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 June 9, 2021
| Vol. 54 | No. 18 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com
SOUTH END
Ladies of Virtue prepares its girls, ages 9 to 18, for leadership in three ways: character development, career readiness and civic engagement. Photos provided by Jamila Trimuel
ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO INSTILL PURPOSE, PASSION AND PERSEVERANCE Ladies of Virtue is celebrating its 10th year of mentoring and supporting young women and girls. Jamila Trimuel, founder of Ladies of Virtue, started the organization in 2011, with the goal of preparing girls ages 9 to 18 for leadership. PAGE 2
Travel Advisors Smooth the Way for Post-Pandemic Getaways
UNCF Chicago hosts virtual UNCF “A Mind Is...” Gala Supporting HBCUs and Students
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NEWS briefly EDUCATION UNCF LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO RE-ENROLL FORMER HBCU AND PBI STUDENTS THROUGH COACHING UNCF (United Negro College Fund), recently announced a new initiative designed to help students who left college before graduating to re-enroll in a network of nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) across the country. Through a collaboration with student success nonprofit InsideTrack, UNCF will provide personalized success coaching to thousands of former HBCU and PBI students nationwide to help them successfully navigate the complexity of college re-enrollment, resume their studies, and develop a plan to successfully complete their degrees. Through the initiative, 4,000 returning HBCU and PBI students will receive up to four months of one-on-one coaching to help them complete their academic studies. Coaches will help students set goals, build skills to balance work, family, financial and academic commitments; and develop individual plans to help make graduation a reality.
HEALTH
STUDY REPORTS HIGHER CHILDBIRTH COMPLICATION RATES FOR BLACK AND HISPANIC WOMEN REGARDLESS OF AGE Black women under the age of 24 are more likely to experience severe childbirth complications than white women over the age of 35 – an age group usually considered high risk, according to new data from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). Data shows the rates of childbirth complications have been increasing for women of color. In the last two years, the rate of Hispanic women with severe childbirth complications increased 19%. “There is an urgent maternal health crisis in our country,” said Kim Keck, president and CEO of BCBSA. “It is unconscionable that women of color face a greater risk of childbirth complications compared to white women. We must confront health disparities across the board to change the trajectory.” For more information about the BCBSA National Health Equity Strategy and maternal health programs, visit BlueHealthEquity.com.
LAW & POLITICS
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ADVANCES PRESIDENT BIDEN’S FIRST SLATE OF JUDICIAL NOMINEES The Senate Judiciary Committee recently advanced the nominations of Ketanji Brown Jackson, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit; Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit; Julien Xavier Neals, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey; Zahid N. Quraishi, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey; and Regina M. Rodriguez, to be United States District Judge for the District of Colorado. Ahead of the votes, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on how the five nominees will bring much-needed professional and demographic diversity to the judicial branch. All five nominees were rated “Well Qualified” by the American Bar Association, the highest rating possible for nominees. “These nominees will bring to the bench outstanding credentials and experience, and a variety of professional perspectives that have been underrepresented many times in the Judiciary. And, of critical importance, these nominees fundamentally understand the role a federal judge plays: apply the law to the facts, without consideration of politics or ideology, so they can make evenhanded and fair-minded judgments,” Durbin said.
Organization continues to instill purpose, passion and perseverance Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES
Ladies of Virtue is celebrating its 10th year of mentoring and supporting young women and girls. Jamila Trimuel, founder of Ladies of Virtue, started the organization in 2011, with the goal of preparing girls ages 9 to 18 for leadership. Trimuel, a native of South Shore, said her father told her that as an African girl, she could do anything she set her mind to. That stayed with her throughout the years. She said in high school, she had friends whose upbringing was vastly different. She said she realized that positive role models could change the trajectory of someone’s life. It led her to start mentoring in college, as a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It’s been 20 years since I’ve been mentoring and I truly believe it’s a calling upon my life,” she said. Trimuel started a small mentoring organization after college, in the Austin community. She also mentored with organizations such as Toastmasters, the Chicago Urban League and the NAACP. She said she had her hand in mentoring throughout Chicago. While she was mentoring, she said girls would follow her wherever she would go. “They would talk to me about some of the issues they faced. And, one of the things I noticed is they really lacked that support, as well as the handson leadership opportunities so they could build their confidence,” she said, adding, that was why she started Ladies of Virtue in 2011, to fill the gap. Trimuel said she was motivated to start the organization for other reasons, including providing “positive role models” for the girls and helping them to live healthy and successful lives. She added, said Ladies of Virtue prepares its girls for leadership in three ways: character development, career readiness and civic engagement. Since 2011, more than 2,000 girls and their families have been served by Ladies of Virtue. In the future, the organization is looking to serve even more. Trimuel said the majority of the programming takes place during the school year. The nine-month program teaches them self-awareness, how to set goals and how to accomplish them, how to manage their emotions and exposing them to a variety of career opportunities. “One key difference for Ladies of Virtue, our girls participate in two to three monthlong Innovative Leadership Projects,” she said. With the Innovative Leadership Projects, the girls identify a topic they are passionate about, they are connected to a community organization based on that topic, and the girls go out into the community and into schools to educate
Jamila Trimuel, founder of Ladies of Virtue, started the organization in 2011 as a way to prepare girls for leadership. Photos provided by Jamila Trimuel
their peers on the issue. Then, they present the impact to community leaders and business executives. Trimuel said, because of the pandemic, the projects were done virtually, with girls creating podcasts on the topics they were passionate about. She added, the topics this year included human trafficking, biases in the workplace, and proclaiming their brown is beautiful in terms of their natural hair. Trimuel said Ladies of Virtue is very intentional in making sure the mentors look like the Black girls who participate in the program. “The research shows that girls of color, when they see women who look like them, provides an incentive for them to want to become even something greater because they may not have seen it in the past,” she said, adding, the research correlates with what Ladies of Virtue is doing when it comes to representation. She said Ladies of Virtue believes they have to fill the gap every step of the way.
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From skilled trade workers to business executives to healthcare executives to interior designers, there are 80 mentors in the program representing various professions. Trimuel said mentors go through an intense program which includes five trainings that are trauma informed and which covers what it means to mentor a Black girl and walk life-on-life with her. After the five trainings, prospective mentors have to sit in on five months of sessions and interact with the girls. Trimuel added, the reason why they have such an extensive process is because they want to weed out those who just want to put it on their resumes or who think it just looks good to be involved in the program. “We really want to identify those women who believe, like I believe that mentoring is a calling that’s on their life,” she said. For more information, visit www. lovchicago.org.
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NEWS
Commission Report Determines It’s Time for a Racial Reckoning in College Sports BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia
At its best, sports can be an arena where everyone’s differences and skills are respected and prized and can come together in an affirmation of the value of talent, teamwork, perseverance, and discipline, wrote the authors of a new report on racial equity in college sports. “Yet sadly, that’s often not the case in intercollegiate sports,” continued the authors of the report titled, “Achieving Racial Equity In College Sports.” The report, released by the independent Knight Commission, features a call to the NCAA and its member colleges and universities to improve and enhance the academic performance and career chances of African American athletes who obtain sports-related jobs at much lower rates than Whites. The Knight Commission, comprised of university administrators and former athletes, focused on racial equity for the report, which also included the experiences of over 80,000 African American athletes who compete in the NCAA. The report outlined policy changes
in four core areas that the NCAA and its member institutions should make to achieve racial equity in sports: l Closing educational opportunity gaps to create equitable pathways for Black college athletes’ success during and after college. l Holding institutions accountable in recruitment and hiring to achieve diversity and equity in athletics leadership. l Investing in programs that support and enhance Black athletes’ college experience and promote inclusion and belonging. l Creating more equitable opportunities for Black college athletes to assume leadership roles, especially in advocacy and governance. The report also calls for the NCAA to dramatically boost financial support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the Accelerating Academic Success Program. “The Commission’s report comes in the midst of a historic reckoning on race and a rise in Black student activism on college campuses,” stated former basketball standout Len Elmore, who chaired the Task Force that guided the Knight Commission Report. “This moment demands transforma-
tional actions that specifically improve the college experience for Black athletes, coaches, and athletics personnel throughout all competitive divisions of college sports,” Elmore noted in a news release. “The Knight Commission’s report lays out a road map for how the CFP, and the NCAA and its member institutions can turn pledges into policies that do just that.” The Knight Commission urged the NCAA and its member schools to address educational and professional opportunity gaps between Black and White athletes. The report urged more recruiting and the hiring of minorities and those from underrepresented groups. The authors said the NCAA also should invest in Black athletes while they are on campus, including pouring resources into programs that support African Americans. “Both NCAA reform and institutional reform of racial equity policies and procedures are long overdue,” the authors wrote. “It is time now to pursue a more equitable and socially just model of college sports that provides fairer and more diverse opportunities for all college athletes, including Black athletes.”
City Colleges of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Public Health launch free Vaccine Ambassador course The City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently announced a Vaccine Ambassador Course that provides free online training to educate people to become trusted vaccine education ambassadors in their communities. Community members can complete the two-hour online Vaccine Ambassador Course (VAC) at no cost. It is offered through the Malcolm X College Continuing Education Department in English and Spanish. “There is so much information out there about the COVID-19 vaccine, we thought it imperative to help people separate fact from fiction,” said David Sanders, president of Malcolm X College. “We are launching the Vaccine Ambassador Course to educate people and address the mistrust and vaccine hesitancy that exists in many areas. People are more likely to listen to their friends and neighbors and that is why developing a local ambassador program is so important. We are provid-
ing Vaccine Ambassadors with vaccine education so they can share the facts and save lives. Ambassadors will help educate and ease concerns. This work is vital to the community and our country.” In the course, students will learn: l Background on COVID-19 and the United States of America healthcare system l History of mistrust and the root causes of vaccine hesitancy l Answers to the most frequently asked COVID-19 vaccine questions l How to approach difficult vaccine conversations “When it comes to discussions about COVID-19 and vaccines, Chicagoans trust those they know best more than any celebrity or outside authorities,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “We depend upon our community ambassadors to speak honestly with their neighbors, families, and friends about the virus
and how to fight it. There is so much misinformation out there, and some people are reluctant and just want their concerns addressed. They may not necessarily be opposed to getting the COVID vaccine, but they have questions and don’t know who to trust. These ambassadors are a vital link in getting the facts out there and helping their own communities fight COVID.” Chicago community members who complete this course will receive a certificate of completion and be recognized as trusted messengers of COVID-19 vaccine education. Upon completion, Partners In Health will provide these trusted messengers access to an online learning community where they will have opportunities to connect with other Vaccine Ambassadors and receive support through additional training, and stay involved in community health activities. For more information and to sign-up for the free two-hour online class visit, www.ccc.edu/ vaccineambassador.
“The Contact Tracers from 31 community-based organizations effort from the Chitracing Chicago COVID Contact Tracing Corps will be some of the first individuals to complete this training as part of their growing skillset to respond at every level of the pandemic,” said Karin Norington-Reaves, CEO of Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership.) “We are proud that some of Chicago’s COVID Contact Tracing Corps members will be among the first to become ambassadors. The 600-strong Corps members continue to perform a variety of roles to fight the pandemic and this volunteer ambassador program is a natural extension of this work.” The course was developed by faculty from the MXC Health Science and Career Programs department, who also collaborated with Rush University Medical Center’s interprofessional Community Health Worker Hub to bring various voices to the course content and videos.
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POLITICAL Affairs Senator Elgie Sims moves to give law enforcement agencies more time and resources to effect criminal justice reforms Recently, members of the Illinois Senate voted to clarify language in SAFE-T Act, a law passed early this year, championed by State Senator Sims (D-Chicago) that works to address police reform and sentencing reform, eliminate the cash bail system and establish violence reduction initiatives. Sims released in a statement following the passage of the bill: “Public safety has always been the number one priority of the SAFE-T Act and our goal remains the same— to create safer communities. That's why, when negotiating these changes, we again included input from advocates, law enforcement officials and various stakeholders. This legislation seeks to clarify and address issues identified by stakeholders as well as providing more time to make the changes necessary to ensure the SAFE-T Act is effective for our communities. "House Bill 3443 moves us another step forward in our efforts to reimagine public safety. Sims says he remain committed to transforming the criminal justice system in Illinois.
3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell receives endorsement from Chairman of the Black Caucus
Alderman Jason Ervin, Chairman of the Black Caucus of Chicago City Council, recently announced his support of Alderman Pat Dowell candidacy for office of Secretary of State.
“Alderman Pat Dowell is one of the most hardworking and conscientious members of the Chicago City Council,” Alderman Ervin said. “She champions the needs of African Americans while making sure that all of her constituents are respected and protected. We have worked together for more than a decade. She is smart and focused and gets the job the done.” “When Alderman Pat Dowell is Secretary of State, Illinoisans will have a Secretary of State that is a true public servant,” he added. Dowell looks forward to building on the office programs and to continue its quality service.
Chicago lawmakers celebrate passage of elected school board legislation A group of Chicago-based state Senators, led by State Senator Robert Martwick (Senate District 10), is celebrating the Senate passage of a proposal to enact an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools. Martwick issued the following statement: “The recent win in culmination of a decade-long fight that is an important step toward giving our communities a say in how the schools their children attend are run. We’re delivering accountability to the school board and ensuring that the people who will be making the decisions about how CPS is run and will always act in the best interests of CPS students and families.” “Teachers, parents, students and community advocates came together to advocate for this historic piece of legislation that will put Chicago at the forefront of community-led education. I am honored to have sponsored this measure. I am grateful to my colleagues who helped move it through the Senate, and I look forward to a brighter future for our city’s youth that a fully elected school board is sure to bring.” The following State Senators stood in solidarity with Martwick’s statement: • • • • • • • • •
State Sen. Omar Aquino (SD-2); State Sen. Mattie Hunter (SD-3); State Sen. Mike Simmons (SD-7); State Sen. Ram Villivalam (SD-8); State Sen. Celina Villanueva (SD-11); State Sen. Robert Peters (SD-13); State Sen. Emil Jones, III (SD-14); State Sen. Elgie Sims, Jr. (SD-17); and State Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (SD-20).
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BUSINESS
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Allyship is Key to Creating Inclusive Workplaces Public coverage of systemic racism has challenged businesses to promote cultures of inclusion, often utilizing allies who serve as collaborators to support historically underrepresented individuals and communities. But along with that comes a need to understand the complex issues required to become an advocate for change, according to a report from Bentley University’s Center for Women and Business (CWB). Elevating Allyship in the Workplace highlights relevant research and interviews with diversity, equity and inclusion thought leaders, employees and executives to present best practices for creating an inclusive workplace. “The report establishes the need for allyship through data that highlights the lived experiences of workers with unique identities, including race, ethnicity, gender, disability, age, and LGBTQ+ status,” CWB Executive Director Trish Foster says. “It delves into complex issues that are central to effective allyship including white privilege, systemic racism, performative allyship, the role of fear and Intersectionality.” Foster notes that the report specifically explores allyship approaches for those who are Black and Asian American while also including strategies for those who want to be white allies for racial justice and male allies for gender equity. It also explores LGBTQ+ allyship and advocacy for disability, including mental health. The benefits of an inclusive work culture Discouraging data from LeanIn. Org indicates that, “despite an overwhelming majority of white employees seeing themselves as allies, less than half of Black women and only slightly more than half of Latinas feel they have strong allies at work.” Deloitte research suggests that “allies might be the missing link” in creating inclusive organizations. Employees in organizations with cultures of inclusion and allyship report feeling greater happiness and are more likely to go above and beyond for their employers: They are 50 percent less likely to leave; 56 percent more likely to work to improve their
A new report from Bentley University’s Center for Women and Business highlights best practices for creating successful allyship programs.
performance; 75 percent less likely to take a sick day; and up to 167 percent more likely to recommend their organizations as great places to work. Allyship is necessary for psychological safety. Research from Deloitte concludes that, “teams where workers feel psychologically safe bringing their views to the table, and where their relationships with other team members are strong enough to allow them to do so in an assertive yet constructive way, will be well positioned to engage in productive friction—the ability to draw out conflict and learn from disagreements to generate new insights.” Barriers to effective allyship The CWB report cautions that a significant hurdle to progress is performative allyship, which occurs when individuals or organizations share information about inequities but don’t take authentic action to make change. Examples include posting social media pieces on racial justice without further action to press for change or making statements of anger about current examples of social injustice without following up
to learn more about the underlying historic, systemic issues. A barrier to employees becoming allies is personal discomfort. But the good news is that there are ways to lean into that discomfort: Learn more about people with different identities such as gender, LGBTQ+ status, race and religion without putting the onus on underrepresented peers and friends. Think about intersectionality and how it impacts others’ lives. Read, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts to learn about people’s unique identities. Work through potentially defeating concerns and fears with other would-be allies. Best practices to create an organizational allyship program “If you are developing an organizational program, leverage proven best practices and view the journey as an iterative process, allowing for trial and error along with transparency about mistakes,” Foster says. “Take a flexible approach and recognize that even the most sophisticated
organizations face challenges when it comes to allyship and inclusion.” Best practices to elevate workplace allyship include: Embed an organizational culture of safety; the tone from the top is critical. Adopt the practice of non-judgmental dialogue that allows employees voices to be heard. Admit mistakes, apologize, and work to correct them as you move forward. Learn how to distinguish between intent and impact and be willing to discuss it. Celebrate the success of allies and underrepresented individuals. Make a public commitment to allyship as an organization. Prioritize employees before profits and ensure that branding, client relationships and vendor agreements emphasize inclusion. Ensure accountability on teams and among leadership. One example is establishing a diverse personal advisory board that gives leaders regular feedback. Utilize an assessment tool to measure the effectiveness of your
organizational and individual allyship initiatives. Recognize the challenges of a virtual environment, which requires more intentional allyship and sensitivity to those struggling or feeling excluded in a remote setting. Virtual drop-in times, for example, could give employees a chance to connect more spontaneously with managers and each other. Foster says that while the CWB report highlights numerous allyship strategies and approaches to create an inclusive workplace, individual actions are key to success. “All allies should work to amplify others’ voices and engage in brave dialogue. Try to move beyond performative allyship; true allies use their power, skills, knowledge and relationships to advocate for change. Doing so requires pushing back against long-standing practices and attitudes. It is not easy but change seldom is.” Founded in 1917, Bentley University enrolls 4,200 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and PhD students and is set on 163 acres in Waltham, Massachusetts, 10 miles west of Boston. For more information, visit bentley.edu.
MBDA Announces 2021 National MED Week Call for Nominations-Nominate MBEs TODAY through July 15 MBDA recently announced the call for nominations for the 2021 National Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week) Awards. National MED Week celebrates the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs, as well as the individuals and organizations that have demonstrated their commitment to advancing minority business enterprises.
This year, MBDA will continue to highlight businesses that have developed and implemented innovative solutions that promote business continuity and the ability to thrive through the challenges. To complete an online nomination for minority-owned businesses and/or other champions in the minority business community, please visit https://my.reviewr.com/mbda/ www.citizennewspapergroup.com
site/MedWeek_Awards_2021. All nominations are due on June 15, 2021 by 11:59 pm ET. MBDA will honor award winners during the virtual National MED Week conference, September 12-18, 2021. If you have questions, please contact the National MED Week Program Manager Antavia Grimsley at agrimsley1@mbda.gov.
NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL ACD: A. Del Valle
CD: G. Apfelbach
CW: A. Walentin
P: C. Capola
AM: L. Mitchell
BM: E. Schmidt
CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 9, 2021
NEWS
Nearly 50% of adult women have high blood pressure, and nearly three-quarters of those with high blood pressure don’t have it under control
Women Face Unique Risks for High Blood Pressure and Stroke (NewsUSA) Women have a lot on their plates, and sometimes important self-care can take a back seat to work, family and other obligations. In fact, nearly 50% of adult women have high blood pressure, and nearly three-quarters of those with high blood pressure don’t have it under control. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can significantly increase a woman’s risk for a stroke, but a few important steps can help reduce that risk and give women (and their loved ones) one less thing to worry about. “High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke and we know that 1 in 5 women will have a stroke and stroke kills more women than breast cancer,” according to Dr. Monik Jiménez, a volunteer with the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association and associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and assistant professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “While high blood pressure isn’t directly linked to gender, different health issues throughout a woman’s life, such as birth control, pregnancy, and menopause, can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of stroke if left uncontrolled,” according to Jiménez. Doctors and researchers have found a link between birth control pills and an increase in blood pressure among some women. They say that it is more likely to occur in
women who are already overweight, have kidney disease or have a family history of high blood pressure. A combination of birth control pills and smoking can be very dangerous to women and is not recommended. A woman’s health during pregnancy can be a preview of her health in the future. Women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy are at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure and having a stroke later in life. The physical changes associated with menopause also increase a woman’s risk of developing high blood pressure. Of note, women of Black and Hispanic ethnicity may develop high blood pressure at a younger age and have a higher average blood pressure than other racial groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, 80% of strokes may be prevented and lowering high blood pressures reduces stroke risk. Women can measure their blood pressure at home regularly and let their doctors know if it’s normally above 120/80. In addition, lifestyle adjustments such as getting enough exercise, eating healthfully, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can go a long way to reduce women’s disease risk from high blood pressure. For more information and tips about women’s health and stroke prevention at all stages of life, visit GoRedForWomen.org/Risk
TOGETHER, WE CAN POWER THROUGH ANYTHING.
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CITIZEN On The Move
The Discover Center of Chatham Recently Hosted A Soft Grand Opening Photo by Tia C. Jones
Photos by Tia C. Jones and Simon Cotton, Rudd Resources
Photos Provided by Tia C. Jones and Simon Cotton, Rudd Resource
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NEWS
Travel Advisors Smooth the Way for Post-Pandemic Getaways (NewsUSA) - As travel opportunities reopen with increasing COVID-19 vaccinations and a decline in cases, eager travelers are booking post-pandemic trips to connect with friends and family, celebrate a special occasion, or just get out of the house. However, after years of making their own travel arrangements online, many potential travelers are rediscovering the value of a professional travel advisor to identify and navigate the variety and shifting safety protocols of post-pandemic travel. “We are dealing with a fragmented travel landscape with shifting public health protocols and entry restrictions that are constantly changing,” says Brianna Glenn, owner and travel designer at milkandhoneytravels. com, a boutique travel service that designs custom vacations. “Travelers don’t need the added stress of trying to navigate this new maze on their own, a good travel advisor can smooth the way and get their trip off to a great start,” she adds. “For example, I just had a honeymoon trip that had their outbound flight delayed
due to weather and they missed their connecting flight to Frankfurt on their way to Croatia. We stepped in and worked with United to rebook their flights, secure a hotel inside the Frankfurt airport since they were not able to leave the transit area and adjust their hotel booking and airport transfers in Dubrovnik without them having to worry about a thing.” Results of a survey by the travel industry website Skift showed that almost half of Americans planning post-pandemic travel plan to use travel advisors. Some key benefits of engaging a professional travel advisor to plan your post-pandemic trip include: - Preparation upfront. An old wedding planning adage says, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Especially in the post-pandemic landscape, a good plan is essential, and a professional advisor, like a good wedding planner, can make sure that everything is set up in advance. Advance planning includes knowing what to expect at your destination regarding safety protocols such as masking requirements
and testing or quarantine requirements. - Backup if you need it. Upscale travelers are seeking peace of mind and expertise as they plan the often complex and exotic trips they have dreamed about during more than a year of staying at home. The more complex the trip, the more important it is to have a knowledgeable advocate in your corner if something goes wrong or if safety regulations should suddenly change. Professional travel advisors can help with purchasing travel insurance to recoup costs in case of cancellation due to COVID and with negotiating refunds if reservations, flights, cruises, or other travel-related activities are cancelled. “There is a big difference between people who love to travel, and people who love to plan travel,” Ms. Glenn says. “Ultimately, we save you hours of time and energy so you can focus on the things that matter most to you,” she emphasizes. Visit milkandhoneytravels.com to learn how professional travel advisors can help make your post-pandemic getaway flow smoothly.
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Results of a survey by the travel industry website Skift showed that almost half of Americans planning post-pandemic travel plan to use travel advisors.
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CITIZEN On The Move
"Steppin" In The Right Direction! Helping Families Impacted by COVID-19 Photos by L.M. Warbington
Leaders From Across The City Along With Community Stake Holders Came Together To Support Those in Need. Thanks To Christ Universal Temple, Black Men United, Dr. Willie Wilson, Pastor Harrell, 34th Ward Alderman Carrie Austin and Universal Entertainment Center, Ken Bedford & The Chicago Stepper's Community hosted this event recently on the South Side.
Chicagoans Shows Support For Families During COVID-19!
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ENTERTAINMENT
UNCF Chicago hosts virtual UNCF “A Mind Is...” Gala Supporting HBCUs and Students Special celebrity guest hosts and performers to join Gala to benefit deserving students and historically black colleges and universities – will also honor those who are helping to advance educational opportunities for young people of color The annual Chicago UNCF “A Mind Is...” Gala is moving online this year and is set for Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 6:00pm (CST). This annual event is one of Chicago’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Due to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gala has been reimagined as a digital experience packaging together an extraordinary virtual affair. Hosted by Stefan Holt, anchor of NBC 5 with special guest host acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson, the event will include performances by Grammy-nominated singer Kenny Lattimore and Chicago’s own powerhouse singer Terisa Griffin. Gala Co-Chairmen include: NBA players Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Tim Hardaway, Jr. (Dallas Mavericks)
and Derrick Rose (New York Knicks). Honorary Co-Chairpersons include Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Cook County Board President Toni
Preckwinkle and Mayor Lori Lightfoot. This year’s honorees, who are being recognized for helping to advance educational opportunities
for African-Americans, include Mary Spio, Founder and CEO of CEEK VR, Inc. receiving the “A Mind Is… Trailblazer Award” and Wintrust
Financial receiving the “A Mind Is… Corporate Award. For 77 years, UNCF has supported hundreds of thousands of deserving students, private historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and advocated for minority higher education. Current sponsors of the virtual gala include: ITW, Peoples Gas, BMO Harris Bank, Wintrust, US Bank, COMED, Allstate, Nicor Gas, American Airlines, CEEK VR Inc and NBC 5 Chicago. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit UNCF. org/AMIChicago. or contact the local Chicago UNCF office at (312) 845-2204. Follow this event on social media @UNCFChicago #UNCFChicago #UNCF.
Vereen and Gossett Cement their “Roots” as Fellow Inductees Frazier and Avery join them in the American Black Film Institute’s Hall of Fame On Saturday June 19th, decades of talent rule the day, as The American Black Film Institute hosts it Juneteenth celebration, inducting Hall of Fame nominees, Oscar-winning actor Lou Gossett Jr., along with multi-faceted Tony award-winning actor Ben Vereen. The induction will take place at the American Black Film Institute’s 2021 Juneteenth celebration, to be held virtually and in-person, with a live simulcast. The Juneteenth celebration entitled “Upon Whose Shoulders We Stand,” is a salute to the trailblazing artists, who have cast an indelible legacy of film and television projects, for current and future generations to revere. The American Black Film Institute is known for ensuring that artists of color are recognized for their lifelong contributions to film, television and theatre, and that their work is preserved.
Tony Award-winner Ben Vereen
Academy Award-nominee Margaret Avery
Rounding out the 2021 class of inductees include; multi-talented actress/singer Margaret Avery, best known for beloved roles such as “Shug” in the Color Purple and ac-
tress/producer Sheila Frazier known for her iconic screen portrayals as the demure leading lady, opposite leading men of classic Black 70’s cinema, most notably Superfly, and
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mainstream films such as California Suite and The Lazarus Syndrome. “Our Juneteenth holiday steeped in the rich tradition of African American resilience pre and post-emancipation, should be viewed by us, as an opportunity to reflect on the past as we look ahead to the future. In that vein we seek to bring both young people and our elders together, so that the young may know the shoulders upon which they stand, and those who sacrificed so they may enjoy many of the benefits they do today,” stated ABFI Executive Director G. Scott Kenney. The American Black Film Institute will additionally be hosting young people currently making strides nationally and in their community. Among them include Twyla Joseph, Time Magazine’s recent cover story, who triumphantly represented the
face of the challenges young people are meeting head-on in the wake of COVID. She will be joined by The Young Men of Elmont, whose recent “See Me, Know Me” video campaign, focusing on mutual respect between law enforcement and young Black Men, was so well received in its heartfelt and truthful messaging, that it is now being used as a mandatory training video in suburban New York Police jurisdictions for new recruits. The Black Film Institute continues its tradition of honoring the past, while cultivating future generations of creative leaders, toward the goal of giving young people a further appreciation for the generation before them, who made the road they now travel, just a little easier. For further information on this event, you may call (646)245-6232. The event is free and open to the public.
10 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 9, 2021
FASHION
kidpik Boys Summer 2021 Clothing Box
Keshia Knight Pulliam was recently announced as Mielle’s new Global Education Ambassador.
Actor and venture capitalist partners with Black-owned beauty brand Mielle Organics recently announced the celebration of their 7-year anniversary. The global beauty brand commemorated their milestone with a $5.99 blow-out sale in May and also announced that actress and venture capitalist Keshia Knight Pulliam as Mielle’s new Global Education Ambassador. As Mielle’s Global Ambassador, Keshia Knight Pulliam will lead the beauty brand’s initiatives to roll out their inaugural Global Certificate Program in partnership with Rutgers University and the Newark Business Hub. As part of the brand’s promise to provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and education in the community, Mielle Organics will allocate part of their $1 Million More Than A Strand Fund to cover the tuition and start-up costs for 60 2021 program applicants. For Mielle Organics’ founder and CEO, Monique Rodriguez, choosing Keshia Knight Pulliam as Mielle’s Global Education ambassador was a must. “We chose Keshia Knight Pulliam as our new Global Education Ambassador because of her passion for providing opportunities for mentorship, education and venture capital for Black women,” said Rodriguez. “Entering this
next chapter of our journey with someone who is equally as passionate about building community entrepreneurship is a testament to what God has to come.” “I am elated to work with Mielle Organics to bring new education and venture capital opportunities to Black women worldwide,” said Global Ambassador, Keshia Knight Pulliam. “It’s amazing to partner with a company that has so much mutual synergy when it comes to sewing into our community. I’m honored to celebrate their 7-year anniversary.” Mielle Organics’ Global Education Program will educate 60 applicants annually on the necessities for new and growing startups. At the end of the program, ten out of those 60 applicants will be chosen to travel to South Africa and compete for Series A funding in 2022. Applications for Mielle’s 2021 Global Certificate Program are now open through June 15. Winners will be announced on June 30. To learn more about Mielle Organics’ 2021 Global Certificate Program, visit https://www.morethanastrand. com.
kidpik Girls Summer 2021 Clothing Box
Summer Forecast: Stress-Free, Fashionable and Fun With hot, sunny days on the horizon, kidpik, has released its Summer 2021 collection of personalized clothing boxes packed with kids’ outfits designed to keep up with stylish kids’ warm weather routines. Parents can prioritize relaxation this summer by allowing kidpik’s team of fashion experts to do the shopping and the styling for them. After members take the brand’s 3-minute style quiz, kids await a surprise at their doorstep—a box of curated fashion selected just for them based on their unique preferences. “With our summer collection, we’ve captured the happiness the season brings with bold and bright styles created with summer fun top of mind,” said Dina Sweeney, kidpik’s chief merchandising officer. “Our goal is always to make parents and kids happy by delivering clothing kids love and want to wear. Parents can test out new trends from the comfort of their home and receive personalized, seasonal looks in their kids’ updated sizes without having to spend a beautiful day shopping indoors.” Standout trends from the summer collection include
bold stripes, tropical prints, denim, colorful and monochromatic coordinated sets and color blocked swimwear for boys and girls. Additional highlights include easy dresses in of-themoment florals and tie dye patterns for girls and bold graphic t-shirts and lightweight shorts for boys. Each kidpik subscription box ships with 7 pieces of coordinated fashion, including shoes, that create a minimum of 3 mix-&-match outfits. The average box is $98 when the 30% keep-all discount is applied, bringing each item to $14. Shipping, returns and exchanges are free and there is no styling fee—making kidpik entirely commitment-free. “We enjoyed our box so much! It was as fun for mom to open as it was daughter. The sizes and styles were perfect. My daughter loved every piece! Thank you for offering quality kids clothing for a reasonable price,” said one happy member in a recent 5-star review. In addition to kidpik’s time-saving kids subscription boxes, the brand is set to release pre-styled vacation and camp boxes, which will be available to purchase with no subscription required beginning on June 15, 2021. For more information, visit kidpik.com
Eastman expands capacity to produce Naia™ cellulosic yarn To serve rapidly growing customer demand, global specialty materials provider Eastman (NYSE: EMN) is increasing its capacity to produce Naia™ filament yarn at its Barcelona, S.L., site by 30% by mid-2021 and more than 50% by the end of 2022. “The growing importance of sustainability and circularity as key market drivers is accelerating adoption of sustainable fibers. As a result, Naia™ cellulosic filament yarn is gaining a lot of traction among our customers,” said Burt A. Capel, Eastman vice president and general manager of fibers. “Our vision is to make sustainable www.citizennewspapergroup.com
“Our vision is to make sustainable fashion accessible to all, and we have a very committed team at our Barcelona site actively working to bring this expansion onstream as soon as possible to serve our customers across the globe,” said Burt A. Capel, Eastman vice president and general manager of fibers.
fashion accessible to all, and we have a very committed team at our Barcelona site actively working to bring this expansion onstream as soon as possible to serve our customers
across the globe,” Capel added. The expansion will support new brand adoptions of Naia™ in womenswear fashion, where there is a growing demand for sustainable fibers.
CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 9, 2021
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AC 5-26-2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION MIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff, -v.- RENALDO SHANKLIN A/K/A RENALDO L. SHANKLIN, MIA SHANKLIN A/K/A MIA M. SHANKLIN Defendants 19 CH 10803 6714 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60637 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 7, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 22, 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 6714 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60637 Property Index No. 20-22-301040-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $167,966.77. 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 twenty-four (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, The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff's Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer
to file number 19-091449. 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. LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717 EMail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 19-091449 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 19 CH 10803 TJSC#: 41784 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 # 19 CH 10803 I3169414 _________________________________
HEALTHY LIVING Tips to Embrace the Healthy Habit of Bicycling (StatePoint) Whether rediscovering the joy of riding a bike or taking a ride for the first time, cycling saw a boom during the pandemic, and many believe this trend is here to stay. The summer is an excellent time to recognize the many benefits of this healthy habit, as well as outfit yourself with everything you need to embrace your inner adventurer. Huffy Bicycles is offering the following tips and insights to celebrate cycling.
Darrell Garth
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Recognize the Benefits Bicycling is a heart-healthy cardiovascular exercise that strengthens your lower body, yet is low-impact on joints, making it a terrific workout for adults of all ages, as well as kids and families. It’s also great for the mind, and has been shown in studies to boost mood and improve cognitive function. But the benefits extend beyond the individual. Biking as a substitute for driving a car is good for the planet and your local community, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants and improving traffic congestion.
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Find Time to Bike Changing or creating a single habit can have unexpected and wide-reaching effects. Even with a jam-packed schedule, you can establish the habit of biking by seamlessly incorporating it into your current routine. Here are a few ideas for doing so: • Pick one to two days a week to commute to work by bike. • Swap out sedentary activities you do to unwind with your family, such as watching TV, with bike rides. • Are weekends the time you spend connecting with friends? Suggest your next meet-up start with a bike ride. • Whether you’re a runner, swimmer or love working out at home, swap at least one workout a week with cycling. Cross training emphasizes different muscle groups and helps build out a more wellrounded fitness routine. Go Electric Electric bikes are great alternatives for all adult riders, no matter your level of experience. An e-bike helps you get back on a bike if it’s been a while since your last ride, if you have physical limitations that make riding a standard bike difficult, or if you want to keep up on a ride with more experienced friends. The pedal-powered boost can also provide a less intense alternative to traditional biking, especially for those looking to commute without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s to ease back into biking or you just want a cool bike, the e-bike offers the same joys as a conventional bike ride with a bit of a kick. Get Equipped Consider a one-stop brand, such as Huffy Bicycles to ensure each member of your family is equipped with the bike that best meets their needs. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker in need of a tough, durable mountain or gravel bike, or a day tripper seeking a cruiser or comfort bike, Huffy offers a range of models in every style. They have tricycles, bicycles, scooters and battery-powered ride-ons, for kids of all ages, from those still experimenting with foot-to-floor and first-bike fun, to active kids seeking adventure. Finally, if you’re an RV-er or plan to regularly commute by bike, they also offer fun-to-ride electric bikes that make it easy to ride more miles and power up hills. For more information, visit www.huffy.com. This year, pave the way for a healthy habit you and your family can enjoy together for years to come.
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