AUSTM, 12-2018,1-2019

AFRICA USA TODAY MAGAZINE

Politicosocionomics of World Peace

www.africaustodaymag.com 312/880-7016 Dec. 2018- Jan. 2019 U.S.- $4.99 Canada- $5.99 London- 3 Pounds

Crystal Okeke, World Class Beauty Queen, International Journalist

Happy Holidays

Chicago Urban League Gala Chicago Mayor’s Race Holiday Fashion

Latino Fashion Week Africa News Politics Book & Media Club World News Business

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PUBLISHER’S OPINION

Olawale Idreez's bio: Reflections Book Author Promotions: OUR GOD IS TRULY AWESOME! Introduction: Love this short, classic American War story authored/co-authored by the publisher of current online monthly publication, AFRICA-USA Today Magazine International named Olawale Idreez. My close friends called me "Wale" The book, in a nutshell, simply exposed not only how our noble U.S. Founding Fathers traded in the 1750's to 1850's of Slavery; and events that led to the civil war. Not only that, the most captivating part of this book, was the fact that not too many (even) American good people knew, or paid much attention to fact that the European Powers had much or anything to do with American Civil War. Well, there you have it,this book will shed more lights to how, why, when, and what "if" or what "if not" that usually trouble the writers' and inquirer-minds.

Some inquirers often asked me, why did I choose this topic? I responded with jest. You mean the title was too long, but the inside story was short and spicy; and the price was very attractive and sexy, and you cannot resist the affordable price of $15.99/Copy? Then we laugh it out very loud!

The truth was, I could have chosen my favorite topics, "The Rise And Fall of Former Soviet Union: From Stalin to Gorbachev"; or very easy topic, "NIGERIA: MY Charming Lady, Despite Civil War of July 1966 to January 15, 1970".

Unfortunately, both latter topics were rejected by the Dissertation Board Committee (I will not elaborate further on the specifics).

Finally, it was very rewarding that hard work pays. Despite so many negative isms, and life struggle in attempting to turn negative issues into positive good name, I received my Ph.D. (February 1996) from Kensington University, Glendale, California. I love staying humble, for reason I cannot even explain.

Spiritual and Spiritualism:

Olawale Idreez, Publisher Mary Ellen Richard,Executive PR

On a spiritual note, the dissertation was sitting in my room drawer, moribund for almost three years. Almost totally forgot about it. Until one day, when I was listening to one of my favorite television Christian Evangelists named Pastor Joel Osteen preached that, "The thing that can make you rich or poor, might be hidden inside your closet". As if he was directly talking with me. My mind went straight to my old dusty Dissertation dumped in my drawer. I was led to call the first publishing company that caught my eyes named, XLIBRIS.Com. I was just too excited to really negotiate the total price to publish and market the book. And they did a good job to have my own book on the shelves of so many book stores around the globe, including but not limited to: Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Xlibris, Nigeria Press; etc. Thank You Lord!

My interest and motivation to write, or just scribble something on the paper persists: Angela Evanz found me, I found her!

Faith or Destiny played a huge role in the subsequent scenario that occurred. A noble friend named Steve Franklin saw my former newspaper tabloids in 2002 called "AFRICA Today". He encouraged me try and focus on writing about events in Africa. And later linked me with a student intern from the Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois named Angela Evanz. Very professional lady.

She conducted one on one interview with me (at the Starbucks in EdgeWater neighborhood, Clark and Berwyn Street).

She truly did a marvelous job, getting the best out of me. At the end of the day, the interview was published in one of the Chicago's famous media archives, "www.Chicagoistheworld.org/He will write, no matter what!"

Appreciation: I must admit, it is always good to humble yourself; and let other people praise you. All the time that Angela was writing and conducting the interview, my mind was not even settle, because of what I have gone through in life at that point.

But the love of God, and undying love for Education was so paramount in all my endeavors. Yes, education is the key to the future. And up till today July 24th, 2018, I still want to write......That title was formulated by Angela Evanz.

My Dream Sky-Jet named “Ambition”

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Dedication: I dedicated my humble philosophy to the youths that are currently struggle with education or life challenge in general.

Please grab the education, and never, never let it go. It is probably going to be best recipe that will make your successful soup taste so delicious in the near future. Nobody ever said that it's going to be easy. But don't give up. You are much better out here, than in there. Believe it!

Summary: In sum, it is not easy to author a book, much less publishing monthly online magazine consistently for the past four; and still have passion and oil to motivate myself, as well as elevate other people that do not have same opportunity that I've blessed with. All to the glory of Almighty God; The Creator of 7.6 Billion (with nine zeros, if I may add) inhabitants of this planet earth; including the ones we can physically see; and the ones we cannot even fathom that

EXEC. MARKETING DIRECTOR/ PUBLIC RELATIONS RAQUEL LACOUR JUANITA CREAR-PRICE, MS

REGIONAL EDITOR ADEMOLA LAWAL

FASHION CONSULTANT KEYY LANG

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

PR CONSULTANT TINA WASHINGTON

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Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography

Contents

JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Happy Holidays Happy Holidays to one and all.

This is the time of the year that people take an opportunity to celebrate with their family and friends.

In this issue we look at some of the events, & celebrations and maybe you can be inspired to plan to attend upcoming events.

Wishing all a happy, prosperous, and safe New Year!

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Photography AFRICA USA TODAY 11

Photography

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Photography

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Photography

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We want to take a moment to let you know how thankful we are to be able to maintain a relationship with you.

STOCK# LD203A 2018 LAMBORGHINI HURACAN LP610-4 PERFORMANTE SPYDER VIN# ZHWULA11090 MILEAGE: 1,483 EXTERIOR COLOR: BIANCO ICARUS INTERIOR: NERO COSMUS

STOCK# DG1500 2015 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC SPEED VIN# SCBGJ3ZA0FC048522 MILEAGE: 17,689 EXTERIOR COLOR: MARLIN INTERIOR: MAGNOLIA

Ford’s Unsung Heroes Award Winners

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HEALTH

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HEALTH

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POLITICS

Who’s running for Chicago Mayor?

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POLITICS

Who’s running for Chicago Mayor?

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POLITICS Kwame Raoul Attorney General candidate

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Illinois Political Candidates

Illinois Political Candidates

POLITICS

J.B. Pritzker and Bruce Rauner face off in debate for Illinois Governor race.

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You're Invited!

2018 HKBAM Holiday Reception

The

Hong

Kong

Business

Association

of

the

Midwest

(HKBAM) welcomes you to join our premier Holiday Networking Reception on Wednesday, December 12th at the beautiful The Langham Chicago.

Celebrate the holiday season with fellow members and guests doing business in Hong Kong, China, and Asia, along with the backdrop of beautiful downtown Chicago.

Hors-d'oeuvres will be served | One Complimentary Drink 2018 HKBAM Holiday Networking Reception

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December

12

Get Your Ticket Today!

Register Now

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Chez de’Alexander

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Chez de’Alexander

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Chez de’Alexander

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My First Christmas in Heaven I see countless Christmas trees around the world below.

With tiny lights like heaven’s stars reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular, please, wipe away the tears, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.

But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond Description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart.

But, I am not so far away, we really aren’t far apart. So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear. Be glad.

I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

I send a special gift, from my heavenly home above.

I send each a memory of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as our father said to do.

For I can’t count the blessing or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away those tears.

Remember ….. I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

Dedicated to those who have lost a loved one in 2018 May 2019 bring love and togetherness to all of you.

Have a great year Juanita Crear-Price, MS

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Italian Jewelery Showcase, Nieman Marcus, Chgo., IL

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Celebrity Column

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Meet Krystal Okeke Nigerian Born American Ex- Beauty Queen Krystal Okeke Launches New Pageant In US - Miss American Nation Popular Nigerian Born American Model and former Miss Illinois USA Universal, Krystal Okeke has launched her own pageant brand following her handover of her former title, haven gotten to the apex of her pageant career as beauty queen. Krystal who works as an international journalist was named and awarded the prestigious title of World Class Beauty Queen 2017, on this basis she built on that honour to float Miss & Mrs American Nation pageant which has be eliciting reactions across the world.

The Miss America Nation pageant system is created to empower and build the lives of the less privileged.

This pageant system is a Local, National & international pageant system designed to inspire, build and acknowledge every individual regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. It’s a movement of inspiring and empowering young women/men community with a great purpose.

With the mission “Uniting a Diverse Nation” the pageant is open to MEN/WOMEN and aknowledging contestants from all part of the world. Standing for Divisity on a local,National & International level and entries from UNITED STATE, EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, her African Publicist AlexReports (Alex Nwankwo) is the National director of the pageant in Nigeria, saddled with the responsibility to produce the Nigerian and some selected African representatives. Over 70 countries are expected to participate in the contest holding in 2019 with a coronation and presentation of sash and crown to the selected country representative by the organisers.

Okeke who is known for judging various pageants and modelling for high brands within the United State is an inspiration for various youths worldwide. It's on this bedrock she is pushing forward her experience and networks to ensure a world class event in Chicago. The representatives of different countries are expected to have a formal interview before application is sent across. For the Nigerian representative she will be known as Miss Nigeria American Nation. @Miss_America_Nation Facebook: International Miss America Nation Website: http://www.missamericannationpageant.com/

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CELEBRITY COLUMN

The DuSable Museum of African American History 2018 Awards Gala Honoree Cicely L. Tyson- Oscar nominated, Emmy and Tony award winning actress presented with the “Star of Stars-Living Legend Award” pictured with President and CEO DuSable Museum Perri Irmer 36 AFRICA USA TODAY

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Latin America is ripping off U.S. Manufacturers

Latin America is ripping off U.S. manufacturers

By Ryan Ong When people think of American manufacturing, they envision huge factories churning out vehicles and planes.

But there's more to manufacturing than heavy equipment.

American workers make advanced medications that treat cancer, biodegradable plastics that reduce pollution, and microchips that give the smartphone more computing power than NASA had when it put a man on the moon.

This high-tech side of our manufacturing sector is under attack. Some of America's trading partners in Latin America are disregarding legal protections for intellectual property -- and allowing firms to steal American innovators' ideas. Such practices harm our economy and our workers.

U.S. trade officials must urge their Latin American counterparts to stop this abuse.

High-tech manufacturing supports millions of American jobs. More than 1 million workers help manufacture specialized computer and communications equipment. Nearly 300,000 produce medicines. About 400,000 create batteries and electrical device components.

These jobs wouldn't exist without intellectual property protections. If manufacturers were unable to patent their ideas, rivals could steal their proprietary technology and processes with impunity. Few companies would risk the years of effort and billions of dollars needed to create new products.

Strong intellectual property protections also benefit consumers. Everyone who has used a 3D printer, worn a smart watch, or installed solar cells can thank intellectual property rights for creating incentives for innovators to bring those products to market.

Unfortunately, many Latin American nations are abusing laws, which allow domestic manufacturers to infringe on foreign inventors' patents to create copycat products.

Longstanding international agreements set clear guidelines to ensure that compulsory licenses are only employed in public health emergencies, like an outbreak. If a foreign manufacturer is unable or unwilling to sell the drug in quantities sufficient to bring the outbreak under control, then a government could permit a local drug manufacturer to produce a generic version for a limited period.

But that's not what's happening. In Brazil, the government has discussed using compulsory licenses to "promote local production" of pharmaceuticals. The Dominican Republic has tried to issue a compulsory license for a blood thinner.

Countries may see compulsory licensing as a shortcut to reduce health spending and make up for underinvestment in their healthcare infrastructures. But revoking intellectual property rights diminishes incentives to invest in the development of the cures of tomorrow.

This goes beyond pharmaceuticals. Defending intellectual property, no matter the form, is important. The sale of pirated goods costs Colombia $750 million annually. In Paraguay, counterfeiting fuels $17 billion in illegal trade each year.

It also hurts our country. Counterfeiting, piracy, and intellectual property theft cost U.S. companies $600 billion annually.

There are several steps that Latin American governments can take to better protect intellectual property. Countries could issue clearer guidelines for compulsory licensing that limit the practice to true public health emergencies. Governments could also crack down on companies that condone the counterfeiting of manufactured goods.

The health of U.S. manufacturing depends on moves like these that would safeguard intellectual property.

Ryan Ong is director for International Business Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

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Happy Holidays

ENTERTAINMENT

Viola Davis is an American actress

and producer. Regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, she is the first black actress to be nominated for three AQcademy Awards, winning one, and is one of few black entertainers to achieve the Triple Crown of acting, having won an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony.

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Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

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Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

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Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

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Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

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Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

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Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

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Book Club

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10/8/13 2:45 PM

Book Club The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross Click to order via Amazon or Barnes & Noble

by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Dr. Donald Yacovone Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: SmileyBooks (October 1, 2013) Language: English ISBN­10: 1401935141 ISBN­13: 978­1401935146 Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches

Book Review by Kam Williams “One of the central themes of African Americans is the exploration of the diversity of ethnic origins of the people from Africa and their descendants whose enslavement led to the creation of the African American people, as well as the multiplicity of cultural institutions, political strategies and beliefs, and religious and social institutions that the African American people have created…

Above all else, this book is concerned with showing that even in the midst of great political adversity and personal vulnerability, even under the harshest conditions, black people for 500 years have explored the fullest range of human emotions and actions, falling in and out of love, inventing novel ways to worship, stressing over the fate and fortunes of their children, and wondering about God’s purpose for their lives and their afterlives.

In other words, the Black Experience is just one wondrous rendition of the larger experience of being a human being and collectively fashioning a civilization.”

—Excerpted from the Introduction (pages xi­xii) By and large, the history books have marginalized the African­American community by either omitting or minimizing its cornucopia of contributions to the country. Similarly, the African­American psyche has been trivialized by a host of harmful stereotypes which suggest that we aren’t as diverse or as capable of experiencing the same full range of emotions as Caucasians.

How else can you explain that the Mayor of New York City might rationalize employing the “stop and frisk” police tactic against blacks in wholesale fashion, as if criminality is a racial trait instead of judging people by the content of their character as envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King a half­century ago? Fortunately, The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross has just been published in the face of such persisting, institutionalized prejudice.

Co­written by Harvard’s Dr. Henry Louis Gates and Dr. Donald Yacovone, the book is basically a companion piece to the 6­part television series of the same name that’s set to premiere on PBS on October 22nd. But this relatively­encyclopedic opus has been afforded the luxury of being able to explore the same subject­matter in much greater depth.

Arranged chronologically, it starts with a chapter covering the period from 1500­1540 when Africans first arrived in the so­called New World. Next comes the period during which skin color­coded slavery became institutionalized, followed by 1700­1811, which the authors dub “The Age of Revolutions.”

That’s followed by “Half Slave, Half Free,” the awkward ante bellum era when many Africans were AFRICA USA TODAY 57 emancipated while the majority remained in chains. Subsequently, in succession, came the Civil War,

Book Club

Finding Oprah's Roots: Finding Your Own

by Henry Louis Gates Jr. 3.65 ·

Rating Details · 60 Ratings · 15 Reviews

Finding Oprah's Roots will not only endow readers with a new appreciation for the key contributions made by history's unsung but also equip them with the tools to connect to pivotal figures in their own past. A roadmap through the intricacies of public documents and online databases, the book also highlights genetic testing resources that can make it possible to know one's distant tribal roots in Africa.

For Oprah, the path back to the past was emotion­filled and profoundly illuminating, connecting the narrative of her family to the larger American narrative and "anchoring" her in a way not previously possible. For the reader, Finding Oprah's Roots offers the possibility of an equally rewarding experience.

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Book Club

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