Chatham-Southeast Citizen 12-6-2023

twitter.com/citizennewsnow w advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com

www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9

BUSINESS

C

CHATHAM

WEEKLY

Hyundai Motor North America’s Olabisi Boyle Named a 2023 Automotive News All-Star

P4

FREE | VOL 59 | ISSUE 37

Week of December 6, 2023

Pathways App creators Leroy Moore, Deshawn Threadgill, Jaylen Lee and Antonio Carter with their teacher Heather Williams. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CPS.

Keke Palmer’s “Cool Glam” Eyewear Collection with Zenni® Optical is Here for the Holidays

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

DEVELOPING APP TO HELP STUDENTS CHOSE CAREER PATHS Students in Chicago Vocational Career Academy’s IT program are developing an app that can help high school and college students figure out their career paths. The Pathways App, is a concept being developed by Leroy Moore, Deshawn Threadgill, Antonio Carter and Jaylen Lee under the advisement of their Web Design Teacher, Heather Williams.

P2

citizennewspapergroup.com

P5

Afro Unicorn is Excited to Enchant Children Around the World with ‘Magical Gift’ P8

2

NEWS

briefly CHICAGO UNITED FOR EQUITY SEEKS NEXT GROUP OF RACIAL EQUITY LEADERS

The deadline for the Chicago United for Equity 2024 Fellowship application is approaching soon.

Now in its sixth year, the CUE Fellowship focuses on enhancing local leaders’ understanding, tools, and skill sets to build equity across Chicago. The program has mobilized nearly 200 leaders across various sectors, harnessing their collective power and civic love to enact transformational change.

The CUE Fellowship is a year-long program that brings together 15-20 leaders across identities, neighborhoods, and perspectives in government, media, research, storytelling, organizing, advocacy, and philanthropy, strengthening their racial equity practice.

CUE Fellows are leaders, innovators, disruptors, and healers of all different kinds. We look for Fellows to come into this work with: 1. Creativity: The ability to imagine, create and collectively envision a better future.

2. Strength: Possess a strong foundation in racial equity with an understanding that transformation work is rooted in the collective.

3. Commitment: Building relationships by sharing the work and moving at the pace of trust.

4. Courage: Putting values into action to challenge systems that have brought us to this point.

5. Connection: Affiliated with an organization that believes in and is committed to equity work and transformational change.

Fellows are expected to define a Racial Equity Project that redesigns a structure, policy or practice through a racial equity lens.

The deadline is Monday, Dec. 18. To apply, https://www.chicagounitedforequity.org/fellowship/2024.

A BETTER CHICAGO TARGETS SUCCESSFUL YOUTH INVESTMENT AND OUTCOMES THROUGH NEWLY RELEASED YOUTH OPPORTUNITY DASHBOARD

A Better Chicago released the Youth Opportunity Dashboard, a first of its kind tool in Chicago, that will provide city leaders, philanthropists, and youth advocates with a comprehensive and easy to use data tool that provides guidance on how young people are faring – and what resources are needed to ensure they are on a the right track for a bright future.

Using information that is publicly available from multiple city, state and national resources, A Better Chicago then compiled the data sets and organized them against six key cradle to career milestones that are among the most determinative in projecting a child’s future. The dashboard provides a district-level snapshot of how young people are measuring up to a series of 26 indicators that indicate progress toward the six life milestones. Including the district-level specificity was particularly important to policymakers and hyper local advocacy organizations who focus on specific neighborhoods.

The six milestones included in the dashboard align with the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance which uses a well-researched framework of six milestones, which are: 1. Entering school ready to learn 2. Meeting benchmarks in reading and math 3. Graduating from high school ready for college and career 4. Completing postsecondary education or training 5. Successfully entering the workforce 6. Keeping youth on track and giving them second chances The Youth Opportunity Dashboard is being launched at a critical time for local youth, on the heels of a pandemic that erased important educational gains Chicago youth experienced before the pandemic, and amid significant changes within the education landscape in Chicago including: new leadership in the City, a move to an elected, 21-person school board and significant enrollment declines at CPS. A Better Chicago reviewed similar models across the country to help shape the dashboard, looking for models that resulted in deeper collaboration across policy, philanthropy, nonprofit and academia

C

CHATHAM

Chatham Southeast | Week of December 6, 2023

C

High school students developing app to help students chose career paths

Continued from page 1

was introduced to HTML. Moore was introduced to coding his first year at CVCA, when he had to choose a major.

After Moore learned CSS last year, he really became The students, who are all seniors, have been in cominterested in coding. Lee became interested in IT because puter science classes with Williams he was always interested in comsince their freshman year when puters and also wanted to create they had to choose a major. They a computer game. Carter became have been learning HTML and interested in IT after being in a math CSS, computer coding languages, class where he had to use coding to in order to create applications. operate a robot.

The students won the All Home “These students chose technolSafe Innovation Challenge, which ogy and they’re really great students was held by Nation Builders and because they’re really hungry and sponsored by Microsoft and Womthey really want to understand IT,” en of AT&T, for the Pathways App Williams said. concept. With the competition, With the class, Williams is also students had to use innovation and teaching the students entrepretechnology to create applications neurship. By the end of Senior Year, that solve real world problems. the goal is for them to develop a The app combines Artificial business and create a website. The Intelligence to help undecided high Deshawn Threadgill, Jaylen Lee, Antonio Carter and students are able to create an app LeRoy Moore pictured with Coby White from the that has real world benefits and school and college students by Chicago Bulls. White paid for a shopping spree to make money from it. matching them to their top three purchase suits for the honorees to wear to the CPS careers and lets them know how The students want to take the Champions event. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CPS. to get to those careers. It provides Pathways app and expand it to other different pathways to careers that school districts and sell it. With this students might not know existed. app, the students believe they can The students came up with the idea for the app besolve issues of crime and poverty by providing this app cause while they knew they were interested in IT and codto help steer people to careers that will be sustaining for ing, they weren’t sure which career they wanted to pursue. them and their families.

They thought an app would help other students figure out The students were recognized for their accomplishwhat careers they wanted to pursue, as well as give them ments at a ceremony where City of Chicago Mayor Branoptions for careers based on their interests. don Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, with other Threadgill became interested in IT because he wanted students who categories including, medical assistance, to create a computer game when he was younger and he computer science, chess and debate.

BY TIA CAROL JONES

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON UNVEILS NEW CENTRAL MARKET AT MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson joined officials from the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and local concessionaires at Midway International Airport to celebrate the reopening of the airport’s Central Market and the completion of the historic Midway Modernization Program (MMP), the most comprehensive investment in Midway’s facilities in more than two decades.

“The new concessions in Midway’s reopened Central Market are not just world-class amenities to enhance the passenger experience for Chicagoans and visitors alike,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “These improvements are an investment in our City’s communities, creating jobs on the Southwest Side for young people and mid-career professionals while connecting local businesses and entrepreneurs with one of our region’s biggest economic engines.”

“I am proud of Midway’s long track record of investing in diverse local businesses, with the highest Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) participation rate in the nation,” CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said. “This ribbon-cutting completes our ambitious Midway Modernization Program and underscores Mayor Johnson’s ongoing commitment to supporting our diverse team of airport concessionaires at both airports, which represent a key pillar of Chicago’s economy.”

The revamped Central Market, located at the intersection of Concourses A and B, is home to a mix of new and existing brands with diverse ownership teams. The food and beverage locations include: Connie’s Pizza America’s Dog and Burger White Sox Bar and Grill M Burger Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Dunkin’ Reilly’s Daughter Retail locations include:

citizennewspapergroup.com

Evolve Tumi MAC/Jo Malone In 2023, more than 56% of Midway’s concessions were operated by firms with diverse ownership teams, among the highest rates in the Southwest Side airport’s history and the highest reported rate of any airport in the country.

The airport’s concessions developer, Midway Partnership, managed Midway’s extensive concessions overhaul. The firm’s contract with the CDA will be extended as part of a broader airport concessions ordinance that also extended some relief measures first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to help support local businesses hit hard by the historic disruption of air travel. That ordinance was recently passed by the Chicago City Council with the support of Mayor Johnson and the Committee on Aviation.

“Midway Partnership is thrilled to celebrate the opening of the centerpiece of the new guest experience here at Chicago Midway. This milestone almost completes the transformation of the airport’s eating and shopping experience with a private investment of over $75 million. The Central Market features a thoughtfully curated mix of local and national retail brands, and several local Chicago favorites, offered in a welcoming setting here in the center of the airport.” said Sammy Patel, CEO, Midway Partnership. “Thanks to the collaborative partnership between the countless small, local, minority businesses, the Chicago Department of Aviation, and Midway Partnership’s joint venture partners SSP America, Hudson, and Vantage Airport Group, we can deliver an exceptional guest experience and create thousands of jobs and opportunities for the South Side of Chicago.”

Additional development is planned by CDA and Midway Partnerships in 2024, including buildouts for several additional retail and food and beverage locations. Midway is also on track

Continue on Page 3

C

Chatham Southeast | Week of December 6, 2023

C

NEWS

CHATHAM

3

Gov. Pritzker Announces the Largest Class of Small Businesses Inducted into the Illinois Made Program CHICAGO— Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), elected officials, and industry leaders at Koval Distillery to announce that 48 small businesses or ‘Makers’ have been inducted into the Illinois Made program – the largest class of businesses since the program’s inception in 2016.

Each year, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of local businesses that exemplify the authentic experiences and innovative products that make Illinois an incredible destination to explore for residents and visitors alike.

“The Illinois Made program selects a group of our most exemplary hidden gems and one-of-a-kind small businesses and encourages Illinoisans and visitors alike to discover the experiences they offer,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This year’s class of Illinois Makers is one of our most diverse.

In every corner of our state, people from all walks of life are creating delicious food and sharing expert craftmanship. Illinois

Darrell Garth President /Publisher Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager Tia Carol Jones Managing Editior 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, Fernw ood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton.

Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

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

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicag o Westside Communities, Austin and Garfi el d 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., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast, 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 press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

is sending out the message loud and clear that our state is open for business, and it’s the perfect place for businesses big and small to call home.”

The 2023 Illinois Makers class represents the largest class since the start of the program, bringing the Maker total to 276. This year’s class offers products ranging from locally sourced and fermented kombucha to handmade, custom golf clubs.

“Small businesses are essential to Illinois’ economy and Illinois Makers not only provide economic impact but also add to our diverse communities, inspiring travel to all corners of the state,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This year, we are proud to welcome the largest class of Illinois Made Makers to date – a testament to the wide-ranging unique experience and quality products that Illinois small businesses offer.”

“The trailblazers at KOVAL -- the first distillery in Chicago since the end of Prohibition -- are stimulating our city’s and state’s economy everyday with the opportunities that they create and the quality products they serve,” said State Representative Hoan Huynh. “Illinois’ innovators will continue to play an important role in our state’s economy, and I’m working every day to build the kind of state that gives them the tools they need to be successful.”

“Today, we celebrate the creators, makers and artisans powering Illinois’ economy and bringing us our favorite foods, drinks and products,” said State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

“Every dollar spent locally on Illinois products helps businesses that are invested in our communities—allowing them to grow, hire more employees, and cultivate a stronger state and local economy.”

“Small businesses and manufacturers are the heart and soul of our communities,” said State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). “I am so proud that the 7th District is home to KOVAL Distillery and countless other small businesses who, day in and day out, work hard to provide a community experience we all enjoy and rely on.”

The Illinois Made program encourages residents and visitors to discover the people, products and unparalleled experiences found at small businesses in every region of the state. The newest Illinois Made class reflects a wide range of businesses, from craft breweries and

U-pick farms to handmade artisan candles and macarons.

The new Makers include the following businesses by region (asterisks indicate women-owned businesses, LGBTQowned businesses and/or businesses owned by people of color):

Chicago & Beyond (Chicago & Surrounding Suburbs) Sub 70 - Sycamore Warm Wick - Brookfield* Scratchboard Kitchen - Arlington Heights* Casting Whimsy - Woodstock* Hempstock Pharms - Woodstock* Illuminate Space - Batavia* Millstone Bakery - LaSalle* Cranky Mike’s Popcorn - Momence* Einnim Candle Bar + Apothecary - Oak Park* The Irie Cup - Huntley* Imperial Oak Brewing - Willow Springs, Brookfield Milk Money Brewing - La Grange Angie’s Sugar Buzz Bakery - Sandwich* Ms. Jana’s Candy - Aurora* The Norwegian - Rockford* The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor - Forest Park* Lexington Betty Smokehouse - Chicago* Fox Valley Winery - Oswego Crozehead Cooperage - Monee Dollinger Family Farm - Channahon* Mion Artisan Soap Co. - St. Charles* Steep N’ Clay - Elgin* Prairie State Winery - Genoa* Great Rivers Country (Northwest & Southwest Illinois) Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co. - Galena* LongStory Coffee Company - Belleville Four30 Scones - Morton* Abe’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop - Belleville George’s Shoeshine & Hatters - Peoria Yordy Turkey Farm - Morton* Bear’s Bites - Peoria* Voila Macarons - Peoria* [CxT] Roasting Company - Peoria Land of Lincoln (Central Illinois) Janie’s Mill- Ashkum The Fire Doll Artisan Chandlery - Champaign* Cloud Mountain Kombucha - Urbana Kathy’s Kitchen Store - Virginia* Big Thorn Farm & Brewery - Georgetown* Farmhouse Signs & Co - Taylorville* Edge of Normal Workshop LLC - Normal Del’s Popcorn Shop - Decatur (primary store), Mt. Zion, Springfield* Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. - Springfield Rader Family Farms - Normal Wooden it be Lovely - Springfield* Trails to Adventure (Southern Illinois) Glaciers End, LLC - Marion Art Gallery Off the Square - Vienna Pulliam Creek Farms Candle Company - Harrisburg Crooked Creek Winery - Centralia Wayward Wovens - Du Quoin* The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents. To learn more, visit EnjoyIllinois.com.

MAYOR BRANDON.... Continued From Page 2

to open the airport’s first lounge, The Club MDW, in the Central Market next fall.

Midway’s concessions redevelopment was the final major phase of the $400 million MMP, which launched in 2015. The airport now boasts more than 45 new and local brands. The expansion increased Midway’s total concessions area from 40,000 square feet to more than 70,000 square feet.

The centerpiece of the MMP was an expansion of Midway’s passenger security checkpoint, which dramatically increased the width of the pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue and doubled the TSA’s hourly screening capacity and available space for queuing. The new security bridge opened in 2020 with a

virtual commissioning at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modernization work on Midway’s Terminal Parking Garage was completed in 2021, with technological upgrades including elevator modernization, improvements to the exit plaza, a new revenue control system for more efficient entry and exiting, new electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient electrical upgrades including LED lighting, drainage upgrades and other civil improvements.

The CDA also implemented Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements at the nearby Midway Kiss ‘n’ Ride, including a designated passenger loading and unloading zone, a raised accessible path, and new signage.

citizennewspapergroup.com

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

HUNTER APPOINTED TO MEDICAID MANAGED CARE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter has been appointed co-chair of the state’s Medicaid Managed Care Oversight Commission to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries receive high-quality and affordable care.

“Medicaid is a vital lifeline for many Illinoisans that provides access to essential health care services,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This commission will play a critical role in addressing systemic challenges, upholding the integrity of the program and promoting equitable health care access for all Medicaid beneficiaries.”

With Hunter’s leadership, the Medicaid Managed Care Oversight Commission was established through the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ Health and Human Services Pillar in 2021.

The commission is tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of the state’s Medicaid program including reviewing health outcome data and diversity contracting goals, expanding care coordination with a focus on social determinants of health, and assessing culturally competent services. The panel will submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly.

BELT HIGHLIGHTS JARROT MANSION STATE HISTORIC SITE TOURS

CAHOKIA – State Senator Christopher Belt is encouraging families to take a tour of the Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site on Saturday to see the home decorated for the holidays and learn the story of St. Nicholas.

“The Jarrot Mansion is a beautiful home, and there’s no better way to see it than when it’s decorated for the holidays,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is a great chance to visit the historic site and help children get excited for Christmas.”

St. Nicholas will visit Jarrot Mansion to greet families and share treats with children amid candlelight and traditional holiday decorations. The site is usually open by appointment only, but it will be open for free tours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 2. Visitors are encouraged to donate a nonperishable food item for families in need. All donations will be distributed to Cahokia food pantries.

The mansion, located at 124 E. First St. in Cahokia, was built around 1810 by merchant Nicholas Jarrot, one of many French settlers who prospered in early Illinois. His home is one of the oldest brick buildings in Illinois.

For more information, contact the Cahokia State Historic Site at 618-332-1782.

JOYCE ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO WRITE HOLIDAY LETTERS FOR ILLINOIS VETERANS

KANKAKEE — During this holiday season, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging people to write uplifting notes to veterans as part of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs 2023 Operation Rising Spirit campaign.

“It is the little notes and gestures like this that help uplift our veterans during the holiday season,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This campaign continues to provide our former service members with comfort and a sense of appreciation this time of year.”

Operation Rising Spirit launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit friends and family. The campaign was successful in encouraging veterans and facilitated their connection with the community. During the 2022 holiday season, IDVA distributed over 5,000 letters to veterans in the state’s care.

“I encourage all individuals and organizations to participate in this year’s campaign so we can provide our veterans with joy and support,” said Joyce.

To participate, people can mail letters directly to IDVA, or submit on the IDVA website. Letters will be divided equally between the state’s five veterans’ homes. If mailing, send letters to: Crystal Womack The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Central Office 833 S. Spring St. Springfield, IL 62794-9432

4 BUSINESS

C

CHATHAM

Chatham Southeast | Week of December 6, 2023

C

Hyundai Motor North America’s Olabisi Boyle Named a

2023 Automotive News All-Star

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., PRNewswire -- Olabisi Boyle, vice president of product planning and mobility strategy for Hyundai Motor North America, was named a 2023 Automotive News All-Star in the operations executive category. The esteemed awards program includes an annual selection of thirty-eight outstanding individuals who are leaders in the highly competitive automotive industry. In addition to Boyle’s recognition, Euisun Chung, executive chair of the Hyundai Motor Group received the Industry Leader honor.

“Having Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair, Euisun Chung, and Hyundai Motor North America’s Olabisi Boyle, recognized on the distinguished list of awardees for the 2023 Automotive News All-Star awards is an exceptional recognition for the company,” said José Muñoz, president and global COO, Hyundai Motor Company and president and CEO, Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. “Olabisi is helping lead the company’s evolution into an electrified era. Hyundai remains committed to offering a diverse product line-up including multiple propulsion systems on both sedans and SUVs, to remain a leader in the U.S. market.”

Boyle has made several significant achievements in her role at Hyundai including leading the expansion of Hyundai vehicles into the Tesla Charging network by 2024, through integration of the North American Charging Standard (NACS), as well as pioneering the Hyundai Home initiative, launching the Evolve+ EV subscription program and introducing in-vehicle payments.

She has also received significant accolades throughout her career, including being named an Automotive News All-Star for Product Development in 2021 and making it to the list of 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry in 2020.

Hyundai Motor America focuses on ‘Progress for Humanity’ and smart mobility solutions. Hyundai offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles. Our 830 dealers sold more than 724,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2022, and nearly half were built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com.

Olabisi Boyle. Hyundai Motor America

Feed the Soul Foundation Provides $850K of Support to Culinary Businesses HOUSTON, PRNewswire -- According to the Small-Business Labor Crisis Report by Ramsey Solutions, 42% of small business owners state they have experienced burnout in the past year and 56% small business owners express they feel alone in solving problems and making decisions when faced with current challenges within the culinary industry. In its third year of service, Feed the Soul Foundation, a national non-profit continues to provide financial relief and solutions for marginalized businesses that experienced the hardest constraints by the pandemic.

Through the support of Grubhub Community Fund, title sponsor, and Stella Artois*, Feed the Soul Foundation’s 2023 grant program will award 30 marginalized culinary business owners with $25,000.00 in business development and financial support. Restaurant owners continue to navigate an industry that runs on slim profit margins as well as facing challenges from inflation and labor shortages to rising minimum wages.

The cohort program supports restaurant entrepreneurs financially and professionally through the Restaurant Business Development Grant Program.

The foundation appointed Juana Collins as Executive Director of Feed the Soul Foundation, who amassed more than 30 years of nonprofit executive experience with various nonprofits including the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. “I am deeply committed to delivering Feed the Soul’s efforts in nourishing and empowering individuals through culinary education and entrepreneurship,” says Juana Collins. “I am inspired by this fast-growing, national organization’s drive and accomplishments.

We will continue to make a profound difference in lives and legacies.”

“Three years later, we hear that our services and support act as vital resources to preserve sustainability within these culinary businesses,” says Falayn Ferrell, Chairwoman of Feed the Soul Foundation and managing partner of Black Restaurant Week. “Numerous entrepreneurs are managing the complexities of their operational and financial hurdles in isolation, which is not a strategy for success. Our commitment remains unwavering in providing both financial backing and expert guidance to

culinary businesses, while also nurturing the aspirations of emerging small business leaders looking to enter the food and beverage sector.”

Cohorts will work alongside subject matter experts and consultants during the six-month program that will further their growth and knowledge of the restaurant industry: Financial Literacy Training and Financial Coaching Advertising and Marketing Training One-on-One Business Development Consultation from Industry Experts “Our program has achieved an outstanding track record. More than 98% of businesses who received our financial and business development support are still operating and experienced growth within their operations,” states Ferrell. “When we compare these figures with the national restaurant success rate of 20%, it becomes evident why establishing a robust support network is absolutely crucial for the prosperity of small businesses.”

Since its inception in 2020, Feed The Soul Foundation has strived to create programs that would provide sustainability and growth to small culinary businesses. By the first half of 2023, the foundation celebrated the following milestones: Invested $1,078,000 in financial and business development support to 59 marginalized culinary business across the nation Emergency Relief Fund aided culinary businesses across the nation with $46,000 in emergency funds to assist with unforeseen damages and natural disasters Developed internship program and distributed $59,000 in student stipends in addition to providing workforce training to 15 minority college students studying small business marketing, marketing research and public relations The awarded cohort includes the following businesses: 7th & Grove (Tampa, FL) Andes Café (Houston, TX) AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe (Laurel, MD) Buenos Dias Café & La Bodega at The Met (Atlanta, GA)

Cajou Creamery (Baltimore, MD) Chocobar Cortes (New York, NY) Claudy’s Kitchen (New York, NY) Cranky Carrot (Houston, TX) Da Bomb Brownies (Plano, TX) Daniel & Company Coffee Shop, Food & Drinks (New York, NY) Haire’s Gulf Shrimp (Chicago, IL) Henderson and Kane (Houston, TX) Houston, This Is It Soul Food (Houston, TX) Ital Garden (New Orleans, LA) IV Purpose Sports Bar & Grill (Brooklyn, NY) M & R Café Southern Cuisine (Tampa, FL) Mr. B’s Café (Tampa, FL) Pepitos Paletas (San Francisco, CA) Polombia (Chicago, IL) Que Chevere (New York, NY) Rubi’s (Chicago, IL) Savvy Bistro & Bar (Brooklyn, NY) Space City Birria Tacos & More (Houston, TX) Stop Smackn (Washington D.C.) Sweet Potato Café (Stone Mountain, GA) Tacana’s Kitchen (Chicago, IL) Taqueria Nixtamal (New York, NY) The Empanada Lady (Baltimore, MD) The Smoke HTX by Chef Reginald Scott (Houston, TX) The Urban Oyster (Baltimore, MD) Feed the Soul Foundation will open applications for the 2024 Restaurant Business Development Grant Program in October. In a bid to foster growth within the culinary community, the foundation has scheduled a Global Culinary Conference to take place in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 22 and Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. For more information about Feed the Soul Foundation, please visit feedthesoulfou.org. *Due to alcohol beverage regulations, Stella Artois’ contribution to Feed the Soul’s grant program was excluded from grants to any holders of alcoholic beverage retail licenses.

Feed the Soul Foundation was established in 2020 to aid marginalized entrepreneurs in the culinary industry with business development resources and support to foster sustainable business growth. The Restaurant Business Development Fund supports marginalized business owners with business development scholarships and emergency funding.

citizennewspapergroup.com

C

Chatham Southeast |

FASHION

Week of December 6, 2023

Keke Palmer’s “Cool Glam” Eyewear Collection with Zenni® Optical NOVATO, Calif., PRNewswire -- Zenni Optical, the world’s leading online eyewear retailer, and Emmy® Award-winning actress, musician, producer and style icon, Keke Palmer, are back with their newest eyewear drop, just in time for the holiday season. Aptly named “Cool Glam,” the collection represents Palmer’s fearless and show-stopping attitude, offering practical fashion fused with glamor.

Palmer’s “Cool Glam” collection is her most luxurious and chic yet, introducing a range of frames showcasing cool tones, hints of sparkle and jewel accents. The line is meticulously crafted to elevate everyday style – with options from classic premium black sunglasses to frames adorned with elegant metal embellishments. “Cool Glam” seamlessly merges style with versatility, empowering individuals to effortlessly personalize their eyewear with their holiday attire.

“Collaborating with Keke this past year to curate collections that reflect the various facets of her mood and style has been inspiring,” said VeZenni Optical ronica Alcaro, VP Brand of Zenni. “Keke is a trendsetter in her own unique way, radiating vibrancy, boldness and sophistication. We’re excited to continue working together to encourage people to express themselves through fashionable and affordable eyewear.”

The “Cool Glam” collection follows three previous mood releases, all of which embody different aspects of Palmer’s spirit and style: “Nostalgic Grace” – a retro-chic collection of frames filled with elegance and unbreakable confidence.

“Board Certified” – a curation reflective of Palmer’s fierce style and sleek sophistication seen in and outside of the boardroom.

“Summer Love” – a line of vibrant summer styles that captures Palmer’s playful and magnetic personality.

The “Cool Glam” collection can be found exclusively on Zenni.com, with prices starting at just $19.95. All frames can be ordered as sunglasses, with prescription and/or Blokz® blue light-blocking lenses.

The collaboration with Palmer follows Zenni’s recent partnerships with other fashion, sports and pop culture trendset-

Bigger, Bolder, and Phatter than ever – The Creeper Phatty has arrived HERZOGENAURACH, Germany, PRNewswire -- Rihanna’s iconic creeper is finally back. But this time, it’s bigger, bolder and phatter than ever. Imagined, designed, and named by Rihanna, the Creeper Phatty takes the classic Creeper to the extreme with an oversized design, stacked gum sole, and bold pops of color. This new twist on the FENTY x PUMA Creeper is available in three colors for all ages and genders, a full family affair.

Phatty stands for extra confidence, extra style, extra everything. Rihanna’s vision was to bring the Creeper back but in a bold and culturally relevant way. The original Creeper launched back in September of 2015, a platformed version of PUMA’s iconic Suede sneaker. This silhouette was named Shoe of the Year by Footwear News in 2016 and not only transformed sneaker culture but sparked PUMA’s brand impact and relevance over the past decade.

The Crepper Phatty is wrapped in suede, with a padded and debossed formstrip, debossed Fenty logo on the tongue, laces with gold aglets, and a stacked gum sole.

This drop offers three distinct colorways – iconic black and white, extra-bright blue and green, and lavender and cherry red.

“We took our OG Creeper and made it bigger and badder,” said Rihanna. “When designing the Creeper Phatty we wanted to reinvent the OG Creeper that was loved by so many. It’s a classic silhouette that has been missed, so it’s return had to be bigger.”

As Creative Director, Rihanna’s second FENTY x PUMA campaign -- shot by Philippa Price who previously has shot for both Rihanna and PUMA – explores the juxtaposition between a creep and a phatty attitude highlighting the oversized and bright elements of the shoe.

“The original Creeper changed the game for us,” said Maria Valdes, Chief Product Officer at PUMA. “We knew it was time to bring it back. This shoe has universal appeal and we’ve seen tremendous consumer excitement for the silhouette to return.

We are excited to not only be able to build upon the existing silhouette with the Creeper Phatty but also expand our offering to the entire family.”

The FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty will be available worldwide on puma.com and global retailers including Foot Locker.

PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For 75 years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed sport and culture forward by creating fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It collaborates with renowned designers and brands to bring sport influences into street culture and fashion. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs about 20,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.

PUMA

is Here for the Holidays

ters that include Iris Apfel, George and Claire Kittle, Cynthia Rowley and more.

For more information about the Keke Palmer x Zenni “Cool Glam” collaboration, visit Zenni.com/Keke and follow for updates on social media at @ZenniOptical.

Zenni pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make prescription eyewear affordable and accessible to everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Zenni offers adults and children the freedom to express their personal style through high-quality prescription and protective eyewear curated with a sense for fashion and incredible selection. With complete prescription pairs starting at just $6.95, and averaging just over $40, the company has brought massive price disruption to the traditional retail model. With over 51 million frames sold worldwide, Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear of the San Francisco 49ers,Columbus Crew and the Chicago Bulls. Zenni has worked with designers and tastemakers on curations and collections, including Keke Palmer, Iris Apfel, Cynthia Rowley and George and Claire Kittle. For more information, please visit zennioptical.com/press.

5

citizennewspapergroup.com

6 | Chatham Southeast | Week of December 6, 2023

CHATHAM

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $74 Million to Expand Full-Service Community Schools Grants will drive academic success and provide wraparound supports to students, educators, and families The U.S. Department of Education announced nearly $74 million in new, five-year Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants to support an additional 30 local educational agencies, nonprofits, and other public or private organizations and institutions of higher education working to expand community schools including by making awards in four new states: Idaho, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Ohio. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will highlight this announcement during a FSCS visit to Idaho today.

“These new investments support what I’ve heard from parents and families across the country. Additional funding will deepen community partnerships and connect children and families to vital resources that meet their holistic needs. We know that comprehensive, wrap-around approaches—including nutrition assistance; mental health services; early childhood education; and access to high-quality afterschool summer learning, and enrichment programs—all are crucial for accelerating our students’ academic success and their recovery from the pandemic by helping them thrive both inside and outside of school,” said Secretary Cardona. “I am proud that the Biden-Harris Administration is expanding the number of community schools across the country as an evidence-based strategy to Raise the Bar in education and to deliver on our commitment to support students, families, and whole communities.”

This investment builds on the Department’s extensive record of supporting academic success, expanding access to mental health and health services, supporting strong family engagement and community partnerships,

and helping schools provide students and families with the resources they need to thrive.

Research indicates that positive learning environments where students receive key services—including nutritional, dental, vision, and mental health services— are critical for accelerating academic recovery. Students learn better, have increased attendance, and are more engaged in their learning environment when their whole needs are met.

The Biden-Harris Administration has expanded Full-Service Community Schools five-fold, from $25 million in 2020 to $150 million in 2023. Community schools collaborate with local non-profits, health providers, private partners, and other agencies to coordinate and deliver services like health care, mental health and nutrition services, afterschool and summer programming, and high-quality early learning programs.

“When I was in graduate school, I worked for a time as a teacher at Conte Community School in Connecticut where I saw firsthand how programs that meet the needs of the whole child support the development of social and emotional skills, promote academic success, and improve overall wellbeing,” said Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro. “Over four years as Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Subcommittee, funding for full-service community schools was one of my top priorities, and I was proud to expand the program nearly tenfold from $17.5 million in fiscal year 2019 to $150 million in fiscal year 2023. I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to

WE’RE SAVING YOUR CHILD'S SEAT Our early learning programs offer: Quality education Healthy meals Parent support Supportive community Free for eligible families!

Grant your child a high-quality education from Illinois Action for Children.

Contact us to learn if you’re eligible for free child care at 708-365-1500 or visit: earlylearning.actforchildren.org/enroll-now.

maintain and expand these investments in future budgets.”

This announcement comes as Secretary Cardona is visiting a full-service community school district in Boise, Idaho, that is supported by United Way of Treasure Valley, a recipient of this year’s grant announcement.

More information can be found here.

This year’s grantees will support 102 school districts, 292 schools, and 229,549 students by providing a range of services, including by increasing early learning opportunities and expanding cross-agency coordination for community violence interventions.

The new grantees are committed to implementing the four pillars of evidence-based community schools that improve achievement and other outcomes for students: 1) integrated student supports that address out-of-school barriers to learning through partnerships with social and health service agencies and providers; 2) expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities; 3) active family and community engagement; and 4) collaborative leadership and practices.

The awards will help grow local capacity to support community schools (Capacity Building and Development grants); build partnerships across school district lines to implement and sustain community schools (Multi-Local Agency Grants); and expand State-level work to sustain, strengthen, and expand community schools (State Scaling grants).

With these new awards, the Biden-Harris Administration has awarded FSCS grants in 30 states and territories.

Buckner Asks Commuter Transit Authorities to Expand Public Transit Access CHICAGO – State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, is reaching out to leaders of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) and Metra Metropolitan Rail as well as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to expand access to public transit in the greater Chicago area.

“Whether commuting to work or getting to school, public transit provides vital transportation to countless Illinoisans every day. However, currently, the service available isn’t adequate to meet the needs of travelers,” Buckner said. “There are simple, cost-effective steps we can take to substantially increase service options. For example, restrictions on outbound South Shore Line trains often leave Chicagoans waiting on platforms for trains that stop but won’t allow them on. Easing restrictions to allow new outbound riders would not require any new infrastructure while simultaneously increasing the frequency of trains, especially for those often forgotten on Chicago’s southside. I am eager to work with IDOT, NICTD, the RTA and the Metra to instate smart solutions such as this.”

Buckner is interested in filing legislation that will require outbound trains on the South Shore Line to pick up riders at all stops. Currently, riders are not allowed to disembark or embark within Chicago, even when there is sufficient room for new people to get on the trains.

Buckner has spearheaded numerous laws to improve transportation through Illinois for years during his time as a lawmaker, which have resulted in safer commutes, environmentally sustainable buses, and more affordable fares.

“Greater access to public transit will bring Illinois closer to its vital environmental goals and grow economic opportunities for local businesses by increasing their customer pools.

For those reasons alone, this measure is the smart move.

However, this is also an equity measure,” Buckner said. “All people should have freedom of movement in their city, and we are taking a step closer to ensuring that.”

Chatham Southeast | Week of December 6, 2023 | 7

CHATHAM

Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Completion of I-280 Over Mississippi River in Quad Cities ROCK ISLAND— Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) were joined by local officials and community leaders to announce the completion of a multiyear project to install a new deck on the Interstate 280 Sgt. John F. Baker Jr. Mississippi River Bridge in Rock Island County, an improvement that will result in a smoother, safer ride on one of the state’s key travel corridors. Made possible by Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program and a partnership with Iowa, the project included patching and resurfacing east of the bridge for a combined investment of $65.7 million.

“This is exactly what Rebuild Illinois, our state’s massive infrastructure modernization program, is all about: to make life better and easier for our people,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When we make smart investments in the roadways that working families and businesses rely on, we’re constructing a better future for the entire region — one where parents and their children can commute with confidence and where new factories and distribution centers are choosing to locate in Illinois, so they can reliably ship their products across the nation.”

The Baker Bridge opened in 1973 and today carries more than 28,000 vehicles a day, almost 20% of which are trucks. The new deck is the first replacement since the bridge opened.

A $49.7 million project began in 2021 with the demolition and replacement of the westbound bridge deck, followed by the eastbound bridge deck in 2022. The final stage of the project, which patched and resurfaced I-280 from the bridge to the Illinois 92 interchange, was combined with another $16 million improvement that

extended the work from the Illinois 92 interchange to east of the Milan Beltway. Additional work included bridge painting and lighting upgrades at Illinois 92.

The Iowa Department of Transportation contributed $18.9 million to the bridge improvements.

The combined projects improved more than 6.5 miles of I-280 through the Illinois communities of Coal Valley, Moline, Milan, and Rock Island. The interstate also serves the Quad City International Airport, which is estimated to generate almost $650 million in economic impact annually and supports nearly 4,400 jobs, according to an IDOT analysis of the state’s airports.

“These investments in I-280 will extend the life of another critical border bridge and strengthen the robust multimodal infrastructure system in the Quad Cities,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “I’m proud that we could make these improvements with our partners in Iowa. Working together, we have improved safety, mobility, and commerce between our two states and throughout the Midwest.”

“I am grateful for the leaders that prioritized this funding and helped make this bridge a reality,” said State Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “But I want to offer a special ‘thank you’ to the skilled tradesmen and women that built this bridge from the riverbed up. We are lucky to have an amazing workforce in Illinois and we are a better state because of it.”

“We call it the Quad Cities for a reason: every town on both sides of the river needs one another to thrive,” said State Rep. Gregg Johnson (D-East Moline). “This bridge is not just connecting two neighboring states, it is connecting one community split by a mighty river.”

“It’s innovative infrastructure projects like these that do so much for the local community and the Midwest overall. I’m pleased that this project not only creates jobs and makes the roadway safer, but also helps our economy grow,” said Mike Thoms, Rock Island Mayor.

“Moline is thankful for each and every investment in its critical infrastructure as well as investments in our regional infrastructure,” said Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati of Moline. “Support from Springfield is critical in our no-state region and we appreciate it.”

The I-280 repairs were one of several made possible by Rebuild Illinois this construction season in the Illinois Quad Cities, including: $7 million to patch and resurface Illinois 5 (John Deere Road) in Moline between 16th and 35th streets as well as a $1.3 million project completed in September to patch and resurface Illinois 92 from Turkey Hollow Road to Illinois 192.

Across the state, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Accomplishments through Year Four of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $12.1 billion of improvements statewide on 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges, and 762 additional safety improvements.

Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information on other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.

8

ENTERTAINMENT

C

Chatham Southeast |

CHATHAM

Week of December 6,

C

Afro Unicorn is Excited to Enchant Children Around the World with ‘Magical Gift’ LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- Afro Unicorn®, the beloved character brand founded by visionary entrepreneur April Showers, announces the release of its second annual holiday EP, An Afro Unicorn Holiday Deluxe. Presented by Afro Unicorn Entertainment and distributed by Connect Music, this festive masterpiece encapsulates the season’s spirit and underscores the brand’s commitment to empowering and celebrating children of color.

Magical Gift An Afro Unicorn Holiday This ten-track holiday extravaganza, now available across all streaming platforms, is a delightful continuation of Afro Unicorn’s magical journey. Introducing five new tracks, including the standout Spanish bilingual song “Feliz Navidad,” celebrating Afro-Latina character Divine, the EP promises to keep the festivities alive with hits like “Holiday Treats,” “Happy Afro Unicorn Halloween,” and “An Afro Unicorn Thanksgiving.”

An Afro Unicorn Holiday Deluxe EP features the heartwarming title track “Magical Gift,” a soulful collaboration between Grammy Award-winning artist Anthony Hamilton and the talented 11-year-old Brooklyn Marie, known for her work as JJ’s best friend Cody on Cocomelon®. The track embodies the essence of Afro Unicorn, spreading holiday magic Afro Unicorn through acts of kindness.

“Spread Love,” featuring international recording artist Lara D from The Voice®, adds a touch of Middle Eastern and Moroccan flair to the EP with eclectic drum beats and traditional rhythms. An Afro Unicorn Holiday Deluxe EP also features contributions from Brielle Mariah, Kalipop, and the All-Star Kids.

April Showers, Afro Unicorn’s CEO, and the first female, Black-owned business owner of a licensed character brand

Afro Unicorn

in major retail stores, emphasizes the EP’s alignment with the brand’s social impact movement, stating: This year’s holiday release is a musical treat and a testament to Afro Unicorn’s commitment to empowering children of color. The brand has become a symbol of authenticity, creativity, and representation, instilling confidence in youngsters and encouraging them to embrace their magic, uniqueness, and

divinity.

Executive Producer Askia Fountain, renowned for his work on the Grammy-nominated album “Victory Lap” by Nipsey Hussle, leads a talented team of producers, singers, and songwriters. Fountain, also Vice President and Brand Manager of Afro Unicorn Entertainment, expresses the intentional creation of the EP, saying:

“It represents our ongoing commitment to children’s music, animation, and live-action. It has a profound message about the true meaning of the holidays, celebrating creativity, and supporting one another.”

To Interview Afro Unicorn Founder April Showers and Singer/Songwriter Anthony Hamilton, please email adrienne@theipyagency.com Afro Unicorn Holiday Deluxe EP Track List: Track Listing: Ho Ho Ho Spread Love Magical Gift Sweep Left to Right Holidays with you Magical time of the year - Getaway Holiday Treats Happy Afro Unicorn Halloween An Afro Unicorn Thanksgiving Afro Unicorn Feliz Navidad Producers: Bridgetown Herothaproducer B Dub Lester London Writers: Ya Ya Kalipop Blake Harris Askia Fountain Afro Unicorn® is a fully licensed character celebrating representation founded by visionary entrepreneur and CEO April Showers as a conscious brand with the mission to uplift and impact women and children of color positively. Afro Unicorn® represents the beauty and uniqueness of vanilla, caramel, and mocha complexions. From clothing and accessories to holiday gifting and educational resources, Afro Unicorn provides women and children with the confidence they need to embrace who they are – unique, divine, and magical. In 2022, Afro Unicorn® was made available on the shelves of 3,800 Walmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico with party supplies and apparel.

Artist & SUPERCHARGED® CEO, Kwanza Jones, Presents Two New Tracks With A Powerful Message About Perseverance & Partnership LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- SUPERCHARGED®

By Kwanza Jones releases two new tracks titled, “Charging Forward” and “Hey Boost Friend.” These songs carry powerful messages that encourage fans to keep moving forward and bring others along.

Although each song conveys a different message, when considered together, they form a unique statement that highlights the mission of Jones’ company, SUPERCHARGED. SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones is a media, lifestyle, and personal development brand founded by Jones with a simple, yet ambitious vision – to be earth’s most action-inspiring organization. It’s a company that produces inspiring, motivational content coupled with an impact-oriented community.

The impact organization creates songs that are energizing, positive, and empowering. Their mission is to boost humans to be better and improve the world together with music being the pillar art form.

“Charging Forward” is a song about keeping up the momentum, pushing towards your goals, and overcoming all obstacles. Part of the song lyrics says, “I must be up to somethin’, always grindin’, always buildin’, always chargin’ forward. I don’t ever wanna stop moving, and I don’t look back. The second that you do it, then you’re

SUPERCHARGED By Kwanza Jones music release: “Charging Forward”

losing.”

“Hey Boost Friend” is a song about being a support system for others and boosting them to be better. The lyrics of the song says, “I’ll push you in the right direction.

citizennewspapergroup.com

Won’t let you back away. I know that we got a connection.

I’ll always be your strength.”

Together, both songs form a single message that encourages fans to be the best that they can be, and while excelling, they should elevate others along the way. “No one ever succeeds alone. We all need a boost sometimes,” said Jones.

Kwanza Jones boosts humans and humanity through culture, capital and community. She is a sought-after speaker, accomplished artist, impact investor, and philanthropist. With a multifaceted background spanning music, media, production, law and business, Jones is an energetic and visionary leader. She is CEO and founder of SUPERCHARGED® by Kwanza Jones, a motivational media company. Jones has served on numerous boards including the Apollo Theater, Bennett College, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer, and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Through her Jones Feliciano Initiative, she has committed over $150 million to education, entrepreneurship, equity and empowerment organizations. To learn more, visit kwanzajones.com and connect with her on Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) | Facebook | LinkedIn | Kwanza Jones Boost Friends™ Community.

C

ON THE MOVE

Chatham Southeast | Week of December 6, 2023

C

C

CHATHAM

ON THE MOVE

C 9

Highlights From The Chicago Elite Basketball Tournament Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

citizennewspapergroup.com citizennewspapergroup.com

10 | Chatham Southeast | Week of December 6, 2023

REAL ESTATE AC 11-29-2023 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3 Plaintiff, -v.- KENDALL C. JACKSON, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF RUTH L. JACKSON, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR RUTH L. JACKSON (DECEASED) Defendants 2022 CH 06082 9525 S EUCLID CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 22, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 28, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9525 S EUCLID, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 25-12-103-036-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-22-04264 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2022 CH 06082 TJSC#: 43-4263 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2022 CH 06082 I3233502 _______________________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST 2006CH1 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-CH1 Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF WINIFRED SURLES, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BANK ONE, N.A., JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WINIFRED SURLES, CARLA SHEPARD A/K/A CARLA SURLES, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2022 CH 00684 7011 S. PRAIRIE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60637 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 1, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 29, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7011 S. PRAIRIE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60637 Property Index No. 20-22-324-004-0000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.

The judgment amount was $260,319.62. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject

CLASSIFIEDS

to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 21 9073.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 21 9073 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2022 CH 00684 TJSC#: 43-4284 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2022 CH 00684 I3233605 _______________________________________ AC12-06-2023 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIFTH THIRD BANK, N.A, Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF JERRY D. BANKS; QUINCY B. BANKS, AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY D. BANKS; PHYLICIA BANKS; MARCUS BANKS; QUINCY B. BANKS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 22 CH 5482 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 20-34-301-014-0000. Commonly known as 8313 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60619. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours.

No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6722184702 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3233724 _______________________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC Plaintiff, -v.- EDTISMOND JOHNSON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF DELORES M. JOHNSON, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, EDTISMOND JOHNSON AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DELORES M. JOHNSON, DECEASED Defendants 2022 CH 03365 10240 SOUTH TORRENCE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 3, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 5, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10240 SOUTH TORRENCE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 25-12-430-040-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue

laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-2202695 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2022 CH 03365 TJSC#: 43-3839 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2022 CH 03365 I3233854 _______________________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.- BETTY J. RIVERS, BCB ENTERPRISES, LLC Defendants 2019 CH 09663 10653 S BENSLEY AVE CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 16, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 10, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 10653 S BENSLEY AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 25-13-201-023-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-07267 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 09663 TJSC#: 43-4353 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

C # __ 201 9C 096 I323 __ase ____ ___ __H__ __63 ______ __41 __53 ____________

CHATHAM

C

CHATHAM & SOUTH END ONLY Chatham Southeast | Week of December 6, 2023

C

classified 11

CLASSIFIED CHATHAM

TECHNOLOGY Y Tips to Protect Yourself From Text Message Cyberattacks self. Here’s what to know:

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) VioNettaStock / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Every day, cybercriminals create new methods of obtaining private financial information from unsuspecting individuals, most commonly employing tactics like emailing strangers and convincing them to either share personal information or take an action that compromises their systems and devices. Known as “phishing,” these cybercrime attempts can also come by way of short

message service (SMS) or text messaging, and when they do, it’s called “smishing.”

Scammers use smishing to prompt victims to click on internet links or send classified or personal information through texts and other messaging apps, making individuals vulnerable to identity theft and even extortion. However, understanding their methods can help you protect your-

Attacks Are Getting More Sophisticated Cybercriminals often use a tactic called spoofing, where they impersonate a known sender or transmit messages from a legitimate number. Even if you know the sender, it’s still important to verify the message’s legitimacy before responding, opening an attachment, or clicking on a link that could potentially compromise your device.

Cybercriminals also share stolen credentials and personal information more readily now and work in gangs, ultimately amplifying the threat. Through social engineering of your publicly available information — often gleaned from social media — and private data procured illicitly, scammers are able to craft text messages specifically designed to lower your defenses. This means, communication may look like it’s being sent from a known person or number, possibly making reference to shared knowledge. Fraudsters may apply a sense of urgency or other scare tactic that prompts you to react quickly instead of taking the time to scrutinize a request.

Additionally, the ever-growing capabilities of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools have made it easier for scammers to develop smishing attempts that closely mirror conversation, making it simpler and more affordable to distribute cyberattacks successfully to a large audience.

“Whereas previous smishing and phishing messages often didn’t make sense, as generative AI advances, these messages contain fewer grammatical or spelling mistakes. As a result, users are less able to distinguish them from legitimate communications,” says Raina Kanakis, a security specialist with PNC’s Global Security Fusion Center.

Simple Precautions Can Mitigate Risk

CREDIT REPAIR SERVICES Do Your Credit Need A Fresh Start?

Do You Want To Buy A Home or Car But Your Credit Score Is Preventing it? Its Time To Improve Your Credit Score?

Call Credit Restoration Service Today!

(346) 978-2281

Mon. through Fri From

9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

773.543.1783 eelie@kalerealty.com elizabethelie.kalerealty.com 2447 N. Ashland Chicago, IL 60614 @SoldbyLizzieG

Vigilance is key, especially as attacks become more sophisticated. One way to verify senders’ identities is by cross-checking short codes — the five- or six-digit number used by companies to deliver text messages to your phone. Each of these unique codes is used for certain purposes — to transmit card activity alerts, for instance.

Many companies, such as PNC Bank, have established resources to enable cus-

tomers to verify the legitimacy of text messages appearing to come from them. By referencing PNC’s Short Codes page for example, you can verify whether a text message originated from a legitimate short code, helping you detect and avoid possible impersonation fraud.

Use these additional strategies to help thwart smishing attempts: 1. If you are not expecting the message, proceed with caution.

2. Do not immediately respond.

3. Do not click on any links within a text message.

Navigate to the URL using a different means to validate it.

4. If the message appears to come from a familiar

company, contact them on a different channel to confirm legitimacy.

5. Getting a text and subsequent call does not increase legitimacy. Hang up and call the company or financial institution directly using a known telephone number.

6. Screenshot and send any suspicious messages appearing to come from a company to them to verify and alert.

7. To report smishing to all mobile telecom carriers, screenshot and send the message to 7726. For added protection, use the “Report Junk” feature on your mobile carrier’s system.

8. Visit the FCC website for more information on how to avoid smishing scams.

12 | Chatham Southeast | Week of December 6, 2023

CHATHAM

We hear you.

And we’re here to help.

All through 2023, we listened — to our clients, teammates and the many communities we serve.

And truly hearing what they would like the power to do helped us strengthen our partnerships — and welcome new ones along the way. From couples just starting out to entrepreneurs looking to launch a business, together we accomplished a lot. We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store.

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/chicago

What would you like the power to do?®

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.