South End Citizen 3-3-2021

BLACK HISTORY FOCUS 365

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 Week of March 3, 2021

| Vol. 54 | No. 4 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH END

From Ferguson to Chicago: New Salvation Army Commanders Make Black History Page 9

DJ TALKS ABOUT COVID PIVOT, MUSIC AND WHAT’S NEXT

Duerell Jones used to play around with DJ equipment for years, but it wasn’t until 2008 that he really got serious about being a DJ. He put himself on a schedule and practiced for 20 hours a week in his basement.

PAGE 2 Duerell Jones is a DJ and founder of Spark Entertainment Group, a private event DJ company. He will launch iloveblackweddings.com, which will serve to educate Brides and Grooms on the wedding planning process and will feature some of the top Black Wedding Professionals across the country. Photo provided by Charisse Barnachea

More Black Americans Report Permanently Changing Their Spending and Saving Habits as a Direct Result of the Pandemic

Relativity Partners with Rise Academy at Chicago State University

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Serving The Black Community For Decades |

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2 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of March 3, 2021

NEWS briefly EDUCATION 33% GROWTH FOR DIGITAL BOOKS FROM PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND SCHOOLS IN 2020 SETS RECORDS Librarians and educators achieved record levels of digital book circulation in 2020. Readers worldwide borrowed 430 million ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines in the past 12 months, a 33% increase over 2019. This significant growth was influenced by the pandemic, social justice and remote learning. Data were reported by OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for 65,000 libraries and schools worldwide.

Social unrest and widespread civil protests had a profound impact on the world and libraries expertly responded.

Digital books about social justice and those written by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) or by a member of the marginalized community from which it depicts (Own Voices) experienced 165% YoY circulation growth. White Fragility, So You Want to Talk about Race, The Hate U Give and others became top 10 titles checked out during 2020.

HEALTH

ASSOCIATION OF BLACK CARDIOLOGISTS ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR 2021 BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH MOMNIBUS The Association of Black Cardiologists has endorsed the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021, a historic legislative package introduced by Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL14) and Alma Adams (NC-12), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus.

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act will build on existing maternal health legislation, like policies to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage, with 12 bills to comprehensively address every dimension of America’s maternal health crisis.

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act makes investments in social determinants of health, community-based organizations, the growth and diversification of the perinatal workforce, improvements in data collection, and support for moms and babies exposed to climate change-related risks. In addition to direct efforts to improve Black maternal health outcomes, the Momnibus focuses on high-risk populations, including veterans, incarcerated people, Native Americans, and other women and birthing people of color.

LAW & POLITICS

MIT SLOAN STUDY FINDS STRONG EVIDENCE OF POLITICAL BIAS IN FORMATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA TIES A recent experiment conducted on Twitter by MIT Sloan School of Management Prof. David Rand and MIT Sloan Research Affiliate Mohsen Mosleh, who is also a professor at the University of Exeter Business School, shows that politics matter a lot when strangers are forming new social ties. They found that Democrats and Republicans are equally likely to favor people who share their party affiliation when deciding who to follow.

“Our experiment shows that shared partisanship does indeed have a large impact on social tie formation. People on both sides of the political divide were roughly three times more likely to form social ties with strangers who identify with the same party, compared to counter-partisans,” says Rand. Their study also found that these new social ties were not just based on pre-existing social circles or algorithmsuggested connections. Rather, people in the study were much more likely to connect with total strangers simply because of shared political views.

“These results emphasize the fundamental psychological bias many people have against interacting with those who do not share their partisanship,” says Rand. “Should social media platforms want to foster more connection across party lines, they will likely need to use friend recommendation algorithms to counteract the preexisting bias our study demonstrates.”

DJ talks about COVID Pivot, Music and What’s Next Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Duerell Jones used to play around with DJ equipment for years, but it wasn’t until 2008 that he really got serious about being a DJ. He put himself on a schedule and practiced for 20 hours a week in his basement.

Jones, known as DJ D.Jones, is the founder of Spark Entertainment Group, a company that specializes in upscale private event experiences.

Jones, who mostly DJs weddings, said when COVID-19 first hit, the first week, he was at a loss of direction. He said he had to adjust to being a DJ four to five times a week to working with clients to reschedule. He said he was still booking consultations with new clients.

Jones said COVID has allowed him to reassess his processes and to look deeper at his marketing.

Jones said things have actually been good, considering the circumstances.

They are still booking two to four events a week and Jones said he talks to five or six new clients a week.

During the first part of COVID-19, Jones and the six DJs that make up Spark Entertainment Group streamed

their sets, using Facebook to host day parties. Now, each of the DJs have created their own stream brands online.

Jones does Hotel Jones via twitch on Wednesdays for two hours.

“On my Twitch, I play what I want to play so, that’s the fun part about that.

What I’m playing when I’m streaming, everything from throwback R&B to current R&B, a lot of Hip Hop, it’s usually thematic,” he said. “I try not to play music that I actually play out in real life because that’s what we always do and that’s what most people hear when they go out. Being able to stream gives me the opportunity to actually get into my personal bag and play some things I like, versus always playing what’s hot right now.”

Jones said his personal favorite is Down South Hip Hop, Down South Rap. He said 2Chains is a favorite artist of his. He said Down South Rap that he likes comes from Atlanta and Houston. He said he also listens to a lot of Chicago artists.

Jones said when he first approached becoming a DJ in 2008-2009, he had no intentions of becoming a private event DJ, all he wanted to do was clubs and bars. He said he started going out checking the market, he said the money wasn’t right because they don’t pay DJs

right in clubs and bars.

He has advice for people who want to DJ, but who don’t want to DJ in establishments.

“Create your own brand and do the work you want to do, but make money at the same time,” he said. “Build you[r] own brand and create your own market and go outside of that. I’ve been way more successful than I probably would’ve been than if I had stayed only in the club circuit.”

Jones said he is helping the next generation of DJs by talking to them about following their dreams of becoming a professional DJ. He said he tries to be as much of a mentor as possible. “I’m talking to young DJs about establishing themselves as a business. That means go get your LLC, that means open up a bank account, separate your business earnings from your personal income,” he said. “I encourage people to step outside the box.

And, I encourage you to look at DJing as a viable way to make a good living.”

Jones also has a Facebook Group, I Love Black Weddings, and is launching a website, iloveblackweddings.com. He said it is a way to educate brides and grooms on the process of planning a wedding.

It will also feature some of the top Black wedding professionals in the country.

Donald E. Lassere Named President and CEO of Chicago History Museum President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center Begins New Role on April 12 Following a diligent search process and subsequent vote by the board of trustees, the Chicago History Museum recently announced that Donald E. Lassere, President of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY will succeed Gary T. Johnson as Museum president. Johnson is retiring after more than 15 years as president at CHM. The presidential search committee was led by Daniel S. Jaffee, CHM’s board chair. The committee included ten board members and was assisted by an external consulting firm. The search took many months and culminated in finalists’ participation in virtual town hall meetings with museum staff and a safe, in-person museum visit.

“Conducting our search during the COVID-19 pandemic certainly posed some challenges, as initial vetting and interviews were done virtually,” said Jaffee.

“I am grateful for the time and passion each committee member dedicated to the process, and proud of the decision we made. Thanks to the incredible job that Gary Johnson and his team have done over the years, the museum was in the envious position of being a very attractive landing spot for highly qualified candidates, and we are excited to welcome Donald Lassere to his new role.”

Born in Chicago, Lassere and his

family moved several times during his youth before returning to the city, where he graduated from Percy Julian High School. Motivated by his love for history and experiences in nonprofits, cultural spaces and the private sector, Lassere plans to leverage his diverse background by honing CHM’s audiences and providing valuable experiences for all visitors.

“Chicago holds such importance in my life, and I am thrilled to return to my hometown to work with the dynamic team at the Chicago History Museum and lead with the mission to share Chicago stories at top of mind,” said Lassere.

“I believe we have an incredible opportunity to be truth tellers at CHM, sharing both the beautiful and unpleasant sides of our history that have shaped Chicago as we know it. CHM’s collection holds countless stories that have yet to be told, and I am honored to lead the institution in providing our visitors an inspiring, fun and educational experience.”

Lassere joins CHM with notable experience across industries. He has been president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center and Museum (MAC) since 2012, providing leadership that enhanced the reputation of the center on a local, national and global basis.

Before his work at MAC, Lassere served in numerous roles, including

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senior vice president for Scholarship America, where he led Scholarship Management Services, the nation’s largest administrator of education assistance programs. In addition, he implemented grassroots programs to serve students in almost 4,000 communities and provide financial aid opportunities. He is an adjunct professor of organizational behavior and leadership at University of Louisville’s MBA and Entrepreneurial MBA programs.

Lassere is active in several community organizations and committees. He is Board Chair of the Louisville Visitor and Convention Bureau, served as a member of the selection committee for the Grawemeyer Award in Education, and was a board member of the Louisville Downtown Development Corporation, among other organizations.

“I welcome Donald Lassere back to Chicago and am very excited about the new perspectives he will bring,” said Johnson. “I am grateful to the people of Chicago for the privilege of leading Chicago’s own museum for almost 16 years. With Donald Lassere as president, the best is yet to come.

Gary Johnson will remain president of CHM while Lassere and his family relocate to Chicago. Lassere will begin at CHM on April 12.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of March 3, 2021

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NEWS

More Black Americans Report Permanently Changing Their Spending and Saving Habits as a Direct Result of the Pandemic The pandemic continues to create financial challenges for all Americans, but research from Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) shows that minorities are among those hit hardest.

The company’s October 2020 Consumer Sentiment Tracker found Black consumers (32%) are most likely to have experienced job loss as a result of the pandemic – a situation that inevitably contributes to their top financial concerns of not having enough emergency savings (42%) and not being able to cover day-today expenses (41%).

The Crisis Drives Change Black Americans went on to express their current financial mindset is most impacted by the events of recent months.

According to the research, 74% are planning to make permanent changes to the way they spend and save due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Furthermore, 75% are planning for their financial future differently as a result of the pandemic, prompting a growing appetite for financial planning resources.

Black consumers (67%) are most likely to say they are reading and learning about financial markets and investing, as well as thinking about whether they have the right insurance (61%). This is a solid foundation to build upon in order to create positive financial outcomes.

“Our goal is to help Black Americans and all consumers understand the importance of saving for retirement and creating generational

Eric D. Bailey CFP®, founder of Bailey Wealth Advisors in Silver Spring, Md. and a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors. Photo: Business Wire

wealth, as well as educate on how to take those first steps toward making it reality,” said Eric D. Bailey CFP®, founder of Bailey Wealth Advisors in Silver Spring, Md. and a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors. “By tapping into online budgeting tools, calculators and other resources, people can make small changes that really add up in the long run. A financial plan doesn’t

have to be complicated—I like to think of it as a roadmap to ensure you’re on track to achieving the life you envision for the future.”

Three Tips to Build Wealth Bailey offers three recommendations to help both Black consumers and all Americans build wealth and achieve the retirement they envision for themselves and their families:

Focus on education and financial literacy – from a young age. In a consumer-driven economy, it is important to recognize the benefits, as well as the challenges, that money presents. For example, first-time credit card users may not understand compound interest rates or the consequences of bad credit until it is much too late. Learning the true value of proper budgeting, credit worthiness and smart money management early is the foundation for a lifetime of good financial habits.

Make longevity planning a priority. Building and sustaining wealth is a process, one in which consumers should match lifelong financial goals to life expectancy. This requires strategic planning and a true desire to create a legacy for oneself, family and community.

Consumers should address any unique financial needs early to help ensure that every aspect of their wealth picture is understood and incorporated into their long-term plan. The sooner the process starts, the stronger the outcome.

Meet with a financial professional.

A financial professional can provide valued expertise that fits a consumer’s specific situation and goals. Certified Financial Professionals (CFPs) in particular have special training and expertise in interpreting today’s complicated tax strategies, insurance options and economic forecasts in a way that strategically meets consumers’ uniquely personal needs Translating Optimism into Outcomes The study went on to show that

Black consumers express the most positive feelings—hopeful (28%), interested (22%) and opportunistic (17%)—when it comes to financial planning. They prefer to learn about financial products by seeking out advice from a financial professional (39%) followed by financial services companies (28%).

“While it’s good news that more Black Americans are feeling optimistic, the research also indicates there is still work to be done,” said Bailey.

“Unfortunately, the wealth gap for African Americans remains significant. In addition, when insurance and retirement solutions fall lower on the priority list due to a crisis like job loss, it then affects longterm financial outcomes for people and their families. For that reason, we are committed to educating the community about the importance of planning for their financial future.”

Bailey and his practice are not alone in their commitment to the Black community. In September 2020, Lincoln Financial Group announced its plan to amplify the company’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion and drive meaningful, measurable change. As part of that long-term plan, Lincoln will continue to grow its professional network of Black financial advisors and planners to support advisor recruiting and development efforts, and to help define new strategies for supporting Black clients.

Visit www.lincolnfinancial.com for more tools, resources and other tips on how to protect the ones you love the most.

Relativity Partners with Rise Academy at Chicago State University Relativity, a global legal and compliance technology company, recently announced that it has forged a new partnership with Rise Academy, Chicago State University’s (CSU) first-year student success program.

Through this partnership, four Relativity employees will become mentors for eight Rise Scholars.

These mentors have experience in engineering, cybersecurity and business, and will draw on their own experiences to help guide and advise the students on their personal college and career journeys.

“As a talent-first organization, it is imperative that we continue to think critically about how we can attract, develop and retain talent, and provide the right resources to those in our community who are working toward their college degrees and launching

their careers,” said Mike Gamson, chief executive officer at Relativity.

“Relativity recognizes the importance of strong talent development and the impact of connecting that talent to key career opportunities. I’m thrilled that we are partnering with the Rise Academy program at CSU so we can help these incredible scholars prepare for tomorrow’s job market and set them up for success.”

“As an alum of Chicago State University, I know firsthand the importance of these partnerships,” said Lazarus Goosby, CSU Alumnus ‘08 and president of the CSU Alumni Council Advisory Board. “We have an obligation as a community to lift up our students and Relativity has stepped up to do just that not only monetarily, but more importantly through mentorship, resource shar-

ing and providing Rise Scholars with real-world experiences.”

CSU has long held an agenda grounded in equity, prioritizing increasing Black and Latinx communities’ access to college, and it recognizes that for far too many students, a range of obstacles prevent them from enrolling in or completing college.

Rise Academy offers a tuition-free scholarship for all eligible incoming freshman scholars and is a year-long program that provides intensive academic support such as: embedded tutoring, intensive advising, individualized support on students’ academic and career pathway, and intentional efforts to build community between students and faculty.

Recent events like COVID-19 have made it more difficult for some students and families to continue www.citizennewspapergroup.com

their studies. As a result, CSU felt the need to do more. Hence the launch of Rise Academy, an initiative to drive measurable and sustainable results to close the Black and Latinx education and wealth gap in Chicago and the State of Illinois. In addition to a tuition-free scholarship, it offers eligible incoming freshmen the tools they will need to succeed in their first year of college, including a strong community of classmates, professors, and advisors.

“Chicago State University is Illinois’s only 4-year Predominantly Black Institution, as designated by the Department of Education, and 78 percent of our student population is Black or Latinx and as a university, we have rallied together to support these students, many of whom are still suffering the devastating effects of

COVID-19,” said Zaldwaynaka Scott, president at CSU, “Our partnership with Relativity is a tangible demonstration of CSU’s unwavering commitment to our students and faculty as we work with intention to strengthen the university’s infrastructure.”

In addition to the mentors’ handson participation through this partnership, Relativity Chief Technology Officer Keith Carlson will be joining CSU’s Computer Science Program’s External Advisory Committee to advise on curricula to ensure CSU is offering industry-aligned, cutting-edge education. Relativity has also donated $50,000 in scholarships to seven of Rise Academy’s firstyear students at CSU and this will help not only cover their tuition but include a personal laptop, textbooks and the campus healthcare plan.

4 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of March 3, 2021

BUSINESS City Treasurer’s Office Creates a Scorecard for Broker Dealer Selection Process In her first year, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin’s office revolutionized the way cities invest in, and contract with, financial institutions.

Her office became the first in the nation to create a scorecard entitled the Chicago City Treasurer Broker Dealer Diversity Scorecard (Scorecard) that was designed to measure a firm’s leadership efforts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) as well as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to assist in the Broker Dealer selection process.

This year, the process is enhanced with Version 2.0 that will assess 30% of the selection based on the firm’s DE&I and CSR efforts. “Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S. with 2.7 million residents; 30% of our population is Black and 30% is Hispanic,”explains Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin. “Our Scorecard is about leveraging our taxpayer dollars for impact. My mission is to have all firms we do business with to care about and improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This office is not about just making money, we are also about changing lives.”

Version 2.0 of the Scorecard upped the ante for broker dealers. “We did a much broader assessment of a firm’s market capabilities and execution metrics based on inventories held, new issue banking activity, market specialty, and access to research.

Firms were grouped by cohorts determined by their size so they could be evaluated fairly, and the scoring was weighted to address our specific buying needs,” says Craig A. Slack, deputy treasurer, chief investment officer, Office of the City Treasurer. “We also asked more in-depth questions around diversity programming and CSR.” The scoring of the firms was broken down as follows: • 70% of the score is assigned to market capabilities and execution metrics across 9 asset classes.

• 20% of the score is based on Diversity Programming efforts, demographics and policies.

• 10% of the score is based on firm efforts related to Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy.

An example of questions posed to the firms: • Is the percentage of underrepresented, racial minorities in all roles within your U.S. Enter-

prise above 20%?

• Is the percentage of underrepresented, racial minorities in executive roles within your U.S. Enterprise above 10%?

• Is the percentage of women in executive roles within your U.S. Enterprise above 30%?

The Scorecard initiative by the Chicago City Treasurer’s Office is starting to gain interest in the investment community after being discussed at two global panels on diversity, equity, and inclusion by the Deputy Treasurer, Chief Investment Officer.

“When you have a constituency like ours, it’s important for us to establish ourselves as a thought leader in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

I think driving a stake in the ground and saying these are the things that are important to us and this is what we expect from the brokers we do business with is the right place to start,” states Slack at the PRI Digital Forum.

Because of the new Scorecard, some broker dealers were not allowed to return. “We have really tried to make the process as objective as possible, but, in general, firms that are laggards in the area of DE&I and CSR are taken out of consideration to become approved broker dealers.

In this past year, we went from 58 approved brokers to 33 and this year, we are at 28. This year, 43% of the firms we approved qualified as MBE, WBE, and DBE status, but more importantly, we believe that all the firms we are approved to do business with have established themselves as industry leaders in diversity programming. We now have established a watermark by which we can measure improvement and deterioration,” states Slack.

It is vital to the Treasurer’s Office that the firms they do business with understand the importance of this effort. Others have expressed interest in this Chicago Model for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “I really need partnerships. I need more people like me to start implementing the Scorecard so we can help drive that metric and that conversation across a broader platform, so that’s what we’re really going to look to push with this particular RFI,” says Slack.

For more information and to see a list of the approved Broker Dealers, visit Chicago City Treasurer’s website at https://www. chicagocitytreasurer.com

How to shift from confrontation to negotiation in 2021 Research suggests that as businesses become more global -- with mergers, acquisitions and partnerships -- it’s increasingly important to understand the nuances of the entire negotiation process.

According to Eliane Karsaklian, author of “The After-Deal: What Happens After You Close a Deal?” (IAP– Information Age Publishing, Inc.), one effective business survival strategy is to understand that the negotiation process is not over once the deal is signed.

“Negotiation is a whole process integrating several phases: preparation, the negotiation at the table of negotiation, and the after-deal, which is always neglected not only in publications but also in the professional practice,” said Karsaklian, clinical professor of marketing in the College of Business Administration at the University of Illinois Chicago.

The after-deal is the last phase of the negotiation process. It’s how you prepare your business to enforce the deal. That goes from operations and action plans to relationships with your partners.

The cultural differences at all levels (national, industrial, and corporate) emerge when you enforce the contract because this is when companies should cooperate, Karsaklian said. This is also when negotiators realize that their business practices are very different and sometimes incompatible with their partners’ practices.

Karsaklian argues that when it comes to negotiations, longterm (occurring over a long period of time) and long-lasting (enduring over a long period of time) are not the same.

“For a relationship to be sustainable, it requires constant adaptation from all parties,” she said. “If you don’t predict most cultural differences’ impact in putting your contract into action during the negotiation process, and don’t integrate the potential issues in your contract, it will be hard to have a long-term relationship with your partners, let alone sustainable ones.”

Good after-deal behavior is to keep working closely with the people you just signed the contract with and understand that adjustments might be needed and cope with them willingly, Karsaklian said. Most of them are predictable, she added.

“The main mistake is thinking that you can turn the page once you signed the contract and let things just happen without monitoring the contract enforcement along with your partners,” she said. “A big mistake is to refuse to consider amendments in the contract when it is needed

According to Eliane Karsaklian, author of “The After-Deal: What Happens After You Close a Deal?” (IAP– Information Age Publishing, Inc.), one effective business survival strategy is to understand that the negotiation process is not over once the deal is signed.

and accuse your partners of attempting to renegotiate the terms of the deal you have already signed.”

Karsaklian said with all the mergers and acquisitions, companies are creating big corporations. As a result, there will be fewer options for partnerships as time goes by.

“If you think short-term and expect to switch partners frequently, you might end up with no choice at all which can jeopardize your business’s sustainability,” she said. “If you integrate your after-deal in your negotiation process, you don’t need to start all over again every time some contract reaches its end. In other words, if you think short-term you can’t expect long-term results.”

Lack of flexibility, lack of cultural awareness, and the assumption that the negotiation is over after the deal is signed are the main mistakes made during the after-deal phase of negotiations.

“The best analogy is marriage: after you get married (sign the contract), your life with your partner starts,” Karsaklian said. “This is when you start noticing differences in your habits, behavior and preferences. If you want to keep going with them despite the differences, you will need to comply with daily adaptation (long-lasting). Or, you will end your relationship and look for someone else (short-term).”

For a more comprehensive understanding of the role of the after-deal in the negotiation process, read “The Negotiation Process. Before, During and After You Close a Deal” (Austin Macauley Publishers, LLC) by Professor Karsaklian. In this new book, she lays down the whole process of negotiation, explaining in detail how to succeed at negotiations thanks to thorough preparation, the right attitude, behavior at the negotiation table, and the unavoidable after-deal follow-up.

The Home Depot to Donate $1 Million to Support Campus Improvements at Historically Black Colleges and Universities The Home Depot ® will contribute $1 million in grants to support campus improvements at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its annual Retool Your School program, for which voting is now open.

Established in 2009, the program has emphasized HBCUs’ vital role in the American higher education system. This year, the home improvement retailer is doubling its Retool Your School commitment to fund 30 projects, providing $20,000 to $75,000 grants

per school.

HBCU students, alumni and advocates can vote for their favorite HBCUs through Twitter and Instagram using the school’s designated hashtag found at retoolyourschool.com or through the voting portal also on the website.

There are three school clusters, based on student population, and the ten schools with the most votes per cluster will be awarded the campus improvement grants. Voting is unlimited and ends on March 15, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. EST.

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“Since 2009, The Home Depot has continued to increase its investment in campus improvements for HBCUs,” said Derek Bottoms, chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer for The Home Depot. “In addition to other HBCU initiatives supported by The Home Depot over the years, we are doubling our Retool Your School commitment to $1 million for 2021. We are ensuring that, upon their return to campus, HBCU students have an upgraded environment that enhances their educational

experience as they progress on their journey to become the next generation of leaders.”

Retool Your School has provided more than $3.1 million for 117 sustainable campus improvement projects for 87% of the nation’s HBCUs. In total, more than 36 million votes have been cast in support of participating schools.

Winners will be announced in April 2021. For more information on The Home Depot’s Retool Your School, visit retoolyourschool.com.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of March 3, 2021

NEWS

Entrepreneur Eric Seals is growing Digifé with a focus on diversity in storytelling When Eric Seals made the jump from freelance videographer to business owner, he knew exactly what kind of equipment and cameras were needed to be successful. But he was less sure about his needs when it came to accountants, lawyers, insurance and bankers.

“When I started, I just went to the bank I was personally banking at. I didn’t understand the different relationships between personal banking and business banking. I was denied and didn’t understand why,” said Seals, owner of Digifé, the video production company he founded in 2012 that will produce, film edit and deliver creative video content for any medium, with an emphasis on diverse storytelling.

Seals, who started his career as a video editor at ESPN out of college, fell in love with the work when his father, who studied broadcasting in college, came home one day with new equipment and gear. “I was blessed, at the age of 16, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

While he honed his craft and learned a lot about the industry during his two years at ESPN, the job he’d dreamed about landing wasn’t the holy grail he’d imagined it to be. “Connecticut wasn’t my thing,” said Seals, who returned to Chicago and spent a few years freelancing before starting his own business. Several years later he was hired to produce a video series highlighting some of the local Black and minorityowned businesses that work with Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Micro Finance Group (CNIMFG), and he met Erica King, its president.

“I was interviewing people and listening to Erica talking about what they do, and I said ‘Erica, I never do this, but can we set up an interview to talk?’” And the rest, as they say, is history. She reviewed his budget, provided technical assistance and helped him apply for and secure his first loan through CNIMFG. As a community development financial institution, CNIMFG provides small business loans to low- to moderate-income individuals and entrepreneurs on Chicago’s South and West Sides – 92% of which are minority-owned, including 82% Blackowned.

“I didn’t even understand why I needed access to capital,” said Seals, who learned the importance of securing a loan before he really

Entrepreneur Eric Seals

needed it. “That loan came at the perfect time.

We had the opportunity for a new project and that loan was sitting in my bank account. The money is there when you need it.”

Seals got approval for his second loan recently – one that CNIMFG said was made possible by a recent $1 million donation it received from from U.S. Bank to support small businesses. The donation is the latest commitment in more than a decade of investments in Chicago’s South and West Sides.

“It excites me to be able to help a business grow,” King said. “Eric has been with us for a while and we’ve seen him grow from a start-up business.

And that’s essentially the business we’re in.”

Like many businesses, the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty for Digifé; he told his Pilsen-based team in March there was a good chance he’d have to cut payroll or let someone go. As it became clear that neither COVID-19 nor working virtually was going away anytime soon, his business exploded with the increased demand for video, and he’s added a fourth and fifth employee this year.

“This has probably been one of my most stressful years. And it’s been my strongest year.

We’ve grown by 40-50 percent. I’m blessed and glad we’re adding new people to support that.”

He's had the working capital to support that growth and purchase cameras needed for some newer opportunities and larger jobs that are coming in thanks to CNIMFG, and indirectly, the $1 million grant it received from U.S. Bank.

“The funds from U.S. Bank came at a great time – it’s one of the largest grants we’ve received,” King said, referencing a greater need right now because of COVID-19 and civil unrest.

“It’s been instrumental to have that additional capital available for businesses in our target market that are without other options for funding.

And it’s capital we can be flexible with and meet the needs of those most vulnerable right now.” www.citizennewspapergroup.com

As a kid, not only did Seals have that exposure and access to the recording equipment his dad brought home that day, he also recognizes how he benefitted from his father’s career at IBM. “To grow up and always have a computer in the home is a privilege,” Seals said. “I didn’t know everyone didn’t have a computer until much later. And for him to encourage us to play with it…that’s what opened my doors.”

He also credits Beverly Price as a mentor; she’s an award-winner producer, director and writer who recommended Seals for jobs when he was starting out as a freelancer. “She said don’t pay it back, pay it forward,” Seals said.

“Introduce people, especially young Black men and women, into the field.” And he’s done just that. Today, Digifé has an all-Black team.

“I’ve been on a lot of sets and crews where I’ve always been the only Black person,” said Seals, who understands the importance of diversity in documentary storytelling, and the difference it makes to have someone on set who can relate to how the person in front of the camera may be feeling. “Our beliefs as a team are directly connected to how we make a living and it’s important. There’s a lot for us to care about before we get to an actual shoot.”

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6 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of March 3, 2021

CITIZEN On The Move

The 21st Ward Virtual BHM Celebration Highlights

Alderman Brookins pictured with the nights honorees

Photos by L.M. Warbington 21ST WARD ALD. HOWARD B. BROOKINS JR. CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. The 21st Ward Honored Several Seniors During Their Black History Virtual Celebration. The Seniors Were Awarded Plaques For Their Dedication and Services To The Ward Through Out The Year.

Congratulations Augustine Lehmann

Illinois State Rep. Justin Slaughter presents Award to BHM Recipient

Congratulations Theodore Vernon

Rep. Justin Slaughter, Ald. Howard Brookins, Comm.

Stanley Moore and Lanette Warbington

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Taylor

Commissioner Stanley Moore Makes A Presentation To A 21st Ward BHM Recipient.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of March 3, 2021

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FASHION

Brown University Fashion Week 2021 Kicks Off with Unparalleled Lineup of Fashion and Lifestyle Royalty Brown Fashion Week 2021 will take place from March 4 to March 26 and features some of the biggest names in the fashion and lifestyle industries.

Re-imagined by student organization Fashion@Brown (F@B) as a virtual celebration this year, the impressive 22-day program of events is free and open to students and fashionistas around the globe and not limited to the Brown University community.

“We were astonished and humbled by the positive response we received to our invitations to speak at Brown Fashion Week this year,” states Sasha Pinto, president of the student organization, Fashion@Brown. “We wanted to make Brown Fashion Week bigger than ever to spread some much-needed inspiration to students given the extreme isolation everyone has been experiencing -- and the fashion industry responded in overwhelming numbers. It is a tribute not only to the kindness and generosity of the individual speakers but to the industry in general.”

Joining Fashion@Brown will be such renowned leaders as Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Stella McCartney, Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden, Emma Chamberlain, and Olivier Rousteing, among others. A complete list of all speakers and events follows.

Events are free and registration details can be found at https://fashionatbrown.com/events Brown Fashion Week 2021 - Complete Speaker Lineup Brown Fashion Week Distinguished Speaker Series kicks off on Thursday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET with …

“Sarah Jessica Parker: Actress, Entrepreneur, Civic Activist: SJP Does it All... and in High Heels” on Thursday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET Join F@B in conversation with the powerhouse whose latest bona fides include CEO of the SJP Collection, her booming shoe business; member of the Partnership for New York City, an economic council of NYC’s top CEOs; and vice chairman of the New York City Ballet… in addition to being a Golden Globe, Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild award-winning actress of the stage, silver screen, and television. Hear about SJP’s unique approach to retail, her myriad entrepreneurial initiatives, and her passionate dedication to the post-pandemic revival of New York City.

Next in the series is “Kenneth Cole: The Fashion Empire Visionary Shining a Light on Social Issues with Passion and Purpose,” on Monday, March 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET, featuring Kenneth Cole, who built a billion-dollar retail business while keeping in mind that “it’s great to be known for your shoes, but it’s better to be recognized for your soul.” Instead of being the company’s model, Kenneth Cole decided to be the company’s role model by lending his name to social issues like AIDS, homelessness, gun control, mental health and abortion. Cole will be interviewed by his daughter Amanda Cole, Brown class of 2012.

On Monday, March 8 at 12:30 p.m. ET zoom in to “A Conversation with the World’s Foremost Fashion CEOs.” Isabelle Guichot, CEO of the chic Parisian fashion house Maje and

former CEO of the renowned luxury maisons Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Balenciaga, joins Patrice Louvet, CEO of Ralph Lauren, for a dynamic industry leader fireside chat. As CEO of Ralph Lauren, which recently dressed Joseph R. Biden Jr. for the presidential inauguration, Mr. Louvet leads this hugely successful multi-billion-dollar company.

The series continues with “Steve Madden’s Wild Ride and Crazy Come Back” on Monday, March 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET. F@B is excited to host “the Maddman” himself who turned a fledgling startup launched in 1990 with $1,100 into a global, multibillion-dollar brand. But Steve Madden’s mistakes — from his battle with addiction to the financial shortcuts that landed him in prison — are as important to his narrative as his iconic shoes. Steve will share his uplifting story, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how he hopes to use his hard-won platform to create positive change.

On March 10 at 2:00 p.m. ET: “Francesca Bellettini: The Powerhouse Behind the Billion-Dollar Brand” features the woman who has propelled the Saint Laurent brand into the exclusive billion-Euro club, and in the process made herself one of the most powerful women in fashion where there are only a handful of female chief executives. Launching her career at Goldman Sachs before moving to prestigious fashion houses such as Prada, Gucci, Helmut Lang, and Bottega Veneta, Bellettini has shaped every form of luxury from the bags we carry to the clothes and shoes we wear.

On March 12 at 4:00 p.m. ET, F@B hosts internet phenomenon Emma Chamberlain: “The Most Interesting Girl on YouTube” according to the New York Times.

Chamberlain, at just 19 years old, has created her own wildly successful brand as a Youtuber, social media influencer, Tik Tok star, podcaster, and owner of Chamberlain Coffee with a combined social media following of more than 30 million. Emma has also pivoted into the fashion industry, making her own merchandise and partnering with legendary Louis Vuitton.

She has even recently entered the beauty world by becoming the global brand ambassador and creative director for Bad Habit Beauty Skincare.

Emma has also had a huge impact on mental health, sharing her own struggles with anxiety and depression across all of her platforms.

The series continues on Sunday March 14 at 2 p.m. ET with “Olivier Rousteing: Transforming a Classic: Fashion’s Storyteller for a New Age.” Balmain’s wunderkind, Olivier Rousteing, will share what he envisions as fashion in the 21st century: a fresh, inclusive world of glamour and revolution. Bringing an innovative spirit of adventure and understanding of a digital generation, Olivier Rousteing’s creative vision has been integral to Balmain’s rapid growth as a brand and as a cultural staple on social media through his “Balmain Army.”

The next session, “Olivia Palermo: Style Authority, Tastemaker, and Instagram Case Study” on Thursday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET is not to be missed. Palermo is a major force in the fashion industry; renowned designers invite her to collaborate, Valentino invites her to his yacht, Instagram uses her as a case study, and

The New York Times published a feature story about her success. Olivia’s journey from an internship in the offices of Diane von Furstenberg in 2006 to an acclaimed international style authority and industry tastemaker today is a story that everyone with entrepreneurial ambitions will want to hear.

On Friday, March 19 at 12:30 p.m. ET, F@B presents “Stella McCartney: The Mindful Eco-Warrior of High Fashion.” Stella McCartney is one of the fashion industry’s most vocal champions of environmental issues and her company is a highly successful example of the commercial potential of sustainable, ethically minded businesses. Renowned not only for her successful designs, which included Meghan Markle’s wedding reception dress, Stella was also the first fashion designer ever to appear on the cover of American Vogue magazine in January 2020. A lifelong vegetarian, Stella has never used leather, feathers, skin or fur in any of her designs.

March 22, 7:30 p.m. ET, F@B presents – “Gwyneth Paltrow: The Oscar-winning Lightning-Rod, Trailblazing Lifestyle& Wellness CEO.” Join F@B for a chat with the actress-turned-powerhouse CEO who has taken the lifestyle and wellness market by storm.

Providing a fresh—and at times controversial—perspective, Goop is one of the wellness industry’s most recognizable brands earning Paltrow millions of passionately loyal admirers (and, yes, a few trolls) through the simple premise that wellness is the new wealth. With Goop’s blend of aesthetic lifestyle digital media that touches on everything from beauty and wellness to fashion, food, home, and travel— along with its thriving e-commerce business, retail stores, events, and health summits, Goop is a worldwide phenomenon and Gwyneth Paltrow is just getting started.

Panel Discussions In addition to the speaker series, Brown Fashion Week’s fascinating and thought-provoking panel discussions are not to be missed: Changemaker Fashion Designers as Translators of Culture & Ethics March 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET Join this F@B conversation with Romebased designer Stella Jean, Brooklyn-based Fe Noel, and Detroit-based Tracy Reese who are transforming the fashion landscape each in their own way, from using fashion as a bridge and translator of culture to using it as a way to uplift exploited communities. Hear about their journeys, efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry, as well as efforts to expand sustainable design initiatives and ethical production.

Award-Winning Costume Designers Shaping Fashion in Film March 13, 2:00 p.m. ET Hear from Oscar-winner Ruth Carter, six-time Emmy-winner Michele Clapton, and Emmy-nominated Heidi Bivens on their experiences within the fashion and film industries, as well as their processes, inspirations, and ambitions. Their work spans across all different

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genres, be it Clapton’s Game of Thrones and The Crown, Carter’s Black Panther and Malcolm X, or Heidi Bivens Mid 90s and Euphoria.

The Future of Fashion Journalism from America’s Foremost Editors March 16, 7:30 p.m. ET Join F@B for a live-streamed conversation with three of fashion journalism’s most celebrated editors and influential voices in fashion: Vanessa Friedman, fashion director and chief fashion critic at The New York Times; Chioma Nnadi, editor of Vogue.com; and Samantha Barry, editor-in-chief of Glamour. Editorial is how we discover the latest trends, unearth new icons, and define style as we know it. The future of fashion journalism today is in flux, however, between the dilemma of reporting on fashion during a pandemic, the rise of influencer-generated content, the shift to digital platforms, and disappearance of print magazines. Friedman, Nnadi, and Barry discuss and dissect the future of fashion journalism.

Disrupting Beauty: Supermodels on Representation & Empowerment March 17, 3:00 p.m. ET This fascinating conversation will explore how modeling can influence greater societal change, how media representation can center marginalized identities in the public consciousness and how their careers have inspired them to help empower others; while their faces dominate our magazines and feeds, few are aware of their social and philanthropic work. Hear from Jasmine Tookes, Cindy Bruna, Jasmine Sanders and Tami Williams about their inspirational journeys.

Screening & Discussion of “The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion” March 21, 6:00 p.m. ET Join F@B and the Brown Arts Initiative for a discussion with Lisa Cortés, the Academy Award-Nominated director, writer, and producer of the film, in conversation with award-winning filmmaker Yoruba Richen, Brown Professor of the Practice. The Remix is a story of hip hop’s influence on the fashion industry, which has led to the stratospheric and global rise of street wear. It is a story of African American creativity and limitless possibilities of this shift in culture, focusing on the journeys of fashion architect Misa Hylton, streetwear designer April Walker, as well as Dapper Dan and Kerby Jean-Raymond.

And finally, Brown Fashion Week 2021 culminates with their 11th Annual Runway Show…

The 11th Annual Runway Show on Friday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. ET, presented virtually for the first time, will showcase the collections of the F@B team of twenty-six student designers from both Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. The collections will be released in a high-fashion campaign film, accompanied by a virtual and print Lookbook.

To register for any and all of the aforementioned complimentary events, please click www.fashionatbrown.com/events for more information and registration.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of March 3, 2021

NEWS

From Ferguson To Chicago: New Salvation Army Commanders Make Black History New Leaders Oversee 28 Community Centers and 50 Social Service Programs In June 2007, new Salvation Army Chicago leaders, Lt. Colonels Lonneal and Patty Richardson made history. They became the first African American Divisional Commanders to lead an area for The Salvation Army in the Midwest when they were appointed to oversee The Salvation Army Midland Division headquartered in St. Louis. Now this dynamic husband and wife team has come to Chicago focused on tackling some of the growing needs of disenfranchised communities who have been the victims of a double pandemic.

Lt. Cols. Richardson took over the reins of leadership for The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division, spanning from Rockford to northwest Indiana, last summer, at a challenging time. In their role, they oversee 28 corps community centers and 50 social service programs for The Salvation Army. While several programs have been paused since the start of the pandemic, many have adapted and expanded as the organization has seen up to a fivefold increase in need, particularly in requests for food and emergency financial assistance.

“People who never thought they’d need The Salvation Army have come to us,” Lt. Col. Lonneal said. “A number of people are living paycheck to paycheck. So, we need to be prepared for what will come to help them to restore their lives.”

The Salvation Army’s services will continue, especially as the full

Lt. Colonels Lonneal and Patty Richardson economic impact of the pandemic emerges. Lt. Col. Patty said partnerships will be important, especially in minority communities, in which the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact. She said advocacy among community leaders and lawmakers will also be important.

But, Lt. Col. Lonneal said the disease that’s killed hundreds of thousands of Americans isn’t the only challenge. He said our city is facing a twin pandemic: COVID and racial injustice.

“I think America has been on this 200-plus year journey of trying to develop a vaccine to deal with the racial injustice,” he said. “We can’t give up hope, because every time we feel we have found a vaccine that cures what ills us, we find that this pandemic too morphs into different strains and begins to once again infect our populations.”

He said The Salvation Army seeks to build bridges, and points

to previous experience doing just that.

Lt. Cols. Richardson led The Salvation Army Midland Division in St. Louis during the Ferguson riots. They were heavily engaged in the conversation about how to bring the community together, including pairing local youth with law enforcement for a weeklong summer camp.

Lt. Cols. Richardson were instrumental in the creation of the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center, a joint venture between The Salvation Army and the Urban League of St. Louis. The center, complete with after-school programming and services aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty, was built on the site of the QuikTrip gas station that was burned down during the unrest.

Lt. Cols. Richardson said building relationships will be key to trying to tackle both facets of the twin pandemic in Chicago. And they’re already getting started.

“We need to come together, put our best minds forward, to come up with how do we deal with this pandemic of racial divide in our country. If we don’t, we will once again be torn apart just as COVID has divided families, just as COVID has changed our world,” Lt. Col. Lonneal said.

“It we do not come together and seriously attempt to create a more just and perfect union, then this pandemic will continue to divide, kill, and destroy us as a nation.”

Black Females More Likely Than Black Males to Exercise, Eat Healthy When Faced with Perceived Discrimination Study Suggests Optimism Plays a Role

Black men and women, as well as adolescent boys and girls, may react differently to perceived racial discrimination, with Black women and girls engaging in more exercise and better eating habits than Black men and boys when faced with discrimination, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

“In this study, Black women and girls didn’t just survive in the face of racism, they actually responded in a positive manner, in terms of their health behavior,” said lead researcher Frederick Gibbons, PhD, with the University of Connecticut.

“This gives us some hope that despite the spike in racism across the country, some people are finding healthy ways to cope.” For a paper published in the journal Health Psychology, researchers evaluated data collected over 14 years from an ongoing study on the impacts of racism on the physical and mental wellbeing of Black people. The analysis looked at 889 families living in Iowa and Georgia who have been participants in the Family and Community Health Study.

The families consisted of an adolescent, the adolescent’s primary caregiver and in 289 cases, an older sibling. The first analysis examined the correlation between perceived racial discrimination and participants’ body mass index. Researchers then looked at how participants responded to survey questions on optimism and on eating and exercise habits.

The relationship between perceived racial discrimination and healthy habits in Black males was insignificant, the study found. Black women and adolescent girls, on the other hand, showed improvements in healthy eating and exercise as their perceptions of racism increased. And there was an even more significant increase in healthy behaviors for Black women who indicated they had an optimistic view of their lives and the future, according to the researchers. There was no correlation between racial discrimination and BMI in either Black males or Black females. “ The findings were surprising and suggest that adaptive coping strategies may lead to resiliency,"

Gibbons said. “This contrasts with the avoidant coping strategies that we might see out of someone who is less optimistic.”

The findings should be placed in the context of the larger body of research on this issue, which has shown a correlation between perceived racial discrimination and unhealthy behaviors,including those leading to higher BMI, according to Gibbons.

“The question is why are these results different from the ones we’ve found in previous studies?” he said. “There are several possible explanations, including the fact that participants in previous studies may have conflated weightbased discrimination with perceived racial discrimination. It could also be that studies not finding a connection between perceived racial discrimination and poor health outcomes are less likely to be published.”

If the findings are confirmed in subsequent research, they could be used in resiliency programs targeting people of color and

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underserved populations, according to the researchers.

“There are programs already in place that work to instill a sense of resiliency and optimism in disenfranchised youth,” Gibbons said. “The findings from this study would suggest that these programs are on the right track, and that perhaps we should be developing more programs that focus on these types of coping skills.”

Article: “Perceived Racial Discrimination and Healthy Behavior Among African Americans,” by Frederick X. Gibbons, PhD, Meg Gerrard, PhD, and Mary E. Fleischli, PhD, University of Connecticut; Ronald L. Simons, PhD, University of Georgia; and John H. Kingsbury, PhD, Minnesota Department of Health.

Health Psychology, published online Feb. 25, 2021.

Contact: Frederick Gibbons, PhD, can be reached at rick.gibbons@uconn.edu.

Full text of the article is available online at https:// www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/heahea0001056.pdf.

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Chatham/ SE

REAL ESTATE AC 2-17-2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-OPT2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-OPT2 Plaintiff, -v.TUNYA JOHNSON, CITY OF CHICAGO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, NATOSHA JOHNSON, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CLIFFORD JOHNSON, THOMAS P. QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CLIFFORD JOHNSON (DECEASED) Defendants 2019CH04682 8127 S ESCANABA AVE CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 9, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 25, 2021, at

The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8127 S ESCANABA AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 21-31218-014-0000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other

lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium

Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys,

15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-01716 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH04682 TJSC#: 41-176 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2019CH04682 I3164248 ____________________________

AC 3-3-2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ LLC DBA SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING; Plaintiff, vs. ELIZABETH WILLIAMS; CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A TRUST AGREEMENT DATED MARCH 25, 2008 KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 8002350565; UNKNOWN OWNERS GENERALLY; AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants,20 CH 2028 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MARCH MADNESS ACROSS 1. Theories 5. T in Greek 8. Tarzan’s mom, e.g.

11. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, e.g.

12. Ingredient in talcum powder 13. Spectator 15. 5,280 feet 16. Tiny river 17. Note taker 18. *Last NCAA basketball winner 20. Any day now 21. Antiquarian’s concern, pl.

22. Diana Ross and Michael Jackson movie, with The 23. Saw a nightmare 26. Caribbean rattles 30. Witch’s spell 31. Flocked-to destinations 34. Goo or slime 35. Plural of ostium 37. Leo mo.

38. Eurasian goat-like antelope 39. Showing signs of use 40. “Yo, ____!”

42. *Nothing but it 43. Wrap a baby 45. *____-elimination 47. Outrage 48. Fraternity K 50. One of the Bridges 52. *____ 1 schools only 55. ____less but pennywise 56. Decanter 57. In a frenzy 59. Threesome 60. Turkish monetary unit, plural 61. Dumpy establishment 62. Common conjunction 63. New York time 64. Male deer Down 1. Singular of #1 Across 2. Rikers Island weapon 3. Burkina Faso neighbor 4. Himalayan mountaineer 5. Tarnish 6. “____ ____ fair in love and war”

described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 26-07-149-082-0000.

Commonly known as 10010 South Calhoun Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Matthew C. Abad at Plaintiff's Attorney, Kluever Law Group, 225 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 236-0077.

SMS000130-20FC1 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3164690 ____________________________

7. *School with most NCAA basketball titles 8. Choir member 9. Hammer part 10. Blunder 12. Sad, to mademoiselle 13. Radio studio sign 14. *Mid-major school that’s become major powerhouse 19. Kind of ray 22. Is no longer 23. Arabian sailing vessels 24. Restart from seed 25. Uncredited actor 26. The Wise Men 27. Acting as a prompter 28. Snow impression 29. Eric Heiden’s “shoe” 32. *Oklahoma State’s super freshman ____ Cunningham 33. Mixed breed puppy 36. *2021 NCAA Tournament location 38. What Edward Scissorhands does 40. Stout relative 41. Dream big 44. Ancient Celtic priest 46. Water nymphs 48. Fuzzy fruit, pl.

49. Deflect 50. Sanders’ campaign slogan “Feel the ____” 51. “National Velvet” author Bagnold 52. Expunge 53. Fail to mention 54. Scotia preceder 55. School-related org.

58. Liquor store pony

CITIZEN | South End | Week of March 3, 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

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 WANTED FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient.

Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com _______________________________________

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SERVICE REASSEMBLE EDUCATION & TRAINING Seeking recovery? Seeking work? We offer FREE addiction recovery, FREE employment readiness and FREE Skills training, and referrals to UFC/CTA 2nd Chance Program. Call 773-488-9770 or visit www.retinc.org. (For UFC/CTA, call Keith Lewis (773) 881-1711, etc. 1191) _____________________________________

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: Y21005968 on FEBRUARY 11, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of HARDRICK TRUCKING COMPANY with the usiness located at: 12701 SOUTH ELIZABETH STREET, CALUMEYT PARK, ILLINOIS 60827. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s)/ partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name IRA LEE HARDRICK Complete Address 12701 SOUTH ELIZABETH STREET, CALUMET PARK, ILLINOIS 60827, USA. _______________________________________ 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: Y21006079 on FEBRUARY 24, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of MAURESHPRECISECUTS INTERPRISES with the business located at: 7143 EAST END, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 6069. The true and real full names (s) and residence address of the owner (s) / partners (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address OMAR AKHIR BEY 7143 S. EAST END, CHICAGO, IL 60649, USA _______________________________________ NOTICE OF MECHANIC’S LIEN We are giving you notice of upcoming mechanic’s lien sale for a 2012 Buick Regal Vin 2G44N5EC9199439 owned by Lynnette Austin 19221 Elm Drive County Club Hills, Illinois 60478. Lien holder Nationwide CAC LLC 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 300, Rosemont Illinois 60018.

And a 2016 Nissan Altima Vin# 1N4AL3AP6GC224462 owned by Kaneshia Morris 1640 W. 125th Street, Apt# 9, Calumet Park, Il 60827,Lien holder Prestige Financial SVCS P.O. BOX 26707, Salt Lake City Utah 84126.

2017 Ford Econoline Cutaway 1FDXE4FSXHDC16485 owned by Amber LLC Green, 5700 Carol Avenue, Morton Grove, Illinois 60053. Lien holder Ford Motor Credit Co. POB 105704 Atlanta GA 30345. This is an attempt to collect a debt of $5000.00 each owed on both cars and $7,000.00 for the truck for repairs and storage at Lightning Fast Inc. 17140 S. Cicero Ave. Sale WIll take Place Sat 4/10/2021 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. at Lightning Fast Inc. To avoid this sale please pay the balance owed. Contact Derek Banks at 708-227-4164. _______________________________________

HEALTHY LIVING 4 Easy Tips to Help Older Adults Stay Active at Home (State Point) As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many older adults are following the advice

of public health experts and remaining at home to limit risk of exposure. Bad weather conditions can also keep people inside for days at a time.

But a strong body and mind are as important as ever, and the good news is being indoors doesn’t mean having to give up on exercising.

There are many great health benefits to staying active, such as improving mobility and balance, developing muscle and bone strength, increasing energy and managing weight. Exercise can also reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

According to Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer for Medicare at Cigna, the advantages aren’t just physical: “Keeping active has a positive impact on mental health, too,” she said. “With regular exercise, many older adults enjoy better sleep, clearer thinking, lower stress and improved mood.”

According to Cigna, which serves many older adults through its Medicare Advantage plans, here are four simple tips for exercising in the comfort of home: 1. Make a plan. What is your long-term goal?

Having something to work toward is great motivation to keep up daily activity and set yourself up for success. Before you begin any physical activity, talk to your doctor about your health goals.

Your doctor can provide guidance on exercises that are safe and attainable as you begin a new chapter of your wellness journey.

2. Take it slow. You don’t have to run a marathon or even lift weights to keep fit – the most important thing is to just move. Start by walking around your house a few times a day or doing some gentle stretching. Just adding five minutes of activity to your day can make a difference in your overall health and mood. As your body gets used to daily movement, you can enhance your physical activities as recommended by your health care provider.

3. Use what you have. You don’t need a gym to get a healthy workout. In fact, there are plenty of exercises you can do using items found around the house. For example, “chair dips” are an effective arm and shoulder workout – just place both feet on the ground, face away from a chair and support your body by putting your hands on the seat behind you with straight arms. Next, raise and lower yourself by bending and unbending your arms.

You can even exercise while seated. Hold your leg out in front of you and trace each letter of the alphabet. Work your feet and leg muscles by laying a kitchen towel on the floor, then use your toes to grab, release and push the fabric.

4. Check your health care plan benefits. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you might be eligible for extra benefits such as at-home fitness programs, including free on-demand workouts accessible from your computer, smart device or phone, as well as gear, such as resistance bands.

Find more healthy aging and exercise tips at cigna.com/medicare/healthy-aging/physicalactivity.

“As you start, remember to be flexible and stay positive,” Dr. Conflitti suggests. “Changing habits can take time, but every step is progress. If you haven’t reached a goal, don’t be hard on yourself – it’s most important to continue at your own pace.” PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Sabrina Bracher /____________________________________ iStock via Getty Images Plus

GIVING THE GIFT OF LOVE

(NAPSI)—Most people would agree, the best gift during the holidays—and all year round—is the gift of love. For thousands of families, that means welcoming a puppy into their home. For those considering getting a new best friend for themselves or someone else, remember that choosing a puppy is a big decision. It’s also one you should think about carefully—for both your sake and the dog’s.

Consumer groups report receiving nearly 10,000 complaints about puppy/dog businesses in just the last three years, with 60 percent of consumers indicating they never got the pets they purchased, received pets that had health or genetic problems, or got no documentation for their pet. Just as concerning, most people don’t know how to make sure they are getting their pet from a reputable breeder and not an inhumane and substandard puppy mill. While everyone is encouraged to look to their local shelters and rescues, roughly a quarter of new pet parents obtain their puppies from breeders, whether because of allergies, size or temperament, or just because they have their hearts set on a particular breed of dog.

Whatever your motivation, you should make sure you know that the organization you use to find your new best friend is legitimate and will secure you a happy, healthy and responsibly bred pet.

To help you avoid scams and find properly raised puppies, here are some important tips from the experts at American Humane—the country’s first national humane organization and the largest certifier of animal welfare in the world—and PuppySpot, a placement service committed to helping responsible breeders place healthy, happypupies with caring individuals and families: • INTEGRITY: Find a source you can trust.

• SUSPICIOUS PHOTOS: Don’t be swayed by a fancy website or puppy photos that look like stock photos that are perfectly posed, don’t look real, or are found on multiple websites.

• PRICING: If the price looks too good to be true, it generally is. People should avoid buying from a company that says it will transport a dog by air if the full purchase price seems to be less than or similar to the price of a flight.

• WIRING MONEY: Never wire money to anyone you have met only online and avoid major money wiring companies and mobile payment service apps.

• BAD GRAMMAR OR MISSPELLINGS: Be sensitive to strange language choices in puppy listings or communications. The vast majority of scammers are from foreign countries.

• BOGUS STORIES/EXCUSES: Scammers often come up with complicated reasons they need immediate wire transfers or can’t deliver the puppy to you based on current events. Be on alert for bogus stories or excuses for why more money is requested after initial payment.

• REFUSAL TO SUPPLY DOCUMENTATION: A responsible breeder, shelter or rescue organization will provide registration, vaccination and veterinary health records on request. Refusal to supply medical records or pedigree documentation is a red flag.

Bringing a new best friend into your home should be a positive and joyous experience. By following these guidelines and using diligence and common sense, you and your family may avoid unnecessary heartache and find the healthy, happy puppy of your dreams.

Learn More For further information, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org and www.PuppySpot.com. _____________________________________

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

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This shouldn’t be how we say hello...or goodbye.

It’s our reality right now. But it won’t be if we do what it takes to beat COVID-19. Vaccines are coming, but until enough of us are vaccinated, we all still need to wear our masks, stay at least six feet from others, and avoid indoor social gatherings. The more we slow the spread, the faster we’ll return to normal hellos … and fewer goodbyes.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services