AUSATM, 9-10, 2021 by Olawale Idreez, John E.Smith Jr.

Africa USa Today MAGAZINE

Politicosocionomics of World Peace

www.issuu.com/jesmithphoto 312/937-4508, Sept, /Oct. 2021 U.S.- $10.00 Canada- $10.00

Danny K. Davis

Democrat from Illinois’s 7th district 11-term member of the House

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From: Olawale Idreez (idreezolawale@gmail.com) To:

usafriglo@yahoo.com

Cc:

jes3122001@yahoo.com; wtrrog@yahoo.com; hello@cityofchicago.org; sarah.bown@chicagopolice.org; Sandra.Lewis@cookcountyil.gov; ooogundipe@yahoo.com; amuwo@hotmail.com; ephraimmartin@gmail.com; awosikac@yahoo.com; worldtrophy@hotmail.com; bpearlb@gmail.com; Larry.McCarthy@moodychurch.org; christine.barragan@hkbam.com; thekmginc@gmail.com; dpinkston@pinkstonlawgroup.com; shanitaspeaks@sbcglobal.net; sbaloue@hotmail.com; tawanarobnson@gmail.com; youngdivayoungdivo@gmail.com; Asante.Yugen@saferfoundation.org; yonasas@ethiopianairlines.com; irawma@gmail.com; devans@teilfirms.com; abby.vanderhart@gmail.com; mking@globalinstitutepsd.org; EGallagher2@neiu.edu; firsteyeinc@yahoo.com

Re: Heart of Gratitude: Congratulations to all the “2021 AUTM’s 7th Annual Media Awards for Global Distinction/Eventbrite Tickets

Olawale Idreez, Date: Friday, September 3, 2021, 10:58 PM CDT Publisher

by Olawale Idreez

It's always good to appreciate one good deed, so you can freely receive a bigger and better one from the Creator of all things. The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, THANK YOU! Again, Congratulations to all the recipients of the recent "7th AUTM's Media Awards of Global Distinction on July 2-3, 2021". You are truly appreciated. It was because of you, your energy, and your enthusiasm expended towards the success of the said awards event that we are now being challenged to bring the show to Beverly Hills, California for "The AUTM's 8th Annual Media Awards of Global Distinction/Theme: Education Is The Key/Scholarship Awards". Chicago, Are you ready? Let's do it. So, if you want to be a sponsor, donor, 501c3 organization, or grant writer, kindly contact us by leaving your phone information to: usafriglo@yahoo.com Thank you in advance. More importantly, we will be ungrateful if we fail to express our profound gratitude to our supporters, and vision fulfillers, to name but few: The Office of the President Toni Preckwinkle (Cook County Board); Mayor Lori Lightfoot, for goodwill gesture; our own Congressman Danny K. Davis (COVER PHOTO-STORY); Dr. Shaff Amuwo (My Uncle and Mentor that I always yawned for); Princess Adenike Akorede (Publisher, SHEKHINA GLORY MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL); Dr. Ewa Ewa (Mentor and Chief Strategist and Donor); Mr. Olivier Kamanzi (Chairman, African Global Chamber of Commerce); Honorable Tunji Sanni (CENTURION REAL ESTATE Guru); Dr. Collins Awosika (Committee Chairman, Publisher's Jolly good friend); Chief Wole Duro-Ladipo (Publisher's Jolly good friend); Queen Bunmi "Mama Miliki" Ajibade (Publisher's Jolly good friend); Ms. Brooke Bennett (Media, and Publisher's Jolly good friend); Lady Senabella Gill (Bronzeville Diva); Dr. Stacee Lang (Smart People's Network); Christ Apostolic Church, (9011 South Stony Island, Chicago); Dr. Margaret King (Global Economic Impact Institute); The Defender's Bud Biliken Day Parade Team, Merry Green's 2021 Black Women Expo's Media Team (Ms. Chelsea Whittington, and Mr. William Roger). The 2021 AUTM's LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS went to both Ms. Mary L. Swopes (Mahogany Black Heritage Foundation); and Mr. Ephraim Martins/ Rtd. Justice Shelvin Hall (Martin's International Promotions/JERK CHICKEN FESTIVAL coming up on Saturday September 11th through Sunday September 12th, 2021 in Washington Park, Chicago). Much appreciations to my Media Associates/Volunteers Raquel LaCour-Marsh, and Ms. Morganna Williams. Thanks to IYANZE Nigerian Cuisine for the delicious meals. Congratulations for receiving the AUTM's 2021 Best Award for Nigerian/African Restaurant. My Beautiful family, and all the well-wishers of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine International, thanks zillion times for your support, prayers, and encouragement. When the ship was down, you always have a special way of picking us up. God bless you all richly. Amen. This August/September specially dedicated to the memories of those 13 U.S. Patriotic Military People who lost their lives in the extremist bombing at the Kabul Airport, Afghanistan. May the Good Lord comfort their families. Salutes! Olawale Idreez is the Publisher of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine. He can be reached at email: usafriglo@yahoo.com **Next Publisher's Opinion in October 2021: "Felicitating With Nigeria At 61: Through It All, She Survives." by Olawale Idreez Instagram@olawale.idreez.792 LinkedIn@Olawale Idreez Facebook/Olawale Idreez 312-937-4508 ***AFRICA-USA Today Magazine: Connecting The African Business With The U.S. Markets In The Global Arenas. Advertise Your Business And Events With Us. For Without You, There's No Us. PLEASE BE SAFE, WELL, PRAYERFUL, FUN, AND PROSPEROUSLY HEALTHY OUT THERE. *Hope To See You All Joining and Participating in the next year's 8th AUTM's Awards in Beverly Hills, California, if the Lord tarries. Amen. cc ************************************************************************************************* 4 AFRICA USA TODAY

Event Re: Heart of Gratitude: Congratulations to all the "2021 AUTM's 7th Annual Media Awards for Global Distinction/Eventbrite Tickets by Olawale Idreez From: olawale idreez (usafriglo@yahoo.com) To:

jes3122001@yahoo.com

Cc:

morgannaw@att.net

Date: Thursday, July 1, 2021, 10:55 AM CDT

Greetings! It's a great honor and privilege to nominate and announce this year 2021 Recipients for the local and global Champions that are keeping our lives moving strong, and stronger even in the pandemic we found ourselves. You do not need to be a rocket scientist to feel the negative impact of the year 2020 invisible enemy called Covid-19 pandemic. Definitely, God in His infinite mercy deserves all the praises, glory, honor, and magnification in the highest, for keeping, and helping us to survive this unprecedent challenge, that mandated us to stay six feet distance, or observed CDC hygienic protocols: Wash your hands, wear face masks, or better yet, take your best shots twice. Vaccine shots, that is. Subject: Congratula ons: Honoree the 7thI AUTM's Media of Global Speaking of wearing face for masks. know this is Award not funny, but I have to say it anyway. Forty years ago (before I came to Dis this nc on: great nation called USA). I used to watch lots of Chinese movies in Lagos, Nigeria (Sheila Theater on Broad Street,

and PLAZADanny Theater at Victoria Island area, Lagos, Nigeria): Fist of Fury, Enter The Dragon, Shaolin Temples, and so 1. Congressman K. Davis, U.S Congress much more. President I used toCook be very 2. Toni Prekwinkle, Countycurious, and amused as to why did those Actors usually wore masks in those movies. 3. Dr. Shaffdeen Amuwo, African American Global Leadership on mask Health that I used to laugh at. And it's not funny at all, as I Now, 40 years later, I found myself wearing theAward same 4. Dr. Princess Moradeun Ogunlana, African Women Health Project international discovered. That is to show us how amazing but fragile our world can be. 5. Dr. Margaret King: Global Economic impact 6. Dr. Ewa I. Ewa: Global Human Rights Award 7. Olatunji K. Sanni:one Realof Estate Business Guru Champion In essence, the most lessons we learned from the horrible pandemic, is to appreciate each other (as human 8. Dr. Collins Awosika: Africa-USA. beings, and as Government citizens of Liaison, this gracious planet earth); and to be stronger together, in the words of 2016 former U.S 9. Dr. Stacee Lang: Smart People's Network Wealth Producer Champion Presidential Candidate, Mrs. Hillary Rodham-Clinton, A Phenomenal Woman! 10. Dr. Krystal Okeke: Global Youths Multicultural Ambassador 11. Chief Wole Duro-Ladipo: Nigerian-American Cultural Ambassador (MOREMI MOVIE PROJECT) More importantly, we cannot shy away from dedicating this missive to the lives of those victims of the said Covid-19 12. pandemic Queen Bunmiboth Ajibade (Mama Miliki): Yoruba Juju Ambassador locally and globally. We Music are not better than them. It's only by special grace of the Almighty God that's 13. Rogers Fruits Market: Evanston Community Entrepreneur Award. keeping us alive. 14. Pastor & Mrs. Bamidele & Victoria Kings: Sr. Pastor, Wells of Salvation Ministries AWESOME GOD!. Chicago 15. Pastor, & Mrs.precious Larry McCarthy, Pastoral Mentorship TMC.Good Lord have mercy upon us that are still alive. Amen. May their soulsJr:rest in peace. AndAward, May the 16. Attorney Darlene Pinkston: 2021 Best People's Lawyer 17. Mr. Temitope Temitayo: Best improved Publisher/Wazobia Global Times (Detroit, As a Publisher of this humble Chicago-based online international publication called AFRICA-USA Today Magazine, and Michigan). *18.inAmbassador Mary L.Swopes: Lifetime Achievement Award/Mahogany Heritage collaborations with other talented Editorial Super 'AAA'Black Team, I congratulate all the honorary recipients of this year Award 2021 AUTM's 7th Annual Media Awards for Global Distinction. You deserved it, and more. Much more! *19. Ephraim Martin: Lifetime Achievement Award/Global Reaggea Music Ambassador 20. Raquel LaCour-Marsh: 7th AUTM's Publisher's Award/Columnist must also say,OLAOYE, that there are APOSTOLIC thousandsCHURCH/Community of people aroundPastoral the world that equally deserved this award but due to budget 21. IPASTOR SEGUN CHRIST Leadership. constraints, we deemed it fit, to keep it minimum this time around. Hopefully if the Lord tarries, we will do it bigger and 22. Mr. John E. Smith, Jr: 7th AUTM's Best Co-Publisher's Award "humongously" better next time, in the words of Queen Oprah Winfrey. Thanks Queen O'. 23. Mr. Olivier Kamanzi: Africa-USA Global Business Leadership Award 24. IYANZE NIGERIAN RESTAURANT: 2021 African Cuisine Award. 25. Lest DEMERA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT: BEST UPTOWN COMMUNITY I forget to address the controversial issue of why did we deviate from focusing on just simply Awards for the Global ENTREPRENEUR 2021.. Women of Distinction? Actually the plan still remains the same, but lots of able Men decided to support the phenomenal **************************************** women in this AUTM It was a tough decision. But we thought it's okay to be recognized, too. One thing is *Congratulations to allyear's the Honorees forAwards. the 7th AUTM's GLOBAL AWARDS clear though, we will Although do it bigger andwas better separately next for time. Thanks for letting us get away with it this time. You are Distinction/Eventbrite Tickets. the vision initiated as a recognition Women's championship but fortunately, men stepped up to be recognized and to support all invitedrecognition, on this 2021 celebrations weekend around Chicago, and around the nation, USA, USA, USA. our Women's efforts, too. So, we deemed it fit to celebrate this year 2021 Awards together. Hopefully, if the Lord tarry, we will do it bigger and better. (Please read the Publisher's Untiltitled, then, let's goofand kick Congratulations buttocks. opinion "The Heart Gratitude: to all the Honorees for the 7th AUTM's GLOBAL AWARDS OF DISTINCTION" by Olawale Idreez Oops! To be a sponsor, kindlylet's contact via email: I meant to say, gousand haveolawaleidreez@gmail.com fun on these gorgeous weather weekend in Chicago on Friday July 2nd, and Saturday 312-937-4508 July 3rd, 2021/EVENTBRITE TICKETS Still OPENS. 312-478-9831 ******************************************

Again, on behalf of the Publishing World of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine International, Congratulations to all the recipients of the "AUTM's 7th Annual Media Awards for Global Distinction". Thanks for your support. God bless you, and God Bless America. Amen. AFRICA USA TODAY 5 Humble regards,

Politics

Danny K. Davis

Democrat from Illinois’s 7th district 11-term member of the House 66AFRICA AFRICAUSA USATODAY TODAY

Politics

Danny K. Davis

Democrat from Illinois’s 7th district 11-term member of the House

Congressman Danny K. Davis - Brief Biography Danny K. Davis was chosen by the people of the 7th Congressional District of Illinois as their Representative in Congress on November 5, 1996. He has been re-elected by large majorities to succeeding Congresses. In the 117th Congress, Representative Davis has been reappointed to the Committee on Ways and Means and is the Chairman of the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee. Davis also serves on the Oversight and Reform Committee. Congressman Davis is a member of several Congressional Caucuses including the Congressional Black Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the Urban Caucus, the Community Health Center's Caucus, the Congressional Sugar Caucus, the Congressional Caucus on Black Men and Boys and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Re-entry. Congressman Davis has distinguished himself as an articulate voice for his constituents and as an effective legislator able to move major bills to passage. He has developed a unique and energetic style of communication and interaction with his constituents setting up dozens of advisory task forces to consider significant questions of public policy. He hosts several weekly television and radio shows which feature audience call in and produces regular written reports to every household in the district. In addition, he maintains weekly office hours in the district and is widely sought after as a speaker at conferences and events. In the 117th Congress Representative Davis is resolutely committed to preserving our democracy, protecting social security, maintaining our nation’s gains in civil and human rights, women’s rights, voting rights, protection of the environment, consumer and labor protections, reducing inequality, and ensuring quality, affordable health care for all, while maintaining his long time focus on issues of job creation, poverty, health care, education, youth and criminal justice reform. Prior to his election to the Congress he served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners having been elected in November 1990 and reelected in November 1994. Previously, he served for eleven years as a member of the Chicago City Council as Alderman of the 29th Ward. Before seeking public office Congressman Davis had productive careers as an educator, community organizer, health planner/administrator and civil rights advocate. He has received hundreds of awards and citations for outstanding work in the areas of health, education, human relations, politics and advocacy including six honorary Doctorate Degrees from well known Colleges and Universities. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States and has spent time in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and in South and Central America. Born in Parkdale, Arkansas, on September 6, 1941, Congressman Davis moved to the Westside of Chicago in 1961, after having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arkansas A.M. & N. College. He subsequently earned both Masters and Doctorate degrees respectively from Chicago State University and the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is married to Vera G. Davis, has two sons, Jonathan and Stacey (deceased), and is a member and Deacon of the New Galilee M.B. Church. AFRICA USA TODAY 7

Politics

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. arrested, 30 others for asking Sen. Krysten Sinema to oppose filibuster Chicago, IL – Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. was arrested along with 30 others Monday, July 26th, outside of the office of Senator Krysten Sinema, a Democrat, who opposes the abolition of the filibuster, and charged with third degree misdemeanor and trespassing on private property. Arrested along with Rev. Jackson were: Rev. Dr. William Barber, who heads the Repairers of the Breach and co-chairs the Poor Peoples Campaign, Attorney Barbara Arnwine, president/founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition, her chairman, attorney Daryl Jones, and 26 others. “Rev. Jackson and those arrested were engaging in demonstrations which may result in civil disobedience outside of the office of Sen. Sinema and other senators later this week in Texas,” said Rev. Janette Wilson, senior adviser to Rev. Jackson. “He was charged with third degree misdemeanor and trespassing on private property.”

“The purpose of these demonstrations is to highlight the need for the Senate to join the House in passing H.R. 1/S.1, the “For the People Act,” a comprehensive voting rights bill, even if it requires getting rid of the Senate filibuster, and to encourage the House to finish writing and vote on H.R. 4, the “John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,” that will establish new national Section 4 criteria for triggering Section 5 or the preclearance provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. This would correct the damage done by the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby,” Rev. Wilson said.

Rev. Jackson is pushing for passage of the “For the People Act” that expands, not restricts voting rights. However, Republicans blocked the bill with a filibuster on June 22, 2021. It failed to secure the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture after a party-line vote of 50-50. Rev. Jackson is vowing to carry his fight for the passage of the civil rights bills to Texas later this week.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international organization that was formed in December 1996 by the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. through merging of two organizations he founded Operation PUSH People United to Serve Humanity (estab. 1971) and the Rainbow Coalition (estab. 1984). With headquarters in Chicago and offices in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Oakland, the organization works to make the American Dream a reality for all citizens while advocating for peace and justice around the world. RPC is dedicated to improving the lives of all people by serving as a voice for the voiceless. Its mission is to protect, defend and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields while promoting peace and justice around the world. Get Informed & Be Social with PUSH! at www.rainbowpush.org. 8 AFRICA USA TODAY

Keep up with Rev. Jackson and the work of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition

International News

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. to receive France’s highest honor of all French and civilian honors Chicago, IL – The President of the Republic of France, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, is bestowing the highest honor of all French military and civilian honors on Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. by promoting him to the rank of Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honor Monday, July 19, 2021, at the Élysée Palace, Paris, France. The awards ceremony will take place Monday, July 19th, at the Élysée Palace, Paris, France that is the official residence of the President of the French Republic. I am deeply honored and excited to be promoted to the rank of Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honor by decree of the President of the Republic of France, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron - the highest honor of all French military and civilian honors.

The dignity and weight of this very special honor are fully recognized by me and I appreciate and am truly grateful to be honored by such a prestigious recognition by the great and beloved nation of France. I have received several honors from countries around the globe, however, this one is among the very special ones because of France’s continuing courageous and moral leadership around the world – fighting poverty, promoting peace, recognizing and taking action to confront climate change, promoting diversity and racial tolerance. Let us continue to work together to promote global peace, balanced economic growth and development, tolerance, unity, and thus taking steps to advance, in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words, the Beloved Community worldwide.

Keep up with Rev. Jackson and the work of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition at www.rainbowpush.org.

AFRICA USA TODAY 9

EDITORIAL PUBLISHER OLAWALE IDREEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOHN E. SMITH JR. EXECUTIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR JUANITA CREAR-PRICE PUBLIC RELATIONS RAQUEL LACOUR REGIONAL EDITOR ADEMOLA LAWAL WEALTH PRODUCER ADVISOR DR. STACEE LANG MARKETING/SALES MANAGER WILLIAM ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS LOGISTICS MANAGER MORGANNA WILLIAMS EDITORIAL ADVISOR DR. COLLINS AWOSIKA ADVISORY DR. ROBERT L. SCOTT SR. MARY L. SWOPES GANIYU BISIRIYU

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT PATIENCE WALTERS PR CONSULTANT TINA WASHINGTON

10 AFRICA USA TODAY

Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography

Contents

JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHYLLISIA ROSS Also Featuring * KTP Band * Indika Reggae Band * Atta Ghana Boy * Mr. C - Cha Cha Slide and others

DJ TERRY HUNTER CHICAGO MASS CHOIR

MR. VEGAS

Limited time promo Tix now: General Adm $20 VIP $55 “Subject to change without nottice”

DJ MALIK SHABAZZ

BILLY BRANCH & THE SONS OF BLUES

Honoring Congressman Danny K. Davis & 7th Annual Media Awards Honorees

DOC PAYNE & THE

KREYOL ROOTS

DYNAMQ PAYNE RELIEF BAND INTL SOUND SLIQUE JAY

ADAMS

VISIT WWW.JSVFEST.COM, Email: JSVFestival@gmail.com or call 312/427-0266 for more information

Fw: OUR 77: Domestic Workers Move to $15 Per Hour, Lolla Safety, Grant Funds and More. From: Olawale Idreez (africausatodaymag@yahoo.com) To:

jes3122001@yahoo.com

Cc:

idreezolawale@gmail.com

Date: Wednesday, September 1, 2021, 08:14 PM CDT

To, Mr. John Smith, Jr Featuring Chicago News Column: Mayor Lori Lightfoot September 2021 super edition of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine. Respectfully, Olawale Idreez, Publisher AFRICA-USA Today Magazine Website Link: *www.issuu.com/jesmithphoto Email usafriglo@yahoo.com 312-37-4508 cc *****************************************************************************************************************************

In this issue we are honoring the contributions of Congressman Danny K. Davis. In addition, we are celebrating our 7th Annual Media Awards for individuals who displayed outstanding qualities in their field of expertise. During these times we need to celebrate our own heros and their contributions.

----- Forwarded Message ----From: Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot <hello@citynews.chicago.gov> To: "africausatodaymag@yahoo.com" <africausatodaymag@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2021, 12:30:47 PM CDT Subject: OUR 77: Domestic Workers Move to $15 Per Hour, Lolla Safety, Grant Funds and More. To view this email as a web page, go here.

News & Updates Across Our 77 Neighborhoods

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR At the beginning of this month, I stood with city, community, and labor leaders to announce that the minimum wage has been raised to $15 an hour for most of Chicago’s workers, many of whom work in our restaurant, fast food, retail, home health, and childcare industries. We knew, however, that there was more we could do for them—especially those who are employed in industries like domestic work, which is ripe with exploitation. That’s why our Chi Biz Strong initiative will also increase the minimum wage for all of our domestic workers to $15 an hour this Sunday on August 1st—building on the number of measures we’ve put in place to prevent their wages from being stolen and ensure they feel safe and supported in their workspaces. As the daughter of a mother who worked multiple, low-wage positions including domestic work, I am truly proud to be able to put these meaningful protections in place and further root workers’ rights at the center of our city’s economic recovery efforts. If you know a domestic worker or employ domestic workers, please visit the “Your Home is Someone’s Workplace” landing page to learn more about how you can support them. And to the

AFRICA USA TODAY 11

BUSINESS CONTACT Melissa Duff Brown

708-697-5341 mbrown@jbs.edu

The Joseph Center® Receives Grant as part of County’s $1.2M Effort to Support Small Businesses CHICAGO — (Aug. 9, 2021) The Joseph Center® proudly announces its partnership with Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Next Street, and its network of providers as part of the County’s ongoing work through its nationally recognized Small Business Assistance Program. “The County is continuing to prioritize an equity-first response to the challenges of the pandemic, leveraging community partners to support its award-winning small businesses assistance program,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Together, we are able to broaden our reach and I look forward to seeing what we will achieve through this expansion of this program.” The County recently received an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) award of $744,600 as part of its Community Navigator Program and We Rise Together coalition’s award of $500,000. Combined, the new resources will support the County’s nationally recognized Small Business Assistance Program to further support recovery efforts for pandemicimpacted businesses. “The Joseph Center’s primary goal is to facilitate financial empowerment and wealth creation in underserved communities through entrepreneurship, leadership development, vocational, and workforce development,” said Melissa Duff Brown, Director of Joseph Center Business Development. “We not only want to break the cycle of poverty in urban communities through education and workforce development but also to inspire people to seek true economic prosperity and selfsufficiency through business ownership and full marketplace participation.” Cook County will serve as one of 13 “Hubs” in the State of Illinois’ $9 million Community Navigator Program and will focus its efforts to build awareness to ensure available federal, state, and local funding is easily accessible to minorities and hard-to-reach small businesses.

12 AFRICA USA TODAY

BUSINESS

AFRICA USA TODAY 13

* Canna Style Online Business Owner * Organic Hemp/ CBD * Organic Cannabis * 3rd party tested * Black owned & operated * Home base business Bringing and keeping the body into balance experencing pain, inflammation and or anxiety.Helping you with Wakanna For Life LLC online manufacturers and distributors of Hemp/CBD and essential oils, products, services and events. Contact 24/7 vmail & text Mr. Meridian Brown, 773-213-4961, 24/7- vmail & text hempmeridian.wakanna.com Ms. Shirley McLaurine, 773-209-1523, vmail & text website: wakannasoul.wakanna.com Ms. Laverne Triplett Smith, 773-536-7500 bonniegrunt144@gmail.com

AFRICA USA TODAY 11

ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS

16 AFRICA USA TODAY

ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS 2021 Chicago Auto Show Concludes Successful Five-Day Special Edition July 20, 2021 09:00 AM

Held in the summer for the first time ever, the five-day Chicago Auto Show Special Edition drew to a successful close Monday night having entertained more than 100,000 attendees during its unprecedented run. From the larger selection of vehicles to test drive on city streets, to engaging outdoor activations, to the evening street fest that celebrated warm temperatures the show has never seen before, attendees' feedback of the show was overwhelmingly positive. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producers of the Chicago Auto Show, were pleased with the outcome - especially given the large number of hurdles that had to be overcome just to open the show, much less finish with positive results. Show organizers designed an event full of pandemic safety protocols, resulting in being one of the first major events that was approved by city and state officials to open. However, soon after the approvals came, Illinois entered Phase 5 reopening and most of those protocols no longer needed to be implemented, forcing organizers to rethink many of the entry procedures. "It seemed like every time a challenge was overcome, a new obstacle presented itself," said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan. "For example, exhibitors faced a shortage of display vehicles due to the global chip shortage. Additional conflicts included the shortened move-in window and the busy summertime event schedule for the city that we were competing against." "There's so much to do in Chicago in the summer that doesn't typically overlap with our February show," continued Sloan. "We had to get creative in order to capture our attendees' attention at a completely different time in the calendar year. That wasn't easy, especially when you're talking about a seven-decade tradition of the Chicago Auto Show being held in February." This year was also the first time the show sold tickets exclusively online. "Talk about flying without a net," said CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe. "This is an example of a pandemic protocol that we stuck with, one we've never attempted before, but an element we think was wellreceived in the end. It will be interesting to see how the digital process affected the demographics of our show, not to mention, we're thrilled to be able to receive all of the data associated with online registration." "A tour through the auto show floor on a busy weekend afternoon saw happy, engaged attendees and automakers getting a return directly proportional to the investment they had made," Sloan observed. "The exception to that rule were the automakers that chose not to participate. It was evident they lost ground to their competitors." Another advantage of the summer move was that nearly a dozen automakers took advantage of activating outdoor test drives, including Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Ram, Subaru and Volkswagen. In most cases, manufacturers that ran outdoor test drives far exceeded any goals they had going into the show. Ford reported doubling its test drive goal, while Chevrolet, Kia and Lincoln well exceeded their goals. "Chevrolet's test drive activation was consistently busy, productive and complementary to our goal of exposing our brand to consumers," said Krystal Morris, Chevrolet test drive manager.

AFRICA USA TODAY 17

EVENTS

18 AFRICA USA TODAY

Summer Drive Event: Chicago Auto Show Featured Vehicle Roundup Posted by: Jennifer Morand On Aug 26, 2021

Earlier this month, the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) hosted a Summer Drive event, which brought together automotive journalists and manufacturer representatives for the first time in quite a while. The exception, of course, was last month’s Chicago Auto Show, where many folks were reconnected for the first time since the 2020 Chicago Auto Show prior to the pandemic. Still, MAMA typically hosts two “Rallies” in a calendar year, with three in a row being cancelled over the last year and half. The Summer Drive event was a great opportunity to allow auto journalists the chance to take a deeper dive into the vehicles they first saw at the Chicago Auto Show but perhaps didn’t get the chance to test drive. A handful of vehicles in particular were featured for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show that also appeared at the MAMA Summer Drive – ranging from EVs, hybrids, trucks to minivans – including the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Kia Carnival, Nissan Frontier, Nissan Pathfinder and the Volkswagen ID.4.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-in Hybrid: 4xe is the next 4x4

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2021 Volkswagen ID.4: VW’s First All-Electric SUV For those who attended the 2021 Chicago Auto Show Special Edition, they had they chance to test drive Volkswagen’s brand-new, first-ever all-electric SUV – the ID.4 – on the streets of Chicago. Product specialists from VW were onsite to address any questions, such as range anxiety, to help the general public better understand the reasons owning or leasing an electric vehicle might be advantageous. The ID.4 is VW’s first-ever all-electric vehicle, and the first of a flurry of EVs by the brand to head to the U.S. The ID.4 was built as a battery-electric vehicle from the ground up. It seats five passengers and rides a similar wheelbase to the VW Tiguan, though it is slightly shorter and lower than the Tiguan. The 2021 ID.4 offers an 82kWh battery and a rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor with a 201-hp electric motor and 229 lb.-ft. of torque. VW claims the range to be 250 miles. All models are equipped with a Combined Charging System (CCS) socket, which allows for both home and public charging. According to VW, the ID.4 can be DC fast charged from 5 to 80 percent charged in 40 minutes. Additionally, the ID.4 comes with three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America DC fast chargers at no additional cost. The ID.4 also comes with IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance technology, featuring hands-on semiautomated capability. Other tech and safety features include 10- or 12-inch touch-screen infotainment display, “Hello ID.” natural voice control, ID. Light system and a standard wireless charging pad for mobile devices. Later this year, VW says the ID.4 will be offered with a second electric motor on the rear wheels, giving it more power and all-wheel drive. Prices start at $39,995 and the vehicle is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit. 20 AFRICA USA TODAY

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From: Merry Green, Founder of the Black Women's Expo (chelsea@cwhitt.biz) To:

jes3122001@yahoo.com

Date:

Wednesday, September 1, 2021, 11:02 AM CDT

Events

The Official Newsletter of the Black Women's Expo A WORD FROM BWE FOUNDER MERRY GREEN Dear Loyal BWe Supporters, Exhale with me! We did it! Another Black Women's Expo is in the books, and it could not have been done without my phenomenal team, dedicated sponsors, media partners, entertainers, exhibitors, presenters, volunteers and YOU! Thank you for your attendance and support! I'm always amazed at how people travel from all over the country to experience and celebrate the Black woman. Your positive energy was indeed felt and kept us pushing to make BWeNext a success! Our team took a short break last week, and now we are back at it! We're following up with sponsors and exhibitors while making plans for the next BWeNext event. Many of you have shared your excitement and curiosity over what's next! Well, I will just say, stay tuned, and be sure to visit our website and follow us on social media for updates. In the meantime, we will be featuring excerpts from BWENext 2021 starting with Hologic's Project Health Equality and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network's "OWN Your Health" panel discussion. The panelists explore topics on health equity, racial disparities in healthcare, and ways in which Black women can be best supported to prioritize their health and wellbeing, including creating space for regular cervical, breast, and uterine fibroid screenings. Emmy-award-winning journalist and author Adrienne Bankert served as moderators with panelists including Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Dr. Toni Lewis, and "Love & Marriage: Huntsville" star Melody Holt. Check it out here! For information, visit https://www.hologic.com/ProjectHealthEquality and ownyourhealth.tv. Thanks again for your continued support of the Black Women's Expo. It means the world to me! Merry Green Creator/Executive Producer SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

Visit our website

www.BWEnext.com C WHITT PR | 5233 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN 46320

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Nigerian Independence Day is a national holiday in Nigeria, and it’s celebrated on October 1st every year. The day is a celebration of Nigeria’s independence from British rule, which was established on October 1st 1960. Nigeria’s independence was established under Governor General Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, who later became the country’s first president.

History of Nigerian Independence Day Nigeria is the most populous nation of West Africa, being home to around 186 million people. It has a rich history, and Independence Day celebrates the country breaking free from British colonial rule. Nigeria was first colonised by the British and Portuguese in the late 15th Century. These empires used ports of Nigeria for trade of goods, as well as the trading of people as part of the Transatlantic slave trade. Lagos was first invaded by the British in 1851, before being annexed in 1865. In 1901, Nigeria became a British protectorate, meaning that it was officially under the ownership British empire, and the borders of modern Nigeria were first established. After the second world war, calls for an end to the cruel and exploitative colonial rule of the British Empire swept across Africa. After a long struggle towards independence, Nigeria finally gained independence from the British on October 1st 1960, which is now celebrated as Independence Day. At first, the country was a parliamentary democracy, ruled by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. It later became a federal republic and adopted a new constitution in 1963, with Nnamdi Azikiwe (former governor-general) becoming the first President of Nigeria.

How is Nigerian Independence Day Celebrated? Nigerian Independence Day is celebrated with plenty of parades, bands, parties, food and gatherings of friends and family alike. The day usually starts with an address from the President in the morning, which officially starts the day of celebrations. After this, there’s a ceremonial raising of the Nigerian flag, and the cutting of an Independence cake which usually displays the flag’s colours or coat of arms. There’s also an official parade, with lots of bands, music, imagery, dancing and a processional changing of the guard. After this, there’s usually a performance of songs and dances to represent the many different ethnic groups that make up Nigeria, ensuring everyone is represented at the parade. The streets are bustling and busy with people celebrating the country’s independence. You’re likely to see lots of flags, signs and colourful clothing, as people wear green and white, the national colours of Nigeria. 28 AFRICA USA TODAY

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Book Club

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Welcome to our market!

Subject: Guest Column: How to Stop Human Trafficking in America Hi Olawale, NEWS Human trafficking is a $150 billion a year racket. There are more than 40 million victims worldwide, many of them right here in the United States.

It Takes a Village to End Human Trafficking

Please consider the following column by the Executive Director of the United Way Center to Combat Human Trafficking on how we can overcome this horrific problem. Is there any chance you could run this important piece? Best, Maddie

-Madison Miller Keybridge Communications 1722-A Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007 202-471-4228 ext. 125 madison@keybridge.biz

It Takes a Village to End Human Trafficking By Mara Vanderslice Kelly Human trafficking is the act of compelling someone into work or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. It is illegal everywhere but happens every day in big cities and small towns across the United States. Human trafficking takes many forms: A foster care youth forced into commercial sex work by someone pretending to be her “boyfriend;” a migrant locked in a house, compelled to cook and clean; a man with a mental health disability laboring in a poultry processing plant for no pay. It occurs across oceans and in our own backyards. Human trafficking is a $150 billion a year industry. There are more than 40 million victims worldwide -- including many in the United States. The National Human Trafficking Hotline recorded 11,500 domestic cases in 2019. And those were just the reported cases. Many more are never brought to light. Sadly, marginalized communities -- including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, undocumented immigrants, and survivors of abuse -- are more likely to become victims. Studies estimate that 40% of U.S. sex trafficking victims are Black Americans and over 60% of labor trafficking victims are Hispanic. There is no silver bullet to end human trafficking, and it won’t happen overnight. However, a concerted effort from all levels of society to combat this evil is our best hope to end it. When communities come together, we can develop a comprehensive response. United Way is proud to leverage our network of more than 1,000 United Ways in 40 countries to identify and support local stakeholders in the fight against trafficking. By mobilizing individuals, businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations, our Center to Combat Human Trafficking helps coordinate efforts to end this systemic injustice. This comprehensive approach is being piloted in cities across the country, from Las Vegas to Atlanta. Each program is designed to address each community's unique challenges, from child abuse to poverty to homelessness. Companies can work to educate their employees and marshal donations toward projects dedicated to combatting trafficking. Many employees at UPS, for instance, are trained to spot signs of trafficking on their daily routes. UPS employees have given millions of dollars to anti-trafficking efforts led by United Way’s Center. Additionally, business leaders can strive to employ survivors of trafficking. Secure employment and financial stability help reduce one’s risk of being trafficked again. Employing survivors may require more inclusive hiring practices, like not automatically disqualifying those with criminal records. As one advisor at the Human Trafficking Legal Center explains, trafficking victims are often "arrested and prosecuted for their traffickers' crimes."

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NEWS

News & Updates Across Our 77 Neighborhoods

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Book & Film Club Features

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Synopsis For the first twenty years of my life this is what I knew about my background: I was born in Eritrea a tiny country on the northeast coast of Africa. My mother died in childbirth, my father soon afterwards, I was placed in an orphanage in Asmara, the capital, by a distant relative, or perhaps a neighbour. That’s it. The sum total of my family knowledge.   Six months later I was adopted by a British academic and that’s how I ended up growing up in a white family in Manchester. And then one day, when I was a student in Liverpool, I received a letter with an Eritrean postmark. It was from my brother in Asmara, the one I never knew I had. My Fathers’ Daughter is Hannah Pool’s brave and heartbreaking story of her return to Africa to meet the family she lost – and the father she thought was dead… Reviews for My Fathers’ Daughter: "Remarkable...Pool's candor is striking...Her story is as much about an adopted child facing up to the challenge of tracing her biological family as it is about her search for African roots...[She gives] a sense of what it is like to be a young person of African descent who is unquestionably British." The Observer (U.K.) "What a story. So vivid, honest and moving." Andrea Levy, author of Small Island "In this beautifully honest book, Pool gives us a frontrow view of how identity is built up, but also how it's dismantled...Simply engrossing." Time Out London "Hannah Pool [is] a thoroughly engaging storyteller [who] offers us a different way of seeing...layered with subtleties. Although passages bring tears to the eyes, the sentiment is never pity. Rather awe at the depth of Hannah's experience, her courage in confronting it and her success, finally, in making sense of it all." The Sunday Times (London) "Engaging and moving."' Mail on Sunday "A moving story that sent shivers down my spine in its final moments. Hannah is an engaging raconteur, reporting her emotional highs and lows with insight and humor." The Bookseller "[A] truly moving exploration of identity." Sunday Times

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To:

jes3122001@yahoo.com

Cc:

usafriglo@yahoo.com

Date: Thursday, July 15, 2021, 10:15 PM CDT

---------- Forwarded message --------From: SEIU, Maritza Manrique <info@seiu.org> Date: Thu, Jul 15, 2021 at 5:41 PM Subject: They heard us—a HUGE day for home care! To: Olawale Idreez <idreezolawale@gmail.com>

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Phone: 312-225-7000