CNW 1/25/2023 Edition

Chicago News Weekly

Cheryl Mainor Norman President & Publisher

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor In Chief Terri Winston Vice President

Darnell Pulphus Art Director

Editors

Danielle Sanders Managing Editor

Sterling Caprico Fashion Editor

Marti Worell

Arts & Culture Editor

Staff Writers

Dr. Sharice Braford

Liz Lampkin

Marcus Bouldin

David Pierce

Tammy Gibson

Theresa Horton

Shaneen Murray

Marti Worell

Mila K. Marshall, PhD

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Cover Photography

Worsom Robinson

8348 S Stony Island Avenue Chicago, IL 60617 (773) 437-3096

Vol. 1 No 16

Wednesday, January 25s, 2023 Chicago News Weekly is published weekly on Wednesday. www.cnwmedia.com

chicagonewsweekly@gmail.com

chicagonewsweeklyeditorial@gmail.com

Subscription $52 year

E notes

The Best and Worst of Times

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief of incredulity, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us,”

. . . A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

Set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution “A Tale of Two Cities,” is a historical novel published in 1859 by Charles Dickens. How familiar it sounds as we look around America and see the same parables of contrast and comparison to truth and ‘alternative facts,’ spoken and woven into the very fiber of our fastidious lives.

“America the Beautiful” has always been a paradox offering the promise of freedom, where all men are “created equal” and life, liberty and “justice for all’ is given to some and the denial of humanity given to others. America’s history is wrenched in slavery and cemented in the atrocious treatment of enslaved Africans who became African Americans, hunted by white supremacists and other White hate groups. How the beauty and the beasts, have managed years of coexistence is a mystery only ‘The Most High,’ can explain.

What we know to be true is that our beloved county is in decline socially, politically, physically, and most important, morally. With the 2008 election behind us, so many felt that America had turned a corner when Barack Obama emerged as President of the United States of America, the world’s most powerful country. Our lesson learned is that the thought of Obama leading “their” country and ‘the felt and orchestrated’ threat of Black power, triggered blue-collar white men and a dark sore began to fester and erupt. Surely this idea did not materialize out of nowhere.

It is the myth that white powerful people allowed to be perpetrated because it served them to have the two factions of poor Blacks and poor whites fighting for the little prize. The prize looked like jobs, schools, thriving communities, food, clothing, and shelter. These “prizes” become more apparent from the disparity of social, political, and economic opportunities. The two throwaways fighting over crumbs keeps the lower class manageable and exactly where the rich want them.

The 45th President of the United States recognized the scrab on that sore and reached back to Ronald Reagan who espoused

“Let’s make America great again” in his 1980 presidential campaign. At the time the United States was suffering from a worsening economy at home marked by stagflation. Using the country’s economic distress as a springboard for his campaign, Reagan used the slogan to stir a sense of patriotism among the electorate. He also deferred to the inner city where Blacks and other minorities lived as unsafe. During the 2016 electoral campaign, Bill Clinton suggested that Trump’s version, used as a campaign rallying cry, was a message to white Southerners that Trump was promising to “give you an economy you had 50 years ago and “move you back up on the social totem pole and other people down.” And it was. Reagan doesn’t get a pass. He conveyed the same. Both men were speaking in code to perpetuate fear and racism by convincing vulnerable white groups that Blacks are coming for their daughters and jobs.

Black Sci-Fi author Octavia E. Butler used “Make America Great Again” as the presidential campaign slogan for a character, Andrew Steele Jarret, in her 1998 dystopian novel, “Parable of the Talents.” Jarret is described as “a demagogue, a rabble-rouser and a hypocrite [who] pulled religion and government together and cemented the link with money from rich business owners.” Sounds like she was prophetic.

The takeaway is that we must seize control of our lives now to foster and grow healthy futures for this and future generations. We can no longer allow the singular thinking of leaders that do not include Blacks in their agenda other than to misuse and abuse us. ‘Making America Great,’ requires inclusion and equity if America is to survive and win. She must embrace and reckon with our solid place in America because we earned it more than so many others. We are a part of the American fiber. We must step up and foster hope and devise and implement a plan to manifest communities in which, hope lives.

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

photo credit: Dot Ward

Entrepreneurs Conquering Impostor Syndrome

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson CNW Staff Writer

Impostor syndrome and impostor phenomenon can affect anyone, especially entrepreneurs, no matter how successful you are.

Before diving into this topic, let’s briefly define impostor syndrome. Impostor syndrome involves asking yourself the question of whether you are deserving of your accolades or accomplishments. It causes you to feel inadequate or like a fraud. It is the belief that you are not enough and not as innovative or successful as you appear to the world. Individuals who have impostor syndrome have difficulty accepting compliments. These individuals often fear taking on new responsibilities due to fear of failure. Impostor syndrome is real. Impostor syndrome keeps a person in never-ending doubt, which can often lead to both professional and personal damages. Individuals who suffer from impostor syndrome believe that perfection is a sign of success, and anything less than that is a failure. High achievers and successful individuals are most likely to experience impostor syndrome.

Impostor syndrome is common among entrepreneurs because they are often high achievers who place high expectations of themselves. However, entrepreneurs who are just starting out are at higher risk of succumbing to impostor syndrome. This is due to comparison and the strong desire to succeed.

Realizing some years ago the effect impostor syndrome was having on my life journey. I began researching to learn more about impostor syndrome affects entrepreneurs. I’ve learned throughout these years that you can conquer impostor syndrome. Let me share with you some of the ways entrepreneurs can beat impostor syndrome.

First, keep track of and celebrate your wins, even the small ones. A small win is anything that brings you closer to your goals and objectives. Keeping track of your small wins will help you focus on your strengths rather than weaknesses.

Second, be a lifelong learner and educate yourself. No doubt, confidence comes with competence. Master your skills by participating in workshops, attending webinars or possibly returning to school. Being a lifelong learner means you have a growth mindset. It means you are willing to continually push yourself and embrace new challenges and experiences. Lifelong learners tend to lead more fulfilling and multidimensional lives.

Third, network with other entrepreneurs. When I decided to start a nonprofit,

I surrounded myself with other successful founders. My purpose was to learn and glean all I could from them so that I could eventually establish my own nonprofit. Today, I am happy to say I have learned a great deal from these individuals and am the founder of started a thirty-one-year-old nonprofit.

Fourth, hire a coach. Entrepreneurs need support, accountability and a sounding board. Impostor syndrome is prevalent when you are striving toward your goals and finally doing something you’ve always dreamed of doing. Coaches can accompany you on your journey and help find solutions to your challenges. In addition, your coach can help you gain insight that will help you eliminate the feeling of impostor syndrome.

Fifth, learn to separate your feelings from facts, which is one of the best ways to combat impostor syndrome. From my experience, this can also be the most challenging part. Why? Many entrepreneurs often think they could have done more, even when the situations are out of their control. When things go wrong, self-pity or believing that you are a failure can quickly lead you down the abyss of impostor syndrome. Instead of accepting defeat, as an entrepreneur, you should examine your strengths and how you can succeed despite the difficulties.

Sixth, remember that you are not alone. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey, especially when you feel like no one can truly connect with your experiences and you have no one to talk to about the things you are going through. Allowing ourselves to believe we are alone will enable negativity to set it, leading to you questioning whether you are worthy or have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Remember you are not alone.

Again, celebrate your wins and accomplishments. Always learn from your failures and continue to push forward. Doing so derails impostor syndrome and will keep you motivated. Ultimately, as entrepreneurs, we can conquer impostor syndrome.

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson is Life Coach, Nonprofit CEO, Author and Minister, follow her on social media @ drsanja.com

Prepare for USDA’s Return of SNAP Benefits to Pre-Pandemic Levels

CNW Staff Report

Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Serves More Than 2 Million Customers

CHICAGO-The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced today that per the federal USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels beginning in March 2023. These federal changes impact one million families and two million people in Illinois. Nearly half of the states across the country have already ended their SNAP emergency allotments ahead of the federal change, while Illinois will sustain benefits through February when the federal increases expire.

SNAP emergency allotments have been issued since the beginning of the Covid-19 public health emergency to address food insecurity challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. These increased benefits will end after February 2023 and return to pre-pandemic levels in

March. With the end of emergency benefits, SNAP participants will see benefits reduced anywhere from $95 to $250 per person per month. The reduction in SNAP benefits is a result of a federal policy change, not because of changes in individual SNAP cases.

“We understand and recognize that many Illinois residents have counted on these additional emergency food benefits to secure healthy food for themselves and their families,” said Grace B. Hou, Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services. “We are working with our food pantry partners across the state to meet residents’ needs during this adjustment period.”

Since April 2020, all Illinois SNAP households received both the regular monthly benefit and an emergency SNAP allotment. Beginning on March 1, 2023, each SNAP household will receive benefits based on the normal eligibility determination process that considers the household size, income, and deductions. Therefore, the decrease in the amount of the benefits will vary and

depend on each household’s size and financial circumstances.

The amount of benefits customers will receive starting in March 2023 will be listed on a client notice letter sent out to all SNAP recipient households.

To prepare for this change, IDHS recommends SNAP customers visit www.abe.illinois.gov and update their account if there is a change in address, increase in housing costs, or decrease in income. This will ensure SNAP customers are receiving the maximum benefit for which they are eligible.

IDHS has also put together a resource page to help SNAP households with the transition. Customers will receive their regular normal SNAP benefits through their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card beginning in March 2023 on their regularly scheduled issuance date.

For more information, please visit www.abe.illinois. gov/abe/access.

Chicago Black Record Stores and Its Influence

Tammy Gibson CNW Staff Writer

Black record stores were an important essential and respected element in the community. The record store was a place for both young and old to come together to listen to music, dance, meet artists, and possibly audition to start their careers, and stay current with who, what, and when of Black music artists. Black record stores were a safe haven for Black consumers due to racism. Whiteowned record stores environments were hostile and unwelcoming to the Blacks and refused to sell records made by Black artists.

The Black Chicago sound could be heard on South Michigan Avenue, known as Record Row. Independent record companies stretched for 10 blocks, including One-derful Records and Vee-Jay Records, both Black-owned. Brothers George and Ernie Leaner founded One-derful Records in 1962. One-derful Records’ artists included the Sharpees, Otis Clay and Five Du-Tones. In 1967, One-derful Records was the first company to record the Jackson 5’s “Big Boy.” James Bracken and Vivian Carter founded Vee-Jay Records in 1953, the first Black and female-owned label in the United States, and was the first record company to release recordings by the Beatles. Vee-Jay Records artists included Jerry Butler, The Staple Singers, Gene Chandler (the Duke of Earl), and The Dells.

During the 1960-70s, it’s estimated that 1,000 record stores were Black-owned, mainly in the South. In other regions, it’s estimated less than a hundred record stores were Black-owned. Black record store owners were confronted with discrimination that made it impossible for them to open businesses. They faced difficulties in getting loans and products from distributors.

John Davis, former President of Distribution at Metro Music Corporation, started in the record business in

Metro Music was the first retail store that looked like a destination spot. Davis said most records stores back in the It was one of the first Black record stores to open on the north side of Chicago. Davis, who started as a clerk, said it was a struggle in the beginning because real estate owners did not want to rent space to African Americans. “Carter had to use a White person to get the retail spaces on the north side who acted on his behalf. We also had to hire White people at these locations as a front,” says Davis. Metro Music was the first to bring artists to record stores to sign autographs, including artists such as the Jackson 5 and actor Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, who had a music career. “We brought Hilton-Jacobs to the store to sign autographs and there were 1,000 people that came to see him. We also had Al Green come to the store at the height of his career,” says Davis.

Davis says Chicago is still a hub of great music and artists. “Drill rap is still innovative. Chance the Rapper, being an independent artist, is showing today’s artists they can make most of the dollars themselves instead of giving it away to unethical record companies. Reputa-

ble record companies still have a viable role to play with the right people. R. Kelly was a force. We can’t deny he was a genius from the musical standpoint, as well as Kanye. They are musically gifted individuals. They have been instrumental in the success of the careers of several other artists. Chicago is still the mecca for Black music,” says Davis with that Chicago swag.

The purchase of vinyl records has spiked with younger audiences. Receo Gibson, known as “Sage the 64th Wonder,” is a vinyl record enthusiast. Gibson, age 30, has crates of vinyl records and a record player that were given to him by his grandfather. “I prefer vinyl records because of the original quality of the sound. Gibson loves to listen to vinyl records of doo-wop groups. His favorite group is “The Dells” from Harvey, Illinois. But of course. . .

Black record stores played an integral role in the success of Black artists when White record stores had a small catalog of Black music. Over the decades, Black record stores have drastically decreased. Today, there are an estimated 2,000 record stores in the United States. There are only a tiny fraction of Black record stores, and some are struggling despite a resurgence of vinyl records. It is essential to shop and support Black record stores to circulate the Black dollar in the community and preserve the history of what record stores mean to Black culture.

Today they continue to serve an important purpose in the neighborhood .. . *George Daniels has continued to market and promote Black music and Black artists but his store is no longer housed in the Black community. Tammy Gibson is a Black history traveler. Find her on social media @sankofatravelher.

Early Voting in Downtown Chicago to Start Thursday, January 26th

CNW Staff Report

Early voting in Downtown Chicago for the February 28, 2023, Municipal Election will start at two vote centers – the Voter Supersite at 191 N. Clark and Board Offices at 69 W. Washington, 6th Floor - on Thursday, January 26th.

From January 26 through February 28

Supersite - 191 N. Clark St.

Weekdays: 9:00am- 6:00pm Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Election Day: 6:00am - 7:00pm (February 28)

*From February 20 through February 27 - Open Weekdays from 9:00am - 7:00pm

From January 26 through February 27 (not open on Election Day)

Board Offices - 69 W. Washington St., 6th Floor

Weekdays: 9:00am- 6:00pm Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

*From February 20 through February 27 - Open Weekdays from 9:00am - 7:00pm

Early Voting in all 50 Wards of Chicago will begin Monday, February 13 and run through February 28, 2023 (Election Day). All 50 Ward Early Voting sites and the Board Supersite (191 N. Clark) will be open as vote centers on Election Day. Click here to see all Early Voting locations and addresses.

From February 13 through February 28

Weekdays: 9:00am- 6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Election Day: 6:00am - 7:00pm (February 28)

Any voter in Chicago can vote at any Early Voting site, no matter where they live in the city. Voters can choose whatever voting site is most convenient for them, including on Election Day. Voter registration services (new voters, name changes and address updates) will be provided at all Early Voting sites. Two forms of ID, one of which shows the voter’s current address, are needed to register for the first time or to file a name change or an address update.

Voters with questions may contact 312.269.7900 or email cboe@chicagoelections.gov

1965. In 1972, Davis worked at Metro Music, founded by Edward Carter.

Career Fair Introduces HS Students to Construction Industry

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

We see evidence of construction every day. It’s in the roads we drive on, the houses in which we live, and the buildings we shop and work in. Construction is all around us. The construction industry consists of more than carpenters, electricians, and laborers, it includes management, business, financial operations, administrative support, maintenance, and repair occupations. The industry is considered a solid path to a middle-class life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black people only make up 6% of the construction workforce.

Lakeside Alliance, builders of the Obama Presidential Center, seek to increase those statistics with their career fair on January 28, 2023. Open to HS Students, the Learning with Lakeside Career Fair gives young people an opportunity to learn about pathways into the construction industry. The career fair is part of Lakeside Alliance’s commitment to engaging young people in the construction industry and shifting the paradigm of construction in Chicago by building a more diverse workforce for generations to come.

Kelly Powers Baria is VP at Powers and Son’s Construction. Kelly represents Powers & Sons in a joint venture with the Lakeside Alliance, a group of firms managing the construction of Chicago’s Obama Presidential Center. In her role, she leads the Alliance’s Project Leadership and Community & Citizenship work groups where she builds diversity into the project’s field force including subcontractors, tradespeople, and suppliers.

Baria says career fairs like this one give high school students an opportunity to see themselves in an industry dominated by men and by white people. “As you go through high school, everyone begins to ask students, what they want to do when they graduate. This career fair is an opportunity to allow students to contemplate the different possibilities. the earlier we have students thinking about different careers and what they may have a passion for, the better. It creates a better opportunity to take advantage of everything while they are in high school from the courses they enroll in as they plan for college or before they enter into an apprenticeship program.”

The construction industry includes occupations across many disciplines and specialties. Three-fifths of those employed in construction are working as laborers, carpenters, and electricians while another one-fifth are employed in management, business, and financial operations. The remainder of the employees in construction work in installation, maintenance, repair, and administrative occupations. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

There are also opportunities in computer, engineering, and science occupations within the industry.

Baria says students will be able to meet and speak with organizations and businesses at the career fair. “It’s an

opportunity for high school students to see all of the careers that exist in bringing a project such as the Obama Presidential Center, from idea to reality.” The Learning with Lakeside Career fair will have representatives from local trade unions, architects, members of the Obama Center’s design team, engineers, accounting, and members of the virtual design team from Lakeside on hand to talk to students. “Students can ask questions such as what experience I need to have, what would my first job be like, or what types of projects do you work on?” said Baria. “We are hoping to give students a 360-degree view of everything that’s available in our industry.

The Learning with Lakeside Career Fair is open to all Chicago-area high school students. All attendees are required to register at www.lakesidealliance.com.

2023 Illinois Tax Filing Season Begins January 23

CNW Staff Report

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) will begin accepting 2022 state individual income tax returns on Monday, January 23, the same date that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting federal individual income tax returns.

“Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically as early as possible in the tax season and choose direct deposit in order to ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds,” IDOR Director David Harris said. “I encourage taxpayers to try My Tax Illinois, our free online account management program that has been recently updated and allows taxpayers to file their individual income taxes electronically. Electronic filing is also available through third-party software or with most tax preparers.”

MyTax Illinois has been improved this year to make filing a 2022 IL-1040 easier than ever. The electronic management system enables taxpayers to report income and claim credits and payments, pay taxes electronical-

ly or receive refunds quickly with direct deposit, and receive immediate confirmation after returns are submitted.

“Our enhanced MyTax Illinois system also allows taxpayers to file returns with or without an account, operates with a simple question and answer format, and works to reduce errors by using automated calculations and prepopulated information from previous returns,” Harris explained.

If a taxpayer electronically files an error-free return, they should receive a direct deposit refund in approximately four weeks.

The 2023 tax filing deadline is Tuesday, April 18.

“IDOR works to safeguard and protect taxpayers from identity theft and will continue to coordinate with the IRS and other states to strengthen protections. By verifying information on tax returns before issuing refunds, IDOR prevented over $62 million in fraudulent or erroneous refunds from being issued in the last year alone,” Harris said.

Taxpayers are encouraged to also do their part by protecting their personal information and staying alert to phone scams or phishing emails.

In addition to being able to file Form IL-1040 for free through MyTax Illinois, individuals may also utilize the site to make payments, respond to department inquiries, and check the status of their refunds using the Where’s My Refund? link.

MyTax Illinois also allows taxpayers to look up Illinois-Personal Identification Numbers (IL-PINs), which are eight-digit numbers assigned by the department and used as signatures when e-filing returns. Amounts of any estimated tax payments can also be viewed and (when necessary), amounts reported on Forms 1099-G and 1098-F can also be found on the site.

For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules, and instructions for the 2023 tax season, please visit IDOR’s website at: tax.illinois.gov.

Chicago’s Hip Hop Haven

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Writer

Brian Gorman narrates the genesis story of Chicago’s Hip Hop Heritage Museum (4505 S. Indiana Ave.) and hints at the bigger picture beyond the archives and collections. Co-founders Darrell Artistic Roberts and Carrico “Kingdom” Sanders round out the curation crew of the museum. With its home in the Grand Boulevard community, the Greystone walkup has a low-key vibe on the outside that shifts to electric upon entering. Photos, fliers, pluggers, parties and memories. The walls commemorate the legacies of legends. It is a house of history makers and an homage to hip-hop culture and lifestyle. There is nothing like hearing the rhythm in Gorman’s storytelling of how Black Chicago blues turned into hot beats, clever bars, and local stars. It’s much more than a museum, the way Gorman tells it…it’s a movement.

History Makers turned Curators

“In the late eighties, Kingdom would throw these hip hop events in Hyde Park at a spot called The Blue Gargoyle and paved the way for a lot of Chicago artists. He was the first one to put Cavalier on stage but the world knows him as Twista” shared Gorman. Kingdom is a renowned promoter and founder of the Ill State Assassins and “paved the way” for many local artists according to Gorman. Artistic is an early member and President of Chi-ROCK Nation; a community of innovators, creators, MCs, breakers, promoters and graffiti artists who continue to lead the charge decades later. Chi-ROCK is Chicago’s hip-hop culture keeper with a mission of celebrating and preserving the legacy of local and global artists. Brian Gorman serves as President of Custom Resources and publisher of the Chicago Community Activism Magazine.

Collecting Memories

“Everything I’ve done over the years, I’ve kept a little of this, a little of that, and next thing you know I had suitcases full of stuff. We all collect, keep and archive. Artistic had a treasure trove because of his work with Chi-ROCK and Kingdom, even though he lost some pieces in a fire, still had a decent amount of memorabilia and things to kick off the inaugural collection.”

– Gorman

The first installment was in 2020. History decked the walls and doors opened for visitors to travel down memory lane or explore new avenues by peering into

the past. With two floors and four rooms, there is so much to see. Personal collections from the founding curators bring the space to life. The rotation of the collection is supplemented by donated items from the public and other creatives along with financial support from visitors and other visionaries. Chicago hip-hop creatives refuse to be forgotten but hip-hop culture isn’t just photos of parties and peace signs, history is still being made.

Making moves

“Museums are all about preservation. Chicago’s musical history is vast. We want to see the museum grow and outgrow this space and have no doubt that we will. It’s cool people want to see themselves on the walls and even come in and see and support. But we know that with community financial support and operational funds, there is so much more service this museum can provide for the southside of Chicago and specifically Black communities.” - Gorman

Gorman’s idea is fuel for a cultural economic engine. Black Chicago continues to struggle with low-wage employment, vacant infrastructure, lack of neighbor relations and most importantly, sparse cultural pillars and artistic anchors. Gorman envisions and welcomes the expansion of the Hip Hop Heritage Museum.

“We utilized hip-hop to get away from violence. Chicago in the 90s was wild and hiphop saved people’s lives. This culture has the potential to impact, move and change people and communities even. Our long-term plans are to protect the integrity of our vision and story. Growing the museum has to come from the hip-hop community. We can get money but if it strips away our power to operate how we see fit, it isn’t worth it and it isn’t really by the people for the people.” - Gorman

Guided tour donations start off at $12 and guests are welcome to plan their visit through the website www. chhhm.com. You can also join the listserv to stay up to date on 2023 activities like celebrating Hip Hop Heritage Month kicking off July 1st this summer.

Paul Vallas Meets with the Black Press

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

Paul Vallas

has served in various capacities in government over his career as the executive director of the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Commission, Chicago City revenue director, City budget director and as CEO of Chicago Public Schools and as chief administrative officer at Chicago State University. Today he’s campaigning to become the next mayor of Chicago. In a media roundtable hosted by Chicago News Weekly, Mayoral Candidate, Paul Vallas addressed the black press on a number of issues including Public Safety, Law Enforcement and Economic Development.

On Economic Development

Vallas has three ways to restore the Chicago economy. First, he wants to create an independent authority to focus exclusively on economic development on the south and west sides of Chicago. Second, he wants to take a portion of TIF monies and place them in a Community Investment Fund. “These funds will give the economic development authority capacity to have capital investments thus being able to provide gap financing and becoming the equity investor needed to attract other investors,” he says. Finally, he proposes massive land banking that would have all vacant properties acquired by the city. “The city must secure that property, remediate those properties and place a ten-year property tax abatement for those properties. This would make the property valuable again and ripe for development.”

Rebuilding the Chicago Police Department

Vallas promises to “return CPD to its core mission to serve and protect the people of Chicago.” His vision for CPD earned him the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police. “I welcome and accept the endorsement of Chicago’s finest, men and women of the FOP who sacrifice their lives day and night to make our city safer,” said Vallas.

According to his public safety plan, Vallas wants to rebuild the Chicago Police Department by ending overtime initiatives, assembling a new leadership team and by inviting officers who left the police department over the last three years to return to CPD with no loss of seniority. Vallas says at the heart of his public safety model is a return to community policing.

Vallas says current leadership has failed the community in reference to public safety. “The current superintendent has failed. I don’t think he knows what he’s doing. There are police officers within the system right now who can be put in a position of leadership. While I can’t make a permanent appointment, I can promote a person to the interim position who would be welcomed by the community with open arms.” Vallas says while he has someone in mind, he was not ready to disclose who they were.

On Defunding the Police

Vallas says he doesn’t believe in increasing police spending but instead wants to allocate funds for po-

lice spending more effectively. He wants to use those funds to fill vacancies, increase police on public transportation and allocate funds to address officers’ mental health.

On Anjunette Young and the Use of No-Knock Warrants

On Feb. 21 2019, social worker Anjanette Young arrived home from her job and as she undressed and prepared for bed, CPD barged through her front door with a battering ram. Unclothed, upset and terrified, Young pleaded with police that they were at the wrong house. Police, operating on a tip from an informant said the address was the location of a person with drugs and guns. After a period of time, the police were told they were in the wrong house. The City eventually settled a lawsuit filed by Anjanette Young for $2.9 million.

When asked about his thoughts on the Anjunette Young incident, Vallas says the Mayor’s office handled the situation poorly but stopped short of saying the officers involved should be fired. “I’m not saying that no-knock warrants should ever be used but there needs to be clear justification. He continued saying, “if people violate policies they should be terminated. Vallas blames the Mayor’s office for her role in the incident. In a Jan. 25, 2021, Facebook post, Vallas said.

“The Anjanette Young’s federal lawsuit against the Mayor will clearly expose the Mayor’s deceitful actions. That is of course unless the Mayor orders the City to immediately settle the case which has been the historic practice in these types of potentially embarrassing cases. This case needs to be fully investigated independently by the City Council’s Inspector General and not by someone selected by the Mayor’s Office. The CPD should not be scapegoated again for the Mayor’s Office lack of transparency and honesty. This is just another unfortunate example of city agencies taking the blame for bad decisions and actions by the Majors Office.”

On Addressing Root Causes of Violence

While not outlined in his public safety plan, Vallas says addressing some of the root causes of violence is a priority. “Every police district needs to have a mental health center. We have to create a social service infrastructure within those districts.”

Vallas says part of creating public safety means surrounding police with social services support. “The police need to be surrounded. Every district needs an array of social services and part of rebuilding the local economy includes reopening these services because they create jobs, employment and economic activity. It’s mental health, opioid addiction services, counseling and more.”

On Working with Cook County’s State’s Attorneys and Judges

Vallas has been critical of the current Cook County State’s Attorney, Kim Foxx and Cook County Judges. In his public safety plan, he says they have failed to hold violent criminals accountable. He also says on his website that he will not hesitate to “bypass the State’s Attorney” and plans to create a case review unit within CPD to “review State’s Attorney’s and Judges decisions on charging, findings, sentencings and bonding hearings to publicly hold them accountable for their failures.” When asked how he intends to work with the current State’s Attorney he says a relationship with the State’s Attorney’s office is necessary, but he will not hesitate to bypass them if necessary. “Mayor Daley used to have strategy sessions monthly with the State’s Attorney, County Sheriff, State Police, US Attorney and Cook County to deal with the crime problem. You have to bring everyone to the table and work with one another. You have to also be prepared to bypass if you think individuals should be charged.”

Chicago elects its new mayor on February 28, 2023. Nine candidates are running for mayor of Chicago in the general election. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will take place on April 4, 2023.

Chicago Black Press Editorial Roundtable With Paul Vallas @ Chicago News Weekly office. Photos By Kenn Cook Jr.

Terry Hunter: Repping for His City

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

For more than 40 years, Chicago DJ and producer, Terry Hunter travels the world, representing Chicago and sharing his passion for house music. A member of the popular collective, The Chosen Few DJs, Terry Hunter plays house music to huge crowds throughout Chicago and at some of the world’s largest music festivals. As a producer, he’s worked with top artists in the industry including Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan and more. He frequently taps into Chicago talent working with Chicago artists, Terisa Griffin, Chantay Savage, Byron Stingily and J. Ivy. On Nov. 15, 2023, Terry Hunter received his second Grammy Nomination for Best Remix Recording for Beyonce’s “Break My Soul.” Hunter was previously nominated in 2014 for his work as a remixer on Jennifer Hudson’s hit song, “It’s Your World.”

Terry received the call to work on the project from Jennifer Hudson’s former manager. He said he started working on the remix immediately. “I got the stems and one of my main musicians, George Pettis and I started working on it and got it finished quickly. We sent it over to them and they loved it. Hunter says he was given creative control over the remix and was inspired by Beyonce’s voice and artistry on the original song. “She’s a damn good singer. Her harmonies and runs inspired me. When I’m listening to a record I start with the drums, then I lay the keys down, then chords and a baseline. I build from there. It’s a layer on top of

a layer. [Chosen Few DJ] Alan King told me that as a DJ, you don’t pick records, the records pick you. It’s the same when making music. You pick up the sounds, patterns, melodies and cadence. Listening to Beyonce’s voice it was just flawless, well written and well performed.”

Hunter says learning of his nomination was a complete surprise. “I was in my studio watching the nominations online and talking with [Chosen Few DJ] Wayne Williams when they announced the nominations for best remix recording. When they said my name, Wayne and I

N. Western Ave.

said, “Wait…What did they say?.” We had to rewind it and play it again to see if we heard correctly. Next thing you know my phone blew up with calls and text messages from everyone. It was crazy and surreal.” It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

The hit song, “Break My Soul” is a single on Beyonce’s Renaissance album. The project was critically acclaimed and received nine Grammy nominations. Beyonce has received 88 grammy nominations over the course of her career tying her with her husband, Jay-Z for the most

Grammy nominations in history. Inspired by her “Uncle Johnny” and conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic, Renaissance blends disco, house, and dance music. Hunter says receiving the call to create a remix for the project is a reflection of Beyonce’s respect and admiration for the genre. “She could have gone to anyone to work on this project but reached back to Chicago, the birthplace of house music. She also had another Chicago native, DJ Honey Dijon, work on the remix package. I have so much respect for her because of that,” Hunter says. House music is a genre of music created in Chicago that changed the dance music scene around the world. With legendary artists like Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy. They packed local dance clubs in the 70s and 80s. The term house music was coined by Frankie Knuckles during his time at the legendary Chicago Club, the “Warehouse.” Pioneered by Black DJs in Chicago, they altered disco, funk, and soul records using a repetitive “four on the floor” beat. Hunter says his grammy nomination is more than a win for him but a win for house music and a win for the city that birthed the genre. “Honestly, I feel like we already won. This nomination is for my mom, my grandmother, and my aunt. They believed in me and gave me the push to do music and be the best that I can be in my craft. This is such a monumental moment for our city and for house music. Many people don’t know the real history. Chicago created this. This is where it all started. I wave my Chicago flag and represent Chicago everywhere I go and in everything I do. This is a win for house music and artists like Beyonce, they opened the eyes and ears of people who probably never heard of house music. She’s the biggest artist in the world and choose a Chicago DJ and producer to put that authentic Chicago house sound on a re-

cord. It broadens our horizons and places house music at the forefront. That’s not just huge for me, that’s huge for house music and for the City of Chicago.”

This is Terry Hunter’s second Grammy nomination. In 2015, he was nominated for Jennifer Hudson’s “It’s Your World.” The song ironically lost to Beyonce, who won that year for her song, “Drunk In Love.” Hunter says being nominated is more than an honor for him considering how many songs are submitted for consideration. “Thousands of songs are submitted for consideration. I know people say it all the time, but it really is true, to be nominated is such an honor. When you think how many songs are submitted and out of all of them, having one of mine nominated is just incredible.”

Hunter has been a lifelong resident of Chicago and while he thought about relocating at one point in his life, he says Chicago is home and shapes his artistry. “It’s something about Chicago that I can’t explain. It’s like house music. You just know it and feel it. It’s the good, bad, and the ugly. I’m a product of this city and I’m unapologetic about it. If I would have moved 20 years ago, would my life be different? I don’t know. What I know now is that in my 50s, I feel like I’m in my prime and just getting started. I pay respect to those who came before me and that’s important. Young people have to understand that. I wouldn’t know where I was going if I didn’t learn from them. “

He says, Chicago has a sound all on its own and that many forget the incredible influences that come from this city. “Chicago is in the middle of everything. We are representative of everything around us that’s what makes music so special. That’s what makes Chicago musicians, artists, and creatives so incredible. From R&B, Hip-Hop, House, Gospel…you name it…we represent it on the highest levels. Terry recently released the single “T.S.O.C” (The Sound of Chicago) with Chicago artists, Common, Chantay Savage, Chosen Few DJ Mike Dunn, Deon Cole, Coldhard from Crucial Conflict, AM7, Jamie Principle.

Hunter says he hopes young people including his own two son’s draw inspiration from his journey, especially those who want to pursue a career in music production or the art of DJing. “You cannot go into the future without knowing your past. You must learn your craft. You have to put in the work, study, and practice every day. If I’m not touching a record or DJing, I’m listening to music or talking about music. I work with music every day of my life. The passion must be there otherwise it’s just a hobby and you should get out of the way to make room for those who take it seriously and really want to do this.”

Hunter says his second nomination is much different than the first time. “When I was nominated before it was about the artist. I was the producer on the project. I just got “suited and booted” and showed up. It’s different this time. I’m the artist. That’s what makes this nomination so special. I’m looking forward to going down there with my family, friends, and my team. I hope it inspires us all to go even harder. I hope it inspires my two sons. I want them to take this experience and move forward in pursuit of their dreams. I’m just really excited to get to LA and ready for us to keep going and go even harder. I can’t wait. The sky’s the limit and I feel like I’m soaring right now and I’m bringing the entire city with me.”

Poetry In Motion

Shaneen Murray CNW Staff Writer

One of Chicago’s favorite wordsmith, J. Ivy is living out his dreams his way. On the Spoken Word Poetry scene, he is known for Hip-Hop Poetry but he’s more than a poet; J. Ivy is a renaissance man, a pioneer, and a trendsetter opening doors and creating platforms for spoken word artists to be heard on the biggest stages. Who knew a class assignment at Rich Central High School would propel him to be named Ebony Magazine’s Powerful 100, author, voiceover artist, award-winning poet, and 3x Grammy nominee?

Somewhere in LA, J. Ivy tries to find a quiet place to talk. His vibe is zen mixed with enthusiasm because he’s nominated for two Grammy awards this year, Best Gospel Album for his work as a producer on The Urban Hymnal for TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands and the newest category at this year’s Grammy Awards, Best Spoken Word Poetry Album. Not only is J. Ivy’s latest album, The Poet Who Sat By the Door, nominated, but J. Ivy is also responsible for influencing the Recording Academy’s decision to add the new category. In 2022, J. Ivy was nominated for Best Spoken Word Album and says he’s honored his name was even mentioned in the same category as greats Don Cheadle, LeVar Burton, Barack Obama, and Dave Chappelle but he realized the Grammy’s needed a category specific to poetry albums, not just audiobooks. With the support of over 100 poets, J. Ivy led a petition to add a Spoken Word Poetry Album category to this year’s Grammy Awards and won the vote, a historic move for both the Recording Academy and poets everywhere. “I feel honored and extremely proud… I have a seat at the table…it puts a voice in the room for the poetry community.” J. says that moment and his love for the 1973 film The Spook Who Sat By the Door was his inspiration for the album title. He refers to The Poet Who Sat By the Door as a “magical” compilation of Spoken Word Poetry and music featuring Chicago artists Tarrey Torae, Sir the Baptist, BJ the Chicago Kid, Deon Cole, and Maurice Brown plus other artists including John Legend, who got his stage name “Legend” from J. Ivy. Ivy’s span is global. When asked about the impact Chicago artists have on the music scene, he recalled his recent visit to Ghana for the Black Star Line Festival with Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper. “There’s always been something special about Chicago artists, we’re just different. I’m proud to be a part of the Chicago legacy; to see how Chicago brought the United States back to the Motherland, it was incredible. On one hand, I was like wow! On the other, it wasn’t surprising because… that’s what we do.” One thing is for sure, J. Ivy is special and the love he has for his city and his craft is unmatched.

J. Ivy first wrote his name in the culture book in 2002 as the first Black Poet to represent Chicago on Russell Simmons Presents HBO Def Poetry. His powerful verse on “Never Let Me Down” from Kanye West’s Grammy-winning album, College Dropout, turned 20 this past December and the poem is just as inspiring today as it was then. If you haven’t heard J. Ivy’s albums, you’ve probably heard his voice narrating award-winning films like BET’s Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ and intros for the National Spelling Bee, NFL’s Sunday Night Football, NBA, and US Open. Staying true to his Chicago Hip-Hop roots and his love for filmmaking, J. Ivy worked on the 2022 Netflix Hip-Hop classic, jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy as Lead Writer and Voice Director, teaming up with fellow Chica-

go kid, director Coodie Simmons. I think it’s safe to say J. Ivy has put in the work to garner the recognition he’s getting today, although he says he couldn’t have gotten here alone. He credits God’s blessings, the support of his tribe, and his life-transforming poem “Dear Father,” dedicated to his Dad, James Ivy Richardson, Sr. whom he calls his guardian angel. He authored “Dear Father: Breaking the Cycle of Pain” and started the ‘Dear Father’ Movement to encourage people of all ages to explore the power of forgiveness by writing their own Dear Father Letter. “My relationship with my father is better now than it ever was, I know he’s guiding me, I know there’s an angel out here who knows my name.” J. Ivy’s motto is “Dreams Don’t Come True, They Are True,” but he admits “I keep asking myself what dream is this??” With a Peabody, a Clio, and an NAACP Image award already on the shelf, let’s hope J. Ivy’s wildest dream of bringing the coveted Grammy Award back to Chicago will come true this February. Congratulations @j_ivy you make us #ChicagoProud

“Brandon knows the issues that ma er — safe streets, good jobs and fully funded schools.”

BRANDON JOHNSON

CONGRESSMAN JONATHAN JACKSON ENDORSES BRANDON JOHNSON FOR MAYOR OF CHICAGO!

Chicago Artist Matt B on His Grammy Nomination

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

Chicago native, Matt B is riding high with his Grammy-nominated single, “Gimme Love” featuring Ugandan superstar Eddy Kenzo. He was nominated for Best Global Music Performance in Nov. 2022. One of seven siblings, Matt B grew up in Englewood before his family moved to the Pullman neighborhood. While he has a degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago, he says his family cultivated his love for music. “My family has always been heavily into music said Benson. My grandmother was born in 1919 so she was born in an era where it wasn’t safe for black people to travel nationally or even internationally, and they had to watch where they went. The fact that my grandmother was able to be a part of something like that back in the 1940s and travel all across the United States singing was inspirational to me and just amazing. My grandmother was a huge influence as to why I do music to-

day.”

While in high school, Matt B and his brothers formed a group named “TriEnd.” He says the first show they performed in high school was the defining moment when he knew he wanted to become an artist and perform music as a career. “I remember it was one of our first performances. We sang acapella and once we arrived onstage the crowd went crazy before we even started to perform. The faculty had to tell the crowd to calm down so we could continue. It was at that moment when I knew I could do this for the rest of my life. The way we were received and the level of energy that I felt was something I’ll never forget.”

While Matt B loves to experiment with different sounds, he considers himself an R&B singer at his core. He says Chicago influences who he is as an artist and credits his mother for exposing him to influences growing up. “I was home-schooled until high school and my mom was keen on taking us around the city to museums where we learned about inventors, writers, politicians and more. Art goes so much deeper than music. You can find art in so many different things and pull from all of them to create.” Chicago is a melting pot sonically with R&B, Jazz, Blues, hip-hop, Classical and even Country, he continued, it helped to shape my musical ear.”

Matt B released his debut US album, ‘EDEN’, in March 2021 and it debuted at #3 in the U.S. on iTunes R&B/Soul Albums Chart. To date, the album has accrued over 1M streams globally. On March 4, 2022, he released his single ‘Gimme Love’, which features the award-winning Ugandan superstar, Eddy Kenzo. The music video went viral and rapidly amassed nearly 4M views on Facebook alone. ‘Gimme Love’ debuted in the top 50 on the Billboard US Afrobeat’s Chart and peaked at #36. Matt B says learning their Grammy nomination was a special moment that he will never forget. At the time, Matt was in Uganda getting ready for a show with Eddy Kenzo. “It was my first time in Africa, my first time in Uganda and my first time performing in front of a crowd of 100,000 people. I thought it couldn’t get any better.” Matt says. The Grammy nominations were a few days away and Eddy Kenzo suggested Matt stay in Uganda for a few more days so they could watch the nominations together. He says when John Legend announced the nominations for the Best Global Music category they were overjoyed. “He [John Legend] hadn’t even finished announcing all the names. As soon as we heard ours, we all started screaming and jumping up and down. We were hugging one another and crying like babies. It was one of those magical moments. We weren’t expecting a nomination even though we wanted one. It was pure joy for us. It’s another moment in my life that I’ll never forget.”

Matt says he loves to create “feel-good music. “I’m always looking to capture someone and make them feel something different. I feel like art is meant to do that. If my art does that in any capacity, then I’m on the right track and I’m grateful for that.”

Matt B says he’s thrilled about his nominaton and what it means for the Ciy. “It’s huge for Chicago, Matt says, “ Black artists from Chicago have influenced the music scene for so long across so many genres. These genres of music and these artists come from the same stomping grounds that we walk on today. We walk in their footsteps and continue their legacies through our art. Black Chicagoans have brought so much to the table on a national and international level in music. From our guitar riffs to the way chords sound on our pianos, the sound of our melodies and in the lyrics of our songs, sonically, we have art worth listening to.”

Matt B says he’s thankful to represent Chicago on the world’s stage through his music. “I’m grateful that I am one of many who can be a bullhorn representing my city when I’m traveling. It doesn’t matter if I’m in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or Africa, I’m that person saying, Chicago has something to say. Chicago is contributing to this music scene in more profound ways than people understand.”

Jonathan McReynolds: More than a Gospel Artist

Liz Lampkin CNW Staff Writer

Legends emerged from their work, creations, and how both, their work and the individual inspire others. Jonathan McReynolds, is an educated Chicago-born, gospel singer, writer, and Grammy Award-winning artist. Not only is he a multi-talented singer, writer, and performer of the gospel, he is a trailblazer for young adult believers. He is on a mission to build a stronger community for young people that will help them avoid living in ignorance, and living a shallow life and deter them from making life-altering mistakes. As the founder of Elihu Nation, Inc. he leads young adults (Millennials) and aims to teach an understanding of how Jesus and Christianity meet in real life. He plans to meet this goal by teaching, celebrating those who pursue a profound understanding of God and their purpose through scholarships, and promoting those who demonstrate God’s wisdom.

He was inspired to begin this organization from the knowledge he acquired during his time at Moody Bible Institute while obtaining his Master of Arts in Applied Biblical Studies. He believes that the black church and community do not adequately support their leaders, musicians, and preachers to pursue higher education to further develop their spiritual gifts and talents. Through this organization and his passion for showing how to practically apply Christianity to everyday life to young adult believers, he has made it his mission to spread God’s wisdom and the spiritualism of Jesus to like-minded souls. Through his work with Elihu Nation, he has awarded scholarships to fellow Elihus’,

which are defined as young seekers and carriers of godly wisdom, who have excelled in college and in their work for becoming greater assets to the work of God. While Jonathan McReynolds is on a journey to teach the value of wisdom to youth and young adults, through his organization he continues to make gospel music that reaches the hearts and souls of people of all ages.

His new single, “Your World” reminds listeners that the world belongs to God and he’s living in it so there is no need for doubt or worry because he knows that God has everything in His hands. Other popular songs in his collection of music include “God is Good”, “Make Room”, “Movin On”, “Grace” and “Yours to Use”, just to name a few, uplift, inspire and encourage listeners of all ages to draw everyone near to God and have an understanding that as a believer you need Him (God) in every aspect of your life no matter what is going on. As a gospel artist and influencer, Jonathan understands the value of creating music and melodies that are sincere, and have meaningful messages that listeners can relate to. He also understands the importance of reaching out to aspiring musicians. He created a Master Class for upcoming gospel artists carefully curated with more than twenty classes designed to teach songwriting, self-branding, career building, and artist development.

As a Chicago native, Jonathan McReynolds has established himself on the gospel stage and in the hearts of fans across the globe. His success in everything he does is testimony that he’s headed for legendary status on and off the gospel

stage. His life experiences, music and organization set him apart from many other artists. In an industry where people can lose themselves and their values, Jonathan McReynolds has remained steadfast and unwavering in his life and his work. The church has lost many young adults because they believe they don’t have a place to be authentically who they are while learning the truth of the gospel. The work and influence of artists like Jonathan McReynolds can help change this narrative. Young adults in the world need the leadership of someone they can relate to through more than just music.

The Elihu in the book of Job understood that the elderly members of a community are not the only ones who are wise. They are not the only ones who understand what is correct according to the Gospel. Jonathan McReynolds understands that young people need to be taught what is right and wrong, and how to grasp a full understanding of how to live a Christ-centered life in a way they can understand. Jonathan McReynolds is more than a Grammy Award-winning artist. He is a legend in the making on a mission to change the lives of young adults all around him.

Paving the Way with Jeral and Percy Gray Jr. The Gray Boys of Gospel

Liz Lampkin CNW Staff Writer

With songs like “Amazing Grace”, “Shackles (Praise You)”, “You’re Gonna Get the Glory”, “Nobody Greater”, and “For Every Mountain”. gospel music was designed to encourage, spread messages of joy and uplift the downtrodden spirit. The origins of gospel music have a deep-rooted history for African-Americans dating back to slavery. Slaves sang spirituals as a means of hope while experiencing hardships. While this genre includes artists from many parts of the world, Chicago has birthed a number of gospel singers, writers and producers who have sung and penned some of the most unforgettable tunes that give listeners an out-of-body spiritual experience.

CNW had the privilege of sitting down with gospel legend Jeral Gray of The Gray Boys. In his early years, Mr. Gray served as the music director for the legendary Chicago Mass Choir and has consistently worked with them for more than twenty years. He is also the founder of New Direction and Joshua’s Troop.

CNW: Why the genre gospel?

JG: We grew up in church so that (gospel) music was what we were able to listen to at home. Our parents were church people, so we were in church all day on Sunday. We did sneak and listen to other genres but the

JG: It’s an odd story. When the choir first began the founder, James Chambers, it was a workshop choir. It was the James Chambers and Ecclesiastics (ECC) Workshop Choir and they were singing at a one-week workshop at Kennedy King Community College. I got involved because of a close friend of mine. We had songs that we didn’t have the opportunity to get out to people, and we didn’t get out to network. I was going to a workshop with my friend, Kenny Campbell, and he said they (the choir) needed some songs. They rehearsed Monday through Thursday and were having a concert on that Friday. At the workshop, I asked one of the musicians, Mark Taylor, if they needed some songs and he said yes. Kenny said he had a song for them, but the only way he would give Mark the song was if he let me give him a song that I had written too. I called my brother and told him what was happening (he was at work) and he said, I’m at work but I taught you how to teach, so do it. I was nervous because I didn’t know the

people, but I was confident because I knew what I was doing and that’s how I began working with ECC before they became the Chicago Mass Choir.

CNW: What makes a gospel song a good gospel song?

JG: The lyrics especially if they deal with something on how to get through the day and cope with life. Songs that have a message you can relate to. Those types of songs last a long time.

CNW: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

JG: Go back to church. Not saying go back to the old church, but go back to church songs. Sometimes we get so far away from gospel music that I think we find ourselves competing with secular music. That’s not what our music is meant to be. Our music is meant to encourage people and help them find themselves. We need to have a balance of praise and worship and gospel music. We should be able to have both so the ones coming up in church now won’t lose the culture of gospel music. We can stay current, but we can mix it up so everyone will have something to eat off the table.

gospel genre was the only music allowed at home, so it was instilled in us.

CNW: How did you and your brother begin working with the Chicago Mass Choir?

Liz Lampkin is a Lifestyle, Love and Relationships writer. Follow her on social media @Liz_Lampkin

Special Features Ausar on New Album and Grammy’s Validation

David Pierce CNW Staff Writer

In an industry that promotes killing Black folks, drug dealing, and self-hate, here stands Ausar. He is an Eastside Native who provides bars and tunes that are self-aware and empowering and chivalrous. In songs like “Honey” from his project “Flight of the Honey Bee”, he explains achieving purpose in life is similar to a relationship with a significant other. It must be intentional and nurtured.

In the song, He writes: “We not competing for no spotlight here. In my eyes you the center of attention. I’m fixated.

Stuck and asphyxiated. You breathtaking to me”

Ausar digs deeper to share intentions of his actions to take care of those who are supporting him on the track, “Love is”, featuring Biari.

On the song he can be heard saying: I believe the family come first Don’t think I ever minded getting hurt I would give all that I have to make sure We all on one accord That you secure.

Ausar has been working for a long time and gained a lot of experience along the way. He competed on NetFlix’s “Rhythm & Flow” with Chance the Rapper as a Judge. His song “Home” has been featured on season 4 of Showtime’s “The Chi”. And he said it wouldn’t have been possible without his mentor and music legend, Wyclef Jean. “He’s like an uncle,” says Ausar. “Very cool, down to earth, and likes to have fun.”

Just like he puts his brains into his bars, the suave musician used his same intelligence to earn his Community Health

degree back in 2019 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He understands graduating from college is not a common path for artists, but that was when he decided he wanted to pursue music. He described UIUC as a training ground. “I got around a group of people through an organization called “W.O.R.D.” (Writes. Organizing. Realistic. Dialect.) They put the battery in my back,” he explained. “I was about to ‘cut my teeth’ and understand what performance looks like”

Going to college was a decision influenced by his mother along with not cursing in his music. “I was born and raised in a very traditionally Christian household, so I was taught not to,” he said, “I can get my point across without having to” Now, Ausar is preparing to reveal how more of his life experiences and trauma have molded him into who he is today with his new album, “I.N.K.”, which stands for “I Now Know”

“Dealing with issues that I’ve had and how I deal with them today,” he shared. “Who’s the person I’m developing into now through this journey?” Ausar is a member of the Recording Academy that presents the Grammys and understands why artists find it so important to win. “Grammys are the biggest...Everybody wants to be acknowledged in a certain way,” Ausar said.

In past decades, the Grammys have upset music lovers in categories such as Hip-Hop and R&B, where winners were chosen. But fans were distraught by who was chosen. An example of this is the 2014 Grammys where white rapper, Macklemore, won best rap album for “The Heist” over Ken-

drick Lamar’s “good kid, m.A.A.d city” (GKMC)

Other nominees on the list included Drake (“Nothing Was the Same”) Jay-Z (Magna Carta…Holy Grail) and Kanye West (Yeezus). Ausar said the Grammy’s lacked “Cultural competence”, whereas the Academy may have looked more into the vanity of Macklemore’s album rather than what it’s done for the Hip-Hop culture. “Macklemore was killing the charts at the time,” Ausar said. “When you look back at the cultural impact of all those albums…it looks crazy for The Heist to have won out of all those albums”

Despite it not receiving a Grammy, GKMC later became one the longest-running albums Billboard Hot 200 chart. While Black artists can still win awards from Black-focused organizations such as BET Awards and the Soul Train Awards, Ausar said there’s a different feeling behind winning a Grammy with it being the biggest award show. So not winning one can be upsetting.

“When you put your time, effort and your heart [behind a project] …that can actually hurt,” Ausar said. He has plans on winning a Grammy someday, but his overall mission is to inspire people. “My overall goal is to change lives,” He said. “I just want to make the world a better place.”

Chicago’s Hip-Hop Artist Tyre Hakim

Marcus Bouldin CNW Staff Writer

Hip-Hop artist Tyre Hakim grew up in the heart of Chicago’s South Side with his mother and four siblings. Living far from a comfortable lifestyle, Hakim says he and his family struggled to make ends meet. “Growing up in poverty helps build stronger character in people. My siblings and I had to be creative just to have entertainment. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for my mother. I watch her sacrifice her dreams for me and my siblings.” Although Hakim lived with his mother, the same creative fire that burns within his father also burns within Tyre Hakim.

Hakim’s father, a member of Chicago’s rap supergroup, Soliderz At War, and former security for DMX and Jay Z went viral when he traded verses with both DMX and Jay Z during backstage cypher. So, there’s a reason why critics and fans alike say Tyre Hakim is a rising star within Chicago’s hip-hop culture.

Inspired by some of Chicago’s most influential artists, like Kanye West, Hakim has been expressing his love for the art of music as far as he can remember. “When I was younger,” Hakim recalls, “I wanted to be the best rapper around; that’s all I wanted to be known for. I wanted to out-rap legends, no matter who it was.”

Now, the rising hip-hop artist looks to have his music heard worldwide with the official release of his latest album God Body: Vol 1. Hakim’s unique style, exquisite delivery, and audacious lyrics have been a breath of fresh air for the Chicago hip-hop scene. “I come off as different to people because I was born a Muslim and raised in Islam. That’s why my purpose is different than any other artist,” said Hakim.

“God Body: Vol 1” features 10 tracks of Hakim sharing stories and his experiences growing up on the South Side of Chicago. On the single “Last Supper,” Hakim delivers intriguing lyrics referencing his connection with Allah in an introspective essence. The latest single from the ‘God Body’ album to hit the airwaves “FDLA” (First Day in LA), documents Hakim’s journey from the big city light of the Chi to the City of Angels, Los Angeles, California. “FDLA” showcases Hakim’s versatility. “I came a long way from the South Side to Sunset,” says the rising hip-hop MC.

According to Hakim, “God Body: Vol 1 is his coming into a mature state of mind regarding his artistry of music. “I am talking about life,’ says Hakim. “I’m talking about cultivating the God in you. As I matured in my career and music, I started to see how my music affected people. I put together a team to help me transcend to new levels of my musical journey.”

Hakim credits his determination and motivation with having nothing else to fall back on if rapping didn’t work out. “I never saw a plan B or a second option when it comes to the music,” Hakim stated. “There was no other way. I want to do everything with music at the forefront. Chris, my producer, friend, and mentor. I’ve known him since the beginning, and he’s always consistently motivated me to evolve and grow. Giving up has never been an option. I want to use my music to help change the world.”

Tyre Hakim’s retrospective and versatile lyrics, powered by his ability to tell a story, make him a bright spot in the Midwest hip-hop world.

The Mensa Model

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Writer

The global equity enthusiast and brand guru Vic Mensa transcends the status quo of weedpreneur. His connection to the culture shows up with deep intention well beyond the clever branding. The Chicago native and 93 Boyz owner embody the essence of what a lifestyle of social equity means and looks like. It’s not about checking the “I gave back” box as the cannabis industry’s social equity approaches can range from superficial and tone-deaf to new-age tokenism. The bottom line is equity, inclusivity, and empowerment aren’t Mensa’s “brand strategy”it’s his mantra.

Not New to This but True to This

For many companies and cannabis executives there may have been light touches with incarcerated populations prior to their profits being linked to the legacy of the War on Drugs. The self-charge on some level can be seen as performative and self-serving. Mensa on the other hand is elevating his efforts that existed long before it was cool for the private sector to rock with prisoners. His practice of supporting the prisoner population isn’t just a narrative prompted by creative competition for a cannabis license.

“It is important to me that 93 Boyz supports under-resourced & incarcerated communities,” said Mensa. I’ve been sending books to my homies since I was 17-so I knew that books were something I’d be able to send into prisons. I’ve personally seen the impact that the right book can make in a person’s life.” - Mensa IDOC is OC “outta control.”

Illinois adult incarceration has been declining since the greatest population of 49,401 in 2013. Still, there is an insulting trend of disproportionate incarceration

for Blacks. In the State, Black people make up 14.7% (source: U.S. Census) of the Illinois population yet 54.1% of the Illinois Department of Corrections are Black and 95.3% male. Nearly ½ (42.6% of incarcerated prisoners are sentenced from Cook County. (source: Illinois Department of Corrections Adult Individuals in Custody on June 30, 2022)

Studies have shown that prisoner self-education benefits mental health and well-being. Access to books can help combat illiteracy, reduce recidivism and help formerly incarcerated people adjust to life upon release. While the cannabis sector was celebrating the passing of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, prison advocacy groups were raising hell over IDOC’s new policies to ban 200 books about race and civil rights from college-prison programs.

Both, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, by Frederick Douglass and The Souls of Black Folk, by W.E.B. DuBois were considered and denied clearance in 2018. (source: The Education Justice Project at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

The Chosen Path

The very power of new ideas, and new thoughts of a Black mind is criminal. Mensa’s motivation isn’t to incite harm but to invite readers to stop weaponizing their words of self-harm, and to practice discernment of thought as well as move through the adversities of their lives with intention. The list of books denied clearance includes one of Mensa’s, Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon, a book that has been touted as influential on the civil rights and theories of revolutionary struggle.

Other

Mensa shared, “these books were specifically chosen to help master your mind. A lot of these books have helped in my own transformation journey. It’s important to know that while you may be in this circumstance now, you are still in control of your thoughts and actions.”

1000 books behind bars

Social equity in the cannabis space requires deep awareness of having an intersectional lens and strategic partnership to avoid tokenism and shallow goals. Vic has not done this alone and has lifted up his partners like Semicolon Bookstore and Gallery on N. Halsted in Chicago, IL. It takes a village and it is so Chicago to tag the homies in.

“We’ve been able to supply the Dixon Correctional Facility library with books and we received a lot of love and requests from families with incarcerated loved ones across the country. So far, 1000 books have been sent out to 57 different facilities.” - Mensa

The “Mensa model” works. It’s mindful, it’s clever, it leaves no one behind, it is purposeful and it’s impactful. He may be a musician but Vic Mensa has set the baseline high AF for what it looks like to pull up for your people and stay gassed up with good vibes for this roadtrip to reparations.ss

titles the initiative is connecting readers with include; The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley, Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin, The Will to Change by Bell Hooks and The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle.

Opera Comes to the Barbershop in the New Production The Factotum

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

Created by Grammy-nominated opera singer, Will Liverman, and producer, DJ King Rico, “The Factotum” blends classical singing with diverse musical styles to create a “soul opera,” shifting from gospel and funk to rap and hip-hop to classic barbershop quartet and rhythm and blues.

The opera tells the story of brothers Mike and Garby and their family’s barbershop on the south side of Chicago. The opera is loosely inspired by the opera, “The Barber of Seville.” the brothers co-own the barbershop left to them by their father. With one brother upholding the legacy passed down to them and the other involved in illegal behavior, the conflict begins. Liverman says the story was influential in the music created to tell the story. “I’d bring him an idea for a scene, and we’d record it then listen to it and dissect it. Our director, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj helped us when we were shaping the story’s narrative and gave us good direction with the storyline. His background as a playwright allowed us to make the story cohesive.”

“The Factotum” is the brainchild of Will Liverman and DJ King Rico. Both are longtime friends who attended high school together. Liverman recently starred in the critically acclaimed “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” and has performed in some of the world’s leading opera houses. Selected as one of eight world finalists DJs in A-Track’s Goldie Awards, DJ King Rico is an acclaimed producer and instrumentalist. “The Factotum” is the first opera composition for both artists. Co-writer and director, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, helped to create an authentic production based on Chicago’s south side with operatic storytelling.

Liverman says, combining multiple musical styles with classical composition was inspired by both his and DJ Rico’s high school experience. “As high schoolers, we were introduced to opera and we realized that while schools may not teach classical music, we wanted to introduce this art form that we came to love in a new way.” Liverman continued, “We wanted it to speak in the language we live in all the time, the things on our playlists. Taking these styles and genres and finding new ways to make the classical voice work within these musical styles makes it more accessible. People can hear the operatic voice served in a different way allowing us

to draw in a younger audience.”

The opera is loosely inspired by the opera, “The Barber of Seville. During the creative process, Liverman says working with classical singing and diverse music styles centered around the story. He says the Black barbershop experience was a story centered on the Black experience and the feeling of community in Black neighborhoods. “Getting a haircut brings people from all over the neighborhood together, preachers, gangsters, teachers, etc. It’s more than a haircut, it’s a gathering place and a safe space where you can be real about what’s going on in life.”

Barbershops are often cornerstones in the community and on any given day, you can count on spirited debates, conversation, homespun wisdom and plenty of laughter. Celebrating black joy is a central theme in “The Factotum” and Liverman says, this aspect of black life is a story often untold but important. “We wanted to share stories of Black Life. We are complete human beings and while stories of pain are important, we have to tell our truths and our stories of our resilience and overcoming. However, sometimes we just want to have a good time, especially now. Black joy is what “The Factotum” is all about and that’s the story we wanted to tell.”

Opera productions like “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” and “The Factotum” redefine what opera could be. Liverman hopes these productions encourage more to attend opera and classical music performances because they are more relatable and allow black audiences to feel included in these spaces. “We wanted this production to be as authentic as possible. Unapologetically Black and it centers on the music and storytelling.” Creating an authentic story with “The Factotum” was assisted with the help of a BIPOC team. Joining cobook writer and director, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj are Conductor Kedrick Armstrong, set designer Harlan Penn, costume designer Devario Simmons, lighting designer Jiyoun Chang, choreographer Maleek Washington, video designer Roma Flowers and sound designer Mikaela Fraser rounding out the creative team. Liverman says the creative team was a dream come true. “It’s been heartwarming to have these artists and creatives bring their genius and perspectives to the piece.”

The cast includes veterans and newcomers to the Lyric Opera stage. In addition to Liverman, who sings the role of Mike, The Factotum stars Norman Garrett as Garby, Melody Betts as Chantel, and Nissi Shalome as Cece. The Factotum marks the Lyric debuts of Cecilia Violetta López as Rose, Symone Harcum as Sandra, Terrence Chin-Loy as Charlie, Adam Richardson as Leeroy and Di’Aire Wilson as Neil. The cast also includes three current members of Lyric’s Ryan Opera Center Ensemble: Martin Luther Clark as CJ, Lunga Eric Hallam as Bootleg Joe, and Ron Dukes as Sam. Liverman says he and other Black classical artists stand on the shoulders of Black classical greats who contributed to the art form but never received proper credit. He says the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd forced conversations about visibility. Liverman says there is a Renaissance of sorts happening within the genre now and he hopes it continues. “There are so many Black composers writing tremendous works and so many Black minds are coming to the table. Time will tell whether or not organizations will continue to support more of these stories but there are so many Black classical artists who are stepping out of the box and taking matters into their own hands, creating their own platforms.” Liverman is grateful for the support of the Lyric Opera house. “I’m fortunate to be a part of this Renaissance of creativity and for the Lyric Opera house support in telling our own stories and bringing in new audiences.”

DAVID WEATHERSBY loves to tell stories through film. He’s a filmmaker and founder of City Vanguard. His production companies focuses on telling the stories of the underrepresented. He is an award-winning documentarian who won a Black Excellence Award for his Film The Color of Art and the audience award for best feature film at the Black Harvest Film Festival in 2019 for his film, Thee Debauchery Ball. In his latest film, “It’s Different in Chicago,” Weathersby looks at the relationship between house music and hip-hop in Chicago and its impact on Black culture. The film features prominent Chicago artists, influencers, and DJs from both the hip-hop and house communities.

The documentary tells the story of how House music and hip-hop culture complemented and competed with each other leading to deep revelations about the different segments within the Black community of Chicago. Weathersby says telling this story was important because house and hip-hop represented more than artistry and music but communities within the Black community. “It was different in Chicago. There were tribes of communities within both of these genres. In-house music, there was an artsy community and the LGBTQ+ community. In house music it was different. It was cool to be unique and original. From the music to the dance crews to your style of dress originality was celebrated and embraced.” It was the same in hip-hop. Many of those artists didn’t feel like they fit into the mainstream as well. In Chicago, they honored and valued it.”

Weathersby says both genres come from a place of finding their own space just in different ways. Both hip-hop and house music historically come from the inner city where children lacked resources, particularly in arts education. There were no music lessons or money to pay for instruments. Kids were innovative and learned how to create their own

sounds with the resources they had. While both of the genres were created around the same time, house music, the genre created in Chicago didn’t achieve the commercial success of hip-hop, a genre created in New York. Weathersby says for some outside of these communities it’s difficult to differentiate between a culture and a fad. “…so, they come into a culture and use it as a fad. That’s what happened when they co-opted disco music. They took a culture and turned it into a fad mixed with a lot of racism. When they were done, they swallowed it up and threw it away.” He says the beauty of both genres is that it breaks stereotypes of what Black culture should be. “There’s such a small market for Black people simply enjoying themselves in outside culture. Within the culture, there’s a huge market for it. My job is to find these stories, tell them and allow the audience to determine what they think.”

Weathersby says the house and hip-hop music scene in Chicago is unlike any other because of the lack of industry that resides here. “In other parts of the county, the shadow of the industry hangs over artists even in the independent music scene. In Chicago, artists are creating this music because they want to not because they think an A&R rep or label executive was nearby.” Local hip-hop artist, Phenom said, “The reason why the industry took so long to see us is because we weren’t trying to be famous, we were trying to be felt.”

Weathersby says in spite of the differences and similarities in the genres, it’s all part of black music, black history, and all a part of the musical history in Chicago. “It’s all about community and it shows how much we have in common without being monolithic. It’s a beautiful and surreal balance.”

Weathersby is currently working on his next film, “Sex in Color” which explores black sexuality and identity. “It’s Different in Chicago” is currently on the festival circuit. Weathersby hopes the film is picked up soon.

It’s Different in Chicago

The Cultural Impact of House Music and Hip-Hop in Chicago, Documented

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

Food & Wine

Grammy Awards at Home Menu

Mare Evans CNW Contributing Writer

It’s Grammy Night and you’re prepared to enjoy it in the comfort of your home. Whether or not you choose to make it your dinner meal or late snack the kale, for family or a few friends, the kale salad will walk away as the definite winner. To accompany the award -winning kale salad, organic tortilla chips served along with some chorizo-truffle crema, guacamole and fresh salsa to lip-smacking snacks like the house-made cheddar stuffed pretzel poppers, chocolate bites and more will make it a festive celebration not to be missed. And of course, a nice red wine, and the many wonderful non-alcoholic beer beverage choices.

Make this snappy, fresh side dish for dinner or a light delight for your Grammy Night-in, this Kale salad/menu will be the co-star to you as the reigning star. Simply described, the dish is a lemony green salad, rich with tang and crunch. The dressing is nothing more than lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Its simplicity makes it perfect.

INGREDIENTS

Yield: 8 to 12 servings

• 2cups sliced almonds

• ⅓cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 to 4 lemons)

• Kosher salt

• 1½cups extra-virgin olive oil

• 4cloves garlic, crushed with the flat side of a knife, peeled and left whole

• 10 to 12ounces washed and dried kale leaves, thick stems removed (weight after trimming)

• 1½cups freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Add to Your Grocery List

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional Information

PREPARATION

1. Step 1

In a toaster oven or skillet, toast almonds until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

2. Step 2

In a bowl, combine lemon juice and 1 heaping teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Add garlic cloves and set aside to steep.

3. Step 3

Working in batches, cut the kale into thin ribbons: gather a large handful of leaves, bunch them together tightly, and use the other hand to slice into ¼-inch-thick pieces. This need not be done very precisely or neatly; the idea is to end up with a kind of slaw. (Recipe can be made up to this point 1 day ahead. Keep kale and dressing refrigerated separately.)

4. Step 4

Place chopped kale in a very large bowl. Sprinkle the surface with almonds and then with cheese, if using. Remove and discard garlic cloves from the dressing. Pour half the dressing over the salad and toss. Taste for dressing and salt and add more as needed, tossing to coat thoroughly. Serve within 1 hour.

Putting on the Ritz for the Grammy’s

C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards are around the corner and Chicago will be in the house representing. Chicago home boys producer and DJ Terry Hunter, spoken word artist J. Jay and Global R &B artist Matt B will be present with all our eyes on them. DJ Terry is competing for the second time around for the Best Remixed Recording for Beyonce’s “Break My Soul (Terry Hunter Remix).” J. Ivy was nominated for his latest released album, “The poet Who Sat By the Door.” Matt B is up for his song, “Gimme Love,” in the Best Global Music Performance category.

The evening at the Grammy’s brings a night of spectacular set designs, majestic costumes, outstanding musical performances, and the most interestingly dressed audience. Seriously, the Met Gala has nothing on the Grammy’s attendees when you capture the most creative musical geniuses and talented performing artists in the room expressing their freedom through very carefully chosen attire. Unlike the Met which provides attendees with a theme. The Grammys is the forum where the greatest accolades for the music industry’s biggest stars grace the world audience with a plethora of unique and magnificent, sometimes totally unexpected red carpet looks. Grammy’s preparation begins for the nominees the moment the nominations are announced. Immediately calls are made to publicists, fashion designers and stylists, hair stylists, make-up, nail technicians, esthetician, and a check on the scale to weigh in to assure that they bring their best look on the very propitious night.

Terry Hunter was in the studio with CNW, so I asked him a few questions and he shared the following:

This is my second Grammy nomination and walking or a red-carpet event, but this year it’s very different. There’s a lot more preparation and planning involved for all the pre-Grammy parties and events. It’s not just me but my wife and sons as well who will accompany me. Everything I wear while in LA must reflect who I am --my personal aesthetic. I’m laid back and most days I’m in hoodies, sweatpants, and athletic shoes when I’m working in the studio. I do like to dress up. . . My oldest son is an aspiring fashion designer, so he has plenty to say about what I’m wearing. Truthfully, the fashion thing takes me out of my element but I’m having fun with it all and enjoying every moment. I’m grateful to have a wonderful team of people who are helping me put it all together. Tell us what that entails . . .. from head to toe:

• Haircut: I’m when it comes to my barber. I’m making sure my cut is fresh before I hit the red carpet.

• Beard: That’s another job for my barber. I tend to keep a close shave. I want folks to see my face!

• Shoes: I’m wearing a variety of different looks throughout the week. From dress shoes to custom Nike’s.

• Fittings: Over the past weeks leading up to the big night we’ve had multiple fittings with different designers. It’s been a very busy schedule because I’m working on a few different music projects, traveling, and playing multiple gigs. It’s a detailed process with designers, tailors, and my staff. It’s not every day that I have people fuss over me about my look.

• Photo shoots: I’m regularly on different party promotion flyers, and use professional photos for my music projects and interviews so I’m comfortable with being in front of the camera. Each shoot is different, but I’m always relaxed and carefree. I make it fun. I like photographers who get creative and capture my personality through the lens.

• Business side: Being nominated for such an incredible award is great for my business and my record label. This nomination is a win for all of us, a win for the label, and a win for the brand. It’s never been all about me. So, my staff will be joining me for LA Grammy weekend.

• Sharing this experience with my family means the world to me. They are the reason for everything I do. They are the ones who support me the most. Having my family with me in LA is going to be amazing.

And so it is .. . . See him . . . see all of Chicago’s nominees at the 65th Grammy’s

How do you feel about walking the RED Carpet? and the preparation for it?

One of many iconic looks Beyonce showcased at the Grammy’s