Hyde Park Citizen 12-20-2023

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Week of December 20, 2023

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UrbanGeekz Unveils Inaugural UrbanGeekz 50 to Showcase Gamechangers in Tech, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

P4 FREE | VOL 35 | ISSUE 05

Azazie and Former Bachelorette, Charity Lawson, Host a Bridal Tea Luncheon

Katelyn Johnson is the Executive Director of Black Roots Alliance. PHOTO CREDIT: MERRILL ROBINSON, JR.

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BLACKROOTS ALLIANCE

LOOKS AT WHAT PUBLIC SAFETY COULD LOOK LIKE FOR COMMUNTIES

Blackroots Alliance recently released a report on public safety, with the goal of improving the Black community in Chicago and surrounding communities.

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NEWS

briefly CHICAGO BULLS LAUNCH RING OF HONOR AND ANNOUNCE INAUGURAL CLASS 13 Individuals and the 1995-96 team to be celebrated on January 11 and 12 CHICAGO – The Chicago Bulls named the inaugural class for the organization’s new Ring of Honor, which will recognize and celebrate past players, coaches and front office staff who made outstanding contributions and helped define the organization throughout its history. The Bulls will celebrate the first class, which includes 13 individuals and the 1995-96 team, with several events in January including a halftime presentation during the Bulls game against the Golden State Warriors on January 12 and a private gala at the United Center on January 11, both proudly presented by Magellan Corporation. Fans will be able to engage with the Ring of Honor through a United Center atrium experience that will be open to the public from January 10 through January 12, as well as a website that will launch in early January.

The Bulls will add to the Ring of Honor every two years with the next class being inducted in 2026.

Ring of Honor Class of 2024 The inaugural class includes 13 individual Bulls legends and one team: Artis Gilmore, Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Johnny “Red” Kerr, Dick Klein, Jerry Krause, Toni Kukoc, Bob Love, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jerry Sloan, Chet Walker, Tex Winter, and the 1995-96 team, which went 72-10 and won the 1996 NBA Championship.

The Bulls will honor the following players, coaches and staff from the 1995-96 team: Players: Randy Brown, Jud Buechler Jason Caffey, James Edwards, Jack Haley, Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, John Salley, Dickey Simpkins and Bill Wennington Coaches: Jim Cleamons, Phil Jackson, Erik Helland, John Paxson, Jimmy Rodgers and Tex Winter Front Office Members: Ivica Dukan, Clarence Gaines, Jr., Jerry Krause, John Ligmanowski, Chip Schaefer, Jim Stack and Al Vermeil For the first class, in addition to the general evaluation criteria, all individual players have been honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame or have had their retirement banners raised at the United Center.

To learn more and sign up for updates, please visit Bulls.com/RingofHonor. To buy tickets for the January 12 game, please visit Bulls. com/tickets.

NBA LEGEND STEVE FRANCES AND FRANCES FAMILY FOUNDATION PLEDGE $1.5 MILLION TO PROJECT HOOD’S LEADERSHIP AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CENTER Chicago, IL – Project HOOD is thrilled to announce a game-changing $1.5 Million pledge from the Frances Family Foundation, led by NBA legend Steve Frances, towards its ambitious Capital Campaign for the Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center.

Steve Frances, celebrated for his dynamic career in the NBA and his philanthropic endeavors, aligns his foundation’s mission with Project HOOD’s vision of fostering leadership and economic growth in Chicago’s South Side.

The Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center is set to be a hub of hope and transformation in the community. It will feature advanced facilities for vocational training, business incubation, and leadership programs, empowering the youth and adults of the South Side to unlock their full potential.

Project HOOD (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) focuses on empowering Chicago’s South Side through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

Led by NBA star Steve Frances, the Frances Family Foundation supports initiatives in education, community development, and social justice.

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Blackroots Alliance Looks at What Public Safety Could Look Like for Communties Continued from page 1 what the community didn’t want. More than 100 Black Chicagoans participated in the report, which showed that attending to Black people’s wellbeing was linked to improving safety. It gave the “Reimaging Public Safety: Community Listening Sessions organization a glimpse of what safety could look like. with Black Communities and Black Defenders” is the culmination People talked about wanting to feel safe walking around their of a year-long project from the Blackroots Alliance, in collaboraneighborhood and having their safety linked to the safety of their tion with the National Black Public Defender Association, the Law families, comfort Office of the Cook in their homes, as County Public well as trusting that Defender and a they would have consultant team what they need from Northwestto live a full life. ern University.

Johnson said that Blackroots investing in the Alliance was things that could founded in 2015, with a comactually keep the mitment to the community safe, liberation and a new world could safety of all Black emerge. people, while “Safety is not promoting Black a switch that we leadership and could turn on or off.

Black-centered There’s a recogcommunity nition that these transformation. It communities that works to build the we spoke with, the power to heal the Black Roots Alliance engages the community and hosts town hall meetings to gather recommen- people have a lot of community and deep wounds from dations about how public safety can look in communities. PHOTO CREDIT: NATHANIEL JONES. transform society. decades of growing Blackroots and trying to survive in communities that were economically unAlliance works with a network of Black-led organizations and stable and had violence and all the well-documented challenges,” community members to organize people into community converJohnson said, adding that a healing has to take place first, as well sations to imagine futures without harm, and understand how as a deepening of investment in parts of life that can bolster safety. public policies impact the lives of Black people.

People also made a connection to the root causes of the crime Before the public safety project, Blackroots Alliance was and recognized that basic needs had to be met – investing in housalready connected to the community. Members of the organization ing, fixing broken streetlights, investing in community relationkept hearing that people felt a change was needed around public ships. Johnson said those things can happen now and it can help safety before they could get to a future where everyone was thriving. Blackroots Alliance was connected to the Black Public Defend- move toward community members feeling safe.

Blackroots Alliance is working with communities to shape ers Association, which was doing their own work around public clear policies and demands around the things that feel safe. They safety and how community members relate to Public Defenders. also want to lift up community-centered solutions to decision “We found that we have a lot of shared commitments to makers. They are continuing to facilitate Town Hall meetings to keeping Black people safe and wanting to reframe conversations move forward. City engagements is core to what Blackroots Alliaround public safety. We built this project as a strategy to really ance does, the goal is to uplift the demands to the decision makers center community experiences in defining the future of public and to be able to expand the dialogue and conversations to ensure safety,” said Katelyn Johnson, Executive Director of Blackroots the decisions that are made are done so with community at the Alliance. center.

In doing the research for the report, Blackroots Alliance shiftFor more information about Blackroots Alliance, visit www. ed its perspective to what the community does want, to expand good experiences within the community, instead of focusing on blackrootsalliance.org.

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Sekile M. Nzinga Appointed Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago CHICAGO Ill. — School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sekile M. Nzinga as vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this critical role, Nzinga will advance the School’s commitment to anti-racism and inclusivity, coordinating efforts alongside leadership and those working to foster an anti-racist environment throughout the School. Reporting to the president, the vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion serves as a member of the executive leadership team.

“I am thrilled to accept this role, leading the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in its commitment to advance equity in the arts and education,” said Nzinga. “I look forward to collaborating with the incredible, passionate community to foster a more anti-racist environment that champions inclusivity and equality throughout the institution.”

Nzinga brings a wealth of experience as an intersectional feminist executive leader, having worked across academic, governmental, and not-for-profit sectors. Her most recent position

was serving as Illinois’ inaugural chief equity officer, where she played a pivotal role in establishing the Office of Equity within the Office of Governor.

Prior to her distinguished public service, Nzinga served as director of the Women’s Center and interim associate provost for diversity and inclusion/chief diversity officer at Northwestern University. Currently, she holds a tenured professorship in social work and serves as the founding director of Nazareth University’s Women and Gender Studies Bachelor of Arts program.

Nzinga’s extensive interdisciplinary scholarship focuses on Black feminist theory and praxis, reproductive justice, and feminist critiques of higher education in the neoliberal era. She is recognized as an inaugural board member for the Journal for Women and Gender Centers in Higher Education, a former member-atlarge for the National Women’s Studies Association’s governing council, and a former co-chair of the Gender Justice and Digital Life Global Working Group at the Northwestern Buffett Institute for Global Affairs. In 2021, she served as the author-in-residence for HigherEdJobs.

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Rep. Jackson Introduces Bipartisan Bill, The Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01) and Jim Baird (R-IN-04) led 32 of their colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act. This legislation would posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor — America’s first Black sports star, but someone many have never heard of — in recognition of his significance to the nation as a trailblazing athlete.

Taylor managed to become the first African American world champion in any sport and earned the title of “world’s fastest man” despite the extraordinary challenges of the Jim Crow era. He endured attempts by white promoters in both the North and South to exclude him from races. White riders, too, subjected Taylor to curses, insults, and even physical harm during competitions. Despite these adversities, Taylor’s exceptional talent and tenacity turned him into a sensation, drawing tens of thousands at races across the United States, Europe, and Australia.

“It is without question that Marshall

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‘Major’ Taylor was a man before his time, a stellar athlete, a leader in the field of cycling, and a trailblazer,” said Rep. Jackson.

“I believe it is fitting that Congress award the ‘world’s fastest man’ one of our nation’s most prestigious honors.”

“Even when compared to today’s athletes, Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor is among the greatest cyclists of all time,” said Rep. Baird. “His accomplishments are especially impressive considering the challenges he faced on his climb to cycling greatness.

Marshall Taylor is one of the greatest athletes in Indiana history, and I can think of no one better suited to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.”

“Marshall W. ‘Major’ Taylor challenged both the odds and the adversity of his time with dignity and determination, and he went on to ultimately triumph,” said Karen Brown Donovan, the great-granddaughter of Major Taylor. “The awarding of a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal would be a significant achievement towards honoring his life and legacy.”

Supporting Individuals and Groups Co-lead: Jim Baird (R-IN-04) Original Cosponsors (32 total): Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), André Carson (D-IN-07), Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), Barbara Lee (D-CA12), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Earl Blumenauer (D-WA-03), James McGovern (D-MA-02), David Scott (D-GA-13), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX-18), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Al Green (D-TX-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Chuy Garcia (D-IL-04), David Trone (D-MD-06), Ann Kuster (D-NH-02), John Duarte (R-CA-13), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Ted Lieu (D-CA36), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02).

Supporting Organizations: Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc., Major Taylor Association, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, League of American Bicyclists, ADD Impact Network & Bike to the Beach, and Black Girls Do Bike, Inc.

“For Taylor to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the U. S. Congress, would finally recognize and acknowledge the astounding achievement by an African American professional cyclist during the Jim Crow Era of the early 20th century,” said John Adams, Founder and Executive Director, the Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc., a Chicago non-profit that launched its Major Taylor Initiative in January 2023 to advocate for Taylor to receive civic recognition that was long overdue.

“Taylor became world champion and was known as the world’s fastest man. We are honored to lead this effort and thankful that so many have joined us in seeking this recognition and elevating him to his rightful place in the U.S. sports and civil rights history.”

“As a barrier-breaking athlete, an advocate for racial equality and fairness, an exemplar of good sportsmanship, and a paragon of human dignity, Major Taylor earned global fame in his lifetime but didn’t always get the national recognition he deserved,” said Lynne Tolman, President, Major Taylor Association, Inc. “A posthumous Congressional Gold Medal will cement his place in U.S. history.”

“Major Taylor is one of the greatest athletes to have ever lived, but his greatness as a pioneering athlete has never been fully recognized,” said Hector J. Garcia, Jr., Executive Director of the ADD Impact Network & Bike to the Beach. “At a time of deep divisions and partisanship, I applaud this bipartisan group of Members of Congress for working to rectify this oversight and look forward to the day when the Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act passes into law.”

“I wholeheartedly endorse the ‘Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act,” said Monica Garrison, Founder and Executive Director Black Girls Do Bike, Inc. “’Major’ Taylor was not just a remarkable athlete but a true trailblazer and advocate who shattered racial barriers in the world of cycling. This bill rightly recognizes his historic significance and contributions to our nation. I commend Rep. Jackson for his efforts in championing this cause and urge all to support the bill, ensuring that Major Taylor’s legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”

SEKILE M. NZINGA... Continued From Page 2 Beyond academia, Nzinga is deeply engaged in community initiatives, serving as the board chair for the Chicago Abortion Fund and participating in the Statewide Women’s Justice Taskforce.

She also collaborates with various equity-oriented, community-based organizations and cultural institutions throughout Chicago.

“I am elated to welcome Sekile Nzinga as SAIC’s new vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said President Elissa Tenny. “With her impressive intersectional background in feminist and anti-racist studies and initiatives, Nzinga will be a pivotal leader in advancing the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s commitment to inclusivity.”

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has

been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers, and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program ranked number two in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago museum, on-campus galleries, and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, Jeff Koons, and LeRoy Neiman.

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SHERIFF DART, ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE GIANNOULIAS PARTNER TO PROVIDE STATE ID CARDS TO INDIVIDUALS LEAVING COOK COUNTY JAIL Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today a partnership to provide State Identification Cards for individuals leaving Cook County Jail.

The partnership is the first of its kind for a county jail.

Government issued IDs are critical for enrolling in educational programs, onboarding for jobs as well as obtaining housing and government benefits. Individuals in custody may have lost their ID cards or they may have expired while in custody, and they may face challenges in attempting to renew them after returning to the community.

“We know that people who have a safe place to live, are receiving services they need, and are employed are less likely to reoffend,” Sheriff Dart said. “Having a government-issued ID is the first step to obtaining those things. So, this initiative not only helps people with their individual needs but also helps public safety.”

The program is initially working with individuals who either have previously applied for a State ID card or driver’s license, or have access to documents, such as birth certificates and social security cards, to apply for the first time. The program will gradually expand to provide IDs to everyone in Cook County Jail custody.

“Providing individuals who have completed their sentences with essential resources and tools upon their release increases their chances to successfully re-enter society, become self-sufficient and rebuild their lives,” Secretary Giannoulias said. “A valid state ID will help them with basic needs like locating housing, securing a job, opening a bank account, enrolling in assistance programs, and attaining reliable transportation. Fulfilling these basic needs reduces recidivism, saves taxpayer money, and makes our communities stronger.”

Sheriff ’s Office staff will work with the interested participants to complete the application forms and take photographs. If necessary, Sheriff ’s Office staff can also help first-time applicants with accessing vital documents they already have such as birth certificates or social security cards.

The collected information will be sent electronically via a secure transfer to the Secretary of State’s Office. After the Secretary of State’s Office staff determines applicants have met the requirements for an ID card, they will be mailed to their residences.

Prior to the partnership with the Secretary of State’s Office, Cook County Jail worked with the Chicago City Clerk’s Office to provide municipal ID cards for individuals in custody who were Chicago residents.

The Secretary of State’s Office launched a similar program in 2021 for returning residents released from Illinois Department of Corrections custody, issuing more than 2,100 ID cards to program participants to date.

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BECA Founder Jerri DeVard Announced to 2024 Advertising Hall of Fame

UrbanGeekz unveils inaugural UrbanGeekz 50 List (PRNEWSFOTO/URBANGEEKZ)

UrbanGeekz Unveils Inaugural UrbanGeekz 50 to Showcase Gamechangers in Tech, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Award-winning digital media brand UrbanGeekz has published its first-ever 2023 UrbanGeekz 50 List.

Drawing from their editorial work the inaugural list showcases the most innovative, imaginative, and inspirational Black leaders in venture, technology, and entrepreneurship. Standout changemakers such as Kelly Burton, Marlon Nichols, Tope Awotona, and Izzy Obeng are just some of the honorees featured.

The list’s 10 distinct verticals highlight mainly, although not exclusively tech-enabled ventures.

The categories are Venture; Software; FinTech; AI and Machine Learning, Digital Media; Food, Climate & Health; Business-to-Consumer; Community Builders & Ecosystem Warriors, Africa, and Europe.

“It’s an honor and privilege to curate this list celebrating Black excellence across the innovation economy,” said Kunbi Tinuoye, founder and CEO of UrbanGeekz. “Our goal is to profile and celebrate visionaries making an impact, breaking boundaries, and inspiring others to do better.”

Published by UrbanGeekz and presented by MHR International the class of 2023 was selected and curated by the news site’s editorial team.

However, to broaden the selection process UrbanGeekz reached out to well-respected ecosystem leaders such as Ollen Douglass, Andrea Hoffman, and Mike Ross for recommendations.

“In our 2023 listicle, we feature eight outstanding individuals leading unicorn companies,” adds Tinuoye. “Black-led unicorns are rare. We showcase these leaders to inspire and influence the next generation of ambitious innovators.”

“By far our largest category is Community Builders & Ecosystem Warriors. We recognize that these operators often lay the foundation for success. They work tirelessly behind the scenes providing much-needed support for Black founders to thrive,” she adds.

“We also highlight visionaries from Africa and Europe. We are well aware that these regions, especially countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, are fast-growing tech hubs. As our global footprint continues to grow these markets will continue to be key regions for our brand.”

“What’s important to note is this is not a definitive list. Rather we’d describe it as a snapshot of talent. So, for instance, we have already published well-received listicles on venture capital but almost all the people highlighted in those articles don’t feature on UrbanGeekz 50. We simply do not have the capacity in a list of 50. We also believe it’s important to highlight other unsung heroes. The listicle will be updated annually.”

“Finally, we also need to give a special shoutout to Albert Lewis and Erica Billups Johnson from Archetype, a leading global communications agency that partners with creators and industry leaders to build compelling brands.

Billups Johnson is also the co-creator and co-lead of Archetype Ascend, a division within Archetype focused on providing branding, strategic communications, and support for Black and Brown founders, executives, and VCs. We are so grateful to have collaborated with these experts on the visuals and branding for this project.”

“We were thrilled to have partnered with UrbanGeekz on this project,” said Billups Johnson, Senior Vice President at Archetype. “Our goal at Archetype Ascend is to increase the visibility of exceptional BIPOC founders, leaders, and investors. This initiative was a perfect fit for us, and we look forward to collaborating with UrbanGeekz and other BIPOC leaders on other media-related campaigns.”

Presenting sponsor MHR International is an Atlanta-based management consulting firm specializing in Program & Construction Management, Strategic Business Consulting, and Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives.

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Jerri DeVard, founder of The Black Executive CMO Alliance (BECA), an alliance of Black marketing executives from iconic consumer and business-to-business brands and companies across the globe, was announced to the Advertising Hall of Fame by the American Advertising Federation on Wednesday, November 29 at the Closing Bell Ceremony of the NYSE. The announcement came just before BECA celebrated the graduation of its first class of marketing leaders from The BECA Playbook and announced initiatives for 2024.

As a pioneering marketing executive and one of the highest-ranking Black female leaders among others who didn’t look like her, DeVard exemplifies the AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement. She will be officially inducted during Advertising’s Biggest Night, April 25, 2024 at an invite-only event at Cipriani.

With over 30 years of unparalleled dedication and expertise in marketing and leadership, DeVard has not only excelled in the dynamic world of marketing but remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring Black marketers everywhere.

“Receiving this award is both an honor and a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in a landscape where Black marketers and leaders are often the one and only in the room,” DeVard said. “This award symbolizes not just my personal achievements but also the collaborative efforts of an incredible and inspiring team of colleagues, mentors and friends who have been instrumental in my career and in founding BECA. I extend my deepest appreciation to those who have been part of this remarkable journey.”

DeVard founded BECA in 2021 to provide a safe and trusted space for Black marketing executives to share, learn, elevate and pay it forward to champion and continue working toward diversity in the C-suite. BECA started with 26 members and has grown to 38.

BECA has also announced the graduation of its first class of Future Leaders and welcomed its third incoming cohort to The BECA Playbook, a two-year mentorship journey to propel the careers of select, nominated Black ‘Future Leaders’ on the marketing path to the C-suite. The first class of business leaders graduated on Nov. 30, during a celebration at Paramount HQ in Times Square.

The BECA Playbook offers unique learning and mentorship modules such as one-on-one coaching, C-suite network building, branded credentials and certifications, curated learning experiences, and more. Companies represented in the first graduating cohort are BET, CBS, Cadillac, Deloitte, General Motors, Harman International, Kohl’s, Mars Wrigley, PayPal, Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson, Starbucks, and UPS. The new Future Leaders cohort includes professionals representing the following entities: Autodesk, Deloitte, Delta Air Lines, Ecolab, General Motors, Harman International, Johnson & Johnson, Marriott International, Nike, Paramount, Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson, Snap, and UPS. For more information on BECA, visit www.blackexec. com and follow @TheofficialBECA on Twitter and Black Executive CMO Alliance on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

The Black Executive CMO Alliance℠ is a 501(c)(3) organization providing member Black marketing executives based in the U.S. and Europe a safe and trusted space to share, learn, elevate and pay it forward to create opportunity, access, and equality for the current and next generation of Black marketing leaders.

The Advertising Hall of Fame celebrates industry legends who have distinguished themselves with outstanding, globally-recognized achievements; remarkable innovations; and exceptional philanthropic work both within the advertising industry and in their communities.

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PEPSICO CHICAGO EMPLOYEES GIFT OVER $1 MILLION TO NONPROFITS DURING OCTOBER; COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEW GRANTS TO SUPPORT CHICAGOANS The Efforts Expands Local Partnerships in Community Development, Education, Healthcare and Workforce Development

CHICAGO — Employees in PepsiCo’s organizations to increase access to career access to career resources for young peodowntown Chicago office at the Old Post resources and are proud to announce 11 ple in Chicago’s South and West Sides. To Office showed that their commitment to new grants totaling nearly $90,000 to learn more, visit pepsistrongertogether. giving back goes well beyond the holiday support vital work being led by changecom/communities/chicago. season. During October, they volunteered makers like GoodKidsMadCity. The holPepsiCo products are enjoyed by nearly 1,400 hours alongside neighbors as iday season is in full swing while giving consumers more than one billion times part of “PepsiCo Gives Back,” the comseason is an important fundraising peri- a day in more than 200 countries and pany’s annual global giving and service od, PepsiCo uses its financial, commerterritories around the world. PepsiCo campaign. Chicago-based employees who cial and human assets to be an impactful generated more than $86 billion in net are part of local PepsiCo Beverages North community partner year-round--helping revenue in 2022, driven by a compleAmerica, Quaker Oats, Frito-Lay North create opportunities for others and our mentary beverage and convenient foods America, Gatorade Performance and other local business.” portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, teams also donated $1,225,008 toward PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation’s Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain nonprofits—gifts that were matched by most recent grant recipients include: Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s the PepsiCo Foundation 2:1.

Community Development product portfolio includes a wide range of A recent day of giving back included Operation Warm enjoyable foods and beverages, including nearly 100 PepsiCo Chicago employees TGi Movement many iconic brands that generate more packing 2,000 backpacks filled with IMAN than $1 billion each in estimated annual 8,000 nutritious, shelf-stable ‘Food for Education retail sales.

Good’ meals, which reached neighbors Casa Central Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to and students through Ladies of Virtue, Healthcare Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Chicago Jesuit Academy, Casa Central, Esperanza Health Centers Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ Breakthrough Urban Ministries and HowWorkforce Development (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strateard Brown Health.

Breakthrough Urban Ministries gic end-to-end transformation that puts “PepsiCo Chicago employees lean in Central States SER sustainability and human capital at the to support local nonprofits like no othChicago Veterans center of how we will create value and er team—all year round,” said Tameka GoodKidsMadCity-Englewood growth by operating within planetary McBride, Senior Vice President of ComPODER boundaries and inspiring positive change mercial, Central Division, PepsiCo BevHACE for planet and people. For more informaerages North America. “Together for the Through PREP (Pathways to Readition, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow last few years, we’ve been working with ness and Empowerment Program), Pepon Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and T:10.75" South and West Side-based community siCo is investing $5 million to increase LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

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Week of December 20, 2023

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $93 Million in Grants The U.S. Department of Education country and close equity gaps in higher education that have no place in the 21st (Department) announced today $93 century.” million in grant awards to 20 colleges RDI program grants are being and universities to support research and awarded to five HBCUs, two TCCUs, development at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally three Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and a dual HSI and Asian AmeriControlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and Minority-Serving Institu- can and Native American Pacific Islandtions (MSIs), and to improve completion er-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

For HBCUs and MSIs, the grant rates for underserved students. will support institutions in increasing The grants are being provided their level of research activity in alignunder the Research and Development ment with the Carnegie Classification Infrastructure (RDI) program and the designations to move from the Doctoral Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program. The RDI program pro- and Professional Universities (D/PU) vides funds to HBCUs, TCCUs, and MSIs classification toward the Doctoral Universities with High Research Activity to transform their research infrastruc(R2) classification. It also will increase ture, including strengthening research productivity, faculty expertise, physical their classification from the Doctorinfrastructure, and partnerships leading al Universities with High Research Activity (R2) toward the Doctoral to increases in external funding. The Universities with Very High Research PSSG program aims to equitably improve postsecondary student outcomes, Activity (R1) category. For TCCUs, including retention, transfer, credit accu- the funds will support an increase mulation, and completion, by leveraging in research activities, undergraduate research opportunities, faculty data and implementing, scaling, and development, research developrigorously evaluating evidence-based ment, and infrastructure, including approaches. physical infrastructure and human This funding builds on the more capital development. Because of their than $25 billion in funding to HBCUs, central role in educating underserved MSIs, and TCCUs through the Department since President Biden took office. students, including students of color, it is important for HBCUs, TCCUs, Specifically, $7.3 billion in cumulative and MSIs to excel in research activity investments in HBCUs, $474.5 million that can impact funding, faculty and for TCCUs, and $18.1 billion for MSIs. “The Biden-Harris Administration student recruitment, student research recognizes the urgency of this moment opportunities, and promote diversity in graduate students and faculty at an in higher education and that creating opportunities for students of color and institution.

Nine institutions are receiving other underserved students to succeed grants through PSSG to fund eviin today’s most cutting-edge fields dence-based strategies that result has never mattered more,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. in improved outcomes for underserved students. The funding is being “These grant awards will help many of our nation’s most inclusive and diverse awarded to six grantees that are in the early phase and three grantees colleges and universities expand their in the mid-phase/expansion phase, capacity to drive research and innobased upon the amount of existing vation, and propel more students to research validating their effectiveness graduation day and fulfilling careers.

This is how we Raise the Bar for college in improving student postsecondary education outcomes. excellence and attainment in this

Be Smart, Gift Smart Game odds available at Illinoislottery.com

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Washington Park Resident Creates Chicago-themed Christmas Cards For Birthday designs, one has a smiling woman Chicago IL- Lavenderpop Greeting Cards, holding a bouquet of flowers, and another is a a Chicago based collection of Black and Chicago themed cards continues to flourish in its partner- funny card with a woman scowling of the cover, ship with Jewel-Osco, Whole Foods, Buddy Store but smiling and wishing a happy birthday on the inside. at the Chicago Culture Center and Local Market “I want to keep coming up with new designs Foods in South Shore. to keep the line “fresh”. One of my newer birthday Lavenderpop Greeting Cards launches new cards for men features a bearded man in blue Chicago-themed Christmas card designs for the t-shirt. The cards was made in reaction to a cusholiday seasons. Washington Park resident Otis Richardson, the owner and artist behind the card tomer who wanted a card for a friend who was not company, says “I wanted to give my returning cus- a “suit and tie kinda guy”. Richardson adds “One of tomers new cards to choose from so I created one my biggest advantages is that I can take feedback directly from customers and come up with cards card using the Chicago flag where the red stars double as stars atop Christmas trees. Another de- that are relatable.”

In addition to Jewel-Osco, Lavenderpop sign has a Black Santa, his reindeer and Rudolph on top of a CTA train.” Santa says “ Rudolph, why Greeting Cards are also carried in Whole Foods in didn’t we think of this sooner?“ “It was a lot of fun the South Loop (Roosevelt & Canal), Buddy Store creating these cards and I believe customers will at the Chicago Culture Center, and Local Market Foods in South Shore. Full list below and at www. connect with them because they speak to us as lavenderpop.com.

Chicagoans.”

Otis Richardson, owner and creator of Richardson has also added new Birthday and Sympathy cards this year. “During the times that Lavenderpop Greeting Cards is an artist and I’m restocking the cards, I’ve met customers that nationally published illustrator based in Washington Park, Chicago. “The fact that these really appreciate that there is another option for designs started as a sketch on my kitchen table Black greeting cards. “I want to make sure there and are then finished and sold to thousands of are new designs especially for customers who shoppers still blows my mind. I have this never have supported the cards for the three years I’ve give up spirit and I’m motivated to not just sell been in Jewel-Osco.” a bunch of cards, but to create cards that really The Jewel-Osco at 6014 S. Cottage Grove happens to be the top performing store related to connect with people. Sending greeting cards is sales for Lavenderpop Greeting Cards. Richardson another way we can keep in touch with the ones we love.” says “I’m really appreciative of the support I’ve Full store list: gotten from the Hyde Park and Washington Park JEWEL-OSCO community.

17705 S. Halsted St, Homewood, IL 60430 In 2020, Lavenderpop made history as the 3153 W. 183rd St, Homewood, IL 60430 first independent and Black-owned line to be car7530 S. Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60649 ried in the 124-year history of Jewel-Osco. “I was 11730 S. Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60643 nervous when I started because I was delivering 1220 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60620 my spinner rack of cards in the middle of a pan87 W. 87th St, Chicago, IL 60620 demic. But I knew I had to put those worries aside.

1655 E. 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617 If other vendors were making deliveries, then so 9400 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60620 could I. There wasn’t going to be some perfectly 443 E. 34th St, Chicago, IL 60616 safe moment.”

7036 Roosevelt Rd, Oak Park, IL 60304 Women purchase an estimated 80% of all 6014 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL greeting cards (stat from Greeting Card Associ60637 ation). “Because of this data, women, especially WHOLE FOODS Black women are the biggest purchasers of LavenSouth Loop 1101 S. Canal St, Chicago, IL derpop cards. I noticed the best-selling cards are 60607 the ones that feature Black women on the cover.

BUDDY SHOP - Chicago Culture Center I’ve added more designs like this by representing 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 Black women of different ages, hair styles, and LOCAL MARKET FOODS body types. The new designs launched for 2023 2101 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649 features a woman praying on a Sympathy card.

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South Suburban School Gives Back with Free Holiday Haircuts for Students PARK FOREST, Ill. — During Mays said that the barbers these challenging economic times were excited to come to the school for some families, Dr. Shernita again after a great reception last Mays, principal of the Illinois year. Mays said that parents told School in Park Forest, knows that her that haircuts can cost as much providing haircuts can be an extra as $40. expense for families whose budgets “It makes the kids happy,” said are already stretched.

Kevin Phipps, owner of the Phipps “With all of the difficulties Barbering Academy in Richton in the world today, the staff and Park. “When you look better you students of Illinois School want to feel better and when you feel better make sure that our families know you do better.” that we care and understand the Mays said that during the hardships that many of us face holiday season the school, which today,” Mays said. serves grades kindergarten through On Friday, December 8, a eighth grade, has made a commitment to show kindness to the group of barbers from the nearby school’s families and the larger Phipps Academy of Barbering in Richton Park came to the school to community.

During the month of Decemgive free haircuts to students who ber, Mays said that the Illinois signed up for the service. school community “will be warmThe school’s gym was transformed into a barbershop with clip- ing the hearts of someone else” by pers buzzing throughout the day. It collecting new hats, mittens and is the second year that the barbers scarves to donate to The Cancer have donated their time and talent Support Center in Homewood, to give haircuts to students at Illinois. The school is also collecting Illinois School. coats for a local shelter.

“This wonderful act of kind“It’s a wonderful way for our ness will help our families and children to help others during the make our students feel great as holidays,” Mays said. “Showing care we enter into the holiday season,” and concern for our community is a Mays said. lesson that lasts a lifetime.”

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The Chicago Scots Will Transform Elder Care with Huge $14 M Gift Chicago, Ill. – The Chicago Scots, Illinois’ first have a 39% increased risk of dying early. and oldest non-profit organization, has received a “Chicago Scots will realign its mission to profoundational $14 million gift from The Negaunee vide for future unmet needs of seniors in Chicago,” Foundation to launch a program to meet the future said Charles Gonzalez, Chair of the Chicago Scots Board of Governors. “Our mission will be made unmet needs of Chicago’s senior population.

The largest donation in the organization’s 178- manifest in a model of living designed to connect people through comprehensive, high-touch care year history, it enables the Chicago Scots to begin a campaign to boldly transform its legacy building, based on community and companionship.”

Chicago Scots own and operate the five-acre the Scottish Home at Caledonia Senior Living & Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care comMemory Care, in North Riverside into a model of munity as its principal charitable purpose based living that relieves the social distress of aging.

“In just a few years there will be many millions around the 114-year-old Scottish Home and sevenyear-old MacLean House just 15 minutes from of older Americans without the wealth to pay for downtown Chicago. long-term care as it is currently configured but Chicago Scots will collaborate with the Alford with too much to qualify for government support,” Group on its transformation plans. “Time and said Gus Noble, President and CEO. again throughout their long history, Chicago Scots “They are the ‘forgotten middle.’ They will have positioned and repositioned themselves to want to live collaboratively in community with be relevant in the field of care. I am honored to others, to be connected and not isolated, to be social and not lonely. The Negaunee Foundation’s bring the expertise of the Alford Group to support incredible gift will empower us to relieve distress Gus and the Board as they bring this innovative caused by aging – medical, cognitive, and social.” realignment of purpose to reality,” said the Alford The baby-boomer generation, now estimated Group’s Don Cooke.

The Negaunee Foundation is a Chicago to number 73 million, is rapidly aging and by 2030 non-profit foundation that supports cultural, all will have turned 65. Many are likely to face the human and financial costs of social isolation, historical, educational institutions and museums, along with performing arts organizations in Chiwhich are already massive and set to increase.

The National Academies of Science, Engineer- cagoland.

“The Negaunee Foundation enables and ing & Medicine report that social isolation poses a health risk to seniors equivalent to high blood encourages all of us in the Scottish community, pressure, smoking or obesity. A November 2023 the field of senior care, throughout Chicagoland, study by Glasgow University reported that seniors and across the country – kith and kin – to dream who lack social connection with family and friends together,” said Gus Noble.

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Azazie and Former Bachelorette, Charity Lawson, Host a Bridal Tea Luncheon

Photo Courtesy of Moises Martinez.

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- Former Bachelorette, Charity Lawson, hosted an exquisite tea luncheon with made-to-order evening wear brand, Azazie, in celebration of bridesto-be & their beloved bridal party. Charity was joined by Vanderpump Rules star Charli Burnett, actress Danielle Campbell, and top tier influencers for an afternoon of elegance at the Peninsula Hotel Beverly Hills. Attendees arrived in dazzling dresses from Azazie, offered in sizes 0-30. Check out their stunning looks below!

Azazie is the leading DTC e-tailer for bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, special occasion wear and accessories, Azazie offers direct-to-consumer, high-quality, gowns at affordable prices. Based in the tech capital of Silicon Valley, Azazie is disrupting the traditional bridal industry while garnering high ratings from customers and review sites alike. With 200+ bridal gowns and 400+ bridal party dresses in over 80 colors, Azazie is committed to body-positive fashion, offering all dresses from size 0-30, cut and sewn to order like expensive bespoke designs. Azazie has appeared on The Today Show, CNBC and other top media outlets and won the Glossy Beauty and Fashion Award for the Best E-Commerce Experience in addition to being recognized as one of Newsweek’s Fastest Growing Online Shops in 2022. Visit the website at www.azazie.com.

Photo Courtesy of Moises Martinez.

Luvme Hair’s #LUVMEPOPUP NYC Event: A Remarkable Success NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Luvme Hair, a leading brand in the hair industry, recently hosted its first-ever event, the Switching It Up Tour #LUVMEPOPUP, held from November 11th-13th in Brooklyn.

The event proved to be a resounding success, attracting hair enthusiasts and offering an immersive experience showcasing a wide array of Luvme Hair wigs and premium hair care products.

Throughout the #LUVMEPOPUP event, attendees had the opportunity to explore Luvme Hair’s diverse range of innovative products, including headband wigs, lace front wigs, body wave wigs, and more. These high-quality offerings were showcased alongside personalized styling sessions, further highlighting Luvme Hair’s dedication to offering both exceptional products and expert guidance for a luvmehair #LUVMEPOPUP NYC Event. Luvme Hair complete customer experience. #LUVMEPOPUP event in Brooklyn, New York for around 10 years. Luvme started with long and short drew in a large number of customers, all excited to wigs, but now we have variations including afro, frontal, explore the brand’s offerings and join in the festivi360, braided wigs, and various other types that offer ties. Throughout the event, more than 3000 gifts were women the opportunity to express themselves freely generously distributed, adding to the overall excitement with their hair. There’s a range of densities, thicknesses, and joy of the experience. Yolanda, a dedicated Luvme and even thinness; the quality of the wigs is amazing. customer for nearly a decade, expressed her admiration You can wash them, color them, condition them, and for the brand, saying, “I have been a Luvme customer

they all maintain their quality consistently. That’s why I continue to choose Luvme.”

Founder Helena shared her thoughts on the success of the event, saying: “The incredible response to our Switching It Up Tour #LUVMEPOPUP in Brooklyn, New York has been truly remarkable. Witnessing the passion and excitement from our community reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional products and experiences. We’re thrilled to have connected with so many individuals and are excited about our ongoing innovation in elevating the wig industry.”

The event’s success serves as a testament to Luvme Hair’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier products and personalized experiences, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the hair care sector.

Luvme Hair is a reputable brand in the hair industry, known for its high-quality HD Lace Wigs, Glueless Wigs, ready-to-go wigs, and wigs that allow individuals to effortlessly switch up their looks. With a focus on innovation, creativity, quality, and customer satisfaction, Luvme Hair has garnered a loyal customer base globally. For more information about Luvme Hair and its products, please visit their official website at shop.luvmehair.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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The Otis Redding Foundation

Remembers Legendary Singer 56 Years After His Passing MACON, Ga., PRNewswire -- Nicknamed the “King of Soul,” Otis Redding is regarded as one of the greatest singer-songwriters in the history of American popular music and a seminal artist in soul music, rhythm and blues,” stated Otis’ wife, Zelma Redding.

Sunday, Dec. 10, marked 56 years since Otis Redding passed away in an airplane crash in Madison, Wisc., with four members of his band, The Bar-Kays (guitarist Jimmy King, tenor saxophonist, Phalon Jones, organist, Ronnie Caldwell and drummer Carl Cunningham; their valet, Matthew Kelly and the pilot Dick Fraser. Trumpet player, Ben Cauley was the only survivor.

Otis has received numerous honors over the past 56 years including Two Grammy Awards, A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award (Legacy Tribute Award) and Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame (Foundational Inductee). Redding is also number 9 on Rolling Stone’s 200 Best Singers of All Time (January 2023).

The Otis Redding Foundation, founded by Mrs. Zelma Redding to continue his commitment to education for young people with a focus in music and the arts, would like to thank radio, television, print media and social media for their continued support of Otis’ music. The Foundation is well underway for the opening of the new Otis Redding Center for the Arts, in Macon, GA, in the Fall of 2024. This multipurpose space will be open to students 5-18 who have a desire to explore their interest in all elements of music and the arts. The Center will be staffed with Macon’s finest musicians and educators offering private lessons in areas including piano, audio engineering, strings and more.

Since its inception in 2007, the Foundation continues to support the philanthropic commitment of Otis Redding to empower and enlighten all young people to fulfill their dreams.

Stay connected to the Otis Redding Foundation, by visiting https://otisreddingfoundation.org, on Instagram @otisreddingfoundation, on X @Otisredding, or on Facebook @Otisredding foundation.

Photo credit: Michael Ochs Archive

NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL SHARES INSPIRING STORY OF THE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY STAR, CIVIL RIGHTS PIONEER, AND AMERICAN HERO THAT HISTORY FORGOT Sidat-Singh was also a scholar, civil rights SYRACUSE, N.Y., PRNewswire -- A riveting historical novel pioneer, World War II veteran, and one based on the real story of Wilmeth other thing—forgotten. In this novelized Sidat-Singh, the Black Syracuse account of Sidat-Singh’s life, fictional University football star who was sportswriter Breanna Shelton stumbles forced to conceal his race in order upon the compelling story of the rocket-armed Syracuse football player who to take the field, was released hid his identity in order to play, leading to today from Mascot Books. Invisible No More: A Historical Novel climactic moments when race and sports by prolific sports journalists Scott collided. As a young Black woman making Pitoniak and Rick Burton unearths her way in a profession not ready to fully the impressive life story of the athaccept her, Shelton immerses herself in lete, scholar, civil rights pioneer, the research, determined to resurrect an and American hero that history inspirational man who time left behind. forgot. The book is on sale now via Along the way, she finds courage and Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Mascot perseverance to transform herself and her Books, and more. career.

A rocket-armed passer on the Drawing on their experience as nationPRNewsFoto ally honored journalists and historians, football field and an ankle-breaking playmaker on the basketball court, Wilmeth authors Pitoniak and Burton spent years meticulous-

ly researching and conducting interviews to get to the core of their subject and the times in which he lived. Post–civil rights era society still grapples with dispiriting obstacles that Sidat-Singh faced more than a half century earlier, when he was “passing” to play, serving as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II, and interacting with luminaries such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Grantland Rice, Sam Lacy, and Joe Louis.

This fictionalized account, as timely now as ever, honors an American hero whose life was cut short while serving a country that didn’t recognize him as a full-fledged citizen because of the color of his skin.

“The story of Wilmeth Sidat-Singh is both heroic and heartbreaking,” writes NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico. “The authors place a much-needed spotlight on a forgotten superstar athlete.”

Invisible No More is on sale now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Mascot Books. To learn more, visit invisiblenomorenovel.com.

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10 NATIONAL NEWS The National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc. Leads Communications Strategy Session WASHINGTON, PRNewswire – More than 200 reparations activists from 26 states, working on local and national reparations initiatives, gathered in Evanston, Illinois, for the 3rd Annual National Symposium for State and Local Reparations (held November 30 to December 2, 2023). The event was convened by First Repair, founded by Robin Rue Simmons.

Simmons is the former 5th Ward Alderman for the City of Evanston, Ill., where she led, in collaboration with others, the passage of the nation’s first municipally-funded reparations legislation for Black residents.

Reparations activists from Chicago, IL; Evanston, IL; Detroit, MI; Atlanta, GA; Decatur, GA; Seattle, WA; Asheville, NC; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY; Denver, CO; Boston, MA; Tulsa, OK; Washington, DC; Greenbelt, Baltimore, and Waldorf MD, and other municipalities were in attendance at the convening.

During the symposium, Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor, Founder and Executive Director of the National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc., led the session titled “Communicating Reparations” that issued warnings and guidance for communications messaging and strategies needed to protect and move the reparations movement forward. The Communicating Reparations session included an overview and toolkit for creating detailed strategic communications plans to assist local reparations initiatives nationwide. The session also featured an analysis of the current reparations media landscape, reparative justice narratives, information on correcting misinformation about local reparations initiatives, and countering anti-reparations narratives.

“It’s an exciting and historical time for the reparations movement in America. Our ancestors worked for centuries to get us to this moment. I’m happy that our communications work has helped assist with moving reparatory justice forward,” said Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor, founder of the National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc. Aiwuyor was also a featured panelist at the “Local and State Reparations: Repairing Black Communities” National Town Hall Meeting presented by FirstRepair and The National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) held at historic Second Baptist Church in Evanston, IL. During the panel discussion, she emphasized the necessity of connecting all three eras of harm when discussing reparatory justice in America, including the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and U.S. Chattel Slavery, Jim Crow, and modern-day systemic racism.

The National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc. shares cultural resources, tools, and information that uplift the collective freedom of Black communities. Contact info@nbcit.org for additional information.

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The Advanced Leadership Institute and Carnegie Mellon University Graduate the Inaugural Cohort of the National Executive Leadership Academy members from the TALI and CMU families will celebrate PITTSBURGH, PRNewswire -- The Advanced Leaderthis milestone alongside the cohort. ship Institute (TALI) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Congratulations to the outstanding 16 graduates: are proud to announce the inaugural graduating cohort of Douglas Blanchard – Former Assistant Dean, AB Freeman the National Executive Leadership Academy. Since 2019, School of Business, Tulane University (LA) TALI has engaged CMU Tepper Executive Education to help Alina Butler – Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion, Wabtec develop and deliver content that educates and develops proCorporation (TX) fessionals from Pittsburgh through TALI’s signature program Stephan Coleman – Market Managing Director, Assets, — the Executive Leadership Academy. However, this year PNC (CA) marks a significant milestone with the expansion of the proFaith Cooper – Regional Director, Southern Border, Intergram to a national level, positively impacting professionals, national Rescue Committee (VA) organizations, and corporations throughout the country.

Jean Denis – Vice President, IT - Services & Customer TALI’s National Executive Leadership Academy is a competitive program administered in partnership with Experience, Wabtec Corporation (PA) CMU’s Tepper School of Business to prepare Black leaders Adaora Emembolu – Human Resources Director, Benefrom across the country for national and global executive fits, Giant Eagle (FL) advancement. TALI’s national cohort includes leaders with at Darrell Farewell – Executive Director, Finance & Adminleast 10 years of work experience in the corporate, nonprofit, istration, Wake Forest University School of Business (NC) government, or entrepreneurial sectors in any US market.

Juliet Igboanusi – Innovation Alliance Manager (Energy The National Academy is delivered in a hybrid format includEfficiency), North America, Covestro LLC (TX) Melonie Jackson – VP, Human Resources, UPMC (PA) ing three months of online instruction, plus two, in-person Michael Keeler – one-week sessions District Managing at CMU in PittsDirector, FedEx burgh, Pennsylvania.

Ground (TX) Throughout TALI’s Zak Koné – Capital national program, Investment Portfolio participants benefitManagement, Directed from academic instruction speciftor, North America, ically geared to the Covestro LLC (TX) unique challenges Chymeka OlBlack professionals fonse – Managing face where variDirector, Adults & Household Supous topics, such as “Resilience for ports, Robin Hood Executives of Color,” Foundation (NY) “Asset Framing,” and Oluwatosin (Tosin) “Global Strategy Otulana – Head of and Management” Procurement, New were covered. AdTALI presents the graduates of the 2023 National Executive Leadership Academy Programs, BAE Sysditionally, particCohort: Darren Pagan, Derek Williams, Adaora Emembolu, Stephan Coleman, Jean tems (TX) ipants benefitted Denis, Alina Butler, Douglas Blanchard, Michael Keeler, Oluwatosin (Tosin) Otulana, Darren Pagan – from executive Juliet Igboanusi, Zac Koné, Raquel Ettrick Thompson, Melonie Jackson, Darrell Fare- Managing Director, FedEx Ground (NJ) coaching, peer well, and Chymeka Olfonse *NOT PICTURED: Faith Cooper Photo by: Brian Cook Raquel Ettrick networking, and Thompson – Manmentor identification support. aging Director, “Congratulations to all the graduates of the National Divisional Global Head of Technology, Cyber Risk ManageExecutive Leadership Academy! This has been a phement & Third Party Governance, BNY Mellon (GA) Derek Williams – Vice President, Key Accounts Serving nomenal year, and the cohort was exceptionally talented Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Wabtec Corporation and engaged throughout the program,” says Evan Frazier, (TX) President and CEO, The Advanced Leadership Institute.

The mission of The Advanced Leadership Insti“This is just the beginning of the great things that we antute (TALI) is to cultivate Black executive leadership to ticipate happening through TALI as we begin to expand strengthen companies, institutions, and communities. our impact nationally. We are grateful to our academic partner CMU Tepper School of Business along with our TALI is supported by major corporations and founsponsors, boards, faculty, speakers, coaches, staff, and dations including Founding Underwriters: BNY Mellon other members of the TALI Community who helped to Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Highmark make this inaugural National Cohort year a success.”

Foundation, and Richard King Mellon Foundation; ExcelIsabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean, Richard P. Simlence Partners: Henry L. Hillman Foundation and Highmark; Lead Contributors: BNY Mellon, Eden Hall Foundamons Professor of Finance, Carnegie Mellon Universition, and The Heinz Endowments. Presenting Sponsors: ty Tepper School of Business expressed her thoughts Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, and UPMC. Gold about the graduating cohort: “We are so pleased with our continued partnership with TALI during its national Sponsors: American Eagle Outfitters, Bank of America, expansion. We are equally excited about the impact this Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, CNX, Covestro, Dollar inaugural national cohort will make within their organiBank, Duquesne Light Company, FedEx Ground, FHLBank Pittsburgh, Golub Capital, Koppers, PPG, and Wabtec Corzations and communities, contributing shared expertise and experience.” poration; Silver Sponsors: Pittsburgh Legal Diversity and The graduation ceremony will take place on DecemInclusion Coalition; and Bronze Sponsors, which can be found on TALI’s website. ber 8, 2023, at Carnegie Mellon University. Kevin Walker, To learn more about The Advanced Leadership InstiPresident and CEO, Duquesne Light Holdings and TALI Board Member will deliver the keynote address, while tute, visit www.taliinstitute.org.

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Hyd Park, Chgo Weekend AND SOUTH SUBURBAN Classified Hyde Park | Week of December 20, 2023

Classifieds HOME

Winter Woes! New Survey Finds Most Americans Dread Heating Bills

(StatePoint) From using a hairdryer to warm up their sheets to cuddling with their pet, Americans will do some crafty things to stay warm in the winter—especially if it means

they can avoid turning up their thermostat.

A new survey conducted by Duck brand, which offers products that provide simple, imaginative and helpful solutions for a variety of tasks around the home, finds out why people go to such lengths.

According to the research, 61% of people dread receiving their heating bill in the winter.

While the average monthly heating bill hovers between $100 to $200, respondents say the highest bill they’ve received in recent years ranges from $200 to $300, and 76% of people say they have experienced an increase in their bill over the past five years.

“It may seem like the first thing people would do if they’re cold is to turn up their thermostat, but that’s not always the case,” says Randi Bujnovsky, product manager for Weatherization at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, the company that markets the Duck brand. “As it turns out, 80% of Americans say they have turned down their thermostat to save money in the winter.”

The chilly temperatures this time of year clearly have an impact on people’s daily habits and even their sleep. Sixty percent of Americans say they have woken up in the middle of the night due to being cold in the winter. Respondents say they have tried

LEGAL NOTICE

everything, from wearing socks and a sweatshirt to bed to sleeping with three or more blankets and using a space heater, to cut costs on their bill.

However, there is a simple task that can help solve many of these woes: home weatherization. According to the research, more than half (51%) of Americans weatherize their home to prepare for the changing seasons, and 80% of people say they have noticed a decrease in their heating bills by using weatherizing solutions, such as window insulation kits, weatherstrip seals and door draft seals that slide on the bottom of the door to block drafts.

Try Duck brand weatherization solutions to help keep the cold air out. From the Duck brand Max Strength Rolled Window Insulation Kit to the Heavy-Duty Weatherstrip Seals, there is a product for every room in the home.

“Creating a warm home during the cold weather months is easy, and yet nearly half of Americans aren’t taking advantage of the benefits of this simple task,” Bujnovsky adds. “If weatherizing the entire home seems challenging, begin with one room at a time. The survey finds the living room is the draftiest part of the home, so that is a good place to start. Installing a window kit that will add a barrier between the outdoor air and your home’s interior or putting weatherstrips around your windows can make all the difference and will help minimize energy loss.” ____________________________________

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However, the point of this ad is that it, Nexus Liquidities, is seeking its own Steve Jobs as its own top salesperson to reach its millions.

Interested? Contact Nexus Liquidities at: 1-312-796-1737 ____________________________________

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23011261 on December 8, 2023.

Under the Assumed Business name of RON PRODUCTIONS with the business located at: 840 W SUNNYSIDE APT 19 D, CHICAGO, IL 60640. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name AKIYA FINLEY Complete Address 840 W. SUNNYSIDE APT 19 D , CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60604, USA . _____________________________________

MAKE THIS SPACE YOURS... ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICES ON THE PAGE CALL US AT (773) 783-1251

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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12 | Hyde Park | Week of December 20, 2023

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