February 28, 2024 Edition

Chicago News Weekly

Cheryl Mainor Norman President & Publisher

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-In-Chief

Terri Winston Vice President

Darnell Pulphus Art Director

Max Blaisdell Copy Editor

Dr. Mila K. Marshall Cannabis Corner Editor

Staff Writers

Zada Johnson

Eric Grant

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson

Marti Worell

Wanda Wright

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Melanie Mainor

Ken Hare

Cover Photo By Public Domain

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Vol. 2 No 4 Wednesday, February 28, 2024 Chicago News Weekly is published weekly on Wednesday. www.cnwmedia.com advertising@cnwmedia.com editorial@cnwmedia.com

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notes

Clothing Personified Exploring the Gender Identity of Fashion

Iwas listening to an interview with the very talented Billy Porter, who made the statement: “It’s not just about a dress; sometimes it's about the nuance. It’s about addressing the binary that has been placed on clothing. It’s about the gender that has been thrust upon clothing... Why, I don’t know why people are pushing back on me regarding the whole dress thing. Why does it bother them? When has my wearing a dress ever hurt anybody?”

In another Instagram post, he captured the same sentiment but put it slightly differently.

“I don’t know why people are pushing back on me regarding the whole dress thing. Why does it bother them when clothing has no gender?” he asked.

And that just did it for me. Done. Porter defends his clothing choices by pulling from the past.

So let me say this as a matter of fact – fashion does have gender, as conceived by the particular designer’s perception and intent. Fashion is created to conform to and is inspired by the physical differences that distinguish males and females. Can you wear what you wish? Absolutely. But to make the statement that clothing has no gender is not based in reality.

Clothing and fashion have always been gender-based facts. Seriously, why would a man wear a bra designed for a lactating mother? It’s designed specifically to aid a woman when she is breastfeeding, a function unique to women and different from that of men.

Women have body parts that men do not, and body capabilities that men do not have. The same is true of men who possess capabilities that women do not, and body parts that are external, whereas women's corresponding body parts are internal, demanding different designs in clothing, making one designed for women and the other for men, thus influenced by gender. That doesn’t mean that we must adhere to antiquated notions assigned to colors – for example, pink for girls and blue for boys only. No! We live in a world that grants us more freedom of self-expression.

Porter, in a futile attempt, goes on to say, “I was watching a fashion show by this African designer, and every single one of those men was in traditional African dress, which is a dress.”

“So, it’s weird to me that I get attacked for just expressing myself that way. Preachers wear robes. Jesus wore a robe. That’s a dress, y’all. So back up and leave me alone,” he continued.

For clarity, the cultures represented throughout the African diaspora did not call their male clothing the same as women’s

similar clothing items. They were distinguished by significant differences. Because clothing has gender.

Now that it’s been said, history shows that early man was perhaps more practical than modern man. The clothing worn by men such as togas, robes, boubous, agbada, kilts, yukata, the male kimono, and so on, were and are more comfortable for men than pants, which can be uncomfortable, forcing the male to place his genitals to one side. So, strictly from a comfort and functional perspective, pants are better suited for women where comfort is concerned. I’m just saying.

Early man also did not have zippers and buttons, all of which evolved over time to make trousers more easily functional. Historically, European males wore shoes with heels to add height and wore wigs, the same as women did. But that was a hygienic practice that both sexes adhered to, which also exposes that period movies put on to portray modern sensibilities stray far from the truth. It was impossible to wash one’s hair daily back then, so they wore wigs to look good. Both genders benefited from the style. But to be very clear, it was not a statement that men and women were merging or melding their fashion sensibilities into one and the same thing.

“I don’t move through the world ultra-masculine. I don’t move through the world ultra-feminine. I’m just there,” Porter said. “Fashion exists in a really expansive space for me. It’s spiritual and political. Every time I show up, I’m a walking piece of activist art.”

That’s probably closer to the truth than not. Porter wants to push boundaries, shake things up and deny that something as important as how one’s dressed has nothing to do with gender. Instead, it has everything to do with gender. Have you ever seen him walk in heels? He does, and when he does, he walks in them like a runaway fashion model. Why? Because heels are imbued with the feminine spirit. Just as I love tailored suits, which grant me the opportunity to sit comfortably without having to concern myself with whether my legs are crossed properly and femininely. That changes my persona even though I am not foregoing my feminine self at all.

Clothing is imbued with attitude and persona. Yes, clothing fashions an image, conjures up an identity, presents a façade, and summons up a character, which has a gender. Clothing paints a photograph of one’s personage and assumed role. Right or wrong, clothing has a gender and always has.

One last point, would you wear a diaper? No! And why not? Because it represents all that is assumed about a baby.

Clothing exemplifies gender.

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

photo credit: Dot Ward

By Carol Moseley Braun Contributing Writer

Commentary Somebody Had To Say It Black History MonthCommentary

Black history can’t be confined to just one calendar month. It’s an integral part of our national identity that deserves far more than just an annual commemoration. But every year, marking February as Black History Month feels more and more essential. In a country where extremist forces and Re-

publican politicians are fighting to erase our history, celebrating Blackness has become a vital act of patriotism.

Some time ago, I gave a speech at an area high school. A young woman raised her hand and asked, “Ms. Braun, were you around in slavery times?” At first, I was surprised — but then it dawned on me that she would have no way of knowing or understanding the march of history or the relationship of one generation to another.

When Carter G. Woodson — the father of Black History Month — first proposed a Negro History Week in 1926, this country was still in the grip of Jim Crow-enforced segregation. It was our own version of apartheid. The NAACP flew a flag outside its window that said, “A man was lynched today.”

Just like that young woman, most of 1926 America was oblivious to how the people of its former slave class were being treated. And so, as the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Woodson decided to make education the core of his advocacy for his people. That is the genesis of Black History Month.

As we spend this month reflecting on Black America’s past — our rich history, our complex roots and the legacy we’ve built — we’re also looking ahead to the future. We’re celebrating Black advocacy and Black leadership because Black History Month isn’t just about celebrating history; it’s about making it.

As a Black woman, I have had the eyes of history follow me every step of my career. When I served in the Illinois House of Representatives, I became the first Black assistant majority leader in state history. I later became the first Black female United States senator and the first Black Democrat in the Senate. Even in spaces designed to exclude Black women, I succeeded by leading with my values, building coalitions, and never compromising on what was most important to me: delivering for my constituents and keeping my campaign promises. Education was, and is, especially important. Black leaders and Black voters continue to play a critical role in making American history. In 2020, Black voters sent the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris ticket to the White House, electing Harris as the first Black vice president and the first woman to ever hold the office. That historic milestone was not the end of the work but the beginning.

dents, overseen record growth in Blackowned small businesses, and appointed a historic number of Black judges to the federal bench, including the first Black female Supreme Court justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.

This president, this administration, and this party know that Black history is not a relic of the past but a guiding principle for the future.

As a country, we’ve made so much progress, but our fight is far from over. Biden outlined the stakes ahead of the 2020 election, and this year, we are once again facing an “existential threat to our democracy.”

Woodson’s legacy of Black History Month reminds the American people what it means to be a free citizen in a democracy. America is run by the people, not by kings or dictators, and all of us as citizens have a role to play in making our democracy work. We must continue to share the whole truth of our struggle for freedom and an equal right to participate in governance so that we can further Woodson’s legacy and underscore the vital importance of keeping our democracy alive.

Since taking office, Harris has continued to serve as a critical partner for President Biden and a key leader in the administration’s work to invest in Black communities. In just three years, the Biden-Harris administration has kept its promise to deliver historic results for Black America. It has invested a record $7 billion in historically Black colleges and universities, fought to lower student loan debt for Black stu-

That’s what Democrats will continue to do. We will continue to educate, mobilize, and act to bring this country closer to its ideals. And this summer, Democrats will gather in my home state of Illinois for the Democratic National Convention, where we will nominate the historic Biden-Harris ticket for a second time.

There is so much at stake in this year’s presidential election, and come November, Democrats across the country, led by Black women, will once again make history when we send Biden and Harris back to the White House to continue the vital work of delivering for all Americans.

Carol Moseley Braun is a former Illinois Representative and was the first Black female U.S. Senator.

Chicago Living Legacies Awards Honor 2024 Peace Planters

Senabella Gill, also known as the Bronzeville Diva for her award-winning jazz recordings, produced a magical event with the third iteration of the Chicago Living Legacies Awards on Saturday, February 24, at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s (IIT) Shultz Auditorium. The event is a collaboration between the IIT Office of Community Affairs and Outreach and Bronzeville Diva Productions. This year's ceremony honored the Peace Planters 2024 recipients. Hosted by Kai EL’ Zabar and Darryl Thomas, the event was free to the public, and began promptly at 6 p.m.

This year’s Peace Planters award recipients included Chicago’s social, cultural, and academic luminaries whose work has left an indelible mark on the city for the better, and especially for the Black community. The awardees at this year’s event were Dr. Carol L. Adams, Yvette Moyo, Dr. Delece Williams, Naomi Da-

vis, Delmarie Cobb, Ron Vasser, Tony “Toca” Carpenter, and professor Daniel Texidor Parker. Parker’s daughter, Nyfesha, and niece, Fati, provided the audience with the evening’s entertainment.

“It is my extreme honor in collaborating with IIT for this special event of which we believe is important in acknowledging the work of those that are advocates for peace, education, and social excellence,” said Gill.

This is evident in the accomplishments of the awardees. Adams is the former chief executive of DuSable Black History

Museum. Moyo launched the Real Men Charities for which she was named as one of the MacArthur Foundation “Ten Leaders for a New Chicago.” Williams won a Joe Biden Presidential Award for her anti-violence advocacy through her organization, Kidz Korna. Naomi Davis is the founder and chief executive of the nonprofit Blacks in Green (BIG), a national network for environmental justice and economic development. Cobb served as the Illinois press secretary for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid and produced the nationally televised

program “Street Life” on PBS affiliates. Vasser is an award-winning former CBS2 Chicago and WSNS-TV producer and director, where he worked for a combined 43 years. Tony ‘Toca’ Carpenter is an urban percussionist, who performed with music icons like Ramsey Lewis, the Emotions, Jerry “Iceman” Butler, the Soul Children of Chicago, and Kim Stratton. Parker is a world-renowned art curator, collector, professor, and author, whose collection and knowledge of African art is legendary. Each Peace Planter who graced the stage to be acknowledged with an award was interviewed by EL’ Zabar, editor-in-chief of the Chicago News Weekly. The words of wisdom shared by awardees were like magical seeds sown that will one day flourish into peace and greatness. A group discussion followed to engage the audience with the thinking and mindsets of the inspiring sowers, leaving them with much food for thought as the evening came to a close.

Clover Lee Staff Writer

Jon Stewart Doles Out Criticism to Both Sides of the Aisle in Return

Two weeks ago, Jon Stewart returned to his old seat on "The Daily Show," charged as ever.

He arrived on set prepared and opened with the question, "Now, where was I?" It was the prelude to what has been, since his departure, a pregnant pause. In 2015, when he passed the coveted role of host to Trevor Noah, who had a great run, he was in search of a long-term successor. With Noah’s departure for other prospects, the position had been left vacant. Until now.

His highly anticipated return has been overwhelmingly received by excited fans who missed his personal brand of wit, humor, and fact. It had been ten years since his departure, but Stewart's opening monologue was perfectly delivered, as if he had never left. He took jabs at the Super Bowl and right-wing conspiracy theories, mocking the idea that the game was fixed by Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift – "It's almost like the right's ridiculous obsession with politicizing every aspect of American life ruins everything"

– before turning to the topic at hand: the race for the 2024 presidential election.

Stewart didn’t mince words, but rather pointed right at the elephant in the room by discussing the advanced ages of presidential candidates Joe Biden, 81, and Donald Trump, 77.

"What the heck are we doing here, people?" he asked, theorizing that “Indecision 2024: Electile Dysfunction” and “Indecision 2024: Antiques Roadshow” would be apt branding for the candidates' second showdown.

This got lots of laughs and applause, followed by silence. The people were listening – they clearly wanted to hear more.

The “new old” host will sit behind the desk on Monday nights before the show's correspondents emcee the rest of the week. Stewart found equal opportunity for criticism in his opening act. Never shy, Stewart acknowledged special counsel Robert Hur's report that declared Biden would not be charged over mishandling classified documents, while also calling him an "elderly man with a poor memory." Clips of Trump and his

family members not being able to recall basic info during various depositions followed.

“It turns out that the leading cause of early-onset dementia is being deposed,” Stewart retorted.

After playing a clip of Vice President Kamala Harris assuring the public that Biden is “on top of it all,” Stewart wondered, “Did anyone film that?”

Stewart wasn’t being ageist, he insisted, just "human-lifespanist." This remained his central concern throughout the episode, and the take-off was fascinating. As Stewart sees it, “These two candidates, they are both similarly challenged.”

the voters’ job not to mention them,” he explained, before stating what should seem obvious.

“We’re not suggesting neither man is vibrant, productive, or even capable. But they are both stretching the limits of being able to handle the toughest job in the world. What’s crazy is thinking that we’re the ones, as voters, who must silence concerns and criticisms. It is the candidates’ job to assuage concerns, not

“We have two candidates who are chronologically outside the norm of anyone who has run for the presidency in the history of this country. They are the oldest people ever to run for president— breaking, by only four years, the record that they set!”

He didn’t mention that people are now living longer than ever and are working longer. But there you have it.

Those who stared and never batted or fluttered a blink created some of the most powerful and influential news outlets of their time.

EBONY/JET Showcase

Because John H. Johnson introduced the Black American to the world through the lens of Ebony and Jet magazines we owe a look at Ebony/Jet Showcase which was a continuum of his mission to enlighten the ignorant that Blacks are human beings like themselves, and inspired him to capture the success stories of those who had found a credible way to succeed in “America the beautiful,” which had done much to prevent the eventual success of Black people who would not be stopped. With sheer determination, they build the roads of their journey with faith, hope, and hard work.

Visionary Leaders of the Pack Ebony/Jet Showcase

Ebony /Jet Showcase like the magazine(s) captured profiles of successful movers and achievers helping Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) to catapult to the top. Blacks were everywhere except on the covers of mainstream magazines, granting Ebony domination over the story narrative for Blacks across the country and in Africa. The talk show was a perfect marriage for the place in time where Blacks found themselves. Ebony was poised to enter the television world as Ebony/Jet Showcase, a syndicated television talk show.

EBONY/JET Showcase first graced the television screens in households across the country with co-hosts Chicago born Greg Gumbel and Deborah Crable who had been hand-picked by John H Johnson. As Ms. Crable tells the story, “I used to watch Tom Joyner on the tv. I was working in Washington, DC. for NBC WRC news talk radio, as a news reporter. I vividly remember saying, to myself, “One day, I will be hosting that show. That says the short and long of it. I just found what they were doing to be inspiring in terms of elevating Black people’s visible presence on television. They were telling powerful successful stories of Blacks never shared before on television. And, shortly after maybe a year or, maybe months later I was sitting in that Ebony /Jet Showcase chair.”

She explains, “It was quite serendipitous as it happened. In addition to my main job at NBC I was moonlighting at W H M MTV, hosting a show called Common Sense with a colleague reporter who worked for Black Enterprise. His wife had gone into labor when the opportunity arose. I got the call to interview John H. Johnson at Howard University after my colleague who had initially been assigned could not. When I got the call from Howard’s broadcasting department the producer said, “Look, you got to get over here and do the interview, you must do this interview. So, you know, I had to process things quickly. With a smile in her voice, Deborah says, “I provided a reason for my sudden departure and ended up interviewing with John H. Johnson. Directly after the interview, he offered me the job. Just like that.”

I can hear in her voice the moment that changed her life as she says, “So he said, ‘Hey, would you like to come to Chicago to host my television show?”

“In retrospect, I can’t imagine how innocent we were back then. I can tell you

this, when I arrived at the airport it was snowing a lot, in the Spring. At the airport, I ran into John Bellamy and had no idea who he was at the time. I assume now that I must have looked like I was new to Chicago. Anyway, he offered me a ride. He said, “Look, I'll take you where you need to go.” And he drove me to Chicago to John Johnson Publishing Company. And that was my entree to Chicago.”

With the backdrop of a very prolific moment in Black History, Ms. Crable explains that it felt like being in a wonderful whirlwind. She began working with Bryant Gumbel which was shortlived because he wanted to be a sportscaster so when the opportunity came he was out, and Darryl was in only a short moment later.

ENTERS Darryl Dennard

According to Darryl Dennard, “I was in Buffalo, New York working as a reporter and weekend anchor, I didn't get a chance to see the Ebony Jet showcase because of the time slot.” And he infers

Ebony/Jet Showcase kicked off with hosts Greg Gumbel and Deborah Crable

that technology didn’t allow us to save and record or stream whenever we like. He continues, “Of course, I was familiar with the publications Ebony and Jet. But I didn't know about the television program.”

Darryl explains, “It wasn't until Ebony’s sales director, Ozzie Bruno was at our offices and saw my picture hanging in the lobby, curious, and asked the receptionist about me. She in turn said that's Darryl Dennard, one of our reporters here. He ended up calling me, introduced himself, and then told me, “We're looking for a replacement for Greg Gumbel. It was around June of 1987. They flew me in one day into Chicago. And Linda Johnson Rice and, Mr. Johnson interviewed me. After the interview, Mr. Johnson offered me the job.”

NEW EBONY/JET SHOWCASE HOSTS

Darryl recalls that, Upon my arrival, we started producing shows for the fall episode giving us about three months to prepare. I know we had two or three months to move everything and to start putting some segments together. Darryl points out that it was a wonderful collaborative effort involving him and Deborah as well as the editorial staff of the magazine, and more importantly, our producers and writers including Linda Johnson Rice. Both Deborah and I were accomplished journalists, who had worked for NBC affiliates, so they valued what we had to say. We drafted interview questions and provided input in suggesting possible interviews.”

Ms. Crable adds, “It was an extraordinary period, to know and to have the privilege of working with one of the larg-

est Black companies in America for the most influential Black man in America who was committed to offering powerful positive stories about the African American community, not to showcase just our brilliance, but to make a difference regarding race relations. His philosophy was ‘the way that I can make a difference regarding racism in this country, is to show all of America/the world that Black people have the same wants, needs, desires and aspirations as everybody else. His magazines were the platform to convey that message. We did have a voice in the matter, and he listened, but he had the final word. Be very clear about that.”

She makes the point, “At one point when we had thought about, including white folks. he said no, they have too many venues and too many options available to them. And Blacks do not have that kind of visibility or opportunity. He gave Black people a national and international platform that was valued and respected. In that regard, Johnson Publishing Company was the leader of the pack regarding that level of exposure.”

Ms. Crable makes it clear that because of Mr. Johnson’s conscious effort, the JPC audience and subjects trusted them. The stories whether print or television were done respectfully and never sought the rachet rumor gossip rans that we see everywhere every place today. He respected the privacy of others and treated them with the same respect he demanded.

At one point Ms. Crable says, “Mr. Johnson would always make it very clear to us that they come to us because they trust us. Do not betray the trust.”

Darryl interjects, “We were doing Ebony Magazine profiles in a moment I consider having been the growing apex of mass media and broadcast media. So, because Mr. Johnson had a TV show more stars wanted to be on the TV show rather than the to be in the magazine or both. The magazine helped open the door to get access to some of the other mainline stories. But the fact that the magazine was ‘now’ on TV, added a more immediate visibility because the production time was more immediate we could put together a story in a week as opposed to having to wait a month.”

Ms. Crable shares,” One of the first interviews I conducted was with Nina Simone. And I was so excited and scared to death. And the photographer told me ‘She's gonna cannibalize you. She doesn’t talk to anybody. We sat down, with me looking 12 years old and out of place but we spoke at length. My point is, that a lot of many people would reserve those public interviews solely and specifically for John H. Johnson, because of the respect they had for him and his platform. Therefore, Nina felt free to speak with

us and would not speak to anybody else. And Michael Jackson reserved his interviews with us.”

Darryl chimes in, “I was one a few journalists to privileged to interview Michael Jackson. It was a unique opportunity because Michael Jackson considered Mr. Johnson, to be an extended father or uncle. And because of that relationship, he granted us the interview because he was

coming off the success of his Thriller album, video MTV debut. And everybody wanted him. But he trusted us.” He continues, “It was a consistent theme, one of trust across the board, there was always a sense of respect in terms of what Ebony and Jet meant to the Black community. Both publications held a sacred place of honor on coffee tables, kitchen tables, and bedside tables

in Black American homes. Consequently, our subjects trusted us. He pauses and continues, “That trust made it possible for me to conduct interviews with folks like MJ to Sammy Davis Jr., Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, to Queen Latifah, LL Cool J., Will Smith. Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, . . . Maya Angelou and so many more.”

Ms. Crable chimes in, “Another thing is that we humanized them. We took you into their and homes, we showed you the people, you got the story behind the people pulled back that veil of mystery. And that's what made it so special.”

Ms. Crable states, “Another thing not only did Ebony/Jet go from the magazine pages to television or from television to the pages of the magazine, but every year we would go on a national tour to those cities where we had the greatest concentration of Black people, not necessarily even the highest ratings. We could reach and touch the public that we served, the readers and the viewers. It kept us connected. It was an extraordinary thing to be able to touch people in that kind of way. And then you really understood the magnitude of what it was that we were doing.”

And still after just less than ten seasons Ebony/ Jet came to a halt. And Darryl says It had much to do with the shift in how “big conglomerates chose to handle to diversity and inclusion marketing. They eliminated minority marketing budgets and chose to extend big contracts under a one-stop all-shop. That move devastated many Black advertising agencies and the distribution of advertising money. And finally, the cost of TV production is a huge expense that requires major resources to aggressively market and advertise to promote your show and it was more challenging for us because it was a syndicated show not on any specific channel.”

He says “Mr. Johnson was more than aware that unlike ABC News, or NBC News or magazine, who had a tremendous reach could be engaged in harder hitting stories. He’d say, “look, you know, we don't have that luxury, you know, we can't burn down any bridges that we cross. He knew our limitations.

Daryl closes with, “The opportunity that Deborah and I shared was absolutely phenomenal.”

Ms. Crable closes, with “The invaluable impact of sharing our being human with the world also acted to teach and preserve our culture--how we interacted and engaged with one another.

So much of the human factor of self-respect that that is often missing in much of what is captured on social platforms are performances for viewer count only, and anything goes. So, we wonder why our youth are as they are."

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

Laughter, Perseverance, and Purposefulness

Robert and Kiana Hughes on Black Love

Robert and Kiana Hughes’ love story is one of growth, communication, and mutual respect. In an era where commitment issues marry creative and isolating versions of self-love, the Hughes’ have decided to practice caring for each other, raising their family and protecting their legacy of love. They met as teenagers and have navigated the ups and downs of life together, building a strong and lasting relationship that hasn’t always been perfect. But no relationship or marriage is.

Black love is a cultural bond unlike any other. It transcends race and encompasses a deep sense of understanding and compassion that can only come from shared experiences. It is both common and rare at the same time. The Hughes' love has been tested and refined by years of laughter, perseverance, and purposefulness.

“My definition of Black love is that it is really based on a sense of understand-

ing,” Robert said. “It's a cultural bond unlike any other.”

Kiana echoes this sentiment of understanding being at the foundation of her definition of Black love as well.

“Building a life with a Black man, there is an understanding and compassion because of the shared realities as Black people,” she explained. “We don’t have the luxury of pretending we live in a color-blind society.”

Communication is key in any relationship. For Kiana and Robert, it has been a cornerstone of their friendship and foundation for their family.

“You have to know and accept how your partner communicates. You have to practice communicating in the way your partner receives it best. And you have to constantly learn how to have uncomfortable conversations,” Robert said, lovingly.

When asked how Robert communicates his love, Kiana girlishly giggled.

”Rob, he is my family. He’s not the most physically affectionate, but he will

definitely paint me something, or make me something,” she shared, with a heartfelt laugh. “He’s always been expressive about his love and care for me. It’s very sweet.”

Being well loved brings a sense of security and acceptance. It can boost self-esteem and confidence, and provide comfort and emotional support during challenging times. All the things any relationship can benefit from, but there is something especially healing about facing life's adversities with a loved person by your side.

Robert’s insight for couples moving towards marriage is to treat your partner well.

“Make sure their needs and wants are part of your decision making,” he said. “If you can’t see yourself compromising daily, then marriage may not be for you. And no, you’re not always going to be in love. You have to work at it.”

Kiana’s advice is just as tangible and reminds couples that change is inevitable and marriage requires maintenance. She thinks couples should go into marriage with their eyes wide open.

The A.I. The answer.is...

When does age matter?

Age: a period of human life, measured by years from birth, usually marked by a certain stage or degree of mental or physical development and involving legal responsibility and capacity. For instance, the age of discretion, or the age of consent. “The state raised the drinking age from 18 to 21 years.”

Youth: The United Nations, for statistical purposes, defines “youth” as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, without prejudice to others.

Old: Most developed Western countries set the retirement age around 65. This is also generally considered to mark the transition from middle to old age.

Old age is the range of ages for persons nearing and surpassing life expectancy (a statistical measure of the estimate of the average remaining years of life at a given age). People of old age are also referred to as: old people, elderly, elders, seniors, senior citizens, or older adults.

Old age is not a definite biological stage – the chronological age denoted as "old age" varies culturally and historically. Therefore, old age cannot be universally defined because it is context-sensitive.

The United Nations, for example, considers old age to be 60 years or older. In contrast, a 2001 joint report by the National Institute on Aging and the World Health Organization’s regional office for Africa set the beginning of old age in Sub-Saharan Africa at 50. This lower threshold stems primarily from a different way of thinking about old age in developing nations. Unlike in the developed world, where chronological age determines retirement, societies in developing countries determine old age according to a person's ability to make active contributions to society. This number is also significantly affected by lower life expectancy throughout the developing world.

CNW Staff

“Be clear on why you want to be married and what it means to do life with one person. You have to love every version of that person along the way,” she shared, lightheartedly laughing. “Don’t get stuck on who they are at that moment. But the part that gets on your nerves, that will always be there. You’ve got to love every version of them.”

The Hughes’ have a strong connection and will be celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary this year. For the occasion, Robert had a special message for his wife: “You are truly my best friend and I’m happy we made the choice to be with each other and I couldn’t imagine life any other way and I’m grateful for that.”

When asked what she would love for her husband to know, Kiana paused and said, “Thank you for being my friend and loving all the versions of me.”

In modern times, humanity seems very close to reaching the long sought after goal – the Fountain of Eternal Youth – by means of technologies that can alter one’s physical appearance and stem the decline in cognitive and physical abilities. Plastic surgeons and weight loss gurus have become the kings and queens of the current social climate. But why? Listen, everyone is going to die. We’re all going to die. But as we live, we want to be healthy and maintain our mental and physical faculties.

With the 2024 election just nine months away, much of the conversation has centered around age, comparing President Biden, who is 81, to former President Trump, who is 77. Both men are well over the standard U.S. retirement age, while most presidents before them left office before they turned 65.

Biden is hands down healthier than Trump, however, who is grossly overweight and does not exercise. He was the first modern president who was never captured engaged in a daily health routine. There were glimpses of him on the golf course – which revealed his extended stomach – while Biden has been routinely captured jogging until he injured his foot and shifted to cycling. Biden has from the beginning of his presidential tenure rotely delivered his speeches, occasionally looking at notes, while the former president, who tried to overthrow the last election, circles the same tired subjects no matter who his audience is. Trump has never delivered a great speech. None of his ramblings go down in history as examples of masterful oratory.

Trump's line that this is “the first time in history that a president has been indicted, it’s never happened before,” and all his other woe-is-me one-liners serve to portray himself as the victim. This is an unacceptable comparison to speeches and conversations of substance and value delivered by Biden even if he occasionally stutters or makes verbal slips, too.

By Clover Lee Staff Writer

CDC Declares Racism a Public Health Threat

In a bold move aimed at addressing systemic health disparities, Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), declared racism a serious public health threat. Walensky’s declaration came just ten weeks after assuming leadership at the CDC in 2021 and marked a pivotal moment in the agency’s commitment to health equity.

“I declared racism a serious public health threat that directly affects the well-being of millions of Americans and, as a result, affects the health of our entire nation,” Walensky said in a statement. “It was important to me to bring my clinical and scientific commitment, passion, and advocacy for health equity to my role as director of the agency charged with protecting the health of all Americans.”

The announcement underscored the CDC’s recognition of racism as a root cause of many health disparities and signaled a rededication to addressing the structural factors perpetuating inequality. Walensky emphasized the agency’s commitment to implementing transformative actions through its CORE Health Equity Strategy.

“As part of that commitment, we developed the agency’s CORE Health Equity Strategy resolving to create comprehensive health equity science, optimize interventions, reinforce existing partnerships and create new ones, and enhance our workforce engagement,” Walensky

explained.

The CORE Health Equity Strategy aims to integrate health equity into every aspect of the CDC’s work, ensuring that every center, division, and program advances efforts to eliminate health inequities. Walensky highlighted the submission of health equity science and intervention goals from each part of the agency, outlining strategies to study the drivers and impacts of social determinants on health outcomes.

“Each part of the agency submitted their health equity science and intervention goals that describe how we will study the drivers and impacts of social determinants on health outcomes, expand the body of evidence of what interventions will reduce the inequities that affect health, and invite partners from multiple sectors who can collaborate to implement solutions,” stated Walensky.

Walensky’s statement showcased some of the commitments made by CDC divisions to address health disparities and promote equity. Examples included initiatives to increase focus on underserved areas and populations, reduce stigma and discrimination, and assess awareness of preventive measures among marginalized communities.

“For example, our Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support has committed that by October 2022, they will increase the proportion of Public Health Associate Program assignments that focus on underserved areas and/or work with populations who are underserved. This includes racial and ethnic

Free Healthcare Services for South Side Residents February 2024 Virtual Town Hall

Staff Report

On Thursday, February 29th, starting at 9:00 a.m., the South Side Healthy Community Organization (SSHCO) invites South Side residents to a virtual town hall. Throughout the session, SSHCO will provide important information about programs South Side residents can access to live healthier lives, including help with doctor and specialist appointments and a number of free services like transportation to medical appointments, jobs and housing services, nutritious food deliveries and more.

SSHCO is dedicated to eliminating healthcare gaps in South Side communities and helping residents live healthier lives. The organization is comprised of 13 healthcare organizations – safety net hospitals, health systems, and Federally Qualified Health Centers — on the South Side of Chicago.

minority populations,” Walensky outlined.

Similarly, the CDC’s Center for Global Health’s Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis pledged to advance the reduction of stigma and discrimination to improve health outcomes in countries where the division operates. Other commitments addressed disparities among specific demographic groups, such as Hispanic women of reproductive age in the U.S.

“By December 2025, the Office of Women’s Health will collaborate with internal and external partners to develop and implement strategies and policies that address gendered racism and gender discrimination in the workplace in redoubled efforts to promote health equity,” Walensky noted.

These commitments represent just a fraction of the more than 150 pledges made across the CDC to implement effective strategies, focus on measurable outcomes, and drive innovative action to advance health equity. Walensky expressed gratitude for the agency’s collective efforts and encouraged continued

collaboration and support for the initiative.

“I would like to acknowledge the huge efforts of all who have been involved with this effort throughout our agency. Not only am I committed to this work, but I am energized by the overwhelming enthusiasm, cross-agency collaboration and scientific rigor our workforce has demonstrated,” Walensky remarked. Walensky urged stakeholders to join the CDC in its critical mission to promote health equity and combat racism as a public health threat. For more information on the agency’s efforts, she directed individuals to visit the newly launched CORE strategy website.

By Mila K. Marshall, PhD CNW Staff Editor

From Seed to Table Growing Your Own Food -- Explained

Spring is nearing, and for urban farmers, the countdown to the growing season has begun. There is only a six-month time span to grow in Chicago. To ensure a long and successful season, it is wisest to start planting in March. And when it comes to planting, timing is crucial.

With winter drawing to a close, community gardens are preparing plots for summer programs and even offering rental raised beds for those with green thumbs and summer harvest goals. Whether you have a small balcony or a big backyard, there are ways to make the most of the space you have, learn best practices, and enjoy fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies through fall. A proper plan is a priority when growing in the heart of the city. Anyone can grow, but it absolutely matters what you know.

I don’t have space to grow at home. Where can I grow my own food in Chicago?

Space is always the first thing to consider when growing your own goods. Herb gardens take up very little space and can be grown indoors on your windowsill. Back porches that receive full sun could also accommodate a variety of veggies. But if space is limited, sunlight is scarce, or access to water is a challenge, you may want to look into planting at a local community garden. There are hundreds of gardens across the city, and some offer

plots of land for a small fee for the entire season. Using the garden mapping tool on the Chicago Community Garden Association website makes finding a local garden much easier. As the season is just beginning, it is a great time to reach out and even visit gardens. Popular community gardens have waiting lists, and others may require a deposit, waivers, or community agreement contracts. Wherever you choose, make sure the community is a match for your energy and commitment level.

I want to start growing at home. How do I start?

Before diving into the world of growing food at home, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to understand the space you have available for gardening. Consider how much sunlight your space gets and for how long during the day. Look around for trees or buildings that may shade your ideal growing space. Next, think about the veggies or herbs you want to grow. Chicago’s climate can be challenging for certain crops, so it’s important to choose plants that are well-suited for the region and your growing space. Hardy crops can stand up against the fluctuations in temperature and weather conditions that Chicago often experiences. Start with cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas in early spring, then transition to warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash in late spring or early summer. Be sure to check the recommended planting dates for each crop and

plan accordingly.

Once you have identified the space and chosen your crops, it’s time to prepare your garden. If you have limited space, raised beds or containers maximize growing area. Raised beds provide better drainage and can help prevent soil erosion, while containers offer flexibility and can be placed on patios, balconies, or even windowsills. Make sure to choose a well-draining soil mix to provide nutrients for your plants. If you are in need of a bit more direction, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers classes on vegetable gardening basics, ornamental edibles, and herbs for wellness. There are lots of classes across the city hosted by nonprofits, garden enthusiasts, and local colleges and universities.

I’ve heard things about lead in Chicago soil … should I be concerned?

Unfortunately, the city does indeed have a legacy of lead that can impact the health of growing soil. Before planting, it is important to test the quality of your

soil. Chicago has a history of industrial pollution, so it is a good idea to have your soil tested for contaminants like lead or heavy metals. If your soil is not suitable for growing vegetables, consider using raised beds or containers filled with new, uncontaminated soil. Also, consider adding compost or organic fertilizers to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for your plants.

Once your vegetables are planted, it is essential to provide them with proper care and maintenance. Water your plants regularly, especially during periods of hot, dry weather. Mulching can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, while also adding nutrients and improving soil structure. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and be prepared to address any issues promptly to prevent damage to your plants.

By Mila K. Marshall, PhD

Chicago has the most disproportionately impacted areas of any city in the state of Illinois in terms of mass incarceration. While cannabis state tax dollars are supposed to address the ongoing harms of the war on drugs, it is at the municipal level where direct support is most needed. Most conversations about the cannabis market happen at the state level. A notable absence that needs more attention is a cannabis commission, a governing body that oversees the regulation and licensing of cannabis businesses. While several other major cities, including Denver and Seattle, have established cannabis commissions, Chicago has yet to follow suit. Illinois only legalized recreational marijuana in January 2020, and Chicago has been somewhat slow in working to establish regulations and guidelines, according to most advocates. With the industry still in its infancy, there may not have been a pressing need for a dedicated commission to oversee it in 2020, but four years later, it’s clear that it’s well overdue.

City-level ordinances arguably reign supreme in determining the legal contours of the cannabis economy, but there are many other barriers to cannabis entrepreneurs entering the market. Residents can prevent cannabis businesses from operating in their neighborhoods at the precinct level. The Zoning Board of Appeals can prevent or allow a cannabis business to proceed with operations only if cannabis entrepreneurs can win the support of the community. The

Chicago Police Department enforces public consumption laws, and landlords can evict or restrict consumption of smokable cannabis products. And property owners hold the pursestrings, as without a lease, cannabis licenses have nowhere to operate. Not to mention the community banks who can choose for or against providing financial products to state-legal businesses. (Cannabis continues to be classified as a schedule I substance under the Federal Controlled Substance Act and remains illegal under US federal law.)

And the “green tax” makes everything more expensive, which for Black operators can leave dreams of business ownership in the industry feeling like social equity is just a bunch of smoke and mirrors.

There are a few reasons why Chicago may not have a dedicated cannabis commission. Firstly, the regulation and oversight of cannabis at the state level does not require any municipality to manage their cannabis program with any specificity. A new department also means new money to be appropriated and employees. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposed in her 2023 budget that the $9.8 million in total resources from the Cannabis Regulation Tax Fund would support crime prevention programs, training, and efforts of other banned substances. 2023 was the third year of legalization, meaning the city has had access to over $10 million of revenue without communicating appropriations details, community input, advocacy engagement, or transparency.

With the dispensary desert concentrated on the South Side, coupled with a greater density of Black arrests in those same neighborhoods, Chicago clearly needs a cannabis commission, and more transparency and purposefulness in allocating cannabis revenue. Chicago has a well-established Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) that oversees licensing and regulations for various industries, including liquor and tobacco. It is possible that city officials determined that the BACP feels it is equipped to handle the licensing and regulation of cannabis businesses, without the need for a separate commission.

The other three departments that manage municipal marijuana the Chicago Police Department, Department of Planning and Development, and the Zoning Board of Appeals could benefit from the oversight of a commission. From what is available on the City of Chicago website, there seems to be an administrative stonewall to social equity conversations for addressing any of the city-level cannabis issues.

The lack of a cannabis commission is a point of contention for advocates and industry stakeholders. It makes it unclear how seriously Chicago is committed to regulating the cannabis industry and allocating the revenue from tax dollars in a responsible and equitable manner. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, it remains to be seen whether Chicago will establish a dedicated commission to oversee cannabis regulations and coordinate agencies in the future.

Windy City Woes Why Chicago Needs a Cannabis Commission

Food & Wine

By Mare Evans Contributing Wriiter

Oven-Baked Chicken Tastes Like It’s Fried

Afamily-pleasing recipe for oven-fried chicken breasts. An easy coating of Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning keeps the chicken moist and the outside crispy.

This Italian-style, baked chicken thighs recipe with garlic and lemon packs a flavorful punch. But if dark meat is not your thing, you may choose another part of the chicken. Either way, it’s easy to make. The thighs are best because they’re meaty and pack a fullness that wings won’t. Marinate and bake for an easy meal.

How do you bake chicken thighs so that they’re both juicy and crispy?

Developing recipes is always a creative venture – sometimes you get exactly what you envisioned that tastes the way you expected, and other times it may turn out even beyond your wildest dreams.

Sometimes you get a bonus gift, like this recipe reveals – the secret for great chicken thighs is that they can tolerate high heat because they have a lot of fat. And that tolerance for a high temperature allows them to cook quickly while leaving them plump and juicy and with a great crusty exterior. One more note – if you want more crunch, put them under the broiler for a minute before serving. Lastly, don’t forget to let the chicken thighs sit seven to 10 minutes before serving. This makes a major difference because it allows the juices to get absorbed back in (as with any kind of meat).

What’s in the Italian-style marinade?

If you love simple, thrown-together marinades, then you’ll love this one in particular when you have to prepare, serve, and feed dinner to a hungry family.

PREP TIME: Four hours for the marinade, five minutes actual prep COOK TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes, plus 4 hours marinade time

SERVINGS: Four to Six METHOD: Baking

CUISINE: Italian American Instructions:

1. To make the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic cloves, honey, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

2. Add the chicken thighs to a zip-lock bag or a bowl with a lid and pour the marinade over all of the thighs, making sure each one is coated well.

5. Arrange the chicken in the bottom of a skillet or baking dish. Do not rinse the marinade off. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

3. Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour, or up to four hours. Let the chicken thighs come to room temperature in the marinade for 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.

4. When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Place the baking dish or skillet in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until juices run clear, or until a digital read thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Rest the chicken for seven to 10 minutes before serving. This ensures juicy chicken!

By C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer

He’s Back: Galliano Embraces the Body at His Seminal Margiela Couture Show

Published in 2016, veteran fashion journalist Dana Thomas’s “Gods and King; The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano” recounts a moment when Lisa Young, a fashion writer, sits down next to the young Galliano at a London dinner party in the 1980s. The designer was hailed as brilliant straight out of Central St. Martins. However, she mentions that his first collections had problems with fit. She shares the conversation between them about breasts: she asked, “You don’t like them?’ He looked a little sheepish, and then whispered: ‘No. They spoil the line.’”

And there you have it, a male designer who doesn’t necessarily see the overall beauty in the entire female body, which is fashioned in so many different packages. The point is that design reflects the personal views and perspectives that the designer possesses or subscribes to. And yet, there’s a lot to be said about personal growth and its impact on perception and therefore perspective.

Who would have thought then that Galliano would later design beautiful bias-cut gowns that envelop a woman’s hips in a sexy swirl-like meringue, soft-looking yet maintaining its crisp and precise edges to keep the integrity of the design? But he did.

So, he blew up like a cult figure on the fashion scene, and then he blew it. In December 2010, a drunken Galliano insulted a group of Italian women in Paris, and it just got worse from there when he ranted that he loved Hitler, which was caught on camera. The video

resurfaced in February 2011, just before Paris Fashion Week in the fall of 2011. The in-your-face public and legal scrutiny sent him packing, fired from his position at Dior as creative director.

Fast forward to 2013, and his comeback had begun. Galliano was given a space by Oscar de la Renta, as an agreement brokered by Anna Wintour, and took up a temporary residency at the Dominican’s design studio to help prepare for a showing of his fall 2013 ready-towear collection at New York’s fashion week. Galliano also received a measure of absolution from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which lauded his efforts to atone for his missteps and wished him well. It would not be the last time ADL came to his defense. When the New York Post ran an image of him on his way to the de la Renta show dressed in what it declared was “Hasidic-like garb,” it was assumed that he was paying respect where he had shown previous disrespect.

Galliano remained backstage at the show, which received favorable reviews amid speculation about his future. That June, Galliano gave an interview, the first since his fall from grace and departure from Dior. Galliano ended, stating, "I am able to create. I am ready to create … I hope through my atonement I'll be given a second chance."

Through it all, he didn’t crash and burn. Galliano made his historic return to the world of fashion in February 2015, with his debut haute couture collection for Maison Martin Margiela in London. According to Women’s Wear Daily, invitations were sent to only a small selection of guests.

And then came his “just like that, he’s back” moment this January, during the final week of fashion week. Galliano's Maison Margiela Artisanal blew back the years of shade and absolutely brang it. Detail upon glorious detail highlighted

breasts, hips, and even pubic hair, which was actually an artificial coverings of hair for the genital area known as a merkin. But whatever, it was still in your face for all to see.

Who knew the female body could be so fascinating when exaggerated to the size of the wildest imaginations of men. Galliano surpassed in proportion to those who opt for Brazilian butt jobs and supersized boobs with the aid of hip padding and corsetry. All that was presented as a luxurious drama and, if I’m being honest, was a bit scary. No matter how much the mouths of heavy girls had screamed couture, designers had steered away from the plus-size models in the past. But Galliano had something new to say. It was a major oddity for couture ... the unexpected. Galliano had the audacity to showcase models who were not traditional model size. Sumptuous flesh for sumptuous clothes.

In sum, he did what the true couture designer does –he provided the cutting edge to where everyone else was going and presented a beautiful collection celebrating the scale of women as just as beautiful as the clothes they wear. Are they not the inspiration after all?