Seedfolks shows us how we grow

Seedfolks Trailer from Chicago Children's Theatre on Vimeo.
She leads on a journey of transformations as she shows how us how planting seeds sows change....

Click here: Show ticket info

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

#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

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!

Talented painter Gemynii and some of her works are HERE!

Get Free- $225

Here this weekend as an invtee to the beautiful La Femme Choreographic Showcase by Red Clay Dance Company is the talented sassy and beautiful Rachael Storer who will be showcasing a few of her dazzling array of artworks.

The paintings featured here in this article are sure to be quickly snapped up when she arrives at tonight's La Femme Celebration at #RedClayDance so can pre-order at her website Pieces of a Gem- Artworks by Gemynii ! 

or....attend La Femme and get %10 off when you mention CBC to Gemnyii 
They can either be shipped or even be picked up inside at the captivating LaFemme showcase>>  Info and tix

Who is Gemynii?

Gemynii is a self taught artist who mainly works with painting. She is also a poet, art instructor, and community activist/organizer. 

Her paintings focus mainly on abstract portraits of people of color and is influenced heavily by social issues, music, body and gender acceptance, and the Black experience. Gemynii seduces the viewer into a world of ongoing equilibrium and the interval that articulates the stream of daily events. Moments are depicted that only exist to punctuate the human drama in order to clarify our existence and to find poetic meaning in everyday life.

Rachel Gemynii Evolving

Gemynii currently lives and works in Durham. In early 2013 she began to formally exhibit her work locally.  Since that time she has showcased her work in various venues up such as  Pitch Media Gallery, The Market Street Coffeehouse, Duke University Hospital, Golden Belt, Winston Salem State University, The Brooklyn Swirl, Blue Coffee Cafe, and Busboys & Poets. In September of 2013, Gemynii became apart of an international art collective known as RAW. Over the last year and a half, she has showcased with RAW three times as a featured visual artist and was recognized as a Director's Highlight at the 5th annual RAW awards. In July 2014, Gemynii exhibited work at Brooklyn's RAW show Communique as well as two additional shows in the in Brooklyn area. In December of 2014 she also placed 2nd in The Oak City Art Battle in Downtown Raleigh.

No Justice- $275

Constance- $300

SIB'S Breakfast Club's Spring Affair Celebrating Black Art & Culture @ The Swift Family Mansion!

SIB'S Breakfast Club…. It's a party in the Morn!
“If it Ain’t Fun, It Ain’t No Fun”

Let's celebrate and support another black owned business with Sibyl Holloway and friends. We'll eat a great meal and network as usual. 

SIB’S Breakfast Club celebrates Black Art & Culture! Chicago’s cultural offerings are among the strongest competitive advantages; which include a rich history and the current presence of excellent Black arts presentation and production. This event will allow us to focus on those African Americans who are striving to make a difference and a footprint in our Black Art & Culture community. 

What is black art and culture? Photography, Production, Acting, Comedy, Poetry, Sculpture, Painting, Fashion, Writing, Design, Dance, Radio & Broadcasting, Culinary, Music, Rap, ..AND MORE....... This is our expression, creative skill and imagination producing works to be appreciated. Every culture has their distinctive way of expressing art and culture. I am extremely proud of the successes that black artist have maintained despite their many racial adversities. America’s cultural industries have all fully benefited from the creativity and contributions of African Americans artist. Our artists have always had to fight to counteract racism while also focusing on creativity. Black artist of all kinds have developed unique styles that challenged pervading stereotypes of African American culture. WE have so much talent! Join us as we honor and support our Black Art & Culture.

This month we highlight The Swift Mansion. The marble-clad Swift Mansion stood in the shadows of the World's Columbian Exposition, and at the center of one of Chicago's wealthiest communities. The mansion is located 4500 S. Michigan Ave. near many other examples of castle like houses. The key difference? Most were cut up, modernized or demolished from the 1940s through the 1960s, whereas the Swift Mansion remains intact The Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation occupies the building. The Swift Mansion was also the first office of the Chicago Urban. We look forward to supporting these wonderful artists while enjoying the character of this beautiful mansion.

Music by: Brian Sayles & Dj Tone

Attire: Spring Fun!

Free Admission

My mission is very simple. I support black owned businesses. Do you? Join me.

What will you bring to the table?


For more information, or to become a sponsor please contact Sibyl @ 312-253-7417 or sibsbreakfastclub@live.com
Visit: www.sibsbreakfastclub.com

Show your young daughter how to Express Herself Through Art :Second Saturday's Program

Second Saturdays Program is a community-based program held at the Chicago Urban League every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 noon. For the month of November, we are having our very first art gallery! There will be local artists, including photographers, painters, sculptors and jewelry makers. Each artist will display 1-2 pieces of their art work, talk about their background, and hold a question and answer session with the girls about their art work.

As the focus of Polished Pebbles is about providing girls with strong communication skills to succeed in school, at home and in their communities, this event will teach girls about how to express themselves through art. Art is yet another form of communication and self-expression that the girls can learn about!

General info on Polished Pebbles:

Polished Pebbles (est. 2009) is a Chicago-based, nonprofit organization that mentors girls ages 7-17 on the effective life skill of communication. We have worked with over 300+ volunteer mentors who help 500+ girls via 21 program sites to solve their problems rationally as opposed to retaliating and develop the confidence to: speak up in class, join groups and seek leadership positions, communicate effectively and respectfully with adults, have peaceful interactions with their peers, and prepare for future careers.

Website: Polished Pebbles

#Bronzeville Glory Days #tbt

Circa early 1940's
Inside the Palm Tavern at 446 East 47th Street , a favorite hangout of popular Black entertainers, especially those who had performed at the nearby Regal Theater












Opened in 1933 by James "Genial Jim" Knight, the first Mayor of Bronzeville. In 1956, upon his retirement, James Knight transfered ownership to Geraldine "Mama Gerri" Oliver, who proudly operated the Palm Tavern until July 3, 2001.

ATTENTION ACTORS! CASTING CALL for "The Love Betrayal"

• 
  
  
  
  
  

  Sunday, November 16 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm Next Week

• Show Map Carter G. Woodson Regional Library 9525 S Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois 60628

Main Available Roles for “The Love Betrayal”
Monique (20s) is a resident of Ms. Lee's halfway house as part of her work release agreement for serving 2 years for a misdemeanor drug possession charge. She is a free-spirited West Sider who doesn't care that her insatiable sexuality is a cause for concern to some. Her only concern is that she has a GREAT time living her life the way SHE wants.

Synnamon (20s) is another of Miss LaRue's happy employees. Spending most of her life on the dangerous Chicago streets, she is best described as a sexy femme that's rough around the edges. Her experiences require that she has special training from Miss LaRue.

Sapphyre (20s-30s) is another one of Miss LaRue's happy employees at Club X-Otica. Usually available during V.I.P. occasions, it takes a LARGE amount of time, money, and energy to keep her happy. Understandable, since the hard work pays off in more ways than one.

Ms. Lavender (20s-30s) is another happy Club X-Otica employee. A voluptuous femme with glamorous qualities, her personality and wit can melt even the most heartless of men. She's a valuable asset in keeping Miss LaRue's company financially secure.

Topaz (20s) is another happy employee of Club X-Otica. One of Miss LaRue's hardest workers, she an ambitious Westsider that is mainly available for Club World events. Understandable, since she loves taking her customers for a wild ride.

DeVante "D-Mob" Mobley is Brandi's husband...and the primary cause of all of her pain and suffering. A proud, card-carrying product of the "hood", his sweet talk was only a facade to keep Brandi in check, so to speak. These bullying techniques result in disastrous consequences for him later....

Secondary Available roles for “The Love Betrayal”

Shawn
Trina
Rocco
Ace
Diane Wade
Louise Phillips
Kathleen Marsh
Peachez
Young Brandi
Keith Wilson
Mayor Thomas O' Leary

Election day Black Chicago History Facts: Big Bill Dawson and the Chicago Machine

Bill Dawson in re-election campaign picture circa 1946

Big Bill Dawson, one of the originators of the Chicago Machine.
A skilled and ambitious politician, William L. Dawson (1886-1970) represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives for 27 years. The former committeeman built Chicago's first black political machine and used his influence to improve the lives of African Americans in his district.

Dawson's first elected office was as an alderman representing the 2nd Ward in Chicago in 1933. With strong links to the Republican Party, he held the position for six years. Seeking a higher office, Dawson ran in the primary for the Illinois House in 1938. He won, against his mentor and incumbent Republican Oscar DePriest, but lost the election and the support of the Republican Party. He was then was defeated again when he tried to claim a seat in the Chicago City Council as an Independent. But the effects of President Roosevelt's New Deal administration served as a turning point in his political career.

Chicago experienced a dramatic political realignment in the 1930s. Impressed with the Depression era programs and policies of President Roosevelt's New Deal administration, black Republicans defected in droves to the Democratic Party, and seeing a new political opportunity, Dawson went with them. In 1939, Democratic Mayor Edward J. Kelly installed Dawson as the Democratic 2nd Ward committeeman.

Dawson proved adept at organizing the increasing number of black Democrats on the South Side and soon consolidated his political power. He effectively used patronage and precinct workers to develop a strong voting block that generally gave local, state, and national Democratic candidates impressive majority votes. Dawson would eventually control as many as five wards, forming the city's first black political machine.

In 1942, Dawson was elected to Congress. He was the only African American serving in Congress during his first term

Dawson held many influential positions and was the first black member to chair a standing committee. He continually received strong support at the polls on Election Day, but in time, critics complained about his reluctance to boldly advocate for targeted improvements in the black community. Dawson said he preferred to act discretely behind the scenes, applying force along regular political channels. But other saw his actions differently. In 1957, the Chicago Defender said Dawson was "non-committal, evasive, and seldom takes an outspoken stand on anything. Bill Dawson is, by all odds, ultra-conservative."

"William L. Dawson" by U.S. Congress - Black Americans in Congress. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons - 

On the other hand and in keeping with Dawson's stated preferred style he was: opposed to the semi-racist poll tax;  the featured speaker at the first annual conference of the Regional Council of Negro Leadership (a civil rights organization), held in the all-black town of Mound Bayou, Mississippi; the first African American to serve as the chairman of a regular congressional committee, leading the Committee on Expenditures in Executive Departments in theEighty-first and Eighty-second Congresses. He served on the Committee on Government Operations in the Eighty-fourth through Ninety-first Congresses; the first African American to serve as the chairman of a regular congressional committee, leading the Committee on Expenditures in Executive Departments in theEighty-first and Eighty-second Congresses. He served on the Committee on Government Operations in the Eighty-fourth through Ninety-first Congresses.

Even though Dawson's taciturn approach to issues of race was at odds with many black leaders of the 1960s, he remained true to Chicago's political machine which gave him his power and managed to keep firm control of his organization until the waning years of his career.

The Underground Effect- A NEW STAGE PLAY about racism, young love, social norms, and interracial dating

B-Anne Productions presents...

"The UnderGround Effect" 

A NEW HIT PLAY about racism, young love, social norms, and interracial dating. A whimsical, situational short play, the story takes on the subject matter of acceptance in society based on true events.

Written & Directed by Berylanne Lynch (ISU '12 Alumni)

November 8th at 7:00pm
November 9th at 2:00pm

Gorilla Tango Theatre - 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL, 60647
(Across from the Blue Line Western stop)

Chicago area native debuts film about gun violence.

(Zion, IL) – Many students who graduate in the performing arts field may find it challenging to
find a career after graduating. For many people this means applying for internships and working
underpaid and odd jobs to earn a decent income. While this is usually the case, Berylanne Lynch has her
own way of working in the creative field – by directing and producing her very own films and plays that
she writes.
Berylanne Lynch is a native from Zion, IL. She graduated from Illinois State University in 2012
with a B.S. in theatre studies with a concentration in directing and theatre management. She is also a
Zion-Benton Township High School 2008 graduate, and attended courses at the College of Lake County
before transferring to Illinois State in 2009.
As an aspiring artist, she continued to pursue the arts after graduating, despite the difficult
obstacles it may offer. Lynch has directed and produced a short film, “Out of Range” this summer which
opened at Chicago Filmmakers earlier this month and will premiere online for two weeks on October 24th
.
“Out of Range” is about a college student that experiences a powerful coincidence that changes her life.
The 21 minute film was shot in hot spots Chicago, Miggy Smalls Sports Bar in Waukegan IL, and parts of
Zion, IL. The film explores the deep meaning of chance, coincidence, and gun violence within Chicago.
The film will be submitted to the Atlanta Film Festival and the Catlow Local Shorts Film Festival.
Lynch is also currently directing and producing a play this fall at Gorilla Tango Theatre,
Bucktown. “The UnderGround Effect” is a short, whimsical play that explores racism, social norms, and
interracial love in the Black community.
Although she has her hands full with managing two of her own productions, Ms. Lynch is also
pursuing a Master’s in written communication at National-Louis University, Chicago. Her goals include
teaching fundamental writing and theatre courses in the future.
“I believe anyone can break into their field, no matter how challenging. You may not get hired or
paid right away, but you still have to stay focused, remain confident, and basically be your own boss.
Living in a small town without bountiful entertainment or theatre companies unlike Chicago can be hard,
but I believe it can be an advantage as well.” Lynch started her own production company, B-Anne

Productions, in 2013 that is based in Lake County.


Full film available online here at: Out of Range Short Film






 

Identity and Graffiti

Aug 26:  "Identity and Graffiti" about Chicago Iraqi vet by film maker @Stacia, a star in the making.
#BlackMediaChi
#blackmediachi, #CultureofBlackChicago, #twelvepercentmedia

Identity and Graffiti from Stacia Smith on Vimeo.

SouthSide Soul Festival

On Saturday, September 13th, we are closing out Chicago’s summer festival season with the Southside Soul Festival!

Join us for a FREE, soul-filled experience, hosted by Damon Williams with performances from one of R&B’s smoothest singer-songwriter-producers, DWELE! 

Taking place on a 4 block long blocked off section of 87th Street from Jeffrey Ave. to Paxton Ave, this neo-soul celebration will also include sounds from Chicago artists including Aniba Hotep & The Sol Collective, V. Holmes “A Tribute to the Motown Greats”, Noah the Genius, and Class Act Orchestra.

Presented by the Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce, Chatham Business Association, Small Business Development Inc. and South Shore Chamber, Inc., the Southside Soul Festival aims to encourage stability, economic and business development, as well as safer, cleaner communities in which to develop our community’s youth.

Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall Meeting

We are looking forward to hosting over 100 teens tomorrow at our Chi Anti Vi Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall Meeting! The event is open to the public and all are welcome. So if you know any teens living or going to school in the Bronzeville area, encourage them to join us and share their voice about how to make Chicago a safer city for our youth.