CHE “RHYMEFEST” SMITH
Grammy Award-Winning Artist/Activist |Candidate for Chicago Public School Board District 10
Che “Rhymefest” Smith is an award-winning recording artist, humanitarian, actor, and community advocate. He is the recipient of two Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Award, and a Soul Train Award for his artistry that bridges intersections between Che’s communal, national, and global experiences.
Seeing the transformative difference he could make in the community through music and mentorship, Che co-founded the non-profit organization Art Of Culture (formerly Donda’s House), collaborating with the Chicago Park District and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) to serve thousands of youth artists throughout the city. He organized and led events such as “Bridges to The Blues”, where intergenerational artists were paired and given opportunities to fuse classic Blues with contemporary music styles. The result was an epic annual performance at the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park. Art of Culture was also instrumental in the creation of TIP Fest (Teens In the Park), which currently serves as Chicago’s largest platform for young artists to showcase their talents and connect with resources. Smith was named Co-Chair of The Year of Chicago Music, an initiative by DCASE to highlight our city’s vibrant and diverse music scene.
At the core of Rhymefest’s humanitarian spirit is deep love and sincere belief in the power of education and what can be accomplished when people of good will unite. This is why he’s an active member of the Abolition Institute, a peace seeking organization with the mission to combat enslavement in the West African country of Mauritania, called “Slavery’s Last Stronghold” by CNN. Rhymefest frequently travels to Mauritania as part of a humanitarian delegation, working with local organizations, formerly enslaved people, and artists to help fight slavery and discrimination.
Che’s son Solomon attended CPS’ Shoesmith Elementary School. Smith lives with his family in Chicago’s 6th Ward and will be a School Board Member that our entire community will be proud of.
Instagram: @rhymefestforcps
KEEANA BARBER
CEO, WDB Marketing
Keeana Barber is a visionary entrepreneur and one of the driving forces behind WDB Marketing, a company she founded to honor the legacy left by her late brother, Bobby Barber. Inspired by a deep passion for entrepreneurship and a commitment to economic equity, Keeana established WDB Marketing to provide essential marketing services that help businesses thrive in competitive markets.
Under her leadership, WDB Marketing has made a significant impact, supporting over 5,000 businesses across various industries. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including branding, videography, photography and full-service printing tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. They have become one of the largest Black-owned printing manufacturers in the Southland.
Keeana’s dedication to the community extends beyond her business. She is the founder of the WDB LEGACY Awards, a transformative weekend that celebrates and honors the achievements of Black entrepreneurs and community leaders. This annual event not only recognizes excellence but also fosters networking and collaboration, creating a powerful platform for growth and empowerment. To date, this event has helped stimulate over $1.5 million amongst Black-owned businesses and awarded over $50,000 in prizes to young entrepreneurs.
Keeana also serves as the Executive Director of WDB Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources, mentorship, and support to young entrepreneurs.
Keeana’s story is one of profound impact and enduring legacy. Her passion for supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs is not just a professional endeavor; it is a personal mission. Through her leadership at WDB Marketing, her transformative work with WDB Cares, and her visionary role in the LEGACY Awards Weekend, she continues to inspire, empower, and pave the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Keeana Barber is not just a business leader; she is a pillar of her community, a visionary in her field, and an unwavering advocate for the power of entrepreneurship to change lives.
Instagram: @keeanabarber
JEMAL KING
9 to 5 Millionaire | Real Estate Investor | Motivational Speaker
Jemal King is a born leader and gifted communicator. Born in Chicago, Jemal was an all state football player with college scholarship offers from all over the country. After deciding to stay home and play for Western Illinois University, he went on to win several conference championships while serving as the team captain. Jemal had dreams of making millions in the NFL.
After injuries dashed those dreams, he joined the family business and became a full time Chicago Police Officer. However, Jemal still had the millionaire’s mindset and decided that investing in real estate would be his method to earn millions and create the lifestyle he desired for his family. As his real estate portfolio increased, Jemal and his wife Camille invested the profits from real estate and opened a childcare center. The center was highly successful and since then, they own and operate multiple sites in Chicago. Jemal’s growing empire consists of 4 multi-million-dollar companies including a brand-new security company that grossed several million dollars in its first few years of inception.
Jemal has created these businesses while still maintaining his position as a full time Chicago Police Officer, devoted husband, father and the newest member of the world’s number one personal development brand, Eric Thomas and Associates. Jemal’s colleagues have appropriately nicknamed him “The 9-5 Millionaire”. His unique story of the millionaire’s mindset and creating generational wealth has inspired thousands and will no doubt inspire millions.
Instagram: @9to5millionaire
LATISHA WATERS
CEO, Empiire Dance Company
Founded in 2001 by Latisha Waters, a vibrant dance teacher passionate about serving the South Side of Chicago, Empiire Dance Company emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the decline of community centers in urban areas. Latisha’s vision was to create a nurturing environment for young talent, and today, Empiire Dance Company stands as a testament to that vision.
In 2023, during the 94th Bud Billiken Parade, Empiire Dance Company was celebrated for its excellence, winning the prestigious Best Parade Float award and securing 1st place in the Bud Billiken Parade Dance Competition. These accolades highlight the company’s dedication to creativity, performance, and community engagement.
Empiire Dance Company has achieved over 3,000 championships and numerous TV and magazine appearances on a national level. The company currently serves over 200 dancers and actors, celebrating talents from ages 3 to 35. Their diverse offerings include ballet, foot-working, jazz, and hip hop.
The Empire Summer Camp goes beyond dance, mentoring youth in gymnastics, basketball, and home economics. Empiire Dance Company is proud of its divisions: Tiny Tots, Diamonds, Dynasty, and 3D, each fostering growth, discipline, and artistic expression.
Instagram: @ceo_empiire
HOSEA SANDERS
19-time Emmy Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist, Anchor & Entertainment Reporter, ABC 7 Eyewitness News
Hosea Sanders is a 19-time Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist. Since joining ABC 7 Chicago in 1994, he has played a major role serving as News Anchor, Entertainment Reporter and program host at Chicago’s top-rated station. Sanders provides entertainment coverage for ABC 7 Chicago and other ABC-owned-and-operated stations across the country. He also presents the “Chicago Proud” series of stories which give voice to everyday Chicago area heroes. In addition, Sanders spotlights the differently-abled community in a regular series of stories called “Celebrating Abilities.” His reporting on this beat was lauded in a story published in the Columbia Journalism Review.
On the programming side, Sanders hosts ABC 7’s Emmy Award-winning series, “Our Chicago: Black Voices of Change” (formerly “Heart & Soul”), which showcases Chicago’s vibrant African American community. He also helps host one of the highest-rated local shows in Chicago, the popular New Year’s Eve special, “Countdown Chicago”, as well as ABC 7’s Bud Billiken Parade, the largest African-American parade in the nation. In addition, he is one of the faces of the ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive in partnership with the American Red Cross of Illinois, as well as the station’s annual food drive campaign benefitting Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Sanders is in constant demand nationally as a public speaker and has received more than 100 awards for community service.
He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and has worked at TV stations in Los Angeles, Dallas and Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the Chicago Association of Black Journalists, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
He makes his home in Chicago’s West Loop.
Instagram: @hoseasanders
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