Greetings. Welcome to the January issue as we continue to communicate as your guide to the good life here in Chicago. What a significant issue this is. For thirty-three years Operation PUSH has been celebrating the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thirty-three years is longer than some of our readers have been on this earth, and therefore, they are not familiar with the role Rev Dr. Martin Luther King played in bringing Rev. Jesse Jackson to Chicago, or Reverend Jesse Jackson’s continued fight for social and economic justice, not just in Chicago, but throughout the country.
In many ways, this issue is a tribute to people who are no longer here, but who along with Dr. King, fought and achieved so much for African Americans in this nation and the world. Moreover, it is a message to those of us that are still here that even with the beautiful work that has been done, there is still much work to do.
In this issue, we tell you why we consider Reverend Jesse Jackson a hero among us. His presence and his work has been such a part of my personal history, dating back to Operation Breadbasket, growing into my teen years with my grandparents being supporters and attendees at weekly Breadbasket meetings and participants in boycott efforts for greater access to business opportunities and economic equity. I was involved with youth activities for Operation Bread Basket and continue to be involved with this great organization as it has evolved from Operation Breadbasket to Operation PUSH.
Much of Reverend Jackson’s significant contributions to the civil rights and human rights struggle has been overshadowed by negative murmurings, likely fueled by a non-
Black media, pumping communication to minimize and discredit and weaken the legacy of Reverend Jackson’s bulldog tenacity and focus on economic justice. But the evidence of unparalleled greatness prevails.
As you read and learn of Reverend Jackson’s association with Dr. King, we ask that you pass it along to a young person whose goal is to live a great life here in this city.
Speaking of great people, in this issue we also pay tribute to Susan Peters, a beautiful, gifted, talented woman who helped make Real Men Cook and Real Men Charities what it is today. Susan touched so very many lives in Chicago, throughout the United States and in Liberia, and although she is gone, her legacy lives on through the many people she has mentored, and the work she has done.
Susan was a prolific writer and author, and we hope our readers will purchase and enjoy some of her books.
In this issue, a mother shares about another exceptional individual. Ivan Eberhart is featured for his outstanding life contribution and the strength of a mother’s love and caring has never been more apparent. Like Susan Peters, his life was taken as a result of an automobile tragedy.
As we embark on this new year, we know it’s hard to remain positive when so many negative things are impacting our daily lives. That’s why South Side Drive will continue to find the good news and be your guide to the good life here in Chicago.
Friday night jazz will resume February 3 at the Quarry Entertainment Center, 2423 East 75th Street. Also because art heals and legacy matters, this magazine’s engagement in Live Jazz, as well as Love Jones every Thursday night for youth audiences is a source of pride.
