South End Citizen 9-19-2018

Citizen

African Americans Believe In the American Dream Although Their Finances Are A Struggle in Reality — PAGE 5 Week of Sept. 19, 2018

| Vol. 51 | No. 32 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

SOUTH END

Local film-maker, Don Howze, pictured with his wife, Daina Howze, produced “Whole Foods Englewood, Changing Chicago’s Food Desert,” a 30-minute documentary film that is being sold on Amazon at www.amazon.com/shop/dvideo79productions. Photo Credit: Provided by Don Howze

LOCAL EMMY AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER RELEASES WHOLE FOODS ENGLEWOOD DOCUMENTARY

Local film-maker and Emmy award-winning video editor, Don Howze, produced, “Whole Foods Englewood, Changing Chicago’s Food Desert,” a 30- minute documentary film that first aired in April 2017. Now, Howze is releasing the film to the public on Amazon where it is available for purchase.

See more on Page 2

Business: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Offering Mortgages for as Little as 3 Percent Down — Page 4 Fashion: Texture on the Runway ‘18 Kicked Off New York Fashion Week — Page 6 |

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

CHICAGOANS ‘IMAGINE THE FUTURE’ WITH A SEASON OF SCIENCE FICTION THEMED PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE CITY Mayor Emanuel and Chicago Public Library (CPL) recently announced that Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick will be the 29th selection of CPL’s One Book, One Chicago (OBOC).

From October 2018 through April 2019, Chicagoans will learn more about science fiction, technology, future societies, artificial intelligence and more as they explore the book and this year’s theme - Imagine the Future. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which was first published in 1968, introduces readers to protagonist Rick Deckard in the year 2021 as he maneuvers his way through the new world order. This iconic book was the inspiration for the blockbuster film Blade Runner.

CPL will join community partners to offer Chicagoans a variety of events and programs, including walking tours, art exhibits, discussions, music performances and more, to bring people, businesses and civic agencies together to engage with the book and theme. Free citywide programs will launch in early October. For a complete list of programs and to learn ways you can engage with other readers, visit onebookonechicago.org.

HEALTH

PLANNING FOR HEALTHY TREES STARTS NOW Through its Recover, Replant, Restore! program, Trees Forever is working with communities in Illinois to grow healthy urban forests and to help residents plant trees that are more resistant to natural disasters and man-made disasters, such as emerald ash borer (EAB). Fall is an excellent time to plant trees, so now is the time to start planning.

It is also important to select species that are resistant to storm damage. While no tree can survive a direct hit from devastating storms, some species are a little more resistant to wind, flooding and ice. For suggestions on species that may do better, see Trees Forever’s Homeowner Guide series at: www.treesforever.org/recover.

For more details on tree planting and care in general, please visit, http://www.treesforever.org/Guides.

LAW & POLITICS

SALES TAX GUIDANCE AVAILABLE FOR OUT-OF-STATE SELLERS The Illinois Department of Revenue is announcing online resources for remote (out-of-state) sellers seeking to determine whether they must begin collecting and remitting Illinois sales tax beginning Oct. 1, 2018.

The guidance is a result of the enactment of Illinois Public Act 100-587 and the subsequent U.S. Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. Illinois Public Act 100-587 requires remote sellers who have sold either cumulative gross receipts from Illinois sales of $100,000 or more, or 200 or more separate Illinois transactions to register and remit Illinois Use Tax for sales made on or after October 1, 2018. Remote sellers should visit www.tax.illinois. gov for specific details and available resources on Illinois’ new law, including: informational bulletin, FAQs, tax matrix, and more.

Local Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker Releases Whole Foods Englewood Documentary Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Local film-maker and Emmy award-winning video editor, Don Howze, produced, “Whole Foods Englewood, Changing Chicago’s Food Desert,” a 30- minute documentary film that first aired in April 2017. Now, Howze is releasing the film to the public on Amazon where it is available for purchase.

Originally from Chicago, Don Howze has over 28 years of experience in broadcast journalism and several awards including a Los Angeles Emmy Award For Best Film / Video Editing at KCAL-TV and a Chicago/ Midwest Emmy Nomination for Best Editing for t “A Star For Marvin Gaye,” a music documentary that Howze produced shortly after the death of legendary R&B singer Marvin Gaye.

The “Whole Foods Englewood, Changing Chicago’s Food Desert” documentary chronicles the development, construction, and grand opening of Whole Foods in Englewood in the fall of 2016.

“This documentary basically documents

how Whole Foods Inc. got involved with the City of Chicago and the community of Englewood to build a store in the Englewood community,” said Howze.

As a teacher at Kennedy-King College, Howze was curious about the new Whole Foods grocery store that was being proposed for the land across the street from the college. He wondered why the high-end grocer would be interested in the Englewood neighborhood.

“This story was mind-boggling to me. I didn’t know why Whole Foods would come into a community like Englewood that was suffering from low-employment and plight around the neighborhood,” said Howze.

“Everybody knows that Whole Foods has an elite selection of produce and is sometimes expensive, but it is good for you.

Prior to doing the documentary I would see Whole Foods and know that it was a nice store, but I didn’t go in.”

During filming, Howze was able to conduct several interviews with Whole Foods representatives at the local level as well as the corporate level to talk about their vision for the Englewood Whole Foods.

He also did interviews with community stakeholders, like the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE), and local vendors that were eager to get their products on the shelves at the new Whole Foods store.

“This film documents how Whole Foods Market Inc. connected with the city and the residents to build this store that was customized for the community,” said Howze.

The film also goes into a little bit of detail about what a food desert is and what made Englewood a food desert.

Prior to making this film, Howze said he had never heard the term food desert, but quickly learned that the term did apply to the community.

“Food desert is a good term and it was a real term. I found out that it is basically a community, city, or area that lacks access to good healthy food such as vegetables, fruits, and quality meat products. I was looking around and I was like yeah they don’t have that in this neighborhood,” said Howze.

To purchase the documentary visit www. amazon.com/shop/dvideo79productions.

Former Student At Gary Comer Youth Center Will Speak At Annual Luncheon

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

The Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC) will host its annual benefit luncheon on Oct. 12 at The Fairmount Chicago and Breana Brown, a former GCYC student, will be a featured speaker at the event. Brown credits her childhood mentors from the GCYC with providing her with the support she needed to attend and complete college.

Since opening in 2006, the GCYC has provided a safe and supportive environment for young people whether it be after school, on weekends or during school. The GCYC’s mission is to ensure all students graduate high school prepared for college and careers. The GCYC is the cornerstone of the Comer Education Campus, 7200 South Ingleside Ave., which includes the GCYC, Gary Comer College Prep High School and Gary Comer Middle School.

“I’ve been talking about this opportunity that the Youth Center has given me and I’m very honored,” said Brown. “I feel very excited and also nervous because of the audience that will be present, but I’m very excited and eager to share my journey

The Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC) will host its annual benefit luncheon on Oct. 12 and Breana Brown (pictured), a former GCYC student, will be a featured speaker at the event. Brown credits her childhood mentors from the GCYC with providing her the support she needed to attend and complete college. Photo Credit: Gary Comer Youth Center/Jasmin Shah

with everyone through the lens of a GCYC alum.”

In 2008, Brown got involved with the GCYC as an incoming high school freshman. This was the same year that Gary Comer College Prep opened it’s doors and hosted their inaugural class, of which Brown was a part of.

“I was part of the inaugural class at Gary Comer College Prep and I also took advantage of the Upward Bound program

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with the Gary Comer Youth Center. That’s how I got my start with the youth center and was able to take advantage of the resources that they offer for college preparation and eventually for my transition to Illinois State University,” said Brown.

Prior to enrolling in Gary Comer College Prep and participating in after-school programming at the GCYC, Brown said that she had no idea what her

future looked like and she hadn’t spent one second of her life thus far thinking about college.

“I believe that I wouldn’t be where I am and a lot of things wouldn’t have become possible if it wasn’t for my relationship with the GCYC. I wouldn’t have been knowledgeable about college resources or college preparation and my life would be very different. I literally had no idea where I was going to end up. I wasn’t knowledgeable about college. I really didn’t know that college even existed before transitioning to GCYC,” said Brown.

With the support of the GCYC and her mentors, Brown was able to complete her degree at Illinois State University and now works as an admission counselor at Lincoln College.

Another highlight of the upcoming luncheon is that David Simas, the CEO of the Obama Foundation, will be giving the keynote address and guests will be able to hear from young people that are currently involved in a variety of center programs, from urban agriculture to visual and performing arts.

Tickets to the luncheon are available at www.garycomeryouthcenter.org/benefit.

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NEWS

Gwendolyn Brooks Academy Partners With Schuler Scholar Program

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Starting this year, Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, a CPS selective enrollment high school in Pullman, will partner with the Schuler Scholar Program which will provide free on-site programming that will encourage academic success and open doors to colleges around the country for students.

Schuler Scholar Program is a Chicago-area non-profit dedicated to helping first generation, low-income and underrepresented students prepare to gain admission to and succeed at highly selective colleges.

Gwendolyn Brooks is the fourth school in the Chicago Public School system to adopt the program.

“The Scholar Program is focused on working with students who have high academic potential, who are first-generation college students, typically low-income students of color, who really just have a lot of potential but maybe need some support trying to recognize that potential,” said Jason Patenaude, executive director and COO of the Schuler Scholar Program.

The program is currently recruiting the inaugural class of the Schuler Scholars at Gwendolyn Brooks and as many as 20 students will be selected for the program by spring 2019, according to a press release from the Schuler Scholar Program.

“In our program, we have a fulltime staff that works directly in the schools every day and their focus is to support the entire student.

So we support them academically, with both humanities and STEM support, and we also provide exposures where they can have broader cultural experiences whether it’s going to play or a museum or even to the opera,” said Patenaude.

There will be a dedicated classroom and meeting space for the Schuler Scholar Program inside Brooks Academy where students

Starting this year Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, a CPS selective enrollment high school in Pullman, will partner with the Schuler Scholar Program which will provide free on-site programming that will encourage academic success and open doors to colleges around the country for students. Photo Credit: Schuler Scholar Program

selected for the program can engage in a variety of academic, personal, and college preparatory programs. The new center at Gwendolyn Brooks Academy will be staffed by a full-time Schuler School Director who is on hand every day to answer questions and provide support for Scholars.

“We work with Scholars and their parents in terms of their test preparation for the SAT or ACT, helping them identify their list of top colleges, and then supporting them through that academic process. Once they get into college, we will continue to support them through college and as alumni. Our goal is really just to support them academically in college and then

after college we try to help them with internships wherever possible,” said Patenaude.

The Scholar Scholar Program will work with Gwendolyn Brooks staff to identify students who would be a good fit for the program and interested students can fill out an application which includes an essay, teacher recommendations, and interviews with the scholars their parents.

“We will work from our end with the school administration in order to try and identify scholars who would be a good fit for the program, but ultimately it’s very important that each individual scholar really wants this and is self-motivated,” said Patenaude.

Shannae Jackson, Principal, Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, and Jason Patenaude, Executive Director and COO, of the Schuler Scholar Program, recently signed their partnership agreement together at Schuler Scholar Program headquarters in Lake Forest. Photo Credit: Schuler Scholar Program

Rush Releases a Statement on House Passage of Bill Providing Grants for Schools to Replace Lead Drinking Water Fountains U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) recently released a statement on the House passage of S. 3021, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.

The legislation includes Rush’s provision, H.R. 4908, which will authorize $5 million annually for FY 2019–2021 for grants for schools to replace lead drinking water fountains manufactured before 1988.

The legislation also reauthorizes the Safe Drinking Water Act for the first time in 20 years and provides significant funding to state

and local governments that are in dire need of upgrading their water infrastructure.

“As the proud author of this important provision, I am pleased to see its inclusion in this bill and was excited to support its passage. Lead — and access to safe drinking water — is a serious issue that communities in every part of Illinois and the nation face; especially in poorer communities, such as those in my Congressional District. Americans expect schools to be a safe and healthy place for their children and that means creating an environment that is free

of lead-contaminated water. It is past time that Congress addressed this issue and I am pleased that I was able to help shape this important legislation,” said Rush.

Lead is considered one of the most hazardous environmental pollutants and can lead to behavioral problems in children and have detrimental effects on kids’ ability to thrive.

Exposure to lead at high levels can attack the brain and central nervous system and can cause coma, convulsions, and even death.

“I remain committed to upgrading our

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broken infrastructure to modern standards and ensuring that every drop of water our children consume is safe. This bill is a step in the right direction and I commend my colleagues for working with me in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to protect and safeguard future generations,” said Rush.

In addition to being used to upgrade existing infrastructure, the grants could also be used to monitor and report lead levels in school drinking water. Low income communities will be given priority for this grant program.

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BUSINESS Report Lists 308 Black Corporate Directors of America's 500 Largest Public Companies, Identifies 187 Corporations with No Black Directors Black Enterprise (BE) has released its latest exclusive report on African American representation on the corporate boards of 500 of America's largest publicly traded companies today at BlackEnterprise.com. The media company identifies 308 African American directors at S&P 500 companies, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Prudential Financial Inc., ExxonMobil, and FedEx Corp., on the BLACK ENTERPRISE Registry of Corporate Directors. In addition, the report reveals 184 companies with no African American representation among their boards of directors.

Black Enterprise’s report spotlights prominent African American directors including Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. EVP and

CFO Tracey T. Travis, who serves on the board of Accenture PLC, and Adtalem Global Education Inc.'s President and CEO Lisa W. Wardell, who serves on the board of Lowe's Cos. Inc. "It's been six years since we began producing our annual report on boardroom power, representing our scorecard on diversity at the highest levels of corporate America," said Earl "Butch" Graves Jr., CEO and president of Black Enterprise. "As such, we present the Black Enterprise Registry of Corporate Directors—our exclusive bench, if you will, of power hitters who sit on the boards of the nation's largest publicly traded corporations."

The registry is drawn from the S&P 500 based on market capitalization as of May 4th, 2018. Black Enterprise compiled the listing by reviewing proxy statements and annual reports, as well as contacting investor relations departments, corporate governance experts, and organizations such as the Black Corporate Directors Conference and the Executive Leadership Council (ELC); the latter is a network of the nation's most highly ranked African American corporate executives.

For the complete list and the full report of "Power in the Boardroom.” Visit www.blackenterprise.com for more information.

REAL ESTATE

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Offering Mortgages for as Little as 3 Percent Down

BY CHRISTOPHER G. COX Publisher and managing editor, www.realesavvy.com

Nation’s Two Largest Mortgage Clearinghouses Offering Mortgages for as Little as 3 Percent Down One of the biggest obstacles confronting lowand moderate-income home buyers is coming as well as in a classroom setting,” she adds. up with the 20 percent down payment that Home Ready and Home Possible can help to many financial advisors recommend they have make it possible to overcome such factors as low in the bank prior to entering the housing inventory and rising housing market. Under Fannie home prices that make it difficult Mae’s Home Ready and Freddie for individuals and families to Mac’s Home Possible programs, enter the housing market and it might be possible to obtain a obtain an attractive mortgage mortgage with substantially less interest rate. cash on hand.

The National Association While there are some of Realtors and Freddie Mac differences in the two programs, estimate that median price Terri Sicilia, vice president of growth for housing will accelerate underwriting for Residential by 3.5 percent in 2018, whereas Mortgage Services, says they median household income is only are both “beneficial products, growing by about 2.7 percent.

Christopher G. Cox, especially for borrowers putting Among the differences in the publisher and managing less than 20 percent down.” editor, www.realesavvy.com two programs, Sicilia says, is “These programs offer a lot of that the Fannie Mae program flexibility that you don’t have with a traditional allows a buyer to own other properties at the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, “Sicilia notes, “such time of closing, while the Freddie Mac program as reduced PMI (private mortgage insurance) does not. Another difference, she notes, is that that helps to make the monthly payment lower.”

Home Possible does not allow the use of a nonBorrowers interested into looking into these occupant co-borrower while Home Ready may. programs need to educate themselves, Sicilia Both products may permit a borrower to says, because some loan officers might not be use income from a boarder or housemate to be comfortable with them or might not know considered as a portion of the overall income about them. She explains that both Freddie in some cases, as long as it does not exceed 30 Mac and Fannie Mae offer online counseling percent of the total income used to qualify and programs for prospective homebuyers. “The required documentation can be produced to Fannie Mae program is $75.00 and the Freddie document payment received for one year.

Mac program is free. Both can be taken online Both the Freddie and Fannie programs

ONE OF THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES CONFRONTING LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOME BUYERS IS COMING UP WITH THE 20 PERCENT DOWN PAYMENT THAT MANY FINANCIAL ADVISORS RECOMMEND THEY HAVE IN THE BANK PRIOR TO ENTERING THE HOUSING MARKET. UNDER FANNIE MAE’S HOME READY AND FREDDIE MAC’S HOME POSSIBLE PROGRAMS, IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN A MORTGAGE WITH SUBSTANTIALLY LESS CASH ON HAND. compete with the low-down-payment program of The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which offers loans for as little as 3.5 percent down for buyers with a credit score of 580.

Aside from their own funds, a borrower can receive assistance in reaching the minimum three percent contribution from a range of sources, including a gift from a person meeting the definition of a related person, funds from a government or non-governmental agency, Employer Assisted Homeownership (EAH) programs and Affordable Seconds. Any contributing agencies cannot be affiliated with

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the lender or the origination of the mortgage except in the case of an EAH. A few other features of the Fannie and Freddie programs are: Home Ready • No income limits in underserved areas • Applicants without credit scores may be eligible using alternative credit references such as rent, insurance and utility payments • Mortgage insurance can be cancelled when 20 percent of equity in home is reached • Primary residence only • Not restricted to first-time home buyers • Allows a non-occupant co-borrower to qualify • Ownership of other property allowed Home Possible • No income limits in underserved areas • Applicants without credit scores may be eligible using alternative credit references, such as rent, insurance and utility payments • Primary residence only • Mortgage insurance can be cancelled when 20 percent of equity in home is reached • Not restricted to first-time home buyers One of borrowers Sicilia worked with was able to obtain a mortgage under Home Ready by documenting that he had 12 months of income from a boarder as a portion of his overall income. “This would not have been possible with a traditional, fixed-rate mortgage,” she said.

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NEWS

African Americans Believe In the American Dream Although Their Finances Are A Struggle in Reality Most African Americans believe the American Dream means financial security (84 percent), not living paycheck to paycheck (78 percent) and owning a home (77 percent).

However, according to the new State of the American Family Study released by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), many African Americans lack tangible assets necessary to accomplish those goals currently.

While the American Dream is still attainable, the survey calls attention to high debt, low savings and a lower likelihood of wide financial product ownership amongst African Americans.

Financial disparities and the wealth gap can possibly explain why 31 percent believe it is disappearing. Among the dynamics: • Outside of retirement accounts, only 37 percent of African Americans own wealth-building products such as stocks and mutual funds • 35 percent believe they are doing a good job at preparing for retirement • 33 percent have less than one month of funds saved for a crisis and less than 25 percent have amassed more than six months of emergency savings The survey also reveals the importance of family influences on financial decisions: • 58 percent are actively involved in educating their children on finances (as compared to 48 percent of Caucasians) • 40 percent rely on family members for information • 50 percent include extended family and friends in their definition of family “The study shows African Americans want to improve their financial situations and are hopeful about the future,” said Evan Taylor, African American market director, MassMutual. “At the same time, it sheds light on the financial struggles and inequities that the African American community continues to battle. Those contradictions indicate a need for greater financial education and discipline for the whole family to achieve economic success. In fact, the biggest financial regret expressed by responwww.thechicagocitizen.com

dents was that they wished they had started saving and investing sooner.”

To help bridge the gap, MassMutual has teamed up with Tarra Jackson, who runs the Madam Money blog, to help African Americans improve their finances.

Jackson is a personal finance expert, TV/radio personality, author and speaker with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is an experienced financial contributor for numerous newspapers, magazines, blogs, podcasts and radio shows.

“Most African Americans are not taught about or involved with household finances,” said Jackson.

“They also are not educated about personal financial strategies in school. This lack of financial education increases the use of credit, which results in higher debt burden, and minimum or nonexistent savings and investing behaviors.

This perfect storm of high debt, low or no savings or investing, as well as lack of life insurance, stifles the attainment of the American Dream of financial security.”

“The American Dream is possible with simple financial steps,” Jackson added. “It is never too late to start taking ownership of and investing in your financial future.”

Her top five recommendations: 1. Begin with the end in mind.

Thinking about a desired lifestyle will help to determine potential financial needs and wants. Whether it’s traveling the world, being debt free or having enough money to meet basic living standards and health needs, understanding preferred outcomes helps determine the right financial plan.

2. Create a spending & savings plan. Overspending and debt are destructive to financial stability.

Creating a budget helps to determine expenses, income gaps or

MassMutual has teamed up with Tarra Jackson, who runs the Madam Money blog, to help African Americans improve their finances. Jackson is a personal finance expert, TV/radio personality, author and speaker with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is an experienced financial contributor for numerous newspapers, magazines, blogs, podcasts and radio shows.

ways to save more money and pay down debt. A budget gives you the power to make informed decisions necessary to meet your short, mid and long-term financial goals.

3. Start saving something sooner.

Most people don’t start saving for their later years in life because they seem so far away. They think they have enough time or they may believe that they don’t have enough money. Saving a percentage of your paycheck now will help build savings by taking advantage of the power of compound interest.

4. Set it and forget it. Set a specific amount or percentage of your paycheck to automatically deposit into your retirement savings or investment accounts monthly or every pay period. This will help create consistency in savings.

Automatic deposits will also limit access to the money and avoid the temptation to spend it.

5. Consult with a financial professional. Seeking advice from

family members may be tempting, but when it comes to financial advice, it is often best to consult with a financial professional. They can guide you through options right for your financial situation and income while making the process

less intimidating and overwhelming.

Additionally, consumers are encouraged to visit massmutual.com/ familystudy for more financial tips and an overview of the research findings.

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FASHION

Fashion: How to Choose the Right Look for Any Occasion

BY DELANEY GEORGE Data News Weekly/NNPA Member

Fashion is not just the clothes, the hair, the shoes or the accessories; fashion is every little element combined that makes “the look.” Make-up is one of those crucial elements that can make or break your desired look.

While going natural is acceptable, a little make-up can enhance any look. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t waste a great outfit on bad make-up.

Always remember that make-up is applied in layers. Just like with other fashion elements, you have to start with the right foundation; then you have to build on it. When it comes to clothes, it’s about matching the right shirt or blouse with the right skirt, then matching the right skirt with the right shoe, adding the right accessories etc. When it comes to make-up, you have to match the right eye shadow with the right lip, then match that combo with the

right sparkling highlighter. The right make-up can complement any look that you want to create as long as you remember that every element has to work together.

Make-up artist Ebony Harris, uses multi-colored shadows, glitters, and everything else in her make-up arsenal to capture her clients’ vision for their look.

“I always ask my clients, ‘What’s the occasion?’ or ‘What does your favorite outfit look like?’ so, that I can make sure that I apply the perfect look,” said Harris.

When it comes to clothes, it’s always best to not be too “matchy, matchy,” but when it comes to your face, a coordinated look is your best bet.

For more fashion and make-up tips, follow Delaney on Twitter @DelaneyGPro. The Data News Weekly is a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Learn more about becoming a member at www. nnpa.org.

Fashion is not just the clothes, the hair, the shoes or the accessories; fashion is every little element combined that makes “the look.” Make-up is one of those crucial elements that can make or break your desired look. While going natural is acceptable, a little make-up can enhance any look. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t waste a great outfit on bad make-up.

Texture on the Runway '18 Kicked Off New York Fashion Week

NaturallyCurly co-founder, Michelle Breyer (L) and recording artist Amara La Negra (R) seen at NaturallyCurly presents Texture On The Runway powered by Sally Beauty in New York City. (PRNewsfoto/NaturallyCurly)

More than 900 influencers, media and VIPs filled NYC's Iconic Gotham Hall to celebrate NaturallyCurly's signature event Texture on the Runway on Thursday, September 6th during New York's Spring 2019 Fashion Week to celebrate the beauty of curls and coils. Retailer Sally Beauty returned as the retail sponsor for the innovative runway show that puts textured hair front and center.

This year's event was also a celebration of NaturallyCurly's 20th anniversary. The media company has been at the center of a two-decade revolution that transformed the way the world views curls, coils and waves.

Since 1998, NaturallyCurly has been the pioneer in empowering, educating and inspiring its community of consumers, influencers, and beauty enthusiasts.

By focusing on texture from Day 1, NaturallyCurly has attracted an inclusive community of all ages and ethnicities, men and women, from wavies to super coilies.

Hosted by NaturallyCurly co-founder Michelle Breyer, and recording artist and breakout star of Love & Hip Hop Miami Amara La Negra, seven top texture brands showcased their distinctive take on texture down the runway.

This year's runway sponsors included Camille Rose Naturals, Cantu, Carol's Daughter, Creme of Nature, Mielle Organics, SheaMoisture and The Mane Choice featuring their own unique textured hair inspiration and debuting looks that truly celebrate coils, curls and waves as well as fashion.

"At Sally Beauty, we believe the best hair type is your hair type, and we are committed to providing a diverse assortment of products for our customers," said Linda Voracek, Group Vice President of Merchandising for Sally Beauty.

"Texture on the Runway is unique from other events in that it allows hair to dictate fashion and highlights the diversity of hair textures and styles in a bold way."

Since NaturallyCurly launched Texture on the Runway in 2012 at City Winery in New York City,

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it has become one of the most anticipated events in the natural hair community. The innovative runway show arose out of NaturallyCurly cofounder Michelle Breyer's frustration that Fashion Week lacked inclusivity.

"As I covered Fashion Week, I was disappointed to see that the models on the runway didn't reflect the diversity of our community," Breyer says. "We decided to create an event that celebrated texture and inclusion, and we wanted to do it during Fashion Week."

Texture on the Runway puts curls, coils and waves front and center, letting the hair inspire the fashion rather than the other way around. Brands are encouraged to take their interpretations of texture down the runway, from intricate protective styles like braids and twists, to cascading curls or big luscious 'fros.

In recent years, the brands' creativity has expanded well beyond the hair and fashion. This year, Cantu's presentation featured a true New Orleans second line band, SheaMoisture integrated a reggae soul performance by Meta and the Cornerstones and Carol's Daughter energized the crowd with an electrifying dance group, The Red Project NYC. "At Sally Beauty we are committed to helping our consumers find and celebrate their natural beauty," states Karonda Cook, Director of Merchandising, Sally Beauty. "We know that beauty is not a one size fits all approach and believe in beauty for all. We were thrilled to be this year's retail sponsor for Texture on the Runway to help tell our story. It was also a great opportunity to interact with brand partners and influencers to make sure they understand the importance of our brand and what our customers mean to us."

Through 15-minute presentations, hair sponsors showcased their interpretation of modern, textured hair.

For more information about Texture on the Runway, visit, TextureontheRunway.com or follow @NaturallyCurly on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

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Bring It! available on Xfinity Stream app

grown-ish available on Xfinity Stream app

Streaming is always in session.

Xfinity takes you back to school with Black Film & TV with Xfinity On Demand. Just say, “HBCU” into your X1 Voice Remote to watch your favorite Black college films and TV shows, catch HBCU football games and Classics, and get a look into Greek life. And, with customizable streaming TV, you can watch hit movies, top shows and live sports, at home or on-the-go.

With Xfinity X1, access Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora right from your TV. Xfinity makes enjoying your entertainment simple, easy, awesome.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity TV with X1 and On Demand required. ©2018 Comcast. No celebrity endorsement implied. All rights reserved.

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