Hyde Park Citizen 10-7-2020

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

Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Oct. 7, 2020

| Vol. 31 | No. 46 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

HYDE PARK

“Litany” is being released as a five-part series once a month. The first two parts have been released, with the third, fourth and fifth parts to be released in October, November and December. Photo courtesy of Po’Chop|Jenn Freeman

‘LITANY’ EXPLORES BLACK WOMANHOOD, FEMININITY

“Torchy Togs” is visually stunning in its use of space, material, texture and movement. It is part one of a five-part series, created by Po’ Chop|Jenn Freeman titled, “Litany.” PAGE 2

GetSmarter Unveils Findings on the Future of Work with New Report

Are You Eligible for This COVID-19 Study?

We Wear the Mask Documentary Premieres on Amazon

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION GRAINGER DONATES 1.7 MILLION FACE COVERINGS TO CHILDREN FIRST FUND IN SUPPORT OF CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS Grainger (NYSE: GWW) has donated 1.7 million face coverings to Children First Fund (CFF) to help ensure teachers, students and staff in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have the face coverings they need for a safe school year. The donation includes 1.2 million cloth reusable face coverings and 500,000 disposable face coverings, which are critical resources that will supplement CPS’ existing inventory. A portion of the donation was used this summer to support the Summer Return to Play programming for sports across the district. Moving into the school year, an additional portion of the face coverings will be used to support teachers, staff and students for supplemental programming, Fall Return to Play sports, and more, as well as to support families and staff at Child Learning Hubs.

Grainger was founded in Chicago in 1927. Today, the company operates 19 locations across Illinois, including three branches in Chicago and an office at theMART. For more information about Grainger’s efforts to support communities, visit www.graingercsr. com.

HEALTH

HALF OF PEOPLE WITH FOOD ALLERGIES REPORT AT LEAST ONE ALLERGIC REACTION EACH YEAR FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), the world’s leading non-governmental organization engaged in food allergy advocacy and the largest private funder of food allergy research, together with the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, recently published a new study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice (JACI: In Practice), “Understanding Food Related Allergic Reactions through a US National Patient Registry.” The study explores the frequency of food-related reactions and the motivation for intentional exposure to a known food allergen and found that more than 50 percent of those with food allergies report having at least one food-related allergic reaction per year.

“With half of the people with food allergies reporting one allergic reaction a year and over a third reporting multiple reactions, we need to better understand the causes to help with prevention,” said study co-author Dr. Ruchi Gupta, director of CFAAR, professor of pediatrics at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, and physician at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “Very little data exists on the frequency and context of food-related allergic reactions and this study shows us that more research is needed.”

LAW & POLITICS

DRIVING SYSTEMIC CHANGE IN DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION Legal Innovators recently released an in-depth report for legal professionals on practical ways to nurture, advance, and retain diverse attorneys. The special report is backed by data and examples of successful approaches.

The legal profession has a significant diversity problem, especially in the higher ranks of law firms. Only 19% of equity law partners are women, even though women outnumber men in law school. Black lawyers comprise only 1.8 percent of law firm partnerships, and the total representation of associates is just 4.6 percent, a backtrack from 2009.

Given the current focus on racial equity, Legal Innovators asserts it would be a particular mistake for law firms to shelve plans to diversify their ranks. Diversity is no longer merely a moral imperative but a business necessity. The nation, law firm leaders, and corporations are rightfully examining their hiring and talent development programs. This report helps them make the business case for diversity while detailing ways to shift diversity from a “nice to have” to a “must-have” business imperative.

Download the full report here: http://legal-innovators-6241148. hs-sites.com/restoring-lost-hope

Po’Chop|Jenn Freeman created a five-part series titled “Litany,” which explores Black womanhood and femininity. Photo courtesy of Po’Chop|Jenn Freeman

‘Litany’ explores Black womanhood, femininity Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

“Torchy Togs” is visually stunning in its use of space, material, texture and movement. It is part one of a five-part series, created by Po’ Chop|Jenn Freeman titled, “Litany.”

“Litany” is a culmination of Freeman’s work throughout the last five years, engaging in research of Audre Lord – her life and her work. Freeman also researched the legacies of Black women in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago.

The first part of the series, “Torchy Togs,” was released in August, the second part was released in September and the third part will be released on Monday, Oct. 12. Part IV will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Part V will be released on Saturday, Dec. 26. The full “Litany” will be released on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. Freeman said the choice to release the work as a series once a month happened organically, while working with director Jordan Phelps.

“We talked a lot about wanting a wide variety of scenes, as well as really trying to show a wide range of locations that are connected to Rebuild Foundation, where I’m a resident artist,” Freeman said. “As we began shooting the five scenes, kind of just developed organically. Once I realized that, we’re in the middle of a pandemic and I’m not going to be performing live, I could release them over the course of a year in a way that kind of felt like I was performing.”

Freeman started dancing at age 3

“Litany” is being released as a five-part series once a month. The first two parts have been released, with the third, fourth and fifth parts to be released in October, November and December. Photo courtesy of Po’Chop|Jenn Freeman

and has been dancing in some form ever since. Freeman said in researching Black women in Bronzeville, through the Great Migration to present day, the first part of the series, “Torchy Togs,” directly correlates to a Black woman cartoonist Jackie Ormes, who lived and worked in Bronzeville.

“I kind of brought to life one of her characters, Torchy Brown,” Freeman said.

Freeman said the response to the first two parts of the series have been positive. Freeman received a ton of messages and emails from people.

“People have definitely responded to the fact the work is connected to history and also centers [around] Black womanhood and femininity,” Freeman said.

Freeman’s practice is based on live performances and on receiving instant feedback from the audience. That has changed with Freeman releasing work online.

“In the moment, I know whether

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people are into it or not. With film, especially releasing it online, the feedback is not instant. If people are moved, they might reach out,” Freeman said.

Freeman said a lot of the material used in the first two parts has been material Freeman used throughout the past five years, specifically the brown paper.

“That is something that has been a part of my art practice for a really long time,” Freeman said.

Freeman said when creating the film, it was important for it to be intriguing to watch. It is Freeman’s hope people will lean into it.

For Freeman, the work is an edification of Black womanhood and femininity. “I think it’s duality, it’s power, it is also softness, it’s intuitiveness, caring, it’s erotic, strength,” Freeman said.

For more information on “Litany,” visit https://www.itspochop.com.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Oct. 7, 2020

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NEWS

Why do people vote the way they do? Unhappiness, says MIT Sloan behavioral scientist, outweighs all other factors New peer-reviewed research, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, has found that county-level voter unhappiness prior to the 2016 election mattered more to Donald Trump’s electoral success than a host of other factors, including the county’s level of income, its unemployment rate, population age, and racial composition.

The study was led by George Ward, a behavioral scientist at the MIT Sloan School of Management, together with Jan-Emmanuel De Neve of the University of Oxford, Lyle H. Ungar of the University of Pennsylvania, and Johannes C. Eichstaedt of Stanford University.

“The question of why Trump won the White House in 2016 has inspired a wide range of research studies, newspaper articles, and think pieces,” says Ward. “Some have pointed to economic factors such as stagnant wages among middle-class Americans and job losses arising from the decline in domestic manufacturing and the rise in trade competition. Others have focused more on cultural issues such as racial and religious identity, and feelings of status threat. Our study takes a rigorous look at one thing many of these explanations have in common: they describe a pretty unhappy population.”

Long-run data suggest that happiness has been on a steady decline in

LONG-RUN DATA SUGGEST THAT HAPPINESS HAS BEEN ON A STEADY DECLINE IN THE U.S. SINCE THE 1970S, DESPITE LARGE INCREASES IN GDP.

New peer-reviewed research, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, has found that county-level voter unhappiness prior to the 2016 election mattered more to Donald Trump’s electoral success than a host of other factors.

the U.S. since the 1970s, despite large increases in GDP. To investigate, the research team drew on more than two million responses to the Gallup Organization’s U.S. Daily Poll during the years preceding the 2016 election, aggregated to the county level. The survey asks participants questions about how satisfied they are with their life overall, how much purpose they feel they have in their life, as well as their day-to-day experience of various positive and negative emotions such as happiness, enjoyment, stress,

and fear. This dataset allowed them to build a detailed picture of the wellbeing of different and diverse areas of the country.

The researchers found that wellbeing was a powerful predictor of the 2016 electoral outcome regardless of levels of income, unemployment rates, population age, and racial makeup.

Counties comprised of voters who expressed low levels of life satisfaction and positive emotions (and high levels of negative emotions) were strongly associated with an increase in Trump’s vote share over and above

what a Republican candidate in a given jurisdiction would ordinarily receive.

These findings were confirmed at the individual level using well-being measures in the American National Election Studies as well as presidential approval data in the Gallup World Poll collected during Obama’s time in office.

The researchers also demonstrated the relationship between happiness and voting in other elections. They found, for instance, that unhappier counties were more likely to vote for Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primaries.

“At the individual level, Trump was adept at mobilizing unhappy people who previously voted Democrat or who didn’t vote in prior elections,” says Eichstaedt. “While we don’t necessarily know why these members of the electorate were unhappy, it does appear that they were looking to cast a vote against the government, and the establishment more generally.”

The researchers noted that a growing number of governments

around the world have focused their attention on measuring the subjective wellbeing of their citizens. Many countries generate national wellbeing statistics to guide and evaluate their public policies. The U.S. has generally lagged behind on this idea, however.

“If our study has one clear message it’s that unhappy people vote against the status quo,” says Ungar. “The data suggest that governments should pay close attention to the happiness of citizens if they want to get re-elected.”

The researchers say that it is difficult to predict the role that voter happiness will play in the upcoming presidential election. Amidst a global pandemic, economic crisis, and social unrest, Americans have experienced a record drop in happiness and life satisfaction, according to Gallup’s most recent figures.

While this does not bode well for Trump’s chance of re-election, the study also found that low levels of happiness correlated with a higher vote share for anti-establishment candidacies.

“Trump often presents himself as an outsider, even now after four years in office,” says De Neve. “His anti-establishment stance could appeal to unhappy voters. But to the extent they think that Trump, the incumbent, has become the establishment, past data suggests that unhappy people are likely to vote against him.”

COMMENTARY: Trump Brands Black U.S. Senator to Crime and Avoids Denouncing Violence

BY LAUREN VICTORIA BURKE NNPA Newswire Contributor

On August 18, speaking at an event at the White House, President Trump said, “The suburban voter, the suburban housewife, women and men living in the suburbs, they want security and they want safety. They don’t want to have their American dream fulfilled and then have a low-income housing process built right next to their house or in the neighborhood… That’s not part of the deal.”

On August 31, with 62 days until Election Day, Trump said, “Westchester was ground zero for what they were trying to do.

They were trying to destroy the suburban beautiful place — the American dream really. They want low income housing and

with that comes a lot of other problems including crime, may not be nice to say but, there is a level of violence. So, you have this beautiful community in the suburbs including women right — they want security. I end it where they build low income housing projects right in the middle of your neighborhood. I ended it.

If Biden gets in, he already said it’s going to go at a much higher rate than before. You know who is going to be in charge of it? Cory Booker, that’s gonna be nice OK.” Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey represents and lives in Newark. In recent days since the end of the Republican Convention, Trump has made his 2020 election strategy clear: He will attempt to scare white suburban women.

Barely trying to conceal

his consistent racism, Trump appeared to be attempting to get white suburban voters to vote for him by using fear and channeling various stereotypes about violence, crime and poverty.

During the week of the Republican convention fear was a reoccurring theme that never left the stage. Trump has steadfastly avoided being critical of the recent violence seen in Wisconsin after Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by a Kenosha Police Officer.

In August 2017, days after a racist rally in Charlottesville of neo-Nazis resulted in the murder of Heather Heyer and the inadvertent deaths of two Virginia State Troopers responding, Trump said, “I watched those very closely, much more closely than you peowww.citizennewspapergroup.com

ple watched it. And you have — you had a group on one side that was bad, and you had a group on the other side that was also very violent, and nobody wants to say that, but I’ll say it right now. You had a group — you had a group on the other side that came charging in without a permit, and they were very, very violent.”

At the time, White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon was on staff at the White House. The turmoil in Charlottesville was just a precursor of what was to come. In only the last six months, Trump has mishandled a deadly pandemic that has led to the deaths of over 180,000 Americans. The U.S. now leads the world in the number of deaths.

Trump’s use of fear in an attempt to win the White House

easily surpasses recent Republican presidents who have marketed “law and order” and other tag phrases to stoke fear in the minds of white suburbanites.

Barry Goldwater, Richard Nixon and George Wallace used similar southern strategy tactics to get white voters galvanized. But no one has gone as far as Trump has in stoking fear and inciting violence.

Trump’s consistent reliance on controversy, fear and race baiting is likely to get worse in the weeks leading up to the 2020 election.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail. com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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BUSINESS

Meijer Announces First-Ever Supplier Diversity Summit Aimed at Ensuring Inclusivity on Its Shelves Meijer recently announced that it will host its first virtual Supplier Diversity Summit, giving diverse-owned businesses nationwide the opportunity to showcase their offerings for Meijer merchants looking to bring the next great item onto their shelves.

“Focusing on supplier diversity is an important part of our diversity, equity and inclusion journey,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “While we have always valued diverse partnerships, this event exemplifies our commitment to building a more inclusive vendor community which will better serve our customers.”

The Nov. 12 virtual event will focus on the following categories: Beauty and personal care Over-the-counter and wellness General merchandise Grocery

Meijer Diversity & Inclusion Logo

Certified minority-, LGBTQ-, woman-, veteran- and disability-owned businesses with retail-ready products in those categories can ap-

ply by Friday, Oct. 9 for consideration at: https:// www.rangeme.com/meijersupplierdiversity2020 “At Meijer, we believe our partners should reflect the communities we serve,” said Jamie Akemann, group vice president of indirect procurement and supplier diversity. “This event gives us the opportunity to partner with diverse suppliers to empower them and provide economic support that will be felt throughout our communities, allowing us to better embody our mission of enriching lives in the communities we serve.”

Meijer is partnering with Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing (ECRM) and its subsidiary product discovery tool, RangeMe, to host this event through the company’s ECRM Connect virtual platform.

Once applications for the event are submitted, Meijer teams will review and select the vendors they would like to meet at the virtual summit. Suppliers not chosen for the summit, will still be accessible through the Range Me registration tool and may be reviewed by Meijer merchants again in the future as business needs change.

While they may not qualify for November’s event, diverse vendors carrying services or products outside of the categories mentioned above are encouraged to submit their information for consideration through the retailer’s prospective vendor page.

GetSmarter Unveils Findings on the Future of Work with New Report GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU) brand, recently announced the results of a survey exploring the future of work, as accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Future of Work is Here” data highlights the value of continued learning as technology and automation change the workforce, details the importance of upskilling and reskilling, and emphasizes the value of soft skills.

The survey of over 8,000 global respondents across industries was first conducted by GetSmarter in November 2019, with a second survey in May 2020 to capture the new realities brought on by COVID-19.

While workforces are now largely remote, the findings from the second deployment were directionally consistent with the results of the first wave of fieldwork, underscoring the value of this data and its learnings for both remote and in-person employers and employees.

Insights from the “Future of Work is Here” provide employers and employees around the globe with tangible takeaways on how they can boost their competitive advantage in today’s evolving workforce and respond effectively to megatrends that have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responses from professionals across job roles suggest that as the workforce continues to change at a rapid pace, employees and busi-

PRNewsfoto/2U, Inc.

nesses will need to place a greater emphasis on continuous learning to stay relevant. Alongside clear recommendations for jobseekers on how to make themselves strong candidates for future employers, the report also provides first-hand learnings to employers—most specifically, human resource and learning development teams—on ways to keep employees engaged and the importance of upskilling to attract and retain top talent.

Key survey findings in the “Future of Work is Here” report showed that: l Resumes need an upgrade: Hybrid jobs are here to stay. As candidates vie for new roles and promotions in the most challenging job market in over a decade, many are turning to short courses and certifications to gain the combination of technical and non-technical skills that are increasingly in demand. Employers are paying closer attention to candidates’ willingness to upskill—

more than a third of those in hiring positions value evidence of continued learning more than anything else when considering candidates—and employees are showing their commitment to learning by adding short courses to their resumes. In fact, 70% of respondents believe that skillsbased certificates across technical, function, and leadership areas are a valuable sign of a capability on a CV, and 35% of respondents believe that providing evidence of continued learning/up-to-date skills and adding of skills-based certificates to one’s CV will be the most important thing to include when applying for their next job. l Upskilling is a business imperative and a shared responsibility between employees and employers: In today’s fast-moving world, the urgency to upskill is at an all-time high.

Companies are placing a premium on finding employees committed to continuous learning and are making www.citizennewspapergroup.com

serious investments in ensuring that staff has access to learning opportunities. 54% of respondents agree that upskilling is a joint responsibility between a business and the individual, and 92% of respondents cited that they felt more engaged with their employer when learning opportunities were offered—highlighting a recruiting and retention opportunity for HR/people teams. l Critical thinking, leadership, and interpersonal skills have never been more important: Even as technology and automation transform work, employees with well-developed soft skills perform better at their jobs and are easier to train and mentor. The data is clear: social and emotional competencies continue to be among the most desired traits for employees, with critical thinking, leadership or interpersonal skills ranked first by a large majority of employers.

“Regardless of geography or sector, the upskilling and reskilling impera-

tive—accelerated by COVID-19—is driving growing demand for shorter, non-degree based learning for working professionals,” 2U Co-Founder and CEO Christopher “Chip” Paucek said. “In response, employees—on their own and with the support of their employers—are increasingly turning to short courses as an effective way to stay relevant and navigate this fast changing landscape while developing critical new leadership competencies and skills.”

GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, partners with the world’s leading universities to select, design, and deliver premium online short courses with a data-driven focus on learning gain.

GetSmarter’s portfolio of 175 courses, offered in partnership with 19 of the world’s best non-profit universities, covers topics ranging from disruptive technologies to functional and leadership skills.

For a deeper look at the survey results, download the “Future of Work is Here” report here: https://www. getsmarter.com/blog/future-of-work/

NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL ACD: A. Del Valle

CD: G. Apfelbach

PC: M. Bilbrey / R. Swift

P: C. Capola

AM: L. Mitchell

BM: E. Schmidt

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Oct. 7, 2020

NEWS

Are You Eligible for This COVID-19 Study?

StatePoint - A new COVID-19 study is currently enrolling patients, and researchers believe it has the potential to change the course of the virus around the world.

The study is examining the effects of Colchicine, a widely available and inexpensive anti-inflammatory drug on one of the most common, and most debilitating side effects of SARSCoV-2–acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

ARDS is caused by an The study is examining the effects of Colchicine, intense inflammatory response that results in what’s a widely available and inexpensive anti-inflammatory drug on one of the most common, and called a cytokine storm. most debilitating side effects of SARS-CoV-2– Cytokines are molecules acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). that signal to inflammatory cells that there’s a problem within the Mediterranean fever (FMF) and viral body that needs their attention. Any pericarditis. The side effect profile is normal immune response involves well-known and side effects are rare. cytokines. In a cytokine storm The groundbreaking study is however, they’re released in larger called COLCORONA. Like most numbers than necessary, resulting in studies, patients are assigned either an immune response out of propora course of the study medication or tion to the threat at hand, whereby a placebo for 30 days. However, this immune cells attack healthy tissues. study is unique as it is contact-less, Cytokine storms in COVID-19 are helping protect health care workers common and potentially do more and the population at-large from damage than the virus itself, causing unnecessary risk of virus exposure. some patients to develop pneumonia To enroll, patients can call the hoor ARDS, which are life-threatening tline to speak with a dedicated healthlung conditions. Many such patients care professional who will explain the require admission to ICU wards to study and verify their eligibility, as well be provided with respiratory support as to receive and sign the informed via mechanical ventilation. consent document. The study mediOne research team believes they cation is then delivered to the patient’s may have the solution, however. Dr. door within four hours and the patient Jean-Claude Tardif, director of the is remotely followed for 30 days.

Research Centre at Montreal Heart To enroll or learn more, visit Institute, professor of medicine at the https://en.colcorona.net or call the University of Montreal, and primary 24-hour Hotline at 1(877) 536-6837, investigator of the study, believes which is available in English, Spanthat these cytokine storms seen in ish, Portuguese and French.

COVID-19 patients are manufactured The COLCORONA trial is by a tiny inflammatory cell part, or currently available in a number organelle, called inflammasome. Colof countries as well as the New chicine, targets that one tiny organelle.

York Tri-State area, San Francisco, “More than 10 years ago, it was Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and shown that the most closely related Houston, with plans to open in virus to SARS-CoV-2, which causes Jacksonville, Gainesville as well as COVID-19, is Sars-CoV-1. That’s the throughout Arizona, Mississippi, virus that caused SARS caused 15 years and Alabama. The team also plans ago,” says Dr. Tardif. “It’s very close to on expanding the study into Georgia SARS CoV-2 and it was shown in this and the Carolinas. The trial is funded very elegant paper that SARS CoV-1 by the Government of Quebec directly activates inflammasome.”

(Canada), the National Heart, Lung, Dr. Tardif and his team are and Blood Institute, part of the US currently enrolling patients with a National Institutes of Health and the positive COVID-19 diagnosis for Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a Colchicine study. If his hypothand Sophie Desmarais, Montréal esis is correct, it could change the philanthropist, daughter of the late way COVID-19 is treated globally. business mogul, Paul Desmarais Sr. Colchicine is a widely available, Interested patients should consult inexpensive drug that has already their health care providers for more been in use for years in the treatinformation and to find out if study ment of conditions like gout, familial materials are available in their area.

TOGETHER, WE CAN POWER THROUGH ANYTHING.

If you could use help with your energy bill, there’s a way.

To learn about financial assistance call 800-EDISON1 or visit ComEd.com/Support today.

A brighter future

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Diseases don’t discriminate.

Diversity in clinical research has never been more important. And with more volunteers, medical advancements can become even better. Visit medicalheroes.org to learn more.

A sincere thank you to all who participate in clinical research from the following organizations.

pxllc022063 CISCRP 2020 Diversity Ad - Chicago Citizen

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Oct. 7, 2020

Advertorial

No Shortcuts.

Just Science.

At Pfizer, safety and science are our top priorities.

For more than 170 years, we’ve researched, developed, and manufactured safe and effective medicines to help prevent devastating diseases. We bring this deep experience to the development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine.

The Power of Community Collaborations and Partnerships for Achieving Diversity in Clinical Research By: Luther T. Clark, MD - Deputy Chief Patient Officer, Merck

Barriers to participation of racially and ethnically underrepresented patients in clinical trials include: (1) mistrust, (2) fear, (3) lack of comfort with the clinical trial process, (4) lack of information about clinical trials, (5) logistical constraints such as time and out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, social and economic factors (the social determinants of health) may negatively impact patients’ willingness to participate in clinical research.

Meaningful patient and community engagement can help achieve diversity as well as advance both science and patient care. In addition to helping empower patients to be more active participants in their medical care, appropriate and meaningful engagement between trusted community stakeholders (participants, patients, caregivers, patient advocacy organizations and leaders) and researchers (clinical trial sponsors, investigators, clinical research sites) can help effectively address the perspectives and priorities that are important for patients — those who will be impacted by the research.

In order to gain insights about what matters to patients and their communities, we engage with patients and their advocates through activities such as patient advisory panels and expert input consultations. These engagements have been especially helpful for: (1) increasing awareness and education to build trust and increase understand-

ing of the importance and benefits of clinical trials; (2) increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups to participate in clinical trials by removing barriers (i.e., logistics, out-of-pocket costs); and (3) increasing partnerships with minority investigators and others who serve communities of color to help improve the diversity of participants -- as well as to better demonstrate the safety and efficacy of new drugs, vaccines, and other therapeu-

tic and diagnostic products in all population groups.

Mistrust of research and the fear of being a “guinea pig” are among the most significant barriers to clinical trial participation for underrepresented groups. While the ultimate decision regarding clinical trial participation rests with the patient, that decision may be influenced by family, close friends, and other trusted individuals and groups in their own commu-

nities. Therefore, building trust between researchers and trusted community stakeholders (faith-based organizations, nonprofit and civic groups, community leaders, patient advocacy groups, community healthcare providers, etc.) is also critical for overcoming barriers. Furthermore, while altruism and other factors are important considerations, patients and their families are usually most concerned with obtaining the best treatment.

Therefore, reassuring patients about the importance of their health and safety, reinforcing that their health will be closely monitored, and including family members in decision-making can increase comfort with the clinical trial process and help build trust. Effective and meaningful community engagement should be long-term rather than based solely on specific trial or project needs.

In summary, increasing research participant diversity continues to be a challenge for industry, academia and other sponsors. However, during this deeply troubling moment for our nation, the confluence of two major catastrophes — the COVID-19 pandemic and community unrest due to racial injustice and inequities — that have amplified disparities and the impact of health inequities, provides perhaps an opportunity to make real and sustainable progress toward achieving diversity and inclusion in clinical research as well as improving healthcare access and outcomes for all communities.

We are moving with unprecedented speed, but we will not compromise our safety standards. We will release a vaccine only after appropriate scientific review of safety and effectiveness and approval or authorization by regulatory authorities.

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CITIZEN On The Move

THE 4TH WARD CORRIDORE AT 44TH AND COTTAGE GROVE WELCOMES A NEW MIXED-INCOME HOUSING DEVLOPMENT Photos by L.M. WARBINGTON

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Oct. 7, 2020

HEALTH NEWS

The Women Leading the Fight Against COVID-19 (StatePoint) Less than 30 percent of the world’s researchers are women, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. However, one team fighting against COVID-19 is not only leading the charge to save lives, but also in empowering women in science, encouraging the next generation of girls and young women to pursue STEM education.

At biotechnology company Allied BioScience, chief science officer Maha El-Sayed, PhD leads a female-dominated team of researchers, and their work has the potential to be a game changer in the fight against COVID-19 and other future viruses. Their product, SurfaceWise2, continuously kills 99.9 percent of viruses, including, most importantly, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“When it comes to women in STEM, there’s a lot of untapped potential. It’s my hope that our team can inspire young women to pursue careers in science, and inspire other research teams to bring more talented women into the fold and elevate them to positions where they can drive real change,” says Dr. El-Sayed.

As Dr. El-Sayed explains, human coronaviruses can persist on inanimate surfaces such as plastic, glass, fibers and metals for up to nine days. This makes it critical to protect high-traffic facilities where the contamination of surfaces is continuous, such as schools, stadiums,

restaurants, offices and retail spaces. More advanced than comparative products in reducing chemical and disinfectant exposure, SurfaceWise2 was proven in independent studies conducted by infectious disease experts to be effective against Human Coronavirus 229E, the EPA-approved surrogate, demonstrating the ability to successfully protect against COVID-19. It’s the first such product to be EPA-approved.

So how is it used? Compatible with virtually all surfaces, SufaceWise2 is applied via an electronic spray for efficient, complete and uniform treatment. Droplets are small -- 900 times smaller than an average droplet -- and applied at a force of 75 times greater than gravity, causing a “wraparound effect,” and a natural force of attraction between the sprayed droplets and target surfaces. Once applied, the long-lasting antiviral coating physically breaks down the cells of bacteria and viruses that land on treated surfaces, effectively and continuously killing them without giving the bacteria a chance to mutate and build up resistance.

Despite its potency, this solution is very safe for humans, even in enclosed spaces. Non-toxic, non-irritating, odorless and containing no chemicals that produce harmful vapors or gases, it’s already used by airlines, hospitality and travel companies, and in healthcare spaces. In the coming months, Dr. El-Sayed and her team expect to see further use in professional sporting facilities, restaurant dining rooms, offices, schools and other spaces.

Managing COPD During the COVID-19 Pandemic (StatePoint) Managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is always important, and especially so right now, as individuals living with a chronic lung disease are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19. However, misinformation about COVID-19 has made it hard for people with chronic conditions to determine how to stay safe.

Dr. Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association, is providing answers to common questions that the millions of Americans affected by COPD may have.

Q: What additional steps should I take to prevent becoming ill with COVID-19?

Because COVID-19 is a new disease in humans, our immune systems haven’t yet developed defenses against it and there’s currently no vaccine. The best way to avoid illness, regardless of age or health status, is avoiding exposure to the virus.

For individuals living with COPD, stringent adherence to safety precautions is vital. Stay as much as possible.

When in public, maintain social distance of at least six feet, wear a cloth face covering and encourage others to do the same. Also, wash your hands often and clean, then disinfect, frequently touched surfaces.

Q: How can I maintain control of my COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic?

COPD control is especially vital right now in case of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Continue controller medications for COPD to maintain lung health.

To limit potential exposure to COVID-19, find out

if mail-order pharmacy options are available to you, and if your insurance allows, secure a 90-day supply of prescription medications. Don’t delay important visits or ignore flare-ups or new symptoms. COPD complications can become serious if left untreated. If telemedicine isn’t an option, bear in mind that doctor’s offices have adopted new safety practices during in-person visits.

Q: Should I continue to use my nebulizer at home?

Taking medication correctly is a major component in successfully controlling chronic lung diseases. In certain areas, there have been reported shortages of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) due to increased demand in healthcare settings. Nebulized therapy continues to be a safe, effective way to take inhaled medications at home during the pandemic, though special steps should be taken if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Some patients find that nebulized therapy is more affordable. Talk to your physician if you have concerns about affording your prescribed medications or delivery options. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

P H O T O C A P T I O N : Female scientists fighting COVID-19 are inspiring the next generation of girls.

As the nation fights to safely reopen, the work of dedicated, female scientists is making a vital difference in saving lives and in helping businesses, communities and families return to normalcy. To learn more about the

work and achievements of Dr. El-Sayed and her team, visit www.surfacewise.com.

“Shedding light on the scientific achievements of women, particularly at this critical time in history, is essential to inspiring the next generation of girls and young women to pursue STEM education and careers in science,” says Dr. El-Sayed.

P H O T O S O U R C E : (c) twinsterphoto / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Also, visit Lung.org/nebulizers to access video tutorials on proper nebulizer use and maintenance.

Q: What additional precautions should I take if I have suspected or confirmed COVID-19?

If you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19, maintain home isolation to protect other household members. This includes the following additional safety precautions when using your nebulizer: • Wash your hands before and after treatment.

• Use your nebulizer in an area that minimizes potential exposure of aerosolized droplets to other household members. You might consider an outdoor patio or porch, or a room indoors where the air is not recirculated throughout the house and nobody else will enter for 1-2 hours, which is long enough for the droplets to no longer be airborne.

• Clean and disinfect your nebulizer.

Your healthcare provider will work with you on when you can discontinue home isolation and resume normal nebulizer use. Contact them at the first sign of new, severe or concerning respiratory symptoms for a home treatment plan. While most people recover from COVID-19 at home, having COPD elevates risk for severe symptoms. Seek emergency care for the following symptoms: trouble breathing, pain or pressure in your chest, development of a bluish tinge to your lips or face, and new confusion or inability to wake or stay awake.

Q: Where can I find trusted information?

You can trust the American Lung Association to provide science-based information and resources. Visit Lung.org or call 1-800-LUNGUSA for more information about COPD, COVID-19, nebulized therapy or any other respiratory topic.

Development of this educational resource is supported

by Theravance Biopharma.

P H O T O S O U R C E : Courtesy of the American Lung Association

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10 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Oct. 7, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

Attorneys for Bill Cosby Lay Out Why Supreme Court Should Toss Conviction

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Over a month ago, lawyers for Bill Cosby formerly filed a motion to the state Supreme Court in Pennsylvania, seeking to overturn the three guilty verdicts handed down in 2018.

The August filing states that the trial court stripped Cosby of the presumption of innocence and relieved the prosecution of its burden of proof when it allowed the jury to hear decades-old, excessive uncharged bad act evidence that was absent a legitimate propensity purpose.

Specifically, allowing testimony from five women who offered varying accounts of Cosby’s alleged sexual misconduct stemming from the 1980s, and Cosby’s highly prejudicial, deposition testimony about his sexual behaviors in the 1970s that involved offering Quaaludes to women he had shown sexual interest.

Cosby’s lawyers remain convinced that since Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele invited

Cosby at Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2006

the testimony of five women who allegedly had encounters with Cosby in the 1980s, there was no reason to bring up the comedian’s alleged behavior from the 1970s.

In June, the state Supreme Court announced it would hear Cosby’s appeal.

Among other issues, Cosby’s attorneys argue that former Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor previously agreed that Cosby would not be prosecuted in the

matter of Andrea Constand if Cosby sat for a civil deposition arising from complaints made by Constand.

“The [District Attorney’s] office issued a formal public statement reflecting that agreement, and Cosby reasonably relied upon those oral and written statements by providing deposition testimony in the civil action, thus forfeiting his constitutional right against self-incrimination,” the lawyers wrote in support of their argument for a new trial.

“The [Appeals] panel erred in affirming the trial court’s decision to allow not only the prosecution of Cosby but also the admission of Cosby’s civil deposition testimony,” the lawyers stated.

In 2006, Cosby agreed to pay Constand a $3.4 million civil settlement that arose from the relationship the two had between 2003 and 2004.

Cosby has served nearly two years of a three-to-10-year sentence. He is represented by attorneys Jennifer Bonjean of New York, and Barbara Zemlock and Brian Perry of Harrisburg, Penn.

We Wear The Mask

We Wear the Mask Documentary Premieres on Amazon The We Wear the Mask film, which is executive produced by Halima Tammy Thompson and directed by Michael Savisky, is available for purchase on Amazon. Post production of the documentary was made possible thanks to Laura Wright Rock and the Rock Family Foundation.

The psychological effects of poverty are far-reaching and women are statistically more likely to feel the impact. Dominique, Veniecia, and Lou Ann lead vastly different lives, and yet their stories intersect and parallel in surprising ways.

“Producing this film was the dream that I never knew I had until it started happening. Creating platforms for women to tell their own stories about the power and strength that it takes to overcome poverty is near to my heart. They are telling MY story and the story of many, many others who find themselves fighting to not only survive, but to thrive. I want to tell these stories over and over again,” said Thompson.

To learn more, visit www.wewearthemaskfilm.com. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Black American Music Association and Voting Rights Are Civil Rights Initiative Align to Educate Minority Voters and Combat Voter Suppression The Black American Music Association (BAM), has announced a partnership with the Voting Rights Are Civil Rights Initiative.

The effort is specifically focused on protecting the vote in 14 swing states and 54 counties with high African American and Latino populations.

BAM and the Voting Rights Are Civil Rights Initiative have aligned with several entertainment industry groups, community organizations, activists and former election commissioners. Together, the coalition is focusing on three main initiatives – recruiting GenZ to help staff the polls; educating people on their legal rights so they can make sure their votes are counted and how to address voter suppression and intimidation. To accomplish this, they are recruiting and training poll workers; providing unique information from professional election administrators and providing information and tools to fight voter suppression tactics and intimidation.

The first initiative, which is already underway, includes partnerships with the Georgia Youth Poll Workers Project and Poll Heros. Both of these organizations were started and are run by college students interested in recruiting fellow members of GenZ to be paid poll workers.

BAM was created to Preserve, Protect, and Promote the Legacy and Future of authentic Black American Music as a global art form. In its mission to support and advocate for its membership and the music community as a whole, BAM understands the impact that government policies and elected officials have on these groups. BAM also understands the power of voting and embraces the importance of every American citizen being able to exercise their constitutional right to vote, which is why they’ve partnered with Voting Rights Are Civil Rights Initiative. BAM co-founder Demmette Guidry says, “In the past four months we’ve seen the power of the youth when they stand up and make themselves heard. This is the next step in harnessing the power of the streets in conjunction with

the industry and artist community to not only make change on the national level, but also on the state and local levels. Something we are committed to pursuing over the next several years. Through working in coalition with our artists, industry executives and election officials we can transform our cultural relevance into community relevance empowering future generations.”

Ion Sancho of Voting Rights Are Civil Rights, who oversaw the 2000 Bush vs. Gore Recount for the Florida Supreme Court states, “The 2020 election provides America with her greatest opportunity to remedy the poisonous legacy of slavery and it’s spawn, institutional racism, since the end of the Civil War. Today, we are all video witnesses to the injustices we have kept hidden from ourselves, lest we question the myth of American Exceptionalism we use to cloak our history. Slavery flawed our founders, but their wisdom gave us a government that we can change, at the ballot box, to make, in their words, ‘a more perfect union.’

Today, our efforts, allied with the greatest artists and talent we possess, act in concert to ensure all Americans can vote, fulfilling the real greatness of America - one nation, with liberty and justice for all.”

In addition to BAM and Voting Rights Are Civil Rights Initiative, the coalition includes BMAC, The Kevin Lyman Group and The Publicists Forum.

A leading voice in the music industry, BAM is focused on several other key social justice and communityfocused initiatives in addition to its anti-voter suppression work. The organization will break ground on the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in Atlanta, GA this fall, and has established partnerships with other non-profit organizations including, The Otis Redding Foundation, Hope For Harvest, NXG Leaders, and Power2Inspire Foundation.

To learn more about the BAM and Voting Rights Are Civil Rights anti-voter suppression campaign, visit www.votingrightsarecivilrights.com.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Oct. 7, 2020

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11

CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

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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; Y20004582 on September 23, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of NDGO STUDIOS with the business located at: 7753 S. MERRILL AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60649. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s) / Partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: NATE DAVIS, Complete Address: 7753 S. MERRILL AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60649, USA ________________________________________

WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans.

R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

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Sales Manager General Manager

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SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

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STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: IN THE KITCHEN

RESTORE YOUR CREDIT TODAY! ONCE THE PANDEMIC IS OVER DONT’ ALLOW A BAD OR LOW CREDIT SCORE TO KEEP YOUR FROM MAKING MAJOR PURCHASES. NOW IS THE TIME TO REBUILD YOUR CREDIT SCORE CALL US TODAY AT: CREDIT RESTORATION SERVICES

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RENTAL Newly Decorated 4 room, 2Br apt.

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LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conducr 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: Y20004525 on September 23, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of MAXIMIZE THIS LIFE with the busienss located at: 61 EAST 98TH STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60628. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s) / partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: MCCLINTON E. PORTER, Complete Address: 61 EAST 98TH STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60628. USA

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ACROSS 1. Capital of Ghana 6. Paris in Tour de France 9. Wild ox of India 13. Admiral’s group 14. “Mele Kalikimaka” wreath 15. Julian Barnes’ “The ____ of an Ending” 16. Telephone company 17. Acronym in a bottle 18. Birth-related 19. *Set briefly on fire 21. *Separate solids from fat in melted butter 23. *Crusty dessert 24. Uncouth person 25. Westminster broadcaster, acr.

28. Coffee break spot 30. *Scald quickly in boiling water 35. Like desert 37. Like Civil War reenactment battle 39. *Like old chips 40. Delhi dress 41. Subculture language 43. *Good or bad it emanates from stoves 44. “As the World ____” 46. Like Jekyll and Hyde’s personality 47. This over matter?

48. Encryption device, a.k.a. ____ machine 50. Practice in the ring 52. Low-____ image 53. Competitive advantage 55. NBA coach “____” Rivers 57. *Dissolve browned food bits with liquids 61. *Thicken by simmering 64. Love, to Catherine Deneuve 65. Pigeon sound 67. Pianist’s exercise 69. Resembling a fish 70. Hawaiian Mauna 71. Smart candy?

72. Tire swing holder 73. Bruin legend Bobby 74. *Yummy reward DOWN 1. Back of the boat 2. Staff symbol 3. Text messenger

4. Short version 5. Like number 1 to hydrogen 6. Besides 7. Opposite of paleo8. ‘70s music genre 9. Wheel in grandfather clock 10. ____-perspirant 11. Defender of skies 12. Count on 15. Growls angrily 20. What lighthouse does 22. Williams sister’s return 24. On account of 25. *Turkey action 26. Hitler’s Eva 27. Wispy clouds 29. *Incorporate an ingredient 31. Niels Bohr’s study object 32. Rock bottom 33. Star Wars attacker 34. Shepherds’ flocks 36. Sound at door 38. ____sack 42. Clearing in the woods 45. Viscous 49. Wood-shaping tool 51. Capybara, e.g.

54. GEICO’s mascot 56. Like a button, but more so 57. Cuckoo 58. Dubai dignitary 59. Departed 60. Debussy’s “Clair de ____” 61. Serengeti sound 62. *Preserve by adding salt 63. Old Norse texts 66. “____ the ramparts...”

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12 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Oct. 7, 2020

Connecting workers to new skills This health and humanitarian crisis has had a disproportionate impact on employment for people of color. Here in Chicago, there is an urgent need for skill building — including re-skilling and up-skilling — to create a clear pathway to jobs that can deliver upward mobility and economic stability.

To drive progress, Bank of America is investing $1 billion over four years to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, building on work we’ve had underway for many years.

We’re helping to connect people to the skills, resources and experience needed to succeed by building partnerships with nonprofits and local government, and through our own recruiting and hiring. This includes partnerships with Community Colleges that serve predominately Black and Hispanic/Latino students, and public Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions.

In Chicago, we remain committed to supporting organizations that help people in our community get the skills they need.

Paul Lambert Chicago Market President

Strengthening pathways Here in Chicago, we’re partnering with local organizations to create pathways to better jobs, including: Cara Program North Lawndale Employment Network

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.