February 2021 - Page 3 of 3 - The Chicago Journal

Celebrity Chef Carlos Brown Helping the Next Generation

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 3, 2021

Best known as the celebrity chef inducted into the Smithsonian African-American Museum for his authentic shrimp and grits dish and for working alongside famous personalities such as Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg and Shaquille O’Neal, Chef Carlos Brown currently stands as an inspiration in the culinary world so much so that he was even honored with “Chef Carlos Brown Day,” which happens every August 23 in Charleston, South Carolina. Aside from all of his accolades, Chef Carlos has a heart for youth, special needs children and families.

Through his nonprofit C3 International Culinary Camp, Inc., Chef Carlos hosts a training camp for children aspiring to explore their passion for the food industry. Along with highly-trained chefs and food experts, Chef Carlos teaches the campers the fundamentals of preparing dishes ranging from appetizers, salads and entrees to desserts. Children get to explore daily themes with the chance to showcase the skills they learn in the kitchen through hands-on and practical demonstrations, cooking games, and finally, in the Chef Challenge competition.

Aside from mastering skills in the kitchen, C3 International Culinary Camp, Inc. goes over and beyond as it teaches its students several life skills, including effective communication, social responsibility, goal setting and business etiquette. Overall, the organization hopes to use the culinary craft to further develop and influence the appreciation of how food is viewed and consumed with the freedom to experience food as an art that creates fun moments, meaningful connections and special experiences.

The visionary behind the nonprofit is also the restaurateur of Shrimp & Grits Cafe, a Lowcountry and bistro dining experience. Coming from humble beginnings of working in his mother’s kitchen, Chef Carlos first started his culinary career in the dish room of a local restaurant. He worked his way up, envisioning a bright future in the hospitality industry. As fate would have it, award-winning actor Jim Carey tasted one of his dishes and requested him to be his private chef. Soon, Chef Carlos found himself cooking master dishes for Tyler Perry, Ray Lewis and many more Hollywood stars.

Over time, Chef Carlos has proven to be one of the most talented chefs in the country. His exceptional gift in the kitchen is signified by numerous awards including the 2020 National Black Chefs Culinary Excellence Award, American Culinary Federation Award, the Diamond Culinary Medal and the Kingston Chef Scholastic Award.

For Chef Carlos, his passion for the culinary world would not be complete without advancing his lifelong advocacy of helping youth realize their culinary dreams. He is committed to giving back and making a difference in the community and hopes to inspire the next generation of chefs to explore their talent and highest potential.

Learn more about Chef Carlos Brown by visiting his website.

The Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape Announces Appointment of Daniel “StrongWalker” Thomas to Combat Corporations Posing as Indigenous Nations (CPAIN)

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 3, 2021

The Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape People, in efforts to protect Lenapehoking (the Lenape word for their homelands) from the growing threat of Corporations Posing as Indigenous Nations (CPAIN) have appointed their Hereditary Chief, Daniel “StongWalker” Thomas, as the official tribal representative to “combat” the rising threat.

“The forced removal of the Lenape People from Lenapehoking, combined with continued exclusion from contemporary events and happenings, has resulted in various Corporations Posing as Indigenous Nations (CPAIN) groups seizing claim to Lenape history, spirituality and culture” said Chief Daniel StrongWalker Thomas. “These organizations vary in structure, sophistication, stated purpose, and funding, yet all mask their theft within a robe of cultural preservation and unproven indigenous lineage. If a ‘pretendian’ is an individual who falsely claims indigenous lineage, than CPAIN is what happens when a group of them decide to form a corporation, usually a non-profit, and pass it off to the public as a tribe.”

In the capacity of combating CPAIN, Chief Daniel StrongWalker Thomas will serve as a bridge builder with other federally recognized Indian nations, politicians, and educators as well as a conduit of communications for authentic allies who wish to support the true Lenape people.

“Indigenous people come in all shades and complexions; it is impossible to determine who is truly Native based on appearance. This is not an initiative to further the color divide within Indian country. There is simply a process to become an enrolled tribal member, if someone doesn’t meet the criteria for enrollment, then what would give them authority to create their own ‘tribe?’” asks Chief Daniel StrongWalker Thomas. “This is an initiative to preserve our identity and protect our homelands. We are also hoping to protect our well-meaning allies from falling victim as they often donate their land, time, energy and funds to these CPAIN frauds.”

In 1682, the Lenape, signed the famous treaty with William Penn and on September 17,1778 the Delaware Lenape became the first Nation to sign a treaty with the United States of America. However, by the turn of the 19^th century, Chief Daniel StrongWalker Thomas’ band had only 90 souls. Today the original people of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Berkshires in Massachusetts find themselves connected by culture, family and heritage but separated into 5 different communities in three different states and two countries:

The Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape, Anadarko, OK

The Delaware Tribe of Indians, Bartlesville, OK

The Stockbridge Munsee Mohican Nation, Bowler, WI

The Delaware Nation at Moravian town, Ontario, CA

The Munsee Delaware, Ontario, CA

“After extensive efforts and research, the Delaware Nation says with confidence and without a doubt, that no Lenape were left behind! In the combined wisdom of the Delaware Nations, President Deborah Dotson, and our Executive Council, it was determined the damage done to authentic Lenape communities and our allies by CPAIN has reached a point that we must unify and fight back. The pow-wow hobbyists of the ’70s and ’80s have come together, incorporated, called themselves tribes and now number in the tens of thousands. We need to make a collective stand now before the landscape of Indian country is overrun by CPAIN and there will be no telling who is authentic and who is not,” warns Chief Daniel StrongWalker Thomas.

About the Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape: The Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape is a federally recognized Indian Tribe, located in Anadarko, Oklahoma. The President is Deborah Dotson, and the Executive Council are the rightful and duly elected authority of The Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape. Reference Resolution #2021-008 ‘Appointing Daniel ‘StrongWalker” Thomas…”

Learn more on their website at https://www.delawarenation-nsn.gov.

Chief Daniel StrongWalker Thomas is President of the Board of Directors and serves as Chief Servant Leader of the Global Initiative for Indigenous Advancement.

Daniel has a background in economic and business development. An entrepreneur who has been at the helm or in a c-suite role with multiple organizations ranging from professional services, retail, publishing and property management. Daniel attended Salem State University and his passions are his family, his people, and creating opportunities for all Indigenous People.

Learn more email dthomas@delawarenation-nsn.gov.