December 13 - December 19 , 2023 • The Voice Of Black Chicago • Vol.1 No 48 • cnwmedia.com • FREE
HOMETOWN HERO Lt. Quention Curtis
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Chicago News Weekly
December 13 - December 19, 2023
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 Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson Marti Worell Wanda Wright
Contributors NNPA Newswire Mare Evans Melanie Mainor Kenn Cook, Jr. Cover Photo By Seed Lynn
Chicago News Weekly 4131 S.State Suite C Chicago, IL 60609 (773) 236-1464 Vol. 1 No 48 Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Chicago News Weekly is published weekly on Wednesday. www.cnwmedia.com advertising@cnwmedia.com editorial@cnwmedia.com Subscription $104 year
E notes For GOD’s Sake Have You No Shame
Tis’
the season to be jolIy and deck the halls with balls of holly! As I look around I see a marked difference from last year’s Christmas season and the year before following COVID-19’s shutdown. I see decorations that are beautiful and reflective of the desire to move forward and onward. People were slow to step back into the Holiday season of good cheer and with good reason, but here we are 2023 and we are moving onward with hope in our hearts. Still so much is on the table and at stake. I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted by the horrific turbulence of life on every level from politics to religion to entertainment to health to violence to love; you name it, not to mention social welfare and reform for the poor, homeless and immigrants. Name any area of our lives and anyone of them notedly are in tremendous turmoil. Where is the peace? Prime example George Santos. . . the disgraced congressman has been rewarded after being ousted for his deplorable criminal and disrespectful behavior as an elected official voted in to serve the interests of his constituency. Only to discover that he is a thief, a liar, and a forger and more; all fraudulent aspects of his campaign to win the peoples’ trust. Two things: the meteoric political rise of George Santos and the web of fabulist tales it was built on are getting a movie treatment. HBO Films has optioned the rights to Mark Chiusano’s new book The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos, which was published on November 28, 2023.
December 13 - December 19, 2023
photo credit: Dot Ward
Chicago News Weekly
The film, now in development, is described as a forensic Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief and darkly comic look at the crazy, unprecedented conSantos, expulsion from Congress in a gressional race on Long Island that led historic move with a vote of 311-114-2, to Santos being elected to Congress. It exceeding the necessary two-thirds macomes from Frank Rich, who executive jority threshold, with 105 Republicans produced HBO’s Emmy-winning Wash- joining nearly all Democrats in supportington DC satire Veep as well as the net- ing Santos’s ouster. Now that was somework’s Emmy-winning drama “Succes- thing. sion.” Santos will not receive any money The expulsion vote marked the end of from this project, but it keeps on the a dramatic term in office and ultimately news pages, networks, film, and social came after the Ethics Committee exposed media as one of notoriety in the publics a scathing House Ethics Committee reeye and on their lips. This keeps him rel- port including substantial evidence that evant. If I had my druthers, I’d cast him he “blatantly stole from his campaign” to the wolves, not to die but to live into a for his own personal benefit,” deceived life of real treachery. If you think you can donors into providing what they thought run with wolves, then let’s see how bad were contributions to his campaign but you truly are. You know that he wouldn’t were, in fact, payments for his personal last a New York minute. benefit.” He won’t get paid for the film but for Santos has also been charged on allega$200, George Santos will gossip with you tions, unlawfully received unemployment on Cameo, yep, he ‘s now on Cameo. benefits, and charged his donors’ credit Second, comedian and writer Ziwe, cards without their consent, among othknown for her satirical commentary on er claims. Still the ousted congressman politics, race relations, and young adult- has quickly landed himself some new inhood invited the former New York Re- come as a Cameo creator days after he publican House Representative to join was ousted from his prestigious position. her for an interview in a post on X, for- However, Santos has vowed to file ethics merly Twitter, which read, “@MrSantos- complaints against four members of the NY would you be interested in a pay-per- House of Representatives after the lowview interview? “This interview would er chamber of Congress’s vote The news irreversibly change the course of history,” comes on the heels of Santos’ Washing. . .you’d be an iconic guest,” Ziwe, whose ton D.C. career collapse. It goes withfull name is Ziwe Fumudoh, added in the out saying, following in the footsteps of post to which the thirsty expelled Santos, Donald Trump he has pleaded not guilty responded “Let’s do it,” with an emoji of to the charges. Why wouldn’t he? a winking face with a tongue.’ Ziwe also wrote ‘that prospect is “my literal dream.”
Chicago News Weekly
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Healthy Living
Clover Lee Staff Writer
World AIDS DAY 2023. . . . Has Come and Gone virus is a living organism that uses And as much as we’d all AIDS the human body as it’s host. With that like to say ‘and so has said it struggles for its survival as well to it has a right.” He continued, “I AIDS,’ we’re not there yet. which am not saying that AIDS is good or bad AIDS is a virus first and but as a scientist I approach these things as a part of the life chain and its many foremost, so you must un- survival pursuits or game plan to live. AIDS is a vey intelligent organism.” derstand the definition of And It’s important now that we have become so lax in our intimate interaction a virus.
A
virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. Viruses infect all life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. Viruses are found in almost every ecosystem on Earth and are the most numerous type of biological entity. One of the most interesting things about a virus is that it’s a piece of code that is capable of copying itself and typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data. In 1998 I traveled to San Francisco to interview a doctor who was actively involved with the study of AIDS and its eventual eradication. I share this with you because he spoke to me as one who respects all life. He said to me, “I understand that this virus attacks the human body and does terrible things to disrupt it, but we must understand that the
NOW This is
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now days as if all sexually transmitted diseases have ceased to exist. They have not died. Syphilis has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years because the initial scare has ceased to frighten people and so caution is literally thrown to the wind. You can live with HIV which is one of the advancements since the eighties. It does remain a responsibility—meaning that you must remain pro-active in your overall health and well being once diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. Making sure to follow your prescribed medicinal protocols which include the practice of safe sex, and to share no needles with anyone. HIV is a virus that kills CD4 T-cells in the body. Over time, if many CD4 T-cells are killed, then the body has a reduced ability to fight infection, and HIV can advance to AIDS. AIDS is a disease that can be caused by an untreated HIV infection. HIV infection advances to AIDS when there are less than 200 CD4 T-cells per cubic millimeter of blood. If this happens, it means the immune system has become very weak, and someone can quickly become very sick. But you must act responsively. Celebrity Artist and AIDS activist Elton John initiated his Aids Foundation early in the fight to end its reign of terror. On WORLD Aids Awareness Day he spoke to the world y=urging us to remember that we’ve come a. long way since the dreadful eighties. He commemorated The U.S. government’s theme for World AIDS Day 2023 is “Remember and Commit,” which highlights the critical need to reflect on what is holding us back from ending the HIV epidemic. Over 150,000 people are living with HIV in the U.S. and do not know it. More than 30,000 new HIV infections occur in the U.S. every year (CDC, 2023).
THE BLACK FACTOR A growing body of research shows that centuries of racism and discrimination in this country have had a profound
negative impact on communities of color. The impact is pervasive and deeply embedded in society—affecting where one lives, learns, works, worships, and plays and creating inequities in access to housing, quality education, wealth, employment, and a range of other social and economic benefits. These conditions—often referred to as social determinants of health—are key drivers of health inequities, causing people within some populations to experience greater risk for poor health outcomes. COVID-19 and HIV The COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. led to disruptions in HIV testing and access to clinical services throughout 2020. Although the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV in the U.S. will not be known for some time, recent CDC data have shown concerning setbacks to HIV prevention, including sharp declines in HIV testing and diagnosis, as well as slowed pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescriptions. In 2020, 44% fewer HIV tests were administered among Black people in non-healthcare settings than in 2019. Due to the disruptions in testing and clinical care services, CDC is not able to estimate new HIV infections (“HIV incidence”) for 2020 or to provide HIV trends through 2020. CDC is also unable to estimate the total number of diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV infections (“HIV prevalence”), or knowledge of HIV status.
PROGRAMS AT RISK Because funding is at risk Elton John, urged Congress government leaders to recommit ending the HIV epidemic and fight the discrimination that keeps people from getting the HIV services they need to live the full lives they deserve. The serious threat could jeopardize the advancement of the previous year. Elton appealed to Congress to reauthorize the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for five more years, as it has done three times before. PEPFAR has saved more than 25 million lives and ensured that 5.5 million babies were born HIV free. It is now supporting more than half of the 30 million people currently on treatment. Extending PEPFAR for five additional years is not only essential for ending AIDS by 2030 but for preparing for the next inevitable pandemic. . It is now supporting more than half of the 30 million people currently on treatment. Extending PEPFAR for five additional years is not only essential for ending AIDS by 2030 but for preparing for the next inevitable pandemic. The Minority HIV/AIDS Fund focuses on improving HIV prevention, treatment and care programs for racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S., who experience the greatest burden of disease (CDC, 2023). Funding for these programs cannot be cut – as they are vital to achieving a brighter and healthier future for people living with and affected by HIV in the U.S. and around the world. These are the choices before us with so many other daunting issues to face.
December 13 - December 19, 2023
Around Town
Holiday Time Around Town It’s beginning to look a lot like the Holidays, and gathering is happening all around town. CNW was there to participate in a few of the festive occasions and here are some of the highlights. CNW Staff Report Photos by CNW Staff
NEFUSE Commem-
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orates World AIDS Day 2023. Headed up by Gina Lamar Evans, the organization provides case management services for adults who are living with HIV & AIDS. The event was held at BLANC Gallery.
Small Business Saturday Pop Up’s at Black Lion
Black Lion is Chicago’s primere luxury home furnishing and decor shop located on Historic Motor Row celebrated Small Business Saturday by hosting pop up opportunity for Black women owned businesses. Bravo the owner Elizabeth Emory for showcasing some awesome women and uplifting their businesses this holiday season.
Celebrating Thanksgiving With Matthew House Chicago Matthew House Chicago, has served the homeless community on Chicago’s South Side for over 30 years, Every day, guests who are in need, come in to be welcomed to hot full meals, case management services, clothing, day programs, and many
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other services. Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson can always count on her friends and family to come and assist she and her amazing staff as they cook and serve meals for over 80 grateful guests. Thank you Matthew House for showing us all how to serve!
Chicago News Weekly
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Dollars & Sense By Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson CNW Columnist
Embracing the Unknown: Leaping Over Fear to Success
F
ear is a potent emotion that often keeps us firmly planted within our comfort zones, obstructing our pursuit of dreams and fulfillment of our true potential. Yet, imagine if we could transform this fear, typically viewed as a roadblock, into a stepping stone toward achieving success. In today’s blog, we delve into the concept of “Embracing the Unknown; Leaping Over Fear to Success”. Before we can conquer our fears, it is crucial to comprehend them fully. Fear exhibits itself in various forms, from fear of failure to the fear of the unknown. Its stronghold over us thrives on uncertainty and the anticipation of unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, the first pivotal step towards conquering fear if recognizing and acknowledging its presence. For many women, the journey of Embracing the Unknown and Leaping Over Fear to Success can be particularly chal-
lenging due to the presence of imposter syndrome. This insidious self-doubt often infiltrates the mind of talented and accomplished women, causing them to question their qualification and worthiness. Research has suggested that imposter syndrome may be more prevalent among women, especially in male-dominated fields, where societal expectations and gender biases can compound feeling of inadequacies. However, it is crucial for women to recognized that imposter syndrome is nor reflection of their capabilities but a product of external influences. Acknowledging this phenomenon and pushing through fears empower women to achieve remarkable success and inspire others to do the same. Embracing the unknown is not about eliminating imposter syndrome; it about acknowledging it existence and refusing to let it dictates the course of our dreams and aspirations. In a world that often celebrates famil-
iarity and comfort, there lies immense power in disrupting fear and embracing the unknown as a path to success. This journey is more than just taking a leap; it involves shattering the barriers that fear constructs around us. As disrupters, we understand the important of stepping out of our comfort zones, challenging the status quo, and welcoming uncertainty, as these actions can propel us toward levels of success we may never have imagined. Leaping over fear isn’t a singular event but an ongoing process. It requires a conscious choice to embrace the unknown, redefine failure, and act with unwavering courage. Remember that every successful person has faced fear and uncertainty on their journey. By taking that leap, you open yourself up to a world brimming with possibilities growth, and fulfilment that exists beyond the clutches of fear. So don’t allow fear to restrain you; leap over it and discover where your path to success will lead you.
Embracing the Unknown: Leaping Over Fear to Success Here are three steps to Leaping Over Fear: Recognizing and Acknowledge fear is the first step in conquering fear Seek Support and Guidance by surround yourself with a supporting community such as mentors and coaches. Take Courageous Action by stepping toward your goals even in the face of fear, remembering that success often lies on the other side of fear and each leap you take brings your closer to your dreams that propels your legacy.
Chicago News Weekly wishes you a Happy Holiday Season!
Thank You for Your Support!
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Chicago News Weekly
December 13 - December 19, 2023
City News
December 13 - December 19, 2023
Chicago News Weekly
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Cover Story
By Mila K. Marshall, PhD CNW Staff Editor
HOMETOWN HERO Lt. Quention Curtis
change read w former o Lt. Quention Curtis fire- officer. fighting is much more than lete the a career, it is his burning about C passion born and raised go polic in Chicago, young Quention grew up in the near change north side projects of the 1988 in Cabrini Green neighbor- of 1999 hood. Chicago News Weekly invited this hometown hero to share his love of the people and dedication to the city. He is a community builder in every sense of the word. He has broken stereotypes, created inroads to careers for the next generation of first responders of color and has been diligent with seeking equity for those employed and those being served. His story brings to light the importance of the challenges faced by a diverse and segregated city. The Fire Department was known as an Irish institution and interestingly, Mayor Richard J Daley who publicly stated that the Chicago Fire Department would be intergraded only over his dead body. Quention’s stance is members of the community should be able to see those who look like them protecting and serving and like other major cities Blacks make up less than 16% of the Chicago Fire Department even though we are nearly 30% of the city population. Lt. Curtis is on a mission, and it is far from impossible from being accomplished.
T
Dreams Came Reality
“It was a childhood dream, I dreamed. I have always only wanted to be a fireman. I never was intimidated by the profession, and I feel like I have always been ready for the challenge,” said Lt. Curtis. Growing up seeing his first Black firefighter get off a fire truck lit something inside of him. He shared he knew at that point, that very moment, what he wanted to do with his life. He saw a Black fireman exit the truck to put out the fire and the rest is history. “There was this fire in our trash incinerator. I watched the firemen roll up on the fire truck. It’s just one of those childhood memories I will never forget,” said Curtis. After graduating from Near North Career High School, Curtis began employment under former Mayor Harold Washington. “It was pretty cool working for the mayor at that time. I would see him most days at City Hall, and he would talk with me. He had a vocabulary out of this world,” recalls
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Chicago News Weekly
Photo courtesy of Quention Curtis
December 13 - December 19, 2023
e to was a police (dee part Chicace...
Photo: Seed Lynn
e to nstead 9.
Curtis who has worked for the city since the age of 18. For a short period of time prior to being admitted into the academy, Curtis was a police officer before his move to the fire department.
Hero Vibes
Lt. Curtis was intuitively assigned to Engine 42 and from there he went to Squad Company 1 where he spent 22 years on the rescue team. “I was a hazmat scuba diver, I rescued people from confined spaces, deep tunnels, and trench rescue. When a body was in the water, I was the guy that went under and got the body. If somebody was trapped in a car, I was one of the guys to cut them out,” said Lt. Curtis. As he shares the dangers of his job, what is clear is just how important having someone from your community take part in saving lives. “Culturally, if you are not from my neighborhood, you don’t even understand me. We live in a city where people who aren’t from our community look at us differently. If every time I dial 911 In my neighborhood there’s a white guy walking in to save us…how can we see ourselves in those spaces?” questions Lt. Curtis.
Back in the day
Curtis was hired in 1988, there was a written exam followed by a physical agility test. Participants were given scores
and placed on an eligibility list. This list is where one could see exactly when you were going to be called. “After you get the call from the list you go to the academy for 90 days,” he said. The paramilitary training was “rigorous”, he recalled. Curtis had taken the 1995 exam which resulted in a slew of lawsuits against the City of Chicago. The lawsuit alleged that 78% of applicants hired were white of the 1,800 who completed the exam. Under the federal ruling the City of Chicago was forced to hire 111 Black firefighters after a 16-year bitter court battle to prove discriminatory hiring practices. Despite the tumultuous testing over the years Lt. Curtis sees that same spark inside other Black applicants that he had so many years ago. “With this last exam that was given, there were just under 15,000 applicants that applied and 4,500 of them were African Americans,” he said.
Paying it forward
“I tell the one story about the one kid who came through our program 100% homeless and he just graduated from CFD Academy recently. That was one of my greatest feelings in the whole five years is him. Knowing he was homeless, and now he works for the Chicago Fire Department, that’s amazing,” - Lt. Curtis The Black Fire Brigade holds a significant place in Chicago history and is a pioneering organization playing a crucial role in providing fire career services to the African American community. June of 2018, Lt. Curtis started the Black Fire Brigade to strengthen communities through the introduction to careers
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in the fire service at 8404 S. Kedzie Ave location on the city’s southwest side. “Since the start of the program, we (the Black Fire Brigade) have put over 675 students through this unique program,” shared Curtis proudly. He is most excited to honor the 95 single moms and 14 homeless students who received mentorship and career building skills that have transformed their lives. “One of the reasons I started this program is a couple of reasons was there were no intentional programs to move Black Chicagoans into the fire services. Yes, I took a very aggressive approach. And yes it is very much an intentional approach. I and other Black firefighters go into the community and out to these kids and show them that there is an opportunity, and that you have every right to be on this job,” said Curtis. The program serves participants ages 18 to 20. Curtis shares that there are many different opportunities once students are in the program. “The phase one is 90 to 120 days, they become an EMT. Thereafter they can go on to paramedic school, the fire academy, police academy, they can become a 911 dispatcher, an ER tech at a hospital, or even to a construction site to become a safety officer,” he shared. Firefighting is a small portion of the work of the department, “there is the Office of Fire investigation, the Office of Fire Prevention, Public Education, and Emergency Medical Service. We are needed in all these different bureaus and the Black Fire Brigade is here to help prepare them for those opportunities,” said Lt. Curtis. The cost per student to be enrolled is between $1000 to $1500 but it is completely free to participants. When asked about how it feels to have come so far in such a short period of time
Photo courtesy of Quention Curtis
The Fire Department was known as an Irish institution and interestingly, Mayor Richard J Daley who publicly stated that the Chicago Fire Department would be intergraded only over his dead body.
Lt. Curtis said, “as much as I do, I still feel like I need to be doing more. I need to get more political people involved. I know there are more people that can become watchdogs and make sure the system is fair for our people.” Soon there will be a brand new training center at 5349 S. Wabash. “We’ve just obtained a firehouse and are in the process of rehabbing it right now,” said Curtis.
Living with balance
Curtis believes it is his fathers work ethic that has allowed him to be both disciplined and consistent but doesn’t let the job get to him. ”I don’t take any of it home as a job. When you call I come. I’m gonna give you 110% every time I respond to an incident, and that’s pretty much how I just deal with it. I mean, I don’t get to control anything. I get that help wherever God sees fit for me to be,” he shared. Often he is asked about his political aspirations and plans for running for office. While both seasoned and well connected Lt. Curtis doesn’t aspire to hold a public office at the moment. Instead, he is working to build relationships with decision makers to ensure that Black Chicagoans get their fair shot at good paying city jobs serving the communities that they call home.
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The A.I.
The answer.is.
CNW EDITORS
Equity and Equality
W
e often find ourselves in conversations with well-meaning people who use the terms “equity” and “equality” interchangeably when discussing matters related to race and social justice. Both terms indeed have to do with “fairness,” and yet the distinctions are important to note to have a meaningful and progressive conversation. Let’s look at the key differences and how the application of one over the other may lead to drastically different outcomes. Equality implies that everyone receives the same resources and opportunities, regardless of cir¬cumstances and despite any inherent advantages or disadvantages that apply to certain groups. Equity, on the other hand, considers the specif-
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Chicago News Weekly
will face the same circumstancic needs or circumstances of a Equality Equity es and challenges. Equity recperson or group and provides situation would not be considered. On the types of resources needed to be suc- the other hand, equity means that those ognizes the shortcomings of this “onecessful. very distinctions would be factored into size-fits-all” approach and under¬stands that different lev¬els of support must be For example, equality would not dif- the equation. ferentiate the able from the differentEquality assumes that everybody is op- pro¬vid¬ed to achieve fairness in outly-abled. Your special needs or unique erating at the same starting point and comes.
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By Mila K. Marshall, PhD, CNW Cannabis Corner Editor
Cannabis Corner
Cannabis Business As Usual WHAT Pay-to-play, nepotism, and corruption are part of the free market. The marijuana industry is fraught with underhanded deeds just like the rest of the world. Some would argue the foundation of the legal market is built upon an unethical and a racially biased business model of mass incarceration. Promises of fairness and equity often go up in smoke. Operators are often avoiding the treachery of shady consultants and partnerships, while simultaneously navigating the murkiness of state, county, and municipal government. Alton, IL is about 285 miles southwest of Chicago. The May opening of the Alton Dispensary at 1400 East Broadway brought with it high hopes and multi-million dollars of investment. But in its first year of operations accusations of alleged misconduct by Subsero Alton Ops, LLC, whom dispensary owners contracted to manage operations. Alton Dispensary owners filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation that included fraud, civil conspiracy, breach of fiduciary duties, breach of contract, and conversion. Other allegations of retaliation forced the dispensary to close for days losing about $200,000 in revenue due to being locked out of their point-of-sale system, inventory tracking system, phone lines, social media accounts, website, and onsite cameras according to reports.
December 13 - December 19, 2023
WHO
WHY
Michigan lawmaker surrendered himself to federal authorities for his role in a marijuana pay-to-play scheme. Between 2017 and 2019 Rick Johnson accepted bribes when in his position as the lead of Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Licensing Board. He was sentenced and fined by U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering for cash payouts totaling over $100,000, commercial sex, and more audacious --trips to Canada on private planes. Johnson also formerly served as the state’s Republican House Speaker between 2001 to 2004. His exploitation of power earned him 4.5 years in federal prison. John Dalaly, a Michigan businessman who bribed Johnson received 28 months in federal prison. Voters legalized medical marijuana in 2008. Later in 2018 voters again championed cannabis by legalizing it for recreational use.
It can be hard to get a fair shake. Those who are in operation are forced to worry about remaining in compliance while protecting the business from greedy partners or crooked consultants. But what of those who aren’t in the business of selling buds? In March of 2023, Chicago News Weekly received a tip regarding the ICJIA disbursement debacle. Several programs that were granted R3 funding had yet to be compensated. Social equity allies are being squeezed out of operations due to an issue with the disbursement of grant funds. CNW has confirmed the impact ranges from utility shut-offs to defaults on mortgages and threats of eviction due to nonpayment. Some have resorted to using personal savings for employee wages while the state slowly rolls out reimbursements. Grantees are spiraling into personal debt all while continuing to operate. One grantee we confirmed is owed over $200,000. CNW discovered the crux of complaints are lengthy turnaround times, confus-
ing grant language revisions, and revolving grant managers. CNW followed up with requests for comments from Director Delrice Adams after confirming the details. As of the time of this publication, no response has been received. The Lt. Governor has been made aware of the financial mismanagement. Yet upon reviewing the R3 site and recent news the page titled R3 News & Updates is underwhelming and in clear need of immediate attention to be in alignment with the tenets of equity, inclusion, and transparency. Over the four years of the program, a total of 14 updates have been posted to the page.
SOLUTION The only update from 2023 was the April Annual Report. Information isn’t very easy to find on the site, and for those experiencing challenges with payment there are also no published updates as to how the state is taking complaints seriously nor is there any transparency regarding the issue to the general public. It is as if there aren’t hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting in the state coffers that should have been released to an unknown number of grant applicants. The public deserves to know the amount of monies that have yet to be awarded. The grantees deserve to see the state author a road map of relief publicly and on time. While being late on grant payments isn’t a crime…pretending hard-working Illinois justice advocates aren’t suffering daily is perpetrating as equity ally fraud.
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Art & culture
Kai EL’ Zabar, Arts & Culture Editor
THE WIZ IS BACK! Tony Award®-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back
I
A REVIEW:
who also opens the show as Aunt Em), Alan Mingo JR. (The Wiz), Deb-
gotta tell you that I am and
orah Cox (Glinda), Kyle
have been a big fan of “The
Ramar Freeman ( Lion),
Wiz.” Yep, saw the film musi-
Phillip Johnson Richard-
cal in 1978 as a younger per-
son(Tinman), and Avery
son. And I must say that it
Wilson(Scarecrow).
was definitely a ‘Black thang’
Usually, I hate the audi-
then. “The WIZ” was not, but was “The
ence ‘would-be actors’ or
Wizard of OZ” in Black. . . I mean it
“Cheerleading
Squad,”
but this go round the au-
T h e Vo i c e O f B l a c k C h i c a g o
dience responders were in cue with the onstage congregation of powerful and lively dancers who
Broadway in Chicago’s “The Wiz”/Photo: Jeremy Daniel.
Now Available
Online
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Chicago News Weekly
wake up and stir up the
doesn’t take place in Kansas and Doro-
and dance. I mean the ‘off Broadway’
theatre as if magical but literally through
thy wasn’t a young girl with her dog Toto
production in Chicago makes true, if
dance and brought down the house like
visiting her Aunt Em. Instead, Harlem
you ever doubted that all Black folks if
a tornado. And the sky opened as the an-
schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross)
they reach deep enough into their soul
gels’ voices poured out their notes. I just
who tries to save her dog from a storm, is
can sing and dance. Each member of
gotta say, ‘Whoa!’ And the way they sing
miraculously whisked away to an urban
the cast sing like down home folks rock-
perfect amens worthy only for God’s ears
fantasy land called Oz. After accidental-
ing the congregation and are working
makes all who hear truly blessed to have
ly killing the Evillene, Wicked Witch of
to earn entrée to heaven. The power is
heard. Ahhh and there will be no com-
the East (Mabel King) upon her arrival,
undeniable as the cast is unquestionably
plaint about the lack of glamour from
Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard
gifted with God’s supreme gift of vocal
me because clearly the costume designers
Pryor), a wizard who can help her get
prowess and the vibrancy only intensifies
got the memo.
back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes
the eloquence of the musical perfection.
The costumes dazzled (sometimes over
in search of the Wiz, she’s joined by the
This go round Dorothy’s journey to
the top) but this is theatre! The char-
Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin
make without Toto, is a different tale,
acters attired in bright sunbursts tex-
Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly
and as the internet has taught us Oz,
tures and plethora’s of natural colors
Lion (Ted Ross); and is aided by Glenda
Kansas and New York could all be a
that make you smile and at times, over
the good witch (Lena Horn). So, you get
part of the same neighborhood, when
stimulated.’ The combination of style,
my drift and what a cast right? Anyway,
the neighborhood is the world painted
‘Crayola’s box of 100’ and the pathways
my only objective had nothing to do
in hues that make-up the international
inside the minds of creative genius trans-
with Dianna Ross’s age (33 ) at the time
pipeline. Still can’t figure out why they
formed into physical sets connect the
but rather that had not glammed her up
removed Toto from the story line spe-
present from the future panorama digital
enough. The vocals were wonderful.
cially today when everybody owns a dog.
emotion and spirit of majestic explosive
With the fiftieth-anniversary revival of
The undeniable truth is that “The Wizard
grounding the seventies in the here and
Broadways “The Wiz” gets to the heart
of Oz as the “The Wiz” is our story. Ar-
now. Wow!
and soul of why “The Wiz” was so ‘spe-
en’t we all in search of one or all courage,
The Wiz unfortunately has left the
cial’ as only Black folks can say it and
strength, heart and or love? The Chicago
building but is on a world wind tour
bring it. The way the performers express
cast brought it home: Dorothy (Nichelle
headed to New York. So, if you missed
their artistry exceeds expectation exalt-
Lewis), Evillene, the Wicked Witch of
it. Check out their website for dates else-
ing their talent as artists through song
the West (Chicagoan Melody A. Betts,
where.
December 13 - December 19, 2023
Robert De Niro Trumps the Former Republic President
T
national news
Charl McCrary Contributing Writer alking about the hor-
ited. Without hesitation he took out
rendous damage that
his phone, pulled up an earlier version
the recent former pres-
of the speech and told the crowd, “I
ident of the U.S. has
just want to say one thing. The begin-
done to America and
ning of my speech was edited, some of
on the world front is
my words weres cut out, I didn’t know
what President Biden
about it. And I want to read it.”
is cleaning up. So
De Niro’s original version of the
when, Oscar winning
speech stated that Trump’s propensity
actor Robert De Niro dedicated part of
for lying and declared him a charlatan.
an awards speech last week to criticizing
He took the former president on pas-
the former president what he had to say
sionately stating, “History isn’t history
was not surprising. Nor was Trump’s
anymore, truth is not truth. Even facts
usual knee jerk reaction.
are being replaced by alternative facts
Former President Trump lashed out in
and driven by conspiracy theories and
a social media post Sunday, at Robert De
ugliness.”’
Niro who criticized the former president.
“Lying has become just another tool in
He didn’t stop there he continued , “De
the charlatan’s arsenal,” De Niro said.
Niro should focus on his life, which is
“The former president lied to us more
a mess, rather than the lives of others.
than 30,000 times during his four years
He has become a total loser, as the World
in office, and he’s keeping up the pace in
watches, waits, and laughs!” Trump
his current campaign of retribution. But
wrote in a post on his Truth Social plat-
with all his lies, he can’t hide his soul.”
form.
He reminded the audience that Trump
Trump’s attack
“attacks the weak, destroys the gifts of
More interesting is that the critically
nature and shows disrespect, for exam-
acclaimed De Niro faulted organizers of
ple, by using Pocahontas as a slur.”
the Gotham Awards ceremony last Mon-
In Trump’s post, he attacked De Niro
day with editing his prepared speech, re-
for using a teleprompter, a standard
moving remarks he had writen that ana-
practice at awards ceremonies.
lyzed the former president and was set to
“Robert De Niro, whose acting talents
read from the teleprompter.
have greatly diminished, with his repu-
Halfway through his presentation of
tation now shot, must even use a tele-
the award for ‘Historical Icon’ and ‘Cre-
prompter for his foul and disgusting lan-
ator Tribute,’ De Niro paused upon the
guage, so disrespectful to our Country,”
realization that his speech had been ed-
Trump wrote in his post, then continued,
“He has become unwatchable both in
demagogues was also Donald Trump’s
movies, and with the FOOLS that de-
mentor and there was nothing about
stroyed the Academy Awards, bringing
Cohn that was angelic. Attorney to mob-
them from one of the top shows in the
sters and would be mobsters like Donald
Country to a Low Rated afterthought,”
Trump is something to ponder.
he added, also attacking the academy.
“Even criminals usually have a sense
De Niro has recurrently been critical
of right and wrong. Whether they do
of the former president since his term,
the right thing or not is a different sto-
but as we face an upcoming presidential
ry, but they have a moral code, howev-
election Di Niro has come out like his
er warped,” he continued in October.
character Jake LaMotta in his Oscar per-
“Donald Trump does not. He’s a wan-
formance in the film “Raging Bull’ in his
nabe tough guy. With no morals or
warning against another Trump admin-
ethics. No sense of right or wrong. No
istration, saying, “Democracy won’t sur-
regard for anyone but himself: Not the
vive the return of a wannabe dictator.”
people he was supposed to lead and pro-
In October, the “Godfather” actor re-
tect, not the people he does business
flected on his experience studying crim-
with, not the people who follow him
inals, saying, “I’ve examined their char-
blindly and loyally, not even the people
acteristics, their mannerisms, the utter
who consider themselves as friends. He
banality of their cruelty. Yet there’s some-
has contempt for all of them.”
thing different about Donald Trump,”
Interestingly, De Niro is a two time Os-
adding, “When I look at him, I don’t see
car winner called a loser by the former
a bad man. Truly. I see an evil one.”
president while in contrast lost the 2020
Di Niro my be on to something, Roy
presidential bid.
Cohn, one of America’s most notorious
BEFORE AND AFTERCARE WITH TRANSPORTATION Phone: (312) 885-6733 Email: DREAMBIGLEARNINGACADEMY@GMAIL.COM December 13 - December 19, 2023
Chicago News Weekly
13
Food & Wine
Mare Evans Contributing Wriiter
Crispy Everything Chicken Cutlets
I
t’s time to get your ‘festivity’ on because tis’ the season is here. And yes, you just finished recreating meals with Thanksgiving turkey leftovers. No more turkey sandwiches! Enough. So, no turkey for Christmas dinner coming up. In the meantime, try meals that are wholesome yet soul satisfying using old favorites with a different twist like this recipe for crispy chicken cutlets. It checks the boxes for
• Level: Easy • Total: 25 min • Active: 25 min • Yield: 4 servings • Nutritious
*This recipe is so named because everything bagel seasoning is one of the ingredients in the breadcrumb coating for the chicken. The seasoning consists of black and white sesame seeds, dried garlic and onion, sea salt and poppy seeds and adds a distinctive flavor.
Ingredients Chicken: 4 chicken cutlets Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup milk 2 large eggs, beaten 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning 3 tablespoons salted butter 3 tablespoons olive oil Easy Lemon Dressing: 1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons honey 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salad: 4 cups mixed greens 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes 2 lemons, halved or sliced, for garnish Add to Shopping List View Shopping List Ingredient Substitutions
Now Available
Online
www.cnwmedia.com
Directions 1. For the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the flour to a shallow bowl. Whisk together the milk and eggs in a second bowl. Mix the panko and everything bagel seasoning in a third bowl.
3. Bread the chicken by dredging each cutlet first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip into the egg wash, then cover in the seasoned panko. 4. Add the butter and oil to the skillet. When the butter is melted, add the chicken, and cook until golden and crisp (or registering 165 degrees F), 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove to a rack to rest. 5. For the easy lemon dressing: While the chicken is cooking, add the olive oil, mustard, honey, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste to a mason jar and shake to combine. 6. For the salad: Pour the dressing over the mixed greens in a bowl and toss. Add the greens to a platter, pile the chicken on top and garnish with the tomatoes and lemons. (Alternatively, add the undressed greens to a platter, drizzle on some of the dressing, pile the chicken on top, garnish with the tomatoes and lemons and serve with additional dressing on the side.)
T h e Vo i c e O f B l a c k C h i c a g o
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Chicago News Weekly
December 13 - December 19, 2023
By C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer
fashion
BLACK MEN FASHION GAME . . . Meet New G-Star Co-Owner
R
emember when business mogul Reginald Lewis wrote the book title “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?: How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire,” published in 1994. At the time it was a bodacious move to publish such. A fellow prosperous Black businessman said the book, “Sheds light on an important chapter in both African-American and American business history.”~ Earl G. Graves, Publisher, Black Enterprise magazine. Such were those times, some 29 years ago and things have evolved. Lewis’ status as a millionaire was an anomaly today there are many. So much so that the Black men’s millionaire league continues to grow by leaps and bounds as we observe them from afar same as we watched from the outside the rich white men play their high end games, dress in Armani and Gucci, own mansions, drive the high end cars and get the pretty women. Today we observe Robert Smith, Jay Z, Michael Jordan, and Tyler Perry who hold billionaire status and no longer think it to be unobtainable. And most recently we see heterosexual Black males moving into the world of fashion where they exert influence and yield power to persuade the direction of fashion. We’ve watched Pharrell Williams come full blast at the Eiffel Tower in Paris blow minds with a creative masterpiece LV showcase of the 2023 menswear Spring/ summer seasons and ASAP Rocky who was named GQ’s Most Stylish Man of 2015, followed with the announcement of his new position as creative director of the brand’s partnership with Formula One (F1). But they’re not finished and are taking full advantage of ‘America the beautiful’ numerous opportunities. Spotlight! Now walk into the Amsterdam headquarters of G-Star now co-owned by Pharrell Williams be mesmerized by a gigantic teepee fashioned from—raw denim, the fabric on which the Dutch brand was built. It’s pretty over the top inside a spacious indigo blue tent where the new co-owner currently holds court. Sharing the splendor musician and fashion guru Pharrell has invited a group of his friends including A$AP Rocky, R&B singer Miguel, and more—for a tour of the G-Star archives, which houses racks of rare vintage work-
wear, military gear, and American sportswear dating back at least half a century. Williams himself is caught dressed in a custom G-Star jumpsuit that was very possibly pulled from the vaults of a ’50s mechanic, obviously succeeding in his intention to catch the eye of his guests. “The jumpsuit loves you,” Williams told New York fashion writer Marjon Carlos, when she complimented him on it. Pharrell really knows how to capture your attention and sell. He wove a story, “There are so many memories in your jeans,” he says. “From the punk who writes on them to a merchant [who works in them]. Your denim is your canvas, it’s your photo album.” And be perfectly clear there is no one size fits all in his world. As an artist first he is clear that each to his own should express their individuality and therefore, “I think people should wear jeans the way that they want, and have their own thing that makes them original . . . I’m not interested in being a part of the camouflage. I’m like a nose; I like sticking out in my own little way.” And so, its better understood exactly why he was the winner of last year’s prestigious CFDA Fashion Icon award. If you through Williams first step into the fashion world was his appointment as Creative Director at LV you’re sadly mistaken. He’s always been influencing fashion putting his take on the American workwear staple for years, from the oversize skater styles of his N.E.R.D days to the tattered rockabilly straight-leg cuts he’s recently made his signature. Like ASAP Rocky, Williams’s personal style has been a measurement of class capturing his ever evolving creative expression. As his new upcoming release of the N.E.R.D. album comes to fore, we are excited about how it will transcend as fashion. One thing is for sure he’s committed to making sustainability a priority. This consciousness attracted the Dutch denim experts to him in the first place. His mind is creative playground of sorts exploring the uses of recycled materials like plastic and recalibrated plastic to be used in the making of polyester, decreasing the carbon footprint toward sustaining the planet.
December 13 - December 19, 2023
Chicago News Weekly
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Chicago News Weekly
December 13 - December 19, 2023