Scholarly Works – Page 3 – Communications Generalist | Cultural Strategist

Embracing a New Chapter: My Journey with Illinois School District 163 as a Communications Specialist

Culture News, Economics, Lifestyle, Scholarly Works

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.

Gratitude,

BK
Communications Specialist

@Rome_Streetz “Kiss The Ring” Tour 2023 w/ @DefSoulja @VicSpencer #StoveGodCooks @easyohare_& @ChynaStreetz

Culture News, Economics, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Lifestyle

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.

P is for Product or a Product-Service you need.

My Homies Brother and I at Kiss 💋 The Ring 💍 Tour

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Briyana Kelly 🇲🇦 🇺🇸 🪶 (@bkgetsherway)

Striving for and Maintaining Unity in the Family, Nation, and Race of Humanity, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

Community, Culture News, Heritage-History, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Personal Perspectives

Habari Gani Family

It’s day 2 of Kwanzaa and we’re moving in a better direction for Umoja (Unity) and Kujichagulia (Self-Determinatiton). I know I am. Since the new moon in Capricorn I’ve just been on some new news. I respect the perspectives and opinions of others but they do not have to define who I am nor do their realization or acceptance of the meaning of a word or how they think a story should be told. I’ve learned to save space to share their ideas too. It doesn’t make anything right or wrong but the main goal is, to tell the truth. All people can live by the principles of Kwanzaa which is what I love ❤️ and we can build on this foundation to create a better condition because life isn’t a joke right now, and we need to consider building community as serious business. We can’t talk about reparations without repatriation and building for ourselves. I’m not failing to tell the story the way it should be. I honor my ancestors and want to create relationships that represent the truth of power and true power. We will unite politically, culturally, and economically.

Credit: Cecile Johnson, CEO & Founder of The African Development Plan

We are celebrating the present, our future, and the past in merriment. We’re on the road to decolonization and self-determination as a family, nation, and people. It’s a great time to be living and practicing Sankofa. The path to self-determination has to be a true, consistent, and persistent one. It can’t just be doing festive times or when one is being killed in the streets or harassed by the police or even lied to by politicians and the governments. It must be and will be a way of life and come about during reflection of who we, who’s we are, and where we are to know what our path to development looks like. We’re more than entertainers, athletes, influencers, workers, and blacks or whatever you subscribe to. We are living beings having a human experience and we’re here to develop humanity’s consciousness.

We’re Growing Through Genocide

Fetch What is at Risk of Being Left Behind

Sankofa is learning from the past, not forgetting our history and heritage. We have to communicate with each other what we know, our perspectives, and our insights. To inform the present and the future we must know the past truths, lies, and reality. My history and heritage has a large chunk of slavery, war, and people being misnomered. I will not turn the cheek to that nor act like it’s not part of what I have inherited as a descendant of my ancestors and elders. It will not be lost nor forgotten but used to determine solutions to problems and evolve our way of life. We are aborigines and we need to determine our status and stand on our rights. We must fetch what is at risk of being lost and asking questions not only to get answers but to remedy them. There’s always new learning as we move and discover what was left behind.

My Stance

I’m riding with mine, my people, and urbanely correcting what is wrong or misunderstood. I am not asking for permission to support anyone who may be taking their stance when it relates to who we are as a people that seem to be nationless when we are not. I am claiming my identity and inserting it. It’s not up for debate or to be questioned. I am lessening distractions and moving in truth while I’m here on earth.

I’m working on a level of diplomacy where I can accept the perspectives, opinions, and insights of others without allowing them to change who I am, how I’ve chosen to self-identify and determine how I express myself, I will not come off my throne to please others nor demean them for how they choose to see things. That is the true power of self-determination when acting based on ethics, ethnicity, and value.

Same time this shit is bigger than me. It’s bigger than you, it’s bigger than us but it’s us against everybody if I choose. And I choose.

Remember and be encouraged that we are one people
Cecile Johnson

Benny The Butcher In Chicago, Live at Promontory: Tana Talk 4

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, What's Good?

This is a developing story, I have more to share.

Mr. Butcher is now added to my list of street artists, thanks to Covert Operations. His storytelling is impeccable. Once I saw my cousins, Charles and Paris in the mix, I knew that he had to be something decent but I had no clue he was going to be something this valuable to hip hop culture. Not that I was even expecting anything less because my people have good taste in music and culture, but just like the old head said. “Would you rather have one Maybach or 5 Acuras? He was framing the context of quality music from conception to modern flowing art. I wasn’t aware of who he was but I know now.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tag Me Next Time 🇵🇦🇬🇾🏳️‍🌈 (@kashphotography)

Press Associate Kash Photography of New York

“The concert atmosphere was lit. He could have done more songs”
Benny The Butcher Guest

I enjoyed the hip-hop enthusiast vibes and the game from a mid-range perspective. First day back outside, and this gives me clarity of the beats I need to be on for reviews, interviews, and media mixing.

The opening talent was solid, Enos and King Drive is whom I remember. I missed a few artists performing, but I did meet some artists backstage that was graceful, Corey St.Rose & Kid Flvsh. The event was sold out three days before the live show, with guests filling the venue from wall to wall. To walk to the bar was a tour, bumping into fellow peers and natives of the culture.

I look forward to seeing more of Benny The Butcher in the city. If you’re looking for high-end urban culture subscribe to Covert Operations for events, booking, and management. First time in Chicago? Need a social place? The Promontory is a good choice for established social services and food in the heart of the Chicago Culture.

The Future of Race, Finance, and the Future of Digital Slavery: Every Entrepreneur, Business Owner, and Active Citizen (or Un-active) Should Watch and Share

Community, Culture News, Economics, Lifestyle, Market Watch, Political Perspectives, Scholarly Works, What's Good?

I appreciate Zakiya and her work as a press person and educator, using her space to inform ones who may not be aware of what is happening around them. This presentation is just about 3 hours long but it’s worth the watch. If you can watch a movie that’s just as long or participate in any other media activity, you can watch this shit because your life depends on it. I’ll be back to update this post later and add another supporting piece of research to add to your collection of knowledge.

Feel free to drop a comment, contact me, or hit me up on one of my accounts to share your thoughts on this information. Critical autonomy is key.

@KingVonFrmdaWic Chicago Native and Luminary Gunned Down and Killed in Atlanta

Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

Atlanta- Dayvon Daquan Bennett, also known as King Von, a Chicago Native was gunned down outside Monaco Hookah Lounge , 255 W. Trinity Ave. SW, a nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia after a reported argument happened between two groups which left three dead and three injured.

Two of the officers involved were in uniform working off-duty security jobs at the hookah lounge, and a third was on-duty nearby, according to police. None of the officers were injured.
Atlanta Journal Constitution

According to ABC7, “The Georgia Bureau of Investigations was requested to respond and investigate the officer involved shooting aspect of the incident. APD homicide investigators also responded and are investigating the deaths. Officials said part of the investigations will include determining which individuals were struck by gunfire from the suspects and whether any were struck by gunfire from the officers.Charges are anticipated against the two suspects detained on-scene and additional charges are likely as the investigation continues, police said. The identities of the other victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.The investigation into the incident remains open and very active, officials said.”

pic.twitter.com/CoVGUcPGaH
— Academy Music Business (@BenjaminEnfield) November 6, 2020

According to is publicist Erin Ryan via Audible Treats said:

King Von, a rising rapper known for his visceral storytelling, passed away in Atlanta on November 6th. Born and raised in Chicago’s O’Block neighborhood, Dayvon Bennett emerged from difficult circumstances to become one music’s most promising stars. The 26-year-old artist left us just as the world was beginning to grasp the depths of his talents. Last week, Von shared his debut album, Welcome To O’Block, offering a cinematic and vivid account of his origin story, providing an inside perspective on neighborhood life and the trauma wrought by the criminal justice system.
King Von was a luminary — a natural storyteller, an artist on the verge of superstardom who had so much more to give the world. He overcame myriad unjust circumstances yet remained steadfastly dedicated to giving back to the community that raised him, O’Block. He was a devoted father, a deeply loyal friend, and a man who took care of his people before himself. We are heartbroken for his family, his friends, his team, and his fans. Long live King Von.
Audible Treats

Sources

Word of The Day: Force Majeure

Businessology, Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Investing

“An irresistible force or an unforeseen event beyond the control of a party, making it materially impossible to fulfill a contractual obligation.”
Bansal

Talks On Law

If you’re a business (company or entrepreneur), who’s finding it hard to do business during this time, you may be covered by this clause. This legal concept allows either party to limit their liability in an unforeseeable and extraordinary event. Coronavirus has forced major businesses that were “non essential” to close, leaving many out of work due to the act of god.

According to Fast Company ,”Fears of the virus also wouldn’t cut it, even under common law: In an English case from 1922, which set precedent, Hackney Borough Council v. Dore, the judge said, “The expression means some physical or material restraint and does not include a reasonable fear or apprehension of such a restraint.” So, a company may still be obligated to pay a venue for an event it’s unwilling to go ahead with; and a major sporting competition that cancels due to fears of outbreaks among fans may still have an responsibility to media buyers and corporate sponsors. In these instances, force majeure simply may not cut it.”

The Three Distinct Criteria requirements from Shearman and Sterling:

the event must be beyond the reasonable control of the affected party;
the affected party’s ability to perform its obligations under the contract must have been prevented, impeded or hindered by the event; and
the affected party must have taken all reasonable steps to seek to avoid or mitigate the event or its consequences.

Bansal, A. (2015, October 7). Force Majeure and the Law. Retrieved from https://lawzmag.com/2015/10/07/force-majeure-and-the-law/
COVID-19: Force Majeure Event? (2020, March 12). Retrieved from https://www.shearman.com/perspectives/2020/03/covid-19--force-majeure-event
Visram, T. (2020, March 30). What is 'force majeure'? The legal term you'll be hearing a lot during the coronavirus crisis. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/90482640/what-is-force-majeure-the-legal-term-youll-be-hearing-a-lot-during-the-coronavirus-crisis

When You Have Heroes as Friends: @SaintTheGoodBoy & Jesse James Saves the Day

Community, Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

Friday, September 7, 2018 King James (Jesse Stringer) and Saint “The Good Boy” (Lennell Davis) was looking for a party during after hours when they approached 79th Phillips and seen a building on fire.

I was told by a source that The Chicago Fire Department was on location and did not immediately respond to the fire. That’s what sparked both guys to go into the building on a rescue mission. Source reported that Jesse asked the Fire Fighters what were they waiting on to go into the building and one of the Fire Fighters responded by allegedly telling him to “go ahead and go in”.

I received a call from Saint shortly after they finished the rescue. For more information on the story, click link here, to get CBS2 Chicago’s account. They awkwardly produced their story deliberately stating that the The Chicago Fire Department’s Fire Fighters immediately responded, when I was told by a source, who was present, that they did not.

Nonetheless, it’s great to know that I have great friends/humans around who will sacrifice to ensure the well being of others. They could have kept riding and assumed that because the Chicago Fire Department was present they would take care of it. This is a good example of leadership and being an active citizen.

@theestallion, Contracts, and the Business of Music at a Young Age

Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

Megan Thee Stallion is in for a big lesson when it comes to finance and contracts. March 1, Megan shared a video via Instagram dishing her contract details with 1501 Entertainment, and its CEO Carl Crawford, who’s an ex Major League Baseball player. She stated that she didn’t understand or know the verbiage that was in the contract that she signed at 20 years of age (now 25), and when she finally got a real management team with lawyers through her management deal with Roc Nation, they brought the details up to see if she understood the terms. She stated she didn’t and wanted to renegotiate. The label isn’t in favor of her releasing new music but is being sued by the artist who is seeking the termination of her contract and a temporary restraining order that has been granted by a judge in Harris County, Texas, to allow her to release new music.

Megan Thee Stallion says that 1501 isn’t letting her drop new music due to her requesting to renegotiate her contract. pic.twitter.com/4Uz5vXwmD0
— James Fauntleroy Stan Account (@yoyotrav) March 1, 2020

Megan has accused the defendants of common law fraud, breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, fraud by non-disclosure, tortious interference with prospective business relations, violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence. The plaintiff is seeking a temporary and permanent injunction and a declaration that her contract is “unconscionable, unenforceable and/or void.”, according to the court documents obtained by E! News. The restraining order will expire March 16, 2020 at 11:59 PM.

What can we learn from this?

It’s important to ask questions when negotiating agreements and understanding all the terms. If you can’t afford a lawyer, it’s important to consult with people in the industry. It’s better than signing something then later having to renege on your business deal.

Yes Megan was young, and I do side with her being taken advantage of because it’s a painful history of artist being incarcerated in deals that do not serve them but those who invest in their capital to record, release, promote, and distribute their art deserve a return (ROI). I hope that this situation can be worked out because everyone deserves an accurate return based on their investment.

Mapping Global Media and Contra-Flow: Discussion

Culture News, Scholarly Works

What is the global media landscape? How has it evolved over the past decades? What role has UNESCO played in the shaping of the global media landscape?

The global media landscape is the digital technology and aesthetics of the flow of media. It has evolved over the last decade by allowing the global and contra-flow of media to flow in different directions (export and import). This allows those who didn’t have access to other nations or target audience to expand their base or reach a larger audience. The UNESCO role, which is the mediator, has shaped the global media landscape. It helps to report information to the key players involved providing them with education for a better understanding of culture scientifically. I think that this allows all parties involved to make better decisions when it comes to the trading of communication and media commodities.

Who are the major media players (companies and countries)? What is meant by ‘subaltern’ contra-flows? Are these anti-hegemonic or pro-American? Why?

The major media players in terms of countries is United States, Europe, and Asia. The major media company players are CNN (US), ESPN (US), Disney (US), Discovery (US), Hollywood (US), Google (US), BBC (Europe), CNBC (US), Wall Street Journal (US), Japanese Animation (Japan), etc.( Thussu, 12).

What is meant by “subaltern Contra-flows”, is an sub-alternate flow that flows culture from one place to another by a constituent from another region (Thussu,11-13) . For example, there are two types of Contra-Flows: Transnational and Geo Cultural (Thussu,12) . Transnational is a subaltern flow that consist of multi-vocal, multimedia, and multi-directional flows (Thussu,11-13).

According to the text, Thussu states that global media traffic isn’t just one way, even with the US at core. I think that this shows that the subaltern flows is anti-hegemonic even though they may be hybridized (Thussu,18-21). The goals of these subaltern flows is to create a flow that counters the dominant flows, giving the world audience a different perspective of culture and creativity (Thussu, 10-13).

Category: Scholarly Works