CHICAGO NEWS WEEKLY

feels good tobe vindicated

inawaythatstrengthensmytrustinmyintui�veintellect.I havelikemostofus,alwaysfeltathoughtaboutathingand justknewthatitwascorrect.Therewasnoscien�ficproof knownnecessarily,butIjustknewittobeso.Forinstance, Irecallthe�meItoldmy4th gradeteacherMrs.Johnson,a youngwhiteteacherwithmouseybrownhairthat,Ididn’t believethatEliWhitneyinventedthe‘co�ongin.’YouwouldhavethoughtthatIhadcursedherorsomethingworse!Shelookedatme withu�erdisbeliefandasked,“Whatdoyoumean?”Well,IwascaughtbetwixtconfusionandthesimplicityofwhatIhadar�culated. CouldIhavemadeitanyclearer?Ithinknot,soIrepeatedmyself,Idon’tbelievethatEliWhitneyinventedthe‘co�ongin.’Well!Mrs. Johnson said,“Young lady,it’snotsomethingthat youbelieve or not believe,it isa fact that youaccept—it ishistory.”

That’wasjustfinebutIknewthatitwastrue.Itoldherandtheen�reclass,“Itdoesn’tmakeanysense.WhywouldMr.Whitney spend�metryingtofigureouthowtoseparatetheseedsfromtheco�onwhenhedidn’tpickit?Imeanhewasn’teventhinkingabout it.If,theslavespickedenoughtomakehimrich?”Oh,thatreallyupsether.Anyway,afewdayslatermyparentsandImetwithher early beforetheactualstartofschool.

Myfather,theBlackmanthathewas,satwithmeonhisle�andmymothertohisrightlookingdirectlyintohereyes,listeningto herversionofwhathadtranspired.PoorMrs.Johnsonhadnoideaofwhatwascoming.Noneofusdid.Beforeweknewit,myfather asked,“Letmegetthisstraight,Itookoffworktocomeherebecauseyouwanttoreprimandmydaughter,”andashespokehisnext words,slammedhisfist sohardon the table--BAM!...

“Becausemydaughterwas T-H-I-N-K-I-N-G?(!!!)That shookMrs. Johnsonto thecorefrighteningher,Iamsure.S�ll,shemusteredherCaucasianpla�ormofprivilegeandsaid,as‘Anadultclearlyyouunderstand the importance of teaching childrenrespect forhistory?”

Andheanswered,“whathasbeenthoughttobetruehasbeenprovenwrong.Buttoreprimandherbecauseshefeltreasontoques�onhistoryisunacceptable.Youcouldhavesuggestedthatsheresearchandfindinforma�ontosupportherthinkinginsteadofseeking topunishher.No,Mrs.Johnson,Ithinkyouneedtobereprimanded.”Hethen,gavemymotherandIthatlook,whichmeantlet’sgo. So,here’sthedeal,inthatmomentmyfathergavemepermissiontothinkmythoughtsasunusualoratoddswiththenormasthey mayormaynotbe.So,overtheyearsIhavethoughtmanythingsthatemergedfrommyintui�veintellectratherthanhistoricaldocumenta�on.OnesuchbeliefisthatofDr.BenjaminSpockwhopublished TheCommonSenseBookofBabyandChildCare,in1946in which,he emphasizesthat,aboveall,parentsshouldhaveconfidenceintheirabili�esandtrusttheirins�ncts.Thefamousfirstline ofthebook reads,“Trustyourself.Youknowmorethanyouthinkyoudo.”Yetheinstructsparentstonotbesoquicktopickupthe cryinginfantandletthebabycry.Irememberhearingthatandins�nc�velyknewthatitwasjuxtaposedtoallthatisright.Therecently,releasedbook�tled TheMythofNormal...Trauma,Illness,andHealinginaToxicCulture,byauthorGaborMaté,MD,reveals thatsuchabandonmentcommunicatesthewrongmessagetoababy,whoseonlycommunica�onistocrywhenyearningsomething. Mammalsrequiretouch,whichisabondingmeanttooccur.betweenmotherandchild.Sciencehasrecordedachemicalresponsein thehumanbodywhentouched.Ignoringthecries,cancreatelongtermtraumawhichcausesbothphysiologicalandpsychological

Brief Notes from The Chair

As Chair of the National Black Chamber of Commerce and President of the Illinois State Black Chamber, I recognize the importance of accurately framing our narrative as the Black business community and providing our community with the power of knowledge and resources.

Let me begin by setting the stage by pointing out “the good, the bad and the ugly.”Using Illinois as a real-world example and benchmark, let’s recognizethat ithas the 4th largest concentration of Black-owned businesses in the country. Post pandemic, where our businesses were shuttered permanently at twice the rate of other businesses, there are ap-

proximately just over 130k Black-owned businesses in Illinois. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that, even with some true titans in industry operating in Illinois, well over 90% of all of our Black-owned businesses generate approximately $68k in revenue each year. That’s right, most of our Black-owned businesses pull less revenue than a successful middle-class tradesman. When compared with our minority-owned business contemporaries, where Hispanic businesses bring in on average 3 times that amount and Asians generating nearly 5 times that

amount, a very stark picture begins to come into focus. Couple that with the fact that an alarming number of our businesses employ less than 4 or 5 people and the alarm bells really begin sounding off!

Once attention is turned towards the overwhelming systemic reasoning behind the gross inequities, such as antiquated and racist policies, that birth generationsdeepdisparitiesthat continue perpetuating the systematic assassination of small Black-owned businesses, the ugliest of truths are exposed.

The Chamber knows from firsthand experience that the only real way to move Black communities from poverty to prosperityisthroughentrepreneurialism. Unfortunately and for no good reason one of the most proficient platforms for creating opportunity for all businesses, which is state and federal government contracting, is still out of reach for the majority of the Black business community. What’s worse is that there are deliberate and unintentional barriers that preclude our participation in areas

where our (tax) dollars help create the opportunities.

Whether it be in sole source or emergency contracting or blatantly unfair, sometimes illegal, exemptions for bad actors, Black businesses are NOT getting our fair share! We’ve repeatedly seen government agencies set minority participation goals of 20-30% and, very rarely, if ever, see any of them across the board come anywhere near meeting that figure. “Disproportionate spending” with Black-owned businesses is an offensively vast understatement, in my opinion, bordering on criminal.

This is our money that’s helping to create these opportunities, just as any other taxpayer regardless of color or creed. We’re not only being deprived, we’re being robbed and the only way to mitigate this offense is through litigation. Unfortunately, no one appropriate to what is being done or seems to be concerned about being sued by the Black business community so the Chamber’s developing a legal defense fund for that very pursuit. That’s a conversation for a future date, but know that we’re working on it behind the scenes and would value and appreciate your support regarding that concern.

All of this means that, although some

may not see it for whatever reason, the Black business community as a whole is in absolute peril.

Consider the analogy of FEMA rushing to the aid of a state or country hit by a natural disaster. When they touch down, who do they help first and foremost? The communities that are directly impacted the most, of course.

I submit to you that the Black business community has been under assault as are our individuals and reeling through disastrous environments and circumstances for countless generations. There is no class of American citizens, or people, simply residing in America that have been impacted worse that have not been tangibly remedied.It’spainfullyevidentthat the measures taken in earnest to bring remedy to us have not worked and are notworking.

The National and Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce have learned from decades of experience and engagement that strengthening Black-owned businesses is critical to strengtheningBlackcommunities.Ifwe strengthen Black-owned businesses we strengthen people, which contributes to all communities, which will strengthen all of America.

Larry Ivory is Chairman of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce. For more informationontheChamber,visit www.ilbcc.orgw

Black ScholarshipMatters

Dollars and sense

Investing in our Future

COVID has taken away many things that we have come to know and love. One thing that may be delayed, but not gone completely is the Chicago Football Classic.The Chicago Football Classic has been around for the past 25 years and year 26, next year 2023 promises to be one of the biggest and brightest. Continuing its commitment to Chicagoland students by giving students a peek,according to their website,‘to consider the richacademicandcultural opportunities offeredbyHistoricallyBlackCollegesand Universities (HBCU’s).Whiletherewas no game this year, the classic will be back on September 2, 2023 at Soldier’s Field, with all the fanfare; players suited and cleated.

Thenot-for-profit organizationestablished to inspireAfrican-American high school and college students, was the brainchild by three local businessmen, Larry Huggins,Tim RandandEverett Rand.Theinspirationbehind the not-forprofit was to encourageAfrican-American students to work toward their personal best in high school and life.Additionally, according to their website, “our initiative empowers them (AfricanAmerican youth)to not only complete high school, butalsoattendHistoricallyBlackColleges andUniversities’, where they are embraced and nurtured.

Many fans have missed the end of summer game that has brought the best and the brightest football teams and bands to Soldier’s Field for an afternoon of football, the Battleofthe Bands, and HBCU mini-reunions, but as with many other activities the concern for COVID held thegame off for still another year. This did notkeep the not-for-profit from completing other aspects of their mission. The scholarship program remained in place andsteadfast thisyear.Whilethere wasnogamethisyear,thecommitmentto

youth continuedwiththeir scholarship awards and new laptops given to students going offtoattend the HBCU’s of theirchoice.This action is a huge statement about the three men who have given scholarships annually, most likely thought to be the result of game ticket sales. But theRandbrothersand theirpartnerLarry Huggins demonstratedthat what theydoisan act donefromthe heart.They invest in theAfricanAmerican community’sadvancement by providing the opportunityforBlack youth to pursue knowledge and gain skills that they can share with their communities to which they return.

ThecommitmenttoBlack Scholarship continues. In 2023, the Chicago Football Classicplansto continue awarding scholarships. The committee continues to raise funds throughout the year with their golf outing and their softball tournament.They will also be hostingtheirHBCU college andcareer fair on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Soldier Field.Thereare several opportunities forthecommunityto be involved and support the efforts of the organization.

Thereis always the circumstance forone tobe a donor. Have your high school student apply for their scholarships, attend their fundraising events and attend the game once it returns. Not to mention supporting the weekend events that the Chicago Football Classic brings to Chicago each year.The Classic has become more than just a game, it has become and experience.The commitment and dedication to area youth and their scholarship is currently supported by some of the best and brightest in the city from Mayor Lightfoottolocalaldermanandareatalent.We look forward to thereturn of theChicago Football Classic in 2023. For more information or todonateheadto:www.chicagofootballclassic.org

CHANGINGTHENARRATIVE

In 2020 as theheightof COVID induced civil unrest in the countryand in a big way intheChicago area,Whit neyHampton stepped into action. Ms. Hamptonisa person everyone should know, and manyalready know.The realestate professional and current VicePresident ofthe Sip and Savor brand, stepped into actionwhen many were just trying to figure

out what was going on in the world around them and outside their door.They were doubtful about what was going to happen next.

During a real estate showing on Stony Island thatyear, Ms. Hampton witnessed individu als looting a business.As she traveled south inChicago, she saw highway exits closed to prevent looters from entering suburban neighborhoods. Overwhelmed with what she was witnessing,Whitney knew that formanypeo ple, especially the victims, that their memory would be tainted by the destruction and the lootingduring that historic tumultuous moment in ourhistory, not the fact that a man, George Floyd, had been killed a few states away by a policeman who intentionally kneeled on his neck for 9 minutes causing Floyd’s death as the whole world watched thus sparking civil unrest across the country.

Hampton,prompted by pure emotion tookto Facebook to askBlack business owners what they needed during this time to get through that challenging moment in history.After her Facebook, Live, where she left herpersonal phone numberfor business owners to reach out, Hamptonreceived manycallsthroughout the night from business owners who mainly asked fortwo things,‘help cleaning outbroken glass and debris in theirbusinesses,’ and help boarding up the storefronts and business.

Clean Out--Board Up was birthed out ofher Facebook live and the subsequent plea forhelp with cleaning out and boarding up the businesses that had beenaffected.What resulted was 7 days of workassisting Blackbusiness own ers in securing their damagedproperties.Theresultwas also donations from around the world by people who believed in and wanted to support whatWhit ney Hampton and

her volunteers were doing.

The workdid not stop there.After cleaning out and boarding up businesses, Ms. Hampton learned that due to the looting and mass store closures that there were seniors withoutfood and medicine, so she and about 455 volunteers that she gathered,proceeded to supply nine seniorbusinesses with food.When Ms. Hampton andherteamlearnedthatalocalWICofficehad been burned down, the efforts shifted tomaking surethat thatWIC office had the supplies moth ers needed for their children.

As noted, Ms. Hampton learnedatan early age about the importanceof changing the narrative.Whitney says, “Mygrandparents were entrepreneurs who instilled in us that it was important to not only make money but to also give back.”They were pillars in the community. Hergrandparents’ pest control company not only employed, but trained, certified, and educated those employees who wanted to own theirown business how to go about doing so. The daycare that hergrandparents owned also provided needed items forthe families of the children they caredfor.They were more interested in helping where needed thanformalizing a charity toreceive public acknowledgement.

AsMs. Hampton continues this legacy through the Clean Out - Board Up initiative as a business owner, and the work she does in educating and inspiring millennials to create legaciesof wealth by helping to make homeownership a realityfor them. She is passionate about changing the narrative for millennials that haveoften had a negative rapin today’s current times.Whitney wants to highlight the power ful, intelligent, creative, andresilient nature of millennials that isoften overlooked. Herulti mate goals are to inspire millennials to obtain andcreategenerationalwealth.

She is able to accomplish this through her non-profit, that continues to help to change the narrative. UrbanCommunityBuildersseeks to change the narrative by offering resources in the areas of real estate and business to help the Blackcommunitybecometheir own resource and saviors. Speaking on the importance of business systems she learned from her grandparents and her mother who served as an executive forlarge corporations, Ms. Hampton, can often be heard saying, “No one is coming to save us, so we must saveourselves,” and she shares her knowledge and experience with others to make this a reality. It seems like Ms. Hampton is justgetting started.

It will beamazing to see how she willcontin ue to change the narrative.

City Treasurer Conyears-Ervin, BMO to Host Financial Empowerment Weekend

CNW StaffReport

On Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, Chicago CityTreasurerMelissa Conyears-Ervin and BMO Financial Group will host the“BuildingWealthToday forTomorrowFinancial EmpowermentWeekend”attheUICForum.Theevent combinesthetreasurer’s two signature events – the BuildingWealthToday forTomorrowFinancialEm powermentSummitandtheFinancialServicesCareer Fair.The weekend will be aunique opportunity for Chicagoland residents to gain insights into the current financialtrends, build relationships to obtainjob opportunities withinthefinancial services industry, join workshops on saving money, buying a home or starting a business, and much more.

“ToomanyChicagoans,particularlyourBlack and Brown communities,lackaccess to the financial literacytoolstheyneedtohelpthemsavemoneyand plan forthe future, and don’thave networks in the finance sector to find a great job.As CityTreasurer, I see it as part of my responsibility to expand resources for all Chicagoans andensure everyonehas the chance tobuildwealthforthemselvesandtheirfamilies,” Conyears-Ervin said. “I’m proud that my office is hostingthe BuildingWealthToday forTomorrow Fi nancial Empowerment weekend with our partner BMO. BuildingWealthToday forTomorrow is an exciting, educational opportunity for Chicagoans across our City

toaccess the financial resources and skills theyneed to save money, get a goodjob, and build wealth to break the worsening racial wealth gap for future generations.”

“WearesoexcitedtopartnerwiththeTreasurerand her office to bring real financial progress to Chicago residentsandfamilies,”saidEricSmith,vicechair, BMO Financial Group. “Partnerships liketheseareat the core of our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life and exemplify our commitment to build a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusivesocietythroughoutthecommunitiesweserve.”

On Friday, Sept. 30, the Financial Services Career Fair will provide an opportunity for diverse candidates from across the citytofind new career opportunities in thefinancialservices industry and beyond. Participants willhavethechancetoengagewithmorethan50participatingemployerson-siteincludingBMO,Wintrust, CIBC, JPMorganChase andmore.Theeventwill also featurecareerreadinessworkshops,resumereviews, chatswithcareercoaches,mockinterviews,complimentaryprofessional headshots and other resources.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the FinancialEmpowerment SummitwillfeaturefreeinformationforChicagoanson topicsrelatedtofinancialplanningandcreditbuild ing, keys to homeownership, money management and access to capital, real estate,and so much more.The

daywillalsofeature keynote speakers Daymond John of ABC’s “SharkTank”, BillRancic, thefirst “TheApprentice” winner, hip-hop mogul MC Lyte, and manymore.

Atlastyear’s FinancialEmpower ment Summit, over 1,500 Chicagoans joinedthevirtual event.Thevirtual careerfairincluded over 1,000 job seek ers and 45 participatingemployers.

TheTheFinancialEmpowermentSummit,willfeaturekeynotespeakersDaymondJohn of ABC’s “Shark Tank” (pictured above),BillRancic,thefirst“The Apprentice” winner, hip-hop mogul MC Lyte, and many more.

This year’s in-person event at the UIC Forumisexpectedtoattractevenmoreparticipantsfrom alloverthecity.

For more information or to register for this free event weekend,visitthecitytreasurer’swebsite, www.chicagocitytreasurer.com

City News

StateSen. EmilJones, III

PleadsNotGuiltyto FederalBriberyCharges

Gov, calls on him to resign from office

Illinois Swears in its First Black Woman Supreme Court Justice

StaffReport

CNW StaffReport

State Sen. Emil Jones III has plead not guilty to federal bribery charges as part of a yearslong investigation involving the politically connected red-light camera company SafeSpeed LLC.

Jones, is also charged withlying to the FBI.

Thecharges against Jones, III point to aSenatebill filed in February 2019 requiring astatewide study of automatedtraffic law enforcementsystems, including red-light cameras.

Jones is accused of taking $5,000 from SafeSpeed LLCinexchange for voting against legislationthat would requiretrafficstudies forthe camera systems.The feds say Jones agreed that,in exchange for benefits from an individual with an interest in SafeSpeed, he would work to limit such studies to systems used in Chicago, “thereby excluding from study and recommendationsautomatedtrafficenforcement systems utilizedinnumerous other municipalities” served by SafeSpeed.

Others who have faced charges related to SafeSpeed include the late state Sen. Martin Sandoval, former Crestwood Mayor Louis Presta, formerWorth Township Supervisor John O’Sullivan and former OakbrookTerrace Mayor TonyRagucci.

Also charged separately is former SafeSpeed partner Omar Maani, who played a central role in many of the schemes outlined by prosecutors. Maani struck a deferred-prosecution agreement with the feds in 2020 and agreed to cooperatewiththem.

SafeSpeed has not been charged with wrongdoing and has portrayed Maani as a rogue actor.

The Far South Side state senator has given up his Senate leadership posts, but still remains on the November ballot and is running unopposed.

Gov.Pritzkerdemanded he resign immediately, saying it would send aclear message to Illinois residents that, “corruption and abuse have no place here.”

Hisstatementfurtherstates,“Integrityisessentialtopublicservice,and corruption for personal gain and abuse in private or public is unacceptable. Illinoisans deserve to have elected leaders who are focused on representing them-not on holding office when facing serious and crediblecharges.”

Jones has been released on an unsecured bond of $10,000.

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder Whitewas sworn in to serve on the state’s highest court at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Holder White is the first Black woman to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court.

FourthDistrictAppellate Court Justice LisaHolder Whitewassworn in to serve on the state’s highest court at theAbraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

HolderWhite is the first Black woman to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court.

“WhenIthinkabout that, what I reflect on is those who camebefore me who didn’t have the same opportunities thatI’ve had,”HolderWhite said. “Those who came before me when those doors were closed, and that door is now being opened.”

According to the nonpartisanlawandpolicy organization,theBrennan Center for Justice, just 17% ofjusticesareBlack, Latino, AsianAmerican, or Native American across all state high courts. By contrast, people ofcolor makeup almost 40% of the U.S. population.

HolderWhite, who was appointed in placeof retiring Justice Rita Garman,has been the first in several roles inher career. She was the first Black judge intheSixthJudicialCircuit when she was sworn in in 2001, and becamethe first Black justice in the IllinoisAppellate Court, Fourth Districtin 2013.

“Ijust followed the advicethat I’vetoldpeople thatmy motheralways gave me and my two sisters and that was to bloom where you’re planted,”HolderWhite said.

She’s taking on this new position right after the first Black woman was sworn in to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court,Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

“I’m sure she feelsanimmense amount of thankfulness and honor and very mindful of the huge responsibility that you have when you serve as a judge and particularly at that level,”HolderWhite said.“I have thought about that and I certainly wish her well and I can definitely identify with how I think she’s proba bly feeling.”

HolderWhite said she’s looking forward to getting started on the court’s work. She discussed what would be her guiding principles.

“I’malways mindful of thefact thatI’majudge,I’mnotalegislator,” HolderWhitesaid.“Ifyouwantalaw made or you have a problem with the law, generally, then you need to talk to the person that was elected.”

to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court

PURGING DISINFORMATION

Separating Fact from Fiction

Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill (HB) 3653, the SAFE-TAct (referred toas “theAct”),into law on Feb. 22, 2021.These changes to Illinois’ criminal justice system are designed to be implemented in phases, with the end of Illinois’cashbailsystemtakingplaceon Jan. 1, 2023.

Despite numerous reforms in place for over a year, mainstream media has reported very little about these progressive changes to the criminal justice system. According to supporters, the changes were long overdue and necessary following decades of abuse by rogue officers in Illinois against predominantlyBlack and Hispanic men, women, and children.

Instead, attention is focused on pretrial release reforms. In particular, section 725

ILCS 5/110-1.5 (pg. 335) pertaining to the pendingelimination of Illinois’cashbail system. In spite of being crafted with the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies across the state, a widespread disinformation campaign is spreading blatant lies across social media.

The 764-page bill includes three reform categories; corrections (jails and pris-

ons),pretrial,and policing.And the bill represents thecumulativeefforts of civil rights advocates, grassroots activists, artists, and politicians who have demanded changes to systemic racism ingrained in Illinois’criminaljusticesystem.

TheActestablishesstatewidestandards in law enforcement for the first time, where previously there were none, and addressescriticalreformsinsafety,accountability, fairness, and equity.

Whatexactly arethefacts?What’sfic tion?And what’s thetruthbehindthe ru morviolentcriminalswillbereleasedinto thecommunitycomeJan.1?And what in the worldare “non-detainable offenses”? Let’s startat the beginning.

Accountability

WhentheIllinoisBlackLegislative Caucus took on the task of police reforms, accountability was at the top of their list. StateSen. ElgieSims Jr.saidontheday of its passage in the Senate: “This is a moment that presents a tremendous opportunity for us to fundamentally change the way we look at criminal justice in this state,” he told InjusticeWatch,a nonparti san watch group.

An anonymous protester who participated in the George Floyd protests in 2020 said he experienced the lack of police accountability firsthand. On his way home, resident X was caught up in a protest in downtown Chicago. “Before I knew it, the police started me pushing into the crowd. Then fists started flying and I gothit inthe face bya whitecop.” Resident X said he saw the cop’s name who hit him butdidn’t fileacomplaintbecauseoftheaffidavit requirement.

According to section2610/14 (pg. 49), policebrutalityvictims can now file anonymouscomplaintsabout officers. “I was afraid of what would happen if I gave them my information,” he says. In thepast, if you wanted to filea complaint againstan officer, you also had to fill out anaffidavit.

In the eyes of policing advocates, eliminating the affidavit requirementwill invite a flood of unnecessary complaints, whichcouldresult in thedecertificationof officers.

Equity and Fairness

Cristin Evans, spokesperson for the Illinois CriminalJustice Information

Authority (ICJIA), said in an e-mail to Chicago NewsWeekly: “ICJIA has been given responsibility for some of theAct’s provisions.”Atotal of fifty-three provi sions of theAct must be overseen and implemented by the state agency.

Provisions that aim to bring equity and fairness into the equation, such as: allows the attorney general power to investigate policedepartmentsthathaveapatternof depriving individuals of their rights and bringa lawsuit against them (pg.44);bans destruction of police misconduct records (pg. 66); expands race and sensitivity training for situations that can escalate into excessive use of force such as risky traffic stops, mentalhealthcrises, and implicit bias (pg. 76); and requires officers to issue a citation rather than arrest for certainlow-level offenses, at theofficer’s discretion (pg. 326); and sets up a process todecertify officers suspected of using excessiveforce (pg. 697).

Moreover, for the first time in history, theAct requires the tracking of civilian deathswhile incustody,Article 3. (pg. 6)

and reportingthe deaths to the FBI National Use of Force Database (pg. 90).

ICJIA“willcollect andpublish detaileddata from law enforcementagencies and correctional facilities, … when a person dies in the custody of a law enforcement agency … when someone dies as a result of an officer’s use of force.”Thedatawill be posted quarterly on ICJIA’s website, with recommendationsand effortsto reduce in-custody deaths.

Safety Today

A Rockford Register Star op-ed byWinnebagoCounty stateattorneyJ. Hanleytitled “More thanhalfWinnebagoCounty Jailinmateswill walk outthe door on Jan. 1” stated the following:

“Approximately 400 criminal defendants will be released back into our community because ourIllinoislegislators passed the “SAFE-TAct” back in 2020.”

“Whiletherearenumerous issues with the new law, perhaps most problematicis that it only allows for even the possibility of pretrial detention for a small subset of crimes and under very limitedcircumstances — regardless of a defendant’s risk to re-offend or their known danger to the community. In so doing, the law eliminates prosecutorial and judicial discretion when determining which defendants should be released back into the community while their cases are pending.”

Although Rockford, Illinois is located108miles north of Chicago,Hanley’s concerns resonate with Chicago residents because hundreds of “criminal defendants” are awaiting their court dates in Cook County jail.There is fear and misconceptions that the same thing will happen in local communities throughout the state.

Cash bail is abolished across the board in theAct, with a few exceptions, and is specific towhomtheelimination ofbail applies (pg. 445).Thissection referred to as the Quasi-CriminalandMisdemeanorPretrialReleaseActspecifiesthecaseswheretheAct applies:

“Whenever inany circuit thereshall be inforcearule or order of the Supreme Court establishing a uniform form schedule prescribing the conditions of pretrial release for specifiedconservationcases, traffic cases, quasi-criminal offenses, and misdemeanors…”

Further,in moreserious felony cases, thestate’s attorney must prepare and present a risk assessment report (pg. 448) tothejudge,and adecision about pretrialrelease must bemade.Hanley’sassertionthatthelaweliminatesprosecutorialandjudicialdiscretion

appears to be countered by the fact that defendants will continue to be detained if they are deemed a risk to the community.

TheChicago Community Bond Fund (CCBF), a non-profit organizationthathas providedbail money for incarceratedindividuals since 2015, says in a video statement: “More than 90 percentof prisoners in (Cook County) jail havenot beenconvictedof anycrime. Mostare incarceratedbecausethey cannotafford to post bond.”And theAct wasexplicitlycrafted with low-level and poor offendersin mind.

“I don’tthink you’re innocentuntil proven guilty,”says Lavette, a person bonded out of jail by CCBF who didn’t want to useher last name.“You’re guilty until proven innocent,” she says in the video. From November 2020 to November 2021,theorganization, which is mostly volunteers, posted bail for 146 people - 131 from Cook County and 15 fromother counties - in pretrialincarcerationtotaling $1.25M.

Facts v. Fiction

Travel Noire, a Black-owned boutique travelcompany with 728K followers on Instagram and 432K on Facebook, published the story “Illinois Becomes the First State to Pass “The Purge”Law” on Sept. 12, 2022. Referring totheAct, R. Pena writes: “And the consequences of passing such a law have many believing the state could mirror the horrormovie “The Purge”[.]In the film,citizens were given 24 hours to commitallthe crimes they wanted.”

Although very littlecontextor facts were provided in the story,Yahoo! News republished itand receivedalmostnine thousand comments. Moreover, itidentifies second-degree murder and kidnapping among twelve crimes listed as “non-detainable offenses,” implying criminalswillbe able to walk away free withno cash bailcome January 1.

JordanAbudayyeh, a spokesperson for Gov. Pritzker,tellsWGN Newsthat“There is no such thing as a “non-detainable” offense.Anyalleged offender could be detained becauseof a risk of flight orbecausethey are arepeatoffenderand those charged with the mostserious crimes – which arenon-probationable–canalso bedetained for risk to public safety.”

In other words, criminals that are risks to the community will most likely remain in jail come Jan. 1, andthere is no such thing as a non-detainable offenseinIllinoislaw.

Chicago News Weekly contacted Sen. Elgie Sims Jr., State Rep. Justin Slaughter, and Travel Noire with questions. No one responded at the time of print.

A STARK LOOK ARE ALDERMEN ABANDONING OR DESERTING CITY COUNCIL?

somebecauseoflongevityonthecouncilaveragingmorethan20yearsandfrustration with the competitive wrangling and disputes within that civic body.

CarrieAustin(34th)isleavingbecauselegalproblems and health issues.

PatrickDaleyThompson(11th)leftearlierthisyearaf terbeingconvicted of Bank fraud.

MichaelScottJr.(24)leftearlierthisyeartojointhe administrativestaffofafilmcompany.

Toabandonapost is to leaveitcompletelyandgiveuponthework,especially afterhavingacceptedresponsiblefortheoutcomeanddutiesofthatpost.Todesertapostistoleaveitunderduress duetothefearthatphysical,moral,legalorreligiousharm ispredictableorisoccurring.Why,weneedtoask,have 15aldermenelectedin2019,departedorannouncedtheir intenttodepart?Willevenmoreannouncetheirleaving? Whatwillthenextcitycouncillooklike?Willthenew citycouncilbemoreattunedtotherightsandneedsofall citizensregardless of race, ethnicity, economic statusor neighborhood?

Thereareparamountquestionsrank-and-fileChicagoansareaskingregardingthe increasingexitofaldermenfromcitycouncil.Zoominginonthosewhohaveexited:

Threehaveannouncedtheircandidacyformayor,SophiaKing(5th),RoderickSawyer (6th),andRayLopez(15th).Allthreewerealmostassuredofre-electiontothewardseats in spite of the recent redrawn boundaries.

GeorgeCardenas(12th)“isallbutassuredofwinningaseatontheCookCountyBoard ofReviewafterwinningtheDemocraticPartynominationforthatseat,”accordingtothe ChicagoSunTimes.

Alderwoman Leslie Hairston (5th) isleaving after serving for 24 years. HowardBrookins(21st)ranforJudgeinthePrimaryandlost.Hehasdecidedtoreturn to his law practice.

SusanSadlowskiGarza(10th),ArielReboyras(30th),TomTunney(44th),JamesCap pleman(46th),HarryOsterman(48th)havestatedthattheyareleavingforvariousreasons,

MoreAlderpersonswillprobablyannouncetheirleavingsoon.Anexampleofthisfurtherexodusisthecase ofveteranAldermanEdwardBurke(14th).IllinoisSupremeCourtChiefJusticeAnne Burke,AldermanBurke’swife,hasannouncedherretirementasofNovember30th from theSupremeCourt.WhileitisclearthatwithAldermanBurke’supcomingtrial,someob serverssuggestthatherretirementmaybeanindicationthathewillleavetheCityCouncil ratherthansuffertheconsequencesofbeingkickedofftheCouncilaswasPatrickDaley Thompsoniffoundguilty.Burke’sleavingtheCouncilcouldpossiblypushthenumber leavingtocloseto20.Thisnumberofnewreplacementswouldcertainlychangethetone and tenor of the City Council.

Duringthisabandoningand/ordeserting,somecriticsarenowrevisitingtheCity CouncildownsizingdebatethatbecameprominentduringthetenureofMayorHarold Washington.ThisdebatecenteredonthehypothesisthatadownsizedCouncilwould bemoreefficientandmoreeffectivebecausetherewouldbelesspoliticalfightingand issuescouldbesolvedquicker.Tothisproposal,AlderwomanHairstonstated“reducing thenumberofseatsintheCityCouncilwillnotsolvetheproblemsofgovernanceorthe deliveryofservicestopeopleofthiscity.Citizensstillneedrepresentativestobeasclose to them and responsive to their needs.”

AldermanJasonErvin(27th),ChairoftheCouncil’sBlackCaucus,wasquitecertainin hisresponsestothequestionoftheexit.Hestatedthatmostofthoseleavinghaveserved foranaverageof20yearsandtheydeserveretirement.“Thisisagenerationalturnover. Mostofthosethatareleavingareintheprocessofsupportingcompetentyoungercompetentpeopletoreplacethem.Theyarenotwithoutgoodreplacements.Thus,welook forward to a bright future in the 2023.”

TheresponsetothequestionofwhyAldermenareabandoningordesertingCityCouncilismixed,failuresorotherpersonalreasons.WecanonlyhopeforabetterCityCouncil in2023,however,hopemustbeaccompaniedbyastrongvoterturnoutsupportingsolid committed candidates.

Launch Party

Cannabis Corner CANNABIS NETWORKS & BlackMeetingsforProfessionals

Blackentrepreneurs areeagertoenter intothecannabisspace.Withtheindustrybeingsonewandvolatiletherisks ofbusinessownershipcanbebothintimidatingandexpensive.Howcanentrepreneurscontinuetolearnabouttheindustryfromtrustedsources?Wherecan professionalsconnectandmeetotherlikemindedenthusiaststobroadentheir cannabisIQanddiversitytheirnetworks?Howcanthoseintheindustrywith connectionstoventurecapitalist,equitableconsultantsandsolidbusinessplans sharetheir resources?

Mostcannabisinformationisfoundonline,leavinganentrepreneurtoconstantlydiscernthevalidityandtruthfulnessofcontent.Indeedinformationis currencyandthosewhohaveaccurateanduptodateinformationsoonerthan laterwillmostcertainlyhaveanadvantageinthisfastpacedpolicybasedindustry.Ifoneisnotfindinginformationonlinetheyareseekingeducationalclasses often taught by programs that als o exist as industry bottlenecks.

Seasonedinstructorsforexamplethathavepivotedtoincorporateorteachon cannabismayfindthemselveslackingtextbooks,informationandresourcesfor curriculumdevelopment.Whileamazinginstructorstheseindividualsalsomay ormaynotbeconnectedtothecannabisindustryotherthanactuallyteaching acourse,theseprofessionalshavehadnocannabistrainingthemselves,they haveattendednocannabisnetworkingevents,joinedanyprofessionalcannabis organization andareat high risk of disseminatinginaccurateinformation.

Industryprofessionalsseasonedincannabismaybestellaratcommunicating toothercannabisprofessionals,buttheseindividualsmayfallshortinengagingthediversegroupoflearnersthatattendclasses.Forexample,community collegeprogramshavelearnerswitharangeofeducationalbackgrounds,ifan industryexpertdoesn’tknowhowtocreateasafeandequitableenvironmentthat toocancomeintoconflictwiththeoverallgoalsofvarioussocialequityinitiatives and workforce development goals.

Sowheredoesthatleaveprofessionalswhoarereadytoconnectandgrow theirbusinesswithlikemindedpeople?HerearefourBlackcannabisconversations,conferencesandsummitsthatareidealforAfricanAmericanentrepreneurs andallies.Theseeventsareprimeforsponsorshiptoassistingettingyourcompanynamenoticed,opportunitiesforyoutospeakandorjoinpanelsandmost importantlynetwork,becauseinthisindustryitisnotonlywhatyouknowbut whoyouknow.TheAfricanAmericanprofessionalcannabisnetworkhastobe broadandrobustandtheseeventswillsurelyinvitenewconnectionswithhemp farmers,landowners,industrialrealestatedevelopers,cannabisaccountants, lawyers, marketing professionals, journalists, environmentalists and lobbyists.

CanExJamaica

Date: September 15th-17th, 2022

Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica

Cost: Paid, varies

Duration: 3 days

CanExJamaicabringstogetherleadingcannabisindustryexpertsfromthe U.S.,Canada,South,andCentralAmerica,Europe,Australia,andtheCaribbean. Thisthreedayeventisamustforinvestorsandglobalcannabisentrepreneurs. RecentlyheldinMontegoBay,Jamaicathiseventwillsurelycontinuetogrow andisperfectforthosewhoseethemselvesworkingoutsideofthestates.Besidesthat the boat parties andbeachvibes are perfect to connectand reflect.

BlackCannabisWeek

Date: September 18thSeptember 25th 2022

Location: Virtual & In-person Philadelphia, PA

Cost: Free

inperson!OpportunitiesthatarefreeandhighqualityandgearedtowardsAfricanAmericansarefewandfarbetween.Ifyouareaneastcoastconnector,slide overtoPhillythisweekbecausethat’swherethiseventcallshome.ItAllweek ismeanttoeducate,celebrateandelevatecannabisprojects,businesses,leaders andadvocates.Registerforyourfreeticketshere.Thereisevenstilltimeforyou to“host”aneventinyourrespectivecity.Followthemonalltheirsocialmedia platforms and stay in tune.Thisannual eventyou want onyourcalendar!

Black Cannabis Conference & Expo

Date: November 3th - 5th, 2022

Location: New Orleans, LA

Cost: Paid but varies

Duration: 3 days

Theinauguralmeetingwasatotalvibe.Farmers,investors,medicaldoctors, holistichealers,hemp,medicalmarijuana,climatechangeconversationsohand thedopestDJeverthisisaconferencefortheculture.Ifyouarelookingto networkandlearnabouttheindustrythisisatripworthinvestingin.Keynote speakers,paneldiscussions,innovatorsandmoversandshakersfromacrossthe nation come to NOLA for networking out of this world.

BIPOC Banking and Cannabis Summit

Date: November 9th, 2022

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free but accepts donations

Duration: ½ day, 4 hours

ThissummithasitsrootsintheChicagosocialequityscene.Statesocialequityleaderscollaboratedtoturntheindustry’sattentiontotheexistenceofbanking inequitiestoeducatecannabisoperatorsonthestateofBIPOCfinancialinstitutionswhilesimultaneouslyeducatingtheBIPOCbankingsectoroftheS.A.F.E BankingAct.Thissummitisforthoseintheindustrythatareseekingtoensure Blackbusinesseshavesafeandequitableaccesstobankingtoolsandtoensure the25Black banks inAmerica don’tgetleftbehind.

COVID-19 CanLeadtoAdditional Long-TermEffects

Nowthat we’removingtowardswhatwethoughtwould be‘backtonormal,thoseofuswhoknow,knewthatthereisnoreturning tolifeasweonceknewit.Andit’snotsimplyaboutthehoveringcon sequencesofCOVID-19amongwhichneuropsychiatricconditionsrank high.According toOxfordUniversityresearcherswhoreportedayearago that1in3patientsexperiencemooddisorders,strokes,ordementiasome sixmonthsafterhavingtheCOVIDinfection.MorerecentlytheUniversityhasprovidedadditionalinformationcoveringadeeperin-depthanalysis of1.25millionpatientrecords,including,afirstlargescalelookatchil dren as well as the newer variants.

Apparently,aftercontractingtheCOVID-19infection,victimsrunthe riskofdevelopingconditionslikepsychosis,dementia,“brainfog,”and seizures ata greater frequency than afterother respiratory infections.

Theoriginalbeliefthatchildrenwerenotmorelikelytobediagnosed withanxietyordepressionremains,andtheirriskofbrainfogsubsidedovertwoyears.Butunfortunately,childrenarestillmorelikelythan childrenrecoveringfromotherrespiratoryinfectionstohaveseizuresand psychoticdisorders.Thegoodnewsisthatthelikelihoodofallthesediagnoses was lower in children than in adults

Onvariants,theriskofneuropsychiatricdiagnosesrose,from10%high erforanxietyto38%forbrainfog—aftertheDeltavariantemergedthan aftertheAlphaversion.SuchriskscontinuedwithOmicron,eventhough thatvariant has milder effects during the acute phase of infection.

“Whatthesedataconfirminthisverylargegroupinhindsightevaluated, isthatthemooddisordersandanxietyproblemsthatareprevalent inLongCovidtendedtoresolve inamatterofmonths,whichis greatnewsforpatientswithLong Covidwhoarenotusedtosuffer inginthoseways,”accordingto Dr.WesEly,acriticalcarephysi cianatVanderbiltUniversityMedicalCenterandAssociateDirector forResearchfortheVATennessee ValleyGeriatricResearchandEd ucationClinicalCentertoldAmy ProalonherYouTubePodcastIn terview.

Ifyouhaverecoveredfrom COVID-19butartstillexperienc ingcertainsymptomsyoucould havewhatisknownasPOST COVID-19conditionorLONG COVID,accordingtoDr.Janet DiazoftheWorldHealthOrgani zation.

Didyouknowthatasmanyas 30%ofCOVID-19patientsdevel opLongCOVID?Itisestimated bytheCenterforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC)thatover20mil lionAmericansaresufferingfromLongCOVIDand2%oftheUSlabor forcehasbeenadverselyaffected.Unfortunately,LongCOVIDdispro portionatelyaffectsunderservedcommunitiesandmorewomenthanmen arelikelytohaveit,whichisofparticularinteresttoBlacks.Inaddition, Blackeldersandthosewithpre-existingmedicalissuesareatahigherrisk

than most populations. Do we have to spell out why?

•BlackandNativeAmericankidsaremostlikelytoliveinasingle-par entfamilies(64%ofBlackchildrenand52%ofNativeAmericanchildren fit this demographic).

•That64%isimpactedbyeconomicsandmostlikelyfitintothelow-in comecategory

•Education is impacted

•Healthcareisalmostnon-existent

•Lack of trust in healthcare system is rampant

•Health ignorance is widely spread amongst the socially disadvantaged

Consider what has beenuncovered those who had COVID-19:

•Somemaydevelopdebilitatingsymptomsweeksormonthsaftereven amildcaseofCOVIDanddon’trealizethattheirhealthissuesarearesult of their COVID-19 infection.

•Cognitiveissuessuchascripplingfatiguethatcanleavethemunableto work is a symptom not to be ignored

•Currently,thereisnotacompleteunderstandingorsupportiveknowl edge, any proven treatments, or cures about Long COVID

Thesciencecommunityislearningasthecountry goesthroughitasis thepublic.

Whetheryouknowitornotyouarelikelytoknowsomeonesuffering fromLongCovid,andtherearemostcertainlypeopleinyourcommunity whoaresobemoreobservantofyourfamily,friendsandassociatesand note any of the symptoms.

Brain fog is an annoying symptom that continues to plague COVID-19 long-haulers. With this in mind, it is wise to continue to take precautions to minimize your chance at contracting COVID-19.

Food &Wine

SAVORY SALMONGLAZED WITHHONEY

a spatula, gently to lift a corner of one fillet. If it releases easily, it’s ready to go. If not, give it a little more time. Flip it, and cook a few more minutes to get the skin crisp and the fish cooked thoroughly. Andpresto,you’rereadytonosh.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This recipe is perfect with Cocoanutrice,RoastedAsparagus, roasted Brussel sprouts or a Broccoli, cauliflower bell pepper medley.

TOP IT OFF WITH THAT HONEY GLAZE SAUCE:

INGREDIENTS

1/3c. honey 1/4c. low-sodium soy sauce 2tbsp. lemon juice 1tsp. redpepperflakes 3tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 4 6-oz. salmon fillets, patted dry with a paper towel

KOSHERSALT

It’s been a long day and you feel like going out to dinner and satisfyingyourdesirewithamouthwatering to die for salmon. Your yearning is so strong forthatsavory-sweetsalmonthatneverdisappoints. But you’d prefer a nice quiet evening at home. However, searing fish might seem intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be master of searing like it’s your second nature.

FollowTheseSteps:

CHECK FOR BONES

Most likely the average pack of portioned supermarket salmon typically doesn’t have any remaining pin bones to worry about. Still, you should make it your practice to double check. Also go to the seafood section and have the butcher cut your portions from the larger salmon filets. This means there is a greater the chance of finding a pin bone or two. It’s easy to check for bones, by gently running your fingers along the surface of the fish until you feel a slight prick. Using a pair of kitchen or fish tweezers, firmly grip the bone and pull in the

direction that it’s naturally pointing. This is an important step you don’t want to skip.

HEAT YOUR PAN ON HIGH

Your pan is ready when it’s screaming hot. It is most important that you get your pan hot and the bottom of your pan must be thoroughly coated in oil. Once the fish hits the oil, you should hear a sizzle. If you don’t, your pan isn’t hot enough. So, use a test piece of fish first to determine whether the oil is ready.

AVOID BURNS

Being hit by a stray splatter of hot oil hurts and can seriously burn your skin. So, to help keep the oil in the pan where it belongs, gently place your fillets away from you to prevent oil splatter. Do not carelessly drop the fillets in the pan causing splatters of spills.

LET IT COOK

Do not disturb the cooking fillets. Leave them undisturbed, for a few minutes. Letting it cook together with high heat is how you get that delicious crust. After three minutes, use

Freshly ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 lemon, sliced into rounds

DIRECTIONS

1.In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

2.In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat two tablespoons oil. When oil is hot but not smoking, add salmon skin-side up and season with salt and pepper. Cook salmon until deeply golden, about 6 minutes, then flip over and add remaining tablespoon of oil.

3.Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the honey mixture and sliced lemons and cook until sauce is reduced by about 1/3. Baste salmon with the sauce.

4.Garnish with sliced lemon and serve.

Nutrition (per serving): 399 calories, 36 g protein, 26 g carbohydrates, .6 g fiber, 23 g sugar, 17 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 902 mg sodium

Oooh Wee! It Is! Burnham & Chatham

Mark and ShaeWalkerPresent....OoohWee It Is “ Soul FoodWithATwist”, not just your average soul food restaurant!Theirfirst locationinBurnham, llinois is only carry out but they liketo callit “Fine Dining On the Go”. Enjoy carryout cuisines such as Lamp Chops, Beef Short Ribs, Lobster Tails, Fish and much more. Side dishes prepared with lots of LOVE and infused with Flavor on top of Flavor.The food willdefinitelymake yousay “OoohWee!(andmore….)

Thesecond location, one of Chicago’shighly talked aboutrestaurants. 5000 square footestab lishmentin the heartof Chathamon Chicago’s South Side. Serving thecommunity both brunch and dinner in an upscale environment with weekly live music.This location will take your breath away. An enjoyable safeenvironmentwith great food as as a bonus!!

Notsosecret,OoohWee!ItIs!willbeopeningathirdlocationinthehistoricformerMellowYel low restaurant space in downtown Hyde Park.Wewill keep you posted on itsdeveloements. Enjoy!

OoohWee! ItIs!

Hours and Location 33 E 83rdStreet ChicagoIllinois (772) 244-7505 www.oooweeitis.org

Sunday: 11am - 8pm

Tuesday - Saturday 11am- 7pm Sunday’s Closed

FALL2022

NEWEST TRENDS

Welcome to the world of fashion forFall 2022!We’verounded up the latest trendsfor all the fashionistas so you can stay on top of your style game.

Women’sWatch

There’s no denying that pink is the new black. If you’re looking to updateyour ward robe this season, don’t let a fickle fling with neutralsbring you down!The latesttrendsin colors are all about combinations that surprise—so if you’ve never worn orange before (oreven if you have), now’s the time to tryit now!

Floral patterns are making way for checks and polka dots as well, theseprints are still veryfeminine, but with a little more edge than their predecessors.Andfinally, boho style has been replaced by cool sportswear: think tights, leggings and sneakers paired withgraphic tees

orexaggerated oversized sweatshirts.

If you’re wondering what the future holds forcolortrends, it’s all about wearable neutrals like black and white. Other than these essentials, w can’twait to see what designers have in store for us next season!

COLORS:

COLORTREND1. PINK

Pink is the new black.

Pink is a feminine colorthat expresses confi dence, sweetness and style.

Pink can be used to make you look glamorous and yes more stylish. It has been proven that pink makes everything look better, from your livingroom toyour wardrobe.Stand out with pink.

COLORTREND2. ORANGE

Orange is also the new black. Go figure

Orange is abright sensual colorthat will make youroutfit trendy in any crowd, and it’s greatforfallandwinter.Orangelooksamazing with brown,grey and navy.

PRINTS: PRINTTREND1. FLORAL

Classicfloralprintsnevergooutofstyle,and they are a great way to add colorand expression toyour wardrobe.The reimagined Floral prints are versatile and can be used to add the urban touch todresses, blouses, skirts, pants and tops.

PRINTTREND2. CHECKS

Checks add somefun and personality to your wardrobe, without getting too crazy. Checkered patterns have been around since theancientRomans, who wore them on their tunics androbes.They were popular in the

MiddleAges, with knights sporting checks on their armor and cloaks.

Checks can be either square or rectangular, but they’re always small rectangles(usually one inch by one inch).

STYLES:

STYLETREND2. COOL SPORTWEAR

CoolSportsweariseasilythe most popular style trend this fall.The use of breathable fabrics, moisture wicking properties, and UV protection allows for great comfort and ease duringall youractivities.

●BreathableFabrics

● MoistureWicking Properties (Moisture Moving)

●UV Protection

STYLETREND3. ‘70s AND ‘80s INSPIRATION

Avant-Garde:In the 70s and 80s,fashion was amixofpunk,rock,discoandnewwave.Itwas about beingoriginal and mixing high and low fashion.You could wear something that you bought at the local thrift store with a garment straight from Parisor Milan. If you’re into this

style, you’llprobably love these trends:

● Retrobut modern:The major difference between retroand vintage is that retro is more modernthan vintage. Forexample, ifyou dressed in ‘70s style forHalloween last year butit’s notyour thing now, then don’t worry! You can still use someof those clothes todress up for Fall 2022 parties by simply giving them some updates like changing stylesof shoes or adding jewelry pieces to make them look more contemporary insteadof old fashioned(ifthat’s whatmakessense).

● Mixed materials: Mixingprints together is one way to achieve this look but another very

easy way would be combining different typesof fabric together such as denim with silk chiffonor leather withvelvetorlinen mix together cotton prints/linen with wool blendsetcetera...etcetera...and so on!

The Fall 2022 collections have autumn release dates, but many ofthem are featured looks that could easily wind up in any sunny springor summer offering.There areso many different styles to choose from, but it’s important to find a look that suits yourperson ality. If you love something and can imagine yourself wearing itfrequently, then go for it!

There are slinky dresses, party sequinsand disco dancing essentials.The most “fall” thing about therunways is the sheerdominance of options. Sure, there are shearling and suede nods to chillyweather elegance,but it’sthe playful embellishments — the bows, the crystals, the paillette — and the vibrant colors that were the sweet takeaways from Fall 2022 style this season.

SHARON KING PUBLISHES

“MYBEAUTIFUL BROWNRAINBOW”

CHILDREN’SBOOK

Chicagoan Sharon

D. King is a prolificcastingdirector/producer with a long list ofcredits in film,television, music videos and commercials.

Her body of work over more thantwo decadesincludes Hollywood blockbusters from “Barber Shop” and “Soul Food” to “Spiderman II”and “Straight Outta Compton.”

As a producer, she’s developed several award-winning projects.

Now, King has entered a new genre, book publishing, adding author to her list of credits. She has penned “My Beautiful Brown Rainbow,”with co-author Blake Roberts, achildren’s book which highlights the importanceof embracing andcelebratingdifferences, told through the eyes of six-year-old Sunni, who is adopted.

Sunni questions why her skin color, eyes and hair are so different from herparents and brother. She gets answers through positive messages about love and family.

“My Beautiful Brown Rainbow” also tackles tough issues including skin color, diversity, and identity.

King is adopted but said the story is not autobiographical.“Sunni isn’tme,but I amSunni,”becausethe two face the same issues, she said.

According to King, the original inspiration towrite a book came years ago from her nephews who questioned why family members weredifferent shades of brown.

“Iwanted to createachildren’s book about variancein color among family members; to address complexion dif-

ferences to inform children and help adults explain DNA and why we look the way we do,” she said.

King also wanted to de-stigmatize adoption or what she calls “integration.” She was never formally adopted but says that she was integrated into a loving family like so many children raised by those who may be related or unrelated.

“Whether related by blood or notrelatedatall, we’re still family,” she said.

In addition to a compelling storyline, “MyBeautiful Brown Rainbow” is full of strikingly colorful illustrations byChicagoartistVeronicaOwens.

“I was so fortunate to haveVeronicaas an illustrator! She is so talented and really brought Sunni and her familytolife! I’mequallyas lucky to havemy co-author and producing partnerBlake Roberts, who helped me bring myoriginal bookto fruition,”King said.

“My Beautiful Brown Rainbow” is two books in one. Included in the back of the book is a coloring book that encourages youngsters to draw and color images of themselvesandtheirfamiliesaswellasflagsoftheircountries offamily origin. Flags of different nationalities are in the book.

“AsAfrican as I am, I also have relatives in Europe and manydifferent places. Inmy journey to discover my personal DNA, I found that I am a mixture of many things,” said King, who turned toAncestry.com and23 and me to search for what she calls her “DNA Family.”

She reports that she’s had varying degrees of success and has met severalnewfamilymembers. Her journey hasbeen important because King didn’t know she and her siblings did not share the same birth father until she was 15 years old.

“Iwasafamilysecretandfamilysecretscanbehorrible,” she said.

King, who now resides in LosAngeles, said she hopes the book helps remove the stigma of adoption and eliminatesecretsthatmayariseasaresult.

Ned, who asked not to be identifieddue tohisown family search said, “I wished the book was out when I was a kid.”

“Ididn’t want other kids to find out I was adopted. I thought it was a shame; something hurtful other kids coulduseagainstme.”

Butthe book is making adifference for him right now.

“The book seemed to give me the courage I needed to go forward to look for my birthfamily.At first, I didn’t wantto do it. I didn’t want tohurtmyadoptedfamily. The book made me want to take that leap,” he said.

“Ididn’t know what my ethnicity was, if I was half of anything or a fourth of anything. It gave me the courage to go for it.”

Ned said “My Beautiful Brown Rainbow”isagreattool kids can use today.

TALKS:

Are Dion’ It!

home girls Jennifer Hudson and Sherri Shepard

For Sherri her Real GoodTime marks her returnto the talk television genre. She left her co-host gigon The View in 2014 where she honed her skills in talktv.

Sherri, the comedian,the actress, and mother

achieved her long term goal to have her own talk show with the launching of Real Good Time that promises to inspire love, joy, and celebrity friendly enjoyment.

She contributes her strong perspectives on various world topics to The View conversations coupled with her quick wit and comedic timing when heated moments needed cooling down. Along with the ensemble cast of The View, Sherri was nominated formultiple Emmy’s winning one in 2009 for Outstanding Co-Host.

In addition to her Emmy for The View, Sherri has also won the prestigious GracieAward twice. She was nominated for a NAACP Image Award in 2010 for her sitcom Sherri.The movie Precious of which she was a cast member won the Boston Society of Film CriticsAward for Best Ensemble Cast.

During the premier week Sherri’s audience wastreatedwithcomedianKimWhitleyand Housewives ofAtlanta cast member Kandi BurresTucker. She caught up with 90’stalk show host Ricki Lake, she danced with Dancing with the Stars’ Derek Hough, and R&B singer RobinThicke performed.Themost touching moment came when she shared that her friend, standup comedian and Netflix star, DavidAr-

nold died. David was to be the first comedian on her show. Keeping her promise, she played a clip from his standup act.

The Jennifer Hudson Show marks J-Hud’s first turn in television except for her many appearances in various music award and tribute show performances. Jennifer’s excitementof thisexperience is palpable! She is overflowing with energy and exuberance. For her premier week the stars came out! She welcomed Magic Johnson,African-American Country Music star, Mickey Guyton, Emmy nominated Nigerian-American actress,Yvonne Orji,TonyAward Winner for Broadway’s The Scottsboro Boys and PrimetimeEmmyWinner for Euphoria, Colman Domingo, HannahWaddingham,multiple award winner,including Primetime Emmy AwardWinner and Critic’s ChoiceAward, both for Outstanding SupportingActress in a Comedy Series for the hit comedy,Ted Lasso streamingonAppleTV+.

Jennifer’s very first guest, theAmerican Idol judge, the one and only Simon Cowell, who told her she was out of her league in the contest 18 years ago was a real coup. It was so the epitomeoftheadage,“successisthesweetest

revenge!” Jennifer was class and grace personified and Simon was suitably humble. It was a wonderful exchange walk down the memory lane of their shared American Idol experience.

I laughed when Simon said pleasedon’tshow anymore clips. If you watched J-Hud’sAmerican Idol season, you know!Two of my favorite moments between them came when he said, “You’re torturing me” referring to the playing of clips from some of their intense exchanges after someofhisharshestcomments.When she asked if he had any advice for her going forward, Simon responded “the best advice isdon’t listen to a word Isay.” “You are theepitome oftheAmerican dream.”This was the first time they hadspoken since American Idol, 18 years ago.

The 2nd coup came on the last day of premier week in the form of a visit from the formidable, phenomenalViola Davis!Always delightful, always insightful and wise, she shared stories about her journey, and how prayer played the pivotal role in finding her soulmate. Of course, she addressed, “The Woman King,” now playing in theatres. Filmed in SouthAfrica, the film is based on the story of a real tribe of female warriors inWestAfrica. Davis calls this her “magnum opus.” Ms. Davis said, as the cast OG, she did “98% to 99% of her own stunts,” to keep up with the younger women.

J-Hud’s show premiered on her 41st birthday and to celebrate, in true Oprah fashion, she gave everyone in her audience a trip to a 5-star resort in Mexico!

Kudos to these awesome, talentedladies! Don’t expectthem tochange the world, just watch enjoy, be supportive and turn down the volumeoncriticism.

Showtime in Chicago!

Its Fall and that means the entertainment season has begun!As always, it is an exciting time, made more special as we come out from under the effects of Covid. While COVID is not altogether gone, citizens are able to enjoy all that Chicago and Chicagoland has to offer in theatre,music, film,and dance.As second city to NewYork, the marquees of Broadway in Chicagoarelit upwith popular titles like Wicked opening September 28that the James M. NederlanderTheatre, The Lion King opens November 17th at the Cadillac PalaceTheatre, and the new Broadway musical, Anastasia opening September 20th at the CIBC Theatre.As the 2022/2023 season continues. Chicagoans will be afforded the opportunity to experience theseTonyAwardwinning Broadway hits: Tina, The Tina TurnerMusical openingMarch 14, 2023, and MJ The Musical featuring the music and dance moves of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson opensAugust 1, 2023, and so much more.

Locally,two-timePulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage returns to the GoodmanTheatre to open its season with herTony Nominated production, Clyde’s, described as a feisty comedy (September 10 – October 9) followed by the 45thAnniversary production of the beloved holiday tale by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol opening November

19th through December 31st. Thisproduction isatreasured Chicago family tradition and ticketsgofast! Don’tmissit! Travelatlittle further to the north side of the city and you can learn about one of ourAfrican-Americanheroes, Langston Hughes, in the Black EnsembleTheatre production, MyBrotherLangston (running through September 18) while on SteppenwolfTheatre’s stage audiences are being taken on a fantastical journey through what might have happened between a sick and dying MarthaWashington and the slaves taking care of her while awaiting the moment of their freedom upon her death in The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington byPulitzer Prize winner James Ijames.

Traveling towards the south side of Chicago theatre goers can stop at the LookingglassTheatreto experience Congo SquareTheatre’spowerful play/pageant-healing ritualistic production of What to Send Up When it Goes Down by Aleshea Harris, a cathartic,thought-provoking, high energy, healing experience countering the impacts today’s violence is having on our collective mental, physical and emotional well-being. It opens September 24th and runs through October 16th.

Looking for something wacky, wild and laugh out loud funny,getto theCourtTheatre in Hyde Park where celebrated director, Ron O.J. Parsons puts a new spin on the classic dark comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace featuring veterans of Chicago stages, CelesteWilliams andTaylar

as the mild-mannered, murderous sisters Martha andAbby Brewster. The stellar cast features funny manAllen Edge asTeddy Brewster,Eric Gerard as Mortimer Brewster andA.C. Smith as the sinister Jonathan Brewster. Catch the Brewster family shenanigans now through October 2nd. Areyouafanof Dreamgirls,the movie?Haveyoueverwishedyou could see the live stage play? If the answer is yes, this is your lucky day.Take short road trip to the suburb ofAurora and get your tickets for the ParamountTheatre production of Dreamgirls, the Musical now running through October 16th.

Perhaps the music of BillieHolliday is more to your liking.Take a short ride in opposite direction to the south suburb of Park Forest to John RuffinsTheatre 47 for Lady Sings the Blues, The Musical, opening September 17th and running through October 23rd.You can’t go wrong with either of these beloved musicals that will have you singing or humming along with everything familiar song.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for the 2022/2023 theatrical season!There are so many fabulous productions opening in Chicago this season and dozens moretheatres to introduce to our readers. In addition, the Chicago News Weeklywill provide information on concerts, film reviews, limitedrun events, industry opportunities such as auditions, classes, internships and much more.

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