have a car. Why did you try to steal someone's car? No good answer. Are you just bored? Stupid? Fucking goofy? The conversation ended that he needed to grow the fuck up and even though I'm pissed I'm still your friend you fucking idiot. He ended up marrying a different classmate and seems happily familied. Alls Well.
My second January 15 BORNbaby was junior year. We met at a party. He was tall, light skinned, broad shoulders, smooth, and funny. But he lived in the far blackfight suburbs of Olympia Fields. His family ran a precious hair care business and their Luster shined bright behind the gated community of MayneGate. Dont remember ever going to his house. His Southern crew loved hanging in the city so they would drop him at my house. I fell hard seduced by the softest lips surprised that distance only increased our attraction. He challenged me with word play, confusing stories, and sophisticated tales. We talked all night and I struggled to fill the air with worth words. His kisses made me tingle. We whispered on the landline with the refrigerator as our soundtrak. He asked for more. I initially was grossed out with his mouthy suggestion but upon further consideration realized I could be open to something more. Our undoing was Baby bell phone math. My parents raged when they saw the phone bill. Long distance love would have to flourish without lengthy conversations. It did not. We did not. But we would run into each other occasionally. Him smile and easy laugh always warmed my heart. I heard you got married and had a family. Then he died. I discovered this in passing and didn't do the research to fully verify. I don't want to know. (I wrote this blog on Monday and couldn't post it. I now know why. I had to confirm if Precious was passed on. I found a post from his sister who I don't know and have never met. Apologies for posting your FB post without your permission. I pray this is okay. Let me know I you want the post deleted.)
So every January 15th, I think of King's Birthday and his LEGACY of SERVICE.
I'm moving slow this week and hope Black Chicago is also. This is time for reflection and healing. Call the names of the ancestors. Tell the funniest signature tales. Black Chicago is on RonaLockdown. Enjoy the down time. You should be well rested. Lets start waking up. The weekend will be litAF...Juneteenth will FINALLY GET A PROPER CELEBRATION AND WE MUST HONOR OUR DADDYKINGS. STEAK AND EGGS...FRANKS RED HOT FOR ALL...I'MA DADDYS GIRL...LOVEMYDADDYCAKES!
FIREWORKS, JUNETEENTH, DADDYSDAY...ENJOY THE WEEKEND CAUSE NEXT WEEK WE GRIND ON THIS NATION BUILDING.
Today’s Chicago Renaissanve assignments (6/18/20):
What three things are you purging/cleaning today?
What three things are you planning for today?
What three things are you preparing today?
WAIT...Did I hear you say...HEY...Today's assignments are the same as yesterday. Yes, It's the same. Why...you ask? Well, did you do yesterday's assignments? No...and there's your answer. That was the pop quiz. Grade your paper and put your grades and notes in the comments below or the RCA Facebook page.
I will add this bonus assignment:
GROUP SUPPORT EFFECT: FUNDRAISING FOR PUSH BLACK
Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I'm raising money for PushBlack and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I've included information about PushBlack below.
PushBlack is a nonprofit media company dedicated to raising up Black voices. We are a small team but we have an outsized impact:
We reach tens of millions of people with our BLACK NEWS & HISTORY STORIES every year.
We fight for CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM to protect our community.
And as a nonprofit, we rely on small donations from subscribers like you.
With as little as $5 a month, you can help PushBlack raise up Black voices. Support our work: https://www.pushblack.us/donate-now?source=facebookabout
Check out the latest: https://www.pushblack.us/
Join the Chicago Renaissance Revolution by liking The RED CUP ADVENTURES Facebook (click here) page, find this post, and drop your check ins through out the day to track your progress.
USE THE HASHTAGS:
#HowWeFight #CHICAGORenaissanve #FollowTheRedCup
The top three comments will win an awesome RCA prize to be announced tomorrow at 9am. Winners must LIKE the RCA FB page AND use ALL three hashtags!
In the meantime, break yourself FOOL!
Now back to the program:
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
June 12, 2020
Friday, 6/12/2020: Today's Chicago Renaissanve Assignments
Good Morning! Rise and Shine...In that order.
(This was supposed to post yesterday morning at 9am, but there was a glitch in the matrix. I scheduled it and didn't notice it didn't post. I was riding my bike all day. Apologizes...I know to double check in the future. Good News...you had extra time to completed the 6/11 homework assignments. Hope you took advantage of that extra time. There will be a pop quiz later.)
Today’s Chicago Renaissanve assignments (6/12/20):
What three things are you purging/cleaning today?
What three things are you planning for today?
What three things are you preparing today?
WAIT...Did I hear you say...HEY...Today's assignments are the same as yesterday. Yes, It's the same. Why...you ask? Well, did you do yesterday's assignments? No...and there's your answer. That was the pop quiz. Grade your paper and put your grades and notes in the comments below or the RCA Facebook page.
I will add this bonus assignment:
GROUP SUPPORT EFFECT: FUNDRAISING FOR PUSH BLACK
Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I'm raising money for PushBlack and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I've included information about PushBlack below.
PushBlack is a nonprofit media company dedicated to raising up Black voices. We are a small team but we have an outsized impact:
We reach tens of millions of people with our BLACK NEWS & HISTORY STORIES every year.
We fight for CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM to protect our community.
And as a nonprofit, we rely on small donations from subscribers like you.
With as little as $5 a month, you can help PushBlack raise up Black voices. Support our work: https://www.pushblack.us/donate-now?source=facebookabout
Check out the latest: https://www.pushblack.us/
Join the Chicago Renaissance Revolution by liking The RED CUP ADVENTURES Facebook (click here) page, find this post, and drop your check ins through out the day to track your progress.
USE THE HASHTAGS:
#HowWeFight #CHICAGORenaissanve #FollowTheRedCup
The top three comments will win an awesome RCA prize to be announced tomorrow at 9am. Winners must LIKE the RCA FB page AND use ALL three hashtags!
In the meantime, break yourself FOOL!
Now back to the program:
(This was supposed to post yesterday morning at 9am, but there was a glitch in the matrix. I scheduled it and didn't notice it didn't post. I was riding my bike all day. Apologizes...I know to double check in the future. Good News...you had extra time to completed the 6/11 homework assignments. Hope you took advantage of that extra time. There will be a pop quiz later.)
Today’s Chicago Renaissanve assignments (6/12/20):
What three things are you purging/cleaning today?
What three things are you planning for today?
What three things are you preparing today?
WAIT...Did I hear you say...HEY...Today's assignments are the same as yesterday. Yes, It's the same. Why...you ask? Well, did you do yesterday's assignments? No...and there's your answer. That was the pop quiz. Grade your paper and put your grades and notes in the comments below or the RCA Facebook page.
I will add this bonus assignment:
GROUP SUPPORT EFFECT: FUNDRAISING FOR PUSH BLACK
Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I'm raising money for PushBlack and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I've included information about PushBlack below.
PushBlack is a nonprofit media company dedicated to raising up Black voices. We are a small team but we have an outsized impact:
We reach tens of millions of people with our BLACK NEWS & HISTORY STORIES every year.
We fight for CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM to protect our community.
And as a nonprofit, we rely on small donations from subscribers like you.
With as little as $5 a month, you can help PushBlack raise up Black voices. Support our work: https://www.pushblack.us/donate-now?source=facebookabout
Check out the latest: https://www.pushblack.us/
Join the Chicago Renaissance Revolution by liking The RED CUP ADVENTURES Facebook (click here) page, find this post, and drop your check ins through out the day to track your progress.
USE THE HASHTAGS:
#HowWeFight #CHICAGORenaissanve #FollowTheRedCup
The top three comments will win an awesome RCA prize to be announced tomorrow at 9am. Winners must LIKE the RCA FB page AND use ALL three hashtags!
In the meantime, break yourself FOOL!
Now back to the program:
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
June 11, 2020
Thursday, 6/11/2020: Today's Chicago Renaissanve Assignments
Good Morning! Rise and Shine...In that order.
Today’s Chicago Renaissanve assignments:
What three things are you purging/cleaning today?
What three things are you planning for today?
What three things are you preparing today?
Join the Chicago Renaissance Revolution by liking The RED CUP ADVENTURES Facebook (click here) page, find this post, and drop your check ins through out the day to track your progress.
USE THE HASHTAGS:
#HowWeFight #CHICAGORenaissanve #FollowTheRedCup
The top three comments will win an awesome RCA prize to be announced tomorrow at 9am. Winners must LIKE the RCA FB page AND use ALL three hashtags!
In the meantime, break yourself FOOL!
Now back to the program:
Today’s Chicago Renaissanve assignments:
What three things are you purging/cleaning today?
What three things are you planning for today?
What three things are you preparing today?
Join the Chicago Renaissance Revolution by liking The RED CUP ADVENTURES Facebook (click here) page, find this post, and drop your check ins through out the day to track your progress.
USE THE HASHTAGS:
#HowWeFight #CHICAGORenaissanve #FollowTheRedCup
The top three comments will win an awesome RCA prize to be announced tomorrow at 9am. Winners must LIKE the RCA FB page AND use ALL three hashtags!
In the meantime, break yourself FOOL!
Now back to the program:
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
June 7, 2020
After Taking a Knee, Black NFL Players Need to Take Over the NFL Players Association #BlackLeadershipMatters
Warning: This blog is long and contains a lot of information, but it's worth the read. And since you can't watch a new NFL game today, you might as read about the real NFL game.
I wish more people understood that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s greatest legacy was not just protesting unjust laws and organizing boycotts. His greatest legacy was working within the political system to pass Civil Rights laws and compel government enforcement. In the 49'ers final preseason game on September 1, 2016, Colin Kaepernick took his first knee to use his massive sports platform to denounce and shine a light on the scourge of racism and police brutality in America and I was so proud of him. His protest followed in the heroic footsteps of Muhammad Ali, John Carlos, and Craig Hodges. But when Kaep admitted to not voting in the November 2016 election that propelled Donald Trump and all his ignorance and hatred to the White House, I have to say my pride in him was shaken.
In America, voting in an election is the easiest and most important thing a person of color can and should do to demand change. After the election, I wondered if a “woke” Kaepernick didn’t exercise his basic right to vote, what else is he and other Black National Football League (NFL) players sleeping on? Then Kaepernick decided to exercise his free agency clause which led to him being black balled by the NFL owners and I found my answer. The Black players of the NFL are asleep on the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). After taking a knee, the Black Players need to take over the NFLPA.
BACKGROUND ON UNIONS
From the website, The National Football League Players Association “is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected-including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989.”
From Wikipedia, the National Football League Players Association, or NFLPA, is the labor organization representing the professional American football players in the National Football League (NFL). The NFLPA, which has headquarters in Washington, D.C., is led by president J. C. Tretter and executive director DeMaurice Smith. Founded in 1956, the NFLPA is the second-oldest labor union of the four major professional sports leagues; it was established to provide players with formal representation to negotiate compensation and the terms of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The NFLPA is a member of the AFL–CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States.
Living in the city of Chicago, I understand the value and strength of unions. When the leaders of powerful Chicago unions like the Teamster, Chicago Teacher’s Union, and Fraternal Order of Police speak, the politicians and city leaders listen. To the politicians, the unions represent a large voting block and a large financial block. The union is a collective voice of the workers and it can cause a lot of trouble when the people they represent are not happy. The union also provides a safe space for players to air grievances and bargain collectively which is especially important in the NFL since many of the owners operate like they are slave masters on a plantation. On the NFL plantation, the workers/players are paid well, but as we have seen they don't have the freedom to express themselves. Black players will be black balled by the owners if they cause too much trouble and the NFLPA as the player's union is supposed to keep that from happening. Kaepernick and other Black players who took a knee with him were black balled and the NFLPA has not done nearly enough to help.
In an August 2017 interview with Deadspin (click here to read the article), the former NFLPA union president Eric Winston said, “We've been in contact with Colin's representatives, and we've let them know that we're there and ready to help with whatever they'd like—whether it's just some guidance on PR or whatever.” He continued with some platitudes about "the union's always stood ready", "We will continue to monitor that situation" and concluded with "At the end of the day, that's really it." When asked directly about Kaepernick being blackballed by the NFL owners he answered, "You definitely get that feeling—obviously, that's very hard to prove and it's very hard to show." Bottom line was the NFLPA President was not actively helping or advocating for Kaepernick which is not how unions are supposed to work. Eric Winston, a white man, is no longer the NFLPA President.
When I google NFLPA and Colin Kaepernick, the only official statement I found was on the NFLPA website and it's so sad and pathetic.
"Today, we were informed by the NFL of the settlement of the Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid collusion cases. We are not privy to the details of the settlement, but support the decision by the players and their counsel. We continuously supported Colin and Eric from the start of their protests, participated with their lawyers throughout their legal proceedings and were prepared to participate in the upcoming trial in pursuit of both truth and justice for what we believe the NFL and its clubs did to them. We are glad that Eric has earned a job and a new contract, and we continue to hope that Colin gets his opportunity as well." - NFLPA February 15, 2019 Statement
I'm assuming this statement was written by the NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Fitzgerald. As executive director he is the principal administrative officer and his previous work experience includes being the Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia and was Counsel to then Deputy Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. From the NFLPA website, this Black man is a graduate of Cedarville University and the University of Virginia School of Law. Smith is on the Faculty of the National Trial Advocacy College in Charlottesville, Virginia; Executive in Residence and the Darden Business School at the University of Virginia, and is a guest lecturer at Georgetown University, Columbia University, Harvard University, George Washington University, and the University of Virginia School of Law. He has also been a guest speaker at the New York Stock Exchange, Commencement speaker for the University of Maryland and for the Howard University School of Law (2012). You would think DeMaurice Fitzgerald would be too busy advocating for the NFL Players to have time to speak at so many universities and Wallstreet, but I guess he makes time to collect those hefty speaker fees.
BACKGROUND ON HOW THE NFLPA FITS INTO THE NFL PLANTATION
The United States of America was built as a Slave Labor society. After a civil war, America shifted to capitalism. Since white Americans now had to pay for labor, they utilized white supremacy and racism so they could pay their past slaves/now employees as little as possible. The American economy has always been profit over people. Corporate America is the new plantation. Our new slave masters can no longer beat us and torture our families, so they had to find other methods to control us. Just a few way our corporate America masters and overseers control us are by tying our health care to their employment, manipulating the unfree job market by operating as monopolies, colluding to suppress wages, prohibiting conversations about salary, and union busting.
HOW IS THE NFL PLANTATION ORGANIZED?
The NFL is a monopoly that is divided into 32 teams (AKA plantations AKA companies AKA brands) equally divided between the National Football Conference (NFC) and American Football Conference (AFC). Each team is a billion dollar company. 31 of the NFL teams are privately held by owners (AKA slave masters). The Green Bay Packers are the ONLY public company owned by the fans (as a Chicagoan, this is the only reason to cheer for the Packers). Most teams are run by families (pack oppressors) which pass the teams from generation to generation amassing billions for their families insuring generation wealth and securing their white supremacy.
On August 20, 1920 (100 years ago), a group of owners formed the American Professional Football Conference (APFC) to "raise the standard of professional football in every way possible, to eliminate bidding for players between rival clubs and to secure cooperation in the formation of schedules". The APFC would become the NFL which operates as the "parent or umbrella company" of the 32 teams. From Wikipedia, the NFL is one of the four major professional sports leagues in North America, the highest professional level of American football in the world, the wealthiest professional sport league by revenue, and the sport league with the most valuable teams.
From Wikipedia, At the corporate level, the National Football League considers itself a trade association made up of and financed by its 32 member teams. Up until 2015, the league was an unincorporated nonprofit 501(c) association. The NFL gave up the tax exempt status in 2015 following public criticism of Commission Roger Goodell $44 million salary as the league dealt with various scandals throughout the last year. Because the NFL no longer operates as a tax exempt entity, they are no longer required to publicly disclose the commissioner's salary. The league could still elect to disclose his salary in future years, but they haven't so far.
From Wikipedia, NFL revenue is from three primary sources: NFL Ventures (merchandising), NFL Enterprises (NFL Network and NFL Sunday Ticket, which the league controls), and the television contract. The league distributes such revenue equally among teams, regardless of performance. As of February 2019 each team receives $255 million annually from the league's television contract, up 150% from $99.9 million in 2010.[48]
Most NFL teams' financial statements are secret. The Kansas City Star obtained the Kansas City Chiefs' tax returns for 2008–2010. According to the Star, the team's revenue rose from $231 million in 2008 to $302 million in 2010. In 2010, two thirds of revenue came from the league: $99.8 million from NFL Ventures ($55.3 million) and NFL Enterprises ($44.6 million), and the $99.9 million share of the television contract. The remaining one third was from tickets ($42.4 million), corporate sponsorships ($6.6 million), food sales ($5 million), parking passes ($4.7 million), in-stadium advertising ($3.7 million), radio contract ($2.7 million), and miscellaneous sources.
The largest Chiefs expense in 2010 was $148 million for players, coaches, and other employees. Of the $38 million in operating income, Clark, Lamar Jr., two other children, and widow of former team owner Lamar Hunt divided $17.6 million, and reinvested the remaining $20 million into the team.
According to economist Richard D. Wolff, the NFL's revenue model is in contravention of the typical corporate structure. By redistributing profits to all teams the NFL is ensuring that one team will not dominate the league through excessive earnings. Roger Noll described the revenue sharing as the league's "most important structural weakness", however, as there is no disincentive against a team playing badly and the largest cost item, player salaries, is capped.
WHO CONTROLS THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE?
The owners. Roger Goodell is their overseer but like the players, he is also their employee. He gives advice to the owners and at the end of the day if they don't like his advice he can be fired.
HOW IS THE NFLPA organized?
From the website, The Board elects the NFLPA executive officers from among its ranks. The executive officers include the President and ten (10) Vice Presidents. The Executive Director is the principal administrative officer. The officers and the Executive Director are members of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee manages and transacts the business and affairs of the NFLPA between meetings of the Board of Player Representatives. Executive officers are elected for a two-year term in even-numbered years at the annual meeting of the Board of Player Representatives. They must have been members in good standing for one-year to be eligible to serve.
The executive committee consists of the following current and retired NFL players:
President J. C. Tretter, center with the Cleveland Browns from Batavia, NY (white)
Vice President Sam Acho, outside linebacker with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Dallas, TX (Black)
Vice President Lorenzo Alexander, outside linebacker retired from the Buffalo Bills from Oakland, CA (Black)
Vice President Calais Campbell, defensive end with the Baltimore Ravens from Denver, CO (Black)
Vice President Malcolm Jenkins, safety with the New Orleans Saints from East Orange, NJ (Black)
Treasurer Alex Mack, center with the Atlanta Falcons from Los Angeles, CA (white)
Vice President Thomas Morstead, punter and kick off specialist with the New Orleans Saints from Houston, TX (Black)
Vice President Richard Sherman, cornerback with the San Francisco 49'ers from Compton, CA (Black)
Vice President Michael Thomas, safety with the Houston Texans from Houston, TX (Black)
Vice President Benjamin Watson, tight end retired from the New England Patriots from Norfolk, VA (Black)
Vice President Wesley Woodyard, linebacker formerly with the Tennessee Titans and currently a free agent from LaGrange, GA (Black)
Another leadership position in the NFLPA are the player representatives. Player Representatives are selected by their teammates in the fall of every even-numbered year. As in any union, the player representatives are the first line of defense for the NFL player in working with the NFL owners. This leadership position can put player's in a precarious position with the owner. If the player representative pushes back too hard on the owners or represents their teammates grievance too vigorous, the owners can enact revenge against the player representatives when it's time to negotiate their own contract. I have been told that many Black players would like to be more active in the NFLPA leadership, but they fear repercussions from the owners.
WHAT SHOULD BE NEXT FOR THE BLACK NFL PLAYERS?
After taking a knee, Black NFL Players need to model the strategies employed by the Black NBA (National Basketball Association) players to strengthen their positions in the NFLPA. Leadership matters!
The NBA players union is the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The 2020 Executive Committee is comprised of following nine members:
President Chris Paul (Black)
First Vice President Andre Iguodala (Black)
Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Tolliver (Black)
Vice President Bismack Biyombo (Black)
Vice President Malcolm Brogdon (Black)
Vice President Jaylen Brown (Black)
Vice President Kyrie Irving (Black)
Vice President C. J. McCollum (Black)
Vice President Garrett Temple (Black)
Past Presidents have included Isiah Thomas and Patrick Ewing. Past Vice Presidents have included Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James.
From the website, the Executive Director of the NBPA since 2014 is Michele Roberts who works ardently on behalf of NBA players to ensure their rights are protected and that they are fairly compensated for the great value they bring to the court and as ambassadors of the game. Roberts has also been at the forefront of helping players recognize the power of their voice in pursuit of social consciousness as it relates to mental health, political activism, racial injustice and more.
In 2018, The National Basketball Players Association unanimously elected Michele Roberts to serve another four-year term as executive director. Roberts was hired in the wake of the firing of former NBPA executive director Billy Hunter amid serious concerns about his business practices in the position. Roberts described many players as "quite suspicious" of the union when she was first hired. This Black woman is the first woman to hold the title of executive director for one of the top four North American professional sports players unions and she is retiring this year.
The percentage of Black players in the NBA is 74%.
The percentage of Black players on the executive committee of the NBPA is 100%.
The percentage of Black players in the NFL is 70%.
The percentage of Black players on the executive committee of the NFLPA is 81%. The two white players on the board control the agenda and the finances from their seats as President and Treasurer.
Last week, a group of NFL players released a powerful video calling on the NFL to support Black players, call out racism and admit “wrong in silencing our players from peacefully protesting” amid the death of George Floyd. After taking a knee and drawing a line the sand, now is the time to take over the NFLPA and get the owners' knees off the Black players' necks! #BlackLivesMatter #BlackLeadershipMatters
I wish more people understood that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s greatest legacy was not just protesting unjust laws and organizing boycotts. His greatest legacy was working within the political system to pass Civil Rights laws and compel government enforcement. In the 49'ers final preseason game on September 1, 2016, Colin Kaepernick took his first knee to use his massive sports platform to denounce and shine a light on the scourge of racism and police brutality in America and I was so proud of him. His protest followed in the heroic footsteps of Muhammad Ali, John Carlos, and Craig Hodges. But when Kaep admitted to not voting in the November 2016 election that propelled Donald Trump and all his ignorance and hatred to the White House, I have to say my pride in him was shaken.
In America, voting in an election is the easiest and most important thing a person of color can and should do to demand change. After the election, I wondered if a “woke” Kaepernick didn’t exercise his basic right to vote, what else is he and other Black National Football League (NFL) players sleeping on? Then Kaepernick decided to exercise his free agency clause which led to him being black balled by the NFL owners and I found my answer. The Black players of the NFL are asleep on the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). After taking a knee, the Black Players need to take over the NFLPA.
BACKGROUND ON UNIONS
From the website, The National Football League Players Association “is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected-including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989.”
From Wikipedia, the National Football League Players Association, or NFLPA, is the labor organization representing the professional American football players in the National Football League (NFL). The NFLPA, which has headquarters in Washington, D.C., is led by president J. C. Tretter and executive director DeMaurice Smith. Founded in 1956, the NFLPA is the second-oldest labor union of the four major professional sports leagues; it was established to provide players with formal representation to negotiate compensation and the terms of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The NFLPA is a member of the AFL–CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States.
Living in the city of Chicago, I understand the value and strength of unions. When the leaders of powerful Chicago unions like the Teamster, Chicago Teacher’s Union, and Fraternal Order of Police speak, the politicians and city leaders listen. To the politicians, the unions represent a large voting block and a large financial block. The union is a collective voice of the workers and it can cause a lot of trouble when the people they represent are not happy. The union also provides a safe space for players to air grievances and bargain collectively which is especially important in the NFL since many of the owners operate like they are slave masters on a plantation. On the NFL plantation, the workers/players are paid well, but as we have seen they don't have the freedom to express themselves. Black players will be black balled by the owners if they cause too much trouble and the NFLPA as the player's union is supposed to keep that from happening. Kaepernick and other Black players who took a knee with him were black balled and the NFLPA has not done nearly enough to help.
In an August 2017 interview with Deadspin (click here to read the article), the former NFLPA union president Eric Winston said, “We've been in contact with Colin's representatives, and we've let them know that we're there and ready to help with whatever they'd like—whether it's just some guidance on PR or whatever.” He continued with some platitudes about "the union's always stood ready", "We will continue to monitor that situation" and concluded with "At the end of the day, that's really it." When asked directly about Kaepernick being blackballed by the NFL owners he answered, "You definitely get that feeling—obviously, that's very hard to prove and it's very hard to show." Bottom line was the NFLPA President was not actively helping or advocating for Kaepernick which is not how unions are supposed to work. Eric Winston, a white man, is no longer the NFLPA President.
When I google NFLPA and Colin Kaepernick, the only official statement I found was on the NFLPA website and it's so sad and pathetic.
"Today, we were informed by the NFL of the settlement of the Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid collusion cases. We are not privy to the details of the settlement, but support the decision by the players and their counsel. We continuously supported Colin and Eric from the start of their protests, participated with their lawyers throughout their legal proceedings and were prepared to participate in the upcoming trial in pursuit of both truth and justice for what we believe the NFL and its clubs did to them. We are glad that Eric has earned a job and a new contract, and we continue to hope that Colin gets his opportunity as well." - NFLPA February 15, 2019 Statement
I'm assuming this statement was written by the NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Fitzgerald. As executive director he is the principal administrative officer and his previous work experience includes being the Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia and was Counsel to then Deputy Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. From the NFLPA website, this Black man is a graduate of Cedarville University and the University of Virginia School of Law. Smith is on the Faculty of the National Trial Advocacy College in Charlottesville, Virginia; Executive in Residence and the Darden Business School at the University of Virginia, and is a guest lecturer at Georgetown University, Columbia University, Harvard University, George Washington University, and the University of Virginia School of Law. He has also been a guest speaker at the New York Stock Exchange, Commencement speaker for the University of Maryland and for the Howard University School of Law (2012). You would think DeMaurice Fitzgerald would be too busy advocating for the NFL Players to have time to speak at so many universities and Wallstreet, but I guess he makes time to collect those hefty speaker fees.
BACKGROUND ON HOW THE NFLPA FITS INTO THE NFL PLANTATION
The United States of America was built as a Slave Labor society. After a civil war, America shifted to capitalism. Since white Americans now had to pay for labor, they utilized white supremacy and racism so they could pay their past slaves/now employees as little as possible. The American economy has always been profit over people. Corporate America is the new plantation. Our new slave masters can no longer beat us and torture our families, so they had to find other methods to control us. Just a few way our corporate America masters and overseers control us are by tying our health care to their employment, manipulating the unfree job market by operating as monopolies, colluding to suppress wages, prohibiting conversations about salary, and union busting.
HOW IS THE NFL PLANTATION ORGANIZED?
The NFL is a monopoly that is divided into 32 teams (AKA plantations AKA companies AKA brands) equally divided between the National Football Conference (NFC) and American Football Conference (AFC). Each team is a billion dollar company. 31 of the NFL teams are privately held by owners (AKA slave masters). The Green Bay Packers are the ONLY public company owned by the fans (as a Chicagoan, this is the only reason to cheer for the Packers). Most teams are run by families (pack oppressors) which pass the teams from generation to generation amassing billions for their families insuring generation wealth and securing their white supremacy.
On August 20, 1920 (100 years ago), a group of owners formed the American Professional Football Conference (APFC) to "raise the standard of professional football in every way possible, to eliminate bidding for players between rival clubs and to secure cooperation in the formation of schedules". The APFC would become the NFL which operates as the "parent or umbrella company" of the 32 teams. From Wikipedia, the NFL is one of the four major professional sports leagues in North America, the highest professional level of American football in the world, the wealthiest professional sport league by revenue, and the sport league with the most valuable teams.
From Wikipedia, At the corporate level, the National Football League considers itself a trade association made up of and financed by its 32 member teams. Up until 2015, the league was an unincorporated nonprofit 501(c) association. The NFL gave up the tax exempt status in 2015 following public criticism of Commission Roger Goodell $44 million salary as the league dealt with various scandals throughout the last year. Because the NFL no longer operates as a tax exempt entity, they are no longer required to publicly disclose the commissioner's salary. The league could still elect to disclose his salary in future years, but they haven't so far.
From Wikipedia, NFL revenue is from three primary sources: NFL Ventures (merchandising), NFL Enterprises (NFL Network and NFL Sunday Ticket, which the league controls), and the television contract. The league distributes such revenue equally among teams, regardless of performance. As of February 2019 each team receives $255 million annually from the league's television contract, up 150% from $99.9 million in 2010.[48]
Most NFL teams' financial statements are secret. The Kansas City Star obtained the Kansas City Chiefs' tax returns for 2008–2010. According to the Star, the team's revenue rose from $231 million in 2008 to $302 million in 2010. In 2010, two thirds of revenue came from the league: $99.8 million from NFL Ventures ($55.3 million) and NFL Enterprises ($44.6 million), and the $99.9 million share of the television contract. The remaining one third was from tickets ($42.4 million), corporate sponsorships ($6.6 million), food sales ($5 million), parking passes ($4.7 million), in-stadium advertising ($3.7 million), radio contract ($2.7 million), and miscellaneous sources.
The largest Chiefs expense in 2010 was $148 million for players, coaches, and other employees. Of the $38 million in operating income, Clark, Lamar Jr., two other children, and widow of former team owner Lamar Hunt divided $17.6 million, and reinvested the remaining $20 million into the team.
According to economist Richard D. Wolff, the NFL's revenue model is in contravention of the typical corporate structure. By redistributing profits to all teams the NFL is ensuring that one team will not dominate the league through excessive earnings. Roger Noll described the revenue sharing as the league's "most important structural weakness", however, as there is no disincentive against a team playing badly and the largest cost item, player salaries, is capped.
WHO CONTROLS THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE?
The owners. Roger Goodell is their overseer but like the players, he is also their employee. He gives advice to the owners and at the end of the day if they don't like his advice he can be fired.
HOW IS THE NFLPA organized?
From the website, The Board elects the NFLPA executive officers from among its ranks. The executive officers include the President and ten (10) Vice Presidents. The Executive Director is the principal administrative officer. The officers and the Executive Director are members of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee manages and transacts the business and affairs of the NFLPA between meetings of the Board of Player Representatives. Executive officers are elected for a two-year term in even-numbered years at the annual meeting of the Board of Player Representatives. They must have been members in good standing for one-year to be eligible to serve.
The executive committee consists of the following current and retired NFL players:
President J. C. Tretter, center with the Cleveland Browns from Batavia, NY (white)
Vice President Sam Acho, outside linebacker with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Dallas, TX (Black)
Vice President Lorenzo Alexander, outside linebacker retired from the Buffalo Bills from Oakland, CA (Black)
Vice President Calais Campbell, defensive end with the Baltimore Ravens from Denver, CO (Black)
Vice President Malcolm Jenkins, safety with the New Orleans Saints from East Orange, NJ (Black)
Treasurer Alex Mack, center with the Atlanta Falcons from Los Angeles, CA (white)
Vice President Thomas Morstead, punter and kick off specialist with the New Orleans Saints from Houston, TX (Black)
Vice President Richard Sherman, cornerback with the San Francisco 49'ers from Compton, CA (Black)
Vice President Michael Thomas, safety with the Houston Texans from Houston, TX (Black)
Vice President Benjamin Watson, tight end retired from the New England Patriots from Norfolk, VA (Black)
Vice President Wesley Woodyard, linebacker formerly with the Tennessee Titans and currently a free agent from LaGrange, GA (Black)
Another leadership position in the NFLPA are the player representatives. Player Representatives are selected by their teammates in the fall of every even-numbered year. As in any union, the player representatives are the first line of defense for the NFL player in working with the NFL owners. This leadership position can put player's in a precarious position with the owner. If the player representative pushes back too hard on the owners or represents their teammates grievance too vigorous, the owners can enact revenge against the player representatives when it's time to negotiate their own contract. I have been told that many Black players would like to be more active in the NFLPA leadership, but they fear repercussions from the owners.
WHAT SHOULD BE NEXT FOR THE BLACK NFL PLAYERS?
After taking a knee, Black NFL Players need to model the strategies employed by the Black NBA (National Basketball Association) players to strengthen their positions in the NFLPA. Leadership matters!
The NBA players union is the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The 2020 Executive Committee is comprised of following nine members:
President Chris Paul (Black)
First Vice President Andre Iguodala (Black)
Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Tolliver (Black)
Vice President Bismack Biyombo (Black)
Vice President Malcolm Brogdon (Black)
Vice President Jaylen Brown (Black)
Vice President Kyrie Irving (Black)
Vice President C. J. McCollum (Black)
Vice President Garrett Temple (Black)
Past Presidents have included Isiah Thomas and Patrick Ewing. Past Vice Presidents have included Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James.
From the website, the Executive Director of the NBPA since 2014 is Michele Roberts who works ardently on behalf of NBA players to ensure their rights are protected and that they are fairly compensated for the great value they bring to the court and as ambassadors of the game. Roberts has also been at the forefront of helping players recognize the power of their voice in pursuit of social consciousness as it relates to mental health, political activism, racial injustice and more.
In 2018, The National Basketball Players Association unanimously elected Michele Roberts to serve another four-year term as executive director. Roberts was hired in the wake of the firing of former NBPA executive director Billy Hunter amid serious concerns about his business practices in the position. Roberts described many players as "quite suspicious" of the union when she was first hired. This Black woman is the first woman to hold the title of executive director for one of the top four North American professional sports players unions and she is retiring this year.
The percentage of Black players in the NBA is 74%.
The percentage of Black players on the executive committee of the NBPA is 100%.
The percentage of Black players in the NFL is 70%.
The percentage of Black players on the executive committee of the NFLPA is 81%. The two white players on the board control the agenda and the finances from their seats as President and Treasurer.
Last week, a group of NFL players released a powerful video calling on the NFL to support Black players, call out racism and admit “wrong in silencing our players from peacefully protesting” amid the death of George Floyd. After taking a knee and drawing a line the sand, now is the time to take over the NFLPA and get the owners' knees off the Black players' necks! #BlackLivesMatter #BlackLeadershipMatters
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
Today is VP Mike Pence's Birthday...Celebrate by donating to one of his favorite causes
Born June 7th, 1959, Michael Richard Pence was previously the 50th governor of Indiana (2013-2017), a member of the United States House of Representatives (2001-2013), and is currently the 48th vice president of the United States of America. In his 61 years on this earth, this self-described "principled conservative" has done a lot.
From his time as Indiana congressman then governor, he is best known for the following:
trying to pray away an HIV outbreak
taking money from AIDS programs to fund ex-gay camps
attacking reproduction freedom
forcing Planned Parenthood to close five clinics that didn't even perform abortions (Planned Parenthood does more than abortions. These clinics performed STD testing and losing this valuable resource contributed to the HIV outbreak in Indiana.)
not having lunch with someone of the opposite gender
signing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act AKA the turn-away-the-gays bill
As the U.S. Vice President his highlights include:
bringing a Karen (his wife) to the White House
cleaning up Donald Trump's messes
overseeing the voter fraud commission which was unable to find widespread abuse
creating the Great America Committee which has raised more than $4 million to be used for the 2020 re-election campaign
quoting Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in his pitch to secure funding for Trump's Mexico border wall
spending $325,000 tax payers dollars to walk out of a Colts game in protest to NFL players taking a knee for democracy
not wearing a protective mask to the Mayo Clinic while visiting Coronavirus patients
holding up the "15 Days To Slow The Spread" laminated one-sheet in Coronavirus daily press briefing (the irony that the man who didn't stop the HIV spread in one state was appointed to stop the Coronavirus spread in 50 states...he does know everything not to do...Second time's a charm)
More about Pence...His favorite foods are bacon and moose tracks ice cream (maybe former VP Joe Biden can take him for a scoop). Favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz (probably because the protagonist rejects a new fabulous life in a sinful city to return to her simple life on a farm). Favorite radio host...Rush Limbaugh. And he's a cat guy...has two pussies named Pickle and Oreo (I wonder if Trump grabs them).
His passion projects include:
mocking science and scientists
keeping the minimum wage as low as possible
withholding health care from children in poverty
suggesting smoking doesn't kill (Pence has never smoked cigarettes but he loves Big Tobacco)
criticizing those who want to address issues about racial disparities and bias within law enforcement for using "the rhetoric of division"
Whew! Pence has been busy. Today...June 7th is his birthday and I hope you aren't too busy to say Happy Birthday to America's VP. Do something great in the name of Mike Pence by donating to any one of his favorite causes.
Click here if you want to donate to Planned Parenthood in Mike Pence's name.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE PENCE...you are the perfect VP of the Deplorables! #BlackLivesMatter
From his time as Indiana congressman then governor, he is best known for the following:
trying to pray away an HIV outbreak
taking money from AIDS programs to fund ex-gay camps
attacking reproduction freedom
forcing Planned Parenthood to close five clinics that didn't even perform abortions (Planned Parenthood does more than abortions. These clinics performed STD testing and losing this valuable resource contributed to the HIV outbreak in Indiana.)
not having lunch with someone of the opposite gender
signing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act AKA the turn-away-the-gays bill
As the U.S. Vice President his highlights include:
bringing a Karen (his wife) to the White House
cleaning up Donald Trump's messes
overseeing the voter fraud commission which was unable to find widespread abuse
creating the Great America Committee which has raised more than $4 million to be used for the 2020 re-election campaign
quoting Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in his pitch to secure funding for Trump's Mexico border wall
spending $325,000 tax payers dollars to walk out of a Colts game in protest to NFL players taking a knee for democracy
not wearing a protective mask to the Mayo Clinic while visiting Coronavirus patients
holding up the "15 Days To Slow The Spread" laminated one-sheet in Coronavirus daily press briefing (the irony that the man who didn't stop the HIV spread in one state was appointed to stop the Coronavirus spread in 50 states...he does know everything not to do...Second time's a charm)
More about Pence...His favorite foods are bacon and moose tracks ice cream (maybe former VP Joe Biden can take him for a scoop). Favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz (probably because the protagonist rejects a new fabulous life in a sinful city to return to her simple life on a farm). Favorite radio host...Rush Limbaugh. And he's a cat guy...has two pussies named Pickle and Oreo (I wonder if Trump grabs them).
His passion projects include:
mocking science and scientists
keeping the minimum wage as low as possible
withholding health care from children in poverty
suggesting smoking doesn't kill (Pence has never smoked cigarettes but he loves Big Tobacco)
criticizing those who want to address issues about racial disparities and bias within law enforcement for using "the rhetoric of division"
Whew! Pence has been busy. Today...June 7th is his birthday and I hope you aren't too busy to say Happy Birthday to America's VP. Do something great in the name of Mike Pence by donating to any one of his favorite causes.
Click here if you want to donate to Planned Parenthood in Mike Pence's name.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE PENCE...you are the perfect VP of the Deplorables! #BlackLivesMatter
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
June 5, 2020
Say His Name: Robert (Bobby) Russ AKA Big Fluff murdered by CPD on June 5, 1999
At this point, I've been sitting at my computer for 30 minutes staring at the blank screen. My last Red Cup Adventures blog was written in December 2019. I just had to write a hearty Get To Steppin' to the disgraced and fired CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson (click here to read it). In 2020, I haven't written a new blog or anything else which is a shame because I love to write.
I've been sitting here with a blank screen because I started the year 2020 moving in slow motion and haven't found the motivation to pick up the pace yet. I started the year in slow motion then the CoronaVirus happened so I isolated with my family on the west side and was more than happy to #ShelterInPlace. I've been cooking with my mom, walking the family dog, and staying off social media especially Facebook. I get myself in trouble voicing my opinions on Facebook so I decided to give it up. But today, Spirit whispered to jump online and see what's happening with my Facebook friends. I came upon a post by Brandi Thomas that read "It was just about this time 21 years ago that I got a call from mom saying come home! Not knowing that Bobby was gone (sad face emoji) Robert Russ 22 killed by Chicago Police June 5, 1999." And then I knew why Spirit whispered to me because I needed to Say His Name: Robert (Bobby) Russ AKA Big Fluffy AKA Big Fluff.
I don't personally know all my Facebook Friends. I like to friend people who I feel have a good spirit and interesting online presence. I don't personally know Brandi Thomas, but I definitely knew her brother Bobby Russ. We both started at Northwestern University as Freshmen in the fall of 1994. The Black population at NU in 1994 was around 8% of the student body. It had been 8% decades before I attended and it's still around the same percentage decades after I graduated. (The Black NU alum dream is for the Black student body to one day hit and exceed the 10% glass ceiling.) Since the Black population at NU is so small, we usually all know each other. Add to that the Black kids from Chicago and the Chicago suburbs all have to get together to play the who-do-we-know-in-common game.
Bobby Russ was a 6 foot 4 inch, 270 pound, defensive lineman on the Northwestern Wildcat Football team (No. 98) from Calumet City. He was a huge guy with a huge personality. His nickname was "Big Fluff" because he was always smiling, joking, and he gave the best hugs. One article published last year by InsideNU to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of his murder accurately described him as "a deeply religious, quick-witted gentle giant." (Click here to read the full article)
Here are the facts of Bobby Russ's murder which I'm summarizing from the Inside NU article:
On the night of June 4, 1999, Russ was driving home to Calumet City from Evanston. Chicago police officer Philip Banaszkiewicz saw Russ driving erratically on southbound Lake Shore Dive near Monroe Avenue. Banaszkiewicz approached Russ' car stopped at a red light. Russ locked the door and drove away. Banaszkiewicz began following Russ to the Dan Ryan expressway and two other police officers joined the pursuit. A police car pulled in front of Russ to block his path, but Russ rammed the police car. The police surrounded his car, began kicking the car, yelling "Get out the fucking car", and breaking Russ' rear passenger window because they couldn't see in the car's tinted windows. Russ was sitting in the car unresponsive which his hands between his legs as the police shouted at him. Russ turned quickly over his left shoulder and grabbed Officer Van Watts IV's weapon through the broken window. Russ and the officer tussled with the gun. Watts fired one shot at Russ. The officers dragged Russ out the car, placed him on his stomach, and handcuffed his arms behind his back. The 22-year-old was dead on the expressway before the ambulance arrived.
As a 43 year old Black woman who has lived in Chicago my entire life, made the drive from Evanston to the SouthSide of Chicago more times than I can count, and personally knew Bobby Russ as a classmate and friend, here's my perspective on what happened:
Depending on your mood and your demographics, the hour plus drive from Evanston to Calumet City can be beautifully exhilarating especially as Navy Pier and the downtown Chicago skyline come into view or it can be scary and deadly. I don't know what Big Fluff was thinking driving home. Was he excited because he was days away from graduating? Was he tired from a long day and late-night drive home? Was he driving fast because he was trying to get home quickly or cause its fun to drive fast when you're pretty much alone on LDS? Was he thinking about his unborn child due to be delivered in the fall? I don't know. But I know he was a 6'4" big, Black guy driving a late model Buick with tinted windows down lakeshore drive late at night. And since I know how a lot of Chicago cops are I'm going to guess he saw a late model Buick with tinted windows (CPD HATES tinted windows) and decided to fuck with the driver. The cop didn't know Big Fluff was a Northwestern University scholar and student athlete. The cop didn't know he may have even cheered for Big Fluff when NU Football went to the Rose and Citrus Bowl. Since his windows were tinted, the cop may not have known he was a big, Black guy.
But considering Big Fluff was driving a late model Buick with tinted windows and the cop probably ran his plates, I'm going to assume he knew the occupant of the car was Driving While Black and decided to fuck with him. And honestly "fuck with him" is the absolute best description I give you because that's what CPD loves do to Black people especially big, Black guys. I'm further going to give my friend the benefit of doubt that Big Fluff didn't see or hear or understand some confusing command the first officer gave him on LSD so he drove away. The officer got pissed (CPD really hates tinted windows and when they think they are being disrespected) so he decided to really fuck with Big Fluff and calls in "fuck him up" back up. When the now three police cars met up with Big Fluff on the Dan Ryan, I'm going to give my friend the benefit of the doubt that he tried to follow their commands. But once Officer Watts broke the back window and saw a big, Black guy, Watts escalated, over reacted and murdered this big, Black man he perceived as a disrespectful threat...this big, Black man we all called Big Fluff. The officer who fired on Big Fluff and the other two officers who helped murder my friend all lied to paint Big Fluff as the aggressor. Ask anyone who knew Bobby...the story the officers told made no sense especially considering that Big Fluff had a torn rotator cuff. It was shown in court that with his limited shoulder mobility, there was no way 6 foot 4 inch, 270 pound Big Fluff could have quickly turned around in the driver's seat to reach out the back driver's side window to wrestle for the officer's gun.
21 years ago today Robert "Bobby" Russ AKA Big Fluff was murdered by the Chicago Police Department for Driving While Black. CPD's civilian oversight board, which Mayor Lori Lightfoot previously headed from 2015-2018, found Big Fluff's death was an accident. The City of Chicago paid $9.6 million in damages to Big Fluff's 4-year old son for the "accident" they condoned and continue to allow to happen. And we have had ENOUGH! Being a big, Black guy shouldn't be a death sentence frequency inflicted by the Chicago Police Department. This is why NCAA and NFL players take a knee. Because there are a bunch of big, Black guys on those teams who have had police officers point guns at them and threatened to murder them. And they all have friends who have not been as lucky as them. They have had ENOUGH! We have had ENOUGH!
As we demand justice for George Floyd, I agree with Reverend Al Sharpton that we need to demand justice for all the families who have had loved ones assassinated by and then lied on by police departments around the country. We also demand justice for everyone who has been murdered, brutalized, and victimized by police departments around the country. We demand justice for all the violence inflicted by the police that wasn't caught on video or was caught on video but was dismissed and disregarded for the systemic lies and cover-ups facilitated by police departments, police unions, and government officials. We Demand Change and the first step is to say the names of the victims AND the names of the victimizers. We need to re-tell their stories and point out the lies that have been pressing on our necks for too long.
SAY HIS NAME: ROBERT (BOBBY) RUSS AKA BIG FLUFF, beloved son, brother, father, Northwestern University 1999 graduate, Northwestern football defensive lineman (No. 98), teammate, friend, comedian, gentle giant. His life mattered. #BlackLivesMatter
Thank you Brandi Thomas for the reminder, for speaking with me, and for giving me permission to share your photos.
In the comments, please leave the names and tell the stories of your loved ones who deserve justice! #SayTheirNames
To read more on Bobby "Big Fluff" Russ and sign the Change.org petition to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, click the following links:
The life and death of Bobby Russ
https://www.change.org/p/mayor-lori-lightfoot-justice-for-bobby-russ
$9.6 million Russ case award
NU STUDENT DEATH CALLED ACCIDENT
Lori, we need you to...BRING IN THE LIGHT.
#BlackLivesMatter #PrairieLaneReports
I've been sitting here with a blank screen because I started the year 2020 moving in slow motion and haven't found the motivation to pick up the pace yet. I started the year in slow motion then the CoronaVirus happened so I isolated with my family on the west side and was more than happy to #ShelterInPlace. I've been cooking with my mom, walking the family dog, and staying off social media especially Facebook. I get myself in trouble voicing my opinions on Facebook so I decided to give it up. But today, Spirit whispered to jump online and see what's happening with my Facebook friends. I came upon a post by Brandi Thomas that read "It was just about this time 21 years ago that I got a call from mom saying come home! Not knowing that Bobby was gone (sad face emoji) Robert Russ 22 killed by Chicago Police June 5, 1999." And then I knew why Spirit whispered to me because I needed to Say His Name: Robert (Bobby) Russ AKA Big Fluffy AKA Big Fluff.
I don't personally know all my Facebook Friends. I like to friend people who I feel have a good spirit and interesting online presence. I don't personally know Brandi Thomas, but I definitely knew her brother Bobby Russ. We both started at Northwestern University as Freshmen in the fall of 1994. The Black population at NU in 1994 was around 8% of the student body. It had been 8% decades before I attended and it's still around the same percentage decades after I graduated. (The Black NU alum dream is for the Black student body to one day hit and exceed the 10% glass ceiling.) Since the Black population at NU is so small, we usually all know each other. Add to that the Black kids from Chicago and the Chicago suburbs all have to get together to play the who-do-we-know-in-common game.
Bobby Russ was a 6 foot 4 inch, 270 pound, defensive lineman on the Northwestern Wildcat Football team (No. 98) from Calumet City. He was a huge guy with a huge personality. His nickname was "Big Fluff" because he was always smiling, joking, and he gave the best hugs. One article published last year by InsideNU to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of his murder accurately described him as "a deeply religious, quick-witted gentle giant." (Click here to read the full article)
Here are the facts of Bobby Russ's murder which I'm summarizing from the Inside NU article:
On the night of June 4, 1999, Russ was driving home to Calumet City from Evanston. Chicago police officer Philip Banaszkiewicz saw Russ driving erratically on southbound Lake Shore Dive near Monroe Avenue. Banaszkiewicz approached Russ' car stopped at a red light. Russ locked the door and drove away. Banaszkiewicz began following Russ to the Dan Ryan expressway and two other police officers joined the pursuit. A police car pulled in front of Russ to block his path, but Russ rammed the police car. The police surrounded his car, began kicking the car, yelling "Get out the fucking car", and breaking Russ' rear passenger window because they couldn't see in the car's tinted windows. Russ was sitting in the car unresponsive which his hands between his legs as the police shouted at him. Russ turned quickly over his left shoulder and grabbed Officer Van Watts IV's weapon through the broken window. Russ and the officer tussled with the gun. Watts fired one shot at Russ. The officers dragged Russ out the car, placed him on his stomach, and handcuffed his arms behind his back. The 22-year-old was dead on the expressway before the ambulance arrived.
As a 43 year old Black woman who has lived in Chicago my entire life, made the drive from Evanston to the SouthSide of Chicago more times than I can count, and personally knew Bobby Russ as a classmate and friend, here's my perspective on what happened:
Depending on your mood and your demographics, the hour plus drive from Evanston to Calumet City can be beautifully exhilarating especially as Navy Pier and the downtown Chicago skyline come into view or it can be scary and deadly. I don't know what Big Fluff was thinking driving home. Was he excited because he was days away from graduating? Was he tired from a long day and late-night drive home? Was he driving fast because he was trying to get home quickly or cause its fun to drive fast when you're pretty much alone on LDS? Was he thinking about his unborn child due to be delivered in the fall? I don't know. But I know he was a 6'4" big, Black guy driving a late model Buick with tinted windows down lakeshore drive late at night. And since I know how a lot of Chicago cops are I'm going to guess he saw a late model Buick with tinted windows (CPD HATES tinted windows) and decided to fuck with the driver. The cop didn't know Big Fluff was a Northwestern University scholar and student athlete. The cop didn't know he may have even cheered for Big Fluff when NU Football went to the Rose and Citrus Bowl. Since his windows were tinted, the cop may not have known he was a big, Black guy.
But considering Big Fluff was driving a late model Buick with tinted windows and the cop probably ran his plates, I'm going to assume he knew the occupant of the car was Driving While Black and decided to fuck with him. And honestly "fuck with him" is the absolute best description I give you because that's what CPD loves do to Black people especially big, Black guys. I'm further going to give my friend the benefit of doubt that Big Fluff didn't see or hear or understand some confusing command the first officer gave him on LSD so he drove away. The officer got pissed (CPD really hates tinted windows and when they think they are being disrespected) so he decided to really fuck with Big Fluff and calls in "fuck him up" back up. When the now three police cars met up with Big Fluff on the Dan Ryan, I'm going to give my friend the benefit of the doubt that he tried to follow their commands. But once Officer Watts broke the back window and saw a big, Black guy, Watts escalated, over reacted and murdered this big, Black man he perceived as a disrespectful threat...this big, Black man we all called Big Fluff. The officer who fired on Big Fluff and the other two officers who helped murder my friend all lied to paint Big Fluff as the aggressor. Ask anyone who knew Bobby...the story the officers told made no sense especially considering that Big Fluff had a torn rotator cuff. It was shown in court that with his limited shoulder mobility, there was no way 6 foot 4 inch, 270 pound Big Fluff could have quickly turned around in the driver's seat to reach out the back driver's side window to wrestle for the officer's gun.
21 years ago today Robert "Bobby" Russ AKA Big Fluff was murdered by the Chicago Police Department for Driving While Black. CPD's civilian oversight board, which Mayor Lori Lightfoot previously headed from 2015-2018, found Big Fluff's death was an accident. The City of Chicago paid $9.6 million in damages to Big Fluff's 4-year old son for the "accident" they condoned and continue to allow to happen. And we have had ENOUGH! Being a big, Black guy shouldn't be a death sentence frequency inflicted by the Chicago Police Department. This is why NCAA and NFL players take a knee. Because there are a bunch of big, Black guys on those teams who have had police officers point guns at them and threatened to murder them. And they all have friends who have not been as lucky as them. They have had ENOUGH! We have had ENOUGH!
As we demand justice for George Floyd, I agree with Reverend Al Sharpton that we need to demand justice for all the families who have had loved ones assassinated by and then lied on by police departments around the country. We also demand justice for everyone who has been murdered, brutalized, and victimized by police departments around the country. We demand justice for all the violence inflicted by the police that wasn't caught on video or was caught on video but was dismissed and disregarded for the systemic lies and cover-ups facilitated by police departments, police unions, and government officials. We Demand Change and the first step is to say the names of the victims AND the names of the victimizers. We need to re-tell their stories and point out the lies that have been pressing on our necks for too long.
SAY HIS NAME: ROBERT (BOBBY) RUSS AKA BIG FLUFF, beloved son, brother, father, Northwestern University 1999 graduate, Northwestern football defensive lineman (No. 98), teammate, friend, comedian, gentle giant. His life mattered. #BlackLivesMatter
Thank you Brandi Thomas for the reminder, for speaking with me, and for giving me permission to share your photos.
In the comments, please leave the names and tell the stories of your loved ones who deserve justice! #SayTheirNames
To read more on Bobby "Big Fluff" Russ and sign the Change.org petition to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, click the following links:
The life and death of Bobby Russ
https://www.change.org/p/mayor-lori-lightfoot-justice-for-bobby-russ
$9.6 million Russ case award
NU STUDENT DEATH CALLED ACCIDENT
Lori, we need you to...BRING IN THE LIGHT.
#BlackLivesMatter #PrairieLaneReports
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
December 4, 2019
CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson is the ultimate "Good Cop" and "Nice Guy"
As we bid a long, overdue adieu to Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson, it dawned on me which stereotypes EJ exemplifies. EJ is the ultimate "Good Cop" and annoying "Nice Guy". You know the "Good Cop" who's there to "Protect" you from his partner AKA the "Bad Cop" and "Help" you make the best of whatever sticky situation which has landed you in a dank, uncomfortable interrogation room.
If you've ever watched any crime TV show, the "Good Cop" steps in right before his Bad Cop partner kicks a confession out of your sorry ass. The "Good Cop" tosses that brute out of the room, gets you a cup of coffee, and offers to compassionately help you weigh your options if you tell him everything that happened. You think the "Good Cop" is helping you, but he's not. Again, if you've ever watched any crime TV show, you know that police can legally lie to you and lies are the favorite tool of the "Good Cop". He's smiling, acting helpful, pretending to be on your side, when he's building a case against you, collecting your DNA from that coffee cup, and tricking you into a confession when you should be demanding a lawyer then shutting the fuck up. I despise the faux "Good Cop" routine because getting fucked without consent is rape. Historically the Chicago Police Department have used this faux "Good Cop" ruse along with their real life John Burge "Bad Cop" beat downs to either trick and/or torture Black and Brown people into our current mass incarceration nightmare. #ByeEddie
Another trait of the "Good Cop" is he claims to never have seen any of the multiple and horrible abuses perpetrated by his partner and/or fellow blue bloods. It's not that he hasn't seen the abuses. He has. But the "Good Cop" turns a blind eye. He doesn't tell his partner and/or fellow blue bloods to knock it over. He doesn't report them. He keeps quiet and his silent complicity makes him just as guilty as the "Bad Apples" he claims he has never seen. I knew Eddie Johnson was a liar when at his first press conference as the newly appointed CPD Superintendent he claimed to have never seen abuses among the rank and file. That statement was an ignorant, flat out lie. And if he would insult the intelligence of the citizens of Chicago by lying through his teeth at his first press conference, I knew he lacked integrity. I knew EJ would not only lie to cover his butt, but he would turn a blind eye...he would nod and agree to hold the blue line while watching a video of Jason Van Dyke shooting Laquan McDonald just like his predecessor lying ass Garry McCarthy. #ByeEddie #ByeGarry (And I'm sick and tired of Windy City Live giving Lying Garry a seat to speak on police matters. WCL is currently promoting having Lying Garry on air to weigh in on Eddie's firing. Lying Garry doesn't deserve a platform. I don't want to hear a word from him unless he is fully explaining and apologizing for his role in #16ShotsAndaCoverUp. Windy City Live is fired!)
I love to browse the website Reddit. There is a section of Reddit for posts about "Nice Guys" who are defined as such:
For all the self proclaimed "nice guys" who are actually manchildren or douches, or who mistake being spineless and pathetic for being nice. This is primarily a subreddit for images of these "nice guys" demonstrating their unique charm.
Click here to be disappointed and amazed at Reddit's collection of "Nice Guys"
In addition to being a bogus "Good Cop", EJ is also an annoying "Nice Guy". That man you meet who is soft spoken and on first impression seems mild manners...UNTIL...he asks you out and you reject him OR he gets caught doing something wrong and tries to blame everyone else OR he has a few drinks and tells you how he really feels about women and Hillary Clinton. EJ is a "Nice Guy" who is full of fucking excuses and constantly lying through his teeth about BIG and small things. He doesn't cop (pun intended) to his slip ups...instead he gives you every excuse in the book to defend his mistakes and somehow blames it all on you. It's no wonder Rahm Emmanuel circumvented the process to responsibly pick a new police superintendent and made EJ top cop. Rahm knew EJ had no integrity or spine and would do whatever Rahm commanded. #ByeEddie #ByeGarry #ByeRahm
Mix equal parts delusional "Nice Guy" with lying through his teeth "Bad Cop" and season with Blue Line Bullshit and you have disgraced CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson. Some people don't see what the big deal is. He just told a little white lie. And that's the problem. When the boss lies, he forces everyone to help cover up his lie and the shit keeps rolling downhill. The lie shit ball keeps getting bigger, faster, and coating everyone in its path in its bullshit until everyone acts like lying and shitting on people is acceptable behavior. The citizens of Chicago are sick and tired of all the Chicago Police Department lies, cover ups, and fuck ups. We are sick of all these Bad Apples and all this Blue Line Bullshit. We demand police working to protect us. There are brutal rapists, serial killers, and sex traffickers preying on my sistahs on the south and west sides. There are are murders and gun violence everywhere on the south and west sides. I'm tired of CPD not solving any crimes. Instead of clearing cases, they write bullshit tickets and cause more deaths, more violence, and more lawsuits. We are not revenue generation or an unlimited piggy bank for the millions owed to settle CPD's numerous wrongful death and imprisonment lawsuits! We are the citizens and we demand protection for all the taxes we are paying.
I don't mind cops lying to legitimately catch bad guys. But that's not how CPD works. Far too many "Bad Apple" Chicago Police Officers lie to falsely arrest and abuse Chicago citizens, lie to avoid doing actual police work, lie to cover up their misdeeds, stupidity, and laziness, and lie because they are corrupt. Corruption and cover ups have for too long been the default play for the Chicago Police Department and it needs to stop. Years ago, CPD would race through the city like they were in the Daytona 500 without lights or sirens. When they would ultimately hit an average citizen's car, CPD wouldn't admit their wrong doing of driving too fast, running red lights, and not using their siren. CPD would lie on the Chicago citizens and give us tickets for the crime of being in their way. I've seen and heard numerous stories of CPD officers lying under oath when in court to testify against the citizens of Chicago. CPD assassinated Black Panther Fred Hampton (the FOP always block efforts to get a street named in his honor) and have murdered so many Black and Brown citizens like LaTanya Haggerty, distressed 19-year old Quintonio Legrier and his neighbor Bettie Jones, Ronald “RonnieMan” Johnson, and Rekia Boyd to name a few. And who could forget CPD's greatest police legacy of #16ShotsAndaCoverUp.
CPD loves to "blame the public" when they can't solve crimes. It's the citizens' fault because we don't provide any information and come to their CAPS meetings. So I have to go to my full time job, then come to your CAPS meeting, be insulted by your rude, ignorant officers, and do your job too? It's amazing that this broken system and lack of trust is never CPD's fault, in their opinion. We, the citizens, don't trust CPD or the FOP. We, the citizens, don't want to talk to or call the police for anything. When you call CPD for help, We, the citizens, end up getting shot or body slammed into the cold concrete. Lying and cover ups cannot be the default in the Chicago Police Department if they ever hope to win back the trust of the citizens of Chicago. It needs to stop and getting rid of EJ is a step toward progress...hopefully.
Thanks Lori...BRING IN THE LIGHT.
#WintersHere #BlackLivesMatter #PrairieLaneReports
If you've ever watched any crime TV show, the "Good Cop" steps in right before his Bad Cop partner kicks a confession out of your sorry ass. The "Good Cop" tosses that brute out of the room, gets you a cup of coffee, and offers to compassionately help you weigh your options if you tell him everything that happened. You think the "Good Cop" is helping you, but he's not. Again, if you've ever watched any crime TV show, you know that police can legally lie to you and lies are the favorite tool of the "Good Cop". He's smiling, acting helpful, pretending to be on your side, when he's building a case against you, collecting your DNA from that coffee cup, and tricking you into a confession when you should be demanding a lawyer then shutting the fuck up. I despise the faux "Good Cop" routine because getting fucked without consent is rape. Historically the Chicago Police Department have used this faux "Good Cop" ruse along with their real life John Burge "Bad Cop" beat downs to either trick and/or torture Black and Brown people into our current mass incarceration nightmare. #ByeEddie
Another trait of the "Good Cop" is he claims to never have seen any of the multiple and horrible abuses perpetrated by his partner and/or fellow blue bloods. It's not that he hasn't seen the abuses. He has. But the "Good Cop" turns a blind eye. He doesn't tell his partner and/or fellow blue bloods to knock it over. He doesn't report them. He keeps quiet and his silent complicity makes him just as guilty as the "Bad Apples" he claims he has never seen. I knew Eddie Johnson was a liar when at his first press conference as the newly appointed CPD Superintendent he claimed to have never seen abuses among the rank and file. That statement was an ignorant, flat out lie. And if he would insult the intelligence of the citizens of Chicago by lying through his teeth at his first press conference, I knew he lacked integrity. I knew EJ would not only lie to cover his butt, but he would turn a blind eye...he would nod and agree to hold the blue line while watching a video of Jason Van Dyke shooting Laquan McDonald just like his predecessor lying ass Garry McCarthy. #ByeEddie #ByeGarry (And I'm sick and tired of Windy City Live giving Lying Garry a seat to speak on police matters. WCL is currently promoting having Lying Garry on air to weigh in on Eddie's firing. Lying Garry doesn't deserve a platform. I don't want to hear a word from him unless he is fully explaining and apologizing for his role in #16ShotsAndaCoverUp. Windy City Live is fired!)
I love to browse the website Reddit. There is a section of Reddit for posts about "Nice Guys" who are defined as such:
For all the self proclaimed "nice guys" who are actually manchildren or douches, or who mistake being spineless and pathetic for being nice. This is primarily a subreddit for images of these "nice guys" demonstrating their unique charm.
Click here to be disappointed and amazed at Reddit's collection of "Nice Guys"
In addition to being a bogus "Good Cop", EJ is also an annoying "Nice Guy". That man you meet who is soft spoken and on first impression seems mild manners...UNTIL...he asks you out and you reject him OR he gets caught doing something wrong and tries to blame everyone else OR he has a few drinks and tells you how he really feels about women and Hillary Clinton. EJ is a "Nice Guy" who is full of fucking excuses and constantly lying through his teeth about BIG and small things. He doesn't cop (pun intended) to his slip ups...instead he gives you every excuse in the book to defend his mistakes and somehow blames it all on you. It's no wonder Rahm Emmanuel circumvented the process to responsibly pick a new police superintendent and made EJ top cop. Rahm knew EJ had no integrity or spine and would do whatever Rahm commanded. #ByeEddie #ByeGarry #ByeRahm
Mix equal parts delusional "Nice Guy" with lying through his teeth "Bad Cop" and season with Blue Line Bullshit and you have disgraced CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson. Some people don't see what the big deal is. He just told a little white lie. And that's the problem. When the boss lies, he forces everyone to help cover up his lie and the shit keeps rolling downhill. The lie shit ball keeps getting bigger, faster, and coating everyone in its path in its bullshit until everyone acts like lying and shitting on people is acceptable behavior. The citizens of Chicago are sick and tired of all the Chicago Police Department lies, cover ups, and fuck ups. We are sick of all these Bad Apples and all this Blue Line Bullshit. We demand police working to protect us. There are brutal rapists, serial killers, and sex traffickers preying on my sistahs on the south and west sides. There are are murders and gun violence everywhere on the south and west sides. I'm tired of CPD not solving any crimes. Instead of clearing cases, they write bullshit tickets and cause more deaths, more violence, and more lawsuits. We are not revenue generation or an unlimited piggy bank for the millions owed to settle CPD's numerous wrongful death and imprisonment lawsuits! We are the citizens and we demand protection for all the taxes we are paying.
I don't mind cops lying to legitimately catch bad guys. But that's not how CPD works. Far too many "Bad Apple" Chicago Police Officers lie to falsely arrest and abuse Chicago citizens, lie to avoid doing actual police work, lie to cover up their misdeeds, stupidity, and laziness, and lie because they are corrupt. Corruption and cover ups have for too long been the default play for the Chicago Police Department and it needs to stop. Years ago, CPD would race through the city like they were in the Daytona 500 without lights or sirens. When they would ultimately hit an average citizen's car, CPD wouldn't admit their wrong doing of driving too fast, running red lights, and not using their siren. CPD would lie on the Chicago citizens and give us tickets for the crime of being in their way. I've seen and heard numerous stories of CPD officers lying under oath when in court to testify against the citizens of Chicago. CPD assassinated Black Panther Fred Hampton (the FOP always block efforts to get a street named in his honor) and have murdered so many Black and Brown citizens like LaTanya Haggerty, distressed 19-year old Quintonio Legrier and his neighbor Bettie Jones, Ronald “RonnieMan” Johnson, and Rekia Boyd to name a few. And who could forget CPD's greatest police legacy of #16ShotsAndaCoverUp.
CPD loves to "blame the public" when they can't solve crimes. It's the citizens' fault because we don't provide any information and come to their CAPS meetings. So I have to go to my full time job, then come to your CAPS meeting, be insulted by your rude, ignorant officers, and do your job too? It's amazing that this broken system and lack of trust is never CPD's fault, in their opinion. We, the citizens, don't trust CPD or the FOP. We, the citizens, don't want to talk to or call the police for anything. When you call CPD for help, We, the citizens, end up getting shot or body slammed into the cold concrete. Lying and cover ups cannot be the default in the Chicago Police Department if they ever hope to win back the trust of the citizens of Chicago. It needs to stop and getting rid of EJ is a step toward progress...hopefully.
Thanks Lori...BRING IN THE LIGHT.
#WintersHere #BlackLivesMatter #PrairieLaneReports
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
October 20, 2019
Somewhere You Should Go: ABRAHAM LINCOLN Presidential Library & Museum, #FollowTheRedCup #WinterRedCupAdventure
ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS #MakeIllinoisGreatAgain (MIGA)
Since Chicago Public School students are out of school due to the strike, now would be a great time to hop in your car, train, or bus and head down to Springfield.
Even with dwindling resources, the Lincoln library and museum had a six-year reign as the most visited presidential library in the country. But in 2011, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif., moved to No. 1 and stayed there. Lincoln now ranks No. 3, slightly behind the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.
The declining attendance does not bode well for the city of Springfield, where the Lincoln museum complex has contributed up to $24 million a year to the local economy, according to library officials.
http://www.ilstatehouse.com
https://www.alplm.org
http://lincolnlibraryandmuseum.com
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/h...
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinio...
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politi...
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/c...
This summer my favorite Secretary of State Jesse White invited me and the Governor Cliff Kelley to come down to Springfield to visit the brand new ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY. ALL OF SPRINGFIELD is very proud of recently rehabbed, world class center. If you know Cliff, then you'll understand why we haven't gone yet. (I saw pictures of DJ Vince Adams spinning at the Inauguration Party there and it's more beautiful than Jesse White described).
Mr. Kelly is SOOOOOOOOOO busy helping EVERYBODY in Chicago's City Halls & Courts AND people in other cities, that getting him to commit to hop on the AMTRAK to head down to SPRINGFIELD and stay in the GOVERNOR'S MANSION for a weekend is like trying to tie down an octopus. When ComED sponsored our #PowerToThePeople LIVE broadcast like 5 years ago, it was only Carl West and I that stayed a few days to network in the Capital and see some of Springfield (spoiler alert...not much to see in Springfield...corn...done. I recommend bringing your own fun. Unless Madigan hates Black people dancing as much as he hates educating us, I think you still have a First Amendment right to line dance and step in the STREETs of Springfield...even better the steps of the CAPITAL. Who knows the HungerGamesHop?). I did meet the lobbyist for the Taxi Cab companies and walked out with a media buy and check. I took the money, and let the Taxi Cabs lament on air about how unfair ride sharing is...but Yellow Cabs are still FIRED!!! Harold said take their HAMS...but vote for me. #DONE
Everybody else from the WVON team drove down and went right back after the live broadcast was done...But I DIGRESS...BACK TO MRKelly...I'm still waiting for him to confirm the LUNCH with LEON FINNEY we were supposed to do last month...OHKelly. Finney said he needs an assistant. I told Cliff that 3 years ago. He said I got you and CK got my standard response #NotYourSecretary...SMH. (And I just heard about your big retirement party at...?????. When were you going to let me know? If I'm not officially invited, I'm not coming...better hope I'm in town...FYI...LBVS).
From the museum website...Welcome, and thank you for helping us to share Lincoln’s story with the world. Take time to look around. Be sure you stay informed and spread the word about our Nation’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. You will find you’re in good company. You might even want to Donate Now to help us in our mission of support for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as it preserves and interprets the Lincoln Legacy. We invite you to join us in telling the “Greatest Story Ever Told.” Let’s get started …
Since Chicago Public School students are out of school due to the strike, now would be a great time to hop in your car, train, or bus and head down to Springfield.
In its first year of operation, the Lincoln complex received $17 million from the state. With the state barely able to pay its bills, funding had dwindled to around $9 million in recent years. Some funding was restored this year, bringing the budget to $13 million. Officials at the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which oversees the library and museum, said funding has simply kept pace with the rising cost of employee pensions and health care, leaving little or no money for improvements.
Even with dwindling resources, the Lincoln library and museum had a six-year reign as the most visited presidential library in the country. But in 2011, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif., moved to No. 1 and stayed there. Lincoln now ranks No. 3, slightly behind the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.
The declining attendance does not bode well for the city of Springfield, where the Lincoln museum complex has contributed up to $24 million a year to the local economy, according to library officials.
Discover the makings of your legendary vacation in Springfield, IL. Nowhere else can you find a more complete and authentic collection of Abraham Lincoln sites that let you step back in time to walk in the legendary president’s footsteps. Explore the nostalgia of Route 66 or take in the grandeur of the Frank Lloyd-Wright designed Dana-Thomas House. Enjoy farm-to-table restaurants, then shop ‘til you drop at local boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. At the end of your day relax at one of our classic hotels or romantic bed & breakfasts.
This site is dedicated toward the promotion of the Illinois Capitol Building and is intended to serve as an informational and educational resource for its visitors.
Its creators have worked in the Capitol for a combined 40 years and are interested in the history of the building and efforts to preserve it for future generations.
We hope you enjoy your on-line journey through the halls of one of the great state Capitols in the United States of America.
The creators of this website have co-authored a book about the Illinois Statehouse showcasing many never-before published photos of the Capitol. is available at several Springfield locations, among which are those that have kindly hosted book signings for us over the last several months. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at the following Springfield locations: The Dana-Thomas House, Prairie Archives, The Illinois State Historical Society, Sam's Club, The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Barnes and Noble Booksellers & the Lincoln Home Visitor's Center. We have been honored to be at each site. Many thanks also to those who purchased books, or just stopped by to share a story or discuss the Statehouse.
Author Deanna Burrell is the Queen of George Washington Park in Chicago.
*Content provided by the following websites:
http://www.ilstatehouse.com
https://www.alplm.org
http://lincolnlibraryandmuseum.com
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/h...
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinio...
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politi...
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/c...
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
October 15, 2019
Why Isn’t the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Leading the Charge for Colin Kaepernick?
NOTE: I wrote this blog on 8/23/2017 with the help of NFL SuperStar, Northwestern WildcatLegend, and EducatorExtraordinaire D'Wayne Bates, but never posted it. (P.S. Bates also contributed heavily and greatly to the research and creation of my first novel, Single Girl Summer and I did not give him proper credit in the book acknowledgements). I haven't updated the NFLPA information so this is dated. I'm posting this to add context to the conversation happening on the Matt McGill afternoon show on WVON 1690AM right now. I will add in my thoughts on LeBron and China at a later date. BUT KNOW IN THE SPIRIT OF JOHN CARLOS AND MUHAMMAD ALI, #iStandWithLeBron #iStandWithHongKong #ColoredCoalition
After Taking a Knee, Black NFL Players Need to Take Over the NFL Players Association
I wish more people understood that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s greatest legacy was not just protesting unjust laws and organizing boycotts. His greatest legacy was working within the political system to pass Civil Rights laws and compel government enforcement. I’m so proud of Colin Kaepernick for using his massive sports platform to denounce and shine a light on racism in America. His protest follows in the heroic footsteps of Muhammad Ali, John Carlos, and Craig Hodges. But when he admitted to not voting in the presidential election, I have say my pride in him was shaken.
In America, voting in an election is the easiest and most important thing a person of color can and should do to demand change. After the election, I wondered if a “woke” Kaepernick didn’t exercise his basic right to vote, what else is he and his NFL protest platform sleeping on? Then Kaepernick decided to exercise his free agency clause and I found my answer. Kaepernick and other Black players are sleep on the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).
From the website, The National Football League Players Association “is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected-including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989.”
Living in the city of Chicago, I understand the value and strength of unions. When the leaders of powerful Chicago unions like the Teamster, Chicago Teacher’s Union, and Fraternal Order of Police speak, the politicians and city leaders listen. To the politicians, the unions represent a large voting block and a large financial block. The union is a collective voice of the workers and it can cause a lot of trouble when the people they represent are not happy.
Right now on the NFLPA website, there is a list of the Top 50 Player merchandise sales from March 1-May 31, 2017. Colin Kaepernick ranks 39 in all NFL merchandise sales, yet he is the only player on that list who is currently unsigned. It’s obvious that the NFL owners have blackballed Kapernick for taking a knee during the national anthem and the NFLPA, the NFL player’s union, has not spoken out firmly in support of Kaepernick. I found an August 12 article in which the NFLPA union president Eric Winston said, “We’ve been in contact with Colin’s representatives, and we’ve let them know that we’re there and ready to help.” The statement goes on a few more lines, but the bottom line is the NFLPA is not helping or advocating for Kaepernick.
Where is Eric Winston D’Marice Smith?
The Executive Committee members of the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) are:
-Chris Paul (President)
-LeBron James (First Vice President)
-Garrett Temple (Vice President)
-Carmelo Anthony (Vice President)
-Stephen Curry (Vice President)
-Pau Gasol (Vice President)
-Andre Iguodala (Vice President)
-Anthony Tolliver (Vice President)
Seven of the eight executive committee members are Black. The Executive Director of the NBPA is a Black woman named Michele Roberts who was a prominent DC attorney with a strong background negotiations.
In 2015, 74.4% of the NBA consists of black players, 23.3% white players, 1.8% Latino players, and 0.2 Asian players.
2020 NFLPA Quick Overview:
Information for Former Players
We are "One Team", built around a fraternity of former NFL Players who are aligned, connected and engaged, working together in life beyond football.
No More Dues!
Join The Brotherhood. The NFLPA Lifetime Membership is now free.
2020 NBPA Quick Overview:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The EC is comprised of nine members: President, First Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer and six additional Vice-Presidents. The terms of office for the President and First Vice-President are four years while the Secretary-Treasurer and Vice-Presidents serve three year terms.
Members of the Executive Committee are elected by their peers at the Board of Player Representatives Meetings. Any union member who is in good standing and signed to a Standard NBA Contract is eligible to run for a position on the Executive Committee.
The duties of the Executive Committee (EC) include but are not limited to:
Directing NBPA affairs and the policy-making decisions necessary to carrying out the NBPA’s work
Reviewing and voting on all matters requiring player approval between meetings of the Board of Player Representatives
Participating in all telephonic conferences convened by the President and/or requested by the Executive Director
Sharing the duties and responsibilities of the Board of Player Representatives
Chris Paul - CURRENT PRESIDENT
After Taking a Knee, Black NFL Players Need to Take Over the NFL Players Association
I wish more people understood that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s greatest legacy was not just protesting unjust laws and organizing boycotts. His greatest legacy was working within the political system to pass Civil Rights laws and compel government enforcement. I’m so proud of Colin Kaepernick for using his massive sports platform to denounce and shine a light on racism in America. His protest follows in the heroic footsteps of Muhammad Ali, John Carlos, and Craig Hodges. But when he admitted to not voting in the presidential election, I have say my pride in him was shaken.
In America, voting in an election is the easiest and most important thing a person of color can and should do to demand change. After the election, I wondered if a “woke” Kaepernick didn’t exercise his basic right to vote, what else is he and his NFL protest platform sleeping on? Then Kaepernick decided to exercise his free agency clause and I found my answer. Kaepernick and other Black players are sleep on the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).
From the website, The National Football League Players Association “is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected-including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989.”
Living in the city of Chicago, I understand the value and strength of unions. When the leaders of powerful Chicago unions like the Teamster, Chicago Teacher’s Union, and Fraternal Order of Police speak, the politicians and city leaders listen. To the politicians, the unions represent a large voting block and a large financial block. The union is a collective voice of the workers and it can cause a lot of trouble when the people they represent are not happy.
Right now on the NFLPA website, there is a list of the Top 50 Player merchandise sales from March 1-May 31, 2017. Colin Kaepernick ranks 39 in all NFL merchandise sales, yet he is the only player on that list who is currently unsigned. It’s obvious that the NFL owners have blackballed Kapernick for taking a knee during the national anthem and the NFLPA, the NFL player’s union, has not spoken out firmly in support of Kaepernick. I found an August 12 article in which the NFLPA union president Eric Winston said, “We’ve been in contact with Colin’s representatives, and we’ve let them know that we’re there and ready to help.” The statement goes on a few more lines, but the bottom line is the NFLPA is not helping or advocating for Kaepernick.
Where is Eric Winston D’Marice Smith?
The Executive Committee members of the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) are:
-Chris Paul (President)
-LeBron James (First Vice President)
-Garrett Temple (Vice President)
-Carmelo Anthony (Vice President)
-Stephen Curry (Vice President)
-Pau Gasol (Vice President)
-Andre Iguodala (Vice President)
-Anthony Tolliver (Vice President)
Seven of the eight executive committee members are Black. The Executive Director of the NBPA is a Black woman named Michele Roberts who was a prominent DC attorney with a strong background negotiations.
In 2015, 74.4% of the NBA consists of black players, 23.3% white players, 1.8% Latino players, and 0.2 Asian players.
2020 NFLPA Quick Overview:
Information for Former Players
We are "One Team", built around a fraternity of former NFL Players who are aligned, connected and engaged, working together in life beyond football.
No More Dues!
Join The Brotherhood. The NFLPA Lifetime Membership is now free.
2020 NBPA Quick Overview:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The EC is comprised of nine members: President, First Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer and six additional Vice-Presidents. The terms of office for the President and First Vice-President are four years while the Secretary-Treasurer and Vice-Presidents serve three year terms.
Members of the Executive Committee are elected by their peers at the Board of Player Representatives Meetings. Any union member who is in good standing and signed to a Standard NBA Contract is eligible to run for a position on the Executive Committee.
The duties of the Executive Committee (EC) include but are not limited to:
Directing NBPA affairs and the policy-making decisions necessary to carrying out the NBPA’s work
Reviewing and voting on all matters requiring player approval between meetings of the Board of Player Representatives
Participating in all telephonic conferences convened by the President and/or requested by the Executive Director
Sharing the duties and responsibilities of the Board of Player Representatives
Chris Paul - CURRENT PRESIDENT
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The Red Cup Adventures
Welcome to the Red Cup Adventures. You're probably wondering "Why the Red Cup Adventures"? Because they are the universal symbols of fun. They’re ambassadors of good times and the perfect decorative h
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