Current protection of the Congo Sq. Theatre Firm scenario reveals an odd,board-driven risk to a nationwide theatrical treasure. I’m biased as a former board member and long-time supporter. Nonetheless, there’s a cause that the late August Wilson selected this ensemble to be the main firm to hold on his legacy and why so many ensemble members are brilliant lights in theater, tv and movie.
The ensemble is dedicated and enthusiastic about its legacy and excellence and embodies the artist’s imaginative and prescient. A board’s function is to be a monetary steward to make that imaginative and prescient attainable. I’m extremely disenchanted that it appears some board management have gone off observe and that the ensemble members’ efforts to resolve variations with sensitivity and discretion have been ignored. Having served as a board member or chair for organizations from Kartemquin Movies to Illinois Humanities, I’ve by no means seen such detrimental and premature actions.
Nonprofit boards are important, and these volunteers could make an enormous distinction. Sadly, a robust character can derail the collective good. I hope wiser heads will prevail to make sure this group continues and thrives. Now greater than ever, Congo Sq.’s deep expertise, unflinching honesty on historical past and unapologetically Black inventive perspective are very important.
Sylvia Ewing, former board member
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Metropolis Council, say goodbye to fur
The laws to ban the sale of recent fur in Chicago was launched in July 2023. It’s taken greater than a yr and a half to get a listening to, nevertheless it now heads to the complete Metropolis Council on Wednesday for a dialogue and vote.
Nonetheless, I used to be dismayed to see the Solar-Instances cowl this humane measure by dedicating their complete article to job loss and enterprise closures, and never as soon as mentioning the hazards and the way fur farming may trigger the following pandemic, in response to scientists.
Packing 1000’s of untamed animals into filthy, unsanitary, darkish sheds is a recipe for catastrophe, and a number of science journals and information articles have sounded the alarm.
No person needs anybody to lose their enterprise or job. Nonetheless, as our metropolis and our world progress, some professions should adapt to alter. Coal mining and metal mill jobs are simply a few examples of occupations which might be disappearing attributable to inhumane or harmful circumstances or environmental and well being hazards.
The Solar-Instances article barely touched on the animal welfare challenge. The fur trade is constructed on struggling. There isn’t a different method round it. In an effort to create a fur coat, scarf, and even fur trim, animals should be skinned. Lovely, wild animals are born right into a world of agony and endure captivity in unforgiving circumstances solely to be anally electrocuted or gassed for his or her pelts.
There are a number of methods store house owners may rework their enterprise mannequin, plus artificial alternate options are hotter, and there’s no taking of life.
On behalf of the Chicago Alliance for Animals’ greater than 3000 members and thousands and thousands of compassionate individuals worldwide, I’m urging Chicago’s alderpersons to vote “sure” on this commonsense measure that may defend individuals, animals and the setting.
Jodie Wiederkehr, founder, Chicago Alliance for Animals, West Rogers Park
MACA: Make America Elegant Once more
Talking as an American and never as a member of both political get together, I believe we’re all on board with rooting out waste and inefficiency in authorities. Who wouldn’t be for that?
What I’m not okay with is the delight that the president and his henchmen extol about firing individuals from their jobs with no advance warning. I do know Donald Trump made his bones on a TV present the place his tag line was about firing somebody, however that is actual life. These are fellow People who’ve hire funds, meals payments and youngsters. Can we put down the chainsaw and tone down the rhetoric and glee in firing respectable individuals?
In order for you respect, it’s important to give respect to others. I want to see the nation develop into stylish once more.
Steven Fortuna, Naperville
