January 10, 2024 Edition

January 10 - January 16, 2024 • The Voice Of Black Chicago • Vol.1 No 51 • cnwmedia.com • FREE

n w Da Milhouse

A HIGHER CALLING

2

Chicago News Weekly

January 10 - January 16, 2024

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 51 Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Chicago News Weekly is published weekly on Wednesday. www.cnwmedia.com advertising@cnwmedia.com editorial@cnwmedia.com Subscription $104 year

E notes

HE WOULD BE

KING

W

alking into 2024 we are facing a reality that hits us in the face smacking us upside our head so hard and we know that we’re in a world of trouble. Quietly we breathe in deeply to exhale what we know now to be safe air to inhale but what is the near future bringing us? if we fail at this juncture to make the right choices we can be the perpetrators of world destruction or life as we know it.

Dramatic?

WHAT’S GOING ON?

Really? The consequences are quite dire. We’re at the brink of moral integrity, wars are being fought on various and multiple fronts throughout the world and others threaten with the possibility; poverty grows and lingers like a heavy filthy damp rag wrapped around our faces and it’s hard to breathe; the new rich is driven by greed, children think they’re grown and they’re parents equal, daily mass killings have become ‘per usual’, the killing of Black men is the norm, ‘smash and grabs are no longer headlines but the expected; the Housewives of ‘where ever’ have set the status quo of female behavior; the sordid daily news of highly positioned grown men victimizing younger men in exchange for a pitiful pinch of wealth; Women are forced to live or die by man’s non medical rationale pertaining to her health or welfare; and the elected government officials and the appointed have turned inward embracing selfish ambition; and perhaps the most egregious is that some people of the United States have accepted Authoritarianism over democracy.

WHAT WE ARE WE

1. A Republic is a country where power is held by the

January 10 - January 16, 2024

people or the representatives that they elect. Republics have presidents who are elected, rather than kings or queens.

2. Democratic Governance – Building open, responsive, and accountable institutions and processes that serve the needs and preferences of the public. Democracy is often said to mean ‘rule by the people’. An example of this is any system of government in which people vote their elected representatives into parliament.

3. Authoritarianism is characterized by highly concentrated and centralized power maintained by political repression and the exclusion of potential challengers. It uses political parties and mass organizations to mobilize people around the goals of the regime.

Sadly, people think that they know what the ‘American Democratic Experiment‘ means but they have no idea.

The fact that democracy is known throughout the world as the American Experiment while it awaits with bated breath to see if we can weather the storm of time. Before America none of the league of powerful countries were democratic. They were old countries led by aristocracies and interested in staying powerful by marrying amongst themselves to strengthen their positions in Europe and abroad.

America emerged from under the rule of the ‘established European monarchs who owned their countries’ land and were served by the people who worked the land. The cry of the original American settlers who fought in the War of 1776 was “No taxes without Representation.” It was the Declaration of their desire to be treated as human beings rather than indentured servants. From that win America became what its history reports as ‘the home of the brave and land of the free.’

photo credit: Dot Ward

Chicago News Weekly

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief It fast became the dreamland for all who were oppressed and seen as the ‘land of opportunity. It had its issues; we still do but it remains the best place to be if you have a dream to do something big! People from all over the world still, walk, swim, fly or sail to come to the land which promises ‘dreams do come true.’

WHAT’S AT STAKE

As we stand amid a ‘wouldbe authoritarian’s plot to destroy the democracy we cannot afford to shut down. He has publicly vowed to be an authoritarian for one day if elected, most people seem to be desensitized by his promise. I’ve been talking about this since the January 6, 2020, resurrection. I seriously pray that we do not deliver America to the political zealot that the most recent former president is. And we will if we do not take him on seriously. And I do mean every single one of us who understands and knows what’s at stake.

Some of you thought that his declaration was cute. It is not. It is problematic that a man planning to run for the highest office in the USA (again) is perfectly comfortable with forming his mouth to say such a thing. It’s right up there with his request that V.P. Pence put him before and above the American Constitution by telling him to overturn the valid presidential election.

Pence’s life was in danger and the former president who would be King made a statement that Pence was a ‘P’ and ‘did not have the courage to

do what was right to save the country.’ He never called off the would-be killers of Pence.

He never told them to stand down. Pence’s former chief of staff, Marc Short, is recorded stating to the committee that the vice president told Trump “many times” before Jan. 6 that he did not have the legal authority to block the certification of the election.”

Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by a controlling government and the rejection of democracy, human rights, and political plurality. It involves the use of strong central power to preserve the political status quo, and reductions in the rule of law, separation of powers, and democratic voting. The idea of Authoritarianism is that there is one person, the Authoritarian leader who has the first and last word about everything.

Correct. First and Last word on everything. Facts, reality, your perspective, and your opinion, especially your opinion does not mean anything to the Authoritarian. And that my people, is who the former president has always fancied himself. He loved saying, “You’re Fired,” on his television show “The Apprentice.

Leaders like him are usually intoxicated with their power.

Bottomline, such leaders are inclined to remain in office until they die because they destroy all possibility of their defeat. They do not allow for a democratic process no matter that they will pretend that an election will determine their fate, just as Putin

Chicago News Weekly

3

The answer.is.

The A.I.

CNW EDITORS

a.i. THE ANSWER IS . . .

C NOW This is

Sumthin’

an you distinguish a republic from a democracy from an . . .?

1. A Republic is a country where power is held by the people or the representatives that they elect. Republics have presidents who are elected, rather than kings or queens.

2. Democratic Governance – Building open, responsive, and accountable institutions and processes that serve the needs and preferences of the public.

Democracy is often said to mean 'rule by the people'. An example of this is any system of government in which people vote their elected representatives into parliament.

According to Ryan McMaken The claim that the United States political system is "a republic, not a democracy" is often heard in libertarian and conservative circles and is typically invoked whenever the term "democracy" is used in any favorable context. This claim is generally invoked when the user believes one of the following:

1. "I don't like your idea, and since it involves aspects that are democratic or majoritarian, I'll invoke the republic-not-a-democracy claim to discredit your idea."

2. "A majority of the population appears to support this idea, so I will invoke the republic-not-a-democracy claim to illustrate that the majority should be ignored."

Also, key to these claims is to invoke the authority of "the Founding Fathers" which means the pro-centralization nationalists and not the Anti-Federalists — for the usual reasons that anyone appeals to authority rather than offer a real argument. Note the following example emerged in the debate over the Electoral College. Advocates for eliminating the electoral college system were criticized by the republic-not-a-democracy crowd as being for democracy while those who wished to keep the electoral college described themselves as being in favor of the far-more-preferable republican style of government.

Ryan McMacken is the author of Breaking Away: The Case of Secession, Radical Decentralization, and Smaller Polities and Commie Cowboys: The Bourgeoisie and the Nation-State in the Western Genre.

Chicago News Weekly wishes you you a a HAPPY HAPPY NEW NEW YEAR! YEAR! wishes 4

ThankYou Youfor forYour YourSupport!

Support!

Thank

4

Chicago News Weekly

January 10 - January 16, 2024

January 10 - January 16, 2024

Chicago News Weekly

5

Dollars & Sense

By Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson CNW Columnist

Navigating Business Transformation

Shift, Pivot, and Embracing New Seasons in the New Year

A

s we step into a brand-new year, the world of business is teeming with fresh possibilities and opportunities.

The onset of each new year prompts reflection, goal-setting,and, for many entrepreneurs and business leaders, a strategic reevaluation of their ventures. Building upon our previous discussions surrounding the concept of a “shift” and its pivotal role in adapting to changing circumstances, today, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the distinctions between pivoting and embracing “a new season” within the context of the new year.

Setting the Stage: At the dawn of a new year, the entrepreneurial landscape is infused with excitement, potential, and anticipation. It’s a time when businesses pause to reflect on their journey,set fresh goals, and recalibrate their strategies. In this ever-evolving business environment, understand-

6

Chicago News Weekly

ing the nuances of “shift,””pivot,” and “embracing a new season” is crucial.

These concepts serve as navigational tools for entrepreneurs to steer their ventures toward success.

Defining the Shift: A business shift is akinto skillful navigation—it involves strategic adjustments that enable your company to respond effectively to emerging trends, shifting customer preferences, or external influences. Picture it as the art of fine-tuning your course to navigate the ever-changing waters of the business world. When we discuss a “shift,” we refer to incremental adaptations aimed at enhancing your current trajectory. It’s about staying agile and responsive to the evolving conditions of the marketplace.

Pivoting with Purpose: Pivoting, on the other hand, is an audacious move that demands courage and vision. It signifies a fundamental transformation in the core elements of your

business, encompassing everything from your product offerings to your target audience and revenue-generation strategies. Pivoting is a response to those pivotal moments in your entrepreneurial journey when challenges require more than a mere shift. Client needs evolve over time, often necessitating services that propel them to the next level, particularly when market dynamics undergo significant shifts. When you choose to pivot, it symbolizes a bold and visionary leap to address the evolving demands of your clients and markets.

Embracing the New Season: Embracing a “new season” is like turning a new chapter in your entrepreneurial story. It’s a concept intertwined with the dawn of a fresh year and the myriad opportunities it brings. A new season might involve launching innovative product lines, venturing into uncharted markets, or making substantial organizational changes. Consequently, it embod-

ies the spirit of renewal,growth, and innovation. Real-world examples, such as the transformative journey of a nonprofit, illustrate how embracing a new season can ignite renewal and growth.

Synthesizing Your Strategy: As the new year unfolds,you might wonder how to synthesize these concepts effectively as a business owner or entrepreneur. Importantly, these concepts are not mutually exclusive.Successful entrepreneurs often employ a blend of shifts, pivots, and the embrace of new seasons to navigate the dynamic landscape of business effectively. In The grand journey of entrepreneurship, recognizing when to shift, pivot, embrace a new season can serve as your guiding star, enabling you to seize the boundless opportunities the new year offers. Stay resilient, stay adaptable,and keep your eyes on the horizon of a year filled with promises and potential.Happy New Year!

January 10 - January 16, 2024

January 10 - January 16, 2024

Chicago News Weekly

7

Cover Story

By Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

A Higher Calling D

awn Hendricks Milhouse began her story of humble beginnings by stating, “I was born in Cook County Hospital and went home with my mother to join my siblings in our Cabrini Green residence. When I was a toddler we moved to Old Town Gardens. Following the riots, my mother sought a safer haven and moved us to Valparaiso, Indiana, and became its first Black residents.

My single-parent mom of six dared to integrate into that town. I attended a Christian daycare preschool; followed

by Immanuel Lutheran Church School.

Between our new community and our old, we spent 85% of our weekends in Chicago. Sadly, a family tragedy resulted in our return to Chicago where I entered my freshman year of high school at Luther South High School. We ended up in Hyde Park, and that is where I remained until I was married.”

INSPIRATION

Photo: By Seed Lynn

Dawn is quick to say, “My Mother had the greatest impact on me. Since the Christmas holiday recently passed I am reminded of one of the most important gifts she imparted. Each Christmas we had to select things that were still good to donate to somebody who didn't have as much to make room for Santa Claus’s gifts. That tradition is one I’ve continued with my children and hope they will as well. It taught me the value of charity and knowing that it's necessary to give, to sacrifice.

Another thing I observed was my mother was the ‘go-to mom,’ for the Black students who were there solo. She always provided a safe space for them. In addition, she served as the confidant for the Black families that would follow her footsteps and move to our community.

Dawn says, “The flip side is that as the fifth child of six, I felt some of the embarrassment associated as a kid on welfare, the one whose mom couldn't pick her up from every game or couldn't attend every basketball game. It was noticeable because I was athletic, I ran track and played basketball.

She says of her athletic background, “Fortunately I can integrate sports into my love for charity. One of the early nonprofits that I helped form is ‘The Boys from the Hood Foundation’ which was centered around athletes from Chicago.

I’ve been fortunate to reproduce that model in other states serving as a pivotal moment for my career as the head of the nonprofit organization. I took that same model and extended it to Nassau, Bahamas, where I organized a celebrity game

8

Chicago News Weekly

January 10 - January 16, 2024

for charity to benefit Pediatric AIDS and coined the term ‘slam jam’ long before it became an NBA jam.” When the NBA incorporated the celebrity basketball game into their All-Star Weekend events, we were one of the very first nonprofits to do a celebrity basketball game in 1993, with Shaquille O'Neal, which included a live concert at halftime and finished with the game.

At the time it was the only sanctioned basketball game by the NBA which was a huge deal. And I was able to present BLACKstreet as their first halftime performance.

REWIND Dawn has to do a hard stop and talk about how she got to that big moment in her supercharged life as she stepped into “The Jill of all trades and the master of them too.” She says, “I have a varied work background. At that time, I was working as a stylist for BIV 10 Records division under Mike Bivins’ label at Motown. I styled Boyz II Men on their sophomore album, “I'll Make Love to You,” released in 1994. I also styled for BLACKstreet,” with whom I also toured. She worked as a stylist from 1990 through 1996.

Nonchalantly Dawn notes, “You know, 96 was the year I paused to order my life.” After high school, she attended the University of Arkansas where she fell madly in love and decided that love would conquer all. She recalls, “I left school and didn't tell my mom. When I told her, she responded, “Let me know how that works out for you.” Anyway, I was back home soon.”

That was a real hit for the dynamic Dawn, but she persevered and enrolled in classes at Chicago State. Sidetracked this time by the birth of her firstborn in 1987, she became hyper-focused on working because at the time she thought, “waiting tables and making $200 a day was a lot. Who needs college? Right?

Who needs to finish?” And I didn’t have to file it?”

Noting that transitions happen when you have a child and the ground becomes shifting sand, so your thinking shifts with the onslaught of growing responsibilities. A growing child brings new and different things to consider appropriate to their changing age. After delivering her second child she realized, “I couldn't ask them to finish school if I had not.” She earned her BA from Columbia. “That’s when I realized, how my life would have been easier had I listened.” With that confirmation, Dawn chose to stay the course and pursued her master’s at Roosevelt. Dawn says, “My mother did not graduate high school but

January 10 - January 16, 2024

graduated from college, I owe her that inspiration and example. She made certain that we knew the value of us and how we take that value and apply it in the community.”

Dawn’s message is, “Because my route was non-traditional there were times when I judged myself. But I realized that God had ordered my steps because, at every turn and every pivot, something amazing happened on my journey that allows me to reach people differently than others. After all, I share a lot of the journeys they’ve traveled, like the food pantries. My mother reminded us “that our wealth had nothing to do with a bank account. She taught us etiquette -the invaluable award of knowledge and good manners.”

Work Ethic My husband is a giver. When we met I thought knowing him was amazing. I asked if we could establish a non-profit arm of our company. I wanted to create a space where we could be intentional and collaborative about what we do, and how we do it so that it's measurable and impactful. And he told me, ‘Go for it.”

Without hesitation, I initiated the process. Along the way, I met a phenomenal nonprofit attorney, Katherine Vandenberk, who helped me create the bylaws.

In 2012, Millhouse Charities was formally established as a 501c3 registered nonprofit establishing our joint intentionality. That’s when we became began planting seeds.”

In looking back Dawn says as a young person she thought of herself as others dubbed her, as stubborn. Today she says.

I prefer to say I that am determined because it has a direct correlation to intentionality. My determination is grounded in making an intentional impact in all that I do. That means I have a vision that I can implement all the moving pieces to make it happen. ” Dawn makes it very clear that at times her decision may not seem rational. I know when God's presence is there and if it's absent I’m not going to do it. I listen to God first.

“Once you see its importance even in our professional lives because our humaneness gets in the way we become better. If we know that we are created in God’s image then we know, we have everything we need. We still have free choice so it’s good practice to ask what God would do. “

Dialing Back Time Harvard on 47th closed when my eldest daughter was in third grade. After a disappointing stint at a CPS magnet for

one year I transferred her to Bethlehem Lutheran School, which needed a PE teacher. I informed them that, “I'm not a teacher, I'm athletic and I can teach what I know. I was hired as the PE instructor, athletic director, as well as basketball and track coach until 2007/2008 year. It kept me busy.

I decided that whatever I do, I'm not going to miss any of my children’s activities.

So, I took a job at Dixie Kitchen for flexibility. I scheduled my shifts to accommodate us both since I was in grad school at Roosevelt where all my classmates knew her because she was on the floor coloring and while we were in class.

Faced with Dixie’s closing, I went to work for my godbrothers Mark Brooks and Martin King at Park 52 as General Manager. My eldest was on a full track scholarship at George Mason University and the youngest was with me sitting in a booth at work. Serendipitously, enters Mr. Milhouse, one of the best customers.

And because Park 52 was big on making our customers feel appreciated I engaged in personable conversation. I remember that our initial interactions were unique.

He had a swagger about him. Long story short, I asked him to meet me at church on our first date. I figured ‘Let me find out early if he loves God the same way I do. And, he didn't meet me there. He beat me there. Six months later, we got married. Wow. And that was November of 2009. We became a blended family blessing me with two bonus daughters and a bonus son.

The BIZ I was still working at Park 52 when the restaurant closed so my husband said, “Hey, why don't you just open your place? You've worked for other people for so long, why don't you open your restaurant?” We opened our restaurant in West Town at Grand and Noble, ‘M Vie.’ It offered that downtown panache for our own where they felt comfortable and welcomed. M Vie grew quickly and we had never stopped running the charity. We closed the restaurant in 2016 after three years.

Milhouse Charities Full Throttle My husband wanted to make certain we were inspiring future professional engineers He’d remind me how he had always been one of one in a room. Therefore, our mission is to multiply that one defining our primary mission to provide resources, monetary and hands-on

Photo: By Seed Lynn

My mother reminded us “that our wealth had nothing to do with a bank account.

She taught us etiquette -- the invaluable award of knowledge and good manners.”

resources for people who had created foundations that couldn't get funding from the big companies. Therefore, we identified partnerships in the community that were already doing the work and invested in them to help push them further.

Dawn shares insight regarding the Milhouse International Company located in Enugu, Nigeria, which is the beginning of so many possibilities. We made a promise to provide a water well in the village where we’re doing work. In March 2023, we commissioned the installation and ended up Installing two. We also provided aid during COVID-19 because they are in remote villages. Further In Nigeria we conducted several shoe drives and collected soccer shoes from the Chicago Fire and anybody who would donate gently used soccer shoes and we've purchased some as well to provide soccer shoes to soccer players.

Dawn tells how she received a random email from a young couple in Chicago.

The ‘Mrs.’ of the couple shared that she and her shoe designer husband had a storage unit full of shoes that she’d like to donate if we took over the unit. I visited the storage site, and she donated over 3000 pairs of shoes which became the gift that kept on giving.

We had shoes forever, so we donated to many organizations in many different places including Ghana, and Valparaiso.

We will close with how Milhouse Charites has expanded and ramped up its presence beyond Chicago in a big way.

Dawn says “My husband said, “We're going to serve everywhere we work, and earn. And so, my charge was to duplicate on the East Coast office what we’ve done in Chicago. Consequently, we adopted a STEM school in Queens, New York for extremely underserved kids. We’re on the move!”

Chicago News Weekly

9

Art & Culture

Funny Business

I

t’s a Sunday evening and what was supposed to be a hilarious night of comedy is a bust. Comedian Meechie Hall sits inside a back booth at the Thornton Distillery (400 E. Margaret St.) in Thorton, IL sipping his Right Bee Cider and Old Fashioned Flight. With a heart shaved into the left side of his head and a rolling suitcase full of merch he daps up the comedians as they vacate the premises to move on with their night. For Hall and other comedians the industry is fickle. The hot takes on Katt Williams set the internet ablaze bringing the businesses of funny to the top of people's minds.

Hall is a professional comedian. With over twenty years of experience he’s hosted, produced and performed at over 100 Black establishments. ”I started telling jokes in 2000 and my first show was Y2K, I knew when I got on stage. It was effortless. I grabbed the mic and I just knew. My first night on stage I had a fan

10

Chicago News Weekly

By Mila K. Marshall, Ph.D. Staff Editor

base. There were 3 to 4 tables full just for me,” said Hall.

He credits Damon Williams as being a huge influence on his career, and the one who encouraged him to get on stage.

“Damon really kinda started me…he came to my job and told me I should do comedy. I was working at Everblack as a manager at The Lark,” Hall laughed.

Curious Bar Mitzvah guests from upstairs find their way into the 50 seat Distillery Hall which was supposed to be the comedy show. They pick up pool sticks and begin to play as Molly the waitress drops the bill for Hall’s meal and drinks to begin closing out for the night.

“Getting people to come see quality shows isn’t easy. Shows can get canceled often. You never know. In a city with top comedians booked up north at places like the Laugh Factory can sell out multiple shows…averaging two shows a night. It’s not like that out south,” said Hall as he finished his flight.

Hall says even with small crowds it's not uncommon for venues to keep the party going and throw a show at a loss. He shared that it's already happened twice this year “Venue owners are hopeful and

fans of comedy and believe in it. Comedy in some way is safe, says Hall.

He said comedy is used to bring attention to a business.

Shows at Black restaurants and venues move often by word of mouth. Good food and a good time brings people out on slow nights for small businesses.“Ladies come out a lot. People celebrating birthdays. It draws couples for date night. There aren’t many problems with comedy crowds. Venue owners in Chicago really support comics. Hosting a comedy night also brings folks out to their businesses,” said Hall as he taps to pay. Just as Hall is wrapping up comedian Robert Kane walks into the space just as the spotlight was turned off and the final pool players wrap up their game to rejoin the Bar Mitzvah. “I saw Meechie on the show and had to come out to support,” said Kane, who has a show himself every Saturday at Second City on Chicago’s northside.

Both comedians agree that some clubs and venues are willing to build up comedy nights. For venues they of course

want bodies in the room. Both Hall and Kane respect the audience no matter how small and believe everyone deserves a good show.

Hall grabs his rolling carry-on filled with merch and heads towards the door but not before pulling out complimentary tickets to his Chicken and Comedy night at Harold's Chicken and Sports Bar (1450 S. Michigan Ave.) he hosts every Saturday night along with a game night hosted by Corner Convo Podcast. Tonight’s show may have been canceled but Hall isn’t discouraged, “the food was good, I still got paid and I had a great show last night at Harold’s. It takes time to build an audience,” he said.

January 10 - January 16, 2024

By Mila K. Marshall, PhD, CNW Cannabis Corner Editor

Cannabis Corner

Cannabis Cannabis Black

Lawyers Matter

F

rom lawsuits on licensing to protecting the rights of citizens to consume in legal states cannabis is a highly litigious industry.

Cannabis lawyers are in a unique position helping entrepreneurs, organizations and even condo associations navigate the complexities of mixed decriminalization. There is already a shortage of African American lawyers and an even smaller percentage of them who practice cannabis law. Natacha Andrews is the Executive Director of the National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL), an organization that helps orient practicing attorneys, law school students and advocates for an equitable industry and economy overall.

In her role as founder and director she creates opportunities to educate attorneys as to cannabis law as a profession as well as cannabis laws overall to the general public.

Andrews has been an attorney for 25 years; she shared cannabis was never a primary focus. Immediately prior to cannabis she was practicing immigration law. Similar to other professionals Andrews had little familiarity with the state of cannabis and the evolving legalization of the industry. She mentions being raised in the “Just Say No to Drugs” era, and admits cannabis wasn’t something to dabble in unless you were a criminal.

“I didn’t know much about it and wasn’t aware of the current status of cannabis in America,” said Andrews.

It wasn’t uncommon for her to see clients detained due to non-vio-

January 10 - January 16, 2024

lent cannabis related charges. What changed things for Andrews is experiencing a legal market and witnessing the world of weed and commerce.

“While on a trip to Seattle unrelated to weed…I was startled, “shared Andrews. She quickly realized cannabis was an industry. One that was supporting economic growth. An industry that was helping support access to medicinal alternatives and more. “It was fully legal in Washington State. But it tugged at my heart strings. I would return home and have to face people being purposely separated from their family because of them being in possession of this plant. That trip helped me be curious as to why this duality existed,” shared Andrews.

With cannabis being so new Andrews experienced common challenges pivoting towards the industry including finding and discerning information. “I did not feel comfortable with the sources, and I was uncertain of how true some of it was,” she shared.

Andrews is most certain that her time on the New Jersey State Bar Cannabis Law Committee helped shape her professional perspective and new opportunities to have an impact on the lives of those who've been harmed by the War on Drugs.

“As a member I learned a lot. No matter how many years you had been a practicing attorney this was new to everyone. Cannabis upended the hierarchy of a bar association, and we all were learning together. It was a unique opportunity to create a sense of professionalism. It isn’t easy diving into a field that others deem

illegitimate and something a person of good moral standing wouldn’t associate with,” shared Andrews. The birth of NABCL was unapologetic and urgent.

Instead of creating a committee in an established organization waiting for others to agree or having to ask permission to serve specific communities, Andrews wanted to bring more Black lawyers together to learn with and from each other to serve the needs of the Black community faced with decades of racially biased laws and navigation through mixed legalization. Less than 10% of lawyers are Black. Fair representation matters. Andrews said, “it was important to gather the most lawyers who looked like me the fastest. We need to be there where these decisions are being made. And we need to be literate and ready.” Those practicing business law may see themselves most clearly as benefitting from understanding and learning about the industry but others not so much.

“I find that seasoned attorneys from all the different practice areas are much more cautious than law students. Students have a much easier time getting it and understanding how their unique skill set can benefit from legal cannabis literacy, and to be honest they have a lot less

to lose,” shared Andrews.

There is a space for all lawyers she believes. “Business, immigration, real estate, criminal defense lawyers, there is space for all practice areas and everyone's unique voice is needed,” said Andrews.

NABCL has members in all 50 states and is looking to grow membership in 2024. “While we began providing memberships for lawyers NABCL is open to law students and supporters who aren’t employed as attorneys,” shared Andrews. Cannabis is a critical issue that continues to be a tense topic. Black professionals can be villainized for engaging in the industry even if they don’t consume.

As legislation is shaped and decriminalization evolves across the nation Black attorneys will be needed every step of the way and NABCL is here to help demystify the industry and prepare Black lawyers and allies to stay focused and educated to have a true impact on equity.

Chicago News Weekly

11

Healthy Living

By Mila K. Marshall, PhD CNW Staff Editor

Growing Equity for Illinois Black Farmers

D

iscriminatory practices inhibited Black farmers during the 20th century from accessing the full suite of federal support afforded to White farmers. Founded by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, the agency was a critical aspect of Lincoln’s homeland policies. Farmer education and subsidized streamlined resources buttressed the agency's mission for the betterment of rural livelihood and state exports.

Jim Crow mentality perpetuated the agency leading to the loss of Blackowned farmland and destabilizing the local economies. The resulting harm was responsible for a 98% decrease in Black farmers between 1920 - 1997. Over 900,000 Black farmers lost their land.

Present-day inequities plague Black farmers and ranchers. Access to capital is still challenging.

Black farmer loan rejection rate (16%) is four times that of rejection rates of White farmers.

November 30th U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) introduced his first piece of legislation which would strengthen civil rights accountability at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The legislation seeks corrective action for discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and any other misconduct or violation of civil rights. USDA employees who; provide inaccurate receipt of service, fail to provide appropriate information about USDA programs and services, or fail to process applications promptly to prospective applicants or participants will face disciplinary actions. Those found to have engaged in discriminatory behaviors could lose their Federal employment, be suspended without pay, be demoted, have a salary reduction, or be reprimanded by letter.

There are three key aspects of the 2023 JUST Act: Ensures that USDA officials and employees are held accountable for engaging in discriminatory or retaliatory actions, harassment, civil rights violations, or related misconduct; Requires USDA to bear the burden of proving by substantial evidence that an adverse decision was valid; and Establishes an office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson and an Office of Legal Advisor for Civil Rights.

While Congressman Jackson is working on federal legislation, State Rep. Sonya Harper and co-sponsors put forth the Black Farmers Restoration Program

12

Chicago News Weekly

Pictured is Lucious Abrams, a plaintiff in the Pigford v. Glickman class action lawsuit, stands in front of a tractor on his Georgia farm. The 1999 lawsuit alleged that in a myriad of ways, the agency discriminated against Black farmers resulting in uneven distribution of farm loans and assistance. This caused many Black farmers to lose their land and farms to foreclosure.

Photo courtesy of NPR.

(HB3556) in 2023. Illinois ranks fifth in the nation for agricultural commodities and generates over $51.1 billion in revenue. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, 72,000 Illinois farms are covering 75% of the state's land. Legislative initiatives are valuable.

The legislation supports increasing Illinois Black farmers and on-field training for disadvantaged residents. Only 200 Illinois farms are Black-owned. Policies that create accountability and capital resources are seeds of hope. But it will take all of us to water our elected officials with calls, letters, and emails to grow those bills into laws.

January 10 - January 16, 2024

Breaking it Down Across The Board

national news

O CNW EDITORS

ut the door with 2023 behind us 2024 faces us with some hard cold facts.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, research regarding American earnings reveals some not-so-surprising facts about the contrasts and comparisons across age, race, and gender categories. Across the age groups from 45 to 54 range for example we see the salaries peak. This gives us much to think about this election year. The report examines the Median weekly earnings of the nation's 122.1 million full-time wage and salary workers which were $1,118 in the third quarter of 2023 (not seasonally adjusted), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number was 4.5 percent higher than a year earlier, compared with a gain of 3.5 percent in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) over the same period. It may not seem significant but when we’re going down the list of what’s important when considering your choice of presidential candidate, you want to know how they’re helping or intend to help you get by on a day-to-day basis. Data on usual weekly earnings are collected as part of the Current Population Survey, a nationwide sample survey of households in which respondents are asked, among other things, how much each wage and salary worker usually earns. .Highlights from the third-quarter data: • Median weekly earnings of full-time workers were $1,118 in the third quar-

January 10 - January 16, 2024

ter of 2023. Women had median weekly earnings of $1,005, or 83.2 percent of the $1,208 median for men.

• The women's-to-men's earnings ratio varied by race and ethnicity. White women earned 82.9 percent as much as their male counterparts, compared with 91.5 percent for Black women, 74.7 percent for Asian women, and 87.3 percent for Hispanic women.

• Among the major race and ethnicity groups, median weekly earnings of Blacks ($918) and Hispanics ($885) working full-time jobs were lower than those of Whites ($1,137) and Asians ($1,444).

By sex, median weekly earnings for Black men were $968, or 78.6 percent of the median for White men ($1,231).

Median earnings for Hispanic men were $931, or 75.6 percent of the median for White men. The difference was less among women, as Black women's median earnings were $886, or 86.8 percent of those for White women ($1,021), and earnings for Hispanic women were $813, or 79.6 percent of those for White women. Earnings of Asian men ($1,630)

and women ($1,217) were higher than those of their White counterparts.

• By age, usual weekly earnings were highest for men ages 35 to 64: median weekly earnings were $1,401, for men ages 35 to 44 it was slightly more $1,404 for men ages 45 to 54, and $1,395 for men ages-55 to 64.

Among women, usual weekly earnings were also highest for workers ages 35 to 64: median weekly earnings were $1,111 for women ages 35 to 44, $1,124 for women ages 45 to 54, and $1,077 for women ages 55 to 64. Men and women ages 16 to 24 had the lowest median weekly earnings, $733 and $695, respectively. Men's and women's earnings were closer among younger workers than older workers; for example, women ages 16 to 24 earned 94.8 percent as much as men in the same age group, while the women's earnings ratio was 78.4 percent for those age 55 and over.

• Among the major occupational groups, persons employed full-time in management, professional, and related occupations had the highest median

weekly earnings—$1,840 for men and $1,350 for women. Both men ($799) and women ($686) earned the least when employed in service occupations.

• By educational attainment, fulltime workers age 25 and over without a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $721, compared with $905 for high school graduates (no college) and $1,620 for those holding a bachelor's degree and higher. Among college graduates with advanced degrees (master's, professional, and doctoral degrees), the highest earning 10 percent of male workers made $4,528 or more per week, compared with $3,478 or more for their female counterparts.

• Seasonally adjusted median weekly earnings were $1,118 $ in the third quarter of 2023, little changed from the previous quarter ($1,107). For a more in-depth overview, you can refer to the October 2023 Wages Report: https:// www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng. pdf The other things informed voters should look at are: The Voting Record of their district senators and representatives, How did they vote on the following: • Abortion Rights • Social security • Financial Aid: Ukraine & Israel, etc.

• Infrastructure • Medicare /Medicaid • Education (book banning) • Gun Control • January 6 Insurrection

Chicago News Weekly

13

Food & Wine

Mare Evans Contributing Wriiter

Eating Seasonally is a Good Thing

K

icking off 2024 with a new attitude begins with you.

Been playing with your health, or the idea of changing your diet? Well, try eating the majority seasonal foods.

Seasonal food is produce that is purchased and consumed around the time that it is harvested. For example, purchasing fresh mush-

14

Chicago News Weekly

rooms, and root veggies in the winter season in Illinois means buying them shortly after farmers have harvested them. There are also greenhouse farms that produce foods that otherwise could not survive the winters here. And you’ve probably never even thought about seasonal foods if you’re a young person whose grown up in a fast food world.

It is Important to Eat Food that’s in Season The most logical of reasons is that seasonal food is fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than food consumed out of season that must be preserved for freshness in the stores. That brings an entirely different dynamic into the conversation. Even though we all like to eat strawberries year round, the best time to eat them is when they can be purchased directly from a local grower shortly after harvest. Seasonal fruits and vegetables produced on locally are often fresher and require less transport time and distances. In season food/ produce crops picked at their peak of ripeness are better tasting and full of flavor which is different than the out of season crops harvested early must be shipped and distributed to your local retail store. The reality is that fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients when allowed to ripen naturally on their parent plant from which they derive nutrients and minerals which are cut off once they are picked and shipped early.

A Global World Closes the Season Gap So, you love avocados or blueberries, and they never grow in Illinois. They do grow in California all year round and can be frozen and shipped. Both foods can be frozen while avocados are usually thawed while blueberries remain frozen and can be found in the frozen aisle.

It is Important to Eating Locally Produced Food The African adage “It takes a Village to raise a child” couldn’t be more appropriate applied here because communities are made up of people. Healthy people require foods that contribute to their health and thriving communities that can provide them a healthy diet and living environment. The circular exchange of a community is powerful and creates relationships and respect for the contributions of everyone in the community.

• Purchasing locally grown foods helps support local farms and maintains farmland and open space in your community.

• Local food supports the local economy. The money you spend on products from local farmers and growers stays in the community and is reinvested with other local businesses. In addition, food grown locally, processed locally, and distributed locally (for example, to local restaurants) generates jobs and subsequently helps stimulate local economies.

• Local growers can tell you how the food was grown. When you buy directly from farmers, you have the opportunity to ask what practices they use to raise and harvest the crops. When you know where your food comes from and who grew it, you know a lot more about your food.

Cities often have a guide to where you can I buy local, seasonal produce in your city/ state Check out: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

January 10 - January 16, 2024

fashion

By C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer

Triple Threat Teyana

S

ince Teyana Taylor retired from the music industry in 2021 she has played full out in various disciplines and artistic areas. She closed out 2023 on a high note booked and busy as model, dancer, recording artist, actress, and

January 10 - January 16, 2024

creative director seemingly living her best life. If you caught the BET Awards , then you know the Harlem Rose won the Video Director of the Year award accepted by her mother who accepted the award in her honor and face-timed her so that she could savor a redefining moment.

We’ve witnessed her set her artistic eyes on different avenues where she could be more creatively expressed after retiring from making music in 2021. At which time she exclaimed “I gotta do it for my mental health. I have to do it for my emotional health. . . . she said. “Until I'm free,

until I can get [my label] to release me, yes I want to retire.” Back then she was only three albums in and she was out like a flash.

Since then she has appeared in front of the camara and behind it in numerous collaborations working with artists like Summer Walker, Latto, and, more recently, Lola Brooke to assist with performance development through her company,The Aunties Production. She took her skills for directing music videos to the stage, and she is elevating their shows one by one. Taylor has served as the choreographer, stylist, and more during her career, and now she’s emerging as the resource she longed for during her music career.

As an R&B singer, producer, dancer, music video director, choreographer and fashion designer, and wife to an NBA all-star Teyana Taylor is no stranger to the spotlight. She’s known for her goddess body, scorching singing, provocative dance moves, sexy strut on the catwalk and unexpected turns on the red carpet — at this year’s Vanity Fair Oscar party, it was a sheer dark suit with a metallic gold bra.

At New York Fashion Week in February, it was an avant-garde suit.

But then there’s the film world where she delivers a more vulnerable ‘her’ in “A

Thousand and One,” in which she portrays Inez, a woman orphaned at a young age who is struggling to rebuild her life in survival mode, something Teyana knows a little somethin’somethin,’ about. That film won the grand jury prize in the U.S. dramatic competition at the Sundance Film Festival. Credit...Focus Features putting her in the sightline for future film projects.

Now, she’s forging ahead as an actor, director, and producer. She already has roles in two other upcoming films, “The Book of Clarence” and “The Smack.”

On top of everything else She also released her own Air Jordan sneaker called, fittingly, “A Rose From Harlem.” But Perhaps the most shocking was her return to music “Closer To God” as part of Diddy's newly released R&B project, The Love Album: Off the Grid includes The star-studded appearances from Taylor, The Weekend, Justin Bieber, Mary J and others.

Somewhere in there, as 2023 came to an end news that she and Iman had separated crushed the internet.

All in all it was a very good year for Ms. TT who says, “it was all about being taken seriously as an artist as she entered a new phase. “I had a story to tell,” she said.

Chicago News Weekly

15

16

Chicago News Weekly

January 10 - January 16, 2024