Chatham-Southeast Citizen 12-12-2018

Citizen 100,000 GRAFFITI REMOVAL REQUESTS COMPLETED SO FAR THIS YEAR — PAGE 3 Week of Dec. 12, 2018

| Vol. 54 | No. 37 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

CHATHAM SOUTHEAST

Students from Betty Shabazz Academy and Barbara A. Sizemore Academy were recently invited to attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show. Photo Credit: Provided by Betty Shabazz Academy

LOCAL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW

More than 300 students from Betty Shabazz Academy, 7822 S. Dobson Ave., and Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, 6547 S. Stewart Ave., were recently invited to attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show. Students were able to participate in hands-on learning experiences and technology demonstrations. PAGE 2

NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton remembered

Coalition Wants End to Broadcasting Music That Encourages Violence Against Blacks PAGE 7

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2 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 12, 2018

NEWS briefly EDUCATION

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL TEENS SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS® After School Matters® is now excepting applications for spring 2019 programs, which will begin the week of February 12. Students can choose from more than 400 programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM offered at various Chicago public high schools, as well as Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community organization locations throughout the city. Programs will also continue to be offered downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and at The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters in Belmont Cragin. Teens can search and apply for spring programs online at afterschoolmatters.org. This mobile-friendly application includes an interactive map to help teens search for programs, as well as, a full Spanish translation feature.

After School Matters programs offer teens an opportunity to expand their subject-matter specific skills, while also developing critical thinking skills in collaboration, problem-solving, social awareness and more. Multiple independent studies have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters programs have higher Freshmen On-Track rates, improved school-day attendance and higher graduation rates than their peers.

Local Students Participate In International Manufacturing Technology Show Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

More than 300 students from Betty Shabazz Academy, 7822 S. Dobson Ave., and Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, 6547 S. Stewart Ave., were recently invited to attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show. Students were able to participate in hands-on learning experiences and technology demonstrations.

During the International Manufacturing Technology Show, students studied robotics, coding, virtual reality, smart devices, 3D printing, web and app development, digital art, media, and film.

“Out of all the schools on the south and west sides that are predominately black, up until now, there has been little to no representation of them at this tech expo which has a youth and STEAM component to it. They reached out to me because they knew that I was doing a lot of work in the Englewood, Auburn Gresham, and Greater Grand Crossing communities as far as technology and they asked me to bring some students which was no

problem for me cause it’s something that I normally do,” said Patrick Zakee Young, founder of Urban Tech Academy.

Urban Tech Academy is a charitable, educational and civic organization created to provide IT skill development in underserved communities by providing “education to careers” opportunities for youth and adults, according to the Urban Tech Academy website.

Young reached out to the principals at Betty Shabazz Academy and Barbara A. Sizemore Academy to see if they would be interested in taking a few students to the International Manufacturing Technology Show.

“I reached out to the principals at Betty Shabazz and Sizemore and they were all for it. I thought they would maybe get a bus to take students and they were like better yet, we will get multiple bus loads and take as many students as we can,” said Young.

Between the two schools, they were able to bring students at all grade levels from kindergarten through eighth grade to experience the technology show.

“All grade levels were pretty much represented from kindergarten through eighth grade and this is a place that probably hasn’t seen a large number of black students participate before and it was just shocking for anyone to see that many black students there, especially all of the young ones we brought,” said Young.

This experience was important for these students because it gave them an opportunity to see first hand the vast array of technology that exists in the world and encouraged them to think about how they might fit into the tech world as adults.

“It was a wonderful experience and a lot of the things that I teach in the classroom are about how eventually we are going to lose jobs to automation and that was pretty much what this showed us. People were coming from all over the world to see these new machines and learn what they can do for their business so it was really important for the students to be able to see where the world is going and think about how they can find a role to play,” said Young.

HEALTH

FIVE CASES OF HEPATITIS A RECENTLY DIAGNOSED The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has received confirmation of five hepatitis A cases in east-central Illinois during November. On average there are 70 cases of hepatitis A reported in Illinois each year. To date, 69 cases of hepatitis A have been confirmed statewide in 2018.

“These recent cases are a reminder that states across the country, including states bordering Illinois, have been seeing hepatitis A outbreaks,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “We encourage those at highest risk for infection, including men-who-havesex with men, homeless individuals, and those who use drugs, to get vaccinated against hepatitis A.” Hepatitis A is an infection that can damage the liver, and is passed easily from one person to another through food, water, drug use, and sex. Hepatitis A infection is a vaccine-preventable illness. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice.

LAW & POLITICS

FORD PASSES HB 2367 TO EXPUNGE CANNABIS CONVICTIONS State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, passed through the Illinois House of Representatives House Bill 2367 that will allow expungement of cannabis convictions for criminal offenses that did not result in bodily harm or death to another person. HB 2367 allows those convicted of marijuana possession prior to the state’s 2016 decriminalization law to petition a circuit court for expungement of their criminal record.

“We would like to put people to work in Illinois and not have them worry about a conviction that probably shouldn’t have been a felony in the first place”, said Ford. “HB 2367 will allow those with a non-violent cannabis offense to now be able to obtain a good job and support their family.” Now, the bill moves to the Illinois Senate for consideration.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Opening First Neighborhood Center

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for the new Blue Door Neighborhood Center that will soon be located in the 111th Street Gateway Retail Center, 756 E. 111th Street, in the Pullman neighborhood. The neighborhood center is being made possible by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and will give residents the ability to access in-person health services.

Since 1936, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has operated as a member-owned health insurance company and is committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members, creating better access to health care, and working to lower the overall cost of health care while improving patient outcomes, according to a press release announcing the neighborhood center. The Blue Door Neighborhood Center in Pullman will be the first-ever neighborhood-based site that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has operated.

“This is all about commu-

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the first-ever Blue Door Neighborhood center that will be located in Pullman. Photo Credit: Katherine Newman

nity and this is very important to me,” said Maurice Smith, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “I’m honored to know that Blue

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Cross Blue Shield of Illinois is literally groundbreaking today on a new endeavor to serve the community.”

The Blue Door Neighbor-

hood Center in Pullman will provide services for everyone in the community, not just Continued on page 9

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 12, 2018

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NEWS

Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton remembered on his anniversary death

BY WENDELL HUTSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The 49th anniversary death of Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton Sr. was recently recognized by more than 100 people including his son Fred Hampton Jr. and widow Akua Njeri at the West Side home where he was shot dead by Chicago police.

The annual public memorial at the two-story building now owned by the Chicago Housing Authority included speakers and a re-enactment by Njeri of the day Hampton Sr. was killed. Tenants occupy the building’s second floor while the first floor, where Hampton Sr. died, is boarded up.

Hampton Jr. opened the memorial by asking participants for a moment of silence and to clench their fist and raise their arm in the air for five minutes. He ended the moment of silence by screaming out ‘Black Power.’

Njeri (formerly Deborah Johnson) was with Hampton Sr. at their home at 2337 W. Monroe St. on Dec. 4, 1969 when he was killed by police.

“I remember it like it was yesterday. The police knocked on the door (around 4:35 a.m.) and Defense Captain Mark Clark (who headed up the Black Panther’s Peoria chapter) answered the door by saying, ‘Who is it?’ The police said, ‘Tommy.” And Mark responded, ‘Tommy who?’

Then the police responded back, ‘Tommy gun.’

After that, the police kicked in the front door and started shooting. And Mark was killed instantly,” recalled Njeri, 68. “There was no gun fight as the police would have you to believe.

Mark was carrying a shot gun at the time so when he got shot, his gun went off once and that was the only shot fired from our side.”

She added that even after killing Clark, the police entered the home and came into the bedroom where Hampton and Njeri remained.

“I was nine months pregnant and one of the officers shouted, ‘he’s in here with his girl and she’s pregnant.’ They took me out of the room in handcuffs and into the kitchen, and then I

The 49th anniversary death of Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton Sr. was recently recognized at an annual public memorial and included an re-enactment by Hampton’s widow of the day he was shot dead by Chicago police. Photo by Wendell Hutson

heard several shots fired from the bedroom,” said Njeri. “I then heard a cop say, ‘he’s good and dead now.’ And that was how my husband violently died at age 21. Those ‘pigs’ stood over him and shot him. That’s why I say he was assassinated by the police.”

Njeri was not injured during the shooting but was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, two felony charges that were later dismissed in court.

Chicago police officials dispute Njeri’s account of what happened the morning of Dec. 4, 1969, and insist both men died in a gun battle with police.

Every year, since his death, Njeri has celebrated his life with a public memorial service at the home she shared with him. It was 25 days after his death that his son, Hampton Jr. (born

Alfred Johnson), was born and today, he is the founder and chairman of the Prisoners of Conscience Committee and the Black Panther Party Cubs organizations. Hampton Jr. founded the PCC during the 1990s while serving time in an Illinois prison for arson. He insisted the PCC is not a prison activist organization, but a revolutionary organization.

“We want to know how can we help serve our people and how can we help make their lives better. That’s what the PCC and BPPC is all about,” said Hampton Jr., 48. “The Black Panther Party is still needed today. That’s why I started the BPPC.” In October 1966, Bobby Seale and Huey Newton formed the Black Panther Party in Oakland, Calif. Initially Seale and Newton said

they started the group to protect local communities from police brutality and racism, but it later became a revolutionary group, which sponsored free medical clinics and breakfast programs for needy children. Black Panther Party alumni include U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (DIL), who did not attend the memorial.

Hampton Sr. founded the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party in November 1968. He was born Aug. 30, 1948, in Chicago and grew up in west suburban Maywood and graduated from Proviso East High School in 1966.

One goal Hampton Jr. said he is aiming for is to save the childhood home of his father at 804 S. 17th St. in west suburban Maywood. The home is in foreclosure and according to Hampton Jr. about $80,000 is needed to keep the two-story, brick apartment building from being sold.

“We’ve raised about $11,000 to this date and I am confident we will get enough help to save the building and turn it into a Black Panther Party Museum,” contends Hampton Jr. “People from all walks of life have stopped by the house to donate what they could to help. One woman caught the bus from the South Side to drop off a $20 donation.”

Two online websites, gofundme.com/officialsavethehamptonhouse, and savethehamptonhouse.org/contribute, have been set up to collect donations.

Hampton’s parents, Iberia and Francis, bought the two-story apartment building in 1958. And in 2016, the home was passed on to Hampton’s brother, William Hampton, after their mother passed away, and then to Hampton Jr. when his uncle died in February.

“This is another challenge for the Black Panther Party but like every challenge we have faced during our time, we will prevail,” said Hampton Jr. Reflecting back on his life, Njeri added that Hampton Sr. had a good sense of humor but “could not dance.” She described the community activist as a “brilliant man who dedicated his life to helping ‘our’ people. He was my role model, my hero and my best friend,” she said.

100,000 Graffiti Removal Requests Completed So Far This Year Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently joined Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) Commissioner John Tully to announce graffiti removal crews have completed more than 100,000 service requests in 2018.

Complaints are down 16 percent this year and crews have an average response rate of four days or less.

“By working in a smarter, more effective manner, city crews are removing graffiti faster across all of Chicago’s neighborhoods,” Mayor Emanuel said.

“From graffiti removal, to tree trimming, to snow plowing, to rodent abatement, and much more,

Chicago continues to strengthen neighborhood services as the fundamental building blocks needed to maintain strong, healthy communities.”

DSS attributes the swift graffiti removal to a grid-graffiti based system, which allows crews to service requests in five wards every day and maintain an average response rate of 4 days or less, as compared to the prior 10-day response time.

Under the more efficient grid model powered by additional resources and crews, DSS has created a more efficient graffiti removal system.

“No community in Chicago has to tolerate graffiti,” said DSS Com-

missioner John Tully. “Streets and Sanitation crews continue to proactively address graffiti removal jobs to prevent the spread of graffiti and we ask that residents report graffiti vandalism as soon as possible to help us keep neighborhoods in the City safe and beautiful.”

Last year, the City modernized its fleet by purchasing 8 new trucks that remove graffiti in an environmentally friendly manner using a citric acid based solution. Crews operate these units in addition to soda blasters and paint trucks on all surfaces throughout the City.

A new 311 Customer Relationship Management System was www.thechicagocitizen.com

announced in a December City of Chicago press release. The new system will replace a 20-year old system and was built to improve the customer experience including graffiti removal.

The new interactive system allows Chicagoans to text their service requests, along with photos of the graffiti or pothole, and then the City will be able to text those same residents back to let them know the request is complete.

The new 311 system will not only make submitting graffiti removal requests easier, but it will also better allow the City to determine if it is in fact graffiti or public art.

In November 2018, City Council passed the mayor’s ordinance to create a registry of murals in Chicago. The ordinance will identify thousands of existing murals across the City and help protect the growing number of murals while ensuring DSS continues to clean up graffiti.

Graffiti removal is a free service offered by the City of Chicago. The graffiti program works with aldermen, community groups, block clubs, chambers of commerce and residents to respond to reports of graffiti. Residents who would like to report graffiti can call 311, or visit www.cityofchicago.org/dss.

4 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 12, 2018

IN REMEMBRANCE OF WILLIAM “BILL” GARTH HAPPY 81ST BIRTHDAY WE SALUTE YOU!

December 14,1937

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CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 12, 2018

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NEWS

Walter Clark Former Chairman of the Board for the CTA Has Died Walter Clark has died at the age of 90, on November 15, 2018 at St. Joseph Hospital.

“It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of our beloved husband, father, and family member, Walter Clark.” His passing was announced by his family recently. The funeral services were held on Saturday December 1, 2018. : Walter Clark was born June 5, 1928 in Athens, Georgia to John Q. Sr. and Beulah Clark (Hill). Clark was reared in Carbondale, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting in 1951 and a MBA in accounting from DePaul University in 1958.

In 1971 he was conferred an Advanced Management

Program (AMP) degree from Harvard University School of Business.

Clark married Juanita Dillard in 1957 and became residents of Chatham community; where they had two children; son, Hilton Pierre, and daughter, Jaunine Charis.

One of the highlights of Clark’s storied and accomplished career was his election in 1986 as Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Transit Authority. He accept-

ed the position following a 30-year tenure with First Federal Savings & Loan/ Citicorp, He succeeded the retiring, chairperson, Michael A. Cardilli.

The highly successful banking executive has been cited as, “Embodying the image of the self-made man,” by the History Makers. A Chicago based organization dedicated to recording African American oral histories.

Clark’s innovative and pioneering practices ushered in the first Mortgage-Back Pass, through certificate of sale by a savings and loan at $75 million. In conjunction with Salomon Brothers, investment bankers, Clark issued the City of Chicago, mortgage revenue bonds which were the first of its kind in country.

The City of Chicago utilized municipal bonds to fund

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Visit mwrd.org and click the Unwanted Medicine banner for a listing of other medication disposal locations throughout Cook County.

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low and moderate-income families purchase of homes underwritten by First Federal.

This groundbreaking banker’s impact on America’s savings and loan industry has been heralded as giving it, “A spirited nudge—a shove if you will,” according to a 1977 Chicago Sun-Times story.

It details his tenure as executive vice president, chief financial officer, of the then 11th largest savings & loan association, First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. He was also characterized as being, “A step or two ahead,” in his career overall while ranking as the highest-level African American S&L official in the nation at that time.

That distinction earn him the confidence of 12 chief financial officers of the nation’s largest savings and loans institutions under the banner of the US Savings & Loan Peer Group; an organization that coordinates the industry’s best practices. They appointed Clark to a fouryear term as the chairperson of the Peer Group.

His career portfolio included other appointments with major financial and corporate institutions. At Bear Stearns, he served as vice president in public finance and asset management. In 1989, he participated in the successful effort to secure $150 million bond financing for Comiskey Park, the former home of the Chicago White Sox. In 1979, he was tabbed, by President Jimmy Carter, to Chair the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, in Washington, D.C. He did not accept the position due to family commitments.

Among Clark’s most notable civic involvements was his appointment as Finance Chairman, of the Harold

Washington for Mayor Campaign. There he employed a highly successful tactic of relying on small donations from grass root donors, rather than large bundled campaign contributions. It resulted in the campaign garnering, in part, necessary funds to elect Chicago’s first African American Mayor.

In 1980, Mayor M. Daley recruited him serve as charter member of the School Finance Authority, for the Chicago Board of Education during a financial crisis at the Board.

Additional involvement in civic and philanthropic activities by Clark included chair of the Mayor’s Link-Development Committee, for the City of Chicago.

He Served on the Board of Directors for the College of Business Administration, for the University of Illinois at Champaign and Chicago.

He chaired the Investment Committee of the venerable Union League Club of Chicago among numerous other civic engagements.

Clark’s organizational memberships also included Alpha Phi Alpha, the nation’s oldest Greek-letter college fraternity, founded in 1906; and the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, known as the Boulé, the oldest African American non-college Greek-letter fraternity. The Boulé was founded in 1904.

His daughter Jaunine Charis Clark; his brother, John Q. Clark, Jr.; and his parents, John Q. Sr. and Beulah Clark, preceded Walter Clark in death. He is survived by his wife Juanita E. Clark, son, Hilton P. Clark; nephews Jeffrey Clark, Craig Lambert; nieces Bettyna Lambert Virgous, Randi Wilson, and Leslie Wilson.

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6 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 12, 2018

CITIZEN ON THE GO PRECKWINKLE /ALDERMAN KING HOLIDAY DINNER JEROME PHOTO MRMAGRIOT@AOL.COM

Alderman Sophia King (4) and Justice Jesse Reyes, supporting a ward senior citizen dinner.

Tables filled with Wrapped gifts greeted guest of President Toni Precwinkle at an annual holiday dinner held at King College Prep..

Party-goers stood in line at King College Prep to enjoy evening festivities and a catered dinner.

Two blues lovers dance to the live music of Vince Guitar Kelly and the Backstreet Blues Band.

Judge Marian Perkins, Justice Cynthia Cobb, CCB President Toni Preckwinkle and Justice Nathaniel Howse,showing support for the seniors who attended a dinner in their honor at King College Prep High School.

CCB President Toni Preckwinkle and Judge Leonard Murray.

State Representative Curtis Tarver (25) and daughter. Tarver replaces Barbara Flnn-Curie, who retired after 20 years.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle pose for a photo with the raffle winners at a senior citizen dinner held at King Colllege Prep High School recently.

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CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 12, 2018

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ENTERTAINMENT Coalition Wants End to Broadcasting Music That Encourages Violence Against Blacks

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE CORRESPONDENT @StacyBrownMedia

Organizations and movements representing African Americans in general, and Black Women in particular, said they’ve continued to unite in defense of Black youth whom they said are being inundated with misogynistic messages from Urban Radio stations that target the Black community.

While recognizing sexual misconduct as deviant behavior is at the forefront of mass media, sexual misconduct and violence against Black women is being promoted and normalized on radio stations that target African American audiences, several groups said in a news release.

As this music remains in heavy rotation on radio stations that target Black youth they continue to be financed with commercial advertising support from major corporations like McDonalds, Subway Restaurants, State Farm Insurance, JC Penney, Adidas and others, according to the organizations, which include the National Congress of Black Women; The National Black Leadership Alliance; Dr. Jacquelyn Jordan, who represents Black Nurses; Dr. Calvin O. Butts, Chair of the Social Action Committee Progressive National Baptist Convention; and Dr, Evelyn Jenkins, NCBW Prince George’s County, MD. The coalition also includes, Sapphire

Dr. E. Faye Williams National Congress of Black Women

Harris, Chair of People With Disabilities; Marcia Harris, of Educate2Empower; Lakisha Davis- Small, the founder of Stop Stealing Our Souls; Kwabena Rasuli Chair, of the Clear The Airwaves Project; and Johnnie Scott-Rice, the Chair of the Board of United Black Fund and DC Chapter of NCBW. “We are asking these corporations to remove their commercials as long as these stations continue to play music that demeans, denigrates and promotes violence against women, with Black women as the primary target,” the coalition said in a news release.

Others in the coalition also include Dr. Lezil Baskerville, president and CEO of NAFEO; The Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund; The Central Brooklyn Leadership Council, NYC; Gloria Ravenell, Vice Chair National Congress of Black Women, Metro DC Chapter.

Also, Jay Winter Nightwolf, host of The American Indians Truths, WPFW-FM, Washington DC; Philip Jackson, Chair, The Black Star Project, Chicago; and Sadiki Kambon, of the Nubian Leadership Circle.

“These stations program a consistent playlist laced with demeaning and degrading lyrics while constantly using the ‘N’ word in order to make it clear that they are only referring to Black women,” said Bob Law, the national radio personality and Chair of the National Black Leadership Alliance.

The coalition points out that lyrics calling women bitches and ho’s, celebrating gang rape, sexual assault, and even kidnapping women are common in songs being sung by prominent rap artists.

They cite lyric by Kanye West and Lil’ Pump from the song, “I Love It,” which includes the words, “Your such a F—ing Ho, I Like that Ho … give me so mo…, you trifling B—th.”

Also cited are lyrics from 21 Savage and Blocc Boy JB from their song, “Rover 2.0,” referring to using a Range Rover for drive-by shootings, “If a N— dis the Blocc (referring to himself) he gon come up missing, if you want to find his body you got to go fishin.”

The song continues: “Coupe got the missing roof, your Ho’ came up missing to,poof I just stole your boo, now ooh she gon eat the whole crew.”

Another song by 21 Savage says “Got my glock cocked to spray your block down, we not

really with that Rah Rah Sh—t, I don’t give a F— who I hit” The “urban” radio stations that play this kind of music also refuse to play music that does not demean and degrade Black women, thereby censoring artists like “Arrested Development” and “Dead Prez,” as well as Grammy Award winning artists like Gerald Austin and Melba Moore, the coalition said in a statement.

Further, the coalition noted that New York radio personality and spoken word artist Imhotep Gary Byrd, whose song “The Crown,” was rejected by Black music radio stations in America for being “too Black and too positive.”

However, the song which features Byrd and Stevie Wonder, was a well-received hit in Europe.

“Black women are human beings and have had our fill of being treated as though we are something less.” Said Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq., the national president of The National Congress of Black Women.

Williams said Black women play too great a role in improving their community to accept the demeaning way in which they are often treated by their own sons and daughters.

The coalition said it intends to target those corporations that currently receive significant support from Black consumer dollars, who continue to support these radio stations and will urge Black women to reduce their spending with these companies.

Comcast Announces Agreements with Two New African American Majority Owned Independent Networks Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) recently announced it has selected two new African American majority-owned independent networks to be broadly distributed on Comcast Cable systems beginning in January 2019. After a thorough evaluation of dozens of proposals, Comcast selected AFRO and CLEO TV, both of which will provide quality entertainment that highlights and features TV and movie content about African American and black communities.

“The offerings from both AFRO and CLEO TV serve as an excellent complement to the growing catalog of programming choices we offer about global black communities,” said Keesha Boyd, Executive Director, Multicultural Products at Comcast Cable. “We remain committed to delivering a wide array of programming by partnering with independent networks, such as the two we’re announcing today, to better serve our increasingly diverse customer base.”

AFRO, a channel from Afrotainment, is a 24-hour polycultural black network mainly broadcasting top-rated Nollywood and black movies, dramas, sitcoms, music, talk, and late night comedy shows.

“We are excited to bring AFRO’s live content and growing on demand catalog of more than 300 hours of original programming to millions of Xfinity customers. Comcast’s selection of AFRO, which is a recognition of the rich diversity in black content and culture, solidifies our position as a leader in polycultural black home entertainment in North America,” said Yves Bollanga, Founder and CEO of Afrotainment.

CLEO TV is a lifestyle and entertainment network targeting Millennial and Gen X women of color. Derived from the name Cleopatra, one of the most powerful, trendsetting, rule-breaking and iconic women in history, CLEO TV will offer quality content that defies negative and cultural stereotypes of today’s modern women. The network promises a unique and diverse offering of short-form and long-form content including travel, home design,

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) recently announced it has selected two new African American majority owned independent networks to be broadly distributed on Comcast Cable systems beginning in January 2019.

cooking, talk shows, movies, docu-series, sitcoms and much more.

“We’re at a pivotal moment in history where women are making a huge impact in our society and culture, especially women of color,” said Michelle Rice, TV One’s General Manager. “CLEO TV will offer a diverse mix of lifestyle and entertainment content through the unique lens of Millennial and young Gen-X women of color, an audience segment that is currently underserved. CLEO TV will leverage the comprehensive media platform of our parent company Urban One, Inc. which includes digital, television and radio divisions that will each play an integral role in bringing this new network to the marketplace. We are grateful to Comcast for the tremendous opportunity to elevate new voices in our industry.”

To narrow down the proposals received, the main criteria Comcast considered were: the content of the network; whether the network is fully financed; whether the network’s ownership and/or management group(s) are well established, have relevant experience, and are substantially owned by African Americans; www.thechicagocitizen.com

whether the network is already launched and has existing or potential multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) distribution; price; and whether the network and its potential carriage provide value to Comcast and its customers.

AFRO and CLEO TV will join over 100 diverse networks available across Xfinity platforms, which offered over 14,000 hours of diverse on demand and online programming in 2017. In 2011, as part of Comcast’s commitments made in connection with the NBCUniversal transaction, Comcast agreed to launch 10 new independently owned and operated networks by 2019, including eight that are minority-owned or -operated. Six minority-owned networks have already launched, including BabyFirst Americas (2012), El Rey (2013), Kids Central (2017), and Primo TV (2017) which are primarily Hispanic American owned and operated; and ASPiRE (2012) and REVOLT (2013) which are majority African American owned. AFRO and CLEO TV will be the next two networks to launch as part of this commitment.

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CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 12, 2018

NEWS Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Opening First Neighborhood Center Continued from page 2 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois members. The programs will be free and will include, educational workshops with a focus on nutrition, diabetes, asthma, heart disease and behavioral health, wellness classes such as yoga or meditation, and the opportunity for members to meet one-on-one with staff to make sure they are getting the most out of their health care benefits.

“I’m honored to be part of making a difference in the Pullman area. This is a neighborhood that has a historical proud past and a wonderfully bright future. We chose the Pullman neighborhood to be the heart and sole of the first Blue Door Neighborhood Center because we want to be where our members are,” said Smith.

The 111th Street Gateway Retail Center was developed and built by Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, a nonprofit community development organization that has been working

heavily in Pullman and Chicago’s far south side.

“For the last few years, we have worked really diligently at Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives to find the right mix of tenants for this development. We have been very thoughtful and intentional and we are thrilled that Blue Cross Blue Shield chose to place it’s first-ever neighborhood-based center in the Pullman Community and it really compliments the ongoing development,” said Ciere Boatright, vice president of Real Estate and Inclusion at Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives.

The Blue Door Neighborhood Center is scheduled to open in April of 2019.

“I’m extremely excited to have everyone here today to be part of this renaissance and this is only the beginning of the long-lasting relationship that we are going to have with Blue Cross Blue Shield,” said Anthony Beale, Alderman of Chicago’s 9th Ward.

Tickets are on sale now!

Visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

afterward. Balance the benefits of reward points, zero percent APRs, or special deals, with the long-term cost of borrowing money.

For example, store credit cards give exciting discounts at the time of purchase but often charge higher APRs than a card you already have in your wallet. Take a moment to think about how you will pay after the fun of holiday spending is over, and don’t forget to review the fine print associated with making big purchases.

• Be smart and safe. If you are shopping online, make sure the website starts with ‘https://’ to ensure it’s a credible site before making a purchase, and be sure to turn off Wi-Fi auto-connect and Bluetooth when you’re out and about this holiday season.

Connecting to public Wi-Fi is dangerous and less secure than connecting to your mobile network. In addition, think twice before sharing your logon information over the phone or clicking on random links in emails from unknown sources, such as “track your package,” “open your holiday greeting” or “free gift card.” Fraudsters often impersonate credible companies to get you to share your logon information or click links.

Now is also a great time to consider changing your account passwords and enrolling in multifactor authentication (MFA) where available. Using MFA, creating unique passwords, responding to fraud alerts and monitoring your accounts are critical steps during the holiday season.

• Start planning to pay it off now. Be sure to keep track of your spending so there are no surprises in the new year. Decide when you want to have your card paid off, and calculate the best plan of action based on your lifestyle and finances. Utilize your bank and credit card companies’ resources to create a realistic timeline that still allows for your everyday and monthly expenses.

Many financial institutions, such as USAA, offer free financial tools to help.

For more tips and resources to help stay on track, spend responsibly and avoid cybercrime this holiday season, visit usaa.com.

By approaching the season responsibly, you can make the holidays fun and exciting not stressful. __________________________________

EDUCATION New Classroom Technologies Can Make Learning Easier and More Fun

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PERSONAL FINANCE Millennial Men vs. Women: Different Financial Habits (StatePoint) As the saying goes, “men are from Mars, women are from Venus.”

But when it comes to how each gender approaches their finances, the two groups might as well be from different universes, according to findings from the recent PNC Investments Millennials & Investing Survey.

The survey reveals millennial men and millennial women have differing attitudes and habits in key areas, including their confidence levels, the financial products they own and their risk tolerance. More men feel confident than women that they’re saving enough for the future. And more women own basic financial accounts like checking, savings and money markets, while more men own mutual funds and individualstocks and bonds. When it comes to risk tolerance, more men embrace or tolerate risk,

while more women like to avoid risk.

“It’s critical that all millennials take actionable steps to ensure their future is not in jeopardy, including saving for retirement, participating in the markets and building an emergency fund,” says Rich Ramassini, CFP, senior vice president, Investments at PNC. “Given the findings of this survey, we encourage millennials to seek assistance from qualified financial advisors who can help make sure they’re on the path to securing a strong financial future.” __________________________________

Savvy Tips for Your Holiday Spending (StatePoint) We are in the midst of the holiday season, and if you are like many people, you’ve probably already spent more than you anticipated.

More consumers are looking to use a credit card this season to pay for gifts, and they plan to take longer to pay it off than in previous years, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. In fact, more than 39 million Americans are still carrying some of last year’s holiday balance on their cards today.

While credit card use is common during the holidays, the key is making sure you use the right card, are aware of common fraud tactics and have a plan to pay off debt quickly. Here are some helpful tips from The United Services Automobile Association (USAA): • Pick the right card. The average American has 2-3 credit cards. During the holidays, make sure you use those cards that won’t leave you with financial regret

(StatePoint) Technology is changing the face of education. Check out the newest ways teachers are modernizing their lesson plans in order to make learning easier and more fun.

1. Virtual Reality. Whether it’s a tour through an ancient Roman archaeological site or a deep-sea look at ocean creatures, VR can enhance educational experiences and create new immersive opportunities, allowing students to see the world without leaving the classroom.

2. Math Anywhere, Anytime. Technology advancements are enabling students of all learning styles to absorb mathematical concepts at their own pace without buying expensive calculators.

Check out ClassPad.net, digital scratch paper with a range of functions that’s web accessible and free for students and teachers.

3. Modernized Music. Learning music is now easier than ever with new apps and next generation digital keyboards that have such features as lighted keys to help students learn notes intuitively. One such keyboard, Casio’s LK-265, connects to iOS and Android devices via a free app, so students can learn to play their favorite songs.

Access to an endless library of music will give students constant motivation to keep at it.

4. Language Learning in the Palm of Your Hand. Today, you don’t need a stack of books or tapes to learn a new language.

A variety of apps can introduce language learners to correct pronunciations, proper grammar and vocabulary, giving students opportunities to hone their reading, writing and speaking skills at their own pace in the classroom and on-the-go.

5. Classroom Updates. There’s less downtime for teachers and students these days, thanks to certain projectors today that reach maximum brightness in seconds, and are safer and more energy efficient to boot.

For example, Casio’s LampFree technology provides high brightness and connectivity, so lesson plans stay in sharp focus. __________________________________

HOLIDAY SEASON How Much Will This Season Cost Holiday Shoppers?

(StatePoint) According to one quirky and fun annual economic indicator, the cost of holiday shopping is on the rise this year, at least according to the song “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

To purchase all the gifts mentioned in the classic holiday song, it will cost 1.2 percent more than it did in 2017, according to the PNC Christmas Price Index, the 35th annual holiday economic analysis by The PNC Financial Services Group. The 2018 price tag for all the gifts was calculated at $39,094.93, approximately $450 more than last year’s cost. For the full report, visit www.pnc.com.

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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Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. CNGI 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 Fridays 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.

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16 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 12, 2018

RING IN THE HOLIDAYS

WITH THESE DEALS ON BUICK’S 3 SUVs 2019 BUICK ENCLAVE AVENIR EXAMPLE OFFER: $2,557 PRICE REDUCTION BELOW MSRP + $3,733 PURCHASE ALLOWANCE

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THAT’S $1,062 ON THIS ENCORE3

2019 BUICK ENVISION

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FIND YOURS NOW AT BUICK.COM 1 Enclave based on MSRP of $58,775. Encore based on MSRP of $26,555. Envision based on MSRP of $47,895. Not available with special finance, lease, and some other offers. Take retail delivery by 1/2/19. See participating dealer for details. 2Excludes 1SV model. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with some other offers. Take retail delivery by 1/2/19. See participating dealer for details. 3Excludes 1SV model. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with some other offers. Take retail delivery by 1/2/19. See participating dealer for details. ©2018 General Motors. All rights reserved. Buick® Enclave® Encore® Envision®

GMUX2568000_Buick_AABuy_Chicago_December_10.75x13.indd 1

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