Africa USa Today MAGAZINE
Politicosocionomics of World Peace
www.africaustodaymag.com 312/880-7016 April/ May 2020 U.S.- $4.99 Canada- $5.99 London- 3 Pounds
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PUBLISHER’S OPINION Olawale Idreez, Publisher
“For Such A Moment As This, Our Sovereign Lord Reigns: Faith Over Fear” by Olawale Idreez. Yes, for such a moment as this, our God never sleep, nor slumber. Why? The works of His hands of the sixth day are hurting badly on a global scale. Of course, when we are hurting, He is hurting, too. I don’t really presume anyone is enjoying this perilous temporary season of Coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic; not even the Devil or Satan. The Population of the planet Earth is currently around 7.1Billion (with capital B, right?). May God forbids, what if the entire inhabitants of this earth are wiped out, what would the Creator be doing? I realized the Theologians will be quoting that, “If you human beings refused to worship ‘my’ true God, He will raise even stones to worship Him.” Fine, that’s true! The Word of God is always true. However, of all the things (He) created on the previous five days, not until the sixth day, (He) finally took a rest, and smiled at the Angelic Hosts, that yes, this is “Master Peace.” Meaning, God was happy. Unfortunately, things fell apart when first Creature (Adam) misled by the serpent, and gave the delicious apple to the Damsel, Eve. That’s the Genesis. Yet, God was still faithful, by sending the Best of Heaven, the second Person in Divine Trinity, SAVIOR Jesus Christ (in Yoruba translation, Jesu Kristi) to fulfill His redemption plan for His Work of the sixth day, Man/Woman. The Bible clearly revealed the fulfillment in Book of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, He gave His Most Beloved Son. That whosoever believed in Him would not perish, but have eternal life.” KJV. Now, tell me, how many people can see the works you worked so hard, or hardly worked for it, through your inheritance; and be one day, wiped out because of the east wind, or any other natural calamities. You will certainly be hurting. Right? That is my humble opinion to the question many people are asking now. Where is God in this calamity? God does not sleep nor slumber because (His) works of the sixth day are hurting temporarily now. For such a moment as this, as an human being, I almost let fear overtake my faith in Christ, that I thought I would wake up one day, and the heavens will fall, and there will be no more sky to cover the firmament. But, to my humble amazement, I lifted up my eyes (Emphasis Psams 121, 123, and Psalm 8). The Sky, Moon, Stars are still in tact. Birds are still singing, Rains are still falling, Dunking Donuts store on Broadway & Winona, Chicago are still operating on drive through for my favorite extra large dose of DDC (Dunkin Donut Coffee); and of course, the Chinese delicious meals on Lincoln Ave and Devon Ave, Chicago were operating until recently. So, I have no choice but adhere to Governor and Mayor’s order, to stay home. Fine. Most importantly, I’m sure the billions and billions of galaxies, and hosts of Angelic Hosts are still praising our Almighty God forever (Psalm 103); including the ones we can see with our naked eye, and the ones we cannot even fathom that they exist, unless God opens your spiritual eyes. Yet, by faith, we know they exist. They see us, but we don’t see them. For such a moment as this, the question is begging for answers. Why does it have to take a moment like this, for human beings (including this humble writer, Olawale Idreez) to appreciate one another, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, rich, not-so-rich, ex-spouse, youths, children, neighbors, and communities? 4 AFRICA USA TODAY
PUBLISHER’S OPINION contd. For such a moment as this, why do we, human beings have to come this far; or worse, why does it have to take this invisible enemy named coronavirus/covid-19 pandemic temporary season as this, for the President Trump, VP Pence, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, 44th President Obama, and so many leaders around the nooks and corners of this great nation, USA, to work on behalf of the less powerful, and say, we got your back. And release the promissory notes, to make their lives better in this temporary invisible perilous season the world is going through. Hopefully the other nations (Nigeria, and Africa in particular) would emulate the same kind of gesture. And, for such a moment as this, we will continue to praise and worship, even on a live stream video, for now; or Radio V-103FM on Sundays 8am-10am’s “Get your praise on” by Sonya Blakey. God bless you richly. Amen. Knowing that, after the tunnel, there will be light. Right? Lest I forget, there are two main antidotes for a moment as this: We, as the people of this universe, will not cave in, and keep asking, where is God in this temporary perilous season? We, the Believers, knowing that our God is in heavens, doing whatsoever (He) pleases, and having mercy upon whom (He) will mercy on. And more importantly, thank God, particularly for the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. Seriously, it could probably have been worse. May the good Lord comfort those who have lost their loved ones across the globe in this past three months, or so. And may the good Lord have mercy upon us that are still alive. Amen. The human beings have endured worse epidemic than this one. We believed, this too, shall pass. And come out as stronger and better people of this universe, pleasing the Almighty God. Amen. In addition to following the proper hygienic recommendations of the CDC (Center for Diseases Control) doing marvelous jobs: to wash your hands, don’t rub your hand in your face when you are sick, stay six feet social distance at the food pantries, your spouse should put pillows in between on the bed, or husband should sleep in guest room, while the wife occupies the king size bedroom, in a one bedroom setting. (Oops! emphasis mine); we should not stop praying where ever you are, even in the closets, or kitchen. I know you will not believe, if I told you, I always took off my clothes before I get in shower, and lock the door, so I can spend enough time, praising and doing my thing. You understand, right? On a serious note, please be safe, sound, peaceful, and prosperously healthy this Easter Sunday, and beyond out there. And don’t forget to do the right thing: Register for 2020 CENSUS, Count in your neighborhood. It matters! Next JUNE 2020 Edition of the AFRICA-USA Today Magazine’s Publisher’s Opinion; “U.S. – CHINA Relations: The Case of 1971 Tension Between Secretary Henry Kissinger vs. China’s PM Cheng Kachiech, 100,000 lives will be lost.” now unfortunately fulfilled. Be careful what comes out of your mouth. “The Power of Life and Death Are In Tongue!” Writer: Olawale Idreez. Follow: Instagram@Olawale Idreez LinkedIn@Olawale Idreez Email: usafriglo@yahoo.com
My Dream Sky-Jet named “Ambition”
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MARKETING DIRECTOR DINA KUPER
PUBLIC RELATIONS RAQUEL LACOUR REGIONAL EDITOR ADEMOLA LAWAL
FASHION CONSULTANT KEYY LANG
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
PR CONSULTANT TINA WASHINGTON
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April Gayles, Mother, model, Fashion Stylist John E. Smith Jr., Photographer
Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography
Contents
JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Celebrating Mother’s Day In this issue we are celebrating Mother’s Day. We look forward to the arrival of Spring, and with it the signal to enjoy the renewal, and blossoming of not only flowers, & plants but our own spirits and attitudes. We hope you are making the most of your time. Stay safe. Happy Mother’s Day! Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross at 40 The picture of Diana Ross and her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross was at 40 as evidence that they are mother and daughter, absolutely similar. While Diana turned out as a famous singer, Tracee had a role as an actress, a comedian, and recently as a lead on Black-ish.
Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross at 40
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HEALTH
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Let Us Join You For Cocktail Hour!!!!
Enjoy dinner with us, and add your favorite beverage. Half off when you Pick up or order through Grubhub. Homemade Tej Honey Wine Bottled Beers Cline Viognier Indaba Sauvignon Blanc Excelsior Cabernet M.A.N Pinotage You deserve it.
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BUSINESS
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ECONOMICS/ HEALTH
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Salute to Celebrity Moms on Mother’s Day
Hillary Clinton
Michelle Obama Melania Trump
Iman
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Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross at 40 The picture of Diana Ross and her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross was at 40 as evidence that they are mother and daughter, absolutely similar. While Diana turned out as a famous singer, Tracee had a role as an actress, a comedian, and recently as a lead on Black-ish.
Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross at 40
Jada Pinkett Smith and Willow Smith at 19 Jada Pinkett Smith joined television movies and had a role in A Different World at the age of 19 while her daughter Will Smith, Willow Smith had a successful music career at the same age as her. She also featured on Red Table Talk with her mom and grandma.
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Cover Story
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John E. Smith Jr. Photography
Cover Story by
April Gayles
John E. Smith Jr. Photography
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COVER STORY
Behind the scenes with April Gayles
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John E. Smith Jr. Photography
COVER STORY
John E. Smith Jr. Photography
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TEAM GHANA 2020
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TEAM GHANA 2020
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TEAM GHANA 2020
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BUSINESS
State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza to headline Quad County Urban League’s Women’s Empowerment Summit (WES) 6th Annual event to focus on women mentoring women (Aurora, IL) – State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza, Illinois Appellate Court Presiding Justice Cynthia Y. Cobbs, State Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller and Sylvie Legere, president of the Policy Circle are among the headliners for the Quad County Urban League’s (QCUL) sixth annual Women’s Empowerment Summit (WES) on Friday, March 13th at the Chicago Marriott Southwest Hotel in Burr Ridge. The theme of this year’s WES is Women Being Heard and Giving Voice: 100 Years of Disruption. Registration opens at 7:15 a.m. and there will be a closing reception at 3:00 p.m.
The daylong event includes dynamic keynote addresses, Fireside Chats and panel discussions featuring national, regional and local women leaders. The Summit was created to bring together seasoned professionals and emerging leaders to interact and share career-enhancing advice. This year’s event will have a unique focus on women mentoring, supporting and empowering each other, and be a nod to the 100 years since women first obtained the vote.
Comptroller Mendoza was sworn in as Illinois Comptroller on Dec. 5, 2016 and serves as Illinois’ chief fiscal and accountability officer. Now in her third year as comptroller, she has initiated a transparency revolution in state government, working with legislators of both parties to introduce and pass several transformative measures that make state financial information more publicly available than ever before. Mendoza was the first Hispanic independently elected to statewide office in Illinois after her historic win as the first woman elected Chicago city clerk in 2011.
“100 years ago women came together with a singular goal – to obtain the right to vote - and in that same vein of solidarity and support we’ve formulated this year’s Women’s Empowerment Summit,” said Theodia Gillespie, president and CEO of the QCUL. “We wanted to acknowledge how women mentor, support and work together, and this amazing assemblage of women leaders are exemplars of that ethos.”
This year’s event will feature three “Fireside Chats.” “How to Engage, Influence and Provoke Change,” with Commissioner Miller, Representative Kifowit and Chakena Simms. The session will be moderated by Kaleshia Page, Government and Regulatory Affairs Manager Comcast, Trustee of Woodridge IL and QCUL Board Member. “How to Scale and Pitch Yourself,” with Shari Wilson, JoAna Garcia Sohovich and Kristin Malek, Sr. Manager, Supply Diversity. The session will be moderated by LaSandra Pierce, senior VP Consumer Banking, National Performance Executive Bank of America. “The Power of a Mentor” will feature Shelia Caldwell, and Judge Cobbs and will be moderated by Shannon Pierce, vice president of operations Nicor Gas.
During the WES, the QCUL honors women leaders who are making an impact in their field of endeavor. The 2020 Women’s Empowerment Summit Honorees are: Sheila Caldwell, Chief Diversity Officer Wheaton College; Judge Cobbs; Dr. Hadiyah Green, founder and president Ora Lee Cancer Foundation; Illinois State Representative Kifowit; Cynthia Latimer, board member ISBE; Jade Lee, founder Supply-Chain Services, Irma Lopez, BEP, VEP, CMS Outreach Manager State of Illinois; Kristin Malek, CDW; AFRICA USA TODAY 41
BUSINESS
State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza to headline Quad County Urban League’s Women’s Empowerment Summit (WES) Cook County Commissioner Miller; Vickie Morcos, president & CEO Dunham Fund; Trustee Page; Shannon Pierce, Nicor Gas; Chakena Sims, Chair, Cook County Young Democrats and Board President for Chicago Votes Action Fund; Amy Yu, founder Antlia Displays; Illinois Comptroller Mendoza; JoAna Sohovich, CEO of Chamberlain Group; Pierce; and Candace C. Moore, Chief Equity Officer-City of Chicago.
As in past years, there will be an entrepreneur’s Pitch Competition, a select group of vendors offering their products and services, and a reception to cap off the day. Emceeing the event will be Devorah Crable. Sponsors for this year’s event are CDW, Comcast, Fox River Valley Community Foundation, UPS, Waubonsee Community College and the Dunham Fund.
Tickets for the WES are $125/ $50 for students and sponsorships are welcome. Vendor booths are $100 each. For more information or to purchase tickets e-mail events@qcul.org or call 630-851-2203. Follow the QCUL on Facebook.
About The Quad County Urban League Founded in 1975, the Quad County Urban League (QCUL) helps secure equal opportunities for all disadvantaged persons and people of color, including African Americans, women and persons with disabilities. Quad County Urban League is an affiliate of the National Urban League and is a United Way member agency. The QCUL serves DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois. Visit www.qcul.org for more information.
### Media Contact: Patricia Andrews-Keenan
The Tallulah Group
Phone: (312) 206-2821
Email: PKeenan1@comcast.net
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EVENTS
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TRIBUTE
A TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS By: Raquel LaCour Becoming a mom was the most graퟁfying experience of my life. I knew at that moment that I was responsible for the care and proper upbringing of another individual. I never knew what love was, unퟁl I experienced the immensity, of an overwhelming concern, for this new life, that God allowed me to create. Motherhood is the most rewarding job, because we culퟁvate and mold an individual to conquer the world, with the right disposiퟁon and character, to adhere to any stress and let downs of life itself. The mother is always there for encouragement, because her role is not concerned with avarice. A mother is paퟁent, supporퟁve and understanding. A mother will sacrifice everything and gain nothing to watch her child gain all the riches and glory. A mother is always solicitous about the welfare of her child. She copes with every disappointment and laughs in exultaퟁon with every accomplishment. Motherhood is the most profound role and job. A child is the most treasured gi㒆 created. A mother watches with exuberance to see her child supersede her, while becoming an adult, right before her eyes. It is the most amazing experience in life. It is with complete jubilaퟁon and exuberance to proclaim that I am a proud mother of two beauퟁful young women. Praising God to allow me such a role, I feel such triumph as I dedicated my life to my children. I give a tribute to all Mothers, because I know it is not an easy role, but it is the most fulfilling. I thank God for allowing me the most posiퟁve aퟁribute to take care of His child rewarded unto me. “ My son, hear the instrucퟁons of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother, for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck.” Proverbs 1:8,9
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HEALTH
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CELEBRITY PROFILE
Dr. Carolyn G. Anderson
Mother’s Day The Royal Queen, MRS. BLACK AMERICA, Talk Show Host and International Best Selling Author celebrates Mother’s Day Since I’ve known myself, I have always wanted to be a Mother. I would dream about being a Mom and what my children would look like. Today, I am delighted to be the Mother of 3 wonderful children and out of all my successes and titles, including being crowned Queen as Mrs. Black America, my favorite role is being a Mom. Motherhood is precious, because it gives you an opportunity to create life and to see that life produce yet another life or sow a seed. Therefore, I celebrate Motherhood and all that it brings. Media Contact: Camila Godoy 312-278-7707 or camila@carolynganderson.com Integrity Consulting & Coaching Enterprise, LLC 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 3100 Chicago, IL 60611 www.carolynganderson.com www.mrsblackamerica.com
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Why we count!
Every 10 years since 1790, the United States attempts the arduous tasks of counting its citizenry. It’s a painstaking, expensive exercise designed to decide how federal dollars are to be allocated. But even more expensive is when people of color fail to participate in census.
African Americans represent more than 14% of America’s population. Closer to home, our populations are shifting with many Blacks from large Midwestern cities like Chicago participating in a reverse migration. They are heading south to cities like Houston, and Dallas for better opportunities, and to more rural areas seeking a better quality of life. And while the focus in Chicago seems to be the massive exodus of the city’s Black residents, it’s important to note, that in 2018, in a city, once considered the Black Mecca, African Americans were still the largest ethnic group. So while the media continues to focus on Black reverse migration, there remains a huge number of us who call Cook County and Chicago home, and as such we deserve our fair share of federal dollars, programs, and resources.
That’s why this year’s census, more than any other in our history, is the most important, and why African Americans in the Chicagoland area, the County and across Illinois must participate. Nationally, Illinois ranks in the top five states with Black congressional representation, with three representatives, —Danny Davis, Bobby Rush and Robin Kelly - representing our predominately Black districts. Combined, our three representatives deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds and resources to our communities. But with the new census, Illinois may lose a congressional seat. When it’s all said and done, pundits will point to the declining Black population, potentially leading to the loss of a representative and millions of dollars flowing out of our communities and out of the state. But we can prove them wrong!
History has shown that Black America has consistently been undercounted. This year, I hope we overwhelm them in this process by participating at our highest level and insisting that the United States gets it right. The power lies with you. Become family, neighborhood and community ambassadors in this process, making sure that you onboard all those in your sphere of influence. We need the more the 5M+ of us in Cook County and the nearly 48 million of us across the country to participate in this year’s census.
America realizes our importance at the voting booth, with every candidate vying for the powerful Black vote. But when we truly understand our collective power, we will be just as determined to get our census count right as we are to get this year’s election right. The consequences for Black America is dire in both instances, and we have the power to make a difference. It’s our choice to either stand by or stand up. For the 2020 Census, let’s all rise!
Melody Spann Cooper Chairman Midway Broadcasting
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Book Club
Book Club
50 Golden Nuggets To Becoming An Unstoppable Achiever THE ACHIEVER’S POWER $24.95 book ABOUT THE AUTHOR Princess Dr. Moradeun Ogunlana is visionary, entrepreneur, consultant, and humanitarian. She is the President/CEO of Innovative Global Consulting (IGC) Group of Companies, an Infrastructure, Agriculture, Energy, Business, and Economic Development corporation connecting businesses in Africa to the World. As the Founder/CEO of African Women’s Health Project International (AWHPI). Princess Ogunlana was recently inducted at the UCT in United Nations as an Ambassador of Culture uniting USA - China - Africa; by promoting Culture, Development and Health wellness among the women of the World; and promoting Peace Building. She currently serves as the International Coordinator for the Nigerian Ambassador for Peace in the Diaspora Initiatives. Princess Moradeun Ogunlana served (two) five-years term (10 years) as a Commissioner with the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission, appointed by the Mayor of Little Rock, and served for five years as a Little Rock Chambers of Commerce Ambassador. She was just conferred and hooded, PhD in Humanities and Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) from CICA International University and Seminary in New York, NY on October 1, 2016. She has received numerous humanitarian awards, commendations, and congressional citations, and most recently the Governor’s Excellence Award from the state of Arkansas. About The Achiever’s Power You will discover in this book, just as Shakespeare has averred, that some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them. This means that even if the strategies may be different, depending on individual situations and uniqueness, everyone can indeed lead an emancipated, empowered, accomplished and transformative life. Regardless of place and circumstances of birth, regardless of disabilities, tragedies, traumas, blunders of the past and limitations of the present, everyone can fulfill their destinies and be all they are meant to be. I assure you that, as you read and meditate on these nuggets, not only will you be refreshingly enlightened but you will also be empowered to reach deep down within to discover hidden capabilities, look far beyond to see massive opportunities and launch out unstoppably to fulfill your dreams and help others to fulfill theirs! You will feel supremely alive and vibrant! You will feel supremely alive and vibrant! You will feel uncommonly elated! AFRICA USA TODAY 49
Book Club
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Welcome to our market!
Inspire others by sharing your story
We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and well during these unique times. While distance is keeping us apart, our identity as runners continues to keep us connected. The stories from our Bank of America Chicago Marathon community have inspired countless runners and aspiring marathoners for years. Now more than ever, it's important to keep inspiring each other by sharing your story, your experiences and the role running plays in your life today. If you aren't a part of our social community, we encourage you to join us today by liking the event on Facebook and following @ChiMarathon on Instagram and Twitter. Share your story with us by using #MyChicagoMarathon or complete the form on the event website. Your stories will be shared on event social channels in the coming weeks and leading up to the 2020 event in October.
Throwback to past Bank of America Chicago Marathon