Deanna Kimberly Burrell's Blog: The Red Cup Adventures, page 7
June 16, 2015
Why can't I buy a mini bottle of liquor in Chicago?
I'm a Chicagoan...born and raised. In addition to loving mustard-only hot dogs, Garrett's popcorn, and ribs, I'm also a great Chicago historian and ambassador.
TRIVIA QUESTION: Can you name at lease three things that are illegal to purchase in Chicago?
ANSWERS INCLUDE: fireworks, spray paint, livestock, small bottles of alcohol (spirits under 200 milliliters), single serve beer in containers less than 24 fluid ounces, and loose cigarettes
If I had asked you this question last year, you could have included guns. If I had asked you this question last month, you could also have included Happy Hour drink specials.
Every time I buy liquor in the suburbs or fly on an airplane, I get irritated that I can't purchase 50 and 100 mL size bottles of liquor (AKA 'nips' or 'minis') in my fair city. You know the cute miniature bottles you can purchase on an airplane or in any suburb surrounding Chicago, but not inside the city limits. This gem of a law was passed in 1980's because some community leaders complained about the miniature bottles littering their neighborhoods. In lieu of fining the liquor stores that didn't clean up (which would have been an effective solution for the problem), the politicians decided to ban the small bottles. Now instead of seeing mini bottles littering your streets, you get to see large bottles masquerading as lawn art.
Now I know what you're saying...WHO CARES? I know Chicago's ordinance to ban the miniature liquor bottles is not an infringement on my constitutional rights and it isn't worthy of a Supreme Court decision like in the case of handguns, but I still want the law changed. There are a lot of people disenfranchised by this injustice. WHO?...You may ask. Well, let me tell you...
1) People who like to cook - Recipes often call for an ounce or two of liquor. I should be able to go to my local grocery store and buy a mini bottle for a couple of bucks. I don't want to drive to the suburbs or have to shell out $20 or more for a big bottle in the city. I still have a bottle of E&J brandy left over from spiking last year's eggnog. And that Grand Marnier chicken recipe sounds delicious, but I refuse to pay more money for one ingredient than I'm paying for the meat so I guess I'll just stick to orange chicken.
2) Senior citizens - In researching my "mini" crusade, I found an article about a elderly man in North Chicago who is also outraged by this stupid law. He said sometimes he just wants a little taste of something, but he doesn't want a big bottle. And since the elderly are often on a limited income, it would nice if they weren't forced to purchase the larger and more expensive sizes. In the article, he is quoted as saying "A man has a right to buy what he wants." Here, Here!
3) People who give cute gifts - Picture it...Secret Santa Office Grab Bag...$25 budget. You spend $22 on a nice pair of gloves. What can you buy with the remaining $3? A miniature bottle of liquor would make the perfect stocking stuffer if only you didn't have to spend $5 in gas driving to the suburbs to buy it.
4) Sick people - There is nothing like a hot totty (or hot tottie...whichever is your spelling preference) when you're under the weather. It's like a warm hug. I'm already spending $50 on dayquil, nightquil, Emergen C and whatever else is in my get-well regime. I'd like to buy a couple of minis of whiskey for my hot tea. (I know I could use the left over Christmas brandy, but I don't want to. I prefer Jack Daniels in my totty.)
5) Liquor store owners - Give them a break. They already have to deal with a bunch of alcoholics and bureaucrats giving them crap all the time. They're losing sales to lower taxes and more options in the suburbs. Legalizing minis will give the liquor store owners another source of revenue. And guess what bureaucrats...that's another source of revenue for the city!
6) People pissed about the parking meters, red light cameras and speed cameras - These parking meter rates and cameras are the biggest rip off of ALL TIME. I have to pay $20 to park downtown for 5 minutes while Former Mayor Daley makes a mint working at the law firm that negotiated this bogus deal. And don't get me started on the red light/speed camera money trap-n-grab. The good citizens of Chicago are getting screwed so can you at least let us buy a mini to soothe the pain?
7) People who hate dumb laws - In December 1933, Prohibition was repealed. In June 2014, New York killed the proposed ban on big sodas. In June 2015, Illinois repealed the ban on Happy Hour drink specials. YAY! Now, I'd like Chicago to repeal the ban on "mini" bottles of liquor.
Support The "Mini" Crusade to overturn this Chicago ordinance by clicking the like button, tell your alderman you want MINIS, and spread the word!
Deanna Burrell is the author of the best-selling novel, Single Girl Summer. Described as "Waiting to Exhale" meets "Sex and the City", your summer won't be complete without it. Click here to download Single Girl Summer now!
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
TRIVIA QUESTION: Can you name at lease three things that are illegal to purchase in Chicago?
ANSWERS INCLUDE: fireworks, spray paint, livestock, small bottles of alcohol (spirits under 200 milliliters), single serve beer in containers less than 24 fluid ounces, and loose cigarettes
If I had asked you this question last year, you could have included guns. If I had asked you this question last month, you could also have included Happy Hour drink specials.
Every time I buy liquor in the suburbs or fly on an airplane, I get irritated that I can't purchase 50 and 100 mL size bottles of liquor (AKA 'nips' or 'minis') in my fair city. You know the cute miniature bottles you can purchase on an airplane or in any suburb surrounding Chicago, but not inside the city limits. This gem of a law was passed in 1980's because some community leaders complained about the miniature bottles littering their neighborhoods. In lieu of fining the liquor stores that didn't clean up (which would have been an effective solution for the problem), the politicians decided to ban the small bottles. Now instead of seeing mini bottles littering your streets, you get to see large bottles masquerading as lawn art.
Now I know what you're saying...WHO CARES? I know Chicago's ordinance to ban the miniature liquor bottles is not an infringement on my constitutional rights and it isn't worthy of a Supreme Court decision like in the case of handguns, but I still want the law changed. There are a lot of people disenfranchised by this injustice. WHO?...You may ask. Well, let me tell you...
1) People who like to cook - Recipes often call for an ounce or two of liquor. I should be able to go to my local grocery store and buy a mini bottle for a couple of bucks. I don't want to drive to the suburbs or have to shell out $20 or more for a big bottle in the city. I still have a bottle of E&J brandy left over from spiking last year's eggnog. And that Grand Marnier chicken recipe sounds delicious, but I refuse to pay more money for one ingredient than I'm paying for the meat so I guess I'll just stick to orange chicken.
2) Senior citizens - In researching my "mini" crusade, I found an article about a elderly man in North Chicago who is also outraged by this stupid law. He said sometimes he just wants a little taste of something, but he doesn't want a big bottle. And since the elderly are often on a limited income, it would nice if they weren't forced to purchase the larger and more expensive sizes. In the article, he is quoted as saying "A man has a right to buy what he wants." Here, Here!
3) People who give cute gifts - Picture it...Secret Santa Office Grab Bag...$25 budget. You spend $22 on a nice pair of gloves. What can you buy with the remaining $3? A miniature bottle of liquor would make the perfect stocking stuffer if only you didn't have to spend $5 in gas driving to the suburbs to buy it.
4) Sick people - There is nothing like a hot totty (or hot tottie...whichever is your spelling preference) when you're under the weather. It's like a warm hug. I'm already spending $50 on dayquil, nightquil, Emergen C and whatever else is in my get-well regime. I'd like to buy a couple of minis of whiskey for my hot tea. (I know I could use the left over Christmas brandy, but I don't want to. I prefer Jack Daniels in my totty.)
5) Liquor store owners - Give them a break. They already have to deal with a bunch of alcoholics and bureaucrats giving them crap all the time. They're losing sales to lower taxes and more options in the suburbs. Legalizing minis will give the liquor store owners another source of revenue. And guess what bureaucrats...that's another source of revenue for the city!
6) People pissed about the parking meters, red light cameras and speed cameras - These parking meter rates and cameras are the biggest rip off of ALL TIME. I have to pay $20 to park downtown for 5 minutes while Former Mayor Daley makes a mint working at the law firm that negotiated this bogus deal. And don't get me started on the red light/speed camera money trap-n-grab. The good citizens of Chicago are getting screwed so can you at least let us buy a mini to soothe the pain?
7) People who hate dumb laws - In December 1933, Prohibition was repealed. In June 2014, New York killed the proposed ban on big sodas. In June 2015, Illinois repealed the ban on Happy Hour drink specials. YAY! Now, I'd like Chicago to repeal the ban on "mini" bottles of liquor.
Support The "Mini" Crusade to overturn this Chicago ordinance by clicking the like button, tell your alderman you want MINIS, and spread the word!
Deanna Burrell is the author of the best-selling novel, Single Girl Summer. Described as "Waiting to Exhale" meets "Sex and the City", your summer won't be complete without it. Click here to download Single Girl Summer now!
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
May 21, 2015
Black Chicago 2015 Summer Events
The Summer Solstice is just round the corner and that's when Chicago comes alive. Summer in Chicago offers an array of festivals, concerts, events, parties, and outings in every neighborhood. Here's my list for Summer 2015 hot happenings that showcase the diverse array of ethnicity, heritage, and culture of my city. Grab your red cups and get ready for more amazing advertures in #SummerTimeChi!
The list will be updated throughout the summer so bookmark this page and check back often for updates. And make sure to scroll to the bottom to check out the list of events throughout the summer.
May 2015
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, May 21 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
“Move Your Body: The Evolution of House Music” exhibition kick off concert: Friday, May 22 @ Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph) FREE
“stop. reset.” Written and Directed by Regina Taylor: May 23 – June 5 @ Goodman Theatre
Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: May 23- September 5 (Wednesday & Saturdays)
Farley Jackmaster Funk’s Birthday Party: Saturday, May 23 @ EvileOlive (1551 W. Division)
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, May 23-24 @ 1350 block W. Randolph and 1340 W. Washington Street between Ada and Ogden
Bike the Drive: Sunday, May 24 @ Lake Shore Drive
Spike Lee and St. Sabina Block Party: Monday, May 25 @ 7800 S. Throop
The Tequila Tales: Wednesday, May 27 @ The Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park), FREE
WVON's Speak Sistah Speak: Thursday, May 28, DuSable Museum of African American History (740 E. 56th Place), FREE
Jazzin’ with the Saints: Friday, May 29 @ Gallery Guichard (436 E. 47th Street)
Jungle Tour with Drake: Friday, May 29 @ United Center
Chicago Gospel Music Festival: Friday – Sunday, May 29-31 @ Millennium Park, FREE
Cutting Edge Spirit Music: The Women of the AACM: Friday, May 29, DuSable Museum (740 E. 56th Place), FREE
Do Division Street Festival: Friday - Sunday, May 29 – 31 @ Division Street from Damen to Leavitt
Chicago Gospel Run: Saturday, May 30 @ Jackson Park
Jody Watley featuring Shalamar Reloaded: Saturday, May 30 @ The Shrine
Joan Collaso CD Release Party: Sunday, May 31 @ DuSable Museum
Beenie Man with Live Band Zagga Zow: Sunday, May 31 @ The Shrine
June 2015
Blackness in Latin America Fine Art Opening Reception: Friday, June 5 @ Gallery Guichard (436 E. 47th Street)
Hyde Park Brew Fest: Saturday & Sunday, June 6-7 @ 54th and Kenwood
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer: Saturday & Sunday, June 6-7 @ Soldier Field
57th Street Art Fair: Saturday - Sunday, June 6-7 @ 57th and Kimbark Street in Hyde Park
Printers Row Lit Fest: Saturday - Sunday, June 6-7 @Dearborn and Polk
Summer Breeze Jazz Concert Kick Off featuring Terisa Griffin: Wednesday, June 10 @ The Promontory
Ribfest Chicago: Friday - Sunday, June 12-14@ Lincoln/Irving Park/Damen
Chicago Blues Fest: Friday - Sunday, June 12-14 @ Grant Park (Jackson & Columbus)
NUBAA 5K Race for Diversity: Saturday, June 13 @ Northwestern University in Evanston
The Experience with Tamia: Monday, June 15 @ DuSable Museum
Sounds of History Jazz Concert Series: Wednesday, June 17 @ DuSable Museum (740 E. 56th Place), FREE
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Avain Hightower: Wednesday, June 17 @ Chicago State University
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, June 18 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
Peace March and Annual End of the School Year Rally: Friday, June 19 @ 7800 S. Throop
Juneteenth Celebration: Friday, June 19 @ Culture Connection (400 W. 71st Street)
Taste of Randolph Street: Friday - Sunday, June 19-21 @ 900 W. Randolph
6 Corners BBQ Fest: Friday - Sunday, June 19-21 @ 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Sib's Breakfast Club Black Men Stand Up Celebration: Saturday, June 20 @ Venue 47 (643 E. 47th Street)
Real Men Cook: Sunday, June 21@ Palmer Park (201 E. 111th Street)
SUMMER SOLSTICE, Sunday, JUNE 21, THE OFFICIAL START OF SUMMER
Movies in the Park presents "Annie": Saturday, June 20 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic with War: Saturday, June 20 @ the Horseshoe Casino
WGCI Summer Jam: Saturday, June 20 @ United Center
Chicago Pride Fest: Saturday & Sunday, June 20-21 @ Halsted and Waveland
Floetry with Rahsaan Patterson: Sunday, June 21 @ the Horseshoe Casino
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Dee Alexander: Wednesday, June 24 @ Chicago State University
Chicago Food Truck Fest: Saturday & Sunday, June 27-28 @ Armour Square Park by U.S. Cellular Field (3309 S. Shield Ave.)
L.A.T.E. Ride: Saturday, June 27 overnight ride @ Buckingham Fountain (500 S Columbus Dr)
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, June 27-28 @ 1350 W. Randolph & 1340 W. Washington
Chicago Pride Parade: Sunday, June 28 @ Montrose Avenue and Broadway
The Doobie Brothers: Tuesday, June 30 @ Ravinia
July 2015
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Ray Silkman: Wednesday, July 1 @ Chicago State University
House Club Tour Pub Crawl: Wednesday, July 1 @ Chicago’s Top Southside Clubs
Grant Park Music Festival: Wednesday, July 1 @ South Shore Cultural Center
Naperville Ribfest: Thursday – Sunday, July 2-5 @ Knoch Park in Naperville
International Festival of Life: Friday-Sunday, July 3-5 @ Union Park
Windy City RibFest: Friday-Sunday, July 3-5 @ Lawrence and Broadway
Chosen Few Picnic (25th Anniversary): Saturday, July 4, @ Jackson Park, 63rd and Hayes Drive
Chosen Few Weekend Events: Thursday - Sunday, July 2-5, @ TBA various location
Fourth of July Fireworks: Saturday, July 4 @ Navy Pier
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Milton Suggs: Wednesday, July 8 @ Chicago State University
Bobby McFerrin conducts Porgy and Bess: Wednesday, July 8 @ Ravinia
Arts & Crafts Festival: Saturday - Sunday, July 11-12 @ DuSable Museum (740 E. 56th Street), FREE
Steppin at the Fest: Saturday, July 11 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
V103 Summer Block Party: Saturday, July 11@ FirstMerit Bank Pavillion at Northerly Island
Aretha Franklin: Saturday, July 11 @ Ravinia
Taste of Chicago: Wednesday-Sunday, July 8-12 @ Grant Park
Taste of Chicago Presents Erykah Badu: Thursday, July 9 @ 530pm
Taste of Chicago Presents Maze featuring Frankie Beverly: Sunday, July 12 @ 430pm
Sounds of History Jazz Concert Series: Wednesday, July 15 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, July 16 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
Pitchfork Music Festival: Friday-Sunday, July 17-19 @ Union Park
Taste of WVON: Saturday, July 18 @ Lorraine Dixon Park (8701 S. Dauphin Ave), FREE
Movies in the Park presents "Once Upon a Time…When We Were Colored": Saturday, July 18 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
New Life Covenant Annual Family Festival: Saturday, July 18 @ Grand Crossing
Margarita Festival: Saturday, July 25 @ Northerly Island
Dave Koz & Friends: Saturday, July 25 @ the Horseshoe Casino
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, July 25-26 @ 1350 W. Randolph & 1340 W. Washington
Kem: Sunday, July 26 @ the Horseshoe Casino
Wicker Park Fest: Saturday & Sunday, July 25-26 @Milwaukee Ave Between North Ave and Paulina St
J. Cole, Big Sean, YG & Jeremih: Tuesday, July 28 @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park
Summer Breeze Jazz Concert Finale: Wednesday, July 29 @ The Promontory
Kevin Hart What Now Tour: Thursday & Friday, July 30-31 @ United Center
Lollapalooza: Friday – Sunday, July 31-August 2 @ Grant Park
August 2015
Lollapalooza: Friday – Sunday, July 31-August 2 @ Grant Park
Black Harvest Film Festival: August 8 – September 3 @ Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State Street)
Classic Ramsey Lewis: Saturday, August 8 @ Ravinia
Bud Billiken Parade: Saturday, August 8 @ 35-55th & Martin Luther King Drive
Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill & Rae Sremmurd: Sunday, August 9 @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park
Veggie Fest: Saturday & Sunday, August 15-16 @ Benedictine University in Lisle, IL
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Marqueal Jordan: Wednesday, August 12 @ Chicago State University
Chicago Bears vs. Miami Dolphins (Preseason): Thursday, August 13 @ Soldier Field
Taylor Street Festa Italiana: Thursday-Sunday, August 13-16 @ Taylor Street and Ashland
Westside Music Festival: Saturday, August 15 @ Douglas Park
Windy City West Indian Carnival: Saturday, August 15 @ Midway Plaisance
Movies in the Park presents "Roll Bounce": Saturday, August 15 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
Chicago Air & Water Show: Saturday & Sunday, August 15-16 (rehearsal August 14) @ North Avenue Beach
Sounds of History Jazz Concert Series: Wednesday, August 19 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, August 20 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
Taste of Greektown: Saturday & Sunday, August 22-23 @ 400 S. Halsted
Little Black PearlFest at the Beach: Saturday August 22 @ Oakwood Beach (1099 E. Oakwood Blvd)
Annual Sickle Cell Walk/Jog/Bike-a-Thon: Saturday, August 29 @ 31st & Lake Shore Drive
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, August 29-30 @ 1350 W. Randolph & 1340 W. Washington
September 2015
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Terisa Griffin: Wednesday, September 2 @ Chicago State University
Chicago Jazz Festival: Thursday – Sunday, September 3-6 @ Millennium Park
Englewood Jazz Festival: Thursday – Sunday, September 3-6 @ Hamilton Park Cultural Center
African Festival of the Arts: Friday-Monday, September 4-7 @ Washington Park
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns (Preseason): Thursday, September 3 @ Soldier Field
Windy City Wine Festival: Friday & Saturday, September 11-12 @ Buckingham Fountain
Family Peace Jam and 79th Street Renaissance Festival: Saturday, September 12 @ 79th Street between Loomis & Racine
Chicago Venetian Night: Saturday, September 12 @ Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)
Gladys Knight and The O’Jays: Friday, September 11 @ Ravinia
August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean: Thursday, September 10 - Sunday, October 11 @ Court Theatre (5535 S. Ellis Ave)
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, September 17 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
25th Annual World's Largest Steppers Contest: Saturday, September 19 @ Tinley Park Convention Center
FALL EQUINOX: Wednesday, September 23, THE OFFICIAL END OF SUMMER
Chicago Gourmet: Friday - Sunday, September 25-27 @ Harris Theater and Millennium Park
Hyde Park Jazz Festival: Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27 in Hyde Park @ various locations
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27 @ 1350 W. Randolph & 1340 W. Washington
Throughout the Summer
Move Your Body: The Evolution of House Music Exhibit: May 21 – August 16 @ Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington Street), FREE
Archibald Motley: Jazz Age Modernist exhibit: until August 31@ Chicago Cultural Center
Summer Breeze Concert Series: Wednesdays, June 17-July 22 @ Seven Ten Lanes
Jazzin at the Shedd: Wednesdays, June 17−September 9 @ Shedd Aquarium
Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: May 23- September 5 (Wednesday & Saturdays) @ Navy Pier
Summer House Music Series: Wednesdays until August 26 @ Pier 31 (3101 S. Lakeshore Drive)
Grant Park Music Festival: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, June 17 – August 22 @ Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
MCA Tuesdays on the Terrace: Every Tuesday @ Museum of Contemporary Art
The Artist Lounge Open Mic hosted by Dometi Pongo: Every 1st and 3rd Friday @ Elee Mosynary Art Gallery (645 W. 18th Street)
Sunday Funday: Every Sunday @ The Bar 10 Doors
House of Blues Gospel Brunch: Every Sunday @ House of Blues (Dearborn & Kinzie)
Maxwell Street Market: Every Sunday @ 800 S. Desplaines
Chicago Farmers Markets (Various)
Chicago Park District presents Night Out in the Parks (Various)
Chicago SummerDance (Various)
Live Jazz with the Moe Fitz Project: Every Tuesday @ MVie (1372 W. Grand)
Old School After Work Set: Every Tuesday @ Norman’s Bistro (1001 E. 43rd Street) Free
Soul Music Fridays: Every Friday @ Darrin’s Cocktail Lounge (1249 E. 87th Street), FREE After Work Set
Bottomless Brunch: Every Sunday 10a-4p @ Fleetwood (2333 S. Michigan Ave.)
Deanna Burrell is the author of the best-selling novel, Single Girl Summer. Described as "Waiting to Exhale" meets "Sex and the City", your summer won't be complete without it. Click here to download Single Girl Summer now!
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
The list will be updated throughout the summer so bookmark this page and check back often for updates. And make sure to scroll to the bottom to check out the list of events throughout the summer.
May 2015
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, May 21 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
“Move Your Body: The Evolution of House Music” exhibition kick off concert: Friday, May 22 @ Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph) FREE
“stop. reset.” Written and Directed by Regina Taylor: May 23 – June 5 @ Goodman Theatre
Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: May 23- September 5 (Wednesday & Saturdays)
Farley Jackmaster Funk’s Birthday Party: Saturday, May 23 @ EvileOlive (1551 W. Division)
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, May 23-24 @ 1350 block W. Randolph and 1340 W. Washington Street between Ada and Ogden
Bike the Drive: Sunday, May 24 @ Lake Shore Drive
Spike Lee and St. Sabina Block Party: Monday, May 25 @ 7800 S. Throop
The Tequila Tales: Wednesday, May 27 @ The Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park), FREE
WVON's Speak Sistah Speak: Thursday, May 28, DuSable Museum of African American History (740 E. 56th Place), FREE
Jazzin’ with the Saints: Friday, May 29 @ Gallery Guichard (436 E. 47th Street)
Jungle Tour with Drake: Friday, May 29 @ United Center
Chicago Gospel Music Festival: Friday – Sunday, May 29-31 @ Millennium Park, FREE
Cutting Edge Spirit Music: The Women of the AACM: Friday, May 29, DuSable Museum (740 E. 56th Place), FREE
Do Division Street Festival: Friday - Sunday, May 29 – 31 @ Division Street from Damen to Leavitt
Chicago Gospel Run: Saturday, May 30 @ Jackson Park
Jody Watley featuring Shalamar Reloaded: Saturday, May 30 @ The Shrine
Joan Collaso CD Release Party: Sunday, May 31 @ DuSable Museum
Beenie Man with Live Band Zagga Zow: Sunday, May 31 @ The Shrine
June 2015
Blackness in Latin America Fine Art Opening Reception: Friday, June 5 @ Gallery Guichard (436 E. 47th Street)
Hyde Park Brew Fest: Saturday & Sunday, June 6-7 @ 54th and Kenwood
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer: Saturday & Sunday, June 6-7 @ Soldier Field
57th Street Art Fair: Saturday - Sunday, June 6-7 @ 57th and Kimbark Street in Hyde Park
Printers Row Lit Fest: Saturday - Sunday, June 6-7 @Dearborn and Polk
Summer Breeze Jazz Concert Kick Off featuring Terisa Griffin: Wednesday, June 10 @ The Promontory
Ribfest Chicago: Friday - Sunday, June 12-14@ Lincoln/Irving Park/Damen
Chicago Blues Fest: Friday - Sunday, June 12-14 @ Grant Park (Jackson & Columbus)
NUBAA 5K Race for Diversity: Saturday, June 13 @ Northwestern University in Evanston
The Experience with Tamia: Monday, June 15 @ DuSable Museum
Sounds of History Jazz Concert Series: Wednesday, June 17 @ DuSable Museum (740 E. 56th Place), FREE
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Avain Hightower: Wednesday, June 17 @ Chicago State University
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, June 18 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
Peace March and Annual End of the School Year Rally: Friday, June 19 @ 7800 S. Throop
Juneteenth Celebration: Friday, June 19 @ Culture Connection (400 W. 71st Street)
Taste of Randolph Street: Friday - Sunday, June 19-21 @ 900 W. Randolph
6 Corners BBQ Fest: Friday - Sunday, June 19-21 @ 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Sib's Breakfast Club Black Men Stand Up Celebration: Saturday, June 20 @ Venue 47 (643 E. 47th Street)
Real Men Cook: Sunday, June 21@ Palmer Park (201 E. 111th Street)
SUMMER SOLSTICE, Sunday, JUNE 21, THE OFFICIAL START OF SUMMER
Movies in the Park presents "Annie": Saturday, June 20 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic with War: Saturday, June 20 @ the Horseshoe Casino
WGCI Summer Jam: Saturday, June 20 @ United Center
Chicago Pride Fest: Saturday & Sunday, June 20-21 @ Halsted and Waveland
Floetry with Rahsaan Patterson: Sunday, June 21 @ the Horseshoe Casino
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Dee Alexander: Wednesday, June 24 @ Chicago State University
Chicago Food Truck Fest: Saturday & Sunday, June 27-28 @ Armour Square Park by U.S. Cellular Field (3309 S. Shield Ave.)
L.A.T.E. Ride: Saturday, June 27 overnight ride @ Buckingham Fountain (500 S Columbus Dr)
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, June 27-28 @ 1350 W. Randolph & 1340 W. Washington
Chicago Pride Parade: Sunday, June 28 @ Montrose Avenue and Broadway
The Doobie Brothers: Tuesday, June 30 @ Ravinia
July 2015
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Ray Silkman: Wednesday, July 1 @ Chicago State University
House Club Tour Pub Crawl: Wednesday, July 1 @ Chicago’s Top Southside Clubs
Grant Park Music Festival: Wednesday, July 1 @ South Shore Cultural Center
Naperville Ribfest: Thursday – Sunday, July 2-5 @ Knoch Park in Naperville
International Festival of Life: Friday-Sunday, July 3-5 @ Union Park
Windy City RibFest: Friday-Sunday, July 3-5 @ Lawrence and Broadway
Chosen Few Picnic (25th Anniversary): Saturday, July 4, @ Jackson Park, 63rd and Hayes Drive
Chosen Few Weekend Events: Thursday - Sunday, July 2-5, @ TBA various location
Fourth of July Fireworks: Saturday, July 4 @ Navy Pier
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Milton Suggs: Wednesday, July 8 @ Chicago State University
Bobby McFerrin conducts Porgy and Bess: Wednesday, July 8 @ Ravinia
Arts & Crafts Festival: Saturday - Sunday, July 11-12 @ DuSable Museum (740 E. 56th Street), FREE
Steppin at the Fest: Saturday, July 11 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
V103 Summer Block Party: Saturday, July 11@ FirstMerit Bank Pavillion at Northerly Island
Aretha Franklin: Saturday, July 11 @ Ravinia
Taste of Chicago: Wednesday-Sunday, July 8-12 @ Grant Park
Taste of Chicago Presents Erykah Badu: Thursday, July 9 @ 530pm
Taste of Chicago Presents Maze featuring Frankie Beverly: Sunday, July 12 @ 430pm
Sounds of History Jazz Concert Series: Wednesday, July 15 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, July 16 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
Pitchfork Music Festival: Friday-Sunday, July 17-19 @ Union Park
Taste of WVON: Saturday, July 18 @ Lorraine Dixon Park (8701 S. Dauphin Ave), FREE
Movies in the Park presents "Once Upon a Time…When We Were Colored": Saturday, July 18 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
New Life Covenant Annual Family Festival: Saturday, July 18 @ Grand Crossing
Margarita Festival: Saturday, July 25 @ Northerly Island
Dave Koz & Friends: Saturday, July 25 @ the Horseshoe Casino
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, July 25-26 @ 1350 W. Randolph & 1340 W. Washington
Kem: Sunday, July 26 @ the Horseshoe Casino
Wicker Park Fest: Saturday & Sunday, July 25-26 @Milwaukee Ave Between North Ave and Paulina St
J. Cole, Big Sean, YG & Jeremih: Tuesday, July 28 @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park
Summer Breeze Jazz Concert Finale: Wednesday, July 29 @ The Promontory
Kevin Hart What Now Tour: Thursday & Friday, July 30-31 @ United Center
Lollapalooza: Friday – Sunday, July 31-August 2 @ Grant Park
August 2015
Lollapalooza: Friday – Sunday, July 31-August 2 @ Grant Park
Black Harvest Film Festival: August 8 – September 3 @ Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State Street)
Classic Ramsey Lewis: Saturday, August 8 @ Ravinia
Bud Billiken Parade: Saturday, August 8 @ 35-55th & Martin Luther King Drive
Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill & Rae Sremmurd: Sunday, August 9 @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park
Veggie Fest: Saturday & Sunday, August 15-16 @ Benedictine University in Lisle, IL
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Marqueal Jordan: Wednesday, August 12 @ Chicago State University
Chicago Bears vs. Miami Dolphins (Preseason): Thursday, August 13 @ Soldier Field
Taylor Street Festa Italiana: Thursday-Sunday, August 13-16 @ Taylor Street and Ashland
Westside Music Festival: Saturday, August 15 @ Douglas Park
Windy City West Indian Carnival: Saturday, August 15 @ Midway Plaisance
Movies in the Park presents "Roll Bounce": Saturday, August 15 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
Chicago Air & Water Show: Saturday & Sunday, August 15-16 (rehearsal August 14) @ North Avenue Beach
Sounds of History Jazz Concert Series: Wednesday, August 19 @ DuSable Museum (740 East 56th Place), FREE
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, August 20 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
Taste of Greektown: Saturday & Sunday, August 22-23 @ 400 S. Halsted
Little Black PearlFest at the Beach: Saturday August 22 @ Oakwood Beach (1099 E. Oakwood Blvd)
Annual Sickle Cell Walk/Jog/Bike-a-Thon: Saturday, August 29 @ 31st & Lake Shore Drive
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, August 29-30 @ 1350 W. Randolph & 1340 W. Washington
September 2015
Jazz in the Grazz featuring Terisa Griffin: Wednesday, September 2 @ Chicago State University
Chicago Jazz Festival: Thursday – Sunday, September 3-6 @ Millennium Park
Englewood Jazz Festival: Thursday – Sunday, September 3-6 @ Hamilton Park Cultural Center
African Festival of the Arts: Friday-Monday, September 4-7 @ Washington Park
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns (Preseason): Thursday, September 3 @ Soldier Field
Windy City Wine Festival: Friday & Saturday, September 11-12 @ Buckingham Fountain
Family Peace Jam and 79th Street Renaissance Festival: Saturday, September 12 @ 79th Street between Loomis & Racine
Chicago Venetian Night: Saturday, September 12 @ Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)
Gladys Knight and The O’Jays: Friday, September 11 @ Ravinia
August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean: Thursday, September 10 - Sunday, October 11 @ Court Theatre (5535 S. Ellis Ave)
Grown Folks Stories: Thursday, September 17 @ The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd Street)
25th Annual World's Largest Steppers Contest: Saturday, September 19 @ Tinley Park Convention Center
FALL EQUINOX: Wednesday, September 23, THE OFFICIAL END OF SUMMER
Chicago Gourmet: Friday - Sunday, September 25-27 @ Harris Theater and Millennium Park
Hyde Park Jazz Festival: Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27 in Hyde Park @ various locations
Randolph Street Market Festival: Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27 @ 1350 W. Randolph & 1340 W. Washington
Throughout the Summer
Move Your Body: The Evolution of House Music Exhibit: May 21 – August 16 @ Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington Street), FREE
Archibald Motley: Jazz Age Modernist exhibit: until August 31@ Chicago Cultural Center
Summer Breeze Concert Series: Wednesdays, June 17-July 22 @ Seven Ten Lanes
Jazzin at the Shedd: Wednesdays, June 17−September 9 @ Shedd Aquarium
Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: May 23- September 5 (Wednesday & Saturdays) @ Navy Pier
Summer House Music Series: Wednesdays until August 26 @ Pier 31 (3101 S. Lakeshore Drive)
Grant Park Music Festival: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, June 17 – August 22 @ Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
MCA Tuesdays on the Terrace: Every Tuesday @ Museum of Contemporary Art
The Artist Lounge Open Mic hosted by Dometi Pongo: Every 1st and 3rd Friday @ Elee Mosynary Art Gallery (645 W. 18th Street)
Sunday Funday: Every Sunday @ The Bar 10 Doors
House of Blues Gospel Brunch: Every Sunday @ House of Blues (Dearborn & Kinzie)
Maxwell Street Market: Every Sunday @ 800 S. Desplaines
Chicago Farmers Markets (Various)
Chicago Park District presents Night Out in the Parks (Various)
Chicago SummerDance (Various)
Live Jazz with the Moe Fitz Project: Every Tuesday @ MVie (1372 W. Grand)
Old School After Work Set: Every Tuesday @ Norman’s Bistro (1001 E. 43rd Street) Free
Soul Music Fridays: Every Friday @ Darrin’s Cocktail Lounge (1249 E. 87th Street), FREE After Work Set
Bottomless Brunch: Every Sunday 10a-4p @ Fleetwood (2333 S. Michigan Ave.)
Deanna Burrell is the author of the best-selling novel, Single Girl Summer. Described as "Waiting to Exhale" meets "Sex and the City", your summer won't be complete without it. Click here to download Single Girl Summer now!
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January 17, 2015
Dr. King Weekend Events in Chicago
Chicago celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday this weekend. Take the whole family and check out these wonderful events.
FRIDAY, 1/16 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence, 6pm at the Hyatt Regency; tickets $75
SATURDAY, 1/17 Rev. Darius Randle Presents: 1st Annual MLK (His Legecy Continues Generation Concert), 2-5pm at Resurrection House Baptist Church 245 E/ 138th Street in Dolton
SATURDAY, 1/17 Too Hot To Handle: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah, 730pm at the Auditorium Theatre; tickets $25-$78
SUNDAY, 1/18 Too Hot To Handle: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah, 3pm at the Auditorium Theatre; tickets $25-$78
SUNDAY, 1/18 Chicago Sinfonietta Arts & Diversity Concert, 3pm at the Wentz Concert Hall 171 E. Chicago in Naperville; tickets $48-$58
MONDAY, 1/19 Push Excel 25th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, 8am at the Hyatt Regency; tickets $125
MONDAY 1/19 Young and Powerful Action Brunch, 10am at the Black Wall Street 4655 S. King Drive; tickets $35
MONDAY 1/19 DuSable Museum 2015 King Day Celebration: Reflecting on the Dream, 10a-5pm at 740 E. 56th Place; tickets $10
MONDAY 1/19 Chicago Sinfonietta Arts & Diversity Concert, 730pm at the Symphony Center 220 S. Michigan Ave; tickets$10-$58
Deanna Burrell is the President of Voted Most Creative Enterprises, INC, Marketing Director for Free Howard Morgan, and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
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FRIDAY, 1/16 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence, 6pm at the Hyatt Regency; tickets $75
SATURDAY, 1/17 Rev. Darius Randle Presents: 1st Annual MLK (His Legecy Continues Generation Concert), 2-5pm at Resurrection House Baptist Church 245 E/ 138th Street in Dolton
SATURDAY, 1/17 Too Hot To Handle: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah, 730pm at the Auditorium Theatre; tickets $25-$78
SUNDAY, 1/18 Too Hot To Handle: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah, 3pm at the Auditorium Theatre; tickets $25-$78
SUNDAY, 1/18 Chicago Sinfonietta Arts & Diversity Concert, 3pm at the Wentz Concert Hall 171 E. Chicago in Naperville; tickets $48-$58
MONDAY, 1/19 Push Excel 25th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, 8am at the Hyatt Regency; tickets $125
MONDAY 1/19 Young and Powerful Action Brunch, 10am at the Black Wall Street 4655 S. King Drive; tickets $35
MONDAY 1/19 DuSable Museum 2015 King Day Celebration: Reflecting on the Dream, 10a-5pm at 740 E. 56th Place; tickets $10
MONDAY 1/19 Chicago Sinfonietta Arts & Diversity Concert, 730pm at the Symphony Center 220 S. Michigan Ave; tickets$10-$58
Deanna Burrell is the President of Voted Most Creative Enterprises, INC, Marketing Director for Free Howard Morgan, and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
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January 15, 2015
An Open Letter to Google...It's Dr. King Birthday...Represent
Google, this year we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday on Monday, January 19th, but his actual birthday is TODAY. I'm confident the people want to see a Dr. King Doodle today AND Monday. Today, you can feature his image. On Monday, you can feature an image invoking the powerful movement he led in Selma to capitalize on the success of the movie.
I'm going to share this letter with my Young&Powerful network and hope you respond. Thanks in advance for your quick correction of this oversight.
https://www.google.com/doodles/
Deanna Burrell is the President of Voted Most Creative Enterprises, INC, Marketing Director for Free Howard Morgan, and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
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I'm going to share this letter with my Young&Powerful network and hope you respond. Thanks in advance for your quick correction of this oversight.
https://www.google.com/doodles/
Deanna Burrell is the President of Voted Most Creative Enterprises, INC, Marketing Director for Free Howard Morgan, and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
Join the "Red Cup Adventures" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
January 13, 2015
HOWARD MORGAN IS GOING HOME!
Former Governor Pat Quinn commuted the sentence of Howard Morgan which means Quinn changed the sentence length to Time Served. Thank you Governor Quinn for reaching out and helping the wrongfully convicted. Thank you everyone who worked so hard to bring justice to Mr. Morgan and his family. There is more work to do. Next we have to work to restore Mr. Morgan's innocence. But for today, let's give God the Glory and Celebrate This Victory. It's been a Long Road, and a Good Fight and WE the People Made This Happen. #WeAreHowardMorgan
Read about the Howard Morgan injustice and wrongful conviction at www.freehowardmorgan.com and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Morgan_case
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer. She has recently taken a leave of absence from WVON to work full-time with the family of Howard Morgan to secure a pardon for Mr. Morgan before Governor Quinn leaves office today, January 12th at 12noon.
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If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
Read about the Howard Morgan injustice and wrongful conviction at www.freehowardmorgan.com and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Morgan_case
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer. She has recently taken a leave of absence from WVON to work full-time with the family of Howard Morgan to secure a pardon for Mr. Morgan before Governor Quinn leaves office today, January 12th at 12noon.
Join the "Red Cup Adventures" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
January 12, 2015
An Open Letter to Governor Pat Quinn #FreeHowardMorgan
Dear Governor Quinn,
As you prepare to leave office today, I sincerely thank you for your service and dedication to represent all the people. African-Americans in the state of Illinois greatly benefited from your legislation and the access to government you provided. Your message of “Everyone In and No One Left Out” perfectly summarizes your legacy as a public servant and especially resonated with me as an African-American woman in Chicago.
As we are seeing in the media and social media, so many African-Americans especially African-American males have been victimized by police brutality and institutional racism. But know that all the victims are not shot dead in the street. Countless victims have been unjustly incarcerated and are still suffering today which brings me to the purpose of this letter.
On February 21, 2005, Officer Howard Morgan, a highly-respected, African American male and former Chicago Police officer, was shot 28 times by four white Chicago Police officers in North Lawndale during a traffic stop a block from his family home. Although he was the victim in this horrendous crime, he was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm and is currently serving a 40-year sentence in jail. 63-years-old Officer Morgan is innocent of all these charges. Instead of being home with his wife, children and grandchildren enjoying his retirement, he is suffering numerous indignities in a Correctional Center. His health is rapidly declining due to the 28 bullet wounds over his body.
Governor, you stand by the principle that everyone is in and no one should be left out. Howard Morgan has been left out and you have the power, with the stroke of a pen, to bring him back in…back into society. Governor Quinn, we ask that before you leave office, you pardon Howard Morgan. Issuing a Pardon with Clemency and Expungement for Howard Morgan would be a powerful gesture to show your continued support and sympathy with the African-American community. Let your legacy of social justice and inclusion ring loud and clear by pardoning Howard Morgan Now!
Sincerely,
Deanna Burrell - Illinois Resident
Read about the Howard Morgan injustice and wrongful conviction at www.freehowardmorgan.com and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Morgan_case then please take 20 seconds NOW to help #FREEHOWARDMORGAN #IAMHOWARDMORGAN#BeTheCHANGE
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer. She has recently taken a leave of absence from WVON to work full-time with the family of Howard Morgan to secure a pardon for Mr. Morgan before Governor Quinn leaves office today, January 12th at 12noon.
Join the "Red Cup Adventures" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
As you prepare to leave office today, I sincerely thank you for your service and dedication to represent all the people. African-Americans in the state of Illinois greatly benefited from your legislation and the access to government you provided. Your message of “Everyone In and No One Left Out” perfectly summarizes your legacy as a public servant and especially resonated with me as an African-American woman in Chicago.
As we are seeing in the media and social media, so many African-Americans especially African-American males have been victimized by police brutality and institutional racism. But know that all the victims are not shot dead in the street. Countless victims have been unjustly incarcerated and are still suffering today which brings me to the purpose of this letter.
On February 21, 2005, Officer Howard Morgan, a highly-respected, African American male and former Chicago Police officer, was shot 28 times by four white Chicago Police officers in North Lawndale during a traffic stop a block from his family home. Although he was the victim in this horrendous crime, he was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm and is currently serving a 40-year sentence in jail. 63-years-old Officer Morgan is innocent of all these charges. Instead of being home with his wife, children and grandchildren enjoying his retirement, he is suffering numerous indignities in a Correctional Center. His health is rapidly declining due to the 28 bullet wounds over his body.
Governor, you stand by the principle that everyone is in and no one should be left out. Howard Morgan has been left out and you have the power, with the stroke of a pen, to bring him back in…back into society. Governor Quinn, we ask that before you leave office, you pardon Howard Morgan. Issuing a Pardon with Clemency and Expungement for Howard Morgan would be a powerful gesture to show your continued support and sympathy with the African-American community. Let your legacy of social justice and inclusion ring loud and clear by pardoning Howard Morgan Now!
Sincerely,
Deanna Burrell - Illinois Resident
Read about the Howard Morgan injustice and wrongful conviction at www.freehowardmorgan.com and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Morgan_case then please take 20 seconds NOW to help #FREEHOWARDMORGAN #IAMHOWARDMORGAN#BeTheCHANGE
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer. She has recently taken a leave of absence from WVON to work full-time with the family of Howard Morgan to secure a pardon for Mr. Morgan before Governor Quinn leaves office today, January 12th at 12noon.
Join the "Red Cup Adventures" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
December 19, 2014
Who is Howard Morgan?
I’ve worked in the sales department at WVON1690AM for a little over two years and in that time I’ve heard countless references to Howard Morgan on-air. Listeners often call in to say that we need to FREE HOWARD MORGAN and the on-air hosts always wholeheartedly agree. For two years, I’ve heard “Free Howard Morgan” reverberating on the station but I didn’t know the story behind the name. With all the police brutality finally coming to light in cities across the county and all the grassroots political activism, I knew it was finally time that I found out exactly “Who Is Howard Morgan?” and why do people talk about him so much.
Howard Morgan is a highly-respected, African-American male, former Chicago Police Department officer, former Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Detective who was pulled over for a traffic violation a block away from his home by four white CPD officers on February 21, 2005. They shot him 28 times; 20 times in the back and 8 times in the front. He survived and was chained to a hospital bed on his back for 6 months. Although he was the victim in this horrendous crime and none of the white officers spent a night in the hospital, he was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. The four white CPD officers received medals of honor for their assassination attempt and Howard Morgan is currently serving a 40-year sentence in jail. 63-years-old Officer Morgan is innocent of all these charges. Instead of being home with his wife, children and grandchildren enjoying his retirement, he is suffering numerous indignities in jail and rapidly declining health due to the assault on his body by the CPD.
All victims of police brutality are not shot dead in the street. Some are wrongfully incarcerated and their victimization continues every day. Governor Pat Quinn’s philosophy, which he inherited from his grandfather, is “Everybody In, Nobody Left Out.” Howard Morgan has been left out of justice in a cold jail cell for too long. Howard Morgan’s family and supporters ask that everyone join together and raise our collective power to ask Governor Quinn to PARDON HOWARD MORGAN WITH CLEMENCY AND EXPUNGEMENT before he leaves office in 22 days. These are the ACTION ITEMS you can help with:
-Call Governor Pat Quinn’s office at 217-782-0244 and 312-814-2121 and tell him you support a pardon for Howard Morgan. We need 30-40 calls every day.
-Sign the petition on www.Change.org
-Donate on PayPal or send a check to support the campaign and Mr. Morgan's needs in prison.
-Spread the story of the wrongful incarceration of Howard Morgan #FreeHowardMorgan #PardonHowardMorgan #iAmHowardMorgan
-Come the Candlelight Vigil tonight, Dec 19th at the Church of the Living God, 1738 W. Marquette (67th and Hermitage). Mr. Morgan and all prisoners only get one new uniform and one pair of shoes a year. Everything else must be provided by their families. Please bring something special for Mr. and Mrs. Morgan.
-Visit www.FreeHowardMorgan.com for more information
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer. She has recently taken a leave of absence from WVON to work full-time with the family of Howard Morgan to secure a pardon for Mr. Morgan before Governor Quinn leaves office on January 11th.
Join the "Red Cup Adventures" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
Howard Morgan is a highly-respected, African-American male, former Chicago Police Department officer, former Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Detective who was pulled over for a traffic violation a block away from his home by four white CPD officers on February 21, 2005. They shot him 28 times; 20 times in the back and 8 times in the front. He survived and was chained to a hospital bed on his back for 6 months. Although he was the victim in this horrendous crime and none of the white officers spent a night in the hospital, he was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. The four white CPD officers received medals of honor for their assassination attempt and Howard Morgan is currently serving a 40-year sentence in jail. 63-years-old Officer Morgan is innocent of all these charges. Instead of being home with his wife, children and grandchildren enjoying his retirement, he is suffering numerous indignities in jail and rapidly declining health due to the assault on his body by the CPD.
All victims of police brutality are not shot dead in the street. Some are wrongfully incarcerated and their victimization continues every day. Governor Pat Quinn’s philosophy, which he inherited from his grandfather, is “Everybody In, Nobody Left Out.” Howard Morgan has been left out of justice in a cold jail cell for too long. Howard Morgan’s family and supporters ask that everyone join together and raise our collective power to ask Governor Quinn to PARDON HOWARD MORGAN WITH CLEMENCY AND EXPUNGEMENT before he leaves office in 22 days. These are the ACTION ITEMS you can help with:
-Call Governor Pat Quinn’s office at 217-782-0244 and 312-814-2121 and tell him you support a pardon for Howard Morgan. We need 30-40 calls every day.
-Sign the petition on www.Change.org
-Donate on PayPal or send a check to support the campaign and Mr. Morgan's needs in prison.
-Spread the story of the wrongful incarceration of Howard Morgan #FreeHowardMorgan #PardonHowardMorgan #iAmHowardMorgan
-Come the Candlelight Vigil tonight, Dec 19th at the Church of the Living God, 1738 W. Marquette (67th and Hermitage). Mr. Morgan and all prisoners only get one new uniform and one pair of shoes a year. Everything else must be provided by their families. Please bring something special for Mr. and Mrs. Morgan.
-Visit www.FreeHowardMorgan.com for more information
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer. She has recently taken a leave of absence from WVON to work full-time with the family of Howard Morgan to secure a pardon for Mr. Morgan before Governor Quinn leaves office on January 11th.
Join the "Red Cup Adventures" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
November 4, 2014
Before you go to the polls, decide which Judges to retain
This year, for the first time ever, I actually did research on the Judges and figured out which ones I don't want to retain. I usually just randomly pick a few and give no second thought. But listening to WVON 1690AM, I heard a great conversation about how the Judges have the most immediate impact on our lives. Say you get caught driving drunk one night, when you go for your day in court your future will be decided by one of the judges you voted yea or nay to retain. And it was really easy to do the research. It took about 15 minutes.
Here are the three resources I used:
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/11/03/judicial-elections
http://www.chicagobar.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Judicial_Evaluation_Committee
http://cookcountybar.org/judicial-candidate-ratings/
More than 80 judicial candidates are running for election with many of them running unopposed. Be informed before you go the polls! #SoulsToThePolls #BoutThatVote #Nov4NowandEver #MakeItCount
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
Join the "Red Cup Adventures" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
Here are the three resources I used:
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/11/03/judicial-elections
http://www.chicagobar.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Judicial_Evaluation_Committee
http://cookcountybar.org/judicial-candidate-ratings/
More than 80 judicial candidates are running for election with many of them running unopposed. Be informed before you go the polls! #SoulsToThePolls #BoutThatVote #Nov4NowandEver #MakeItCount
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
Join the "Red Cup Adventures" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
October 12, 2014
If You Don’t Do, Cheer: In honor of the Chicago Marathon
On an unseasonably warm October day a few years ago, I watched from the sidelines and cheered on the Chicago Marathon runners. Personally, I don’t think the human body was meant to run 26.2 miles. Throbbing feet, chafed nipples, blisters, “charley horses”, lactic acid, black toe nails, and running 4-8 hours to the point of complete and utter exhaustion doesn’t sound like fun to me. But that’s just me. 45,000 people signed up for the marathon. It would have been more, but the registration is capped at that amount. Contrary to my own sensibility, there are apparently thousands of people who think running, walking, hobbling, and crawling 26.2 miles is a perfect way to spend a beautiful Sunday in the fall.
As I watched from the sidelines, it occurred to me that there were lots of life lessons to be gained from the experience. I took out a sheet of paper and began jotting notes. These are the lessons I learned that day:
Lesson #1: If you decide to take on a huge challenge, then you need to put time, effort, and energy into preparation. It takes months to build your endurance, stamina, and control. It takes commitment, consistency, and motivation. There is no shortcut for proper preparation, and it’s obvious to everyone watching the race which runners prepared for that long, arduous task.
Lesson #2: If you don’t take the high road, and instead, don’t properly prepare, then determination and desire can make up for your underdevelopment. If you haven’t trained your body to finish the race, you can use grit and sheer willpower to compel your body to the finish.
Lesson #3: I was positioned near the end of the route. So, by the time most people got to my mile marker, they couldn’t run anymore, and many were just walking. I was struck by one man in particular who couldn’t even walk and had resorted to crawling. It dawned on me that if I had dedicated so much of myself to completing such a momentous task, then I too would finish by any means necessary. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But by God, finish what you started.
Lesson #4: For me, watching and cheering on the sidelines was cathartic. I realized that when I can’t do something or don’t want to do something, I shouldn’t feel inferior because I’m not doing it. Instead, I should cheer them on. I should revel in their success. If you choose not to do, then cheer others on.
Lesson #5: A tradition of marathon runners is to write their name on their shirt so spectators can yell out personal encouragement. “Go, Sharon” is much more motivating than “Go, Yellow Shirt.” I loved how my screams of encouragement would give the runners a burst of energy and an appreciative smile. It’s a wonderful tradition that allows the spectators to personally connect with the runners and motivate them. One and a half million spectators stood along the marathon route; so, for the runners, that was 1.5 million opportunities for support. When you’re facing a challenge of that magnitude, take advantage of all the support you can get.
Lesson #6: Truth be told, I didn’t feel like cheering when I first got there, but as the Lord would have it, I ended up standing next to the loudest and most energetic marathon cheerleader of them all. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon I was clapping and yelling support along with her. If ever I don’t feel like cheering, I will find the loudest, most exuberant cheerleader and stand next to that person. Enthusiasm is contagious; catch it.
Lesson #7: I don’t know what sadist thought up having the runners climb a hill at mile 24, but someone did. Surely, they could have put the hill in the beginning or left it out altogether, but no – two miles from the finish line, that’s the perfect place for a hill. So close, yet so far away. But that’s how life is sometimes; when you’re so close to the finish line, life throws in an uphill climb. So, don’t give up when you get to a hill.
If you have never gone to a marathon, you definitely should. Though I’ll never be inspired to run 26.2 miles, I was inspired to stop procrastinating and get to work on my big life goals. When you see all those people giving their all, pushing their minds and bodies to perform at an extraordinary level, you get motivated to take charge of your own life. That’s the greatest lesson I learned that day.
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer. This essay was originally published in her first book “Voted Most Creative: Perspectives on Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness" which is a collection of poems and essays on inspiration and creativity.
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If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
As I watched from the sidelines, it occurred to me that there were lots of life lessons to be gained from the experience. I took out a sheet of paper and began jotting notes. These are the lessons I learned that day:
Lesson #1: If you decide to take on a huge challenge, then you need to put time, effort, and energy into preparation. It takes months to build your endurance, stamina, and control. It takes commitment, consistency, and motivation. There is no shortcut for proper preparation, and it’s obvious to everyone watching the race which runners prepared for that long, arduous task.
Lesson #2: If you don’t take the high road, and instead, don’t properly prepare, then determination and desire can make up for your underdevelopment. If you haven’t trained your body to finish the race, you can use grit and sheer willpower to compel your body to the finish.
Lesson #3: I was positioned near the end of the route. So, by the time most people got to my mile marker, they couldn’t run anymore, and many were just walking. I was struck by one man in particular who couldn’t even walk and had resorted to crawling. It dawned on me that if I had dedicated so much of myself to completing such a momentous task, then I too would finish by any means necessary. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But by God, finish what you started.
Lesson #4: For me, watching and cheering on the sidelines was cathartic. I realized that when I can’t do something or don’t want to do something, I shouldn’t feel inferior because I’m not doing it. Instead, I should cheer them on. I should revel in their success. If you choose not to do, then cheer others on.
Lesson #5: A tradition of marathon runners is to write their name on their shirt so spectators can yell out personal encouragement. “Go, Sharon” is much more motivating than “Go, Yellow Shirt.” I loved how my screams of encouragement would give the runners a burst of energy and an appreciative smile. It’s a wonderful tradition that allows the spectators to personally connect with the runners and motivate them. One and a half million spectators stood along the marathon route; so, for the runners, that was 1.5 million opportunities for support. When you’re facing a challenge of that magnitude, take advantage of all the support you can get.
Lesson #6: Truth be told, I didn’t feel like cheering when I first got there, but as the Lord would have it, I ended up standing next to the loudest and most energetic marathon cheerleader of them all. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon I was clapping and yelling support along with her. If ever I don’t feel like cheering, I will find the loudest, most exuberant cheerleader and stand next to that person. Enthusiasm is contagious; catch it.
Lesson #7: I don’t know what sadist thought up having the runners climb a hill at mile 24, but someone did. Surely, they could have put the hill in the beginning or left it out altogether, but no – two miles from the finish line, that’s the perfect place for a hill. So close, yet so far away. But that’s how life is sometimes; when you’re so close to the finish line, life throws in an uphill climb. So, don’t give up when you get to a hill.
If you have never gone to a marathon, you definitely should. Though I’ll never be inspired to run 26.2 miles, I was inspired to stop procrastinating and get to work on my big life goals. When you see all those people giving their all, pushing their minds and bodies to perform at an extraordinary level, you get motivated to take charge of your own life. That’s the greatest lesson I learned that day.
Deanna Burrell is the General Sales Manager at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer. This essay was originally published in her first book “Voted Most Creative: Perspectives on Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness" which is a collection of poems and essays on inspiration and creativity.
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September 25, 2014
Scandalous Thursday and Weekend Events
Summer 2014 is over and I'm happily settling into fall. Truth be told, FALL is my favorite season and this week's weather has been perfect. The high 60's / low 70's should hold through the weekend so make sure you get outside and check out these SCANDALOUS upcoming events.
Thursday, September 25th: SCANDAL IS BACK...GLADIATORS UNITE:
THANK GOD IT'S THURSDAY: Raven's Place (13031 S Western Ave, Blue Island) @ 4pm, FREE
SCANDAL VIEWING PARTY: BlackFinn River North (65 W. Kinzie, Chicago) @ 6-10pm, $10 in advance/$15 at the door. A Scandalous Night to Remember. Enjoy Gladiator cocktails, "Scandal Bingo", pictures with the cast of Scandal and other fun photo booth props, free raffle tickets and prize giveaways.
Saturday, September 27th:
MUSEUM DAY LIVE: 11 CHICAGO MUSEUMS, FREE
Eleven Chicago museums will offer free admission on Saturday, including the Adler Planetarium, Chicago History Museum and DuSable Museum of African American History. The event is part of Museum Day Live!, a national free museum day from Smithsonian Magazine. Click here to receive your free Museum Day Live! ticket for two people.
All Weekend Friday 9/26 - Sunday 9/28:
HYDE PARK JAZZ FEST: Various locations and times on Saturday 9/27 and Sunday 9/28, FREE
In its eighth year, the Hyde Park Jazz Fest is bringing more than 30 acts to 14 stages across Hyde Park. Craig Taborn, Etienne Charles, Dana Hall, Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, Dee Alexander with Oliver Lake, Willie Pickens, Josh Berman and many more.
UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS: Washington Park (5531 Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago) running Wednesday 9/24 - Sunday 10/19
NATIVE SON: Court Theatre (5535 S. Ellis Ave.) running Thursday 9/11 - Sunday, 10/12
RANDOLPH STREET MARKET: (outside at 1350 block of West Randolph Street and inside the Plumbers Hall at 1340 West Washington) Saturday 9/27 and Sunday 9/28, $8 advance ticket purchase / $10 at the door
CHICAGO GOURMET: Millennium Park Friday 9/26 - Sunday, 9/28...SOLD OUT
Save the Dates for these Upcoming Events:
HYDE PARK BREW FEST: Nichols Park (55th & Kenwood) Saturday, 10/4 @1pm-5pm
ELLE VARNER LIVE: The Shrine (2109 S. Wabash Ave.) Thursday, 10/9
ANIBA HOTEP MUSIC VIDEO PREMIER: Wire (6815 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn) Friday, 10/10
REBIRTH BASS BAND: Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (One University Pkwy, University Park), Saturday, 10/11
MARSHA AMBROSIUS: The Shrine (2109 S. Wabash Ave.) Monday, 10/27
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Thursday, September 25th: SCANDAL IS BACK...GLADIATORS UNITE:
THANK GOD IT'S THURSDAY: Raven's Place (13031 S Western Ave, Blue Island) @ 4pm, FREE
Two parties in one. In the VIP room, check out the season premiere of Scandal with full sound on multiple screens. On the main and upper level, enjoy the NFL game (NY Giants vs. Washington). No Cover charge for either!! Thursday afterwork event. For a flat $30, receive *Unlimited Premium Open Bar *One entree of your choice *NFL Football on Multi Screens *House, Steppers, R&B, Hip Hop and more. This deal is available for the 100 people to purchase a wristband. Doors open at 4pm.
SCANDAL VIEWING PARTY: BlackFinn River North (65 W. Kinzie, Chicago) @ 6-10pm, $10 in advance/$15 at the door. A Scandalous Night to Remember. Enjoy Gladiator cocktails, "Scandal Bingo", pictures with the cast of Scandal and other fun photo booth props, free raffle tickets and prize giveaways.
Saturday, September 27th:
MUSEUM DAY LIVE: 11 CHICAGO MUSEUMS, FREE
Eleven Chicago museums will offer free admission on Saturday, including the Adler Planetarium, Chicago History Museum and DuSable Museum of African American History. The event is part of Museum Day Live!, a national free museum day from Smithsonian Magazine. Click here to receive your free Museum Day Live! ticket for two people.
All Weekend Friday 9/26 - Sunday 9/28:
HYDE PARK JAZZ FEST: Various locations and times on Saturday 9/27 and Sunday 9/28, FREE
In its eighth year, the Hyde Park Jazz Fest is bringing more than 30 acts to 14 stages across Hyde Park. Craig Taborn, Etienne Charles, Dana Hall, Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, Dee Alexander with Oliver Lake, Willie Pickens, Josh Berman and many more.
UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS: Washington Park (5531 Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago) running Wednesday 9/24 - Sunday 10/19
NATIVE SON: Court Theatre (5535 S. Ellis Ave.) running Thursday 9/11 - Sunday, 10/12
RANDOLPH STREET MARKET: (outside at 1350 block of West Randolph Street and inside the Plumbers Hall at 1340 West Washington) Saturday 9/27 and Sunday 9/28, $8 advance ticket purchase / $10 at the door
CHICAGO GOURMET: Millennium Park Friday 9/26 - Sunday, 9/28...SOLD OUT
Save the Dates for these Upcoming Events:
HYDE PARK BREW FEST: Nichols Park (55th & Kenwood) Saturday, 10/4 @1pm-5pm
ELLE VARNER LIVE: The Shrine (2109 S. Wabash Ave.) Thursday, 10/9
ANIBA HOTEP MUSIC VIDEO PREMIER: Wire (6815 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn) Friday, 10/10
REBIRTH BASS BAND: Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (One University Pkwy, University Park), Saturday, 10/11
MARSHA AMBROSIUS: The Shrine (2109 S. Wabash Ave.) Monday, 10/27
Join the "Red Cup Adventures" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, type your email address in the box, click the "create subscription" button, and sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks!
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