Chicago, IL-The three-day weekend was informational and rewarding spent supporting violence prevention, interruption, and peace efforts. I attended events where I learned about the importance of a new approach to violence and other social conflicts that is creating a new industry for social entrepreneurship.
First, I attended a symposium about the pathways to building and sustaining healthy communities through community violence intervention work. Afterward, I walked for peace with ALSO and their community partners.
Flyer for symposium on mental health
Walk For Peace in Humboldt Park
I went to shop and stumbled across live music in the park and so I decided to walk through the park to observe the entertainment. There were people getting sun, doing tai chi, playing soccer and enjoying family time.
We can end gun violence and family supporting #livingforisaiahHumboldt Park Fiestas Patronales PuertoriqueñasChicago Avenue Community Network Foundation Members.Crowd by the mobile gaming platform at the walk for peace.No Kids Die In The Chi nonprofit with the children.The stage area at the Walk for Peace.The crowd of community partners, staff and participants.Channel 7 news parked by the My future My Chi tent.The crowd in Humboldt Park was full of community residents, family and friends.Play area for the children when bouncy houses.ALSO tents with different supporting organizations greeting and gifting guest.Pictures from the Walk For Peace
Chicago, IL-In a Garden across the street from the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, hosted by Zaire, we gathered in the name of love, culture, and therapy. As modern-day social workers, we must have our work-life balance because we’re out here during the year combating crisis in our communities’ culture and helping to shape the new world into a better place.
I received an invite from an associate who also happens to be a close friend of mine earlier this week, and I was happy to attend and network even though it was a brief session. That’s really all you need for painting or any form of therapy.
The setup for our art tables. Photo credit: ZaireFull view of setup in the garden space. Photo credit: ZairePainting with friends and family of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center Photo Credit: Zaire Friends and family of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center Photo Credit: Zaire
Art Therapy
Art therapy is significant for several reasons. It provides a creative outlet for individuals to express themselves, explore their emotions, and process trauma or stress in a non-verbal way. It can help improve mental health by fostering self-awareness, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, it can aid in communication, especially for those who find it challenging to express their feelings verbally. Overall, art therapy offers a unique approach to healing and self-discovery.
Healing Creativity and Working Through Emotions of Grief
Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are grieving because it provides a safe space to express complex emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Through various artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, or sculpture, individuals can externalize their feelings of loss, sadness, anger, or confusion.
Engaging in the creative process allows them to explore and make sense of their grief journey at their own pace. Creating art can also serve as a distraction from overwhelming emotions and provide a sense of control during a time of upheaval.
Furthermore, art therapy encourages reflection and introspection, helping individuals gain insight into their grief experiences and find meaning in their loss. Group art therapy sessions can also offer a supportive environment where participants can connect with others who are going through similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and validation.
Overall, art therapy can facilitate the grieving process by promoting emotional expression, coping skills, and a sense of healing and renewal.
Chicago, IL– National Teachers Day and National Teachers Week are dedicated to honoring and appreciating the contributions of educators in the United States. The history of these observances’ dates back to the 1940s.
Early Advocacy: The idea for a day to honor teachers was first proposed by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1953. She persuaded Congress to set aside a day to recognize educators.
National Teachers Day: In 1980, the National Education Association (NEA) and its affiliates began discussions with Congress about creating a day to honor teachers. The NEA and its affiliates continued to observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March.
Presidential Proclamation: In 1985, the NEA Representative Assembly passed a resolution declaring the first whole week of May as National Teacher Appreciation Week. In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first entire week of May.
Official Recognition: In 1980, Congress passed legislation officially designating National Teacher Day as the Tuesday of the first week of May. This became a national day to honor teachers.
Continued Recognition: National Teachers Day and National Teachers Week have been celebrated annually since then. Schools, communities, and organizations nationwide use this time to thank teachers for their dedication and hard work.
Global Observance: While the specific dates and names may vary, many countries worldwide have similar observances to recognize the contributions of teachers.
These observances allow students, parents, administrators, and communities to express their appreciation for teachers’ vital role in shaping the future.
Photojournalist: TSA Media @ Tim Streetz Winter Solstice Release Party
Dear School District 163 Community,
I am thrilled to embark on a new chapter of my professional journey as the Communications Specialist for School District 163 handling all your public relations & communications needs. From the moment I stepped foot into our vibrant community, I knew that I was stepping into a world of boundless possibilities, where every interaction, every conversation, and every connection has the power to make a difference.
Joining School District 163 fills me with an overwhelming sense of excitement and purpose. As someone deeply passionate about effective communication and community engagement as a social scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur, I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to serve our district and support its mission of academic excellence and student success.
Communication is at the heart of everything we do, and I am committed to ensuring that our voices are heard, our stories are shared, and our community is united. Whether it’s through crafting engaging content, managing our digital platforms, or collaborating with stakeholders, I am dedicated to fostering open, transparent, and meaningful communication across all levels of our organization.
But beyond the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, what truly excites me is the opportunity to be of service to each and every member of our district. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a student, or a community member, know that my door is always open, and my ears are always ready to listen. Your ideas, your feedback, and your concerns matter, and I am here to support you in any way I can.
As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with hope, optimism, and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve such a dynamic and diverse community. Together, let us embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and continue to build a brighter future for School District 163.
I look forward to getting to know each of you, learning from your experiences, and working together to make our district the best it can be. Together, we are stronger, together, we can achieve greatness.
Below is some general information on my system and ways that we can collaborate.
Thank you for welcoming me with open arms, and I am honored to be a part of this incredible community.
Chicago, IL — Feb. 20, 2024— Get ready to indulge in a culinary and cultural extravaganza like no other with the launch of the “Secret Sundaze Social Brunch” in Chicago. This exclusive event series, the first installment presented by I Vibe Hard LLC in partnership with Feed The Hood NFP, invites guests to savor gourmet cuisine, enjoy live entertainment, and support a worthy cause on a Sunday afternoon.
Event Details
Secret Sundaze Social Brunch
A secret location in the Chicagoland area (secretly revealed to confirmed guests)
The “Secret Sundaze SocialBrunch” promises to be a celebration of food, music, and community spirit. Guests will be treated to a curated menu featuring brunch favorites and delectable appetizers, prepared by local chefs and artisans. Sip on complimentary drinks while enjoying live performances by talented musicians and artists or entertainment professionals, creating a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding and socializing with friends and fellow brunch enthusiasts.
Supporting a Worthy Cause:
In partnership with Feed The Hood NFP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting socioeconomic insecurity in the Chicagoland area, a portion of the proceeds from each event will directly support their mission. By attending the “Secret Sundaze Social Brunch,” guests not only indulge in a luxurious brunch experience but also contribute to making a positive impact in the community.
Tickets and Pricing:
Standard Ticket: $25 per person (includes entry and one complimentary drink)
Deluxe Ticket: $45 per person (includes entry, one complimentary drink, and a selection of appetizers)
Executive Partners for this Installment:
I Vibe Hard LLC, a leading events and entertainment company known for their innovative and immersive urban experiences, joins as executive partners for the “Secret Sundaze Social Brunch.” With their expertise and passion for creating unforgettable moments, I Vibe Hard LLC adds an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the event, ensuring guests have an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
Join Us at the Table:
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive culinary journey and support a meaningful cause. Tickets are limited, so secure your spot today by visiting our page.
About Feed The Hood NFP:
Feed The Hood NFP is a grassroots organization committed to addressing socioeconomic insecurity and promoting community empowerment in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods. Through innovative programs and partnerships, Feed The Hood NFP strives to create sustainable solutions and foster a more social equitable system for all.
In a world where effective communication is the linchpin of success, the role of a Communications Generalist has emerged as a versatile and invaluable asset. Unlike specialists who focus on specific niches, a Communications Generalist is a Swiss Army knife of the communication realm, offering a diverse range of services to meet the multifaceted needs of individuals, organizations, or businesses. In this blog post, we’ll explore the comprehensive suite of services that a Communications Generalist can provide, showcasing their adaptability and strategic approach in navigating the dynamic communication landscape.
The All-Inclusive Services of a Communications Generalist:
Content Creation and Copywriting:
Crafting engaging blog posts, articles, and press releases.
Creating compelling social media updates to captivate diverse audiences.
Media Relations and Digital Marketing:
Building and maintaining relationships with media outlets.
Devising digital marketing strategies, including email campaigns and social media management.
Public Relations Expertise:
Managing crises and building and maintaining a positive reputation.
Cultivating influencer partnerships for brand promotion.
Event Planning and Coordination:
Organizing both virtual and on-site events to engage stakeholders.
Strategic Communication Consulting:
Conducting communication audits and crafting strategic communication plans.
Offering crisis communication consultations for preparedness.
Branding Services:
Developing brand strategy and messaging.
Crafting visually appealing logos and maintaining consistent brand imagery.
Pitch Deck Design and Development:
Creating impactful pitch decks for presentations, fundraising, or partnerships.
Case Study Creation:
Crafting detailed case studies to showcase success stories and capabilities.
Additional Services to Tailor Communication Needs:
Social media management, internal communications, and speechwriting.
Media training, content marketing, and employee training workshops.
In the ever-evolving landscape of communication, the role of a Communications Generalist is like a beacon, offering a comprehensive set of services to guide individuals and organizations through the complexities of the modern communication landscape. From crafting compelling content to managing crises and developing strategic plans, a Communications Generalist is a versatile partner in ensuring effective and impactful communication. As businesses and individuals seek a holistic approach to communication, the diverse skill set of a Communications Generalist proves to be an invaluable asset in navigating the intricacies of the communication realm.
David Epstein defines generalists and specialists in terms of how people accomplish their goals.
My Focus
Social Entrepreneurship
An approach by individuals or groups who are entrepreneurs and/or start-up companies, like myself, who apply principles and guidance via a business that generates social change and directly impacts social change, according to Coursera.
Socioeconomics
is a combination of social and economic factors (Webster), related to the differences between groups of people caused mainly by their financial situation (Cambridge).
Social Enterprise
A social enterprise or social business is defined as a business with specific social objectives that serve its primary purpose. Social enterprises seek to maximize profits while maximizing benefits to society and the environment, and the profits are principally used to fund social programs, according to Investopedia.
Strategic Communications
Strategic communications is a specialized approach to distributing and receiving information. It means communicating the best message, through the correct channels, to the right people, at the right time and using feedback from this process to stay focussed on company goals. It is a method of delivering calculated, purposeful content intentionally. strategic communications, or the practice of using communications in a strategic way to achieve goals, is being used for both internal and external communications.
Key Areas of Interest
Economic Development
Education
Agriculture
Community Development
Renewable Energy
Environmental Sustainability
Primary Types of Social Entrepreneurs
Community Social Entrepreneurs
Nonprofit Social Entrepreneurs
Transformational Social Entrepreneurs
Global Social Entrepreneurs
Six P’s Social Entrepreneurs Push
People
Plan
Problem
Prioritize
Prototype
Pursue
Current Portfolios, Programs and Projects
Independently I contract my services and sale my products through the various organizations I work with, and I create or develop a portfolio, programs, and projects.
NEW YORK, July 13– A complaint has been filed, on July 11, by Krista Perry, Larissa Martinez, and Jay Baron against Shein Distribution Corporation and its collective business associates (Roadget Business Pte. Ltd, Zoetop Business Company, Limited, and et.al) for racketeering and corrupt business practices as an organization. David Erickson is an Interested Party in the suit. They have been accused of infringing on the designs and artwork of creators to produce, distribute, sell, and copy the works of the plaintiffs. They allege that it is part of the organization’s DNA and process to algorithmically use designs in their corrupt business practices on a large and systematic scale, according to The Fashion Law.
When Shein copies a small or independent designer, the most likely outcome (without brand protection specialists and specialized software on the lookout) is that the infringement will go unnoticed
Barron’s “Make It Fun” artwork (left) & a Shein print (right)Source: The Fashion Law
“Under those circumstances, Shein reaps all the benefits of stealing and featuring the design that its technology had identified as valuable enough to take: it makes sales and keeps it customers’ eyes glued to the Shein site and app for that much longer. And if customer demand justifies it, the item is reordered, and more are sold (now that the coast has been determined to be clear).”
Plaintiffs
Source: The Fashion Law
They also made a claim that the distribution organization is made up of a multiplicity of entities with an outwardly decentralized structure which helps them in avoiding liability for intellectual infringement by placing the blame on an independent company unrelated to them when in reality they are connected to Shein.
Chicago-March 23 at The Promontory with Covert Operations and their sponsors, Griselda Records ⚖️ (Belaire and Moors Beer), a dope concert of real hip hop with quality was live. I enjoyed every artist not even knowing who one of them was. I was delighted to purchase one of those dope ass t-shirts from Rome Streetz, and have my poster signed by him.
It was great discovering a new female artist Chyna Streetz, who actually has some substance and a relatable personality with her music. That Stove God Cooks, my my my was the storytelling, lyricism, and d-boy style authentically giving. Every artist seemingly complimented each other but they each brought something different. I look forward to learning more about each artist as I follow their journeys, seeing what I can dig up from recent and old projects.
My shirt 👚 , Poster, CD 💿 (found it walking 🚶🏽♀️ out the joint), Kiss 💋 the Ring 💍 Jar 🫙 of 💨 🍃
Them gift 🎁 bags 💼 was clutch. Great marketing and advertising, keeps me going in the direction of keeping a beat on for the streets to know the next time any one of the honorable mentions are live or pushing P.
Chicago– Sunday, February 26 at NYCH Gallery located 2025 S. Laflin Street for an intimate evening for several honorees who are creating their own legacy as creatives, leaders, and entrepreneurs all while being black. The event was presented by Black Bourbon Society and Salonx7 while sponsored by Jack Daniel’s.
From left to right: Jonathan Swain, Josh Davis, Yasmin Curtis, Lenise S. Lee, Danielle Mullen, Perteet & Fred Spencer
This was my first time attending an event like this and I was very grateful to be in the room. I credit my attendance to my peer, Quiana Green, owner and founder of Brown Liquor Babe. She’s always on top of special events surrounding food, culture, and liquor. I highly recommend following her for more details on special events.
I learned so much from the honorees about business as it relates to funding, never giving up, starting up, and structuring; made some good connections too. It was shared that Phillip Scott Sinclair, owner and operator of NYCH Gallery, was vandalized the day before the ceremony and hours before the event he had to work his magic 🪄 to host us. That’s a true honor and barrier beat by excellence.
Gallery photos are courtesy of Gamal Hakim of My Leafy Drinks, my honorary Photojournalist on the assignment.
See my reel on IG to see a clip of some of the conversations until they upload the recap from Chicago. Look 👀 forward to follow up interviews of the honorees and presenters.
Chicago-We gathered to celebrate The 6th Annual L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala this past weekend, where black professionals, businesses, and entrepreneurs connected through their impactful works in leadership, education, growth, advocacy, community, and youth at the Marriot Marquis and Soldier Field’s United Club.
We in here but they ain’t want us here,
James Wheeler
Things you do for others remain your legacy.
Keena Barber
Keena Barber, CEO, and James Wheeler, COO, are always representing and celebrating black excellence, and this weekend was nothing short of amazing. It’s clear globally the impact of black entrepreneurs from diverse nationalities and ethnicities when you look at the current media flow. We have impacted linguistics, economics, the culture of dance, music, art, education, and community development. It seems like the current situation is socioeconomics and the impact it will have on our future as a nation of people.
Legacy Weekend was powerful, and a standard of what we need in urban culture and affairs. Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and enterprises deserve to have a high-end space to connect and build; WDB is leading us in the new school on what these spaces will be. This event was majorly sponsored by WDB Marketing, WDB Cares, Discover, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Marianos, Wintrust Community Banks, Amazon Black Business Acceleration, The Insurance Exchange, World Business Chicago; minor sponsors also were Girls Like Me, Chicago Urban League, HCD International, A Progeny Global, Burks Heating and Cooling, CIBC Bank, Sterling Bay, Mercer Uplifters, and In His Hands Resource Center.
Virtual Conference Recap
Press Credits: WDB Marketing (Press Lead and Subject), BK (Executive Journalist and Editor), Isaiah J. Evans (Photojournalist)
Communications Generalist | Cultural Strategist | Data & Business Analyst 