Honoring a Chicago icon: Dr. Lou Della Evans Reid's lasting legacy
The Brief
Dr. Lou Della Evans Reid, gospel legend and co-founder of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, is being honored ahead of her 95th birthday.
She's in hospice after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis but says she feels no pain and is at peace.
Four hundred guests, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, will attend Wednesday night's celebration.
CHICAGO - Dr. Lou Della Evans Reid is being honored as a gospel legend in Chicago after more than 70 years of directing church choirs.
Reid, the last surviving co-founder of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church at 45th Street and Princeton Avenue, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In her own words: "It's all right."
On Wednesday night, the 94-year-old will be honored ahead of her 95th birthday.
What we know
Reid helped establish Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, which rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s under her brother, Pastor Clay Evans.
The church was among the first in Chicago to broadcast weekly nationally syndicated radio and television services.
Its 300-member choir has drawn Christians and music lovers from around the world.
Reid has led choirs and mentored singers and directors in Chicago for more than seven decades. Her work is now archived in the Chicago Public Library system.
Last month, Reid was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She declined surgery and is now in hospice care at home.
"I want you to know and I want everybody else to know that I don't have pain. I'm not sad that I don't have cancer. This is what God, that's His problem. I gave it to Him. But I don't feel no signs of cancer," she said.
What's next
Reid's birthday celebration begins Wednesday night, with 400 guests expected to attend, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, clergy and former choir members.
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Traditional kibble is produced using a method that applies high heat to remove moisture, followed by drying to further reduce moisture content. To improve flavor and make the food more appealing, liquid fats, flavor enhancers, or digest powders are then applied. On the flip side, Clusters are less processed. They use real ingredients that are cold pressed, roasted and gently dehydrated until golden. Clusters also exclude external sprays and powders that other dog food brands use to boost flavor. Instead, they let the real food do the talking. Lucy did not object to this, nor did Prince. What I also appreciated about The Honest Kitchen is its natural approach to preserving food without chemicals, using ingredients like vitamin E, mixed tocopherols, and small amounts of rosemary extract to extend shelf life. How did the review go? Lucy and Emma's thoughts: We tested an assortment of treats, toppers, and clusters. 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Made with just 6 whole food ingredients and the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs, it's available in 5 recipes with a variety of protein options and ingredient exclusions (including flaxseed, eggs, white potatoes, and more). Plus, The Honest Kitchen offers other whole grain and grain-free dehydrated recipes that fit a variety of needs for dogs of all ages. It's great for pet parents who want to serve the quality of real, fresh food, without the hassle or cost. Additionally, if you are a raw feeder or someone who prefers adding your own protein to your dog's diet, their dehydrated Base Mix recipes are a great option. Simply add warm water and top with your preferred protein for a well-balanced, nutritious meal that's ready in minutes. If you're a raw feeder or someone who prefers to add your own protein, also check out The Honest Kitchen Base Mix. You simply add water and top with your pet's preferred protein to create a well-balanced and nutritious meal. 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The Honest Kitchen Pros: Packed with probiotics & goat's milk to support digestion Slow baked Minimal processing Cons: Smells like a human cookie; one might accidentally eat it by mistake Never have I seen a more excited dog, honestly, these looked so yummy that I considered eating it one day as a snack. Plus, it's a healthy probiotic snack, wheat-free and made with goat's milk and juicy blueberries. The Honest Kitchen Pros: Apparently extra tasty Packed with protein Nutrient-rich ingredients Cons: No fish options I brought these treats with us on vacation and Lucy kept her eye on the treat bag almost the entire time. Her hearing improves when these broth bites are involved. They come in beef, chicken, or turkey. Final Verdict OK, The Honest Kitchen dog food review is in, and we can say with confidence that we love the end result. The overall excitement levels were off the charts at mealtime, which most certainly surpassed the usual kibble excitement. Even better, we felt great knowing our dogs were not only thrilled but also getting nutritious, well-balanced meals with every bite. We're always on the search for the best dog food, we've even tested Spot & Tango firsthand and asked the experts what's best for large or small dogs. Basically, the quest feels endless, but as an obsessive dog mom, I feel confident recommending The Honest Kitchen. The Honest Kitchen cat food is also highly regarded, based on our research and reviews, and we can confidently say that we trust this brand with our pets. How we tested Al Murillo To get a well-rounded perspective, we tested The Honest Kitchen's products on two dogs: a small breed and a large one. Lucy, my 55-pound Mini Sheepadoodle, and Prince, a Weimaraner, gave us feedback on the best way dogs know how — through enthusiastic tail wags, eager mealtime reactions, and spotless bowls. 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'When a product is sold on store shelves (like ours), it's scrutinized far more heavily than products sold only online, where regulation tends to be more relaxed. This is a key distinction, especially as more online-only brands enter the space and make human-grade and similar claims without the need to provide documentation.' Should dogs only eat raw meat? 'While dogs do need animal protein to thrive, they're not strict carnivores,' said Reid. 'They're what's called facultative carnivores, which means they do best on meat-based diets but can also digest and benefit from other types of foods.' Plant-based foods offer fiber to support gut health, potent compounds such as phytochemicals, and crucial vitamins like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. What should I look out for when shopping for dog food? Terms like 'real,' 'premium,' and 'holistic' are used across many pet food brands to indicate quality, but they're not regulated terms, so virtually any food can make these claims. As you research pet food, ensure you're digging into the company's ingredients and practices to see if they align with your definition of these words – some will, and some won't. The Honest Kitchen stands behind its ingredients, quality, and safety standards and is confident that pet parents will agree that it is a brand that raises the bar in the pet food industry. This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Reporter. Proud dog mom to a Mini Sheepadoodle named Lucy, Emma routinely tests top-rated pet products with her pup to find the best recommendations for fellow pet owners. In search of the best dog food brands, leashes, harnesses and more, Emma taps veterinarians and experts like Cesar Millan, better known as the 'Dog Whisperer,' for pet health advice, FAQs and training secrets. In addition to her work at the Post, Emma's byline has appeared in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? 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