Africa-US Today Polisoconomics of World Peace Issue III.X www.africaustoday.dotcom.wordpress.com 312/ 880-7016 January– February 2013 U.S. $4.99 Canada- $5.99 London- 3 Pounds
The Year In Review 2012
U.S. President Barack H. Obama re-elected 100 years ANC South Africa The Future of Nigeria Community Enterprise Achievement Gala Writer’s Club Chicago Music Awards A Conversation with The Honorable Dorothy Brown
YEAR IN REVIEW: SPIRITUAL VITAMINS: ARISE & SHINE! by Olawale Idreez Yes, that's my new signature on my Facebook/Wale Idreez, and OLAWALE IDREEZ other social media network. I PUBLISHER label it Spiritual Vitamins. That is my humble way of showing my appreciation to the Most Merciful God, the Most Compassionate, Most Gracious, the Creator of 7 point something billion inhabitants of the planet earth. HE IS GOOD! Now that the 2016 election frenzy has been put to rest, and looking forward to wearing my new regalia that someone sent to me from Nigeria to the Inaugural Ball, I can finally give my cabeza (head) a little break. Oops! back up, rewind! I meant to say, 2012 elections has been put to rest. But then, it's of no consequence anyway, call it 2012 or 2016, as of yesterday Dec. 5th, 2012, people are already bombarding internet with enthusiasm for former U.S Senator, former First Lady, and now out-going USSOS, the gem of the Democrats, named Hillary Rhodam-Clinton, a high rating of 69% approval to run for U.S. President in 2016. Holy Cow! I have not even receive my tickets to attend the Inaugural Ball; despite the fact that I was one of the few people that accurately predicted victory for current winner, President B. H. Obama; and also voted very early, just the pattern I followed since 1980 elections between late Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter. The good news, is, if I miss the Inaugural Ball, I will not miss the Ephraim Martins' CMA (Chicago Music Awards) in Chicago, since they both run two days apart - January 20th, and January 21, 2013. Either way, I'm still a winner! Right? So are you. Sorry, I just have to get that synopsis out of my mind. I deviated from my original editorial commentary, because there are just so many editorials to pick and choose to write. For example, one brilliant writer from my former school at NEIU just beat me to the punch, by writing a good story about U.S. will not rely on any nation for Oil supply. Another writer dubbed the good news, "U.S. will soon become Saudi States of America." Whatever name one calls it, that should be a dose of relief for egg-head economists who do not believe in U.S. Economy Trajectory. That one of the best way to reduce economy woes, is to keep the oil barrel in your backyard. And please, please, please, when that time comes, remember to distribute the national cake. Meaning, Adam Smith's Wealth of Nation must be circulated, to alleviate poverty level, at least, to create jobs that is decent enough for low-income people, than just meager minimum wage of $8.25/hour, while Donald Trump is sitting comfortably on billion U.S. dollars, and offering 5 million dollars to donate to the President’s charitable orAfrica US Today
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ganization. Please give him my email address. I know what to do with it. Believe it! I titled this editorial commentary “Spiritual Vitamins”, that is to say, whatever you injected in your mouth, is what you prophesied for your life, especially for the faith-based people, like my humble self. And it takes two to establish, and agree on it. (Please note: I did not say I'm righteous). A case in point, on February 21, 2011, I met (now) Mayor Emanuel's mother (a very gracious, welcoming spirit, and usually smiling) at the Volunteer campaign office at 4048 North Broadway Street. The conversation ensued after the day's volunteer routine. I said, Mum, you know your son will win mayoral election tomorrow (February 22nd 2011) out of all the seven candidates; and he would win by 55 to 59%. The Mother said, "I just wanted Rama to win by 51%, so there would be no re-runs." My spirit protested. No, Mum, your son will win by 55 to 59%. She finally agreed, and gave us Dunkin Donuts. There's something about me and Dunkin Donuts that I could not resist, especially Big & Toast with extra large coffee. You might be surprise at what $5.76 can do at the Dunkin Donut on Saturday mornings. Ladies and Gentlemen, on February 22, 2011, Mr. Emanuel (now His excellency Mayor of great city, Chicago) won by exactly 59%. At the Victory hall, the two gentlemen standing next to us at the campaign office (Matt and Seth) saw me at 10pm, and shouted, "Wally! Wally! you called the magic number). I soliloquized in my spirit, God will never share His glory with anyone. Never! And we know if you try to share God's glory, you will only be inviting the devil to come and have Groupon discount at your backyard. God forbid! Stay tuned..................................... Olawale Idreez is the Co-author of the book, "The Consequences of Non-Intervention in the American Civil War by the European", March 2010; www.Xlibris.com, Book #81305. We look forward to increasing the volume of this magazine, Africa-US Today Magazine to reach a million people by this time next year. Of course, with your support through sponsorships, and advertising your business, because without you, there is no us. Happy Holidays to all our readers and well-wishers. Arise and Shine! Olawale Idreez, Publisher, Africa-US Today Magazine P.O. Box 408846 Chicago, IL 60640, usafriglo@yahoo.com 312-880-7016 John E. Smith, Jr., Editor-in-Chief 312-428-9708 www.africaustodaydotcom@wordpress
Robert L. Scott Sr. Photograph
JOHN E. SMITH JR. PHOTOGRAPHS
Rob Juice The Juice is Loose If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then seasoned jazz trumpeter Rob Juice’s performances pay homage to the influence of the legendary jazzman Miles Davis. According to Juice he is, flirtatiously true to the Miles Davis tradition of being TOTALLY Different..Juice’s most recent work, “Bad Boy Love,” has WON the Chicago Music Awards Best Jazz Album for 2011. Juice, a lifelong trumpeter, is a fan of jazz greats Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis. While being nominated to the Chicago Music Awards is a humbling experience, Juice says he prefers appreciation over fame and prestige. “It is the love that people give you when they hear your music that matters”, he explains. Juice comes from a tradition where reading music is as important as playing music, because it is an art form. Juice has been a regular Trumpet heavy weight guest on jam sessions all over the nation. This included many recording sessions, and many appearances on the road with major acts. Many were concerts with 200 to 14,000 people held indoor and outdoor . His revolutionary writing style and lifestyle go hand and hand. He is an Artist in training. All he does is workout at the gym, write music and gig on the trumpet and that set him on a course for success in music. He is a Recording studio computer Super wiz. His attitude, his love for the game clearly set him above many new artists on the circuits. Juice is currently working on his Brand new CD "Bad Boy Love 2" to be released Soon.. www.RobJuice.com
John E. Smith Jr. Editor-in-Chief
Happy New Year! Welcome to our Year in Review 2012 issue. Reflecting back on the year, we have witnessed History in the making with the re-election of the first African American President, Barack H. Obama. May we all work in the spirit of togetherness to continue moving forward in this great country of ours. Inside this issue, we had an opportunity to talk with The Honorable Dorothy Brown. It was a true insight to what makes a Phenomenal Woman, and a Woman of Substance. We also experience inspiring moments at the Community Enterprise Achievement Awards Gala sponsored by Small Business & Non-Profit Development Group (SBND) at the Chicago South Loop Hotel in Chicago. We hope you are inspired by this issue . May the new year bring you and your family peace, love, and prosperity. Happy New Year!
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Contents
December 2012– January 2013
Africa-US Today Polisoconomics of World Peace
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21 23
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16 FEATURE 3 Rob Juice-- Chicago Music Awards 2013 nominee 8 Interview with The Honorable Dorothy Brown 10 Chicago Music Awards Nominees 12 Community Achievement– (SBND) Small Business & Non-Profit Development Group 13 USA Presidential Election 2012 US 5
Africa-US Today Polisoconomics of World Peace
The Year in Review 2012
16 Africa News– The Future of Nigeria Town hall meeting 18 Celebrating 100 Years ANC South Africa 20 Fashion– House of Duvall 21 Entertainment News– Kim Jay 23 Events- DuSable Museum of African American History celebrates Founders Day 24 Year in Review 2012 29 Writer’s Club
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Cover: The Honorable Dorothy Brown Photography– John E. Smith Jr.
Africa Today
Malaria Visit
Africa-US Today Magazine EDITORIAL PUBLISHER OLAWALE IDREEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOHN E. SMITH JR. LEGAL EDITOR WENDELIN DELOACH, ESQ. MEDIA CONSULTANT/ REPORTER NITA MARCHANT MARKETING/ ADVERTISING STACEE HARDIMAN TINA OLODELE-HUDSON COLUMNISTS REV. JOAN R. HARRELL MADELINE MAY ADVISORY ROBERT L. SCOTT SR. MARY L. SWOPES GANIYU BISIRIYU NIKKY AKOREDE SENABELLA OLAKUNLE OLOWA ROSELYN SHINE JUNIOR EDITORS TEMPESTT IDREEZ OLAMIDE T. IDREEZ
312/ 428-9708 Email: jes3122001@yahoo.com
www.wix.com/jesmithphotography/jes
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REGIONAL EDITORS SHOLA OGUNDIPE KUNLE OGUNNUBI
CHICAGO NEWS Publisher's Interview: A Delightful Conversation with The Honorable Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County On a bright sunny day weather in the great city of Chicago, Olawale Idreez, and John E. Smith, Jr. met with The Honorable Dorothy Brown, a woman of substance; she is full of virtues that cannot be compared with her ranks and files in the social and political arenas. Words cannot describe how grateful the publisher, feels for granting this interview out of her hectic schedules, both in office and generally in the community she represents. Please enjoy the conversation ensued that day in Chicago. Written by Olawale Idreez, & John E. Smith, Jr. John E. Smith Jr. Photograph
1. AUTM: Good day Hon. Dorothy Brown, and thank you for granting this interview out of your hectic schedules. Hon. Brown: Good day to you as well. Hi John, nice to see you again. 2. AUTM: Can you please tell our readers who is Dorothy Brown, and what she represents in our community? Hon. Brown: As you said, my name is Dorothy Brown. I serve as a clerk of the Cook County Court, one of the largest counties of such, in the U.S. I am just a regular day-to-day person. I came from a humble family - who put much emphasis on education value for their children. They taught me that the value of hardwork and faith in your endeavors in life, can really pay off. 3. AUTM: In your political career, the record shows that you were part of the greatest reformer that this city ever had during the reign of late Harold Washington, the first black mayor of Chicago. What motivated you to be a part of that group? Hon. Brown: I will not necessarily say I was part and parcel of late Mayor Harold Washington's Reform Movement, but I lent my helping hands in seeing his agenda accomplished. Unfortunately, he did not live to see his agenda completed before he suddenly died during his second term in office in 1987. It was a nightmare in Chicago on that fateful day. 4. AUTM: My close friend, who lives in New Jersey, a CPA by profession, named Shaye Araromi spoke very highly of your scholastic accomplishments. And in testimony to that, your profile reveals to us that you have accumulated extensive scholastic degrees (including Law Degree, CPA, and so on). Why did you choose to be in politics rather than working fully as a Certified Public Accountant? Hon. Brown: (She laughs!) I listened and followed my instinct. It was something I always wanted to do. To be a public official, and serve humanity. That is one of the ways to show humility. 5. AUTM: On a lighter note, what do you do for leisure time, Hon. Brown? Hon. Brown: Leisure? That's the word I seldom hear. But I like sports, especially basketball and I play tennis. My husband likes 8 Africa US Today
football very much. I keep scores of NFL games with my husband. 6. AUTM: What is your opinion on President Barack Obama vying for a second term in office as a president of this great nation, United States? What advice would you give him? Hon. Brown: I strongly believed he has a good chance to run again, and win. I would advise him to prudently choose his cabinet echelon very wisely, and to keep the focus on his agenda. I think the second term should afford him time to complete his vision for this great nation, USA. 7. AUTM: On a more serious note, there was a rumor that Hon. Brown forced some of her employees to donate towards her campaigns, or be fired. How true or false is this? Hon. Brown: The employees freely and willingly contributed donations on their own accord. By the way, the law does not allow any candidate to twist or force any person to contribute to campaigns. We are very proud of our faithful supporters, who believed in our vision, and supported our campaign. 8. AUTM: (The publisher breathe a sigh of relief): Do you have any other business besides working as a public official? Hon. Brown: Yes, my husband and I have an organization that provides jobs for the community through our own charitable hospitality to serve the under-privileged people. 9. AUTM: Again, on a lighter mood, a Nigerian theater play called "FELA" was brought to Chicago, which drew one of the largest crowd at the Oriental Theater in Chicago. Did you go and see it? Hon. Brown: No, I did not see the play. I heard it was very good. 10. AUTM: That was a big surprise that you did not see it. I mean, with the leaders in the African community that are so fond of you. I could mention several of them, but did not want to put anybody on the spot. Hon. Brown: (All four of us at the interview laughed so loud, I almost forgot the reason why we were there). No, nobody has told me or offered me any tickets, but I think my husband and I will eventually go and see the play. (Still laughing!) 11. AUTM: On behalf of the crew members of the Africa US Today Magazine, I really appreciate your time for this conversation, and for being very open-minded. Thank you, Ma'am. And we wish you the best of luck in the upcoming election on Tuesday Nov. 6th. (I mean to say re-election). Hon. Brown: You are welcome! Thank you John, thank you, Olawale. As it turned out, Hon. Dorothy Brown won the re-election as a Clerk of the Cook County Court. I will not forget to quote the famous quotation one of her supporters said to us, "You cannot keep a good woman down!". The publisher and crew members of the AUTM hope to see you at the Inaugural Ball in January 21, 2013 celebrating with President B. H. Obama. Respectfully yours, Olawale Idreez, Publisher.
CHICAGO NEWS
A Delightful Conversation with The Honorable Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County John E. Smith Jr. Photographs
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CHICAGO NEWS
219 MUSICAL ARTISTS AND INDUSTRY PROS NOMINATED FOR 32nd ANNUAL CHICAGO MUSIC AWARDS
John Blu leads field with 4 nods, Slique and Gueroloco follow with 3 CHICAGO (December 2012) -- Two hundred nineteen (219) musical artists and music industry professionals from a wide variety of musical genres were nominated in 36 categories for the 32ND Annual Chicago Music Awards (CMA). The announcement was made November 8 at the Copernicus Center in Chicago. Topping the list of nominees for the second year in a row is R&B entertainer John Blu in four categories-- R&B Entertainer of the Year, Best Male Vocalist, Record Producer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. R&B/Soul singer Slique and Latin urban artist Gueroloco followed with three nominations each. Superstars Kanye West and Sugar Blue, R&B artist Jeremih, Eddie Korosa Jr. and Best New Entertainer nominees Sidewalk Chalk and Chance the Rapper, tied with two nominations each along with guitarist/songwriter Todd Carey, Pop/R&b artist J. Silva, and R&B/Hip Hop performer J. Lyn. In addition to the nominees, it was announced that Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to veteran drummer Tony Smith, performing for 65 years Polka entertainer Eddie Korosa, Jr., performing for more than 45 years and jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette, performing for 50 years and one of the country’s most influential jazz drummers. Award of Honor recipients are Tony Bitoy, Tony Bitoy Productions and Evangelist Dolores Diggs, State Minister of Music, Northern Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. Marshall Thompson of the soul group The Chi-Lites will receive the Producer’s Award. All of the honorees have made important contributions to the music industry for 30 plus years. The 32nd Annual Chicago Music Awards takes place Sunday, January 20, 2013 at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue. Doors open to the general public at 6:30 pm with Celebrity Red Carpet arrival and reception at 6:00 pm. Special early-bird tickets are available now and can be purchased at www.martinsinterculture.com/cma-ticketshop or www.copernicuscenter.org. Advance tickets are $32 General Admission and $75 for VIP tickets. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 312/427-0266. The nominees were selected by experts in the music industry, including DJs, promoters, producers, record labels, night clubs, booking agents, entertainment attorneys and others connected to the entertainment industry. After recommendations have been tallied by the Chicago Music Awards team of volunteers and verified by the accounting firm of Robert R. Scott & Associates, Inc., the top five to seven nominees in each category are placed on the nomination ballot for the general public to vote and select the winners in all categories. Now through December 31, 2012, music fans and the general public can visit www.chicagomusicawards.org to vote for nominees in the various categories. Ballots are also available at various sponsor locations, record shops, clubs and stores city-wide, via e-mail at chicagomusicawards@gmail.com and by calling 312/427-0266 to obtain a ballot. Mail completed ballot to Chicago Music Awards, 1325 S. Wabash Avenue, Ste. 307, Chicago, 60605. Only one vote per person/IP address is allowed. Winners/achievers will be revealed the night of the Awards Ceremony. The accounting firm of Robert Scott & Associates will verify all categories, votes and winners before they are officially released. Dedicated to Health Awareness, this event is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: NBC 5 Chicago, Robert L. Scott & Associate, Rogers Park Fruit Market, Kingston Mines Blues Club, Herbert Witter Insurance Brokers, Inc, Life Music Group, Uncle Joe’s Jerk Chicken, Atty. Kelvin Bulger, African Spectrum and others. The Chicago Music Awards pays tribute to Chicago’s rich and diverse musical heritage. Hundreds of artists in categories ranging from Pop, Reggae, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country & Western and Gospel -- R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Latin, World Beat and more are recognized at this festive event.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Community Enterprise Achievement Gala Chicago South Loop Hotel, Chicago, IL
“Invest in the community that invests in you�
It was a great evening for recognizing the accomplishments of small business and nonprofit organizations. All were touched by the words of inspiration from nominees and the talent expressed through song and poetry from our youth. Africa US Today Magazine
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John E. Smith Jr. Photographs
NATIONAL NEWS
The Inaugural Ball will be held in Washington, D.C., January 21, 2013 to celebrate Presjdent Barack H. Obama’ s re-election.
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NATIONAL NEWS
Newsmax.com Poll: Obama Has Mandate To Raise Taxes, Protect Entitlements President Barack Obama won the public argument over taxes so decisively that almost half of Republicans now say he has an election mandate to raise rates on the rich. Majorities of about 2-to-1 also read the election results as an endorsement of Obama’s pledge to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits, according to a Bloomberg National Poll of 1,000 adults conducted Dec. 7-10. And Obama confronts his first post-election test — negotiations with Congress to avert a slate of automatic tax increases and spending cuts in January that have become known as the fiscal cliff — with his highest level of public support since his first year in office. The president’s job approval strengthened to 53 percent from 49 percent in September. The last time he enjoyed that level of public backing was December 2009, when his job approval was 54 percent. The combined findings give Obama “an opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength,” said Ann Selzer, the founder of Selzer & Co., a Des Moines, Iowa -based firm that conducted the poll. “This is what the public is saying he was elected to do.” Even so, Americans expect the president to learn lessons and adjust the governing style of his first Africa US Today Magazine
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term, half of which was spent mired in partisan combat with congressional Republicans. Thirty -seven percent of Americans said Obama’s re- election validates his leadership style, while 46 percent believe he will change it. The president’s post-election bounce cuts across party lines and covers his performance in a range of areas. Support for Obama’s handling of the economy has surged to 48 percent from 41 percent in September and in foreign affairs to 54 percent from 45 percent. Backing of his handling of the deficit rose to 40 percent from 31 percent in March, when the question was last asked, and support for his handling of negotiations with congressional Republicans increased to 45 percent from 41 percent in March. A 54 percent majority say the president’s recent meetings with corporate chief executive officers show he is “genuinely interested” in working with them rather than an attempt to “score political points.” Fifty-four percent of Americans say he’s struck “about the right balance” in his relationship with business, while 33 percent say he is too anti-business and 6 percent view him as too pro-business. A 65 percent majority of Republicans say Obama is too antibusiness. The president goes into talks with Republicans amid broad public sentiment that his victory is a sign the electorate has spoken in favor of his positions on taxes and entitlements. Sixty-five percent of Americans say the Nov. 6 results gave Obama a “mandate” on his proposal to raise tax rates on income
over $250,000 and “to get it done.” Forty-five percent of Republicans agree. Public sentiment also strengthens the president’s position on entitlements. A 64 percent majority says Obama can claim a mandate to protect Social Security from “substantial budget cuts” and 62 percent see a voter directive to prevent “fundamental change” in Medicare. Republicans by large margins reject Obama’s victory as a mandate for his stances on entitlements. Fifty-six percent of Republicans say the election doesn’t demonstrate public support for Obama on Social Security and 58 percent of Republicans say Obama can’t claim a mandate on Medicare. A 57 percent majority of Americans say voters gave a go-ahead on an overhaul of immigration law to provide a path to legal status for illegal immigrants, one of the administration’s priorities in its second term. Fifty-eight percent of political independents see an immigration mandate. Republican respondents’ differ, with 63 percent rejecting the idea that Obama’s victory implies public support for legislation enabling legal status for undocumented immigrants. Fifty-nine percent of Americans and 81 percent of Democrats rate Secretary of State Clinton an “excellent” or “good” potential nominee for president in 2016. She is among the most popular members of the Obama administration with 70 percent of Americans having a positive view of the former first lady, compared with 55 percent with a favorable opinion of Obama and 48 percent with a positive view of Vice President Joe Biden.
NATIONAL NEWS
First Lady Michelle Obama delivers Toys for Tots
First Lady Michelle Obama is escorted by SSgt Joel Vazquez as she arrives with a sack full of toys at the Toys for Tots Distribution Center at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., Dec. 11, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
First Lady Michelle Obama today stopped by a Toys for Tots service project at the Joint Base AnacostiaBolling -- a naval installation along the Potomac River in Washington DC -- with “boxes and boxes� of gifts that were donated by White House staffers, American CEOs, and even First Daughters Malia and Sasha. As she thanked the volunteers and donors working to make this holiday season special for those who are less fortunate, Mrs. Obama noted that it was especially meaningful to attend the event on a military base, since Toys for Tots was started by a military family -- a Marine reservist and his wife who decided that they wanted to make the holiday just a little bit better for kids in need. Since then, so many Americans -- including so many military families like all of you -- have spent countless hours bringing gifts and holiday cheer and everything else that is wonderful about the holidays to children all across this country. And this is just one of many examples of how our military families are always going that extra mile to serve our communities and our countries -- I talk about this endlessly. You know I'm working on Joining Forces, but the military families are what inspires my work. Because even though all of you are dealing with your own hardships and challenges and struggles, you're moving from base to base every couple of years; even though you've endured deployment after deployment, the miraculous thing about you all and your spirit is somehow you always are the first people to volunteer for something. It could be as simple as the car pool, or the PTA, or a food pantry, or you're stepping up for a neighbor or friend; family members of your own. But somehow you're always the ones who find the extra hours in the day to give back, above and beyond what life has thrown your way anyway.
First Lady Michelle Obama helps sort through toys at the Toys for Tots Distribution Center at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., Dec. 11, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
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AFRICA NEWS
John E. Smith Jr. Photographs Africa US Today Magazine
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AFRICA NEWS
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AFRICA NEWS
Celebrating 100 Years ANC SOUTH AFRICA Chicago-Midwest, 1912-2012 at South Africa Consulate General Office, Chicago, IL John E. Smith Jr. Photographs
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AFRICA NEWS International Business: Cameroonian Business Expo in Chicago, IL (USA) sponsored by John E. Smith Jr. Photographs African Chamber of Commerce in Chicago.
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FASHION
HOUSE OF DUVALL FASHION www.yourduvall.com, houseofduvall@yahoo.com
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JOHN E. SMITH JR. PHOTOGRAPHS
ENTERTAINMENT
John E. Smith Jr. Photographs
"Music is an external expression of your internal experiences that reach those who need it, receive it and appreciate it" (Kim Jay). I am a native Chicagoan born and raised. Music was infused in my life from birth. Being the youngest of nine with siblings and parents who were musically inclined, I grew up being entertained/babysat in that vein of creative expression. Introduced to music formally in church, I was in the choir and theatrical ensembles from then to now that assisted in grooming me for performance. I am an up and coming house music singer/songwriter that has had the humbling experience of being introduced to this genre of music by working with Marshall Jefferson, the God Father of House, in my first
house music endeavor. Collaborations with other artist and producers like Curtis McClain and Jerry C King have provided a vehicle for me to take my career to the next level even when some odds say it shouldn’t be. In the FMG recording studios of Homewood IL, my music was brought to life and “You Saved My soul” was born. I have been nurtured by so many, which has been influential in me learning the things I have musically. Diversity has been a catalyst for me to transform artistically and be a performance chameleon. Musical creation is a pleasure for me because it actually gives me an opportunity to write my life, share the rises and falls of it and hopefully produce a profitable product. The music speaks the words and all I have to do is listen, & write what I hear. KIM JAY MUSIC ON FACEBOOK ButterflyKJKingdom@gmail.com Africa US Today Magazine 21
ENTERTAINMENT
John E. Smith Jr. Photographs
Joan Collaso & the Eleven Divas
Lyfe Jennings
Julia Huff Taylor Moore
Joan Collaso & the Eleven Divas
BerNadette Stanis, Thelma from “Good Times”
George Daniels 2011 Grand Baba
Nona Hendryx, Chuck-a-Luck House of Duvall Fashion
House of Duvall Fashion
Youssoupha Sidebe with the Mystic Rhytms
Charles Nelville with the Mystic Rhytms
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Drum Village
House of Duvall Fashion
House of Duvall Fashion
House of Duvall models with Designer Duvall
EVENTS
DuSable Museum of African American History Founder’s Day Celebration, Chicago, IL Dr. Margaret Burroughs co-founded the museum. The celebration included performances by the Congo Square Theater, showing various films, several vendors displays, bookstore sale, and arts classes in printmaking. John E. Smith Jr. Photographs
Dr. Margaret Burroughs
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2012
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2012
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CLASSIFIEDS
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Africa-US Today
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ENTERTAINMENT
For Whitney Houston's faithful, "Sparkle" can be considered a small miracle. Our last memory of Houston might have been her ill-fated comeback tour, which ended in cancelled shows, derisive reviews and rehab. Or tabloid accounts of her, disheveled and partying, on the eve of her sad death at age 48. Instead, our final look at Newark native Houston is in this movie, a passion project for the singer, with an earnest dramatic performance and a stirring rendition of "His Eye is on the Sparrow," in which she sings, in a wounded voice, the lyric "I know He watches me." "Sparkle" (which Houston executive-produced) is a remake, and update, of a 1976 movie starring Irene Cara. Jordin Sparks — like Houston, a pop singer in real life — plays the title wannabe star, though much of the movie's dramatic heft is the tug-of-war between London-born Carmen Ejogo, as Sparkle's jaded older sibling "Sister," and Houston as Emma, their protective, properly Christian mother. Africa US Today Magazine
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Emma is a nuanced character, and Houston gives a nuanced performance. There are eerie echoes of Houston's life. (In her backstory, Emma was a singer unlucky in love who struggled with substance abuse.) You pinch yourself when you hear Houston say: "If you're gonna tell my tragic story, give me the honor of getting it correct." Mama was not as strong a character in the original "Sparkle," which was set in 1958 Harlem. The husband-and-wife, director-writer team of Salim and Mara Brock Akil built up Emma and relocated "Sparkle" to 1968 Detroit, a time and place rich with political and cultural overtones. The story doesn't focus on these, but they are in the ether: the Detroit riot of the previous year, the fight for civil rights, the generation gap, Motown Records. Curtis Mayfield, who died in 1999, wrote songs heard in the original "Sparkle" that have been repurposed here with a Motown-esque polish. Extras include director commentary, four featurettes (one, a tribute to Houston) and two music videos. "Celebrate," a Sparks-Houston duet heard over the end credits, was shot after Houston's death and features the cast cavorting at a house party.
Africa-US Today
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