South Suburban Citizen 11-24-2021

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 Nov. 24, 2021

| Vol. 41 | No. 1 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

NICOR GAS AND THE GOODR FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTE GROCERIES IN THE SUBURBS Nicor Gas has a goal of feeding 250,000 families in the Illinois area. They reached out to the Goodr Foundation, an Atlantabased hunger relief and food waste solutions company that hosts pop-up grocery stores, to help with their endeavor.

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Nicor Gas partnered with Goodr to distribute food to 2,500 families during pop-up grocery stores events on a weekend in early November. Photo provided by Aliya Nealy

Paul Alexander Named Chief Scientific Officer of The Unity Project

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

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Serving The Black Community For Decades |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nicor Gas and the Goodr Foundation distribute groceries in the suburbs Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Nicor Gas has a goal of feeding 250,000 families in the Illinois area. They reached out to the Goodr Foundation, an Atlanta-based hunger relief and food waste solutions company that hosts pop-up grocery stores, to help with their endeavor.

During the weekend of Nov. 5-7, 2,500 families were fed in Joliet, Rockford and University Park. The goal was to feed as many people as possible during the events.

According to Nicor Gas and the United States Census Bureau, approximately 11% of Illinois residents live in poverty, which is more than the 830,000 individuals in Nicor Gas’ service area. Goodr’s focus is to provide groceries and food to families who are experiencing food insecurity or food deserts.

“This is the perfect partnership because we are all about feeding as many families as we can. We were able to partner with Nicor and their customers reaching their entire customer base. coming up there

and feed families for at least a week,” said Betsy Neal, Goodr’s operation manager.

The locations were chosen based on Nicor’s customers needs from their database. Income levels were also a factor in choosing where to host the pop-ups.

Nicor Gas serves more than 2.2 million customers, with a service area that includes a third of Northern Illinois, which does not include Chicago.

Neal would love to do more pop-up events and partner with Nicor to provide groceries for families. The plan is to continue the relationship through 2022 and beyond.

Neal was onsite during the events.

There was a team of 10 people with her from Goodr. She directly interacted with Nicor’s customers at the events. The Goodr team helped people with registration and taking their bags to their cars, as well as navigating other resources such as weatherization kits and energy assistance that were available during the event. It was great for Neal to hear their stories.

The people were grateful to have Go-

odr and Nicor Gas there to assist them.

People also wanted to know what Goodr was and why Nicor was hosting the popup. But mostly, they were appreciative to receive the groceries.

Each family received 40 meals to feed a family of four for about a week. It included a meat bag, filled with beef and chicken, a shelf staple bag, a produce bag and dairy or non-dairy alternative, bread, eggs and juice.

At the University Park location, The First Baptist Church of University Park located at 450 University Parkway, it was great for Neal to see families in the long line, calling other people, and telling them to come to the event to get food.

“Seeing them kind of light up and be like, ‘oh, I’m going to tell everyone right now,’ was just a great feeling. They just felt such relief that they could pass the word along, even if they weren’t a Nicor customer. It really meant the world to them,” Neal said.

For more information about Goodr, visit https://goodr.co.

Marlon Wayans And Tiffany Haddish Appear on New Pancreatic Cancer Campaign LOS ANGELES PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE- The Pancreatic Cancer Collective, an initiative of the Lustgarten Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C), announced today the launch of a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign.

In collaboration with SU2C Ambassadors – actor and comedian Marlon Wayans, and actress and Emmy® Award-winning comedian Tiffany Haddish – the PSA aims to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer clinical trials.

Marlon Wayans, whose credits include Respect and On The Rocks, and Tiffany Haddish, whose credits include Girls Trip and TBS’ The Last O.G., joined forces on the PSA to bring awareness to the cutting-edge treatments available through pancreatic cancer clinical trials and to increase awareness in Black communities, which have around a 30% higher pancreatic cancer incidence rate than any other racial or ethnic group.

“I’m honored to lend my support to this very important campaign to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer clinical trials,” said Haddish. “It is im-

portant for diverse communities to have representation in cancer research to ensure that treatments work for everyone, so we can save more lives.”

“Many of us are impacted by the loss of a loved one to cancer, including myself,” said Wayans. “Last year I lost a dear friend to this disease who profoundly impacted my career and life. Her loss is part of my inspiration for becoming an advocate for taking care of your health. I’m proud to be a part of this campaign to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer research and encourage patients to learn more about clinical trials.”

Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The Pancreatic Cancer Collective’s new campaign aims to raise awareness about treatment options and to increase diversity in pancreatic cancer clinical trials,

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so patients of all racial and ethnic backgrounds benefit equally from the newest cancer treatments.

“We are incredibly thankful to Tiffany Haddish and Marlon Wayans for lending their voices to this critical campaign and providing hope to pancreatic cancer patients,” said Sung Poblete PhD, RN, CEO of Stand Up To Cancer.

“Our collaboration with the Lustgarten Foundation on the Pancreatic Cancer Collective continues to support our mutual efforts to accelerate pancreatic cancer research and improve patient outcomes.”

“While pancreatic cancer has traditionally been difficult to treat, there are more and more long-term survivors of this disease thanks to clinical trials offering new technologies and therapies to those who need them most,” said Linda Tantawi, Lustgarten Foundation CEO. “Our collaborative mission to drive awareness of the incredible potential of pancreatic cancer clinical trials will help us better understand and treat this disease.”

The Lustgarten Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer have joined forces against

pancreatic cancer since 2012, jointly funding more than 400 investigators from nearly 70 leading research centers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These efforts include 17 multi-institutional teams, including Dream Teams, Convergence Teams, Research Teams and New Therapies Challenge Teams bringing together computational experts with clinical oncologists, and teams researching cancer interception—studies focused on the earliest diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, even before the cancer may have fully formed. These collaborative teams have planned, started, or completed over 30 clinical trials and the Pancreatic Cancer Collective is building on this momentum to further push the boundaries of what can be accomplished.

The radio PSA was developed by SU2C with radio mixing by Lime Studios. The print PSA was produced by SU2C with photography by Koury Angelo and Matt Winkelmeyer.

To learn more about this PSA, visit https://pancreaticcancercollective.org/.

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

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NEWS

PepsiCo Expands Community College Program Nationwide PepsiCo and The PepsiCo Foundation Double Down on Comprehensive Program that Provides Tuition, Mentoring, Financial Literacy Courses, and Living Expenses Builds on PepsiCo’s Critical Racial Equality Journey to Address Systemic Inequality in the U.S. PURCHASE, N.Y. PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE -- PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) and The PepsiCo Foundation announced the nationwide expansion of the company’s Community College Program to students across nine additional cities.

Amid a crisis in higher education that has seen plunging rates of enrollment and degree completion among Black and Hispanic students, PepsiCo’s program promotes access and advancement through a holistic approach that offers not only financial support to help students at the point of college entry but addresses the additional obstacles – retention, completion, and workforce readiness – that disproportionately impact these students’ educational and professional journeys.

This program aims to close the education and achievement gap for historically excluded communities by providing additional resources such as professional mentoring, financial assistance for eligible living costs such as childcare and transportation, and financial literacy courses.

Building on its Racial Equality Journey, PepsiCo is expanding this program to offer 1,400 scholarship opportunities through 2022 to eligible Black and Hispanic students attending the following schools: Los Angeles Community College District (Los Angeles, CA) Miami Dade College (Miami, FL) Wayne County Community College District (Detroit, MI) Atlanta Metropolitan State College (Atlanta, GA) Ivy Tech Community College (Indianapolis, IN) Maricopa County Community College District (Phoenix, AZ) Valencia College (Orlando, FL) Alamo Colleges District (San Antonio, TX) Prince George’s Community College (Largo, MD) “Black and Hispanic students are facing an unprecedented educational crisis as enrollment rates continue to decline and dropout rates increase, often because of financial needs outside of tuition. Students need more than scholarships – they need support to stay in school, finish their degrees, and access the job market,” said C.D. Glin, Global Head of Philanthropy, PepsiCo & Vice President, The PepsiCo Foundation. “We launched this program to help students address some of the most critical barriers to their education and economic success, and we’re proud to announce today that we’re bringing more students in and helping them on their academic journey.”

Historically, community colleges are an engine of upward mobility, serving a student population that is demographically and economically diverse. But for students already struggling to cover living expenses, COVID-19 and the ensuing economic crisis proved an insurmountable barrier, forcing thousands to forgo enrollment or drop out. In response, PepsiCo and The PepsiCo Foundation launched the Community College Program in March 2021 to support 4,000 Black and Hispanic students over five years. Started with City Colleges of Chicago, Westchester Community College, Houston Community College and Dallas College, the program addresses the underlying barriers that make it challenging for minority students to enroll, persist, and graduate.

The PepsiCo Foundation’s Community College Program

includes two types of scholarships – Uplift Scholarships for students seeking two-year associate degrees or trade certificates and S.M.I.L.E. (Success Matters in Life & Education) scholarships for community college graduates transitioning to four-year colleges.

The Uplift Scholarship also provides assistance for students pursuing programs that are not often covered by federal student aid. Students receive financial assistance and services designed to support their continued enrollment, including dedicated success coaches, access to emergency grants, and financial literacy programs to empower them with the resources and knowledge for making sound financial decisions. The program is offered at all 13 community college partners.

The PepsiCo Foundation also announced the first 25 recipients of the S.M.I.L.E. scholarship program, who have each received a $25,000 scholarship grant, a professional mentor from PepsiCo to provide guidance and support along their educational journey, and access to financial wellness courses. The 25 students are currently enrolled at some of the nation’s top academic institutions, including Columbia University, Fordham University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Texas at Austin.

“It’s a great honor to partner with PepsiCo and be included in this groundbreaking program alongside other top institutions,” said Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami Dade College. “Now more than ever, Miami Dade College remains committed to advancing Hispanic and Black student success and completion rates, as well as creating and expanding career pathways for in demand jobs in the new global economy.”

PepsiCo efforts to date include a $50 million commitment over five years to support Black-owned businesses primarily through Pepsi Dig In, a multi-faceted platform that encourages consumers to support Black-owned restaurants as well as provides resources to restaurateurs through the Black Restaurants Deliver program, a no-cost service that helps owners boost online ordering and delivery capabilities; The PepsiCo Foundation’s Black Restaurant Accelerator, a $10 million program with the National Urban League to provide support to 500 Black-owned restaurants around the U.S. over the next five years; and Doritos SOLID BLACK™, a $5 million multi-platform initiative designed to bolster the voices of Black innovators and creators.

Similarly, PepsiCo recently launched Juntos Crecemos, a $50 million platform to strengthen Hispanic-owned businesses over the next five years, with a key part of that platform being The PepsiCo Foundation’s IMPACTO Hispanic Business Accelerator, which is providing $10 million in funding to 500 Hispanic small food and beverage business owners in 13 U.S. cities. PepsiCo’s global commitment to advance food security through collaboration in communities where we live and work, Food For Good, also provides jobs and nutritious food access for Black and Hispanic communities.

More information about PepsiCo’s Racial Equality Journey can be found online at pepsico.com/about/diversity-and-engagement. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BUSINESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Entrepreneurship is the bedrock www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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

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

CAUSBA graduates enjoy leadership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a multi-faceted consumer brand manage-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www. livewellnesstherapy.com.

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

NEWS

Call

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

PRNewsfoto/The Unity Project

1-800-332-DUMP Paul Alexander

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

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

111th Street Station & 130th Street Station

to report:

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

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

Registration is required to attend meetings.

Please register at: engagerle.transitchicago.com.

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

Do you require a reasonable accommodation?

Named Chief Waterway Scientific Officer of Blockages The Unity Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illegal or Suspicious Dumping to Waterways or Sewers

Call

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

Odors

Illegal or Suspicious Dumping to Waterways or Sewers

Odors

We want to hear from you.

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

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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

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

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

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

Call 312-746-4835 Chicago.gov/SeniorVax

Chicago Department of Public Health

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

Holiday Health Tips

Expert tips for managing asthma and allergies during the holidays

(BPT) - What's in those delicious holiday cookies?

How come it's hard to breathe while decking the halls?

Is that adorable puppy in the big red bow causing you to have a big red nose?

"The holiday season is full of fun festivities and beloved traditions, many of which present unique challenges to people with allergies or asthma," explained Dr. Mark Corbett, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). "Fortunately, with a thoughtful mindset and proactive approach, you can enjoy a season full of merriment and good cheer."

Corbett and the experts at ACAAI share tips for managing asthma and allergy triggers throughout the winter holidays: Don't let achoos interrupt celebrations Indoor allergens are often invisible. When rotating holiday decor in your home, make sure to wipe down items to remove triggers like dust and mold. Additionally, whether you're decorating for Hanukkah or Christmas, opt for allergy- and asthma-friendly decorations to set the holiday mood. Try battery-operated flameless candles rather than traditional candles which produce smoke and can cause an asthma flare.

While you can take steps to limit allergy and asthma triggers in your own home, you have less control when traveling. Whether it's an afternoon celebration or weeklong escape, plan ahead by bringing everything you need, including allergy medicine and asthma inhalers. Some people opt to travel with their own allergy-proof pillow or pillow case and other personal items to ensure comfort if staying overnight.

Plan a paws-itively fun holiday Whether it's cozy snuggles, playing games or capturing a special picture, pets can help make holidays bright.

However, when pets are around, dander is a concern.

Even if pets spend much of their time outdoors, they may be inside more as t emperatures drop, and this means increased dander throughout your home.

To help with pet allergies, try to keep your pets only in certain rooms rather than giving them access to the whole home. It can be especially effective to keep them out of bedrooms to facilitate better sleep. If you're staying at someone else's home with a pet, close the door to the room where you're sleeping. You should also be mindful of limiting how much you pet your cat or dog, and when you do, wash your hands immediately afterward.

Food allergies don't bring good cheer

If you or a loved one has a food allergy, it's important to remain vigilant in asking about ingredients before trying foods. Never assume that just because you cook something without certain ingredients, other people will do the same. People with severe allergies might be sensitive to even trace amounts of certain foods, so it's important to ask. When in doubt, pass on a treat with unknown ingredients. And always carry two epinephrine auto injectors in case of an emergency.

When visiting someone's home for a gathering, make sure they are aware of your allergy so they can plan accordingly. To ease the ask, offer to bring a dish to share that you know is safe to eat. That way if options are limited, you know there is something you can enjoy. And remember, if you are hosting an event in your home, extend kindness by asking if any of your guests have allergies so you can prepare a thoughtful menu.

It's the most sniffle-filled time of the year In addition to the ongoing pandemic, the holiday season aligns with respiratory illness season. If you have asthma, it's particularly important to wash your hands regularly. The best way to eliminate germs is to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. That's about the time it takes to sing the chorus of Jingle Bells twice.

If you haven't already, get a COVID vaccination and your annual flu vaccination. It's OK to get them at the same time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you've been invited to other people's homes, you may want to ask in advance if they are vaccinated against COVID. Some people choose to wear masks indoors and at private gatherings, so continue to do this if it makes you more comfortable.

The Citizen Wishing You and Your Family A

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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

CITIZEN On The Move

CALUMET CITY MAYOR DISTRIBUTE TURKEYS AND OTHER THANKSGIVING ITEMS IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY Photos Provided by STH Media

Thousands of residents in Cook County and nationwide are still attempting to rebound from the Pandemic. thank you goes out to the Village of Calumet City's Mayor Thaddeus Jones, CC's City Council and other Regional Elected Officials and its residents for helping their own during this season of giving.

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

ENTERTAINMENT

John Legend Named LG SIGNATURE Brand Ambassador

Upcoming Holiday Collaboration With Legend Hits All the Right Notes, Illustrates Timeless Value of LG SIGNATURE Products ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. PRNewswire -- LG SIGNATURE, the premium brand of LG Electronics, announced award-winning artist John Legend as its newest Brand Ambassador.

Legend will collaborate with LG SIGNATURE on an upcoming holiday campaign, Legendary Gift: the SIGNATURE, featuring a collaboration between LG’s premium brand and Legend’s wine label, LVE: Legend Vineyard Exclusive. As one of the most celebrated and cherished artists of his generation, Legend stands out as the first African American male and one of only 16 individuals to achieve EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status.

To celebrate the partnership, a new holiday song by John Legend titled “You Deserve It All” is being released today and is available on 11 streaming platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Pandora, among others. * The song, produced by Grammy Award-winner Raphael Saadiq, was co-written by Legend and Diamond-selling singer/songwriter Meghan Trainor exclusively for LG SIGNATURE. Drew Kirsch – who helmed videos for Taylor Swift and Shakira – is directing the music video which will be released later this holiday season.

Legend will extend his ambassadorship into the next year via a unique collaboration between his LVE wine label and LG SIGNATURE. An event in Napa Valley hosted by Legend in Spring 2022 will showcase LG SIGNATURE Wine Cellar with its proprietary technology to maintain precise temperature and humidity control so fans can enjoy the optimal flavor and taste of Legend’s wines at home.

“I’m excited to partner

Courtesy of LG SIGNATURE

with LG SIGNATURE this holiday season,” Legend said.

“This new song is all about lavishing your loved ones with the best you have to give.

LG SIGNATURE’s products are innovative, creative, and so special. The holidays are all about coming together to host family and friends in the comfort of your own home, and LG SIGNATURE products will make that even more enjoyable.”

Lee Jeong-seok, head of LG Electronics’ Global Marketing Center, said LG Electronics will communicate the aesthetic and technical value of its high-end home appliance products to support LG SIGNATURE’s philosophy that Art Inspires Technology, Technology Completes Art. “Legend is the perfect embodiment of the LG SIGNATURE brand philosophy,” Lee said. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with such a great artist to help communicate the timeless value of LG SIGNATURE to even more consumers worldwide.”

LG SIGNATURE is com-

mitted to partnering with exceptional individuals from diverse spectrums of life to communicate its brand philosophy and showcase the unmatched style and quality of its premium home solutions. Among its global ambassadors are international style icon Olivia Palermo, top professional female golfers Ko Jin-young and Park Sung-hyun and acclaimed ballerina and principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland.

LG SIGNATURE is the first ultra-premium brand across multiple product categories from global innovator LG Electronics. Designed for the most discerning consumers, LG SIGNATURE products deliver a state-ofthe-art living experience that feels pure, sophisticated and luxurious. Combining the very best of everything LG has to offer, LG SIGNATURE products are designed with a focus on their “true essence” aligned with the brand’s modern, distinctive design.

For more information, visit www.LGSIGNATURE.com.

1091 Pictures Presents Award-Winning Film Feature ‘CURTIS’ The 2020 Jury Award Winner for Best U.S. Narrative at the American Black Film Festival and Audience Award Winner at the Atlanta Film Festival Creates Conversation Around Mental Illness LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- 1091 Pictures has released a new official trailer for CURTIS, a poignant drama starring DWIGHT HENRY (Beasts of the Southern Wild). The feature-length directorial debut of Chris Bailey follows the title character as he fights the demons of his past to unravel a present-day mystery.

The film will is available to purchase or rent.

Set in Detroit, Curtis follows a former star basketball player whose battle with mental illness keeps him trapped between reality and the cobwebs of his own memory. That battle is only exacerbated when he discovers that his high school championship ring is missing.

As he tries to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of his memorabilia, Curtis befriends a neighborhood boy who helps him along the way. But even with the anchoring effect of his newfound friend keeping him in the present, the search plunges Curtis deeper into the murky space between reality and his adapted version of it.

Dwight Henry delivers a tour de force performance as the film’s protagonist, embodying the many nuances of a troubled soul whose brilliance cannot be dimmed by the circumstances of his life. Alex Henderson shines just as bright in his portrayal of Dre, serving as the perfect foil to Curtis while still telling a story of his own. Together, the two actors capture

exactly what writer/director Chris Bailey aimed to do in making this film.

“CURTIS is about regret, mental illness, and ultimately believing in yourself. My whole mantra for the film is: Everybody has a story.

So, I’m very grateful to the entire team at 1091 Pictures for seeing the importance of sharing a story like Curtis with the world,” said writer-director Chris Bailey.

“We were impressed with Chris’ vision and scrupulous storytelling in this powerful and important film and appreciated the way he was able to tackle such difficult subject matter in a relatable and heartfelt way,” said 1091’s head of content Eric Min. “Mental health is often overlooked in underrepresented communities and we’re proud that this film is contributing to the conversation to draw more awareness to these issues.”

CURTIS producers include Chelsea Davenport, Kimberly Hwang, and Desi Bee Richardson.

The deal was negotiated by Paradigm Talent Agency on behalf of the filmmakers with Lev Avery-Peck and Gregory Maurice on behalf of 1091 Pictures.

The film won the Jury Award for Best U.S. Narrative at the American Black Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Atlanta Film Festival.

Homestead Entertainment and A Line Cinema Release ‘Narc’ on Tubi LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- Tubi, A Fox Entertainment Company, has released the movie “Narc” ahead of schedule. This crime drama turns into a thriller as the main character looks for justice in a search for his parent’s killers.

Narc the movie is a complex film that deals with trust, loyalty, and destruction. Toggling the line between justice and vigilante the main character, Officer Tracey Smith, played by Antoine Jackson learns what the badge and trust truly mean.

Mainstay actor, Lemastor Spratling rounds the main cast with Jamal Woolard (Notorious), QuaNae Coleman, London Aaron, Will Coleman and Eva Lora create a complicated Narcotic Task Force that fight from every angle of power and for the community at large.

Guest appearances by Noel Gugliemi give the film the edge that it needs and audiences

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

love. Cast includes Jason ‘JaySkillz’ Collins, Tristin Fazekas, Rene Henry, Tory Monay, Mena Monroe, King Scott, and Deborah Lane Spencer.

Brandon Cornett is multifaceted as the Director and joined forces with producers Kareem Alexander, Tristin Fazekas and Carlos Willis to bring this Detroit film to frui-

tion. Jason Collins teamed up with Brandon to write a crime drama that has the elements of a thriller. Not knowing who is out for you is the premise for the movie. Family sometimes manifest as the main culprits along with the pursuit of money and power. Wanting a better life and fighting on the mean streets of Detroit make this film noteworthy.

Homestead Entertainment is a distribution service, super-serving the community with the best selection in tv and film covering all genres.

Homestead is a global distribution company with offices in Los Angeles and New York.

Homestead’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US. For more information about Homestead Entertainment visit https://HomesteadEntertainment.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Darrell Garth President /Publisher

DATE: 10/21/2021

Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager

Signature of Petitioner, ALEXANDER BARKSDALE JR.

Tia Carol Jones Managing Editior

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What would you like the power to do? ®

Paul Lambert President, Bank of America Chicago

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/chicago

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

© 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.