March 20, 2024 Edition

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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

CL Blackburn

Zada Johnson

Marti Worell

Wanda Wright

Columnists

Dr. Gerald Cooke

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Melanie Mainor

Ken Hare

Cover Photo By Shutterstock.com

Chicago News Weekly

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Vol. 2 No 7

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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Navigating the Information Overload

With the state of world affairs what it is, I felt the need to share my perspective as a longtime journalist. Just as you are, we journalists are also bombarded with information from other news outlets giving us their spiel on whatever the topic is, which can be quite daunting given the thousands of online news platforms, some committed to high journalistic standards and others not. Each has a following that allows them to continue to provide their slant on factual and/ or opinionated information, too often now based upon hearsay or deranged conspiracy. That’s not to say that some conspiracy theories have a foundation in truth or are supported by some evidence. What I’m simply saying is that you must be clear about what it is that you buy into and accept as the truth and how do you distinguish the truth from falsehoods?

Interestingly, I have some of the most inspiring discussions with my colleagues. We, myself included, must be on top of whatever it is we’re discussing, because when we’re not, we’re humbled before the group, and thus are motivated to seek more information to better prepare for the next discussion. And I love it because it is the very reason why Chicago News Weekly exist. We believe in an informed community. Our mission is to contribute to the growth and evolution of an informed community, from which an informed constituency will emerge. We believe that a democracy cannot exist without an informed voting population. Information is invaluable. Allowing ourselves to be gullible to lies, baseless statements or doctored statistics, repurposed half-truths, or populist rhetoric is the fastest way sink into despair or anger and to fail to rise to our ultimate potential.

Today, with the potential of another Trump presidency hanging like a dark cloud, there are countless slants to cover around this year’s election – and we're here to shed light on each new development, with explanations, key takeaways, and analysis of what it means for America, democracy, and the world.

Listen, I don’t hate Trump, but I do recognize that he is in pursuit of an authoritarian regime that will allow him to end the free press and give him the ultimate authority to do whatever he so pleases without having to face criticism or scrutiny. What he did in his first term, no matter how great it was for businesses, is overshadowed by his taste of power and his thirst for revenge. If the people can’t see that, then God help us.

We must stay on top of Chicago’s newly elected leadership. Will we have to choose us or the asylum seekers, or can we choose a path that benefits all communities?

From Elon Musk to the Murdochs, Jeff Bezos and George Soros, a small number of billionaire owners of media companies and outlets have a powerful hold on so much of the information that trickles down to reach the public about what’s happening in the world. So, we must be firmly grounded in what the implications are for our small newsroom. We stand upon our principles despite the fact that we have no billionaire owner or shareholders to consider. Our journalism is produced to serve our community interests. Our motive is simple: when the community wins, we win.

We are not here to please all sides of the story like much of American media, unfortunately born out of the desire to survive. Newspapers survive off advertisement which at one time was a fair exchange. Newspapers brought the people the news and in exchange the advertiser got an audience to which they could market their products. Today, papers have been forced to engage in false equivalence in the name of neutrality. It’s like the rhetoric of equality and equity. If you really understand the distinction, then you know equity is a long way off in America, but we can continue to work on equality and ground it as one of the guiding principles of our democracy.

Our mission is to inform, introduce, educate, enlighten, entertain, expose, and encourage our readers to actively participate in the American democracy. That requires our readers to be informed and us to reveal the actions of powerful people and institutions – the good, the bad, and the ugly – while making clear how misinformation and demagoguery can destroyw our democracy.

From threats to election integrity, to shutting down the country for failing to balance the budget, to the spiraling climate crisis, to complex foreign conflicts, our reporters pursue the facts in context to the subject, investigating and illuminating the critical issues of this moment like the Ukraine-Russian and Israel-Hamas wars. We recognize that without the free press, propaganda about these issues will spread like a violent scourge.

As a city news organization with a small but growing staff, our strength is reporting news of value to the community packed with reliable information. We thank you for your readership and continued support. We’re able to provide a fresh perspective because we choose to, and we will continue because we believe in you. Thank you.

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

photo credit: Dot Ward

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

Unveiling the Science of 007 A Bond-Inspired Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is known for bringing the secrets of science to life through interactive and creative exhibits. The James Bond film series is the world's longest-running movie franchise. While there have been James Bond exhibits, this one is special. Guests will be able to see the science that brought the world of Bond to life and have a rare experience learning about how science and fiction have led to real-life inventions used today. Tickets to the exhibit also include a visit to a lab space inspired by “Q,” Bond’s quartermaster in the British Secret Service. Visitors will have a chance to peek into the world of espionage. One highlight of the exhibit is the interactive screens that let guests try their hand at decoding secret messages, testing observation skills, and learning how to disappear in plain sight. The exhibit is interactive and perfect for all ages, whether longtime Bond fans or young tech innovators. This is a must-see exhibit for anyone interested in seeing STEM in action.

Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and interactive experience, this exhibit has something for everyone. Illinois residents can visit for free on April 21st, June 6th, and June 19th. To check if you are eligible for free entry, visit the museum's website for ticket details and discounts. Also, guests who present an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) card along with a photo ID are entitled to free Museum Entry for up to two adults and up to six children (under 18) through the Museums for All program. Advance tickets can be reserved by calling (773) 684-1414. “007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond” is open through October 27, 2024, and is not included in Museum Entry; it requires an additional ticket.

Bearing Toxic Burdens The Link Between Environment and Pregnancy Complications

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

Arecent study titled “Environmental Justice Index and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes” published in AJOG Global Reports Journal has identified a relationship between environmental characteristics of a community and an increase in pregnancy complications. Researchers used a tool released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called the Environmental Justice Index (EJI) to conduct their study. The EJI quantifies and ranks environmental stressors and other social risks at the census tract level, ranging from unwanted land uses like landfills and toxic waste dumps to any form of polluting industry that exposes humans to contaminants and reduces the quality of air, land, and water. Experts found a correlation between mothers with high EJI scores and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Ac-

cording to the American Heart Association, this can mean patients have fewer babies, as well as higher rates of stillbirth, placental abruption, and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Health disparities among Black urban mothers are widespread. In Chicago, a Black mother is already six times more likely to die within one year of giving birth than a white mother, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. Segregation and accessibility to resources contribute to these grim statistics. Yet, the less-discussed issue is the prevalence of environmental stressors plaguing Black Chicago at unequal rates.

The highest rates of maternal mortality and pregnancy-related mortality are often found in areas with high economic hardships, industrial corridors, and food deserts. Black Chicago has been the frontline community

for decades, with little protection from local, county, or state policies to hold polluters accountable for violating environmental regulations. Environmental issues aren’t just about planting trees and preserving species. While interventions such as tree plantings are valuable, exposure to toxins and contaminants and the presence of factories can’t be neutralized with an acre of White Oak trees.

The study highlights a trend showing the lack of data and research exploring vulnerabilities in environmentally challenged landscapes. No mother should have to carry and birth a baby into a toxic world. While Chicago is a global city for some, it can surely feel like a third world country to others.

By Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson CNW Columnist

Empowered Grace Navigating Faith and Entrepreneurship

At the core of every woman resides an extraordinary wellspring of strength, a harmonious blend of faith and tenacity that propels her forward in the intricate dance of personal and professional pursuits. Having navigated the intricate tapestry of life for over three decades, I intimately grasp the profound interplay between faith, professionalism, and entrepreneurship. This interplay has consistently emerged as the defining essence of what I term "Empowered Grace" – a force that emboldens women to move forward even when confronted with roadblocks, fear, and formidable challenges.

So, what exactly does Empowered Grace entail? Empowered Grace is the radiant energy that emanates from the fusion of faith, professionalism, and entrepreneurship. It is the unwavering resolve that empowers women to navigate the complexities of life with resilience and purpose. This unique blend is not just a fleeting emotion; it's a guiding principle that transforms challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.

the unshakeable belief that there is a higher purpose guiding our journey. It is the spiritual anchor that steadies us during turbulent times, providing solace and strength to endure. This faith is not passive; it's an active force that propels us forward, inspiring bold steps even in the face of uncertainty.

On the professional frontier, Empowered Grace is the infusion of authenticity into our endeavors. It encourages us to align our careers with our core values, fostering a sense of purpose that transcends mere professional success. It's about leading with integrity, humility, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the spheres we inhabit.

In the entrepreneurial arena, Empowered Grace becomes the driving force behind innovation and ethical business practices.

It's the recognition that entrepreneurship, when rooted in purpose and guided by moral principles, has the potential to create meaningful change. It inspires women to venture into uncharted territories, armed with the belief that their ventures can contribute to a better world.

Crucially, Empowered Grace thrives

Dollars & Sense

on. Whether overcoming roadblocks, confronting fears, or weathering struggles unique to the female experience, Empowered Grace is the force that propels women forward with resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to their journey.

In essence, to move forward with Empowered Grace is to embrace a holistic and authentic approach to life. It's a commitment to walk the path of faith, professionalism, and entrepreneurship with unwavering integrity, fueled by the belief that, even in the face of adversity, there is an inner strength that can transform challenges into opportunities and empower women to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Empowered Grace is not merely a concept; it is the vibrant heartbeat that resonates within every woman, urging her to move forward with resilience, authenticity, and purpose. As we unveil the intricacies of this transformative force, we discover that it is more than the sum of its parts – it's a guiding light that empowers us to navigate the intersections of faith, professionalism, and entrepreneurship.

Through the lens of Empowered Grace, we

but rather transforms it into a crucible for strength and courage. As we move forward, fueled by this empowering fusion, we carry with us the wisdom gleaned from decades of experience – a testimony to the enduring strength that comes from embracing faith, authenticity, and a commitment to positive impact.

As women, may your journey forward be illuminated by the radiance of Empowered Grace, inspiring each woman to face challenges with unwavering resolve, pursue professional endeavors with authenticity, and embark on entrepreneurial ventures guided by a higher purpose. As we continue to move forward, let Empowered Grace be the compass that guides us through the intricate tapestry of life, ensuring that every step is imbued with purpose, strength,

Education Education in Crisis

By Clover Lee Contributing Writer

Unpacking Two Decades of Failed Policies

George W. Bush's education reform movement that began under his presidential tenure is dead. After every strategy it imposed on the nation’s public schools failed it died. So here we are, from Bush’s policy to Trump’s school choice push; the reformers have come up empty-handed.

Education continues to stay on the lips and agendas of politicians to win voters. Those who proposed education reform relied on the business idea that disruption of old systems and structures need to be challenged if not overhauled for some progress to be made. For clarity, it may be best to refer to them as “disruptors,” rather than reformers. Historically, reformers have advocated for increased funding and smaller class sizes, while disruptors focused on testing and punishment, resulting in ineffective and harmful outcomes.

In 2001, Congress passed Bush’s No Child Left Behind law based on his claim that there had been a “Texas miracle.” The claim imposed ‘that if the country tested every child every year, grades 3 through 8, promising to reward the schools whose scores increased and punish those whose scores did not, great things would result. Those who

advocated this methodology promised higher test scores, increased graduation rates, and diminished gaps between racial groups. Years later, we know better. Consequently, it revealed that there was no Texas miracle.

Yet, every public school in America continues to be burdened with an expensive regimen of annual standardized testing that is not found in any other high-performing nation. Teachers worth their weight in gold know that teaching children to simply memorize answers for test scores is not teaching children how to think or problem solve. And yet, they are forced to conform to such pedagogical methods to keep their jobs. In the meantime, youth are robbed of education as it once was.

When President Barack Obama stepped into office in 2008, he doubled down on Bush’s approach and replaced it with his “Race to the Top.” Passed in 2009, Obama’s $5 billion program offered states a chance to win hundreds of millions of dollars if they evaluated teachers by the test scores of their students, closed or shook up schools with low test scores, increased the number of privately managed charter schools, and adopted the Common Core State Standards.

This combination of policy changes was supposed to improve the education of all students. It didn’t. Shocking because there was no return to the great liberal arts education that America once adhered to -- instead, it became more of the same. And more insulting was Obama’s premise that everyone should go to college.

The fact that he believed that the CCSS was going to help students get to college demonstrates that politicians should stick to politics and stay out of education.

Then came the Trump era, and with his administration came Betsy DeVos, peddling the promise of school choice, including privately run charters, vouchers for religious schools, and online charter schools. Congress gave her $440 million to expand charters, which she invested in corporate charter chains that replace lo-

cally governed public schools. The result was clear—such schools were a fast track for the corporate donors to recruit those they funded with jobs at there companies.

Billions of dollars on testing, crowding out untested subjects like history and science; reducing time for recess and play was done in response to the federal mandates by states and school districts. Billions more were spent to adopt the CCSS, along with new online testing, software, and hardware. But test scores on the federally funded National Assessment of Educational Progress—known as “the Nation’s Report Card—remained unmoved for the past decade. And those of the lowest-ranked students declined. More telling is that charter schools on average do not get higher test scores than public schools, and in some states—like Ohio and Nevada—charters dominate the state’s list of the lowest performing schools. Some charter schools get high test scores, but they usually get high scores by excluding students with disabilities and English learners or by high attrition rates.

It is not surprising that voucher studies in Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, and the District of Columbia, for instance, found that students in voucher schools lost ground compared to their peers in public schools because some, voucher schools have uncertified teachers and are free to teach a curriculum that mixes facts with religious stories. The case of Milwaukee’s practice of distributing vouchers for religious schools for two decades and charters for three decades has remained one of the lowest performing school districts in the nation.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the dominant African American city, New Orleans became the only all-charter school district in the nation at the hands of a Republican legislature School. The experiment showed that enrollment declined from 65,000 before the storm to 48,000 a dozen years later. The latest state scores rated 49% of the city’s charter schools as D or F, based on their academic performance. The New Orleans district scores are below the state average in one of the lowest performing states in the nation.

So, twenty years since the BushObama-Trump program of standardized testing, punitive discipline practices, and school choice was introduced, it has outright failed. The failure of those education reforms is proof that the better

model of education has been lost. When you teach students to think and to be problem solvers, they achieve more than they do when the end game is to pass tests.

We should know by now that the answer is not standardized testing. The question then is how do we improve our schools?

The truth is that poverty and affluence are the most important determinants of test scores and academic progress. The connection shows up whenever standardized test scores are plotted on a bell curve that reflects family income and education. It is significant that almost half the students in America currently qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, which is the federal measure of poverty. We can amend the impact of poverty on children’s educational outcomes by making sure that they have access to nutrition, medical care, and decent housing. This is not new news.

Changing how we view education, educators, and what it means to the future of America is the long game. Those interested in supporting charter schools and vouchers who are serious about improving education should insist that the federal government fully fund the education of students with disabilities and triple the funding for schools in low-income districts.

It has been ignored that teachers should be paid as the professionals who prepare generations of youth who become the successful adults this country needs to thrive, advance, and grow. Too many teachers must subsidize their incomes by taking on second sometimes third jobs. Teachers should teach and write their individual course-driven tests, as they've done for generations past. States and districts should redirect the billions currently misused, for standardized testing. Instead spend it towards reducing class sizes so children can get the necessary individualized help from their teacher.

Common sense informs us that education ultimately requires stability for children and schools to thrive while disruption is a deterrent and prevents their learning. Experienced educators are required for consistency to have well-maintained schools. All children require schools that have a health practitioner, counselors, and a library with a librarian. Children need time to play every day. They need nutrition and regular medical exams. None of this is new.

Art Imitates Life

SACRAMENTO OBSERVER —

Mental health awareness for African Americans has found its way into popular TV programs with creators and showrunners including storylines that see main characters seeking therapy or having characters be mental health providers. Other shows feature therapy in other ways.

Hollywood is known for creating fantasies and false narratives, but the entertainment industry does keep it real sometimes, particularly in its efforts to help eliminate the stigma of mental illness. Mental health awareness for African Americans has found its way into popular TV programs with creators and showrunners including storylines that see main characters seeking therapy or having characters be mental health providers. Other shows feature therapy in other ways.

Filmmaker and show creator Lena Waithe deserves kudos for normalizing therapy by incorporating it into series like “Twenties” and “The Chi.” In a “Twenties” episode titled “Happy Place,” the main character, a queer Black woman named Hattie, played by Jonica “Jojo” T. Gibbs, seeks therapy to understand her father’s absence and its impact on her relationships with men. On “The Chi” after one of the show’s main characters, Kiesha Williams, portrayed by actress Birgundi Baker, is abducted, and becomes pregnant from the sexual assault, she is seen in multiple episodes visiting a psychologist. She also encourages her family to work on their issues. Kiesha’s mother and her wife also see a therapist throughout the series’ six seasons. The main male characters also participate in a circle discussion, meant to help them support each other.

On “Queen Sugar,” the lovingly protective Hollingsworth “Hollywood” Desonier, played by Omar Dorsey, creates, and funds a space for men to gather and uplift each other called The Real Spot, after being injured on an oil rig and successfully suing his employer.

Directed by Debbie Allen for most of its six seasons, “A Different World” took on several serious issues including apartheid and divestment, domestic violence, date rape, and colorism. In an episode titled “Ex-Communication,” its resident Southern belle, Whitley Gilbert, played by Jasmine Guy, visits a therapist to help her through relationship woes. Allen plays the exasperated therapist who helps her find clarity and tells her to “relax, relate, release,” which becomes a mantra for many that is still used to this day to help center oneself and get through a tough or trying situation.

An episode of “Living Single” showcasing Jasmine Guy, in an episode of “Living Single” titled, “Shrink to Fit,” Khadijah James, played by Queen Latifah, seeks out a therapist to deal with things she’s going through. The therapist, Dr. Bryce, is played by “A Different World” actress

Scene from "Living Single episode titled “Shrink to Fit,” with Jasmine Guy and Queen Latifah

Jasmine Guy.

On the series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” actress Charlene “Michael” Hyatt portrays a therapist, Dr. Noelle Akopian, who provides her client with a safe space to examine her feelings and underlying problems.

On HBO’s “In Treatment,” award-winning actress Uzo Aduba, best known for her role as Crazy Eyes on Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black,” plays a doctor who offers care to patients, while battling her own demons. MTV’s Couples Retreat highlights celebrity couples. Pairs have included “Love & Hip Hop” stars Joc and Kendra Robinson, R&B singers Ronnie and Shamari DeVoe, and Raymond Santana, one of five Black teens wrongfully convicted of a violent attack in New York’s Central Park in 1989, and “Flavor of Love” alum Chandra “Deelishis” Davis. The show is hosted by actress-turned wellness and life coach, AJ Johnson, and relationship coach Tony Gaskins, who call in a few experts to offer advice to the couples.

WEtv has similar shows, “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition” and “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Reality Stars.” Couples get relationship advice from Dr. Ish Major and Judge Lynn Toler.

Genoa

Cover Story

By Kai El-Zabar Editor-In-Chief

Boss Ladies Profiles of Visionary Women Transforming Business and Philanthropy

Ida B. Wells. Ella Baker. Septima Poinsette Clark. Fannie Lou Hamer. Daisy Bates. Dorothy Cotton. Dr. Margaret Burroughs. Angela Davis. Erika Huggins. Elaine Brown. Nikki Giovanni. Kathleen Cleaver. Nina Simone. Bell Hooks. Katherine Johnson. Dorothy Vaughan. Mary Jackson. Shirley Chisholm. Senator Carol Moseley Braun. Vice President Kamala Harris, and so many more, not to mention Mamie Till, whose bold move to allow images of her dead son Emmitt Till's mangled body to be photographed and published—"so that the world can see what they did to my boy"—served as the catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. This list of African-American women is a testament that we have always been catalysts for change. These women and others risked their lives and worked tirelessly, demanding a social revolution—yet history has often overlooked them. They were the women of the Civil Rights and the Black Power Movements and beyond, as leaders in work opportunity fairness.

Though historians now acknowledge that women, particularly African-Americans, were pivotal in the critical battles for racial and gender equality, there remains much untold. With the release of the film “Hidden Figures,” the world knows that Black women contribute much more than what has been told. Today, young women are soaring in their pursuit of their dreams and aspirations as entrepreneurs, corporate executives, educators, doctors, and lawyers, thanks to the women who came before them,

who opened doors shouting at the top of their lungs, "We are here!"

Chicago News Weekly identified younger women under 50 who are on the move, making waves, and shaking things up. So, you might not see them on social media platforms because of their work demands. But their impact is always in your line of sight. Check them out.

Lauren Caldwell

Hailing from the vibrant and resilient Southside of Chicago, Caldwell embodies the essence of determination and ambition. Born into a family of entrepreneurs, she inherited not just their entrepreneurial spirit but also their unwavering drive for success. However, her path was marked by tragedy early on when she lost her mother to breast cancer at the tender age of five. Despite this profound loss, her father worked hard to instill in her the importance of resilience and perseverance.

Driven by her thirst for knowledge and achievement, Caldwell pursued her undergraduate education at the nationally renowned Northwestern University. There, she honed her skills and laid the foundation for her future endeavors.

Following her undergraduate studies, Lauren was drawn to the prestigious Kellogg School of Management, where she completed a post-baccalaureate program in business administration. This decision marked the beginning of her journey into the world of business and management, setting her on a trajectory toward her goals.

Throughout her career, Caldwell found

her niche in sales and marketing, leveraging her innate charm and strategic mindset to excel in her field. Her relentless pursuit of excellence led her to various opportunities, each one propelling her closer to her aspirations. Most recently, Caldwell achieved another milestone by joining the technology titan, Microsoft. This transition fulfilled one of her longstanding goals and opened doors to new possibilities.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Caldwell embraced the challenge of mastering technical skills essential in today's digital landscape. Through sheer determination and self-discipline, she taught herself coding in SQL and Python, unlocking the doors to the realm of data analytics and business intelligence. Her proficiency in these domains allowed her to transition seamlessly into business intelligence, where she continues to make waves with her innovative solutions and strategic insights.

Caldwell’s ambition parlayed her advancement from leading Analytics for the Microsoft Surface divisions of devices and accessories to her recent transition into the Revenue Excellence division supporting the US, LATAM, and Canada reconciling revenue and usage metrics for reporting and forecasting. Fueled by her passion for pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges, she is determined to carve out a niche for herself in this rapidly evolving field, contributing to the advancements that shape our future.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Caldwell remains committed to serving her community. She became a member

of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and dedicates her time and resources to various community programs, recognizing the importance of giving back and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

La Toya M. Dixon

La Toya M. Dixon boasts over 15 years of leadership, service, and commitment to advocacy and the law. Currently, Dixon serves as Principal and Chief Administrative Officer for Comprehensive Construction Consulting, Incorporated, where she leads the organization’s operations, human resource, and legal efforts. Her extensive and diverse work background also includes being the former Manager of Employee and Labor Relations for Sinai Health System on the Westside of Chicago, Manager of Labor Relations for Cook County Government, Manager of Community Relations for Jewel-Osco, and Legislative Counsel for former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., regarding insurance, pension, and investment policy.

Over the years, Dixon has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service targeting underserved communities. Given her interest in the welfare of our communities, Dixon has continued to be an invaluable asset and serve in leadership capacities on various Boards and organizations, including advocating for reproductive justice as one of the youngest members of Illinois Planned Parenthood’s Political Action Committee; Past President of the Women’s Board at the Chicago Urban League, working to increase the number of mi-

Suzanne Griffith

La Toya M. Dixon

Akua Cason Lanu

norities in higher education and providing scholarships to Chicagoland youth; Midwest Regional Social Action Coordinator of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (world’s largest organization of college-educated African American women); Co-Chair of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (Auditorium Theatre), as

Cohort.

She is a lifelong resident of the south side of Chicago and proud mother of her daughter, Kennedy Lynn Marie Dixon.

Suzanne Griffith

Growing up on multiple continents helped Suzanne Griffith develop an ear-

anthropic sectors.

Entering its 10th year, Vega is proud of helping clients distribute more than $10MM in philanthropic investments, establish international and local fellowship and grant programs, advance DEI efforts in companies and government, and team up with other leading minority

since August 2022. She began her journey at Northeastern in 2003 as Assistant Director of Academic Programs, NEIUCCICS August 2019 - August 2022.

Presently, she provides the vision, strategic plan, and implementation of the process while overseeing and directing the daily tasks, which include establish-

well as the Democratic National Committee’s Ethnic Coordinating Council to increase diversity efforts within the political party.

Her many honors include 2021 Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives, Innovations in Construction, Asphalt, and Transportation Conference's Women in Business Award, Top 50 Emerging Leaders (Diversity MBA Magazine), Woman of Excellence (Chicago Defender), Outstanding Leadership Award (Chicago Urban League), and other accolades. Dixon remains a dedicated advocate who works to bring about change and improve the social, political, and economic viability of society, both in her professional development and her volunteer efforts.

Dixon obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Speech Communication and master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois. She later earned her Juris Doctor and Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Employment/Labor Law from Valparaiso University School of Law and Certificate of Mediation from Northwestern University. In addition to being a certified mediator, Dixon is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and was honored to become a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar in 2015. She is also a graduate of the 2018 IMPACT Leadership Development Program sponsored by Chicago Urban League and University of Chicago’s Booth Graduate School of Business and 2021 Small Business Development

ly understanding of the implications of race, identity, and the shifting scales of equity. Inspired by her interests across those lines led her to her passion and she established Vega Partners, now reimagined as Vega Impact Group. As Founder and CEO, Griffith says, "It's important to stay self-aware, and with Vega Partners, we recognized that our clients had difficulty getting our name right, so we tweaked it to better communicate who we are, and today we are the same company with a name change."

Still a student of cultural anthropology, her career in corporate social responsibility, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship grounds Vega Impact Group’s focus on helping organizations prosper in an evolving world. Today, Griffith guides the growth of Vega in providing excellent service and solutions for companies, civic, and philanthropic organizations. She says, “Our team reflects a range of experiences, equipping them to consistently deliver success for the clients in corporate, public, and philanthropic sectors." Their excitement to work closely with clients, exchange fresh ideas, and deliver practical solutions ensures that they have an authentic, trustworthy consulting team.

She continues to serve at her alma mater, Lawrence University, volunteer in the arts, and serve on the board of blockchain start-up VXPass.

Vega Impact Group is Chicago’s leading social impact management consulting firm, serving clients in the US and globally in the public, private, and phil-

and women-owned Chicago firms.

Akua Cason Lanu

It’s easy to understand Akua Cason Lanu’s commitment to higher education supported by over twenty-five years of experience in bringing together resources, educators, and students for the advancement of society when you comprehend her background. Lanu grew up in Chicago amongst powerful women and men who had chosen an African-centered perspective that influenced their politics, education, and social behaviors. When her parents weren’t happy with the educational institutions available to their children, their inner community established Ujima Family Center (Ujima - ‘collective work and responsibility’), an African-centered preschool and early education center.

Today, she has seventeen years of experience working within a large urban school district (students, families, and staff), and twenty working at an urban university supervising a diverse professional staff and college students, supported by her MA from Northeastern Illinois University in Education; Inner City Studies and a BA from the original teachers’ college, Chicago State University, from which she graduated with honors. It is safe to say that Lanu loves what she does because she recognizes the impact of her work and finds it fulfilling. Every position that she has held was a stepping-stone to her current position as Interim Director at Northeastern Illinois University Center for Inner City Studies

ing and overseeing an operations budget in the millions, implementation, coordination, and valuation of department services. She says much of her work entails overseeing targeted access and engagement marketing to audiences internal and external to the college, as well as maintaining relationships with foundations and government sources for grants as part of the ability to continue their work with the NEIU Student Success and Retention team, as well as student success initiatives.

Everything she does as a leader is to assist the team through ongoing growth and professional development of knowledge, skills, and abilities for providing holistic, equitable services that will enhance their capabilities to educate the inner-city youth that attend their institution. Lanu is clear that although they must be cognizant of continual progress toward department performance outcomes, their students are human beings as is their staff, and her vision is to maintain the human element of being whole and complete people at the end of the day who will go on to be positive contributors to their communities.

Lanu confirms that everything she does is about preparing students to be future leaders.

Vanessa Rhodes Lovelace is a Chicago West Side native born to parents who set high spiritual and professional expectations for her. They created a life and culture that afforded her and her siblings

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Vanessa Rhodes Lovelace

Vanessa Rhodes Lovelace

Summer D Searcy

Lauren Caldwell

the opportunity to experience life’s variety, allowing them to dream and create their own ideas of what success looked like. However, it was understood that with great success came great responsibility and accountability. They were taught that through hard work, dedication, and determination, one could create one’s own destiny. She was also taught the importance of education in the classroom and in her area of expertise. This combination of philosophy, experience, and application contributed to the birth and brand of Twenty-Eleven Construction.

After succeeding in real estate and exploring other aspects of business in both the private and non-profit arena, she chose to establish her independence and create her brand. As a result, in 2008, Twenty-Eleven Construction was officially incorporated. What initially began as “a means to an end”… providing for her family, she began purchasing, rehabbing, and flipping properties. From there, she was able to sharpen her skills and create an infrastructure that would stand the test of time. As she grew that aspect of the business, she began to explore other opportunities in the construction industry. Looking for an area in which she could create a niche, she explored options in paving and excavation, which helped to secure her footing in the construction and contracting business. With over 15 years in business, Lovelace

leads the charge as President and Chief Operations Officer of Twenty-Eleven Construction, making her one of only three African American women-owned companies in this region, performing in her area of expertise. Lovelace says, “The Twenty-Eleven Team distinguishes itself with a crew of over 25 employees that self-perform site preparation, excavation, concrete, asphalt, and Hauling and owns its equipment, which allows the company to have competitive pricing in the industry."

Construction has not always been kind to her; there have been many setbacks, broken promises, and situations that could have not only broken her spirit but could have also bankrupted her business. Yet, her desire and determination to not become a casualty of life’s lessons have focused her energy on becoming a voice for women in construction and a champion for change!

Lovelace continues to pave the way and open doors for young subcontractors looking for the same opportunity that she was once afforded. She is intentional about hiring from communities in which she works and serves, and she is committed to creating a culture that represents excellence in the workplace.

Lovelace currently sits on the Board of Directors for Black Contractors Owners and Executives (BCOE), where she utiliz-

es her voice and expertise in construction to advocate for Blacks in the industry. You can also look forward to seeing her in action as she is also the Chair of the Events Committee, where she has created a host of networking and social events for the calendar year 2024.

Lovelace and the Twenty-Eleven Construction Team are thankful for great mentorship and the opportunity to consistently work with CHA, Norfolk Southern, CSX Railyard, the Obama Presidential Center, Oak Park River Forest, Northwestern, and with prime contractors such as Power, W.E. ONEIL, CSX Rail, Norfolk Southern, Clark Construction Skender, William A. Randolph, Walsh, and UJAMAA Construction because without great companies like these, Lovelace says, Twenty-Eleven would not have been able to become what they are today.

Summer Searcy

Summer Searcy understands the importance of first impressions in business. Early in her career, she learned that how she presents herself in any situation is essential to her success. As the director of business development for Conagra Brands in Chicago, Searcy's success is directly related to her ability to strategically analyze and secure profitable opportunities for her company. "I've learned how to amplify my voice in multiple business and social settings, which has definitely opened doors

for me, and therefore, others." Searcy believes that women can achieve whatever they want with preparation and opportunity, and it's her goal to provide her employees with both.

Searcy has successfully progressed in a male-dominated business environment. She refuses to diminish her knowledge or abilities to make others more comfortable with her. She is confident that she belongs in every business situation she has experienced. She is willing to take calculated risks in supervising product development and implementation to ensure complete client satisfaction.

In her business and mentoring relationships, Searcy understands the importance of relying on what one already knows how to do. She likens it to a kitten looking into a mirror — seeing oneself as the kitten or the lion one was meant to become. Her goal is to support her team in becoming the lions they were meant to be by enabling them to define themselves differently and not just chase the next title or promotion.

Searcy's expanding leadership roles during her 20-year corporate career include positions at SC Johnson and Nestle USA. She continues to excel in her field, bringing her expertise and dedication to every role she undertakes.

Clover Lee Contributing Writer

Elevating Your Vibration Practices for Inner Peace and Well-Being

Remember in our science classes when we were taught that our beings are made of energy, the same as the universe? And that everything, including humans, is made of atoms? What you may not know is that we have the capability to shift that energy to allow for more peace, more happiness, more flow, and less stagnation in our daily lives. We’re not talking about a “quantum leap: here, but rather shifts that in most cases involve focusing on and changing small habits or daily rituals that can help or otherwise hinder you. Quantum physics does allow us to take this to another level, though. To that point, the inner workings of an atom are simply energy waves that give off and absorb light and energy, each with its own distinct frequency or vibration. Lower vibrational energies include sadness and stress, whereas higher vibrational energies might include happiness, joy, and love. We can change the frequency at which our bodies vibrate to bring more ease and flow into our lives. More of the lighter, higher vibrations. More happiness, more joy, more love.

Meditation

Meditation involves going inward; recognizing that you’re all you need; that you can find complete joy, happiness, and love within yourself. It involves clearing negative energy; clearing the chaos that often supervenes in our minds. If we choose, we can bring ourselves into a greater state of flow and a higher vibration through meditation because it allows us to release so much of that which no longer serves us. Begin by taking 10 to 15 minutes to be with yourself. Start by setting an intention for your practice: "I am practicing to just sit quietly, to bring more light to my body, to raise my vibration, to bring peace, to experience greater flow." Once you accomplish that flow over time, then move onto focusing on your breath, continually bringing your attention back to your breath when you notice your mind wandering elsewhere. If you like, you can select an app or meditation recording. It may be helpful to bring affirmations into your practice which relate to your intention. For example, "I am light, I am vibrating at a higher energy, I am peace." Use these to ground yourself into your practice, and to affirm yourself that you

have everything you need within.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an ancient method of healing that uses scents to promote health and wellbeing. Certain scents cause people to experience different emotions because of their influence on the brain, which supports behavior and motivation. We can use different scents to raise our vibration. Some oils are stronger than others, and some have very specific uses; thus, it’s imperative to understand the oil you’re working with. Oils can be diffused, added to a carrier oil like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil and applied directly on the skin (most commonly behind the earlobes or on the wrists), added to water and sprayed in the air, or added to boiling water and inhaled via the steam (from a safe distance, of course). Some oils should not be applied directly to your skin. If you’re not a fan of essential oils, you can get many of the same benefits of aromatherapy by burning incense or candles (which are also great for setting the mood of a room and increasing the vibrational energy)! These can accompany your meditation.

Movement

Simply moving your body has immediate benefits, as well as long-term protective effects. Movement promotes the release of neurochemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine that help boost your mood and help you relax while reducing the activity of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which promote feelings of anxiety and tension. This directly relates to taking your body into a higher vibrational state! And the more you move, the better the long-term effects. There are specific forms of movement like walking, running, or lifting weights, but dancing or moving free form are all ways to incorporate movement into our lives. I like to climb stairs. You can also mix it up by taking a walk in nature, going to a yoga class or skating, swimming, dancing around your house, jumping rope, hula-hooping, or simply stretching and any other form of movement that speaks to you. Just do it.

Maintain a Daily Routine

Daily routines or simple rituals and practices are a way in which we incorporate discipline into our lives and at the same time provide us with a little “me” time that we can look forward to daily. Whether that’s getting up early to jour-

nal, meditate, or pray, or enjoying a cup of tea, going for a walk midday, disconnecting (shutting off the outside world) an hour before bed, all of that can help ground you. Daily practices do not mean that you eliminate spontaneity or variety in your life. Think of your daily practices the same as you contribute to your personal journey of growth and evolvement. So, a particular practice may last only until the new one appears in your life to replace it. Such practices as part of your daily life, while still allowing for flow and flexibility, will enhance a higher personal vibration. Who knows? Your meditations may evolve to a short nap whereupon visions are revealed. The point is to ask yourself how can I connect with myself on a deeper level daily? Sit still and allow the answer to come. Then devise a plan of action to implement these things into your day.

Declutter—I Can See Clearly Now

I hate to tell you, but clutter is very low vibration. It is a definite sign of some sort of blockage or fear of seeing what is actually there to see. Clutter hides everything. More importantly, it mirrors your mind. Taking the time to rid your environment of physical items that no longer serve you can really help your space transform energetically. As you go through your clutter, ask yourself, does it serve a purpose? When did you last use it? Holiday decorations aside, if you haven’t used it in the last six months, then let it go. Make your piles (trash, donate, sell, or repurpose). You can organize an event with friends to sell your used items that you know someone else will really enjoy. Start by setting aside time to get rid of 5 things daily.

Complete Life Edit

Our lives can be so cluttered that we’re exhausted, and yet we’re not taking time out for ourselves. A cluttered house is not so different from a cluttered life. It can feel heavy and unfulfilling. What are you avoiding or running from? Give yourself some space for self-expression. Show yourself some love. Begin by auditing some of the things in your life from people to your environment or the food in your cupboards, your daily routines, your online engagement and so on. Ask yourself what is no longer serving you? Then remove those that aren't.

Correct Your Diet

Next to love, nutrition and hydration are most important in creating flow in your life. Eating processed foods processes you. Think about it. If we are what we eat, there’s a reason why you’re more likely to feel heavy, bloated, and lethargic (very low vibe) if you’re eating food with little nutritional value. You are alive and require live foods to nurture your cells and organs. When you’re not drinking enough water, your poor body doesn’t have the hydration it needs to function properly. Coupled with foods that give you no vitamins, minerals, or nutrients to support what is required by your body stops the its natural flow. On the other hand, when you’re eating whole, plantbased foods, and having enough water, you feel light and energetic in your body. I’ll end here, careful not to overload you with too many to-dos. But if you’re brave enough to take the first step, your inner guide will direct you the rest of the way.

Art & culture

Zada Johnson, Ph.D. Contributing

Columbia College Chicago’s Theatre Department Presents “The Bluest Eye”

For a limited run this month, Columbia College Chicago’s Theatre Department is featuring "The Bluest Eye," an adaptation of the 1970 novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison. Drawing from dramatist Lydia Diamond’s 2005 stage adaptation and directed by Columbia alum Ashley Keys, the production does an outstanding job of interpreting this iconic work for contemporary audiences.

Set in 1940s Ohio, "The Bluest Eye" focuses on the tragic life of Pecola Breedlove, an eleven-year-old African-American girl who is suffering from horrific trauma in her dysfunctional family. The story is mainly narrated by Claudia and Frieda, the little girls from the family that takes Pecola in after her house is burned down as a result of her parents’ domestic altercation. The narration of Claudia and Frieda not only sheds light on Pecola’s individual suffering but also the larger psychosocial impacts that racism and white standards of beauty have on the larger African-American community.

From the opening moments of the play, it is clear that Pecola’s suffering cuts deep into her eleven-year-old psyche. She eerily recites the lines of a mid-century Dick and Jane primer,

describing the lives of happy white families that stand in stark contrast to the world she lives in. At the very core of her trauma, Pecola struggles with being called ugly because of her dark brown skin and African-American features. She is derided by her classmates and often rendered invisible by her own mother, Pauline, who dotes on the blonde white daughter of the family she works for as a maid. For these reasons, Pecola prays constantly for blue eyes, thinking that a physical appearance closer to whiteness would help her attract the nurturing she craves and bring an end to the abuse she suffers at home.

As the storyline unfolds, other characters step forward to narrate their experiences, lending insight into the deep traumas of racism and racial violence that encompass Pecola’s suffering. Her mother Pauline tells her experience of giving birth to Pecola in a hospital with white doctors who liken Black mothers to livestock who “feel no pain when giving birth”. Pauline’s recounting of her younger days when she yearned to look like film star Jean Harlow foreshadows the self-image struggles that she projects onto her daughter.

Likewise, Pecola's father Cholly tells his story of childhood abandonment and racial violence he suffered as a teenager at the

hands of white men, who encountered him and his girlfriend in the woods. Along with Claudia’s monologue that relates her disdain for white baby dolls and the ubiquitous representation of Shirley Temple as a beauty standard, these narrations provide a chilling composite of the pervasive and debilitating emotional trauma that African Americans have experienced as a result of racism and white supremacy.

Given the hefty task of bringing Morrison’s iconic work to life, there is much in this production that makes it a shining success. The adaptation’s artful use of text and dialogue directly from the novel places the audience squarely in the world of Toni Morrison’s literary genius. The ensemble cast does a brilliant job of translating that text and dialogue in a way that allows us to look back into the 1940s while also contemplating the way that the issues of "The Bluest Eye" still impact us in the present. For those who are familiar with African-American culture from the 1940s, the vintage costume design of A-line dresses, patent leather Mary Jane shoes, and girl’s ruffle socks will surely spark nostalgia. Though the production deals largely with serious social issues, there are a few nicely crafted lighter moments that help the audience process the weight of Morrison’s mes-

saging. Among them is a well-choreographed and amusing scuffle between the girls and a school rival. The banter between Claudia and Frieda also provides several moments of humor in the midst of the play's heavier content.

The chemistry between Pecola, Claudia, and Frieda is magnetic, particularly in their keen ability to invoke what it's like to be a child trying to understand the adult world. Morrison’s powerful critique of the often unacknowledged dangers that African-American girls experience, sometimes even in their own homes, is skillfully executed by the compelling performances from the entire ensemble.

Columbia’s production of "The Bluest Eye" is a success in its ability to convey the rich literary legacy of Toni Morrison. Both newcomers and longtime literary connoisseurs of Morrison will appreciate this powerful revival of her work.

"The Bluest Eye" runs from March 15 to 23 at Columbia College’s Getz Theatre Center, Studio 404, located at 72 E. 11th Street, Chicago. Tickets available for purchase online at Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bluesteye-tickets-802360561037

By Mila K. Marshall, PhD CNW

Editor

Empowering Second Chances The Journey of Illinois Equity Staffing’s Legacy Fellows

Second chances are few and far between. But Illinois Equity Staffing has been a champion of change and second chances since the inception of the adult-use market. Stereotypes surrounding the industry linger, and Black and brown Illinoisans impacted by criminal records for prior cannabis offenses are still at a disadvantage to becoming successful in the marijuana market.

The Restore Reinvest and Renew fund is administered by the Illinois Criminal Information Justice Authority. Funds are generated by state cannabis tax dollars and allocated to programs and organizations to support equity in the industry. Legacy Fellows engage in an intense 12-week program which supports justice-impacted individuals with wrap-around services, workforce and professional development, and pathways for legal entry into the cannabis industry. Participants learn how to prepare resumes, cover letters, gain interview skills, access networking events and job fairs at no cost to them.

The A.I.

Fellows get a chance to pitch their product, service business, or organization idea for a chance to win one of three cash prizes. Judges are entrepreneurs, community partners, subject matter experts, and stakeholders in the cannabis industry. Assistant Grant Manager Neffer Kerr began working with Legacy Fellows in November of 2023 and reflected on David Smart, the first-place winner and recipient of a $1500 award.

“We are especially proud of David. He was eager to learn,” Kerr said. “We noticed he had missed a few days, which wasn’t like him. He was usually one of the first in class. We found out he had been arrested. We knew how passionate he was about the Pitch Competition.”

Smart immediately made his way to present directly after his release from jail. His solid idea, product knowledge, and research were presented to judges just as everyone was preparing to leave.

The answer.is...

CNW has discussed the disparities among a statesman, a politician, and a lobbyist.

Can you discern the differences between them?

Statesman (plural statesmen): A man who is a leader in national or international affairs. A male political leader who promotes the public good or is recognized for probity, leadership, or the qualities necessary to govern a state.

Politicians: People who are politically active, especially in party politics. Political positions range from local governments to state governments to federal governments to international governments. All government leaders are considered politicians.

Lobbyists: Individuals who are employed and receive payment, or who contract for economic consideration, for the purpose of lobbying, or a person who is principally employed for governmental affairs by another person or governmental entity to lobby

on behalf of that other person or governmental entity.

Statesmen vs Politicians

We hear a lot about politicians but not enough about statesmen. People think of a politician as someone having one primary objective – to get elected. The general view of a statesman, however, is of someone interested in the common good of constituents and not his own ego. An example of a politician is a person running for office who flip-flops on issues as the polls change. The politician makes promises but may not deliver on them once elected. A statesman is a person who stands by his ideals and does everything in his power to do what he believes is right for the people of his country.

Statesmanship Qualities and Principles

Statesmen stand on a platform of fundamental truths. They believe in certain core values and don't change beliefs to get ahead in politics. A states-

“David is 21 years old. He’s our youngest cohort member. He ended up winning first place in the Pitch Competition, and I’m confident that he will go on to do great things in life,” Kerr said. She is responsible for overseeing the participant application process, coordination with judges, and program partners for mock interviews and more. Kerr herself brings a wealth of compassion and a strong belief in the value of education and support for fellows.

man, however, may change his policies and methods of going about achieving his goals. He may even be criticized for doing so, but he believes that the short-term sacrifice is necessary to the long-term triumph. According to the author of "Politics Among Nations," Hans J. Morgenthau, statesmen are political realists. They look at policy in terms of its effect on the nation.

Principles of Politicians

Politicians may have beliefs, but they tend to be flexible and grounded in the political sphere. Most politicians base decisions on power, wealth, or conformity to legal rules or morals, or, as Morgenthau states, "[the] landscape of international politics is the concept of interest defined in terms of power." Therefore, rather than seeking power for the nation, they instead strive for power for their party, Congress, or the government.

When you go to the polls, consider these qualities and the distinctions.

Funding for the program will be completed in 2025. While the organization is celebrating yet another group of successful fellows, they are also preparing to kick off their 6th cohort that is already full and ready for their 12-week journey. The program is supported by over a half dozen different partner organizations including groups like Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition, Phalanx Family Services, and Stone Catchers Counseling. Future applicants are encouraged to learn more about the opportunity and criteria. Participants must be 21 years or older, be justice-impacted (formerly incarcerated), with a preference for cannabis-related convictions, and reside, work, or be directly justice-impacted in Cook County. To apply or learn more about the Legacy Fellowship Program, visit www.takebackmylegacy.com.

Food & Wine

By Mare Evans Contributing Wriiter

Elevate Your Brunch Game Try This Savory Sausage and Kale Frittata

Whether you’re preparing brunch for the family or a few friends, preparing a brunch dish that is adequate for two or a crowd can be challenging. However, this large-scale frittata meets the task by layering sausage, kale, and fontina with cream-thickened eggs. Use any fresh sausage you like (chorizo, merguez, or hot pork sausage work well), and swap in mild Swiss chard or peppery mustard greens in place of the kale. Borrowed from the New York Times recipe archives, you will wow your family or guests. To be fresh for those you serve, you may choose to prepare this dish the night before serving by cooking through Step 5 and layering the sausage, vegetables, and cheese in the baking dish. Let it warm up slightly at room temperature before adding the eggs, then bake as directed. Baking times will vary depending on how cold or warm the dish is, as well as its depth and ingredients, so keep an eye on the eggs -- they should be just set in the center.

Ingredients

• Softened butter, for greasing the dish

• 6 teaspoons olive oil

• ¾ pound fresh hot sausage, like Italian, chorizo, or merguez, casings removed

• 1 large red onion (about 12 ounces), halved, then sliced lengthwise into ¼-inchthick wedges • Kosher salt and black pepper

• 4 cups torn kale leaves (about 3 ounces)

• 10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved crosswise • ¾ cup diced fontina (about 3 ounces)

• 12 large eggs

• ¾ cup heavy cream or milk

• ½ cup grated Parmesan (about 1 ounce)

• Aleppo pepper, for finishing (optional)

Yield

10 to 12 servings

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Generously butter a large 2½-quart baking dish.

2. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add sausage and cook, stirring to break it up, until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to the baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.

3. Add 2 teaspoons oil to the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Add red onion, salt it lightly, and cook, stirring frequently, until it starts to take on color, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the baking dish and arrange evenly on top of the sausage.

4. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the skillet and heat over medium. Add kale, season it lightly with salt and pepper, cover, and cook, occasionally tossing with tongs until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the baking dish and arrange evenly on top of the onions. Top with the grape tomatoes and fontina.

5. Whisk together the eggs and cream in a large bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. (If making ahead of time, wrap the baking dish and egg mixture separately and refrigerate until needed.)

6. Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until the eggs are just set in the middle, 25 to 30 minutes. (Increase the baking time by about 15 minutes if the components were refrigerated ahead of time.)

7. Broil until the top is lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Then, sprinkle with Aleppo pepper.

By C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer

Is Vintage Here to Stay?

Is it the rebirth of Alexander McQueen’s original pieces or the formal embrace of vintage? It’s hard to say, but one thing we know for sure is that vintage has always existed, though the name has changed over the centuries from “handme-downs” to “old,” to “used,” to “previously worn,” to “vintage.” Timing, of course, has had everything to do with it. Ownership of that which is made of the best materials, craftsmanship, quality designed by a couturier (fashion designer) has always been coveted. The wealthy have always had access to the designer, as have the models who wear the designs to be showcased at one time in closed fashion houses for the trust-fund daughters and wives of the society-accepted rich. Such designers were cultured and owned the couture houses where they presented their collections to the rich. Each piece was very exclusive, often created with a specific client in mind. The allure of the designer having created the dress with any one of them in mind easily increased the cost. High-brow women competed for this type of favor and notoriety. This competitive drive between the women kept the couture fashion houses in business. Clothes were not mass-produced, so it was very unlikely that you’d see your dress or outfit on another unless you did not meet the elevated cost of the dress. Runways always existed but were private invitational-only affairs, primarily for wealthy bachelors, husbands, wives, and mistresses. All clothing was then made to order to the body details of the lucky woman who got the designer’s creation.

Well, we’ve come a long way from then — everything has changed except the coveted highly crafted ‘must-have piece’ of which only a few are made in the world, reserved for billionaires or those from such lineage as royal bloodlines or families of great inherited wealth. After all, who else would purchase a Hermès Birkin bag for over $700,000? Yes, it’s true such prices are assigned to handbags, luggage, and other wearable items not considered jewelry. So, the point is that the rich will go a long way to distinguish themselves from the us normal people and, quite frankly, though it is unwelcome in some circles, they tend to flaunt their wealth to make it even more desirable.

So as the world turned and centuries have passed, the less well-off who desire more pursue the cast-offs of the privileged few unbeknownst to the ultimate cost. Today’s sports and entertainment

stars experience windfalls of wealth only comparable to that enjoyed by those in tech and finance, where money flows freely. They now mix, mingle, and marry amongst the other high-brow people, though they may bring their ignorance of decorum, etiquette, or manners. The image or performance of wealth is all that is needed to keep the less well-off appeased because it allows for much amusement.

Young desirables who followed and studied the designers of old really appreciate the crafted perfection of those pieces of clothing made by the best seamstresses and tailors. Those designers were entrusted because of their reputations, not advertisement campaigns, so they had a set of expert skills and specific knowledge about their industry. They had to know fabrics, stitches, the intricacies of design, precision in measurements, and tools like the sewing machine, needles, etc., all necessary to achieve the end product. These abilities could make or break a designer. Today, clothing is mass-produced, and the attention to detail is lost. But the availability to the average person to buy clothing that looks like that worn by their idols is what sells. Everybody’s happy.

No one knows more than the vintage dealer, who after years of amateur thrifting amid a career in the buying team at a fashion house, is now part of a new generation of fiercely proactive hunters whom fashion fanatics around the world enlist to find the buzziest and most highly sought-after vintage pieces of the moment. That Fall 1991 Chanel belt that Linda Evangelista wore on the runway was snapped up by one such vintage hunter. Valencia’s got it. Those elusive Marc Jacobs Kiki boots that Doja Cat wore came from his shop.

True in the past, you didn’t require a vintage clothing hunter to find the good stuff, but today’s culture around fashion has pushed the market to a new frontier brimming with its trend cycle, must-haves, and hype products. It is definitely a thing, and there’s lots of money to be made in so many ways. You can rent or lease an article of clothing (insured, of course) in today’s world for that once-in-a-lifetime attendance at the Oscars. And that’s the new wave of vintage. Remember when Kim Kardashian wore the ‘Happy Birthday Mr. President,’ iconic Marilyn

Monroe dress to the 2022 Met Gala? That dress was created by Academy Award-winning designer Jean Louis, who had designed costumes for Marilyn's final two films: “The Misfits” and “Something's Got to Give.” At the end of the day, it garnered more clicks for Kardashian and pushed the “vintage thang” to a new level of desirability.

The days of casually strolling into a consignment shop on Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, or Chicago’s North Rush Street area and finding an affordable Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche jacket — they’re long over. Today’s vintage enthusiasts aren’t hoping to be surprised by a great find — they’re hunting to order and know exactly what they want.

“Now anybody can have fashion — that’s the new thing,” says stylist turned curator Renée Howard.

Stay tuned to the red carpet since vintage became the latest fashion thing, (with the implication that it will be short-lived). We’ve had standout moments from the likes of John Galliano, Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, and Mugler at big movie premiers and charity galas. But the recent sightings of major archival pieces from McQueen’s collection have been few and far between, and yet they are the game-changer sending waves throughout the fashion scene. It seems like the beginning of a much-awaited vintage McQueen renaissance, as we witness stars adorning themselves archival pieces by the deceased designer at very public events.