South Suburban Citizen 9-2-2020

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 The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Sept. 2, 2020

| Vol. 39 | No. 41 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

COVID-19 on Pace to Become Third Leading Cause of Death in 2020 Page 2

Nearly half of companies have hired 10 or more employees during COVID-19 Page 4 Monica Gordon was recently appointed as the Director of Government and Community Relations at Chicago State University. She said she learned a lot about politics from her recent run for the Illinois State Senate 40th District seat. Photo courtesy of Monica Gordon

How to Save Time and Money Preparing for Back-to-School Season Page 7

WHEN PASSION MEETS PURPOSE: MONICA GORDON TAKES ON A NEW ROLE AT CSU Monica Gordon was recently appointed as the Director of Government and Community Relations at Chicago State University. Prior to that, Gordon ran for the Illinois State Senate seat in the 40th District, which was left vacant by Toi Hutchinson, who became the Illinois cannabis regulation oversight ofďŹ cer. PAGE 2

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2 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 2, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION RUTGERS OFFERS NEW CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION OPTION WITH VEO E-SCOOTERS Rutgers University began a partnership with Veo, a Chicagobased micro mobility company known for providing an innovative and safe fleet of shared e-Scooters. The company, also known as Veoride, will be bringing 300 of its Astro e-scooters to the school’s New Brunswick campus beginning in fall 2020 to offer safe, flexible and sanitary shared micro mobility options for students, faculty, administrators, and visitors.

“The pandemic has created immense challenges for all public transit operators, and we are particularly excited to partner with Rutgers to demonstrate how e-scooters can complement public transit by offering sustainable, personal mobility options that will help reduce crowding on buses and make getting around the campus safer and more convenient for everyone,” said Veo’s CEO, Candice Xie.

HEALTH

COLD-WEATHER ACCOUNTS FOR ALMOST ALL TEMPERATURE-RELATED DEATHS Cold temperatures are responsible for almost all temperature-related deaths, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Research. According to the study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago, patients who died because of cold temperatures were responsible for 94% of temperature-related deaths, even though hypothermia was responsible for only 27% of temperature-related hospital visits.

Hypothermia, or a drop in the body’s core temperature, doesn’t require sub-arctic temps. Even mildly cool temperatures can initiate hypothermia, defined as a drop in body temperature from the normal 98.7 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Adults older than age 65 and Black people were almost twice as likely to be hospitalized due to temperature-related injuries.

Individuals who visited a hospital due to cold temperatures, also commonly had multiple health issues, including electrolyte disorders, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure.

LAW & POLITICS

RUSH LEADS BIPARTISAN GROUP OF 93 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), recently joined by a bipartisan coalition of 92 House Representatives, called on House leadership to protect patients and medical professionals by waiving pending rate cuts to Medicare and Medicaid services. The letter also urged Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to study how COVID-19 has impacted access to critical health services in underserved urban and rural Health Professional Shortage Areas.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule published in November 2019 increased rates for the office-based evaluation and management (E/M) code set in CY2021. Due to the requirement for budget neutrality, this would result in a significant cut for many providers, across multiple specialties, beginning on January 1, 2021.

The aforementioned letter also urges House Leadership to require CMS to study the impact on providers of failing to waive budget neutrality associated with the E/M policy.

“Our healthcare system is already under immense pressure due to this dreaded disease, and the implementation of these reckless cuts could potentially be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. That is why I, joined by 92 of my Congressional colleagues, am urging House leadership to protect patients and take swift action to prevent such disastrous cuts. We must also more broadly consider how COVID-19 has impacted access to critical health services in underserved urban and rural Health Professional Shortage Areas,” said Rep. Rush.

When passion meets purpose: Monica Gordon takes on a new role at CSU Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Monica Gordon was recently appointed as the Director of Government and Community Relations at Chicago State University. Prior to that, Gordon ran for the Illinois State Senate seat in the 40th District, which was left vacant

by Toi Hutchinson, who became the Illinois cannabis regulation oversight officer.

Gordon, who has a background in pharmaceutical and medical sales, said she always had a passion for politics.

Gordon majored in journalism at Northern Illinois University. “As a journalism major, political science was my area of specialty. I just decided to go to Springfield and take a big risk to engage more and start lobbying,” she said.

Gordon said being in Springfield deepened her love for politics even more. She said she never thought she would run for office, adding she always thought she would be an operative behind the scenes. “Everything just happened at the right time. I felt like it was something I was supposed to do, passion meets purpose,” she said.

Gordon said Hutchinson was someone she worked with as part of the Black Caucus and the Women With Toi Com-

mittee. She said, in the 40th District, there is a lack of economic development in the Southland. “To her credit, there were things she put in place, but there was so much more that I felt like we needed in the Southland, for instance, the lack of jobs in the Southland,” Gordon said.

Gordon said she is passionate about the Third Chicagoland Airport in Peotone. It was part of her campaign platform and she said she will continue to advocate for its creation. She said it would create jobs and tax revenue. “I know my passion, I know my heart. I love to serve, I’m a community advocate and I’ll be that forever,” she said.

Gordon said although she did not win the seat in the race for the Illinois State Senate in the 40th District, she said she learned a lot from running in the race and added everything happens for a reason. She said she gained knowledge, skills, connections, networking opportunities, and a chance to elevate some of the issues she’s passionate about by running in the race and added she fully supports State Senator Patrick Joyce, who won the election for the seat.

“I know what I’m willing to do help others and its not about ego, its not about having a title, it’s about serving others,” she stated.

Gordon said she also learned the incredible need to raise capital, and a lot of it, during a political campaign, as well as the extreme importance of fundraising. She said she learned about constituents as well.

“It comes down to your constituents and covering as much base with the constituents as possible,” Gordon said.

“I could write a book about the things I learned from running that race and I’m grateful for that because it adds to my intellectual capital.”

Gordon said she will continue to advocate for economic development in the Southland, Prembroke Township, the Third Chicagoland Airport and for equitable education.

Now, as the Director of Government and Community Relations at Chicago State University, Gordon gets to do more to advocate for another one of her campaign platforms, equitable education.

“My role is to increase funding and [to] bring more funding because Chicago State is the only public university that is a predominantly Black institution in the state,” Gordon said. “I’m somewhere where I have an opportunity to fight for justice. I have an opportunity to fight for economic justice, to fight for equitable funding in education.”

COVID-19 on Pace to Become Third Leading Cause of Death in 2020 The National Safety Council is highly alarmed to see that the mortality numbers for COVID-19 already have surpassed the total annual number of preventable, accidental deaths in 2018, the most recent year of final data – and it is only August.

At this pace, COVID-19 likely will be the third leading cause of death in 2020, behind only heart disease and cancer. It would mark the first time since 2016 that preventable deaths – which include drug overdoses, motor vehicle crashes and falls – would not be the third leading cause of death in the United States.

According to the latest data, the number of confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. now exceeds 170,000, eclipsing the total number of preventable deaths in 2018 (167,127).

Although preliminary,

COVID-19 likely will be the third leading cause of death in 2020, behind only heart disease and cancer.

this grim milestone clearly illustrates the scale of the pandemic. In a little more than six months, COVID-19 has claimed more lives than accidental drug overdoses, motor vehicle crashes and falls combined during 2018.

In addition, COVID-19 is having an impact on prevent-

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able deaths, with increases in opioid overdose and motor vehicle fatality rates as an indirect consequence of the pandemic.

NSC urges the U.S. public to stay vigilant and follow public health guidance around facial coverings, physical distancing and

proper hygiene. Employers who are reopening traditional work environments must ensure their employees are returning safely. NSC has materials for all types of work environments – including schools – through its SAFER initiative, available at nsc.org/safer.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 2, 2020

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NEWS

Partnership Combats Unemployment Fraud IDES has partnered with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) – Division of Banking and Division of Financial Institutions to work with financial institutions in detecting and combating unemployment fraud.

The discovery of unemployment fraud can often be identified early on at the financial institutional level. Coordinating and engaging financial institutions as a resource has been a proven and successful approach in identifying fraudulent actors and detecting and recovering improper payments.

Financial institutions should be on the lookout for the following suspicious activities to assist IDES in combatting unemployment fraud: * New account with sudden multiple deposit transactions from state unemployment insurance programs * Name and/or data on the account does not match the name and/or data with ACH transaction(s) * Account holder is receiving unemployment

insurance transactions from a state(s) in which they do not reside * Account holder is receiving multiple unemployment insurance transactions from multiple states * Same device is accessing multiple accounts * Point of sale transactions are inconsistent with the address on the account “IDES is committed to continuing to get the unprecedented amount of benefits out the door to our claimants who desperately need it while being acutely aware that rampant fraud is penetrating all state unemployment systems across the nation,” said IDES Acting Director Kristin Richards. “While we are vigilant in our methods to detect, stop, and pursue fraudulent actors, we welcome any partnership that will assist the Department in this effort.”

“A top priority of IDFPR is to keep the residents of Illinois safe,” said IDFPR Secretary Deborah Hagan. “We are happy to work with our partners at IDES and we appreciate the assistance from Illinois banks and credit unions to help combat unemployment insurance fraud.”

Last month, IDES announced it was working with local and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate, pursue, and prosecute the widespread unemployment fraud scheme being conducted nationwide, impacting each state’s federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) programs, implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An individual who has not filed an unemployment claim but has received a debit card or an unemployment insurance (UI) finding letter in the mail has most likely been the target of fraud. An individual’s personal identifying information is being used by fraudsters to file an unemployment claim is likely due to a prior cyber hack or data breach, such as the Equifax breach. It is imperative that individuals take the following steps if they have not filed an unemployment claim and have erroneously received an unemployment debit card or UI finding letter in the mail: * Immediately report the claim online or call IDES at 800.814.0513 and when prompted: o Select the English or Spanish language

option o Selection option 1 for claimants o Selection option 5 to report identity theft * Do not activate the debit card that was mailed to you. * Have your credit report checked for possible suspicious activity and post a fraud alert. * Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website to learn helpful tips on recognizing and reporting identity theft.

The increase in the fraudulent unemployment claims is attributed primarily to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Under the ambiguous federal guidelines, which were developed in haste because of the urgency of the pandemic and issued to every state without a uniform method of implementation, the potential for fraud within the system is abundant.

Most recent data show there to be approximately 107,000 fraudulent claims affecting the PUA system since its launch on May 11, with just 14,500 fraudulent claims affecting the regular unemployment system since March 1.

COMMENTARY

No Bridge too Far — Remembering Congressman John Lewis and the Fight Still Ahead “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.”

— Congressman John Lewis

BY RAY CURRY Secretary-Treasurer, UAW

This month marks the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), one of the most powerful pieces of civil rights legislation in our history. The passage of the VRA into law was the result of decades of struggle and sacrifice and was truly a shining moment in our history.

Unfortunately, the struggle to ensure that all Americans have the right and opportunity to vote not only continues today, we have actually suffered significant losses on this front over the past decade. Some of the most critical protections of the VRA, designed to remove legal barriers at state and local levels that prevented African Americans from voting, were essentially gutted by a devastating 2013 Supreme Court decision.

With one stroke of the pen, the Court set us back decades and created an environment where we’ve seen numerous court challenges to voting rights and other legal measures designed to further weaken the protections of the VRA. All resulting in suppression of African American and minorities participating in the process.

Add to this this the fact that many states are imposing strict voter ID laws, cutting voting times, restricting

registration, and purging voter rolls.

These efforts have kept significant numbers of eligible voters from the polls in recent elections, hitting all Americans, but placing special burdens on racial minorities, poor people and young and old voters.

Adding to these now restored obstacles are new impediments — polling places consolidated in urban areas to make lines longer (and scarier given the poorly contained reach of the deadly coronavirus) and attempts to throw shade on mail-in ballots. Despite the fact that the evidence shows us that absentee voting is safe and secure.

Time for Good Trouble It comes to this: Americans are being cut out of the process by other Americans. A great victory, fought for on bloody streets and across bloody bridges, a score settled and signed into law all those years ago has been compromised in the courts. Time to despair? Nope. It sounds to me like it’s time again for some good trouble.

Good trouble was what American hero and Congressman John Lewis called the struggle for this all-important right of every American.

Lewis, a Democrat from Georgia, served in the House of Representatives from 1987 until his death last month, spent decades working as an organizer and activist, was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and original freedom rider. He helped organize the March on Washington

in lockstep with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and A. Phillip Randolph. He walked into a beating from Alabama state troopers who cracked his head bloody and gassed him along with hundreds of marchers in the cause of voting rights on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama in 1965.

He witnessed and rejoiced in the passage of the VRA alongside his fellow freedom marchers and years later, would have to see the Supreme Court decimate the act. Lewis knew that the court’s decision would reopen the door to voter suppression, but he refused to give in to defeat.

Here is what he had to say about our struggle: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic.

Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Now, It’s Up to Us So, I say we cannot afford to let go of making good trouble. When U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama said at Lewis’ memorial service, “It is the young among us in Alabama and across this nation who can heal what we have failed to heal in our lifetimes, no matter how hard John tried,” Senator Jones made note that Lewis had been heartened by today’s young activists.

“He confidently looked around and said, ‘All is well,’” said Jones. “‘It is time for the torch to be passed. It is time for me to let go.’” www.citizennewspapergroup.com

That torch, brothers and sisters, is for us.

And I would say we have taken hold of it.

Today you are seeing it in our protests against police brutality and racism. People standing up for their inherent civil rights. For the right to live, to move about, to vote. You see the numbers and the strength and the outrage.

Today you are seeing it in the House of Representatives, which most recently passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill intended to restore the vote to Americans — mostly Black, Latino, and Native Americans — who were disenfranchised by the 2013 decision.

The Voting Rights Advancement Act restores the full protections of the original, bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965. It also creates a new coverage formula that applies to all states and addresses measures that have historically been used to discriminate against voters.

A time for action, not despair Predictably, full passage has been stalled in the Senate, but “our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year,” right?

We are fighting the long fight and making good trouble. And we need to see the numbers and the strength and the outrage at the polls.

In a few months, we will be voting in one of the most important elections of our time. You need to make your voice count. Make it count in

spite of those who would stop you.

Voting is necessary to make the real change we need in this country. We must unite and come together to elect leaders who are committed to reform and to working people. The only way to do that is to vote.

More than 30 states have approved ballot initiatives to allow absentee voting without an excuse. Check out your situation in your state and however you choose to vote, please make your voice heard this November.

Those who read my column know that I am a union man. I can say unequivocally as far as the UAW is concerned, we are not new to John Lewis’ fight. For decades, the UAW has fought alongside freedom marching men and women to ensure that individual rights are honored.

At a time when far too many eligible voters are wrongly turned away from the polls – or simply don’t have access to them – we must rededicate ourselves to increasing participation among eligible voters.

John Lewis said at the 1963 March on Washington in front of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and UAW President Walter Reuther, “I appeal to all of you to get into this great revolution that is sweeping this nation. Get in and stay in the streets of every city, every village and hamlet of this nation until true freedom comes, until the revolution of 1776 is complete.”

In that idea, Congressman Lewis is still right here standing before more bridges that need crossing. Only by voting, can we get to the other side.

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BUSINESS

60% of Companies Have Hired Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic Despite Economic Downturn Sixty percent (60%) of companies have hired at least one employee since the beginning of the pandemic, according to new research from The Manifest, a business news and howto website. The hiring trend persists for companies, despite COVID-19’s negative effect on the job market, with the unemployment rate currently hovering around 10.2%.

Nearly half of companies (46%) have hired 10 or more employees since the pandemic’s start – a surprising phenomenon in the new era of remote work and virtual onboarding.

“Onboarding in groups is much more efficient and less time-consuming,” said Allan Borch, founder of DotcomDollar. While group onboarding can feel impersonal, companies can use multiple communication channels to build connections,

such as video calls with new hires.

Employees Likely to Stay With Current Company Due to Economic Uncertainty More than sixty percent of HR professionals (61%) expect new hires to stay at their company for two or more years, according to The Manifest’ study. This finding aligns with the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2018 report that the average time wage or salary workers stay at their position was 4.2 years.

The economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic could raise the average number of years an employee spends at a company.

In fact, only 3% of HR professionals expect more than one-third of their workforce to quit within the next year.

Increased employee retention helps improve company morale and culture.

Work-Life Balance Affects Employee Retention More than one-third of HR professionals surveyed (37%) say that employees are likely to leave their company within the next year due to work-life imbalance.

Within the constraints of the remote age, creating a work-life balance is both more difficult and more essential than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased availability for many employees. Businesses should look to strike a balance between effectively using remote workers and ensuring their mental and physical health.

As companies continue hiring

New data from The Manifest reveals that nearly half of companies have hired 10 or more employees during COVID-19.

Few HR professionals expect their employees to leave within the next year, according to The Manifest’s new study.

during the remote work age, they can employ creative tactics to effectively onboard new employees.

The Manifest’s survey included 500 HR professionals in the U.S. and 234

additional employees.

Read the full report here: https:// themanifest.com/hr/hiring-trends4-tips-onboard-new-employees-remotely.

102% Upsurge in Risk for Depression Among U.S. Workers Since February The risk for depression among U.S. workers has risen an alarming 102% since February, according to findings from the Mental Health Index. The escalating threat of developing a depressive mood disorder shows little sign of abating. Between June and July, the risk of depression climbed a staggering 31%.

The Mental Health Index: U.S. Worker Edition, powered by Total Brain, a leading mental health and brain performance self-monitoring and self-care platform, is distributed in partnership with the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, One Mind at Work, and the newest coalition members, the HR Policy Association and its American Health Policy Institute.

Additional findings from Total Brain’s clinically-validated brain assessments show millennials are among the most emotionally vulnerable groups in the COVID-19 era. Working Americans ages 20-39 have a: * 101% higher risk of depression and a 132% greater risk of general anxiety disorder than their middle-aged counterparts (ages 40-59); and a * 305% higher risk of depression than their baby boomer colleagues (ages 60+).

These findings come on the heels of new CDC data revealing one in four young adults say they have considered suicide in the past month because of the coronavirus.

PRNewsfoto/Total Brain

“It has been more than five months since the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic,” noted Louis Gagnon, CEO, Total Brain.

“People are experiencing sustained elevation in stress and anxiety levels like never before. The fact that the risk of developing clinical depression continues to escalate at such a disturbing rate comes as little surprise. Depression is the manifestation of months of chronic stress and anxiety overload.”

“COVID-19 is only accelerating an already alarming mental health crisis in the U.S.,” said Chuck Columbus, CEO, American Health Policy Institute. “Findings from the Mental Health Index underscore the need to boldly rethink the delivery of behavioral health services. We are excited to join this collaboration and support such an important and relevant issue.”

Garen Staglin, chairman of One Mind at Work, commented, “The most recent data shows the increasing urgency for employers to take seriously the mental health of their workforce. The significant increase in risk for depression among millennials is a reminder that those in their late 20s and 30s are experiencing even more adverse mental health effects from the pandemic than other

PRNewsfoto/Total Brain

age ranges. Workplaces have unique opportunities to support their employees’ wellbeing and we hope this data is a catalyst for more action.”

“With the resurgence of the virus www.citizennewspapergroup.com

in July, it is clear that we will not be getting back to normal any time soon,” said Michael Thompson, president, and CEO, National Alliance.

“That realization has led to a surge in

people with depression, particularly in our younger population.”

The full Mental Health Index results can be found at: https://www. totalbrain.com/mentalhealthindex

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 2, 2020

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NEWS

EDITORIAL: Governor Pritzker Snubs Local Newspapers during “It Only Works If You Wear It” Campaign

BY CITIZEN’S EDITORIAL BOARD

When you hear the phrase, “This is not our first rodeo”, it is true. From not being included in the spending campaign budget during the Governors run for office in 2018, to his most recent announcement regarding the facial mask wearing campaign. The Governor’s decision-making committee seems to again cut out a major component to their campaign reach by excluding the Print Media.

There have been too many instances where the state of Illinois has decided to promote an initiative or deliver a critical paid message and newspapers were not part of the spending plan. If “we are good enough to deliver critical free messages to our prospective community, then why are we not good enough for the paid messages. That leaves a question for the team of decision makers, is there a study that shows the effectiveness of delivering of a free message over a paid message and what is its effectiveness?

The Governor has hired a lot of expert talent to guide his new $5 million “It Only Works if

You Wear It” campaign to encourage Illinoisans to wear a mask. But we question do the decision makers understand the role that the press has played in the governor’s campaign from the beginning to present? Newspapers have informed his constituents of developments from his office weekly. There is no doubt that newspapers play a major role in keeping a democracy intact.

As we all attempt to bounce back from the, Pandemic, revenue generation is key. When officials around the country take to the mic daily to address their prospective strategies to combating COVID- 19 their focus is to help small business and to put people back to work.

It seems virtually impossible to put people back to work or to run a business without financial stability.

Since the announcement of the Facial Mask Campaign, calls were made to the Governor’s Office elite team regarding how newspapers can become part of the media mix. We might share that calls and emails were flat out ignored.

Many members of the Press were encouraged to email and call the Governor’s Office to at

least start a dialogue as to why we should be included in the process.

As an essential business, not one day have gone by that Newspapers skip printing or covering the Governor’s updates on COVID- 19.

Newspapers have always provided a fact-based lifeline of much needed information during critical times of crisis.

Finally, after a week of receiving no response to our inquiry as to “Why not include print media”, a member of our newspaper organization was allegedly told by a representative from the governor’s office that papers were included only to come back and state the reason for not including newspapers was that their goal is to reach a younger demographic and newspapers did not meet the requirement of inclusion.

Ironically, a study conducted by Civis on behalf of the governor’s office showed that except for adults 65 and over there is little difference in mask wearing behavioral.

According to that same study “Mask wearing rates generally increase with age but remain high for all age groups.” Analytics and metrics are great, but how do you measure what is

staring you straight in the face every single day? The analysts involved in this campaign should find a way to measure the impact that newspapers have had in communicating critical information sent by the governor’s office to our communities across the state. If conducted, that would be a very substantial metric!

Just so that the record shows, with over 400 newspapers in Illinois, 307 have accounted for the close to 3,000 times COVID-19 coverage from Capitol News Illinois - an initiative supported by Illinois newspapers were published.

Newspapers in Illinois deserve better treatment from the governor and his staff. The office of the governor has relied on print journalists to deliver timely fact-based information during his campaign and during uncharted times. Do not respect or use us when you need us, respect protocol, and do what’s right. If nothing else show enough respect to return calls timely, discontinue avoiding the conversation and reply to the many emails sent to your office regarding inclusion in the “spending campaigns” as well as “free press”.

Sundays 6 pm BEGINNING SEPT 13

Host Brandis Friedman

#BlackVoicesWTTW Support for CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES is provided by:

wttw.com/voices LEAD SPONSOR:

Gertrude Dyane & James H. Wooten, Jr. The Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation as of 8/11/20

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CITIZEN On The Move CHICAGO REGION FOOD CHICAGO R EGION F OOD HELD POP SSYSTEM YSTEM FFUND UND H ELD ITS ITS P OP UP FOOD GIVEAWAY UP F OOD & PPPE PE G IVEAWAY EVENT RECENTLY EVENT R ECENTLY Sister's Working It Out, CEO Beulah Grant coordinated the event with with State Representative Debbie Meyers Martin. Participating agencies were Governor State University, Victory House of Prayer; U of Chicago Medicine, Cook County Census 2020 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois; UIC Cancer Center; UI Health Mile Square Health Center; TZU Chi Medical;Williams After Care Recovery Center, NFP. Photos by CRED

"The Gift of Praise" Choir Along With Family And Friends Bids Farewell To The Late MOTHER ANNIE MAE FOURTE' Joining in the with the Celebration Of Life Was Attorney Arthur Sutton.

Photos by Melanie Brown

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 2, 2020

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NEWS

How to Save Time and Money Preparing for Back-to-School Season StatePoint - As the summer draws to a close, many families are prepping for the new back-to-school season. While this academic year might look a little different from previous years, there are still many ways to save on the essentials your family needs.

To get ready, check out the savings and organizational tips below from the discount experts at Dollar General.

breeze. For families looking for easy ways to stay on top of their nutrition goals, browse the site’s “better for you recipes“ section at dollargeneral.com.

School Supplies Don’t let the school supply list overwhelm you! Whether you’re picking up binders, folders, pens, pencils, paper, crayons or scissors, you can find everything you need to kick off the year affordably at Dollar General, which is offering more than 200 back-to-school items for $1 or less, as well as a digital coupon for $5 off of a $15 purchase through Sept. 12.

Preparing your family for a new routine can be both exciting and stressful. With a few tips and tricks, your family can save time and money on essentials and be ready to take on the new challenges this back-to-school season brings.

Easy Meals Back-to-school season often feels hectic for those who find themselves

balancing a new schedule. However, when it comes to feeding your family, you can take some of the

pressure off with DG Easy Meals.

The site features weekday recipes that will help you save on kitchen

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staples. Each recipe offers simple steps using affordable ingredients to make breakfast, lunch and dinner a

Distance-Learning Essentials Make sure your family is ready to take on the challenge of distance learning with a variety of supplies, including a great set of headphones to help your student focus if they need to attend class virtually. You can also help students stay on track with a new planner or calendar that they can keep in their backpack or learning space. Organization will help your family navigate the challenges this back-to-school season might bring, so make sure you’re prepared with the extra supplies you need for a successful school year.

Preparing your family for a new routine can be both exciting and stressful. With a few tips and tricks, your family can save time and money on essentials and be ready to take on the new challenges this back-toschool season brings.

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HOME

7 Steps to Prepare for a Home Remodel (Family Features) A homeowner's motivation for taking on a remodeling project can vary greatly, but there's one universal rule of thumb: home upgrades should add value, function or both. This step-by-step guide can help ensure you get the maximum return on your investment and make the most of your remodel.

Step 1: Identify Reasons for Remodeling Deciding whether to undertake simple aesthetic changes or a full remodel can be difficult. One of the best ways to decide is to figure out why you are remodeling in the first place, whether it's to make your new house feel more like home or to update an outdated kitchen.

Step 2: Consider Timing Many variables can impact the timing of your project, including the climate and exact nature of the job. For example, foundation work is easier when the ground

Step 6: Understand the Plan Keep the lines of communication open between you, the remodeling contractor and the work crew.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Let them know your family's schedule and circumstances that may affect their work, such as pets. Make sure to specify the best way to reach you and how often you wish to communicate about your project.

is cold during winter. Spring tends to be busy for the construction industry, so you might pay premium rates for labor and materials, but it's also the perfect time to get a project done that you can enjoy throughout the summer.

Summer months are ideal for indoor projects out of the heat.

Also consider factors such as personal or professional obligations, or even an event for which you need the project completed.

Step 7: Complete the Project When the remodel is almost finished, walk through the area and note any adjustments that need made while the contractor is still on site. You should also take another look at the contract and confirm you have signed permits, receipts, change orders, lien waivers, warranties and manufacturers' guides at your disposal.

Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your area at remodelingdoneright.com. #15193 Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Step 3: Set Your Budget Every home is unique in structure, age, quality and craftsmanship, which all impact the price of a remodel. Since no one can see through walls before demolition, the quote you receive may not be 100% accurate. However, a qualified remodeling company will be forthcoming about potential challenges. Account for these adjustments by planning for a 10% cushion, just in case.

Step 4: Hire the Right Team To help ensure you find the right company for the job, do your research. Referrals from friends and family are one way to find a remodeler. Resources like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry provide unbiased information that can help you find qualified, certified remodelers in your area. With more than 5,000 member companies, the organization represents professional remodelers who adhere to a strict code of ethics. Many hold certifications in remodeling, kitchen and bath design and lead carpentry.

Step 5: Establish a Written Agreement Most companies insist on a contract to protect their own interests, but if they don't, you should. In addition to defining the scope of work and budget, a contract ensures all parties are on the same page with expectations about factors like timing, liability in the event of an accident and other practical matters. Contractors also often provide guarantees of workmanship, so find out what they cover for how long and include this information in your work agreement.

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 2, 2020

NEWS

The Women’s Business Development Center Kicks Off ‘Raising Up the Vote’ Initiative with Virtual Event on the Intersection of Gender and Racial Equality featuring Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congresswoman Gwen Moore To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, the Women’s Business Development Center encourages and inspires equitable civil engagement for all genders and races with an initiative kickoff event followed by a series of events, podcasts, and social media conversations The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) launched their new civic engagement initiative, Raising Up the Vote, on August 26th, the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The campaign kicked off with a three-part virtual event sponsored by Target which discussed the intersection of gender and racial equality.

“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment, we still have more work to do to ensure that voices of all women, especially women of color, and all diverse community members are heard and represented,” said Emilia DiMenco, President and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Center. “Fair and equitable public policy is critical for securing and maintaining economic self-sufficiency for women, minorities, and other underserved communities.”

“The Intersection of Gender & Racial Equality” virtual event included a conversation with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D – Ill.) moderated

by Melody Spann Cooper, Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation. This was followed by two expert-packed panels discussing a variety of topics from the history of voting rights and the importance of economic self-sufficiency to examining how white women and other allies can offer support to women of color. A recording of the no-cost webinar will be available online to hose who missed the vrtual event.

“From flying helicopters overseas to passing bills in the Senate, I’ve spent my entire life in male-dominated fields, but I’ve learned the good that arises from bringing different perspectives into the conversation,” said Senator Duckworth.

“It was an honor to join Women’s Business Development Center to celebrate 100 years of the 19th Amendment and discuss the legislative priorities that impact the lives of women of color.

It’s so much more than just equal pay, paid family leave, and childcare – healthcare is a woman’s issue, the economy is a woman’s issue and national security is a woman’s issue.”

“Raising Up the Vote is a terrifically powerful initiative. I am honored to be a part of this movement and participate in the launch event alongside such influential and inspirational women and men,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Wis.-04), who was a panelist during the August 26th discussion. “It is essential that all women come together and empower one another to engage in the upcoming democratic election, as well as the elections that follow.”

"As citizens of the United States, we all have a responsibility to participate in the democratic process of voting and ensure that our voices are represented in the public policy arena,” added DiMenco. “We greatly appreciate Senator Duckworth's and Congresswoman Moore’s

leadership and support for this important initiative."

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Cargill Vice President of North America Government Relations Kathryn Graves Unger, University of Minnesota President Joan T.A. Gabel, and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Senior Vice President of Community Impact Pahoua Yang Hoffman will be a few of the podcast guests. “ With the Raising Up the Vote initiative, the Women’s Business Development Center is bringing together a diverse and powerful group of women and men to have important conversations regarding race and civil engagement,” said Gabel. “From elected officials to business owners, these discussions are necessary for us all to have as we reflect on the past and prepare for a future where women continue to break down the barriers set before them.”

Raising Up the Vote will continue to facilitate conversations among influential women and men in business and government through other virtual events, weekly podcasts, and interactive discussions on gender and racial diversity on the WBDC’s social channels.

The WBDC will launch their podcast series, Make Your Mark, on September 21, and will cover topics ranging from wealth creation for women to equity in education. Former United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan,

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Election Day! Tuesday, November 3, 2020

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10 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 2, 2020

FASHION Chicago-based all-natural skin and hair brand Launches #MoreThanAStrand Campaign For Women of Color Around the Globe The Wellphoria line.

New CBD and Hemp Seed Oil-infused Wellphoria brand is designed to keep you healthy from head-to-toe Zotos Professional, a Henkel brand, is delivering hair wellness with its new CBD (cannabidiol) and Hemp Seed Oil-infused Wellphoria brand, which is infused with CBD and Hemp Seed Oil. Wellphoria is infused with a plantbased blend of 99% pure CBD at 50ppm and Hemp Seed Oil. According to a press release, the haircare blend is proven to address all 5 dimensions of hair wellness, delivering 4X* the strength, 6X** the conditioning, 1.5X** the softness, vivid shine and a balanced scalp—in just one use.

Keeping a healthy lifestyle in mind, all Wellphoria formulas are non-intoxicating, vegan, not tested on animals, and free

of SLS/SLES sulfates***, parabens, dyes, mineral oil, and gluten.

Zotos Professional offers a full range of hair care, texture service and hair color options for salon professionals and those who demand salon quality at home.

Since 1929, Zotos has been responsible for numerous groundbreaking hair care discoveries over the past century. Acquired by Henkel in 2017, Zotos continues to expand its portfolio of 5-star power professional brands for hair creators everywhere.

For more information about Wellphoria, visit www.wellphoriabeauty.com In North America, Henkel operates across its three business units: Adhesive

Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry & Home Care. Its portfolio of well-known consumer and industrial brands includes Schwarzkopf® hair care, Dial® soaps, Right Guard® antiperspirants, Persil®, Purex®, and all® laundry detergents, Snuggle® fabric softeners as well as Loctite®, Technomelt® and Bonderite® adhesives. With sales of around 6 billion US dollars (5 billion euros) in 2019, North America accounts for 26 percent of the company’s global sales. Henkel employs approximately 9,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel-northamerica.com, and on Twitter @Henkel_NA.

Sally Beauty Supply and CosmoProf in Search of Women Beauty Entrepreneurs for Business Accelerator Program Sally Beauty Supply and CosmoProf recently announced the second edition of Cultivate, an accelerator program to help women beauty entrepreneurs grow their business.

With an established track record of supporting emerging products and entrepreneurs before they were household names, the brands are actively looking for innovative products that will address the needs of their customers.

“We are excited to launch the second iteration of the Cultivate program, especially now when consumers are experimenting with DIY beauty, and looking for the latest in beauty innovation,” said Chris Brickman, president and chief executive officer.

Sally Beauty Supply and CosmoProf have begun accepting entries from female-

owned hair care, hair color and nail brands who are looking to expand their business.

These categories have become particularly important to beauty consumers as they look to recreate trends at home.

The top four brands, also known as the Cultivate Cohort, will receive online distribution, a business grant and a 4-week virtual boot camp focusing on key areas such as merchandising, social media, marketing, ecommerce, store operations and entrepreneurship. Then, at the Perfect Pitch Capstone event, each cohort will present their brand to senior-level Sally Beauty Supply and CosmoProf leaders.

One company will receive

in-store distribution through Sally Beauty and CosmoProf stores based on ratings from the Perfect Pitch presentation and online voting.

“We continue to be inspired by the terrific female entrepreneurs we work with and are committed to bringing the best of the best to our consumers while lifting up more femaleowned brands,” said Aaron Alt, president of Sally Beauty Supply and chief financial officer.

In the first ever iteration of the Cultivate program in 2018, Curlanista received the top honor and is now available online at sallybeauty.com and in select stores. The hair care brand was founded by motherdaughter duo Lexi and Monica Proctor, in an effort to care for Lexi’s natural born curls.

In addition, Ceata Lash of PuffCuff received the

President’s Innovation Award as part of the inaugural Cultivate Program and was awarded with online and select in-store distribution.

Sally Beauty Supply and CosmoProf strive to maintain industry leadership when it comes to carrying femaleowned brands. The company’s distribution support has helped these businesses grow into some of the most well-known and loved brands sold on the market. Now, Sally Beauty Supply and CosmoProf are looking for the newest hair or nail brand founded by a woman with the second annual Cultivate program. If you think you have the next innovative brand, you can visit www. sallybeauty.com/cultivate or Cosmoprofbeauty.com/cultivate to enter between now and Sept.

7, 2020.

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At the forefront of today’s natural hair care movement, Chicago-based all-natural skin and hair brand Mielle Organics (www.mielleorganics. com) has announced the expansion of their global philanthropic footprint with the #MoreThanAStrand campaign to empower women and young girls around the globe with education, entrepreneurship opportunities, and economic prosperity.

With the COVID-19 global pandemic affecting many businesses across the world, Mielle Organics is taking action to support recovery efforts with the launch of the #MoreThanAStrand (www. morethanastrand.com) campaign with an up to $1 Million fund to invest in communities in North America, the Caribbean and Africa to help get Black women-owned beauty and barber shops back up and running, as well as investing in future of entrepreneurs wanting to open their own businesses by helping cover start-up costs, certifications, tools and other needs.

Mielle Organics has also partnered with Newark Business Hub Education and Rutgers University Office of Continuing Professional Education, to launch a new online global entrepreneurship certificate program which the company will commit to providing 60 full scholarships covering costs related to the program for women who apply.

Courses include Setting Up a Business, Generating Revenue, Marketing and Financial Management, among many other courses to complete the curriculum.

Like many progressive business owners, CEO of Mielle Organics Monique Rodriguez has spearheaded the movement for an increase in entrepreneurship, especially among women of color. “Empowering women with the tools of education and entrepreneurship is at the core of Mielle Organics’ DNA,” she adds. “The goal of the #MoreThanAStrand campaign is to not only bridge the gap between women and young girls across the tri-continents of North America, the Caribbean and Africa through their hair, but to empower those women to cultivate economic prosperity within their communities.”

I commend Mielle Organics’ forward-thinking to develop, nurture and invest in entrepreneurs globally,” says Kimberlee Williams, co-founder and CEO of Newark Business Hub Education.

“Entrepreneurs, and those aspiring to become entrepreneurs, want to know what works to accelerate their business growth. We will demystify what it takes to succeed. The training will provide practical strategies to remove the challenges that entrepreneurs face throughout different stages of their growth,” she adds.

For more information about #MoreThanAStrand campaign, Mielle Organics, New Business Hub Education and Rutgers University, please visit www. morethanastrand.com, www.mielleorganics.com, www.newarkbusinesshub.com and www.rutgers. edu/about

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 2, 2020

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11

CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: aniyunwiya Moorish American National, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: aniyunwiya moorish american. I am that I am: '' Shameika Marshall© '', formerly known as '' Shameika Hill© '', from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: '' shameika el© ''. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as " hors de combat ", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH - DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, STATE FILE NUMBER : 112-81 609751, '' SHAMEIKA HILL© '', to the depositor: '' shameika el©'', nom deguerre: '' Shameika Marshall© '', f/k/a/ '' Shameika Hill© ''.

All property , of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: '' shameika el©'', nom deguerre: '' Shameika Marshall© '', f/k/a/ '' Shameika Hill© ''. as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : '' The House Of Hill And Taylor El Legacy Trust© '', an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust.

This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank , nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. ________________________________________

EVENTS GUN SHOW - September 11-12-13, Fountain Hall Sturtevant/Racine,WI Friday 3pm-8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Large selection of Guns & Ammo. More info: 563-608-4401 www.marvkrauspromotions.net _______________________________________

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Call Us Today!

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RESTORE YOUR CREDIT TODAY! ONCE THE PANDEMIC IS OVER DONT’ ALLOW A BAD OR LOW CREDIT SCORE TO KEEP YOUR FROM MAKING MAJOR PURCHASES. NOW IS THE TIME TO REBUILD YOUR CREDIT SCORE CALL US TODAY AT: CREDIT RESTORATION SERVICES

(218) 833-3769 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 ______________________________________

RENTAL Newly Decorated 4 room, 2Br apt.

5200 block S Racine, $675/mo., stove and refrigerator Ask for Mr. Lambert 773-370-7744 _________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE

In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: '' ashmu heru oluwole, zodoq-el yorubanuna-bey© '', in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: '' HILL, MARIO MARTEZ© '', corp.sole Dba.: '' MARIO MARTEZ HILL© '', having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: aniyunwiya Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: aniyunwiya Moorish American. I am that I am: '' ashmu heru oluwole, zodoq-el yorubanuna-bey© '', from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: '' ashmusa el© ''. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH - DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS - SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, STATE FILE NUMBER : 112-1978 6005843. '' MARIO MARTEZ HILL© '', to the depositor: '' ashmusa el© '', a/k/a '' ashmu heru oluwole, zodoq-el yorubanuna-bey© '', nom deguerre: '' hill, mario martez© ''. All property , of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: '' ashmusa el© '', a/k/a '' ashmu heru oluwole, zodoq-el yorubanuna-bey© '', nom deguerre: '' hill, mario martez© '', as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : '' Ashmu Heru Bey Trust© '', an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank , nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. ________________________________________ In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: '' Shameika Marshall© '', in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, HaKhdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: '' MARSHALL, SHAMEIKA© '', corp.sole Dba.: '' SHAMEIKA MARSHALL© '', and '' HILL, SHAMEIKA© '', corp.sole Dba.: '' SHAMEIKA HILL© '', having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas,

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12 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 2, 2020

Getting more masks to where they’re needed most Across the country, Bank of America continues to work with local organizations to provide critical resources to vulnerable and underserved populations hardest hit by the coronavirus.

To support the safety and health of those most at risk in our community, we are partnering with local leaders and organizations to distribute PPE masks here in Chicago.

This is in addition to the four million masks we donated earlier this year in cities across the country — and part of our ongoing commitment to provide millions of masks to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Together, let’s work to help Chicago recover.

Paul Lambert Chicago Market President

52,000 masks distributed to our neighbors here in Chicago.

We’re partnering with: Rush Community Service Initiative Program Chicago Park District MyChiMyFuture

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community.

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