South End Citizen 6-1-2022

twitter.com/citizennewsnow w advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com

www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9

BUSINESS

C

SOUTH END

WEEK OF JUNE 1, 2022

WEEKLY

citizennewspapergroup.com

TimelyMD Adds Executive Director of Mental Health and Additional Leaders to Support College Students

P4 FREE | VOL 55 | ISSUE 17

Steve Madden Announces Collaboration With Hairbrella To “Shine In The Storm” P5

Shawn Amos, son of entrepreneur Wally “Famous” Amos, is the author of the book, “Cookies & Milk.”

IMAGE PROVIDED BY SHAWN AMOS.

Black Real Estate P3 Professionals Recruit Black Appraisers to Combat Bias, Declare War on Black Homeownership Gap P6

Shawn Amos considers himself an artist who moonlights as an entrepreneur, from time to time. PHOTO BY JAMES FREEMAN.

AUTHOR AND ARTIST RECALLS LESSONS FROM HIS FATHER

Shawn Amos was seven years old when his dad, Wallace “Famous” Amos, opened his cookie shop. He remembers standing on a milk crate behind the counter to work the cash register, selling cookies, stocking the milk and helping in the kitchen. He learned at a young age the value of hard work.

“AfroSoundz Radio” Brings Cultural African Music & Afrobeats to the Mainstream

P2

P8

citizennewspapergroup.com

2 NEWS briefly MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ANNOUNCES PROCESS TO FILL 24TH WARD VACANCY PROCESS SEEKS TO IDENTIFY PASSIONATE PUBLIC SERVANT TO SERVE AS ALDERMAN CHICAGO -- Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced the process to identify a qualified candidate to become the next Alderman of Chicago’s 24th ward. Interested candidates must have lived in the 24th ward for at least one year prior to their appointment, demonstrate their passion for public service, and most importantly, have proven themselves to be someone who represents the 24th Ward community.

“As I’ve done with previous Aldermanic vacancies, I will work tirelessly to find someone who embodies the values of the 24th ward and the rest of our city,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This candidate must be able to speak to and advocate for the unique needs of the communities they will represent, as well as possess the lived experiences necessary to connect with their residents. I am committed to finding this person through an open and transparent process, as the residents of the 24th ward deserve no less.”

As has been done in years prior for open Aldermanic seats, this process must be completed within 60 days. Interested candidates will be able to submit applications to aldermanicvacancy@cityofchicago.org or mail applications to City Hall care of the 24th Ward Vacancy Committee. Applications are due by June 7 by 5:00 PM CT. Once applications close, the names and resumes of each applicant will be made publicly available, and a committee will begin reviewing each application thoroughly.

Mayor Lightfoot will form a search committee to review applications, interview candidates, and make a recommendation on the final slate of candidates. A final candidate will be selected by Mayor Lightfoot. Once confirmed, the appointed Alderman will remain in place until the next aldermanic election in 2023.

Details regarding this selection process can be found online at www.chicago.gov/ward24application.

LANDMARKS ILLINOIS ISSUES FIRST REINVESTMENT PROGRAM LOAN TO GREATER CHATHAM INITIATIVE TO HELP OPEN ‘ARTISTS ON THE 9’ ON CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO – Landmarks Illinois, the statewide historic preservation nonprofit, issued its first loan through its Reinvestment Program Loan Fund to the Greater Chatham Initiative (GCI) to help finance the preservation of a South Side building that is now home to the organization’s “Artist on the 9” co-working space and gallery.

Landmarks Illinois Reinvestment Program loans provide up to $150,000 per project to preservation initiatives in Illinois where traditional financing is either difficult to obtain or unavailable. Landmarks Illinois made its Reinvestment Program loan to GCI in February 2022. The loan funded historic storefront repairs at 735 E. 79th St. in the Chatham-Greater Grand Crossing Commercial Historic District where GCI recently opened Artists on the 9.

“Landmarks Illinois was proud to attend the grand opening of the Artists of the 9 space in April and celebrate the completion of this preservation project funded by our Reinvestment Program loan,” said Bonnie McDonald, President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois. “Our goal with this loan program is to provide accessible funding and lending terms to worthy preservation projects in Illinois that may be unable to attain conventional financing. We also hope it provides economic opportunities in Illinois communities and sparks future investments in our historic places.”

GCI is a nonprofit charged with developing and driving the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the Chatham, Auburn Gresham, Avalon Park and Greater Grand Crossing neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago.

Visit our website at www.Landmarks.org/Reinvestment-Program/ to learn more about the Reinvestment Program Loan Fund.

South End | Week of June 1, 2022

C

Author and artist recalls lessons from his father Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

That time in Amos’ life is the subject of the semi-autobiographical children’s book, “Cookies and Milk,” which is geared toward middle school students, ages 8-12.

Amos wanted to write the book to speak to Black fathers and Black boys. He also wanted to tell a sweet chapter of his life. He wants his children to believe in themselves and the power of their ideas.

Amos admitted while he talked about his father throughout the years, he also ducked a lot of questions about his father throughout the years, and has spoken candidly about other aspects of his life. Amos is a father of three and had been thinking a lot about fatherhood when he decided to write the book.

Amos described the time when his father was opening up the Famous Amos Cookie Shop as a lovely moment in his childhood. He wanted to document that moment in time, for his children and his siblings children, as well as other family members. He also hopes they will read it and understand the power of hard work, which Amos’ father instilled in him.

On Sunday, May 29th, Amos attended the Kolbe Children’s Business Fair in Chicago. The goal of the event is to have children, ages 5-15 get experience in selling a product or service and have them learn about entrepreneurship, with a focus on the role plays in business. To be around young entrepreneurs was super inspiring for him.

He hoped there was something they could learn from his experiences. He described it as a full circle moment.

The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Initiative

is a partnership between the Famous Amos cookie brand and the National Black Chamber of Commerce. The initiative awarded $50,000 to three entrepreneurs, along with resources and tools to enable their businesses to have sustainable growth and success. The initiative is gearing up to award its next set of entrepreneurs. The deadline is Sunday, June 26th. To apply, visit https://famousamos. nationalbcc.org.

“It’s a testament to how Famous Amos has really carried on the legacy of entrepreneurship that’s really baked into the original story of the brand,” Amos said.

Amos is a Blues musician, who went to film school at New York University. His father was a talent agent for the William Morris Talent Agency before he started Famous Amos. Amos grew up around soundstages, nightclubs and recording studios, and that is the bug that ultimately bit him. He makes his living as an artist, songwriter, writer and touring musician. He also started marketing agencies, which grew out of his love of storytelling.

“My father was really committed to doing what he loved and loving what he did. It wasn’t about chasing money, it was about chasing satisfaction and the power of believing in yourself. He instilled that in me,” he said.

“He also instilled that it takes a lot of hard work and that you don’t get by just on hope or beliefs alone, you actually have to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work and often do the work that no one else wants to do. Lastly, have fun doing it, and have humility.”

For more information about Shawn Amos, visit www. shawnamos.com. To purchase the book, visit tinyurl. com/3x97z2fv.

Rep. Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Diversify Clinical Trials WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, May 19, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Chair of the CBC Health Braintrust, introduced the bipartisan NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act to increase the diversity of participants in all National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded trials. This legislation builds upon the NIH’s current policies to enhance the inclusion of women, racially and ethnically diverse individuals and people across the lifespan in all NIH-funded trials. The NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act is co-sponsored by Reps.

Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC). The bill introduction comes one day in advance of Clinical Trials Day, a day marking what is believed to be the first randomized clinical trial, and which spreads awareness about the importance of clinical trials to medical and pharmaceutical discovery.

“The data are clear – underrepresented communities are disproportionately suffering and dying from certain illnesses and conditions. We’re not going to be able to address these disparities or help these communities unless we know how new drugs and therapies work in communities that are disproportionately impacted by disease. The way we learn more is by increasing clinical trial diversity,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “I am introducing the NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act

to ensure that all NIH-funded trials are moving medical science forward and including all Americans in our quest for treatments and cures. I am proud to be introducing this bipartisan legislation alongside my colleagues Reps. Fitzpatrick, Clarke, Cárdenas, and Butterfield.”

The NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act will: Require NIH to work with clinical trial sponsors to develop clear and measurable recruitment and retention goals based on disease/condition prevalence as well as a rationale for specified goals and a recruitment plan; Ensure the availability of less burdensome follow-ups during clinical trials (e.g. fewer follow ups, phone participation, weekend hours) to increase participation of underrepresented populations; Launch a public awareness campaign across federal agencies related to research participation opportunities.

The NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act is endorsed by the American Cancer Society Action Network, American Psychological Association, Association of Black Cardiologists, Beyond Celiac, Doctors for America, FasterCures, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Organization of Rare Diseases, Susan G. Komen Foundation, No Health without Mental Health, Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), Touch, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance, and Verily.

citizennewspapergroup.com

C

South End | Week of June 1, 2022

C

SOUTH END

NEWS

3

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

(center-right) Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger, Chairman Rick Kwasneski, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, Olive-Harvey President Kimberly Hollingsworth, and Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. pose with students and administrators at Olive-Harvey College.

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

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, Fernw ood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton.

Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

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

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfi el d 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 Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast, 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 press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

Pace & Olive Harvey College Celebrate Partnership on CDL Permit Course Students and officials gathered earlier today at Olive-Harvey College (OHC) to celebrate the successful partnership between Pace and OHC on a customized two-week course to assist individuals in obtaining their CDL permit in order to start their career as professional bus operators. Two classes have already graduated, and 11 students are now working at Pace.

Olive-Harvey College President Kimberly Hollingsworth opened the program and welcomed guests. “Creating a path from the classroom to meaningful employment is our mission and that’s why this partnership with Pace makes good sense,” said Hollingsworth. “Within weeks students can earn their CDL license at our college and be on their way to fulfilling their career goals. Seeing the smiles on their faces today as they earned their credential is the icing on the cake.”

Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski was next to speak. “This program is a prime example of public servants working together to overcome a challenge—in our case, the significant bus operator shortage affecting the transit industry nationally,” he said. “We can’t afford to let positions stay vacant. And luckily, Olive-Harvey is very good at giving people the skills they need to succeed.”

Kwasneski welcomed Illinois Senator Elgie R Sims to the podium where the legislator commended students. “People across the city and across the state rely on good public transit. But, more importantly, for our students and graduates, thank you.

Because you provide hope. Hope is the most powerful tool we have to change our communities,” he said. “By participating

in this program, you are not only giving yourself that opportunity for advancement, you are showcasing that opportunity for others. So, we celebrate you, we thank you, and we know that you are going to provide tremendous service to this community.”

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was next to address the students. “Vocational education is critical to ensuring that a society is able to function - that the jobs which are most integral to our daily lives are filled with skilled and talented workers,” said Preckwinkle. “This is why the partnership between Olive-Harvey College and Pace is so important. Olive-Harvey is providing training and preparing a workforce that Pace needs.” Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore spoke next, commending President Kimberly Hollingsworth, and noting that Pace had been a wonderful partner since he became a commissioner ten years ago.

Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger concluded the program by presenting students currently employed with Pace certificates to mark their completion of the OHC course. These students “represent the next generation of professional bus operators for our region. We wish them a long and successful career with Pace.

We offer a path to success and careers for people who are passionate about public service. Becoming a Pace bus operator can lead to further advancement with opportunities to move into dispatch, safety, and administrative positions,” Metzger said.

Those seeking employment are encouraged to learn more at PaceBus.com/careers.

citizennewspapergroup.com

COLLINS CALLS FOR GUN REFORM TO PREVENT FUTURE TRAGEDIES State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago), an anti-violence advocate disheartened by yesterday’s mass shooting at a Texas elementary school, issued the following statement about gun violence and the tragedy of performative action: “Yesterday’s mass shooting tragically reminds us of the need to meaningfully address the crisis of gun violence in our nation. Nineteen students and two teachers were murdered, and more civilians were injured because of an individual’s access to a deadly firearm and his intention to kill.

“This has been going on far too long, and our communities need healing. Our country is in desperate need of reform. The adversity I faced in moving comprehensive anti-violence measures through the Illinois General Assembly is a reflection of a much larger issue: that state and national leaders are too readily swayed by the idea that a person’s right to have a gun defeats a person’s right to live in a safe, supportive environment.

“My heart yearns for a day in which people do not have to live in fear of these unspeakable acts of violence, and I am devoted to making the changes that will put a stop to this senseless violence. We’re all tired of learning about fatal tragedies plaguing our nation every day, but still our willingness to act fails to echo the sentiments of people across the country who believe our nation’s gun control efforts have had no effect on reducing violence. It’s time our actions match our words and we end this public safety crisis in America.”

“REP. DAVIS CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF HIS BILL TO IMPROVE JOB TRAINING FOR JUSTICE-INVOLVED WORKERS” Illinois Democratic Representative Danny K. Davis issued a statement following the House passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022 to substantially fund quality workforce training programs, which codifies and includes $250 million for the Reentry Employment Opportunities program championed by Rep. Davis.

“I applaud House passage of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022 that will substantially strengthen and expand workforce training for justice-involved workers,” said Rep. Davis. “I am proud that this legislation includes many of the provisions of my bill – the Reentry Employment Opportunities Act – to codify the successful Reintegration of Ex-offenders program under the new name, the Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program.

I worked closely with my constituent, the Safer Foundation, reentry advocates, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), and Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) to develop these provisions that support national, regional, and local organizations in providing employment and training services for individuals with criminal records.

These grants through the Department of Labor build on my longstanding work to improve reentry via the Second Chance Act. The REO program increases employment, improves reentry, builds communities, and strengthens our economy.”

4 BUSINESS Mielle Organics Appoints Steve Pamon to Advisory Board

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., PRNewswire -- Mielle Organics is announcing the addition of seasoned entrepreneur Steve Pamon to the brand’s advisory board.

Acting as an added layer of business mentorship for both founder and CEO Monique Rodriguez and COO Melvin Rodriguez, Pamon will also be a strategic thought partner for the business as a whole.

As one of the fastest growing Blackowned and women-led global beauty brands, Mielle Organics is continuously innovating the haircare space with its collection of products for all hair types, experiencing accelerated growth since the brand’s inception in 2014.

“Melvin and I are looking to surround ourselves with the right people that understand the dynamics of scaling businesses while still positively impacting our communities - individuals who can push us to be better and do better, ultimately bringing out the best in Melvin and I as leaders,” says Monique Rodriguez.

As Steve Pamon continues, “The business fundamentals and rapid growth of Mielle Organics was very attractive, but it was the company, and its leadership’s, continued commitment to the broader community that drove my interest to help in any way possible.”

Currently, Steve Pamon is the President of Verzuz, the lifestyle and entertainment division of Triller. In that capacity, Pamon leads an executive team across all aspects of the global business, including overseeing marketing, programming, production, acquisitions, and partnerships.

Prior to his role at Triller, Steve served as the COO of global entertainer Beyoncé’s management and production company, Parkwood Entertainment.

Under his leadership, Parkwood achieved an historical level of critical and commercial success, as evident in the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show, Lemonade visual album, The Formation World Tour, AEG’s Coachella Festival Performance, Netflix’s Homecoming documentary, On the Run II

C

CHATHAM

South End | Week of June 1, 2022

C

TimelyMD Adds Executive Director of Mental Health and Additional Leaders to Support College Students as AVP of Media Relations. A strategic communications professionFORT WORTH, Texas -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- TimelyMD has added transformative leaders to its care, communications and al with 20 years of experience, she has a track record of delivering partnerships teams to meet continued demand for virtual health and award-winning campaigns and high-impact results, with a specialty well-being solutions tailored for college and university students. in higher education. Previously, she led the media relations team at According to the American Council on Education, student Wake Forest University, her alma mater, and worked at PR agencies mental health is the top concern of college and university presiin Sacramento, Calif., San Francisco, Singapore, and Winston-Sadents. As the market leader, TimelyMD is trusted by 200 campuses lem, N.C. to provide equitable, on-demand access to complete clinical care, Manuel Carrillo, Director of Care Coordination and advanced technology, and expert guidance to improve their stuBasic Needs dents’ mental and physical health.

As Director of Care Coordination and Basic Needs, Manuel Recently named to Inc. magazine’s Best Workplaces list, Time- Carrillo manages and coordinates all student care activities with the lyMD is the fastest-growing company in the goal of superb care with safer and more effecDallas-Fort Worth area and currently employs tive practices. Having worked in community about 150 full-time staff. The following senior mental health, crisis intervention, and academia leaders are already helping TimelyMD fulfill for nearly two decades, his passion and exits mission to help students be well and thrive. pertise lie in helping young adults and college Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, Executive students achieve their innate purpose through Director of Mental Health emotional and psychological well-being. CarrilDr. Rufus Tony Spann is a renowned lo received his bachelor’s degree in social work counselor, educator and thought-leader whose from Metropolitan State University and both of passion is to shift the culture of mental health his master’s degrees in social work and business and wellness by promoting inclusivity for administration from Newman University. all people. As Executive Director of Mental Chris Wuorinen, Director of Health at TimelyMD, he oversees a nationStrategic Partnerships al network of licensed providers trusted to Chris Wuorinen comes to TimelyMD with provide virtual therapeutic counseling, inmore than a decade of healthcare leadership the-moment behavioral health support, health experience.

He most recently served as regional coaching and crisis intervention services to vice president at SOC Telemed, the nation’s college and university students.

Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, Executive Director of The founding member and former Chief Mental Health at TimelyMD. Business Wire largest provider of acute telemedicine, where he built long-term relationships with hospiClinical Officer of Hurdle, a digital health tals and health systems providing high-acuity platform for people of color, Dr. Spann brings specialty virtual care programs, including telestroke, teleneurology, extensive experience in creating equity within mental health and and telepsychiatry. As Director of Strategic Partnerships, Wuorinen reducing barriers to access to increase preventative wellness for all. is dedicated to removing barriers and increasing access to care for He has honed his expertise at the intersection of mental health and college students. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration from higher education over the last decade, and continues to teach at the Western New England University.

University of Southern California and serve on the Forbes Health TimelyMD is the leading virtual health and well-being solution Advisory Board. Spann earned his Ph.D. in school psychology from for higher education. Its mission is to improve the well-being of Howard University, an M.S. in clinical counseling from The Johns college students by making virtual medical and mental health care Hopkins University, and a B.S. in psychology from the University accessible anytime, anywhere. TimelyMD’s virtual care platform, of South Carolina.

TimelyCare, includes a range of services, including mental health counseling, on-demand emotional support, medical care, psychiatKatie Neal, Associate Vice President of Media ric care, health coaching, basic needs assistance, faculty and staff Relations guidance, and digital self-care content. Visit timely.md to learn how After serving as a communications consultant with TimelyMD TimelyMD is inspiring the digital transformation of campus health since March 2020, Katie Neal has recently joined the team full-time and the future of student care.

STEMuli raises $3.25M to transform traditional classroom learning with the Educational Metaverse DALLAS PRNewswire -- STEMuli, a minority- and woman-owned Web3 education startup, has announced $3.25 million in seed funding co-led by Slauson & Co and Valor Ventures, with participation from Draper Associates.

STEMuli created an Educational Metaverse that brings a one-of-a-kind 3D game-based platform to the core classroom.

Within the digital world, STEMuli connects companies to their future workforce of K-12 students and endeavors to narrow achievement and employment gaps for users. The Metaverse launched in the Dallas Independent School District and seed funds will be used to expand the company’s reach

nationwide to New York, California, Illinois, Georgia, and Washington D.C. “We’re bringing this technology to the country’s largest urban school districts, of which majority of the students are economically disadvantaged. Our vision is to improve learning outcomes by providing ALL students with an experience that rivals playing their favorite video game. The Metaverse consists of the STEMuli navigator, a GPS of learning that ensures every learner reaches their destination every time.

Soon learning will be as reliable and ubiquitous as Google Maps. We are pioneering the learn-to-earn model to increase engagement, and utilizing AI to improve teacher’s pro-

ductivity. The Metaverse is a game-changer for teachers and learners,” said Taylor Shead, founder and CEO of STEMuli.

Taylor Shead is one of only 95 black women to raise more than $1 million, in a field where black women historically receive less than 0.30% of total venture capital investments. In 2021, STEMuli was named the STOP Award’s most transformative app for students by Forbes and The Center for Education Reform. Taylor wants little girls across the world to see her and say, For more information on how to bring your school into the STEMuli Educational Metaverse, please visit stemuli.net.

citizennewspapergroup.com

CEO Taylor Shead - IMAGE CREDITS: KATHY TRAN, DANIEL ROCKEY, AND VICKY BOUDTA

C

C

South End | Week of June 1, 2022

FASHION

SOUTH END

5

STEVE MADDEN ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH HAIRBRELLA TO “SHINE IN THE STORM” NEW YORK – Steve Madden, one of the leading names in fashion footwear and accessories, has collaborated with Atlanta-based accessories company Hairbrella to create a special limited edition unisex bucket hat.

The Hairbrella x Steve Madden partnership was born in February 2021, during Black History Month, when Steve Madden partnered with the Fearless Fund to spotlight six women of color-led businesses. Madden Steve Madden and Hairbrella founder, Tracey Pickett, sparked creatively during a Zoom call and, over the next year, they designed the unisex bucket hat featured in two colorways.

Pickett shares, “The Hairbrella x Steve Madden collaboration is a tangible example of breaking down barriers for women of color founders. Our tagline, ‘Shine In The Storm,’ truly illuminates the spirit of Black women entrepreneurs, who work daily to not just succeed for themselves but to blaze a trail for future generations. While the climate of inequity is still very real, this collaboration highlights how legacy brands, like Steve Madden, can lend their ‘shine’ and established platform to elevate the

next wave of trendsetters and continue to move the culture forward.”

“It was one of those lightbulb moments,” says Madden. “Talking with Tracey for just a few minutes made it clear that she was bringing a completely fresh and personal perspective with the type of products she makes. I knew I wanted to hear more immediately.”

Hairbrella was created to protect various hairstyles, lengths, and textures from the rain and humidity. The hats (which retail at $44.95) are lined with satin to prevent friction and hair breakage. They are 100% waterproof and offer a UPF of 50 to keep the wearer cool and provide

Target Announces Ongoing Partnership with Actress, Author and Social Media Phenomenon Tabitha Brown MINNEAPOLIS PRNewswire -- Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) today announced an ongoing partnership with actress, author and social media phenomenon Tabitha Brown, encompassing four limited-time-only collections that will launch over the next year.

Celebrated for her daily doses of encouragement, Tabitha Brown is teaming up with Target to deliver positive wellbeing and joy for guests through Brown’s vibrant and inspirational style. The collections span categories across apparel, swim and accessories items, home and office, food and kitchenware, entertaining and more. Starting Saturday, June 11, Target guests can shop the first collection of more than 75 Target apparel, swim and accessories items – with most items under $30 – on Target.com and in most Target stores, while supplies last.

Tabitha Brown for Target is a progression of Target’s existing relationship with Brown, who has been an influencer partner for two years, inspiring Target guests and team members alike with her joyful words of encouragement. In addition, this partnership is one of the many ways Target is continuing to support Black-owned businesses and partner

with Black creators and designers, as part of the retailer’s Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) commitment.

“At Target, bringing joy to our guests is at the heart of everything we do. Tabitha Brown is known for being a beacon of positivity, making her the perfect partner to help Target continue providing inspirational, inclusive and affordable style for all,” said Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with Tabitha for a number of years and are thrilled to take our relationship to the next level by partnering with her to introduce new limited-time collections that we know guests will love.”

“As a small-town girl, I grew up with big dreams and now, those dreams have become a reality,” said Tabitha Brown. “Target made me feel seen and created a safe space where I could be my authentic self. To me, joy comes from freedom, and I was free to be myself during this entire design process, which is reflected in the assortment. I hope my collections bring Target guests joy, love and optimism to their everyday lives.”

protection from the sun.

A hidden storage pocket allows the hat to fold into itself, saving space and easily slipping into pockets or handbags.

Inclusion, authenticity and individuality have always been at the center of the Steve Madden brand, and this collaboration with Hairbrella is part of our ongoing efforts to celebrate the ingenuity of entrepreneurs like Tracey.

The Hairbrella x Steve Madden collaboration launches with a a video that Pickett describes as “capturing the authentic energy and excitement of the partnership” -- serendipitously shot on a rainy day in New York, featuring five models including Hairbrella’s Creative Director, Victor Jackson and Madden’s Accessory Design Assistant Cassiel Davis who each had a hand in creating the collection.

The Hairbrella x Steve Madden collaboration is available on Thursday, May 19th at www.hairbrella.com and www.stevemadden.com and at select Steve Madden retail outlets.

HBCU Grad makes history by landing into 3 Major Retailers NORFOLK, Va., PRNewswire -Tones of Melanin is an HBCU clothing company that speaks to the HBCU culture’s pulse through philanthropic endeavors, one-of-a-kind designs, and long-lasting quality. Tones of Melanin is currently available in over 18 HBCU Follett Bookstores across the country.

Tones of Melanin is the only HBCU brand that is created by a HBCU graduate that is sold at Fanatics, Belk Stores, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, making it the only Black and Women Owned HBCU Company in any of these stores.

Tones of Melanin’s mission is to provide job possibilities for HBCU students and alumni, as the Tones of Melanin team has either attended or graduated from an HBCU. To date, Tones of Melanin has given over $50,000 to HBCU educational endeavors.

Ashley Jones’ goal when creating Tones of Melanin was to push for diversity representation in the fashion industry, particularly when it comes to HBCU clothing and branding. All of the designs are trendy and innovative, with a long-lasting product quality. Tones of Melanin’s goal is to keep infiltrating a collegiate fashion market that concentrates on your much larger institutions, such as Duke, Harvard, Yale, and others.

citizennewspapergroup.com

Ashley Jones’ goal is to bring representation to markets that don’t generally keep an eye on HBCUs. Ashley’s recurring objective is for Tones of Melanin to be the home of all HBCU fashion, collegiate relationships through university athletics, and individual college pursuits, thanks to her continuing partnerships with not only her retail relationships but also HBCUs like Virginia State University’s band, which she currently provides attire for and other HBCUs. Ashley Jones, is a graduate of Norfolk State University, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Ashley Jones is the creative director and CEO of Tones of Melanin. Ashley Jones personally develops all of Tones of Melanin designs, printing, production, and distribution.

Tones of Melanin’s mission is to design apparel that represents Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Tones of Melanin is a modern-day revenue-generating marketing tool for all HBCUs, as well as a supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Tones of Melanin’s aim is to provide career opportunities for HBCU students and graduates while also supporting philanthropy. For more information please visit tonesofmelanin.com.

6 | South End | Week of June 1, 2022

SOUTH END

Black Real Estate Professionals Recruit Black Appraisers to Combat Bias, Declare War on Black Homeownership Gap

BY HAZEL TRICE EDNEY

(TriceEdneyWire.com) When a former client of leading Black real estate broker Donnell Williams was about to get his house refinanced in Wharton, New Jersey, Williams quoted him as asking, “‘Should I have my White friend come over and open up the door for the appraiser?’”

Williams, a realtor for 30 years and broker for 21 years, is well aware that his former client’s perception of racism within the real estate industry is indeed a reality. Current media stories are full of reports of people who have had to conceal their racial identities – going as far as to hide family photos and cultural art - in order to get a fair and equitable appraisal of their home.

It is for this reason and many others that the Black Real Estate Professionals Alliance (BREPA.org) of which Williams is president, has joined with the Appraisal Institute (AI). Together, BREPA and AI are launching a trailblazing program to recruit and train at least “100 Black Appraisers in 100 Days”. This is a new initiative aimed at

bringing parity to the field of appraising. BREPA is teaming with AI’s “Appraisal Diversity Initiative.”

Here are the facts: • According to The Appraisal Institute, a global professional association of real estate appraisers, there are 78,000 appraisers in the U. S. which includes 85.4 percent White appraisers, but only 1.3 percent African-Americans.

• According to the White House, which also recently announced a new anti-bias initiative for appraisals, “New research shows that mis-valuation in communities of color is widespread. A recent report from Freddie Mac found that appraisals for home purchases in majority-Black and majority-Latino neighborhoods were roughly twice as likely to result in a value below the actual contract price (the amount a buyer is willing to pay for the property), compared to appraisals in predominantly white neighborhoods.”

• According to a report by the Washington Post, there is currently no federal database for discrimination in appraisals. However, states across the nation - including New Jersey, Ohio and Illinois - are

beginning to explore ways to penalize those who traffic in racial discrimination in appraisals through legislations or the courts.

• As with all systemic racial disparities, this bias also directly impacts generational wealth building for the Black community. The National Urban League reports that the median White family holds eight times the wealth of the typical Black family and five times the wealth of the typical Latino family.

With several new initia-

tives, Williams, former president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), has declared war on the homeownership gap experienced by communities of color. According to the U.S. Census, as of the second quarter of last year, the Black homeownership rate was 44.6 percent compared to 74.2 percent for Whites, according to NAREB’s State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) report. That is a gap of 29.6 percent - larger than the 27 percent gap that existed “in 1960, before the Civil Rights movement and Fair Housing laws,” the SHIBA report said.

Williams hopes that the launch of his initiatives will help close the gap, thereby help to realize the highest homeownership rate in years for first time buyers. Civil rights organizations that deal with economic justice issues agree that the appraisal bias issue is a key to bringing parity.

“The National Urban League has long recognized racial bias in home and property appraisals as a barrier to Black homeownership and generational wealth building,” said Marc H. Morial, NUL president/CEO. “Through our work as one of the nation’s largest providers of housing counseling assistance to communities of color, we know all too well that this type of discrimination has gone on for too long and in plain sight.”

Williams, former president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, contends that providing scholarships (which will differ from state to state), helping to facilitate the required 2,000 apprentice hours, and the full and final licensing of more African-American appraisers, will provide African-American homeowners with a sense of certitude in the appraisal process.

Williams also stresses that 100 Black Appraisers in 100 Days will not only provide Black homeowners, in particular, with greater confidence in the appraisal process, but will also create jobs in the Black community that pay a living wage with salaries that can range from $57,000-$147,000 a year. Together, these actions will serve to increase Black home ownership and help close the wealth gap, Williams says.

Dozens across the country have already signed up for the opportunity to become an appraiser on BREPA.org. One potential apprentice, Candis

Pressley of Philadelphia, is a seasoned real estate broker of 23 years. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in real estate and says she simply loves the business. However, she too has run into racially biased appraisers.

Candis recalls finalizing a contract where her client was the lessee and the appraiser was asking for proof of her authority to sign the lease. “Really, in my 23 years of doing this, I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. “I felt it was racial bias from the appraiser and what they were asking.

And it really encouraged me that this is a much-needed program.”

The mother of a 10-yearold son, Pressley says she has already begun teaching him about real estate and she hopes to see him in the business someday with “generational wealth” that can be continually passed down.

“It’s always been the case of a Caucasian person coming into our properties telling us what the value is,” says Bill Collins, communications liaison for the Black Real Estate Professionals Alliance. “This initiative is going to change that. Now you will have someone who looks like us who hopefully will be level-headed enough after they go through these apprenticeships to do a fair job for the consumer. Let’s also keep in mind that this is not just about them doing a fair job for those who look like us but being able to work in the industry at large.”

Collins states one of the reasons more African-Americans do not seek to become appraisers is “because of the gatekeepers. It’s hard to get mentorships even if you meet the qualifications. Then they want you to have a bachelor’s degree. Then you have to put in so many apprentice hours.

It’s a good ole boy network we can’t get in to do those training hours.”

Advocates in the field of homeownership agree that more Black appraisers will assist in remedying the issue of appraisal bias.

In a recent column, Charlene Crowell, a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending, quoted The Urban Institute: “Appraiser bias has likely played a role in homeownership and housing wealth outcomes, and increasing diversity in the field can diminish this bias in the long term.”

South End | Week of June 1, 2022 | 7

SOUTH END

Big news and bigger savings!

Introducing super awesome savings on Internet, streaming, and Mobile!

Now, connect to more of what you love for less with the all-new Xfinity 3-for-1 Bundle! That’s Unlimited Internet, one line of Unlimited Mobile with 5G, and a free Flex 4K streaming box — for about the same price you could pay another provider for just one Unlimited mobile line with 5G. Get Xfinity Internet, with WiFi equipment included and a 2-year rate guarantee with no term contract required.

Xfinity Internet required. Reduced speeds after 20 GB of usage/line.

Xfinity Internet with

Unlimited data 1-800-Xfinity

Free 4K streaming box

xfinity.com/3for1

One line of

Unlimited Xfinity Mobile with 5G

Visit a store today

Limited-time offer. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. For new Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile residential customers only. xFi Gateway and Unlimited data included for 24 mos. Additional devices extra. After 24 mos. regular rates apply to all services and devices. All devices must be returned when service ends. Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed, visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Xfinity Mobile requires residential post-pay Xfinity Internet. Line limitations may apply. In times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. After 20 GB monthly data use, speed, reduced to a maximum of 1.5 Mbps download/750 Kbps upload.

For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures, visit www.xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures. Streaming subscriptions not included. Separate subscriptions required to access Peacock, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Hulu. Fees apply. © 2022 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA241596

NPA241596 3for1 NoOffer ad 10x13 Chicago.indd 1

5/25/22 1:02 PM

8

ENTERTAINMENT

C

SOUTH END

“AfroSoundz Radio” Brings Cultural African Music & Afrobeats to the Mainstream NEW YORK PRNewswire -- AfroSoundz Radio (www.afrosoundz.com) is a new streaming music platform now heard on iHeartRadio. Its mission is to present modern, culturally engaging African music to people all over the world.

AfroSoundz Radio(www.afrosoundz.com) is a new free streaming music platform whose mission is to present modern, culturally engaging African music to people all over the world. The platform can now officially be heard on Live365.com and iHeartRadio.

“AfroSoundz Radio is a station comprised of DJs and programmers originally from the African Continent. Our roots are in our culture, and our culture is rich with the many styles of music that have become our heritage.” said DJ Bjay, AfroSoundz Radio’s main DJ & music director. “AfroSoundz Radio makes the mind more curious, the heart more open, and the soul more joyful through our excellent songs to keep you on your feet. With genres ranging from Highlife and Afrobeats, there are many homegrown sounds to experience on our network.”

Some of the featured artists on AfroSoundz Radio include: Davido, Nasty C, Vanessa Mdee, Jidenna, Wizkid, Patoranking, Gnako, Ebony, StoneBwoy, Ice Prince, Afro B, Larry Gaaga, DJ Maphorisa and many, many more.

“I am very happy to see AfroSoundz Radio listed on iHeartRadio. This is one of the major achievements for AfroSoundz Radio to showcase Afrobeat genre, music and culture to the world. A platform for listeners all over the world not just to listen to African music but also experience African culture through

AfroSoundz Radio

different sections AfroSoundz Radio have in place” said Dj Bjay.

“Having AfroSoundz Radio featured on iHeartRadio is immense, especially for listeners of Afrobeats music. This is a major win for representation, for Afrobeats music, and for the musicians creating the music we enjoy” said Sean Ibanibo, Podcast Director at AfroSoundz Radio.

For more information about AfroSoundz Radio (The beats that keep you on your feet), please visit www.afrosoundz.com

South End | Week of June 1, 2022

C

‘Game Change Game’ Set To Premiere At Tribeca Film Festival NEW YORK PRNewswire -- “Game Change Game,” a powerful documentary that takes viewers inside the 2020 NBA season disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to make its festival debut at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 14. The film is produced by THINK450, the Innovation Engine of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

“This film came to life in the wake of the social justice reckoning triggered by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others,” said veteran entertainment executive Christina Norman, THINK450’s head of content and producer of the film. “As the players were inspired to use their voices to call for justice, we were inspired to create this film to amplify the unitPRNewsfoto/Think450 NBPA ed response of the 450 basketball players of the NBA and keep the calls for justice ever present.”

With unmatched access to the players in the “NBA bubble,” “Game Change Game” unfolds as a social justice reckoning played out across the globe and sitting on the bench wasn’t an option. The film chronicles how the players grappled with issues bigger than basketball and how the brotherhood of 450 players ultimately came together to use their collective power and influence to engage in real world conversations and activism around social justice in America. The documentary captures the urgency of the moments that led players to become agents of change.

For more information, visit THINK450.com.

Good Company is the creative production studio for artists, brands and agencies shaping the cultural landscape. They develop and produce content and experiences that live at the intersection of art and entertainment, performance and audience, advertising and cinema.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING HONORS THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.’S 50TH BIRTHDAY NEW YORK PRNewswire -- The Empire State Building (ESB) marked the 50th birthday of The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie) – aka Christopher Wallace – with celebrations that will include a tower lighting and ceremony with participation from his friends and family.

“From one icon to another, the Empire State Building is honored to celebrate the life and legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. with an authentic experience for his family, friends, and fans in the heart of New York City,” said Abigail Rickards, senior vice president of marketing, public relations, and digital at the Empire State PRNewsFoto Building. “Fans will have a unique opportunity to connect with two New York City icons for a once in a lifetime experience.”

ESB Lights for B.I.G. – On May 21 – what would have been Wallace’s 50th birthday – the Empire State Building shone its world-famous tower lights in a dynamic red and white flashing light show, with a crown and the number “50” rotating in the building’s mast. The building hosted a special lighting ceremony with his children T’yanna Wallace and Christopher Wallace, Jr., his mother Ms. Voletta Wallace, and close friends James Lloyd (Lil’ Cease), Kimberly Denise Jones (Lil’ Kim), Faith Evans, and Jason Terrance Phillips (Jadakiss) on May 20.

A Legend Lives On – The Empire State Building Observatory Experience will feature a life-size, photorealistic avatar of B.I.G. on the 80th Floor on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21.

Only at ESB – On Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21, the Empire State Building hosted a pop-up cart to feature exclusive Notorious B.I.G. merch sold only at the Observatory. The pop-up offered limited-edition hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. A Notorious B.I.G. 8-LP Box Set is slated for release on June 10.

The Empire State Building Observatory’s celebration of this genuine New York City cultural icon was joined by the Estate of the Notorious B.I.G., Rhino Entertainment,

Bad Boy Records, and Atlantic Records.

The Empire State Building Observatory Experience recently underwent a top-to-bottom reimagination that added a dedicated guest entrance, a digital and tactile museum that celebrates the icon from the moment it was conceived to its current place in pop culture, and a completely re-imagined 102nd Floor Observatory. More information about the Empire State Building and its Observatory Experience can be found at www.esbnyc.com.

The Empire State Building, the “World’s Most Famous Building,” owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT: NYSE), soars 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan from base to antenna. The $165 million reimagination of the Empire State Building Observatory Experience creates an all-new experience with a dedicated guest entrance, an interactive museum with nine galleries, and a redesigned 102nd Floor Observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows. The journey to the world-famous 86th Floor Observatory, the only 360-degree, open-air observatory with views of New York and beyond, orients visitors for their entire New York City experience and covers everything from the building’s iconic history to its current place in pop-culture. Learn more at www.esbnyc.com. Declared “America’s Favorite Building” by the American Institute of Architects, as well as the world’s most popular travel destination by Uber and the #1 New York City attraction by Lonely Planet, it welcomes more than 4 million annual visitors from around the world.

citizennewspapergroup.com

C ON THE MOVE South End | Week of June 1, 2022

C

C

SOUTH END

ON THE MOVE

Highlights From The Herman Petty's Street Sign Unveiling In Woodlawn Photos by L.M. Warbington

citizennewspapergroup.com citizennewspapergroup.com

9C

10

FOOD

C

SOUTH END

South End | Week of June 1, 2022

C

Power Your Day with

Peanut Protein

(Family Features) Give your family meals a powerful boost from breakfast to dinner with better-for-you recipes that pack a protein punch. Revamping the at-home menu with nutrition in mind can still include delicious dishes morning, noon and night.

Adding a nutrient-rich powerhouse like peanuts as a key ingredient in meals throughout the day makes it easier to zero in on health goals.

In fact, peanuts rise to superfood status by delivering 19 vitamins and minerals plus 7 grams of protein per serving.

Start the morning with Peanut Butter Cookie Oatmeal for a readyto-go breakfast then recharge with Fresh Veggie Spring Roll Bites with Peanut Sauce as an afternoon snack. When it’s time for fueling up the family at the dinner table, pair Thai Chicken and Pork Skewers with Brussels Sprouts with Peanut Chipotle Vinaigrette for a protein-packed meal.

Find more nutritious family-friendly recipes at gapeanuts.com.

Thai Chicken and Pork Skewers

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission 1 tablespoon minced ginger 6 cloves garlic, crushed 2 cups creamy peanut butter 1 cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons light soy sauce 1 tablespoon chili oil 1/2 tablespoon lime juice 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin In mixing bowl, combine ginger, garlic, peanut butter, broth, soy sauce, chili oil, lime juice, honey and cilantro. Mix well and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Cut chicken and pork into strips and thread onto skewers. In non-metal container, marinate meat in half of peanut butter sauce 1-2 hours in refrigerator. Reserve remaining sauce for dipping.

Heat oven to broil

Broil skewered meats until done, turning once. In pot, bring remaining sauce to boil and serve warm as dipping sauce.

Brussels Sprouts with Peanut Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe courtesy of Parker Wallace (parkersplate.com) on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved peanut oil 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons water 3 teaspoons champagne vinegar 2 teaspoons honey 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder 1 pinch kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided orange or mandarin segments, for garnish

Peanut Butter Cookie Oatmeal

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission

fresh orange or mandarin juice, for garnish crispy fried shallots, for garnish crumbled French feta, for garnish chopped fresh mint, for garnish Preheat air fryer to 400 F. Lightly brush Brussels sprouts with peanut oil and place in fryer basket. Cook 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

In small bowl, whisk peanut butter, water, champagne vinegar, honey, chipotle chili powder and 1 pinch salt until well combined.

Once cooked, remove Brussels sprouts from air fryer and place in bowl. Toss in chipotle peanut vinaigrette until well combined. Season with salt, to taste.

Garnish with orange segments, orange juice, crispy fried shallots, feta and mint.

1 cup old-fashioned oats 2 1/2 cups water 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons chunky peanut butter 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 tablespoons raisins 1 banana, sliced 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup milk 2 teaspoons maple syrup In medium saucepan, combine oats, water and salt.

Bring to boil then reduce heat to medium. Cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and add peanut butter. Stir until peanut butter melts.

Add brown sugar, raisins, banana, cinnamon and vanilla extract; stir.

Divide oatmeal into two bowls. Top each bowl with 1/4 cup milk and 1 teaspoon maple syrup.

citizennewspapergroup.com

C

C

South End | Week of June 1, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICE

SERVICE

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

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

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 ____________________________________

DOGS PETS LIVESTOCK Use ItchNoMore® shampoo on dogs & cats to stop shedding, treat hot spots, & eliminate doggy odor. At Tractor Supply® (www.fleabeacon.com)

________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE 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: Y22009105. on MAY 5, 2022 Under the Assumed Business Name of BOW TIES & STILETTOS DRIVING SERVICES with the business located at:1448 E 72ND PL 2ND FL, CHICAGO, IL 60619. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address DEBRA L HARRIS 1448 E 72ND PL 2ND FL CHICAGO, IL 60619, USA ______________________________________

classified 11

SOUTH END

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: Y22009154 on May 16, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of NORTHSTAR BENEFITS GROUP with the business located at: 433 W. HARRISON UNIT 8110, CHICAGO. IL 60699. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address GREGORY HOLSTON 433 W. HARRISON UNIT 8110 CHICAGO, IL 60699, 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: Y22009191 on May 23, 2022. Under the Assumed Name of FINEFINEBABE with the business located at: 824 E. 44TH ST APT 1, CHICAGO, IL 60653. The true and real rull name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Cmplete Address AMIETE APREKUMA 824 E. 44TH ST APT 1 CHICAGO, IL 60653,USA ________________________________________

BIDS INVITATION TO BID Cornerstone Community Development Corporation CDBG PROJECT NUMBER: 2008-070 Public Facility - Parking Lot Reconstruction & Cornerstone Community Development Corporation 943 E. Lincoln Highway, Ford Heights NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Directors of Cornerstone Community Development Corporation , Cook County, Illinois, that the sealed bids will be received for the following improvements: Public Facility Parking Lot Reconstruction Said bids will be received up to the hour of 3:00pm. Central Standard Time, on the 2nd day of

June 2022, at the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation located at 943 E. Lincoln Highway, Ford Heights, IL and will publicly be opened and read at that time. The bidding forms and documents are available at the office of Cornerstone Community Development Corporation , 943 E. Lincoln Highway, Ford Heights, upon the payment of $25.00, which is nonrefundable. The Project Manager has been authorized to refuse to issue plans, specifications and proposals to any persons, firm or corporation that he or she considers to be unqualified. Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided. No proposals will be issued to bidders after 3:00pm CST. on the 1st day of June 2022. No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the proposals without the consent of the Executive Director of Cornerstone Community Development Corporation for a period of 3 days after the scheduled time of closing bids. The bidder is specifically advised that the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation is a Subrecipient of the County of Cook of a grant pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, pursuant to an agreement entered into between the County of Cook and Cornerstone Community Development Corporation. Payments to the contractor will be made by Cornerstone Community Development Corporation after it has received the funds to make such payment from the County of cook in accordance with the terms of the Defense Appropriations Act of 1989, the actual percentage of the total cost of this Project to be funded with federal dollars is $25,000 (83%) and the exact dollar amount of federal funds which will be set aside for this project will be based on the contract amount awarded under this offering. APPLICABLE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS All laborers and mechanics employed by the Contractor or Subcontractor(s) on construction work for this Project shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended, (U.S. C. Sections 76-276a-5), and shall receive overtime compensation in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. Sections 327-333), and the Contractor and Subcontractor(s) shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to these Acts and other applicable Federal laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards. The Secretary of Labor has, with respect to the labor standards specified in this Section, the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Number 14 of 1950 (5 U.S.C. Section 1222-15) and Section 2 of the Act of June 13, 2934, as amended, (40 U.S.C. Section 276c).

All contracts and Subrecipients for the construction or repair shall include a provision for compliance with the Copeland "Anti-Kick Act" {18 U.S.C. Section 874) as supplemented in Department of Labor Regulations {29 CFR Part 3). Each bidder is required to comply with Equal Employment Opportunity for the Community Development Block Grants, a copy of which is on file with Cornerstone Community Development Corporation and is available for inspection. Compliance with "Section 3", which calls for affirmative action by the Contractor to train and/hire lower income residents of the Project area and to subcontract with local, small businesses is required on this Project. An explanation of the applicable federal requirements previously mentioned is provided in the Special Provisions of the Bid Specifications. The successful bidder for the construction of the improvement will be required to file a performance bond equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid, with sureties to be approved by the Executive Director of, which performance bonds shall be conditioned upon proper and faithful performance by the Contractor of the work specified in accordance with the plans and specifications therefore, according to the time and terms and conditions of the contract and also that the bidder and contactor shall properly pay all debts incurred by the Contractor in the execution of the work, including those for labor and materials furnished. The Contractor shall be required to furnish sufficient insurance or guaranty of indemnity to the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation , 943 E. Lincoln Highway, Ford Heights and the County of Cook, Illinois against any and all claims which might arise for damages to persons or property due to the negligence of the Contractor or Subcontractor(s), or their officers, agents, employees or servants, during the construction of said improvement and until the said improvement has been finally accepted as complete by the Executive Director of Cornerstone Community Development Corporation , the right to reject any and all proposals or bids is reserved. ________________________________________

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Copyright Notice:

All rights reserved. Common-law copyright of tradename/trade-marks APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR.©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR, AKEEM HARIS BEY as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of any of said trade-names/trade-marks, not excluding "April Denise Spraggins," April Denise Williamson, "Bruce Spraggins Jr", "Bruce Spraggins III", "Bryan Andrew Spraggins", "Akilah Amirah Bey", "Ahmad Haris Bey", "Ahmad Haris Bey Jr.", "Akeem Haris Bey", respectively - Common Law Copyright © , 2000, 2001 , 2005, 2007 respectively, by Akilah Amirah Bey. Said common-law trade-name/trade-marks, i.e. APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, may neither be used, nor reproduced, neither in whole nor part, nor in any manner whatsoever, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of Akilah Amirah Bey as signified by the red-ink signature of Akilah Amirah Bey, hereinafter "Secured Party," With the intent of being contractually bound, any juristic person, as well as the agent of said juristic person, consents and agrees by this Copyright Notice that neither said juristic person, nor the agent of said juristic person, shall display, nor otherwise use any manner, any of the common-law trade-name/trademarks APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, nor the common-law copyright described herein, nor any derivative of, nor any variation in the spelling of, APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of Secured Party, as signified by Secured Party's signature in red ink. Secured Party neither grants, nor implies, nor otherwise gives consent for any unauthorized use of any of APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, and such unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Secured Party is not now, nor has Secured Party ever been, an accommodation party, nor a surety, for any o f the purported debtors, i.e. "APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS " nor for any derivative of, nor for any variation in the spelling of, any of said names, nor for any other juristic person, and is so-indemnified and held harmless by APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS, Debtor in Hold-harmless and Indemnity Agreement, Security Agreement dated the Sixth Day of the Third Month in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Two against any and all claims, legal actions, orders, warrants, judgments, demands, liabilities, losses, depositions, summonses, lawsuits, costs, fines, liens, levies, penalties, damages, interests, and expenses whatsoever, both absolute and contingent, as are due and as might become due, now existing and as might hereafter arise, and as might be suffered by, imposed on, and incurred by Debtor APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS for any and every reason, purpose, and cause whatsoever. Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: By this Copyright Notice, both the juristic person and the agent of said juristic person, hereinafter jointly and severally "User," consent and agree that any use of any of APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY© other than authorized use as set forth above constitutes unauthorized use, counterfeiting, of Secured Party's common-law copyrighted property, contractually binds User, renders this Copyright Notice a Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Akilah Amirah Bey is Secured Party, and signifies that User: (1) grants Secured Party a security interest in all of User's assets, land, and personal property, and all of User's interest in assets, land, and personal property, in the sum certain amount of $500,000.00 per each occurrence of use of any of the common-law-copyrighted tradename/trade-marks APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS/WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, ollateral for securing User's contractual obligation BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY© as well as for each and every occurrence of use of any and all derivatives of, and variations in the spelling of, respectively, APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS/ WILLIAMSON, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, not excluding "Akilah Amirah Bey," "Ahmad Haris Bey", "Ahmad Haris Bey Jr," " Akeem Haris Bey respectively, plus costs, plus triple damages; (2) authenticates this Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Akilah Amirah Bey is Secured Party, and wherein User pledges all of User's property, i.e. all assets, land, consumer goods, farm products, inventory, equipment, money, investment property, commercial tort claims, letters of credit, letters-of-credit rights, chattel paper, instruments, deposit accounts, accounts, documents, and general intangibles, and all User's interest in all such foregoing property, now owned and hereinafter acquired, now existing and hereafter arising, and wherever located, as cin

favor of Secured Party for User's unauthorized use of Secured Party's common-law copyrighted property; (3) consents and agrees with Secured Party's filing of a UCC Financing Statement in the UCC fil ing office, as well as in any county recorder's office, wherein User is debtor and Akilah Amirah Bey is Secured Party; (4) consents and agrees that said UCC Financing Statement described above in paragraph "(3)" is a continuing financing statement, and further consents and agrees with Secured party's filing of any continuation statement necessary for maintaining Secured Party's perfected security interest in all of User's property and interest property, pledged as collateral in this Security Agreement and described above in paragraph "(2)," until User's contractual obligation theretofore incurred has been fully satisfied; (5) consents and agrees with Secured Party's filing of any Security Agreement, as described above in paragraph(2)," in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder's office; (6) consents and agrees that any and all such filings described in paragraphs "(4)" and "(5)" above are not, and may not be considered, bogus, and that User will not claim that any such filing is bogus; (7) waives all defenses; and (8) appoints Secured party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon User's default re User's contractual obligations in favor of Secured Party as set forth below under "Payment Terms and "Default Terms granting Secured Party full authorization of a record on behalf of User, as Secured party in Secured Party's sole discretion, deems appropriate, and User further effective upon User's default, irrevocable and coupled with a security interest. User further consents and agrees with all of the following additional terms of Self executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: Payment Terms; In accordance with fees for unau thorized use of any of APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY, ©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, as set forth above, User hereby of the date User is sent Secured party's Invoice, hereinafter "Invoice," itemizing said fees. Default Terms: In event of non-payment in full of all unauthorized-use fees by User's property and interest in property pledged as collateral by User, as described above in paragraph (2)," immediately becomes, i.e. is, property of Secured Party; (b) Secured Party is appointed user's Authorized Representative as set forth above in paragraph (8)"; and (c) User consents and agrees that Secured Party, in Secured Party's sole discretion, deems appropriate, including, but not limited by, sale at auction, at any time following User's default, and without further notice, any and all of User's former properly and interest in property, as described above in paragraph "(2)," formerly pledged as collateral by User, now property of Secured Party, in respect of this "Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use," that Secured party, again in Secured Party's sole discretion, deems appropriate. Terms for Curing Default: upon event of default, as set forth above under "Default Terms irrespective of any and all of User's former property and interest in property, in the possession of as well as disposed of by, Secured Party, as authorized above under "Default Terms User may cure User's default re only the remainder of User's former property and interest in property formerly pledged as collateral that is neither in the possession of nor, otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party within twenty (20) days of date of User's default only by payment in full. Term of Strict Foreclosure: user's nonpayment in full of all unauthorized-use fees itemized in Invoice said twenty -(20) day period for curing default as set forth above under "Terms for Curing Default" authorizes Secured party's immediate non-judicial strict foreclosure or any and all remaining property and interest in property formerly pledged as collateral of by, Secured Party upon expiration of said twenty- (20) day default-curing period. Ownership subject to common-law copyright and UCC Financing Statement and Security Agreement filed with the UCC filing office. Record Owner: Akilah Amirah Bey, Autograph Common Law Copyright.

Unauthorized-use fees of any of "Akilah Amirah Bey©," " Akilah Amirah Bey©, Ahmad Haris Bey©, Ahmad Haris Bey Jr©, Akeem Haris Bey© incurs same unauthorized use fees as those associated with APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HAIRS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, respectively, as set forth above in paragraph "(1)" under "Self-executing Contact/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use." ______________________________________

12 | South End | Week of June 1, 2022

SOUTH END