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E notes
Dew Drop Perspective can be everything.
Like 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.
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.
Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief
photo credit: Dot Ward
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
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.
Neffer Kerr Contributing Writer
From Surviving to Thriving: How IMAN Provides Safe Havens and Second Chances Inspiring with Impact
TheInner-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
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
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.
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
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’s di erent 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”.
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.
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.
Don’t Rush to Get a REAL ID: What You Need to Know
As 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-
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.
Malachi Webster Staff Writer
art & culture
South Chicago Dance Theatre’s Dazzling May Showcase
Saturday evening, May 3, the South Chicago Dance Theatre never looked better.
Their 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.
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.
A Dandy Man
Dandyism 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-
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.
