Citizen Suburban Times Weekly 9-28-2022

COURT DENIES FORMER LAWMAKERS’ CLAIM FOR BACK PAY

Former Democratic senators sought to overturn pay cuts that they voted to pass

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a lawsuit filed by two former state legislators who sued for back pay they believed they were due for raises that they voted against while in office.

Former state Sens. James Clayborne, left, and Michael Noland, right. (CREDITS: SENATORCLAYBORNE.COM AND WIKIPEDIA)

New state laws taking effect Jan. 1

Minimum wage hike, pets in public housing among new changes

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Illinois Supreme Court denies former lawmakers’ claim for back pay

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BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

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

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

Former Democratic senators sought to overturn pay cuts that they voted to pass

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

The law allowing public housing

tenants to keep pets is the result of Senate Bill 154, by Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego. It provides that tenants of multifamily housing units that are acquired, built or renovated with money from the Illinois

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a lawsuit filed by two former state legislators who sued for back pay they believed they were due for raises that they voted against while in office.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund may keep up to two cats or one dog weighing less than 50 pounds.

Former Sen. Michael Noland, D-Elgin, and former Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville, argued that the pay reduction measures they voted for violated the legislative salary clause of the Illinois Consti tution, which says, “changes in the salary of a member shall not take effect during the term for which he has been elected.”

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

But in a 6-0 decision, the court declined to rule on the constitu tionality aspect, saying the former lawmakers undercut their own case by voting in favor of the measures, touting them to the public and waiting too long to file their claims.

Other new laws include:

1995 to 2019. Noland served for 10 years, from 2007 to 2017. Noland first filed the suit in Cook County shortly after he left office and Clay borne joined two years later after he had announced he would not run for another term.

The lawsuit sought what’s known as a “writ of mandamus” – an order for a public official to perform a legal duty – against Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

Clayborne claimed he was owed $104,412.93 in lost pay. Noland sought $71,507.43.

In July 2019, Cook County Judge Franklin Valderrama ruled in their favor, saying the salary freezes were unconstitutional, and a subsequent judge, Allen P. Walker, issued an order in April 2021 for Mendoza to make the payments. But Mendoza appealed directly to the Supreme Court.

“We conclude that under the facts here, where plaintiffs, former legislators, agreed to, acquiesced in, and voted for the Salary Reduc tion Laws, plaintiffs cannot now be allowed to challenge the reduc tions in their salaries during their previous terms in office,” Justice P. Scott Neville wrote for the court.

Chief Justice Anne Burke and Justices Mary Jane Theis, Michael Burke, David Overstreet and Robert Carter concurred. Justice Lisa Holder White, who joined the court in July after oral arguments in the case had already concluded, did not take part in the decision.

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

Illinois is currently governed by the Compensation Review Act. In 1990, a Compensation Review Board that has since been abolished recommended that legislative salaries be subject to annual cost of liv ing adjustments, or COLAs. The General Assembly approved that rec ommendation and it remained in effect when the board was abolished.

During oral arguments, Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office, representing Mendoza, did not challenge the finding that the legisla tive acts were unconstitutional, but argued that the former senators had effectively waived their right to any relief by voting in fa vor of the pay reduction bills.

It also argued that the former lawmakers waited an unreasonable length of time before filing their claims and that their claims should be barred by the statute of limitations, which is generally five years.

In its ruling Thursday, the Supreme Court agreed with those arguments and did not rule on the constitutionality argument.

“I’m so grateful the Supreme Court said ‘No’ to these two former legislators who voted to forego their raises, then issue d news releases praising their self-sacrifice in declining those raises as they asked their constituents to re-elect them,” Mendoza said in a state ment. “Years after they left the legislature they shamelessly sued me – and by extension, you, the taxpayers – saying they had no constitu tional right to decline those raises and wanted them back.”

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

In 2009, in the wake of a severe recession, lawmakers passed a bill canceling those COLAs for the upcoming fiscal year, and they repeated that policy each year until 2019.

Clayborne served in the General Assembly for 24 years, from

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

Gov. Pritzker Announces Formation of Midwest Hydrogen Coalition

Agreement will create good-paying jobs, improve public health conditions, and provide a pathway to decarbonization of transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture industries

CHICAGO –Illinois joined six other Midwestern states to announce the development of the Midwest Hydrogen Coalition, an agreement that will boost the state’s decarbonization efforts. In addition to Illinois, the coalition includes Michigan, Minne sota, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.

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

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

to the appropriate school support personnel.

Equitable Jobs Act, which set a national standard for aggressive decarbonization goals by pledging to be completely reliant on clean energy by 2050. The creation of this coalition allows for a multi-state, multi-sector approach for leveraging each state’s unique assets to be adopted to ensure the development of the hy drogen production industry across the Midwest. This approach will be informed by collaborating with leaders in industry, academia, and community engagement, with the state of Illinois utilizing its world class colleges and universities to lead the way on research and development of innovative clean energy tech nologies.

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

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

“Innovative solutions to fighting climate change require collaborative efforts. Through the partnership of the Midwestern Hydrogen Coalition, Illinois will play a major role in fosterin g a healthy economic environment for the hydrogen production market in the Midwest, creating more clean energy sector jobs and lowering carbon emissions in the manufacturing and trans portation sectors across the state and region,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Additionally, this landmark multistate agreement empowers the state’s world class colleges and universities to form working relationships with their counterparts in neighbor ing states, enhancing the research and development of newer, cleaner technologies that allow us to meet our decarbonization goals.”

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

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

The agreement builds on the state’s landmark Climate and

Lemonade stands: SB119 prohib-

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

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

Investing in clean hydrogen is a key component of decar bonizing the transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. By jumpstarting the hydrogen market in the Midwest, the state of Illinois will add to its robust number of clean en ergy jobs and bring down the cost of clean energy alternatives for those who reside here. Additionally, this agreement will lead to reduced pollution, enhanced energy security and improved public health conditions for all Illinoisans. Simultaneously, the status of globally competitive industries will be protected, an d emerging industries will be encouraged to increase their foot print in the Midwest.

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

RICH TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEEMAN CALVIN JORDAN AWARDED

“THE 2022 TRAILBLAZER AWARD” BY THE COOK COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

(Richton Park, Illinois) On Thursday, September 22nd, the Cook County Demo cratic Party honored Rich Township Demo cratic Committeeman, Calvin Jordan, with the 2022 Cook Coun ty Democratic Party Trailblazer Award. Cook County Board President and Democratic Party Chairwoman Toni Pre ckwinkle led the chorus of Committeemen and other elected officials in verbally honoring the longtime democratic southland resident.

“Calvin Jordan is truly worthy of this honor. The Rich Town ship Democratic Or ganization has taken off in big strides under Calvin’s leadership. His years of serving under the late Cook County Board President, John H. Stoger has propelled Committeeman Jordan to really understand the true essence of what serving the community is all about.” says Calu met Township Democratic Committeeman, Illinois State Representative and Calumet Township Su pervisor Robert “Bob” Rita.

There Has been a noticeable paradigm shift in the political winds of southern Cook County that has now changed the very landscape of eco nomic development, political empowerment, and progress. Rich Township has emerged a base of power, influence, and proven results.

At the head of the political structure has been Calvin Jordan, who also serves as Township Supervisor. During the current tenure of Commit teemen Jordan, many elected officials throughout Rich Township have coalesced their influences under Jordan’s leadership, and collectively led the charge that has resulted in key victories for the region.

In the recent June 28th Democratic Primary election, Committeemen Jordan and the Rich Township Organization used every ounce of their political will in capturing a huge victory for current Matteson Village Clerk Yumeka Brown in her quest to become elected as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. In a very crowded field of well qualified candidates throughout Cook County, Brown was able to garner extremely impressive numbers to secure a seat on the prominent board of Commissioners.

“The Rich Township Democratic Party was my main driving force that led me to victory. Ev ery member of our organization gave their all to

ensure that we could have a seat at the MWRD. I am grateful to Calvin Jordan who exhausted many miles on his car and legs in ensuring that the other leaders of the Cook County Democrat ic Party would embrace and support me in this endeavor. I congratulate him for receiving this Trailblazer award. It is very fitting. “

The Rich Township Democratic Party was also pivotal in the recent democratic primary victory of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to whom Committeemen Jordan also shares a very close relationship. But the Rich Township organization also worked extremely hard to help produce democratic primary elec tion victories of JB Pritzker, (Governor) Alexi Giannoulias, (Secretary of State) Mike Hastings, (Illinois State Senator) Debbie Meyers-Martin, (Illinois State Representative) Monica Gordon, (Cook County Commissioner) and an array of ju dicial candidates who leaned heavily on the Rich Township organization.

Committeeman Jordan is also firm in his support of his State Central Committeewoman, Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

“We are truly blessed in Rich Township that our State Central Committeewoman resides in Rich Township and is also one of the most influential women in Congress. Congresswoman Kelly, along with Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin and MWRD Commission er -Elect Yumeka Brown, have truly expanded our reach and enhanced the opportunity to receive resources for our township.” says Jordan.

“This Trailblazer Award is not just about Cal vin Jordan. But a result of the hard-working men and women of our township who genuinely care about the very fiber of their communities. This

is about resolving issues surrounding property taxes, crime, public infrastructure, and public safety. The residents now have a keen sense of what their political landscape must accomplish to impact the progress of their local governments.” says Committeeman Jordan.

Illinois State Representative Debbie Mey ers-Martin adds, “Calvin has a spirIt of inclusion and no exclusion in how he manages our local Democratic party. Our organization is a group of diverse men and women to whom Calvin con siders heroes. He understands that we all have worked hard to live in communities that we are proud of. In part, Calvin does not view his accomplishments as political. He views them as vital to the upward mobility of our specific towns and overall region.”

Last month the Cook County Democratic Party met and selected Jordan as its 1st ViceChairman. In this role Calvin Jordan is now responsible for developing strategies, recruiting county-wide candidates, and overseeing many of the plans approved by the overall party.

While Jordan is well deserving of this ap pointment, it is evident that the men and women who make up the Rich Township organization are in part responsible for his rise within the Cook County Democratic Party. One can just observe the election turnout numbers and results through out the township as an indicator that the organi zation is unified and has a solid programmatic thrust in ensuring that these victories will lead to more infrastructure improvements throughout Rich Township.

“I simply love Calvin Jordan’s philosophy that there is no “I” in the Rich Township team. Calvin has always been incredibly grateful to the members of our organization who have allowed him the opportunity to lead. He has worked hard to keep us a united organization whose focus is to ensure that our region remains prominent and stable for the future generations that will come behind us. “ says Matteson Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin.

Calvin and Lori Jordan--Holding 2022 Trailblazer Award

PHOTO COURTESY STHMEDIA LTD

Calvin Jordan, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and executive officers of the Cook County Democratic Party presenting Jordan with 2022 Trailblazer Award.

PHOTO COURTESY STHMEDIA LTD

Winter City Lights, a new immersive 18-acre holiday lighting display features more than 1 million twinkling lights, an incredible 52-foot programmable Christmas tree featuring a 32,000 square-foot lighted canopy of orches trated lights and music. PRNewsFoto.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Launches New Arts & Gallery Trail

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., PRNewswire -- Visit Myrtle Beach has launched its Arts & Gallery Trail, offering guests an all-new way to explore the destination’s 14 unique communities and 60 miles of coastline. In collaboration with the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum and The Arts Grand Strand, the Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail features more than 100 attractions, studios, murals, sculptures and so much more.

The Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail fea tures more than 100 attractions, studios, murals and sculptures.

Visitors and residents alike will get an unexpected look at the destination’s vibrant art scene, from hidden gems and secret underground passages filled with art, to popular staples like the award-winning Brookgreen Gardens, which fea tures the largest collection of figurative sculpture in the U.S. and is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The trail also features awe-inspiring oceanfront sculptures, enormous alleyway murals and micro galleries – all of which dot the land scape of the region.

New Spectacular 18-acre Holiday Lights Festival Promises Magical Winter Wonderland

OLNEY, Md., PRNewswire -- A new holiday lights fes tival in Olney, Maryland promises to deliver a show-stopping 18-acre lighting display that features more than 1 million twin kling lights, an incredible 52-foot programmable Christmas tree featuring a 32,000 square-foot overhead lighted canopy of orchestrated lights and music, plus guaranteed “Winter City” snow every night creating a magical winter wonderland for visitors.

Winter City Lights will be staged by the same top-tier production company that hosts the Field of Screams Maryland Haunted, currently in contention for the #1 spot in the USA Today 10 Best Haunted Attractions in the country contest.

“This is the largest, most sophisticated holiday lights ex perience in the Washington DC and Baltimore area,” said Mike Lado, Creative Director, Steelhead Events and Productions. “We’ve worked for four years to create a unique, high-quality event that offers visitors a truly unforgettable holiday lights experience—and one unlike anything that has ever been staged in the country.”

Winter City Lights is an immersive holiday lights experi ence where guests can explore 200,000 square feet of displays covering 18 beautifully decorated acres. Highlights include: 1 million twinkling lights; a 52-foot programmable Christmas tree featuring a 32,000 square-foot diameter canopy of lights and light show; an enchanted 1.5-mile-long trail through the woods featuring holiday displays and awe-inspiring holiday lights; guaranteed snow and a musical light show every 30 minutes; an eight-lane,15-foot-high thrilling snow tubing slide ; concessions; lumberjack axe throwing; and 14 bonfire areas for getting cozy and enjoying s’mores by the fire.

Tickets for Winter City Lights, 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Rd. in Olney, Md., are on sale now. Open select weekdays and every weekend beginning Nov. 19th through Dec. 31, 2022. Prices range between $39 and $48 for an Adult General Admis sion ticket depending on the night. Discounts for kids under 12 and seniors over 65. Kids under 4 are free. FREE PARKING for all. To purchase tickets or additional information, visit www.wintercitylights.com.

“We are so proud to work with local artists and arts organizations throughout our community to help bring the Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail to life,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “The Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail will inspire people to ex plore our ever-evolving destination and dynamic community at The Beach and beyond.”

The trail stretches from Little River and North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet and Paw leys Island – stopping in many of Myrtle Beach’s lesser-known areas, such as historic downtown Conway, the quaint “Little Golden Town” of Aynor and the newly-minted Arts & Innovation District – along the way. To participate, guests can sign up for a free digital pass and check-in to stops to earn points. Points can be redeemed for a variety of prizes, including prints from local artists, t-shirts and even a trip to The Beach.

“There are so many passionate artists in the Myrtle Beach area, and it’s an honor to help share their stories and promote their work through the Arts & Gallery Trail,” explained Patricia Goodwin, executive director of the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. “I hope visitors and residents alike take time to explore the trail, learn more about the stories of our local artists and experience the diverse arts community Myrtle Beach has to offer.”

For more information on the Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail, please visit www.visitmyr tlebeach.com/artstrail

THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN ANNOUNCES LINEUP OF EVENTS FOR CAYMAN COOKOUT 2023

GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman, PRNewswire -The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Chef Eric Ripert are pleased to announce the highly-anticipated event lineup for Cayman Cookout 2023, taking place at the resort from Thursday-Monday, January 12-16. Cayman Cookout will make its grand return to the resort after a two-year hiatus and plans to bring together some of the world’s most tal ented chefs, wine and spirits experts alongside new events, never before seen by attendees.

Hosted by Chef Eric Ripert, the 14th annual celebra tion will feature an impressive line-up of talent including José Andrés, Adrienne Cheatham, Master Sommelier Aldo Sohm, Andrew Zimmern, Antonio Bachour, Charles Joly, Daniel Boulud, Dean Max, Dominique Crenn, Emeril La gasse, Jennifer Carroll, Kristen Kish and Tom Colicchio. The events and menus for Cayman Cookout have been carefully curated by Chef Ripert, as well as the participat ing chefs, who have worked closely with Master Somme

lier Aldo Sohm, Wine Director for Cayman Cookout and Monica Dubar, Beverage Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. This year in particular, an emphasis has been placed on expanding the beverage programming, of fering events and menus designed through the lens of mas ter mixologists and global spirits experts. The beverage team has curated an extensive list of rare wines provided by some of the most exclusive and world-class producers, including Jason Smith MS, Jean-Marc Rouleau, Landon Patterson, Larry Stone MS, Marc Gagnon, Michael Kenne dy, Nathaniel Dorn and Rajat Parr MS.

The festival will also allow guests to take advantage of two new dining concepts on property as well as the recently renovated guestrooms and public areas.

Guests planning to attend will also see the return of signature events like Beach Bash, Barefoot BBQ, and Rum and Robusto alongside new events including, but not limited to:

A Cayman Cookout In-Flight Experience with Chef Eric Ripert presented by Cayman Private Aviation

Island Culinary Excursions including a Cayman Brac Lunch Experience

Wine Tasting and Discussions with World-Class Producers like Marc Gagnon

Exclusive dining experiences including a Le Bernar din Reunion

A Sommelier Standoff featuring Master Sommelier Aldo Sohm, Michael Kennedy, Monica Dubar, and Enri co Carmassi

Steakhouse Dinners and Latin American/Caribbean inspired experiences at newly opened Saint June

Effervescence Soirée by Moët & Chandon

Individual ticket sales for Cayman Cookout 2023 will be available in autumn and will be available for purchase on the festival’s www.ritzcarlton.com/grandcay man.

Purpose Toys Unveils Amazon Exclusive “Crown and Coils” Styling-Head Set

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- DeeDee Wright-Ward, creator of viral “Naturalistas” Fashion Doll line and CEO of one of the largest Black-owned toy start-ups, Purpose Toys, has announced the expan sion of the Naturalistas brand with the release of the Amazon Exclusive “Crown and Coils” Natural Hair Styling-Head set.

A celebration of coils and curls, the popular Naturalistas fashion doll line features seven unique core characters and offers an inclusive selection of four distinctly Black hair textures and styles. Created to help parents educate kids, “Crown and Coils” joins the “Crown and Curls” Styling-Head as the world’s first and only line of Natural Hair Styling-Heads to provide children with the opportunity to ex plore, interact with and learn to care for Natural Hair. The groundbreak ing “Crown” line of Styling-Heads features a selection of several hair types (4A and 3C), both of which commonly found across the African American and global Black Communities. With the support of Amazon and the exclu sive release of “Crown and Coils, Naturalistas continues to make histo ry as the first all Black, culture-driven fashion doll line to not only center and celebrate children with coily and curly hair, but also to highlight the beautiful nuances of Natural Black Hair.

“Whereas straight hair, wavy and jewel-toned hair are over-represented across the Black doll category, the reality is many African American children and adults like myself, have tightly coiled natural-colored hair. But from the standpoint of authentically representing distinctively Black characteristics, many doll products marketed to Black children don’t often reflect their beautiful coils, curls or natural hair color, which can inadvertently send the message that hair that looks like theirs isn’t equally valued. We want to change this,” Wright-Ward said.

She added, “Through the Naturalistas’ “Crown and Coils” Styling-Head, children with type-4 hair are not only provided an educational tool that allows them to interact with and learn about Natural Hair manage ment, they also get to see themselves celebrated and authentically represented.”

“A Celebration of Natural Coils, Curls and Crowns,” both “Crown and Coils” and “Crown and Curls” Styling-Head sets (SRP $29.99) feature distinct ly Black (natural hair) textures, familiar (culturally) facial features, contemporary deco face paintings, and highly curated (culturally accurate) hair accessories that speak to Purpose Toys’ commitment to the celebration, education and authentic representation of Natural Hair. Naturalistas are sold and distributed by Purpose Toys.

DeeDee adds, “Our tagline across all Naturalistas brands is ‘Be Proud of Your Crown,’ and on National Afro Day and every day, we continue to support the healthy emotional development of children who wear their Natural Hair, by providing authentic, nuanced culture-driven products. It goes without saying that Purpose Toys is grateful for the support of Amazon in bringing celebratory, uplifting ‘dolls-of-culture’ to market.”

Outdoor Afro Inc. and REI Co-op Debut Co-created Collection

OAKLAND, Calif. and SEATTLE, PRNewswire -- Outdoor Afro Inc. and REI Co-op have launched a co-created hike collection to help solve unmet needs in outdoor apparel and celebrate Black joy in nature. A new chapter for national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro Found er and CEO Rue Mapp, Outdoor Afro Inc. is the corporate partner of her 13-year organization and the co-op’s inspiration for this innova tive collection.

“Nature has been, and will continue to be, a place where Black people seek connection and respite,” said Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. “Black people have always spent time outside across a variety of activities, but the community has always felt a gap in finding gear that fits, functions well, feels good and represents their personal style. REI was the right partner to listen deeply and help us create a collection that would start to meet those needs. We are thrilled to launch this inspirational campaign, share this hike collection, and continue to elevate Black joy outdoors.”

Outdoor Afro Inc. is a new venture for Mapp that celebrates and inspires Black community connections to the outdoors through rele vant product design, manufacturing, sales, and outdoor experiences. For more than a decade, her not-for-profit organization and REI have built a relationship to address the lack of Black representation in the outdoors. That relationship led to this new collaboration.

“Our long-time relationship with Outdoor Afro provided a nat ural platform to help us better understand what the outdoors means to the Black community. This partnership allowed us to authentically identify and address barriers to create more inclusive design solutions that will connect more people to the power of the outdoors,” said Isa belle Portilla, divisional vice president of product strategy and design for REI Co-op brands.

For the first drop in the multi-launch collection, Outdoor Afro Inc. and REI worked closely with members of the Black communi ty to understand their outdoor product needs and begin developing a collection to inspire and ignite more Black joy in nature. The 22-piece hike collection includes apparel and accessories that bring more inclusive design to the forefront. Customers will find new fit options that consider a wider range of body types, shapes, and sizes. The collection uses lightweight and stretch materials that promote breathability and lead to easy wear and care. New colors and graphics embrace a desire for personal expression.

The Outdoor Afro Inc. x REI Co-op Hike Collection is now available for purchase at REI stores and REI.com. Apparel and acces sory prices range from $40 to $179 and $7 to $15, respectively.

Campaign photography was captured by Joshua Kissi and Fela Raymond from TONL, a creative company seeking to transform the idea of stock photography with diverse representation. Video content was created with Nate the Director from Invisible Collective and Maya Table from Curator. On-camera talent is a mix of Outdoor Afro leaders, REI partners and models.

TRESemmé Partners with Multi-Platinum Selling Artist Normani to Launch “Power Your Style Project”

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., PRNewswire -- As America’s #1 styling brand, TRESemmé knows that style is more than just a look. Style is represented by how every woman presents, speaks and acts as her authentic self. Driven by the brand’s purpose to champion personal style and the power that it brings, TRESemmé announces the “Power Your Style Project,” a commitment and partnership with The Representation Project, multi-platinum artist Normani, and American fashion designer Batsheva Hay to advocate for every woman’s truest expression of her personal style.

TRESemmé believes that when personal style is embraced, it helps women reach their full potential. How ever, not all women are able to embrace their style due to “double binds” -- the conflicting societal messages, images and queues that tell a woman how she is supposed to look, speak and act. Examples include being told to be more assertive but not bossy, dress to impress but don’t be too bold, and speak up but not too loudly. To reveal the effects of double binds on women’s personal style and profession al ambitions, TRESemmé collaborated with The Represen tation Project, a leading global gender justice non-profit organization, on a first-of-its-kind study on double binds

using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study found:

Two-thirds of women experience double bind mes sages, especially Gen Z women ages 18-24. 90% of these women report that double binds prevent them from being their authentic self.

Nearly half of women report experiencing double binds at work, with two-in-five women reporting that double binds negatively impact their professional career/ job.

A majority of women (61%) reported they would be happier if they had more freedom to express their style.

To launch the program, TRESemmé is partnering with multi-platinum selling artist Normani who herself has experienced double bind criticism and has had to nav igate other societal expectations throughout her career. The Representation Project found that the most common double binds prominent women* experience on social media include receiving comments that they are overly confident, yet insecure (84%) and being called lazy, while also being told that they are overly ambitious (80%).

“I know what it feels like to be criticized and doubted, which I experienced in my music career,” stated

Normani. “I have since started discovering who I am and am embracing this stage in my life where I am able to express myself the way I want to and not because of any body else. By owning my personal style, it has encour aged me to continue on this path as a soloist and create a new album. I am honored to be partnering with TRESem mé, a brand that believes in championing women’s personal style and the power that it brings, to officially launch their ‘Power Your Style Project’ and empower women everywhere to express their unique styles so they can achieve more and be their best selves.”

The brand is also showcasing and celebrating wom en’s personal styles through #MyStyleIsMyPower – a social movement that the brand kicked off on TikTok that encourages women to embrace their personal style, de spite the double binds that keep them trapped in a world of seemingly wrong choices. Furthermore, TRESemmé has committed to evolve all brand content to ensure that a wide variety and diversity of styles are showcased across TRESemmé channels.

To learn more about the TRESemmé “Power Your Style Project”, visit here or follow @Tresemme on Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

DeeDee Wright-Ward, CEO of Black-owned toy start-up Purpose Toys and creator of “Naturalistas” FashION DOLL LINE. PRNEWSFOTO.

The Amazon Exclusive Naturalistas “Crown and Coils” Styling-Head Set was created to celebrate children with coily and curly hair. PRNEWSFOTO.

Museum Presents

(September 26, 2022) The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center will pres ent its annual “Drum Talk,” Book and Literary Fair on Saturday, October 8, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will include “The Banned Black Book Exchange,” during which guests are invited to bring a “banned book,” which they may exchange for another “banned book” of their choosing.

More than 35 authors will be in attendance including Christian Gregory who will unveil and discuss, his new book “The Essential Dick Greg ory,” a soulful, generation-defining collection of thought provoking, agitating and liberating works from his father Dick Gregory the late activist and author of sixteen books, which will be published on October 11, 2022.

A true renaissance man, Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory was one of the pioneering sat irists of his generation, a reformer and brilliant spokesperson for the downtrodden and forgotten who dedicated his life to speaking unadulterated

Event Will Also Celebrate The 90th Birthday of Civil Rights Activist Dick Gregory

sential Dick Gregory,” a carefully curated anthol ogy of selected writings reflects and celebrates Dick Gregory’s wisdom and his vision. Divided into three sections –Body, Mind, and Spirit—it includes previously unavailable transcriptions and excerpts taken from his sixteen books, fifteen albums and audio compilations, and more than 1,200 hours of archival video, including lectures, interviews and comedic performances. It is a breathtaking tour through the life of one of Ameri ca’s most prophetic and relevant cultural icons.

day, the launch and discussion of “The Essential Dick Gregory” will be preceded by a screening of the documentary The One and Only Dick Grego ry, on Friday October 7, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the DuSable Museum’s Ames Auditorium.

The One and Only Dick Gregory is a feature length documentary examining activist, pop-cul ture icon and thought leader Dick Gregory, whose work as a self-described “agitator” shaped a generation demanding justice. As a renowned Black comedian, Gregory has a platform to take on the most incendiary battles of hunger, gen der equity, and civil rights—stirring trouble and making headlines in the service of social justice. Featuring Gregory’s personal reflections, archival footage and interviews with the artists he influ enced—including Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Wanda Sykes.

Admission to the screening of The One and Only Dick Gregory and to the Drum Talk Annual Book and Literary Fair is FREE to all. For more information, please visit the museum’s website at:

What's good for the environment can also be good for your home. Save today with rebates and discounts on ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and home products, all while saving for the long run by using less energy. You may even qualify for additional FREE energy saving products.

Living Color

On-trend hues reflect comforting lifestyle design

(Family Features) Upgrading your home design is an opportunity to tap into new color schemes. Knowing what shades are trendy and how different hues can work together for a cohesive design is an important step in creating an attractive design aesthetic.

While you might turn to family or friends for inspiration for your next DIY project, another resource for collecting concepts and options to upgrade your space is the internet. Consider the Valspar Color-verse, which allows visitors to explore colors in a unique way and offers paint color inspi ration and decor trends they can envision within their own homes.

The interactive virtual home showcases the latest paint and design trends so you can get creative for your next project. After experiencing the Valspar 2023 Colors of the Year firsthand by painting walls and art from the collection to see the 3D virtual house come to life, you can find the perfect paint shade for your space.

“Through the Color-verse, visitors can experience the 12 Colors of the Year in a realistic virtual home,” said Gus Morales, vice president of brand marketing for CBG Sher win-Williams. “Aside from exploring the Colors of the Year, the home is an engaging space for visitors to create art, play games and order paint chips to see how their top color picks look and feel in their homes.”

Color Trends to Consider

Many of this year’s popular nature-inspired designs are all about finding comfort, embracing a flexible lifestyle,

rediscovering joy and leaning into the growing DIY move ment. The most trend-worthy, forward-thinking and livable colors reflect specific facets or emotions of life so you can update your well-used spaces with thoughtful colors that evoke positive energy and lasting change.

Comfort and Contentment: If your goal is to create a space that envelopes you in a sense of comfort, consider a white with a yellow undertone that makes a space cozy like a soft blanket, like Cozy White from Valspar. Complement the softness with a muted clay that brings in brown undertones that suggest gentle contentment.

Calming Restoration: Tap into the calming tones of na ture with a hazy green that has duality, which brings in both the calm and liveliness of the great outdoors. Another option is a deep midnight blue used as an elegant calming shade to restore mind, body and home.

Healthful, Mindful Living: Create an uplifting space where your wellness is a priority. Evoke a greater sense of health consciousness with a light blue that has a dose of softness used as a fresh neutral with uplifting qualities of a modern pastel, like Valspar’s Rising Tide. Reinforce the benefits of mindful living with a cool gray that is balanced by the warmth of the yellow undertone, a natural hue like a cotton muslin cloth.

Connections and Joy: Establish spaces where you can celebrate relationships with others, the world around you and happiness in your being. Consider hues like a white softened by a violet undertone, a harmonious shade promoted by digital connectivity. Evoke joy with a dependable classic tan that features a yellow undertone suggesting new life with

uplifting qualities.

Natural Balance: Bringing hints of the outdoors into a well-loved living space creates a soothing ambiance. Consid er a warm neutral brown tone inspired by the shades found in nature or a cooled down blue that strikes a beautiful balance between cool and warm shades in your design.

Inspirational Thought: A work-from-home or crafting space needs color to inspire great thinking. Try a faded natu ral terracotta that sparks individuality and warmth or a deep blackened olive, an on-trend neutral that embodies charm and sophistication.

Explore the tool and find more colorful ideas at Valspar. com.

Navigate New Colors

Exploring color options before you apply them to a home improvement or design project gives you the chance to experience and visualize different styles before you fully commit. Using a tool like Valspar’s Color-verse, a 3D virtual home, you can experience on-trend color palettes that inspire your next big project through resources like:

• An interactive feature that allows you to repaint walls of a living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, walls and cabinets using the 12 Colors of the Year then takes you directly to the site to order free paint chips to try at home

• An artistic element where you can create a 3D panora ma nature scene, explore others’ artwork and share creations on social media

• A light-hearted game that inspires you to get on the road to gather your home improvement essentials

Bilingual collection offers free access to high-quality digital books and resources for adults, children and educators

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and Worldreader have partnered to release ReadLife Bookshelf, a new multigener ational reading collection for adults, children, and educators.

Launched in celebration of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, ReadLife Bookshelf aims to promote literacy skill develop ment in adult learners, children and families, using online resources to broaden reach and access. ReadLife Bookshelf offers:

A curated collection of digital books for adults and children, including titles tai lored to the reading levels and interests of adult learners

Guided activities to encourage adult learners and their families to deepen and enhance the learning experience

Resource guides to help instructors promote literacy skill development

Bilingual (English and Span ish) books and resources

Anytime, anywhere access to online materials across all platforms (Computers, tablets and smart phones)

New books and materials each month, with upcoming seasonal themes including “Mysterious Stories,” “Gratitude” and “Let’s Celebrate.”

The ReadLife Bookshelf collection aims to promote equity and remove barriers that often prevent low-literate adults/parents from building their literacy skills by providing convenient online access to engaging, relevant reading materials.

Roughly 54% of American adults lack proficiency in literacy, reading below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level. Yet, books for emerging readers most frequently focus on topics that are of interest to children. To fill this gap, the Barbara Bush Founda tion and Worldreader worked with publishers and authors to curate a selection of books that combine high-interest topics

JAKE AND JAZZ SMOLLETT ADD COLOR AND STORAGE INTO A KITCHEN SPACE ON ‘LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ’

Silver Spring, Md. -- The Smollett sibling duo has returned to CLEO TV’s hit series “LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ” to continue to create revitalizing home makeovers and cel ebrate the renovation completion with delicious cuisine. Season three, which premiered on Sept. 14, will follow the viva cious Smollett siblings as they recreate family recipes while trans forming homes into desirable, uplifting living spaces.

Jake and Jazz are revamping Yassmin’s kitchen to reflect her love for baking. Jazz adds a popping pink to the space and fun storage options, while Jake creates a workstation and mobile table. Tonight’s meal includes chicken piccata served with red velvet cinnamon rolls.

Brother and sister duo Jake and Jazz Smollett team up to transform the living, work, and play spaces of millennial fam ilies in CLEO TV’s new lifestyle series

“LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ.” They know how to hold it down in fashion, food and design! In this series, Jake and Jazz create simple

solutions to everyday design dilemmas for aspiring millennial families. Whether it’s a new mom redecorating a nursery on a tight budget, a fierce young woman who’s landed her dream job and now has to spruce up her home office or a young couple moving into their first home, LIVING BY DESIGN will help transition their houses into homes.

LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ is produced by Powerhouse Productions, with Rochelle Brown and Sonia Armstead

serving as Executive Producers. For TV One, Austin Biggers is the SVP of Pro gramming, Susan Henry is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production, and Donyell McCullough is Sr. Director of Talent & Casting.

For more information about CLEO TV’s upcoming programming, includ ing original movies, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv. CLEO TV viewers can also join the con versation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@ mycleotv) using the hashtag #LIVING BYDESIGN.

with accessible vocabulary – creating a unique collection for adult learners.

“Adult literacy is family literacy, but the literacy needs of parents and caregivers are far too often overlooked,” said British A. Robinson, president and CEO of the Barbara Bush Foundation. “Through the combination of high-quality content and innovative technology, ReadLife Bookshelf can empower parents to improve their own literacy skills – boost ing equity and unlocking the doors of opportunity for millions of families.”

The new collection is also designed to promote family literacy engagement by encouraging parents and children to read together, fostering a literacy-rich home environment. Learners and instructors can access the ReadLife Bookshelf collection across all their devices and platforms, thanks to Worldreader’s low-cost digital reading solution, BookSmart.

“When parents read, children read. And when chil dren read, they lay the foundation for a successful life. We are thrilled to partner with the Barbara Bush Foundation to provide the books and technology necessary to set families up for success,” said David Risher, co-founder and CEO of Worldreader.

The ReadLife Bookshelf collection will grow over the next three years to include guided activities, compelling adult learning-focused stories, and over 200 children’s books in English and Spanish. All resources are available for use by learners and educators at no cost.

‘LOUIS WISHES YOU A COOL YULE’ SET FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 28

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire

-- Much like Santa Claus himself, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong devoted his life to “the cause of happiness,” as he once put it, bringing joy to audiences around the globe every time he put his trumpet to his lips or crooned with his instantly-recognizable, gravelly voice. Yet, while Satchmo’s holiday recordings have become stan dard yuletide fare, he never released a Christmas album during his lifetime. Now, for the very first time, Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule – out October 28 via Verve Re cords/UMe, presents Armstrong’s holiday recordings as a cohe sive body of work, marking his first-ev er official Christmas album.

Since his pass ing in 1971, Arm strong has become one of the most oft-played artists during the holiday season, his golden trumpet tone still able to cut through the din of even the most bustling shopping mall. Available for pre-order today, Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule features nearly the entirety of Armstrong’s hol iday output: six Decca singles from the ‘50s, including “Cool Yule,” “Christmas Night in Harlem,” and the swinging

“’Zat You Santa Claus?.” The 11-track album also features duets with two of Pops’ favorite vocal partners, Velma Middleton (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”) and Ella Fitzgerald (“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”). An official video for the Louis and Ella classic debuts today, hand-drawn by director and ani mator JonJon in his distinctive “line and shape” style.

Rounding out the collection is the artist’s signature hit, “What a Wonderful World,” which has become something of a year long hymn of hope and celebrates its 65th anni versary this year, plus a very special gift to fans: a previously unreleased reading of Samuel Clement Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nich olas,” popularly known as “The Night Before Christmas.” Paired with a groovy, newly-record ed musical underbed by New Orleans pianist Sullivan Fortner, the poignant recording marks the first new Louis Armstrong track in more than 20 years and is notable for being the last recording he ever made.

Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule will be available in a variety of formats, including on red vinyl, a limited edition vinyl picture disc (releasing November 4th), CD, and digital.

British A. Robinson, President and CEO, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (PRNewsfoto/Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy)

TVONE

For the very first time, “Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule,” presents Louis Armstrong’s holiday recordings as a cohesive body of work, marking his first-ever official Christmas album. PRNewsFoto.

Tracye McQuirter, MPH Leads Global Health Intervention for Black Women

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire --

Award-winning public health nutritionist, 35-year vegan activist, and best-selling author Tracye McQuirter, MPH, is thrilled to announce her free 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start program will continue through Oct. 9.

To commemorate the importance of this pub lic health initiative, Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an official “Greetings” document to McQuirter.

This marks the fourth free 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start program as part of McQuirter’s 10 Million Black Vegan Women Movement, a revolu tionary public health intervention that will change the health paradigm of Black women now and for generations to come.

Studies show a plant-based diet can dramat ically reduce the risk for chronic diseases and improve heart health. McQuirter’s free 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start programs have helped thousands of Black women experience life-changing health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood pres sure and cholesterol levels, improved mood and cognitive function, and more.

The 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start features:

Meal Plans

Grocery Shopping Lists

Online Cooking Classes

Delicious Whole-Food Vegan Recipes

Nutrition Tips

Daily Support and Inspiration

Live Sessions with Vegan Experts

Online Fitness Classes

Testimonials from participants include:

“Feels good knowing that other Black women are trying to live healthier and will influence whole families and in turn whole communities.”

“Your program is great for anyone that is thinking or wants to go plant-based but not sure how to start. The recipes are awesome. The di etary information is awesome.”

“Since I have started the movement, I’ve lost 13 pounds, my blood pressure is down, and I feel amazing! I can’t thank you enough.”

“When you consider that Black women experience among the worst health outcomes, it’s truly revolutionary that we have created a free global health intervention that has already helped thousands of Black women around the world im prove their health,” said Tracye McQuirter, MPH. “Eating a whole-food, plant-based diet can be both life-changing and delicious, and the results from our 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start program prove just that!”

For more information, please visit: 10mil lionblackveganwomen.org/freshstart/. PRNewsFoto.

FOUNDATION FOR SARCOIDOSIS RESEARCH LAUNCHES

CLINICAL TRIAL EQUITY INITIATIVE

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is proud to announce the launch of the Ignore No More: ACTe Now! (Advance Clinical Trials for Equity in Sarcoidosis) campaign. The goals of this campaign are to increase represen tation of Black American sarcoidosis patients in clinical trials, raise awareness of disparities that exist in sarcoidosis, identify the challenges and barriers that contribute to lower participation by Black Americans in clinical trials, and to provide recommendations that foster a more inclusive ap proach to recruiting patients for clinical trials and research.

The time to ACTe is Now! Learn what you can do to support at www.stopsarcoidosis.org/ACT Now.

To ensure Black American sarcoidosis patients are at the forefront of this discussion, FSR collabo rated with sarcoidosis experts and patients, known as Patient and Clinical Advisory Committees, to create a survey to provide a platform for Black Americans to share their experiences and insights. Black Americans at least 18 years of age and older, who live in the U.S., are encouraged to take the survey at www.stopsarcoidosis.org/ACTNow to help inform recommendations for improving care and increasing representation in clinical trials. The survey is available now through November 30, and will culminate in a Congressional Briefing in April of 2023, Sarcoidosis Awareness Month.

Black Americans are 2.5 times more likely to have sarcoidosis and are 12 times more likely to die from sarcoidosis than White Americans. While Black Americans are disproportionately impacted

by chronic illnesses and diseases across the spec trum, they are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials and research. According to the FDA, only 7% of clinical trial participants, globally, and 16% domestically, are Black, while White partici pants represent 76% and 78% respectively.

In 2021, FSR launched Phase I of the Ignore No More Campaign to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact sarcoidosis has on Black American women reaching over 500,000 indi viduals through awareness events, media, and an educational public service announcement video featuring celebrity spokesperson, Jeryl Prescott Gallien. The campaign was featured in media outlets such as The Roland Martin Show, The Tavis Smiley Show, USA Today and Yahoo! News. Phase II, ACTe Now!, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, Kinevant Sciences, Mallinckrodt Pharma ceuticals, and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, is the next step in addressing health disparities in the sarcoidosis community, including Black American men.

We are calling on all patients, caregivers, cli nicians, researchers, and the wider community to support this campaign and raise awareness of the sur vey. The FSR ACTe Now! Social Media Toolkit and educational infographic are located on the campaign website to make sharing messaging easy. FSR is also calling all providers, researchers, and clinicians to commit to having discussions with your patients about clinical trials and research participation.

There are more sarcoidosis clinical trials than ever before, so the time to ACTe is Now! Learn what you can do to support at www.stopsarcoidosis.org/ ACTNow.

Believing is the first step

We’re empowering entrepreneurs to take the next one

In the last decade, more than 50% of all new businesses created were diverse-owned.* It’s why Bank of America has taken an innovative, industry-leading approach to help fuel growth by supporting mission-focused equity funds, Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions, including mHUB Product Impact Fund I, Chingona Ventures and Allies for Community Business.

These partners help women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color establish and grow their businesses, create jobs and improve financial stability in local communities across the country.

We know that it takes more than a great idea to start and keep a business running. My teammates and I in Chicago want to make sure every big believer has the opportunity to achieve and reach their goals.

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago

What would you like the power to do?

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/chicago