“The goal was to encourage Black reporters to come forward . . . “
The award-winning newsroom ProPublica NY and its satellite ProPublica Illinois have both been named as defendants in a federal discrimination lawsuit.
The lawsuit accuses the newsrooms of age, race, and color discrimination in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended by the Civil Rights Act of 1991; violation of the Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution; violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; and violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended.
On April 12, 2019, I appeared as a guest commentator on WVON AM 1690, where I shared what I experienced with the newsrooms with the WVON listening audience. The goal was to encourage Black reporters to come forward with their stories if they may have encountered similar circumstances.
This is a personal blog for the above named writer. The views, information and/or opinions expressed are solely those of the individual writer and do not necessarily represent the views of any entity, organization or company that I may have been affiliated with in the past, present or future.
This blog is for education, information and entertainment purposes. All information is provided on an as-is basis. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify their own facts. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of any entity other than the author(s) and due to critical thinking these views are subject to change and revision.
“Little did I know that our brief encounter would transform my life forever.”
On May 3, 2017, I met ProPublica’s Illinois editor-in-chief, Louise Kiernan, at the Lookingglass Theater, where she was a guest panelist discussing the ethics of investigative journalism.
Initially, I was excited to meet her. We both were attending one of the final performances of “Beyond Caring,” a play about the abuses of Black and Hispanic workers at the hands of the temporary staffing industry.
The play, the brainchild of British playwright Alexander Zeldin, was inspired partly by ProPublica’s 2013 “Temp Land” series, written by their staff reporter Michael Grabell. Grabell and I had met the week before. He encouraged me to apply for a reporter’s position even though I initially missed the deadline of March 24, 2017.
I emailed Mr. Grabell asking if he would forward samples of my work to Ms. Kiernan. Included was a letter of introduction, several links to stories, audio commentary from WVON radio regarding the destruction of the Chicago police misconduct records, and a JPEG of a front-page story I wrote that was soon copied by all the major dailies, including the Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago Reader to name a few.
This was a soft inquiry, and I wanted to know if there was any possibility of applying post-deadline.
Edwin Gibson, Caren Blackmore and Wendy Mateo in Beyond Caring. Photo courtesy of Lookingglass Theater
Immediately following the play was a panel discussion about ethics moderated by radio station WBEZ. Ms. Kiernan and two other female reporters discussed ethics and discriminatory practices raised in the play. They also fielded questions from the audience about maintaining professionalism when dealing with sensitive matters and where to draw the line when conducting interviews in intimate settings.
Post-discussion, I approached Ms. Kiernan and introduced myself to put a face with the name. Little did I know that our brief encounter would transform my life forever.
ProPublica Illinois editor-in-chief Louise Kiernan
After shaking my hand, Ms. Kiernan’s body appeared to recoil. As she struggled with her coat while holding some items in her hand, I approached her as any gentleman would and offered assistance.
She said “No” and turned her back on me. I was utterly stunned and taken by surprise that the Pulitzer Prize-winner and co-director of Northwestern University’s social justice initiative could be so cold and callous.
I graciously thanked her, turned, and walked away to meet my guest, who witnessed everything from across the room. My guest asked me: “How did it go?” I responded, “I don’t think it went so well.”
There was no reason for a new editor-in-chief and ambassador for the ProPublica news organization to react negatively, condescending, and dismissively. Inside, I felt deeply humiliated and profoundly violated, but I was determined not to be discouraged.
After all, this was my first time meeting her, and all I wanted to do was introduce myself and work for the celebrated newsroom.
In an interview with Broadway World News Desk, playwright Zeldin summed up his work: ” . . . I’ve found that looking at the lives of those working in the conditions of the temporary economy, the margins of society, says so much about the moral, spiritual, and emotional place that the country is in, much like it did the UK.
It tells us about how the sentiment that lives are to be lived with dignity, respect and a sense of value is only a hollow set of words. But it says something else, too — here in the U.S., it tells us about race in this country . . .”
ProPublica and ProPublica Illinois: I deserved much better!
Stay tuned for this developing story.
#ProPublicWhereAreTheBlackReporters?
Disclaimer:
This is a personal blog for the writer named above. The views, information, and/or opinions expressed are solely those of the individual writer. They do not necessarily represent the views of any entity, organization, or company with which I may have been affiliated in the past, present, or future.
This blog is for education, information, and entertainment purposes. All information is provided on an as-is basis. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify their own facts. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of any entity other than the author(s), and due to critical thinking, these views are subject to change and revision.
ProPublica says they’re committed to diversity. Their hiring record raises some serious questions
Hint No 1: On May 19, 2017 ProPublica posted the following advertisement:
Hint No 2: They were very specific in whom they were targeting using the following language:
“We are dedicated to improving our newsroom, in part by better reflecting the people we cover. We’re committed to diversity and especially encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.”
Hint No 3: However, as the above photo depicts, there were no Black reporters hired. Yet, the ensuing headlines occurred:
Now I may not be a Pulitzer Prize-winner or a Harvard graduate, but it shouldn’t take that to see that your blatant exploitation of Black women’s pain and suffering is not only wrong, but also morally and ethically reprehensible.
No disrespect to the three smart reporters who did what they were told to do. But, this pattern and practice of exploitation flies in the face of your published advertisement “improving our newsroom.”
Those three stories were specifically written about what some Black women might encounter when it comes to health care. So for the sake of clarity: Could you please explain how assigning three non-Black reporters to write their stories somehow better reflects the people that you cover?
If you really meant what you said then the photos above would look entirely different. Who do you think you’re fooling?
Stay tuned for this developing story. There’s much more to come!
Court receivership training program aims to increase minority participation
Dearborn Realtist Board 2018 Receivership Specialist and board members (seated front row)
Three thousand housing court cases are filed per year, according to county court records. Many of which are vacant, abandoned and distressed properties that may be eligible for some level of court-ordered receivership. These properties are throughout the city particularly in neighborhoods like Austin, Englewood, Garfield, N. & S. Lawndale and Woodlawn.
With prime areas of the city experiencing various degrees of gentrification, receivership is now being viewed by city officials as a possible tool to help stabilize the Black community. Could this be an answer to prayers?
DRB president Courtney Jones engage trainees
Just last week, over 70 real estate professionals, investors and concerned residents from Chicago convened at East-West University in the South Loop. For the second time, the Dearborn Realtist Board (DRB) and its president, Courtney Jones, hosted the Receivership Training Program sponsored in conjunction with the City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development at the university.
DRB – the oldest Black real estate trade association, established in 1941 – hosted the five day, 30-hour course designed to introduce the public to the basic tenets of what it takes to become a court-appointed receiver.
Stemming from the English Chancery Courts, the concept of receivership as it relates to housing is simple: the court appoints someone to be responsible for the property of others to maintain, service, manage and/or repair the property.
Receivership – An Overview
According to attorney of counsel M. Faisal Elkhatib, who represents private receivers, there are several ways a property can end up in receivership. In the majority of instances receivership arises “. . .from a city lawsuit about several major municipal building violations on a property and the owner is: no where to be found, deceased, or failing to show up in court and failing to correct the violations.”
The process typically starts with a call to the city’s 311 center and falls under one of three categories: heat call, vacant building call, or a conservation call. Last year, over 50,000 such calls were placed to 311.
Once a call is logged, a building inspector is sent out to the site to investigate the complaint(s). If the violations are substantiated, the building owners, responsible parties including the mortgage company – if there is a mortgage – will be hauled into the Department of Administrative Hearings or the Cook County Circuit Court to address the municipal violations.
Illinois Compiled Statues 65 ILCS 5/11-13-15 and 5/11-31-1 & 2 grants police power to Chicago to determine if a building or structure “. . fails to conform to the minimum standards of health and safety” and “the owner or owners of such building or structure fails, after due notice, to cause such property to conform, the municipality may make application to the circuit court for an injunction requiring compliance,” according to the statue.
Sanina Ellison Jones, Chicago Homes Realty Group
Sanina Ellison Jones, managing broker for Chicago Homes Realty Group, and one of the trainers presented that once all interested parties are notified and given the opportunity to respond, but fail to reply, at this stage the process to appoint a receiver may commence.
According to other presenters, anyone can become a receiver provided they meet the court’s exacting requirements. During the week-long course attendees learned the fine points of receivership including: the difference between a limited versus general receiver, how to read a court order, conducting a feasibility study to determine if a property is worth taking on and the potential risks involved, etc.
The overall goal is to move qualified parties towards receivership as soon as possible.
As attorney Elkhatib goes over the requirements, it becomes readily apparent that this process isn’t for everyone. An interested party must have knowledge of: general contracting, financial wherewithal to pay for the process, administrative training to manage the heavy documentation and legal requirements to obtain a receivers’ certificate. And most importantly, the ability to weather long-term risky cash outlays, he shares.
Investor Alonzo Anderson preps for a quiz
Undaunted, real estate investor Alonzo Anderson – who heard about the class from the Bronzeville Chamber of Commerce president – recognizes the connection between being a receiver and taking control of his community.
It’s an opportunity to “convert the dangerous and hazardous properties to something more appealing,” he states. And “not only can we influence the evolution of our neighborhoods,” but also “increase its value.”
Social media producer Bertina M. Power, of the Power Hour undeniably agreed: “We have to work together. Collaborating our knowledge, resources, experiences and funds – house by house, block by block – we can do it,” she said with the realization the receiver may end up owning the property.
In some cases, for little or nothing, in others, for the initial investment and time spent on the case which could tarry from several months to 2 years in more challenging cases.
Media producer Bertina M. Power chats with Chetzi M. Canada, Broker Coldwell Banker
At times, for some attendees, the information appeared to be overwhelming but foreclosure specialist/activist Jah Ranu Menab said: “I’ve been to many classes and this one was by far the best,” as he praised DBR for the well-organized handouts, presentations and speakers, including attorneys from Corporation Counsel and Honorable Leonard Murray, supervising judge over Housing.
During any given year the city of Chicago appoints up to 250 receivers; currently, there are 172 receivers appointed and only five of them are Black, according to sources close to the court. The training program is held only once per year.
Next up – a detailed analysis of Chicago’s receivership program. Meet some of the movers behind the scenes including an active receiver. See how the courts operate up close. What’s required? What are some of the challenges? What happened in the past? And, how this opportunity could potentially benefit you, your block and the community at large.
You don’t want to miss this intriguing development.
Stay tuned . . .
Disclaimer:
This is a personal blog for the above named writer. The views, information and/or opinions expressed are solely those of the individual writer and do not necessarily represent the views of any entity, organization or company that I may have been affiliated with in the past, present or future.
This blog is for education, information and entertainment purposes. All information is provided on an as-is basis. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify their own facts. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of any entity other than the author(s) and due to critical thinking these views are subject to change and revision.
The 9/11 symbolism surfaces again during Ken’neka’s mother’s call to the Rosemont Public Safety Department.
Ken’neka L. Jenkins, 19, was found dead inside a walk-in double freezer at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Rosemont, IL, a suburb northwest of Chicago, at 12:25 a.m. on September 10, 2017, by a hotel security guard. She had been recently hired at a nursing home and was looking forward to a promising future while hanging out with a group of friends for the evening.
Exactly forty days later, on October 20, the Rosemont Public Safety Department closed the case referring to Ken’neka’s death as an “accident” while releasing photos of the death scene that showed her semi-dressed body, which appeared bruised in areas.
Though the details surrounding her death only raise more questions, some undeniable circumstances have emerged that may illuminate events that led to the untimely death of yet another one of Chicago’s youth.
The Crown Plaza Hotel
In August 2017, the Crown Plaza Hotel hosted Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Con. The event, which ran from August 4-6, was marketed as “Chicago’s largest and longest running Horror Convention known for our major celebrity guests, innovative programming, and spectacular evening events. We are a horror convention with a deeper initiative – our philanthropic efforts are dedicated to the preservation of the American Drive-In and 35mm film preservation,” according to their website. See here.
Screenshot of Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Con’s website. The website boasts the attendance of some of the genre’s most famous actors, celebrities, and producers, including Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street), Sean Patrick Flannery (Saw 3D), Ken Foree (Dawn of the Dead), and Katherine Isabelle (Freddie v. Jason), to name a few.
Attendees looked forward to watching digitally remastered horror classics and participating in costume contests and escape-the-room activities.
What are escape rooms, you might ask? Sinister Visions Inc., one of the conference’s sponsors, markets its escape-the-room game on its website as an immersive experience. “Strangers are locked in a room and given 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles, unravel riddles, find a key and escape, all before time runs out.” According to Escape Room producers, the end goal is to: “offer story-driven puzzles that teach you about the world, the people in the room with you, and yourself.”
As reactions to Ken’neka Jenkins’ death surfaced on social media, video after video was posted, and people around the country poured over and commented on what might have occurred, turning Jenkins’s death into something akin to an escape-the-room experience. The only difference between the fantasy adventure the month before and what unfolded at the Crown Plaza Hotel is the reality of the situation: Kenneka Jenkins would end up paying with her life.
The 9/11 Connection
On Saturday, September 9, at 1:30 a.m. Ken’neka sent her sister the last text message before her disappearance. By 4 a.m., her best friend phoned Ken’neka’s mother to report that she was missing. At 5 a.m., her family was at the hotel questioning the staff, according to local news reports. The family alleges that the hotel staff initially wasn’t helpful because they didn’t have a missing person’s report, and this caused a delay in conducting a search, according to her mother, Teresa Martin.
A search that began on Saturday afternoon yielded the discovery of Ken’neka’s body around 12:25 a.m. Sunday morning, by hotel security, in a walk-in double freezer in an area allegedly under construction. According to the Chicago Tribune, her mother was not allowed to see the body until nearly four hours later, around 5 a.m. Sunday morning. All of this culminated on the eve of the sixteenth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City, another grim event that some 9/11 Truthers have been referring to for years as a “human sacrifice”.
Ken’neka Jenkins & 9/11 symbolism
One thing that stands out about the odd timing of Ken’neka Jenkins’ death is the eerie foreshadowing that appears in a photo posted all over social media. The picture depicts Ken’neka posing with a friend in front of a doorway. At the top of the doorway, the address reads 351-353, or put another way, the doorway reads 9/11 when translated into English Numerology.
Some people known as 9/11 Truthers believe that the Twin Tower attacks had been foreshadowed in lots of major Hollywood movies, commercials, videos, and even on the back of the U.S. currency for years prior to the actual event. This theory suggests the use of a process called “predictive programming,” whereby the mind is prepped to accept something it normally wouldn’t by repeated exposure prior to the event. There are many YouTube videos that address this issue; one can be seen here.
9/11 symbolism on the back of the US $20 bill
The 9/11 symbolism surfaces again during Ken’neka’s mother’s call to the Rosemont Public Safety Department. In YouTuber HMi Radio’s video, which replays the 911 call, at 4:03 minutes into the video, her mother states that she ran into a young woman in the lobby of the hotel who asked if she wanted to go upstairs. The young woman took Ms. Martin to the 11th floor and led her into a room where her daughter had been seen earlier. This confirms that the two floors on which there were reported activities related to Jenkins’ death were the 9th and 11th floors.
Room 926
Room 926 @ Crown Plaza Hotel, courtesy of the Rosemont (IL) Public Safety Department
If the aforementioned doesn’t cause you to further question the events that took place at the Crown Plaza Hotel, then perhaps the mystery surrounding Room 926 will. During a Facebook live streaming video posted on the night Ken’neka went missing, a young lady can be heard telling someone on the phone to park the car in the hotel’s parking lot and come up to Room 926. When reduced by numerological principles, 926 equals the prime number 17. The number 17 is one of the most feared numbers in Italian culture, dating back to ancient Rome. And the fear of the number 17 is referred to as Heptadecaphobia.
In fact, when I lived and traveled throughout the Italian countryside, no one wanted to talk about the number 17 due to its association with bad luck and, oftentimes, death. As ridingthebeast.com explains, 17 is an: “Ominous number for Italians, as the number 13 in Occident. Thus, in Italy, there is no bedroom 17, no 17th floor, etc., this because of the number 17 that in Roman number, is written XVII, considered as the anagram and the numerical value of the Latin expression VIXI that means “I lived” therefore by extension “I am dead.” Click here.
This number might not appear to be all that significant in Ken’neka’s story at first glance; however, when observing the bigger picture, Ken’neka Jenkins is not alone. Jenkins sits in the company of Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, and even Laquan McDonald, who all died with this number appearing in their narratives, just to name a few.
See the appearance of this particular number in the tragic stories of Martin, Gray, Bland, and McDonald in the following quotes, followed by links to the full stories:
Trayvon Martin, New York Times 4/1/2012: “Once again, thousands chanted the name of Trayvon Martin 17, the youth killed with one bullet while returning to a home in a gated community where he was a guest.” Read the full story here.
Freddie Gray, CNN 4/23/2015: “An officer says we’ve got one and confirms the address of 1700 Presbury, where Gray gave up without the use of force, according to Rodriguez. One officer took out his stun gun but did not deploy it, he said.” Read the full story here.
Sandra Bland, NBC News 7/23/2015: “At about 4:30 p.m. on July 10 (7+10 emphasis mine), Bland was driving a silver Hyundai Azera south through Waller County on FM 1098, near Prairie View A&M, when a state trooper, Brian Encinia, pulled her over for [sic] said was for failing to signal a lane change.” Read the full story here.
Laquan McDonald, Fox News 6/28/2017: “Jason Van Dyke answered questions about the night of Oct. 20, 2014, when he fired 16 shots at the 17-year-old boy, The Chicago Sun-Times reported. The officer claimed McDonald, who had a small knife with its blade folded, posed as a threat to his life, prompting the shooting.” Read the full story here.
This is a personal blog for the above named writer. The views, information and/or opinions expressed are solely those of the individual writer and do not necessarily represent the views of any entity, organization or company that I may have been affiliated with in the past, present or future.
This blog is for education, information and entertainment purposes. All information is provided on an as-is basis. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify their own facts. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of any entity other than the author(s) and due to critical thinking these views are subject to change and revision.
Defending Chicago 