SOUTHEND

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 Nov. 24, 2021

| Vol. 54 | No. 42 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH END

Chef Rene Johnson, owner of Blackberry Soul Fine Catering, has created a cookbook, “From My Heart to Your Table,” filled with traditional, vegetarian and vegan soul food. Photos provided by Rochelle Levin

CHEF JOHNSON SHARES RECIPES FROM HER HEART

Chef Rene Johnson created her cookbook, “From My Heart to Your Table,” during the pandemic. It was a way to keep her business Blackberry Soul relevant and to bring Chef Rene and Blackberry Soul into people’s homes. PAGE 2

Paul Alexander Named Chief Scientific Officer of The Unity Project

FASHION: NYINI LUXURY and Mina Stones Launches the Arewa Medallion Collection

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Serving The Black Community For Decades |

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2 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

NEWS briefly SLAUGHTER ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO FOLLOW IDPH COVID-19 MITIGATION GUIDANCE CHICAGO – To help prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases during the upcoming holiday season, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is reminding local residents to follow the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) most recent guidelines on how to safely celebrate this holiday amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we have made tremendous progress in getting people vaccinated and reducing the number of new cases, we cannot afford to lower our guard now,” said Slaughter. “I know that this has been a frustrating time for many, but we must continue to do what we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. I’ll be following the recommendations of our health experts, and I encourage others to do the same.”

IDPH recently released updated guidance for families and individuals to celebrate safely this holiday season during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Illinoisans are encouraged to keep gatherings small and ensure adequate ventilation indoors, while unvaccinated travelers are encouraged to get tested before and after traveling. Travelers are encouraged to use private vehicles, and masks are required when traveling on mass transit and public transit. For more information on IDPH’s COVID-19 safety guidance, please visit www. dph.illinois.gov.

“Please be safe this holiday season, and consider receiving a booster shot if you qualify for it,” said Slaughter. “Vaccines are the best form of protection against this deadly virus, please make sure you’re taking advantage of what is available.”

For assistance scheduling a vaccine shot, please visit www.vaccines.gov.

GOV. PRITZKER SIGNS THE REIMAGINING ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN ILLINOIS ACT ROCKFORD— Building on Illinois’ role as a leading state in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing industry, Governor JB Pritzker today signed the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act into law, incentivizing EV production across Illinois. The new incentives benefit the state’s entire EV ecosystem, by helping to build facilities, train Illinois graduates, and create thousands of jobs. This is a major step towards one of the administration’s bold benchmarks: putting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.

Following the state’s historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV) sets out to make Illinois a hub for EV and auto battery production. More specifically, the legislation includes tax credits for income tax withholding, training costs, tax exemptions, and investment credits, as well as allowing local jurisdictions to abate property taxes for EV projects. EVs include vehicles exclusively powered by electricity and include electric cars and motorcycles.

Crucially, the legislation prioritizes underserved communities and communities impacted by energy transitions.

The credits range from 75 percent to 100 percent of income tax withheld for creating new jobs or 25 percent to 50 percent for retained employees, depending on various factors such as company location.

Additional enhancements include a 20 percent price preference for EVs built in Illinois for state procurements and the creation of an EV Permitting Task Force to ensure permits for EV projects are streamlined.

The legislation not only helps promote new business in Illinois but creates pathways to opportunity for historically underserved communities. REV incentivizes employers to locate new facilities in communities that have been historically left out of investment and prioritizes equity through vendor diversity reporting, diverse hiring plans, and workforce diversity reporting.

Chef Johnson shares recipes from her heart Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Chef Rene Johnson created her cookbook, “From My Heart to Your Table,” during the pandemic. It was a way to keep her business Blackberry Soul relevant and to bring Chef Rene and Blackberry Soul into people’s homes. She also wanted to include vegan and vegetarian dishes in the book so her family and clients could have the same Chef Rene Johnson and Blackberry Soul experience.

Chef Rene Johnson has a big family.

Her children and mother are vegan and started to talk to her about the health benefits of being vegan. Now, Johnson cooks mostly vegan. But, if you want a piece of fried chicken, as a chef, she’ll make you some fried chicken.

“When I realized that I could make red beans and rice without any meat and it taste that amazing; that I have someone chasing me through the event telling me, ‘you’ve got to be kidding me, there’s no meat in this.’ I knew this was a game changer,” she said.

In the cookbook, Johnson shows her love of color, love of Africa and where Black people come from. She takes soul food out of the mason jars and off the front porch. The result is bright, invigorating pages with healthy food that still have the soul.

Johnson gifted her two daughters’ cookbooks that she wrote by hand, specifically for them, with personal stories from when they were growing up. Johnson took those cookbooks and combined them. In working on “From My Heart to Your Table,” Johnson had to master the recipes, which was a task for her.

“As a chef and growing up, I’m used to sprinkling until my hand feels right and sprinkling until this feels good, and then grabbing a spoon and tasting it and saying, ‘bam, it’s done,’” she said.

Johnson had to learn how to share her recipes in a way that her family and her clients could have the same results when they made the food. Her daughters kept her on track, with measuring ingredients and making sure the cookbook represented Johnson’s vision.

Johnson is impressed by how well her first cookbook turned out. She knows her next cookbook will be off the chain because now she knows what she is doing.

The next cookbook takes a healthy spin and a funky spin on Johnson’s recipes.

The other one is based on her mother and herself, with recipes from her world travels.

Johnson has owned Blackberry Soul Catering for 12 years. Before COVID-19, she was catering 22 events a month.

Chef Rene Johnson wanted her cookbook to reflect her love of Africa and Black culture, with vibrant, healthy dishes people could make on their own. Photos provided by Rochelle Levin

When the pandemic hit, she thought she would get a chance to rest and work on projects she wasn’t able to pursue before.

Prior to writing the cookbook, she had an e-book, “Quarantine with Chef Rene.”

Now that the quarantine is over, she changed the title of the e-book to “Cobblers and Cobbler.”

Johnson’s mother’s favorite dish is the quinoa meatloaf. Johnson’s favorite dishes in the cookbook are the butter beans and the hot water cornbread. The hot water cornbread also has a YouTube video. The comments from people who have made it are amazing.

Johnson has received great responses

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from people who purchased the cookbook and tried the recipes. One person who tried the mac and cheese recipe told Johnson it was easy to make and delicious.

“The object of the cookbook is that the recipes are all based upon what we grew up on. What else is fabulous about it is, all the recipes are meant to be easy to make. They can take those recipes and put their own spin on it. We all grew up differently with our soul food,” she said.

To purchase “From My Heart to Your Table” and to find out more about Chef Rene Johnson, visit www.blackberrysoul. net.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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NEWS

Black Shop Friday Partners With Target To Support Black Business Owners Non-Profit Initiative Created to Help Chicagoans to “Shop Black” on Black Friday CHICAGO – Black Shop Friday and Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) announce its new partnership and expanded campaign which encourages Chicagoans to shop at Blackowned businesses on the Friday after Thanksgiving, commonly referred to as Black Friday. One of the biggest shopping days of the year, Black Shop Friday is making it easier to identify and shop at more than 700 local Black-owned businesses. To view the full list of shops and community resources participating in Black Shop Friday, visit BlackShopFriday.com.

For its second year, Black Shop Friday is partnering with Target to increase the impact of the program by providing retail training for participating businesses and expanding the reach of an integrated marketing campaign. As part of Target’s ongoing support of Black-owned businesses in every stage of development, it is encouraging participants to apply for its Target Accelerator Programs: Takeoff & Forward Founders which are designed to increase their potential for long-term success in retail.

“Target remains focused on working alongside diverse and minority business owners to accelerate their economic opportunities and expand their growth,” said Maurice Cooper, senior vice president marketing, Target. “Equity in access, resources and exposure for Chicago business owners is key in creating and sustaining generational wealth and we are proud to partner with Black Shop Friday in this important work.”

The initial “Black Shop Friday” program was created by Black and diverse staff members at Chicago-based agency OKRP, led by Aubrey Walker, Executive Creative Director in November 2020. The success of the program has led to the establishment of Black Shop Friday as a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying Black voices & culture.

In commenting on the creation of the concept, Aubrey Walker, Executive Creative Director at OKRP said, “Black Friday has been around for a long time, but what has been missing is the Blackness. As we began thinking about things we could do to address racial inequities, we were inspired by programs that support the idea of shopping at Black-owned businesses. We saw a way to add to that concept by flipping Black Friday into Black Shop Friday and asking people to add one Black-owned business to their shopping cart and buy something really dope that supports the Black business community.”

Black-Owned Businesses Reported Success The award-winning initiative helped featured businesses see an increase in traffic due to the campaign and realize increased awareness with over 2MM impressions and engagement coming from a diverse population with people coming from all over the city to visit and support local businesses. In its second year, Black Shop Friday is seeing a 25% increase in participating businesses.

Nikki Bravo, co-founder of Momentum Coffee & Coworking shared, “During last year’s Black Shop Friday campaign, we saw a 25% increase in traffic and sales compared to the prior week. It really made an impact on our bottom line and

“TARGET REMAINS FOCUSED ON WORKING ALONGSIDE DIVERSE AND MINORITY BUSINESS OWNERS TO ACCELERATE THEIR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPAND THEIR GROWTH.” Maurice Cooper Senior vice president marketing, Target created awareness in the community, giving us that boost during a challenging time for small businesses.”

Another local business success was Chicago Upholstery and Drapery. Owner Dale Forbes said, “Black Shop Friday gave us visibility to consumers from other neighborhoods. I was especially excited to the see diversity among new customers and how passionate they were about shopping local and Black owned. I’m excited for the 2021 program!”

Collaborators Earlier this year, Black Shop Friday also collaborated with Target to establish a majority-Black board of directors. Highly decorated ad industry veteran Carol H. Williams is joining Black Shop Friday as a board member and her agency, Carol H. Williams Advertising, is also supporting the media campaign execution.

Carol H. Williams shared, “We’re proud to support this important, culturally relevant effort in Chicago and we’ve enjoyed working with the team to make Black Friday real by flipping the script to buying Black on Black Friday.”

Black Shop Friday has continued to receive support from last year’s initial partners, the Chicago Urban League, the City of Chicago and Edelman. The BlackShopFriday.com website was built in 2020 by Geletka+, whose team has enhanced and expanded site and delivered digital support.

“We know that Black-owned businesses have less access to capital and other resources needed to be successful. With Target providing retail training, resources and accelerator programs, our communities will benefit,” said Chicago Urban League President & CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson. “Black Shop Friday is an important campaign to raise awareness of these challenges, while also providing a mechanism for people who want to be intentional about supporting black businesses.”

Established in 2021, Black Shop Friday is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing awareness around Black-owned businesses in an effort to create greater economic equality.

The Black Shop Friday campaign was originally created and launched in 2020 by Black and diverse staff members at Chicago-based agency OKRP. Learn more at www.blackshopfriday.com. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

POLITICAL Affairs Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas opens satellite office at Saint Sabina Church to help preserve homeownership Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has opened a satellite office at Saint Sabina Church as part of her Black Houses Matter homeownership preservation program.

Partnering with Father Michael Pfleger, Saint Sabina’s senior pastor, Pappas’ goal is to get properties off the Tax Sale list by helping homeowners search for $72 million in available property tax refunds going back 20 years and $43 million in missing exemptions going back four years.

“This is a great partnership with Saint Sabina and Father Pfleger, who is committed to improving the well-being of the community,” Pappas said. “This satellite office will play a key role in the expanded outreach efforts of my office into majority-Black communities and their places of worship. An outsized share of homes on the Tax Sale list are in these communities and I’m committed to doing my part to shrink the list and help homeowners create generational wealth.”

Since Pappas started Black Houses Matter in March 2020, the Treasurer’s Office has returned almost 54,000 overpayments and missing exemptions totaling $87 million to the Black community.

“Maria Pappas and the Cook County Treasurer's Office are literally refunding millions of dollars to people in the community,” Pfleger said. “Every church and every citizen need to take advantage of this blessing. Don’t miss out.”

The office, at 7811 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Homeowners seeking more information should call the office at (773) 783-6728 or email blackhousesmatter@cookcountytreasurer.com.

REP. DANNY K. DAVIS ANNOUNCES $155.3 MILLION TO HELP ILLINOIS FAMILIES COVER ENERGY COSTS THIS WINTER Investment Will Help Families Afford Heating, Utility Costs and Energy Repairs U. S. Representative Danny K. Davis recemtly announced $155 million dollars to help Illinois families with energy costs this winter through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

“As residents in my district continue recovering from the pandemic, this investment will help families afford energy costs and stay warm, safe and healthy this winter,” said Davis..

Approximately 200,000 people in the 7th Congressional District are eligible for LIHEAP. As the residents continue to deal with the impacts of the pandemic, LIHEAP grantees will be able to use the funding appropriated by Congress, along with funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, to help more than 5 million households stay warm this winter, cover utility costs and pay for energy repairs.

Local families who need assistance should contact: LIHEAP Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Community Assistance 500 East Monroe Street Springfield, Illinois 62701 TEL: (217) 552-2206 FAX: (217) 557-0829 WEB SITE: www.liheapillinois.com

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BUSINESS

StatusPRO Aims To Set Sports Standard In XR Black Co-Founders Leading a Culturally Diverse Technology Company MIAMI PRNewswire -- StatusPRO, a sports technology and gaming company that combines player data and XR (augmented reality and virtual reality) to create a suite of training and fan engagement products for enterprise and consumers, today released the list of strategic investors and industry leaders that have joined KB Partners, TitletownTech, Greycroft, Verizon Ventures, Haslam Sports Group, 49ers Enterprises, and SC Holdings in investing in StatusPRO. LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, Drake, Maverick Carter, Jimmy Iovine, Paul Wachter, and a host of professional athletes round out those named. These strategic investors reflect the range of industries and sports that StatusPRO’s technology is positioned to impact.

Co-founders Andrew Hawkins (Hawk) and Troy Jones, who are a part of the less than one percent of black entrepreneurs that receive funding from traditional venture capital firms, sought investors with a track record of building sustainable businesses in sport, entertainment, and technology.

“Besides the immense credibility our new investors bring to the business, they have proven the value of creating companies and brands that prioritize empowerment, diversity of thought, experience, and culture. These are some of the guiding principles of our business,” said Troy, Chief Executive Officer of StatusPRO. “It’s incredibly humbling that pioneers of their level believe in us as founders and in our vision for this industry. We always say StatusPRO is only as strong as our team, and our team just got a whole lot stronger,” said Hawk, Chief Business Officer of StatusPRO. Hawk and Troy, who are both former football players, saw a unique opportunity to blend the experiential expertise of athletes with the technological expertise of XR veterans to

revolutionize the way coaches, players, and fans experience their favorite sports. More than half of StatusPRO’s employees and contractors are former athletes and 51% of their funding to date came from minority-led or owned venture capital firms or venture capitalists.

StatusPRO plans to leverage the funding and support from these industry leaders to expand on their proprietary XR technology and continue to venture into other sports beyond football.

“I look for investment opportunities that can have a lasting impact on culture and society – and StatusPRO is poised to do that. It’s not only going to influence gaming and entertainment (two things I am passionate about), but also the way athletes can train and analyze their performance,” said strategic investor Naomi Osaka.

“Troy and Hawk are true innovators and storytellers. I’ve seen that firsthand through the work Hawk has done for us at The SpringHill Company. What they are building with StatusPRO is another example of the incredible content that can be created when people feel empowered to share their own experiences. As former athletes themselves, they bring a unique and authentic perspective to this platform that will change the way people experience sports on every level,” said Maverick Carter, strategic investor and CEO of The SpringHill Company.

With the XR industry projected to reach over $57 Billion by 2027 and more traction building in the gaming, entertainment, and even healthcare industries, StatusPRO aims to leverage its proprietary software to position itself as the industry standard when it comes to sports XR. The brand and its founders are looking to redefine the category and broaden the current user base of VR products by authentically tapping into sports and culture. Currently being used by multiple National Football League (NFL)

Andrew Hawkins and Troy Jones; Photo credit: Allen Daniel/StatusPRO

teams, StatusPRO offers custom solutions for players and coaches to optimize performance, prioritize health and safety, provide training at the highest efficiencies possible, while also creating engaging entertainment for consumers.

StatusPRO, Inc. is a sports technology company that combines data with augmented and virtual reality to provide a suite of training and gaming products that revolutionize the way coaches, players, and fans experience their favorite sport. Powered by the insights of current and former professional athletes, some of which are early investors, StatusPRO is dedicated to reshaping fan engagement while en route to becoming the de facto experiential training platform for professional, collegiate, and amateur athletes.

Headquartered in Miami, FL, StatusPRO is minority-owned and led where almost half of its US-based employees are former athletes. Their proprietary training technology is currently used by multiple NCAA and National Football League

teams, including the Baltimore Ravens. The training platform uses real-time player data to power holographic experiences that give players the ability to simulate any practice or game scenario without the physical impact that comes with playing the game. StatusPRO extracts these scenarios to create an immersive experience that allows fans to be as close to the game as they have ever been while at the stadium or in the comfort of their own home. StatusPRO has active partnerships with Lamar Jackson, one of only two unanimous NFL MVP winners ever, and the National Football League Players Association.

In August of 2021, StatusPRO announced the closing of a $5.2M seed round that included KB Partners, Titletown Tech, Greycroft, Verizon Ventures, Haslam Sports Group, 49ers Enterprise, and SC Holdings.

Learn more by visiting www.status.pro or by following on Instagram (@Status.PRO) and Twitter (@StatusPRO).

Clark Atlanta University Names First Entrepreneur Scholar-in-Residence ATLANTA PRNewswire -- Clark Atlanta University (CAU) President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., announced that financial literacy entrepreneur and businessman John Hope Bryant has been appointed the first Entrepreneur Scholar-in-Residence at CAU’s School of Business Administration, commencing this month.

Bryant is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Atlanta-based Operation HOPE, Inc., a leading national non-profit dedicated to financial literacy and economic empowerment.

He is also the Founder of The Promise Homes Company and a bestselling author of books on economics and leadership. Bryant has served as a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy under President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. At the recommendation of Mr. Bryant, U.S. Trea-

sury Secretary Jack Lew renamed the former U.S. Treasury Annex Building the Freedman’s Bank Building.

“John Hope Bryant is a global leader in the areas of financial literacy, financial inclusion, and a champion for providing economic empowerment tools and services for youth and adults alike,” said President French.

“He has been a consistent partner to the University, most recently through Operation HOPE’s One Million Black Business (1MBB) entrepreneur initiative, where our students are being provided with tools to support their aspirations of building successful careers and businesses.”

“Mr. Bryant brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a founder and serial entrepreneur who will bridge innovation and entrepreneurship within our university,” said Dr. Silvanus Udoka, Dean of the School of Business

Administration. “I believe his presence on our campus will help our scholars bring their work, disruptive ideas and creativity to a wider audience.”

CAU’s Entrepreneur Scholar-in-Residence program brings experienced private sector leaders to the School of Business Administration to advise and assist students and faculty as they launch startups or explore the commercialization of research. During his tenure, Mr. Bryant will provide mentorship and guidance to the CAU community on business strategy and design, and social impact. In addition, Bryant will help connect investors with inventors, developers, and researchers, with assistance from Clark’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development (CIED) staff, to support students as they accelerate their ideas.

“Entrepreneurship is the bedrock www.citizennewspapergroup.com

of American culture and its economic success for generations,” said Mr. Bryant. “It is an honor to join Clark Atlanta University’s School of Business to enhance opportunity for tomorrow’s business leaders as a means of positively impacting economic equality. And, I consider my mission is to help educate and inspire this generation of future leaders— in the spirit of W.E.B. Du Bois, to preserve the legacy of HBCUs as an incubator for innovative ideas that will ultimately change the world.”

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, the CAU School of Business Administration has produced and continues to graduate a large number of African American MBAs. Its undergraduate program is one of the top ten producers of African American business professionals in the nation.

CAUSBA graduates enjoy leadership

and management careers in public and private sector organizations throughout the world. The School of Business has produced a substantial class of entrepreneurs who are providing jobs and services for the nation. CAU was the first HBCU chartered to provide advanced degrees to African Americans following the civil war and was the first institution for Blacks in the south. It was also the first instruction to accept Black women for degrees.

Established in 1988 by the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869).

CAU continues a 150-year legacy rooted in African-American tradition and focused on the future.

Through global innovation, transformative educational experiences, and high-value engagement. CAU cultivates lifted lives that transforms the world.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

NYINI LUXURY and Mina Stones Launches the Arewa Medallion Collection Spreading the Arewa message of unity and making a difference NEW YORK PRNewswire -- NYINI Luxury, a leading brand management company focused on supporting women and minority-owned businesses has joined forces with Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, founder of Mina Stones to launch The Arewa Medallion Collection, benefiting Pact.

Inspired by the Nigerian Arewa symbol’s iconic beauty, its powerful timely message of unity, and a desire to use it as a vehicle for change, NYINI Luxury and Amina, founder of Mina Stones collaborated to create the Arewa Medallion Collection, a fashion jewelry capsule priced from $55 and sold on TheCurrnt.com jewelry website, just in time for the holiday season.

Recognizing the need to support and advocate for under-served, vulnerable global communities and bolster local US manufacturing, the Arewa Medallion Collection is made in the US and 20% of all proceeds will go directly to Pact, to support the AGJES Sparkle Foundation and development in challenged communities in West Africa.

The Arewa, known as a Unity Symbol is present in many areas in the Northern regions of Nigeria. This symbol has come to represent a pact uniting diverse people from all ethnicities, religions, and regions to come together as one, promoting a message that has never been more relevant than it is today globally.

“We’re thrilled to work with Amina to bring her vision of spreading the Arewa message of unity to life. We share her passion for community support

Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, founder of Mina Stones wearing the Arewa Medallion Collection Large Pave Pendant, $100. Ring, $55. Earrings, $75. Available on thecurrnt.com. PRNewsFoto.

and growth through investment, and are excited by the opportunity to be involved in something so important and timely.” Nyini Luxury.

As a multi-faceted consumer brand manage-

ment company, NYINI Luxury is committed to supporting women and minority-owned businesses by creating exceptional, differentiated experiences. We chart new revenue pathways within previously untapped and under-served distribution channels that drive exceptional consumer activation and improve the overall human condition.

Amina founded Mina Stones to bring industry and positive change to her native Nigeria, creating a gemstone sourcing company that invests in the local communities, and fosters advancement and development.

Amina has endeavored to promote the unique and timely Arewa unity message, using her extensive network of like-minded influencers, stylists, and advocacy ambassadors to promote her passionate vision.

Founded in 1971, Pact is an international development nonprofit and recognized global leader in creating social impact, with expertise in capacity development, public health, governance, the environment, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, mining communities, micro-finance and more. With funding from government agencies, multi-laterals, corporations and foundations, their programming helps communities combat HIV and AIDS, gain electricity, build peace and democracy, fight poverty through entrepreneurship, protect local natural resources, adapt to climate change, stop child labor and human rights abuses and much more.

Delphine Leymarie Confetti Lune Collection Elevates Celestial Fine Jewelry New York, NY. - For the French, knowledge and appreciation for the magical and spiritual are deep-rooted. Steeped in a culture renowned for art and artists, the moon is one of its most beloved and sacred ancient symbols.

New York City-based French Designer and Founder, Delphine Leymarie, draws inspiration from the moon’s ethereal nature, introducing sophisticated fine jewelry that captures its mystery, with the Confetti Lune Collection.

“A multilayered celestial symbol of love, dreams and hopes, the Moon — La Lune in my native French, also represents our shadow self and our unconscious. Just like the moon, we go through many cycles, the sum of which makes who we truly are.La Lune mirrors the strength of the sun, reflecting its light on us in a gentler glow,” says Designer, Delphine Leymarie. “It helps us navigate our own unique journey through the complex terrain of life, softly illuminating its peaks and lows and accompanying us through the ebb and flow.”

The moon-phase inspired Confetti Lune collection offers eight sublime necklace styles, and four alluring bracelet designs. An update to the best-selling Confetti necklace, Delphine Leymarie Fine Jewelry introduces a unique and poetic sequence of moon-phase cut outs to Lune, with a full moon center, or an optional new moon center, to connect the beautiful Boheme clicker and collectible charms. Both the necklace and bracelet are available in solid 14K or 18K gold, with mother of pearl (Blanche), turquoise (Bleue), or onyx (Noire) inlay, and are crafted out of 8mm solid gold discs.

The Confetti Lune Sequin Necklace offers a streamlined version, with a stunning juxtaposition of sparkling Moon phase discs dancing from the rounded cable chain. The yellow gold dots on both the necklace styles and bracelet refract the sparkling sunlight, much like the moon reflects the sun.

“As a ruler of tides, the moon is essential to life on earth. Its cycle helps us focus on our intentions, plant their seeds, sustain their growth, and reflect

& repeat,” says Delphine Leymarie. “The Confetti Lune Collection is about cherishing the many phases of you, for they all reflect your many facets.”

With a collection that encourages all to embrace their inner alchemist, Delphine Leymarie Fine Jewelry delivers a timeless and iconic design to an ever-inspiring symbol. Whether celebrating a milestone, new beginnings, the holiday season, or just because, Confetti Lune channels elegance, offering unique customizable options for an empowering stack, or modern heirloom. “Say ‘I love you to the moon and back’ with jewelry,” says Delphine Leymarie.

French-born, Delphine Leymarie designs luxe and modern eponymous fine jewelry line in NYC. Drawing inspiration from the blissful beaches of her childhood in the South of France, and the invigorating energy of modern urban architecture, she creates jewels that are timeless, romantic yet edgy, and playfully convertible.

Delphine Leymarie Fine Jewelry collections are centered around the signature Boheme Clickers, versatile modular charm holders, which make the jewels as unique as the wearer. She favors empowering and protective symbols, paired with carefully selected gems, to create uplifting and colorful jewelry. Delphine dreams up pieces as powerful talismans and modern heirlooms to be cherished for generations. Using recycled gold whenever possible, Delphine Leymarie sources her gems ethically, respectful of the magnificent resources of the planet.

Mindful luxury is possible, and Delphine Leymarie Fine Jewelry aims to create sparkly sculptures that can adorn the body and elevate the soul.

For more information about Delphine Leymarie Fine Jewelry, visit delphineleymarie.com, email info@delphineleymarie.com or call 212537-5769. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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FASHION Urban Therapy LLC Launches Hemp Hair Care Line NEW YORK PRNewswire -- The makers of Twisted Sista have been in the lab working on Wellness Therapy, a breakthrough product line with botanical plant based natural ingredients featuring Hemp Seed Oil derived from cannabis sativa along with many nutritional ingredients. The 5 SKU product line consist of a Triple Moisture Rich Shampoo, Hydrating Treatment Conditioning Masque, Hair Elixir Oil, Styling Texture Gel and a Sculpt and Style Creme and is available at Sally Beauty Supply locations and on the website, sallybeauty.com.

Known for its textured hair care styling products, the makers of Twisted Sista recognized a need for a plant-based clean beauty product line that performs well on your hair and scalp contributing to your overall well-being. All products are in sustainable packaging that is eco-friendly. Some key ingredients include Cannabis Sativa (Hemp Seed Oil), Aloe, Ginger, Ginseng, Celery, Eucalyptus and Rose Hip Oils. The invigorating scent of Lavender is present and opens the senses of mind, body, and spirit.

Hemp Oil that comes from the cannabis plant has been used for centuries as a healing element for the body and skin thus having a beneficial impact on hair and scalp beauty. The goal is to “Change The Way You Feed Your Hair.”

Wellness Therapy’s formulas and ingredients were crafted by Urban Therapy professional stylists to revitalize your hair & scalp health and add performance to your styling needs. “We believe overall beauty starts with overall health.

Consumers are embracing a 360-degree wellness lifestyle and consciousness. This product takes this into account from all angles. Natural ingredients, traditional methods and sustainable packaging all lead to a sense of harmony around the brand,” says Nadine Lee Carter, head of Urban Therapy’s Product Development and Brand Marketing.

Named for a London Salon that birthed Twisted Sista, Urban Therapy supports texture hair communities across the globe! We bow down to individualism, creative expression, hair artistry and health and salute stylists and salons who inspired our consumer collections. For nearly 20 years, Urban Therapy has been unique in concept, providing effective at home salon performance-driven products in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan markets. Our products serve the needs of textured hair consumers, who represent 2/3 of the world’s population. Our consumer-acclaimed and award-winning products are represented across 12,000 retail stores globally.

For more information, visit www. livewellnesstherapy.com.

6 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

NEWS

Call

Red Line Extension (RLE) Transit-Supportive Development (TSD) Plan Virtual Community Meetings:

PRNewsfoto/The Unity Project

1-800-332-DUMP Paul Alexander

Tuesday, December 7th (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)

103rd Street Station & Michigan Avenue Station Wednesday, December 8th (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)

111th Street Station & 130th Street Station

to report:

The CTA is hosting two virtual meetings to get your feedback on the proposed strategies and concepts for Transit-Supportive Development near each of the four proposed RLE station areas.

Each virtual meeting will focus on Transit-Supportive Development for two RLE station areas. The first virtual meeting will present concepts for the 103rd Street Station & the Michigan Avenue Station; the second virtual meeting will present concepts for the 111th Street Station & the 130th Street Station.

Registration is required to attend meetings.

Please register at: engagerle.transitchicago.com.

Attendees will receive information to join via Zoom or telephone. If you require assistance to register, call us at 1-888-968-7282 at least three [3] days before the meeting you plan to attend. You can also watch live on Facebook at Facebook.com/CTARedExt. **Presentation audio available in Spanish if joining through Zoom only. Closed captioning and sign language interpretation are also available on Zoom for participants who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing.** After the meeting, the meeting recording and presentation will be posted online at transitchicago.com/RLE/TSD.

Do you require a reasonable accommodation?

Named Chief Waterway Scientific Officer of Blockages The Unity Project

Debris and obstructions in waterways can cause where he helped develop the nation’s IRVINE, Calif. PRNewswire -flooding.

Our stream Esteemed epidemiologist and widely COVID-19 pandemic policies in recognized COVID-19 global expert 2020. Alexander also worked with maintenance crews the World Health Organization Dr. Paul E. Alexander has been and debris boats work (WHO)/Pan American Health named The Unity Project’s chief Organization as a COVID pandemic scientific officer. Heour will also serve throughout region advisor. on the strategic advisory council of to keep our waterways evidence-synthesis Other former positions held the non-partisan, non-profit organiclean and flowing well. by Dr. Alexander include WHO zation that works to unify, resource,

regional specialist/epidemiologist and amplify the best strategies of in the European Regional Office; countless grassroots community organizations across the state of Cal- epidemiologist for the government ifornia and beyond that are opposed of Canada; evidence synthesis meta-analysis systemic review to the proposed K-12 COVID-19 guideline development lead with vaccine mandate. engagerle.transitchicago.com the Infectious Diseases Society of “Dr. Alexander is one of the America; and assistant professor world’s leading authorities on in evidence-based medicine and COVID-19 and a widely respected research methodology at McMaster epidemiologist,” said Laura Sextro, University in Ontario, Canada.

CEO of The Unity Project. “The Alexander earned his bachelor’s Unity Project’s mission is governed and master’s degrees from York by and embraces reason and evidence-based science rather than fear University in Ontario, Canada.

Waste needs to be properly He received a Master of Health and political histrionics. Respected Science (MHSc) from the Univerlike Dr. Alexander are treated and disposed scientists of or it sity of Toronto, a Master of Science leaders of our organization and can harm our waterways and degree (MSc) from the University of guide our mission to oppose the Oxford in England and a Doctor of proposed forced vaccination of treatment plants.

If you see Debris and obstructions in waterways can cause Philosophy (PhD) from McMaster school-aged children in California.” something suspicious, call us. flooding. Our stream maintenance crews and University.

Although The Unity Project debris boats work throughout our region to officially launched just last week, the He is widely published, having organization has already established served as primary or supporting aukeep our waterways clean and flowing well. strategic partnerships with more than thor of more than 50 academic papers. sixty grassroots organizations across The Unity Project, a non-partisan, Wastewater treatment doesn’t the state and beyond.

In fact, the curnon-profit educational organization, rent portfolio of partnerships reflects works to support, coordinate and have to stink! We are working nearly 350 county or school disamplify the efforts of the various Waste needs to be properly treated and disposed of to trict-based prevent nuissance odorsCalifornia-based community chapters across 32 states. or it can harm our waterways and treatment plants. If “Statistically, children bringaim near to be organizations opposed to the state’s at our facilities and you see something suspicious, call us. zero risk to the table and these proposed K-12 COVID-19 vaccine good neighbors.

Odorforreports vaccines offer little opportunity mandate. The Unity Project was benefit, yet they come with acknowllaunched and is led by a highly help us improve our systems, edged risk. The risk/return analysis diverse board of directors, credenWhat’s that smell? We are working to mitigate odors at our sodoes please dothe your part: not support proposed man-if you tialed strategic advisory council and facilities and aim to be good neighbors. Odor reports help date and it should not be enacted, ” executive management team; memsmell something, say something. us improve our systems, so please do your part: if you said Alexander. “The very same CDC bers include successful business that fights against COVID-19 natural leaders, globally recognized and smell something, let us know. immunity, argues just the opposite respected scientists and doctors, and when it comes to chickenpox and engaged local, regional and national We want to hear from you. You can also submit reports at a host of other viral infections. The community leaders. In bringing mwrd.org and via our iOS app. hypocrisy and scientific inconsistogether various grassroots groups tency demand a closer and reasoned under its “broad tent,” The Unity examination before we inflict undue Project promotes a “parents-first” Metropolitan Water Reclamation risk on our children.” agenda focused on integrity, care, District of Greater Chicago Previously, Alexander was tapped rationality, and evidence-based

mwrd.org as a senior advisor to the assistant motivation. For more information, secretary of the U.S. Department of visit https://www.unityprojectonMetropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Health and Human Services (HHS), Chicago line.com/ Sign language interpreters and captioning will be available during the virtual presentations via Zoom only. If you require other reasonable accommodations to participate, please contact CTA Customer Service at 1-888-968-7282, by Thursday, December 2, 2021, or RedExtension@transitchicago.com.

Illegal or Suspicious Dumping to Waterways or Sewers

Call

1-800-332-DUMP to report: Waterway Blockages

Odors

Illegal or Suspicious Dumping to Waterways or Sewers

Odors

We want to hear from you.

You can also submit reports at mwrd.org and via our ios app.

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

GETTING HUNDREDS OF SENIORS VACCINATED DOESN’T TAKE A VILLAGE. IT TAKES A GLORIA.

Gloria helped answer vaccination-related questions for seniors living at the Patrick Sullivan Seniors Building.

If you need someone to talk to about the COVID-19 vaccine, we are here for you.

Call 312-746-4835 Chicago.gov/SeniorVax

Chicago Department of Public Health

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8 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

CITIZEN On The Move

Walmart Partners With The 21st Ward To Distribute Turkey Residents In Time For Thanksgiving Photos by L.M. Warbington

CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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10 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

REAL ESTATE HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________

REAL ESTATE SERVICE KDAY SERVICES/PROPERTY APPEAL IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO TAKE CHARGE NOW. APPEAL YOUR PROPERTY TAX NOW. EMAIL YOUR PROPERTY AND EMAIL ADDRESS TO KDAYSERVS@OUTLOOK.COM

WE WILL SHOW YOU HOW. ________________________________

HELP WANTED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR A PERSONAL ASSISTANT MUST HAVE DRIVERS LICENSE CALL (773) 233-5678 ASK FOR PAUL CALL AFTER 6:00 P.M.

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LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (MINOR CHILDREN) REQUEST OF: STEPHANIE L. JACKSON on behalf of: NIA RICHARDSON to change names of minor children- NIA RICHARDSON case number: 2021CONC001184, Judge: Calendar, 8.

Publication is not necessary if both parents, confirmed on the birth certificate, agree to the name change or have been given notice. There will be a court date on the Request for Name Change (Minor Children) for these children: 1. Current Name of Minor Child: NIA LYNN RICHARDSON Proposed New Name of Minor Child: NIA LYNN JACKSON. 2. Court Date Infomation: a. Date: November 15, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. b. Address: 50 W. Washington, City of : Chicago and County: of Cook, Courtroom: 1704. ________________________________

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF: ALEXANDER BARKSDALE JR. FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO: ALEXANDER BARKSDALE LOVE Case No.: 2021 CONC 001384 Calendar 10 NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE NOTICE IS HEREBY given to you, the public, that on September 15, 2021, I have filed a Petition for Change of Name in the Circuit Court of Cook County to change my present nameof Alexander Barksdale Jr. to the name of Alexander Barksdale Love.

The Court date will be held on December 20, 2021 at 9:30 a.m via Zoom video or teleconference. The Zoom video call information is: Court time: 9:30 a.m Dial-in-number: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID 963 3970 0908 Password: 395890

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

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

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

Darrell Garth President /Publisher

DATE: 10/21/2021

Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager

Signature of Petitioner, ALEXANDER BARKSDALE JR.

Tia Carol Jones Managing Editior

Williams Law Office, 41781 PO Box 208501 Chicago, Illinois 60620 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9E380FD-081C4030-AD9F-2F14B0FAEECD _____________________________________

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

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to ‘An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State”, as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County.

Registration Number: Y21008075 on NOVEMBER 2, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of SOUND IMAGE PRODUCTION with the business located at: 936 HIRSCH BLVD., CALUMET CITY, ILLINOIS 60409. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s) /partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name EARNEST J. HALL Complete Address 936 HIRSCH BLVD., CALUMET CITY, ILLINOIS 60409, USA. _______________________________________ Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21007957 on OCTOBER 6, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of GEM LARMAR with the business located at: 10049 S.OGLESBY AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60617. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s) / partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name GWENDOLYN HOWARD. Complete Address 10049 S. OGLESBY AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60617, USA _____________________________________

Advertising Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com Classified Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Display Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor, Greater Grand Crossing, Burnside, Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

SOUTH END

Washington Heights, Roseland, Rosemoor, Englewood, West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

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

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CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

12 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

Partnering to help create opportunities Last year, Bank of America committed $1.25 billion over five years to advance racial equality and economic opportunity. To date, we’ve directly funded or invested one-third of this amount on top of long-standing efforts to make an impact in our communities and address society’s greatest challenges.

Here are some of the ways we’re working to make a difference: • Investing $300 million in 100 minority-owned and minority-led equity funds, including Supply Change Capital. This will help diverse entrepreneurs and small business owners create more jobs, financial stability and growth.

• Investing $36 million in 21 Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks, such as First Women’s Bank, that support minority-owned businesses. This is in addition to approximately $100 million in deposits to MDIs and our existing CDFI portfolio of more than $2 billion, which helps build pathways to economic vitality in local markets.

• Providing funding and support through innovative programs and partnerships with community colleges, universities and nonprofits, including Harold Washington College, City Colleges of Chicago, that offer training and credentialing programs connecting more people to high-wage, in-demand careers.

We’re doing this work in collaboration with community partners, business leaders, experts and academics across the public and private sectors to ensure that our investments are directed where they’re needed most. Together, we can help drive sustainable progress in Chicago.

What would you like the power to do? ®

Paul Lambert President, Bank of America Chicago

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/chicago

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