African American History

Kyle explores the portion of American history that specifically discusses the African-American or Black American ethnic groups in the United States. Most African Americans are the descendants of African slaves held in the United States (or territories that would become the United States) from 1619 to 1865. However, African slaves appeared on North American shores as early as 1530. 

It is these people, who in the past were referred to as the American Negro, who now generally consider themselves African Americans. Their history is highlighted annually in the United States during February, designated as Black History Month.

African Americans have had a very long, challenging and glorious history in the United States beginning with slavery, extending through emancipation and civil rights, and on to the Presidency of the United States of America.

Researching, discussing and writing about this history consumes Kyle's remaining leisure time when he is not spending time with family and friends. To learn more, visit: http://afroamhistory.about.com/

Community Renewal Society - building a better society for our children!

Kyle Cramer served on the board of the Community Renewal Society. Community Renewal provides investigative reports on issues of education, government, housing, criminal and social justice and economic conditions through its independent, award-winning publications:

The Chicago Reporter: The Reporter's investigations engage leaders and residents in issues aimed at eradicating poverty and improving race relations. 

Catalyst Chicago: Catalyst serves as a watchdog and resource, fueling efforts to ensure that Chicago's public schools serve all their children well.

The Civic Action Network: Gathers and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data, disseminating its findings to the community and partner organizations.

Visit: http://www.communityrenewalsociety.org/

Boys and Girls Clubs of America - a safe place for kids to learn and grow.

Kyle supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, whose mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive responsible citizens.

Education & Career Programs - These programs help youth create aspirations for the future, providing opportunities for educational enhancement.

Character & Leadership Programs - Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process.

Health & Life Skills - Develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture well-being, goal setting lives as self-sufficient adults.

Arts Programs - Enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through the appreciation of arts and crafts, and creative writing.

Fitness and Recreation - These Club programs help develop fitness, a positive use of leisure time, reduction of stress, and social and interpersonal skills.

To learn more, visit: http://bgca.org/

Family Promise - building communities, stregthening lives.

Kyle volunteers with Family Promise to help low-income families achieve lasting independence.

Family Promise recognzes that the problem of poverty is complex. It meets immediate needs and helps people alleviate the root causes of poverty.

Family Mentoring - To prevent homelessness, volunteers help at-risk families achieve self-sufficiency.

Just Neighbors - Raises awareness of homelessness as the first step in community-based responses.

Community Initiatives - Transitional housing, housing renovation, job training, health care services, childcare and literacy.

To learn more, visit: http://www.familypromise.org/

Fitness

Kyle is a member of LifeTime Fitness (http://clubs.lifetimefitness.com/Health-and-Fitness-Programs/62721/), where he enjoys fitness programs designed to maintain a healthy lifestyle:

1) Cardio Vascular Exercise:

Activities such as jogging, biking, swimming, climbing steps all increase the heart rate and helps improve circulatory functions. 

2) Resistance Training:

Body weight calisthenics are muscle building and bone strengthening exercises. Circuit training can burn the above cookie's calories in 15 minutes and weight training alone can accomplish it in 20 minutes.

3) Stretching, Drinking Water, Eating Properly:

By combining all three components, you will feel better, lose weight, be healthier, and increase your metabolic rate.

Classic Automobiles

Kyle has enjoyed classic automobiles since his pre-teen years. He is a member of the Classic Car Club of America and is a regular attendee at local car shows.  He owns one clasic car at a time for pleasure driving. While Kyle prefers the 1968-1973 era, his love for automotive engineering transcends all eras of automotive history. He has owned other vehicles in the 1968-1973 era, but the photographs here are his favorites. He currently owns the 1972 Mercedes 350SL. For more information on classic cars, visit: http://www.classiccarclub.org/