Happy Black History and Women’s History Month! In this special issue of Bronzeville Life we are covering many topics from the local election; pioneers of Black History; new history makers to women power players. Bronze is the new Black and we’re happy to be another voice showcasing the best life we’re encouraged to live.
Congressman Bobby Rush, former State Senator Emil Jones and Bill Daley. Photo credit: Parthenia Luke
February is not just the shortest month but if you’re a Chicago city official, it’s one of the most intense months leading to the fateful election day on the 26th. Who will be in the mayoral run-off is the magic question? Yes, there will be a run-off because it’s too close to call and candidates will most likely split the vote. Will Congressman Bobby Rush convince African American voters another Daley is worthy to take over his father and brother’s old seat? His endorsement has tongues wagging. Along with another high-profile endorsement announcement by Dorothy Brown, giving her seal of approval to mayoral candidate Amara Enyia. Susana Mendoza snagged outside support of defeated Georgia gubernatorial Democratic candidate, Stacey Abrams.
Mayoral candidates forums are in overdrive with one taking place almost every other day around the city. Mark your calendar for the special South Side one which takes place on Saturday, February 9 at the Coppin Memorial AME Church (5627 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60637). The Forum will be moderated by Mary Mitchell of the Chicago Sun-Times. Doors open at 9:15 am and the Forum will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
City Treasurer candidate Melissa Conyers-Ervin held a private fundraiser in the South Loop on Thursday evening where some of familiar Black women influencers were in attendance. The event was organized by consultant and strategist Tarrah Cooper; public relations specialist, Ashley Tate-Gilmore and businesswoman, Nikki Hayes. “Empowering Women in Leadership” panel was moderated by Ervin with invited speakers who included Alderman Carrie Austin; WVON President/CEO, Melody Spann-Cooper and World Business Chicago CEO, Andrea Zopp. The room full of ‘movers and shakers’ was treated to a continuous flow of tasty bites from Chef Tafari of Thymeless Creations. Not wanting to be intrusive of the ladies ‘pow-wow’, husband and alderman, Jason Ervin arrived towards the end of the event.
By the time our April/May issue drops, we will be discussing who will take the mantle for the next four years. Good luck to the ones who grind hard in these streets.
Black History is Beyond February
The DuSable Museum of African American History and Comcast NBCUniversal will officially unveil “Voices of the Civil Rights Movement,” a new interactive installation that features more than 240 stories and interviews with Chicago and national civil rights icons. All 16-plus hours of video come from Comcast NBCUniversal’s award-winning “Voices of the Civil Rights Movement” platform, a multimedia collaboration with the Equal Justice Initiative that honors the legacy and impact of America’s civil rights champions.
l-r: Perri Small, Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, Melody Spann-Cooper, and Andrea Zopp.
The exhibit will be on permanent display and debuts the first weekend in February. A special preview of the event was held on Thursday evening with a reception where people enjoyed some great bites, cocktails and the beautiful artwork along the walls.
Public officials in attendance included Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., Alderman Michelle Harris, Alderman Roderick Sawyer, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
The installation at the DuSable Museum also features interviews with U.S. Rep. John Lewis, former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, Little Rock Nine member Carlotta Walls LaNier, Birmingham church bombing survivor Sarah Collins Rudolph, and others.
DuSable Museum CEO, Perri Small; Comcast Sr. EVP David Cohen and Mayor Rahm Emanuel view new Civil Rights display.
David L. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President, and Chief Diversity Officer opened up the ceremony on the commitment of Comcast NBCUniversal to present this part of our American history on the company’s various platforms and continue to be an advocate of diversity and inclusion.
On hand were Chicago’s own ‘voices of change’ and honored at Thursday night’s program which included Dr. Timuel Black, Rev. Clyde Brooks, Josie Childs, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., James Montgomery, and Robert Starks.
For more information: www.voicesofthecivilrightsmovement. com
If you’re in for continuous laughs don’t miss out on Second City Black History Month show at UP Comedy Club located in Piper’s Alley. The show features sketches created by SC’s African American alumni remixed by fresh faces. Tickets start at $20 and space has a full-service kitchen so it’s not your typical ‘two-drink’ minimum comedy club. Have dinner, drinks and a good belly roll with friends.
KNOW 1 Foundation will host “From Mali to Mississippi: Keeping Cultural History Alive” art exhibition February 7, thru February 28, 2019. The event will be held at the KNOW 1 Innovation Center, 3501 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago IL, 60653. The art exhibit stems from the work of art historian and collector Diarra “Jabby” Diaby, a native of Mali, who specializes in indigenous African cultural antiques, arts, textiles, fabrics, wood, metals and designs.
Lisa Fischer Lights Up the Stage
Photo Credit: Mary L. Datcher
Mad props to super vocalist, and Grammy award-winning artist Lisa Fischer who tore down the house at City Winery two nights in a row (2/4 and 2/5). The former background singer to music icons, Luther Vandross and The Rolling Stones has built a solid fanbase since she first broke out with her debut album, “So Intense” in 1991. Over the last decade, Fischer has released several independent releases and she continues to be one of the most sought-after session singers in the music business. In 2013, she allowed the world to capture her behind-the-scenes in the critically-acclaimed documentary, “20 Feet From Stardom”. Chicago loves serious musicians!
After the show, Ms. Fischer met and greeted everyone with hugs and selfies until the last attendees left the building. Now, how’s that for class and gratitude?
The 3rd Annual Langston Hughes Birthday Celebration was held at City Winery on Super Bowl Sunday to a packed house of friends, supporters and family members of the late attorney, Randy Crumpton. Crumpton was the co-creator the annual event which had amazing live performances by the show’s musical director, Terisa Griffin; actor Russell Hornsby; Golden Globe award-winning actress; Regina Taylor; spoken word artist and community activist, Malcolm London; actress and personality, LaDonna Tittle; R&b singers Gifted Keys and Lynn Jordan and others. Proceeds were donated to SocialWorks.
Avents by August
Congratulations to Alicia August-Wright who opened her brick and mortar boutique and event space at 5231 S. Harper Court in the downtown Hyde Park area. She hosts ADORE A Gathering of Girlfriends, Galentine Edition on February 17 from 12 pm – 3 pm.
Boss Up!
For women looking to bond with other strong and spiritual sisters, what better way to start your Sunday morning? Boss Girls Pray hosted by Dawn Milhouse and Melody Winston takes place Sunday, February 17 at Living Word Christian Center located at 7600 W. Roosevelt Rd in Forest Park. Service at 11:15 am with a day of fellowship, accountability, and prayer. Bring your daughter, niece, sister, auntie, mom, and grandmother for this awesome program.
Syb’s Breakfast Club
It’s about that time again for one of the hottest Black collegiate and Greek gatherings for the season. Mark your calendar for Sib’s Breakfast Club’s 9th Annual Black History Celebration honoring HBCU and Greeks. Tickets are $35 and available on Eventbrite.com. The event takes place Sunday, February 17 with some of the ‘who’s who’ in attendance. You don’t want to miss out on the fun! Make sure to check out the new Syb’s ‘Game Changers’ photo on Page 43 of the Feb/March issue of Bronzeville Life.
SIB’S Breakfast Club’s 2019 African American Business Leaders, Innovators and Game Changers
Top Row From left to right, Chinyera Moody, Attorney Natalie Howse, Jason Mitchell of the National Association of Minority Mortgage Banker of Chicago (NAMMBA), Erika Orr Judge at Circut Court of Cook County, Michael Strotter of owner of The Burger Point, Former Chicago Bears Dr. Primus owner of Cso Medical Sports Multiplex , Attorney Victoria Griffin, Owner of VG Insurance Solutions Agency, Dr. Airron Richardson of Premier Urgent Care & OCC-Health CTR, Sibyl Holloway of SIB’S Breakfast Club, Ken Neal of National Association of Minority Architects (NAOMA), Karla Davis-Luster of The UPS Store 6337. Cedric Nolen Executive Director of NabrU, Tenille Jackson of Chicagoland Mom Squad, Alizabeth Jeter of BLEU Vodka, Dr. Michael McGee of Premier Urgent Care & OCC-Health CTR, Laurencio Miguel Nalls of Forty Photography and Cayex owner of Complex Music Studio
Bottom Row From Left to right,Constance Simms-Kincaid of 5 Loaves Eatery, Dr. Ogbonna Bowden of My Dental Gallery, Kimberly Coleman Salon LLC, Kelly Fair of Polished Pebbles, LeeAndra Khan CEO of Civitas Education Partners, Entrepreneur Michael Drayton Sr. of OWMYOWIMA, Financial Planner Tiffany Allen of Prudential and Ken Faulkner of Kilwins Hyde Park Chicago & Kilwins Chicago Michigan Avenue
Toni Bailey’s Pop up “Brunch Over Beats”
My girl Toni Bailey has taken her passion for food, interior design and hospitality to create a fusion of food stylings at her first official pop-up on Sunday, February 24 from 12 pm – 5 pm at the Black Fire Brigade. The marketing manager we all know, and love has launched her catering business Bailey Beautiful, low-key, but her food is ‘high profile’. Full ‘itis’ alert. Music by the fabulous DJ Wyld Chyld. By the way, it’s SOLD OUT.
Business Leader and former CEO of the Chicago Urban League, Cheryl Robinson Jackson presents Grit + Grace, a day of empowerment, power networking, master classes and much more on March 22. Keynote speaker, Mary Dillon, CEO of Ulta will be in attendance. To secure your tickets for this phenomenal power-hitter event, visit www.gritandgraceday.ticketleap.com
Birthday Shout Outs | February & March
Feb.2 Tone Kapone, Feb.7, Wallace ‘Gator’ Bradley; Feb. 12 T. Alexis Owens, Feb.14 Alderman Sophia King, Emerald Jane Hunter and Gil Walker; Feb.16 Magnus Hunter; Feb.17 Eric Williams and DJ Lady D, Feb.18 Anita Bennett, Feb.21 Cecilia Arnold; Feb. 23 Waliday Tureaud, Haki Madhubti and Tony Smith; Feb.26 Erica Watson
March 3 Sean Long; March 8 Marc Brooks, Bo Deal; March 9 Michele Franks Santiago, March 10 Jesse Saunders, Mac Whiteside; March 11 Val Warner, March 13 Christine Coleman, March 11 Ernest Greene, March 14 Toure Muhammad, March 15 Clint Evans, March 21 Maurice Joshua, March 22 Happy Lewis, March 23 Tiffany M. Gethers and Chaka Khan; March 26 Cold Heart, March 28 Nicole Marie Pittmon.
Follow Mary L. Datcher @globalmixx @mdatcher
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