Ausatm,aug sept 2015,min

Africa USa Today MAGAZINE

Poliosocionomics of World Peace

www.africaustodaymag.com 312/880-7016 August/ September 2015 U.S.- $4.99 Canada- $5.99 London- 3 Pounds

Taste of Summer

Fall Special

African Festival of the Arts Illinois Global Business America’s Biggest Problem Time for Change Julian Bond Tribute Chicago News Taste of Chicago

Africa News Book Club Features Ancient Egyptians Film Festival

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Publisher’s Editorial Please wait! Hold up, Wait!

Think I need to gobble double extra­large cups of Dunkin Donut coffee before I pen this next Olawale Idreez, missive. Seriously!

Publisher The tourists came from South Africa recently, and visited the office of Honorable Toni Prekwinckle, Cook County Board President. They toured the Cook County prisons, and saw the inmates. This was an attempt to learn how they can improve prison system in the developing nation of South Africa.

After touring the facilities around the state of Illinois prison system, their remarks almost sound sarcastic; nevertheless, it was a grevious concern; and so greviously we must deal with it. (I humbly Joe­Bidded the phrase from the Shakespeare' Julius Ceasar play).

They said, "Okay, You have shown us the Black prisons. Now where are the White prisons....?"

Dhawww! Of course, there are no separate Black or White prisons (at least not anymore). It is one size fits all system; albeit, when they opened the doors, and the only faces they can visibly noticed are 90% Blacks, and few other minority races, with 3% margin of errors. Yes, one might reasonably asked, "We have seen the black faces, show us the White prisons."

In a nation of only 330 million (out of 7.1 billion) population of global communities, that just got independence 229 years ago; only 9% of this population in the U.S. accounts for blacks; and yet, the most visible faces you can easily see in prisons across this great nation, USA are blacks. This is a grevious fault, and so greviously we must deal with it. But the obvious question that is begging for an answer is, "How?" So, I'm humbly choosing the Scientific Approach to embrace this problem once and for all.

Because it affects not only the black, white, maroons, or any color for that matter. We are all in this together!

The Scientific Approach dictates the following steps: 1. Diagnose the main problem 2. Design the long lasting solution(s) 3. Apply the solution 4. Feedback 5. Design the alternative (Plan B) 6. Follow up These approach could literally solve or contain the problems in the neighborhood, local communities, or even the global communities. We are all in this race together. If the police respect the apprehended suspect, while making an arrest; chances are it will be reciprocated. I will elaborate on how to approach these issues in the next edition of your/our publication, Africa­USA Today Magazine.

Meanwhile, please enjoy the rest of summer season.

Thank you, team LOLAPALOOZA in Chicago. It was really fun.

Hope to see you at the upcoming event, International Media & Business Icon Award Gala: Bridging The Gap Honorees" on Friday August 28th, 2015, 4PM­12Midnight at the Palmer House­Hilton hotel, Chicago.

Olawale Idreez can be reached atusafriglo@yahoo.com (www.africausatodaymag.com).

AFRICA USA TODAY 3

Africa USA Today Magazine

DARLENE HUMPHREY

VERA GILES-NORRIS QUEEN BUNMI AJIBADE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR BARBARA KENSEY MEDIA CONSULTANT TORNU PRYNCE ARMAND J. AZAMAR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS REV. ROD REINHART JUANITA CREAR-PRICE, MS REGIONAL EDITOR ADEMOLA LAWAL

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Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography

Contents Fall Special Courtesy of Christo’s Fur JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Fall Special

8 African Festival of the Arts 10 Illinois Global Business conference 12 Business Source 14 America’s Biggest Problem 18 Time for Change 20 Julian Bond tribute 22 Entertainment 26 Africa News 30 Taste of Chicago 36 Book Club Feature 37 Ancient Egyptians 43 Black Harvest Film Festival

This issue celebrates the the coming of Fall and take a look at some of the highlights of Summer. This is a time to plan for fall activities and yet squeeze every ounce of Summer fun that’s still left. Enjoy !

John E. Smith Jr. Photography

AFRICA USA TODAY 7

The African Festival of the Arts: Using Culture to Span Continents For 26 years, Africa International House has brought the African Diaspora to the U.S with their unique cultural celebration, the African Festival of the Arts. Held each Labor Day weekend in Chicago, the Festival offers a glimpse into the many unique treasures of the African Continent as well as African-centric offerings from across the globe. This year’s event will take place September 4-7.

Experience a four-day immersion into African culture and heritage as the historic Washington Park is transformed into an authentic African village. Over 300 vendors and artisans will present artifacts, textiles, traditional crafts, and museum-quality art. Enjoy the African- influenced food, music, and dance traditions during an entertainment rich, family-focused celebration unlike any other in the U.S. The Festival boasts four distinct areas each representing a center of culture and commerce on the African Continent: Nubia (fine arts); Kush (wearable arts); Songhay (African arts & crafts, collectibles and natural products); Timbuktu (African fabric and fashions); and Bank of the Nile (food court).

There will be pavilions highlighting South African wines, health and wellness and fine arts. Pavilions include: the Green Pavilion; Quilting Pavilion; David Durojaiye Olupitan African Heritage Pavilion; Author & Book Pavilion; Drum Village; Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo Health & Wellness Pavilion; and the Bernice Gardner Children’s & Family Pavilion.

Each day, there will be nationally-recognized talent, including this year’s Labor Day (Monday) headliner funk, R&B musician, singer/songwriter, lyricist, and former LTD lead singer, Jeffrey Osborne. Osborne’s solo career has brought him five gold and platinum albums: “Stay with Me Tonight” and “Only Human.” He also recorded an album of duets with popular singer James Ingram and scored an international hit in 1982 with “On the Wings of Love.” Osborne follows in the footsteps of other musical headliners who have graced the stage at the African Festival of the Arts, including George Clinton, Erykah Badu, India Arie, and the legendary James Brown.

Kelvin Johnson, better known by his stage name K’Jon, will be hitting the stage on Friday. The R&B singer’s 2009 solo debut album, “I Get Around,” reached #1 on the R&B charts. His lead single from the album, “On the Ocean,” hit #1 on the Urban AC Radio charts and #12 on Billboard’s R&B charts. His current release is “I Get Around.”‬ 8 AFRICA USA TODAY

Additional Chicago talent hitting the stage include Emmy-award winner and international vocalist Joan Collaso; the Sax Preacher; vocalist and percussionist phenom Taylor Moore; and Reggae artist Carl Brown.

New this year: Chicago-style Steppers’ Set on Friday night.

For those wanting to sample the tastes of Africa, you can dine on dishes in the tradition of Nigeria, Senegal, Caribbean as well as Cajun and Southern soul.

But, the real stars of the Festival are the fine arts and the artists who make them—be they painters, sculptors, jewelers, or wood carvers.

The 2015 Artist of the Year is Nii Oti, whose vibrant work graces the cover of all this year’s African Festival of the Arts materials. For over 40 years, Nii Oti was a gifted artist who specialized in combining African and African- American art through his paintings and customized jewelry.

In spite of his commercial success, Nii Oti felt a strong desire to live in the Motherland. In the mid-70s, he packed up his family and moved to Ghana. There, he taught art and studied with many renowned artists in Ghana, Nigeria and throughout the Ivory Coast. It was also in Ghana where he was given his name, which roughly translated means “chief.”

Over the decades, Nii Oti has accumulated a body of work that reflects his transition from a child of the South Side of Chicago to a world-renowned master of African/African- American art.

Founded by Liberian-born business leader P. Saingbey K. Woodtor, the African Festival of the Arts has become a national destination point for those seeking to immerse themselves in the African culture.

Woodtor founded the African Festival of the Arts as an outgrowth of his art shop, Windows to Africa, and he, along with his board of directors, have grown the event into a Labor Day staple. In all these ways, the Festival gives attendees a glimpse of Africa without the need for plane tickets and for less than the cost of applying for a passport.

Tickets are $15, in advance, and $20 at the gate. There are discounts for seniors, as well as weekend and VIP passes. Children under five are free. Visit participating Walgreen’s locations for discounts on general admission. Learn more by visiting www.aihusa.org and clicking on African Festival. Follow us on all social media using the hashtag #AFAChi.

AFRICA USA TODAY 9

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Navy Pier, 600 Grand Avenue, Meeting Rooms 324-327 Chicago, IL 60611 Registration begins at 9:00 am

September 24 and 25, 2015 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Daily

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Deputy Assistant Secretary, Dept of Commerce -Antwaun Griffin Governor of Illinois - Bruce Rauner Mayor of Chicago - Rahm Emmanuel Honorary Consul of Jamaica - Lloyd Hyde

Hosted By: H.E. Dr. Sherri Henderson Global Business Development Firm President and Senior Consultant

Dynamic Guest Speakers U.S. International Trade Administration -Washington, DC U.S. Commercial Service - State of Illinois U.S. Small Business Administration - Chicago District Mark Lewis - University of Chicago Booth Alie Kabba - Unite Africa Organization Dr. Alice Pennamon - Northeastern University Dennis Foldenauer - U.S. Export Assistance Center Ronald Miller - U.S. Small Business Administration Mark Ferguson - U.S. Small Business Administration Phillip Barreda - Minority Supplier Development Council Brenda Oldham - RAM Financial Services Demitrus Evans, J.D. - TEIL Firms, International Law Vivian Tarver, J.D. - Corporate Law , Risk Management Donna Werner - Werner Business Group Diana Cantos - Buena Vista Optical Charles Moore - C. L. Moore and Associates , CPA Dan Tyre - HubSpot, Strategic Marketing

Register Online at www.GBDFirm.com and Eventbrite. For More Information: Email the Conference Planning Committee at: Conference@GBDFirm.com $249. Early Bird Rate

AFRICA USA TODAY 11

Business

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Announces $5 Million in Funding Available to Chicago Small Businesses Expanded Small Business Opportunity Centers Program Will Allow More Neighborhood Small Business Owners Access Capital

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced new partnerships that will help small business owners in neighborhoods throughout Chicago access needed capital. Following a successful pilot, the Small Business Opportunity Centers program (formerly Capital Access Centers), which helps small business owners prepare for loans, will expand from three to eight centers across Chicago and $5 million in funding is available for Chicago small businesses.

"Small businesses are the economic backbone of Chicago and when they succeed, our neighborhoods and our city succeeds," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "By connecting our entrepreneurs with the resources and capital they need to thrive, they can create the jobs that our neighborhoods deserve and help to keep every community in Chicago more vibrant."

New partners Somercor 504, Inc., Goldman Sachs, and the Chicago Business Opportunity Fund have more than $5 million available to lend to qualified small businesses. Both centers provide loans between $50,000 and $250,000 to small businesses ­ a loan size that more small businesses are having trouble securing. They will join the Latin American Chamber, Sunshine Gospel Ministries, and the Women's Business Development Center, along with the three pilot partners, Greater Englewood CDC, the Resurrection Project, and Chatham Business Association in counseling small businesses through the lending process and matching them to available sources of capital.

The announcement coincides with the Chicago Microlending Institute (CMI), recently awarding its 200th microloan. In 2012, Mayor Emanuel launched the Chicago Microlending Institute with $1 million to help businesses access loans up to $25,000. In 2014, the Mayor and the City Treasurer invested an additional $1 million to provide critical loans that would help support roughly 300 new businesses by 2016 and ensure that the CMI program can be self­funding through 2016.

The CMI revolving loan fund now has loans totaling approximately $2 million, which has supported close to 200 businesses and has helped create or save 817 jobs across the City of Chicago. A map of every loan is available on the Chicago Data portal at www.data.cityofchicago.org/Community­Economic­Development/Chicago­Microlending­ Institute­CMI­Microloans/dpkg­upyz.

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AUSATM’s Arise & Shine Entertainment scoop:

Promoting the Nigerian International Music/ Entertainment Promotion named ( FOUR POINT INTERNATIONAL PROMOTER) based in Chicago, IL

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A N N UA L R E PORT 2 014

Time for Change ESSAY BY JULIA M. STASCH, MACARTHUR FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

Today, people and places around the world, as well as the earth itself, face formidable, complex, and connected problems. At the same time, technological advances and increased connection hold unprecedented promise for the well-being of humanity and society, while creating new and vexing problems.

I am honored to lead the MacArthur Foundation at this moment in history. It is a privilege and a responsibility to steward the assets and legacy of this institution, and to help shape its future. With a deep respect for the organizations and individuals that do the actual hard work of making the world a better place, I commit to the urgency, rigor, and humility that this task requires.

Like others, I believe that the times demand that we question long-standing orthodoxies, established assumptions, comfortable practices, and even goals. This is as true for philanthropy as it is for governments, businesses, and other institutions.

As a private charitable foundation, MacArthur’s paramount responsibility is to make the most effective use of our resources for the public good. That responsibility challenges us to periodically revisit our mission, to consider whether our areas of focus, our objectives, and our approaches are sufficiently bold, flexible, inventive, and effective, and to ensure that we are tackling some of the world’s most profound issues as they rapidly evolve.

We are doing that now. Guided by long-held values, we will double down on our commitment to help build a world that is more just, verdant, and peaceful. For us, this is a world where actions are moral, rational, and fair; where the planet and its people flourish; without violence and war. These aspirations require ever more urgent and powerful action, with lasting impact on a major scale.

This means that we need to change. We must make hard choices about the ways we allocate our limited resources, how we use our time and talent, and the risk we are willing to take. Change is hard; failing to change is not an option.

People and places around the world, as well as the earth itself, face formidable, complex, and connected problems… the times demand that we question longstanding orthodoxies, established assumptions, comfortable practices, and even goals.

18 AFRICA USA TODAY www.macfound.org/timeforchange

August 2015

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Julian Bond, a long time civil rights activist has died.

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Julian Bond, a long time civil rights activist has died.

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Entertainment David Oyelowo Will Become First Black Actor to Voice James Bond The Wrap August 13, 2015

David Oyelowo (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

By Debbie Emery David Oyelowo is set to become the first black James Bond — sort of.

The British actor will read the audiobook version of Trigger Mortis, which was written by Anthony Horowitz and commissioned by the Ian Fleming estate, the Guardian reported Thursday.

Oyelowo, who was highly praised for his portrayal of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, will play 007 and other characters in the official Bond book set for release Sept. 8.

The announcement comes amidst recent debate as to whether a black actor — such as rumored frontrunner Idris Elba — would ever be cast as the famous British spy currently played by Daniel Craig.

Related: New ‘Spectre’ Trailer Teases Daniel Craig’s 007 Going Rogue (Video) Oyelowo previously played Henry VI for the Royal Shakespeare Company, which made him the first black actor to play an English king in a major Shakespeare production, and MI5 officer Danny Hunter in the BBC TV drama Spooks.

“I am officially the only person on planet Earth who can legitimately say: ‘I am the new James Bond’ — even saying that name is the cinematic equivalent of doing the ‘to be or not to be’ speech,” Oyelowo, who was born in Oxford, England, to Nigerian parents, said of his new honor.

“I was asked specifically by the Fleming estate, which is really special.”

Related: Idris Elba Makes History as First Male 'Maxim’ Cover (Photo)

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African News

It’s Not Just about the Money: To Change the World We Must Change Ourselves

By Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development

The Mediterranean sea has become a graveyard for Africa’s youth. Every day, we see images of what would appear to be a continent racked by conflict and poverty, and people risking – often losing – their lives in an attempt to flee . Yet Africa has 11 of the 20 fastest growing economies in the world. Africa has enormous resources, and almost half of the world’s uncultivated land that is suitable for growing food crops. So why are so many people desperate to leave behind a land of such opportunity?

Part of the answer is that the vast wealth of Africa is often not being translated into development. Often it benefits only a few, or is squandered altogether. Illicit outflows from Africa totaled $69 billion in 2014. To achieve development we need much more than just resources.

Certainly, money can address some of the deficits that trap millions of people – especially rural people -- in poverty. They need infrastructure, starting with the roads that will take them to school or market, as well as electrification, water and sanitation systems.

They need education, health care, decent wages, access to finance.

But there are also things that money can’t buy. Leadership, good governance, commitment to the rule of law, and an enabling environment to attract investment. The social responsibility to pay fair wages, create decent employment, and pay taxes.

The Third International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD), soon to convene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is one leg of the route that global leaders have charted toward a new international consensus to change the world we live in and to eliminate extreme poverty and hunger. Ahead lie the finalization of the Post-2015 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a new global agreement on climate change. The goals are necessary for our collective future. Without a solid consensus over the financing and resources needed, however, goals remain simply wishes. ( Contd. on pg. 27 ) 26 AFRICA USA TODAY

( Contd. from pg. 26, It’s Not Just About the Money: )

African News

But it’s not just about the money, still less about aid in the conventional sense. The key to a sustainable future free of poverty and hunger is people. The world leaders gathering in Addis need look no further than the continent where they are meeting to see this.

Africa is rich. Its extractive industries have provided revenues in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Yet Africa’s resource-rich countries have some of the world’s highest child mortality rates, and a dozen have in excess of 100 child deaths for every 1,000 live births. This travesty illustrates that there are other resources besides money that are necessary for development, starting with leadership, accountability and commitment.

Three quarters of the world’s poor and chronically hungry people live in rural areas and are also mainly dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. Smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs could contribute much more to producing food, job creation, national economic growth, and the preservation of natural resources. Yet they often lack the tools to do so. And many of those who are producers of food go hungry themselves.

Investment in rural development is key to delivering a host of development objectives, including adequate food, clean air, fresh water and biodiversity. And growth in the agricultural sector has been estimated to be at least three times more effective in reducing poverty as growth in any other area. In sub-Saharan Africa, the figure is 11 times.

Change must start from within. An institution like mine, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, offers support. We are investing. We are sharing knowledge and best practices. As the only IFI in the United Nations we are committed partners in rural transformation. But the fact remains that no donor institution can transform countries unless they are willing to transform themselves.

Ethiopia, a country once synonymous with famine, is now among Africa’s fastest growing economies. Investment in rural infrastructure and agricultural transformation have done what no amount of aid could have. Ethiopia is Africa’s number one exporter of honey, and has the second largest horticultural industry.

So let us remember that not all commitments are measured in dollars. True, to save ourselves, our future and our planet, we need major resources, both public and private. But we also need the commitment of responsible governors, legislators, investors, business people and partners of all kinds to see that the investments are just and inclusive. And this has to happen beyond Africa. The Addis Ababa Accord provides a chance not just to count the money, but make sure the money counts.

AFRICA USA TODAY 27

Africa USA Today Magazine 312/ 880-7016

To Subscribe One Year (12 issues), Just $34.95 Best Deal I prefer two years (24 issues) for $ 59.95 Save up to 58% off the Cover Price Call for Advertising rates E-mail: usafriglo@yahoo.com 224/306-8411 312/ 880-7016

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35th Annual Taste of Chicago Food & Entertainment Lineups Reflect Chicago’s Vibrant Culinary & Music Scenes The 35th Annual Taste of Chicago brought together delicious culinary delights and world-class entertainment for five days July 8-12, 2015 in Grant Park. The FREE festival produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events featured a diverse line-up of both restaurant participants and other on -site programming offering something for everybody to enjoy.

Music was also at the forefront of Taste of Chicago with exciting headline performances at the Petrillo Music Shell by Weezer, Erykah Badu, The Chieftains, Spoon, and Maze with Frankie Beverly. Other notable performances on the main stage included Saint Motel and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

The popular Fashion Focus Chicago Maker Market returned to Taste of Chicago featuring 28 Chicago designers and boutiques selling art and current season apparel and accessories for men, women, and children. New this year, Fashion Focus Chicago Maker Market hosted summer season runway shows in association with Latino Fashion Week and African Fashion Week Chicago featuring mega fashion blogger Afrobella. Additionally, an open casting call took place Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12 with modeling agencies searching for aspiring models of all ages.

Agencies included 19:30 Model Management, 10MGMT, Agency Galatea, Chosen, Factor Women, Ford, and Model Logic.

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Things we always need: Shoes Wheelchairs Walkers Crutches Canes Children's books Baby blankets

MONEY

Volunteers

OVER TWO MILLION SERVED...

Shoes, that is. Celebrating our 16th year, we, with you -- our volunteers, donors and sponsors -- have put shoes on needy feet both locally and globally. On April 21, theAmerican Red Cross recognized those efforts, presenting an award to Mona Purdy, founder and director of Share Your Soles.

Volunteers helping Share Your Soles with our mission.

WORK TO LEARN, LEARN TO EARN

By rewarding those in need for their own 32 AFRICA USA TODAY

Contd. from pg. 19, “Time for Change”

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BOOK CLUB FEATURE

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ANCIENT EGYPTIANS

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WERE THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS REALLY BLACK

38 AFRICA USA TODAY

THE 25TH DYNASTY

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Book Review

40 AFRICA USA TODAY

Contd. from pg. 40,Thoughts on Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman

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Contd. from pg. 41,Thoughts on Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman

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Workshop: Legal and Business Pitfalls (/legalandbusinessworkshop)

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3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets

Shorts Program: Made in Chicago I

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Black Harvest Film Festival August 8 – September 3

From August 8 through September 3, the Gene Siskel Film Center invites Chicago to celebrate the 21st edition of the Black Harvest Film Festival, exploring the stories, images, heritage, and history of the black experience in the U.S. and around the world through film and video. Talent is the key word in describing Black Harvest: an abundant manifestation of creativity representing emerging filmmakers and established masters alike. Black Harvest most especially promotes dialogue, and we feature many personal appearances for audience discussion.

Opening night on Saturday, August 8, will be a don’t-miss affair, when NBC 5’s LeeAnn Trotter MCs A Black Harvest Feast, which includes the presentation of this year’s Deloris Jordan Award for Excellence in Community Leadership to distinguished director, producer, actress, singer, and playwright Jackie Taylor, founder of the Black Ensemble Theater (http://www.blackensembletheater.org/), for her exceptional work in creating educational community outreach programs. Immediately after the show, the audience is invited to a reception across the street at the Joffrey Ballet studios.

Our September 3 closing night will feature director Kiara C. Jones with CHRISTMAS WEDDING BABY (=christmasweddingbaby), her sparkling romantic comedy about love, rivalry and sisterhood. The closing night party sponsored by Whole Foods Market follows the screening.

Be the first to see a special advance screening of Stanley Nelson’s powerful BLACK PANTHERS: VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION (blackpanthers).

Following this sneak preview, we bring the film back for the exclusive Chicago run the week of September 25 through October 1.

Chicago filmmakers are front and center throughout the festival. Ronit Bezalel premieres her documentary 70 ACRES IN CHICAGO: CABRINI GREEN (70acresinchicagocabrinigreen), chronicling the controversial dismantling of the housing project. Derek Grace presents COLLEGE WEEK (collegeweek), detailing an inner-city middle school’s inspiring annual event.

Cyrus Dowlatshahi appears with TAKIN’ PLACE (takinplace), produced by Yvonne Welbon, a documentary on life and lifestyles on Chicago’s South Side. Actor Simeon Henderson (“Chicago PD”) discusses his starring role in JEREMY BROOKS (jeremybrooks) at both screenings Gun control activist Lucia McBath, mother of murder victim Jordan Davis, appears with 3 ½ MINUTES, TEN BULLETS (tenbullets), a documentary on the trial of her son’s killer; the audience is invited to a reception hosted by the MacArthur Foundation following the August 9 screening. Director Rusty Cundieff and actors Sharon Leal and Barry Shabaka Henley will appear with WHITE WATER (whitewater), produced by Chicago native Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, a comedy/drama set in a segregated Southern town. Director Nefertite Nguvu will be present for screenings of her romantic drama IN THE MORNING (inthemorning). Additional filmmaker appearances are being added almost daily, so be sure to check back for updates on personal appearances and special events.

Three admission-free special events are designed with the aspiring or beginning filmmaker in mind. The August 9 workshop Legal and Business Pitfalls: Screenplay through Distribution and Fundraising (legalandbusinessworkshop) offers step-by-step advice from an entertainment lawyer. On August 22, Action! The Real Deal About Filmmaking: Money, Casting, Production, and Distribution (filmmakingpanel), this year’s edition of the ever-popular Black Harvest panel and DIY workshop, will cover every aspect of production and feature down-to-earth advice and practical information from our guest producers and directors. The August 30 presentation The Realities of Screenwriting (realitiesofscreenwriting) will provide valuable tips.

The art exhibit “Body and Soul” curated by Felicia Mings, will be on display in our gallery/café throughout the festival.

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Workshop: Legal and Business

PitfallsParty after the Film screening at the Black Harvest Film Festival held Soul Train Dance (/legalandbusinessworkshop) at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N. State St., Chicago, IL Photography: Lindsey Melnyk/ Gene Siskel Film Center (/madeinchicagoI) (/tenbullets) 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets

Shorts Program: Made in Chicago I

(/tenbullets)

(/madeinchicagoI)

Black Harvest Film Festival August 8 – September 3

From August 8 through September 3, the Gene Siskel Film Center invites Chicago to celebrate the 21st edition of the Black Harvest Film Festival, exploring the stories, images, heritage, and history of the black experience in the U.S. and around the world through film and video. Talent is the key word in describing Black Harvest: an abundant manifestation of creativity representing emerging filmmakers and established masters alike. Black Harvest most especially promotes dialogue, and we feature many personal appearances for audience discussion.

Opening night on Saturday, August 8, will be a don’t-miss affair, when NBC 5’s LeeAnn Trotter MCs A Black Harvest Feast, which includes the presentation of this year’s Deloris Jordan Award for Excellence in Community Leadership to distinguished director, producer, actress, singer, and playwright Jackie Taylor, founder of the Black Ensemble Theater (http://www.blackensembletheater.org/), for her exceptional work in creating educational community outreach programs. Immediately after the show, the audience is invited to a reception across the street at the Joffrey Ballet studios.

Our September 3 closing night will feature director Kiara C. Jones with CHRISTMAS WEDDING BABY (=christmasweddingbaby), her sparkling romantic comedy about love, rivalry and sisterhood. The closing night party sponsored by Whole Foods Market follows the screening.

Be the first to see a special advance screening of Stanley Nelson’s powerful BLACK PANTHERS: VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION (blackpanthers).

Following this sneak preview, we bring the film back for the exclusive Chicago run the week of September 25 through October 1.

Chicago filmmakers are front and center throughout the festival. Ronit Bezalel premieres her documentary 70 ACRES IN CHICAGO: CABRINI GREEN (70acresinchicagocabrinigreen), chronicling the controversial dismantling of the housing project. Derek Grace presents COLLEGE WEEK (collegeweek), detailing an inner-city middle school’s inspiring annual event.

Cyrus Dowlatshahi appears with TAKIN’ PLACE (takinplace), produced by Yvonne Welbon, a documentary on life and lifestyles on Chicago’s South Side. Actor Simeon Henderson (“Chicago PD”) discusses his starring role in JEREMY BROOKS (jeremybrooks) at both screenings Gun control activist Lucia McBath, mother of murder victim Jordan Davis, appears with 3 ½ MINUTES, TEN BULLETS (tenbullets), a documentary on the trial of her son’s killer; the audience is invited to a reception hosted by the MacArthur Foundation following the August 9 screening. Director Rusty Cundieff and actors Sharon Leal and Barry Shabaka Henley will appear with WHITE WATER (whitewater), produced by Chicago native Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, a comedy/drama set in a segregated Southern town. Director Nefertite Nguvu will be present for screenings of her romantic drama IN THE MORNING (inthemorning). Additional filmmaker appearances are being added almost daily, so be sure to check back for updates on personal appearances and special events.

Three admission-free special events are designed with the aspiring or beginning filmmaker in mind. The August 9 workshop Legal and Business Pitfalls: Screenplay through Distribution and Fundraising (legalandbusinessworkshop) offers step-by-step advice from an entertainment lawyer. On August 22, Action! The Real Deal About Filmmaking: Money, Casting, Production, and Distribution (filmmakingpanel), this year’s edition of the ever-popular Black Harvest panel and DIY workshop, will cover every aspect of production and feature down-to-earth advice and practical information from our guest producers and directors. The August 30 presentation The Realities of Screenwriting (realitiesofscreenwriting) will provide valuable tips.

The art exhibit “Body and Soul” curated by Felicia Mings, will be on display in our gallery/café throughout the festival.

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Entertainment

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Entertainment Soul Train Dance Party after the Film screening at the Black Harvest Film Festival held at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N. State St., Chicago, IL Photography: Lindsey Melnyk/ Gene Siskel Film Center

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Book Club Feature

Book Club Features Strong Women only IntImIdate Weak men

SHARE THIS BOOK WITH 10 OF YOUR FRIENDS

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