Beyond Juneteenth: Breaking the Chains to Access Capital and Achieve Real Freedom
Vercie Lark, left, Region 7 Great Plains Administrator and Ted James, right, Region 6 South Central Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration By Vercie Lark and Ted James Being black and walking away from a person who legally owned you became reality on June 17, 1865, when Texas became the last state to implement the Emancipation Proclamation. The day, now known as Juneteenth, has become one of celebration for black Americans. ...
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Despite Apathy, Activists and Strategists Urge Black Voters Not to Sit out 2022 Midterms
The failure of Congress to pass legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act have frustrated African Americans. With new voter suppression laws, the leaked Roe V. Wade opinion, and the assault on many other rights, some question whether the voting bloc that allowed Democrats to take the White House and control both houses of Congress will abandon the polls...
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Aramie Payton Takes on Broadway as Michael Jackson Understudy in MJ the Musical
By Portia King Chicago is the breeding ground for some of the world’s greatest talent. From musicians to athletes and actors to dancers, the city continues to be the pulse of creativity and charisma. Singer, actor, and dancer, Aramie Payton, is currently playing the iconic King of Pop, Michael Jackson, in the New York City hit Broadway stage play, MJ the Musical. As the understudy, Aramie regularly performs, bringing the King...
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Story of Black Rail Workers Inspired by Historical Events told in New Drama “The Porter”
Danielle Sanders, Chicago Defender Managing Editor Set in the early 1920s, “The Porter” follows the journeys of train porters who hustle, dream, cross borders, and pursue their ambitions in the fight for liberation as they traveled the railways across North America. It is a gripping story of empowerment and idealism that highlights the moment when railway workers from both Canada and the United States joined together to give birth...
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AMERICA’S TRUE LIFE – WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE
by Ennis Leon Jacobs, Jr I recently wrote an opinion editorial titled “America’s True Critical Race Theory” in response to the political debate in Florida on this civic controversy. I had ulterior motives because my son is deeply immersed in the topic, and a friend, who is a state leader, was deeply moved by the Florida legislative proposals. The article recalled an experience in high school when, during a...
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Black-Owned Businesses Thriving Despite Early Pandemic Lows: Here’s Why
Black Information Network Despite being hit the hardest at the beginning of the pandemic, Black-owned businesses are making a significant comeback. Reports say the number of Black small-business owners is up 28 percent compared to before the pandemic. Black people are making greater gains in business than any other demographic — the number of Latino business owners increased by 19 percent and white and Asian-owned businesses saw a 5 percent increase. ...
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