Chicago News Weekly March 8, 2023

FREE FREE ONE POWERFUL WOMAN Suzet McKinney

Chicago News Weekly

Cheryl Mainor Norman

President & Publisher

We’ve Come A Long Way

Kai

EL’ Zabar Editor In Chief

Terri Winston

Vice President

Darnell Pulphus

Art Director

Editors

Danielle Sanders

Managing Editor

Dr. Mila K. Marshall

Cannabis Corner Editor

Staff Writers

Dr. Sharice Braford

Liz Lampkin

Marcus Bouldin

David Pierce

Tammy Gibson

Theresa Horton

Shaneen Murray

Marti Worell

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Eric Grant

Cover Photography

Worsome Robinson

Cover Make-up Artist

Melanie Weaver 8348

Vol.

One day years ago, my friend, mentor, and publisher, Thom Rivers, and I sat across from Mr. John H. Johnson who was behind his desk in his Michigan Ave. office discussing our publication, Elancee’, of which he was an investor. At some point, I asked him, “Mr. Johnson, why didn’t you hire me? I applied twice. You even commented on my sample writings.” He answered unapologetically, “No one’s going to read a magazine whose editor has some “oogabooga” name.”

His response reminded me of my very middle-class mother. So, I smiled laughing quietly inside, and responded, “Mr. Johnson, I hear you, but they have, they do, and they will.” Twenty years later as I directed the cover photo shoot of him on the balcony of Ebony/Jet Magazine offices overlooking the glorious Lake Michigan, I smiled and asked the 82-year-old, “Mr. Johnson so what do you think now about the girl with the oogabooga name?” But this isn’t about me but more about women in 2023. My name was just one thing in the litany of challenges to break down barriers that barred women from the table and out of the boardroom. When I began my stint with Elancee’, I came on board as a writer, young and enthusiastic. We were working out of New York; the magazine was called Elan at the time. Things happened. To make it short let me say, Thom Rivers bought the magazine and moved it to Chicago. When Thom offered me the editor position, I accepted the challenge.

Back then, I wore my hair natural and wildly free all over my head, accented with an arm full of silver bangles with African beaded bracelets and dressed very fashionably avant-garde. One day, Thom said, “Kai, you been to the bank lately?” I answered him in the affirmative, ‘yes.’ He went on to complete the question, “You see how the bankers’ dress, . . . you think you can do that?”

What I didn’t know is that he and Mr. Jackson had flipped a coin to decide who was going to have the uncomfortable talk with me about my style of professional dress. Well, Mr. Jackson was the fated one. Both were warriors that had gone out and conquered the white corporate world when they were the only ones. Thom had cut his teeth at ESSENCE and the New York Times and Mr. Jackson at The National Law Journal and its sister publications.

Mr. Jackson informed me that he was taking me to lunch to talk. After ordering, he began with, “ As the Editor now you have a big responsibility, including establishing an image for the magazine, and being an example for women. I kept listening waiting for what was coming. And so, it did-- “You know, right now, you dress like the boss’s wife.”

“What? My expression was filled with indignation, yet the words never left my lips, when Mr. Jackson, said, “let me finish. What I mean is you dress outside the uniform. And every corporation has a uniform.” By then I was cross-eyed. My lips could not remain shut, so I objected, “No they don’t!” and he said quite matter of fact, “Yes they do.”

I agreed that yes, doctors, nurses, postal workers, pilots, flight attendants, sports players, police, firemen, and the armed forces did but not business types.’ Right?

And that’s when I got the lesson of my life. He said, “Uniforms serve to identify what team you’re on. Then there are the standards, polished shoes, starched shirts, tucked-in, etc., so when your team is looking at itself, they are unified, and everybody is on the same page—identifying each as a team player. But let me

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

tell you something, that brother who comes to the table with a flashy diamond pinky ring on his finger to express his individuality is stating that he’s not a team player. He thinks it expresses him as unique. The issue is that it’s a distraction. What makes you unique is your performance.”

He had my attention, so he continued, “Having women sitting at the table once occupied by men only is challenging. Why do you think the designers created clothing that mimicked the man’s suit? Because we want you to look like a team member. Women just being women sitting at the table with hair out, red lips, and red nails in a sexy dress, exposing their curves is totally distracting to men. We immediately picture you . . . head on the pillow. It may be unfair, but it is real. It’s going to take a moment for the male species to become accustomed to you sitting at the table with us on equal footing.”

And there it was! That’s why Thom had asked me about the bankers. I got it and chose to be a team player because I was in it to win it! So, the following week when I met Thom at Burrell Communications for a meeting, I was dressed in a Burberry trench, Brooks Brothers suit, Bruno Magli pumps, and a fresh Lisa Bonet short shortcut.

Today women in business are baring naked arms, sporting bare legs, long flowing hair, but some things remain the same. The business culture overall still has a uniform, and uniqueness in those settings is still considered relevant and serious based on your performance. Being a standout, means being a standout performer, not necessarily standing out as unique because of what you wear, clothing wise, hair color wise, fingernail colors and lengths, tattoo wise or otherwise. People who own businesses, whose blood sweat and tears are poured into making sure that you are paid for what you do, are just not interested in someone’s unique tastes in style. Those things can detract from what it is you are ultimately trying to convey. Some things have not changed yet and may never change as long as you are looking to someone else to finance your job, then you must take into account what they have decided their brand image is and embrace it. You represent them, and they have a right to say what is an acceptable representation of the brand that they built.

If we insist on being taken seriously when in the gladiator arena, then we must dress the part, but we can still rejoice that we are in fact, in the arena . . . “We’ve come a long way, Baby!”

photo credit: Dot Ward

Naw, I Don’t Want No Insurance

By Eric Grant CNW Columnist

Insurance agents hear this all the time, and they may have heard it from you at some point. Insurance agents also hear prospects say “they’ll just work it out.” The reality is, this sentiment may be correct. Insurance is a financial tool used in the process of managing risk. In evaluating your risks, the first question that you should ask is, what are the risks that can prevent me from building and keeping my wealth. For instance, if your vehicle is essential to you generating income to save and build wealth, you make provisions to be certain that you can continue to use that car to generate income and build wealth. Of course, the state mandates insurance for this risk, but there are other ways to manage risk.

There are generally 2 ways to manage risks. You can assume the risk or transfer it. That is to say, you can cre-

ate enough savings to cover any risk or you can transfer it with tools like insurance where the risk is transferred to an insurance company for a cost. If you don’t make provisions for these risks, you will be forced to use your wealth to address the risk. In the example above, if your car is without insurance, and you absolutely need that car to generate income, you are forced to use whatever savings you have (or borrow) to repair the car and continue generating income.

So, you may be asking, what are these risks? Honestly only you know the extent of your risks. However, there are some standard risks that most people face. For most, our home (rental or otherwise) is our principal source of wealth. Ask yourself, what would you do if your home was unavailable to you temporarily or permanently. While you’re at it, what would life look like if you were unable to work for whatever reason, and what

OP-ED: Addressing the Issues Around Public Safety and Policing

Congressman James E. Clyburn

NNPA NEWSWIRE — To those who have lost loved ones to police violence, know this: just because you’re not in the headlines doesn’t mean you’re absent from our hearts and minds. South Carolina remembers Walter Scott, who was shot in the back and killed by a North Charleston police officer the morning of April 4, 2015. His brother, Anthony Scott, was my guest for this year’s State of the Union Address. Together, we heard President Biden’s call for action, and I can assure you that I will do all within my power to answer that call.

By Congressman James E. Clyburn

Following the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in 2020 at the hands of law enforcement—two in a long line of avoidable tragedies—Democrats reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that law enforcement truly protect the communities they serve. House Democrats passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to prevent police misconduct by improving law enforcement practices and enhancing accountability. Regrettably, the bill stalled in the Senate due to Republican opposition. Since taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden has restricted the transfer of military equipment to police departments and directed federal law enforcement agencies to end the use of chokeholds and no-knock warrants.

Now a renewed call for action has emerged as the country mourns the violent death of Tyre Nichols, yet another unarmed Black citizen murdered by police. It has become undeniable that the culture of policing must improve. To reform this violent culture, we must enact public safety reforms that address the lack of accountability and transparency in policing while increasing the standards for those who wear the badge.

Our communities deserve meaningful change in how they are policed, and increased accountability will further that goal. It is unconscionable that a police officer can be fired from their local department for misconduct only to find employment in another department without consequence. Lawyers, doctors, public school teachers, and nearly all other professionals face accountability. Police officers have a sacred

would those

who depend on your income do if you were no longer available to generate that income? If there is a deficit, quantify it, and decide if you want to assume the risk or transfer it. How about, what if mama gets sick and can’t live on her own anymore? Where will she live and how will you pay for her care while you work to continue building your wealth?

Making future pain hurt now is essential in evaluating these risks. You have to ask questions and imagine that you are living in that situation. If you decide to transfer or insure a risk, a good insurance agent will ask these questions to help you evaluate and quantify the risk properly. If you have decided that you don’t need insurance, the risk has not disappeared, you have simply decided to assume the risk. In that case, maybe you “don’t need no insurance.”

responsibility to protect the public—they should certainly not be immune from it.

Increased accountability goes hand in hand with increased transparency. Police department data, information, and policies should be made available to the communities they serve. There are more than

18,000 local police departments in the United States. However, there is no national requirement for collecting and sharing use-of-force data. Nor is there a nationwide database or registry that tracks problematic officers, preventing those who have been fired from moving on to another jurisdiction without accountability. The lack of transparency erodes public trust and allows dangerous actors to patrol our streets.

Increasing the professional standards for those who serve involves setting national practices and instituting mandatory trainings to ensure officers have the communication and de-escalation skills they need to better connect with their communities and prevent the deadly escalation of force. Training officers in these areas would improve police conduct and help officers better serve their communities.

In his January 7, 2023, State of the Union Address, President Biden urged us to “rise to this moment. We can’t turn away. Let’s do what we know in our hearts we need to do. Let’s come together to finish the job on police reform.” It is time for us to enact the reforms necessary to save lives. I call on our colleagues across the aisle to join in this critical effort.

To those who have lost loved ones to police violence, know this: just because you’re not in the headlines doesn’t mean you’re absent from our hearts and minds. South Carolina remembers Walter Scott, who was shot in the back and killed by a North Charleston police officer the morning of April 4, 2015. His brother, Anthony Scott, was my guest for this year’s State of the Union Address. Together, we heard President Biden’s call for action, and I can assure you that I will do all within my power to answer that call.

2nd Chronicles 15:7 urges, “be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” The road to achieving police reform may be long, but we must not tire. Instead, we must press on in honor of those we have lost and to prevent more Black men and women from falling victim to the same fate.

Roland Martin, Black media Owners Demand Ad Agencies and Brands Increase Media Investment

Roland Martin sat down with Black media owners to discuss and address the lack of action from larger agencies and companies

Byonce Tyus Marcom Weekly

Blac K Star Networ K’S

Founder and Owner

Roland Martin sat down with Black media owners to discuss and address the lack of action from larger agencies and companies on financially supporting Black-owned media.

The discussion first addressed the lack of transparency from major companies that refused to divulge specific dollar amounts and receivers as a means of their company policy. All of whom, however, claimed to either be on track or have met and exceeded their promises from 2020 after the murder of George Floyd.

“We’ve been getting screwed for all these years,” Martin said. “I’m supposed to now trust that [you guys] are hitting your numbers?”

The reluctance to share specific numbers and recipients is frustrating for multiple reasons.

First and foremost, Martin said that these same agencies and companies are asking Black media for full disclosure of annual performances and revenue while denying them the same privilege and respect.

The biggest frustration is that the refusal to disclose specifics makes the role of accountability difficult. With no way to track dollar amounts due to disclosure policies, the ability for the public or Black organizations to accurately question and analyze the data becomes more difficult.

Martin also highlighted the fact that some agencies aren’t necessarily the ones giving out the dollars. Target, for example, gave financial backing to Martin’s Black Star Network but it wasn’t through Smith contacting them directly.

Instead, Martin received funds through one of Target’s clients who requested that the agency give his network money. It underscores the importance of connections and relations, and the change in conversation dynamics in which contact with handlers rather than direct executives seems to be more effective.

Coca-Cola made a promise to give $500 million over 5 years to Black-owned media. Martin said that he received funds

from them in 2021 and 2022, and the money is more than any other company or agency.

However, despite the years-long relationship with Coca-Cola and two-year-long meetings, Pepsico has not given anything to Martin. Pepsico, along with other major companies and agencies, funded Quibi – a streaming service that raised over $1 billion from investors despite the lack of metrics and success rate.

The streaming service did not last long, but it begged a frustrating question from Black professionals and owners in media: why?

“I [have to] ask the question: Pepsico, how do you give Quibi money with no metrics, [and] no data?” Martin said.

“I’ve got four years of data!”

Another point that Martin and his panel touched on was the lack of resources given so that Black-owned media can thrive. Most deals made with big agencies and companies are on a yearly basis, requiring Black owners to constantly re-sell their company or organization’s worth and restrict their employment growth.

Multi-year deals are important, Martin said, because it allows Black owners to project their company’s income – creating jobs that they know will last the length of the funding. When owners are put on a year-to-year deal, they become slightly anxious about whether they’ll have the same funding as the previous year.

“I’m tired of Black-owned media being in survival mode instead of thriving mode,” Martin said.

Low-balling Black-owned media is also an aspect of the financial struggle.

WVON CEO Melody Spann Cooper said that her $300,000 offer to Blue Cross Blue Shield was met with a $20,000 test case. Cooper denied the offer.

“When you talk about these numbers, that’s the insult level,” she said. “This is not about social justice — this is somewhat about social impact — it’s about investment. Call it what you call it for the white people. Stop doing charity with us.”

Other Black-owned media have also called out the lack of support, and action of big companies and agencies.

Bryon Allen, founder and owner of Allen Media Group, sued companies like McDonald’s for what he says is below-market support of Black-owned media. The case is still in court and has yet to be ruled upon or settled.

In September, Allen threatened to sue additional companies for their lack of financial support in Black-owned media.

Martin also announced on the broadcast that the lack of transparency and action has pushed him to request an accountability initiative to target companies that promised $50 billion to the Black community.

“Black America will not change unless we change the economic paradigm, and that means dollars,” he said. “This is sil-

ver rights, not just civil rights.”

A Target spokesperson shared the following statement with Marcom Weekly, “In 2021, we pledged to spend 5% of our annual media budget with Black-owned media companies. By the end of 2022, we exceeded that goal and forged successful partnerships with Black-owned media platforms, including REVOLT and Essence, and with publishers in the Twin Cities area, among others. We recognize the responsibility we have to use our size and scale to have a positive impact on our guests and the communities where we do business. Our commitment to supporting Black-owned media companies allows us to reach our guests through platforms that are hyper-relevant to them and to be a catalyst for change in the media industry. We remain committed to our industry-leading pledge to spend 5% of our annual media budget with Black-owned media companies.”

As of the publishing of this article, Pepsico and Blue Cross Blue Shield have not responded to Marcom Weekly’s request for comments on Martin’s broadcast. The entire Roland Martin Unfiltered episode aired on Black Star Network including its YouTube channel.

Byonce Tyus is a reporter for Marcom Weekly cov-

ering industry news, advertising conferences, and diverse-owned media trends.

DCEO Celebrates Women’s HERstory Month

CNW Staff Report

The Illinois Department of commerce and economic opportunity (Dceo) launched its annual women’s Herstory Month campaign — developed to celebrate and support women-owned businesses and future female founders throughout Illinois. As part of the month-long celebration, DCEO is hosting events, launching a social media campaign, and sharing new resources to elevate and promote Illinois’ entrepreneurial women.

“DCEO is committed to uplifting communities who have historically faced barriers to business ownership, and we’re proud to spotlight and support women-owned businesses across our great state during Women’s History Month and beyond,” said Acting DCEO Director Kristin A. Richards. “In order to ensure Illinois remains the best place to live, work and do business, we continue to focus on supporting women as they continue to make progress and break glass ceilings.”

Although 42.2% of Illinois businesses are women-owned businesses, women business owners and entrepreneurs, especially women of color, have historically experienced barriers in accessing financial and social capital and other key business resources. DCEO prioritizes creating an equitable business environment through targeted initiatives

and resources designed for women-owned businesses.

“Illinois women business owners and entrepreneurs have continued to show how strong and resilient they are regardless of the economic climate and the inequity challenges they endured for too long,” said Women’s Business Development Manager Michelle Lura White. “With over 450,000 women-owned businesses in the state generating more than $74 billion to Illinois’ economy each year, we’re honored to celebrate their successes while continuing to elevate support and offer new resources to help women-owned businesses and future female founders start, grow and thrive in Illinois.”

Women’s HERstory Month Events

March events provide participants with critical knowledge to build financial capital, manage funds and certify as a women-owned business to expand opportunities. All events are virtual and free to attend; additional information and registration can be found on the DCEO website: Stay Positive! Survival tactics to Manage Your cash Flow

wednesday, March 15 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Virtual Learn to successfully manage your cash flow during any

Mayor of Harvey Applauds Conviction of Former City Building Inspector

CNW News Desk

city of Harvey Mayor, christopher J. clark, commended the U.S. Attorney for Northern Illinois for their office’s work to prosecute and convict, former Harvey Building Inspector, Lester Crowder. Crowder was found guilty after prosecutors said he told an FBI informant, posing as a business owner, that he had to pay $50,000 in bribes up front to obtain property and the necessary permits to operate a nightclub in the City. Crowder was found guilty by a jury after evidence showed that the former Harvey employee met nine times with an individual who said he was interested in opening a nightclub in Harvey in 2018, under former Mayor Eric Kellogg’s administration. The jury was presented with evidence that Crowder collected almost $13,000 in bribe payments from the individual. Mayor Clark stated, “On behalf of the residents of the City of Harvey, we are pleased that law enforcement authorities are finally focusing on corruption in the Southland and holding people responsible for their actions. Their previous actions have had serious implications for Harvey’s reputation, resources, and for the quality of life for our residents. We are working hard to attract new businesses, update our street lighting, sidewalks, and streets, and to restore Harvey to its previous status as a leader in the Southland. It has been a challenge overcoming Harvey’s stigma for those of us who have been fighting to overcome Harvey’s recent past mismanagement and history. However, we are rebuilding Harvey. Brighter days are ahead for Harvey. Mr. Crowder’s conviction is a step in the right direction, it sends the message loud and clear that under my administration, business-as-usual will not be accepted and corrupt practices will not be tolerated. We thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s office for their work on this case and encourage them to continue to hold people accountable for their past actions which have damaged the City of Harvey.”

economic climate and in an ever-changing global business setting. Alternative financial capital options exist! Presented by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and hosted by OMEE and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (IL SBDC), the March virtual event is part of the monthly webinar series, Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME), which features a different topic and presenter each month. Also joining us in March are our colleagues from the Office of Regional Economic Development (RED).

expanding Her opportunities - certify Your Business as women-owned

Thursday, March 16 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Virtual Learn how certifying as a women-owned business can expand opportunities including government contracting, connecting with buyers looking to meet their federal subcontracting goals, accessing leads for bids and proposals and marketing opportunities exclusive to those who have certifications. Presented during Team RED’s monthly webinar series, attendees will also learn about no-cost resources to assist along the way no matter what stage her business is in.

DC Mad Hatter Celebrated Supplier of the Year

CNW Staff Report

Derryl Caldwell, aka DC The Mad Hatter, was recognized as “Supplier of the Year” during the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association’s (HACIA) 43rd Annual Awards Banquet held on February 23 at the Hilton Chicago. HACIA works to ensure the equitable participation of its constituents in the construction industry, and the theme of this year’s event was Industry Recovery: Seize the Opportunity. Each year the organization recognizes companies, projects, organizations, non-profits and individuals making a difference in the industry and within their communities.

Caldwell at the 43rd Annual Awards Banquet with student scholarships winners. Some of these winners will be attending his alma mater Southern Illinois University (SIU).

Caldwell has run his his successful custom-embroidered, logo and apparel company in the city for more than two decades. HACIA recognized him for his consistent delivery of products, community focus and paying it forward ethos. The hallmarks of the company are service with integrity and consistency.

A Night in the Life of the Unhoused

CNW Staff Writer Spends the Night with Unhoused and community advocate

“Englewood Barbie”

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Writer

Itied up my sleeping bag and layered up with excitement and hesitation. My heart and my head seemed to be going in opposite directions. Who would willingly choose to sleep outside in the cold? Who purposely gives up the comforts of home for the struggle in the streets? Dr. Aleta Clark that’s who…and if she could do it so could I. Affectionately known as Englewood Barbie, the charismatic champion, advocate, and influencer extended an invitation on her social media platform to join her under the 22nd street viaduct. Looking back I feel silly. I kept my plans to myself. I’m known for doing random things, but this wasn’t an “adventure”. It wasn’t a quick staycation in the woods or a trip to reclaim my time. It was a way for me to learn firsthand the realities of my unhoused neighbors. Quite frankly, most of us are one crisis away from eviction ourselves.

My uber arrives and I load up my things but not before my 17-year-old son stops me for a stay-safe lecture. I laughed at his discomfort but he didn’t think it was funny. It set in, he was scared. Home provides protection and all there was between me and another person was a sleeping bag. The trip to Canalport was quiet and as my ride approached the viaduct the driver slowed, “oh it’s a party tonight?” he asked. I share with him the mission for Monday night and he turns around with wide eyes….” and YOU’RE going to sleep outside with THEM?” he said shockingly. I nodded, but I had yet to commit to that decision. I felt so guilty for even threatening NOT to stay. I wandered around the tents, Pastor Tate was the first to greet me. His warm welcome eased my tension. I knew no one there. “You’re staying the night… where do you want to put your tent?” he asked me. I smile and say”…I only have a sleeping bag….I can go get my tent. I had no clue I would need one.” He introduced me to Englewood Barbie and she let me leave my things in her tent while I called a second Uber to go back home to get more things. It isn’t easy catching an Uber under the viaduct so I had to walk to a place with an address to actually get a ride. Certain neighborhoods at certain times have greater driver cancellations I learned. A kind gentleman picked me up. He too asked the same questions as the first driver. By the third Uber that

took me back, I was a pro at my spiel and had told three people about housing insecurity in Chicago and how we all can make a difference.

When I returned to my tent sat on my chair and warmed myself by the fire with a few of my new “friends”, Mr. Aaron, Michael Jackson and Billy. Our conversations were light. Billy bragged about his good hair and Michael and I crooned SWV’s popular song “Weak” as we sat next to the fire. Our mini concert got us shushed as we were so in the moment we didn’t realize it was time to bless the food. We teased each other by lip-syncing but eventually joined the rest of the supporters and friends to bless the food. As Englewood Barbie stood before the crowd she took a few deep breaths taking it all in. Her invitation had been accepted and cars lined Canalport. At that moment there was no telling who lived where…we were all just together, equal and enjoying kind company. Pastor Tate removed his mask and began to pray over the evening, the food and that moment united us in mindfulness that we are each here to serve.

There wasn’t a moment I wasn’t smiling. The friends that found themselves chatting with me talked about everything from love and relationships to music and politics. We all walked down memory lane sharing special moments while making one together. But it was getting late and I was exhausted and still hadn’t put up my tent. Michael Jackson grabbed my tent and said “it’s time for you to rest… Let’s get you settled.” It took about 5 people to pop the tent up. I felt pretty weird with my North Face attire amongst the encampment. No one noticed or cared but they did com-

pliment my tent saying how cute it was and perfect for me, but it wasn’t enough. Because it was so windy Michael was concerned my top shelter piece would fly away. He walked away and returned with a blanket to hold everything down and wished me a good night’s rest.

I was exhausted and cold. Even layered up with my thermal socks, Uggs, minus 30-degree Eddie Bauer coat, and minus 20 below North Face sleeping bag nothing could stop the biting cold coming from all directions. The concrete

was burning cold. The two yoga mats beneath to pad me felt frozen from the bottom up. I did my best to get comfy. But how could I? Shadows were everywhere and the glowing lights beneath the viaduct were constant even with your eyes closed. I could smell, hear and feel the trucks above me. All my senses were unnerved.

At that moment I phoned a friend because I began to lose it. With that tearfilled conversation, I began to understand the hierarchy of who we care for even in our own communities. I wondered about Black landlords with less than ethical practices. I began to think about the lack of mental health and substance abuse services in our communities. I began to wonder about all the available infrastructure just sitting there with no inhabitants…it was too cold to keep crying.

The “friends” have access to a toilet and drinking water, two things that many of us take for granted. They have an advocate in Englewood Barbie who is committed to raising $1 million to purchase a property to build a shelter. My night with the “Friends” came to an end around 4 am as it began to warm up a bit. A few of the “Friends” were still awake and helped me pack up my things. By 4:45 am I was sitting by the fire and calling my uber. Mr. Aaron and I shared a morning beer and we laughed at how dope it was to have Moor’s Beer for breakfast and them being Black beer makers from the city. Mr. Aaron and I had so much in common, from tattoos to our rocky romances. He helps me load up into my uber and the one thing we didn’t have in common is that I got to go back inside to my home….I got to go home.

Who’s Backing Who? Candidates Vie for Heavyweight Endorsements

It’s time to bring out the heavy hitters. With the runoff election scheduled for April 4th, Mayoral Candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson are actively courting endorsements from key political figures, organizations and unions. Here’s the breakdown of key endorsements received by both candidates:

Paul Vallas

ald. walter Burnett - Paul Vallas officially received the endorsement of the “Dean” of the City Council, Alderman Walter Burnett and the 27th Ward Democratic Organization that he leads.

“I know that Paul Vallas will be a Mayor that all communities in our city can trust and count on, and I’m excited to join his team today,” said Alderman Burnett. “Paul will continue the important investments being made on the West side and work to uplift every community in our city as Mayor, and I will work with him to make it happen.”

Gary chico - Vallas for Mayor received its second key endorsement of the runoff campaign, this time earning the support of former Chicago School Board President, State Board of Education Chairman and mayoral candidate Gery Chico. Chico joins legendary former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White in endorsing Vallas and reflects the growing consensus that Paul Vallas is the right choice to be Mayor. Vallas and Chico worked closely together during their years of collaboration s CEO and Board President of Chicago Public Schools.

“Paul Vallas is unequivocally the most qualified candidate to be mayor,” said Chico. “Throughout his time in city government and leading our public schools, he has taken on tough challenges and delivered real results for the people of Chicago. I know Chicagoans will make the right choice on April 4th.”

Former Sec. of State Jesse white – Kicking off the big-name endorsements for Paul Vallas was former Secretary of State, Jesse White. White was one of the most popular elected officials in the State as he served 6 terms as Secretary of State. This week, he is featured in tv ads, asking voters to join him in supporting Paul Vallas. In the ad, White says that “Paul Vallas will be a Mayor for all Chicagoans,” that he has the experience needed to lead the city, and that he will focus on reducing crime and making all communities safer. ald. roderick Sawyer - Alderman Roderick Sawyer became the first candidate in the 2023 mayoral election to make his support known in the runoff, swinging his support behind Paul Vallas. The son of former Mayor Eugene Sawyer, Alderman Sawyer was elected in 2011 to represent the 6th Ward, which includes the South Side neighborhoods of Chatham, Chesterfield, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Park Manor and Auburn-Gresham.

“Paul’s commitment to making our city safer and investing in historically underserved communities across the South Side is exactly what Chicago needs,” said Alderman Sawyer. “I’ve gotten to know Paul during the campaign and he is an honest, thoughtful and trustworthy leader that our city can count on.”

Dr. Joyce Kenner - The longtime former Principal of Whitney Young Magnet High School and one of Chicago’s most respected public education leaders, Dr. Joyce Kenner, endorsed Paul Vallas for Mayor on Tuesday. Dr. Kenner worked closely with Vallas during his time as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, which coincided with her first years leading the prestigious magnet school. Now, she is supporting Vallas for Mayor because she believes that his education platform will enhance student achievement and empower local school leaders.

“Paul Vallas is the right choice to be Mayor at the right time,” said Dr. Kenner. “His record of putting our kids first and improving the quality of our schools is exactly the kind of leadership we need to get our schools in order and our city back on track. Chicago’s kids deserve experienced leadership at the helm.”

Dr. willie wilson - Humanitarian, businessman, former mayoral candidate Dr. Wilson announced his choice for Mayor of Chicago naming Paul Vallas as his choice to move to the Mayor’s seat.

““After having met with both Paul Vallas, Brandon Johnson, the community, faith leaders, and engaged on social media, I am making my endorsement in the runoff for Mayor of Chicago. I believe that Paul Vallas will will make the city safe and affordable for everyone. I expect that my endorsement will provide a boost to his candidacy as I received more than 51,000 votes,” says Dr. Wilson.

Dr. Wilson also stated: “I appreciate all of those who voted for me. Paul Vallas will help lead our city in this difficult time.”

Brandon Johnson

cook county Board President, toni Preckwinkle

- Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced her endorsement of Brandon Johnson’s campaign. The endorsement adds to a growing list and comes just a day after U.S. Rep.

Danny Davis (IL-07) announced his support for Commissioner Johnson.

Preckwinkle drew upon her depth of experience working with Johnson in praising his commitment to fighting for all of Chicago. Citing both his success as an organizer and his dedication and facility at advocating for working families and social justice as an elected official.

“With a genuine commitment to equity, opportunity and justice, Brandon has the skills, drive and per-

sistence needed to turn promises into policy and policy into practice,” Preckwinkle said. “He understands that we must be a city that works for working families. He understands that Chicago can’t be a truly world-class city until everyone who lives here has a fair opportunity to build safe, prosperous, productive lives for themselves and their children.”

congressman Danny Davis - U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (IL-07) announced his endorsement of Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson for mayor of Chicago. “I am proud to endorse Brandon Johnson for mayor of Chicago,” Rep. Davis said. “Brandon has a proven track record of fighting for working families and standing up to powerful interests. He has been a champion for education, affordable housing, and economic justice, and I know that he will bring that same commitment to the mayor’s office.”

congressman Jonathan Jackson - Rep. Jackson (IL -01) became the second member of Chicago’s congressional delegation to endorse Commissioner Johnson. He joins Illinois State Rep. Mary Flowers and Cook County Commissioners Bill Lowry and Stanley Moore in supporting his platform of economic, racial, and housing justice.

“Commissioner Johnson’s vision for Chicago is deeply rooted in dignity and justice,” Congressman Jackson said. “The people deserve a mayor who will lead with compassion and creativity, and undo the years of trauma, and pain, that has plagued Chicago’s families and communities for far too long.

3rd ward ald. Pat Dowell – In a notable turn of events, Brandon Johnson was endorsed for mayor of Chicago by 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell. Ald. Dowell, the chair of the Chicago City Council Budget Committee, is the sixth member of the Council to endorse Commissioner Johnson.

“Brandon understands the approach necessary to face the many challenges facing Chicago,” Dowell, of the 3rd Ward, said in a news release. “His tireless work as a community organizer, public school teacher and Cook County commissioner illustrate his deep commitment to our city and our many communities. His willingness to sit at the table with other leaders to find beneficial solutions through compromise is exactly the type of mayor we need during these dire times. Leadership is not a one-way conversation with Brandon but a true dialogue.”

Additional endorsements for Brandon Johnson from Black elected officials include:

State rep. lakesia collins

20th ward alderperson Jeanette taylor

Bill lowry, cook county commissioner

Stanley Moore, cook county commissioner

The election for Mayor of Chicago is scheduled for April 4, and both campaigns have been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with endorsements from several many organizations unions, and community leaders throughout Chicago. Chicago News Weekly will keep you updated as the list continues to grow.

Obesity Care Week Begins as Report Reveals that Nearly 50 Percent of African Americans Have Obesity

Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Organizers have focused on changing the way society cares about obesity and have worked to empower individuals by providing affordable and comprehensive care and prevention programs, increasing awareness of weight bias, and working to eliminate obesity.

Obesity Care Week 2023 (OCW) kicked off on Monday, Feb. 27, with a focus on the disproportionate impact of obesity on communities of color.

Health officials responsible for OCW said racial and ethnic minorities have a higher rate of chronic diseases. African Americans have the highest rate of chronic diseases.

According to recent data, almost 50% of African Americans have obesity, and approximately 4 out of 5 Black women have overweight or obesity.

The causes of obesity are complex, and a person’s access to healthy food, safe places to exercise and play, stable and affordable housing, access to quality health care, and social attitudes about body weight all play a role in whether a person will have obesity.

However, communities of color face unique challenges in each of these areas, health officials stated.

For example, in the United States, only 8% of African Americans live in a census tract with a supermarket, while 31% of white Americans have one.

This means that minorities more often shop in small stores or bodegas or eat at fast food restaurants. These places usually have less fresh food and more processed food.

Cultural attitudes about body weight also play a role, with non-Hispanic white women more satisfied with their body size than non-Hispanic Black women, and Hispanic women more interested in losing weight and eating healthy.

Evidence shows that the African American population has less of an impact on existing weight loss interventions, with Black men and women achieving smaller weight losses.

Health officials noted that this suggests that intensive behavioral programs result in lower levels of adherence in Black people than whites.

Founded in 2015, Obesity Care Week has a global vision for a society that values science and clinically based care and understands, respects, and accepts the complexities of obesity.

Organizers have focused on changing the way society cares about obesity and have worked to empower individuals by providing affordable and comprehensive care and prevention programs, increasing awareness of weight bias, and working to eliminate obesity.

Researchers said obesity not only affects overall health, but it also increases the risk of complications from COVID-19.

According to a recent study of hospitalized patients in the US, obesity may also predispose patients to getting the virus and is the strongest predictor for COVID-19 complications.

Unfortunately, African Americans are also disproportionately affected by COVID-19. According to the CDC, 33% of those hospitalized with the virus were African Americans, compared to 13% of the US population.

Inequities in access to and quality of care

result in poor overall health and many chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes.

This can affect individuals’ chances of getting COVID-19.

The communities in which African Americans live may place them at greater risk for developing chronic illnesses. For example, they may not have access to healthy foods or safe places to play or exercise.

For people who try to eat healthy, living in a food desert means that they must go to a grocery store.

They often must do this by public transportation.

These disparities need to be addressed so that all communities have the resources and support they need to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

“Obesity Care Week 2023 highlights the need for comprehensive and inclusive approaches to obesity care that consider the unique challenges faced by communities of color,” organizers stated.

SUZET McKinney One of Chicago’s Most Powerful Women

“Crain’s Chicago Business named you one of 50 Most Powerful Women in Chicago,” how does that happen?

Perfectly poised and professional, Suzet McKinney comfortably begins to spin her backstory. “Well, I think that my career path has been very circuitous and also a bit unconventional.”

Like other brilliant scientific thinkers, Suzet expressed an interest in pursuing a career as a medical doctor. She was an established biology pre-med student, with the intention of going to medical school to be a neonatologist. However, because she attended a school where most of her graduating class was also applying to medical school, she says, “I knew that I needed to do something to differentiate myself from everyone else applying to medical school.”

Serendipitously an internship at Harvard Medical School afforded her the opportunity to learn about

public health. As she weighed the pros and cons of choices before her as to how to best distinguish herself, she chose to return to Chicago where she enrolled in a graduate program that awarded her a master’s degree in public health, and coupled with one year of experience in public health, would not only make her a better clinician and help her get into medical school, but also distinguish her from everyone else.”

One month later the anthrax attacks in New York, DC and Florida happened. To her good fortunate she served as the bioterrorism Regional Coordinator for the city of Chicago. Suzet shares, “The 911 anthrax attacks, informed the federal government that the United States was not prepared for another bioterrorism attack,” admits Suzet.

Consequently, Congress appropriated $1 billion to flood into the US public health system and build up the country’s capacity to respond to a bioterrorism attack. Four cities- Chicago, New York, LA, and Washington DC, were determined to be at a higher risk than other places and appropriated additional funding to be utilized to develop and improve their bioterrorism preparedness programs; and if they had none, then they were to initiate one. “So,” Suzet says, “The position that I assumed had not existed. I was the first person in that role at 27-years-old.”

Prior to her position she admits that like most people, she assumed that Bioterrorism was a law enforcement issue. It is not. The weaponization of chemicals and organisms released in open public places makes it a public

health issue because terrorist’s incite panic by causing large numbers of people to be infected with an illness and sometimes die. Suzet admits, “I found it fascinating.” Suzet extended her commitment to a second year. The world was facing ‘chemical terrorism,’ talks about nuclear and radiological terrorism and Suzet, found each form of bio-terrorist episode fascinating based on how they affect people’s health and impacted society. Two-years out, and she just couldn’t tear herself away from the work that she was so immersed and had grown to love, to leave for medical school.

She replaced her plan with a new vision and identified that each position that interested her had a doctorate degree in some relevant related area and that’s when, “I realized, that I’d pursue a doctorate degree in public health.”

Suzet says, “When I completed my doctorate, I’d been promoted to the 3rd promotion as a deputy commissioner in the city’s public health department that she began to build a national profile, because that role, put her in a position on par with colleagues in the other four cities.

And anytime the federal government wanted to test something out or needed some advice about something pertaining to her expertise, “In Chicago, I was the goto person. And I started serving on various advisory committees for CDC, for HHS, as well as other federal agencies,” says Suzet, in January of 2009, Suzet, officially became deputy commis-

Continued from 11

sioner and was set to defend her dissertation, graduate and move on that May. She, sat back and took a deep breath and says, “That April, my boss who was the health commissioner for Chicago, informed me, that I was charged with leading the city’s response to any threats because he had to manage the messaging via the media circuit.”

Suzet recalls, “I got a call from DHS in 2010 who had a new upgraded system to detect chemical and biological agents just in the ambient air and they wanted to do a field test in Chicago putting me in the lead position. Being in her presence you sense her composed and collected manner as she says, “I’ll just say that it was a scary time. Because while the threat was the Public Health Department’s responsibility, under my leadership, I knew, that we needed the support of the full public safety community in Chicago. After talking with them about what this would do for us the police chief and the fire chief both said to me, we’re going to support you in this. But if anything goes wrong, it’s your ass on the line, not ours.”

“The four-month testing was successful, and the Feds decided to expand the testing in other big cities when, they realized that I was the only public health person in the entire United States who had led the testing.” SUZet taKeS a DetoUr

“I was asked to move to Washington to serve as a senior adviser to the Department of Homeland Security,” she says. “As Sr. Advisor for Public Health and Preparedness at the Tauri Group, I provided strategic and analytical consulting services to the U.S. (DHS), BioWatch Program.”

She returned to Chicago and Ebola happened. “That was the thing that was never supposed to happen. As Deputy commissioner she led the public health response to Ebola. In reflection she says, “The State Department and the DHS decided to reroute all travel from West Africa to the United States, to five cities of which Chicago was one.” This forced Suzet to dedicate several members of her team to airport duty to work with the CDC quarantine station. The responsibility was immense. Finally, Ebola ended in 2015. She had survived the challenges and navigated Chicago through the worst of the worst, the thing that was never supposed to happen and she emerged victorious.

cHalleNGe

“I needed a new challenge” rolled off Suzet’s tongue smoothly succinct. A few months later she was recruited to assume the position of CEO of the Illinois Medical District in the fall of 2015. Suzet, articulates, very mindful of her leadership skills, “My first charge as the new CEO was to execute a complete financial turnaround, financial transformation of the organization, the institution that is the Medical District, that included 560 acres of medical research facilities, labs, a biotech business incubator, universities, raw land development areas, four hospitals and more than 40 healthcare-related facilities located on the near west side. She continues, “Unaware when I accepted the position, that the Medical District is an independent unit of local government just as Chicago is a local government.” So as CEO, she was the mayor. Within two years of leadership, Dr. Suzet McKinney accomplished a finan-

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SCOTUS Poised to Rule Against Student Loan Forgiveness as Protestors Rally to Save Biden’s Plan

Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The Supreme Court’s conservative majority has questioned the administration’s authority to implement the debt relief program, with Chief Justice John Roberts pointing to the vast impact and expense of the program, estimating that it would cost “a half-trillion dollars.” Kavanaugh suggested that the administration was using an “old law” to implement a debt relief program that Congress had rejected unilaterally.

Millions of student loan borrowers, particularly those of color, risk losing out on relief if the Supreme Court strikes down President Joe Biden’s student loan debt forgiveness plan.

The plan, which aims to forgive or reduce the student loan debt held by the millions of eligible Americans that qualify for the program, has faced opposition from Republican-appointed judges on lower courts and now faces an uncertain future as it is being challenged before the land’s highest court.

In a three-hour-long argument on Tuesday, Chief Justice John Roberts led his conservative colleagues in questioning the administration’s authority to cancel federal student loans due to the COVID-19 emergency broadly.

It remains unclear whether any of the six justices appointed by Republican presidents will approve the debt relief program. However, Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett appeared most open to the administration’s arguments.

As the Supreme Court heard oral arguments, demonstrators converged on the nation’s capital to showcase their support for debt relief.

The People’s Rally for Student Debt Cancellation was the largest-ever mass demonstration by people with student debt in front of the Supreme Court, bringing together individuals from across party lines, industries, faith communities, socioeconomic statuses, and cities and states throughout the country.

Speakers at the rally emphasized the legality and urgency of President Biden’s relief action, citing the ongoing economic distress caused by COVID-19 on borrowers and the history of abuse and mismanagement throughout the student loan system.

Organizations representing millions of borrowers and supporters co-sponsored the rally to show the broad and growing support for debt relief.

If the Supreme Court strikes down President Biden’s plan, it will negatively impact millions of borrowers, particularly those of color. The administration says that 26 million people have each applied for up to $20,000 in federal student loans forgiven under the plan.

If the plan isn’t allowed to take effect before a threeyear pandemic-inspired pause on loan repayments ends no later than this summer, “defaults and delinquencies will surge above pre-pandemic levels,” according to U.S. Solicitor General, Elizabeth Prelogar.

The debt relief program has faced opposition from Republican-led states and lawmakers in Congress, as well as conservative legal interests, who argue that it is a clear violation of Biden’s executive authority.

They claim that the plan is not necessary now to keep defaults roughly where they were before the pandemic and that the 20 million borrowers who would have their entire loans erased would get a “windfall,” leaving

them better off than before the pandemic.

The administration argues that a 2003 law, commonly known as the HEROES Act, allows the Secretary of Education to waive or modify the terms of federal student loans in connection with a national emergency.

The law was primarily intended to keep service members from becoming worse off financially while fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority has questioned the administration’s authority to implement the debt relief program, with Chief Justice John Roberts pointing to the vast impact and expense of the program, estimating that it would cost “a half-trillion dollars.” Kavanaugh suggested that the administration was using an “old law” to implement a debt relief program that Congress had rejected unilaterally.

However, some speakers at the rally argue that the student loan system has a history of abuse and mismanagement that disproportionately negatively impacts people of color. Advocates point out that Black and Latinx borrowers, for example, are more likely to take on debt to attend college and that they are also more likely to struggle to repay those loans.

The issue of student loan debt relief has also become a political issue, with Democrats predominantly supporting President Biden’s plan and Republicans opposing it. Debt relief advocates say it is necessary to address the financial burden that student loan debt places on individuals and the broader economy, particularly during the ongoing pandemic.

Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors Officially Granted Ghanaian Citizenship

Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Viola Fletcher, a 108-year-old survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has become a Ghanaian citizen alongside her 101-year-old brother, Hughes Van Ellis. The historic event took place on Tuesday, February 28, at Ghana’s embassy in Washington, where Fletcher and Ellis were formally sworn in as citizens of Ghana.

The ceremony was marked by lively music from African musicians and the energetic dancing of young children. It marked the first time that anyone had been sworn in as a citizen at the Ghana Embassy. “I’m so grateful to all. I thank you so much for this honor,” Fletcher, known as Mother Fletcher, said before signing her citizenship papers. Her brother echoed Fletcher. “I’m so thankful to Ghana, and all of you,” Ellis, known as Uncle Red, asserted.

Notable attendees at the ceremony included Oklahoma State Rep. Regina Goodwin, news personality

Tiffany Cross, and Ambassador Erieka Bennett. Ambassador Bennett emphasized that being African is not defined by birthplace, but by one’s connection to the continent.

“You don’t have to be born in Africa to be an African,” the Ambassador declared. “Africa is born in you.”

Cross, the former MSNBC anchor, spoke of feeling the spirit of Africa and her ancestors in the room, while Goodwin expressed pride for Fletcher and Ellis’s sur-

vival as proof that the African spirit cannot be broken. - ADVERTISEMENT -

“This is what it’s all about,” Cross related. “The spirit of Africa, it’s powerful and rich history.”

Fletcher and Ellis’s acquisition of Ghanaian citizenship is a significant milestone in their long and remarkable lives. As survivors of one of the worst race massacres in American history, their journey to Ghana represents a symbolic homecoming and a powerful reminder of the resilience and perseverance of the African spirit.

The ceremony also highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of the African diaspora and their continued connection to the continent. As Africa continues to strive for unity and progress, Bennett said events like this serve as an inspiration to all those seeking to embrace their heritage and contribute to a brighter future for the continent.

“Ghana is so welcoming, and it is for everyone,” Bennett stated, concluding that she wanted all throughout the diaspora to know they can visit or even live there. “Welcome home,” she said.

The historic event took place on Tuesday, February 28, at Ghana’s embassy in Washington, where Fletcher and Ellis were formally sworn in as citizens of Ghana.

cial turnaround of the IMD, successfully retiring more than $40 million in debt. And that’s why “Crains Chicago Business,” characterized me as one of Chicago’s 50 most powerful women.

Suzet notes that the independent government does not receive funding from other governments-- city, county, state or federal. That meant the district was responsible for generating its own revenue. What’s unique and interesting about the structure is that, while it is a unit of local government, the CEO reports to a seven-member board whose members are all politically appointed.

Suzet says, “I think the reason why many people characterize it as a city within a city, is because as the CEO, one has zoning and building authority within the boundaries of the district which is unheard of. Within the city of Chicago, the city’s planning department controls zoning, and the building department controls building except within the Medical District.”

BrINGING SKIll releVaNce

Suzet set out to advance health care, health education, biotechnology, and technology innovation, and then the overarching area of fostering economic growth. In 2017, Rush identified, a 16-year difference in life expectancy cross comparisons between those who live on the west side of Chicago--West Garfield Park, versus the Gold Coast noting that west siders lived 16 years less than their Gold counterparts. The conditions are many but at the base was economics.

“As CEO, I saw that as my community health problem, I had to figure out something that the Medical District could do to help close the gap. We had 40 acres of land in the Medical District that was vacant which was a real estate problem.” The question was how to best utilize the land and leverage the best and high-

est use for developing it. She resolved, “I was going to build a life sciences innovation park on 30 acres because I knew of the economic benefits that the life sciences could bring to a depressed area, like the west side of Chicago.” Suzet explains, “One of the most striking statistics that I discovered was that roughly 30 to 40% of life sciences jobs only require a high school diploma or GED. And suddenly, the light bulb went off, I could help to solve my community health problem with my real estate problem.

Coincidently, Trump passed the tax cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which created qualified ‘opportunity zones.’

They were an incentive for wealthy real estate investors and developers. If they would invest in or develop within qualified opportunity zones, all of which were in depressed areas, they could hold the asset for 10 years after which, if they chose to sell the asset, they would not have to pay any taxes on their capital gains from the sale of the asset into perpetuity. Fortunately, a portion of the Medical District, where I had the 30 contiguous acres of vacant land, fell into a qualified opportunity zoning.

The challenge was finding the right real estate developers to develop in her opportunity zone. “But she recalls, “Most weren’t interested in doing ‘life sciences’ construction. And quite honestly, the only real estate developer that wasn’t calling me was Sterling Bay.” She called them, “Well,” she says, “It just so happened that, that they were starting a life sciences division within Sterling Bay.”

How coincidental was that? Suzet joied Sterling Bay in January 2021. Today, Suzet McKinney is Principal and Director of Life Sciences for Sterling Bay, overseeing relationships with the scientific, academic, corporate, tech, and governmental sectors involved in the life sci-

Faith & Religion

ences ecosystem. She also provides the vision and leadership strategy to expand the company’s footprint in ‘life sciences nationally.

She says, “It was a big pivot for me, but one that made sense.” She was excited about the possibilities because Sterling Bay had a big focus on helping Chicago to become a major life sciences market and to expand the company’s footprint in the life sciences nationwide.

wHat are lIFe ScIeNceS eXactlY aND

wHat DoeS It MeaN?

Suzet, says, “When I explain it, I say in its simplest terms, life sciences are those things that contribute to the improvement of human health and animal health.”

Suzet shares that the first life sciences building that Sterling Bay has, is the former research building of Children’s Memorial Hospital. “We purchased that building from them and Sterling Bay made improvements to transform the building to what it is now. And we are just finishing up the construction of our second life sciences building, establishing our very large signature development here in Chicago.”

Give Up Sin For Lent? Which One? Lenten Series Pt. 2

Liz Lampkin CNW Staff Writer

Sin. It’s what separates believers from God. They are daily temptations to step outside of the commands God has in place for believers. They are the actions, some intentional some not, that hinder spiritual growth. Each year for the season of Lent, believers are challenged to fast, pray and sacrifice to emulate Chris’s actions of fasting and prayer as a part of HIs journey to the cross. This is done to reflect on what He did for us and remember Him. Many believers are focused on making materialistic and habitual sacrifices. Some have even been challenged to give up sin. While this is a challenge for all believers, and sinners to practice, how can this be practically and realistically done? How does one who is born of a sinful nature give up what comes naturally to them? Here’s how.

• Know what sins are committed against God according to His Holy Word. We have to recognize what was done, and then confess it to Him. When we confess our sins to God we are in honest agreement with Him about our actions. Many times we aren’t honest with ourselves about the sins we’ve committed, so we rationalize them as mistakes or missteps rather than seeing them as sin.This minimizes them and can cause us to often repeat them. If believers are genuinely trying to become more Christ-like, we must first acknowledge

our sins as sins and reflect on why we are drawn to sin. Growth and change can’t happen from our hearts if we aren’t honest about our sins to ourselves and to God.

• Understand that sins are committed against God and not man. Many people take offense to the sins of others and often judge them because they are offended, they’ve forgotten their own sins or they are measuring them against what they would have done. When sins are committed they are against God.

• Ask God for forgiveness. When we ask God for forgiveness from our hearts we are displaying our growth as His children and restoring our relationship with Him. When Jesus died on the cross it was for the sins of the world. However, as sin natured creatures we sin against God daily, therefore we need His forgiveness daily.

• Intentionally practice repentance. Repentance is changing your heart, mind and actions. As a believer, repentance must be a daily practice. It’s vital to the Christian walk to make changes and turn away from sinful thoughts and habits. When you think about it, forgiveness and repentance go hand in hand. While asking forgiveness for a particular sin, one must be prepared to intentionally make changes in their lifestyle.

• Give yourself the grace that God gives you and make

good use of it. During the forgiveness and period of grace, take some time to evaluate what sin you committed, why that sin was so tempting and ask for guidance on how to walk away from it, if you are ready to do so.

• Intentionally identify a sin that you would like to rid yourself of and work towards letting it go. If there is a sin you have grappled with and you believe that it’s hindering your spiritual growth and relationship with God, begin taking small steps to walk away from it. Acknowledging, confessing, asking for forgiveness, praying for healing/help and reading God’s Holy Word is a start towards walking away from sin. Human believers are sinners, but the God who lives within gives strength to help sinners be more Christ-like.

Giving up sin is not an easy thing to do, but it can be done one day, one sin at a time. Try to practice giving up one sin this Lenten season so it can become a part of your lifestyle.

Liz Lampkin is the “Wright Now Writer”. She creates Faith and Lifestyle articles to give a voice to the unheard. Follow her on social media @Liz_Lampkin.

Bottlenecks of Bud Bureaucracy

By Dr. Mila K. Marshall Cannabis Corner Editor

Extensions granted for the 95% of craft grow licenses come with great relief. Growers are the genesis of the supply chain and without product there are no profits. Communities are benefiting from the holistic approach to addressing violence intervention through the state’s Renew, Restore and Reinvest (R3) program, Chicago News Weekly reached out to the agency to learn about the broader impact and challenges. Finally, as Chicago prepares to elect a new mayor, new leadership can catapult cannabis towards deeper social equity commitments. This week’s Cannabis Corner is all about the bottlenecks of bureaucracy and reflecting on the rewards if and when we get equity right.

Growing Pangs

Covid-19 and supply chain issues were identified as influencing the Illinois Department of Agriculture to grant operational extensions to craft growers. The March 1, 2023 deadline has been pushed back to February 1, 2024 for licenses awarded in 2021. For 2022, Craft Grower recipients have until December 1, 2024 to become operational.

The IDOA website states:

“Licensees should be aware that additional extensions may not be granted, and the Department retains the authority to adhere to this operational deadline, regardless of factors related to finances, ownership changes, location-related issues, or other reasons.”

“I appreciate the extension,” shared Reese Xavier of HT23, yet he has some concerns about the extension timing and payment for license renewal.

“The extension date is now pushed to February first of 2024 but my license renewal date which is this summer around June or July I’ll have to pay $40,000. If I’m not operational by that date, I only have 7 months with that timeline.” - Reese Xavier, HT23 Xavier and his team have a way to go for raising capital, but he and his team have pivoted to a new approach for becoming operational before the February extension.

Of the 85 Craft Growers listed on the IDOA’s website at the time of this publication a dozen were listed as having construction approval. None of the 11 licenses with Chicago addresses have even a construction permit. The state stands to earn about $3.4million from craft grow license renewals from establishments that are still seeking capital themselves. Average estimates range from $6.5 million to $10 million to open and build out a craft grow facility. Entrepreneurs are therefore looking to raise between $500 million and upwards $850 million in an industry where access to capital is limited due to marijuana being federally illegal.

The Politics of Payments

The creation of the R3 Board brought with it a vehicle to make an impact in communities through a funding process to support justice im-

pacted communities and individuals. The Emergency Violence Pilot awarded a little over $3.5 million to 21 organizations. Recipients like the DuSable Museum and the Chicago Urban League received funds for their Assessment and Planning projects. The state celebrated awarding 80 community groups $35 million under the leadership of Lt. Governor Juliana Straton. The required 25% of marijuana tax dollars for violence prevention, trauma and re-entry services is a much-needed source for transitioning cannabis dollars into the local economy.

Chicago News Weekly was tipped off to an emerging issue with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority disbursement of grant funds, the agency charged with managing the grant process. Being made aware of possible challenges, ICJIA was invited to answer questions related to grant awards and their awareness of complaints. When ICJIA was invited to comment Cristin Evans, Public Information Officer’s III for ICJIA shared the following response:

“We are going to hold off on the other responses until there is more information on the organizations that are having trouble. Distributing R3 funds in a timely manner to organizations serving their communities is a top priority so let us know what you find out so that we can check into it.”

Chicago News Weekly subsequently submitted a FOIA request for program details and will continue to follow the story on both sides.

Should Chicago follow in Evanston’s footsteps?

Two candidates are vying to lead Chicago for the next 4 years. Under the Lightfoot administration cannabis advocates have struggled to understand the city’s game plan for the city’s cannabis tax dollars. Evanston for example decided to fund municipal reparations with cannabis tax dollars. However, the city found itself with only one retail store. Recent conversations for consumption lounges in Evanston, IL have highlighted an opportunity to promote safe and fair consumption while feeding the reparations fund. Remarks from a memo published in the Evanston Roundtable, Health & Human Services Director Ike Ogbo stated, “Consumption lounges may be viewed as an equity issue for residents who reside at properties where cannabis consumption is prohibited.”

In April of 2022 Chicago got its first consumption lounge, Green Thumb Industries’ Rise dispensary at 1325 Armour Blvd. While Evanston is looking at rezoning ordinances to follow suite for opening consumption lounges for good reason, Chicago seems stalled on what to do with their cannabis tax dollars.

As Covid disseminated Chicago’s tax base Mayor Lightfoot canceled plans to eliminate 350 city jobs thanks to the cannabis tax revenue earned by the city. Under her tenure the city created a bond against future marijuana revenue to deal with a $2 billion budget shortfall as was reported in a 2020 Leafly article. The cannabis community has been waiting for leadership to work collaboratively to decide how that money should be used. Maybe the next mayor won’t let this critical aspect of financial equity go up in smoke.

Arts & Culture

2nd Annual Chicago Culture Ball

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Writer

Chicago is made up of hundreds, undoubtedly thousands of Black Chicagoans making a difference every day. All deserve their accolades, but 10 very special leaders were celebrated for being extraordinary. After a three-year hiatus, history-making and legacy-building were in full display at this year’s second annual Chicago Culture Ball. Covid interrupted the sophomore celebration which would have been in 2020.

Nearly 500 attendees convened in Ravenswood to celebrate the 2nd class of honorees on Saturday evening February 25th to join the guests of honor and relish in the renaissance of Chicago’s Black economy.

Critics of Chicago culture often ignore the contributions of positive Black influencers. The broadcasting of negative stereotypes has

flowers to the individuals that bring energy to the great city of Chicago, as well as create a space to celebrate Black culture, joy and love not only during Black His-

shaped local and global opinions of Black Chicagoans. Yet over the years, Black Chicago culture has shifted. Post-pandemic the culture can best be described as having an electric vibe of gratitude and awareness and being unapologetically Black.

“As one of the founders of the Chicago Culture Ball, I’m super happy to be a part of highlighting Chicago’s tastemakers and those that put on for the city. This is for us, by us,” shared Joshua Mercer.

Mercer and his band of brilliant businessmen; Jeff Osujii, Femi Masha, Larry Raji, Ronald Platt, Charles Marin and Bobby Burke, all reflect the spirit of excellence in their respective careers.

Recognition goes a long way. “It’s important to give

tory Month but year-round,” said Astin Hayes, Channel Market Manager of Remy Cointreau and sponsor for the evening’s celebration. Hayes herself was honored in 2019 as CEO and Founder of TipOff Game, “a game for the culture”.

Many awardees’ ambitions and motivations were tied to family. Dave Jeff, Owner of PHLI also lifted up his late mother as an inspiration in his life who taught him to embrace being good to others and staying true to himself. Honoree Felicia Foster also attributed some of her success to her mother, acknowledging the sacrifices modeled.

“The fact that the Culture Ball is recognizing me…I’m taken aback, I’m humbled by this experience to know

Dave Jeff, Owner of PHLI, Chicago award-winning singer and songwriter Jeremih, Felecia Foster, Head of U.S. Talent, Henry D. McGhee Jr., Founder of Henry’s Sober Living House, Jonathan Swain, Entrepreneur and Founder of Hyde Park Summer Fest, Mike Irvin, Head Boys Basketball Coach Kenwood and CEO of Mac Irvin Fire, Ross Mac, Media Executive Macanomics, Val Warner, Emmy Award Winning Host of ABC 7 Chicago, ChiGivesBack, Chicago non-profit and Betsy Ziegler, P.A.C. Award Recipient. Shown with founders of the Culture Ball.

that someone is inspired by me.” - Felicia Foster

She believes Black culture is tapping into our challenges and our success and that Black excellence should be celebrated every day.

“It’s awesome that there is a platform to honor those of us who are doing good in the community and it feels good to be among some amazing people,” shared Ross Mac of Macanomics. His work on financial literacy for Black communities has been featured in Forbes, Revolt TV, Black Enterprise, and Essence.

All of the honorees have a natural interest in giving more than receiving in common, and according to Jonathon Swain, creator of Hyde Park Summer Fest, it is ultimately love that connects the culture of Black Chicago.

When asked about his hopes for the culture moving forward Swain said, “ I hope we embrace everyone and find ways to connect and work towards the common good of lifting everybody up, If we can do that we are going to be alright.”

At the culmination of the awards, Mayor Lightfoot arrived to deliver an impassioned speech where she too echoed the importance of working together for the benefit of the Black community. For the balance of the evening, local legendary DJ Sean Mac moved the beautiful crowd as they danced the night away.

Photo #1: Those honored included

Boulevard of Bold Dreams A REVIEW

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor in Chief

The outcry from Black theatre leadership in Chicago and throughout the country emerged in a big way after the pandemic. Their recent demonstrative responses to the racist barring or prohibiting of works by Black playwrights, directors, and actors now find that traditional theaters are opening their mindset and seeing the value of Black stories. The Goodman, The TimeLine, and Court Theaters have rotated Black plays into their scheduled seasons moving from the August Wilson-only annual presentation. This is a huge step opening doors to younger Black playwrights and fresh modern stories. TimeLine has showcased some recent work by celebrated and new playwrights featuring the direction of Ron O.J. Parsons and most recently Malkia Stamply who directed Boulevard of Bold Dreams, written by LaDarrion Williams. The production will continue through March 19, at 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago IL. 60657.

“Boulevard of Bold Dreams,” explores the Black experience snapshot of that historic day of February 29, 1940, when Hattie McDaniel made history when she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind, becoming the first African American to win an Oscar. Don’t worry, it’s not her autobiography,

instead ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams is a meditation on a pivotal moment in her life. This interesting look at a day in the life of Hattie Mc Daniel is the world premiere. It is the provable behind-thescenes perspective of that moment in her life that we get to ponder the emotional and social impact of her nomination and her eventual win. The play takes place in a cocktail lounge in the Cocoanut Grove Ambassador Hotel, in Hollywood, California.

The play opens in the cocktail lounge, and we meet Arthur Brooks a big dreamer working his way up to his future vision of himself as an Academy Award-winning Director of a big picture film. He’s so excited about the idea of Miss Hattie McDaniel winning that night. In fact, he’s sure that she’s going to win. Then we meet his best friend Dottie Hudson who fled with Arthur the oppression of their hopes and dreams that’ dry up and fester’ in the southern town of any place in the south. They work as bartender and hotel maid respectively, at the Cocoanut Grove Ambassador Hotel. We enter their world of dreams and fears, and we recognize Arthur as the die-heart romantic. He’s put all his hopes into the future which he somehow feels is very connected the win for Hattie Mc Daniel. It will be a sign that ‘things are changing for Colored folks.’ On the other hand, Dottie’s view of the view is dark, and the brightness of hope is very dim. She’s not

so sure about the outcome of the evening. She doesn’t believe that white folks will honor Miss McDaniel. Because Mc Daniel initially was not permitted to sit in the room at Cocoanut Grove Ambassador Hotel where the Academy Awards were held. This was consistent with her having not been included in the film’s Atlanta premiere. Studio head David O. Selznick asked that McDaniel be permitted to attend, but MGM advised him not to, because of Georgia’s segregation laws. Clark Gable threatened to boycott the Atlanta premiere unless McDaniel was allowed to attend, but McDaniel convinced him to attend anyway. The insistence of Clark Gable’s indignation of the racist treatment of Miss. McDaniel’s ended with her being seated at a small table in the back alone.

We know the outcome but what we don’t know is the pain and the burden Mis McDaniel suffered from the weight of the two- edged knife of being acknowledged as paving the way for Blacks in film, while also being denigrated for

playing roles depicting harmful stereotypes. And worse, she was given an acceptance speech to read, reportedly written by MGM to control her message to the world. This happened in America in 1940!

“Boulevard of Bold Dreams, “ tells the story of how the dreams of three people merge as one that conjures up the hopes and vindication of a people.

Fabulous set design, great direction, strong acting/delivery, and well-written dialogue,

• Critique . . .I look forward to the time when the research of the Dramaturg inspires the playwright to push harder at crafting dialogue more accurately depictive of the period. The dependency of profanity should not be a crutch which I find is consistent with younger writers, who apparently have no knowledge that Black women of a certain cultural realm and era did not use loosely if at all.

Food & Wine Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Mare Evans CNW Contributor

Tired of fast food, or carry-out meals for lunch; you definitely can’t afford the time it takes to dine on your lunch break and finally going home for lunch is out of the question. For the days you have time, why don’t you cook up a warm and satisfying hot lunch the night before? Try the Japanese Teriyaki Bowls. They are fast, budget-friendly, and most importantly, they’re so delicious and comforting.

TERIYAKI CHICKEN BOWLS RECIPE

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls Recipe is a quick and easy Japanese dinner that can be made within 15 minutes. Tender chicken is tossed with sweet, savory, and garlicky teriyaki sauce and then served with rice and steamed broccoli. No marinading needed! It’s better than takeout from your favorite Asian restaurant!

There’s no secret I love Asian food. Beef Stir Fry, Spicy Salmon Roll, and this Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls are on our weekly rotation recently.

Teriyaki bowl is chicken breast seared in a skillet with teriyaki sauce and then served with rice and vegetables. It’s so quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. If you have sous vide machine at home, you can also try our Sous Vide Teriyaki Chicken. You can also use this for meal prep as it lasts for 4 days in the refrigerator.

The homemade sauce is addictive and so much better than any store-bought bottles. You will want to drizzle it on everything including the rice and steamed broccoli!

CHICKEN TERIYAKI SAUCE INGREDIENTS

The best part of the teriyaki chicken bowl recipe is the sauce! It’s made of a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand:

• soy sauce: (use low sodium)

• vinegar

• sugar

• garlic

• cornstarch

• optional ginger or ginger powder

HOW TO MAKE TERIYAKI CHICKEN BOWLS

STEP 1: COOK THE CHICKEN BREASTS

Sear cubed chicken breasts until golden brown.

STEP 2: MAKE TERIYAKI SAUCE

Make chicken teriyaki sauce and add it to the pan. Cook with the chicken until the sauce thickens.

STEP 3: COAT THE CHICKEN WITH THE SAUCE

• Mix the chicken with sauce thoroughly.

• Serve cooked chicken on top of steamed rice in a bowl with broccoli.

Quick and easy! Teriyaki chicken rice bowl will be on your dinner table in no time!

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST TERIYAKI BOWL

• Both chicken breasts and chicken thighs work for this recipe. Cube them into 1-inch pieces for quick cooking.

• You can also use mirin and sake to make authentic teriyaki sauce if you have them. Use a 1:1:1 ratio among soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Add sugar according to your personal taste.

• Serve it over rice in a teriyaki chicken rice bowl. Or you can cook pineapple with your chicken for teriyaki chicken pineapple bowl. For a healthy recipe, you can serve it with lettuce wraps or brown rice.

HOW TO MAKE TERIYAKI SAUCE

There are many variations of teriyaki sauce. The traditional Japanese recipe consists of sake, mirin,

soy sauce, and sugar boiled slowly until thickened. Modern versions may use honey for sweetening, add minced garlic or ginger or incorporate toasted sesame oil. Cornstarch is also used for quicker thickening as well.

HOW TO SERVE TERIYAKI CHICKEN

Traditionally this recipe is served with rice and broccoli, but it’s also great with pasta and other veggies such as green beans, carrots, and asparagus. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep, and it reheats well. Store it in an airtight glass container and it’ll last for 4 days in the refrigerator. Pack and take to work.

If We MustCrown Rhianna

C.L. Blackburn CNW Staff Writer

Let it be known that Rhianna is the Beauty Rock Star, so it’s no wonder Fenty and Puma have waited with bated breath for her return. She’s that magical mega magnet that attracts makes her a brand’s best bet. She’s worth it. She’s that girl, tall and tan, young and lovely and everyone wants a piece of her magic. Just ask expert shoe designer Manolo Blahnik who began his very different love collaboration with her in 2016 shortly after she kicked off a line of sports shoes with Puma.

On March 1, Rihanna announced the return of her Fenty x Puma collaboration with a simple message posted to Instagram: “She’s back.”

The ‘beauty rock star’ is like water always flowing and the undercurrent is never predictable so her very nonchalant announcement was no surprise but expected maybe. Rihanna’s relationship with Puma began almost a decade ago. She first joined the brand in 2014 as creative director, and released a series of sell-out sneakers, staged a number of shows at New York Fashion Week, which received positive reviews from critics and customers alike. Then the Beauty Rock Star shifted her attention and segued from the last Puma collection in 2017, with the collaboration going on an informal hiatus.

We all know what came next. Fenty, a ready-to-wear line was launched in 2019 (the year before COVID-19) with LVMH, and Rhianna became the first Black woman to launch a luxury line with the top fashion conglomerate. Two years later, the brand shuttered with the pandemic causing a decline in sales. Details of what and when the new collaboration with Puma will include or arrive have not been announced. All we know is that it is “coming soon.”

What we can expect whenever the launch happens, is more of Rihanna’s style signatures that put a more playful bent on the athleisure staples that dominated the market during the early reign of chunkysoled sneakers, brightly-colored bodysuits, oversized graphic hoodies, and thigh-high boots. We can count on Rihanna to be the brand’s most effective ambassador. But who knows? Rhianna is full of the new and unexpected.