REEL BLACK FILMAKERS
CELEBRATES 13 YEARS
IT’S TIME TO
Recharge
ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE IN CHARGE
ALL ABOARD THE ICE TRAIN CHICAGO ON THE BRINK
E - NOTES
ENOTES
W
hen the Founding Fathers established America, they did so on the principles of a Judeo-Christian heritage—shared cultural, ethical, and historical foundations, particularly their common roots in monotheism, the Old Testament,
Seeds of the Ten Commandments are captured in our laws—laws that, according to biblical history, God gave to Moses. In summary, these commandments were intended to guide the Israelites in living lives of peace and harmony with God and with one another. They were not given to control humanity but rather to inform people of their choices—to follow and be rewarded, or to reject and face and values such as justice, compassion, and the sanctity consequences.
of life. We see references to God woven throughout The point here is that humankind was given free will; we American culture: on our nation’s currency, in the Pledge of are not controlled by law. The Ten Commandments Allegiance to the Flag, and in the many U.S. government Remnants of the Ten Commandments appear in our legal buildings, especially in Washington, D.C., that feature system. For example, three commandments have been inscriptions and imagery. directly integrated into the American legal and cultural Examples include the phrase “In God We Trust” on the U.S. Capitol, the Latin inscription “Laus Deo” (“Praise be to God”) on the capstone of the Washington Monument, and various biblical quotes etched into the walls of the Library of Congress. These references reflect the religious beliefs of the Founders and the country’s spiritual heritage. Other examples include the Jefferson Memorial, which bears the inscription “God who gave us life gave us liberty,” and the Lincoln Memorial, where inscriptions include quotes from Lincoln that reflect his Christian faith. This practice of incorporating religious references in government buildings has a long history in the United States. However, the constitutionality of such references has at times come under legal scrutiny concerning the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
foundation: the Sixth Commandment, “You shall not murder”; the Eighth, “You shall not steal”; and the Ninth, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Is there room for argument that these commandments are reflected in American law? I think not. Though most Americans may not consciously connect the nation’s laws to their biblical roots, it is clear that moral codes such as prohibitions against murder, theft, and false testimony are consistent throughout American society.
Even so, America’s embrace of individual freedom allows all religions to be practiced and celebrated freely and openly. In that way, America grants its citizens the choice to live law-abiding lives—just as God grants His people the choice between heaven and hell. The Point As we review history and observe the modern world, we see those who would be kings, dictators, and oligarchs— individuals who seek absolute power and control over others. The crucial distinction to grasp is this: those who recognize God as all-powerful yet granting humanity free will may also recognize that His Commandments were meant as guidelines by which we can live respectfully side by side. Continuedon page 29
r a b a Z Kai El
Editor-in-Chief Kai El Zabar
3
OCTOBER 15 --21, 2025
Publisher Cheryl Mainor Norman
Editor-In-Chief
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Laura Miller
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Malachi Webster
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Inside the Issue Inside the Issue E -NOTES EMPOWERMENT HEALTHY LIVING LOCAL NEWS HOT TOPIC COVER STORY AROUND TOWN ARTS & CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS FOOD & WINE FASHION Check out last week’s Issue www.cnwmedia.com
EMPOWERMENT
FaithintheUnknown ZoneWhatForward LooksLikeinReal Time Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson Columnist
T
here comes a moment in every entrepreneur’s journey when the excitement of a bold vision meetstherealityofuncertainty.Whetheryou’re launching a tech startup, pivoting a family business, or creating a nonprofit, there will be seasons when the road ahead twists into terrain that seems unfamiliar, unstable, and evendaunting. This is what I call the Unknown Zone—that pivotal space between what you envision and what has yet to be revealed. In this space, strategic plans and market forecasts give way to a deeper, heart-driven reliance on faith. Not just faith in our ideas or our own abilities, but faith in the God who leads us even when we cannot see the full map. Reading Isaiah 42:16 offers powerful reassurance: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.” (NIV) This scripture reminds us that God is present even when our vision is obscured. His promise isn’t reserved solely for nonprofit founders or social entrepreneurs—it’s a universal truth for every leader. Whether you manage a burgeoning tech firm, run a small business, or spearhead a community initiative, stepping into the unknown is part of the journey. Reading Isaiah 42:16 offers powerful reassurance: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.” (NIV) This scripture reminds us that God is present even when our vision is obscured. His promise isn’t reserved solely for nonprofit founders or social entrepreneurs—it’s a universal truth for every leader. Whether you manage a burgeoning tech firm, run a small business, or spearhead a community initiative, stepping into the unknown is part of the journey.
For any business leader, the Unknown Zone might mean: Launching a new product with uncertain market reception.
5 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
Deciding to pivot your business model in response to changing consumer behaviors. Investing time and resources in an idea that defies conventional wisdom. Leaving a secure role to chase an entrepreneurial dream. These moments are not failures or missteps—they are invitations to stretch beyond our comfort zones and embrace a higher purpose. So, what happen or what steps do we need to consider when strategy isn’t enough. Many in the business world believe that data-driven strategy is the ultimate key to success. While robust planning and market analysis are essential, there are times when even the best forecasts cannot dispel the mystery of the future. My moment of disruption. I’ve lived in the Unknown Zone more than once. Years ago, I stepped out to launch a nonprofit with a board and I became the founding CEO. It was a safe haven for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. I didn’t have wealth, celebrity, or a road map. What I did have was conviction, compassion—and the courage to disrupt what was comfortable. For decades, I led that organization through growth, storms, breakthroughs, and sacrifice. But what people don’t always see is the internal cost: the silent nights, the underfunded seasons, the emotional labor of holding up others while rebuilding yourself. Then came another disruption, stepping away from the very work I founded. After over 30 years of service, God is calling me into something new. Being real and transparent it’s been a painful transition. Questions, I asked myself. How could I let go? What would people say? But the truth was, staying in the familiar was no longer faith—it was fear masquerading as loyalty. Disruption isn’t always disorder—sometimes, it’s divine direction. It’s God’s way of clearing the path for growth, innovation, and deeper obedience. READ MORE on www. cnwmedia..com
EMPOWERMENT
AtAge61,College HelpedMeHeal. NowI’mFightingto ChangeMySouth SideCommunity
By Henry Wotton Photographs by Sibyl Vane
S
ix decades ago, I moved to the Englewood neighborhood. I was raised there and lived most of my life there. I’ve worked there, got my GED there, raised four children there, started myministrythere.
Today I’m a 61-year-old college student who’s a year away from earning a bachelor’s degree. That might surprise some people. But on the South Side, we’ve been surprising people for generations—turning “you can’t” into “watch me.” It’s an afterthought of a neighborhood where boarded-up buildings outnumber new ones, where headlines mention gunfire but rarely much progress. I know the pain behind those stories—I lost both a son and a nephew to gun violence. That kind of loss doesn’t just hurt you: it changes you. But even in my grief, I saw something clearly: If things are going to change in Chicago, then people like me, people from here, need to be the ones changing them. That’s why I went back to school. I got my GED at Kennedy-King College, the community college in Englewood named for two men who believed in justice and progress. In my late 50s, I decided to keep going and earn my associate degree in political science. I believed God was calling me to get an education so I could reach my destiny. I knew that to walk through the doors God had opened for me — to be part of the change in Chicago, to connect with the people I needed to meet — I needed a college degree. But let’s face facts: I was not a good student. I have street smarts from growing up in Englewood. I’ve gained wisdom and knowledge from being a preacher, a stay-at-home mom, a security guard, a victim’s advocate and a re-entry specialist who supports men and women just out of prison.
But I had struggled to pass the math portion of my GED. I knew that grit and determination would get me only so far. I knew I needed support during my college journey. Two people became my champions. One was Warren, my academic counselor at Kennedy-King. He offered me encouragement at every turn. The other was Jonathan, my counselor with One Million Degrees, the Chicago nonprofit that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of community college students. Jonathan is my hero. When I — a grandmother about to turn 60 — began to question what I was even doing in college, Jonathan was the first to tell me that age is nothing but a number. He would always answer my phone calls, even on the weekends, when I was having trouble with my computer. He made sure I had the financial support and other sources so I could climb this ladder of success. Jonathan’s patience, his encouragement and his mentorship helped me push through. Thanks to that support, I earned my associate degree in political science in 2024. But — surprise, surprise — I wasn’t done. I transferred to Northeastern Illinois University, where I’m majoring in justice studies and I’m minoring in urban community studies. I got a 4.0 GPA in the spring semester and made the Dean’s List. Lord willing, I’ll earn my bachelor’s degree next year. After that, I want to get involved in politics. I love to serve, and I want to give back to my community. I want to bring about change to reduce gun violence, support our young people and give people just out of prison a second chance at a good life. We need solutions — real solutions — to solve these long-standing challenges in our communities. I want to use my new knowledge and understanding to be part of this change. READ MORE on www.cnwmedia.com 6 OCTOBER 15 – 24, 2025
You’re in Charge, but You Should Still Recharge
HEALTHY LIVING
Whether you manage a classroom, a construction crew, or a household of four, leadership takes energy — and lately, it’s in short supply. The days are getting shorter, the deadlines heavier, and the stress more constant. If you’re feeling that seasonal drag, you’re not imagining it.
Laura Miller Managing Editor
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hether you manage a newsroom, a classroom, a construction crew, or a household of four, leadership takes energy a nd lately, it’s in short supply. The days are getting shorter, the deadlines heavier, and the stress more constant. If you’re feeling that seasonal drag, you’re not imagining it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, reduced sunlight can lower serotonin and disrupt your body’s internal clock, which affects focus, motivation, and sleep. Just ten minutes of morning daylight or a brief walk outdoors can-
help reset that rhythm and lift your mood. Executives and entrepreneurs feel it, but so do supervisors, educators, and parents. Leadership at every level means absorbing stress — from teams, timelines, and the people who depend on you.
2. Slow your breathing.
Five Small Ways to Recharge Without Stepping Away
Take three slow, full breaths — in for four, out for six. Research in Frontiers in Neuroscience shows that just a few minutes of conscious breathing helps lower tension and restore clarity.
1. Step into the light.
3. Use micro-breaks wisely.
Start your morning in real daylight before opening a screen. It steadies your body’s clock and primes your brain for focus.
Two minutes between calls or classes isn’t wasted time; it’s a chance to reset. Stretch, refill your cup, or simply look out the window.
4. Move a little, often. A 2021 University of Colorado study found that five minutes of focused breathing exercise improved stress and cardiovascular markers. The smallest routines make the biggest difference when done daily. 5. End the day on purpose.
Close the laptop. Lower the lights. Say to yourself, “Workday complete.” A simple signal helps your brain shift from command mode to rest mode. Recharge to Lead Better Calm isn’t a luxury; it’s strategy. When leaders model recovery — whether at home, in an office, or on a factory floor — they set a tone of steadiness and trust. The best leaders don’t burn out to prove commitment; they refuel so they can keep showing up. A Friendly Reminder October brings World Mental Health Day (Oct 10) and the return of SAD season for many of us. Consider it a nudge to check your own reserves. Leadership isn’t about holding it all together — it’s about knowing when to pause, breathe, and recharge. “It’s about rhythm — knowing when to rise, when to rest, and how to stay human through both.”
8 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
HOT TOPIC
Black Student Parents Can Thrive with Access to this Critical Federal Program CCAMPIS is designed to help low-income student parents cover the cost of childcare. It can fund on-campus or community care, after-school programs, and even financial counseling for students who are parenting while in college, just like we did. Justin Nalley, Former Senior Workforce Policy Analyst and Policy Carlton Langford, Special Assistant at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
Last month, Senator Tammy Duckworth and Representative Katherine Clark reintroduced the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) Reauthorization Act to keep the program running through 2031 and increase its funding to $500 millionannually.
It’s not just about managing responsibilities — it’s about doing so with minimal institutional support and even less societal recognition. When other students are enjoying campus activities, many skip out.
Every fall, Historically Black Colleges and Universities CCAMPIS is designed to help low-income student parents cover (HBCUs) campuses come alive during homecoming, the cost of childcare. It can fund on-campus or community care, pulsing with joy, legacy, and the celebration of Black after-school programs, andeven financialcounseling for students excellence. who are parenting while in college, just like we did. For Black studentparents,highereducationcanfeellikeanobstaclecourse. OIn 2005, while our peers were reveling in the festivities, one of us The soaring cost of childcare, inflexible class schedules, and was quietly holding his newborn son at the hospital for the very first time. limitedcampussupportmakestayingenrolledadailybattle. During homecoming season two years later, the other could only take a single day of unpaid sick leave from his mailroom job before returningtoworkjustthreehoursafterhisdaughterwasborn.. Our challenges mirror those faced by the 21 percent of Black male studentswhoarefatherswhileincollege.Likeus,many navigatethe relentless grind of academics while raising children. We each completed our bachelor’s degrees, but 72 percent of Black male students who are fathers leave college without completing their degreeorcertificate.
The numbers tell a sobering story. Access to on-campus childcare has declined over the years. Between 2004 and 2019, the percentage of public academic institutions offering childcare services dropped from 59 percent to 45 percent, with more alarming data from HBCUs. Only 21 percent of HBCUs provide oncampus childcare, compared to 38 percent of public two-year institutions. This gap disproportionately affects Black student parents — 67 percent of Black fathers attend colleges that don’t offer on-campus childcare. For us, this meant paying for childcare out-of-pocket and using our support networks of family, friends, and even classmates whennecessary. Sometimes, our children joined us in lectures, sitting quietly at our sides as we tried not to disrupt the class flow. It was a constant juggling act that required immense effort and support, which many Black student parents do not have. There is a solution — and it alreadyexists. Continuedonpage28. 9 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
NATIONAL & LOCAL NEWS CNW STAFF REPORT
News You Can Use Chicago & National
T
rump Declares Gaza War Over After Final HostageDeal
President Donald Trump declared “the war is over” after the last 20 Israeli hostages were freed in Gaza, ending more than two years of conflict. The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, traded 1,700 Palestinian detainees for the hostages and opened Gaza to humanitarian aid. “The Holy Land is now at peace,” Trump said in Jerusalem. Regional leaders praised the truce but warned peace remains fragile as Hamas retains partial control. (Reuters)
Sister Jean, Loyola’s Beloved Chaplain, Dies Johnson promised a “balanced plan at106 that puts working families first.” Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt — Loyola’s The budget will be unveiled Thursday. longtime team chaplain and the city’s unofficial good-luck charm — died this week at 106. Bears Stadium Reboot in Arlington Heights Raises Cost Questions “She was the heart and hope of Loyola,” said University President Mark Reed. The Chicago Bears released new Known for her pre-game prayers and joyful renderings for a domed stadium March Madness interviews, Sister Jean became complex in Arlington Heights, a national symbol of faith and resilience. A promising thousands of jobs and “no public memorial will be held next week. cost to city taxpayers.” But a Chicago Sun-Times review found site prep alone City Faces $1.15B Budget Gap as Johnson could cost $855 million, sparking Prepares 2026 Plan debate over possible public subsidies. Mayor Brandon Johnson is finalizing his 2026 Mayor Brandon Johnson insists the budget proposal to address a $1.15 billion team still “belongs in Chicago,” while deficit, with service cuts and new fees under state officials remain wary of footing discussion. infrastructure costs. The Bears call the project a “community anchor,” though City officials blame expiring pandemic aid and critics say it’s more real-estate gamble rising pension costs. than game plan. (Chicago Sun-Times)
10
OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
COVER STORY
ALL ABOARD THE ICE TRAIN Chicago at the Brink People‘roundtheworldjoinhands— AswarningsofICEraidsraceddownthetracks,Chicago's neighborhoodsbracedforthearrivalofenforcement—atrainof fearandresistancethatnowhaltsateverystationinthecity. By Malachi Webster Illustrations by Eli
O
n a crisp October afternoon, Chicagoans rushing home on the Pink, Blue, and Red Lines were confronted with an urgent warning plastered on every station pole:
"I.C.E. Raids on CTA. October 2. Pink, Blue, Red Lines. 4 PM– 7 PM. Warn your people. Post on social media. Call your government reps. Co-ride to protest and record ICE crimes if safe. Not in our city." WhatsApp messages blinked to life, Threads alerts chimed, and Instagram Stories spread the word: "Warn your people." Riders paused mid-step, phones in hand, sharing screen captures of the station flyers and coordinating safe passage home. 11 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
Across Chicago, footage of the flyers and rushed commuter reactions showed up on real-time Instagram Reels, echoing in comments and emoji chains: "Be safe," "Don't ride alone." Two days later in Brighton Park, a 25-year-old woman was shot by federal agents. U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokespeople claimed she threatened officers with a semi-automatic weapon, yet no body-camera footage or independent eyewitness accounts have surfaced to corroborate that version. By the afternoon, more than 100 residents had gathered in the normally quiet neighborhood, and what began as community concern gave way to confrontation: pepper balls and tear gas deployed by the same agents who answered their calls for aid.
in TRAVELER
Just three weeks earlier, in Franklin Park, ICE agents fatally shot a 38-year-old Mexican immigrant during a routine traffic stop. Together, these two shootings mark the highest number of ICE-related fatalities in Chicago within a single month since the agency's inception. Local leaders compare this escalation to 2018's ICE raids in Little Village—events that left dozens hiding and hundreds mobilizing legal support overnight—but the sense of siege today is more acute than ever.
From "Papers, Please" checks on the L (Chicago's elevated train system) to no-knock zip-tie raids in people's homes, Chicago has transformed into a city under occupation. It's not hyperbole to say that "I.C.E." now stands for Intimidate, Control, Eradicate—an inversion of the agency's stated mission—while the National Guard's deployment follows a parallel doctrine to Ignite, Confine, Engage any resistance.
Targeted sweeps have become tools of social engineering. Though Black immigrants comprise roughly one-third of Chicago's immigrant population, they account for over half of ICE detentions and
“
These two shootings mark the highest number of ICE related fatalities in Chicago within a single month.
Intimidate: Station raids, no-knock entries, and unannounced checkpoints unleash fear. A 7th grader interviewed by South Side Weekly said, "I see those vests, I hold my breath." Parents hesitate before grocery runs; children tremble at bus stops, wondering if this outing will end in detainment. A viral Instagram Reel from @drshantesays chronicled a parent's decision to miss work rather than risk a CTA transfer near a posted ICE checkpoint. Otatem comnimagnam qui tessimp oreheni hiliqui aut dolorerati nullandus anihicto eum sitis deris quam que ne none vitatur? Qui ut remquissit vellumque militat empero
Control:
deportations here, according to The Tribe's investigative data. Trains, schools, and clinics have become unmarked surveillance zones. One Threads post by Van Lathan called it "state-sponsored fear porn"— fueling anxiety that blurs the line between policing and oppression. Eradicate: Deportation is cultural erasure. Healthcare workers who battled COVID-19 are now detained and deported, unraveling the community bonds built during the pandemic response. A Southside nurse cited in The Sun-Times reported an uptick in missed appointments due to patients fearing ICE presence in—
hospital lobbies. High school teachers on Instagram shared how students vanish mid-semester, sometimes whole families moving overnight. Meanwhile, the 500 National Guard troops—200 from Texas and 300 from Illinois—are stationed at an Army Reserve facility in Elwood, about 50 miles southwest of Chicago, deployed to Ignite tension through visible troop presence; armored military vehicles at CTA stations appeared in more than 30 trending Chicago TikToks and Instagram Reels last week.
12 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
COVER STORY Confine dissent with checkpoints, curfews, and removal of community ICE alert apps by tech companies under federal pressure—further limiting organizing, online and off. Engage opposition with militarized equipment that heightens fear; social posts showed ICE agents in tactical gear shadowing young people handing out water bottles at protest rallies. All this unfolds against the backdrop of a federal shutdown by attrition. Since July, partisan gridlock left Health and Human Services,the National Institutesof Health, and dozens of other agencies unfunded, shuttering rural clinics and halting mental-health grants. Yet ICE's budget remains untouched—and even expanded—surpassing $9 billion this fiscal year, a 15% increase over last year. Funding flows toward power, not public need. According to Sun-Times reporting, childhood nutrition programs lost $38 million locally, even as ICE staffing expandedcitywide. Governor J.B. Pritzker denounced this hypocrisy, posting, "Our state will not comply with unconstitutionalorders," and filing suit against DHS over unannounced raids, but his challenge remains tied up in federal court. In the meantime, community defense groups have filled the void, streaming rights workshopsandrallyingdonations. Station platforms have become organizing centers. On the West Side, faith leaders taught sanctuary traditions in impromptu sermons; attorneys offered pop-up legal clinics at station exits to inform riders of their rights. Volunteer "coride" escorts, featured in a WBEZ audio documentary, coordinated routes for seniors, single mothers, and disabled riders, accompanying those most vulnerable through targeted zones while recording any ICE activity on their cell phones. In Brighton Park—where 80% of residents identify as Hispanic and many live in mixed-status households — 13 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
parents worry about safe routes to school. "My daughter comes home crying when she sees agents," says Ana M., mother of two, who asked to withhold her last name. "She thinks they're here for her." Construction foreman Carlos R. now leaves before dawn to avoid street checkpoints. "They stopped me at my own door," he recalls. "I felt like I couldn't trust my neighborhood anymore." WVON documented similar stories in Pullman, Englewood, and Uptown. Operation Midway Blitz, launched September 8, has resulted in over 900 arrests across the Chicago area as of early October. The most dramatic raid occurred September 30 in the South Shore neighborhood, where 300 federal agents stormed an apartment building using Black Hawk helicopters, moving trucks, and flash-bang grenades. The pre-dawn operation resulted in 37 arrests, including the detention of American citizens and children for hours . In the chaos of these military-style raids, children have often been the most unmoored. Witnesses described federal agents pulling children from their beds, some unclothed, zip-tying their hands and separating them from their parents in the middle of the night. What looked like a show of federal strength left toys and shoes scattered through apartment hallways, evidence of young lives upended by operations that included drones, helicopters, and dozens of masked officers storming residential buildings. One South Shore resident recounted: "I kept asking, where's the morality?" Many children spent hours detained in dark vans while parents were processed, their only comfort the presence of siblings similarly unnerved. The psychological toll of these raids on children is immediate and profound. Some refuse to attend school out of fear, while others suffer anxiety, depression, and withdrawal as their families face uncertainty and separation.
$
ICE’s budget remains — Untouched surpassing $9 billion this fiscal year, a 15% increase over last year. childhood nutrition programs lost $38 million locally, even as ICE staffing expands. For many, the trauma lingers long after the raids end, fracturing community bonds and deepening mistrust in institutions meant to protect them. Advocates warn that this erosion of security and dignity is not incidental but a tactical expression of authoritarian control, designed to intimidate and fracture immigrant communities under the guise of law enforcement. Local businesses are seeing ripple effects as well. Owners have reported sharply reduced foot traffic during "ICE alert" windows, with bodegas
COVER STORY on the West Side closing early and South Side barbershops posting "no ID, no entry" signs as a protective measure. An owner of a Brighton Park daycare described on Instagram how four children were withdrawn this week because their parents were afraid to drive across town. "Nobody wants to spend the night in jail over a traffic stop," she wrote in her post, which received over 1,300 likes and 500 comments. City agencies are simultaneously attempting to manage public health and public safety.
At 18th Street station, volunteers in neon vests hand out flyers with know-your-rights material and instructions for recording law enforcement encounters. A viral TikTok from last weekend showed a group of college students leading chants under the Pink Line: "Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe!" Social media has become a powerful witness. On Threads, Van Lathan decried the raids as "state-sponsored fear porn," noting how political operatives weaponize immigration rhetoric for partisan gain.
The head of Chicago's Public Health Department admitted to South Side Weekly that flu vaccine clinics held at major L stations had to be canceled for "security reasons" —a loss of more than 600 anticipated immunizations in just one week. "We lost two nurses who now face deportation proceedings," she said. "Our patients lost trust and stopped showing up."
On Instagram, @sydette observed, “ICE was always detaining Black people. Black immigrants are some of the most deported." @drshantesays called out the operations as "domestic terrorism—raiding homes, bullying children, unlawfully detaining citizens." The posts have been shared widely by journalists and retweeted by public defenders and city leaders.
For those who risk the trains, every ride is laced with anxiety.
Stories like these have reached hundreds of thousands, drawing offers of spare rooms from strangers,
“
Photography by Colin Lloyd - Unsplash
The Constitution is not suspended at the border or the train station. 14 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
COVER STORY emergency cash for grocery runs, and long comment threads of "how can I help?" As the legal fight drags on, Illinois courts have become battlegrounds themselves. At the most recent preliminary hearing for Broadview v. DHS, community members filled pews and stairwells of the county courthouse, holding silent vigils outside. "They wanted to show that we're not invisible, that we matter," said organizer Malik O., who livestreamed the 3-hour hearing to a record audience on Facebook. Political pressure is mounting at the city, state, and federal levels. Civil rights attorneys have called on the U.S. Department of Justice to launch a formal investigation into the sudden rise in ICE-related shootings, citing a pattern of excessive force and apparent disregard for local law enforcement protocols. In Washington, several congresspeople representing Chicago's South and West Sides have submitted open letters demanding oversight hearings and pledging support for a federal moratorium on raids in sanctuary cities. "The Constitution is not suspended at the border or the train station," read a joint statement from Rep. Garcia and Rep. Underwood.
"The Constitution is not suspended at the border or the train station," read a joint statement from Rep. Garcia and Rep. Underwood. President Trump has escalated his attacks on local officials, stating on social media that Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker "should be in jail for failing to protect ICE Officers". Both have remained publicly defiant, with Pritzker calling the military presence a "manufactured performance" and reiterating his administration's resistance to the federalization of Illinois forces. Despite federal claims that troop deployments address surging crime, Chicago Police Department data indicates that homicide rates have actually decreased by nearly 30% compared to previous years.
Faith leaders are central to the fight. Reverend Tara Jenkins of a Bronzeville church has spent every afternoon this week providing safe haven in her sanctuary's social hall. "Our faith calls us to act," she told WBEZ. "We are protecting children of God, regardless of their papers." The council of South Side Imams published a joint letter inviting Muslims, Christians, and Jews to attend their next solidarity march.
National organizations are rallying to amplify Chicago's story. The ACLU, working alongside local legal groups, released a ten-point action guide for resisting ICE intimidation—urging citizens to document abuses, support rapid response teams, file FOIA requests, and hold elected officials to account. National Public Radio covered how austerity elsewhere funds militarization here, laying out the statistics: 22% cut to public health, 11% to libraries and afterschool programs, 0% to enforcement budgets. Activists have kept up the heat by using every tool at their disposal—posting "Know Your Rights" graphics in Spanish, English, and Arabic, shooting quick videos from impromptu strategy meetings, even offering tips for safe digital communications and encrypted messaging.
15 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
COVER STORY
C
ommunity hope is resilient. Yet beneath that hope lies deep weariness—an Instagram post from a Chicago writer shared her elderly father's haunting words: "I have outlived optimism." This sentiment echoes a city battered by relentless raids and racialized fear, a reminder of the generations who have watched hopes fade and resistance persist.
And still, trains roll, neighborhoods breathe, and vigilance rises. Whether sharing safe routes on WhatsApp, staging peaceful sit-ins on platforms, or joining hands in defiant prayer circles, Chicagoans show again and again there is always a place for hope, even on an ICE train. When a city's institutions and inhabitants unite— legally, culturally, socially—they can derail the machinery of repression. Chicago's solidarity networks, legal battles, and unflinching testimony offer a blueprint for defending constitutional democracy. Not in our city. Not on our trains. The tracks may be laid, but Chicagoans are determined to throw obstacles in the way.
16 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
ARTS & CULTURE
Gonzalo Farias Brings Coco to Life Laura Miller Managing Editor
When conductor Gonzalo Farias takes the podium at the Lyric Opera House, he isn’t just leading an orchestra — he’s awakening a story. In Disney Pixar’s Coco Live in Concert, every note he conducts breathes life into a tale of family, memory, and the enduring power of music.
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erforming Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m., this live-to-film concert blends the sweeping visuals of Pixar’s beloved film with a full symphonic performance of its Academy Award–winning score.
“Coco is great music,” says Farias with quiet conviction. “When you have great music, everything flows. The arrangements, the motives, the instrumentation — it’s all done perfectly.” Conducting a live-to-film concert requires both artistry and technical mastery. “You have to follow a very specific click track,” Farias explains. “But the real job is to make the music alive, to make it touching.” Balancing that precision with emotion, he says, is one of the most rewarding challenges of his craft. Audiences see the graceful sweep of a baton — but behind every gesture are decades of discipline. “Every musician you see on stage started when they were five years old,” Farias reminds us. “They’ve put in hundreds of thousands of hours. When you really think about that, you feel grateful.” 17 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
When you really think about that, you feel grateful.” Born in Santiago, Chile, Farias came to the United States to study piano and conducting — and, over time, found a new sense of home in music itself. “ “I’ve lived more years in the U.S. than in Chile,” he says. “For me, home is where my scores are. But I carry my roots with me — the mountains, the food, my family.. Coco reminds me how important that balance is: to love where you come from, and to share it with the world.” That connection between heritage and art makes Coco particularly personal for Farias. “It’s not just nostalgia,” he explains. “It’s about joy — about taking what you love and bringing it forward.”. For many audience members, Coco Live in Concert may be their first time experiencing an orchestra in person — and that’s something Farias cherishes.
ARTS & CULTURE
Photo Credit: Disney Concerts
“One of the most exciting things is seeing faces that maybe have never seen an orchestra before,” he says. “If we can get them inside the concert hall, they’ll realize — this is fun, this is deep, this is alive.” He hopes performances like these spark curiosity in younger listeners. “When you hear live musicians play,” he adds, “you realize: this isn’t a recording. Someone is making this sound, right now, just for you.” After the final note fades, Farias always encourages audiences to stay for the credits. “That’s when the music really shines,” he says with a smile. “It’s the musicians’ moment — a celebration of everything that made this possible.” Having conducted everything from Star Wars and Harry Potter to Encanto and Jurassic Park, Farias laughs when asked what film he’d like to take on next. “I haven’t done Batman yet,”he says. “Maybe on a rainy night in January. Having conducted everything from Star Wars and Harry Potter to Encanto and Jurassic Park, Farias laughs when asked what film he’d like to take on next. “I haven’t done Batman yet,” he says. “Maybe on a rainy night in January.” For now, he’s focused on the world of Coco, where family, music, and memory intertwine. “Live music,” Farias says, “is real fuel for the soul.” See Coco Live in Concert at the Lyric Opera House -Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets available at lyricopera.org
18 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
The Taste of Chicago Media event, hosted by Press Forward Chicago and Bronzeville Winery on September 29, 2025, brought together South Side media leaders, journalists, and community figures for an evening of wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, music, and discussions about strengthening local journalism.
AROUND TOWN
CNW Staff Report There was no keeping our staff indoors these past two weeks! From taking notes and shaking hands to celebrating the city’s energy, our team was out and about, capturing every moment of Chicago’s vibrant scene. 19 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
South Side in Focus Frame by Frame: Capturing the energy of the MALIKSHOTYOU ArtWalk — a celebration of connection, creativity, and community on Chicago’s South Side
AROUND TOWN
The Inner-City Muslim Action Network’s (IMAN) Annual Fundraising Dinner filled the hall with energy, music, and inspiration. Headlined by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Stacey Abrams, the event drew local activists, civic leaders, and neighbors together for an evening focused on community wellness and creative change. Guests enjoyed thoughtful conversation over dinner, powerful remarks, and a shared commitment to IMAN’s work transforming Chicago’s South Side—from health care to youth arts to social justice advocacy. The night ended with new connections, renewed purpose, and a clear call to action for the year ahead., artists, and community members for a night of music, inspiration, and investment in neighborhood wellness. 21 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
AROUND TOWN
Englewood Village Market brought a fresh wave of spirit to 58th & Halsted, where bustling rows of local produce, handmade goods, and vibrant greenery reflected the neighborhood’s resilience and creativity. Shoppers chatted with farmers and artisans, kids sampled sweet autumn apples, and families gathered under tents to enjoy a pictureperfect Saturday. The market was more than just food—it was a lively showcase of community pride, local entrepreneurship, and authentic Chicago connections. Vic Mensa and the 93 Boyz set the tone with an electric DJ set, drawing crowds and sending beats across the plaza. 22 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
AROUND TOWN
Parkway Social Community Showcase Parkway Social brought the Bronzeville community together to experience the full energy of its campus — from coworking tours and an art opening by Andres L. Hernandez at Blanc Gallery to courtyard activations with the Chicago Architecture Biennial and The Floating Museum. Guests enjoyed fitness classes, bocce lessons, local vendors, and food trucks, celebrating creativity, wellness, and neighborhood pride.
AROUND TOWN
Proviso MB 100Women in Pink! Proviso Missionary Baptist Church presented its Annual 100 Women in Pink a special event to honor survivors of breast cancer and to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. This years speaker was Rev. Dr. Shevalle T. Kimber who is the First Lady of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut.
24 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
ENTERTAINMENT
From L-R, Kamau Tyehimba Reggie Rice, David Weathersby, Shari Moore
Reel Black Filmmakers Celebrate 13 Years of Vision and Legacy at the Logan Center CNW STAFF REPORT Chicago’s film scene will shine a little brighter this October as Reel Black Filmmakers celebrates thirteen years of Each artist was also among the first recipients of the storytelling, artistry, and community. Kamau Tyehimba Filmmaker Scholarship, created to carry On Saturday, October 11, from 3 to 5 p.m., the collective will mark its milestone anniversary with a special screening at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th Street. The event is both a celebration and a tribute to Kamau Tyehimba, the late filmmaker whose vision helped establish a creative home for Black storytellers in Chicago. Co-founded by Tyehimba, Reel Black Filmmakers was born from a mission to support artists of African descent — a space where culture, creativity, and identity come together through film. “Kamau passed away last year, and we miss having him here to celebrate with us,” says Margaret Caples, executive director of the Community Film Workshop of Chicago. “The continuation of his cultural legacy is solid with these outstanding filmmakers.”
Honoring a Legacy Through Story The anniversary showcase will feature the works of Shahari Moore, Reginald Rice, and David Weathersby, three acclaimed filmmakers whose creative journeys were shaped by Tyehimba’s influence.
25 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
forward his belief that Black filmmakers should represent the people and communities they come from.
The Power of Storytelling Now serving as Reel Black Filmmakers’ program coordinator, Reginald Rice believes that the true measure of filmmaking goes beyond awards and acclaim. “The greatest award for filmmaking is not exemplified by tropes, special invites, and laurels,” he says. “It’s in the paradigm shift — that moment when a film rekindles the audience’s desire to self-examine their own life’s journey. That’s the philosopher’s stone.” That creative philosophy will be reflected throughout the anniversary event — in stories that challenge, heal, and celebrate the beauty of everyday life. Shahari Moore is a writer, director, and professor known for poetic explorations of Black womanhood. Her short film Swimmin’ Lesson premiered at Cannes. Reginald J. Rice, a documentarian and historian, captures the unseen stories of Chicago with depth and faith. David Weathersby, founder of City Vanguard, highlights Chicago’s creative community through acclaimed works like The Color of Art and It’s Different in Chicago. Read More on WWW.CNWMEDIA.COM
26 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Maybe This Cuffing Season, You Choose You Because sometimes the best cuffing is choosing your own comfort. Laura Miller Managing Editor As the wind breezes through Chicago, there’s that familiar whisper in the air — the Hawk is on its way. The chill hits different, the days get shorter, and just like that, cuffing season slides back into the group chat. Every year, it’s the same quiet urgency. The DMs reopen. People start “accidentally” liking photos from June. And somewhere between the pumpkin spice and the early sunsets, we start drafting potential cuddle buddies like it’s the last round of a clearance sale. It’s not always about love — sometimes it’s just about not wanting to face winter alone.
But maybe, before you rush to couple up, pause. Ask yourself if there’s actually a spark — or if you’re just trying to find someone to share a blanket with until the thaw. Because so often, in the fear of feeling lonely, we build these makeshift connections. We hodgepodge a “situationship” out of half-hearted dates and texts that fade by February. It’s cuffing season’s quiet truth — sometimes, it’s less about romance and more about distraction. And yet… what if you sat this one out? What if, instead of searching for someone to hold, you used this season to hold yourself accountable — for your healing, your peace, your growth? There’s power in choosing stillness when the world tells you to cling. There’s beauty in walking through the cold with your own warmth intact. Working on yourself doesn’t sound as glamorous as late-night cuddles or shared playlists, but it’s the kind of intimacy that actually lasts. Because when you stop rushing to be chosen, you remember how freeing it feels to do the choosing — especially when the one you choose is you. So as the Hawk spreads its wings and the city braces for winter, maybe this year is different. Maybe you pour into yourself instead of someone temporary. Maybe you let the wind remind you that you’re capable of standing strong, even when the air gets cold. This cuffing season, don’t just find someone to keep you warm. Be your own worth — and buy a weighted, heated blanket.
27 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
HOT TOPIC Continued from page 9
Not everyone has a safety net. Seventy-eight percent of Black student parents receive no family financial support for college, making affordable childcare a necessity to level the playing field. With the federal government shutdown, CCAMPIS funding remains in limbo. Although financial aid programs like the FAFSA application, Pell Grants, and student loans are expected to continue, the shutdown introduces more uncertainty for programs like CCAMPIS, which was already on the chopping block. The CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act would keep the CCAMPIS program running through 2031 at $500 million per year and help connect parenting students to benefit assistance for food, housing, and health care. The stakes are too high for inaction or stagnation. When we support Black student parents, we do more than help individuals — we strengthen families, uplift communities, and invest in the future of Black excellence. It’s time to ensure that parents have the support to raise their children while pursuing their educational goals.
H
owever, despite its potential, CCAMPIS often falls short for Black student parents. Research from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies reveals a troubling gap:
while 13 percent of community colleges have at least 40 percent Black enrollment, only six percent of CCAMPIS grants go to community colleges with substantial Black student populations. To change this, we need to protect and reauthorize CCAMPIS to ensure it continues serving low-income student parents. In tandem, we must mandate accurate, detailed data collection on student parents so resources can be directed where they’re needed most. Without robust, disaggregated data on student parents — especially by race and gender — policymakers can’t see the full scope of the challenge. And what remains invisible remains unaddressed. The program needs more funding so more colleges — especially those serving large numbers of Black students — can offer affordable childcare. Finally, we should audit and revise program access to ensure equity is not just an aspiration but a measurable outcome. We were both fortunate that our network of co-parents, family, and friends helped us make it through college.
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E -NOTES cont’d Likewise, the laws of humankind are designed to allow peaceful coexistence. This brings me to my final point. According to the Bible, God granted humankind—made in His image—free will. It is written: “Let us make man in our image.” The use of “us” in this statement is interpreted by some as God addressing the angels, while others believe it refers to the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some may reject either interpretation, but stay with me on the final point. Some may reject either interpretation, but stay with me on the final point. Throughout history, there have always been men who sought to be all-powerful, even declaring themselves gods.
However, apart from His Commandments—which are reasonable—God does not dictate our every action. He has given us free will to choose our destiny. America has done the same. God trusts us to make our own choices: if you choose a righteous life, your reward is good; if you choose the opposite, then the opposite is true. All those would-be gods—kings, dictators, and others—who seek to dictate and suppress human expression for fear that others may rise to challenge them, reveal their insecurity. The Most High God, who is truly all-powerful, does not fear such challenges. His only request of His people is to follow His laws, trust His word, and have faith in Him. One truth remains: those self-proclaimed gods who wreak havoc on the world may appear throughout history and die, but the one true God endures forever—bearing witness to eternal life through love and faith.
A.i. The Answer Is.. At CNW we often engage in intellectual discussions that provide information and provocative thought that often leads to creative thinking always offering opportunities to pursue or do new and exciting things. Recently increasingly the discussion regarding the numerous types of government in the world has been discussed. As we conversed it became apparent that it’s important that our people should know them. Information is power.
Dictatorship
Government types include Democracy, where people hold power; Autocracy, where power is concentrated in one person (like a Dictatorship or Monarchy); and Oligarchy, where power rests with a small group. Other forms include Theocracy, where religious law dominates; Republics, where elected representatives govern; and various hybrid systems that combine elements of these categories.
Other Forms Theocracy: A form of government where religious leaders rule based on religious law.
Democracies
Totalitarianism: A system where the government seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.
A single person or group holds absolute power and authority over the population. Oligarchies Oligarchy: A small group of people (e.g., the wealthy, military leaders) holds political power.
Republic: A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, often with an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.
Direct Democracy: Citizens participate directly in decision-making. Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Parliamentary Democracy: The head of government is chosen from and accountable to the legislature. Presidential Democracy: The head of government is elected separately from the legislature.
Hybrid and Other Systems Authoritarianism: A broad category of governments that are not democratic, characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.
Autocracies Monarchy: A single ruler, often hereditary, holds supreme power. Absolute Monarchy: The monarch's power is unlimited. Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch's power is limited by a constitution.
Summary: governments include Democracy, where people hold power; Autocracy, where power is concentrated in one person (like a Dictatorship or Monarchy); and Oligarchy, where power rests with a small group. Other forms include Theocracy, where religious law dominates; Republics, where elected representatives govern; and various hybrid systems that combine elements of these categories.
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One-Party State: A country where only one political party is allowed to form a government. Military Junta: A government led by a committee of military leaders.
FOOD & WINE
Grill Chicken & Broccoli with Garlic Sauce It’s that time of the year when summer’s warmth still lingers and winter’s cool whispers its readiness to get on with the cold. So, Fall recipes are special in that their range stretches across boundaries that the other seasons don’t. We want something comforting and warm that soothes the soul, tantalizes the tastebuds and satisfies the hunger. Sound good? I think that this recipe will do it for you. To make sure you get the best flavor make sure that your broccoli Florets are fresh, green and firm.
Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the lime juice and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. While the chicken is grilling, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper. For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. *For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. You can use any type of cooked grain you like, such as brown rice or quinoa. Serve the bowls with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice or quinoa between bowls. Top with a scoop of broccoli and sliced chicken. Drizzle with the Creamy Garlic Sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately. Serve with lime wedges. Tips: Do not overcook Broccoli (it's better if you undercook the broccoli before serving if you have a wait time . Then warm just enough to to complete the cooking of broccoli.
30 OCTOBER 15 – 21, 2025
FASHION
Summer Falls Where Cozy Meets Chic: Fall 2025’s Effortless Fashion Revival It’s October 14th, and Chicago welcomes the cool fall weather. Fashion trends show a resurgence of dresses made from light fabrics with bold prints and feminine colors, alongside classic outfits like jeans and t-shirts. Footwear options include boots, loafers, and pumps, encouraging creativity and stylish expression for fall 2025.
31 OCTOBER 15 –21, 2025
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32 OCTOBER 15 –21, 2025
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