AUSTM, 3-4,2019

AFRICA USA TODAY MAGAZINE

Politicosocionomics of World Peace

www.africaustodaymag.com 312/880-7016 Mar.- April 2019 U.S.- $4.99 Canada- $5.99 London- 3 Pounds

Celebrating Women History

40th Issue celebrated

Raquel LaCour,

Exec. Marketing Director/ Public Relations

Black Billionaires Chicago Urban League Gala Latino Fashion Week Africa News Chicago Mayor’s Race Politics Book & Media Club The Black Women’s Expo Academy Awards Diana Ross 75th birthday Business

CHICAGO NEWS

Raquel LaCour The Beauty Industry Expected to grow by 2024 THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO RISE The Beauty Industry is already a $445 billion dollar industy. It continues to grow to reach the demands of the consumer. The beauty industry is comprised of make up, skin care, facial/ body treatments, nail care, hair grooming, tanning, massages to perfume/colognes. The beauty industry is anything to enhance how you look to how you smell. There are many employment opportunities within the beauty industry, that include: Dermatologist, Plastic Surgeons, Estheticians, Cosmetologist, Make Up Artist, Nail Technicians, and Massage Therapist. There is a wide range of opportunities that will continue to grow, as new technology continues to be developed. More people are looking for the fountain of youth, and find themselves depending on products to do the trick. Unless you can afford a plastic surgeon for a face lift, a tuck here or there, and botox to correct wrinkles, then the average consumer is looking for the best products on the market to enhance or fix their concerning issue.

Every year new products are on the market, and the beauty industry adjusts to the demands, while creating more of a demand. Over the years, we have seen many beauty indsutry rise. Many people turn to social media, magazines and attend expos to stay in the "know" of what is trendy. The Expos/ Beauty Shows have expanded throughout the world. The purpose is to bring awareness of both cosmetic and skin care brands. These expos/tradeshows can be found by going to the following link http://10times.com/top100cosmetics. This year, I was able to attend the Americas Beauty Show in Chicago, Illinois. From new make up brushes to wrinkle erasers, the beauty show was packed with classes of information and products. As a board licensed Esthetician, I decided to make available the most competitive products and services, while providing tutorials of brand awareness, from the products that work. One can find these by going to my link: fromraquellacour.com. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that skin care will rise 12 percent by 2024, which means that the beauty industry will continue to rise.

AFRICA USA TODAY 3

Cover Profile

Raquel LaCour

Exec. Marketing Director/Public Relations

Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

4 AFRICA USA TODAY

ENTERTAINMENT

The iconic singer turned 75 on Tuesday and threw both a star-studded birthday party and a special concert in Los Angeles to honor the milestone occasion. After a party at Warwick nightclub -- where she was serenaded with "Happy Birthday" by both Beyonce and Robin Thicke, separately -- Diana jetted down Sunset Boulevard to the Hollywood Palladium for a very special birthday concert AFRICA USA TODAY 5

6 AFRICA USA TODAY

AFRICA USA TODAY 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What About the Others?

Black Women’s Expo Gears Up For 25th Year Celebration

Chicago (January 24, 2019) - Every year over 600,000 people, the majority of whom are women, attend a large event in NOLA. It is unquestionably the largest and certainly exciting.

However, there are over 7 million black women in the United States. So, what about your customers who don’t make their way to the crush of NOLA? How can you give your customers a chance to experience your brand in person in an environment that they trust?

The Black Women’s Expo. Celebrating its 25th year of providing a display of products, services and seminars produced specifically for Black women and women of color and their families who depend on her resilience and resourcefulness.

Join the impressive company of sponsors who recognize the importance of connecting with this consumer on her home turf. Provide her with the opportunity to experiment and experience your hair care brand in person.

This year, the Black Women’s Expo partnered with the retail strategy firm, Channel Source, to develop the BWE Beauty Boutique. The BWE Beauty Boutique will provide licensed hair stylists and make up artists to demo featured hair and cosmetic products. Limited to three haircare and three cosmetic brands, the BWE Beauty Boutique will showcase and demo up to 3 haircare and 3 cosmetic brands for attendees.

Give us a call today for a one-on-one presentation and conversation about the excellent sponsorship opportunities still available with the 2019 Black Women’s Expo.

For more information contact: Merry Green merrygreen@mgpgevents.com 312-454-6100

8 AFRICA USA TODAY

Deborah Gray-Young Deborah@DGrayYoungConsulting.com 708-955-7409

Visit theblackwomensexpo.com for event details. ###

“THE BLACK WOMEN’S EXPO ANNOUNCES BET HER AS THE TITLE SPONSOR OF THE 25th ANNIVERSARY SHOW IN CHICAGO! In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Chicago edition, the expo and BET Her will have major surprises planned for consumers CHICAGO, IL (March 1, 2019) – BET Her, BET Network’s African-American women-focused cable channel, will be the title sponsor of the Chicago stop for the 2019 The Black Women’s Expo tour. Celebrating 25 years of Black Girl Magic, The Black Women’s Expo (BWe) will be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center and will offer the BWe Experience, lifestyle, beauty, entertainment and culture, where consumers can get glammed, pampered, and empowered.

“As The Black Women’s Expo enters its 25th year of celebrating Black women excellence, I am thrilled to have BET Her join us this year as the title sponsor in the place where it all started - Chicago,” says Merry Green, creator and founder of The Black Women’s Expo. “The expo has always been about Black women empowerment and engagement, and to find a partner in BET Her, whose mission is the same, is truly a perfect match.”

With crowds in the tens of thousands, The Black Women’s Expo celebrates the aspirations and achievements of Black Women and has provided exposure to the African-American consumer market for more than 500 small businesses and major corporations. Over the past 25 years, BWe has made its mark on Chicago as one of the premier events to attend in the city by consumers, influencers, politicians, and celebrities.

“In all of my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined this 25-year journey! What the Black Women’s Expo has become, what it means to Black women, to our community, at times even amazes me! To be able to continue for so long and in this fashion is a blessing!” says Merry Green. “We are proud to partner with the Black Women’s Expo this year for this monumental event celebrating its 25th Anniversary,” said Jeanine Liburd, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, BET Networks. “BET Her was created to celebrate all Black women, so it is a natural partnership for us to be the title sponsor for this year’s event.”

In addition to Chicago, the tour also will make stops in: •

Atlanta: September 14 – 15 at Georgia International Convention Center

•

Dallas: June 15 – 16 at Fair Park

This year’s tour will include performances from top musical acts, engaging seminars, and powerful keynotes from some of the most dynamic speakers in the nation.

Additionally, consumers can enjoy and partake in beauty makeovers, culinary delights, and one-of-kind shopping from a variety of vendors.

AFRICA USA TODAY 9

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”

10 AFRICA USA TODAY

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

AFRICA-US TODAY MAGAZINE MEDIA KIT TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR 2015 All recognized advertising agencies receive a 15% commission and 2% discount if paid within 10 days from the date of invoice. All orders for advertising space are subject to credit approval. Credit approval takes 14 days and advertisers wishing to insert copy prior to approval must pay 100 percent (100%) of the contracted rate until credit approval.

Terms of payment: Total amount is due and payable within 30 days of invoice. Noncredit approvedadvertisers: the entire amount is due prior to publication date.

It is agreed and understood that our attorney will collect delinquent accounts when conventional methodcollapses. Africa-US Today Magazinewill resort to court action to enforce contracts.It is agreed and understood that attorney’s fees, court costs and any additional awards are in favor of Africa-US Today Magazine.

REGULATIONS Advertisement not in accordance with the Standard Advertising Units (SAU):we will charge advertisers without notification. Advertisements of Key numbers are at advertiser’s risk. Africa-US Today Magazine reserves the right to limit, omit or reject the amount of advertising copy that webelieveobjectionable, misleading or fraudulent, without penalty to either party.

All advertisement having the appearance of editorial material and all political advertisement must have the word “Advertisements” printed above or on each column.

There areextra charges made for any additional necessary space.

POSITIONS Alladvertising positions are at the option of Africa-US Today Magazine. Acceptance of an order does not imply position guarantee. There is a 15% premium for a guaranteed position.

ADJUSTMENT OR ERRORS Africa-US Today Magazine assumes no responsibility for the repetition of errors in advertisement unless notified the first day an error occurs. The magazine’s liability for errors will not exceed cost of space occupied by the error.Claim adjustmentsand corrections arewithin ten (10) days of issue date.

INDEMNIFICATION The advertiser agrees to protect and indemnify Africa-US Today Magazine against all liability, loss or expense arising from claims or libel, unfair completion, unfair trade practices, plagiarism, infringement of trademark, trade names or patents or copyrights or violation of rights of privacy resulting from publishing by Africa-US Today Magazine of advertiser’s advertisement.

Advertisement Rates Per Edition Front Cover Page

$3500

Front Cover inside

$2500

Back Cover Page

$3000

Back Cover inside

$2500

1/4 Front page color

$1000

1/4 Back page color

$875

The first five (5) pages $2200 1/2 Vertical Page

$1010

1/2 Horizontal page

$1000

3/4 Page

$1800

2/3 Page

$2000

1/8 page

$440

1/4 Vertical Page

$650

1/4 Horizontal Page

$675

Personal Profile Includes Writeup and Pictures. 1/4 or 1/8 page $750 Business Card Space

$20

Mention Three Lines

$60

All advertisement in color.Black & White by request only.

GENERAL INFORMATION Africa-US Today Magazine is not responsible for advertiser’s drawing or ads not called for within 10 days. Africa-US Today Magazine will not be liable for failure to furnish advertising space or to publish any advertisement due to strikes, labor disputes, government action, act of God, war, fire, breakdown of equipment, or any other circumstances beyond Africa-US Today Magazine control. The magazine will not be liable even if it has agreed to publish an advertisement. No verbal agreement, promises waiver, understanding, conditions of any nature,other than those contained in the rate cord, shall be binding on Africa-US Today Magazine. Africa-US Today Magazine reserves the right to revise advertising rates at any time upon 30 days’ notice.

Advertise With Africa-US Today Magazine Office:

5357 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60640

Telephones: 224-306-8441 or 630-539-4699 Email: africatoday14@gmail.com Website: www.africausatodaymag.com

1/2015

Contact: Juanita Crear-Price 630-539-4699 or 630-808-2895 Email: jcrearprice@yahoo.com to place your advertisement.

Copyright 2015

JC-P

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

12 AFRICA USA TODAY

Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography

Contents

JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Candidate

Experience

Announced

The following candidates have advanced to the runoff election on April 2

Ref [15][16]

May 10, 2018 Former President of the Chicago Police Board 2015–2018 [17][18][19][20][21]

Chair of the Chicago Police Accountability

Spring

is coming!

Task Force (Website) Lori Lightfoot September 20, 2018 President of the Cook County Board of Commissionerssince 2010 Former Alderman from the 4th Ward 1991– 2010

Toni Preckwinkle

(Website)

Looking forward to Spring arriving! This is the time of the year that signals the warming of the weather also means the opportunity for the rebirth of your youthful spirit. Take a moment to spell the flowers, enjoy your life, & spend time with your 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.

AFRICA USA TODAY 13

14 AFRICA USA TODAY

Photography AFRICA USA TODAY 15

Frederick Douglass

President Barack H. Obama Inauguration

16 AFRICA USA TODAY

Nelson Mandela

Rosa Parks, Civil Rights Activist

Don Cornelius AFRICA USA TODAY 17

POLITICS

By Antonio Olivo , Annie Gowen and Kari Lydersen March 18 at 3:00 AM

CHICAGO — Sipping craft beer at an indie bar on this city’s affluent North Side, mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot addressed a mostly white crowd in designer fleece and heavy-soled boots, the liberal voters who had propelled her to the top of a crowded mayoral primary last month with 17 percent of the vote.

Lightfoot emphasized her “progressive” credentials: Her commitment to combating climate change. Her vow to end police violence. Her potential to be not only the first African American woman to lead the nation’s third-largest city, but also its first openly gay mayor.

No matter who wins the April 2 runoff, Chicago will make history: Lightfoot’s opponent, Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle, is also a black woman. But neither candidate won a majority of the city’s black vote. While Chicago has a long history of pioneering black political leaders, from the Rev. Jesse Jackson to President Barack Obama, their successes have not translated into improved conditions in the city’s worst neighborhoods, leaving black voters here skeptical.

White liberals have flocked to Lightfoot, 56, who casts herself as an outsider and candidate of change, but her background as a federal prosecutor worries many black voters. Preckwinkle, 71, also touts herself as a reformer who has pushed for stricter rent control laws and a reduction in the county jail population.

But some black residents blame her for facilitating a wave of gentrification that has pushed workingclass residents out of Chicago’s South Side.

“People still aren’t any closer to figuring out who the next mayor should be,” said Jawanza Malone, director of the Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization on Chicago’s South Side. “It’s great that they’re trying to ‘out-progressive’ each other now, but Toni Preckwinkle has a checkered past with this community, and so does Lori Lightfoot.”

That tension became clear during the Feb. 26 mayoral primary, when Democratic voters rejected decades of control by the city’s political machine and by Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D), who abruptly decided not to seek reelection in September amid fallout from a policing scandal.

“This is the first time in generations there wasn’t a dominant candidate, which demonstrates that the Chicago Machine has broken down over time. Now it’s just a bunch of rusty spare parts,” said David Axelrod, a former Obama adviser and a veteran of Chicago political campaigns. “That alone is a harbinger of change in Chicago.”

A tide of change

Lightfoot and Preckwinkle emerged from a crowded field, riding a national wave of support for racially diverse female candidates that swept the country during the 2018 midterm elections.

18 AFRICA USA TODAY

POLITICS

Chicago’s next Mayor will make history as it’s first Black female Mayor Candidate

Experience

Announced

The following candidates have advanced to the runoff election on April 2

[

May 10, 2018 Former President of the Chicago Police Board 2015–2018

[17][18

Chair of the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force (Website) Lori Lightfoot September 20, 2018 President of the Cook County Board of Commissionerssince 2010 Former Alderman from the 4th Ward 1991– 2010

Toni Preckwinkle

(Website)

AFRICA USA TODAY 19

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

AFRICA USA TODAY 21

HEALTH

22 AFRICA USA TODAY

HEALTH

AFRICA USA TODAY 23

Business

Black

Billionaires Black billionaires are individuals of Black African ancestry with a net worth of at least US$1 billion. According to Forbes 2018 ranking of the world's billionaires, Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote with a net worth of $13.8 billion is the world's richest black person.[1] Others on the list are Nigeria's Mike Adenuga with $4.6 billion,[2] American media mogul Oprah Winfrey with a net worth of $2.8 billion (2018),South African gold magnate Patrice Motsepe, with $2.9 billion, Nigeria's Folorunsho Alakija with $2.5 billion and Mo Ibrahim, a British billionaire of Sudanese Nubian ancestry,[3] who has been on the Forbes Billionaire list since 2008 and in 2012 had a net worth of $1.1 billion.[4] In the years since, American investor Robert Smith, with a net worth of $4.4 billion, and American sports executive Michael Jordan, with $1.65 billion, have risen to the list.

From 2001 to 2003, Forbes listed American television network executive Bob Johnson as a billionaire,[5] but dropped him after his fortune was split in his divorce.[6] He returned to Forbes Billionaire list in 2007 with a net worth of $1.1 billion. In 2008 Johnson's wealth dropped again, this time to approximately $1.0 billion

[7]

and by 2009 he fell off the list again.

Nigerian petroleum executive Femi Otedola briefly emerged as a billionaire in 2009, but did not remain one in subsequent years. He returned to the list in the company of a fellow Nigerian, sugar tycoon Abdul Samad Rabiu, in 2016, but both were dropped from the rankings the following year.[8] Multiracial

billionaires

with

significant

black

ancestry

have

also

been

identified

over

the

years.

Saudi

Arabian billionaire Mohammed Al Amoudi, of HadhramiYemeni and Ethiopian descent, has been on the Forbes billionaire list since 2002 and in 2012 had a net worth of $12.5 billion.[9] Michael Lee-Chin of Canada, who is Jamaican of Chinese and Black ancestry was on the list from 2001 to 2010, but dropped off in 2011.[10] In 2013 Isabel Dos Santos who is of both Angolan and Middle Eastern ancestry made the list with a $2 billion net worth.

Of all the above-mentioned billionaires identified by Forbes, only Oprah Winfrey qualified for Forbes 2009's list of the world's 20 most powerful billionaires, a list which considered not only wealth, but also market sway and political clout.

Winfrey was considered especially powerful because of her influence on American consumer choices and her pivotal role in getting Barack Obama elected.[11]

24 AFRICA USA TODAY

Africa News

Folorunsho Alakija:Nigeria’s wealthiest woman How One of The Richest Black Women In The World Did It With No College Degree

By: Krystle Crossman

When you go to high school you are pushed to figure out which college you want to attend and what you would like to do with your life. They make college out to be something that you must do if you want to be successful.

This is not always the case however. You can still be very successful in life without having a college degree under your belt. That is exactly what Folorunsho Alakija did. She is Nigeria’s wealthiest woman. She revealed recently that she never went to college but yet she has still managed to become a billionaire.

Forbes.com estimates that Alakija is worth $2.6 billion. She stresses that college is not the only way that you can be successful in life. She spoke to students at the University of Lagos at the 2014 U.N. International Youth Day and told them: “So I am 63 and I am not yet done. So what is your excuse? I never went to a university, and I am proud to say so because I don’t think I have done too badly.”

She did let the students know that a college degree was something that could definitely help them to be successful and that it would help them to get a better job and possibly higher salaries, but it was not a requirement. She told them that they can still reach their dream goals with persistence and hard work. She said that these are the two critical components to becoming the person that you wish to be.

When she was younger Alakija studied fashion design and secretarial studies in London. When she went back to Nigeria she was a secretary at a bank. While she was working for the bank she founded Supreme Stitches; a clothing company. The company took off and she began to cater to high-end clientele like the former first lady of Nigeria. She then acquired a license in oil prospecting in 1993 and formed the company Famfa Oil which now has a 60% stake in the oil field. On top of these businesses she has founded a foundation that helps widows and orphans. The foundation is called The Rose of Sharon Foundation.

AFRICA USA TODAY 25

Welcome to our market!

28 AFRICA USA TODAY

AFRICA USA TODAY 29

Mixed Use and Multi-Family The Federal Savings Bank makes the home lending process easy by listening to your needs. We are a federally chartered bank with a focus on educating our customers about the mortgage process and providing opportunity for investment and property ownership.

• • •

Loan amounts up to $8,500,000 Multiple Loan Programs LTV’s up to 80%

• •

For more information, please contact :

DSCR 1.25x Blanket Mortgages and Bridge Financing available

Terms and conditions may apply. Subject to underwriting approval.

Shana Jones

Mortgage Banker, NMLS# 232839 direct: (312) 871-3460 fax: (312) 871-3480 cell: (312) 907-7171 sjones@thefederalsavingsbank.com www.thefederalsavingsbank.com/shanajones Copyright 2017 © The Federal Savings Bank | Co. NMLS#411500 | All Rights Reserved | thefederalsavingsbank.com

32 AFRICA USA TODAYY

Chez de’Alexander

AFRICA USA TODAY 33

World Economic Forum

Our Mission The World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.

The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance. Moral and intellectual integrity is at the heart of everything it does.

Our activities are shaped by a unique institutional culture founded on the stakeholder theory, which asserts that an organization is accountable to all parts of society. The institution carefully blends and balances the best of many kinds of organizations, from both the public and private sectors, international organizations and academic institutions.

We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

34 AFRICA USA TODAY

World Economic Forum

How do we do our work?

At meetings The Forum does not organize conferences. We believe in more fluid, longer-term interaction. That’s why we hold meetings – to give each participant as much context and opportunity for engagement as possible over the long term. We also aim to ensure the impact of our efforts, with each meeting delivering clear outcomes and action points.

The Forum holds four major annual meetings: 1. The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, shapes global, regional and industry agendas at the beginning of the calendar year.

2. The Annual Meeting of the New Champions, the Forum’s annual meeting on innovation, science and technology, is held in the People’s Republic of China.

3. The Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils, held in the United Arab Emirates, brings together the world’s leading knowledge community to share insights on the major challenges facing the world today.

4. The Industry Strategy Meeting brings together Industry Strategy Officers to shape industry agendas and explore how industries can shift from managing change to pioneering change.

In addition, regional meetings and national strategy days provide focused engagement on the issues dominating regional and local agendas.

An ongoing programme of workshops, seminars and meetings on issues relevant to each engagement provides opportunities to further drive purpose and action.

Through insights All of our interactions are fuelled by insights that are both broad and deep.

To support our role in setting priorities and connecting decision-makers, the Forum has built worldclass research capabilities, producing cutting-edge data on some of the world’s most significant issues, including: – Competitiveness – Gender Parity – Global Information Technology

AFRICA USA TODAY 35

World Economic Forum

36 AFRICA USA TODAY

World Economic Forum

AFRICA USA TODAY 37

DuSable Museum Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday

38 AFRICA USA TODAY

DuSable Museum Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday

Cliff Kelly Talk Radio- WVON

Fabiola Jean-Louis, Paper Gowns & Photography

Fabiola Jean-Louis, Paper Gowns & Photography

Fabiola Jean-Louis, Paper Gowns & Photography

Fabiola Jean-Louis, Rewriting History Paper Gowns & Photography

Fabiola Jean-Louis, Paper Gowns & Photography

Fabiola Jean-Louis, Paper Gown

Fabiola Jean-Louis, Paper Gowns & Photography

AFRICA USA TODAY 39

Business

40 AFRICA USA TODAY

Business

AFRICA USA TODAY 41

91st Academy Awards

42 AFRICA USA TODAY

91st Academy Awards

AFRICA USA TODAY 43

91st Academy Awards

44 AFRICA USA TODAY

91st Academy Awards

AFRICA USA TODAY 45

The Jussie Smolett Case

46 AFRICA USA TODAY

The Jussie Smolett Case

AFRICA USA TODAY 47

Celebrity Focus

Sherrie Gearheart

48 AFRICA USA TODAY

Celebrity Focus

Sherrie Gearheart

AFRICA USA TODAY 49

50 AFRICA USA TODAY

AFRICA USA TODAY 51

Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

52 AFRICA USA TODAY

Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

AFRICA USA TODAY 53

Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

54 AFRICA USA TODAYY

Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

AFRICA USA TODAY 55

ENTERTAINMENT

56 AFRICA USA TODAY

ENTERTAINMENT

AFRICA USA TODAY 57

Book Club Features

58 AFRICA USA TODAY

AFRICA USA TODAY 59