South End Citizen 2-05-2020

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Citizen Week of Feb. 5, 2020

| Vol. 52 | No. 52 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH END

BUSINESS

Survey: Less Than Half Of Employees Say Their Company Provides Remote Work Options; 76% Use This Perk When Offered

NEW PULLMAN DEVELOPMENT OFFERS A PLACE FOR ARTISTS TO WORK AND LIVE

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Alexis Willis is a multidisciplinary artist who growing up was a visual artist, then as she got older, became more of a performing artist. These weren’t just hobbies for her, it was something she wanted to make a career out of.

BLACK HISTORY Chicago’s History Includes Black-Owned Businesses Then and Now

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ENTERTAINMENT

Beyoncé And Sony/ ATV Music Publishing Sign Global Agreement PAGE 7

Alexis Willis (pictured) is a resident of the Pullman Artspace Lofts which opened earlier this month. It is the first new residential development in Pullman in about 50 years. Photo courtesy of James Harvey/Artspace

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2 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION

THE NEWS LITERACY PROJECT PARTNERS WITH THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY The News Literacy Project (NLP) recently partnered with The E.W. Scripps Company where they launched a national public awareness campaign on the importance of news literacy and the role of the free press in American democracy. The campaign, which culminated during National News Literacy Week, Jan. 27-31, ran across Scripps’ local broadcast stations, national media businesses and with other journalism media partners.

“News literacy education helps young people become active participants in their communities,” said Alan C. Miller, NLP’s founder and CEO. “This generation is inheriting the most challenging and complex information landscape in human history, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure they know how to navigate it effectively. And once they’re taught, they develop critical-thinking skills and habits of mind that will last them a lifetime and benefit the communities where they live.”

HEALTH

NEW APP FROM US MED-EQUIP SUPPORTS HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS Bracing for the peak of flu season, hospitals now have a new app to ensure they have the medical devices needed. Healthcare providers are securing medical equipment at a moment’s notice from US Med-Equip (USME) to treat the surge of patients in their care. US Med-Equip’s mobile app gives hospital staff the ability to quickly view and rent equipment 24/7, based on the influx of patients in their care at any moment.

“Whether treating patients during the flu outbreak or following a disaster, the demands on hospitals are like they’ve never been before. Healthcare providers are streamlining processes and turning to smarter options to ensure they provide patients the best care possible,” US Med-Equip President Gurmit Singh Bhatia said. “We are working around the clock to provide a faster-than-ever response time so medical staff can focus on their life-saving work.”

LAW & POLITICS

RAOUL, 23 ATTORNEYS GENERAL FILE AMICUS BRIEF WITH SUPREME COURT SUPPORTING COURTS’ ABILITY TO REQUIRE FRAUDULENT ACTORS TO TURN OVER ILLEGAL PROFITS Attorney General Kwame Raoul, leading a bipartisan coalition of 24 attorneys general, recently filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court arguing that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should be allowed to ask courts to require defendants to return money obtained by defrauding investors. The brief, filed in Liu v.

Securities and Exchange Commission, argues that disgorgement, requiring bad actors to return their gains, is critical to redressing harm and deterring future misconduct. According to a press release, in fiscal year 2019, fraudulent actors were ordered to repay more than $3.2 billion in enforcement actions brought by the SEC. “Individuals who defraud investors should not be able to keep the profits they obtain by breaking the law,” Raoul said. “The SEC’s ability to ask courts to force wrongdoers to repay stolen money not only holds defendants fully accountable, but it also serves as a powerful deterrent to those who would seek to engage in securities fraud.”

New Pullman development offers a place for artists to work and live Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Alexis Willis is a multidisciplinary artist who growing up was a visual artist, then as she got older, became more of a performing artist. These weren’t just hobbies for her, it was something she wanted to make a career out of.

“I wanted to look for ways these gifts could benefit my neighborhood, it’s a part of my career to steward these gifts,” she said.

Willis also wanted to collaborate with other artists and have opportunities for more social interaction within the community she lived in.

Now, Willis is a resident in the Pullman Artspace Lofts, a live and work development for artists in the Pullman neighborhood.

The development, located near 111th and Langley Ave., is the first new residential space in Pullman in almost 50 years.

It boasts 38 rental apartments, as well as a 2,000 sq. ft. community and gallery space that can be used for art exhibits and cultural programs. It was developed by Artspace Projects, Inc., a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization, in partnership with Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives and PullmanArts.

According to Artspace, six of the work and live spaces will be occupied by Chicago Housing Authority residents. Artspace also is encouraging artists and creatives to apply for the property. There are studio, one-, twoand three-bedroom apartments available.

Willis, who lived in Pullman for nine months prior to moving into the lofts, said she was told about it by someone close to her. She said while she was looking to move more toward Hyde Park, the Loop, North side or South Loop area, the affordable

The Pullman Artspace Lofts is a live and work space designed for artists. It includes 38 rental apartments and a 2,000 sq. ft. community and gallery space. Photo courtesy of James Harvey/Artspace

housing component appealed to her.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said.

Willis also liked the outreach opportunities for residents. There are other developments in the works in the area, as well as a wellness center in the neighborhood.

“A lot of things are happening here,” she said.

Willis said neighbors have been friendly and supportive. She said she was asked to be a block captain to represent Artspace for the Pullman Civic Organization. She also liked the idea that there were already architects and other artists who lived in the community.

“It made me say, ‘Oh, they’re definitely going to be the people to support the artists in the lofts,’” she said. Willis said she really likes that the building is new and has white walls, with a more industrial feel. “I like the idea of moving into a new space. It doesn’t have the influence of the people who previously lived there,” she said.

Willis said when she moved in at the end of November 2019, she was determined

to make it a personalized space. She said her transition was made easier because of the generosity of friends and family who provided her with what she needed for her apartment. “The space will continually evolve. I’m happy with it for now,” she said.

Willis said she is excited about the prospect to become an active member of the Pullman community. “It is really important as artists we do show our face and put ourselves out there,” she said.

Ninth Ward Alderman Anthony Beale said, in a release, that development of the loft space was part of the Renaissance of Pullman.

“More than $350 million of public and private investment has attracted new businesses and created 1,500 jobs, as well as new affordable housing, educational and recreational amenities – all of which are making Pullman a community of choice,” he said.

For more information about the Pullman Artspace Lofts, visit www.artspace.org/ pullman.

Older Adults’ Tech Usage Continues to Grow Says New AARP Research New research from AARP finds tech ownership among adults age 50-plus continues to grow, with smartphone usage increasing from 70% in 2017 to 77% in 2019.

In addition, adults ages 50 and older are adopting consumer technology, including smartphones, wearables, home assistants/smart speakers, and smart home technology, at nearly the same rate as adults ages 18 to 49.

While rates of tech use are similar across age demographics, the survey finds device preferences vary among people of different ages. Results show most owners use whatever technology they adopt daily.

New research from AARP finds tech ownership among adults age 50-plus continues to grow.

“The results reflect what we all are seeing in our daily lives, with our parents, relatives, friends and neighbors using technology on a regular basis to stay connected and be entertained and informed,” said Alison Bryant, senior vice president of research, AARP.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

“When adults see the need for and benefits of tech, they are using it in increasingly similar patterns as those in younger generations.”

Key findings from the Tech Usage study include l In the past year, 51% of older Americans say they bought some tech product. Top purchases were: l A smartphone (23%) l A computer or laptop (12%) l A smart television (11%) l A tablet (10%) l Smart home technology or device (12%) l A wearable device (7%). l People under age 50 are losing interest in tablets, but those

over 50 continue to buy them, with more than half (52%) owning one. l Adults 50-plus are using smartphones and tablets to maintain social connections, to find information, and for entertainment, but smaller percentages are using their device to conduct financial transactions (37%) or automate their home (16%). l Though 49% of people 50plus say they own a smart TV, only 42% are using streaming or online options to watch shows. l Nearly half (46%) of all owners of smart home assistants/smart speakers report not using the device daily.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

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NEWS

Pullman Hotels Needed to Accommodate Future Tourism Boom

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

Now that the Pullman Community Center is the Midwest headquarters for the Amateur Athletic Union and Chicago Sports Alliance national sporting events, Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) said hotels are needed in his ward.

“Tourism is about to take off on the Far South Side and a hotel is now needed to accommodate the droves of people expected to come to Pullman,” explained Beale, whose ward includes the 135,000-square-foot Pullman Community Center at 10355 S. Woodlawn Ave. Beale said as it stands now, tourists coming to Pullman would have to go to either, “Hyde Park or the south suburbs to find a hotel.” But added, “I don’t want any money leaving my neighborhood.”

While declining to say which hotel operators he has met with already, Beale told the Citizen that he’s been pursuing a hotel deal for quite some time and expects to attract one or more hotels to his ward this year.

“It is definitely a long-term project I have been working on. I want to ensure that when people come to Pullman to attend sporting events at the Pullman Community Center

(PCC) or visit the many historic attractions in Pullman like the National Monument or the Pullman Porters Museum that they have somewhere close to stay,” added Beale.

The PCC deal is expected to generate more interest in youth sporting events, said Jo Mirza, national treasurer for the AAU, which he said is the largest licensed event operator. In collaboration with the Chicago Sports Alliance, the AAU will now organize and operate tournaments, sporting leagues, sports clinics, and year-round programs that Mirza said would attract athletes and spectators from the community, neighboring areas and several Midwest states.

“We want to bring sporting events to urban neighborhoods like Pullman and give our young people a chance to compete in organized sporting events,” Mirza told the Citizen. “All youth that participate in our events are AAU members, but we hope to create opportunities from this partnership for all youth to be able to participate regardless if they are a member or not.”

Beale, who said he is a huge baseball fan, said a baseball and basketball tournament occurred late, last month at the PCC under the new deal, and that ultimately, these events would boost tourism on the Far South Side.

The Pullman Community Center on the Far South Side has been chosen by the nonprofits Amateur Athletic Union and Chicago Sports Alliance to serve as its Midwest hub for amateur sporting events for the next five years. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

“This five-year agreement is going to be a long lasting relationship. This partnership is going to bring more people to the community and it underscores the importance of a hotel,” said Beale.

“There’s going to be people coming here from all over the country to participate in these tournaments and there’s no place close for them to stay.”

The closest hotel to Pullman is the Baymont Inn & Suites, 510 East End Ave. in Calumet City, which is 5.8 miles away. And the closest Chicago hotel is the Hyatt Place Chicago, 5225 S. Harper Ave., which is 8.1 miles away in Hyde Park.

But not to be confused with the two, there’s a difference between a hotel and a motel.

A hotel is an establishment that provides accommodations, meals and other services for a short-time basis, while a motel is considered a

type of establishment, which is designed primarily for customers not staying overnight or several days, but checking out the same day. For example, the Royal Castle, 45 W. 103rd St. in Roseland, is a motel and not a hotel because it has hourly rates.

Not far from the PCC is Gatley Park, 744 E. 103rd St., where an indoor-track is under construction and will be used for youth activities.

One ambitious goal Beale said he is seeking for his ward is a casino.

“Can you imagine the possibilities for the Far South Side if a casino is built nearby? We’re talking about Metra stations already in Pullman and the Bishop Ford Expressway at our front door, so transportation getting this way is no problem,” added Beale. “We’re hot right now and there’s more to come so stay tuned.”

Illinois Housing Development Authority Expands Housing Options For Vulnerable Populations The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board of Directors has approved $42,251,973 in funding to create or restore 172 units of permanent supportive housing in nine communities across Illinois.

Awarded under Round VI of IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Development Program, the funding will support the construction or preservation of affordable housing provided in tandem with individualized supportive services designed to help vulnerable households attain stable housing and use it as a platform for health, recovery, and personal growth.

The developments will serve individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, households headed by persons living with a disability and residents who require supportive services to access and maintain stable housing.

“Everyone deserves equitable access to housing, healthcare and the support networks they need to live successful lives that are integrated in the community,” IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said. “Supportive housing is a proven, cost-effective solution that ensures our most vulnerable residents live with stability and autonomy, and this investment will make important headway to provide a wider range of community-based housing options for Illinois-

ans to choose from.”

Supportive housing combines permanent and accessible housing with supportive services appropriate to the needs and preferences of residents including case management, health services and referrals, and employment resources. IHDA’s PSH Development Program provides funding for the acquisition, new construction, redevelopment or adaptive re-use of supportive housing properties containing no more than 25 units, ensuring a balanced range of supportive housing options in diverse locations and neighborhoods are available to meet the individual housing and service needs and preferences of residents.

Financing for this PSH round was awarded from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the National Housing Trust Fund and the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program. In addition, Authority-administered rental assistance was committed under the Section 811 Rental Assistance Program and the Long Term Operating Support Program.

More details on the developments approved under this round of the PSH Development Program are below: Englewood Family Housing (Chicago): Funding will restore a building that was once a residence for survivors of domestic abuse into 13

renovated apartments with services designed to help families achieve better health outcomes.

Ogden Park Apartments (Chicago): Funding will help rehabilitate 25 units of supportive housing in the former St. Brendan’s Parish convent in the West Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. Supportive services will be provided onsite by Trilogy, a nonprofit organization with experience serving persons with special needs.

Lazarus Apartments (Chicago): Funding will help renovate a three-story, 15-unit building that is currently vacant and in need of repair. The renovated building will be reserved entirely for supportive housing populations who will have access to educational opportunities, job readiness programs, and technology access and training.

Morrison Manor (Collinsville): Funds will rehabilitate 22 units of supportive housing in Madison County. Residents will have access to services provided by Chestnut Health Systems and the Veterans Assistance Commission of Madison County.

Zion Woods (Deerfield): Funding will help create a new 25-unit development consisting of 13 units of supportive housing and 12 units of affordable workforce housing built on vacant land donated by Zion Evangelical Lutheran

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Church.

Mustacchi Manor (Matteson): Funds will help create a 16-unit supportive housing development designed to accommodate residents with physical disabilities. Residents will have case management and service coordination available through the Over the Rainbow Association.

Access Health & Housing (Maywood): Funds will support the construction of 20 units in nine new buildings on vacant land acquired from the Village of Maywood and the Cook County Land Bank. The development will serve residents transitioning out of nursing care facilities into community-based housing.

Madison Apartments II (Peoria): Funding will support the construction of 24 new supportive housing units for residents who are at-risk of homelessness. Supportive services will be provided by Phoenix Community Development Services.

Main Street Lofts (West Chicago): Funding will help the construction of a four-story, 24-unit building near transportation, education and recreational amenities. Services will be provided on-site by the Association for Individual Development, a provider of services that address the unique needs of individuals throughout every stage of their lives.

4 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

BUSINESS

This page is sponsored by

Survey: Less Than Half Of Employees Say Their Company Provides Remote Work Options; 76% Use This Perk When Offered How common are remote work arrangements? In a new survey from global staffing firm Robert Half, less than half of professionals (47%) said their company provides the option to work off-site.

Of those, 70% take advantage of the perk and work from home; an additional 6% do their job from another location, such as a café or shared office space. For the remaining 24%, not having the right technology (39%) and being less productive due to distractions (38%) are the main deterrents to working outside the office.

Companies today are taking steps to support staff who want more

In a new survey from global staffing firm Robert Half, less than half of professionals (47%) said their company provides the option to work remotely.

Of those, 70% take advantage of the perk and work from home; an additional 6% do their job from another location, such as a café or shared office space.

“IN AN EMPLOYMENT MARKET THAT FAVORS JOB SEEKERS, BUSINESSES NEED TO PROVIDE GREATER WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TOP PERFORMERS.” PAUL McDONALD

Senior Executive Director of Robert Half

flexibility. In a separate Robert Half survey of senior managers, more than half of respondents (56%) said their organization has expanded remote work opportunities for employees in the past three years.

“In an employment market that favors job seekers, businesses need to provide greater workplace flexibility to attract and retain top performers,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. “This goes beyond giving staff permission to work off-site or during nontraditional hours. Employers should check that professionals have the proper equipment and guidelines to do their jobs effectively outside the office.”

McDonald added, “It’s important for employees to realize that telecommuting isn’t the right solution for every person or every job. Individuals who are offered this perk can set themselves up for success by creating an optimal workspace and keeping in frequent touch with members of their team.”

Additional findings:

l Among the 28 U.S. cities in the survey, San Diego, Austin and Chicago have the most companies that provide remote arrangements. l Employees in Chicago, Phoenix and San Diego are most likely to work from home when given the opportunity. l More men (77%) than women (64%) work from home. About threequarters of working parents (74%) take advantage of this perk versus 64% of those without children. l Atlanta, San Diego and Minneapolis have the most senior managers who said they’ve increased remote work opportunities for employees in the past three years.

The online surveys were developed by Robert Half and conducted by independent research firms. They include responses from 2,800 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments, and more than 2,800 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees in 28 major U.S. cities.

T. Rowe Price Relaunches Money Confident Kids Website With Five-step Program T. Rowe Price has relaunched its Money Confident Kids® program, a financial education program teaching basic financial concepts to middle school-age children, as a new five-step program with a refreshed website. The five steps outlined on the new site are designed to build on each other and simplify the process of teaching core financial concepts to kids.

Since the launch of its financial education efforts in 2009, T. Rowe Price continues its mission of promoting financial capabilities and working to build confidence not only in kids, but also in adults who might struggle with how to navigate conversations about finances with kids. T. Rowe Price’s 2019 Parents, Kids & Money Survey found that half of parents have some reluctance to discuss money matters with their kids.

The Money Confident Kids program’s content is intended to be administered by an adult and serves as a turnkey solution for teachers, parents, and volunteers to discuss money matters with kids. By creating a more systematic process for adults, the program offers a shelf-ready approach to teaching financial concepts in the classroom and home. Each step has downloadable lessons and activities for kids. The refreshed site also includes games, tips, and other resources.

Over the past 10 years, T. Rowe Price’s financial education efforts have reached 12 million people.

For more information, visit troweprice.com or visit them on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and on Facebook.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CITIZEN | South End | Week of Feb. 5, 2020

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NEWS

5 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health Family Features - If you worry that you or someone you love will get heart disease or even have a heart attack, it’s understandable.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of social support may be the key to your success.

To mark American Heart Month, NHLBI, one of the National Institutes of Health, is inviting people across the country to team up and join #OurHearts, a national heart health initiative that encourages people to improve heart health together.

“Studies show that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits overall health, blood pressure, weight and more,” said NHLBI’s Dr. David Goff, director of cardiovascular sciences.

Consider these five tips that can help lower your risk of heart disease: Risk: Inactivity Solution: Move more throughout your day. Aim for at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity. Build up to activity that gets your heart beating faster and leaves you a little breathless. If you’re busy, try breaking your daily activity into 10-minute chunks.

Stay motivated: Make walking dates. Join a pickup soccer or basketball game. Join a fitness class with your neighbor. Grab a loved one and dance in your kitchen.

Risk: An unhealthy diet Solution: Consider an option

like NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is free and scientifically proven to lower high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Stay motivated: Invite friends to cook up heart healthy recipes together. Start a lunch club at work and trade recipe ideas.

Risk: Smoking, even occasionally Solution: Quitting can be beneficial to your overall health, even if you’ve smoked for years. Set a quit date and let those close to you know.

If you’ve tried quitting in the past, consider what helped and what made it harder.

Stay motivated: Ask your family and friends for support or join a support group. Find resources and connect with a trained counselor at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or smokefree. gov.

family member in a relaxing activity like walking, yoga or meditation every day.

Learn about heart health and heart

healthy activities in your community at nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts. Use #OurHearts on social media to share how you and your friends, colleagues

Fairness and Opportunity for Illinois Construction Workers SB 11407 is Bad for Skilled Construction Workers in Illinois Cons “The Community Builders program changed everything for me. It gave me opportunity where other paths were just roadblocks. I graduated last March and today I'm doing great work and making good money. My future is bright.

Risk: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep Solution: Sleeping 7-8 hours each night helps improve heart health.

Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight may also improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Resist that late afternoon nap. Turn off all screens at a set time nightly. Relax by listening to music, reading or taking a bath.

Risk: Uncontrolled stress Solution: To help manage stress, try relaxation therapy and increase physical activity. Talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone you trust. De-stressing may also help improve sleep.

Stay motivated: Join a friend or

or family members are being heart healthy together.

SOURCE: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

It's hard to believe this program is at risk.

How could any politician even think of eliminating this program?”

– Ike

First year electrical apprentice

Call your Representative today to vote “NO” on SB 1407 and preserve access for minorities to a future in the Illinois construction industry.

100 95 75

Find your Representative here: h ps://www.elections.il.gov/

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KeepWorkInIllinois.com to learn more.

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Research shows you can lower your risk, particularly if you team up with family, friends or co-workers. This kind of social support may be the key to your success. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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BLACK HISTORY

Chicago’s History Includes Black-Owned Businesses Then and Now

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

The local economy has gone up and down since 1980 and historians contend it has contributed to the success and demise of blackowned businesses that are forever cemented in Chicago’s rich history.

During the 1980s, the South Side was home to such thriving black-owned businesses like restaurants Army & Lou’s, Izola’s, Catfish Digby’s, and Glady’s on the South Side; Illinois Service Federal Savings and Loan in Bronzeville; Roberts Motels in Woodlawn; Johnson Publishing Company in the South Loop; and Chatham Food Market, Seaway Bank and Trust Co., Independence Bank, and the Chatham Pancake House, all in Chatham.

Today though, many black-owned businesses have either closed or are struggling financially to stay open, said historian Nathaniel Burton, who added this pace would continue until the mindset of black business owners change.

“You have a lot of black-owned businesses that are gone and in large part it is due to what I call ‘old school’ management style,” explained Burton. “You had businesses started by individuals with little to no college education or business experience. Just a dream and a passion to open their own business and not really zero in on how to successfully run a business.”

He added the founders for many blackowned businesses that are now closed did not have a succession plan either.

“There was no long-term thinking with the founders of these companies. It was mostly assumed that in the event of their death, their children or spouse would carry on the business even though they were never trained to do so,” he contends. “Poor planning has hurt black businesses in the past and to a certain degree it has hurt black businesses today too.”

Izola’s, 522 E. 79th St., is an example of a black-owned business that faltered due to poor management, according to its late owner Izola White.

White, who founded the restaurant in 1940 and died April 2018, said she trusted too many people to run her business when she fell ill and left management in the hands of “incompetent people,” she said in an August 2013 interview with DNAinfo Chicago. “I have no money, no family and no bank account. God knows my heart, and he knows I would do more to help myself if I could, but I can’t, and I need help getting back on my feet.”

And despite efforts to raise monies through a series of fundraisers organized by White’s then legal guardian, DeWayne Mason, the restaurant closed in March 2011.

“It hurts my heart to know she died broke and alone. She had many so-called ‘friends’ during the restaurant’s heydays like a few politicians who only came to the restaurant when they wanted a free meal. But in the end,

Despite Seaway Bank and Trust Co. being Chicago’s largest, black-owned bank (based on assets) it closed in 2017. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

all she had was a few, close friends (like myself) and Jesus as she made her transition to the next life,” Mason said.

But it wasn’t just black restaurants that closed.

There were also multi-million dollar businesses like Seaway Bank that also folded even though Seaway was Chicago’s largest blackowned, bank (based on assets.)

Melinda Kelly, president of the nonprofit Chatham Business Association, said she remembers when Seaway Bank, Izola’s and other local, black-owned businesses thrived.

“These were two very successful businesses that was supported heavily by the black community and I’m not just talking about here in Chicago but on a national level too,” recalled Kelly. “Prominent blacks would dine at Izola’s because it was known for its soul-food menu.

And Seaway met the financial needs of black individuals and businesses especially those that might not have been able to get a loan anywhere else.”

However, she pointed out that without a succession plan it becomes difficult for any business to transition leadership and stay successful.

“Having a succession plan in place is so important for a business and its future. There was no succession plan in place or family when it came to Izola’s,” added Kelly.

Moving forward, Kelly said while she loves working with black businesses, she would advise any black business to “become a part of a group like the Chatham Business Association that has a common mission of advancing your business interest,” she said. “And you must engage in the global economy because that’s when using technology comes into play.”

She added that one of the biggest blackowned businesses to collapse was Johnson Publishing Company, which published the popular Ebony and Jet magazines.

“Johnson Publishing came at a time when ‘we’ had no media companies. It filled a void that existed in the black community,” said Kelly. “But all publications are suffering today because the industry has changed and Johnson Publishing was no exception.”

Buritt Bulloch is founder and president of the Old Fashioned Donuts shop in Roseland where he still works 40 plus hours every week. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

(from left) Clerk of the circuit court of Cook County Dorothy Brown and the entrepreneur Izola White, founder of Izola’s restaurant in Chatham, were good friends until White’s April 2018 death. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

In June 2014, JPC published the final print version of Jet magazine before it became a digital publication only. And in 2016, it sold Ebony and Jet magazines to Clear Group View, a black-owned, private equity firm in Texas, only to file for bankruptcy in April 2019. Even its historic headquarters building in the South Loop was sold in 2010 to Columbia College Chicago.

Regardless of the local economy, which economists said is now healthy, some black, business owners said it is imperative that black businesses remain open and continue to be as a viable part of the community.

Spencer Leak Sr., president of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes on the South Side, said he is a staunch believer in black-owned businesses especially family-owned businesses.

“It’s important that ‘we’ look out for each other because we are all we have when it’s all said and done,” said Leak. “God founded my business and I try to use it to bless as many people as possible.”

Leak and Sons was founded in 1933 by the late Rev. A.R. Leak, and after originally being located at 4448 S. State St., it moved to its current location at 7838 S. Cottage Grove Ave. It also has a second location in south suburban Country Club Hills and plans to open a third location on the West Side in the near future.

Nowadays though, in order for small, black-

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Located in Bronzeville at 4606 S. State St. since its 1919 founding, Parker House Sausage Co., remains a black-owned business. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

owned business to stay afloat, it must have access to capital and be open to changes including with its leadership, said Buritt Bulloch, founder and president of the Old Fashioned Donuts shop in Roseland.

“You can’t just sit back and wait on someone to make things happen for your business. The person making things happen should be you,” said Bulloch, who opened his donut shop at 11248 S. Michigan Ave. in 1972.

At 80-years-old, Bulloch still works 40 plus hours a week at the shop but said he plans to scale back his work schedule soon and let his children and grandchildren take the lead.

“I don’t want to call it retirement but I’m getting too old for this and it’s time to hand it off to the next generation,” said Bulloch. “My daughters and granddaughter work here with me and they will be the ones who carry on the family business after me.”

Besides Leak and Sons, there are several black-owned businesses that have withstood economic challenges and that are still operating today. Those longtime businesses include Reggio’s Pizza Inc. in West Chatham; East Lake Management Group Inc., Parker House Sausage Co. and the Chicago Defender in Bronzeville; Old Fashioned Donuts in Roseland; Calahan Funeral Home in Englewood; 50 Yard Line in Park Manor; Wesley’s Shoes in Hyde Park; and WVON AM in the South Loop.

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ENTERTAINMENT Apeman Rex takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, resiliency and finding home

Beyoncé And Sony/ATV Music Publishing Sign Global Agreement Courtesy: Parkwood Entertainment

Beyoncé And Sony/ATV Music Publishing Sign Global Agreement Beyoncé and Sony/ATV Music Publishing recently announced a global agreement covering the music icon’s entire song catalog, including seminal hits from her start with Destiny’s Child, through her unparalleled collection of solo works written throughout her career.

“I am excited for what’s to come with my continued partnership with Jon Platt in his new leadership role at Sony/ATV,” said Beyoncé.

“Jon’s the executive who understands the creative mindset and continues to be both an advocate and protector. It has been an honor working with Jon from the start of my career.”

Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Jon Platt said, “Beyond all of her well-deserved accolades and accomplishments, Beyoncé is simply one of the most driven and impactful talents I know. I’ve had the privilege of making incredible music with her throughout her career and she continues to set the bar for creative expression in all forms.

Beyoncé inspires generations with her songs and

I am honored to reunite with her at Sony/ATV.” Beyoncé is the most critically-acclaimed music artist of her generation. With a fearless focus on feminism, advocacy and empowerment, Beyoncé has revolutionized the global entertainment industry with singular, culture-shifting albums such as Lemonade and Homecoming. In 2013, with the surprise release of her eponymous visual album, Beyoncé disrupted the music industry’s standard, ultimately impacting the timing of album releases from Tuesdays to Fridays.

Her many career highlights include 23 Grammy Awards, 22 Billboard No. 1 hits, 26 MTV Video Music Awards and 9 American Music Awards, a Peabody Award, among countless prestigious honors. Additionally, Beyoncé stands as the most-awarded artist at the BET Awards and Soul Train Music Awards.

Celebrated for her inventive approach to live performance and video, she has also made an indelible impact beyond music to include

fashion, film, entrepreneurship and the world of philanthropy.

With a prolific output of songs spanning nearly two decades, Beyoncé consistently dominates the world’s music charts, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time with more than 100 million records sold. She has written or co-written major hits across multiple genres that include No. 1 songs such as Crazy In Love (ft. JAY-Z), Irreplaceable, Independent Women and Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), as well as Top 10 hits Baby Boy, Formation and Survivor, among many others.

Throughout her career, she has recorded with superstar artists including Ed Sheeran, Drake, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott and Kendrick Lamar, to name a few. In addition, Beyoncé became the first AfricanAmerican woman and the second woman ever to take home the ASCAP Pop ‘Songwriter of the Year’ Award for her work with Destiny’s Child.

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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Author Marsalis has released a new children’s book, a story that demonstrates how its protagonist deals with an unexpected major life change. “APEMAN REX,” is about an ape from the Stone Age who finds himself in a robot-dominated 31st century. This book invites all ages on a journey of self-discovery, resiliency and finding home. Although primarily for children, the life lessons and values given can be relatable to adults as well.

The main character, Apeman, is zapped into the future and has to figure out how to get back home. The book follows his journey as readers are left to wonder if he will be stuck in the future forever.

“I wanted to create something that was both fun and reflective.

Something that could entertain children yet also teaches values, lessons, and ideas that will stick with them forever.”

When writing and illustrating the book, Marsalis was inspired by the powerful, unpolished simplicity of prehistoric cave and rock paintings.

“It is one of the few art forms that connects us all,” Marsalis said.

Marsalis was born in 1989. He spent his childhood composing picture epics and giving lectures.

At the age of 17, he published his first novel, MARCH OF THE LIBERTINES, and found refuge in club-hopping. After graduating cum laude from the University of Michigan, Marsalis published works in every literary style and genre.

He is the founder of the pop music blog PARAPHERNALIA and was featured in the 2019 short fiction anthology FIVE MINUTES AT HOTEL STORMCOVE. He loves bubblegum, fast cars, and silent cinema. Marsalis currently lives in Detroit.

The book is $6.00 and available for purchase at: https://www. saintmarsalis.com/apemanrex/.

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How Well Do You Know History?

In Celebration Of Black History Month

Former President Bill Clinton pays homage to Ebony Jet Pioneer and Founder John H. Johnson

Reproduction of these photos are prohibited. Photos by Jerome Simmons

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

Swiping payment cards at the pump could put your card information at risk (BPT) - Have you paid for gas recently at the pump where you've had to swipe your credit or debit card?

At gas stations across the U.S., criminals are skimming cards and stealing payment card data from consumers paying at older fuel pumps. This is because the majority of fuel stations still use insecure outdoor fuel pumps with point of sale (POS) systems that read the magnetic stripe on the back of a payment card to process the purchase of gas instead of POS systems that use more secure EMV(R) chip card readers.

In fact, the U.S. Secret Service estimates that roughly 20 to 30 skimmers are discovered a week on fuel pumps, with an average of about 80 payment cards copied on it when the skimmers are removed.

Stolen payment account information can be subsequently printed onto duplicate credit or debit cards, and used by criminals to make unauthorized purchases at stores and fuel pumps that do not have chipenabled POS systems - draining a cardholder's checking or savings account or maximizing their credit card balance. The industry calls this counterfeit payment fraud or counterfeit card fraud.

Currently, counterfeit payment fraud experienced by fuel merchants at the pump is absorbed by the financial institution that

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issued the payment card to the consumer.

That's about to change.

Fraud dollars may be absorbed by independent and franchise owners of fuel stations on Oct. 1, 2020 if their pumps are not upgraded to process chip cards. Depending on how much fraud a station experiences, it could become a significant burden to station owners.

But this can be avoided.

For Visa cards, liability for fraud dollars stays with card-issuing financial institutions and does not shift to station owners if fuel pumps are chip-enabled.

Chip technology is proven to prevent counterfeit fraud. In fact, according to payment company Visa, non-fuel merchants that are chip enabled have experienced a significant 81 percent decrease in counterfeit fraud dollars. However, troubling statistics show only about 7 percent of fuel pumps nationwide are processing chip transactions.

For station owners, there's no time to waste - contact your hardware or fuel provider for information on how to upgrade your pumps. For consumers, make sure to pay with a chip card at a fuel pump that is chip-enabled. If you're not sure if the pump is safe, pay inside with your chip card.

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com

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Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com

Classified Advertising call us at

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

SOUTH END

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

SOUTH SUBURBAN

Personal assistant Full-time, Permanent employment 61/2 hours/day 5-days/week must have a valid driver’s license

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

as driving is necessary. Please call (773) 233-5678

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

After 6:00 P.M.

HYDE PARK

CHICAGO WEEKEND

HELP WANTED JOB OFFER PERSONAL CAREGIVER ASSISTANT POSTION MUST HAVE DRIVER’S LICENSE CALL (773) 233-5678 ASK FOR PAUL CALL AFTER 6:00 P.M. _______________________________________

CREDIT REPAIR RESTORING YOUR CREDIT SCORE STARTS WITH YOU. . .

CALL YOUR CREDIT MAINTENANCE GURU REPRESENTATIVE MR. FREDRICK TODAY AT

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger

CREDIT RESTORATION SERVICES

REAL ESTATE HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM _______________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ______________________________________

WANTED TO BUY Paying Cash For Comics! Top national comic buyer will be in your area, paying cash for vintage comics (1970 & earlier).

Call Will: 866-461-0640 __________________________________ Freon Wanted: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-598-1758 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com __________________________________

AT (218) 833-3769 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m Monday thru. Friday DON’T HESITATE TO CALL US FOR A FAST AND FREINDLY REPAIR. LEAVE THE WORK TO US. WE CAN DO THE JOB. WE WORK TO CLEAN UP YOUR CREDIT SCORE WITH THE ALL THREE MAJOR CREDIT BUREAUS. _______________________________________

Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

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