Greetings:
Welcome to our April edition. On the cover: We’re doing something special this month, #PriorityHealthMonth, by taking a moment to pay a unique tribute to artist, teacher, mother, wife, and outstanding human being, Joyce Owens. At the same time, we are extending our condolences to Monroe Anderson and his family for the recent loss of Joyce to Alzheimer’s disease. The cover picture is that of Joyce Owen’s great grandfather, Frank Franklin, who died before she was born. Joyce did the painting of him from a photograph, beginning it while she was a graduate student at Yale University and completing it afterwards (Circa 1974.) Monroe Anderson snapped the picture of the painting with his and Joyce’s two sons standing by the paint. Kyle Franklin Anderson (on the left) and Scott Monroe Anderson (on the right).
In 2020, South Side Drive Magazine deemed April as Priority Health Month. The abysmal life expectancy of Black Chicago called for constant reminders to our readers to take care of yourselves, get annual checkups, pay attention to unusual symptoms, especially as we get older, and men, please get a PSA test. Learn the life-saving benefits of early detection of prostate disease. Our prostate disease survivor and crusader, Ranoule Tatum, wrote and is featured in the informative prostate article in this month’s issue, along with a remembrance of those who passed away from the disease, and recognition of the survivors, as well as those individuals and organizations who are promoting health awareness in our communities, including our own Real Men Charities, Inc.
As the racial divide in the nation and even in the city continues to challenge the good life we all should be living, we are thankful that Governor J.B. Pritkzer, and the Field Foundation are funding initiatives to promote much-needed racial healing. In this issue, we interview Maritza Bandera, of the Field Foundation, who has traveled throughout Illinois to provide funding through grants to organizations engaged in racial healing.
One such organization is Little Black Pearl, an unsung gem in the heart of Bronzeville that has been serving the black artistic community for over 30 years. Don’t let the “Little” in their name fool you. Little Black Pearl is doing some big things in our community, and we interviewed Zakeya Cartman, Little Black Pearl’s Director of Development, to tell the readers what Little Black Pearl has been up to and what we can look forward to.
“Welcome to McDonald’s, may I help you?” That’s a welcome sound, especially if it’s said with a smile, when you’re getting your morning cup of coffee or your afternoon Big Mac. In this issue, you’re going to meet one of the men behind the smile and the warm, welcoming greetings. Donald Jenkins makes McDonald’s customers feel like life can be one big Happy Meal. We hope his story inspires you to share your own smile a little more often.
On Easter Sunday we said goodbye to one of the genuinely good guys – Robert J. Dale, founder and CEO of RJDale Advertising. Bob was one of the beloved heroes of our community. He was significant in the growth of Real Men Cook, transforming it from an event to a Father’s Day tradition. Bob made a difference in many lives, including the lives of his four sons and his beautiful wife, Cathy. If you didn’t know Bob Dale, then meet him here in the South Side Drive as we pay tribute to his wonderful life.
The Quarry, the arts and healing destination from which we publish South Side Drive, is re-opened, refurbished, and ready for you to bring your event plans here or join us for ours. We’ll keep you posted.
Finally, it’s OK to go out of your way to support our advertisers. In fact, it’s essential. Thanks in advance for doing so.
