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Citizen Week of July 4, 2018

| Vol. 54 | No. 14 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

CHATHAM SOUTHEAST

In 2014, Calvin King founded the Free Lunch Academy, a traveling artistic outreach program, with the hopes of meeting students where they are to teach them how to eradicate bullying in their own schools and communities. Photo: Free Lunch Academy

FREE LUNCH ACADEMY SERVES FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In 2014, Calvin King founded the Free Lunch Academy, a Chicago-based traveling artistic outreach program, with the hopes of meeting students where they are to teach them how to eradicate bullying in their own schools and communities. The organization uses live performances, workshops, and career development opportunities to inspire young people to be each other’s buddies instead of bullies.

See more on Page 2

Business: ‘The Ultimate Last Chance’ Auction Scores $1 Million for the United Way — Page 4 Entertainment: Nigerian American artist Ogorchukwu releases poetry book ‘the geometry of being Black’ — Page 6 |

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2 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of July 4, 2018

NEWS briefly EDUCATION

LUMITY POSITIONED TO SERVE HUNDREDS OF CPS STUDENTS OVER THE SUMMER Lumity, a Chicago-based non-profit that prepares teens and youth from underserved communities for lifelong careers in STEM, has partnered with other impactful Chicago-based organizations to create summer programming focused on teaching computer science, problem solving, teamwork, and other employability skills.

With After School Matters, Chicago CRED, and TCS, Lumity helped design this summer’s goIT immersive program, which allows students to build prototype mobile apps while working alongside industry experts. Supplemental daily lessons include topics such as Intro to Design Thinking, Prototyping, and Intro to MIT App Innovator. With this hands-on experience, computer science becomes more accessible, and students will gain the confidence to pursue careers in STEM fields. It is expected that nearly 150 students will attend the workshops.

HEALTH

NEHRING NAMED CHAIR OF ILLINOIS CANCER PARTNERSHIP SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Caleb Nehring, of Carbondale, was recently named chair of the Illinois Cancer Partnership (ICP) at the biannual meeting in Springfield. Nehring, health systems manager, primary care systems from American Cancer Society’s North Central region will be joined by co-chair Kristi Lessen, outreach coordinator at Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Nehring and Lessen follow the leadership team of Shaan Trotter, administrative director, Office of Equity and Minority Health, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, and Rudy Bess, founding director of The Hope Light Foundation.

The Illinois Cancer Partnership is a broadbased, multi-organizational partnership that works in collaboration with the Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.

LAW & POLITICS

SENATE PASSES DUCKWORTH AND DURBIN AMENDMENT TO PROTECT VA WATCHDOG INDEPENDENCE The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan amendment that was introduced by former Assistant VA Secretary and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-MT) to protect the VA Inspector General’s (IG) ability to effectively and independently investigate misconduct, waste and criminal matters involving the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). The amendment, which is part of the 2019 VA appropriations bill, reinforces the IG’s authority to access any records, documents or materials it needs to carry out its responsibilities under the Inspector General Act to conduct oversight of VA programs and operations..

Aside from the live performance, the Free Lunch Academy also offers their Quite the Character Workshop as a follow-up to the performance.

Free Lunch Academy Serves Food For Thought Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

In 2014, Calvin King founded the Free Lunch Academy, a Chicago-based traveling artistic outreach program, with the hopes of meeting students where they are to teach them how to eradicate bullying in their own schools and communities. The organization uses live performances, workshops, and career development opportunities to inspire young people to be each other’s buddies instead of bullies.

“If you break it down backward, Free Lunch Academy is a school of thought that provides food for thought that’s firmly rooted in educational entertainment (FREE). We are a wall-less classroom that tries to change the way that students engage with one another and change the way that students perceive themselves and others and all things social, emotional, and artistic.

It’s more so food for thought, not actually food,” said King.

The cornerstone of the organization is an original stage play, Be a Buddy, Not a Bully,

that has been evolving and traveling since it’s debut in 2013.

“The performance pretty much informs audience members of the different types of bullying that exists, the different role-players in various bullying scenarios, and also what you could do to not only increase your level of awareness that bullying is on the horizon but what to do to intervene in a positive and productive manner if and when bullying occurs. Most importantly, Be a Buddy, Not a Bully teaches kids how to prevent bullying in the first place by setting up a culture that is based on inclusion, tolerance, empathy, and pretty much love,” said King.

Aside from the live performance, the Free Lunch Academy also offers their Quite the Character Workshop as a follow-up to the performance. During the workshop, students learn about character building and how to be a Free Lunch Academy ambassador in their school.

Another aspect of the Free Lunch Academy is their partnership with One Summer, One Chicago that allows them to offer youth employment opportunities

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to even further their mission of building a more empathetic population of young people.

“I understand that a lot of the seeds that we are planting right now, we won’t be around to see them manifest and harvest but somebody has to plant the seed and somebody has to water it so that it will grow and manifest a plentiful harvest. We are just trying to do our part and plant the seeds across the city and ultimately throughout the world,” said King Going global has always been King’s ultimate goal and said the Free Lunch Program is working to eradicate bullying worldwide by Oct. 21, 2025.

“We really tried to make sure that we are able to take this show on the road as we have been doing but also take it in the air, across seas, take it where ever young people gather and have a message that will resonate with all students,” said King.

For more information on the programs offered by the Free Lunch Academy and upcoming performances visit www. freelunchacademy.com.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of July 4, 2018

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NEWS

Chicago’s Minimum Wage Increases to $12, Rise to $13 Next Year Chicago’s minimum wage has increased to $12 per hour effective July 1– a 45 percent increase in the minimum wage since 2011. The increase is part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2014 ordinance that raises the minimum wage for 410,000 workers annually to $13 per hour in 2019.

“No parents who work full time in the City of Chicago should ever have to raise their children in poverty. Higher wages are good for families, communities and our economy.”

Since 2014, during the same time that the minimum wage has increased, the unemployment rate has been cut in half – proving that working families and innovative businesses can thrive in the same economy.

Today, Chicago has achieved its lowest unemployment rate on record, since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics started releasing monthly rates in 1990, and 81,000 fewer Chicago residents live in poverty. Thanks to increases to the city’s minimum wage, by 2019, $860 million will be injected into the local economy. Last year, of the ten biggest cities in America, Chicago had the largest percentage drop in unemployment.

“I applaud the Mayor and City Council for recognizing the importance of higher wages and the role that it plays for families, especially those from single parent households,” said Emilia DiMenco, President and CEO of Women’s Business Development Center. “The increase in minimum wage proves that working families and businesses both can thrive in today’s economy.”

In December 2014, City Council passed Mayor Emanuel’s ordinance to raise the

Chicago minimum wage from $10.50 per hour to $13 per hour by 2019. The minimum wage is currently $11 dollars an hour, increased to $12 an hour plus $6.25 for tipped employees on July 1, 2018, and will reach a minimum wage of $13 an hour on July 1, 2019. Beginning July 1, 2020, the yearly increase in Chicago’s minimum wage will be tied to the rate of inflation but not to exceed 2.5 percent.

“Chicago’s minimum wage ordinance not only provides Chicago employees with the compensation they need and deserve, but strengthens our economy,” said Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Rosa Escareno. “Working together with businesses, residents, local aldermen and other community stakeholders, Chicago is leading the way in creating an environment where a working family can put a roof over their head and groceries on the table without having to work multiple jobs.”

As a member of House Democratic leadership, Mayor Emanuel worked with Democrats to pass the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, increasing the federal minimum wage by 40 percent. This was the first increase in more than a decade, when as a senior advisor to President Clinton, Mayor Emanuel worked to pass a 17 percent increase in 1996.

“We’ve discovered the more money you put into the pockets of employees, results in greater investment in the community,” Jaime di Paulo, Executive Director of Little Village Chamber of Commerce said.

Since Mayor Emanuel’s Minimum

Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Wage ordinance went into effect in 2015, BACP investigators have recovered more than $300,000 in back pay for nearly 500 minimum wage employees. Violations may also result in fines and penalties ranging from $500 to $1,000 for each offense, per employee per paycheck. From July 2017 to July 2018, $127,500 in fines were assessed

against minimum wage violators and more than $36,000 in back pay has been recovered for 177 employees. These include: • America Wireless paid $1,964.94 in restitution to three employees and $5,000 in fines along with $160 in court costs.

• TriCorp Wireless, Inc. paid $3,612.60 in restitution to 15 employees and $30,000 in fines along with $640 in court costs.

• Custom Cellular, Inc. paid $30,818 in restitution to 160 employees and $92,500 in fines along with $2,840 court costs.

BACP is reminding city employers that the minimum wage is enforceable, and employees to report any issues receiving their legal minimum wage. The best way to report a problem with wages, paid sick leave, or other issues with workers compensation is to call 3-1-1. The mandatory complaint form has been simplified to make it easier for residents to fill out so a problem can be fully investigated. Failure to return a completed form is the number one reason complaints go unresolved.

BACP continues to host outreach events and provide information to employers and workers about their obligations and rights in the workplace. BACP works with advocates to promote awareness to employees, educate employers and share information in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish, Chinese and Korean.

Informational materials and regulations are on BACP’s website, www.cityofchicago.org/ BACP. A workshop on minimum wage and paid sick leave is scheduled for Friday, July 13 at 9:30 in room 805, City Hall.

Heartland Blood Centers issues emergency appeal for blood donations

Chatham Resident To Turn 100

AURORA, Ill. — Heartland Blood Centers (HBC), part of Versiti, is reaching out to the community with an emergency appeal for blood donors. Due to lower than normal donations at the start of the summer season, donations are at a critically low level. HBC is calling on hero blood donors to donate today and help patients in need.

As we look ahead to the donation appointments during the Fourth of July holiday week, HBC is projecting that we will have less than a half-day supply of all blood types.

Typically, we prefer to have a two to three day supply of life-saving blood needed to treat patients in our community. While the need is at its highest during the summer, donations are at their lowest.

People postpone donation due to vacation plans, and with school out for the summer, we are also without the generous donations from high school and college blood drives.

As part of our life-saving mission, we must ensure that blood is available for all of those in need. HBC is able to serve 71 hospitals across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana because of its blood donors who strengthen the health of patients battling cancer and those undergoing surgery. Patients in emergency

On July 8, 2018, Chatham resident Fannie Vera Polk will celebrate her Centennial (100) Birthday. Proud of her accomplishment, Polk’s family is sharing her journey as a professional nurse with the community.

At 22 years of age, Polk started a career in nursing, studying at Tennessee State University. After being in Tennessee for two years, she returned to Chicago to finish her studies, attending Provident Nursing School where she graduated top of her class.

Fannie Vera Polk Because of Polk’s passion for nursing, she accepted employment with the Visiting Nurse Association of Cook County or VNA. She also worked at Chicago Lying in Hospital.

Years would pass and Polk’s career continued to expand, leading her to work for Michael Reese Hospital, the University of Chicago and doing private duty nursing.

Loving what she did as a nurse, she eventually took a position as supervisor in the emergency room at Cook County Hospital. Polk’s nursing career spanned across 50 years or more.

With a busy schedule, she found time to become an active member of the Black Nurses Association and a board member of the Black Nurses Day committee. Polk earned many certificates and awards for her diligence in the medical field throughout her professional career. She was married to Chicago Police Officer James K. Polk for 34 years. She raised three sons and is a pillar of the community in the Chatham and West Chesterfield communities.

situations also tend to rise during summer and recent natural disasters and other unforeseen tragedies highlight the critical need for blood of all types, especially type O negative which can be safely given to all patients. ”We rely on volunteer blood donors for this precious, life-saving resource. During this critical time of the year, giving blood is a unique way to honor the legacies of loved ones and make a difference in our community.

It’s donations that are made today that will help save the lives of people tomorrow,” says Alex Carterson, M.D., Ph.D., Heartland Blood Centers Medical Director and Site Lead.

Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment today at any of HBC’s 13 permanent donor centers or at one of its community blood drives by calling 1-800-7TO-GIVE (1-800-786-4483) or going online at versiti.org/Illinois. www.thechicagocitizen.com

4 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of July 4, 2018

BUSINESS Reset Your Life Goals Now! Tips for A Summer Recharge!

While any journal will do, Pierce’s Success Journal is specially designed to make the journaling process a breeze whether you’re a newbie or pro.

Whether it’s upcoming start from scratch with these vacation plans or the kids relaxing yet productive ideas. being home from school, • Create a Summer Goal summertime is the hardest List — Don’t just write down season for keeping up with your chores — write down all your business goals and plans. the things you want to do from But what if there was a way backyard barbecues to your to turn your summer slip-ups new social media campaign. into strengths?

You can even break it down According to awardinto two columns — one for winning life coach and fun and one for business. motivational speaker Dr. • Repurpose Daydreams into Stacia Pierce, summer is a Motivators — Dreaming of blessing in disguise. white-sand beaches and drinks Since it’s halfway through with tiny umbrellas? Make that Dr. Stacia Pierce the year, the start of summer is your big goal. Put it on its own the perfect time to step back and reevaluate page in your journal and come up with how your plans and processes,” explained Pierce. you’ll make it happen.

“You’ve been go-go-go for six months. It’s • Start a Daily Hammock Habit — Spend a time to cut yourself a little slack so you can few minutes each day swinging and thinking. refocus and come back with 150 percent Being out in the sunshine will boost your more passion.” happiness levels, and keeping a pen and Pierce’s favorite tool for revamping her journal nearby will make it easy to catch the mindset is to break out a new journal and creative thoughts that start flowing.

While any journal will do, Pierce’s stylish Success Journal is specially designed to make the journaling process a breeze whether you’re a newbie or pro. It’s packed with helpful prompts, to-do lists, and tips to get those sluggish summer ideas flowing.

To learn more about Stacia Pierce’s summer productivity tips contact Leah@ chicexecs.com.

About Stacia Pierce: Stacia Pierce’s credentials include 21 published books, the Go Big Coaching Program, the Success Mastery Coaching Program, 37 Journaling Secrets to Success Attraction Course, and a series of lifestyle products. She holds a doctorate of philosophy and religious studies from Friends International University, as well as a doctorate of divinity from St. Thomas College, and has been awarded a Congressional tribute for service as an exemplary life coach. Her website, lifecoach2women. com, features the number one business blog for women, and is a gateway to inspiration, advice, and motivational tools.

Historical Dodge//SRT and Barrett-Jackson ‘The Ultimate Last Chance’ Auction Scores $1 Million for the United Way

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t was the type of offering that makes bidders and fans stop and pay attention: the last of two record-setting performance legends — the final 840-horsepower 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and the final 645-horsepower 2017 Dodge Viper — sold as a pair at the BarrettJackson Northeast auction at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut on Saturday, June 23.

The bidding was spirited, befitting the combined 1,485 horsepower of the cars on the stage. When the hammer dropped to end “The Ultimate Last Chance” auction, the top bidder became the new owner of the Dodge Viper and Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, and the United Way was the winner, receiving 100 percent of the hammer price. The final price ranked as the highest during the fourday Barrett-Jackson auction.

“We know the power of the Dodge Viper and Dodge Challenger SRT Demon to put a smile on people’s faces; we’re smiling today because we know the power of this donation to the United Way,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT — FCA North America. “These

particular vehicles mark the end of their eras as the last vehicles of their kind to be built; it’s rare to have just one such vehicle cross the auction block, much less a pair at the same time.”

“We are honored that Dodge chose BarrettJackson for this historic sale of the last production Viper and Demon,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ve been fortunate to have many incredible moments on the auction block for charity sales over the years and this was another one. The winner is taking home two spectacular and historically significant vehicles, and we can’t thank Dodge enough for bringing this special moment to our Northeast Auction at Mohegan Sun.” Both cars wear the same Viper Red color (production code LRN) that was part of the Viper color palette. The auctioned Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was hand painted to match after it left the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada.

The 8.4-liter, V-10-powered Dodge Viper was hand-built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit. The last production 2017

Dodge//SRT and Barrett-Jackson made history Saturday, June 23 when “The Ultimate Last Chance” auction scored $1 million for the United Way, as the last of two record-setting performance legends — the final 840-horsepower 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and the final 645-horsepower 2017 Dodge Viper — sold as a pair at the Barrett-Jackson Northeast auction at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

Dodge Viper pays homage to the firstgeneration Dodge Viper RT/10 with its Viper Red exterior and black interior. The car includes exterior carbon fiber accents, black Alcantara leather seats and an exclusive VIN instrument panel badge.

The supercharged 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon stands alone with its 840-horsepower rating, street-legal drag radial tires and record-setting performance — first front-wheel lift in a production car, certified by

Guinness World Records, and world’s fastest quarter-mile production car (9.65 seconds ET/140 mph), certified by the National Hot Rod Association. Production of the Challenger SRT Demon was limited to only one model year.

“The Ultimate Last Chance” lot included several pieces of memorabilia, such as authentication kits for each vehicle containing custom build sheets, authenticity letters, certification cards, iPads with videos and photos, and other custom branded items.

“Real Housewives” Stars Melissa And Joe Gorga List New Jersey Mansion For $3.298 Million Melissa and Joe Gorga, stars of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” have relisted their Montville, N.J. mansion for $3,298,000. Global Luxury Specialist Michele KolskyAssatly is representing the property.

Constructed in 2009, the Gorgas’ approximately 9,000-square-foot home offers six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms and one half-bath. It occupies more than two acres with rolling, manicured lawns in the

exclusive Pond section of Montville.

A long cobblestone and paver courtyard driveway leads to the house, and the main entry impresses with a bridal staircase foyer.

Extensive millwork and walls of glass accentuate the home’s lavish style. Main level highlights include an airy billiard room with fireplace, a

two-story library, a great room with Juliet balcony, and a gourmet kitchen with a generous center island. A cavernous master suite and four additional en suite bedrooms occupy the upper level.

The lower level presents a chic and contemporary party feel with a gym, salon, Hollywood-style home theater, walk-in-glass enclosed wine cellar and bar, recording studio and padded kids play area. Entertaining www.thechicagocitizen.com

continues outside with the in-ground Hampton pool, outdoor kitchen and large stone patios.

“Melissa and Joe are offering this small piece of paradise located just a half-hour outside of New York City. It is truly among the most glamorous estates in the metropolitan area,” said KolskyAssatly. “It offers a private retreat, yet is perfect for entertaining family and friends. I anticipate this home

will sell quickly.”

Kolsky-Assatly is an awardwinning sales professional affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

A local leader, she has sold more than $1.1 billion in real estate.

Internationally, she is a member of the Coldwell Banker International President’s Premier, representing the top 1 percent of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of July 4, 2018

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ENTERTAINMENT American Blues Theater announces encore run of ‘BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story’ American Blues Theater announces an encore performance run of “BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story,” written by Alan Janes, directed

by Lili-Anne Brown, with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler. “BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story” will reopen June 29 – Sept. 15, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are on sale now.

Before the Beatles or the Rolling Stones ever played a note, rock & roll was forever changed by the bespectacled kid from Texas. “BUDDY” tells the true story of Buddy Holly through his short yet spectacular career and features the classic songs “That’ll be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” The Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace,” Ritchie

Valens’ “La Bamba,” plus many more.

“American Blues Theater is thrilled to present an encore run of our production of ‘Buddy—The Buddy Holly Story,’ our company’s best-selling musical to date. We’re excited the cast will be back in our intimate space at Stage 773 through September. We couldn’t be happier with the outstanding reviews and audience reaction,” comments Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside.

Buddy Holly is an American music icon.

Regarded as one of the most significant figures

in the birth of rock music, he is often cited as the innovator of the traditional rock lineup of instruments — two guitars, bass, and drums.

Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Elton John all name Buddy Holly as a major inspiration in their respective careers.

The Encore cast of “BUDDY” includes Elisa Carlson (Company), Liz Chidester (Vi Petty), Ian Paul Custer* (Hi Pockets), Ann Delaney (Company), Vasily Deris (Big Bopper), Alex Goodrich (Clearlake Announcer), Derek Hasenstab (Norman Petty), Molly Hernández (Maria Elena), Keirsten Hodgens (Apollo Performer), Cisco Lopez (Ritchie Valens),

Michael Mahler* (Tommy / Cricket; music director), Kieran McCabe (Jerry / Cricket), Daniel Riley (Apollo Performer), Zachary Stevenson (Buddy Holly), Denzel Tsopnang (Apollo Performer), and Shaun Whitley (Joe / Cricket).

The creative team includes Sarah E. Ross* (scenic design), Samantha C. Jones* (costume design), Jared Gooding* (lighting design), Rick Sims* (sound design), Kevin Rolfs (properties), Malcolm Ruhl (music consultant) and Jon Martinez (assistant director and choreographer). The Production Stage Manager is Cara Parrish*. *American Blues Theater Ensemble and Artistic Affiliates.

Rising Country Singer, Tyler Dial, Living his Dreams with EP Release and First CMA Fest Performance Tyler Dial, a lifelong country music fan born and raised in Phoenix, saw his dreams come true during Nashville’s annual CMA Fest June 7-10. Just weeks after his second EP release and graduation from The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business, the aspiring country star signed autographs, met fans and took in the experience.

“Since I was a kid, playing this week in Nashville was one of my ‘home run’ goals,” said Dial.

“The fans were amazing and I loved playing songs from our Repaint EP in the same venues as many of my music idols.

Like a kid in a candy shop, it was such a blast to be a part of it all.”

Tyler released his lead single, “Truth in the Way” on his graduation day, May 18, followed by his full EP, Repaint, on May 25. The five-track EP (available on iTunes and Spotify) was produced in creative partnership with Nashville’s Neon Cross Music, the publishing company helmed by the award-winning producer Jay Joyce.

On May 18, Whiskey Riff debuted the “Truth in the Way” lyric video saying, “Tyler is someone you’re going to want to keep an eye on,” and on May 25, Rolling Stone included “Truth in the Way” on its 10 Best Country and Americana Songs of the Week list, writing, “…Dial, the latest artist under Jay Joyce’s Neon Cross roster, proves persuasive enough to be irresistible.” In addition, Rolling Stone, named Dial to its June 2018 10 New Country Artists You Need to Know list.

Tyler capped off his CMA Fest performance with Ty Bentli of NASH FM’s Ty, Kelly and Chuck Show, for a podcast posted Friday, June 22.

Repaint was produced by accomplished songwriters and musicians, Neon Cross’ Jeremy

Spillman and Little Louder’s Ryan Tyndell, who also co-wrote several of the album’s tracks. The powerhouse duo brings a wealth of experience and imagination into the studio, having written songs recorded by country music superstars Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Little Big Town, LANCO, Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley and more. Acclaimed Nashville songwriters Ben Hayslip, Ryan Beaver, Lucie Silvas, Devin Dawson, Andy Albert and Kyle Fishman also join Dial on his Neon Cross Musicproduced EP. The creative and administration partnership is led by Neon Cross’ Melissa Spillman, previously Manager of A&R at Capitol Records Nashville and a fellow Texas Longhorn. Neon Cross will oversee administration of Dial’s music catalog with Warner/ Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group.

Though just 22 years-old, Dial has deep roots in country music and is a BBVA Compass 2018 Brand Ambassador. His 2018 summer tour will include events in BBVA markets across the U.S. as well as appearances tied to the bank’s agreement with the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, AEG, including concerts and brand activations at some of AEG’s key venues.

In 2015, and with the help of Sirius XM’s The Highway channel, Dial charted his first record on country radio with “Damn Good Time,” a song he penned for his self-titled debut album.

During his four years at the University of Texas, Dial was a regular on the Austin, UT and Texas music scenes — with his eyes set on May 2018 and a full-time move to Nashville. For more information, visit www.tylerdial.com.

“WE ARE LIVING THROUGH A BLACK CREATIVE RENAISSANCE.” OGORCHUKWU

Ogorchukwu

Nigerian American artist Ogorchukwu releases debut poetry book ‘the geometry of being Black’ “the geometry of being Black” by Ogorchukwu is a book that probes into the effects of anti-Blackness on the Black community. Divided into five segments: receiving, internalizing, unlearning, loving and resisting; the book delves into how the Black community receives and internalizes anti-Blackness, how the community can unlearn and resist anti-Blackness, and how the community can begin to love its Blackness in a world that does not let it.

“We are living through a Black creative renaissance. Black creatives are finding innovative ways to confront how antiwww.thechicagocitizen.com

Blackness has been threaded into the bricks in our foundations. This book is part of this rebirth,” the author explains.

While the first half of the book delves into themes such as police brutality, colorism, Black womanhood, toxic masculinity, and internalized hate; the second half of the book is about restoring the community. Many of the poems in this section touch on unlearning self-hate, fostering love within the community, and strengthening the fight against anti-Blackness.

What makes the book revolutionary is that it isn’t just about Black suffering. Beginning

at suffering, and ending at empowerment, “the geometry of being Black” is a journey about healing racial trauma.

“Our community needs healing, and I believe this book is a step toward that,” Ogorchukwu says. ‘the geometry of being Black’ is available on Amazon. The ISBN for the book is 978-1719276009.

About the author: Ogorchukwu, is a Nigerian American artist and activist. As a UC Berkeley graduate who studied social sciences, it is her mission to create content that speaks to the communities that are often overlooked in society.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of July 4, 2018

Summer Meals Free! !

NEWS

Chicago Public Library (CPL) and Chicago Park District (CPD) recently announced the addition of more than 161,000 photographs and drawings of public parks to CPL’s Special Collections. The transfer of CPD’s historic archival material to CPL’s Special Collections enriches the telling of Chicago’s story, particularly with regard to how the demographics and populations served by the city’s parks have changed over time.

“Housing the archival history of Chicago’s parks through our partnership with Chicago Park District is central to our mission of strengthening communities,” said Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon.

“This collection holds a wealth of information for those interested in Chicago’s community history,

our green spaces, and the residents who have enjoyed them for over a century.”

The collection boasts more than 61,000 photographic prints processed and digitized to archival standards, covering the over 500 parks in the Chicago Park District system. These photographs are high resolution and fully searchable in the Special Collections Reading Room.

The physical prints are also available upon request. 10,000 selected images are available on Chicago Public Library’s website, representing 91 parks. Funding for this project was provided by the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

CPL will host an exhibit of the collection in fall 2019 at Harold Washington Library Center.

!

Chicago Park District transfers historic archival material to CPL’s Special Collections

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8 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of July 4, 2018

FASHION Lays line of beauty, health and skincare products available on e-commerce site StackedNutrition.com Lays hair oil treatment spray can be used for hydrating and moisturizing dull hair, preventing excessive hair loss, treating split ends and boosting natural shine.

Marshalls Traditional Healthcare, producers of Lays natural cosmetics and pain relief products, has a line of holistic beauty care products made to moisturize and hydrate skin, body and hair, and its coming soon to e-commerce retail site StackedNutrittion.com.

The line of Lays products — the tissue oil spray, hair oil spray, olive oil and lanolin lotion, advanced lip therapy and Tantralicious sensual massage oil — are bringing the rich history of healthy and natural alternative medicine from South Africa to the global market by way of StackedNutrition.com.

“Marshalls Traditional Healthcare customers have spread word of our excellent products all over the globe,” Marshalls CEO Vick Maharaj said.

“Of course, flying to South Africa to buy pain relievers and cosmetics is not an option. So our next step was to bring our products to customers all over the world. StackedNutrition. com helps us with these efforts, providing products to American consumers, as many now do most of their shopping online.”

Lays tissue oil contains grape seed, jojoba, lanolin, lavender and vitamin E oils. It’s traditionally used to revitalize the skin with a hint of

French perfume, and it’s safe to use during pregnancy, helps with the appearance of scars, stretch marks, blemishes, wrinkles, dry and flaky skin, and helps sooth sunburns.

Lays hair oil with Moroccan argan oil is made from argan, rosemary, coconut, lavender, jojoba, almond and bergamot oils. It is generally used to hydrate and moisturize dull hair, prevent excessive hair loss, stimulate hair growth, reduce frizz, treat split ends, strengthen hair and boost shine.

The Lays lanolin & olive oil lotion is non-allergenic and fragrance free. It soothes, softens and heals dry, flaky problem skin, while

moisturizing and protecting.

“Our products are great for anyone trying to find skincare and hair care alternatives,” Maharaj said.

“We offer the best of South African beauty products in an FDA-approved package. Our labeling is transparent so consumers know exactly which plants and natural compounds they are putting on their skin and hair.

There are no side effects with our clean, natural products.”

For more information on Marshalls Traditional Healthcare and its Lays beauty line, coming soon to www.stackednutrition.com, visit www.lays-beauty.com.

Pompadour Not Just for Misters Anymore

Avon Representatives recording the “Make it Happen: Powered By Avon” podcast series. Pictured from left: Linda Montavo, Avon Representative from Woodbridge, VA; Evy deAngelis, Executive Director of Sales Development at Avon; Donna Reid-Mitchell, Avon Representative from Dallas, TX and Orenthia Ricketts, Avon Representative from Newark, NJ.

Avon Launches ‘Make It Happen: Powered By Avon’ Podcast Series

L

isten up, Beauty Bosses! Avon, the leading social selling company in the United States, has launched its first-ever podcast series, Make It Happen: Powered by Avon. Created with the spirit of entrepreneurism, the new audio series features provocative discussions with Avon Representatives and powerful business minds alike about their personal success stories, overcoming obstacles and trusting their instincts along the way.

With a 130-plus year history of empowering women and men through economic opportunity, Avon not only brings beauty to doors, but also opens them. Hosted

by Evy deAngelis, Executive Director of Sales Development at Avon, episodes of Make it Happen: Powered by Avon range from compelling stories told by Avon Representatives to thoughtful discussions with industry power players, such as beauty

industry social influencer Lara Eurdolian, social-selling strategist Scott Kramer and more.

Make It Happen: Powered by Avon episodes will premiere every Monday at 11 a.m. Episodes currently available include: • “Shifting Your Mindset: Thinking Like a Boss” Leading beauty bosses and Avon Representatives Donna Reid-Mitchell from Dallas, TX, Orenthia Ricketts from Newark, NJ, and Linda Montavon, from Virginia discuss their own paths to success, creating connections and embracing a “boss-life” mindset.

• “Turning Feeds into Leads: Leveraging the Power of Social Media to Promote Your Business” Scott Kramer, creative professional and CEO of social-selling agency Multibrain, shares how businesses can push the boundaries of what’s possible with social media by turning feeds into leads.

“Avon was the first social selling company

to help entrepreneurs to ‘make it happen’, and we wanted to give our Representatives and other trailblazers a platform to spotlight their own journeys,” said Evy deAngelis.

“We are thrilled to share their motivating, candid stories of achieving success on their own terms. Every episode will inspire our listeners to break down barriers and take bold steps forward in their own lives.”

All episodes are approximately 30 minutes in length and will be released individually on Avon.com/Podcast and iTunes. Beauty bosses and entrepreneurs are encouraged to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #AvonMakeitHappen and to subscribe to the podcast so that they never miss an episode. All episodes of Make It Happen: Powered by Avon are produced by Hangar Studios.

For more details, please visit www.avon. com/podcast.

www.thechicagocitizen.com

We’ve finally answered the call in having a product line for both men and women,” says Zack Henry, CEO of Mister Pompadour, a popular hair product brand.

Mister Pompadour has been having tremendous growth in the men’s market for the last four years and they’ve finally produced a product that caters toward women too. Released this month, Pompadour Professional is a product line designed for all types of hair and all ethnicities.

“We kept hearing from our salon owners: ‘We love your products, but when will you have products for the women?’ ” says Henry. “Well we heard you and now we’ve created a product line that women can benefit from too. The motto is: Bring Out the Best in Your Hair.”

Many boutique salon owners and beauty conscious women are looking for products that are free from dangerous chemicals, don’t damage the hair, as well perform as they expect. Pompadour Pompadour Brands Professional has created a line of shampoo and conditioners that are sulfate free, paraben free, color safe, as well as vegan. In addition, there is a suite of treatment products like volumizing mist, leave-in conditioner, dry shampoo, smoothing serum, and curl defining cream.

Mr. Henry knows that once a customer tries the products, they’ll wonder why they haven’t found it sooner.

“Salons love new brands, especially ones that perform as well as they look. We know that both women and men seem to always be looking for the next best product and once they find it, they stay loyal to one brand. We have tens of thousands of customers in over 100 countries and very few of them are women. It’s time that we create the quality brand for women in addition to the one that we have for the men.”

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of July 4, 2018

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CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of July 4, 2018

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

It’s Good To Be Prepared For Bad Weather

(NAPSI)—The hurricane season in the United States runs from June 1 through November 30, though the storms have been known to occur at other times. For 2018, experts at Colorado State University believe, the country can expect an above average storm season, with 14 named storms and seven hurricanes, three of them major. Regardless of whether these weather predictions come true, it’s always a good idea for home and business owners to take the necessary steps ahead of the storm warnings and the inevitable rush for emergency supplies.

What To Do Home and business owners can take a simple but proactive course of action. For example, preparations should start earlier than the issued hurricane warnings.

1. Getting a generator can be a good idea. They keep critical appliances running. Lights stay on, devices stay charged and weather updates are available on television, radio or online. Most tropical storms cause a disruption in electricity.

Depending on the storm’s intensity, damage to the electrical infrastructure can be extensive.

Downed power lines, flooding, fallen structures, debris and other obstacles will affect the speed of power restoration, so it’s important to prepare for an outage duration that may become uncomfortable.

Aportable generator should be exercised every month. Schedule maintenance if needed. When you get a portable generator, use a sizing calculator to gauge your needs. Additionally, homeowners who seek greater peace of mind from an automatic home standby generator should schedule an in-home assessment, as automatic home standby units take time to get installed.

“It’s better to be ready for a nonevent than it is to be caught off guard by a strong storm,” explained Russ Minick, chief marketing officer at Generac Power Systems. “We believe we can offer manageable ways to guide home owners and businesses through the storm season, but staying safe starts with preparedness.”

2. An emergency hurricane kit for the family and any pets should be easily accessible within the home. In addition to food and bottled water, the kit should include a flashlight, first aid kit, batterypowered radio, a whistle to signal for help, and an assortment of hand tools. If someone in the home is dependent on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment, review the family plan to access backup power or make arrangements to relocate when storm warnings are issued.

3. Outages and the need for fuel go hand in hand. During a power outage, you still might need to be out and about—maybe even evacuate the area—so ensuring that your car is fueled is important. In a worst-case scenario, your car can serve as a source of light, heat and electricity. Aportable generator is far better suited to provide backup power, though, so make sure it has clean fuel, as well. And make sure any fuel you store is kept in approved containers.

Learn More

For a more detailed list of power outage safety tips for homeowners and businesses, go to www.Generac.com/hurricane-prep.

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager

William Garth Sr. CEO Emeritus

Editorial

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

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

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CCNG 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 Monday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Mondays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press releases for calendar items at least three weeks prior to the event. 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 July 4, 2018

CONGRATULATIONS! CHEVROLET AND NNPA OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE

OUR 2018 DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED FELLOWS! The wait is over! Chevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) are proud to announce our six Fellows selected for Discover the Unexpected (DTU) 2018 - a life-changing journalism fellowship.

S TYVAN BURN IVERSITY

UN NORFOLK STATE

DIAMOND DURA

MORGAN STATE UN

NT

IVERSITY

ENRY DAJA UHNIVERSITY D

HOWAR

Chosen from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide, our DTU 2018 Fellows each receive a $10,000 scholarship, $5,000 stipend and a journalism adventure in the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.

Our DTU 2018 Fellows are geared up and ready to go discover stories of inspiration and innovation in our African American communities. Follow us and show our HBCU students some love along the way.

The journey begins!

NATRA WN M

A

IN UNIV XWELL ERSIT Y

CLAFL

IL A WILBOIVRERNSITY

UN FLORIDA A&M

DENVER LARK

NORTH CAROLIN

A A&T UNIVERSITY

NNPA.ORG/DTU #DTU2018, #ChevyEquinox, #Chevy, #NNPA