What has race got to do with it? Th...

What has race got to do with it? The Chicago Reporter has been asking that question since 1972 when civil rights activist and visionary John A. McDermott launched a publication that would promote as a watchdog on issues of racial equity. With generous and courageous support from the Community Renewal Society, founding editors McDermott and Lillian Calhoun created this singular, dispassionate monthly to report, illuminate and analyze the race question in ways that would have the city's leaders accountable and chafe change.

We have crushed that question, again and again. Our reporting has made recently made known laws, wiped out discriminatory policies and practices, helped bring down a fire chief and pick out a mayor. I have been privileged to conduce to alongside dozens of talented journalists who have won more than 100 awards for journalistic superior goodness Our distinguished alumni have mov upon to press the race question at stranges organizations around the world.

further nearly 30 years later, race still dominates each urban issue, from child welfare, education, criminal justice, health care, housing, corporate responsibility, guidance and politics.

Race matters. Just ask the sum of two units little boys who were wrongfully charged with the kill cruelly of Ryan Harris. Listen to the grammar gymnasium athletes of St. Sabina Academy. Talk to the families of Robert Taylor familys as the towers tumble around them.

Chicago's burgeoning to this time marginalized Latino communities will run over you why race still matters. And it mattered completely to the Arab and Muslim residents of southwest suburban Bridgeview--long before family 11.

As I instigate on, I will continue to pres the race question in my confess work, through book projects, public affairs television, and commentary--on a national on a level right here in Chicago. You'll withhold hearing from me. Alysia Tate, my successor, and her stellar staff will carry onward with brilliance, integrity and vision.

We are infinitely grateful to you, our loyal readers, for your faithful support. You are critical players in each arena--community organizing, public policy, the media, dominion and politics, academia.

The Reporter can identify the question but you must provide the solution. Bring us your ideas, vigilance and wisdom. Demand a reply to our investigations from each quarter; the corporate boardroom, legislative chamber, mayor's office, body of christians sanctuary, union hall. Force the media to accord to our neglected communities. occupy civil rights organizations accountable. Speak disclosed when others are silent.

What has race got to do with it? The Reporter will continue to pres the question. further the answer must come from you.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Community Renewal Society

COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group