CD Magazine by ChiDefender

Bronzeville Shines Light On Culture Ballin With Chicago Sky Guard

Cappie Pondexter

Fall In Fall Out Fashion CDMAG2v6.indd 1

Lalah Hathaway R&B Royalty Speaks Candidly About Her Father And The Music Industry

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EDITOR’S NOTES

CD MAGAZINE A Real Times Media Inc., Publication of the Chicago Defender 312.225.2400 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Cheryl Mainor DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES & MARKETING Deborah Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kai EL’Zabar EDITOR-AT-LARGE/ BEAUTY EDITOR Kenneth Eric Hare ART DIRECTOR Paul Mainor PHOTOGRAPHERS Ernest Collins Tito Garcia Andre Hampton Nick Roques

CD Magazine is growing, expanding and evolving always a step ahead and always running the race. With this edition we fall in and fall out of Fall featuring the beautiful fall fashions of designers Barbara Bates and Boris Powell who hail from Chicago and yet their designs are not limited to the boundaries of the Windy City. They join the likes of designer Issay Miyake showcasing his magniﬁcent pleats, yes the art of pleats and other internationally renown designers to showcase the vision of our Beauty /Fashion Editor-at-large Ken Hare as seen through the lens of the phenomenal photographer Ernest Collins. We travel Chicago’s wonderful potpourri of what‘s up, what’s down and note the up and coming doing their thing changing the world a step at a time, literally. In our PEOPLE section: WHO, WHAT AND WHY? . . . Ashanti Johnson, Body guru literally talks about how she has helped to transform thousands of women’s bodies, minds and spirits one move at a time. Dominique Dunne is making way and pushing through the old paradigm of thinking about diet as it relates to health. On the road working as fashion merchandizer

Chicago born music royalty Lalah Hathaway speaks candidly with CD Magazine’s Mary Datcher about her life as Princess Lalah, daughter of R& B legend Donny Hathaway and her new project. While Candace Hunter our arts and culture editor writes about the “collection and spirit” of Gallerist Raub Welch, who has works by “art megastar,” Chicagoan Theaster Gates and Shirley

AESTHETICS Triphina Johnson Make-up Artist Ken Hare Hair stylist Kai ELZ Creative Direction

SALES DEPARTMENT Dyanna Lewis Sales Manager Will Rodgers Account Exec Terri Winston Account Exec

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CD is Certificate of Deposit: money, wealth, finance, income, profit, abundance, CD is prosperity CD is Chicago Defender: News, Information, Knowledge, CD is Power! CD is alive, organic and bursting full of life. As we evolve continuing to bring you new ever exciting and interesting news, intriguing information and stories, we will introduce more and more of our self through new departments, platforms, mediums and more. We look forward to sharing with you again in 2016 with our Winter edition. Meanwhile enjoy and share your issue with a friend.

MANAGING EDITOR E. Evry STAFF WRITERS Candace Hunter Mary Datcher Mae Ebert ELyse Edmonds Theresa McGrew SD Searcy Eleana Elan Clover McCrary

CD is Compact Disc: art, music, dance, entertainment, lifestyle CD is Culture.

CD is you! The production team L-R Make-up artist Triphina Johnson, Fashion Beauty Editor Ken Hare, Dominique Dunne and moi. director for Jay-Z and Damon Dash’s Rocawear line, the constant travel left her feeling that something was missing. Her road to discovery led her to her current role as “the Juice lady,” changing the way people think about diet one drink at time. And Denard Wade comes attcha with a bat, helping youth to bat their way to the top. “The key,” he says, “is to understand how to parlay what you do on the ﬁeld to advance or jumpstart your future.”

Sullivan as well as newcomers which has put him on the map. And then it’s all about ballin’ with Cappie Pointdexter WNBA star for the Chicago Sky basketball team who made the playoff . . . what’s it like being a professional female ballplayer.

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

Check out our pages and share CD Magazine, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment & Lifestyle publication all about you.

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CONTENTS FALL ISSUE

arts & culture

museum notes

feature

fashion 4

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people who

people why

Mens Accessories

cover story

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MUSEUM NOTES

Culture Capsule Museum Notes, Stages and Sounds

Repairing A Nation by Pulitzer Prize nominated co-author Nikkole Salter opens Friday, November 13, 2015 and runs through January 3, 2016 The Goodman Theatre 170 N. Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60601 312.443.3800 goodmantheatre.org

MUSEUMS DuSable Museum Where Black culture is celebrated all year, 360 days showcasing the who, what and why in Black America. 740 East 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637, 773.947.0600 Exhibits: Freedom & Resistance . . . is dedicated to the thousands of unknown lives given in the name of freedom and equality. A Slow Walk to Greatness: The Harold Washington Story Featuring more than 150 artifacts, objects, campaign memorabilia and even archival footage! Africa Speaks . . . showcases the diverse people and cultures and countries in Africa; Includes pieces collected over the past four decades totaling some 2,000 plus traditional and contemporary African artifacts Geoffrey & Carmen: A Memoir in Four Movements (Web Exhibition)

Red, White, Blue & Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Services . . .highlights the robust collection of militaria from the DuSable Museum’s permanent collection. Taking it to the Streets! The DuSable Mobile Museum . . .offers an exciting experience that is both educational and entertaining. The Freedom Now Mural Carvings illustrate 400 years of African American history Special Events December 13, 2015 The DuSable Museum Women’s Board Cordially Invites You to An Evening of Glitz, Glamour and Gold The 22nd Annual Holiday Glitz Beneﬁt Gala, Reception 4:00 p.m. — 5 p.m., Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. A Black Tie event; includes dinner, rafﬂe, silent auction, fashion show, entertainment and dancing at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2332 South ML King Drive, Chicago, IL

South Side Community Art Center 3831 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago Il 60653, 773.373.1026 Co-Founded By Margaret Burroughs who also founded the DuSable Museum, the SSCAC began in the 1940’s with assistance from President Roosevelt’s Work Progress Act or the WPA which became a hub for the top artists of its time, including Gordon Parks, Langston Hughes, Charles White, Richard Wright, Gwendolyn Brooks, Richmond Barthe, and Romare Bearden. The Chicago Blues Museum Chicago may have lost dibs on the National Blues museum but the city often referred to as home of the blues has it’s own Chicago Blues Museum. Contact Heather at info@chicagobluesmuseum.com or call 773.828.8118. The Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60615 773.684.1414 Great place for the kids and science enthusiast because there’s always

new things to do. Call ahead to anticipate and plan for interactive exhibits, experiences and the Omnimax Theater for that one-of-a-kind experience. Take a WOW tour. The WOW tour is not included in museum entry and requires an additional timed-entry ticket. Non-members may select the tour as part of an Explorer ticket package. Member tickets are $8 for adults and seniors, and $6 for children ages 3-11.

THEATER The Black Ensemble Theater 4445 N. Clark, Chicago IL Dynamite Divas by Jackie Taylor Previews November 28, 29 & December 4 & 5 Opens December 6 through January 10, 2016 Dynamite Divas puts Artetha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight and Roberta Flack in the same room for a day in the life of these iconic women of song. ETA Creative Arts 7558 S. South Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60619, 773.752.3955

CARLYE by Thomas Bradshaw, directed by Benjamin Kamine In a ferocious comedy of political “bash” and cultural “clash,” Carlyle Meyers is an ambitious politician facing one potentially major barrier in his burgeoning career: He is an African American in the Republican Party. Hoping to win over skeptical voters, Carlyle takes to the stage to present an autobiographical play that recounts how and why he became a member of the GOP. Brimming with Thomas Bradshaw’s signature piercing humor, this world premiere takes no prisoners as it scrutinizes the effects of afﬁrmative action, party alliance and the state of race in America. Will Carlyle win your vote? Katherine Dunham Theater Kennedy King College 740 West 63rd Street Chicago, Il 60621 708.926.4641. Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts 915 E 60th Street Chicago, IL 60637 773.702.ARTS (2787) logancenter@uchicago. edu Logan Center Third Tuesday Jazz Series: Ernest Dawkins November 17, 2015 Logan Center, Cafe Admission: Free Saxophonist, composer, and founder of the

Englewood Jazz Festival, Ernest Dawkins, holds down month’s showcase of Chicago jazz. The Hyde Park Jazz Society selects local jazz musicians to perform on the third Tuesday of every month at Café Logan. The New Onyx Theater at Beverly Arts Center 2407 W. 111th St. Chicago, IL 60655 (773) 445-3838 beverlyartcenter.org. Steppenwolf Theatre 1650 N. Halsted Chicago Il 60614 312.335.1650 steppewolf.org Victory Gardens Theater 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago 60614 773.871.3000 victorygardens.org

JAZZ VENUES Green Mill 4802 North Broadway Ave. 773.878.5552 Katrina’s, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd. 773.348.7592 Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court, 312.360.0234 Promontory Chicago, 5311 South Lake Park Avenue 312.801.2100 M Lounge 1520 S. Wabash Ave. 312.447.0201 Elastic 2830 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773.772.3616 Logan Center for the Arts 915 East 60th Street 773.702.2787 Room 43 1039-1043 East 43rd Street 773.285.2222 Mo Better Jazz Chicago 2423 E 75th Street 773-741-6254

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ARTS & CULTURE

Candace Hunter CD Arts & Culture Editor

On the Southside of Chicago, in the midst of the historic community called Bronzeville, blocks from the first home of the founder of The Chicago Defender’s Robert S. Abbott, blocks from Lake Michigan, amidst Greystones in need of repair and Greystones rehabbed to jewel-like perfection, ensconced amongst the entrepreneurial spirit that has always created a vibrant African American community – sits a west facing semidetached home built nearly a hundred years ago that houses the collection and spirit of Raub Welch. Approaching the home, there is a street in need of repair, an empty lot, another home in need of love, and just beyond the house, at the corner, a sparkling new children’s park. At the side of the house, facing the children’s park is a garden walk straight out of a Victorian novel. Ascending the steps to the entrance of the home, you are greeted by a sign, “Welcome to Gallery Home.” Gallery Home is the second phase of Welch’s plan of supporting the idea of Art and all things beautiful – this time on the Souhside of Chicago. His first gallery in Chicago was a 2,500 square 6

foot space in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, named the Open Door Gallery. The Open Door hosted the art of some of Chicago’s finest artists, including the first solo show for Chicago’s art megastar, Theaster Gates along with established artists the likes of Shirley Sullivan and newcomers. In “Gallery Home” Welch’s first foray into the Southside, he has taken a more intimate approach to his sharing of all things beautiful. He has created a warm and intimate space that houses select and intimate art shows, a gathering space for Creatives of every hue, including studio space to create his own incredible art and a urban farm. In recent years, Chicago has jumped on the bandwagon of urban farming – adopting it from schoolyards to vacant lots and even municipal rooftop gardens. Welch comes alive as a child of the soil, having been raised on a working farm in Southern Illinois with a population less than three hundred people. Inspired him to set up a few plots in the yard of his Greystone adding to the romantic nature of providing sustenance for his pioneering vision, but also allowing this son of

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ARTS & CULTURE

a “Gentleman Farmer,” a bit of nostalgia in his new haven in Bronzeville. His life changed when he left the farm to enter college. At Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, he encountered a population more than a hundred times larger than his hometown. His world expanded exponentially at the University and his degree in Art opened up his desire for the creation for all things beautiful. After college, Welch moved to St. Louis where he quickly became immersed with the local gallery scene. Yet, his dreams were even bigger than St. Louis, and he eventually found himself here in Chicago. In Chicago, the third largest art market, Welch has come to hit his stride. Beyond being a gallerist, Welch embarked on finding his own artistic voice in a very profound manner. He began work on, The Endangered Species: A Visual Response to the Vanishing Black Man. He asked the viewer to imagine a world in which the Black male has disappeared from the landscape and to step into a future world where someone is the caretaker of this lost species.

gers of a guest on his baby grand piano or piped in via satelite. One might find recording artist Kenny Latimore and friends over for a private listening party, another night, Nichelle Gainer, author of Vintage Black Glamour signing her wonderful book that reads like a page out of Welch’s personal style book of elegance. Yet, on another night, the power behind the TV phenomena, Empire, clinking crystal and sipping champagne while eating fire roasted, honey and basil chicken wings! Knowing that even Chicago is not large enough for his dreams and aspirations, he uses his Gallery Home and our city as the launch pad for his growth. From here, he travels the globe, most recently, attending

the Black Portrature(s)II conference held in Florenz, Italy and the Venice Biennale. These two events bring together the most celebrated and intellectual world artists that share in the collective consciousness of the African Diaspora. Inspired and informed by his international colleagues, Welch began his own blog, upon returning to the States, named Afro Opulence. On the blog, he instructs on how to properly hang your art, how to grow and serve your garden’s bounty, how to entertain with style and ease. The blog allows his cyber friends access to all things to make your wonderful Black life, simply wonderful. Mr. Abbott would have surely approved!

What does that story look like? And who tells the story? Endangered Species opened at the Blanc Gallery in 2013 with the fanfare of a chorus of Bucket Boys playing as guest arrived gorgeous and tuxedoed as top hatted Black men paraded around the space. The exhibition created a bit of controversy as many individuals added their own political spin thwarting the original purpose and meaning of his work. The exhibition, enjoying both controversy and critique, quickly caught the eye of the DuSable Museum of African American History’s then President, Dr. Carol L. Adams. Dr. Adams invited Welch to exhibit his work which ran to critical acclaim from Oct 18, 2013 - Mar 30, 2014 at the museum. All the while, Welch continued his work in Gallery Home, providing showcases for some of the best artists in Chicago and the Midwest providing an incredible space to entertain. Known for his entertainment style – exquisite floral arrangements, beautiful placement of art, antiques and oddities placed just so, Welch’s Gallery Home has become the place to be. On any given evening, planned or impromptu, gaiety can be found at Gallery Home, music – streaming live from the finfall 2015 | CD Magazine

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FEATURE

R&B SOUL Royalty

Lalah Hathaway by Mary Datcher CD Entertainment Editor

hicago native musician, Lalah Hathaway is no stranger to having the best of both worlds—the major record labels and the independent music company. When she broke out on the scene in 1992, her signing to Virgin Records was an eyebrow raiser. A family legacy, spawned from Donny Hathaway who left us with the songs, “The Ghetto,” “Everything is Everything,” “The Christmas,” “This Song is For You,” along with a deep catalog of hits and songwriting partners including Roberta Flack, Curtis Mayfield, Leroy Hutson and James Mtume. His death in 1979 was a tragic loss and blow to all that was influenced by his music and personality. Since the release of Lalah’s first self-titled album, we have witnessed Donny’s daughter’s meteoric rise as a leading vocalist and musician in both the Soul and Jazz genres. Her South Side of Chicago indoctrination introduced her to the long history of successful African American entertainers. The inheritance of having a great voice and love for music is more than genetic—it is her passion. She left Chicago to attend Berklee College for Music in Boston, where she continued elevating and polishing her natural talents

as a classically trained musician. After graduating, she decided to anchor her roots in Los Angeles which has been her home for the past twenty-five years and produced some of her best works over the span of six albums. One of which garnered her a Grammy nomination and Grammy Award in 2014 for Best R&B Performance for “Something,” with Snarky Puppy. She continued her reign, earning her a follow-up Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance, with Robert Glasper and Malcolm Jamal-Warner for “Jesus Children” on February 2, 2015. Her latest upcoming album “Lalah Hathaway Live!” has been independently released through eOne Distribution, which was headed up by a creative fan funded campaign launched through pledgemusic.com. Two singles have been released, both covers, showcasing Anita Baker’s hit song “Angel” and her father, Donny Hathaway’s live version of “Little Ghetto Boy.” Needless to say, the pledgemusic.com campaign exceeded her goal and reached 150 percent thus energizing her non-stop performance and tour which has become the hottest ticket in visiting cities. We recently had a very candid insightful conversation with Lalah:

CD Magazine: Growing up in Chicago, as the daughter of Soul music royalty, did you feel pressure to be the best musician and singer coming up in the business? LH: I never thought about music being as a field or competition. I was a musician from the age of two or three years old. Being a musician meant becoming the best at what I did. So I was always a student of music. That was the main focus for me taking piano lessons and I went to a performing arts high school and then went on to Berklee in Boston. It was really about becoming a better musician – the only competition that I have ever had was with myself. You can compete in art. We can arguably say that Beyonce is ‘Jordan’ or ‘Kobe’ whoever is the hottest athlete. But in basketball we can measure the points, there’s stats to measure. It’s really hard in the business of music and art to quantify whose great because music is personal.

CD Magazine: What was the main difference that you’ve experienced being a young artist on a major label versus having your own Indie label? LH: I first signed, at age 18 or 19 years old. I was in college, writing songs and working between LA and Boston. I haven’t seen much difference between the major record label and the Indie labels. As an artist, I have always felt like an independent artist. I always caution artists, no matter what kind of deal you get, you have to think of yourself as an independent artist no matter what the parameters are around you. That is the biggest lesson that I’ve learned over the last 25 years.

CD Magazine: How has technology changed the game for musicians? LH: Now, you can make a record in the subway on your iPhone and put it up today. I’ve learned that no matter where I am and who is around me, and what kind of other support I

may have, I am my own advocate. I am my best advocate. I understand my audience as a musician. I’m going to keep it musical.

CD Magazine: What do you find right now that is missing in music? LH: Sometimes I find that the ‘heart’ is missing. At times, I really don’t feel the soul of the music. Growing up in Chicago, we had the greatest radio ever, I tell people that all the time. I grew up listening to WBMX, WVON and WGCI and WLS. I listened to rock music, I listened to country music and Rhythm and Blues music. I’d listen to old radio shows getting ready for school. The definition of it has changed so much in the last 20 years. It absolutely used to tell the story of Black America and the story of Americans and right now, the story is slightly askew.

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Fall Fur Sale ON NOW!

Largest Selection Of World’s Latest Fashion and Classic Furs at Incomparable Prices

2201 W. 95th St. • Chicago, IL • 773-779-7000 andrianafurs.com

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F A LL I N

PEOPLE

F A L L OU T

Chicago is changing… seasons that is, bringing with it new patterns, textures and tones. By Kenneth Eric Hare Fashion & Beauty Editor Photgraphy by Ernest Collins Enter Lauren... In this remarkable, minileather loop jacket by Barbara Bates. Hand crafted by master artisans, it takes 24 hours for this custom masterpiece. For skirt play, try a little form in the fabric without giving up the flirt, mesh ribbed skirt by Garcia. Mini-Leather Loop Jacket $1,800, Made to Order, Any Color @ barbarabatesdesigns.com Chicago, 312.808.8091 Mesh Ribbed Skirt $190.00 @ brysonmilan.com Chicago, 312.667.4664 Madame Genuine Fur & Italian Leather Stunner $160.00 @ peraseofootwearcouture.com NYC, 718.422.7913 Kham’ryn B. Shoes 8301 S. Ashland, Chicago khamrynb.com Lace Blouse – Vintage

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All eyes will instantly follow you in this bold black and white graphic, silk tweed mini dress and fox fur stole by Borris Powell. Black and White Silk Tweed Dress $950.00 @ borrispowell.com Chicago, 773.857.5585 Fox Fur Stole $500.00 borrispowell.com Chicago, 773.857.5585 Madame Genuine Fur & Italian Leather Stunner $160.00 @ peraseofootwearcouture.com NYC, 718.422.7913 Khamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ryn B. Shoes, 8301 S. Ashland, Chicago, khamrynb.com. Chevron Tights $6.99 by West Loop

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FASHION Rich warm colors and bold vibrant prints are key in this layered, sleeveless, paisley maxi dress over feather printed long sleeve tee shirt by Fuzzi for Jean Paul Gaultier.

Fuzzi Sleeveless Maxi Dress $770.00 @ Macy’s 28 Shop State St. Chicago, 312.781.1000 ext. 3281 Fuzzi Long Sleeve Tee Shirt $325.00 @ Macy’s 28 Shop, State St. Chicago, 312.781.1000 ext. 3281 Black Sandal Bootie $149.00 – Vince Camuto @ Macy’s Women Shoes State St. Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3045

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Exude effortless confidence in a strapless, floral print, double faced polished cotton gown by Barbara Bates.

Ball gown $1,600.00 Made to Order any fabric or leather @ barbarabatesdesigns.com Chicago, 312.808.8091 Sandal Heel - Calvin Klein $119 @ Macy’s Women Shoes State St. Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3045 Necklaces - M. Haskell $44.50 each @ Macy’s Women Accessories, State St. Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3530 Ring - I.N.C. $26.50 @ Macy’s Women Accessories, State St. Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3530

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FASHION Go voluminous in this cinematic, floor length, poly blend skirt and Venetian silk lace, button down blouse. Polish off your look in a vintage, satin faced, silk, floral print trench coat. Poly Blend Skirt $1,175.00 @ borrispowell.com Chicago, 773.857.5585 Venetian Lace Button Down Blouse $450.00 @ borrispowell.com Chicago, 773.857.5585 Vintage Trench Coat $900.00 @ barbarabatesdesigns.com Chicago, 312.808.8091 Lavender Oval Earrings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I.N.C. $26.50 @ Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Women Accessories State St. Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3530

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From the Japanese master of sculptural forms and sensual shapes comes Pleats Please. Pleated blouse and jacket by Issey Miyake.

Pleated Jacket $1,840.00 @ Macy’s 28 Shop State St. Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3281 Pleated Blouse $770.00 @ Macy’s 28 Shop State St. Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3281 Necklaces – M. Haskell $36.50 & 98.50 @ Macy’s Women Accessories, State St. Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3530

Hair Stylist – Traci Chanel @ instagram.com/blondbrowngyrl Makeup – Tinaya Weems Stylist – Clarissa V. Pierre Model – Lauryn McRoyal (Factor Models)

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FASHION Stainless Steel Bike Chain Bracelet

Men’s

Avenue

$80.00 by Inox @ Silver Room Chicago 773.947.0024

By Kenneth Eric Hare Beauty & Fashion Editor Photography by Ernest Collins Models – Ben Lane, Raphael Morris

Art of Shaving Shave Kit – Stainless Steel Stand $110.00, Five Blade Razor $100,

Stainless Steel Boar Bristle Brush $80.00 @ Macy’s State Street, Men Accessories, Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3456

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Brown Leather Loafer Trimmed in Beige $240 Made in Italy Emilio Franco for Mario Uomo Chicago, 312.391.0831

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Rhonda

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borrispowell.com Chicago, 312.857.5585 Brushed Gun Metal Stainless Steel and Wood Panel Bracelet - $140.00 by Inox @ Silver Room, Chicago 773.947.0024 Black Crew Neck Pullover $195.00 by Theory @ Macy’s State Street, Men’s Wear Chicago 312.781.1000 ext. 3555

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By Mary Datcher CD Staff Writer Photogsphy: Andre Hampton Make-up: Triphena Johnson Hair: Ken Hare

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he world of sports is a hard and gritty pit of competition and big business. The third largest city in the U.S. is Chicago but when it comes down to our sports teams—we hold the title of being the number one sports fan town. Chicagoans know what season it is by the team jerseys that supporters wear. Joining the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Bulls, our Blackhawks and crosstown rival baseball teams—the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs, to share the shine is the Chicago Sky. The Chicago Sky knocked out the competition throughout the women’s basketball league summer season. Often in the shadows of the NBA, the WNBA has built a solid following as women’s college basketball has spawned some of the country’s best players. For the last 30 years, the Chicago region has become a nurturing ground for scouting out the best high school players in the country for colleges. John Marshall Metropolitan High School located on the West Side of Chicago has led the charge for producing some of the WNBA’s talent. Under the helm of Coach Dorothy Gater, one of her star players is considered to be in the top 15 of the most influential and valuable WNBA ball players. Cappie Pondexter grew up on the West Side in the Douglas Park community. She was a WBCA All American in 2001, and first signed with the Phoenix Mercury coming out of Rutgers University. Since then, the leading guard has become a familiar and popular face with Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty and now Chicago Sky fans for the past 10 years. At a solid 5 ft. 9 inches Pondexter is not your typical tall basketball player compared to her colleagues. With her genuine love for the game JMM high school was a natural fit. She had the talent but she needed the discipline and guidance to develop the skills needed to move forward in a successful career. “Coach Gater was a helluva recruiter on the high school scene. She’s produced tons of state champions, All Americans and Olympians players. Her resume is pretty stacked,” Pondexter said. Pondexter earned a place on the women’s college basketball team under the prolific guidance of Coach Vivian

Stringer. She feels that the transition from one great Black woman coach to another was impactful to her development—on and off the court. Pondexter said, “I played for her for four years. It was a tremendous run on the collegiate level. Like Coach Dorothy Gater, she helps kids to become successful on another level of life.” When she was asked to join the Chicago Sky team after spending years away from home she accepted without hesitation. It was a wonderful way of being close to her family and friends again. “The fact that Coach Pokey Chatman believed in me enough to want me to come home to help take this young team to the next level of winning a championship was a great feeling. I’m happy with my decision to come back home to Chicago allowing me to be the player that I am and providing the leadership that the team needs.” Pondexter continues to connect with the community and the youth by giving non-profit organizations complimentary tickets for kids to attend Chicago Sky basketball games. Pondexter is an advocate of gratitude; “One thing that I’ve been very grateful for is being 10 years in this business. I’m thankful for the gift that God has given me. I do not take it for granted. My ultimate goal is to make sure I give my all to the gift that God has given me.” Over the years, she has earned multiple WNBA championship rings, gold medals for the 2005 World University Games and 2008 Summer Olympics among the long list of her athletic achievements. This past season Pondexter was excited and pleased at the hard work of the entire team resulting in the team entering the play-offs. She’s noticed an increase in game attendance including former teammates to coaches, family members, childhood friends and classmates. “The fact that I’m home has helped inspire people to come out and support the Chicago Sky. . . They were looking forward to having us bring home the championship,” Pondexter said. Even though they didn’t, the fact that they came as close as they did was a huge accomplishment. And there’s always next year.

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2016 Men of Excellence 2 0 1 6

N O M I N A T I O N

F O R M

Nominee Information Name of Nominee __________________________ Age ____ Title/Positions _______________________________________ Company/Affiliation _________________________________ Years in Industry ____________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________________ Day Phone ____________________________________________ Evening Phone _______________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________

The Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Awards celebrate local African American men who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievement and participation in community service. They are men who exemplify extraordinary strength and commitment to their profession and to the community. These men do it all while filling the roles of leader, father, teacher and professional. The selected honorees will join an exclusive society of 400 professional men who have previously received this distinction. The Men of Excellence reception will be held on February 5, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. 1. The nominee must be a man (at least 21 years of age) who resides in Chicago metropolitan area (the city of Chicago and contiguous communities within fifty (50) miles radius of the city center). 2. The nominee must be active in his career or profession. Career or profession is defined as paid employment in his field. Nominees must agree to have their photograph and biographical information published in The Chicago Defender. All nominees selected as a Chicago Defender Man of Excellence will be featured in a 2016 edition of The Chicago Defender.

3. Evaluations will be based on the quality of a nominee’s achievements, rather than the quantity of information submitted. 4. Selections will be made by the Chicago Defender Man of Excellence Selection Committee based on following criteria: • Local African American Male Business executive or entrepreneur. • Proven success in career/profession • Positive role model • Demonstrative community service

Criteria Proven success within his profession/industry Positive role model whose contributions encourage others Active in community service or organizational involvement Local African American male executive or business owner

Questioned To Be Completed Describe specific accomplishments that demonstrate nominee’s excellence ____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Describe nominee’s community service activity/organizational involvement ___________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ How has the nominee mentored others? ______________________ _________________________________________________________________

Nominator’s Contact Information Name _________________________________________________________ Title _________________________________________________________ Firm/Organization ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________ City/State/Zip _______________________________________________ Day Phone ___________________________________________________ Evening Phone ______________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________

E-mail submissions to: crivera@chicagodefender.com Or Mail to: “Men of Excellence” 4445 S. King Dr. • Chicago IL 60653

Nomination Deadline • Monday, December 7, 2015 • 5:00 PM CDMAG2v5.indd 19

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PEOPLE

WHO

Batting a Thousand Denard Wade Determined to Overcome all Obstacles and Persevere

by Mae Ebert

wenty six year old Denard Wade Jr. was never an average young man. As a popular young handsome athlete, like many, he thought it was all about the game/baseball and the girls. Unbeknownst to him, at the time, his choices would lead him to the path that he currently travels. After graduating from Proviso East, off he went on a Baseball scholarship to Claflin University, one of the HBCU’s where he pursued his interest in finance, which required him to take marketing courses. It was in his sophomore year that he found himself the last man standing after no one had selected him to be on their team for a class marketing assignment. “I have to admit, I was a little miffed standing alone. But that

Denard Wade giving pointers to young athlete in DOP Athletes program.

lasted a second. Immediately I shifted gears, prayed, thoughts started to flow and I knew I was on a mission to make them all wish they had selected me,” says Wade. He presented an impressive marketing plan that incorporated his own experience as an athletic scholarship recipient, combining that with his keen observation and prescience. Ultimately creating a dynamic that would become a critical component of his soon-to-be business. Referencing an art course he took where he found himself and one other male student— an academic scholarship recipient. Wade begin to brainstorm about the combined possibilities of both an academic and athletic scholarship. That was it. “Most Black athletes are never offered that opportunity,” says Wade, “ Instead they are assumed the

dumb jock role which is often enabled by the system to avoid academic achievement.” While working as an instructor for the White Sox youth summer camp, he received an epiphany when a parent told him, “ You’re gifted as a teacher/coach. My son never listened to anyone before. He not only listened but followed your direction and it’s turned his game around.” This was a defining moment for Wade as all the previous paths began to converge and come together thus DOP Athletics open its doors. Today DOP Athletics is in full force incorporating the key components of its namesake; Determination, Overcoming and Perseverance to turn athletes into life champions. “We utilize those attributes as the foundational pillars to push through any adversity,” says Wade who has the personal

experiences to support the mission and vision. “I just need 30 minutes with a student and I can effectively assess his strengths, his weaknesses and then instruct him placing him on a path that will change his game,” says the confident yet humble Wade. Parents that are interested in enrolling their children are provided with package plans to choose from and are required to stay as part of the initial orientation as an observer. As a bonus the first sports lessons that a parent enrolls their child in is free. Teaching students to balance academic and athletic interest is much easier the sooner you begin. Staffed by former professional baseball players who coach the young athletes; this unique approach strengthens their appeal when promoting and marketing themselves to the schools of

their choice and the professional leagues down the line. Balanced ballplayers pose less of a financial risk and usually demonstrate greater life choices and become better investment choices for pro scout and eventually professional teams. DOP Athletes programs are offers year round training for students ages 5 to 18. Most importantly it prepares young athletes for the next level in their sporting career. Each player is prepared to play at a higher level. DOP Athletics has a remarkable success rate sending 98% of its students off to college with both academic and athletic scholarships for the past two years. Such success has prompted the interest of collaborators ready to partner with DOP. Currently Wade is in negotiation with future collaborators.

CD Magazine | fall 2015

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PEOPLE

360 Mind

Body Soul Full Circle by Elyse Edmonds

he’s tall, and tan and young and lovely—the girl from California, the total embodiment of that Los Angeles, easy breezy cover girl aura. Ashanti Johnson begins, “Love brought me to Chicago. At some point I noticed that I was eating foods I would have never eaten before and yet I was losing weight. That prompted my interest in health from a new perspective.” “I discovered, it’s the attitude—the thinking behind my physical manifestation of myself, that counts most.” Ashanti, pauses and makes a point, “See we all know what not to eat, even if we don’t know what to do exactly we know what not to do.” She stresses that you have to make the commitment. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, when I hear somebody say they don’t see results, it’s because they’re not consistent with what they’re doing.”

WHY Still she dutifully notes, There is no gimmick or quick “You can’t have success weight loss scheme.” Some of without the combination— the more popular challenges mind, body and soul. You are the bikini challenge, the have to work them in tangent skinny jeans challenge and and come full circle. And the New Year – New You that’s what we do; we help challenge (2016). you through team coaching, In September 2015 360 Mind building team support and Body Soul moved into its being a part of a community.” new 6000 square foot space After completing her B.A., located at 2930 S. Michigan Ashanti joined an accounting with its 300 plus membership firm; was doing quite well exintact and 200 plus drop-ins cept “it wasn’t me,” she says. that come through a GrouShe moved into corporate pon purchase or a girlfriend sales working for Este Lauder invite, etc. The new space is and Fashion Fair. “What Fashfully equipped with locker ion Fair gave me is priceless,” rooms, showers, workout according to Ashanti. space, cardio, weights, a She ended her stint with barre room for stretching, Fashion Fair to follow her passion and kicked into motion a summer Boot Camp. The women came and she met her goal, then summer ended and it was daunting. Unlike L.A. where Boot Camp literally can go on year round, Chicago gets cold. Faced with a choice, she looked for space that would accommodate a year round Boot Camp. Once she had established the studio and put things in place she and her 13 to 25 instructors throughout the growth and evolution of her fitness center—360 Mind Body Soul, offered special target classes and a spectrum of Ashanti Johnson captured leading programs like their phenomenal challenges as well a high impact workout circuit . as competitions. Ashanti says, “Ultimately a children’s area, a workout we had developed a culture gear shop and a juice bar. where women were growing, 360 MBS’s loyal following evolving and achieving goals, is the reward of tangible individually and as a comresults. Women have lost over munity. We have witnessed 100 pounds individually and 4 years of different waves thousands as a group. of women who have come “At the end of the day,” says through and transformed the 31-year-old entrepreneur, their lives. Often their “We offer a thinking CAP/ goals are achieved Community, Accountability, through competiand Prize/incentive and your tion and chaljob as a participant is to lenges working manage your GPA/Goal, together, being Plan, and Attack. supportive as community.

fall 2015 | CD Magazine

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PEOPLE

Juicing For Life

WHAT

by Elyse Edmonds CD Contributing Writer

Dominique Dunn, the juice lady poses on her FruVe’ juice bar at the Wabash location.

oised for success Dominique Dunn stepped right into place. After graduating from Curie Metropolitan High School, a public 4-year magnet high school located on the south-west side of Chicago, she attended Fashion Institute of Technology, generally known as FIT in New York whose notable alumni include the likes of Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, and Michael Kors. There she pursued fashion merchandising as her major which led to an internship at Rocawear under the ownership of Damon Dash and Jay-Z. Upon graduation from FIT, Dominique never looked back as she went to work for the company full time as the National Merchandizing Director. As she puts it, “during that time I traveled extensively

and basically lived out of a suitcase. It required a lot of eating on the run. So as I continued, though I was not sick I did notice that something was missing.” Dominique began researching about her health and discovered that her overall well being was directly related to her diet. “I was just interested in functioning at my optimum health,” she adds. So she and her current business partner Sayyed, who also travelled extensively eating out, together, found themselves seeking a simple solution that they could incorporate into their lives to improve their overall health and performance levels. “We would experiment with juices and share them with our families, friends and volunteers until we got it right.” She explained, “We pursed our interests,

attended conferences and focused on achieving our best health.” Being the perfectionist that she is, she and her partner enlisted a diverse panel of volunteers, targeting active male and female body types and the less active to test market their tasty drinks and healthy meals. The feed back and response they received was not only encouraging but it was changing prople’s lives right before their eyes and after years of strategic preparation, FruVe´ Express Juicery was born. Serving cold-pressed juices, smoothies, wellness shots, and vegetarian sandwiches in a café setting. “We even worked closely with a pregnant mother who incorporated our juice meals and has continued to nurture her now four year old, who is vegan and has

never had any flesh or diary products,” says Dominique with a smile in her voice. Today, their products meet the appeal of busy seasoned juicers, to new or first timers interested in what goes into their bodies. “We want to address and accommodate all levels of customer’s taste buds, from those who favor fruits, vegetables, hot or cold, sweet or spicy, so our staff is knowledgeable and ready to address any questions a customer may have about our products.” Dominique makes it clear, “We know a lot but we don’t know everything and what we don’t know we will say so and invite the customer to participate with

us as we conduct an information search right there in the shop. Together we discover the answer.”

“We would experiment

with juices and share them with our families, friends and volunteers until we got it right.” Her market plan worked so well at 1130 S. Wabash in the South Loop that FruVe´ xPress debuted a new location in the loop at 1108 W. Madison this month.

CD Magazine | fall 2015

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fall 2015 | CD Magazine

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