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Volume3No 21 October15,2025
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Kai EL’Zabar-Editor-In-Chief
The moment during the day that you arise is an opportunity to take charge of yourlife Whenweopenoureyes,wake up and face consciousness, we have an opportunitytocreateourdaywithwhat inspiresus.IbeginbythankingTheMost HighGod,ourcreator,foranotherdayto express myself This moment is importantandsacredbecauseitsetsthetonefor allthatcomesafterit
Thinkofitastheopeningsceneinafilm or novel. It establishes the difference betweenabestselleroraflop Whatyou choose next determines your daily life. Thisstepismostimportantbecauseitis yourpracticethatbecomesyourreality If youtakethatmomentandthankGodfor all that you have and express gratitude, youareonyourwaytoclearingyourpath of unnecessary hardships and increasing your receipt of gifts Imagine expressing your appreciation to God for all that he doesforyou,theseenandtheunseen
God hears us and recognizes our hearts. God knows if we are appreciative or envious Suchchoicesasawayofbeingare distinct in what they attract If you are grateful for running water and a daily sourceoffood,youstrengthenthereality of theirexistence,which becomes consttant sources of your well-being because youexpressthanksforthem,andsoitis If youexpressandspeakfearofnothaving food or a lack of anything, surely it will showitselfasyourreality.
So that special moment in the morning when we arise affords us the ability to createthedayatitsmostpowerfulWeare able to take full advantage of the auspicious moment and offer ourselves fullytothecreativeprocessbyfillingthat preciousmomentwithwhateverinspires us most Perhaps you may want to be morelovingorgenerous,oritmaybethat youwant to be more open to beautyin your daily life and express greater appreciationbyacknowledgingit.
Whatever your desire, if you plant this visioninyourmindatthatfertilemoment, youempowerittobetheguidingprinciple of your day You see where this is going? Taking these actions is being intentional without being specific. You think good thoughts and express gratefulness for all thatisgoodinyourlife
Yourthankfulnessinformslifethatyoulikethe goodthings,andsoyouwillreceivemoreofall that is good. Do not hate others, no matter howhorridtheymaybe Donotcurseothers or wish them harm. Pray for their transformation instead And your life will be transformative.
Sometimes we wake up with a bad mood alreadyseeminglyinplace,soitisimportantto recognize that feelingand let it go. Release it. That feeling can inform us and deepen our awareness of the random thoughts that pop intoourheads Suchthoughtscankeepusina perpetual struggle mode because of the thoughtsinsideourheadsaswellasaroundus Itislikebeingonamerry-go-round.Ifweare conscious,wecanrecognizethatfeeling,then establishandintroduceournewaffirmationor vision,ourconsciousofferingofapositiveact toourday.
ICYMI: La Shawn K Ford’s episode on Chi Stay of Mind and his November 2024 Cover Story - Check it out Now!
NATIONALNEWS
What’sWrongWithOurKids?HiringTrendsRaiseQuestionsAboutGenZ’sPlace
CNW STAFF REPORT
A recent report by The Washington Post has sparkeddebateaboutwhetheracriticalsegmentof the US economy is quietly shutting younger workersout.
According to labor-market data cited in the report, the average age of new hires in 2025 rose to approximately 42, a noticeable jump from previousyears Hiringamongworkers25andyounger has dropped sharply, in some cases by more than 45 percent compared with just a few years ago Meanwhile, hiring among olderworkers, including those65andolder,hasincreased
The shift suggests employers are prioritizing experience over potential in a period marked by economic uncertainty, rising labor costs and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace
Many employers say they now prefer candidates who can “hit the ground running” with minimal supervision or training In tighter economic conditions, companies often reduce training budgetsandshortenonboardingtimelines changes thattendtodisadvantageearly-careerapplicants
Broader economic pressures are also reshaping hiring patterns Automation and AI tools are increasingly capable of handling tasks traditionally assigned to entry-level workers, such as drafting reports,performingdataentry,generatingresearch summaries, managing scheduling and responding toroutinecustomerinquiries.
Insteadofhiringtwojunioremployeeswhorequire training,somefirmsareoptingforoneexperienced professionalsupportedbyAItools Thecalculation, analysts say, is about efficiency and risk management
AIdoesnotrequirebenefits,healthcarecoverageor salary increases It does not leave for another job after 18 months For companies focused on cost predictability,thosefactorsmatter.
The decline in youth hiring has fueled questions aboutwhethertheissueisstructuralorgenerational
Surveys of hiring managers reveal consistent concerns about younger applicants, particularly members of Generation Z. In one ResumeBuilder survey of roughly 1,000 hiring managers, 40 percent admitted to age bias against Gen Z candidates, while nearly 80 percent expressed concernaboutaperceivedlackofexperience
Aseparate surveybyIntelligentcom found that 38 percent of managers preferred older, more experiencedworkers overrecent graduates Nearly half said they would rather hire an overqualified older candidate than a younger applicant who requiredadditionaltraining
Common criticisms cited in these surveys include unrealistic salary expectations, lack of interview preparation, weaker communication skills and concerns about job-hopping. Some managers reported high turnover among younger hires withintheirfirstyear
Other reports suggest frustration with what employersinterpretasresistancetorigidschedules ortraditionalhierarchies Youngerworkers,surveys indicate, tend to value flexibility, remote work and fasteradvancement
However, labor experts caution that these findings reflect employer perceptions not necessarily objectivemeasuresofability
Thereislittleevidencethatyoungerworkersareless capable overall In fact, many employers acknowledge that Gen Z employees adapt quickly to digital systems, learn new technology efficiently and bring updated training from recent education programs.The tension, analysts say, lies less in skill andmoreinstructure
When companies prioritize immediate productivity over long-term workforce development, entry-level hiring declines Younger workers, by definition, lack direct experience. Without pathwaystogainit,thecyclebecomesself-reinforcing
Broader factors may also be influencing employer attitudes Pandemic-related disruptions limited internshipsandin-personworkexposureformany recent graduates. Remote schooling altered early professional development Risingstudent debt and cost-of-living pressures have also shaped career expectations.
GlobalFalloutGrowsAfterNewEpsteinDocumentsAreUnsealed
CANDI MCCRARY - CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The release of millions of pages of court documents tied to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has renewed global scrutiny of political leaders,royaltyandbusinessexecutives
Thedocuments,unsealedinlateJanuaryandearly February, reportedly include emails, photographs and investigative materials detailing Epstein’s networkofpowerfulassociatesyearsafterhis2008 conviction on sex-related charges. While many names had surfaced previously in flight logs and addressbooks,thelatestdisclosureshaveintensified politicalpressureinseveralcountries.
In the United Kingdom, renewed attention has focused on Prince Andrew, who stepped back from public duties in 2019 amid controversyover his association with Epstein He was later stripped ofhonorarymilitarytitlesandroyalpatronagesby Queen Elizabeth II Prince Andrew has denied wrongdoing and previously reached a civil settlement in the United States without admitting liability Britishmediahavereportedchangestohis living arrangements within royal estates, though the royal family has not linked those decisions to thedocumentrelease.
Peter Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former cabinet minister, also faces scrutiny after documents reportedly referenced past communications with Epstein Mandelson has denied misconduct. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said any credible allegations should be examined thoroughly
In the United States, several high-profile figures have again been drawn into public discussion, including former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and TeslaCEOElonMusk Inclusioninthedocuments does not imply wrongdoing Those named have previouslysaidtheirinteractionswithEpsteinwere limitedorunrelatedtocriminalactivity
Political reverberations have surfaced elsewhere in Europe Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a national review after references suggested possible links involving Polish nationals Slovak diplomat MiroslavLajčák resigned from an advisory role following reports of past communications, saying he did not want the controversytodistractfromgovernmentbusiness
In France, former Culture Minister Jack Lang denied wrongdoing. Norway’s Mette-Marit acknowledgedpastcontactandexpressedregretfor maintainingtheassociation
In the Middle East, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has acknowledged past business ties with Epstein but denied knowledge of criminal conduct. Business leaders in the Gulf region have also faced renewed scrutiny, though no charges havebeenannouncedinconnectionwiththelatest disclosures.
Legal experts caution that investigative files, including correspondence and unverified tips, do not automatically establish criminal behavior. Much of the material consists of communications, travel records and third-party statements gathered duringyearsoflitigation.
With Davis retiring, 7th District candidates face Black press in wide-open primary
CNW STAFF REPORT
U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis is stepping aside after nearly three decades representing Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, setting up one of the most consequential open-seat Democratic primariesinrecentmemory
With Davis not seeking reelection, members of the Black press gathered the morning of Feb 13 at Chicago News Weekly for a Black Media Roundtable moderated by journalist Brandon Pope. The forum gave candidatestheopportunitytorespond directly to questions about healthcare, economic inequality, infrastructure and voting rights ahead of the March 17primary Earlyvotingisunderway
The 7th District spans much of Chicago’s West Side including Austin, Garfield Park and North Lawndale along with parts of the Near West Side and downtown, and extends west into suburban Cook County communities such as Oak Park, Forest Park, Maywood and Bellwood
State Rep La Shawn K Ford, former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin and Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskinsparticipatedinthediscussion Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin was invited but did not attend, though her candidacywas referenced during portions of the forum The Democratic primaryfield includes multiple candidates, underscoringhowcompetitivetheopenseat hasbecome.
Throughout the morning, economic pressure emerged as a common theme.
Boykin framed his campaign around what he described as rising costs squeezingfamiliesacrossthedistrict
“I’m running for Congress because I wanttodisruptthestatusquo,”hesaid “Peoplearefindingitdifficulttomake it in our society today. Groceries are too high, rent is too high, health insurance is too high All of the basic necessities of life are too high Our senior citizens are struggling to make endsmeet.”
Hepointedtothedistrict’srelianceon federal health programs as evidence that congressional decisions carry immediatelocalconsequences”Forty-. five” percent of the district are folks who live in the 7th and are actually receiving Medicaid benefits,” Boykin said, warning that reductions in federal funding would directly affect residents. He also highlightedwhat he called a stark life expectancy gap withinthedistrict
“We have a 20-year life expectancy gap, the largest in the United States of America, right here in the 7th District in Garfield Park,” he said. “Seven stops on the Green Line to down town and a 20-year life expectancy gap People in Garfieldareexpectedtolive to be about 67. People in Streeterville, it’s87. That’s unconscionable”
Boykin attributed the disparity to systemic inequities.“Yougotfooddeserts. You got job deserts.You got peoplewhoarestressedout of their mind because they can’t support their families And thenyou gotviolence,” hesaid
Ford,who has served in the Illinois House since 2007, emphasizedlegislativeexpe irience and federal tax re form as central to addressingeconomicinequality.
“We gotta make sure that the wealthy pay their fair share. We gotta make sure that corporations pay their fair share,” Ford said “They hire a cadre of lawyers and accountants to use all the loopholesinthetaxcodeto avoid paying. And so we have to make sure that we closethoseloopholes”
From LefttoRight:ForestPark,MayorRoryHoskins,Atty RichardBoykin,and StateRep LaShawnK Ford
Hoskins, currently servering as mayorof Forest Park, centered his remarks on economic development and the district’s suburban communities, which he said must not beoverlooked
He argued thatvoting protections must be permanentandnotsubjecttoshiftngpoliticalwinds
“It’s gotta be a right that if you ’ re an American citizen, youhavetherighttovoteas aBlackperson Noquestion aboutit,”Fordsaid
Fordalsotiedinfrastructure investment to public health andworkforceopportunity, pointing to Chicago’s aging leadservicelines
“Wehavemoreleadservice linesinhomesinthecityof Chicago than any other major city,” he said “I want to get a bill passed in Congress to provide resources so that young people and folks who don’t have jobs on the West Side can get training on how to remove those lead service lines.”
“I’m the only suburban candidate running in this race, Hoskins said, noting that the district extends beyond Chicgo ’sWestSide “Insomecases, they honestly didn’t know their congressperson ” He described infrastructure spendingasapathwaytoemploy -mentandregionalgrowth He described infrastructure spending as a pathway to employment and regional growth Investment in public infrastructure is going to take people back to work,” Hoskins said “That’s how we stimulate the economy and bring opportunity into communities that have been left behind.”
Hoskins also proposed targetedtaxincentivesforbusinesses that hire young adults aging outoffostercare.
Hoskins also proposed targeted tax incentivesforbusinessesthathireyoung adultsagingoutoffostercare.
“Inbetter-resourcedcommunities,teenagers getjobsbecauseofwhotheirparentsknow,” hesaid “Butthekidswhoarecomingoutof thefostercaresystemdon’talwayshavethose support systems I want to put cash into businesses that hire children coming out of thefostercaresystem youngadultsaging out sothatwearenotleavingthembehind.”
He added that bipartisan cooperation would be necessary in Washington to advance policy proposals. “I want to work hard for restoring bipartisanship asameanstogetthingsdone,”hesaid.
As voters prepare for the March 17 primary, the open contest marks the first time in nearly30years that the 7th District will select a new representative, closing a chapter in a seat long associated with Davis and shaping the next phase of leadership in one of Chicago’s most politically influential districts.
CITYNEWS
TheBlackPress’DatewithCookCountyPresidentToniPreckwinkle
IfMadamePresidentToniPreckwinklehasherway she will be returning to continue the work, she’s been doing and push for the change where it’s needed As the incumbent candidate she oversees oneofthebiggestcountiesintheUS,includingthe county’s jail, vast court system and large public healthsystemthathasamissiontotreatpatientsno matter their ability to pay The county employs more than 20,000 people and has roughly a $10 billionannualbudgetthatmustbeapprovedbya17member board of individually elected commissioners. Preckwinkle also oversees the Forest Preserve of Cook County Her purview makes her one the most powerful people (man orwoman) in theworld
At a roundtable discussionwith Madame President and the Black press held at the Chicago News Weekly newsroom she was asked questions that required honest and factual answers When posed the question regarding the accusation of her opponents that she has continuously raised taxes and has done nothing to change a broken tax system Sheremainedpoised
Shedirectedheranswerswithpreciseaccuracyand began with what she has accomplished explaining thatthecountyunderherleadershiphasnotraised any taxes since 2017 when the beverage tax was repealed TurningtheTide
Since then, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has implemented several propertytax initiatives aimed at balancing fiscal stability with reliefforhomeownersandsupportforcommercial development Heradministrationhasmaintaineda consistent policy of not raising the Cook County propertytaxlevyduringhertenure
HerPrivateHomePropertyTaxAchievements
This is where Preckwinkle has focused on direct relief and structural reforms to protect residential propertyownersfromrisingcosts:
Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund: In 2025,shelauncheda$15millionfundproviding one-time $1,000 grants to homeowners who experiencedsubstantialtaxincreases.
Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze: She has championed the expansion of the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, which "freezes" the taxable value of properties for seniors with household incomes of$65,000orless
AffordableHousingProtections:Asalong-term advocate, she sponsored ordinances that increasedcityexpendituresonlow-to-moderate income housing and mandated that developers reserveapercentageofunitsas"affordable" Property Tax Reform Group (PTAX): Established this working group to modernize the tax system, focusing on homestead exemptions and finding ways to make assessmentsmorepredictableandequitable
Preckwinkle has enhanced the commercial tax base andsupportedbusinessesthroughtargetedincentives andgrants,including:
SmallBusinessSupport$67millioningrantssince 2020forbusinesseswith20orfeweremployees
Incentive Program Modernization: A December 2024 study to overhaul property tax incentive programs for better transparency and predictabilityfordevelopers
Inthisphoto:LefttoRight:KaiElZabar,CNW,MarhelleSanders,ChicagoDefender,CarlWest,TBTNews,FloydWebb,SouthSideDrive Magazine,CherylMainor,CNW,ToniPreckwinkle,LauraMiller,CNW,IsaacLewis,NorthLawndaleCommunityNews
TargetedCommercialClasses:
Class 7c: Incentives for newly constructed commercial buildings, assessing them at 10% for thefirstthreeyears(vs thestandard25%)
Class 7d: Specific incentives for grocery stores developed in "food deserts" to encourage communityinvestment
Class 8: Targeted industrial and commercial developmentincentivesforspecifictownshipslike BloomandThornton.
SystemicTransparencyandManagement
Property Tax System Tracker: Launched in July 2025,thisdailytrackerallowsresidentstomonitor the progress of modernization projects and the performanceofelectedpropertytaxoffices
Timely Billing Efforts: In February 2026, Preckwinkle and the County Treasurer announcedthatfirst-installmenttaxbillswouldbe mailed on time, ensuring prompt distribution of fundstolocaltaxingagencies
Fiscal Responsibility: Her administration has passedbalancedbudgetsfor2023,2024,2025,and 2026 without increasing county taxes or fees, contributingtofourcreditratingupgrades
CookCounty’sFiscalFoundation:Preckwinkle MakestheCaseforContinuity
As she faces the 2026 election Madame President Toni Preckwinkle has positioned her administration as a bulwark of fiscal stability and reform in a region often defined by economic volatility Central to her reelection platform is a record of property tax management that emphasizes immediate relief for residents and long-term modernization for the commercialsector
HomeownerRelief:DirectActioninaRisingMarket
While property assessments have climbed across the county, Preckwinkle’s defends her administration’s aggressive measures to shield residents from the fallout Most notable is the $15 million Cook County HomeownerReliefFund,launchedin2025toprovide $1,000 one-time grants to families hit hardest by suddentaxspikes
Beyond direct cash assistance, the administration has doubled down on structural protections Preckwinkle has been a vocal proponent of the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze, ensuring that older residentsonfixedincomesarenotpricedout of their homes as property values rise Maintainingaconsistentpolicyofnotraising the county’s property tax levy is a streak that has lasted over 15 years Preckwinkle argues she has provided a rare constant in an otherwiseunpredictabletaxlandscape
RevitalizingtheEconomythrough TargetedTaxIncentives
The Preckwinkle administration is revitalizing the economy by leveraging the tax code, implementing specific incentives designed to attract and retain businesses, including:
Class7cThisclassreduces ass-essments for new or rehabilitated commercial buildings to 10% for three years in underservedareas
Class 8: This adjustment lowers assessmentsfrom25%to10%foradecade in economically challenged townships suchasBloomandThornton
In late 2024, a study commissioned by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)aimedtoenhancetheseincentives.
Furthermore, in July2025, the PropertyTax System Daily Progress Tracker was introduced to boost transparency and accountabilityinmodernizationefforts.This initiative played a significant role in achievingabalanced budget of $9.94 billion, approved without imposing new taxes, leading to the county's fourth credit rating upgrade Precwinkle high- lighted the importance of fiscal discipli- ne and acknowledged the intricate nature of decision-making within a complex tax system,advocatingforcollaborationtotackle ongoingchallenges
THAT SOMEBODY THE
LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE REV. JESSE LOUIS JACKSON
KAI EL ZABAR - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Rev Jesse Louis Jackson, the civil rights leader, presidential candidate and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, husband, father, sonandmostimportantly,achangeagentwho was and architect of change that help advance mankind diedTuesdaymorning, Feb 17, 2026 Hewas84
For more than six decades, Jackson was one of the most visible and persistent voices in American public life as a preacher who marched beside Martin Luther King Jr., a political insurgent who reshaped the Democratic Party, and an economic activist who forced corporations, media companies and sports leagues to confront theirrecords on raceandinclusion Perhapsmostimportantlyis hisworkasachangeagentwhotransformedthe lives of people through the tenacity of effort andhopegiftingusallwiththecontributionsof theadvancementshemadehappen.
With hisvision in mind and afirm foundation basedonprinciplesgroundedinthehumanity, that civilized people profess to value, Rev Jackson set out to make that respect for all people a realityreminding them as often as he couldwith his rallyingcries, “IAm Somebody” and “Keep Hope Alive,” which became more than slogans Theywere affirmations aimed at peoplepushedtothemarginsofAmericanlife, reminders that dignity and opportunity were rights,notprivileges
Most people know him as one of the ‘Civil Rights’ leaders who was on the balcony in Memphis when tragedy struck Since that pivotal moment, Rev Jackson has been, 'That Somebody’onamission.
From Segregated Greenville to the National Stage
Jesse Louis Jackson was born Oct 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, and raised in the rigidly segregated South. He often recalled sittingatthebackofbuseswithhismotherand attending under-resourced Black schools “Therewasnograssintheyard,”heoncesaidof hiselementaryschool,“Icouldn’tplay”
He excelled academically and athletically, earning a football scholarship to the University ofIllinoisbeforetransferringtoNorthCarolina A&T State University, then known as Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina There he studied sociology, became activeintheburgeoningcivilrightsmovement, and met Jacqueline Lavinia Brown They married in 1962 and welcomed children, Jesse Jackson Jr., Santita Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, Yusef DuBois Jackson, Jacqueline "Jackie" LaviniaJacksonandAshleyJackson
After graduating in 1964, Jackson joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)in1965,workingunderKing In1966the young Jackson moved his family to Chicago wherehepursuedgraduateworkattheChicago TheologicalSeminary
On April 4, 1968, he was in Memphis on the balcony when King was assassinated at age 39 Jackson,then24,wouldlatersay,“Wecouldnot allowonebullettostopthemovement”
King’sdeathmarkedaturningpoint,butnotan end Jackson emerged from that tragedy determined to continue the struggle. If we accept that things happen as they should, then note that Jackson’s resignation from SCLC in 1971ledhimtocreateOperationPUSH(People UnitedtoSaveHumanity)basedinChicago In 1984, he established the National Rainbow Coalition,whose missionwas to establish equal rights for African Americans, women and all people.The two organizations merged in 1996 toformtheRainbowPUSHCoalition
As Rev Jackson’s popularity expanded, his political engagement began to span the world, oftenmediatingissuesanddisputeswithleaders in foreign countries. South Africa was on his route in 1979 to speak-out against apartheid policies and that led to his visits to the Middle East influencing the creation of a Palestinian state He also got behind democratic efforts in Haiti
In 1984 Jackson threw his hat in the US Presidential race as the second Black to do so afterShirleyChisholm Itwas a historic success placing third in the Democratic primary and garnered a total of 3.5 million votes surpassing Chisholm'ssuccess
COVERSTORY
It was 1988, when Jackson made his second presidential run, finishing second in the DemocraticprimariesJacksondeliveredoneof the most historically riveting speeches demonstrating his oratory skills and populist vision winning more than 7 million votes It’s interesting to note that Donald Trump supported Jackson monetarily during Jackson's 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns. Jackson noted in 1999 that Trump had attended businessmeetingsforthesecampaignsoutofa "willtomakethingsbetter."
Tenyearslaterinkeepingwithhisinternational influence, Jackson negotiated the release of threeU.S.servicemembers,citizens,U.S.Army soldiers who were held for 32 days while on a peacekeepingmissionwhileinYugoslavia
The proportional representation system that Jackson fought forth became the bedrock of Obama’s primary strategy 20 years later Reverend Jesse Jackson's two presidential campaigns fundamentally restructured the DemocraticParty’snominatingprocessshifting it from a "winner-take-all" system to one based on ‘proportionalrepresentation’Thesereforms were designed to ensure that the impact of outsider and minority candidates was not minimized,ultimatelyfosteringamorediverse andinclusivepartybase Thiswasahugewinfor allfuturecandidates
In1990RevJacksonsecuredhisfirstelectionfor one of two special unpaid, “statehood senator” postscreatedbytheWashingtoncityCouncilin order to lobby the US Congress for statehood forthe District of Columbia and closed out his potentialpoliticalcareer Yearslaterhe’dwitness his sons Jesse Jr and Jonathan both become IllinoisStateCongressmen.
PoliticsOutsidethePoliticalArena
Rev Jesse Jackson has profoundly shaped the corporate world by transforming civil rights advocacy into a movement for economic empowerment and structural diversity His impact is characterized by moving beyond simplehiringtodemandinginstitutionalequity in boardrooms and supply chains He impacted the non-profit sector as well as the corporate world to expand the inclusion of Blacksintopjoblevels.
JacksonwashonoredwiththePresidentialMedalof Freedomawardedtohimin2000byPresidentBill Clinton That same year he received A Master of DivinityfromtheChicagoTheologicalSeminary.
Most of the programs and negotiations that Rev Jackson led and participated parlayed financial transformation for those disproportionately disadvantaged..
OperationBreadbasketandEconomicBoycotts
In the late 1960s, Jackson led Operation Breadbasket in Chicago, using the "selective buying"powerofBlackconsumerstoforcewhiteowned businesses to open private sector jobs to Black workers; to utilize Black vendors and professional services He secured thousands of jobs through high-profile boycotts of companies likeAnheuser-BuschandCoca-Cola
TheWallStreetProject
Launchedin1996,theWallStreetProjectshifted the focus to the financial heart of corporate America Itskeyachievementsinclude:
Diversifying Corporate Governance: Pressuring major firms to appoint African Americans to corporate boards and executiveleadership(C-suites)
Increasing Minority Procurement: Challenging corporations to end "trade deficits" with minority-owned businesses, resulting in billions of dollars spent with minorityfirms
Pension Fund Advocacy: Urging pension funds and university endowments to use minority -owned asset managers and brokers
TheTrumpFactor
While there is no public record of a direct cash investment into the Wall Street Project from Donald Trump, he provided significant financial support through in-kind contributions andhistoricaldonationstoJesseJackson’srelated politicalefforts.
His primary "monetary" support for the Wall Street Projectincluded:
Donated Office Space: In 1997, Trump provided Rainbow PUSH Coalition with free office spaces at 40WallStreet Thedonationwasintendedtogivethe projectapermanentpresenceintheFinancialDistrict tomonitorcorporatehiringpractices
Advocacy for External Investment: Trump used his platform at the project's conferences to encourage outside investments into minority neighborhoods andentrepreneurship
Jackson praised Trump in the 1990s for supporting minority entrepreneurs, butbecame asharp critic duringTrump’spolitical rise,warningthathisrhetoric“seededtheseclouds”ofdivisionand fear.
PUSHExcelandTalentPipelines
PUSH Excel founded in 1975, focused on preparing African American students for corporate success. By emphasizing academic excellence and job readiness, Jacksonworked to ensure that the "doors of opportunity" heforcedopenwouldbefilled
The"FairnessinMedia"Strategy
In 1994, Jackson formed the Rainbow Coalition CommissiononFairnessintheMedia Hearguedthatthe lack of minorities in decision-making roles led to "institutional racism" and skewed depictions of African Americansinnewsandentertainment
The "Sweeps" Lever: Jackson strategically timed his boycott threats for " sweeps months" when networks are most sensitive to ratings because they set advertisingratesforthefollowingseason
Jackson released Management Surveys of detailed studies showing "serious deficiencies" in hiring For example, a 1994 report on NBC revealed that out of 386 East Coast entertainmentemployees,only16wereminorities High-ProfileNetworkConfrontations
Jackson targeted individual networks and their local affiliatestocreate"covenants"orpledgesforreform: CBS (1985-1986): Following the demotion of Black anchor Harry Porterfield at WBBM-TV in Chicago, Jacksonlaunchedaboycottthateventuallyexpandedto CBS-owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia He demanded more Blacks in supervisoryandpolicymakinglevels.
Fox (1994): After private negotiations, Fox reversed a decision to cancel the Black superhero series MANTIS and agreed to broader discussions on diversityinitsexecutivepipeline
The1999-2000IndustryPacts
The peak of his impact came during a joint effort with the NAACP when Jackson pressured the "Big Four" (ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox) to sign unprecedented diversity agreements. These pacts included: VicePresidentPositions ManagementTraining SupplierDiversity
ModernBroadcastAdvocacy
Inmorerecentyears,Jacksonusedtheregulatory process to influence management diversity. For instance, in 2022, his Rainbow PUSH Coalition intervenedintheproposedpurchaseofTegnato ensure the new ownership would maintain rigorousdiversityandinclusionstandards
Jackson’s ‘diversitypacts’changed the makeup of corporate boards outside of the media industry. He did not mince words when confronting television networks and their executives In 1994 he accused the networks of racism specifically pointing to NBC’s hiring bias and insisted that what ‘the three networks must do, is hire more Blacksformanagementandon-airpositionsand the services of Black professionals and talent’ Though, the officials denied that racism influenced their decisions they acknowledged that more could be done to increase cultural diversity in television representation across the board.
In the context of Rev Jesse Jackson’s negotiations and the broader movement for diversity in Chicago media, he achieved the Landmark AppointmentofJonathanRodgers
In 1986, following a high-profile boycott sparked by the demotion of Black CBS anchor, Harry Porterfield,andneedupmovingtoWLS-TV
NBC hired Jonathan Rodgers as the firstAfrican American Vice President and General Manager of WBBM-TV Channel 2 rather than CBS. The hire elevated him to the highest executive at a station, for a network-owned station in Chicago. Consequently, his hiring and subsequentmiddlemanagement roles were the direct result of the intense pressure and boycott led by Jackson's OperationPUSH
NBC(WMAQ-TV)Context
While Rodgers broke the barrier at NBC, Jackson’s influence at NBC (WMAQ-TV) also led to historic "firsts" in newsroom leadership and investigative roles: ReneeFerguson:In1987becamethefirstAfrican American woman to work as an investigative reporterinChicagotelevisionatWMAQ-TV. Executive Leadership: the industry-wide "diversity pacts" in 1999–2000, NBC implemented structured management pipelines Today, leadership at NBCUniversal Local ChicagoincludesexecutiveslikeKevinCross.
ReverendJacksonGalvanizedBlackpower
By harnessing the Chicago Trio, Jackson shaped Media, Money and Diplomacy as a network of relationships.TheunionofRev.JesseJackson,media figure Oprah Winfrey and athlete Michael Jordan helped elevate Chicago as a national center of Black influence,observersandcontemporaryaccountssay Locally, the “Chicago nexus ” combined Jackson’s activism, Winfrey’s rise through WLS-TV and Jordan’sglobalstardomtoboostthecity’sprofileand economic clout for Black residents. Jackson’s campaigns including boycotts and calls for “fairness in media” pressured networks and advertisers to expand opportunities for Black talent, shifting the media landscape in ways that benefited Blackjournalistsandbroadcasters.
ItwouldbeblasphemoustofailtomentiontheBlack Press, specifically members of the NNPA, which played a central role in reporting Jackson’s work, consistently covering his initiatives and informing Black communities The silent partnership between the two allowed Jackson to control his narrative and help put him in the roomwhere Jackson also urged corporations to allocate advertising dollars to Black newspapers,supplyingaudiencefigurestojustifythe investment a deliberate strategyto strengthen the financialbaseofBlackjournalism
Analysts say the combination of media influence, economic advocacy and high-profile diplomacy helped cementChicago’sreputationasahubofBlackexcellence andcivicpower.
IntheSportsArena
Rev Jesse Jackson’s impact on sports was built on the philosophy that "equality on the field should parallel equality in management and ownership" Jackson felt stronglythat‘Witha70percentBlackNFLteam,itisonly fair for African Americans to be given top level management jobs, legal contracts, and scholarships “for ourchildren” Heusedhisadvocacytochallengeleagues totreatthe"businessofsports"withtheRooneyRule InfluencingtheNFL"RooneyRule"
Rev Jacksoniscreditedwith"igniting"theRooneyfamily (Pittsburgh Steelers ) to implement the Rooney Rule in 2003.
The Mandate: This rule requires NFL teams to interview at least one minority candidate for head coachingandseniorfootballoperationjobs Expansion:Jacksonhascontinuedtopushfortherule to have " more teeth," advocating for it to cover General Manager and front-office positions, which historicallylackeddiversityevenasplayerrosterswere majority-Black
RainbowPUSHSports&IndustryDiversity
In 1999, Jackson formally founded Rainbow PUSH Sports to move the focus from the "playing field" to the "frontoffice"
MLB Diversity Initiative: He partnered with former MLBCommissionerBudSeligtolauncha‘diversity’ initiative that pressured Major League Baseball to increaseminorityhiringinitsexecutiveranks
Black Sports Agents Association: Jackson helped launch the BSAA to ensure that Black athletes were represented by Black professionals in contract negotiations,furtherdiversifyingthefinancialsideof theindustry
FrontOffice"ReportCards"
This captures his genius at its best. Jackson applied his"WallStreetProject"tacticstosports,conducting studies that exposed the "serious deficiencies" in front-office hiring They never saw him coming the way he did The facts were there the reality spokeitstruth.
Statistical Pressure: In 1993, he released a study showing that while nearly 75% of players on some Super Bowl teams were minorities, less than10%oftheirfront-officestaffwere
Supplier Diversity: He negotiated for sports teams to use minority-owned vendors for services like legal representation, accounting, and stadium concessions, ensuring the economic impact of sports reached Blackownedbusinesses
Media&BroadcasterManagement
Jackson’s broader "Fairness in Media" negotiations directlyimpactedsportstelevision:
Executive Producers: He pushed networks like NBC and CBS to include Blacks in production and management roles for sports broadcasts, notjustason-airtalent.
Challenging Stereotypes: In 1983, he testified before Congress that media portrayals (including sports) often unfairly characterized Black professionals as "less intelligent" and "less hard working," a narrative he fought to dismantlethroughexecutive-levelhiring
Bypressuring icons like Ozzie Newsome (NFL's first Black GM) and Frank Robinson (MLB's first Black manager), Jackson helped create the "proof of concept" that African Americans could lead sports organizationsatthehighestlevels.
Rev JesseJacksonandRainbowPUSHSportsadvocate forincreaseddiversityinsportsleadership,focusingon placing more Black individuals in executive and ownership positions They emphasize the "Business of Sports," "SportsTech," and "Social Justice," supporting athletes in achieving success beyond their playing careers
The Wall Street Project, extended its advocacy into professional sports by treating leagues as major corporations that must be held accountable for economic inclusion at the highest levels of ownership by utilizing Jackson’s primary strategy focused on closing the "trade deficit" between billion-dollar sports franchises and the minoritycommunities that provide theirprimarylaborandfanbase
His targeting of sports ownership is defined by key actions“Challengingthe"EliteClub"ofOwnership
*Jackson consistently criticized the exclusion of Black ownersasalegacyofsystemicdiscrimination,notingthat when teams were affordable, Black individuals were bannedfromownership Jacksonalwaysbrokeitdownso thatthemoneyboysunderstoodthestakes
StrategicPartnershipswithLeagueCommissioners
JacksonleveragedtheWallStreetProject's"researchand negotiation" model to engage directly with league leaderstoinstitutionalizediversity
MLB Diversity Initiative: He partnered with Commissioner Bud Selig to launch the Diversity in Sportsinitiative,whichappliedcorporate"reportcards" toMLB'shiringandprocurementpractices
Expandingthe"ContractualPie"
Jackson argued that ownership is not just about the nameonthedoor,butaboutwhocontrolstheancillary businessopportunitiesgeneratedbytheteam.
So,heworkedwiththesportsclubownerstohelpready Blackstomoveintothecircleofsportsclubownership. Recent Developments (2025–2026) As of February 2026, the legacy of Jackson’s advocacy continues to influencemodernownershipstructures:
Private Equity Inclusion: New league rules (such as theNFL's2024PrivateEquityPolicy)allowingfirms to buy minority stakes are being scrutinized under the diversity frameworks Jackson pioneered to ensurethesenewinvestmentvehiclesdonotfurther diluteminorityrepresentation
Ongoing Advocacy: In recent months before his passing, Jackson's organizations remained active in challengingmajorcorporationsandsportsentitiesto maintain their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments
SiliconValleyandTechAccountability
In the 2010s, Jackson extended his influence to the technology sector, using his status as shareholder to attendannualmeetingsanddemandchange
Transparency Initiatives: Forced tech giants like Google and Facebook to release their first-ever workforcediversityreports.
Philanthropic and Training Investments: Inspired Inteltopledge$300millionfordiversityandApple to donate $40 million to the Thurgood Marshall CollegeFundtosupportHBCUstudents
LegacyandContinuedInfluence
Rev Jesse Jackson viewed the crashing of ceilings in roomswhere it mattered as away"to lift the ceiling on Blackpossibility".Thatishislegacy.
“KeepHopeAlive.”
RYAN WILLIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
How Stylesbydave Is Redefining Black Men’s Presence, Confidence, and Authority in Chicago
As Chicago reflects on the life and legacy of the Rev Jesse L Jackson, political and faith leaders across the city are sharing memories of a man whose influence stretched from neighborhood streetstothenationalstage.Acivilrightsarchitect, presidential candidate and founder of Operation PUSHandtheRainbowPUSHCoalition,Jackson shaped generations of activism rooted in faith, unity and unapologetic advocacy for justice Candidates representing Illinois’ 7th CongressionalDistrictandthe8thHouseDistrict weighinonthepreacher,themovementbuilder andtheleadertheyknew
AldermanLaShawnFord Illinois’7th CongressionalDistrict
“Rev Jackson was more than a leader He was a builder of movements and a sanctuary for freedomfighters.Through OperationPUSH,he provided activists, organizers, and everyday people with a home, a headquarters where we could gather, strategize, and plan how to fight injustice and break down barriers facing our communities.Hecreatedaplacewherehopewas turnedintoaction Healsounderstoodthepower of communication. He amplified the stories of those who were ignored and oppressed and marginalizedensuringthattheworldheardtheir truth Through his leadership at Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he demonstrated that diversity is strength and that justice requires unity across communities And as a human being he expressed the best that a man can be. He possessed a keen sense of awareness, a heightened sensitivity, an insightful second sense of the manner of man or woman one was. His recognition of another always elevated their sense of self as acknowledging their value which hepersonified Mayweallembracehishumanity andloveofourfellowman “
Rev. JohnF.Harrell,ProvisoM.B.C.,Senior Pastor,for8thIllinoisHouseDistrict
“As we reflect on the remarkable legacy of Reverend Jesse L Jackson, a titan in the fight for civil rights whose impact will resonate for generations His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights serves as a beacon of hope for us all In his tireless work, he walked alongside legends like Dr Martin Luther KingJr.,challengingustoriseaboveadversityand embraceourinherentworth ReverendJackson's devotion to God and his steadfast belief in the power of love and justice remind us that we are all deserving of dignity and respect He dismantled barriers with the fervor of faith, echoing the lessons of scripture and pushing us forwardinoursharedjourneytowardamorejust world
Like the walls of Jericho that fell, his spirit and resolve continue to inspire us to confront injustice fearlessly. As we honor his legacy, let us carry his message forward, "I am Somebody" This resonates deeply, encouraging us to recognize our own value and the significance of our collective voices His trailblazing path as the second Black American to run for president not once, but twice, opened doors for future leaders, proving that dreams can be realized. Let us advocate for a state holiday in his honor, commemorating his profound contributions to society and the fight for righteousness In the spirit of John 11:25-26, we celebrate the life that Reverend Jackson lived, knowing that through faith, we are all called to be agents of change, hope, and love. May we strive to embody his legacyaswecontinuetoseekjusticeforall “
RichardBoykin Illinois’7thCongressional District
“I had the privilege of working with Rev Jesse Jackson on many initiatives to help people. His annual visit to the Cook County Department of Corrections, feeding the hungry, fighting for policies to end homelessness and registering peopletovote
He was a passionate and fierce fighter for justice I amproudtohaveknownhim Hewasaleaderand trailblazer I will never forget the marches for justiceandhisdesiretoimprovelives
May God comfort his family at this difficult time The memory of Rev. Jackson will live forever. As Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, I have fought the good fight,Ihavefinishedthecourse,andIhavekeptthe faith.Restmybrotherinthehandsofthealmighty! Aluntacontinua!“
Bernadette, The Musical’ Brings Story of French Teen Visionary to Chicago Stage
KAI EL ZABAR
Bernadette, The Musical, a sweeping stage production about 19thcentury French visionary Bernadette Soubirous, arrives in Chicago thiswinter,bringingthestoryoffaith,skepticismandresiliencetothe HistoricMainStageattheAthenaeumCenter.
The production runs Feb 12 through March 15, 2026, at the theater, 2936N SouthportAve,inLakeview
The musical recounts the life of Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl from Lourdes, France, whose reported visions in 1858 transformed her rural village into one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world
Born in 1844 into extreme poverty, Soubirous was a sickly child who suffered from asthma and received little formal education Her life changedonFeb 11,1858,whilegatheringfirewoodnearthegrottoof Massabielle. She later said she saw a “small young lady” dressed in white. Between February and July of that year, she reported 18 apparitions
Accordingtochurchrecords,thefigureeventuallyidentifiedherselfas the “Immaculate Conception,” a declaration that carried theological significance in a France still grappling with political and religious upheaval. News of the visions spread quickly, drawing curiosity, crowdsandcontroversy
Civil authorities and church officials subjected Soubirous to repeated interrogations,attimessuggestingshewaslyingormentallyill.Local officials threatened her family with legal consequences. Doctors considered institutionalizing her Even her parents, struggling with crushingpoverty,urgedhertostopspeakingaboutthevisions
Yet Soubirous remained consistent in her testimony. One of her oftquotedstatements “Iwasaskedtotellyou,nottoconvinceyou” anchorsthemusical’snarrativeandunderscoresitscentraltheme:the quietstrengthofpersonalconviction
Eventually,SoubirousjoinedtheSistersofCharityofNevers,livinga cloistered life until her death in 1879 at age 35. She was canonized in 1933, recognized not only for the reported visions but for what the Catholic Church described as her “heroic virtue” and humility in the faceoffameandsuffering
The Chicago production features music composed by Grégoire and orchestrated by Scott Price, with Michael Price serving as musical director Price, a composer, arranger and director, said the story resonatesbeyondreligiousaudiences
“Youth will see a timeless story about a young girl faced with doubt andadversitywhodoesnotcompromiseheraccountofwhatshehas witnessed just to assuage authorities,” Price said in an interview “WhenBernadettesays,‘Iwasaskedtotellyou,nottoconvinceyou,’ it speaks to what’s happening in the world today She shares her experiencehonestlywithoutimposingitonothers”
Price acknowledged the challenge of drawing younger audiences away from digital screens but said live theater offers a different kind ofengagement.
“Agoodstorywellpresentedisalwaysinterestingtoseelive,”hesaid. “Foryoungpeoplewhomaynothavemuchexperiencewiththeater, seeingperformerstheirownagesingandactcanbeinspiring”
ThemusicalalsosituatesSoubirous’storywithinitshistoricalcontext.
Key figures portrayed onstage include Commissaire Jacomet, the localpolicechief;AbbéPeyramale,theparishpriest;andVitalDutour, the district attorney Each plays a role in the intense scrutiny surroundingtheteenager’sclaims
The production dramatizes the emergence of the spring at Lourdes now associated by believers with healing as well as the broader socialandreligiousrippleeffectsoftheapparitions.
Lourdes has since become one of Catholicism’s most significant pilgrimage destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually Producers say the script draws from official church accounts, historical documentation and contemporary testimonies to create a portrait of 19th-century Lourdes marked by disbelief, interrogation andwonder Thestagingaimstoimmerseaudiencesinthetensionof acommunitydividedbetweenskepticismandfaith
Whether viewed as a religious narrative or a coming-of-age story aboutcourageunderpressure,themusicalemphasizesthehumanity of its young protagonist At its core, the production asks audiences to considerthecost andpower oftellingone’struth
Preview performances run Feb 12–18, prior to opening night The show runs approximately 120 minutes. Special weekday morning performances on Feb. 26 and March 5 are scheduled for student audiences, youth groups and seniors, with discounted group pricing available
Tickets and additional information are available through the Athenaeum Centerboxofficeat(312)820-6250oronlineatathenaeumcenter.org.
InChicago,stylehasneverjustbeenaboutfashion it’sbeenaboutpresence Aboutposture About how you walk into a room before you ever say a word
Formorethanadecade,Stylesbydave designer David,knownacrossthecitysimplyas“Dave” hasbeenquietlyreshapingwhatpowerlookslike for Black men From prom nights to weddings, galastoboardrooms,hissuitsaren’tjustgarments They’retransformations
And for Dave, it all started long before the brand hadaname
“I always wanted to be dapper,” he said during a recentconversationforLife,Arts&Culture “Iwas theguyinthesuit Friendswouldask,‘HeyDave, whatdoIwear?Canyouhelpmetiethistie?’And onedayIrealized thisisbiggerthanclothes” What began as helping friends dress for special occasions evolved into a movement rooted in confidence,discipline,andculturalpride.
DressingHowYouWanttoBeAddressed
Ask Dave what separates a suit from everyday fashion, and he doesn’t talk about fabrics first hetalksaboutpsychology
“When you put on a suit, your posture changes,” heexplained “Yourstridechanges Peoplelookat you differently. They address you differently. It’s afeelingofaccomplishment”
That philosophy dress how you want to be addressed hasbecomeamantraforthebrand and for many of the young men who pass throughhisdoors
In a city where Black men are often taught to shrink themselves in professional spaces, Dave’s workoffersacounter-narrative:authoritydoesn’t havetobeloud itcanbetailored
MoreThanTailoring ATransformation’
One of the most powerful aspects of Stylesbydave’s work happens during prom season
Teenagers walk into his studio unsure of themselves shoulderslow,voicesquiet.Bythe time they leave for their final fitting, the energy shifts
“They come in shy,” Dave said “But when they seethemselvesinthatsuit,theystandtaller.They smile more That transformation lets me know I’mdoingsomethingright.”
For many young clients, it’s their first formal experience Davetreatsthatmomentassacred achancetointroducenotjuststyle,butself-belief And in a culture that often overlooks the emotional impact of presentation, those momentsbecomeritesofpassage
BridgingTraditionandModernBlackIdentity
While classic tailoring remains the foundation of his work, Dave understands that fashion evolves especiallyforyoungergenerations
Today’s prom suits might include European sneakers, bold textures, or modern silhouettes elements that weren’t part of earlier eras. Instead ofrejectingthoseideas,herefinesthem
“Itrytobridgethegap,”hesaid “Give them what they want, but keep it classy.”
That balance honoring tradition while embracing cultural expression is what keeps Stylesbydave relevantacrossgenerations
BuildingaBrandinChicago’sBlue-CollarCulture Chicago has always shaped Dave’s aesthetic. He credits the city’s grit and authenticity for molding his approach tobusinessandfashion
“Thisisablue-collarcity,”hesaid “Yougotdesignerslike Don C, Virgil, Dave Jeff people who came from here andmadeanimpact Thatinspiredmetostayinmylane andbuildsomethingformycommunity.”
Entrepreneurship hasn’t been without sacrifice. The COVID-19 pandemic halted prom season overnight, forcing Dave to absorb significant losses Instead of pulling back, he leaned into compassion sometimes gifting suits to families struggling duringuncertaintimes.
“Sometimes you just listen to God and do what’sright,”hesaidquietly.
PowerWithoutMoney
Thetitleofthispiece SuitedforPower came directlyfromDave’sperspectiveoninfluence Forhim,powerisn’taboutwealthorstatus
“Power is the ability to influence people and culture,”hesaid “I’vehadclientsflyinfromVegas or Ohio just to work with me. That’s power whenpeopletrustyourgift”
In an era obsessed with followers and viral moments, Dave’s definition feels refreshingly grounded. His success is measured less by metrics and more by impact the confidence he helps cultivateinothers
RewritingtheNarrativeofBlackMasculinity
Fashion,Davebelieves,hasthepotentialtoreshapehowBlack menareseen andhowtheyseethemselves Ratherthanforcingchange,hemodelsitthroughconsistency “Ijustshowupasmyauthenticself,”hesaid “AndwhenIsee another brother in a suit, I make sure to compliment him Thatencouragementmatters.”
Foryoungerclientsespecially,theexperienceofsteppinginto atailoredsuitoftenrevealsaversionofthemselvestheydidn’t knowexisted “Theylookaroundandrealize thiscouldbeme”
Legacy,Transition,andWhatComesNext
After more than a decade in the industry, Dave is already thinking about legacy. He envisions transitioning into real estate in the coming years, allowing the brand to evolve quietly while theimpactcontinuesthroughthecommunityhe’sbuilt. Findingsomeonetocarrythetorchhasn’tbeeneasy “Ihaven’tfoundanyoneashungryyet,”headmitted Still,hisadvicetoyoungdesignersremainssimple
Keep going. Don’t quit. Everyone hasagift youjusthavetonourish it.”
MoreThanSuits
Beforeclosingourconversation,IaskedDavetofinishonesentence:“Stylesbydaveisn’tjustaboutsuits it’sabout ” Hedidn’thesitate
“Community”Andmaybethat’stherealstoryhere Inacitythatoftenmeasuressuccessbynoiseandvisibility,Stylesbydaverepresentssomethingquieter a movement stitched together by intention, mentorship, and belief in what Black men can look like when theystandfullyintheirpower
Becausesometimes,transformationdoesn’tstartwithaspeech Sometimes,itstartswithasuit.
LIVINGCHICAGO
What’s behind your eye-popping power bill? We broke it down, region by region.
The culprit depends on where you live but it’s probably not data centers (yet).
NAVEENA SADASIVAM & CLAYTON ALDERN
This story was originally published by Grist
It’s no secret that US electricity prices have been rising over the last fewyears:The average residential energybill in 2025 was roughly 30 percent higher than in 2021 This jump is largely in line with the overall inflation Americans have experienced during this period As the cost of groceries, gas, andhousinghasincreased,sotoohasthecostofelectricity
Buttherearebigdifferencesfromstatetostateandregionto region Some places like California and the Northeast haveseenmammothpriceincreasesthatoutpacedinflation, while costs have held steadyin otherparts of the country, or even fallen in relative terms. Nearly everywhere, though, rising electricity costs have strained the budgets of lowincome households in particular, since they spend a much larger share of their earnings on energy compared to wealthierAmericans
Higher energy bills have also become a political flashpoint. Overthe pastyear, rising electricityprices have helped push voterstothepolls,andpoliticianshavetakennote.InVirginia andNewJersey,newlyelectedgovernorscampaignedheavily on reining in utility bills. In Georgia, incumbent utility regulators were booted out by voters, who elected two Democratstothepositionsforthefirsttimeintwodecades.
Awide range of culprits have been blamed for the surge in electricity prices, with energy-hungry data centers shoulderingmuchofthecriticism.Tariffs,agingpowerplants, andrenewableenergymandateshavealsocomeunderfire
But the reality is far more nuanced, according to recent research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the latest price data from the federal government’s Energy Information Administration. Electricity prices are shaped by a complex mix of factors, including how utilities are structured, how regulators oversee them, regional divergences in fuel prices, and howoften the grid is stressed byheatwavesorcoldsnaps.Inmanystates,thebiggestdriver is the rising cost of maintaining and upgrading grids to survive more extremeweather the unglamorouswork of replacingoldpolesandwires
(The regions below are organized alphabetically, with individualentriesforAlaska,California,Hawaiʻi,theMidwest, the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast/MidAtlantic,theSouthwest/MountainWest,andTexas)Whilethe dynamicsofeveryutilitybillaredifferent includingthose within the same state recent datademonstrates the many challenges ahead as public officials promise a laser focus on energyaffordability
ButtheforcesdrivinghighbillsinCaliforniaaren’tthesame as those affecting households in Connecticut orArizona In thispiece,wehighlightonekeydriverofrecentpricetrends ineachregionofthecountry.
This stability is largely a renewable energy success story: Many Midwestern states are now deeply reliant on wind power.Wind supplies more than 40 percent of electricityin IowaandSouthDakota,andmorethan35percentinKansas Investmentsinutility-scalewindandsolarhavehelpedshield consumers from price shocks tied to natural gas volatility, sincerenewableshavenofuelcostsandcanreduceexposure tosuddenspikesingasprices
Research also shows that these investments can lower wholesale electricity prices by displacing higher-costgenerationduringperiodsofhighwindandsolaroutput. AnitaHofschneidercontributedreportingtothispiece
Midwest
(Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma,SouthDakota,andWisconsin)
Keyfactor:Windenergy
TheMidwestandGreatPlainsstatessawonlymodestchanges andsometimesevendeclines in inflation-adjusted retail electricity prices per kilowatt-hour between 2019 and 2024 Average monthlyelectricitybillstypicallyfallbetween$110and$130
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CANNABISCORNER
TheyTooktheCulture,NottheCommitment
BlackOwnershipinIllinoisCannabis
MILA K. MARSHALL , PHD. - STAFF WRITER
“Damn, that’s f---ed up, ” Eddie Moore says whensheseespeoplebuyinggas-stationweed instead of walking into her state-licensed dispensary,Sway.
Moore, who describes herself as one of the early participants in Illinois’ legal cannabis market,speaksbluntlyaboutwhatsheseesasa disconnect between how Black culture is embraced in cannabis marketing and how Blackownershipissupportedinpractice
WhenIllinoislegalizedrecreationalcannabisin 2019, lawmakers framed it as an opportunity notonlytocreateanewindustrybuttoaddress harm caused by decades of enforcement under the War on Drugs The state’s socialequitylicensingprogramwas designed to give people from communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition a pathway to ownership Onpaper,theprogramwaswidely described as historic Formanyapplicants and operators, however, the rollout proved far morecomplicated
Severalindustryparticipantsarguethatthegap betweenpolicygoalsandmarketoutcomeshas beensignificant
Mykel Selph, former Vice President of Social Equity and Educational Development at CrescoLabs,sayshesawthattensionfirsthand
“The legal cannabis industry takes Black culture ourmusic,style,andlanguage to sell products, but falls short on ownership,” Selph said “I led Cresco Labs’ equity efforts WebuiltincubatorsandgaveBlackandBrown entrepreneurs tools Once the optics were there, the programs and the people behind them were removed. The industry used the culture and left the promise of equity behind, putting our communities back on the sidelines.” Moore says she sees that dynamic reflected in day-to-day business realities While major cannabisbrandsoftendrawfromtheaesthetics and language of Black culture in their marketing, she says Black-owned dispensaries frequently struggle for capital, customers, and visibility even in neighborhoods heavily impactedbyprohibition
Crystal Anderson, CFO of Excelleaf Dispensary, describes a similar imbalance. “Ouraestheticsandcultureareembraced,but ownership requires capital, licenses, shelf space, and policyaccess things manyBlack operators still struggle to secure, ” Anderson said “If the commitment were real, socialequity businesses wouldn’t be so undercapitalized while multistate companies continuetoscale”
Illinois’’cannabismarkethasexpandedrapidly, but Black-owned dispensaries and brands continue to report structural challenges, ncluding limited access-to startup capital, restrictive zoning, high licensing costs, and competition from multistate operators with significantly larger marketing budgets and political influence In that environment, some operators say consumer choice carries added weight
“Buying Black isn’t symbolic,”Moore said. “It’s economicsurvival.”
But even consumers who want to support licensed dispensaries can face confusion particularly around the differences between Delta-9THC,whichisregulatedunderIllinois’ cannabis program, and Delta-8 products, which are often derived from hemp and sold outsidethestate’slicensedcannabissystem Delta-9 THC products sold in licensed dispensaries are lab-tested, taxed, and tracked under state regulations Delta-8, by contrast, occupies a legal gray area and is frequently available at gas stations, smoke shops, and onlineretailers
Some licensed operators argue that this distinction has economic consequences.
“When you buy Delta-8 from a corner store, you ’ re not supporting licensed cannabis workersorcontributingtothetaxrevenuethat funds community reinvestment,” Moore said “You’re buying from a marketplace that doesn’thavetomeetthesamestandards” Anderson adds that price and accessibility oftendrivepurchasingdecisions
“People buy based on price and access, ” she said “Delta-8 fills a gap created by high taxes, limited access, and uneven enforcement Licensed dispensaries especially Blackownedones havetomeetstrictcompliance, testing,andtaxrules,whichmakesitharderto competewithunregulatedproductsonprice”
For Victoria Williams, founder of ACC of IllinoisandWakeNVape,theissuealsocenters onconsumereducationandtrust
“When people buy a gas-station Delta-8 instead of visiting a dispensary, what’s missing is access, education, and trust,” Williams said “As a Responsible Vendor since 2019, I know compliancemattersbecausepeopledeserveto know exactly what they’re putting in their bodies. That’s the difference between convenienceandsafety”
AnotherchallengecitedbyIllinoisoperatorsis competition from neighboring states Michigan’s cannabis market, for example, is known for lower prices and broader retail access
While it is legal for Illinois residents to possess cannabis purchased in Michigan, operators note that cross-border spending means fewer dollarscirculatingwithinIllinoiscommunities
ForsomeBlack-ownedbusinessesonChicago’s South and West Sides, they say, price competition across state lines compounds existingfinancialpressures.
Several advocates argue that Chicago’s Black media ecosystem plays an important role in shapinghowtheseissuesareunderstood
From the Chicago Defender to WVON, hiphop radio, and newer digital platforms, Black mediaoutletshavehistoricallyhelpedbuildand sustainBlack-ownedbrands Incannabis where mainstreamadvertisingremainsrestrictedthatt rolecanbeamplified.
Toussaint Werner of Intellectual Thuggery says broader context is often missing from public discussions
“Blackmediaexistsinsuchaminimaliststatethat theissuesshapingourlivesrarelygetrealcontext,” Wernersaid.“Takecannabis:beforelegalizationit demonized Black men and destroyed our communities Afterlegalization, the conversation shrinks to whether convictions were overturned Meanwhile, billion-dollar industries grow from thesamesoilthatburiedouropportunities.”
PlatformssuchasSmokedOutSaturdazeaimto create space for discussion, culture, and business visibility Arielle J Harris, founderofThe Culture Cellar, describes the effort as both cultural and economic.
“Smoked Out Saturdaze blends comedy, culture, and conversation to create a space where the Black cannabis communitycan laugh, learn, and feelseen,”Harrissaid “Weusehumorasanentry point to highlight opportunity, elevate Black voices,andsparkrealdialoguearoundownership andequity”
Supporters argue that media platforms connect consumers to Black-owned businesses in the cannabis industry, where visibility is crucial for survival AdvocatingforBlackownershipinvolves intentional consumer actions, such as visiting licensed dispensaries and seeking Black-owned brands Understanding Illinois’ regulated market is essential, as purchasing decisions impact business survival For many operators, cannabis symbolizesapolicyshiftandachancetoreshape benefitsfromlegalization.
To promote awareness, a social media campaign highlighting Black-owned dispensaries and brands is featured on SWAY's Instagram account, @everybodysway,forBlackHistoryMonth
‘A Couple That Cooks’ Celebrates Soul Food and Heritage During BlackHistoryMonthBlackHistoricalRecipes
MARE EVANS - STAFF WRITER
Three years ago, husband-and-wife team
Marrekus and Krysten Wilkes launched “A Couple That Cooks,” a culinary platform rooted in Southern soul food and barbecue traditions The duo are the creators behind Cooks with Soul, where they share recipes, foodstoriesandphotographythathonorBlack culinary history while inviting home cooks to addtheirownpersonaltouch.
Marrekus, a Memphis native and retired US Airman,developstherecipes.Krysten,awriter and food photographer, documents and tells the stories behind them Together, they blend lived experience with historical context, framing soul food as both nourishment and narrative
As Black History Month invites reflection, the Wilkeses encourage families to embrace the fullscopeoftheirhistory “thegood,thebad and the ugly,” as they describe it as a testamenttoresilience.
“Bothofusgrewupwithaparentwhoworked in the food industry as cooks and caterers,” they write “However, our connection, experiences, relationships and cultural ties with food have roots that reach much further backintime.”
They point to the Great Migration as a defining period in shaping modern Black foodways Beginning in the early 20th century, millions of Black Americans left the South to escape racial violence and segregation,resettlingincitiessuchasChicago, New York and Los Angeles The movement, championed in part by Chicago Defender publisherRobertS Abbott,reshapednotonly demographicsbutalsoAmericancuisine Duringthatera,Krysten’sancestorsoperateda boarding house that provided Black travelers with meals and lodging as they journeyed north. Homemade dishes were often packed for the road sustenance that carried both physicalandemotionalcomfort
Marrekus’ culinary foundation was laid in the South RaisedinMemphis,hespentsummers in Mississippi tending chickens and hogs and harvesting vegetables in his grandfather’s garden.
“Those hot days picking butter beans, purple hull peas and collard greens shaped not only his connection to the land but also his approach to food,” the couple explains “It’s where the journey from farm to table began forhim aconceptrootedinBlackAmerican culture long before it became a trendy buzzword”
These early experiences, they say, shaped their understanding of the importance of family meals and the cultural weight carried bytraditionaldishes
ForMarrekus,soulfoodisnotsimplyalistof recipes
“Soul food is more than just a menu, ” he says “It’s a sense of familiarity that we share with our ancestors”He describes it as culinary ingenuity transforming once-overlooked ingredients such as oxtails into rich, celebrated dishes,andpreservingcookingtechniquesand spice blends with roots in Africa, Europe and NativeAmerica.
“Inourkitchen,soulfoodisjustasmuchfried chicken as it is collard greens and black-eyed peas, ” he says “It’s also macaroni and cheese, cornbreadandredbeansandrice.Eachrecipe tells a story of survival, of joy and of a rich culturalheritage”
Among their most popular dishes is Southern baked macaroni and cheese, a decadent blend ofcheddar,MontereyJackandmozzarellathat skips the roux in favor of a creamy, layered texture Their Louisiana-style red beans and rice combines kidney beans, smoked ham hock and andouille sausage with the Creole “holytrinity”ofonion,celeryandbellpepper
Theirslow-simmeredcollardgreens,seasoned with smoked ham hocks and red pepper flakes, evoke the comfort of a Sunday dinner table. A brined Southern fried chicken recipe delivers a crisp, golden crust without the traditional buttermilk soak, while their cornbread balances buttermilk tang with a tendercrumb
Other staples include black-eyed peas with smoked neck bones, fried catfish coated in seasoned cornmeal, smothered oxtails in brown gravy, Southern cabbage cooked in a smoky broth, and sweet potato pie scented withcinnamonandnutmeg
Through each recipe, the Wilkeses aim to connectreaderstothedeepermeaningbehind the food “As we continue through Black History Month,” Marrekus says, “let’s not just cook;let’screate,celebrateandremember.”
CookswithSoulsharesrecipesandfoodstories online, where the couple continues to document the enduring legacy of Southern soulfood onedishatatime
FASHION
BlackDesignersShapetheFashionConversationin2025
C L BLACKBURN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
In 2025, Black fashion designers have taken a commanding role in defining modern luxury and highfashion,withavisiblepresenceatmajorcultural events including the Met Gala, New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the Grammy Awards and the NAACPImageAwards
Designers such as Christopher John Rogers, Sergio Hudson, Grace Wales Bonner, Rachel Scott of Diotima,andLaQuanSmithhavehelpedshapethe year ’sdefiningsilhouettes fromsharptailoringto bold,culturallylayeredstatementpieces.
TailoringTakesCenterStageatthe2025MetGala
This year ’ s Met Gala spotlighted the power of tailoring The official dress code, “Tailored ForYou,” encouraged designers to interpret suiting and menswear through a personalized lens. The exhibition’semphasisonmenswearledtoredcarpet looks that ranged from classic, structured suiting to theatrical,avant-gardereinterpretations. Blackdesignerswereamongthosewhoembraced thethememosteffectively,blendingheritage referenceswithcontemporarydesign Theresultwas aredcarpetthathighlightedbothcraftsmanshipand culturalstorytelling.
DesignersDefining2025
SeveralBlackdesignershavedistinguished themselvesthisyearthroughinnovationand visibility:
GraceWalesBonner(WalesBonner):Knownfor refinedtailoringrootedinAfro-Atlanticcultural references,WalesBonnercontinuestoinfluence globalluxuryfashionthroughhercollections andcollaborations.
ChristopherJohnRogers:Celebratedforvibrant color,dramaticvolumeandsculptural silhouettes,Rogersremainsaleadingforcein modernAmericanfashion
Diotima(RachelScott):Scotthasgained recognitionforintricate,Caribbean-inspired crochetandacommitmenttosustainable craftsmanship
SergioHudson:Hudson’ssharplytailored, powerfuldesignshavebecomesynonymous withmodernfemininityandredcarpet confidence
LaQuanSmith:Knownforsleek,bodyconsciouseveningwear,Smithcontinuesto definecontemporaryNewYorkglamour
OtherinfluentialnamesincludeTelfarClemens ofTelfar,whosewidelyrecognized“Bushwick Birkin”shoppingbagremainsaculturalstaple; AuroraJamesofBrotherVellies,knownfor sustainablehandcraftedaccessories;RaulLopez ofLuar,whosestructural,gender-fluiddesigns arereshapingrunwayaesthetics;AdebayoOkeLawalofOrangeCulture,whochallenges traditionalconceptsofmasculinity;andBrandon Blackwood,whoseluxuryhandbagscontinueto gainmarketmomentum.
FashionhighlightsfromNYFWFall/Spring2025 feature significant contributions from Black designers,includingnotablecollectionsbyAaron Potts, Tia Adeola, Edvin Thompson, and Frederick Anderson, who are influencing the futureofAmericanfashion.
Atthe2025BETAwards,designersincludingRey Jaitehhighlightedtheintersectionofcultureand coutureontheredcarpet,furtherreinforcing Blackdesigners’influenceacrossentertainment andfashionspaces.
WalesBonner’sStandoutNight
Among the year ’ s defining moments was Wales Bonner’spresenceattheMetGala.Thedesigner dressed multiple high-profile attendees, includingco-chairLewisHamilton,whoworean ivory suit adorned with cowrie shells, as well as FKA Twigs, Jeff Goldblum, Omar Apollo and TylerMitchell
Herdesignsalignedseamlesslywiththe evening’sbroaderexhibitiontheme, “Superfine:TailoringBlackStyle,” offeringgarmentsthatblended EuropeancraftsmanshipwithAfroAtlanticreferences.Thepiecesfeltdeeply personal tailorednotonlytofitbutto reflectidentityandheritage
WalesBonneralsodebutedherbrand’s firstfinejewelrycollectioninpartnership withSNOWDiamondsontheMet carpet,expandingherdesignportfolio intonewluxuryterritory Theeveningdeliveredotherheadline momentsaswell Rihannarevealedher thirdpregnancyinacustomlookby MarcJacobs,addinganothermemorable chaptertoanightdefinedbyfashion spectacle.
As2025progresses,Blackdesignersare mergingtraditionalcraftsmanshipwith moderninnovation,influencing discussionsonculture,identity,and luxury.Theirparticipationinmajor globaleventssignifiesnotjustvisibility butalsoleadershipinshapingthefuture offashion.
