Author: GO BANG MAG

Poetry/Literature: JOHN W. FOUNTAIN

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A native son of Chicago, John W. Fountain is an award-winning columnist, journalist, professor and author of the memoir, True Vine: A Young Black Man’s Journey of Faith, Hope and Clarity (Public Affairs, 2003) and Dear Dad: Reflections on Fatherhood (WestSide Press, 2011). His essay, “The God Who Embraced Me” appears in National Public Radio’s book, This I Believe (Henry Holt Books, 2006), as part of the nationally acclaimed series initially started by Edward R. Morrow. Fountain is a professor of journalism at Roosevelt University and a weekly freelance columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. In 2016, 2014 and 2011, Fountain received the Peter Lisagor Award for Exemplary Journalism for columns published in the Sun-Times. Fountain won the Lisagor Award in the category of news column or commentary among daily newspapers with a circulation of 250,000 or more from the Chicago Headline Club—the largest local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists in the country. In 2014, Fountain was awarded best column by the Illinois Press Association.

In 2015, Fountain was a Lisagor Award finalist for online best Feature for a series on a Little League Baseball team in suburban Chicago: The Sweet Season. In 2013, he was a finalist for the National Association of Black Journalists “Salute to Excellence Award” in the magazine category for his first-person feature “Murder Was the Case” in Ebony (July 2012). In 2012, Fountain received the Illinois Associated Press Editors Association Award and the Chicago Journalists Association Sarah Brown Boyden Award for his column in the Sun-Times.

In a journalism career that has spanned more than 30 years, Fountain has been a reporter at some of the top newspapers in this country. From 2000 to 2003, he was a national correspondent for The New York Times. Based in Chicago, Fountain covered a 12-state region. He also has been a staff writer at the Washington Post and the Chicago Tribune. He has written for the Wall Street Journal, Chicago SunTimes, Modesto Bee, Pioneer Press Newspapers in suburban Chicago and the Champaign News-Gazette.

He was formerly a tenured full professor at his alma mater, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and visiting scholar at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston. In addition to working as a national correspondent, Fountain has been a crime and courts reporter as well as a general assignment reporter and features writer.

Fountain was a 2009 fellow at the Knight Digital Multimedia Center at the University of California-Berkeley. At Roosevelt, he teaches Media Writing, Personal Journalism/Memoir Writing, Convergence Journalism, News Reporting, Literary Journalism and Special Projects courses.

In 1999, Fountain was one of 12 American journalists selected for the prestigious Michigan Journalism Fellowship for the 1999-2000 class at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Fountain studied inner-city poverty and race. Fountain earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Over his career, Fountain has won numerous honors for feature writing from the National Association of Black Journalists, the Associated Press, and the American Association of University Women, among others. In 2003, he was a finalist in feature writing and sports writing for the Peter Lisagor Award for excellence in journalism. He continues to be an invited guest on local and national radio and television news shows and has appeared on National Public Radio, Chicago Public Radio, WGN-TV, NBC-Channel 5, ABC-Channel-7, WTTW’s Chicago Tonight and numerous radio shows.

Fountain frequently speaks across the country to inner-city youths, at schools and other groups. He shares his inspirational story of going from poverty and the urban mean streets of Chicago’s West Side to the top of his profession. “True Vine” is his remarkable story—of his childhood in a neighborhood heading south; of his strong-willed grandparents, who founded a church (called True Vine) that sought to bring the word of God to their neighbors; and of his religious awakening that gave him the determination to rebuild his life.

Inspired by Fountain’s essay for the acclaimed National Public Radio’s This I Believe series, “Dear Dad” is a compilation of true narratives written by some of the nation’s finest journalists and writers. Fountain’s most recent book projects are: “No Place for Me: Letters to the Church in America” and “Son of the Times: Life, Laughter, Love and Coffee,” a book of essays.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you first become interested in writing?

John W. Fountain: I have always loved writing, ever since I was a little boy growing up on the west side of Chicago in a place commonly known as K-Town. I loved writing poetry on the days when it was too cold or rainy to play outside. In elementary school, in creative writing, I would write fictional stories about talking leaves and all sorts of things. We would read those stories in our writing circle and occasionally I would look up and see my classmates laughing and engrossed in the stories I read. It was an amazing high and introduced me early on to the power of storytelling.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being an award-winning columnist, journalist and author, you’re fluent in various writing styles. What is it about writing that motivates you to write?

John W. Fountain: What I most love about writing is the creative process. It is the ability to channel what comes from the heart, mind and soul onto blank pages. Over time I have learned that writing is less about following the rules of structure and mechanics—all the things they teach you in school. Not that those things don’t matter. It’s just that sometimes they can get in the way of the writing process, obstruct creativity and inhibit the gift. Writing is like oxygen. It enables me to breathe, live, feel. It provides visibility. It says that I exist and that I am not invisible. Writing is a transaction with the soul.

GO BANG! Magazine: I became familiar with you through a poem that you posted on Facebook in April that was about the current COVID-19 pandemic. Please explain to our readers what inspired you to write that poem about the ignorance of people, surrounding COVID-19.

John W. Fountain: We are our brother’s keeper and we are connected, affected, impacted by our decisions and by the decisions of others in a global society. This world pandemic has illustrated that in a very real way. Yet, so much misinformation exists. My poem was motivated by my desire to share some truth and to present it in a way that people might be able to receive it. We truly are all in this together. The scripture says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” I hope my poem, even if in some small way, helped sound the trumpet for us to heed the call to do what’s necessary to protect ourselves, our families and each other.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also a professor at a prominent university in Chicago, teaching various writing and journalism classes. Why is it important to you to pass on your knowledge of writing?

John W. Fountain: The cemetery is filled with unrealized dreams, with potential and the best of intentions to help others achieve their own dreams, and with talent not fully used. My belief is that whatever talents or gifts we have, the totality of our God-given abilities, resources and wisdom are to be spent while here on earth to help others. In other words, we must empty ourselves; take nothing with us to the grave. By helping others achieve their dreams—whether through writing or some other craft or profession—we ensure our own legacy. We also leave the world potentially as a little better place—at least our corner of it.

GO BANG! Magazine: As an author, you’ve written a few books including “No Place for Me: Letters to the Church in America” and “Son of the Times: Life, Laughter, Love and Coffee.” Please describe to our readers what these two books are about.

John W. Fountain: “No Place for Me” is a spiritual memoir. It’s about my journey as the grandson of a Pentecostal pastor and my turning away from the church I once loved that I now believe has no discernible message for what ails the 21st century black male soul. It is about how I find in the church today no place for me and no longer are a member, but also my rediscovery of my place as a member in the body of Christ.

“Son of The Times” is a collection of some of my best newspaper columns written over the last decade.

GO BANG! Magazine: Another set of books that you’ve authored are “True Vine: A Young Black Man’s Journey of Faith, Hope and Clarity” and “Dear Dad: Reflections on Fatherhood.” These are both very interesting and personal topics. Please point out two or three “take away” points from each book.

John W. Fountain: From “True Vine”: Never stop dreaming or you start to die; There is always hope; Most of my life, I later realized, I wasn’t poor, just broke.

From “Dear Dad”: I am not my father and therefore not destined to repeat his mistakes; To move forward from the hurts and sins my father committed against me or my family, I must learn to forgive him; As a man, as a father, I must learn to forgive myself; It’s never too late.

GO BANG! Magazine: What advice would you give to a youth that is interested in pursuing a career in journalism, but may be unsure of how they may be perceived in the industry, as a minority?

John W. Fountain: I would advise any young person interested in pursuing a career in journalism to study and absorb every lesson in class, to hone their craft, to seek out professional journalists who can serve as mentors, to read voraciously, to never allow anyone to squelch your dreams or passion, and to never give up.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are there any projects that you are currently working on that you’d like to inform our readers about.

John W. Fountain: I am currently working on a project titled, “Unforgotten.” It is the story of 51 murdered Chicago women over two decades that appears to be the work of at least one serial killer who strangled them to death and left their bodies in Chicago alleys and vacant lots, sometimes in trashcans and sometimes set on fire. The project seeks to humanize the victims by telling the stories of each woman beyond the circumstances of their death. Portraits of life.

GO BANG! Magazine: How has knowing your heritage, which originates in Ghana, affected you as a black Chicagoan?

John W. Fountain: Being aware of my West African heritage grounds me. It reminds me that I am rooted not only in the blood-and sweat-baked soil of the Deep South, where my ancestors tilled the plantations, but also in the royal heritage of the Motherland, where we were kings and queens long before the cruelty of racism and slavery. This forms my paradigm as a writer—the reality of being an inhabitant in the town of Bigger Thomas, but a native son of the land of Kunta Kinte.

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

John W. Fountain: Amid this global pandemic, I am doing everything I can to stay safe, following social distancing guidelines, sanitizing grocery packages, basically keeping me and my household safe as best I can from outside contaminants and danger. Mostly, I’m listening to the scientists rather than the government.

YOU CAN FOLLOW JOHN W. FOUNTAIN AT THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

FB: @authorJohnwfountain; johnwfountain
Twitter: @JohnWFountain
Website: http://www.johnwfountain.com
Sun-Times page: https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/john-fountain



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: Andre Harrell, Founder of Uptown Records, Dead at 59

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Photo courtesy of NYTimes.com

REPRINT OF ROLLING STONES MAG
By DANIEL KREPS:
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/andre-harrell-uptown-records-dead-obit-996655/

(September 26, 1960 – May 7, 2020)

Andre Harrell, the music executive who founded the influential Uptown Records, has died at the age of 59.

“We can confirm the passing of Andre Harrell,” Revolt network, where Harrell served as vice chairman, said in a statement. “Everyone in the REVOLT family is devastated by the loss of our friend, mentor and Vice-Chairman. Andre’s impact on Hip Hop and the culture and on us has been immeasurable and profound. May he Rest In Peace.”

Harrell’s ex-wife, Wendy Credle, told The New York Times that the cause of death was heart failure.

The Bronx-born Harrell entered the music business as one-half of the hip-hop duo Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. The group scored some minor hits (including “Genius Rap“) before Harrell began exploring the business side of music.

In 1983, Harrell began working under Russell Simmons and that music mogul’s Def Jam Records. Three years later, Harrell founded his own label, Uptown Records.

“So many can say they are successful because Andre Harrell gave them their start,” Simmons wrote in a tribute following news of Harrell’s death Friday. “He was so beloved because he made his living uplifting others… We celebrate him in his passing because we were so blessed for his presence… He gave everything he had.”

Under Harrell’s stewardship, Uptown Records helped launch the careers of Heavy D and the Boyz, Guy (featuring producer Teddy Riley), Jodeci, Al B. Sure and Mary J. Blige, who as a teenager signed with Harrell’s label. In 1992, Uptown partnered with MCA on a multimedia deal that allowed Harrell to produce films, TV shows and movie soundtracks, including the 1991 comedy Strictly Business and TV series New York Undercover.

“He gave you the best soundtracks of your life man and you didn’t even know it. We never gave him his flowers. He redefined the party,” Questlove wrote of Harrell Friday. “Def Jam was the artform. Bad Boy was the attitude. Death Row was the muscle. But without even knowing it? Uptown was ALWAYS the party.”

Harrell’s onetime intern Sean “Puffy” Combs would later step into an A&R role at Uptown during the label’s most successful years in the early Nineties. However, tensions rose between Harrell and Combs and the latter, after being fired from Uptown, quickly formed Bad Boy Records, taking the recently discovered the Notorious B.I.G. with him.

Combs’ exit signaled Uptown’s decline, and in 1995, Harrell himself would leave the label he founded to become CEO of Motown Records, although that stint was short-lived. Two decade later, Combs would hire his old boss Harrell to serve as vice chairman of the rapper/producer’s Revolt music network.

Earlier this year, BET announced plans for a miniseries based on Uptown Records’ rise, with Harrell in a producer role. In a statement at the time, Harrell said the miniseries would “share my story, the rise of Uptown Records and successful black entrepreneurship, and the management and cultivation of some of the most iconic artists to come out of the late ’80s and ’90s hip-hop, R&B and soul music era.”

“We are mourning the loss of a cultural icon, Andre Harrell, a chief architect of the modern hip-hop and R&B sound,” BET President Scott Mills said in a statement. “Andre was tremendously excited about sharing the origin story of Uptown Records, and its pivotal role in the urban music landscape. With his tragic passing, BET is committed to ensuring that the Uptown limited series event tells both the Uptown story and Andre’s story – that of the incredible music innovator, man and friend to so many.”

Music: SOUL SINGER BETTY WRIGHT PASSES AT 66

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Reprint of Rolling Stones Magazine
By DANIEL KREPS
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/betty-wright-dead-obituary-997071/

Bessie Regina Norris (December 21, 1953 – May 10, 2020)

Betty Wright, the R&B and soul singer behind the hits “Clean Up Woman,” “Tonight Is the Night” and “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do,” has died at the age of 66.

Wright’s family confirmed to Essence that the singer died Sunday, with Billboard adding that Wright died from cancer in her native Miami. On May 2nd, Chaka Khan tweeted that Wright was “in need of all your [prayers].”

After growing up in a gospel-singing family, Wright released her first solo album — 1967’s My First Time Around — when she was just 14 years old, and scored her first hit at the age of 15 with “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do.”

Throughout the Seventies and Eighties, Wright released a series of hit singles including 1971’s “Clean Up Woman,” her most enduring song, “Tonight Is the Night,” “Dance With Me” and 1988’s “No Pain, No Gain.”

In 1975, Wright won the Grammy for Best R&B Song for her “Where Is the Love.” The singer was nominated for a total of six Grammys, including an Album of the Year nod in 2008 for her contribution to Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III; Wright appeared on that album’s “Playing With Fire.”

Wright’s music also laid the foundation for future hits by other artists: Her “Clean Up Woman” was sampled by artists like Chance the Rapper (“Favorite Song”), Mary J. Blige (her 1993 “Real Love” remix with Notorious B.I.G.) and SWV (“I’m So Into You”), and Beyoncé’s 2006 song “Upgrade U” sampled Wright’s “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do.”

In addition to her own work, Wright was also an in-demand studio vocalist, serving as background singers for dozens of artists including Stevie Wonder, Clarence Clemons, Stephen Stills, Peter Tosh, David Byrne and Erykah Badu.

Wright’s last album was the 2011 album Betty Wright: The Movie, an LP co-created by the Roots and featuring an all-star guest list that included Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Joss Stone; Wright previously served as co-producer on Stone’s breakout 2003 album The Soul Sessions. In 2016, Wright appeared alongside Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean on DJ Khaled’s “Holy Key.”

Wright’s husband Noel “King Sporty” Williams, who co-wrote Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier,” died in 2015.

Music/Event: FOR THE LOVE OF DJ RON HARDY: A Musical Marathon/Fundraiser

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On Friday, May 8, 2020, over 106,000 house music lovers came together and “HISTORY WAS MADE!”

The Frankie Knuckles Foundation, The Chosen Few DJs, and Le Nocturne Chicago united to present a 10-hour musical marathon/benefit honoring the birthday of the late legendary DJ, Ron “Heart Attack” Hardy, and to raise money to buy a headstone for his resting place.

A Go Fund Me account was established with a goal of $2,500, but to date they have raised over $8,100. The excess monies will be donated to a charity of the Hardy family’s choice. The purpose of the Go Fund Me drive is as follows:

“On March 2nd 1992 the #HouseMusic community lost one of its great pioneers, the legendary DJ Ron Hardy. Since that time, his final resting place has gone unmarked. Three years ago, Chicago attorney and co-founder of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation, the late Randy Crumpton came up with the idea to raise funds to purchase a memorial marker for Ron. Crumpton mentioned his idea to FKF President/Executive Director Frederick Dunson who then spoke with Chosen Few DJ members @DJWayneWilliams, @DJAlanKing and @DJTerryHunter about a collaboration to purchase the stone and remedy the situation.

Fast forward to this year… a few weeks ago during a conversation, Dunson mentioned the idea again to Hunter, who enthusiastically responded “Let’s do it!”

So on May 8th, to observe and celebrate what would have been Ron’s 63rd birthday, the @ChosenFewDJs + the @FrankieKnucklesFoundation join forces to host a fundraising effort to raise funds to purchase a marker. The day will consist of a marathon of DJ sets featuring ANDRE HATCHET, BILL HARDY (Ron’s nephew), CELESTE ALEXANDER , CRAIG LOFTIS, GENE HUNT, JAMIE 3:26, MIKE DUNN, RON CARROLL, TERRY HUNTER and WAYNE WILLIAMS broadcasted live from @LeNocturneChicago 12pm-10pm (CST) on their Twitch, Facebook and YouTube. Donations to the cause can be made via GoFundMe.com/For-The-Love-Of-Ron.”

Well, GO BANG! Magazine tuned in to Le Nocturne’s YouTube channel @12 noon and the party wasn’t over until 10:30 pm…10 ½ hours later. It felt like back in the day, when we’d go the the Box on a Saturday night after 12 midnight, and emerge 10 hours later to a bright Sunday morning. The comments during the event were heartfelt and hilarious. Even more entertaining were the comments after it ended. Viewers were posting comments like “let’s all meet up for breakfast”, or “my clothes are drenched”, “I threw my back out” and “Let’s go to Valois.”

The DJ line up was fierce, even including one of Ron’s nephews, Bill Hardy. Each DJ gave a Ronnie inspired performance. DJ Celeste Alexander, the only female and the final DJ, brought the house down, and was the perfect DJ finale. After her set, they teased her saying that they’re glad she didn’t throw up this time. Once before, back in the day, Celeste DJ’d at the Box and threw up in Ron’s DJ booth.

Overall, Ronnie’s marathon was an overwhelming success and it showed the power and unity of the House community! We came together, showed up, and showed out!

ONE LOVE, ONE HOUSE, ONE FAMILY!

In closing, Fredrick Dunson of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation (FKF) says, “We have been inundated with so many positive comments from a number of 106,000 viewers that tuned in via one of the several platforms that the tribute was streamed on. On behalf of the Chosen Few + the Frankie Knuckles Foundation I’d like to thank all of the individuals whose donations in honor of Ron that we received helped us surpass our goal…we couldn’t have done it without your support…again thank you for your generosity!” 

Frederick Dunson
President/Executive Director
Frankie Knuckles Foundation


To contribute: https://www.gofundme.com/For-the-love-of-Ron

HAPPY 63RD BIRTHDAY RONNIE!!!!!!!

WE HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY WITH YOUR HOUSE FAMILY!!!

Continue RESTING IN BEATS!!!!!!

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE EVENT OR RON HARDY MEMORIES BELOW!

#ForTheLoveOfRon



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. In addition, he’s an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Music: Icon Little Richard’s Death

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Little Richard
12/5/32 – 5/9/20

REPRINTED FROM: Biography.com 

https://www.biography.com/musician/little-richard

Known for his flamboyant performances, Little Richard’s hit songs from the mid-1950s were defining moments in the development of rock ‘n’ roll.

Who Was Little Richard?

Little Richard helped define the early rock ‘n’ roll era of the 1950s with his driving, flamboyant sound. With his croons, wails and screams, he turned songs like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” into huge hits and influenced such bands as the Beatles.

Early Years

Born Richard Wayne Penniman on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia, Little Richard was the third of 12 children. His father, Bud, was a stern man who made his living selling moonshine and didn’t do much to hide his disdain for his son’s early signs of homosexuality. At the age of 13 Richard was ordered to move out of the family home, and his relationship with his father was never repaired. When Richard was 19, his father was shot dead outside a local bar.

The childhood that Richard did manage to have was largely shaped by the church. Two of his uncles, as well as his grandfather, were preachers, and Richard was involved with the church as much as anyone in his family, singing gospel and eventually learning to play the piano.

Upon moving out of his family’s home, Richard was taken in by a white family who owned a club in Macon, where Richard eventually began performing and honing his talent.

In 1951 Richard caught his first major break when a performance at an Atlanta radio station yielded a record contract with RCA. But with a repertoire of mainly mild blues numbers that masked the searing vocals and piano that would come to define his rock music, Richard’s career failed to take off as he’d hoped it would.

Commercial Success

In 1955 Richard hooked up with Specialty Records producer Art Rupe, who’d been hunting for a piano-pounding frontman to lead a group of musicians in New Orleans. In September, Richard stepped into the recording studio and pumped out “Tutti Frutti,” an instant Billboard hit that reached No. 17.
Over the next year and a half, the musician churned out several more rock hits, including “Long Tall Sally,” “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Send Me Some Lovin’.” With his blood-pumping piano playing and suggestive lyrics, Little Richard, along with the likes of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, established rock as a real musical form and inspired others, most notably the Beatles, to make a go of it. In addition to his records, Little Richard appeared in several early rock films, such as Don’t Knock the Rock (1956), The Girl Can’t Help It (1957) and Mister Rock ‘n’ Roll (1957).

Later Years

But as his success soared, Little Richard, fueled by his earlier connections to the church, saw his doubts about rock deepen. In 1957 he abruptly and publicly quit performing rock and committed himself to the ministry and recording gospel songs. He recorded his debut religious album, God Is Real, in 1959.
In 1964, following the Beatles’ recording of “Long Tall Sally,” Little Richard plunged back into rock music. Over the ensuing decades, Little Richard would continue to perform and record, but the public response failed to match the enthusiasm that greeted his earlier success.

Still, his importance in the development of rock music has never been questioned. In 1986 Little Richard was one of the 10 original inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 1993, and a year later the Rhythm & Blues Foundation honored him with its prestigious Pioneer Award.

In recent years, the once-dynamic performer has taken a break from the concert stage. He fell ill during a show in Washington, D.C., during the summer of 2012. The following September, Little Richard suffered a heart attack. He described the incident to Cee Lo Green during an interview in Atlanta: “The other night, I didn’t know I was having a heart attack. I was coughing, and my right arm was aching.’

The singer took baby aspirin, which his doctor credited with saving his life. The deeply religious music icon attributed his survival to a higher power: “Jesus had something for me. He brought me through.”

Death

Little Richard’s agent confirmed that the singer passed away on May 9, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee from bone cancer.




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. In addition, he’s an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

WHAT ILLINOISANS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MAY 1 MASK MANDATE

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Reprinted from: https://www.illinoispolicy.org/

Under the latest extension of Illinois’ stay-at-home order, residents will be required to wear masks in stores and other places where social distancing is not possible.

Beginning May 1, Illinois residents will be required to wear a mask or face covering in public places and in situations where they are unable to keep their distance from others. The new mandate is part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s extension of the stay-at-home order.

Many suburbs already implemented the mask requirement before the governor announced the new policy. The order now applies to all residents and businesses throughout the state.

Is there a certain type of mask I should wear?

What qualifies as a mask is broad. The N95 respirators and surgical masks should be reserved for emergency workers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other face coverings for the general public can include bandanas, scarfs or T-shirts. There are resources online from the CDC and others with demonstrations on how old shirts can be made into a mask without sewing. The key requirement is that it covers both the nose and mouth. The CDC notes:

Masks are intended to stop you from spreading the virus to others, not to stop you from being exposed.
They should fit snugly but be comfortable on the face. Ear loops and multiple layers of fabric are recommended.
Masks should not be touched after they are on. They can be removed by ear loops, then you should wash your hands immediately and launder the mask before using again.

When do I have to wear a mask?

Masks will be required in nearly every public setting and all individuals over the age of 2 will have to wear them, provided they are not medically prohibited. The executive order states they are needed “when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance.” This means people are required to wear them when entering any business or indoor public setting. Masks are not needed outside in parks, as long social distancing of six feet or more is maintained.

How is this going to be enforced?

The requirement will not be enforced in a heavy-handed fashion. Pritzker said enforcement will be done at the local level, so it is up to the businesses to ensure their customers are properly protected before entering. Law enforcement does not need to arrest or fine someone who isn’t wearing a mask but should be reminding the community of the new requirements.

Why do we need to wear masks?

The point of wearing a mask is to protect others. The idea is that if one person is an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19, wearing a mask will limit their ability to transmit the virus to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly agrees with Illinois’ order to require masks in public.

Do people in other states have to wear masks?

Illinois is far from being the first state to require the use of a mask in public. Many stores had already required shoppers to wear a mask upon entering. Anyone still looking to travel will also likely find they must wear a mask before boarding a plane.

How long will masks be required?

Wearing masks in public places will likely become common practice for the foreseeable future, not just in Illinois but in most of the world. Experts believe it will be necessary so life can go on with some semblance of normality until a vaccine or cure is developed. A vaccine could be at least a year away, according to the most optimistic predictions.

Opinion: COVID-19: “A MEDICAL ESSENTIAL WORKER’S POINT OF VIEW”

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I am a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), an essential worker on the front line. I prepare, assist and maintain the sterile field for and during surgical procedures. For 16 years, I have specialized in Labor and Delivery. I work the 1st shift.

A typical 12 hour day for me starts with me taking reports from the night shift and attending huddles with all nurses and doctors for daily scheduled procedures and deliveries. I prepare everything accordingly, taking into account the mind and the NEW life that I will help bring into the world during this pandemic.

Going through this has been soooo surreal, a nightmare if you will. This also includes the “Stay At Home” order. May I add, I love my career choice, but second thoughts do enter my mind from time to time.

Today, my 12 hours consisted of saying a “prayer for protection”, hoping there was enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), wiping down everything for myself, as well as six feet or more distance from my co-workers, and wearing layer upon layer of PPEs. It’s HOT AS HELL wearing all of this PPE, but I must guard myself from the patient. This is my typical day…my NEW NORMAL.

I must stay on “extreme high alert” because I have to treat everyone as if they are COVID positive.

The struggle is REAL!

NO ONE wants to DIE!

PEOPLE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!

Ms. C
Labor & Delivery Medical Worker
Chicago, IL, USA

Art: MICHAEL COX of “BORN VAIN ART”

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Michael Cox, a Chicago native, is an artist of the heart. Being surrounded by art most of his life, this self-trained artist took hold and harnessed his creative force. Although he studied at Clark-Atlanta University with a focus in radio/television broadcasting, it is in the artistic world where his presence dominates.

Through an intricate layering and blending of colors and mediums, Michael is able to create visually stimulating 3-dimensional works of art. The dynamic attention to detail in each art piece captures the essence of the human spirit. Michael believes that the eyes are the windows to one’s soul, and thru the eyes, true character is illuminated. This belief is reflected in the portraits of their creator.

Although Michael is best known for the creation of one-of-a-kind, hand-painted, works of wearable art; his unique 3-dimensional style is also captured on canvas. Michael’s work graces the walls of several private art collectors worldwide, and has been showcased in several art galleries in Chicago and Atlanta. Michael’s “ABSOLUTE BEST in wearable art” is available in several Chicago retail boutiques. BORN VAIN ART by Michael Cox has cultivated an underground following consisting of local and national celebrities, and those in a variety of industries including entertainment, sports, and fashion/ beauty.

Michael Cox is best known for the creation of one-of-a-kind, hand-painted works of wearable art. His unique 3-dimensional style is also captured on canvas and other mediums. Michael’s work graces the walls of several private art collectors worldwide, and has been showcased in several art galleries. Born Vain Art by Michael Cox has cultivated an underground following consisting of local, national and international celebrities and fashion/beauty stars (Oprah Winfrey, Verdine White, Fred Hammond, Eric Monte, Mike Epps, Gary Owen, Common, D’Wayne Wiggins, Bobby Brown, Steve Hurley) and athletes, including the late Ernie Banks.

Through many layers of love, paint, and deep seated fury in the innermost core of my spirit left there to manifest, over and over in a different form each time. But, each time you are overwhelmed with being…#BORNVAIN

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

Michael Cox:  As a child, I was always interested in art, and that interest was deepened by watching my father’s talent as an artist. Throughout my teen years, I watched and attempted to emulate such artists as Ernie Barnes and Kevin Williams.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What type of art do you create?

Michael Cox:  I create a style of artwork known as BORN VAIN. A 3-dimensional abstract montage of color and layers.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What makes your artwork stand out from other artwork?

Michael Cox:  To me, it’s the texture and the 3D appearance that make my artwork different from others. My customers say it’s the incredible likeness to their image.

GO BANG! Magazine:  How did you come up with the idea of placing artwork on T-shirts?

Michael Cox:  The concept of wearable art has been around for a while, however, I loved the idea as not only an affordable way for people to have my artwork who wouldn’t normally buy canvas work, but also a great promotion tool…a walking art gallery.

GO BANG! Magazine:  Besides artwork, do you have any other hidden talents?

Michael Cox:  Basically, I am BORN VAIN!

GO BANG! Magazine:  You’ve designed artwork for several celebrities.  Are there any celebrities that you would like to create artwork for, that you haven’t?

Michael Cox:  Everyone is a celebrity when you have on a BORN VAIN!

GO BANG! Magazine:  Are you active in any type of community services events?

Michael Cox:  Yes, I have lectured on college campuses to inspire young Black creatives.

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

Michael Cox:  Social distancing is definitely key, as well as boosting my immune system with healthy eating and exercise.

 

YOU CAN FOLLOW MICHAEL:

FaceBook @BORNVAINART

Instagram @mrbornvain

 

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 and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine.  Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

 

 

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