Chicago News Weekly Feb 15, 2023

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Chicago News Weekly

Cheryl Mainor Norman President & Publisher

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor In Chief

Terri Winston

Vice President

Darnell Pulphus

Art Director

Editors

Danielle Sanders

Managing Editor

Sterling Caprico

Fashion Editor

Marti Worell

Arts & Culture Editor

Staff Writers

Dr. Sharice Braford

Liz Lampkin

Marcus Bouldin

David Pierce

Tammy Gibson

Theresa Horton

Shaneen Murray

Marti Worell

Mila K. Marshall, PhD

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Eric Grant

Cover Photography

Worsome Robinson

8348 S Stony Island Avenue Chicago, IL 60617 (773) 437-3096

Vol. 1

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Who is Worthy of Your Mayoral Vote?

What’s Going on with the Chicago Mayoral Race….

Well, we know one thing . . . Chicago’s Mayoral race is crowded and top-heavy with African Americans. So, what does it really mean? Why are all these people really running? For some it’s a real endeavor to achieve, others have different reasons. What’s your sense of it all and have you already decided on your choice?

There are officially nine candidates, seven of which are Black. Let’s look at the other two candidates before getting into that observation. So, there’s Paul Vallas whom Chicago is well acquainted. He has had stints in the public sector that gives him an A in experience. He’s managed big budgets and seems to have a foundational management understanding of politics and the arena that requires an in-depth understanding of how to navigate. His report card with Chicago is reflected vis his work as Director of the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Commissions, Chicago City, CEO at Chicago Public Schools, Chief Administrator at Chicago State University, and other such positions throughout the country. Go to his website and search the web to investigate for yourself and conclude for yourself what you think.

Then there is Chuy Garcia, serving as the U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 4th District since 2019. As a Democrat, he’s served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, as well as in the Illinois Senate and on the Chicago City Council before his election to Congress. This is his second run for Mayor of Chicago. Rep. Garcia speaks strongly of his tie to the late great Mayor Harold Washington whom he considered a mentor and role model. He speaks often of supporting the equity pursuit that Washington put in place.

Next, is Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who leads the pack of the Black Candidate as the incumbent. How challenging her term has been; riddled by a city encumbered and bruised by the ongoing crime growth and more importantly by the COVID-19 pandemic that only made her task as city leader even more difficult to navigate. She is prepared to provide statistics that support crime improvement. But is it enough? For the record, she has done much in her pursuit of equity across the board, pouring money and opportunities into the south and west sides, arts and cultural lifeline. This show of consciousness is huge but it’s up to you to dig in and check her accomplishment record, then decide if she’s worthy of your vote.

Familiar candidate, successful business owner, and philanthropist Willie Wilson has come back like an ever-ready battery. He ran in the 2015 and 2019 Chicago Mayoral elections, the 2016 United States Presidential election, and for the United States Senate in 2020. He is running for Mayor of Chicago marking his third effort to seek the office. So, is it that he believes in his platform that according to him, will transform Chicago into a city reflective of equity across the board and refuses to quit trying? What other ulterior motive could he have? You research and come to your own conclusion.

Alderperson, Roderick Sawyer, comes to the table as having been home fed on quality politics having grown up under his father’s (Mayor Eugene Sawyer) guidance and other strong politicians like Mayor Harold Washington. He professes to be the mayoral candidate that has the most current and relative city

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

government experience regarding city issues that the city faces. His successes are recorded on his website and include Safety Reform, Public Schools’ advancement and a better improved CTA. He believes in family, community and city. His commitment to change is solid, but is he ready to manage the elephant in the city?

Cook County Commissioner and former teacher Brandon Johnson is recognized by his competition as the dark horse that many are looking at and so they have all chosen to eliminate him. But will it work? His fresh look at politics and lack of political baggage is at once his strength and his weakness. He brings hope with a vision of a different kind of future for Chicago which has yet to really be free of the Richard J. Daley machine whose roots still have life. With former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, Michael Madigan gone and Chicago Alderperson Ed Burke gone, what’s the future for Chicago led by a visionary? Alderperson Sophia King is smart, savvy, youthful and likable with enough experience under her belt to be considered. She supports public safety, education, jobs, and economic development improvement. Read her website to see how she intends to execute her vision. The questions are what political battles has she faced that inform the city that she’s ready to take on the heavy lift that is required of its Mayor?

Community activist Ja’Mal Green. No doubt is a young man on the move. He is informed and optimistic. He has been noted for his vocal outcry in pushing Chicago police accountability since the murder of Laquan McDonald in 2014 and has been a fierce critic of Mayor Lightfoot. Green also ran for mayor in 2019. Green says, “I believe that Chicago needs a movement of hope to help it reach its potential of being the greatest city in the world.” It’s a great soundbite but what’s the plan . . . and experience for such a job as Mayor of Chicago?

Illinois State Representative since 2019, Kam Bucker spouts a 4 Star Plan to build a foundation for a brighter future. The rhetoric is familiar: reforming broken systems, empowering communities, and giving voice to the issues that matter most from those who have not had a seat at the table. But how does he intend to execute it?

You know the drill do your homework and research the track record of all the candidates . . . then cast your vote.

photo credit: Dot Ward

“Lest We Forget”: The Chocolate CoEds

Tammy Gibson CNW Staff Writer

Basketball is America’s sport, founded in 1891. Blacks were prohibited from playing basketball on white teams during the early years. This led to the era of the “Black Fives” and the emergence of basketball teams for Black women. Teams were known as the “fives” because there were five starting players. Some Black Fives female basketball teams include the Roamer Girls, Washington Belles, Philadelphia Tribune Girls, and Harlem Mysterious Girls. One of the most popular teams was the Chocolate CoEds, founded on the south side of Chicago in 1934.

Formerly known as the Club Store Coeds, the female basketball team began at a black church basketball league in Chicago. Dick Hudson was the team’s promoter. Hudson promoted teams, including the Hottentots softball team and Savoy Big Five basketball team. The team’s sponsor was Club Store, a Black-owned department store located on 47th Street in Bronzeville. The Coeds’ included the most talented women in the nation. Team superstar Helen “Streamline” Smith of Lemoyne College in Memphis at 6 feet 7 inches, was considered the tallest female in basketball. A player could only hold Smith to 30 points a game. Smith was also known as “Miss Basketball.” Other players on the Coeds team were four-time All-American Kate Bard of Crane College in Chicago (now Malcolm X College), Marge Jackson, Oberlin Co-eds and La Salle College of Chicago, Oberlin Co-eds and Philadelphia Tribune’s Bernice “Mighty Atom” Marshall, and Lula Porter, a four-time winner of the all-black American Tennis Association’s women’s singles championship, The Coeds traveled to states in the Midwest and West

coast performing as show teams. Local papers covering the Coeds began calling the team the “Chocolate Coeds,” which led to their name change. The Chocs were the first Black all-female basketball team.

The Chocs played for nearly 20 years and were considered the best all-Black female basketball team in the nation. The Chocs’ 1949 game schedule was 89 games in 30 states, 44 contests against women, and 45 competitions against men. The Chocs frequently accomplished up to 35-game winning streaks.

The popularity of the Chocs declined and ended in the 1950s. The history of the Chocolate Coeds, the Black Fives men and women were lost in sports history. The Chocolate Coeds’ contributions to basketball paved the way for generations of Black female players who loved the game of basketball.

Black women, either dribbling the ball or coaching, have made progress over the decades. Trailblazing and legendary coach Dorothy Gaters was a force in girl’s basketball at Marshall High School in Chicago. Gaters has won 10 state championship titles during her 46year basketball coaching career. At least five of Gaters’ athletes play for the WNBA, and more than 20 play overseas. Black coaches, especially women, are underrepresented in hiring practices. Gaters says that black women’s coaching positions are held to a higher standard mainly because there are few opportunities. “As a Black person, as a person of color, you have to be better than your counterparts, bottom line,” says Gaters.

Many Black athletes have been vocal and using their platform to address racial injustices. Critics and fans want politics out of sports, and Black athletes should just “Shut up and dribble.” Gaters says athletes at all lev-

Dollars & Sense

Do you have a long-lost retirement account left with a former employer? Maybe it’s been so long that you can’t even remember. With over 24 million “forgotten” 401(k) accounts holding roughly $1.35 trillion in assets, even the most organized professional may be surprised to learn that they have unclaimed “found” money.1

What Are “Forgotten” Retirement Accounts?

Considering that baby boomers alone have worked an average of 12 jobs in their lifetimes, it can be all too easy for retirement accounts to get lost in the shuffle.2 Think back to your first job. Can you remember what happened to your work-sponsored retirement plan? If you’re even slightly unsure, then it’s time to go looking for your potentially forgotten funds.

Starting Your Search

One of the best ways to find lost retirement accounts is to contact your former employers. If you’re unsure where to direct your call, try the human resources or accounting department. They should be able to check their plan records to see if you’ve ever participated. However, you will most likely be asked to

els realize that they have a powerful platform and they have the right to use it. “It was wonderful to see the WNBA and NBA get involved and push bringing Britney Griner home to the forefront. I think that helped tremendously in applying pressure for her release. It was not just professional athletes but high school and college athletes. They realize they, too, have a platform,” says Gaters.

Gaters’ advice to future athletes, both male, and female, is education. On the national level, only 2% of all athletes play professional sports. “The 98% that don’t make it, what are they going to do? You have to prepare yourself for life beyond a sport. If you fall short, make sure that you have a backup plan. That’s my number one advice,” says Gaters.

To learn more about the Black Fives, go to www. blackfives.org.

Find That Lost Retirement Account

By Eric Grant CNW Contributor

provide your full name, Social Security number, and the dates you worked, so be sure to come prepared.

If your former employer is no longer around, look for an old account statement. Often, these will have the contact information for the plan administrator. If you don’t have an old statement, consider reaching out to former coworkers who may have the information you need.

Even if these first steps don’t turn up much info, they can help you gather important information.

Websites to Check

Next, it’s time to take your search online. Make sure you have as much information as possible at hand and give the following resources a try.

National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement benefits

This database uses employer and Department of Labor data to determine if you have any unpaid or lost retirement account money. Like most of these online tools, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, but no additional information is required.3

FreeERISA

If your forgotten account was worth more than $1,000 but less than $5,000, it might have been rolled into a default traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Employers create default IRAs when a former employee can’t be located or fails to respond when contacted. You can search for retirement and IRA accounts for free using this database, but registration is required.4

Once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a traditional IRA in most circumstances. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty.

The U.S. Department of Labor

Finally, the Department of Labor tracks plans that have been abandoned or are in the process of being terminated. Try searching its database to find the qualified termination administrator (QTA) responsible for directing the shutdown of the plan.5

What’s Next?

Once you’ve found your retirement account, what you do with it depends on the type of plan and where it’s held. Your loca-

tion also matters. Depending on where you live, the rules and regulations may differ.

No matter what you decide to do, be sure to involve your tax and financial professionals since they’ll be informed on current regulations for your state. They can also help you identify a strategy for your newfound money: travel, investment, or maybe that vacation home you’ve always wanted. You worked hard for that money, after all, so you should get to enjoy it!

1. Kiplinger.com, August 27, 2021

2. USNews.com, October 22, 2021

3. UnclaimedRetirementBenefits.com, 2022

4. FreeERISA.BenefitsPro.com, 2022

5. DOL.gov, 2022

Eric Grant is a veteran financial advisor and managing partner of Polaris Wealth Management LLC. Securities are offered through Lion Street Financial, LLC. (LSF), member FINRA & SIPC. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Polaris Wealth Management, LLC and Csenge Advisory Group, LLC. LSF is not an affiliated company. Neither Lion Street Financial, LLC, Csenge Advisory Group, LLC, nor Polaris Wealth Management, LLC provides tax or legal advice.

Pullman National Monument Snags Award to Expand Tourism

Wanda Wright CNW Staff Writer

Melodic prose written into lore of a people seeking their freedom is a part of the many stories still celebrated in Pullman Park on Chicago’s Southside. Despite the disparities that minorities faced once they reached Pullman, history has a way of creating opportunity out of outright disparagement. Today we are reminded of the actions of Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr to author and carry a Congressional Bill to carve Pullman into a National Park in 2012. That effort was permanently etched into law by President Obama in 2015 carving Pullman into history. Today congresswoman Robyn Kelly along with Governor J.B. Pritzker has diligently worked with local legislators, businesses and residents to intensely drive the site into an exhilarating, experience.

In Dec. 2022, Pullman National Park snagged part of a $5.5 million grant to increase tourism to underrepresented communities. Pullman historically remains one of the most illustrious industrious communities in America heralded for its comprehensive design and architectural function as one of 5 national parks in the State of Illinois. George Pullman built Pullman Rail

Cars for the burgeoning industry that required the labor of thousands across its production cycle. News of opportunity attracted job seekers of every race and gender regardless of economic status from across America and beyond. Convenient access to the Park has become a part of Chicago’s “must see” attractions such as The “Bean”, Chicago Cultural Center and Chicago Museums. Educationally the park serves as a major source of research for educational institutions such as Loyola University for Environmental, Industrial and Urban environmental studies.

PULLMAN PORTER MUSEUM

Dark Days filled the “slave-like” schedule of the Pullman Porters. George Pullman had an austere management practice where Porters worked 400 hours per month on barely four hours of sleep per 3-4 day shift.

Pullman considered them as “equipment” like the rest of his machines. Although suffering low wages and racial abuse, the Porters provided extraordinary service. Not only did they provide links to hope and opportunity in the North by smuggling newspapers south, but they also created a middle class for Black Chicago. Part of the Tourism Grant will help this Federally Earmarked Museum to double its size and become ADA compliant with Handicap access.

Part of the Pullman National Park Service (NPSP) program features interactive exhibits and curated and self-guided tours with the assistance of uniformed Park Rangers. According to the Manager Teri Gage, there are plans to expand the entire area from 103rd Pullman Porter Museum, to the Cottage Grove location and beyond as a comprehensive walking tour of the area encompassing the architecture with Public Art that showcase antiquities that have been preserved by the Pullman Foundation, a separate entity financed by residents. Metra is slated to build its existing station at 111th to “cross tracks” as the Red line extension progresses.

The main facility will eventually expand to event space and a staging unit for various functions on the property as Pullman Cars are restored and permanently housed on the park service property. Spring 2023 will find the area welcoming a cozy Coffee shop on Florence Avenue, the construction of a Black-owned Hotel, and a Coffee Brewery on 111th.

Kids Consuming Edibles at an Alarming Rate

David Pierce CNW Staff Writer

The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is alerting parents to keep food mixed with THC out of their kids’ reach. According to a study by the IPC, children eating edibles increased from 5 to 232 cases from 2017 to 2021 in children aged 5 and younger. That’s a 4500% increase. Medical Director, Dr. Michael Wahl said most of the cases happened in 2020 and 2021, because the legalization of marijuana, and the pandemic caused children to be present at home to do remote learning.

Those factors coupled with the edibles appearing as normal snacks and sometimes packaged as popular brands such as Sour Patches, and Nerds. “If there were cannabis edibles in the house, mistakes can occur when kids thought they were real gummies, real chips, or real cookies as opposed to drug-infused sweet treats,” Wahl said.

Wahl said some parents were careless leaving edibles sitting out in their kitchen due to them being everyday snacks infused with marijuana, but he encourages families to still prioritize the substance as a drug.

“They [kids] will get up on counters and get into cabinets to get those sweet treats they saw their parents using,” Wahl said. “People think of it as food that has been infused with a drug, but in reality, it is a drug where food is the delivery vehicle”.

Wahl continued by saying how children under the age of 5 will eat “monstrous” amounts of edible doses to fulfill a craving. All while not realizing what they’re eating is intoxicating. “But what child is going to stop at one gummy? They’re going to eat the whole package,” Wahl said. Wahl urges families to be proactive in keeping edibles away from their children by making them unidentifiable.

“Store [edibles] in dark, opaque containers. Not clear, so kids can’t see what’s in it,” Wahl said. “Also, a container that has no pictures. Most kids at this age (3) can’t read, but they can see and understand the picture of a gummy.” No deaths were reported, but doctors also encourage parents to ask babysitters if they use edibles, so the caregiver knows to keep the THC-infused food away from children. Wahl added parents shouldn’t be seen using the edibles as well.

“When the sun come back -When the firs Quail callThen the time is come-Foller the drinkin’ gourd.”

Pullman Porter Museum

20 years after the E2 Tragedy, the Ray Family Remembers Their Son

Tammy Gibson CNW Staff Writer

Ithas been 20 years since 21 young people lost their lives at the E2 (Epitome) nightclub on February 17, 2003. What was supposed to be a night of fun turned into one of the deadliest tragedies in Chicago history. A security guard(s) used pepper spray to break up a fight resulting in a stampede that led to people being crushed and trampled to death.

The lives lost at the E2 Night Club were Anton Meyers, 22, Bianca Ferguson, 24, Chanta Jackson, 26, Charita Rhodes, 19, Charles Kidd, 43, Damien Riley, 24, Danielle Greene, 24, DaShand R. Ray, 24, David M. Jones, 20, Debra Gill, 29, Demetrica Carwell, 23, Eazay Rodgers, 21, Kevin Gaydon, 24, LaTorya McGraw, 24, Maurice Robinson, 22, Michael Wilson, 22, Nicole Patterson, 22, Nicole Rainey, 24, Nita Anthony, 24, Robert Brown, 31 and Theresa Gordon, 31.

Howard and Mary Ray, the parents of DaShand Ray, say a part of them died the night of the E2 tragedy that claimed their son’s life. 20 years later, they are still feeling the pain. Howard Ray, Sr. often thinks about what DaShand may have become if he had lived. Ray says DaShand, was going to school at Columbia College in Chicago and planned to major in communications. “DaShand wanted to be a sportscaster. I look at some sportscasters today and wonder how far DaShand would have excelled in the sports industry”, his father said.

Mary says her son was comedic, loved to laugh, and took care of his family. “DaShand would call and make sure I made it home from work every day. If I weren’t

at home, he would call me to ensure I got home safely. He was very protective,” says Mary. DaShand loved playing basketball, football and played a little bit of baseball. Mary says she thinks DaShand would have been a successful sportscaster. “He kept up with the stats of the players on various teams. He would have been successful either as a sportscaster or production manager. I reflect on what DaShand would be doing today every single day”, says Mary.

Howard Ray, Jr. remembers his younger brother as someone kind to people with friends who looked up to him. Ray Jr. says they would play basketball together, and DaShand was a fierce competitor. Ray Jr. credits his parents for their upbringing and the values they instilled in him to be successful. “We come from a great family and great things came out of all of us. I’m pursuing my dream, and my other brother is pursuing his. I know if my brother were alive today, he would have followed his dream to become a sportscaster.”

Ray Jr. is currently running for alderman of the 37th Ward. “A lot of things I’m advocating for are due to my brother seeing what he was trying to do to help

Teen Ambassadors are Driving Change

Kai El Zabar CNW Editor in Chief

When statistics established that teens suffered in large numbers because of a range of automobile injuries to fatal endings, she immediately began processing what can be done to decrease the numbers.

“The Teen Ambassador program was created in response to the alarming rate of teen fatalities and injuries from traffic crashes,” said Nikki Zollar, Chairman of the SafeLIGHT Foundation. “Because driver inexperience is a leading contributor to crashes and injuries for teen drivers, we partner with law enforcement professionals, schools, and parents to help reinforce safe driving messages to prevent crashes and save lives.”

Recently Yvonne Davila, Executive Director of SafeLIGHT Foundation expressed that, to recognize Teen Driving Awareness Month (January), the SafeLIGHT Foundation’s Teen Ambassadors hosted a town hall meeting with their peers at Morton West High School in Berwyn on January 25. Teen Ambassadors Alejandro Davila, Stephanie Ramirez, and Aliana Negron led 80 students in a discussion of the risks and responsibilities associated with teen driving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for U.S. teens. About 2,800 teens lost their lives in car crashes in 2020. That’s an average of eight teens a day.

The Teen Ambassador program is sponsored by Donate Life Illinois and Gift of Hope. “Donate Life Illinois is honored to partner with the SafeLIGHT Foundation to educate teens on safe driving, along with organ, eye, and tissue donation. This is important work that provides teen drivers the opportunity to advocate for themselves and their peers,” said Marion Shuck, Chair, of Donate Life Illinois Committee.

The program is also supported by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, which is

the community. Ray Jr. wants to ensure that what happened to DaShand, doesn’t happen to anybody else. “My memory of my brother is making me do things to benefit the community,” says Ray Jr.

The Ray family says there has been no accountability for what happened at the E2 nightclub. Ray says the situation at the nightclub was handled as a crime scene instead of a rescue scene. “The police came out, shut down the place, and didn’t try to open the door. There were calls to 911 from people inside the club saying they couldn’t breathe or see. They left them there for 45 minutes or more before attempting to do anything. To me, that was horrible.” says Ray. The Ray family says there are still unanswered questions about what happened.

The memories of the 21 victims have been forgotten in Chicago’s history. On 43rd & Lake Shore Drive, there are 21 trees in memory of the E2 victims, but no visible marker, and past owners of the E2 building refuse to place a memorial marker. The Ray family would have liked it if the City of Chicago had turned the building into a mental health facility or library to honor the lost lives.

In the past, families held memorial breakfasts every year to remember their loved ones. Due to the pandemic, the families have not met in two years. Ray Sr. hopes they will continue the memorial breakfast in the future. “Those young people’s lives were taken away from them. They should still be here. They will not be forgotten,” says Ray Sr.

Tammy Gibson is a black history traveler. Find her on social media @sankofatravelher.

a strong advocate of teen driver safety. Donna Bilski, Metro Driver’s Education Liaison, attended the Town Hall meeting and spoke to students about the importance of driver’s education.

The youth-driven event featured award-winning journalist, reporter, author, and public speaker Maudlyne Ihejirika as the moderator for the town hall meeting.

The much-needed SafeLIGHT Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting safe driving behavior through charitable giving to traffic safety programs and people and organizations that support responsible driving. Safety rules and insight regarding drivers’ education are the foundations’ main purposes. SafeLIGHT’s goal to establish a more informed and responsible teen driver in the state of Illinois can make a huge difference in driving those injury and fatalities numbers down.

Davila announced that applications are now being accepted for the SafeLIGHT Foundation’s 2023-24 Teen Ambassador Program. Members of the program use their leadership skills to serve as safe driving ambassadors with their high school communities to promote and encourage responsible driving. Teen Ambassadors who graduate from the program will earn college scholarships.

For more information about the program, including eligibility requirements, visit safelightfoundation.com/teen-ambassador-program

Mayoral Candidate Sophia King Promises a Different type of Leadership.

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

to them as well. It’s about leading with a sense of equity.”

On Education

Ald. King is a former educator who taught chemistry at the Latin School of Chicago and later helped establish Ariel Community Academy, a grade school in the Kenwood neighborhood. She says when communities have good schools it contributes to creating a thriving community. Ald. King did not indicate whether or not she supports an elected school board.

They are working hard and come home to a horrible quality of life. They can’t shop in a grocery store nearby, they are sending children to schools outside of their communities and worried about getting shot. Then add increased taxes and inflation, what’s to keep them here”?

On Public Safety

Alderwoman Sophia King has served the 4th Ward which includes parts of Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland and South Loop, since 2016. The only woman challenging Mayor Lightfoot, King announced her candidacy in Aug. 2022 saying she chose to run because “we need more collaboration not more confrontation and we can go further together.” King believes Chicago can be a city that works for all by leading with collaboration. As Mayor, her focus would be on public safety, equity and economic development.

Chicago News Weekly spoke with Alderwoman King about her campaign and why she believes she is the best candidate for Mayor of Chicago.

On Equity

Sophia King believes she is uniquely situated to represent the city of Chicago. She says her lived experience and her experience representing the 4th Ward allows her a commonality that she believes to be beneficial as Mayor. Her ward is diverse representing a large base of successful middle- and upper-class families and some of the city’s poorest residents including the most CHA Senior homes in the city.

King says Mayor Lightfoot doesn’t understand the people she most resembles. “I think she’s pandering to the voters with Invest/Southwest. It’s smoke and mirrors,” King said. “Where was she when black people had an opportunity to start in a billion-dollar cannabis industry? I told her that until they get the legislation right in the state, we have to wait to make sure African Americans are a part of this industry. She said that was water under the bridge.” Sophia King says it adds insult to injury considering that black people suffered the most with drug laws surrounding African Americans.

King says it’s not the first time the Mayor has acted against programs and policies affecting Black people. “I tried to help save Mercy Hospital and the Mayor chose to help the billion-dollar parent company get out of responsibility to our community. I fought for a $15 minimum wage and in my ward, which is predominantly African American, 40% of procurement goes to African American businesses. King says these are just a few things that illustrate the Mayor’s inability to relate to the community. “I’ve been lifting up African Americans and not just from an economic standpoint. I’ve brought true equity to my ward and that’s what I’d bring as Mayor. I want to uplift the entire city but also make sure that African Americans and other people of color get what’s due

“We wonder why our youth are disengaged. We have to engage them in school and after school. That’s why all schools should have some type of programming after school until dinnertime.” Ald. King also supports bring trades and tech programming back into schools. “Not everyone will attend college so we can provide training for our youth and access to apprenticeships. Trades and tech provide meaningful access to jobs with livable wages and the jobs of the future,” said Ald. King. Ald. King also wants to give teachers incentives to return to the community. Using opportunity zones as the vehicle, King says this would provide billions of dollars for the south and west sides. “Other large cities are using this vehicle to grow communities. I would use that housing stock and incentivize teachers and other first responders with zero-interest mortgages and downpayment assistance. This would help populate those communities with qualified educators.”

Opportunity zones are designed to spur investment in undercapitalized and low-income communities and provide tax benefits for investors. Ald King said, “I believe schools drive economic development, housing, and everything else we need so I would use opportunity zones to grow these neighborhoods. Then I would take the increment that we would gain from the tax base and put that back into the schools and neighborhoods. That’s how we could see our communities grow, thrive and flourish.”

On Retaining black Residents

According to the Urban Institute, the Black population will shrink to 665,000 by 2030. For many, the rising costs of living, violence, gentrification and systemic racism are some of the reasons Black Chicagoans are leaving the city and moving to the suburbs or even out of state. Ald. King believes underinvestment and crime are the reasons for many working and middle-class Black families leaving the city. “The devaluation of black life is on display all the time. We have to be very careful about this notion of defunding the police.” Ald. King believes holding violent criminals accountable in addition to addressing root causes will keep communities safer and keep residents from moving. “We can’t let the bad apples in our communities control it and send everyone else out of the community. That’s what’s happening. In addition to redlining and systemic racism, the allowing of black lives to be killed without any repercussions or second thought is reprehensible.”

Ald. King also says Black communities are suffering from years of disinvestment. She believes economic investment is also key to retaining Black residents. “We have to have good schools, housing and amenities in our neighborhoods so they become thriving. To keep middle-class residents from moving out of the city, we have to have safety, good jobs and schools. So many of our residents, middle-class and working folks have jobs.

Sophia King believes in “safety and justice.” In her public safety plan, Ald. King outlines her strategy to reduce violent crime and increase safety. Her 10-point plan includes replacing CPD leadership, adding 1000 retired police officers to fill existing police vacancies, adding 200 more detectives, disbanding citywide task forces, expanding community policing, moving officers to a 2 shift system, creating an office of Gun Violence prevention, expanding alternative responses to 911 and embracing new technology to pursue criminals and criminal activity.

In addition to more policing, Ald. King says addressing the root causes of violence works hand in hand to make the city safer. She says having an office of Gun Violence prevention will lead the effort to focus on those root causes and offer assistance to vulnerable youth. “Our plan is to give a $600/week incentive to our most vulnerable youth to help bring them into the regular economy. That incentive comes with the responsibility of job training, trauma-informed care and wraparound services for the entire family. We can wrap our arms around an individual with the resources and help they need to put them on the right path.”

While she supports more policing in violent areas, Ald. King says law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions. She co-sponsored the “Anjanette Young” ordinance that would have banned no-knock home raids by the Chicago Police Department and establish guidelines for police officers’ need to conduct a raid. “This was another chance for the Mayor to stand for a cultural change in the police department. Instead, she chose to keep the proud boy and fire the guy over the consent decree. The policy changes were simple and obvious and it’s unfortunate the Mayor didn’t take that opportunity to make a statement and do what’s right.” Ald. King says safety and justice mean holding police accountable while holding violent criminals accountable as well. “There has to be respect for people’s rights. We have to escalate the consent decree to create a cultural change in the department but we also have to hold criminals accountable. We must have both,” Ald. King says. ‘’ “The consent decree mandates reforms of CPD’s policies, practices, training and accountability mechanisms to address the use of force, ensure police accountability, improve public and officer safety, and ultimately, build trust between CPD and Chicago residents.”-Office of Attorney General, Kwame Raoul”

On Why She is the best Choice for Mayor

Sophia King says she’s qualified to become mayor of Chicago because she’s already been tested in her role as an alderwoman. “Like a Mayor, Alderwoman is one of the most battle-tested positions you could have. I haven’t been afraid to make hard decisions or endure pushback from the establishment. There are candidates who are owned by special interests. I have the freedom of not having any special interest control me so I can work for the people.”

Mayor Lightfoot Meets with the Black Press

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Writer

Winning all wards, Lightfoot was entrusted to balance Chicago’s $803 million deficit and usher in a new era of inclusive and transparent decision-making. The Mayor found herself leading the third-largest U.S. city through a crisis of epic proportions within months of being sworn in. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the weakness of Chicago as one of the nation’s top ten most segregated cities for Black people.

Publishers and journalists from various Black-Owned media outlets convened at the offices of Chicago News Weekly and listened to the Mayor’s responses on other candidates, asylum seekers, the environment, cannabis, and more with members of The Black Press Roundtable.

Post-Covid Support Infrastructure for black health

Food accessibility and food deserts contribute to health disparities in Black communities. Mayor Lightfoot shared a partnership with the Black owners of Yellow Banana as an example of addressing the quality of food and diverse ownership in the retail supply chain.

“We’re continuing our work on food deserts. The Chicago recovery plan put $13.3 million into a Blackowned company called Yellow Banana. These brothers from Cleveland are coming into our city, mostly on the south side, to rehabilitate old Save-a-Lot stores, rebrand them and make sure that they’re actually selling healthy foods to help us deal with the challenges of too many underlying medical conditions like obesity and heart disease in Black Chicago, which is also a significant problem.”

Racial Life Expectancy Gap

If reelected she plans on continuing to implement the Health Chicago 2025 plan that began in 2020 and includes elevating youth leaders and focusing on Black, low-income Chicagoans.

“There are too many people struggling every single day to figure out where they’re going to lay their head at night and how they’re going to have some money to address their basic needs. Healthy Chicago 2025 institutes health equity zones in every part of our city, primarily led by federally qualified healthcare centers. I want to continue to build on the work that we started. There’s a lot more work that needs to be done to right many historical wrongs that have held back Black Chicago and brown Chicago from low-income and working-class communities from being able to meet their God-given potential. We’ve taken great strides, but we’re not where we need to be yet.”

Environmental Injustice and black Chicago

Mayor Lightfoot shared her personal struggle with asthma and touched upon Green Corps, green infrastructure investments, and addressing urban flooding in the community of South Shore, Chicago’s only predominantly Black lakefront community.

“We invested just under $8 million, the largest investment in environmental policies in the history of our city. Chicago stepped back from any leadership role in any environmental justice, environmental integrity, or climate action after the disbanding of the Department of the Environment. ”

housing Insecurity and black homelessness

Emergency use of vacant Chicago Public School infra-

structure for a new population of unhoused has been met with tense curiosity about access to those same solutions for Black Chicago. While the community of Woodlawn has been reimagined for asylum seekers community members feel conflicted over the use of infrastructure that is unavailable for unhoused Black Chicagoans. More than half of those living without permanent shelter are Black. Lightfoot was invited to share how she plans on removing red tape to make money easier to access by community leaders like Dr. Aleta Clark who are working at the community level to get resources to those in need. “The Woodlawn elementary school closed as part of the 50 school closures is going to house homeless and migrants” shared Lightfoot. “Most migrants coming to our city are from Central and South America and most homeless people on the street in Chicago are Black. We get migrants from Haiti, Ghana, and other African countries that need our help too. Our solutions for the homeless have been painted as a Black vs. brown issue and I want to make sure people understand that some migrants we are helping look just like me.”

The Obama Presidential Center Confusions and Conflicts

Former President Obama decided against building a physical NARA-operated Presidential Library. 95% of Former President Obama’s materials from in office were in the form of online content. Chicago is now home to the first digitally archived collection of a former president with administration artifacts and original records preserved and stored at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Hoffman Estates, IL. The Obama Center is a “privately operated, non-federal organization”. NARA will loan records and artifacts to be on display for guests to engage. Tensions were high as the Obama Foundation received approval and resources to build a private building on 19.3 acres of public land. Lightfoot responds to the confusion and clarifies the project.

“So there will be some materials that are traditional presidential The Obama Foundation will have digitized Presidential records and they are going to be available from anywhere” she responded. There will be a new Chicago Public Library branch open to the public at the Obama Center. Residents are already feeling the

impact of the development on increased housing costs. Reparations Remixed and Redefined

The pursuit of reparations for African descendants of slavery requires first protection of the definition of reparations. Lightfoot’s’ interpretation of reparations is liberal at best, but it is dangerous to dilute the definition of reparations. The Mayor shared a set of programs and investments that she believes constitutes reparations; the Black Press was not in agreement with this new definition.

“Everything that I am doing is focused on equity and inclusion. It’s called “Invest South /West”. Reparations is a column, the procurement reforms that we’ve done to make sure that larger chunks of the city $3.5 billion, then go into Black and brown Chicago.” said, Lightfoot. The Invest South/West program is specifically a development initiative that is investing dollars into commercial corridors and directs monies to businesses and nonprofits in 10 communities on the city’s south and westside.

“Reparations are the $31 million that we’ve put into mostly Black Chicago through our targeted financial assistance distributing $500 per month for a year to help them overcome financial challenges. Some people want to call it reparations, and that’s fine. I call it building Black wealth.”

Mayor Lightfoot was referring to Chicago’s Resilient Communities Pilot Program which began as a way to support Chicagoans living in poverty to have income with no strings attached. The program is still accepting applications but is not in alignment with the definition of reparations for African descendants of slaves.

black and brown Relations

Still left largely unanswered was Mayor Lightfoot’s position on simmering down tensions and building alliances between the city’s Black and Hispanic communities. The escalation between Black and Hispanics in the latter half of Lightfoot’s leadership came about during the summer of unrest. Black Chicagoans found themselves being attacked in predominantly Hispanic communities. Hispanic communities were postured in the media as thugs by some and by heroes protecting property by others. Reports of bricks hurled at vehicles with Black drivers and passengers prompted Black and Hispanic leaders to call for cooler heads.

Ward redistricting followed and the Latino Caucus and Black Caucus found themselves in challenging debates over boundaries. Some argued intentional attacks on Black power and leadership in City Council while others were advocating for more representation of Latinos because of population increase. Lastly, Black communities are becoming temporary shelters for migrants from Central and South America leaving residents confused about Mayor Lightfoot’s commitment to housing issues and homelessness for Black Chicagoans.

CNW reached out to Mayor Lightfoot for clarification on her definition of reparations and statements on financial programs for increasing Black wealth as well as clarity on her plans for addressing the perceived conflicts between Black and Hispanic Chicagoans, we were unable to receive further comments at the time of this publication.

Dorothy Leavell was 24 years and two days old in October of 1968 when she assumed the big responsibility of the Chicago Newspaper Group (Chicago, IL and Gary, IN Crusader Newspapers) after the passing of her first husband Balm L. Leavell, Jr., co-founder with his partner Joseph Jefferson of both publications in 1940 and 1961 respectively. Ms. Leavell recalls, “ I had been married only five years and suddenly I was a widow with two young children a son 4 and daughter 2 years old and without notice was thrust into the leadership role of publisher.”

The story doesn’t begin there but rather at her birth. I had the opportunity to hear Ms. Leavell’s fascinating life story. And as, much as I‘d like to share the details of her story we’ll have to wait for her memoirs.

“I should begin by sharing that Dorothy R. Leavell, is my professional name, but Dorothy R. Leavell Smith is my married name.”

Born in Pine Bluff Arkansas to middle-aged parents 30 and 55 years old. She was the youngest born two years after her brother and ten years following the death their sister who died very young from spinal meningitis.

She speaks of her curiosity as a young person as to why her parents, were so much older than her childhood friends’ parents, but speaks to the advantage of their maturity and financial stability that allowed them to purchase and furnish a fine home thus, she and her brother never wanted for anything. “I have to say that we grew up in a loving home and community.” Of her mother, she says, “Had she continued her education she would have made an excellent psychiatrist. My mother never told me what to do where a choice was involved but rather, she’d say, ‘If I were you, I would not do such and such, but you do what you choose to do.”

Ms. Leavell l says that she is grateful that her mother allowed her to make decisions from which she learned from the consequences of her choices and in turn developed her sense of discernment and making sure that she chose wisely.

She speaks of the education received at Pine Bluff segregated Black schools, particularly Merrill High School from which she graduated in 1962. With excitement Ms. Leavell spoke of the teachers and the principal who she says, “We had teachers who cared about us and would not accept anything less than excellence from us. You were not given a pass because you were a slower learner. You had to find your pace and succeed.”

Principal M.D. Jordan made sure that we had the best schoolbooks, equipment, and other educational aids necessary for them to compete in the world. “Let me tell you, I was shocked when I got to Chicago, and I went into some of the public schools and observed that they didn’t have chemistry, biology, physics, or foreign language labs. Merrill H.S. had the best.”

She raved about the teachers who were most memorable like Dr. Margaret Clark, the foreign language instructor who was recently inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame which she attended with her family; the math teacher Pamela Simms Davis who is responsible for her foundation in math that was a skillset that helped her advance at her first place of employment. It was the kindness of Ms. Ella McPherson who came to her aid at very crucial apex of her educational journey.

Ms. Leavell tells of her fascination with Chicago, not-

Dorothy Leavell

ing that it was the big city bright lights that did it. “I had never seen a city so lit up. In Pine Bluff, I recalled how at night in the pitch blackness, you could not see your own hands in front of you.” Then she had the occasion to visit the University of Chicago and decided that she was going to live her future life in the city of bright lights and go to U of C.

So, when she graduated, valedictorian from Merrill in 1962 she applied. To complete her application package, an interview with an Alumnus from the University of Chicago was required. The university set it up . “The alumnus lived 42 miles away from Pine Bluff and my father’s car was not in the shape to drive the distance, so one of my high school teachers Miss Ella, McPherson drove me on that fateful Saturday.”

Upon meeting the young Dorothy, the Caucasian woman looked at her and her first words to her were not ‘Hello, how are you?’ Instead, she said you know that you’re not going to be accepted?”

Ms. Leavell expressed that her experiences of many adverse circumstances, living during a very racially segregated period, had prepared her and therefore, “I was not totally taken aback.

But I must admit, I was not prepared to hear the racist remark from her because I thought of her as Chicago-educated and more progressive than the ignorance, she exposed that day.

Ms. Leavell’s victory was that she did not react and didn’t address her question but instead focused on completing the interview which she did without a hitch. On the way home Ms. McPherson expressed how she felt hurt for her that the woman had

responded to her as she had and never acknowledged her with a proper greeting. Ms. Leavell, says, “I really didn’t remember anything else she had said. To Ms. Leavell, it was a rude awakening of the reality of the times . . . “And of course, when I got the letter from the university, I was not accepted. Yeah. So, it didn’t change my plans to come to Chicago.”

In retrospect, she said much of my demeanor and manner derived from the training at Merrill. I know that my confidence and being able to navigate almost anything was developed at Merrill. But more than that, the nurturing that I received from the faculty at that high school was just amazing. We, just did not feel inferior, because from day one, our teachers told us ‘you can be whatever you want to be, you are smart. You are loved. You have support. And we live that, right?”

Ms. Leavell who visited relatives every summer in Chicago began working at the Chicago Crusader at age 14. And much to her father’s warning about talking too much out of fear for her life she talked. The very vocal young Dorothy almost cost herself a job. She had been set up for an interview at the Crusader by Kate, a friend of her aunt’s friend who worked there. But the day before her interview they would attend The Chicago Theater downtown on State, to see the premiere of the film “A Raisin in the Sun,” starring Sidney Poitier.” During the ride home with a male gentleman Kate knew, she went on and about many things including her actual age.

The next day, she was shocked to see that she was interviewing with the man who had dropped her and Kate off the previous evening. She had been instructed

to say that she was 19. What a surprise to them both. Still, Mr. Balm Leavell Jr., the professional that he was, kept his promise and interviewed her, with no intention of hiring the underage teen. “But in my favor, several young women who worked in the office boycotted the paper. Kate was the only one who showed up.” Recalls Ms. Leavell.

Realizing that he had no one on staff but Kate, he asked, “can you answer the phone?”

I answered, “Yes, sir.”

“Can you type?”

Again, I answered, “ Yes, sir. I can type.”

He said, “Okay, I’m going to pay you $35 a week.”

“That was my first job and has continued to be my place of employment now for 62 years.”

Ms. Leavell is clear to note that there were no shenanigans between the two until she was a grown woman of 20 years. “Balm Leavell Jr. was a perfect gentleman,” she says, “I think I was the one that did the flirting.”

Ms. Leavell continued to work every summer before graduating and even returned during Christmas break to work at the Crusader, learning the newspaper business. As time progressed over the summers, “I was taught by the Crusader accountants at Jones and Anderson how to post transactions and read financial statements.” Little did she know that destiny was preparing her for the long road ahead. “That’s what I did. And the company was pleased with how well I did it. Consequently, Mr. Leavell l awarded me a $100 bonus. when I left to return home to finish school at the end of summer,” she says with a smile.

The plan was to attend Roosevelt University and work part-time at the newspaper. “But my plans were derailed momentarily by an illness I suffered. I could neither attend school nor work. Eventually, I got better and resumed my plan.”

Fast forward, at age 19, I was the Office manager and married that year. Taking the helm of the Crusader Group was not more than I bargained for, but it was the other matters that challenged Ms. Leavell the most.

She expressed that her deceased husband had a family of four children with a woman he married twice prior to the one they shared. They fought me for the ownership, but with the help of Mr. Jefferson who years later told me what he had told Balm’s older children, that he supported me because he felt that I cared about the paper and

that it would be in capable hands under my leadership. Her leadership proved Mr. Jefferson correct in his assessment of her. Since 1968 her responsibilities have grown in immense magnitude and have broadened from the publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group where her first effort was to implement changes that modernized the production process.

In 2018 she became the Chairman of the Board of STM Reader LLC, publishers of the Chicago Reader Newspaper. The year prior on June 23, she was elected Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) for the third time, the only Black newspaper trade organization. Her previous tenure with the NNPA spanned from 1995 to 1999 consecutively. The NNPA has a readership of more than 15 million readers. Under her leadership, she increased visibility and international stature. She led a controversial delegation to Nigeria to investigate the political crisis in the country, As a media advocate, Ms. Leavell was a resolute and vocal supporter for the delayed controversial confirmation of Alexis Herman as U.S. Secretary of Labor and attended the swearing in ceremony of 1997.

• She has served in numerous capacities at the NNPA for more than 54 years

• 2006 she was elected Chairman of the NNPA Foundation, which oversees the philanthropic arm of the News Service.

• Supports the arts and donated her personal art collection of commissioned pieces valued over $50,000

• She has received numerous honors from NNPA Publisher of the Year in 1989 to her most recent 2022, “Distinguished Service Award “from the Illinois Press Association during a dinner sponsored by the Cook County Suburban Publishers, Inc.

• January 2023 she was sworn in as the first Black Woman Chairman of the Illinois Press Association

• She was Interviews and recorded by the History Makers in April of 2003

For more information on her honors checkout www.chicagocrusader.com

UNCF Uplifting 2023 Black History Month

This year’s theme, “Black Resistance,” acknowledges the role historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have always played at the forefront of social justice movements in America

UNCF is continuing to make history by serving as the largest scholarship provider for students of color and supporting the excellence and high achievement of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their graduates.

This year’s month-long theme “Black Resistance”, designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), focuses on the contributions of African Americans and institutions, including HBCUs, to resist the status quo in leading economic, political and social change across the United States.

Formed prior to and after the Civil War, HBCUs were for many years the only opportunity for higher education open to African Americans. For more than 180 years, they have consistently graduated outstanding Americans of all races, who have made great contributions to the economic, political and social advancement of our nation.

“UNCF is proud to join our nation to uplift Black History Month, and we call for the continued support of HBCUs as the institutions that have played a pivotal role in leading the Black resistance movement in America and providing solutions to the societal ills of this nation,” said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president, chief development officer, UNCF. “HBCUs have provided and continue providing a safe space for the formation of activists and leaders, artists, business own-

ers and educators. They were at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, and Black Power and social justice movements. They stand as a testament to Black investment and creative thinking in the face of the changing landscape of higher education.”

UNCF co-founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Carter G. Woodson were the two individuals who shaped the course of American history and were instrumental in the creation of Negro History Week, now known as Black History Month. Bethune, the founder and first president of UNCF-member Bethune-Cookman University, was the first female president of Woodson’s Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, today known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

Bethune and Woodson understood how education, whether in elementary, secondary or higher education institutions were the pathways for Black people and communities to resist the narrative that Black people are intellectually inferior.

UNCF’s mission continues the lega cy and vision of Bethune and Woodson providing scholarships and other services to students who are from households with incomes less than $46,000, over 70% are Pell grant eligible, meaning they are from households with serious financial need, and nearly 40% are first generation college students. Yet at HBCUs, these students have an average access rate

Governor Pritzker Reminds Eligible Taxpayers to Take Advantage of Earned Income Tax Credit

CNW Staff Report

With thousands of Illinoisans failing to take advantage of savings offered by the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and state Earned Income Credit (EIC) each tax season, Governor JB Pritzker is reminding qualifying taxpayers to claim these valuable benefits.

To be eligible for tax year 2022 (tax returns filed in 2023), taxpayers must have received “earned income” in 2022, meet certain income and residency qualifications, and file a tax return even if they do not owe any tax or are not required to file. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recommends that all workers who earned $59,187 or less last year, learn about EITC eligibility and use the EITC Assistant to see if they meet qualifications.

Taxpayers eligible for the federal EITC also automatically qualify for the Illinois EIC, which is a refundable tax credit worth up to 18 percent of their federal claim. Despite that, in 2022, more than 70,000 Illinoisans claimed a federal EITC credit without also claiming the state EIC, leaving over $25.3 million unclaimed.

For the 2022 tax year, the earned income credit ranges from $560 to $6,935, depending on the number of children claimed on the return. However, taxpayers do not have to have a child to claim the credit. Last year, 25 million eligible workers and families received $63 billion through the federal EITC. Taxpayers receiving earned income in the last three years that did not claim these benefits can still apply by filing amended returns.

To determine an Illinois EIC amount, taxpayers can follow the instructions for Schedule IL-E/EIC. For more information on determining a federal credit, taxpayers can visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

more than twice that of all institutions nationwide and five times that of Ivy Plus institutions.

There are 101 accredited HBCUs currently operating in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While they constitute only 3% of higher education institutions in the country, HBCUs educate 10% of all Black college students. The HBCU student population is currently over 75% Black. These institutions account for 19% of degrees earned by Black students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields (U.S. Department of Education, 2019). Additionally, HBCUs account for 80% of Black judges, 50% of Black doctors, and 50% of Black lawyers. UNCF and HBCUs make Black History every day, which is made possible through loyal donors and partners, who make financial contributions to continue this work. To learn how to donate to help students, who need support to attend and complete college, visit UNCF.org/donate.

Arts & Culture

Playwright Lydia Diamond provides a mixture of conjecture and fact in her play, “Toni Stone.” If you are familiar with Ms. Diamond’s work, you know that she addresses the ‘human truth,” that we all face --examining, living, and experiencing our daily lives which become our testimonies on race, class, and gender and so much more as the layers of the human complexities reveal themselves.

Toni Stone defies the falsehood that women suddenly woke up in the 60s and ’70s under the influence of the declared Feminist Women’s Liberation movement. Her life is a living testament that such is not the case. Women have always had desires to be self-expressed as doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, writers, artists, actors, dancers, athletes, etc., in addition to becoming wives and mothers. She questioned why women must choose between being a mother or pursuing a career. She fought the same oppression forced on women throughout the ages.

Toni Stone’s life as told by Ms. Diamond is absorbing drawing you in as a voyeur and informs us that she was an attractive woman who had a gift of storytelling and loved telling her tall tales, because they spoke to her determination and accomplishment in a man’s world that denied her the ability to boast about what she had done and was doing. Her achievements in a man’s world were immense. Toni Stone was breaking down barriers before such a thought occurred to rally around and make it, “a thing.”

Toni Stone was a woman who was unafraid to pursue her dreams and was unstoppable, so she became the first woman professional baseball player, and she played in the Negro leagues as a full stop. She also hit a mean ball. Note this and be clear about the distinction-- Ms. Stone didn’t play for the white female baseball teams,

“Toni Stone” A Review

she played on all men’s professional teams and held her own just fine, even as racism and gender inequity were at government endorsed. Ms. Stone played in the professional men’s league as a member of their team and remains the only woman to ever do so.

T RIALS

The story reveals her love for the game and her fight to be accepted as a valued player as an equally skilled player like her male teammates —she did not want to be viewed or thought of ‘as good for a woman player.” We see the challenges she faces though never stated directly as she is pegged as a woman who took on the persona or role of the masculine partner in a lesbian liaison. This belief by her male counterparts protected her from their otherwise lust that could have been directed towards her. The story provides insight into the relationship between Toni and her teammates, often antagonistic. We see her join in their conversations presenting herself as fiercely opinionated and clearly spoke her mind often creating awkward moments leading to misunderstandings and misdirected anger towards her

Think about it, there she was on the road, traveling with all men, physically strong horny men for weeks at a time, sharing the same locker room and showers. She was the lone female running with the wolves. She was often forced to bear their belligerent and often rude maleness. Some dreamed of her after capturing a glimpse of her female nakedness, others resented and rebuked her as they thought of her as a woman’s lover. And some just couldn’t stand the fact that she was a good ball player, yet attractive to them. . . .

Then she married a man that embraced her and accepted her causing the protective barriers to come down around her and she suddenly appears more feminine to the men she played with and becomes prey to their predatorial male nature.

The story continues as we experience how Toni Stone navigates her winding journey of the ebb and flow of the life she chose. We the victory she seeks.

Kudos to the brilliance and genius direction of Ron OJ. Parsons who manages to heighten those layers of complexities previously mentioned by bringing his own deep knowledge and understanding of what it means to be human and pours that intelligence into his direction and staging, pushing his actors to great heights of human expression. Tracey H. Bonner who portrays Toni Stone seamlessly finds the balance of femininity and athleticism that made the story believable. Actor Chike Johnson brings the wholesome male energy of self-confidence love, and protection to the stage balancing Tracey H. Bonner’s woman-ness that shines through as part of her transformation. Direction, direction, direction, and the actor’s ability to open themselves to the director’s direction makes this play worthy of your seeing it.

Th E CONUNDRUM

I loved the story and felt that it was told well. Overall, the play is well-written. However, I believe that each generation of artists should inspire and push the next generation to creatively explore different ways of expressing what may appear the same and yet is different in another time and space. Noting the unique differences in the same issues and identifying that sameness for us to push boundaries is demanding of the artist to birth the elevation of communication. So, I find it difficult to accept that we continue to resort to what a good friend and theater director refers to as ‘coon characterization’ in plays and films. It distracts from the greatness of the play. So, move the art form forward!

Kai EL’ Zabar CNW Editor in Chief

Sex Therapy Can Help Heal

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Writer

Sexual healing is more than the best song Marvin Gaye ever wrote…it is a real thing. For Black bodies, pleasure seems to be a taboo topic, at least when it comes to intimacy and lovemaking. There can be loads of expectations placed on partners to perform in the bedroom. Closeness should be fun and curious, but the stressors of life can ruin romance. Black love matters began with an invitation to reflect on love in all ways. As the series comes to a loving close, we end with a candid discussion with Dr. Kres Snyder and a professional sex therapist to help us understand the barriers to sexual satisfaction along with what types of people benefit from sex therapy.

“Black people have stigmas around openly talking about needs, wants, and desires for better sex,” said Dr. Snyder. She believes that the recent adoption of therapy and the increase in Black mental health practitioners is a good thing. As most therapists find their niche for their services Dr. Snyder is here to help lift the libidos of clients who are on journeys to face the reality of their issues and reignite the love below.

“People have asked me what goes on in these sessions, and if there is contact with clients. Most don’t understand what it is I do as a sex therapist, but I am trained, certified, and a professional therapist who just happens to work in this area and there are so few of us, especially Black ones we are needed.” - Dr. Kres Snyder

What these services look like can range and is dependent on what a client’s issues are. Some find themselves struggling in dating and relationships others may be dealing with body issues related to health, aging, or injury. Others that try sex therapy may be dealing with depression, anxiety, or other emotional traumas that interfere with building strong connections and desiring to be close.

“I would totally go and get this type of therapy, especially if I think it could help but only if my partner was willing to do the work and not using therapy to tell me what I’m doing wrong and never being open to seeing how they contribute to the problem,” said L.J. Billingley

L.J. essentially agrees that sex therapy could benefit a relationship but makes a point that likely discourages couples from feeling confident about the process of therapy.

“Both men and women get into relationships believing things will happen this way or that way, only to realize you have to put in work to make the relationship healthy,” L.J. shared.

Dr. Snyder believes each of us is born wanting some form of connection with others. Her pathway for clients begins with unearthing the conversation of connecting.

CNW: how do you explain what you do as a sex therapist?

Dr. Snyder: “I tell people that I’m a sex and relationship therapist because they are linked together. In order to get to the juicy stuff for WHY people come to see me I practice first talking about clients’ thoughts, habits and understanding about their wants and desires to be connected.”

CNW: Is there medication involved in sex therapy?

Dr. Snyder: “I have several other practitioners I refer people to, I’m invested in holistic practices and it is rare for people to need pharmaceuticals.”

CNW: What contributes to sexual tension and challenges in relationships?

Dr. Snyder: “Anything can come between connecting with your partner, but I do believe that most situations people can work through. Clients have to be willing to do the work”

The work begins with self. We began this journey by learning how to self-reflect and become aware of our own loving habits. Thereafter, we journeyed into the unknown learning how to shoot our shots and invite new energy into our relationships and bedrooms. That foundation brought us to receive insight from Black couples which reminded us that love takes time and effort but having faith can take you far. We land our love series with making you aware of services that may benefit you if you’re willing and ready to put the work in to have the most loving and intimate moments you can stand. Valentine’s Day may have come and gone but you are invited to celebrate being Black and loving every breath you take from here on out. We hope this series has inspired you to seek out the support systems for a healthy sex life and rekindled the flames between you and your partner. We all could use as much Black love in our lives because it matters.

Interested in more from Dr. Snyder find her on IG @mindsempoweredcounseling

OFFICIAL SPECIMEN BALLOT

OFFICIAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the MUNICIPAL ELECTION to be held on

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

as conducted by the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago, the following candidates for the offices designated and referenda will appear upon the ballot with the following candidate numbers:

Official Municipal General Election Ballot Chicago, Illinois

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Boleta Oficial de la Elección General Municipal Chicago, Illinois

Martes, 28 de febrero de 2023

Instructions Instruccíones

To vote, fill in the oval. Vote for only one candidate per office, unless  otherwise indicated. If you make a mistake, ask for a new ballot.

Para votar, rellene el óvalo. Vote sólo por un candidato por cargo, a menos que se indique lo contrario. Si se equivoca, pida una boleta nueva. You may write in a candidate only where there is a write-in blank. Print the name in the blank  and then fill in the oval. Do not write in a candidate whose name is printed on the ballot.

Sólo puede escribir a un candidato cuando haya un espacio en blanco para escribir. Escriba el nombre en el espacio en blanco y luego rellene el óvalo. No escriba a un candidato cuyo nombre esté impreso en la boleta.

Do not make any other marks on the ballot. No haga ninguna otra marca en la boleta.

Ballot Style:

For Official Use Only  / Sólo para uso oficial

Judge's Initials

For Alderperson 36th

To the Voters of 11th Precinct of the 5th

Ward:

A los votantes del Precinto 11 del Distrito 5:

"Shall our Alderman & Mayor support a  Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)  ordinance to prevent the displacement of  renters, condo & home owners in South Shore  in light of the impact of the Obama Center and  growing development in the area by taking  steps that include but are not limited to 1)  funding home repair, increasing  homeownership & property tax relief 2) eviction  protection, rental relief and a ban on application  & move in fees 3) development of 100% income  based housing on city owned vacant lots & 4)  local hiring and jobs programs"

"¿Deben nuestro Concejal y Alcalde apoyar una ordenanza de Acuerdo de Beneficios Comunitarios (ABC) para prevenir el desplazamiento de inquilinos, condominios y propietarios de casas en South Shore en vista de los efectos del Centro Obama y el creciente desarrollo en el área, tomando medidas que incluyan pero no se limiten a 1) financiar la reparación de casas, 2) la protección contra el desalojo, el alivio de los alquileres y la prohibición de las tasas de solicitud y mudanza 3) el desarrollo de viviendas basadas en el 100% de los ingresos en lotes vacíos propiedad de la ciudad 4) la contratación local y los programas de empleo".

Yes / Sí No / No

To the Voters of 13th Precinct of the 5th

Ward: A los votantes del Precinto 13 del Distrito 5:

"Shall our alderperson and mayor support that  the City owned vacant lot on 63rd street and S.  Blackstone Ave be: at least 75% truly affordable  housing where working families don't pay more  than 30% of their income in rent - to ensure that  residents can afford to stay in the neighborhood  as housing costs soar?"

"¿Deben nuestro concejal y alcalde apoyar que el terreno baldío propiedad de la ciudad en la calle 63 y la avenida S. Blackstone sea: al menos un 75% de viviendas verdaderamente asequibles en las que las familias trabajadoras no paguen más del 30% de sus ingresos en concepto de alquiler, para garantizar que los residentes puedan permitirse permanecer en el barrio mientras los costos de la vivienda se disparan?"

Yes / Sí

No / No

To the Voters of 14th Precinct of the 5th  Ward:

A los votantes del Precinto 14 del Distrito 5:

"Shall our alderperson and mayor support that  the City owned vacant lot on 63rd street and S.  Blackstone Ave be: at least 75% truly affordable  housing where working families don't pay more  than 30% of their income in rent - to ensure that  residents can afford to stay in the neighborhood  as housing costs soar?"

"¿Deben nuestro concejal y alcalde apoyar que el terreno baldío propiedad de la ciudad en la calle 63 y la avenida S. Blackstone sea: al menos un 75% de viviendas verdaderamente asequibles en las que las familias trabajadoras no paguen más del 30% de sus ingresos en concepto de alquiler, para garantizar que los residentes puedan permitirse permanecer en el barrio mientras los costos de la vivienda se disparan?"

Early Voting Opens in Chicago Wards

CNW Staff Report

Early Voting in Downtown Chicago for February 28, 2023, Municipal Election began Thursday, January 26th. Both downtown locations, 191 N. Clark and 69 W. Washington St., 6th floor are open weekdays from 9 am-6 pm, Saturdays from 9 am-5 pm, and Sundays from 10 am-4 pm. The 69 W. Washington site is not open on election day. Both locations are ADA-compliant and fully accessible to voters with disabilities.

Early Voting in all 50 Wards of Chicago also began Monday, February 13 and will run through Election day. Any ballots that voters cast in Early Voting are final. After casting ballots in Early Voting, voters may not return to amend, change or undo a ballot for any reason. It is a felony to vote more than once -- or to attempt to vote more than once -- in the same election. Also, according to the Chicago Board of Elections, any voter in Chicago can vote at any Early Voting site, no matter where they live in the city. Voters can choose whatever voting site is most convenient for them, including on Election Day.

Government-issued photo ID is not required but ID is helpful if there is a question about the voter’s registration, address, or signature, or if there are two voters at the same address with the same names or similar names. You can also drop off your voteby-mail ballot at any ward site.

Learn more at chicagoelections.gov

Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago 312-269-7900

Marisel A. Hernandez, Chair

William J. Kresse, Commissioner/Secretary

June A. Brown, Commissioner

Charles Holiday Jr., Executive Director

This is Bigger than Bud

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Cannabis Corner Editor

Just two short years ago in 2021, The Black Farmer Restoration Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by State Rep. Sonya Harper which aimed at righting the injustices directed toward Black farmers and ranchers in Illinois. A year after marijuana became legal in Illinois the fight for Black farmers flew smoothly under the radar of social equity-minded investors and entrepreneurs.

Failing to see the intersections of inequity costs the Black economy tremendously. Black farmers have been lobbying and advocating for years against inequitable treatment by federal and state departments of agriculture. As marijuana has matured and gained momentum, it is time to clearly connect the narrative. The War on Drugs made hemp illegal to plant, yet the war on Black farmers existed before the policing of one plant.

Black farmers across the nation have organized for decades alleging the USDA limited access to low-interest rate loans and other discriminatory practices subsequently forcing foreclosures and loss of millions of dollars. Not having access to the same financial tools, grants, programs, or insurance protections because of race is not unique to the agricultural sector. Considering the prevalence of banking inequity coupled with government assistance being kept away no wonder it is challenging for the Black economy to get its bearings.

Connecting a national movement through cannabis may very well be the beginning of a broader and more informed coalition. Cannabis is an agricultural commodity but how it is regulated separates how it is talked about. The attention to marijuana and social equity for prisoners harmed by biased policies is real. The harms done to Black farmers are just as egregious and disruptive to the Black economy. Black-owned farmland has dropped by 90% according to reports from Data for Progress and according to the 2017 U.S. Agricultural census of the 3.4 million farmers in America only 1.4% identify as Black.

Access to assistance has been the tool to dismantle Black businesses. For the first time, race doesn’t determine access to resources. For the most part, the primary barrier is that marijuana is federally illegal, and all are subjected to finding capital in novel ways. However Black farmers are still pushing to get their fair share according to a recently published NPR article titled

“Black farmers call for justice from USDA.” Black hemp growers are just as in need of some social equity energy as those in the adult-use recreational space.

Hemp in Illinois 101

In 2015 Illinois researchers at universities got the opportunity to grow hemp for educational purposes through the Industrial Hemp pilot Program. Three years later the Industrial Hemp Act would be approved in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill (also called the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018). The expanded law gave access to farmers and processors to cultivate and create secondary products from hemp plants. The hemp sector has oversight similar to marijuana. There is an application fee of $100 as well as testing and reporting requirements for growers.

All Illinois hemp farmers are required to submit reports on harvest to the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). Hemp testing ensures plants have less than 0.3% THC. Any hemp that tests over 0.7% THC must be destroyed. Testing is carried out by accredited and approved third-party labs.

Of the eight labs listed as approved on the IDOA website three are outside of Illinois; Ionization Labs in Austin, TX, Minova Labs in Lafayette, CO and SC Laboratories California LLC in Santa Cruz, California Because hemp is federally legal unlike marijuana, samples can be transported via mail. As of the publication date of this article, there are no Blackowned cannabis testing labs in the state of Illinois.

Black cannabis is bigger than bud.

The lure of profits has eyes wide for how billions of dollars can be funneled into Black communities and economies. Knowing the intersection of issues is a flex and indeed the learning curve for cannabis is steep. Cannabis will continue to grow, but the Black community and allies cannot afford to shade adjacent communities that have been on the frontline of agricultural policy work. What we don’t want is for the powers that be to take advantage of our social equity spotlight on prisoners as a cue for we are not going to dismantle the entire system of racially biased policies and access to resources for every sector. Our fight for access to wealth building is bigger than bud.

They Call Her the Black Martha Stewart Sausage Lentil Soup

by Rosalyn Daniels

Although meant as a compliment I dare say that Rosalynn Daniels can do well on her own accord. After reading this article about her you can check her out on her website and see for yourself. She’s a smart woman and you will love her recipes and savvy advice on food preparation, storage, where to shop, and fabulous recipes. I was looking for a unique lentil recipe perfect for cold winter days and came upon her Sausage Lentil Soup and a bonus tip on how to store it for the next serving. Listen, Ms. Rosalynn shakes it up and puts that Black thang on the standard middle eastern lentil soup changing the game with sausage. What a move! Apparently, she introduced the recipe in January of this year so she shared how to prep for the months ahead. As a tip, she suggests that January is a good month to prepare as much as possible for a good work-life balance so that the rest of the year can be approached with strategy and purpose. She has found that prepping her freezer for the year provides the greatest possibility for kitchen success in the upcoming months. She does so by showing you the simple steps it takes to prep your freezer with items that can make life easier. And of course her Sausage Lentil Soup she creates in a pressure cooker to save even more time. It’s packed with flavor and it’s perfect to freeze for later when you need to prepare a meal but are short on time. Savvy woman that she is she shares the delicious recipe brought to you in partnership with ALDI. She swears “I’m still blown away every time I find out that my ALDI grocery bill is a fraction of the cost that I would pay my other local grocers, and I get almost twice the groceries.”

I NGREDIENTS FOR S AUSAGE AND L ENTIL S OUP

Simply Nature Organic Green Lentils

Appleton Farms Pork Sausage

Celery Stalks, thinly sliced

Carrot Wedges

Yellow Onion

Cumin

Turmeric

Kosher Salt

Black Pepper

Simply Nature Organic Vegetable or Chicken Broth

Simply Nature Organic Fresh Baby Spinach

Lemon

hOW TO MA k E S AUSAGE L ENTIL S OUP ON T h E STOv ETOP.

• In a large pot over medium heat cook your sausage and drain any excess oil.

• Stir in remaining ingredients, except for your baby spinach to the pot.

• Turn down the heat and bring the pot to a very low simmer.

• Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until you lentils are at your desired texture.

• Turn off the heat and stir in your spinach.

• Serve with naan or crackers.

PRESSURE COOkER INSTRUCTIONS

Place your pressure cooker on Sauté mode. Cook sausage, drain excess oil.

Add remaining ingredients, except for your baby spinach to the pressure cooker. Close your pressure cooker and make sure the vent is sealed.

Place on Pressure Cook or Manual mode for 8 minutes.

Once time goes off, carefully open your vent and let out the pressure.

Stir in your spinach.

Serve with naan or crackers

Freeze your Sausage Lentil Soup for later.

This is the perfect soup to freeze for later. I like to make a batch to eat half on one night for dinner, then I freeze the other half for a weeknight when I just don’t feel like cooking. This has allowed me to not overextend myself during the week, and to have peace of mind that there is always something good in the freezer to have available on nights where I don’t want to go anywhere near the kitchen.

Try the recipe and others by Rosalynn at RosalynnDaniels.com.

C. L. Blackburn CNW Contributor

FASHION IS A BuSINESS

The house of Fendi was launched in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi 98 years ago as a fur and leather shop in Via del Plebiscito, Rome. In 1932 Adele and Edoardo Fendi opened a boutique in via Piave. The shop became a popular destination for tourists in Rome.

Because of the excellent quality of materials and designs the brand became an Italian luxury fashion house.

From 1946, the five sisters Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda joined the company in its second generation as a family-owned enterprise, each owning 20 percent. Karl Lagerfeld joined Fendi in 1965 and became the creative director for the fur and women’s ready-to-wear collections launched in 1977.

In 1966, Lagerfeld created the company logo, a double F in a square, which would later be the subject of various reinterpretations. Also in 1966, Fendi presented its first high fashion collection, expanding its interests in the United States and Japan. In 1969, its first commercial line of fur was launched, and in the following years, cosmetics and men accessories were released. In 1977, Fendi introduced clothing for the first time, its ready-to-wear collection.

Lagerfeld was responsible for the photography of Fendi’s ad campaigns until his death after which Fendi has used Nick Knight, Craig McDean and Steven Meisel. Because of its attention to detail, and quality through and through, Fendi’s brand has been unmistakably exquisite. For Fendi, it was Many famous film directors in the 1970s, including Luchino Visconti, Federico Fellini, Franco Zeffirelli, and Mauro Bolognini, chose Fendi furs for their characters. The Italian Fashion brand has often collaborated with cinema; the Maison has designed the clothes for Once Upon a Time in America, Evita, and The Royal Tenenbaums. Fendi has also dressed Sophia Loren, Diana Ross, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Soraya, and Liza Minnelli. Today the brand has had to evolve with the current times seeking to appeal to the younger generations who are drawn to the newer fashion icons or celebrity-driven named brands. Under his Kim Jones leadership, Fendi collaborated with Kim Kardashian West’s shapewear brand Skims on a clothing collection.

Fendi introduced clothing for the first time, its readyto-wear collection. In the 1980s, Fendi expanded its range with perfumes in 1985, as well as eyewear, jeans, and home furnishings in 1987. In 1989, Fendi opened its first United States boutique in New York on 5th Avenue.

In 1994, Paola Fendi handed over the presidency of the company to her younger sister Carla. Silvia Venturini Fendi, daughter of Anna, joined the fashion house

in 1994 and has since been the artistic director for accessories and was co-designer of the women’s line alongside Lagerfeld; in 1997 she designed the Baguette Bag, an iconic model that beat all sales and notoriety records positioning Fendi in a very good place. Postured on top among the luxury bland lines.

But along came Prada postured and poised to dominate the Luxury fashion brands. So, they purchased, the Gucci group and LVMH. Prada purchased 51% of Helmut Lang’s company based in New York for US$40 million in March 1999. Prada signed an agreement with signed a loose agreement with Azzedine Alaia and continued to expand its brand, and covering skin care, eyeglass wear spanning the spectrum of beauty including dominating the ownership of Fendi.

But the house of Fendi was nobody’s fool. Fendi was a family-controlled company until 1999, when Prada and LVMH, the world’s biggest luxury goods group, joined to buy 51 percent of Fendi for $545 million; competitor Gucci lost out in the bidding process. Carla Fendi, a member of the founding family, continued to act as chairwoman and a minority owner until 2008.

To the world’s surprise On 19 October 2007, Fendi chose the Great Wall of China to present its spring-summer collection and with 88 models, the first fashion show there. Since then Fendi has stood alone and con-

tinues in the tradition of Karl Lagerfield to bring quality of the best kind to its brand.

Discover the excellent craftsmanship, creativity, and timeless style of Fendi handbags to your wardrobe and enter the World of Fendi.

and your safety first, because

future is

fighting for.”

- PAUL VALLAS