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BUSINESS

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WEEKLY

Sistas Who Succeed Profile TANYA MARIE MCLENDON

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P4 FREE | VOL 33 | ISSUE 19

DANCE COMPANY TO PREMIERE

MOTION PICTURE ‘NINE’

Praize Productions, Inc., a Bronzeville Dance Company, was set to perform their annual Spring theatrical production in March of 2020.

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Praize Productions, Inc., a Bronzeville Dance Company, will premiere its theatrical dance motion picture, “Nine,” on April 2 at House of Hope.

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Goddess Strength Collection By Carol’s Daughter Is Back P5

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VANESSA ABRON

Stanley Nelson And Jacqueline Olive Set To Direct ‘The Color Of Cola’ Documentary

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briefly UCHICAGO MEDICINE RECEIVES APPROVAL TO BEGIN DESIGNING CITY’S FIRST FREESTANDING CANCER CENTER

The regulatory Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved the University of Chicago Medicine’s application for a master design permit, allowing the academic health system to move forward with the design and planning process for the state’s and city’s first freestanding comprehensive cancer center.

The $633 million project to build a 500,000-square-foot facility dedicated to cancer care and research represents one of the largest investments made by UChicago Medicine for patients and the South Side community. To read the initial announcement about UChicago Medicine’s cancer center project and how the new cancer hospital will help address health inequities, add to an emerging ecosystem of care for an underserved part of Chicago and be a global destination for cancer care, visit https://tinyurl.com/yckw6pvx.

In the coming months, UChicago Medicine will be announcing opportunities for community members and patients to share inputs and ideas on key elements of the cancer center, including how best to streamline the care of patients and incorporate families in their care journey. These inputs will inform UChicago Medicine’s detailed planning for the cancer center and the subsequent request to the state Review Board this fall for the actual construction of the building.

Pending regulatory approval, construction of the new facility will begin in 2023 and open to patients in 2026.

To read more about the cancer center, please visit www.uchicagomedicine.org/newcancercenter.

MAYOR LORI E. LIGHTFOOT ANNOUNCES SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR CITY’S SOLE CASINO LICENSE

CHICAGO —Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced the City has shortlisted three bidders to progress to the next stage of the bidding process for the city’s sole casino license.

Following extensive evaluations, Bally’s Corporation at the Tribune Site, Hard Rock at the ONE Central Site, and Rivers 78 at the 78 site have been named finalists to develop a world-class casino-resort and entertainment experience in Chicago. From this group, the City will choose a final proposal to submit as the developer and operator of the Chicago casino for approval by City Council.

The City of Chicago first declared intentions to develop a casino more than 30 years ago. In addition to creating thousands of jobs, the casino will generate approximately $400 million a year in gaming and other revenues for the City and State of Illinois. The City believes the casino project will meaningfully support Chicago’s tourism industry, finances, job growth and economic development in addition to enhancing property values in the surrounding area.

Each finalist and the City will participate in a community engagement meeting, offering the opportunity for public questions and comments. These meetings will take place April 5-7 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT and will be livestreamed. In-person priority will be given to residents in the zip code, and then on a firstcome first-serve basis capped at 300 attendees.

“Nine,” the theatrical dance motion picture from Praize Productions, Inc., was initially set to be a stage performance but was postponed due to COVID-19. It was reimagined into a motion picture weaving, dance, music, spoken word and singing. e

Dance company to premiere motion picture ‘Nine’

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Then, COVID-19 hit and they had to postpone the production. Now, PPI is back to show the production, which they have turned into the film, “Nine.” It will be shown at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the House of Hope, located at 752 E. 114th St. Enneressa Davis is the CEO and founder of Praize Productions, Inc., an arts-based organization located in the Bronzeville community. It was founded 11 years ago, with the mission to provide arts education and opportunities to youth and adults through a holistic approach.

Within the organization, there is the RIZE Performing Arts Academy, the RIZE Pro-Elite professional dance company and the RIZE Youth Company, as well as other outreach programs.

The annual theatrical production weaves dance, spoken word, visual arts, live music and singing. The youth dancers and the professional dancers perform in the production. The filming of “Nine” began December of 2020 and wrapped up June 2021, at different locations in Chicago.

“We took this opportunity to press forward with our arts and talents and went into a new space of filmmaking,” Davis said.

“Nine” is the ninth theatrical production for Praize Productions, Inc. Davis said the number nine also symbolizes birthing, forgiveness, awakening, love and enlightenment. Those elements are present throughout the film. The entire cast lived through those themes as they were filming.

“The emotion really translates on screen, because it

wasn’t acting, it wasn’t faking. When we had certain pieces going through these emotions, the dancers and the artists were actually feeling that because we were still in the middle of the pandemic,” Davis said.

Davis hopes people get the feeling of perseverance, which is really the story of “Nine.” Also, they are left with hope and inspiration watching the film. There is a cast of 60 who forged forward to make sure the vision came forth.

For Davis, April 2nd will be a day of celebration. For the organization, which consists of people of color, who made it through two years of a pandemic, Davis sees it as a blessing. They want to celebrate with the community, which is why they chose House of Hope.

Davis believes that with the theme “Nine” having so many meanings, people will be able to connect to the theme that resonates with them the most. Praize Productions, Inc., is socially conscious and rooted in ensuring their message connect to the people, the community and the Black culture.

“I felt like this message was very important. Although I meant it for one space, for the stage, now that we morphed it into a film, I see that really, it was always meant to be a movie,” Davis said. “I don’t think now, looking at the work, the meaning is so impactful and so heavy, I don’t think it would’ve translated on stage. I think it was purposeful for us to reimagine it as a motion picture.”

After “Nine” premieres on April 2nd, it is Davis’ wish to pitch it to streaming services and take it to film festivals. The hope is for it to be bigger and be seen by a larger audience.

For more information about Praize Productions, Inc., and to purchase tickets to “Nine,” visit www.praizeproductions. com.

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NEWS

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MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ANNOUNCES FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT & CEO OF CHOOSE CHICAGO CHICAGO PRNewswire -- Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Choose Chicago announced that Lynn Osmond has been appointed as the new CEO of Choose Chicago. Osmond, the first woman to helm the city’s tourism agency, was most recently the President & CEO at the Chicago Architecture Center.

“Lynn Osmond’s thorough experience leading the Chicago Architecture Center will be a great asset to Choose Chicago— and we’re proud she is the first woman to take on the job,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “As the city continues to see a rise in tourism, Osmond’s intimate knowledge of this city will ensure that we will continue to safely encourage and delight those who come to Chicago for work or play.”

Officials and colleagues were quick to point out the deep history Osmond has with Choose Chicago and the Chicago tourism and hospitality community. They say this means Osmond will hit the ground running.

“I’m proud to welcome Lynn Osmond’s historic appointment at the helm of Choose Chicago as we welcome visitors from near and far back to the nation’s third largest city,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Reinvigorating our tourism industry is a key component of my economic recovery plan, from investing in commercial corridors to funding tourism convention bureaus from Chicago to Carbondale. Our best resource in this work is local leaders who know the ins and outs of our state’s greatest treasures, and when it comes to the Chicago tourism and hospitality community, there’s no one better than Lynn to take the Windy City’s global reputation to new heights.”

“We’re very grateful to have had an impressive pool of candidates who went after the position—and particularly pleased with how strongly Osmond stood out,” said Glenn Eden, Chair of the Board of Directors for Choose Chicago, and head of the CEO Search Committee. “The search committee was very excited about her experience in leading an impressive and local organization like the Chicago Architecture Center. We are ecstat-

ic to welcome her to the Choose Chicago team. Not only does Lynn bring deep knowledge of Chicago’s tourism and hospitality community, as a former Choose Chicago board member, Lynn also knows our organization. We are thrilled that she will be able to hit the ground running to promote our city on the national and global level.”

Osmond was appointed after a global search overseen by a 13-member committee of Choose Chicago Board members representing a cross-section of the tourism hospitality community.

“I am excited to have been selected for this important position as President & CEO of Choose Chicago. This is a logical next step for me in a career with key leadership positions in nonprofits including theater, symphony orchestras, and architecture. I love Chicago and believe we have a tremendous opportunity to build back meeting business and provide audiences with experiences that will have them returning many times over,” said Osmond.

Under Osmond’s leadership the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) grew from a $2.4-million operation in 1996, with an audience of 150,000 to a $25 million organization in 2019, with an audience of 700,000, making it one of the top cultural attractions in the city and the largest architecture center of its kind in the world. It was her vision that gave the city Open House Chicago and the Chicago Architecture Center, with the interactive city model at 111 E Wacker Drive. This past year the Chicago Architecture Center tour aboard Chicago’s First Lady was voted the #1 boat tour in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice 2021 Awards.

“I want to commend the Choose Chicago team for their continued commitment and outstanding work during this time of transition,” said Eden. “Under the leadership of James Meyer, the team has been able to continue to drive the organization forward bringing visitors and tax dollars to Chicago.”

Osmond’s appointment is effective Monday, May 9.

Treasurer Frerichs’ Plan to Help Workers Retire with Dignity Tops 100,000 Savers SPRINGFIELD – The innovative plan to create a mobile retirement savings account that travels with the worker topped the 100,000 enrollment milestone, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said Monday, March 21.

Frerichs set up the Secure Choice retirement savings program to combat the retirement savings crisis in Illinois and across the country. Illinois is a national leader in offering an auto‑enroll IRA program. Workers in Illinois began saving in July 2018.

“A retirement savings tool that can travel from job-to-job with the worker makes it easier to save, allows a worker to retire with dignity, and saves taxpayer money by reducing the need for publicly funded safety‑net programs,” Frerichs said.

Currently, more than 100,000 workers and 6,400 employers participate in Secure Choice, with $82 million already saved.

None of this was possible without Secure Choice. The 100,000 milestone was surpassed in the first quarter of this year.

“I chose to enroll in Illinois Secure Choice to increase my retirement options,” said Sam Hall, a father of three children who works as the program director for DREAAM in Champaign, the Rantoul Division, a social services organization helping boys and young men between the ages of 5 and 24. “The enrollment process was easy, and I feel more secure knowing I have a plan for retirement.”

DREAAM stands for Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males. Tracy D. Dace is the Founder.

“As a CEO, I was impressed with the ongoing support from the Illinois Secure Choice team to establish an account, enroll employees, and manage the administration of the deductions,” Dace said. “The built-in support indicated a commitment to excellent customer service and overall program quality.”

The General Assembly required employers to either offer a

retirement savings plan or participate in Secure Choice, which is overseen by a seven-person board chaired by Frerichs. Secure Choice investments are managed by a private-sector financial services firm and kept in a trust outside of state government and its finances.

Enrollment began in 2018 with companies at least two years old and with 500 or more employees. Smaller companies enrolled in phases thereafter to ensure a smooth transition. The success was so strong that most business groups initially neutral or opposed to Secure Choice did not oppose the legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2021 to expand the program.

That legislation requires employers with at least five employees to provide a retirement vehicle, or access to Secure Choice, by November 2023.

The access is critical: Nearly half of all working-age families have nothing saved for retirement. Although Social Security is not intended to be the sole source of retirement income, 23 percent of Illinois retirees rely on Social Security for at least 90 percent of their retirement income. Workers are 15 times more likely to save for retirement if they can do so at work.

However, 40 percent of Illinois private-sector employees work for a business that does not offer a retirement savings plan.

Illinois Secure Choice is managed by Ascensus, a private-sector financial services firm responsible for all recordkeeping and day-to-day aspects. Fund options include BlackRock, Charles Schwab, and State Street Global Advisors. Participants are enrolled in a default target-date Roth IRA with a five percent contribution rate. Participants can choose to change their contribution level or fund option at any time. More information can be found at www.ilsecurechoice.com.

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POLITICAL AFFAIRS

LEGISLATORS CELEBRATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF CONSUMER PROTECTIONS AGAINST PREDATORY LENDING

On the anniversary of the Predatory Loan Prevention Act being signed into law, State Senators Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) reflect on the importance of dismantling systemic barriers to equitable lending practices especially for communities of color at a press conference held recently.

“I am incredibly pleased to have seen a year go by since the signing of my legislation capping interest rates on all consumer loans at 36%,” Collins said. “Abusive financial practices target communities of color and entrench racial poverty, which makes interest rate caps so critical for the benefit and restoration of our vulnerable populations.”

On this day last year, Senate Bill 1792 of the 101st General Assembly was signed into law by the governor after passing both chambers with bipartisan support, officially establishing the Predatory Loan Prevention Act. This measure prohibits lenders from charging interest rates higher than 36% on consumer loans. The initiative, championed by Senator Collins with the unwavering support of fellow legislators such as Senator Castro, is one component of an economic equity package introduced by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.

“Previously, vulnerable individuals looking to get back on their feet were coerced into short-term loans with offensively high interest rates,” Castro said. “This legislation is critical in preventing predatory loan practices and will help create credibility in our communities for future generations.”

The law helps borrowers, primarily those in communities of color and low income communities, escape the vicious cycle of debt associated with interest rates and fees. Studies show individuals in predominantly Black communities are more likely to have a payday loan than their White counterparts.

As historically disenfranchised populations rely more heavily on financial institutions for economic support, the 36% rate cap has demonstrated its benefit for Black and Brown communities.

Through their dedication and service to economically disadvantaged communities, legislators continue to work toward the reduction of the racial wealth gap in our state.

STATE SENATOR HARRIS TO PREVENT ALIMONY PAYMENTS TO ABUSIVE SPOUSES To prevent an abusive partner from receiving spousal support, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) introduced legislation to create the Domestic Violence Maintenance Task Force.

“Victims of abuse should not have to pay alimony to an abusive spouse, regardless of their financial situation,” Harris said.

House Bill 861 creates the Domestic Violence Maintenance Task Force. The task force will review domestic cases involving domestic violence and maintenance awards, also known as alimony, and issue recommendations to improve court procedures regarding a maintenance award when a spouse has been convicted of domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery against the other spouse.

“Requiring any spouse to pay alimony to their partner who has been convicted of domestic or aggravated battery is unjust and should be written in Illinois law,” Harris said.

House Bill 861 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and will now head to the full Senate for further debate

SENATOR MATTIE HUNTER BILL TO CREATE TASK FORCE ON MISSING AND MURDERED WOMEN

SPRINGFIELD – For decades, dozens of women have been missing or murdered in Chicago with little to no answers for their families. That’s why State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is sponsoring legislation to address this issue.

“When a loved one goes missing or is murdered, that takes a huge toll on a family, and that is a pain that will never go away,” Hunter said. “That pain is magnified when the family is left with no answers, which is why we need a task force to offer guidance for how to handle these cases better.”

House Bill 3988 creates the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women Act. The task force will examine and report on the systemic causes behind violence that Chicago women and girls experience.

The report will explore methods for tracking and collecting data on violence against Chicago women and girls, policies and institutions that impact violence against them, measures necessary to address and reduce violence against them, and ways to help victims and their families and communities.

“Women that go missing or turn up murdered anywhere is unacceptable, and in Chicago specifically, we’ve found this to be a pressing issue,” Hunter said. “The families of Black and Brown women that are missing or murdered are even less likely to get answers. We need to get to the root of the problem to protect our women and girls.”

House Bill 3988 passed the Senate Public Safety Committee Tuesday and awaits further action from the full Senate.

4 BUSINESS Black-Owned social media platform announces equity crowdfunding campaign NEW YORK PRNewswire -TipSnaps, a black-owned and operated social media company which helps Creators to monetize their content, has announced they are fundraising on crowdsourcing platform Republic. This affiliation enables everyday people to become early investors in the startup.

Notable companies which have raised money on Republic include SpaceX, Robinhood and GoPuff.

TipSnaps has over 450K registered users and has paid out almost $2M to content creators. TipSnaps has been valued at $15M and is forecasted to triple their value within the next year.

TipSnaps believes in changing the landscape for the creator economy by ensuring that creators of color have access to the same opportunities as their white counterparts. They hope to drive their mission forward through their firstto-market feature TipPools. The fan-engagement feature allows the fans to pool money and collectively crowdfund for content requests. More specifically, with this feature fans now have a ‘feedback loop’, allowing them to challenge their favorite content creator to make custom content.

“TipSnaps offers a more attractive value proposition than our competitors because we’re more tightly focused, with greater customization, and have an impactful mission to support diversity within the creator economy,” states Founder, Lyonel Dougè. “Although Black & Brown Content Creators drive culture on Social media, their content is taken for granted by incumbent social media platforms.”

Republic offers anyone the opportunity to invest in businesses such as a startup like TipSnaps to new crypto platforms. Potential investors simply register and research the variety of investment opportunities that exist. Each one comes with a minimum investment requirement—which varies from business to business. This platform also acts as a safe and equitable space for all Creators with the audacity to create and the vision to share it with the world. The features have been designed and optimized to function as a global payout system for Creators like you. No shadowbanning.

No algorithm to demote creators. Just you and your creativity!

For more information, visit www. tipsnaps.com.

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Sistas Who Succeed Profile TANYA MARIE MCLENDON (Black PR Wire) In recognition of Women’s History Month, Women Grow Strong and Black PR Wire have collaborated to produce a series of media highlights to honor and recognize “Sistas Who Succeed!” Today, we are featuring Fashion Goddess and Designer, TANYA MARIE, CEO of Tanya Marie Design.

Tanya Marie Design......

Art inspired, global traveled life style brand with bright, happy., indigenous fabrics. This free-spirited brand is the love and passion of celebrity designer, Tanya Marie Mclendon. Jamaican born Miami native, she has always had a passion for unique Avant Garde designs. As a child she watched her mother buy beautiful dresses, cut a slit up the side and say “I’m ready to go”. Free hand with a pair of scissors, creating her own fabulous versions of whatever her BlackPRWire heart desired, the designer gene was passed down to Tanya Marie.

While studying business at the University of Miami, this former Miami Heat dancer & Miami Dolphins cheerleader worked in high end boutiques, starting out as a stylist and eventually a buyer. Her parents could not understand why she wouldn’t get a “real job” lol. It was simply due to that fact that her passion was to help women feel their best by looking their best. Within these boutiques, Tanya Marie began perfecting her own craft. She would take a designer Roberto Cavalli gown that was not getting the clients attention it deserved, so she would add her own flair, cut it up and taking it back on the sales floor. Immediately, those items became the boutiques’ most desired items. There began her passionate love affair with design; instinctively and effortlessly Tanya Marie hand sew intricate details to create her own magical items from scratch, gaining the admiration and cult following from socialites and celebrities alike. Tanya Marie found her divine purpose, never forgetting that clothes are to fit the woman, not the other way around.

After having multiple boutiques in Miami- Design District, Coconut Grove, Biscayne and Merrick Park mall across from Gucci, today she’s operating out of her Fort Lauderdale House of TM showroom as well as hosting her virtual show “TM Shopping Network” on Instagram @ “Tanyamariethedesigner” 7pm Thursdays, you can experience her design imagination in person through her choice in rich, colorful fabrics and textures. She regularly travels to culturally rich fabric hot spots all over the world for fabrics and craftmanship to create hand-made enchanting, flowing, one-of-a-kind design art pieces which are custom tailored to flatter and honor every woman. She calls it “Fashion Freedom!!”

Tanya Marie currently resides in South Florida and has an upcoming YouTube show “The Thrifting Trillionaire” which will show her love of creating masterpieces out of landfill and forgotten items. as she travels the world one of her goals is creating employment in regions from across the Caribbean and Africa. Her non-profit “Teach a Girl to Sew” teaches women and girls how to be a boss. She believes in giving back to her community; she also provides couture and collection pieces for benefits and charities throughout the year, as well as school supply and food drives.

Tanya Marie, in her free time is down to earth, hilariously funny and loving to everyone she meets. She is adored by her clients and family, as well as her long-time team members. Clients fall in love with the unforgettable experience that is Tanya Marie Design. Her vision to expand that experience to all of the women of the world regardless of geography, to unite and celebrate women of all shapes, ethnicity and sizes, we introduce our online shopping experience. Provide us measurements, ideas and upcoming events- you too can now experience your own custom experience, from anywhere, anytime.

16 Year Old Makes History as Youngest Black Owner Of A Beauty Supply Store (Black PR Wire) Not many 16-year olds can say that they have a successful business under their belts, let alone two. Yet, that’s exactly what Paris Mckenzie is doing. This young lady is currently juggling a beauty supply store and a salon while tackling her education. What’s even better is that this is far from the end of her journey.

Paris’ Early Years It might not seem strange for Paris to open a beauty supply store when you know her history. According to her interviews, her mother opened a salon a few months after giving birth to her. As a result, Paris grew up helping around the store. From as early as the age of 10, she’d mastered cleaning the barber tools, wiping down the salon chairs, and shampooing the clients’ hair. Within a couple of years, her mother was asking her to color and install wigs.

This start at the salon led to her working with clients when she wasn’t in school. Paris notes that she saved all the money she earned because she had no responsibilities to take care of. Since this money would be integral to the next step in her life, it’s a good thing that she did.

The Inspiration Behind Her Business Even as a child, Paris noted certain issues for the Black women

in her community. When they were searching for the hair products they needed, they often had to travel far from home to find them.

Additionally, shopping wasn’t usually a pleasant experience because African American women tend to be under higher surveillance in beauty supply stores. Since they felt rushed, it was unlikely that they’d spend the time necessary for finding exactly what suited them.

When the space beside her mother’s salon became available, it offered an opportunity for Paris to make a difference in her community. Though the store was originally offered to her mother, the entrepreneurial young woman used her savings to lease the space. That’s how Paris Beauty Supplyz was born in the summer of 2020.

Expanding Her Business Paris is the first to admit that running a business wasn’t in her original plans. As she grew in her role as a business owner, however, another opportunity opened up.

The building that her mother occupied had three stories but only two of them were being used. Since her mother had no plans for the top floor, Paris decided to open her own salon – La Eiffel Beauty Bar. While she loves her supply store, she calls the salon her “baby” because of how much work she put into it to add a personal touch.

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GODDESS STRENGTH COLLECTION

BY CAROL’S DAUGHTER IS BACK PRNewsFoto

NEW YORK PRNewswire -Carol’s Daughter, a leading brand in the natural hair care space, is expanding its best-selling Goddess Strength Collection with two NEW formulas designed to nourish, replenish and strengthen hair – the Repairing Cocoon Mask and Pre-Poo Treatment. With “hair breakage” trending as one of the top beauty searches, the Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Collection is specially formulated with Castor Oil and other natural ingredients to build strength and length retention in the hair.

Both products are designed to empower naturally curly, coily and heat-styled goddesses to reach new heights and lengths in their hair care journey.

“Working on the Goddess Strength Collection has been a true labor of love. From developing new and innovative formulas that greatly benefit your hair and aid in it being stronger (and, if you so desire, longer!) to celebrating the inner Goddess of all women,” said Lisa Price, Founder of Carol’s Daughter. “I know everyone will love these two new additions as much as I do.”

Goddess Strength Pre-Poo Treatment Shield your curls and coils during the cleansing process, before they reach their weakest point while wet, with the new Goddess Strength Pre-Poo treatment. Applied on dry hair, the treatment creates a protective barrier around each strand to help detangle, reinforce and minimize breakage before wash day. This rich, creamy pre-poo treatment is blended with natural ingredients like Castor Oil, Ginger and Black Cumin Seed, easily working into curls and coils for a goddess shield of strength before getting the hair wet.

Goddess Strength Repairing Cocoon Mask To help prevent breakage and shedding postcleanse, this mask envelops curls and coils like a cocoon to lock in moisture, repair damage and protect from future breakage. Blended with natural ingredients like Castor Oil, Ginger and Wheat Protein, the Cocoon Mask features a non-sticky, creamy-like texture with easy-slip that provides even distribution through hair follicles. In just 5 minutes hair is

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repaired, transformed and is visibly healthier, silky soft and goddess strong.

The two new products will join the complete Goddess Strength system, including a Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner, a 7 Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil, Divine Strength Leave-In Cream and the Divine Strength Leave-In Hair Milk Conditioner, which work together to heal and nourish weak, damaged hair. Each product is made with a blend of Black Cumin Seed, Ginger and Castor Oil to stimulate the scalp and strengthen hair for improved length retention. Unachievable lengths are now within reach.

The Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Collection is vegan and contains no sulfates, parabens, petroleum, mineral oil or artificial colors. The complete system, including the new Cocoon Mask and Pre-Poo treatment are available at Carolsdaughter.com, Amazon, Walmart, Target and retailers nationwide.

In 1993, encouraged by my mother, Carol, I began creating high-quality products made with love in my Brooklyn kitchen. As family and friends experienced how these products transformed their hair and skin, I knew that I was onto something good. I needed a name for my company, so I made a list of everything I was and everything I wanted to be, and I realized that the most special thing that I am is Lisa, Carol’s Daughter.

For more information about Carol’s Daughter, visit carolsdaughter.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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FOOT LOCKER PARTNERS WITH STYLIST MONICA ROSE TO REWRITE THE RULES OF WORKPLACE ATTIRE Vic Jacobi – a noted “dot conNEW YORK PRNewswire nector” and creative consultant for -- In celebration of Women’s brands and athletes.

History Month, global sportswear Jennifer Barthole – a writer, and footwear retailer, Foot Locker, MBA student, and Sneakers For part of Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:FL), showcased its dedication to empower- Heroes founder.

In her decade-long career, ing women to integrate their personal Monica has solidified herself as a style in their everyday workplace notable celebrity stylist and one attire with a monthlong campaign. of the fashion industry’s leading For decades, Foot Locker has been experts with her personally curated committed to showcasing multi-faclooks and notable list of clients. eted individuals across all industries, “As a lot of people are returning to and this month shines a light on all the office or workplace, it’s more dynamic, hard-working women. important now than ever for women This Women’s History Month to challenge industry norms,” said and beyond, Foot Locker is bringing its consumers brands that are created, curated and elevated for the unapologetic style of today’s woman. The retailer is rewriting the rules for workplace attire as women are no longer confined to outdated dress norms that have dominated our societal clothing standards for decades.

To challenge these PRNewsfoto/Foot Locker, Inc. outdated norms of Monica. “I loved partnering with workplace attire, Foot Locker has partnered with notable celebrity stylist Foot Locker and these women to do just that, curating the best type of and fashion consultant, Monica Rose look for their career and personality. to create custom looks for real-life I hope it inspires all women to dress female entrepreneurs and leaders. for themselves and not according to For this campaign, Monica and Foot others’ expectations.”

Locker hosted four modern-day “The Foot Locker team is proudworking women at their flagship ly committed to continuing its support store in New York City to provide and celebration of women-identifying her expertise by curating looks for individuals and brands who are paving each woman including those who the way in their careers and communiwork in an office environment, work ties,” said Holly Tedesco, Vice Presifrom home or freelance, are always dent of Marketing at Foot Locker. “As on their feet or on the go, and are interviewing for the next step in their a brand, we strive to respect, inspire, develop and empower our consumers careers. this Women’s History Month and These looks by Monica were beyond, and there is no better partner modeled by entrepreneurs to mirror who represents that than Monica Rose their careers and new work setand the work she has done in her ting-type, including: career and in her community.”

Jessica Wu – an entrepreneur . To stay up to date on the latest and founder of Period Space, an news from Foot Locker Women, visit open Instagram forum dedicated to www.footlocker.com and follow @ discussing women’s health. footlockerwomen.

Scottie Beam – a media . For additional information personality and co-host of Black please visit https://www.footlockGirl Podcast and Okay, Now Listen er-inc.com.

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H&M ANNOUNCES SECOND YEAR OF PARTNERSHIP WITH BUY FROM A BLACK WOMAN NEW YORK PRNewswire -- After a year of growth and success, H&M USA and Buy From A Black Woman are launching their next year-long partnership to advance the non-profit’s mission of empowering, educating and inspiring Black Woman Business Owners and the people who support them.

This next phase kicked off with a weekend gathering in Philadelphia where over 30 Black Woman Business Owners mingled, networked, and shared their expertise with their fellow BFABW members. March will also see the launch of a new docuseries from the non-profit highlighting the success of its members called “The Living Examples”, showing the incredible impact being made by the network.

Buy From a Black Woman is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 by Nikki Porcher that connects over 600 Black Woman owned businesses across the United States and provides a community of support with the goal of helping their businesses flourish. Throughout 2021, H&M sponsored events like the Buy From A Black Woman Inspire Tour and the BFABW Holiday Market which ran November through December 2021 at H&M’s Times Square location. These events, which saw products from over 50 Black Woman owned businesses sold in H&M locations across the country, exposed new customers to these Buy From a Black Woman member businesses.

PRNewsfoto/H&M

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COMMISSIONER DONNA MILLER HOLDS ‘TEN SHARED PRINCIPLES OF POLICING’ SIGNING WITH DISTRICT POLICE CHIEFS AND MAYORS TO ADVANCE EQUITABLE POLICING Mayors and police chiefs from across the 6th District sign commitment to advance improve policing

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller held a signing of the NAACP’s “Ten Shared Principles of Policing” for mayors and police chiefs from across the 6th District at the Oak Forest City Hall to express the commitment shared across the district for equitable policing. The 10 Shared Principles were signed by Commissioner Miller, President of the NAACP Illinois State Conference Teresa Haley, President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and Chief of Police of Hazel Crest Mitchell Davis, and mayors and police chiefs from the district’s 36 municipalities. 26 of the 36 municipalities in the 6th District have adopted the Ten Shared Principles.

“The Ten Shared Principles provide a foundation on which we can build strong relationships between our communities and law enforcement throughout and beyond the Southland,” said Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller. “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and I’m so proud that such a diverse group of leaders came together today to reaffirm their support of these principles and celebrate the diversity, community, and unity of the 6th District. I’m grateful to the many partners we’ve had in this work, and look forward to continuing to advance equitable policing together.”

The Ten Shared Principles were first created by the Illinois NAACP and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police in 2018 to improve policing throughout the state and ensure all individuals are treated with dignity and respect by law enforcement.

Nearly 230 entities throughout Illinois have adopted the principles since then. Under legislation led by Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton and co-sponsored by Commissioner Miller, the Cook County Forest Preserves Police and Cook County Sheriff adopted the principles in 2020.

“When I first brought the Ten Shared Principles to the Cook County Board, my goal was both actionable and aspirational: to ensure every municipality embraced them in meaningful ways,” said Cook County Commissioner for the 14th District Scott Britton.

“I am grateful to Commissioner Miller for her partnership with all the municipalities in the 6th District to adopt the Principles, which continues our efforts to ensure policing for Cook County residents is conducted in a fair, transparent, and equitable manner.”

In recent months, Commissioner Miller met with mayors and police chiefs across her district’s 36 municipalities to discuss issues of crime, violence, and policing in the Southland and encourage their participation in the signing of the Ten Shared Princi-

ples. In bringing together elected officials, community leaders, local law enforcement, and advocates for this show of support, Commissioner Miller hopes other law enforcement agencies in Cook County and across the state will be encouraged to sign the principles.

“When we first created the Ten Shared Principles, we envisioned building stronger communities and better interactions with law enforcement for all Illinoisans, and we’ve been so encouraged by the commitment exhibited across the state,” said NAACP Illinois State Conference President Teresa Haley. “I’m proud to see representatives from across Cook County’s 6th District come together today to sign the principles, and I’m thankful to Commissioner Miller for her advocacy on this crucial initiative.”

“I am pleased to sign on to these principles today on behalf of both the Hazel Crest Police Department and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police,” said Mitchell Davis, Chief of Police for the Hazel Crest Police Department and President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. “We all have a responsibility to help improve relationships between law enforcement and the Southland community, and I’m grateful to Commissioner Miller for her leadership in the 6th District.”

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—BRYNN, AGE 6

PROTECT THEIR CHILDHOOD. GET THEM VACCINATED TODAY.

Visit Chicago.gov/ChildVax

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles-based premium denim label Citizens of Humanity has partnered with LA’s most sought-after tattoo artist, Dr. Woo for the launch of his first-ever coffee table book, Everything is Permanent.

Dr. Woo (A.K.A. Brian Woo) is leading the movement where tattoos, art and fashion become one in the same. After getting his start under the legendary tattoo artist, Mark Mahoney at the Shamrock Social Club, Dr. Woo learned the design and intricacy of the single needle style for which he is known for. He has taken single needle tattoos from a subculture to the focus of popular culture at large and has established quite the assembly of celebrity clientele due to his surgeon-like precision.

Some of his most recognizable work includes a trio of tiny dragons on Emilia Clarke’s wrist, leaves on Zoe Kravitz’s hands, or a moving tribute to Nick Cordero on Zach Braff’s arm.

Everything is Permanent will feature a visual compilation of some of those most beloved designs including a special introduction by Zoe Kravitz and Paul Mittleman and art direction by Brian Roettinger of Perron-Roettinger. Throughout the pages, readers can explore the evolution of his signature, unique, and intricate single-needle designs. Woo shares: “This book means a lot to me - it’s a collection of a lot of different drawings and tattoos that represent my creative path to where I am now. It’s just a small glimpse into the last decade or so, but hopefully we can build in different volumes and add more stories and more ideas to inspire others who look through them.“ The book, pictured here (Photography by: Justin Bettman), which was creative directed and published by Citizens of Humanity, is available for purchase exclusively on citizensofhumanity. com as well as in-store with a selection of specialty partners (retail: $75 USD). Citizens of Humanity’s Creative Director of Branding, Jared Freedman, gives some insight on how the partnership came about: “In this digital age, things move so fast and social media oftentimes gives you only a glimpse at someone’s journey.

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“MY PARENTS GOT ME VACCINATED BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO PROTECT ME.”

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY TO LAUNCH GLOBAL BOOK SIGNING TOUR TO FETE TATTOO ARTIST DR. WOO’S FIRST-EVER COFFEE TABLE BOOK

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April Is Community College Month and City Colleges of Chicago Invites You to Visit Our Colleges as Registration for Summer and Fall Opens April 6th April is Community College Month and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) invites Chicagoans to explore educational pathways offered at CCC, including scholarship offerings and open houses.

“The past two years have been anything but normal and we know it has disrupted plans to go to college. Now is the time to explore what City Colleges has to offer,” said Juan Salgado, Chancellor of CCC. “We have pathways into some of the fastest growing career pathways that include manufacturing, engineering and computer science, healthcare, hospitality, teaching, cybersecurity, and more.”

Now is the best time to prepare for a new career or get that promotion, and CCC wants to support efforts with a financial boost to Chicagoans wanting to start or resume their college education.

CCC’s Future Ready program will once again be offered this summer. In this program students can earn certifications in high-demand fields at no cost to new students.

New this year, CCC is holding CPS enrollment days on May 17, 18, 19 for CPS high schools to learn about offerings at all seven City Colleges. This is a great opportunity for students to get in-person support on applications and financial aid. This includes information for students at options and charter schools. In addition, high school students can apply for the Star Scholarship for the upcoming Fall CCC term.

Here is what our students said.

In 2021, Marvin Howell graduated from Lincoln Park High School and was accepted into DePaul University. Due to the pandemic, his plans shifted, so he decided to take a

gap year. “I was a little perplexed on what to do next when a friend told me about the Star Scholarship program at CCC… it saved my family and me thousands of dollars and gave me some direction on next steps.” Marvin’s career goals vary, but he knows he wants to be in finance and have his own firm, saying “I want to drive an ‘impact investment fund’ and help people transform their lives.” Recently, the Kennedy-King College student was accepted into Citibank’s apprentice program through City Colleges, where he has been working in the automotive group, pairing with an analyst to help them model companies and create pitch decks. “This opportunity is setting me up for a successful career in finance. Apprenticeship programs are game changers.”

“City Colleges of Chicago is an excellent place to feel supported and build a foundation for what you want to do next,” said Antoinette McIntosh, a student in the Paramedics pathway at Malcolm X College (MXC). In 2021, Antoinette graduated from MXC’s 16-week EMT program. “After the EMT program, I got a job right away with an ambulance company but while studying to be an EMT, I realized I wanted to do more so that’s why I applied for the paramedic program at MXC.” Antoinette knows she wants to be a surgeon and has plans to transfer to UIC after her graduation this September.

Applying for scholarships and grant programs is a big part of many college students’ journeys, and City Colleges offers a range of opportunities for Chicagoans seeking to advance their education and job prospects. Visit www.ccc.edu/ scholarships or click here to view the funding opportunities.

City Colleges would also like to invite CPS grads to get a jumpstart on their college journey this summer while earning up to $1,000. From June 27 to August 5, new City Colleges students across the city can earn college credit by taking a 3-credit hour college level course and a 1-credit college success course. This will help to ensure their momentum into and through college early in their first year. Additional advising is offered and English tutoring and Math support. To learn more and enroll, click here or email summerstart@ccc. edu.

City Colleges of Chicago Open Houses Harold Washington College, 30 E. Lake Street Thursday, March 24, 2022 1:00pm–6:00pm To register, visit www.ccc.edu/hwcopenhouse Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N Narragansett Avenue April 6 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.): In-Person Open House – Main Campus April 6 (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Virtual Open House April 7 (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): In-Person Open House – Main Campus RSVP/Join Event: https://events.ccc.edu/event/ wright-in-person-campus-tour-2/ Richard J. Daley College, 7500 South Pulaski Road in Chicago April 7, 2022 10:00am- 6pm To register, visit https://events.ccc.edu/event/daleyspring-open-house/

WE KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY. BECAUSE IT’S OURS TOO. Everyone’s situation is unique—each person working toward their own dreams with their own needs. And sometimes those goals require financial guidance. That’s when it helps to work with someone who listens to better understand where you’re coming from. Because we can help you discover how your finances can work for you in ways that make sense. All from solutions that start with relationships. So when those financial questions arise, we’ll be here.

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Hyde Park | Week of March 30, 2022

Tips for Organizing Your Home Office

(Family Features) When temperatures creep up again, it signals time for an annual tradition: spring cleaning. While big projects like windows are hard to overlook, don’t forget smaller areas that need attention, too, such as your home office.

Making sense of a year’s worth of paperwork and clutter can take some se-

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Make sure you have furniture that can adequately store your stuff, including plenty of space for files, reference books and computer equipment. Pieces need not be costly to be functional and there are plenty of attractive options available online and at both small and major retailers.

Arrange the space with its intended use and your own work style in mind. For example, if you don’t need ample space to spread out over a large, flat work area, eliminate that space – it’s simply an invitation for clutter.

Place items you rely on frequently, such as a calculator or ruler, within arm’s reach so they can easily be put away between uses. Capture these items in containers and bins to keep the space looking neat and free of clutter.

rious time, especially as many people have been working from home more than normal, but getting organized can help you tackle home management tasks more efficiently. Making the office a priority can reduce frustration when it comes to spending additional time in your office while working from home.

These five tips can help get you started:

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Establish a filing system that lets you keep track of important papers you need to keep and have a shredder handy to help you discard any sensitive documents. Whether you alphabetize, color code or use some other method, group paperwork into segments for categories such as bills, banking, health care, auto, insurance and so on for easy access in the future.

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Tangled cords can make even the most organized spaces look messy, and they may pose a fire or tripping hazard. Get control of your cords by storing devices you don’t use regularly and securing the remaining cords with twist ties or clips. Remember to use a surge-protected power strip to minimize the chance of damage should a power surge occur.

Find more tips to make your workspace tidy and organized at eLivingtoday.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT 9

STANLEY NELSON AND JACQUELINE OLIVE SET TO DIRECT ‘THE COLOR OF COLA’ DOCUMENTARY NEW YORK PRNewswire -- Award-winning filmmakers Stanley Nelson and Jacqueline Olive will direct The Color of Cola, an inspirational documentary that sheds light on the experience of an all-Black sales team, the first of its kind for any major corporation, tasked with tapping the African American market in the Jim Crow South. Based on Stephanie Capparell’s “The Real Pepsi Challenge: How One Pioneering Company Broke Color Barriers in 1940s American Business,” the documentary will take viewers on a journey marked by persistence and fortitude.

The Color of Cola, now in production, will be brought to life by filmmaker and founder of Firelight Films Stanley Nelson, filmmaker Jacqueline Olive, and executive produced

by Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions.

The stories of Black pioneers are not unfamiliar, but oftentimes go untold. The Color of Cola aims to elevate one such story exploring a time when corporate America did not include Black professionals, and the Black experience was stereotypically portrayed. The extraordinary efforts of these individuals mirror the courage of many who fought to propel America closer to its aspirations and ideals.

“With The Color of Cola I look forward to telling the story of the first Black sales team established in the corporate world,” said director Stanley Nelson. “This project harkens back to my very first feature film Two Dollars and a Dream, about the amazing life of Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made Black woman millionaire. I was able to touch on Madam Walker’s story again, among other stories of Black entrepreneurship, in a more recent film of mine – Boss: The Black Experience in Business. I see The Color of Cola as a continuation of my past work highlighting the achievements of groundbreaking Black business leaders, whose stories are still underrepresented and often underappreciated in the context of American history.”

Stanley Nelson’s body of work has garnered countless awards and accolades. Most recently, his film ‘Attica’ is nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature and won the DGA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Documentary. In addition to honors for his individual films, Nelson is a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, and was awarded an individual Peabody Award, the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts Sciences, and received the National Medal in the Humanities from President Barack Obama. His feature-length

films combine compelling narratives with rich and deeply researched historical detail, shining new light on both familiar and under-explored aspects of the American past. Nelson’s recent work includes Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool, delving into the life and career Miles Davis, and his most recent film, Attica, opened the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival and debuted on Showtime in November.

“What first attracted me to the project was the opportunity to tell the story of this pioneering sales team of Black men whose work launched an effort at corporate diversity that laid the foundation for meaningfully engaging what has become a trillion dollar Black consumer market today,” said director Jacqueline Olive. “If you think it doesn’t get much more powerful than that, Ed Boyd and his team, in the process, helped open the American consciousness to just how dynamic Black life truly was in the late 1940s, so the throughline of this story to benchmarks of cultural diversity in the present is remarkable. I could not be more excited to direct this film with Stanley Nelson in collaboration with our talented team at All Day Every Day, LAMF, and Pepsi.”

“With ‘The Color of Cola,’ Viola and I were really excited about exploring another story that’s been hidden in the amazon of American history,” said Julius Tennon. “These men had grit, tenacity, and sheer will, being the first black sales force in corporate America. We couldn’t have better directors and partners than Stanley Nelson and Jacqueline Olive to bring this incredible documentary to life.

I think we’ll all get a snapshot into what Jim Crow America was like and get to understand some of the challenges that these brave African American men faced.”

Last year, PepsiCo announced its Racial Equality Journey, a more than $570 million set of initiatives over five years focused on increasing Black and Hispanic managerial representation at PepsiCo; leveraging its scale and influence across suppliers and strategic partners to increase Black and Hispanic representa-

ALLEN MEDIA GROUP ANNOUNCES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP FOR HBCU GO LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group (AMG) free-streaming digital platform HBCU GO -- the leading media provider for the nation’s 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

This first-ever partnership grants HBCU GO cable, linear, streaming, broadcast, VOD, and pay-perview rights to premier NCAA Division I HBCU conference sporting events.

Beginning with the fall 2022-23 season, the free-streaming digital platform HBCU GO will distribute programming for the SWAC across all sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, and Olympic sports.

The partnership will include live coverage of over 2,000 SWAC games and events.

Some of these games and events will also air on AMG’s free-streaming digital platforms theGrio, Local Now, and Sports.TV. “Some of the world’s greatest athletes have come from, and continue to play and coach for, these excellent Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These HBCUs will continue to deliver historic events such as sports icon and coach Deion Sanders signing the number one overall prospect in the class of 2022--five-star cornerback Travis Hunter--making this a truly amazing league,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of HBCU GO parent company Allen Media Group. “I appreciate SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland for partnering with us to deliver over 2,000 sporting events and engaging content on every device 24/7 worldwide.”

tion, elevating diverse voices and creators in its content; and working in communities to drive long-term change by addressing systemic barriers to economic opportunity and advancing economic empowerment for Black and Hispanic Americans.

“At PepsiCo, we know that our company can only succeed when our associates and the societies we serve thrive.

That’s why we have long been committed to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects our consumer base and society at all levels of the company,” said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta. “This commitment to racial equality is part of our company’s DNA, going back to this our first Black sales team. The legacies of Allen Mckellar, Jr., Jeanette Maund, Harvey C. Russell, and many more leaders in our rich history continue to inspire our actions and serve as a beacon for advancing our journey towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace and world.”

The Color of Cola documentary is co-produced by the Los Angeles Media Fund under the leadership of Co-Founders Jeffrey Soros and Simon Horsman, and in association with Pepsi’s in-house content studio. Executive producers include Michael Karbelnikoff and Peter Kline for Alldayeveryday, and Mark Landsman.

“We feel most fortunate to have filmmakers with Stanley Nelson and Jacqueline Olive’s vision and integrity in bringing this important yet largely unknown history to light,” said Jeffrey Soros and Simon Horsman.

This project will elevate diverse voices, and it will also share a powerful piece of American history - inspiring viewers to utilize their collective power to help catalyze meaningful change in our society and for generations to come.

CAA Media Finance arranged financing and will handle sales.

Property of Pepsi Archive Stanley Nelson.

PHOTO CREDIT: COREY NICKOLS

World-Renowned Motivational Speaker Eric “ET” Thomas Selects BIPOC Artists CHICAGO — World-renowned motivational speaker Eric “ET” Thomas announces the first cohort of artists who will design the Genesis Collection of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) for the ETVerse to raise funds for The School Days Foundation, a nonprofit he founded to empower young people to be successful students, so they can grow and develop into transformational leaders, innovators and world changers.

The ETVerse NFTs are being created

by BIPOC artists from around the world, including Thomas’ hometown Chicago.

These artists bring diverse experiences and techniques to the partnership. Thomas, or ET as he prefers to be called, is providing the artists an opportunity to focus on their creativity while maintaining control over their future. The NFTs also will serve as a unique e-ticket to ETVerse events in the real and digital worlds, and to gated content and communities that will reside only in the

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ETVerse.

“I’m excited to be part of this project,” said Chicago artist Brandon Breaux. “This [NFT] project takes me back to the way I thought as a child, and it’s making me rethink artistic spaces and how they connect.”

Thomas has gained more than 2 million followers on social media by motivating listeners and sharing his personal experiences about homelessness, the absence of his biological father, academic struggles, and various other obstacles he overcame to rise from a G.E.D. to a Ph.D. Katana Capital creates early transformational partnerships that have the potential to be significant and expansive in the metaverse. Katana invests in their partners for the long haul and understand that success takes hard work and dedication along with personal guidance from the very first stages.

Katana leverages the latest technology to bring visions of digital disruption to fruition.

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Black Americans and the Worldwide Principles of Democracy

BY BEN JEALOUS

Anti-democratic authoritarianism is on the rise–both around the world and here at home.

Sometimes it is easier to recognize overseas.

That’s especially true at moments like this when Vladimir Putin’s military is killing civilians in Ukraine to feed his ambitions for greater power and is crushing any effort at dissent or truth-telling in his native Russia.

Americans don’t often recognize authoritarianism at home because they don’t want to.

They believe the U.S. is so exceptional that the checks and balances built into our system will protect our democratic values. That smug assurance was shaken by the Capitol Insurrection and the all-out effort by former President Trump to stay in power after the voters sent him packing.

Black Americans have never had a problem seeing the threat. After all, we were formally denied our place in democratic government for most of the country’s first century. And in some parts of the country, we were violently locked out of real access to democracy—and to opportunity—for most of its second century.

And now, almost halfway through the U.S.’s third century, we see access to voting being rolled back. We see mechanisms being put in place for the party in power to steal

elections if they don’t like the outcome. And we see corrupt census figures and abusive gerrymandering being used to deny Black people the level of access to political power that we deserve.

We’ve seen this all before. Specifically, Black newspapers have seen it all before.

In 1942, the federal government was rallying Americans to support the cause of democracy in World War II, which the U.S. formally entered at the end of 1941.

One Black man called out the glaring contrast being our country’s stated ideals and the reality of life for Black people who faced prejudice and discrimination even in the military. James Thompson wrote a letter to the Pittsburgh Courier, which was the largest-circulation Black newspaper at the time. The paper titled the letter, “Should I Sacrifice to Live Half American?”

“Would it be demanding too much to demand full citizenship rights in exchange for the sacrificing of my life?” he wrote. “Is the kind of America I know worth defending?”

The Courier turned Thompson’s letter into a public campaign that other Black papers embraced. They adopted the allies’ “V for Victory” slogan with a call for a double victory over the enemies of democracy at home and abroad.

The Double V Campaign urged Black Americans to fight “not merely for the salvation of America, not merely to secure the same degree of democracy for Black Americans that

Evo Hemp Partners with 40-Acre Cooperative to Support Historically Disadvantaged Hemp Farmers (Boulder, CO) -- Evo Hemp, the first USA-grown hemp nutrition company, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with 40Acre Cooperative, the only Black-led nationwide agricultural co-op for underserved farmers.

Based in Sandstone, Minnesota, the cooperative has 34 active members in several states and two tribal territories who receive support and training on a variety of topics, including sustainable farming to help regenerate the soil and reduce climate damage. 40-Acre Cooperative has spent years researching and growing hemp, and its Wunder x Woman strain is now considered one of the finest hemp varieties available. Evo Hemp, based in Boulder, Colorado, will be using the organic, cannabinoid-rich Wunder x Woman to produce much of its CBD and hemp food products in 2022 and beyond. Together, the two companies hope to make USA grown hemp food & CBD products more affordable and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit https://evohemp.com/.

“We are excited about partnering with industry leaders like Evo Hemp to bring to light the important issues in our industry,” said Angela Dawson, a fourth-generation farmer based in Minnesota and the founder of 40-

Acre Cooperative.

“The wonderful thing about hemp is the way it unifies people around issues that we all have a stake in, like our shared environment and quality of life. This partnership is the kind of leadership we need more of today, and I’m looking forward to finding ways to build our missions together.”

Lawsuits from white farmers have blocked $4 billion of pandemic aid that was allocated to Black farmers in the American Rescue Plan. While the Biden administration has pledged to pursue policies to promote racial equity and correct decades of discrimination, legal issues have complicated that goal. The legal limbo has created new and unexpected financial strains for Black farmers, many of whom have been unable to make investments in their businesses given ongoing uncertainty about their debt loads.

Evo Hemp has established a supply chain of USA-grown hemp in order to rebuild America’s agricultural system. With the help of retail partners, Evo Hemp has been able to create countless opportunities for small family farmers, while providing consumers with organic, USA-grown hemp products. https:// evohemp.com/

white Americans have long enjoyed, but to establish precedent for a world-wide principle of free association among men of all races, creeds and colors. That’s the black man’s stake.”

That is still our stake. It is still our fight.

It’s no surprise to us that the same far-right media figures excusing Vladimir Putin’s brutality have also excused or actively promoted Donald Trump’s Big Lie about the election—and used that Big Lie to justify new assaults on Black Americans’ access to democracy.

Back in 1942, James Thompson wrote that he was “willing to die for the America I know will someday become a reality.”

That is the kind of remarkable faith that motivated and sustained the civil rights movement after the war. It is the same kind of faith and determination we must find to defend American democracy and our place in it.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of the Practice in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania where he teaches leadership. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and he has taught at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.

National Battle of the Bands Announces Pepsi as New Title Sponsor HOUSTON PRNewswire -- National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) announced Pepsi as its new title sponsorship in support of the celebrated event. This multi-year partnership enables Pepsi to leverage its presence to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) year-round with specific emphasis on their proud tradition of world-class marching bands.

“This title sponsorship from Pepsi supports our vision of strengthening the connection of the community to Historically Black Colleges and Universities by showcasing the talents of HBCU marching bands and the role they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders,” said Derek Webber, creator of the National Battle of the Bands. “We’re thrilled to partner with a company like Pepsi with its Racial Equality Journey, a series of initiatives and an investment of $400 million over five years to address issues of inequality and create opportunity.”

The battle of the bands is an iconic staple in the Black community that celebrates tradition, unites generations, and inspires everyone with their unified sound while marching proudly and dancing unapologetically in celebration of their ancestors who paved the way for their rhythm to be on display for all to see, hear and feel.

We are proud to be the title sponsor

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the National Battle of the Bands, which is such an incredible cultural moment for the HBCU Band Community,” said Chauncey Hamlett, Vice President and CMO, PBNA South Division. “I have a strong passion for fostering growth among HBCU students, and I am proud of the work we do to spotlight HBCUs across the nation.”

The National Battle Of The Bands was created to be the nation’s best kick-off to the fall marching band season by showcasing new performances of the country’s top marching bands.

It offers unmatched exposure to the marching bands of HBCUs and has broad appeal among varying age groups and socio-economic demographic groups.

The event’s mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $700,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities.

For more information about the National Battle Of The Bands and its full list of sponsors visit https://www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/, and stay updated on social media at @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram) / @NationalBOTB

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LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22008788 on MARCH 11, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of THE COMFORT COLLECTION BY YASHIA with the business located at: 11105 SOUTH KEDZIE AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60655. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name RABIHAH SIMMONS RILEY Complete Address: 11105 SOUTH KEDZIE AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60655, USA. _______________________________________

Advertising Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com Classified Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Display Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Coverage Areas:

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333 The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. ASSUMED NAME: Manage Your Affairs Consultive Firm PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 51 West 107th Street Chicago IL 60628 USA NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: Civic Moors United C/O General Delivery 433 West Harrison Street Chicago IL 60699 United States R A Bey Trust 8212 South Escanaba Avenue Chicago IL 60617 United States The Edward House Jr. Private Express Trust 10510 South Throop Street Chicago IL 60643 USA Rohsaan Kwame Alexander Bey C/O General Delivery 433 West Harrison Street Chicago IL 60699 United States Edward Rollin House Jr 10510 South Throop Street Chicago IL 60643 USA If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: UCC 1 308 MAILING ADDRESS: 10510 South Throop Street Chicago IL 60643 EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: shyraent@gmail.com Work Item 1300903200028 Original File Number 1300903200028 STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FILED 03/05/2022 11:59 PM Steve Simon Secretary of State _______________________________________

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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

SOUTH END

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

SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton.

Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

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

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (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.

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

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

12 | Hyde Park | Week of March 30, 2022

HYDE PARK

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