January 3 - January 9, 2023 • The Voice Of Black Chicago • Vol.1 No 50 • cnwmedia.com • FREE
Jeff Osuji Party Power Eventnoire
Mogul
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Chicago News Weekly
January 3 - January 9, 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 Courtesy of Eventnoire
Chicago News Weekly 4131 S.State Suite C Chicago, IL 60609 (773) 236-1464 Vol. 1 No 50 Wednesday, January 3, 2023 Chicago News Weekly is published weekly on Wednesday. www.cnwmedia.com advertising@cnwmedia.com editorial@cnwmedia.com Subscription $104 year
January 3 - January 9, 2023
E notes “OTHER PEOPLES” BUSINESS
H
appy New Year to You! I am hoping that your holiday season was as wonderful as mine, spent and shared with loved ones. I also hope that upon reflecting on 2023, you spent time examining how to avoid some of the pitfalls that tripped you up last year. Before I delve right into my notes on what’s happening now let me say this, there are so many things that we can discuss, but after giving it serious thought I concluded that it be better to talk about us . . . ourselves. It’s so easy to stand back and talk about other people, other people’s mistakes, looks, manners, achievements, failures etc., and yet we are very slow to talk about our own. I’ve given this a lot of thought and as we step into 2024 I am suggesting that we do so focused on our goals, aspirations, relationships, strengths, and shortcomings rather than the alternative being other peoples’ business. I mean it has become ‘a thing,’ a real thing. I can’t even imagine my parents or grandparents ever sitting around talking about other people’s business and especially the lives of celebrities with whom they have no association, no personal relationship other than a weekly television date to view them on a show or maybe a trip to the movies to catch them in their latest big screen film. But all this banter, back and forth conversation about who did what in the relationship, who cheated on who or even dwelling into the sacred topic of their love making habits or fetishes has just gone too far. Why are we interested? How does it enhance or ad-
vance our individual lives? I remember the ‘big slap’ fiasco at the Oscars two years ago. I was not watching the show. . . never do. Anyway, I got calls, calls, and calls from numerous people even my then 92-year old aunt who I forgave because she’s lived her life fullout in a great way with gusto and dignity, so I was interested in her take on it when we talked. However, when she asked me the day after I told her what I had expressed to everyone else, “All I know is that when they wake up the next day both men will still be multi-millionaires. Will’s last estimated net worth by Forbes was at $350 million dollars so you see why I can’t take time to talk about their business? I mean I have things to do. But when my now 94 year old Aunt, the mother of nine married grown children and grandmother of 12 and 2 greats. All her children are successful executives and or accomplished entrepreneurs said, “First, I don’t think Chris Rock has been funny for years and now has Will Smith to thank for a surge in his career. I do wish however that Will had taken that to the back alley and kept it between them, you know? But I loved his intended chivalry. Today people just go too far.” Ah ha! And there it is—kept between them. I will never stop being shocked about what people now share publicly. So often it’s shameful and I realize that most people who do so are needy, lacking self confidence and expose their ignorance in sharing what should be private. That whole posture of “look at me, look, at me, see how I twerk, see how I do this, how I do that and wait look at how I do it again. Really? Seri-
photo credit: Dot Ward
Chicago News Weekly
Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief ously, geeez! It’s just too much, people. I grew up under my parent’s roof with strict directives, one of many which was “We do not discuss what goes on under our roof. We do not discuss family business outside of the home. Family business is family business. But then my parents were not hosting couple swapping parties, or indulging in sexual relations with underaged youth, kidnapping or engaged in abusive behavior towards us or others. But what my parents disagreed or argued about was not to be made public by us, and so it wasn’t. At the dinner table we discussed our day, the highs, the lows and solutions to issues or concerns that we were having challenges or difficulty with. We were always encouraged to 'mine our mind' for the wealth of answers that lie within. We were steered away from seeking our truth from others. Both my parents believed that they had given us a firm foundation to manage our lives from what they had taught us. I can say this, consequently I’ve always been grounded even when it may have appeared that I wasn’t. So here we are now in the world of social media, alternative facts, 'fake truths' and 'everything is about me don’t you know?' And it’s real. People are individually all about them, their desires, needs, social standing, celebrity status—yes everybody wants to be a "who's who." They want the attention, the money, the endorsements, the popularity,
the privilege and what they assume is power. Where did all these needy/greedy people come from? Why are people fascinated with Will and Jada, Gabrielle and Dwyane, Tiffany Haddish, Oprah, Galye and Stedman, Teyana and Iman, Steve Harvey and Marjorie, Kanye and on and on and on? Spending too much of their time talking about what they’ve seen or heard on You Tube about other people’s business! Why? I’ll tell you this, the people who are busy doing what is required of them to accomplish what they want in life are not spending their precious moments talking about folks who do not directly impact their lives or livelihoods. There are some celebrities that fly under the radar and refuse to get caught in the web of mess it creates—Denzel always stayed under, Jay-Z and Beyonce, Megan The Stallion, Oprah . . . you may get a drift of something that’s going on in their lives, but they grant no interviews, send no tweets (now ‘X’), or post on Facebook or Instagram. They just don’t because their private business is not your/our business. They are very clear about that. Of course, there is the chatter and speculation and that’s that. Let your New Years’ Resolution for 2024 be the end of wasting your time indulging in other folks’ business and chart your future where you’re the one dodging the paparazzi.
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The answer.is. What is the Difference between Confidence and Arrogance? The A.I.
W
hat is the difference between confidence and arrogance? Being confident is a universally desirable trait while arrogance is universally unattractive. What makes the difference between the two and when does confidence become arrogance? Arrogance can be rooted in a strong sense of narcissism and is exacerbated by a lack of self-awareness. A confident person is aware of their value but also of the value of others and does not claim to be above others. Confidence becomes arrogance when perspective is lost, and an individual loses humility. Confident individuals see themselves and their abilities as significant while arrogant individuals see themselves and their
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abilities as superior. Confidence becomes arrogance when perspective is lost, and an individual loses humility. Confident individuals see themselves and their abilities as significant while arrogant individuals see themselves and their abilities as superior. Open verses know-it-all Confident people are open to external opinions and ideas. They are secure in themselves so they can receive input from others. Arrogant people believe they know it all and refuse to accept help. They have an exaggerated sense of their abilities so they cannot see that they would benefit from the advice of others. Self-assured verses self-consumed. Confidence is rooted in being assured in yourself and secure in your own value, but not being consumed by it. Arrogance
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CNW EDITORS
emerges when your self-image becomes your entire world. You place yourself at the center of your universe and the value of others becomes secondary to what you believe you can offer. Self-worth verses insecure A confident individual has high self-worth and therefore, is unbothered by bragging or boasting about their achievements. An arrogant individual often has an inflated sense of their self-importance and is never satisfied. They feel the need to boast as they are, in fact, not happy with their external persona. Now that they distinctions have been presented let’s look more closely. Muhammed Aliconfident or arrogant? Please respond at Chicagonewsweekly@gmail.com
January 3 - January 9, 2023
A POSITION
CNW Editors
PIVOT
U
nder fire Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson touted as Chicago’s ultra progressive mayor has blasted Governor Greg Abbott for flying migrants to the Windy City - despite his previously posture of Chicago as a welcoming haven for the undocumented. Brandon struck out at the Texas Governor for his determination to continue to sow seeds of chaos' by sending his migrants to Chicago. The Mayor also pointed to Abbott for the city's spiraling migrant crisis, resulting from an absent coordinated effort in moving them out of Texas to Chicago. Mayor Johnson has blamed Congress and Texas for the crisis, however, in a post made while he was campaigning for mayor in March 2023, he stated that he felt Chicago would have no problem taking in the migrants. Unfortunately, the post doesn’t translate the same as his current position. One user on X wrote after the post resurfaced: “This tweet didn't age well did it? Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson better buy a bigger table if he's still planning on feeding all those migrants.' On Sunday in front of CBS' Face the Nation, Johnson continued to complain about the havoc he said Abbott had caused him, calling the governor 'afraid and mad.” The Mayor responded that, 'What we have said repeatedly is that we need Congress to act to provide the resources that are needed in order to carry out this
mission,' . . .But what we can't have is a governor in the state of Texas, acting the way he is acting and quite frankly, the rogue buses that are being dropped off across this country in the middle of the night, leaving people with no real support at all, no coordination with the local municipalities.'He then accused Abbott of di-
City news viding Americans against one another over the crisis. Mayor Johnson was cited saying, 'That type of chaos, it's certainly dividing our country, and we need better coordination between all levels of government to be able to respond to this mission. This is certainly a matter of, not just of our national security, but it's the type of chaos that this governor is committed to administering,' Johnson added. Renae Eze, an Abbott spokesman called out Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Denver Mayor Mike Johnson - who appeared with him in the interview - over their hypocrisy. The current Chicago mayor is finding out that running a city is far more challenging that running a campaign for mayor. Points to Walk Away with: • Brandon Johnson attacked Texas Governor Greg Abbott over the migrant crisis. • He claimed Abbott was determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos' in the city. • He claimed in March the city wouldn't have a migrant problem if he was mayor. • 'Chicago must lead with and live by the promise to be a sanctuary city. Longtime Chicagoans don't have to lose for new arrivals to gain - there's enough space at the table for all of us to sit and eat. Immigrants are welcome here,' he wrote on March 10.
Chicago News Weekly wishes you you a a HAPPY HAPPY NEW NEW YEAR! YEAR! wishes 4
ThankYou Youfor forYour YourSupport! Support! Thank
January 3 - January 9, 2023
Chicago News Weekly
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Small Business
No Sauce Boss
Opening in Bronzeville
R
onny Kemp is a comedian who hails originally from the Englewood area and is both a master barber and a grill master affectionately known as Chicago’s No Sauce Boss. After a decade of grilling and catering out of his home, the chicken tip originator has taken it to another level to call Bronzeville home. He admitted that
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his corner lot home would have people coming and going. But even as he prepares to relocate in a brick and mortar location he’s taking his neighborly habits with him. “No matter where you are, you have to make your neighbors feel comfortable and showing respect takes you a long way. My neighbors have been great and they love my food too.” When asked what it feels like to be opening his first location, Kemp responded “It’s been a long time coming.” The flagship located at 502 E. 47th St. opens for business on Friday January 5th at noon for grab and go dinners. “We are going to do a soft opening and celebrate. My
By Mila K. Marshall, PH.D. CNW Editor team is small and we know after Friday there will be some lessons learned but I’m ready,” said Kemp. A caterer to the stars, Kemp kicked off his New Years at the Arie Crown Theater for DeRay Davis’ Funny and Famous Chi Town Comedy Countdown. Just look at his IG page _nosauceboss_ and you’ll see Kemp posted up with everyone from Michael Blackson to Jess Hilarious. His sauceless style came from learning to love 'the flavors' from grilling. Kemp said growing-up, it was traditional for his mom and others to bbq and cook using sauce. But he just wanted to taste the seasoning and eat the food fresh off the grill and from there, the No Sauce Boss was born. Even though his brand is sauceless… Kemp has a family recipe he’s excited to offer for sauce lovers. “I take care of my mamma and she has a sauce that will beat any sauce on store shelves,” he said. On the menu is his famous chicken tips, wings, steak, salmon, rib tips, shrimp, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, cabbage with smoked turkey tails. The 44-year old boss is living the dream and combining all the things he is passionate about to make it happen. When asked what the chefs rmenu ec-
ommendations are, Kemp shared that for a light appetite the “You Don’t Know Me” dinner would be perfect. It comes with one choice of meat and two sides. For bigger appetites the “Break Up and Go Back Together” with 4 different meats is the way to go. Price points for dinners are reasonable starting as low as $15 and generous portions. Don’t be surprised if you see someone you know. Kemp is well connected and respected in the city and surely some of his famous friends will be pulling up to show him some love.
January 3 - January 9, 2023
January 3 - January 9, 2023
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Cover Story
By Mila K. Marshall, PhD CNW Staff Editor Growing up Chi-gerian “Growing up when White people saw me, they didn't see me as Nigerian American or African. They saw me as Black,” said Osuji. His parents immigrated to Chicago from Nigeria having first settled in Michigan. Upon arrival in Chicago the Osuji’s lived in Bronzeville and later relocated to the North side where Jeff spent time learning the uniqueness of Black Chicago subculture. ”Nigerians have a strong history in Chicago,” said Jeff. While the lifestyle of Lakeview and Uptown were a fit, school wasn’t particularly easy for the entrepreneur. He doesn’t believe there is a true divide between Nigerians and indigenous Black Chicagoans. “I think media and propaganda have a way of marketing a divide between us," he shared. Living apart from each other does help to muddle cultural awareness. There are cultural differences between immigrants and American Americans, Osuji said. He acknowledges this isn’t unique for any other immigrant from Mexico, Poland or elsewhere. “Being different isn’t a bad thing. Nigerians have settled and integrated into Black society quickly, be it in Rogers Park and Uptown or in the South Suburbs,” he said. Much of those differences he said come out in people's jokes. “Here in Chicago, you are definitely going to get African jokes. Big head jokes. But it seems like there is a programming agenda to make us believe things about each other's communities, traditions, intentions that keep us from coming together,” said Osuji.
School Days
Mogul
Jeff Osuji Party Power Eventnoire
O
suji is co-founder of the wildly successful tech-startup and cultural enterprise Eventnoire. If the 'Eventnoire' name sounds familiar it should be. While the brand continues to ascend claiming the spot of being the premier ticketing platform for the Black diaspora, it isn’t luck that got him here. If anything, Osuji understands two things. First, becoming a connector of Black culture begins with understanding the diversity of the diaspora. Second, divisiveness is a downfall that can most certainly be avoided. While he shared that he refrains from speaking about himself and prefers to stay somewhat private, Jeff Osuji opens up to give CNW insight on his cross-cultural life identifying as a Chi-gerian, his upbringing on the North side of Chicago, his wishes for the Black Chicago in 2024 and finally the lyrics he lives by.
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“I was always getting in trouble as a kid. I had to switch schools in fifth grade,” said Osuji. His outspokenness was often seen as defiance. “I feel like I got in trouble a lot as a young vocal Black boy. Teachers just wanted me to shut up,” recalls Osuji. His behavior wasn’t reflective of his abilities as exam scores and grades were always excellent. He remembers getting suspended in high school because of frightening a teacher, and how easily his nature can be misinterpreted. Lane Tech is an elite selective enrollment high school where Black student population between 2018-2023 has not exceeded 8%. “This one time my teacher took something out of my hand. She started screaming when I asked for it back. She saw me as a threat,” he shared. Black Chicagoans are deeply aware of anti-Black sentiments, and racially biased realities. Yet, Osuji illuminates the mystery of intersectional bias as being Black and immigrant comes with it an entirely new layer of complexity that can make you or break you. “I'm a Nigerian man. When people say we're aggressive, yes that’s true. But think about it…people say the same thing about Black men. We let them label us. We must be careful about labeling ourselves too,” said Osuji. He grew up experiencing different people and says it’s a part of his life and upbringing in Chicago he values forever and wouldn’t trade for anything. “I had the blessing of going to school with folks on the west side who were much more flamboyant. I learned how to talk to girls and dress from guys on the south side. I experienced all sorts of diversity on the north side,” he said.
Connecting Legacy Outside of school Osuji was quite social. He was 14 years old when he threw his first party with a few of his friends that was wildly successful. “I remember we cleaned up a friends' apartment for two days. We got the lighting set up and we did birthday decorations. We sent out invites across the neighborhood. It was the most amazing experience to bring people together. The next day I sat down and thought wow, I had this crazy idea and it worked! It was one of the best experiences of my childhood” said Osuji. He connects that experience to how he approaches the process of starting a business. Osuji’s ideas have been coming into fruition for years. “It isn’t just bringing an idea to life. You must market it to people. And hopefully in doing that
January 3 - January 9, 2023
you also have a product that adds quality to people’s lives,” he shared. Fast forward some years to 2005 he and Femi Masha started an event company. Pyramid Solutions & Marketing was in response to a dearth of entertainment experiences for Black college students. A truly unique and dynamic market. In 2009 he completed a B.S. in Chemistry and later an MBA with a marketing concentration both from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Osuji’s career path is remarkable. While he planned on a career in the pharmaceutical sector, like many new graduates he found himself with few prospective opportunities. His persistence resulted in a serendipitous road to success. His paid internship for Hennessy in Los Angeles was followed by accepting a role as Senior Account Executive with BlackDoctor.org. The online platform connects culture to wellness. During his promotion to National Advertising Director in 2013 he expanded the event planning company to Chicago and Washington D.C. In another five years Osuji and partner Masha would again evolve.
It’s Hectic But Respect It Eventnoire was established in 2018 to accommodate a need for lovers and curators of Black culture to connect. “It used to be that you had to plug in with a promoter to know what was going on in Black culture. You had to be known to be followed. But if you’re not from the city or you don’t have access to lots of culturally relevant experiences….what do you do?” Osuji realized that being social is a steep learning curve. But now with Eventnoire there is a central location where people can go to find events that are relevant, and that that makes sense for them. Osuji says the company is an essential resource where folks can go to improve their life on the weekends. “Chicago is a city made up of clicks. If you don't have a click, you really won't know what to do or where to be,” he said. Where you are and aren’t can be social suicide in Chicago. Not knowing about events is far worse than not attending. The co-founder acknowledges that culturally relevant events are part of a self care and well balanced lifestyle. Despite
January 3 - January 9, 2023
the politics of who pOsuji hanging with Osuji’s perseverance pOsuji talking business with Max Levchin, Co-Founder of PayPal and you know creating American rapper Jadakiss and graceful way of Founder of Affirm new relationships, living as a Black and traveling the city, mindful man. He is and being put on to the hottest venues benefit from it while perpetuating false a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha can make a Chicago born native feel like narratives and negativity. Fraternity Inc. and shared how Clinton a tourist in their own town. “Stress gets Howell’s poem “Don’t Quit” undergirds to a lot of people. Transplants especial- Life Lessons his understanding. “There is a line in the ly find it hard in any new city to find Osuji believes being Chicago born poem Howell writes ‘rest if you must, where they fit in. Besides that, there are helped him become the well rounded but don't quit.’ Any situation you keep negative perceptions about communi- person and entrepreneur he is today. going,” he said. His embrace of that ties and people do worry about violence When asked about how the city shaped poem is evident as the entrepreneur is when stepping out,” said Osuji. He is him he responded with three provide still in the early stages of his career and also aware that as Black bodies go into adaptability, grit, and exposure. “I trav- nothing about him says quit. certain neighborhoods there are reser- el for business all the time which seems vations. “People worry if they will be to be the underdog. We aren’t seen like Osuji’s Wish for 2024 turned away and they don’t want to be New York, and we don’t get treated like His wishes are for Chicago as a city in those situations because of how they Los Angeles. People overlook Chicago to get behind movements to enhance look or are perceived,” he explained. The as an epicenter for business like it once the quality of Black Chicago lives. “I've ticketing platform caters to what Osu- was. Having that brand makes you work dedicated my life to improving our comji calls like-minded Black professionals harder and create,” he shared. He knows munity through health, wealth and leiwho know the events are vetted, safe and that while he may not be the smartest sure…it’s simply my purpose,” said Osuculturally queued in. The tech startup or the most talented he indeed has per- ji. He notes that as Black Chicago seeks has received numerous awards, has raised sistence and willingness to outwork ev- success across the year it doesn’t happen over $1 million in capital, and most re- eryone. He’s big on that. “We are seen without body and spirit as well as being cently was chosen as the exclusive ticket- as this blue collar city. I think Chicago- culturally literate. “We need to help each ing platform for 'Ye’s Vulture’s Rave Lis- ans are kind of humble and our work is other realize 'our way' towards genertening Party' during Art Basel Weekend. going to speak for itself. But we are re- ational wealth, my way is through real latable, and this city helped me be able estate,” he said. As a real estate investor, On Culture Vultures to adapt to any community because I’ve he revitalizes neighborhoods and works As someone who has found his niche in learned from so many different cultures often with clients that are first generamarketing and branding Black culture, here in the city,” he said. tion immigrants. Osuji also wants to rehe shares his thoughts on the matter. “If Chicago taught him there are no limits mind people to help create experiences I believe that Black people are or could to the highs or lows of life. “I grew up where Black culture across the diaspora be ‘culture vultures’ that would mean with people who are PhDs, right now. I can be experienced and celebrated. He we're eating off of a culture and that or also grew up with people who are in jail implores everyone to open their eyes to creation didn't come from us and or that for murder, right. No matter where I’ve the innovation, creativity and ingenuity it didn't originate from us,” reflects Osu- been, I’ve seen things on the north side, being birthed right here at home. “Realji. He offers an alternative take in that I’ve experienced things on the south ly I’m wishing Chicagoans get behind us while he doesn’t believe in the ‘culture side. Being able to have friends from all as an event platform, because most tech vulture’ vibe, Black people can absolute- over the city has exposed me so much. I companies have relocated to places like ly sabotage the culture. “Why am I mak- have witnessed that it’s so easy that the Vegas,” said Osuji. Eventnoire also eming it cool to sell drugs? Take the culture worst case scenario could really be my ploys several positions during events like of hip hop and how positive uplifting reality. And I also know the best case sce- the 2023 Hyde Park Summerfest. As far messages about Black life and culture nario can be mine as well,” said Osuji. as his lyrics he lives by…he quoted “life was transformed into stories of violence He believes in meeting the two impos- is what you make it… make it,” from a and victimization,” says Osuji. He notes tors of triumph and disaster the same. Nas and DMX track. It inspired Osuji that it does matter what we sell to our He’s levelheaded because he understands to share, “cease your legacy, cease your own communities and that vultures are that and is always highly prepared. But destiny and take control of your life.” outsiders who pick Black culture apart to there is more that has contributed to
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Art & Culture
By Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief
Hip Hop Cracks the Nut
It
was an ode to Hip Hop, 50-years of Hip Hop! “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” dubbed as a Remixed and Reimagined Version of the Classic! Well, the truth is I couldn’t imagine it. The world renown ‘Nutcracker’ is a two-act classical Russian ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, set on Christmas Eve at the foot of a Christmas
tree in a child's imagination. The plot is an adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 short story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The initial complete and staged Nutcracker ballet was not as successful as the 20-minute Nutcracker Suite that Tchaikovsky had premiered nine months earlier and yet we know its success thereafter . Notably since the late 1960s, it has been performed to perfection by numerous ballet companies, around the world and in North America where major American ballet companies generate around 40% of their annual ticket revenues from performances of the favorite ballet. Its score has been used in several film adaptations of Hoffmann's story and is certainly the foundation of the ballet. More importantly is that Tchaikovsky's score is noted for its use of the celesta, an instrument the composer uses in sym-
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phonic ballads. The point is that a ‘symphonic poem’ or ‘tone poem’ is a piece of orchestral music, usually in a single continuous movement, which illustrates or evokes the content of a poem, short
story, novel, painting, landscape, or other (non-musical) source. It is important to grasp the kinship between the poem, ballet, and classical music. The here become a harmonious trinity. It’s more difficult to fulfil that concept when you think of Hip Hop and ballet. So that was the puzzle that
filled my head before I arrived and as I sat patiently watching Kurtis Blow performance Hype man to end his nostalgic medley of his oldies but goodies. I became fidgety as he graced the stage preparing us for this reimaged version of a classic. He was just the opposite of a ballet opening nor was he 1970’s /80’s Kurtis Blow. And my mind returned to how is the flow of a score written with the symphonic poem poured into the movement of ballet going to translate. I won’t attempt to tell the reimagined story, that takes place in Uptown USA on New Year's Eve, but I will share images. The new imagined version did not nail it for me because HIP HOP is all about the verbiage, the rap, the words, the beat, and the dance of that genre is a world away from ballet. With out the lyrics there was much left to be desired. The fluidity between the music and dance was lost. But the audience loved it and that’s what counts I suppose. Cast of dancers were great, they danced, and they mimed communication but in the end I felt that it was a failed attempt to translate Hip Hop to a symphonic ballad, even with the beautiful violinist. Adapted by Mike Fitelson Produced by New Jersey Performing Arts Center Directed & Choreographed by Jennifer Webber Kurtis Blow, MC Marissa Licata, Violinist DJ Boo Ethan Evaro, Dance Captain, Images describe themselves All Images by me Kai EL' zabar except Kurtis Blow head shot
January 3 - January 9, 2023
By Mila K. Marshall, PhD, CNW Cannabis Corner Editor
Cannabis Corner
Cannabis
320 New Laws...
W
ith 320 new laws enacted in 2024 they can be
of the few states
hard to keep up with. One new law is burning
that allows cannabis
through the Illinois cannabis industry as a pos-
lounges,
sible law that makes it harder for cannabis to be
hasn’t approved one
fully operational.
in the city proper to
The 2008 Smoke Free Illinois Act restricts
date.
indoor smoking in most buildings. Spaces like
With the new no
Chicago
restaurants, movie theaters, hospitals, and schools. It was August
vaping
indoors,
2019 when Gov. Pritzker amended the Illinois Vehicle Code to
Chicago has some
protect minors. The law went into effect immediately penalizing
decisions to make
anyone who consumed any combustible substance with a minor
on enforcement. As
while in a car.
vaping is somewhat inconspicuous it can be challenging to en-
No, vaping is not considered smoking. And no, vaping is not
gage a patron. But what does this mean for private residences? It’s
new. E-cigarettes arrived on the market in 2003 as an alternative
still legal to allow consumption on private property but remains
to conventional tobacco use. And twenty years later Illinois has
illegal to consume in a parked or moving vehicle.
officially amended the act to now ban indoor vaping.
Who stands to win big with social consumption? The hotel and
Cannabis vapes work similarly to nicotine vaping. THC oil or
hospitality sector. With the capital to improve on infrastructure
liquid is heated to a temperature that creates vapor and then in-
Chicago may see some unique boutique hotels offering 420
haled. According to John Hopkins Medicine vaping has fewer
friendly amenities for paying guests in partnership with a private
negative health impacts than smoking but medical professionals
company.
still say that is unsafe and nicotine vaping is just as addictive.
What complicates the cannabis consumption landscape even
As the noncombustible alternative became more popular, the
more is that despite vaping being a more private form of con-
more “No Vaping” signs posted in and around establishments.
sumption public consumption is still illegal in Chicago. So, no
But vapers are now required to consume under the same laws as
smoking, vaping cannabis at parks, beaches, on streets or areas
other smokers. Users must exit public spaces and stand at least
next to licensed dispensaries.
15 ft away from entrances.
All this is to be considered as the legal cannabis world continues
Exceptions to the act include cigar lounges and hookah bars.
to evolve.
HVAC systems are required for these establishments, but they don’t have the same stigma as cannabis consumption. Social equity entrepreneurs had high hopes for opportunities in the social consumption space. And consumption lounges were highly anticipated. But it is proving challenging to get approval. Even though Illinois is one
January 3 - January 9, 2023
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January 3 - January 9, 2023
By Mila K. Marshall, PhD CNW Staff Editor
Mark Your Calendars for a
I
t’s the first week of the new year and there is still time to mark your calendar! Yes, environmental awareness days are worth noting, acknowledging and celebrating. Black and other ethnic communities are increasingly disproportionately vulnerable to environmental threats. From promoting Veganism, to celebrating water Chicago News Weekly presents the 2024 calendar for healthy living through the year.
January Veganuary - Celebrates the entire month of January so people can learn how to have a less harmful impact on their health, environment and animals through a vegan diet. Squirrel Appreciation Day - On January 21st learn a bit about our local squirrel neighbors who are really important for nature an the urbamn eco system. Who doesn’t love watching a chubby cheeked squirrel scurry in the winter and of course keep your dogs on their leashes. Let’s not try to scare our fuzzy friends.
Healthy Living
Healthy 2024
weatherman Jim Tillmon who was a regular on NBC Chicago. International Book Giving Day - February 14th is a day of love and what better way to reduce, reuse and recycle than giving books a new life. This day is recognized globally and invites book lovers to donate to foster homes, shelters, hospitals, senior homes and local libraries or even thrift stores. Chicago even has small free libraries around where you can leave a book and take a book. Make sure you check out what Black bookstores have planned--its BHM. Semicolon Bookstore and Gallery is the city's only Black woman owned bookstore. Oh wait we can’t forget to mention the 14h of February is also Fredrick Douglass’ birthday. Fight the injustice of illiteracy and work on sharing protecting a book from the landfill this year. Of Course we know that it is Black History Month and how could we forget to remind you to learn and celebrate Black life and the outdoors, nature, food and even inventions. Don’t just celebrate Black history…make it.
call when Chicago added the voice for crosswalks or the texture at the end of the sidewalk. Accessibility outdoors is important for the Black community for health, transportation and leisure. Follow KEEN Chicago and support their initiatives for kids and getting them moving and staying healthy. World Plant a Flower Day - March 12th Global Recycling Day - March 18th International Day of Forests - March 21st World Water Day - March 22nd Tick Bite Prevention Week - March 25th - 31st
April
Earth Month - Our favorite time of the year where the entire month is focused on all things earth. To celebrate the entire month, there are hundreds of events, activities, clean ups and requests for volunteers. National Walk to Work Day - This one may be a bit beyond interest but 'Blacks In Green' has been championing a walkable lifestyle for years. If you are March February about that life and your job isn’t too far Cultivation Street Week - Yep…it’s away and even if it is…consider commitWorld Wetlands Day/Groundhog Day - February 2nd is most famously a thing. Head over to cultivationstreet. ting and learning about how walkabiliknown for groundhogs. This year while com to learn all about this commemora- ty is a privilege and a sustainable mode you count down to the first day of spring tive feel good week. March 4th through of transportation and healthy. You may celebrate the wonders of wetlands in and the 10th will bring awareness to the ben- learn something about your community around Illinois. Wetlands can be man- efits of community and school gardens you missed while you were driving by on made like fishing ponds to marshes and and even has a national competition. April 5th. swamps. Surely you can hike your local What's your favorite community garInternational Dark Sky Week - Turn forest preserves to see a winter wetland den? Not sure where any of them are? off the lights and marvel at the night sky The Chicago Community Gardeners in this international awareness week celand remember to bundle up in layers! National Weatherperson Day - Who Association has a great map of locations ebrated April 8th through the 15th. knew there was a day to celebrate our and resources. One of our favorites is Earth week - April 21st through the Eden Place Nature Center in Fuller Park. 27th most trusted sources for what to wear and how to prepare? Even though you It is worth a visit for sure. Want the entire 2024 list? Visit us at Disabled Access Day - On March 16th www.cnwmedia.com for the full 2024 can’t trust Chicago weather it isn’t their fault…and yes climate change is real. take time to learn about inclusivity and calendar and get ready to live it up this What to know who to follow? How people with differing abilities. We put year with friends, family and some of about award winning meteorologist and this on the list because it wasn’t too long the most mission driven businesses Chicagoan Iisha Scott @iishascott or ago that our parks and beaches were not and organizations in Chicago. learn about the nation's first Black TV wheelchair accessible. Some may re-
January 3 - January 9, 2023
Fossil Fools Day - April 1st World Rat Day - April 4th International Bat Appreciation Day April 17th Earth Day - April 22nd World Malaria Day - April 25th National Arbor Day - April 26th National Stop Food Waste Day - April 26th
May National Clean Air Month - all of May International Day for Biodiversity Black Birders Week - May 26th through June 1st World Water a Flower Day - May 30th
June
World Oceans Day - June 8th Global Wind Day - June 15th National Clean Air Day - June 20th Black Excellence Beach Weekend June 27th - July 1st
July
World Population Day - July 11th World Nature Conservation Day - July 28th
August National Honey Bee Day - August 15th World Mosquito Day - August 20th
September
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer - September 16th World Car Free Day - September 22nd World River Day - September 22nd
October
World Farm Animals Day - October 2nd Energy Efficiency Day - First Wednesday of October
November World Ecology and Ecologists Day November 1st National Bison Day - November 2nd World Toilet Day - November 19th
December
World Soil Day - December 5th
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Food & Wine
Mare Evans Contributing Wriiter
Crispy Everything
Chicken Cutlets
Holiday or Any day Feast
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isten, why save all the good stuff for the holidays when you don’t have to? Instead, prepare this meal fit for festivity any day you choose. The good news is that it only takes 25 minutes to prepare, is easy to prepare and enough for 4. Everything bagel seasoning consists of black and white sesame seeds, dried garlic and onion, sea salt and poppy seeds. It is one of the ingredients in the breadcrumb coating for the chicken. And is the inspiration for the recipe.
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
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.)
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Chicago News Weekly
January 3 - January 9, 2023
By C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer
fashion
Rihanna ‘Bigger’ ‘Badder’ ‘Better’
F
enty x Puma opened their door in 2015 with sneakers, so we’re not surprised that the brand is in high pursuit to rekindle the flame and rebuilding their footwear game. The label launched with its iconic Creeper style and went on to debut other successful shoes such as its bowed sneakers and faux-fur slide sandals. In September 2023 Rihanna unveiled their Fenty x Puma’s comeback. The new sneaker design, named the Avanti. While the brand also eventually expanded into apparel—and hosted several buzzy New York Fashion Week presentations—the new Avanti release is a deliberate return to Fenty x Puma’s sneaker roots with its star designer at the creative helm Rhianna. “Digging into Puma’s archives is always incredible,” Rihanna says of her process. “There is so much history and legacy here, and I wanted to honor that by paying tribute to the Avanti. [The King is] the shoe [Brazilian football player] Pelé played in and made very famous, and I know people are looking forward to their return.”
January 3 - January 9, 2023
Needless to say, Fenty x Puma is officially back! The sportswear–meets–fashion label—a collaboration between Puma and the global superstar, who acts as the label’s creative director—has been on a hiatus since 2017, as Rihanna continues to build her Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty empires. The Rock Star fashion queen says that she sees her return as a reunion, that returning to Puma as a mom, provides a new space, to create from new perspectives and ideas. To put a sportier spin of the shoe to catch RiRi-ready, vibe the star put her magic touch through fashion details to heighten the design form. It features a vintage leather upper (in black and white, or statement silver), a foldable tongue, and gum sole. The new mother of two expressed that her babies were inspiration and made sure the style was available in children’s sizing, too (they retail for $95 for preschool sizes, and $80 for infant), because she wants her boys in everything their dad and she wear or designs. Next on the list for the new exclusive collaborative line designed and
creative directed by Rihanna is the Creeper Phatty. Her colorful interjection is not new to FENTY x PUMA. Known to push boundaries of fashion and sport, is why it’s a perfect match up with Rhianna who pushes boundaries with such style grace. This time around Rhianna’s reimagining classic silhouettes through her personal design language and creative treatment leaves everything on the table. Fenty and Puma hosted a launch party celebrating their new Creeper Phatty sneaker collaboration at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles on December. 18. Fenty’s founder Rihanna attended the event, which was filled with influencers and models,
p Rhianna sporting the Creeper Phatty in purple $160 + q The Throwback Avanti Silver slide $160
u The Black Advanti Slide $160
Chicago News Weekly
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Chicago News Weekly
January 3 - January 9, 2023