March 22, 2023

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The Real Candace Hunter

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

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

Make-Up-Artist

Melanie Weaver

E notes

One Drop is all You Need

Aconversation emerged about Blacks being usurped once again as a select group of entrepreneurial Black women gathered to propose advancing their businesses. The idea that we have been relegated to the current popular terminology, “people of color,” by dumping Blacks into the catch-all group phrase to include those other than white. I refuse to refer to us all as minority, when in fact, Asians, Africans, Aboriginals, Native-Americans, and Brown people which can include those of mixed African and Spanish descent are major. Thrown all together as minorities is disrespectful of the uniqueness of each group and the fact that each represent the dominant race groups on the planet. So how did they all get to be associated with the term minority? The only thing minority about any of these groups is actual balance of their financial standing in the world as individuals which independently is inconsequential, compared to those who are the minority race group by number in the world yet represent the dominant percentage of wealth.

Yes, whites don’t discuss that reality.

What they do very affectively is to categorize everyone to their liking and name them to establish your relevance or irrelevance, in the world while creating life stations for each group. And so it is, that these descriptive categories attached themselves and follow the people as labeled. Let’s look at the term ‘Blacks,’ to identify one group of people.

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To be considered Black in the United States, only one drop of African ancestry is required. That is America’s answer to the question, ‘Who is Black?” This definition reflects the long experience with slavery and later with Jim Crow segregation. In the South it became known as the “one-drop rule.’’ It is described in many ways such as the “one Black ancestor rule,” courts have called it the “traceable amount rule,” and anthropologists call it the “hypo-descent rule,” meaning that racially mixed persons are assigned the status of the subordinate group. This definition emerged from the American South to become the nation’s definition giving Blacks no choice in the matter. Read carefully and note that this American cultural definition of Blacks is taken for granted as readily by judges, affirmative action officers, and Black protesters as it is by Ku Klux Klansmen.

It should now be apparent that the definition of a Black person as one with any trace of Black African ancestry is inextricably woven into the history of the United States. It incorporates beliefs used to justify slavery and the Jim Crow caste system of segregation. Because Blacks are defined according to the onedrop rule, we are a socially constructed category in which there is wide variation in racial traits and therefore not a race group in the scientific sense. However, because that category has a definite status position built upon experiences mandated by the society, it has become a self-conscious social group with an ethnic identity.

Editor-in-Chief

Note that not only does the one-drop rule apply to no other group than American Blacks, but it is also unique in that it is found only in the United States and not in any other nation in the world. In fact, definitions of who is Black vary quite sharply from country to country, and for this reason people in other countries often express consternation about our definition. James Baldwin relates a revealing incident that occurred in 1956 at the Conference of Negro-African Writers and Artists held in Paris.

The story is told that John Davis the head of the delegation of writers and artists from the United States was introduced by the French chairperson who then asked him why he considered himself Negro, since he certainly did not look like one. Baldwin wrote, “He is a Negro, of course, from the remarkable legal point of view which obtains in the United States, but more importantly, as he tried to make clear to his interlocutor, he was a Negro by choice and by depth of involvement--by experience, in fact.”

The point? Black Americans have evolved from their experience a proud unique people, a mixture of various European whites and Native Americans tribes maintaining some of their African cultures and taking on that of their new world customs incorporating them and creating a hybrid culture.

This group of Blacks in America have emerged to be the thorn in America’s side we are here, and we are not going away. We have contradicted their lies of being less intelligent, childlike, incapable of managing complex and critical thinking, being shiftless and lazy, as we have risen despite all that they have done to stifle and stop us. Black Americans are winners, and we won’t be oppressed and held back any longer by any group. We are here and we are winning no matter how dismal it may seem. One drop is good enough for us as we move mountains to shift our position in this world that’s been constructed to destroy us. At this junction of politics meeting reality, let each of us vote from an informed position.

Kai EL’ Zabar

photo credit: Dot Ward

First, we are all grown here, so it won’t change what the statements say by not looking at them. Next, stop believing that you don’t understand investing and dig in. It is really not as complicated as many might think and for most investors who are using mutual funds, most of the investment work is done for you. In investing, the first thing that you need to live with is the fact that the investment markets generally do 2 things, go up and go down. It has never been the case that the market only does one of these things, and the only real question is how long will it go up or go down. It should also be

By Eric Grant CNW Columnist

noted that whatever you see being reported on television about “the market” doesn’t necessarily reflect how your investments are performing.

In recent times, you may look at your statement and conclude that you have lost money. Before you get upset, take a closer look at your statement and anywhere you see the terms “shares” or “units,” use the word “houses” instead. Note the current “house value” (instead of share or unit value) and the number of houses that you own. If you buy a home for $100,000 and for whatever reason, your neighborhood changes making your home worth $80,000, have you lost money? For most, their knee jerk reaction is yes, but the answer, as long as you continue to own the home, is really no. What you have actually lost is VALUE. Now….If you subsequently sell your home for $80,000, you have then officially lost money.

Real estate, just like the investment markets, goes up and down and in the same way as investments, the only real question is how long it will go up or down. If you buy a share of stock for $100, and its value drops to $80, you have not officially lost $20 until you sell that

Grab All of Your Investment Account Mail and Open Everything hEALTH & WELLNESS

Help Is Only a Phone Call Away

By Dr. Sharice Bradford CNW Staff Writer TRIGGER WARNING: This article discusses suicide prevention

Recently, I came across a post by a Facebook friend expressing their battle with suicidal thoughts. As she went through her experience, she mentioned that this was a struggle she has had for some time and though she was transparent, friends, family and people who were concerned for her health and well-being, no matter how supportive they were just never had the right words of comfort or encouragement. While in her time of crisis she was not sure of who or what she needed she knew that as her suicidal thoughts increased she needed help.

The good news for this woman and for all of us is that help is only a phone call away. This woman courageously, and it does take courage and strength to ask for help, called 9-8-8. 9-8-8 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This Lifeline is a ‘national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.’

Lifeline is committed to improving crisis services and increasing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. Their website https://988lifeline.org/ has a wealth of information and resources for all demographics of people and cover topics on many types of crises.

9-8-8 is not the only resource that is only a phone call

away. 2-1-1 is a new local crisis hotline that is in place to serve Chicago and metro Cook County. This service, like the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Specifically, this hotline connects Chicago and Suburban Cook County residents to essential health and social service support and information during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs. 2-1-1 helps connect residents to food, housing, utility payment assistance, health care, transportation, childcare, employment, mental health, disaster information and assistance, and more. Their website https://211metrochicago.org/ has information on all of the resources they provide.

Next is 3-1-1. 3-1-1, is a local hotline to help you with various needs. You can call 3-1-1 if the streetlights on your block are out. 3-1-1 is the number to call if your trash has not been collected, if there are trees that have fallen and need to be picked up or unattended animals in the neighborhood. Once a request is submitted through 3-1-1, it is then routed to the appropriate city department and the repair or request is scheduled. If you register on the 3-1-1 site, you can receive updates on the request you submitted. Help right at your fingertips.

We have seen and some of us may have experienced what happens when untrained professionals attempt

share of stock for $80. On the flip side, if this same share of stock increases in value to $120, you have gained $20 in value, and you have not made $20 until you share that stock for $120.

I will offer a word of caution at this point. The data tells us that most attempts at timing the market or predicting when it will go up or go down have proven unsuccessful for most everyday investors. My advice is to avoid reacting to the financial pornography talking heads on television and radio and devise a plan according to your own personal risk tolerance. There are any number of risk profile questionnaires that reside on your bank or financial advisors’ website that usually have 6-10 questions that help you determine what kind of investor you are and suggest an investment allocation that is suitable for you. Invest and allocate according to your risk profile and let the investment markets do what they do. Periodically, retake the risk profile tests and adjust accordingly if necessary. Most important, open that mail and be an active participant in your investments.

to intervene in mental health issues. Knowing that it is possible to place a call to professionals experienced in dealing with mental health issues can alleviate a lot of stress both for those who suffer with mental health issue and those who care for loved ones with mental health issues. This is why having resources such as 9-8-8 and 3-1-1 are crucial. They can be the difference between life and death for some people.

Last and absolutely not least we have 9-1-1. 9-1-1 is the number to call in time of emergency. House on fire, crime in progress, suspicious activity. All 9-1-1 issues. 9-1-1 is the national number for public safety concerns and is here for everyone when needed. 9-1-1 was created in 1968. Prior to that time residents needed to know the 7-digit phone number to contact emergency services. 9-1-1 eliminated that and gave residents nationwide a quick and easy way to contact emergency services when they needed them.

In these uncertain times, it is great to know that help is just within the reach of our cell or home phones. The ability to receive assistance as quickly as dialing 3 numbers can be a life saving measure for many people. Save these numbers and know that no matter what circumstances you may be dealing with in your life. Help is just a phone call away.

The first thing that you need to do is stop reading, and go grab all of that unopened mail from your retirement account and other investment statements, and open them. I’ll wait….

Building a Future from Preserving the Past

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Writer

While the Obama Center is getting lots of attention from lakefront developers and investors a steady pace has been set for the communities further south. Cultural institutions are anchors for revitalizing community economies and the fears of gentrification echoing throughout Woodlawn and South Shore are real. Development in Black Chicago seems synonymous with unaffordable communities.

Are there examples of development without displacement? Can we build infrastructure, and build Black businesses while building confidence that the investments will return in the form of healthy, affordable communities for Black Chicagoans? The answer appears to be yes.

Cultural institutions in the Black community are bridges to the past and pathways to new futures.“We are the epicenter of venture philanthropy and cultural economic development,” says David A. Peterson Jr. As President and Executive Director of the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (10406 S. Maryland) which was founded in 1995 by Dr. Lyn Hughes. It is America’s only Black labor history museum.

“Our collective work has spawned an entire neighborhood into development,” shared the local leader.

The concept of venture philanthropy sums up the type of investments into Black communities which draw upon the stories of Black history, innovation, talent and creativity.

“Venture philanthropy is the foundation of what our neighborhood can and will be when we use our history, heritage and culture as a means for social and economic development,” shared Peterson.

His bold vision is rebuilding the community, it is calculated and…it’s working. The museum welcomes guests from around the world but it isn’t just about helping people peer into the past. Guests are a part of true history in the making. Chicago is notorious for being a union town. Organizing seems second nature for the nation’s segregated cities, unions and benefit Blacks and Hispanics the most according to the Center for American Progress. Job stability, pension plans, life and health insurance can lead to greater savings and help mobilize Black workers to greater wealth generation. Peterson is making sure not only to tell the story of the Black labor movement but to leverage the institution’s cultural fingerprint to transform the Pullman Historic District into a world-class local economy for us, by us.

“The story that everyone is so passionately interested in is the story of the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters or the Pullman Porters. Our niche is to humanize

these brothers and help people understand through our programming and storytelling we have galvanized interest in the Pullman Porters to be seen not as servants… we teach people that their role was much bigger than a few gentlemen working on a train,” said Peterson.

The 28-year-old cultural institution along with other partners organized and lobbied former President Obama to proclaim what was previously known as the Pullman National Monument, the Pullman National Historical Park.

“We believe nonprofit work related to cultural economic development SHOULD spawn investment. The story of the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters is being preserved and interpreted. It has generated an enormous amount of investment. Right now we have a $30 million development plan slated for a block of vacant land, the foundation of which is the expansion of the museum to continue sharing the story of Black labor.” - David

Peterson Jr.

The Pullman Porters Black labor tourism district will be the world’s first and only and includes; the Jesse Jackson Civil Rights Wing, Jesse White Black Labor Research Library, the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters Ladies Auxiliary Women’s History Museum and Pullman Porters Row .

“We want to create a space where people can become shareholders and not just donors, we want to create opportunities for people to invest into this neighborhood and see a return,” said Peterson.

What Peterson and the community IS displacing is doubt. What they ARE building is trust.

2023 L1 Creative Entrepreneurship Cohort Fellows Announced Silver Room and Bronzeville Winery Owner, Eric Williams to serve as business mentor

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

Arts + Public Life (APL) an initiative of the University of Chicago announced their 2023 L1 Creative Entrepreneurship Fellowship Cohort. This year’s Cohort includes small-business owners, Samantha Jo of Balm Yard, Jamica Harper of Red Elephant Candle Co., and Keyon Huggins of Hyde & Park Co.

Samantha Jo and her brand “Balm Yard,” stocks a range of medicinal herbs, spiritual amulets, and other products used for remedies. Jo believes in the power of nature and its ability to bring healing that is both subtle and powerful. From oils to attract luck, candles to light up an altar, or incense to induce peace - Balm Yard has something for everyone’s individual needs. Samantha also founded The Aura House in 2017, a nonprofit that provides mental health resources for Black & Brown women of all ages in Chicago. The Aura House aims to provide the tools and resources necessary for women to share their stories, build meaningful relationships with each other, and learn valuable skills that will help them become empowered in their lives. Samantha is a descendant of the Gullah Geechee Culture on her father’s side and reconnected with her ancestry during the pandemic. Her Great-grandfather was known as a medicine man and had a black book full of recipes. It was then that she learned the shared history of spiritual practitioners in her family. “In reconnecting with my father and reconnecting and relearning my father’s family’s history, I felt like I had something to connect to spiritually and that furthered my healing. I was connecting with my ancestors and creating these blends that are wonderful for your skin but I’m also able to use everything spiritually and physically and I want to spark that interest in other people”.

Red Elephant Candle Company by Jamica Harper, produces soy handmade wooden wick candles that are blended with natural components such as lavender, sage, peppermint, ylang, Rose Otto, Clary Sage, etc. The hand-poured candles are made with the intention to focus on healing, relaxation, breathing, mental cleansing, or simply warm your space.

Hyde & Park Co. by Keyon Huggins is a candle and home fragrance company that amplifies unisex scents and minimalist vessels. Each product is hand poured and measured in small batches to ensure the utmost quality. Huggins is dedicated to providing modern scents for the modern home.

L1 is a hybrid creative business accelerator program intended to strengthen the capacity of the Chicago

South Side’s cultural sector and remove barriers to entry. Framed as an evolution of Arts + Public Life’s Vends + Vibes (a holiday marketplace), L1 is intended for ready-to-scale small business owners who have already developed a customer base and product line that is relevant to or well-received by Chicago South Side consumers.

“I am absolutely thrilled about the arrival of the L1 Creative Entrepreneurship 2023 Fellowship Cohort. They represent a remarkable group of small business creatives that bring a unique and vibrant energy to the South Side of Chicago. This cohort in particular are our neighbors. They each live in the Washington Park and Hyde Park area. Their entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision are sure to ignite positive change and inspire others in the community to pursue their dreams with passion and dedication,” said Fabiola Ramírez, Associate Director of Creative Entrepreneurship and Operations at APL.

Launched in Aug. 2020, L1 is located inside of the historic first “L” station, built in 1892 along Garfield Boulevard in Washington Park, and operated and managed by Arts + Public Life. The Creative Business Accelerator program provides both a 10-month fellowship and 700 square feet of shared brick-and-mortar retail space. During their 10-month fellowship, L1 fellows receive subsidized retail space, elevation-focused mentorship, and extensive training and educational resources from seasoned experts, tailored to the selected businesses’ needs. They also receive guidance on business strategy, management, leadership, social responsibility, sales, marketing, brand positioning, finance, and business law developed in partnership with Proximity, the urban planning and social impact arm of The Silver Room Foundation, plus resources and collaboration

with the UChicago Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Eric Williams, owner of the Silver Room and lead of the Silver Room Foundation, said the jury looked at a number of factors such as their business model, packaging, professionalism and how they can scale their business in determining this year’s Cohort. “I am filled with enthusiasm to reopen the L1 store and have the opportunity to work alongside and mentor Black small business owners. It’s a chance to not only help individuals achieve their dreams but to also contribute to the growth and success of the community as a whole.”

Williams says Proximity, the social impact arm of the Silver Room Foundation seeks to help support local business owners and provide opportunities to help contribute to their growth and success. “I started by asking the question, How can I assist other people in this process? I wanted to give other entrepreneurs and creatives resources and access to tools and the things I didn’t have when I began as an entrepreneur.”

Williams also owns the Bronzeville Winery, a Blackowned eatery, wine bar, and cultural space opened in a larger development known as “440 Grove”. Mayor Lightfoot’s Invest South/West initiative and money from the Neighborhood Opportunity fund provided financing for the project. Williams said he hopes the next mayor provides support and resources to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. “The Invest South/West initiative was a perfect example of how public city funding can help private businesses. Small businesses create communities.”

L1 is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm starting March 17th. Items are also available for purchase online at www.shopL1.org.

Left to right: Jamica Harper/Red Elephant Candle Company, Samantha Jo/Balm Yard and Keyon Huggins/Hyde and Park Co

Justin Blake Fights to Save His Mother’s Home

Tammy Gibson CNW Staff Writer

The Blake family is no stranger to tragedy. On August 23, 2020, Jacob S. Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot in the back seven times and seriously injured by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The entire incident was captured on video and changed Blake and his family’s lives forever. Jacob Blake is now paralyzed from the waist down, his children traumatized and his family demanding justice. The family is now fighting to save their family home. Justin Blake is the son of Rev. Jacob Blake, Sr., who was a civil rights activist and a pastor at the historic Ebenezer AME Church in Evanston, IL. Justin Blake has been sleeping on the bridge at 93rd & Lafayette over the Dan Ryan expressway during rain, sleet, and snow. To keep himself warm, Blake covers up with plastic. Drivers can see Blake raising the sign that says “Save the Blake Family Home,” and pedestrians that cross the bridge can see Blake sitting in a chair with a red, black, and green flag, talking about his mission. Blake needs to raise $30,000 to save his mother’s home located on 70th & Wabash. The Blake House was purchased by Blake’s great-grandparents, Arthur and Lola Williamson and grandparents, and L’ouverture and Jean Goudeau. Blake’s father was not the only one in the family that was part of history. Arthur Williamson was a Pullman Porter for 40 years, and L’ouverture Goudeau was an instructor for the Tuskegee Airmen. Blake’s family was the first Black family that lived on the east side of the Dan Ryan. Blake compares his family to the movie “A Raisin in the Sun” written by playwriter Lorraine Hansberry which tells a story of a black family’s experience living on the South Side of Chicago dealing with racism and housing discrimination. “This home is a legacy that should be on the historical listing in Chicago and the nation. We must do everything we can to save this home,” says Blake.

Blake’s mother, Patricia, has lived in the home for over 30 years. Blake’s mother has dealt with health issues, and her income has been reduced significantly. Unfortunately, Blake’s mother fell behind in paying her property taxes for a few years. The home was purchased at a Cook County scavenger sale.

Blake says that many seniors, like his mother, on a fixed income, must make difficult decisions and decide what to pay for to survive, such as medication, groceries, and household expenses. Blake says there needs to be something done about the taxes in Chicago, especially back taxes. “It’s another tool of gentrification that has been used all over the city and the country,” says Blake. After Blake resolves the issues for his mother, he plans to go to the Cook County Commissioner to raise awareness and find a way to help families, especially seniors, that are struggling to pay property taxes.

Blake refuses to give up. Blake did not live in the home but has fond memories of spending the summer growing up. Blake is fighting to the last second. “We are choosing to stand in the face of the 11th hour. The property could be gone at any second. We are fighting for every inch of the property we gained over the years. Property is the biggest purchase people make in a lifetime and should be recognized as such, especially if they have been in the community for over 70 years. They are the anchor of the community,” says Blake.

Blake says the fight to save the home is not over. Blake is keeping the faith to protect the house, an essential part of their family legacy and a staple in the community. “I will not leave this bridge until we make them an offer they can’t refuse,” says Blake. To donate to save the Blake family home, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/savethe-blake-family-house

Tammy Gibson is a Black history traveler. Find her on social media @sankofatravelher.1

SECC Announces Neighborhood Beautification Grant

CNW Staff Report

The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is a nonprofit organization that works to facilitate and support economic development within the Southeast lakefront communities of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park, and Woodlawn and to foster collaboration and coordination among businesses, organizations, and institutions to promote the creation of jobs, investment, and economic vitality.

The SECC renamed the Neighborhood Enhancement Grant as the new Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program. Since 1999, more than $1,000,000 in grants have been awarded to over 200 community and faith-based organizations, block clubs, neighborhood schools, and park advisory councils to support neighborhood enhancement projects.

Newsome joined the SECC Board of Directors in 2006. She was appointed Board President in 2008 upon former board President Valerie Jarrett’s departure to serve President Barack Obama. Newsome led the SECC Board and the SECC’s efforts in housing, transportation, business development and retention, neighborhood improvement, and arts and culture. Newsome served on the SECC Board until 2020 and on the SECC’s Advisory Board through her passing in December 2022.

“For nearly 15 years, Ms. Newsome provided valuable insight, expertise, and guidance on how microgrants were dispersed. She directly impacted over 120 projects during her involvement with the program,” stated Diane Burnham, Executive Director for the SECC. “It only makes sense to recognize her efforts in changing the landscape of vacant lots and other public spaces, but also working to change the narrative of Chicago’s’ southside through placemaking efforts.”

“Congratulations, SECC on launching the Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program for 2023. Dedicating your program, focused on the beautification of our south lakefront neighborhoods, in honor of Shirley J. Newsome is a fitting tribute, Shirley believed that all of our residents deserved to live in communities with beautiful spaces,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

The 2023 Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Grant is designed to enhance the physical attractiveness and walkability of the Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Woodlawn, and Washington Park communities. The program provides reimbursable micro-grants to support beautification projects that enhance the quality of life and improve the aesthetics of the southeast neighborhoods.

The grant application is open through Monday, April 10th, 2023. The selected projects will receive grants of up to $5,000. Proposed projects must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be highly visible from the street

Be completed between June 1st – November 10th, 2023

Physically enhance and build on the uniqueness and character of the neighborhood

Strengthen civic pride and a strong sense of community

Be sustainable

Each proposal will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from the community areas and the SECC. The application deadline is Monday, April 10th, 2023. Information sessions will be held in each community area beginning March 14th, 2023. For more details about the Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program, please visit https://www.secc-chicago.org/neighborhood-enhancement-grant/.

March Madness Comes to the South Side Safe Streets Chicago Students Host Basketball Tournament with Chicago Police Officers

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

Tapping into the excitement of the NCAA’s March Madness tournament starting this week, high school student leaders from “Safe Streets Chicago,” a Student-led public safety coalition that invited officers to play, build relationships & trust with youth & local residents. High school students from Urban Prep Academy, Leo High School, Perspectives Charter Schools, and St. Francis DeSales High School came together to form a grassroots coalition, Safe Streets Chicago, in cooperation with school leaders, parents, block club members and public safety advocates to raise support for residents having a say in how to make their neighborhoods safe from gun violence.

The students were inspired to amplify the work that many of the schools, students and community leaders were doing already in their classrooms, on their blocks and in their neighborhoods to promote modern, innovative strategies to address Chicago’s violent crime epidemic.

Student coalition members meet on a weekly basis at their respective schools to create and discuss ways to collaborate with police and public officials to generate more support for greater investments in public safety technology. Held at Leo Catholic High School, Friday’s event was part of Safe Street Chicago’s mission to forge stronger partnerships between the community and police. Teams blended students and officers together with one student coach and one officer coach working together.

The tournament followed a student tour of the Chicago Police Department 7th District Strategic Decision Support Center where the students engaged in a candid discussion with local district leadership. During the discussion, students sought to gain a better understanding of the strategies, tactics and technologies CPD uses to combat the epidemic of gun violence, such as cameras, helicopters, and gunshot detection software.

Leo HS students, Coby Triplett and Isaiah Knox say touring the facility gave them insight into how CPD protects their communities. “We were able to see firsthand and interact with the police. We saw their technology and how they are working to prevent gun violence”, said Knox. Triplett added the visit and Friday’s game helped erase some of the negative stereotypes he had of police. “So many people stereotype the police and have a bad image of them, but we were able to get to know them and talk to them. Now I can say I know Officer Cox and he knows me. It helps create trust”.

7th District CPD Officer Cox agreed and said that

Black Business and Civic Giant, Edward G. Gardner Passes away at 98

CNW Staff Report

bridging the gap between young people in the community and the officers who serve the community was imperative. “That’s why we are here, said Officer Cox. We need them to see us, and we need to know them. Now we can have these conversations where they can understand that we are not here to scare them but protect them. We learn from these interactions and I need them to tell me what they need and assure them we are here to help.”

With the topic of community policing at the forefront in the upcoming mayoral election, Triplett, and Knox both say they are hopeful that other communities and neighborhoods will have programs like this. “It opened my eyes to how they are protecting my community”, said Knox. “I hope it helps bridge the gap and allows us to work better together”, said Triplett.

Officer Cox says events like this are what community policing is all about. “It’s about showing our humanity. This is what community policing is all about. Every school should have a program like this and an opportunity to get to know law enforcement in their district. If anything happens, these students can say, I can go to my local police Officer. I know him and that’s important.”

Coby Triplett agrees saying “We should have better connections and we shouldn’t be scared or fearful of one another. It makes our communities come together to become better.”

Follow them on social media @SafeStreetsChicago.

CNW Managing Editor, Danielle Sanders can be found on social media @DanieSandersOfficial.

Chicago has lost a true civic and community giant. Soft Sheen founder, Edward G. Gardner, humanitarian, business icon, and philanthropist, passed away peacefully Monday March 20 at the age of 98. He was surrounded by his wife, Bettiann, his children, and grandchildren. Gardner lived a life of selfless giving. He was best known for re-creating the historic Regal Theater, bringing major acts like Gladys Knight and newcomers like Tyler Perry to audiences at its location on the South Side. He was also known for being among the first to create a non-profit organization, Black On Black Love, that addressed violence in the community. Most of all, he was known, beloved and respected for using his company’s advertising and communication resources, leveraging a major financing initiative which raised over $300K, and staff to mount the campaign that registered over 200,000 voters in 1983, leading to the historic election of Harold Washington as Chicago’s first Black mayor.

In 2012, at the age of eighty-seven, he organized over 1,000 demonstrators on a march, alongside good friends Manford Byrd, Timuel Black, and Lerone Bennett, protesting the lack of Black workers at a major construction site on Chicago’s South Side.

In 1964, he and his wife Bettiann founded haircare company, Soft Sheen Products, Inc. In the years that followed, the company enjoyed exponential growth. By the late 1980s, it was the largest Black-owned beauty company in the U.S. Ed Gardner was a co-owner of The Chicago Bulls, and a board member at Chicago United and The Chicago Urban League. His son Gary remarked, “He was my father, my hero, my teacher. He taught me how to engage people with humanity and humility.” His daughter Terri added, “My father saw the untapped potential of his community. He believed that with access to opportunity, hard work, a quality education and safe neighborhoods, there is nothing we can’t achieve”.

A lifelong resident of Chicago, Edward George Gardner was born February 15, 1925, in the city’s West Chesterfield neighborhood to Frank Gardner and Eva (Brown) Gardner. He and his older brother, Frank, graduated from Fenger High School. After serving in the US Army in World War II, Ed earned his B.A. from Chicago Teachers’ College and an M.A. in Education from The University of Chicago. He pursued a career in education and worked part-time selling beauty supplies to local hair salons. In 1964, he and his wife Bettiann started hair care company, Soft Sheen Products.

Ed Gardner loved Chicago and Chicago loved him. A private family service will be held.

From left to right, Leo HS Senior, Coby Triplett, Officer Cox and Leo High School Senior, Isaiah Knox

6th Ward Candidate William Hall

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

6TH Ward candidate, William Hall is used to living a life of service. Hall graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Economics and from McCormick Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity.

For the past nine years, William has served as the Senior Pastor of St. James Community Church, just a few blocks away from where he grew up. Outside of his ministry, William traveled the world as Field Director for the Rainbow / PUSH Coalition led by Rev. Jesse Jackson and currently works as the Director of Faith and Community Partnerships for the child welfare advocacy group UCAN Chicago.

Hall faces Richard Wooten to replace Roderick Sawyer who ran unsuccessfully for mayor. In the Feb. 28th election, Hall received 24% of the vote compared to Wooten’s 23%. The candidates will face off again in the runoff election on April 4th. The 6th ward consists of the West Woodlawn, Chatham, Park Manor, West Chesterfield, Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham, and Englewood neighborhoods. Hall says he is ready to serve the residents of the 6th Ward as their next alderperson.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Why

He Decided to Run

He says a different type of leadership is needed now in the 6th ward. “This system needs a love ethic. It needs the justice side of faith. It made me ask the question, “how do I build a coalition to invest in the human dignity of people”, Hall said.

He says he prefers to be referred to as an elected official, not a politician because he sees his constituents as his supervisors. “I’m asking for the residents of the 6th ward to be my supervisors. It would be an honor and it’s something I take very seriously as an extension of the work I’ve been doing for over 20 years. Hall says his priorities as an alderperson are education, safety, and infrastructure.

On Public Safety

Hall says a public safety plan must involve the voice of the people that live in the 6th ward. He plans to work with community organizers, block clubs and police. Hall also says that the same public safety initiatives enforced downtown should happen in the 6th ward as well. “Part of my safety plan includes the voices of block club members because they are the ones in the meetings and watching what is happening in the neighborhood. I am taking those voices to the third and sixth districts to advocate for officers to walk the beat, ride their bikes in the neighborhood and be stationed in areas designated as hotspots.”

Hall also says his safety plan includes lighting up the neighborhood to deter potential criminals and adding more license plate readers to catch criminals. “I’m not asking for more speed cameras but I’m asking for more lighting in our streets, at intersections near parks and near schools. That slows things down and the license

plate readers help us catch hit-and-run offenders and those who are stealing catalytic converters and carjackers”. He says he intends to ask state officials, particularly those who live in the 6th ward to support this public safety infrastructure project.

On Education Hall says people move to a neighborhood based on what the neighborhood offers. He sees quality schools as a foundation for creating a better ward. “It’s about education equity. The current formula is based on the tax base of the neighborhood. More than 50% of the people who live in this ward, live below the poverty line.” He says he wants more state funding to subsidize what the ward isn’t receiving from the tax base. “Our elected state officials should be working to secure funding for our schools, so we aren’t waiting in line and fighting for scraps. Why can’t schools get new smartboards, computers, or air conditioners? I want our schools to look like gold star campuses where kids will want to go and learn.”

On Entertainment Areas in the 6th Ward Hall says the 6th ward historically has always been an entertainment center but says the ward needs an entertainment strategy that attracts the right kind of restaurants, bars and lounges. “Before we develop a new strategy for entertainment areas in the ward, we have to clean up what is already there. We have to do an evaluation of all of our businesses in the ward. I’m not talking about bars and lounges only, but we have to make sure that our neighborhoods are anchored by businesses that are doing right by the community and that are law-abiding.”

On Staying Connected with the Community Hall says he has a specific plan to stay connected with the residents of the 6th ward that utilizes social media, the ward’s website and several community meetings each month to address residents’ issues and concerns. His monthly meetings include a “community at large meeting, a daytime meeting specifically for seniors, an education meeting for principals in the schools within the ward, a public safety meeting open to all residents with local police commanders, a business meeting for small business owners, a block club summit meeting with block club presidents and community organizers and a men’s only meeting because he says, “men help to stabilize neighborhoods”. “Having these meetings every 30 days keeps us connected. It keeps our seniors connected, our businesses, our educators and our residents connected.”

His Plan for Seniors

Hall says he would like to bring a state-of-the-art center for seniors in the ward and plans to work with faith

leaders in the ward to create a safe space for seniors to connect with one another and enjoy programming and activities catered to them.

On Bringing Economic Development to the Ward Hall says bringing economic development to the ward includes adding more single-family homes to the area and helping businesses obtain grants from the city and capital from banks. “I want to look at an economic development plan that includes single-family homes. Businesses look for homeowners when planning where they want to have their business located. This means we also have to help residents become homeowners and we will work with our local banks to help residents attain the dream of homeownership. “whether it’s renovating a building for investors or providing capital for firsttime homeowners, banks have programs and capital for first-time homeowners or those who want to expand their portfolio.”

Hall also says there are “pockets” of land within the ward where there are opportunities to build new businesses from “the ground up” and other underdeveloped areas that could serve as areas for small business owners. Hall says with any field that involves service; you have to be in it for the right reasons. “You can’t get into this work for the money or the power. It won’t work. You won’t survive and eventually, you will be exposed. For me, serving this ward is a moral obligation and I don’t take the responsibility lightly.

Pritzker Administration Awards $38.7 Million to Improve Housing Accessibility and Stability for Vulnerable Illinoisans

CNW Staff Report

lessness, and one of the ways we are doing that is by investing in affordable housing developments to strengthen our capacity to serve vulnerable populations.

From Springfield to Cahokia Heights, this latest round of funding in federal and state dollars for IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing Development Program will ensure that more Illinoisans have access to housing in their own communities—giving them the support and stability they need to thrive.”

“Here in Illinois, a safe place to call home isn’t a privilege—it’s a right,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “My administration is committed to eliminating home-The Permanent Supportive Housing Development Program was created to support Illinois’ efforts increase the community-based housing options available to vulnerable populations and those leaving institutional settings. Developments funded by the program serve individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, persons with disabilities, veterans, and other residents who face barriers to stable housing. The program also encourages program sponsors to partner with a health and hospital system, coordinate with the Department

of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and DCFS grantees to house young adults aging out of DCFS care, or meet the housing and service needs of justice-involved individuals as they return to their communities.

“Funding these vital developments is crucial in helping individuals and families with a wide range of needs the ability to live independently in the community of their choice,” IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said. “IHDA is committed to continuing to utilize state and federal funding to finance the development of community-based housing to help break the cycle of homelessness, institutionalization, and crisis. We are grateful to have the support of Governor Pritzker as we help residents access the housing and support networks they need to thrive.”

In addition to stable housing, developments financed under the program help residents access a range of elective supportive services appropriate to individual needs and preferences, including case

management, health services and referrals, and employment resources.

“Thriving communities are built around access to safe and affordable housing. I’m thrilled to see the Illinois Housing Development Authority investing in projects in Springfield and Cahokia that will remove barriers to housing that too many families in our community face,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13). “I look forward to seeing these projects get off the ground to improve access to stable housing options in Central and Southern Illinois.”

“I’m thrilled to see federal dollars going towards developing supportive housing in our community. No Illinoisan should face housing insecurity and the Garden Apartments development will provide safe and affordable housing for IL-06,” said Congressman Sean Casten (IL-6) Financing for this round was awarded from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the National Housing Trust Fund.

Mayfield PromotesInsurance Equity for Ex-Convicts

CNW Staff Report

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tate Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, is aiming to promote reduced recidivism with a measure that would prevent insurance companies operating in Illinois from engaging in discrimination, denying coverage or charging higher premiums to applicants or insured people based on their status as a formerly convicted person.

Mayfield’s House Bill 1068 would prohibit Illinois insurance companies from denying coverage, refusing to renew coverage or charging higher premiums or additional fees based on a person’s status as a convicted felon. The bill was amended after debate in the House Insurance Committee to provide that insurers are allowed to refuse coverage for felons while they are still incarcerated. Mayfield led the bill through committee, where it was approved by a 2-1 margin.

“If we want ex-convicts not to reoffend, then making it harder for them to get back on their feet after prison doesn’t make sense,” Mayfield said. “We say that we want these people to stop committing crimes, get a job and contribute to society, but then we trip them up and sabotage them when they try—and scratch our heads when some of them end up back in the system. That’s why this bill is so important. We really need to take a step back and ask ourselves if our policies match our stated priorities. In this case I don’t think they do, and I’m hopeful that this bill can improve things.”

Mayfield’s office is reachable at 847-599-2800 or 60thdistrict@gmail.com

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We believe in Ronnie’s commitment to the 21 st Ward and know he’s able to deliver real results He has earned our endorsement

PUNCH #55 “ … And More

Politics

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he Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board announced the conditional awarding of nearly $39 million in state and federal resources that will finance the creation or preservation of permanent supportive housing across the state. Awarded under Round IX of IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing Development Program, the awards will support the construction and rehabilitation of 5 developments containing 100 units of affordable housing for persons at risk of homelessness, residents with physical challenges or mental health needs, and other vulnerable populations. To further support the success of residents over the long term, the housing will be integrated with flexible supportive services designed to help these households maintain their housing stability, health, and independence.

21st Ward Candidate, Cornell Dantzler

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

Retired Chicago Firefighter Cornell Dantzler says he is ready to lead the 21st ward and his military service and work as a Chicago firefighter have prepared him to lead. After serving in the United States Navy, Dantzler became a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department where he served for 25 years until his retirement. In addition to his work as a firefighter, Dantzler created a mentoring program for elementary school children called “The STEPS Program”. STEPS main focus is to teach children the importance of becoming productive citizens and contributing positively to their community.

Dantzler is seeking to replace the retiring Ald. Howard Brookins, Jr in the 21st ward which includes parts of Auburn Gresham, Brainerd, Longwood Manor, Fernwood and West Pullman neighborhoods. In the Feb. 28th election, Dantzler secured a seat in the runoff and will face community organizer, Ronnie Mosley in the April 4th runoff election. Mosley held 24.7 percent of the vote, while Dantzler held 22 percent.

Dantzler says he decided to come out of retirement to run for office because he saw a need to take the community “in the right direction.”

Dantzler says cleaning up the ward and public safety are his top priorities.

Beautifying the 21st Ward

Dantzler says vacant buildings and businesses that have abandoned their properties create public safety issues in the ward. He says to recruit new businesses the ward needs to look attractive. “The ward has a lot of businesses that are closed and the ward is in desperate need of cleanup. I’ve walked every street and every alley. I’ve seen refrigerators and stoves, washers and dryers, and car engines, and the ward has become a dumping ground. In order to recruit businesses the ward must be cleaned up and that’s one of the things I will work on.”

Dantzler also says improving public safety involves addressing the number of vacant lots and buildings in the ward. “We have around 1000 vacant lots in the ward. That’s TIF money that could be utilized if there was something on that land that was flourishing. The ward also has 600 vacant homes. It’s dilapidated properties that need to be torn down. They are death traps for my fellow firefighters who still run into these buildings to put out fires because of arson. These vacant homes are also safe havens for criminals. In addition, we also have 233 vacant businesses that are closed but the owners still use the property as a tax write-off. We have to stand up and hold them accountable. If you’ve got any stake in our ward you should be willing to help.”

On Crime and Public Safety

Dantzler says improving communication with law enforcement and residents, offering services for returning citizens and more youth activities are essential to improving public safety in the ward. “We have to make sure we have regular meetings with the commanders, lieutenants, and

the beat officers. I want them to come to the community meetings that I’ll be having, and ask them to explain what it is that they can do to help them make us all feel safer. We also have to work with our reentry citizens to provide expungement services or help them get jobs and job training. I also want to continue my mentorship program with young people. We have been doing this work for 40 years. Our young people need places to go which is why I’d like to see all of our parks open with programming for the youth.” Dantzler also says he supports more street cameras or license plate readers in the 21st ward but only in high-crime areas.

On Bringing Economic Development to the 21st Ward.

The 21st ward has seen some recent new developments in the community with the Healthy Lifestyle hub and the promise of a new Save a Lot Grocery store. Dantzler says the community should decide what businesses are needed in the ward. “Our ward is full of fast food, barber shops, beauty supply stores and beauty salons. Now every man has the right to feed their family and I’m not against that but we need to sit down with constituents and come up with a list of the things we want to see in our community. We need an urgent care center and we should have several dinein restaurants, we need bakeries and optometrists. There’s a list of things we don’t have but I’d like to work with residents to see how we can work together to recruit new businesses to the 21st ward. “

On his Opponent, Ronnie Mosley

Two weeks before the Feb. 23 election, 21st ward candidate Ronnie Mosely was accused of fabricating his academic credentials. Mosely responded to the controversy by saying, “I’ve said “I’ve completed studies” at Morehouse college and that is true but I did not receive my degree. Dantzler has called for Mosely to withdraw from the race and says the omission is indicative of his character. “I’m a constituent. I want to be informed of the resume and your character. How can I trust you to go down and represent us, when you lie about something like that? With all these years of disinvestment and all of the problems we have within our ward, we need somebody that stands on truth and someone who has integrity.”

A Historic Vote and the Tools It Gave Us

Ben Jealous NNPA Newswire

Vice President Kamala Harris is sure to be remembered every March in Women’s History Month as the first woman and the first person of color to serve our nation in that position. As notable as those two facts are, she may grow to be known just as much for a single vote in the Senate that helped save the planet.

Last August, she broke the 50-50 deadlock between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to pass the Inflation Reduction Act. That historic package, along with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Harris had crisscrossed the country in 2021 to build support for, give us a once-in-a-generation chance to protect the climate and build a cleaner, fairer economy. Both laws bear Harris’ mark. For example, the two packages provide billions to replace diesel school buses with electric ones and an additional tax credit for purchases that counties and cities make on their own. As a senator, Harris repeatedly sponsored bills to electrify the nation’s school buses. Similarly, she championed proposals to help recovery in low-income communities that bear a disproportionate burden of pollution and climate; the IRA includes $60 billion directed to help those places.

Harris’ role inside and outside Washington on envi-

ronmental issues isn’t surprising. When she was elected San Francisco’s district attorney 20 years ago, she started one of the first environmental justice units in a prosecutor’s office. When she moved on to be California’s attorney general, she fought to protect the state from fossil fuel interests, winning tens of millions in civil settlements and a criminal indictment against the pipeline company responsible for an oil spill off Santa Barbara, as well as suing the federal government to block fracking off the coast. It’s a path others have been able to follow in the years since (Columbia University keeps a database of attorneys general’s environmental actions now).

It’s a concern that runs deep. Like I did, Harris grew up in environmentally conscious northern California in a household deeply involved in the civil rights movement. She learned early that conservation was a good thing, so much so that she has joked she couldn’t understand as a youngster why people she knew said conservatives were bad.

The Biden-Harris administration has provided leadership. With Congress, they’ve given us the tools to clean up pollution, to boost communities’ resilience to climate related natural disasters like wildfires, and to create good jobs in clean manufacturing across the country in unprecedented ways. Through the infrastructure

and inflation reduction packages, the United States can spend more than double protecting Earth than we spent putting astronauts on the moon.

“I think we all understand we have to be solutions driven. And the solutions are at hand,” Harris said at a climate summit earlier this month. “We need to make up for some lost time, no doubt. This is going to have an exponential impact on where we need to go.”

It’s time for the rest of us to pick up those tools and build. There are powerful interests that would be more than happy to let the inertia that allows people and places to be treated as disposable continue indefinitely. Our planet can’t afford that, and we have to marshal a movement to prevent it.

Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club. He is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free,” published in January

EARLY VOTING IN CHICAGO OPENS MARCH 20!

n You don’t need a reason or excuse to vote early.

n Chicago voters may use any of the City’s 51 sites.

n Voters may register or file address changes at any site.

n Need to register? Have 2 IDs, one with your address.

Brandon Johnson is a husband, father, and former teacher who is running for Mayor because working families need a leader who’ll fight for them. Brandon can’t be bought by the insiders and special interests that run City Hall.

Brandon is the only candidate with a plan to make our streets safer and invest in Chicago’s neighborhoods, jobs, without raising property taxes.

BUILD A BETTER

AND VOTING IS THE FIRST STEP. ”

The Real

Kai EL’ Zabar CNW Editor-in-Chief

Candace Hunter wowed the people with her ‘Cameo Collection’ on canvas at the return of the Dixon School’s Cultural Connections last weekend which showcased Chicago’s crème de crème Black artists and others from across the country. For Candace it has always been that way. Ask those that know her and ask any artist, and they will tell you that she’s an artist’s artist. Clearly, she expresses herself creatively through her art always tackling something new and fresh, using different materials and sometimes actually switching up the genre and or discipline. Her work is not stagnant and continues to tell the stories of Black people. And perhaps most importantly, you can count on her work reflecting excellence on all levels . . . genre , discipline, materials, content, and intentionality. Because of that, she’s quite the darling in the art world today on our side. As the consummate artist, she has been gaining popularity and notoriety receiving accolades from grants to shows many which are very prestigious. Her work is without a doubt unapologetically Black aesthetically making bold political statements about humanity and inhumane.

Candace says that she’s always done what she’s done as an artist for as long as she can remember. She shares the story about, “My mother’s walls. . . She was paying someone to paint the interior of our house for the first time. When they moved the piano away from the wall the question was asked, ‘Do you want me to cover this up to?’ I had created a whole catalogue of drawings on the wall behind the piano that mother had never seen and it was my secret place where draw to my heart’s content.”

Candace goes on to say, “But I’ve always been a creative, whether I was creating plays, writing stories, drawing, sketching, doodling, performing. I have always done something that was bigger than me, the little girl, the teen, the young woman or now the slightly older woman that I’ve become. So it’s who I am. It’s not what I do. It’s who I am. And that’s nothing that I can change, nor would I want to.

About her work Candace says, “I understand that the ideas that create the work that I do, are not mine. My ideas come from someplace higher than me something much bigger than me. And that’s where the ideas come from. As an artist, it is then my responsibility to either answer those ideas or not. I can step away from an idea. However, if I’m going to answer it, then I have to be equipped to answer it the best way I can. So, it’s always important that I stay up on top of new materials, experimentation, taking classes, being in communion with other artists, having that kind of conversation, that feels the work that makes the work better. It is my responsibility to understand technique. It’s my responsibility to literally work at this. It’s not an easy life. It’s both physically exhausting and mentally challenging to do the work. I am grateful that the ideas are given to me very graciously. Therefore , I’ve have got to put them

forward. I’ve got to do the work.

Candace notes that it’s important to be familiar with the dynamics that were instrumental to her growth and development as the artist that she is. For her mother. Dr. Mae Hunter, an educator, the pursuit of academia was of the utmost importance. Primarily because she wanted Candace to be successful in being able to take care of herself. Art did not fit her idea of being financially able. Candace attended Catholic schools elementary through college and remains Catholic today. She tells the story of the ‘young gifted and Black’ young Pan Africanist who usually wore her head wrapped and draped herself in long garments. She was pursuing a major in religious Education major and a visual arts minor.

That was a pivotal moment for Candace on several levels, obviously education is important, but the pursuit of education is personal. One’s interest will drive their pursuit. Candace, learned from the chair of the theatre department that she had not declared theatre as her major yet. Surprised, she explained that theater

was not her major. The chair said, “Well, you’ve done everything except for the directing course.”

She walked out into the world with art and theatre in front of her. She met Val Gray Ward of the Kuumba Theatre Company, where she was hired as their artist-in-residence. She designed their flyers, posters and backdrops for the stage sets. Candace was doing all that when KUUMBA Administrators queried her and asked, “So your degree was also in theater? Can you teach? So Candace taught Kuumba’s beginning acting class and continued her other jobs.”

It was during that time the theater brought in a New York, director Michael Whitaker. I’d observe him at the theater and we had ‘like minds.’ He was working with Hazel Bryant, and they were going to produce the National Black Theatre Festival in New York at the Lincoln Center. Val Ward brought him in to direct James Baldwin’s the “ The Amen Corner.” And he and I had like minds. We’d often end up talking and laughing about the day. So, imagine two weeks before the show was to open Michael says, “Candi ( a nickname she’s

since retired) I need you to open up the play in the role of Sister Boxer.” And I responded, Are you crazy?” He was serious.” Understand that James Baldwin’s “The Amen Corner,” done full length is a three plus hour play. Sister Boxer is a major character so that were a lot of lines to learn. Long story short, Candace says, “I did it. Normally an actor rehearses 4 to 5 weeks, and the play runs 4 to five weeks so 10 weeks is the life for a theatrical piece. So, for a lucky actor they do maybe three plays a year.”

“Kuumba theater company played to sold out audiences in Chicago. We then they traveled east repeated the success in Springfield, Massachusetts to New York and performed at the Mitzi new house theater at the Lincoln Center as part of the Black Theatre Festival. After New York they traveled to Detroit Music Hall; performed in St. Louis returned to Chicago, where they and they opened a brand new theater to reprise it in Chicago. “So, I literally did the play for three years and it became an award winning ensemble. It was an amazing run.” The play was documented in a book, “In the Shadow of the Great White Way: Images from the Black Theatre” by and it captures a scene featuring Candace as Sister Boxer.

Candace had another 3 year theater run at the Organic Theater in Chicago where she played a dirty Vagabond in the play ER. “When Jackie Taylor, left to establish Black Ensemble Theatre Company in Chicago, I replaced her as nurse Julie. So, there’s seven years ’worth of performance without any real breaks.” Note that Candace notes that she was doing on camera com-

mercial work. And at that time, “I was one of two of the two most working black actresses in Chicago. Diane Shaw, and I probably booked more jobs than anyone else and I’m not being prideful.” It was pretty phenomenal.

At some point she moved to New York and then to LA in pursuit of the acting life. She returned home to not miss out on her nephew’s childhood.

Candace has worked two jobs in her lifetime like every day folk do. She held each for 18 months. One was with Jobs for Youth Chicago, where she started a mentorship program for young mothers at risk. And it was called the Optimum Mentorship Program. She worked at Gallery 37 as Career Development Officer. She helped kids enroll into schools for the arts. In each program, she did great work, and she remains in communication with some of the children whose lives her efforts made a difference.

She has engaged her genius with may projects one in particular in association with the Chicago Historical Society now the Chicago History Museum with Amina Dickerson who was the director of education, for her Sojourner program and

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brought in young women from those Black communities that no longer exists. For the program, Candace wrote, produced and directed, “Temika’s World,’ an award winning film short that has been critically acclaimed and is often requested for showing .

So fast forward. Back home in Chicago, Candace finds her groove and the art she produces takes on a life of its own. In the cradle of Chicago, she has done several large scale exhibitions. “Dust in their Veins,” about women and water rights, which I produce by myself,” she says, but at one show, the Carol Adams then Executive Director of DuSable Museum attended and asked Candace to install, the exhibition in DuSable’s new building. From there it went to the Murphy gallery at UC in Champaign Urbana, and at The Field Museum. Candace says, “And then the most marvelous thing is that people asked me to talk about water. Con-

Continued from page 15

sequently, “I have been a sought after speaker on women and moderators.”

Candace produced a solo show called Hooded Truths at the Southside Community Art Center which was important to her. It was a response to stereotyped thinking about hoodie wearing Black Youth who are under attack. And then the last large scale show I did, I did a show called “So Be it See to it.” I was returning home from London with my daughter whom I had taken for her 16th birthday. I had partaken in a program at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, it’s an incredible hotel that has an artist in residence program. Anyway, they present a finalist show I wasn’t awarded the Finalist Award, but I received the Popular Vote, Award. With the popular vote, I was gifted a space to do a solo show at the Intercontinental Hotel. Wow. So, forward. We’re in London.

“I was on the flight scrolling saw several articles that were about Octavia Butler” That’s when she discovers Octavia’s personal mantra. And thought, “Oh, okay, Octavia. Thank you.” So it was that moment on that flight from Detroit to Chicago, that I said, this solo show is going to be about Octavia Butler’s work. And the title of the show is her mantra. “So be it, See, to it! And so, I started the work as soon as I got back to Chicago.

I met, Amy Halladay who’s a curator in Massachusetts who reached out to me and invited me to participate as part of a residency at Yale. I accepted and observed her working with these brilliant young artists and technical

people. Their work was akin to the work done with the recent Van Gough Exhibition except it was my work that they used as the foundation.

But the Pandemic inspired the idea to work on smaller canvases because as Candace saw it ---it was it was space smart. She chose to work on 20 inch square canvases. I wanted to capture the little girls; she had heard laughing in front of Cabrini Green. I wanted that kind of whimsy and laughter and joy. And so, I started creating “My Brown Limbed Girls,” who were birthed to life. girls, and I would post them on Instagram and Facebook She received immediate wonderful responses. So, she continued to create them and sometimes she wrote short stories that went with them.

Next Candace forms a business relationship with the Stella Jones Gallery in New Orleans, one of the oldest Black woman galleries in the US. And she’s been doing the good work and the good fight down there for a very long time. It’s been a love affair ever sense and the Brown Limbed Girls are still being born and finding new homes as quickly as they are created.

Candace also has a series called “Black Men/White Shirts, and they are fabulous …

Finally,. . . Opening on November 13, 2023, will be her largest solo exhibition at the Hyde Park Art Center of integrating the works of Octavia Butler, “who, in my estimation is singularly the most powerful science fiction writer in the world,” says Candace, “So I am looking at two of her series, the Parable of the Sower and Parable the Talents, and the Zeno Genesis series. There’s so much to say and yet the Real Real is to experience the art. Mark your calendars now and be there.

She Owns It/She Biz Conference for Black Women Returns for the Second Year

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

She Owns It/She Biz Conference,

in partnership with UIC CHANCE Program, returns to empower Black Women for a second year in Chicago. The conference, sponsored by Wintrust Bank, will be held during Women’s History Month on Friday, March 24, 2023, at the UIC Forum,1213 S. Halsted. It is created and produced by Black women, specifically for Black women, with the support of Black men, making it a comfortable outlet to discuss issues important to them and their community. Anyone who supports or has a genuine interest in working towards inclusion and equity as they celebrate the Black woman is welcome to participate.

Christi Love, Founder of With an Eye PR and Conference Co-Producer with Kiela Wilson of The Lea Pearl Group Inc., saw the need for clients and friends who work with purpose to build businesses and careers to inspire the next generation of Black women in leadership. The first year of the conference focused on business owners and those who had a goal to start a business. However, the vision has expanded to include women looking to grow their careers in corporate spaces and community leaders working to make a difference in the world.

Christi Love says she was inspired to create this conference as a celebration of black women. “We had our first conference in 2021 on national entrepreneurs’ day because I wanted to celebrate my clients that were female entrepreneurs that made it through the pandemic because we were tired. It was a beautiful day of networking and learning and fellowshipping. After the event, other women asked me when we were going to do it again. So, my team and I got together and said let’s do it again and then from there, our conference committee was birthed”.

In commemoration of National Entrepreneurs Day (November 15, 2022), a Black Woman Magic Round Table was held to discuss Black Women in Society and the goals for this year’s conference. The full-day event will be an exchange of ideas, sharing opportunities, and socializing as we grow an authentic business sisterhood. The day will feature panel discussions, workshops, networking, entertainment, the chance to speak with ex-

perts one-on-one, and an expo component highlighting business resources and brands selling their products and services. The She Owns It She Biz Conference is growing to be an impactful event reaching beyond the walls of discussion.

This year’s conference features 6-panel discussions with industry experts and leaders. The topics discussed this year are “She’s the Executive”, “She Takes Care”, “She’s the Business”, “She Creates”, “She Reports the Culture” and “She Uses her Voice”. In addition to the panel discussions, the conference will also feature workshops covering a variety of topics including, selfcare, public speaking, healing, meditation, goal setting, and more.

Motivational speaker, actor, author and life coach, Simeon Henderson says he’s honored to participate in a conference that celebrates the strength, intelligence and resilience of black women. “I was really close to the black women in my family and that showed me the importance of the woman, how to respect the woman and protect the one that protected me. So, everything that I’ve ever done in life, from a successful standpoint, was rooted in everything my mother taught me. I am going to show these women just how strong black men can be, and how much we appreciate them. To be able to stand up, and not only encourage my sisters but let them know how much they mean to us is everything to me.”

The keynote speaker for this year is Dr. Gena Jones, founder of Business Boss LLC, a successful attorney, CPA, certified tax resolution specialist, and author of “Legacy Made Simple.”

This year the conference also honors trailblazers, Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago Crusader publisher, Dorothy R. Leavell, N’Digo publisher, Hermene Hartman, Community Advocate, Miracle Boyd, Dr. Carol Adams, and Jeanette Foreman.

Honoree, Jeanette Foreman says receiving this recognition is special. “It’s a crowning honor. I’ve been an entrepreneur for over 40 years. When I began my career working in my purpose as an attorney, it was about taking care of Black people through my law practice. We have a power that still simmers in our community, no matter how is this expressed, but we are the centerpiece of our communities, the matriarchs.”

Fellow honoree, Carol Adams agreed saying, “Women bring value to businesses. It is important for us to be able to go to places like this to see what kind of businesses there are, what kind of opportunities there are for us to work with those businesses, and how certain businesses should be run ethically so that it keeps the pipeline open for the rest of us. So, I think that the beauty of this conference is that it opens the minds of people who want to move into entrepreneurship to come network and learn.”

Tickets for the She Owns It/She Biz conference are available on EventBrite.com. https://sheownsitshebiz2023.eventbrite.com. Attendees can participate in person or virtually.

From Left to right: Conference Honorees Jeanette Foreman and Dr. Carol Adams, Life Coach, Simeon Henderson and Christie Love, Founder of With an Eye PR and Conference Co-Producer.

CBD&the FDA... It’s complicated

By Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Cannabis Corner Editor

Four weeks have come and gone since the Drug Enforcement Agency announced delta-8 THCO is a Schedule I controlled substance. What is also concerning is the status of hemp-derived CBD for human consumption. Google CBD gummies and there are over 21 Illinois pages that return. If you add “unsafe” the number of hits drastically decreases to a little under 280,000.

Cannabis Corner has taken the position of level setting for readers to understand the unique nuances of the industry. The shifting regulatory status is par for the course in how rapidly government agencies can create new legal statuses for the psychoactive agricultural commodity. As of the date of this article, there are 23 states where marijuana is legal to be purchased but federally the plant is still illegal.

The Controlled Substance Act did not separate hemp from cannabis. The criminalization of a crop that has thousands of uses completely decimated the supply chain for hemp-derived products. Even though decriminalization of industrial hemp in 2018 was just five short years ago, the nascent supply chain has struggled. Albeit hemp has not struggled to the same extent as marijuana businesses have been impacted by a lack of access to banking as well as changing or confusing regulatory statuses.

When the United States Farm Bill was passed the language in regard to hemp seemed clear, first and foremost the Food and Drug Administration retained regulatory oversight of hemp production in the nation. Cannabidiol flooded the market and new businesses infused everything ingestible to topicals for humans and animals.

On July 24th of 2019 Amy Abernethy, Md, Phd. Principal Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health And Human Services testified before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry;

“The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill has led to the misperception that all products made from or containing hemp, including those made with CBD, are now legal to sell in interstate commerce. The result has been that storefronts and online retailers have flooded the market with these products, many with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims.”

Four years after Dr. Abernathy testified, the Food and Drug Administration released another statement on the matter with the position that concluded: “the existing regulatory frameworks for foods and supplements are not appropriate for cannabidiol.”

The statement didn’t make waves in the weed world, neither did the criminalization of delta-8 THCO.

The FDA statement notes studies that have shown

harm to a consumer’s liver, complications with medications, and potential harm to the male reproductive system as well as sensitive populations like pregnant bodies and children.

Going back to Google, a parent can find a mix of products and brands selling tinctures for kids and mixed reviews of the safety of products from medical professionals with opinions that range. The health benefits seem to be elusive, but the federal government’s line of thinking is clear.

“A new regulatory pathway would benefit consumers by providing safeguards and oversight to manage and minimize risks related to CBD products. Some risk management tools could include clear labels, prevention of contaminants, CBD content limits, and measures, such as minimum purchase age, to mitigate the risk of ingestion by children. In addition, a new pathway could provide access and oversight for certain CBD-containing products for animals.”

There have been 17 statements released on CBD since 2017 on the agency’s website www.fda.gov and provides an outline of resources and literacy on the regulatory framework state of science and consumer information.

With so many conflicting stories it can be challenging to know who to trust and motivations. The cannabis industry has been tainted with distrust for government and regulation for decades. High taxation of the plant creates tension, leading consumers and entrepreneurs to feel preyed upon by legislation.

Businesses having to operate by the rules of state and federal governments as businesses without having full access to the suite of benefits of a legally operating business doesn’t bode well.

For existing businesses operating with hemp-derived substances, the rules are still being written. Many have postured that hemp is a much safer playground than marijuana and on some levels that seem to be true. Depending upon the area of supply chain a business may do very well…that is until a change in legislation or scheduling disrupts a business model.

It is no wonder capital attainment is so challenging. If investors are watching wisely, the industries volatility is ripe for a special type of investor, likely one with some lobbying leverage to financially back a legislative approach to protect their investments. For small businesses banking on bud be it hemp or marijuana the best investment that can be made is to be civically engaged. Industrial hemp is equally as risky as weed. We are blown away by the shifting regulations and ongoing commerce. How will states enforce federal regulations if there is money being earned? How will states be forced to participate in enforcement under new leadership? How will science be accepted or rejected and who will industry entrepreneurs believe if the results are unfavorable? Seems like we will all have to wait and see. In the meantime do as much learning from credible sources as you can.

Arts & Culture 312 Awards Honors

Best in Chicago Music Scene

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Writer

Vibrant red squares splashed across social media timelines with the iconic numbers “312”.

For newcomers, being noticed must have surely surprised them, while well-known notables took the nod of acknowledgment from the crib as a touching tribute to their creative grind.

It’s been a little over a week (March 12) since 12,000 votes were tallied choosing the inaugural recipients of the first annual 312 Music Awards. The wildly successful and standing-room-only event was produced by The Chicago Cultural Arts Organization, a local nonprofit, devoted to promoting arts and culture in Chicago with the goal of inspiring positive change in communities through classes, exhibitions, and performances.

The public’s response to the event was overwhelmingly positive, shared Timothy “2Wooffishall” Wallace, one of the five TCCAO board members.

“The love has been great. People loved the energy in the room and it was what was needed. What people did ask for was to have more space next year,” - said Wallace.

Held at the Atrium (1645 N. Cicero) on Chicago’s westside Timothy and Henry “Looch the Spokesman” another TCCAO board member, estimated nearly 900 guests came out to celebrate and be seen. The evening was hosted by the hilarious Mike Samp and featured live performances by Taco, We Just Friends, MONI DA G and others.

“Chicago has real talent,” said Samp; “I always have fun hosting anything and the awards brought everyone under one roof with no BS.”

The drama-free evening showed the other side of Black Chicago culture. Community. Love. Respect. A whole lot of swag.

Chi Blizz undoubtedly was this year’s G.O.A.T. sweeping three categories. Video director of the year went to Will Gates, often touted as Chicago’s Spielberg. Easy O’Hare copped Album of the year and rightfully so. His wicked flow can be seen touring with Griselda Records, “s/o to the 312 Music Awards and the nominations and EVERYONE who voted for us Mama this for you I love you,” he posted on his IG. Fans can see him live Thursday, March 23rd at the Promontory performing with Rome Streetz and Stove God Cooks. A full list of awardees can be found on @312musicaawards IG.

“Experiences like this add value to the culture because it inspires souls to aim higher and achieve more,” shared Antar Tidwell, a music executive of CTC Crazy Media Group. Tidwell hopes to see double the support in 2024.

Chicago culture, particularly Black culture, clearly is in the throes of its own renaissance. The inaugural awards show has Harlem Renaissance vibes. Black creatives were acknowledged by the Harmon Foundation

in efforts to bring awareness of the contributions of African Americans to the fine arts.

In the wise words of Nas….“no idea’s original, there’s nothing new under the sun

It’s never what you do, but how it’s done.”

“We didn’t know anything about the awards at first. We found out we were nominated for the podcast of the year because someone tagged us in a post,” shared Amon Phillips, executive director of The Corner Convo Podcast.

“It does feel good to know people support the work we put in,” Phillips said.

While they didn’t take home the win it’s not surprising why they got nominated. From hosting Hyde Park Summer Fest to opening for Rory and Mal they are on their way to blazing a trail for conversations that move the culture.

A number of podcasts, artists and creatives welcomed new followers and fans because of the exposure from the awards show. Let Looch the Spokesman tell it… that’s exactly the point.

“We (TCCAO) plan on expanding the awards categories because we want to highlight all the contributors and pay respect to the industries and professionals that make up the Chicago art scene,” - Henry “Looch the Spokesman,” said.

TCCAO is producing the Young Fly and Famous Concert on April 2nd in Griffith, IN.

“We are doing a lot for Chicago’s youth by showing them things with music and fashion and production classes but our main thing is teaching them about the business aspect before we get into the beat-making and performing,” shared Henry.

Open nominations for next year’s 312 Music Awards kick off at Chicago Appreciation Day on June 24th, 2pm-6pm. Hosted at historic Chicago’s Finest Marina (557 E 134th Pl) this riverfront reunion is free and open to all ages.

Film, television and theater will have their turn in the local limelight at this fall’s Regal Movie Awards. Performers, writers, producers, casting companies and more make up the 26 categories including a special achievement award. Open nominations will be announced soon on The Chicago Cultural Arts Organization IG @chicagoculturalarts.

Chicago Native Helps Shape Sound of the Biggest Names in Music

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor Steve Epting, Jr.

Chicago native, Steve Epting Jr., is an artist and one of the most sought-after vocal contractors and supporting vocalists in the music industry. He’s made a name for himself working with some of the biggest names in music such as Beyonce, Kanye West, Common, Demi Lovato and most recently Lizzo. As the vocal contractor for Lizzo’s all-female choir during her Grammy-winning performance of “About Damn Time,” he played a critical role in bringing Lizzo’s vision to life. He’s traveled the world with Beyonce and directed Kanye West’s Sunday Service choir at Paris Fashion Week.

Epting, Jr., grew up in Chicago and is the son of Steve Epting, Sr., Senior Pastor of Hope Community Church in the Austin neighborhood. As the son of a pastor, Epting, Jr., says he grew up directing choirs and working in ensembles but never thought he could enjoy a career in music. “It wasn’t safe, Epting, Jr., said. “I went to college to study biology. I wanted to be a dentist. Shortly after, I realized that was not what I wanted to do and got my degree in music instead.” After obtaining his degree, Epting, Jr., moved back to Chicago and began getting acquainted with the music scene. An old high school classmate who was also an aspiring artist, convinced Epting Jr., to make the move to LA to pursue his dream. That decision proved to be life-changing.

“I was in Los Angeles working at a school but still making sure I was at open mics, gigging and putting my name out there. That led to me working with Demi Lovato for a bit but I really wanted to go on tour with an artist and experience tour life.”

A friend recommended Epting, Jr., for a gig but it wasn’t until he showed up that he realized it was for Beyonce’s Coachella performance. “I got a call from a friend asking me if I was available for two days in April. He said it’s for Coachella. I found out a few days later it was for Coachella rehearsals with Beyonce.” His experience working with Beyonce, led to him working on Beyonce and Jay-Z’s tour “On the Run,” which then led to Epting, Jr completing some studio work

with Beyonce for the “Lion King” and Renaissance album. He says working with Beyonce allowed him to see himself doing the same thing. “With Beyonce, it was my introduction to the touring world. I’ve seen her perform before but to be that close and to travel with her to different countries and see her in action… allowed me to see myself doing this artist thing. It was a defining moment when I could see this happening for myself. It was amazing to see the production value and what it takes to achieve that result.”

Epting, Jr., continued climbing upward following up his work with Beyonce by serving as assistant director for Kanye West’s “Sunday Service”.” He says working with West allowed him a freedom he had never experienced before as an artist. “There was a freedom working on “Sunday Service”. There were no lines or boxes. It allowed me to ask questions like what do you want? What do you see? What does this look like for you and how do you create within this? It was without any outside influences. I had freedom but also structure. I was able to see how the music moves me and see what I naturally feel and hear and execute on that. That’s what it is about because at the end of the day, it’s really about the artists, we’re just really supporting them in those moments.”

As a vocal contractor, Epting, Jr is responsible for hiring singers for different events including tours and recording sessions. Vocal contracting also includes vocal arranging and organizing song parts. The vocal contractor is a liaison between the artist and the singers they work with. Epting, Jr., is the man behind the mic and shares his passion for artist development and education with his brand “Live. Live Now offers vocal contracting services, artist development, masterclasses and scholarships to help aspiring artists live their dreams. He says it is important for aspiring artists and those interested in working in the music industry to be aware of the many opportunities working “behind the scenes.” “Growing up, I thought my options were limited to

just being an artist or music teacher and while those are still viable options, there are so many things someone can do within this industry. Someone has to create the music, somebody has to create the choreography, somebody has to do the lighting, and somebody has to make sure everybody knows what time to get there. There are so many parts, roles, and careers within this industry. This is what “Live” is all about. It’s a movement to inspire people to live in the moment and really go after their dreams. More importantly, it also has key information about the industry, especially our vocal coaching and artist development services. Our masterclasses teach people how to distribute content, important facts about the music industry, how to book jobs, and the different careers offered within the music industry.

Epting, Jr., credits growing up in Chicago and in gospel music for his drive and ability to fine-tune his ear when it comes to music. “ Growing up in church, working with choirs and working with bands gaining conducting experience all helped to inform me not only in conducting but as an artist and how I hear things and communicate onstage and even in my own performance. Having this expanded version of my musicianship and being able to bring different artists together and creating a moment or sound

was cultivated in my training both in my experiences and in my formal classical training in college.,” Epting, Jr., says.

He continued saying the culture of Chicago and growing up in that environment gave him the skills and mindset to achieve success in LA. “Chicago is a city like no other. We have so many talented singers and artists here. Being a part of this culture helped to sharpen my skills even more. Chicago also produces hustlers. No one teaches you how to go get it. You have to want it and see it for yourself. That spirit lives in me because of where I’m from. “

Epting, Jr., says there is so much more he wants to achieve. He wants to get involved in more TV and film work by creating soundtracks and scoring original music in addition to continuing his work in helping artists achieve their dreams. He says he wants budding artists to “know who they are first,” perform as much as possible, and know their voice and their style. “Have a love for what you do and if you can get at least one person to support you, and give you the encouragement that you need, keep going. Stay true to your vision because you have to define what success is for you.”

Follow Danielle on social media @DanieSandersOfficial.

EASY BONELESS PORK ROAST

Mare’ Evans CNW Contributing Writer

An easy recipe for a juicy, succulent, very flavorful oven-baked boneless pork roast. It’s as simple as can be: Rub the meat with spices, then cook it in the oven until the outside is browned and crispy and the inside is tender and juicy. It’s easy, tasty, and affordable!

I really like making roasts for dinner. Similar to casseroles (such as this ground beef casserole), they provide lots of food for minimal work. They practically cook themselves!

When it comes to pork, I do like making baked pork chops, but I have to admit that this tasty roast is much easier to make. You simply rub the meat with seasonings, then bake it in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Get ready for a mouth watering meat that goes well with so many American staples, like roasted, baked, or mashed potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cooked greens and or salad greens preferably Kale, macaroni & cheese casserole. Compliment with a cold slaw.

Easy Boneless Pork Roast

An easy recipe for a juicy, succulent, very flavorful oven-baked boneless pork roast. Rub it with spices, then roast in the oven until done. It’s easy, tasty, and affordable!

Prep time: 40 mins

Cook Time : 90 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 2hrs 25 mins

Ingredients

1.Olive Oil

2. 1 tablespoon > kosher salt

3. ½ teaspoon black pepper

4. 1 tablespoon garlic powder

5. 1tablespoon paprika

6. 1 teaspoon dried sage

7. 1 teaspoon dried thyme

8. 3lb. boneless pork

shoulder roast

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and fit it with a wire rack. Spray the wire rack with olive oil.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, sage, and thyme.

3. Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Place it on the wire rack. Rub the spice mixture all over the roast. Spray its top liberally with olive oil.

4. Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Allow the roast to sit at room temperature while the oven is warming, about 30 minutes.

5. Insert a meat thermometer probe into the middle of the roast and place the pork in the hot oven. Roast it for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 375 degrees F and continue roasting until the meat thermometer reads 145 degrees F. In my oven it takes 75 minutes (about 25 minutes per pound).

6. Remove the roast from the oven. Loosely tent it with foil and allow it to rest for 20 minutes.

7. Carefully remove the butcher twine from the roast, slice and serve.

FASHION IS MaNY ThINGS

C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer

When you think of fashion do you think of clothing first or do you picture an outfit? Do you think of a celebrity wearing something you loved?

Fashion is picturesque and is always making a statement. Think back to the movie

“The Devil Wears Prada,” do you recall the two main characters, Miranda Priestly, and Andrea Sachs (Andy)? What was their conflict? If you remember their bone of contention was centered around fashion—Miranda’s high regard for fashion and Andy’s disregard for it. Miranda understood the power of fashion as a personal statement and as a business. The short and skinny of it all is this, fashion, no matter how hard you may try to ignore its reality, says something about you, period. That, you can’t escape. People can look at you and observe a lot about you. They may see you as neat or sloppy; meticulous or negligent; stylish or careless, and the list goes on. Andy initially thought that Miranda was overthe-top and extreme in her relationship to fashion. What she didn’t get is that the global fashion industry is valued at $1.7 trillion as of 2022. The fashion market had a growth rate of 5.46% in 2017 and was projected to hit 6.2% by 2020. The United States fashion industry is valued at approximately $343.70 billion.

Clearly, fashion has come a long way from tribal association, social class, and stature. The NIKE phenomena revealed that little Black boys from two years old to mature Black men 60-years old wore Air Jordans’ that cost more than most little Black boys’ household incomes could afford. Yet, they found ways to buy them. It was so serious that Bill Cosby in his heyday was reprimanded for having said, “that low-income Black parents are spending too much on Nike’s and too little on “Hooked on Phonics,” and that they are failing to instill proper discipline in their “knucklehead” children who, by their speech and behavior, are dooming themselves to economic failure.” His point though is not the point here, but rather, that people find a way to buy what they want. The fashion industry knows this and appeals to those basic instincts. People find a way to manifest in their lives what they want. It’s not specific to America. When I lived in Paris, France I recall the young working women who would save their pay checks to purchase that little black Chanel dress. It was everything on both the emotional and practical level. I observed my friend Virginia (pronounced Vir-gin-nee) style that dress with a cardigan, or without, wrap a scarf around her neck or shoulders, or drape a shawl across her shoulders, or sport it with a sports coat, sharp corporate jacket, or pullover sweater and accent the waist with a belt, accent with booties, pumps, wedgies, boots or sandals, hats, purses, belts, and jewelry. Those French girls can really work a Chanel little black dress. But what we see is a well-dressed classic styled professional woman on the move. Fashion has the magical ability to do many things like shade or color distinctions that denote power and class to reinforce standard roles within society and carve out a new identification on the fringes. This may sound so crazy and yet it is so true. Remember fashion is the first recognition of who you are and who you are not. Thus, the label game, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren each built brands that were on a first name basis with the entirety of fashion like their European predecessors, Chanel, Armani, Gucci etc. They brought brand heat, reach and personality to build the mega businesses that set trends that put America on the map with the European superpower designers who had reigned forever as the Kings and Queens of the fashion world. They appealed to the sophisticated working woman, wives of the wealthy, and the upwardly mobile, and the ‘Nouveau

Riche’ emerging from the sports and entertainment worlds. It was very American and progressive. What a long way we have come since then, the American rappers hit the scene, and joined the worlds of sports and celebrity that opened the door for designers to afford and spend money in a big way that opened to doors a brave new world. Everybody and anybody can wear what they want when they want if it’s accessible. Gender bending dress styling and the crashing down upon the rules of what to wear when and how became the symbol and signature statements of the youth who had suddenly taken over the world of fashion. And yet in the worlds where most of us live and work the unrestricted freedom doors have not completely opened. Fashion still has meaning.

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