Chicago Weekend 4-27-2022

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Week of April 27, 2022

BUSINESS Sisterhood in the Workplace: Supporting Black and Latina Women beyond Women’s History Month

P4 FREE | VOL 53 | ISSUE 18

The Immersive Experience will include 10 multidimensional spaces where visitors will be able to see artifacts, curated by the Prince Estate. PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE RUIZ

LILYSILK Unveils Six Limited-Edition Gift Sets for Mother’s Day P5

MAYOR LIGHTFOOT LAUNCHES NEW COMPREHENSIVE FINES AND FEES PROGRAM FOR MOTORISTS FACING ECONOMIC HARDSHIP ALONG WITH REFORMS FOR ALL CHICAGOANS P7 P7

PRINCE:

THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE AIMS TO SHOW ARTIST’S MANY DIMENSIONS P2

Comedian and Actress Amanda Seales to Host New SiriusXM Show on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio Channel P8

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briefly MARWEN CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE 2022 PAINTBRUSH BALL

Marwen announces the return of its largest annual fundraising event, Paintbrush Ball 2022, which will celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary. Held on Marwen’s birthday, Friday, May 20, the festivities take place at Revel Motor Row, 2400 S. Michigan in Chicago, from 6 pm to midnight. New this year is the After-Party, an exciting addition that will put icing on our cake. Bring your dancing shoes – we are here to party! Enjoy a night of fun, friends, and art.

The year’s theme is “We Are Here.” These words tell a Marwen story 35 years in the making – years full of inspiration, imagination, creative voices, and a growing community of thinkers and makers. The event theme was conceived by Creative Sponsor Leo Burnett, and the event was designed in collaboration with The Revel Group.

Marwen trustees Elizabeth Brady (Allstate), Todd Heiser (Gensler), and Regin Igloria (Ragdale) are co-chairing this year’s Paintbrush Ball, which raises funds to support Marwen’s free visuals arts courses and creative academic and career pathway programming for Chicago youth in 6-12 grades across the city.

In addition to cocktails and appetizers, dinner, DJ sets, and a brief program, Paintbrush Ball 2022 will have a neighborhood and experience themed Silent Auction. Gary Metzner (SVP of Sotheby’s) and Marwen Trustee Molly Morse Limmer (Hindman Auctions) will emcee a lively Paddle Raise and Marwen alumna DJ Sadie Woods and Marwen trustee DJ Tony Junior (Antonio Garcia) will provide the evening’s entertainment. Catering is provided by Limelight Catering.

“All-Night” tickets are $500 and are an all-access pass to the event including a reception at 6 pm and after party starting at 9 pm. “After-Party” tickets are $100 and include access to the late night event from 9 pm to midnight. Tickets are now available at paintbrushball.givesmart.com.

Governor Pritzker Issues Updated Mask Guidelines to Align with Federal Court Ruling To align with the ending of the enforcement of the federal mask mandate on public transportation following a federal court ruling, Governor Pritzker announced he will revise Illinois’ executive order executive order lifting those requirements for the State of Illinois. As a result, masks will no longer be required on public transit, in public transit hubs, or in airports. Executive Order 2022-06 will be amended to reflect these changes. Local municipalities retain the right to establish their own mitigations, including masking requirements on public transportation.

“I’m proud of the work our state has done to fight COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I continue to urge Illinoisans to follow CDC guidelines and, most importantly, get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.”

Nearly 73% of eligible Illinoisans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and over 81% have had at least one dose of the vaccine. Vaccines are available regardless of immigration status or background, and can be found at vaccines.gov. The CDC continues to recommend that the immunocompromised, those who cannot be vaccinated, and those in congregate facilities wear masks to protect the vulnerable. The CDC also recommends masks are worn in areas of high transmission.

Prince: The Immersive Experience is set to open in Chicago on June 9. PHOTO CREDIT: BRIAN ACH.

Prince: The Immersive Experience aims to show artist’s many dimensions Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Prince: The Immersive Experience is coming to Chicago in June, thanks to the company that created The Friends Experience and The Office Experience.

Superfly has been in the business of creating music experiences and immersive experiences, which include Outside Lands and Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. The Prince Immersive Experience is the first time the company is doing location-based entertainment in the music space.

Richard Gay, chief operating officer at Superfly X, said the company always knew there was an intersection between the location-based entertainment and music experiences. Music is in Superfly’s blood.

It was always destined for Superfly to combine its music and immersive experiences. But, what would they start with?

When the Prince opportunity came along, the company was excited.

Gay pointed out that Prince: The Immersive Experience is different than the Prince Museum, which is located at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minn. And, that Prince was multi-dimensional so anything that was done would have to incorporate all those dimensions.

“When you think about Prince, you’re not like, ‘oh yeah, the guy that had some pop hits in the 80s.’ Nobody thinks that.

You think about all the things he stood for. You think about the tremendous giant hit he had, you think about the ballads he had, you think about the fact that he was probably the Top 5 guitarists of all time. You think about social justice and artists’ rights,” Gay said.

Visitors will be able to explore all the different dimensions of Prince, all the parts of his genius, not just what can be heard on the radio.

Gay said Chicago was chosen for the debut of the Prince Immersive Experience because of its notoriety as a great music

city and his history. Superfly also wanted to stay true to Prince’s Midwestern roots.

The Prince Immersive Experience will include 10 multidimensional spaces where visitors will be able to see artifacts, curated by the Prince Estate, with an immersive audiovisual room, wardrobe pieces and photography, as well as instruments.

The Prince Estate is partners with Superfly in the Prince Immersive Experience. It was very important for Superfly to partner with the Estate to ensure the immersive experience would be authentic to who Prince was, who he continues to be to his fans and all the people his life touched. For the immersive experience, Superfly has worked with Prince’s lighting designer, Roy Bennett, as well as others in Prince’s inner friends circle.

“That authenticity is everything. It’s everything to his die hard fans, and the great things about these experiences is that they attract the die hard fans and they also attract people who are interested in immersive experiences,” said Gay, who added working with the Prince Estate was critical.

The creative for the immersive experience took more than a year to develop. There was extensive research done, from watching and listening to content and reading and digesting all the books about Prince. The goal is to create something unique, the best it can be and ensure it is a tremendous experience for the fans.

“We’re trying to make sure we’re authentic and represent Prince properly, but we also want existing fans and new fans to come, to really enjoy themselves and take away something with them,” Gay said. “We hope people come and they’ve heard some great music, they’ve learned something about Prince, they’ve had an unbelievable time, in terms of having a lot of fun.”

Prince: The Immersive Experience will debut on Thursday, June 9, at 540 N. Michigan Ave. It will continue until Sunday, Oct. 9. Tickets start at $39.50. To purchase tickets, visit www.PrinceTheExperience.com.

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HARVEST FOODS GROUP PRODUCTION FACILITY SUPPORT NEW CITY INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND EXPANSION CHICAGO – On Tuesday, April 19, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced Harvest Foods Group will construct a food production facility in New City, creating and retaining over 250 jobs in the INVEST South/West corridor. The $60 million food production facility will be at a long-abandoned industrial site in New City and provide public improvements for nearby businesses and residents.

The Harvest Food Group project at 1924 W. 46th St. will redevelop 8.3 acres of City-owned land that has been vacant for more than 15 years. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will include 220,000 square feet of food production and storage space, as well as parking for more than 150 vehicles.

“After years of neglect behind a chain link fence, this site is finally getting the rejuvenation it deserves,” said Mayor Lightfoot.

“This exciting project will reinforce Chicago’s reputation as the nation’s leader in food production. It also demonstrates Harvest Food Group’s desire to continue providing employment opportunities to Southwest Side residents and revitalizing the communities they call home.”

Based on community input to mitigate commercial vehicle traffic, Harvest will widen the 4500 and 4600 blocks of Damen Avenue at an estimated cost of $2 million; provide abundant landscaping and green spaces for public use along Wolcott and 46th streets; and include numerous design details that are in context with neighboring land patterns.

“We at Harvest Food Group are thrilled to remain in the City of Chicago,” said Harvest Food Group Founder and CEO Jason E. Eckert. “This new facility will allow us to continue to grow and add value to the lives our employees and our community. Harvest Food Group is committed to partnering with the city to honor our core principals of workers, family, and community.”

Located in the Stockyards Industrial Corridor and most recently used for container storage, the site was condemned and

acquired by the City in 2006. It has been vacant ever since, partly due to environmental conditions and access issues that impeded its redevelopment.

“The addition of Harvest Foods to the Back of the Yards Community will have a tremendously positive impact on many levels,” said President and CEO Craig Chico, Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council. “First, the retention of jobs in our city along with the creation of new jobs has obvious benefits but will provide opportunities for local hire. Second, the architecture of this development has taken into consideration the future neighbors of Harvest. It will eliminate an unsafe blighted eyesore with a beautiful facility. The concern and sensitivity to the community has been part of the approach from all involved; the Mayors Office, DPD, CDOT, and Harvest.“ The block-long property is appraised at approximately $3.5 million. Under a pending redevelopment agreement with the City, the land would be sold to the developer for $1 to offset an estimated $1.5 million in environmental remediation costs and the public improvements to Damen Avenue. Terms could be finalized this summer.

Founded in 1999, Harvest Foods provides manufacturing, packing and distribution services to a variety of food industry companies across the country. The new facility will replace its current operations in Archer Heights and provide a more efficient environment to expand and add 50 new jobs.

Other nearby projects moving forward under Mayor Lightfoot include the $73.6 million United Yards mixeduse project near Ashland and 47th streets, as well as $15 million in nearby streetscaping, both through the INVEST South/Invest initiative, which has channeled $1.4 billion in investments into 10 underserved communities over the past two years thanks to public and private sector partnership.

Gov. Pritzker Signs Historic Budget Delivering $1.8 Billion in Tax Relief for Families CHICAGO – Building on three years of fiscally responsible leadership, Governor JB Pritzker signed the fiscal year 2023 budget into law, delivering his fourth balanced budget while providing $1.8 billion in tax relief to the working families of Illinois.

The fiscal year 2023 budget provides historic funding for education, human services, law enforcement and violence prevention. It prioritizes fiscal responsibility, funding pensions at $500 million more than required, repaying the state’s remaining outstanding debts, and putting $1 billion in the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the “rainy day” fund, for unforeseen emergencies.

“The budget I’m signing into law today brings real improvements to the lives of working families and sets us up for a stronger fiscal future,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Investments in stronger schools, modernized airports and newly paved highways, hundreds of thousands of well-paying infrastructure jobs, and a better funded pension system… these are the kind of priorities we can invest in when our state is governed responsibly.”

“This budget reflects our administration’s continued support for pathways of learning because we know access to education can change the trajectory of a student’s life, families’ lives, and their communities,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “We are building on our historic investments in education by increasing funding and support that will uplift young people from their

earliest moments in school. From our nation-leading early childhood education efforts to funding MAP grants for nearly 25,000 additional students, we’re aiming high and setting our sights on equitable, affordable education for all.”

“This budget continues us down the path of financial surety, invests in critical resources like public safety and human services, and helps ease the burden of inflation for families with $1.8 billion in tax relief,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Westchester). “This is what financial responsibility looks like, and fiscal watchdogs agree. I’m proud of the work that went into this budget and grateful to see Governor Pritzker sign it into law today.”

“This is one of the best budgets that we have seen in years,” said Sen. Elgie R. Sims (D-Chicago). “As the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, I set a mandate for our budget to solve the pressing economic problems facing low- and middle-income families. Because of our responsible fiscal approach, our state has generated the largest surplus in more than two decades and builds on the financial stability that we have seen over the past few years. In this budget plan, we were able to invest directly into families across Illinois by providing taxpayers major tax cuts and direct payments. Our plan sets us up for short- and long-term success and I remain committed to economically advancing the state of Illinois.”

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JOYCE PROPOSAL WILL MAXIMIZE FEDERAL DOLLARS FOR BROADBAND EXPANSION A measure introduced by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) to increase Illinois’ ability to capture federal funding for broadband under the federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act was signed into law on Tuesday.

“Bringing access to internet to every citizen in Illinois is crucial,” Joyce said. “This initiative helps Illinois capture up to $1.6 billion in federal dollars to expand broadband services.”

The intent of this legislation is to bring more legislative oversight and allow for public input on where best to allocate broadband funding. Joyce put forth the proposal earlier in session, which was then put in the final BIMP bill.

“Striking a balance in closing the digital divide between both unserved and underserved areas will give our children access to more opportunities and put them on a path for success,” Joyce said.

House Bill 4700 is effective immediately.

JONES: BUDGET BRINGS FORTH RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) was proud to support a budget that focuses on providing Illinoisans with relief by putting money back in their pockets.

“Our plan provides funding to pay back our debts and save for the future while providing relief to families,” Jones said. “We’ve focused on easing the financial burden families are facing – from inflation at the grocery store to skyrocketing gas prices.”

The budget brings forth a total of $1.8 billion in tax relief for families. It addresses inflation by suspending the 1% state grocery tax for one year, and freezing the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months to help with rising prices at the pump.

The majority of Illinoisans – more than 95% of taxpayers – will also receive a one-time tax refund by the fall of 2022. Individual filers will receive $50 and joint filers will receive $100, with an additional $100 for up to three dependents.

Safety net hospitals bore a lot of the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic and are still suffering. This budget will also allocate $67 million for the hospitals.

“We are making sure our communities are supported. Funding safety net hospitals in our community helps alleviate the pressures they are facing,” Jones said. “This budget is a win for all.”

The budget has passed the senate.

SIMS: OUR BUDGET PLAN ACHIEVES SHORT- AND LONG-TERM SUCCESS State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding the passage of the FY23 budget and tax relief plan Friday evening: “We have approved a budget that is balanced, responsible and invests in hardworking families across the state. We’ve constructed the plan to put money back into taxpayers’ pockets, invest in critical public safety measures and support human services.

“As the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, I set a mandate for our budget to solve the pressing economic problems facing low- and middle-income families. Because of our responsible fiscal approach over the past few years, our state has generated the largest surplus in more than two decades.

“I am especially proud of our investments in education, small businesses and public safety. The budget lays out a major spending plan for crucial public safety initiatives and programs to support the areas ravaged by violence.

“Finally, as the lead sponsor of the Legislative Black Caucus’ SAFE-T Act, I’m proud of the funding allocated in this budget that invests in the tools law enforcement needs to prevent and solve crimes to keep communities safe. Our number one priority as a legislative body is the safety of the communities of which we serve.

“Our plan sets us up for short- and long-term success and I remain committed to economically advancing the state of Illinois.”

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Sisterhood in the Workplace: Supporting Black and Latina Women beyond Women’s History Month

o support Black and Hispanic women in the workplace, we must understand the unique challenges they face and advance solutions. Young Black and Latina girls are more likely to identify as leaders than girls of other races.

However, when they grow up, the disparities they face when it comes to pay and opportunity are jarring. In fact, according to the US Census, Black women were paid 63% of what non-Hispanic white men were paid. That means it takes the typical Black woman 19 months to be paid what the average white man takes home in 12 months. And Latinas endure the widest pay gap of any group, earning just 57 cents on the dollar compared to non-Latino white men.

Silvana Montenegro Byna Elliott It’s no secret that gender bias plays a role in income disparities, and unfortunately, these inequities intensify when considering – to offer business education, coaching and banking compounding factors like race and ethnicity. JPsolutions to business owners. But external partnerMorgan Chase is increasing awareness around these ships are also critical to our efforts. inequalities and is committed to using its resources to For example, ABP partnered with digitalundividmake real change – not just during Women’s History ed to launch BREAKTHROUGH, a business-intenMonth, but every month. sive program designed to help women of color entreJPMorgan Chase has dedicated divisions that preneurs propel their businesses. The curriculum for specialize in outreach to diverse audiences. Silvana the program includes programming on strengthening Montenegro, Head of Advancing Hispanic & Latinos customer engagement and banking relationships, as and Byna Elliott, Head of Advancing Black Pathways well as identifying and implementing business modat JPMorgan Chase recently discussed their perspecels. Upon completion of the program, each participant tives on women in the workplace, and how the comreceives a $5,000 grant to invest in their business. pany is helping to create an equal playing field.

Silvana: We’ve also introduced a new partnerQ: How is JPMorgan Chase working to tackship with Elevate Together™ – a program designed le income inequity for Black and Hispanic/Latina to support the growth and prosperity of Black and women?

Hispanic-and Latino-owned small businesses in colSilvana: We realize that tackling income inlaboration with U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce equality requires consistent programming that focuses (USHCC) and The ODP Corporation (The ODP). We on inequity both in the workplace and in the educaare supporting this year’s expansion by being the tional environment Black and Hispanic/Latina women exclusive provider of bilingual financial education are in before they start working. Advancing Black content through Chase for Business modules and Pathways (ABP) and Advancing Hispanic & Latinos supporting the creation of an online platform where (AHL) were born out of recognition that, while our company has made efforts to be inclusive and impact- participants can register to access materials free of charge. Through this initiative, JPMorgan Chase is ful in all activities, we need to be very intentional helping the program expand into six new cities – Dein our approach to our work. ABP was established troit, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Minneapolis and to help the Black community chart stronger paths Phoenix -- in addition to the original five locations toward economic success and empowerment, while (Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and AHL is a way for us to drive meaningful and sustainable change for the Hispanic and Latino communities. South Florida).

Q. Success in the workplace can be impacted by Through these initiatives, we’ve created a set of what is accomplished at the collegiate level. To what activities focused on entrepreneurship, career readextent is JPMorgan Chase reaching Black, and Hisiness and support, financial health, and community panic and Latino women students and how are you development. Women are a core audience for all of helping to see them succeed in the workplace? our efforts.

Byna: Students are undoubtedly a vital audiQ: How is JPMorgan Chase helping Black ence – they are our future! Both Advancing Black and Hispanic/Latina -owned businesses grow and Pathways and Advancing Hispanics & Latinos offer expand?

Fellowship Programs, which aim to increase opportuByna: The number of Black and Latina women nities for underrepresented communities in the finanbecoming entrepreneurs is continuing to rise at an cial industry. The ABP Fellowship Program launched accelerated rate. Black business ownership is up by in 2019 and the AHL program will commence its almost 30% on pre-pandemic levels and Black wominaugural cohort this year. Since beginning, nearly en are the fastest-growing group of female entrepre700 students have participated in the programs, more neurs. Similarly, Latinas are more likely to own – or plan to own – their own businesses than non-Hispanic than half of which identify as female. The programs provide a six-week paid, full-time fellowship held women. We want to see entrepreneurs not simply do during the summer months for rising sophomore well, but thrive! college students who identify as Black and HispanPartnership is key in helping to reach Black and Latina entrepreneurs with helpful resources. Internal- ic and Latino. This opportunity exposes students to hands-on experience, mentorship, and a project-based ly, we partner across our business – including with curriculum, designed to help build a pathway to fuour community and consumer branch colleagues who ture opportunities. are often the face of the company to entrepreneurs

Silvana: Additionally, we recently established a partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund – one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations supporting higher education for Hispanic and Latino students – to grow the entry-level pipeline of Hispanic and Latino employees, expand campus recruiting opportunities and provide financial education for Hispanic and Latino students.

Byna: While both programs are open to all Black and Hispanic/Latino students, we find that these programs are especially valuable for young Black and Hispanic/Latina women students because of their significant lack of representation in the financial sector. We also make a point of covering topics, and pairing women students with mentors that can speak to the unique challenges of Black and Hispanic/Latina women in the workforce.

Q. Aside from student resources, what financial educational resources do you provide for Black and Hispanic/Latina women?

Byna: While changing income inequity takes systemic change, there are individual measures that can be put in place to make sure Black and Hispanic/ Latina women are fully equipped with the financial education and tools they need to be successful. We strive to help all generations create a vision and a foundation for their financial future, no matter where they are starting, by promoting education on financial health, homeownership, and increased savings and investments.

We’ve transformed our content creation process, bringing in creative ideas and strong collaborations with Chase community managers and community partners to provide helpful and engaging content for all of our students, customers, and community members.

Q. Finally, while both of your respective programs provide so many great services, do you ever collaborate on strategies and initiatives?

Byna: Absolutely! Within our company, we are viewed as what we call a “center of excellence,” which mostly means that we are seen as spearheads for large strategies and resources as it relates to our specific communities. But diversity and inclusion is a shared priority for all divisions and is not limited to what we drive.

Silvana: For example, last year, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management hosted Building A New Legacy: A Summit for Black and Latina Women. The virtual celebration of sisterhood provided a unique space for Black women, Latinas and all allies to take an investing journey together. Through live discussion panels, one-on-one sessions with celebrities and on-demand conversations, the event served as a platform to help promote education on building and retaining wealth. While we supported our colleagues, this activity was driven by a need to bring rich content to an important audience – an audience we will continue to prioritize in all of our efforts.

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co To learn more about the various impact initiatives we have at JPMorgan Chase & Co please visit https://www. jpmorganchase.com/impact. You can also learn more about both the Advancing Black Pathways and Advancing Hispanic and Latinos and the follow sites: https://www.jpmorganchase. com/impact/people/advancing-black-pathways https:// www.jpmorganchase.com/impact/people/advancing-hispanics-latinos .

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LILYSILK Unveils Six Limited-Edition Gift Sets for Mother’s Day PRNewsFoto

LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- LILYSILK, the world’s leading silk brand with a mission to inspire people to live spectacular, sustainable lives, is launching six special gift sets for Mother’s Day this year.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity for people to express their gratitude and love for their mothers. Infusing the special holiday with the brand’s unique philosophy, LILYSILK has crafted six limited edition gift sets, each catering to a different personality and preference. The LILYSILK design team will decorate the gift boxes with conventional black ribbons to reflect the beauty and elegance of mothers. The decoration will be free of charge and each gift box also comes with a special gift card to express their love.

The gift sets each contains several beloved LILYSILK items including: LILYÁUREA™ 22 Momme Gold-Silk Stay-safe Kit, dedicating the purest joy and happiness to mother with the purest material; Skin-Friendly Beauty Sleep Set, helping mother to sleep better and maintain her beauty; 24-Hour Care: #1 Shirt + Sleep Collection, for the sweetest mother who has always been caring and encouraging; 24-Hour Care: SOS Shirt + Sleep Collection, celebrating the selfless and maternal love; Best Beauty Sleep Set, for the hardest working mother who has devoted all her life to her children; 24-Hour Care: 1 for 2 Dress + Sleep Collection, the best choice to complement the elegance of the mother.

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The Skin-Friendly Beauty Sleep Set, which includes one 19 Momme Terse Envelope Silk Pillowcase, one Ideal Silk Sleep Eye Mask, and five Soft Silk Medium Scrunchies, also comes with a free monogramming service, which enables customers to customize their gift, so that it is truly one-of-a-kind.

“Mothers serve as an inspiration to all and are the greatest teachers of compassion, love, and fearlessness, and there is no love as pure, unconditional, and strong as a mother’s love,” said David Wang, CEO of LILYSILK. “With the gift sets specially created for this occasion, we hope mothers can enjoy the utmost comfort, and in spectacular style.”

LILYSILK is a world-leading silk brand with a mission to inspire people to live spectacularly as well as more sustainably, driven by its care for its customers as well as the planet. For more information, visit www.lilysilk.com and follow @lilysilk on Instagram and @Lilysilk on Facebook.

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H&M IS PROUD TO RELEASE A COLLABORATION WITH FASHION ICON, IRIS APFEL NEW YORK PRNewswire -- H&M’s latest collaboration is a glamorous and vibrant project created in partnership with a true style icon – the incomparable Iris Apfel. The Iris Apfel x H&M collection celebrates the 100th birthday of the beloved tastemaker. The collection launched on hm.com and in select stores in the U.S. and Canada on Thursday, April 14.

Iris Apfel is renowned for her flamboyant fashion, fierce individuality, and bold outfits. She champions the idea that style and inspiration can come from anywhere and anyone, regardless of price.

Inspired by Iris Apfel’s unique flair and more-is-more aesthetic, the Iris Apfel x H&M collection offers an assortment of stunning pieces designed for everyone. The clothing and accessories have all been created to honor Iris Apfel’s unwavering independence and original sense of style.

The collection features a playful mix of textures, patterns and cuts. Key garments include a jacquard suit with peapod embroidery and pearl peas, a voluminous frilled tulle jacket and a flouncy tiered skirt and blouse set in a stunning iris flower print. A rainbow of fabulous, PRNewsfoto/H&M vivid colors including canary yellow, emerald green, radiant violet, vivid turquoise, and sunset orange bring the garments to life. A line of jewellery and accessories is also available to complement the wardrobe. Taking inspiration from Iris Apfel’s love of layering and fondness for chunky statement pieces, the accessories pull from many themes, including plants, animals, and treasures from another world.

“I think H&M is fabulous and is an absolute pioneer in its field – which I love! I love doing high style at affordable prices, which H&M has mastered!,” said Iris Apfel.

“H&M was drawn to work with Iris because of her famously eclectic taste and her influence within the fashion community. She epitomises personal style – a style that is both beautifully flamboyant and eclectic as well as totally ageless. She shows what fashion is all about: it’s a means of expressing yourself, who you are or want to be and a way to have fun. She’s a true inspiration!,” said Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor, H&M Womenswear

OUTDOOR AFRO AND KEEN PARTNER WITH YMCA TO ADDRESS BLACK YOUTH DROWNING CRISIS PORTLAND, Ore., PRNewswire -- KEEN, Inc. (KEEN), the global footwear brand on a mission to make outside inclusive and accessible to all, today announced its “Making Waves” partnership with Outdoor Afro, the nation’s foremost not-for-profit organization celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature, and the YMCA, the leading U.S. nonprofit committed to strengthening communities.

The national program, which aims to impact 100,000 Black youth and their caregivers over the next 10 years, launches with an awareness and fundraising campaign highlighting the alarming statistic that Black children are nearly 6X more likely to die from drowning than white kids, according to the CDC. A limited edition Outdoor Afro x KEEN sandal collection releases April 12 in support of the program and is designed to increase attention while helping to raise funds for Swimmerships™, scholarships for swimming lessons happening primarily at YMCAs. “These alarming statistics demanded action,” said Rue

Mapp, founder, and CEO of Outdoor Afro. “We need to stop the drownings and give kids confidence in and around the water. It’s about saving lives and enabling stronger connections to our waterways and the outdoors. This is an important step in the right direction. We are most grateful that our partner of a decade, KEEN, has supported Making Waves for the last three years, and are excited that the YMCA is adding its strength to the effort. It’s great to see this all coming together.”

Outdoor Afro created Making Waves in 2019 with KEEN and the YMCA first supporting a pilot program in New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Phoenix in 2021. The expanded partnership will now help Outdoor Afro grow in key markets across the country in 2022. Kids and their caregivers may sign up for Swimmerships™ on Outdoor Afro’s website beginning this summer. Each Swimmership™ provides a new swimmer with a full swim course of 8-10 lessons. Swim lessons take place at local YMCA’s

and select community pools. Individuals may sponsor a swimmer on Outdoor Afro’s website. $10 = a lesson, $100 = a Swimmership™, $1,000 funds a full class.

“The statistics speak for themselves,” says Erik Burbank, vice president of the KEEN Effect. “We’re proud to be supporting Outdoor Afro on this movement, and it’s really motivating to have the YMCA joining the effort.

Having a partner that can help us scale the program over time reinforces our ability to create change and have a significant effect on this issue.”

The Outdoor Afro x KEEN sandal collection features artwork from Outdoor Afro volunteer leader Leandra Taylor. Taylor has been an inspiration, teacher, and friend to kids hungry to learn about the outdoor experience. One percent of all sales will go to fund new Swimmerships™.

To learn more or to sign up for a Swimmership™, please visit.

Go to outdoorafro.com, www.ymca.org and www. keenfootwear.com/the-keen-effect/ for additional information.

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MAYOR LIGHTFOOT LAUNCHES NEW COMPREHENSIVE FINES AND FEES PROGRAM FOR MOTORISTS FACING ECONOMIC HARDSHIP ALONG WITH REFORMS FOR ALL CHICAGOANS Motorists can enroll in the Clear Path Relief (CPR) Pilot program, which offers drivers in debt a chance at compliance and economic opportunity.

In addition, all residents will be able to take advantage of a “fix-it” defense for expired sticker violations.

CHICAGO – On Thursday, April 14, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced a first-of-its-kind initiative to help alleviate financial hardships for Chicago motorists mired in debt. The Clear Path Relief (CPR) Pilot program and the Fix-It Defense for compliance tickets mark the third round of relief efforts initiated by Mayor Lightfoot since 2019, in an ongoing series of significant reforms taking on regressive fines and fees.

The policies further pave a viable roadway to economic stability for residents with outstanding fines and reduce the reliance of fees that disproportionately impact low-income communities on the City’s budget.

Chicago is among the first cities in the nation to consider the financial capabilities of its residents when assessing fines and fees.

“Each year, tens of thousands of City residents are placed into greater economic hardship as a result of accumulated delinquent parking debt because they lack the resources to pay fines and fees,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “With these ongoing set of reforms, we hope to give Chicago motorists additional options to clear the slate and make payments appropriate for their income level.”

CLEAR PATH RELIEF The Clear Path Relief (CPR) Pilot program will benefit residents and families with accumulated delinquent ticket debt and financial penalties. CPR provides eligible low-income motorists with support for specific vehicle-related debt -- compliance, red light, speeding, and parking violations (excluding expired meter tickets.)

To qualify, applicants must have existing ve-

Village President Fitzgerald Roberts: $2 million grant for new water main significant step forward for Dixmoor Dixmoor is in line for $2 million in grants to be used for a new water main, which will ensure Dixmoor residents have access to reliable water service, according to Dixmoor Village President Fitzgerald Roberts.

“This is a significant development for Dixmoor,” Roberts said. “We are finally able to bypass the pipes under Interstate 57 and stop a lot of the interruptions in water service our community has experienced for far too long.”

The grant was made possible through a cooperative effort between Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The $2 million grant is going to fund the installation of a new distribution water main, enabling the Village to cut and cap the nine water lines buried 30 feet under I-57.

“We have long suspected that these pipes have been leaking and are a major cause of the water pressure issues we have experienced,” Roberts said. “Unfortunately, we could not get to them because they are buried under the Interstate, and we could not go around them without the installation of a new water main. You always want to have at least two mains for redundancy. Now we will have a water main that is accessible for repairs, and we can finally bypass those troublesome pipes under I-57.”

Roberts said the last few months have been difficult, but thanks to this grant, the Village is moving in the right direction.

“I thank Congresswoman Kelly, President Toni Preckwinkle, State Representative Will Davis, EPA officials Dwayne Booker and Mike Brown and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for going to bat for the residents of Dixmoor,” Roberts said. “When I got the call early morning last October that Dixmoor had no water pressure, I had no idea at the time what our community was about to go through. My hope throughout the entire water crisis last year was that there would be something good to come out of those difficult days of no water service in Dixmoor. I am happy to say that the good is happening now.

hicle-related debt. Additionally, they must reside in a household currently enrolled in the Utility Billing Relief program (UBR) or earn a household income of less than, or equal to, 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (As an example, a family of four can earn no more than $82,250 per year.) Benefits include the forgiveness of debt, a discount on new violations, and extended time to pay fines: Motorists who pay off the original fine amount (no penalties or interest) for eligible tickets issued within the last three (3) years can have all older eligible debt waived; Any new eligible tickets issued within 365 days from the enrollment date, and paid on time, will be reduced by 50%; New unpaid eligible tickets will not be assessed penalties until after December 31, 2023.

Expired meter ticket debt cannot be reduced or eliminated through this program. To successfully complete this program, and have older non-meter debt waived, participants must complete their payment plan and pay their meter tickets in full or enroll them in a payment plan. CPR applications will be accepted through December 31, 2023.

FIX-IT DEFENSE The Fix-It Defense is available to all motorists, regardless of income. The program benefits any motorist with an expired city sticker violation, and/or an expired license plate violation, and can be used once per violation for the lifetime of a license plate. Claimants requesting to have a ticket dismissed must purchase and display the appro-

priate sticker, contest the ticket (online, by mail, or in-person), and submit proof of compliance (purchase and display of the sticker on the vehicle.) Tickets issued for the same violation within 30 days prior to the compliance date will also be dismissed. The Fix-It Defense is available until the Clear Path Relief program ends on December 31, 2023.

The Clear Path Relief and Fix-It Defense programs add another layer to the Mayor’s longterm effort to implement evidence-based policies and investments to address entrenched poverty and economic hardship. There is automatic eligibility for the 10,733 residents already enrolled in the City’s Utility Billing Relief (UBR) program, which was rolled out in July 2020. For the 10,733 residents currently enrolled in the City’s Utility Billing Relief (UBR) program that launched in July 2020, there is a streamlined application process that doesn’t require additional income verification.

The Clear Path Relief program and Fix-It Defense arrive two years after Mayor Lightfoot launched the Solutions Toward Ending Poverty (STEP) Summit, where hundreds of Chicagoans gathered with the Mayor to address one of the City’s greatest challenges - entrenched poverty and economic hardship.

For more information about the Clear Path Relief program and Fix-It Defense, please call (312) 744-7275, Monday – Friday 7am-7pm, except holidays; or visit www.chicago.gov/cpr.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Salute Her Awards Celebrates Multi-Generational Excellence WASHINGTON PRNewswire -- In the true essence of Sisterhood, Café Mocha radio network celebrates Black women in their fullness on Sunday May 8, during the 12th Annual Salute Her Awards, presented by AARP and Toyota. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the show will stream across Café Mocha and SaluteHer.com social media channels. This year, Café Mocha will honor esteemed select Mothers who have been intricate in paving the way for those coming behind them as thought leaders within our community.

Cafe Mocha 2022 Salute HER Award honorees civil rights pioneers, legends in media, community leaders, and gospels music’s first family in celebration of women of the movement. Arndrea Waters King, Yolanda Renee King, Xernona Clayton, Kiesha Nix, Regina Jones, Ebony Underwood, CeCe Winans, daughter Ashley Phillips and Winans matriarch Delores Winans As a tribute to Coretta Scott King and the many women that have been the backbone of the civil rights movement, the 2022 Salute Her Awards show will be coming from The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia featuring special musical tribute performances from male balladeers; Howard Hewitt and Raheem DeVaughn. Additionally, the show will feature ‘herstory’ honoree vignettes and hosted by Café Mocha co-host Emmy, NAACP Image and Gracie Award-winning comedienne Loni Love.

With a strong herstory of powerful women being celebrated, Café Mocha proudly announces an array of honorees led by Arndrea Waters King, President of the Drum Major Institute, and Yolanda Renee King, the only granddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr., in the Family Legacy category. Honored for her work as a civil rights leader and pioneer in the broadcasting industry is executive Ms. Xernona Clayton, founder and CEO of the Trumpet Awards receiving the Legend Award.

For their profound impact in journalism, past and present, two female publishers will be honored as Media Trailblazers: Regina Jones, Co-founder and Publisher of SOUL Magazine, will receive the Media Legend Award, and Morgan DuBaun, Founder and CEO of Blavity, will be honored as a Media Innovator for changing the digital news landscape for millennials.

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Comedian and Actress Amanda Seales to Host New SiriusXM Show on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio Channel NEW YORK PRNewswire -- SiriusXM and Laugh Out Laugh Out Loud Radio features stand-up comedy curated by Loud announced the launch of Amanda Seales’ Smart Funny & superstar Kevin Hart, as well as fresh comedic voices and specials Black Radio, a new morning show on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out from the Laugh Out Loud stand-up catalog. The channel is also Loud Radio Channel 96. home to Hart’s bi-weekly talk show with The Plastic Cup Boyz, On her new SiriusXM show, Seales and co-hosts Taj Rani Straight From The Hart, his one-on-one interview show with and JeremiahLikeTheBible will start fellow comics, Comedy Gold Minds, off listeners’ week on the right foot as and more great talk shows hosted by they deliver laugh-out-loud conversaEarthquake, Jasmine “Jazzy” Brown, tions, games, celebrity interviews, and and Chris and Vanessa Spencer. a heavy dose of commentary on Black Amanda Seales is a comedian with culture and other topical issues. Seales’ a master’s degree in African-American new radio show comes fresh off the studies from Columbia University. finale of the HBO hit Insecure, where Among her many accomplishments, she played the much-buzzed-about role Seales is a former co-host of the of “Tiffany DuBois.” daytime talk show, The Real, and also “I’m beyond excited to have the hosted NBC’s Bring the Funny and the amazing Amanda Seales join Laugh groundbreaking 2020 BET Awards. In Out Loud Radio’s expanding family, as addition, Seales uses her popular Instawe continue to deliver a dynamic slate gram account (1.9+ million followers) of voices to the channel,” said Kevin and podcast Small Doses to speak truth Hart, Chairman of Laugh Out Loud. to change. Always an advocate for “Passionate, unapologetic, brilliant, talBlack voices, she founded Smart Funny ented, and most of all funny, her show & Black Productions to produce and is going to be a can’t-miss experience create art as edu-tainment across the for our SiriusXM listeners nationwide.” media landscape by any joke necessary.

PRNewsFoto/SIRIUS XM Radio “After so many years away, I’m Taj Rani is a producer, content hella hype to be coming back to radio!” said Amanda Seales. creator and host with a decade of experience in the digital media “Smart Funny & Black began as a live show, and since its space having worked for brands such as BET, Essence and Red inception has become so much more. It is a universe all about Table Talk, and with talent including Danyel Smith, Janelle using comedy to build community, and I couldn’t be happier to be Monáe and Amanda Seales. She is currently the producer for bringing that to a new audience at SiriusXM!” Smart Funny & Black Productions. An alumna of Syracuse “Amanda can speak to almost any topic, and every time she University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, does it’s absolutely hysterical,” said Jack Vaughn, SiriusXM’s Taj is passionate about combining her love of pop culture, Senior Vice President of Comedy Programming. “We’re thrilled history and storytelling through the Black lens to ensure that to welcome her authentic, refreshing voice back to the SiriusXM Black stories never are lost or go untold. family, where Amanda and her co-hosts will keep listeners laughJeremiahLikeTheBible is an Atlanta native and Howard ing and thinking. It’s the perfect addition to the Laugh Out Loud University alumnus who’s passionate about seeing Black Radio Channel’s amazing line-up.” stories represented in media and entertainment. Whether it’s The new, one-hour radio program marks Seales’ return to songwriting or screenwriting, the creative multi-hyphenate SiriusXM, where from 2003–2007 she hosted Breakfast at Diva’s always has something to say. on Hip Hop Nation. During her tenure she interviewed some of SiriusXM is available to subscribers in their car, on their the biggest music icons in the world, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, phone and connected devices at home with the SXM App. Mariah Carey, the late DMX, and more. In addition to her role Streaming access is included with all of our trials and most on Insecure, Seales is known for her HBO stand-up special, I Be popular plans. Go to www.siriusxm.com/ways-to-listen to learn Knowin, and for her turn as host of the 2020 BET Awards. more.

LACE UP AND DREAM BIG WITH THE DISNEY+ ORIGINAL MOVIE ‘SNEAKERELLA’

Cafe Mocha 2022 Salute HER Award honorees civil rights pioneers, legends in media, community leaders, and gospels music’s first family in celebration of women of the movement. Arndrea Waters King, Yolanda Renee King, Xernona Clayton, Kiesha Nix, Regina Jones, Ebony Underwood, CeCe Winans, daughter Ashley Phillips and Winans matriarch Delores Winans. PRNEWSFOTO

(Black PR Wire) Burbank, Calif. – Disney+ has released a new trailer for the upcoming original movie “Sneakerella,” premiering Friday, May 13, on the streaming service. From the studio behind the mega-hit “Descendants,” “High School Musical,” and “ZOMBIES” franchises, this pop/hip-hop musical is set in the vibrant street-sneaker subculture of New York City and puts a contemporary twist on the “Cinderella” fairy tale.

El, an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens, works as a stock boy in a shoe store and hides his artistic talent. Sparks fly after a chance encounter with Kira King, the daughter of sneaker royalty and a Manhattan Princess Charming of sorts. With a nudge from his best friend and a touch of magic, El finds the courage to lace up and dream big.

Triple threats Chosen Jacobs and Lexi Underwood respectively star as El and Kira alongside a multi-talented, diverse ensemble cast including John Salley, Devyn Nekoda, Juan Chioran, Bryan Terrell Clark, Kolton Stewart, Robyn Alomar, Yvonne Senat Jones

and Hayward Leach.

“Sneakerella” is a Disney+ original movie from Disney Branded Television, directed and co-executive produced by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum. Jane Startz and Rachel Watanabe-Batton serve as executive producers. The teleplay was written by David Light & Joseph Raso, Tamara Chestna and Mindy Stern & George Gore II and is based on a story by Stern & Gore and Light & Raso.

Chestna also serves as co-executive producer.

“Sneakerella” begins streaming May 13, 2022, exclusively on Disney+.

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the new general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ is part of the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution segment.

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On-Trend Home

Designs for 2022 (Family Features) A home design that blends multiple elements seamlessly can be both inviting and visually interesting. If you’re planning to upgrade your living space in 2022, consider incorporating materials like stone and brick, which bring color, texture and functionality while complementing some of this year’s leading design trends.

Settling on a design aesthetic is the first step for most renovation projects, but it can be a challenge for many homeowners. If you’re in need of inspiration for a project on the horizon, consider these 2022 trends from the design experts at Glen-Gery: Warm Colors Look for a shift toward warmer colors like beige, tan, caramel, cocoa and even black. Designers are moving from cool grays to a warmer coffee-inspired palette. The use of warmer colors on structural elements of a home, like brick, stone, siding, doors and shutters, offer visual warmth while making a statement.

Textures and Patterns Textures and patterns are popping up in many on-trend designs. Texture can enhance the overall feeling of a space by offering depth and complexity that draws a visitor into the room.

The use of texture in a design element, like stone or brick, can provide visual interest and engage the mind with a tactile response that encourages interaction with the environment.

Outdoor Inspiration Nature is inspiring an array of design elements this year.

You may see this trend emerging through increased use of glass for light and views of nature, as well as continued focus on the versatile and transitional indoor-outdoor spaces that gained momentum during the height of the pandemic. Approaches may vary depending on the homeowner’s style and climate, but examples include larger patios in brick and stone, as well as more functional private patios and porches. Another aspect of this trend is the tendency for homeowners to integrate indoor conveniences such as kitchens, fireplaces, furniture and electronics into their outdoor spaces.

Clean Lines This season, designers are creating inviting, comfortable and serene spaces with modern vibes through the use of clean lines in design, materials and furnishings. One trick is integrating elements that transfer light or give an illusion of illumination from a higher sheen, such as glass brick. The play of light and shadows simultaneously blends inspiration from nature with sleek lines and dramatic focal points to evoke a sense of balanced calm and strength. This approach can also come to life through ceiling windows, furnishings and the use of stone, brick and wood on statement walls or accents.

For more on-trend design ideas for your home, visit glengery.com.

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Internationally Known Yoga Instructor Alex Kaufmann Shares That Yoga Is for Every Body selves on and off the yoga mat,” stated Alex.

“I aim to strive for representation, authenticity, and inclusivity.”

When she isn’t teaching Yoga, she is the founder of Baharoots, a small collective unearthed in the recent pandemic that showcases her newfound love for gardening. Baharoots focuses on self-sustainability through growing food to ensure food safety and assisting others in finding their green thumb and reducing their ecological footprint.

Alex’s upcoming classes include: An line course, “Journey To Splits II, on May 4, 2022 https://bahayogi.regfox.com/journey-tosplits-ii-4-part-workshop.

Stretch, Flex & Yoga on July 30, 2022, at the Bronx Yoga Lab https://bahayogi.regfox.com/stretch-flexyoga.

Vibe & Flow – Yoga Retreats Tobago June 10 and 15, 2022 The Dominican Republic July 7-11, 2022 Greece August 21-28, 2022 To register for these retreats, please go to https://www.bahayogi.com/ retreats Alex is committed to all things yoga, wellness, and life. She has practiced and studied Power, Baptiste, Hot, Restorative, Rocket, and Vinyasa Flow Yoga. She has completed more than 500 hours of yoga teacher training with world-renowned instructors. Her specialties include flexibility and core training, Yoga for Beginners and finding self-love through intention-filled meditation practice and meditation.

To stay connected to Alex Kaufmann, visit bahayogi on twitter and Instagram, and www.bahayogi.com.

PRNewsFoto

MIAMI PRNewswire -- The world is changing daily, and people are taking the time to look after their families, work on their jobs and help their neighbors. Still, they are also growing as individuals and understanding the importance of taking time for themselves. Alex Kaufmann, also known as Bahayogi on social media platforms, is committed to helping people realize that Yoga can play an essential role in their self-care regimen. Not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well. Alex, a mother who lives in The Bahamas, travels the world, teaching yoga classes and workshops and hosting yoga retreats supported by her half-million Instagram followers.

Alex’s highly sought-after classes and yoga retreats have drawn people from all over the globe to luxury venues in Greece, The United States, St. Lucia, and Jamaica, to name a few. Her platform exudes body confidence, gratitude for life, and living in your power. Alex’s tagline, “More practice, less ego,” speaks to the never-ending journey of exploring oneself-- mind, body, and soul-without judgment. “The consistent message I want to share is that Yoga is for everyBODY-- regardless of size, color, creed, gender-- and your yoga mat awaits you to begin your journey. You will be surprised at what you discover,” says Alex.

Her current schedule includes yoga retreats that encompass the importance of self-love and exploration mixed with adventure and cultural immersion. She also displays lifestyle content via her social media platforms to inspire others to live as authentically as possible. Her upcoming ventures include a size-inclusive swimwear line and an online platform to increase accessibility to Yoga. “For me, being an entrepreneur is about holding and creating space for others to embrace the best version of them-

Hipcamp and REI Partner to Champion Women’s Mental Health via #WeHikeToHeal for Second Year “The opportunity to connect women across the country SAN FRANCISCO -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- For the with the benefits of time outdoors is what makes our work second consecutive year, Hipcamp and REI will partner with Outdoor Journal Tour so special,” said Kristen to sponsor Outdoor Journal Tour’s #WeHikeToHeal, a Vasan, Head of Partnerships at Hipcamp. “We’re also month-long outdoor wellness initiative focused on thrilled to deepen our partnership with REI by sponimproving mental health outcomes for women across the United States. This continued partnership marks soring this important initiative together.” the brands’ shared commitment to promoting Hipcamp will play a major role in the initiaaccess to the outdoors and encouraging diversity in tive’s end-of-month campout and retreat. In addioutdoor spaces. tion to sponsoring accommodations for the event, Sunday, May 1, marks the beginning of which will be hosted at one of Hipcamp’s top-rated #WeHikeToHeal in-person and remote offerings. sites, BoMax Ranch, Hipcamp will also fund an Activities include weekly guided group hikes all-expenses-paid scholarship to the retreat. across the nation, daily guided meditations, and jour​“The #WeHikeToHeal initiative is an incredible opportunity to help people experience the healing naling prompts. The campaign’s culminating event is power of the outdoors,” said Jenny Avalos, REI proan all-inclusive campout and retreat at a Black-owned ranch in Crawfordsville, Georgia, May 28-30. gram manager of inclusion marketing partnerships. “In COVID-19 has made getting outside more continuing our work with Hipcamp and Outdoor important than ever - especially for women.

Journal Tour, we can encourage more women to For the second consecutive year, Hipcamp and Across the U.S., women’s mental health turn to nature to bring solace and comfort into their REI will partner to sponsor Outdoor Journal has been disproportionately impacted by the lives.”

Tour’s #WeHikeToHeal, a month-long outCOVID-19 pandemic. Fully 53 percent of women door wellness initiative focused on improving REI will provide gear for the culminating reported that the pandemic had a significant event, including camping gear, gift bags, as well as mental health outcomes for women across negative impact on their mental health, compared an meditative art outdoors activity for participants. the United States. (PHOTO: BUSINESS WIRE) with 37 percent of men in a poll conducted by the “We are thrilled to be working with REI Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses and Hipcamp again this year to get more women on health policy issues. outdoors connecting with themselves, each other, and Mother Nature!” said The American Psychological Association points to mounting evidence Outdoor Journal Tour Co-Founder Michelle Jackson-Saulters. that time outside carries multiple physical and psychological benefits, from Where to register: stress reduction to mood regulation to improved emotional wellbeing.

To register for #WeHikeToHeal events, please visit www.outdoorjournHow Hipcamp and REI support outdoor access together. altour.com/wehiketoheal.

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Acclaimed Independent Filmmaker Monty Ross joins Ours Studios as Filmmaker-in-Residence (Black PR Wire) DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Monty Ross, president of film and production for Soulidifly Productions, joined Ours Studios LLC as its first Filmmaker-in Residence. Ross also co-founded Forty Acres and A Mule Filmworks with college classmate Spike Lee where they produced several films including Malcolm X, Jungle Fever, She’s Gotta Have It and School Daze. Ross’ behindthe-scenes work on the film Inside Man is matched by his service as a film lecturer, adjunct professor and guest speaker at prestigious schools as VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University), Old Dominion University, Clark Atlanta and Florida A&M University.

Ross’ first production with Ours Studios is As If We Were Ghosts, a documentary that will debut June 13 and June 19 (Juneteenth), 2022, on every station in the Georgia Public Broadcasting System. The production, the first of five planned, highlights the harsh treatment of Black high school athletes during segregation and their unwavering spirit to overcome challenges.

“We call these star athletes “ghosts” because their high school record-breaking athletic, coaching and musical achievements and awards were ignored, buried, and in some cases, burned during the violent Jim Crow and segregated era in Georgia,” says Ron Bivins, CEO of Ours Studios LLC. Bivins is a graduate of one of the nearly 200 former Georgia Black high schools whose athletes, now in their 60s to 90s, were “ghosted” by the white society.

Their accomplishments will finally be recognized and given their proper place in history thanks to the production.

“We have to acknowledge that we were here,” he says.

Ross signed on to complete the production of As If We Were Ghosts when his former classmate at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) and COO of Ours Studios, Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough, told him about the project.

Both natives of Omaha, NE, they knew this was a story that the world needed to know about and one that was replicated in Black high schools across the country.

Ross, along with former GPB producer, Nwandi Lawson, worked together reviewing hours of film footage, as well as conducted live interviews with former professional athletes who suffered through the ills of discrimination and into the Civil Rights Movement.

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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 ____________________________________

FOR SALE SCHWIN 10-SPEED BIKE QUICK RELEASE WHEELS $300.00 KING TENOR SAXAPHONE WITH CASE $500.00 CALL JOHN (773) 375-6503 _____________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT) Request of: FRED LEE NELSON Case Number:#22M6001835 I ask the court to enter an order to change my name, and I state: 1. My current name is: FRED LEE NELSON 2. I wish my name to be changed to: ELIAD BEN ELYON 3. My address is listed at the end of this Request.

INVITATION TO BID

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Call For a Quote Today:

Southland Ministerial Health Network, NFP We are now opening our bidding process to remove and replace the entire building flat roof. The bidding period will open April 18, 2022, AND WILL CLOSE MAY 18, 2022, AT CLOSE OF BUSINESS 5PM. ALL BIDS SHOULD BE SEALED AND MARKED ON THE ENVELOPE ATTN: SEALED BID. They can be mailed or dropped off in person at 15406 S. Lexington Ave., Harvey, IL 60426. To make an appointment to view the project please call (312)720-1192 Demetrius Morton, Project Manager. The bid price should include labor, materials, tear-off, clean-up and removal of debris from project site. The bid should contain the following item if needed in repairs Gutters, ice shield, pitched if can be done and all materials needed to replace the entire roof. After bid is awarded, your bid will not be able to be changed and you would not be able to request additional funds on top of what you have summitted as your sealed bid. So please come out and look at the project and ask questions before placing your bid and that way you could bid what's needed MBE/FBE/WBE are encouraged.

(773) 783-1251

Darrell Garth President /Publisher

All sealed bids need to be in the office May 18,2022 by close of business 5:00PM. Telephone bids are not accepted. Successful bidder will be notified and must have liability insurance, be licensed in the City of Harvey and bonded. Successful bidder must be able to pull permits in the City of Harvey.

Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager Tia Carol Jones Managing Editior Editorial Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com

Questions regarding bids or bidding process, call Demetrius Morton, Project Manager at 312-7201192.

Demetrius Morton Program Manager Southland Ministerial Network _______________________________________

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

4. I have lived continously in Illinois for at least 6 months beginning: 07/14/1961 5. My birth date is: 07/14/1961 6. My place of birth is: CHICAGO COOK ILLINOIS

Classified Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Display Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251

USA 7. I have not been adjudicated or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in Illinois or any other state for which a pardon has not been granted.

8. I do not have an arrest for which charges have not been filed.

9. I do not have a pending felony or misdemeanor charge.

10. I have not been convicted of or placed or poba tion for a crime which rquires me to register as sex offender 11. I have not been convicted of or placed on pro bation for identity theft or aggravated identity theft in Illinois or any other state.

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

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12. I have not been convicted of or convicted of or placed on probation for a felony in Illinois or any other state.

13.. If you checked “have “ in 10, 11, or 12 com plete the following: I certify that everything in the Request for Name Change (Adult) is true and correct. I understand that making a false statement on this form is perjury and has penailties provided by law under 735ILCS 5/1-109. /s/ FRED NELSON 14523 VAN BUREN DOLTON, IL 60419, (708) 539-2154. Iam using an alternative address because disclosing my address would put me or my household at risk.

VERIFICATION BY WITNESS I, WILLIAM RAMON JACKSON certify that what is stated above and on the Request for Name Chane (Adult) is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I undestand that making a false statement on this form is perjury and has penalities provded gby law under 735ILCS 5/1-109. ________________________________________

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Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast, 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 press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

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(773) 783-1251 For Details!

CD#123122

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

773.543.1783 eelie@kalerealty.com elizabethelie.kalerealty.com 2447 N. Ashland Chicago, IL 60614 @SoldbyLizzieG

12 | Weekend | Week of April 27, 2022

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