May 29, 2025 Issue EN2

May 29 - June 4, 2025• The Voice Of Black Chicago • Vol.3 No 7 • cnwmedia.com • F R E E

Listen to Me Now,

Believe Me Later On

Dr. Mila K. Marshall

2

Chicago News Weekly

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-In-Chief Terri Winston Vice President Laura Miller

Managing Editor Darnell Pulphus Art Director Max Blaisdell

Copy Editor Staff Writers CL Blackburn Zada Johnson Dr. Mila K. Marshall Wanda Wright Malachi Webster Columnists Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson David Seaton Contributors NNPA Newswire Mare Evans Melanie Mainor Ken Hare Shanell Oliver Cover Photo Joshua Taylor

Advertising Representation

Chicago Media Partners Michael Tolliver (708)268-5518 Kenard Karter Kevin Ross Chicago News Weekly 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Suite 4-C14 Chicago, IL 60608 312. 877. 5151 Vol. 3 No 8 Thursday, May 29, 2025 Chicago News Weekly is published weekly on Thursday. www.cnwmedia.com advertising@cnwmedia.com editorial@cnwmedia.com Subscription $104 year

May 29 - June 4, 2025

E notes One Day At A Time

Helping the World Every Day by Being Our True Authentic Selves

E

ach of us can vow to make the world a better place one day at a time. Helping the world every day need not be left to those we consider world leaders, but rather by considering ourselves equally responsible. By being our true, authentic selves, created with the same human capabilities, we can contribute our best in making a difference.

Each of us is more than capable of helping the world, simply by being respectful to life rather than being destructive.

Despite our fears, our limitations, the uncertainty, and the judgment that deafens our inner hearing and stops us from being our best selves.

A greater majority believe that it is impossible to make a difference without unlimited funding or free time. The truth is that change happens in a minuscule moment or a fraction of time. For example, most healing, cleansing, and spreading of joy is accomplished in a matter of minutes. Minds and/or beliefs are transformed in seconds.

First, we have to accept that we can make a difference simply by being a good listener or helping a person in need. You never know how those simple acts make the difference between life or death for those you listen to or the blind man you helped to cross the street.

If we commit to contribute towards making the world a better place one day at a time, on our own terms, the true significance of our good deeds—big or small—reveals itself to us. What comes into view is what has been hidden from us because we were lost in our maze of doubt and lack of self-knowing. But once we give in to the act of being engaged with life, interacting with one another, we will be enlightened to see that we can be of service without dedicating

photo credit: Dot Ward

Cheryl Mainor Norman CEO & Publisher

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

our lives to recognized charities or giving up the pleasures we enjoy. What we can feel when we embrace the idea of helping the world is only a tiny fraction of the affirmative transformations that take place when we make altruism a part of everyday existence. That warmth that travels through our bodies and fills our hearts is priceless.

When we turn off our phones and put them down, we are taking a step toward making our homes, workplaces, communities, and countries better and brighter. When we think positive thoughts that echo in our outward expressions of engaging with others, that action in and of itself means more than a financial donation—it is the donation of your time, which money can’t buy. That smile that you share with everyone you meet is a life-changing act, and lending those in need of assistance our help is uplifting. The more we give, we will learn that more is given to us in ways we never imagined. And we begin to recognize, inadvertently, that we are just one of the kegs on the wheel of life, helping by participating in life—by being involved. The result of action causing action results in the world going round and round. This gift of knowledge occurs once we are informed.

Energy is powerful. Even the enthusiastic sharing of ideas and truths with others generates positive energy that operates on a high frequency. That energy serves as the motivation for more tangible change—recognizable on a physical level—while changing one's inner being by elevating their essence. Selfless and helpful deeds done without the thought of patent or reward remind us that we exercise choice in our lives and retain some degree of control over a world that can seem chaotic and out of control.

What we must always know, at all times, is that the smallest of such deeds is a demonstration of our ability to cultivate and cause change. The fact that we can effect change in the world in a positive way is a demonstration of our power to impact change for good.

Too many seek the pursuit of negative energy—to generate it by inflicting pain and suffering. They want close-mindedness because it is manipulative and encouraged by regular exposure to it. But we can counteract it in a constructive way by thinking and acting altruistically when opportunities to do so arise.

Helping the world often takes no more than a moment. Taking time to envision a world where all men, women, and children have food, clothing, and shelter is a beautiful gesture—and can be done by even the busiest of people, effortlessly. The gift you give each day can be a prayer, by simply saying out loud in the shower, “God Bless America!” You may not get it now, but such an act or commitment is worthy of recognition, because the broader benefits are as great as those grand acts of giving by the wealthy—just on another level.

But the truth is, the ultimate gift— no matter the literal act—has the same impact: manifesting good for the betterment of humanity and the world at large. Taking time out once a day, you can affect change—affecting reality—by sending out prayers as a vision for a more perfect world where all people have the right to live. That quiet prayer you express will enhance your life, and you can reap the rewards of knowing that you are contributing to the positive difference being made daily in the world, day by day.

Chicago News Weekly

3

around town

CNW STAFF REPORT

Memorial Day Celebration at TNT Rooftop

TNT

Rooftop, located in Austin Square, celebrated Memorial Day on Monday, May 26th, by hosting a free BBQ for veterans and honoring those who lost their lives while serving in the military. Co-owner Tony Anderson organized the event in memory of his father, Anthony Anderson, who served in the Army. Mayor Brandon Johnson and State Senator LaKesia Collins attended, adding to the celebration, which included a balloon release.

4

Chicago News Weekly

Photo Credit: Michelle Perez from State Senator Lakesia Collins Office

May 29 - June 4, 2025

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Chicago News Weekly

5

National news

Malachi Webster Staff Writer

The ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Threatens Black Economic Mobility

L

ast week, House Republicans narrowly passed the "Big Beautiful Bill," promising bigger tax credits for working families—on paper. But the fine print tells a different story, especially for Black households. At stake: the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), two policies that have historically served as lifelines for low-income communities.

The new proposal would reduce eligibility for families in immigrant households, stripping the CTC from about 4.5 million children. It also adds new documentation barriers to accessing the EITC, a benefit that disproportionately supports Black working-class families.

These changes would not only gut access to much-needed relief, but also deepen the racial wealth gap and heighten financial vulnerability for already under-resourced communities.

The IRS already audits Black taxpayers at rates up to four times higher than white taxpayers—largely due to EITC-focused enforcement. This plan adds insult to injury, making it even harder for honest, struggling families to get the help they’re owed. At a time when inflation continues to stretch household budgets and essentials like rent, gas, and groceries re-

City News

main expensive, these tax credits are not just helpful—they're essential.

In Chicago, where many Black residents rely on these credits to balance budgets, the impact could be severe. Experts warn that the rollback of pandemic-era CTC expansions—which temporarily slashed child poverty rates—could bring those numbers right back up. In 2021, expanded tax benefits helped lift over 400,000 Black children out of poverty nationwide. This bill could undo that progress almost overnight.

Advocates argue the plan is a step backward. “This isn’t just bad policy,” says one local economist. “It’s targeted harm, packaged as reform.” They note that reducing access to credits is a form of structural racism that’s often overlooked in policy debates. While some lawmakers tout fiscal responsibility, others see these cuts for what they are: barriers disguised as bureaucratic “streamlining.”

The 2021 expansion of the Child Tax Credit was one of the most effective anti-poverty measures in recent history. It reduced child poverty by nearly half in its first year and brought tangible relief to families who used the extra income for groceries, rent, childcare, and school supplies. That success story, however, has faded from headlines as policymakers re-

treat from pandemic-era safety nets.

Now, with this new House bill, we’re seeing a reversal of progress—one that disproportionately punishes Black and brown families already facing structural barriers to economic mobility. The idea that these tax cuts are “pro-family” is a political sleight of hand. They reward wealth and penalize poverty, further entrenching a system in which access to basic needs is conditional and selective.

The requirement for new documentation to claim the EITC also raises concerns about accessibility. Not all workers have the time, resources, or digital literacy to track down and upload complex tax forms. Language barriers and fear of government overreach—especially in immigrant communities—only compound the issue. For many, these new hurdles will function as silent disqualifiers that push them out of the system altogether.

And while the legislation moves forward, public discourse around tax fairness remains shallow. Few mainstream outlets are highlighting how the bill could reignite racial and economic disparities. Instead, the focus is on political wins and losses, leaving the human cost out of the conversation. This lack of coverage reinforces a dangerous myth:

that tax policy is neutral, when in fact it often reflects and reinforces existing inequities.

What’s needed now is not just resistance in the Senate, but a shift in how we talk about tax policy. It’s not abstract.

It’s about food on the table, heat in the winter, and whether children can learn without the stress of survival. It’s about whether a Black mother on the South Side of Chicago has to choose between paying rent or buying shoes for her child.

The stakes are high. If passed, this bill could undo years of progress in fighting child poverty and widen the wealth divide at a moment when working families can least afford it. The Senate has the power to reject this regression—but they need public pressure and political courage to do it.

For Black Chicagoans, this fight is personal. It’s about justice, equity, and the promise that hard work should be met with dignity, not more red tape. The nation’s tax code shouldn’t be a barrier to survival. It should be a tool for uplift— and that starts by protecting the people who need it most, not cutting them off when they need it most.

CNW Staff Report

Jussie Smollett Donates $50,000

to North Lawndale Arts Center as Part of Settlement with City of Chicago

A

ctor and recording artist Jussie Smollett has donated $50,000 to the Building Brighter Futures (BBF) Center for the Arts, a North Lawndale-based nonprofit that supports underprivileged youth through education and the arts. The donation is part of a civil settlement with the City of Chicago, stemming from the high-profile case surrounding Smollett’s 2019 assault allegation.

BBF CEO Dr. Pamela Blackman expressed profound gratitude for the contribution, calling it a “powerful investment in our youth during a very critical time in the world.”

“This remarkable gift is more than a contribution,” said Blackman. “It strengthens our ability to provide access to high-quality education assistance, career training, mentorship, and creative space for the next generation of Chicago changemakers. We believe the arts are not a luxury, but a lifeline.”

Founded in 1961, Building Brighter Futures serves

6

Chicago News Weekly

Chicago’s West Side with programming in community engagement, education, employment services, family support, health equity, and youth services. The organization is committed to nurturing self-sustaining youth and families through stable, empowering experiences.

Smollett, in a personal statement released on May 23, said the decision to settle the lawsuit with a charitable donation was driven by a desire to do good for the city that had once been his home.

“Despite what happened there politically, Chicago was my home for over five years and the people became my family,” Smollett wrote. “Therefore, making a donation to benefit Chicago communities that are too often neglected by those in power will always be something I support.”

The donation to BBF was made in lieu of payment directly to the City, after Smollett reached a settlement to dismiss the civil lawsuit without admitting fault or making a monetary payment to municipal authorities.

He emphasized that the nonprofit was selected by him personally and that he is “comforted that there will be at least one winner from this experience.”

Smollett also announced an additional $10,000 donation to the Chicago Torture Justice Center, a group supporting survivors of police violence. “To anyone who has had to prove they have in fact been violated, you know how difficult this can be to navigate. I stand with and for you,” he said.

Though Smollett was exonerated by the Illinois Supreme Court in a unanimous decision, public opinion around the 2019 incident remains divided. Nevertheless, the actor maintains his innocence and says he will continue to create art and advocate for social justice.

“I will never take the support I’ve received lightly and will never forget,” Smollett stated. “Onward.”

Dr. Blackman is available for interviews regarding the donation and BBF’s continued work in the North Lawndale community.

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Neffer Kerr Contributing Writer

National News

Pregnancy Over Personhood What Adriana Smith’s Story Reveals

W

hen your headlines reduce Adriana Smith to “Georgia woman on life support,” you participate in the same erasure that Georgia’s Heartbeat Law has codified: stripping her of identity, agency, and humanity. When you report in that manner, she becomes a condition, a vessel, a headline-friendly tragedy—everything but a person. But Adriana Smith was a woman with a name, a life, and rights that should have been respected and protected. Not using her name reinforces the very logic that made her body a battleground for politics. Name her. It’s the first step in remembering that she is not just a womb—she is a person, and she matters.

In America, now more than ever, it has become increasingly dangerous for a female to become pregnant. The term female is apropos and intentional, as girls as young as 10 have been forced to carry and deliver babies in certain states, despite their bodies not being fully developed. This is a result of the overturning of Roe v. Wade—and it signifies that when it comes to pregnancy (in many states), being a woman is irrelevant. As long as you are female, if you become pregnant, you will be forced to gestate.

Period.

It doesn’t matter if you were violated. It doesn’t matter if the pregnancy puts your life in danger. It doesn’t matter if the baby dies inside of you. And in this case, it doesn’t even matter if you are deemed “brain dead.” You will still be forced to carry that fetus to full term. And THIS is what is currently going on in the state of Georgia.

Adriana Smith Is Not an Incubator Her name is Adriana Smith, but as stated, many of the headlines connected to her story rarely mention her name. Instead, you see: “Brain-dead woman…”

“Pregnant Georgia mother…” “Pregnant brain-dead woman on life support…”

These titles quickly reduce her to a condition and/or gender—the same way the state of Georgia has reduced her to a human incubator.

Smith, age 30, is a nurse who was in the second trimester of her pregnancy when she went to Northside Hospital Atlanta in February for severe headaches. She was sent home with medication; however, no tests were run. Smith’s mother believes that had doctors initially performed tests and a CT scan, they may have detected numerous blood clots in her brain.

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Fetal Rights vs. Human Rights Georgia's “heartbeat law,” formally known as the Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act (LIFE Act), bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy— when a fetal heartbeat can typically be detected.

There are concessions for certain instances of rape or incest; however, the stipulations still make accessing reproductive care extremely difficult even in those cases.

Smith is legally “brain dead” and in a vegetative state. She has been on life support for over 100 days because, in Georgia in 2025, a fetus has more rights than the mother. Doctors are keeping her body functioning long enough to— for lack of a better term—“harvest” the baby.

Since this country’s inception, Black bodies—particularly those of Black women—have been experimented on to advance science. This is no different.

And although this is the result of recent legislative changes in reproductive care, it also borders on unlawful experimentation, which is highly unethical.

Smith’s mother told reporters: "My grandson may be blind, may not be able to walk. We don’t know if he’ll live once she has him."

She also told WXIA-TV: "I’m not saying we would have chosen to terminate her pregnancy. What I’m saying is we

should have had a choice."

There is also the concern of a growing hospital bill (which, frankly, the state should be paying if they are forcing this—which they are), as well as questions about how future care will be provided for a potentially special needs child.

But the biggest issue isn’t what they would or wouldn’t have done. It’s the fact that Smith’s own parents had no choice or say in the matter of what happens to their daughter and the fetus inside of her.

Furthermore, this raises a larger question: Is Power of Attorney or legal guardianship over pregnant female humans now null and void—superseded entirely by state law? Is a designated individual no longer able to make legal decisions on their behalf?

These are new legal and ethical problems created by the Heartbeat Act and similar legislation.

Behind the Law’s Consequences Smith was a registered nurse at Emory University Hospital. It’s ironic—and devastating—that she is now under the care of the very hospital she once worked for. One can only imagine how triggering this must be for some of her colleagues, who must see and hear the news stories—perhaps even care for her.

She mattered to them. She mattered to

her family. She simply mattered.

This is not how anyone’s mother, daughter, sister, aunt, or partner should be treated. Smith is a person—not just a womb, as some lawmakers and ideologues in this country would have you believe.

This is also not how families should be treated when it comes to life-and-death decision-making and hospital care for loved ones who are no longer viable.

What Are Pregnant Women Supposed to Do? This raises an even bigger question: What are pregnant women in these states supposed to do in a medical crisis now?

Doctors and nurses are terrified to treat them. We’ve already seen cases where pregnant women were left untreated and hemorrhaging in emergency rooms. And now, because of these life-threatening and asinine laws, more and more practitioners are leaving obstetrics—out of fear of being arrested, charged, or even imprisoned for providing medical care to a female human in need.

This is a valid concern. Women can now be criminally charged for miscarrying—a natural occurrence (spontaneous abortion). Doctors and nurses face the threat of being blamed, sued, charged, losing their licenses, or even facing jail time for stillbirths.

Once again: A natural occurrence.

Chicago News Weekly

7

Empowerment

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson CNW Columnist

Why Some People Have Vision, But Never Become Visionaries

H

ave you ever met someone who’s always talking about big dreams, powerful ideas, or everything that “should be”—but never actually takes the steps to bring those things to life? They have vision, yes—but not the will, discipline, or courage to become a visionary.

Here’s what I’ve come to understand: having a vision is not the same as being a visionary.

Vision is a glimpse—an inspired look at what could be. But becoming a visionary?

That takes commitment. It means doing the hard work to bring that vision into reality, even when it costs you.

And let me say this clearly: you are never too old to be a visionary. God doesn't put an expiration date on purpose. Whether you're 35 or 75, if He's still giving you vision, He's still calling you to move. The world may retire you, but heaven still assigns you. Visionaries aren’t defined by age—they’re defined by obedience.

Let’s take a moment to explore the difference between vision and visionary.

Many—countless, in fact—receive vision. They see injustice and dream of solutions. They imagine businesses, min-

istries, or movements that could transform lives. They feel the stirring of purpose deep within. And yet… nothing happens.

Why? Because vision is an idea. But visionary is an identity. Visionaries take responsibility for what they’ve seen. They don’t just dream about it—they steward it. They wake up with it on their mind.

They pray over it. They build it, brick by brick. They fail forward. They rise again.

And they keep going. Is it scary? Absolutely. But visionary leadership isn’t about the absence of fear. It’s about moving forward in spite of it. Because visionaries don’t just talk about what’s possible. They work until possibility becomes reality.

Think about it. Moses saw the Promised Land, but it was Joshua who led the people into it.

God gave David the vision for the temple, but it was Solomon who built it.

Even in your own life—you’ve likely seen people who talk a lot about the future, but lack the courage or consistency to walk it out.

Why Some Never Become Visionaries.

Let’s dig into why some people stop at vision. First, fear of Cost. The reality is

T h e Vo i c e O f Black Chicago

Now Available Online

www.cnwmedia.com 8

Chicago News Weekly

vision are beautiful in theory, but when it come to sacrifice, money, time, ego, security, it’s easier to retreat. Vision requires faith, and visionary leadership requires warfare. The truth is, not everyone is willing to fight.

Secondly, visionaries are willing to step out—even if it means stepping out alone.

While others stay behind, weighed down by fear or comfort, visionaries move forward. They understand that calling often requires leaving familiar ground. The truth is, some people value comfort more than calling—and because of that, the vision is never birthed.

In my experience, building anything meaningful will always require disrupting your comfort zone. Vision is only the beginning. Activating that vision and becoming a visionary? That takes faith, action, and the willingness to do the work.

Third, some people have vision—but no plan. They’re inspired by what could be, but never take the steps toward what’s next. They lack clarity, direction, or a defined strategy. Visionaries, on the other hand, pursue wisdom. They pray. They research. They seek guidance. They get coaching. They write the vision and make it plain—because they understand that clarity activates momentum.

Fourth, some wait for external validation. Let me be clear: if you’re waiting for a round of applause before you move, you may never move at all. Visionaries don’t wait for the crowd—they move with conviction. They trust what God showed them, even when no one else sees it yet.

They understand that approval isn’t a prerequisite for obedience.

Finally, many people misunderstand their role. Not every vision God gives is meant for you to fulfill. Sometimes, you are the carrier of the vision—meant to nurture it. Other times, you are the catalyst—meant to ignite it and pass it on.

The problem comes when people confuse inspiration with assignment. Visionaries ask the deeper question: “Am I called to build this… or simply to birth it and release it?”

So, what is the work of a visionary?

Visionaries show up—even when motivation fades. Because for them, it’s not just about the vision; it’s about purpose, mission, and servant leadership. They understand that true vision requires consistency, not convenience.

Yes, compensation is expected and appropriate—we all deserve to be valued for our contributions. But for the visionary, the driving force is deeper. It’s the weight of the assignment, the call that God placed on their life. They are compelled

to stay disciplined, not just for the reward, but because the vision demands it.

In addition, visionaries recover from rejection, failure, and delay. Why? Because they know the assignment is bigger than the obstacle. Visionaries understand that rejection isn’t the end—it’s often redirection. Failure isn’t fatal—it’s feedback. Delay isn’t denial—it’s development. They recover because they are rooted in purpose, not popularity. They bounce back because the vision within them speaks louder than the setbacks around them.

They don’t recover just for themselves— they recover because someone else’s breakthrough is tied to their obedience.

They’ve been entrusted with something sacred, and quitting is not an option.

Visionaries learn stewardship. They manage what’s in their hands while trusting God for what’s in their heart. They don’t despise small beginnings, and they don’t wait for perfect conditions to move forward. Visionaries are faithful over the little, knowing its preparation for the greater. Even when they make missteps— including financial mistakes—they don’t give up. They learn, they adjust, and they grow. Because stewardship isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, humility, and the willingness to realign. Their stewardship reflects responsibility, obedience, and a deep trust in God’s timing and provision—even through the lessons of failure.

Visionaries believe what they saw—before it’s seen by others, they call it faith.

Visionaries believe what they saw—long before others can see it. That’s not arrogance—it’s Faith. They walk in what was revealed to them in the spirit, even when there's no evidence in the natural. They speak life over dreams that haven't manifested, make room for things that haven’t happened yet, and prepare as if it's already done.

Where others need proof, visionaries lean on promise. They don’t wait for applause or confirmation—they move by conviction. Because when God shows it to you, that’s enough to start building.

That’s the essence of visionary faith: believing without seeing… and building until others can.

In closing, Habakkuk 2:2 reminds us: “Write the vision and make it plain, that he may run who reads it.” The instruction isn’t just to see the vision—it’s to write it, run with it, and make it actionable. Vision without execution is fantasy. Vision with movement becomes legacy.

May 29 - June 4, 2025

commentary

Malachi Webster CNW Staff Writer

The Double Standard Playbook: Who Gets to Be Great Without Apology

T

hey didn’t say it outright, but they didn’t have to. When Angel Reese pointed to her ring finger during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, the response was swift and familiar.

“Classless.” “Unsportsmanlike.” “Ghetto.”

The same gesture made by Caitlin Clark just a week earlier had been celebrated as iconic. But when Reese did it? The headlines flipped. And just like that, another Black athlete was pulled into the media machine that praises swagger in white bodies and punishes it in Black ones.

Reese didn’t invent the double standard. She inherited it.

Look back to Michael Vick. His role in a dogfighting ring was brutal—no one debates that. But the reaction went nuclear. Wall-to-wall coverage. NFL exile. Years in prison. And even after serving his time, a campaign to bar him from working again. Meanwhile, Brett Favre—Super Bowl champ and media darling—helped reroute millions in welfare funds intended for Mississippi’s poorest families to build a volleyball facility at his daughter’s college. The scandal was backed by court documents, texts, and receipts. The result? A whisper of coverage. A shoulder shrug from the same commentators who had foamed at the mouth over Vick.

The message was clear: animal cruelty triggers more public outrage than robbing the poor—if you’re white.

And then there’s LeBron James. A generational talent, a philanthropist, and for years, the most scrutinized man in American sports. From “shut up and dribble” to thinly veiled attacks on his intelligence, James has been repeatedly dragged for using his platform to speak out.

Never mind that white athletes who speak politically— especially when parroting establishment views—are

branded “thoughtful.”

Even LeBron’s celebration of building a school was met with “what about” critiques. When he changed teams?

He was labeled a traitor. When he stayed? He was “overrated.” His presence has never been enough, and his confidence has always been too much. For someone who’s done nearly everything right by the book, he’s still never been allowed to fully write his own narrative.

Serena Williams knows the drill. Dominant for two decades. Twenty-three Grand Slam titles. Yet her legacy is punctuated not just by her wins, but by the backlash. The catsuit controversy. The US Open outburst.

The unspoken expectation that she should smile more, shout less, and shrink herself to fit a box never designed for her. She wasn’t just playing tennis—she was playing defense against a media establishment that never wanted her to be fully visible, fully emotional, fully human.

And still, Serena didn’t stop. She didn’t soften. She made it undeniable.

Sheryl Swoopes should’ve been a household name.

The first player signed to the WNBA. A three-time MVP. But she played in an era where Black women’s excellence was barely televised, let alone celebrated. She wasn’t marketed as a phenomenon. She was quietly historic—and that quiet says everything about what gets amplified.

Then there’s Maya Moore. One of the greatest to ever touch a basketball. Four WNBA championships.

League MVP. Olympic gold. She walked away from the game in her prime—not for injury or scandal, but to fight for a Black man’s release from prison: Jonathan Irons. Her activism wasn’t performative—it was sacrificial. And while the sports world offered polite applause, her story never got the 24/7 cycle it deserved. Imagine if Tom Brady had stepped away to free a wrongfully imprisoned woman. We’d still be talking about it.

The same story runs through Cam Newton, Naomi Osaka, and now Angel Reese. The names change, the games change, but the treatment rarely does. Because in sports media, Black athletes are often only allowed two roles: silent excellence or cautionary tale.

And if you don’t fit the mold, you get remade into a villain.º This is about more than racial bias—it’s about the conditions we place around Black greatness. Perform, but don’t provoke. Dominate, but be deferential. Win, but look grateful.

What we’re witnessing isn’t just coverage—it’s containment. An insistence that Black athletes not only play the game but play the role.

Social media changed some of that. Athletes like LeBron, Serena, and Reese now have direct platforms to reclaim the narrative. But the double standard still echoes in every headline and panel discussion. When Tom Brady rages on the sideline, it’s “leadership.” When a Black quarterback raises his voice, it’s a red flag. When Clark talks trash, it’s competitive spirit. When Reese returns fire? It’s disrespect.

And all of this shapes the stakes for the next generation. Young Black athletes are watching. They’re internalizing the rules: be flawless. Be quiet. Be better—and maybe you’ll be tolerated.

But Angel Reese didn’t follow the script. She didn’t apologize for her fire. She didn’t ask to be palatable.

She reminded everyone that greatness doesn’t owe you meekness.

Until we stop rewarding the same old media narratives, sports will remain one of the most visible stages for America’s racial contradictions.

Because if the rules only apply depending on who’s playing, then maybe it was never really about the game at all.

Laura Miller Managing Editor

Entertainment

The Beat Goes On: 6 Must-Watch Black Music Documentaries on Netflix

I

n the golden age of streaming, documentaries have become more than just entertainment—they're historical records. For music lovers, especially those drawn to the rhythm, rebellion, and resilience of Black music, Netflix offers a treasure trove of powerful stories. Beyond fan-favorites like Quincy and The Crossroads, here are six essential documentaries that amplify the voices and beats that shaped global culture.

1. The Black Godfather (2019) Behind every star is a powerhouse—and Clarence Avant is that man. This gripping documentary explores the untold story of a music executive whose influence reached far beyond the boardroom,

May 29 - June 4, 2025

guiding the careers of icons and quietly shaping the sound of Black America.

2. Hip-Hop Evolution (2016–2020) From block parties in the Bronx to soldout arenas worldwide, hip-hop’s rise is chronicled in this Emmy-winning series.

Featuring legendary voices like DJ Kool Herc, Roxanne Shanté, and Nas, it’s an in-depth journey through the beats, battles, and business of a genre that redefined music.

3. Afrobeats: The Backstory (2022) This energetic series charts the rise of Afrobeats from Lagos streets to international stages. Interviews with key pioneers and behind-the-scenes footage

trace the genre’s vibrant blend of African rhythms, dancehall, and R&B into the global phenomenon it is today.

ing both his groundbreaking music and the murky circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

4. The Greatest Night in Pop (2024) Step into the room where history was harmonized. This documentary takes viewers behind the chaotic, emotional, and unforgettable recording session of “We Are the World,” uniting 40 of music’s biggest stars for a single night—and a single cause.

6. Quincy (2018) Directed by his daughter, Rashida Jones, this intimate profile chronicles the monumental career of Quincy Jones—a man whose genius helped craft the sound of generations. From jazz to pop, Sinatra to MJ, Quincy’s influence is unmatched.

5. ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke (2019) Soul singer. Civil rights activist. Tragic mystery. This film peels back the layers of Sam Cooke’s life and legacy, examin-

Whether you're revisiting classics or discovering these stories for the first time, these documentaries remind us: Black music doesn't just entertain—it empowers, educates, and endures.

Chicago News Weekly

9

Cover Story

Laura Miller Managing Editor Steven Koch Photography

Listen to Me Now,

Believe Me Later On

u

10

Chicago News Weekly

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Enstrumental: Building Legacy in Real Time

K

Style vs. Substance: This Ain’t Merch Drew’s voice sharpens when the conversation turns to authenticity.

“We’ve seen what happens when people take the culture but not the care. Aesthetics with no ancestors. Looks with no legacy.”

For him, a T-shirt isn’t merch—it’s a medium. A garment is a gallery. Each drop from Enstrumental reads like a lyric sheet annotated with footnotes: Fred Hampton.

Ida B. Wells. Chairman Fred. Emmett Till. Baldwin.

“I treat clothes like curriculum. Each piece is a prompt, a reminder, or a tribute.”

hujo said it first on Cell Therapy, but Drew of Enstrumental (full name: Dwamina Drew) has been living it for two decades.

No hooks. No hype. Just cultural deposits in a world of performative overdrafts.

And now, with a major exhibition opening in Chicago this May, the multi-hyphenate—designer, collector, curator, griot—is ready to take his place among the architects of modern Black memory.

The DREW Collection: Listen to Me Now, Believe Me Later On is more than a show. It’s a cipher. A syllabus. A sanctuary for the objects and ideas that shaped the man behind one of the most quietly revolutionary brands in the country. The exhibition is a 200+ piece reflection of a life in conversation with Black art, music, ephemera, resistance—and rap.

For those unfamiliar with his impact, Drew is what happens when a backpack hip-hop kid grows up, stays rooted, and refuses to commodify the culture he came from. This cover story isn’t just a profile—it’s an explanation.

The Origin Story: Museums, Mix CDs, and Memory Before the archives, before the exhibitions, before Enstrumental, there was just Dwamina Drew—though most know him simply as Drew. A kid from Englewood with South Central summers. One foot in Chicago’s Black Belt, the other walking past gangbangers to attend programming at the African American Cultural Center in L.A. “I remember walking past them on 49th, and then stepping into what felt like a temple," he recalls. "It smelled like shea butter, sounded like drums. It wasn’t just a space. It was the shift.”

He talks about seeing John O. Lockhart’s piece What Are You Gonna Tell Them?—a haunting work featuring three Black boys staring straight into the viewer.

“That piece never let me go. I still hear it asking: What are you gonna tell them?”

Drew’s earliest interactions with art weren’t in elite institutions—they were on record covers, Source spreads, the graffiti on 95th Street walls. His parents, readers more than collectors, gave him books. Hip-hop gave him everything else.

“We didn’t grow up around ‘art’ like that," he says.

"Art was album inserts. It was murals behind DJ booths. It was Rakim.”

From Consumer to Collector Years later, a conversation with longtime friend Hebru Brantley cracked something open.

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Blueprints from the Greats Enstrumental has collaborated with heavyweights: Lupe. DJ Premier. Hebru.

Brantley. Robert Glasper. Little Brother.

But Drew is clear—it’s not about proximity to power. It’s about creative communion.

“What they taught me—especially Lupe—is that intention is the only flex," he says. "Watching him write is like watching a surgeon operate. Every syllable is a scalpel.”

From Hebru, he learned you could be “wildly imaginative and deeply rooted at once.” From Glasper, that there’s genius in fusion. These aren’t just influences. They’re elders in a cipher of accountability.

“He looked at me and said, ‘You need to collect,’" Drew recalls. "Not because it was trendy—but because we weren’t owning anything we were creating.”

That’s when Drew started digging deeper—not just into the past, but into ownership, preservation, and legacy. He began to notice a pattern: while Black artists were increasingly being shown in galleries and museums, the people buying, selling, and controlling the work rarely reflected the culture it came from. That disconnect sparked a sense of urgency.

“We’re often the creators of the work, but not the owners. That’s the gap. That’s the danger.”

Collecting became more than acquisition—it became an act of reclamation. Whether it was original pieces from local artists, rare vinyl, or limited-run publications, Drew saw every item as a vessel of memory and message. It wasn’t about building a collection—it was about building a living archive that could challenge erasure and empower future generations to see themselves not only as producers of culture, but protectors of it.

“What good is making history if we don’t protect it?”

Capitalism vs. Consciousness “Look, we exist in a capitalist society—I’m not naive," Drew says. "But that doesn’t mean I have to become the thing I’m critiquing.”

Drew doesn’t chase virality. He chases vibration.

“If it doesn’t move the people or leave something behind, I’m not interested,” he says.

He quotes Black Thought. He references What They Do like scripture.

“Keepin’ your party jumpin’ with an original somethin’... I dedicate this to the one-dimensional...”

To Drew, authenticity isn’t an aesthetic—it’s an ethic. It’s a daily decision to resist dilution. He’s acutely aware that his work exists within an economic system designed to commodify everything it touches, especially Black expression. But instead of rejecting the market altogether, he subverts it from within. His brand operates more like a cultural cooperative than a business.

“I’ve turned down opportunities that didn’t align," he says. "That’s not just strategy—that’s self-respect.”

Drew's seen what happens when the symbols of the movement are sold without the meaning. So every drop, every release, every word stitched into a garment is designed to disrupt that Continue on Page 12 u

Chicago News Weekly

11

Cover Story

cycle. The mission isn’t to sell out venues—it’s to sell back a history that was never truly for sale in the first place. It’s about reintroducing value to the stories and symbols we’ve always held dear—on our own terms.

The Process: Designing as Digging “First, I feel the moment," says Drew.

"Then I sit with it. What’s underneath the headlines? What’s unsaid? Then I research—archives, lyrics, books, memories.”

Once Drew has the truth, he translates it. Typography. Color. Cut. Fabric. The result? Pieces that double as flashpoints.

Each one designed to ignite curiosity, spark dialogue, or confront erasure.

“I want someone to look at a shirt and ask, ‘Wait... who is that?’" he says.

"That’s when the education starts.”

It’s not about being provocative for the sake of it—it’s about being purposeful.

Drew's designs are time-stamped lessons that pull the past into the present. Like a hip-hop sample, they take something sacred and remix it with modern urgency.

“The goal isn’t to make you comfortable," he says. "It’s to make you think.

To remember. To dig.”

Every thread is chosen with intent. Every phrase is tested for weight. For Drew, design isn’t just about composition—it’s about conviction.

12

Chicago News Weekly

Continued from Page 11

The DREW Collection: A Cultural Cypher Opening May 29 in Chicago, Listen to Me Now, Believe Me Later On will feature more than 200 pieces: art, figures, rare books, vintage vinyl, magazines, and ephemera. But it’s also a flex for the everyman.

“This show is about letting folks know—yes, you can collect," Drew says.

"You don’t have to be rich to be a steward of culture.”

Museum curation with mixtape energy. And yes, while the phrase may be widely associated with Khujo’s line on Cell Therapy, Drew notes that his inspiration for the title came from its use on a late ’90s soundtrack—an echo of a generation steeped in coded truths. That line—Listen to me now, believe me later on—wasn’t just a throwaway lyric. It was a challenge, a warning, and a prophecy.

Drew’s exhibition borrows that urgency, turning it into invitation and affirmation.

His work asks: What are we missing in the moment that will matter in hindsight?—vision turned into verification. A warning. A prophecy. A promise.

“It’s a cultural call to action. Not a personal victory lap.”

Interactive panels. Limited-edition merch. Old Enstrumental classics reissued. New collabs debuted. Friday/Sat-

urday for the people. Sunday–Thursday for the intentional. As always, even the access is curated.

Responsibility of the Artist With so much knowledge flowing from Drew, the conversation naturally turned toward his thoughts on the responsibility of artists—especially as it relates to cultural activism.

Drew speaks with reverence for those who came before: Baldwin. Hansberry. Public Enemy. Basquiat. The Black church. The blackboard. The boom bap.

“We are part of a lineage. Art is not separate from survival.”

The mirror we hold, he says, can either expose or distract. And every artist must choose.

Message to the Young Creatives After discussing legacy, ownership, and the cultural weight artists carry, it only made sense to ask what Drew would say to those just starting out—especially the ones discouraged by a system that rewards spectacle over sincerity.

“It’s a performative world. But your work doesn’t have to be,” he says.

Drew recalls releasing a shirt about Emmett Till. No promo. No campaign. Just message. Years later, someone told him that shirt changed their relationship to history.

“That’s when I knew: you don’t measure impact by the algorithm,” he says.

Drew urges new artists: stop chasing applause. Chase alignment.

“Performance fades. Substance stays,” he says.

Outro: Believe Him Now Drew’s top five hip-hop albums read like a mission statement: T h e Low End Theory (A Tribe Called Quest) L et’s Get Free (Dead Prez) T h e Minstrel Show (Little Brother) Be (Common) Black Star (Mos Def + Talib Kweli) “These are the albums you study, not just play," he says. "They taught me to stay sharp, stay soulful, stay necessary.”

That’s the spirit of The DREW Collection. Not just a show. A syllabus. A mixtape of memory, curated with care, for a culture still becoming itself.

“This work is meant to endure,” Drew says. “Believe me now.”

The DREW Collection: Listen to Me Now, Believe Me Later On runs May 29–June 14, 2025, in Chicago.

Public hours: Fridays & Saturdays.

Private visits by appointment: Sunday through Thursday.

Inquiries: drew@enstru-mental.com

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Malachi Webster Staff Writer

HEALTHY LIVING

Autism Stigma and Delays in Chicago’s Black Community

In

Chicago, getting an autism diagnosis for a child can feel like an endless waiting game. For Black families, it often becomes a battle against both the system and cultural stigma. Illinois already reports diagnostic wait times ranging from nine months to two years—but Black children face even longer delays. They are less likely to be diagnosed early and more likely to be misdiagnosed—often labeled with ADHD or conduct disorders instead of autism.

These disparities have real consequences. Early intervention is critical for autistic children to access services that support development and quality of life.

But when diagnoses are missed or delayed, those windows narrow. For Black families, the problem is compounded by cultural stigma: neurodivergence is still too often seen as a behavioral issue, a sign of parental failure, or a shameful “defect” to hide.

This mindset not only delays diagnosis but also silences parents who notice early signs. Some fear judgment from within their own communities more than they fear navigating a broken healthcare system. Others feel worn down by repeated dismissals from providers who don’t listen or explain options clearly. That lack of support can create a chilling effect, where families wait and hope things improve rather than risk being told— again—that they’re overreacting.

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Many school systems aren’t helping.

Teachers, under-resourced and overwhelmed, often lack the training to recognize autism in children of color.

Behaviors like stimming or meltdowns may be mistaken for intentional disruption. Black children are more likely to be suspended or disciplined than referred for evaluations or accommodations. The bias embedded in these responses denies students the opportunity for understanding and support.

In some cases, even when parents push for answers, delays continue due to a shortage of specialists. Developmental pediatricians and child psychologists who accept public insurance or offer sliding-scale payments are often booked months in advance. Families without private insurance—or the time to navigate endless phone calls and paperwork—face a system that wasn’t built with them in mind.

Support networks like The Answer Inc., based in Maywood, are stepping in where they can. Founded by Debra Vines, the organization offers education, community-building, and advocacy aimed specifically at Black families. Their work is critical—equipping parents with language and tools to challenge stigma and access care. Still, they operate in a system where grassroots work too often bears the burden of institutional neglect.

The issue isn’t just one of access—it’s one of recognition. Public health cam-

paigns often don’t reach communities in culturally competent ways. Conversations about neurodivergence still carry heavy stigma in many Black families, where silence or prayer is sometimes preferred over diagnosis. That stigma isn’t universal, but it’s potent enough to delay intervention.

As an autistic adult, I’ve experienced this stigma firsthand. I remember speaking with a woman who said that a diagnosis like mine could be seen as a “stain.”

That moment stayed with me—not just because of the words, but because of how they reflected what so many people quietly believe: that being autistic makes you less than, or marked. It doesn’t. But when that kind of thinking goes unchallenged, it shapes how families respond, how schools react, and how systems are built.

Pediatricians and clinicians need ongoing anti-bias training. School staff must be equipped not just with information, but with resources and support to serve neurodivergent children equitably.

And systems of accountability must be strengthened so that misdiagnoses and long delays are tracked, reported, and addressed.

A 2019 CDC study found that Black children were 30% less likely to receive an autism diagnosis compared to white children—even when symptoms were present. Follow-up research in 2023 showed that disparities persist, partic-

ularly in urban settings. The pandemic only worsened the backlog in diagnostic services, further straining access for families already pushed to the margins.

This is more than a healthcare problem—it’s a civil rights issue. When children are denied early support because of race, income, or zip code, we limit not only their individual futures but also the possibilities of the communities they belong to.

Expanding state investment in early childhood development centers, offering paid parental leave to attend appointments, and incentivizing more providers to work in underserved areas are all part of the solution. So is normalizing the conversation—through public health campaigns, peer support, and representation of Black autistic individuals in media and leadership.

Black autistic children deserve more than delayed assessments and misunderstood behaviors. They deserve early, accurate diagnoses and the chance to grow in environments that celebrate—not punish—their differences. Chicago, and the systems within it, must do better.

Not just with words, but with action.

Chicago News Weekly

13

The A.I.

The answer.is... CNW

W

e are all waiting for the other shoe to drop as we pray for the current presidential administration to end the tariffs already.

In a previous issue, we defined many of the taxes that impact us as workers, property owners, employees, employers, manufacturers, and consumers.

Here’s a list of key economic terms that should be included alongside inflation and stagflation—words we hear daily— along with definitions and a brief explanation of how they are interconnected: Inflation Definition: A general increase in prices and a fall in the purchasing power of money.

Example: If inflation is 5%, something that cost $100 last year now costs $105.

Stagflation Definition: A combination of stagnant economic growth, high unemployment, and high inflation.

Example: Seen in the 1970s, when oil price shocks led to rising prices (inflation) alongside increasing joblessness and an economic slowdown.

Deflation Definition: A decrease in the general price level of goods and services.

Connection: The opposite of inflation.

Deflation can be just as harmful, as it may indicate weak demand and can lead to economic stagnation.

Disinflation Definition: A slowdown in the rate of inflation—prices are still rising, but at a slower pace.

Connection: Often a goal of monetary policy to prevent runaway inflation without triggering a recession.

Recession Definition: A significant decline in economic activity across the economy, lasting more than a few months.

Connection: Often leads to unemployment and may coexist with inflation (as in stagflation) or lead to deflation.

Unemployment Definition: The percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment.

Connection: High unemployment

love & Relationships

Staff Report

typically occurs during recessions and is a central feature of stagflation.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Definition: The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country during a specific time period.

Connection: Stagnant or declining GDP signals economic stagnation—another element of stagflation.

Supply Shock Definition: An unexpected event that suddenly alters the supply of a product or commodity, leading to a sudden change in price.

Example: Oil embargoes in the 1970s.

Connection: Often leads to inflation while reducing economic output, contributing to stagflation.

Monetary Policy Definition: Central bank actions (e.g., interest rate changes) designed to control the money supply and inflation.

Connection: These tools are used to combat inflation or stimulate growth— but are difficult to apply during stagflation, where reducing inflation may

worsen unemployment.

Cost-Push Inflation Definition: Inflation caused by rising input costs (e.g., wages, materials).

Connection: A major driver of stagflation, especially when wages or commodities like oil spike.

Summary of Interconnection: Inflation and unemployment are usually inversely related (as illustrated by the Phillips Curve), but stagflation breaks that pattern—combining high inflation and high unemployment.

Supply shocks can lead to cost-push inflation, which reduces output and contributes to stagflation. While monetary policy can either fight inflation or boost growth, doing both at the same time is extremely challenging, making stagflation particularly hard to manage.

Familiarize yourself with these terms— understanding them can help you grasp how broader economic forces affect your everyday life.

Laura Miller Managing Editor

Is the Cost of Dating Keeping You in the House?

J

ust the other day, I was borrowing something from my mother's house—yes, even at my big age, I still find myself doing that— and my stepdad, known for his signature quirky dad jokes, asked with mock seriousness, “Do you want the standard price, or the one with the tariffs?”

The unexpected humor drew a genuine laugh from me, but it also nudged me toward a deeper thought. Amid jokes about tariffs, there’s an ever-present reality: inflation, tariffs, and rising costs are reshaping even the dating world.

Curious, I decided to explore just how significantly the costs associated with romance have risen recently. As it turns out, a decent date night has become markedly pricier. Take something as traditional as a dozen roses, for example.

This romantic staple is now averaging a hefty $90.50 nationwide (Reuters, 2025)—enough to make anyone rethink that bouquet. Chocolates, too, aren’t safe from inflation’s grip; they’ve surged in price by 10–20%, thanks largely to global cocoa shortages (Business Insider, 2025).

14

Chicago News Weekly

But it’s not just classic gifts feeling the pinch. Something as everyday as grabbing an Uber to dinner has seen fares jump around 7.2% in just the last year.

That quick, convenient ride now comes with a not-so-convenient price tag. And once you get to dinner? Brace yourself— restaurant prices have soared by more than 30% since early 2020, reflecting not just the rising cost of food but also higher wages and overhead costs that businesses must now cover.

Entertainment hasn’t been spared either. If your idea of romance includes a concert date, you might find yourself reconsidering; taking someone to see your favorite artists could be completely out of the question. Average concert ticket prices have hit historic highs, climbing to around $136—driven by overwhelming demand, limited availability, and the market dominance of major ticket sellers. Even simpler date activities, such as a movie night, are pricier, with average ticket prices inching over $16 each.

Then there’s clothing—because let’s face it, any well-meaning person wants to “PUT THAT ISH ON” for date

night. The cost of a new outfit has also risen, partially driven by recently implemented tariffs on imported apparel and footwear, resulting in projected increases of roughly 14–15% in retail prices. Yes, even your favorite fast-fashion brands aren’t exempt from tariff hikes.

All these price hikes illustrate a deeper challenge—romance in the modern age isn’t just complicated by swipes, likes, and texting etiquette; now it’s complicated by financial realities. Each romantic gesture or date night now involves a more careful budgeting decision than

ever before. For some, these mounting costs might mean staying home more often, trading dinners out for cooking together, or even opting for budget-friendly Netflix nights.

So, while we chuckle at dad jokes about tariffs, beneath that laughter lies the recognition of a tougher truth: in the current economy, romance has become less of a heartache and more of a headache.

But at least laughter—and perhaps borrowing things from parents—remains blissfully free.

May 29 - June 4, 2025

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Chicago News Weekly

15

art & culture

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

Diamonds and Deadlines A Book Review

W

here has she been all our lives? It’s like Hidden Figures all over again.

Known formally as Mrs. Frank Leslie, she ran with the wolves—Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and other titans of industry.

At a time when women were oppressed, marginalized, and denied financial autonomy, she served as CEO of America’s largest publishing empire. In an all-male industry, she made a fortune. But she had to be addressed by the sir-name of her husband, the same name as her company: Frank Leslie Publishing.

She was seen as fabulously glamorous and undeniably charismatic, but more importantly, she possessed a brilliant mind for business. How else could she have withstood the wrath of the male

16

Chicago News Weekly

dogs known as wolves? The idea of a woman at the helm was unthinkable— unacceptable—no matter her intellect. It didn’t matter that she, Miriam Leslie, led the company to national prominence.

Superiority seemed an acceptable trait in a man, but for her, it required role-playing. And so, she became Mrs. Frank Leslie.

Still, she remained in charge, because she was a master of deception. She always presented herself as the devoted wife, fooling business foes who never saw her coming.

Blinded by her feminine masks, her male opponents never noticed the iron fist beneath the velvet glove. So when they encountered her hard-handed business dealings, they assumed it was her husband’s doing. After all, it was too hard to accept that she was the wolf in

sheep’s clothing. Yet it was the truth.

Her private world was full of dark secrets, hidden from public view, within which she wheeled and dealed. Her story wasn’t the pretty tale of a well-bred daughter of a man of means. No—she was born to a bankrupt Frenchman who had no connection to her African mother other than to take what he wanted from her.

She grew up poor—close enough to wealth to know what she was missing.

Between the white world and the Black world, she made a choice: she would pass for the first.

And pass she did. She became a national celebrity and a noted fashion arbiter.

She wielded strong influence over fashion trends, essentially acting as a tastemaker. Her good taste and stylish persona had a significant impact on what became fashionable. Part of this came from her access to money, the ability to travel, and exposure to the latest fabrics and styles from Europe, which she flaunted in America.

Her beauty and figure didn’t hurt— but Miriam Leslie came with questions. Her colorful, suspicious background. Her Creole skin tone. Her bold defiance of feminine norms.

None of it aligned with how women of the aristocratic class were expected to behave.

And yet, her intelligence could not be refuted. She was fluent in four languages, authored six books and a play, was a sought-after lecturer, and hosted celebrated salons outside of office hours. She wore her Napoleonic ambition without shame and pursued wealth unapologetically.

She perfected the image of the Victorian lady she claimed to be.

The details of her life are why you must read the book and decide for yourself why she is an important contributor to American—and world— history. Her story reveals one key difference between then and now: documentation. The paper trail wasn’t

so easy to trace. So Mrs. Leslie, the selfstyled Baroness de Bazus, could indeed be whoever she said she was. In a world still being discovered, who could say otherwise?

Miriam pushed forward with the fortitude of a winner—a woman who would not be deterred and who fought until the very end. She rose and fell like the heaving of her own breath, only to rise again—and again—and again.

In the end, she rose higher than expected. Upon her death, she left her entire estate—equivalent to $22 million today—to the women’s suffrage movement. It was a donation that has never been equaled, and it was made to an organization that had once snubbed her, afraid to associate with a woman whose background and ambition did not fit their mold.

So go read the book. Discover the ins and outs of Miriam Leslie, who stood among the colorful characters of her time—Rockefeller, Mark Twain, Victoria Woodhull, Theodore Roosevelt, Nellie Bly, and Isabella Stewart Gardner.

Learn why she remains a hidden figure.

May 29 - June 4, 2025

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Chicago News Weekly

17

Food & Wine

Mare Evans Contributing Writer

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

W

ant a meal that’s exotic but down to earth and sure to strike a happy chord with your family? I’ve got the perfect one for you. It’s flavorful and unexpected: creamy chicken enchilada stuffed sweet potatoes!

One of the benefits of living in a multicultural country is being introduced to global cuisines— whether through restaurants in your city or in the comfort of your own kitchen.

The filling is a rich blend of rotisserie chicken, green chiles, and just the right kick from jalapeños, all wrapped in a velvety, tangy sauce. That gets stuffed into fluffy, roasted sweet potatoes with crispy skins for a dish that delivers a wonderful balance of savory, spicy, and sweet. You can even prep the filling ahead of time, making this one of the best meals for stress-free cooking.

Prefer white potatoes instead? You can swap them in—just keep in mind they have less starch than sweet potatoes and may take a bit longer to cook.

Adjust your oven time accordingly.

FAQs What size sweet potatoes are best for stuffing?

Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes that are large enough to hold the filling but not oversized.

Try to select ones that are similar in size so they cook evenly.

What’s the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?

Sweet potatoes and yams are not the same! They differ in flavor, texture, and appearance—and they’re not even related botanically. Trust us: sweet potatoes are the ingredient you want for this recipe.

Can stuffed sweet potatoes be made in an air fryer?

Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and finish them off in an air fryer. Keep in mind that air fryers function like small convection ovens and can reduce cook time. Start checking the potatoes at 30 minutes. Once they’re stuffed and topped with cheese, air-fry for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted.

Ingredients 6 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and dried 4 Tbsp. olive oil 2 tsp. kosher salt 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped 1 onion, chopped 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 cup chicken broth 1½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1 (4-oz.) can diced green chiles ½ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. paprika ½ cup sour cream 1 lime, juiced, plus wedges for serving 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 oz.)

Cilantro, for serving

18

Chicago News Weekly

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. Line a baking sheet with foil. Prick each sweet potato 3 to 4 times with a fork and place on the baking sheet. Brush with 2 tablespoons of the oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt.

3. Bake until the skins are crisp and browned and a paring knife slips easily into the flesh, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Meanwhile, make the filling. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, jalapeño, and onion, and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour on top, stir, and cook until lightly browned and bubbling, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken, green chiles, pepper, paprika, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and lime juice.

5. When the potatoes are cooked, let them cool for 5 minutes to make them easier to handle. Switch the oven to broil.

6. Slice each potato lengthwise and lightly mash the flesh with a fork. Divide the filling among the potatoes and top with cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Tip: The filling can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave before stuffing the sweet potatoes.

May 29 - June 4, 2025

C.L. Blackburn Contributing Writer

Spring’s Most Wanted

fashion

It’s

finally spring—well, more like on the verge or the edge of winter leaning toward spring— so the time to prepare your best look is now.

Each season brings those items that define the moment, and if you’re wearing them, you are the it girl. They’re the pieces everyone’s talking about, inspiring oohs and aahs because they’re just so beautiful. These items are lusted after by all and lead the trends. Stylists and trend-setting enthusiasts can’t wait to get their hands on them. And if you get it right, you can look absolutely stunning.

Spring 2025 showcases cult designer raffia and woven handbags—from Bottega Veneta to Loewe—covetable sandals from The Row to Khaite, and must-have dresses perfect for high-season wardrobes. These pieces come from both established names and exciting newcomers. The ones mentioned, along with other top-trending items, make up this season’s Most Coveted list.

Check them out in top fashion magazines, and then shop smart to duplicate the looks—especially if you’re not quite ready to spend thousands.

Bottega Veneta Cassette Tote Woven Raffia and Leather Large $1,430.00 Rebag Loewe Small Leather Trim Woven Raffia Tote $765.00 Foxy Couture Carmel Khaite Cage Sandal in Natural Raffia with Black Leather $890.00 KHAITE The Row Hook-and-Loop Sandals $1,070.00 The Row + others Ulla Johnson Lucienne Dress $1,132.00 MALA Boutique These selections epitomize the Spring 2025 trends highlighted by Vogue. From the textured elegance of raffia bags by Bottega Veneta and Loewe to the refined simplicity of sandals from Khaite and The Row, these pieces are at the forefront of seasonal fashion. The Ulla Johnson Lucienne Dress captures the romantic essence of the season, aligning with the ethereal themes seen on the runways.

Embrace these trends to elevate your wardrobe and embody the spirit of Spring 2025.

May 29 - June 4, 2025

Chicago News Weekly

19

20

Chicago News Weekly

May 29 - June 4, 2025