By Shoshi Mabina
The Congressman Bobby L. Rush, 1st District, Illinois, received the Distinguished Service Award at the First Alumni Scholarship Gala, Friday March 13 in the Main Theater at Kennedy-King College. Congressman Rush recounted his days as a Black Panther recruiter in the late 60’s and how students were politically engaged and motivated by the Black consciousness movement to evoke change.
The evening featured an historic first conversation with all living presidents of Kennedy-King College: current president, Clyde El-Amin, City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Wayne D. Watson, Wellington Wilson, Joann Horton and Harold Pates who was streamed-in live from California.
The transition years from Wilson Jr. College to Kennedy-King College were captured in a video presentation covering late college presidents, Maceo Bowie, the college’s first Black president and Ewen Akin with interviews by KKC professor’s emeriti, Robert L. Cruthird and Jeanette Williams. They shared compelling insights of the college’s social history by incorporating past events of how student protests lead to the emergence of the college’s first Black president, as well as how that tradition has been sustained. The video is based on research compiled for a book they are co-authoring about the college from its inception through 2007.
KKC was founded as Woodrow Wilson Junior College in 1935 and was operated by the city of Chicago until it became part of the State of Illinois community college system in 1966. The school was renamed in 1969, to honor Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Performances were done by KKC 2009 Idol Winner Emanuel McKenzie-Jones, second runner -up Serilla Gross, KKC Choir, Sh’Von Nicolle, MUNTU Dance Theater, Chocolate Chips Theatre Company and local recording artists.
Proceeds from the event support the revitalization of the Kennedy-King College Alumni Association under the leadership of former KKC scholar and retired staff member, Madie Cannamore.
Now patrons can get the Presidential look too, when visiting the historic Hyde Park Hair Salon landmark, with The Obama Cut. President Barack Obama has been receiving premium quality haircuts there, nearly every week, for over 20 years. Since becoming President, co-owner and Master Barber Zariff continues to service the President.
President Obama signed the exact chair where he sat while receiving his haircuts is now on display in a donated R.S. Owens custom design case. Owens is responsible for creating the awards given to the stars at The Emmy Award Show, Country Music Award Show, NASCAR Nextel Cup Ceremony, The London International Advertising Award Gala, Britannia Award Show and the Oscars.
Established as a tourist destination as “The Official Shop of President Barack Obama” by the City of Chicago, the shop is the third oldest business in the heart of one of Chicago’s most affluent, culturally rich and diverse south side neighborhoods. President Obama being the barbershops most prestigious client has brought on huge amounts of media frenzies making the shop an internationally known entity.
The shop has been servicing other prominent figures inside and outside the community since 1927. Legends including boxing champion Mohammed Ali, Mayor Harold Washington, Hall of Famer Lou Brock, movie director Spike Lee, Japanese entertainer/comedian Nozomu Sato, Chicago Bears players, White Sox owner Bill Vect, Entertainment Attorney Walter M. Dale and Lakers/Celtics Basketball player Rick Fox. Known as the “lucky charm”, all come to the location for the unique grooming techniques and exclusive house call services.
Tourists visiting Chicago and canvassing the Hyde Park neighborhood, can stop in the barbershop to receive an array of special a la cart grooming, take a picture with his barber next to the encased chair, buy memorabilia such as tee shirts with cost of $20.00 and limited edition Giclée prints priced at $1,700 of The President seen in rare form sitting in his chair receiving a haircut.
Hyde Park Hair Salon is located:
5234 S. Blackstone
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 493-6028
(773) 493-5611
Hours of operation: 7 days per week, 9a.m-8p.m
*The barbershop accepts walk-ins*
Services offered are as follows:
Full Haircut (specializing in all hair textures),
Full Razor Shaves (including beards mustaches, eyebrows and linings),
Manicure, Pedicure, and Varied Massages
