CNW Weekly 4.19.23

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

Shaneen Murray

Marti Worell

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Melanie Mainor

Eric Grant

Cover Photography

Gabriel Montgomery

E notes

a.i. RISING

ifyou’ve seen promotional marketing like, “Business 2030 is closer than you think. Future business growth is human centric, inclusive, and sustainable. Bringing information and automation together, OpenText prepares organizations to re-invent with new digital fabrics, new rules, and new ways to work that will keep them ahead of the game.” Then you have been hoodwinked to think it’s about technology on a laptop.

Sounds reasonable in a highly technological world . . . it will deliver superhuman impact . . .

The conjecture that one day a.i. will rise against humanity, take over, and enslave us has been circulating for a long time. We can thank movies like “The Matrix” for that. And deep inside some of us recognize the reality of what we see is inevitable. We see it with our very own eyes the mix of man and machine intertwined in our daily experience. Like Will Smith in “I. Robot,” who questions the independent thinking of the robots while the rest of the world found him to be mental.

All of us who have Siri and or Alexa, know that they can be invasive uninvited. The first time I realized that Siri is always listening was a year ago. I was on the phone talking to a friend, when Siri (man’s voice) says, “You don’t have to be so mean.”

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I can’t tell you how shocked I was. The point? I had not asked Siri anything which is done by mentioning the name to ask a question, “Hey Siri, call Mr. Caldwell.” But that had not been the case. Siri was listening to my conversation and interjected itself into it.

The idea that robots are cold, ruthless, and evil is perpetuated by films, and the audiences are entertained and love the eventual triumphant of man over machine. However, there is a.i. “Artificial Intelligence” directed by Steven Spielberg goes the opposite direction where a highly advanced robotic boy whose expression of love is real for his human mother, but he is not. The symmetry of this film is artful. It opens with humans creating a robot to meet the emotional needs of humans and closes with robots creating a human to meet the desires of a robot. Crazy, right? Whereas “I. Robot” introduces the idea of a robot taking on the best of human qualities after the corrupted are put down. Robin Williams portrays Andrew Martin, an NDR android servant of the Martin family, which seeks to become human in “Bicentennial Man.” But the most

complex, layered with all the intensity of human ego and betrayal, is Alex Garland’s ‘Ex Machina,’ which presents a vastly contrasting viewpoint that leaves the audience pondering morality, the innate hunger for power, the complexity of the mind, and more.

So, there it is the age we are living in, the world of technology. Man’s desire to control the expression of those they wish to serve them whatever that service looks like, from love, sex, work, cooking, healing, compassion, or protection. Human’s want to command others without argument, someone they can depend upon, thus they seek to create the artificial human.

So, imagine the technology that we are still working to exact like self-driving, vehicles (trucks & cars); wives like in the “Stepford Wives,” or killing machines like the Terminator. Imagine this intelligence input in a human- look body, designed to act, move and seeming to think like a human. Of, course they are not and never will be, but the scientists and technology experts are working endlessly to perfect such inventions and release them amongst us.

photo credit: Dot Ward

By Eric Grant CNW Columnist

Are You Financially Healthy?

Well, I think we would all agree that the answer depends on how you define financially healthy. We know that there are a multitude of studies that correlate fiscal health and physical health. There are any number of physical ailments that studies have attempted to associate with a lack of fiscal health, or indirectly from the stress associated with being fiscally unhealthy. There are also any number of studies that associate marital strife and suicide with being fiscally unhealthy. We don’t need some egghead statistician to help us know that if our money ain’t right, it is a problem. This paragraph is where I ask questions in my best imitation of a gameshow host. (cue the gameshow music) If you are working towards financial health, how do you define such health? Does financial health involve a certain amount of savings or being able to comfortably pay bills? Does your financial health involve the

purchase or ownership of something? Will you really feel financially healthy? How will you know if you are financially healthy if you don’t know how that feels? What does financial health feel like?

A very wise person once told me that financially healthy people use money to make more money, while financially unhealthy people use money to pay bills. In my mind, this made a lot of sense, especially when you look at the people that we would characterize as fiscally healthy. It also answers some questions about those that we think should be fiscally healthy but prove to be otherwise. For instance, the long line of athletes and entertainers who appear to be fiscally healthy, but end of broke and doing TV commercials for hearing aids or something. We have all heard people say, “I need to get a job so I can pay my bills.” While this is a very responsible way to manage your fiscal life, will that provide fiscal health for you?

At this point, you are probably rereading the first sentence of the last paragraph, right? You’re noodling around in your head, “use money to make more money.” Are you wondering how to do that? If that is your question, you need to read that phrase differently. Using your money to make more money isn’t as much something that you do as it is a way to think. It also presumes that you have budgeted in a way that yields enough surplus income to deploy in an idea to make more money. At the end of the day, there are essentially only 2 ways to make money. You make money by you working or money working. Create a surplus income and put your money to work.

Road Closures and More with NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race and music festival comes to Chicago July 1-2 and will affect Chicago residents heading downtown beginning late June. Traffic redirections begin on June 25th and are expected to last through the end of July. Closures will affect DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Drive, Jackson, Balbo, and Michigan Avenue. This is in addition to major construction projects happening across the city including the Obama Presidential Center and Kennedy Expressway Construction. The City of Chicago gave NASCAR access to Grant Park from June 22 to July 5th.

In a statement, Executive Director of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, Rich Guidice said, “The city of Chicago has been working with NASCAR in the planning and execution of the race to minimize disruptions to residents and visitors while making it a safe event for everyone. Safety is our top priority, and we will help monitor all race activity leading up to the event, through the race weekend, and following the event to help coordinate city resources and expectations.”

NASCAR and city officials expect 100,000 people to attend the two-day event. NASCAR will transform DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive and select surrounding thoroughfares into a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course. The start/finish line and pit road will be located along South Columbus Drive directly in front of Buckingham Fountain. The street race will pass through the famed Grant Park, as well as approach the northern edge of Soldier Field, one of the most notable and recognizable sports venues in the

country – and the site of the only other Cup Series race to take place in Downtown Chicago, in 1956.

“The first-ever NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend will be even more exhilarating with the addition of the bright stars of the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Julie Giese, President, of Chicago Street Race.

“As NASCAR celebrates its 75th anniversary season, the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series competing along the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago will be a historic moment for the sport.”

The first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race will take place on Sunday, July 2, 2023, and will be preceded by the NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Both races will be surrounded by music and entertainment options for all ages.

Traffic returns to normal in mid-July but for a short time until Lollapalooza comes to Chicago in late July/Early August.

Rep. Ford Plans to Issue Special Autism Awareness License Plate Decals

CNW Staff Report

State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, passed a measure out of the House in March that would allow drivers to use license plates with a special autism awareness decal.

“For drivers looking to show their support for autism awareness efforts, this will give them another option,” Ford said. “It’s important as a state that we prioritize funding for autism research and services, particularly early intervention efforts for children who can really benefit from it. These plates will be a small part of that effort, but they underscore our values and support for each other here in Illinois.”

Ford’s House Bill 42 allows the Illinois Department of Public Health to issue special autism awareness license plate decals that are designed with input from autism advocacy organizations. The decal plate would compliment an existing autism awareness license plate offered by the Illinois Secretary of State. Like the existing plate, a portion of proceeds from the decal license plate purchase and renewal would go toward supporting the Autism Awareness Fund.

House Bill 42 passed the House without opposition, and passed the Senate on April 12, and now is in front of the Senate Transportation committee for consideration.

Hot topics

Community Expresses Outrage over Walmart Closings

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

On Tuesday Walmart announced that it will close four of its stores in Chicago with little notice. The announcement came as a surprise to the community especially after the retail giant made a commitment to expand locations in Chicago as part of its racial justice initiatives in 2020, pledging $100 million to advance racial equity. In 2021, Walmart’s CEO, Doug McMillion said, “Chicago will be an example of what’s possible when we leverage business, government, and community organizations for the good of all,”

The stores closed Sunday, April 16, 2023.

• #5781 Chatham Supercenter, the Walmart Health Center, and the Walmart Academy, 8431 S. Stewart Ave.

• #3166 Kenwood Neighborhood Market, 4720 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

• #5645 Lakeview Neighborhood Market, 2844 N. Broadway St.

• #5646 Little Village Neighborhood Market, 2551 W. Cermak Road

With only five days’ notice, Alderman Elect William Hall (6th Ward), IL State Senator Elgie Sims, Alderman Elect, Ronnie Mosely (21st Ward), Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, and Il State Representative and Alderman Elect Lamont Robertson (4th Ward) joined Rev. Michael Pfleger and members of the community and asked Walmart representatives to reconsider their decision. Community activists and elected officials protested in front of the Walmart Store located at 8431 S. Stewart Ave.

In addition to the Walmart Supercenter store, this location is also home to a health center and teaching academy. The health clinic provided affordable and accessible healthcare for residents that included primary care, labs, x-ray and diagnostics, counseling, dental, hearing, and optical services at transparent pricing regardless of a patient’s insurance status seven days a week.

The 84th Street location reopened in November 2020 and added the Health center and teaching academy. At the time, Walmart representatives said, “These last few months have been especially difficult for this great city, and it has done a remarkable job facing its challenges head-on,” said Keith Wyche, Walmart’s Vice President, Community Engagement and Support. “We are proud to have the opportunity to reopen these stores and health clinics and further demonstrate Walmart’s commitment to serving as the store of the community. “

In a press release, the company said, “Our Chicago stores have not been profitable since we opened the first

one nearly 17 years ago - these stores lose tens of millions of dollars a year, and their annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years. The remaining four Chicago stores continue to face the same business difficulties, but we think this decision gives us the best chance to help keep them open and serving the community.”

A statement Rev. Pfleger disagrees with saying, “If they say they’ve been losing money all these years, then why would you spend so much money remodeling and adding to this store? Big box stores come into the community with great promises and great commitment and when they come in, many “mom and pop” stores go out of business because they can’t compete with a Walmart.”, Pfleger continued, “Now they say they don’t want to be here anymore and leave our communities with large empty buildings and in a desert of resources…that’s not only disrespectful, but that’s also bad business.”

The company said all associates at the store are eligible to be transferred to another Walmart location. The pharmacies at the closing locations will remain open to serve patients for up to 30 days. In addition, a Walmart spokesperson said the company plans to donate to the academy for community use and said residents can go to the store’s Westside Austin location to continue their medical care.

The store’s closing leaves a void in a community that has historically lacked options for fresh and affordable food and produce and access to preventative medical care.

Walmart executives claim that retail theft was also another reason for the store’s closing but have been unwilling to provide loss prevention reports or statistical data on any of their Chicago locations to back up that claim. “They came back in. They made the money. They remodeled, they expanded and now they are the culprits walking out and they want to blame the community but haven’t supported the community”, Rev. Pfleger said.

The closings represent a complete “about face” by the retailer. In 2020 after the protests following George Floyd’s murder, many feared Walmart would close all eight of its stores but Walmart’s CEO, Doug McMillion joined Mayor Lori Lightfoot in June 2020 and reiterated their commitment to the community. “Walmart’s commitment to Chicago remains strong. We are not going anywhere,” McMillon said.

Alderman-Elect, William Hall called Walmart’s decision an example of corporate racism saying, “We do not want another abandoned store in this neighborhood. Our seniors deserve better. So, if Walmart doesn’t invest in its people here, we will disinvest in Walmart.”

The group has stated they will boycott all Walmart stores if the retailer does not “come to the table and meet with the community”. “If they think we are going to pack up our dollars and go to another community to shop at Walmart, they are mistaken,” said Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore. Rev. Pfleger reiterated, “If Walmart leaves us then we will leave Walmart”. State Senator Elgie Simms said since Walmart’s announcement, his office has been inundated with calls from seniors worried about where they will go for their medication and community members concerned about purchasing fresh produce and groceries. “Do what you said you were going to do. You said you would be our partners and stand with us to improve the quality of life in this community. That’s all we are asking. We are demanding that you live up to your word because the community deserves nothing less.”

Current IL State Representative and Alderman-Elect, Lamont Robinson (4th Ward) expressed his outrage saying, “We wonder why our communities look this way. It’s not just on us. It’s all of the corporate citizens that come into the community and ravage our community. Walmart should be absolutely ashamed. We should not have to go outside of our communities to find jobs, get medicine, and shop. We should be able to do this in our own communities. We deserve that.”

Legendary Warehouse Granted Preliminary Landmark Recommendation

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

The “house” that DJ Frankie Knuckles built is one step closer to achieving landmark status. Preservationists secured a victory to save the West Loop building that is credited with providing a space for DJs who created the genre of house music. Thursday, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks granted a preliminary landmark recommendation after thousands signed a petition to preserve the historic building.

“The historic erasure of Black cultural spaces is violence. The Warehouse, the birthplace of House Music, is at risk of being demolished, continuing the destruction of major monuments celebrating the legacies of the contributions of Black and Brown communities to contemporary culture. As stewards of the Frankie Knuckles Collection at the Arts Bank, in partnership with The Frankie Knuckles Foundation, and as one of the few sites of tribute to the Godfather of House Music’s impact, we at Rebuild Foundation urgently call upon our community to recognize and protect the sacred value and spiritual weight that spaces like the Warehouse hold.

House Music is more than a sound; it is a movement born out of the need for spaces for freedom and expression. It was born at The Warehouse. The Warehouse was a sanctuary, it is safe haven, and it continues to symbolize a space of liberation for Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly those who were persecuted for their gender identity, sexuality, and race.”-Duane Powell (DJ and Music Historian)

Legend has it that “House Music” gained its name from the Warehouse. It was here that legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles combined soul, disco, gospel, funk, Italio, and R&B music, creating a sound now known as “house music”. His DJ sets were so popular that patrons would duplicate his sets on cassette tapes and distribute them around town. Those tapes were known as “house music”, a shortened version of “Warehouse” Music.

Disco music ruled the 70s in nightclubs and on radio stations across the country. However, in the latter part of the decade, the music oversaturated the market and caused a backlash. Rooted in racism and homophobia a local radio jock promoted “Disco Demolition” day at Comiskey Park (now known as Sox Park). Fans who brought a disco record to destroy could attend the doubleheader for $.98. Over 50,000 fans attended. In between the doubleheader, the disc jockey led the crowd in chants of “DISCO SUCKS” as he blew the records up with dynamite.

The event got out of control with fans rushing to the field and setting more records on fire. In fact, most of the records that were destroyed were not just disco records but records by predominantly black artists. The bonfire got out of control and the second game never happened. The Disco Demolition is significant because it contributed to the genre’s declining popularity and the music went underground.

Chicago’s Underground Music Scene Gives Birth to a New Genre

It was at 206 S. Jefferson Street that house music exploded. The warehouse had 3 levels of music and an incredible sound system designed by Richard Long. In

1977, Robert Williams opened the Warehouse. It was a private gay club that opened around midnight and closed around 8 am. Originally from New York, Williams asked DJ Larry Levan who was known for his DJ Sets at the Loft to come to Chicago to be the club’s DJ. Levan declined but Frankie said yes. Word began to spread around the city about the club’s incredible dance music played by Frankie Knuckles. His unique style of playing records drew young people into the club regardless of sexual orientation. It became a safe space for kids escaping gang violence and homophobia. At the warehouse, the only thing that mattered was the music. Kids from different backgrounds joined each other on the dance floor and partied until the wee hours of the morning. Knuckles made tapes of his DJ Sets and those tapes were duplicated and distributed all across the city drawing even more to the Warehouse to hear this new unique sound. It was his experimentation with dance breaks and his ability to enhance and alter songs by adding different patterns and bass loops that drew hundreds of people each week to the Warehouse.

Public schools in the inner city lacked resources. Students didn’t have money for music lessons so DJs began to teach themselves how to create music with what they had. Using keyboards, and drum machines local DJs who attended the Warehouse began to create their own music as well hoping to outdo one another at local high school parties and events.

House music was born.

ACHIEVING LANDMARK STATUS

The recommendation by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks begins the process of approvals to extend landmark protections to the property. The building owners stated during Thursday’s virtual meeting and said they had no intentions of demolishing the building but planned to renovate it and move their firm into the space.

Kamionsky said, “We’ve recently come to learn about the

history of the building and are continuing to learn about it, and we’d like to work with the Commission on this issue, and we are not looking to impede anything of cultural significance,” Protegees of Frankie Knuckles celebrated the commission’s decision.

“The Warehouse is Chicago and Chicago is house music. We must preserve our legendary landmarks and not have them disappear right in front of our eyes.”- Two Time Grammy Nominated Producer and Chosen Few DJ, Terry Hunter

“The Warehouse is widely regarded as ground zero for house music culture and where many believe house music got its name. For those of us who experienced it, it was magical and life-changing.”- Chosen Few DJ and Attorney, Alan King

There will be another public hearing and then a vote before the commission before the issue heads to the zoning committee with a final vote being held by City Council. If approved, landmark protections will be extended to the building.

ADMINISTRATIVE DEBT RELIEF (ADR) HARDSHIP PROGRAM

If you have unpaid administrative hearings (AH) debt owed to the City of Chicago, you may qualify for the benefits below!

APPLICATION:

• Apply online at www.chicago.gov/adr through December 31, 2023.

QUALIFYING DEBT:

• Most AH debt, including but not limited to violations issued by the Departments of Streets and Sanitation, Health, Police, Buildings, and Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

BENEFITS:

• Get interest, costs, and fees waived by paying 50% of the fine amount or enrolling in a payment plan by December 31, 2023.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Open to individuals only. Must be currently enrolled in Utility Billing Relief or Clear Path Relief, or have a household income less than or equal to 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on the 30-day period prior to application.

For more information, visit www.chicago.gov/adr or call (312) 742-3317, M - F | 8am-5pm

World on a Crash Course with Famine? What We’re Missing

The world is in a world of trouble on all fronts. Recently, politics dominated our attention front and center. We were so entrenched in the Chicago mayoral race that as the world continued to turn so many other things of major consequence were going on out of our sight.

Reports provide research analysis of investigations of the causes and outcomes of food shortages and high prices in an extract from a new Impact Series report on food security. Believe it or not we’re all in it together and our experiences impact one another.

The war in Ukraine and an increase in extreme weather events are squeezing the current fragility of the food supply chains, a lasting effect of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. The Ukrainian war continues to suppress food production, droughts in Europe and Africa in 2022, as well as floods in countries such as Pakistan, have contributed to high food prices and shortages worldwide. The torrential downpours in California, -- all this, combined with a rise in fertilizer and labor costs, have created inflationary pressures. News reports this past week commented on the increase in restaurant dining, and airfare, hotel lodging, dwindling workforce all contributing to the rising inflation. The current food price unpredictability exposes the instability of our global food system: rising food insecurity, social unrest, political unrest, displace-

ment and mass migration throughout Europe are all growing consequences.

Germany Warns of Global Famine

In early 2023 Germany voiced that the world is about to face an acute food crisis due to off the chart rising food prices. It warns us about an imminent famine not seen since World War II.

The Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine has been deemed as its causes, according to the Development Minister Svenja Schulze Minister.

It is noted by the UN World Food Program, that “more than 300 million people” are already suffering from dire hunger and the UN has to “frequently revise” this data aloft.

Food prices around the world have grown by a third and have reached “record levels,” Schulze has warned, adding that the “bitter message is that we are facing the worst famine since World War II,” which could see “millions” die.

To Tackle Hunger, Brazil Needs To Tackle Racism First

The fight against hunger should be a top priority in Brazil — provided it’s addressed as a whole. And to do that, the country needs to face its structural racism issues, an issue newly reelected President Lula da Silva vowed to tackle.

Deep roots

From the 1950 Land Law, which placed all “unclaimed” land in the hands of the state, to the present day, Black people in particular have remained without access to land, evidenced in their continued over representation in shanty towns.

Where there is food insecurity, there is also general insecurity. We know this to be true in America’s Black communities that disproportionately experience food deserts.

Understanding the modern problem of hunger involves not only looking closely at the dismantling and destruction of rights applied since 2015, but also at Brazil’s long history.

Hunger in Brazil has a color and gender affect. Interestingly, the face of a hungry person is most likely to be that of a Black woman. So there’s no surprise when a Black São Paulo or Mississippi mother is arrested for stealing $4.16 worth of food for their five children.

According collected data by the researchers from PENSSAN, hunger disproportionately affects women, Black people, inhabitants of rural

area. In Brazil 53% of their counterparts’ households where the reference person is white live in food security, only 35% of households headed by a Black or mixed individual do. That means that six out of ten households whose heads identify themselves as Black or mixed live, with some degree of food insecurity, whether mild, moderate or severe. The percentages are not too different when American Black stats are compared. In 2021, a study carried out by Integration Consulting found that 76% of those who suffered from food insecurity in Brazil were Black, and the vast majority lived in shanties. According to Feeding America, 72% of the households served by its affiliated food banks live at or below 100% of the federal poverty line and have a median annual household income of $9,175. In short, they don’t have enough money to consistently put food on the table. While

Comparing 2022 to 2020, in households headed by women, hunger increased from 11% to 19%. Black female led households with children make up 64% of this demographic.

Women are at the head of 48% of Brazilian households, according to the Continuous National Household Sample Survey (Continuous PNAD), and the overwhelming majority are single mothers.

Hunger has social spillover effects: where there is food insecurity, there is also general insecurity, and it is often women who are placed under pressure to mediate the conflicts that arise from empty plates and empty bowls. Black women especially are the intersection of sexism, racism, inequality, hunger, and violence.

Structural racism

Silvio de Almeida, professor of law and author of the book What is Structural Racism?, writes that “all racism is structural because racism is not an act, it is a process in which the conditions of society’s organization reproduce the subalternity of certain groups that are racially identified.” This dynamic has been clearly at work in Brazil’s history, and the United States remains so in its current social situation.

This article continues at www.cnwmedia .com

Mississippi Black mothers are among the poorest in the USA

With Women Imprisonment Rising, Black Females Still Feel the Brunt of America’s Mass Incarceration

Three years ago, the National Black Women’s Justice Institute partnered with the Cornell Center on the Death Penalty Worldwide and The Sentencing Project to co-lead the Alice Project, an initiative to end the extreme punishment of women in America and globally

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

America imprisons many more of its citizens than any other developed nation, with men comprising most of the incarcerated.

But the rate of growth for female imprisonment has been twice as high as that of men since 1980, according to The Sentencing Project, which estimates that 976,000 women are currently under the supervision of the criminal justice system.

The nonprofit documented a 525% increase in women’s imprisonment in America between 1980 and 2021; the vast majority are Black females.

“As this year marks fifty years since the United States began its dramatic increase in imprisonment, it is clearer than ever that our criminal legal system is not working,” Amy Fettig, Executive Director of The Sentencing Project, said in a statement. “The continued overcriminalization of women and girls does nothing to improve public safety but needlessly destroys lives, families, and communities.”

In 2021, the Sentencing Project reported that the imprisonment rate for Black women – at 62 per 100,000 – was 1.6 times the rate of imprisonment for white women – 38 per 100,000.

Latinx women were imprisoned 49 per 100,000 or 1.3 times the rate of white women.

Additionally, 58% of women in state prisons have a child under 18.

While the overall imprisonment for Black and Latinx women has declined since 2000 and increased for white women over that same period, Black and Native American girls remain more likely to face incarceration than white, Asian, and Latinx girls.

Over one-third of incarcerated girls are held for status offenses, like truancy and curfew violations, or for violating probation.

The statistics compiled by The Sentencing Project arrive after several reports revealed mass incarceration’s heavy burden on Black women in general.

“The war on drugs treated Black women as if they were just collateral consequences,” Ashley McSwain, executive director of Community Family Life Services,

which serves formerly incarcerated women, said during a panel discussion on mass incarceration.

“We were well into this war and this crisis before we realized that women were being affected at alarming rates,” McSwain asserted.

She continued:

“When you arrest a woman, … you got her, her three kids, her grandma, an aunt — everybody’s incarcerated when a woman goes to prison. “So, the impact is huge, and we never seem to talk about that.”

Three years ago, the National Black Women’s Justice Institute partnered with the Cornell Center on the Death Penalty Worldwide and The Sentencing Project to co-lead the Alice Project, an initiative to end the extreme punishment of women in America and globally.

The group wanted to get advocates, researchers, activists, and academics to work together to get rid of gender bias in extreme sentences.

In an earlier interview, Shamika Wilson explained that her husband is serving a life sentence in a San Diego prison after recently being transferred from a prison much closer to home.

She said the facility didn’t allow for overnight family visits.

“Financially, it’s hard all around. Before, he was no more than an hour or two away from home, but now it can be close to a ten-hour drive at times,” Wilson responded. “It can cost over $1,000 to go see him. This is about cycles, and these cycles are going to continue. They don’t think he needs time with his kids to teach them not to go down the same path he did. Their regulations keep families apart.”

Wilson told NBC News that she suffers from diagnosed depression due to stress. She said the situation is taking a toll on the entire family.

“It affects my kids because they wake up crying, asking for their dad. Fifteen minutes [on the phone] is not enough time to read them a bedtime story or see how their school day went,” she said.

“We have to decide between things like using $50 dol-

lars for a [pre-paid phone card] or saving it so that we can eventually go visit him.”

Black women – mothers, grandmothers, daughters, wives — often must choose between posting bail for their loved ones and missing important bills or allowing a loved one to languish in jail, Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley stated.

“Sometimes, when their romantic partner or co-parent is behind bars, Black women are forced to provide for their families alone,” she remarked after reading a study by the bipartisan criminal justice reform organization FWD.us and Cornell University.

Pressley said that with firsthand knowledge, one can speak truth to power, a fact that is not limited to legislators and politicians but includes the millions who understand the injustice of the prison-industrial complex intimately.

“There are 113 million Americans who know what it’s like to see their loved one behind bars — even more if we broaden the definition of family,” Pressley wrote on her website.

“Imagine if these millions of people voted as an entire bloc in 2020, demanding that their candidates — for President, Congress, state legislatures, and judges — were dedicated to passing comprehensive and bold criminal justice reform? Such a powerful movement would help to end the oppression and exploitation in our prison systems.”

The Sentencing Project documented a 525% increase in women’s imprisonment in American between 1980 and 2021

Leading With Grace and Gratitude Myetie Hamilton

She has a presence that draws you in and a clarity of purpose that is nothing short of poetic.

Chicago News Weekly caught up with one of Chicago’s most respected and influential women. A wife, mother, proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., executive leader Myetie H. Hamilton has come this far living in faith. “I always say that I am a proud product of Chicago Public Schools,” shared Hamilton.

In an era in which Chicago Public School students are continuously under-resourced in their homes and school communities, Myetie reflects the potential each of us possess. Like so many other trailblazers holding public office and leading corporations close to home, Hamilton is proof positive that our public school system is filled with talent. After graduating from Hyde Park Career Academy and completing her undergraduate degree at Alabama A&M University in business management she furthered her education at the Illinois Institute of Technology where she received a Master of Public Administration degree.

“There is nothing like an HBCU,” Myetie shares with a wide smile, “I’m the first generation to graduate college in my family and my HBCU experience at Alabama A&M gave me a community that supports me to this day. If there is a press release about me…they are the FIRST to pick it up and share,” she continues proudly.

Myetie has dedicated her career to education and public service working with both public and charter schools shaping culture and informing strategies for the success of Chicago’s youth. Her former roles include CPS Deputy Chief of Schools and Director of public charter high school EPIC Academy among other roles in educational administration spanning 25 years. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Executive Director for City Year Chicago, Myetie is leading the way, building a more equitable future through education. It appears to be the ideal position to capitalize on her talents and passion. City Year is a national organization located in 29 cities across 21 states and Myetie leads the largest site of AmeriCorps members here in Chicago. Transformative and mindful leadership is needed more than ever before, and Hamilton is on the frontline curating support systems for students that allow them to tap into their own potential and become future leaders themselves.

She is lighthearted, approachable, and very much so a visionary. Her resume reflects her accomplishments, and her accomplishments mirror her grace and gratitude. Myetie is the epitome of blessed and highly favored. She shares how she became the woman she is today.

Family Matters

A proud southsider, Myetie was born and raised in the lakefront community of South Shore. Family is her foundation, “my mother was 15, when she had me. We had the support of my incredible grandparents who were very influential in my life, they helped to raise me,” she shared. Her eyes light up when reminiscing on her younger years. Myetie comes from quite a big family, “I’m the oldest of four on my mom’s side. But on my dad’s side, I am the oldest of seven,” she shared.

Her willingness to share is reflective of how she honors her own intuition. Myetie’s mixed ancestry has rarely been a topic of conversation. She pauses and

A proud southsider, Myetie was born and raised in the lakefront community of South Shore. Family is her foundation, “my mother was 15, when she had me. We had the support of my incredible grandparents who were very influential in my life, they helped to raise me,”

Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Editor

takes a breath preparing to welcome us into her very personal truth about her mixed ancestry.

“Growing up, I would go into stores, get into taxi cabs even and if there was a Middle Eastern driver, or the person behind the counter was Middle Eastern, they would look at me and they would ask me, where are you from? What is your ethnicity?” Myetie identifies as a Black woman and acknowledged there wasn’t a day she felt she missed any amount of love and care attributing that to her grandparents and mother. “I wasn’t missing anything. I didn’t know what I was missing. I didn’t look for my father, my grandfather played that role in my life,” she shared.

While Myetie always knew she was of Middle Eastern ancestry, yet she admittedly had no clue of the exact origin. “I didn’t meet my dad until I was 30, he wasn’t in my life growing up. It wasn’t until later in my life when I met my father I learned he was Lebanese,” said Myetie. Hamilton’s life is quite serendipitous. As she recounts the pivotal moments you can’t help but to recognize she invests her energy into being ready for what is to come.

“I had just gotten married when I was 28 and my husband would ask me if I would be interested in looking for my father and being able to tell our kids about my full-self… I told him no,” she said. Even though she was living a life filled with love, life had something more for Myetie.

“I was on my way to Bible study, a Wednesday night I’ll never forget, and my aunt called me and said she

just saw my dad on World Series of Poker and I need to turn on the tv. I’m thought, “yeah, right. So I had a couple of photos of him holding me when I was a baby, and as soon as I turned to the channel, and saw him…I saw his eyes. I knew he was my dad,” Myetie whispers as she’s brought to tears. It was predestined for her to know her father and to know herself fully. “Even though I would not have sought it, God knew what I needed. I embrace all of who I am. I unashamedly embrace the journey as well, what a beautiful journey it has been,” she said.

Birth of a Boss

Where there is faith there is fearlessness and Myetie faced the unknown with gratitude as her attitude. Her experience of finding her birth father had an impact on her early years of leadership. Myetie shared, “I became a mom at 33, and I was working for CPS already in a leadership position there, it changed me, just as a person. I think it was really a blessing that I was at a stage in my life at that time.” Reuniting with her father invited her to understand how the energy of expectations. It was a pivotal lesson in her life. “I never thought meeting my father would happen. But I think because of the sense of self that I have, and because of my personal walk with God I recognize everything happens in life for a reason,” she said. Her perspective of this experience was less about anxiety of what she didn’t have and more about a new level of self awareness of who she was and where she came from. Hamilton’s

experience helped her learn to go beyond expectations and work in the present moment. “I feel like in totality, I understand me better. And I think that that is the gift. And that’s what changed,” she shared. In a challenging educational climate, in a city with so many economic and environmental inequities a grounded visionary like Hamilton is making impacts that last for generations.

Uplifting Others

“My upbringing prepared me to be okay with being the only one in the room, lifting my voice. Oftentimes, I was the only Black woman amongst white male peers doing the work that I was doing on the leadership team,” said Hamilton. Finding her purpose connected her to positions of power and influence that she nurtured with intention, but didn’t make it about herself. “I began to understand I wasn’t in spaces to tell my story, but I was in spaces to uplift the voices of others, and to share lived experiences of my people,” said Myetie. Having the right people around can be life changing. Her becoming more aware of how to be part of the solution can be traced back to the many mentors that guided her over the years.

“There are always key people in your life that help to cultivate who you are, even if it’s just a moment where they give a word of encouragement to you. My eighth grade teacher, Mrs. Maxwell taught me to always look people in the eyes when speaking, and my high school counselor Dr. John West is really responsible for launching my entire

Continued from on page 11

career. Dr. West, he believed in me. I will never forget, he looked at me, he said, you are a star now go shine for me.” Myetie reflected openly. She believes in making connections for young people to have access and exposure, so that they can walk into their purpose. Myetie’s wish is to help youth build their networks, get apprenticeships and internships to help them get to the next level in life so they too can shine bright.

A Whole New Playground for her Purpose

“So…funny thing, I was not a day camp kid, but I lived in an apartment right across the street from Jackson Park growing up with my mom and siblings,” said Myetie. Her memories outdoors as a child are what nourishes her passion for parks and greenspace to this day. “I feel like our green spaces are sacred, they’re safe havens,” Myetie said. With living right across from Lake Michigan she recalls, “when I would come home from college on break my mom and I would just take a walk on the lake and just talk, connect and catch up.” Much like those moments with her mother, the lakefront was her saving grace during Covid-19. Myetie became aware of access issues to the outdoors, she remembers jumping at the chance to buy new bikes for herself and twin daughters Mia and MIlan, but only after weeks of waiting because they were on backorder. Like many other families she became aware of the few places on the south side of Chicago one could even buy a bike to enjoy outside. Myetie didn’t know it but she was in some way being groomed to apply pressure with her purpose for nearly 3 million Chicagoans. In late 2022 she was tapped by now outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot to join the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners where she now serves as the Board President. The Chicago Park District is made up of over 600 parks, 27 beaches, two boat dock harbors, two botanic conservatories, a zoo, 11 museums, 78 pools and over 230 field houses.

Her appointment was received with much energy as her history of service, and successful leadership in the educational space made her an ideal board member for one of the largest and oldest park districts in the United States. Hamilton is excited about her role and opportunity to make a change for families and businesses. “There’s so much opportunity with park district programming, I’m invested in increasing those opportunities, especially in Chicago’s most under-resourced areas,” she shared.

Myetie is on a Mission

In 2023 Black Chicago is faced with what seems to be insurmountable challenges. Hamilton knows first hand how hard it is for our communities to address intersecting issues like homelessness, which isn’t a new issue to her, 13% of CPS students experience some form of homelessness. Nonetheless Myetie is on an equity mission and unmoved in her purpose. “First and foremost, we have to do everything that we can to address homelessness. The parks are part of the issue and we do have a responsibility to lean in and help bring solutions. I communicate and work with Alderpeople and housing advocates and believe in 100% public access.

For some in our city the parks are fun and for others this is their home,” she gently states. What is also a pri-

ority is helping increase opportunities to create a lakefront economy that mirrors that of North Avenue Beach.

“I think that the beaches on the south side should look just like those up north with resources, vendors and restaurants. Yes, we do have that on 31st Street and we are seeing businesses at South Shore and Rainbow Beach now. Bringing equity to the parks applies to everyone,” she said.

As far as programming she believes connecting to the needs of the community and preferences of teens is of the utmost importance. She is part of the development of pilot programs in Englewood and Austin realigning programming to match what the people want. Myetie shared, “we want to make sure we’re offering programming that our young people are interested in as well as expand the programs that are popular. Teens are into gaming for example. Participating at local parks can help kids develop skills, they can join teams and be employed too.” As it goes for sports Myetie is an avid swimmer but has become a fan of women’s basketball. When asked who would be on her dream team, she laughed….”Oh my god, this is so funny. I’ll say definitely Janice Jackson, Liz Thompson, Kim Fox, Myiti Sengstacke-Rice and Mijin Park.

She on a winning team. She boasts about the phenomenal staff, coaches and employees that work along side her. “Park district employees are some of the most passionate about what they do and resourceful. Those who take part in our special needs programs, or working with seniors I truly appreciate their deduction,” she said.

Tag You’re It

Myetie would love to see every park have representation of a Park Advisory Council and encourages every-

one to join in on making the parks and beaches exactly what they wish to see. “Get involved,” she says, “come to our board meetings, join a Park Advisory Council, become informed about the decisions being made at the parks and beaches.” She’s come this far trusting herself and always being ready to shine her light and lead the way, but she’s adamant this didn’t happen because she did it alone. “I would not be able to do the things that I do without my husband Marc. It is the truth,” she said. One thing is for certain…Commissioner Hamilton is the truth herself.

Coffee & Conversations at the Carver Financial Literacy Series at The Little Black Pearl

April 8, 2023

Clive A. Phinn, AU, AINS Managing Partner Cap Risk Consultants

To register, please visit: https://events.aarp.org/O97bOO

April 15, 2023

Kimberly M. Thomas Wealth Accumulation and Conservation Specialist KimCo International Inc.

April 29, 2023

Matthew L. Howard Agent New York Life Insurance Company

Black Outside

By Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Editor

Twenty-nine people were shot with six fatalities this weekend. This week Living Chicago leans into the challenges of being Black outside and opens up to practicing for peace to be a possibility. Reading reports of gun violence, “on the sidewalk” leaps off the pages as a reminder of the sinister side of Summertime Chi. Nature’s healing properties seem untrue. The nuances of being Black outside can no longer be glossed over. On the one hand Black teens are being shot walking and standing on sidewalks. On the other hand, Black teens are showing destructive behaviors outside. The former elicits our activism, the latter often our aggravation. Reports of increased anger and frustration during higher temperatures are backed by research. A review on violence and temperature published in Environment International reported a correlation with mental health related hospitalizations like anxiety and depressive disorders to hotter days…and hotter days are coming. How can we teach our youth to enjoy the outdoors? How can we teach our teens to manage their energy and tensions? The real question is do WE practice enough ourselves? Do we share those lessons in ways that teens connect with? Learning to manage stress using nature has its benefits. Giving your time to serve can be calming. Living with low stress on purpose takes planning. Take the time to reflect on your own relationship with tension. Acknowledge how the weather shifts your mood. Be aware of the energy it takes to learn, give and live when outside is heating you up.

Plants can

teach you how to calm your terrible temper

If outside isn’t accessible, how could you possibly use it for stress relief? Black Grandmothers often had some houseplant they nursed. Black families pass down pieces of plants like heirlooms and care for plants of those that have transitioned with love. Our community isn’t unfamiliar with caring for plants, but the benefits are more needed than ever before in our living generations. Bonsai trees are the epitome of calm. The tiny trees invite quite a meditative state. Its care requires patience, being present and intentional. Indoor plants overall have been shown to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. Model the vibes you wish to welcome outside your home. Mood boosting indoor spaces are reminders of the importance of our surroundings both built and natural. How plants look, feel and smell has different impacts on our mood and well-being. Some also can be harvested for self-care such as aloe vera. Unsure where to begin? Visit Haji Healing Salons apothecary at 4448 S. Cottage Grove. Not only do they have plants and potting soil but also provide yoga, meditation and more for calming the heart and mind.

Giving back to get better health “voluntouring”

Volunteering and giving back can be really good for your mental health. Voluntourism is a way to double down on being of service while touring a community or destination. In a nutshell it is traveling for charity. Most people don’t think about volunteering and vacationing together. But for those who are into trying new things this may be right up your alley. This summer if you find yourself oceanside in California, Florida, New York or inland coastal like Benton Harbor, MI or Gary, IN check out local beach clean ups during your trip. First identify the body of water you will be closest to or that is accessible. Visit the web pages of the local park district or state park for details on volunteer opportunities. Look for project partners from the environmental justice community or other environmental nonprofits. Beach clean ups are perfect for a day’s experience without committing your entire trip. If you are doing a local Great Lakes getaway, check out Alliance for the Great Lakes at www. greatlakes.org and explore their Adopt-a-Beach program. Help nature heal and get all of the calming feels.

Make dusk a date

Chicago is filled with light pollution making it hard to connect with the night sky. While more lights are safer the calming dark is totally inaccessible. Lucky for us the Adler Planetarium calls the lakefront of Chicago home. Every Wednesday the planetarium is open late from 4pm to 10pm and FREE for Illinois residents. Embrace the dark and tap into your imagination and escape the everyday world. Change your perspectives of problems and solutions and connect with the limitless possibilities that a calm clear mind can bring. Reading the night sky is also ancestral. Across Africa constellations have different meanings. Of them the Karanga, from Great Zimbabwe’s legend is that the stars are the eyes of those that have died. The Tswana legend however says the stars are the souls of those unwilling to be born. Connect with the constellations. Look up and live in full awareness of how you can be a source of calm in your home and community. For more information on the Adler Planetarium visit their website at www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Chicago Community Loan Fund Gives Community Orgs a Boost

CNW Staff Report

Good news for Chicago small organizations just got better because some top level organizations now have a viable expansion resource in the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF). Such a resource empowers them with cashflow to more effectively leverage existing resources and build capacity.

Like most small organization you know the importance of program expansion can be challenging yet its invaluable. Achieving the expandion of one’s organizational footprint is often is a far more monumental challenge. So in 2022, CCLF provided funding or partial funding in the community with loans to a range of community-based organizations seeking to purchase properties and or make capital improvements that facilitate existing mission-based programs or the

establishment of new ones.

Taking on such risks is rare but CCLF is not a conventional small business lender, but rather a real-estate community developer that provides flexible loans for housing, commercial real estate, community facilities and social enterprises.

Some of the organizations like Black Ensemble Theater, Blacks in Green and XS Tennis each tapped CCLF resources to purchase properties in their communities and expand their assets as well as their footprints programmatically and helping to anchor their community.

• Most desering is Black Ensemble Theater r company founded in 1976 that produces works, especially musicals, related to African-American culture. It’s housed at the Black Ensemble Cultural Center located in Chi-

cago’s Uptown neighborhood. Headed by its renowned founder, actress, producer and playwright Jackie Taylor, BET secured funding from CCLF to develop a new media technology center across the street from the theater.

• Blacks in Green, or BIG, is an environmental advocacy organization. Naomi Davis founded BIG in 2007 to design and develop green, self-sustaining mixed-income, walkable villages populated by African Americans and to educate community members and stakeholders.

CCLF provided BIG with a grant via the Communities in Color Fund in 2022.

• XS Tennis and Education Foundation is a not-forprofit organization with the mission to provide underserved Chicago youth with safe spaces and positivity through community-based tennis and academic enrichment that could lead to college enrollment. CCLF provided XS Tennis with capital for its current facility and to develop its next phase by purchasing property at 5410 S. State. The new loan will aid the organization, which is collaborating with the University of Chicago, to produce office space and housing for tennis players.

Toker Takeover

By Mila K. Marshall CNW Cannabis Corner Editor

Ready to blaze? Grab your hemp wraps, bongs and pens because the tokers takeover is here! Every year cannabis connoisseurs gather to catch a vibe. Illinois is in its fourth year of adult recreational use and while there are still some hurdles to cross. The state’s industry has celebrated some wins and the cannabis community has suffered some losses. Most notable was the appointment of Erin A. Johnson late 2022 to serve as the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer. Johnson’s appointment was welcoming news

the metro area’s first consumption lounge at 1325 Armour Blvd. There were wins in the craft grow area too, CEO Victoria Williams of Star Budz opened in October of 2022 in Rockford, Illinois.

Despite the firsts there is still a way to go. Craft growers in the state are finding novel ways to secure capital. Federal legalization reduces access to bank loans, further stressing the role of banking inequity to the revitalization of the state’s Black economy.

“With the recent passing of the Godfather of modern cannabis research, this 420 I’m celebrating the

delta-8 THC to be an illegal controlled substance. Despite the federal changes businesses like WakeN-Bakery, “Chicago’s original cannabis infused bakery and coffee shop” is still open for operation and seemingly unphased. As policies are enacted to be in compliance, Erin Johnson, advocates and the delta-8 entrepreneurs have much to negotiate.

What is non negotiable for some is celebrating 4/20 with friends. Saturday April 22nd Cannabis Equity Coalition is hosting it’s 4th Anniversary Fundraiser and Recognition Celebration at The Athletic Club on 12 S. Michigan Ave.

Strangefruit is hosting their 3rd annual 420 POPUP at a private location (in the Logan Square neighborhood with food, a cash bar, vendors and live entertainment. Scan the QR code for more details on tickets and use the code 420VETERAN for a $15 discount on tickets.

Maybe you want a little more creativity. Check out the 420 Puff Paint and Sip located at 8727 S. Commercial hosted by Tini Boutique, find out more information on Eventbrite.

NuEra is having a parking lot party with swag giveaways and more at their 1308 West North Avenue location from noon - 6pm on 4/20. FREE Eats from Cevapcici Chicago, courtesy of Verano, LIVE Glass Blowing and items by Essex Glass courtesy of GrassRoots and entertainment by COFRESI, DJ Gemini Jones and more. NOTHING IS FOR SALE and the event is for educational purposes only and 21+ note SOCIAL CONSUMPTION AT OR NEAR nuEra locations is NOT allowed.

Get your ganja and giggles on at Chronic Laughs brought to you by OZONE, AIRO, Edie Parker, Lincoln Lodge and SESH, Tuesday 4/25 7pm10pm. Tickets are $20 follow them on IG @chroniclaughscomedy.

to advocates and entrepreneurs, the position was previously held by Toi Hutchinson followed by Danielle Perry whose diverse experience in urban agriculture, hard to hire communities along with ties to police oversight was seen as a unique skill set for the challenges legal cannabis face.

Illinois also welcomed its first independent Black owned dispensary. Located in Logan Square Grasshopper Club (2551 N. Milwaukee Ave.) opened its doors Black History Month 2023. State Rep. La Shawn Ford (D - Chicago) announced a working group led by Illinois House Democrats to focus on social equity and policy reforms to support the businesses. Just last year on 4/20 Rise Dispensaries opened

advances his team contributed. I appreciate the opportunity their research afforded scientists like myself.

I now have a lifetime career in cannabis,” shared researcher Steven C. Philpott Jr., Environmental Biologist/Cannabis Researcher

Raphael Mechoulam passed away at 92 years old and was the scientist who discovered THC. His work is the foundation from which all other cannabis research flows.

The federal government is still somewhat in the throes of validating cannabis research for itself. While much attention has been given to marijuana the U.S. Farm Bill and hemp has had its own revisions. In February the Drug Enforcement Agency determined

No matter what you do remember…consuming cannabis is for adults 21+, while the smell of cannabis isn’t a reason for a police to stop you in your vehicle you can still get a citation for driving under the influence and smoking and driving is illegal in Illinois, finally public consumption is prohibited and yes you can still receive a citation for consuming cannabis outside on public streets and in parks. Consume responsibly and Happy Holidaze!

Correction: The 4/12 edition of Cannabis Corner misspelled the name of Owner/CEO of Herblo Cannabis Company Taronda Ransom

Autism Has a Face

By The Houston Forward NNPA Newswire

Autism is a developmental disability that affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today. Many people refer to those with autism as being on the “spectrum.”

You may have seen or met someone who has autism, but do you know what autism actually is?

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout an individual’s life, although symptoms may improve over time.

Having autism or being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is often associated with a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with autism have a distinct set of strengths and challenges, which impacts the way they learn, think, problem-solve, and deal with certain situations. Autism can be extremely challenging for those who have been diagnosed with it, and some individuals even require more substantial support in their daily lives, although that is not always the case. In some instances, individuals who are on the

“spectrum” navigate their entire lives independently.

Who is Affected by Autism?

The CDC states that some children show ASD symptoms within the first 12 months of life, whereas in others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months of age or later.

The CDC also states that some children with ASD gain new skills and meet developmental milestones until around 18 to 24 months of age, and then they stop gaining new skills or lose the skills they once had.

According to the CDC, as children with ASD become adolescents and young adults, they may have difficulties developing and maintaining friendships, communicating with peers and adults, or understanding what behaviors are expected in school or on the job.

They may come to the attention of healthcare providers because they also have conditions such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which occur more often in people with ASD than in people without ASD.

National Autism Awareness Month

April is National Autism Awareness Month, and it is a time to raise awareness about autism across the country, in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), which was adopted by the United Nations in

2007, and celebrated every April, to shine the light on autism as a growing global health crisis that needs to be addressed.

Although many people go about their day-to-day lives as if nothing affects them, there are many people who have not been on the “spectrum” themselves but have had to navigate the challenging and delicate responsibility of raising a child who was diagnosed with ASD.

Autism Speaks is a national organization whose mission is enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. The organization is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Through the years, Autism Speaks has worked tirelessly to provide crucial autism research, advocacy, services and support to help people with autism and those who support them thrive. If you or someone you know needs resources, visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Chicago State University Strike Ends

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

On Sunday, April 16, 2023, Chicago State University’s faculty and staff union reached a tentative agreement with the university administration ending their strike. Classes at Chicago State resumed Monday morning. After months of negotiations, faculty at Illinois’ only predominantly black university, Chicago State decided to strike on April 3rd. Faculty say issues surrounding compensation and workload are at the heart of their demands.

Chicago State University’s UPI Chapter President, Dr. Valerie Goss said in a statement, “We are pleased to report that, after many additional hours of intensive bargaining over the weekend, our union and CSU administration have resolved the issues remaining on the table and reached a tentative four-year agreement. “Our team has worked diligently to secure an agreement that provides pay increases for our worldclass faculty and staff while recognizing the university’s financial constraints.

“Most importantly, this agreement ensures that our members can make up for the critical time we lost supporting our students during the strike, through extended office hours, tutoring sessions, registration meetings, exam sessions, and other services. From Day 1, our dedicated faculty

and staff have prioritized student needs, so this component was essential to reaching an agreement. “Our members never wanted to strike, but being forced to do so has made us more unified and stronger than ever. I thank all of our amazing members, students, and supporters who stood up and spoke out with us every step of the way.

Chicago State University also issued a statement saying, “Chicago State University is pleased to announce that it has reached a tentative agreement with the University Professionals of Illinois, Local 4100, and that the strike has been suspended. Union faculty and academic support staff will return to work on Monday, April 17th. The tentative agreement addresses a range of considerations including wages, workload, and parental leave, and accomplishes the goals of both parties to reach an agreement that recognizes the valuable contributions of the faculty and academic support professionals with appropriate consideration for the fiscal position of the University. We look forward to continuing our collective and collaborative work in service to our students and the University community.”

Union officials said details of the agreement would not be provided until all members had a chance to review it and a ratification vote is held. If approved the agreement goes into effect immediately.

Why Are Black Mothers At Higher Risk Of Dying?

Clover Lee CNW Staff Writer

Research has found that Black mothers in the U.S. are three to four times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications. So, why are Black mothers at more risk of dying? Besides the fact that two years ago international studies conducted in the U.S. and UK reported that Black women are more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy and childbirth while pointing to systemic problems within healthcare, assumptions made about patients based on the race factor integrated into the governing political arena. Unfortunately, if you are Black in America, your value is questionable. In the summer of 2021, the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (RCOG) set up a Race Equality Taskforce (RET), to seek answers to why there are racial disparities in women’s healthcare. Black women will tell you that, “they already know,” to quote a professional in corporate America, who wished to remain anonymous. She stated, “It’s not a new experience so as Black women going to the doctor, you don’t expect them to have your best interest at heart. But what can you do?” She continued, “It’s built in the system. The white doctor doesn’t even know he’s carrying out racism. He just is.”

The goal is to better understand the racism that patients and workers experience. Statistics released during Covid-19 highlighted that 55% of pregnant women admitted to hospital with the virus were from Black, Asian, or other ethnic minority backgrounds. These racial disparities in healthcare are consistent with the Black experience and existed before the pandemic. Death during pregnancy and childbirth is rare. But accordingly, there is a proportionally higher risk to Black women than white. The chance of death is 1 in 2,500 for Black women but the rate was five times smaller for white women between 2014 and 2016.

This risk was five times higher than white parents-tobe. Of course, some of this was contributed to classism at work. But a study revealed that Black middle-class women were more likely to die in childbirth than white working-class women. Class was not a direct factor but rather why the group is relegated to the class like race or gender.

Noted is that long term trauma which causes both physiological and psychological issues impact the human development which manifests creating emotional and psychological conditioning that is the root of illnesses, fears, anger, and rage that are often suppressed leaving the individual unaware of their fear, anger rage or other physical and psychological affects upon them.

In Dr. Gabor Mate’s book, The Myth of Normal . . .Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, he explains that childhood traumas even while in the womb communicates the wrong message to a baby, creating long term trauma which causes both physiological and psychological issues. And that Black women suffer more than any other group from this occurrence.

Celebrities Serena Williams and Beyoncé, two Black women who are above the middle class have opened-up about the trauma they experienced through pregnancy and childbirth. Writing about their experiences through pregnancy and childbirth. World tennis champion Serena openly shared with the world her near death ex-

perience while giving birth to her daughter Olympia. Serena, told CNN, “I’m so grateful I had access to such an incredible medical team of doctors and nurses at a hospital with state-of-the-art equipment. They knew exactly how to handle this complicated turn of events. If it weren’t for their professional care, I wouldn’t be here today.” Serena suffered several complications including a pulmonary embolism and hematoma in her abdomen.

The National Center for Health Statistics collated maternal mortality data from all 50 U.S. states, that it found that in 2018 there were an estimated 17.4 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births when 658 women died. Dr. However, pregnancy-related deaths were two and a half times more common in Black mothers. Speaking about the data Bob Anderson, chief of the mortality statistics branch at the National Center for Health Statistics said on NBC, “I don’t think it’s as important to focus on the exact numbers. What’s important is that Black women have a much higher maternal mortality rate than white women.”

Again, it is not to be taken lightly. The trauma of reoccurring loss of children, mate and parents at young age has cell memory according to Dr. Mate’ and he is certain that it has a heavy bearing on the Black woman’s mental health and therein her child birthing experience.

Throughout the pandemic, pregnant women have been listed as vulnerable and advised to take extra precautions. The differences in the rates of maternal mortality are stark and some have said they need to be looked at in the wider context of racial bias in healthcare. Statistics show that Black women are at a higher

risk of developing heart disease and having a stroke. Similarly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are less likely to develop breast cancer but 40% more likely to die from it than their white counterparts.

In summary, Tina Sacks, assistant professor at UC Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare and the author of Invisible Visits: Black Middle-Class Women in the American Healthcare System is quoted in Fortune, “Black women, like all women across races, have a very hard time being taken seriously about their own bodies, due to pervasive sexism . . . so when you compound that with racism, you have a particularly toxic mixture that Black women are facing.” It’s a thing.

Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) issued the following statement to mark the beginning of Black Maternal Health Week:

“Protecting the health of Black women and girls should be beyond negotiation and policy dealing. Disparities in maternal death rates and maternal morbidity remain dire for Black mothers when compared to their white counterparts. Even if a Black woman is well-off, well-educated, and well-connected, she is still more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than a white woman. This is unacceptable.”

“This isn’t just a matter of statistics - it’s personal. We all deserve to lead full and healthy lives, regardless of who we are, where we live, or what we look like.

Congresswoman Kelly is the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus, and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG & SOUPS . . .

Mare’ Evans Contributing Writer

Plant-based spicy soup. Listen its true that this soup will will warm you up, from the inside-out. But not like that. Nope, don’t think temperature like when you want to be warm from the cold. But rather think about your inner organs that function better when hot spicey foods generate inner heat that helps to speed your metabolism and to burn calories. It’s true. Have you ever wondered why people in warm climates drink hot tea? It’s because hot tea helps to cool the body. It’s true. How many cold cola’s or other sodas have you drank in succession trying to cool down. Cold drinks actually do the opposite and increase ythe heat your body generates.

Sliced ginger and jalapeño provide this plant-based soup with a pleasant, invigorating kick. Asparagus, mushrooms,edamamee and silken tofu help bulk up the soup, but for more staying power, add brown rice-ramen noodles to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.

Yields: 4 serving(s)

Total Time: 25 mins

Cal/Serv: 132

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 tbsp. vegetable bouillon base (we used Better than Bouillon)

• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (dark greens separated from whites and light greens)

• 1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1/2 jalapeño, thinly sliced

• 8 oz. asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced

• 4 oz. baby shiitake mushrooms, halved or sliced if large

• 4 oz. frozen shelled edamame, thawed

• 12 oz. extra firm silken tofu, broken into pieces

DIRECTIONS

1. Step 1In large pot, whisk together 1 cup water with bouillon base to combine, then stir in 6 additional cups water along with scallion whites and light greens, ginger, jalapeño and bring to a simmer.

2. Step 2Add asparagus, mushrooms, and edamame and simmer until vegetables are barely tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Divide tofu among bowls and spoon soup and vegetables on top, then sprinkle with dark scallion greens.

GH Test Kitchen Tip: For a heartier bowl, add brown rice ramen noodles directly to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking—or, ladle the soup over steamed short-grain brown rice.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving): About 132 cal, 3.5 g fat (0 g sat), 14 g pro, 890 mg sodium, 12 g carb, 4 g fiber ifyou make this recipe? Let us know

* This recipe is recommended by GoodHousekeeping Magazine’s Food contributor, Tina Martinez

. . .And soups are still in. Light and tasty is the way to go for a spring soup. You no longer want something heavy to stick to your ribs. You do want to satisfy your hunger, enjoy and savor the taste. I’m recommending our Gingery Spring Soup

Glossier Returns to Chicago

By Melanie Mainor CNW Fashion Correspondent

Glossier is best known for their super star products, boy brow and cloud paint but since their last pop up in 2018, Chicagoans have only had access to Glossier on their website or through other retailers like Sephora. However those days are no more because Glossier has made it’s return to Chicago with a new permanent location. They really hit the nail on the head with the in-store aesthetic featuring a signature Chicago vibe that’s only found in this new location and more impeccably well lit mirrors than you can selfie in. They offer their full product line as well as the GlossiWEAR merchandise collection featuring an exclusive bucket hat in a teal color only available in-store at the Chicago location that you’ll want to add to your collection. Glossier teamed up with The Gray Matter Experience, an organization aimed at empowering young Black entrepreneurs by providing coaching, capital, curriculum, connections, and community to level the playing field and create a future where all Black youth are empowered to become leaders and innovators - so that a portion of the proceeds from each Chicago bucket hat sold goes directly to their organization. Glossier is here to stay!

The new store is located at 932 N. Rush Street. It will open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 6 p.m. on weekends.

Classy and elegant decorum

The salon look soft, serene and feminine