Citizen Suburban Times 2-1-2023

VISITS RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL TO TALK CULINARY WITH AREA STUDENTS

Rich Township High School is proud to announce that one of Chicago’s famous chefs has brought his inspiration to the Raptor Community. Chef Camerron Dangerfield visited the south suburban school for a one-on-one experience with culinary students.

PHOTO CREDIT: STH Media LLC.

New state laws taking effect Jan. 1

2X FOOD NETWORK WINNER CHEF CAMERRON DANGERFIELD VISITS

Minimum wage hike, pets in public housing among new changes

RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL TO TALK CULINARY WITH AREA STUDENTS

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD

– Minimum

wage workers in Illinois will see a boost in their hourly pay to $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, while tenants in affordable housing units will be allowed to keep pets.

Those are just some of the more than 300 new laws that take effect in the new year.

The minimum wage increase is actually the result of a 2019 law that phases in a state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. This year, it will increase by one dollar to $12 an hour.

The law allowing public housing

BY JUEL STANLEY

tenants to keep pets is the result of Senate Bill 154, by Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego. It provides that tenants of multifamily housing units that are acquired, built or renovated with money from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund may keep up to two cats or one dog weighing less than 50 pounds.

It applies to residents of housing units that are designated as affordable housing for low- and very-lowincome families. The bill passed both chambers in its final form on May 30 and Gov. JB Pritzker signed it into law Aug. 6.

Other new laws include:

Vehicle taxes: SB58 raises the private vehicle tax, which is a sales tax paid on the purchase of vehicles, by $75 for each model year where the purchase price is less than $15,000 and by $100 for vehicles priced above that amount. However, the registration fee for trailers weighing less than 3,000 pounds will drop to $36 instead of $118.

Rich Township High School is proud to announce that one of Chicago’s famous chefs has brought his inspiration to the Raptor Community. Chef Camerron Dangerfield visited the south suburban school for a one-on-one experience with culinary students. The arrival of the two-time Food Network winner was a complete shock and a memorable experience for the culi-nary department. Rich Township Culinary Department is one of the newest prominent pro-grams that provide students with an incentive to explore entrepreneurship as chefs. The wide-spread curriculum provides students with a wealth of information on food safety and best cooking practices. The diverse program encourages students to create food that is meaningful to them. Superintendent Johnnie Thomas says the culinary department hopes to have more “Chef Camerron’s.”

Darrell Garth President / Publisher

Garth President Publisher

Darrell Garth President / Publisher

“One of the greatest things I can witness is Rich Township students thriving and birthing their talents. It’s an honor to see so many of our culinary students exercise a great passion for the food they create and be receptive to instructors who will help develop them. Chef Camerron is such a great model and example for students because, like many of us, we come from all dif-ferent backgrounds. The fact that his story can be universally shared on a great platform like The Food Network is remarkable for us as faculty to see and our students,” says Superinten-dent Thomas.

Janice Garth Sales Manager/General Manager

Janice Garth Sales Manager/General Manager

Janice Garth Sales Manager/ General Manager

College admissions: HB226, establishing the Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, prohibits public colleges and universities from requiring applicants to submit SAT, ACT or other standardized test scores as part of the admissions process, although prospective students may choose to submit them if they wish.

The Chicago Native Teaches Culinary Practices That Go Beyond Food And “How To Make The Best Out Of Life After High School”. The Culinary Students Were Provided The Opportunity To Gain One On One Coaching

“Chicago Style” seasonings and diverse pal-ette has earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative chefs in the industry. Chef Dangerfield’s passion for food began at a young age, and he then honed his skills through ex-tensive training and experience in some of the best kitchens in the world. One of his passions is pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine, which has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Rich Township students hope to have more speakers and influencers like him to gain a wealth of knowledge.

From Notable Chef

CST Weekly, published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issues annually). W ritten permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or part from the General manager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is every Monday at noon. For information on subscriptions or advertising call us at (773) 783-1251. Our office is located at 8741 S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

CST Weekly,published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issuesannually). W ritten permission isrequired to reproduce contents inwholeor part from the Generalmanager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibilityfor nor are weable to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is everyMonday at noon. For information on subscriptions oradvertising call us at (773)783-1251. Our office is locatedat 8741S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

CST Weekly,published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issuesannually). W ritten permission isrequired to reproduce contents inwholeor part from the Generalmanager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibilityfor nor are weable to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is everyMonday at noon. For information on subscriptions oradvertising call us at (773)783-1251. Our office is locatedat 8741S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

Editorial:

Drug prices: SB1682 requires pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale.

Chef Dangerfield’s presence for local students was a special treat due to his reputation for cre-ating a unique blend of flavors and techniques. His

“It’s important that we expose our students to countless opportunities that will push them to higher heights with dreaming. Our culinary department is very promising, and it continues to pave the way for our students to express themselves through the power of food. We want to thank Chef Dangerfield for taking the time to come teach our students about his journey as a chef and how to create their own. Our culinary students see a long-term future in serving oth-ers, and food is a beautiful way of doing it. It was a teaching moment our students will never forget,” says Principal Lynn Fields Jr.

Almost 2 Million Dollars in Scholarships Awarded to South Suburban Students at HBCU Band Auditions

RICHTON PARK, ILL. — Band students from Rich Township 227, Hillcrest High School and Southland College Prep Charter High School were offered almost 2 million dollars in four-year band scholarships last month at the annual HBCU band auditions event held at Southland College Prep.

Eighteen students auditioned for spots at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) bands, said Dr. Carl Cogar, the director of fine arts at Southland College Prep who started the audition event in 2018.

Gov. JB Pritzker is shown here earlier this year in a Capitol News Illinois file photo. The governor signed more than 300 bills that become law on Jan. 1. (Capitol News Illinois file photo)

University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Grambling State University, North Carolina A & T University, Clark Atlanta University, Texas College, Virginia State University, Allen University, Central State University, Claflin University, Miles College, Talladega College, Morehouse College, Delaware State University, Tuskegee University, Wiley College, Langston University, Mississippi Valley State University and Fisk University to name a few.

Editorial:

Editorial:

Send press releases,newstips, calendar listingetc. to: editorial@cstweekly.com

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

Send press releases,newstips, calendar listingetc. to: editorial@cstweekly.com

Advertising advertising@cstweekly.com

Advertising advertising@cstweekly.com

FOID card changes: HB562 enacts several changes to the Firearm Owner Identification card law. Among other things, it provides for a streamlined renewal process for FOID cards and Concealed Carry Licenses for people who voluntarily submit fingerprint records. It also allows the Illinois State Police to issue a combined FOID card and Concealed Carry License to qualified applicants, and it establishes a new Violent Crime Intelligence Task Force to take enforcement action against people with revoked FOID cards.

to the appropriate school support personnel.

“Being a part of the marching band at an HBCU is a life-changing experience,” Cogar said. “We wanted to give our students in the south suburbs the opportunity to audition for some of the best bands in the country in person and have the chance to go to college on a band scholarship.”

Advertising advertising@cstweekly.com

Classifieds call us at (773) 783-1251

Classifieds call us at (773) 783-1251

Classifieds call us at (773) 783-1251

Student mental health: HB576 and SB1577 allow students in Illinois up to five excused absences to attend to their mental or behavioral health without providing a medical note. Those students will be given an opportunity to make up any work they missed during the first absence and, after using a second mental health day, may be referred

Official flags: HB605 requires state agencies and institutions to purchase Illinois and American flags that are made in the United States.

Hair styles: SB817 prohibits discrimination in schools against individuals on the grounds of wearing natural or ethnic hairstyles, which include dreadlocks, braids, twists and afros.

its public health authorities from regulating or shutting down lemonade stands or similar operations that are operated by children under the age of 16. Known as “Hayli’s Law,” it was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was shut down by local officials.

Twenty-seven HBCU band directors made their way to the Richton Park high school campus on December 20 to hear promising young musicians. The directors were in Chicago for the 76th annual Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra conference.

The universities and colleges included Hampton University,

Lemonade stands: SB119 prohib-

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Each student auditioned for a minimum of six colleges and universities. Each school offered students a scholarship in excess of $32,000 for four years. Some schools offered students full band and academic scholarships. One Southland student received scholarship offers of more than $320,000. Cogar estimates that students earned “well over” $1.7 million in scholarship offers.

United States. In June, President Joe Biden also signed a bill designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Ron Harrigan, Southland’s director of bands, was excited to see his students walk away from the evening with scholarship offers in hand.

Juneteenth: HB3922 recognizes June 19, or “Juneteenth,” as an official state holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

“This event gives students a chance to earn a college education through their musical skills and talent,” Harrigan said. “Getting scholarship offers is a reward for their years of hard work and dedication.”

His “Chicago Style” seasonings and diverse palette has earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative chefs in the industry.

ColorComm’s 6th Annual NextGen Fellows Program Will Connect HBCU Students and Graduates with the Nation’s Leading Media, Tech, and Corporate Firms

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- ColorComm, Inc., the nation’s leading women’s platform addressing diversity & inclusion across the communications, marketing, advertising, and media industries, will host the 6th Annual NextGen Fellows Program with a summit & recruiting day on Friday, Feb. 24. The program will connect Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) students with Fortune 500 companies, agencies, brands, and corporations to recruit students for internships and fulltime positions.

The year-long program will provide HBCU students and recent graduates with access to decision makers, formal mentorship, professional development workshops, and access to ColorComm’s Network of more than 100,000 multicultural professionals. Participants will meet with executive leaders and will learn hiring strategies and best practices on how to land coveted internships and full-time positions at some of the most desired places to work.

The HBCU Fellows Program is an exclusive program where applicants will be evaluated on academic achievement and how they contribute to their communities. There is no cost associated to apply for the fellowship.

“Our focus is about securing jobs for our HBCU fellows and preparing the next generation of leaders to be successful in the workforce,” said Lauren Wesley Wilson, Founder and CEO, ColorComm.

Participating HBCU Schools Include:

Alabama A&M University

Claflin University

Clark Atlanta University

Delaware State University

Elizabeth City State University

Florida A&M University

Hampton University

Howard University

Jackson State University

Morgan State University

North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Central University

Spelman College

Tougaloo College

Tuskegee University

For more information, visit www. colorcomm.com, www.colorcommnetwork.com or www.colorcommmediagroup.com.

Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health Partner to Create College of Medicine

NEW ORLEANS, PRNewswire -- Xavier University of Louisiana (Xavier) and Ochsner Health (Ochsner) announced an agreement to establish a joint College of Medicine. The two institutions will create a strong physician pipeline that addresses longstanding inequities within the nation’s health care system and builds the health care workforce of the future. By anchoring their partnership with a College of Medicine, Xavier and Ochsner affirm their legacy of advancing health care excellence and education for the next generation, bringing new opportunities to marginalized populations in Louisiana and the United States.

To launch the College of Medicine, Ochsner and Xavier will form a nonprofit corporation, create a new curriculum and use facilities, personnel, and administrative processes of both institutions. The new College of Medicine will be governed by a board of directors nominated by Ochsner and Xavier, with each institution appointing an equal number of directors.

This initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between Ochsner and Xavier that dates to the early 1980s, when Ochsner and Xavier’s College of Pharmacy came together to offer more clinical training sites for pharmacy students. Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is the oldest in Louisiana and has for years been among the top in the nation in producing African American graduates with Doctor of Pharmacy degrees.

“Our work with Ochsner and other partners who hold close to their hearts a vision of healing a broken world is a testament to Xavier’s mission to promote a more just and humane society,” said Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Xavier was bestowed that mission by our founders St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament almost a century ago. Our dedication to preparing more Black health care professionals in our fight against health inequity is our answer to the call of our nation’s critical need and makes their legacy proud.”

XULA and Ochsner: A Legacy of Collaboration

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world and disproportionately affected people of color, highlighting health disparities faced by historically marginalized communities. Ochsner Health and Xavier again forged partnerships to improve health equity through new graduate programs in health sciences and the establishment of the Ochsner Health and Xavier University Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER). A few years before, Xavier and Ochsner also worked to improve diversity within the health sciences through a memorandum of understanding to establish a new Physician Assistant (PA) Program. In May 2022, Ochsner and Xavier celebrated the first graduating class of 37 students in the full-time graduate PA Program, which leads to a master’s degree in health sciences and trains the next generation of providers to make a meaningful impact on health care.

“Ochsner has a long and rich history of excellence in medical education, and we are honored to continue our work with Xavier to improve the health of our state and region,” said Pete November, CEO of Ochsner Health. “The Xavier medical students will get outstanding

clinical training in our integrated health care system, and this significant expansion of our partnership with Xavier demonstrates our commitment to training the next generation of health care providers to solve the critical shortage of physicians in the United States and meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve.”

In 2022, Xavier became an integral advisory board partner for Healthy State by 2030, an ambitious plan to lift Louisiana off the bottom of national health rankings. Collectively, partners across multiple sectors and industries from across the state are committed to comprehensive public health initiatives, education, and outreach.

“Investing in education, training and workforce development is critical to building a healthier state and stronger communities. Our partnership with Xavier furthers our Healthy State mission of enhancing diversity among health care providers, which has been linked to better care for diverse communities of our region and throughout the nation,” said Dr. Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer for Ochsner Health. “We must work together to solve the challenges faced in our health care workforce and ensure communities across the country have access to the highest quality of care.”

Closing the National and Local Workforce Gap

For decades, Xavier University of Louisiana has produced more African American students and students of color who achieve medical degrees and doctorates in the health sciences than any other higher education institution in the nation. Ochsner, the largest academic health care system in Louisiana, has a long history of training medical students, residents, and fellows. Ochsner is invested in excellent health care, workforce development and education of communities throughout the Gulf South. The institutions are uniquely positioned to co-lead efforts in closing the health care workforce gap.

“With their historic agreement to establish a College of Medicine at one of the nation’s top HBCUs, Xavier and Ochsner have heeded the call to shape the health of the state, the country, and the world for generations to come,” said Dr. Anne McCall, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of Xavier University of Louisiana.

Research shows an urgent need for an HBCU College of Medicine now, as demand for doctors is expected to grow. Louisiana is projected to rank third nationally for a shortage of physicians by 2030, according to a Human Resources for Health analysis. Representation of African Americans within medicine lags, as they comprise 5% of the nation’s physicians -- although Black and African American populations account for 13% of U.S. residents. A new College of Medicine with Xavier, a high-ranking HBCU, and Ochsner, a high-performing academic health system with experience in training medical students, will result in representation among medical practitioners with excellent health care training, which is critical to bettering health outcomes by increasing quality of care, access, and patient trust in their health care providers.

To learn more, please visit www.xula.edu and www.ochsner.org.

PRNewsFoto

6 Smartphone Tips for Traveling Internationally in 2023

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- With pent up demand for travel after years of restrictions, international travel options are gaining in popularity. The U.S. dollar is strong, making international travel especially attractive, and according to a recent survey by MMGY Travel Intelligence, a quarter of Americans with travel plans within the next six months are expecting to travel internationally, the highest percentage in three years.

The experts at UScellular are here to help you navigate through your international travel connectivity questions.

An important aspect of deciding to travel internationally is your access to smartphone connectivity, either using your mobile plan or the availability of public Wi-Fi. You may be asking yourself if your phone will work, how much it will cost and if you even want to use it while on vacation. The experts at UScellular are here to help you navigate through these questions and more with the following six tips:

Check Your Plan: Before leaving on an international trip, determine how much you plan to use your phone and prepare for any unexpected usage. Then, check with your carrier about international plan options for your destination and to ensure your phone is compatible with global travel. In addition to offering plans that include calls, text and data while traveling in Canada and Mexico, UScellular has affordable international day passes and monthly plans to meet a variety of travel needs.

Get a Messaging App: If you want to stay in contact with friends and family at home, have everyone download an app such as Skype or What’s App so you can send messages or video chat in a variety of countries. These apps aren’t tied to your phone number and allow you to connect securely using Wi-Fi if you don’t want to use your mobile plan.

Download Maps: If you are planning to walk, bike or drive to unfamiliar locations and are unsure of your connectivity, you can download maps on to your Apple or Android device and access them offline using Google Maps. After you download an

area, use the Google Maps app just like you normally would, and the offline map will guide you to your destination as long as the entire route is within the offline map.

Speak Their Language: Going to an area where residents don’t speak your native language? Google Translate helps you communicate in hundreds of languages by typing or speaking words or phrases into the app. Similar to Google Maps, you can also download languages you need for offline use.

Avoid Unintended Usage: One way to avoid unintended app usage and potential data charges is to turn off data roaming in your phone’s settings. It’s also a good idea to disable any apps that run in the background, turn off notifications and limit automatic app updates.

Stay in “Airplane Mode:” According to a Booking.com survey, 53% of people say phone and internet connection at their destination is essential, but you may want to relax without interruption. An easy way to ensure you aren’t bothered – but still have it for emergencies – is to keep your phone on Airplane Mode upon arrival.

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2023. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www. uscellular.com.

ENNISMORE ANNOUNCES

JO&JOE’S FIRST NORTH AMERICAN HOTEL, WITH SIGNING OF TULUM, MEXICO

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, with owner and developer, Soda Urbana, announce the first JO&JOE development in North and Central America, JO&JOE Tulum set to open at the end of 2024.

JO&JOE Tulum will offer 300 beds with approximately 84 guest rooms, including 45 private rooms, 30 small dorms, 9 large dorms and a handful of suites, ideally catering to the lifestyle hostel experience which travellers continue to look for in Tulum. Other amenities will include a bar, restaurant, open kitchen, guest laundry room, locker room and a 50 sq. m. meeting room catering for the wide-ranging guest mix. JO&JOE Tulum will be part of a new mix-use development that will also house 12 retail outlets and a rooftop bar.

JO&JOE is a hybrid hospitality concept designed to meet the needs and expectations of millennials and global explorers who are optimistic, self-confident, and ambitious. JO&JOE combines the very best of traditional hotels with the features and friendliness of a youth hostel to offer a new shared accommodation experience for couples, families, friends on vacation or work colleagues traveling on business. JO&JOE is more stylish and comfier than traditional youth hostels, featuring affordable F&B and a range of events guided by cheerful staff, yet easier on the wallet than conventional hotels, making this hotel the first of its kind in Tulum.

Francois Leclerc, Deputy Brand COO of JO&JOE at Ennismore, said: “JO&JOE has landed in North America, and we’re excited to welcome our fans and guests to Tulum when we open our doors in 2024. JO&JOE’s ethos is about bringing people together – both international guests and locals – and creating a likeminded and free-spirited community based creative expression and sports. Tulum will be a great addition to the growing JO&JOE family.”

The hotel is conveniently situated on Avenue Coba Sur, located less than 2 km from the relaxing Tulum Beach with many water sports and outdoor activities and 3 km from bustling Downtown Tulum offering a plethora of options to enjoy live music, restaurants, souvenir shops, nightclubs and much more. Tulum is part of the Mayan Riviera in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, located a reasonable 118 km southwest of Cancun’s International airport. The town is reputed as bohemian fishing town with many historic and hippy chic establishments, making it the perfect location for JO&JOE which offers a unique lifestyle hostel experience that guests continue to look for in Tulum, but with the reliability and systems of Ennismore and Accor.

Lifestyle is one of the fastest-growing segments of the hospitality industry, and Ennismore is leading the way with its collective of 14 brands representing 103 operating hotels with a further 140+ in the pipeline and over 150 restaurants and bars. In 2023, Ennismore is set to open over 30 hotels including Maison Delano Paris, France; Mama Shelter, Rennes, France; SO/ Uptown Dubai, UAE; 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis, USA; TRIBE Bangkok, Thailand; Mondrian Singapore, Singapore; The Hoxton, Charlottenburg, Germany and Mondrian and Hyde Ibiza, Spain.

An executive of Soda Urbana expressed: “We are thrilled to include JO&JOE as part of our mix-use community. Our development will become a destination for travellers visiting to Tulum, offering an energized mix of elements that we have carefully selected. We have a well-differentiated brand that will include distinctive JO&JOE amenities to offer a unique guest experience and events that will attract both visitors and locals.”

Soda Urbana is a Mexican company with more than 12 years of experience in investment, development, marketing, and management of real estate projects. Soda Urbana is an important partner for Ennismore and Accor that is enthused with the brand and is excited to bring a showcase JO&JOE property to Mexico.

For more information, visit ennismore.com.

PRNewsFoto

Macy’s Honors Black Stories and Creators in Celebration of Black History Month

NEW YORK -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Macy’s honors the history, resilience and contributions of Black Americans through Black History. Black Brilliance. this February. Beginning February 1, Macy’s will launch a special monthlong round-up and donation campaign in stores and online at macys.com to benefit UNCF (United Negro College Fund), raising scholarship funds for promising students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Additionally, Macy’s, through its social purpose platform Mission Every One, will spotlight Black-owned brands, hosting online shopping events, and more in its ongoing commitment to take action to empower and support diverse businesses.

“This Black History Month, we’re furthering Macy’s mission of building a brighter future with bold representation for our colleagues, customers, and communities by spotlighting and celebrating the history, accomplishments, and resilience of Black Americans throughout our stores and across our brands,” said Shawn Outler, Macy’s chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer. “Through Mission Every One, we work with our communities and UNCF to raise critical funding that will empower the next generation of leaders, enabling growth and leadership through HBCU educational opportunities.”

Community Give-Back

Mission Every One, Macy’s social purpose platform, directs social impact work to the causes and communities that help shape a brighter future for all, breaking down barriers to equity and representation and empowering young people. In celebration of Black History Month, Macy’s continues its partnership with UNCF the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. Chartered to serve HBCUs, youth and the nation, UNCF supports college student education and development through scholarships and educational programs, aids and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness.

From now through February 28, Macy’s customers can directly impact and empower the next generation of Black leaders in local communities nationwide through a charitable round-up campaign to fund scholarships for students set to attend or already enrolled in HBCUs. Customers can donate online or round-up their in-store purchase amount and donate the extra change, up to $0.99, supporting Macy’s Brighter Futures Scholarship Fund.

Since 2021, Macy’s has raised more than $2 million for UNCF, benefiting more than 100 HBCU students through academic and emergency aid scholarships that support their degree completion. Funds generated from this campaign will continue to provide scholarship aid and academic support for Black youth across the United States.

Black Brilliance Takes Center Stage

This February, as part of that commitment to fuel accelerated growth and amplify diverse-owned brands, select Black-owned brands will be highlighted in-store and online via macys.com, in marketing and on Macy’s social.

Black-owned brands featured this February include: Aminah, a luxury shoe brand known for its bold yet

feminine design aesthetic

Beauty Stat, premium quality skincare with ingredients that are scientifically proven to be effective combined with patented technology, that works fast

Buttah. by Dorion Renaud, a skincare line of products geared towards melanin-rich skin

Harlem Candle Co., a luxury home fragrance brand by Teri Johnson that specializes in scented candles inspired by Harlem’s Jazz Age and its legendary residents

Healthy Roots, a toy company by Yelitsa Jean-Charles that works to create dolls that empower young girls

Nude Barre, a bodywear collection created by Erin Car-

allows shoppers to easily find and support these designers. This partnership is another avenue in which Macy’s is elevating and supporting Black-owned brands, a commitment reinforced by the company when it signed the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Since joining the long-term pact Macy’s has increased its number of Black-owned brands by eight times, with product sold nationwide.

Black History. Black Brilliance. will also be on display in Macy’s iconic Herald Square windows during the month of February. From February 3 to 27, customers can enjoy displays created for Macy’s by Harlem’s Fashion Row Designers, with images hand-painted by Brooklyn-based artist, Ashley Buttercup.

Partners for a Brighter Future

In addition to UNCF, Macy’s, Inc. will continue to create positive change for the Black community through its longtime commitment to various nationwide and local organizations focused on education, economic development and social justice. This includes providing grants to a variety of organizations like 100 Black Men of America, Inc.; Black Retail Action Group (BRAG); National Action Network (NAN); NAACP – NY Chapter; National Urban League; Thurgood Marshall College Fund; and the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

penter to reclaim and revolutionize shapewear featuring 12 unique shades that close the representational gap

OMA The Label, a jewelry line created by Neumi Anekhe to diversity fashion and beauty standards

Soap Distillery® by Danielle Martin, a sustainable line of cocktail scented soaps, candles and bath & body products that offer a unique twist on scent-based goods

SPGBK (pronounced ‘Spring Break’), a vibrant and colorful watch brand by Kwame Molden that helps customers express their authenticity.

These brands’ unique stories will also be featured as part of Macy’s ongoing Black History. Black Brilliance. showcase via macys.com/purpose. In addition, “Macy’s Live” will host a live shopping event on February 14 highlighting an array of Black-owned products, co-hosted by Dorion Renaud, owner of Buttah Skin.

Alongside this month’s featured product, Macy’s will launch rotating product pavilions in 275 stores nationwide, highlighting the company’s social purpose work through Mission Every One. The pavilions will feature product from diverse owned brands throughout the year. Product on display in February will bring Black History. Black Brilliance. in-store by featuring exclusive products from Black-owned brands, Coco Michele and Puzzle Huddle.

In partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s have joined the organization’s new shopping directory called HFR&Co., which provides curated lists of emerging Black and Latino-owned designers for consumers to shop. By providing a list of brands, the platform

New this year, Macy’s has also committed $50k to support a survey piloted by The Steve Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. In partnership with UNCF the survey will address emerging needs, themes, and priorities on HBCU campuses.

Additionally, Macy’s Future of Style Fund, an initiative promoting bold representation in design, styling and sustainability, is supplying Clark Atlanta University with a $100k grant to provide deserving students with scholarships. The grant will also provide total programming support including funding hands on learning experiences, and updated technology.

Authenticity is at the heart of all Macy’s social impact work. Leadership Development and representation are engrained into Macy’s culture by the Black Employee Resource Group (ERG), ONYX. Serving as an important resource for the Black colleagues at Macy’s, ONYX promotes career development while supporting company business priorities, objectives, and brand values. With a focus on the recruitment of premier talent and the retention/mentorship of Black executives, ONYX is committed to community service and volunteerism impacting Black communities.

This February, Macy’s colleagues will have the opportunity to participate in an in-person learning event focused on leadership skills and colleague development, attend panel discussions on Macy’s initiatives including S.P.U.R. Pathways - a funding program to advance entrepreneurial growth, close wealth gaps and shatter systemic barriers faced by diverse-owned and underrepresented businesses-, partake in volunteer mentoring opportunities with Figure Skating in Harlem, and join a discussion with JOY Collective on Black Beauty and The Crown Act.

For more information and to shop the collections visit macys.com/purpose.

Bring the Family Together with Breakfast for Dinner

(Family Features) Despite busy lives and full schedules, finding time for regular meals with loved ones encourages connections and conversations that can benefit mental and physical well-being. Gathering your family, friends, coworkers or neighbors at least once a week to spend time together over a meal provides opportunities to decompress and socialize.

If you’re looking for a little delicious inspiration, the American Heart Association recommends scheduling one night per week to create a recurring tradition and enjoy favorites such as breakfast for dinner. Recipes like Egg, Avocado and Black Bean Breakfast Burritos; Huevos Rancheros; and Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls from the Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best, are perfectly suited for sharing while making time to destress at the dinner table.

In fact, according to a study by “Canadian Family Physician,” regular meals at home with loved ones can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel connected with mealtime conversations that allow a chance to unplug and unwind.

Meals don’t have to be elaborate for a successful evening together. Despite the perceived effort involved with preparing a meal, research published in “Preventive Medicine” shows those who have frequent meals with others, particularly parents with their children, may improve social and emotional well-being.

In addition to the mental and emotional benefits of meals with loved ones, eating together can also encourage healthier choices when better-for-you recipes are on the menu. Dining as a group can provide inspiration to try heart-healthy recipes that include the wide variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and healthy protein sources recommended by the American Heart Association to help prevent heart disease and stroke.

To find recipe ideas, conversation starters and more tips for mealtime, visit heart.org/together.

Huevos Rancheros

Servings: 4

Salsa:

1 teaspoon canola oil

1/2 cup diced yellow onion

1/2 cup diced poblano pepper, seeds and ribs discarded

1 small fresh jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs discarded, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons water

1/4 teaspoon salt

Huevos Rancheros:

1 teaspoon canola oil

4 large eggs

4 corn tortillas (6 inches), warm

1 can (15 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup shredded low-fat Mexican cheese blend

Egg, Avocado and Black Bean Breakfast Burritos

Servings: 4

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/3 cups liquid egg whites

1 can (15 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

4 whole-wheat tortillas (6 inches, lowest sodium available)

2 medium avocados, sliced

1/4 cup hot sauce or salsa (lowest sodium available, optional)

Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick

1 small avocado, quartered and sliced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1 medium lime, cut into four wedges (optional)

To make salsa: In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 2 minutes, or until almost soft, stirring frequently. Cook poblano and jalapeno peppers 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic. Cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, water and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm. To make huevos rancheros: In medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil, swirling to coat bottom. Cook eggs 3-4 minutes, or until whites are set and edges are fully cooked. Place one tortilla on each plate. Top each tortilla with beans and one egg, being careful not to break yolk. Gently top each egg with warm salsa, cheese and avocado slices. Sprinkle each serving with cilantro and serve with lime wedge, if desired.

cooking spray. Heat over medium heat.

In skillet, stir egg whites constantly with rubber spatula to scramble. Cook until eggs are almost set. Add beans, stirring until combined and heated through.

Microwave tortillas on high 45 seconds. Transfer to work surface.

Spread egg mixture in center of each tortilla. Top with the avocado and hot sauce, if desired.

For each burrito, fold two sides of tortilla toward center. Starting from closest unfolded side, roll burrito toward remaining unfolded side to enclose filling. Transfer with seam side down to plates.

‘A Wonderful World’ Coming to Chicago

Broadway In Chicago, along with producers Thomas E. Rodgers Jr., Renee Rodgers, Andrew Delaplaine, and Martian Entertainment (Carl D. White and Gregory Rae), are thrilled to announce A Wonderful World, A New Musical about the Life and Loves of Louis Armstrong will play a pre-Broadway engagement in Chicago this fall with Tony Award® winner James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin) starring as Armstrong. Mirroring Armstrong’s own musical path from New Orleans to Chicago, A Wonderful World will premiere at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, LA from October 1-8, before coming to Chicago for a strictly limited engagement from October 11-29, at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre.

A Wonderful World will be part of the 2023 Fall Season and will go on sale to subscribers later this spring. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago. com. Individual tickets for A Wonderful World will go on sale at a later date. For more details, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

A Wonderful World is the singular story of jazz legend, Grammy Award® winner, and American icon Louis Armstrong, as told by the women in his life. Armstrong’s innovative musicianship and incredible charisma as trumpet player and vocalist would lead him from the early days of jazz in his native New Orleans to five decades of international stardom.

Conceived by Drama Desk Award winner and Tony Award nominee, Christopher Renshaw (Broadway’s The King and I, Taboo), and novelist Andrew Delaplaine, A Wonderful World has an original book by author Aurin Squire (“This is Us,” “The Good Fight,” “Evil”) and features

songs recorded and made popular by Armstrong. Wife and husband team Annastasia Victory (Caroline, or Change; Once on This Island) and Michael O. Mitchell (MJ the Musical, Motown), provide original music, arrangements, orchestrations and music direction. Renshaw directs the production, with choreography by Rickey Tripp (Associate Choreographer for Broadway’s Once on This Island and Choir Boy). Christina Sajous serves as Associate Director and Aurelia Michael as Associate Choreographer.

Iglehart won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor for his comedic turn as the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin and has appeared on Broadway in Chicago, Hamilton and Freestyle Love Supreme. His television and film credits include the Netflix series “Maniac,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Elementary,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Disney’s Disenchanted. Iglehart has lent his voice to many animated characters for Disney, Nickelodeon and Apple TV. Iglehart has written stories for Marvel Comic Books and lent his voice to many animated characters for Disney, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and Apple TV.

Casting is by Duncan Stewart CSA, Stewart/Whitley, Consulting Producer is Irene Gandy with General Management by Martian Entertainment. Additional casting and design team will be announced soon.

Miami New Drama (Artistic Director Michel Hausmann; Managing Director Nicholas Richberg) produced the World Premiere production of A Wonderful World on December 11, 2021 at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach, FL.

For tickets and more information for both New Orleans and Chicago engagements, please visit www.louisarmstrongmusical.com.

Nicor Gas commits $250,000 to support National Energy Education Development Project’s “Energizing Student Potential” initiative

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Expanding on its commitment to enable economic opportunity through educational programming and early interest in the energy industry, Nicor Gas is committing $250,000 over five years to support the National Energy Education Development Project’s (NEED) “Energizing Student Potential” (ESP) initiative in Illinois, bringing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects to local classrooms.

As one of the founding partners of the Illinois initiative to encourage elementary and middle school students to discover their own path to innovation, Nicor Gas has provided $350,000 in grant funding since 2015. With this support, NEED has worked with nearly 400 schools, 700 teachers and more than 91,000 students across Illinois over the last seven years.

“At Nicor Gas, we believe that educating students about careers in STEM fields, and in the energy and natural gas industry in particular, should begin at an early age,” said Pat Whiteside, senior vice president of Operations at Nicor Gas. “With our support over the next five years, NEED will have the ability to support approximately 280 additional schools, 450 teachers and 65,000 students across our Northern Illinois service territory and across the state.”

Through the ESP initiative, NEED brings interactive and compelling STEM-based, energy-focused activities that educate students on a variety of energy sources, electricity generation, natural gas, climate science, energy efficiency and more.

“Thanks to the support of our founding partners like Nicor Gas, we are able to reach more Illinois teachers and students with exciting, hands-on opportunities that bring the energy

industry to life,” said Mary Spruill, executive director of NEED. “With this donation, we can ensure that our balanced and multidisciplinary education programs continue to open the minds of children to the potential of STEM careers from a young age.”

Recently, Nicor Gas hosted more than 100 teachers at its headquarters in Naperville for a workshop on the science of energy and careers in the field. Participants also had the opportunity to visit the company’s state-of-the-art technical training center where employees learn how to respond to any potential natural gas service situation safely and effectively.

To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to educational initiatives, as well as free resources for teachers and students, visit: www. nicorgas.com/company/workforce-development.

Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.3 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.

Southern Company Gas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states, as well as approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas across the country. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of a natural gas storage facility. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

Her curiosity will illuminate the future

Currently, less than 10% of the STEM workforce is Black, despite the significant impact of Black inventors and scholars in the industry.

To celebrate Black History Month, ComEd’s STEM Lab program pairs Black ComEd employees with Black high school students interested in STEM. Our goal is to help the students see the possibilities of working in STEM while building robots with their mentors.

ComEd’s STEM Labs is a program specially made to encourage students of color and young women to pursue careers in STEM. Get notified about this program and other free STEM programs for students of color and young women at STEMSignUp.com/COMED

© Commonwealth Edison Company, 2023

2 Chainz to Headline 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands Halftime Show

ORRANCE, Calif., PRNewswire -- Multi-platinum, Grammy Award®-winning hip hop artist 2 Chainz will perform at the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), Feb. 18 at Alabama State University (ASU), the first time the nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands and dance teams has been held on an HBCU campus. As one of ASU’s most famous alumni, 2 Chainz will take the stage during the halftime show, celebrating Black culture and musical excellence.

“As an HBCU and Alabama State alum, I am always looking for ways to support the HBCU community and pay it forward and performing at this year’s Honda Battle of the Bands is an incredible way to accomplish it,” said 2 Chainz. “HBOB brings together my commitment to supporting HBCU culture and my love for music and I’m not only excited to perform but looking forward to seeing the talented student musicians shine.”

2 Chainz will join fellow ASU alumnus and legendary comedian Rickey Smiley who will host the HBOB live event. Emmy and two-time NAACP Image Award-winning host, comedian, actress, author and Prairie View A&M University alumna Loni Love will bring her talents to host the HBOB livestream.

For the 18th year of the HBOB Invitational Showcase, six HBCU marching bands have been chosen to show their talents and dedication by bringing high-energy performances to fans from all over the nation. The 2023 lineup includes: Alabama State University, Langston University, Morgan State University, Savannah State University, Texas Southern University, and Virginia State University.

Each of these six bands will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the HBOB Invitational Showcase in Montgomery, Alabama. Building on Honda’s longstanding support for HBCUs, each of the six participating universities also will receive a $50,000 grant from Honda.

“Honda Battle of the Bands has always been more than

just entertainment, but an opportunity to share the unique and critical role the nation’s HBCUs play in higher education and society,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “As Honda celebrates our more than 30-year relationship with HBCUs, we are excited to support the music education and career development programs for their students by providing a $50,000 grant to each participating school in this year’s HBOB Invitational Showcase.”

Honda also is supporting nonprofit organizations within the host city of Montgomery through $100,000 in local grants and $20,000 to two nonprofit organizations that partnered with Honda on a new mural installed on the ASU campus.

Ticket & Event Information

Tickets for the HBOB Invitational Showcase are on sale at www.hondabattleofthebands.com. Fans can join the conversation using #HBOB and follow along as the final six

bands’ journey commences to the Invitational Showcase on official HBOB social media channels: Facebook – Facebook.com/ HondaBattleoftheBands

Instagram – @the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda

Twitter – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda

Honda and Historically Black Colleges and Universities

For over 30 years, Honda has supported the success and dreams of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students through initiatives including the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands. These programs provide unforgettable experiences and opportunities for HBCU students, including meeting and networking with peers from other HBCU schools. Honda has impacted the lives of more than 200,000 students and awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facilities improvements.

To advance its leading investment in HBCUs, Honda is a member of the HBCU Partnership Challenge, a Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus initiative that brings together government, industry and HBCUs to create strategic, more sustainable HBCU partnerships. Honda also has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide annual scholarship funding to support HBCU students pursuing an education in engineering, supply chain management and manufacturing-related fields.

For more than 60 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its customers and associates live and work. Honda’s mission is to create products and services that improve lives while conducting business in a sustainable manner and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Advancing its corporate social responsibility, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation support this direction through giving focused on education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety and community.

Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.

(Black PR Wire) San Francisco, CA – With the recent championing of Afrobeats worldwide over the last several years, Nigeria is at the forefront of elevating Artists who continue to challenge the genre and expand its borders. The industry has seen cross border collaborations across pop, r&b, reggaeton, and dancehall to name a few. Olisae is an artist whose versatility allows him to be a new and expansive representative for Nigeria’s Afrobeats lineup of stars.

Having returned to the music scene hardcore in 2019, Olisae has developed a consistent output of singles that takes the listener on a variety of journeys from romantic and sexy to deep Amapiano club spins and uptempo dance vibes. Olisae is kicking off 2023 with two strong collaborations with local Nigeria fan favorites Skales and Slowdog. 2023 will also see the release of a new line of merchandise that crosses over into full streetwear to match his style and fashion sense as a model who can carry a brand.

Musically, Olisae is becoming known for his adept blending of multiple languages in his tracks and finding influence the world over from his travels abroad. As an artist that hails from Anambra State, Olisaedozie Aniebonam, better known to his fans as Olisae, will be spending half the year immersed in the US market recording, performing, and creating content to further his fan base.

Multi-platinum, Grammy Award®-winning hip hop artist 2 Chainz will perform at the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), February 18, at Alabama State University. PRNEWSFOTO/HONDA.

OLISAE IS HERE TO BE NIGERIA’S NEXT WAVE OF AFROBEATS ARTIST

Black History Facts

Black History Month: The celebration of Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Supreme Court Justice: Thurgood Marshall was the first African American ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. He was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and served on the court from 1967 to 1991.

First Senator: Hiram Rhodes Revels was the first African American ever elected to the U.S. Senate. He represented the state of Mississippi from February 1870 to March 1871.

First Woman Representative: Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to the House of Representatives. She was elected in 1968 and represented the state of New York. She broke ground again four years later in 1972 when she was the first major party African American candidate and the first female candidate for president of the United States.

Source: The History Channel, History.Com

Black Artists and Art

South Side Community Art Center

By Tia Carol Jones

The South Side Community Art Center, located at 3831 S. Michigan Ave., has a long history when it comes to being a place for Black artists and an inspiration for Black art. It was founded in the late 1930s by a group of African American artists who wanted an opportunity and a space to show their work.

The mission of the South Side Community Art Center is to conserve, preserve and promote the legacy and future of African American art and artists, while educating the community on the value of art and culture.

The Community Art Center Committee received funding from the Federal Art Project, which was sponsored by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration’s Works Progress Administration, to purchase the space and raised additional funds to convert the space into what is now known as the South Side Community Art Center. The center opened in 1940, and in 1941, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt delivered the dedication speech for the center.

LaMar Gayles is the Archives and Collections manager for the South Side Community Art Center. He noted that famous artists Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs, founder of the DuSable Museum; Elizabeth Catlett, sculptor, Charles W.

White, painter and drawer; visual artist Archibald Motley; writer Gwendolyn Brooks and writer Richard Wright had their work showcased at the center or their work drew inspiration from the center.

Throughout the 83 years South Side Community Art Center has been in existence, it has amassed a collection of more than 600 pieces of work created by a variety of historical artists to contemporary artists.

In the last year, the South Side Community Art Center has hosted an exhibition titled “Emergence: Intersections at the Center” and “9 Artists/9 Months/9 Perspectives.” Currently the exhibition titled “The Promised Land” is on display at the center. Gayles said that he feels the South Side Community Art Center is very central when it comes to Black art and artists in the city of Chcago.

“The center was founded by Black artists in the early 1900s, mainly four Black artists. It offered a lot of opportunity, there was a very strong color line that existed in Chicago during that time period that negated several Black artists from exhibiting their work downtown, really beyond Bronzeville,” he said. “The center offered a space for artists from all over the nation of African descent to showcase their work in Chicago.”

For more information, visit ssartcenter.org.

Carter G. Woodson, Bettman Archive/Getty Images

Thurgood Marshall, Bachrach/Getty Images

Hiram Rhodes Revels, MPI/Getty Images

Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH, Featured in TIME Magazine Special Issue on ‘The Future of Medicine’

(Black PR Wire) Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH, past president of the ABC and current president of the American Heart Association, is featured in several articles in TIME Magazine’s recent end of year special issue, “The Future of Medicine.”

In “Where Do We Stand” by Janet Lee, in a section on “redefining health,” Dr. Albert explains how social determinants of health play a significant role in chronic conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and how it can negatively impact our ability to lead healthy lives.

“Traditionally a lot of the focus for heart health has been on things like blood pressure and quitting smoking, but now we’re including social determinants of health as part of our guidelines,” says Dr. Michelle A. Albert, president of the American Heart Association and a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. “For example, sleep impacts blood pressure and if you live in an environment where you’re under stress, sleep quality is poorer. So you just can’t tell people to get better sleep.”

Dr. Albert is also featured in the article, “Missing Link: Equity” by Janet Lee, in a section on “Training at Schools,” where she identifies workforce diversity as a critical factor in achieving health equity.

Besides teaching medical students about the importance of social determinants of health and how to screen for them (if clinicians can’t collect the data about the determinants, they don’t know what the contributing factors are), medical schools and other training programs should be diverse as well, says Dr. Michelle Albert, president of the American Heart Associ-

ation and admissions dean at the University of California, San Francisco.

“We need to double down on having a workforce that’s representative of the demographics of the community so they can understand the lived experiences of the population they’re treating,” says Albert. “That’s really important. Having that understanding will engender research, care and the clinical concordance [incorporating the wishes and beliefs of the patient] that’s needed to address equitable health care.”

In the same article in a section on “policy making,” Dr. Albert states that “Health and health equity are not zero-sum games. It’s not about taking from community A and giving to community B. Our challenge in the next few years is to do a better job of communicating that. A lot of awareness has been raised and that gives me optimism.”

As part of the special issue, the magazine’s “Straight Talk” pages shares experts’ thoughts on the future of medicine and health care. Here’s what Dr. Albert has to say about it.

“You can tell people to make healthy lifestyle choices, but one of the root causes of health inequities is economic adversity. We have to focus on this. Within the American Heart Association, we’re addressing economic adversity as a root driver of poor health, especially cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Michelle Albert, president of the American Heart Association.

“The Future of Medicine” is Time magazine’s special issue focused on new technology, innovative trends and the incredible breakthroughs that will help people stay healthy in the future. The issue can be purchased online.

Licensed Family Therapist Releases Debut Book “INTO-MESEE” to Explore Black Love, Mental Health, and Families

(Black PR Wire) Charleston, SC -- Over four years in the making, Charleston, SC-based licensed family therapist, Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad, is proud to release her first book, INTO-ME-SEE: Mastering Black Intimacy for the Relationship You’ve Always Wanted. This timely work designed to provide Black couples with a blueprint for building deeper, long-lasting relationships is set to be released across major book platforms on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. For additional details about the launch of INTOME-SEE, visit drjeannelle.com.

The health of relationships in 2023 is trending toward a state of crisis. According to data collected from LegalTemplates in 2020, there was a 34% increase in the number of couples contemplating divorce compared to 2019. Dr. Jeannelle and other mental health professionals have seen significant increases in couples seeking professional counsel in their relationships. Stressors such as unemployment, finances, death, illness, and mental illnesses put a significant strain on the emotional connection and communication needed for couples to sustain healthy relationships.

INTO-ME-SEE goes beyond the surface to debunk the myths that exist regarding gender norms, relationship scripts, and societal expectations; with a closer look into the intricacies present for Black couples. Few research and resources exist that explore the nuance of Black love and Black relationships in connection with the history of the culture. This book seeks to fill that gap and begin the conversation within Black communities.

Dr. Jeannelle’s dynamic take on intimacy is shared with unrelenting honesty and expertise in order to expose the unspoken challenges that have jeopardized the strength of healthy intimate relationships. She offers her expertise through psychological research and client case studies to enlighten readers about:

The four (4) levels of intimacy that must be addressed to deepen intimate connections;

The importance of mental health awareness and emotional regulation in relationships;

The cultural issues affecting Black couples, including how a history of slavery and the ongoing racism in America have created expectations that often work against Black intimacy.

“While this is not a ‘how to’ manual, it is an in-

depth look into what it means to be ‘honest, authentic, and trustworthy’ in a relationship and how to approach and manage expectations in a way that validates the uniqueness of the individual, as well as the complexities of the couple.” - Dr. Frances Murphy Draper, publisher of Afro-American Newspaper

For more than 20 years, Dr. Jeannelle has assisted individuals, families, and couples across the globe in revitalizing, rehabilitating, and repairing their commitment to authentic living as a characteristic of building healthy relationships. She serves the Black community and beyond with the personal belief that the greatest generational wealth that can be bestowed is mental and emotional wellness. Through her professional experience of helping hundreds of clients to resolve their intimacy challenges, she strives to ensure Black couples are equipped with the resiliency to flourish within their relationships, improving the overall health of the Black community.

“Dr. Jeannelle reveals insights into relationship dynamics that can limit intimate expressions. She explores the depths in which trauma impacts human connection and how to overcome deficits in emotional awareness, cognitive expression, and spiritual awakening. In-To-Me-See will open all your senses during your relationship journey.” - Melissa Milanak, Ph.D., Founder Mind Impact Consulting, LLC

INTO-ME-SEE is available wherever books are sold, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kindle.

BlackPRWire