February 14 - February 20, 2024 • The Voice Of Black Chicago • Vol.2 No 53 • cnwmedia.com • FREE
Chicago Black Media
A Look Back on a Century of Black Media Moguls
Robert Sengstacke Abbott
John H. Johnson
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Chicago News Weekly
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Cheryl Mainor Norman
Kai EL’ Zabar
Editor-In-Chief Terri Winston
Vice President Darnell Pulphus
Art Director Dr. Mila K. Marshall Cannabis Corner Editor Staff Writers
Eric Grant Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson Marti Worell Wanda Wright
Contributors NNPA Newswire Mare Evans Melanie Mainor Ken Hare Cover Photo By Public Domain
Chicago News Weekly 4131 S.State Suite C Chicago, IL 60609 (773) 236-1464 Vol. 2 No 2 Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Chicago News Weekly is published weekly on Wednesday. www.cnwmedia.com advertising@cnwmedia.com editorial@cnwmedia.com Subscription $104 year
photo credit: Dot Ward
What’s
President & Publisher
Going On
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hat’s going on in the world that we are so unhappy, so angry, so disgruntled about everything and absolutely nothing? The world today has become akin to an insane asylum. Everywhere we turn there is dissatisfaction about everything and anything. It doesn’t matter if the person spewing that anger is a billionaire or a confused, depressed 15-year old who’s disconnected from the world. They choose to demonstrate their dissatisfaction in the most inappropriate place and at the wrong time. And timing and place can be everything. I have often spoken about protocol and decorum, and it’s because every day, more and more, we witness the ongoing exhibition of self-expression of one kind or another that is simply out of place. I don’t mind if Katt Williams is telling everyone that he’s upset when he made what he considers was the right choice for him but didn’t get what he thinks he rightfully deserved. Perhaps he’s right. He’s a talented man, but he was playing the game with folks who know the rules, and he doesn’t. So, he lost that game. Why isn’t he going after the people who allegedly offered him a sexual bribe in exchange for his future success to which he said, “No, thank you?” He says Kevin Hart said yes to something . . and now he’s on top. So what? Hart did not do anything to him. Of course, he ties Hart to Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy, and right now P. Diddy is not one to be associated with. Uncool. No matter if
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Williams is speaking the truth, it’s inap- Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief propriate. If he were as smart as he thinks he is, he should have filed a complaint about anyone else. This public complaint at the the perpetrator. Although it may not have Grammys in front of thousands who came gone far, at least he would have put the to enjoy the ceremony was most embarperpetrator on notice. It could not have rassing. It was reminiscent of when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift when she hurt his career anymore than it has. Instead of writing a tell-all book — if he received the Best Female Music Video at must tattle — Williams is instead using the VMA in 2009. This year, Swift won YouTube as his loudspeaker, shouting his the Best Album of the Year Award for truth for all the world to hear. The book “The Tortured Poets Department.” Once again, the decorum was lacking might have yielded income with residuals. What he is getting instead is momentary — the total disregard for the awardee, the popularity on the gossip merry-go-round. in-person audience, the Grammys, and He’s criticizing Hart while Mo’Nique is the television viewers was unacceptable. on the same carousel, making her rounds These people are talented, wealthy and telling a different story about Hart as be- yet the codes of behavior reflect a lack nevolent because he helped her when she of culture. It doesn’t matter if you own a was down and out. She’s telling all his private jet or drink expensive 2021 Dogood business towards her, which is not maine De La Romanee-Conti Pinot Noir our business. Maybe he doesn’t want the or wear Louis Vuitton. All these people should have consulworld to know. What if that comes back to hurt Hart, though? The question is tants, agents and managers, who work how will telling secrets to the public who with them behind the scenes, talking live vicariously through your stories as if and negotiating like a lobbyist on their they are your friend, but aren’t, change his behalf. That includes Taraji Henson, as circumstances? Hart will no doubt go on well. How do you go on a promotional with his life. Mo’Nique is Mo’Nique, I’m movie tour and cry about what you’re benot going down that road because she’s ing paid as too little? Do you think that one and the same as Williams in that she will bode well with the producers? I am aired her pain and disappointment for all shocked with this widespread uncouth the world to see on YouTube. Time had behavior. When did we become crybabies moved on from her, and now she’s back and whiners? If you are not savvy in the way of deon the move. Then there’s billionaire Jay-Z, who stood corum appropriate for the situation in with his firstborn daughter on stage af- which you are engaged in, you will lose ter receiving a Grammy and shamelessly the game. That's a fact. Whether you’re went on to scold the Grammys for not Black, white, red, yellows or brown, if having awarded Beyonce the Best Album you disrespect the rules, you will pay. Just of the Year Award. And yet, he reminded ask Mel Gibson. them that she’s won more Grammys than
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City news
FLOWERS COMMUNICATIONS IS BLOOMING EVERYWHERE Multicultural Integrated Marketing Communications Firm Earns Top Honors in Its 32nd Year in Business NNPA NEWSWIRE
“We pride ourselves on delivering innovative work for and alongside our client partners. These accolades are a testament to our firm’s longevity and ongoing success in reaching diverse audiences through culturally competent communications. We have forged impactful
collaborations through forward-thinking strategies and new depths of creativity that resonate with consumers,” said Michelle Flowers Welch, Founder and Chairman of Flowers Communications Group. “Our people and partners are
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truly what make us great, and we could not be more honored to have our work recognized across the industry.” Chicagoans familiar with the Multicultural Integrated Marketing Communications Firm are not surprised that it has Earned Top Honors in Its 32nd Year in Business. Founder Michelle Flowers Welch has always been a stickler for perfection. Flowers Communications Group finished 2023 with an impressive list of top honors received from highly coveted industry award programs. The agency added 22 awards to its trophy case in 2023.
After being named PRNEWS Medium Sized Agency of the Year, FCG started 2023 strong with new wins. Throughout the year, the firm was recognized for its outstanding work not just in multicultural marketing, but in several other categories, including media relations, social media, experiential marketing, video/content development, and government relations. The accolades signify Flowers Communications Group’s continued excellence across industries and audience sectors. “We pride ourselves on delivering innovative work for and alongside our client partners. These accolades are a testament to our firm’s longevity and ongoing success in reaching diverse audiences through culturally competent communications. We have forged impactful collaborations through forward-thinking strategies and new depths of creativity that resonate with consumers,” said Michelle Flowers Welch, Founder, and Chairman of Flowers Communications Group. “Our people and partners are truly what make us great, and we could not be more honored to have our work recognized across the industry.” Standout campaigns from 2023 include Famous Amos Ingredients for Success, which was recognized by industry organizations in five categories including ‘Corporate Social Responsibility,’ ‘Multicultural Campaigns’ and ‘Multicultural Marketing.’ The agency’s Democratic National Convention vid-
eo collabora- Flowers Communication led to four tions Group Founder and CEO Michelle Flowacknowledgers Welch (middle), Diments in the rector of Marketing of ‘General Gov- Business Development ernment Rela- Brinton Flowers (left), tions’ and ‘Best and Managing Director Flowers MazyUse of Broad- Jasmine ck celebrate the firm’s cast/Film/Vid- 22 accolades for work eo’ categories, in integrated marketing among others. and communications in FCG’s strong 2023. pulse on the culture shone through additional industry wins in new media and community relations projects. The firm bested as a gold winner twice in ‘Best Use of Social Media’ for American Honda Battle of Bands (HBOB), an annual exhibition showcasing Black collegiate talent. HBCU programs like HBOB are near and dear to FCG’s agency leaders who are HBCU alumni. Flowers Welch is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University; Flowers Mazyck graduated from Spelman College; and Brinton Flowers is a graduate of Florida A&M University. Two silver awards for ‘Community Relations’ and ‘Best Visual Storytelling Campaign’ were won for FCG’s work with the Black McDonald’s Operators Association. Awards for excellence in media relations were won for the Illinois Lottery, ComEd, and the Poetry Foundation.
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Mila K. Marshall PH D. Staff Editor
Hot Topic
Love is in the Air Black Love Matters 2024
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or some, the energy of Black History Month is reflective of the legacy of our civic struggles and less inclusive of our love lineage. February 14th plays with our emotions, confusing closeness and community with commodification. Black Love Matters is more than an affirmation—it’s both resilience and romance. Oppression, racism, and discrimination have turned love in the opposite direction, leaving our relationships devoid of grace and our marriages filled with competition. We need a reset and February is the perfect time for reclaiming our love. Love of self, love of partners, love of family and friends … love of being alive. In 2024, we sit at the feet of fearless Black couples who share insight on what Black love means to them, learn about what it takes to protect love and how doing so brings meaning to their lives. Black Love Matters brings visibility to the beauty, strength, and joy present within Black relationships and families.
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It stands against negative stereotypes and social media tropes that portray Black love as toxic, controlling, and selfish. For some couples, Black love is a political and social statement, their shared love grows into shared missions of community-building and positive imagery. Black love is a powerful tool for social change. But for others Black love is all about pouring care into a partner and learning how to love and be loved in ways that don't require the other to be harmed. Relationships can be challenging for a myriad of reasons. There are no shortage of things that threaten Black love dynamics. Coupled with the harsh realities of work-related stress and daily injustices or microaggressions, couples have to invest in intentionally protecting the love between them. Every week in February, Black Love Matters invites readers to practice loving reflections and choose to increase being aware of the love given and received. While some are writing lists for what they wish to be bought, no amount of Valentine’s Day swag could ever replace heart connections and cor-
rect understanding. Chicago News Weekly welcomes your reflections on love, dating, romance, and marriage advice throughout the month and looks forward to the love lessons we will learn to live by in 2024.
Chicago News Weekly
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Around Town
Staff Report
HAPPY Valentine's Day! We love you!
CNW staff
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Chicago News Weekly
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By Wanda Wright Contributor
2024 MLK Breakfast Breaks Attendance Record
Students displayed their talents in various arenas, spotlighting their rhetorical and musical skills and their service learning activities, which were supervised by several schools and local organizations. Major television and radio stations also turned up to cover the event, graciously sending anchors and radio hosts to moderate the conversation throughout the morning. Airwaves siz-
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ore than 1,000 guests braved the blistering cold on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the annual MLK Awards Breakfast at the Apostolic Church of Christ in the Woodlawn. The breakfast, which is hosted by PUSH Excel, is in its 32nd iteration. Despite bone-chilling, frigid temperature, attendees made the trip to express their concern for the welfare of children. The crowd was a mix of elected officials, business moguls, as well as spiritual, social, and panhellenic leaders. The event remains one of the largest in Chicago to raise money for college scholarships and STEAM programs. The 2024 breakfast recognized former Chicago Bull Joakim Noah’s leadership and activism with the city’s youth, along with Dr. Keith Melancon, a transplant surgeon; Fred Mitchell from the United Negro College Fund; Jahkil Jackson, the best-selling author and youth philanthropist; and Alexis Wright, who leads the “Save Our Children” campaign. By recognizing their accomplishments PUSH Excel showed that educational support has always been the goal of the organization, which was founded in 1975. Tyronne Stoudemire, who works as vice president of global diversity and inclusion at Hyatt Hotels and sits on PUSH Excel’s board, said that the organization raised more than $38,000 for scholarships at this year’s breakfast alone. Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson spoke about the critical need to address the social determinants of poverty faced by children
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City news
zled with a constant live feed from the event by “Ramonski LUV” of OMNI Radio and Rufus Williams of WVON. PUSH Excel founder Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. kept the conversation laser focused on remediating child poverty and hunger and reducing the impact of violence which all affect the mental health and future outcomes of children. “We need to [take] protective measures for the sake of children from around to block to the ones in the war-torn countries of the world,” he said.
the world over, such as educational and nutritional deficits and violence victimization. “The need to reduce poverty, nutritional, and mental harm is augmented by the impact of technology and social media on the development of youth, which also impacts their ability to achieve educational excellence” Wilson said. She said her research showed that youth made serious strides when guided by one-on-one instruction and coaching. Ertharin Cousins, former ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome, also spoke about the urgent need for criminal justice reform, citing data on youth incarceration to back up her argument. Other featured speakers included Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Habilitative Service Systems President Dr. Donald Dew, and Illinois State’s Attorney Kwame Raoul. Congressmen Danny Davis (IL-7th) and Jesse Jackson Jr. (IL-2nd) spoke to the audience about funding issues at the national level, including the lack of federal appropriations to pay for all of the interventions necessary to address youth poverty and educational neglect.
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Cover Story
Kai El-Zabar Editor-In-Chief
Chicago Black Media Part I
A Look Back on a Century of Black Media Moguls
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s the Black communities in urban cities go, Chicago has one of the more fascinating ones, in part, because of the racist climate created by segregation. The response to racism, however, was what drove Chicago;s Black community to be such thriving participants.
One after the other, Black people chose to be their own bosses and build their own publications, employing Black writers and technicians as they did so. During the 20th century, their outlets emerged as powerful platforms for the voice of Black Chicagoans. So, as we celebrate Black History Month this February, let us look at the foundation of Black media, upon which we stand today.
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The Chicago Defender Although Robert Abbott is known today as the founder and publisher of the iconic Chicago Defender newspaper which grew to have the highest circulation of any Black-owned newspaper in the country, he grew up in a small town with humble beginnings. Born just before Christmas, on December 24, 1870, in St. Simons, Georgia, Abbott’s parents were former slaves, freed after the Civil War. They lived in the Sea Islands, home also to the Gullah people, an African-descended ethnic group who maintained African-inherited cultural traits more piquantly than most African Americans in other areas of the South. Thomas Abbott, Robert’s father, died during his infancy. His mother Flora Abbott later married John Sengstacke, a mixed-race man, soon after he had immigrated to the U.S. from Germany. Abbott was embraced as a son by Sengstake, who gave Robert his last name as a middle name. Sengstacke was a Congregationalist missionary, a teacher, and a publisher of the Woodville Times, based in Woodville, Georgia. Abbott studied the printing trade at Hampton Institute in Virginia from 1892 to 1896, while also singing with the Hampton Choir and Quartet. In 1898, after graduating, he migrated to Chicago, where he earned a law degree from Kent College of Law. After failing in his pursuit of a career in law due to racial bias at white firms, he returned to Georgia. But upon his return to Chicago some years later, he set up the Chicago Defender newspaper with an initial investment of 25¢ (the equivalent to $8.71 in 2024). He started printing in a room at his boardinghouse, with his landlady’s encouragement. Later, he would return the favor by buying her an eight-room house.
Having learned from his stepfather that publishing was a respectable endeavor, he was determined to use the paper as a vehicle to push for job opportunities, social justice, and to persuade Black people to leave the segregated, Jim Crow South. A significant link connecting the newspaper to the South were the Pullman railroad porters, who were highly respected among Black people and secretly transported the banned newspaper on trains. The Defender’s articles revealed the “separate” but never “equal” circumstances Blacks experienced in the South. The paper was banned with strict penalties for those found with it in hand or in their homes because it posed a threat to white supremacy. However, such threats did not stop its underground distribution. The Defender’s circulation reached 50,000 by 1916, 125,000 by 1918, and more than 200,000 by the early 1920s. Credited with single-handedly initiating the Great Migration, Abbott’s heartfelt words described the North as a place of prosperity and justice. His cogent writing made his consistent message convincing to thousands of southern Blacks to move. He even set a date of May 15, 1917, for what he called ‘The Great Northern Drive’ to occur. His weekly paper showed pictures of Chicago and had numerous classifieds for available housing. From the early 20th century through 1940, 1.5 million Black people moved to major cities in the Northeast and Midwest. The Defender soon became the most widely circulated Black newspaper in the country, earning it the name “America’s Black Newspaper.” Its success catapulted Abbott to become one of the first self-made Black millionaires. The Defender told of injustices but also spoke with a spirit of pride, dignity, and assertiveness. The newspaper warned Black men against Navy recruiters, for instance, who enrolled them with promises of training them as radiomen, technicians, or mechanics, but instead assigned them to menial tasks once aboard. Such stories told from the Black perspective helped to create an informed Black public. The Defender also fostered the literary careers of Gwendolyn Brooks, Willard Motley, and Langston Hughes, among others. In 1929, Abbott founded the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic, which developed into a celebration for youth, education, and Black life in Chicago, and is now the second-largest such parade in the United States. Chicago Bee Founded in 1925, by Black Chicago businessman Anthony Overton, the Chicago Bee was a weekly newspaper published on Sunday. Its mission demonstrated a commitment to the Black voice. Not unusual then, the Bee was closely aligned with the Republican Party because Lin-
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coln and the radical abolitionists had all been Republicans. Not his first venture in publishing, Overton had published the Half-Century Magazine from 1916 to 1925 before establishing the Chicago Bee newspaper. Half-Century Magazine was named for the 50th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. It included fashion advice and served as a platform to advertise his company’s beauty products. It originally targeted a male and female audience, but shifted its perspective to women only around 1918, becoming a showcase for women’s fashion. Besides being the paper’s founder, Overton was a wealthy industrialist, owning one of the nation’s largest producers of cosmetics for Black consumers, the Overton Hygienic Company. He also ran other businesses from the same office building, including the Victory Life Insurance company and the Douglass National Bank, which was the first nationally chartered, Black-owned bank. Chandler Owen became editor of the Bee upon his move to Chicago. The Bee initially supported the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, which Owen also supported. Subsequent editors of the paper included Ida B. Wells and managing editor Olive Diggs, who was at the Bee from 1929 until it closed in 1947. The Bee’s editorial staff was mostly female, and the newspaper covered the Black Women’s Movement. Its leaning toward the educated Black elite is apparent in its promotion of Black history and literature, which distinguished it from other Black newspapers in Chicago. The Bee sponsored the original “Mayor of Bronzeville” contest, which led to the use of the term “Bronzeville” for the Chicago neighborhood. The concept was originally suggested by theater editor James Gentry, who coined the term and had been sponsoring a beauty contest in the neighborhood since 1916. When
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Gentry left the paper in 1932, he took his concept with him to the Defender, which continued the contests. After Overton’s death in 1946, the Bee newspaper business was assumed by his sons in a tabloid format but ceased publication in 1947. The Chicago Crusader Founded by Balm L. Leavell and Joseph H. Jefferson in 1940 and published by Leavell until his untimely death in 1968, the Chicago Crusader has since been operated by his widow Dorothy. It is Chicago’s longest-running Black weekly. When it was first established, the Crusader ran just a single page and was operated out of an apartment in the famed Ida B. Wells Homes on the South Side. Later, the newspaper moved to its current location on King Drive. As an upstart paper, it served as the official mouthpiece of the Negro Labor Relations League (NLRL), an organization established in 1937 to challenge racial discrimination in employment in the city. By the late 1960s, its circulation had risen to 31,000. In addition to its association with organized Black labor, the Crusader’s historical significance derives from its column, “Muhammad Speaks,” which was penned by the late Honorable Elijah Muhammad of the Nation of Islam (NOI) in the 1950s before the formation of the NOI’s Muhammad Speaks newspaper. It was one of very few newspapers to run the column, another being the Pittsburgh Courier. The paper also published a column on “Women of Islam” by Tyneta Denear, also later published in Muhammed Speaks. Another significant moment in the paper’s history was in 1960 when the newspaper extended a formal invitation to the imprisoned Kenyan independence leader Jomo Kenyatta to speak. Beginning as a student intern who
worked during the summer and school vacation breaks, Dorothy Leavell never left. Her superb managing skills led her to assume the position of business manager in 1964 and later CEO. For her work, she was inducted into the National Black Journalists Hall of Fame in 2016, and, in 2018, she took the helm of the Chicago alternative weekly, the Reader. The Johnson Publishing Empire In 1932, John H. Johnson moved with his family to Chicago from Arkansas City, Arkansas, during the second wave of the Great Migration. He attended school and graduated with honors from DuSable High in 1936. He attended the University of Chicago after receiving a tuition scholarship which he thought he’d have to turn down, but fate had a gift for him. After he delivered a speech at an Urban League, Harry Pace, president of the Supreme Life Insurance Company, was so enamored with the young Johnson and offered him a job to help him afford college. Beginning as an office boy at Supreme Life, within two years Johnson had become Pace’s assistant. One of his responsibilities entailed preparing a monthly newsletter. Inspired by the possibility that his community might enjoy a publication like Reader’s Digest, he set out to start his own. The bonus was that his time at Supreme Life provided him the opportunity to observe and experience the daily operation of a Black-owned business, as well as gain knowledge of the publishing industry. Johnson followed through on his vision and with the help of $500 from his mother. In 1942, “The Negro Digest” was born. Within six months circulation had reached 50,000. This publication covered African-American history, literature, arts, and cultural issues. In 1945,
Johnson rolled out Ebony magazine, modeled after the successful pictorial publication, Life. On a roll, Johnson began publishing Jet in 1951 — a weekly periodical for Black news. Shortly after, Johnson established Johnson Publishing Company to accommodate and manage all his publications in a small office on the South Side. Ebony featured beautiful images of Blacks, emphasizing their achievements. Articles were photo essays that captured current events about race relations, civil rights, and other concerns in the Black community. The outlet helped develop several award-winning Black photojour-
nalists. The Black focused magazine changed the landscape of Black media by fostering the emergence of Black ad agencies, print ad salesmen, and Black models. Johnson maintained that Ebony’s success was due to the positive image of African Americans that it offered. In 1971, Johnson’s publishing empire moved to a larger building in downtown Chicago built by Black architect John Moutoussamy. The first and still only downtown Chicago tower designed by a Black architect, the building was landmarked in 2017. One of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States, Johnson Publishing Company unapologetically focused on the accomplishments and burdens of Black Americans. On the back of his success, Johnson became involved in politics and the Civil Rights movement and was sought after by U.S. presidents on matters of race relations. One of Johnson’s most noteworthy issues was the September 15, 1955, issue of Jet which featured an image of Emmett Till’s mutilated body after it arrived in Chicago from Mississippi. People considered Johnson’s decision to publish Till’s photograph his ultimate moment of courage. In addition, Johnson’s Ebony magazine introduced Black Americans to their African kith and kin. In 1972, the Magazine Publishers Association elected Johnson “Magazine Publisher of the Year,” and, in 1982, he became the first African American to appear on the Forbes list of wealthiest Americans. Johnson’s empire eventually combined publishing, Ebony/Jet TV show, WJPC radio, Fashion fair cosmetics, and Supreme Insurance, and for his achievements, President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996. Johnson died in 2005.
Chicago News Weekly
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Art & Culture
By Mila K. Marshall, Ph.D. Staff Editor
Chicago Black Restaurant Week Returns Commencing its 9th Year
TNT ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
Chicago is known for its vibrant food scene and Chicago diners are hard-core food critics with an appreciation for flavor and ambiance. Every year the much anticipated Chicago Restaurant Week (Feb 11th-Feb 25th) introduces new businesses and elevated menus for diners to learn about a diversity of cuisines across the city. This year over 400 restaurants participated in CRW with only 14% of those being “minority owned”. There is a noticeable absence of Blackowned restaurants during CRW and one woman decided to do something about it. Recognizing this gap, Lauran A. Smith, a proud Memphian who relocated to Chicago in the 90’s founded Chicago Black Restaurant Week (CBRW) in 2016. Now in its 9th season, CBRW aims to highlight and celebrate the culinary talents of Black restaurateurs and chefs in the city. “I didn’t see a large presence of Black establishments during CRW. This all started because I made a post about it on my personal social media pages and got hundreds of responses in support of Chicago Black Restaurant Week in minutes. It was clear that we needed our own platform to showcase our restaurants,” shared Smith. Since its first year in 2016, CBRW has grown in the number of participating restaurants. In its first year, less than 20 restaurants joined the initiative. However, this year, nearly 50 restaurants are taking part. These establishments range from soul food joints to juice bars, catering services, and even food trucks. Smith believes this year woman woman-owned establishments seem to be serving it up in greater numbers. Smith estimates over 70% of participating businesses are owned by women this 2024 season. Not only are there new menu items to try and memories to make Smith doesn’t want us to forget the legacy of Black History makers and the roots of recognizing Black excellence. CBRW will always be in February, said Smith, “Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week the second week of February, CBRW will always start at that time so that we don’t forget our historical figures and their contribution to our progress.” During CBRW, participating restaurants offer discounts and special menus to encourage customers to taste new things and visit new communities across the Chicagoland area. Discount-
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ed menus range from pre-fixe specials to exclusive offerings. “We want people to have the opportunity to discover and support Black-owned restaurants. We also want to make sure the establishments participating feel confident that they can provide the types of discounts, menus, and items that work best for their businesses,” shared Smith. To make it easier for food enthusiasts to find and support participating establishments, CBRW has a dedicated website, www.chiblackresturauntweek.com. The website lists all participating restaurants, making it convenient for users to discover new favorites and stay updated on
upcoming events. CBRW actively encourages patrons to return to businesses beyond the designated 2-week season and continue visiting them throughout the year. CBRW has also attracted corporate partners who recognize the importance of diversity and inclu-
sion within the food industry. “Last CHICAGO BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK 2024: year there (listed in alphabetical order - a map, with locations pinned, will also be placed were paon the website for your convenience; restaurant specials will be added before trons whose DAY ONE of CBRW): employers CBRW24 “FEATURED FLAVOR”: MACK’S HEALTHY SEASONINGS: V-MACK. gave them COM/SHOP stipends to 1308 CHICAGO: 1308 N ELSTON AVE (CHICAGO) 14 PARISH: 1644 E 53RD ST (CHICAGO) participate 2048 NON-ALC WINE SHOP: 2048 W CHICAGO AVE (CHICAGO) in CBRW, A LIL ROC & RO: 2539 W 79TH ST (CHICAGO) which was BATTER & BERRIES CHICAGO: 2748 N LINCOLN AVE (CHICAGO) amazing. We BATTER & BERRIES OLYMPIA FIELDS: 3462 VOLLMER RD (OLYMPIA FIELDS) BRONZEVILLE SOUL: 4655 S KING DRIVE (CHICAGO) are seeing BRONZEVILLE WINERY: 4420 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE (CHICAGO) corporate BUREAU BAR SOUTH LOOP: 2115 S STATE ST (CHICAGO) interest and CHESA’S BISTRO: 3235 W ADDISON ST, SUITE C (CHICAGO) growth in D’s COOKIE DOUGH CO: 1056 STERLING AVE, SPACE 11 (FLOSSMOOR) new ways,” said Smith. DAWN A.M. EATERY: 1642 E 56TH ST (CHICAGO) DESIGNS BY A. ASHLEY: *online orders only* DESIGNSAASHLEY.COM The official Mix & DOLL’S KITCHEN AND CATERING: 1014 S WESTERN AVE (CHICAGO) Mingle KICKOFF FORK FANTASY: 506 W HARRISON (CHICAGO) for season 9 will be at FRONTIER CHICAGO: 1072 N MILWAUKEE AVE (CHICAGO) Kitchen + Kocktails HAIRE’S GULF SHRIMP: 7448 S VINCENNES AVE (CHICAGO) HIDDEN MANNA CAFE: 3613 216TH ST (MATTESON) where guests can enINA MAE TAVERN: 1415 N WOOD ST (CHICAGO) joy an evening of netJA’GRILL HYDE PARK: 1510 E HARPER COURT (CHICAGO) working, light bites JUICED BY SHIC: 14736 S PULASKI RD (MIDLOTHIAN) and specialty cocktails. KITCHEN + KOCKTAILS BY KEVIN KELLEY: 444 N WABASH AVE (CHICAGO) Tickets are available LIOR’S CAFE: 10500 S HALSTED (CHICAGO) LOVE & LIGHT CAFE: 1429 E HYDE PARK BLVD (CHICAGO) on Eventnoire and the MABE’S SANDWICH SHOP: 312 E 75TH ST (CHICAGO) event will be the highMOORE POPPIN: 749 E 47TH ST (CHICAGO) light of CBRW. Smith OOOH WEE SWEET TEA JOLIET: 3340 MALL LOOP DR (JOLIET) is excited to also partOOOH WEE IT IS: 7920 S WESTERN AVE (CHICAGO) PASSION T PLATES: 3412 W 79TH ST (CHICAGO) ner with Live Nation PHLAVZ: 717 W MAXWELL ST (CHICAGO) this year. One lucky PINK PANINI SOUPS & SALADS: 17505 KEDZIE AVE (HAZEL CREST) winner will receive a S2 SOUTHSIDE BAR & GRILL: 11043 S ASHLAND AVE (CHICAGO) pair of tickets to LediS2 CITY GRILL & DAIQUIRI BAR: 8734 S STONY ISLAND (CHICAGO) si’s upcoming Chicago SHAWN MICHELLE’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM CHICAGO: 46 E 47TH ST (CHICAGO) SHAWN MICHELLE’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM OLYMPIA FIELDS: 3235 VOLLMER RD (OLYMPIA FIELDS) Show on March 30th SIGNATURE BAR SOUTH LOOP: 1312 S WABASH AVE (CHICAGO) plus a dinner at one of SMALLCAKES EVERGREEN PARK: 9605 S PULASKI (EVERGREEN PARK) the registered particSOUL PRIME: 1969 N HALSTED (CHICAGO) ipating restaurants in SUNDAY CATERING, LLC: *catering services* SUNDAYSCATERINGLLC.NET TASTE 222: 222 N CANAL ST (CHICAGO) CBRW 2024. With its THE BLACK VEGAN RESTAURANT: 2300 S KEDZIE AVE (CHICAGO roots firmly established THE ENTRANCE: 15101 DIXIE HWY (HARVEY) in the quest for Black THE L STATION: 186 N WELLS (CHICAGO) representation in the THE RHOYAL BISTRO LIVE: 2352 172ND ST (LANSING) culinary sector, CBRW THE VIEW RESTAURANT & EXPERIENCE: 1701 ROOSEVELT RD (BROADVIEW) TNT ROOFTOP RESTAURANT: 5405 W MADISON (CHICAGO) has evolved into a thrivWINDY CITY RIBS AT NAVY PIER: 600 E GRAND AVE (CHICAGO) ing movement. WINDY CITY RIBS & WHISKEY: 67 E CERMAK RD (CHICAGO)
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The answer.is... CNW Staff The A.I. a.i. The Answer Is
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oday we are faced with megaphones by way of social media platforms. Never in history has it been possible to get news of or capture something while it’s happening and share it with the world. It’s a good thing when used purposely to inform or give a necessary heads-up to the intended. We get it but the overkill of selfies selfish self-centered focus on oneself is enough to cause a serious headache. And what seems to be growing is that everyone thinks that what they have to say is invaluable. News flash . . . it may be but in what context? If something doesn’t go your way you have every right to be disappointed. It happens to all of us. But what is not cool is to usurp the time of others at a very public celebratory event to complaint about what happened because you or your wife, child, significant other, or friend did not receive the award you thought they deserved as you stand on stage with your award in hand and then highjack the audience while holding them hostage so that you can whine. That is one of the most uncool moves ever. 1. Definition of whiner. a person given to excessive complaints and crying and whining. synonyms: bellyacher, complainer, crybaby, grumbler, moaner, sniveller, squawker. types: kvetch. (Yiddish) a constant complainer. 2. A Protestor: a person who publicly demonstrates a strong objection to something; a demonstrator. "the decision was hailed by protesters against the closure as a triumph." 3. Definition of advocator. a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea. synonyms: advocate, exponent, proponent.
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February 14 - February 20, 2024
Chicago News Weekly
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Entertainment
CL Blackburn Staff Writer
An Extraordinary Man Carl Weathers, AKA “Rocky’s” Apollo Creed, dies at 76 interview Red Carpet News. “It just happened to be the right movie at the right time with the right people in it." "Sylvester Stallone wrote some great characters and a great story arc and character arc, and maybe just a lot of people related to it, and still do," he added. "For people who's seeing it for the first time after 40 years or who has seen it 40 times in the last 40 years, people still love the movie." After “Rocky,” Weathers starred in several television shows including "Chicago Justice," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and more. He also lent his voice to "Toy Story 4," in which he played Combat Carl, and "Star vs. the Forces of Evil." "I've worked with really great people, really talented people with some iconic names, and so I'm kinda just holding on for the ride," he told WXYZ-TV in a 2023 interview at Motor City Comic Con.
Carl Weathers, the actor best known for playing Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movie series, passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, February 1. He was 76 and had spent half a century in Hollywood as an actor and director. In the “Rocky” franchise, he shared international stardom with Sylvester Stallone, who portrayed his nemesis in the film, Rocky Balboa. More recently, he became known for his role in the hit "Star Wars" television series "The Mandalorian." But Weather’s Hollywood journey began only after pursuing a career in football, which had put him through college. Weathers was a linebacker at San Diego State in the late 1960s. He became a letterman in 1968 and 1969, leading the team to an 11–0 record and a No. 18 ranking in the Final UPI Poll. Weathers capped off the undefeated season by helping the Aztecs win the 1969 Pasadena Bowl, before embarking upon his professional football career. After going undrafted in the 1970 NFL Draft, he signed with the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. But they soon released him, so he signed with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he met teammate Rocky Long, who is now the defensive coordinator at Syracuse. It was 1976 when the second “Rocky”
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entered his life. The story is colorful. Weathers had earned bit parts in such 1970s television classics as “Good Times,” “Cannon,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “Kung Fu,” and “Starsky & Hutch,” so he knew a lil’ sumthin’ about the ‘wood, but had never starred in a major role. Stallone wrote the screenplay for “Rocky” in less than a week, drawing inspiration from the Muhammad AliChuck Wepner fight in March of 1975. He pitched the script to studios, who wanted established stars like Burt Reynolds, Robert Redford, Ryan O’Neal, and James Caan for the lead role of boxer Rocky Balboa, not Stallone himself, according to Business Insider. Stallone, who was also relatively unknown at the time, nevertheless insisted that he would only sell the script if he could star as Rocky Balboa. But Weathers had no knowledge of any of the backstory, nor did he know Stallone personally. “Picture this,“ Weathers told Business Insider. “It’s 5:30 or 6 o’clock on a Friday. I get my audition, finally. They didn’t really want me, or anyone like me. They wanted a boxer who could act.” Following the flood of actors who had already come and gone, Weathers was introduced to the producers and director
before his read. The door in the back of the room opened, and in walked Stallone to join them. “They introduced him as the writer, and he’s the guy I’m reading with,” Weathers recalled. “I start doing my thing and chomping at the bit. Then it’s over, and I’m thinking, ‘Oh boy, that didn’t go well at all.’” At which point, Weathers turned and said, totally frustrated,“If you got me a real actor, I could do a lot better.” The silence was deafening. “Well, I didn’t know he was Sylvester Stallone, the actor who was going to play the character,” Weathers said. “All I got was this look up at me.” Later, Weathers heard that Stallone had said following his audition, “Yeah, that’s the guy I want because he’s arrogant enough to play him. That’s what Apollo Creed would say.” Weathers went on to play Creed in four “Rocky” films. Creed was the rival of Stallone's Rocky Balboa in the first two "Rocky" films, then became one of the protagonists in "Rocky III" and in "Rocky IV.” Weathers' character evolved from Rocky’s opponent to his best friend, before dying in the ring in “Rocky IV." "I have no idea why the [“Rocky” series] is so enduring,” Weathers said in a 2016
Tributes from a Few Superstars In response to learning of his good friend’s death, Stallone went live on Instagram standing in front of a modern painting capturing a colorful “Rocky and Creed” boxing match, and stated, “Today is an incredibly sad day for me. … I’m so torn up, I can’t even tell you. I’m just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it. I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room, and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn’t realize how great. I never could have accomplished what we did with ‘Rocky’ without him. He was absolutely brilliant. His voice. His size. His power. His athletic ability. But more importantly, his heart — his soul.” Stallone then paused, breathed in deeply and said: “It’s a horrible loss.” “I’m standing here in front of this painting because it was probably the last moment we were ever in the ring together. And I’ll never forget. He was magic. And I was so fortunate to be part of his life," Stallone said. “So, Apollo,” Stallone raised his right fist and shook it before dropping it to his side. He then again raised that fist and shook it. “Keep punching,” Stallone said, his voice cracking. Though Weathers got his big-screen break in 1976, with his role of Creed
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in “Rocky,” Weathers also landed parts in 1987’s "Predator," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, in Adam Sandler’s "Happy Gilmore" in 1996, and on the small screen in “The Mandalorian.” “A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always,” Sandler wrote. “Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything," he continued. "What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.” Similarly, Schwarzenegger on X, formerly known as Twitter, lauded Weathers' acting chops and his character. "Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made ‘Predator’ without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it,” he said. "Every minute with him on set and off was pure joy. He was the type of friend who pushed you to be your best just to keep up with him. I’ll miss him, and my thoughts are with his family." Because his career spanned half a century in Hollywood as an actor and director, appearing in 76 film and television roles, one generation knows him as Creed, Another generation knows him as Chubbs Peterson, the golf instructor from the 1996 Adam Sandler comedy “Happy Gilmore.”
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And still another generation knows him as Greef Karga, the leader of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild in the current Star Wars series, “The Mandalorian.” (He was also Colonel Al Dillon in “Predator” and Lt. Jericho Jackson in “Action Jackson”). “That’s pretty awesome,” Weathers said, during an interview last February. His 90-minute appearance at Montezuma Hall for SDSU’s Presidential Lecture Series drew an enthusiastic audience of nearly 900 people, including theater students, current members of the Aztecs’ football team, and head coach Brady Hoke. They crammed the hall to listen to Weathers talk about his life and multiple careers. The audience that day skewed towards “The Mandalorian” generation. At times it seemed like whenever sentences included the words Mandalorian or Star or Wars or the name of a character from the franchise that they were a television talk show audience and the applause light had flashed. The discussion began with Weathers describing growing up in Louisiana, where he was born in 1948, and how that shaped his early life. “Before the so-called civil rights movement, it was a little dark, to say the least, for people of my color,” said Weathers, who remembered movie audiences being segregated at the local theaters. “New Orleans holds memories both good and bad.” "I remember being bitten by the [act-
ing] bug when I was in grade school," Weathers said in a 2023 interview with WGN News. "The first play I did was in fifth or sixth grade when I was in one of those pageant plays,” he said. “There is nothing like standing on stage as a kid and suddenly hearing applause." Weathers was sold on California after his initial visit to SDSU. To him it represented “the promised land,” where he felt he belonged. “The university and the city were . . . such a great place to land for a kid who really ... was trying to find their way,” he said. “I experienced a greater degree of comfort on this campus than I can remember almost any place at that time in my life.” Between 1968 and ‘69, Weathers said, “We didn’t lose.” The 1968 and 1969 Aztecs teams went a combined 20-0-1. The fond memory of those teams, which were led by coach Don Coryell, was captured in the tenor of his voice. “A head coach is important. He’s like a producer. You get the right person at the helm putting all these pieces together and you’ve got a chance,” Weathers said. A week later, Coryell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Preparation Weathers received a degree in theater arts at SDSU, which he pursued while playing football. “That’s a Dr. Jekyll-and-Mr. Hyde ex-
istence,” he said. “Here’s a guy in tights doing Shakespeare and all these other plays on the stage,” while on the field he wore cleats, pads, and helmet. “What advice would you give to a young actor?” Weathers was asked. “I knew someone who said she wanted to be an actress. There’s small theaters. There’s regional theaters. There’s theaters in churches. If you want to be an actor, go be an actor. There is a difference for a lot of people, though, because what they really want to be is a movie star. That’s different,” he responded. When asked, “What motivates you to work hard ?” Weathers said, “If you don’t work hard, what’s the alternative? Do you want to be rewarded for being lazy? Do you want to be rewarded for not showing up? Do you want to be rewarded for not being good at what you do?” “Why not do the best job you can do because that’s the way you want to live your life? You want to half-ass things, fantastic? There’s a lot of people doing that,” he continued. “To me, that is just criminal, because you’re doing a disservice not just to people around you but . . .to yourself…So work hard.” And so, as we bid our farewell to Weathers, who made us proud, let us note that he brought to life several icons who will continue to live on attracting new audiences and followers even though he is no longer with us. His view that each character, like all people, is important is something to remember him by.
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Healthy Living
By Mila K. Marshall, PhD, CNW Staff Editor
Illinois Wetlands in Focus
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orld Wetlands Day came on Friday, February 2nd, and the Protect Illinois Wetlands coalition is inviting the public to help capture the beauty and diversity of Illinois wetlands this year with the Wetlands in Focus photo blitz. Charge up your smartphone and plan some time visiting local bogs, fens and marshes and join in on one of the most unique ways to celebrate our living landscapes. Participants are encouraged to take photos of wet-
lands through Earth Day (April 22nd) and post them on social media using the hashtag #ProtectILWaters in part to celebrate WWD. The global celebration recognizes the benefits of
wetland landscapes to our health and economy, while also highlighting efforts to restore and protect them. Wetlands are natural areas where the soil is covered by water at some point, and they are pretty important. Chicago has wetlands of our own. Development and concentrated industry has disturbed the natural mosaic of wetlands. Alteration of those natural areas led to residential flooding and reduced the habitats for other plants and animals. Restoration of nature can be costly and take time, but when executed well can be examples of solutions that truly solve problems and protect people. Nestled amidst residential and industrial neighbors on the southeast side of the city is Powderhorn Prairie and Marsh Nature
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Preserve. The 192-acre preserve is home to about 250 plant species, 2,500 insects, and, depending on the season, up to 100 birds according to Openlands, a local environmental nonprofit that champions protecting nature for all. It is the only state-designated nature preserve in the Chicago city limits and a crown jewel project that benefits humans and nature through the 100 acres of restored wetlands. The project cost $1.2 million and multiple partners including, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Great Lakes Commission, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Audubon Great Lakes, and Forest Preserves of Cook County, showing that collaborations are key to unlocking a shared healthy environment. The restoration reconnected Powderhorn Lake and Wolf Lake by installing underground pipes to recreate natural historic water levels, while also alleviating flooding for residents and creating high-quality habitats for animals to call home. While WWD has already passed, we can all look forward to May, which is national Wetlands Month. By that time the winter frost will have been forgotten, migratory birds will be flocking into the region, spring fishing will have begun, and beautiful buds will have emerged. To learn more about wetlands in the Calumet Region and ongoing restoration projects, volunteer opportunities and even employment visit wetlands-initiative.org.
February 14 - February 20, 2024
By Mila K. Marshall, PhD, CNW Cannabis Corner Editor
Cannabis Corner
Cannabis
What to know before investing your dough in Dank
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annabis industry hurdles are high and so are the risks. Nonetheless opportunities warrant with the industry being worth billions. The path to success is more about strategy and creativity. Over ambitious goals of charismatic entrepreneurs can have investors refinancing homes and selling high value assets and signing checks. Before rolling out your hard earned dough, here is what you need to know. Legal and regulatory risks: The cannabis industry is highly regulated and laws surrounding the production, sale, and use of cannabis vary from country to country, and even within different states or provinces. Changes in legislation or regulations can have a significant impact on the industry and may cause uncertainty for investors. Market volatility: The cannabis market can be highly volatile, with prices and valuations subject to wild swings. This volatility can make it difficult to predict the profitability of cannabis companies and may result in significant financial losses. Supply and demand imbalances: The supply and demand dynamics in the cannabis industry are still evolving. Oversupply can lead to price declines and profitability challenges for producers, while undersupply can lead to rising prices but may also be affected by illegal or unregulated competition. Financing and capital constraints: Cannabis companies often require significant capital investments for production facilities, marketing, and distribution networks. Access to capital can be challenging due to the industry's reputation and legal barriers, making it difficult for some companies to raise funds and expand their operations.
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Inconsistent quality standards: The quality and consistency of cannabis products can vary widely due to the lack of standardized testing and quality control measures across the industry. This inconsistency can negatively impact consumer trust and company reputations, potentially leading to financial losses for investors. Competitive landscape: The cannabis industry is becoming increasingly crowded, with new players entering the market regularly. Increased competition can lead to price wars, reduced profit margins, and challenges for companies to differentiate themselves and gain market share. Banking and financial services limitations: Due to the federal illegality of cannabis in many countries, cannabis companies often face limitations when it comes to accessing banking services, obtaining loans, or accepting credit card payments. This can create logistical and financial difficulties for businesses, impacting their ability to grow and operate efficiently. Operational risks: The cultivation and production of cannabis involve inherent risks, such as pests, crop failures, equipment malfunctions, and compliance issues. These risks can impact a company's ability to produce and distribute its products, leading to potential financial losses. International expansion challenges: Expanding into international markets can be complex, as each country has its own regulations and cultural considerations. Entering foreign markets may require significant investments, partnerships, and navigating unfamiliar legal frameworks, potentially exposing investors to additional risks. Investors who are fully aware of risks can more appropriately decide understanding the risks relative to their financial expectations.
Chicago News Weekly
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Food & Wine
Spicy
By Mare Evans Contributing Wriiter
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Ramen
eady to ignite your taste buds and warm your soul? Let’s set your taste buds on fire in a good way. If you like spicy foods, try this extraordinary spicy ramen recipe — it is so much more than just a bowl of noodles. It will turn your head around. Try and imagine what a symphony of flavors would be like, taste like, smell like, and feel like in your mouth. Imagine the composition of spicy, umami, savory, and just a hint of sweetness melding together in a harmonious blend that’s sure to make you go “Wow!” Or, as my father would say, “Hey now.” This dish made from Korean-inspired spices and rich, umami-laden broth, is more than a comfort food, it’s comfort food with that spicy kick!
What is Ramen? Although ramen originated in China, it became famous in Japan, where different areas of the country have their own versions. Those versions have their own combinations of noodles, broth, and toppings, like meat and vegetables or vegan, meaning veggies only. Ramen is distinct from other noodles due to their alkaline nature, achieved by using kansui, a specific type of mineral water, or by adding sodium carbonate. This gives ramen its unique chewy texture and yellowish hue. The soup usually has four main parts: a tasty liquid base, chewy noodles, stuff on top like meat or veggies, and some extra flavors mixed in. Today ramen is a worldwide favorite and people make it in all sorts of ways, like the spicy version presented here. Choose Your Noodles: • Fresh Ramen Noodles: The gold stan-
dard for that authentic, chewy texture. They’re often available in Asian grocery stores or specialty markets. • Dried Ramen Noodles: These are super convenient and still yield a good texture. Just ditch the seasoning packet! • Instant Ramen: They work perfectly here. • Soba or Udon: If you want to stray a bit from tradition, these Japanese noodles can also work well with the spicy, flavorful broth. • Rice Noodles: For a gluten-free option, you can use rice noodles, although the texture and flavor absorption will be different. Ingredients: • Oil – Use any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. • Ground Pork – You can also sub with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter touch. • Sambal Oelek – This is your fire starter! If you can’t find it, a garlic-chili paste can be a suitable replacement, but nothing quite matches the punch of sambal. • Korean Chili Flakes (Gochugaru) – These flakes add a smoky, fruity spice. If you’re in a pinch, regular chili flakes can work, but the flavor profile will be different.
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Recipe: 1. For the spicy pork topping: Heat 1 Tbsp oil and cook ground pork until no longer pink. Stir in sambal oelek, gochugaru, and soy sauce and cook for 1 minute or 2 or until ground pork is cooked. Plate it out. 2. Cook ramen soup base: In the same pot with 1 additional tablespoon of oil, sauté shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and shallots for a couple of minutes. Stir in ginger and garlic for a minute. Add in chicken stock. Mix in sambal oelek, chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, gochugaru, and brown sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. 3. Cook ramen and assemble: Add ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook until tender. 4. Ladle soup into bowls, add spicy pork, and finish with soft-boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and scallions. Drizzle additional chili oil if desired. And there you have it — the rich, spicy, soul-warming broth is a perfect canvas for spicy ground pork, aromatic vegetables, and tender chewy ramen. For the perfect finishing touch, top it off with the soft-boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and green onions.
February 14 - February 20, 2024
A Look Back Black History Month Review
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oday, you see Black faces of every hue and skin tone splashed across the covers of fashion magazines and in advertisements. You see Black people with tight hair or loose curls, permed or natural, and body types that range from athletic to heavy to thick. It’s hard not to notice that Black people are included in the shaping and direction of fashion in today’s world. Black people have moved up into positions as artistic or creative directors of some of the most glamorous fashion houses in Europe. But as Baby Boomers, we were ones who had to kick the glass ceiling, causing cracks that would allow future generations to break barriers today. Back then, Black people looked forward to Ebony, Jet, Essence, and other Black-run magazines to see their own reflection. Rarely did they make the cover of any other magazine, unless the person had won an Olympic medal, the New York Marathon, their surname was Jackson, first name Micheal, or, finally, if they were one of the few superstar Black models like Beverly Johnson, Naomi Campbell, and Iman. So, Black designers accepted that they would have to create their own studios and design clothes in their communities. Yes, that’s how it’s always been, but they never catapulted to rock-star status or god or goddess of the fashion world Mount Olympus of Yves Saint Laurent, Georgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, and Chanel. Who could have foreseen then that a young Black designer named Patrick Kelly would one day soar to the top of the fashion world? Kelly was born September 24, 1954, and died January 1, 1990. Looking at his too-short life born during the time that he was alive, should be a powerful reminder of a Black designer who took on the then-hierarchical and waning institution of Paris fashion and won. He advocated an inclusive approach to those he would dress. “My message is: You’re beautiful just the way you are,” he told People Magazine. "I design for fat women, skinny women, all kinds of women.” At a March 1987 show, for instance, one of his models was eight months pregnant. But, it took him some time to get there. After humble beginnings in Vicksburg,
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Mississippi, Kelly landed in Atlanta in the 1970s, designing clothes that included upcycling at a time when that phrase meant you were struggling. To his good fortune, supermodel Pat Cleveland came up to him one day and told him that he needed to move to New York and, if that didn’t pan out, he should move to Paris. He moved to New York in 1979 and went off to Paris one year later in 1980. As it turns out, Paris loved Kelly and he loved Paris! Parisians fell in love with his designs. Many celebrities of note like Grace Jones, Cicely Tyson, Pat Cleveland were eager to be dressed in one of their own’s creations. They wore his designs boldly, as did the more edgy white girls like Madonna, who had danced with Alvin Ailey; and Gloria Steinem, the boss-lady; Paloma Picasso, who was artistic royalty; Jewish-born Goldie Hawn; and the iconic Bette Davis, who wore his dress on a David Letterman television show in April 1989. All these instances helped along his burgeoning career. His colorful, exuberant clothes were reflective of his Southern roots and natural Black leanings. He wore his Blackness internally and extrovertedly just by being himself. He was undeniably a force and had a celebratory aspect to who he was as a designer. He infused it with his Black magic, and it did not implode but rather moved, touched, and inspired the fashion world. “Kelly was African-American, and that fact played prominently in his designs, in the way he presented them to the public, and in the way he engaged his audience,” fashion critic Robin Givhan once commented. “No other well-known fashion designer has been so inextricably linked to both his race and his culture. And no other designer was so purposeful in exploiting both.” Kelly came to fame in France and accomplished much worthy of mention. He was the first Black and American to be admitted to the Chambre syndicale du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de mode, the prestigious governing body of the French ready-to-wear industry. Did you know that? Kelly's de-
fashion By C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer
signs were noted for their exuberance, sarcastic humor and references to pop culture. He transformed once demeaning images of Black people into something playful. Kelly’s designs began to set trends across boutiques in Paris, stirring the media’s interest. In 1985, the French edition of Vogue did a 6-page spread featuring Kelly. He also participated in a collaboration with jewelry designer David Spada, one product of which was among Kelly's most famous designs — a Josephine-Baker-inspired ensemble with a banana skirt that is now in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In 1987, the Warnaco fashion conglomerate signed an agreement to manufacture Kelly's clothing for the masses. Soon after, Kelly designs were available in stores throughout the world. That
year, sales of his clothes approached $7 million. Kelly’s long lasting contribution to fashion's vocabulary is dominated by the extraordinary impact of his Black heritage. Kelly was African-American, which was reflected prominently in his designs, as well as in his public persona — the Southern way he graced and engaged his audience. No other well-known fashion designer has been so intricately melded to both his race and his culture. And no other designer was so purposeful in using both for good.
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