May 8, 2025 Edition

May 8 - May 14, 2025• The Voice Of Black Chicago • Vol.3 No 5 • cnwmedia.com • F R E E

The Renaissance Man

Jeffery Beckham Jr.

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Cheryl Mainor Norman CEO & Publisher

E notes

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-In-Chief

Laura Miller

Managing Editor Darnell Pulphus Art Director Max Blaisdell

Copy Editor Dr. Mila K. Marshall Cannabis Corner Editor Kennedy Lynn

Editor Assistant Staff Writers CL Blackburn Zada Johnson Marti Worell Wanda Wright Malachi Webster Columnists Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson David Seaton Contributors NNPA Newswire Mare Evans Melanie Mainor Ken Hare Shanell Oliver Cover Photo Steve Koch Photography

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Dew Drop Perspective can be everything.

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ike you, I awake and rise to face the day—never quite sure what it will bring.

And yet, I know the morning dew will be somewhere in the world, because there are some things that remain constant: the sun will rise, and the moon will reflect its light. These are truths we accept—until, perhaps, they no longer are.

And so it is that the world awakens each day from its nightly slumber, transformed by a sparkling layer of dew: on grass, flower petals, and leaves, on cars, windows, and railings. These glistening droplets last only a short while, then vanish into the vastness—into the invisible forces that make the world go round.

Those dew drops are more than decoration; they are an integral part of what gives early morning its aura, which many simply call “magic.” But I see them as something more: an extension of God, or of the Creator—a reminder that there is something greater than mankind. It is a miracle.

It’s important to be reminded, to jog our memory and recognize that what we often call “magic” is sometimes man’s way of denying the spirit of God—explaining away what he refuses to accept, or what science does not yet understand. Too many of us have had encounters with the Spirit—not as figments of our imagination or wishful thinking, but as real. Some of us know God is real. We no longer simply believe—we know.

We live to experience God daily. If we sleep too late, we miss the magnificent display of sunlight playing upon an infinite number of tiny crystal spheres. And so we are the early risers, eager to witness the Spirit’s self-expression through the beauty of all life, great and small.

To step barefoot onto dew-covered grass is to anoint our feet with a form of blessed water— through which all life passes—that appears only once a day, a rarefied gift of night air that soon evaporates under the full light of the sun. If we inhale slowly and consciously enough, it feels as though we are drinking in this sacred elixir, formed at the threshold between darkness and light.

Water, water, water—through which all life passes to become.

Have a great day.

photo credit: Dot Ward

Terri Winston Vice President

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief There’s a myth that describes morning dew as heaven’s tears; in another, the droplets are said to be poured from the vessel of the goddess of dawn.

Though those who coined these tales may have done so in an effort to explain what they could not fully grasp, they nonetheless succeeded in capturing the beauty of life—a beauty man did not create, but participates in as a co-creator.

When we see the earth draped in glistening drops, twinkling in the morning sun, it’s easy to imagine fairies bathing in the water, or a sky god weeping from his longing to be near the beloved earth goddess. These are ancient attempts to recognize powers greater than ourselves—spirits that man has long sought to imitate, rather than simply embrace.

And in those sparkling moments when the earth emerges from darkness, we may understand that longing in terms of our own gratitude, and accept how truly blessed we are to be here.

Perhaps heaven finds itself here on earth, just as the Lord’s Prayer suggests.

Perhaps that is why we are here: as conduits between the divine and the earthly.

As it is above, so it is below.

And as we drink in the morning dew with our eyes, our skin, our breath, it becomes easier to believe it is a medicinal gift from heaven—a daily reminder of our true purpose, and an opportunity to be transformed into our truest selves, made in the image of God.

Chicago News Weekly

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CNW Staff Report

Special Feature

Groundbreaking Study Centers Black Fathers in Chicago’s Economic Transformation

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new report, Breaking the Chains: Reclaiming Wealth, Power, and Dignity for Black Men, released on April 22, 2025, by Equity and Transformation (EAT) and Fathers, Families & Healthy Communities (FFHC), offers a comprehensive analysis of the systemic barriers Black men face in Chicago's labor market.

The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and empower Black men and fathers in the city.

The report reveals that in 2021, Black men in Illinois had the lowest labor force participation rate among major U.S. cities, with only 53.1% engaged in the workforce. This figure is even more alarming for Black men aged 20 to 24 in Chicago, over half of whom were jobless—a stark contrast to the national average of 44.3%. These statistics underscore the deep-rooted structural challenges that have historically excluded Black men from economic opportunities.

Richard Wallace, Executive Director of EAT, emphasized the compounded challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals, stating, “America demands labor for survival yet blocks many formerly incarcerated individuals from living wage employment, creating cycles of recidivism and poverty.” He noted that the report examines their experiences and offers clear-cut solutions to address this crisis.

Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr., Executive Director of FFHC, framed the issue as a moral imperative: “This report forces a choice: We either continue to uphold the systems that have failed Black men for generations, or we commit to building new ones that affirm our humanity and unleash our greatness.” He called for a commitment to building new systems that affirm the humanity and potential of Black men.

The study also highlights the emotional and psychological toll that chronic unemployment takes on individuals, families, and entire communities. It underscores the need for comprehensive solutions that go beyond economic policies to address the broader social and emotional impacts of economic disenfranchisement.

In response to these findings, the report proposes a multifaceted approach to economic empowerment for Black men, including:

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Wealth-Building Initiatives: Implementing reparations, targeted guaranteed income programs, baby bonds, and progressive tax reforms to break generational cycles of poverty and build wealth.

Investment in Fatherhood Programs: Funding culturally rooted fatherhood programs that affirm Black men’s roles as protectors, family providers, and community leaders.

Support for Black-Owned Businesses: Increasing access to capital and legal protections for Black-owned businesses, worker cooperatives, and informal workers.

Career Training and Education: Creating accessible pathways to careers in growing sectors like green energy, healthcare, and technology, with wraparound support services such as child care and transportation.

Community-Led Data Systems: Establishing a community-led statewide data system to track progress and strengthen Black men’s well-being.

Matthew Bruce, Executive Director of the Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance (CWFA), which is supporting the implementation of the report’s recommendations, emphasized the importance of elevating the voices of discouraged and overlooked workers: “Our work and pooled resources focus on breaking these cycles of economic disenfranchisement, reclaiming wealth and dignity, and creating a future where Black men can thrive, not just survive.”

The report's release was accompa-

nied by a panel discussion featuring Wallace, Boyd, and Deon Hodrick, a focus group participant, moderated by

& Men

Daniel O. Ash, President of the Field Foundation.

The discussion focused on the ways in which the report's findings could be leveraged to create lasting change in the community.

The Breaking the Chains report serves as both an urgent call to action and a roadmap for transformative change. It challenges policymakers, community leaders, and institutions to confront the systemic barriers that have hindered Black men's economic mobility and to invest in solutions that promote equity, empowerment, and dignity.

For more information, the full report is available online. eatchicago.org

Chicago News Weekly

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commentary

David Seaton CNW Columnist

THE BOOK OF DAVID Time to Send Brandon Johnson Back to Elgin Chicago is facing a fiscal crisis of staggering proportions. With an annual budget deficit exceeding $1 billion in 2024—and projected to remain at that level through at least 2027—the city stands on the brink of financial instability. Rather than exercising prudence and enacting structural reforms, Mayor Brandon Johnson has chosen a political path that appears more concerned with optics than outcomes. His administration’s priorities suggest a fundamental misunderstanding—or a deliberate disregard—of the basic principles of municipal finance.

The most glaring issue is Chicago’s bloated political infrastructure. The city maintains 50 alderpersons— more than any other major U.S. city, including New York, which operates efficiently with only 51 council members while serving nearly four times the population. Reducing Chicago’s City Council by half would not only streamline governance but could save millions in salaries, benefits, and office costs. Yet Mayor Johnson has not entertained such cost-cutting measures.

Instead, he continues to insist that the city’s financial problems must be solved on the revenue side—code for higher taxes.

ENVIRONMENT

This approach is both politically convenient and economically reckless. In a city already burdened by some of the highest property taxes in the country, further tax increases threaten to accelerate the exodus of residents and businesses alike. Johnson’s failed $300 million property tax proposal in 2024 was wisely rejected by the City Council. But the mayor’s unwillingness to confront the spending side of the ledger suggests this won’t be his last attempt to extract more from a shrinking base of taxpayers.

One of the most controversial developments is Johnson’s launch of a $500,000 reparations task force—a noble conversation, perhaps, but a fiscally irresponsible one given the current climate. With the city running a structural deficit and unable to meet even its basic obligations without federal support or borrowing, any financial commitment associated with reparations is symbolic at best and deceptive at worst. This move reads less like leadership and more like an attempt to solidify political support among Black constituents, regardless of whether the city has the capacity to act on the task force’s findings.

Rather than engage in political posturing, the mayor should focus on foundational reforms: pension restructuring, workforce efficiency, department consolidation, and modernizing city services. But these are hard choices—ones that require political courage, not populist theatrics.

If Chicago continues on its current trajectory, the city faces a bleak set of outcomes. Bond ratings may be downgraded to junk status, leading to higher borrowing costs and reduced investor confidence. Essential services—public safety, education, sanitation—will be gutted as debt servicing consumes more of the budget.

The wealthier tax base may continue to relocate, leaving behind a diminished economic engine to shoulder growing obligations. At worst, the city could face insolvency, forcing state or even federal intervention. In the end, if responsible governance is not restored, Chicago risks becoming a cautionary tale of how politics triumphed over prudence—and how a great American city collapsed under the weight of its own mismanagement.

Malachi Webster Staff Writer

Ancient Trash, Modern Treasure: How Human History Shields Coastal Islands

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oastal erosion is accelerating—fueled by rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and disappearing natural buffers.

Though these sites are primarily found along the Southeast and Gulf coasts, their lessons extend far beyond the shoreline. Massive shell mounds known as middens—large, layered deposits of shell, bone, and broken tools left by ancient Indigenous communities—are proving to be quiet climate heroes. Once dismissed as mere archaeological debris, these sites are now being reexamined for their ecological value. Built over generations, middens have endured for hundreds to thousands of years. And they’re still doing work.

Middens absorb wave energy, reduce erosion, and help anchor vegetation.

They function as natural levees—buffering fragile islands from storm surge and tidal shifts without the ecological costs of modern seawalls. In doing so, they demonstrate that not all human impact is destructive. In some cases, our ancestors left behind tools we didn’t know we’d need.

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What makes them effective is their material: calcium-rich shell fragments that compact over time and resist being washed away. Many middens are elevated, giving them a defensive height advantage. And because they’re porous, they don’t block water entirely—they slow it, soften it, and let ecosystems adjust rather than collapse.

These ancient structures also create habitat. Small mammals nest in them. Birds feed around their edges. Native plants take root in the mineral-rich soil. In Florida, the Carolina and Georgia coasts, and parts of the Gulf South, researchers have documented how middens support both biodiversity and soil stability—two pillars of climate resilience.

But as modern development pushes further into coastal zones, many of these mounds are under threat. Some are leveled for construction. Others erode simply because they’re not recognized as anything other than “old piles of shell.”

Preservation efforts are growing. In several southeastern states, archaeologists and ecologists have begun mapping remaining middens and lobbying for pro-

tective designations— not just as cultural heritage sites, but as functioning parts of the natural defense system. Projects like Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority have begun incorporating similar natural strategies into their shoreline planning.

In New York, the Billion Oyster Project is repurposing oyster shells to build reef systems that mirror some of the ecological benefits of ancient middens, demonstrating that traditional ecological knowledge can inform modern practices.

What’s emerging is a layered understanding of sustainability. These weren’t just dumping grounds—they were part of life systems. Food waste didn’t go to landfills; it became terrain. Discards were left in a way that served both function and culture. And they lasted.

The conversation around climate solutions often centers on innovation—new tech, new systems. But sometimes, the answer is older than we think. What if

resilience is something we’ve already practiced—and forgotten? What if waste, handled intentionally, becomes legacy instead of liability?

In an era defined by rising tides and vanishing shorelines, the durability of these ancient structures offers more than nostalgia. It offers perspective. Human presence on the land doesn’t have to be extractive. And in some cases, the traces of who we were can still help protect who we are becoming.

Preserving middens isn’t just about honoring the past. It’s about learning from it—and building forward. As cities rethink how to survive sea-level rise, middens remind us that not all solutions are futuristic. Some are fossilized—and still working.

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Malachi Webster Staff Writer

City News

Beneath the Surface: Chicago’s Infrastructure Crisis in Black Neighborhoods Cracks in the city’s foundation are most visible on the South and West Sides, where pothole-laced roads, rusting bridges, and outdated water systems leave residents vulnerable—not just to inconvenience, but to long-term structural harm. The overpasses along Stony Island Avenue show signs of years without meaningful reinvestment. Many viaducts under Metra lines routinely flood—not just in storms, but even during high-pressure seasonal shifts.

Infrastructure experts warn that delayed repairs only raise future costs— both financial and social—especially in neighborhoods already impacted by disinvestment.

In communities like Greater Grand Crossing, repeated viaduct flooding has been reported to trap entire blocks, disrupting school drop-offs, work commutes, and even emergency response times.

The city’s 2023 Infrastructure Equity Framework aimed to shift resources toward underinvested neighborhoods, but

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progress has been uneven. In Black-majority areas, resurfacing projects lag behind schedule, and lead pipe replacement still faces budgetary and logistical delays. The result is a city divided—not by skyline, but by the safety and accessibility of its streets.

For seniors and people with disabilities, crumbling sidewalks and blocked underpasses aren’t minor irritants—they’re barriers to independence. Parents reroute school drop-offs to avoid deep puddles under viaducts that don’t drain. Cyclists avoid whole stretches of the South Side for fear of broken asphalt or abrupt construction zones with no detour signage.

In a city known for its engineering legacy—home to the reversed Chicago River and one of the nation’s most expansive public transit systems—the contrast is jarring. The Loop gleams, while just ten miles south, entire corridors remain untouched.

The lack of timely updates also increases residents’ exposure to environmental hazards. Broken sewer systems contribute to mold and moisture damage in

basement apartments, particularly in low-income housing. Collapsing drainage infrastructure also undermines flood insurance claims, leaving many without recourse after major storms.

Infrastructure experts emphasize that the longer necessary repairs are delayed, the higher the eventual cost—financially and socially. They stress that addressing these issues is not just about replacing old pipes but ensuring safe transit routes, preventing flood damage to homes and businesses, and maintaining emergency access.

Advocates argue that Chicago’s recovery and growth depend on addressing infrastructure not as a backdrop, but as a racial and economic equity issue. They point to programs in cities like Philadelphia and Minneapolis, where community-led audits have reshaped how projects are prioritized.

“This isn’t just about fixing roads,” notes a 2022 report by the Metropolitan Planning Council. “It’s about dignity.

About whether people can get home, get to work, feel safe crossing a street.”

The city has begun allocating funds from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but watchdog groups urge more transparency about how projects are selected—and who benefits first. Without community input, they warn, the cycle of repair bypassing Black neighborhoods will continue.

There’s still time to shift course. Prioritizing these updates—before disaster forces a response—could reshape how Chicago defines public service and urban safety.

Addressing these infrastructure issues now won’t just create smoother streets.

It will build more connected, dignified neighborhoods—where access isn’t a privilege defined by ZIP code, but a right shared across the city.

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Neffer Kerr Contributing Writer

From Surviving to Thriving: How IMAN Provides Safe Havens and Second Chances

Inspiring with Impact

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Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) is a national organization with operations in Atlanta and Chicago that, for nearly two decades, has tackled causes like health disparities, food justice, criminal justice reform, police accountability, housing insecurity, and community organizing.

Since its inception in 1997, IMAN’s Chicago operations have created an entire ecosystem of services and safe spaces that support holistic wellness within the community of Englewood. The organization currently owns approximately 60,000 sq. ft. of property along 63rd Street between California and Fairfield avenues and on neighboring blocks.

These sites are used to drive IMAN’s mission—which emphasizes Islam’s values of mercy, compassion, service, and justice as transformative forces for positive social change, according to the organization’s website.

Within a one-mile radius, the group’s influence is visible: from the IMAN Youth & Family Health Center to multiple transitional housing properties.

There is a ceramics art studio for community classes, various meeting and gathering spaces, a behavioral health clinic, a medical facility, and vocational job training programs.

However, what stands out most, staff say, is the culture of inclusion and dignity that defines the spaces.

“Even as a Muslim-rooted organization, people walk through that door and they’re greeted with peace, they’re greeted with love—and THAT is at the root of our faith: treating people with the dignity we all deserve,” said Alia Bilal, chief executive director of IMAN. Housing Instability: The Silent Barrier to Reentry According to the Council on Criminal Justice, “Women’s pathways to criminal justice system involvement differ from those of men. Most system-involved women have experienced some form of childhood abuse or trauma. Many are at high risk for experiencing violent victimization by an intimate partner, and women in jails and prisons consistently report higher rates of mental health and

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substance use disorders than their male counterparts.”

These factors are compounded, researchers say, when women attempt to re-enter society after incarceration. In Illinois, “58% of unsheltered women in Chicago reported prior incarceration, underscoring the direct link between housing instability and recidivism,” according to the Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC).

These statistics point to a significant barrier for many women returning home: the lack of a safe address to parole to. While not all women face this challenge, advocates say it is a widespread issue. Without access to supportive housing, the risk of recidivism increases.

Programs like IMAN’s Green Reentry Women’s House aim to fill this gap by providing not just shelter, but comprehensive support services and workforce development training to help women rebuild their lives.

Ending Recidivism for Women Coming Home The Green Reentry Women’s House is IMAN’s latest effort to reduce recidivism among justice-impacted women. But the initiative has been nearly a decade in the making.

The model began with the Green Reentry Men’s Housing Program. Taqi Thomas, now IMAN’s associate director of community engagement, security, and intervention, was part of the program’s first cohort as a returning citizen. He became the first participant to transition into his own apartment while learning financial literacy, budgeting, and money management tools.

Going Green Formerly known as Project Restore, the Green Reentry Program eventually expanded into its current form. The word “Green” is now central to the branding—not only of the Reentry Program but also of the Green Reentry Women’s House. That choice, Bilal said, was intentional.

First, it reflects IMAN’s environmental focus: the organization retrofits older buildings using sustainable construction practices to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. “It’s the sustainable refurbishment of an existing

building to make it more efficient, better for the environment, and sustainable for the future,” Bilal said.

Second, “green” symbolizes economic empowerment. The program not only provides housing but also offers training in the trades. “This program sets them [residents] up on a real career trajectory, but also pays them while they do it,” Bilal said, referring to the vocational component of Green Reentry.

Participants graduate with the equivalent of a high school diploma, trade certifications, a strong grounding in health and wellness, access to a medical home, and weekly behavioral health check-ins.

Finally, the color green has religious and cultural resonance. “Green is often associated with Islam because of its connection to nature,” Bilal said. “So it made sense to incorporate it into the branding of our housing and programmatic work.”

Power in Partnerships There were several key players in making the vision of IMAN’s Green Reentry Women’s House a reality. A major part of the effort was made possible by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), which announced in February 2024 that it would provide $12 million over five years to community organizations to help fund new permanent and temporary housing in Illinois.

The funding presented an ideal op-

portunity for IMAN, given its ongoing work in housing and its goal to complete the Green Reentry Women’s House. In addition to BCBSIL, a local nonprofit also stepped in to support the effort.

Digs With Dignity, a Chicago-based organization, furnished the house and provided interior design services, creating a clean, calming, and welcoming space for future residents.

Opening the Way: Residency and Readiness at IMAN Now that the house is nearly complete, IMAN is in the process of refining its intake procedures.

“There’s definitely a list of interested individuals, and the organization is currently in the process of refining what the intake process will look like—to make sure we are identifying those who are the best fit for the program,” said Alia Bilal, IMAN’s chief executive director.

Though the program is rooted in Islamic principles, being Muslim is not a requirement for participation. The house will serve six residents at a time, focusing on formerly incarcerated individuals. The maximum length of stay is 18 months, during which residents will receive vocational training and participate in programs designed to prepare them for long-term independence and success.

How Programs Like IMAN’s Green Reentry Women’s Shelter Help

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“So one of the things that I noticed on the very first day I walked into IMAN was a sign that said ‘Change, Serve, and Inspire.’ And I live by those three words to this day,” said Taqi Thomas, associate director of community engagement, safety, and intervention at IMAN. Programs like this are vital because they help reduce recidivism. Although some of the programming is still being finalized, residents will have access to job training and an array of wraparound

Women’s House is a launchpad—not a landing place.

IMAN: Rooted in Faith, Driven by Action “We’re not a mosque, a church, or a synagogue. We’re a community-based organization where these spiritual values and lessons are absolutely critical and relevant in the way we think about building community,” said Rami Nashashibi, executive director of IMAN.

lacked access to fresh food, IMAN opened a grocery store. When there was a need for mental and physical health services, it created spaces to heal.

As someone who has personally been justice-impacted and emerged as part of IMAN’s pipeline of success stories, Thomas reflected on what he hopes the new women’s reentry program can achieve.

“I’m hoping that my story can be replicated with the women,” he said. “I’m

CNW STAFF REPORT

Teens Honored for Promoting Safe Driving Through SafeLIGHT Ambassador Program

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services that set them up for success and future self-sufficiency. This model is part of the broader IMAN ecosystem that Bilal describes—an integrated network of services designed to meet the full spectrum of residents’ needs. From access to medical and mental health care to workforce development, the Green Reentry

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Recently, IMAN exceeded its $2 million fundraising goal to continue advancing its mission—with a deeper focus on closing the life expectancy gap in the communities it serves.

During a recent visit, it was clear that IMAN prioritizes leadership from those most affected. When the neighborhood

hoping that, for one, this will be a safe space for them—to get themselves together. I’m hoping that they can also purchase homes and become homeowners after this, as well. That they’ll have stable housing and a stable life, period.”

eventeen high school students from the Chicago area were recognized on April 26 for their leadership in promoting teen driver safety as part of the SafeLIGHT Foundation’s Teen Ambassador Program.

The students, who represent the 2024– 25 class of ambassadors, were selected for their efforts to raise awareness about the risks and responsibilities of teen driving.

Through social media campaigns and town hall-style meetings at their schools, the ambassadors educated their peers on safe driving practices in an effort to reduce motor vehicle crashes—one of the leading causes of death for U.S. teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The class includes students from nine high schools: Southland College Prep in Richton Park; Tinley Park High School and Victor Andrew High School in Tinley Park; and De La Salle Institute, Mother McAuley, Noble Baker, Rauner College Prep, Holy Trinity, and Kenwood Academy in Chicago.

Each ambassador received a $2,500 college scholarship for their participation in the program.

The Teen Ambassador Program is sponsored by Donate Life Illinois and Gift of Hope, with support from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, a strong advocate for teen driver safety.

The SafeLIGHT Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging safe driving behavior and preventing traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

Applications for the 2025–26 Teen Ambassador Program are now open.

More information, including eligibility requirements, can be found at safelightfoundation.com/teen-ambassador-program.

Chicago News Weekly

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Cover Story

Laura Miller Managing Editor Steven Koch Photography

Jeffery Beckham Jr

The Living Canvas Jeffery "Jeff" Beckham Jr. is the kind of man who walks into a room with presence before he ever says a word. A scarf rests just right over his blazer. The calm way he studies a space—not for show, but for understanding—draws people in before he speaks a syllable.

I first saw him at the 2018 Culture Ball. He stood in the center of a circle of Black men—not posturing, not performing—but rather, holding the moment. The kind of presence that makes you ask: Who is that— and what weight does he carry?

While one would never ask, we chose to explore and learn more about one of Chicago’s most distinguished gentlemen.

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Beckham carries purpose in his posture. He is CEO of one of the city’s most important college-access nonprofits, co-founder of an education technology company, and an artist whose work speaks as profoundly as his mission. A builder. A witness. A renaissance man who doesn’t need to announce it.

Born to young parents—his mother just 19, his father 22—Beckham came of age at 86th Street and Sangamon Avenue in a one-bedroom apartment on Chicago’s South Side.

He shared bunk beds in the living room with his little sister. His mother worked as a nurse at South Shore Hospital. His father, fresh into a job at Xerox, filled their space with the

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College Access isn’t charity, it’s infrastructure.

It’s what makes the rest possible.

hum of stereos and tangled wires.

“I was inquisitive,” Beckham says. “My dad was into tech—TVs, stereos. I’d just sit and watch him hook everything up.”

A quiet sort of learning, the kind that forms a language long before you find the words.

When I asked him to reflect on who he was at six, he paused. A small well of memory surfaced in his eyes.

“Joyful. Curious. I felt things deeply— especially when something wasn’t right,” he says.

That sense of agency never left him.

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After a break-in, his family moved to Hazel Crest, but the pull of the city— its streets, its stories—stayed with him.

On rides back through the South Side, he remembers staring at boarded-up buildings. One, near Christ Universal Temple, caught his attention again and again. “That should be a youth center,” he remembers thinking. “Then eventually, the thought became—I should be the one to build it.”

Faith was never far behind. As a teenager, Beckham joined New Faith Baptist Church. First out of expectation. Then

out of ownership.

The church’s youth ministry grew under his involvement, regularly drawing hundreds of young people.

“It was student-led, it felt like ours,” he says. “It taught me how to build community—and listen.”

That instinct carried into his work.

After graduating from University of Missouri (Columbia) and earning an MBIT at DePaul University, Beckham worked across marketing and education before finding his way to Chicago Scholars, a nonprofit serving high-achieving, first-generation, under-resourced students. He joined the team in 2015.

By 2021, he became CEO. In a country where fewer than 2% of CEOs at major U.S. companies are Black, and where only about 15% of nonprofit CEOs are Black, Beckham’s presence in that seat is more than symbolic— it’s statistically rare. Especially for a Black man leading a major, city-wide education organization.

Under Beckham’s leadership, Chicago Scholars has supported over 6,000 students and helped secure more than $700 million in merit-based aid. For many Black boys in Chicago, the chance of earning a college degree is just 12%. Scholars in the program graduate at a rate close to 78%.

And 83% of those graduates leave college with less than $40,000 in student debt.

That kind of transformation changes not just individual lives, but entire family legacies.

“College access isn’t charity,” Beckham

says. “It’s infrastructure. It’s what makes the rest possible.”

But in March 2022, the ground beneath Beckham shifted. He had just left an event and was waiting for a valet in Chicago’s West Loop when something struck his car window.

“I saw someone point, but didn’t think much,” he recalls. “Then I stepped out.

Two young men rushed me.”

One of them hit him across the face with a blunt object. Blood spilled. Beckham couldn’t see from his right eye. He believes it was an attempted carjacking.

Two bystanders screamed as the attackers fled. Beckham got back into his car, called his parents and the police, and drove himself to Northwestern Hospital.

“These were kids,” he says quietly.

“The very ones I fight for. That kind of harm… it breaks your heart differently.”

Doctors advised an extended medical leave. Beckham returned after just two weeks, wearing modified glasses to cover an eye patch. Physical recovery took five months. Emotionally, he says, he’s still healing.

The attack changed him—in body, mind, and mission.

Creatively, it sparked something new.

“I saw the world differently after that— literally and figuratively,” Beckham says.

For weeks, he painted guided only by his left eye. From that period came the Visions and Dreams series, a body of artwork he describes not as an escape from pain, but a way to transform it.

As a leader, the assault sharpened his focus. He began saying no to anything that didn’t align with his purpose. It reaffirmed, he says, his commitment to systems-level change. Mentoring a single student was no longer enough—he felt called to reshape the environment that failed the young men who attacked him.

During his recovery, Beckham shared a new strategic plan with Chicago Scholars’ board: to increase the number of young men of color in the program and expand its REACH Pathways web application to provide College to Career support for any young person in the city.

Both initiatives were codified during his healing, and both are now integral to the organization’s work.

But the experience also left him with what he calls “a complex grief.”

“Being harmed by the very youth I serve created a kind of heartbreak only someone who loves their community deeply Continue on Page 12

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can understand,” he says. “It gave me clarity: we can’t out-program systemic poverty. We have to build alternate pathways—not just for success, but for healing.”

The vision in his right eye remains impaired. He sees double when looking up and still notices floaters. But the deeper recovery—the emotional, spiritual kind—is ongoing.

“What’s different now,” he says, “is that I don’t look at life the same way. I see time as a gift. And vision—not just as sight, but as calling.”

In 2023, Beckham co-founded REACH Pathways, a tech platform that helps students access scholarships, mentors, and career tools through an AI-powered app. REACH raised $2 million in seed funding and won the SXSW Global Pitch Competition. It’s now expanding across school systems and cities.

“REACH is the youth center I imagined as a kid,” he says. “Just rebuilt for how kids actually live — online, mobile, right now.”

But place still matters. Beckham lives in Bronzeville, not for optics, but for roots.

“It’s a place that remembers itself,” he says. “The thinkers, the artists, the history — I wanted to live where that kind of energy still moves.”

Ask him who inspires him, and the list is reverent.

His mother — “Resilience, front and center.”

His father — “My first and forever hero.”

His great-grandmother — “Her prayers still cover me.”

His pastor, Trunell Felder.

Barack Obama — “Grace under pressure.”

Artists like Kerry James Marshall, Wak, and Dwight White.

Mentors like Shayne Evans, Phillip Beckham, and Tim Schwertfeger.

And his team: “They keep me grounded. They keep me honest.”

When it’s time to recalibrate, he turns to music: Leon Thomas’s “Vibes Don’t Lie,” Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” and Jay-Z’s “Allure.”

“The production on that last one,” he says, “timeless.”

He’s been honored more than once — Obama Foundation USA Leader, Crain’s Notable Black Leader, Black Creativity Innovator, Man of the Year, Man of Excellence. But Beckham doesn’t carry his résumé like armor.

“I struggle to celebrate,” he admits. “There’s more work. More calls. More kids. More promises.”

What he’s building isn’t just scale — it’s legacy. A Black college graduate doubles their lifetime earnings, builds generational wealth, and sets a new standard in their family. These aren’t just numbers. These are ripple effects. And Beckham knows it.

“In ten years,” he says, “I’m still leading, just from a higher place.

I’ve built a national coalition focused on equity, mobility, wellness.

REACH is global. My art lives in the Smithsonian. But more than anything, I’ll be a father. A husband. A teacher.”

Still telling stories. Through paint. Through platforms. Through presence.

“Stories that remind us we were always worthy. Even when the world tried to make us forget.”

Beckham lets that breathe. Then stills again.

“And I’m living proof that purpose is stronger than pain,” he says.

“What’s different now, is that I don’t look at life the same way. I see time as a gift. And Vision- not just as a sight, but as a calling”.

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Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson CNW Columnist

Empowerment

Hindsight is 20/20 Seeing Imposter Syndrome for What It Is

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et me ask you a question. Have you ever looked back on a moment in your life and realized you were more than capable all along? That the fear, self-doubt, and endless second-guessing were nothing more than distractions from the truth?

That’s the power of hindsight. It offers clarity, stripping away the fog of insecurity and reminding us that the obstacles we once feared were never as insurmountable as they seemed. But here's the thing: Imposter Syndrome thrives in those very moments of doubt and uncertainty.

Fear. Feeling incapable. Wallowing in self-doubt. Constantly second-guessing yourself. These are the breeding grounds where Imposter Syndrome not only thrives but sometimes survives for far too long. How many times have you doubted yourself before stepping onto a stage, into a leadership role, or even into a room where you knew you belonged?

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Yet, that silent and often subtle voice of Imposter Syndrome keeps whispering: “You’re not qualified.”

“You don’t belong here.”

“Eventually, they’ll figure out you’re not as great as they think.”

Sound familiar?

Imposter Syndrome distorts our perception, making us feel unworthy even when our achievements and capabilities are undeniable. The truth is, the voice of imposter syndrome lies to us—and it’s especially loud when we’re standing on the brink of something great.

But here’s what hindsight reveals: You were always capable. You were always enough.

Now, imagine if you could recognize that truth in real-time instead of only through the rearview mirror of life.

Let’s look at flipping the script. What if you could disrupt the cycle of imposter syndrome before it takes root by using Hindsight as a strategy.

Hindsight gives us clarity—the abili-

ty to look back on past experiences and see them more accurately. It’s like having a panoramic view of a journey you once only saw through a narrow, distorted lens. When we reflect on our past achievements, struggles, and moments of doubt, we often discover something powerful: The fear, self-doubt, and insecurities we carried were never the truth.

They were shadows that blurred our vision, not the reality of who we truly are.

Imposter syndrome thrives in the moment. It feeds on our perceived inadequacies, distorting our perspective and making us believe that our accomplishments are simply the result of luck, timing, or another people’s oversight. It convinces us that if we stumble even once, our entire credibility will come crashing down.

But what happens when we look back?

We begin to see patterns. We see strength where we once only saw struggle. We see courage where we once only felt fear.

Hindsight exposes the lie of imposter syndrome by showing us that we were capable all along. And if we’ve been capable

before, we can be capable again.

The real power lies in learning to use hindsight in real-time, so we can disrupt imposter syndrome before it takes root.

Instead of waiting until years later to realize we were enough, we can apply the wisdom of hindsight now to reframe our thinking and empower our journey.

Here’s how: 1. Reframe Your Past Wins (Collecting Receipts) Don’t be afraid to look back at time when you succeeded despite feeling like an imposter. Examine the facts versus your feeling at that time.

Keep a Success Journey, writing down your wins to remind yourself of your actual capabilities. Learn to use hindsight as evidence that your imposter thoughts are not FACTS! 2. Project Yourself Forward (Future Hindsight) Imagine looking back on your current moment from a future perspective. Be okay with asking yourself: If I succeed at this, what would the future me say to the present me?

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The A.I.

T

The answer.is...

he Met held its annual gala, the most coveted event for anyone with even a hint of celebrity aspirations. To be invited by VOGUE's Anna Wintour is to be officially recognized as part of fashion’s inner circle.

Here are the definitions and interconnections of key fashion-related terms, all of which revolve around personal appearance, taste, and social expression: Fashion Definition: A popular or prevailing style of clothing, behavior, or appearance at a particular time. It often reflects cultural, social, and economic trends.

Style Definition: An individual’s distinctive manner of expression in clothing, behavior, or aesthetics. Unlike fashion, style is more personal and enduring.

Dandyism Definition: A historical and cultural movement characterized by a man placing great importance on physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies. It emerged prominently in the 18th and 19th centuries (e.g., Beau Brummell).

Chic Definition: Elegantly and stylishly fashionable. It implies a sense of refined

CNW Staff Report taste that appears effortless.

Panache Definition: Flamboyant confidence of style or manner. It conveys boldness and flair in how someone carries themselves.

Glamour Definition: Alluring beauty or charm, often with a sense of sophistication or luxury. It may involve an idealized or enchanting quality.

Interconnection: These terms are linked by the concepts of personal appearance, social signaling, and cultural taste: Fashion sets the context—the ever-changing trends in society.

Style is how individuals interpret or reject fashion to express identity.

Dandyism is a historical form of style that emphasized exaggerated refinement, often centered on men.

Chic and panache are qualities of style: chic being minimalist and elegant; panache being bold and dramatic.

Glamour represents the aspirational or fantastical aspect of fashion and style— beyond just clothing, it’s about aura.

Together, these concepts describe both the mechanics and aesthetics of how people present themselves to the world.

The Voice Of Black Chicago

Now Available Online

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Malachi Webster Staff Writer

HEALTHY LIVING

Chicago’s Summer Demands: Hydration, Skin Care, and Allergy Preparedness

Weather Whiplash and Its Toll Chicago doesn’t ease into summer—it jerks. One week it’s rain and wind off the lake; the next, it’s heatwaves and humidity thick enough to press against your chest. This kind of swing takes a toll: on the skin, on the sinuses, and on anyone trying to stay hydrated while navigating daily life in a city built on movement.

For Black Chicagoans especially, the stakes are particular—and familiar.

Hydration as a Daily Strategy Hydration is often the first defense— not just sipping water, but integrating it into the rhythm of the day. With more 80-degree days arriving earlier each year, staying hydrated isn’t optional—it’s a baseline. Water-rich foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, and citrus help reinforce daily intake, while a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice in water helps replenish minerals lost through sweat, especially during long commutes or outdoor work.

But hydration isn’t always accessible.

In parts of the South and West Sides, public drinking fountains are scarce, and reliable access to cold, clean water—especially while commuting—isn’t guaranteed. In these neighborhoods, the cost of “just staying hydrated” comes down to planning, preparation, and often, personal expense. That makes community resources—like free water stations at summer events or hydration reminders through local apps—more than just convenient. They’re essential.

Caring for Melanated Skin in Shifting Conditions The skin—especially melanated skin— responds uniquely to rapid climate shifts. That spring-to-summer transition can aggravate dryness, uneven texture, and inflammation. Dermatologists commonly recommend layering: begin with water-based ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, then seal in moisture with richer emollients like shea butter or natural oils. Mineral-based sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher offer added protection, especially for sun-prone areas like the forehead, nose, and cheeks.

Heat and Its Unequal Impact Urban heat plays a role, too. Pavement-heavy neighborhoods with limited tree cover trap heat, raising skin surface temperatures and contributing to flareups of conditions like eczema or rosacea.

South and West Side neighborhoods in Chicago experience this disproportionately. Wearing wide-brim hats, loose-fitting clothing, and scheduling outdoor tasks during cooler hours can make a significant difference.

Managing Chicago’s Pollen Peaks Allergy season tends to spike in early spring with tree pollen, and again in late spring and early summer with grass pollen. Over-the-counter antihistamines are most effective when started early. Nasal rinses, washing up after outdoor time, and keeping windows closed during high-pollen days are standard recom-

mendations from area pharmacists.

Layered Stressors in Under-Resourced Areas What often goes unspoken is how environmental stressors compound: living near high-traffic roads, dealing with inconsistent healthcare access, or simply managing daily stress can make weather-related issues hit harder. Across the South and West Sides, these patterns play out quietly but persistently. This isn’t about alarm—it’s about attention.

Small Steps with Big Impact There are simple, effective steps: check air quality apps like IQAir or local pollen indexes. Keep a small tube of SPF in your bag and reapply it—not just once a day, but as needed. Make hydration part of your commute, not an afterthought.

And if allergies become chronic, don’t wait—seek care, even if it starts with a community health center or over-thecounter options. Community-run health fairs, often hosted at local churches or YMCAs, sometimes offer free consultations and samples—accessible first steps for those without insurance or regular care.

A Livable Season, With Planning Summer in Chicago asks a lot of the body. And for many—especially those navigating the city’s extremes with melanin-rich skin or sensitive immune systems—it demands preparation. Staying hydrated, protecting your skin, and managing allergic triggers may not make the weather more predictable, but they can make the season more livable. And in a city like this, that matters.

CNW Staff Report

Don’t Rush to Get a REAL ID: What You Need to Know

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s of May 8, 2025, many Illinois residents have been facing challenges when trying to schedule an appointment for a REAL ID. This is due to the overwhelming demand caused by the federally-mandated REAL ID requirements. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office, which manages the processing of these requests, has shared some important information to help guide residents through this busy period.

Is a REAL ID Necessary for You? While the May 7th enforcement of the REAL ID requirements is now in effect, it's important to remember that this is not a final deadline. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office encourages everyone to consider whether they truly need a REAL ID before booking an appointment or visiting a facility. If you already have a valid U.S. passport, you are still able to travel without a REAL ID. This means that you don’t need to rush into obtaining a REAL ID unless it is necessary for you, es-

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pecially since passports are an acceptable alternative for air travel and entry to federal facilities.

Why Is It So Difficult to Get an Appointment?

Due to the surge in demand for REAL IDs, Illinois facilities and website appointment systems have become overwhelmed. This has made it increasingly difficult for many to secure a timely appointment. The Secretary of State’s office acknowledges these challenges and urges the public to be patient. They recommend carefully evaluating your needs before booking an appointment to ensure that a REAL ID is necessary for your travel or identification purposes.

Alternatives to Booking an Appointment If you are in need of a REAL ID but are struggling to book an appointment, there are alternatives. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has introduced several options to help alleviate the strain on the appointment system: Walk-in REAL ID Saturday DMV: These locations

are available on specific Saturdays for residents who need to apply for a REAL ID without the need for an appointment.

Walk-in Real ID Only Supercenter at 191 N Clark St, Chicago: This new facility allows residents to walk in for their REAL ID needs without having to wait for an appointment.

These alternatives provide flexibility for those who may not be able to secure an appointment but still need to obtain a REAL ID. While the REAL ID enforcement deadline has arrived, there is no need to panic. If you already have a valid U.S. passport or do not need a REAL ID immediately, it may be worth delaying the application process. However, if you do need to obtain one, consider visiting one of the walk-in locations or the Supercenter at 191 N Clark St in Chicago for more flexibility.

Thank you for your patience as Illinois works through this high demand.

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art & culture

CNW Staff Report

South Chicago Dance Theatre’s Dazzling May Showcase Saturday evening, May 3, the South Chicago Dance Theatre never looked better.

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heir performance was rich in expression, choreographic styles, cultural influences, and heartfelt storytelling. The evening opened with the company premiere of Temporal Trance, choreographed by Frank Chaves, who was honored that night with the company's Cultural Hero Award.

The performance did not disappoint.

It was dynamic, with choreography that captivated the audience, costumes that were simple and unrestrictive—allowing the dancers full range of movement— and lighting that transformed a stark black background into a canvas for art.

The dancers, moving in pairs, became living sculptures—intertwined, fluid, and striking. The music complemented the flow of the piece without overpowering the artistry. Much of the choreography unfolded from the floor, showcasing the dancers’ physicality and grace. Their execution brought the audience to its feet.

Next came the world premiere of Folk, choreographed by Kate Weare. This piece felt modern but not futuristic. It incorporated Jewish and Italian folk music to explore the idea of “village” in contrast to the more insular concept of “tribe.” The dance celebrated community, emphasizing individuality within unity. This was reflected in the costuming: each dancer wore the same garment, yet styled differently—what was a leg sleeve on one became an arm sleeve on another—symbolizing shared identity expressed uniquely. Gender distinctions were subtly conveyed through movement, with both masculine and feminine energies on display, blending but never erasing their differences.

Under The Sun by choreographer Tsai Hsi Hung may have been the evening’s most powerful piece. The dancers, dressed in red—a color evoking passion, power, sexuality, and royalty—performed against a stark black backdrop.

The choreography struck a bold balance between the masculine and feminine, celebrating their interplay and distinctiveness without competition or resentment. It was visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

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The next piece continued this exploration of balance. The dancers wore black-and-white uniforms reminiscent of martial arts attire.

The choreography emphasized harmony between masculine and feminine energies. Each movement felt like part of a grand balancing act—fluid, rhythmic, and powerful. The piece embodied the idea that when these dual energies are presented as equals, they generate a deeper, unified strength.

The evening closed with In/Within, a world premiere choreographed by company founder Kia S. Smith. The piece ventured deep into the subconscious of the lead character, as she journeyed through a cascade of memories, emotions, and imagined realities.

She skated through vivid scenes that challenged her rational mind, confronting joy and pain, empathy and intolerance, serenity and disquiet. The choreography—modern, even futuristic—pushed boundaries and forced the audience to examine their own. It left us altered, urging us to con-

sider what it means to live authentically and consciously.

Once again, the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, gifted the city with an unforgettable evening of artistry.

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Malachi Webster Staff Writer

Entertainment

Chicago on Screen: Celebrate Black Cinema Where History Happened

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rom Love Jones and Barbershop to contemporary narratives echoing Chicago’s influence—like Ryan Coogler’s recent film Sinners—the city serves as a vibrant inspiration and setting for landmark Black cinema.

Chicago’s cinematic legacy isn’t confined to the screen; it’s etched into the city’s very fabric. From the poetic rhythms of Hyde Park to the resilient spirit of the South Side, these neighborhoods have long served as both backdrop and anchor for Black storytelling.

Walking through these places isn’t just revisiting a scene—it’s stepping into a living narrative that still pulses beneath the city’s surface.

You don’t need a map to feel it—but if you want to trace where these stories were filmed, you can start right here.

Begin your tour at Sanctuary Café, immortalized in Love Jones, where poetry slams captured a defining moment in Black artistic expression during the 1990s. While the original café is no longer operating, the surrounding Hyde Park community continues to celebrate

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spoken word and art in spaces that carry the same creative energy. Nearby bookstores and coffee shops make it easy to imagine Nina and Darius slipping into conversation on any given night.

Next, head to the South Side, where Barbershop was filmed. The original shop at 79th and Exchange may be gone, but the culture it reflected is very much alive. Other local barbershops carry that legacy—spaces where conversation, laughter, and neighborhood rhythm still fill the room. One such place is Smooth Kutz, located inside Vanessa Billion Hair Studio at 6546 S. Cottage Grove Ave. For horror fans, Cabrini-Green offers a sobering walk through history. While much of the original development has been replaced, the neighborhood’s layered past still shows up in architecture, murals, and public housing memory projects. Candyman may have amplified the fear, but the real story is one of community, displacement, and survival.

Films like Chi-Raq, Cooley High, and even The Last Black Man in San Francisco—whose creator was shaped in part by studying Chicago’s Great Migra-

tion—carry the city’s imprint even when the camera isn’t pointed here.

Its influence is felt across genre and generation, stitched into the rhythm of love stories, the urgency of protest, and the silence after loss. You don’t always need the skyline to know where the story begins.

Planning your own Black cinema walking tour? Consider incorporating outdoor screenings. Parks like Jackson, Washington, and Douglass Park offer ample green space—and all you need is a laptop, an iPad, and a blanket. For those who prefer the indoors, pair your movie night with takeout from local favorites like Luella’s Southern Kitchen, Virtue in Hyde Park, or Oooh Wee Sweet Tea. Food, like film, has always brought our stories to life.

And if you’re in the mood for live performance, jazz enthusiasts shouldn’t miss

Orbert Davis’s tribute to Miles Davis at Studio5. On Friday, May 9, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., the Orbert Davis Sextet will perform in celebration of what would have been Miles Davis’s 99th birthday.

The concert takes place at Studio5 Performing Arts Center in Evanston and will also stream live via WDCB for Chicago Jazz Live. The tribute is more than a concert—it’s a reminder of the city’s role in shaping global music.

Through sound and image, street corners and stages, Chicago continues to define itself as a cultural landmark for Black cinema. To walk its neighborhoods is to step inside a living archive— one frame at a time.

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Food & Wine

Mare Evans Contributing Writer

Zest in a Pan: Lemon Garlic Shrimp That’ll Wow in 20 Minutes

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f you’re looking for an upscale, tantalizing delight, then lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus is it. This dish is quick to prepare, flavorful, and healthy—perfect for any occasion. Perhaps the best part? It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.

You read that right. This low-carb recipe combines tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce that can’t be beat. Nothing compares to the vibrant pairing of succulent shrimp and fresh asparagus—especially when coated in that bright, garlicky citrus glaze.

This dish is a one-pan wonder—bursting with fresh flavors and ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients To make this quick and flavorful dish, you’ll need: Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined Asparagus: 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces Garlic: 4 cloves, minced Lemon: Juice and zest of 1 lemon Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra richness) Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional)

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Parsley: Freshly chopped, for garnish Optional substitutions: Use ghee or coconut oil for a dairy-free option Add cherry tomatoes or zucchini for extra vegetables How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps: 1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

2. Trim the Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends and cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces.

3. Cook the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Sauté the Shrimp: Raise the heat to medium-high.

Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

5. Cook the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

6. Combine and Finish: Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the lemon juice, zest, and butter (if

using). Toss everything together and cook for 1–2 more minutes to meld the flavors.

7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings Make it a complete meal with these ideas: Side Dishes: Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.

Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully complements the citrus notes.

Storage & Reheating Tips Got leftovers? Here’s how to make the most of them: Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Repurpose: Use as a topping for pasta, salads, or even tacos!

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C.L. Blackburn Contributing Writer

fashion

A Dandy Man

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andyism is a style and philosophy characterized by an individual's meticulous attention to fashion, grooming, and manners—often seen as both self-expression and a subtle rebellion against social norms. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about how a person presents themselves and the social message their appearance conveys. So, it's no surprise that Black men have held a unique place in the world of fashion dandyism. Often forced to craft their own identity outside of the mainstream, Black men infused their artistic style and refinement into fashion, capturing the essence of their times.

A dandy is a man who places particular—and sometimes excessive—importance on his physical appearance and personal grooming. He is often a self-made man, both in persona and presence, who reinvents himself to emulate an aristocratic lifestyle regardless of his humble origins. The concept of the dandy gained popularity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Fast forward to the New World, where Black men found themselves outsiders longing to be part of the American way.

Black dandyism as a cultural movement emerged in the early 20th century, rooted in an aesthetic of individuality and expressed through impeccable grooming and dress. It gained prominence after Emancipation and during the Harlem Renaissance, when Black individuals embraced European-style fashion—like the zoot suits popularized by Cab Calloway, Sammy Davis Jr., Malcolm X, and others—worn in dance halls and ballrooms to assert creative independence in the face of racial discrimination.

In addition to the Harlem Renaissance's explosion of music, literature, and art, Black men began championing a bold new "visual identity" through fashion. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter described Black dandyism as a “form of performance, identity, and individuality.” She also associated "dressing fine" with acts of rebellion and provocation. Playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris called the Black dandy “the type of man who flaunts his elevated wares much to the awe and fright of many around him… a rewriter of nar-

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ratives—the narratives carved into a society’s understanding about the communities from which the dandy has emerged.”

Today, in 2025, Black dandyism is front and center. The theme for the May 5, 2025, Met Gala—"Tailored for You"—was based on Black dandyism and marked the first-ever Met Gala theme dedicated exclusively to Black designers. The exhibition was divided into 12 sections: Ownership, Presence, Distinction, Disguise, Freedom, Champion, Respectability, Jook, Heritage, Beauty, Cool, and Cosmopolitanism.

The gala's co-chairs and hosts included Janelle Monáe, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, LeBron James, Colman Domingo, and Edward Enninful.

The event featured curation by Monica L. Miller, whose 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity inspired the gala’s theme. The evening raised a record-breaking $31 million.

Names like Dapper Dan, Janelle Monáe, and the late, great André Leon Talley are iconic for their bold, tailored approaches to style—vivid colors, high-quality fabrics, statement silhouettes, capes, and theatrical flair. Fashion historians agree that what unites them is a commitment to refined, personalized tailoring that epitomizes dandyism.

Black style doesn’t begin or end with dandyism, but it was certainly a highlight of the Spring 2025 Costume Institute exhibition titled "Superfine: Tailoring for Black People." South African philanthropist and fashion entrepreneur Precious Moloi-Motsepe—one of the richest women in South Africa—partnered with the Met Gala, in collaboration with Vogue and the Anna Wintour Costume Center, to bring the exhibition to life.

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