Christine Houston, award-winning creator and writer of TV’s long-running hit series, 227, hooked up with some of her former Kennedy-King College classmates Friday for an evening of dinner and live jazz at Sikia, our premiere South Side fine dining restaurant, 740 W. 63rd St. (at Halsted). Sounds of Sikia, a weekly music series running through Dec. 18, spotlights the KKC Faculty Trio, Dr. Curtis Pierce (drums), Pete Carney (sax) and Brian Felix (piano and organ).
This critically acclaimed, elegantly appointed intimate venue features gourmet African-inspired cuisine prepared by student chefs from Washburne Culinary Institute, a division of Kennedy-King College. A three-course gourmet dinner is $30 per person. Limited dining seating begins at 5:30 p.m. and the performance is 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sikia is open Thursday-Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For a quick look-see, log on to the very colorful and informative Web site, www.kennedyking.ccc/sikia.asp. For reservations, visit www.opentable.com or call (773) 602-5200.
Campaign Call – Judge Arnette R. Hubbard, candidate for Justice of Illinois Appellate Court, has garnered the support of a quartet of politically and socially astute pals, Sandra and Tim Rand and Pauline and Jim Montgomery, who hosted a reception for their fave candidate in the beautiful ballroom in the Rand’s museum-quality Kenwood residence and raised mega bucks for her campaign chest. Incidentally, Judge Hubbard will be No. 1 on the ballot …
Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele tosses “Stepping into the Holidays,” a night of music, stepping and hors d’oeuvres, on Thursday, 6 p.m., at Garfield Park Conservatory. Donation: $40 … Sylvester Baker, a public safety officer for City Colleges of Chicago and a Cook County sheriff candidate, hosts a press breakfast on Dec. 3 at Pearl’s Place as part of his campaign strategy.
Newsy Names! – Hats off to Ron Childs on being elevated to vice president for media relations at Flowers Communications Group, and to Dianne Bradie-Baskin, former bureau chief at the Ill. Dept. of Human Services, who’s been named regional administrator for Cook South at Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services … In lieu of Big Buddies Youth Services’ 21st annual Institute for Athletics & Education reception founded by the late Dr. Larry Hawkins, James Townsend, BBYS executive director, and the board of directors hosted a Meet & Greet at South Loop Hotel to acquaint supporters of plans to move forward, keep Dr. Hawkins’ vision alive and continue his life’s mission to educate youth. Over the years IAE has honored unsung heroes and community organizations that have “gone the extra mile” … Happy b’day to Roland Martin, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland, Micah Materre, Merry Green, Alvita Rhone, Shamontiel Vaughn, Art Sims, Rae Alexander and AT&T’s Kimberly McCullough, who celebrated “big time” with pals at Razz-Ma-Tazz ... Mayor Richard Daley hosts his annual UNCF Benefit Reception on Thursday, 5 p.m., at South Shore Cultural Center. Benefit admission, $50. Free parking! … Internationally renowned jazz vocalist, pianist and organist Lisa Gooch serves up a delicious portion of her brand of music on Saturday at Niko’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant in nearby Griffith, Ind. … Good news! Ann Hinton, Boul Mich fragrance consultant, is on the fast mend at home after knee replacement surgery at Northwestern Hospital … And Carrousel sister Mildred Porter had knee replacement surgery at Rush Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple, in Oak Park. She’s in room 611. Send cards! … A memorial service for Aldolph Slaughter, former Chicago Defender newsman and Dept. of Housing and Urban Development public relations administrator, was last week at Leak & Sons Funeral Home. Our sympathy to his family and friends … And condolences to the family of Wilhelminia Moore Nuckols, former Sunday announcer at Apostolic Church of God, whose services are Wednesday at the church; wake, 11 a.m., funeral, at noon. Good-guy Jason McKie, Chicago Bears’ fullback (#37) along with the Jason McKie Foundation of the Institute of Science & Health, hosted some 350 military families for “A Night at the Movies”
– free admission, soda and of course, popcorn! – on Monday at Gurnee Cinemas in the west burbs. McKie was joined by several teammates as they all watched Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” … Joan Gray, major domo of Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, is on the lookout to fill a newly created position, director of finance and administration. Interested? E-mail careers@muntu.com … Bro. Min. Rahim Chesed Aton (a.k.a. “The Sax Preacher”) will be honored at a Founder’s Day Celebration hosted by the Temple of Mercy Association on Friday, 6 p.m., at 2447 E. 79tg St. Keynote speaker: Bro. Caleb Muhammad of the Westside Mosque #2B. Theme: And How Shall They Hear Without a Preacher?
(Scripture reference: Romans 10:14.) … Lionel Nixon received the distinguished Past President Award during a luncheon ceremony in the Metcalfe Federal Building presented by the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development‘s Local 911 of the American Federation of Government Employees “for outstanding service and success as its former president.” Nixon was the first African American elected to the HUD position since the local’s creation in 1950 … Rev. Allen Shelton, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (Montclair, N.J.), delivered the Men’s Day sermon at Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church
Forum Faces – Todd Stroger and those who want to replace him as president of the Cook County board – Dorothy Brown, Terrance O’Brien, Ald. Toni Preckwinkle and Roger Keats – participate in “Speak Up, Speak Out,” a candidates’ forum, this evening, 6:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m., presented by Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at D’Estee, 4525 S. King Dr. Atty. LaToya M. Dixon is social action co-chair. Moderator: N’Digo’s Hermene Hartman … WVON’s Cliff Kelley moderates the Chicago Southside NAACP’s Primary Candidates’ Forum on Saturday, 2:30
p.m. – 5:30 p.m., at Quinn Chapel, 2401 S. Wabash, with Democratic hopefuls for president of the Cook County board, judicial candidates for three Appellate Court vacancies, seven Circuit Court vacancies and all candidates for three Sub-Circuit vacancies in the First Sub-Circuit. Atty. Rose Joshua is president of the NAACP branch; Justice William Cousins (ret.) is its political action chair.
Congrats – to Sarah (Kuenyefu) and Joseph Searcy on celebrating the 10th anniversary of their store, House of Africa, 1510 E. 63rd St., with a customer appreciation day on Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., with discounts and a fashion show featuring The Sarah Kuenyefu Collection at 11 a.m. and at 5 p.m. Back in 1999, their vision was to have an African store like no other with a real boutique environment and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Upon entering House of Africa clients are greeted with World Music and complimentary coffee and exotic teas. In the beginning House of Africa imported the finest traditional African attire and offered the option of altering clothes for a better fit. House of Africa also imports genuine African art from Ghana, Zaire, Burkina Faso, Mali and many other African nations.
As time went by, their clientele grew and Sarah, who is a designer/seamstress, introduced her own line of clothing. Joseph’s background in art and exhibiting allowed House of Africa to optimize its space and include an aesthetic/artsy atmosphere. A team of on-site seamstresses and tailors offers a unique custom and shopping experience like no other.
This critically acclaimed, elegantly appointed intimate venue features gourmet African-inspired cuisine prepared by student chefs from Washburne Culinary Institute, a division of Kennedy-King College. A three-course gourmet dinner is $30 per person. Limited dining seating begins at 5:30 p.m. and the performance is 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sikia is open Thursday-Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For a quick look-see, log on to the very colorful and informative Web site, www.kennedyking.ccc/sikia.asp. For reservations, visit www.opentable.com or call (773) 602-5200.
Campaign Call – Judge Arnette R. Hubbard, candidate for Justice of Illinois Appellate Court, has garnered the support of a quartet of politically and socially astute pals, Sandra and Tim Rand and Pauline and Jim Montgomery, who hosted a reception for their fave candidate in the beautiful ballroom in the Rand’s museum-quality Kenwood residence and raised mega bucks for her campaign chest. Incidentally, Judge Hubbard will be No. 1 on the ballot …
Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele tosses “Stepping into the Holidays,” a night of music, stepping and hors d’oeuvres, on Thursday, 6 p.m., at Garfield Park Conservatory. Donation: $40 … Sylvester Baker, a public safety officer for City Colleges of Chicago and a Cook County sheriff candidate, hosts a press breakfast on Dec. 3 at Pearl’s Place as part of his campaign strategy.
Newsy Names! – Hats off to Ron Childs on being elevated to vice president for media relations at Flowers Communications Group, and to Dianne Bradie-Baskin, former bureau chief at the Ill. Dept. of Human Services, who’s been named regional administrator for Cook South at Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services … In lieu of Big Buddies Youth Services’ 21st annual Institute for Athletics & Education reception founded by the late Dr. Larry Hawkins, James Townsend, BBYS executive director, and the board of directors hosted a Meet & Greet at South Loop Hotel to acquaint supporters of plans to move forward, keep Dr. Hawkins’ vision alive and continue his life’s mission to educate youth. Over the years IAE has honored unsung heroes and community organizations that have “gone the extra mile” … Happy b’day to Roland Martin, Mattie Ree Smith-Eiland, Micah Materre, Merry Green, Alvita Rhone, Shamontiel Vaughn, Art Sims, Rae Alexander and AT&T’s Kimberly McCullough, who celebrated “big time” with pals at Razz-Ma-Tazz ... Mayor Richard Daley hosts his annual UNCF Benefit Reception on Thursday, 5 p.m., at South Shore Cultural Center. Benefit admission, $50. Free parking! … Internationally renowned jazz vocalist, pianist and organist Lisa Gooch serves up a delicious portion of her brand of music on Saturday at Niko’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant in nearby Griffith, Ind. … Good news! Ann Hinton, Boul Mich fragrance consultant, is on the fast mend at home after knee replacement surgery at Northwestern Hospital … And Carrousel sister Mildred Porter had knee replacement surgery at Rush Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple, in Oak Park. She’s in room 611. Send cards! … A memorial service for Aldolph Slaughter, former Chicago Defender newsman and Dept. of Housing and Urban Development public relations administrator, was last week at Leak & Sons Funeral Home. Our sympathy to his family and friends … And condolences to the family of Wilhelminia Moore Nuckols, former Sunday announcer at Apostolic Church of God, whose services are Wednesday at the church; wake, 11 a.m., funeral, at noon. Good-guy Jason McKie, Chicago Bears’ fullback (#37) along with the Jason McKie Foundation of the Institute of Science & Health, hosted some 350 military families for “A Night at the Movies”
– free admission, soda and of course, popcorn! – on Monday at Gurnee Cinemas in the west burbs. McKie was joined by several teammates as they all watched Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” … Joan Gray, major domo of Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, is on the lookout to fill a newly created position, director of finance and administration. Interested? E-mail careers@muntu.com … Bro. Min. Rahim Chesed Aton (a.k.a. “The Sax Preacher”) will be honored at a Founder’s Day Celebration hosted by the Temple of Mercy Association on Friday, 6 p.m., at 2447 E. 79tg St. Keynote speaker: Bro. Caleb Muhammad of the Westside Mosque #2B. Theme: And How Shall They Hear Without a Preacher?
(Scripture reference: Romans 10:14.) … Lionel Nixon received the distinguished Past President Award during a luncheon ceremony in the Metcalfe Federal Building presented by the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development‘s Local 911 of the American Federation of Government Employees “for outstanding service and success as its former president.” Nixon was the first African American elected to the HUD position since the local’s creation in 1950 … Rev. Allen Shelton, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (Montclair, N.J.), delivered the Men’s Day sermon at Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church
Forum Faces – Todd Stroger and those who want to replace him as president of the Cook County board – Dorothy Brown, Terrance O’Brien, Ald. Toni Preckwinkle and Roger Keats – participate in “Speak Up, Speak Out,” a candidates’ forum, this evening, 6:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m., presented by Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at D’Estee, 4525 S. King Dr. Atty. LaToya M. Dixon is social action co-chair. Moderator: N’Digo’s Hermene Hartman … WVON’s Cliff Kelley moderates the Chicago Southside NAACP’s Primary Candidates’ Forum on Saturday, 2:30
p.m. – 5:30 p.m., at Quinn Chapel, 2401 S. Wabash, with Democratic hopefuls for president of the Cook County board, judicial candidates for three Appellate Court vacancies, seven Circuit Court vacancies and all candidates for three Sub-Circuit vacancies in the First Sub-Circuit. Atty. Rose Joshua is president of the NAACP branch; Justice William Cousins (ret.) is its political action chair.
Congrats – to Sarah (Kuenyefu) and Joseph Searcy on celebrating the 10th anniversary of their store, House of Africa, 1510 E. 63rd St., with a customer appreciation day on Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., with discounts and a fashion show featuring The Sarah Kuenyefu Collection at 11 a.m. and at 5 p.m. Back in 1999, their vision was to have an African store like no other with a real boutique environment and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Upon entering House of Africa clients are greeted with World Music and complimentary coffee and exotic teas. In the beginning House of Africa imported the finest traditional African attire and offered the option of altering clothes for a better fit. House of Africa also imports genuine African art from Ghana, Zaire, Burkina Faso, Mali and many other African nations.
As time went by, their clientele grew and Sarah, who is a designer/seamstress, introduced her own line of clothing. Joseph’s background in art and exhibiting allowed House of Africa to optimize its space and include an aesthetic/artsy atmosphere. A team of on-site seamstresses and tailors offers a unique custom and shopping experience like no other.
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