@Patricialicious Do you mind sharing your views on mainstream media with me?

I am trying to determine a focus for stories that will be shared on my blog, As NOT Seen on TV

@brownbarbi Could this speak to the population that own and lead much of mainstream television?

Cancer Skate-A-Thon

A few roller skaters with big hearts are sponsoring a Cancer Awareness Skate-A-Thon Funraiser from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Glenwood Roller Rink, 656 Holbrook Road. Come out for an evening of great old school music, skating, food, prizes, and lot of fun.  Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

ALL proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Contract Wildred at 773.251.5454 for tickets.

A totally useless fact: October is National Roller Skating Month – how ironic is that?

What type of stories are missing from mainstream television? I need topics so I can start capturing more stories for As NOT Seen on TV.

2009 Truth Awards

The best and brightest Chicago entertainers – poets, comedians, singers, and television personalities and performers – will be recognized at the 9^th Annual Hip Hop/ R&B Awards ceremony, also known as The TRUTH Awards. 

In honor of President Barack Obama, this presidential affair will highlight the importance of community service.  Additionally, the attire will be BLACK TIE & JEANS.  Men are expected to wear black sport coats (with or without a tie) and jeans. Women will work their sexiest blouses and fitted denim.

 Attendees will enjoy live performances, food, and fun for $25.00.  The celebration will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a Red Carpet V.I.P. Extravaganza with the award ceremony immediately following at 8:00 p.m.  The event will be held on Friday, October 9^th at the Marmon Grand on 2230 S. Michigan Avenue.

The festivities will continue at 10:00 p.m. at The TRUTH Awards Official After Party sponsored by Oasis Restaurant & Night Club on 7313 S. Cottage Grove.

Individuals who have paved the way for Chicago’s emerging artists and entertainment, as well as media outlets and journalists will be honored at The TRUTH Salutes – Legends & Pioneers of Music, Entertainment & Media.  Frank Chaplin, Carter Russell, Gus Redmond, and Yvette & Kofi Moyo are just a few of the honorees.  Cook County Board president Todd Stroger will be the special guest host. 

This newest celebration to the MG Media family will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Oasis Restaurant & Night Club on 7313 S. Cottage Grove on Saturday, October 10, 2009.

Don’t miss the 2009 Truth Awards Weekend.  Tickets are available at:

For ticket information: 312.980.2681 or midwestgap@yahoo.com

I am currently working on a business plan for As NOT Seen on TV that will be submitted for the Miller Coors Business Plan Writing Contest, which is why there was no post this week.  Normal postings will resume this Monday.

Thank you for reading As NOT Seen on TV.

I am currently seeking sources about how the media portrays different groups – favorably and unfavorably. If you know of any, please send them to me at editor@asnotseenontv.info.

Thank you.

Charlie Chambers - Model Airline Pilot

Just when I thought my African American airline pilot story could not get any better, I was blessed to have a conversation with my dear friend, Charisse Chambers-Smiley, the daughter of Charlie Chambers, a “model” airline pilot.

Charisse remembers that her father “loved to fly.” His passion for flying began as a child. As he got older, his life revolved around flying – literally and figuratively. Not only was it his career; it was also his hobby. After coming home from flying assignments, he made and flew model airplanes. Family trips were planned around model airplane competitions. And, he even met his best friend at a flying field in Chicago.

In the mid-1960s, he worked as a mechanic in the Air Force. He paid for his own helicopter lessons in the Army in the late 1960s. In the 1970s, he was commissioned as an Army captain. After he became an airline pilot, he began flying helicopters in the Army Reserve.

Even with all of his passion, knowledge and experience, Charlie did not work as a commercial airline pilot until the 1970s. This could have been because of his race. Regardless of the reason, he worked as an airline mechanic at Midway Airport in Chicago just to be close to what he loved most. Changes in the airline industry opened doors for him to actually do what he loved in 1973.

Charlie’s wife, Rosemary, had heard about pilot openings at Ozark Airlines, and encouraged him to apply. Initially, he was hesitant because he had applied to several airlines previously and was rejected. He followed through, and became the first Black airline captain at Ozark Airlines. He worked there from 1973 until TWA bought the carrier in 1986. Then, he worked at TWA from 1986 until he passed away in 2000.

Not only did Charlie make his mark in Black history, he left a lasting impression in the aviation industry for his professionalism and craftsmanship. Charisse recalled a time when everyone on a flight was upset with him for not allowing his flight to be cleared for departure because airplane mechanics brought him parts that were not in a condition he felt was satisfactory. Since safety was his priority, he would not allow the plane to take off until he was certain that everything was OK.

Charlie Chambers - P-61 Black Widow

His model airplanes were examples of his craftsmanship. Charlie was a regular contestant that frequently placed in the Top Gun model airplane contests. Because of his passion, dedication and workmanship on model airplanes, Top Gun created the Charlie Chambers Memorial Craftsmanship Award in his honor after his death.

In addition, Rosemary created a one-time scholarship for Black students who wanted to attend the aviation program at Florida Memorial College.

Although Charlie Chambers has ascended on heavenly wings, he would always be remembered as a “model” airline pilot because of his passion, professionalism and craftsmanship.

Fred Terry - North Side Chicago

Freda Terry holds line dance classes on Chicago’s north side at 1212 W. Balmoral (near Foster 5200 N. and Broadway 1200 W.). Classes are on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
$5.00 per class.

She will begin teaching beginners and intermediate line dancing on Wednesdays starting September 30th 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m at Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington, near the old Sears building. Classes are $5.00 per class; $3.00 for seniors 60 and up.

Freda can be reached at 773-552-9117 or www.fredasdancing.com

Annet Austin - Upper Kutz - Chicago

Annet Austin teaches line dance classes every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Upper Kuts Barbershop located at 3786 W. 79th Street (across the street from BoganHigh School’s parking lot). The cost is $5. She can be reached at 773-206-0346.