Hyde Park Citizen 12-3-2023

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BUSINESS COQUAL RELEASES NEW FINDINGS FROM ITS BLACK EQUITY INDEX P4

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FIFTH WARD ALDERMAN DESMON

YANCY WANTS TO CENTER THE COMMUNITY’S VOICE IN LEGISLATION Desmon Yancy gets his service from his parents. During his time in high school at Kenwood Academy, he figured out who he was and how he wanted to serve. Now, he is the 5th Ward Alderman, representing South Shore, Greater Grand Crossing, Woodlawn and Hyde Park.

P2 Desmon Yancy has been representing the 5th Ward since he was sworn in on May 15. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALDERMAN DESMON YANCY.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Senator Durbin Lead Congressional Support for ATF Proposed Rule to Expand Background Checks

ANNOUNCING THE 2024 YOUNGARTS AWARD WINNERS

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briefly GOV. PRITZKER CELEBRATES OPENING OF META’S DEKALB DATA CENTER The campus builds on Illinois’ thriving data center ecosystem CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker joined local elected officials, Meta leadership, and business and academic leaders to celebrate the opening of Meta’s Data Center in Dekalb. The data center is now fully operational and is supported by 100% renewable energy.

“As Illinois grows its status as a technology hub of the future, this data center is bringing investment and vitality to a newly thriving community,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re thrilled that Meta is committed not just to continuing to build a successfully company, but also to lifting up the people of this entire region.”

Meta also announced a partnership with Northern Illinois University to support the NIU Barb City STEAM Studio that is designed to increase college and career readiness for DeKalb High School students.

The new program will support students interested in engineering, robotics, and other STEM fields with the goal of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.

The DeKalb Data Center is now serving traffic, interfacing, and connecting with a global infrastructure of data and technology hubs connecting people across the world. Its construction created over 1,200 skilled trade jobs that contributed to the 2.3 million square foot campus. The fully operational facility will support over 200 good-paying jobs in the DeKalb community and represents an investment of more than $1 billion in the state of Illinois.

Meta also has upcoming projects in DeWitt and Morgan counties, and the three data centers will cumulatively add 300 megawatts of renewable energy to Illinois.

The new campus builds on Illinois’ thriving data center industry, supported by the Pritzker administration’s data center incentives. Currently, four of the largest data center campuses in the nation are being built in Illinois, creating thousands of jobs and investing billions in the state.

REP. ROBIN KELLY CELEBRATES $45,000 AMERICORPS AWARD FOR GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY University Park, Ill. – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) celebrated a $45,180 federal grant awarded to Governors State University to support a new AmeriCorps VISTA project.

Governors State University’s VISTA project will double the current capacity of the Jaguar Jumps program, which serves students with disabilities, and provide wrap-around services to 650 veterans. In addition to these funds, AmeriCorps will also provide education scholarships to AmeriCorps VISTA members to support college tuition, vocational training, and student loan repayment.

The People’s Music School to Perform “Winter Spectacular,” a Heartwarming Holiday Concert at Historic Riviera Theatre in Uptown The People’s Music School, Chicago’s largest 100% free music school serving black and brown communities, believes in the power of music to spark joy and change lives. This holiday season, you can experience a heartwarming day of musical magic at the Winter Spectacular, a holiday concert presented by The People’s Music School.

On Sunday, December 17, at 10 a.m. nearly 300 K-12 students will gather at the historic Riviera Theatre in Uptown to perform in The People’s Music School’s Winter Spectacular. The two-part concert will feature a wide range of musical performances, from jazz standards and string ensembles, to holiday tunes and choral pieces. The event is free and open to the public.

No registration is required. Event details can be found at peoplesmusicschool.org/winterspectacular.

The People’s Music School provides widespread access to these benefits with their 100% tuition-free model, allowing students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it to gain an intensive music education.

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Fifth Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy wants to center the community’s voice in legislation Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Yancy began as a labor organizer, getting Black women into labor unions. These women worked as childcare providers and home care workers. He was fighting for dignity and respect, wages and benefits.

“It’s work people do because they love it, but it doesn’t pay well and that’s by design … most of my work has been around breaking down systems,” he said.

What made Yancy want to run for office was seeing the video of the murder of LaQuan McDonald. As a Black man who grew up in Chicago, as the son of a police officer, he knows about the challenges of the Black community and the police.

Yancy decided to pivot his organizing work from economic justice to police accountability.

In 2016, he co-founded the grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability, a citywide coalition of organizations who were working to create a civilian oversight body for the police department. In 2021, there was an ordinance passed which led to civilian oversight of the police department.

Watching that legislative process helped him understand there were a lot of fights to fight in the Black community.

“It’s going to be important that we have elected officials who share our values and who want to do the hard work and have the hard conversations to pass the right pieces of legislation,” he said.

Yancy’s campaign for 5th Ward Alderman was about bringing people in. He wanted to ensure that the community’s voice was centered, in all of the things that are happening in the city. He believes people are disenfranchised because they are disconnected.

South Shore and Woodlawn are going through significant development, and Yancy wants to ensure people who have been in those communities for decades can reap the benefits of the “new version of the Southeast side.”

Yancy described his experience as Alderman as amazing so far. To be able to represent the community that raised him has been awesome for him. People in the community have been

supportive of his work. He gave credit to the previous Alderperson Leslie Hairston. He wants to make sure people have access to him and his office.

Yancy’s politics are more Black Liberation, which centers on Black issues, Black voices, and the Black experience. After experiencing his first city budget as an Alderman, he would have liked to see real significant steps forward to answering the questions about resolving Black disinvestment – more funding for job training and partnerships that hire Black people or formerly incarcerated people, or education dollars to help support outside programs.

“There are community organizations that are doing a lot of amazing work, who are delegate organizations with the city of Chicago. So, to see more money funneled to them, so they can supplement the work the public schools aren’t able to do, that would be great,” he said.

Yancy believes the more he talks to city residents and knows what the needs are, he will be able to represent in a different position for next year’s city budget. Yancy’s office sends emails with resources, utilizes Facebook pages, as well as one-on-one meetings in the office as a way to engage.

Yancy also has regional meetings in the communities he represents. He said the work is about servicing the needs of the community and he wants to hear all the different ways they want to connect and engage with him.

“I think we’re on an upswing on a pendulum across the Ward, and I’m just really honored to steward this process,” he said.

Yancy is looking to build something special in the communities that he represents. In January, Yancy is hosting a small business roundtable. He is pro-Black business. Through this small business roundtable, he wants to bring 20 to 30 businesses and talk about what their concerns are and how the city council can support them. The goal is that as legislation is crafted, it promotes the growth of those businesses.

For more information about Alderman Yancy, visit Ward05@ cityofchicago.org or AlderYancy5 on social media platforms.

“It’s going to be important that we have elected officials who share our values and who want to do the hard work and have the hard

Pritzker College Prep Principal Named Charter Principal of the Year CHICAGO — The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) has recently announced the recipients for the organization’s 2023 Charter Excellence Awards, naming Carrie Spitz, Principal of Noble Schools’ Pritzker College Prep campus, as ‘Charter Principal of the Year.’ The $10,000 award recognizes Spitz for outstanding achievement among the Illinois public charter school community.

“Being named INCS’ Charter Principal of the Year is such a tremendous honor,” said Spitz. “As a charter, our families choose us, and I do not take the responsibility that comes with this choice lightly. Our students only get one chance at high school, and I am constantly motivated to prove what’s possible for our community and give our students and families the best four years we can. I find the recognition both validating of the past two decades I have invested in education, as well as motivating with respect to the years to come.”

Spitz began her career in education as a tutor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she first realized her passion for teaching and educating others. Through Teach for America (TFA), Spitz was given the opportunity to serve Chicago’s West Englewood community as a high school Spanish teacher. During this time, Spitz earned her Master’s degree in Teaching and later went on to earn her Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S) in administration. In 2007, she joined Noble Schools at Pritzker College Prep. At the time, Pritzker was in its second year of operation,

and Spitz was inspired by the task of building a new school. After serving as a teacher, dean, and the assistant principal at Pritzker, in 2017, Spitz accepted the role to serve the Hermosa community as the school’s principal.

“We are so incredibly proud of Carrie and are immensely grateful to have such dedicated, passionate, and experienced public servants who make Noble an outstanding option in Chicago education,” said Constance Jones, CEO of Noble. “Carrie has dedicated the past 16 years to the students, families, and staff of Pritzker College Prep, playing a key role in helping shape the school’s continued success while facilitating countless transformational experiences for its students. Carrie’s designation as INCS’ Charter Principal of the Year is well-earned, and we congratulate her for all of the amazing work she has done and continues to bring to the job each day.”

INCS, an organization dedicated to advocating for the improvement of public education by leveraging the charter school model, states that recipients of the Charter Principal of the Year award demonstrate a clear and shared vision for the school, regularly innovate to support students and staff, practice servant leadership, and focus on the growth and well-being of staff, students, and families. Since 2011, INCS has recognized exceptional principals, teachers, students, and advocates statewide with the Charter Excellence Awards. These awards honor and

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Hyde Park | Week of December 13, 2023

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NEWS

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Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces $1M in DCASE Grants Supporting Chicago Community-Based Programming CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced 27 “Neighborhood Access Program” grantees, providing $1 million in funding to 27 organizations and artists (89% on the South and West sides) to support community-based programming in their neighborhoods. The goal of this program is to support the cultural vitality of every neighborhood via grant programs and partnerships designed to be responsive to the complex needs of individual communities. To learn about the grantees and descriptions of their projects, please visit here. For more information about DCASE’s cultural grants program, visit ChicagoCulturalGrants.org.

“Our city is a city of neighborhoods, each of which has its own unique flavor and contributes to what I like to call the ‘Soul of Chicago,’” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Neighborhood Access Program will provide much-needed funding to help curate this flavor and the rich tapestry of the city we call home, and

Darrell Garth President /Publisher Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager Tia Carol Jones Managing Editior Editorial Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com Advertising Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com Classified Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Display Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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more important, prioritizes the South and West Sides of the city where residents do not always benefit from the fruits of our thriving arts community. With this commitment, we continue to invest in people and uplift the organizations and communities that need our support the most.”

“We are thrilled to announce the 27 grantees for the Neighborhood Access Program. Thanks to an unprecedented level of public funding in 2023, DCASE has worked to increase support for the cultural community with such programs.

This expanded investment ensures that artists and cultural organizations can present projects and activities in their neighborhoods,” shared DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey. “DCASE’s cultural grant opportunities build upon our ongoing commitment to revitalize, strengthen and celebrate our city through the arts.”

Neighborhood Access Program Grantees 18th Street Casa de Cultura 4500 West Monroe Street Block Club 51st Street Business Association A Knock At Midnight, NFP AnySquared Arts NFP Bonni McKeown Building Community Foundation, INC CircEsteem Englewood Arts Collective Fresh Path Inc Gary Comer Youth Center Geraldine Leopoldo Gloria Rivera Greater Chatham Initiative Humboldt Park Skate Meetup Jeff Daube Lawndale Pop‐Up Spot Mika Tang NeighborScapes Public Media Institute Sally Nuamah SkyART Somos Arte The Next Level Dance Foundation The South Side Jazz Coalition Theatre Y Uhuru Shule Cooperative, Inc. DCASE offers several cultural grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations, cultural presenters and individual artists.

Applications for the 2024 Individual Artists Program (IAP) grant opened on November 29, 2023. IAP aims to assist Chicago’s practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers. IAP grants support to artists across all artistic disciplines including Film & Media Arts, Literary Arts, Music, Performing Arts (Theater/Dance), and Visual Arts/Design. Visit ChicagoCulturalGrants.org to apply and sign up for an information session to learn more.

DCASE is committed to strengthening the capacity of Chicago’s arts and culture sector by connecting artists and arts organizations with City of Chicago grants and resources. Together, these programs provide a range of funding opportunities to bolster artists’ livelihoods as part of Chicago’s thriving arts economy and to bring enriching and impactful arts activities and services throughout Chicago’s communities. To learn more about DCASE Cultural Grants and recent grantees, visit ChicagoCulturalGrants.org.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/ DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

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

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PRITZKER... Continued From Page 2 recognize outstanding achievement and the exceptional contributions the honoree has made to their schools, communities, and students. This year, INCS received 92 nominations from charter schools across the state.

Additionally, applicants of the award must lead a high-performing school. In the summer, U.S. News & World Report listed Pritzker College Prep as the leader among seven Noble schools ranked in the top 10% of U.S. high schools.

Pritzker College Prep, like other Noble public charter high schools, is ranked similarly to Chicago’s most elite selective enrollment schools, which require strenuous test-in admissions standards.

Noble schools, in contrast, require no testing for admission and are open to all students in the city of Chicago.

At Noble, we are college-bound.

Noble’s 17 nonprofit public charter high schools prepare roughly 12,000 students for college success each year with excellent teaching, rigorous academics, and comprehensive wraparound supports.

With love and high expectations, Noble guides students through the college application process and is recognized nationally for innovations in alumni support. The Noble Class of 2023 earned more than $623 million in college scholarships and over 17,700 college acceptances. Learn more and join us at www. nobleschools.org.

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TREASURER PAPPAS URGES OWNERS TO PAY LATE PROPERTY TAXES TO AVOID UPCOMING TAX SALE AS 22,884 OWE LESS THAN $1,000 Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges property owners who have not paid property taxes that were due in 2022 to act quickly to avoid the Annual Tax Sale.

To find out if your property is on the Annual Tax Sale list: • Go to cookcountytreasurer.com • Use the purple box on the home page labeled “Your Property Tax Overview” and search using an address or Property Index Number (PIN) • A banner with an urgent warning will appear if your property is on the Annual Tax Sale list.

You may also use the website to correct your mailing address. Each year the U.S. Postal Service returns thousands of certified notices sent to owners of properties on the Annual Tax Sale list because property owners have not kept their mailing addresses up to date.

The Annual Tax Sale will occur Jan. 9-12, 2024, for properties with unpaid 2021 property taxes due in 2022. The Annual Tax Sale occurs 13 months after the due date.

Owners of 52,401 properties owe more than $236 million in taxes that were due in 2022. Nearly 30,000 owe more than $1,000 while 22,884 owe less than $1,000, including owners of 15,944 properties in Chicago and 6,940 parcels in suburban Cook County.

The Treasurer’s Office is mailing certified notices alerting property owners their unpaid taxes are to be offered for sale, which would put a lien against their properties. It is the first step in a process that can end with a property owner losing their home, business or land. Besides the mailings, the Treasurer’s Office will publish lists of properties with delinquencies tax lists in local newspapers.

Payment can be made in five ways: Online for free at cookcountytreasurer.com In person at any Chase Bank location in Illinois.

In person at any of more than 100 community banks where you have an account By mail In person at the Treasurer’s Office Homeowners also can use the website to make sure they are receiving exemptions for which they qualify. Examples include the Homeowner, Senior Citizen and Senior Freeze exemptions.

Investors buy delinquent tax debt during the Annual Tax Sale. The Annual Tax Sale does not involve the sale of actual properties.

By law, the Treasurer’s Office cannot and does not give legal advice related to tax sales. You are strongly advised to seek an attorney’s advice relating to any sale of your taxes. If your taxes are sold your options include redeeming your taxes, seeking a Sale-in-Error Declaration or filing a statutory “Redemption Under Protest.”

Visit cookcountytreasurer.com for more information about property taxes sold at the Annual Tax Sale.

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Hyde Park | Week of December 13, 2023

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It’s always the right time to plan for retirement CONTENT SPONSORED

BY JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or plan to stop working in a few years, it’s never too early – or too late – to save for retirement.

Ideally, retirement planning and saving should start as soon as you get your first paycheck, but it’s easy to focus on more pressing expenses in your 20s, 30s and 40s, like paying for a house or raising children. By your 50s or 60s, however, you might feel you haven’t saved enough to avoid worrying about financial security in retirement.

There’s always time to make changes. Consider these options to protect your assets, build credit, and maintain and grow your investments for a financially worry-free future.

Start with the basics No matter your age or current financial status, the following steps are the foundation of most retirement plans.

• Begin with a 401(k). If available, consider joining your employer’s retirement plan, like a 401(k). You can set up automatic deposits each pay period, and many employers will match your financial contributions, giving you more funds for the future.

• Consider opening an IRA. Find out if you’re eligible for an individual retirement account (IRA) and consider contributing what you can. You can have an IRA in addition to an employer-based plan.

• Put your money to work. A general investment account has the potential to grow your savings even more.

Play catch up Understanding your current financial picture and planning for benefits, like Social Security and pensions, are important steps to figuring out how much income you may have in retirement.

If you’re nearing your projected retirement date and you don’t think you have enough saved to maintain your current or desired lifestyle, here are a few considerations to help get you in a better position.

• Make catch-up contributions. Many tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts, like IRAs and 401(k)s, allow catch-up contributions for people 50 and over. That means you can contribute more than the government-set maximum each year, up to a certain amount, to make up for what you didn’t contribute in the past.

• Make sure you have adequate insurance. In ad-

dition to making sure your life insurance is current, look into long-term care and disability insurance before you retire to save money on future health care costs.

• Consider your home equity as part of the equation. If you plan to remain in your home, a home equity line of credit may be another option to fund certain expenses in retirement. If you choose to downsize to a smaller home, it may free up cash in your home’s equity for you to use.

• Tap other sources of income and equity. Do you have taxable brokerage accounts or other general savings? Include these funding sources, if you have them, when projecting how much you’ll have in retirement.

• Keep working. A growing number of people are working in semi-retirement and developing portfolios that produce passive income. Some might continue working full-time for longer than planned to build more savings.

If you can generate enough income and are able to wait until age 70 to claim Social Security, it may allow you to maximize benefits over your lifetime.

Make a plan No matter your current financial situation, set aside some time to review your options. There are many helpful tools, including articles, calculators and financial advice from professionals, to help you craft a roadmap to transition to your years in retirement.

Planning for your unique situation may help you get closer to where you want to be in retirement, even if you don’t feel that you’re there yet.

For more information and online retirement articles, tools and calculators, visit chase.com/retirement.

COQUAL RELEASES NEW FINDINGS FROM ITS BLACK EQUITY INDEX NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Coqual, a leading global think tank, today released a new white paper with the results of its second annual Black Equity Index (BEI), a benchmarking tool created for companies to drive measurable change, track true progress, and demonstrate their commitment to racial equity in the workplace.

Coqual finds most (86%) companies that participated in the BEI are concerned about the outcome of the US Supreme Court Affirmative Action case, and its implications for workplaces. Compared with last year, companies’ involvement in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion conversation is diminishing from the public eye—with its risk of public and legal scrutiny—and some are shrinking their investment in DE&I teams.

“Despite the recent attacks on DE&I initiatives nationwide, companies have maintained ongoing efforts to improve equity in the workplace,” said Coqual CEO Lanaya Irvin. “Participating PRNewsFoto companies are committed to driving racial equity, transparency, and are dedicated to making meaningful strides in the workplace.”

Established in 2022, the BEI harnesses the power of data to create opportunity for Black professionals and measures an organization’s efforts in six domains: accountability, advancement, representation, investment, sustainability, and public engagement. Informed by Coqual’s decades of research and DE&I expertise, the white paper presents actions within each domain that companies can take in the complex pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

More than 40 companies participated in Coqual’s second annual BEI survey, representing a diverse group of the corporate sector — both small and large public and private companies from industries such as healthcare, tech, banking, and retail. The number of participating companies nearly doubled from the BEI’s inaugural year, indicating that corporate America is working hard to improve their DE&I efforts.

BEI KEY DATA & FINDINGS: Representation: Building Black representation at every level of an organization is critical to moving DE&I efforts forward. Representation continues to lag and ranks as one of two BEI domains most in need of improvement.

Fewer than 2 in 5 BEI participating companies have 10% or greater Black representation in their workforce.

Only 7% of people managers—and only 3% of executives—are Black.

Black professionals are more likely to be represented in HR and support functions. On average, 13% of support professionals and 12% of HR employees are Black.

Half of BEI participating companies have surpassed 10% Black representation at the Board of Directors’ level. Yet one in eight companies (13%) still do not have a single Black board member.

Accountability: Companies PRNewsfoto/Coqual must hold their leaders accountable for the state of DE&I as they do for other business priorities. Transparency is transformative— and Coqual finds opportunities within the accountability domain for companies to be more vocal about the great equity work they are already undertaking.

Nearly 7 in 10 (67%) participating companies include a DE&I-related focus in C-suite performance evaluations.

Fewer companies (58%) hold leaders to this level of accountability by considering workforce diversity in performance evaluations.

Even fewer still (44%) tie C-suite pay to progress on diversity metrics.

Investment: Companies must back their commitments with tangible resources. Deepening and sustaining investment in DE&I is integral to rooting out inequity and ensuring that inclusion is a top priority throughout the organization.

Nearly all respondents (81%) have an organization-wide DE&I task force, council, or working group that is separate from their DE&I team.

Of companies that provide anti-bias training, 5 out of 10 companies (55%) make it mandatory for senior leaders.

Coqual’s 2023 BEI results indicate great progress, as well as great opportunity for increased investment. This is not the time to slow down. Coqual suggests the following data-based actions for leaders to use moving forward. As always, Coqual’s corporate guidance is backed by decades of intersectional, deep-dive research and advisory work and thought leadership on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Recommendations include: Study and champion sponsorship. Get clear on the critical distinctions between mentorship and sponsorship,

and work towards building a culture of sponsorship. Sponsorship programs should be monitored for effectiveness and refined accordingly.

Recruit from the top down. Pay attention to your board, your executives, your people managers, and other key positions of power within your organization. If Black professionals are concentrated at entry level, and siloed in certain positions, the work is not done.

Disaggregate, always. While overall representation numbers may seem positive, Black professionals may be overconcentrated in certain roles and lack access to others, as our BEI results show. Companies should aspire to reflect the regions in which they operate, and in certain parts of the country, Black representation far exceeds 14%.

Get high-tech. BEI companies share that they are tapping into technology to help make their recruitment and hiring processes more equitable. Leverage the growing body of technology built to help the mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion—but of course, vet it critically and thoroughly.

Connect with Black youth. In addition to college recruitment, invest in and improve representation long-term by partnering with schools, and grassroots and nonprofit programs that serve Black youth.

Companies can sign on to learn more and participate by emailing BEI@coqual.org Methodology: The 2023 Black Equity Index is an annual survey that captures information on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts focused on Black professionals.

This computer-assisted survey was fielded online between February and May of 2023. A total of 43 companies submitted completed forms. All information was provided by representatives from respective companies and relied on voluntary, self-report data. Activities associated with instrumentation, fielding, and analysis were conducted by Coqual, an independent, nonprofit research organization.

Additionally, each company that submitted a completed interview received an individual company scorecard documenting their standing across each of the six BEI domains.

Weighted calculations of domain totals were applied for a maximum index score of 180. Response items that were left blank were treated as missing or non-applicable. The findings presented here are descriptive in nature and do not attempt to make any inferences about the programming impact of participating companies, or their related outcomes.

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Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Senator Durbin Lead Congressional Support for ATF Proposed Rule to Expand Background Checks WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led letters signed by over 160 Members of Congress in support of a proposed rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) titled “Definition of ‘Engaged in the Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms.” This proposal utilizes provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), passed in 2022 and signed into law by President Biden, to expand background check requirements for gun sellers not previously classified as a Federal firearm licensee (FFL).

The proposed rule will expand the definition of “engaged in the business” of dealing firearms to anyone who sells firearms to earn a profit, requiring them to register as an FFL and perform background checks. By doing so, this rule will close potential loopholes that allow individuals to avoid background checks. The initiative aligns with the overarching goal of the BSCA, to prevent gun violence and create safer communities.

“The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a historic step forward to prevent gun violence and make our communities safer for everyone. The proposed ATF rule to clarify and strengthen background check requirements honors the spirit of the BSCA and will help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “I am proud to lead my colleagues in support of the rule and reflect our unwavering commitment to public safety. I will continue to support robust efforts to strengthen gun violence prevention laws and invest in communities.”

“Too many families have mourned the loss of a loved one – children, parents, friends – because of the rampant gun violence in this country. We must implement further gun violence prevention measures, including ensuring that everyone who purchases a gun passes a background check. Under existing law, certain gun sellers can evade the requirement to perform background checks, potentially allowing firearms to fall into the wrong hands,” said Durbin. “I’m joining my colleagues in support of ATF’s proposed rule to close that loophole and require gun dealers to do their due diligence and conduct background checks on their buyers.”

“For the first time in three decades, Congress came together to address the American crisis of gun violence by passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,” McBath said. “With this proposed rule, we have the opportunity to take another step towards strengthening our background check system and closing dangerous loopholes that put our communities at risk. I thank my colleagues for their support. Together, we continue to speak up to save lives.”

“Closing loopholes that gun sellers use to avoid background checks is an essential step towards ensuring that people who are a danger to themselves or others are not able to purchase firearms.

I’m proud to work with gun violence prevention leaders like Robin Kelly and other members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force on moving towards universal background checks. This rule will help us save lives and keep our communities safe from the scourge of gun violence, and I look forward to a continued partnership with ATF to close loopholes and crack down on bad actors seeking to exploit our laws,” said Rep. Mike Thompson.

“The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was an urgent response to the gun violence epidemic that continues to shatter families and communities — and it’s critical we seize this historic legislation, which is a necessary first step in gun safety reform, to help save lives,” Rep. Dean said. “The ATF’s proposed rule builds on our legislation to close potential loopholes in firearm sales. I’m grateful for Congresswoman Robin Kelly for leading congressional support of this ATF rule.”

“America’s current background check system is riddled with loopholes, to the point where it’s like having two security lines at the airport—one where people are required to be screened, and one where people can stroll through carrying whatever guns they want. You can guess which line the criminals prefer. Closing the online and gun show loopholes will keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous people and save lives. We thank Representative Kelly and Senator Durbin and all of the signatories to this comment, and we urge the Administration to urgently finalize their proposed rule as written,” said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety.

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Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Gold Star Tree Lighting Ceremony SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker joined active duty military members, veterans, and Gold Star families at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for the Gold Star Tree Lighting ceremony.

“The State of Illinois stands with our Gold Star families today and every day,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In both joyous and sorrowful moments, we commemorate, remember, and celebrate alongside these families. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice and proud to honor the memory of our state’s fallen heroes. It’s this legacy of giving that marks the holiday season.”

The ceremony pays tribute to Illinois’ veterans, fallen heroes, and their families. Governor Pritzker joined the families in decorating and lighting a tree as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance. The Gold Star families in attendance at the ceremony were able to place a commemorative ornament on the tree in honor of their loved ones.

“Today we speak the names and honor the sacrifices of our fallen servicemen and women, and our military families,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Their light is truly never gone because it lives on in these families. May we always remember those who gave their lives in service to our county and hold their families in hearts during this holiday season.”

Biden-Harris Administration Prepares for Third Student Debt Relief Negotiation Session The U.S. Department of Education releases updated proposed regulatory text that would provide much-needed debt relief to student borrowers across the country The Biden-Harris Administration today took another step in its continued efforts to provide financial relief to significant numbers of student loan borrowers with the release of an updated copy of proposed regulatory text. The proposals build on the Biden-Harris Administration’s actions to date to provide student loan borrowers with much-needed breathing room.

Already the Administration has approved a total of $127 billion in student debt relief for 3.6 million borrowers through a variety of actions.

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) will discuss the proposed text released today with its committee of non-Federal negotiators December 11 and 12. This meeting is the next required public step before the Department is able to start working on draft rules, which will be released for public comment next year. In addition, the Department continues to consider relief options for borrowers experiencing financial hardship that the current loan system does not address, and will be dedicating time to this topic in the upcoming negotiating session.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has already secured a total of $127 billion in debt relief for 3.6 million borrowers through a variety of actions, but we know there are so many hardworking Americans and families out there who still need help,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Student loans are supposed to be a bridge to a better life, not a life sentence of endless debt. This rulemaking process is about standing up for borrowers who’ve been failed by the country’s broken student loan system and creating new regulations that will reduce the burden of student debt in this country.”

The proposed regulatory text released today provides more information on ideas discussed in early November around separate types of debt relief. The updated text reflects suggestions from negotiators and continued review by the Department. The text proposes to provide relief in the following circumstances: Borrowers whose balances are greater than what they owed upon entering repayment. Many borrowers see interest charges grow faster than they can make payments. The Department has addressed these problems going forward through the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan and new policies limiting interest capitalization. One of the Department’s proposals Continue on page 7

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BIDEN-HARRIS... Continued From Page 6 would provide up to $10,000 of relief to all borrowers cially harm students, such as misconduct affecting education more affordable. This includes approving who have experienced balance growth due to interstudent eligibility. This would also apply to programs a total of $127 billion in relief for nearly 3.6 million est. Two additional proposals would provide even or institutions that close prior to the finalization of borrowers, through a variety of actions, including: more interest relief to lower-income borrowers and to such efforts or determinations.

Nearly $42 billion for almost 855,000 borrowers borrowers enrolled in SAVE. Next week, the Department and the non-Federal who are eligible for forgiveness through IDR by fixBorrowers whose loans first entered repayment negotiators will discuss these ideas. At the end of ing historical inaccuracies in the count of payments many years ago. The Department updated this prothe two-day session the committee will determine that qualify toward forgiveness. posed text to provide one-time relief 20 years after whether it is able to reach consensus on each of Almost $51 billion for 715,000 public servants entering repayment for borrowers with only underthese ideas individually. Consensus means there is through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) graduate loans. All other borrowers would receive no dissent on a given idea. Following this meeting programs, including the limited PSLF waiver and forgiveness on loans that entered repayment 25 years the Department will work on draft rules that will be Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF). ago, the same timeline as proposed by the Departreleased for public comment next year. The Depart$11.7 billion for almost 513,000 borrowers with a ment at the second session. ment will use any regulatory text that reaches contotal and permanent disability.

Borrowers who are eligible for forgiveness under sensus in its draft rules. $22.5 billion for more than 1.3 million borrowers income-driven repayment plans or discharge opWhile the Department is not providing proposed who were cheated by their schools, saw their instiportunities such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness regulatory text related to defining hardship for bortutions precipitously close, or are covered by related but have not yet applied for such relief. The proposal rowers, the Department will consider ways to pursue court settlements. would provide borrowers with the benefits they have relief for this category of borrowers and has dedicatThe Biden-Harris Administration remains earned. The Department simplified this language ed time to address this issue during the December committed to making college more affordable and from the prior session. session. also ensuring student debt is not a roadblock to Borrowers who attended programs or instituA copy of the proposed regulatory text is availattaining a college degree or credential and plantions that failed to deliver sufficient financial value. able at tinyurl.com/bdhnnpvf. Updates on the ning for the future. The Administration launched This policy would provide relief to borrowers who are student debt relief rulemaking process will be posted the most affordable student loan repayment plan left repaying loans where the Department has taken at tinyurl.com/38vxpxus. This includes transcripts ever—the SAVE Plan—earlier this year, has made action to terminate future borrowing at an instituand archived videos of the first and second sessions, the largest increase to Pell Grants in a decade, and tion or program because the institution or program is which took place in October and November. Members has charted a course to double the maximum Pell leaving students with unaffordable debts, or where of the public who wish to view the upcoming session Grant and make community college free to ensuch actions are cut off by closure. The Department or provide public testimony can also find a link on hance college affordability and reduce unnecessary clarified and expanded this proposed language from that page where they can register to do so. There will student debt. The Administration is also holding the prior session. In addition to including situations only be public comment on the first day. institutions accountable for unaffordable debts and where a program or institution failed accountabilContinuing to provide debt relief and support recently issued final regulations that set standards ity measures based on their cohort default rates or borrowers for graduate earnings and debt outcomes for career debt-to-earnings rates, the Department is proposing Today’s announcement builds on the work the programs, while enhancing transparency for all proto include situations where institutions or programs Biden-Harris Administration has already done to grams to give students the information they need to lose access to Federal aid due to actions that finanimprove the student loan program and make higher make informed choices.

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May your days be joyful and bright.

At ComEd we’re hard at work to keep your holidays shining bright. For us, illuminating your traditions—big, small, new and old—is the gift that keeps on giving.

Seasonal magic and nation-leading* reliability powered by ComEd. Find some twinkling Chicagoland traditions for your family to enjoy at ComEd.com/Holiday Happy Holidays from ComEd. © Commonwealth Edison Company, 2023 *PA Consulting 2023 Reliability One® Outstanding System Reliability Award

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ANNOUNCING THE 2024

YOUNGARTS AWARD WINNERS MIAMI, PRNewswire -- YoungArts announces the 2024 YoungArts award winners— nearly 700 of the most accomplished young visual, literary and performing artists from across the country, heralding the next generation of artists to watch. YoungArts award winners are selected through a highly competitive application, which is reviewed by panels of esteemed, discipline-specific artists in a rigorous adjudication process. 2024 YoungArts award winners join a distinguished community of artists who are offered creative and professional development support throughout their careers. A complete list of the 2024 winners, all 15–18 years old or in grades 10–12, is available online at youngarts.org/winners.

“It is an extraordinary privilege to welcome these brilliant young artists into the YoungArts community,” said YoungArts President Clive Chang. “We’re honored to recognize and encourage these artists at this critical stage 2023 YoungArts winner in Jazz in their careers, and we’re Mason Bryant. Photo by Jason looking forward to playing an Koerner. active, ongoing role in what will no doubt be an incredible opportunities. 2024 YoungArts artistic journey for each of winners also have the opportuthem.” nity to participate in YoungArts 2023 YoungArts Winner in Theater Braxton Cook, photo All YoungArts award Labs, all-expenses paid learnby Jason Koerner (PRNewsfoto/YoungArts) winners have demonstrated ing intensives with field-definexceptional technique, a strong ing artists working in New York sense of artistry, and an extraordinary commitment to deand Los Angeles. veloping their crafts. This year, winners were selected from Among the 2024 class of YoungArts award winners, more than 9,000 applications across 10 artistic disciplines panelists also select a smaller group of particularly out– classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, standing YoungArts winners with distinction. These artists theater, visual arts, voice, and writing. Each award winner are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week, held will receive a monetary award of $250.

January 7-13, 2024, in Miami. During the week, particiFor the duration of their careers, YoungArts award pants have opportunities to share their own work, which winners are eligible for exclusive creative and professional is further evaluated for cash awards of up to $10,000; development support; microgrants and financial awards; experience interdisciplinary classes and workshops; and presentation opportunities in collaboration with major receive mentorship from leading artists in their fields. 2024 venues and cultural partners nationwide; and access to winners with distinction will have the chance to learn from YoungArts Post, a free, private online platform for Younnotable artists such as Denyce Graves, Lois Greenfield, and gArts artists to connect, collaborate and discover new Ranee, Aparna, and Ashwini Ramaswamy of Ragamala

Dance.

Winners with distinction are also eligible to be nominated to become U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, one of the highest honors given to high school seniors by the President of the United States. YoungArts, the sole nominating agency, nominates 60 artists to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, from which the 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts are selected.

YoungArts award winners join a distinguished group of accomplished artists including Daniel Arsham, Terence Blanchard, Camille A. Brown, Timothée Chalamet, Viola Davis, Amanda Gorman, Judith Hill, Jennifer Koh, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Andrew Rannells, Desmond Richardson and Hunter Schafer.

Support

YoungArts programming throughout the year is made possible by the support of its most generous donors, including Anthropologie; Aon; Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation; Sarah Arison and Thomas Wilhelm; Jeffrey Davis and Michael Miller; State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts; Jay Franke and David Herro; The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation; Agnes Gund; Hearst Foundations; Barbara and Amos Hostetter; Michi and Charles Jigarjian / 7G Foundation; John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Leslie and Jason Kraus; Ashley Longshore; Steven and Oxana Marks; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; Northern Trust Bank; The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation; Podhurst Orseck; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; Psycho Bunny; Rockefeller Brothers Fund; Jen Rubio and Stewart Butterfield; Sidney and Florence Stern Family Foundation; SunChips; Sandra and Tony Tamer; Bruce and Ellie Taub; and UBS Financial Services, Inc. YoungArts—the national foundation for the advancement of artists—was established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison to identify exceptional young artists, amplify their potential, and invest in their lifelong creative freedom. For more information, visit youngarts.org.

“I Love You Just As You Are” by Beth Rucker: A Heartwarming Tale of Love and Acceptance for All Children CHARLESTON, S.C., es of finding meaningful, yet succinct, bedtime stories. “When my PRNewswire -- Beth Rucker, husband, Darius Rucker, and I’s acclaimed author and co-founder children were younger, he traveled of the nonprofit organization Just so much, and I was always looking Be You, is excited to announce for books with a sweet message the release of her heartwarming but that didn’t delay bedtime (for children’s book, “I Love You Just them or me, haha). This is that As You Are.” Inspired by her book!” she shares. experiences as a parent, Beth The book is available for purcrafted this enchanting tale to deliver a powerful message of love chase on popular platforms such and acceptance to young readers as Amazon and Barnes and Noble, without extending bedtime as well as through various private routines. retail vendors.

The book gained national Written with her own children in mind, now grown, Beth attention when it was featured on aimed to instill in young hearts a the Today show, receiving high “I Love You Just As You Are” by Beth Rucker. profound sense of self-worth and praise for its impactful message PRNewsFoto. an appreciation for the inherent within its concise pages. “I Love beauty within themselves and You Just As You Are” has swiftly others. This passion led her to establish Just Be You, become a cherished addition to countless family reading a nonprofit organization with a mission to build teens’ collections, earning recognition as a go-to gift for baby confidence through self-compassion and self-love. showers and graduations alike.

At Just Be You, the focus is on encouraging young As a mother, Beth Rucker understands the challeng-

adults to embrace their unique selves while providing the tools necessary to understand and implement self-compassion and resilience. Importantly, all proceeds from the sales of “I Love You Just As You Are” directly support the impactful initiatives of Just Be You. Beth Rucker invites everyone to learn more about Just Be You by visiting their website at JustBeYou.org.

By supporting “I Love You Just As You Are,” readers not only bring home a delightful children’s book but also contribute to a cause dedicated to fostering confidence and self-love in the next generation.

Just Be You is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to build teens confidence through self-compassion and self-love.Through workshops, school assemblies and motivational speakers, Just Be You focuses on the daily challenges of life as a modern teen, offering them a safe environment to be kind to themselves, share, learn and grow into their most confident self. Just Be You encourages young adults to embrace their unique self while outfitting them with the tools needed to understand and implement self-compassion and resilience. When we are kinder to ourselves we are better equipped to handle adversity and are kinder and more compassionate toward others.

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COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER DENNIS DEER & STROGER HOSPITAL LAUNCH ENORMOUS BLOOD DRIVE “WE MUST DEFEAT THE BAD NARRATIVE THAT BLACK AND BROWN INDIVIDUALS DON’T DONATE BLOOD” Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer (2nd District) was joined by Stroger Hospital Executive Donnica Austin-Cathey, Stroger Hospital Physicians, Vitalant Blood Organization Executive Tammy Winchester, Community Activists, and Civic leaders in launching an all-new Cook County Blood Drive. Commissioner Deer, who also serves as the County Board’s Chairman of the Cook County Health Board of Directors, is spearheading this effort all while strongly advocating for more African American and Hispanic donors.

“The obvious low numbers in black and brown donors are of great concern throughout the industry of medicine. In the United States, blood donation rates of African American are 25-50% of that of white individuals. Significant improvements in African American donor recruitment are needed to adequately meet the demand of African American patients as well as the entire population. “said Commissioner Deer.

Stroger Hospital is joining Commissioner Deer in calling upon the local community to rally behind a critical cause as it host this necessary blood drive.

The hospital has joined the Vitalant Organization to ensure a robust response to the ongoing need for blood donations, particularly as we approach the busy holiday period. Those interested in securing a slot for donations are being encouraged to schedule an appointment by contacting Vitalant at 877.258.4825 or by visiting vitalant.org and utilizing the group code ORD0Q428. While appointments are highly recommended, walk-ins are equally welcome to take part in this life-saving event.

Preparation is key for donors to maximize the

effectiveness of their contribution. It is advised that potential donors eat well, maintain hydration, and carry a valid form of identification when arriving for their donation session. This simple yet impactful act can make an immense difference in someone’s life, serving as a lifeline during emergencies and surgeries and for individuals battling various medical conditions.

In a gesture of appreciation for those who generously give their time and blood, Stroger Hospital is expressing gratitude by offering a special incentive. Donors will receive a token of thanks in the form of a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card or the option to select a gift card from other reputable retailers through our donor rewards store. To qualify for this incentive, donors must have an account and be opted into the recognition program, earning redeemable points towards the selected gift card. Commissioner Dennis Deer hopes this will provide some level of support to those in need and will help generate more people to attend this important event.

Commissioner Deer adds, “The life of the body is in the blood. Blood donations not only improve lives but save lives. I am the recipient of a double lung transplant, and it is certainly God’s grace and the blood donated that gave me a second chance. I encourage everyone to please donate,” says Cook Commissioner Dennis Deer of the 2nd District.”

Detailed information is available at vitalant. org or through a direct call to 877-258-4825 for those considering participation or with eligibility queries.

Left to Right Stroger Hospital Physician James Dennis, Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, Vitalant Blood Organization Executive Tammy Winchester, Stroger Hospital Executive Donnica Austin-Cathey

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION OPPOSING BROAD LIFETIME VOTER DISENFRANCHISEMENT FOR PEOPLE CONVICTED OF FELONIES Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, co-led a collation of 22 state attorneys general in calling for an end to Mississippi’s regime of largescale, permanent felon voter disenfranchisement.

Raoul and the attorneys general filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. A panel of 5th Circuit judges previously ruled that Mississippi’s system constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and entered an order instructing the district court to issue an injunction stopping Mississippi from enforcing the provision. However, the 5th Circuit vacated that ruling and decided to have the full court hear the case.

“The vast majority of states have come to recognize that restoring voting rights helps convicted people fully reintegrate into their communities after they have served their debt to society,” Raoul said. “Restoring this fundamental right fosters civic participation and improves public safety.”

Mississippi’s state constitution bars people convicted of a wide range of felonies from voting. During the 2022 election cycle, more than 220,000 Mississippians who had completed their sentences or who were on probation or supervised release were barred from voting under the state’s system. The constitution also includes a process for those convicted of felonies to regain the right to vote, through either a gubernatorial pardon or a two-thirds vote by both houses of the state legislature. However, this bar for re-enfranchisement is practically unattainable, usually resulting in fewer than five people regaining the right to vote in any given year.

In their brief, Raoul and the attorneys general argue that Mississippi’s approach, which has remained largely untouched since 1890, is out of step with the rest of the country. The brief notes that 39 states and the District of Columbia have reached a consensus that people convicted of felonies should be able to vote after serving their sentences and that restoring this right has public

safety benefits. Over the past 25 years, states have restored voting rights to more than 1 million people by reforming their felon disenfranchisement laws.

Raoul and the coalition maintain that restoring voting rights is particularly important given the disparate impact of felon disenfranchisement laws on minority communities. Mississippi’s disenfranchisement system was enacted during the Reconstruction era in response to the expansion of Black suffrage and with the express purpose of ensuring that the government would remain “under the control of the white people of the State.”

As of the November 2022 election, nearly 16% of the Black voting-age population of the state was disenfranchised.

Joining Attorneys General Raoul, Schwalb and Tong in filing the brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

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ROCK THE BELLS AND FORD ‘ROCK THE CAMPUS’ AT ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY

2023 Coramino Fund Grantees from left to right: Monica Nava, Chemn Cafe, Elgin, TX; Kendra Payne, The Herbal Scoop, Narrowsburg, NY; Martin Boyd Jr., Redemption Body Wellness, Philadelphia, PA. Gran Coramino.

KEVIN HART’S GRAN CORAMINO® TEQUILA

WILL SUPPORT 50 BLACK AND LATINX SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ACROSS THE U.S. WITH $10,000 GRANTS JERSEY CITY, N.J., PRNewswire -- Gran Coramino® Tequila, an ultra-premium tequila founded by entrepreneur Kevin Hart and 11th-generation tequila maker, Juan Domingo Beckmann, has launched applications for The Coramino Fund, the brand’s giveback program, with U.S. impact partner Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The Coramino Fund supports Black and Latinx entrepreneurs across the U.S. with $10,000 grants as well as learning opportunities.

Gran Coramino Tequila donates $1 for every bottle sold to support Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and small business owners across the U.S. and in Mexico. The next round of entrepreneurship programming in Jalisco, Mexico will launch in early 2024.

In its inaugural year, The Coramino Fund received over 20,000 applicants from every state and supported 50 entrepreneurs with $10,000 grants to fuel the growth of their small businesses – three of these entrepreneurs are pictured above. Martin Boyd Jr., owner and founder of Redemption Body Wellness noted, “For me as a business owner, the hardest thing to secure is new staff members while also expanding programs for the community, especially for youth and elders.

This grant gives me the opportunity to do just that.”

Kevin Hart, co-founder of Gran Coramino Tequila, noted, “The Coramino Fund is not just about grants – it’s about building a legacy of economic empowerment and generational success. The impact our first year of collaboration with LISC had on Black and Latinx small business owners was inspiring to see. With this new round of support, we’re continuing to help break the barriers that have held talented entrepreneurs back from achieving their dreams.”

“The Coramino Fund is not merely a financial boost for small businesses; it’s a transformative force for aspiring entrepreneurs,” said Michael T. Pugh, LISC CEO. “We’re eager to continue leveling the playing field for under-resourced Black and Latinx small business owners. Together with Gran

Coramino Tequila, we are supporting sustainable businesses, quality jobs and economic growth that will enrich lives and uplift communities across the nation.”

Gran Coramino was established in 2022 by comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart and 11th-generation tequila producer Juan Domingo Beckmann. Co-created alongside Global Brand Equities and Proximo Spirits, the venture seamlessly blends Hart’s passion for tequila with Beckmann’s expertise in spirits making. The Coramino Fund — the brand’s give-back program now in its second year — was developed to reflect the pair’s dedication to giving back to their communities.

LISC is one of the country’s largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. LISC works with residents and partners to close systemic gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity and advance racial equity so that people and places can thrive. Since its founding in 1979, LISC has invested $29.7 billion to create more than 489,000 affordable homes and apartments, develop 81.4 million square feet of retail, community, and educational space, and help tens of thousands of people find employment and improve their finances.

Gran Coramino is a tequila brand founded by two world-class masters of their crafts, Juan Domingo Beckmann and Kevin Hart.

Launching first with Gran Coramino Reposado Cristalino, the tequila is matured in Eastern European oak barrels, finished in California Cabernet wine casks, and slow-filtered for smooth flavor and crystal-clear color.

The brand expanded with an Añejo expression on September 14, 2022, offering a silky smooth tequila taste with a long and sweet cognac-laced finish. Gran Coramino will donate $1 from every bottle sold to support diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses from communities in Tequila, Mexico, and the United States. Gran Coramino® Tequila. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 proof). Trademarks owned by Gran Coramino LLC. ©2023 Gran Coramino, Jersey City, NJ. Please drink responsibly.

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- Rock The Bells, the global platform dedicated to elevating Hip-Hop culture from its roots to the modern day, announced ‘Rock The Campus’ presented by Ford. During the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop celebration at Alabama State University on October 8-9, ‘Rock The Campus’ honored the culture and connection of Hip-Hop and HBCUs. The Alabama State University’s Department of Theatre Arts and its dance theater room was transformed into a Hip-Hop-themed time capsule to capture the impactful role HBCUs play in Hip-Hop. Alabama State alum and Hip-Hop artist 2 Chainz was accompanied by his artist Skooly and performed with emerging talent, showcasing the impact these institutions have on shaping visionaries. Staying true to the rich culture of HBCUs, the memorable series of intimate performances was supported by the Marching Hornets marching band. The performances will be released on the Rock The Bells YouTube channel with each episode serving as a tribute to the HBCU community’s remarkable resilience in exploring new horizons and forging ahead in all fields of interest. “’Rock The Campus’ represents a tribute to the influence of HBCUs on the ever-evolving Hip-Hop culture. Some of today’s most influential artists proudly trace their roots back to these esteemed institutions, often during homecomings,” said Ann Akinnuoye, Head of Partner Relations – Brand Partnerships at Rock The Bells. “Our partnership PRNewsfoto/Rock The Bells with Ford for the ‘Rock The Campus’ initiative is our way of giving back to the next generation of talented students, who may find their own creative sparks and world-changing ideas on their college campuses.”

“It was important for me to partner with Rock The Bells and Ford for this campaign because it’s more than just giving back,” said 2 Chainz. “It’s a full circle moment for me to return to my old stomping grounds, Alabama State University, to show love and support to the next generation, and to drop some wisdom. It’s all about investing in what’s coming next.”

Just as Ford innovation drives progress in the automotive world, HBCUs act as catalysts, igniting creativity to shape a brighter future. Continuing Ford’s commitment to HBCUs as an extension of its Accelerating Brilliance campaign, ‘Rock The Campus’ provides a canvas to showcase the myriad of expressions contributing to the vibrant lifestyle flourishing within these institutions.

Furthering its commitment to HBCUs, Rock The Bells and Ford are also announcing a sweepstakes with voting open to students, faculty, and alumni. Individuals will be asked to vote for their favorite department and the one with the most votes will receive a $10,000 donation to support student purchases for books, meal plans, and electronic devices that are needed for school.

Rock The Bells is the preeminent voice for timeless HipHop. Founded in 2018 by LL COOL J and Geoff Yang, Rock The Bells focuses on content, commerce and experiences that honor the CULTURE and the core elements of Hip-Hop — MCing, DJing, Breaking, Graffiti — and more. Rock The Bells is the bridge between OG’s and those inspired by their groundbreaking influences on the culture. Visit us at www. rockthebells.com, stream LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM Channel 43, and follow us on Instagram @ RockTheBells.

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Classifieds MONEY

Common Homebuying and Renting Scams and How to Avoid Them (StatePoint) In difficult economic times, fraudulent housing schemes become more prevalent, impacting homeowners and renters alike. To help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud, Freddie Mac is sharing the following insights and tips about the most common tactics and scams.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) nortonrsx / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Predatory Lending Previous financial disasters have led to more robust consumer protection laws. Nevertheless, you should remain vigilant about predatory lending. Look for warning signs, such as pressure tactics, incomplete, confusing or contradictory loan terms, and high rates and fees, including penalties for paying your loan off early.

Additionally, lenders should not suggest you take out more credit than you need or suggest a monthly loan payment that does not cover the interest due on your loan. It’s important to work with someone you trust. If you’re hesitant to move forward with a lender, consult a HUD-certified housing counselor or lawyer to gain a better understanding of the loan terms.

Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Fraudsters often target those in distress. During times of financial hardship, be especially aware of foreclosure rescue fraud, where someone falsely promises to be able to save your home from foreclosure. Common elements of this scheme include the fraudster requir-

following actions:

ing you to sign over the title to your home, asking you to sign unfamiliar documents or share personal information, and charging you rent to stay in your home.

They may also offer to pay your delinquent mortgage by purchasing your home with the promise that you can repurchase it when your financial situation improves. If you’re struggling with mortgage payments, don’t deal with unknown entities. Directly contact your loan servicer, a HUD-certified housing counselor or a Housing Finance Agency for legitimate options to help avoid foreclosure.

• If a criminal has your identification information, call your creditors to cancel your credit cards. Review your transactions to make sure you recognize them. You can also request that creditors receive your written consent before changing your mailing address or sending a replacement credit card. Your creditors may advise additional precautions.

• Contact the credit bureaus to freeze your credit reports so that there’s no activity on your reports unless you approve it.

Fraudulent Leases and Units

• Report the scam to one or more of the following entities: the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, HUD’s Office of the Inspector General Hotline, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Millions of Americans have lost money due to fraudulent rental listings. You can avoid becoming a victim of this scam by always seeing a unit in person or over video conference before renting it, and by never paying a security deposit until you have signed a lease. Be sure to read your lease thoroughly before you sign it, asking questions about any concerning details early in the process. When rental unit hunting, be wary of red flags such as prices that are too good to be true, listings riddled with grammatical errors and property managers asking for personal information before you’ve seen a unit.

To access Freddie Mac’s collection of fraud prevention resources, visit myhome.freddiemac.com.

Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer or seasoned renter, a scam could potentially impact you.

Familiarizing yourself with common tactics can help you identify a scam before it’s too late.

Moving Fraud

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Typically, moving fraud occurs when scammers who act like legitimate movers provide a low estimate and, once you move, demand a higher price and withhold your belongings until you pay. To avoid this scam, research the company to ensure it is legitimate, insured and has good reviews. You should also know that reputable moving companies never require advance payments or use high-pressure sales tactics.

Report Scams Immediately If you believe you’ve been a victim of a scam, take the

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

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

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