Father Pfleger: ’79th Street Festival is The Real Deal’ – There Was Peace to the End
10,000-15,000 attended fest
By Chinta Strausberg
Saturday’s ninth 79thStreet Renaissance Festival, sponsored by the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation and the Faith Community of Saint Sabina, was more like a church service as thousands of people, including grannies and gang members, shouted, sang with some even playing the tambourine.—a scene Father Michael L. Pfleger called “the real deal.â€
“It was a day of nothing but positive energy and love…all ages, grandma’s to gang members, children and families all sharing love and celebrating peace in the community,†said Father Michael L. Pfleger who was one of the sponsors of the event. “This is called peace in the street.†Pfleger said there can be peace on 79th Street every day and asked the crowd, “Who runs Auburn Gresham…79th Street… “We do,†the crowd bellowed.
A fired up Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-16th) introduced Gov. Pat Quinn reminding the crowd how some told them not to vote in 2008 and 2012 and how they turned a deaf ear and elected and re-elected President Barack Obama.
“Don’t believe the hype by those who tell you your vote doesn’t count,†warned Collins. Referring to Quinn’s wealthy opponent, Collins, said, “You need to send a message, you cannot buy my self-respect. You can’t buy my dignity.
Collins said Quinn raised theminimum wage that needs their support. Quinn called for unity and for people to“come together like a family…and stop the violence.â€
Ald. Fioretti arrived saying,“Together we join in unity and we dwell in unity. When we are all together, no matter which ward we’re from, no matter who you are, no matter what you do, we, in unity, will make this the best city we’ve ever seen.â€
Besides the Ferris Wheel, the Petting Zoo, face painting, basketball clinics, jumping jacks, free dental exams and other family-oriented entertainment, the 79th Street Renaissance Festival is fast becoming an event that raises the conscious levels of parents, youth and the media with a myriad of messages from its diverse vendors.
Last Saturday from the 79thStreet stage, Father Pfleger sent out a loud praise for the peace that hovered over the wall-to-wall crowd some of whom were singing, shouting, playing and eating food from vendors who represent some of Chicago’s finest restaurants.
Looking out over thousands of people who jammed 79th and Racine to Loomis, Father Pfleger said, “What we feel right now is real. All that other stuff is nonsense. This is the real deal. This is the real Auburn Gresham. We can do this out here,†he said referring to ending the violence.
He asked them to sing Hallelujah as he preached, â€Not another baby in this community should be lost…. We speak peace all over these communities…. These are our children. These are our communities. This is our community…. We can do this…,†he bellowed.
Several elected officials spoke at the festival including Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-16th), who introduced Gov. Pat Quinn, Ald. LaTasha Thomas (17th), Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd), Carlos Nelson, executive director of the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development and others.
Ald. Fioretti arrived saying,“Together we join in unity and we dwell in unity. When we are all together, no matter which ward we’re from, no matter who you are, no matter what you do, we,in unity, will make this the best city we’ve ever seen.â€
Sauntering down West 79thStreet, which was dotted with white tents, a bright new car sat next to one of the vendor booths. Marc Rand, the son of iconic businessman Tim Rand, who represents the 17th annual Chicago Football Classics where on Saturday, September 20, 2014, at Soldier Field the showdown will begin at 3 p.m. between Central State University vs. Morehouse College and the famous High School Battle of the Bands and the Battle of the College Bands at half-time.
At the fifth quarter, there will be a raffle with the prize being 2014-Challenger SXT donated by Sherman Dodge. Standing by the car was Ron Collins, marketing manager Sherman Dodge in Skokie, Il. A co-sponsor of the festival, Collins said, “All funding goes to scholarship funding for CPS students.†He is holding a college fair before Saturday’s game.
Further down 79thStreet was a booth occupied by Chicago Police Department Officer Derrick Jones from the Sixth District CAPS office, who passed out applications for senior citizens bracelets for those in need of medical emergency assistance. When registered, the bracelets contain their medical history and their emergency contact information.
Jones also passed out flyers announcing free line dancing each Friday from 6 p.m.to 8 p.m. “I guarantee you’ll love it, and you’ll feel like you’ve had a wonderful workout.â€
He also announced another program, the Exployer’s program for those between the ages 8-20. “Police interact with the children, do rap sessions with them. We play sports with them and take them on trips.†Jones said all activities are free. He can be reached at 312.745.3641.
While it was a day most politicians dream of given the estimated crowd of 15,000 people, it was also avenue where visitors received some very valuable information and free healthcare.
Jason Gray, operations manager with Gordon Dental Associates, had several dentists on hand to give free dental exams. “I am cleaning the teeth of the kids in the community. Only about 18 percent of all Medicaid eligible kids receive dental services even though 100 percent are eligible only 18 percent take advantage.
“We come out to community events like this to make sure we bridge that gap to care because there is a huge divide between dental care and parents being able to get that care delivered to their kids,†Gray told this reporter. “Education is really primarily responsible for the gap because most parents don’t know the services are available†which is why Gray’s group markets to the parents.
A number of talented groups and singers performed including the Peace Choir, 1390 Chatter/Transition, the Chicago Mass Choir, Michelle Williams, who is formerly Destiny’s Child, Saint Sabina’s Spirit of David praise dancing, Nubian Cultural Dancers, Music from Steel, Mayfair Dance Company, China Gray (opera singer); Senabella (the Bronzeville Diva); Anthony M (Hip Hop); HHW Voals, a Cappella Group, Curves Auburn Gresham, a work out group; Jesse White Tumblers; Ruff Rider Rollers,Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, J Moss, Smokie Norful, and the finale with Farley Jackmaster Funk.
Scores of vendors dotted both sides of 79th Street including Gordon Dental Associates, which offered free dental exams, the Chicago Police Department, Senator Collins, and the Chicago Football Classic.
At Loomis Street, there was a basketball clinic including a championship game. There was a Ferris Wheel,Tower Hills Stables Petting Zoo, a video arcade game, face painting, several senior activities including a luncheon.The South Shore Drill Team performed a number of colorful acts.
The festival ended with Father Pfleger giving out 600 school bags and on 79th Street with Farley Jackmaster Funk drawing in a bigger crowd. Nelson said there was nonviolence in the community. “It was peace to the end,†he said.
Other sponsors of the Inspiration 1390 AM Family and the 9th annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival were: METRO PCS –Wireless for All, Peoples Gas, Harold’s Chicken, The Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy and Safe Communities in Illinois.
Saturday’s ninth 79th Street Renaissance Festival, sponsored by the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation and the Faith Community of Saint Sabina, was more like a church service as thousands of people, including grannies and gang members, shouted, sang with some even playing the tambourine.—a scene Father Michael L. Pfleger called “the real violence.
There was wall-to-wall people at Saturday’s 79th Street Festival that drew people from all sectors of society. (All photos by Chinta Strausberg)
Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.
