On a cold misty November morning Chicago Police Officer Angela Mack, fully gloved, stood over a rectangular table preparing food for her special guests. The table consisted of turkey, ham, mac&cheese, collard greens, stuffing, yams, spaghetti, rolls, and several desserts.

This was no ordinary feast.

On Nov. 3, 2009 the third district of the Chicago Police Department hosted its 23rd annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless.

"It is an honor to be chosen by the department committee to host this event," says Mack, a 17 year veteran of the force.

Over the years officers within the department have donated food that they had prepared themselves. This year officers donated money and the food was catered.

"I can't tell the difference in the food," says Jacob Williams, a south side Chicagoan, "This is my second year coming and they treat me just like family."

Over 20 officers volunteered to help serve food and make sure the program was structured.

The back of the police facility was cleaned and decorated for the event. The walls were draped with orange and brown streamers and there was a television. Comforters and couches provided a very comfortable setting.

"I want them to feel at home," says Chicago Police Sgt Reginald James, "We are truly blessed and it doesn't hurt to take a day or two to help someone who is less fortunate."

Approximately 75 mostly homeless Chicagoans ate dinner.

According to the Chicago Alliance, an active group focused on ending homeless in the city, an estimated 5,922 people are homeless in Chicago. Homelessness is a massive problem in the city.

People were welcomed to as much food as they wanted. There also were to-go plates for people who wanted to take food.

The facility was kept open and supervised on Nov. 25-26.

On this day before Thanksgiving, Williams who wore a raggedy black jacket and torn blue jeans. He sat at the third table, peacefully eating his food.

"I am thankful for the people who took the time out to feed us," said Williams, "I am 57 years old and pretty much have given up on life, but events like this makes me feel someone hasn't given up on me."

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Officer Angela Mack

Chicago Police Department

7100 South Cottage Gr.

Chicago,IL 60628

(708) 699-2345

Are College Student's Marriages at higher Risks for Divorces?

More students are finding themselves married before college graduation, according to Dr. Paredes, a North Carolina A&T State University campus counselor.

People tend to marry people with similar levels of education. A large number of people who have college degrees met or married their spouses while in college.

"I married my wife our freshman year and we have been married for two years," says Derrick Browner, a 22 year old senior at A&T.

A common perception is that most college marriages will end in divorce.

So what is too young to be married?

"I do not know if it's an age limit of being married" it is "more personal development than age based," says Paredes.

Most people get married for cultural values, religious reasons and to form a family unit legitimately.

Does young, college, marriages face more challenges than married couples over the age of 25.

"The challenge I face is us growing together," says 20 year old Shantay Browner, an A&T junior. "With classes and all the extra curricular activities, sometimes I forget to set aside time for my relationship."

"Many students go through the process of what they want for themselves and for their partners," said Paredes.

Young marriages have been found to be from two to three times more likely to end in divorce compared to marriages at older ages.

There are many programs throughout the state of North Carolina to help build and maintain strong marriages and families.

Although the overall divorce rate in America remains close to 50 percent of all marriages, it has been gradually dropping.

According to the National Marriage Project, both women and men who are college educated are less likely to divorce, than people with lower levels of education.

"Do I think we'll make it, of course," says Derrick. "We will overcome any obstacle to make this thing work."

"I have met many other married couples while here at A&T and I will tell you one thing, Derrick and I will be one of the couples to have a successful marriage, while in college," said Shantay.

Contact Information:
Dr. Peredes
North Carolina A&T State University
Counseling Services
108 Murphy Hall
Greensboro, North Carolina 27411
(336) 334-7727

The Nobel Peace Prize: Does it Symbolize International Relationships?

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Barack Obama symbolizes warmer relationships that the United States has developed with other countries, according to two international students.

Bruno Mongjoas and Diego Barros, both North Carolina A&T seniors from Brazil, explained that they have a better impression of the United States since Obama has been in office verses eight years of George W. Bush.


On Friday Oct. 9, President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The award was given to motivate the president to follow through with the effort to improve relations with other countries and promote peace throughout the world.

"The previous president gave the U.S a bad image; Obama brings a better look for America," says Mongjoas.

"America is a more friendly place since Barack Obama has been elected. I prefer Obama, of course. Bush was full of war," says Barros.

Nobel prizes are awarded by committees based on Sweden, the Peace Prize was determined by a five member panel appointed by Norwegian parliament. The award is named after the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel; it is to be given to a person who has done the most or best work to promote peace.

The committee praised Obama's effort to reduce nuclear arms and ease tensions with the Muslim world.

So why is he receiving so much criticism?


Some Americans feel that it was too soon for Obama to receive the award. "I do not know if he's ready, but I support it if it encourages him," said Dr. Daniel White, a political science professor at A&T.

The award caught many people by surprise. While pointing out that he thinks the Unites States has better relations with foreign countries since Obama has been in office, "It's too early for him," to get the peace prize, says Mongjoas. "We need to see how he acts in office before we give him an award like that."

"I was surprised that he was selected but it's not a bad idea. He is a good person to represent the Nobel Peace Prize," said Barros.

Obama, the first African American to win the White House, is the fourth U.S president to win the prestigious prize.

Although many people may think the award was too soon in Obama's young presidency, the Nobel jury thinks other wise. The jury singled out his many efforts to improve American relations with the West and Muslim world.

"I look at America different," said Mongjaos.

"Before Bush America was the way of life but after Obama, things are going to change for the good again."


By: Chaunte J. Tate

Contact Information:

Dr. Daniel White
Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice
North Carolina A&T State University
(336)-285-2046
email: ddwhite@ncat.edu