CSU President Honors TAGgers & Black Press
By: Abbra Stiffend
Within the confines of his private conference room, Dr. Wayne D. Watson, president of Chicago State University (CSU), hosted a special luncheon on Monday, where distinguished guests included members of Chicagos black press and key members of The Ancillary Group (TAGgers). Historically, both groups have played important and integral roles in supporting CSU and the gathering was therefore Watsons way of extending on behalf of the university, gratitude and appreciation.
While Watsons mission was to thank his guest, his underlying goal was to introduce the black press to the TAGgers. Over the past 36 years, the TAGers have hosted countless fundraising events for CSU including concerts, luncheons and dinners. The raised monies are ultimately used to improve student facilities and provide scholarships for CSU students.
If I had to put a dollar amount on what the TAGgers have done [for CSU], it would be in the range of $100,000 plus every year. These women are always at the events contributing their time and effort on behalf of Chicago State University, said Watson.
Watson went on to say that he felt it was his duty to introduce the TAGgers to the black press and allow them the opportunity to get the exposure and publicity they deserve within the community they serve.
Belinda McFolling, TAGgers president, since 2009 has been fostering the success and achievements of CSU in the footsteps of her mother-in- law, Elsie V. Parker, founder of the TAGgers organization.
My late husband Maurice J. McFolling, my mother-in-law the late Elsie V. Parker and also my brother-in-law, the late Judge H. Parker Jr. were great believers in Chicago State University. McFolling contributed during her address at the event.
With salmon, sweet potatoes and asparagus on the menu, more than just taste buds were motivated as the many notable TAGgers spoke words of wisdom and discussed plans of progression and achievement for the black community.
Im inspired and I really want to join the TAGgers, Larissa M. Tyler, acting managing editor of the Chicago Citizen said, after listening to the stories of success. Im going to see to it that this story runs on our front page because you all are phenomenal and deserve at least that. Tyler continued.
At the conclusion of the luncheon, Watson articulated that collaborative efforts between groups like the TAGgers and members of the black press like the Chicago Citizen are key to the success of the black community.
We as a community need to figure out how we will continue to sustain ourselves, said Watson. He then suggested that the black press has a presence within the answer.
We need to ask ourselves what we can do to help our media. What do we need to do to keep it alive? The black press is very much alive and we must do everything we can to keep it that way. Watson said.
On Saturday, October 15, the TAGgers organization will be honoring the legacy of its founder Elsie V. Parker and her sons the Late Maurice J. McFollong and the late Judge H. Parker, Jr. (past CEOs of Parker House Sausage Company). For more information about this event visit www.csu.edu/foundation or call (773) 995-3604
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