South End Citizen 6-23-2021

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 23, 2021

| Vol. 54 | No. 20 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH END

Coalition to Help Coordinate Emergency Relief Funding to Advance Student Success Page 2

Tripadvisor Research Reveals COVID-19 Vaccines Driving Demand for Summer Vacations Page 5

Baron Waller is the owner of five Chicagoland area Culver’s restaurants. He recently opened a location in Ravenswood and is set to open another in Pullman. Photo provided by Brian Berg

Waves of Fun: Swimming safety tips for summer Page 9

BLACK CULVER’S FRANCHISEE OPENS FIFTH CHICAGOLAND RESTAURANT

Baron Waller owns several Culver’s Restaurant franchises in the Chicagoland area. His first was in New Lenox. He said a positive experience at the Culver’s in Lansing was what peaked his interest in owning the Wisconsin-based restaurant known for its ButterBurgers and Cheese Curds. PAGE 2

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION NEW COALITION TO HELP COORDINATE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDING TO ADVANCE STUDENT SUCCESS Twelve leading education organizations recently announced a new effort to help ensure all students receive the equitable educational opportunities they deserve. The newly formed Coalition to Advance Future Student Success is a recognition that the historic injection of federal emergency relief funds presents a transformative opportunity for America’s public K-12 education system.

The Coalition represents leaders involved in advancing public education, from practitioners in the classroom to the state capitol.

The Coalition’s goal is to ensure that the federal investment provided during the COVID-19 pandemic is spent effectively and efficiently.

A key pillar is to support historically underserved students who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coalition to Advance Future Student Success comprises the Council of Chief State School Officers, National Governors Association, National Association of State Boards of Education, National Conference of State Legislatures, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, Council of the Great City Schools, Chiefs for Change, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National School Boards Association, National Education Association, and American Federation of Teachers.

HEALTH

LYSOL®, JOINS THE AD COUNCIL AND COVID COLLABORATIVE’S COVID-19 VACCINE EDUCATION INITIATIVE Reckitt, the maker of Lysol®, has joined the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative in their efforts to promote COVID-19 vaccine awareness, releasing a new public service announcement (PSA) encouraging people to visit GetVaccineAnswers.org for information. The PSA – which focuses on the long-awaited moments of welcoming friends and family back into our homes – will help amplify the organizations’ historic “It’s Up To You” campaign, which educates people about COVID-19 vaccines and the role they play in helping us all get back to the moments we miss.

“With the COVID-19 vaccines widely available, it’s critical that Americans with questions know where to turn for reliable answers,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We are thrilled that Lysol, a brand deeply trusted by consumers, is joining our initiative. Together, we can inspire individuals who are still hesitant to get the facts about the safety and efficacy of these vaccines.”

LAW & POLITICS

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL: CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER RULED SEXUALLY VIOLENT Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently announced that a Kane County judge has found that a registered sex offender is a Sexually Violent Person (SVP). Following the verdict, Kane County Circuit Court Judge Alice Tracy ordered Kerby Ford, 57, to remain in the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for treatment. Ford will be returned to the IDHS SVP Treatment and Detention Facility in Rushville, Illinois.

In 2008, Ford was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl. At the time, Ford worked in the restaurant owned by the victim’s uncle. Previously in 1993, Ford was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting two girls, an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old, he was babysitting in Cook County. Also in 1993, Ford was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 13 while he was babysitting them in Kane County in 1989.

Under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act, Raoul’s office prosecutes cases seeking to commit offenders to the custody of IDHS. To be committed under the act, a person must have been convicted of a sexually violent offense and suffer from a mental disorder. Prosecutors must also prove that the offender is likely to commit future acts of sexual violence if released from custody. Once committed to IDHS, offenders are re-evaluated on a regular basis to determine if they continue to meet the criteria for commitment as a sexually violent person.

Black Culver’s Franchisee Opens Fifth Chicagoland Restaurant Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Baron Waller owns several Culver’s Restaurant franchises in the Chicagoland area. His first was in New Lenox.

He said a positive experience at the Culver’s in Lansing was what peaked his interest in owning the Wisconsin-based restaurant known for its ButterBurgers and Cheese Curds.

“I was just awed by the experience itself. I kept coming back, I brought my wife there, I brought my brother there, and I got that same experience.

And, I said, ‘hey, I should open one of these,’” he said.

Waller said at first, Culver’s gave him options of places near the southern suburbs to open. He opened the New Lenox location because it was available.

He said he really pressed them to open in Chicago. “I wanted to open in Chicago and I picked Bronzeville because I used to live in Bronzeville,” he said. “I picked Bronzeville, I really wanted to be in one of our neighborhoods.”

Waller, who worked at IBM for 14 years, said it was a big transition from the corporate world to owning his own business. He said it was his motivation

towards getting out of the corporate world and do something on his own.

“I really felt I had a lot to give. Not just working and doing one thing, that I could do more. This was the way I chose to go ahead and do more. Because I knew about marketing, I knew about finance, I knew about operations.

I knew about all these things. This was a way of doing all of those, and not just do one thing,” he said.

Waller opened the Ravenswood Culver’s, located at 1819 West Montrose Ave., in late May. There was a hiring event for the location for 40 to 50 jobs.

The Pullman Culver’s, located at 111th and Doty Ave., is set to open this year. He also has plans to open a Culver’s on the West side, Southwest side and in downtown Chicago. He said he also is open to having locations in South Shore and in Calumet Heights.

He added, he has plans on trying to grow Chicago and what’s really important to him “is that we go into communities” where Culver’s don’t go. “Bronzeville is one, Ravenswood is another, I’m going on the West side because I feel it is important that we go into our neighborhoods, too, that we go into Black neighborhoods.

They need jobs, too. Everyone needs to work, and this is just my way of helping. You open a business, you hire people, get people to work,” he said.

Waller said there are not many minority or Black franchise owners. He said you can count them on one hand.

“That’s also part of it, too. Sometimes we’ve got to be a part of it, to make change. You can’t just keep pushing from the outside, sometimes we’ve got to push from the inside,” he said.

“That’s another responsibility for me is to bring more Black people in.”

Waller said he has partners in his Miami franchise, as well as in the Pullman franchise who are minorities. Waller said the restaurants are doing really well.

He credits that to the Culver’s brand.

“That experience I had going into that Culver’s store, those are the same kinds of experiences I want to display in my restaurants. I want people to feel they have a positive experience when they come in, to keep them coming back. And, I think we’ve been successful, we’ve been doing a good job and they’ve been coming back,” he said. “Our objective is not just to give them food but to give them a positive experience when they come to our restaurants.”

Fellowship Program for Black MBA Students Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), the world’s leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people, recently announced the launch of RISE, a global MBA fellowship program in partnership with the National Black MBA Association® (NBMBAA) and Fisk University.

A first-of-its-kind program, RISE, which stands for racial inclusion and social equity, will provide second-year Black MBA candidates and graduates in the US, UK and Canada with an enriching curriculum of practical business knowledge and tools for advocating for social justice within a business environment.

The program is being launched in celebration of Marsh McLennan’s 150th anniversary. The first cohort will begin their fellowship in September 2021, completing the program in May 2022.

“We’re committed to the principle of responsible capitalism and doing business in ways that generate a more just and compassionate world,” said Dan Glaser, president & CEO, Marsh McLennan.

“RISE will help us form a more diverse, inclusive and vibrant Marsh McLennan and professional services industry.”

As part of RISE, Marsh McLennan’s Executive Committee will participate in an intensive social justice module at Fisk University. “Our leaders are committed to cultivating a culture

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in which different experiences and perspectives are valued and celebrated,” said Carmen Fernandez, senior vice president & chief people officer, Marsh McLennan. “The RISE executive module will immerse our leaders in a social justice agenda, helping them more fully embrace their roles as inclusive leaders.”

“Every successful business leader needs to understand the dynamics of risk, people and strategy issues. Increasingly they need to be fluent in the intersection of business and social justice as well,” said Nzinga Shaw, chief inclusion & diversity officer, Marsh McLennan.

“Through RISE, we hope to foster a new generation of executives who will forge a leadership path in business and make our industries more equitable.”

The fellows will participate in an immersive social justice program through the John Lewis Center for Social Justice at Fisk University, one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee, followed by an eight-month paid fellowship incorporating thought-leadership and mentorship from Marsh McLennan executives and NBMBAA leaders.

Upon completion of the program, the fellows will be expected to complete an assessment of their observations and how they envision their role in continuing to

promote an agenda of social justice.

“Our young prospective members are among the sharpest business minds in the country, and any organization that invests in their success is sure to see an impressive return,” said Joe Handy, president and CEO of NBMBAA. “We are grateful to Marsh McLennan and Fisk University for their cooperation in making this program a reality, and excited to see the benefits it produces.”

“Black MBA candidates have a rich set of experiences to bring to the professional services sector,” said Vann Newkirk, Sr., president of Fisk University. “It will be exciting to see how these cohorts of fellows implement a social justice agenda within their careers and beyond.

It is wonderful to see companies like Marsh McLennan taking a leadership role and partnering with Fisk University to address the next generation of diverse C-suite and executive leaders.”

Through its Leading the Change initiative, Marsh McLennan is helping its diverse talent thrive. The company also recently committed $5 million to support select organizations that advocate for the Black community and doubled its match for colleague donations made to organizations working towards this cause.

Students interested in learning more or applying to the fellowship can visit http:// mmc.com/rise for more information.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 23, 2021

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NEWS

COVID-19 Exacerbated Existing Inequities That Leave Black Women Behind Financially The U.S. economy lost out on more than $507 billion in economic productivity as the attainment gap between Black and white women has widened since 1960, according to new analysis from S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI).

Drawing on census, labor force and GDP data, the report shows how Black women have been left with increasingly less room for educational and professional advancement, circumstances only worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The economic inequalities facing Black women continue to compound, particularly as the service sector unemployment rate remains high in the wake of COVID-19,” said Dr. Beth Ann Bovino, U.S. chief economist at S&P Global Ratings and lead author of the report. “Our report illustrates the real economic impacts of equitable advancement, not just for Black women and their families but for all of us. Making that advancement a reality would require breaking down larger systemic barriers that make it difficult for Black women to succeed in the American labor force.”

Research found that if growth in Black women’s college education had matched that of white women from 1960-2019 (with all other factors constant), it would have equated to 44.5% of working-age Black women with college degrees and 8% more college-educated Black women in the workforce by 2019. Given the link between education and productivity, the increase in college-educated Black women would have added more than $107.5 billion to the U.S. economy over that time.

This analysis found that more Black women work in lower-paying service-sector jobs, regardless of whether they have college degrees. The report determined the impact on the economy if all college-educated Black women had been in positions that better matched their education and skill sets.

The result would have been a productivity boost totaling $507 billion in U.S. GDP by 2019.

There also would be a personal impact for Black women and families, including an upbuilding of generational wealth.

Closing the educational and professional gaps for Black women would have seen a Black college-educated female professional make $5,000 more in annual wages in 2019. With that said, even when controlled for the quality of education, a Black professional woman’s annual earnings would still be $7,600 lower than that of a professional white woman.

The impact of COVID-19 only exacerbates the loss of potential wealth creation and economy productivity. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the economic status of Black Americans has always been worse than average, with Black women suffering higher unemployment rates than white men

REP. DAVIS LEADS EFFORT TO EXPAND THE WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT Rep. Danny K. Davis, along with House Ways and Means Democrats, Rep. Brian Higgins (NY), Bill Pascrell (NJ), Tom Suozii (NY), Terri Sewell (AL), John Larson (CT), and Dale Kildee (MI), introduced the "Promoting Employment of Skilled Workers and Foster Youth Act of 2021."

"As the economy begins to reopen and the strong possibility of an infrastructure bill on the horizon, expanding the WOTC to encourage the hiring of skilled workers and foster youth will provide employment opportunities to reduce unemployment further," Davis stated. While the national unemployment rate continues to decrease, certain areas of Chicago still have double-digit unemployment. This bill will encourage more opportunity for skilled workers in the construction fields and foster youth to enter the workforce."

Senator Jones announces over $1.5 million investment in local biking and walking trails State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) announced that Midlothian and Oak Forest will see a combined investment of over $1.5 million in local sidewalks, as well as biking and walking trails.

The report shows how Black women have been left with increasingly less room for educational and professional advancement.

in every economic recession of the past 50 years. With more Black women tending to work in the service sector, the area of industry hardest hit by the pandemic, it’s likely that Black women will also likely see the slowest rebound in employment as the labor market recovers.

The research is sponsored by S&P Global’s Diversity Research Lab, which generates insights on the impact and results of increased diversity on economies, markets and corporations. It is also a continuation of S&P Global’s #ChangePays initiative, launched in January 2019, which leverages the Company’s essential intelligence to advance the discussion around the benefits of women’s participation in the workforce.

Read the full report on S&P Global’s website at https://www. spglobal.com/en/research-insights/featured/how-the-advancement-of-black-women-will-build-a-better-economy-for-all

EEOC Condemns Antisemitism In Unanimous Resolution The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has unanimously approved a resolution condemning the recent violence, harassment, and acts of bias against Jewish individuals in the United States, the agency recently announced.

The resolution reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to combat all forms of harassment and discrimination against

POLITICAL Affairs

members of the Jewish community, and to ensure equal opportunity, inclusion, and dignity for all in the workplace.

“Hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism violate our nation’s core principles and impact all of us,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “The recent violence and harassment against Jewish persons serve as a reminder of the challenges we face as a nation and the

importance of the agency’s work. The Commission stands with the victims, their families and the nation’s Jewish communities.”

The EEOC advances equal opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information about the Commission is available on EEOC’s website at www.eeoc.gov.

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“Transportation isn’t just about cars and buses,” Jones said. “People need to be able to safely travel on sidewalks and bike paths to get from home to school and work, as well as to get healthy exercise.”

Residents of the communities will see improvements to area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, which include: ·

Sidewalks in Oak Forest and

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The Natalie Creek Trail in Midlothian

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

Illinois Senate Black Caucus Celebrates the signing of HB#3922 making Juneteenth a State Law On June 19, 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.

50 years later, Illinois has now declared June 19 a state holiday to recognize Juneteenth National Freedom Day. The initiative, led by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (DMaywood) began as an effort to keep Black history alive in Illinois by creating a statewide celebration of African American freedom and independence.

“Making Juneteenth a state holiday is a breakthrough in Illinois history,” Lightford said. “It reminds us that freedom and racial equality have always been a hard-fought battle for Black Americans and gives us an opportunity to celebrate our culture and achievements.”

“Juneteenth is a day to commemorate the end of the ‘peculiar’ institution of slavery. The abolishment of America’s original sin on June 19, 1865, was the manifestation of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (DSwansea). “Make no mistake about it, the date slavery was eradicated in America should be a date held in high sacrosanctity, not only in Illinois, but in all America.

The legislation was signed into law recently and will become effective Jan. 1, 2022.

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BUSINESS Sean Combs Teams Up With Salesforce To Launch SHOP CIRCULATE, An All-In-One Digital Marketplace For Black-Owned Businesses Combs Enterprises and Salesforce have teamed up to create SHOP CIRCULATE, a curated digital marketplace that allows consumers to discover and buy products exclusively created and sold by Black entrepreneurs.

SHOP CIRCULATE provides Black businesses with a platform to reach global audiences and empowers consumers to shop the world’s best Black-owned brands. This innovative new platform will be designed and built by Deloitte Digital, a leading Experience Consultancy and global strategic partner for Salesforce, and powered by Marketplacer’s best-in-class online marketplace technology.

SHOP CIRCULATE’s announcement reinforces the importance of supporting and empowering Black entrepreneurs and building wealth through “circulating” dollars within the Black community.

“Building Black wealth starts with investing in Black-owned businesses and giving entrepreneurs access to the consumers needed to build sustainable companies that can thrive,” says Sean Combs, chairman of Combs Enterprises. “I’m excited to partner with Salesforce to create a platform that will advance our collective pursuit of economic justice.”

“Salesforce is honored to collaborate with Sean Combs and Combs Enterprises to help close the unjust wealth gap that prevents too many Black Americans from achieving econom-

BUILDING BLACK WEALTH STARTS WITH INVESTING IN BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES AND GIVING ENTREPRENEURS ACCESS TO THE CONSUMERS NEEDED TO BUILD SUSTAINABLE COMPANIES THAT CAN THRIVE. Sean Combs, Chairman Combs Enterprises ic equality,” said Marc Benioff, chair and CEO of Salesforce.

“SHOP CIRCULATE will empower us all — as individuals, communities and companies — to support Black-owned businesses, amplify the talent of Black entrepreneurs and move us closer to true equality.”

Combs Enterprises has united the industry’s most progressive companies and innovative minds to lead the charge in elevating Black-owned entrepreneurs. SHOP CIRCULATE has acquired The Nile List, a widely respected and rapidly growing digital community that connects consumers with Black-owned brands. With the acquisition, Combs Enterprises has appointed The Nile List founder Khadijah Robinson to head of product, where she will oversee development and spearhead all SHOP CIRCULATE global efforts.

Additionally, SHOP CIRCULATE has inked a robust partnership with Official Black Wall Street, the leading directory

TD Bank Announces $100 Million Equity Fund to Support Minority-Owned Small Businesses TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® (AMCB), recently announced the establishment of a $100 million equity fund in support of minority-owned small businesses, demonstrating its continued commitment to combat racial inequities and provide opportunity in underserved communities.

TD Bank’s equity fund will enable Specialized Small Business Investment Companies (SSBICs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide small business loans and technical assistance, ensuring these businesses have the resources they need to scale and adapt long-term.

Seventy-five million of the capital will be funded through an SSBIC initiative, to be launched later this year. SSBICs provide financial assistance to disadvantaged businesses that are minority-owned, women-owned or are in areas of need. $25 million will be specifically earmarked for Black- and Latinx-owned small businesses, funded through CDFIs, which are notably skilled in helping businesses in communities of color secure financing.

“The pandemic has highlighted the depth of disparities that exist in communities of color, especially as it relates to small businesses, which serve as the backbone of our economy,” said Greg Braca, president and CEO, TD Bank, AMCB. “The equity fund will ultimately infuse capital and help stabilize these small businesses. But it’s also about contributing to job creation, stimulating economic development, revitalizing these vibrant communities and, just as important, breaking the cycle of disinvestment which systemically prevents communities of color from thriving. Small businesses are

the heart of our communities – especially communities of color – and it’s up to us to help them succeed.”

The equity fund stems from a larger commitment made by TD Bank Group last year to advance racial equity for its colleagues, customers and communities. As part of that commitment, TD Bank pledged to establish ways to better support minority-owned businesses. Many of these businesses, particularly Black- and Latinx-owned, were already experiencing financial fragility due to underlying systemic challenges faced by underrepresented groups, a situation that was exacerbated during the pandemic.

“We hope that our investment in these SSBICs and CDFIs serves as a means of making access to capital more equitable for minority small business owners. But our support doesn’t end there,” said Michael Innis-Thompson, head of community leading and development at TD Bank. “TD has always helped sustain small business owners.

For instance, we’ve long supported CDFIs through philanthropic grants and access to capital for loans, providing them with the liquidity to offer low-interest, micro-loans to businesses that may not have qualified for traditional lending due to barriers commonly faced, especially by Black and Latinx small business owners. Additionally, TD will continue its practice of referring customers to a CDFI when we can’t underwrite a loan, because at the end of the day, we want these vital businesses to succeed – it’s what differentiates us as a purpose-driven bank.”

to discover Black-owned businesses, with its founder Mandy Bowman joining as an advisor.

SHOP CIRCULATE was developed by a dynamic and diverse team of engineers, storytellers, brand marketers and product specialists across Salesforce, Deloitte Digital and Combs Enterprises. The platform will launch later this year, featuring an expansive list of businesses across categories -- from beauty, fashion and art, to health, wellness and home.

“Deloitte’s purpose is to make an impact that matters. As the largest professional services organization in the world, we have a responsibility to help level the playing field and advance opportunities for the Black community in business,” says Punit Renjen, Deloitte Global CEO. “This is one of the most effective ways for organizations like ours to do our part in ending systemic bias, racial injustice, and unequal treatment in all its forms.”

“Marketplaces are a great leveler in bringing together businesses of all sizes into a single venue to drive opportunity and growth. It’s our goal that our partnership with SHOP CIRCULATE will bring our powerful marketplace platform to Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs as a vehicle to drive change, growth and success,” said Jason Wyatt, executive chairman, Marketplacer.

In First Round of Grantmaking, Black Girl Freedom Fund Supports Organizations Serving Black Girls Across the U.S. The Black Girl Freedom Fund, an initiative of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, recently announced its first grant recipients. The grantmaking was guided by an advisory committee of seven Black girls and Black gender-expansive youth between the ages of 13-17 years old.

The Black Girl Freedom Fund is focusing its first round of grants for Black-girls serving organizations that address safety and wellbeing of Black girls.

Along with the fund, the #1Billion4BlackGirls campaign aims to mobilize $1 billion for Black girls and young women over the next 10 years. The campaign has mobilized $17 million since it was first launched in September.

“We affirm that Black girls are sacred, and are deserving of love and abundant resources to heal, grow, and thrive,” says Dr. Monique W. Morris, president and CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, and cofounder of the #1Billion4BlackGirls Campaign. “Black girls present some of the boldest, wisest, most creative articulations of justice in our society. We’ll all benefit when we listen to their experience and needs, and fund their solutions.”

For its first round of funding, grants ranging between $50,000-$100,000 will be distributed to The F.I.N.D. Design(Nashville), Pretty Brown Girl (National), Healing the Black Body (National), Get Smart B4U Get Sexy(California), The Hive Community Circle (South Carolina), 3D Girls (Atlanta).

Each grantee meets the fund’s criteria that organizations are led by Black girls and/or Black women, Black femmes, gender-expansive Black people, and serve Black girls, Black femmes, and/or gender-expansive Black youth.

In addition, each organization is U.S.-based, focuses on leadership development, works to center the power of Black girls, facilitates pro-

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gramming for Black girls, centers the wellness and safety of Black girls in its mission and/or programs.

“Black girls and gender-expansive young people are deeply invested in the wellbeing and safety of their peers,” said Kyndall Clark Osibodu, manager of organizational health and learning for Grantmakers of Girls of Color, who co-facilitated the Black Girl Freedom Fund Youth Advisory Committee. “Not only did the Youth Advisory Committee conjure up and bring into the room their first-hand experiences, they modeled for us what it means to do philanthropy abundantly, make decisions with conviction, and hold us accountable to co-construct a container that centers their own healing, safety, and wellbeing.”

The fund was created to address a major disparity in giving to Black girls and other women and girls of color, which was discovered to represent only 0.5% of $66.9 billion by foundations, totaling just $5.48 per woman and girl of color in the United States, according to the Ms. Foundation. In 2017, one of the most recent years for which data exists, less than $15 million was specified as benefiting Black women and girls.

“It has been a joy to have this empowering and transformative experience guided by the brilliance and leadership of Black girls and gender-expansive youth in the fund’s Youth Advisory Committee,” said Cidra Sebastien, manager of the Black Girl Freedom Fund. “I look forward to more collaborative opportunities to imagine and co-create alongside them.

We are eager to support more Black girls and gender-expansive youth in every city, every state, in every way.”

Additional rounds of funding will be made in 2021. For updates, visit 1billion4BlackGirls.org

CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 23, 2021

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NEWS

‘Have Shot, Will Travel’, Tripadvisor Research Reveals COVID-19 Vaccines Driving Demand for Summer Vacations A new travel trends research paper released recently by Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel guidance platform*, reveals that vaccine rollouts globally are driving increasing demand for summer vacations, with vaccinated travelers more likely to stay longer and spend more on their trips than unvaccinated travelers.

The report, entitled ‘A Shot in The Arm for Travel? Examining the Vaccine’s Impact on Leisure Travel Demand’, provides a unique insight into emerging travel planning trends around the world by combining behavioral analysis of Tripadvisor’s first-party search data - revealing the type of trips travelers are actively researching on the world’s largest travel platform - with consumer sentiment analysis gathered via traveler surveys in six major international markets, exploring the latest in traveler attitudes and confidence.

The report identifies clear behavioral differences in how vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are thinking about travel, and how that is translating into travel planning behaviors on the Tripadvisor platform.

In countries like the U.S. and the UK, where

THE REPORT IDENTIFIES CLEAR BEHAVIORAL DIFFERENCES IN HOW VACCINATED AND UNVACCINATED TRAVELERS ARE THINKING ABOUT TRAVEL, AND HOW THAT IS TRANSLATING INTO TRAVEL PLANNING BEHAVIORS ON THE TRIPADVISOR PLATFORM. the vaccination rollout has reached large swathes of the adult population, eager travelers are pushing the tourism recovery forward.

At the other end of the spectrum, countries where the vaccine rollout is at a less advanced stage and new variants of Covid-19 have impacted local populations - particularly across the Asia-Pacific region - are experiencing a slower recovery in leisure travel demand.

“Higher income millennial travelers were driving the demand for leisure travel this past spring, but heading into the summer the age demographic of travelers now booking up vacations has broadened significantly, at least in countries where large populations have been vaccinated,” said Stephen Kaufer, CEO

and co-founder, Tripadvisor, Inc. “If ever we needed proof that vaccines are the key to long-term recovery in the tourism sector, our latest trend data provides it. Now the focus must be on governments and international organizations to ensure vaccines reach every part of the world as quickly as possible and make it as easy as possible for vaccinated tourists to travel globally once again.”

Key findings from the report include: 1. The vaccine has a significant impact on the demand for accommodations. Countries where the pace of the vaccination rollout is more advanced, like the U.S. and UK, are powering near-term growth in tourism demand, while a more muted recovery picture emerges across the Asia-Pacific region.

2. Vaccine rollouts are also offering a boost to dining and experiences.

3. Domestic tourism is dominating travel planning searches for the peak season ahead, but for trips further out, travelers are already actively planning international travel.

4. The urban tourism revival is in full swing.

City destinations are re-emerging as the trip of choice for vaccinated travelers:

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5. On average, vaccinated travelers plan to spend more and vacation longer than other travelers.

“After such a turbulent year, many in tourism are hopeful that a busy summer will provide a much-needed boost to the tourism industry, so it’s welcome news to see the latest traveler data pointing in that direction, especially for destinations and hospitality businesses that are able to capture the growing demand for domestic vacations,” said Christopher Hsi, head of market research, Tripadvisor. “What offers even greater hope for a long-term recovery is the impact the vaccine is having not just on people’s confidence to travel, but also their willingness to turn planning into bookings.

As more and more countries make progress on the rollout of the vaccine, and the positive impact that should have on the re-opening of international borders, there is every reason to expect further growth in traveler demand will come.”

You can read the report in full here: https:// www.tripadvisor.com/TravelTrendsReportJune2021

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CITIZEN On The Move

Soul Veg City Celebrate Grand Re-Opening Photos by L.M. Warbington

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CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 23, 2021

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On the patio, online or streaming on-the-go, Xfinity celebrates the season with the music that unites us all.

Just say, “Black Experience,” into your Xfinity Voice Remote to enjoy a Black Music Month collection filled with your favorite groups, collabos, duets, TV shows, and more. Plus, with Xfinity Internet, your entertainment starts at FREE with a Flex 4K streaming box that puts all your apps in one place. Xfinity, the ultimate in Black storytelling and a way better way to watch.

Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Access for Xfinity Internet customers via the Xfinity Stream app or Flex. Flex is not available in all areas or to current Xfinity Video customers. Requires post-paid subscription to Xfinity Internet, excluding Internet Essentials. Pricing subject to change. Taxes, fees and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change. Limited to 3 devices.

1 device included, additional devices $5/mo. per device. All devices must be returned when service ends. Separate subscriptions required for certain streaming services. Viewing uses your Internet service and will count against any Xfinity data plan. Streaming content limited to the U.S. ©2021 Comcast. All Rights Reserved.

T:13"

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Amplify your summer.

8 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 23, 2021

FASHION

Fleurs de Prairie Rosé Launches Third Annual Seeds Of Beauty Campaign Fleurs de Prairie, the premium rosé wine brand, has announced the launch of the third annual Seeds of Beauty campaign, a program aimed at uplifting women who are making a difference by way of their passions, whether that be through art, design, food, writing and beyond.

This year, the Seeds of Beauty initiative will award three women with $10,000 “Seed Grants”, double the amount given in year’s past, and provide business mentorship for their individual endeavors.

Fleurs de Prairie’s Seeds of Beauty campaign is designed to support women’s passions, ideas and small businesses. Interested applicants are invited to submit an online submission form at www.fleursdeprairie. com/seeds-of-beauty.php or mail-in handwritten materials by Friday, July 23 for consideration.

A panel of judges will review all submissions, evaluating how each female creator plans to use the funds

to help grow their business and how they foster beauty within their community.

Following careful consideration and a final vote on social media open to the public, Fleurs de Prairie will announce the three winners on Wednesday, September 1. Selected recipients will receive their $10,000 grant along with one-on-one mentorship from this year’s brand ambassadors Caila Quinn and Grace Atwood.

“Following more than a year of challenges and unprecedented uncertainty faced by many female-owned small businesses, we’re honored to continue to help women turn their passions into a reality,” says Liz Rubin, brand manager of Fleurs de Prairie. “Fleurs de Prairie rosé embodies an expression of true beauty and our goal with the Seeds of Beauty campaign is to provide a platform for female creatives who make the world even more beautiful.”

Visit www.fleursdeprai-

Fleurs de Prairie

rie.com/seeds-of-beauty. php to apply for a seed grant and learn more about Seeds of Beauty’s submis-

sion rules and regulations.

For the latest updates, follow along on social media at @fleursdeprairie.

For more information about Fleurs de Prairie, please visit www.fleursdeprairie.com.

Magnetic Lash Brand, Glamnetic Becomes One Of The First Beauty Brands To Accept Payment in Cryptocurrency Magnetic lash brand, Glamnetic recently announced their partnership with BitPay which will allow the beauty brand to accept Cryptocurrency in the form of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and several other leading crypto currencies. Glamnetic will also keep all the Cryptocurrency sales on their balance sheet rather than converting to USD. Glamnetic is at the forefront of the beauty industry, being one of the very first female-founded beauty brands accepting Cryptocurrency.

The world of Cryptocurrency has historically been dominated by men, so long time investor and Forbes 30 Under 30 Founder, Ann McFerran is using this capability to encourage women all around the world to get involved and feel they have the confidence to play a role in the Cryptocurrency market.

“We are beyond excited to announce our new partnership with BitPay! While Glamnetic

has quickly raised the bar in the beauty space with our easy-to-use, transformational products, we are equally proud to be empowering our predominantly female consumer base with the tools they need to get educated about cryptocurrency and become comfortable using digital currency as a method of payment. I want to encourage women, in particular, to get involved in the Cryptocurrency revolution and with our BitPay partnership, we can all learn, grow, and embrace the future together,” says Glamnetic Founder & CEO Ann McFerran.

“As a long time entrepreneur and investor, I could not be more excited to see these two worlds collide. Glamnetic is all about ease of use and DIY beauty hacks that save our customers time and money. We are thrilled to expand our payment options with BitPay

and allow our consumers another choice of payment while shopping,” says Glamnetic Co-Founder and Kombo Ventures Founder and CEO Kevin Gould.

“More and more females are getting into crypto around the world so it’s great to see Glamnetic realize that and accept crypto payments.

Crypto is a $2 Trillion industry that is all about creating an open and inclusive financial system.

Ann and the team at Glamnetic are true innovators and will get lots of new female customers around the world,” said Sonny Singh, chief commercial officer of BitPay. A few years ago, McFerran saw a gap in the beauty market for magnetic lashes that actually worked, so she sought out to develop magnetic lashes in the styles that she would personally wear.

One year later, in July of 2019, after teaching herself everything from product development to marketing, Glamnetic was born.

Since then, Glamnetic has become

one of the fastest growing beauty brands in the industry since its launch in July 2019, averaging over seven figures per month and growing from $0 to $50 million in sales within their first year.

McFerran is always looking for new ways to use Glamnetic’s platform to set trends in the beauty industry, and as an investor of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies herself, this partnership with BitPay is a step towards normalizing Cryptocurrency as a form of payment. This launch will encourage Glamnetic customers, who are predominantly women, to educate themselves on Cryptocurrency and get involved in the space. The decision to accept this type of payment comes with the purpose of enhancing female empowerment by lowering the intimidation factor and proving that a brand within the beauty space is able to be successful when merging with a world predominantly dominated by men.

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Renfro Brands Acquired By The Renco Group Renfro Brands recently announced new ownership with the private holding company, The Renco Group, Inc. With 100 years of history and experience in the legwear industry, Renfro will further diversify The Renco Group’s portfolio while deepening its businesses within manufacturing.

Through The Renco Group’s decentralized business model, Renfro’s leadership will partner with The Renco Group to solidify its position within the market while developing a long-term strategy for growth.

“We actively pursued Renfro Brands as they are the clear leader within their category and are poised for continued growth,” says Ari Rennert, president, The Renco Group. “With a unique combination of best-in-class owned and licensed brands, longstanding relationships with leading retailers, unparalleled development and supply chain capabilities, and a top-tier management team, Renfro Brands aligns with our values and represents the right opportunity to expand our portfolio.”

The Renco Group is committed to making long-term investments in Renfro, building value over time by retaining earnings and reinvesting in the business.

Renfro’s existing management team, including that of the newly launched DTC marketplace Loops & Wales, will partner with The Renco Group on new areas of investment. Under the new ownership, investment will focus on consumer connectivity, operational agility and brand management.

“As Renfro Brands enters its monumental hundredth year in business, we are thrilled by the opportunity to not only further invest in talent, performance marketing and technology but to also elevate our supply chain resilience through The Renco Group’s manufacturing experience,” says Stan Jewell, CEO, Renfro Brands. “We are brand stewards and this acquisition strengthens our commitment to position brand management as one of our core competencies to create and drive more value internally and externally.”

Today, Renfro stewards over 20 globally recognized brands spanning the essentials, fashion, athletics, outdoors, work and wellness categories. Renfro’s brand portfolio model includes Fruit of the Loom, Dr. Scholl’s, Merrell, Copper Defense, Smartwool and more, including fashion sock labels Hot Sox and K. Bell.

The brand’s commitment to sock manufacturing has resulted in long, trusted relationships with large retailers such as Macy’s, Walmart, Costco and Amazon as well as brand licensors. Under The Renco Group, Renfro will aim to create a best-inclass brand management experience for licensing partners and continue to build and balance their brand portfolio to drive value proposition and new business.

To learn more about Renfro Brands visit Renfro.com.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 23, 2021

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9

NEWS

Waves of Fun: Swimming safety tips for summer Family Features - Playing in or around water is one of the joys of summer, but this treasured seasonal pastime comes with some serious risks. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have more informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water sources. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water. As swimming lessons begin across the country, many are being conducted safely with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Protect your family’s safety around water this summer with these tips from the Make a Splash Tour, presented by Phillips 66 and the USA Swimming Foundation.

Designate a Water Watcher and Closely Monitor Children. Designate a water watcher when you are in, on or around water. Watch all children and adolescents swimming or playing in or around water, even if they know how to swim. Keeping young children or inexperienced swimmers within arm’s length at all times can help ensure you’re able to provide assistance if and when it’s needed.

Wear a Life Jacket. Anyone participating in any boating, paddling or towed water sports, regardless of swimming ability in pool or open water situations, should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Preschool-aged children (5 years old and younger), who are not protected by touch supervision, in particular, should always wear a life jacket. Swimming aids and water toys – such as water wings, inflatable water wings and rings – are not intended to be life-saving devices. They may provide some buoyancy in the water but do not prevent drowning.

Swim with a Buddy. When possible, choose swimming locations where a trained lifeguard is watching for dangerous conditions and helping keep an eye on swimmers. Also make it a practice to always have at least two people swimming together. That way, if someone has a problem, the other can get help.

Learn to Swim. Research has shown formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88%.

Through the annual Make a Splash Tour, the USA Swimming Foundation, with the support of Phillips 66, encourages children’s swim lessons.

By equipping your child with the skill of swimming, you’ll open doors to a lifetime of safety, fun, fitness and even employment opportunities.

While lessons progressively teach a variety of swimming strokes, some of

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have more informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water sources. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water.

the most important things swimmers learn – even in beginner classes – are breath control and how to float. These basic skills are essential for staying above water should someone find himself or herself unable to touch or too tired to swim to safety. Children can participate in swimming lessons before they can walk, and parent-child swim lessons provide bonding opportunities along with water safety education.

Enter Water Feet First. Diving in a pool that is too shallow or into water where you’re not certain what’s below the surface, like a lake, can have dire consequences. Teach children to dive only in designated diving areas and to always enter water of unknown or non-visible depth feet first.

Swim in Designated Areas and Obey Posted Signs and Flags. Ropes, buoys and flags in larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans are commonly used to mark off safe swimming areas and provide visual cues about changes in depth, underwater surfaces and currents. Teach children what these signs and markers mean and that they’re in place as safety tools, not toys to play with or float on.

Learn CPR. If the unthinkable does happen, knowing how to perform CPR allows you to take immediate action, which has been shown to significantly better the outcome for children with submersion injuries. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, you could save someone’s life. Seconds count; the more quickly lifesaving CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery. There are many places that offer CPR training, including community organizations and nonprofit groups.

Remember to keep your certification current once you have completed the initial requirements.

can ask people you know and use social media and neighborhood boards to get tips. If your school has a swimming team, the coach may also be able to give you some ideas.

Another resource is online search tools, such as usaswimming.org/makeasplash, which allows you to search for swim lesson providers near you. Many of these programs also offer options for free or reduced-cost swim lessons.

Once you identify a program, visit

the facility with your child to see how swim lessons are run.

Find out who your child’s teacher will be and whether it’s possible to meet him or her in advance. Learn the program expectations for you as a parent or guardian.

Inquire about the provider’s approach and learn-to-swim philosophy.

While researching programs, some industry best practices to look for include: Ask about the facility’s COVID-19

mitigation protocols. Swim lessons can be safely administered with proper protective equipment and procedures.

A nationally recognized learn-toswim curriculum or an independently developed learn-to-swim curriculum that follows a similar model.

Trained and certified instructors, with on-deck lifeguards holding current CPR and first aid certifications.

A maximum 6-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio for group lessons.

Minimum of 30 minutes per week of in-water instruction with a minimum total in-water instruction time of four hours.

Written and practiced emergency action plans.

Regulation of the facility and water by the Department of Health or similar governing agency.

Established and practiced child-protection policies.

Screening and background checks on all staff members.

Make safety a priority for your summer water fun. Find more information, including swim lesson providers in your area, by visiting usaswimming.org/makeasplash.

SOURCE: USA Swimming Foundation and Phillips 66

Be FIRST in LINE when you visit ONLINE. Visit

to: Purchase license plate stickers; Renew driver’s licenses and ID cards for those who qualify; Obtain a duplicate driver’s license or ID card.

Driver’s license and ID card expiration dates have been extended until Aug. 1, 2021.

The federal REAL ID deadline has been extended to May 3, 2023.

Finding a Swim Lesson Provider If you’re unsure where to take your child for swim lessons in your community, these tips can help: Ask other parents in your area where they take their children. You www.citizennewspapergroup.com

10 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 23, 2021

HOME & GARDENING

Corral Clutter with a Mudroom (Family Features) Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes.

These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.

Luxurious mudrooms in high-end homes can sometimes boast custom cabinetry, full bathrooms, laundry facilities, showers for pets and direct pantry access.

Regardless of whether your mudroom is an actual room or just a small space near the front door to hang bags and jackets, the organizational basics are the same: Corral Clutter: One of the most important items in any mudroom is storage for shoes, pet supplies, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items. If built-in storage isn't in your budget, put up a sturdy shelving unit with a bin or basket for each family member.

Get Hooked: Securely anchor a row of strong hooks along the wall for coats, hats, scarves or other seasonal accessories that may otherwise find themselves dropped on the floor upon arriving home.

Mud Happens: Mudrooms are meant to handle dirt so nix the carpet and lay down tile or hardwood flooring. Pick a stylish rug to catch dirt in its tracks while also adding a design element to the space.

Shoe Space: Place a wooden bench or sturdy coffee table near the door so everyone has a place to sit while removing shoes. Slide a few baskets or bins underneath as an alternate location for storing backpacks and other gear when not in use.

Take Command: Create a family command center by adding a small cabinet or desk with a corkboard above. It makes for a perfect spot to stash keys, charge cell phones, open mail, sort school papers and post the family calendar.

Find more organization tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Home Upgrades to Improve Indoor Air Quality (Family Features) When most people think about air quality, they’re typically thinking about outdoor pollution. However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside your home can be as polluted, or even more so, than the air outside. The concentrations of some indoor pollutants can be as much as 2-5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.

The air inside your home also contains pollutants from everyday activities like cooking, bathing and cleaning. A family of four can produce the equivalent of 22-30 pounds of moisture per day from normal activities, according to the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers, while household cleaners and products like paint, upholstery, carpeting and plastics can release chemicals containing volatile organic compounds.

On average, Americans spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors, according to the EPA. All that time with minimal access to daylight and fresh air can take a toll on your health. These steps for managing indoor air quality can help you create a healthier home.

Support your HVAC system Many homeowners assume their heating and cooling (HVAC) system is adequate to manage their home’s indoor air quality.

Typically, these systems only circulate existing indoor air, so you’re missing out on the benefits of circulating fresher, cleaner air.

What’s more, without regular servicing and frequent filter replacements, it’s easy for standard HVAC systems to fall short.

This is especially true in older homes or in households where there’s a high volume of allergens like dust or pet dander. Adding standalone or integrated devices can help give your HVAC system some extra support. Air purifiers can effectively help filter pollutants while ultraviolet lights purify the air and help control pollutants like bacteria, mold and mildew.

Improve fresh air ventilation When it comes to upgrades that improve air quality, better fresh air ventilation is near the top of the list for many homeowners.

Improved ventilation allows you to clear out stale, polluted indoor air and circulate fresh, outdoor air in your home.

Polluted air tends to stagnate at the ceiling, so one effective and energy-efficient way to create natural ventilation is with skylights that open. Sometimes called venting or operable skylights, when you open skylights in combination with vertical windows, you create natural airflow that can helprelease indoor air pollutants and bring in fresh, clean air to keep your home healthy and pleasant. This concept is known as the chimney effect. Warm air naturally rises and escapes from open skylights while fresh air is drawn inside through the windows. This practice can reduce your reliance on air conditioning, improving your home’s overall efficiency and keeping a lid on cooling costs.

Today’s skylights can also be automated to open and close at regular intervals or extend and retract shades to block light as needed. Many models, including those from Velux, can even connect to a smartphone app to combine convenience with a soothing mood booster that supports health and wellness.

Keep up with cleaning Textiles like carpeting, rugs and window treatments can harbor a great deal of dust and dander that reduces air quality.

It’s important to regularly clean and air out these decorative fabrics and surfaces, especially thick carpet that is likely to host dust mites and bacteria. Remember air quality while you’re cleaning, too, and opt for cleaning products with fewer chemicals. When possible, use microfiber cloths and natural materials like white vinegar and soap flakes.

With proper upgrades, adjustments and care, you can enjoy a home filled with fresh, healthy air and comfortable surroundings year-round. Learn more at whyskylights.com. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 23, 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

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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 ____________________________________

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LEGAL SERVICE INJURED? If you've been hurt in an accident in Illinois, call for a FREE CASE CONSULTATION. Calls Answered 24/7 by Staver Accident Injury Lawyers: 1-888-310-8322

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AC6-23-2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, v.- ELOISE PUGH, STEPHANIE PUGH, BRIAN K. RILEY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants 18 CH 11689 6337 SOUTH VERNON 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 February 27, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 27, 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 6337 SOUTH VERNON AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60637 Property Index No. 20-22-201-035-0000 The real estate is improved with a townhouse. The judgment amount was $66,756.15. 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) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 18-087541. 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 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 18-087541 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 18 CH 11689 TJSC#: 41-960 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 # 18 CH 11689 I3171060 _______________________________________

HOME How and Where to Add Plants in Your Home

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

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

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

Classified Advertising call us at

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Coverage Areas:

(StatePoint) So you want to become a plant parent? How do you make sure your new green “baby” will thrive in your home or apartment?

When selecting the best spaces in your home for different types of plants, it’s important to consider light, humidity and maintenance required, as well as what benefits that type of plant will bring to the space.

Wild Interiors, the leading grower in all things green, offers tips for success. To learn more, visit wildinteriors.com.

From bathrooms to bedrooms to offices, you can make the rooms of your home healthier and more more inviting by becoming a plant parent. __________________________________

You Can Make This Space Yours By Calling For a Quote Today: (773) 783-1251

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CHICAGO WEEKEND

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12 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of June 23, 2021

Making a lasting impact in Chicago At Bank of America, we have long been committed to advancing racial equality and economic opportunity in the communities where we work and live. Recognizing the urgency of the moment, we’ve expanded our longstanding efforts to drive progress by committing an additional $1.25 billion over five years to create opportunity for people and communities of color.

By partnering with organizations here in Chicago, we’re continuing to align our resources to help drive sustainable progress locally. Our investments and partnerships will help address critical issues and long-term gaps including: • connecting workers to new skills and enhanced job readiness • expanding affordable housing options for more people • ramping up lending and support to local small businesses • increasing access to healthcare and addressing food insecurity

Working together We’re collaborating with a variety of organizations to help our community move forward.

They include: Chinese American Service League Association House of Chicago Institute for Latino Progress

We know there’s so much more work to be done. My teammates and I remain committed to the job ahead. Together with our local partners, we can make a real difference. What would you like the power to do?®

Metropolitan Family Services

Paul Lambert President, Bank of America Chicago

Go to bankofamerica.com/chicago to learn more about the work we are doing with our incredible partners.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

© 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.