Mother of slain 9 yr old #TyshawnLee allegedly uses funeral donations to purchase car

In a bizarre series of happenings which as further tragedy to the death of 9 years young Tyshawn Lee, it appears now that funds meant to be used for his funeral expenses have been instead used by his mother to purchase an automobile.

 Rumblings first appeared via on Instagram, where Lee apparently went back and forth with people over having been seen at a Nissan dealership. Accusations on fb eventually led CBC to the page labeled Help Me Lay My Child To Rest and made these accusatory posts:

As stated above, actual arguments about the purchase itself between donators and Lee's friends had already appeared on Instagram

Tyshawn's Lee's father, Pierre Stokes under his Instagram screen name Wooh Gotti, released this statement, ironically or perhaps tragically enough asking for more money....







































Finally after virus level posts concerning this story appeared on our Culture of Black Chicago Fb page, they attracted the attention of one page fan who led us to startling video of Karla Lee herself seeming to justify the purchase as something her NINE YEAR OLD child would have ordained...

If u not supporting leave me alone

A video posted by @karla_lee26 on Nov 6, 2015 at 10:33pm PST

RIP, #TyshawnLee, your peace seems well deserved.

Kyemah McEntyre and the statement behind her gorgeous self designed #afrocentric prom dress- an internet sensation

I'm Kyemah McEntyre, I am 18 years old and I am undoubtedly of African Descent. As an artist I have a completely different point of view compared to most individuals. I am extremely analytical and observant. Throughout the world, we have people who do not notice each others essence and humanity. We Stunt our collective spiritual growth by allowing assumptions and stereotypes to cloud our mind and thus our physical reality. We let these negative ideas get the best of us, and in turn a world of isolation is manifested by our lack of sensitivity and desire to sympathize with each other. This results in a world in which people live within the confines of their own space, isolated from each other and separated from the rest of the world.Sometimes we get trapped in our own prejudice ways. We don't notice how the idea of a particular type of person changes the way we live our lives. The most creative people are the ones who step out of their comfort zone and take advantage of the world around them. My abilities as an artist allows me to experience the benefits that versatility fosters. Being exposed to all kinds of people and cultures is the muse for my artwork. I am an aspiring artist who is very passionate about the connection between art and the world. I believe that in order for society to gain a wider horizon, we have to be willing to acknowledge other people from differences, beliefs, morals, and values. I would like to take this moment to say that you have to understand who you are because if you leave that space open, you leave your identity in the hands of society. Don't let anyone define you. Beautiful things happen when you take pride in yourself. #blackgirlsrock #kyebreaktheinternet

A photo posted by Kyemah McEntyre (@mindofkye) on Jun 6, 2015 at 2:32pm PDT

South Shore business owners SSA#49 wants to give you $5000 !!!!

South Shore biz owners- SSA 49 wants to give you $5,000!
Message:"If you or someone you know owns a business in SSA 49, please let us know! We are giving $5000 grants to 8 business owners who want to beautify or fix their storefronts. Applications due June 30th!"
Download applications at: http://www.ssa49.org/

Not sure if you live in SSA49?
SSA #49 as indicated in dark blue on the map:
+ Exchange Ave. from 71st to 79th Streets
+ 75th from Paxton to South Shore drive
+ 79th from Paxton to South Shore Drive

For more direct questions and inquiries please email:
Allyson Scrutchens: Allyson@farsouthcdc.org.

‪#‎blackmarketchi‬
‪#‎blackbizchicago‬

Sib's Breakfast Club Creator talks about Black Men Stand Up and her support of the Afroprenuers and Culturevators of Chicago.#4questions

4Questions

1.Why Black Men Stand Up and how does it fit in with the mission of Sib's Breakfast Club?

-I feel that one of the MAIN reasons for the lack of…..everything in the black community is the way that our black men have been mistreated. I do not have this event to say I do not focus on women in business. I want our black men to know that we need them, we understand what you are going through and we are here for you. Black men are physically the stronger being. We as black women need them as husbands, fathers, uncles, brothers, friends, etc… If we can let the media know that we support our men, I feel that they will no longer try to break our men down. This is event is simply a thank you to the Men that helped me become a strong women and the men that help me now. This fits in my mission because I support black business. Our black men need us as strong help mates. That is what I bring to the table.

2. Any such events planned for the glorious Black woman of Chicago?

-I am connected to so many brilliant women that are making so many powerful moves. Every month, I work with several women. I consistently assist with women movements and events so right now that is not my focus. I want to make more of an effort to continue to assist other women their respective events and movements. 

3. How can we improve the business climate for afroprenuers in Chicago?

One thing I want to say first is that Chicago does support. 
How can we improve?
I feel that we should stop focusing on what we don’t do and put the spotlight on what we do have going on as “afroprenuers”. I have found that I am still here because I really truly love what I do. I love helping my people.. Stay true to your grind and everything will fall into place. I feel that the afroprenuers have to realize that they are open for business because others made an effort to support them. With that being said, treat your customers right and they will treat you right. They own you nothing. You owe them! One more thing….stop thinking that someone owes you something in business. If it’s your business…OWN IT!

4. What’s next for Sib's Breakfast Club?

After my June 20th 4th Annual Black Men Stand Up event I will be on break until September. September will be my 7 year anniversary celebration. I am very excited about that! I will take the time this summer to prepare for that event. My main focus is to work with my SIB’S Breakfast Club members. I have several new members that are having grand openings, businesses anniversaries and some that just need help to get more exposure. That is my TOP priority.

Check out Sib's Breakfast Club with a click

Simply Social: An Issue of Blood

Join Friends, Followers and Fans of Soleil's To-Dos and Tofu Chitlin' Circuit at 2pm on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at Victory Gardens Theater for a special three-course Simply Social! Tickets are only $25 with Discount Code Soleil.


Buy tickets here: http://bit.ly/1y9R4N2
Enter our ticket giveaway here: http://bit.ly/1NfyHgh
Event details here: http://on.fb.me/1CowKml
Or on our website here: http://bit.ly/1FBJytR
Info on The Tofu Chitlin' Circuit here: http://bit.ly/1Gj2Abx

Here's the plan:

First Course: Pre-Performance Reception, 2pm 
Join us in the lobby for a complimentary cocktail and snacks! Meet and greet other Friends/Fans/Followers and find out more about Tofu CHitlin' Circuit and its programming!

Second Course: An Issue of Blood, 3pm
It’s 1676 in Virginia – a time when class, not color, defined an American’s destiny. Historic figure and wealthy landowner Negro Mary believes a vile curse has been cast upon her family and land. But her plans to break the curse are thwarted by a secret wedding, an interracial love triangle, and a crime of passion. Can Mary cheat fate and change the course of history? Or will their lives end in division and destruction? In An Issue of Blood, Victory Gardens Ensemble playwright Marcus Gardley and Artistic Director Chay Yew (The Gospel of Lovingkindness) look to a pivotal moment in our collective past to understand how we arrived in our tumultuous present.

Third Course:
Black Lives Matter: Past, Present, And Future
Town Hall
Cries of “I can’t breathe” and #BlackLivesMatter have shed harsh light on our country’s struggle with race, discrimination, and police brutality. Systems of oppression and racial inequity date as far back as colonial America – before Ferguson, before Selma, even before slavery. What do we do with a system we’ve inherited? Join us for a performance of Marcus Gardley’s historical drama, then stick around for this crucial town hall conversation as we unearth our roots and discover new ways of moving forward.

About The Tofu Chitlin' Circuit
The Tofu Chitlin' Circuit is a theater conservatory located on the South side of Chicago. Our mission is to strengthen the connection between the artist and audience through monthly dialogues, actor training, interviews with theater practitioners and innovative performances.

About Victory Gardens Theater
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Chay Yew and Managing Director Christopher Mannelli, Victory Gardens is dedicated to artistic excellence while creating a vital, contemporary American Theater that is accessible and relevant to all people through productions of challenging new plays and musicals. With Victory Gardens’ first new Artistic Director in 34 years, the company remains committed to the development, production and support of new plays that has been the mission of the theater since its founding, continuing the vision set forth by Dennis Zacek, Marcelle McVay, and the original founders of Victory Gardens Theater.

Victory Gardens Theater is a leader in developing and producing new theatre work and cultivating an inclusive Chicago theater community. Victory Gardens’ core strengths are nurturing and producing dynamic and inspiring new plays, reflecting the diversity of our city’s and nation’s culture through engaging diverse communities, and in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, bringing art and culture to our city’s active student population.

Since its founding in 1974, the company has produced more world premieres than any other Chicago theater, a commitment recognized nationally when Victory Gardens received the 2001 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Victory Gardens Biograph Theater includes the Zacek-McVay Theater, a state-of-the-art 259-seat mainstage and the 109-seat studio theater on the second floor, named the Richard Christiansen Theater.

In 2012, Victory Gardens appointed new Ensemble Playwrights Philip Dawkins, Marcus Gardley, Samuel D. Hunter and Tanya Saracho, for seven-year residencies. The Playwrights Ensemble Alumni includes Claudia Allen, Lonnie Carter, Steve Carter, Gloria Bond Clunie, Dean Corrin, Nilo Cruz, Joel Drake Johnson, John Logan, Nicholas Patricca, Douglas Post, James Sherman, Charles Smith, Jeffrey Sweet and Kristine Thatcher.

For more information about Victory Gardens, www.victorygardens.org.Follow Victory Gardens on Facebook at Facebook.com/victorygardensand Twitter @VictoryGardens.

POSTS

Dr. West and Yeezy Rap: video of Kanye West and his mother parlaying over some dope lyrics

An old video showing Kanye West chilling and rapping with his Mum has unearthed.Check it out and see what the old Kanye was like.CC: Yeezer
Posted by Link Up TV on Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Mindsets that Stunt Business Growth: #1-Education Resistance.

Snippet from Business Consultant Ava St Clair: http://www.avastclaire.com/

“I own a business so I don’t need any more education”.

This is more of an internal script, but I hear it loud and clear, often. Owning a business is the last Zion. It isn’t. Getting your incorporation papers and opening the shop doors is a great success, but not the last one. Just because you own a business does not mean you know what you’re doing. You still have a lot to learn. If you own one business, you could probably run it better. If you own two or more, you could learn how to franchise. And if you have franchisees, you could certainly learn how to manage them better. Becoming more educated about your craft or the hard numbers side of your business is imperative. Taking business accounting at the community college doesn’t make you look dumb, it just means that you don’t know something and you are learning how to do it. Take pride in becoming more educated and share the information with others. 

William Alexander Leidesdorff was the first African American millionaire. He continued learning throughout his trade from his father and mentors.

Free Educational Courses

Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/

https://www.edx.org/

Free College Classes: http://www.freecollegeclasses.org/

City business development centers
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/sbc/small_business_developmentcenters.html

CITY TO OFFER SMART MONEY MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR CHILDREN, ADULTS

City Treasurer Kurt Summers offers tips for financial literacy in Chicago as National Financial Capability Month begins. In March, Treasurer Summers launched Chicago's first ever Financial Education Plan with Arne Duncan, Mayor Emanuel, Barbara Byrd Mennett and John Rogers of the President's Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans. Though Chicago has more than 130 financial education providers throughout the city, an inventory showed they are not coordinated and haven't worked toward the same goal. Summers' initiative brings together these providers, the Mayor, City Treasurer's Office, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Public Library, Department of Family and Support Services and Chicago City Colleges to develop a plan to provide access to quality financial education programs and supports.

#ImWithRahm Women's Luncheon

"A Who's Who of Chicago's women business and political leaders gathered yesterday for the #ImWithRahm Women's Luncheon to show continued faith in his plans for the city. #powermoves #FiveDaystoElection

Business and Tech Accelerator BLUE1647 Coming to Englewood!!!

BLUE1647 Greater Englewood Business Accelerator Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Chicago, IL- 

BLUE1647 and Greater Englewood CDC have partnered together with the goal of providing access to workforce development and technology to the Englewood community. The BLUE1647 Greater Englwood Business Accelerator will focus on providing educational training opportunities and services to businesses and residents of the Englewood community. As a result of this partnership, there will be a BLUE1647 satellite facility that will serve as a Business Accelerator at the US Bank building located at 815 W. 63rd Street on the 4th Floor. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place today, April 2, 2015 at 11 am. The space includes private offices, workshops, courses, technical assistance and more.

This Business Accelerator will be added to the other satellite facilities announced earlier this year, including the national expansion to the St. Louis community, as well as a 2015 long term partnership with Rainbow PUSH Excel. BLUE1647 also has “Powered By BLUE” locations at Firehouse Community Center and Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

BLUE1647 programming currently includes RECONNECT employment assistance program, 21st Century Youth Project, Internship Accelerator and many more. These programs and educational opportunities have the potential to bring great resources to the Englewood community. “Our main focus in 2015 is workforce development and this can only be accomplished through ensuring our businesses are equipped with the services and skill sets needed to be sustainable in today’s economy. We have our Innovation Center in Pilsen and it feels great to be providing the same services to small business owners in the Englewood, and surrounding south side communities.” -Founder of BLUE1647, Emile Cambry Jr.

About Greater Englewood CDC

Founded in October of 2011, The Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation (“Greater Englewood CDC”) is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization who seeks to improve the economic vitality of The Greater Englewood area in Chicago. The core purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater Englewood community by spurring economic development initiatives.



About BLUE1647 

BLUE1647 is an entrepreneurship and technology innovation center focused on education (through classes and workshops), workforce development (through apprentices and internships), and economic development in technology and 21st century skills. CEO, Emile Cambry, Jr., sits on the Mayor's Council for Technology Diversity and our program the 21st Century Youth Project, is an Edison Award-Winning program for teaching youth mobile and web app development, as well as hardware and 3D printing.

Events Daily

Today&Tonight

Join us for a very special VIP cocktail reception* from 6PM to 8PM on March 31st with light passed hors d'oeuvres to kick off the party! 

Tickets are $20 and up. Limited VIP tables are available. All ticket proceeds to benefit the Frankie Knuckles Foundation. 

For information please contact KatieRose@RockitRanch.com or visitTheUndergroundChicago.com/Warehouse for more details!

*Law requires us to limit 4 cocktails per guest; 6P-8P

Upcoming

Theater directors from across the United States discuss the history, achievements and challenges facing the African American theater community.

PANELISTS
Ekundayo Bandele, Hattiloo Theatre
Sarah Bellamy, Penumbra Theatre Company
Lydia R. Diamond, Playwright
Jonathan McCrory, National Black Theatre
Dominique Morisseau, Playwright 
Ron OJ Parson, Director
Derrick Sanders, Director
Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater
Monday, April 13 | 6pm
Presented by Congo Square Theatre Company
Goodman Theatre (170 N. Dearborn St.)
312.443.3800 | GoodmanTheatre.org
FREE | Reservations required.

CIMMfest & City Winery Chicago Present: 
An Evening of Music, Film & Wine w/ Spike Lee 
Saturday, April 18 / 8PM
Tix & Info: http://bit.ly/1Et6ECz

Chef Samuel Marshall wants you to savor Japanese Soba Noodles

Japanese soba noodles:

Ingredients 1. Soba Noodles 2. Small carrot 3. mushrooms 4. Micro cilantro 5. Yamaki Soba Noodle Sauce 6. Kosher salt 7. Fresh cracked pepper 8. 2
Scallions Directions: 1. In a large pot bring to boil 4 cups of salted water and cook to package instructions. 2. Once done, drain and rinse in salted cold water and set aside.

For mushrooms: 1. Finely diced your choice of mushrooms, I enjoy shiitake. 2. In a medium saute pan on medium/high heat add 2TBSP olive oil. 3. Add mushrooms to olive oil and saute for about 3 minutes, season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. 4. Add 2TBSP butter to pan and cook until butter is incorporated. 5. Add 2TBSP red wine vinegar and cook for an additional 1 minute. 6. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for about 3 minutes. 7. Peel carrot and shave thinly with a potato peeler.

For Plating: 1. Place noodles in a pasta bowl, top with shaved carrots. Sprinkle mushrooms around the bowl and chopped scallions. Garnish with micro cilantro. 2. Add 3TBSP of soba sauce to bowl, ladel over soba noodles. 3. Serve room temperature and enjoy

Chef Samuel Marshall, a part of our upcoming CulinaryCelebration.
#culinarychicago

Chef Samuel tells us about himself:

"40 years old, born and raised in Chicago, Il. 
Attended Culinary School at Le Cordon Bleu Chicago, worked and trained at mk Restaurant under Chef Erick Williams. Started Urban Fusion Cuisine 2013 with partner Chef Mary Stewart. 
You're now able to get a taste of my amazing dishes by attending one of Urban Fusion Cuisine pop up restaurant locations. Which happens twice a month. Event info is posted on my Facebook page each month.." https://www.facebook.com/SDM34

While Chuy harps on school closings, Rahms effect on HS edu reads as follows

While Chuy harps on school closings, using inaccurate information at times as he does so, the REAL info shows that....

-CPS reached an all-time high CPS graduation rate of just under 70%

-Chicago's Public School system now has the largest International Baccalaureate (IB) program in the country, offering rigorous, pre-college curriculum to thousands of Chicago students.

-Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education is being planned at dozens of schools by training 1000 teachers over the next five years and triple the number of students that receive STEM credentials by the end of 2018.

-Five STEM high schools were established in 2012 in partnership with Cisco, IBM, Microsoft, Motorola Solutions, and Verizon Wireless, providing over 1,000 work-based learning opportunities and 900 mentorships to 1,300 students thus far

-Every student now has the opportunity to graduate high school with at least one of the following four “early college and career credentials” in addition to their HS diploma: AP credit, IB Diploma, industry-recognized certification, or dual credit and dual enrollment.


What has registered with you concerning Garcia's school plans?
What are your thoughts about these stats? 

The official trailer of "Living Life on the Edge." by Dare2BeDifferentProductions

To be released in April! Subscribe to D2BD productions to stay updated> D2BD

 

#BlackDadsLIVE! Rahman Fleming tells us about the man he calls dad....

This man's name was Victor Fleming aka Dick Fleming as he was affectionately known by most people in Natchez, MS. He was my grandfather on my mother's side, but in all actuality HE WAS MY FATHER. I like too many black males, did not have my birth father in my life for whatever reasons/excuses he came up with. But my GrandFather not only raised me as his son, but actually adopted me, so i really was his son. I only had him in my life until the age of 12, but in those 12 short years he taught EVERYTHING it meant to be a man, and A STRONG BLACK MAN. He taught me that a black man's duty is to protect his woman, he taught me what is right and wrong, he taught me what honor truly means, he taught me that i can achieve anything if i work hard for it and believe in myself, he taught me that I must stand up and be a man because no one else will do it for me, and he taught me that no matter how much hate and evil this world throws at me I am stronger than it because i am a BLACK MAN. He taught me this an so much more in just 12 short years, and before he left me, his last words were, "you have to be the man of the house now....you have to be a man" Not a day goes by that i don't miss him and think of him, i wish he were still with me, but im thankful for the short time, because if not for him i would have never become the man i am at 37. Peace and love to this page

La Femme | A Female Choreographers Showcase- tix at %50 off

In Celebration of Women's History Month, Red Clay Dance company in partnership with Fuller Park presents La Femme | a female choreographers showcase. Bringing the work of eight black female choreographers from across the country to the stage for four performances. New to the show this year, a visual art installation showcasing the work of eight artists selected by the choreographers for their complementary aesthetic.

Choreographers: March 20-21
Brittany L. Williams | Miami, FL 
Lela Aisha Jones | Philadelphia, PA
Alexandra Warren | Greensboro, NC 
Ysaye McKeever | Chicago, IL

Save 50% on tix by pre ordering online with code: herstory via http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/126567

Also take the time to look at exclusive pristine art from #Geminyii who will display exclusive 16x20 artwork for sale- %10 off when you mention CBC.

Fuller Park Auditorium
331 West 45th Street | Chicago, IL 60609
Tickets: $7-15 | Group Rate Available
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1265673



















Lead Funding Support from The Chicago Community Trust.

A Chicago political and business insider speaks on Chuy's Financial Transaction Tax idea and his revenue generation ideas

"... Chuy supporters can't even articulate his plan. Unless he's done a complete 180 degree turn, Chuy has spoken out AGAINST a financial transaction tax. One of the reasons I supported Bob over Chuy b/c I was able to still push the FTT on Bob's platform as a potential revenue source to explore. Chuy is actually closer to Rahm on that issue. He's also not for a commuter tax. All in all, Chuy has no plan for revenue generation, but wants to spend money. How can you talk about more fairly distributing shrinking resources? He has no plans for revenue generation and has yet to propose an economic plan that would catalyze a growth economy. That's nothing more than reshuffling the chairs on the deck of the Titanic. Smh"

Chicago TECH & STEM star and Blue 1647 founder Emile Cambry answers #4QUICKQUESTIONS #iamchicago

"...jobs today require skills. 1 in 5 jobs in Chicago can't be filled if you don't have #STEM training." @Forbes

 We asked Emile #4QUICKQUESTIONS regarding Blacks in tech, his firm's role in the community and what he sees for himself in the future.

1. Why should Blacks be excited about tech?

Blacks should be excited about tech, because it's where the future jobs and opportunity lie. By the year 2020, there will be 1.4 million new tech jobs, and at the current university rate, 70% of those jobs will go unfilled. Illinois has over 100,000 open jobs in tech. The average income of an IT professional is greater than the average black and latino family combined, with an unemployment rate at a third of the rate of black families in Chicago. We've always been innovators and creators, and I truly believe the next Mark Zuckerburg will probably be a black woman.

2. Tell us about BLUE 1647 and why it's so important to the community

BLUE1647 is a technology and entrepreneurship center, focused on enlarging the technology community. Underserved areas deserve to be a part of the innovation economy, and there needed to be intentional space where folks build, collaborate, and learn. We're part digital vocational school, part coworking space, and part business accelerator. It's important that we are located in the community, and our subsequent locations are located in the community, because "trickle down innovation" will not work to increase jobs and opportunities in our communities. In Chicago, over a billion dollars was invested institutionally in the downtown, River North areas, and it's amoral and immoral to think they have all of the answers. I believe technology is an opportunity to solve problems at scale, and I want to ensure our communities are solving problems for our communities, and adding the much-needed diversity to the innovation pool.

3. How did you fall in love with Tech?

I fell in love with tech when I saw how in 18 months, an entrepreneur can go from one user to hundreds of millions. With my community-first background, I wanted to create the AAU of diverse tech talent. I want to see what the Derrick Rose of tech can do, and how catalytic it can be for our communities when that sort of wealth is generated, and hopefully reinvested back in our communities through job growth and investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs. The folks that started Paypal became wealthy, then they invested in friends who created YouTube. We all use tech, we are all creative, and we can change the game.

4. Whats next for Emile Cambry?

Scale, scale, and more scale. I want us to be in as many markets as possible, creating the model for rebuilding communities in the 21st century. I want to extend that to other countries, where they have a diverse population I want to continue to fight for economic and social justice, and see where that takes me. I want a million people a day to interact with programs we've created, and if that happens, we can change the narrative of what our communities are, and can achieve. Twitter wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for blacks. Neither would Instagram. We have a knack for making things cool and relevant, and we need to start making some money from it!