South Suburban Citizen 10-27-2021

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen Week of Oct. 27, 2021

| Vol. 40 | No. 49 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

Jeannette Sorrell, founding artistic director of the baroque orchestra Apollo’s Fire, works with the Southland College Prep choir on a piece for the October 26th concert launching the Matteson School District 162 Strings Program. Photo by Eric Lites

MATTESON SCHOOL DISTRICT 162 LAUNCHES STRINGS PROGRAM Students at the Matteson School District 162 will have their own Strings program thanks to a partnership between the school district and Apollo’s Fire, a Grammy Award winning Baroque orchestra. PAGE 2

Two-Thirds of Parents Plan to Get Them Vaccinated Against COVID: Poll

A renovation is on the way for the Vermont Street Station

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NEWS briefly CHICAGO ELITE CLASSIC BASKETBALL SHOWCASE IS BACK Celebrating a decade of spotlighting tomorrow’s collegiate and professional basketball superstars, the 10th annual Chicago Elite Classic (CEC) Basketball Showcase is back. CEC will highlight the top girls and boys high school basketball teams in the Chicagoland area and from across the country.

Teams compete for bragging rights to determine who is best of the best at CEC. The Chicago Elite Classic will take place FridaySaturday, December 3-4, at the Credit Union 1 Arena (formerly UIC). Teams for the 2021 showcase and matchups will be released in the next several weeks. Previous participants include Whitney Young Magnet High School, Simeon High School, and top high school basketball teams from Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, California and Texas.

Notable Chicago Elite Classic alumni include Jabari Parker, Jahlil Okafor, Talen Horton-Tucker, Ayo Dosunmi, Kendrick Nunn and Jayson Tatum.

“As we enter the 10th year, the CEC continues to build upon its legacy of providing a well-deserved platform for top teams and players, showcasing our beautiful city and uniting the community via the game of basketball,” says Tyrone Slaughter, head coach, Whitney Young Magnet High School and co-founder of the Chicago Elite Classic.

“It provides an opportunity for fans to watch the future stars of tomorrow. The level of athleticism among Chicago Elite Classic teams is unmatched.

These young women and men put their heart and soul into this sport, and to watch them play at this caliber is awe-inspiring to many,” says Robert Smith, head coach, Simeon High School and cofounder of Chicago Elite Classic.

For more information on the Chicago Elite Classic, visit www.chicagoeliteclassic.com and follow CEC on social media at @ChiEliteClassic Twitter @ ChicagoEliteClassic Instagram and Facebook.

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCE RECORD-HIGH GRADUATION RATE Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez today announced the District’s record-high fiveyear graduation rate of 83.8 percent, up by nearly 27 percentage points from 2011 when the rate was 56.9 percent. The four-year rate saw a similar gain, increasing 26 percentage points in the same time span and remaining nearly level since last year at 80.2 percent for the Class of 2021. Increased graduation rates among students of all racial groups led to the overall gain, bringing the District closer to its Five-Year Vision goal of reaching a 90 percent graduation rate by 2024.

“This is a wonderful sign of our District’s progress,” said CEO Martinez. “The last time I worked for CPS, our graduation rates were nowhere near where they are now, and I am so proud of each and every Class of 2021 graduate and the many teachers and family members who supported them, especially amid this global pandemic. We are excited and ready to ensure more students reach this milestone, equipped and ready to succeed in college and careers.”

CEO Martinez joined District and school leaders as well as students at Amundsen High School Thursday afternoon to celebrate the gains and encourage continued growth across CPS. Principals from neighborhood high schools with the top 10 graduation rates for the Class of 2021 also joined the event which featured musicians from the Amundsen High School Orchestra and a future Class of 2022 graduate.

Matteson School District 162 Launches Strings Program Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Students at the Matteson School District 162 will have their own Strings program thanks to a partnership between the school district and Apollo’s Fire, a Grammy Award winning Baroque orchestra.

On Oct. 14th, there was a concert featuring Apollo’s Fire and singers Rodrick Dixon and Alfreda Burke at Southland College Prep Charter High School for the students in the school district.

Jeannette Sorrell, the artistic director of Apollo’s Fire, loves working with children and has always wanted to bring classical music to children who otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to it. She wouldn’t be a professional musician today if she had not taken advantage of a free music program, with free strings lessons, when she was in school. It changed her life. The Ohio-based Chamber Orchestra is doing a concert series in Chicago and wanted to also bring From left, tenor Rodrick Dixon and Southland student Stephen Ford practice their solos during its educational initiative to the city. rehearsal for the October 26th concert with the Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra. Photo by Eric Lites The hope is that 50 to 80 students Dixon and Burke both have performed all over the world with will participate in the new strings program. The program will start major symphonies and orchestras. They have done television with students in fourth through sixth grade. “We are excited to work from China to South Africa to London. Burke made her debut at with this world-class musical group to bring the beauty of classical Carnegie Hall with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Dixon music to our students,” said Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, superintendent made his debut at Carnegie Hall with the Cincinnati Symphony and of the Matteson School District 162 and CEO of Southland College American Symphony Orchestra.

Prep Charter High School in Richton Park. “We believe in educating the whole child and music is an important part of that education.

Dixon and Burke currently have a show called “Too Hot to HanProviding an opportunity for our students to learn orchestral music del,” which is in its 17th year at the Auditorium Theater. The tenor from some of the best musicians in the world is a dream come true.” and soprano have been involved in the entertainment and arts for a Rodrick Dixon and his wife Alfreda Burke connected Apollo’s long time.

Fire to the Matteson School District. Dixon and Burke thought Burke believes in the whole gestalt of a child and the way music having a strings program in the school district would be a good enriches them. It has the ability to expand a child’s world. addition to its curriculum.

“The more information about periods, times, customs, traditions, “For the students to learn these instruments with private indifferent composers, that’s just very enriching, and how they’re struction, and also to play in an ensemble, certainly enables them relevant to your world today. Nothing under the sun is new, so just to be disciplined and learn a discipline. Also, music is the most to learn what Handel did … Their music is relevant,” Burke said. cognitive of the fine arts,” Burke said, adding that music involves Burke added, although the music of Baroque composers like Handel mathematics, history and language. and Vivaldi are different than what young people are listening to today, there are also similarities. One example is the way Handel and Vivaldi used their music to benefit the social justice issues of their time.

Dixon was impressed by the way Davis perpetuates the idea that there isn’t anything the students cannot achieve.

“The whole idea of having a string orchestra where she would, NOTICE OF PUBLIC OUTREACH starting in the fourth grade, and handing a child a Viola or Cello or Riverside Drive Infrastructure Improvements a Double Bass instrument, fits into her ideal about what a child can City of Calumet City, County of Cook, Illinois expect when they walk into an institution of education,” Dixon said.

The student is able to do something they can be proud of, having Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that the City of Calumet City will hold a Public Outreach at the City of Calumet City’s Training Center, 24 the discipline to learn an instrument and having a practice regiState Street, Calumet City, Illinois, on Friday, November 19, 2021, from ment. It can carry over into their academics. Dixon and Burke are 8:30am to 11:00am. excited to see what will come from the students who participate in The purpose of this public outreach is to share technical information about the program. the City’s Riverside Drive infrastructure improvements projects and the Dixon said while it is important that Black children have expocontinued vision of DSIR (Dolton/State Street Industrial Region) which sure to the “other side” but the “other side” should have exposure to includes the Riverside Drive location. Project construction is funded by the United States Economic Development Administration ($3,400,000) and the Black children.

County of Cook ($844,000).

“The genius that comes from our children is not when the All current health guidelines, including social distancing, will be followed. ‘other side’ is providing help, it’s when our children are providing exposure to them about what our children can do when given the For more information contact 708-891-8139 opportunity,” he said. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Oct. 27, 2021

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NEWS

A renovation is on the way for the Vermont Street Station

POLITICAL Affairs

BY DEMARCO TRAMMELL

The Metra Blue Island Vermont Street station, located at 2300 W. Grove St., will have a new appearance.

The Blue Island Mayor Fred Bilotto announced that the Metra Board of Directors has approved a $3.1 million contract to renovate the renowned Vermont Street on the Rock Island Line.

It was originally built in 1868 and served as the mainline. Roughly 600 commuters used it before the COVID-19 pandemic. It is in Metra Zone D and is also one of the busiest stations in the Rock Island District. A number of trains end there and many of the rush hour trains stop at this station.

“We are pleased that we will be creating a more welcoming, more comfortable experience for the Rock Island Line customers while retaining the historic nature of this facility. The riders of my Metra deserve nothing less,” Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement.

The Rock Island service was first initiated in 1852,

Broadview Trustees Okay 1st African-American Police Chief The Village of Broadview, Board of recently unanimously approved the town's appointment of their first AfricanAmerican police chief.

Metra’s Blue Island Vermont St. Station on the Rock Island line is set to be renovated. Photo provided by Meg Thomas-Relie.

and the present brick station Vermont Street replaced the initial frame depot in 1868. The Beverly Branch separates from the main line and runs at the base of the ridge serving stations in Blue Island and in the neighborhoods of Morgan Park and Beverly.

In 2018, the Blue Island-Vermont was the 84th busiest of Metra’s 236 non-downtown stations with an average of 595 weekday boardings. The station is comprised of six tracks for in-service trains with Rock Island having four tracks

and Metra Electric having two. A coach yard is located just north of the station and is used to reserve out -ofservice trains that are not in use.

The project will include an interior renovation, the roof, a replacement of the gutters and downspouts and reconstruction of the chimneys.

The renovation also will consist of a replacement of all doors and windows, custom brick replacement and masonry staining; asbestos and lead-based paint abatement; new landscaping and site improvements. The renovation

is funded by a grant from the Regional Transit Authority’s Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE) program.

ICE provides funding assistance to enhance the coordination and integration of public transportation and to develop and implement innovations to enhance the quality and delivery of public transportation. Projects like this also provide dependable and suitable transit services and refining efficiency through successful management, innovation and technology.

LAW Watford Acquires Film & TV Rights to “The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr. Comes of Age” NEW YORK PRNewswire -- Filmmaker Lawrence “LAW” Watford’s Divine Write Pictures has optioned the film, television and digital rights to the book The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr. Comes of Age by Patrick Parr.

The biography, which was published by Chicago Review Press in 2018, explores the life of young Martin Luther King Jr. during his formative years as a student at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. The book made waves when it was released, particularly because of its examination of King’s romance with Betty Moitz, a white woman who was the daughter of the school dietitian and sometimes worked in the kitchen.

“I’m always attracted to

Chicago Review Press

stories that have incongruence as a central theme, so when I first read about Dr. King’s relationship with Betty Moitz in the press, I was intrigued—as I imagine most people probably were,” said Watford.

But the emerging writer/

director wants to make it clear that his intentions for the project go far beyond the sensationalism of this one romance. “We’re always aware of the ways in which our heroes have impacted us during our formative years, but it’s rare that we get an authentic glimpse into the events and people that shaped them into these legendary people we celebrate today. We also never get an opportunity to envision them, truly and fully as human beings. So, the goal is to introduce us to the variety of people that influenced MLK’s life during that time.”

Watord is planning to adapt the book for television via his Tyler Street Films partnership with Jack Manning III and Tiffany Elle Burgess; all fellow graduates of Hamp-

ton University, an Historically Black College in Virginia.

The deal was negotiated by entertainment attorney Laverne Berry Esq. on behalf of Divine Write Pictures and Susan Schulman on behalf of Patrick Parr and Chicago Review Press.

LAW, who hails from Brooklyn, New York, has gained attention for telling stories that center on complex social narratives. He was recently named one of Essence Magazine’s 7 Black Independent Filmmakers to Watch for his short film Catharsis, which was recently acquired by Revolt TV. The drama tells the story of a Black mother who confronts the District Attorney who refused to prosecute the NYPD officer responsible for her son’s death.

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Thomas Mills, a 31-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who oversaw more than 600 officers as CPD’s Bureau of Counter Terrorism’s Criminal Network Chief Thomas Mills Group deputy chief, was sworn-in at the board meeting to lead the 37-officer Village of Broadview Police Department.

Mills, who is Broadview’s first African-American-Japanese police chief, says “honesty” is the top duty of anyone leading a police department.

“A city and community wants a chief who displays honesty at all times,” said Mills. “Integrity and humility are the two most common components of the overall success of a police chief.”

Mills, who replaces a 30-year veteran of the Broadview Police Department, Kevin Eugling, who retired in February, is pledging to have an “open conversation” with village residents and business leaders in the western Cook County community of 7,900 residents just 15-minutes from Chicago’s loop.

“It would be my job to learn the Village of Broadview while striving to gain the trust from all residents and businesses owners through an open conversation,” said Mills. “The only way to accomplish this is to be ‘boots on the ground’ both day and night, visiting all communities.”

Slaughter-Backed Measure Requires Insurance Companies to Provide Coverage for Mental Health Services Illinois State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported legislation that will require insurance companies to provide policyholders with coverage for mental health and substance abuse services. This legislation would improve the mental health and wilbeing of the communities across the state of Illinois, said Representative Slaughter.

“Mental health is incredibly important in the overall well-being of an individual, and it’s critical that residents have access to affordable care that can help them and their families,” said Slaughter. “This measure should help expand access to everyone, and it can particularly have an impact on low-income residents who previously did not have the ability to find care.”

Slaughter supported House Bill 2595, which was recently signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, mandates insurance companies to offer coverage for mental health and substance abuse services. The law obliges companies to provide coverage for all services deemed necessary by the leading nonpartisan mental health professional association to treat any mental health disorder or condition. The new law fully takes effect on Jan. 1, 2022 and will also punish insurance companies for failing to comply with fines between $1,000 and $5,000 for each instance.

“Mental health matters, and it matters even more during this pandemic that has continued to take a toll on the minds of everyone,” said Slaughter. “People are facing multiple stressors from a variety of sources, and it’s absolutely critical that they have access to the treatment they deserve to manage their mental health and lead healthy lives.”

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BUSINESS Beautiful Brown Girls™ Launches Crowdfunding Drive

Traveling Black Women Network

Traveling Black Women Founder Urges Black Travel Influencers Anyone can travel abroad and take amazing photos, the real flex is bringing your loved ones with you.

Black PR Wire - ATLANTA, GA -- The fear of travel among members of the Black community is deeply rooted. Historically, safety concerns coupled with a lack of representation created the narrative that Black Americans were excluded from leisure travel. As that narrative now shifts, Traveling Black Women Network founder Dr. Nadine C. Duncan is urging Black travel influencers to venture beyond the spoils of social media and curate tangible travel opportunities for the people closest to them.

According to a study conducted by MMGY Global, Black travelers contributed nearly $130 billion to the travel industry in 2019. As travel slowly returns to pre-pandemic levels, Black travel influencers must take this opportunity to lead the planning process for their loved ones to experience the freedom of travel. The global presence of Black Americans has the potential to shift how the world views Black Americans as well as disrupt the limitations that have been imposed on Black Americans for generations. This is a time for a holistic shift in the Black experi-

ence and content creation alone can not move the needle.

James Baldwin, who left the United States for the opportunity to view himself as more than a “Negro writer” once said, “The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even by a millimeter, the way a person looks at reality, then you can change it.” Black Travel Influencers must recognize that they hold this power in their hands. What is happening in the world of Black travel is deeper than likes, shares, and a sponsored post. It is the beginning of a complete paradigm shift in the Black community--an opportunity to heal, prioritize mental health, and see oneself beyond the collective struggle. The time to turn influence into action is now.

The Traveling Black Women Network, founded in 2015, is a space for Black female travelers to exchange information about travel. The network is the product of the travel guide series Diary of a Traveling Black Women: A Guide to International Travel--a series of travel guides written for Black women, by Black women.

MIAMI PRNewswire -Beautiful Brown Girls™ (BBG) announces the launch of its crowdfunding drive to fund the development of a branded iOS App and raise seed money to keep their service offerings affordable for Black women. BBG member benefits include memorable in-person social events.

Their aim is to build stronger communities by focusing on self-care and encouraging genuine connections through like-minded interests.

Caress Dreams to Reality Fund powered by iFundWomen recently became the first to donate to Beautiful Brown Girls™ (BBG) during the crowdfunding campaign’s inaugural week.

With a goal to raise $60,000, Beautiful Brown Girls plans to the use funds to develop their own branded mobile application as well as for current expenses needed to run and grow the organization.

Donations can be made to the crowdfunding campaign by clicking this link: https:// ifundwomen.com/projects/beautiful-brown-girls. Donors can receive various awards for specific amounts such as: Social Love for $25, a BBG Branded T-Shirt for $45; an Annual Membership & Merch Bundle for $125, $800 to launch a new BBG Brunch Chapter and much more.

Founded in 2010 originally as a monthly brunch event by Christina Duren the Beautiful

Beautiful Brown Girls

Brown Girls™ has blossomed into so much more than a brunch club. It is a community made up of 34 chapters and a virtual community of over 55,000 members.

“Since the launch of the Beautiful Brown Girls™ in March of 2010, we have reached over 100,000 women of color through one-on-one virtual outreach, small group engagement, community events, and last but not least brunch events” says Duren, founder of Beautiful Brown Girls. “This crowdfunding campaign will help us provide a wider access to our services through our branded mobile application.”

Duren Continued, “We feel very strongly that this crowdfund will enable us to continue executing our business model and allow us to invest further in the advancement of the Beautiful Brown Girls community.”

Beautiful Brown Girls™ is proof of what can happen when you find your people. Not only can you bond over a delicious meal, but you can also become an agent for change in your community. For more information, please visit https://beautifulbrowngirls.com/

James Hasty Launches First African American-Owned Search Firm DALLAS PRNewswire -- Former NFL cornerback James Hasty is working to eliminate biases and racial disparity in sports hiring through his new search firm, Eneje (pronounced IN-N-JAY) Consulting, and a proprietary candidate evaluation tool called the Coaching Performance Assessment System (CPAS).

Eneje is the first African American-owned search firm to work exclusively in the sports industry.

Hasty founded Eneje to help ensure more diversity and inclusion in sports.

“On the field and court, some of the most lauded athletes are among the most underrepresented groups in the coaching and management of collegiate and professional organizations,” Hasty said. “We’re here to change that.”

Among Eneje’s supporters are key NFL figures like former player and Fritz Pollard Alliance Chairman John Wooten, who led the nonprofit that champi-

ons diversity in the NFL from its 2003 inception until his 2019 retirement.

“Eneje can be a great spoke in the wheel for diversity and inclusion in the NFL,” Wooten said. “There is more work to be done, and I believe Hasty can make a huge difference in working with the NFL for candidates of all races and backgrounds.”

By employing impartial methodology, Eneje promotes fairness across the board and levels the playing field among sports professionals competing for coaching and front-office positions. CPAS is a provisional patented algorithm that uses data analytics and machine learning to objectively and accurately evaluate individuals’ careers, empowering Eneje to go beyond traditional statistics.

“We collaborate with teams to determine the most desirable characteristics for a specific position and find the right person for the job

every time,” Hasty said. “Eneje takes implicit biases like race, gender and nepotism out of the equation and identifies candidates who fit the precise criteria teams are seeking.”

The route to the best candidate – whether that’s an African American, female or someone else – starts and ends with CPAS. The placement professionals at Eneje use the mathematically based assessment tool to analyze both quantitative and qualitative factors that include key statistics, proven talent, experience, successes and psychological aptitude.

The qualitative aspect covers a long list of desirable characteristics, such as leadership, management approach, race neutrality and teaching style. Eneje gathered this data with the help of Steven Cureton, Ph.D., at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, who interviewed some of the biggest names in the industry, including: www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Wooten Head coaches Bruce Arians, Andy Reid, Brian Flores and Herm Edwards Former Arizona Cardinals Manager Rod Graves and New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese Esteemed college athletic directors like Etienne Thomas at Winston Salem State University and Ray Anderson at Arizona State University Attorneys Cyrus Mehri and Jeremi Duru Eneje takes into account more than a win-loss record when analyzing coaching candidates, leveraging CPAS to remove subjectivity and focus on the things that matter most in a great coach or manager. CPAS provides organizations a holistic view of candidates, who are scored based on the very qualities they value most.

Whether a high school coach dreams of making it to the big

leagues, or an offensive coordinator wants to move up the ranks, Eneje creates opportunities for them to showcase their abilities to key decision makers. Coaches may add themselves to the CPAS database, where collegiate and professional teams around the country are more likely to discover them.

Eneje can help every sports organization fulfill its commitment to equality with proven criteria that improve not just coaching and front-office candidate selection, but also the entire game.

“When you put the best personnel on the sidelines, you upgrade the quality of the people running programs, and make the game better and safer for everyone,” Hasty said.

“That’s what Eneje is helping to accomplish.”

For more information, visit https://www.enejeconsult.com/.

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FASHION

Foot Locker Unveils New Apparel Line - LCKR by Foot Locker The Line, Featuring Premium Casual Basics, Debuts Featuring Musician and Activist, Gunna NEW YORK PRNewswire -- Foot Locker has announced the upcoming launch of a new apparel line LCKR by Foot Locker.

LCKR merges sneaker and sport culture with the heritage of Foot Locker to bring a new iteration of casual wear to the market. These every day, go-to lifestyle pieces compliment the Foot Locker customer’s existing wardrobe – particularly those who appreciate style and comfort.

In connection with the launch, musician and activist Gunna stars as the face of LCKR’s first ever collection. The rapper has had a close relationship with Foot Locker after recent giveback initiatives in Atlanta with the brand. His dedication to his community and his commitment to balancing his busy life with downtime make him the perfect representative for the line. Gunna is also featured alongside musician Tone Stith, actress Paigion Walker and on-air host Eutel Wallace in the campaign.

“At Foot Locker we’re continuing to grow our assortment every day to make sure we’re meeting the evolving demands of all of our customers,” says Bryon Milburn, Foot Locker Senior Vice President, General Manager. “Today, we’re seeing the need for comfort and the acceptance of casual wear in more places than ever before. With LCKR, we have developed an elevated basics line that gives our customers a diverse way to complement their personal styles at a great value.”

The debut LCKR collection features cozy fleece sets and stylish options so consumers can tailor their look to their vibe. Key pieces include matching fleece pullover hoodies and tapered sweatpants. This collection includes options in neutral go-tos such as

LCKR By Foot Locker

Heather Grey, Bright White and Jet Black, and complimented by seasonal colorway options including Dusty Rose, Back Forest, Blueprint, Bombay Brown and Bloodstone. Available in men’s sizes S – XXL, the collection also includes full zip hoodies, cargo pants and matching track jacket and pant sets.

Offered at a range of prices from $40 – $75, this collection officially releases on Wednesday, October 20th at Foot Locker stores globally and online at www.footlocker.com. Additional collections will release through the end of the year and into 2022, including the expansion into Canada.

Over the last few years, Foot Locker has introduced a series of exclusive capsules, including most recently, collaborations with Melody Ehsani and Don C. LCKR represents the latest iteration of a premium, trend-forward collection that is powering the controlled brand strategy at Foot Locker.

For more information, visit www.footlocker.com

Von Dutch Teams Up with Young Thug LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- Hollywood heritage brand, Von Dutch, is proud to announce its first-ever apparel collection with GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Young Thug, one of the most influential musical figures of his generation.

Fresh off the heels of his highly anticipated Punk album which debuted last week, Young Thug sits at the center of pop culture and has always pushed the boundaries as to what rappers are meant to do today. Von Dutch resonates with bold, non-traditional creators who are leading the pack, and Young Thug is the embodiment of that.

The elevated collection is set to hit specialty streetwear shops, select retailers, and vondutch.com at the end of October.

A synergistic effort between Von Dutch and Young Thug, the details, materials, and fabrics of the collection were thoughtfully curated from the beginning design stages to final production. The power duo designed a pink-themed line

of reimagined streetwear staples, which includes unisex hoodie and jogger sets in two design patterns, short sleeve and long sleeve tees, outerwear puffer jackets, and a variety of custom accessories including bowling bags, trucker hats, and footwear. Each of the brand’s highly recognizable logos are married together as a monogram and heavily incorporated into the apparel throughout the line.

“Ultimately, this is a tasteful but eye-grabbing mix of minimalist streetwear staples that best represents Young Thug’s authenticity,” said Ed Goldman, General Manager of Von Dutch US. “As a maestro, he has a point of view all his own when it comes to his music and fashion. Collectively, Von Dutch and Young Thug pushed the envelope and challenged the typical parameters of streetwear to present this off-beat collection.”

“This is the start of something much bigger than you know,” said Young Thug.

To support the launch of the

new collection, Von Dutch and Young Thug will be showcasing their collection in pop-up stores in cities across the US, including Atlanta, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles, as well as releasing a series of NFTs produced by Thug’s father Big Jeff of YSL Loaded, Rough Diamond International, Devinci, and JW Capital & Holdings. The Von Dutch x Young Thug Collection line is available for purchase exclusively at specialty streetwear shops, select retailers, and vondutch.com.

Von Dutch is a fashion brand that was created in the early 2000’s led by famed French designer, Christian Audigier. The iconic Hollywood brand has been a staple on the pop culture and music scene for over 15 years. Since the launch, Von Dutch exploded into the fashion world and became one of the most desired and recognizable brands of its time. Von Dutch continues to be one of the most influential brands that has stood the test of time. For more information, visit vondutch.com.

Shop Style Shark

Black Woman Takes on Women’s Online Fashion Industry Shop Style Shark, a fast-growing, woman-owned, Black-owned online retailer is taking on the largely male-dominated online fashion industry.

Black PR Wire - The fashion industry – and particularly online fashion – continues to be male-dominated even though women spend over 200% more money on fashion than men. What’s more, even though 85% of people who graduate from fashion school are female, only 14% of the top 50 fashion houses are run by women. And, only 40% of women’s fashion brands are designed by women.

“Men’s social role has dominated the fashion culture. They capitalize on this creative industry and monetize it ruthlessly, often at the expense of the creativity which gave birth to it in the first place and which appeals to the target audience,” said Melissa Wheeler, London-based journalist and fashion consultant.

The fashion industry continues to fall behind many other industries, and society at large, in terms of diversity.

One Woman Takes the Industry By Storm There are women in the fashion industry who are stepping up and fighting back against what can only be

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labeled as gender bias. One of those women is Dionne Middlebrooks, founder of online fashion retailer, Shop Style Shark. For Dionne, fashion is more than just a career, it is a passion she has held since childhood.

“Fаѕhiоn аnd style empowers me daily. Whеn I chооѕе itеmѕ to wеаr оr tо hаvе in my ѕtоrе, оnlу оnе thought goes thrоugh mу hеаd “How will this item make someone feel?,” Middlebrooks said.

You can certainly feel the love and passion that Middlebrooks pours into her business. Since Shop Style Shark began in 2017, it has grown exponentially. From a small online business with a single founder, to now – an ever-growing online fashion powerhouse – Shop Style Shark is definitely a brand to watch in the fashion industry.

And what makes Shop Style Shark even better is that it is breaking down those barriers in diversity and equality that are ripe throughout the fashion industry. Founded by women, focused on women, and supporting women is what has propelled Shop Style Shark to the present, and no doubt, into the future.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Oct. 27, 2021

WHAT DOES A RETIRED FIREFIGHTER AND MARINE CORPS VET DO WHEN HE HAS QUESTIONS? HE MAKES A CALL.

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

Call 312-746-4835

Chicago.gov/SeniorVax

Chicago Department of Public Health

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NEWS

Two-Thirds of Parents Plan to Get Them Vaccinated Against COVID: Poll Black PR Wire - In some heartening news on the COVID vaccine for kids front, two-thirds of American parents of children ages 5 to 11 plan to get their youngsters vaccinated when COVID-19 shots are approved for that age group, a new survey shows. However, more Black (49%) and Hispanic (47%) parents were “very worried” about their child contracting the virus than white parents (33%).

Nearly half (49%) of parents in the South were “very worried” about their child getting COVID-19, compared with 32% of those in the Northeast, and 30% of those in the Midwest and West.

Additionally, the region where the parents live played a major part in their hesitancy to get their child vaccinated.

Overall, 60% of the respondents supported schools requiring eligible children to get a vaccine to attend school in person.

Why the hesitancy?

Overall, 77% of parents were at least somewhat worried that their child could get COVID-19, but that varied depending on the parent’s vaccination status and the age of the child.

While 42% of vaccinated parents were “very worried” their child could get COVID-19, the rate was only 29% among unvaccinated parents.

About 42% of parents of children ages 5-11 were “very worried,” compared with 31% of parents of children ages 16-18.

The major reasons why unvaccinated parents of school-aged

children said they haven’t been vaccinated are concern that the vaccines were developed too quickly (63%), worry about potential side effects (57%), and wanting to wait for more information (48%).

Those reasons are the same they gave for why they haven’t, or don’t plan to, have their child vaccinated.

Parents of unvaccinated children ages 12 to 18 said the major factors that might convince them to vaccinate their children include: school requirement (25%); full approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (23%), or someone in their household at high risk (23%).

“While we’re encouraged to see that a majority of parents intend to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 once they are eligible,

Black PR Wire

there is clearly more work to be done to help address parents’ questions and ease concerns about the vaccines,” Beth Battaglino, CEO of HealthyWomen and an organizer of the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project, which conducted the survey says.

“Reaching people where they are,

listening and working with trusted community voices to help instill confidence in the vaccine development, and [the] regulatory approval process is crucial to combat hesitancy and ensure that all families are equipped with the latest vaccine information to make an informed decision,” Battaglino concluded.

WILBUR WRIGHT COLLEGE

Learn Fast, Earn Fast Dream Big, Go Local

ccc.edu/wrightjobhire www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Oct. 27, 2021

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ENTERTAINMENT Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds Honored at Keep Memory Alive’s 25th Annual Power of Love® Gala LAS VEGAS PRNewswire -- Keep Memory Alive’s 25th annual Power of Love® gala at Resorts World Las Vegas on Oct. 16 brought top talent Anthony Anderson, Tori Kelly, Kenny Loggins, Demi Lovato, Bruno Mars, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., AJ McLean, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman from Boyz II Men, Jordin Sparks and Charlie Wilson together to honor legendary musicians Smokey Robinson and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and raise crucial funds and awareness for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Also in attendance were “Bar Rescue” star Jon Taffer, jeweler Steven Lagos, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis and Patrón Spirits Co. Founder John Paul DeJoria.

Paying tribute to Edmonds’ massive library of penned songs, Boyz II Men opened the show with a medley of “Water Runs Dry,” “I’ll Make Love to You” and “End of the Road,” before Mars presented the award to Edmonds, calling him his mentor and hero.

He shared advice Edmonds had given him for any time he’s recording in the studio, to “make sure there’s love in it.” Keep Memory Alive Founder and Chairman Larry Ruvo thanked Edmonds for his dedicated support of Keep Memory Alive throughout the years.

Edmonds shared his personal tie to Keep Memory Alive, saying, “My mother was losing her memory in her last years and there’s nothing more painful than to watch someone you love not remember you.” He thanked Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health for the support and counsel and for “not just working to keep her memory alive, but to keep all of our memories alive.” Boyz II Men returned to the stage with Lovato and McLean to perform a spectacular rendition of “Change the World.”

After the lively performances, Anderson took the stage to present Robinson with his award. Dressed in a maroon floral print suit jacket, Robinson thanked guests and the performers, saying, “It’s an incredible feeling to be up here tonight with my really good friends, most of whom I haven’t seen in a long time.” He shared his personal experience of dementia, remembering Bobby Rogers of The Miracles, “We were born on the same day in the same hospital and sang together for 12 years. Every year on our birthday, we would call each other.

He passed away several years ago, and I called him the year he passed, and he had no idea who I was. It’s a horrible disease.” He expressed his appreciation for Keep Memory Alive, ending with a shout out to Babyface, saying “I am flattered and honored you are my brother.”

His tribute included performances of his many hits including “Who’s Loving You” by Kelly, “Shop Around” by Loggins, “My Guy”

by Sparks and “Cruisin’” by McCoo & Davis, Jr. to the delight of the audience. Wilson and Robinson duetted “All My Love,” while fans cheered “Uncle Charlie.” Robinson continued solo with “Being With You” and “Tracks of My Tears” before the entire cast rejoined

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Demi Lovato at Keep Memory Alive’s 25th annual Power of Love gala. Credit Denise Truscello, Contrib-

Ensemble Cast Star in Percy “Master P” Miller’s ‘#UNKNOWN’ LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- An all-star-studded cast has been put together by super film executive and multi-business mogul Percy “Master P” Miller and his producing partner Writer/Director LazRael Lison of Summer House Pictures “#UNKNOWN” is a psychological suspense horror film released earlier this month on Amazon Prime.

The acclaimed cast includes Hal Ozsan (Dawson’s Creek, The Blacklist), Tom Sizemore (Saving Private Ryan, Relic, Heart and Souls), Master P (Never and Again, I Got the Hook, Uncle P), Judd Nelson (Lost Voyage, The Breakfast Club) Denise Boutté (Why Did I Get Married, Meet the Browns) and Nicholle Tom (Beethoven, The Nanny).

Successful Author Michael Lane (Hal Ozsan) is about to

PRNewsFoto/Summer House Pictures

release his follow up novel when he starts to receive haunting phone calls from #UNKNOWN. The calls are connected to a series of random murders that took place in 2017. His obsession with this mystery puts his second novel’s release in danger as he spirals out of control unraveling each victim caught in the web of the sadistic killer.

The film producers include

Genius Minds (Percy Miller, Romeo Miller, and Kristi Kilday), Summer House Pictures (Tatiana Chekhova and LazRael Lison) and High Rolling Entertainment (Antonio Trotter). The official “#UNKNOWN” movie soundtrack is a partnership with Tracy Bell (Asah Entertainment.) You can find the soundtrack on Amazon, Itunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and all streaming platforms.

utor, Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive.

him for “Get Ready” to close out the show.

Earlier in the evening, CEO & Chairman of Genting Berhad and developer of Resorts World K.T. Lim received a standing ovation when receiving the Keep Memory Alive Community Leadership award from Ruvo and Keep Memory Alive Vice Chairwoman and Co-Founder Camille Ruvo, who said, “Your avalanche of support from the beginning is because of the care you have given to us, and has allowed us to provide much needed resources for the caregivers who take care of the patients 24/7.”

Chefs Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay prepared exquisite cuisine paired with wines from Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, followed by a showstopping dessert display from the Resorts World Las Vegas pastry team that featured a pineapple lychee bonbon, ube waffle basket and more. Flay posted to his Instagram that he was honored to be a part of the event and cook alongside his culinary idol, Puck.

Guests bid on exceptional experiences and items during the silent and live auctions including a private dinner with Jon Bon Jovi in East Hampton, an opportunity to announce the Las Vegas Raiders live draft pick alongside Mark Davis at the 2022 NFL Draft and a day of playing chess with Andrea Bocelli followed by attending one of his concerts.

The evening generated the majority of annual revenue for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health to provide service, care and resources for patients and their caregivers in the fight against neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases; multiple system atrophy; frontotemporal dementia and related disorders; multiple sclerosis and more.

For more information, visit keepmemoryalive.org.

G Herbo Hits The Road With The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour NEW YORK PRNewswire -- The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour is pleased to announce chart-topping and platinum-certified rap star G Herbo as the headliner for their final tour of 2021, which kicks off in Philadelphia, PA, on November 12.

“I’m excited to partner with an iconic brand like the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour and reconnect with my fans in person again. This is gonna be my biggest and absolute best tour period,” shared G Herbo.

“We had a great experience working with G Herbo for our Monster Energy Live On Location virtual series last year, and we’re excited about the idea of translating virtual to the stage in front of soldout crowds,” adds Steve Glazer, Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Founder/Producer.

The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour is G Herbo’s first time on the road since the release of 25, his highest-charting album, which peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release this past July. 25, which features Polo G, 21 Savage, The Kid LAROI, Gunna, and more, continues to put G Herbo at the forefront of Chicago’s distinct style of drill rap.

Complex states, “We’re used to hearing Herb be vulnerable on tracks, his album PTSD attests to this, but 25 finds the Chicago Drill pioneer in some of his most honest moments.”

G Herbo’s recently released the visual for “Stand the Rain (Mad Max).” The Oz On The Track and Chase Davis-produced clip shows G Herbo gracing the fictitious cover of Forbez magazine’s “30 under 30 edition” while rap-

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

ping over a hard-hitting beat boasting about “not reaching his goals but still sh*ttin’ on his peers.” The sentiment rings true as G Herbo is a force to be reckoned with as 25 has already garnered over 182 million streams.

Tickets are currently on sale.

Friday, November 12, 2021 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Friday, November 19, 2021 – Wallingford, CT – The Dome Saturday, November 20, 2021 – Washington, D.C. – Fillmore Monday, November 22, 2021 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Wednesday, November 24, 2021 – Chicago, IL – The Riviera Theatre Friday, November 26, 2021 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz Saturday, November 27, 2021 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle Tuesday, November 30, 2021 – Little Rock, AR – Little Rock Music Hall Wednesday, December 1, 2021 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City Saturday, December 4, 2021 – Elizabeth, NJ – Ritz Theatre Sunday, December 5, 2021 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live Friday, December 17, 2021 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall Sunday, December 19, 2021 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues Monday, December 20, 2021 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Oct. 27, 2021

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Celebrating the Grand Opening of Larry’s BarberMaximus Throughout the year Walmart is celebrating Black excellence by highlighting entrepreneurs from the community. This fall Larry E. Roberts Jr. will begin the next chapter in his amazing story with theMagnis first Walmart in-store at ea thedolupta Chatham aut modipicid utlocation volectotas tiatur?

Superstore.

ThisOccusan launch will expandasit Larry’s ability to reach, cumque null Ecatur? daeptates moluptatur si deleste teach, and grow the community he loves. We are thrilled to join with Larry in support of his transformative work in Chicago.

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Walmart Brief Mock Layouts Citizen.indd 15

9/13/21 2:33 PM

12 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Oct. 27, 2021

OP-ED

The Climate Crisis is Here

BY CONGRESSMAN BOBBY L. RUSH

Make no mistake: the climate crisis is here, and the price of inaction is deadly. While some of its worst and most visible impacts — from the devastating fires ravaging the West Coast to the l.2 trillion tons of ice melting each year — may seem like distant problems, climate change is also dealing insidious and lethal blows right here in our Chicago communities. And its impacts are far worse in communities of color.

Emissions from fossil fuels are disproportionately poisoning Black and Brown communities.

Black people are three times more likely than white people to be killed by air pollution. In 2018, scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that Black Americans had a 54 percent higher health burden from particulate matter air pollution that white Americans. Cook County recently received an F grade from the American Lung Association for severe health risks associated with ozone pollution.

Breathing in air poisoned by fossil fuel emissions is directly linked to higher rates of lung disease, asthma, and more severe and deadly cases of COVID-19 in Black and Brown communities.

One of the biggest contributors to air pollution is the transportation sector, which is responsible for nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions — more than any other sector of the American economy. This means that electrifying our transportation system has tremendous potential and promise when it comes to mitigating the worst impacts of climate change and improving air quality and public health.

Transitioning our cars, buses, and planes away from fossil fuels is one of my top priorities as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee. I recently helped pass through Committee $13.5 billion in funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, with a focus on making vehicles more affordable and building charging infrastructure in publicly accessible locations and underserved areas.

And I am fighting hard for these investments to remain the final Build Back Better Act. I firmly believe that the shift to a clean energy economy presents us with an opportunity to fix longstanding environmental injustices while creating jobs in communities that need them most.

And these aren’t just any jobs — jobs in the clean energy sector pay an average of 25% more than the national median wage and are more likely to come with health care and retirement benefits than other private sector jobs. Electric transportation-related jobs can be found in 97 of Illinois’s 102 counties, and the number of workers in jobs related to electric transportation in our state is projected to increase by 83% by 2024. This summer, I toured the site for a new electric vehicle manufacturing facility under construction in Joliet, which is set to be the largest facility of its kind in North America.

Still, the unfortunate reality is that, right now — despite long-term savings on gas and maintenance — the sticker price of electric

cars is unaffordable for many middle-class and low-income Americans. Congress must do more to make it easier for ordinary Americans to purchase and own electric vehicles, including providing rebates to consumers and building out charging infrastructure in underserved communities. In turn, these investments in the electric vehicle sector will help create good-paying jobs and reduce air pollution and its disproportionate health impacts on minority communities.

Black Americans deserve to breathe clean air and live without having to worry about the health impacts of pollution and climate change.

We deserve to see good jobs in the clean energy sector brought to our communities. We deserve to be prioritized rather than overlooked in the transition to a clean energy economy.

It’s time to take bold action — for our communities, for our planet, and for our very existence — so that future generations do not look back and ask us why we left them with lives made forever more harsh and difficult by climate change.

NEWS

Black Babies Awareness Month campaign shines a spotlight on the health and wellbeing of Black children Campaign highlights national policy agenda and research exploring long-standing inequities, and the effects of COVID-19 CHAPEL HILL, NC - October 25, 2021 – Black Babies Awareness Month, a campaign to promote and center the needs of Black infants and toddlers, kicks-off November 1st. The initiative coincides with the release of the first-ever National Black Child Agenda.

Led by the Equity Research Action Coalition at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the new campaign calls for protecting, promoting and preserving the wellbeing of Black families and babies. There are 11.5 million Black babies in the U.S. Over 60 percent of Black babies live in families with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is more than double the rate for White babies (29 percent).

The Equity Research Action Coalition unveiled the National Black Child Agenda, an ambitious plan that calls for actions to dismantle structural racism and systemic inequities that have negative effects on Black children’s school and life success. The agenda was co-developed with research and child development experts from the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and POINTS of ACCESS, LLC. The agenda asserts that Black families are better supported when there is a strategic focus on designing systems, and implementing programs and interventions that build upon the

cultural assets and strengths of Black families. It calls for promoting Black children and their families’ economic security, health and access to quality early learning opportunities, while also preserving their cultural identity and heritage. Black families and babies experience multiple adversities prior to and after birth, but the cultural wealth of Black families has proven to be transformative in navigating against structural racism and other negative experiences.

The Black Babies Awareness Month campaign will include an open virtual roundtable with key experts to share recent research, the national policy agenda for Black children, a social media toolkit and calls-to-action for the public to get involved.

“For every parent, our precious Black babies are our pride and joy and they are more than deserving of the warm, safe and nurturing caregiving that will contribute to their health and long-term brain development,” states Equity Research Action Coalition Founder Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka. “We hope that Black Babies Awareness Month and the National Black Child Agenda together will build national public awareness around the issues that impact them the most, and lead to a concerted push for inclusive policies that will improve their life outcomes.”

“When you think about it, our children exist in a duality of ‘the land of

Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka, founder, the Equity Research Action Coalition. IMAGE COURTESY UNC-CHAPEL HILL

opportunity,’ and ‘the home of racism and debilitating inequities,’” said NBCDI CEO and President Dr. Leah Austin.

“This ground-breaking agenda reflects a post-2020 America, and serves as a launchpad for empowering advocates and communities everywhere to better serve the needs of the 21st century Black child,” she continued.

The resource identifies ten pressing policies of focus such as child tax credits, universal access to early childhood education and culturally-responsive training.

Ten Policies of the National Black Child Agenda: 1. Maintain child tax credits and income supports 2. Address racial disparities in wages and career advancement opportunities www.citizennewspapergroup.com

3. Invest in Black-owned and Black-led businesses, organizations and institutions 4. Expand the Family and Medical Leave Act 5. Expand health insurance 6. Expand universal access to early care and education 7. Address harsh discipline practices 8. Ensure equity in early intervention and special education 9. Ensure culturally responsive curriculum and practices through workforce development and training 10. Pass reparations

• Promoting economic security, health and access to early learning opportunities is essential to mitigate against the biological and social vulnerability Black babies and their families face due to racism, discrimination and bias • Preserving Black babies’ cultural identities in the early years is as essential as the “three Rs” of reading, writing and ‘rithmetic.

To read the full report and learn more about Black Babies Awareness Month, visit the Equity Research Action Coalition’s website.

Research on Black Babies and Families: The Equity Research Action Coalition also recently released the report “Black Parents and Their Babies: Attending to the First 1,000 Days.”

The research explores quality of life, racial trauma and socio-economic issues in greater detail. It includes first-hand accounts and action items from Black families. The report surveyed Black parents on a weekly basis from May through December of 2020, and incorporates data from the RAPID-EC project at the University of Oregon. The report provides three essential recommendations: • Protecting Black babies and their families from racism, discrimination and material hardship is necessary to ensure babies thrive throughout their life course

About the Equity Research Action Coalition The Equity Research Action Coalition co-constructs with practitioners and policymakers actionable research to support the optimal development of Black children prenatally through childhood across the African diaspora using a cultural wealth framework.

The Coalition will focus on developing a science-based action framework to eradicate the impact of racism and poverty, and all its consequences on the lives of Black children, families, and communities, and to ensure optimal health, well-being, school readiness and success, and overall excellence.

For more information about the Equity Research Action Coalition, please visit the group’s website and follow them on Twitter at @FPGInstitute.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Oct. 27, 2021

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SPORTS

Chance the Rapper holding the trophy during the rally to celebrate the Chicago Sky’s WNBA Championship Win.

Chicago Sky Celebrates the WNBA Championship Win

BY TIA CAROL JONES

The Chicago Sky wins their first Championship Title in their 16-year history. Chicago celebrated the Chicago Sky’s WNBA Championship Win with a parade and rally in Millennium Park. The Chicago Sky won 74-80 against Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena on Oct. 17th.

“Young athletes across the nation will look up to you and see themselves in you, not just because of your raw talent, but because of your integrity on and off the court,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton called the team an inspiration and talked about the pride the team brought to the City of Chicago and State of Illinois.

“You have not only been champions on the court, you have been incredible leaders off the court; and that give us confidence to go after our goals, reach for our dreams, no matter who or what is standing in our way,” she said. “You tell us that it is OK to smash those barriers and make clear there is no ceiling.”

Courtney Vandersloot, the point guard, was named the Peak Performer for the sixth time. Kaleah Copper, the guard and forward, was named the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the win one of the most important moments in sports history in the city.

She acknowledged the hard work of the team that led them to that win.

“Even starting out 0-7, they persevered. That’s a lesson for all of us, that is you work hard, you come together as a team and you can get it done,” she said.

The win is a dream come true for the Chicago Sky principal owner, Michael Alter. “The dream was to showcase these incredible, athletic, powerful, strong women who lead each other on an off the court. By the way, the large majority of whom are Black women,” he said. “The dream was to not just be champions but, in the process, make an impact on our city and in our communities. Today we are living that dream.”

Chicago Sky Coach James Wade knew at the start of the season there were expectations. The team spent

Chicago Sky won the WNBA Championship, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 74-80. On Tuesday, Oct. 19, the city of Chicago celebrated the win with a parade and rally. Photos by Tia Carol Jones

the last two seasons in the second and third round. This season, the team attempted to swing for the fences.

Wade made a couple of phone calls to find out what would put them over the top. Wade then called Candace Parker to find out what it would take for her to come back home.

“She came because of the players on our team. She told me was, ‘I love the way you guys play, I love the way you play for each other.’ It just made me realize we built something special, not just with the way we play, but we built something special with the people,” he said.

Parker remembered watching the Chicago Bulls parades and rallies on television, dreaming of being in that moment, dreaming of bringing a title to Chicago.

“I know I was drafted out west, but I think we stayed consistent with those Midwestern values and those Midwestern values are that grit, that grind, that Blue Collar. I think the team demonstrated this year of just coming in and working hard,” she said. “You guys’ energy got us through Game 4.”

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HOME

5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter

(StatePoint) It’s that time of year: pumpkin spice is here and so are shorter days and cooler nights. Before nightfall comes too early, take advantage of the milder temps to prepare your home for winter. Here are a few easy, DIY tasks to check off your list.

1. Close Up the Patio. It’s important to protect patio items from winter wear and tear so you can enjoy them as soon as the weather breaks in the spring.

When the weather in your area seems to be changing for good, clean outdoor furniture like tables, chairs and décor and protect them with a heavy-duty cover. If you don’t have interior storage, secure everything tightly so you don’t risk items tipping during a gusty winter storm. Clean the grill, remove and store the tank, and winterize outdoor hoses and faucets. Easy-to-install faucet covers can help prevent water damage and freezing pipes.

Also, don’t forget to plant your bulbs now so you’ll have flowers to welcome you when the warm weather hits.

2. Secure Loose Shingles and Fix Broken Gutters. Assess your roof and gutters to ensure your home is safe from water damage and leaks this winter. If you suspect or discover a problem, even a small one, don’t wait to fix it. It will be even more difficult to repair after the roof has become snowy and icy.

If it’s not within budget, try a DIY fix with supplies you likely already have in your toolbox. The Original Duck Tape Brand Duct Tape is a classic tool for temporary repairs and is great for holding, seaming and sealing coverings over problematic

areas until you can later fix the issue at hand.

3. Prep A/C Units. Don’t overlook keeping your A/C unit clean. Most modern units are created to withstand extreme elements; however, keeping it free of buildup is key to maintaining it over time.

When it’s not in use over winter, clean the surfaces on and around the unit to keep it free from buildup of dander, leaves, acorns and pine needles. Next, using an air conditioner cover, securely protect your A/C unit from snow and ice, so that it’s still in its best working condition when you uncover it in the spring.

4. Keep Cold Weather Out. Frigid temperatures draw attention to drafts coming into your home. While turning up the furnace helps, the constant escape of warm air leads to high heating costs.

Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors wisely. Many seals tend to freeze and crack, never really fixing the problem. However, Duck Brand HeavyDuty Weatherstrip Seals are made with a durable, flexible material, creating a barrier against cold air throughout the winter. When spring arrives, the strip will work against dust, pollen and insects throughout the warmer months.

5. Clean Windows. Prepare your home for short gloomy days and long nights by giving windows and blinds a deep clean. When these surfaces are clean, natural light can pour in during the day, helping combat winter blues.

For more tips, visit DuckBrand.com.

A little extra effort this fall can make your home more enjoyable all winter long.

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Oct. 27, 2021

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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: Y21007957 on OCTOBER 6, 2001.

Under the Assumed Business Name of GEM LARMAR with the business located at: 10049 S.OGLESBY AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60617. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s) / partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name GWENDOLYN HOWARD. Complete Address 10049 S. OGLESBY AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60617, USA _____________________________________

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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 certificationwas registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number Y21007749 on SEPTEMBER 9,2021.

Under the Assumed Business Name of LESECEAL CREATIVE DESIGNZ with the business located at: 1726 E 85TH PL, CHICAGO , ILLINOIS 60617. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s) /partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name SHIRESE WOODARD Complete Address 1726 E. 85TH PL, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60617, USA _____________________________________ STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (MINOR CHILDREN) REQUEST OF: ROSIE LEE ASHLEY FOWLER TO CHANAGE NAMES OF MINOR CHILDREN Case Number: 202160035990 Filed: JUNE 9, 2021.

I ask the court to enter orders to change the names of the minor children listed below, and state: 1. Names: Current Name of Minor Child a. Jamari Maurice Crowley Proposed New Name of Minor Child a. Jamari Masurice Fowler I am requestiang name changes for more than 4 children. I have attached a Request for Name Change - Additional Children form.

2. I have attached a Request faor Name Change- Child Information form for each child.

3. I have lived continuously in Illinois for at least 6 months. I started living in Illionois on: 4-101986.

I certify that everything stated on the Request for Name Change (Minor Children) and on the attached Request for Name Change-Child Information form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, I understand that making a false statement on this form is perjury and has penalities provided by law under 73ILCS 5/1109.

ROSIE LEE FOWLER, 3022 NOTTINGHAM, MARKHAM, ILLINOIS 60428, 773-780-1501. _____________________________________

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

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF: ALEXANDER BARKSDALE JR. FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO: ALEXANDER BARKSDALE LOVE Case No.: 2021 CONC 001384 Calendar 10

has worked with the program since its onset and has seen firsthand how students can take charge and enact meaningful change. “I can’t even express my gratitude to the Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation for the work that they have done for students across the nation,” says King, referring to the foundation behind the Lead4Change program.

Educators benefit by their participation in the program too, using the new skills they’ve learned to enhance their teaching and build future leaders.

“My students have accomplished more in our community than most adults,” explains King. “Over time, we have seen the power of this program and how it can impact students personally and in their communities.”

King and her students formed the “Frontline Flatbread Frenzy” team to support frontline workers with flatbreads during the pandemic. In previous years, they restored the town’s senior center, fed firefighters during wildfire season and addressed mental health issues for children.

“My goal for my students is to always seek out service projects and become service-minded adults,” says King.

Zoe Clark, a 2015 graduate of Odessa High School and former student of King’s, explains how Lead4Change has impacted her career choice. Clark returned to Odessa High School as a substitute teacher while receiving her master’s degree in teaching from Eastern Washington University.

“I decided to come back because I felt this was the place I needed to be,” says Clark. “I’ve never stopped caring.”

The program continues to have a profound impact on the Odessa students and community. “I will work to encourage educators to take advantage of the Lead4Change program so we can continue to change the world with our students,” says King.

As Lead4Change begins its 10th year, educators across the United States are sharing their excitement about starting these leadership lessons with their students. ______________________________________________

NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE NOTICE IS HEREBY given to you, the public, that on September 15, 2021, I have filed a Petition for Change of Name in the Circuit Court of Cook County to change my present nameof Alexander Barksdale Jr. to the name of Alexander Barksdale Love.

The Court date will be held on December 20, 2021 at 9:30 a.m via Zoom video or teleconference. The Zoom video call information is: Court time: 9:30 a.m Dial-in-number: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID 963 3970 0908 Password: 395890 DATE: 10/21/2021 Signature of Petitioner, BARKSDALE JR.

ALEXANDER

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

EDUCATION How School Programs Grow Student Leadership in Local Communities (StatePoint) As students navigate finding their voice in today’s society, it is necessary that educators are equipped with the resources to empower leadership and selfexpression. These skills provide students with the capacity to lead beyond the classroom and make an actionable difference now and in the future.

The free tools provided by the Lead4Change Student Leadership Program over the past decade, are a good example of programming that’s equipped adolescent minds with the skills to mold the future of their communities.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Lead4Change program has prepared students to become leaders, withstand adversity and make a lasting impact in their communities. Lead4Change, developed by the Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning, has attracted close to 2 million middle and high school students and 15,000 educators nationwide. Through the program’s annual Challenge, more than $2.45 million has been donated on behalf of student teams to their communities and schools.

Terri King, a business education teacher at Odessa High School in Odessa, Wash.,

Darrell Garth President /Publisher Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager Editorial Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com Advertising Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com Classified Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Display Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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Shopping- their favorite pastime!

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CHICAGO WEEKEND

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

16 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Oct. 27, 2021

¬21 in 2021 We’ve increased our U.S. minimum hourly wage to $21 as a next step toward $25 by 2025.

Bank of America has raised our minimum rate of pay for all U.S. employees to $21/hour — the next step toward $25 by 2025.

Over the past four years, we have led the way by increasing our minimum hourly wage 40%.

Being a great place to work starts with investing in the people who serve our clients. Providing strong pay and competitive benefits to support our employees and their families helps us attract and retain strong talent.

Our actions demonstrate our continuing commitment to sustain job growth and economic stability for the thousands of individuals working in support of each other, our clients and the communities where we work and live.

We will continue our efforts to make a difference and serve as a catalyst for others to do the same.

What would you like the power to do?®

Paul Lambert President, Bank of America Chicago

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/chicago

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