Entrepreneur, Julius Dorsey, featured on WGN
Spotlight Chicago loves to share untold stories about independent artists, crafters, and small business owners. They recently highlighted Chicago furniture designer and entrepreneur Julius Dorsey, founder of Chicago Fire Furniture, who incorporates the use of fire in his designs.
Julius designed the hand-crafted tables and bar in Overflow Coffee, as well as the incredible art piece featured on Overflow's wall. Julius' designs also grace Mox.E Coworking, most notably in the Soderquist Conference Room.
We're proud to support Chicago Fire Furniture and congratulate Julius on his recognition.
Instagram: @FireFurniture
Spotlight Chicago airs weekdays on WGN from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Gaining Traction with Professional EOS Implementor, Malik Khan
With his extensive knowledge of entrepreneurship, Malik Khan–a seasoned leader, entrepreneurial coach, and EOS facilitator–has assisted more than 100 entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and accomplishing their objectives. Having experienced the challenges of the entrepreneurial journey firsthand, Malik is deeply dedicated to helping entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
After being referred by a committed supporter of Entrenuity, our team had the privilege of meeting Malik during the summer and discovering the wonders of EOS. With Malik's exceptional facilitation, the leadership at Entrenuity has been diligently working through the six core components of EOS and is now beginning to implement them with the entire team. We are thrilled about the progress we are making as an organization and are determined to enhance our focus and effectiveness as we approach our 25th year of operations.
CLICK HERE For more information about EOS or check out the About section on Malik's LinkedIn profile to learn how to connect with him directly.
Julius Dorsey: Goddess of the Lost Tribe
(Click on image to watch video. Photo/video credit to @imagerybychioma.)
Julius Dorsey III
Goddess of the Lost Tribe
2021
Wood, nails, and paint on board
48 x 96 inches
Entrenuity was honored to install a stunning work of art created by Julius Dorsey III, founder of Chicago Fire Furniture. Julius' work, Goddess of the Lost Tribe, is displayed inside @overflowchicago, where his custom-designed tabletops, shelving, and bar cladding already distinguish the space.
Dorsey’s portrait Goddess of the lost Tribe can be read both as a tribute to black women and a narrative on his relationship between beliefs and idolatry. The work was done while Dorsey was contemplating ideas about how value is created and based on the likeness of Christina, the mother of his children, wearing her trademark golden bamboo hoop earnings. The Goddess gazes out with unwavering confidence, bedazzling the viewer with her golden crown and a jewel in the center of her forehead insinuating power, both requested and willingly surrendered.
The piece thus captures multiple layers of meaning: how beliefs ultimately become power and how this dynamic manifests in relationships between black women and men.
CLICK HERE to find out more about Julius' artistic journey.
MARSHALL THOMPSON AND THE CHI-LITES VISIT OVERFLOW COFFEE
Marshall Thompson, original member and Godfather of the acclaimed musical group, The Chi-Lites, recently visited Overflow Coffee with his star from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Marshall and the Chi-Lites celebrated Marshall's 80th birthday with a cake cutting and coffee from Overflow in the place where they got their big break–1449 S Michigan Avenue.
In late 1968, The Chi-Lites signed a recording contract with Brunswick Records, which followed Vee-Jay Records as occupants of 1449 S Michigan Avenue, now owned by nonprofit Entrenuity, and currently housing the Entrenuity headquarters, Mox.E Coworking and Overflow Coffee. After Vee-Jay Records went out of business in 1967, 1449 S Michigan Ave was converted into the new Brunswick A&R office. At the time the building was a simple two story building with a recording studio on the first floor and offices on the second floor. It was here that these electrifying artists cut hit records for Brunswick, including "Have You Seen Her" and "Oh Girl" and helped form the unique sound that became known as Chicago Soul.
The Chi-Lites scored eleven Top Ten singles on Billboard R&B charts between 1969-1974 and were featured on television shows such as Soul Train, American Bandstand, The Midnight Special, etc. The Chi-Lites were sampled by such greats such as Jay-Z, Michelle, Fantasia, and Beyonce. In 2021 the Chi-Lites were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What an incredible honor to welcome Marshall and The Chi-Lites back in the space where such legendary hits were made!
#marshallthompson #thechilites #chicagosoul #soulmusic #rnb #brunswickrecords #veejayrecords #overflowcoffee
VISION OUTREACH: Shaunte Brewer
Determined to be the change she wanted to see in the world, pastor, educator, and urban farmer Shaunte Brewer founded @VISIONOutreach. With just a vision and an initial donation of $50, Shaunte stepped out on faith with great conviction that she could make a difference in the lives of Chicago youth.
VISION Outreach is a youth-focused community outreach program with the sole purpose of helping the youth of Chicago and surrounding areas progress and excel. VISION's mission is to provide a morale boost to youth--installing hope, optimism, inspiration, and positive practices in their lives. The organization seeks to empower youth by providing education, inspiration, and revelation.
The pandemic sparked a shift in Shaunte's personal and professional life. While she missed being in the classroom with Chicago youth, she enjoyed documenting her journey of transforming her personal backyard into a mini urban farm and becoming a certified urban farmer. Shaunte is pleased to be back in the classroom and has added urban agriculture to VISION Outreach's programming with VISION Urban Ag.
VISION Urban Ag brings tangible results to school communities, providing youth a sense of agency and empowerment to change the landscape of their school community as well as improve their mental and physical health. Participants learn life skills that assist in the fight against food insecurity, economic disadvantages, childhood obesity, and poor eating habits.
Shaunte receives business and leadership coaching from Entrenuity founder L. Brian Jenkins, focusing on effective pricing strategies for VISION Outreach. She was also the focus of a recent collegiate article highlighting her work in Chicago.
VIDEO: Black & Latino Excellence Investment Summit
World Business Chicago, in partnership with CIBC and SomerCor, presents the inaugural Black and Latino Excellence Investment Summit. The first cohort program connected 11 business owners from the city’s South and West sides interested in scaling their operations with the key ingredient crucial for success—technical assistance resources and solid connections to banks, funders, and available grants.
Local banks, CDFIs, and Angel Investors all worked hard with their partnered businesses to explore growth and expansion opportunities as well as access to capital. Some businesses were aided with debt refinancing, mentorship for expansion, and assistance with future projects and initiatives.
Overflow Coffee was one of the participating businesses and L. Brian Jenkins had the opportunity to share the Entrenuity story with the audience and affirm the importance of BLEIS and other programs that connect minority business owners with access to capital resources, particularly relationships with funders and investors.
Overflow Coffee earned a shout-out from SomerCor President & CEO, Manny Flores on WGN’s People to People program with Micah Materre, as well as an interview with CBS Chicago.
Special thanks to the Mayor's Office, LaForce Baker and the Community Impact Team at WBC, and the participating partners and sponsors who made this program not only possible but a priority.
>>>CBS News Clip (aired 06-22-22 at 10 pm)
