Prompted by Brown’s death, Ferguson residents took to the streets for well over 100 days to protest a number of systemic issues, only to have their cry for justice and healing go unanswered. With over 150 marches, sit-ins and other acts of non-violent civil disobedience rallies in small mid-western cities like Kalamazoo, Michigan to major cities like Baltimore, Maryland, Chicago, Illinois and New York City, New York, people continue to react to injustice. Still today, diverse people of color continue to unite together in nearly 40 states demanding change.

Monday, November 24, Dr. Jamal Bryant announced the kick-off of the #HandsUpDon’tSpend campaign, and since then Americans across the country have joined together in support of the economic mobilization campaign. People have come to realize that they must upset the status quo because it is no longer tolerable or acceptable in our country! With income inequality at its highest levels and corporate profits reaching record levels, the majority of American families are working harder for less.

“Considering that Blacks spend over a trillion dollars annually, and we only have $4.7 billion in assets, this is the true definition of insanity. We can no longer continue to do the same thing and expect a different result,” says Dr. Jamal Bryant.

Here’s what the #HandsUpDon’tSpend economic mobilization plane wants you to do: Refrain from shopping on Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Instead:

1. Patronize Black-owned businesses. You will be recycling dollars within our communities which will help improve and rebuild our neighbourhoods.
(If you’re looking for a Black-owned business or service in a specific neighbourhood, go online and enter the words Support Black Owned directory (SBO) in the search engine, Find a Business today!)

2. Open an account with a Black-owned bank. Black banks are just as stable as White banks. Your money is federally insured, and your support helps the whole community

3. On Black Friday, participate in a Walmart Protest in your area. This Thanksgiving, far too many Walmart workers are unable to provide dinner for their families. In fact, feeding their families is a problem year round The Walton-owned chain manipulates worker’s hours and pay thereby leaving many in poverty. Surprisingly, most workers make less than $25,000 a year! Wal-Mart made $17 billion in profits last year, with reports that its CEO Mike Duke’s 2012 pay of $23.2 million was 1,034 times more than the company’s average worker. Find a Black Friday Walmart Protest in your area. http://Blackfridayprotest.org/actions

People in power and wealthy institutions across the country are creating vast injustices in our communities. Over the next few days, Dr. Bryant and the Empowerment Movement encourage you and your family to stand up for change by using the power of the almighty dollar — #HandsUpDon’tSpend!

*Friday, November 28 Dr. Jamal Bryant will be protesting on Black Friday with the Walmart workers in Chicago at 9am CST.

From First Defense Legal Aid

Only .2% of people of any age held in Chicago police stations in 2013 had the chance to meet with a lawyer

1- Please, attorneys: take a shift by signing up HERE and recruit colleagues to fill out a volunteer interest form at www. first-defense.org

2- Everyone, please post the meme above on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc! Send an email to your lists to let everyone know the challenge and opportunity of First Defense.

3- AND: Commit to $7/mo for one year. Monthly giving helps secure our sustainability. Your donation is tax deductible.

Finally, join our other staff, Board, clients and volunteers in being THANKFUL for First Defense Legal Aid!

What we are doing:

Based on the significant increase in calls in the last quarter, we are on track to double the number of people who access their right to counsel in Chicago police stations in 2015. Our grassroots education campaign staffed by a team of organizers and supported by committed partners is working. Additionally, we are addressing systemic barriers to accessing counsel in Chicago police stations with government leaders and our growing base.

Please, if you have not yet, enroll as an official Partner in Justice for $7/mo HERE. Simply let us know if there is a more convenient method for you, we are happy to make your donation easy.

To say thanks, the latest 30 people to enroll will be invited to a special Brazilian luncheon Dec 6th!

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Board of Education has scheduled a special board   meeting to address several timely items before the regularly-scheduled December meeting. The special board meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. Dec. 2 via teleconference in Chicago and Springfield. The Board may only take action on items listed in the agenda.

The purpose of this special meeting is listed below:

A.   Call Meeting to Order/Roll Call

B.   Public Participation (May only pertain to items on agenda)

C.   21^st Century Community Learning Center Grants for FY 15

D.   Approval of Cut Scores for the Assessment of Professional Teaching

E.   Approval of Cut Scores for the Assessment of Principal as Instructional Leader

F.    Adjourn

State Board of Education meetings take place Springfield take place on the 4th Floor Board Room at 100 North First Street.

• Video Conference Meetings are held

Springfield Location:                       Chicago Location:

Illinois State Board of Education     Illinois State Board of Education

100 North First Street                     James R. Thompson Center

V-Tel Room (3^rd Floor)                     100 West Randolph – Suite 14-300

V-Tel Room (14^th Floor)

This meeting will also be audio cast on the Internet at:  www.isbe.net.  The Board will meet again on Dec. 17 in Springfield for the final Board meeting of the calendar year.

NOTE: Please watch for the meeting posting for a possible change in the start time of these regular meetings. All State Board of Education meetings listed on this agenda will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Persons planning to attend who need special accommodations should contact the Board office no later than the date prior to the meeting. Contact the Superintendent’s office at the State Board of Education, Phone: 217-782-2221; TTY/TDD: 217-782-1900; Fax: 217-785-3972.

Dustin Scott’s ‘F#%&ing Poetry’ started life as a tiny pocket journal that was carried around for eighteen months and gradually compiled from his day to day experiences. After increasing demand from friends and family, the book has now been released to the public as one of the most hard-hitting and unique volumes of verses ever put on the shelves. Don’t expect Scott to be playing by the rules – this is a book about life that one reader hailed “Raw and unflinching, love poems for your Post-Post-Modern angst”.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – While the world is reading more than ever before, poetry is the one genre seeing a decline in popularity. Many readers and critics blame this on poetry’s tendency to alienate itself from the real world by over-romanticizing its subjects. Thankfully, at a time when it is needed the most, Dustin Scott storms the scene with gusto to release a poetry book that is…well…less than normal.

The title says it all. ‘F#%&ing Poetry’ sees Scott throw the rule book out of the window to present his own view on life that will have readers reveling in its realism. In fact, this “poetry for the real world” is expected to attract a loyal following among those who have previously shunned the genre.

Synopsis:

Fucking Poetry is a book of working class poetry from the heart and pocket of a talented young poet. This book is the culmination of one and half years of Dustin Scott carrying a notebook in his pocket and writing poems when inspired. This pocket project has produced a raw unapologetic look at life from a loving and spiritual man who isn’t afraid to mix in some cuss words when called for.

If you like poems that have traveled in the artist’s pocket for over a year then you’ll loved these aged and seasoned works from this promising new poet.

“I literally carried my original journal around in my pocket for eighteen months, furiously writing down anything that conveyed a message about the human condition, be it a life-lesson, quirk or even poignant experience,” explains the author. “I ended up with a microcosm of life itself, and my friends and family pushed me to release it for the benefit of others. Each verse helped me get through life, and can easily do the same for others, whether or not they actually like poetry.”

Continuing, “I received amazing support from my wife, Valerie “Carny-Val” Scott, who designed the book’s striking cover. We’re currently working on our distribution, especially getting the book physically stocked in outlets across the country. This volume has the ability to change your opinion of f#%&ing poetry!”

The book has been received with critical acclaim. For example, Stacy Harper comments, “I really enjoyed this book. It’s unapologetic, raw, and very real. You can feel Mr. Scott pour his heart into the words he’s laid out in front of us to read. Not everyone can be this honest with themselves and share it with the world. Some poems made me laugh, some made me tear up, and some hit my heart with a punch. I could relate, I could embrace, and I could feel his work. I look forward to more!”

‘F#%&ing Poetry’ is available now from multiple outlets:

Lulu Paperback: http://bit.ly/1qGv3Sm

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1z2CBgZ

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1qGvkV7

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1Fa8jwQ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1HuB9dw

About the Author:

Dustin Scott is a writer, comedian, and performer who writes short stories, poetry, and is currently working on a serial fiction piece about a murderous clown on his blog.

Illinois will share part of a $1.2 million penalty against Symetra Life regarding Life Insurance policies

CHICAGO, IL – Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) Director Andrew Boron today announced a $1.2 million multi-state settlement with Symetra Life Insurance Company and Symetra National Life Insurance Company (Symetra).  The settlement is part of an agreement with Symetra regarding the use of the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (DMF).

The Regulatory Settlement Agreement stems from multi-state market conduct examinations of the forty largest life insurers regarding the timely payment of proceeds to beneficiaries of life insurance policies and annuities.   These examinations were led by Illinois, Florida, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and California that served as the managing lead state of examination of Symetra.  As a result of these exams, insurers have paid more than $1 billion to beneficiaries nationwide.

“Insurers can use the United States Social Security Administration’s Death Master File to identify deceased policyholders and pay out benefits.  But, in some cases insurers were only using the file for profit measures, such as identifying deceased annuitants and cutting off annuity payments.  The Department has partnered with other state regulators to reform such business practices.  These companies should use the Death Master File to search for beneficiaries who may be owed unclaimed benefits,” said DOI Director Andrew Boron.

Under this agreement, Symetra will implement a number of business reforms concerning identification and payment of proceeds to beneficiaries of life insurance policies and annuities, and submit to regulatory oversight.  Symetra will pay $1.2 million to states that are party to the settlement.  The agreement becomes effective after 20 states sign on to the agreement.  Illinois, California, Florida, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Washington have already signed the agreement.

The agreement with Symetra includes the Symetra Life Insurance Company and Symetra National Life Insurance Company and each of their predecessors, successors, and assigns and subsidiaries.

A copy of the settlement agreement is available on the DOI website at http://insurance.illinois.gov/Home/ImpLinks.asp. Consumers with questions regarding this settlement, or questions or concerns about their insurance, should contact the Department’s Consumer Division at http://insurance.illinois.gov or call 866-445-5364.

Marks the 9th Year Secretary of State Police Conduct Stings

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced the Secretary of State Police will conduct statewide parking stings targeting people illegally parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities at shopping malls beginning Black Friday, November 28th.

Secretary of State Police will be enforcing the provisions of the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities at downtown shopping areas in Chicago, Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook as well as malls in Champaign, Peoria, Fairview Heights, Marion, Moline, Rockford and Springfield on November 28th, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and the busiest shopping day of the year.  Other enforcements will take place during the holiday season in Chicago, the suburbs and across the state.

“Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them,” White said.  “Parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a possible driver’s license suspension and a hefty fine which could otherwise be used on gifts.  Remember, if you don’t belong there, don’t park there.”

Last year, more than 90 citations were issued to those violating the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities.  Drivers caught misusing a placard face a six-month driver’s license suspension and $600 fine.  Repeat violators will face a one-year driver’s license suspension and $1,000 fine for a second offense, and for the third or subsequent offenses they face a $1,000 fine plus a one-year driver’s license revocation.  The fine for parking in an accessible parking space without a disability placard or license plates is up to $350.  Using a deceased person’s placard or a fraudulent placard can result in a $2,500 fine and one-year revocation of the driver’s license.

There are 691,858 disability placards and 76,046 disability license plates in Illinois.

Secretary White urged people to report abuse of parking spaces for people with disabilities by calling 217-785-0309.  Callers should be prepared to report placard and license plate numbers as well as locations of vehicles.  People can also report abuse via the Secretary of State’s website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com and complete the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities Abuse Complaint Form.

BURBANK, CA – KCETLink, the national independent public media organization, announced that it won three National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards (NAEJ) at the 7^th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club.

With six nominations, KCET’s arts and culture series, ARTBOUND received two awards, including, Best Documentary or Special Program (Short) for “Mexicali Rose” (Juan Devis, Joris Debeij and Alvaro Parra) and Best Use of Social Media (Melody Soto, Drew Tewksbury and Daniel Medina)

The special KCET presentation, “Linda Ronstadt: In Conversation with Patt Morrison” won for Best Personality Profile (Bohdan Zachary, Andrea Grossman, Caroline Armitage and Angela Boisvert)

KCETLink was nominated for eight NAEJ awards, which were presented during a gala ceremony held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014. The NAEJ awards, currently in its seventh year, recognizes the finest work from US-based entertainment reporters and editors, and theater, film, and television critics in all media-print, radio, TV, and online. This includes international journalists working in a language other than English.

ABOUT KCETLink

KCETLink is the new national independent public media organization formed by the merger between KCET and Link Media.  A viewer-supported 501c(3) organization, its content is distributed nationally via satellite on DirecTV and DISH Networks, in Southern and Central California via broadcast, as well as through various digital delivery systems. KCET and Link TV are services of KCETLink. For additional information about KCETLink productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and events, please visit kcet.org or linktv.org.

CHICAGO, IL – Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan released her annual Safe Shopping Guide highlighting hazardous toys, children’s products and household items that have been recalled over the past year to help Illinois families ensure their home is a safe for the holidays.

The 2014 Safe Shopping Guide http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/2014_Safe_Shopping_Guide.pdf includes detailed descriptions and photographs of over 100 children’s products recalled in the last year – from popular strollers by Britax and Graco to a toddler toy with high levels of lead and cribs that pose serious entrapment hazards.

This year’s edition also has a new feature that addresses another risk consumers confront during holiday shopping: identity theft. The past year brought a renewed focus on identity theft in the wake of numerous data breaches at popular nationwide chains, including Target, Michael’s, Neiman Marcus and Home Depot. Madigan’s guide provides simple steps for Illinois families to take to help protect their financial information as they shop online and in stores this year.

“Not only do parents and caregivers need to be wary of the kinds of toys and products they buy for their children this holiday season, they need to be careful about how they pay for them,” Madigan said. “Incorporating a few simple steps into your routine can greatly minimize the risk of becoming an identity theft victim and reduce the damage that may result if your information is compromised.”

This year’s guide features Madigan’s four simple steps to take to protect your financial information:

• Set up Transaction Alerts on your accounts to receive notifications when your credit or debit card is used above a certain dollar amount, so if someone uses your card without authorization, you’ll receive a text message or email and can immediately call your card issuer to dispute the charge.

• Regularly review your bank and credit card statements to make sure there are no unauthorized transactions. Contest any unauthorized charges immediately by contacting your bank using the toll-free number on the back of your credit or debit card. Prompt reporting of unauthorized charges is critical to limit your liability, particularly if you are a debit card user because liability depends on how quickly you report a lost or stolen card. For instance, if you report a lost or stolen debit card before any unauthorized transactions occur, you are not responsible for any of the unauthorized charges, but if you make the report within two business days of losing your card, you can be liable for up to $50 of unauthorized charges. After two days, reporting lost or stolen cards can increase your liability anywhere from $500 and up.

• Review your credit reports for unauthorized accounts. You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies per year. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to order your credit reports. Make sure all the information is correct. If not, immediately contact the credit reporting agency to request that the information be explained or corrected.

• Consider putting a security freeze on your credit. A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, essentially locks down your personal data at the consumer reporting agency until an individual gives permission for the release of the data, which can prevent someone from taking out credit in your name. You can easily have the freeze lifted when you want to allow a company to check your credit if, for instance, you are opening new accounts or purchasing a car or home.

For more information or assistance, Attorney General Madigan urged Illinois residents to call her office’s Identity Theft Hotline at 1-866-999-5630. Madigan’s Identity Theft Unit has helped over 35,000 victims remove over $26 million in fraudulent charges from their credit.

“KID applauds the Attorney General’s office for continuing to highlight dangerous recalled products.  This gives families one more tool to keep their families safe, “said Kids in Danger Executive Director Nancy Cowles.

“The Safe Shopping Guide is a must-have for this holiday season,” said Abe Scarr, Illinois PIRG Director. “Shoppers should pay close attention to toys that contain small parts that could lead to choking, and consumers should be especially vigilant while shopping online where recalled toys may still be available.”

Consumers can view and download the 2014 Safe Shopping Guide at Madigan’s website or by calling the Attorney General’s Recall Hotline for a print copy at 1-888-414-7678.

CHICAGO, IL – Even though there has been some public disapproval voiced, many retailers will start Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales as early as 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Whenever consumers choose to shop the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns they need to do so safely to avoid scams and hackers.

“Holiday shopping is hectic and shopping with caution is often not given a second thought,” says Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois. “However, it’s very important for consumers to make sure the businesses they shop at are trustworthy and to remember that if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Tips for Black Friday shoppers:

• Research before you shop – If you find a great coupon, be sure to print it out and bring it to the store with you. Check out Business Reviews and Customer Reviews at www.bbb.org to make sure you are dealing with a reputable business that will guarantee the sale prices they claim to have.
• Know Store Policies – Knowing the store policies on returns can help you determine where to buy. Many retailers may include restocking fees and shorter return deadlines.
• Ask for Gift Receipts – Gift receipts generally include a description of the item purchased but do not disclose the price paid. Without proof-of-purchase, the recipient may be turned down for returning or exchanging the item, or risk receiving an exchange at a lower price.

Online shopping tips for Cyber Monday:

• Shop on trustworthy websites – Shoppers should start with the BBB to check on the seller’s Business Review for customer satisfaction at www.bbb.org Always look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks” on retailer websites and click on the seals to confirm that they are valid.
• Protect your personal information – Take time to read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, it should be taken as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without permission.
• Beware of deals that sound too good to be true –
  Offers on websites and in unsolicited e-mails often sound too good to be true, especially extreme low prices on hard-to-get items. Consumers should always go with their instincts and not be afraid to pass up a “deal” that might cost them dearly in the end. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Confirm that your online purchase is secure – Shoppers should always look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site, the BBB recommends right-clicking anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (website address) and the dialog box will reveal whether the site is encrypted or not.

• Pay with a credit card – It’s best to use a credit card, because under Federal law, the shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive an item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on their credit card and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the card holder pays nothing if someone steals the credit card number and uses it.

• Keep documentation of your order – After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail. The BBB recommends saving a copy of the Web page and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.

For more tips on scams, visit www.bbb.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.