Ed Gardner Calls for a Sunday Protest

Mr. Ed Gardner, at 87 years old, on a cane, is still quite the man and a Chicago hero. Gardner is a pioneer businessman who made millions selling Soft Sheen products worldwide. His was one of America's most wealthiest businesses. He was the marketing force behind Harold Washington becoming the first African American Mayor in Chicago. He is known to put his money where his mouth is.

On Friday, September 21st, he drew the line in the sand, as Chicago's black community is constantly insulted with a lack of jobs and business. As he drove on 95th street and he looked at a construction site, in the heart of the black community, he saw no African American workers. None. Zero. It was the last straw. He got mad and on Monday he closed the site down. Monday, September 24th, he stuck his cane in wet cement at Evergreen Park. Others joined him. The workers returned after he left. But he stopped the work. He protested. His voice was heard.

This is serious in Chicago. Mr. Gardner is now asking 10,000 to join him after church, this Sunday. He's asking the who's who in Chicago like Lerone Bennett, the historian and the former Chicago School Superintendent, Manford Byrd. On Sunday, Mr. Gardner has invited 10,000 people to join him at 95th and Western at 3 p.m. after church to march and demand equality for jobs. The old guard has taken the lead for a Sunday afternoon march.

This is an upset in Chicago for Mayor Emanuel and should not be taken lightly. The black agenda has vanished. It's a damn shame, Mr. Gardner at 87 on a cane, has taken to the streets.
But since he has reached his insult level, and the larger community didn't, let's join him. Perhaps, a movement has begun 2012 style. Perhaps this is the beginning of black America's occupy. Once again the black community owes Mr. Gardner a thank you.