Women’s World–Anita F. Hill, professor of social policy, law and women’s studies at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management, comes this way Aug. 1 to keynote a Leadership Summit from 8 a.m.– noon
Women’s World–A ballroom full of fashionably attired women whose focused agenda is to see to it that their choice is the country’s next “first lady,” are hosting a “Lunch Reception with Michelle Obama” Jul. 28 at the Palmer House. Proceeds from the gathering will benefit the Obama Victory Fund. Luncheon tickets range from $250 to $1,000, so says Rev. Jacqueline Triche Atkins, a member of the 50-member host committee.
Among others on the host committee of Jul 28.’s event: Barbara Bowles, Michelle Carr, Chaz Ebert, Desiree Rogers, Linda Miner, Christie Hefner, Susan McKeever, Alana Ward Robinson, Maria Pinto, Cheryl Blackwell Bryson, Susan Rogers, Leslie Mitchell Bond and Marilyn Katz. Biz-Biz–The Chicago Urban League’s Project Next and its Entrepreneurship Center presents “The Next Dimension of Business Empowerment: Business Plan Boot Camp, Module II, Marketing” on Tuesday, Jul. 27 at 6 p.m., at the Urban League’s headquarters, 4510 S. Michigan Ave. To succeed in business, you must understand the marketing landscape, competitive environment, target audience, industry trends and the feasibility of entering and succeeding in your business. This session will provide the tools and knowledge for conducting primary and secondary research and how to use the information to build a sound business plan and business. This Business Plan Boot Camp, a hands-on learning experience, assists entrepreneurs in learning how to conduct market research, forecast financial potential, write a business plan and take the right steps to launch a new venture. The Business Support Clinics are designed to provide entrepreneurs one-on-one coaching with industry experts to assist in integrating the information covered in the previous sessions.
Fee: $20 per session or $150 a year for education membership. To register, contact Zenobia Williams at (773) 624-8803 or zwilliams@thechicagourbanleague.org.
Happy B’Day wishes to Angel Grant, Robin Hudson-Wilson, Victor Louis Brandon, Norman Moody and Felicia Brantwood. Anniversary wishes to Randy and Gizelle Broad (14th) and Matthew and Teresa Donaldson (5th).
Women’s World–Anita F. Hill, professor of social policy, law and women’s studies at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management, comes this way Aug. 1 to keynote a Leadership Summit from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. that kickstarts the three-day “Black Women’s Expo” presented by State Farm at McCormick Place. Hill, who you remember levied sexual harassment charges against Justice Clarence Thomas some 17 years ago and nearly cost him his Supreme Court nomination, heads a powerhouse roster of recognized female industry dynamos and experts in various disciplines who will address several opening-day workshops and panel discussions.
They include: “Turning Passion Into Profit,” Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, president and CEO, Nia Enterprises; Amy Hillard, president and CEO, The Comfort Cake Co., and Erika and Monika Simmons, the Double Stitch twins; “The New Glass Ceiling,” Peggy Alston, vice president, Danielle Ashley Communications; Diana Palomar-Scott, vice president of community services, ABC 7, and Nadine Thompson, president, Sole Purpose; “Building a Leadership Legacy,” Faith Morris, president and chief strategist, OwenMorris Communications, and Melody Spann-Cooper, president, WVON; “Cohesion & Engagement: The Importance of Diversity,” Joyce Tucker, vice president of global diversity and employee rights, Boeing Co.; and “Count Me In: Make Mine a Million$,” presented by American Express.
Cost to attend the Leadership Summit is only $35, which includes a keepsake. To register, call Michelle Geddes, seminar coordinator, at (312) 243-3554. Among others featured during “the expo” are Susan Taylor, Donna Brazile. Les Brown, Iyanla Vanzant, Michael Eric Dyson, Dick Gregory and Terry Vaughn. Visit www.theblackwomensexpo.com for more info.
“I Swear!”–Congrats to Atty. William H. Hooks (no kin!) on being appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve as a Circuit Court Judge of Cook County at large. He’ll be sworn in Aug. 4 at the Thompson Center to fill the vacancy created by the July 11 retirement of Judge Richard Berland.
Hooks’ impressive resume includes 20 years as an active duty and reserve officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, beginning in intelligence. After graduating from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1981, he became a military lawyer, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1995. Since leaving active duty, he’s worked in private practice, including stints at Pretzel & Stouffer Chtd. and Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP. In 1996, he opened his own firm concentrating in criminal defense and civil litigation. Hooks has been involved in several high-profile cases, including a $3.02 million settlement he and the Clifford Law Offices won in 2002 from the Chicago Housing Authority and other defendants in the “Girl X” case.
This year, Hooks has been a special state’s attorney representing Public Defender Edwin A. Burnette in his fight with the Cook County Board. He also spent 13-plus years chairing a hearing board for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and is a past president of the Cook County Bar Association and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. His appointment expires Dec. 2010, when Berland’s vacancy will be filled by election.
And, oh, by the way, Hooks, a former King of the Bud Billiken Parade (1961), has judged several Billiken essay contests and keynoted a Billiken Coronation. Way to go, big guy!
Common Sense–Chicago’s own hip hop superstar, actor and children’s author, Common (born Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr.), and his Common Ground Foundation have partnered with the Chicago White Sox to host a night at U.S. Cellular Field. On Aug. 12 when the Sox play Kansas City a portion of every ticket purchased on behalf of the Foundation will benefit CGF. That night the 36-year-old Grammy-winning rapper will accompany a lucky CGF youngster to the pitcher’s mound as he (or she!) throws the game’s ceremonial first pitch. Check out commongroundfoundation.org.
Attn: Jazz Junkies–Dr. Timuel Black, Dempsey J. Travis, Dr. Carol Adams, Joe Segal and American Airlines will receive high honor and praise from Geraldine deHaas and Jazz Unites Inc. during the 27th Annual JazzFest Heritage Music Weeke
nd, Aug. 1-3, at South Shore Cultural Center. The awards, designed by sculptor Debra Hand, will be presented at the Friday night opener, “We Love You Madly” Gala, featuring smooth sounds by the South Shore Youth Jazz Ensemble.
Aug. 2 kicks off at 11 a.m. with the Battle of the High School Bands and ends with Donald Byrd Sextet. Sunday’s concert begins at 12:30 p.m. with the Columbia College Youth Blues Ensemble directed by Fernando Jones. And Jean Carne closes the fest. Other performers: Columbia College Youth Blues Band, Bethany Pickens Trio, Tecora Rodgers Ensemble, Ava Logan Quartet and Art Hoyle Quintet featuring Eric Schneider.
This relaxed, free two-day family-friendly outdoor event combines picnics, family reunions, shopping from various vendors, socializing and eating–all accompanied by the very best in jazz, Latin jazz and blues. The 27th Annual JazzFest Heritage Music Weekend is partially sponsored by the Ill. Dept. of Tourism, Chicago Park District, Target, American Airlines, Centerstage Chicago, State Farm Insurance, Illinois Arts Council, City Arts, Black United Fund of Illinois and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. For info, call (773) 734-2000.
Newsy Names–Get well cheer to long-time pal, Nelson McLemore Sr., who “finally gave in” and underwent knee replacement surgery on Monday, Jul. 28, at Rush-Presbyterian Hospital. Pat and Pam Conway (a.k.a. “The Obama Twins”) co-host a $200 per person fundraiser for the Obama for America Campaign on Aug. 4, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., at Exposure Tapas Restaurant, 1315 S. Wabash. Among confirmed special guests: Gary’s Mayor Rudy Clay and Ald. Leslie A. Hairston (5th). Pat and Pam are among the co-owners of the South Loop’s popular up-scale, high-end eatery. Happy b’day to a special pal, Birdge Givens, retired HR director at Stroger Hospital and belated wishes to Dee Nix’s 90-years-young mom, Estelle Buckley, a mother of eight, grandmother of 13, great-grandmother of 18 and great-great grandmother of 12! Now, she’s truly blessed and highly favored!
Jacquelyn Heard, the oh-so efficient and highly visible 11-year press sec’y to Mayor Richard Daley, is photo-featured in the current issue of Today’s Chicago Women on “The Last Word.” Because of her ever-expanding responsibilities, she says a more appropriate title might be “the catch-all commissioner.”
Friday Fun!–Martinis and chocolate desserts are on Friday’s menu when Chicago NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) hosts Mo’ Chocolate Jam with media mogul Tom Joyner in the Sheraton Chicago Hotel’s River Hall from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Special guests: V103’s Ramonski Luv and Joe Soto. Music will be provided by Steve “Silk” Hurley, the old school/new school mixmaster. The party is during the UNITY ’08 Convention and all registrants only pay $10 for admittance; $15 for the rest of y’all! Corporate sponsors: Neilsen, Dominick’s, Carol Williams Communications, Reach Media and Arbitron. Yep! We’re there!
More Unity–And this evening, the Chicago Urban League, Fox32-Chicago/WFLD and My 50 Cable co-host a Unity: Journalists of Color Reception at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Garland Restaurant and McKinlock Courtyward. There, too!
Magic Music–The Dee Alexander Quartet (with Dee on vocals, of course!; Miguel de la Cerna, piano; Harrison Bankhead, bass; and Leon Joyce Jr., drums) take centerstage Tuesday, Jul. 29, at the New Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court.
Sump’n Extra – Besides Wednesday’s weekly print edition, be sure to check ChicagoDefender.com online every Monday and Friday for “Teesee’s Town” updates!
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