Chatham-Southeast Citizen 12-16-2020

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Dec. 16, 2020

| Vol. 56 | No. 38 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHATHAM SOUTHEAST

The Challenges Black America Face with Distant and Virtual Learning During COVID-19 Page 2

Condos Are Selling for a Record 17% Discount to Single-Family Homes Page 4 Regine T. Rousseau, founder and CEO of Shall We Wine, has made it her goal to make wine more accessible by providing fun ways to learn about wine and spirits. Photo courtesy of Regine T. Rousseau

7 Tips for Hosting a Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange Page 6

ENTREPRENEUR PROVIDES EXPERIENTIAL WINE EDUCATION Regine T. Rousseau believes that wine is an art form. “If you can take a few minutes and taste the nuances, just like a poem or just like a painting, you’ll start to uncover all of these things and really listen to the story that’s in the bottle,” Rousseau said. PAGE 3

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2 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION INTERDISCIPLINARY PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTS DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION AND ASSESSMENT RESEARCH Curriculum Associates and North Carolina A&T State University have formed an interdisciplinary partnership to support diversity in the education and assessment research fields.

Through a number of initiatives, the two organizations will engage in collaborative research aimed in part at eliminating testing biases in the classroom for Black and Brown students, expose university students to a spectrum of opportunities in education and research, train teachers and practitioners to become a part of the test writing and assessment process, provide scholarship support to lessen the debt burden of aspiring and existing scholars, and more.

Curriculum Associates will specifically support the university’s Innovation in Education initiative focused on providing transformative learning opportunities and delivering and sustaining academic breakthroughs. This will include faculty and student research grants that will provide resources to safeguard and enhance the quality of education for students while simultaneously assisting the university’s efforts to perform research surrounding education’s most pressing needs, including eliminating testing biases for historically marginalized groups in the classroom.

HEALTH

BYRON ALLEN AND DR. ANTHONY FAUCI TALK COVID-19 IMPACT ON THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group, Byron Allen, recently sat with Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for a conversation about COVID-19’s devastating impact on the African-American community.

Hosted exclusively on Allen Media Group’s digital news platform/network, theGrio, the video interview featured Allen and Fauci unpacking community skepticism about vaccines, and how to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Allen calls Fauci an “American hero” and praises him for his efforts to keep Americans safe. Allen even offered to provide Fauci and his family use of a COVID-safe private jet for a vacation as an expression of gratitude for all of Dr. Fauci’s dedication and hard work. Dr. Fauci graciously declined Allen’s generous gesture as he is a federal government employee and not allowed to accept such gifts.

LAW & POLITICS

FTC RETURNS ALMOST $775,000 TO CONSUMERS WHO PURCHASED DECEPTIVELY ADVERTISED ARTHRITIS AND JOINT PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT SYNOVIA FROM A.S. RESEARCH, LLC The Federal Trade Commission is sending checks totaling $774,755 to 13,221 consumers who bought Synovia, a supplement advertised and sold by A.S. Research, LLC as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain. The average refund amount is $58.60 per consumer.

According to the FTC’s complaint, A.S. Research made misleading health claims and used phony testimonials, including one in which a user said he “gave away his walker” after using the supplement. The FTC also alleged that the defendants told consumers they had to pay extra for a version of Synovia containing an ingredient added to increase pain relief and speed joint repair, when in fact all purchasers received that product.

The order settling the FTC’s allegations prohibits the defendants from misrepresenting the results of any scientific study or endorsement and requires them to disclose any material connections they have with endorsers. It also required the company to pay $821,000 to the Commission for consumer refunds. Refund recipients should deposit or cash checks within 60 days, as indicated on the check. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide account information to cash refund checks. Consumers who bought Synovia, but who don’t receive a check, may contact the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 833-707-1185.

The Challenges Black America Face with Distant and Virtual Learning During COVID-19

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Students, teachers, parents, and administrators face ever-rising challenges as the coronavirus pandemic continues to force changes in how young people receive their education.

The challenges are particularly pronounced in the African American community, where access to the internet, working parents, and a haphazard learning model have undermined pre-pandemic gains.

Education experts have agreed that when students of color in underserved schools must go to blended or fully remote learning models, the digital divide gets broader, more profoundly affecting them.

Their school attendance plummets, along with their understanding of the curricula, their motivation to learn, and subsequently their grades.

“The digital divide again doubly impacts these students, as it completely stops our tutoring with almost all of our school partners,” said Richard Kaplan, the executive director of IvyTutorsNetwork.com, a New York City Department of Education-approved vendor that teaches students in multiple underserved public and charter schools in the Bronx, Harlem, and Bedford Stuyvesant.

“Given that the schools are struggling to pay for and provide the most basic teaching during the pandemic and, further, administrators now lack the budget for outside tutors, we have been unable to help.

“We are no longer allowed in the classrooms for health reasons, and the students – many of them homeless – lack reliable Internet connections or suitable devices for effective remote sessions,” Kaplan remarked. “For some, fully remote actually means they might as well be in Tahiti or Timbuktu, inaccessible to effective teaching and all but forgotten.”

The distance learning scheme or the online classes method of teaching are good strategies in reducing physical contact and helps limit the spread of the virus, asserted Lewis Keegan, owner and operator of SkillScouter.com, which aims to help potential students find their learning paths via online learning platforms.

“However, the solution might not be as inclusive, especially for people of color in other parts of the world,” Keegan observed. “This is because not everyone is privileged for such amenities. Some areas

across the globe are still not introduced to the concept of the internet,” he said.

Keegan continued: “Aside from this, having devices such as laptops and phones for learning are not cheap and easily accessible. Because of this, more practical options are chosen by parents like spending their money in food and sustenance, rather than education.”

As the pandemic shuts most people in for what promises to be a long, cold, and socially distant winter, families are suffering, offered Dr. Karen Aronian of Aronian Education Design LLC. “Without a doubt, people of color are our most vulnerable populations.

Special-needs education students in isolated rural communities, those who are homeless, and food insecure, are in dire education straits,” Aronian stated.

She noted that some reports have revealed that the pandemic has forced students to lose as much as 50 percent of their academic growth in math, at least 30 percent of ELA, and perhaps a full school year of academic growth in some cases.

“Strain, struggle, and hardship abound in communities of color, which carries over into family life and lack of hope,” Aronian continued.

“Children’s education becomes secondary to the basic needs of a home and family. The traditional in-person school has been, for many children, a respite from home life, family problems, and dysfunction. Without school, education has fallen off the radar in homes where survival is first, and education is a much lower rung during COVID times.”

The pandemic has especially been tough on marginalized communities, including those with special needs, added Lisa Lightner, of A Day in Our Shoes, an organization that advocates on behalf of special education.

“I have been chatting with all kinds of families, including Black and Brown families. Here is some of what I’m seeing. The challenges that these families are facing aren’t necessarily due to their skin color – but because their skin color makes them much more likely to be in another category of marginalization,” Lightner proclaimed.

“For example, lower socioeconomic status or non-Native English speakers. If assignments and instructions are not being provided in the parents’ native language, then there is much less parent participation and follow up for school and assignments,” she stated. “If a child is in a lower socioeconomic category, then they are less likely to have high-speed internet or a device to use

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even to access the lessons. I know the Philadelphia School District had to get a grant to purchase tens of thousands of Chromebooks and the like.”

According to a recent Duke University panel at the school’s Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, many Black and Brown individuals face challenges that affect their and educators’ ability to resume in-person education safely.

The panel concluded that the issue is a double-edged sword because wealth inequity also makes it harder for these communities to learn remotely.

The average Black household in North Carolina, where the panel convened, is about $800,000 less in net worth than the average white home.

According to the Public School Forum of North Carolina, 72 percent of Black and Brown students in the state’s public schools have parents who lack secure employment, compared with 21 percent of white students.

That equates to lower-wealth households having had less access to opportunities for higher-quality education and access to post-secondary studies, education officials said.

Further, Education Week reported that in-person learning yields superior educational outcomes for primary and secondary students — and that the pitfalls of virtual instruction are especially pronounced in minority communities and those living in poverty.

School districts around the country that are strapped for cash have found it increasingly challenging to tackle the learning barriers minority students disproportionately have experienced during the pandemic.

“The reality is in many economically distressed counties, over 60 percent of families don’t have reliable internet access, and that disproportionately affects students of color. In one of my counties, over 70 percent do not,” said Alex Beene, an adult and high school teacher in Tennessee.

“And while I try to supplement those households with additional packets and materials, it’s just not the same.

It’s impossible to attend daily classes and submit assignments digitally if you can’t even connect to join the conversation,” Beene remarked.

“Many families of color also lack adequate nutrition and a culture of learning in the home. When schools are closed down, not having access to school lunches or educators that motivate students to go higher academically can have lasting effects that will stretch on long after the pandemic.”

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

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NEWS

Entrepreneur provides experiential wine education Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Regine T. Rousseau believes that wine is an art form. “If you can take a few minutes and taste the nuances, just like a poem or just like a painting, you’ll start to uncover all of these things and really listen to the story that’s in the bottle,” Rousseau said.

Rousseau started Shall We Wine in 1997.

The experiential marketing and event planning company, helps clients grow their brand and helps members learn about wine and spirits.

Rousseau received her Level II certification from the International Sommelier Guild, as well as an Executive Bourbon Steward from Stave and Thief Society. Rousseau said her goal was to teach beginner and intermediate students who are interested in wine and spirits.

It was part of her mission to make wine and spirits more accessible to people, something she does with Shall We Wine.

Back in 1997-1998, Rousseau worked as

a wine distributor and would share the wine she had with friends. “What I realized is how people got so turned on to the wines that I was introducing them to. A part of me was like, I cannot believe how many people have not had access to wine. So, for me, to make wine accessible is to give people access to something that was denied,” she said. “I feel like I’m leveling things, equaling things out a little bit. Letting people into a world that was not open to them.”

Rousseau said making wine less intimidating to people means making it less exclusive.

Her goal is to educate people about wine, with some fun, so people can enjoy it. That way, it becomes less stuffy. “I’m teaching about wine in a way that is authentic to me. I want to make it fun for everyone,” she said.

Rousseau said that her travels have really informed how she chooses her wines. Rousseau said her favorite wine is Champagne. She said there’s nothing like trying a wine and travelling to the place where it was made. Rousseau travelled to Reims, which is the capital of Cham-

Rush Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Create One Million Jobs Through Environmental Conservation Projects U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) recently introduced the Restore Employment in Natural and Environmental Work (RENEW) Conservation Corps Act, which would create a civilian conservation corps to provide communities with job training and employment opportunities related to the outdoor recreation economy and green infrastructure projects.

This legislation was introduced in the Senate

by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “The ongoing pandemic has presented our nation and it’s communities with countless challenges and hardships, which includes enduring the highest unemployment rates since the Great Depression.

With this in mind, it is essential that Congress pursue every avenue to restore the prospect of well-paying jobs and occupational training,” said Rep. Rush. “This is why I am pleased to join Senator Durbin in introducing legislation today to establish the RENEW Conservation Corps program, which would deliver much-needed workforce training and employment opportunities within our communities by tackling the backlog of deferred conservation projects.”

“America’s outdoor spaces have provided recreation for generations, and this year we’ve seen how important and valuable they’ve been to countless Americans looking for a respite.

If we are to leave these natural gifts to the next generation, we have to take responsibility in protecting them,” Senator Durbin said. “This bill is a straightforward approach to creating one million jobs that can address maintenance and restoration of our greatest natural resources and recreation areas. This is an investment to protect the beauty of America’s natural treasures.”

“Access to public and natural spaces is an essential part of our individual and collective health and well-being,” said Jerry Adelmann, president and CEO of Openlands, a conserva-

The RENEW Conservation Corps Act establishes the new conservation corps program at the U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture and authorizes more than $55 billion over a five-year period to put one million Americans to work to address the backlog of deferred conservation projects.

tion organization active in the Chicago region.

“With the RENEW Conservation Corps Act, we will welcome a new generation of jobs that restore and preserve our natural lands and waters and create more inclusive and inviting places for all to enjoy and connect with nature.”

The RENEW Conservation Corps Act establishes the new conservation corps program at the U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture and authorizes more than $55 billion over a five-year period to put one million Americans to work to address the backlog of deferred conservation projects. To ensure a diverse workforce, the bill requires participants be reflective of the demographics in the area where the project is being completed. In addition, those participating in the program that complete a full year of work would be eligible to receive up to $5,500 credit for post-secondary education.

pagne. “To be there, to walk through the caves, to taste Champagne in the area where it was made, changes everything. It makes you feel more connected to the product, you meet the people who are making the wines, so you feel more connected to it,” she said. “So, that’s why I like to travel around wines. It’s about seeing beautiful places, but it’s really about understanding the entire process of winemaking and why it tastes the way it does.”

Rousseau said she went to Provence in the South of France and she understands the wines there more than she did before.

“The wines taste like the place, they’re fresh, they’re open, they’re vibrant. And, you’re like, yeah, of course, this place produces these types of wines because this is how it feels,” she said.

Not only does Rousseau teach people about wines, she also has a blog. There are two to three posts a month and cover topics from questions from followers, some are tips – how to drink wine and the best wines to find.

Rousseau published a book, “Searching for

Cloves and Lilies: The Wine Edition,” in 2018. It is a collection of poems, paired with wine. Poetry is something Rousseau is passionate about.

“In doing that, I learned a new way of teaching people about wine and teaching people about poetry. Because my poetry is more storytelling,” she said. “Wine has a story, each bottle of wine has a story, each poem has a story. So, it was about combining the two stories, so that people can feel more connected to the wine and more connected to the poetry.”

For the holidays, Rousseau said one of her favorite wines right now is Crement d’Alsace. Some of her favorite Black owned wineries include McBride Sisters’ Sparkling Rose`, Maison Noire’s Love Drunk Rose, and Maison Noire’s OPP. Rousseau pivoted to hosting events virtually because of COVID-19. She hosts events on her website, www.shallwewine.com. Her next event will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18. It will feature Theodora Lee of Theopolis Vineyards. Starting in January, there are classes for beginners on the Shall We Wine website.

United Raises Miles for Dozens of Non-Profits that Rely on Travel United recently invited MileagePlus members to give back on Giving Tuesday, but also throughout the holiday season by donating miles to nearly 40 non-profits through United Airline’s crowdsourcing platform, Miles on a Mission.

Non-profits like Thurgood Marshall College Fund, College to Congress and Compass to Care are attempting to raise a total of more than 11 million miles to be used for travel for life-saving health care, continued education, humanitarian aid and more. United will match the first 125,000 miles raised for each of these organizations to help ensure they meet their goals.

The launch of these campaigns is part of United’s ongoing Miles on a Mission program, which began in October 2019 and has raised more than 92 million miles to-date.

Past campaigns have helped organizations travel children for life-saving medical treatment and unite parents with newly adopted children from foreign countries. Participating non-profits have 28-days to reach their mile raising goals through the platform.

The organizations that are raising miles in this campaign include: l College to Congress: The organization provides support including travel for disadvantaged college students who otherwise could not afford to intern in Washington, D.C. l Thurgood Marshall College Fund: This is the only national organization representing America’s 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the nearly 300,000 students that attend them each year. The miles raised will cover the travel expenses to and from campus for students unable to afford them. l My Block, My Hood, My City: This organization provides underprivileged youth with an awareness of the world and oppor-

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tunities beyond their neighborhood. Miles will be used to fund educational trips for Chicago youths to help them gain a greater understanding of the world outside of their comfort zones. l Compass to Care: The non-profit ensures all children, whose parents have a financial need, can access life-saving cancer treatment. Compass to Care is raising miles to fund travel to get children from their homes to hospitals for cancer treatment. l Luke’s Wings: This organization is dedicated to the support of service members who have been wounded in battle. Raised miles will be used to purchase plane tickets for families to visit wounded soldiers recovering in Army medical centers. l Rainbow Railroad USA: The organization’s mission is to help persecuted LGBTQI+ individuals around the world travel to safety as they seek a haven from persecution. Miles will support the organization’s core Emergency Travel Support program.

This year, United’s legal partner Kirkland & Ellis will also be donating $50,000 to My Block, My Hood, My City and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Other organizations launching campaigns on the platform include: Sisters of the Skies, Inc., Up2Us Sports, Airline Ambassadors International, Austin Smiles, AWS Foundation, Crazy Horse Memorial, FLYTE, Higher Orbits, Lily’s Hope Foundation, Miles4Migrants, Support Utila Inc. and Watts of Love. MileagePlus members can also donate to United’s 20 other existing partner charities including, Airlink, American Red Cross, Make-AWish, Shriners Hospitals; Clean the World, Special Olympics and more. To learn more or donate to these organizations, please visit donate.mileageplus.com.

4 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

BUSINESS

This page is sponsored by

Ideabar Awards $250K of In-Kind Services to The King Center through Empowering Equality Marketing Program The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) has been awarded $250,000 of in-kind marketing services through “Empowering Equality,” a marketing program sponsored by Ideabar, a national marketing and media agency and Cox Enterprises company.

The King Center will receive a customizable scope of services, which could include research, brand development, a creative campaign, collateral design, website development and strategic business consulting.

“Awarding in-kind services through the Empowering Equality marketing program is one way our agency can take meaningful action to address racial inequality,” says Ideabar Managing Director Amy Royster Bridger. “We look forward to collaborating with The King Center on a powerful marketing program that advances their mission to prepare global citizens to create a more just, humane and peaceful world using Dr. King’s nonviolent philosophy and methodology.”

The King Center was selected from 10 finalists. The remaining nine organizations will receive a full-page print ad valued at up to $9,500 in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to amplify the message of their choice in 2021. The nine finalists include Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Cxmmunity, National Center for Civil & Human Rights, Partnership for Southern Equity, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and YWCA of Greater Atlanta.

The judges evaluated the submissions on the following criteria: l Advances racial equality and social justice to create a more equitable society by addressing systemic racial discrimination in areas such as education, employment, criminal justice, the environment, healthcare, voting, etc. (33.4%). l Articulates a powerful story of how the organization advances racial justice and social justice that can be amplified through the program’s in-kind marketing services (33.3%). l Is led by a racially/ethnically diverse executive leadership team and/or board (33.33%).

A final score based on evaluations by Ideabar employees, the panel of official judges and the results of the online community vote determined the winner.

The King Center, established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, has been a global destination, resource center and community institution for more than a quarter century. The King Center is dedicated to ensuring that the King legacy not only remains relevant and viable, but is effectively leveraged for positive social impact.

Ideabar awarded its 2019 pro bono marketing program open to nonprofits in Palm Beach County, Florida to Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a world-renowned sea turtle hospital in Juno Beach, Florida. Ideabar awarded its 2020 pro bono marketing program open to Metro Atlanta environmental nonprofits to Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

For more information, visit www.ideabar.agency.

The King Center, established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, has been a global destination, resource center and community institution for more than a quarter century. The King Center is dedicated to ensuring that the King legacy not only remains relevant and viable, but is effectively leveraged for positive social impact. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (pictured) gave his most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” before the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Condos Are Selling for a Record 17% Discount to Single-Family Homes as the Coronavirus Fuels Demand for Space The typical single-family home that sold in the U.S. this year was purchased for an average of 17.3% more ($58,000) than the typical condo, according to a new report from Redfin (www.redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage. That’s up from 15.4% last year and represents the largest premium since at least 2013, when Redfin began recording this data.

The U.S. housing market has been on fire this year, with record-low mortgage rates and remote work prompting scores of Americans to relocate. But the condo market has missed out on much of the gains as homebuyers have left dense cities in search of more space and privacy— AKA single-family homes—during the coronavirus pandemic.

The median sale price of singlefamily homes surged 15.5% year over year in October, outpacing the condo market’s 9.9% growth. Condos are also taking longer to sell—the typical condo spent 36 days on the market last month, compared with 27 days for the typical single-family home. And less than a quarter (22.8%) of condos sold for more than their listing price, compared with 36.6% of single-family homes.

Purchases of condos, however, have been catching up. “Condos

THE U.S. HOUSING MARKET HAS BEEN ON FIRE THIS YEAR, WITH RECORD-LOW MORTGAGE RATES AND REMOTE WORK PROMPTING SCORES OF AMERICANS TO RELOCATE. BUT THE CONDO MARKET HAS MISSED OUT ON MUCH OF THE GAINS AS HOMEBUYERS HAVE LEFT DENSE CITIES IN SEARCH OF MORE SPACE AND PRIVACY—AKA SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES— DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.

The median sale price of single-family homes surged 15.5% year over year in October, outpacing the condo market’s 9.9% growth.

sales are rebounding because buyers are finding great deals,” said Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather.

“Families are fleeing cities in search of more space in the suburbs, which has presented an opportunity for millennials who are looking to become homeowners but don’t need extra bedrooms or a backyard.”

Florida and California Rank at the Top of the List When It Comes to Price Premiums for Single-Family Homes In the Fort Lauderdale, FL metropolitan area, single-family homes

sold for an average of 38.3% more than condos in October—the largest premium of the 86 metros in this analysis. It was followed by Bakersfield, CA, with a 35.8% premium, and Lakeland, FL, at 34.3%. Oklahoma City, OK and Tucson, AZ rounded out the top five, both at 30.3%.

In the Seattle metro, where singlefamily homes are selling for a 17.9% premium, condos are taking several months to sell rather than the usual couple of weeks, according Forrest Moody, a local real estate agent at Redfin. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

“Before the pandemic, it was challenging to find a condo in Seattle for less than $500,000, but now there are plenty selling for under $400,000.

The people who are buying condos now are the people who couldn’t afford to buy one a couple of years ago because prices were so high,” he said. “I recently sold a condo that was within walking distance of Amazon’s headquarters for $510,000.

Condos in that building normally go for $550,000 and up.”

There were just three metro areas where single-family homes sold for less than condos in October. San Antonio saw the biggest gap, with singlefamily homes going for 12.9% less than condos, followed by Omaha, NE (-6.2%) and Salt Lake City (-1.7%).

In San Antonio, there’s been a resurgence of high-end condos in the downtown area, according to Jim Seifert, a local real estate agent at Redfin.

“There are more people buying

condos in San Antonio than I’ve ever seen before,” Seifert said.

“Young people who work in tech and healthcare are moving here from Seattle, California, Washington, D.C. and Maryland because San Antonio is so much more affordable, and they have a bigger appreciation for downtown living than the average person from Texas.”

Seifert continued: “San Antonio’s condo market is also likely being fueled by the fact that buyers know they can get in. There’s a shortage of single-family homes for sale, but the supply of condos is growing like wildfire, so some folks are opting for condos because they don’t want to deal with a bidding war.”

To read the full report, including methodology and a full list of singlefamily home price premiums across major U.S. metro areas, please visit: https://www.redfin.com/news/singlefamily-home-premium-condo.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

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ENTERTAINMENT (RED) And Mavin Records Announce Partnership With New Single And Remix Competition On World AIDS Day, Africa’s most influential record label, Mavin Records, and (RED) joined forces to fight two pandemics: AIDS and COVID-19. Launched recently, the remix of the hit single “Jaiye” by Mavin Artist LADIPOE, features Aluna and Sigag Lauren, is available to stream and download worldwide, with proceeds going to support (RED)’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on lifesaving HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Doubling the impact, funds raised from every stream of the single will be matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, up to $10,000.

The special “Jaiye” remix is a teaser to the Afrobeats-inspired DANCE (RED) SAVE LIVES Vol. III album that will be available on streaming services worldwide in early 2021.

LISTEN TO LADIPOE’S “JAIYE” REMIXED BY ALUNA AND SIGAG LAUREN [GO HERE: https://lnk.to/jaiye-remix “With everything that’s gone on in the world this year, we wanted to share a message of hope.

Yes, things are tough, but it’s important for us to appreciate the good times and to enjoy and celebrate with the people around us,” said Don Jazzy, founder and president, Mavin Records.

“In Africa, even in times of pain and uncertainty, music is a uniting force. I’m proud that we can use it to bring some lightness and

support an important cause at the same time,” Don Jazzy continued.

To coincide with the single release, Mavin Records and (RED) are offering Afrobeats fans the chance to be featured on the upcoming DANCE (RED) SAVE LIVES Vol. III by hosting a remix contest of LADIPOE’s, “Jaiye (Time of Our Lives).” To enter, anyone can download the track and post their remix of “Jaiye” to Instagram Reels using the hashtag #mavinRED. Submissions will be accepted now through January 7, with the best remix chosen

by Don Jazzy, Aluna, LADIPOE, Johnny Drille, and Mavin Records A&R Director, Rima Tahini.

TO DOWNLOAD THE TRACK & SHARE YOUR REMIX ON INSTAGRAM REELS USING #MavinRED - NOW THROUGH JANUARY 7, 2021, GO HERE: https:// mavinred.org Mavin and (RED) have partnered because COVID-19 is threatening to derail critical progress made in the AIDS fight. COVID-19 could cause AIDS-related deaths to double in the coming year as health and community systems are overwhelmed, treatment and prevention programs are disrupted, and resources are diverted throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

“We are proud that our biggest African

collaboration to date is with the incredible artists of Mavin Records and worldrenowned producer Don Jazzy. While times may be difficult, they have chosen to harness the power of music to help (RED) in our fight against AIDS and COVID-19. Our goal for this partnership is to have a significant impact on the global health systems that are in need of urgent support,” said Jennifer Lotito, (RED) president and chief operating officer.

The upcoming DANCE (RED) SAVE LIVES Vol. III will be curated by the legendary Afrobeats producer, Don Jazzy, and musical artist, Aluna. It will feature tracks by leading hitmakers and Mavin artists including Rema, Johnny Drille, and Crayon, and remixed by world-renowned DJs and producers including Don Jazzy himself. Proceeds from the album will go directly to the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Being a part of a project like this is incredible because it gives me the opportunity to showcase that dance music is black, which is something I’ve been discussing in the dance community and at the same time raise money for HIV and COVID-19. This project is going to bring people from all over the world together with dance music, which is what it was invented for, but for a long time has

just been about the white dance community exclusively. That’s gonna change and this project will show people how it’s done,” said Aluna, artist and co-curator of DANCE (RED) SAVE LIVES Vol. III. Both the single and the DANCE (RED) SAVE LIVES Vol. III album artwork were created by the Brooklyn-based Nigerian performance and visual artist, Laolu Senbanjo.

“I have developed a warm history with (RED) over time and I’m glad to be working with them again on a cause that’s affected all of humanity in such a visceral fashion. Despite the fact that the Coronavirus pandemic has aggressively unleashed itself on the world and claimed many casualties, it has also been another opportunity for humans to show how resilient we are,” Laolu said.

“It takes us coming together in unison to fight against such disease just like we did with HIV/AIDS. Organizations such as (RED) make it that much easier to do so with their remarkable programs. I’m happy to play a role that supports their laudable efforts.” *For the official Crowdsourcing Competition Terms & Conditions, GO HERE: https:// mavinred.org/terms. Must be 18 years or older to apply. Enter by January 7th at 11:59 PM PST. No purchase necessary.

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Gifts Much-Needed Holiday Cheer As #1 ASCAP Holiday Song In 2020 The holidays might look a little different this year, but The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)’s top seasonal songs are bringing much-needed comfort and cheer to listeners at home.

With holiday music taking over the radio waves earlier than ever, ASCAP, a professional membership organization of songwriters, composers and music publishers, has announced the Top 25 ASCAP Holiday Songs of 2020 – a soundtrack to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (written by Carey and her fellow ASCAP songwriter Walter Afanasieff; published

by Universal Music Group

Publishing, Sony/ATV, Kobalt Music, Tamal Vista Music) takes the #1 spot as the mostplayed holiday hit, according to an ASCAP analysis of streaming and terrestrial radio data. Holiday music fans have made the joyous tune more popular every year; it consistently tops the Billboard Holiday 100 Chart and last year became the first holiday song to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since 1958.

Popularly dubbed the “Queen of Christmas,” Carey shared a special holiday message to fans about the song on @ ASCAP on Instagram, saying “I’m deeply grateful… and just so thankful that it is still bringing joy to so many people around the world and I know that we need that more than ever right now.”

“It’s never too early for holiday music. And now more than ever, the world needs to be reminded of the hopeful spirit of the season and the cherished memories that these classic songs inspire,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “It is a true joy to celebrate the talented songwriters behind the music keeping the holiday season bright in these trying times.”

Below are the top 25 most played ASCAP holiday songs of 2020*, all written or co-written by ASCAP songwriters and composers.

Each song lists ASCAP songwriter credits and copyright date.

1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff (1994)

2. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Meredith Willson (1951) 3. “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Johnny Marks (1962) 4. “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish (1948) 5. “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne (1945) 6. “Jingle Bell Rock” by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe (1958) 7. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Johnny Marks (1958) 8. “Last Christmas” by George Michael (1984) 9. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Edward Pola and George Wyle (1963) 10. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin

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(1944) 11. “Winter Wonderland” by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith (1934) 12. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” by Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie (1934) 13. “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin (1941) 14. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks (1949) 15. “The Christmas Song” by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells (1946) 16. “Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)” by Oakley Haldeman and Gene Autry (1947) 17. “Home for the Holidays”

by Robert Allen and Al Stillman (1954) 18. “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano (1970) 19. “Happy Holiday/The

Holiday Season” by Kay Tompson and Irving Berlin (1942) 20. “Santa Baby” by Joan Javits, Anthony Springer and Philip Springer (1953) 21. “Frosty the Snowman” by Steve Nelson and Walter E. Rollins (1950) 22. “Jingle Bells” by James Lord Pierpont; Frank Sinatra version arranged by Gordon Jenkins (ASCAP, 1958) 23. “Underneath the Tree”

by Kelly Clarkson and Greg Kurstin (2013) 24. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Dr. Seuss and Albert Hague (1966) 25. “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande and Savan Kotecha (2013) *Based on an analysis of ASCAP streaming and terrestrial radio data

6 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

NEWS

7 Tips for Hosting a Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange StatePoint - It may take a little extra time and creativity, but a holiday cookie exchange can be held virtually and it’s worth the effort according to experts.

“There’s a famous quote, ‘If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ It’s so true for me as I find great joy in developing easy, flavorful recipes,” says Cindy Gilbert, McCormick Test Kitchen chef. “My friends have come to me for years requesting tips and tricks, and over 20 years ago, they anointed me the annual holiday cookie exchange leader. This past year has been challenging, but I knew I wanted to keep the tradition alive while following social distancing guidelines.”

Here are Gilbert’s top seven tips on hosting your own virtual cookie exchange, along with her favorite delicious McCormick cookie picks.

1. Keep the virtual guest list small and local. Your family and friends’ safety is the most important thing, and no one wants to bake a ton of cookies. Aim for five to 10 people.

Gingerbread Men Cookies – No winter holiday is complete without

Lemon extract adds a bright citrus flavor to this easy four-ingredient treat that starts with store-bought sugar cookies.

4. Arrange the exchange. About an hour before the virtual get-together, set up a table outside, in a cul-de-sac or school parking lot. Everyone can take turns grabbing their cookies quickly and safely. Or, arrange no contact porch drop-offs during a set time.

Holiday Meringue Cookies – These deliciously airy, light, and low-fat meringue cookies are the perfect confection for any holiday celebration. AddRegion: your favorite food Client: ComEd Bleed: US Cindy Gilbert, McCormick Test Kitchen chef, shares her top seven tips on Print SECOND ROUND along with her favorite Trim: 10”delicious x 6.5” Language: coloring for a festive twist.English hosting Campaign: your ownOOH virtual cookie exchange, Agency Job #: B1241-021281-00 Live: None 5. Request theNotes: recipes.

Ask guests McCormick cookie picks.

AD #/AD ID: QEXL1054000 to provide a recipe card in their indiDate Modified: December 2, 2020 2:29 PM Keyline Scale: 100% CR: men. They’re cute and tioners’ sugar, andOutput the deep gingerbread at: chocovidual packages, or as the host, you AD Round: late, red color andPage: taste, add up to a can be decorated with raisins, cinnacan compile the recipes and share cookie you’ll be proud to share. mon red-hot candies or royal icing. through email.

NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL 3. Package cookies in sepa2. Invite cookie enthusiasts. Invite Double Ginger Gingersnaps –A rate portions.

Ask participants to people who enjoy being in the kitchpersonal favorite of Gilbert’s, these ACD: A. Del Valle CD: G. Apfelbach PC: M. Bilbrey / R. Swift P: C. Capola AM: L. Mitchell BM: E. Schmidt package each serving in individual en and welcome sharing their recipe are a ginger lover’s dream! Ground containers or resealable bags of six secrets! Tell them they’re going to be ginger and crystallized ginger make sharing the story behind their choice. cookies per serving. the flavor pop on these cookies, Easy Lemon Cookie Truffles – Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – This which are crispy on the outside and tasty recipe crinkles from the confec- This is a perfect no-bake option. chewy inside.

6. Share stories via video conference. Many guests like to tell the stories behind their cookies. By scheduling time to connect, you’ll likely hear some heartwarming or hilarious anecdotes and maybe even some helpful tidbits.

Sugar Cookie Thumbprints with Spiced Jam – Inspired by a bakery treat, this holiday twist on a classic uses cinnamon or ginger-spiced jam.

7. Have fun. Take time to ask how everyone has been and give them a chance to share what other traditions they’re planning this year. While the party is about cookies, it’s also about connecting, having fun and picking up a few new recipes to try.

Pecan Cookie Balls – These buttery melt-in-your-mouth cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cakes, make a great addition to any holiday cookie exchange.

Find these recipes and more by visiting McCormick.com/CookieExchange.

With a little creativity and the perfect cookie recipe, you can reinvent your favorite baking traditions for a safe and festive holiday season.

POWERING NEIGHBORS. EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES.

We power a city of neighborhoods. Whether through charitable contributions or sponsoring community initiatives in education, arts & culture and the environment, we’re proud to support the organizations and people that make each of Chicago’s neighborhoods a better place to live and work.

Learn more about grants and resources available to you or your organization at ComEd.com/CommunityPrograms www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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Stronger Communities

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Located inside your Walmart Supercenter on South Stewart, Walmart Health is here for you whether or not you have insurance. With upfront pricing and services provided by professionals invested in your community, Walmart Health Center gives the care you deserve at a price you can afford. Live better without spending more.

Stop in, visit WalmartHealth.com, or call 773.420.1259 to ďŹ nd out more about your Walmart Health Center and services available to you and yours.

8331 S Stewart Ave WALCO21043M7_10x13_AG_HealthCenter_Ad_v06.indd 1

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Welcome to your new Walmart Health Center, Auburn Gresham

8 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

Moving forward as a community The pandemic and humanitarian crisis has brought us together with intensified passion and resilience. At Bank of America, we remain focused on supporting the well-being of our teammates, providing the essential financial services our clients need and helping local communities across the country move forward.

Here in Chicago, we’ve donated masks to local partners to distribute to those most at risk.

We’ve provided lending to local small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help strengthen our local economy. And we continue to partner with local nonprofits and organizations that are working to advance racial equality and economic opportunity in the communities we serve.

We’re grateful for our employees, who have worked tirelessly to support our clients. And we are especially grateful to the healthcare and essential workers who have helped Chicago recover.

My teammates and I remain fully committed to the work to come in 2021 and beyond.

Paul Lambert Chicago Market President

Working together Grateful for our partners in Chicago who gave our community support when it needed it most.

126,000 PPE masks donated 7,810 PPP small business client loans totaling $691 million Bank of America employees

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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10 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

CITIZEN On The Move

The Players Alliance along with the Acclivus Organization Teamed up For Giveaway On South Side

Former Jackie Robinson player Jason Haywood, now a Chicago Cubs was on hand participating in the community give back efforts this past weekend. This effort and dozens like it are bringing much needed cheers to communities across the city. Thanks to MLB executives, The CUBS organization, White Six, Chicago Food Depository, Acclivus and everyone involved that help to make this event a success. photos by L.M. Warbington

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CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

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12 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 16, 2020

The all-new Hyundai ELANTRA. Tech-savvy, sleek and seriously dripping.

Designed for the young at heart, this sleek compact sedan offers a fully integrated tech experience with flavor you can savor right at your fingertips. Imagine a Digital Key that locks, unlocks, and starts your ride along with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Mix in Dynamic Voice Recognition that allows you to roll down your windows, pop your trunk, and control the temperature with your voice. Suddenly you have an intuitive, tech-savvy car designed for better living without breaking the bank. Now that’s dripping.

Preproduction model shown with optional features. Near Field Communication (NFC) digital smartphone key requires a compatible Android smartphone and an appropriately equipped 2021 Elantra. Not all Android devices are compatible. The Elantra must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Lock/unlock functionality works on driver’s door only. See your Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Dynamic Voice Recognition varies by unit. Speak in a normal voice and minimize background noise for best results. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2020 Hyundai Motor America.