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A lighted sign in front of the historic Swift Mansion at 4500 S. Michigan Ave. proclaims its status as a National and State Historical Landmark, built in 1892,. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

Building owner Maurice Perkins operated a program out of the Swift Mansion under the Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation. The building was home to nine residents at the time of the fire. Some had lived in the building for years. Many in the surrounding community thought it was a homeless shelter, but one of the residents of the Mansion, who requested to remain anonymous,  said he had lived there for six months and all of the people were paying rent.

"At first the rent was $400 a month, and then they raised it to $500 a month," the tenant said. "I didn't agree to that, because there were a lot of repairs that needed to be done and whenever I mentioned it to the owner, he just blew me off."  Tensions escalated in November when residents were suddenly told, after they had paid the month's rent, that they had to vacate the premises. The owners had received a contract to house migrants and were planning to remodel the building to create more living quarters on the second floor. The eviction notice was abrupt and most tenants had nowhere to go. The son of the owner, Marus Perkins, told the they could stay in the basement of the building until they found other housing, but refused any relocation assistance.

With the help of Selina Kyle of the Homeless People Network, several residents filed a lawsuit against the owners and the Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation seeking damages for what they described as deplorable living conditions and an illegal eviction attempt.  

"Maurice Perkins' son Marcus Perkins came and nailed the front door shut, changed the locks and shut off the water on November 30th. That's when I called the police," the tenant said. "I think he did it in retaliation to our lawsuit."

The tenant stated that on the morning of the fire, Sunday, December 3, 2023, Maurice Perkins was seen upstairs on the second floor and four tenants were in the basement. The building was burning for some time before the residents in the basement were alerted to get out.  After firefighters put out the blaze and drove away, moments later the fire re-erupted, and this time the damage was more devastating, leaving a totally charred roof and extensive damage to the second floor where much of the construction and remodeling was taking place. Arson investigators came to the site on Sunday to look for signs of arson, and to answer the question, who or what could have start the fire?

Early news reports of the fire featured a man named James Otis, identifying himself as the son of the owner, which caused some confusion among those who knew the owner Maurice Perkins and his son Marcus Perkins. News reports hinted at an arson investigation but did not indicate any suspects.

"The tenants did not start that fire, they were looking forward to having justice served in court as well as needing a place to stay until they could secure affordable housing," stated Selina Kyle. "They would gain nothing from starting a fire.  Also, why would Marcus Perkins allow an investor/ex-felon to misrepresent himself on multiple news outlets as the owner and son of Maurice Perkins the original owner?  James Otis is not the owner's son but an ex convict who gave the Perkins an ill gotten $30,000 three years ago to the cash strapped owners in exchange for a share in the business."

A dumpster sits beside the Swift Mansion, full of debris from the remodeling of the second floor to create living space for migrants, who were soon to be housed  at the Mansion.  Tenants claim that the owners refused to make repairs for the existing tenants and sought to evict them in favor of housing migrants, for whom they could receive much more per person than the $500 per month rent being requested from the nine tenants  living the building before the fire erupted. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

According to Selina Kyle of the Homeless People Network,  here is a timeline of events for the nine tenants who have resided at the Swift Mansion 4500 S. Michigan, Chicago, Il 60653 for period ranging from 5 years to 6 months.

• November 1st: Rent was paid by most tenants, although some were late.
• November 6th: Marcus Perkins informed tenants about the plan to house migrants and start demolition on the second floor. Tenants were told they could move to the basement temporarily if they had nowhere else to go but they would have to leave.
• November 20th: Tenants sought advice from an advocate who informed them they hadn't received proper written notice and couldn't be evicted in that manner.
• November 29th: Some of the tenants filed a lawsuit against Maurice Perkins, Marcus Perkins, and Heather Perkins and Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation for deplorable living conditions and illegal eviction.
• November 30th: Tenants called 311 and the police after Marcus Perkins nailed the front door shut, changed locks, and shut off water. Police intervened, suggesting relocation, but Marcus Perkins later refused to assist with housing costs.
• December 1st: Marcus Perkins shut off the water again, received a citation for building conditions from the police, and was advised to handle the matter in court.
• December 2nd: Marcus Perkins threatened to have the building condemned before paying tenants any money related to the illegal eviction.
• December 3rd: Marcus Perkins confronted a tenant involved in the lawsuit, reiterating the threat to condemn the building. Later that day, the building caught fire, with Marcus Perkins and James Otis seen leaving the second floor. Residents were in the basement at the time of the fire.
• December 4th: The building is visibly condemned due to the fire.

This timeline outlines the sequence of events leading up to the building's condemnation.  There are pictures and video of the building condition right before the fire. (Go to www.onaireverywhere.com/on-air-daily-news)

 After the extensive fire damage to the building, the nine residents of the Swift Mansion have been forced to seek immediate shelter, some contacting relatives, others looking for motel rooms and others hoping for temporary lodging at a homeless shelter.

Firefighters rushed to extinguish the fire when it broke out at 4500 S. Micigan Avenue, with flames shooting from the roof. Initially they managed to contain the damage to a portion of the upper floor. Tenants in the basement escaped unharmed. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

After firefightes left the scene of the fire, witnesses say it reignited and the second time the damage was more devastating that the first. The entire roof and much of the second floor was destroyed. Smoke and water damage made the building unliveabe.Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced Larry Snelling as Chicago's new Chief of Police today at City Hall Monday morning, August 14, 2023.  

(Photo by Marcus L. Robinson)

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Larry Snelling, a 28-year member of the Chicago Police Department, as his new Chief of Police, ending speculation that the appointment would be someone from another major city. Officer snelling currently serves a the department's Counter Terrorism Chief, a position he held since 2022. He previously served as commander of the Englewood (7th) police district. He was also a sergeant at the police academy. Officer Snelling was selected from the three finalists suggested by the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability after a months-long search for an individual who would fit the needs of Chicago.  Officer Snelling’s extensive career as well as his familiarity with one of Chicago’s most economically challenged neighborhoods, Englewood, were factors in his favor, as Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks to create a more community sensitive police force. Mayor Johnson praised Officer Snelling for his accomplishments and expressed faith that this new appointment would be a positive sign to the city’s residents that the Mayor is listening to their concerns.

Allison Jordan from The Brain Truth Podcast (R-with guest), takes questions from the audience  during the  appearance of Reality TV star NeNe Leakes of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” at the 2023 Black Women’s Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Photo by Parthenia M. Luke)

The McCormick Place was overflowing with enthusiastic women during the recent three day Black Women's Expo held in Chicago.  Black Women's Expo (BWe), founded by marketing guru Merri Green, is the nation’s largest, longest running, most-respected, intergenerational exposition targeting Black Women and their families. It is said to be "where Sisters gather for information, inspiration and ultimately elevation!" 

Now in its 28th year, the event was held from Friday August 11 to Sunday August 13.  This year’s event features more than 400 booths that offered everything from business advice to hair care tips and had products for sale, ranging from clothing to insurance. Participants explored the many exhibits and attended sessions that covered different topics, including a panel discussion on crime in Chicago as well as health equity, financial help for growing a business and mental wellness.

A high spirited dance team energetically entertains the crowd along the parade route at this year’s Bud Billiken Parade. (Photo by Marcus Robinson)

Considered to be the largest African-American parade in the United States, the Bud Billiken is the second-largest parade, behind the Rose Parade. 

Hundreds  of thousands of people  lined the parade route that ran south on Martin Luther King Drive, starting near Oakwood to Washington Park.The parade marks the end of summer, and the start of a school year for Chicago kids. It is designed to highlight success and show city youth they can become  anything they desire. Businesses, elected officials, schools and organizations use it as an opportunity to advertise and promote their presence, while local celebrities appear on floats and interact with the crowd. This year marked the 94th  anniversary of the event created by Chicago Defender Founder Robert S. Abbott that winds through the historic Bronzeville community.

Chicago Bears Running back Trestan Ebner (25) scrambles to elude Tennessee Titan linebacker Jack Gibbens (50), gaining more yards toward Chicago’s 23-17 victory Saturday over Tennessee. (Photo by John L. Alexander)

Although the Titans scored first with a first quarter touchdown by Tennessee quarterback Malik Willis and extra point by Tennessee kicker Caleb Shudack, the Bears came back with a 62 yard pass from quarterback Justin Fields to wide receiver DJ Moore and a 56 yard pass from Justin Fields to running back Khalil Herbert, pulling the Bears ahead 14-7. By the third quarter both teams were tied 17-17, but a third quarter field goal by Bears’ kicker Cairo Santos broke the tie and his fourth quarter field goal sealed a victory for the Bears, 23-17.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton greet U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as she arrives at Midway Airport for the annual Gun Sense University Conference. 

(Photo by John L. Alexander )

CHICAGO -  Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Chicago Friday morning August 11, 2023, prepared to address one of the nation’s most pressing emergencies.“Gun violence is the leading cause of death of our children,” declared Vice President Harris, adding that one in five families have been affected by gun violence. “We need elected leaders to have the courage to act."  The Vice President praised the work of Illinois government leaders in supporting the work of the Biden- Harris Administration. As Illinois gears up for the 2024 Democratic Convention to be held in Chicago, public safety is a top concern. Everyone should be alarmed at the epidemics of deaths from guns, Vice President Harris said, noting that children are dying from suicide, homicide, and accidental shootings from adults’ unsecured weapons.

Vice President Harris pointed out, “Our administration, President Joe Biden and I, were able to pass the first meaningful gun safety legislation in 30 years.” Under their administration, she said, substantial resources have been put into solutions involving mental health services and community based response, but more needs to be done to pass common sense gun laws to protect lives. “We love our country and we will challenge our country to live up to its promise.” 

Vice President Harris remarked that unlike when she was growing up and on the first day of school children focused on learning their teacher’s name and where the bathroom is, “Our babies are learning the teachers name, where the bathroom is and how to sit quietly if there’s an active shooter!”  The suggestion of strapping guns on teachers is definitely not the answer to mass shootings in schools, Vice President Harris said emphatically.

Addressing the young people in the audience, she told them, “Your generation is critical. When your generation starts to vote in numbers I see this changing completely. Your generation is everything to this issue.”

President Biden assured Americans that his economic plan "Bidenomics" would help families in emergencies and times of economic crisis during his address in Chicago in June of 2023. (Photo by Naimah Latif).

CHICAGO – Tuesday, August 15, 2023, President Joseph Biden signed a Disaster Declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) to offer Individual Assistance for residents in Cook County, Illinois who were impacted by severe weather in July. FEMA’s Individual Assistance could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses owners recover from the effects of the storms.

“Thank you to President Biden and FEMA for recognizing the devastating effects of recent extreme weather on Chicago and its surrounding neighbors and taking the appropriate action to ensure impacted residents can get back on their feet,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Residents and businesses, especially those on the West Side of Chicago who were most brutally hit, are now able to access additional resources necessary to rebuild and revitalize, and I know Cook County will build back stronger than ever.”

Beginning June 29, several rounds of severe storms passed through Illinois producing heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hail, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. Central Illinois experienced a derecho that brought damaging straight-line winds resulting in five confirmed tornadoes, along with wind gusts in excess of 100 miles per hour across multiple counties. The tornados and straight-line winds resulted in large debris fields, affecting homeowners, businesses, utilities, and local governments. The storms also caused disruptions to transportation due to flash flooding and debris on the roadways.

On July 2nd, additional severe storms dropped eight inches of water in a short period of time in a historic rainfall total. This caused flash flooding in and around the Chicago area. The storms also downed numerous trees and caused widespread power outages in northern Illinois.

 Apply online at disasterassistance.gov

Barbara Arnwine, (center), Founder and President of the Transformative Justice Coalition led a panel discussion about the current assault on voting rights. Among the participants were Rommel Sandino,  National Organization Director, League of Women Voters (left) and Griselda Vega Samuel, Midwest Regional Counsel, MALDEF (right). (Photo by John L. Alexander)

CHICAGO - The Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the Transformative Justice Coalition  assembled a panel of the nation's most prominent voting rights advocates for a special Voting Rights discussion held July 18th  during the Rainbow PUSH Annual International Convention at the University of Chicago, David Rubinstein Forum, 1201 E. 60th Street, Chicago, Illinois. The goal of this panel is to educate, inspire and ignite our national audience to fight the assault on voting rights and to lift up the best practices for protecting all Voters, particularly, African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, Youth Voters, and Voters with Disabilitie In order to make America a better place to live. Attorney Barbara Arnwine, Founder and President of the Transformative Justice Coalition, pointed out the many election victories for black and brown candidates across the south during Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 Presidential campaigns which inspired record numbers of new voters. Panelists discussed strategies on how to protect access to voting in America. . 

DJ Casper performs his iconic ”Cha Cha Slide,” engaging a large audience at a popular summer festival in Chicago. (Photo by Parthenia M. Luke.)

The "Cha Cha Slide" was a favorite at weddings, family reunions, cookouts, school dances, anywhere that people gathered, young and old. It's creator, DJ Casper, was regularly invited to public events to orchestrate crowd participation in this popular dance. He reportedly succumbed after a long struggle with cancer, passing away at the age of 58. A Chicago native, he first created the dance in 1998 for his nephew, a personal gym trainer.  It quickly became a theme for social gatherings, in that anyone, young or old, in or out of shape, could participate.  After touring internationally and performing the song worldwide up until 2016, Casper returned to Chicago and was diagnosed with cancer. He performed most recently at the Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Sky basketball game halftime shows and other local events as he continued to work toward regaining his health.