Hyde Park Citizen 9-23-2020

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Sept. 23, 2020

| Vol. 31 | No. 44 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

HYDE PARK

Collaborative was convened in the wake of the death of George Floyd as a way to help organizations make real change with a goal of establishing racial equity, diversity and inclusion. Photo courtesy of Tiffanie Beatty

NEWLY FORMED COLLECTIVE SEEKS TO CREATE REAL CHANGE

After the death of George Floyd, a group of individuals and organizations committed to reimagining a more equitable Chicago, formed a group to look at more tangible ways to achieve racial equity. PAGE 2

Brand Launches Initiative to Support Black-Owned Businesses and Organizations

How to Make Kids’ Birthdays Special While Social Distancing

Newest trends for Black and Brown travelers presented at 7th Annual “State of Black Tourism” Event

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2 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. DONATES $50,000 TO THE NAACP, FUNDS THE JAMES WELDON JOHNSON SCHOLARSHIP Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. will donate $50,000 to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to fund the new James Weldon Johnson Scholarship.

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship is named in honor of Bro. James Weldon Johnson, civil rights activist, author of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” unofficially known as the “Negro National Anthem,” and former Executive Director of the NAACP from 1920 – 1930. The scholarship will provide support to students who exemplify Bro. Johnson’s commitment to social justice and community engagement. For more information, visit www.phibetasigma1914.org.

HEALTH

AARP BULLETIN REVEALS WHY WE GET SICK MORE OFTEN THAN PREVIOUS GENERATIONS Researchers into the human immune system are discovering that a host of environmental, lifestyle and medical issues not faced by previous generations are causing our immune systems to become routinely “dysregulated,” making older adults more susceptible to infections, including the coronavirus, according to a special report in the AARP Bulletin this month.

The report includes a unique five-part plan to lower your risk of infections and disease this winter, including a morning- to-night guide to bolstering your immunity, a list of six things never to do again, expert tips and more.

To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @ AARPadvocates

LAW & POLITICS

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG, ‘A JURIST OF HISTORIC STATURE’ DIES AT 87 Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday, September 18, surrounded by her family at her home in Washington, D.C., due to complications of metastatic pancreas cancer. She was 87 years old.

According to a press release, Justice Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Clinton in 1993. She was the second woman appointed to the Court and served more than 27 years.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. said of Justice Ginsburg: “Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature. We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her -- a tireless and resolute champion of justice.”

Justice Ginsburg was born in Brooklyn, New York, March 15, 1933. She married Martin D. Ginsburg in 1954. She received her B.A. from Cornell University, attended Harvard Law School, and received her LL.B. from Columbia Law School. She served as a law clerk to the Honorable Edmund L. Palmieri, judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, from 1959–1961.

From 1961–1963, she was a research associate and then associate director of the Columbia Law School Project on International Procedure. She was a Professor of Law at Rutgers University School of Law from 1963–1972, and Columbia Law School from 1972–1980, and a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences in Stanford, California from 1977–1978. In 1971, she was instrumental in launching the Women’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union, and served as the ACLU’s General Counsel from 1973–1980, and on the National Board of Directors from 1974–1980.

She was appointed a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 1980. During her more than 40 years as a Judge and a Justice, she was served by 159 law clerks.

While on the Court, the Justice authored My Own Words (2016), a compilation of her speeches and writings.

Newly formed collective seeks to create real change Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

After the death of George Floyd, a group of individuals and organizations committed to reimagining a more equitable Chicago, formed a group to look at more tangible ways to achieve racial equity.

They came up with a citywide collective called Just Action Racial Equity Collaborative. The coalition believes in order for organizations and leaders to pursue racial equity, three important steps must be taken: establish systems of accountability, shift power to historically marginalized groups and acknowledge their personal and organization’s history.

Roberto Requejo, program director of Elevated Chicago, said 2020 has been a very heavy year for Chicago, especially as it relates to Black people in Chicago. He said in the summer with racial unrest, the pandemic, climate change, unemployment along with an economic collapse that was negatively impacting communities of color, he got together with people who do work in racial equity to figure out what could be done to go beyond a public statement.

“Really, what people want to see—and especially Black people, want to see in Chicago, is change

and action,” he said. Requejo added one of the things Elevated Chicago had been talking about was the idea of making statements and making plans, but not following through and not being held accountable to communities of color.

“We thought it was a great opportunity to look together at the crisis we are all in and reach out to folks who really care about making real change, organize ourselves and not only point out to some folks in Chicago, [that] statements without follow through and without accountability, are really not helpful,” he said.

Additionally, Requejo said the effort would offer a space to share ideas as well as offer tools and ways for people who want to make changes in organizations, but who need help.

Requejo said real change looks like setting goals and accomplishing them.

One way, is for corporations and civic organizations to set up goals for diversity, equity and inclusion, make them public and transparent, track them every quarter and analyze how effective they have been.

Requejo said the reason why it is easy for organizations to make statements about equity, inclusion and diversity—but the action step is missing— is because the issue of race has been avoided in the city.

“It’s inertia, too, because we’ve been living in a city which from the very beginning, has been built on the exploitation of communities of color, starting with the expelling and extraction of resources for Native Americans who live here, to today’s exploitation of Black and brown communities,” he said.

Requejo said it is not easy work and it takes a level of courage. It has to include conversations with communities these organizations may have negatively impacted in the past, systemically or structurally.

Tiffanie Beatty is the program director of National Public Housing Museum and senior fellow for narrative design at Chicago United for Equity (CUE), an organization founded to address racial equity. CUE is one of the convening organizations for Just Action. Beatty said there was an opportunity to align practices with the values at CUE, along with other organizations.

“We really are building a new system through a collaborative model of ways for folks to connect across sectors and build something that looks nothing like anything that we’ve ever seen,” Beatty said. “It is a radical imagination to try to imagine a new kind of system and policies and practices that align with our values.”

OneUnited Bank Announces Its 10th Annual “I Got Bank” 2020 Youth Essay & Art Contest Winners OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the U.S., recently announced the winners of its 10th annual “I Got Bank! Youth Essay & Art Contest.” For the first time, there were 5 winners who submitted art, matching 5 winners who submitted essays on financial literacy. Each of the ten (10) youth winners are awarded a $1,000 savings account.

The winners are Amina Anyabwele, 9, Miramar, FL; William Cum Jr., 8, Pompano Beach, FL; Morgan Hardwick, 12, Washington, DC; Loren Herrell-Guy, 11, Chicago, IL; Olivia Hur, 12, La Crescenta-Montrose, CA; Mariah Mack, 12,

Grovetown, GA; Javonte Patton, 12, Palm Coast, FL; Alizah Perez, 12, Pembroke Pines, FL; Sophia Prakash, 9, Glendora, CA; Aarionna Totty, 9, Holly, MI. Each winner expressed how they would use what they learned from their financial literacy reading in very creative ways, including starting a business, adding to their existing savings account and creating a vision board.

The panel of judges included Teri Williams, the bank’s President & Chief Operating Officer.

Williams, who wrote the

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book I Got Bank! What My Grandad Taught Me About Money (Beckham) after she discovered the lack of books geared toward educating urban youth about financial literacy, stated, “This year we were excited to see the quality of the art submissions in addition to the essays. Congratulations to our winners and their families for appreciating the importance of financial literacy.”

The “I Got Bank!” youth essay & art contest is part of a larger OneUnited Bank initiative to make financial literacy a core value of the Black community. This year, due to the COVID-19

pandemic, OneUnited Bank offered a free copy of the I Got Bank book on their website to assist parents who are homeschooling their children.

To learn more about past I Got Bank winners, please visit the OneUnited Bank Financial Literacy Blog.

OneUnited Bank has also launched its Financial Education Center with online playlists on Financial Basics, Major Life Decisions, Starting a Career, Small Business and Preventing Elder Fraud. OneUnited Bank hopes its efforts will improve the financial skills of children and adults throughout the country.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

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NEWS

City Council Passes The Woodlawn Housing Ordinance City Council recently approved the Woodlawn Housing Ordinance, an affordable housing preservation ordinance designed to protect existing residents of Woodlawn from displacement, expand homeownership opportunities and ensure inclusive economic growth for the historic South Side neighborhood, according the a news release.

“Since day one, our efforts have been focused on building economic growth and cultural enrichment in the Woodlawn community while also ensuring that every neighborhood resident is able to stay in their homes and share the transformative promise by the Obama Presidential Center,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This groundbreaking ordinance is a testament to our partnership with Ald. Hairston, Ald. Taylor and Woodlawn’s residents in a collective effort to prevent displacement and further opportunity for this community.”

The Woodlawn Housing Ordinance and other planned efforts by the city are designed to ensure the Woodlawn community and other Chicago residents can benefit from the unprecedented economic and cultural opportunities created by the future Obama Presidential Center.

The ordinance earmarks an initial commitment of more than $4.5 million from the city, while leveraging another $5 million or more from banks and lenders, for new and expanded housing programs and includes a suite of initiatives that will protect existing residents from

“WITH THE WOODLAWN HOUSING ORDINANCE, OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, ESPECIALLY THOSE ON THE SOUTH AND WEST SIDES WILL BE ABLE TO GROW WITH LONG TERM RESIDENTS, AND NOT DISPLACE THEM,” SAID ALDERMAN LESLIE HAIRSTON (5TH).

“THIS IS COMPREHENSIVE AND THOUGHTFUL LEGISLATION THAT WILL SERVE COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND I’M GLAD THAT TODAY WE MADE THIS ORDINANCE A REALITY.” displacement while creating more opportunities for middle class wealth building.

The ordinance includes new tenant protections, enhanced local hiring requirements and turning city-owned vacant land into affordable housing for both renters and home buyers.

“From the beginning we have been committed to making residents the focal point of this legislation – bringing hundreds of renters, homeowners and other stakeholders to the table,” said DOH Commissioner Marisa Novara. “And together we have created an ordinance to ensure that everyone who lives in Woodlawn – both renters and homeowners - are able to stay and share in the unprecedented potential offered by the Obama Presidential Center.”

Key components of the ordinance include: • Affordability for Chicago’s lowest earners: On 25% of city-owned vacant land, 30% of units in each project must be affordable at 3050% AMI • $1.5 million for the Preservation of Existing Affordable Rental (PEAR) - This apartment

building refinance program would help existing owners refinance their property to keep tenants in place and rents affordable.

• $1.175 million for Renew Woodlawn. $500,000 in city funding and pending grant request for an additional $675,000 from HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. Renew Woodlawn is a rehab homeownership program tailored for low to moderate income households.

• $1.52 million for the Woodlawn Loan Fund to supplement $5 million from banks and other lenders. This is a program to purchase and rehabilitate vacant units to create new affordable housing.

• $1 million for the Woodlawn Long-term Homeowner Home Improvement Grant Program. The program will assist homeowners with 5 or more years of residency in their home with a grant of up to $20,000 for home repairs.

• Enhanced local hiring requirements Residential developments that receive city land for development of rental housing would be required to meet enhanced local hiring

requirements.

• Tenant Right of First Refusal pilot program for larger apartment buildings - Gives renters the right of first refusal if a landlord seeks to sell his/her building. Rather than tenants being automatically displaced from the sale of a building, tenants would have the right to form a tenant’s association and enter into an agreement with a not-for-profit affordable housing developer to purchase the building and maintain it as affordable.

The Woodlawn Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance marks the latest step by the Lightfoot administration to preserve and expand access to safe, decent and affordable housing across the city. The ordinance was drafted after months of robust community engagement and input, including more than 20 Woodlawn community meetings with the Department of Housing (DOH) and a wide range of neighborhood stakeholders – renters, homeowners, elected officials, religious leaders, civic organizations, block club presidents and many more.

“With the Woodlawn Housing Ordinance, our neighborhoods, especially those on the South and West sides will be able to grow with long term residents, and not displace them,” said Alderman Leslie Hairston (5th). “This is comprehensive and thoughtful legislation that will serve communities throughout the city and I’m glad that today we made this ordinance a reality.”

City Council Passes Ordinance Banning The Sale of Flavored Vaping Products In A Step To Protect The Health Of Young People The Chicago City Council recently passed an ordinance banning the sale of flavored vaping products in the city as another important step in preventing young people from picking up the habit and potentially developing a lifelong addiction.

The ordinance specifically targets flavored liquid nicotine products that create the taste or aroma of, among other things, menthol, mint, wintergreen, chocolate, vanilla, cocoa, or candy or dessert.

“With flavors like candy and chocolate, these products are designed to entice youth, and we as a city have a responsibility to do everything we can to prevent that from happening,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “This ordinance is an important step, but more must be done to protect our young people’s health from vaping and the tobacco industry’s efforts to have them to develop life-threatening habits.”

“I have always been an advocate for Chicago’s children, and I am proud to be the chief sponsor of an ordinance that promotes their health and safety by banning the sale of

THIS INCREASE IS DRIVEN BY AN 88% INCREASE IN THE VAPING RATE, WHILE TRADITIONAL CIGARETTE USE HAS FALLEN, THE REPORT FOUND. NOT ALL YOUTH IN CHICAGO ARE FARING EQUALLY. CIGARETTE USE BY YOUNG BLACK MALES HAS RISEN 32% IN THE PAST TWO YEARS EVEN AS ALL OTHER DEMOGRAPHICS SEE DECLINES. MOREOVER, THE VAPING RATE FOR BLACK YOUTH MORE THAN QUADRUPLED IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, BY FAR THE HIGHEST INCREASE ACROSS RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS. flavored vaping products,” said Ald. O’Shea (19th Ward).

With both vapor products and combustible tobacco, such flavors are targeted to youth and can also mislead them to believe that flavored products are safer than other tobacco products.

Studies have shown that 80% of youth tobacco users started with a flavored product, and 80% of youth and young adult users say they would quit if flavored tobacco products were unavailable.

“I congratulate the City Council for addressing flavors comprehensively in this vape-focused ordinance, rather than carving out specific flavors,” said Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commis-

sioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “And I look forward to seeing this body take this same comprehensive approach to flavors in the future, as together we address combustible products and work to improve the health and life expectancy of all Chicagoans.”

The city has filed a number of lawsuits against vape product manufacturers and retailers for deceptive marketing and illegal sales to kids.

Chicago was one of the first cities in the nation to add e-cigarettes to its Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, the first big city to impose a vaping tax, and the first jurisdiction anywhere to include menthol in a flavored tobacco sales ban, which covers stores within 500 feet of high schools. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Numerous other jurisdictions have now passed flavored tobacco bans that include menthol, most recently California. Research shows that menthol cigarettes—most common among African Americans—are more addictive and harder to quit than other tobacco products.

“We have come a long way. Twenty years ago, one in four teens in Chicago smoked cigarettes. Today, that number is down to one in 25,” said Dr. Arwady. “Yet the growing vaping epidemic is unacceptable, as are the increasing inequities in tobacco use.

To advance health and equity, we must keep going.”

A new report from CDPH found that the rate of cigarette smoking by youth in Chicago is down to 3.9%, a

historic low, yet vaping is on the rise and racial disparities in tobacco use have widened. If combustible and vapor products are combined, 16.6% of high school students in Chicago use some form of tobacco—a 12% increase since 2017.

This increase is driven by an 88% increase in the vaping rate, while traditional cigarette use has fallen, the report found. Not all youth in Chicago are faring equally. Cigarette use by young Black males has risen 32% in the past two years even as all other demographics see declines. Moreover, the vaping rate for Black youth more than quadrupled in the last two years, by far the highest increase across racial and ethnic groups.

Along with the vaping ordinance, Mayor Lightfoot and the City Council also introduced a resolution committing themselves to further action on vaping and tobacco.

The resolution speaks to the city’s “dedication to continuing to work on crafting and enacting legislation to ban the sale of all flavored tobacco products citywide, including menthol cigarettes.”

4 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

BUSINESS

GreenTek Packaging Launches First-Ever Non-Plastic Disposable Utensils Made from Hemp Made from all natural elements, including U.S.-grown industrial hemp, GreenTek Packaging LLC’s newly launched Hemptensils™ is the first in-kind brand of plant-based disposable utensils that, unlike wasteful plastic end-use products, won’t harm the environment, according to a news release.

Developed by engineer and GreenTek Founder Jordan Hinshaw, Hemptensil forks, spoons, and knives are 100 percent bio-based (they have no petroleum) and are compostable, meaning they can break down heat and bacteria into water, air, and carbon dioxide. However, if the products were to end up in a landfill, they would not be devastating to the environment. The products also have a shelf life of more than four years. GreenTek is currently selling Hemptensils products on ecommerce channels, including its own website, Amazon, and the new “Shop” channels on Facebook and Instagram.

Additionally, GreenTek puts a major focus on sustainable production, as well as building American communities, farms, and manufacturing in accordance with the federal legalization of industrial hemp (less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol) for a stronger, greener economic future. The company partners with growers in California, Kentucky, and North Dakota and is additionally in talks with a few other co-ops that represent hundreds of acres of hemp in the Midwest to see what can be done with their waste profiles.

Never has there been greater uncertainty as to the future of the American economy, but purchasing domestically produced hemp enriches both the consumer and the nation.

“There are 40 billion single use utensils used in America every year, of which barely nine percent are recycled. And considering the fact that businesses are using more plastic during the COVID-19 pandemic than they previously were, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050,” said Hinshaw.

“Hemptensils offers a sustainable alternative that leans into the reality of our failing recycling systems to minimize our impact. Using Hemptensils greatly reduces the amount of plastic produced, and as a result, reduces the amount of long term waste created. Plus, working solely with American hemp growers gives us the ability to strengthen our economy.

Essentially, by using Hemptensils products, consumers and businesses can play their part to create both a greener, healthier future and a much more sustainable economy.”

Hemptensils

GreenTek purchases processed, decorticated hemp that has been converted into petroleum-free hemp pellets to produce its Hemptensils products. At its facility in Long Beach, the company combines pellets with decomposition accelerating enzymes, heats the mixture, and then injection-presses it into a custom mold.

In addition to Hemptensils, GreenTek manufactures hemp polymer cosmetic containers and secondary packaging products. The hemp polymer cosmetic containers offer an innovative solution to the billions of temporary plastic containers produced only to be thrown away. And, from exterior hemp paper boxes to compostable shipping labels, seals, and stickers, GreenTek’s secondary packaging products provide the essential accessories for purists and enthusiasts alike. GreenTek’s design team also offers additional custom, bio-based packaging options at best-in-class pricing.

GreenTek is working on inking multiple distribution deals to get its product into grocers and restaurants. The company currently has a partnership with Follow The Leader Distribution, which is based in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.

GreenTek also has plans to start selling new hemp straw products.

Those interested in staying updated on GreenTek’s new product launches should follow the company on Facebook @ ShopHemptensils, on Instagram @shophemptensils, on Twitter @GreenTekPlanet, and on LinkedIn (GreenTek Packaging, LLC).

Jordan Hinshaw

“WE FULLY INTEND TO SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED ENTREPRENEURS IN MEANINGFUL WAYS THAT LEAD TO GROWTH WHILE ENCOURAGING AND RECYCLING THE BLACK DOLLAR IN OUR COMMUNITY,” SAID GABRIELLE UNION. “THE SUCCESS OF THE FLAWLESS BRAND IS IMPORTANT TO ME, BUT SO IS ENSURING THAT WE ARE ACTIVELY CONTRIBUTING OUR REACH AND RESOURCES TO HELP EMPOWER OTHERS.”

Brand Launches Initiative to Support Black-Owned Businesses and Organizations Award-winning actress, producer and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, Gabrielle Union, and celebrity hairstylist and business partner Larry Sims, recently announced the launch of the “Lift As We Climb” initiative in support of black-owned businesses and community organizations.

It is estimated that almost half of black-owned businesses will not survive the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has far-reaching and devastating consequences in communities and families.

As a majority black-owned business, Flawless by Gabrielle Union will lend its support to others by highlighting black-owned brands across its social channels and webpages to elevate visibility and opportunities for these entities.

Consumers can learn more about each brand and purchase products from them through Gabrielle Union’s celebrity page on Amazon.com.

The initial group of Black-owned brands selected to highlight and ‘lift’ include: Mented Cosmetics, award-winning non-toxic cosmetics

line for all skin tones and pigments; Darlyng & Co, an innovative baby and children’s brand offering natural and non-toxic products; Honey Pot, the first natural and plant-based feminine care system; and BLK and Bold, a specialty coffee and tea brand.

An added component of the “Lift As We Climb” initiative is the brand’s support of the Black Women www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Health’s Imperative, the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to the health and wellness of Black women and girls. A portion of proceeds of eligible purchases will be donated to the non-profit organization in collaboration with the Amazon Smile Foundation.

“We fully intend to support black-owned entrepreneurs in meaningful ways that lead to growth while encouraging and recycling the Black dollar in our community,” said Gabrielle Union. “The success of the Flawless brand is important to me,

but so is ensuring that we are actively contributing our reach and resources to help empower others.”

The “Lift As We Climb” initiative is a year-round effort that will continue to feature community organizations, small businesses, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and business mentorship opportunities as Flawless

by Gabrielle Union expands.

For additional information about the participating brands and organizations, please visit Flawless by Gabrielle Union store on Amazon. com.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

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Citi has a long-standing commitment to closing the racial wealth gap, and now with Action for Racial Equity, we are launching more than $1 billion in strategic initiatives to accelerate those efforts across our lines of business.

These efforts will provide greater access to banking and credit in communities of color, increase investment in Black-owned businesses, expand homeownership among Black Americans and advance anti-racist practices in the financial services industry. That way communities of color can build a stronger economic presence and progress towards a future that we can all believe in.

Learn more about Citi’s Action for Racial Equity at Citigroup.com/racialequity

Š 2020 Citigroup Inc. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc.

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6 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

NEWS

How to Make Kids’ Birthdays Special While Social Distancing StatePoint - While some of the traditions of a typical birthday are not possible these days, parents can find new ways to celebrate these important milestones. Here are a few ideas for making your child’s upcoming birthday feel special: • Host a Virtual Party: Use video conferencing tools to host a party for your child. Consider picking a theme or activity for the event.

Start with a meet and greet and then dive right in -- from painting and pottery to sing-alongs and science projects, there are many fun themes that work well from a distance. Remember to tell all your guests in advance what they will need to participate or even drop off pre-made goody bags with supplies and snacks to celebrate.

• Plan a Drive-by Birthday Parade: These days, drive-by celebration parades are all the rage for graduations, birthdays and more -and this is for good reason. What better way to honor a special occasion than by seeing everyone you love? Tell friends and family what time to drive by, encouraging participants to use signs, music, balloons and banners to make a splash.

• Request Cards: Make a secret request to

friends and family asking them to send cards in the mail. Kids love receiving mail, especially on their birthdays. Alternatively, ask loved ones to create video greetings or other electronic messages.

• Give Fun Gifts: Don’t forget the presents!

Colorful, interactive toys will brighten the occasion, making your child’s birthday and year to come special. Consider Myla’s Sparkling Friends from VTech, a new collection of interactive toys that talk, sing and light up with a kaleidoscope of colors. With flapping wings and tail feathers that wag, colorful accessories and unique songs and sayings, this line -which includes Mia the Unicorn, Ava the Fox, Penny the Peacock and more – is packed with value at a great giftable price.

• Take an Outing: Parents comfortable doing so might consider planning a socially distanced picnic in the park. Bring your child’s favorite foods, treats and games for a fun-filled day.

Birthdays may look a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean your family can’t celebrate. Virtual parties, gifts and special greetings can give your child a sense of normalcy and make them feel special on their birthday.

Virtual parties, gifts and special greetings can give your child a sense of normalcy and make them feel special on their birthday.

BUILD BACK BETTER

JOBS AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY AGENDA Joe Biden believes we cannot build back better without a major mobilization of effort and resources to advance racial equity across the American economy.

Visit joebiden.com/racial-economic-equity to learn more PAID FOR BY BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT

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CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

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HBCUs are more than an education.

They are a legacy.

It's the place you become; where you're uplifted by past generations. It's your family's history and newfound family's future. It's your HBCU. That’s why Xfinity recognizes the legacy, community, and importance of HBCUs. And, now that gatherings are a little different, it's time to reconnect to the culture. Just say, "HBCU," into your Xfinity Voice Remote to experience more HBCU.

Visit xfinity.com/discovermore to learn more.

00

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Requires Xfinity TV with X1. Š2020 Comcast. All rights reserved.

8 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

NEWS Newest trends for Black and Brown travelers presented at 7th Annual “State of Black Tourism” Event The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) recently presented its 7th Annual “State of Black Tourism” event on September 17, in partnership with the National Press Club.

Known as one of the preeminent organizations in the hospitality industry, NCBMP’s annual “State of Black Tourism” included a virtual convening that featured the leading hospitality executives in the industry, along with elected officials, who presented the newest trends for Black and Brown travelers in the U.S. and around the world.

Additionally, the virtual convening discussed current practices that affect Black hospitality professionals as well as the overall impact on the industry post Covid19 and George Floyd.

The 7th Annual “State of Black Tourism” is supported by the NCBMP national partners who include Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Richmond Region Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and regmatch. For more information, visit www.ncbmp. com.

The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the training needs of Black hospitality professionals, and more, that support Black meetings and events.

Since its founding, NCBMP has

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The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the training needs of Black hospitality professionals, and more, that support Black meetings and events.

KNOWN AS ONE OF THE PREEMINENT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, NCBMP’S ANNUAL “STATE OF BLACK TOURISM” INCLUDED A VIRTUAL CONVENING WHERE PRESENTERS DISCUSSED THE NEWEST TRENDS FOR BLACK AND BROWN TRAVELERS IN THE U.S. made a significant impact in the hospitality community by advocating for equity and helping members maximize their return on investments.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

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HOME

4 options for an ideal outdoor space: Pick the one that's right for you (BPT) - If you dream of the perfect outdoor living space for relaxing with a good book in the shade, entertaining family in your outdoor kitchen, playing with the kids in the sunshine - or just breathing in the sights and sounds of nature in your own personal oasis - here are some tips to help kickstart the planning process when the time is right for you.

Modern landscaping and hardscaping offer limitless possibilities, so you can find the right solution to complement the way you live and your personal tastes. Whether you want a stylish lounge area for entertaining, a green-filled hideaway for connecting with nature, or a clean, minimal space for family fun and games, you can make it happen using a combination of pavers, walls, fire pits or even full outdoor kitchens.

Channel your imagination, with a little pro advice, to help you create an outdoor space that is perfect for your family, budget and home. One great resource is Collections by Belgard, which offers outdoor designers, contractors and homeowners a way to virtually re-imagine their outdoor space by pairing the right textures and colors to match the home's style - as well as the homeowner's vision.

First, spend a little time with your dream, nailing down what type of outdoor space you really want.

What do you most want to do in your outdoor space, and what style best expresses your vision and personality?

Relaxed entertaining center Maybe your dream sanctuary is a cozy fire pit surrounded by lounge seating to create a comfortable outdoor living room family and guests can enjoy day or night.

Or perhaps you want to dazzle guests with your culinary skills at a complete outdoor kitchen - including fun extras like a smoker, wine cooler or brick pizza oven.

Plan the exact features you want before choosing the style, and you can make your dreams come true.

Cozy natural retreat Create a space for unwinding from the week's stresses. Could you arrange a trellis or pergola bursting with plants and flowers to set your retreat apart from the rest of the yard? You could install relaxing hammocks or a serene fountain to complete your oasis.

Then choose hardscaping elements to work hand in hand with your favorite natural elements. For example, Belgard's Natural Collection provides hardscaping with the look of slates and worn stone that can set the tone for your special hideaway.

Eye-catching extension of your living space Whatever plans you have for hardscapes, furnishings, appliances and more, consider the overall ambiance you want to create. Consider not only the natural environment, but what style best complements your home's aesthetic.

Want a more aged, rustic appearance to suit your traditional style home? The antique, tumbled look of features from the Heritage Collection combined with elements from the Natural Collection may suit that style.

Focus on family fun Maybe your dream is to add outdoor recreation areas for you and your family. Consider making space for giant stacking blocks, life-size checkers or chess, cornhole or ring toss. How about a mini hedge maze or paver labyrinth?

Then use the existing feel of your home's exterior as the basis for your stylistic www.citizennewspapergroup.com

direction. You could go for a traditional, old-world aesthetic or combine traditional items with the more modern-looking Metropolitan Collection to add warmth to your contemporary space.

Homeowners and outdoor designers can work together to mix and match a variety of textures, colors and styles to create an outdoor space that suits any landscape - creating an extension of your home to make all your summer dreams come true.

Visit Belgard.com/summer for more design ideas and inspiration.

9

10 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

Bass Reeves: A Legend In His Own Time, A Hero In Ours First Black U.S. Marshall Gets Hero Journey

Bass Reeves Episode 2 Cover

One-hundred-ten years after his death, the story of the first black US Marshal arrives at Walmart in a new comic book published by Allegiance Arts & Entertainment. Kevin Grevioux, actor-writer and creator of the Underworld and I, Frankenstein film franchises, weaves hard-hitting Western action and soulful drama in six chapters vividly illustrated

by David Williams (Batman, Superman, Wolverine).

Released in bi-monthly installments, Bass Reeves provides a long-overdue look at a legend whose story may be more relevant now than ever.

Born into the humblest of conditions, Bass Reeves rose to fame as a paragon of justice, dragging the most hardcore outlaws from the wild and unforgiving Oklahoma Territories. It was terrain he mastered as an escaped slave, along with at least three tribal languages.

As the first black US marshal west of the Mississippi, he literally and figuratively cast a long shadow, using wit and a reputation as a tireless tracker to capture more than

3,000 fugitives, a record that stands to this day. He traded his marshal badge for a police badge at an age when police today are long since retired. And though he was an expert marksman, it is likely his reputation kept the peace.

The first arc in the Allegiance Arts saga draws on Bass’s legendary encounter with a notorious outlaw who wields superstition with a flare that echoes Bass’s penchant for guile.

Meanwhile, a fight for the soul of the Reeves family is brewing as a rebellious son threatens everything the legendary lawman stands for.

Bass Reeves takes an introspective look at the survival of faith and family in the face of ever-present danger, a tale with increasing relevance in our own time.

Bass Reeves is one of four flagship titles from Little Rockbased publisher Allegiance Arts & Entertainment. The first two blockbuster installments arrived this summer at nationwide Walmart locations and on walmart.com.

Digital editions are available at allegiancearts.com.

Bass Reeves (left) and Bass Reeves Episode 1 cover (right)

Writer Kevin Grevioux (left) and Artist David Williams (right)

A Faith Based Film On Racial Reconciliation Premiers In Theaters Despite Covid-19 “My Brothers’ Crossing” is a spiritually uplifting film that depicts a true story about a black pastor who unintentionally has a head on collision with his car into a motorcycle killing a white couple shortly after the Missouri riots in August 2014.

My Brothers’ Crossing is based on the book, “In the Blink of an Eye: Forgiveness in Black and White” and tells the story of the tragic death of motorcycle bikers Bobby and Pam Clark. The story unfolds from the perspective of Bobby’s brother, J.T. Clark, of whose on-screen character is played by award-winning actor Daniel Roebuck (The Fugitive, Getting Grace). Clark eventually forgives C.J. Martin, the black man who killed his brother and is played by veteran actor James Black (Godzilla, Days of our Lives).

The story dives deeper than just forgiveness, it also chronicles the journey of J.T.’s salvation during the turmoil of losing his brother. Clark stated that it’s like one of those stories you wouldn’t believe unless it happened to you.

Movieguide gives the movie 3 out of 4 stars and says it’s an inspiring story about the power of forgiveness, loving your neighbor and the importance of God.

The movie transcends human forgiveness and redemption, a much needed story amidst the current coronavirus pandemic, protests and economic chaos currently in the US today. Film director Ricky Borba says the film couldn’t have come out at a better time.

“The film was initially set to premiere in theaters last fall, but we are very thankful it was delayed and is hitting theaters now when this country so desperately needs healing across all racial lines.”

Borba went on to say, “I really believe God saved the film to premier for such a time as this.”

Actor Black was moved by not just the forgiveness element of the story, but also said, “the fact that after the Clark family forgave the Martin family, they loved them unconditionally.”

Borba said that he only had about two weeks to prepare for the directing of the movie, whereas with his prior directorial debut faith based film, “The Talking Tree,” — he had 18 months to prepare. Having such a short period of time to prepare created a unique set of challenges but he said it also created an incredible bond among the crew to work together as a team. Borba beamed that he couldn’t be more proud of the performances on screen and behind the scenes.

The movie was produced by Tony and Edna White, and executive produced by Reverend Samuel Rodriquez, who co-produced the film “Breakthrough” in 2019. Rodriguez says the story of forgiveness is timely in a way that cannot be a mere coincidence.

“Especially at a time when we are confronted with the unresolved problem of racism in America, our nation needs to remember that forgiveness can eclipse our racial divisions and heal even our deepest wounds.” Rodriquez continued, “I am honored to be part of such a powerful and compelling film, one that shares the hope of transformation for individuals and entire communities through the power of Jesus Christ.”

My Brothers’ Crossing is being distributed

by Atlas Distribution and is in several hundred Regal and AMC theaters across the US. The trailer for the film can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=6D9PSeGQBxA Tickets for the film can be purchased here: https://www.regmovies.com/movies/mybrothers-crossing https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/mybrothers-crossing-64447

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

“My Brothers’ Crossing” is a spiritually uplifting film that depicts a true story about a black pastor who unintentionally has a head on collision with his car into a motorcycle killing a white couple shortly after the Missouri riots in August 2014.

https://www.fandango.com/my-brotherscrossing-223115/movie-overview Follow the movie on Facebook at: https:// www.facebook.com/mybrotherscrossing/

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

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11

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STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: OKTOBERFEST ACROSS 1. Worry 6. Fleur-de-____ 9. One of Egyptian christians 13. Nary a soul 14. Dot-com address 15. Pretend, two words 16. Flogger’s tool 17. Romanian money 18. Dostoyevsky’s masterpiece, with The 19. *Royal Brewery in Munich, a.k.a. ____ München 21. *Original Oktoberfest location 23. Tree juice 24. Cathedral part 25. Lysergic acid derivative, acr.

28. Children’s author Roald 30. Bivouac 35. Heroic poem 37. Taro or cocoyam, technically 39. Relish tastebuds’ sensation 40. Russian governmental agency 41. Musketeers’ weapons 43. Presidential “No!” 44. Make corrections 46. Kind of palm 47. A in B.A. 48. Indian Ocean’s saltwater inlet 50. Carvey or Plato 52. “Sesame Street” watcher 53. One-horse carriage 55. Sunday newspaper inserts 57. *Kind of Oktoberfest band 60. *Salty snack 64. Meltable abode 65. Go wrong 67. Sore spot 68. African prairie 69. “Wheel of Fortune” vowel request 70. All-season ones, on a car 71. Affirmatives 72. Beaver’s construction 73. Noise of contempt DOWN 1. Egyptian hieroglyph for “life” 2. “You’re not allowed!” to a baby 3. Mistake 4. Spurns 5. Between triad and pentad 6. Comic strip Moppet

7. Anger management issue 8. Economic crisis 9. Ghana monetary unit 10. Ear-related 11. Tubby little cubby 12. Ted Turner’s TV acronym 15. Bedding and towels 20. Lickety-split 22. Wear and tear 24. “So soon?”

25. *____hosen 26. Sea foam 27. Like United States Capitol 29. *Flower used in beer-making 31. Spanish sparkling wine 32. Deflect 33. *”O’zapft is!” or “It’s tapped!”

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42. Echo sounder 45. Joseph Stalin was one 49. “Eureka!”

51. Experts 54. In the lead 56. *Beer garden mug 57. Curved molding 58. Paella pot 59. ‘60s British teenagers 60. “Hunger Games” sister 61. Goose egg 62. Second to last word in a fairytale 63. Just in case 64. Woody creeper 66. Biochemistry acr.

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12 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 23, 2020

Hope.

It’s our greatest feature.

It all started in 1998 when a group of Hyundai dealers wanted to make a difference for kids facing cancer.

Their idea blossomed into Hyundai Hope On Wheels®. Now, every time a new Hyundai is sold a portion goes to Hyundai Hope On Wheels to help fight childhood cancer. To date, over $172 million and 1,000 grants have gone to support research at children’s hospitals with the hope of finding a cure. And during the COVID-19 crisis, Hyundai has also donated $4.4 million for drive-thru testing to help expedite diagnosis for health-compromised and at-risk children. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to remember that hope is our greatest feature. And it comes standard on every Hyundai.

Model pictured for illustrative purposes only. For every new Hyundai vehicle purchased, $14 is donated by Hyundai to Hyundai Hope On Wheels. Funds are used for pediatric cancer research grants and to raise public awareness.

For more info visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2020 Hyundai Motor America.