Africa USa Today MAGAZINE
Politicosocionomics of World Peace
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Kamala D. Harris
United States Vice President
Kamala Harris Vice President October 20, 1964 Kamala Harris Emma Rothberg, NWHM Fellow I 2020-2022
On January 20, 2021, Kamala D. Harris became the first woman, the first African American woman, the first Indian-American, the first person of Asian-American descent, and the first graduate of an HBCU to be sworn in as the Vice President of the United States of America. As she said in her election acceptance speech, she “may be the first, but [she] will not be the last.” Kamala Harris has spent her life breaking glass ceilings. Born on October 20, 1964 in Oakland, California, Harris is the daughter of immigrants. Her father was born in Jamaica and her mother was born in India. After her parents divorced, Harris and her younger sister Maya were raised by their mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a single parent. Harris recalls she “had a stroller-eye view of the Civil Rights movement” as she went with her mother to marches. These early experiences inspired her to make it her life’s work to fight against injustice. While growing up in Oakland, she was immersed in both Indian and African American culture. Her mother took Harris to spend time with her grandparents in India during the summer but also made sure her girls were connected to their African American roots. Harris noted in her autobiography, “My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters...She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women." 2 AFRICA USA TODAY
Vice President Kamala Harris
Photo of Vice President Harris from the White House Zahrah Ralph, Staff Writer February 2, 2021 The passage of the 19th amendment, over a century ago, enabled some’s voting rights; today, the first woman occupies office as the Vice President of the United States. Kamala Harris, with her black, Indian, and Jamaican descent, marks significant milestones in her position. Continuing to make history, a new era has begun.
Childhood background Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, had arrived in the United States from India in 1958 as a 19-year-old; she became a biologist cancer researcher. Her father, Donald Harris, who came from Jamaica taught at Stanford University.
Born in 1964, She had a very normal childhood up till she was 7 with her sister Maya when her parents sadly separated. She went on with her life and eventually attended Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C.
Harris then returned to California to attend law school at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law through its Legal Education Opportunity Program. While at UC Hastings, she served as president of its chapter of the Black Law Students Association. She graduated in 1989 and a year later she joined the Alameda County District Attorney’s office where she specialized in prosecuting child sexual assault cases. AFRICA USA TODAY 3
Olawale Idreez, Publisher
...Top-Socialite Among Her Peers, Passionate, and Getting The Job Done: AUTM's 2021 PERSON OF THE YEAR" by Olawale Idreez
Top Socialite Among Her Peers, Passionate, and Getting the Job Done: AUSATM’s 2021 jes3122001@yahoo.com hello@cityofchicago.org “PERSON OF THE YEAR” by Olawale Idreez
From: olawale idreez (usafriglo@yahoo.com) To: Cc:
Date: Wednesday, November 24, 2021, 01:28 PM CST
Happy Thanksgiving Week to all our readers and fans locally and globally! First of all, if you are reading this missive, obviously you made it pass the horrible invisible enemy called Covid-19 pandemic, and its cousin Delta Variance Pandemic. So, we have good reason to glorify the Almighty God in the highest. And we commiserate with the families of those who lost their loved ones to the said horrible pandemic. It was rather difficult for me to pen this letter, because I just lost a very close friend of mine in the Nigerian-American Community in Chicago, Illinois. His name was Olufemi Odunayo Dosunmu. A kind family man, superbly intelligent, and business mogul - who owned several Jackson Hewitt franchise around Illinois. A Yoruba proverb to console his many friends around Illinois and Nigeria is to say, "Ajanaku Nla Lo Ninu Aginju. Gbogo Igbo Mi Tiiti." English translation: "An Elephant Falls In The Forest. The Whole Forests Utterly Shaken." Rest in peace, "FEMI DOSUNMU". May his soul rest in peace, and may the good LORD have mercy upon us that are still alive. Amen. Now, we extend big congratulations to the office of President Joseph R. Biden for successfully passed the bi-partisan $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure bill (that's with 18 zeros, to be exact). The main focus of this missive geared towards the Vice President KAMALA HARRIS. A woman who broke the historical shackles that caused barrier for women of all colors, different ethnic background, and societies for over 245 years in this great nation called the Unites States of America. As one young black girl addressed her "Thanks Auntie Kamala!". That sounds very fascinating. Although I may not know the etymological meaning of those adjectives used to describe "Auntie Kamala", but one that really captivated my humble intellect was the word "Nasty". I actually took the word from the former President Donald J. Trump. The 45th POTUS, as we know, rarely accolades any person with kind gesture. But "Nasty" in this context, really meant good compliment to her credit. By reading his lips when that phrase was uttered, one might conclude that he (Mr. Trump) actually meant Lady Kamala Harris is fearless, audacious, experienced, a very highly-skilled Prosecuting Attorney from California, passionate about our youths and women empowerment, and more importantly, motivating billions of top socialite and powerful women around the globe to break that shackles that have been stigmatizing them, and most importantly, getting the job done (in a protocol order) under the umbrella of her Boss, President Joseph R. Biden. AFRICA-USA Today Magazine respectfully congratulates and recognized the Vice President KAMALA HARRIS as our 2021 Person of the Year. (See the cover page designed by Mr. John E. Smith, Jr). Olawale Idreez is the writer of the famous quotation, "If the U.S. Constitutions of the U.S allows any person to vie for more that two terms in the office. The Obama Presidency will occupy the White House for four consecutive terms." 4 AFRICA USA TODAY (Excerpt from Publisher's Opinion of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine 2009 online edition). He is also the Co-Author of the moribund classic historical book titled, "The Consequences of Non-Intervention in the
PERSON OF THE YEAR" by Olawale Idreez From: olawale idreez (usafriglo@yahoo.com) To:
jes3122001@yahoo.com
Cc:
hello@cityofchicago.org
Event
Date: Wednesday, November 24, 2021, 01:28 PM CST
Happy Thanksgiving Week to all our readers and fans locally and globally! First of all, if you are reading this missive, obviously you made it pass the horrible invisible enemy called Covid-19 pandemic, and its cousin Delta Variance Pandemic. So, we have good reason to glorify the Almighty God in the highest. And we commiserate with the families of those who lost their loved ones to the said horrible pandemic. It was rather difficult for me to pen this letter, because I just lost a very close friend of mine in the Nigerian-American Community in Chicago, Illinois. His name was Olufemi Odunayo Dosunmu. A kind family man, superbly intelligent, and business mogul - who owned several Jackson Hewitt franchise around Illinois. A Yoruba proverb to console his many friends around Illinois and Nigeria is to say, "Ajanaku Nla Lo Ninu Aginju. Gbogo Igbo Mi Tiiti." English translation: "An Elephant Falls In The Forest. The Whole Forests Utterly Shaken." Rest in peace, "FEMI DOSUNMU". May his soul rest in peace, and may the good LORD have mercy upon us that are still alive. Amen. Now, we extend big congratulations to the office of President Joseph R. Biden for successfully passed the bi-partisan $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure bill (that's with 18 zeros, to be exact). The main focus of this missive geared towards the Vice President KAMALA HARRIS. A woman who broke the historical shackles that caused barrier for women of all colors, different ethnic background, and societies for over 245 years in this great nation called the Unites States of America. As one young black girl addressed her "Thanks Auntie Kamala!". That sounds very fascinating. Although I may not know the etymological meaning of those adjectives used to describe "Auntie Kamala", but one that really captivated Prof. Margaret King,my humble intellect was the word "Nasty". I actually took the word from the former President Donald J. Trump. President/CEO TheInstitute 45th POTUS, as weand know, rarely accolades any person with kind gesture. But "Nasty" in this context, really meant Global of Planning Sustainable Development US good Office:compliment 19624 Governor's 123 his lips when that phrase was uttered, one might conclude that he (Mr. to herHighway, credit. BySuite reading Flossmoor, IL 60422, USA Trump) actually meant Lady Kamala Harris is fearless, audacious, experienced, a very highly-skilled Prosecuting Business Phone: 708-513-2168 Attorney from California, passionate about our youths and women empowerment, and more importantly, motivating Direct: 312-217-0967 Africa Office: Itiam Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibomaround State, Nigeria billions of No. top 46 socialite and powerful women the globe to break that shackles that have been stigmatizing them, +234-813-882-5252; +254-721-922-353 and most importantly, getting the job done (in a protocol order) under the umbrella of her Boss, President Joseph R. mking@globalinstitutepsd.org Biden. www.globalinstitutepsd.org …impacting Global Africans with Demand-driven Training, Entrepreneurship & Global Trade for Sustainable Development
AFRICA-USA Today Magazine respectfully congratulates and recognized the Vice President KAMALA HARRIS as our 2021 Person of the Year. (See the cover page designed by Mr. John E. Smith, Jr). Olawale Idreez is the writer of the famous quotation, "If the U.S. Constitutions of the U.S allows any person to vie for more that two terms in the office. The Obama Presidency will occupy the White House for four consecutive terms." (Excerpt from Publisher's Opinion of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine 2009 online edition). He is also the Co-Author of the moribund classic historical book titled, "The Consequences of Non-Intervention in the American Civil War by the European Powers-1850's-1900's." (AMAZON.COM, XLIBRIS.COM/Book 81305, BARNES & NOBLES, ETC). His next Editorial Project for the Christmas edition will be titled, "Thanks to the state of Virginia GOP Gubernatorial victory, making my job easiest in 40 years of predicting the U.S Presidential Elections outcomes 90% with 3-4% margin of errors: Victory To Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2024; albeit may only roll with either House of Reps, or Senate". Stay tuned. Olawale Idreez can be reached via email: usafriglo@yahoo.com *Investment Bankers' Quotable quotes for the Thanksgiving 2021; "May Your Stomach Be Full. And May Your Bank Account Be Even Fuller." Amen. **Please be safe, well, prayerful, fun, love and hug somebody, and be prosperously healthy out there. #TakeYour2BestShots #GetVaccinatedNow #TakeYour3PointerShots #BoosterShotIfNecessary. Happy Holidays from the Publishing World of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine LinkedIn@Olawale-Idreez AFRICA USA TODAY 5
Politics
66AFRICA AFRICAUSA USATODAY TODAY
Vice President Kamala Harris
Politics
Kamala Harris became First Woman with Presidental Powers (CNN)President Joe Biden on Friday temporarily transferred power to Vice President Kamala Harris while he was under anesthesia for a routine colonoscopy for one hour and 25 minutes, according to the White House. The nation's first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president broke yet another barrier when she temporarily stepped into the acting role. Harris worked from her office in the West Wing while Biden was under anesthesia, according to Psaki. "@POTUS spoke with @VP and @WHCOS at approximately 11:35am this morning. @POTUS was in good spirits and at that time resumed his duties. He will remain at Walter Reed as he completes the rest of his routine physical," Psaki tweeted. Biden, who turns 79 on Saturday, arrived Friday morning at Walter Reed Medical Center to undergo his first routine annual physical since taking office. It's routine for a vice president to assume presidential powers while the president undergoes a medical procedure that requires anesthesia. Then-Vice President Dick Cheney did so on multiple occasions when then-President George W. Bush underwent routine colonoscopies. To officially transfer the presidential powers to Harris, Biden sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the president pro tempore of the Senate, at 10:10 a.m. ET before going under anesthesia. The letter reads: "Today I will undergo a routine medical procedure requiring sedation. In view of present circumstances, I have determined to transfer temporarily the powers and duties of the office of President of the United States to the Vice President during the brief period of the procedure and recovery." Section 3 of the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution says the President can send a letter to the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Senate declaring declaring they are "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President." In order to transfer the powers back to Biden, a separate letter was sent after the procedure. "In accordance with the provisions of section 3 of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, I hereby transmit to you my written declaration that I am able to discharge the powers and duties of the Office of the President of the United States and that I am resuming those powers and duties," the letter, which was sent to both Pelosi and Leahy, reads. AFRICA USA TODAY 7
NATIONAL NEWS
BRIEFING ROOM
A Proclamation on: Thanksgiving Day, 2021 NOVEMBER 24, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
Thanksgiving provides us with a time to reflect on our many blessings — from God, this Nation, and each other. We are grateful for these blessings, even — and especially — during times of challenge. That is why George Washington declared a day of Thanksgiving for his troops as they marched into that dark winter at Valley Forge. It is why in the midst of the Civil War — in proclaiming the Thanksgiving holiday we now celebrate today — Abraham Lincoln urged us to remember our “fruitful fields and healthful skies.” Just as 400 years ago when the Pilgrims were able to celebrate a successful first harvest thanks to the generosity and support of the Wampanoag, today we too express our gratitude for those who have helped us get through this difficult past year. We are grateful for the farm workers and frontline workers, many of whom are immigrants, who make sure our food is harvested and shipped, keep our grocery stores stocked, and keep our cities and towns clean and safe. We are grateful for the educators who are welcoming children back into their classrooms, helping them make up for lost learning and lost time, both academically and socially. We are grateful for the parents who have carried their families through this challenging time, helping their children navigate this difficult chapter in our Nation’s history. We are grateful for the health care professionals working to vaccinate our Nation, the nurses who comfort and help people, and the doctors who provide care and compassion. We are grateful for the researchers and scientists who have developed safe and effective vaccines and treatments, allowing us to safely enjoy a Thanksgiving this year with more family around the table. 8 AFRICA USA TODAY As always, we are grateful for our troops serving far from home, keeping us safe and defending
our values.
who make sure our food is harvested and shipped, keep our grocery stores stocked, and keep our cities and towns clean and safe.
BRIEFING ROOM
NATIONAL NEWS
We are grateful for the educators who are welcoming children back into their classrooms,
A Proclamation on: Thanksgiving Day, 2021
helping them make up for lost learning and lost time, both academically and socially. NOVEMBER 24, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
We are grateful for the parents who have carried their families through this challenging time, helping their children navigate this difficult chapter in our Nation’s history. Thanksgiving provides us with a time to reflect on our many blessings — from God, this Nation, We are grateful for the health care professionals working to vaccinate our Nation, the nurses and each other. We are grateful for these blessings, even — and especially — during times of who comfort and help people, and the doctors who provide care and compassion. challenge. We are grateful for the researchers and scientists who have developed safe and effective That is why George Washington declared a day of Thanksgiving for his troops as they marched vaccines and treatments, allowing us to safely enjoy a Thanksgiving this year with more family into that dark winter at Valley Forge. It is why in the midst of the Civil War — in proclaiming around the table. the Thanksgiving holiday we now celebrate today — Abraham Lincoln urged us to remember our “fruitful and healthful as 400 years ago when the Pilgrims were able to As always, wefields are grateful for ourskies.” troopsJust serving far from home, keeping us safe and defending celebrate a successful first harvest thanks to the generosity and support of the Wampanoag, our values.
today we too express our gratitude for those who have helped us get through this difficult past year. For the First Lady and me, Thanksgiving has always been a cherished time to enjoy annual
traditions that have evolved into sacred rituals with our children and grandchildren: throwing for the family farm workers frontline workers, many of whom immigrants, We grateful the are football, preparing recipes,and lighting candles, and setting the table.are For many who make sure our food is harvested and shipped, keep our grocery stores stocked, and since keep Americans, this Thanksgiving will be the first time gathering with loved ones in person our start citiesof and clean—and safe.of full tables and full hearts. the thetowns pandemic a time
Wewe arecelebrate, grateful for who areofwelcoming childrenfeeling back into As wethe willeducators also be thinking the many families thetheir pain classrooms, of an empty helping make up for table. lost learning time, both socially. chair at them the Thanksgiving You areand notlost alone, and ouracademically Nation standsand with you. We areTHEREFORE, grateful for the have carried their families this challenging time, NOW, I, parents JOSEPHwho R. BIDEN JR., President of thethrough United States of America, by helping children navigate this difficult chapter in our virtue oftheir the authority vested in me by the Constitution andNation’s the lawshistory. of the United States, do We are grateful for the health care professionals working to vaccinate our Nation, the nurses who comfort and help people, and the doctors who provide care and compassion. We are grateful for the researchers and scientists who have developed safe and effective vaccines and treatments, allowing us to safely enjoy a Thanksgiving this year with more family around the table. As always, we are grateful for our troops serving far from home, keeping us safe and defending our values. For the First Lady and me, Thanksgiving has always been a cherished time to AFRICA enjoy annual USA TODAY 9 traditions that have evolved into sacred rituals with our children and grandchildren: throwing
EDITORIAL PUBLISHER OLAWALE IDREEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOHN E. SMITH JR. PUBLIC RELATIONS RAQUEL LACOUR REGIONAL EDITOR ADEMOLA LAWAL WEALTH PRODUCER ADVISOR DR. STACEE LANG MARKETING/SALES MANAGER WILLIAM ROGERS PR CONSULTANT LOGISTICS MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS TINA WASHINGTON MORGANNA WILLIAMS EDITORIAL ADVISOR DR. COLLINS AWOSIKA ADVISORY DR. ROBERT L. SCOTT SR. MARY L. SWOPES GANIYU BISIRIYU
10 AFRICA USA TODAY
Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography
Contents
JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Celebrating Vice President Kamala Harris, Thanksgiving & our heros.
From Self-Funding ‘Wild ‘N Out’ to Betting on ‘Masked Singer,’ Nick Cannon’s Big Risks Pay Off Submitted by chanelle on Wed, 2020-06-17 16:09
AfricA USA TodAy
WE’RE INVESTING IN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
MAGAZINE
Politicosocionomics of World Peace
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B������� B��� B�����
Read about the Build Back Better Framework
Tributes to Women
Read About the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Read the Vaccination Requirements Report Read President Biden's COVID-19 Action Plan
Africa Business
Happy Mother’s day
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
In this issue we are honoring the accomplishments of Vice President Kamala Harris. In addition, we are celebrating the passing of the Infrastructure Bill signed by President Joe Biden. We are also recognizing Latino Heritage Month & celebrating Thanksgiving, as well as our own heros and their contributions. Happy Kwanzaa!
Nick is gracing Variety magazine's July 2020 cover. In the in-depth interview, he speaks to his humble beginnings and how that has shaped him as a businessman, father, philanthropist, and activist who always is willing to bet on himself and the things he believes in. Check out a little snippet below. Nick Cannon knew exactly where he wanted to be. On Feb. 19, the multi-hyphenate comedian, TV and radio host, rapper, producer, entrepreneur and activist gathered with a small group of Debmar-Mercury executives in New York to discuss plans for the daytime syndicated talk show that Cannon will launch in September with the Lionsgate-owned distributor. The setting was a conference room at Lionsgate’s offices on Fifth Avenue near Times Square. But the focus of the nearly two-hour meeting centered largely on a location about 60 blocks north at an iconic intersection in Harlem: 106th Street and Park Avenue. “Harlem feels so right,” Cannon told the roomful of executives that included Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, who sat at opposite ends of a long rectangular table. Cannon pressed the executives to commit to having “Nick Cannon” originate from the studio that was once home to BET’s long-running hip-hop variety show “106 & Park.” Marcus and others explained that it would be hard to find enough office space at that location to house the dozens of staffers needed to produce a daily one-hour talk show with the ambitious mix of music, comedy, sketches, and games that Cannon envisions. Another executive noted that it could be a challenge to get some celebrity guests to head to Harlem while they’re trying to run the circuit of media stops in midtown. Even filling a studio audience every day might be tough in an area that doesn’t have the same level of tourist traffic as 30 Rock and environs. “Put a big picture of me out there — they’ll come,” Cannon said with a broad smile that took the edge off the undoubtedly true statement. He spun around his swivel chair and stretched his legs, showing off gold lamé sneakers that offset his black sweatpants and black hoodie emblazoned with “Save Black Boys,” with a peace sign in place of the “o.” The conversation turned from the high cost of setting up shop in Harlem to marketing and brand-integration opportunities. Cannon reeled off idea after idea for monetizing virtually every minute of the talk show. The Debmar-Mercury team was impressed with and energized by Cannon’s command of product-placement deals, sponsorship plays and social media promotion. After getting a big laugh with a joke about the prospects for monetizing his daily shower, the star had a message for the
AFRICA USA TODAY 11
NATIONAL NEWS
12 AFRICA USA TODAY
NATIONAL NEWS
AFRICA USA TODAY 13
POLITICS
Dem Rep. Lucy McBath switches district after new GOP map Emma Hurt Mon, November 22, 2021, 2:04 PM · 2 min read
Lucy McBath
In this article: Lucy McBath
American politician
After Georgia Republicans passed a new Congressional map today that flips her Democratic suburban district into a Republican one, Rep. Lucy McBath announced she’ll switch to campaign in a neighboring district represented by fellow Georgia Democrat, Rep. Carolyn Bourdeuax. The new district will reach up into deeply conservative North Georgia and lean Republican by 24 percentage points, according to FiveThirtyEight. Why it matters: McBath flipped Georgia’s 6th district, a longtime Republican stronghold in 2018. Bordeaux flipped Georgia’s 7th district in 2020. Both districts were seen as prime examples of metro Atlanta’s dramatically changing electorate. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free What she’s saying: McBath said in a statement it’s “no mystery why Republicans and the NRA have decided I’m their top target. As a Black woman, activist, and mother on a mission — they would like nothing more than to stop me from speaking truth to power about the gun lobby and Republican Party in Congress.” Yes, but: On the way to fighting Republicans, McBath will have to fight her fellow Georgia Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux, who is not backing down. Bordeaux has campaigned for the seat in five elections. “The people of the 7th deserve a representative that understands and cares about their needs and has a record of fighting for them in Washington,” she said in a statement. “It’s my hard-fought greatness to serve the people of Gwinnett and GA’s 7th district, and I look forward to continuing to do so.” Of note: Neither McBath nor Bourdeaux live in the newly-created district. It is not required for members of Congress to live in their districts. Team Bourdeaux points out that the new Georgia 7th is 60% made up of Bourdeaux’s current constituents. Team McBath points out that the new 7th is 67% minority voters. Big picture: Under the newly proposed district lines, Republicans are set to increase their majority of Georgia’s Congressional seats to 9-5. Democratic voting rights attorney Marc Elias has promised the state will be sued once Governor Brian Kemp signs the map.
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BUSINESS
AFRICA USA TODAY 15
BUSINESS
From Self-Funding ‘Wild ‘N Out’ to Betting on ‘Masked Singer,’ Nick Cannon’s Big Risks Pay Off Submitted by chanelle on Wed, 2020-06-17 16:09
Nick is gracing Variety magazine's July 2020 cover. In the in-depth interview, he speaks to his humble beginnings and how that has shaped him as a businessman, father, 16 AFRICA USA TODAY philanthropist, and activist who always is willing to bet on himself and the things he believes in. Check out a little snippet below. Nick Cannon knew exactly where he
wanted to be. On Feb. 19, the multi-hyphenate comedian, TV and radio host, rapper, producer, entrepreneur and activist gathered with a small group of Debmar-Mercury executives in New York to discuss plans for the daytime syndicated talk show that Cannon will launch in September with the Lionsgate-owned distributor. The setting was
BUSINESS
Nick Cannon takes his Business Empire to the Next Level
America’s Got Talent Masked Singer
Members of Academy Board Nick is gracing Variety magazine's July 2020 cover. In the in-depth interview, he speaks to his humble beginnings and how that has shaped him as a businessman, father, philanthropist, and activist who always is willing to bet on himself and the things he believes in. Check out a little snippet below. Nick Cannon knew exactly where he wanted to be. On Feb. 19, the multi-hyphenate comedian, TV and radio host, rapper, producer, entrepreneur and activist gathered with a small group of Debmar-Mercury executives in New York to discuss plans for the daytime syndicated talk show that Cannon will launch in September with the Lionsgate-owned distributor. The setting was a conference room at Lionsgate’s offices on Fifth Avenue near Times Square. But the focus of the nearly two-hour meeting centered largely on a location about 60 blocks north at an iconic intersection in Harlem: 106th Street and Park Avenue. “Harlem feels so right,” Cannon told the roomful of executives that included Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, who sat at opposite ends of a long rectangular table. Cannon pressed the executives to commit to having “Nick Cannon” originate from the studio that was once home to BET’s long-running hip-hop variety show “106 & Park.” Marcus and others explained that it would be hard to find enough office space at that location to house the dozens of staffers needed to produce a daily one-hour talk show with the ambitious mix of music, comedy, sketches, and games that Cannon envisions. Another executive noted that it could be a challenge to get some celebrity guests to head to Harlem while they’re trying to run the circuit of media stops in midtown. Even filling a studio audience every day might be tough in an area that doesn’t have the same level of tourist traffic as 30 Rock and environs. “Put a big picture of me out there — they’ll come,” Cannon said with a broad smile that took the edge off the undoubtedly true statement. He spun around his swivel chair and stretched his legs, showing off gold lamé sneakers that offset his black sweatpants and black hoodie emblazoned with “Save Black Boys,” with a peace sign in place of the “o.” The conversation turned from the high cost of setting up shop in Harlem to marketing and brand-integration opportunities. Cannon reeled off idea after idea for monetizing virtually every minute of the talk show. The Debmar-Mercury team was impressed with and energized by Cannon’s command of product-placement deals, sponsorship plays and social media promotion. After getting a big laugh with a joke about the prospects for monetizing his daily shower, the star had a message for the
AFRICA USA TODAY 17
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Nick Cannon Net Worth By Dan Western
What is Nick Cannon’s net worth?
Net Worth:
$30 Million
Age:
40
Born:
October 8, 1980
Country of Origin:
United States of America
Source of Wealth:
Professional TV Host
Last Updated:
2021
As of 2021, Nick Cannon’s net worth is approximately $30 million, and he continues to gain money and popularity as he expands his career. Nick Cannon is a multi-talented star that has been in Hollywood since he was a teenager. He is widely recognized for being the host of the television show ‘America’s Got Talent’ as well as being an actor and a musician.
Early Life Nick Cannon was born in San Diego, California on October 8, 1980. His parents got divorced when he was very young and his grandparents greatly contributed to his upbringing. At a very young age, he found he had a knack for comedy when he performed his stand-up comedy on his father’s public access program. At 16 he began driving up to Los Angeles on the weekends to perform standup comedy and began landing gigs at high-profile locations.
18 AFRICA USA TODAY
SEARCH SEARCH
BUSINESS
Nick Cannon takes his Business Empire to the Next Level
AFRICA USA TODAY 19
EVENTS
“King of the Dancehall” 20 AFRICA USA TODAY
AFRICA USA TODAY 21
Africa Business
Mission
The story of Africa International The mission of Africa International House USA, House is to serve as a center that Inc. (AIH) exposes and educates all peoples to begins at the individual works and collective Window to contributions of African cultures. Africa (WTA) Our mission is addressed through an African our flagship program, the African art and gift Festival of the Arts, and through store in Harper other activities that promote Court, Hyde African-based culture. Africa Park - owned International House is an umbrella by Dr. Delores for linkages and exchanges of (Dee) Parmer people from Africa and the African and Patrick Diaspora. Woodtor who returned from Liberia in CONTACT 1982. WTA was operated by art & cultural enthusiasts: Joanne Scott, Shionah Chancellor, Steven B. Jackson, Dayo Laoye, Gwen Luster and Curtis Chancellor. Programs at WTA drew large crowds and included exhibitions, fairs and fashion shows. The Bahamas National Dance Troupe premiered in Chicago as one of these events. In 1989, WTA convened a group of cultural supporters to manage the WTA activities which became the African Festival of the Arts (AFA). In 1994, the Woodtor family incorporated Africa International House USA, Inc (AIH) as a nonprofit organization to manage the AFA, with the mission: "To serve as a center that exposes and educates all peoples to the individual works and collective contributions of African cultures." AIH, governed by a board of directors, combines community support with corporate sponsorship to present Chicago audiences with art and cultural programs through our Center for Contemporary African Art and Culture.
Board of Directors
Shaffdean Amowu, MPH, P…
Julian T. Roberts - Vice Chair
Jan Austin - Treasurer
AFRICA USA TODAY 19
AfricA USA TodAy MAGAZINE
Politicosocionomics of World Peace
www.issuu.com/jesmithphoto 312/937-4508, April- May 2021 U.S.- $4.99 Canada- $5.99 London- 3 Pounds
Tributes to Women
Africa Business
Happy Mother’s day
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
AFRICA NEWS
AFRICA USA TODAY 39
AFRICA NEWS
10 AFRICA USA TODAY
AFRICA NEWS
Bola Tinubu-A Visionary and Great Thinker
Bola Tinubu is an embodiment of outstanding Leadership
AFRICA USA TODAY 11
Tinubu celebrates wife, Remi on 60th birthday
All Progressives Congress (APC ) chieftain spent the whole day of Monday, September 22, celebrating his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she turned 60. 12 AFRICA USA TODAY
EVENT
AFRICA USA TODAY 13
Book Club
26 AFRICA USA TODAY
Welcome to our market!
Africa Business Africa should take advantage of competition of USA, Europe and BRIC countries
20 AFRICA USA TODAY
Africa Business Africa should take advantage of competition of USA, Europe and BRIC countries
AFRICA USA TODAY 21
EVENTS
Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace
CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL KWANZAA MARKET Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration December 26 - January 1. Each day is dedicated to one of the seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba. The seven principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), Imani (Faith). Africa International House hosts an annual Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace. This year it will go virtual. The market will be available all of December with video programming throughout the month. Learn about the Kwanzaa principles and setting up a Kwanzaa table in your home. Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for updates and programming. Market registration includes: Directory listing on the AIH website Your Business Logo and images with a link to your online store Video Introduction about your business** Each Business will be highlighted throughout the month Branded promotional materials will be available to promote market Mentions of your business during our online programming events *Merchants are responsible for all payment transactions, shipping, and customer communication **Intro videos can be up to 10 minutes. They can showcase your business, preview items, and demonstrate products or services. Videos can be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. If you have questions, email us at vendors@aihusa.org
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EVENTS
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NATIONAL NEWS
T�� B���� B��� B����� F�������� PRESIDENT BIDEN’S PLAN TO REBUILD THE MIDDLE CLASS
P
resident Joe Biden believes that there’s no greater economic engine in the world than the hard work and ingenuity of the American people. But for
too long, the economy has worked great for those at the top, while working families get squeezed. President Biden promised to rebuild the backbone of the country – the middle class – so that this time everyone comes along. The Build Back Better Framework does just that. This framework will set the United States on course to meet its climate goals, create millions of good-paying jobs, enable more Americans to join and remain in the labor force, and grow our economy from the bottom up and the middle out. Here’s what the Build Back Better Framework will mean for Linda from Peoria, IL:
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Read more about the Build Back Better Framework:
NATIONAL NEWS
WE’RE INVESTING IN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
B������� B��� B����� Read about the Build Back Better Framework Read About the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Read the Vaccination Requirements Report Read President Biden's COVID-19 Action Plan
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AFRICA NEWS
Nigeria: Government's proposed 2022 budget is largest ever November 23, 2021 On 7 October, President Muhammadu Buhari presented the government’s proposed budget for 2022. The budget, when passed later this year, will be the largest ever, totaling NGN 16.4 trillion (USD 40 billion) in spending. Revenue is projected at NGN 10.1 trillion (USD 25 billion). This would leave a fiscal deficit of around NGN 6.3 trillion (USD 15 billion)—roughly 3.1% of the FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast for nominal GDP for 2022. On the expenditure side, authorities project spending to increase by 12.5% compared to the current year. The largest sum of money will be spent on recurrent, non-debt payments. This includes expenditure on goods and services such as wages and salaries, as well as subsidies and transfers. This is followed by capital expenditure, set to receive just under a third of all funds amid the government’s infrastructure push. Debt servicing is the third largest expenditure group. On the revenue side, the government estimates revenue to rise by 24.8% compared to 2021, with over a third expected to come from the oil sector. The assumptions that underpin these projections are a targeted benchmark oil price of USD 57 per barrel, and oil production of 1.88 million barrels per day (mbpd). Meanwhile, the budget assumes an exchange rate of NGN 410.15 per USD and economic growth of 4.2%, with 13.0% inflation. The government’s assumptions are a mixed bag. On the one hand, the oil price projection is conservative, with FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast panelists projecting an average Brent crude oil price of USD 71.4 in 2022. This suggests that revenue streams could end up higher than expected, leading to a narrower fiscal shortfall. On the other hand, targeted oil output of 1.88 mbpd would mean a significant pickup from this year’s production level. In addition, the government’s growth and exchange rate forecasts seem overly optimistic compared to our panelists’ Consensus. Lastly, the deficit is to be financed through NGN 5 trillion in new loans, NGN 2.1 trillion in bilateral and multilateral debt, and proceeds from privatization. The country currently has a relatively benign public debt burden, but debt sustainability could become a more pressing issue going forward. Regarding debt sustainability, analysts at the EIU added: “We remain concerned about the authorities' continued build-up of debt. At less than a quarter of GDP as at July 2021, public debt remains within sustainability limits. However, debt servicing […] has sometimes been equal to an entire month's revenue in 2021, pointing to substantial fragility. The authorities do not appear particularly perturbed by the rising debt profile, judging from their ambitious 2022 fiscal programme. […] Although the authorities' monetary financing has long breached the statutory limits in law, there is no robust mechanism to rein it in if the government continues to rely on the Central Bank of Nigeria to finance part of the budget.” FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast panelists expect the fiscal deficit to reach 4.7% in 2022 and 4.4% in 2023, with public debt set to rise to 35.4% and 35.8%, respectively. Author: Jan Lammersen, Economist
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ART NEWS
BLACK ART DEPOT
AFRICAN AMERICAN ART GIFTS, COLLECTIBLES, DECOR
A montage by Wishum Gregory that pays tribute to some of the most powerful and influential African American women in the world today. A poster meant to celebrate the life and achievements of these incredible women. Included in this poster are: Toni Morrison, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Oprah Winfrey, Senator Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong'o, Debra Lee, Shonda Rhimes, Sheila Johnson, Susan Rice, Serena Williams, Ursula Burns, Darlene Clark Hine, Cathy Hughes, Beyonce, Misty Copeland, Simone Biles, Carla D. Hayden, and Jeanette Epps. WISHUM GREGORY
Texture, Movement, Energy are the hallmarks that best describe the exciting new art collection of acclaimed graphic-artist, Wishum-Gregory. He's a master at bridging the gap with the legends of yesterday and the superstars of today.
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ART NEWS
BLACK ART DEPOT
AFRICAN AMERICAN ART GIFTS, COLLECTIBLES, DECOR
INFO
WAK is an artist on a mission, but his is no solo trip: He wants to take you on the journey, too. His destination is a place where more African-Americans will appreciate, own and even create fine art that honors their rich heritage and hope filled destiny. So far, tens of thousands of people have willingly followed Williams to that vista – including talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, and actor comedian Bernie Mac. From celebrity homes to small businesses, corporate offices and women’s spas, Williams’ original and lithograph artwork hangs from coast to coast. In fact, his collection of 50 lithograph prints – created under the “WAK Artistry” signature – is the most widely circulated urban fine arts series in the nation. Diverse in their themes, the art is painted by Williams in mixed mediums, and then produced as lithographs in various limited – and broad – edition quantities.
About The Black Art Depot The Black Art Depot was founded in 2004 in Atlanta, GA by Kani Saburi Ayubu. Our goal is to be the number one supplier of African-American art, gifts, collectibles and African decor in the world. We believe that our products can be used as a tool to turn houses into homes, to motivate and inspire lost souls, and to bring happiness into the hearts of others. When you shop with The Black Art Depot, you are purchasing from a company that not only sells art, gifts and collectibles but also values and appreciates all that they represent and understands the many ways these items can be used to improve the life of our customers. As a proud 100% minority owned and operated business, we believe in giving back to the community and our company and staff financially support and are active in a variety of community focused organizations and initiatives. Please feel confident that when you shop with The Black Art Depot, you are purchasing from a high integrity organization, that views our customers as extended family, believes in exceeding the expectation of our customers and strives to ensure that our customers receive the highest level of service at all times. We are active members of the Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce, Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau of Atlanta, GA. Let us help you "Turn Your House into a Home Today"!
The Black Art Depot
"Turning Houses Into Homes Since 2004"
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Fashion News Chicago Fashion Designer, Stevie Edwards, Reveals Chicago Fashion Designer, Stevie Edwards, His History Making Ad in Vogue Magazine
Reveals his History Making Ad in Vogue Magazine
Creative Director, Noel Alexander, Singer/Entertainer, Sparkle, Designer Stevie Edwards and Actress, Lisa Raye. Photo by: Randy Marco & Brandon Wood
Stevie Edwards is the first local black designer to have a full-page ad in Vogue Magazine. Stevie was joined with friend and muse, Chicago Actress Lisa Raye, who will also be featured in his upcoming Harper’s Bazaar photoshoot. Lisa Raye spoke of her love and support for longtime friend, Stevie Edwards saying, “To see Chicago’s ownthis Black-owned fashion designer doing such big things, I’m so happy for Stevie. I wanted to model for him years ago before there was any of this-Hollywood and Vogue, etc. So now to see him here at this level and me at this level- it just made sense that we would work on this next photoshoot together.”
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Fashion News
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EVENT
RUNWAY LATINx
About RUNWAY LATINx
Runway Latinx, RLx (Your Fashion Week) is founded and produced by Arabel Alva Rosales, J.D., who was co-founder of Latino Fashion Week (LFW) for over thirteen years. RLx is a platform that offers three days local and international designers on the runway and gives all those in the fashion and opportunity to express their creativity and expand their market - without limits. RLx also provides the incredible Experience of Gastronomy through featured top Chefs, Mixology, and Music(a). You can encounter RLx during Oct. 1-3, 2020 in Chicago. RUNWAY LATINx is a global fashion movement. 44 AFRICA USA TODAY
RUNWAY LATINx
EVENT
Arabel Alva Rosales
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EVENT
RUNWAY LATINx ANDREA SALAZAR Andrea Salazar (Medellín, Colombia): Salazar is a Latin American fashion designer and founder of the world-renowned brand, SETA. Born and raised in Colombia, Salazar moved to England at 17, where she studied the English language and developed her passion for fashion. She then moved to Brazil, where she graduated with a Master’s Degree in International Business. At 22, she moved back to Colombia, where she founded the fashion brand SETA with her sister Eliana. Later, Salazar moved to Miami to expand her booming business. SETA is now an international brand that has participated in New York and Paris Fashion Weeks and has been featured in Vogue, Elle Magazine and The Today Show. Salazar is known for creating statement pieces, inspired by the inner power every woman has, and the uniqueness, versatility and sophistication of her style is what makes her one of the most influential designers in Latin America. Instagram: @andreasalazarz + @seta_apparel
ADOLFO SANCHEZ Adolfo Sanchez takes you on a journey to a world of freedom where women dare to be strong and different. The collections consist of different experiences and inspirations that he has encountered in his life. Understanding how saturated the fashion world has become, he shows people that he is unique and so are his creations. Sanchez knows that to stay ahead he has to constantly search for new ideas and challenges. The career of Adolfo Sanchez started in 2006, when he decided to take his creativity and begin a women's ready to wear line. "I would have never thought that I would have ended up in this
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RUNWAY LATINx
EVENT
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BOOK CLUB Nnedi Okorafor and the Fantasy Genre She Is Helping Redefine By Alexandra Alter Oct. 6, 2017
Nearly 25 years ago, Nnedi Okorafor was visiting relatives in Isiekenesi, Nigeria, when she asked her grand uncle a sensitive question. What could he tell her about Nsibidi, an old and often secret symbolic script? “His response was, ‘You should not be asking me about these evil things!’” Ms. Okorafor recalled. Predictably, his chiding only fueled her curiosity. She learned everything she could about the script and, many years later, incorporated it into her fantasy books. “There’s a secretness that was really intriguing,” said Ms. Okorafor, who has a tattoo on her arm with Nsibidi symbols that means “story teller.” Magic, ritual and secrecy are threads that run through Ms. Okorafor’s wildly imaginative young adult fantasy series, which features a head-spinning menagerie of otherworldly spirits and deities drawn from Nigerian myths and legends. This week, Viking published “Akata Warrior,” the second book in the Akata series, a dark, sprawling epic that some fans and readers have labeled the “Nigerian Harry Potter.” The story centers on Sunny Nwazue, a Nigerian-American girl who moves to southeastern Nigeria from New York, and learns that she belongs to the secret Leopard Society, a group of people with magical abilities. An albino with pale skin and hair, Sunny is treated as an outcast by superstitious locals who call her a witch. But once she discovers her powers, she becomes friends with three other Leopard children, learning to cast spells, read Nsibidi and move between the physical world and spirit realm. Like her protagonist, Ms. Okorafor, 43, grew up straddling two worlds, never really fitting into either. The daughter of Nigerian immigrants, she was raised in Illinois, but spent holidays with her extended family in Nigeria. “Nigeria is my muse,” said Ms. Okorafor, who lives in a suburb of Chicago. “The idea of the world being a magical place, a mystical place, is normal there.”
Over the last decade or so, Ms. Okorafor has published a dozen science fiction and fantasy novels, and has emerged as one of the genre’s most innovative and visionary writers. Her stories, which are often set in West Africa, use the framework of fantasy to explore weighty social issues: racial and gender inequality, political violence, the destruction of the environment, genocide and corruption. She’s won virtually every major science fiction and fantasy award, including the Hugo, the Nebula and the World Fantasy Award, as well as the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa. Now, after developing a cult following, Ms. Okorafor’s gritty, unconventional fantasies are catching on with a much larger, mainstream audience. Her novel, “Who Fears Death,” which is set in a postapocalyptic Africa, has been optioned as a series by HBO, with George R. R. Martin signed on as an executive producer. She’s
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BOOK CLUB
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BOOK CLUB
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BOOK CLUB
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WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT
4610 North Kenton Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60630-4020 U.S.A.
THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ASSOCIATION OF GREATER CHICAGO with the
American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai invite you to a webinar:
Export Opportunity China: Biotech & Fintech Jinhe (George) Wang
Han Lin
Vice President, External Affairs and Market Access Johnson and Johnson Medical China
Capstone Project Director and Assistant Professor of Practice in Finance
NYU Shanghai
Despite the acrimonious state of affairs between our governments, China has many unfulfilled export opportunities for U.S. firms. Our speakers in China will outline the real-world aspects of China’s biotech and fintech markets for American companies. Mr. Wang joined JnJ in 2003. He has rich medical device knowledge and deep industry insights across healthcare. Mr. Wang led the commercial integration of Guangzhou Bioseal, the first JnJ device M&A in China. He has led fast business growth within JnJ and actively contributed to the evolvement of innovation eco-system to expedite industry development. Prior to joining NYU Shanghai, Mr.Han was the Deputy General Manager of Wells Fargo Bank, China, where he served as Interim Country Manager and member of the Management Control Committee which oversaw the bank's China governance and risk management. He also led the China Corporate Banking business which advised Wells Fargo MNC clients on their US-China cross-border strategic financing and trade needs. Please join us for what promises to be an insightful program on the practical realities of China’s biotech and fintech markets.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. CST Zoom login instructions will be e-mailed to each participant by 5:00 p.m. CST November 17.. ITA/GC Members - $10; Non-members - $25 Register on-line at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/export-opportunity-china-biotech-fintech-tickets-205350919127.