Chatham-Southeast Citizen 2-05-2020

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Citizen Week of Feb. 5, 2020

| Vol. 55 | No. 45 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHATHAM SOUTHEAST

EVENT FOCUSED ON MANAGED CARE SET FOR FEB. 12

BUSINESS

Survey: Less Than Half Of Employees Say Their Company Provides Remote Work Options; 76% Use This Perk When Offered PAGE 4

Dr. Jeffrey Sterling launched Sterling Initiatives Managed Preventative Care in January.

Known as the SIMPCO Solution, it seeks to focus on preventative health care and not sick care.

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BLACK HISTORY Chicago’s History Includes Black-Owned Businesses Then and Now PAGE 6

ENTERTAINMENT

Beyoncé And Sony/ ATV Music Publishing Sign Global Agreement PAGE 7

Dr. Jeffrey Sterling (pictured) created SIMPCO as a way to close the gap in healthcare disparities by empowering patients in preventative care instead of sick care. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeffrey Sterling

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2 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION

THE NEWS LITERACY PROJECT PARTNERS WITH THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY The News Literacy Project (NLP) recently partnered with The E.W. Scripps Company where they launched a national public awareness campaign on the importance of news literacy and the role of the free press in American democracy. The campaign, which culminated during National News Literacy Week, Jan. 27-31, ran across Scripps’ local broadcast stations, national media businesses and with other journalism media partners.

“News literacy education helps young people become active participants in their communities,” said Alan C. Miller, NLP’s founder and CEO. “This generation is inheriting the most challenging and complex information landscape in human history, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure they know how to navigate it effectively. And once they’re taught, they develop critical-thinking skills and habits of mind that will last them a lifetime and benefit the communities where they live.”

HEALTH

NEW APP FROM US MED-EQUIP SUPPORTS HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS Bracing for the peak of flu season, hospitals now have a new app to ensure they have the medical devices needed. Healthcare providers are securing medical equipment at a moment’s notice from US Med-Equip (USME) to treat the surge of patients in their care. US Med-Equip’s mobile app gives hospital staff the ability to quickly view and rent equipment 24/7, based on the influx of patients in their care at any moment.

“Whether treating patients during the flu outbreak or following a disaster, the demands on hospitals are like they’ve never been before. Healthcare providers are streamlining processes and turning to smarter options to ensure they provide patients the best care possible,” US Med-Equip President Gurmit Singh Bhatia said. “We are working around the clock to provide a faster-than-ever response time so medical staff can focus on their life-saving work.”

LAW & POLITICS

RAOUL, 23 ATTORNEYS GENERAL FILE AMICUS BRIEF WITH SUPREME COURT SUPPORTING COURTS’ ABILITY TO REQUIRE FRAUDULENT ACTORS TO TURN OVER ILLEGAL PROFITS Attorney General Kwame Raoul, leading a bipartisan coalition of 24 attorneys general, recently filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court arguing that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should be allowed to ask courts to require defendants to return money obtained by defrauding investors. The brief, filed in Liu v.

Securities and Exchange Commission, argues that disgorgement, requiring bad actors to return their gains, is critical to redressing harm and deterring future misconduct. According to a press release, in fiscal year 2019, fraudulent actors were ordered to repay more than $3.2 billion in enforcement actions brought by the SEC. “Individuals who defraud investors should not be able to keep the profits they obtain by breaking the law,” Raoul said. “The SEC’s ability to ask courts to force wrongdoers to repay stolen money not only holds defendants fully accountable, but it also serves as a powerful deterrent to those who would seek to engage in securities fraud.”

Event focused on managed care set for Feb. 12 Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Dr. Jeffrey Sterling launched Sterling Initiatives Managed Preventative Care in January. Known as the SIMPCO Solution, it seeks to focus on preventative health care and not sick care.

Sterling will speak about SIMPCO and how it will fill a void in health care in Illinois at an event, which will take place at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. Dr. Carol Adams, SIMPCO chief community relations officer, as well as State Representative Will Davis, and Lynwood (Ill.) Trustee Jada Curry, will also speak at the event.

Sterling said the goal of the Feb. 12 event is to create a public dialogue in a public place, with stakeholders and residents coming together.

“We want to be constructive in putting forth solutions,” he said. “The conversation is meant to give best practices and how to implement best practices.”

Sterling said there are things that represent best practices in health care. He said SIMPCO wants to create a paradigm where the best practices are emphasized.

“One of the more pressing concerns we have is healthcare disparities. We simply can’t allow such things to be normal-

Sterling Initiatives Managed Preventative Care Organization is the brainchild of Dr. Jeffrey Sterling (pictured). Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeffrey Sterling

ized,” he said. “We have specific solutions and the solutions will be put forth by citizens of the state for citizens of the state.”

Sterling said SIMPCO wants to bring businesses together to solve the healthcare disparity issues in a way that is culturally sensitive and specific. He said

there are more than 100 businesses coming together to help implement the best practices.

Healthcare disparities include access to care, cost of care and quality of care. Sterling said when it comes to access to care, it is understandable that people in rural and urban communi-

ties might not have access.

He went on to say that the cost of care is important when there is an estimated 20 million Americans who don’t have any type of health care. He added people tend to use the emergency room as a “portal” to healthcare. “Folks sometimes have to choose between food and medicine,” he said.

Sterling, who was at one time an emergency room doctor, but who is now a healthcare entrepreneur, said medical bills are one of the main causes of personal bankruptcy. We’re at a point in history where people want to be empowered, they want information, he said, which leads them to google symptoms or use WebMD. “What SIMPCO Solution is all about is engaging citizens in meaningful ways directly to educate them, inform them and empower them,” he said.

“We will create healthy habits that will produce a better quality of life.”

Sterling said that with six hospitals in the Chicagoland area that have been slated to close, the State of Illinois has a capacity problem.

“With the healthcare disparities in Illinois, it is only natural for me to support and enhance the already phenomenal efforts that are ongoing in ways in which I can,” he said. “This is an opportunity to do some pretty phenomenal things for the State.”

Older Adults’ Tech Usage Continues to Grow Says New AARP Research New research from AARP finds tech ownership among adults age 50-plus continues to grow, with smartphone usage increasing from 70% in 2017 to 77% in 2019.

In addition, adults ages 50 and older are adopting consumer technology, including smartphones, wearables, home assistants/smart speakers, and smart home technology, at nearly the same rate as adults ages 18 to 49.

While rates of tech use are similar across age demographics, the survey finds device preferences vary among people of different ages. Results show most owners use whatever technology they adopt daily.

New research from AARP finds tech ownership among adults age 50-plus continues to grow.

“The results reflect what we all are seeing in our daily lives, with our parents, relatives, friends and neighbors using technology on a regular basis to stay connected and be entertained and informed,” said Alison Bryant, senior vice president of research, AARP.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

“When adults see the need for and benefits of tech, they are using it in increasingly similar patterns as those in younger generations.”

Key findings from the Tech Usage study include l In the past year, 51% of older Americans say they bought some tech product. Top purchases were: l A smartphone (23%) l A computer or laptop (12%) l A smart television (11%) l A tablet (10%) l Smart home technology or device (12%) l A wearable device (7%). l People under age 50 are losing interest in tablets, but those

over 50 continue to buy them, with more than half (52%) owning one. l Adults 50-plus are using smartphones and tablets to maintain social connections, to find information, and for entertainment, but smaller percentages are using their device to conduct financial transactions (37%) or automate their home (16%). l Though 49% of people 50plus say they own a smart TV, only 42% are using streaming or online options to watch shows. l Nearly half (46%) of all owners of smart home assistants/smart speakers report not using the device daily.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

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NEWS

Study finds many youth living with undiagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome Most youth living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) have not been diagnosed, according to a new prevalence study from researchers at DePaul University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, published by the journal Child & Youth Care Forum. Leonard A. Jason, a professor of psychology at DePaul University, led the seven-year study to screen more than 10,000 children and teenagers in the Chicago area.

The researchers found that less than 5% of youth in the study who tested positive for ME/ CFS had been previously diagnosed with the illness. Of the children assessed, African American and Latinx youth were twice as likely to be living with undiagnosed ME/CFS. The study was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, one of the National Institutes of Health. Jason has been studying ME/CFS for more than 30 years and says the illness can affect all aspects of a child’s life, from physical functioning to attending school and participating in extracurricular activities.

“When you’re talking about a condition that’s as debilitating as this one, the health care response has not been good,” said Jason. “There aren’t that many physicians who are trained and skilled at diagnosing and treating this illness, and our health care system has not done a great job at trying to help people who are affected,” said Jason, director of DePaul’s Center for Community Research.

Working with Jason as co-principal investigator is Dr. Ben Z. Katz, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Katz is also a professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He has collaborated with Jason and his group since the late 1990s.

“Our finding that most youth with ME/CFS have not been previously diagnosed is comparable to findings in adults,” said Katz. “We definitely need better ways to identify people with this illness and to develop effective interventions for them. In particular, we need to reach African American and Hispanic youth, since in our study these groups had higher prevalence of ME/CFS. ” The prevalence of pediatric ME/CFS has been in dispute, so Jason and Katz set out to include a diverse sample of ethnic, socio-economic and demographic backgrounds. Other ME/CFS prevalence studies have drawn from tertiary care centers, which can exclude those without access to health care, explained Jason. The researchers tailored their approach by including a thorough medical and psychiatric examination, offering access to high-quality screening for those at-risk of having the illness.

Researchers screened a random sample of 10,119 youth ages 5-17 from 5,622 households.

The first stage was a phone interview with parents and caretakers about the health and behavior of their children and teens. Missing school because of fatigue was one of the common symptoms among youth who showed a higher risk of having ME/CFS, and was a red flag for parents, said Jason.

Of those who screened positive over the phone, 165 youth went on to medical and psychiatric examinations. Following evaluations, a team of physicians made final diagnoses. Youth

African American and Latinx youth were twice as likely to be living with undiagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome, according to new research from DePaul University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Leonard A. Jason is a DePaul University psychology professor who has studied chronic fatigue syndrome primarily in adults for the past 30 years. He also is director of the Center for Community Research in DePaul’s College of Science and Health. DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief

were given a diagnosis of ME/CFS if they met criteria for case definitions. Of the 42 youth diagnosed with ME/CFS, only 2 (4.8%) had been previously diagnosed with the illness.

Prevalence of pediatric ME/CFS was 0.75%, which is a bit less than 1%, with a higher prevalence among African American and Latinx youth compared to their Caucasian peers. “Clearly people of color do get this illness, and there are some myths that you have to be white middle class to have ME/CFS,” said Jason.

A lack of access to health care, and therefore less opportunity for an earlier diagnosis, could explain this racial disparity, according to Jason. “There are barriers to researchers gaining access to underserved populations. They may not trust institutions as easily, and they may not also have time to bring their children into appointments,” said Jason.

And, there is still stigma and misunder-

Dr. Ben Z. Katz is a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He also is a professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Lurie Children’s Hospital/Jan Terry

standing about ME/CFS among health care providers. “They may not believe this is a condition, or might attribute it to fatigue,” said Jason.

The findings point to the need for better ways to identify and diagnose youth with this illness, said Jason, who has secured more than $46 million in research grant support during his 45-year professional career at DePaul. Co-authors of the study are DePaul University graduate students Madison Sunnquist, Chelsea Torres, Joseph Cotler and Shaun Bhatia.

“We’re trying to help people who have this illness have information that could be used to argue for more resources for diagnosis and treatment,” said Jason.

The study, “The Prevalence of Pediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in a Community-Based Sample,” was supported under award number R01 HD072208.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Illinois DCFS offers college scholarships to current and former youth in care The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is currently accepting applications for the 2020 DCFS Scholarship Program.

Through the program, 53 academic scholarships will be awarded to current and former youth in care for the upcoming school year, with four awards reserved for the children of veterans.

Nearly 1,400 current and former youth in care have had an opportunity to pursue a college degree since the DCFS scholarship program began in 1971. Scholarship recipients receive up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois state community colleges and universities, a monthly grant of $537 to offset other expenses and a medical card.

“Scholarships reduce the financial burden of a college education and allow students more time and energy to focus on studies rather than worrying about their college expenses,” said Illinois DCFS Acting Director Marc D. Smith. “We want our current and former youth in care to access higher education that can pave the way to numerous workforce opportunities.”

The DCFS Scholarship Program is open to youth who have an open DCFS case, whose cases were closed through adoption or guardianship or who aged out of care at 18 or older. Youth who are at least 16 years old and not yet 21 on March 31 may apply.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their scholastic record and aptitude, community and extracurricular activities, three letters of recommendation from non-relatives and a written statement illustrating their purpose for higher education. In 2019, the department received 205 application packets.

Applications are available at any DCFS regional office and on the DCFS website: www2.illinois. gov/dcfs (Form CFS 438 under DCFS Features on the homepage).

Students or caregivers may call the DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 or 312-814-5959 with questions about the application process or for more information.

4 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

BUSINESS

This page is sponsored by

Survey: Less Than Half Of Employees Say Their Company Provides Remote Work Options; 76% Use This Perk When Offered How common are remote work arrangements? In a new survey from global staffing firm Robert Half, less than half of professionals (47%) said their company provides the option to work off-site.

Of those, 70% take advantage of the perk and work from home; an additional 6% do their job from another location, such as a café or shared office space. For the remaining 24%, not having the right technology (39%) and being less productive due to distractions (38%) are the main deterrents to working outside the office.

Companies today are taking steps to support staff who want more

In a new survey from global staffing firm Robert Half, less than half of professionals (47%) said their company provides the option to work remotely.

Of those, 70% take advantage of the perk and work from home; an additional 6% do their job from another location, such as a café or shared office space.

“IN AN EMPLOYMENT MARKET THAT FAVORS JOB SEEKERS, BUSINESSES NEED TO PROVIDE GREATER WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TOP PERFORMERS.” PAUL McDONALD

Senior Executive Director of Robert Half

flexibility. In a separate Robert Half survey of senior managers, more than half of respondents (56%) said their organization has expanded remote work opportunities for employees in the past three years.

“In an employment market that favors job seekers, businesses need to provide greater workplace flexibility to attract and retain top performers,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. “This goes beyond giving staff permission to work off-site or during nontraditional hours. Employers should check that professionals have the proper equipment and guidelines to do their jobs effectively outside the office.”

McDonald added, “It’s important for employees to realize that telecommuting isn’t the right solution for every person or every job. Individuals who are offered this perk can set themselves up for success by creating an optimal workspace and keeping in frequent touch with members of their team.”

Additional findings:

l Among the 28 U.S. cities in the survey, San Diego, Austin and Chicago have the most companies that provide remote arrangements. l Employees in Chicago, Phoenix and San Diego are most likely to work from home when given the opportunity. l More men (77%) than women (64%) work from home. About threequarters of working parents (74%) take advantage of this perk versus 64% of those without children. l Atlanta, San Diego and Minneapolis have the most senior managers who said they’ve increased remote work opportunities for employees in the past three years.

The online surveys were developed by Robert Half and conducted by independent research firms. They include responses from 2,800 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments, and more than 2,800 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees in 28 major U.S. cities.

T. Rowe Price Relaunches Money Confident Kids Website With Five-step Program T. Rowe Price has relaunched its Money Confident Kids® program, a financial education program teaching basic financial concepts to middle school-age children, as a new five-step program with a refreshed website. The five steps outlined on the new site are designed to build on each other and simplify the process of teaching core financial concepts to kids.

Since the launch of its financial education efforts in 2009, T. Rowe Price continues its mission of promoting financial capabilities and working to build confidence not only in kids, but also in adults who might struggle with how to navigate conversations about finances with kids. T. Rowe Price’s 2019 Parents, Kids & Money Survey found that half of parents have some reluctance to discuss money matters with their kids.

The Money Confident Kids program’s content is intended to be administered by an adult and serves as a turnkey solution for teachers, parents, and volunteers to discuss money matters with kids. By creating a more systematic process for adults, the program offers a shelf-ready approach to teaching financial concepts in the classroom and home. Each step has downloadable lessons and activities for kids. The refreshed site also includes games, tips, and other resources.

Over the past 10 years, T. Rowe Price’s financial education efforts have reached 12 million people.

For more information, visit troweprice.com or visit them on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and on Facebook.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

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NEWS

5 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health Family Features - If you worry that you or someone you love will get heart disease or even have a heart attack, it’s understandable.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of social support may be the key to your success.

To mark American Heart Month, NHLBI, one of the National Institutes of Health, is inviting people across the country to team up and join #OurHearts, a national heart health initiative that encourages people to improve heart health together.

“Studies show that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits overall health, blood pressure, weight and more,” said NHLBI’s Dr. David Goff, director of cardiovascular sciences.

Consider these five tips that can help lower your risk of heart disease: Risk: Inactivity Solution: Move more throughout your day. Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity. Build up to activity that gets your heart beating faster and leaves you a little breathless. If you’re busy, try breaking your daily activity into 10-minute chunks.

Stay motivated: Make walking dates. Join a pickup soccer or basketball game. Join a fitness class with your neighbor. Grab a loved one and dance in your kitchen.

Risk: An unhealthy diet Solution: Consider an option

like NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is free and scientifically proven to lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Stay motivated: Invite friends to cook up heart healthy recipes together. Start a lunch club at work and trade recipe ideas.

Risk: Smoking, even occasionally Solution: Quitting can be beneficial to your overall health, even if you’ve smoked for years. Set a quit date and let those close to you know.

If you’ve tried quitting in the past, consider what helped and what made it harder.

Stay motivated: Ask your family and friends for support or join a support group. Find resources and connect with a trained counselor at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or smokefree. gov.

family member in a relaxing activity like walking, yoga or meditation every day.

Learn about heart health and heart

healthy activities in your community at nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts. Use #OurHearts on social media to share how you and your friends, colleagues

Fairness and Opportunity for Illinois Construction Workers SB 11407 is Bad for Skilled Construction Workers in Illinois Cons “The Community Builders program changed everything for me. It gave me opportunity where other paths were just roadblocks. I graduated last March and today I'm doing great work and making good money. My future is bright.

Risk: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep Solution: Sleeping 7-8 hours each night helps improve heart health.

Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight may also improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Resist that late afternoon nap. Turn off all screens at a set time nightly. Relax by listening to music, reading or taking a bath.

Risk: Uncontrolled stress Solution: To help manage stress, try relaxation therapy and increase physical activity. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone you trust. De-stressing may also help improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Join a friend or

or family members are being heart healthy together.

SOURCE: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

It's hard to believe this program is at risk.

How could any politician even think of eliminating this program?”

– Ike

First year electrical apprentice

Call your Representative today to vote “NO” on SB 1407 and preserve access for minorities to a future in the Illinois construction industry.

100 95 75

Find your Representative here: h ps://www.elections.il.gov/

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KeepWorkInIllinois.com to learn more.

CFA Citizen HALF PAGE Ad Vert_v02 Wednesday, January 22, 2020 10:10:04 AM

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of social support may be the key to your success. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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6 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

BLACK HISTORY

Chicago’s History Includes Black-Owned Businesses Then and Now

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

The local economy has gone up and down since 1980 and historians contend it has contributed to the success and demise of blackowned businesses that are forever cemented in Chicago’s rich history.

During the 1980s, the South Side was home to such thriving black-owned businesses like restaurants Army & Lou’s, Izola’s, Catfish Digby’s, and Glady’s on the South Side; Illinois Service Federal Savings and Loan in Bronzeville; Roberts Motels in Woodlawn; Johnson Publishing Company in the South Loop; and Chatham Food Market, Seaway Bank and Trust Co., Independence Bank, and the Chatham Pancake House, all in Chatham.

Today though, many black-owned businesses have either closed or are struggling financially to stay open, said historian Nathaniel Burton, who added this pace would continue until the mindset of black business owners change.

“You have a lot of black-owned businesses that are gone and in large part it is due to what I call ‘old school’ management style,” explained Burton. “You had businesses started by individuals with little to no college education or business experience. Just a dream and a passion to open their own business and not really zero in on how to successfully run a business.”

He added the founders for many blackowned businesses that are now closed did not have a succession plan either.

“There was no long-term thinking with the founders of these companies. It was mostly assumed that in the event of their death, their children or spouse would carry on the business even though they were never trained to do so,” he contends. “Poor planning has hurt black businesses in the past and to a certain degree it has hurt black businesses today too.”

Izola’s, 522 E. 79th St., is an example of a black-owned business that faltered due to poor management, according to its late owner Izola White.

White, who founded the restaurant in 1940 and died April 2018, said she trusted too many people to run her business when she fell ill and left management in the hands of “incompetent people,” she said in an August 2013 interview with DNAinfo Chicago. “I have no money, no family and no bank account. God knows my heart, and he knows I would do more to help myself if I could, but I can’t, and I need help getting back on my feet.”

And despite efforts to raise monies through a series of fundraisers organized by White’s then legal guardian, DeWayne Mason, the restaurant closed in March 2011.

“It hurts my heart to know she died broke and alone. She had many so-called ‘friends’ during the restaurant’s heydays like a few politicians who only came to the restaurant when they wanted a free meal. But in the end,

Despite Seaway Bank and Trust Co. being Chicago’s largest, black-owned bank (based on assets) it closed in 2017. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

all she had was a few, close friends (like myself) and Jesus as she made her transition to the next life,” Mason said.

But it wasn’t just black restaurants that closed.

There were also multi-million dollar businesses like Seaway Bank that also folded even though Seaway was Chicago’s largest blackowned, bank (based on assets.)

Melinda Kelly, president of the nonprofit Chatham Business Association, said she remembers when Seaway Bank, Izola’s and other local, black-owned businesses thrived.

“These were two very successful businesses that was supported heavily by the black community and I’m not just talking about here in Chicago but on a national level too,” recalled Kelly. “Prominent blacks would dine at Izola’s because it was known for its soul-food menu.

And Seaway met the financial needs of black individuals and businesses especially those that might not have been able to get a loan anywhere else.”

However, she pointed out that without a succession plan it becomes difficult for any business to transition leadership and stay successful.

“Having a succession plan in place is so important for a business and its future. There was no succession plan in place or family when it came to Izola’s,” added Kelly.

Moving forward, Kelly said while she loves working with black businesses, she would advise any black business to “become a part of a group like the Chatham Business Association that has a common mission of advancing your business interest,” she said. “And you must engage in the global economy because that’s when using technology comes into play.”

She added that one of the biggest blackowned businesses to collapse was Johnson Publishing Company, which published the popular Ebony and Jet magazines.

“Johnson Publishing came at a time when ‘we’ had no media companies. It filled a void that existed in the black community,” said Kelly. “But all publications are suffering today because the industry has changed and Johnson Publishing was no exception.”

Buritt Bulloch is founder and president of the Old Fashioned Donuts shop in Roseland where he still works 40 plus hours every week. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

(from left) Clerk of the circuit court of Cook County Dorothy Brown and the entrepreneur Izola White, founder of Izola’s restaurant in Chatham, were good friends until White’s April 2018 death. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

In June 2014, JPC published the final print version of Jet magazine before it became a digital publication only. And in 2016, it sold Ebony and Jet magazines to Clear Group View, a black-owned, private equity firm in Texas, only to file for bankruptcy in April 2019. Even its historic headquarters building in the South Loop was sold in 2010 to Columbia College Chicago.

Regardless of the local economy, which economists said is now healthy, some black, business owners said it is imperative that black businesses remain open and continue to be as a viable part of the community.

Spencer Leak Sr., president of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes on the South Side, said he is a staunch believer in black-owned businesses especially family-owned businesses.

“It’s important that ‘we’ look out for each other because we are all we have when it’s all said and done,” said Leak. “God founded my business and I try to use it to bless as many people as possible.”

Leak and Sons was founded in 1933 by the late Rev. A.R. Leak, and after originally being located at 4448 S. State St., it moved to its current location at 7838 S. Cottage Grove Ave. It also has a second location in south suburban Country Club Hills and plans to open a third location on the West Side in the near future.

Nowadays though, in order for small, black-

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Located in Bronzeville at 4606 S. State St. since its 1919 founding, Parker House Sausage Co., remains a black-owned business. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

owned business to stay afloat, it must have access to capital and be open to changes including with its leadership, said Buritt Bulloch, founder and president of the Old Fashioned Donuts shop in Roseland.

“You can’t just sit back and wait on someone to make things happen for your business. The person making things happen should be you,” said Bulloch, who opened his donut shop at 11248 S. Michigan Ave. in 1972.

At 80-years-old, Bulloch still works 40 plus hours a week at the shop but said he plans to scale back his work schedule soon and let his children and grandchildren take the lead.

“I don’t want to call it retirement but I’m getting too old for this and it’s time to hand it off to the next generation,” said Bulloch. “My daughters and granddaughter work here with me and they will be the ones who carry on the family business after me.”

Besides Leak and Sons, there are several black-owned businesses that have withstood economic challenges and that are still operating today. Those longtime businesses include Reggio’s Pizza Inc. in West Chatham; East Lake Management Group Inc., Parker House Sausage Co. and the Chicago Defender in Bronzeville; Old Fashioned Donuts in Roseland; Calahan Funeral Home in Englewood; 50 Yard Line in Park Manor; Wesley’s Shoes in Hyde Park; and WVON AM in the South Loop.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

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ENTERTAINMENT Apeman Rex takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, resiliency and finding home

Beyoncé And Sony/ATV Music Publishing Sign Global Agreement Courtesy: Parkwood Entertainment

Beyoncé And Sony/ATV Music Publishing Sign Global Agreement Beyoncé and Sony/ATV Music Publishing recently announced a global agreement covering the music icon’s entire song catalog, including seminal hits from her start with Destiny’s Child, through her unparalleled collection of solo works written throughout her career.

“I am excited for what’s to come with my continued partnership with Jon Platt in his new leadership role at Sony/ATV,” said Beyoncé.

“Jon’s the executive who understands the creative mindset and continues to be both an advocate and protector. It has been an honor working with Jon from the start of my career.”

Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Jon Platt said, “Beyond all of her well-deserved accolades and accomplishments, Beyoncé is simply one of the most driven and impactful talents I know. I’ve had the privilege of making incredible music with her throughout her career and she continues to set the bar for creative expression in all forms.

Beyoncé inspires generations with her songs and

I am honored to reunite with her at Sony/ATV.” Beyoncé is the most critically-acclaimed music artist of her generation. With a fearless focus on feminism, advocacy and empowerment, Beyoncé has revolutionized the global entertainment industry with singular, culture-shifting albums such as Lemonade and Homecoming. In 2013, with the surprise release of her eponymous visual album, Beyoncé disrupted the music industry’s standard, ultimately impacting the timing of album releases from Tuesdays to Fridays.

Her many career highlights include 23 Grammy Awards, 22 Billboard No. 1 hits, 26 MTV Video Music Awards and 9 American Music Awards, a Peabody Award, among countless prestigious honors. Additionally, Beyoncé stands as the most-awarded artist at the BET Awards and Soul Train Music Awards.

Celebrated for her inventive approach to live performance and video, she has also made an indelible impact beyond music to include

fashion, film, entrepreneurship and the world of philanthropy.

With a prolific output of songs spanning nearly two decades, Beyoncé consistently dominates the world’s music charts, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time with more than 100 million records sold. She has written or co-written major hits across multiple genres that include No. 1 songs such as Crazy In Love (ft. JAY-Z), Irreplaceable, Independent Women and Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), as well as Top 10 hits Baby Boy, Formation and Survivor, among many others.

Throughout her career, she has recorded with superstar artists including Ed Sheeran, Drake, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott and Kendrick Lamar, to name a few. In addition, Beyoncé became the first AfricanAmerican woman and the second woman ever to take home the ASCAP Pop ‘Songwriter of the Year’ Award for her work with Destiny’s Child.

SECOND CHANCE PROMOTION

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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Author Marsalis has released a new children’s book, a story that demonstrates how its protagonist deals with an unexpected major life change. “APEMAN REX,” is about an ape from the Stone Age who finds himself in a robot-dominated 31st century. This book invites all ages on a journey of self-discovery, resiliency and finding home. Although primarily for children, the life lessons and values given can be relatable to adults as well.

The main character, Apeman, is zapped into the future and has to figure out how to get back home. The book follows his journey as readers are left to wonder if he will be stuck in the future forever.

“I wanted to create something that was both fun and reflective.

Something that could entertain children yet also teaches values, lessons, and ideas that will stick with them forever.”

When writing and illustrating the book, Marsalis was inspired by the powerful, unpolished simplicity of prehistoric cave and rock paintings.

“It is one of the few art forms that connects us all,” Marsalis said.

Marsalis was born in 1989. He spent his childhood composing picture epics and giving lectures.

At the age of 17, he published his first novel, MARCH OF THE LIBERTINES, and found refuge in club-hopping. After graduating cum laude from the University of Michigan, Marsalis published works in every literary style and genre.

He is the founder of the pop music blog PARAPHERNALIA and was featured in the 2019 short fiction anthology FIVE MINUTES AT HOTEL STORMCOVE. He loves bubblegum, fast cars, and silent cinema. Marsalis currently lives in Detroit.

The book is $6.00 and available for purchase at: https://www. saintmarsalis.com/apemanrex/.

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How Well Do You Know History?

In Celebration Of Black History Month

Former President Bill Clinton pays homage to Ebony Jet Pioneer and Founder John H. Johnson

Reproduction of these photos are prohibited. Photos by Jerome Simmons

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

Swiping payment cards at the pump could put your card information at risk (BPT) - Have you paid for gas recently at the pump where you've had to swipe your credit or debit card?

At gas stations across the U.S., criminals are skimming cards and stealing payment card data from consumers paying at older fuel pumps. This is because the majority of fuel stations still use insecure outdoor fuel pumps with point of sale (POS) systems that read the magnetic stripe on the back of a payment card to process the purchase of gas instead of POS systems that use more secure EMV(R) chip card readers.

In fact, the U.S. Secret Service estimates that roughly 20 to 30 skimmers are discovered a week on fuel pumps, with an average of about 80 payment cards copied on it when the skimmers are removed.

Stolen payment account information can be subsequently printed onto duplicate credit or debit cards, and used by criminals to make unauthorized purchases at stores and fuel pumps that do not have chipenabled POS systems - draining a cardholder's checking or savings account or maximizing their credit card balance. The industry calls this counterfeit payment fraud or counterfeit card fraud.

Currently, counterfeit payment fraud experienced by fuel merchants at the pump is absorbed by the financial institution that

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issued the payment card to the consumer.

That's about to change.

Fraud dollars may be absorbed by independent and franchise owners of fuel stations on Oct. 1, 2020 if their pumps are not upgraded to process chip cards. Depending on how much fraud a station experiences, it could become a significant burden to station owners.

But this can be avoided.

For Visa cards, liability for fraud dollars stays with card-issuing financial institutions and does not shift to station owners if fuel pumps are chip-enabled.

Chip technology is proven to prevent counterfeit fraud. In fact, according to payment company Visa, non-fuel merchants that are chip enabled have experienced a significant 81 percent decrease in counterfeit fraud dollars. However, troubling statistics show only about 7 percent of fuel pumps nationwide are processing chip transactions.

For station owners, there's no time to waste - contact your hardware or fuel provider for information on how to upgrade your pumps. For consumers, make sure to pay with a chip card at a fuel pump that is chip-enabled. If you're not sure if the pump is safe, pay inside with your chip card.

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com

Advertising

Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com

Classified Advertising call us at

(773) 783-1251

Display Advertising call us at

(773) 783-1251

Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor, Greater Grand Crossing, Burnside, Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

SOUTH END

Washington Heights, Roseland, Rosemoor, Englewood, West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

SOUTH SUBURBAN

Personal assistant Full-time, Permanent employment 61/2 hours/day 5-days/week must have a valid driver’s license

Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

as driving is necessary. Please call (773) 233-5678

Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores, Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland, South Shore and Hyde Park.

After 6:00 P.M.

HYDE PARK

CHICAGO WEEKEND

HELP WANTED JOB OFFER PERSONAL CAREGIVER ASSISTANT POSTION MUST HAVE DRIVER’S LICENSE CALL (773) 233-5678 ASK FOR PAUL CALL AFTER 6:00 P.M. _______________________________________

REAL ESTATE HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM _______________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ______________________________________

WANTED TO BUY Paying Cash For Comics! Top national comic buyer will be in your area, paying cash for vintage comics (1970 & earlier).

Call Will: 866-461-0640 __________________________________ Freon Wanted: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-598-1758 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com __________________________________

CREDIT REPAIR RESTORING YOUR CREDIT SCORE STARTS WITH YOU. . .

CALL YOUR CREDIT MAINTENANCE GURU REPRESENTATIVE MR. FREDRICK TODAY AT CREDIT RESTORATION SERVICES AT (218) 833-3769 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m Monday thru. Friday DON’T HESITATE TO CALL US FOR A FAST AND FREINDLY REPAIR. LEAVE THE WORK TO US. WE CAN DO THE JOB. WE WORK TO CLEAN UP YOUR CREDIT SCORE WITH THE ALL THREE MAJOR CREDIT BUREAUS. _______________________________________

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger

Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

12 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

WWW.CITIZEN NEWSPAPERGROUP.COM

Publisher Of The:

* Chatham-Southeast Citizen * South End Citizen * Chicago Weekend Citizen * Hyde Park Citizen * South Suburban Citizen * Citizen Suburban Times Weekly

8741 S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619 (773) 783-1251