Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in America affecting some 17 million people.  However, Diabetes affects Blacks at a more disproportionate rate than any other group. Notably Blacks have a 40 percent higher incidence of the disease with a 20 percent higher death rate for Black men and a 40 percent higher death rate for Black women than their White counter parts. Additionally, twenty five percent of Blacks between the ages of 65 and 74 have diabetes. According to the Center for Disease Control, the national number of cases has increased sixfold since 1958 from 1.6 million cases to 17 million in 1997. Reportedly, there are nearly one million new cases annually.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects every organ in the body. Diabetes does not allow the body to store or properly use glucose (sugar). Glucose builds up in the blood stream causing blood glucose levels to become too high. Glucose levels become elevated when the body is unable to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to change sugar, starches and other food eaten into energy.

There are 4 types of diabetes:

Type 1Diabetes:

The body’s ability to produce insulin is compromised and therefore a person with this type of diabetes must take daily injections of insulin. Type 1diabetes also develops in children; and is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes. Insulin dependent diabetes accounts for 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Studies have linked genetic and environmental factors with incidence of juvenile diabetes.

Type 2Diabetes:

This type of diabetes is also referred to as adult-onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes.  The body produces insulin; however, it is not enough to convert the glucose (sugar) into the energy that the body needs. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in adults over 40 years of age. Other risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, heredity, and ethnicity. Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90 percent of all diagnosed cases of the disease.

Gestational Diabetes:

This occurs in an estimated 5 percent of all pregnancies. Though gestational diabetes goes away after pregnancy, studies show that 40 percent of those that develop gestational diabetes will later develop type 2diabetes. Heredity, obesity and ethnicity are said to increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Reportedly infections, drug use, malnutrition and other factors account for an estimated 2 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. In addition, the American Diabetes Association estimates that millions of Americans have diabetes, but have yet to be diagnosed. If one experiences any of the following symptoms, one should not hesitate to visit his/her doctor:

• Extreme hunger
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Wounds that are slow to heal
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

To date there is no known cure for diabetes; however, this disease can be controlled by life changing measures, which include weight loss, exercise, and healthy eating habits. In fact, to support this method of maintenance in How to Eat to Live Book Two, where the Honorable Elijah Muhammad states “Sugar diabetes can be controlled and cured if you only eat right. Stay off of sugar and starchy foods.”

Furthermore, if diabetes is left uncontrolled, the results are life threatening complications. Complications from diabetes may include kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, amputations, stroke, and impotence.  The American Diabetic Association recommends seeing an endocrinologist every six months if a person has this disease. Additionally, it is recommended that one sees an eye doctor annually and begins monitoring his/her blood sugar levels daily with a diabetes testing kit. 

To contact Dr. Robert J. Muhammad please call (773) 873-5000 or e-mail him at Docmuh@aol.com.

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Photo from www.manemajesty.com

Trichology – Where health and hair reach the “The Ultimate Balance.”

Trichologist Practitioner Marvelette Jackson boosts national awareness on how hair loss is connected to wellness. 

Chicago, IL – Think back to the last time you had a medical examination.  Did your health care provider conduct a hair and scalp analysis?  If not, then it was not a complete examination.  Fortunately, the medical field is continuously evolving, and now, there is a growing collaboration between medical doctors and Trichologists to make the analysis of the hair and scalp a part of a routine health exam.

According to Trichologist Marvelette Jackson, owner of Touch of Perfection Salon,  TrichoScience Clinic  and Institute of TrichoScience Education (ITSE),located in Chicago, “If you had a toothache, you’d make an appointment to see a dentist.  Dermatologists specialize in problems and diseases affecting the skin. When a person is suffering from health conditions that have reached the point of showing symptoms in their hair and on their scalp, such as baldness, hair breakage, dry or sudden hair loss, then, it is time for them to schedule an appointment with aTrichologist.  With early detection, most of these conditions are treatable.”

Many people are unfamiliar with the term, Trichology. Trichology is a para-medical branch of medicine that focuses on the study of hair and scalp disorders.  It involves an in-depth study of the functionality of chemistry and physics, as they relate to the anatomy and physiology of the health of hair.  Formal study in this particular field dates back to 1902.

In a recent interview on CBBN Business Journals, Ms. Jackson indicated that, “Hair loss has reached epidemic portions, worldwide.  No one is exempt -- men, women and children alike are displaying the effects of this dis’ease caused in part by lifestyle choices, genetics and poor styling choices.”

Long-time client, E. Ellis states that, “Trichologist Jackson is knowledgeable and informative about her craft. Her level of expertise surpasses what you would expect to receive from a hairstylist. She diagnosed and corrected several unforeseen conditions that I’d experienced over the years with my hair and scalp. I’m very satisfied with the results.”      

November 12-14, 2013, Ms. Jackson will be a featured speaker at the upcoming 2^nd International Conference and Exhibition on Cosmetology &Trichology hosted by OMICS Publishing Group.  OMICS publishes scientific journals and organizes events throughout the year to support the progress of research and developments in the scientific industry.  The theme for this year’s event is “To Share Novel approaches which enhances Beauty & Skin Care,” which includes topics, such as “Hair lost management and advances in Trichology.” 

Hair loss, breakage and other visible scalp conditions are indicators of your overall health and wellness.  Isn’t it great to know, that Trichologistshave only one mission and that is to “restore the “whole you” – from the inside out.”

For more information visit www.TopHairScience.com

Fans of rap Icon and beat box legend Doug E. Fresh will soon be able to catch him as he rides the air waves on his new WBLS Radio show; getting his brilliant spin on classic Hip Hop as well social and political topics which plague urban communities.

The rapper, record producer, and  legend extraordinaire is hands down the pioneer of the beat boxing phenomena. Fresh's ability to take rap and Hip Hop listeners to new levels with his lyrical dexterity is just one of the many reasons his new radio show will resonate with music lovers. Doug E Fresh's classic hip hop radio program aptly entitled "The Show"  will air every Saturday evening from 9pm-11pm. starting May 25th.  

"Doug E is such an important part of my teenage/college years!  We couldn't get enough of his music and he still rocks audiences of all ages today!  So happy to have him aboard".  Skip Dillard, Program Director, 107.5 WBLS

‘Bad’ Customer Service

Whether you are an employer, manager, or employee, there are five things “You should know”:

1. Anytime a customer (internal and external), is in front of you, or on the telephone, they should receive exceptional customer service.
2. Without your customer, you will not have a business or job.
3. Minority owned businesses are the second largest employer of people of color.
4. Training your employees to provide exceptional customer service, is the best way to retain your customer, receive free advertising, and ensure a repeat customer.
5. If employees are rude to a customer… management is to blame.

With that being said, let’s talk about the things that are keeping your business from growing in customers and revenue.  These are all forms of ‘bad’ customer service!

When you or your employee does any of these things, you are losing customers and money.

-Your customer /client are not greeted with a friendly greeting upon their arrival.

-having personal conversations in the presence of customers/clients - whether face-to-face or on their cell phone.

-their attitude is rude.  i.e. rolling eyes, sighing

-their body language says don’t approach.  i.e. their arms are crossed.

-the tone of their voice is rude or condescending.  Remember a customer on the phone can hear your rudeness.

-having an unclean and cluttered store is unwelcoming.

Your customer / client should never know if your employee is having a bad day.  The customer/client should not know that the manager is a jerk, the employee is having personal problems with their boyfriend / girlfriend, or any other personal problem they might have.

When a customer walks into your place of business and your employee is frowning with their arms crossed,  playing the dozens or a manager is disciplining a subordinate in front of customers… your customer is receiving ‘bad’ customer service. And they will probably think “did I catch them at a bad time”, or Wow!  no one has acknowledged me since I walked in”.

Either way, the customer is receiving bad customer service from your business and this can affect your reputation which will end up costing you money.  You will lose money from that customer not returning to your business.

“4 – 10 people will tell someone about their bad customer service experience.” 

“1 - 3 people will tell someone about their good customer service experience.”

Bad customer service is normally the culture of the business.  In most businesses big or small, most employees have not been trained properly and that is the result of an untrained manager or supervisor.  For every rude clerk, cashier, operator, receptionist, etc.  you will find a rude manager, supervisor or owner.  

Remember you don’t have to continue to let your customers suffer from ‘Bad’ customer service… Creative Kimistry Customer Service Training Consultants can cure that culture in your business.

Kimistry is the CEO of (cKi) Creative Kimistry customer service training company; she is the Own & Publisher of 1st Impressions on-line Magazine as well as the Produce & Host of ‘Chatting with Kimistry’ a cable talk show on CAN-TV.   Kimistry is a writer, consultant, public speaker, mentor, poet, host & producer.

It is because one of her pet peeves is receiving ‘ bad customer service’ and with having over 20 years of experience in training her subordinates on how to deliver good customer service… in 2010 Kimistry decided to start a customer service training consultant company. www.creativekimistry.com  / 773-331-0165 / creativekimistrycustserv@gmail.com

Parker Wayde being interviewed by Laila Muhammad, Bean Soup Times correspondent

By Laila Muhammad

Upon first entering the beautifully decorated Brown Sugar Bakery, sitting at a table with a stack of books in front of her, I had the opportunity to meet the mysterious and beautiful author of “The Boojee Informant.”  She was dressed in yellow, dawned a pair of dark shades and a large sun hat to keep her identity secret. I wondered what all the mystery was about.

So in a one-on-one interview I asked her about the purpose of her book. Her advice she so candidly gave, was very practical and useful. Her "name" is Parker Wayde and she’s an employee in corporate America advancing in a lucrative career at a very prestigious institution.  She’s advancing because she knows how to play the game, but nobody knows that she is secretly acting as an informant for Blacks seeking success in corporate America. Her creativity, once suppressed by corporate America, has exploded onto the pages into an fiction thriller that reveals strategies that will lead you to your corporate dreams and ultimately, hopefully, to entrepreneurism.

It’s an urban, modern action thriller self-improvement book. It's what happens when a self-help book unites with a Sister Souljah urban thriller.

LM: What inspired you to write this book? How did you come up with the idea to merge self-help and a fiction novel?

Parker Wayde: I had the strong desire in wanting to succeed in my field of work, and wasn’t sure where to start. When I reached out to mentors, no one was there. It seemed as though everyone else knew how to play the game. So I decided to write a self- help book. First, I read a lot of those types of books and still wasn’t in a better place. The only thing those self-help books did was put me to sleep. So after years of studying my co-workers, I decided to give valuable advice and make it into something my readers would enjoy reading.

They are all reading The Boojee Informant 

LM: What do you hope to accomplish with your book?

Parker Wayde: I want to give our people the knowledge on how to play the game so they can become successful. The goal is to encourage entrepreneurship. Once they understand that people’s perception is their reality, they will know exactly how to operate and deal with certain types of people. Not that you should change yourself, but you should change their perception of you.  I want to bring excitement to the work place. I want to get more blacks in the boardrooms, and help them to become self-sufficient. I speak our language, so my readers understand me, and I understand our culture. That’s what I am, and what I represent.

LM: What advice can you give to everyone, and Black women in particular who are just now coming up in corporate America?

Parker Wayde:  (With a smile on her face, she sits up straight and tells me) A lady always knows when to leave. To always help each other and remember there is someone coming after you that you can help guide and pull up. The bottom line is that “perception is reality”!

Customer buys three books!

LM: Give readers a sneak peak into this “memo” or an example of something that most of us don’t know?

Parker Wayde: Yes of course. Let’s say you work a 9 to 5. What I’ve learned is that most of us start packing up, clearing off our desk, and getting our coats to leave for the day at 4:59p. The others are still sitting at their desk, probably doing nothing, and they won’t leave until a few minutes after 5p. So it’s all about the perception, the bosses will perceive that they value their jobs more.

LM: You also are giving back to the community. You are offering a monetary prize, via an essay competition to help pay for college, why?

Parker Wayde:  Because someone did it for me, I know people who are still paying back student loans 20 years later. If I can just give someone a small break and encourage him or her to continue their higher education, then we all will become successful. I look around the boardroom and there are not a lot of us there. I’m hoping to change that.

LM: Thank you for your time, and I pray you are successful.

Parker Wayde: Thank you!

For more information, visit www.boojeeinformant.com.

By Dr. Robert J. Muhammad

Water consumption and its relationship to health and disease is an overlooked fact. When we consider the fact that our bodies are 75 percent water; our brains an estimated 85 percent of water, and the plasma portion of our blood which makes up 55 percent of the blood is 90 percent water, it is no wonder how the impact of sufficient amounts of water can play on our overall health and well being.

Water should be the drink of choice, instead of pop, tea, coffee and juice. While these other drinks have their place, nothing takes the place of water. Water is absolutely essential to the effective functioning of all body systems. It is the presence of water that ensures that food is digested and absorbed into the blood stream. It is the presence of water that removes toxins from the tissues of the body and blood. It is also water that regulates all bodily functions.

Despite the essential need of water for the body, it is estimated that 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration is defined as a condition, which results in excessive loss of body fluid that occurs when fluid loss is greater than the fluid intake. A loss of 2 percent of the body’s ideal water content causes dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include: increased thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, heart palpitations, confusion, sluggishness, muscle cramps, nausea, decreased sweat and urine.

Through the skin, lungs, feces, and urine, our bodies lose about 10-12 cups of water daily. If we exercise, perspire, drink caffeinated beverages or alcohol, the water loss is greater. Similar to the body, we can readily see the need for water in a plant because without it the plant displays droopiness or withering leaves. Yet, we mistake our own cravings for water as hunger. So we consume more food, only to compound the problem.  The recommendation for water intake is 6-8 glasses a day, which, according to the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad in the book How to Eat to Live is based on eating three meals a day. 

In conclusion, water is invaluable to our health, Dr Fereydoon Batmanghelidj writes in his book, entitled, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water,” that “Chronic and persistently increased dehydration is the root cause of almost all currently encountered major diseases of the human body.” He also asserts that there is a direct relationship with dehydration and asthma, hypertension, allergies, diabetes, back pain and headaches. Lastly, Dr. Batmanghelidj argues that  “Chronic pains of the body are signals of chronic dehydration.”

To contact Dr. Robert J. Muhammad please call (773) 873-5000 or e-mail him at Docmuh@aol.com.

Pioneering African American Rap Artist MC Sha-Rock has been appointed as National Advisor for the Cornell University Hip Hop Library. Sha-Rock is relevant to the Hip Hop culture, music and industry. Established in 1976, she began her career as a b-girl/break dancer in the Bronx, New York. In the Hip Hop community, she is known as the "Luminary Icon" or the "Mother of the Mic". She stands as the foundation for female, emcee's. She is a former member of the legendary rap group, The Funky 4 Plus One More. In 1981" they appeared on Saturday Night Live and became the first rap group to ever appear on national television.

MC Sha-Rock is a recipient of the Honorary Award from the Council of New York and The Women's Distinction Award by The Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem, New York. She has been featured in countless magazines and books written by authors and Hip Hop Historians.

She comments, "I am humbled and honored to accept this titled as a National Advisor for the Hip Hop Library at Cornell, said MC Sha-Rock. It feels as if I'm home. I am thankful that Katherine Reagan and Ben Ortiz have asked me to serve as an educator on the board. I have been involved and apart of the Hip Hop culture, since its inception. I am truly looking forward to sharing my experience and knowledge with the world. I am also excited about working with other pioneer's, educators and scholars. The Cornell Hip Hop Library will stand as the leading educational university to educate, highlight and showcase a vast selection of the origins of Hip Hop in film, old school flyers and photographs. It is open to the public, and it is my wish that everyone will get the opportunity to come out and experience the Hip Hop movement before its posterity."

MC Sha-Rock couldn't be any happier to announce that the Cornell Hip Hop Library will showcase the first known vintage film footage that was documented and dated in 1977 by a young man's task to complete a high school project. The film highlights the Original Funky Four MC's and also charts MC Sha-Rock as the first female MC of Hip Hop.

Design Essentials® Natural Master Educator Deshonica Kerrie and hair model show the versatility of natural hair. Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photography(ATLANTA)- Naturalistas converged on Atlanta during the 16th Annual World Natural Hair Show and Design Essentials® Natural was on hand to give on-site consultations, share hair tips in the Do It Yourself and Chic Natural Styling workshops, and they also provided free blood pressure screenings to those who stopped by the booth. 

Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products is the proud presenter of the World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show. The show connects professionals and consumers to learn and exchange information about natural hair care, health and beauty products and techniques.

Design Essentials was there in full force. The pictures below tell much of the story.

As a bonus, YouTube vlogger Kiki of Mahogany Knots commanded the booth to talk all things hair and take photos with attendees.

Design Essentials is available at select Walgreens, salons, and select beauty and barber supply stores.

Natural hair bloggers and vloggers from across the country stopped by the Design Essentials® Natural booth to show off their natural styles. Dr. Nina Hervey- Ellis, Beautiful Brown Baby Dol (left) Meechy Monroe MeechyMonroe.com & Vaughn Monroe, Ms. Vaughn TV (top right) Maeling Tapp Murphy Natural Chica (bottom right) Photo Credit:Calvin Lionel PhotographyFrances Williams Revealing Beaute & Kiki Mahogany Knots (top left); Peace Gurlish Curls (top right) Arkeedah McCormick It's Arkeedah (bottom left); Vanessa Vanie0295 (bottom right) Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photographyttendees enjoyed personal consultations and styles by Design Essentials® Natural stylists. Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel PhotographyKiki of Mahogany Knots hosted the Design Essentials® Natural booth where she mingled with attendees, posed for photos and offered hair styling tips. Photo Credit:Calvin Lionel Photography

World Natural Hair attendees were able to get their blood pressure checked at the Design Essentials® Natural booth. Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel PhotographyHundreds of women stopped by the Design Essentials ® Natural booth to show their hairstyles. Attendees sported everything from a pop of color to curls, twists and braids. Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photography

Don’t let taxes bankrupt your business!

There is a high tax audit rate for sole proprietor businesses reported on Schedule C of the 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.  Sole Proprietor businesses typically don’t have the largest revenues of all the various business types; however they are the most likely business type to not seek out highly qualified tax professionals to assist them with tax compliance.

Tips to prepare for a possible audit

1. Keep records separate.  Co-mingling funds is the fastest way to get a business deduction allowed.  Your business should have a checking account and credit card separate from your personal accounts. 
2. Keep logs and receipts. Keep a log for business miles. Keep receipts for business meetings and meals. Include the date, time, subject, and who was present at the meeting.
3. Legitimate business expenses. Business expenses should be ordinary (common and accepted in your industry) and necessary (helpful and appropriated for your business)
4. Business vs. hobby. A qualified business activity allows for direct deductibility of appropriate expenses, where-as hobby activity expenses are only allowed as a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to passing a 2% adjusted gross income threshold. There must be a profit motive and active participation in the activity to qualify your activity as a business.  If your business has been operating at a loss for several years this could increases your chances of being audited.

Please don’t let the fear of an audit prevent you from deducting legitimate business expenses.  Just keep excellent records and be prepared to defend your position. 

Yolanda Johnson, EA, MSA is a Senior Tax Accountant with Tax Accountants, Inc. and knows the significant impact taxes have on daily finances. She strongly believes that everyone deserves access to quality tax information and a tax professional with a high-level of professionalism and expertise in the area of taxation. As a result, her passion is to provide tax education and thus educates numerous taxpayers at seminars and on her radio show "Tax Matters" 

Yolanda earned a Master of Science degree in Accounting with a specialization in Taxation and an Enrolled Agent designation (EA). As an Enrolled Agent she is admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.  

She can be reached at  help@taxaccountantsinc.com or (708) 428-6350. Her website: www.taxaccountantsinc.com or www.tax-research.com or www.facebook.com/TaxAnswer

With IMAN's 15th Anniversary Takin' It to the Streets happening in June, the organization, on April 27, provided artists from across the country with the unprecedented and extraordinary opportunity to open up for Streets 2013 headliner, Black Star (Yasiin Bey-aka Mos Def- & Talib Kweli) with Ali Shaheed Muhammad.

Kuumba Lynxx

Seven winners earned a "Live Audition" slot at this month's Community Café on Saturday, April 27. An all-star panel of judges which included Enoch Muhammad of Hip Hop Detoxx and the audience selected the winner, Kuumba Lynx who secured a 10-minute slot before the Black Star performance on Saturday, June 15th in Marquette Park.

Tasleem Jamila and Lawrence Binkey Tolefree hosted this event with DJ Sadie Woods providing the music and a special spoken word presentation by Amir Sulaiman of Sidewalk Chalk. The main event is coming in June.

This is one of the hallmark events of the summer that is a must attend for anyone of goodwill who loves hip-hop culture, Islam, or social conscious gatherings.

This Takin’ It to the Streets on Saturday, June 15 will open up with a Summer Peace Rally led by the Chicago Peace Movement (convened by the Lupe Fiasco Foundation) and the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations (UCCRO).

This Rally will feature activists, religious leaders, artists, and other organizational allies and partners from across Chicago and the country. 

All those expected to be in attendance have been galvanizing and agitating around community-driven and community-centered solutions to the structural problems that lead to the violence afflicting urban centers like Chicago. The Peace Rally will feature comments and special appearances from prominent hip-hop artists and activists.

The Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) is a community-based nonprofit that works for social justice, delivers a range of direct services, and cultivates the arts in urban communities.

It’s a wonderful thing to see us celebrating us. That’s what I was able to witness at the fifth annual "Dangerous Curves Ahead" Charity Fashion Show & Women's Expo that focused on empowering women of all shapes and giving back to women in need. While there were moments when I was blushing, the fashions were mostly designed to combine dignity, grace, fashion and utility all in one.

Created by Tamika Maria Price and hosted by comedian Brian Self, this year featured lots of fashion, five designers and five boutiques.

Congratulations to Nicole - This year's DCA Makeover Mom

Shots of Nicole after the makeover

Nicole is a single mother of 4, whom she works very hard to provide for. During the summer of 2012, Nicole lost her son Kristian to a tragic drowning. Despite the struggle and the deep hole that was left in her heart, she manages to continue to be the best mother to her other 3 children and inspire others through her testimony. She celebrates the life of her son Kristian and is dedicated to starting a non-profit in his honor to ensure no mother has to experience what she has been through. The artist below produced this painting during the event and presented it to Nicole. 

Rebecca and Raquel representing Borinqua Chicks

Anika International Cosmetics

Cynthia Boykin of What U Need Is

After dating for over a year, Wade Walker (Craig Robinson) is head-over-heels in love with his girlfriend, Grace (Kerry Washington). He’s ready to pop the question, and has even purchased a ring, but there’s a slight problem: he still hasn’t met her parents yet.

            Because of her background, Grace is a little ashamed of her beau’s modest background. After all, she’s a high-powered Manhattan attorney with a proven pedigree, while he hails from the ‘hood and makes a living by performing at children’s birthday parties.   

            Concern about their class differences has Grace taking off alone to the tip of Long Island for a weekend getaway at her family’s waterfront mansion. Rather than sit at home licking his wounds, Wade decides to force the issue by crashing the gathering.

            His unexplained presence gets under the skin of Grace’s father, Judge Virgil Peebles (David Alan Grier), an overbearing patriarch with a need to control. Furthermore, Grace is afraid to tell him the truth about the nature of her relationship with Wade, which serves to establish the familiar, sitcom scenario revolving around a big lie that must be kept hidden at all costs.

            Written and directed by Tyler Perry protégé Tina Gordon Chism, Peeples is a fish-out-of-water comedy whose stock-in-trade is making fun of the contrast between po’ and bourgie black folks. Ala popular Perry TV programs like House of Payne and Meet the Browns, the production is littered with colorful, two-dimensional characters bordering on caricatures.  

1. Grace Peeples (Kerry Washington, left), Wade Walker (Craig Robinson, center) and Virgil Peeples (David Alan Grier, right) in PEEPLES. Photo credit: Nicole Rivelli

There’s Wade’s embarrassingly-ghetto brother (Malcolm Barrett) who also shows up unannounced. He’s an oaf who puts his foot in his own mouth by suggesting that Grace’s lipstick lesbian sister (Kali Kawk) “looks too good to be gay.” Wade conveniently loses his wallet upon arriving which means he looks like a total loser when he can’t pay for anything.

            You get the idea. Is it funny? I suppose, provided you’re in the target demo and haven’t seen Jumping the Broom, another comedy set at a beachfront estate (on Martha’s Vineyard in that case) and pitting crass blacks from the wrong side of the tracks against the others with their noses in the air. From shoplifting to lip-synching to skinny-dipping to a sweat lodge to skeletons-in-the-closet, Peeples throws everything at the screen but the kitchen sink, and just enough sticks.

            An amusing, if not exactly original, African-American-oriented variation on Meet the Parents.

3. From left to right: Virgil Peeples (David Alan Grier), Grace Peeples (Kerry Washington), Simon Peeples (Tyler Williams), Gloria Peeples (Kali Hawk) and Meg (Kimrie Lewis-Davis) in PEEPLES. Photo credit: Nicole Rivelli

Good (2 stars)

Rated PG-13 for profanity, sexuality and drug use)

Running time: 95 minutes

Distributor: Lionsgate Films  

This is an excerpt from that website:

"Young people of color have every reason to feel disenfranchised by a system that starves their schools of funds, and then targets their schools for closure.  These young people are routinely profiled, and used as scape goats for everything that ails their communities.  They watch politicians like Alderman Moore congratulate themselves each time another large group of young black or brown men are pumped into the prison industrial complex.  But in a participatory democracy, there is an opportunity for engagement, in spite of cynicism.  The idea itself is so powerful:  In a participatory democracy, you aren’t simply trying to pick the best liar, casting a vote, and hoping for the best.  You’re coming together with other members of your community to make concrete change.  Given the opportunity to understand what that means, and to play a role in it, we have seen evidence that young people will become more involved.  But when such programs are quashed or watered down, the status quo remains intact."

By Dr. Robert Muhammad

Back pain affects just about everyone at some point in their life. In fact, it ranks second only to headaches as one of the main reasons a person should consult a doctor. It is estimated that some 85 percent of the U.S. population will, at some point, experience back pain. The following are some frequently asked questions and answers to this problem that plagues so many.

Q: What is the cause of low- back pain?

A: There is no simple answer to the cause of low-back pain. However, low-back pain is most commonly caused by muscle tension, muscle strain and muscle spasm. The lower- back is made up of five vertebraes referred to as lumbar vertebra, which have the tremendous job of supporting 70 percent of our weight. Because of poor posture, weak abdominal muscles and weak back muscles, the lumbar vertebra can also become misaligned, leading to nagging pain.

Q: What is a herniated disc?

A: Discs are fibrous structures that are located between the bodies of the vertebra. At the center of these discs is a jelly-like substance. Discs act to absorb shock. A disc is herniated when the tough fibrous external portion ruptures, allowing the jelly-like substance to leak out. This causes pain and discomfort to surrounding spinal nerves. It should also be noted that only five percent of patients with herniated discs require surgery, while 95 percent of the cases resolve with conservative treatment.

Q: I’ve been diagnosed with sciatica; what is it? And what is the cause of sciatic pain?

A: Sciatica refers to pain originating in the buttocks, lower-back or the back of the thigh. This pain runs down the back of the leg, and can cause weakness and numbness along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, originating in the lower- back and traveling down the back of the leg. Sciatica can be caused by a herniated disc, muscle spasm, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome and misaligned lumbar vertebra.

Q: How effective is medicine for treatment of back pain?

A: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are typically given for relief of back pain. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and simply blocking the sensation of pain. Acetaminophen is also frequently recommended over the counter. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can be beneficial for managing a sudden episode of back pain. It would not, however, be beneficial to use medication for a chronic condition that may be resolved with manipulative therapy or modalities. The use of medications in a chronic case will mask the pain, giving its user a false sense of wellness, leading possibly to additional damage to an already injured area.

Q: How important is exercise in battling back pain?

A: Exercise is extremely important. It strengthens and tones. It also increases blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients carried to muscles. It also increases the rate at which toxins are removed from tissue. Exercises that increase the heart rate and improve circulation would be very beneficial in improving the integrity of your muscles. In addition, a regime focused on strengthening the abdominal muscles and increasing overall flexibility will go a long way towards battling back pain.

Q: When is back pain a sign of more serious health issues?

A: Back pain is indicative of more serious health problems when it accompanies unexplained weight loss, numbness around the rectum and groin, loss of bladder and bowel control, constant low-back pain that doesn’t change regardless of body position, and numbness and weakness of leg and foot on one or both sides. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

(Dr. Muhammad can be reached at (773) 873-5000 or e-mail docmuh@aol.com.)

Born in Brooklyn on June 30, 1966, Michael Gerard Tyson is an all-time boxing great who, in his prime, struck fear in the heart of any opponent he squared off against. He compiled an impressive record of 50 wins, 5 losses and 1 disqualification for biting off an opponent’s ear over the course of an incomparable career in which he became the first undisputed heavyweight champ to hold the WBA, WBC and IBF title belts simultaneously.

            Iron Mike has weathered a host of woes and controversies outside the ring ranging from allegations of spousal abuse to a rape conviction to the death of his 4 year-old daughter, Exodus, to declaring bankruptcy after frittering away over $300 million in prizefight purses. Today, he is a very happily-married man, with a couple of children, Milan and Morocco, by his third wife, Kiki.

            Mike is currently on a 36-city tour of the country in “Undisputed Truth,” a one-man Broadway show which is partcomedy/part confessional and covers all of the above and more. Here, the pugilist-turned-actor talks about his latest movie, Scary Movie 5, co-starring a rogues gallery of controversial celebrities including Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Katt Williams and Snoop Dogg. 

Kam Williams: Hi Mike, thanks for the interview.

Mike Tyson: What’s up, Kam?

KW: I really appreciate your taking the time to speak with me.

MT: It’s all good in the ‘hood, my friend.

KW: Ray Hirschman asks: What interested you in Scary Movie 5?

MT: Whew! It’s a franchise that’s going to last ‘til the end of time. I wanted to be involved with that. I don’t care how silly it comes across. It’s more so for us than for kids. It’s adults acting stupid and silly.   

KW: What was it like working with this cast? 

MT: Everybody was great. Ashley [Tisdale] was awesome. I got an autographed picture of her for my niece.

KW: Children’s book author Irene Smalls asks: How did you get into acting?

MT: Just from messing around with a friend, Jim Toback, the director of The Pickup Artist. I always used to see him in New York and talk to him when I was younger, like a teenager. Anthony Michael Hall brought me onto the set of one day in about ’86, and Jim and I became acquainted and then good friends, and he started putting me into his movies, first Black and White, and then we did Tyson. He thought I was an interesting character. After that, I did The Hangover and got bitten by the acting bug. I have a lot of friends who’ve won Oscars, and they started telling me I could do it, too.  

KW: I remember your doing a great job in Black and White opposite some famous daughter. Who was it, Jennifer Jason Leigh?

MT: That was Bijou Phillips. She was awesome in that film.

KW: And Jim’s documentary, Tyson, was riveting from start to finish. 

MT: I’m just very grateful for his friendship. He’s a remarkable dude.

KW: Larry Greenberg says: When we talk about comedy, you hear words that could refer to boxing like “timing” and “punch line.” Do you see any similarities between the two? 

MT: I don’t know. People tell me I’m a comedian, but I don’t approach acting from that perspective. I do know that everything in life has to do with your timing and perception. You have to be comfortable with the rhythm that you’re in. You can’t just jump into a fast rhythm if yours is slow. You might have to pick up the pace but in your own particular way. It has to do with personality, too.

KW: Richie the intern was wondering how the play‘s coming along?

MT: We’ve been doing just great, selling out every night. And I couldn’t believe the reviews. I couldn’t believe it was me they were talking about. They’re saying “Remarkably funny!” and “Moving!” I was like “They’re talking about me?” The biggest honor I had so far was when the comedian Jeff Ross told me he liked it and said, “You’re one of us, now” That was just amazing.

KW: Fight fan Mike Ehrenberg asks: Who was stronger, Razor Ruddick or Bonecrusher Smith?

MT: Bonecrusher was stronger, but Razor Ruddick hit harder.

KW: Mike also asks: What was the hardest punch you ever took in the ring?

MT: Wow! A bunch of guys really rang my clock. Gee! Razor Ruddick… Lennox Lewis… Evander Holyfield… They all did a number on me.

KW: Finally, Mike is curious about how you think you would’ve matched up against some of the other heavyweight greats in the ring?

MT: I have no idea. I just did what I did in my era, basically because of my admiration for the guys who came before me. That’s how I’ve always looked at it. I never thought of boxing like, I’m going to be the greatest fighter ever and make a lot of money. Instead, I thought I was going to win because I learned from the best. I carefully studied the videotapes of all the fighters from the past, dissected their styles, and entered the ring with their spirit.

KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles says: Champ—you’ve had a long and varied career that involved lots of press coverage. What’s the thing you’d most have us remember about you?

MT: Overcoming my adversities.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

MT: Me? I see an old, broke-ass black guy taking care of a bunch of kids, living life, taking them to school, and all that stuff, who’s asking himself: What the hell is this? But I wouldn’t give it up for the world because I love my wife. I never expected to have a life like this. No chaos… no confusion… no lawsuits… no violence… no going to jail…

KW: I’m originally from Bed-Stuy, too, from around Nostrand Avenue and Eastern Parkway.

MT: I know where that’s at. That’s an awesome neighborhood! Bed-Stuy, do or die! I’m from Franklin between DeKalb and Willoughby. Do you remember the Welfare place at 500 DeKalb?

KW: Sure, I’m older than you. I was born in the early Fifties.

MT: Oh, so you know what’s really going down. My mother used to have us waiting with her in that long-ass line when we were kids. But we moved to Brownsville when I was 10.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

MT: Being in the hospital at about 5 years of age, after I drank some Drano. I remember it like it was yesterday. My mother had a bunch of people over the house, and I drank it because no one was paying me any attention.

KW: Yeah, children would prefer to be praised than punished, but they’d rather be punished than ignored.

MT: No doubt about it. That’s life. That’s our nature as human beings. 

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

MT: Artichokes.

KW: Lastly, if you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

MT: That my daughter could still be with us.

KW: My condolences, Mike. Thanks again, and best of luck with all your endeavors.

MT: Thank you, Kam. Okay, brother.

To see the schedule for Mike Tyson’s one-man play Undisputed Truth, visit: http://tysonontour.com/

Born in New Orleans on September 23, 1979, Anthony Mackie attended the Julliard School of Drama. He was discovered after receiving rave reviews for playing Tupac Shakur in the off-Broadway play “Up Against the Wind.” 

            Immediately following, Anthony made an auspicious film debut as Eminem’s nemesis, Papa Doc, in Curtis Hanson’s “8 Mile.” His performance caught the attention of Spike Lee, who subsequently cast him in “Sucker Free City” and “She Hate Me.” He also appeared in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” as well as in Jonathan Demme’s “The Manchurian Candidate.”

            Anthony had five features on movie screens in 2006. In addition to “We Are Marshall,” he starred in “Half Nelson,” with Ryan Gosling, adapted from director Ryan Fleck’s Sundance-winning short “Gowanus Brooklyn;” in Preston Whitmore’s “Crossover;” in Frank E. Flowers ensemble crime drama “Haven,” opposite Orlando Bloom and Bill Paxton; and in the film adaptation of Richard Price’s “Freedomland,” starring Samuel L. Jackson. 

            Besides an impressive film career, the gap-toothed thespian has performed both on and off Broadway, making his Broadway debut as the stuttering nephew, Sylvester, alongside Whoopi Goldberg in August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Next he was seen as the lead in Regina King’s modern retelling of Chekov’s “The Seagull,” in Stephen Belber’s “McReele,” and in the Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Soldier’s Play.”

            More recently, Anthony participated in the Kennedy Center’s presentation of “August Wilson’s 20th Century.” As one of more than 30 renowned stars of stage and screen, he performed in three readings of Wilson’s cycle of ten plays chronicling the African-American experience, each set in a different decade of the 20th century. A true aficionado of live theatre, he hopes to return to the stage soon.

            In 2009, he played Sgt. JT Sanborn on the big screen in Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker,” a film which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. That same year, he reprised his role as Tupac Shakur in “Notorious,” the biopic of Notorious B.I.G. 

            In 2010, he took a break from film to return to Broadway where he starred in “A Behanding in Spokane.” He subsequently returned to Hollywood to appear opposite Kerry Washington in “Night Catches Us.” Then he appeared in “The Adjustment Bureau” and “Real Steel.” Last year, he made several movies, including “Man on a Ledge,” “10 Years” and “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.”

            2013 is proving very productive for Anthony, with the horror thriller “Vipaka,” the coming of age drama “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete,” the crime thriller “Runner, Runner” and “Bolden” being among his offerings. Here, he talks about his new movie, “Pain & Gain,” a fact-based crime comedy co-starring Dwayne Johnson and Mark Wahlberg.

Kam Williams: Hi Anthony, thanks for another interview.

Anthony Mackie: What’s going on, my man?

KW: Nothing much, brother. What an impressive resume you’ve compiled for someone so young: The Hurt Locker, The Manchurian Candidate, Notorious, We Are Marshall, Half Nelson, 8 Mile, American Violet, The Adjustment Bureau, Gangster Squad, Night Catches Us, etcetera, etcetera...  

AM: Thanks a lot, Kam. I’ve been very fortunate to land all the projects that I’ve done. I have a great team of people working with me.

KW: So, what interested you in Pain & Gain?

AM: It was the script. I was really psyched about Michael [director Michael Bay] doing a story with three-dimensional characters like these who you could real delve into to see what makes them tick.

KW: A Michael Bay flick with both that trademark action as well as some complex character development. It felt almost like I was watching a new genre of film.

AM: That’s what made me so happy about it. When he explained to me what he was trying to do with this movie, it was something that I felt was right up my alley and that I wanted to be a part of.

KW: I have a lot of questions sent in to you by readers. Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: How would you describe your character, Adrian? Are you anything like him in real life?

AM: [Chuckles] That’s funny! No, I’m not anything like him at all. The thing that I enjoyed about doing Adrian was that he never backed down. He admired Daniel [played by Mark Wahlberg] so much and just wanted his friend to succeed. And he also wanted to achieve The American Dream.

KW: I saw you on several talk shows over the last couple of weeks, and between being pumped up from the weightlifting and the way you trash-talked like you were shot out of a cannon, you seemed almost like a different person, or as if you were still in character.

AM: [LOL] I really enjoyed this character and talking about him. I’m lucky because I get to do projects I like and believe in. And it’s exciting to see people react positively to your work, to something you’ve invested so much time and so much of yourself into. 

KW: How much time did you devote to the exercise regimen to get yourself in such great shape?

AM: About four months. I worked out for six weeks before we started shooting, and then every day on location. To get in shape like that involves a whole lifestyle change. It’s not just going to the gym. It’s also eating and sleeping differently, and spending your time differently.    

KW: I heard that you and Mark Wahlberg even trained together.

AM: Yeah, we worked out together every day, once we arrived on set. I think that’s why we subsequently became such good friends. He appreciated the fact that I wasn’t taking this opportunity lightly, since he’s not the type of person who takes the stature he’s achieved for granted. He’s a leader and a hard worker. He liked my dedication to the project which was reflected in how I accompanied him daily to the gym to push it as hard as we could.

KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles says: Thanks for the wonderful performance in A Behanding in Spokane. You’re obviously comfortable on stage and also doing great work on screen. How do you approach each as an actor?

AM: First, let me say thank you, Harriet. It’s great that you saw and enjoyed that play. Stage and screen are completely different. Stage is like a marathon. It’s more of a physical muscle because you have to do eight shows a week. With a movie, you do it once, it’s in the can, and you move on. On the stage, you have to recreate that moment every night. You have to figure out a way, mentally, to find yourself in the same place every performance. You have to believe that whatever’s happening in that world is actually happening every night, whereas with film you just have to believe it once before you move on. So, stage is really difficult but, at the same time, it’s much more gratifying than film. So many people have a hand in your screen performance whereas, when you step on the stage, no one tells you what you can and can’t do.   

KW: Harriet also asks: Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?

AM: [LOL] That’s a great song!

KW: Larry Greenberg says: It seems to me like the film actually has a message about the growing distance between classes in America. Or am I asking too much from a spring blockbuster? 

AM: I think the movie deals more with The American Dream, and the skewed perception of it in our generation. The idea used to be that you worked hard to achieve more. Now, it’s “Do as little as you can to achieve as much as you can.” 

KW: Richie the intern says: You have played Tupac Shakur twice, once, Off-Off Broadway, and also in the film Notorious. Did you listen to a lot of his music growing up?

AM: Definitely! The very first CD I ever owned, was a Tupac CD. He’s one of my all-time favorites. I have every CD and bootleg CD of his. He was a huge inspiration of mine. Since my parents didn’t allow me to hang out on the streets as a child, my way of experiencing the streets was by listening to Tupac.

KW: Patricia says: I loved your performance in Desert Flower, which brings to mind this saying: “There are no small parts, only small actors.”

AM: Thank you, Patricia. I agree. That’s one of the reasons I did Desert Flower. I feel very strongly about that picture’s subject-matter [female circumcision]. So, I did the film even though I knew I wouldn’t get any fanfare or recognition from it, because its message was important to me.    

KW: Did you meet naysayers before your first big break as an actor. There are people who do not give themselves permission to pursue their dreams. What advice do you have for them? 

AM: [Chuckles] I still meet naysayers every day. This business is funny. It’s all about your journey and the road that you’re on. There are so many people who like to comment on my career and on what I am or am not doing. But I know that it’s my path, and I’m going to decide for myself which direction I want to go. When I meet naysayers, I just thank them politely for acknowledging my career and I wish them many blessings on the success of their own careers.      

KW: Marcia Evans says: I have been following your career and I appreciate the choices you have made as an artist. Do you have any interest in bringing any historical or cultural stories about Louisiana to the screen? 

AM: Of course! One of the biggest projects I’ve been working on, for about six years now, has been a movie about the jazz musician Buddy Bolden. Louisiana is near and dear to my heart. I moved back to New Orleans five years ago, because I realize that New Orleans is what made me into something that I cherish. 

KW: Are you attached to any post-Katrina rehabilitation project in New Orleans?

AM: No, I’ve been staying away from the revitalization of New Orleans, because it’s not New Orleanians who are behind it. And that’s the problem. Every time a New Orleanian tries to get behind a project, it gets shot down. But you have all these folks from outside the state trying to change the culture. That’s what the backlash is all about right now. We want to keep the city the way it was. New Orleans is not New York, L.A. or Las Vegas, and we want to push all the outsiders out in order to get back to where we were before Hurricane Katrina.   

KW: Marcia also says that she’s a closet chef who plans to study the wonderful New Orleans cuisine. She was wondering whether the local fiddles helped you pack on the pounds for this film.

AM: [Laughs heartily] No, it was staying away from that stuff that enabled me to bulk up.  

KW: Marcia then asks: Do you know how to make noise in the kitchen?

AM: I’ll say this: I’ve never met a woman who wasn’t somebody’s momma who could cook better than me.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

AM: My #1 killer dish is stuffed prawns with crabmeat dressing over teriyaki rice with pan-fried asparagus. That’s my game-over, you know you’re in for the night, you’re in trouble situation dish.

KW: Marcia also asks: Do you like Crawfish Etouffee? [Badly mispronounced]

AM: [Laughs, and corrects me] It’s Etouffee. I like it if the roux is made right. A lot of people burn their roux, and I can’t eat their etouffee.

KW: Lastly, Marcia asks: Does your bar down there serve some finger-lickin’, smack yo’ momma cuisine?

AM: [LOL] We serve our food with a band aid, because you’re definitely going to bite your finger.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

AM: Butter pecan ice cream.

KW: Mike Pittman asks: What was your wisest career move?

AM: Not doing a TV show.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

AM: Success

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

AM: To do a movie co-starring opposite Denzel Washington.

KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

AM: A panther.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

AM: It’s from when I was 3. My dad was building the house that I would grow-up in and spend my entire childhood in. I took a laundry basket and tried to bobsled down the stairs but went though the wall about halfway down and landed in the next room. [Laughs]

KW: The Jamie Foxx question: If you only had 24 hours to live, what would you do? Would you do the bad stuff, you never got a chance to do, or would you do good stuff to make sure you make it into heaven?

AM: I’d get my family together and spend those 24 hours at home with them.

KW: The Viola Davis question: Who do you really believe you are when you go home as opposed to the person you pretend to be on the red carpet?

AM: At home, I’m a very, deliberate, opinionated and outspoken person. You have to soften yourself on the red carpet, because no one wants to think you have an opinion anymore.

KW: The Anthony Anderson question: If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose?

AM: I would want to be a genie who could grant wishes.

KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? 

AM: Determination. A lot of people say they have drive and determination, but most people aren’t willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve great success.  

KW: Lastly, can you give me an Anthony Mackie question I can ask other celebrities?

AM: Yeah, is there something that you promised to do if you became famous, that you still haven’t done yet?

KW: Thanks again for the time, Anthony, and best of luck with the film.

AM: Thanks a lot, Kam, I really appreciate it.

Former Senate President donates $200K to University targeted to student scholarships

CHICAGO—(March 27, 2013)  -- The Emil Jones Jr. Youth Foundation, headed by former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr.,  this January presented the Chicago State University (CSU) Foundation with a $200,000 gift creating the Emil Jones, Jr. Scholarship Fund for students who need financial support to continue and complete their education. In celebration of the donation, the Foundation will host a special reception on Friday, March 29 in honor of the former legislator’s generous gift.

The Emil Jones Jr. Scholarship Fund will be an endowment that will provide monetary scholarships intended to improve the educational experience and support services for CSU student-scholars.  The average cost of tuition for a student attending the University is approximately $11,000 a year and the funds from the endowment will assist students in completing their educational goals.

“President Jones is a long-time advocate of education and we are very grateful for this gift that will make it possible for countless numbers of CSU students to attain an education into perpetuity” said Maurice Grant, chairman of the CSU Foundation Board of Directors. Jones was a supporter for continuing state appropriations for education during his long Senate career. “Education is the great equalizer”, says Jones.  “Anytime we can provide opportunities for students to succeed we must do that. This endowment is my way of supporting students and the positive impact the University is making in our state’s education community.”

Jones has been a long time supporter of Chicago State University where he was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2004. In 2007, CSU named the 7,000-seat multi-purpose convocation center in honor of Jones and his late wife. (Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center).

“In today's environment, with continuous cuts in federal and state funding for both students and public institutions, students have become more dependent upon scholarships from their university”, said CSU President Dr. Wayne D. Watson.  “We are humbled and grateful for President Jones’ support and how this gift will touch the lives of untold thousands here on our campus."

For information on how you can support Chicago State University visit the CSU Foundation or call 773-995-3839

(CHICAGO) -- For the first time Chicago State University’s College of Education, Department of Secondary Education, Professional Studies and Recreation  will host the 32^nd Annual Black College Dance Exchange (BCDE), from April 11-14, on the campus at 9501 S. King Drive. The BCDE, founded in 1982, is an annual conference established among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide opportunities for dancers from predominantly Black College/University dance companies and HBCUs to come together for learning, social, and performing experiences. Over 100 students from 10 national universities are expected to take part in this annual event. 

In addition to Master classes there will be a student concert on Friday, April 12 at 8:00 pm featuring participating universities: Chicago State University; Columbia College; Coppin State University;Grambling State University; Middle Tennessee State University; Morgan State University;Norfolk State University; North Carolina State University; Prairie View A&M University; Texas Southern University; and Dancers Array ‘N Christian Evangelism. Also scheduled to appear areIntrigue Dance Company under the direction of Pia Hamilton and the CSU Junior Dance Teamunder the direction of Jeena Bradley. Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students with a school ID.

The professional dance concert takes place on Saturday, April 13 at 8:00 pm and features: Muntu Dance Theatre Chicago; Joel Hall Dancers; Duwane Pendarvis; and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Emerging Artist Ensemble. Tickets are $25 general admission for all.  Both concerts will take place in the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center (JCC) on the campus of Chicago State University.

Among the dance professionals serving as instructors for this year’s event are Joel Hall and Duwane Pendarvis from Joel Hall Dancers; Kevin Iega Jeff, Gary Abbott, Nicole Springer, Florence-Walker Harris, Tracey Franklin, and Kathleen Turner from Deeply Rooted Dance Theater; Amaniyea Payne from Muntu Dance Theatre Chicago; Pierre Lockett from Joffrey Ballet; Homer Bryant from The Bryant School of Ballet/Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center; Dereque Whiturs from Dallas Black Dance Theater, Alvin Ailey Repertory, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater; Kenneth Epting from Exclamation Dance Company; Lena Hayden from Dance2xs Caliente; Tehran Dixon from Chicago Dance Crash; Tre Dumas III, and Star Dixon from Madd Rhythms; Vanessa Coles, Associate Professor/Dance Director at Coppin State University; and Debra J. Nelson , Associate Professor/Dance Director at Chicago State University.

Tickets will be available at the CSU’s Cashier’s Office in the Administration Building or at the Jones Convocation Center box office one hour prior to the event. For more information, call: 773-995-2290.

by Laila Muhammad

Chicago- The much anticipated and frequented event of the year for Black women in the Mid-West is the Black Women’s Expo.  It has been a successful event and is in its 19^th year. Presented by State Farma and sponsored by Walgreens, the event lasted three days beginning on April 5-7, 2013 at the McCormick Place.

Singer and now author Keith Sweat hosted a very special couple’s conversation and book signing introducing his new book, “Make it Last Forever” which offers advice on how to fix, mend, and reinvigorate troubled relationships.

Local Chicago news shows also made an appearance and autographs were signed by ABC 7’s Chicago Anchors Judy Hsu, Ron Magers, and Roz Varon. Local newspapers such as the historical Chicago Defender and Crusader offered their papers and subscriptions as well.

Workshops on education and health were offered for attendees, and live shows were performed by local and upcoming artist. This was a place where food, fun, education and small businesses met, and supplied the guests with a day full of activities that the entire family could enjoy. 

Saturday events opened with author and Inspirational Speaker Susan Taylor, The No. 1 Best Selling Author and Health and fitness Guru Dr. Ian Taylor, and his popular book and workshop “The Shred Revolutionary Diet”.

Chicago’s very own 6 Brown Chicks, as seen on OWN’s IYANLA Fix my Life, is composed of authors, business owners, relationship counselors, journalists and philanthropists, who joined forces to provide bold, thought-inspiring Chicago Now blogs, hosted a panel discussion. The Six Brown Chicks bring real talk about life, love, and letting go of the drama with thought-inspiring blogs and unforgettable live chats.

Another anticipated book signing and lecture was Wake-Up Fabulous Tina Lifford, Actress/Playwright –Parenthood and Single Ladies, presented her book, “The Little Book of Big Lies and Truths that set you free.” The event culminated with an Intimate conversation with Sherri Shepherd of ABC7’s “The View”. Ms. Shepherd also presented her new hair and wig line.

Vendors travelled near and far, to attend the conference and offer their products and services to the City of Big Shoulders; Black men and women, who oft times started their business right out of their kitchens, saw a need and created products they thought would benefit Black people.

One of the main themes was black women entrepreneurship. Kimberly Moore-Forrest Owner of “Rafiki” based in Jacksonville, Florida started her business because her son had really bad eczema, and all the over the counter products on the market did nothing to help him, so she decided to create her own natural skin care products, with mixtures of Shea butters, aloe Vera gels and other plant extracts. Her son results within ten days. Visit www.rafiki.us for more information.

Charise Cowan-LeRoy, chief creative officer and owner of 4 Elements, an artisan crafted, eco-friendly luxury bath products sells all natural pumice stones, lip balms, handmade soaps, and body scrubs. Her packaging is bio-degradable, and earth-friendly. Her website is 4elementsbath.com and she is located in Mundelein, Illinois.

A variety of businesses from personal shopping services, all natural and organic products, jewelry designers, hair extension producers,  and wedding planners graced the floors of the McCormick. Here is a few to name:

www.lacreativecreations.com  jewelry designer

www.chicagoragman.com  personal shopping

www.crmarketsurveys.com 

www.intro2step.com  instructional dance DVD’s

www.anikainternational.com  fashion

www.zuresh.com natural products for hair and body

www.reneedesignedit.com apparel and accessories for men and women

www.stellarenee.com accessories for men and women

www.goodhaircards.com  greeting cards

www.yesisew.com  designer and seamstress

Colleges and Universities from across the state offered valuable information and workshops on scholarships, admission information, and tips on how to make your application stand out from the rest.

Present was a representative from Wellesley, a selective private women's liberal-arts college, one of the most academically challenging institutions of higher education in the country and widely acknowledged as the nation's top women's College who spoke to a room full of young women, and offered personal experience and valuable information. The University of Illinois at Chicago were one of the many higher institutions of learning that provided information to high school students who came from many inner city schools.  

Walgreens offered free blood pressure test. The Illinois Dept. of public Health offered pamphlets, brochures, support groups, and facts and stats on women’s health, such as breast cancer and cervical cancer programs, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, Sickle Cell, and diabetes just to name a few that plague the Black community. 

The event ended with a performance by the renowned hysterical comedian Kim Coles, followed by the always insightful comedian and activist Dick Gregory, and last but not least, lifetime’s America’s Supernanny Deborah Tillman, who presented a workshop for parents, childcare providers, and educators with the necessary steps needed to raise excellent children, and the secrets to successful parenting.

From its formation in the late 19^th Century until well into the 1940s, Major League Baseball operated in accordance with an unwritten rule that the sport was to remain strictly segregated. The tacit understanding among the owners stipulated that no blacks were to be signed by any clubs, thereby frustrating the aspirations of many African-Americans who dreamed of playing professionally.  

            In the wake of World War II, however, this untenable state of affairs came to rankle Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), a man who fervently felt that to remain the national pastime, baseball needed to integrate. After all, thousands upon thousands of African-American soldiers were returning home to widespread discrimination based on skin color despite having been willing to die for their country in the conflict overseas.

            So, in 1945, Rickey decided to challenge the status quo by being the first GM to put a black ballplayer on the field. However, he also suspected that pursuit of that landmark moment might be met with considerable resistance, given the virulent strains of racism still running rampant through much of the nation.

            Therefore, he knew that the choice of the person to break the color barrier was critical, because it had to be done by an individual blessed not only with extraordinary athletic talent but with the requisite character, namely, the amalgam of integrity, restraint and resolve that would assure the success of the challenging endeavor. The candidate he settled upon was Jackie Robinson (Chad Boseman), a college-educated, veteran Army officer who just happened to be an All-Star second baseman in the fledgling Negro Leagues.

            The two forged an alliance soon after an exchange in which Robinson assured his boss that he wouldn’t respond in kind to any of the racial epithets or vile vitriol about to be hurled in his direction while on the road. As it turned out, even some of his own new teammates initially took issue with his joining the Dodgers in 1947, the year he was brought up to the big leagues.

            That historic achievement is painstakingly recreated in 42, a poignant cinematic portrait of an American legend directed by Brian Helgeland. The film carefully chronicles a host of humiliations Robinson was forced to endure en route to equality, from “Colored Only” bathrooms to separate accommodations to the relentless ribbing from bigoted fans in the stands and rivals in the opposing dugout.

            Fortunately, Jackie managed to maintain his dignity and composure in the face of wearying adversity, thereby opening the door for the full integration of baseball by other African-Americans waiting in the wings. An emotionally-draining biopic featuring Oscar-quality performances from Harrison Ford and Chad Boseman in what is easily Hollywood’s best offering of the year thus far.

Excellent (4 stars)

Rated PG-13 for PG-13 for epithets, ethnic slurs and mature themes

Running time: 100 minutes

Distributor: Warner Brothers