AFRICA USA TODAY MAGAZINE
Politicosocionomics of World Peace
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America’s First Black President
Reflecting back on the Obama Years in the White House
Publisher’s Opinion:
Olawale Idreez, Publisher
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Parades in Chicago keep getting bigger, nicer, and a more conducive environment, that encourages, and attracts the avenue for peace in our respective communities in Chicago, and its environs. We, as in people, can actually choose peace, instead of senseless violence in our neighborhoods. Yes, we can actually choose peace, to resolve any difficult matters, which can translate into justice, and ultimately arrive at freedom and economic prosperity for all mankind. Look at what I saw at the Thanksgiving Day parade in Chicago today: Men, Women, Children, Black, White, Hispanics, Yellow, Maroon, Brown, Poor, Moderate, etc. all lined up in one accord, celebrating reasons to be thankful together. The lesson from that is, if you look at the sky, and believe that the Creator of 7.3 billion inhabitants of this planet Earth is more than capable of providing for the works of His hands, then why can’t we pursue our own cakes with peace and dignity, without jeopardizing other people’s lives cowardly and senselessly. Yes, as citizens of this planet Earth, we can co-exist endlessly. There’s plenty of manna to go around, and still more than plenty left. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! This is only the Publisher’s Opinion. Love & Peace on Earth! Respectively, Olawale Idreez Africa USA Today Magazine Email: africatoday14@gmail.com www.issuu.com/jesmithphoto 1-224-306-8411
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Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography
Contents
JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Happy Holidays This is a time to enjoy the Holiday Festivities with our family and friends. We celebrate Christmas as well as Kwanzaa. Some people like to travel this time of the year. In this issue we highlight some places you may like to explore and enjoy new experiences. Also, we take a look at some of the highlights of various events. This is a time to celebrate, enjoy activities and even participate. Happy Holidays!
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U.S.A. News
Accomplishments of “My’s Brother’s Keeper initiative” started by President Barack Obama
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2016 U.S.A. Presidential Debate Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump
Presidential Debates nominees at the 3 debates that was highly anticipated and focused on different issues. AFRICA USA TODAY 15
World News
Nearly US $13 billion raised for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
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World News
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The ONE Campaign partners with some of the world’s most iconic brands such as Apple, Bank of America, Coca-Cola and Starbucks
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World News
What is ONE?
ONE is an international campaigning and advocacy organization of more than 7 million people around the world taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. We believe the fight against poverty isn’t about charity, but about justice and equality. Whether lobbying political leaders in world capitals or running cuttingedge grassroots campaigns, ONE pressures governments to do more to fight AIDS and other preventable, treatable diseases in the poorest places on the planet, to empower smallholder farmers, to expand access to energy, and to combat corruption so governments are accountable to their citizens. Cofounded by Bono and other activists, ONE is strictly nonpartisan. In recent years, ONE’s members, together with other nonprofit partners, have played an important role in persuading governments to support effective programs and policies that are making a measurable difference in fighting extreme poverty and disease. These advocacy efforts have helped more than 10.7 million people living in subSaharan Africa today to have access to lifesaving AIDS medication, up from only 52,000 in 2002. Malaria deaths have been cut by 66% in subSaharan African countries since 2000, and 60 million more children across sub Saharan Africa are now going to primary school compared to 2000. (RED) is a division of The ONE Campaign, and partners with some of the world’s most iconic brands, such as Apple, Bank of America, CocaCola and Starbucks, who contribute a percentage of profits from (RED)branded goods and services to The Global Fund. ONE works through advocacy and campaigning and does not raise funds directly for schools, hospitals and the like, but rather advocates for government programs that make life better for millions of the world’s poorest people. ONE is not a grant making organization and does not solicit funding from the public or receive government funding. AFRICA USA TODAY 19
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KWANZAA An African-American Celebration of Culture -Juanita Price-Crear Kwanzaa is a unique African-American celebration, which focuses on traditional African principles of family, community, responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. It is a seven-day celebration, which celebrates a different principle each day. Kwanzaa is neither a religious nor a political holiday, rather a seven-day celebration that begins on December26 and continues through January first. The week is a time of fasting, feasting, teaching, learning, self-examination and rituals. Despite some misconceptions, it is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time for reaffirming African-American people with their ancestors and culture. Dr. Maulana (Ron) Karenga, who is currently chair of black studies at California State University in Long Beach, founded Kwanzaa in 1966. It reported that more than 18 million people worldwide observe Kwanzaa. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional “a” to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference in the African-American celebration (Kwanzaa) and the Motherland (Africa) spelling (Kwanza).
Kwanzaa means, “First fruit of the harvest” in Kiswahili, but there is no festival of that name in any African society. Kwanzaa has gained tremendous acceptance. Each day of Kwanzaa, a family member lights a candle, then discusses the one of the seven principles. The principles, along with Dr. Karenga’s elucidation of the principles in 1965, are:
First Day: Umoja (OO-MQ-JAH) Unity) -To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race which is reflected in the African saying “I am We”, or” I am because We are.”
Second Day: Kujichagulia (KOQ-GEE-CHA-LEEYAH) Self Determination; To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for, and spoken for by others. —
Third Day: Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility; To build and maintain our community together, and to make our sisters’ and brothers’ problems our problems and to solve them together.
Fourth Day: Ujamaa (QO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative Economics; To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other business and profit from them together. Five Day: Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose; To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. Sixth Day: Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity; To do always as much as we can, in whatever way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Seventh Day: Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith; To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and in the righteousness and victory of the struggle. AFRICA USA TODAY 21
Celebrating, Kwanzaa, it is always best to get an early start. If you want to adhere strictly to the Kwanzaa program as Dr. conceived it, here is what you need to have and what they mean: • A Kinara a seven-branched candleholder, which symbolizes the continent and people of Africa. • Mkeka a square place mat preferably made from straw, which represents the reverence for tradition. • Mazao fruits, nuts and vegetables, which stand for the product of unified effort. Place items in a straw or wooden bowl. • Vibunzi—an ear of corn to reflect the number of children in the family (must use dried corn). • Kikombe cha umoia a communal unity cup for libation, this should be a wooden cup. • Mishumaa saba the seven candles, one black candle (placed in the center of the linara) three red candles (placed to the right of the black candle) and three green candles (placed to the left of the black candle). Each candle symbolizing one of the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles, that Black American should live by on a daily basis and which are reinforced during Kwanzaa. - Zawadi simple gifts, that are handmade, enriching, and related to education or to things African or African-influenced. 22 Africa USA Today —
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It is important that the Kinara not to be confused with the Menorah. The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles, which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. If you do not have a Kinara, and do not know where to get one, it is suggested that you use “Kuumba” (creativity) and make one. A piece of driftwood will do just fine, with screw-in candleholders can be purchased in most hardware stores. Mkeka (place mat) should not present a problem. While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, use one with an African print which is preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao (crops) in a cornucopia which is Western. A plain straw or a wooden bowl will do. Households without any children should place an ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social parenthood. Place these items together on a table with a traditional African tablecloth. However, all seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa centerpiece.
THE KWANZAA FEAST OR KARAMU A lavish feast, the Kwanzaa Karamu, which, in keeping with the theme of black unity, may draw on the cuisines of the Caribbean, Africa, South American, wherever Africans were taken, marks December 31. In addition to food, the Karamu is an opportunity for confetti storm of cultural expression: dance and music, readings and remembrances. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort. Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community center, church) in an African motif that uses black, red, and green color scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should govern the room were Karamu will take place. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for selfservice. Before and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented. Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell and a call to greater unity. Here is Dr. Karenga’s suggested way of conducting a Karamu: > Kukaribisha Means, Welcome Introductory remarks and recognition of distinguished guests and elders. Cultural expression through songs, music, dance unity circles, etc. > Kukumbuka Means, Remember Reflections of a man, a woman, and a child. Cultural expression Kuchunguza tena na kutoa tena Means, Reassessment and Recommitment. Introduction of distinguished guest lecturer and short talk. > Kushangilla Means, Rejoicing Tamshi Ia tambiko (Libation statement) Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup) Kutoa majina (calling names of family ancestors and black heroes) Ngoma The drums > Kararmu The feast Cultural expression > Tamshi Ia tutaonana A Farewell Statement —
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HOME DECORATING The Kinara along with the other symbols of Kwanzaa should dominate the room, which should be given an African motif. This is easily achieved and should not result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. This should be kept in mind when decorating the home. You can use black, red and green streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers and African prints can be hung tastefully around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as well. GIFTS Kuumba (creativity) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, these symbols that can be made, should be made. The giving gifts during Kwanzaa should be affordable and of an educational or artistic nature. Gifts are usually exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January jSt the last day of Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time. Kwanzaa Karamu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants celebrating New Year’s Eve should plan their Karamu early in the evening). The Karamu is a very special event, the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our African roots. Juanita Price-Crear AFRICA USA TODAY 23
Food, Clothing, and Shelter … and Politics According to Harold G. Hacrow’s Food Policy for America, from the settlers’ first encounter with North America up to the first twenty years of the 20th century, providing food for the population and ensuring the growth and maintenance of the territory were the highest priorities of the governing faction. Farming became the first and foremost regulated action of those in charge of creating policies because the amount of land far exceeded the number of settlers. Large sections of land were given or rented to single families. Thus, politicians began utilizing the two greatest natural resources of the new republic: humans and the land. In 1906 a young novelist named Upton Sinclair wrote a book called “The Jungle” using his firsthand knowledge to tell of the indecent treatment of stockyard workers in the city of Chicago, Illinois. He graphically dramatized the slaughter tactics performed in this environment and eventually drew attention to how the inhumane deaths of animals being processed for consumption placed psychological burdens upon those watching and performing the acts. Sinclair wrote that due to the corruption of politicians and union leaders the treatment of the unfortunate laborers affected every aspect of their lives, i.e., what they ate, their dwellings, and even the way they dressed, i.e., food, clothing, and shelter. As time went on greater issues were raised concerning the methods being used to process foods from the ground to the consumer. In 1977, Robert Kenner’s movie Food, Inc. – via the affiliated book of the same name edited by Karl Weber – elaborated on some of the changes in the growth, manufacturing, and distribution of farm products, e.g., plants and animals, resulting in what is now called industrialized foods or ‘fast’ foods. The 21st century brought about a revelation of how the inefficiencies of laws and regulations have caused as many problems as they have supposedly remedied. The nutritional labeling of food packaging for everyday items as well as for consumables labeled as “organic” products faces constant changes due to the government’s pacification of the livestock, farming, and food service industries. Underpaid employees are virtually forced to work to eek out a living even when they are ill. Uncertified individuals are hired to save money. Parallel to the stockyard workers, spoken of by Sinclair, who suffered deplorable conditions as health officials were paid by owners and managers, taps on the hand are being given to multi-billion dollar companies today that pay judges to overlook their breaking the law. As of 2009, about 73,000 Americans contracted foodborne illnesses annually by consuming resistant strains of the E. coli bacteria. One of the “founding fathers of this nation stated: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.” This year, 2015, Bruce Rauner became the governor of the state of Illinois. Since his taking of that position many social services have been cut and there is talk of a ban being placed on certain foods that can be purchased by those receiving food assistance from the state via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As another saying goes: “The more things change the more things stay the same.” The majority of those who have been placed in political authority become tyrants and power mongers - wielding their dominion over ones who have no choice but to suffer the consequences. Even though I have major disagreements with how this country is run I am glad that I was born here. However – when will we learn that the United States is not a democracy though the term is used as the one: “I come in peace.”? When will we realize that this is a republic – which is clearly stated in the Pledge of Allegiance. Republics are based on a group who are chosen to run the nation – not on the basis of everyone having an equal input. Therefore, casting your vote is not as important when it comes to choosing who will run and win (that is usually done by the rich and the electoral college). Casting your vote makes sure that the world looking in from the outside can keep politicians mindful of the fact that they have declared to the world that the United States truly practices democratically. Until then maybe we should change the grouping of our basic needs to: food, clothing, shelter … and politics. Venetia Alexander
About Alisha Roberts‐Novak, CEO of Administrative Resolutions Network, LLC. ﴾ARN﴿ Alisha is the CEO and Director of Operations of her own company, Administrative Resolutions Network, LLC. ﴾ARN﴿. ARN is a minority‐owned Chicago based professional services firm that specializes in Organizational Development and Business Management. With over 15 years of consulting experience with global Fortune 500 firms, Alisha is known as an excellent project manaager, who enjoys working with a wide range of individuals in many different areas from Senior Leadership to Strategic Planning. Having established a successful brand using her professional experience and skills in design, research, and analysis of policies, procedures, and infrastructure; Roberts‐Novak has worked with such companies as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Towers Watson, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company, and A.T. Kearney, Inc. As a professional speaker, she enjoys speaking about various topics ranging from global business development to how to raise your business visibility and advance into new markets. She speaks to companies, business leaders, women’s groups, international organizations, and universities. Her company's goal is to encourage current and future business leaders to continue in their business pursuits by providing them with the opportunity to identify new business development opportunities and experience professional global conferences. Within the series, members gain information about strategic management, business mentorship, and the importance of building relationships with other business peers, through which they can share experiences, advice, and ideas. Favorite Quote: “A lot of speakers make the mistake of telling their audience what to think instead of teaching them how to think” ‐ Alisha Roberts‐Novak Learn more about Alisha Roberts‐Novak and ARN at http://www.administrativere solutionsnetwork.com
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Golden Fellowship Dinner/Centennial Edition On Saturday, November 19, 2016, nearly 1,700 of the region’s most notable corporate, civic and elected leaders will gather at the beautiful Hilton Chicago for the Chicago Urban League’s Golden Fellowship Dinner – Centennial Edition. Honoring the League’s century of service to Chicago’s African American community, this year’s dinner will feature a special concert performance by an iconic entertainer. You won’t want to miss it! Lead Sponsors: Northern Trust, Comed, Boeing, Abbott, BMO Harris Bank, Illinois Tool Works Inc., Dona and Sam Scott, Tyson Foods Event Overview One hundred years ago, the Chicago Urban League organized to address the needs of African Americans arriving north as part of the Great Migration. Our founders were there greeting men, women and children as the trains pulled into Central Station and helping them find housing and secure employment. Reflecting back a century ago, it is manifestly clear that the work of the Chicago Urban League has played a profoundly significant role in the evolution of Chicago’s landscape. The League has consistently demonstrated that we are a movement that incites change. Whether economic development, education, or social justice, we have been there to challenge racial inequality in our city and work for strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation. Our work is supported by a diverse group of funding partners and individuals who are united in a shared belief that a stronger African American community is a better Chicago. We take pride in what we’ve been able to accomplish together; however, there is still much work to do. As our research on residential segregation and education revealed, the effects of systemic segregation and under resourced communities persist. The inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remain out of reach for far too many African Americans in Chicago. Reversing the impact of policies and practices intended to create and maintain inequity requires an equally intentional counter effort. The 10-year plan, designed to address the root causes of inequality, is built on three focus areas: 1) education as the foundation for future success; 2) employment as the foundation for poverty reduction and financial security; and 3) asset building as the foundation for sustainable wealth creation. In parallel, we are tackling gun trafficking and gun violence, symptoms of inequality that increasingly impact the health and well-being of our communities. We are committed to working in active partnership with the public and private sectors for a more just and equitable Chicago. Our theme for this year’s Golden Fellowship Dinner-Centennial Edition is “Building on our Legacy.” It is our quest and mission to extend and elevate our service to this community while effecting change not only this year, but through our centennial and well into the next hundred years of existence.
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Africa News
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Africa News
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Africa News
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Africa News
Ex USA Vice President Al Gore attended movie premiere
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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. 34 AFRICA USA TODAY
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Reflections
Tribute to Prince
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Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.
Latino Fashion Week Photography- John E. Smith Jr.
Travel News
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Travel News
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Travel News
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Travel News
Tutartifacts
King Tutankhamen AFRICA USA TODAY 41
Chicago News
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Chicago News
Cont’d. pg. 40 AFRICA USA TODAY 39
Entertainment
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22nd Black Harvest Film Festival 22nd Black Harvest Film Festival August 5 September 1
August 5 September 1 From August 5 through September 1, the Gene Siskel Film Center presents the 22nd Annual Black Harvest Film Festival, celebrating the best in contemporary independent filmmaking exploring the stories, images, heritage, and history of the black experience in the U.S. and around the From August 5 through September 1, the Gene Siskel Film Center presents the 22nd Annual Black Harvest Film Festival, celebrating the best in world. Encounters with filmmakers are the festival’s pride and joy, and this year we present more filmmaker appearances than ever, with more than contemporary independent filmmaking exploring the stories, images, heritage, and history of the black experience in the U.S. and around the forty scheduled as we go to press. world. Encounters with filmmakers are the festival’s pride and joy, and this year we present more filmmaker appearances than ever, with more than
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Entertainment
Large crowd by Maclay Heriot
Taste of Chicago Highlights- Sheila E & Isley Bros.
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Book Club Features
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Book Club Feature
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Book Club Features
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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John E. Smith Jr. Photography
John E. Smith Jr. Photography
John E. Smith Jr. Photography