Citizen Times Weekly 2-8-2023

AMID SHORTAGES

State board data shows unfilled classroom positions reached a fiveyear high in 2022

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois schools are still grappling with a teacher shortage that seems to only be getting worse, a recent survey by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools shows.

Postal Service Salutes Author Ernest J. Gaines

LAFAYETTE, La., PRNewswire -- The U.S. Postal Service today celebrated the life of author Ernest J. Gaines, best known for the novels “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and “A Lesson Before Dying,” as the 46th honoree in the Black Heritage Stamp series in a first-day-of-issue ceremony at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

“Dr. Gaines brought worldwide attention to generations of men and women who asserted their human dignity in the face of racial oppression and violence,” said Donald Lee Moak, a member of the USPS Board of Governors, who served as the dedicating official. “His novels would shine a light on individuals who were too often overlooked and remind us of the dignity present in every human being, especially those being oppressed. That is just one reason the United States Postal Service is privileged to honor him with this new stamp.”

Joining Moak for the ceremony were E. Joseph Savoie, president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Keith Clark, professor of English and African and African American studies at George Mason University; Lillie Anne Brown, assistant professor of English at University of Florida A&M University; Mona Lisa Saloy, poet laureate of Louisiana; and author Wiley

Cheylon Woods, head of the Ernest Gaines Center, served as master of ceremonies.

“Ernest J. Gaines was — and remains — an iconic figure at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and we are deeply honored that the U.S. Postal Service has chosen to commemorate his literary legacy through this beautiful stamp,” Savoie said. “It captures the grace, strength and character he displayed through his life and through his words. For a quarter century, as a professor and writer-in-residence at the university, Dr. Gaines entreated aspiring writers to remember the inherent commonality of people and obligation we have as individuals to treat each other with dignity and respect. His genius and influence made them better, and made our university better, and we are forever grateful for his enduring example.”

The stamp features an oil painting of Gaines based on a 2001 photograph. Mike Ryan designed the stamp with art by Robert Peterson. Greg Breeding served as art director.

The Ernest J. Gaines stamp is sold in panes of 20. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #ErnestGainesStamp #BlackHeritageStamps.

Author Ernest J. Gaines Black Heritage Forever Stamp. PRNewsfoto/U.S. Postal Service

The Home Depot Quadruples Commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities through Campus Enhancements and Innovative Career-Development Programs

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- The Home Depot® will increase its investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to $4 million in 2023 by launching an expanded range of community projects and career resources for students in its Retool Your School program.

Half of The Home Depot’s increased commitment will prepare HBCU students to thrive in their future careers with new needs-based programs including externships, scholarships, career workshops and innovation lounges. The other $2 million will double the flagship Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant, which provides grants to HBCUs supporting campus enhancements. In its 14-year history, the program has given more than $5.2 million across 184 HBCUs.

The vote-based Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant is expected to support 30 campuses this year with grants ranging from $40,000 to $150,000 per school. HBCU students, alumni and advocates can vote for their favorite HBCUs online, on Twitter or Instagram using the school’s designated hashtag found at retoolyourschool.com. Applications are currently open and close Friday, Feb. 10.

“We’re strengthening our commitment to HBCUs and

their students, from educational enrichment to career development opportunities that will follow them long after graduation,” said Arlette Guthrie, senior vice president of human resources at The Home Depot. “As a proud HBCU graduate myself, I value the education I received and have personally experienced the diversity of thought and innovation that HBCU students bring to the workforce.”

As part of the expanded career-development offerings, The Home Depot is partnering with the United Negro College Fund to award 60 $2,500 scholarships to students currently enrolled at any HBCU. In addition, a new business externship will give HBCU sophomores, juniors and seniors the chance to work on real-world projects in Home Depot business groups like home services, marketing and strategic business development. At the end of the six-to-eight-week virtual program, they’ll present their final projects to Home Depot executives. The funding will also support the creation of on-campus innovation lounges and resume and interview workshops led by Home Depot career development experts.

Retool Your School is a key component of The Home Depot’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy, and our commitment to advancing education for all in the communi-

ty. To drive meaningful change, the company’s DEI strategy focuses on three areas: associate engagement, community engagement and supplier diversity partnerships. For more information on The Home Depot’s Retool Your School program, including information on how to apply for scholarships and other grants, visit retoolyourschool.com.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, the company operated a total of 2,319 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The company employs approximately 500,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index. The Home Depot is #17 on the 2022 Fortune 500.

The Home Depot’s Retool Your School grant program strives to give back to our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) what they have so generously given to their communities: a strong foundation, renewed purpose and distinctive character through campus uplift and beautification funding. Established in 2009, Retool Your School has invested more than $5.2 million to support 184 campus improvement grants provided to 70 percent of the nation’s HBCUs. To learn more about Retool Your School, visit RetoolYourSchool.com and follow us on Twitter @HomeDepotRetool, Instagram @HomeDepotRetool and Facebook @ RetoolYourSchool.

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SUNSEEKER RESORT CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO BECOME SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER WEDDING DESTINATION

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.,

PRNewswire -- Sunseeker Resort

Charlotte Harbor, one of the most highly anticipated new hotels opening October 2023, is set to become one of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after wedding destinations. From intimate gatherings to extravagant celebrations, Sunseeker Resort will offer event spaces that will provide the perfect setting for all of your wedding plans, including ceremony sites, a private bridal suite with convenient access to a full-service salon and waterfront ballrooms complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces that overlook the picturesque Charlotte Harbor.

Sunseeker wedding packages include a dedicated hotel representative who will partner with your wedding planner to take care of all the details such as arranging complimentary services like menu tasting for up to four guests, design of custom wedding cake by Sunseeker’s world-class executive pastry chef, selection of cocktail hors d’oeuvres & four-course dinner menu, coordination of guest room block and destination itinerary planning, and securing wedding night accommodations for the couple in one of Sunseeker’s exclusive Sunsuites™. Package enhancements include an enhanced champagne toast and a variety of curated food stations including a handmade sushi display, artfully crafted slider bar, international mini pastry tower and expansive dim sum presentation.

“From memorable milestones to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor provides a stunning backdrop for the wedding of your dreams,” said Sunseeker Resorts Director of Catering, Heidi Thixton. “We

know that saying “I Do” is the most important day for couples and the team at Sunseeker ensures that no detail is overlooked. Whether you envision a classic black-tie affair or elegant contemporary celebration, our waterfront ballrooms, worldclass hotel amenities and dedicated hotel, banquet and culinary teams provide extraordinary service, so couples know their only requirement is their presence.”

Every couple’s dedicated Sunseeker representative will guide them through unique ceremony options onsite and offsite including indoor options such as The Great Egret Ballroom, an impressive 15,000-square-foot space lined with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Charlotte Harbor that offers an elegant atmosphere that can accommodate up to 450 guests. The Royal Tern Jr. Ballroom is another elegantly outfitted ballroom perfect for intimate celebrations that features 5,500-square-feet of open space and idyllic views and can accommodate up to 250 guests.

Bridal parties can reserve access to Sunseeker’s plush bridal suite, the perfect location for bridal parties to primp and prep ahead of the event. The suite is conveniently connected to Sunseeker’s Lorelei Spa & Salon and even offers a customizable mimosa bar option. After the ceremony, guests will be greeted by servers with white & red wine options and four selections of hors d’oeuvres upon their arrival. Following the reception, guests will enjoy a four course dinner inspired by Florida’s locally sourced ingredients that cover everything from land to sea. For the celebrated cake cutting moments of the event, the Sunseeker Resorts world-champion pastry chef, Patricia Nash, will help create a custom design based on the couple’s dream specifications.

For couples looking to host a rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch, Sunseeker Resorts’ 20 unique food & beverage concepts offer an endless of endless options to choose from without having to leave the resort.

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is located at 4949 Tamiami Trail Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980. The resort is just ten minutes from Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) and easily accessible to out of town wedding guests from several major international airports including Fort Myers (RSW), Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ), St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) and Tampa (TPA).

For more information or to make reservations at Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, visit www.sunseekerresorts. com or call (833) 909-5700. For the most up-to-date news and information, please follow the hotel on Instagram @ sunseekerresorts.

GRANDE LAKES ORLANDO UNVEILS FULL COMPLETION OF ITS “GRANDE” NEW WATERPARK ATTRACTION

ORLANDO, PRNewswire -- Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, celebrates the full completion of its “grande” new waterpark experience. On the heels of its recently completed multimillion-dollar, property-wide renovation project that encompassed both hotels, this latest waterpark addition welcomes guests and families to an elevated aquatic experience with attractions and amenities for all ages.

Inspired by the resort’s natural surroundings, the newly reconfigured and expanded Grande Lakes Waterpark at JW Marriott Orlando now features six distinct zones including a signature lazy river, Headwaters Slide Tower boasting three waterslides, Aquaventure obstacle course complete with climbing and slide features, and a celebrated restaurant and VIP firepit lounge—Oasis. Separate areas are designed to encourage family fun or facilitate more secluded relaxation, with an abundance of private, full-service cabanas and daybeds also available to guests. 12 private cabanas offer varying levels of luxury, from options with simple loungers to high-end cabanas with furnishings, entertainment consoles, and private plunge pools. 26 poolside and swim-up daybeds line water features and firepits for added comfort. Integrated seamlessly into the resort to elevate its outdoor setting, the Grande Lakes Waterpark is set to become a primary attraction for explorative guests.

In addition to the enhanced waterpark experience at JW Marriott Orlando, guests can explore the recently enhanced aquatic fun at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Debuting with its recent renovation, the property showcases a new Solaire heated pool, lined with luxury poolside cabanas. The 12 exclusive cabanas feature a private butler, wireless internet, HDTV, a refrigerator,

and other amenities. For a quiet respite, grown-ups can escape to an adults-only lap pool and hot tub at the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Additional Poolside Indulgence

Enhancing the waterpark experience, Grande Lakes Orlando welcomed a new poolside dining option, Knife Burger, at JW Marriott Orlando. Here, guests can enjoy creative and casual fare from award-winning Chef John Tesar, whose on-site restaurant, Knife & Spoon, recently earned a MICHELIN star. Utilizing beef sourced from high-quality Texas-raised cattle at 44 Farms, guests can pair their choice of burger with crispy fries or a decadent milkshake to take their pool day snack game to the next level. Also available will be mobile poolside dining, where guests may order through the mobile app to indulge in the latest bites and beverages from Knife Burger with ease. And as the day winds down, guests are also invited to visit the enhanced lobby bar, EvrBar, for specialty cocktails, craft beers, and late-night light bites, with panoramic views of the waterpark through floorto-ceiling windows.

Make It an Overnight Adventure

Perfect for any travel occasion with the family, guests can take advantage of overnight packages and resort credit offerings at Grande Lakes Orlando for even more fun at the waterpark and across the property. Families will embrace the new Executive Family Suite accommodations at the JW Marriott Orlando, offering king beds for adults, bunk beds for kids, and adjoining room options. Guests are also encouraged to explore overnight discounts with the Family Connecting Rooms Package.

Hidden in the heart of Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando sits

on 500 lush acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The resort features a 582-room Ritz-Carlton, 1,010-room JW Marriott hotel, the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton spa as well as two picture-perfect pools and Grande Lakes Waterpark, which includes the guest-favorite lazy river. The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club, which hosts the PNC Championship, includes an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course. A dozen celebrated dining venues throughout include Knife & Spoon, a steak and seafood restaurant awarded one Star in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Florida 2022 and led by award-winning chef John Tesar; and MICHELIN Guide Florida 2022-recommended Primo, Mediterranean/Italian fare by multiple James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, a leader in the farm-to-fork movement. Grande Lakes Orlando restaurants source fresh ingredients from Whisper Creek Farm, an on-property 18,000-square-foot working farm, as well as on-site apiaries. The resort features a wide array of additional activities: kayaking, eco-tours on Shingle Creek, falconry, mountain biking and fishing school. Conference and meeting attendees have their pick of meeting space options located across 150,000 square feet plus more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor space. Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and minutes from the major theme parks.

Follow Grande Lakes Orlando @grandelakesorlando on Instagram and grandelakesorlando on Facebook. Also, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott on Twitter @RC_Orlando and @ JW_Orlando, Instagram @ritzcarltonorlando and @jwmorlando and Facebook ritzcarltonorlando and jwmarriottorlando. For more information, visit www.grandelakes.com.

PRNewsFoto

DARK & LOVELY ANNOUNCES MEAGAN GOOD AS NEWEST BRAND AMBASSADOR

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Dark & Lovely proudly announced Meagan Good as their latest ambassador at their ‘Making Bold Moves’ event held in support of the brand’s philanthropic initiative, Building Beautiful Futures. The award-winning actress, bestselling author and producer also debuted the return of her signature blonde hair.

“In a world where Black women are often disregarded, Dark & Lovely has always celebrated us. I’m honored to be partnering with this legendary brand to help embolden Black women to authentically walk in their power, dream big and celebrate who they are,” The ‘Harlem’ star stated.

Recognizing the growing “opportunity gap” for young Black women, particularly post-pandemic, Dark & Lovely developed Building Beautiful Futures in 2022 to help bring educational and career equity to Black female college students and young professionals. In 2023, the program will further its commitment to create opportunities for young, Black women and equip them with tools for success through even more masterclasses, scholarships, mentorship opportunities and networking events.

Good’s commitment to uplifting young Black women, approach to taking new challenges head on and enthusiasm for bold, show-stopping looks embodies everything Dark & Lovely stands for. She will serve as an ambassador for the brand’s Fade Resist collection and full product range. She will also help spread awareness about Building Beautiful Futures as it kicks off its second year by lending her voice and time to inspire and support young Black women.

The evening featured BOLD conversations with Good and Digital Creator, DonYé Taylor, moderated by Dark & Lovely’s Marketing Director Tenaj Ferguson. Dark & Lovely and BrainTrust Founders Studio also revealed the winner of their recent pitch competition, Janell Muhammad, Founder and CEO of SelfiēSkín Co. She was awarded a $5,000 grant and a trip to Dark & Lovely’s headquarters in NY to learn what it takes to build and grow a brand.

To learn more on how to:

Apply For a Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship, visit https://tinyurl.com/3wcmk7bh

Participate in our Mentorship ProgramFollow DARK & LOVELY for our schedule of mentorship masterclasses focused on education,

life and career coaching

Be The Change - Become a Mentor or Mentee and Inspire others by sharing your mentorship story using #DARKANDLOVELYBBF

Building Beautiful Futures is Dark & Lovely’s initiative that helps close the opportunity gap by bringing educational and career equity to Black, female college students and young professionals via scholarships, mentorship and career coaching opportunities. The “opportunity gap” refers to the fact that circumstances in which people are born, such as their race, ethnicity, ZIP code, and socioeconomic status, often determine education and career opportunities. Recognizing the growing opportunity gap for young Black women, Dark & Lovely is committed to creating paths to success for over 1,000 young Black women.

Dark & Lovely, founded in 1972, was created to help Black women express and embrace their individual styles. As one of the first brands to celebrate the Black consumer, for 50 years Dark & Lovely has been known for offering innovative products and technology made exclusively for Black Women to address their specific beauty needs. As a subsidiary of L’Oréal USA, Dark & Lovely continues to unveil breakthrough hair innovations for women of color. For more information, visit www. darkandlovely.com.

Actress, producer, director, author and philanthropist, MEAGAN GOOD is the lead of the hit critically acclaimed Amazon series, “Harlem,” from GIRLS TRIP writer Tracy Olivier, returning for a second season on February 3rd. She will next be seen reprising her role as ‘Super Hero Darla’ in SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS, the sequel to the hit DC Comics film which hits theaters worldwide March 14th. The THINK LIKE A MAN star most recently starred opposite Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg in Netflix’s DAY SHIFT, and directed the short film BLACK KAREN in partnership with Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Productions and The Sundance Institute, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Her breakout role in EVE’S BAYOU earned her critical acclaim for her powerful performance opposite Samuel L. Jackson, and nominations for an NAACP Image Award and Hollywood Reporter Award.

CATALYSTS FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH THE POWER OF FASHION

MIAMI, PRNewswire -- Introducing this year’s breakout brand, ZIMRothschild (ZIM); giving a home to the purpose-driven, passionate “Unicorns” that walk amongst us.

ZIM was founded in 2019 by Sunga Mkwezalamba, a lawyer, born in Malawi and raised in Champaign, IL. “I noted a gap in the market for individuals I later identified as “’Unicorns”’ – people driven by purpose who needed a home to share ideas, resources, and style. I tested the idea by designing and selling products from my Chicago law firm office, and the positive response was overwhelming.”

The ZIM fashion line is a uniform for “Unicorns” to identify each other and is to be worn with pride, symbolizing individuality, strength, and motivation. Sunga adds, “We are passionate about creating a safe space for our customers to express themselves and be seen for who they are. Our motto is ‘we see you,’ and we strive to be a beacon of light to the world.”

Generation 1

ZIM officially launched with a limited-edition collection titled “Generation 1,” and focused on building community through organic outreach. The line was designed with the aid of a former Creative Director from Off-White, and became a hit mixing streetwear and prep. The connection between the brand and the audience was developed through social media engagement, newsletters, and articles the ZIM team wrote about Unicorn customers to highlight their unique features. “We wanted to identify who Unicorns are, in order to gain an

understanding of their interests, as well as why they identify themselves this way,” states Sunga. The brand also leveraged customer feedback to drive product design. That feedback was essential to Sunga, as he wanted to determine what customers wanted to wear and understand how the brand could best support them.

Generation 2

Always forward-facing, ZIM will be launching the “Generation 2” line at the end of February in celebration of Black History Month and will be making a bold statement by intertwining technology into their product design.

ZIMRothschild is a lifestyle brand and platform for individuals identified as “Unicorns.” Unicorns are individuals driven by purpose, who stand out and strive to make life better for themselves and others. ZIM identifies them as “Unicorns” to ensure they are seen and that the positive changes they make don’t go unnoticed.

ZIMRothschild

Meagan Good Attends Dark & Lovely’s ‘Making Bold Moves’ Event Held in Support of it’s Philanthropic Initiative, Building Beautiful Futures. PRNewsfoto/Dark & Lovely.

REVOLT Taps Industry Trailblazer Mara S. Campo For Flagship Series

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire

-- Leading Black-owned multimedia company REVOLT today announced the exciting addition of industry veteran Mara S. Campo as the Global News Anchor of their growing news division. Through this initiative, REVOLT continues to expand its highly talented team with pioneering women ahead of the season four premiere of its flagship series, REVOLT Black News Weekly.

“Our vision for REVOLT Black News is to build a world-class news network that can compete with global news powerhouses that isn’t driven by red or blue politics, but instead is driven by stories of critical importance to the Black community,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. “Bringing on Mara as our new Global News Anchor is a giant leap towards bringing our vision to life and we’re excited to see how her experience and perspective takes RBN to the next level.”

The news show is dedicated to delivering stories most relevant to Black culture from an authentic lens. The series returns on January 26th with an exclusive, in-depth conversation with Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors as she fights to clear her name while continuing the fight against police brutality. Throughout this season RBNW will deliver significant culture-forward content and storytelling that gives a voice to typically unheard perspectives. Mara and the team aim to keep relevance at the center of its investigative reporting, while exploring the experiences most important to Black culture as they build on the series’ highly successful track record.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mara to the team as we continue

to set a new standard of inclusivity for journalism that especially resonates with the Black communities,” said Monique Chenault, President of REVOLT News, Specials & Documentary. “Mara’s in-depth reporting style will further propel our news division as a critical vessel for sharing stories and as-

starting crucial conversations for our community.”

Campo collaborated on REVOLT Black News Weekly’s first investigative special, “The Real Thirst Trap,” which premiered in December. Campo will continue creating impactful content at the network, further advancing REVOLT’s mission to spotlight underrepresented topics and critical conversations, and diving deeper into socioeconomic issues.

sessing realities that most impact Black people in America and throughout the African diaspora.”

Four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Campo will serve as both the Global News Anchor of REVOLT Black News Weekly and as the Managing Editor of the news division. She will lead the multimedia company’s investigative journalism sector as it continues to confront the most pressing issues concerning social justice, economic advancement, public safety, health, wellness, and education. With over 15 years of experience covering some of the most significant news stories, Campo will authentically report on crucial conversations and pertinent topics.

“It is an honor to join REVOLT Black News, which has served as a trusted resource uncovering important issues most relevant to Black viewers,” said Campo. “I look forward to continuing the work of raising awareness and

Returning for a fourth run, REVOLT Black News Weekly begins its new season with a special episode, “Investigating Black Lives Matter: The True Cullors Story,” featuring Patrisse Cullors, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter, for a meaningful conversation surrounding police brutality. The fourth season of REVOLT Black News Weekly will air on REVOLT’s linear channel tonight, January 26th at 9pm ET with weekly episodes airing on Thursdays.

REVOLT is the leading Black-owned and operated multimedia platform servicing content 24/7 across digital, linear, and live media channels. The platform produces rich content and original material with the biggest names in Hip Hop, along with reports of breaking news, current events, trends and announcements within the Black cultural movement and Hip-Hop world. REVOLT takes pride in its diversity, both in its mindset and its company makeup, further instilling its dedication to culture within its staff and audiences. Founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2013, REVOLT attracts over 50 million millennials and Gen Z audiences through their disruptive, authentic material across all platforms. In 2021, REVOLT will launch a brand new digital mobile app where users can view extended releases, live updates from relevant news, exclusive specials and much more.

For more information on REVOLT’s linear content, please visit https://www.revolt.tv/ and visit www.revolt.tv/ providers to find REVOLT in your area.

Urban One’s Reach Media Announces Syndication Expansion for The Amanda Seals Show

DALLAS, PRNewswire -- After successfully launching The Amanda Seales show in November on WRNB 100.3 FM Philadelphia, Urban One Inc’s Reach Media is announcing syndication to new markets. The show is a content only radio program with an accompanying daily podcast available in multiple dayparts (AM Drive, Middays and Afternoon Drive) and formats (Mainstream and Urban Adult Contemporary).

“Amanda has had an immediate positive ratings impact in Philadelphia, and we are excited to expand her show to Houston, Columbus, Richmond, and Charlotte,” said Colby Tyner, Senior VP Programming of Urban One’s Radio One and Reach Media divisions.

As leaders in mainstream urban, urban AC, and inspirational music with the top talent in syndicated radio programing, Reach Media connects with ninety percent of Black America. The Amanda Seals Show will now be heard on the following stations effective Monday, January 23: KBXX-FM. 97.9 The Box, Houston, TX (10a-2p); WCKX-FM, Power 107.5/1063, Columbus, OH (6a-10a); WFNZ/WOSFHD2, 102.5 The Block (10a-2p); and WXGI-AM, 950 and WXGI FM, 99.5 & 102.7 The Box, Richmond VA (3-7pm).

“We are honored to bring fresh content to urban audience so that they can listen, laugh, and learn daily with The Amanda

Seales Show, packed with the latest pop culture, entertainment, relationship topics and political/social commentary. Each day listeners will hear Amanda’s opinions on everything happening in the world with significant audience interaction,” said Tyner.

Urban One Inc. has also hired Tony Richards as the new Executive Producer for the show. Richards formerly produced the Darlene McCoy Show, the Rick & Sasha Show and is a former morning show host in various US markets. Rodney “Supreme” Maybin has also come on board as the show’s new Technical Producer. He is the current production director for WRNB Philadelphia and former PD at WQBKHD2 Albany and APD at WBLK in Buffalo.

Urban One Inc. (urban1.com), together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The Company owns TV One, LLC (tvone. tv), a television network serving more than 59 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series and movies designed to entertain, inform, and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. As of September 30, 2022, we owned and/or operated 66 independently formatted, revenue producing broadcast stations (including 55 FM or AM stations, 9 HD stations, and the 2 low power television stations) branded under the tradename “Radio One” in 13 urban markets

in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the Company also operates syndicated programming including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show, and the DL Hughley Show. In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns iOne Digital (ionedigital.com), our wholly owned digital platform serving the African American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands. We also have invested in a minority ownership interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African American and urban audiences.

Amanda Seales is a comedian and creative visionary with a Master’s in African American studies from Columbia University. Seamlessly blending humor and intellect, her unique style of smart funny content spans various genres across the entertainment and multi-media landscape. She is best known for her iconic role as “Tiffany DuBois” of HBO’s Insecure and her debut comedy special, I Be Knowin. Ms. Seales is a former cohost on daytime talk show, The Real, host of NBC’s Bring the Funny” and the host/writer of the groundbreaking 2020 BET Awards. Amanda speaks truth to change via her wildly popular Instagram @AmandaSeales, weekly podcast Small Doses, and book by the same name. Centering community building in her comedy, she is also the creator and host of the touring variety game show, Smart Funny & Black.

Mara S. Campo (Photo Credit: John Walder)

PRNewsfoto/REVOLT

PRNewsfoto/Urban One, Inc.

By Lashanna Coleman

City of Hatred

“Hold Fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.” - Langston Hughes

Does this quote sound familiar? It was written by Langston Hughes around 1920. My exegesis is that Hughes was broached to speak about bigger goals, aspirations, and hopes for a person’s life rather than dreams at night.

If that still doesn’t ring a bell to you, then let’s learn more about him! James Mercer Langston Hughes born February 1, 1901, was born into a home with two enslaved grandmothers and two white slave owners. After his birth his father left him and his mother to escape the racism of America. Even though Hughes moved a lot he mostly lived with his maternal grandmother Mary, in Lawrence, Kansas, though that didn’t stop the burning desire within his heart to express himself through his writing, he wanted his voice to be heard. In his 1940 autobiography The Big Sea, he said: “I was unhappy for a long time, and very lonesome, living with my grandmother. Then it was that books began to happen to me, and I began to believe in nothing but books and the wonderful world in books—where if people suffered, they suffered in beautiful language, not in monosyllables, as we did in Kansas.”

After his grandmother died he attended Central high school where he met his teacher, Helen Marie Chestnut who he thought was inspiring. Hughes was elected class poet in elementary school. He stated that in reminiscence he thought it was because of the stereotype about African Americans having rhythm. During high school in Cleveland, Hughes wrote for the school newspaper, edited the yearbook, and began to write short stories, etc; this was the start of his journey for his career. After experiencing racism at his old school, Hughes settled in Hartley Hall, but he still suffered from racism among his classmates, who seemed adverse to anyone who did not fit into a WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants) category.

He was ardent to the African-American people and neighborhood of Harlem than to his studies, yet he continued writing poetry. Harlem was a center of vibrant cultural life. Hughes’ life and work were enormously influential during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, alongside those of his contemporaries. Hughes and his contemporaries had different principles and aspirations than the black middle class.

Hughes and his fellows tried to depict the “low-life” in their art, that is, the real lives of blacks in the lower social-economic era. His poetry and fiction portrayed the lives of the working-class blacks in America, lives he portrayed as full of struggle, bliss, laughter, and music.

That’s what he wanted to master stroke, since he had experienced it and his grandmother Mary told him about racial pride, he had a vision, he soon master stroked.

On May 22, 1967, Hughes died at the age of 66 from complications after abdominal surgery related to prostate cancer. His ashes are interred beneath a floor medallion in the middle of the foyer in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. It is the entrance to an auditorium named for him. The ornamentation on the pavement is an African cosmogram entitled Rivers. The title is taken from his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”.

Within the center of the cosmogram is the line: “My soul has grown deep like the rivers”. There now you know more about the famous African-American poet who wrote amazing poems you can check out like Dreams, Harlem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers, and the most famous Mother To Son.

I believe this was a substantial choice that helped black activists and achievers everywhere.

Langston Hughes is one of my favorite poets, he went through trials and tribulations but in the end still persevered and was resilient all the way through. I was first introduced to Hughes in my 7th grade year when Principal James recited and acted out his poem “Mother to Son” while she was serving as our classroom teacher. From that introduction of Hughes, I began to see myself differently.

I saw myself in a more classy way and got a vision of the woman that I will become in the next 7-10 years. Hughes and Principal James encouraged me to write my own poems. To date, I have written 2 poems that have been great hits at school with my teachers! Now, everytime that I write, I express myself in a way that I never had before, and that’s all thanks to James Mercer Langston Hughes and Principal James helping poetry to “come alive” for me. I was inspired by Hughes’ prominent line from mother to son “Life For Me Ain’t Been No Crystal Stair”, that one singular line made me think of how hard life has been. I also realized how hard my mother continues to work to help me get to where I am today. I am most thankful for Langston Hughes’ contributions not only to Blacks, but to the world! Langston Hughes through his poetry, helped me see my life and my mother in a different perspective, he created an open mind for me. I’ve changed for the better. I now find peace in reading and writing poetry. I hope reading his poems and learning more about him helps you open your eyes to more of an understanding with yourself.

A Black Shero that You Should Know Katherine Johnson

By Camille Cook

IT’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH! This month shouldn’t only be to acknowledge the leaders of pop culture, it should also be to recognize the accomplishments of the ones that worked to be educated and the ones who strived to help make the changes of today. Even if they may not have been recognized for their leadership and accomplishments that they made in the world like Marther Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges etc. Teachers, Scientists, Mathematicians, Doctors, Surgeons etc. should have as much recognition as them because they have made an impact and made changes in the world beyond their professions.

So therefore, without further ado let me introduce you to Katherine Johnson (August 26, 1918 – February 24, 2020), an African-American woman who has made many accomplishments and made big changes during her 101 years of being on this earth. She has received many rewards based on her knowledge in mathematics and NASA such as the Silver Snoopy Award and a NASA Group Achievement Award. She also earned the reputation for mastering “complex manual calculations” in her 33 year career of being at NASA. She has made a change by her historical role being recognized as one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist. This can encourage younger black children to have the encouragement to most likely be the next biggest NASA scientist.

Now let’s talk business. Katherine Johnson was a very successful woman. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 by President Barack Obama himself, she was portrayed by Taraji P. Henson as a lead character in the film Hidden Figures in 2016, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the U.S Congress in 2019, and in 2021 she was inducted posthumous-

ly into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

Katherine was the youngest of four children, her mother was a teacher and her father was working 3 jobs to provide for his family. Katherine showed strong mathematical abilities at a young age but because Greenbrier Country did not offer public schooling to African American children past eighth grade, the Colemans (her parents) arranged for her and her siblings to be schooled at a highschool in Institute, West Virginia. Katherine was enrolled in the school when she was only 10 years old and graduated highschool when she was 14. She graduated college with degrees in mathematics and French by the age of 18.

Katherine decided to pursue more into her strong mind of being a mathematician and chose to join the field as a research mathematician although knowing how hard this would be especially being an African- American and female. She still continued to fight for what she wanted even though knowing what could possibly occur of her plan failing.

Katherine is an inspiring women to look up to because not only has she been recognized for her success, but she has done big things even from the neighborhood environment she grew up in. She never let how her parents’ situation of staying stable and providing for the family was when growing up deter her from how she would be seen when she got older. She used what she was given as a gift and used it in the best ways possible. Because Katherine Johnson didn’t make excuses for why she “couldn’t” do something, I’ve been inspired to persevere through my adversities to reach my personal goals and my personal level of success. From my research, I learned that she was determined, consistent, and brave, no matter how much she faced segregation and discrimination, it didn’t stop her and, NOTHING, will stop me! In this moment in history, I salute Katherine Johnson.

Langston Hughes

Black Excellence Marsai Martin

By Sabrina Garcia

So you ask, Black Excellence, what is it? Black Excellence comes in many different ways, Black Excellence comes in many different shades, and Black Excellence allows you to be anything from A-Z. It is the celebration of success in the black community, ¨Black Excellence is a mindset backed by actions that display leadership through perseverance¨ - Limeade.com.

Some examples of Black Excellence in entertainment but not limited to; include figures like Misty Copeland who was the first Black Woman to become a prima ballerina at the American Ballet Theater in 2015, Kamala Harris our first Black and Asian-American Vice President of the U.S, Tyler Perry first African-American to launch his own film and television studio, Barack Obama the first African-American to be elected president of the United States of America, and Toni Morrison the first African-American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. These are examples of success in the black community, they’ve accomplished incredible things and will accomplish many more, but I will focus on one specific black young woman who has shown Black Excellence within the entertainment industry.

Marsai Martin is a young actress, producer, and model. Marsai Martin born on August 14, 2004 and made her film debut in 2016 in the Amazon Studios Original Movie: An American Girl Story-Melody 1963: Love has to win, earlier in her career (2014) she was casted as Diane Johnson (series regular) on the ABC sitcom Black-ish about a black middle class family. Black-ish was Marsai’s breakthrough role, she received numerous nominations and awards for her role, including nine NCAAP Image Awards, a BET Youngstars Award and a Kidscreen Award for best acting. In 2014 while starring on Black-ish at the time 10 year old Marsai Martin came to the show’s creator Kenya Barris with an idea for a movie inspired by the 1988 film Big starring Tom Hanks, on May 2, 2018 Black actress Issa Rae signed onto the movie and later that month actress Regina Hall joined the cast. In August of 2018 the film Little started production

with Marsai acting as a young version of the main character and executive producer, making Marsai Martin the youngest person let alone the youngest black woman to ever hold the title of Executive Producer on a major Hollywood production. The movie Little (2019) released in theaters on April 12, 2019 and went on to make $40.7 million dollars in the U.S and $48.8 million worldwide.

Marsai Martin is one entertainer who stands out to me because she inspires me to continue to pursue my passion for evolving within the entertainment industry. I’ve always loved the art of acting and found it fascinating how people can make you feel something through a screen, as I focus my artistic attention on music right now, I find myself in front of cameras all the time. I love to entertain people and see the joy, the smiles of people who like my music, through a screen or live ( which led me to join the choir at Avalon Park and be a singer and keyboardist for my band “Ragdoll”) . I love making music, just as much Marsai loves acting, she wouldn’t be a big figure now if she didn’t. Marsai knew if she wanted something big to happen she had to make it happen as she did, just as I will one day. If Marsai can do it so can I, so next time you hear the name Sabrina Garcia don’t forget it, you never know these days.

In conclusion Black excellence can be achieved in many ways and Marsai Martin is just one example within the Black entertainmen t industry. Marsai is an outstanding actress and will go on to achieve much greater things, she is such an inspiration to me and numerous other you ng black girls. Marsai Martin is the future of Black Entertainment, she is an example of Black Excellence. And I will be as well. “My goal is to show young women and girls that our voices and ideas matter, and you are never too young to dream big!”-

Marsai Martin

The articles that appear on this page and the adjacent page were submitted to us by students of the Avalon Park Fine & Performing Arts School located at 8045 S Kenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60619. We sincerely thank Principal Ms. Takeshi James and CPS for allowing the students participation. Black History is lesson that students are to be taught year around and not just once a year during the shortest month of the year. Our children must be taught where they come from and the trail blazer before them to understand the paths they should travel in the future.

Susan G. Komen® Applauds House Introduction of Bipartisan Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, applauds House lawmakers for their leadership on bipartisan legislation that would make financial benefits and health insurance immediately available to people living with metastatic breast cancer. In the 117th Congress, this bill was supported by more than 50 percent of members of the House of Representatives.

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R.549) waives a fivemonth waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance and a subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits. People diagnosed with MBC, on average, don’t live long enough to receive both benefits, yet most face thousands of dollars in medical expenses every month without the means to pay their bills.

Free From Market Raises $2.1M Seed Round for its Food is Medicine Platform to Treat

Chronic Health Conditions

KANSAS CITY, Mo., PRNewswire -- Free From Market (FFM), the first patient-driven digital platform that empowers lower income Americans living with chronic health conditions to order the diet-specific foods and support they need, announces today that it has closed a $2.1 million seed investment. The funding allows the company to enhance its proprietary technology platform and expand its service delivery model to provide affordable, inclusive access to the personalized foods, telenutrition and data necessary to improve health outcomes.

The funding round was led by Bluestein Ventures, and joined by Acumen America, Beta Boom, KCRise Fund, 1st Course Capital and AssetBlue Ventures. In addition, the company was a 2022 recipient of Google for Startups Black Founders Fund.

This capital investment and support will also help FFM broaden its reach with managed care plans, providers, and community-based organizations to quantify the efficacy of “food is medicine” interventions for treating key health conditions. FFM provides bulk ordering for organizations and direct-to-door access to individuals who can shop meals, produce, or shelf-stable, brand-name grocery items, as well as complementary telenutrition support.

“Our new investors and partners, who bring expertise in food, supply chain, and digital health, provide us the opportunity to reach and impact more people. Every household, regardless of income or zip code, deserves access to high quality food and ongoing support that meet their specific healthcare needs,” said FFM Co-Founder and CEO Emily Brown.

“Food has a powerful ability to heal our bodies, and we’re thrilled to support FFM as they build the future in the ‘food is medicine’ space,” said Andrew Bluestein, managing partner of Bluestein Ventures. “We continue to be impressed by the team’s deep expertise and passion, both through lived experience and decades in the industry. FFM is the much-needed connective tissue, bringing together key stakeholders within food

and healthcare industries to improve the health and wellness of our communities.”

“We agree with FFM’s thesis that payors and providers must have private industry partners to grow food benefits to scale. This is an innovative model, and this is the type of disruptive tech company that will create real change in public health,” said Ed Frindt, partner at KCRise.

Brown is a recognized thought leader in the “food is medicine” space as a board and council member of national organizations including the NIAID National Advisory Council and the Children’s Hospital Association’s Next Generation of Quality Steering Committee. In addition, she participated in the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health last September.

“Emily’s lived experience on federal nutrition programs and inability to provide her family with the safe and healthy foods needed to treat their chronic conditions drives our patient-focused company,” said Elise Bates, who co-founded FFM with Brown in 2021. “Together, we created a social impact-driven entity that can scale and attract the talent and resources needed to profitably improve health outcomes for millions while reducing the overall cost of care.”

Brown leads a passionate team that has deep backgrounds across community health, food distribution, healthcare, technology, and nutrition. An early addition to the leadership team, Mark Jaffe serves as Chief Operating Officer. Previously, he was the Vice President of Strategic Operations at Everytable, a mission-driven food service company, and worked in technology investment banking and venture capital.

“One in three Americans has a condition where food is part of the standard of care, yet many Americans do not have access to food and resources needed to treat it,” said Brown. “Our curated food is free from ingredients an individual does not want, and full of all the nutrients they need to manage a healthy life. This funding round is merely one milestone towards our goal to make a lasting impact to improve healthcare in this country and center health equity.”

“Many living with metastatic breast cancer do not have the luxury of waiting for the health care services and financial support they need. Those receiving this devastating diagnosis face enough challenges without the added burden of long and arduous waiting periods, which create barriers to the care patients so desperately need, and need now,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at Susan G. Komen.

An estimated 168,000 Americans live with MBC, breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body – often the brain, bones, lungs and liver. Treatments exist for MBC but there is no cure for it. The average life expectancy is three years after diagnosis and MBC is responsible for the majority of the breast cancer deaths each year.

“In New York, over 16,800 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and about 2,500 women die from the disease annually. Long Island has among the highest occurrences of breast cancer in the country. These numbers and the real people they represent make this issue deeply personal for me and for my constituents. Roughly 90 percent of breast cancer deaths are a result of metastatic disease and the life expectancy of an individual with metastatic breast cancer is anywhere between 4 and 36 months. Given this timeframe, it is outrageous to double the suffering of those living with this horrible disease by making them wait to gain access to health benefits that they are immediately eligible for. This bill waives these onerous waiting periods, relieving the potential financial burden on those with the disease, and allowing them to focus on fighting the cancer,” said Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), bill sponsor.

Added Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), original co-sponsor of the bill, “The statistics are startling. In 2022, it is estimated that 43,780 people died from breast cancer in the United States - 90 percent as a result of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). To save lives and improve breast cancer outcomes, we must invest in treatments and cures and increase access to affordable, quality care for individuals with MBC. Immediately connecting recently-diagnosed individuals with access to treatment can improve outcomes, and our bipartisan bill would eliminate barriers and reduce current health disparities in care. People diagnosed with MBC should not have to worry about long waiting periods for eligibility to care and I look forward to working with my colleague, Rep. Andrew Garbarino, to deliver financial security and critical care to families.”

Passage of the MBC Access to Care Act is a top legislative priority for Susan G. Komen this year. “Komen applauds Reps. Garbarino and Castor for their leadership in reintroducing the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act on behalf of those living with MBC,” Guthrie added. “We look forward to building off of previous support for this legislation and passing the bill as soon as possible to provide much-needed help to those who are living with the disease now and will be diagnosed in the future.”

Susan G. Komen® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/ follow-us/.

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Emily Brown is Free From Market’s Co-Founder and CEO. PRNewsFoto

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago