South Suburban Citizen 6-1-2022

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WEEKLY

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

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WEEK OF JUNE 1, 2022

FREE | VOL 41 | ISSUE 28

HIKE 4 THE CULTURE

EVENT SEEKS TO SUPPORT WELLNESS AND HEALING

Alicia Brown wanted to host an event that would focus on health and wellness for the Black community. She thought about hosting Hike 4 the Culture last year, but the pandemic was still bringing uncertainty in the planning of events with lots of people. P2

Alicia Brown created Hike 4 The Culture as a way to bring together the Black community, with a focus on mental health and wellness. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALICIA BROWN.

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

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

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“AfroSoundz Radio” Brings Cultural African Music & Afrobeats to the Mainstream P8

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NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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South Suburban | Week of June 1, 2022

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Hike 4 The Culture Event seeks to support wellness and healing

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

The idea of hiking, being with nature and connecting with other people was something she needed, as she was going through depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brown realized a lot of her peers were going through something similar with COVID-19, social injustice and life.

Hike 4 The Culture will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Juneteenth at Swallow Cliff Woods, located at Calumet Sag Road/Route 83, west of La Grange Road/96th Ave. The event will include yoga, along with the hiking, music and a special appearance by Val Warner. Naimah Cyprian, of Urban Grind Gym; Bernard Brown, Hiking Assistant for The Urban Key Events Group; and Paris Taylor, of Power92 Chicago, also will be at the event.

Brown decided Juneteenth would be a perfect day for the event because she wanted it to be a tradition for Black people to come together, as a community, for something positive, for empowerment and betterment of the whole. It also is Father’s Day, so she wanted to celebrate and recognize men who are fathers and serve as father figures.

The event is sold out. Brown knew people needed an event that focused on wellness and mental health based on conversations she was having with people. But, she didn’t have any expectations for the event. She knew it was something she wanted to do. Once people started to register, she was grateful people recognized the intention behind what she was trying to do, and they needed the event just as much as she did.

Brown is not a hiker. She was looking for things that would push her out of her comfort zone. She acknowledged that traditionally, you don’t about a lot of Black people hiking.

But, they do. She had a conversation with her mother, who lives in Arizona, about mental health and things people could do that would help with mental health and stress.

Brown wanted an event that would be safe for people to attend, because the pandemic is still happening. Before she put out a flyer about the event, Brown started to hint that she might host Hike 4 The Culture. People responded to those positively, when they heard the story of why she wanted to have the event. Even when people heard the event was sold out, they reached out to ask if they could still be a part of it because the premise of the event was so positive.

“I really feel strongly that it’s because of that connection to the mental health and just wanting to improve their physical wellness,” Brown said. “I think it says we need to do health and wellness events more often and we need to continue to get people excited about exploring ways to better themselves that isn’t so pushy.”

Brown believes that while people should go to therapy, the approach to advise should come from people that those people relate to. The intent is for people to have a moment, out in the woods, and share it with the community.

Brown is building a community of people who want to hike regularly. It is her hope that they will feel safe and it will open up new avenues for mental and physical health.

For more information about Hike 4 The Culture, visit https://hike4thculture.com.

South Suburban College Celebrates First Class of Barber College Graduates South Suburban College (SSC) celebrated the first graduating class from its Barber College on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Called, the “Final Punch Out,” the ceremony was attended by students, faculty, administrators, SSC President, Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, members of the Board of Trustees, including Chairman Terry R. Wells, as well as Illinois State Representatives Thaddeus Jones (29th District) and William “Will” Davis (30th District). Attendees observed special remarks, various student awards and each of the nine cohort completers log their last punch card, noting 1,500 hours of successful completion. It was a bittersweet moment for everyone involved in pioneering the program.

“It was both an overwhelming and terrific experience,” said Lucas Gunby, SSC Barber College Program Coordinator. Once an award-winning barber for television shows like “Empire” and “Chicago Fire,” Gunby now teaches the next generation of barbers at SSC. “One of the things that makes SSC’s program so unique is that you can earn a Barber Technician Certificate or an Associate in Applied Science in barbering degree,” he stated, noting that students may transfer in credits from traditional barbering institutions. “Not only that, but if you’ve never attended classes on a college campus, you can enter this program and get the full student experience.”

Eight students were recently awarded certificates from

the SSC Barbering Program, many of which have made connections in the field that led to employment opportunities.

One student, Shuntai Robinson, earned an AAS degree in barbering. Similar to Gunby, Robinson has an interest in training new students. “I’m looking to expand the knowledge I already received in order to teach others properly.

I’m really eager to learn,” she stated. Robinson spoke as the SSC Barber College class valedictorian. She tipped her cap to Gunby and remarked, “He is very knowledgeable about cutting techniques. He can use a comb and clippers without guards. It takes years of experience to get to that level.”

Students complete both clinical and theoretical education in the SSC Barber College. This program is expected to grow tremendously in the near future, according to Gunby, with plans to incorporate a mobile barbering bus to serve the community at various events. He added, “In 2023, there are plans to add a cosmetology program [and] instructors’ program, so you can come to SSC and we can teach you how to teach these classes.

We are doing our best to lead students and give them the key to success.”

For more information about the SSC Barber College, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2266. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St. South Holland, IL 60473. Our mission is to Serve our Students and the Community through lifelong learning.

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Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Selected to Receive Highest Level of Support from the University of Chicago’s Community Programs Accelerator On May 18, the Community Programs Accelerator at the University of Chicago announced that Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is one of two organizations joining the Accelerator’s 2022/2023 nonprofit cohort at the Core level. The organization will receive $50,000 in grant funding along with intense, focused, and customized support for up to three years.

Launched in 2014, the Accelerator, an initiative of the University’s Office of Civic Engagement, aims to equip both established and emerging community-based nonprofits and leaders with tools and resources to fulfill their unique missions. The program has helped develop and strengthen the capacity of more than 175 South Side community-focused nonprofit organizations to date.

Starting in 2019, Deeply Rooted participated in the Accelerator at the

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Associates level. The Accelerator has provided support for key developments within the organization including supporting the hiring of its first executive partner, redefining the structure of the artistic team which contributed to a dynamic succession plan, structuring job announcements, and developing a search plan and interviewing process, as well as an onboarding process which later served as a template for other positions.

The Accelerator also provided support for the Black Dance Legacy Project, of which Deeply Rooted is a founding partner. The project was launched in 2019 in partnership with UChicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, the Joyce Foundation, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to create a community of artists and give historically underfunded companies operational and financial support to help them reach wider audiences and safeguard their futures.

As Deeply Rooted continues its current growth phase and prepares to hire additional full-time staff, the organization will work with the Accelerator on job descriptions, human resource structures, and managing and growing staff. The Accelerator will additionally support Deeply Rooted in building connections with potential partners within the University of Chicago campus community.

“This is a very critical two years for Deeply Rooted. If all goes well, we will have the grand opening for our South Side Center for Black Dance and Creative Communities in the spring of 2024,” Deeply Rooted Creative Director Kevin Iega Jeff says. “And to have somebody holding our hand through the constructing of the

building, the visioning of its operations, and the understanding and dissecting of plans to raise funds so it can flourish into the future—man, it’s the best thing in the world to know we’ve got this partnership.”

The University welcomed 15 new South Side nonprofit organizations into the Accelerator on Wednesday, bringing the total number of organizations to be served in the coming year to 32.

The cohort announcement was made during the Accelerator’s inaugural South Side Strong Summit for local nonprofit professionals. The free day-long conference aimed to connect local nonprofit professionals with each other and the University; promote knowledge exchange on sector best practices and available resources; and ultimately accelerate the positive impact participating organizations have in their communities.

Since 1996, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater has worked to reimagine and diversify the aesthetics of contemporary dance by uniting modern, classical, American, and African-American traditions in dance and storytelling. The organization cultivates a creative community dedicated to nurturing artists, advancing dance education, fostering collaboration, supporting human relationships, and sharing common values. With the support of the Accelerator, Deeply Rooted aims to establish its institutional home, the planned South Side Center for Black Dance and Creative Communities, in Washington Park.

To learn more about UChicago’s Community Programs Accelerator, visit communityprograms.uchicago.edu.

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NEWS

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Peoples Gas works with federal and state officials to pay off heating bills for customers who have low incomes Peoples Gas announced that its customers who applied and qualified for heating assistance over the winter and spring will have all remaining past-due balances cleared and they will not be subject to disconnection. This marks the second straight heating season Peoples Gas customers with low-incomes have had their balances taken care of.

Funding for this important effort comes from a significant increase in federal assistance — that Peoples Gas helped secure — and increased state aid.

In total, Peoples Gas customers have now received $46 million in funding for heating assistance over the past year.

The customers’ past due balances will be cleared before the end of June.

“When a worldwide spike in natural gas prices drove up heating bills across

Illinois and the country, we made sure customers having a tough time paying bills had help,” said Charles Matthews, president and CEO — Peoples Gas. “We remain committed to helping all our customers now and going forward and ensuring they have the safe and reliable energy they depend on.”

In addition to financial assistance, Peoples Gas works closely with customers on flexible payment plans and energy efficiency programs.

Any customer having trouble paying their bills is urged to contact Peoples Gas so they can access all help available to them. Specific information is available on the Peoples Gas mobile app, at peoplesgasdelivery.com, and by calling 866-556-6001.

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POLITICAL AFFAIRS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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4 BUSINESS Mielle Organics Appoints Steve Pamon to Advisory Board

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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TimelyMD Adds Executive Director of Mental Health and Additional Leaders to Support College Students FORT WORTH, Texas -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- TimelyMD al with 20 years of experience, she has a track record of delivering has added transformative leaders to its care, communications and award-winning campaigns and high-impact results, with a specialty partnerships teams to meet continued demand for virtual health and in higher education. Previously, she led the media relations team at well-being solutions tailored for college and university students.

Wake Forest University, her alma mater, and worked at PR agencies According to the American Council on Education, student in Sacramento, Calif., San Francisco, Singapore, and Winston-Samental health is the top concern of college and university presilem, N.C. dents. As the market leader, TimelyMD is trusted by 200 campuses Manuel Carrillo, Director of Care Coordination and to provide equitable, on-demand access to complete clinical care, Basic Needs advanced technology, and expert guidance to improve their stuAs Director of Care Coordination and Basic Needs, Manuel dents’ mental and physical health.

Carrillo manages and coordinates all student care activities with Recently named to Inc. magazine’s Best Workplaces list, Time- the goal of superb care with safer and more effective practices. lyMD is the fastest-growing company in the Having worked in community mental health, Dallas-Fort Worth area and currently employs crisis intervention, and academia for nearly about 150 full-time staff. The following senior two decades, his passion and expertise lie in leaders are already helping TimelyMD fulfill helping young adults and college students its mission to help students be well and thrive. achieve their innate purpose through emotional Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, Executive and psychological well-being. Carrillo received Director of Mental Health his bachelor’s degree in social work from Dr. Rufus Tony Spann is a renowned Metropolitan State University and both of his counselor, educator and thought-leader whose master’s degrees in social work and business passion is to shift the culture of mental health administration from Newman University. and wellness by promoting inclusivity for Chris Wuorinen, Director of all people. As Executive Director of Mental Strategic Partnerships Health at TimelyMD, he oversees a nationChris Wuorinen comes to TimelyMD al network of licensed providers trusted to with more than a decade of healthcare leaderprovide virtual therapeutic counseling, inship experience. He most recently served as the-moment behavioral health support, health regional vice president at SOC Telemed, the coaching and crisis intervention services to nation’s largest provider of acute telemedicollege and university students.

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

California and serve on the Forbes Health Advisory Board. Spann TimelyMD is the leading virtual health and well-being soluearned his Ph.D. in school psychology from Howard University, an tion for higher education. Its mission is to improve the well-being M.S. in clinical counseling from The Johns Hopkins University, and of college students by making virtual medical and mental health a B.S. in psychology from the University of South Carolina. care accessible anytime, anywhere. TimelyMD’s virtual care platform, TimelyCare, includes a range of services, including mental Katie Neal, Associate Vice President of Media health counseling, on-demand emotional support, medical care, Relations psychiatric care, health coaching, basic needs assistance, faculty After serving as a communications consultant with TimelyMD and staff guidance, and digital self-care content. Visit timely.md since March 2020, Katie Neal has recently joined the team full-time to learn how TimelyMD is inspiring the digital transformation of as AVP of Media Relations. A strategic communications profession- campus health and the future of student care.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FASHION

SOUTH SUBURBAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

protection from the sun.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BY HAZEL TRICE EDNEY

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

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

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get a fair and equitable appraisal of their home.

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

Here are the facts: • According to The Appraisal Institute, a global professional association of real estate appraisers, there are 78,000 appraisers in

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the U. S. which includes 85.4 percent White appraisers, but only 1.3 percent African-Americans.

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

• According to a report by the Washington Post, there is currently no federal database for discrimination in appraisals. However, states across the nation - including New Jersey, Ohio and Illinois are beginning to explore ways to penalize those who traffic in racial discrimination in appraisals through legislations or the courts.

• As with all systemic racial

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

With several new initiatives, Williams, former president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), has declared war on the homeownership gap experienced by communities of color.

According to the U.S. Census, as of the second quarter of last year, the Black homeownership rate was 44.6 percent compared to 74.2 percent for Whites, according to NAREB’s State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) report.

That is a gap of 29.6 percent larger than the 27 percent gap that existed “in 1960, before the Civil Rights movement and Fair Housing laws,” the SHIBA report said.

Williams hopes that the launch of his initiatives will help close the gap, thereby help to realize the highest homeownership rate in years for first time buyers.

Civil rights organizations that deal with economic justice issues agree that the appraisal bias issue is a key to bringing parity.

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

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

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

serve to increase Black home ownership and help close the wealth gap, Williams says.

Dozens across the country have already signed up for the opportunity to become an appraiser on BREPA.org. One potential apprentice, Candis Pressley of Philadelphia, is a seasoned real estate broker of 23 years. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in real estate and says she simply loves the business. However, she too has run into racially biased appraisers.

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

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

“It’s always been the case of a Caucasian person coming into our properties telling us what the value is,” says Bill Collins, communications liaison for the Black Real Estate Professionals Alliance.

“This initiative is going to change that. Now you will have someone who looks like us who hopefully will be level-headed enough after they go through these apprenticeships to do a fair job for the consumer. Let’s also keep in mind that this is not just about them doing a fair job for those who look like us but being able to work in the industry at large.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AfroSoundz Radio

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit THINK450.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bad Boy Records, and Atlantic Records.

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

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

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HOME

Increase Your

HOME’S VALUE 5 practical upgrades to increase style, function

(Family Features) Whether you’ve purchased a new house or are just looking to invest in what is likely your largest asset, home improvements can make your living space more comfortable, functional and stylish.

Homebuyers are looking for practical home amenities that allow them to live, work and play – such as dedicated home offices, backyard retreats, home gyms and more – without having to worry about any potential future restrictions caused by the pandemic, according to a survey by Zolo of more than 3,300 new homeowners and potential first-time buyers in 2022.

Consider these popular upgrade ideas to create a space built for your family’s needs that can also increase resale value down the line.

Home Office At the height of the pandemic, many professionals found themselves working remotely – a trend that continued as restrictions were lifted. In fact, 46% of survey respondents listed a dedicated office space as a must-have when purchasing a new home. When creating this space, keep function and efficiency top of mind. Build your home office around a desk – either standing or traditional – then consider additions like an ergonomic chair and keyboard, soft light desk lamp, mood-boosting plants and a white board to stay organized. Don’t forget to add flairs of personality like artwork, knick-knacks or photos of loved ones to make it your own.

Skylights By improving the overall look and functionality of dark spaces, such as home offices where natural light can improve creativity and productivity, an option like skylights can increase the value of a home, and 55% of new homebuyers rated skylights as desirable or essential, according to research from the National Association of Home Builders. For rooms that need brightening, skylights can free up wall space for storage while adding abundant natural light and increasing ventilation. An option like Velux No Leak Solar-Powered Fresh Air Skylights help rid indoor air of bacteria, volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide.

Over the long-term, high-quality skylights can also help reduce carbon emissions and home energy consumption, saving money on household bills, according to Urban Grade. Remote-controlled models can be opened to bring

fresh air inside, and with light-filtering or room-darkening shades homeowners have maximum control over the exact amount of light they want. Plus, solar-powered shades come in more than 75 colors and patterns, allowing homeowners nearly endless customization options. Learn more at whyskylights.com.

Backyard Retreat Perfect for hosting friends, dining al fresco or simply relaxing with the backdrop of nature, 48% of survey respondents cited a backyard retreat as a must-have home amenity. Start with a deck or patio then customize your outdoor living space to meet your family’s wants and needs. Weather-proof furniture can add comfort while features like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fans and lighting can create a connection to your indoor areas that add both style and function.

Walk-In Pantry If you want to add a pantry in your kitchen, you’re not alone. Walk-in pantries found their way onto 48% of respondents’ lists of must-haves. To get started, consider your storage needs to determine the amount of space you’ll require and remember to vary shelving heights to maximize space. Open shelving can also be combined with additional counter space, cabinets, pull-out organizers and other features to help match the design to the rest of your kitchen.

Home Gym Another trend that rose in popularity amid the pandemic, home gyms can take on a variety of shapes and sizes, utilizing available space in the garage, basement, a spare bedroom or even the backyard. Providing more time to fit workouts into your schedule, home gyms can be customized with equipment most important for your lifestyle. From yoga mats, jump ropes and free weights to treadmills, ellipticals and benches and racks, your space, budget and goals can help in the creation or update of a dedicated, in-home workout space.

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South Suburban | Week of June 1, 2022

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Power Your Day with

Peanut Protein

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

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

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

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

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

Thai Chicken and Pork Skewers

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

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

Heat oven to broil

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

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

Peanut Butter Cookie Oatmeal

Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SERVICE

CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

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

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

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

________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to "An Act" in relation to the use of an assumed business name in the conduct or transaction of business in the state." As amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County Registration Number: Y22009105. on MAY 5, 2022 Under the Assumed Business Name of BOW TIES & STILETTOS DRIVING SERVICES with the business located at:1448 E 72ND PL 2ND FL, CHICAGO, IL 60619. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address DEBRA L HARRIS 1448 E 72ND PL 2ND FL CHICAGO, IL 60619, USA ______________________________________

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State," as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009154 on May 16, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of NORTHSTAR BENEFITS GROUP with the business located at: 433 W. HARRISON UNIT 8110, CHICAGO. IL 60699. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address GREGORY HOLSTON 433 W. HARRISON UNIT 8110 CHICAGO, IL 60699, USA ________________________________________ Notice is hereby given, pursuant to An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State," as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009191 on May 23, 2022. Under the Assumed Name of FINEFINEBABE with the business located at: 824 E. 44TH ST APT 1, CHICAGO, IL 60653. The true and real rull name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Cmplete Address AMIETE APREKUMA 824 E. 44TH ST APT 1 CHICAGO, IL 60653,USA ________________________________________

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

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

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

classified PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Copyright Notice:

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

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

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

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