South Suburban Citizen 12-4-2019

Citizen

Congressional Black Caucus Members: Mistreatment of Black Immigrants Another ‘Stain on America’ — Page 2 Week of Dec. 4, 2019

| Vol. 39 | No. 2 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

FRESHMAN STATE LEGISLATOR HOPES NEW LAW WILL RESULT IN GREATER PARITY

In her first year in office, state Representative Debbie MeyersMartin (38th) helped pass legislation Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law in July that is aimed at preventing workplace discrimination as it pertains to salaries.

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State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin (38th) helped pass legislation Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law which now prohibits employers from asking prospective applicants or former employers about salary history. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

BUSINESS

NEWS

Ross University School of Medicine and Oakwood University partner to increase physician diversity in the US

EmpowerYouth!

Igniting Creativity through the Arts begins its third year PAGE 7

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FASHION

No B.S. Skin Care Announces Partnership with Sarah Hyland PAGE 8

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advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com thechicagocitizen@thechicagocitiz www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9 www.citizennewspapergroup.com

2 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

NEWS briefly EDUCATION

CLASSDOJO LAUNCHES LATEST ‘BIG IDEAS’ SERIES TO HELP CHILDREN UNDERSTAND AND EXPRESS THEIR EMOTIONS IN AND BEYOND SCHOOL ClassDojo recently announced a new Big Ideas series to help children recognize, understand and express their emotions in and beyond school. In the latest Big Ideas series, ClassDojo has produced 12 animated video episodes and discussion guides to help children understand their emotions and build emotional intelligence. According to a press release, ClassDojo is the leading communication app for primary schools around the world, used in 95% of pre-K-8 schools in the United States and a further 180 countries. It helps teachers, families, and children build a close-knit classroom community by sharing pictures, videos, moments from school and home.

Each Big Ideas series consists of different learning experiences: some include short, animated stories that end in a question, others have hands-on exercises, and others create reflection and interactive discussions designed to bring overlooked and hardto-teach social and emotional learning concepts to life in the classroom and at home.

For more information on ClassDojo’s new Big Ideas series, please visit https://www.classdojo.com/ideasand https://www.classdojo. com/about.

HEALTH

SURVEY: MORE THAN HALF OF AMERICANS HAVE AVOIDED MEDICAL CARE DUE TO COST If there is one thing a majority of Americans can agree on, it’s that healthcare costs are too expensive and they want upfront pricing. HealthPocket, a free information source designed to help consumers find medical coverage recently released results of a pulse survey which found A recent pulse survey has found that that 85% of U.S. adults 85% of U.S. adults think that healththink that healthcare costs care costs in general are too high. in general are too high.

Underscoring that point, 51% of those surveyed have avoided medical care due to lack of ability to pay.

The survey found that prices are a priority, with 91% saying that costs for medical services should be as readily available as prices are on a restaurant menu. In fact, 78% have been afraid to go to the hospital because of cost, with an overwhelming majority (96%) saying that hospitals should be upfront about the cost before treatment. Given the option, 86% said they would compare prices before going to the hospital if prices were posted online.

Entire survey results are available at https://www.healthpocket. com/health-insurance-insights/medical-debt-in-us-2019

LAW & POLITICS

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS EXPRESSES OUTRAGE OVER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION SNAP PROPOSAL CUTTING FREE SCHOOL MEAL ELIGIBILITY FOR ONE MILLION SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue regarding the Department’s proposed rule to eliminate broadbased categorical eligibility (BBCE) in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its adverse impact on access to school meals for nearly 1 million school-age children.

According to USDA estimates, over 3 million people, including seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, and working families with children, would be kicked off SNAP under the proposed rule.

Nearly 1 million children in affected SNAP households would lose automatic eligibility for free school meals.

The full text of the letter can be found here https://cbc.house.gov/ uploadedfiles/cbc_letter_to_usda_on_snap_cat-el_proposed_rule.pdf

Congressional Black Caucus Members Visit U.S.-Mexico Border: “Mistreatment of Black Immigrants is Another ‘Stain on America’”

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Chairwoman Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) led a delegation of Congressional Black Caucus members to the U.S.-Mexico border recently in San Ysidro, California, where they said they witnessed first-hand the deplorable treatment and plight of Black immigrants.

Bass, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY), each said they wanted to examine the treatment – and call attention to the mistreatment – of African immigrants at the border, including the October 1 death of 37-year-old Cameroon immigrant Nebane Abienwi.

Attorney Nana Gyamfi, the executive director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, joined the group at the border.

“It was a very frustrating experience today,” Bass said from the border during an exclusive conference call with publishers, editors, and writers for the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association that represents the newspaper and media companies that comprise the Black Press of America.

“We crossed the border into Tijuana, Mexico, and we met with a group of Black immigrants from Cameroon, Sierra Leone, and other African countries. Some who have made unbelievable journeys,” Bass stated.

The CBC Chair and her colleagues blasted the Trump administration and its policies toward immigrants, particularly those from countries that consist predominately of people of color.

Bass described the sobering plight of a Black migrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“The first child separated from her mother was from a family from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The child was sent to Illinois while the mother, who spoke French, was detained at the border,” Bass stated.

“This happens as our country grapples with [a president] who makes it clear that he welcomes immigrants from places like Norway, but not ‘sh-thole’ countries.

He’s breaking the law. International law states that if you are from a country that’s experiencing distress, you can request asylum. Trump has done everything he can to block that and to make the United States not compliant with international law,” Bass noted.

In the case of Abienwi, the Cameroonian died in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after experiencing a hypertensive event at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego.

Reportedly, he was unresponsive and appeared paralyzed on his left side when he arrived at the hospital.

After undergoing treatment for a brain hemorrhage, Bass said Abienwi was taken off life support against his family’s wishes and died.

Doctors listed his official cause of death as brain death due to a brain hemorrhage. “Thousands of African and Caribbean immigrants who immigrate to the United States of America are treated as if they are invisible,” Bass stated.

“Many arrived in South America and then walked north, all to be dehumanized and mistreated at our southern border. We [went] to the border to hear what they have been through. They are an important piece of www.citizennewspapergroup.com

this story,” Bass said.

In a statement, officials at ICE said they’re still in the process of reviewing Abienwi’s death.

According to various published reports, the Department of Homeland Security records had revealed that Abienwi applied for admission into the country at the San Ysidro Port of Entry without proper paperwork on September 5.

He was taken into custody by ICE on September 19, 2019. Bass said his death remains a mystery and is cause for concern. CBC members also pointed to a recent Pew Research Center study that revealed that there are more than 4.2 million Black immigrants in the United States, with Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America making positive contributions to the United States. However, those immigrants are at a higher risk for arrest, detention, and abuse because of racial profiling and racial bias, according to the Pew report.

“We need to shed some light on what is taking place here as it relates to Black immigrants from the Caribbean and Africa,” stated Lee, the chair and majority leader of the House Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity.

“They came here fleeing from violence in their own countries, getting to a place where they thought they could be treated humanely,” Lee stated. “It’s been the opposite. They are dehumanized, treated in a racist fashion, and then stuck at a border town.

“I hope the Black community understands that this is another example of Trump’s racist policies to make America White again. We see that every step of the way in this process. “Black America has to rise up. This has got to stop.”

Lee added that she’s putting out a call to Black professionals, be it psychiatrists, social workers, and others that their help is needed to help people of color at the border.

“They desperately need our help. Certainly, some Black professionals can provide services that are needed to help them,” Lee stated. “A lot of them will get very sick, a lot are traumatized and already unhealthy. They will need to be able to survive – they’re barely surviving now. I’m issuing the call. This is yet another stain on America.”

Clarke, the chair of the House Task Force on Immigration for the CBC, said it’s tough to fathom what Black immigrants face at the border.

“These people are resilient, they have gone through quite a few things in their homeland that drove them to try and get to the land of the free and the home of the brave,” Clarke stated.

“We have to speak for them. They don’t have a voice.

These are people who will be persecuted if they return to their homeland where there is genocide, other hardships, and violence,” she stated.

“We have to be their voices. The Trump policies are totally illegal.” Gyamfi, of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, said she was moved by what she witnessed.

“You can look in their eyes. They had a sense that finally, they’re looking at people who look like us, and who actually care,” Gyamfi stated. “They heard the voices of our leadership. But they see the anti-Blackness throughout the entire system. This is a humanitarian crisis where human rights violations are happening daily.”

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

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NEWS

Freshman State Legislator Hopes New Law Will Result In Greater Parity Continued from page 1

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

In her first year in office, state Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin (38th) helped pass legislation Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law in July that is aimed at preventing workplace discrimination as it pertains to salaries.

House Bill 834 now prohibits employers from asking prospective applicants or former employers about salary history. According to Meyers-Martin, by doing so, it has perpetuated disadvantages for women during the hiring process.

“While much has been done to help improve conditions in the workplace for women, the pay gap continues to go unaddressed,” said Mey-

ers-Martin, whose south suburban district includes Olympia Fields, Matteson and Tinley Park.

“Women are considered vital to this country’s economy, but it’s not reflected in their paychecks.”

According to the nonprofit National Partnership for Women & Families, the median annual pay for a woman with a full-time job is $45,097, while the median annual pay for a man with a full-time job is $55,291. This means that overall, women in the United States are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to an annual gender wage gap of $10,194.

Meyers-Martin said she made pay equality legislation a top priority in her freshman year.

“History has worked against women when it comes to equal pay in the workforce,” said Meyers-Martin.

However, employers are still allowed to ask job applicants what is their ‘desired salary’ but cannot ask what was their starting and ending pay at previous jobs.

“This question makes a big difference,” explained Meyers-Martin. “If someone is asked by an employer their desired salary, it’s more compensatory with their skill set because you know what you are worth as opposed to employers being able to view your past wages.”

She added that for years minorities have been discriminated against when it comes to equal pay, and hopefully this new law will prevent it from happening further.

The new state law, Equal Pay Act, also works “hand in hand” with state legislation to increase the state minimum wage, according to Mey-

ers-Martin. Currently, the state minimum wage is $8.25 per hour, but will increase to $9.25 on Jan. 1, 2020 and $10 on July 1, 2020. But for people working in Chicago, the minimum wage is $13 per hour and Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she wants to see it increased to $15 in the next four years. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and has not increased since July 2009.

“At the end of the day, what we [in Springfield] are trying to do for the citizens of Illinois is to give them the ability to make a ‘living’ wage and to have a wage that is sustainable for improvement in the quality of their life,” explained Meyers-Martin. “Realistically minimum wage should be ‘a lot’ more and hopefully over the next few years we can pass legislation to do just that.”

New WHO-led study says majority of adolescents worldwide are not sufficiently physically active, putting their current and future health at risk The first ever global trends for adolescent insufficient physical activity show that urgent action is needed to increase physical activity levels in girls and boys aged 11 to 17 years.

The study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal and produced by researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO), finds that more than 80% of school-going adolescents globally did not meet current recommendations of at least one hour of physical activity per day – including 85% of girls and 78% of boys.

The study – which is based on data reported by 1.6 million 11 to 17-year-old students – finds that across all 146 countries studied between 2001-2016, girls were less active than boys in all but four (Tonga, Samoa, Afghanistan and Zambia).

The difference in the proportion of boys and girls meeting the recommendations was greater than 10 percentage points in almost one in three countries in 2016 (29%, 43 of 146 countries), with the biggest gaps seen in the United States of America and Ireland (more than 15 percentage points). Most countries in the study (73%, 107 of 146) saw this gender gap widen between 2001-2016.

Young people’s health compromised by insufficient physical activity The authors say that levels of insufficient physical activity in adolescents continue to be extremely high, compromising their current and future health. “Urgent policy action to increase physical activity is needed now, particularly to promote and retain girls’ participation in physical activity,” says study author Dr Regina Guthold, WHO. The health benefits of a physically active lifestyle during adolescence include improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone and cardiometabolic health, and positive effects on weight. There is also growing evidence that physical activity has a positive impact on cognitive development and socializing.

Current evidence suggests that many of these benefits continue into adulthood.

To achieve these benefits, the WHO recommends for adolescents to do moderate or vigorous physical activity for an hour or more each day.

The authors estimated how many 11- to 17-year-olds do not meet this recommendation by analysing data collected through school-based surveys on physical activity levels. The assessment included all types of physical activity, such as time spent in active play, recreation and sports, active domestic chores, walking and cycling or other types of active transportation, physical education and planned exercise.

To improve levels of physical activity among adolescents, the study recommends that: l Urgent scaling up is needed of known effective policies and

A new study reports that levels of insufficient physical activity in adolescents continue to be extremely high, compromising their current and future health.

programmes to increase physical activity in adolescents; l Multisectoral action is needed to offer opportunities for young people to be active, involving education, urban planning, road safety and others; The highest levels of society, including national, city and local leaders, should promote the importance of physical activity for the health and well-being of all people, including adolescents.

“The study highlights that young people have the right to play and should be provided with the opportunities to realise their right to physical and mental health and wellbeing,” says co-author Dr Fiona Bull, WHO. “Strong political will and action can address the fact that four in every five adolescents do not experience the enjoyment and social, physical, and mental health benefits of regular physical activity. Policy makers and stakeholders should be encouraged to act now for the health of this and future young generations.”

Physical activity trends show slight improvement for boys, none for girls The new study estimated for the first time how trends changed between 2001-2016 – applying the trends from 73 countries who did repeat surveys during that period to all 146 countries.

Globally, the prevalence of insufficient physical activity slightly decreased in boys between 2001 and 2016 (from 80% to 78%), but there was no change over time in girls (remaining around 85%).

The countries showing the greatest decreases in boys being insufficiently active were Bangladesh (from 73% to 63%), Singapore (78% to 70%), Thailand (78% to 70%), Benin (79% to 71%), Ireland (71% to 64%), and the USA (71% to 64%). However, among girls, changes were small, ranging from a 2 percentage-point decrease www.citizennewspapergroup.com

in Singapore (85% to 83%) to a 1 percentage-point increase in Afghanistan (87% to 88%).

The authors note that if these trends continue, the global target of a 15% relative reduction in insufficient physical activity – which would lead to a global prevalence of less than 70% by 2030 – will not be achieved. This target was agreed to by all countries at the World Health Assembly in 2018.

In 2016, Philippines was the country with the highest prevalence of insufficient activity among boys (93%), whereas South Korea showed highest levels among girls (97%) and both genders combined (94%). Bangladesh was the country with the lowest prevalence of insufficient physical activity among boys, girls, and both genders combined (63%, 69% and 66%, respectively).

Some of the lowest levels of insufficient activity in boys were found in Bangladesh, India and the USA. The authors note that the lower levels of insufficient physical activity in Bangladesh and India (where 63% and 72% of boys were insufficiently active in 2016, respectively) may be explained by the strong focus on national sports like cricket. However, the US rates (64%) may be driven by good physical education in schools, pervasive media coverage of sports, and good availability of sports clubs (such as ice hockey, American football, basketball, or baseball).

For girls, the lowest levels of insufficient activity were seen in Bangladesh and India, and are potentially explained by societal factors, such as increased domestic chores in the home for girls.

Insufficient activity among adolescents a major concern “The trend of girls being less active than boys is concerning,” said study co-author Dr Leanne Riley, WHO. “More opportunities to meet the needs and interests of girls are needed to attract and sustain their participation in physical activity through adolescence and into adulthood.”

To increase physical activity for young people, governments need to identify and address the many causes and inequities – social, economic, cultural, technological, and environmental – that can perpetuate the differences between boys and girls, the authors said.

“Countries must develop or update their policies and allocate the necessary resources to increase physical activity,” says Dr Bull.

“Policies should increase all forms of physical activity, including through physical education that develops physical literacy, more sports, active play and recreation opportunities – as well as providing safe environments so young people can walk and cycle independently. Comprehensive action requires engagement with multiple sectors and stakeholders, including schools, families, sport and recreation providers, urban planners, and city and community leaders.”

4 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

BUSINESS

This page is sponsored by

Ross University School of Medicine and Oakwood University partner to increase physician diversity in the US African Americans make up only six percent of U.S. physicians. With the goal of driving diversity among U.S. physicians, Oakwood University and Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) recently announced a new agreement to help more African Americans attend medical school.

The agreement was signed on October 24, at Oakwood’s campus by Leslie N. Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., MBA., president of Oakwood University, and William F. Owen, M.D., FACP, dean and chancellor of RUSM. Oakwood and RUSM are establishing an educational pathway program, making it easier for Oakwood graduates to study medicine at RUSM. Qualified Oakwood students who earn full acceptance into the medical school will receive a scholarship covering full tuition for the first semester.

Oakwood University has consistently been a top producer of Blacks that are accepted and go on to attend medical school. Oakwood is currently the fifth ranking Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the U.S., according to the American Association of American Medical Colleges and as reported by the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.

Oakwood is coupling the longstanding excellence of its pre-med program with its UNCF grant-supported Career Pathways Initiative to grow its relationships with

With the goal of driving diversity among U.S. physicians, Oakwood University and Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) recently announced a new agreement to help more African Americans attend medical school.

institutions such as RUSM. Developing partnerships such as this will provide additional opportunities for continued student success and professional growth.

“We engage this hopeful relationship with Ross University School of Medicine on behalf of interested Oakwood students. Our students will join the generations that have been blessed through their work,” said Oakwood University President Leslie Pollard.

“African-American doctors are woefully

underrepresented in the physician workforce, leading fewer African Americans to see a doctor,” said RUSM Dean and Chancellor, William F. Owen, Jr., M.D., FACP. “This has significant negative healthcare outcomes in communities already prone to high rates of chronic diseases. Working with Oakwood and other HBCUs, using novel student engagements, validated support programs and senior-level commitments to success, we’re working to address that long overdue challenge to increase

the diversity of our nation’s physicians.”

As part of its continued commitment to addressing diversity, RUSM’s parent company, Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), signed on to the HBCU Partnership Challenge created by the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, pledging to invest in creating strategic collaborations with HBCUs and working to increase diversity in key workforce sectors. Over the past year, RUSM has announced six similar agreements with minority serving institutions, including Charles R. Drew University, Dillard University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tuskegee University, Saint Peter’s University and California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, RUSM’s 14,000-plus diverse alumni practice medicine throughout North America and across all specialties, including a high percentage of graduates who enter the in-demand field of primary care. More than a quarter of RUSM students identify as black or Hispanic, with RUSM earning a 96 percent USMLE Step 1 first-time pass rate in 2018.

RUSM also achieved a 92 percent residency attainment rate for first-time-eligible 20182019 graduates, and of the 647 RUSM medical students who attained residency in March of 2019, 82 were black and 61 were Hispanic.

Academy Securities Announces Sponsorship of The Naval Academy’s First Annual Black Female Network Breakfast Academy Securities, a registered broker-dealer, certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), recently sponsored the First Annual Black Female Network Breakfast at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. The firm supports the group of Naval Academy alumni while helping to provide pathways of success and networking opportunities.

At the breakfast event, notable guests and alumni gathered to celebrate the legacy that these females carry and their responsibility to pave the way for future generations. The order of events included a breakfast and a panel discussion with a Q&A session.

“As a Minority Business Enterprise, we understand how important diversity is to a company and our society,” said Chance Mims, Academy’s founder and CEO. “We are honored to support such a valuable event that helps nurture the careers of this group of Midshipmen.”

Academy Securities’ leadership consists of several Naval Academy graduates including CEO, Chance www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Mims, President, Phil McConkey, CFO and COO, Anthony Graham and CCO, Michael Boyd.

Additionally, Academy’s advisory board is represented by distinguished Naval Academy alumni including VADM (Ret.) Edward M. Straw, RADM (Ret.) Julius Caesar, LtGen (Ret.) Robert S. Walsh, RADM Mark Heinrich, and VADM (Ret.) Robert S. Harward.

Academy Securities is a disabled veteran owned investment bank with strengths in capital markets, public finance, fixed income and equity trading. Leadership and staff have had intensive military training prior to entering and gaining in depth financial services experience in global capital markets.

According to a press release, it is the nation’s first post-9/11 disabled veteran owned investment bank and is a certified as a DVBE, SDVOSB, and MBE. The firm has offices in New York, San Diego, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sacramento, South Norwalk, Charlotte, and Chapel Hill. Information about Academy Securities is available at www. academysecurities.com.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

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NEWS

If you’re committed to helping improve the lives of others in your community, donating to organizations working to help those in need may take long-term thinking.

Get Inspired to Give Back this Holiday Season Family Features - For many, the holiday season sparks the spirit of giving - not only among family and friends, but to those living in need and the organizations working to help them.

If you’re committed to helping improve the lives of others in your community, it may mean thinking long-term.

After the lights come down and the New Year’s ball drops, the programs and services provided by most nonprofits and cause-based organizations continue to run year-round. Their ability to help those they serve not only relies on meeting a single season’s fundraising goals but also on the ongoing commitments from donors who provide the financial stability they need to plan and grow. These five tips can help your gifts provide long-term benefits for the causes you support: Make a personal connection.

Hand-deliver your donation to a local chapter and introduce yourself as a supporter. Even consider bringing your kids to inspire generations of giving. Inquire about how you can make the greatest impact and learn about ongoing events and opportunities to get involved.

Spread your contribution over time. If a strict monthly budget has you concerned about breaking the bank, consider signing up for a recurring donation to benefit those served by an organization like The Salvation Army throughout the year. A $25 monthly gift can feed 126 people over the course of one year or provide 11

nights of shelter for those in need in your community.

Introduce co-workers to the cause. Many businesses support employees’ volunteer efforts and match contributions, which makes it easy for you to become a champion for cause-related work in your community. Gathering colleagues who share your passion for a cause is a team-building activity that allows you to build personal connections with people you might not have a chance to interact with regularly otherwise.

Sharing the load also means you can take turns volunteering, attending events or making contributions for a larger overall impact than you could make on your own.

Give the gift of giving. Rather than giving material goods, consider a meaningful contribution in your gift recipient’s honor. Or share an experience to benefit the cause: spend date night volunteering or gift someone tickets to a nonprofit organization’s performance or gala event.

Pay it forward with younger generations. Introducing kids to the joy of giving can pay dividends for decades to come. Teach the little ones in your life about the big impact they can make by letting them get hands-on. Kids delight in getting to donate loose change, by dropping it in an iconic red kettle, for example (this year, you can even donate through Apple Pay or Google Pay) and you can take advantage of their interest by explaining the impact of their donation. An average of 82 cents

of every $1 donated to The Salvation Army goes directly to help neighbors who need it most.

Donations to nonprofit organi-

zations are tax-exempt no matter when they are contributed during the year.

Learn more about giving oppor-

tunities all year long by joining the Fight for Good at SalvationArmyUSA.org.

SOURCE: The Salvation Army

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6 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

Holiday Instant Tickets from the Illinois Lottery Make Great Gifts for the Adults on Your List Did you know that it’s illegal to give an instant ticket to a minor?

The holidays are here! Have you made your list? Have you checked it twice? Holiday instant tickets from the Illinois Lottery are a fun and easy way to check off everyone on your list. Everyone except for minors, that is.

“At the Illinois Lottery, we always want to encourage responsible holiday gift-giving,” explained Harold Mays, Acting Director of the Illinois Lottery. “What players may not realize is that in Illinois it’s illegal to give an instant ticket to anyone under the age of 18.”

During the holidays, instant tickets can be given in a variety of ways to surprise and delight your loved ones, such as hiding them in a cookie tin, a new pair of comfy holiday pajamas or cozy slippers, or including them as an add-on to a hostess gift, such as candy or flowers. Keep in mind that instant tickets are not gifts for the children on your list.

The Illinois Lottery supports the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Holiday Lottery Responsible Gambling Campaign because early gambling experiences are a risk factor for gambling problems later in life. Many young people even report that their first gambling experiences occur around 9 to 11 years of age.

Be Smart, Play Smart™ This Holiday Season The Illinois Lottery reminds players to Be Smart, Play Smart™ and to gift smart when purchasing instant tickets during the holiday season. Throughout the year, encourage players to play for fun, not funds, and to set a budget and stick to it. For more information on how to gift and game responsibly, please go to https://www.illinoislottery.com/ and visit our Responsible Gaming Page.

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

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NEWS

EmpowerYouth! Igniting Creativity through the Arts begins its third year In November, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Urban League kicked off the third year of their innovative youth program, EmpowerYouth! Igniting Creativity through the Arts. This collaborative program provides Chicago youth an opportunity to learn about the performing arts while creating an original production.

EmpowerYouth! is a year-long program engaging 30 African-American high school students from Chicago in a process that encourages them to tell their story in their own words. The 2019|20 admitted participants are part of an all-time high in program applicants, including 13 who are returning from last year.

Students will meet weekly with professional artists who specialize in acting, composition, vocal training, dance, and writing. Throughout the program, participants take part in a collaborative process that will result in an original stage production. This year’s work will be performed on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at Kennedy-King College. Kennedy-King is a part of the City Colleges of Chicago.

Guiding students as the program’s acting mentor and stage director is one of Chicago’s theater community leaders, Regina Victor (Breach:..., To Catch A Fish, A Persephone Pageant), who was recently named one of Windy City Times’ “30 Queer Leaders Under 30” and

New City Stage’s “Chicago Players 2019: The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago.”

Tanji Harper, artistic director of the Chicago youth performance nonprofit The Happiness Club, will serve as the movement mentor and choreographer for the third year. Kedrick Armstrong, Project Inclusion Fellow in Conducting with Chicago Sinfonietta and assistant music director of Wheaton College Opera, will also return as music mentor and music supervisor.

Librettist/scriptwriter Kristiana Rae Colόn (good friday, florissant & canfield, Octagon, but i cd only whisper, Tilikum) and composer/ songwriter Adrian Dunn (Hopera: A Hip Hop Opera, Revelations: A collection of spirituals & gospel songs in seeking justice for Black lives) will work with participants to incorporate their stories and ideas into the original script and music.

Jacob Watson, an experienced program facilitator and recent graduate of Harvard University’s Masters in Arts Education program (Tellin’ Tales Theatre, Project Zero, FYI Performance Company, Redmoon, Center for Community Arts Partnerships at Columbia College Chicago), will serve as the facilitator for the program.

The intent of the EmpowerYouth! program is to support young people in telling their stories as young, Black Chicagoans. The final performance will be fully assembled by the students,

“I’M MORE CONFIDENT, I’M ABLE TO BRANCH OUT MORE [BECAUSE OF THIS PROGRAM]. ONCE YOU DO EMPOWERYOUTH!, THEY MAKE SURE THEY STAY CONNECTED TO WHAT YOU DO NEXT.” RESHAY THOMPSON 2018|19 EmpowerYouth! program student

with the guidance of the professional artistic staff, that will tell the story of their lives and how they deal with issues that are pertinent to them. Music — including singing, rap, acting, and dance — will all play a prominent role in the final performance.

EmpowerYouth! is a program jointly planned and administered by Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Urban League. This year’s production represents the continued commitment of Lyric and the Chicago Urban League to offer exposure to the performing arts for Chicago Black youth, as well as a deeper understanding of the value and impact of their collective voices.

In addition to the intensive weekly sessions, EmpowerYouth! students will also attend theater and music productions across the city, including

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attending The Barber of Seville on Lyric’s own main stage.

“The Chicago Urban League serves about 1,300 youth each year, and one of the things we often see is limited access to opportunity, including in the arts,” said Barbara Lumpkin, interim president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “This partnership with Lyric provides an amazing opportunity for high school students in the neighborhoods we serve to be exposed to new experiences, meet and learn from leaders in Chicago’s theater community, and draw from their own experiences to showcase their talents.

We are deeply grateful to Lyric for this ongoing collaboration.”

“I’m more confident, I’m able to branch out more [because of this program],” said Reshay Thompson, a 2018|19 EmpowerYouth! program student. “Once you do EmpowerYouth!, they make sure they stay connected to what you do next.”

“It is exciting to see the third year unfold for this incredibly special program,” said Cayenne Harris, vice president of Lyric Unlimited. “EmpowerYouth! participants have exceeded all of our expectations these past two years, through the process of creating an original opera. We all look forward to see where our 2019/20 program students will take EmpowerYouth! this year.”

8 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

FASHION Walker & Company Brands Appoints Tia Cummings as New Vice President of Marketing Walker & Company Brands (makers of Bevel and Form Beauty), a Procter & Gamble company, recently announced that Tia Cummings has joined their leadership team as Vice President of Marketing.

“We are excited to welcome Tia to our leadership team to help grow the Walker & Company portfolio of brands,” Joanne Hsieh, COO of Walker & Company, said. “She brings a great cross section of CPG, beauty and hospitality marketing experience, which will enable us to further deepen our connection with and solve the unique personal care needs of our target consumer.”

An Effie Awardwinning marketer, Cummings is Tia Cummings (pictured) recognized for her has joined the leaderstrategic approach to ship team of Walker & Company Brands as Vice global marketing and brand performance.

President of Marketing.

With 15+ years of experience, she has cultivated her expertise across major companies such as L’Oreal, Johnson & Johnson, and Kellogg’s.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Walker & Company team at such an exciting time in the company’s growth,” Tia said. “I look forward to leveraging my many years of marketing experience to help Bevel and Form Beauty become leading health and beauty brands for people of color.”

In this role, Tia will lead and manage all marketing-related strategy and execution for the company’s brands, Bevel and Form Beauty along with product and digital marketing, social media strategy, public relations, and marketing analytics.

Cummings received her B.S. in chemical engineering at Hampton University. She also has an MBA from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University.

About Walker & Company Brands Walker & Company Brands, recently acquired

by Procter & Gamble, designs health and beauty solutions for people of color. The vision is to build the world’s most consumer-centric health and beauty products company, inspiring unprecedented customer loyalty. Walker & Company launched its first brand, Bevel, in 2013.

Bevel provides grooming products, including a full skin care regimen, a shave system, and the Bevel trimmer, and services designed to help reduce skin irritation and razor bumps. FORM, the first women’s prestige hair care collection to celebrate beauty in all its forms, is now available for order at formbeauty.com. To learn more about Walker & Company Brands, visit www. walkerandcompany.com.

Sarah Hyland and No B.S. Skincare

No B.S. Skin Care Announces Partnership with Sarah Hyland No B.S. Skin Care is not afraid to call out the B.S. of the beauty industry and in return, according to a press release, has immediately gained a loyal following praising them for their transparency. Now, No B.S. Skin Care is joining forces with a leader who is as passionate as they are about saying “no” to toxic chemicals, and is pleased to announce their new partnership with Sarah Hyland.

The widely-popular American actress and producer, most known for her role as Haley Dunphy on ABC’s Modern Family, has been open about cleaning up her lifestyle with her health in mind—starting with what she puts in her body and on her skin. Together, Hyland and No B.S. Skin Care are partnering to educate people everywhere on the importance of taking control of their own health, starting with their skin.

“Staying healthy is important to me, and that means taking control of what I put in and on my body. My lifestyle detox started with clean eating, but when I realized how many toxins were hidden in the products I used every day, I knew I had to make a big switch,” says Hyland.

“My fans wanted in on the process, so the pressure was on to find something really good—for me and for them. No B.S. resonated with me because their products

are made with good-for-you ingredients that actually improve skin health. My No B.S. regimen has four powerful basics you can use every day to clean up your skincare game. My hope is that everyone who tries it will feel so good in their skin that they don’t mind going makeup-free.”

Hyland has curated her own personal skincare regimen with No B.S. Skin Care and is sharing it directly with fans. Her personalized regimen will include four of her favorite, most-used No B.S. Skin Care products including the Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Purifying Facial Toner, Vitamin C + E Serum, and the Day + Night Hyaluronic Cream - all included in a bundle on the No B.S. Skin Care website.

In addition, Hyland and No B.S. Skin Care will be offering fans a once in a lifetime opportunity where they can receive a personalized interactive video call-in from Hyland. Throughout the video, she will be sharing her journey of self-improvement and the importance of steering clear of harmful ingredients. Everyone who participates in the video call-in will also receive an exclusive additional 15% off discount on Hyland’s curated skincare bundle.

No B.S. Skin Care is devoted to never using harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates,

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sulfates, synthetics, and toxic petrochemicals commonly found in other skincare products.

The brand is proud to be working with Hyland and aims to strip away the deception of the beauty industry by providing better, healthier skincare powered by truth, not toxins.

“Sarah’s story really resonated with our team and our brand because like so many of our customers, she realized that what she ate, drank, and used on her skin could contribute to toxins building up her body,” says Diana Briceno, CEO of No B.S. Skin Care. “At No B.S., we love sharing stories like Sarah’s to bring awareness to the importance of clean beauty ingredients and products. This is exactly why she is the perfect partner to inspire people to take control of their own health, and cut out all of the unnecessary, toxic B.S. they don’t need, starting with their skin care.”

No B.S. Skin Care encourages everyone to join their community and mission of ditching toxic ingredients and sharing their experiences using the hashtags: #SarahLivesNoBS and #SarahsCall.

To learn more about Sarah Hyland’s curated skincare regimen bundle, please visit www.livenobs.com/sarah. To participate in the personalized interactive video callin with Sarah Hyland, please visit www. sarahscall.com.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

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CALENDAR The St. James Announces Kevin Durant MLK Classic, an Elite High School Basketball Showcase Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The St. James recently announced its partnership with two-time NBA Champion Kevin Durant’s Team Durant at The St. James, to produce the inaugural Kevin Durant MLK Classic.

The KD MLK Classic, which will take place at The St. James from January 18 through January 20, 2020, will showcase match ups between some of North America’s elite high school basketball programs and players to provide these young student athletes with unique leadership, service and educational experiences in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rising stars from the US and Canada will come together at The St. James to compete in “must see” games, tour some of Washington, DC’s most significant and treasured memorials and museums and participate in leadership and service experiences all to deepen their understanding of Dr. King’s mission to expand freedom and equality and uplift human dignity.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to inclusivity and social activism are values I’ve always tried to instill in my players,” said Wayne Pratt, Durant’s father and chairman of basketball at The St. James. “The Kevin Durant MLK Classic continues Dr. King’s legacy by bringing together young people to develop leadership skills on and off the court.”

Participating teams will visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the National Museum of African American History & Culture and the Lincoln Memorial, the site of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. They will also engage in a conversation on leadership and participate in a community impact project.

“We, as a nation, owe Dr. King an enormous debt of gratitude,” said Kendrick Ashton, cofounder and co-chief executive officer of The

The St. James aims to serve as the center of the universe in every community where it is located, opened its first location just outside of Washington, DC in the fall of 2018. Plans include opening its second complex in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnshire in the fall of 2021.

St. James. “We repay that debt by ensuring that the next generation understands the enormous struggle for freedom, justice and equality Dr. King led and encourage them to find ways to continue Dr. King’s work. The Kevin Durant MLK Classic is a wonderful vehicle to do so.”

“It is with tremendous humility and reverence that we launch the KD MLK Classic powered by The St. James,” said Craig Dixon, co-founder and co-chief executive officer of The St. James. “We’re incredibly excited to be paying homage to Dr. King by helping young people pursue their dream of competing at the highest level and providing them with truly unique educational and leadership experiences that we hope will enhance their understanding of the importance of values

driven leadership and strengthen their belief in their ability to achieve their dreams.”

The KD MLK Classic powered by The St. James will feature some of the top high school players in the US and Canada, including: Elijah Fisher, Crestwood Prep, Toronto, Ontario; J.T. Thor, Norcross High School, Norcross, Georgia; Mady Sissoko, Wasatch Academy, Mount Pleasant Utah; Samson Ruzhentsev, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Deivon Smith, Grayson High School, Loganville, Georgia and Washington, DC region’s Cory Barnes Jr., Archbishop Carroll, Washington, D.C.; Tegra Izay, Archbishop Carroll, Washington, D.C.; Erik Reynolds, Bullis School, Potomac, Maryland; Rodney Rice Jr., Bullis School, Potomac, Maryland; Zaakir Williamson, Rock Creek Christian Academy, Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Delonnie Hunt, Rock Creek Christian Academy, Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Darren Buchanan, Wilson High School, Washington, D.C. Teams from the following schools will be playing in the showcase: Norcross High School (Norcross, GA), Crestwood Prep (Toronto, Ontario), Hamilton Heights (Chattanooga, TN), Archbishop Carroll (Washington, DC), Bullis

School (Potomac, MD), Rock Creek Christian (Upper Marlboro, MD), Grayson High School (Loganville, GA), Wasatch Academy, (Mount Pleasant, Utah).

This is the first high school basketball showcase produced by a leading NBA star and is the latest in a series of partnerships and events for The St. James that have quickly established it as one of the leading brands nationally in sports and wellness.

Visit www.kdmlkclassic.com for tickets and information.

According to a press release, The St. James aims to serve as the center of the universe in every community where it is located by delivering the most comprehensive combination of best-in-class sports and wellness venues, developmental and elite coaching, training and competition, five-star lifestyle experiences and family centered active fun all in an environment that engages, inspires and delights everyone that comes through its doors. The St. James, which opened its first location just outside of Washington, DC in the fall of 2018, plans to open its second complex in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnshire in the fall of 2021.

For more information about the The St. James, please visit thestjames.com.

Winter Sharecase and Holiday Party Coming Soon to Fuller Park Auditorium Red Clay Dance Company (RCDC) engages its community by hosting a Winter Sharecase and Holiday Party Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at Fuller Park Auditorium, 331 W. 45th Place, Chicago.

The performance features students of Red Clay Dance Academy, the official school of Red Clay Dance Company, and Red Clay Dance’s Youth Ensemble. The Academy is committed to offering world-class dance training for youth, teens, and adults. Classes are open to students aged one and older from beginners to advanced dancers.

The gathering is also the culmination of an online series of commentaries this fall, entitled Words to Live By. Each post has focused on a different word that

has importance and meaning for the RCDC community: Artivism, Glocal, and Community Engagement.

The commentaries are available at redclaydance.wordpress.com. There will be a brief discussion on the series after the performance, followed by a holiday celebration with music, refreshments, games, and prizes.

Event Details: Red Clay Dance Academy presents its Winter Sharecase and Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at Fuller Park Auditorium, 331 W. 45th Pl., Chicago. Admission is free; RSVPs are required at redclaydance.com/performances.

All programming is subject to change.

For more information about RCDC, visit redclaydance.com.

Red Clay Dance Company (RCDC) will host a Winter Sharecase and Holiday Party Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at Fuller Park Auditorium, 331 W. 45th Place, Chicago.

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10 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

“Women Leading the Way Health & Beauty Expo” Highlights Photo by Mallory Greene

Dr. Elton Tinsley, Plastic Surgeon and his staff

Mercedes M. Matz and Olympia Fields, Trustee, Canssandra J. Matz.

“Women Leading the way Health & Beauty Expo” was held at the Sergeant Means Park in Olympia Fields, II and moderated by Nurse Practitioner, Marshanelle Horne. The event included presentations from Dr. Rita McGuire, OBGYN and CBD Owner and Dr. Elton Tinsley, Plastic Surgeon. With a focus on health, wellness and shopping, the vendors included spiritual healing, plastic surgery advice, CBD Oils, and a focus on purchasing from women owned businesses. The event was sponsored by “Flawless Center for Cosmetic Medicine, Black Skin Institute and Dr. Elton Tinsley.

Participants of the Health & Beauty Expo take in helpful information while listening to theDoctor’s presentations.

“FIGHT” Presents its Second Annual Charity Basketball Tournament

Pictured on left: Team MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Front floor: Trebor Edgecombe: Havannah Edgecombe; Nadia Miller. Middle row: Marcelle Anderson,Tournament MCP; Damarion Edgecombe; James Edgecombe; Coach Trevor Edgecombe Sr; Mark Collins; Deshawn Dockery.

Back row: Rio Logan and Vern Henry. Photos by Kennedy Bordeaux

Brooklyn Jackson; Aisha Jackson, Co-Founder “FIGHT”; Regina Edgecombe, Co-Founder and Karsyn Bordeaux.

Olympia Fields Trustee Cassandra Matz with Dr. Rita McGuire, OBGYN.

Pictured in the on the right are: Volunteers representing Team Heart Disease

The 2nd Annual Charity Basketball Tournament sponsored by “FIGHT” was held at Colin Powell Middle School in Matteson, IL. “FIGHT” is an organization created by Regina Edgecombe and her sister Aisha Jackson to bring awareness to diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, sickle cell and diabetes. Newly added this year was heart disease and breast cancer. The goal is to raise awareness on the diseases with the annual basketball tournament. Basketball teams volunteer and play for the monies that will be donated to the various charities.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

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CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HOLIDAY SEASON Tips for Hosting Houseguests Over the Holidays (StatePoint) Hosting houseguests over the holidays? For happier guests and hosts alike, you’ll want to be sure you’re equipped to accommodate all your overnighters. Here are a few pointers: Special Considerations You’ll likely know of any special considerations you will need to make for individual guests, but if you aren’t sure, ask in advance. For older guests, be sure the floor is free of tripping hazards and that walkways are well-lit. For families, offer a room away from noise so small children can sleep undisturbed at their regular bedtimes. Anticipating and accommodating allergies, dietary restrictions and mobility issues can help keep guests healthy, happy and safe during their stay with you.

Better Bedding Whether you are hosting one guest or many, it’s important to ensure that everyone under your roof has a comfortable place to sleep. Thanks to the latest updates in air mattress technology, that’s easier than ever these days. Before the holidays, get equipped with compact, high-quality air mattresses -- which are a must-have for travelers who need to pack a car compactly, as well as hosts who want to store guest bedding between uses. One such option is the Intex PremAire ThermaLux airbed with Fiber-

Tech interior construction, which inflates in 4-5 minutes. Made from a Microcell contour top designed to insulate in cold weather and absorb moisture on warm nights, it even contains a USB port for charging and built-in storage for cords and small personal items. Other models from Intex -- which come in various sizes and supports -- offer such luxuries as headboards, raised bed heights and plush air pillowtop systems.

A Stocked Bathroom Not only will a well-stocked bathroom help avoid last-minute trips to the store, it will make guests feel comfortable and welcome upon arrival. You’ll always want to provide a set of linens for each guest, as well as shampoo, conditioner and soap in the shower. Having a few additional items on hand -- disposable razors, cotton swabs, combs, toothbrushes and toothpaste -- is a nice touch. For many reasons, guests often arrive without certain essentials. Maybe they forgot an item at home. Maybe TSA made them toss something in the trash. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to prepare for this common occurrence.

A full holiday house does not need to be overwhelming. With a few considerations, you can create a joyful holiday experience for you and your houseguests.

SERVICE

SERVICE

(StatePoint) A merry holiday season starts at home. Here are some nice ways to add cheer to the rooms and spaces where people gather.

• Light a Fire: It may be the most primitive technology in existence but lighting a fire is still one of the best ways to create a rich holiday atmosphere.

Bonus: use aromatic firewood such as pine, fir or cedar.

• Project a Movie: Decorating for the holiday season can be as easy as setting up a projector and playing seasonal movies on a loop. From classics like “Miracle on 34th Street” to contemporary favorites like “Elf,” these films provide the perfect backdrop to the holiday season. With the ability to run all day, the LampFree Projectors in Casio’s Slim Series are ideal for this purpose.

• Bake Cookies: Make the whole house smell amazing (and become everyone’s favorite person) by popping cookies and other desserts in the oven that include spices evocative of the season, like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and vanilla. For a lighter option, you can get the same effect

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HOME 5 Tips for a Merry Holiday Home

Darrell Garth

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by brewing tea with these same ingredients.

• Host a Sing-a-Long: Securing yourself a digital piano with an authentic concert grand sound may just be the best gift you give your family this holiday season. The Casio GP-500 reproduces the threedimensional sound field generated by an acoustic grand to fill a room with rich, complex sound, making it a great place to gather for holiday sing-a-longs.

The piano itself can also be a decoration destination -- think garlands and candles. Be sure to set out sheet music and other instruments like tambourines or bells so that guests can join in the fun.

• Add Flora: Spruce up your living spaces – literally. Holly, Christmas cactus, poinsettias and spruce add color and vibrancy to mantels, staircases, coffee tables and other nooks and crannies. What’s more, many of these plants will continue to thrive long after the lights and tinsel come down.

The holidays come but once a year.

Make the most of the season by turning your home into a winter wonderland.

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12 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 4, 2019

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