Author: GO BANG MAG

Music: CHUCK “THE VOICE” ROBERTS

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

We are saddened to announce the passing of Chuck TheVoice Roberts, the vocalist on the House song “IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS JACK!” He will definitely be remembered as THE VOICE of House. We at GO BANG! Magazine had the honor of interviewing Chuck. In honor of his life legacy, we at GO BANG! Magazine are reprinting our interview with him that we conducted with him in August, 2020.  I had recently spoken to him and he had soooooooo many upcoming and future plans.  DAMN, HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED! – Pierre Andre’ Evans….friend of Chuck <3  Rest in Peace homie…. #Respect #Legacy #InTheBeginningThere WasJack #ChuckTheVoiceRoberts

“In The Beginning There Was Jack and Jack had a Groove” The House music gospel, The Preacher’s Anthem are just a few of the descriptions given to the now famous speech. Fans of House, Dance and other genres of music for that matter can most certainly finish the rest of the verse that Chuck “THE ORIGINAL VOICE OF HOUSE MUSIC ” Roberts so eloquently spoke on one of House Music’s most defining recordings. This is evident by the millions of YouTube plays and samples by all genres of DJ’s. This is proof of the power of those spoken words.

How it all started:

When: The year 1987
Who: “Jack”
Where: A heavenly studio on the West side of Chicago
What: Chuck explained to his people spoken in a godly voice straight from the House Book of Genesis in omniscient detail of how house music was born and the impact on it has on your body and soul. Then Jack disappeared back into the heavens only to be heard all over the world but never seen. For you see in Jack’s realm there is no time. Since then House Heads have anticipated his return for 30 years to come into the presence of more knowledge and wisdom of Jack’s House.

Little did they know it was written for the year 2018 we would see the return of Jack and his soul stirring words of musical edification. “In The Beginning There Was Jack” was released on Ultra Music in 2018. Produced by Terry Hunter and also featuring Monique Bingham. This is a refreshed version of the original classic “My House”. Here are just a few of what the media articles and music industry Tastemakers have to say about the most prolific and iconic messages in dance music:

DJ Wayne Williams Sr. VP of A&R at RCA Records and world famous House Music DJ and Gatekeeper states “Chuck’s acapella is arguably the most important recording in house music history next to Marshall Jefferson’s “Move Your Body!”

With his proud voice as strong as ever, he is once again calling on audiences around the world to unite in a time of unthinkable struggles. His new 2020 inspirational track ‘I Choose To Live’ boldly states his refusal to bow down in fear, choosing instead to embrace life to the fullest. The rhythms are vibrant and hypnotic, filled with colorful melodies that remind us all that better times are on the way. No one knows when we will be able to dance together again, but as long as Chuck Roberts is making music, house fans all over the globe have something to unite around.

JACK’S HOUSE:
“IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS JACK, AND JACK HAD A GROOVE,
And from this groove came the groove of all grooves,
And while one day viciously throwing down on his box, Jack boldy declared,
“Let there be HOUSE!”and house music was born.
“I am, you see, I am the creator, and this is my house!
And, in my house there is ONLY house music.
But, I am not so selfish because once you enter my house it then becomes OUR house and OUR house music!”
And, you see, no one man owns house because house music is a universal language, spoken and understood by all.
You see, house is a feeling that no one can understand really unless you’re deep into the vibe of house.
House Music is an uncontrollable desire to jack your body.
And, as I told you before, this is our house and our house music.
And in every house, you understand, there is a keeper.
And, in this house, the keeper is Jack.
Now some of you who might be wondering,
“Who is Jack, and what is it that Jack does?”
Jack is the one who gives you the power to jack your body!
Jack is the one who gives you the power to do the snake.
Jack is the one who gives you the key to the wiggly worm.
Jack is the one who learns you how to walk your body.
Jack is the one that can bring nations and nations of all Jackers together under one house.
You may be black, you may be white; you may be Jew or Gentile. It don’t make a difference in OUR House.
And this is fresh!”
Lyrics: Rhythm Control – “My House” (vocal by Chuck Roberts) Catch A Beat Records ©1987

GO BANG! Magazine: Where are you from, where did you spend your childhood and where do you presently call home?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: The West side of Chicago, IL and I currently reside in the Western Suburbs of Illinois.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you receive vocal training as a child growing up, when did you first learn that your voice was distinct and unique, and when did you decide that you were interested in the music industry professionally?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: At about six or seven my parents would take me around to sing in church! Then in the 7th grade, I joined the choir in school. Very few people knew that I could sing however, I ended up getting the solo lead for a school assembly. It was the theme song from the Broadway musical “Aquarius” and the song was “Let The Sun Shine In.” After that, I joined my first band at about 13 and we patterned ourselves after the Jackson Five and performed around the city. As fate would have it, we lost our rehearsal space, so my Dad gave us space at the church to use until we did the unthinkable. He thought we were practicing gospel music, but we made the mistake of playing “Black Magic Woman” by a Rock group named Santana!! Needless to say, that didn’t end well!

I went on to be a part of a Funk band called “Mister” which had some local fame with the record “I Wanna Thank You.” We later changed our name to The Verdict.

GO BANG! Magazine: When making “My House” who wrote those famous words that you “preached”, did you know at the time that those words would go down in House culture history, and how does it feel to be known as THE VOICE?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: I wrote the words, but I actually spoke them before I wrote them. We did it in about five takes. At the time, I had no idea they would help define this genre of music we call “House.” I just wrote what I saw and felt was going on at the time throughout the city and in clubs like “Factory” on the West Side where I actually worked.
It’s very humbling to be called “The Voice” of House music. I had no idea it would lead to this.

GO BANG! Magazine: Many may think that they know your strong, powerful vocal sound, but they would be surprised to learn that your falsetto game is strong too. When do you plan to present THAT OTHER voice to the world?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: Well, I have a current song out now on Ultra Records called “I Choose To Live” in which I showcase it. Additionally, I will have more music released in the very near future where I will show this side of me as well.

GO BANG! Magazine: Many people know that you are a singer, but many may not know that you are also a songwriter and producer. Can you please tell our readers about your musical background?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: Yes, I have been on the writing and production side for many years. I directed choirs for many years, as well as helped develop many artists, most notably Danny Boy from Death Row Records, among others.

GO BANG! Magazine: We all know that you weren’t born House as a child, so what other types of music do you perform/produce, that prepared you for who you are today?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: You are correct. I came on the scene during the Funk band era, so R&B and Gospel were my main focus for many years.

GO BANG! Magazine: I’m sure you’ve had a chance to perform overseas and in other countries. How are you received by foreign audiences and is there any difference than the love you get from U.S. audiences?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: Yes, I have performed all over Europe and in Canada. My reception is great here in the U.S., however overseas it’s on a whole different level. They really embraced the “My House” speech and incorporated it in their everyday lives. It’s surreal because it often brings people to tears when they see me in person performing the speech. It’s very humbling. It’s still hard to believe the impact those words has had on people spanning over the past 30 plus years.

GO BANG! Magazine: I know you’re currently working on new music. One of those new songs is “All 4 One.” I’ve had the chance to sample it, as well as others, and they’re ALL HOT! Please tell our readers about that song, as well as any others that we should be on the lookout for.

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: “All 4 One” is a rally cry song for everyone, as it will take a collective effort to get through these trying times, now and in the future.

You should also be on the lookout for “Not The House That Jack Built” which will drop on August 7th. It’s a song produced by ATFC featuring yours truly. Again, it’s a song of inclusion and emphasizes that “it takes a village to get things done.” We are all in this together and it will take us all to get through.

As you know Chicago is also home of R&B Steppin’ music. I have a project coming soon in which I believe will be well received by the Steppin’ community.

GO BANG! Magazine: For our worldwide readers, many of whom are House here in Chicago the home of House music, how would you describe your style of music and how has the House culture influenced your sound?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: I would best describe my style as inspirational and feel good music. In fact, this is the only type of music you will hear from me regardless of what genre it falls in. Music and my voice in particular is a gift from God and I must use it to uplift and encourage in every way I can. The House culture is very spiritual and uplifting for the most part, so yes this can’t help but surface in my recordings.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a multi-talented artist that can sing, write, and produce, I’m quite sure that you have other talents that you haven’t exposed to the public. What other artistic gifts are you blessed with?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: Actually, I am an ordained minister and I can play the Congo’s.

GO BANG! Magazine: If you could work with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: Michael Jackson

GO BANG! Magazine: What are you working on now bro?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: I have records currently out in multiple genres of House production. However, I’m working on a soulful house project at the moment.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you personally dealing with it?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: Well to be totally honest, I’ve fared pretty well. While lots of people were unsure about the future, my focus was a little different. I know that if I continue to live according to the word of God, I already know how my story ends and what the future holds! SO I’M STRAIGHT!

GO BANG! Magazine: Lastly, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Chuck ‘The Voice’ Roberts: I believe that anytime anyone who loses their life in such a manor, all parties involved should be held accountable. Those who are guilty of the crime should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!

Our community is not anti-police we are anti-bad police. Cultural sensitivity training and new de-escalation tactics must be taught. Also, we live in the age of technology. So, there is no way we should not have better technology to take down or subdue without killing them, if the police feel they are being threatened.


You can find Chuck’s music on ALL streaming platforms.

Follow Chuck on Instagram @inthebeginning_chuckroberts

You should also be on the lookout for “Not The House That Jack Built” which will drop on August 7th. It’s a song produced by ATFC featuring Chuck. It’s a song of inclusion and emphasizes that “it takes a village to get things done.”

Check out Chuck performing his famous speech in Malmo Sweden: https://vimeo.com/373876799?fbclid=IwAR3RWz4tHlOBo4YJMX_Ub7me53x_JlXCa1QISeHBC_nUD4Y1dbv2nPDJhbI

 



Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Poetry: “DISCOPOET” KHARI B.

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Providing the very best in Spoken Word Edutainment

“Truth tellers are not always palatable. There is a preference for candybars.” Gwendolyn Brooks

Discopoet Khari B. is a spoken word musician and educator working internationally as both a performer and instructor in the literary arts. With a solid reputation for delivering powerful performances with intense instrumental accompaniment, Khari B.’s energetic nature is inextricably tied to growing up in Chicago’s House music culture and being the son of two educators, one being acclaimed woodwindist, Mwata Bowden. His inspirational and mentally rousing work has been recognized, hailed, and requested across the globe, staking out a place in the hearts of audiences and appealing to a diverse legion of fans, spanning multiple ages and ethnic groups.

He’s co-produced three albums under the Discopoetry brand (WordSound: THIS AIN’T NO PUNK-ASSED POETRY, I’M A BAD MUTHA: The Rockstar Poetry Project, The Revolution Has Been Compromised: Honoring the word and works of Gil Scott-Heron) and appeared on numerous others.

In addition to his works’ inclusion in a number of anthologies, he’s published one book, “Haiku 4 Justice: Poetry In the Age of Social Media” and co-produced a feature length film on his annual arts & music production, “Thee Debauchery Ball.”
Khari B. has been an Artist-In-Residence at the prestigious Purdue University since 2006, continuing to create, educate, produce and perform wherever he is called under his philosophy “Make it happen.”

GO BANG! Magazine: Growing up with both parents being educators had to have been tough and must’ve influenced the way that you value education. Please describe your childhood and what’s the most valuable lesson that you have learned from your parents, in regards to education and life in general?

Khari B: I wouldn’t say it was tough. They weren’t letting any BS ride when it came 2 our education. But, because a respect for and necessity of education was instilled N2 our lives from our very beginning, they didn’t have 2 force our participation so hard. Of course we didn’t like homework and large research projects, so we showed a natural youthful resistance 2 that. But all and all, intelligence was respected in our home, our community and by the youth and adults we were surrounded by.

My childhood looks like being outside, right? We played. Our friends would ring our bell and ask my parents if we could come outside – all year round. I loved cartoons (still do) but my mom had a strict policy on how much television time we could have per day so I had 2 choose wisely of what and when 2 watch. Museums, cultural centers, library visits and concerts were a normal thing 4 us and we dug it 4 the most part. Children aspire 2 what they R exposed 2 and my parents insured we were exposed 2 as much as culture, music, information and life as their modest pockets would allow. We rode our bikes regularly, especially in the summers and particularly 2 the comic book store. We couldn’t wait 4 snowball fights on the block in the winter.

The most valuable lesson that I learned from my parents was how important it is 2 know how 2 read and comprehend information. I can’t underestimate that. It’s now that I realize how many people can’t and/or won’t and how much discord and confusion the lack of those simple acts cause 2day. Reading ain’t just fundamental. It’s so necessary!

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get started in poetry, Spoken Word and then Discopoetry? What are the differences in the three?

Khari B: Moms definitely got me started writing. Again, it was just something instilled in us from the jump so it was never something new or novel. It’s just what we did and what my mom encouraged. She had Gil Scott, The Last Poets and Nikki Giovanni records playing around the house on Sundays and I dug it. Never thought of it as something I wanted 2 do but I loved their wordplay and rhythm. I loved their messages and their love of our people. I was being prepared and had no clue.

Spoken word came along in college. My friend, Courtney Bell, kept trying 2 get me 2 go 2 some place called Spices 2 listen 2 poetry, but I procrastinated and vacillated about it because I would rather hit a party. The day we finally made it was the week they closed. I had no idea that I had just missed a piece of history. I wasn’t keen on sharing my own work anyway.

Somewhere in that period a professor more or less forced me N2 reading a piece 4 a class presentation. Outside of a church oratory contest when I was nine, this would B the 1st time I ever shared my work N public. I got up, spit the piece how I heard it N my head and looked up 2 this lecture hall full of students enthusiastically clapping. I dug how it felt 2 share that and the reception it received. I was hooked and haven’t looked back since.

There are no differences between poetry, spoken word and Discopoetry essentially. All spoken word, as we’re using it here, is poetry, but not all poetry is spoken word. Some work is better left read. Some work begs 2 B said aloud. I am a spoken word musician. That would B the only distinction. I mostly write work 2 B performed. My spin is 2 do it 2 music, live music N most cases, and not in a rap form.

GO BANG! Magazine: You have a solid foundation and reputation in the House music community. It’s only natural that you would combine your spoken word with House music. Describe to our readers, the day that you decided that Discopoetry was one of your callings in life and you were gonna “go for it” and even name yourself after it.

Khari B: At the time “Discopoetry” was born, I was doing open mics in college. I didn’t have any professional aspirations 4 it then, but it was something I was loving doing. I didn’t like how the hosts were calling me up back then. It just lacked color and rhythm so I was in my head looking 4 a name 2 B introduced as. I was also sorta depressed at the time. I hated school, the city I was N, and my relationship status was on garbage. The only 2 things that were really delivering me at the time was poetry and House music. I was N the south, far away from any real parties and I was miserable. I would call my friends still N Chicago just so they could describe the parties 2 me – location, people, music, dancers, DJs… all of that just 4 my fix!

1 day after talking 2 1 of my boys, I started sketching possible names out. Housepoet was 2 close 2 house ni**a 2 me, so that wasn’t gonna work. BUT the term House was also interchangeable with Disco 4 the folks who knew, so I tried a few variations of that mix. When I put those 2 words 2gether, “disco” and “poet,” it just rang out 2 me. It stuck, it fit and that’s been my name ever since.

The day I decided 2 “go pro” was many years later. I was outta college, back N Chicago and working a job I hated. Every morning I woke up extra early and angry. Up and out on public transportation, which I hated, 2 go somewhere that I hated, 2 do some things that I did not want 2 do. It didn’t make sense. Additionally, the job called 4 me to stay late almost every night. The night that was unacceptable was Wednesday nights when I would go 2 Jazz and Java’s open mic night. Staying late on Wednesdays was non-negotiable because I was NOT going 2 B late and unable 2 get on the reading list there. My boss knew not 2 even ask. Again, poetry and House were the 2 things breathing life N2 my spirit then.

1 morning I woke up angry and realized how insane that was. No one who wakes up should B angry. The wake up is a gift in itself. I knew the source of my anger and there was only 1 rational way 2 correct that. I called the job and quit that moment. My boss tried 2 convince me otherwise, but I could not B swayed. I was done. I went back 2 sleep and slept WONDERFULLY. I woke up happy 4 the 1st time N a long time! Moments later, I realized I didn’t have a job. HA! I had 2 get a plan. I liked feeling happy and quickly contemplated my sources of happiness. I made a decision right there 2 figure out a way 2 get my poetry 2 B my source of income, as well as my happiness.

I had seen Marvin Tate’s D’Settlement and my sista Smokey do full shows outside of the open mic, and that was my inspiration. That was on a Wednesday. That weekend, as I was still figuring out how 2 do this, I walked N2 my 1st 2 bookings while at the African Fest at DuSable. Both were hosting gigs (which I had never done) 4 poetry shows. 1was co-hosting with brotha Malik Yusef at some Brewery on the near Westside and the other was a bi-weekly with Sista’s of Vizion at the Ebony Room. I admired Brother Mike and Triple Blak’s hosting skills at Jazz & Java, so I pulled my notes from them. As it applied 2 my own shows, I took my knowledge of House party promotion and used that as my template 2 get folks out 2 my events. That’s what it’s been ever sense. Those initial crowds at the event were primarily from the House community. It was “discopoetry” 4 real!

GO BANG! Magazine: Your God-given gift as a wordsmith has blessed you with the opportunity to travel the globe sharing your powerful words with the world. Prior to walking on stage to perform, what goes thru your head? What is your mission? What is the ultimate message that you want the audience to “take away?”

Khari B: My job as an artist is 2 document the times we’re living N. It is 2 inspire and inform the People. That is my mission EVERYTIME I put a letter 2 page or foot 2 stage. I want the audience 2 walk away filled with something they didn’t have when they arrived or at least more of it. The intention is 2 B joy and/or information, 2 do with as they will. I’m a creative propagandist that uses truth as my medium. The People need some truth. I give it 2 them N an energetic fashion so that it sticks.

All I’m thinking as I head 2 a stage is “let’s do this!” “Let’s have some fun!”

GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some of the artists, musicians, spoken word artists and other creatives that inspire or motivate you to perform and why?

Khari B: I named a few cats above, both national and locally-based folks, who helped 2 build where I stand. When I cut my 1st album I was using MC Hammer’s template of selling out of the trunk 2 get it done (obviously he was far more successful at it than I. HA!) instead of begging 4 a record deal. Prince was always an inspiration both performatively and business-wise. My Holy Trinity of performance is Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin. They R the definition of letting it all go on stage. Sonia Sanchez, Gil Scott, Nikki G., the Last Poets and Mama Gwendolyn Brooks R my teachers. I’m overjoyed 2 have performed with or 4 all of them at some point along the way.

I don’t think that I could B the artist I am if I came up anywhere else but Chicago. It’s a city filled with creative energy and, at the time I was coming up, a respect 4 and expectation 2 B one’s self. That didn’t happen everywhere and throughout time. House culture validated a necessity 4 our uniqueness, so that was already ingrained. But culturally and artistically, Chicago made me a better creative. It may not have an industry 2 properly support its artists’ careers but it makes them powerful creatives nonetheless. We stand out wherever we go. Here, I’m surrounded by an unparalleled artistic community. U can damn near trip over someone who should B a legend. I love it. I wish our folks could C it and make it happen.

When I hit the stage, I’m N clothes by Chicago-based designers like Embody by Talibah Mc, Mike Sims, Status Kno, Free Breakfast Apparel and Agriculture Chicago, accessories by Clay & Chloe, K-Fleye and Copper Candy. Our events R sponsored by Black businesses like Wakanna and the South Side Help Center most recently. My Chicago community is dope and they inspire and push what I do. I do my best 2 reflect and respect that in every aspect.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your “Thee Debauchery Ball” is a legendary annual event that I have had the pleasure of attending a few times. It was an experience that I will never forget, in a good way! Please explain to our “virgin” readers, who may have never attended, exactly what the “Ball” is and how you creatively co-produced and developed it into a feature film.

Khari B: The Debauchery Ball is a private, tasteful, erotically-themed protected space 4 Black people (and other POCs) where music, art and performance are synthesized for a most memorable, highly-anticipated, sensual, sensory-engaging experience. It’s a high-energy, liberated space of comfort and joy, free of constriction, oppression and self-deprecation emphasizing consent, respect and personal interaction, all grounded in House culture. If someone can’t read and fully comprehend all of that, they don’t need 2 B there. 😉

As I stated above, I’m a part of a beautiful and talented creative community. Being a part of that community and producing this type of event over years attracts all kinds of folks that possess skills that I don’t. This is not a small or easy event 2 organize. That said, I rely on others that I trust, who know and love the product and R enthused about being a part. David Weathersby is 1 such person.

Having worked with him over the years, I approached him about getting me some footage of the Ball that I could later use promotionally. He handled that but fell N love with the whole thing and asked if he could produce a documentary on it. I agreed. He went 2 work, communicated with me openly and as needed, and the final product came out more amazing than I could have imagined! David is simply a great guy and phenomenal filmmaker. I didn’t get N his way of making it happen and I was free 2 continue doing what I needed 2 do 2 make it happen. I trusted him because he’s always been a man of integrity, humility and genuinely supportive of the rest of the community. Because of that, he captured the spirit and nature of the Ball perfectly and it shows as crowds R loving it around the world now.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re a music producer and an author as well, penning your debut book entitled “Haiku 4 Justice: Poetry In the Age of Social Media.” Tell us about your book and why you wrote it.

Khari B: It is the creatives job 2 document the world as it is 4 future generations 2 learn from. “Haiku 4 Justice” is just that. 4 over 400 days I documented instances of injustice and triumph on a daily basis in haiku form. I used haiku because we R N a time of “meme education.” The average person is not drawn 2 read anything longer, so I used the short poetic form of haiku 2 tell longer stories of brutality, murder, resistance and celebration 2 the reader, 3 lines, 17 syllables at a time.

Initially they were just daily post 2 get me more N the habit of being present on social media (which I’m essentially adverse 2). A lot of people started keeping up with them including a few celebrities. Soon my circle started encouraging me 2 compile them N2 a book. I hadn’t even considered that. I just kept writing. I looked up and it had been over a year that I was doing this exercise. My crew put a foot N my ass and got me 2 produce the book finally after more than a year of procrastinating about it. My sista and fellow author/poet Tara Betts edited it and BAM, it became an actual thing.

I’m so happy I did it. It was a lot, spiritually, writing about so much pain but it was necessary. Our folks need 2 C it, remember it and never allow anyone else 2 change the story. Haiku 4 Justice is my contribution 2 keeping that truth and the names of our fallen alive.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being an educator, you are assisting in the development of minds. That is a tremendous mission that can’t be taken lightly. As an instructor in the literary arts, please describe what you do and why you chose to teach in that field?

Khari B: Every issue that we have with our youth is largely the fault of our elders; those who fell down on the job of keeping necessary lessons alive and our culture strong. It is without question that we have faced inexhaustible opposition 4 the last 500 years. But, our level of resistance, which is rooted in our culture, is Y we can even have this discussion 2day. The administration of that resistance and culture is the responsibility of our elders. We know who our opposition is and what they do. Our job is 2 know who WE R and 2 do our part. When the youth don’t know or respect our culture, which makes them able 2 navigate and thrive N this world properly, it’s because the eldership did not teach them.

Me teaching is me doing my part. The literary arts is what I use 2 expose groups of our young who they R, where they come from and what their purpose is on this planet. All of us have a part N that. I’m honored 2 B able 2. More of us have 2. It’s an honorable and tremendous responsibility 4 each of us. The classroom is just another medium 2 do what I do with the spoken word music. I’m still working 2 have a greater reach.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your Discopoetry performance is inspiring and full of spirit, just like you. How would you describe yourself and your performance, so that someone who has never met you would get a good understanding of who you are and what to expect from your show.

Khari B: I would simply say that I use the stage or recording mediums 2 say what is N my spirit and on my heart. I speak the things that connect us in a way that I hope speaks 2 your spirits and hearts. I attempt 2 vocalize our thoughts and emotions and B a voice that is silenced N a lot of us. So when those things manifest through me, it’s with all the energy, fury, love and volume I can muster N my 140 lb body. My spirit is much bigger 😉 The stage is where I get 2 B my full, uninhibited self and that ends up validating others living the same way N their own way. We’re gonna push some boundaries, free some spirits, scare some people and have fun doing it.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Khari B: I’m sitting inside writing. We don’t know what parts of this thing R true or false but we do know people R dying in droves. We do know the average American is so entitled, misinformed, uniformed and arrogant that the spread of the virus has been insane and accelerated because of them. So, I mainly stay inside and create. I’m loving it!

This quarantine has given us an unprecedented opportunity in modern times 2 sit, get quiet and do some self-development. It doesn’t seem most people R making use of that, but some R and it’s beautiful. Connections have been more meaningful, our ingenuity has been given space 2 speak and nature has gotten a chance 2 take a break from stupid and destructive humans to do some repair work. This time was needed.

I miss performing. I miss partying and traveling. But I love the quieter environment, the cleaner air and water and animal life flourishing in ways that it was unable 2 with all of our thoughtless movement. I’m okay with this. I wish people would have the sense 2 sit still a little longer so the virus can pass away, but that goes back 2 piss poor education and a lack of culture.

This time has proved that so much of our movement is unnecessary. A lot of it has been just 2 make people feel important or relevant but the planet, our country and our people have been so much better with us at home. Here we R. My next book is almost done. I finally started a meditation practice 4 myself which has been great. I’ve written work 4 and drawn up a new performance series and thinking of ways 2 get N front of a larger audience. I’m alright.

GO BANG! Magazine: Lastly, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Khari B: Floyd’s murder was no different than so many B4 him. The officer that murdered him is no different than the countless murderers on and off of the police force that have come B4 him. It’s a systemic issue that is bigger than reform of a particular career space. Racism is a mental illness and we all need treatment from it as it affects us all. Defunding the police budgets is about reallocating tax payers money, which have been used 2 heavily militarize these police forces since at least President Clinton’s administration and EVERY administration since, to programs that will help minimize the use of police and the prison system.

The institution of Euro supremacy does not want that. It makes 2 much money from and creates 2 much dependency 4 them 2 give that up willingly. But our education system needs that money across the board. Local job creation needs that money across the board. The mental health industry NEEDS that money across the board. THEN we’d C a people who Rn’t forced N2 a life of hunger, joblessness, poor health and other factors that actually create crime. We’d C healthier people ON the police force who Rn’t predisposed or inclined 2 target, brutalize and murder people of color indiscriminately. Defunding the police and the culture of brutality toward disenfranchised communities by them is about providing the people that ultimately pay them the resources not 2 need them.

George’s murder was about the lack of value 4 the life of Black people in this world. The present system supports, maintains and encourages that. It uses all media 2 facilitate the disdain 4 melanated people in all of us. 4tunately, there R parts of our youth that HAVE received pieces of love, knowledge and culture from some of our elders and they have taken this time and opportunity to rise up and make it known that the continued abuse cannot happen. They still need those lessons from the eldership, but they have shown that they R ready and able 2 speak up and put N that work.

These riots were different than B4. The spirit of these uprisings was different than B4. There is an awakening happening amongst our people, young and old and it’s beautiful 2 C the things that R manifesting. I think and hope we’re just getting started 2 turn this world around 4 the better.

Thank U so much 4 reaching my way, Pierre.
All love,
Khari B.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re welcome my brutha!


Get at me at http://www.disco-poetry.com
Haiku 4 Justice available at https://bit.ly/2X7mIuB
Thee Debauchery Ball can B seen on any device via KweliTv: thee-debauchery-ball




Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Business: ERIC WILLIAMS / THE SILVER ROOM

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Eric Williams is the founder and creative director of The Silver Room, an innovative retail, arts, and community events space opened in 1997. The Silver Room intersects the worlds of fashion, music and visual art, and operates as a boutique, gallery, and community arts center.

Williams founded “The Silver Room Block Party” in 2004 and in its 16th year attracts over 40,000 people, co-founded” Grown Folks Stories” (a monthly storytelling series), “The Harper Court Summer Music Series” and “Connect Gallery and Arts Festival.”

Williams is currently strategizing concepts that will help to revitalize Chicago’s South and West side communities and fuel their economic growth through retail, arts and culture. Williams holds a degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

GO BANG! Magazine: Why do you feel the need to be involved in your community?

Eric Williams: TO BE AN EXAMPLE. IT’S IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO SEE A SMALL BLACK OWNED BUSINESS AND A POSITIVE PLATFORM IN THE COMMUNITY.

GO BANG! Magazine: One of your missions in business is to help revitalize Chicago’s South and West sides. Why did you choose those specific areas?

Eric Williams: THE CONSTANT DISINVESTMENT IN THESE CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS HAVE RESULTED IN STRUGGLING COMMUNITIES. WE HAVE TO COMBAT THAT BY CREATING WHAT WE WANT FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.

GO BANG! Magazine: What motivated or inspired you to create The Silver Room?

Eric Williams: I WANTED TO HAVE A SPACE FOR ALL OF MY PASSIONS, A PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE AND MERGE ART, FASHION, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY TOGETHER.

GO BANG! Magazine: The original Silver Room was located on the North side of Chicago. Currently, it’s located in Hyde Park on the South side. What do you believe is the reason your business is so successful in Hyde Park?

Eric Williams: CULTURAL COMPONENTS OF THE STORE ALIGN WITH THE MERCHANDISE. THERE IS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT WE STAND FOR. PEOPLE IN HYDE PARK WANT TO SUPPORT BLACK BUSINESSES.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re a DJ and I noticed that you incorporated a DJ booth in your store. How has being a DJ influenced you as a businessman?

Eric Williams: MUSIC IS A PASSION OF MINE, WHETHER IT’S SELLING OR PLAYING RECORDS THAT MAKE PEOPLE DANCE OR MIXING IT UP WITH SOMETHING THEY HAVEN’T HEARD BEFORE. TO DJ IS A CRAFT. THE DJ BOOTH INVITES PEOPLE IN TO PRACTICE THAT SKILL.

GO BANG! Magazine: One staple of summer in Chicago is “The Silver Room Block Party,” which started in 2004. This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was canceled. What drove you to create the festival and what is your main goal when presenting it each year?

Eric Williams: THE “BLOCK PARTY” WAS A RESPONSE TO CHICAGO FESTIVALS THAT LACKED INCLUSION. I WANTED SOMETHING VIBRANT AND DIVERSE THAT UNIFIES THE COMMUNITY.

GO BANG! Magazine: How can the public help support The Silver Room during these unprecedented times?

Eric Williams: SHOP AT THE SILVER ROOM, SHARE, AND STAY CONNECTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a young, black, male running several businesses, you are an inspiration and motivation to people, especially people of color. How does it feel to know that your success inspires others to succeed?

Eric Williams: IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE EXAMPLES AND A PRESENCE IN THE COMMUNITY. I HOPE TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO SUCCEED IN SIMILAR WAYS.

GO BANG! Magazine: Five years from now, where do you see Eric Williams?

Eric Williams: STILL GOING STRONG, BUILDING THE NON-PROFIT PROXIMITY THAT WILL SUPPORT OTHER BUSINESS, AND WORKING ON A MULTITUDE OF BUSINESSES WITH PLATFORMS FOR OTHER WAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Eric Williams: ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, I’VE BEEN ABLE TO REST AND REFLECT. I’VE ADJUSTED. I STILL HAVE TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. THE SHUTDOWN GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMODEL AND FOCUS ON ONLINE SALES.

GO BANG! Magazine: Most businesses had to temporarily close due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some businesses even went out of business. During the pandemic the George Floyd murder took place in Minnesota, which caused protests and riots across the world, including here in Chicago. How has the pandemic and the riots affected The Silver Room?

Eric Williams: EVEN WITH THE CHALLENGES OF THE PANDEMIC, WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO FOCUS ON SOME CHANGES TO ENHANCE THE STORE. WHAT HAPPENED TO GEORGE FLOYD SHED A LIGHT ON SOME INEQUITIES IN SOCIETY FOR SOME WHO WEREN’T AWARE.

WE SEE MORE CUSTOMERS INTERESTED IN AND BUYING BOOKS ABOUT RACE. WE’VE HAD MORE SUPPORT FROM PEOPLE WHO MAY NOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY SHOPPED WITH US.

GO BANG! Magazine: Since The Silver Room re-opened in late June, it has been remodeled and has a fresh new look. What are you hoping for your space with its new fresh look?

Eric Williams: I WANT THE SPACE TO BE INSPIRING. I WANTED TO CREATE BEAUTY ON THE SOUTH SIDE. IT’S A REFRESHING AND SLEEK SHOPPING EXPERIENCE, WITH THE SAME VIBE.

GO BANG! Magazine: Lastly, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Eric Williams: ANYBODY WITH ANY SENSE OF COMPASSION KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED WAS WRONG. THERE NEEDS TO BE REFORM AND BETTER TRAINING AND HIRING PRACTICES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. WE LIVE IN A VIOLENT SOCIETY AND THIS HAS MADE PEOPLE TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT THESE ISSUES.


YOU CAN FOLLOW THE SILVER ROOM ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA FORMATS: @TheSilverRoom

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Business: JONATHAN T. SWAIN / KIMBARK BEVERAGE SHOPPE

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While his background spans a variety of industries and sectors, Jonathan T. Swain has always been a strategic thinker driven to solve problems, specifically those that affect the individuals and communities in Chicagoland.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from Duke University, Jonathan earned a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. Immediately after graduating in 1999, Jonathan started his career in government, serving as Chief of Staff for Alderman Terry Peterson and Alderman Latasha R. Thomas. He then moved into the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, as an Assistant to the Mayor, before being appointed Deputy Commissioner for the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development—the youngest person to hold that position at the time. Simultaneously, Jonathan was working toward getting his MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

In 2007, Jonathan transitioned into an active role as a board member, and later Chairman, of City of Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals, serving under both Mayor Daley and Mayor Emanuel, before being chosen for his current role as a Commissioner of the Chicago Board of Elections.

In addition to his government work, Jonathan was recently chosen to lead LINK Unlimited Scholars as CEO—tasked with taking the over 50-year-old institution into a new phase of innovation. Jonathan also serves as President of Kimbark Beverage Shoppe, his family’s 50-year old business in Hyde Park, and Director of Eat Drink and Be Events, a company responsible for the success of Chicago Bourbon and Barbeque Fest, Hyde Park Brew Fest, Lincoln Park Wine Fest, and Whiskey by the Water.

When he’s not serving as president, director, commissioner or CEO, Jonathan is a husband and father. He lives in Hyde Park with his wife Angela and their three boys, and remains deeply committed to the concept of proactive, strategic community and economic development in Chicago.

GO BANG! Magazine: Growing up, you took your education very serious and pursued learning with a vigor. What was it about your childhood that motivated you to focus on education so fiercely?

Jonathan T. Swain: My parents honestly. They didn’t have as many options growing up in the Jim Crow south. So, as they starting having kids, they wanted to make sure that all of us had every opportunity educationally. I had the good fortune of following in my sibling’s footsteps too, so that made it easier.

GO BANG! Magazine: The Swain family has successfully owned Kimbark Beverage Shoppe since 1974, and it’s currently under your leadership as President and Principal. What do you think is the secret to its success over the years and do you plan to expand to other neighborhood locations?

Jonathan T. Swain: I think the secret sauce is keeping the customer first in mind. Hyde Park is extremely diverse so there are a lot of customer segments. That leads to a diverse product mix. But that aside, we are a business that relies on repeat customers, so the better they feel when they leave the more often they will come back.

GO BANG! Magazine: You are quite a dynamic person. In addition to being an entrepreneur, you have an extensive career in several government divisions. Currently you’re the Commissioner of the City of Chicago’s Board of Elections. With this being a pivotal election year, with Trump up for re-election and Covid-19 wreaking havoc and fear, there’s going to be unprecedented interference with people getting their vote out in November. It’s being proposed that voting be done early and by mail. Trump is spewing that voting by mail can easily be hacked and tampered with, trying to scare the public. What can you say to assure citizens of Chicago that their votes will be counted and that the voting by mail system is secure and reliable?

Jonathan T. Swain: That’s very kind. The Chicago Board of Elections is a three member panel that oversees all of the elections in Chicago. It’s our responsibility to ensure that every eligible voter can register and that every registered voter can vote. Our current vote-by-mail system is very reliable, but we are introducing safeguards to ensure every vote is counted. That includes the creation of drop-off boxes to ensure we receive your vote on time and handwriting experts making sure signatures on the ballot match.

If you are interested in voting by mail, go to our website to apply. If you enter your email address you will be informed via email during every step of the process.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your involvement in the African American community with LINK Unlimited Scholars is commendable. Why do you feel the need to be involved with the community and how does LINK facilitate that need?

Jonathan T. Swain: My parent taught me that doing well is not mutually exclusive with doing good. Said a different way, to whom much is given, much is required. So, civic activity is really part of my DNA. Serving as the President and CEO of LINK Unlimited Scholars affords me the opportunity to develop and lead an organization that combines three of my passions, Chicago, the Black Community, and Education/Learning. I don’t think there is anywhere else that I could serve that allows me to have that sort of impact on all three passions at once

GO BANG! Magazine: Eat, Drink and Be Events is extensively involved with festivals in Hyde Park, Lincoln Park and other prominent neighborhoods. As the Director, what is the company’s primary mission and goal?

Jonathan T. Swain: When we started the company, we wanted to bring events we saw on the North side of Chicago to the South side. Why shouldn’t we be able to enjoy events in our own community? Of course at that time the Chosen Few Picnic and the African Fest were the only events on this side of town. So that’s why we started the Hyde Park Brew Fest. As it grew from 500 people in its first year to over 50K in recent years, the event developed into an economic engine for our community. Not only did the local businesses benefit, but we were creating an economy for our vendors, merchants, and other Black-owned companies. That doesn’t include the jobs we also created for the weekend.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a young, black, entrepreneurial male you are an inspiration and motivation to people, especially people of color. How does it feel to know that your success inspires others to succeed and what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Jonathan T. Swain: Thanks for the young part… I would give two categories of advice, one technical and one inspirational. From a technical point of view, every business is solving a problem or filling a need. If you can’t answer the problem you are solving or the need you are fulfilling then you need to rethink your business. Just because you are good at something or passionate about something doesn’t mean it solves a problem or fulfills a need. If you focus on those two things, you have a greater likelihood of success.

From the inspiration point of view, what you see is more important that what you feel. Entrepreneurship is like being on a ship in rocky seas. The only way to really stay steady and not get sick is to keep your eye on the horizon. Your legs may be wobbling and you may be listing left and right, but if you keep your eye on the horizon, you will be steady.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it personally?

Jonathan T. Swain: My wife encourages me to reframe challenges. The response to COVID is challenging to everyone, but it also has been a great time to hit the hard restart button. Every assumption has been turned upside down, so traditional rules don’t apply. This has been the time to do something new and that’s what I have been doing.

GO BANG! Magazine: On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Jonathan T. Swain: George Floyd’s murder was a public lynching in my mind. The officer’s goal was to break the spirit of everyone watching, especially Black people. It didn’t work. There is a passage in the Bible that says for life to come forth a seed must first fall to the ground and die. Unfortunately, Mr. Floyd was that seed, but I am encouraged by all of the life that has sprung from it. People are organizing and acknowledging the racial inequity and injustice in America. Conversations that were buried have now risen to the surface. Cities are reevaluating their budgets to ensure they align with the priorities of the people. So a lot of life is arising from his tragic death.

GO BANG! Magazine: Most businesses had to temporarily close due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some businesses even went out of business. During the pandemic the George Floyd murder took place in Minnesota, which caused protests and riots across the world, including here in Chicago. Kimbark Beverage Shoppe was extensively affected by looting, which caused it to close and lose income. How did that make you feel, being a black owned business, as well as give your opinion on why you think there was rampant looting in general?

Jonathan T. Swain: The break-in at my store wasn’t tied to the protest. A crew of people used protest as a cover to commit crimes in our community. The people that hit my store weren’t the only ones. That activity drove a lot of the criminal destruction on the South side. With that said, I had my initial feelings about it, but the outpouring of support from friends, customers and community more than made up for the negative feeling we experienced.

As to the question of looting, I don’t agree with it, but I don’t judge it. In fact, I understand it. Looting was driven by the same racial and economic frustration as the crime and protests. Yes, people were taking material goods, but I also saw people taking groceries and diapers. So, I’d rather focus on eliminating the cause of the frustration than commenting on how people displayed their frustration in that case.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, as the father of three boys that have witnessed the brutality being committed by police officers on Black and Brown males. What advice can you give them and other young males to help them navigate safely through these volatile times?

Jonathan T. Swain: This is a tough one for me, my sons and Black people in general, not just males…and it’s not over. We will have to deal with this again during and after the verdict. With that said, I would tell them what I tell myself every morning. Find your hope, anchor it in something secure, and ground yourself in it. Once hope is gone, then the fight is over. So, hold on to hope!


FOLLOW JONATHAN t. SWAIN AND KIMBARK BEVERAGE SHOPPE ON ALL SOCIL MEDIA PLATFORMS

 

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music: JON PIERCE

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A native of the south side of Chicago, Jon Pierce packs quite a bit of baritone into his slim 5’10, 175lb. frame. At just the impressionable age of 11, he realized his deep love and sheer passion for music having been exposed early on to such musical genius as Stevie Wonder, Fela Kuti and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. At age 12, Jon remembers that his mother had given him a Walkman along with a Luther Vandross cassette tape that he would study for hours, getting lost in the melodies of the rifts and vocalizing the intricate harmonies. It is the soulfulness of these and many other influences that helped shape Jon Pierce’s personal full-energy sound, which is filled with a hint of jazz, hypnotic house rhythms and his natural fit, R&B.

A professional singer since age 15, Jon Pierce has been a consistent performer with both stage and vocal projects ever since. Fueled by his drive to, “take a set of songs and turn them into memorable moments for the audience,” Jon engages his unique style and creativity to deliver lasting impressions that have not only made him a permanent fixture in Chicago’s diverse soul and theatre scenes, but they have catapulted him globally with tours and performances throughout Germany, Japan and the UK.

Jon Pierce has worked with some of the industry’s top producers such as Ralf Gum, Louie Vega and Terry Hunter to name a few. His latest project is the poetic rhythms of his EP “The Love Take Over” a vibrant and up-tempo dance collection produced by Chicago-based DJ Sean Ali for Sounds of Ali Recordings. Already a fan favorite, this project is a true testament to Jon’s vocal capabilities and the authenticity of his unique sound.

Enter Jon’s Planet and experience his artistry!!!!

GO BANG! Magazine: What was it about Luther Vandross’ voice and singing style that captured you as a kid growing up and how has that influenced your musical style?

Jon Pierce: Luther was a master vocal arranger and writer! The way he put together melodies and harmony stood out for me more than anything! He had a way of being himself that attracted me to him. Most of the singers that I like are original and have their own style! I listened to Luther and received some of his energy. I don’t sing anything like him. I took lessons from him to add and find more of me!

GO BANG! Magazine: Are you primarily a vocalist or can you/do you write lyrics, compose music, play an instrument or produce tracks as well?

Jon Pierce: I write all my songs. In the last five years I have also put on the producer hat.

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to singing, you’re also a stage actor and dancer. How does your dancing and acting experience influence your singing style or stage presence AND are you still pursuing acting and dancing?

Jon Pierce: I went to school for musical theater. So as a performer, a lot of the dance and a lot of the production value that comes with performing in theater adds to my performances. So, I love theater and I love acting. I have performed at most of the major theaters in the Midwest region.

Before the shut down, I was scheduled to be in “The Gospel at Colonus” at the Court Theatre here in Chicago and I’m currently a principal dancer of Muntu African Dance Theater. So it’s a very big part of who I am. All of it works together.
All of it is me. I’m blessed to be a full-time entertainer.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve toured and performed in the U.S., U.K., Germany and Japan. How would you describe the main differences in U.S. audiences, versus other countries audiences, in reference to their appreciation of dance music and artists?

Jon Pierce: When someone flies you across the water to sing for them, they want you there. They have shown an appreciation for who you are and what you bring. I think Americana are so spoiled to having amazing talent, that sometimes they take it for granted.

GO BANG! Magazine: Is Dance the only genre of music you create or do you perform other styles of music? If so, what others? If not, why not?

Jon Pierce: I am a Dance artist and a soulful House artist! I chose it. I didn’t have a failed attempt at any other genres! I love the music and the energy it brings and the freedom of the message! I am all in for House!!

GO BANG! Magazine: With Chicago being the home of House music, and as a Chicago native, you’ve had the privilege of growing up House your entire life. How has the House music culture and community influenced your music?

Jon Pierce: It’s the music I do! That’s the influence of being young and listening to it on the radio and watching my family dance to it.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please name any producers, songwriters or other artists that you would LOVE to work with, that you haven’t thus far, and why?

Jon Pierce: I have had the honor of working with the top producers in dance music from all over the world! I am open to working with someone new that really has a grasp on music that pushes the sound forward. So, if there are any producers who feel they can bring something fresh, I would love to work with that energy!

GO BANG! Magazine: What can our readers expect from Jon Pierce in the future, after the Covid-19 pandemic clears up?

Jon Pierce: I plan on releasing more music! I wrote a book, so the release of my book, as well! I am on a journey of learning and growing, so I constantly want to share those lessons

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you personally dealing with it?

Jon Pierce: Doing my best to maintain some levels of normalcy and at the same time adapt to whatever this government is about to throw our way!

GO BANG! Magazine: Lastly, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Jon Pierce: I believe that the complete system we call LAW needs to be revamped! Our judge and jury have become the police in the streets! Judges are just enforcing the judgement of the police. It is very sad that in 2020, we still have to deal with this level of human immaturity! We have to constantly show and call out crooked cops. Eventually, we will have to protect ourselves against racist cops, if Police Reform is not a priority to leadership in this country!


You can follow Jon Pierce on ALL social media @JonPierce and log onto his website @http://www.jonpierceplanet.com

 

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Music / Radio / Business: TERRY “DJ GLOVEMASTER SIZ” MOORE / DA DJZ ORIGINALZ

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Terry Moore, Sr. aka Glove Master Siz is a DJ from the Southside of Chicago. He started his DJ career in the early 1980’s. He’s a self-taught DJ who started by DJ’ing parties and weddings across the Chicago area. Soon after, he started teaching DJ’s in the area the skills he knew. In the mid 1980’s, he started learning how to produce music. He has produced Hip Hop and R&B tracks for local artists in the Chicago area.

Glovemaster is also an entrepreneur and is co-founder of DA 4 DEEP DJZ and is a member of DA DJZ ORIGINALZ with his partner DJ Major. Together, they do an internet radio show spinning House music. Even though DJ Major isn’t always available to join Glovemaster on out-of-state gigs, DA DJZ ORIGINALZ name has gained more popularity and recognition.

In 2012, “Biltmor’s Who’s Who” awarded Terry Moore, Sr. aka Glovemaster Siz a certificate acknowledging Terry as an individual qualified for inclusion in the 2012 edition of the “Biltmore Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals.”

GO BANG! Magazine: Where did you grow up and spend your childhood?

Glovemaster Siz: GLOVE MASTER IZ A DJ FROM THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you first become interested in being a DJ?

Glovemaster Siz: I STARTED MY DJ CAREER IN THE EARLY 80’S. I FIRST GOT INTO DJ’IN BECUASE I ALWAYZ LOVED MUSIC. IT IS MY PASSION!

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you know that you wanted to pursue DJ’ing as a profession?

Glovemaster Siz: I AM A SELF-TAUGHT DJ AND I STARTED DOING BASEMENT PARTIES AND WEDDING’S ACROSS THE CHICAGO AREA, WHICH THEN LEAD UP TO BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please name the DJs that inspire or motivate you.

Glovemaster Siz: THERE WASN’T ANY DJZ THAT MOTIVATED ME. I HEARD THIS GUY PLAYIN RECORDS AND I SAID TO MYSELF, “I CAN DO THAT!”

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also a music producer. Are you working on any new Hip Hop or R&B tracks and have you produced any House tracks?

Glovemaster Siz: I’M NOT WORKIN ON ANY HIP HOP OR R&B RITE NOW, BUT I’M WORKIN ON SOME HOUZE TRAXXS.

GO BANG! Magazine: As an entrepreneur, you co-founded DA 4 DEEP DJZ. Please tell our readers about the DJ group.

Glovemaster Siz: DJ MAJOR AND MYSELF WANTED TO PUT TOGETHER A SMALL GROUP OF DJZ. BUT IT DIDNT WORK OUT WIT ME. I CAN’T STAND BICKERIN N A CREW AND THATZ WAT IT WAZ. SO, I LEFT AFTER ONE YEAR. NOTHIN AGAINST DA CREW, BUT NOT MY THING.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re a member of DA DJZ ORIGINALZ DJ group that has an internet radio show. Describe the show and what the listeners can expect, when they tune in.

Glovemaster Siz: I STARTED DOIN INTERNET RADIO WHEN THIS DJ TOLD ME THAT A GUY WAS CHECKIN ME OUT ON FACEBOOK. I WAS DOIN A LIVE SHOW. HE SAID HE COULD TAP INTO MY LIVE FEED, WHILE I WAZ DOIN MY SHOW, AND HE COULD BROADCAST IT ON HIS RADIO STATION. NOW, DJ MAJOR AND MYSELF, DA DJZ ORIGINALZ R DOIN WJZD RADIO DETROIT. ITZ OWN BY DONALD POOLE
FIRST OFF, I’M A WELL ROUNDED DJ. I PLAY CLUBS AND “HOLE IN THE WALL” PLACES. SO I KNOW HOW TO PLAY IT ALL. I JUZ PREFER HOUZE CAUSE THATZ WHERE MY MONEY CAME FROM. DONT GET IT WRONG, I’M A “BEAT BOY” IN HEART, BUT MY MONEY CAME FROM HOUSE MUSIC.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a House DJ you have mentored and trained several DJ’s, including one that our readers may be familiar with, DJ Angi Stone. How did you two meet and how did you become her DJ trainer? Also, please inform our readers… how is she doing?

Glovemaster Siz: I STARTED TEACHING DJ’S IN THE AREA AND THAT’S THE WAY I MET ANJI STONE. SHE WAZ PART OF MY BREAKDANCE CREW. SHW WAZ DA ONLY FEMALE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT WAZ POPPIN AND BREAKIN AT THAT TIME.

SHE SAW ME SPINNIN AND ASKED ME TO TEACH HER. SO, I TAUGHT HER THE INZ AND OUTZ OF DJ’IN, LEARNIN HOW TO BREAK DOWN AND HOOK UP EQUIPMENT, AND HOW TO CLEAN THE NEEDLES ON THE TURNTABLE…EVERYTHING. SHE WAS ONLY 14 YRS. OLD WHEN I STARTED TEACHING HER. SHE WAS LIKE MY BABY SISTER, MY BEST FRIEND, AND STUDENT. .

ANJI STONE RECENTLY FELL ILL EARLIER THIS YEAR. BUT SHE’S DOING BETTER AND SHE WILL BE BACK SOON.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it personally?

Glovemaster Siz: I DEALIN WIT THIS 1 DAY AT A TIME. IT MESSED UP A LOT OF MY PLANS AND EVENTS THIS YEAR, SO IT HIT ME PRETTY HARD.

GO BANG! Magazine: Lastly, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Glovemaster Siz: WELL THIS IS NOTHIN NEW FOR A BLACK MAN TO B KILLED BY WHITE COPS. THEY DO IT CAUSE THEY KNOW THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH IT. ITZ ALWAYZ BEEN WRONG FOR A COP, ANY WHITE COP, TO A BLACK MAN.
LOOK IF WE DON’T CARE ABOUT OUR OWN LIFE, WHY SHOULD THEY? WE HAVE TO FIRST CARE ABOUT US, BEFORE ANYONE CAN CARE FOR US.

GO BANG! Magazine: Terry, I just wanted to publicly thank you for helping me out when I decided to return to DJ’ing again, a few years ago. Without me asking you, you gifted me with a CD storage case, which included about 50 CDs with ALL of the latest House cuts on them. You provided me with a House music “starter kit.” I will forever be thankful and grateful and will never forget that gesture of friendship. THANK YOU BRO!

Glovemaster Siz: NO PROBLEM MONEY. I’M GLAD DAT WE MET. ITZ BEEN TRULY A BLESSIN!


You can listen to the Glovemaster Siz daily mix on Facebook at 12 noon (CST) daily.

Follow GLOVEMASTER SIZ on Facebook @Sizzler GloveMaster Siz Lee

Follow DA DJZ ORIGINALZ on Mixcloud @DJZORIGINALZ1 and on Facebook @DA DJZ ORIGINALZ





Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Business: A.J. JONES / A.J. PHOTOGRAPHY

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

A.J. started photography at an early age, encouraged by his mother who was always the photographer for the family. While in high school, he studied photography and learned how to do it manually. Then a few years later, he took Photography courses at Robert Morris College. He got creative with it and made photography his new hobby.


After graduating, A.J. entered the media field and covered former President Barack Obama’s last speech, as part of the media team. This was one of his biggest accomplishments, thus far. He also took beautiful images of the city of Chicago and made it into art.

He’s also an entrepreneur, being the owner of A.J. Photography. The company’s mission is creating special images that can be marketed to any agency in the world. They create artistic black & white or color images. Every shot at A.J. Photography is meant to capture a unique and high quality image.

A.J. also creates websites. He needed a place to showcase his photographic works, so he created a site and posted all of his great photography images. In addition to that site, he has an online magazine site, Still from the Soul magazine (SFS Magazine). SFS is a magazine for photography, art, as well as interviews with people that you may or may not be familiar with. The magazine originated as a college project, but wound up as a new career.

But that’s not all that A.J. does. He’s also a painter and painted a mural in the basement of what was formally known as Robert Morris, but is currently known as Roosevelt University.

A.J. has received an acknowledgement award for all of his hard work and artistic shoots, and has been recognized as one of the best media photographers in Chicago.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is it about photography that interests you?

AJ Jones: I like the imagery, the way the person looks, and the reactions that I get when the images develop.

GO BANG! Magazine: When selecting a subject to shoot, what are you specifically looking for?

AJ Jones: The person must be coachable, very attentive and look good. They must also have a great smile and be willing to work hard because you always want a great result.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is your favorite type of photograph to take and why?

AJ Jones: I like black and white best because it gives you the real essence and texture of the subject. That’s what you are looking for in photographs. Color photos sometime don’t give you everything you are looking for, as a photographer. I want the raw and the essence of my subject.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get the opportunity to become part of the media team covering Barack Obama and how did that experience make you feel?

AJ Jones: I reached out to the White House and requested to be part of the media team that was covering Obama’s last speech. The experience was something that I will never forget in this lifetime. I got a chance to meet and see all of the newscasters and stars from around the world.

When I shot the images, it didn’t look like my images came out as good as they did. But, when I dropped them on the computer the images came out beautiful. I was so excited that I wanted to print each and every one of them, but I had decided to put them into a collage and print them.

GO BANG! Magazine: Have there been any other important times in history, since Barack Obama, that you were able to capture incredible images? If so, please describe those times.


AJ Jones: Some of my photographic highlights include when Harold Washington got elected as the first Black Mayor of Chicago, the Taste of Chicago festivals, the Chicago Gospel Festivals, and Chicago radio station WVON’s concert last year. I got the opportunity to photograph several stars.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your self-published online magazine, Still from the Soul, showcases creative people. How do you choose which individuals to showcase and to interview?

AJ Jones: Well, I look for people who most people don’t really know and don’t know too much about, like Pierre A. Evans. We will be interviewing him soon for the magazine. He is a phenomenal person on paper, but when you see the person in action, it’s a totally different story. He is a writer, dancer, interviewer, author and entrepreneur who’s interviewed a lot of celebrities including me, because I’m on my way to Stardom!

GO BANG! Magazine: Thank you AJ!

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you discover that you had a talent for painting and do you plan to pursue that talent more in the near future?

AJ Jones: Well here is the deal with painting. In college we had an assignment to create a painting that POPPED! So me and my partner at the time put something together. We came up with the creation of a lifetime. The late Dr. Margaret Burroughs (co-founded the Ebony Museum of Chicago, now the DuSable Museum of African American History) told us that she loved the painting and rewarded me with an interview for my magazine, before she passed away some years ago. I was so honored to have the privilege to interview her and it was great. I still have that interview to this day. My painting is in the Roosevelt University Building.

GO BANG! Magazine: What can our readers expect from you in the upcoming years?

AJ Jones: They can expect more beautiful shoots and some of the best articles this side of town (as my granddaddy used to say). If I can’t do my best, I should quit.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

AJ Jones: It’s been hard because I couldn’t go out physically and get an interview with people or do any photoshoots. It has stopped a lot of things, but it’s actually given me time to catch up on things pertaining to the magazine and try to do a photoshoot with my designer.

GO BANG! Magazine: Lastly, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

AJ Jones: I believe that reform is needed and more honest cops really need to step up to the corrupt cops. But in my opinion, the massacre that swept through this nation was needed to let White America know that Black people are united!


AJ Photography website: https://ajphoto787.wixsite.com/ajphoto7 
Still From The Soul Magazine website: https://sfsmagaj.wixsite.com/sfsmag1?fbclid=IwAR2QR890mzkPcD1dAKe6UByJQcUeVx4cjnaANa1OYnRYooG_WlUSt7FzWQA
Facebook @AJPhotography7
Email: ajphotography787@gmail.com OR sfsmagaj@gmail.com




Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Film: FILM INDEPENDENT FORUM

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

 

FILM INDEPENDENT FORUM

 

https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/forum/

July 31 – August 7
This year we’re breaking new ground, digitally speaking. With health and safety our top priorities, The 2020 Film Independent Forum will take place entirely online, making it accessible by filmmakers around the globe.

Forum passes are on sale now to Members and the general public.

If you’re a Film Independent Member, you’ll receive 50% off your pass.

Filmmaker Pro and Arts Circle Members, your pass is FREE.
(Email membership@filmindependent.org to learn more and register.)

Just as in years past, the 2020 Forum schedule will be packed with interactive panels, workshops and in-depth discussions, giving attendees ample opportunity to gain the insight, tools and strategies needed to further a career in film & entertainment. Also returning are the ever-popular Industry Connect* sessions, providing valuable one-on-one meetings with key figures and decision-makers from throughout the industry.

In an effort to maximize the accessibility of this all-online edition, closed captioning will be provided for a majority of the events that comprise the Forum.

* Industry Connect registrations are now full.

FORUM PASS BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE
Live keynotes and conversations
One-on-one sessions with industry experts
Exclusive on demand content
Extended access to Forum recordings and resources
Insights from professional filmmakers around the world
Register for the 2020 Film Independent Forum today.

For more details, visit our Forum Schedule and Speakers & Panelists pages. You can also follow us across social media (@filmindependent) for announcements.

Comedy: NETRA “MSALREADY” BABIN

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin is a stand-up comedian, writer, host an actress from Houston, TX. Since debuting her comedy career in 2009 at the legendary Laff Stop in Houston, TX she became a crowd favorite, and of management and staff, calling her comedy: “raw, hard-hitting, quick-witted, and hilariously real.”

Netra got her name ‘MsAlready’ once internet radio caught on, she was the host of her late night Laff Talk radio show “I’m Jus Saying” on Old Grumpy Radio. The term “already”, is a slang term originated in Houston when you concur with anything. Her fans certainly can agree she is “ALREADY”.

Netra is the writer and MsAlready is the entertainer, and together they captivate audiences on the web and beyond.
Growing up in a family full of practical jokers, fun and laughter has prepared Netra MsAlready for the Comedy stage. Netra MsAlready has rocked the house at comedy venues across the US; including the Houston Improv, Chicago Laugh Factory, the J Spot (Houston and Los Angeles), as well as colleges and universities. Her continual growth on the comedy scene has allowed her to work with some of comedy’s legendary names; John Witherspoon, Eddie Griffin, and Luenell just to name a few.

Comedy is a sense of humor with no boundaries, and being comfortable with finding the funny in all areas of life. Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin stretches to heights and beyond to entertain her audiences. Be on the lookout for Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin to make you laugh till you sweat. So stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. #Already #FindtheFunny.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you know that you were funny?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: I guess I could say ever since I was a kid. I was always joking and playing around. I even got in trouble. When I would get in trouble, I would say or do something silly to try and change the mood. My mom would get mad as hell and yell, “Ain’t a damn thing funny.” LOL I come from a funny family and what’s even worse, a family that likes to laugh. Once you get them started, they crying, spitting out drinks, damn near about to pee on themselves. They just always laughed, so I gave them something to laugh at.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get started in comedy?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: I started in 2009 after being laid off from my job. After being let go, I told myself that I didn’t want to punch a clock anymore. I wanted to do something that was going to allow me to not have to talk in my white woman voice for nine hours a day. Lawd that is annoying. I wanted to talk in my regular voice. I tried “open mic” just to see how I would do. I tried it and fell in instant love, and it has been 11 years later.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your style of humor?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: I consider myself to be an observational story teller. I tell life relating stories that are funny. Things you can’t believe you are laughing at!!!

GO BANG! Magazine: What do you think sets you apart from other comedians?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: My name…lol…that is it. Being Netra. There are so many talented comedians and we are servants of funny.

GO BANG! Magazine: What advice would you give to an aspiring comic trying to break into comedy?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: Stage time develops your journey into being a comedian. I meet people and they have notebooks of material and I tell them that shows they are a writer, you aren’t in the comedian phase until you get on stage.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve had an opportunity to work with some well-known comedians including the late John Witherspoon. What did you learn, if anything, from working with those legendary people?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: I learned by watching John Witherspoon that if you create classic moments, people remember that forever. His opening was the audience reciting his lines from movies he was in. The audience loves him and seeing timeless moments.

GO BANG! Magazine: What are you currently working on at this time, that you can tell our readers to be on the lookout for?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: To be honest, I ain’t working on shit! LOL… This pandemic has me taking a break and regrouping right now. Just follow my IG @netracomedy and stay tuned…But for right now, I am enjoying my time off and going crazy at the same time. LOL

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve done some acting as well. What are some of the gigs you’ve had and are you still pursuing that area of entertainment?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: I played a pilgrim in 2nd grade and didn’t act again until I started comedy at 30. My acting background comes from being in plays. Majority of my roles I have been casted to play, I played a dramatic role. My favorite role and my only comedic role so far was a play written by Comedian Billy Dee Washington called, “Finding 1st Lady.” It’s about a Pastor going on a reality show to find love, and I play one of the contestants. This was a great experience and definitely made me want to pursue acting more.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you personally dealing with it personally?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: Man listen, the bible says “Peace be still.” I am doing just that. I am sitting back wearing my mask, washing my hands and using an absurd amount of hand sanitizer. I have hustled and worked so hard in my life and I feel like the Lord has blessed me to have a seat and regroup at this time. Something about being indoors all the time is certainly harder than it seems!!! I am here in Chicago, my fam is in Texas and I miss them just cause I can’t access them. Cause Lord knows, I been social distancing from my family since 1996 when I graduated high school LOL. Now, I video chat for no reason. I’m just laying low, staying prayed up, and waiting for the ok to do old normal things again.

GO BANG! Magazine: Lastly, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.” This incident has caused civil unrest and massive protests across the world. How do you feel about this unfortunate situation and call for police reform due to the horrible treatment of minorities by the police?

Netra ‘MsAlready’ Babin: Situation is totally unfortunate. No comment.



FOLLOW NETRA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
http://Facebook.com/ComedianNetra
Twitter @iammsalready
IG:netracomedy




Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Event: BLACK BUSINESS CRAWL

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

July 23, 2020
For Immediate Release


http://TheBlackMall.com to Host Weekend Black Business Crawls in August
Black Business Month Project to Highlight Black-Owned Enterprises in Five Chicago Business Districts

Chicago, IL – To mark the 26th anniversary of National Black Business Month in Illinois, an official recognition by the state of Illinois in honor of ancestor, Dr. Webb Evans, http://TheBlackMall.com (TBM) will host Black business crawls every Saturday in August covering 5 major areas.

“2020 is a year of major change, making it an open portal for Black owned businesses to finally gain the spotlight,” declared TBM CEO Cassiopeia Uhuru. “August is the perfect month to set the stage.”

TheBlackMall.com is a book, brick and click platform that Makes it EASY to Build & Buy Black! They will be joining forces with Afrika Enterprises, Black Entrepreneurship Collective, Black Chicago Eats, Blacknificent Mile 79th Street Corridor, CBW Productions, Red Level Entertainment, SMP Creative Business and Design, Steps Inc Consulting, The Black Ink Group, United Black American Progress Association and WDB Marketing to sip, shop and support Black businesses like we’ve never done before.

The Black Business Crawl will happen in Englewood, Hyde Park, Chatham, Austin, and Uptown, and other communities between noon and 4pm every Saturday in August and include some of Chicago’s favorite Black owned businesses such as Culture Connection, The Silver Room, Sip & Savor, Batter & Berries, Shawn Michelle’s and many more. Each crawl will kick off at a flagship business complete with a DJ, libations and a host organization that will disseminate information on the next businesses to visit and support in that area. We invite all to join us via car, caravan, bike, by foot or crawl for this impactful experience in unity.

To help track the impact of supporting these businesses throughout the month, TBM has joined forces with Black Coin to test a new web and mobile application that makes it easy for users to upload their receipts, identify Black-owned businesses and gather important data that can be used to improve our business districts.

In addition, we will be hosting a day to give back to the community on August 15th by distributing hot meals in collaboration with The Doula Part and The Culture Chicago.

“Please join us as we seize these historical moments and continue the movement emphasizing that Black Lives AND Black Businesses Matter,” Uhuru continued.
For details go to http://TheBlackMall.com

About TBM: TheBlackmall.com is an aggregator of Black owned businesses offering product distribution and bookable services for entrepreneurs via our multi-vendor website, our brick and mortar retail/fulfillment center and digital marketing solutions, Making it EASY to Build & Buy Black! Since 2011, we have recycled over $700,000 to Black owned businesses and successfully connected over 2000 BOBs with 2,000,000 online customers.

NEVER MISS A HIT!!!

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