Chicago News Weekly 11/30 - 12/6

notes

Chicago News Weekly

Kai El’ Zabar

editor In chief

terri Winston vice President

darnell Pulphus Art Director

editors danielle sanders managing editor sterling Caprico Fashion editor margo Crawford copy editor marti Worell Arts & culture editor

Staff Writers sharice Braford liz lampkin marcus Bouldin david Pierce tammy gibson Wanda Wright marti Worell dr. mila K. marshall, Phd

contributors NNPa Newswire theresa horton stacy m. Brown mare Evans tiana allen dr. sanja Rickette stinson 8348 S Stony Island Avenue chicago, IL 60617 (773) 236-1464

vol. 1 No 9 Wednesday, November 30, 2022

chicago News Weekly is published weekly on Wednesday. www.cnwmedia.com

chicagonewsweekly@gmail.com chicagonewsweeklyeditorial@gmail. com Sub scription $52 year

We’ve come this Far...

Ihave the distinction of knowing one of the most important faces and influencers of the HIV/AIDS virus. Rae Lewis Thornton is more than just a brave woman who took on the world with its prejudice, suspicions, projections, hy per Biblical facts, exaggerated fears, and stigma associated with women who have premarital sex.

Condemned to die when diagnosed with HIV at age 23, in 1986, she fell into a whirlwind of depression. Was it not a gay man’s disease? The media had falsely reported it as such and now 26-years later we know differently. As a matter of fact, in Chicago it is true that the Washington Park community leads in the numbers of HIV/AIDS statistics amongst African Amer icans and women make-up 59% of those numbers. But back to Rae and the matter of this issue honoring World AIDS DAY, Thursday December 1, 2022.

issues related to sexuality and drugs. As a result, we haven’t re sponded well.”

At the time of this publication Rae has been living with HIV for 36 years and AIDS for 26. She has made it her calling to inform the world community but most importantly the African American community. Twenty-one years ago, in 2021, I was the editor of “Lifelines,” a Health Publication distributed nationally as an insert in all the NNPA/National Newspaper Publisher As sociation member owned newspapers throughout the country. I interviewed her for our cover story, and David Jenkins, who recently passed in September, photographed her. She would later use that image for her second book titled,“Amazing Grace :Let ters Along My Journey.”

Rae is perhaps the most significant and certainly the most fa mous face of HIV/AIDS not because she has the disease but be cause she’s and activist. Nine years after her initial diagnosis, she graced the cover of “ESSENCE Magazine” December 1994. No longer hiding behind fear and pointed fingers, she had chosen to live even though the verdict had been that she’d died sooner than later. That cover sparked national attention and a spokesperson was born.

Part of Rae’s appeal and impact as an AIDS activist was the fact that she was an African American woman. In the United States, 52% of all AIDS victims are African-American women, and AIDS is the primary cause of death among Blacks between the ages of 18 and 44.

It’s a fact that her audiences were especially vulnerable: more than half of the AIDS cases among teenagers are Black teens.

On Nightline during an interview, Rae stated that a contributing factor to statistics was the Black community’s attitude towards AIDS, stating, that it is in fact as a community in denial about the impact of HIV. “We are a very conservative community on

I found her fascinating, full of the desire to live; choosing to live a purpose driven life. She was born to fulfil a mission that at the time didn’t always feel so good and was definitely uncomfortable Most importantly to those of you who are familiar with her story and think you know all about her journey and dismiss it as oh ‘I know her story ‘. . . You don’t.

I just want you to know as her physician once pointed out, that the survivors, the few people like Rae, who struggled with the blatant pain and the attack on their bodies that became a battle ground where the virus fought for its life in exchange for theirs, yet pushed through, are heroes. Rae stood in her faith and the determination to live her best life. And because she did others now enjoy the medications that emerged from the testing that she and a few others endured .

This issue, CNW looks at the virus that wreaked havoc on so many/ too men who died daily. Then we closed our eyes, with fear when suddenly Black women became a rising statistic as victims of HIV/AIDS and thus came the discussion around the “Down Low,” lifestyle.

It is our intention to provide you with information that will arm with straight forward facts that will have you be an informed participant, in your family and community regarding the HIV/ AIDS phenomena.

tell the supreme Court: We still Need affirmative action

I’m

fortunate to teach class es on social justice at the University of Pennsylva nia, one of the most re spected schools in the country. Penn has a longstand ing commitment to affirmative action, and I have seen first-hand how diversity in the classroom benefits all my students.

There’s just no question that diversity is a core piece of a vibrant academ ic community and a crit ical part of the learning experience – for all of us. Bringing together students with different lived expe riences forces students to think critically about their assumptions, which is an essential goal of a univer sity education.

That’s why I, like so many of us, am deeply concerned about two affirmative action cases argued at the Supreme Court earlier this month. Opponents of affirmative action have been trying to destroy it for years. And now it looks like they just might get their chance.

Two universities, Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC), are defending their admissions pro grams against opponents who want them declared un constitutional. (The university where I teach, Penn, and the organization I lead, People for the American Way, have both joined briefs supporting the universities’ positions.) Considering race as one of many factors in admissions has been upheld by the Supreme Court for decades. The Court has said repeatedly that diversity in higher education is a “compelling interest.”

But today’s Supreme Court is different. It’s dominated by far-right justices who have made it clear they don’t share this view. Chief Justice John Roberts’s famous quote, “The way to stop discrimination on the basis

of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race,” sums it up: conservatives believe affirmative action is at best unnecessary and at worst just another type of discrimination. Some conservatives would like to retire affirmative action because they claim it’s accomplished everything it set out to do. But it hasn’t. Not even close. In Texas and Michigan, applications and enrollments of Black and Latino students plunged after state politi cians banned the consideration of race in admission to their public universities.

found insight and wisdom. Her questions in oral ar guments got to the heart of the matter. Imagine two qualified students applying to UNC, Justice Jackson suggested: a white North Carolinian student whose family members had attended the school for genera tions, and a Black North Carolinian whose family had historically been shut out.

The white applicant might make the case that attend ing UNC is deeply meaningful to her because it is a family tradition. The Black applicant might make the case that it is deeply meaningful be cause her family was so long denied.

justices is

that’s a huge red flag.

Nationally, there’s a big gap between the percentage of white and Black students who earn a bachelor’s degree. And that perpetuates all kinds of harm and inequities in income, health, family wealth, and more. We still have a long way to go in building a fair society in which all our children can thrive.

And here’s an important point that often gets lost. All students—no matter their race or color or creed—ben efit from affirmative action.

Having diverse classmates promotes a stimulating ex change of ideas and viewpoints. It prepares all students for living and working in our increasingly diverse soci ety. The Supreme Court as a whole used to understand that. Today, I worry that only a minority of the justices do.

One of those justices is Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Court and a person of pro

Jackson’s question made it clear what would happen if the Court adopts the Far Right’s position: the white stu dent’s appeal to family history would be allowed to help their chance of acceptance, while the Black student’s would not. It would further institu tionalize discrimination and the harm it has caused generations of Black Americans.

I am so grateful for Justice Jackson’s voice on the Court. I also know that the six right-wing justices expressed skepticism of affirmative action at oral arguments.

many reporters are already writing its obituary.

I hope for the sake of our education system and our next generation, that they will be wrong. The “compel ling interest” that led the Court to uphold affirmative action in the past still exists – in fact, it may be stronger than ever.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of the Practice at the Uni versity of Pennsylvania. A New York Times best-selling author, his next book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free” will be published by Harper Collins in January 2023.

The post COMMENTARY: Tell the Supreme Court: We Still Need Affirmative Action first appeared on Post News Group. This article originally appeared in Post News Group.

One of the great joys of my life is teaching.

One of those

Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Court and a person of profound insight and wisdom.

Illinois was the 20th state to legalize medical marijuana through the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act; this created the Illinois Medical Cannabis Registry Pro gram so Illinois residents with qualifying conditions could access prescription pot. While getting to the ganja isn’t hard, as the legacy market is still in full effect, healing Black bodies ben efit from the protections of the legal market. All cannabis prod ucts must be tested. Third-party labs testing marijuana allow patients to access high-quality products. In addition, health care providers work in tandem with patients to understand how to safely incorporate marijuana along with other healing practices. In the first year of Illinois’ medical program, 3,300 people ap plied but 2,663 were approved. Of those approved, 9.5% were African American in comparison to 69.5% Caucasian/white pa tients. It’s thought that the low numbers of African American and Latino patients were due to cost prohibitiveness, medical professional awareness, and concerns about employment and housing. Since the inception of the program applications have increased exponentially. In 2020 the state reported 47,400 ap plicants, however, the total number of approved patients is now over 100,000 people. The increase in patients is directly related to the increase in qualifying conditions as well as the number

sionals may abstain from authorizing or informing patients of medical marijuana due to its current classification as a Sched ule 1 narcotic for example. As the industry continues to grow, more information on who is accessing products and how they are using them The Black community needs validating medical information to continue pushing back on the stigma of usage. More information on the diversity of health care professionals authorizing would be valuable as well as understanding their roles in cannabis health advocacy for veterans and pregnant/ nursing mothers.

National advocacy groups like Minorities 4 medical marijuana have been integral in honoring the diversity of voices and angles needed to address cannabis equity holistically. Currently, they are collecting veterans' voices to support literacy and education using the stories of how marijuana has been a benefit and im proved their lives, the form and details on the Illinois chapter can be found at www.minorities4medicalmarijuana.org. Self-medicating with cannabis is nothing new, in 2012 the Pew Center reported a whopping 7.6 million Americans medicat ing with marijuana to treat symptoms of diseases. The federal government's current position that marijuana has no medical benefit is contradictory to state and municipal governments.

PREsCRiPtioN Pot

of health care providers eligible to authorize the use of medical marijuana. While there is growth in the program there still is no Black-owned medical marijuana dispensary in the State of Illinois.

In order for a provider to authorize cannabis for a patient, the illnesses must be on the list of qualifying conditions. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website, there are over 50 qualifying conditions. Recertification is required and applicants can choose their validation to be annually or every two or three years with an adjusted fee of $100, $200, and $250, respectively. Decreased fees are accessible to veterans, and patients who receive Social Security Disability Income or Sup plemental Security Income.

Governments manage their medical marijuana programs in different ways and one lingering issue of the industry is that there is so very little information collected. There is a gap in our understanding of minority patient participation, what prevents them from participating in programs, and even the challenges of minority medical providers. Conservative medical profes

Four U.S. territories, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Mariana Islands, 37 states, and the District of Columbia have medical marijua na programs accord ing to the National Organization of Re forming Marijuana Laws (NORML).

For those seeking relief from symptoms or from the side ef fects of medications, medical marijuana may be a pathway to explore. Finding the right practitioner to help you or your loved one make that decision requires a healthy dose of trust and ed ucation. There is a tremendous amount of misinformation that plagues society and for Black bodies lack of information, inac curate information, and distrust coalesce to steep health conse quences. Healthy Black communities require us to use all of the healing modalities that connect with us, and we all are respon sible for ensuring equity and accessibility to cannabis beyond those seeking to own and operate a dispensary. For some, it isn’t about the money, it is about having access to a medicine that improves the quality of their lives without costing them their jobs, their homes, or other subsidies for which they are eligible.

simeon Basketball star Ben Wilson Receives honorary street Name

Family, friends, and former high school

classmates witnessed the street sign dedication of Simeon basketball star Ben Wilson. The corner of 78th & Eberhart was renamed “Honorary Benji Wilson Way.” The ceremony occurred Monday, Nov. 21, the 38th anniversary of Wilson’s death.

Mayoral candidate and 6th ward Alderman, Roderick Sawyer was instrumental in naming a portion of 78th Street where Ben Wilson lived. 95.1 FM Chicago radio personality Ramon ski Luv served as the Master of Ceremony.

Wilson has been noted as the best high school player in the nation. In 1984, Wilson led Simeon Career Academy to its first-Class AA state championship. On Nov. 21, 1984, Wilson was gunned down during an argument. Wilson’s death devastated the community and had a massive impact on Chicago and the nation. Thousands of mourners attended the funeral held at Operation PUSH headquarters. Rev. Jesse Jackson eulogized the funeral. Mayor Harold Washington and Rev. Willie Barrow spoke at the funeral. Wilson is buried at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago.

Childhood friends reminisced about growing up with Wilson and playing basketball at Cole Park. Glenn Wright, of the R&B group Public Announcement, sang “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday.” Former NBA player and Chicago native Mark Aguirre stated that Wilson’s talent as a basketball player was very rare. “It’s heartbreaking to know that I didn’t see him finish what I thought he was going to be,” says Aguirre. Ben Wilson’s brothers spoke about how they were traumatized by their brother’s loss, and how the everyday loss of life due to gun violence feels like a trigger, reminding them of Ben Wilson’s tragic murder. The brothers challenged the community to make a difference and stop gun violence.

Valena Bradley, who lived three houses down from the Wilson family, remembered being part of the village and community that raised the Wilson brothers. “Ben ji’s mother was a nurse and worked long hours. Ben ji and his brothers would come over to my house and I would feed them. Benji was on a mission to be the greatest basketball star. Ev erybody in the neighbor hood knew he was going to be successful. I still miss him to this day,” says Bradley.

Winston McGill says it was a great day to celebrate Wilson’s life, even though it took de cades to honor him. “It was long overdue. He was not only a great basketball player, but he was also a role model to his classmates at Simeon. I’m glad to be a part of this celebration,” says McGill.

Ben Wilson’s memory is still alive in Chicago. Wilson’s brothers launched “Ben “Benji” Wil son, Jr. - Tribute to a Basketball Legend” on Facebook. Wilson’s late mother, Mary Wilson, wrote a book entitled “To Benji, With Love” that is mandated at Simeon Career Academy and named the gymnasium in his honor. In 2009, Simeon retired Wilson’s No. 25 jersey.

To follow “Ben “Benji” Wilson, Jr. - Tribute to a Basketball Legend,” go to https://www.Facebook. com/BenWilsonTribute.

Tammy Gibson is an author and Black history traveler. Find her on social media @sankofatrav elher.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MEDICARE

“HAVE YOU COMPARED PLANS?

Medicare plans change every year and so can your health. Now’s the time to compare your current Medicare plan to other options and choose the right plan for your health and your budget.

Use Medicare.gov to easily compare options for Medicare health and prescription drug plans.

Do a side-by-side comparison of:

Medicare Savings Programs, run by your state, can help lower your healthcare costs.

If you’re single with an income of $20,000 or less, or if you’re married with an income of $25,000 or less, you may be eligible to save with Medicare Savings Programs.

Call your state Medicaid office at 1-888-342-6207.

Willie Wilson Cries Foul ovER FalsE CamPaigN FlyER

Mayoral candidate, Willie Wilson is calling for an investigation into a negative flyer circulating in the 24th Ward. The flyer shows candidates for the 24th Ward, Michael Scott, Jr, and Monique Scott along with Mayor Lori Lightfoot with the headline reading “Birds of a Feather Flock Together”. The flyer also includes Willie Wilson’s image.

In a letter to the Illinois State Board of Elections and Chicago Board of Elections, Wilson said the flyer was not authorized by him or his campaign and he is opposed to negative campaign ing.

“This flyer violates the spirit of the law that requires good faith campaigning. It is my hope that the individual(s) behind this flyer will be fined. This kind of campaigning seeks to mis lead the voters in the 24th Ward. Also, it undermines our great democracy.”-Willie Wilson

In a statement to the press, Wilson said, “We can disagree with our opponents without using fraudulent tactics to sway a few voters and win an election. I want the residents in the 24th Ward to know that I did not send that flyer out or authorize its contents. Our citizens deserve a campaign on the issues and not name-calling or insults. If anyone knows who is behind the negative flyer, I urge you to call the Illinois State Board of Elections 312-814-6440) and report the individual(s).”

Mayor lori e. l ightfoot and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consum er Protection (BACP) announced the opening of over 55 spaces as part of the City’s Small Business Store front Activation Program. These storefront activations are the culmination of $2 million in grant funding the City awarded to seventeen local community and economic development organizations to support small businesses by activating previously vacant storefronts across the city.

These grantees worked closely with small business owners, artists, and landlords to provide rapid relief to small businesses by designing and implementing vacant storefront activations on commercial corridors just in time for the Holidays. Through the collaboration and dedication of these organizations, Chicagoans will have a chance to shop at 25 Pop-Up spaces filled with over 140 vendors and view art from over 50 artists in 30 previously vacant storefronts.

“The Small Business Storefront Activation Program is truly unique as it showcases Chicago’s entrepreneurial spirit and abundance of artistic talent — all while en hancing our local economy and generating new foot traffic,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Given how essential small businesses are to the commercial corridors of our neighborhoods, I want to encourage Chicagoans to take advantage of the hol iday season and spend some time shopping at the ex citing new spaces provided by this incredible program, which will ultimately help to make our communities that much more vibrant.”

“The small business storefront activations allow small businesses, entrepreneurs, and Chicago’s creative mak ers the opportunity to explore the market of a physical retail space, test their concepts, and interact with cus tomers — all in time for the Holiday shopping season,” said BACP Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer. “The art installations will highlight the vacant storefronts as po tential retail opportunities and provide new audiences for local artists, which is a win-win for the communi ty-at-large.”

Small Business Storefront Activation Program Loca tions and Information:

• 18th Street Development Corporation

• Inaugural event November 26th

• Pilsen Pop-Up Shop

• Cermak Pop-Up Shop, 1835 W. Cermak Rd.

• 18th Street Pop-Up Shop, 1412 W. 18th St.

• All locations open Thursday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Austin Chamber of Commerce

• The Community Room, 4944 W. Chicago Ave.

• 5812 W. Chicago Ave.

• austinchicagochamber.org

• Chicago Loop Alliance

• State Street Holiday Market, 35 S. State St.

small Business storefront activations launch across Chicago Creating unique shopping Experiences

storefront activations energize commercial corridors ahead of the holiday shopping season aiming to support small businesses and reimagine vacant spaces CNW staff Report

• Art Activations from 2 - 231 S. LaSalle St.

• loopchicago.com/events/state-street-holiday-market

• East Edgewater Chamber of Commerce

• Winter Bryn Mawrkets, 1040 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. & 1052 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

• edgewater.org/events/winterbrynmawrkets

• Far South Community Development Corporation

• Pop-Ups at 845 - 847 W. 115th St.

• farsouthcdc.org

• Greater Chatham Initiative

• Grant opening on November 26th

• Holiday Pop-Up on the 9, 735 - 737 E. 79th St.

• greaterchathaminitiative.org

• Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce

• Trolley Tour in Partnership with Southeast Chicago Chamber and South Shore Chamber of Commerce on November 26th

• Englewood Marketplace, 1255 W. 63rd St.

• gechamber.com

• Greater Southwest Development Corporation

• greatersouthwest.org

• Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce

• Roscoe Village Art Activations, 1931 W. Belmont Ave. & 2159 W. Belmont Ave.

• lakeviewroscoevillage.org

• Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce

• Halsted Street Window Activations, between 2042 –2150 N. Halsted St.

• lincolnparkchamber.com

• Magnificent Mile Association

• Pop-Up at Kavi Gupta Gallery, 535 N. Michigan Ave.

• themagnificentmileassociation.com

• North River Commission

• Pop-Up Local Artisan Market, 4730 N. Kimball Ave.

• Ms. Ella’s Healing Kitchen, 4718 N. Kedzie Ave.

• northrivercommission.org

• Northwest Side Community Development Corporation

• Crecer Business Incubator, 3150 N. Central Ave.

• Diversey Naturals and Organics, 5212 W. Diversey Ave.

• nwscdc.org

• Puerto Rican Cultural Center

• Arturo Schomburg Afro Boricua Immersion (ASA

BI) Center, 2536 W. Division St.

• Pop-Up Space, 2538 W. Division St.

• Puerto Rico Town Performing Arts Hall, 3411 W. North Ave.

• Art activations on Division St. and North Ave.

• prcc-chgo.org

• Rogers Park Business Alliance

• Launch of Live Love Shop Rogers Park rebate pro gram on November 26th

• Opening Reception/ Open House December 3rd

• Howard Street Makers Studio, 1609 W. Howard St.

• Howard Street Makers Studio Art, 1531, 1609, & 1631 W. Howard St.

• howardstreetchicago.com

• South Shore Chamber of Commerce

• Trolley Tour in Partnership with Greater Engle wood Chamber of Commerce and Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce on November 26th

• Connect South Shore Kids Activity Corner, 19001902 E. 71st St.

• Connect South Shore Art Gallery, 1904 E. 71st St.

• Connect South Shore Vendors Market, 1908-1910 E. 71st St.

• 71st Street Art Activations on 71 St between 1721 –1908 E. 71st St.

• southshorechamberinc.org

• Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce

• Trolley Tour in Partnership with Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce and South Shore Chamber of Commerce on November 26th

• Opening Reception/Open House on December 3rd

• Englewood Arts Collective, 1827 E. 79th St.

• Art activations, 1652, 1756, & 1825 E. 79th St.

• southeastchgochamber.org

“We are pleased to partner with the City’s Small Busi ness Storefront Activation Program to revitalize vacant storefronts in South Shore,” said Tonya Trice, Executive Director of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. “We want to create an experience unique to our com munity and increase small business revenue and local shopping during the holiday season. Our activations will include a Kid’s Corner, an Art Gallery, and a Ven dors Market.”

“The Small Business Storefront Activation Program will showcase Englewood-based entrepreneurs who de sire to open their own storefront or see their products on the shelves of local and national stores,” said Fe licia Slaton-Young, Executive Director of the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce. “This Program gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their goods and services in a space where they can connect directly with the public. During the Holiday season, it is a great reason to promote shopping locally, and what better way to do that than to create space, in a vacant commercial building, and allow an opportunity to flourish.”

The Small Business Storefront Activation Program is part of the Chicago Recovery Plan, the City’s plan to amplify once-in-a-generation federal funding to create an equity-based investment strategy to catalyze a sus tainable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pan demic. The Chicago Recovery Plan invests holistically in communities and industries hardest hit by the pan demic to support equitable economic recovery across the city.

To learn more about this Program and BACP’s Recovery Plan efforts, please visit Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.

living with hiv: how living Positively makes a difference

HIVis a virus that at tacks the body’s immune system. If the virus goes untreated, it can transition or lead to AIDS. HIV has multiple stages of infection. In the early stage after an exposure, symp toms may include flu or cold symptoms. This can resolve spontaneously while HIV is still active in the body. It will then progress to a chronic infection, where the symptoms can vary greatly, but include weight loss, fatigue, and unexplained fevers. The chronic stage can happen at any time af ter the acute stage, but it may not be immediately after. If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, which is diagnosed based on the number of a white blood cell type that is circulating in the blood.

While there is no cure for HIV, with the proper care people with HIV can live long healthy lives. Shanett Jones, MPH, MBA Director for the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center for the state of Illinois says people with HIV can certainly have healthy lifestyles. “HIV is a chronic disease that can be easily managed similar to other chronic diseases. More than half of people living with HIV are over 50 because of the medications that are available to them.”

For individuals living with HIV, Jones emphasizes staying adherent to medications and at tending appointments with providers helps maintain a healthy immune system. According to research, undetectable equals untransmittable. This is a tool that allows individuals who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load by taking antiretroviral therapy daily as prescribed and cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. Eating healthy, following doc tors’ orders, and managing physical health is a part of living a healthy lifestyle for those with HIV and the individuals with whom they are involved. She also encourages people to be empowered to talk to their doctor about any new health concerns and ask them questions about anything pertaining to their health.

With the development and advancement of medications and medical treatment, people with HIV have options available to them to help sustain a robust lifestyle from a physical standpoint. However, it’s also important for those who have the virus to care for their mental health. Living a healthy existence begins with mental stability. People with HIV are often subjected to negative attitudes, prejudice, and stigmas. Fear and a lack of HIV/AIDS education often lead to discrimination and isolation. These factors can negatively affect their mental state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “HIV stig ma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being and mental health of people living with HIV. People living with HIV often internalize the stigma they experience and begin to develop a negative self-image.” With the combination of internalized stigmas, creating a negative self-image and other factors, persons with HIV can develop depression. According to the CDC, “one of the most common mental health conditions that people with HIV face is depression.”

So how can the narrative of negative stigmas change when it comes to the mental and emotional well-being of people living with HIV in order for them to live a healthy lifestyle? For starters, there must be more conversation about HIV/AIDS that includes updated de velopments. Discussing it will normalize its existence, provide awareness of prevention, and correct misconceptions. Other options include seeking out and receiving help from support groups and mental health providers.

Loved ones who do not have HIV can support a healthy lifestyle by attending support groups with their loved ones, educating themselves, getting tested, and taking advantage of resources available to them to prevent the spread of HIV. One valuable tool for HIV prevention is PrEP (pre-exposure prophylactics). PrEP is for individuals who test negative for the virus and can reduce the chances of contracting HIV. When taken as it is prescribed, PrEP is effective for preventing HIV. For access, go to the website www.preplocator.org

The more of life that’s lived, the more health changes. No matter the diagnosis, life is to be lived to the fullest without boundaries. For more information on HIV/AIDS and resources for living a healthy lifestyle, visit https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html

Liz Lampkin is a Lifestyle, Love, and Relationships writer. Follow her on social media @ Liz_Lampkin

Cold, Flu or Covid?

We have entered the winter months, also known as

the cold and flu seasons. In addi tion, the world is still dealing with COVID. Colds, flu, and COVID all have similar symptoms, so how do you know what you have and when and how to treat your symptoms?

Here are a few tips to try to figure out what you have and what to do. With free COVID tests received from the government, when there is a sneeze, sniffle, or cough, the first instinct for many is to take an out-at-home COVID test.

Here are a few tips to try to help you figure out what you have and what you may need to do next.

Colds

The symptoms of the common cold are typically coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and a runny or stopped-up nose. You could also experience a fe ver, muscle aches, lack of energy, or tiredness. Colds can also cause you to have a loss of taste or smell. It is important to know that the com mon cold has no cure, but you can treat the symptoms. Doctors suggest taking pain relievers and non-pre scription over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. In most cases, colds last 3-10 days but can last as long as three weeks.

The Flu

Influenza or the ‘flu,’ causes patients to have difficulty breathing, short ness of breath, headaches, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, fe ver, and a runny or stuffy nose. The flu is a virus and with that, some may experience nausea, vomiting, or di arrhea. It is important to know that you can also have the flu without symptoms or a range of symptoms. Flu symptoms typically show up 1-4 days after exposure to the flu.

COVID-19

COVID-19 appears 2-14 days af ter a person is exposed to the virus. COVID patients can exhibit no

symptoms at all or can have severe symptoms. Patients with COVID may experience headaches, dry

cough, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and fe ver. COVID can also cause shortness of breath and a loss of taste or smell. COVID can also cause other, more severe complications such as blood clots.

You can lessen your risk of con tracting any of these illnesses by taking simple safety precautions. Social distancing, which was made popular by COVID, hand-washing, and wearing a mask are a few sim ple measures you can take to protect yourself. You can also avoid contact with people who you know are sick or people who exhibit some of the symptoms mentioned above. Try as much as possible to open windows and use air filters or purifiers when needed.

If you are not feeling well, do your best to limit your contact with oth ers. This may mean staying home when you don’t feel well. Be sure to clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces. If you are not feeling well and your symptoms do not improve reach out to your health care profes sional. They can prescribe medica tion and make sure symptoms are treated. The most important thing to know is that there are small things you can do to ensure your safety. As we move into year four of living with COVID, it is also important to know the differences between a cold, the flu, and COVID. While many of the symptoms may be similar, know ing the difference between them can go a long way in staying healthy

one on one with mayoral Candidate alderman Roderick t. sawyer

alderMan roderick t. saWyer was elected to represent the 6th Ward in April 2011. Since his election, he has worked to improve the communities within the 6th ward. Alderman Sawyer says he believes that all politics is local and remains committed to defending the community that he has lived in his entire life. Sawyer is currently running for Mayor of Chicago and spoke to Chicago News Weekly (CNW) about his platform and his plans for Chicago.

CNW As mayor how would you bring more investment and economic opportunities to the South and West Sides of Chicago?

alderman sawyer We have to get a handle on our TIF (tax increment finance) districts and ensure the ones we do have are being used for the original intended purpose - spur ring economic development in blighted, economically de pressed areas. Too often we are giving these out to developers who don’t need them or abuse them.

We need to create accountability for the businesses and de velopments where we do offer incentives. A grocery store that takes taxpayer money to open a store in a food desert should have to make a real commitment to the community, and to the stakeholders in the neighborhood.

Another problem are the tens of thousands of vacant, aban doned, and boarded-up properties in Chicago, most of them on the South and West Sides. I would make it a priority to get those out of the hands of the City and into the hands of people who will invest in them, develop them, live in them, and pay property taxes on them.

This has multiple levels of positive impact.

• First, it adds to city revenues.

• Second, you revitalize neighborhoods suffering from mal aise and decline, restoring property values, and making it a more appealing place to invest.

• Third, the increased population and investment means grocery stores, restaurants and small businesses will find it a more appealing place to invest.

• Finally, a more robust neighborhood with an increased number of residents who care about their homes and com munity is a deterrent to crime.

CNW The City Council rejected search warrant reforms recently, as mayor what would you do to ensure what hap pened to Anjanette Young never happens again?

alderman sawyer There are so many areas we need to improve to ensure this doesn’t happen. One key is the police reform that I just led through the City Council, the Em powering Communities for Public Safety Ordinance. When voters go to the polls in February to vote for Mayor, they will also vote for civilian oversight members in 22 police districts, the result of my five-year effort. This will help our police be trusted and respected in all communities, not feared in some. We also need a Police Superintendent who is from the ranks of the Chicago Police Department - someone the officers trust, respect and for whom they will run through walls. I talk to officers all the time and this Superintendent, and this Mayor do not inspire that kind of loyalty.

The greater accountability offered by a reformed police de partment and a Superintendent who stresses civil rights and respect for all Chicagoans will be significant steps. The prob lem we have now is the disconnect between our police and our communities when it comes to solving crimes. I believe reform and a new Superintendent will help re-engage our communities and reset the relationship with police.

In addition, no-knock warrants should be used rarely if at all. They are needed in exigent circumstances - in the case of a hostage or terrorism or an extreme threat to public safety. It certainly wasn’t needed in the case of Anjanette Young.

On top of that, every suspect deserves respect and dignity. The moment the police has secured an environment a sus pect should be allowed to cover themselves and get out of any position that is demeaning and degrading.

CNW Public safety has been identified as the main concern heading into the election. What are your plans to address crime and the root causes of violence in the city?

alderman sawyer The broad-ranging issue of public

safety has been one of the city’s most intractable issues for generations. And it’s time to take a new look at every facet of our approach to the matter.

This is a perfect example of the need for my #ResetChicago approach to managing the City of Chicago. (More on that later, but you’ll get a brief expla nation now.)

Public safety, crime, policing and all the related issues are complex and there isn’t one simple solution. We can demand more police all we want, and that will not solve the problem. Chicago has more officers per capita than New York and Los Angeles, and yet we have been unsuccessful in combating crime. So simply adding more police isn’t the answer, though it may be part of the answer in the short run.

We know Chicago has systemically disinvested in its people for decades - especially in communities of color. Cuts in ed ucation, humanities and sports programs have left our youth without the wisdom and critical thinking skills to reach their full potential.

Severe disparities in economic development on the South and West Sides have created a terrible inequity in oppor tunity. Black and brown people have been cut out of job prospects, small business opportunities and the creation of generational wealth.

The drastic and ill-planned closing of half of Chicago’s mental health clinics left untold numbers of people without the help needed to cope and added to issues of homelessness, domestic violence, suicide, overall crime. It also contributed to a general message that Chicago doesn’t care about mental illness nor does it want to provide the support and do the work it takes to create a safer city.

Our current mayor’s leadership has failed on all ends of this issue. She has alienated the police who work our city streets every day while doing nothing to reduce crime nor to ease the “crime anxiety’’ that is felt across the city from Lake View to Englewood. Many of her ideas, such as attempting to im pose a curfew on young people, are punitive, reactionary, and ineffective.

I led the charge for our current police reform, the most far-reaching and progressive in the United States. When you go to the polls and elect 66 members to police District Councils on election day in February, which will be the fruit of five years of effort on one of my highest legislative priorities. A reformed police department that is respected in all communities and not feared in some is a stronger police department.

Our current mayor simply doesn’t have the experience or expertise to understand this issue, let alone how to deal with it.

CNW One of Mayor Lightfoot’s cam paign promises was to re-open men tal health facilities in underserved communities, what is your plan to increase access to mental health services in our commu nities?

alderman

Mental health services in Chicago are an embarrass ment and it adds to our crime problem, to our homeless problem and to a general decay in the quality of life in our city.

The clinics we have now are not used to their fullest extent.

And that’s be cause we have agencies with good inten tions run by

great people who want to help this problem, but they just aren’t equipped to work together.

I am committed to ensuring we have more than adequate mental health services that are geographically available to ev eryone. But we have to be smart about offering this service, or referrals to these services, through other agencies that are used by the homeless, by people on probation and parole, by those who have a history of being underserved.

We have many places within city government where we can help people get to the services they need; we have to find ways to get those who need help into the safety net and then increasing what we can offer them.

CNW Chicago residents are feeling the pinch in their wal lets with rising costs and inflation. As mayor what will you do to help families struggling in this economy?

alderman sawyer The best thing the city government can do is NOT add to the problem. We need to avoid bal ancing the budget on the back of taxpayers or with new fees. The city can also ensure people are paid a living wage and that there is plenty of opportunity for people to start busi nesses, invest in properties, and thrive in their communities.

Before I was an alderman, I ran a bar, I worked as a stock broker, a Realtor, and an attorney. I’ve actually run businesses in this city, and I want to make sure Chicago is a place where business can thrive - from a new mom and-pop to a major corporate headquarters.

CNW Why are you running for Mayor and what do you want Chicago News Weekly readers to know about you and your campaign?

alderman sawyer My campaign slogan / hashtag is #ResetChicago. What do I mean by that? I mean we have to go back to the drawing board and look at the way we do ev erything. We have to ensure multiple agencies that

Chicago anti-gun violence activists Push for gun legislation and Peace

chicago, the third largest city in the U.S., has hit a reduction in population. Accord ing to World Population Review, the growth decline is attributed to the increase of “violence, tax hikes and issues with schools.” In addition, the Chicago Police Departments Citywide Crime Statistics report there were 608 complaints of murder, and 2542 calls for shootings in 2022.

Chicago has not been able to delineate from this crime spree as mass shootings have become a weekly event. “The city is in mourning” stated Yolanda Fields, Executive Director of Breakthrough Chicago.

In addition to the near dozen people shot in Novem ber, the mass shooting in Garfield Park on Halloween night is still on the minds of the community. On this day, a group of people congregated on the corner of California and Polk to hold a vigil in celebration of a departed friend. 14 were shot, leaving most in critical condition. The youngest was only three years old. “This shooting reminds us that there are too many weapons of war available to criminals. We must have a statewide ban and I urge the legislature to act.” Mayor Lori Light foot states in a post on Twitter.

Francisco “Frank” Perez, Associate vice president, and

Director of Violence Intervention Prevention Services at UCAN echo’s Mayor Lightfoot’s sentiments add ing, “There are two issues surround ing gun violence. The first is the type of weaponry being used (referring to an AR-15 or Rifle), the second is that there is a weapon in the house that hasn’t been secured appropriately or locked away.” To combat this issue, UCAN CEO Tom Vanden Berk founded the Gun Violence Preven tion PAC of Illinois and sits on the Gun Violence Prevention Action Committee. This PAC lobbies for legislation to prohibit the sale of “ghost gun kits” and the need to mandate background checks before the sale of a firearm.

According to The Brady Plan, a nonprofit organization promoting the 1993 Brady Handgun Violence Preven tion Act that amended the Gun Control Act of 1968, a “ghost gun” is an unserialized and untraceable firearm that can be bought online without a background check and assembled at home. “Our organization is located in E Garfield Park, about 10 minutes from where the violent incident on Halloween occurred” Mentioned Fields.

UCAN, Breakthrough Chicago, along with The Insti tute for Nonviolence Chicago (INVC) are nonprofit organizations in fellowship with Communities Partner ing for Peace (CP4P), an agency formed by a collective of over 20 community advocate organizations working for the good of the neighborhoods they serve. “Out reach workers and advocates support victims [of crime] to provide comfort and safety for families during a tragedy” Shared, INVC Director of Development and Communications, Tara B. Dabney

Along with first responders, agencies associated with

CP4P are sometimes the first on the scene after a gun violence accident and are strictly for the consolation of families. “We focus on providing housing, violence pre vention, wellness, community economic development, youth development, education and then spiritual for mation. Our work is rooted in using tactics for peace that involve intervention” Adds, Fields.

Fields also shares that they had only a “few” opportu nities to collaborate with Mayor Lightfoot, but their re lationship with the Police Department allows them to get the information they need to strategize their street level intervention. “I wouldn’t use the word partnership loosely” clarifies fields. “We are in two meetings a week with the Police Department and have a professional understanding. That understanding is that we want our community and streets to be peaceful.”

“I think the question [of why this stream of violence is happening] is just as complex as the solution” states Fields. “There are years of disinvestment in this city. The Westside of Chicago looks today very much like it did in the 60s after the riots. It is not just the indi vidual behaviors of people, it’s the systems that helped to create it. We still have buildings standing without Windows. It is a tragedy to see that people are living in these conditions.”

“There is a ton of investment in downtown Chica go along the riverfront, but it’s the black and brown communities the city just doesn’t invest in” Agreed Pe rez. “The change only seems to come when gentrifiers come in. The Westside reminds you of the old black and white World War Two footage.”

As if the city of Chicago has seen enough gun violence over the holidays, Police report that at least 9 more peo ple were shot during Thanksgiving. “[To decrease gun violence in Chicago] It’s going take the community it self to help with this change. It has to come from with in, not with a bunch of outsider “stakeholders” trying to tell the community what it needs.” Concludes Perez

to increase hiv / aids Prevention Equity.

The Health and Human Rela tions Committee of the Chica go City Council will consider a resolution Monday calling for equity in HIV/AIDS resources in Chi cago’s African American communities - a part of the population that accounts for half of all new infections yet receives a small fraction of the money spent on prevention.

First introduced at the last City Coun cil meeting on Oct. 26 by Ald. Roderick T. Sawyer (6th), and referred to HHRC, the resolution recognizes that HIV/ AIDS in Black communities in Chicago has become its own epidemic. Despite accounting for 50 percent of new infec tions while comprising only 29 percent of Chicago’s population, African Amer ican-led organizations got only about $1.4 million in funding out of more

than $40.4 million spent by the Chicago Department of Public Health.

“This is systemic racism and this in equity is part of the reason we have not brought the African American infection rate down,’’ said Creola A.Kizart-Hamp ton, founding board president of BLACHE - Black Leadership Coalition for Healthcare Equity. “We need agen cies that have cultural competency to address the crisis in our communities.’’

The funding model used by CDPH was set in 2019 and runs through 2023. African American activists want to see a move toward much greater equity when the new allocation is established in 2023, a formula that will apply for four years.

The ordinance is co-sponsored by Alds. Sophia King (4th), Ray Lopez (15th), and Pat Dowell. The State of Illinois adopted the groundbreaking Af

rican-American HIV / AIDS Response Act in 2006, which established a specif ic fund for Black organizations working on the crisis. Activists argue such a fund is even more needed in Chicago where African Americans are 29 percent of the population, while only 14 percent of the statewide population.

“It’s easy to see the current funding model isn’t working,’’ said Ald. Sawyer. “The majority of the money goes to or ganizations that aren’t part of our com munity and we’re left to sharecrop.’’

Three speakers will address the com mittee on the topic: Vanessa Smith, Executive Director, of South Side Help Center; Christopher Balthazar, Execu tive Director, of Task Force Community & Prevention Services, and State Rep. LaShawn Ford will speak on the need for city legislation to demand funding

equity.

Added Kizart-Hampton: “African American organizations are in a much better position to understand and con nect with Black communities than the larger organizations run largely by white leaders and based outside of communi ties of color.”

She said other problems include: (a) Late payments from the city - far too late in the budget cycle for the money to be spent and subsequent payments are reduced because all of the allocations were not used. (b) Spending guidelines that don’t understand the unique cir cumstances in each community. (c) Re sults-based funding that only pays for things such as the number of people tested, but doesn’t provide money to go out and do the grass-roots work needed to get people to get tested.

ChiCago housE

Creating Safe Spaces for Those Living with HIV/AIDS

Chicago House empowers those vulnerable to or living with HIV/AIDS, to lead healthy and dignified lives through housing and support services. Founded in 1985, during the height of the AIDS crisis, Chicago House initially served as a resource for housing and in some cases, hospice for those living with HIV/AIDS.

c hicago h ouse has multiple offices in Chicago, in the Uptown, Edgewater, Logan Square and South Loop neighborhoods. In 2020 Chicago House moved its main office to the south side to address the demographics of HIV. HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts communities of color on the south and west sides of Chicago and in transgender communities. De spite decreasing rates of HIV transmission, more mar ginalized communities still face systemic barriers to care and support.

Recent data on HIV transmission rates indicate black men are the most frequently diagnosed population, representing 55% of new HIV diagnoses. Illinois is ranked sixth among the 50 states in the number of new HIV diagnoses according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And in Chicago, the numbers are even more telling. According to a report released by

the Chicago Department of Public Health, more than two-thirds of new HIV infections are on the south side of Chicago with young people impacted the most. In the last five years, those aged 13 through 29 account for nearly one-half of new transmissions in Chicago. Black women are also disproportionately impacted by HIV. They face the highest risk compared to oth er groups. Many are unaware of their HIV status with poverty, stigma and fear of discrimination preventing them from getting tested or seeking care if infected. Versell Smith, Jr. Chief Strategy Officer for Chicago House says the stigma in marginalized communities continues because of the lack of acceptance and because marketing campaigns about preventing or living with HIV/AIDS do not reflect the community or have relat able faces. He says it is why representation is important in the work Chicago House does in the community.

“There is that element of not being connected or ac cepted by the broader black and brown community within our families, churches and friends. That’s why Chicago house reflects the community in its outreach. We employ community health workers that have rela tionships within the community, who reflect the com munity and then we are able to reach people in our out reach, providing education, prevention and treatment services. It is the education the engagement practices and having people who look like our community re flect the work that needs to be done.”-Versell Smith, Jr., (Chief Strategy Officer, Chicago House)

Chicago House offers services and housing programs to meet the needs of supporting individuals and families impacted by HIV. To date. They serve more than 2000

individuals through housing, health, employment ser vices and their TransLife Care Program. Through these services Chicago house addresses the social detriments of health. These are the environmental conditions in which individuals live within that impact their health and quality of life outcomes. Chicago house seeks to support individuals in overcoming those systemic bar riers.

Of the over 2000 people Chicago House serves, 60% identify as black, 20% identify as transgender or nonbi nary, 22% identify as Latinx and 17% identify as white. Chicago House provides rapid housing, long-term housing, independent housing, and scattered site hous ing for those vulnerable to or living with HIV/AIDS. Smith Jr. says housing is key in supporting those who are living with HIV or AIDS. “When you talk about social detriments of health, housing is a core anchor that ensures that other social detriments are support ed.”

Housing is just one of the four pillars Chicago House focuses on as part of its mission. Chicago House pro vides health care support by getting people tested and giving people access to treatment. Through a partner ship with St. Bernard’s ambulatory care program in En glewood, Chicago House expanded a pilot program to connect people to services and maintain care retention. In addition, Chicago House relaunched its mobile test ing van, “Ms. Vangie” in 2020. The mobile testing van increased Chicago House’s presence in communities lo cated in care deserts and allowed them to reach popula tions vulnerable to HIV rates. The van allows Chicago house to assess the needs of individuals in these areas.

Smith Jr. says that it’s not just about testing and treat ment. Chicago House works with individuals in a ho listic way by providing access to behavioral and mental health services that coincide with one’s diagnosis. “You can imagine the devastation of receiving that diagnosis. Chicago House asks what are the needs for us to support? How can we bring them into the Chicago House family and make sure that they have access to counseling and therapy?” Smith Jr., continued saying, “By using a more informed consent and harm reduction model, the people we serve are empowered. We are not here to judge but to provide support so that these individuals can make informed decisions.”

Chicago House also helps the community by providing employment services and offering uniquely designed care for those who identify as transgender or nonbinary. This includes a new housing facility for the trans population, who are often subjected to higher rates of violence and exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Chicago House is also addressing the specific needs of black women with their new housing facility on the south side in the Englewood neighborhood. The project broke ground in summer of 2022 and will assist black women and their families living with HIV by providing support ive services such as daycare and employment assistance. Recognizing women who may be the sole breadwinner and caretakers in their home, Smith Jr. says that these needs are more compounded with women who are living with HIV/AIDS. Providing employment, health care and housing in addition to mental and behavioral support, not only benefits them but the children that they are raising. “We want them to feel empowered to take back their lives and live a healthy life,” says Smith Jr.

Much progress has been made since the beginning of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic. Unlike the early 80s, a HIV/AIDS diagnosis is not a death sentence. Smith Jr. says tremendous strides have been made since the days of AZT in treating this virus. There are now medications that are easier and more convenient to take with less side effects. However, it is about ensuring that everyone who needs medication and treatments are able to not only access care, but also afford them; something that Chicago House strives to do and its work. They are helping those living with HIV in obtaining insurance and cover the cost of these treatments.

For those living with HIV/AIDS on the south side of Chicago,

the life expectancy is 20 years less than those living in neighbor hoods such as Streeterville an astonishing fact that served as one of the reasons Chicago House moved their offices to the south side in 2020. Their positioning on the south side of the city makes Chicago House situated to test, treat, and prevent new HIV infections. Smith Jr. says it was an important step towards realizing the vision to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois.

Smith Jr. also shared the importance of recruiting more vol unteers of color to Chicago House so that individuals needing care and support can see and feel the love and concern by people within their own communities. It helps in eliminating the shame and stigma of living with HIV/AIDS. Chicago house is currently developing a volunteer program but hosts service driven events such as coat drives and food giveaways. They are currently col lecting donations for the holiday season for basic essentials and toys for children.

For more on Chicago House, visit them at www.chicagohouse.org.

special feature

Lora Branch and Gilead Sciences Remains Focused on Fighting the hiv/aids virus

gilead Sciences is a pioneer in the research and development of HIV therapies. They have established themselves in the HIV/AIDS land scape. Gilead Sciences is committed to helping end the HIV epidemic and encouraging people to live healthier lives. Their primary focus is on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Influenza, and COVID-19 viruses. In 2020, Black men represented the most frequently diagnosed population, with 55% of new HIV diagnoses, 57% of AIDS diagnoses, and 48% of late di agnoses, per the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Lora Branch is the senior regional director of Gilead Sciences. She over sees the FOCUS program, and this program covers the United States, Spain, and Portugal. She partners with community health centers, substance abuse facilities, and jails. She is a huge advocate for screening of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis statuses. She became in terested in public health over 30 years ago. She noticed people were not diag nosed or tested during hospital visits. Lora is a huge advocate for screening everyone, especially those in the most vulnerable categories.

When Lora was younger, she worked as a DJ and partied in many clubs around the country with friends. She initially thought this “no named” virus was only an issue on the East and West coasts. She later realized it was hap pening worldwide and affecting ev eryone, including her family and close friends. Most people did not feel com fortable getting tested or sharing their status due to the stigma surround ing this disease during the height of its pandemic. Currently, the highest transmission group is males who have sex with males. In 2020, there were 6.6 times as many new HIV diagnoses in men than in women per Chicago’s Department of Public Health. She sprang into action with the desire to help people. There was a more significant focus and stigma towards gay men especially gay black men. Lora lost a lot of people close to her and spent a lot of time going to funerals. She started as a health edu cator, talking to teens. Then Lora hosted “Wrap It UP,” a TV show on cable access. This show allowed her to utilize her creative skills and the education she gained at Columbia College. After working for the Chicago Department of Public Health, developing several community projects, she found a position at Gilead Sciences. She considered herself lucky to find a career that matched her passion of community outreach while utilizing her creative skills to help others.

Lora does acknowledge that we are in a very favorable position compared to years ago. The HIV/AIDS virus is no longer a death sentence in the United States. But there are some countries around the world where access to treatment is still a huge

problem, and the stigma still exists. The enhancements in treatment options have helped with prevention efforts over the years. The overall goal is to stay healthy and keep the virus undetectable, which creates a lower chance of passing it on to others. According to Lora, black people comprise 13 to 14% of the population but are

50% of the newly diagnosed population. The high level of diagnosis is at tributed to less insured people, fewer routine check-ups, or seeking medical care in emergency situations. Some individuals do not have a primary care physician or get the proper screenings. Even though there is less coverage and conversation, this is still a problem. Research shows the diagnosis is higher for black gay men. The higher diagnosis is a result of black gay men being a more minor part of the population of people but a higher concen tration within the black community. Lora’s goal is to ensure equity and treatment access in underserved communities worldwide. Everyone has a role to play to improve things, especially the media. The agencies’ staff should reflect the communities they serve, including the front desk to the clinicians. Lora stays motivated by new challenges and success stories from the patients. She is also excited to utilize her creative talents to find solutions. Lora thinks a cure is on the way, considering the science behind the medication is evolving. Treatment is easier and more accessible, like a one-day pill or injection. “We still have work to do,” said Lora.

At Gilead Sciences, Lora manages a team with members across the country. Her days are full of zoom meetings with hospital administration and community health centers. Her team works tirelessly to get systematic, integrated, long-range change with sustainable programs. They discuss what’s happening from state to state, bar riers, policies, laws, and environmental changes. Lora continues to stress how vital screenings are and how some states have prevented an opt-out clause. She occa sionally travels to Washington, D.C., and states around the country to advocate for change. We need more voices and more answers, and to keep the conversation going.

Theresa L Horton is a staff writer for the Chicago News Weekly. Find her on social media at @passionateresources or @passion-sources.

RaE lEWis thoRNtoN liFE aFtER thE diagNosis

oth doors closed for security as trusted mem bers gathered around the inner library table in aghast of breaking world news. None were prepared for what was coming at us. Noisily a handle turned as Rae Lewis unapologetically burst in taking a seat at the table amongst the gathered distin guished. Dismissing ‘the look’ to be silent, she defiantly rolled her eyes at all of us. She announced,” I have HIV and I’m telling the world!”, in boiling red-faced fury. Some hastily left the room, knocking chairs over in a hurry to be safe away from her. Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. and his wife Jacqueline sat fearlessly without judg ment. Reverend Willie Barrow moved her protest signs off the table while Mrs. Jackson whispered, “It’s okay Baby- we are here for you.” Reverend Jackson teared up and said, ”You are going to die.”

Still shouting, Lewis responded defiantly, “Yes, I am, but not today!” We would soon learn that her rage came from a wellspring of abuse, and abandonment with paralyzing depression. Over time she persevered and pushed through determined to not make the anomaly her life sentence.

Rainbow Push Coalition had just ended its annual convention with a who’s who luncheon. Susan Taylor, then Editor of “Essence” magazine served as the key note speaker. While walking out of the full-to-capaci ty room – she courteously spent a few minutes talking with many women eager to seek solace from the up heaval of changing moral targets as a result of sexual freedoms from earlier years.

Rae bumped into me, and said, “Got something to show ya--follow me!” She continued, “I’m going to walk to the front of this room and men are going to hit on me. Then, I’m going to tell them I have full Blown AIDS.” At least ten of them will say they don’t care. I watched her do as she had announced, and it was absolutely frightening to witness fifteen guys that disavowed her announcement and wanted her “digits” anyway. You must understand that Rae was a beauti ful, stacked, smart, sensual woman and was working as a political organizer in Washington, D.C. for Rever end Jackson. It was the Spring of 1986 and at age 23, Thornton was just starting her career. But a phone call from the American Red Cross brought all of that to a sudden halt.

When she learned that she had contracted the HIV virus. She didn’t take the news well. Who would? All we knew is that HIV/AIDS was a ‘gay man’s disease. Rae took sanctuary inside herself, and the once popular vibrant extrovert quietly entered a study at the National Institute of Health (NIH) and disclosed her status to a few select friends. It’s no surprise that she and many others at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the Unit ed States felt alienated and alone. Most people feared for their lives and wanted to have nothing to do with HIV/AIDS victims. Meanwhile, she thought that she had to defend herself against fear and a virus that was claiming the lives of hundreds each day. So there, that day she seemed boldly out of control. Even so, our cir cles were not prepared for Rae to blast as an ESSENCE 1994 HIV/AIDS COVER GIRL nine years later. She was 32.

In that article, she expressed “I have no idea who in fected me or when it happened,” Thornton said in a personal essay. “Still, there is one thing I am absolutely certain of: I am dying now because I had one sexual partner too many. And I’m here to tell you one is all it takes.”

From that day forward Rae has become a voice and face of HIV/AIDS for Black People. She has never backed down from her truth and continues to inform the world about the virus that at that time killed hun dreds daily. It was world news, and the attention was amazing partly because she was still alive after 9 years of living with the disease and it helped that she remained attractive. Thus, her new career path – activism.

Soon after, she began experiencing the decline of her health yet, she managed to do profiles for “Date line,” and anchor an Emmy Award-winning series for WBBM-TV in Chicago while facing complications associated with her illness. The series tackled different aspects of living with AIDS, such as disclosing in the workplace, maintaining friendships, and educating teens about HIV.

Today Rae Lewis-ssThornton has been living with HIV for 36 years and AIDS for 26. Rae says, “I should have died many times, most people who were infected at the time that I was are dead.”

Rae exclaims, ‘it was not easy.’ It took determination to push past the struggle because “it’s hard to maintain your dignity when HIV/AIDS threatens to take it all away. She admits that she once told her physician that she quit. Dr. Mardge Cohen, a leading AIDS researcher told her, “You can’t quit.” Rae confesses that what she heard was, “If you quit, you die.” So, she committed to doing whatever it takes to live. The medications made her sick and caused many complications, such as Pneu mocystis pneumonia, kidney stones, violent dreams, etc. The irony is that it was important that people like

Rae stay alive until better medicine came along. It’s be cause of the rare few that did push through that others can now live long lives. Rae says, “I held on and then I looked up, and here I am.”

Rae’s good fortune to get in on the NIH study that save her life was a blessing. It provided her the physical ability to continue to fight, thrive, date, and marry Ken Thornton (that’s another story), They divorced after 4 -years. Healthy living, safe -sex, and self-improvement have extended her years as she continues to evolve with an incurable diagnosis. Undaunted she proudly wears her badge of ‘Bad-Ass’ of victory over self-abuse.

a histoRy oF aBusE

Her methods for longevity include no dietary changes except that of her lifelong promise to feed others. Infor mation, helpful advice, open honesty unbridled deter mination to feed others fuel her mission. “Christ said many times- that is an honor to feed people,” she says. Born to two heroin addicts-then rescued by her grand father and severely beaten by his third wife. “My won der was founded on the twisted rationale that the hands that caused so much pain could produce such delicious food. Rae chronicles the tactile re-development of the mind using her hands and intensive mental grounding therapy as the architect of building what she calls “ther apeutic resilience, “ to construct a backbone of reten tion and will to “push-through” difficulty.

On the other side Lewis- Thornton fell into the care of “a woman referred to as MOM’. A woman that never touched her, shared a trip or television show yet cut vegetables and stirred every dish with indescribable love.

Known as Grandma Julia whom Rae describes as an Angel, who rescued the young Rae on weekends go to church baking all day together on Saturdays. In 7th and 8th Grade another angel appeared as her home Eco nomics teacher who helped her to transfer her atten tion to accomplishing success through small projects like preparing and cooking a meal. The gifts from these angels assisted her in moments of crisis. She describes her experience “I fumbled through facing rejection and fear about my diagnosis- I found focus and strength through prayer, philosophy, therapy, and self-reflec tion,” grounded within her from the gifts given by her angels.

Admitting that the most difficult part of being a wom an is being Unprotected (the Title of her Book) – she reflects on the sorrow of never meeting the woman that robbed her of being a child. Lewis-Thornton calls her “magic sauce” a mixture of all the broken pieces spliced together with Gorilla Glue dipped in resin that is now rock solid.

She’s been able to share her journey with recently re united with her long estranged loving family, which includes the release of her 3rd book, “Unprotected: A Memoir” on May 18,of this year and earlier this month she spent time in Los Angeles filming for a documenta ry that will air on OWN TV in 2023.

In the meantime, Rae continues to collect fine china to “Sip Tea,” lectures and bakes incredible delicacies for all to while sharing her sojourn and accomplishments on social media.

the grammy’s Nominates two of Chicago’s own

Two Chicago artists, DJ Terry Hunter and Spoken Word art ist, J. Ivy, were nominated for the music industry’s highest honor. The Grammy’s announced their list of 2023 nominees on Nov. 15. DJ and Producer, Terry Hunter earned his second nomination for Best Remixed Recording for Beyonce’s “Break My Soul (Terry Hunter remix)” and Spoken Word artist, J. Ivy was nominated for his latest album, “The Poet who Sat by the Door.”

A member of the Chosen Few DJs, Terry Hunter has worked as a DJ and producer for 40 years and has worked on musical projects with iconic musical

is special because it spotlights House Music, a genre created in Chicago, and places it on a national stage. He says he’s thankful to Beyonce for making sure the Chicago House sound was fea tured in Beyonce’s “Break My Soul” re mix package. “Repping my city through my music is something that I hold very close. I try to do that in every musical project that I’m involved in so I’m ex tremely excited and proud about this nomination.”

The latest album, “Renaissance” by Be yonce, released in 2022 features dance and house music in its entirety and pays tribute to her Uncle Johnny who she says introduced her to the genre. “Win

artists such as Aretha Franklin, Cha ka Khan, Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Raheem Devaughn, Terisa Griffin, Estelle, Chan tay Savage, Byron Stingily (of Chicago’s Ten City), Syleena Johnson, Ye West, and Jennifer Hudson. Hunter was pre viously nominated for Jennifer Hudson’s song, “It’s Your World” in 2014 but this is Hunter’s first nomination as a remixer. Terry Hunter says this nomination

or lose, I already feel like I won and it’s not just a win for me, it’s a win for the genre of house music and a win for our city”, Hunter said.

Spoken word artist, J. Ivy is known for his appearances on “HBO Def Po etry Jam,” his work on Ye West’s Gram my-winning album “The College Drop out”, and most recently as the lead writer on the Netflix Documentary, “Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye West Trilogy.” He is also a cel

ebrated author, songwriter, and NAACP Image Award winner.

This year, Ivy is nominated for best-spo ken word poetry album for his spoken word project, “The Poet Who Sat By the Door,” a category he advocated for six years to have created. In an interview with the Today Show, Ivy said, “It really was a hope and a wish to be able to create a platform strictly for the poets.” Known for his talent of painting pictures with his words, Ivy’s sixth studio album, ‘The

Poet Who Sat By The Door’ features mu sic by music featuring John Legend, PJ Morton, Musiq Soulchild, BJ the Chica go Kid, and more beautifully illustrates topics of love, healing, and inspiration.

The 65th Grammy Awards ceremo ny takes place Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Area and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-de mand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT.

Chance the Rapper helps to Kick off msi’s annual Christmas around the World Exhibition

c hance the r apper joined Chevy Humphrey, President, and CEO of MSI in lighting the museum’s historic four-story Grand Tree at the official opening of the “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” exhibit. Celebrating its 80th anniversary the exhibit is a holiday tradition for families visiting Chicago and for Chicago residents. The exhibit features more than 50 trees highlighting a variety of countries and cultures, offering insight into the holiday customs celebrated by families around the world. These trees and displays are decorated by volunteers from around the Chicagoland area to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe.

President and CEO of MSI, Chevy Humphrey says the exhibition represents a special time for the museum. “This event means so much because it brings everyone together in solidarity. It’s the one place where people put their differences aside and celebrate together as one”, says Humprey.

In addition to the “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” exhibition at the museum, the celebrated “Art of the Brick” exhibition joins the holiday festiv ities with a new addition, “The Twelve Days of Brick-mas”. Artist, Nathan Sawaya debuts a new collection of new pieces themed around the 12 Days of Christmas. This year, Grammy award-winning artist and Chicago native, Chance the Rapper’s organization SocialWorks is one of the featured trees in this year’s exhibit. A staunch supporter of Chicago Public School students, Chance the Rapper’s SocialWorks Tree features ornaments designed by students at Percy Julian High School. SocialWorks focuses on education, mental health, homelessness, and performing and literary arts.

“We focus on five main initiatives. We have kids in the kingdom, which is our Vacation Bible School during the summer, we have an open mic, which is our af ter-school program where we do arts education for high school students, and we have other events and initiatives that we do during the winter.”-Chance the Rapper In support of SocialWorks, Chance the Rapper in partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry will have his 4th annual “A Night at the Museum” event on Friday, December 16th at the Museum of Science and Industry, “A Night at the Museum” is a family-fun holiday event allowing guests to explore MSI after-hours, engaging with 50+ event-only vendors, activations, performers and more. Ice cream maker, Ben and Jerry’s are a key sponsor of this year’s event. Ben & Jerry’s and Chance the Rapper teamed up to launch Mint Chocolate Chance, a new full-time ice cream flavor. A portion of the proceeds from all ice cream sales goes toward So cialWorks. Tickets starting at $15 for the event are available at https://eventnoire. com/e/anatm2022.

The Museum of Science and Industry’s “Christmas Around the World and Holi days of Light” Exhibit Runs through January 8, 2023. The “Christmas Around the World” exhibition is included in the museum’s entry price. The “Art of the Brick and Twelve Days of Brick-mas” exhibition is available to see for an additional price. For more information on the exhibitions visit www.msichicago.org.

special feature

Eliminate holiday stress

For many people, the hol idays are a time of happi ness, enjoyment and joy. Days filled with good food, family, and friends, days off work, and time spent relaxing or shopping are of ten part of the equation. For others, the holi day signals a time of stress, depression, and overwhelm. Some people dread the holidays, the impending tasks associated with the holidays, and the financial burden they are often left to carry into the new year once the holidays are over.

The reality is that the holidays do not have to be stressful. There are practical and actionable steps you can take to eliminate holiday stress and prevent the carryover of debt that often follow people into the new year. The holidays should be a time of peace, relaxation, and enjoyment for everyone. Far too often there are a few people who are tasked with the majority of the responsibility for making the holidays enjoy able for everyone else. This year that does not have to be the case.

Here are just a few suggestions to help you combat holiday stress:

1. Be realistic about what you can handle. If the thought of hosting the holiday meal has you overwhelmed, consider not hosting this year. It is perfectly acceptable to say no. Or if you do not mind hosting but are overwhelmed with preparing the meal, ask family members (those who can cook) to contribute a portion of the meal. Another solution is to limit the selections. Many families prepare 10-12 dishes for the holidays, consider a condensed menu to take some of the pressure off of yourself. 2. Be realistic with your budget. A great deal of holiday stress is related to over spending or overextending yourself which can cause debt. Debt and the stress that comes along with financial issues can cause health issues. Begin by taking a serious look at your finances and knowing what you have to spend and budget accordingly. There is no reason to start the year off in debt because of how much was spent during the holidays.

3. Be realistic with your expectations. This is an important one. This can be the expectation to cook, to show up, and to contribute financially. These expectations are those you impose on yourself as well as those imposed by others. During the holidays we often over-commit or commit based on tradition, history, and pressure. Remove the pressure and be realistic about what you plan to do and what may be outside of your comfort level during this time.

4. Create new traditions. If you don’t want to cook, order out, or take the family out for a meal. If your budget will not accommodate buying gifts for everyone, host a family grab bag where each person is only responsible for one gift. Instead of tra ditional holiday meals, plan a barbecue or a seafood boil, just to switch things up. Families can also hire a chef to take some of the pressure off of preparing a family meal. Or take a fraction of what each member of the family would have spent on gifts to provide for a family or several people in need. Be creative in how you plan to spend your holidays. While there is nothing wrong with tradition, there is nothing wrong with creating new traditions.

The possibilities for eliminating stress during the holidays are endless but stress does not have to be a part of the holiday celebration. Setting realistic expectations and understanding what you can control and being unafraid to say no or decline demands that will add undue stress can actually make the holidays more enjoyable. There are so many reasons and ways to celebrate but this year be intentional about not inviting stress to the holiday gathering.

Dr. Willie Wilson E L E C T

F O R M A Y O R O F C H I C A G O L E A D E R S H I P

C O M P A S S I O N A T E C O M M I T T E D & C O N S I S T E N T

e l e c t w i l l i e w i l s o n . c o m / d r w i l l i e w i l s o n

@ d r w i l l i e l w i l s o n @ d r w i l l i e w i l s o n

fashion HOMOPHOBIA, AIDS AND FASHION

Exploring the cultural impact of the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s through the shock, waves it sent through fashion, Amy de la Haye’s essay connects the pink triangle symbol and its subversion for strength and community; the visionary talents we lost and AIDS victims’ material legacies.

For many in their fifties and older, the COVID-19 pandemic–a global and indiscriminate virus which still has repercussions unknown to the medical community even though many have been discovered. And more im portantly, the fact that there is no cure for COVID-19 –recalls the horrific, painful memories of the 1980s and ‘90s when the AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome, the advanced stage of HIV [human immu nodeficiency virus]) pandemic reached its first peak. Different than COVID, HIV/AIDS was originally–and entirely inaccurately–thought to exclusively target the marginalized section of society of gay men. As such within a culture of homophobia, the development of a cure and support for its sufferers were not prioritized, which forced the homosexual community to protest and campaign for their own equality, for broader vis ibility of the disease and investment in vital medical research. Sadly, too many people thought HIV/AIDS was God’s punishment for their sexual culture.

By 1982, at the point when the spread of the disease had literally become a killing disease wiping out thou sands of young and old talented and helpless men; sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, sons and lovers the world governments could no longer ignore the reality. It was named GRID, an acronym for gay-related immune de ficiency. The debilitating symptoms–including severe weight loss and Kaposi Sarcoma (a form of skin can cer)–were all the more shocking as the disease stole the lives and bodies of the young and often super-fit. In the prevailing climate of fear and bigotry, homophobia and ‘gay bashing’ became even more rife, and the pop ular media fanned the flames, reporting that AIDS, as it was later named, could be contracted from any contact with individuals who were HIV positive or items they had touched.

Like COVID, New York was an epicenter for AIDS.

The effects upon the fashion designers, stylists, photog raphers, graphic artists, hairdressers, journalists, display artists, showroom and retail workers and other creatives that comprised the city’s second largest and most highly visible fashion industry were calamitous.

In 2013, Dr Valerie Steele, Director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (MFIT) and cu

to Willi Smith and Patrick Kelly, both Black who had risen to the top of the fashion world. The atmosphere of fear was dense and promoted loathsome bigotry, re flected by the numerous male designers who were fired if they couldn’t prove that they didn’t have AIDS. But a committed segment of the fashion community joined forces with AIDS activists to raise money to help peo ple who were sick and to pressure the government to take action. And then there was that one an gel, legendary nightlife figure Suzanne Bartsch, the Swiss Miss of club life who created the Love Ball, which raised mon ey and morale at a really horrible plague time.’

Since then, of course science has made us a much more informed people and we have ex pressed more compassion and empathy towards the gay LBGQT commu nity especially amongst Blacks. It was during that time that the ‘downlow,’ Black man brought AIDS home to his woman/wife and many women died or suffered with AIDS.

Ignorance has never been bliss. Be informed

rator of scores of exhibitions including the seminal A Queer History: From the Closet to the Catwalk recalls, how: ‘AIDS had a devastating impact on the fashion world of New York (as it did on the arts in general). Many of the most talented designers died, from Halston

Keith Haring, an im mensely talented artist and advocate for AIDS awareness, died of AIDS-related complications on 16 February 1990 at 31 years old. This t-shirt graphic, based on the old proverb ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ dates from 1989; it was printed on paper and apparel.

Black Fashion Week usa Wraps ups the End of the year at Chicago Public libraries

Black Fashion Week USA in partnership with the Chi cago Public Library is currently on an educational tour throughout the city of Chicago. The events will incor porate the history of the head wraps, live demonstra tions, and raffle giveaways. BFWUSA will also sponsor a high fashion showcase to benefit the Kappa League of Richton Park Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi as they raise money for college scholarships. If you missed the first online Zoom date, you can still catch the in-person tour and get a sneak peek for 2023 on the following dates and locations:

Kappasino Saturday 12/10/22 (Scholarship Charity Event)

Eyes Wide Shut Edition

740 East 56th Place Chicago, IL 60637

Time: 8:00 PM

Sunday 12/11/22

Woodson Regional Library Auditorium 9525 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60628

Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Sunday 12/18/22 Hall Branch Library

4801 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60615

Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Registration is not required for in-per son events. For more details visit https:// www.chipublib.org

Arts & Culture

‘tis the sEasoN!

It’s

Officially Holiday Sea son! To borrow from a holiday classic song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Chicago is lit up from the Magnifi cent Mile to the Bean, to State Street and in every neighborhood. There’s no shortage of things to do and places to go during this month to feed the celebratory spirit of the most celebrated holiday season and here’s a brief rundown of what’s avail able!

Back by popular demand, The Auditorium The atre presents Too Hot to Handel, The Jazz-Gospel Messiah. The brainchild of Marin Alsop, Ravinia’s current music director along with Bob Christian son and Gary Anderson, which first premiered at the Lincoln Center in 1993. This music genre bending twist on Friedrich Handel’s classical Mes siah has become a hot ticket in cities around the country. Featuring a blend of classical, jazz, blues, scatting, reggae and choral music and the vocal talents of husband & wife operatic soloists Alfre da Burke (Soprano) and Rodrick Dixon (Three Mo’ Tenors), Karen Marie Richardson (mezzo so prano) and famed Detroit pianist Alvin Waddles along with a one-hundred-member choir, a jazz combo and a full orchestra, this soaring produc tion will have two performances only at the Audi torium Theatre on Dec. 3 & 4.

Goodman Theatre’s beloved staging of the hol iday classic, A Christmas Carol opened on Nov. 19, and is celebrating 45 years of being one of Chicago’s favorite holiday traditions. First per formed in 1978, the staged production of A Christmas Carol was Goodman’s answer to the usual slow theatre season experienced during the Christmas holidays. It quickly became a holiday destination for our city and an important pro duction in the world of theatre. In 1984 the bold decision to take the significant risk of introducing di versity in their casting process was made and proved to be a successful choice while setting a new standard for non-traditional casting was quite progressive. By creat ing a human rainbow cast for this story loved by peo ple of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, and nationalities, the Goodman has given everyone the opportunity to see themselves in this beloved story about the magic of Christmas. Having seen it many times, I recommend making it part of your family tradition!

Next up at the Black Ensemble Theatre is their holiday offering, Jackie Taylor’s Joy to the World: A Holiday Celebration. Written and directed by Ms. Taylor, this uplifting, inspirational musical tribute to the holidays features the talents of Robin DeSilva, Robin Preston,

Vincent Jordan, Jim Wynton, Dwight Neal, Colleen Perry, and a live band. This fun, high-spirited musical runs Dec. 10 - 18. So, get your tickets now.

In another twist on a classic, The Nutcracker ballet has been translated into the language of today, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is streaming on Disney Plus. Inspired by the live stage phenomenon created by Jennifer We ber and currently touring the country, the Disney Plus original special features stars from the world of Hip Hop and classical ballet with DMC’s Rev. Run serving as narrator, Cache’ Melvin as Maria-Clara, Fik-Shun Stegall as the Nutcracker, Hip Hop dance troupe and Las Vegas headliners, the Jabbawockeez as dancing snowflakes, Stephen “tWitch” Boss & Allison Holker Boss as Maria-Clara’s parents with special appearanc es by Mikhail Baryshnikov and Kurtis Blow, the first

rapper to be signed by a major record label. Imagine, Hip Hop dance moves and rap lyrics to the music of Tchaikovsky! Gather the kids, get the popcorn, and get ready to experience this classic tale in a totally new way! Looking for unique gifts as well as opportunities to support small, Black business vendors? Visit The South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 12-4pm to shop our 3831 Holiday PopUp Vendor Market. Located at 3831 S. Michigan Ave., come out and support small business vendors at this very special pop-up marketplace. Visit The South Side Community Art Center website for more information and mark your calendars. While you’re there, enjoy the artistry of the current exhibit, 9 Artists, 9 Months, 9 Perspectives and learn how you can become involved with this historic Black institution.

Educating Black teens hiv/aids

Knowledge is power. Information and educating one self is the key to unlocking that power. What we de cide to learn and teach can affect the quality of life we choose to live, as well as the lives we create for children deemed as our legacy. So how do we decide how we ed ucate African American youth on HIV/AIDS and pre vention? Is this subject, one that should be discussed in homes and taught in schools? A better informed youth sector of society means better armed youth prepared to confront and manage HIV/AIDS.

Harold Cherry, the Program Coordinator for Testing and Counseling for the South Side Help Center, be lieves that HIV/AIDS education should be embedded in the school curriculum through sex education courses due to the rising rate of sexually active teens. “Teens have a lack of concern for the disease because they don’t see the importance of it. They don’t see the importance of it because they don’t know the history behind it. With the advancement of medication, they believe it’s not a big deal.”

Erica Gafford, the Director of HIV/STD Testing and Prevention Services for the Center on Halsted agrees that teens and youth should be better informed about HIV/AIDS and preventative measures. “Families and schools can inform teens better about HIV/AIDS by talking about it and being open about sexuality. Our job is to support youth. A part of that is educating them about sexual health.”

The Chicago Department of Public Health, HIV/ STI Sept. 2022 Data Report shows that in 2020,

per 100,00), Washington Park (96.9 per 100,000), and Uptown (65.0 per 100,000). The communities with the highest number of new HIV infection diagnoses were Uptown, Austin, and South Shore.

With this recent report and others to come, the need for properly informing our youth about HIV/AIDS and preventative measures is vital to the survival of communities of color. Throughout the city, there are resources for everyone to learn more about HIV/AIDS and find out their status. The South Side Help Center has mobile testing units that go through the city, five days a week that are equipped with confidential testing spaces and counseling. The Center, located on Halst ed offers rapid HIV testing, PrEP Navigation, and care coordination for people living with HIV. The question is, what area (s) are the students from, who know more about HIV/AIDS? Then we must create equity across the board to assure all children the equal opportunity to be informed.

Is it the responsibility of adults in the lives of teens to teach them about sexual health? While the subject may be uncomfortable, it’s necessary that today’s youth understand how to protect themselves and others from HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections. Think of it as a very significant part of the crash Sex Education course you are providing. Make sure that you find resources; reach out to HIV health services and support programs, and bring health educators to schools on a consistent basis to give Black youth the tools they need to properly educate themselves. Health

Food & Wine NEW TWIST ON CRANBERRY

NOTES:

• Level: Easy

• Total: 2 hr 20 min (includes rising times)

• Active: 25 min

• Yield: 18 knots

• These Cranberry Knots use two of the holiday season’s most popular ingredients—cranberries and Brie—team up in this easy appetizer. Twist them with fluffy pizza dough and bake until gold en for the ideal handheld starter.

Ingredients

Deselect All 2 tablespoons olive oil 28 ounces refrigerated pizza dough, at room temperature (see Cook’s Note)

One 4-ounce wheel Brie All-purpose flour, for dusting 3/4 cup prepared whole berry cranberry sauce 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Directions

1. Brush the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place the pizza dough on top. Brush the top of the dough with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and cover lightly with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature until just about doubled in size, 1 hour.

2. Cut off the rind from the sides of the Brie wheel, then cut the Brie into 18 equal-sized cubes. Set aside.

3. Lightly flour a work surface. Using floured hands, shape the dough into an 18-by-4-inch-rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into eighteen 1-inch-wide strips.

4. Shape each strip into a 10-inch-long rope and tie into a knot, tucking the two ends of the rope underneath it. Divide the knots between two baking sheets and let rest until slightly puffed, 40 to 45 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, position the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F.

6. Cut a small slit in the top of each knot with a sharp paring knife and use your fingers to create a small well. Spoon a heaping 1/4 teaspoon cranberry sauce into each well and top with 1 piece of Brie. Reserve the remaining cranberry sauce for serving.

7. Brush the tops of the knots with 4 tablespoons of the butter. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Bake until the cheese is melted, and the dough is fully cooked and turning light golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

8. Meanwhile, stir together the remaining cranberry sauce and 2 tablespoons but ter in a small bowl. Serve with the knots for dipping.

*Cook’s Note

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