Someone You Need To Know with Rashanah Baldwin

In this episode, Rashanah chats with Danielle Perry who serves as the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer (CROO) for Illinois. They explore the challenges of the Illinois Cannabis industry, the licensing process, how many minorities have been granted licenses, and the new policies implemented to make improvements in the process ensuring that the social equity component addresses the communities impacted by "The War On Drugs" get a fair shake in obtaining cannabis licenses. Danielle was appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker after legalizing Adult Use of Cannabis, she works with 13 state agencies to direct the regulation and taxation of the Illinois cannabis industry.  Her priorities for the office are ensuring Illinois reaches its social equity goals through community reinvestment, diversifying the industry, and expungements. Within her first year, Danielle led the expungements of nearly half a million cannabis-related arrest records Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com

In this week's episode, Rashanah revisits Spring 2020 when Cornavirus was fairly new to the United States and each state was handling mandates differently and many industries were forced to adapt. In May of (2020) Rashanah chatted with international film director, producer, and writer Mark Harris on what the new normal will become for the film industry as the world deals with the pandemic of COVID-19. Mark Harris is the owner of 1555 Filmworks and is a self-taught filmmaker. His movies have come out to the major distributor and he’s self-distributed many of his earlier films and sold hundreds of thousands of copies in the US and overseas. Mark was born and raised in the Englewood community of Chicago. His projects have been seen in movies theaters around the world and on stations like BET, Starz, TV-One, and even distributed on Netflix. Mark is known for spotlighting local businesses in Chicago in his films, hiring local talent as well as casting some of Hollywood’s highly sought-after actors. Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com

Rashanah revisits a conversation with Oren Jacobson, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director of Men4Choice. Men4Choice organizes male allies in the fight for reproductive freedom in support of the leaders of this movement – which are the women and individuals impacted by the anti-abortion movement’s constant and growing attacks. In this present time of November 2021, the supreme court is considering cases regarding states like Texas and Mississippi that are opposing Roe vs. Wade, in some states making abortion illegal after 6 weeks of pregnancy. This conversation is just as relevant as it was a year ago when Rashanah chatted with Oren about the need to vote in all elections, especially in local elections, and how he is organizing here in Chicago and beyond for residents to use this voice to vote. The phrase “Vote Like Your Life Depends On It” rings loudly and consistently during these uncertain times in our world. The then 2020 presidential election became "one for the history books" as it was an extreme battle between political parties that seemed to get muddy and gritty during their presidential debates and campaign rallies. Rashanah gets in-depth with Oren Jacobson, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director of Men4Choice, on why the millennial generation & generation Z need to show up in full force at the polls, the importance of local elections, consistency in voting during all election cycles, accountability with police reform, impacting policy, using your vote to voice for your concerns, women’s reproduction rights, plus more! Oren Jacobson is a civic entrepreneur, organizer, thought leader, and consultant focused on helping communities and organizations build the strength and capacity necessary to drive tangible systemic progress. Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com

In this week’s episode, Rashanah revisits a conversation with Ted Williams, III who explains why the then 2020 presidential election is more important than any other U.S. election. A year later and it seems our democracy is still up for grabs. It’s now October 24, 2021, and the Democrat-led Freedom to Vote Act has failed to pass Congress as the bill was filibustered by Republicans. The bill is aimed at strengthening voting rights and essentially overhauling the nation's election system, however, there is a stalemate in Congress between Democrats and Republicans.  In October 2020, Williams explains why voting in all elections is important, Ice Cube’s Black Agenda, how President Trump became president, and past policies of former Vice President Joe Biden. Williams also shares how he is keeping his students informed about the role civics plays in our everyday lives. Ted Williams III has taught Political Science at Wright College, Chicago State University, and currently is the Chairman of the Social Science Department at Kennedy-King College. He holds degrees in Public Policy Studies from the University of Chicago and Rutgers University and is the former host of WYCC-PBS television’s The Professors weekly talk show. He has provided political commentary for BET-TV, WGN-TV, NBC-TV, Upfront with Jesse Jackson, PRI’s Smiley and West, WVON radio, and a host of periodicals. Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com

In this recent episode of “Someone You Need To Know”, Rashanah chatted with Emmy Award-winning veteran journalist Harry Porterfield. Porterfield is a well-respected journalist, attorney, violinist, and retired WBBM-TV anchor who has worked in broadcast since 1955. Porterfield shares how the award-winning TV series “Someone You Should Know” came into fruition. Porterfield shares how the award-winning TV series “Someone You Should Know” came into fruition. The Emmy TV series aired on WBBM-TV CBS 2 in Chicago From 1977 to about 2015, where Porterfield interviewed extraordinary people who did incredible work, made everlasting impacts in the world, and overcame many physical hurdles. In this conversation they explore the state of journalism in 2020, covering the pandemic, covering former president trump, and the objectivity journalist must maintain. Even after Porterfield’s retirement in 2015, he stills stays abreast of the news while relaxing and enjoying time at home with his family in Gary, Indiana. Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com

Rashanah revisits her conversation with Kanesha Baynard, who is a professional and personal certified life coach, educator, facilitator, blogger, crafter, and inner wellness author featured on the Dr. Oz Show. There is no shock that COVID-19 has impacted everyone's mindset and mental health, affected business, impacted relationships, and, most importantly, relationships with self. Kanesha teaches her clients the importance of self-love, living boldly, exploring inner wellness, and more! Kanesha is the author of The Self-love Playbook for #boldthinkers, 52 Powerful Questions: A Journal and Planning Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs, and Focus on What Matters: A Guided Journal. Kanesha works with non-profit organizations, wellness groups, caregiving resource providers, women business owners, leadership teams, youth organizations, and individual clients to improve productivity habits, manage mental wellness through creativity, expand outreach opportunities through focused brainstorming sessions, and provide life skill mapping. Kanesha has over 20 years of experience as an educator, leadership developer, and curriculum designer. She was a secondary teacher for eight years, served as a K-12 professional development administrator, and oversaw the teacher certification program at a large university. She holds degrees in Spanish, secondary education, educational leadership, and linguistically diverse education. She is also has a certification in life coaching. Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com

In this week’s episode of “Someone You Need To Know”, Rashanah discusses the Black agenda for the Biden/Harris Administration, economic empowerment, political engagement, and social activism with Dr. Barbara Ransby, Historian, UIC Professor, Activist, and Author. For years Dr. Ransby has been doing notable work not just nationally but internationally around social justice. “She was apart of the anti-Apartheid/ Free South Africa movement in the 1980s  She is a founding member of the national organization Scholars for Social Justice and works closely with The Movement for Black Lives and the multi-racial coalition, The Rising Majority. Dr. Barbara Ransby is the John D. MacArthur Chair, and Distinguished Professor, in the Departments of African American Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and History at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She also directs the campus-wide Social Justice Initiative, a project that promotes connections between academics and community organizers doing work on social justice. She is a graduate of Columbia University and the University of Michigan, where she was a Mellon Fellow. Dr. Ransby is author of two award-winning books: Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision (2003); and Eslanda: The Large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson (2013). She is also author of a third book published in August 2018 entitled: Making All Black Lives Matter: Reimagining Freedom in the 21st Century.” Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com

In this week's episode of #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow, Rashanah revisits the conversation from the Summer of 2020 with Menia K. Johnson, Assistant Vice President of Lending at Renovo Financial. As the economy became unstable due to COVID-19, questions and concerns arose around community development, finances, and real estate investing. In this episode,  Menia shares financial tips and best practices for real estate investors looking to investing these challenging times specifically ways Black investors could pivot during these uncertain times. At Renovo Financial, Menia K. Johnson provides lending solutions to real estate entrepreneurs who desire reliable capital.  Renovo Financial is one of the fastest-growing private residential rehab lenders in the nation, focusing exclusively on short- and long-term residential real estate investors' needs. Understanding the needs of residential investors, their team is guided by three principles: - Be fast: we are well-capitalized, enabling them to deliver a 10-day-closing guarantee - Be reliable: a team is assembled for each project and is nimble enough to provide tailored customer service throughout the life of the loan - Be knowledgeable: their staff holds expertise across all disciplines, including financing, renovation, and property management. Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

In this week's episode of "Someone You Need To Know", Rashanah chat's with entrepreneur and Chicagoan Chrishon Lampley who shares her experience of turning losses into wins by founding Love Cork Screw Wines and how she was able to pivot during COVID-19 in 2020 and now in 2021 expanding her wine brand nationally. Many businesses and specifically Black-owned businesses were forced to close their doors after the economic fall out from COVID-19, Chrishon did the complete opposite and she shares with Rashanah how she kept moving her businesses forward. Can you mix different color wines together? How do you pair wine with your food? Can you put ice in wine? How long should you keep wine after opening? What exactly is vegan wine? Chrishon breaks down the need to know information about indulging in wines and the wine industry itself!  Chrishon Lampley is a negociant, wine enthusiast, and founder of LCS Entertainment, LLC that features Love Cork Screw wines. Love Cork Screw is a lifestyle brand that launched six varietals in December 2013 in Chicago. Since its inception, the LCS brand has acquired over 300 locations including, Target, Mariano's, Binny's, Whole Foods, World Market, Walmart, and more.  Lampley’s 15 years’ of experience in the industry has given her keen awareness of what the traditional wine novice and enthusiast enjoys and what the market is missing. Touching all senses, five wine-scented candles were added to the portfolio in 2014 available on Target.com, and online. LCS Entertainment, LLC provides consumers a line of Love Cork Screw wine varietals that offer the sophisticated and novice wine enthusiasts a range of choices for any palate. Each sleek wine bottle is colorful, whimsical, and fun.  LCS Entertainment, LLC is a certified MBE (Minority Business Enterprise). Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB

In May 2020, Rashanah caught up with 15th Ward Alderman Raymond Lopez of Chicago to discuss the state of his ward, the temperament of Chicago, and how he was governing his ward during COVID-19.  During the interview, Rashanah and Alderman Lopez discuss very prominent events of how protestors stormed the U.S capital with A-K 47 guns to demand the reopening of the government and their fight for the protection of their 1st amendment rights. Fast forward to Jan. 6, 2021, we saw similar actions again at the capital which was the result of the Trump administration refusing to accept Joe Biden as the new President-Elect. They point out the differences between treatment and labeling for Whites who protest as oppose to how Black and Brown people who protest for their rights to equality are mistreated and met with violence. Lopez also discusses the racial and ethnic health disparities that the Black and Brown communities face, the measures his office is taking to keep residents safe, food delivery to families, and why he believes Illinois legislators should be in Springfield working to pass laws to provide additional COVID-19 relief. Plus much more! Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB

This past summer Rashanah caught up with Trez V. Pugh, III of Sip & Savor Chicago for a coffee chat, they explored pivoting in entrepreneurship, keeping your business afloat during a pandemic, and the impact of worldwide protests to end racial injustices against Blacks. Trez V. Pugh, III is the Founder & CEO of Sip and Savor Chicago, Inc., a company that owns and runs high-end coffee houses on the Southside of Chicago. Pugh, in addition to being the Chief Executive Officer, works a full-time job for the U.S. Government. He prides himself on being a mentor volunteering with at-risk kids through the Becoming a Better Man Project (BAM). Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB

In May of 2020 COVID-19 cases in the U.S. had begun to increase since first seeing signs of COVID-19 appear as early as March. Cities around the country begun the "shelter at home order" and many businesses started to close, Rashanah chatted with two prominent dentists, Dr. Alexandra Jundt and Dr. Kenya McCaleb owners of Smile Theory at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago to explore the new normal for business owners and the field of dentistry.  Dr. Alex and Dr. Kenya shared very important tips,  precautions to take, and how they are serving their clients at the height of the pandemic plus what the new normal had become for the dental professionals. Here are some tips Dr. Alex and Dr. Kenya recommended following: 1. Wash your hands before brushing and flossing. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer, but make sure to wash your hands before touching your mouth to reduce introducing your mouth and body full harmful bacteria and/or viruses. 2. Replace your toothbrush after you feel sick. Make sure to replace your toothbrush with a new one so you don’t risk infection. If you use an electric toothbrush, just replace the head. Generally, we recommend replacing toothbrushes every three months. 3. If you suffer from dry mouth, be sure to avoid using regular alcohol-based mouthwash. Stay hydrated and look for mouthwashes that have “alcohol-free” on the label. 4. Stay healthy, mentally, and physically during this time by exercising, maintaining a healthy balanced diet, reading a good book, or possibly maintaining a daily journal. 5. Communicate respectfully to loved ones while living together during this time, by maintaining a healthy open dialogue with everyone within the household- as well as communicating with loved ones outside the household. 6. Continue to brush and floss after meals and in between snacking-as well as before bedtime and in the morning to reduce the development of caries (decay). Smile Theory at Millennium Park believes that by fostering an environment of communication and delivering the highest standard of care possible, our patients will leave feeling confident — ready to proudly show off their signature smile! Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB

Keeping the faith is one way to navigate the challenges the world faces in 2020 with the global pandemic of COVID-19 and recent national civil rest in the United States. This past summer Rashanah caught up with her dear friend and fellow Englewoodian Pastor Jonathan Brooks of Chicago on how he is keeping the peace in his home community of West Englewood, how residents are expressing their frustrations holistically through community activism, community organizing, and the policy changes needed to propel underserved communities forward. Pastah J, as he is affectionately called, is a sought-after speaker, writer, artist, and community activist.  He has contributed to numerous blogs, articles, and books and recently released the book Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods. Jonathan Brooks is a lifelong resident of Chicago and currently serves as Senior Pastor at Canaan Community Church in the West Englewood neighborhood and as an educator on many different levels.  As a firm believer in investing in your local community, Jonathan has a deep desire to impress this virtue on the students and young people in his congregation, classroom, and community.  His ministry focuses on youth development, holistic health, college scholarships, art and music training, and restorative justice practices and cares for the incarcerated and their families.  Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB

Civil unrest and the aftermath of a global pandemic forced Chicago Community Loan Fund to show-up for small businesses, communities of color across Chicago, and community organizations like never before.   During a recent chat with Wendell Harris, Vice President of Lending Operations, they discuss how CCLF is helping to keep mom and pops shops operating, why Black & Brown representation matters in Investments, and how CCLF is building up communities by providing access to working capital for small businesses, social enterprises, and plus more.    Wendell Harris has over 20 years of commercial real estate, property management, and banking experience. He was promoted to Vice President of Lending Operations in March 2019, after serving as Director of Lending Operations following a brief tenure as Senior Loan/Program Officer for CCLF.   In the past five years, he has underwritten investments at CCLF that leveraged $253.20 million in real estate transactions that strengthen lower-wealth communities. He has held various positions in Treasury Management, Retail Management, Business Banking, and Commercial Real Estate at leading financial institutions such as Northern Trust, LaSalle Bank N.A., Charter One, GE Capital, and Urban Partnership Bank. He also worked for Midway Broadcasting (WVON radio) in Marketing and Sales.   Chicago Community Loan Fund provides flexible, affordable, and responsible financing and technical assistance for community stabilization and development efforts and initiatives that benefit low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, families, and individuals throughout metropolitan Chicago.  Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB

Welcome to the Podcast "Someone You Need To Know" Rashanah Baldwin is an award-winning TV/Radio Journalist, Chicagoan, and Millennial. "Someone You Need To Know" explores the personal stories and journeys of trendsetters, tastemakers, societal change agents, and industry leaders.  Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. Want to see the showcast of “Someone You Need To Know”? Visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow.  Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB

Unstoppable! is one way to describe actor Harry Lennix, a native Chicagoan by way of the South Shore neighborhood. He is A-List Hollywood actor who currently is in not just one but two hit TV series in 2020 and is not stopping anytime soon. Lennix can be seen in roles in the TV series "The Black List " and "Billions" (airs via Netflix, NBC, and Showtime). Plus the upcoming Netflix series, “Army of the Dead" by Zack Snyder. In December 2020, Rashanah caught up with Lennix about his new film and creation of the African-American Museum of Performing Arts (AAMPA) in Chicago. "Troubled Waters" is the latest project he stars in, airing Thursday, December 10, on BET Plus. Lennix stars as Ron Waters, a troubled comedian making a comeback to re-establish his career. Impressive is just an understatement when asked about being busy consistently during the pandemic with back to back series and on-going projects. “Acting is a form of meditation and prayer,” Lennix adds. Lennix shows up for his hometown Chicago with the launch and creation of a two-story complex African American Museum of the Arts in the historic Bronzeville community. Lennix and his partners acquired the building located at 4343 South Cottage Grove Ave. The project is a recipient of a loan by the Chicago Community Loan Fund: Fifth Third Bank in 2019. According to Lennix, the African-American Museum of Performing Arts (AAMPA) will celebrate Black contributions to the performing arts, including dance to film to music to theater and shine a light on the much-needed Southside Chicago. Lennix notes that positive images and celebration of Blacks’ contributions to the arts need to be shown in our communities and taught. The museum will be an archive of the collective history of the great works and experiences of the African Diaspora. Additionally, the building will be equipped with a theatre space for companies to utilize and showcase their work. Lennix is hoping doors to open in the late Fall of 2021. Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email rb@rashanahbaldwin.com with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB