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Volume3No 21 October15,2025
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Wepeopleareallspiritualbeingslivingin a human body, although our outward appearancesareeachuniqueexpressions of the Creator’s vision while being very muchthesame.Ilovesayingthatweare allGodexpressingitselfthroughusbeing Kai, Being Laura, Being Cheryl, Being Max,orBeingMalachiandsoon
Thatsoundsconfusing,Iknow.Juststay withmeonthis It’snotreallyandaswe go on, you will recognize much being statedhereiswhatyouknowtobeso.
We have all had the experience of encountering someone (or many) whose life seemssocompletelydifferentfromourown. They can be a new neighbor who dresses differently, uses different words you never hearonadailybasisoraforeignguestfrom Balivisitingfriends andyou recognize their seemingly calm and relaxed composure amongst people who obviously look, dress, speak differently so much that we imagine wehavenothingincommon Stillwemight think,‘Butthey'renice’Therealityis,ifwego beyondthesurfaceopiniondrawnfromour belieforsummarybasedmerelyonphysical appearance ratherthan observingmore indepthbytakingtimetolistenandreallyhear, and maybe take time to endgame and observetheirmovement,mannerisms,how theylaughandhowtheyengagewithothers Perhapswewillseethatweallsharethesame thingsgoingonfacingourlives Meaningthat weallaredealingwithourthrusttoexistand excel, demanding that we take care and provideforourselvesandourfamilies Bam! Life responsibilities that we all share We all havethesamephysicaldemands–eat,sleep, poopandbathe.Yep,that'sprettyconsistent acrosstheboard.
Itisasifourdifferentlivesareinessence the same gift, wrapped in an infinite variety of containers, wrapping paper, ribbons,bowsanddonnedwithflowers.If you ’rehuman,youexperienceloss,grief, happiness,excitement,anger,andfear.We all may face a variety of difficulties or challengeslikemoneyissuesofonekind or another, and everyone faces adversity with difficult choices. Our lives show up differentlyforeachoneofusbecausewe each learn in a multitude of ways, in different places on the earth, embracing unique cultures, dressing, eating, expressing love, andworshipping,lovedifferently.
They may learn how to make lemonade from lemonswhileanotherwilllearntoteachothershow tomakemoneyandbuildwealthwhilesomewill assistbysharingtheirwealthinmanydifferentways. We each learn about work and love, with experiences that are tailored to our particular perspective. Yes, we view life through different lenses, so to some it appears that there are those whohaveiteasywhileothersareinacontinualstate ofstruggle Therealityisthatweareallenrolledin theschooloflifeonearthWearealllearning,andit isverychallengingtosee,whenlookingonlyatthe exteriorof aindividual,what’s goingon internally What makes them happy, sad, motivated, withdrawn,excited,…inspired?
One of the many things that can be so valuable aboutcultivatingrelationshipswithpeoplefromall walks of life is opening ourselves to engage with them one step at a time with an open mind. I remember traveling to France when we met a family from Ivory Coast, West Africa We were invited to stay for dinnerwhich was served on a basketwovenroundtoptablewherethericedish wasservedandeveryonesataroundandscooped withtheirhandsfoodwhichtheyshovedintotheir mouths Iwasabitdisturbedatfirstsimplybecause itwasforeignandIthoughtunclean,maybe?Yet,I learned that they perform a very intentional cleaning ritual before they sit down to eat.As we spendtimewithothers,wegettoknowthosewho seemsodifferentfromusinitially,andexperience theminrealtimeinteraction,wegettowitnesshow muchoflife’schallengesandjoysareuniversal
Atthatpointwecanshedtheoldlensthattrapped us while limiting our views and begin to look beyond the packaging of skin color, clothing preferences, religious practice and socioeconomic differences, hairstyles, the cars they drive, diamonds, glitter and gold to the heart of the human experience It is of grave importance to honorandvaluethedistinctionsbetweenallofus, each one of us,while accepting at the same time thatthoughourappearancemayvaryinbigways, that is simply the packaging. The gift of being humaninsidethepackageisconstant
ThenwecanopenupandknowthatwhenIsee you,Iseeme
Southwest’sNewSeats,OldInequities
SouthwestAirlinesendingopenseatingmightreadlikeanichetravel story,thekindofaviationnerdfodderthatlivesanddiesonmessage boards ButforBlacktravelersoutofMidway,whereSouthwest dominatesthedeparturesboard,theshifttoassignedseatsandstricter “customerofsize”rulesisaboutwhogetstoflywithdignity–andwho paysextraforit
Formorethanfiftyyears,Southwestbuiltitsbrandaroundfirstcome, firstservedseating:checkinearly,boardearly,pickwhateveropenseat youcouldhustleto Thesystemwaschaotic,butitcreatedsmall opportunities.Familieswhounderstoodthegamecouldstillsittogether withoutpayingextra Solotravelerswhodidn’thavemoneyforpriority statuscould,withalittlestrategy,avoidthedreadedmiddleseat
Now,thatscrambleisover Theairlinehasintroducedfaretierswith differentlevelsofseatchoice,frompremiumrowswithextralegroom tobasicticketswhereyourseatisassignedatcheckin Themore flexibilityyouwant,themoreyoupay.Atthesametime,Southwesthas tightenedpoliciesthatonceallowedplussizetravelerstoroutinelybook anextraseatandseekarefundafterflying SWAhasjoinedtheclub!
Onpaper,thislookslikemodernization–Southwestfinallydoingwhat everyothercarrierdoes.Inpractice,itraisesfamiliarquestionsforBlack Chicagoanswhoalreadynavigateredlinedairfares,unpaidtimeoff work,andTSAprofilingjusttovisitfamilyintheSouthorsendachildto acollegetour Whenevery“choice”onafarescreenistiedtoafee,the peoplewiththeleastdisposableincomelosethemostcontrol
Midwayisaworkingclassairport,fedbyOrangeLinetrainsand ridesharesfromneighborhoodswherehouseholdbudgetsaretight.If youareaSouthSidegrandmothertakingtwograndkidstoHouston, youmaynowfaceadecision:paymoretoguaranteesittingtogether,or hopethealgorithmandthekindnessofstrangerssortitout Ifyouarea tallBlackmanwhohasenduredyearsofsideeyeoveryoursize,youwill havetoweighwhetherbookinganextraseatisanactofselfcareoran invitationtobesingledoutunderastricterrefundpolicy
Airlineexecutivesframethesechangesasaligningwith“consumer preferences”andboostingprofitstokeeproutesviable Butwhose preferencesarebeingmeasured?Surveysaboutseatassignmentsrarely reachthechurchgroups,youthbasketballteams,andfirsttimepassport holderswhopackSouthwest’sChicagoflights Theirprioritiesare simple:gettheresafely,sitnexttoyourpeople,andnotfeeljudgedfor yourbodyoryourbankaccount
ForBlackChicago,aviationpolicyisnotanabstractdebate Whenfares gouporcomfortgoesdown,itbecomeshardertomaintainthefamily networksthatstretchfromChathamtoJackson,Mississippi,or BronzevilletoBirmingham Thosenetworksarethesameonesthat fundfunerals,showupatgraduations,andmovecousinsoutof dangeroussituations AnassignedseatonaTuesdayafternoonflightcan bethedifferencebetweenmakingthattriporstayinghome.
Sothequestionisn’tjusthowSouthwestboardsplanesnow It’swhether Chicago’slargesthometowncarrierwilltreatequityasseriouslyas efficiency Willtheypublishdataonwhogetsstuckinbasictiers?Will theyengagecommunitygroupsontheSouthandWestSidesabouthow policieslandonrealbodies?Untilthen,thisisn’tjustanairlinestory It’s anotherchapterinhowmobility–literal,notmetaphorical–remains unevenlydistributedinthiscity.
ST PAUL,Minn Jan 30,2026 DonLemonandGeorgiaFortwerearrestedon federalchargestiedtotheircoverageofaJan 18protestthatdisruptedaworship serviceatCitiesChurch,accordingtocourtfilingsandnewsreports Authoritiesallegetheprotestcrossedfromdemonstrationintounlawful interferencewithcongregants’civilrightsandtheirabilitytoworship.Prosecutors citestatutesincludingconspiracyagainstrights(18USC §241)andtheFACEAct(18 USC §248),alawmostcommonlyusedinabortion-cliniccasesbutthatalsocovers certainconductat“placesofreligiousworship” LemonwastakenintocustodyinCaliforniaonJan 29,withreportsdescribinga largefederallaw-enforcementpresenceatthetimeofarrest.Fort,aMinnesotabasedjournalist,wasalsoarrestedinconnectionwiththesameepisode;afederal judgeorderedbothjournalistsreleasedFriday
Authoritiesallegetheprotestcrossedfromdemonstrationintounlawful interferencewithcongregants’civilrightsandtheirabilitytoworship Prosecutors citestatutesincludingconspiracyagainstrights(18U.S.C.§241)andtheFACEAct(18 USC §248),alawmostcommonlyusedinabortion-cliniccasesbutthatalsocovers certainconductat“placesofreligiousworship””
Thecaseisfuelinganationalargumentaboutwherepressprotectionsendand otherFirstAmendmentrightsbegin Legalexpertsnotethatfreedomofthe pressprotectspublishingandnewsgathering,butdoesnotgenerallyprovide specialpermissiontoenterorremainonprivatepropertyifaskedtoleave an issueheightenedinhousesofworship,wherefreeexerciseofreligionisalso constitutionallyprotected Critics,includingpress-freedomgroups,warnthat usingcivil-rightschargesagainstjournalistscouldchillcoverageofprotestsif filmingandproximityaretreatedasparticipation Supportersofthe enforcementarguethearreststargetallegedobstructionofworship,not journalismitself
TheJusticeDepartmenthasnotpubliclylaidoutabright-linetestfordistinguishing neutralreportingfromactivecoordination.Thatquestionisexpectedtobecome centralasthecasesmoveforwardincourt
MALACHI WEBSTER - STAFF WRITER
CNW STAFF REPORT
CITYNEWS
ScrollingTowardaVerdict:BigTechonTrial
MALACHI WEBSTER - STAFF WRITER
Theheadlinefromoverseasisblunt:techgiantsface a landmark US trial over social media addiction claims Behind the courtroom drama is a question thathasalreadybeenanswered,quietly,incountless Chicago living rooms: what happens when a teenager’s phone becomes the loudest voice in the house?
The case in California focuses on a 19yearold womanwho says apps like Instagram,TikTok, and YouTubehookedherasaminor,feedinganendless stream of content that deepened depression, wrecked sleep, and fueled suicidal thoughts. Lawyers argue that companies didn’t just host harmful material; they engineered algorithms to keep kids scrolling regardless of the cost to their mental health Tech firms, in turn, point to longstanding legal shields and insist they are not responsibleforwhatuserspost
In neighborhoods from Austin to Roseland, this legal theory is lived reality Black Chicago teens are already navigating underfunded schools, exposure to violence, and the quiet grind of racism Social mediacanbealifeline–aplacetofindcommunity, share art, or organize around local issues. But the same platforms also push a steady diet of fights, selfcomparison, and targeted ads for quickfix products that promise a better body, a better life, a betteryou
Research has associated heavy social media use in adolescents with higher rates of anxiety, sleep disruption, and body image concerns, impacts that can be magnified for youth who rarely see themselves portrayed with nuance in mainstream media For Black girls and queer Black teens in Chicago, whose offline worlds may already feel constrained, an algorithm that amplifies “thinspiration” videos or hyperpoliced images of Blackmasculinityisnotneutral;itisanaccelerant.
This trial matters because, forthe first time, ajurywill be asked to weigh whether design choices – infinite scroll, autoplay, streaks, and likes – should be treated like a defective productwhen theyharmyoung users If the plaintiff wins, it could open the door to settlementsthatfundmentalhealthservicesinschools, strongerageverificationrules,orevendesignstandards thatlimithowaggressivelyappscanchaseattention
Chicago has a direct stake in that outcome CPS counselors already juggle caseloads that would make suburban districts flinch Pastors and block club presidentsarespendingSundayafternoonsmediating conflicts that started in a group chat and exploded on InstagramLive Parentswhoworkovernightshiftscan’t monitorwhatpopsuponachild’s“ForYou”pageat2 am Yettheprofitfromthoselatenightviewsflowsnot toSouthShoreorGarfieldPark,buttoshareholdersin farofftechhubs
Thereisalsoagenerationalechohere.Inthe1960sand 70s, Black Chicago fought television networks and advertisersoverhowtheyportrayedourcommunities – demanding better news coverage, more Black anchors, fewer stereotypes Today, the gatekeepers aren’t three local stations but code runningon billions ofphones Theprinciple,though,isthesame:ifmedia companies profit from our attention, they should be accountableforthedamagetheirproductsdo
Whetherornotthistrialendsinasweepingverdict,it offersachanceforBlackChicagotopushforourown protections: schoolbased digital literacy that starts earlier, cityfunded mental health hotlines that speak the language of TikTok and YouTube, church and community programs that treat logging off not as punishment but as selfdefense The courtroom is in Los Angeles, but the evidence has been piling up on ourtimelinesforyears
Inside-OutStorytelling:WhenIllinoisPrisonsSpeakBack
MALACHI
The headline onyourphone looks simple enough: a radio play written by and for people in Illinois prisons. But the story behind it cuts straight into how this state chooses to remember, or forget, thousands of Black men and women locked in downstatefacilities.
Projects like Mud Theatre’s collaboration with Prisoncast! turn cellblocks into studios, giving incarcerated people the chance to write and perform their own narratives instead of being reducedtocasenumbersandDOCIDs Inasystem where Black Illinoisans are imprisoned at several timestherateofwhiteresidents,whogetstospeakis notacosmeticquestion;itisthedifferencebetween beingseenashumanorasdata
Illinois prisons have long been places where Chicagoans disappear Dixon, Stateville, Menard –theysit hours from the city, but nearlyeveryblock on the South and West Sides has someone with a lovedonebehindthosewalls Duringthepandemic, those families learned what distance really means: months without visits, scarce information about outbreaks, little say over conditions that shaped whetherafatherorsoncamehomeatall.
A radio play doesn’t fix overcrowding, abusive discipline,oraparolesystemthatseemsdesignedto trip people up. What it does is insist that people inside are more than the worst thing they’ve done When incarcerated writers build characters, crack jokes, and argue about hope, they chip away at the stereotype that prison iswhere imagination goes to die. For Black Chicago, whose stories are often framed only through crime reports and mugshots, thatmatters
It matters because culture moves policy. The same way civilrights documentaries or early hiphop forced this country to look at policing and poverty differently, a play broadcast inside and outside the walls can reshape what voters, jurors, and even correctional officers think is possible. When you hearavoicethatsoundslikeyourcousinnarratinga scene about missing his daughter’s first day of school,mandatoryminimumsstopfeelingabstract Chicagohasitsownhistoryofusingtheairwavesto pushback–fromWVONtalkshowstocommunity radio segments that doubled as organizing meetings.
Giving incarcerated Chicagoans airtime is part of thattradition,stretchingalinefrom1960sfreedom songs to 2020s podcasts recorded on contraband phones Thequestionforthiscityiswhetherwewill treatthesenewprisonmadeplaysasanoveltyoras a newsroom – a place we go to learn what state powerreallyfeelslike
If we take them seriously, the implications are concrete Church groups planning reentry ministries can use the plays as training material. Journalism classrooms at City Colleges and Northwesterncanassignthemalongsidetraditional reporting,forcingstudentstonegotiatewithsources whodon’thavePRteams LawmakersinSpringfield cannolongersaytheydon’tknowwhat’shappening insidefacilitiestheirbudgetskeepopen
For Black Chicagoans whose loved ones call collect fromdownstate,thisheadlineisaninvitation Itsays: yourpeoplearestillauthorsoftheirownlives.Andif they can build worlds from a prison day room, residents here can push just as hard from 79th, Madison, or 63rd to demand a justice system that listens
WEBSTER - STAFF WRITER
Experience, Trust and a Familiar Seat
LAURA MILLER - MANAGING EDITOR
RICHARD BOYKIN
COVERSTORY
Richard Boykin is running for Congress in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, a seat that stretches from downtown Chicago through much of the city’s West Side and into nearby suburbs It is a district he knows not only as a residentandpublicservant,butfrominsidethe very congressional office he is now seeking to lead.
Boykin previously served as chief of staff and legislative director to U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis from1997to2006 Nearlytwodecadeslater,he is running to succeed Davis, carryingwith him firsthandknowledgeofhowtheofficefunctions andwhattheroledemands
“Whenyouserveaschiefofstaff,youareseeing the full scope of what that office does,” Boykin said “You are responsible for making sure the office runs smoothly, that legislative priorities are moving forward, and that constituents are being served every single day You learn very quicklythatthisworkisaboutresponsibility,not recognition”
That experience is one of several shaping Boykin’s case tovoters AformerCookCounty commissioner, attorney and longtime communityadvocate, he is positioninghimself as a candidate whose preparation for Congress beganlongbeforethiscampaign.
EarlyRootsandPersonalFormation
Before Richard Boykin ever worked in a congressional office or held elected office, his understanding of service was shaped much closertohome Hespeaksabouthisupbringing notwithnostalgia,butasanexplanationforhow he came to see leadership as responsibility ratherthanstatus
“I grew up understanding that you were supposed to give back,” Boykin said “That was not something people talked about in abstract terms Itwassomethingyoulivedeveryday,in your family, in your church and in your community”
Boykin described a childhood shaped by structureandexpectation,whereeducation,faith andaccountabilitywereemphasizedearly Those influences, he said, taught him to view opportunityassomethingthatcarriedobligation withit
“My parents believed that if you were given something whether it was education, opportunity or talent you had a responsibility to use it in awaythat helped otherpeople,”he said “Thatideastayedwithme”
Family, faith and community were not separate spheres, he explained, but interconnected ones thatreinforcedthesamevalues
“Churchwas not just about Sunday,”Boykin said “It was about howyou treated people during the week, how you showed up when someone needed help and how you carried yourself even whennobodywaswatching”
Those lessons, he said, shaped both his temperamentandhisapproachtopubliclife “I was taught to listen before speaking and to understandbeforeacting,”Boykinsaid “Thatmay not always be the loudest approach, but it is the onethatlasts”
LearningtheOfficeFromtheInside
Boykin often returns to his years as chief of staff because,hesaid,theroleofferedacomprehensive view of congressional leadership. From staffing decisions to legislative planning to constituent services,thejobrequiredprecisionandpatience.
“Whenyouarechiefofstaff,youarenotlookingat one issue at a time,” Boykin said. “You are responsible for the entire operation You are making sure the office functions, that the staff is supported and that constituents are being helped inawaythatistimelyandrespectful”
The experience made clear, he said, how closely Washingtondecisionsaretiedtolocalrealities.
“You see how policy decisions made in Congress showupbackhome,”Boykinsaid “Youseeitwhen someone walks into the office needing help with housing,when afamilyis dealingwith health care issues, orwhen asmall business owneris tryingto navigate federal programs. Those moments stay withyou”
That perspective reinforced, he said, the importance of preparation and institutional knowledge.“Thatjobteachesyouthatyoucannot affordtoguess,”Boykinsaid “Youhavetoknowthe process,understandthepolicyandbeaccountable, becausepeopledependonthatofficetohelpthem navigategovernment”
RespectforDannyK.DavisandthePathForward
Boykin speaks about Davis with respect and gratitude, acknowledgingtheopportunityhehadtolearnunderhis leadership At the same time, he is clear-eyed about the factthatDavishasnotendorsedhimintherace.
“IhaveagreatdealofrespectforCongressmanDavisand for his years of service,” Boykin said “Working for him gave me a deep understanding of what this office requires”
While he did not receive Davis’ endorsement, Boykin saidhisfocusremainsontheworkahead
“Thisraceisnotaboutanyoneperson’sendorsement,”he said. “It is about whetheryou are prepared to serve and whether you understand the responsibility that comes withtheoffice.”
“When Richard Boykin served with me on the Cook County Board, he was one of my strongest allies He helpedremovepropertiesfromthetaxsalelist,workedto secure exemptions for people who needed them, and playedaroleinendingthesodatax Weneedthatkindof leadershipinWashington” MariaPappas,CookCounty Treasurer
ServiceattheCountyLevel
Boykin’s experience at the federal level was later reinforced by his time in county government He was elected to the CookCountyBoard of Commissioners in 2014,representingthe1stDistrict,whichincludespartsof Chicago’s West Side and nearby suburbs. He served in thatroleuntil2018
As a commissioner, Boykin was involved in budget deliberations, legislative oversight and policy decisions affectingresidentsacrossCookCounty.
“When you are sitting at the table making budget decisions,you understandveryquicklythat leadership is not theoretical,” Boykin said “You are deciding how resources are allocated, what programs are funded and howservicesaredelivered”
Heemphasizedtheweightofthatresponsibility “Youdonotgettoexperimentwithpeople’slives,”Boykin said.“Onceadecisionismade,peoplelivewithit.Thatis whypreparationandaccountabilitymattersomuch”
Faith,AccountabilityandPublicTrust
Boykinoftenspeaksaboutfaithasagroundingforce, but he frames it less as belief and more as responsibility
“My faith taught me stewardship,” he said “Leadership is about taking care of something that doesnotbelongtoyou Itbelongstothepeople,and youareresponsibleforhandlingitwithcare” Thatsenseofresponsibility,hesaid,extendsbeyond beliefintoaction
“When people place their trust in you, that trust has to be honored,” Boykin said “It means showing up prepared, listening carefully and being accountable fortheresultsofyourdecisions”
Community,headded,isnotaslogan
“People want to know that you see them,” Boykin said.“Theywanttoknowthattheirconcernsmatter and that you are willing to do the work to address them.”
PublicSafetyandtheFightAgainstGunViolence
Boykin repeatedly returns to the issue of public safety, framing violence not only as a policy failure butasamoralone Hespeaksaboutgunviolenceas somethingthaterodestheprinciplesofcommunity, responsibility and care for others that he says first shapedhimthroughfaithandfamily
“When violence becomes normal, something is deeply wrong, ” Boykin said. “It means we have stoppedprotectinglifethewaywearesupposedto” Rather than offering sound bites, Boykin speaks deliberatelyaboutprevention,accountabilityandthe obligation of government to intervene before tragedy occurs. That perspective is reflected in a detailed eight-point public safety strategy he has releasedaspartofhiscampaign
The plan focuses on reducinggunviolence through a combination of enforcement, prevention and community-basedintervention Itcallsforexpanded federal prosecution of gun crimes, stronger protections for victims and witnesses, and greater coordination among law enforcement, schools and mentalhealthprofessionalstoidentifywarningsigns beforeviolenceoccurs
Boykin’s platform also emphasizes the role of technology and regulation, including firearm safety features designed to prevent unauthorized use, as wellaseffortstolimitaccesstogunsforindividualsat high risk of harming themselves or others. Communityviolence-interruptionprograms,which have shown success in reducing shootings in highrisk neighborhoods, are anothercentral component ofthestrategy
While the plan is policy-driven, Boykin frames the issue in human terms. He speaks about young people lost to violence, families left behind and communitiesforcedtoabsorbrepeatedtrauma
“Wecannotacceptthisasthecostofdoingnothing,” Boykin said “Government has a responsibility to protectlife,andthatmeansactingwithintention,not indifference”
For Boykin, addressing gun violence is not simply oneissueamongmany,butatestofleadershipitself Hearguesthatpublicsafetyisfoundationaltopeace, prosperity and opportunity, and that without it, communitiescannotthrive
“Thisisaboutchoosingtoprotectpeople,”hesaid “It isaboutdecidingthatlifematters,andthenbuilding policiesthatreflectthatbelief”
RealisticViewoftheRace
Boykin approaches the race with a clear understanding of its dynamics He does not present himself as the front-runner, nor does he minimize thecompetitivenessofthefield
“Ididnotgetintothisraceforattention,”hesaid.“Igotinto itbecauseIbelieveexperiencestillmattersandpreparation stillmatters”
Rather than focusing on momentum, Boykin said he wantsvoterstoconsiderreadiness.
“I want people to look at who understands the job, who understands the responsibility and who is prepared to do thework,”hesaid
GoverningThroughCollaboration
Throughout his conversations, Boykin consistently emphasizescollaboration
“Noonegetseverythingtheywantingovernment,”hesaid “But everyone deserves to be represented, and everyone deservestohavetheirvoiceheard”
Trust,headded,isbuiltthroughlisteningandconsistency
“That is how progress happens,” Boykin said “You build trust by showing up, by listening and by being honest aboutwhatcanandcannotbedone”
Ashelookstowardthefuture,Boykinframestheraceasa continuationofpublicservice.
“This is about doing the job the right way, ” he said “It is aboutintegrity,preparationandrespectforthepeopleyou serve ”
ForBoykin,theseatheisseekingisnotunfamiliarground
“I understand what that office requires,” he said “I understandtheresponsibility,andIampreparedtocarryit forward”
In a political environment often driven by volume and visibility, Richard Boykin is making a quieter case He is asking voters in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District to considerexperience,trustandreadiness andtoweighthe valueofsteadyleadershipinuncertaintimes.
MILLER - MANAGING EDITOR WITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY REVERIE
LAURA
Coach MJ shares how therapy, discipline, and community shaped her fitness journey and why lasting health requires more than a number on the scale.
By the time February arrives, many people have already stepped away from the health goals they set just weeks earlier Not because they lack discipline, but because the way we talk about fitness often ignores real life, real bodies, and real history That is where Menia Morris, known to manyasCoachMJ,offerssomethingdifferent
OnacoldJanuaryafternooninBeverly,thelineat SandersBBQSupplyCo tellsyouwhatyouneed toknowbeforeyoueventasteabite:thisisn’tjust aneighborhoodspotanymore it’sadestination.
AsdirectoroffitnessatChicagoIntegratedHealth, Morris approaches wellness with honesty, structure, and compassion Her philosophy was not built in a classroom alone. It was shaped throughpersonaltransformation,hardtruths,and yearsoflivedexperience
Ten years ago, Morris made the decision to take her health seriously, beginning a journey that would ultimately lead her to lose more than 80 pounds While the physical transformation was significant, she is quick to point out that the deeperworkhappenedinternally.
“Iknewsomethingwaswrong,”shesaid “Notjust physically,butmentally ”
Beforechanginghowsheateorexercised,Morris began addressing her relationship with food throughtherapy Shedescribedpatternsofbinge eating, emotional eating, and using food as a coping mechanism Therapy helped her understand the root of those behaviors and laid thefoundationforsustainablechange.
From there, she worked with a nutritionist and a coach, gradually rebuilding her habits. That process eventually led her into bodybuilding, a world that demands discipline, patience, and consistency
Morris competed for six years and earned first placeattheNPCMidwinterClassicinDecember 2024 Though she came close to earning her professional card, she chose to retire from competition to focus on family, faith, and communityhealth.
“The stage is not my goal anymore, ” she said.“Longevityis.”
WhyDisciplineMattersMoreThanMotivation
When the conversation turned to why so many people abandon their fitness goals by February, Morris did not blame laziness or lack of willpower She pointed instead to how we frame change.
“We have been taught to make resolutions,” she said “But a resolution is not a mindset It is not evenarealdecision”
What many people call motivation, she explained, is often overextension. We promise ourselves sweeping change without addressing the habits and thought patterns underneath The result is a cycle of enthusiasm followed by disappointment ContinuedonPage12
WhyCoachMJBelievesFitnessStartsintheMind(con’t)
“Disciplineisdifferent,”Morrissaid.“Disciplineis somethingyoubuild”
She compared physical discipline to spiritual practice Justasfaithdeepensthroughrepetition, community,andintentionalcare,sodoeshealth Thereisnomomentwhereitsuddenlybecomes easy.Thereisonlyconsistency.
The problem, she believes, is that discipline has been framed as punishment instead of selfrespect
“Wewantanewyear,newme,”shesaid “Butitis the same you, with the same habits, trying to force yourself into something you have not grownintoyet”
Thatmindset,sheexplained,iswhypeopletryto do everythingat once Extreme dietarychanges Intense workout plans Unrealistic timelines Instead of building momentum slowly, they overwhelmthemselvesandquit.
Morris encourages clients to start with one manageable change. Drink water consistently. Movethebodyfor30minutesaday Reducefast foodgradually.Letonehabitsettlebeforeadding another
“This is how discipline is built,” she said “Not throughshock,butthroughrepetition”
HerPerspectiveonGLP-1Medications
Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have become increasingly common in weight loss conversations Morris approaches the topic with nuance.
She acknowledges that for some people, these medications are medically appropriate, particularly for individuals managing diabetes or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, commonlyknownasPCOS PCOSisahormonal condition that can make weight loss more difficult due to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance.
However,Morrisisclearaboutherconcerns “Thesemedicationsdonotteachyouhowtoeat,”she said. “They suppress appetite, but they do not build habits”
She explained that without adequate nutrition, especiallysufficientprotein,peoplerisklosingmuscle mass and bone density Muscle, she emphasized, is essential for long-term health, metabolism, and mobility.
In discussing protein intake, Morris used a hypothetical example of a woman weighing around 150poundstoillustratehowmuchnutritionthebody actuallyneedstofunctionwell Thepoint,shestressed, was not the number itself, but the reality that many peopleareunder-eatingwhiletryingtoloseweight
“When the medication stops, your mindset is the same, ”shesaid “Thatiswherepeoplestruggle”
She is particularly vocal about the need for better education in Black and Brown communities, where access to holistic care is often limited and quick solutionsareheavilymarketed
TheFoundationofHerPhilosophy
AtthecenterofMorris’workisonecorebelief.Fitness beginsinthemind
She encourages clients to focus on five foundational areas: mental health support, including therapy; realisticandhonestgoalsetting;dailymovementthat supports heart health and mobility; whole food nutrition with adequate protein and hydration; and communityandaccountability
“Youdonothavetobeextreme,”shesaid “Youhave tobeconsistent”
Community, in particular, plays a powerful role Morrishasseentimeandagainthatpeoplearemore successful when they are supported by others who sharesimilargoals
“Youdonotneedacrowd,”shesaid “Youneedoneor two people who will tell you the truth and remind youwhyyoustarted”
WhatSheWantsPeopletoRemember
Astheconversationcametoaclose,Morrisreflectedonwhat shehopespeopletrulyunderstandabouthealthandfitness “Thesameamountoftimeittooktobuildhabitsthatdonot serveusisthetimeitwilltaketoundothem,”shesaid.“And thatisOK”
There are no shortcuts that replace patience, discipline, and self-respect But there is freedom in choosing sustainability over extremes. For Morris, fitness is not about chasing a smallerbody Itisaboutbuildingastrongerlife
Editor’snote:
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ARTS&CULTURE
DRUMLine Live Takes Over the Auditorium Theatre
CANDI MCCRARY - CONTRIBUTING WRITER
DRUMLine Live, a touring stage production inspired by the traditionsofHistoricallyBlackCollegesandUniversities(HBCUs),will bring its blend of percussion, dance, and choreography to Chicago nextmonth.TheperformanceisscheduledforSunday,Feb.1,2026, at3pm attheAuditoriumTheatre,50E IdaB WellsDrive
Rooted in the pageantry and musical discipline of HBCU marching bands,DRUMLineLivetranslatesthesoundandspectacleofhalftime performances into a theatrical setting. The production features original compositions alongside rhythm-driven interpretations of popular music, combining synchronized drum cadences, brass arrangements,steproutines,anddance
The show draws on a tradition familiar to many HBCU alumni, where marching bands serve not only as musical ensembles but as cultural institutions on campus. For audiences less familiar with the style,theproductionoffersanintroductiontoaformthatemphasizes precision, call-and-response rhythms, and visual storytelling through movement
DRUMLine Live was created by Don P Roberts, an educator and band consultant who worked on the 2002 film Drumline, one of the first major motion pictures to depicttheenergyanddisciplineofBlackcollegemarching bands Afterthefilm’srelease,Robertsdevelopedthestage production as a way to bring that experience to live audiences
The touring show has appeared internationally and has drawn attention over the years for its high-energy performances In 2012, a sold-out performance in Bethesda, Maryland, attracted national attention when then–First Daughter Malia Obama attended with her Secret Service detail The production currently holds an averageratingof4.6outof5starsonTicketmaster.
“We are excited to welcome DRUMLine Live to The Auditorium,” said Rich Regan, CEO of the Auditorium Theatre, in a statement “The artists bring a level of musicality and movement that connects with audiences acrossgenerations.”
Tickets for the performance start at $73 and are available through the Auditorium Theatre’s website or by phone at 312-341-2300
a.ITheAnswerIs..
Itseemsthatwe’retalkingaboutlawlessnessoratotal disregardforthe"rulesoflegallyacceptablebehavior," onadailybasis Thatmeanswe’rewitnessinga breakdownofthesocialcontracthappeningbeforeour eyes.Inlegalandpoliticaltheory,thisisn'tjust"crime" it’sasystemicrejectionofauthority Andthat’sa problem Hereisabreakdownofthekeytermsusedto describethesestatesofdisorder.
1 TheBigPicture:StatesofDisorder
Thesetermsdescribeanenvironmentwherethe lawhaseithervanishedorbeenrendered powerless
Anarchy:FromtheGreekanarkhia("withouta ruler") Itreferstoastateofsocietywithout governmentorlaw Inalegalsense,it’sthe absoluteabsenceofanyenforceablepolitical authority
Ochlocracy(MobRule):Thisoccurswhenthe ruleoflawissupplantedbythewhimsofa crowdoramassofpeople It’s"justice"by volumeandemotionratherthanbystatutes anddueprocess.
2.DefianceofAuthority
Thesetermsfocusontheactionsofindividualsor groupswhochoosetobypassorfightthelegal system
Vigilantism:Theactoftakingthelawintoone’s ownhands.Avigilanteignoresthejudicialprocess (courts,juries,police)tosummary-judgeand punishallegedoffendersbasedontheirownmoral code
Sedition:Conductorspeechincitingpeopleto rebelagainsttheauthorityofastateor monarch.It’sthe"prequel"toinsurrection;it’s theactivesubversionofthelegalorder
Insurrection:Aviolentuprisingagainstan establishedgovernmentorlocalauthority Whileariotmightbespontaneous,an insurrectionisamoreorganizedattemptto overthrowtheruleoflaw
•Contempt:Mostcommonly"Contemptof Court"Itisaspecificlegaltermforshowing opendisrespectordisobediencetowardthe authorityofacourtorlegislativebody.
3 SystemicFailures
Sometimesthelawexistsonpaper,but "lawlessness"happensbecausethesystemfails toact
Impunity:Thisistheexemptionfrom punishment Whenpowerfulindividuals canbreakthelawwithoutfacing consequences,the"RuleofLaw"isdead, replacedbythe"RuleofMight" LynchLaw:Theadministrationof summarypunishment(especiallydeath) withoutalegaltrial Itistheultimate expressionoflawlessness,wherethe proceduralprotectionsofthelaware entirelydiscarded
•ColorofLaw:Thisreferstoanactdone byanofficialundertheappearanceof legalauthority,butwhichactuallyviolates thelaw It’sa"lawless"actcommittedby theverypeoplemeanttoupholdit
CNWStudios was the host location for anAll Black Media Roundtable, with publications that include The Citizen, Chicago Crusader, North Lawndale Community News, TBT News, N’Digo, The Chicago Defender, Midway Broadcasting, and other outlets. Photo Credit: MalachiWebster, Laura Miller, and Issac Lewis.
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ENTERTAINMENT
WheretheApologyLandedandWhyThatChoiceMatters
LAURA MILLER - MANAGING EDITOR
WhenYepublished“ToThoseI’veHurt,”afull-pagepaidapologyinTheWallStreet JournalonJanuary26,2026,theresponsewasimmediateandwidespread.Theletter circulatedquicklyacrossplatformsandwasparsedforitstone,timing,andintent In it, Ye recounts a traumatic brain injury, a delayed bipolar I diagnosis, and years of untreatedmentalillnessthathesayscontributedtoharmfulbehavior.
There is weight in parts of the writing. Ye names regret, acknowledges harm, and expressesadesireforaccountability Thatmatters
But where this apology appeared matters too. A full-page national newspaper advertisement of this scale typically costs hundreds of thousands of dollars At that level,theexpenseisnotsimplyaboutreach Itisaninvestmentdecision Bychoosing topublishtheletterinoneofthemostfinanciallysecurenationalpublicationsinthe country,Yemadeachoicethatdeservescloserexamination
TheApologyWasNational.TheImpactDidn’tHavetoBe
Ye is one of the most influential artists Chicago has ever produced His collaborators,earlysupporters,andcreativegroundingaredeeplytiedtothiscity. Yet when he chose to publicly reckon with the harm he caused, that economic weight bypassed Chicago’s local and Black-owned media ecosystem entirely and theBlackcommunity-at-large...inparticular--thosewhohelpedtomakehim.
This decision is especially striking because local newsrooms are not merely struggling Manyaredisappearing AcrosstheUnitedStates,thousandsoflocaloutlets have closed over the last two decades, leaving entire communities with little to no consistent news coverage. Public media has not been spared. The Rescissions Act of 2025 authorized Congress to withdraw previously approved federal spending, including reductions to public media funding, which in turn placed additional financialpressureonlocalpublictelevisionandradiostationsthatrelyonthosegrants tooperate Theresulthasbeenlayoffs,reducedprogramming,andinsomecasesthe lossoflocalstationsaltogether
Large, well-capitalized media institutions absorb shocks differently They restructure, pivot, and survive Smaller newsrooms do not have that margin When advertising dollars disappear, they do not simply downsize. They close. Reporterslosejobs Coverageevaporates Communitiesloseaccesstostoriesthat reflecttheirrealities.
WhatmakesYe’sdecisionevenmorenotableisthathedidnotneedanationaloutlet forthisstorytobecomenational.Theletterwouldhavecirculatedwidelyregardlessof whereitwaspublished Itsreachwasguaranteed
“FROM POLOS TO GARBAGE BAGS” - ILLUSTRATION
Had this apology appeared in a Chicagobased or Black-owned publication, it could havedonemorethanacknowledgeharm It could have brought national attention to local outlets that consistently tell stories about people of color, neighborhoods, and communities often overlooked by mainstream media. That attention could have translated into new readers, new advertisers, and sustained financial support for organizations already operating with limitedresources
At the price point of a single national advertisement, one placement could have materially supported or stabilized multiple local newsrooms in Chicago Not symbolically, but practically. It could have fundedreporting,preservedjobs,expanded coverage, and strengthened independent voices in a media environment where survivalisincreasinglyuncertain
Instead,thatinvestmentwenttoa publicationthatdidnotneedit
QuestionsofTimingandIntent
It is also fair to acknowledge that not everyone views this apology as purely sincere. Ye has a long history of public gestures that coincide with moments of professional transition, controversy, or renewed visibility. The timing of this letter, arriving alongside news of an upcoming album, has led some observers to question whether the apology reflects a sustained reckoning or another familiar cycle of provocation followed by partial retreat In these times such consideration is critical. Listen,ifheshouldfall,wewillbetheonesto helphimup,nottheNYT
Given his past pattern of controversial statements and symbolic reversals, skepticism is not unfounded That skepticism does not negate the content of the letter, but it does sharpen the question of what this apology actually accomplishesandwhoitbenefits
The question becomes less about whether the apology was well written andmoreaboutwhatitdidinpractice. In this case, it reinforced a national institution that was already secure It did not strengthen the local media ecosystem that continues to tell the stories of the communities Ye often invokes
What Accountability Could Have LookedLike
Public apologies are about words. Accountabilityisalsoaboutaction Itis about where resources are directed, which institutions are supported, and whose voices are amplified when the spotlightisbrightest
I do not expect Ye to understand the intricacies of media economics or the funding mechanisms behind public broadcasting But someone with his reach, resources, and deep ties to Chicagocouldhaveaskedthequestion before defaulting to the most prestigiousoption Thechoicewasnot between obscurity and relevance. It was between reinforcingwhat already thrives and investing in what is struggling to survive Ye’s apology reached the world It could have strengthened home. That choice, and whatitrepresents,isworthexamining
BY ELI
TheBestÉtoufféeRecipe
MARE EVANS - STAFF WRITER
Ifyou’renewtoétouffée,ithelpstoknowthat étouffée from the French word meaning “smothered” is a spicy Cajun stew made with vegetables and seafood This recipe is a classic,guaranteedtosatisfyanyétoufféefan. Although I didn’t growup in Louisiana, I still thinkithasthebestfoodinAmerica Visiting mygrandmotherinBatonRougewasalways atreat
Every time I cook Cajun or Creole cuisine, I’mstruckbythebalanceandstrengthofthe cooking likely because it’s one of the few places in the United States with a longstandingcuisineallitsown Ourfamilyrecipe for this classic Cajun stew includes homemade shrimp stock, which gives it a deep, full flavor that’s sure to satisfy any étoufféelover.
Shrimp étouffée is one of those dishes that truly rates top shelf Étouffée is a common Southern cooking technique, similar to a fricassee.Youmakeaflavorfulsauceandcook meatorseafoodinit notaslongasabraise orstew,andnotasbrieflyasasauté
Debates rage over whether étouffée should include a roux, whether you can use more thanonetypeofseafood(wouldn’tthatmake itagumbo?),andwhethertomatoesbelongin the dish. I went with a roux, one seafood, Tabasco, and no tomatoes You can easily adaptthisrecipetosuityourownpreferences Shrimp, crawfish, or crab can all be used interchangeablyThelongerpreptimeforthis recipe comes mostly from peeling the shrimp and simmering the shells for homemade stock If you use canned or premade stock, prep time drops to about 20 minutes
PREPTIME 20minutes
COOKTIME 35minutes
OPTIONAL
HOMEMADESTOCK
45minutes
TOTALTIME 100minutes
SERVINGS
4to6
Ingredients
Fortheoptionalshrimpstock
Shellsfrom2poundsofshrimp ½largeonion,chopped
Tops and bottoms from 1 green bell pepper 2garliccloves,chopped 1celeryrib,chopped 5bayleaves
Fortheétouffée
¼cupvegetableoilorlard ¼heapingcupflour
1largeceleryrib,chopped 1greenbellpepper,chopped 1–2jalapeñopeppers,chopped ½largeonion,chopped 4garliccloves,chopped 1 pint shrimp stock, clam juice, or fish stock
1tablespoonCajunseasoning ½teaspoonceleryseed
1tablespoonsweetpaprika Salt,totaste
2poundsshrimp,peeled(reserveshellsfor stock)
3greenonions,chopped Hot sauce, such as Crystal or Tabasco, to taste
Method
Maketheoptionalshrimpstock
Ifyouyon’thavepreparedstock,pour2quarts ofwaterintoapotandaddalltheshrimpstock ingredients Bring to a boil, then reduce the heatandsimmergentlyfor45minutes.Strain throughafine-meshsieveintoanotherpotset overlowheat
You’ll need about 2 cups of stock for this recipe Save any extraforsoupsorrisotto itwillkeepintherefrigeratorfor uptoaweekorfrozenforuptothreemonths.
Maketheroux
Heatthevegetableoilorlardinaheavypotovermedium heatfor1–2minutes Stirintheflour,makingsurethereare noclumps Cook,stirringoften,untiltherouxturnsadeep brown,about10minutes
Addthevegetables
Addthecelery,greenpepper,jalapeño,andonion.Mixwell and cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally Addthegarlicandcookforanother2minutes
Addthestock,seasonings,andshrimp
Measure 2 cups of shrimp stock and add it slowly, stirring constantlytoincorporateitintotheroux.Themixturewill seize up at first, then loosen.Add more stockas needed to achieveasaucewiththeconsistencyofsyrup.
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, celery seed, and paprika
Season with salt to taste, then add the shrimp Cover the pot,reducetheheattolow,andcookfor10minutes Finish andserve
Stir in the green onions and hot sauce to taste. Serve over whitericewithacoldbeeroraglassoflemonade.
HighSteppers:Step,Strut,andPranceinStyle
C L BLACKBURN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
I’mashoelover whichIassumemostwomenare,whetherrichorpoor.So, that’s that But just because you have money and access to the best doesn’t necessarily mean you have good taste. Then there are those with meticulous taste whose budgets don’t allow for splurges on Christian Louboutin, René Caovilla,Magrit,GianvitoRossiorManoloBlahnikdesigns Lord,havemercy! God knows Rihanna rocks the shoe so much that Manolo Blahnikhasusedherasamuse,designingwithherspecifically inmindforvariousstyles.Recently,though,I’vehadmyeyeon Blake Lively ever since she stepped out on the “Another Simple Favor,” press tour promoting her latest film She traveledfromcitytocityintrulyto-die-fordesignerfootwear. AndbelievemewhenIsay,sheworethebest.
For a London photo call, Lively strutted in a pair of Chanel knee-high black leather boots, pairing them with a wool cardigan from the same fashion house. Still, itwas Christian Louboutin she showcased most frequently, as she is an outspoken enthusiast of the Frenchdesigner.
