Is gun violence in Chicago something new or a continuation from the past?   In 1960-1970 the average life expectancy of Black males was 20 years of age or younger.  These statistics still exist.  As an African- American, I would like to speak to us and for us.  In the 70's, when I graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA, I had a job offer to teach in St. Louis, but stopped in Chicago on my way.  Intrigued with Chicago, I decided to stay and find a job.  Fortunate for me, there we...

I recently saw the film screening of Undefeated, which is a riveting documentary that examines the coach's efforts to give the school a winning season, as well as the sometimes complex relationship between Courtney, who is white and wealthy, and the players, who are all African-American and mostly come from communities stuck in a cycle of poverty and crime. It is also up for an Oscar.  This movie is very powerful and reveals the struggles that are still prevalent for African-Americans.  It br...