CNW June 14, 2023

THE MOORS MEN

Cheryl Mainor Norman President & Publisher

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-In-Chief

Terri Winston Vice

President

Darnell Pulphus

Art Director Editors

Donna Hodge

Food Editor

Dr. Mila K. Marshall

Cannabis Corner Editor

Staff Writers

Dr. Sharice Braford

Liz Lampkin

Marcus Bouldin

David Pierce

Tammy Gibsons

Shaneen Murray

Marti Worell

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Melanie Mainor

Eric Grant

Cover Photography

Seed Lynn

Cover Concept

Darnell Pulphus

8348 S Stony Island Avenue Chicago, IL 60617

(773) 437-3096

Vol. 1 No 32 Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Chicago News Weekly is published weekly on Wednesday. www.cnwmedia.com advertising@cnwmedia.com

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FaThers Day What’s it aLL about

THE HOLIDAY

As

Father’s Day approaches, just days aways, Sunday, June 18th, you may very well be seeking a special gift for your dad.

And because you’ve waited, unfortunately it’s the last minute, so you might have to scramble a bit to get what you had in mind, or you may have to settle with what’s left to choose from.

But the truth is, Father’s Day and all other Hallmark holidays that require gift-giving as a way to say, ‘thank you for who you’ve been in my life’ or “I love you,” can be considered more commercial than demonstrative of how you feel about your dad. Well, those big ticket items or that one special thing he’s been pining over for a while can really say a lot. It’s all about the intention.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT

So, what’s your intention? I think that as we grow older it’s really, about looking at our fathers and their contribution to us outside of what is designated as their responsibility or their daddy duty.

I was thinking about the bad rap that Black men get, and it breaks my heart. We have great fathers and deadbeats like every other racial group so don’t accept that as a Black’ phenomenon. Listen, I’ve always known that, because when we’re good, we are very, good and when we’re bad, we’re very bad. We just seem to operate in extremes. That ‘intensity’ of how we do what we do is not side stepped when it comes to parenting.

As a grown woman I can say that my father was there for me in every way he knew how to be, and I am a better person for it. So as a young woman, I was not surprised when several of my male friends became single parents and were good at it. Each took on the responsibility for different reasons, but the point is that they did so without question. Robert had a son and a daughter, Kamau had two sons, Runako had two sons and Greg

had two sons and a daughter.

Each of the men were professional across various professional disciplines from attorney to entrepreneur to artist, to educator respectively. Each man accepted the hard work of taking care of their children emotionally, mentally, and physically in preparing them for maturity and adulthood. I can still recall the images of Kamau carrying a diaper bag for his infant son and another bag for his 2-year old brother. Runako had to master managing schedules because he was often in rehearsals when the boys had dinner and homework. Robert was addressing the growth spurts and raging hormones of a young adolescent boy and girl. Making sure that their time was spent proactively engaged in activities academically or culturally inclined, was his focus and Greg’s teenage children were encouraged to read, write and read some more.

DOING THE WORK

Each father took their fathering very seriously and integrated time spent with their children directly to get in that most important nurturing time. Each of the children of these four men mentioned, were well mannered and behaved, cultured, articulate and seemingly well balanced intelligent young boys and girls.

That type of poised individual didn’t happen by accident. It took caring and being involved with their children’s lives, often considered what mothers do. But parenting is about both parents’ contribution, requiring that they bring their ‘whole selves’ to the table. And when one parent is absent on a daily basis, the parent who is the guardian/caretaker becomes the sole person that manages the

growth and development of their children so that they evolve into healthy responsible adults.

That commitment requires a consciousness that men often do not have to take on in the same way as the mother. And yet as the sole hands on parent providing for their children’s emotional and social growth, they make the rule of law within their family thus they must enforce it. They must teach and be an example of integrity, demonstrate responsibility and being one’s word.

This often requires sacrifice and the willingness to put their children’s welfare first.

THE PAY OFF

I observed these men do that and I can say that it paid off. Their children received the spectrum of love, whole real and challenging, but each became adults capable of making their own decisions independent of their fathers’ thinking and are responsible adults.

That’s because those four Black men accepted the challenge that life honored them with. They are better men for it and their children are better for the men their fathers rose to be for them.

Black men are good fathers, they are great fathers, they are exceptional fathers. The greatest gift you can give them is to be good, great and exceptional parents and leaders.

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

photo credit: Dot Ward

Prey-ing On Pests Not Pockets

Mila K. Marshall, PH.D. Staff

According to the National Pest Management Association nearly 12.5 million residential customers purchased pest control services, generating a little over $11B in revenue for the U.S. economy. The field of pest control also isn’t surprisingly diverse. Also, some may wonder what ethnic diversity has to do with pest control. Black Ownership Matters was formed in 2020 by a group of individuals who shared a passion for increasing Black ownership in the pest industry with the goal of attaining economic advancement in the field through “providing financial guidance, business resources, employee development, mentorship and community support” as stated on their website. Not only is there a growing demand for services, but there is an increased need for affordable treatments especially for low income residents.

Paul Rayon of Preyon Pest Control shared that it was through his work at a seniors’ home that introduced him to the needs of vulnerable populations.

“I got into the industry when I was a security guard at a senior home and every single floor was infested with bed bugs. When they fired the director of housekeeping the management company asked me if I wanted the position. I accepted and I supported the pest company Smithereen Pest Control that was hired by management with the infestation. I did such a good job that the pest company offered me a position and here I am years later with my own successful company,” said Rayon. Preyon Pest Control is now in five states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Texas. His company services 300 accounts and growing annually in Illinois alone. “I have residential and commercial accounts and have four full time employees,” said the entrepreneur.

Paul’s expertise has equity built into it. According to U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Housing Survey, daily pest problems are more likely a burden for low income households, mostly due to the age and condition of home and surrounding infrastructure. A 2021 published guide on U.S. Cities With the Worst Pest Problems ranked the Chicago metro area as the 8th most infected city, estimating 13.3% of homes dealing with

rodents and ~ 4.5% of homes suffering from cockroaches.

Common urban pests that Rayon deals with are roaches, bed bugs, ants, spiders, and rodents, but for homeowners dealing with water infrastructure issues, the sewer flies pose a major problem. “Lots of people think they can treat pest issues with bleach or cleaning sources but in the majority of the cases you need stronger chemicals. However, if you identify the food source and remove it, the pests tend to not return,” shared Rayon. When asked about his customers, Ray-

on shares that he is fulfilling a need to address the health and safety of Black home and property owners, “I target the African American community specifically because we get charged a lot of money for pest services. Some pest companies don’t service low income communities at all and if they do, they charge more than customers can afford,” he said. Paul prides himself on low cost, high quality affordable services.

“A two bedroom can cost $1000 to rid it of bed bugs and can be as much as $1500 from some of these larger companies,” but Preyon comes out on top. “I charge $300-$400 depending on how bad the infestation is,” said the entrepreneur. As the seasons change Paul’s company sees it all.

“We service boaters who deal with spiders for example. I also have some clients that are organic urban farmers and even some cannabis growers who need healthy pest solutions,” he shared proudly. What is clear is that for healthy communities there is a need for a range of affordable services and there are indeed industries that need diversity to pass down the savings in every sense of the word.

Editor

“I target the African American community specifically because we get charged a lot of money for pest services. Some pest companies don’t service low income communities at all and if they do, they charge more than customers can afford,”

When your Friends Do Not Understand Your MentalHealth

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Your goal is to get better: Concentrate on how you can face your fears and anxieties. Don’t waste your time arguing with your colleagues who are giving you a difficult time. This isn’t a public relations event where you need to get approval from everyone. This is your life and you are the one suffering. Your main focus is to get better.

By Stan Popovich

NNPA Newswire Contributor

Do you struggle with your mental health and have a difficult time in getting the people you know to be more understanding? In some cases, your colleagues might give you a hard time regarding your anxieties and depression. As a result, here are seven suggestions on how to deal with the people you know regarding your mental health issues:

1. Listen to the professionals and not your friends: Your peers may mean well, but when it comes down to it, the professionals are aware of your circumstances more than anyone. A counselor knows what you are going through and can help you deal with your problems. When you have questions about your mental health, consult with a therapist.

2. Don’t argue with others: It is important that you do not get into arguments

with those who are giving you a rough time. Your number one priority is to get relief from your anxieties. It is not your job to worry about how others may view your circumstances. Your health is more important than what other people may think.

3. Your goal is to get better: Concentrate on how you can face your fears and anxieties. Don’t waste your time arguing with your colleagues who are giving you a difficult time. This isn’t a public relations event where you need to get approval from everyone. This is your life and you are the one suffering. Your main focus is to get better.

4, Tell your friends to learn about your situation: Explain to your peers that the best way for them to help you is to learn about your mental health issues. They could talk to a counselor, read some good books, or join a support group to better understand your situation. If your friends won’t make an effort, then stay away from them because they will only make things worse.

5. Distance yourself from those who give you a difficult time: Distance yourself from those who won’t make an effort to help understand what you are go-

ing through. You need to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. If you have problems or issues with a particular person, you can always ask a counselor for advice.

6. You are not alone: It can be very frustrating to manage your fear-related issues when the people you know are on your case. Remember, you are not alone. There are millions of people around the world who struggle with their fears, anxieties, and depression. The key is to find those people who can relate to you through various organizations in your area.

7. Join a local mental health support group: There are many mental health awareness support groups in your area. Many hospitals, churches, and counselors in your area will be able to provide you with a list of these organizations.

These groups will be aware of your situation and can give you additional advice regarding your problems. In addition, talk to a professional who can help relieve your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with suggestions and insights on how to deal with your current problem.

Stan Popovich is the author of the popular managing fear book, “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear.” For more information about Stan’s book and to get some more free mental health advice, please visit Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com.

Jazzin at the Shedd: A Night to Remember

By Mila K Marshall, PhD CNW Staff Editor

This year marks the 28th year of Jazzin at the Shedd (1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.). Guests of all ages pour into the beautiful aquarium after hours to enjoy exhibits, great music from local artists while enjoying food and bars for guests over the age of 21.

This year there was something especially divine about the season’s first Jazzin of 2023. Social media was suddenly flooded with excitement for the first ever HBCU and Divine 9 night celebrating Black education. “We had people calling in asking to be put on waiting lists,” shared Senior Director of Marketing LaToyia M. Ledbetter, “it isn’t uncommon for the event to sell out a little later into the summer, so we were thrilled as a team to see that energy for the very first one of the season,” she continued.

As Black Chicago prepares for the traditional Summertime Chi fun, the Shedd’s shoreline kickoff for the culture shows the value of diversity in the C-suite. When Ledbetter proposed this idea to her leadership and administrative team it wasn’t a surprise to her that it was welcomed and fully supported by all. “Everyone was not only in agreement with the idea, but everyone also ensured the event’s success. It was the hottest ticket in town, and it was exciting to see the response. The line started to form around 4pm and we easily had over 2000 people in attendance” she shared. Other vendors came out to the event like Uncle Nearest Whiskey and the United Negro College Fund.

The Shedd Aquarium is an iconic cultural institution focused on conservation and teaching people about science and animal welfare. Water is also an increasingly hot topic for urban communities and Ledbetter and the Shedd team understand the importance of finding unique ways to activate and educate diverse audiences on the array of aquatic issues shared across generations and multicultural groups.

“Maybe everyone was partying that night…but maybe next week those same guests will bring their kids back to learn more about freshwater ecosystems, opportunities to volunteer or the amazing work we do globally,” said Ledbetter. In the African American community, conversations about the environment are increasing and institutions like the Shedd are finding clever ways to attract attention and serve communities in culturally relevant ways. “Seeing the representation of Black education and Black excellence was phenomenal. You saw all generations coming together and it was just so special to see that here,” said Ledbetter.

Guests were welcomed to enjoy three bands across the aquarium and hang out on the terrace overlooking the patio with the DJ Malik Shabazz, a proud Kappa man himself and official DJ of the Chicago Sky. Ledbetter beamed as she spoke about the sea of solidarity. “People were wearing their collegiate shirts and hats, sororities and fraternities were wearing their colors, the AKA’s were strolling, the Q’s were stepping…it was a sight to see,” she said.

There are more opportunities for engaging the Shedd and Ledbetter invites guests to take a look at them all.

“We have the auxiliary board for young professionals and beach clean ups across Lake Michigan at Chicago Park District beaches, we hope guests will come back, we are ready to welcome them all,” said Ledbetter.

Calling any one of them a simple beer lover is an understatement; they are aromatic experts, immensely insightful on ingredients and truly are bodying the beer game with finesse, they are true libationist’s. The global beer market is worth well over $500 billion USD, the industry is fast growing yet Black owned companies make up less than 1% in the United States. If anyone is trying to find Black brewers or companies Google will hop you around to various blogs and sites and if they are published after 2020, Moor’s is on them all. In less than 900 days shelves have been set ablaze by a Chicago trio whose eye for cultural enterprise is unparalleled. When meeting co-founders Jahmal Johnson, Damon Patton, and Anthony Bell you’re pretty much guaranteed one part Black history class, two parts industry related TED talk and quite honestly a comedy show. One thing you learn when you have them together is they have a sense of humor and like many Chicagoans have jokes for days.

Nonetheless, each of them brews with a passion not just about the business of beer but the business of brotherhood.

Chicago News Weekly sat down to capture the origin story and ambitions of the men of Moor’s Brewing Company.

A DIFFERENT M&M STORY THE MOORS MEN

A DIFFERENT M&M STORY THE MOORS MEN

Friends Become Brothers

“We go way back,” said Jahmal, “I first met Damon and Anthony at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign freshman year in college, but those two had

Mila K. Marshall, PH.D. Staff Editor

Mila K. Marshall, PH.D. Staff Editor

already known each other for some time,” he shared. “Anthony and I have known each other since we were like five and went to Beasley Academic Center together, so we’ve known each other since we were kids,” added Damon. In college the crew would throw parties and events together. Jahmal and Anthony had even previously operated an experiential marketing firm together in the past. No matter what the young professionals were doing in their respective careers they all stayed connected with the intentions of finding a way to work together.

When hearing their story of how they got started and what they were doing before Moor’s or the moment the company was born, it’s a bit mind blowing. Maybe close friends and peers know the breadth and depth of these tastemakers’ but outside of that small circle not so much, certainly not me. Think back to covid, I know it isn’t our favorite thing to reflect on but seriously remember how that space of stillness each of us was forced to take birthed new ideas, new beginnings, and new ways of working. Before Moor’s the fellas knew they want-

ed to work together, but it wasn’t until that summer of 2021 their vision manifested into the brand we know and love today.

A Beach Party Inspires a Brand

“Jahmal and I during the pandemic had an idea to do drive-in movies. We heard through the grapevine that a good friend was about to do the same thing,” began Anthony, then briefly paused,” peace and blessings to Tionna,” before continuing. “So, we partnered with Tionna of Fueled Events to do drive-in movies at Soldier Field stadium, and it was a complete success,” he said. The duo was responsible for the marketing and promotions of this creative experience. Summertime-CHI on some level was just now returning after the world had been shut down. Their partnership met the needs of a restless city while honoring the spirit of Chicago. The event produced 52 sold out. What? Amidst the throes of the drive ins success both Jamhal and Anthony were thinking about their next move. “Antho-

ny and I were in a creative-mind space and I was thinking how can we capitalize on this new energy of diversity, equity and inclusion?” said Jahmal.

Little did he know what was brewing 1400 miles south in Florida with Damon, where a private beach party in Miami turned these brothers’ eyes and ambitions towards a billion dollar beer industry.

“Damon called me up one day excited about this Black beach party in Florida and he said, “Hey we should make beer. We all felt it was a great opportunity to link it to the culture, highlight a time in history where we were rulers and leverage the reality of the Moors’ contributions to the science of fermentation and distilling process,” Jahmal shared.

Hidden history

At the time of Moor’s birth as a beer many things were shifting both in Black culture and on the shelves. Damon ar-

ticulates, “this is OUR pandemic project that really has just taken off. Thinking about that moment in time when we were as a society…dealing with the murder of George Floyd. God rest his soul; we saw Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben come off the boxes of brands and suddenly you look up and there is no Black representation in consumer packaged goods at a national level.” It was eye opening for them to realize not only the dearth of diversity on all the shelves, but little representation on beer cans at all. Damon admits that there are indeed some beer companies that speak to the culture and Black experience but nothing like their imagery on shelves anywhere. Reflections turned into revelations as the team learned about the hidden history of the Moor’s as a dynamic historical group of Muslim people of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula during the

Continue on page 10

L_R Damom Patton, Anthony Bell and Jahmal Johnson are the co-founders of the Moors Brewing company

Middle Ages. Between 711 C.E. and 1492 C.E. Muslim people of African descent controlled parts of Iberia ,which consist of modern-day Spain and Portugal. This conscious choice resulted in the brand choosing to be intentionally unapologetically Black, brand forward and distinctive when compared to even other Black beer brands. Patton believes major investors and buyers are able to be attracted and their attention held because of their philosophy and practice of embracing Black history and infusing that into every aspect of their production, branding and marketing.

Jahmal chimes in,” besides how we look, we have good products and they taste good,” he shared, “If we had terrible beer, it would be hard to make these moves and fortunately for us, we have great tasting products AND we have a great brand.” The proof is in the metrics. In less than 2 years they are now in over 350 locations and have served over 12,500 cans of beer.

From a buyer’s perspective the image draws you in and inspires you to want to know more…no pun intended. Google, “who were the Moor’s” and you get 16 million hits of a range of blogs, postings, images, and YouTube videos. It is a bit of a challenge to discern accuracy as well as who is the authority on them. Reviewing the many sites, I gained a new appreciation for the work of the trio. It becomes even clearer as to the space available for Black entrepreneurs to hold and the inherent need for products and services that bring our history to light with pride, courage, and class.

Emancipation Ball 2023

Their pride doesn’t stop with the product. Selecting Juneteenth as their official launch date was intentional and their annual Emancipation Ball is another proclamation of freedom to create spaces for other Black

businesses to come together in solidarity. “Our company was founded on June 19th, 2021, and that is the year it also became a national holiday. For us it is our anniversary, but we know it is a growing celebration in our community and across the nation. So, we’ve partnered with other Black companies to highlight and celebrate their restaurants and spirit brands. We want to commemorate our anniversary by dropping our newest product while honoring the work each of our companies has done over the year,’ said Jahmal. Guests will enjoy an array of food stations and beverages with some having access to exclusive experiences and will enjoy the ambiance at Rockwell on the River Friday June 16th.

“The Emancipation Ball is a celebration of culture,

community, and commerce. We are proud to have cultural allies like the Chicago Blackhawks, Breakthru Beverage, United Way, Boston Consulting Group and others celebrating both financial freedom and the emancipation of Black Americans alongside us,” shared Patton.

Catch Them Outside

The brand has cycled around Black Chicago supporting other projects and programs. It isn’t uncommon to see them on local Black podcasts supporting creatives as either guests or sponsors. You can find their logo on events, partnering with the Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum and at the Hyde Park Summerfest, you can catch them doing tastings around the city at Mariano’s, Haymarket Brewery and even the Cubs stadium. Their presence is inclusive and reflective of the culture of Chicago.

“There is a lot that goes into building the foundation of an empire and it isn’t taught to our people the true work it takes to start a business. Oth-

er demographics have the chance to operate turnkey businesses, they get companies passed down. Communicating is also probably the most important aspect of business and no one expected us to be able to compete with larger brands that don’t look like us. But we ARE building a beverage empire and we are just beginning,” said Anthony.

This is bigger than beer. As they prepare to celebrate their 2nd anniversary let us all reflect on our freedoms to create and celebrate our hidden history. Let us each direct our attention to the investments we make into each other and cultural allies. Let us welcome the men of Moor’s to a spot in history with a spirit filled cheers.

By Mila K. Marshall PhD CNW Cannabis Corner Editor

WEEd.WeStillCan’tAgree

Illinois Cannabis

Emotions escalated at a community meeting in the 27th ward as reported in Block Club Chicago. The HAAAYY Group wants to convert Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W. Madison St. to a dispensary. Vocal residents called into the Afternoon

Willie J.R. Fleming, Executive Director of the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign speculated there are about 18,000 jobs tied up in the Illinois cannabis industry because of businesses being non-operational. According to the 2022 ANNUAL CANNABIS REPORT published by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, 15% of employees in the state are African American and 11% are frontline and part-time employed.

Fleming and other panelists like Doug Kelly of Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition are part of a collective call to action for equity through changes in state policy. Kelly reflected on his disappointment with state lawmakers and expressed the last-minute changes to Senate Bill 1559 to address banning delta-8 regulations that derailed the cannabis reform bill causing it to miss the spring legislative deadline.

The needed reforms would have benefited craft growers with increased canopy space to 14,000 square feet from 5,000, drive through windows at dispensaries, badging standards for employees, updated HVAC requirements, allowing telehealth medical exams by licensed medical providers instead of physical exams, for example.

Mr. Kelly later amplified his message as a guest on the Corner Convo Podcast moving his message from the cannabis community to educate the public about what’s needed to get real equity out of Springfield; “we need to stick together and show these lawmakers we as a community want cannabis to be equitable,” he said. It is now left up to the fall veto session however del-

Show with Atiba Buchanan and Darlene Hill on WVON 1690 to reject the dispensary.

ta-8 regulations could disrupt Chicago businesses and brands if the state decides to be heavy handed on the hemp derived compound. Even if the legislation passed it would have done nothing to support the access to capital all in the industry still face, until federal legalization or the S.A.F.E. Banking Act passes many companies are finding themselves moving towards adaptive fundraising and investment models.

While some are feeling the pinch of federal and state policy, local level tensions are just as complex. Emotions escalated at a community meeting in the 27th ward as reported in Block Club Chicago. The HAAAYY Group wants to convert Wallace’s Catfish Corner, 2800 W. Madison St. to a dispensary. Vocal residents called into the Afternoon Show with Atiba Buchanan and Darlene Hill on WVON 1690 to reject the dispensary.

Guest of the show and founder of the Garfield Park Chamber of Commerce Siri Hibbler said she supports HAAAAYY and “would like to help them find another location,” lifting up Lincoln Park as a possibility. Chicagoans have the right to prevent cannabis by petitioning the Office of the City Clerk for a Restricted Cannabis Zones at the precinct level. The property is located in 49th precinct. Chicago News Weekly checked the status of active notices of intent

which included two for the 1st precinct in ward 23 which is in its comment period initiated by Rosaura Bocanegra and precinct 4 in ward 2 initiated by Amy Ringenbach, which has been rejected.

Details as to the reason for rejection were not published. There are 9 active cannabis petitions 3 of which have been rejected, four are in the 2nd ward. Currently Chicago has a total of 3 cannabis restricted zones and include the 23rd ward/26th precinct, the 2nd ward/42nd precinct and the 13th ward/13th precinct. Restricted zones are vital for entrepreneurs as they give a real time map of locations where the industry is not favored by the community members, saving time and resources. Ultimately the industry is stalled by both stigma and complicated by existing competing priorities.

Training Center “ICTC” recently partnered with NECANN to bring social equity front and center over the course of the two-day conference held at the Illinois Cannabis Convention held in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Doug Kelly and Mila Marshall Ph.D.

Do you Have a Prayer Life?

By Liz Lampkin CNW Columnist

Prayer is communication with God. It is the process of pouring out your heart to God with thanksgiving or with supplications. Many believers use prayer in many different ways, but for the most part it’s used to tell God about their struggles and ask for guidance. So the question believers should ask themselves is: How often do (I) pray? Do I only go to God when I need something, or am I using prayer to build a relationship with God? Having a prayer life means that you are actively communicating with God beyond your prayer requests. It means to openly or privately communicate with God every day. It means to be conscious of why you are praying. It means to have faith in whom you are praying to, and to take action as if your prayers are already answered. Establishing an effective prayer life can change your life for the better, if there is a distinguished focus on what you want your prayer life to consist of. If you need to establish or revamp your prayer life, take a look at the tips below for some new and refreshing ways to do so.

How to establish a life of prayer in your daily walk.

Establish a set time for prayer, and keep it. It’s often said that the best time to pray is first thing in the morning before the business of the day starts. Doing this will allow you to focus on communicating with God without distractions. It will also allow you to listen to God speak as you are speaking to Him.

Have a prayer journal. A prayer journal will help you identify your immediate and long-term prayer needs/

requests. It’s also a good way to look back and reflect on what prayers have been answered, what to thank God for, and it’s a good way for you to remember how powerful prayer is. Set a time to write in your journal, daily or weekly, to jot down prayers that are in your heart. Be specific with your requests and wait patiently for God to answer.

Create a space in your home where you can go to God in prayer during your prayer time. It can be a corner in your bedroom, or any private space in your home. In this space you should have your favorite scriptures about prayer visible, you should have your bible or a daily devotional handy, and you must have a chair or comfortable item/place where you can sit or bow on your knees. As a bonus, you can have a set of headphones to close out any noise and so you can hear your own thoughts.

Pray more than once a day. Make prayer a habit. In fact, it’s best to pray throughout your entire day. There’s always something to communicate with God about, so you want to be sure you are in constant communication with Him, even if it’s to say thank you for what He’s already done.

Pray with and for others. Going to God in prayer with those close to you will bring you closer together. Identify a specific prayer partner. Having a prayer partner who already has a strong prayer life can help you strengthen yours. They can also hold you accountable and make sure you are actively praying every day. If you have to, set reminders on your phone to ensure you remain focused on building your prayer life.

How often you pray will make a tremendous difference in your life. Being intentional about it can increase your faith and your relationship with God. The act of praying is essential to any believer’s life. Without it, your communication with God will suffer and so will your relationship with Him. Make it your business to create a life of prayer for as long as you live.

Liz Lampkin is the “Wright Now Writer.” She creates Faith and Lifestyle stories to give a voice to the unheard. She is an advocate for single women who encourages them to live happily ever present through her writing, speaking and teaching. Follow her on social media @Liz_Lampkin

BLACK MUSIC MONTH

CHICaGO’S ROBUST ROLE IN AMERICA’S MUSIC IsNDUSTRY Part I

Mare’ Evans Contributing Writer

This year the world of music celebrates 50 years of HIP HOP, so the music is on wherever you go. And Chicago, has always been and remains is a major center for music in the United States where distinctive forms of Blues (greatly responsible for the future creation of rock and roll), and house music, a genre of electronic dance music, were developed and the advancement of Jazz.

The music developed mainly because of the “Great Migration” of Black workers from the South into the then industrial cities of the North, now known as urban cities, such as Chicago in particular, in the first half of the 20th century. Chicago is one of the places where the faster, juicier boogie-woogie emerged from the blues as did Gospel. Yes, even gospel.

Southern Blacks brought with them traditional jazz and blues music, resulting in Chicago blues and “Chicago style” Dixieland jazz. That’s not shocking when you note that its blues artists included Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Howlin’ Wolf and both Sonny Boy Williamsons; jazz greats included Nat King Cole, Gene Ammons, and Bud Freeman. Chicago is also well known for its soul music. Chicago in the middle, land bound brought a different perspective to the music as it continues today.

Chicago is one of the places where the faster, juicier boogie-woogie emerged from the blues. The most renowned early recordings of boogies were made in Chicago with Clarence Pinetop Smith, who might have been influenced by the brothers Hersal Thomas and George W. Thomas from Houston, who were together in Chicago in the 1920s.

Chicago blues and boogie music continues to be popular today with the annual Chicago Blues Festival, that presented super star last weekend and with great appreciation of the musicians such as those previously mentioned plus and Willie Dixon; guitar players such as Tampa Red, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Elmore James and Lefty Dizz.

The most renowned early recordings of boogies were made in Chicago with Clarence Pinetop Smith, who might have been influenced by the brothers Hersal Thomas and George W. Thomas from Houston, who were together in Chicago in the 1920s.

An important personality to the Blues, Gospel, and Chicago Thomas Andrew Dorsey, known as the Father of Gospel American songwriter, singer, and pianist,

known as the of “Father of Gospel Music,” began as a Blues artist whose many up tempo Blues arrangements of gospel music earned him that title.” Dorsey was introduced as childhood to blues pianists in the Atlanta, Ga., area and worked in secular or hokum music (--a most degrading description of such an important music) as a composer, arranger, pianist, and vocalist from 1910 through 1916. After attending the College of Composition and Arranging in Chicago 1928 he toured with Ma Rainey, “mother of the Blues, ” recognized as the first great professional Blues vocalist.

From 1929 until his death Dorsey worked exclusively within a religious setting, consciously applying blues melodies and rhythms to spiritual concerns. Though he no longer played the secular circuit his understanding of the emotional cadence of Black people inspired and moved him to express himself through music capturing that same feeling that came through the Blues.

Gospel music gained popularity momentum in Chicago the 1930’s because of Dorsey’s work.

In the 1980s and 1990s, heavy rock, punk and hip hop spread widely in Chicago. Orchestras in Chicago include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Sinfonietta.

Popular on the radar is House music which originated in a Chicago nightclub called The Warehouse. And regardless of other claims, Chicago house is the earliest style of house music. Recently it was dubbed that Beyonce started ‘House music. . . rumors that it emerged from Latino roots and more. So, the dispute is on, but Chicagoans know. The origins of the name “house music” are unclear, but the most popular belief is that came from the place where it began—The Warehouse.

The popular word accepted is that DJ Frankie Knuckles originally popularized house music while working at The Warehouse. Knuckles is the man often referred to as the godfather of house.

It is thought in some spaces that House, more than any other form of Black music, has birthed many offshoots and spread its sound throughout the music

world but blues is also a heavyweight in the influence of music genres. So, House music has influenced, other genres in some capacity.

The actual music developed in the houses, garages and Chicago clubs and was initially for local club-goers in the “underground” club scenes, rather than for widespread commercial release. As a result, the recordings were much more conceptual, and longer than the music usually played on commercial radio except for the early jazz tunes by Coltrane, Monk , and the music by AACM Great Black Music musicians and the like.

House musicians created their music using analog synthesizers and sequencers while arranging the electronic elements and samples on their tracks, combining live traditional instruments and percussion. The takeaway is the prevalence of four on the floor beats in dance music is largely derived from house.

This year 2023 some of Chicago’s creatives creators were highlighted at the Grammys like House Music man, Terry Hunter for Best Remix of Beyonce’s “Break My Soul.” Others like Matt, Global music artist; Johnathan McReynolds, and some like Sir William James the Baptist brought home a Grammy for Gospel Album for Best Roots album, “The Urban Hymnal’ and J. Ivy for the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album-“The Poet Who Sat By the Door,” win this year big time. Be very clear that Chicago remains ‘in the the room at the forefront.’

Producer, remixer, and DJ the late Frankie Knuckles GodFather of House Music

Summer Entertaining: Preparing the Grill

Donna Hodge CNW Food Editor

Itseems like it was only yesterday that we were doing that Spring Cleaning in preparation for the warmer months, that were just around the corner. So, along with “opening up the house” airing it out and saying goodbye to winter, we also must prepare our grill for the Summer cooking.

the grates and grease pans to prevent any dangerous grease fires.

If the grill is too old, too rusty, and beyond a good deep cleaning, you may have to dive into your pocket and purchase a new grill.

If you are a purist, and use a charcoal grill, empty out all ashes and remove unburnt charcoal from the

bottom of the pit and the ash catcher. I recommend a deep cleaning for the grates, by soaking them overnight using vinegar and baking soda. Be careful when using the stainless-steel brushes, sometimes they leave tiny metal bristles that can get into your food. Don’t forget to wash the exterior of the grill too. There are several cleaners on the market, but good old soapy water is the best.

Memorial Day is the official kick off for Summer Grilling, so now is the time to take off the tarp or cover, bring the grill out the garage or wherever you keep it during the winter.

Whether you use a gas or charcoal grill, it’s time for a good inspection. If your grill is kept outside check for rust, corrosion, and bugs. If you are using a gas grill, check the fuel lines, and visually check for any cracks, and replace the gas tank. You also have to clean all of the elements, removing the debris from the flame burners, using a wire brush and the inner tubes, where little critters reside during the winter. Lastly, you must clean

• Chimney Starter

• Lighter fluid

• Long Lighter

• Basting Brush (heat resistant with a long handle)

• Tongs (long handled stainless steel)

• Wide spatula

• Instant-Read Thermometer (there are remote thermometers that connect with your phone)

• Pastry brush

• Grilling Gloves (silicone/heat resistant)

• Drip tray

• Grill Baskets (great for vegetables and fish)

• Grilling lights (if you are grilling in the evening)

• Wood chips (Apple, Cherry, Hickory, Mesquite and Pecan)

Note: If you are planning to use wood chips or chunks of wood, follow the instructions carefully. What works best for your grill.

• Skewers (wood or metal) Don’t forget to soak your wood skewers for 30 minutes)

• Spray water bottle

Now is the time to also give the grilling tools that once over. It may be time to invest in a new set tools. Here is a good checklist for those essential tools for a successful and memorable barbecue.

Depending on your type of grill, you will either need a propane or natural gas tank or a fresh bag of charcoal briquettes.

There are so many fun and new gadgets out there to take your barbecue to the next level. Study what temperature your food should reach. Do your research. Remember while gathering with friends and family is fun, safety is very important. Have a fire extinguisher handy. Get ready for a fun and delicious grilling season.

Soles of Summer

C.L. Blackburne Staff Writer

SANDALS never go out of style. . .

Nomatter how we try to escape this truth about fashion progression, fact is, fashion styles repeat themselves. It’s not like an every ten years cycle but, the reemergence of the old is enough to recognize the consistency. Certain styles always resurface eras after their first introductions, like palazzo pants for insistence. They first entered the market in the late ’60s and trended through the ’70s. Note that Wide-leg trousers were one of the biggest trouser trends of 2022. So, if you invested in them, know that they’re still trending in 2023.

But sandals! Sandals seem to be the one clothing item that is consistent. The existing styles never go out of fashion. Though sandals’ styles vary, the important point to remember is that year after year designers recreate the same shoe to look different by adding anything from color, fabric and added other accents or trimmings like beads, flowers, ribbons, bows, and more to make the appearance of the sandals appear different from last year’s or the year before styles. Classic sandals are the winners in any summer wardrobe. No matter your style there’s no denying the power of anchoring an outfit with a timeless shoe. Of course, it can be hard to unearth the best styles, especially with the influx of here-today, gone-tomorrow trends. But footnote this—the sandal is one of the sexiest clothing items ever designed and the style remains constant.

The trick to ensuring you don’t end up regretting your choices is to look for ever-enduring shapes designed and crafted with high-quality craftsmanship. Second, you want to assure their comfort. And that’s not too difficult to accomplish when shopping for sandals, just make sure that you steer away from the over-the-top designs. Most likely they will not be comfortable or last through the next season.

For instance, Cardi B’s geometric platform sandal is captured here and though they beautifully complement her outfit, they’re not a pair to invest in unless can afford to invest in an expensive shoe you wear a few times only.

Sandals To Shop

Back to comfort and beauty, at the most luxe end of the scale, there are The Row’s ultra-sleek flip flops, which are the epitome of quiet luxury, thanks to the easy-to-slip-on silhouette and expertly crafted design.

On the other side of the price spectrum, the beloved double-buckle Birkenstocks and the woven details on Castañer’s espadrilles complete your summer attire spectacularly.

The ideal sandals are perfected by several brands that have mastered the art of the timeless summer shoe. So if you desire the classic sandal that never goes out of style, look for

1. The Fashion Flip Flop

2. Toteme The Knot suede thong sandals

3. The Row City leather flip-flop sandals

4. St. Agni leather platform flip flops

High-End Sandal Classics

5. Tkees Foundations Matte leather flip flops

6. Loro Piana Sesia leather slides

7. Brunello Cucinelli Monili crisscross flat slide sandals

8. Saint Laurent Tribute Nu Pieds slide sandal. Don’t stop here, keep looking until you find what’s perfect for you