AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/category/opinion/)
Austin minister Ira Acree, senior pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church, will be joining other faith leaders Wednesday to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s his message to West Side residents, especially those who aren’t sure they want to be vaccinated when it’s their turn.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford encourages us to reflect on African Americans’ enduring struggles, triumphs and contributions.
Does state Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, the new head of the Illinois Democratic Party, have a vision that includes expanding the base of Black voters? One West Sider is not convinced.
Members of the Leaders Network traveled Friday to Highland Park to offer their support and prayers – and to renew their commitment for an assault weapons ban.
Columnist John W. Fountain III reflects on living and working out west.
Leader Network Co-Chairs Rev. Ira J. Acree and Rev. Marshall Hatch will attend the funerals of two of the 10 people killed earlier this month in a Buffalo grocery store.
Our AustinTalks columnist writes about the mental toll of navigating the world as a Black man. He’s working as a traveling social worker in Oregon.
The Leaders Network of Chicago is calling on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to create an inclusive task force to address discrimination, days after former Miami Dolphins Coach Brian Flores sued the NFL and three of its 32 teams, alleging racist hiring practices.
Journalist Vee L. Harrison writes a letter to her brother, Darryl Harrison Jr., who was murdered in Austin one on Feb. 7, 2021.
It’s been nearly 14 years since 15-year-old Yasmin Acree went missing from her Austin home, yet the family still has no answers about her whereabouts. Rev. Ira Acree, one of Yasmin’s relatives, is pushing for answers once again. The family and West Side faith leaders are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Yasmin.
When churches reached out to Michele Clark High School Principal Charles Anderson about how they could support students and teachers after the murder of 16-year-old student Kierra Moore, his response was simple: Be the church and be present. The community is invited to support the students from 7:15 to 8:20 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25. Stay a few minutes or the entire time.
