September 25, 2025 Edition

Sept 25 - Oct 1, 2025

LOVE AND REALTIONSHIPS

WEAPONIZING COMPROMISE?

VOL. 3 NO. 20

HEALTHY LIVING LIZZO’S NEW BODY

ARTS & CULTURE PIGMENTED BLACK ARTS FAIRE & MORE!

CORNERED BLACK CHICAGO AT THE CROSSROADS OF JOBS, HOUSING, AND SURVIVAL

Publisher Cheryl Mainor Norman

Editor-in Chief Kai EL’ Zabar

Chief Content Officer Laura Miller CNW Studio, LLC Creative Direction Executive Producer Laura Miller Contributors Kevin Ross Sales Manager Michael Toliver Sales Manager Malachi Webster Editorial Assistant Max Blaisdell Copy Editor 19 Mila K. Marshall PhD. Staff Writers Editor’s LetterMalachi Webster Candi McCrary 24 Neffer Kerr Cabryl Breotti CL. Blackburn

1 Columnists

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson David Seaton

Intern & Illustrator Cover Photo

Elijah Lee Wholismos Pictures for Unsplash.com

Chicago News Weekly, LLC 700 N Sacramento Blvd Suite 320 Chicago, IL 60612 (312) 877-5151 Volume 13 No. 20 September 25, 2025

Chicago News Weekly is Published on Thursday www.cnwmedia.com advertising@cnwmedia.com editorial@cnwmedia.com 2 Sept 25 - Oct 1, 2025

INSIDE CNW E- Notes (3) Commentary (5) Local News (6) Cannabis Corner (6) Living Chicago (7) Healthy Living (8)

Cover Story (10) Around Town (16)

Arts & Culture (19)

92 A New Dawn

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Centered & Safe

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aintaining your energy consistently at strong and pure levels all

day is vital for sensitive people. Being a sensitive person in this world can feel very draining because we are naturally receptive to the energy of the people and environment around us. This knowledge doesn't end the desire to be part of situations that involve others, whether it's large or small groups of people. We would like to do so without becoming overwhelmed or exhausted. This can be accomplished by implementing a few simple strategies that allow us to entertain at home and socialize in the world without unning the risk of losing ourselves in someone else's energy or giving away our own energy.

Knowing the purpose of this selfcare ritual is to help keep yourself strong and energetic when you are faced with a situation that could potentially be draining. For example, if you are hosting a party, you might take some time to prepare properly to meet the circumstances. Think about anything that requires time to make yourself ready—whether it's a test or cleaning your home for guests and preparing food for a meal—it is essential to prepare your inner spirit for whatever is to come. You do so by taking a mindful walk or a cleansing bath.

NOTES

You may choose to engage in a tai chi or yoga class, meditation, prayer, or any other activity that centers you. You can choose to sit alone for a set period of time, tuning into your energy and connecting to yourself so that you are less likely to be carried away by energy outside of yourself. You may implement a mantra such as, "I am centered and safe in the home/spirit of myself." You can also charge or bless a crystal, a gemstone, or any piece of jewelry made of natural elements with protective energy and wear it or carry it with you.

Blessed objects can assist you by simply seeing or touching them to remind you that you are centered and safe! More significantly, they can be used as a focal point, allowing you to concentrate and go deeper inside, enabling the mind to focus on what it is concentrating on. A focal point stops the wandering nature of the mind, allowing you to go inside that space where tranquility, nothingness, and everything exist. It is there where you meet energy on its terms and creative force comes to life and emerges. What form it takes is what your mind imagines. The capacity is limitless.

Kai El Zabar Editor-In-Chief

Keep in mind that it is always acceptable to excuse yourself for a break or to step away for a moment should you want to take a "self-moment." This can provide you the time and space you need to check in with yourself and correct any energy imbalances that you may detect.

Whether you are at home or out and about in the world, taking care of yourself enables you to keep your energy strong and balanced even as you open yourself to others. Maintaining sight of one's focus is the essence or foundation of manifestation. It evolves out of visualization, which is born out of desire and becomes a reality by keeping your energy strong, safe, and centered.

Catch up on past editions www.cnwmedia.com

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The Power of Vulnerability in Transition and Disruption

COMMENTARY

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson - Columnist

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e often celebrate strength, courage, and boldness in leadership and entrepreneurship.

We don’t talk about it enough, but vulnerability is often the hidden thread that runs through every major transition, every bold decision, and every season of disruption. It’s not weakness —it’s evidence that you’re still alive, still open, and still willing to grow.

But there is another virtue that doesn't always make headlines, yet is essential for navigating life's most pivotal moments: vulnerability.

Especially during times of transition and disruption, vulnerability becomes more than an emotion—it becomes a lifeline.

When the ground is shifting beneath your feet—whether you’re leaving a position, launching a new vision, or recovering from a major pivot— there’s a natural temptation to protect your image. To hold it together. To lead like nothing is cracking beneath the surface.

The truth is, disruption doesn’t just shake things up—it reveals what we’d rather keep hidden. It strips away the polished layers of performance and calls us to lead with authenticity. As I share in my new book, Disrupt Imposter Syndrome Boldly Shape Your Success:

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Honesty with Yourself Transitions often bring things to the surface that we’ve long ignored.

Vulnerability gives you permission to say, "This is hard. I don't know what comes next." That honesty creates space for healing and redirection.

Room for Support When you allow yourself to be seen, you also allow others to support you.

Wise counsel, spiritual guidance, or even a listening ear can be life-giving in times of change.

Grief and Gratitude Can Coexist You can celebrate what lies ahead while still mourning what you’re leaving behind. Vulnerability gives you the space to feel both without guilt.

Transformation Without Control The Unknown Zone doesn’t come with a manual. Vulnerability says, "I don’t have to control this to grow through it."

Vulnerability is your “superpower”. Whether you’re a CEO, founder, ministry leader, or entrepreneur—people don’t need your image, they need your integrity. They need to see that courage doesn’t mean the absence of emotion, but the willingness to keep moving forward, even when your knees shake. You can lead and still be healing. You can serve and still be surrendering. You can launch and still be learning.

“Vulnerability is the fuel that propels us forward on the journey of selfdiscovery.”

As I transitioned out of my role as CEO after more than three decades of leadership, I had to confront the ache of uncertainty. I had to admit that I didn’t have all the answers. I grieved the letting go, even while celebrating the new doors opening. I walked the same streets where my organization was rooted and met people whose lives were changed—some of whom told me, “If it weren’t for Matthew House, I might not be alive today.” hat was vulnerable. But it was also holy. Because vulnerability opens the door for divine strength to be revealed. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Vulnerability is where God's power meets our humanity.

So, what does vulnerability offers during transition. Here are four quick tips:

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CNW MINUTE

CNW Staff Report

Headlines Seeking Your Attention, Both Nationally and Locally Tylenol, Vaccines, and Autism Claims President Donald Trump is drawing criticism after urging pregnant women to avoid Tylenol and repeating longdebunked claims linking childhood vaccines to autism.

Medical experts stress that neither acetaminophen nor vaccines have been proven to cause autism, calling the remarks misleading and dangerous.

Protests at Chicago-Area ICE Facility Demonstrators gathered outside the Broadview ICE facility in response to a federal immigration enforcement surge known as Operation Midway Blitz. Protesters blocked vehicles and clashed with authorities, who used tear gas and pepper balls to disperse the crowd. Nearly 550 arrests have been reported in the Chicago area since the operation began.

Tragedy in a School Zone A 9-year-old boy, Anakin Perez, was struck and killed while walking to McNair Elementary on the city’s West Side. The driver was cited for failing to exercise due care but has not been charged. The incident has reignited calls for stronger safety measures near schools.

Governor Pritzker Faces Scrutiny Over Photo Governor J.B. Pritzker is under fire after a photo surfaced showing him with a community violence worker later charged in a fatal smash-and-grab burglary. Pritzker’s office says he had no knowledge of the man’s alleged crimes. Critics argue the image raises questions about vetting and accountability in state-funded anti-violence programs.

CPS Pushes Ahead With Black Student Success Plan Chicago Public Schools has launched its Black Student Success Plan, aiming to double the number of Black male teachers, reduce suspensions of Black students by 40%, and expand Black History education. The rollout comes even as a federal civil rights inquiry is underway following a complaint by a conservative group. CPS leaders say they are committed to moving forward despite the scrutiny.

For more stories www.cnwmedia.com

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CANNABIS CORNER

Building Cannabis Entrepreneurs Without Breaking the Bank Dr. Mila K. Marshall Join MCBA in Chicago on October 4, 2025, for 23 workshops, 200 speakers, and over 1,000 entrepreneurs, featuring fireside He believes the tour’s greatest asset is accommodating chats, roundtables, training, and networking.

Asya Hill, President of Illinois Women and Cannabis (IWC), shared her insight on the importance of making the right business decisions as she and her team prepared for a panel at Flower Expo, a trade show connecting brands with buyers. "Because the industry is still new, many of them feel they need to build everything from scratch. hey end up hemorrhaging money trying to reinvent the wheel. Even established companies often lack strong SOPs, infrastructure, the right hires, and the best strategy.

Without a clear business foundation of people and processes, you can't run efficiently. With that foundation, you can shift and adapt more easily—but without it, success becomes nearly impossible."

Mentorship in the cannabis space is essential. Reflections like Hill's come amid an economy booming with ideas but facing capital and legislative challenges. Access can also be a barrier: a two-day Flower Expo pass is $250— reasonable for professional development, but out of reach for many startups. Groups like the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) step in to connect excluded entrepreneurs with peers.

Mike Lomuto, MCBA Board Chair and Co-Founder of Dao Mastery, has taken the MCBA Equity Workshop Tour on the road for the third year.

businesses of all levels. "The Tour has really reinforced my belief in the need to meet entrepreneurs where they're at, and the importance of doing so through listening, rather than what I often see, where subject matter experts and technical assistance providers either talk at entrepreneurs or talk to them based on where they believe they should be coming from," Mike shared.

This approach is especially valuable given cannabis entrepreneurs’ limited access to SBA resources. Lomuto emphasized, "The number one thing I believe that the Tour has reinforced is the utmost importance of a cannabis entrepreneur's mindset—their coachability and willingness to be wrong and learn, and to find mentors who are willing to meet them where they are while guiding them to where they need to be."

Despite uncertainty under the current administration, Lomuto sees the Tour as a source of resilience. "I believe the Tour helps provide a strong sense of hope—not false hope in miracles being around the corner, but rather the kind of inspiration that comes when you know you're not alone... We also focus strongly on creating SMART goals—tangible action items—and a lot of people tell me they appreciate that type of focus," he said.

Asked what unites attendees, Lomuto said they are solutionsoriented. "These business leaders have a desire to solve problems and to think outside the box. No one believes there is a quick answer, and everyone's in it for the long game," he remarked.

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LIVING CHICAGO Millions in loans to replace lead pipes pumping water into Chicago homes remain unspent

This story is a partnership between WBEZ, Grist and Inside Climate News.

illions of dollars in federal and city loans dedicated to replacing lead pipes that pump water into people’s homes remain unused, a city official said Monday, at the same time that officials are struggling to keep up with state and federal deadlines to warn people of the risks.

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At a City Council committee meeting on Monday, alderpersons questioned officials from the departments of water management and finance over slow lead pipe replacements and a months long delay in warning nearly a million Chicagoans about the risks of toxic lead pipes.

Chicago has more than 412,000 confirmed and suspected lead service lines — the most of any city in the country — but replacements are lagging. Chicago doesn’t anticipate replacing all its pipes until 2076, some 30 years after a federal deadline. Lead plumbing can leach the toxic metal into drinking water, causing brain damage, developmental delays and other harms.

Water department officials say they can’t afford to move as quickly as federal deadlines require, but department of finance debt manager Brendan White said millions of federal and city dollars obligated for replacements haven’t been used yet.

Since 2023, the city has drawn $70 million to $90 million of an approximately $325 million federal loan for lead service line replacements that expires next year, White said, adding that the city expects to spend much more quickly in 2026.

“We just found out we’ve got hundreds of millions of dollars sitting somewhere with nobody doing anything,” 15th Ward Ald. Raymond Lopez said Monday.

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Juan pablo Ramirez-Franco, WBEZ and Keerti Gopal, Inside Climate News

We just found out we’ve got hundreds of millions of dollars sitting somewhere with nobody doing anything

“We just found out we’ve got hundreds of millions of dollars sitting somewhere with nobody doing anything,” 15th Ward Ald. Raymond Lopez said Monday.

The city was mandated by state and federal law to send out notifications that its drinking water could be unsafe to about 900,000 renters, homeowners and landlords by last November. As of early July, the city had only notified 7% of its list, according to investigation by WBEZ, Inside Climate News and Grist.

At Monday’s meeting, the city’s director of water quality, Patrick Schwer, said the water management department has now notified about 75,000 — or 8% — of the list through the notification letters and an additional 120,000 through inserts with their bills, for a total of 22%.

Schwer said the department is still sending about 3,000 letters a week, and the city usually gets a 10% to 12% response rate from residents — including requests for water testing kits.

The city would expect 100,000 test kit requests if it sent out the full 900,000 notifications, a demand the department couldn’t handle, he said.

“There are not enough physical leadsampling bottles in the country to be able to fulfill those requests,” Schwer said. But Schwer also questioned the utility of notification letters.

“Spending $10 million to send a bunch of letters that people throw in their trash seems like a waste of money when that money should be spent on replacing service lines,” he said.

Experts argue that awareness is a crucial public health intervention. “Just because you assume that someone won’t utilize information, doesn’t absolve you from your responsibility as a department,” said Chakena Sims with the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Separately from the federal loans to replace lead service lines, the city has also issued its own debt to do this work — but it hasn’t used all of that money either.READ MORE AT CNWMEDIA.COM

HEALTY LIVING Health Fair Brings Awareness, Screenings to Black Men Facing Disparities CNW STAFF REPORT Bill Lowry remembers the moment he got the news. A routine checkup led to a diagnosis that shook him — prostate cancer.

Today, the Cook County commissioner not only calls himself a survivor but also an advocate determined to make sure other Black men don’t miss the chance at early detection.

“Black men should be screened for prostate cancer more proactively,” Lowry said. “Given the higher risk of developing prostate cancer and dying from the disease, Black men are more likely to have early cancer detection through screening.”

That urgency is why Lowry is hosting the fifth annual Men’s Health and Family Fair on Sept. 25 at New Life Covenant Church, 7621 S. Greenwood Ave. The South Side gathering, expected to draw hundreds, has grown into one of Chicago’s largest men’s health events.

From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., attendees can access free prostatespecific antigen (PSA) screenings, fitness demonstrations, immunizations, dental resources and mental health consultations.

Breaking Barriers Lowry began organizing the fair five years ago after watching too many lives cut short by conditions such as prostate cancer, hypertension and heart disease — illnesses that strike Black men at higher rates and often go undetected until too late.

Federal data shows Black men are about 70% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die from it compared with white men.

Hypertension, meanwhile, is a silent threat that disproportionately affects Black communities and fuels strokes, kidney disease and heart failure. By offering screenings in a trusted, communitybased setting, Lowry hopes to change outcomes. “This event speaks volumes to the many health disparities impacting the Black community,” he said.

A Community Effort

Ald. Bill Lowry “When we take care of our fathers, brothers, sons and husbands, we strengthen the entire community.”

There will also be giveaways, raffles, wellness kits and a panel of local doctors taking community questions..

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en’s health remains an underaddressed priority in our community,” Lowry said. “Our fair is designed to break down barriers to care, connect residents with trusted providers and

foster a culture of prevention and selfadvocacy.”

The fair is co-hosted with Cook County Health and supported by a growing network of agencies and local leaders. Pastor John Hannah and New Life Covenant Church are providing the venue, while Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Ald. Michelle Harris and members of Black

Men United are among the featured speakers.

Organizers stress that families are welcome, with resources available for women and children as well. A special presentation on Alzheimer’s disease is planned to raise awareness of another condition disproportionately affecting communities of color.

A Survivor’s Mission For Lowry, the work is personal. His own cancer diagnosis became a turning point — a reminder of how vital screenings are and how easily lives can be saved with early detection.

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HEALTY LIVING Lizzo's Transformation: The Power of Self-Care and Wood Therapy Candi McCray - Staff Writer In a world where celebrities are often placed on a pedestal, Lizzo has always been a beacon of authenticity.

The Grammy-winning artist has captivated audiences with her powerful voice and unapologetic confidence, but beneath the surface, she's been on a deeply personal journey of selfdiscovery and health.

For years, the talented star faced relentless public scrutiny, with whispers and unspoken questions about her weight following her every move.

Mind over matter: In a moment of raw honesty, she explained that she had to overcome her emotional connection to food, a struggle many people can relate to.

"I had so much food noise," she confessed, describing how she would constantly snack when sad, anxious, or stressed.

The Role of Wood Therapy and Lymphatic Massage While diet and exercise are cornerstones of her journey, Lizzo credits wood therapy and lymphatic massages with helping to "get her body snatched." Wood therapy is a massage technique that uses wooden tools to apply pressure and manipulate the body.

Lymphatic massage, on the other hand, targets specific areas to move excess fluid and flush out toxins.

Beyond the Rumors: A Holistic Approach For a celebrity in the public eye, life is no longer your own. Lizzo found herself bombarded with unsolicited advice and persistent rumors that she had turned to weight loss drugs like Ozempic.

In a bold move, she addressed the speculation head-on.

She admitted to trying Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications but ultimately decided against them. Instead, she chose a more holistic path, one rooted in conscious choices and personal discipline.

These therapies, combined with a monthly "detox" and an active lifestyle that includes pickleball, hiking, and dancing, have been key to maintaining her new physique.

Are you ready to change your health ?

Lizzo's transformation It’s about making a serious commitment to your health and wellis a testament to the being. power of a

comprehensive approach. She shared her routine, which goes far beyond a single solution. It includes: onsistent workouts: Lizzo trains three times a week, dedicating time to daily cardio and infrared sauna sessions.

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Nutritious eating: She hired a chef to help her meal prep, focusing on adding animal protein and maintaining

a calorie deficit. She also made intentional cuts, eliminating sugary drinks, full-calorie sodas, and potato chips.

Her journey isn't about a quick fix; it's about building a sustainable, healthy lifestyle she can truly love.

Lizzo's story is a powerful reminder that true transformation comes from within. It's not about succumbing to outside pressure or fleeting trends.

It's about making a serious commitment to your health and well-being. By taking control of her narrative and her body, Lizzo has inspired millions to consider what it means to be their best selves.

What about you? Are you ready to take charge of your health? Consider consulting a doctor to explore your options and begin your own journey toward a healthier you.

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COVER STORY

CORNERED Black Chicago at the Crossroads of Jobs, Housing, and Survival An investigative report into the converging crises reshaping a community's fight for home, produced in partnership by Chicago News Weekly and Public Narrative/CIMA. The phone call comes at 4:45 a.m., same as always. Another night, another shooting in Bronzeville. Marquinn McDonald pulls on his boots and heads into the darkness that swallows Chicago’s South Side, where he’s spent nearly two decades patrolling streets that city officials rarely visit but constantly analyze in crime statistics.

McDonald is a man of many titles— WatchGuard Chicago co-founder, 2nd District Community Commission councilman, dean at It Takes a Village Leadership Academy—but this morning he’s simply a father and neighbor responding to violence that data shows is decreasing, even as bullets shatter windows and dreams with ruthless regularity.

“For anyone to say they don’t get tired is lying,” McDonald says, his voice carrying the weight of countless sleepless nights. “The work is the work, though.”

Three miles north, Akilah McCord starts her day as Chief Operating Officer of The Answer Inc., managing autism services that reach families across the city. By 7 a.m., she’s already deep into grant reporting, onboarding new staff, and strategizing for programs that could disappear with the next state budget cycle. “Every grant deadline or state budget decision directly affects the stability of the people we serve,” she explains. “We live grant to grant.”

On the South Side, Chris Davis opens his barbershop, where conversations flow as freely as the clippers through his clients’ hair. An educator by morning and entrepreneur by night, Davis represents the hustle that defines Black Chicago—multiple jobs, multiple roles, all aimed at creating permanence in a city that seems designed to undermine it. “I’m here to mentor these youth, guide them into the right directions,” he says. “Making sure that they’re in a safe haven environment because there’s so much stuff going on in the city of Chicago.”

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Malachi Webster - Editorial Assistant

Cornered: Cover Story

These three voices—activist, executive, entrepreneur—capture the breadth of Black Chicago’s crossroads moment. From Bronzeville to the boardroom, from the barbershop to the ballot box, Black Chicagoans across all economic sectors are navigating converging crises that threaten not just individual survival, but the fabric of communities that have anchored the city for generations.

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he Economics of Displacement

Lake Meadows towers over Bronzeville like a monument to promises broken and renewed. The residential complex, home to predominantly Black families since the 1950s, has become ground zero for a displacement crisis that reaches far beyond individual evictions.

“They raised parking from $5 a month to $50 overnight,” McDonald explains, documenting what residents describe as systematic efforts to force out longtime tenants.

“Elders, single mothers with children —they’re being pushed out because they can’t afford it. And you know what they want to do? Make it student housing.”

The complaint mirrors a pattern playing out across historically Black neighborhoods, where property management companies exploit legal gray areas to clear buildings for higher-paying demographics.

McDonald’s WatchGuard Chicago has documented cases where tenants received illegal five-day eviction notices, with many moving before learning their rights.

But this isn’t just about poverty.

Akilah McCord, despite her executive position, faces similar precarity. “Nonprofit funding cycles mean security is never absolute,” she notes.

Even C-suite professionals live “grant to grant,” their security tied to political winds and budget negotiations they cannot control.

The numbers support these personal accounts. According to recent analysis, Black Chicagoans face eviction at nearly twice the rate of white renters, with landlords showing less flexibility toward Black families in payment agreements. In Bronzeville specifically, median home prices jumped nearly $200,000 between 2018 and 2022, while the area’s median household income remains around $40,700—making homeownership increasingly impossible for the community that built the neighborhood.

“If you are not wealthy and you’re a Black person, you cannot buy in Bronzeville,” says Michelle Kennedy, a city planning expert who grew up in the area. “And if you inherit property in Bronzeville and you’re not wealthy, it’s going to be difficult for you to pay the taxes and to maintain it.”

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The path to stability feels less certain despite more education and talent.

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Policy Promises, Community Realities Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has positioned itself as a progressive force for racial equity, signing executive orders on protest rights and proposing $1.25 billion in housing investments. But the gap between City Hall announcements and block-level reality remains vast.

Johnson’s 2025 budget includes a controversial $300 million property tax increase, breaking campaign promises while adding financial pressure to residents already struggling with housing costs. The mayor’s housing bond proposal earmarks up to $390 million for affordable rental homes, but federal low-income tax credits only require 15 years of affordability—after which housing can return to market rates.

At the state level, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced $250 million to address racial disparities in homelessness, acknowledging

that Black Illinoisans are eight times more likely to be unhoused than white residents. Yet implementation remains sluggish. The African American HIV/AIDS Response Act (AAHARA), designed to fund Blackled service providers, saw zero dollars allocated in 2020 despite a $15 million appropriation—while white-led organizations received infrastructure funding for new facilities. “The real activists aren’t getting consistent support,” McDonald observes. “The loudest voices aren’t always the most authentic.”

These funding disparities reflect broader structural issues. Illinois’ African American Employment Plan shows incremental progress in state hiring, with 22 CMS Diversity & Inclusion Community Partner interns placed across agencies in 2024.

But the program's scale pales compared to the systemic barriers facing Black professionals and entrepreneurs.

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McCord’s question to city leaders cuts to the heart of the implementation gap: “How will you ensure that job creation and housing policies truly reach the grassroots level, not just large organizations, so small nonprofits and entrepreneurs can sustain themselves and create local jobs?”

The Violence Intervention Paradox

Chicago’s approach to community violence reveals another layer of policy contradictions. The Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC) announced an unprecedented $100 million in public funding for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs in 2025, with $20 million allocated through Cook County’s initiative.

Yet McDonald’s nightly patrols continue because formal systems remain inadequate. “The police department has always complained about being short-staffed,” he explains. “So we took it upon ourselves to step out as community members.”

WatchGuard Chicago represents a model of community selfgovernance born from necessity. When violence erupted in August, McDonald’s team was collecting shell casings while police struggled to secure the scene. “You want to know who picked up the shell casings that day? We did. And this ain't the first time.”

Cornered: Cover Story

The organization’s approach emphasizes de-escalation over enforcement. “If it’s two folks arguing, if it’s a fight breaking out, we can have the numbers and offer support,” McDonald explains. But when guns appear, “we would generally let that be the police.”

This hybrid model—community intervention backed by strategic police cooperation—has shown results. McDonald credits block club formation with reducing violence in his area, though recent shootings in Bronzeville highlight ongoing challenges.

The $100 million CVI investment represents recognition of community-led solutions, but funding often flows to established organizations rather than grassroots groups doing daily intervention work. Meanwhile, McDonald continues his 4:45 a.m. routine, unpaid and exhausted, because “this is the work.”

Generational Fractures For longtime residents like McDonald, who grew up in Chicago and has witnessed decades of change, the current moment feels both familiar and unprecedented. “Chicago has gumption,” he says, using a word that captures the city’s particular brand of resilience. “There ain’t nothing like Chicago sports fans. Nothing like summertime Chi-Town.”

But that gumption now faces challenges that transcend individual determination. McCord identifies a generational shift affecting young people across economic levels: “Young people face higher costs of living, mental health pressures, and social media comparisons that I never had. For many, the path to stability feels less certain despite more education and talent.”

Davis, working with youth in his dual roles as educator and barber, sees these pressures firsthand. “There’s so much stuff going on in the city of Chicago,” he says, describing his work creating “safe haven environments” where young people can develop without constant threat.

The data supports these observations. Despite Chicago’s status as the third-largest city and major economic hub, Black residents face structural barriers that have only intensified. According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, median household income for white Chicagoans reaches $89,050, compared to $27,713 for Black Chicagoans—a disparity that affects everything from housing access to business capital.

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“Home in Chicago means legacy and resilience—a place where my children can grow roots and carry forward values of service,” McCord explains. “Over time, though, it has become more expensive and more segmented, making it harder for working families to stay in neighborhoods they love.”

Cornered: Cover Story

The Business of Survival Small business ownership represents both opportunity and vulnerability in Black Chicago’s economic landscape. Charisse Bennett, running a service-based consultancy, faces the impossible calculation that defines entrepreneurship in economically constrained communities: “Do I set my price to what I know it’s worth, or do I set a lower price because I know the work helps people? When eggs are $4 per carton, feeding your family ranks higher than building your confidence.”

Bennett’s dilemma reflects broader challenges facing Black entrepreneurs. Since 2020, she’s observed “greater appreciation for small businesses and grassroots organizations, but also donor fatigue.

People care, but they’re more cautious with their giving and want to see clear, measurable impact.”

This tension between community need and market sustainability affects every sector. McCord’s nonprofit work illustrates the phenomenon at larger scale—organizations provide essential services but remain perpetually unstable due to funding structures that prioritize short-term metrics over long-term community building.

The ripple effects extend beyond individual businesses. As McDonald notes, “Everything’s about profit, profit, profit, and you really don’t give a damn about the people, people, people.” When community resources are evaluated purely through market logic, essential but unprofitable services disappear—from violence intervention to youth mentorship to elder care.

Davis bridges this gap through his barbershop, where community building and economic activity intersect.

“I definitely put in work at the barbershop, getting to know the clients and getting a feel of who they are, building relationships and networking with them,” he explains.

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Cornered: Cover Story The shop functions as an informal community center, information hub, and economic anchor—roles that formal institutions often fail to fulfill.

Federal Pressure, Local Resistance The Trump administration’s renewed focus on Chicago has added federal pressure to local challenges. President Trump’s threats to deploy National Guard troops to address crime statistics that don’t support his claims have prompted Mayor Johnson to sign executive orders protecting resident rights and limiting federal intervention.

“Trump wants to come to Chicago not because of violence, but because he’s targeting cities with Black mayors,” McDonald argues. “The writing’s on the wall— there’s a racial divide in this country that’s never gone anywhere.”

Chicago doesn’t rank among the top ten most violent cities nationally, yet it remains a political target. McDonald sees this attention as part of broader efforts to destabilize Black political leadership and economic progress.

The federal focus has intensified local debates about immigration and resource allocation. Since 2022, Chicago has allocated over $310 million to support approximately 40,000 asylum-seekers, sparking tensions in communities already struggling with housing and service shortages.

But housing advocates argue these tensions miss the real issue. “We have two crises—a migrant crisis and a housing crisis,” explains one organizer. Before the first bus arrived from Texas, Chicago already faced a shortage of 120,000 affordable housing units.

The scapegoating obscures systemic problems that predate recent immigration. “Poor people were under stress and pressure, and when they see somebody getting resources while they’ve been denied space, they blame those folks,” notes community leader Curtis Washington. “Both Black and brown people in these situations are suffering.”

Structural Solutions, Grassroots Implementation Despite overwhelming challenges, innovative approaches are emerging from community-led initiatives.

McDonald's WatchGuard Chicago has formed alliances with neighboring block clubs—Evans, Langley, St. Lawrence—creating networks that address violence, property crime, and community safety holistically.

Before we formed a block club, shootings were routine," McDonald explains. "After, violence dropped for years. We recover stolen property, shield each other when police are late, and sometimes refuse to press charges—instead offering mentorship and jobs."

These restorative justice approaches challenge traditional law enforcement models. When young men attempted to resume drug sales in McDonald's area, the block club intervened directly. "We didn't call police first—we talked. Since that day, nothing. The violence, theft, risk—it disappeared."

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McCord identifies similar innovation in nonprofit management, where organizations develop hybrid funding strategies and shared resource models to navigate unstable budgets. “Leaders and advocates— state legislators who fight for appropriations, community pastors, nonprofit founders—have directly influenced my ability to keep programs alive and expand services.”

The challenge lies in scaling these community-driven solutions without losing their grassroots character.

McDonald warns against co-optation by larger organizations that “get resources but don’t do the work.”

The Bronzeville Blueprint Bronzeville’s transformation offers a case study in both gentrification pressures and community resistance. The neighborhood that once housed the Jones brothers’ numbers operation—the precursor to state lotteries— now hosts developments with half-million-dollar price tags alongside persistent affordable housing needs.

McDonald credits Alderman Pat Dowell with maintaining mixed-income housing options, but notes the delicate balance required. “She’s done a great job keeping affordability in Bronzeville, to the extent she can,” McDonald says. The Rosenwald Courts development exemplifies this approach, offering apartments from $950-$1,115 while providing space for Black-owned businesses.

Yet preservation efforts face structural limits. Federal tax credit programs require only 15 years of affordability, after which housing can return to market rates. Without permanent affordability mechanisms, today’s mixed-income developments become tomorrow’s gentrification drivers.

“If the number of wealthy white people who want to live in Bronzeville exceeds the number of wealthy Black people who want to live there, it will no longer be a Black neighborhood,” warns Michelle Kennedy. “Plain and simple.”

The stakes extend beyond individual displacement. “We can’t allow outside forces that do not mean well for our people, our history, and our culture to come into our communities and remove us without consideration,” McDonald argues. “We have to fortify relationships and put fire under leaders to get resources we need—not just beautify, but amplify Bronzeville so people who’ve grown up, lived, built, and been birthed here can continue to stay.”

The Political Crossroads As McDonald considers a potential run for higher office, he embodies the tension between grassroots organizing and electoral politics. His experience illustrates both the necessity and limitations of traditional political engagement.

“We’ve built relationships with our CAPS office, districts, commanders,” McDonald explains. “We report, email, send letters—do everything they ask. But when constituents tell you kids are walking around with guns for four hours without police response, the system isn’t working.”

Cornered: Cover Story The disconnect between political promises and community needs affects every level of government. State DEI programs hire 22 interns while housing crises displace thousands. Federal CVI funding reaches $100 million while nightly violence continues. City budgets increase property taxes while affordable housing shrinks.

McCord’s question to city leaders remains unanswered: How do job creation and housing policies reach grassroots organizations and entrepreneurs rather than just large institutions?

McDonald’s proposed solution emphasizes community accountability over electoral cycles. “Follow the money, but also follow the work,” he advises. “Some get resources, but it’s block clubs, mentors, and teachers who drive lasting change.”

Tomorrow’s Chicago The voices in this investigation represent different sectors of Black Chicago, but their experiences converge on common themes: systemic underfunding, policy implementation gaps, and community-driven solutions that emerge despite—not because of— institutional support. McDonald continues his pre-dawn patrols, building the safety infrastructure that official budgets promise but rarely deliver. McCord navigates funding cycles that threaten program certainty while serving families who need consistent support. Davis creates mentorship opportunities in spaces where young people feel safe, using his own resources to fill gaps in social services.

Charisse Bennett calibrates her business model between community need and economic survival, embodying the impossible choices facing Black entrepreneurs.

Anonymous sources across sectors—from municipal employees to nonprofit workers to small business owners— describe similar pressures: doing essential work without adequate resources, maintaining hope despite systemic failures. The solutions emerging from these conditions challenge conventional policy approaches. Block clubs provide safety services that police departments cannot deliver.

Barbershops function as community centers that formal institutions fail to create. Nonprofit leaders develop funding strategies that transcend traditional grant cycles.

"Cornered" captures both crisis and creativity—communities pressed to breaking points that generate innovative responses.

The question facing Black Chicago isn't whether residents can survive these converging pressures, but whether the broader city can learn from community-driven solutions before they're displaced or co-opted. McDonald's reflection offers both warning and possibility: "We are in such a dire state as a people and as a city. You gotta seriously over-commit to really get things done. We don't have time to play around."

The work continues at 4:45 a.m., in grant applications and barbershop conversations, in block club meetings and policy hearings. Black Chicago remains cornered by forces beyond individual control, but not without agency, organization, or hope. As McCord notes, "The path to stability feels less certain despite more education and talent."

But uncertainty doesn't preclude action. In classrooms and communities, boardrooms and barbershops, Black Chicago continues building the infrastructure for survival—and perhaps, eventually, for something more than mere survival. The morning call will come again tomorrow. McDonald will pull on his boots, Davis will open his shop, McCord will navigate another funding cycle, and Bennett will calculate worth versus affordability. The city beats on— heartbroken but never surrendered—at the crossroads of crisis and possibility.

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COVER REWIND - AROUND TOWN CNW STAFF REPORT

DEAR SUMMER

Dear summer, we’re going to miss you.

After this past weekend’s Clink & Sip Fest — lively, brimming with countless brands, and crowds that made every pour a memorable experience — we’re sure cuffing season will be just right.

Tickets for the next event are already on sale, and trust us, you’ll want to be there when the glasses clink again.

PHOTOGRAPHY : DR. MILA MARSHALL & LAURA MILLER

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17 Sept 25 - Oct 1, 2025

ARTS & CULTURE Marion Hercyl - Staff Writer

Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire Brings a Bold New Celebration of Black Art to Chicago When Pigment International opens the doors to its inaugural Pigmented: Black Fine Art Faire this fall, it won’t just be unveiling an exhibition. It will be presenting a living, breathing declaration of Black culture, ownership, and artistic legacy.

BY NELLY DEAN

The four-day fair, running October 31 through November 2, 2025, will take place at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. It coincides with Black Fine Art Month (BFAM)—a national commemoration founded by Pigment International in Chicago and enshrined in the Congressional Record. For the organizers, that timing is no coincidence.

“This fair is more than an exhibition—it’s a declaration of legacy, community, and cultural autonomy,” said Patricia Andrews-Keenan, founder of Pigment International. “We invite the community to join us in making history.”

READ MORE AT CNWMEDIA..COM

Weaponizing Compromise

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

When "meeting in the middle" becomes "losing yourself completely".

The first time I heard someone say “relationships are about compromise,” I pictured something wholesome. You know: splitting the last fry, alternating between action movies and rom-coms, maybe agreeing to keep the thermostat at a mildly uncomfortable 72 degrees.

Cute. Fair. Adult.

But then I started noticing what “compromise” looked like in real life.

A friend of mine, who once swore she’d never miss a Beyoncé concert, skipped one because her boyfriend “wasn’t into crowds.” Another gave up her Sunday morning yoga class because he decided it cut into their “quality time.” Meanwhile, I once agreed to sit through hours—actual hours—of NASCAR, and by the end, I couldn’t tell if I was in a committed relationship or a hostage situation.

“Compromise is only romantic if it’s balanced. Otherwise, it’s just a polite word for surrender.”

That’s when it hit me: compromise is only romantic if it’s balanced.

Otherwise, it’s just a polite word for surrender. And if you’re always the one waving the little white flag, “compromise” isn’t saving your relationship. It’s slowly weaponizing itself against you.

We’ve been sold compromise like it’s a vitamin: good for every relationship, take daily, no side effects. But here’s the thing about vitamins—

Laura Miller - Managing Editor too much of one, and suddenly you’re not healthy, you’re sick.

Compromise works the same way.

When one partner bends over backwards while the other stretches out comfortably on the couch, it’s not a relationship, it’s a yoga class no one signed up for.

“When one partner bends over backwards while the other stretches out comfortably on the couch, it’s not a relationship—it’s a yoga class no one signed up for.”

The tricky part is, weaponized compromise doesn’t arrive all at once. It’s subtle. First, you skip the restaurant you love because they “just aren’t in the mood.” Then you give up the vacation destination you’ve been dreaming of because they’d “rather stay local.” Before long, you’re living a life that looks suspiciously like theirs, just with your name on the lease.

And the worst part? You tell yourself this is what love is supposed to look like. That “picking your battles” is maturity. But if you’re constantly picking peace over self, you’re not compromising—you’re disappearing. . READ MORE AT CNWMEDIA..COM Sept 25 - Oct 1, 2025 18

CHICAGO NEWS WEEKLY'S NEXT CHAPTER WELCOME TO THE CNW NETWORK !

If you look at the top-rated shows on podcast platforms, you’ll notice a trend — news platforms are edging their way to the top. As an avid listener of many news and intellectually driven podcasts, I couldn’t help but see something missing. After much digging, I realized the top of the heap often isn’t BIPOC-led. The top of the leaderboard doesn’t always reflect the diverse complexities of Black life, love, politics, and wellness.

So after months of research, conversations, and reflection, we came to a realization: the next generation of news media is pivoting — and so are our listeners.

While we will never stop providing news through Chicago News Weekly, we knew we could do more. That’s why we created the CNW Network — with you in mind. A place where stories that matter are told with the same journalism we fell in love with, but with the pace of now.

This network is about more than headlines. It’s about politics and sports, entertainment and in-depth interviews, freedom banter and lifestyle rooted in healing. It’s about creating a movement where brilliance meets everyday life — and shaping it all through storytelling.

We want you to subscribe, tune in, and help us push the needle forward. Whether you’re driving to work, winding down, or catching up on the day, we want to be your one-stop shop for the news, culture, and stories that matter.

And it all begins this Friday. Our first slate of programming includes The Terran Lamp Show and a lineup of CNW originals designed to connect, inform, and inspire. From your newsstands to your phone, this is the next chapter.

Welcome to the CNW Network. Your world. Your voice. Your news.

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