Chicago, we have a problem. The good ole’ boys in blue have taken a public stand against Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx challenging her ability to lead the office in the right direction. Why is this a problem?

Those that lay heavy on social media giving their commentary while others are making an effort to publicly speak on their support need to offer real strategy and solutions. It’s easy to give an opinion and gather intel for white media trolls who make it a point tao check out what Black Chicagoans are feeling but are we hurting Ms. Foxx or helping her keep her job?

Why do we see the same elder group of community stakeholders and activists gather around the podium making a stand? When this generation pass on and will no longer be able to stand up for us—will we sit on our FB or twitter sending out black fist emojis in solidarity?

As a Black journalist, we’re often in between reporting the news in an unbiased and fair way, but also when open racism is present, it is also our responsibility to call it out. If white journalists are brave enough to call racism, then they too should step up to the plate and do the same. The Jussie Smollett case was a perfect storm for the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police to strike a match against Ms. Foxx. To summon the press to present a ‘no confidence’ letter to her when taxpayers have paid millions in police misconduct and brutality cases in the past decade is an insult.

Southside attorney, Jerry Joyce

The rumor mill is that defeated a mayoral candidate, Jerry Joyce and 19th Ward resident may be making a play for the Cook County State’s Attorney office in the next election. If so, it would not be surprised as Joyce’s supporters came from the law enforcement and fire fighter community. What does this mean for Foxx? It’s imperative her support must come from not only the Black community, but she must strengthen her alliances with white women, Latino, and other law enforcement agencies who represent people of color.

Yes, I along with other Chicagoans was pleased when she made news soundbites around the country standing with her head up high at Rainbow PUSH calling out the hypocritical rhetoric of the FOP. This was not about a Black man’s case being dismissed who happened to be a celebrity, but this was a direct message that if they can come for Foxx, they will come for other Black officials across this state when they can’t control the outcome.

Art & More

In his countdown to leaving office, Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveiled a new addition to the newly expanded Red Line Train Station at 95th St. Celebrated artist and urban curator, Theaster Gates revealed two new art pieces inside the terminal. Also, it was a pleasant surprise to see a radio station and DJ booth added for commuters to enjoy cool music and updates as they travel to their final destinations.

WVON afternoon drive personality, Matt McGill.

Marketing manager and visual artist, Kelly Robinson held a going-away party last weekend to begin his new chapter in Atlanta. Under his artist signature,K.Ross—Kelly’s paintings have become a unique piece of treasure. We wish him the ABSOLUTE BEST and will miss his GORGEOUS smile! Promotions and Congrats

Congratulations to radio veteran and DJ First Lady for her newest role as Assistant Program Director atClub Steppin’ 95.1 FM. She will be handling dual functions as the station’s on-air personality and programming.

Guess who’s back on the WVON 1690 airwaves? Matt McGill returns with co-host Kimberly Egonmwan in the afternoon slot from 3pm-6pm. Long-time radio host Cliff Kelley vacant the post after 20 years but will return as a guest host from time-to-time. We look forward to hearing their voices keeping Black Chicago informed and empowered.

The 25th Annual Black Women’s Expo kicks off April 12-14 at McCormick Place. I’m sending a special congratulations to the award recipients of the Phenomenal Woman Awards. Hosted by ABC 7 news anchor, Cheryl Burton some of the ladies that were recognized at Thursday night’s gala included Essence Smith (SocialWorks), Felicia Lawrence (WCIU-The Jam), Nikki Hayes (Laborers’ International Union of North America), Melody Winston (Living Word Christian Ministries) among a beautiful line-up of extraordinary women. The event took place on Thursday, April 11 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown.

Friday morning, BWE commenrates opening the Expo with mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot and invited guests and pubic officials: Pat Toney, Pam Bosley, 1st Deputy Annette Holt, Hon. Carol Moseley Braun, Hon. Dorothy Brown, State Senator Jacqui Collins, Justice Joy, Jessie White, Cunningham, State Rep Mary Flowers, Ald. Leslie Hairston, Jacqueline L. Jackson, Santita Jackson, Henrietta Leak, Governor Pritzker, Vice President Barbara McGowan, Espy McSween, Pam Morris, Chrystal Overton, Gladys Piper, Debra Porter, Rev. Michelle Hughes, & Hermene Hartman to name a few. 

Throughout the weekned enjoy nearly 300 vendor booths with food, heathcare and beauty demonstations; workshops; panel discussions, small business and large corporations showcasing their brands. In addition to this year’s event–I’m looking forward to the silent party lounge along with adult beverage sampling. Who is the entertainement this year? Attendees will be treated to an AMAZING weekend of local and national musical talent which include heavyhitters–Glenn Jones, Leela James, J. Brown and Grammy-award nominated singer Eric Benet.

Major kudos to BWE Founder and Creator Merry Green (MGPG Events) and her hard-working staff for a quarter of a century of serving the Black community and paying homage to the women who make miracles happen everyday.

Dust Off Those Chairs and Tents

DCASE Presents The Chicago House Music Conference and Festival

Chicago House Music Conference and Festival, Thursday, May 23–Saturday, May 25. The House Music Conference on Thursday, May 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington) will feature workshops and panel discussions for DJs, musicians and industry professionals. The festival on Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) will feature a family area and multiple stages of national and local DJs along with performers, including Jay Pritzker Pavilion headliners: Reel People, Gene Hunt, Tony Humphries, First Lady, Mark Grusane and more.

Admission to the conference and festival is free. For complete details, visit ChicagoHouseMusicFestival.us.

Celebrating the music style’s deep Chicago roots with traditional choirs and contemporary urban gospel music, the 34th Chicago Gospel Music Festival features local and national artists on May 31–June 1in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) and the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.).

For complete details on the free admission festival, visitchicagogospelmusicfestival.us, like us on Facebook at Chicago Gospel Music Festival or follow us on Twitter andInstagram@ChicagoDCASE (#ChiGospelMusic)

We may have one more summer in Jackson Park before bulldozers turn over the dirt for the Obama Presidential Center build-out. Make this summer a memorable one and lockdown your advance tickets and tent space for the 29th annual Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival returning Saturday, July 6, 2019.

Chicago House Music collective the Chosen Few DJs announced the first wave of performers. Making their Picnic debut are the GRAMMY-winning Def Mix Productions co-founder, David Morales, GRAMMY-winning diva Thelma Houston (“Don’t Leave Me This Way”, “I’m Here Again”), disco maven Taana Gardner (“Heartbeat”, “When You Touch Me”, “Work That Body”), and House Music vocalist – and viral sensation – Lady Alma (“Let It Fall”, “It’s House Music”). For more information: chosenfewdjs.com

April Birthday Shout-Outs & Congrats

Congratualations to all of the newly elected public officials in the city-wide run-off elections. What a new day for Chicagoans! This Sunday, April 14, both re-elected Alderman Roderick Sawyer (6th) and newly alderman-elect Stephanie Coleman (16th) will be celebrating at an undisclosed location with friends, family and colleagues with an off-the-chain day party. If you’re lucky to get an invitation to this party–bring your dancing shoes! It’s also Coleman’s birthday so dual celebrations are in the works.

Belated Birthday Wishes

Jevon Jackson celebated April 9.

April 8
Avis Miller
Vanessa Stokes
Omarr Gilbert
April 9
Toni Bailey
DJ Jevon Jackson
Producer Kevon Smith
April 10
Juan T. Tovar
Qa’Bah Rahsaan
D’nilla Woods
Jojo Capone
April 11
Lamar Maine Flowers

Celebration! Celebration! Celebration! 

16th Ward Ald.-elect Stephanie Coleman celebrates April 13.

April 12
Singer Cristina Sanchez
April 13
Alderman-elect Stephanie Coleman
April 14
Ben One
April 16
Dennis Snipe
April 17
Singer Candice Marie
April 25
Cassandra Stone
April 26
Debra ‘Snoopy’ Hanna
April 28
Alan King
April 30
Shun Dyes

Follow Mary L. Datcher on Twitter: @globalmixx

mdatcher@bronzevillelife.com