Chicago's city clerk will delay the printing of more than one million city vehicle stickers after prudes declared that the gang symbols sends the wrong message. 

The City Clerk's office made the announcement following posts on two police blogs that point out similarities between the sticker design and the symbol for the Maniac Latin Disciples, a street gang on Chicago's North Side and the Gangster Disciples, and the biggest gang of them all, Chicago Police Department.  

Don't worry, we can say that because some of our best friends are police officers. 

Check out 'From Our Fathers' a Documentary Web Series that gives voice to the men who are willing to speak openly about gender, violence, fatherhood and responsibility.It was c

From Our Fathers from Stacey Muhammad on Vimeo.

I know it's a BUNCH of folks in America just MAD right now...along with a few uncle ruckus's.

One of the performers says, "Since we heard you singing Al Green, you done started something now."

Chicago, IL – Kathryn Baker Kemp, a Chicago resident, is a retired music director, administrator and educator. She traces the journey of gospel music from its indigenous roots in Africa to the genres shaped by enslaved Africans and their descendants in America. Dr. Kemp, a licensed minister, has witnessed the power of gospel music and its message throughout her life.

Make a Joyful Noise!: A Brief History of Gospel Music Ministry in America tells the story of the resiliency of an African American people who worshipped their God with praise and thanksgiving - even in the midst of brutal oppression - through music. This book shows how music - gospel music in particular - has been a vehicle utilized over the years by people of African ancestry as a personal treasure, an expression of joy, a call for freedom, and a source of release despite oppression, Jim Crow laws, segregation, and racism.

The legacy of Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey and Rev. James Cleveland is honored through the gospel organizations they founded. The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Inc., the first gospel organization, was founded by Professor Thomas A. Dorsey, and the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc., was founded by Rev. James Cleveland, a mentee of Dr. Thomas Dorsey.

Part One of the book concludes with discussions of the future of gospel music and references some major secular events that highlight its widespread appeal. Interviews with evangelists, composers, songwriters, musicians, gospel artists, ministers of music, and members of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. express the richness of this heritage in Part Two of this work.

Make A Joyful Noise! is a valuable resource that provides first-hand accounts of the impact and importance of gospel music to America.

For more details about the book, visit www.joyfulnoisepress.com

We pray that Allah (God) strenghten her family. We also reached out to a few Chicago artists who expressed their love for Whitney Houston. Those include J.Ivy, Tarrey Torae and Moni Rashad and Terisa Griffin. 

 Much appreciation to www.blasianfma.com for informing us.

TERISA GRIFFIN

Perhaps you would like someone to remember your greatness and not your downfalls. Today turn on Whitney and Be INSPIRED. It is what she gave us HOPE. Until she took her last Breathe we all Hope. Now use it and live your life to it's fullest and celebrate Whitney!

Click here for reflections from Artists J.Ivy, Tarrey Torae and Moni Rashad.

Click image to download Whitney Houston obit

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD OBIT

I received this from one of my favorite elected officials here in Chicago. We're not sure if this is the official obit, but it is beautiful and thought that people would appreciate it. So as those who loved Whitney and knew celebrate her life in New Jersey, we all can reflect on this wonderful woman. It's in PDF form, so simply click here to download the Whitney Houston Obituary.  Also, check out our update about "Lady Houston." At Time of Death, Reports Prove She Was...

Kansas City, KS -- Award winning children's book author, Margaree King Mitchell, has a new book that inspires children to sing their own song when deciding their life's goal. When Grandmama Sings reunites Mitchell with James E. Ransome, the award-winning author and artist of Uncle Jed's Barbershop. Mitchell's books are set in the segregated South and focus on ordinary people who achieve extraordinary things for the time period in which they live.

She writes to inspire children to dream great dreams for their lives. "If children can see that the characters in my stories, which lived during a time of racial barriers and discrimination, could achieve their dreams, surely they will believe that they can too. I'll never forget the little girl who said to me that because of Uncle Jed's story she now believes she can become a doctor even though her grandmamma told her she would never be one," says Mitchell. She adds, "In all of my school visits I always ask the kids to tell me their dreams. I want them to be heard. I want them to feel that their dreams matter to someone."

Mitchell has listened to thousands of children sharing their dreams about the future. More children will be sharing their dreams with Mitchell in the coming months as she has programs scheduled in Northern Mississippi, South Florida, Little Rock, Atlanta, Memphis, Houston, and places in between.

Although she now lives in Kansas City, Mitchell grew up in the South. "I was born and raised in Holly Springs, Mississippi on my grandfather's farm. My grandfather owned his own farm during a time when not many black people owned their own land. I was a firsthand witness to the struggles he went through in maintaining his farm, which is why I put obstacles to be overcome in my stories," Mitchell says. "I want children to know that their dreams will not be easy to achieve. It seems like the bigger the dream, the bigger the obstacles that come your way. But with persistence and focus and determination, dreams can and will come true."

Mitchell also takes time to explain the historical aspects of her books to children. "Valuable lessons can be learned from history," Mitchell says. "If children learn the lessons of the past they will not repeat those mistakes."

Set in the 1940's, When Grandmama Sings follows eight year old Belle as she accompanies her grandmother, Ivory Belle Coles, a jazz singer, on a tour of southern cities. What she sees affects her deeply. But her grandmother's handling of the obstacles she faces makes a profound impression on Belle. At the end of the tour Grandmama Coles is offered a record contract and moves up north. Belle realizes she also has a song to sing and one day her gift will takes her places. James Ransome's imaginative watercolors breathe life into every page and every situation encountered on the tour.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with James again," says Mitchell. "His work on Uncle Jed's Barbershop and on When Grandmama Sings is filled with passion and exemplifies the era."

Mitchell's presentations also touch her adult audiences as she talks about the value of southern history in children's literature. "I'm surprised by the way my stories affect adults, especially the ones who grew up in the South. I hear countless stories of their experiences. They tell me their stories with as much emotion as if the incidents occurred yesterday," Mitchell says. "In some cases it is the first time they have shared family stories from the past. I hear stories from white and black people. They tell me that my books encourage them to talk to their children about the past."

When Grandmama Sings is available online and in bookstores everywhere.

Chicago – February 2012   Congo Square Theatre Company today announced the decision to reschedule its 2^nd annual Festival on the Square. The festival, a series of multimedia experiences featuring film, music and dance, is a collaborative effort and the brainchild of Artistic Director, Daniel Bryant, is set to be presented during the month of June, 2012. The company is refocusing its energies toward fundraising efforts, and preparation for this spring’s World Premiere production of Bulrusher. 

After an overwhelmingly successful season that saw acclaim and award-winning success for Brothers of the Dust, and a stellar holiday season for the annual production of The Nativity at the Goodman Theater, the company was challenged to make the best decision regarding their faithful patronage. “Summer is the apex of life in Chicago, and we feel strongly that rescheduling Festival on the Square will allow us to create a more robust presentation, and stay true to the essence of  what Chicago’s cultural landscape truly is during that time,” says Bryant.  

Leadership at Congo Square Theater also assessed the array of activities taking place to honor Black History Month, and noted that February stretches the abilities and resources available for the company’s artistic partners to fully participate at this time of year. The company looks forward to placing a full focus on its fundraising efforts throughout the spring, a successful premiere for Eisa Davis’ Bulrusher, and a richer theater experience that all can celebrate this summer in Chicago.  Congo Square Theater Company looks forward to announcing its fundraising program within the coming weeks.   

 

About Festival on the Square:
Conceived in 2010, Festival on the Square is an annual event honoring the original Congo Square and the legacy of the weekend gatherings among people of color in New Orleans. Congo Square was the market place for diverse people of color to commune through music and dance, to enjoy the cultures of their homeland. Congo Square Theater aims to create an annual event that encourages artists and organizations to come together to relish the cultural expression of those times through the arts. 

 

About Bulrusher: 
Spring/Summer 2012 culminates the season’s powerful theme: Presence, Power, Perspective: Honoring the Black Woman with the production of Eisa Davis’ Bulrusher,directed by Congo Square Ensemble member, TaRon Patton. Bulrusher, a 2007 finalist for a Pulitzer prize, tells the story of a clairvoyant orphan in the 1950s, whose exposure to the tribulations of the civil rights movement as she embarks upon on a journey of self-discovery, threatens to shatter the foundation of all she knows.

About the Company:
Congo Square Theater Company is an ensemble-based entity that seeks to broaden the scope of the theater-going experience. The ensemble's effort matches education and the performances of productions that push the envelope in the telling of the diverse stories from within the African Diaspora - that ultimately resonate throughout humanity. Congo Square was founded in 1999 by two talented and determined theater artists with a commitment to artistic excellence. 
For more on Congo Square Theatre Company – visit http://www.congosquaretheatre.org
 

This is a wonderful example of the power and importance of Black media. Check this out. After appearing on the Steve Harvey Morning Show last week, nutritionist JJ Smith's new book, Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Outwas the #1 Health, Fitness and Dieting book, and #4 in overall books, on the Amazon.com bestseller charts.

According to a news release sent to us, the book offers a breakthrough solution that "helps you lose weight without counting calories, starving yourself, or eating bland packaged foods. You will see results even if you don't maintain an exercise regimen."

"I can recall two times in my life, in my twenties and again in my thirties, that I was very committed to losing weight so I followed all the typical advice to ‘eat less and exercise more' but it just didn't work for me. So, being a nutritionist, I designed a weight-loss system, the Detox-Eat-Move (DEM) System, that has helped me and my clients shed pounds fast. The results in just a few short weeks are remarkable," says Smith.

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According to Smith, "the DEM System is NOT a diet, but a lifestyle of healthy living! The DEM System is a three-phase system that allows you to get rid of stubborn body fat and reverse some of your health issues and ailments, restoring your body to optimal health." Interested ones can learn more about the book at www.jjsmithonline.com/products/lose-weight.html

The nutritionist-designed program provides easy-to-follow guidelines for eating "clean and balanced" foods that not only helps readers lose weight, but cause them to look and feel younger and healthier than they have in years. The DEM System features methods to detoxify the body, balance hormones, and speed up metabolism. Readers will learn how to eat foods that help them stay slim and avoid foods that cause them to get fat.

Smith comments, "I realized there were a lot of hard-working people like me who didn't always have time to diet or exercise, but still wanted to lose weight and stay slim; And now, this program is designed just for them."

In the book, readers will learn to:

* Detoxify the body for fast weight loss.
* Drop pounds and inches fast, without grueling workouts or starvation.
* Lose up to 15 pounds in the first three weeks.
* Shed unwanted fat by eating foods you love, including carbs.
* Get rid of stubborn belly fat.
* Trigger your 6 fat-burning hormones to lose weight effortlessly.
* Eat foods that give you glowing, radiant skin.
* Eat so you feel energetic and alive every day.

JJ Smith's revolutionary DEM system teaches proven methods for permanent weight loss that anyone can follow, no matter their size, income level, or educational level. And the end result is a healthy, sexy, slim body. For more details about the book, visit www.jjsmithonline.com/products/lose-weight.html

 You won't believe latest in the Nicki Minaj & Lil Kim war of words!

In what is viewed as a series of unbelievable events, during a recent late night interview Lil Kim calls Nicki Minaj an:

“intelligent queen whose ancestors were royal, regal, and elegant. I truly believe that some of her ancestors helped build the pyramids and that her wonderful talent is a culmination of all the greatness that comes from a people who know how to overcome all obstacles."

In response, Nicki Minaj said that Lil Kim’s Queen B moniker is truly reflective of Lil Kim’s status as the ancestors of real queens and mothers of civilization.

“Lil Kim is truly a mother of civilization and her future is as bright as the sun and I see Lil Kim being raised to true Queen B status where she is viewed and treated like both our ancestors were, as true mothers of civilization,” said Minaj. 

 Amazing! Bean Soup Times wonders just how far these two talented celebrities will go to uplift each other?

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Lou Rawls Jr., is no stranger to the world of entertainment.  Son of the legendary music pioneer, Lou Rawls, Lou Jr., has spent his entire life immersed in music.  Adding his own swagger to timeless classics popularized by his father, Lou is currently working on an LP. One of the songs that will be featured on the album is a collaboration with the elusive J. Holiday entitled ‘Winner’. Lou’s 1st studio release will hit stores in the summer of 2012.

He also has a reality show currently in development entitled “Continuing the Legacy” which will chronicle the daily activities of Lou Rawls Jr., closing deals and forging partnerships with current and new corporate sponsors.  There are also projects in film (The Lou Rawls Story), print, radio, television (developing a reality show which will feature individuals such as Teddy Pendergrast Jr. Eddie Lavert Jr. Barry White Jr. and others), and even on stage in the works, Lou Rawls Jr., is keeping busy.

In addition to following in his father’s footsteps musically, he is presently in talks with The UNCF about “Continuing the Legacy” of raising money to help underserved college students attending historically black colleges and universities that are under the umbrella of the UNCF.  Presently, Lou actively participates with Music Changing Lives (MCL) a community based non-profit organization whose mission is to offer mentorship programs for underprivileged and neglected children, helping them improve their chances of achieving a positive and successful life.  He also help established The Louis Rawls Foundation, in Chicago, Illinois, named after his Grandfather Rev. Louis Rawls, a pioneering community activist and servant in Chicago.

Lou’s objective is to invest in the lives of underprivileged students and encourage their education, as well as their personal and professional development. Ultimately it is his goal to see these students equipped with the tools necessary to make a meaningful contribution to their communities and to society at large.

On Saturday February 25, 2012 Lou Rawls Jr. will be in Chicago to host The 1st Annual “Silent Giants” Awards program, a fundraiser to benefit The Louis Rawls Foundation.  The awards program will be held at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Street here in Chicago.
The reception is from 6pm to 8pm and the program starts at 8pm. Program entertainment will be provided by Lou Rawls Jr., Lee England Jr., Rafo of Rafo International Combo and Pleasure Syndrome will provide entertainment for the reception. Ticket prices are $25 per person for the awards program only, the reception is sold out, donation are still accepted.

Lou Rawls Jr., is all about “Continuing the Legacy” which is for him to continue the charitable work of his dad singer legend Lou Rawls, regarded by many as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. For nearly three decades, Mr. Rawls dedicated himself to raising scholarship funds for students of color
through his involvement with the United Negro College Fund, where he began the “Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon.” This annual event raised over $200 million dollars during his tenure.

In honor of his father and to preserve the Rawls legacy, Lou Rawls Jr., desires to become personally involved by spearheading his own efforts to provide opportunities to talented students of color, specifically, African-American, Hispanic American/Latino, Asian and Native American, for whom access to financial aid for higher education would otherwise be out of reach.

Lou Rawls Jr., is a dedicated family oriented man and celebrated entertainer who’s wish is to “Continue the Legacy” of his legendary father Lou Rawls.

So what does the "rise of Jeremy Lin" say about the current state of the NBA? Do you think it's "racist" like Floyd Mayweather recently, reportedly suggested? Well, let's review a little history first in this fun infographic and then you decided. 

Click image to enlarge

Source: Infographic World

The current state of our economy has raised questions about whether today's kids will be better or worse off than their parents. But, as a physician and father, I question whether they will be healthy enough to even live longer than their parents. Today, more physicians than ever are treating children for "adult" diseases like diabetes, hypertension and even heart disease. So, we should be equally concerned about the future of their health as we are about their wealth.    

This Black History Month and Heart Health Month, I decided to write an open letter to African American parents, urging you to start a family legacy of good health. The future of our children depends on it.

It's no secret that heart disease, obesity and diabetes are taking a toll on our families and our communities at a rate higher than any other ethnic group in the country. And it is mostly preventable. As a father to a six-year-old, I know "Do as I say, not as I do" doesn't work when kids are watching and mimicking your every move. Therefore, as parents, we have to take the first steps toward building a healthy, active lifestyle for ourselves with hopes that our kids will "do as we do."

Contrary to what you might think, taking those steps doesn't mean cutting out the things you enjoy - doing that can actually lead to weight gain. To be honest, I'm not giving up my favorite foods and beverages, and neither should you. It's really about making better decisions. If you use two sticks of butter in your famous peach cobbler, use one or a healthier butter substitute. If you use salt pork in collard greens, try smoked turkey instead. Or, if you love soda, try a low- or no-calorie version or drink from a smaller cup.

Now, this woman, was THE TRUTH! Check out her history at SweetBlackberry.org.

Download Whitney Houston Obituary at bottom of article.

Bean Soup Times reached out to a few incredible Chicago artists to get their reflections on the passing of Whitney Houston and the recent Grammy Awards. True artists often create work that reflects not only how they feel but their spirit is so open that they convey what many others feel as well. Below are comments from Tarrey Torae, J.Ivy and Moni Rashad.

These reflections prove one thing. At the time Whitney Houston's death, she was a child of God.

TARREY TORAE

The passing of our beloved Whitney Houston made my heart heavier than a ton of bricks!  I cried for Whitney, I cried for Bobbi Christina, I cried for Bobby Brown, I cried for Cissy Houston and the entire Family & Friend Circle that surrounded her.  Naturally the entire world was affected by her transition.  We cheered her on in the beginning and criticized her imperfections in the end.  We rejoiced in her recovery and loved the beautiful child she and Bobby created for the world.  

She was a believer in God, a child, a girl, a daughter, a woman, a friend, a wife, a mother and a true talent.  Her legacy opened many doors that we all walk through no matter what career we practice.  Whitney Houston served as a natural human connector through the art of music and message and served as a witness to the testimony of being 100% Human.  

She never adjusted her behavior to please other people.  She was a nonconformist and walked with out false façade! 

Lady Houston connected people of all cultures from and by the love of her voice and music.  Universally she is known as the Woman with the golden voice. 

It is that voice that made everyone take notice in every language and in every race and sing anthems of love.  Her songs covered issues from education to family values to a sincere courage to love no matter what.  We all can agree that the love we had for her connected us all.  Her life was a living testimony for the times we all live in and share together whether good or bad.  

Her testimony was Powerful and Honest!  If we are honest with ourselves we will have to acknowledge that we are all Whitney!  No matter the cause of her death, A Huge Life was lived and will continue touching and inspiring people all over the world forever!  

I am convinced that we will all miss her!  Just like Michael Jackson, Don Cornelius, Bernie Mac, Etta James, James Brown and Troy Davis - Her Triumphs and Tragedies belonged to us all.  Let’s all be sure to learn from her, live for her, and stay prayed up.  

Let's rejoice in the grace of her voice and human presence and let's be honest in our sadness in the loss of such a beautiful life and spirit. Even more, let us not be selfish in our strength to push forward and do better in staying connected so that her life is was in vain.  Let's be a prayer muscle for her and her transition home.  We should all remember that tomorrow is never promised!

J.IVY

It’s hard to imagine losing those who have deeply impacted our lives, but time has proven over and over again that no one is exempt from the inevitable. Though we may feel that the time arrives much too soon, we have no choice but to except the fact that we all must go and appreciate the moments we were blessed with to share.

This past weekend one of the GREATEST talents the World has ever seen or known left us all in a painful shock. Our sweet, sweet Whitney Houston was now gone.  Many have compared extraordinary voices to those of an angel, but she was truly God-sent.

Her voice, her presence easily raised low vibrations to a height never before felt. She filled us with hope and joy. Those who knew her personally say the love that was felt in her music, is the same love you felt when you had the opportunity to spend time with her.

She deeply cared for people and you could feel it in her music. She was sincere. She was elegant. She was a true example of grace.  She was and is music. She touched the world in a way that we will cherish forever. We Love You Whitney! GOD Bless You, Your Family, and Your Journey!!  J. Ivy

MONI RASHAD
 

My heart aches for the family of Whitney Houston. I pray that people would pray for her baby girl Bobbi Christina instead of assumptions and dogging her mother constantly in the media. Whitney Houston had a gift from God that she used to glorigy God. There is no other artist that can even sing her music and give it justice. The sister didn't have to move; she could just stand there and blow out melodies that rippled the soul without putting forth much effort.

Her image as an artist was impeccable during her peak and not many artist can say that. She set a standard for our generation; one of queen dominance on stage. She was never naked, always classy and her brand basically branded itself without much effort. I'd rather focus on the good she did with her power; like being the first African American artist to grace the soil of South Africa to assist the newly released Nelson Mandela in his fundraising efforts.

Not many artist today would have the courage to do so; not and risk their careers. But Whitney had no fear as she walked in the spirit of knowing that her gift had made room for her and that God was in control.

So, I don't pay much attention to all the rumors and accusations about my dear sister. I can't, not in good conscience. As an artist myself; it can be very lonely and the pain internally quite unbearable when you love God in your gift. And for certain, my dear sister loved God in her gift. It was a blessing to have our African American teens desire to imitate Whitney on stage as Whitney was always a class act! Some of my dear sisters today; main stream or not, could take note and raise the bar in their own game. If I had a daughter; let's just say she wouldn't be allowed to entertain her mind with much of any that I witnessed at the Grammys.

Thank you Whitney for being true to you as an artist. And I am most humbled to be able to say that everytime I saw your long lean pressence; it gave me and my long lean self hope. I began to believe I was beautiful and would be accepted as beauty; by just being who God made me to be. If I could say just one word to my sister before she had taken her last breath, I would have said, "sister girl you were in a class all by yourself!"

Click to download Whitney Houston Obituary