Citizen Suburban Times Weekly 2-17-2021

Citizen Week of Feb. 17, 2021

| Vol. 4 | No. 28 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

BLACK HISTORY FOCUS

How One Merchant Tapped into Small Breweries Making a Big Difference Page 6

OP-ED: Governor Can and Should Stop Predatory Lending in Illinois with the Stroke of His Pen Page 3

Know Your History, Know Your Risk: Saving Black Lives From Breast Cancer Page 3

Photos provided by Nneka J. Howell

Combating COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Page 5

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE

Nneka J. Howell founded Ink’d Xpressions, a community-based organization that uses creative writing and photography to relate to the community. Howell, a writer herself, knows the impact creativity can have when advocating for change. PAGE 3

Serving The Black Community For Decades |

|

|

advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com thechicagocitizen@thechicagocitiz www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9 www.citizennewspapergroup.com

2 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of Feb. 17, 2021

POLITISCOPE

Talking politics in 2021: Lessons on humility and truth-seeking from Benjamin Franklin “terms of modest Diffidence” just might lead to exchanges that are not only more civil, but also more productive.

BY MARK CANADA

The previous year in the United States was a turbulent one, filled with political strife, protests over racism and a devastating pandemic. Underlying all three has been a pervasive political polarization, made worse by a breakdown in civic – and civil – discourse, not only on Capitol Hill, but around the nation.

In a new year, with a new president and a new Congress, there appears to be opportunity. Americans, starting with the president, are talking about turning away from the division of the recent past and choosing a different direction: talking civilly and productively about the problems the country faces.

But how to do that? As a literary scholar, I appreciate the power of carefully crafted language, and I believe that Americans – from those in government to those around the dinner table – could take a lesson from one of this nation’s founders and greatest communicators: Benjamin Franklin.

From ‘positive Argumentation’ to ‘modest Diffidence’ Before he achieved fame as a statesman, scientist and diplomat, Franklin, who was born in 1706 and died in 1790, made his living in Philadelphia from words – as a printer, journalist and essayist.

Having worked early in his life in Boston for his brother James, a fiery journalist, he knew the kind of war that could be waged with words and had even made a hobby of debating with a young friend.

“We sometimes disputed,” Franklin recalled in his autobiography, “and very fond we were of Argument, & very desirous of confuting one another.”

Mark Canada

Everything changed for Franklin, however, after he came across some examples of Socratic dialogue, in which questions figure prominently.

“I was charm’d with it,” Franklin wrote, “adopted it, dropt my abrupt Contradiction, and positive Argumentation, and put on the humble Enquirer & Doubter.”

The inspired Franklin eventually changed his entire manner of discourse, communicating “in terms of modest Diffidence” instead of positive assertion, dropping words such as “certainly” and “undoubtedly” and substituting “I should think it so or so” and “it is so, if I am not mistaken.”

After all, Franklin wrote, “a positive, assuming manner” tends to turn off an audience and thus undermines one’s own intentions.

Such positive assertion can interfere with the exchange of valuable information. “If you wish information and improvement from the knowledge of others,” Franklin wrote, “and yet at the same time express yourself as firmly fix’d in your present opinions, modest, sensible men, who do not love disputation, will probably leave you undisturbed in the possession of your error.”

In 2021, replacing positive assertions in conversations with some

Pursuing truth, not victory More important than modest expression is actual intellectual humility, and here again Franklin’s example is instructive. Even before he turned his inquiring mind to groundbreaking discoveries in electricity, he showed a scientist’s dedication to open, objective investigation with only truth as its object.

In 1727, when he was still in his early 20s, he founded a group called the Junto. Members, including a number of tradesmen like Franklin, took up political, philosophical and other questions such as “Does the Importation of Servants increase or advance the Wealth of our Country?” and “Wherein consists the Happiness of a rational Creature?”

The goal of these discussions, as Franklin explained, was not victory – as it apparently had been for Franklin and his friend years earlier – but something far more valuable for all concerned. Franklin explained that the discussions were to take place “in the sincere Spirit of Enquiry after Truth, without fondness for Dispute, or Desire of Victory.” Anyone who spoke too confidently or contentiously had to pay a small fine.

This preference for pursuing truth over seeking victory found expression in a question that initiates were required to answer: “Do you love and pursue truth for its own sake?” Franklin did, and the results speak for themselves.

Franklin also had a prescient understanding of biases that color humans’ understanding of reality.

Today, scientists have shown

that people are susceptible to mere exposure effect, a preference for information we have encountered multiple times and confirmation bias, an inclination toward information that aligns with a person’s current beliefs. In an essay he published in the 1730s, Franklin wrote of the effect of “Prevailing Opinions” on the individual mind and observed, “A Man can hardly forbear wishing those Things to be true and right, which he apprehends would be for his Conveniency to find so.”

He added, “That Man only, who is ready to change his Mind upon proper Conviction, is in the Way to come at the Knowledge of Truth.”

Franklin lived up to this principle. In 1751, he published an essay expressing reprehensible, racist views that were all too common in his era. Years later, however, he helped found schools to educate black children and, after visiting one, saw that the students were equal to white children in their ability to learn.

He wound up changing not only his mind but also his essay when he reprinted it almost two decades later, changing the passage that said that most slaves were thieves “by Nature” to say that they were thieves because of slavery.

Near the end of his life, Franklin became president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and submitted to Congress a petition to abolish slavery and end the slave trade.

‘Obliged by better information … to change opinions’ At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Franklin expressed his belief in intellectual humility.

As James Madison recorded his words, Franklin said, “For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better

information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise.”

“It is therefore that the older I grow,” he added, “the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others.”

Near the end of the speech, he implored others to adopt this same humility: “On the whole, Sir, I can not help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention who may still have objections to it, would with me, on this occasion doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument.”

As these words and experience testify, political polarization and dispute are nothing new. But Franklin managed to rise above the discord, biases and close-mindedness that are common in any era.

He spoke and wrote in ways that, if taken up now, could begin to erode the polarization of the current era: with modesty, diffidence, sincere consideration of others’ positions, doubt in his own infallibility and love of truth for its own sake.

Mark Canada is Professor of English and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Indiana University Kokomo. His seven books include a forthcoming Audible Original on lessons in living from Benjamin Franklin, as well as “Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Horror” (Audible, 2020), the textbook “Introduction to Information Literacy for Students” (Wiley, 2017), “Thomas Wolfe Remembered” (University of Alabama Press, 2018), and “Literature and Journalism in Antebellum America” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011).

NEWS

National Alliance Celebrates Black History Month The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is continuing its month-long celebration of Black History Month by sharing inspiring stories of education leaders.

The stories are shared across its website and social channels and features education leaders who are making an impact in the charter school community. The initiative is part of the Alliance’s, “Making Black History in the Moment” cam-

paign. The campaign is designed to showcase leaders who are making Black History right now and who are touching the lives of thousands of students.

“Throughout the year, and especially during Black History Month, it’s important to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of Black Americans to our nation,” said Nina Rees, president and CEO, National Alliance for Public www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Charter Schools. “However, not all of these great leaders are found in history books. Some are making history in real time by changing the world around them and making our country better today. It’s our honor to highlight the accomplishments of four of these outstanding leaders who have chosen education as the field to make an impact,” added Rees.

CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of Feb. 17, 2021

|

3

NEWS NATSO Congratulates Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings recently congratulated Pete Buttigieg on his confirmation as the 19th U.S. Secretary of Transportation: “NATSO congratulates Pete Buttigieg on his confirmation as Secretary of Transportation and looks forward to working with him on a broad spectrum of issues, including the need for long-term,

sustainable highway funding and policies that further encourage private-sector investment in alternative fueling infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging.

“As the nation continues to grapple with the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we look forward to working with Secretary Buttigieg on policies that

encourage off-highway businesses and communities to thrive and evolve. We are encouraged that Secretary Buttigieg, as a former mayor, understands the important role that infrastructure policy plays for local businesses and communities that thrive because of the Interstate Highway System,” Mullings said in a released statement.

Know Your History, Know Your Risk: Saving Black Lives From Breast Cancer According to Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, the inequities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic have long been experienced by Black women with breast cancer. The tragic history of breast cancer for Black women is one of being underserved at almost every step in the health care system, including before they

are diagnosed. Komen estimates that as many as one-third of those dying of breast cancer each year could be saved if they had access to the high standard of care and treatments that already exist today.

In honor of Black History Month, Komen has launched a resource, “Know Your History, Know Your Risk,” to help empower Black

women to take charge of their breast health and inspire meaningful conversations with family, friends and healthcare providers about their breast cancer risk. Visit komen. org/knowyourhistory to access resources and information to learn more about how one’s family health history may impact a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.

OP-ED Governor Can and Should Stop Predatory Lending in Illinois with the Stroke of His Pen If we want to build economic stability in communities that have been devastated by the deadly COVID pandemic and its destructive economic wake, we must first shore up protections against practices that strip the meager wealth of those very communities. That’s why I call on Governor Pritzker to swiftly sign SB 1792, the Predatory Loan Prevention Act, and bring down 297% interest rates on payday and car-title loans to 36%.

I sponsored SB 1792 as part of the economic equity omnibus package proposed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, and I am pleased that it passed with broad bipartisan support -- unanimously in the House.

My esteemed colleagues clearly see through claims of predatory lenders that they are serving our communities, and understand the depth of the harm caused when the proverbial redline is drawn around communities of color, with responsible, safe financial services walled out and toxic products funneled in.

The racial wealth gap is stunning in its scale, as wide as it was in 1968, with Black households holding less than a tenth of the wealth of white families. The foreclosure crisis set back families who were painstakingly making progress toward middle-class security, and that lost wealth has not been recovered. Now we see the worst health calamity in recent history taking both the lives and the livelihoods of people of color disproportionately.

The omnibus bill proposed major long-term strategies for addressing these deep economic inequities, but stopping the high-cost debt trap of payday lending is a relatively swift first step toward relief. Thousands of Illinois families are stuck in these loans every year, which are deceptively marketed as quick relief when they are actually designed with terms that make it very difficult for cash-strapped people to pay them off and move on.

They suck fees out of their customers’ bank accounts unrelentingly, until these families are much worse off than when they first took the loan, and often even driven out of mainstream banking and into bankruptcy.

One Chicago borrower took a $1,200 loan at 197% APR to support her small business, has so far paid back nearly $3,000, and will have paid at least $5,461 by the

time the loan is paid off. One person’s experience being caught up in a wealth-stripping machine that is set up lawfully if unethically in hundreds of locations across the state adds up to a scheme of major proportions.

Illinois families pay over $500 million per year to these predatory lenders, the fourth highest wealth drain from predatory lending in the country.

This is a huge amount of wealth transferred from those with the very least – nearly half of Illinois payday loan borrowers earn less than $30,000 per year – to companies set up entirely to keep this machine going.

Payday lenders make 75% of their fees from borrowers with more than 10 loans per year.

Data from the Woodstock Institute show the racial disparities in Chicago, where zip codes in communities of color represent 47% of the city’s population but have 72% of the city’s payday loans. If you live in Austin, you are 13 times more likely to have a payday loan than if you live in Lincoln Park.

Austin is also, incidentally, one of the neighborhoods hardest hit by COVID. But while you may have difficulty finding a COVID testing or vaccination site in Austin, you will have no trouble at all coming across a payday loan store that is ready, willing and able to draw you into a machine bearing a neon sign that promises relief, but that keeps you entrapped in an engine cranking along until there are no funds left in your bank account to feed it.

Seventeen states and DC have already put a stop to this bad business by limiting interest rates on payday loans to around 36%. Illinois has so far been behind the times, but once Governor Pritzker has signed the Predatory Loan Prevention Act, we will join a trend toward broader protections across the country, and can move on to the business of rebuilding economic stability in our communities with safe, responsible resources and opportunities for families who are currently suffering from immense loss.

Illinois State Senator Jacqueline Collins serves the 16th Senate District. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Advocating for change Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Nneka J. Howell founded Ink’d Xpressions, a community-based organization that uses creative writing and photography to relate to the community. Howell, a writer herself, knows the impact creativity can have when advocating for change.

The core values of Ink’d Xpressions, which Howell founded in 2014, include unity, community, justice, love, diversity and creativity.

Howell said she wrote her first book at the age of five. She said she started writing poetry at seven and embraced the moniker, “Lady Poet.”

She said she chose the name as something elegant, yet simple.

The first book she published was a book of her poetry, entitled, “A Poet’s Heart,” when she was in college at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. “When I write my poetry, it usually comes easy to me,” she said. “I’m able to write a poem in a ten-minute span and have it really clear and high quality,” she added. “Everything inspires me to write poetry, people’s experiences, the things I see people go through, my own personal experience and afflictions. I use my poetry as an escape.”

Howell has also written “Real Women Get Their Hands Dirty” and “Hidden Candor.” She said she uses her poetry as medicine, as therapy.

She added, writing is not just a hobby, it is a lifestyle. She said she found out very early on that writing was something she was supposed to do and that it allows her to find her “own escape, to find my own release,” she said, “but I found that other people are able to be medicated by writing as well. I’ve used it throughout my life as therapy and it has helped throughout my life and everything I do to relate to others,” Howell remarked. It “nourishes me mind, body, soul, spirit and emotion,” she continued.

Howell said she believes that God has told her time after time that writing is her purpose in life. “I found if I could find a way to creatively express myself, other people have similar stories and we’re all more similar than different whether we want to acknowledge that fact or not,” she said. “God’s been diligent in reminding me of my purpose, even if I end up in other occupations, doing other things, he finds a way to get me back in track.”

In December 2020, Ink’d Xpressions created and distributed more than 300 greeting cards and sent them to senior homes and assisted living homes. “We’re trying to really connect to people and challenge

them and empower them to acknowledge their greatest potential,” she said.

Howell has written a book entitled “Color of Play,” which is set to come out on March 31. It is the first in a four- book series. The goal of the children’s picture book is to challenge the idea of being color blind. She said it is impossible to be color blind.

People should just simply accept people of different colors, different backgrounds, Howell said and added that, “Everybody has a different story and all of them are important,” she stated. Howell said instead of saying you’re color blind, let’s acknowledge the color, “first and foremost,” she continued.

“Then, when you acknowledge people’s color and differences, let’s embrace each other, let’s learn their stories, let’s actively listen and get to know these individuals,” she said. “If we start with our children and the families, learn to instill that in their children, the world will be better off in the long run.”

For more information about Nneka J. Howell and Ink’d Xpressions, visit www.inkdxpressions.com.

Darrell Garth President / Publisher Janice Garth Sales Manager/ General Manager CST Weekly, published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issues annually).

Written 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.

Editorial:

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

Advertising

advertising@cstweekly.com Classifieds call us at (773) 783-1251

4 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of Feb. 17, 2021

NEWS

Star Jones & Marquis Who’s Who Releases Inaugural African American Catalysts For Change List Marquis Who’s Who (MWW), the world’s leading biographical publisher for the last 120 years, recently kicked off Black History Month by presenting their inaugural African American Catalysts for Change list.

Headed by MWW CEO Erica Lee, the list was curated by American lawyer, award winning media personality, and women’s and diversity advocate Star Jones, who as Executive Editor, showcases a total of 50 honorees, highlighting activists, entertainers, politicians, government officials, sports stars and more.

MWW was established in 1898, documenting the history and lives of the world’s most prominent and renowned people in a print format.

Now, the MWW set of directories has expanded to include accomplishments of some of the most notable figures from around the globe.

Their compilations include Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders, and Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, among others.

MWW expanded its print series to include an online database, which is widely used for research by numerous top academic institutions as well as public and corporate libraries throughout the world.

“We wanted to create a list that showcased the true black thought leaders that have become those that will affect change as we move into an uneasy yet hopeful new year,” said CEO Erica Lee. “This compilation is Who’s Who’s way of paying homage to the most influential figures over the last few years that have gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

“I am humbled to join the men and women who have been identified as African American Catalysts for Change. I see this list as phenomenal examples of the village of excellence African American leaders across all industries bring to the table of influence through their passion, vision, drive, determination and action. These leaders not only ‘talk the talk,’ they ‘walk the walk’ in leading the way for the change that is sorely needed,” said Executive

Editor and listee Star Jones.

Selected honorees for MWW African American Catalysts for Change list include the following: l Amanda Gorman: The youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history.

The National Youth Poet Laureate performed “The Hill We Climb” and quickly gained international acclaim. l Angel Onuoha: Co-Founder and CEO of BLK Capital Management, a 100% black-owned and 100% student-run hedge fund.

Onuoha’s goal was to launch a hedge fund that exposed young African American adults to the field of active investment management, giving them a real-time education while they dive head-first into managing an invested pool of money. l Bubba Wallace: Professional stock car racing driver and the only Black driver in NASCAR’s top-tier. He spoke out against the sport’s use of the Confederate flag and two days after asking NASCAR’s president to ban the flag, an announcement was made the symbol was no longer welcome at any of the organization’s racing events.

JA H N A R R I G .

West Englewood, IL

“I love the flexibility this work offers. It allows me to take care of my family while earning money to make ends meet.”

Visit IndependentWorkIL.org to learn more.

Paid for by the Illinois Coalition for Independent Work

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

l Dawn Wallace: She became famous as the nurse whistleblower who alleged medical neglect and questionable hysterectomies at an immigration detention center in Georgia in September 2020. This was brought to the worldwide stage, with American legislators and civilians demanding an investigation into the claims. Her testimony reignited the criticism and public protests surrounding ICE detention centers. l Eugene Goodman: Capitol Police officer, who risked his own safety to divert a mob from the Senate chamber during the insurrection at the United States Capitol on Jan. 6th and became a national hero overnight. As a result of his selflessness, the Army veteran is now serving as the acting Deputy Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate as of January 20, 2021. l George Floyd: His death sparked a powder keg of resentment and injustice that had long been building in the United States, leading to weeks of nationwide protests.

Floyd became the posthumous symbol of the BLM movement. l Kristen Clarke: President and Executive Director of the National Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. She was named the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Division under President Joe Biden. l Megan Thee Stallion: An American rapper, singer and songwriter, who garnered mass attention from her Instagram videos of her freestyling. Her debut studio album Good News peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard 200. l Misty Danielle Copeland: Ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre, one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States. Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history. l Raphael Gamaliel Warnock: Georgia’s first Black U.S. senator, his triumph in the 2021 special election created shock waves around the country and helped deliver Senate control to the Democratic party for the first time since 2015. l Shonda Rhimes: Television producer, screenwriter, and author.

She is best known as the showrunner, creator, head writer, and executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy; Rhimes is worth $140 million, which accounts for her nine-figure Netflix deal when she moved from ABC. Her most recent show Bridgerton has made Netflix history with 82 million viewers. l Tarana Burke: Founder of the MeToo Movement, an organization that assists survivors of sexual

assault. Hashtag #MeToo has been utilized by millions of women worldwide to share abuse stories and has helped to bring down several powerful men in the public eye.

The complete list of honorees is listed below in alphabetical order: * Abby Phillip * Alicia Garza * Amanda Gorman * Angel Onuoha * Ben Crump * Bubba Wallace * Byron Allen * Christian Cooper * Colin Kaepernick * Cori Bush * Dawn Wooten * Derrick Ingram * Dr. Bernice King * Dr. Patrice Harris * Eugene Goodman * Gayle King * George Floyd * Ibram X Kendi * Jaime Harrison * Joe Madison * Joy Reid * Kamala Harris * Karine Jean-Pierre * Kimberly Bryant * Kizzmekia Corbett * Kristen Clarke * LeBron James * Lloyd James Austin III * Megan Thee Stallion * Melanie Campbell * Michael Eric Dyson * Michelle Obama * Misty Danielle Copeland * Naia Butler-Craig * Nikole Hannah-Jones * Opal Tometi * Patrisse Cullors * Raphael Gaemaliel Warnock * Ryan Coogler * Serena Williams * Shonda Rhimes * Stacey Abrams * Star Jones * Susan L. Taylor * Symone Sanders * Ta-Nehisi Coates * Tamika Mallory * Tarana Burke * Tyler Perry * Van Jones About Marquis Who’s Who® Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the first edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion, and entertainment. Marquis® publications may be visited via the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www. marquiswhoswho.com.

CR: AD Round:

ACD: A. Del Valle

Output at: Page:

NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL Suburban Times Weekly Feb. 17, 2021 | 5 CD: G. CITIZEN Apfelbach CW:| A. Walentin P: C. Capola AM: |L. Week Mitchell ofBM: E. Schmidt

NEWS

Nurse Educators Combat COVID-19 Vaccine Myths

Nurse Educators Combat COVID-19 Vaccine Myths NewsUSA - Distribution and administration of vaccines to combat the COVID-19 virus continues to expand, but myths and disinformation about the vaccine and its safety and benefits persist.

According to a recent article in the journal Health Affairs, effective vaccination requires four elements: generating demand for the vaccine, allocating the vaccine, distributing the vaccine, and verifying coverage.

The National League for Nursing, the premier organization for nursing education leaders, emphasizes the importance of educating health professionals and the public about the vaccine.

Vaccines in general work by encouraging the body to generate antibodies to protect against an invading infection. The risks of these mild symptoms however, such as pain at the site of injection or symptoms resembling a mild case of the flu, are greatly outweighed by the protection offered by the vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available from multiple pharmaceutical companies. Some require two doses to be fully effective, but other vaccines in development require only one dose. The safety of the public is a top priority, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed v-safe, a smartphone-based tool that uses text messages and online surveys to follow individuals after they are vaccinated. The tool allows users to report symptoms and side effects quickly and easily, and to

receive guidance on what to do for any side effects that occur.

The National League for Nursing also emphasizes the importance of vaccine uptake in Black, Latino, and Native American communities, many of which are medically underserved in the best of times. Nurses and nurse educators can do their part to increase trust and vaccine acceptance in these communities.

“Efforts to promote vaccine uptake in the Black community must directly confront and address the deep historical traumas that have created high levels of distrust in the COVID-19 vaccine, and the government and healthcare system overall,” according to a survey on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Black and Latino communities conducted by Langer Research Associates.

Latino communities have experienced an especially high burden of COVID-19 infections but the survey data suggests that resistance to vaccination is lower in these communities compared to Black communities.

Overall, equity and access are key to protecting the public, and messaging about the importance of getting a vaccine as soon as it is available should be “open, honest, and comprehensive,” according to the National League for Nursing.

For more information about how nurses and nurse educators are taking the lead in educating the public about the safety and importance of COVID-19 vaccination, visit NLN.org.

TOGETHER, WE CAN POWER THROUGH ANYTHING.

If you could use help with your energy bill, there’s a way.

To learn about financial assistance call 800-EDISON1 or visit ComEd.com/Support today.

A brighter future

1

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

104581_QEXL1092000_V1 Leo Burnett February 8, 2021 1:00 PM

6 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of Feb. 17, 2021

How One Merchant Tapped into Small Breweries Making a Big Difference

By Elizabeth Walker, Walmart Corporate Affairs To identify the latest trends in their categories, Walmart merchants typically turn to line reviews, trade shows and market visits.

But sometimes, they find new suppliers and cool products the way the rest of us do: on social media.

That was the case for Walmart craft beer merchant Adrienne Freeman when she discovered San Antonio-based Weathered Souls Brewing Co. She first came across Weathered Souls from an Instagram post listing Black-owned companies. As she learned more about Weathered Souls’ amazing selection of products, she realized it had the potential to be a perfect fit for Walmart customers.

Adrienne has been with Walmart for five years and has been buying in the craft beer category for the central U.S. region for just under two years. “My main role is to be an advocate for the customer,” she said. “Every day, I am trying to discover new beers the customers want and what innovations are happening in the industry, all while trying to get customers the best price.”

Adrienne learned Weathered Souls produces high-quality brews of various styles, including Hardwood Classic, a pilsner whose name is a

nod to basketball, and a hazy IPA called Who's Got the Juice Now?. What’s more, the brewery had developed an initiative called Black is Beautiful aimed at fighting racial injustice in local communities.

Marcus Baskerville Weather Souls Brewery Marcus Baskerville is Weathered Souls’ head brewer and cofounder. He noted the majority of both brewers and consumers of craft beer are white. “A Black man in brewing is an anomaly,” he said. “There are fewer than 70 Black-owned breweries in the U.S.”

Marcus developed the idea for the Black is Beautiful working to support diversity and fight injustice in their local communities. initiative in May 2020 to bring awareness to the “We currently have nearly 1200 breweries in all 50 states injustices that many people of color face daily. He and 22 countries participating in this initiative,” Marcus said.

Adrienne knew early on the stout was a good fit for Walmart. She felt confident craft beer drinkers would respond to the rich, malty stout. Moreover, she understood Weathered Souls’ commitment to social justice was in line with Walmart’s values, including the retailer’s commitments to Marcus Baskerville is supplier diversity and racial equity. “Weathered Souls not only Weathered Souls’ head was able to do something to drive the conversation but also brewer and cofounder backed it up with a commitment to their community,” Adrienne said.

Up to that point, Black is Beautiful was mainly sold in bars and taprooms. To bring it to the retail market, Adrienne coordinated with Weathered Souls and eight other craft breweries: • 3 Sons Brewing Co. – Dania Beach, Florida • Catawba Brewing Co. – Asheville, North Carolina • Core Brewing Co. – Springdale, Arkansas • Monday Night Brewing – Atlanta, Georgia • Palmetto Brewing Co. – Charleston, South Carolina • Revision Brewing Company – Sparks, Nevada • Solemn Oath Brewery – Naperville, Illinois • Southern Prohibition Brewing – Hattiesburg, Mississippi The Black is Beautiful stout can be found in roughly 300 Walmart stores around the U.S. from February through March this year (and in 55 Walmart stores year-round in came up with the recipe for the Black is Texas). Weathered Souls and the eight brewers are brewing Beautiful stout, which he says was a natural this beer to support diversity, inclusion and social justice. choice not only for the beer’s hue but because Walmart will also highlight Black-owned wine and spirits Weathered Souls is known for producing highbrands, such as Black Girl Magic Wine by the McBride Sisters. quality stouts.

As part of their strategy to provide a strong assortment of Last summer, Weathered Souls committed to discovery items and provide store of the community merchandise, the Walmart adult beverage team has been on a donate a portion of the stout’s proceeds to local journey to expand their local craft beer business. Over the past foundations that supported social justice. Then, two years, they have added over 200 brewers to their portfolio they took it a step further. The business and are set to add another 100 breweries starting in April. published the recipe and the packaging so that “Innovation isn’t necessarily about finding the latest odd other breweries could brew Black is Beautiful, gadget,” Adrienne said. “It’s about finding the gaps in the too, as long as they committed to donate a category, what needs have not been met. Innovation is really portion of the beer's profits to organizations about trying to find a solution for the customer.” www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of Feb. 17, 2021

CST WEEKLY

|

7

CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

REAL ESTATE HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________

WANTED

HEALTH 5 Hobbies to Keep Your Body and Mind Healthy and Happy (StatePoint) As the pandemic continues to restrict many of the places you are able or inclined to go, finding ways to stay active is important for keeping the body and mind healthy and happy. Here are some ideas for new hobbies to try.

WANTED FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient.

Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com _______________________________________

HELP WANTED

THERE IS NO NEED TO KEEP THE UNWANTED POUNDS GAINED DURING COVID-19?

TRY A PERSONAL TRAINER. . .

CALL JOHNNY BARNES @ 773-875-0536 * ONE -ON-ONE * MEAL PLANS * WEIGHT TRAINING

Shaymar Media Productions LLC

Promoting you using TV, Radio, Videos, Google Awards & Social Networking WE Make Great TV Shows!

Call Us Today!

773-416-7555 http://shaymarmedia.com shaymarmedia@gmail.com

RESTORE YOUR CREDIT SCORE TODAY!

Sr. Business Systems Analyst - eCommerce (Addison, IL) Provide technology and systems anlys insights cross functionally for teams incl marketing team - Reqs: Masters in Business Admin, Info Systems or closely rltd + 2 yrs exp in occupations rltd to info systems analysis; 2 yrs exp in planning & implementing e-comm sites, dvlpng sw code for critical applications; 2 yrs exp working w/ supporting scripts, code for system reliability processes, backend scripts, magento/lamp stack, java or .net, aws on an ecomm platform, scripting languages using perl or php; business analytics tools using google analytics, netsuite, & jira; Email resume & contact info to:opportunity@cpscompany.com of Custom Personalization Solutions LLC. No calls please. _______________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered bgy the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County.

Registration Number: Y21005968 on FEBRUARY 11, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of HARDRICK TRUCKING COMPANY with the usiness located at: 12701 SOUTH ELIZABETH STREET, CALUMEYT PARK, ILLINOIS 60827. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s)/ partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name IRA LEE HARDRICK Complete Address 12701 SOUTH ELIZABETH STREET, CALUMET PARK, ILLINOIS 60827, USA. _______________________________________

CALL US TODAY AT: CREDIT RESTORATION SERVICES

(218) 833-3769 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m

PLACE YOUR AD IN THIS SPACE

SERVICE REASSEMBLE EDUCATION & TRAINING Seeking recovery? Looking for work? Contact us about FREE addiction recovery, FREE employment readiness and FREE skills training, including our "CTA 2nd Chance Program". Call 773-488-9770 or visit www.retinc.org.

(For CTA Program, call Keith Lewis at 773-881-1711, ext 1191) _____________________________________

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) leszekglasner / iStock via Getty Images Plus • Learn a language: Bonjour! ¡Hola! With an array of online language classes and tutorials available at your fingertips, learning a new language is more accessible than ever. Start now while you fantasize about a post-pandemic vacation overseas.

• Play an instrument: Learning to play an instrument is not only a great distraction for the current moment, it can provide you with years of joy as your skill develops. Consider starting your musical journey on a Casiotone keyboard. By connecting the keyboard to the free Chordana Play app, you can easily learn to play your favorite songs from downloaded MIDI files. Once you’ve mastered the instrument, the portability of the keyboard will come in handy, whether you play solo or join a band.

• Become a home chef: From sushi to soufflé to dumplings, there are likely a range of dishes you have never attempted making at home. Tackle your culinary bucket list, one-byone.

• Go hiking: There is no better hobby for staying fit and communing with nature than hiking, which works every muscle of the body, boosts cardiovascular health and even improves mood and mental well-being. Track your hike using a wearable tech tool geared for outdoor enthusiasts, such as a watch from the Casio’s Pro Trek line. Quad Sensor technology packs all the measurements you need into one compact hiking watch, including a compass, altitude/barometer and temperature measurements, along with an accelerometer that tracks step count. Calorie calculations use both step count and altitude information to take upgrades and downgrades into consideration, and data is recorded by the Pro Trek connected app.

• Volunteer: At a time when many people are struggling, consider volunteering your time to serve those in need. There are plenty of safe, socially distant volunteer opportunities, from delivering meals to the homebound, to video conferencing with socially isolated seniors to helping boost adult literacy via remote tutoring.

Amid the ongoing pandemic, staying busy and positive may take creativity. However, discovering new hobbies and pursuits you love can nurture the body, mind and soul. ____________________________________

COMMUNITY CALL US AT

(773) 783-1251.

How to Help the Millions of Americans Facing Hunger (StatePoint) Millions of people nationwide face hunger. And the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust even more Americans into this vulnerable position.

Before the COVID-19 crisis began, one in nine people, including 10 million children, already lived in a food insecure household.

Communities of color are disproportionately affected by both poverty and hunger. For example, one in four Native American and Alaska Natives experience food insecurity.

One in five Blacks and one in six Latinos experience food insecurity. As a result of the pandemic, unemployment has soared and the need for food assistance has increased.

More families are accessing food banks than ever before, and many of them for the very first time, which is why it’s really important for everyone to come together to help fight hunger,” says Casey Marsh, chief development officer for Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.

Fortunately, efforts are being made to meet the sharp rise in food insecurity. As part of its “Many Hearts, One Community.” campaign, Wells Fargo fulfilled its commitment to help provide 82 million meals to families in need through the Feeding America network of 200 food banks during the holidays. This was a continuation of a decade-long relationship with the Feeding America network which, since the start of the pandemic, has included efforts

such as turning Wells Fargo corporate properties and branch locations into mobile food distribution c e n t e r s .

Additionally, the company made grants over the holiday season to food banks operating in Wells Fargo’s global footprint.

“It was lifechanging,” says Andrea Thomas, a single mother who received food assistance in Mesa, Ariz. “I didn’t have to figure out if I was going to pay for groceries or pay for rent to keep my household afloat.”

So how can you get involved? There are 200 Feeding America member food banks across the country, many of which need volunteers to help pack food boxes, distribute food at drive-through pantries and more. Feeding America food banks have adjusted their practices to ensure social distancing to keep everyone safe. Contact your local food bank to see how you can help families in need. You can also join the fight to end hunger by making a donation. For more information, visit feedingamerica.org.

While the issue of hunger is pervasive and persistent, philanthropy, volunteerism and innovative efforts like drive-up food banks can help meet the needs of families across America.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) shapecharge / iStockPhoto.com

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

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

Advertising

Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com

Classified Advertising call us at

(773) 783-1251

Display Advertising call us at

(773) 783-1251

Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor, Greater Grand Crossing, Burnside, Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

SOUTH END

Washington Heights, Roseland, Rosemoor, Englewood, West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

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

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

8 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of Feb. 17, 2021