Africa USa Today MAGAZINE
Politicosocionomics of World Peace
www.issuu.com/jesmithphoto 312/937-4508, Dec. /Jan.2021/2022 U.S.- $10.00 Canada- $10.00
Dr. Mildred C. Harris Founder & CEO/ God First Ministries
EDITORIAL PUBLISHER OLAWALE IDREEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOHN E. SMITH JR. PUBLIC RELATIONS RAQUEL LACOUR REGIONAL EDITOR ADEMOLA LAWAL PR CONSULTANT WEALTH PRODUCER ADVISOR TINASTACEE WASHINGTON DR. LANG MARKETING/SALES MANAGER WILLIAM ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS LOGISTICS MANAGER MORGANNA WILLIAMS EDITORIAL ADVISOR DR. COLLINS AWOSIKA ADVISORY DR. ROBERT L. SCOTT SR. MARY L. SWOPES GANIYU BISIRIYU CONTRIBUTING WRITER JUANITA PRICE-CREAR
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Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography
Contents
JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Dr. Mildred C. Harris Founder & CEO/ God First Ministries
Happy Holidays Special Issue
A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COUNCIL MARCH 2021
2040
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WE’RE INVESTING IN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE A MOR E CONTE STE D WOR LD
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B������� B��� B����� Read about the Build Back Better Framework Read About the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Read the Vaccination Requirements Report Read President Biden's COVID-19 Action Plan
In this issue we are honoring the accomplishments of Dr. Mildred C. Harris. In addition, we are celebrating the passing of the Infrastructure Bill signed by President Joe Biden. We are also celebrating Kwanzaa & Christmas, as well as our own heros and their contributions. Happy Kwanzaa!
Investing in Infrastructure for a Better Illinois May 15, 2019 Embargoed/Draft
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Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Dr. Mildred C. Harris, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
Dr. Mildred C. Harris & Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot
Dr. Mildred C. Harris & Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White
Former Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, & Dr. Mildred C. Harris
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Conversation with Dr. Mildred C. Harris Founder & CEO/ God First Ministries
Conversation with Dr. Mildred C. Harris, also known as Mother in Zion, and Olawale Idreez, Publisher, AFRICA-USA Today Magazine for the Christmas December 2021. As the year 2021 is rolling away, I have a great opportunity to meet with the Chicago’s own unique and a very humble but highly spiritual woman popularly called “Mother in Zion. Dr. Mildred C. Harris is the founder of God First Ministries, which always organized Breakfast Prayer Meeting at the Hilton Hotel, and honored many Clergy Men/Women, as well as lots of Business and Community Leaders in their respective endeavors both locally and internationally. To be honest, I have always prayed and waited patiently for this opportunity to interview this Anointed Prophetess of God, who is never ashamed of carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ both inside and outside the Church’s environment. On one faithful day, she was praying for people at one of the Congressman Danny Davis’ re-election campaigns. I knelt down next to her and handed her a copy of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine. Seven days later, I received a call from Dr. Harris’s staff, to come and conduct this interview. Words cannot express my profound gratitude. As the Theologians would say, that, “prayer can be delayed, but not necessarily a denial.” Please enjoyed this conversation. Hopefully it will bless your body, soul, and spirit for this 2021 Christmas holiday season. 1. AUTM: Can you please tell our readers, who is Dr. Mildred Harris, what you do in the community? Dr. Harris is affectionately known as a “Mother in Zion” and a “Pioneer.” She is gifted in many areas and is widely known as an organizer. Dr. Harris being a Godfearing woman, is able to bring thousands of people together for the purpose of building the Body of Christ and investing in her hometown Chicago, Illinois, the nation, and world. Dr. Harris is currently the Founder and President of God First Church and Ministries, Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana as well CEO of God First Ministries Signatures of Prolific. She is also the President and Founder of God First Ministries Global Generals and Intercessors. Apostolically speaking, she has created Chapters in other States. Being a bridge builder, Dr. Harris over the years with events has been able to bring people of various backgrounds and cultures together which have included the Homeless, Seniors, Widows, Orphans, Youth, Religious and Political Leaders, CEOs of Corporations, Leaders in Education, Technology, Healthcare, Social Services, Entertainment, Sports, and the Arts. You name it and more than likely Dr. Harris has in some way, or another impacted the lives of many. Today, Dr. Harris is a sought-out speaker not only in Chicago but throughout the U.S and Internationally. A world traveler, she participated in prayer journeys which included her visiting all the continents of the world, namely, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and the Antarctica.
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Gifted and multifaceted by nature, Dr. Harris received her B.A. Degree in Education from DePaul University, Chicago Illinois. She holds three (3) Master of Arts Degrees namely, a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbia University, New York City, New York; a Masters Degree in Human Development from Governors State University, Park Forest, Illinois, a Masters Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, and a Doctorate in Ministry with honors from the International Bible Institute and Seminary in Plymouth, Florida. Dr. Harris also holds two (2) Honorary Doctorate Degrees. A lover of art, Dr. Harris studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and uses her interior designing skills to provide services for communities at large. Dr. Harris is the author of several books, to mention a few, Traits of An Intercessor, Educating Your Child God’s Way, and the Productive Prayer Guide. She has also hosted her own Television and radio programs. Over the years, Dr. Harris has organized Prayer Vigils, Prayer Concerts and Prayer Marches. She was selected to pray for the 911 Observance for the City of Chicago. Dr. Harris has served as a Chicago Housing Authority Commissioner since 1999 under the leadership of Mayor Richard M. Daley, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot. She created and helped to organize the Adopt a Senior Building Program where she was able to transform the sitting areas of 57 CHA Senior Buildings. Recently, CHA renamed a housing complex after Dr. Mildred C. Harris for her 22 years of dedication and service to the Chicago Housing Authority. 2. AUTM: What is the name of your Church, and how long has been founded? God First Ministries was established in 1978 and in 2003, we started God First Church. Our Vision is to establish programs and services which will be innovative, impacting, inspirational and life-transforming to diverse communities. The mission of God First Church and Ministries is dedicated to training, developing, and utilizing individual’s talents and abilities to the glory of God. Using a holistic approach, the Church-Ministry reaches out to serve diverse communities through social programs and services. 3. AUTM: Can you please tell us briefly about the Annual Prayer Breakfast; and is it coming back in year 2022, Lord willing? God First Ministries has accomplished much over the past 40 years. Our Annual Breakfast has been supported by many outstanding religious, political and community leaders as we reach out to the citizenry of the Chicagoland area. This breakfast has been recognized as being one of the largest Prayer Breakfast’s in the City of Chicago. 6 AFRICA USA TODAY
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God First Church and Ministries has a great concern for the growing number of the less fortunate people in the City of Chicago. We have diligently served over 50,000 homeless / senior citizens at this Annual Breakfast. In addition, Dr. Harris in conjunction with GOD FIRST MINISTRIES has given over $60,000.00 in Scholarships to high school seniors attending various Universities and Colleges to mention a few, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois; Fisk University, Nashville, TN; Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA., and Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana; These are just a few of the institutions where scholarships have been given for the furtherance of educating young people. In addition, we have given scholarships to the United Negro College Fund and the students that reside in the Chicago Housing Authority.
4. AUTM: In Education, do you think the government is doing enough to help educate (particularly) our youths? Dr. Harris: The government is giving money to educate our children; however, it takes a village to raise a child. Meaning we need every parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, community member, religious leader, business leader, school leader and neighbors to help in educating all of our youth.
5. AUTM: In closing, what advice would give to the Readers of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine? Dr. Harris: I would encourage the readers of Africa-USA Today Magazine to support this endeavor and to spread the Word about this great Organization.
AUTM: On behalf of the entire members of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine, thank you so much for taking time out of your hectic schedules. And we pray that you, and your dynamic staff, and families have a great, amazing, exciting, more prosperous, and healthy year 2022 in advance, Lord willing. Olawale Idreez can be reached via email: usafriglo@yahoo.com LinkedIn@Olawale-Idreez Olawale Idreez, Publisher
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Founder & CEO
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Prophetess Renee Jacob
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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 AFRICAUSA USATODAY TODAY 1313
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. 14 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 self-service. 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.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COUNCIL MARCH 2021
2040
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Africa Business
Mission
The story of Africa International The mission of Africa International House USA, House is to serve as a center that Inc. (AIH) exposes and educates all peoples to begins at the individual works and collective Window to contributions of African cultures. Africa (WTA) Our mission is addressed through an African our flagship program, the African art and gift Festival of the Arts, and through store in Harper other activities that promote Court, Hyde African-based culture. Africa Park - owned International House is an umbrella by Dr. Delores for linkages and exchanges of (Dee) Parmer people from Africa and the African and Patrick Diaspora. Woodtor who returned from Liberia in CONTACT 1982. WTA was operated by art & cultural enthusiasts: Joanne Scott, Shionah Chancellor, Steven B. Jackson, Dayo Laoye, Gwen Luster and Curtis Chancellor. Programs at WTA drew large crowds and included exhibitions, fairs and fashion shows. The Bahamas National Dance Troupe premiered in Chicago as one of these events. In 1989, WTA convened a group of cultural supporters to manage the WTA activities which became the African Festival of the Arts (AFA). In 1994, the Woodtor family incorporated Africa International House USA, Inc (AIH) as a nonprofit organization to manage the AFA, with the mission: "To serve as a center that exposes and educates all peoples to the individual works and collective contributions of African cultures." AIH, governed by a board of directors, combines community support with corporate sponsorship to present Chicago audiences with art and cultural programs through our Center for Contemporary African Art and Culture.
Board of Directors
Shaffdean Amowu, MPH, P…
Julian T. Roberts - Vice Chair
Jan Austin - Treasurer
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Investing in Infrastructure for a Better Illinois
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May 15, 2019 Embargoed/Draft
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OFFICIAL PRESS KIT
2021 “Special Edition” Chicago Auto Show
CYBER MONDAY DEAL! ALL TICKETS $10 - $5 SAVINGS After a successful "Summer Edition" this past July, the Chicago Auto Show is returning to its traditional February dates for 2022. TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. Purchase today and take advantage of our "Cyber Monday" deal! Normally, ticket prices are the following: $15 for adults $10 for seniors and kids age 3-12 Today only, we are giving previous ticket buyers the opportunity to purchase a special Cyber Monday ticket for just $10. To get this special price, simply select the Cyber Monday ticket when purchasing. This ticket is valid for an adult admission any day of the show. The 2022 Chicago Auto Show runs from Saturday, Feb. 12 to Monday, Feb. 21. This will be our ONLY online discount for the 2022 show. Why not avoid the line and get your tickets ahead of time? They make great stocking stuffers!
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From: Suzanne Clark <soab22@uschamber.com> To: "usafriglo@yahoo.com" <usafriglo@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, December 13, 2021, 04:40:23 PM CST Subject: Register for State of American Business 2022
Please join us for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's State of American Business signature event on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Register Here In January 2021, we warned that the labor shortage crisis and potential supply chain issues would challenge the business community in unprecedented ways, and we rallied around these issues to support widespread recovery and deliver relief to communities and economies around the globe. As we head into a new year, it is a critical moment to celebrate how American businesses are propelling our country forward — and how the U.S. Chamber will be fighting and taking on the economic, policy, and political realities in 2022. The program includes keynote remarks from U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark followed by panels featuring leading CEOs, policy experts, and other insightful speakers as they explore the theme Competition for the Future. We will share more details on the speakers and agenda in the coming weeks and look forward to connecting with you virtually on January 11. WHAT: State of American Business: Competition for the Future WHEN: Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 11:00 AM ET WHERE: Virtual REGISTER: Click here. View Email Online | Update Profile | Manage Subscriptions | Join | Unsubscribe This e-mail was sent to usafriglo@yahoo.com and contains information directly related to your subscription profile. U.S. Chamber of Commerce 1615 H Street, NW WASHINGTON, DC, 20062, US
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Book Club
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Welcome to our market!
Journey of Reconciliation of and her Sev en Principles
History
Gallery
Diaspora
FAQ
The Seven Principles
Name
Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African cultural holiday that is centered around seven principles (called Nguzo Saba in Swahili). They are:
Umoja (Unity) Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world. Seven Candles for Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
Nia (Purpose) Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
Kuumba (Creativity) Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
Imani (Faith) Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
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EVENTS
Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace
CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL KWANZAA MARKET Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration December 26 - January 1. Each day is dedicated to one of the seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba. The seven principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), Imani (Faith). Africa International House hosts an annual Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace. This year it will go virtual. The market will be available all of December with video programming throughout the month. Learn about the Kwanzaa principles and setting up a Kwanzaa table in your home. Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for updates and programming. Market registration includes: Directory listing on the AIH website Your Business Logo and images with a link to your online store Video Introduction about your business** Each Business will be highlighted throughout the month Branded promotional materials will be available to promote market Mentions of your business during our online programming events *Merchants are responsible for all payment transactions, shipping, and customer communication **Intro videos can be up to 10 minutes. They can showcase your business, preview items, and demonstrate products or services. Videos can be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. If you have questions, email us at vendors@aihusa.org
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EVENTS
Highlights from Mary L. Swopes Birthday Celebration 2021
Photography/ Graphic Design John E. Smith Jr.
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NATIONAL NEWS
T�� B���� B��� B����� F�������� PRESIDENT BIDEN’S PLAN TO REBUILD THE MIDDLE CLASS
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resident Joe Biden believes that there’s no greater economic engine in the world than the hard work and ingenuity of the American people. But for
too long, the economy has worked great for those at the top, while working families get squeezed. President Biden promised to rebuild the backbone of the country – the middle class – so that this time everyone comes along. The Build Back Better Framework does just that. This framework will set the United States on course to meet its climate goals, create millions of good-paying jobs, enable more Americans to join and remain in the labor force, and grow our economy from the bottom up and the middle out. Here’s what the Build Back Better Framework will mean for Linda from Peoria, IL:
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Read more about the Build Back Better Framework:
NATIONAL NEWS
WE’RE INVESTING IN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
B������� B��� B����� Read about the Build Back Better Framework Read About the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Read the Vaccination Requirements Report Read President Biden's COVID-19 Action Plan
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---------- Forwarded message --------From: Olawale Idreez <idreezolawale@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 1:20 PM Subject: Fwd: HKBAM HOLIDAY RECEPTION PARTY DEC 16TH, 2021. To: <christine.barragan@hktdc.org>
HKBAM Holiday Reception Party
Congratulations, and thanks Ms. Christine Barragan (HKBAM Staff and Members) for a successful and joyful holiday reception party on December 16th, 2021 at the University Club76 East Monroe Street, Chicago, IL. . That was simply awesome! The best is yet to come. Cheers, Olawale Idreez, Publisher AFRICA-USA Today Magazine 312-937-4508 Instagram@olawale.idreez.792 Twitter@olawale_idreez 20211216_191803.jpg 1MB 20211216_193033.jpg 1.1MB 20211216_192528.jpg 1.2MB 20211216_191821.jpg 1.1MB 20211216_184648.jpg 1.7MB 20211216_193010.jpg 1.1MB 20211216_191847.jpg 1.1MB 20211216_193842(0).jpg 1.1MB 20211216_184915(0).jpg 2MB 20211216_184411.jpg 2.2MB 20211216_184336.jpg 2.5MB 20211216_183657.jpg 2.9MB 20211216_184340.jpg 2.5MB 20211216_183639.jpg 2.7MB
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BOOK CLUB Nnedi Okorafor and the Fantasy Genre She Is Helping Redefine By Alexandra Alter Oct. 6, 2017
Nearly 25 years ago, Nnedi Okorafor was visiting relatives in Isiekenesi, Nigeria, when she asked her grand uncle a sensitive question. What could he tell her about Nsibidi, an old and often secret symbolic script? “His response was, ‘You should not be asking me about these evil things!’” Ms. Okorafor recalled. Predictably, his chiding only fueled her curiosity. She learned everything she could about the script and, many years later, incorporated it into her fantasy books. “There’s a secretness that was really intriguing,” said Ms. Okorafor, who has a tattoo on her arm with Nsibidi symbols that means “story teller.” Magic, ritual and secrecy are threads that run through Ms. Okorafor’s wildly imaginative young adult fantasy series, which features a head-spinning menagerie of otherworldly spirits and deities drawn from Nigerian myths and legends. This week, Viking published “Akata Warrior,” the second book in the Akata series, a dark, sprawling epic that some fans and readers have labeled the “Nigerian Harry Potter.” The story centers on Sunny Nwazue, a Nigerian-American girl who moves to southeastern Nigeria from New York, and learns that she belongs to the secret Leopard Society, a group of people with magical abilities. An albino with pale skin and hair, Sunny is treated as an outcast by superstitious locals who call her a witch. But once she discovers her powers, she becomes friends with three other Leopard children, learning to cast spells, read Nsibidi and move between the physical world and spirit realm. Like her protagonist, Ms. Okorafor, 43, grew up straddling two worlds, never really fitting into either. The daughter of Nigerian immigrants, she was raised in Illinois, but spent holidays with her extended family in Nigeria. “Nigeria is my muse,” said Ms. Okorafor, who lives in a suburb of Chicago. “The idea of the world being a magical place, a mystical place, is normal there.”
Over the last decade or so, Ms. Okorafor has published a dozen science fiction and fantasy novels, and has emerged as one of the genre’s most innovative and visionary writers. Her stories, which are often set in West Africa, use the framework of fantasy to explore weighty social issues: racial and gender inequality, political violence, the destruction of the environment, genocide and corruption. She’s won virtually every major science fiction and fantasy award, including the Hugo, the Nebula and the World Fantasy Award, as well as the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa. Now, after developing a cult following, Ms. Okorafor’s gritty, unconventional fantasies are catching on with a much larger, mainstream audience. Her novel, “Who Fears Death,” which is set in a postapocalyptic Africa, has been optioned as a series by HBO, with George R. R. Martin signed on as an executive producer. She’s
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