March 6, 2024 Edition

Chicago News Weekly

Terri Winston Vice President

Darnell Pulphus Art Director

Max Blaisdell Copy Editor

Dr. Mila K. Marshall Cannabis Corner Editor

Staff Writers

CL Blackburn

Zada Johnson

Marti Worell

Wanda Wright

Columnists

Eric Grant

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Melanie Mainor

Ken Hare

Cover Photo By Jason McCoy

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Vol. 2 No 5

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

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E notes

To Ignore Trump, Focus on Biden’s Record

Ihad a most interesting weekend among immediate and extended family and friends. We gathered to celebrate the life of our aunt, mother, sister, and grandmother who will turn 96 in July and her sister who will turn 95 in November. Pretty women in their day, they married well. They have aged like fine wine with a full bouquet. So, we surrounded them with love and respect this past weekend to acknowledge their lives because more time on this planet isn't promised to any of us. You can only begin to imagine the conversations that took place in every room at the party. From politics to Jay Z’s Grammy speech and Blue Ivy’s too-grown dress, Ms. Tina’s white lace see-through onesie, the 2024 Presidential election, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s peccadillos, E. Jean Carroll’s court victory, Melania Trump’s absence, and former President Donald Trump’s request that the Supreme Court step in to temporarily block a U.S. Court of Appeals decision that eviscerated his claim that the president is effectively above the law, to the age of President Joe Biden, who is 81.

Oh, you can imagine much of what was said, and there was a lot to be considered. Most importantly was the question regarding mainstream media once again falling into the trap of promoting the man currently under two indictments on state charges—one in New York and one in Georgia—and two indictments, as well as one superseding indictment, on federal charges—one in Florida and one in the District of Columbia. These indictments include a total of 91 felony charges.

It’s as if the media is in an abusive affair with this man who disrespects and calls them liars, which are among the nicest things he’s said about the free press. In the past, Trump has accused the press of falsely representing everything he’s done, no matter the facts presented that prove otherwise. And yet, they keep going back for more, providing him a free platform to spew his authoritarian malarkey. It may be absurdity, babble, balderdash, baloney, bombast, bull, bunk, drivel, foolishness, gibberish, giddiness, hogwash, jive, poppycock, prattle, rubbish, silliness, or trash, but there are many who accept it as truth. Therein lies the danger.

I'm willing to bet my life that if the media stopped giving that man the attention that he craves, he’d just shrivel up and be gone. Presto! But they’re too scared. And most

pathetic is that he always says the same things or some facsimile of what he’s said before. Trump’s repetition of past statements has now become ingrained in the minds of many, including the naive or uninformed. He brings very little new or fresh statements of consequence regarding the advancement of the United States. What he does repeat is his position of complete innocence— that his legal issues are a witch hunt by the Democrats who have weaponized the government against him—never admitting to the numerous offenses that he has committed. Too many people are no longer informed and nor do they care to be. They would rather grab ahold of a slogan that sounds good to them.

So, here’s a bit of history to review—the Watergate scandal that led to criminal charges against seven people who were part of President Richard Nixon’s administration. In June of 1972, five men were caught breaking into the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee located on the 6th floor of the Watergate Hotel in Washington while Nixon was campaigning for re-election.

Nixon denied any involvement, but evidence tied the burglars to the Committee to Re-Elect the President. Audio tapes also linked Nixon to the cover-up. Documents released by the National Archives include a draft presentment from a federal Grand Jury.

Dated February 1, 1974, the draft presentment states that the president “unlawfully, willfully, and knowingly” conspired to “commit offenses against the United States. Sound familiar?

In 2018, the National Archives released documents that revealed how a federal grand jury viewed Nixon’s involvement in the scandal. Finally, that six-page document also revealed that a grand jury planned to charge him with bribery, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and obstruction of a criminal investigation. That nixes Trump's appeal to the Supreme Court.

As Congress prepared to impeach him, Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974. Thirty days later, then-President Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon, protecting him from criminal prosecution.

It has been verified that while a draft report shows a federal grand jury was willing to indict Nixon, he was never official-

ly charged with any crimes. Such an act against the government under Nixon’s leadership should have been the bullet heard around the world, especially at home where such offenses should not be tolerated.

But here we are in 2024 considering electing a potential felon, thief, adulterer, rapist, tax dodger, election fraud advocate and promoter, and one who publicly touts his respect for Russian President Vladimir Putin, an authoritarian leader who kills his opponents and steals their wealth after they’re dead, as a potential president. Lord, help us!

But here’s the nail, as my good friend Billie pointed out.

“Have you noticed that we can’t talk about Biden without mentioning the other guy? But here’s how we do it—’The Biden Solution,’” she recommended.

“Just focus on talking points about Biden, that strengthens what he’s done that’s great for the country and the world. There are so many things, like:

• Getting more people working than at any point in American history,

• Making more in America, which creates jobs,

• Rescuing the economy and changing the course of the pandemic,

• Rebuilding our infrastructure,

• Passing the first meaningful gun violence reduction legislation in 30 years,

• Expanding benefits and services for veterans exposed to burn pits,

• Protecting reproductive rights through executive orders,

• Rallying the world’s support for Ukraine in response to Putin’s aggression,

• Forgiving student debt for a large number of middle- and working-class families.

• Nominating Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court and numerous other federal judges from diverse backgrounds,

• Getting more people with health insurance than ever before,

And there’s more. So, there’s no need to ever mention the other guy. I mean what has he done for us?”

Is Bring Home Chicago Really Going to Work

Mayor Johnson's proposed "Bring Home Chicago" increase in the real estate transaction tax will impact Chicago businesses and renters, with no guarantee that the funds will be allocated to aid the homeless.

The Cook County judge's decision, effectively tripling the Real Estate Transaction Tax through a referendum, is under attack by the Mayor and proponents of the referendum, who label it as voter suppression. This criticism arises from a Mayor who, along with City Council allies, obstructed efforts to permit city residents to vote on even a "non-binding resolution" regarding Chicago's Sanctuary City status.

As offensive and dangerous as this rhetoric is, it is equally egregious that the Mayor and his supporters disseminate falsehoods about the proposed tax increase itself and its impact on Chicago.

Here are the facts:

This tax primarily targets commercial property and apartment buildings. An analysis by Crain’s Chicago Business

revealed nine times more commercial property sales over $1 million from April 2021 to April 2022 than residential property sales—a clear indication that the tax will predominantly affect commercial property.

Apartment building sales, not mansions, constitute most of the remaining transactions subject to the proposed tax increase. Consequently, Chicago businesses, both large and small, as well as renters, will ultimately bear the brunt of the higher tax burden.

This tax increase will further exacerbate Chicago's already burdensome state and local tax obligations, which lead the nation. Chicago's commercial property taxes surged by 93% from 2012 to 2022, with the commercial property tax rate exceeding double the U.S. average for the largest cities in each state.

Raising taxes on commercial property will likely depress property values. An analysis commissioned by Crain's suggests that shifting the tax burden from downtown commercial property to other property types, primarily residential, could exceed $700 million. Wirepoints suggests a potential property tax increase of up to 22%.

Revenues generated from the tax increase are projected to fall far short of proponents' estimates due to the depressed commercial real estate market, resulting in fewer transactions and reduced values. Moreover, the referendum fails to outline how the funds will be

allocated to aid Chicago's homeless population.

Despite the court's ruling, the referendum remains on the ballot, and the decision is being appealed. Voters should ask themselves:

Firstly, is this an appropriate time to increase taxes on Chicago businesses and renters, as the referendum proposes?

Secondly, can the Johnson administration be trusted to utilize the funds for Chicago's homeless population rather than simply covering additional costs arising from the city's self-inflicted migrant crisis?

Both the city and state have allocated nearly $800 million for migrant services, primarily housing, without legislative approval. The Mayor recently unilaterally redirected $95 million in unspent COVID funds to migrant services, largely for housing. It is ironic that a tax increase is considered necessary for Chicago's homeless population while a blank check of redirected funds is provided for migrants.

The city does not need to triple the real estate transaction tax on commercial and rental property to address affordable housing needs. These needs can be met without raising taxes by removing obstacles to new housing, securing unoccupied residential properties, and transferring them to local developers

and nonprofits. Additionally, tapping into annual Tax Increment Financing surpluses and using revenues from expiring TIFs can secure more funding for building improvements and homeless services.

If the Mayor and referendum supporters were genuinely committed to addressing the homeless issue, they could have already taken steps to do so with the resources available. If the intention is not to target commercial property and apartment building owners, why not exclude them from the proposal? Everyone will be affected if downtown suffers. However, they have done neither. This is not about problem-solving; it is about political mobilization. Do not expect the "Bring Home Chicago" spin doctors to back off.

Paul G. Vallas is a guest opinion columnist. If you're interested in contributing commentary to Chicago News Weekly on the issues our city faces, please submit your piece, 600 words or less, to editorial@cnwmedia.com.

DOJ Inspector General Exposes Critical Failures in Federal Prisons Leading to Inmate Deaths

Long-standing operational challenges such as contraband interdiction, staffing shortages, outdated security systems, and staff non-compliance with policies were identified as contributing factors in nearly one-third of inmate deaths. The report singled out 70 inmates who died from drug overdoses, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to mitigate these risks.

A scathing report released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz unveiled a disturbing pattern of operational and managerial deficiencies within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The report, covering the years FY 2014 through FY 2021, scrutinizes 344 deaths in BOP institutions, with a focus on the prevalence of suicides, homicides, accidents, and deaths from unknown factors.

Suicide Epidemic: BOP’s Alarming Shortcomings

Revealed

Suicides emerged as the predominant cause of death, constituting over half of the 344 cases investigated. The DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) identified recurring policy violations and operational failures contributing to inmate suicides. Among the highlighted deficiencies were lapses in staff completion of inmate assessments, inappropriate Mental Health Care Level assignments, and the heightened risk associated with single-celled inmates. The report uncovered a lack of coordination among staff departments, hindering the provision of necessary treatment and follow-up for distressed inmates. Furthermore, the report revealed that despite a significant drop in the overall inmate population from 214,149 in 2014 to 144,448 in 2021, the number of suicides within the BOP system surged. The report also spotlighted BOP-run facilities’ failure to conduct mandatory “mock suicide drills.” Investigators found that 67 out of the 194 BOP facilities were unable to provide evidence of running a single mock suicide drill between 2018 and 2020, violating the required three drills per year, one for each shift.

Insufficient Emergency Response: BOP Staff’s Failures Exposed

The OIG’s findings underscored sig-

nificant shortcomings in the BOP’s response to medical emergencies, with almost half of the inmate deaths reviewed reflecting inadequate reactions. From a lack of urgency and unclear radio communications to issues with naloxone administration in opioid overdose cases, the report highlighted systemic failures compromising the safety and well-being of inmates.

Information Void Hinders

Prevention: BOP’s Limited

Understanding of Inmate Deaths

A critical revelation emerged regarding the lack of available information about inmate deaths, hampering the BOP’s ability to prevent future fatalities. The report exposed the BOP’s inability to produce required documents following an inmate’s death, limiting their understanding of circumstances leading to deaths and impeding the identification of preventative measures. The OIG also highlighted the absence of in-depth Action Reviews for inmate homicides or fatalities resulting from accidents and unknown factors, further limiting the BOP’s capacity to learn from these tragic incidents.

Operational Challenges: A Recipe for Disaster

Long-standing operational challenges such as contraband interdiction, staffing shortages, outdated security systems,

and staff non-compliance with policies were identified as contributing factors in nearly one-third of inmate deaths. The report singled out 70 inmates who died from drug overdoses, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to mitigate these risks.

Recommendations for Reform: BOP’s

Pledge for Change

The OIG proposed 12 recommendations to address the root causes of inmate deaths. In a rare show of unity, the BOP has pledged to implement all the recommendations, signaling a commitment to rectify these systemic issues, and upholding its duty to ensure inmates’ safe and humane management.

In an emailed statement, Inimai Chettiar, Deputy Director for the Justice Action Network, emphasized the urgency of the report's findings: “The report is an urgent call to action. No family should ever have to receive a call that a loved one has died while incarcerated simply because a facility was

understaffed, under-resourced, or out of compliance with BOP policy.”

The report concluded that chronic understaffing contributed to multiple failures in the BOP. (Photo credit Shutterstock)

DLCC Unveils Ambitious “Multi-Cycle” Strategy for Long-Term Democratic Dominance

The DLCC underscored its commitment to combating Republican gerrymandering by supporting efforts for representative maps that accurately reflect the diversity of districts and states. The committee also expanded its focus to include races that impact the balance of power in state legislatures, such as state supreme court seats, lieutenant governorships, and ballot initiatives.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) revealed an expansive strategy memo on Monday, February 26, outlining a multifaceted plan to venture into historically Republican strongholds and solidify Democratic power over the next decade. Departing from the typical focus on immediate elections, Democrats are adopting a forward-thinking approach to counter the historical trend of losing gains in subsequent cycles.

Distinguishing itself as the sole party committee investing in multi-cycle victories, the DLCC aims to tackle this challenge head-on. Officials stated the strategy is to secure immediate electoral triumphs and establish a lasting infrastructure that will fortify Democratic influence for years to come. Investments made in 2024 will lay the foundation to claim the majority in state legislatures throughout the decade, officials declared.

The DLCC stressed the urgency of countering the Republicans’ successful long-term game, citing underhanded

tactics, gerrymandering, and substantial financial investments that have consistently allowed them to dominate state legislatures. To thwart these efforts, the DLCC advocates for significant resources, investments, and a clear strategy for sustained power.

The DLCC also asserted its capability to secure immediate electoral gains while strategically building Democratic power over multiple election cycles. Officials pointed to recent elections reflecting this approach’s success, with state Democrats now controlling 41 of the 99 state legislative chambers, marking a significant shift in political power.

As the DLCC gears up for the 2024 cycle with its largest-ever $60 million budget, officials outlined a bold, evidence-based plan to achieve majority control in 50 chambers by 2030. The multifaceted strategy includes:

Breaking Republican supermajorities.

Expanding into traditionally Republican territory.

Setting the stage for new Democratic trifectas.

Combating gerrymandering.

Tracking other races that influence power balances.

Taking advantage of special elections.

Specifically, the DLCC’s multi-cycle strategy targets states like Kansas, North Carolina, and Wisconsin to break or prevent Republican supermajorities. The committee has already invested in

Wisconsin and North Carolina as part of its battleground initiatives. Additionally, the DLCC aims to gradually chip away at Republican trifectas in states like Georgia, which is identified as a prime location for political change in 2024.

The DLCC stressed the importance of holding key seats in states that don’t align gubernatorial and legislative elections in the same year. This strategic move allows Democrats to establish governing trifectas over multiple cycles. With half of its Senate seats up for election in 2024, Pennsylvania serves as a crucial target for the DLCC, aiming to secure a trifecta in 2026 alongside a competitive gubernatorial race.

Moreover, the DLCC underscored its commitment to combating Republican gerrymandering by supporting efforts for representative maps that accurately reflect the diversity of districts and states. The committee also expanded its focus to include races that impact the balance of power in state legislatures, such as state supreme court seats, lieutenant governorships, and ballot initiatives.

The DLCC highlighted the significance of its multi-cycle strategy, emphasizing that it goes beyond single election cycles. Special elections, offering critical opportunities to expand Democratic power incrementally, were highlighted as a key aspect of the strategy.

“With new redistricting maps decided by 2030 elections and in order to fundamentally transform the balance of power in states, we need a long-term strategy to break into territory that Republicans have long dominated,” DLCC President Heather Williams said in an email. “That’s exactly what this plan does. The DLCC is the only party committee tasked with working cycle over cycle to build Democratic power in state legislatures. Our 2024 target map includes states like Kansas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Wisconsin – states where we must build infrastructure and position Democrats to gradually chip away at Republican power. 2024 is the year of the states, and what happens this year will shape the arc of Democratic power in the states for the decade. Today, Republicans have been put on notice that the DLCC has the plan to win not only the year, but also the decade and decades to come.”

Beyond the Surface with Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson

In a world often quick to judge by appearances, Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson stands as a living testament to the profound truth that one cannot judge a book by its cover. Born into a bustling family of 12 siblings, including her twin sister Sandra, Stinson says her story “is

speech impediment, Stinson refused to be defined by others' expectations or limitations.

Navigating the educational landscape with unwavering determination, Stinson found solace and inspiration in

the encouraging words of two pivotal figures, both

Stinson describes this time as the wandering years, during which she suffered from “imposter syndrome.”

“My efforts up to that point were attempts to do great work on the wrong assignments,” she explains.

She had a stint in the insurance industry before starting her own agency. The Remus Insurance Agency was one of the first Black woman owned agencies to be granted an agency brokerage agreement with The Travelers Insurance company. Her agency offered the Black community premium coverage which other white-owned companies failed to offer. After 10 years of serving the community by providing them financial services, Stinson felt called toward a higher act of service.

The call to ministry was inevitable as her life of service began in her local church, the Garden of Prayer Baptist Church, and having experienced her parents accept and embrace additional children into their already large

“My mother originated what has become known as LOVE fest, an event on Valentine’s Day where she partnered with local community partners to deliver groceries to other large families,” she recalls.

It was during those instances and so many similar ones that she felt the draw of o places where she could volunteer and assist people without food or shelter. The pivotal shift that propelled Stinson to her destiny occurred when a college and lifelong friend introduced her to Deborah’s Place, a homeless shelter exclusively

“Under the mentorship of one of the founders and her daughter, who recognized my passion and profound love for serving women, [they] took it upon [themselves to] nurture me to become the servant leader [I

In 1992, Stinson founded Matthew House to help unhoused people with a close knit board of directors in a small church in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Bronzeville was and remains a community of historic importance as the largest South Side area settled by African Americans during the Great Migration between World War I and 1970. It has also historically housed many of Chicago’s public housing facilities, primarily due to its high population of residents needing subsidies to assist in their desire to advance their social-economic station in life.

But in the 1990s when the city first decided to demolish many of its highrise public housing complexes, Stinson embarked upon a mission to

stem the negative effects of gentrification that she suspected might be coming.

“Sadly, within a community that once flourished, I observed the…enduring the ebb and flow over three decades of people struggling with housing stability,” she says. “These individuals who once considered this community their home found themselves without a place to live.

Stinson says Matthew House was birthed to meet the needs of homeless and displaced people who otherwise would not have any other resource of its kind. The agency provides daytime supportive services to the unhoused from its 6000-square-foot drop-in center in Bronzeville.

However, the reach of services extends far beyond the confines of Bronzeville. Stinson’s heart is as open as the doors to Mathew House, so there are no geographical boundaries for those who come for refuge and assistance. Some clients come from out of state or are immigrants from a foreign countries.

Matthew House served approximately 1450 adult clients last year, not counting dependent children, 92% of which were Black, 5% Latinx, and 3% white. Women make up more than one-third of the client base.

Stinson says that six days a week Matthew House provides onsite resources, including trauma-informed case management, two hot meals, showers, and laundry services. Through strategic partnerships with local agencies, they provide additional services, such as medical care, onsite and referral, veteran organizations to address the needs of former service members, collaborate with domestic violence agencies to support those escaping abusive situations, and attorneys that assist with the complex process of obtaining disability benefits.

“All of our services merit praise because not only does Matthew House offer drop-in services, but now also manages 73 units of permanent supportive housing spread across various sites on the South Side, a deliberate choice as the majority of our clients hail from this area,” Stinson says. “We are proud of our efforts because we see the difference it makes in the people we serve and our community.”

One of the most poignant quotes that exemplifies everything that Stinson is about is, “Average will not be my legacy.” This is evident in that serving the home-

less community is not the extent of her altruism. Her work is all-encompassing and provides her the opportunity to pursue her passions.

Mentoring Forward

"As a woman who was blessed with female mentors, I have sought to empower women and to inspire them to be their best,” Stinson says. Women are drawn to her wisdom and guidance in all life matters, including ministry, business, finances, entrepreneurship, and the personal.

Her kindness goes a long way and evokes respect from many who have come under her mentorship. The annual “Women on the Frontline” conference, which has since been renamed “She Steps Forward,” all birthed from Stinson’s platform called “Empower Her Ventures.” These conferences are designed to equip women particularly over the age of 50 to be resilient and be willing to disrupt the status quo by envisioning the life they want.

Over the years, Stinson has authored five books, including the bestselling “Disrupting the Status Quo” anthologies, which encouraged women to tell their stories of victory and triumph while facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

Stinson was also privileged to co-author a book with Dr. Cheryl Woods and the renowned Les Brown. As the scriptures state, time would fail to list every one of her accomplishments, because the fire in her belly has not burned out and her light has not dimmed.

Stinson over the course of four decades has fearlessly pursued her dreams, overcoming obstacles and setbacks with grace and resilience. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a living embodiment of the transformative power of perseverance and service.

Through her countless entrepreneurial endeavors, she has not only created opportunities for herself but has also empowered countless others to realize their full potential. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that greatness cannot be contained, and that true success lies not in the absence of obstacles but in the courage to overcome them. Stinson's journey, like the powerful women before her, is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and a testament to possibilities that await those who dare to dream.

Living Chicago

Chicago’s Reinvigorated Environmental Department Faces Tough Tasks

Chicago’s City Council moved to re-establish the dismantled Department of the Environment (DOE) in the fall of 2023, but questions remain about whether the new agency will have enough power to meet its ambitious mandate during an era of competing climate priorities between the people of Chicago, permits issued to polluters, and unpredictable weather.

Whether it be the storms that flood poor Black and brown communities on the city's South and West Sides or the slow removal of lead-coated

water lines, Chicago needs to make up for lost time. However, this new DOE lacks substantial enforcement power and a budget of only $1.8 million. The Chicago Police Department, by contrast, has a 2024 budget of almost $2 billion.

The A.I. The answer.is...

CNW Staff Report

Are you familiar with the differences between the following?

Freedom of speech

Slander

Defamation

Libel

Freedom of Speech: The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint. "The move would further harm freedom of speech in the region."

Slander: (Law) The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation. "He is suing the TV network for slander."

(Verb) Make false and damaging statements about someone. "They were accused of slandering the head of state."

Defamation is an area of law that provides a civil remedy when someone's words end up causing harm to your reputation or your livelihood. Libel is a written or published defamatory statement, while slander is defamation that is spoken by the defendant.

Libel and slander are both types of defamation. Libel is an untrue defamatory statement that is made in writing. Slander is an untrue defamatory statement that is spoken orally. The difference between defamation and slander is that a defamatory statement can be made in any medium.

The Illinois Supreme Court considers five types of statements to be defamatory per se:

Accusing a person of committing a crime,

Accusing a person of being infected with a "loathsome communicable disease,"

Accusing a person of lacking ability or integrity in the performance of job duties.

Libel: (Law) a. A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation. b. (In admiralty and ecclesiastical law) a plaintiff's written declaration.

(Verb) c. Defame someone by publishing a libel. "She alleged the magazine had libeled her."

(In admiralty and ecclesiastical law) Bring a suit.

In all cases, truth is an absolute defense against defamation. The burden of proof lies on the defendant, meaning the defending party must prove that the defamatory words were true in substance.

For context, the newly re-established DOE is likely to work in tandem with the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy, which has jurisdiction over all legislation pertaining to pollution, waste, recycling, conservation of natural resources, and energy-related issues. This committee is deeply supported by subject matter experts from environmental advocacy groups and research communities, crafting legislation to protect people and hold violators accountable.

But what about the design of Chicago’s natural environment or the allocation of resources to ensure the city is healthy, equitable, and prepared for the looming threats of climate change? How Chicago develops strategies for shared decision-making, legislative priorities, and enforcement will be the foundation of its success or inhibition thereof.

The era of climate change requires knowledge, discernment, and a generous commitment to accountability and leadership. Chicago's natural environment is a commodity; thus, regulation and enforcement should be the city's focus. However, it's during the permitting phase at the city level that arguably has the most direct impact on any Chicagoan.

While city taxpayers pay to maintain public areas like parks and roads, public-private partnerships and lease agreements for public lands can conflict with environmental equity, which the city is committing to. For example, the Southeast Side of Chicago has been promised a park for nearly three decades, but despite those promises to create a riverfront park space for the community, they are still fighting against the Army Corps of Engineers' plan to continue using the acreage to store toxic dredge material.

It’s a 43-acre site along the Calumet River, where sediment from the Calumet River and five other federally managed waterways in Chicago is stored. While the Southeast Side opposes permits,

community members closer to Lake Michigan have a different vision for developing Chicago’s natural landscape. In 2018, the Obama Foundation successfully secured 19.3 acres of Chicago Park District property for 99 years for just $10.

Former President Barack Obama specifically chose Jackson Park and subsequently invited Tiger Woods to join in on reimagining the area with an 18-hole PGA lakefront golf course.

“We can unlock the South Side’s fullest potential,” Obama said in his comments about the project.

Chicago needs agreements on priorities for land-use decisions and mechanisms for holding violators accountable. Development projects that fail to consider the emerging tensions of climate change are just one piece of the puzzle. Decision-making by informed practitioners, coupled with science-literate elected officials, is now the biggest missing piece of this puzzle. Increased funding for our DOE is critical, and Chicago should focus on creating a diverse and intergenerational team to set the city on a resilient and sustainable course.

Black Chicago deserves a department of professionals capable of balancing the environment and the economy. Our segregated city doesn’t share the burden of polluters, and we need a department that understands how zoning approvals and permit allowances sustain inequity. The Johnson Administration has taken greater strides to finance this department. Now, it is time to be honest about the complex issues our elected officials will face and ask ourselves how much longer we can afford to not have a fully funded department to empower our City Council fully supported by professionals ensuring laws make common sense, healthier communities, and money.

Implicit Bias and Racial Disparities in Healthcare

One perspective on health disparities is—why do Black people get sicker and die earlier than other racial groups? Depending on numerous factors, there are likely many contributors to the increased morbidity and mortality among Black people. Many researchers begin with what they see as undeniable—the fact that the care Black individuals receive from their providers has a major impact on their health outcomes and that they do not receive the same quality of healthcare as their white counterparts.

In 2005, The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) released a report documenting that the poverty in which Black people disproportionately live cannot account for the fact that Black people are sicker and have shorter lifespans than their white counterparts. NAM found that "racial and ethnic minorities receive lower-quality healthcare than white people—even when insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions are comparable." By "lower-quality healthcare," NAM meant the concrete, inferior care that physicians give their Black patients. NAM reported that minority persons are less likely than white persons to be given appropriate cardiac care, to receive kidney dialysis or transplants, and to receive the best treatments for stroke, cancer, or AIDS. It concluded by describing an "uncomfortable reality": "some people in the United States were more likely to die from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes simply because of their race or ethnicity, not just because they lack access to healthcare."

This is a profound insight that has roots in implicit racism ingrained in the psyche of most Americans. Scores of studies buttress NAM’s findings by documenting that providers are less likely to deliver effective treatments to

people of color compared to their white counterparts, even after controlling for characteristics like class, health behaviors, comorbidities, and access to health insurance and healthcare services.

For example, one study of 400 hospitals in the United States showed that Black patients with heart disease received older, cheaper, and more conservative treatments than their white counterparts. Black patients were less likely to receive coronary bypass operations and angiography. After surgery, they were discharged earlier from the hospital than white patients—at a stage when discharge is inappropriate. The same goes for other illnesses.

Black women are less likely than white women to receive radiation therapy in conjunction with a mastectomy. In fact, they are less likely to receive mastectomies. Perhaps more disturbing is that Black patients are more likely to receive less desirable treatments. The rates at which Black patients have their limbs amputated are higher than those for white patients. Additionally, Black patients suffering from bipolar disorder are more likely to be treated with antipsychotics despite evidence that these medications have long-term negative effects and are not effective. Black people simply are not receiving the same quality of healthcare that their white counterparts receive.

In light of these studies, some scholars have concluded that racial disparities in health can be explained by looking at the individuals who are choosing not to prescribe the most effective, healthand life-conserving treatments to racial minorities. The argument is that if people of color are sicker and are dying at younger ages than white people, this may be because physicians have racial biases. These biases cause them to give their patients of color inferior healthcare and, in so doing, contribute to higher rates of morbidity and mortality.

If physicians harbor racial biases, these biases can either be consciously held or unconsciously held. Dayna

Bowen Matthew's book, Just Medicine: A Cure for Racial Inequality in American Healthcare (2015), explores the idea that unconscious biases held by healthcare providers might explain racial disparities in health. She notes that precious few physicians, like the general public, admit to harboring negative attitudes about any particular racial group. And we probably do not gain much by disbelieving their accounts. Thus, physicians’ explicit racial biases likely cannot account for racial disparities in health. That is, if physicians’ choices around which treatments to prescribe and which care to offer are harming their patients of color, it is unlikely that physicians are intentionally doing so; nor is it likely that physicians are aware that they have beliefs about people of color that negatively impact the way they practice medicine.

However, Matthew notes that there is little reason to believe that physicians have not been exposed to the negative narratives about racial minorities that circulate in society—discourses that become the stuff of unconscious negative attitudes about racial groups. Matthew proposes that physicians, like the rest of the American public, have implicit biases. They have views about racial minorities of which they are not consciously aware—views that lead them to make unintentional, and ultimately harmful, judgments about people of color. Indeed, when physicians were given the Implicit Association Test (IAT)—a test that purports to measure test-takers’ implicit biases by asking them to link images of Black and white faces with pleasant and unpleasant words under intense time constraints—they tend to associate white faces and pleasant words (and vice versa) more easily than Black faces and pleasant words (and vice versa). Indeed, research appears to show that these anti-Black/pro-white implicit biases are as prevalent among providers as they are among the general population. Matthew concludes that physicians’ implicit racial biases can

account for the inferior healthcare that the studies discussed above document; thus, physicians’ implicit racial biases can account for racial disparities in health.

A number of experiments support her claim. One study showed that physicians whose IAT tests revealed them to harbor pro-white implicit biases were more likely to prescribe pain medications to white patients than to black patients. Another study administered an IAT test to physicians and then asked them whether they would prescribe thrombolysis—an aggressive, yet effective treatment for coronary artery disease—to patients presenting symptoms for coronary artery disease. The experiment revealed that physicians whom the IAT tests revealed harbor anti-Black implicit biases were less likely to prescribe thrombolysis to Black patients and more likely to prescribe the treatment to white patients.

Proposing that implicit biases are responsible for racial disparities in health might seem dangerous if one believes that individual and structural factors can never operate simultaneously. But this is not the case. United States’ policies make public health insurance unavailable to undocumented immigrants as well as documented immigrants who have been in the country for less than five years. Our residential neighborhoods remain dramatically segregated. We have a two-tiered healthcare system that provides wonderful care to those with private insurance and mediocre care to those without. The list of structural factors that make people of color sicker than their white counterparts is long. If providers’ implicit racial biases contribute to excess morbidity and mortality among people of color, we must recognize that individuals with implicit biases practice medicine within and alongside structures that compromise the health of people of color.

Khiara M. Bridges is a law professor and anthropologist at UC Berkeley. She is also the author of Reproducing Race (2011), The Poverty of Privacy Rights (2017), and Critical Race Theory: A Primer (2019).

Entertainment

Cord Jefferson’s New Film Lambasts Stereotypes

A Review of “American Fiction”

Though it is based on a 2001 novel by acclaimed author Percival Everett, "American Fiction" is a perfect thought engine for our current socio-cultural moment. The film revolves around the lead character, Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, whose name is a combination of the iconic African-American musician Thelonious Monk and the acclaimed novelist Ralph Ellison and is played masterfully by Jeffrey Wright. Monk struggles to get his current novel published, while facing recurring criticism that he needs to depart from his classic literary themes and write a “Black book.”

His frustrations boil over into his day job as a college professor, which results in the university forcing him to take some extended time off during his trip back to his hometown of Boston for a conference. At the conference, he discovers a frenzy of attention around a new Black author—played by a very funny Issa Rae—whose portrayal of the Black experience is laden with overexaggerated slang and racial stereotypes that pander to white audiences.

In protest, Monk pens his own absurd manuscript under a pseudonym, aptly named Stagg R. Leigh, entitled "My Pafology," which invokes over-the-top stereotypes of hood life, guns, and dysfunctional family dynamics. Monk’s hood characters come alive as he writes and humorously interacts with them about the motivations for their dialog in a scene with cameos from veteran actors Keith David, who had roles in Dead Presidents and Crash, and Okieriete Onaodowan, who had roles in Hamilton and Station 19.

"My Pafology" is meant to subvert the stereotypes of the publishing outlets that have deemed Monk’s work “not black

enough.” But just at the moment he thinks he has thumbed his nose at them, the manuscript is picked up by a major publisher and receives overwhelming acclaim. At this point, Monk is faced with the amusing dilemma of creating a fugitive hood persona to interact with executive editors and Hollywood types interested in adapting his work into a movie. Wright’s ability to toggle between erudite writer and fugitive hoodlum is both hilarious and fascinating to watch. Monk’s new persona and high-wire act of becoming the very thing he loathes the most—a racial stereotype—rapidly grates away at him. Nevertheless, he is forced to lean into the deception after news of his mother’s declining health and other family loss leaves him with the primary responsibility of paying the high costs of her medical care. There is a small glimmer of light in the new love interest he finds in his next-door neighbor, played wonderfully by Erika Alexander, but his frustrations with “My Pafology’s” fame and his secret identity as an ex-con turned author-phenom quickly chips away at their relationship.

By the end of the film, he is faced with the difficulty of how to come clean about his deception and stay true to himself as a writer. This is astutely played out in another surreal moment in which several end-of-story options prompt viewers to think about the stories that we consume and how those stories reflect our interpretations of, and problems with, race, class, and gender.

The interrogation of race and racial stereotypes in "American Fiction" are reminiscent of Spike Lee’s "Bamboozled," where lead character Peerless Delacroix experiences a similar dilemma after creating a Blackface variety show in protest of a call for more “Black stories” from white television executives. For those who enjoy the heady philosophical mes-

saging of movies like “Bamboozled” and “American Fiction,” it would be interesting to watch both films together with a critical eye towards how the messaging has evolved between 2000 and 2024.

Along with the theme of social perceptions of race, "American Fiction" also conveys beautiful ideas about family and relationships. Upon his return home, Monk’s reintroduction to the many layers of dysfunction in his family will ring amusingly true for many viewers. It is also here that the supporting cast shines, Leslie Uggams, from Roots and Deadpool, is compelling as Monk’s ailing but complicated mother.

Tracie Ellis Ross and Sterling K Brown are equally radiant as Monk’s sometimes problematic siblings. There is an unconventional family celebration in the film accompanied by classic 1980s disco that makes a delightful but striking statement about what acceptance might truly look like in our current social moment.

The original novel that "American Fiction" draws from—"Erasure" by Percival Everett—is a satirical commentary on the 1990s and 2000s literary world where publishing houses were calling for works of “Black urban literature” that were sometimes rife with similar over-the-top stereotypes that the film portrays. Filmmaker Cord Jefferson, a

former writer for HBO’s "Watchmen" series, does an excellent job updating the novel for our current moment, which is still heavily saturated with issues of racism, racial identity, racial stereotypes, and notions of authenticity. Jefferson also does a great job translating Everett’s commentary on women’s reproductive rights through Monk’s sister Lisa’s work at a community abortion clinic, another timely topic for our moment. It should also be noted that the film has a wonderful jazz soundtrack, scored with the assistance of the incomparable Patrice Rushen.

The film has also rightfully generated awards buzz this season with numerous Oscar nominations, including Wright for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Brown for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and Laura Carpman for Best Original Score. With its brilliant balance between satirical humor and serious subject matter, "American Fiction" is a must-see for audiences who appreciate thought-provoking content.

CannabisBlack Cannabis Entrepreneur Offers Tips to Budding Minority Business Owners

"Forgive me for being late, there's a lot going on with the construction," said Tahir Johnson, a budding cannabis entrepreneur, as he arrived

for an interview with Chicago News Weekly.

Johnson’s East Coast accent is unmistakable, and his smile is a mile wide. He’s finally realizing his dream of opening Simply Pure Trenton, a cannabis dispensary in his hometown of Trenton, New Jersey.

The eldest of three boys, all of whom have experienced the negative consequences of the historic over-policing of marijuana, Tahir also has a long family history of entrepreneurship. His parents, Carolyn and George Johnson, have offered tremendous support as he sets out to achieve his goals.

“This is really a family business, and honestly, I’ve learned from the best,” Johnson said. “My mom is a dancer and has owned a dance school for over 30 years. Business ownership isn’t new for us.”

With the tables turned and Johnson now in the boss’s position, he realizes he wants to create an intergenerational enterprise worth celebrating.

“To see my 93-year-old grandmother walk into the spot where my dispensary is going to be is surreal,” he said. “Years ago, she would come here to get her nails done. It’s really a family business and all hands on deck.”

Cannabis business ownership wasn’t the first thought for Johnson, but he got interested in medical cannabis to help address his father’s fibromyalgia.

“I remember talking to my dad about medical cannabis and just finding myself learning more and even getting a medical cannabis card,” Johnson said. “I didn’t start off with wanting to own a business…I was just really learning so I could help my dad.”

He admits Simply Pure Trenton has united the family.

“My dad is overseeing construction, my brother is part owner, my mother, she’s believed in me from the start,” Johnson shared.

February marked another milestone for Johnson—he began serving as president of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), a leading non-profit that exists to promote and increase diversity and equity in the cannabis industry.

Johnson recalls wanting to hold that title since first becoming a member because he sees the tools and power of collective action as transformative. Johnson recognizes the importance of normalizing cannabis and allowing full access through changing federal policies.

“Less than 2% of cannabis businesses are owned by Blacks,” Johnson pointed out. “We still are four times more likely to be arrested.”

Black entrepreneurs also need to overcome a series of hurdles to operate in the complex cannabis industry. Every state has its own laws and regulations, so national organizations like MCBA help members benefit through education, networking, and advocacy efforts that support a more inclusive industry.

“MCBA has been instrumental in my success. I want everyone who wants to be in this work to have the support and resources,” Johnson said. “I really want to strengthen opportunities and help others learn how to advocate for themselves. It doesn’t even matter where you are, more than likely you’re experiencing the same issues.”

It’s important to Johnson and his peer MCBA board members that all who wish to participate in the industry have access to the tools and resources for success. The organization is looking to increase its membership, do more lobbying on Capitol Hill, and strengthen its capacity for advocacy at the state level.

“People have to know we exist. MCBA will be stepping up our digital media strategy, and we have a 26 Equity Workshop Tour that just kicked off in San Francisco led by Mike Lomuto of Dao Mastery, who I met when working together at the National Cannabis Industry Association,” Johnson said. “The organization is already national, but we

are looking to keep growing our membership and helping people learn how to work towards shared goals of equity and diversity in this industry no matter where you are.”

The tour is the second of its kind and includes roundtable discussions, group engagement, panels, and networking and is free to register and is free to attend.

MCBA’s value in the industry goes beyond networking, though. The tools and resources available on their website aren’t behind a paywall. Their equity map tool helps lawmakers, advocates, and industry experts understand the landscape of social equity at the state level. This resource, for example, is the only one of its kind. Maps and tools that are released for the industry help track sales receipts, expungement rates, or licensee demographics.

MBCA’s National Cannabis Equity Report also addresses the industry from the lens of social equity, presenting findings regarding the patterns of policies adopted across the nation that can be downloaded for free. It covers 40 policy issues MCBA believes impact the outcome of social equity programs and includes state-level briefs. When it comes to an organization with a vision, MCBA is clearly setting out to help Black and brown entrepreneurs navigate the legal landscape, state by state. Johnson is an example of how curiosity can turn into passion and passion into movement building. Both individuals and corporations can become members and gain access to a suite of resources, events, and a network that is committed to removing barriers and charting new territories for minorities in cannabis.

Food & Wine

Quiche in a Pinch

Remember the slogan, “Real Men Eat Quiche''? With all that we have on our plates today, I’m reintroducing the recipe for quiche as a go-to meal for anything— breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's also perfect for that midnight snack attack. So, this recipe is a perfect shortcut in every way except for how wonderful it tastes. Obviously, somebody gave it up, but my friend who shared this told me, “This ham and cheese quiche recipe is what my mom lovingly refers to as a ‘none of yo’ business’ recipe.”

One of the cooking rules of a “none of yo’ business” recipe is that you have to have the complete recipe, and it can’t actually taste like you took a shortcut, and finally, it has to have a crust. Therefore, crustless quiche is out; however, if you want an easy quiche recipe with a crust, this is the recipe for you. Not to worry, just buy the already-made pie crust. Or you can make your own. Just choose.

The Directions:

1. Preheat the oven. Thaw and drain the spinach.

2. Make your crust, then mix together the egg filling.

3. Sprinkle the spinach, ham, cheese, and onion over the crust.

4. Pour the egg filling over the top.

5. Bake the easy quiche at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 50 minutes, until a knife comes out clean.

6. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then enjoy!

The Ingredients:

Refrigerated or Frozen Pie Crust: I won’t tell if you won’t. You can use either unbaked pie crust that comes already lining a disposable pie dish (the one you see in the photos here is from the frozen section of Whole Foods) or frozen pie crust sheets, such as Pillsbury. I’ve included recipe notes for both types. While I’ve cut out as many steps as possible, you must prebake crust for quiche. This prevents the bottom crust from becoming soggy once the filling is added.

Frozen Chopped Spinach: It’s an instant way to up the

nutritional value of a recipe (spinach is a total super food—potassium, magnesium, vitamins galore, plus folic acid and more!) Ingredient Note: Since frozen spinach comes already steamed, you can simply squeeze it out, then add it right to the quiche crust.

Cheese: The best cheese for quiche is something fully flavored and melty. Gruyere is traditional in quiche Lorraine. I also love this easy quiche recipe with sharp white cheddar.

A Different Way to Prepare Cheese: What makes this quiche unique (and even easier!) is that instead of shredding the cheese, I cut it into small cubes, a tip I picked up from The New York Times. This leads to pockets of melty cheese throughout the quiche. Picking the right cheese (a melty one) and cubing it is the secret to a good quiche.

Notes:

Ham: Another time saver! You can purchase already diced ham from the deli department or use leftover diced ham from another recipe.

Eggs: 5 large eggs to 3/4 cup liquid is my ideal ratio for quiche. It leads to a savory egg custard with a nice consistency that can hold up to a heap of tasty fillings. Hello, protein!

Milk: Whatever kind is in your refrigerator should do nicely. I use 1 percent.

Nutmeg: Don’t underestimate the power of this ingredient—it’s classic in quiche Lorraine for good reason. A pinch gives the quiche filling a surprising dimension of flavor.

Hot Sauce: Another somethin’ somethin’ that makes the quiche filling taste far more complex than it is (your secret is safe with me).

Green Onion: A final pop of color and a hit of freshness that’s the finishing touch.

Fuss with homemade whole wheat pie crust or oil pie crust. Precook any of the filling ingredients (let’s save cooking oven baked bacon for another time). Shred cheese (cubes are where it’s at!)

Combine the crust work-around with a ham, cheese, and spinach filling that doesn’t require any pre-cooking on the stovetop, and you have a true time-saver.

I’m smitten with this goat cheese quiche, for example, but preparing caramelized onions takes time, and sometimes a lady just doesn’t have it.

How to Make the Best Easy Quiche Recipe: The key to making a fabulous easy quiche is a few simple tricks to doctor up the filling, plus my new favorite way to prepare cheese before adding it to quiche. Quiche is an anytime kind of meal. You can serve this recipe as an easy breakfast quiche, or enjoy it for a light lunch or dinner.

Combine the crust work-around with a ham, cheese, and spinach filling that doesn’t require any pre-cooking on the stovetop, and you have a true time-saver.

More Quiche Filling Ideas to Try:

Use this easy quiche recipe as a guide for any of your favorite fillings. A few ideas:

Bacon quiche: Use cooked, crumbled bacon instead of ham (or try a combo!) with cheddar cheese.

You can also omit the spinach, use Gruyere for the cheese, and bacon in place of ham.

Vegetarian easy quiche: For a vegetable quiche recipe, omit the ham or swap it for a different sautéed, grilled, or roasted vegetable (as this sweet potato quiche can attest, roasted sweet potatoes are especially tasty in quiche). Top with Parmesan cheese. Or try this delicious broccoli quiche.

Ham broccoli quiche: Swap the spinach for chopped roasted broccoli.

Mushroom quiche: Replace the ham or the spinach with sautéed mushrooms or diced grilled portobello mushrooms.

Feta and anything: Take it from this spinach feta quiche—feta in a quiche is delicious and can pair with just about any other filling ingredient.

Seán McGirr Debuts First Collection for Alexander McQueen

There are designers, and then there are designers. For Seán McGirr, the new lead at the Alexander McQueen label after taking over for Sarah Burton, “it’s about letting the light in.” McGirr may not be a household name yet, but his new fashion line debuted at Paris Fashion Week on Sunday. In preparation, the models lined up downstairs to be checked in, boxes of clothes bustled in and out of the front door, letting in the cold air of winter and chilling the otherwise hot atmosphere. Meanwhile, McGirr calmly worked upstairs.

Leaning against the walls, like the models lined up, were reference boards for the upcoming show. They contained photos of famous Londoners past and present—like Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse, and Bebe Parnell, a current Oxford student he plans to put in his first show—all captured in their high-fashion moments. Next to them were rows of accents to accentuate the looks that had been decided upon—the expected and other elaborately artistically embellished pieces that promised to surprise.

According to McGirr, his inspiration for his debut show came from McQueen’s 1995 Birds collection.

“What I like about it is that it’s all very simple, but it’s slightly twisted,” he says. “It’s a jacket with a more stacked shoulder, or the lapel goes up a little too high.

It’s the idea of making beautiful tailoring and then running a tire over it to make something new. Taking something and twisting it and crushing it and seeing what happens.”

Although he’s looking to the past for ideas, McGirr also feels responsible for bringing freshness to the McQueen brand and maintaining its relevance.

“McGirr will bring a powerful creative language to the brand,” said Gianfilippo Testa, CEO of the label, when he announced the appointment. “It must provoke a reaction—that’s the DNA of the brand.”

McGirr is a designer quite in tune with McQueen’s style, but he brings his own vision. You can write off bumsters in his collection, but the influence has shown up on other runways this season, reminiscent of McQueen’s hip-slung, asscrack-revealing pants for which he was notorious.

McGirr plans to offer a modern touch.

“They’re still super, super low, but they’re loose, and you wear them in a cool way,” he says.

McGirr knows that he has big shoes to fill. To grow the ready-to-wear collection

is a crucial part of his success as a recent young, wide-eyed kid who moved to London when he was 17 years old with his parents’ support.

Now 35, McGirr recalls when McQueen died by suicide in 2010.

“I was 20…it was my formative year, and McQueen’s two shows, Central Saint Martins, instilled a lot of inspiration,” he says. “Horn of Plenty and Plato’s Atlantis were just very bold, with such a strong message. That show influenced me, and it had a strong effect on culture. It really was in the fabric.”

Fashion itself did not hook McGirr. Instead, “what introduced me to it were films,” that his father showed to him like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction.

“These characters who were on the fringes, the outsiders, slightly dangerous — I thought they were cool,” McGirr says.

The movie characters, the attitudes, and the ambiance helped him realize that you could say what you want to say through clothes.

“That’s why I love McQueen so much because there’s always a message in the clothes,” he says. “This idea of improvisation — I wanted to say something by how something fits. That was something that really appealed to me.”

Unlike Central Saint Martins’ alumni five to 10 years ahead of him—Simone Rocha, Christopher Kane, and Jonathan Saunders, who launched brands straight out of school—McGirr and his classmates graduated on the other side of the Great Recession. McGirr chose to work for Tokyo’s Fast Retailing, the owner of Uniqlo, one of Japan’s biggest clothing companies. While there, he worked on the Uniqlo U line with Christophe Lemaire.

Upon returning to London to join the JW Anderson team, he worked with the men’s collection before taking over the women’s and ready-towear. Anderson favors designers “who see things in a more unconventional way, who try and push ideas forward, or change how you see things,” like John Galliano, Rick Owens, Junya Watanabe, Issey Miyake, and Rei Kawakubo.

McGirr’s appointment sparked online commentary that was good, bad, and ugly— nothing new. He wasn’t Black, LatinX, or female—he was another man named to a top design job, and the snaps were snapped because he was replacing the darling Burton, McQueen’s right hand before his death.

McGirr is respectful of Burton, but life is as it is, and he accepted the opportunity because he feels that he has

something to bring to McQueen’s brand.

“To be honest, I’m happy and proud that my announcement sparked a discussion about diversity. I’ve worked around the world, and I’ve always noticed that diversity breeds creativity,” McQirr says. “I think it’s important to keep that conversation going.”

McGirr sees McQueen as a provocateur, who by nature was comfortable with darkness. On the flip side, don’t expect

exactly the same from McGirr.

“Fashion should really excite people, but in an optimistic way,” he says. “To be honest, I think the world’s mental health is super low.Fashion should be able to conjure up feelings that are a bit twisted,”— at the Paris preview, the words he used were “rough glamor”—“but inspire you at the same time.”