Category: Scholarly Works

Culturally Connecting with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center on Art Therapy

Community, Culture News, Lifestyle, Personal Perspectives, Scholarly Works, Travel, What's Good?

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: Zaire
Full view of setup in the garden space.
Photo credit: Zaire
Painting 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.

Celebrating the Heart of Education: National Teachers Day & Week

Community, Culture News, Scholarly Works

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.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

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

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
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

Credit: Cecile Johnson

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.

Credit: Cecile Johnson

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.

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.

Other Supporting Videos

This artifact speaks about Block-chain & Cryptocurrencies, and what that means for you.
Catherine Austin Fitts fills us in on technocracy and their real estate acquisition
Russel Brand shares some commentary and artifacts of us possibly being transitioned to a surveillance state of being and living.

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

Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks
King Von

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.”

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.