South Suburban Citizen 12-23-2020

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

Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Dec. 23, 2020

| Vol. 40 | No. 5 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

Raise Your Hand, a student-led movement, is calling for the Sec. of Education to publicly recognize the demands of students of color Page 2

While Enrollment Declines Nationwide Due to COVID-19, Illinois Enrollment Numbers Defy Trend Page 3

Advocates tout economic benefits of renewable energy investment Page 3

Whitney B. Hampton is the owner of Hampton Real Estate and Investments, CEO of Urban Community Builders (NFP), and lead broker and team leader at A. Progeny Global. Photo courtesy of Whitney B. Hampton

REAL ESTATE STRATEGIST EMPOWERS OTHERS

Whitney B. Hampton is the founder and owner of Hampton Real Estate and Investments, CEO of Urban Community Builders (NFP), and lead broker and team leader at A. Progeny Global. Hampton uses her platform to empower people to cultivate wealth through homeownership and property ownership. PAGE 3

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2 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION RAISE YOUR HAND, A STUDENT-LED MOVEMENT, IS CALLING FOR THE SEC. OF EDUCATION TO PUBLICLY RECOGNIZE THE DEMANDS OF STUDENTS OF COLOR In response to the detrimental and disproportionate impact of COVID-19, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, students have organized the Raise Your Hand Student Agenda, a list of demands powered by Our Turn’s youth-led campaign for educational justice. Students of color from around the country are calling for the new Secretary of Education to publicly acknowledge these demands. Our Turn, a 501(c)(3), elevates the voices of young people in the fight for educational equity. Our Turn Action Network, a 501(c)(4), deploys policy advocacy efforts for the achievement of educational justice.

Barrett Griffith, a student organizer of Our Turn, Charlotte, NC, feels that Biden’s position on achieving racial justice relates mostly to the campaign for educational justice. “When he says, we must ‘achieve racial justice and root out systemic racism in this country,’ the first thing I can think of is decolonizing school curriculums,” said Griffith.

“How can we battle racial injustice if it is instilled through America’s Education System? Is biased education not a pillar of systemic racism itself?”

HEALTH

FOOD INDUSTRY WILL EXPERIENCE SOLID GROWTH IN 2021 After suffering a $125 billion decline (-8%) in 2020 due to the dramatic $220 billion (-27%) downturn in foodservice, Pentallect, a leading food industry consultancy, forecasts that food industry sales will increase by $145 billion, or 10%, in 2021.

Pentallect attributes the rebound to a sharp second half of the year recovery in foodservice following anticipated vaccine rollouts and ongoing strength in many retail sectors.

Bob Goldin, a Pentallect partner, says, “Quick-service restaurants generally held up well but other foodservice segments, including full-service restaurants, have been devastated by the effects of the pandemic. Next year, we are guardedly optimistic that foodservice will begin a multiyear rebound as effective public health measures become more widespread.”

LAW & POLITICS

ATTORNEY ZULU ALI RENAMED TOP 10 CRIMINAL AND IMMIGRATION LAWYER BY ATTORNEY AND PRACTICE MAGAZINE Attorney Zulu Ali, founder and principal of the Law Offices of Zulu Ali & Associates, LLP (zulualilaw.com), the largest Black-owned law firm in California’s Inland Empire, has been renamed Top 10 Criminal Defense and Immigration Lawyer in the state of California for 2020-2021 by Attorney and Practice Magazine. Specializing in providing attorneys and legal practitioners with insight and advice from other legal professionals, as well as opinions and updates on the latest legal news in a wide variety of practice areas, Attorney and Practice Magazine awards list was created to recognize the achievements of the top 1% of trial lawyers. The organization awards the top attorneys in several legal practice areas including Immigration and Criminal Defense.

Among his many accomplishments, Attorney Ali has been Honored as a Top 100 Lawyer by the National Black Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers; a Top 10 Lawyer by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys, American Institute of Legal Counsel, American Jurist Institute, and Attorney & Practice Magazine; Rue Ratings Best Lawyer in America; Litigator of the Year by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers; and was inducted into Marquis Who’s Biographical registry for excellence in law and activism and Professional registry as one of America’s Top Lawyers.

Real Estate Strategist empowers others Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Whitney B. Hampton is the founder and owner of Hampton Real Estate and Investments, CEO of Urban Community Builders (NFP), and lead broker and team leader at A. Progeny Global. Hampton uses her platform to empower people to cultivate wealth through homeownership and property ownership.

“My brand is all about empowerment and education,” Hampton said.

Hampton mentors other real estate brokers and helps them to make six figures in real estate. She said she launched Hampton Real Estate and Investments because she thought it was really important to empower the Black community to understand the real estate process, whether her clients are buying, selling or investing, so they can continue it.

“Real Estate is one of the best ways to grow wealth in our community, but we have been locked out of that in a lot of ways, from the beginning of time with the laws originally locking us out of it. Then, we often have trouble finding financing,” she said.

Hampton said a lot of times, real estate brokers of color are at a disadvantage because they can’t go into neighborhoods where it would be the most profitable. What she does with Hampton Real Estate and Investments is to make sure people can be profitable, so they can live a good life, and rebuild the

communities that need the most help.

Hampton said the most important thing people need to know when it comes to generational wealth building and homeownership is that people need to own. She said it is imperative that people own property and homes.

“A lot of us, the way we create wealth is through ownership of real estate. If we’re not getting in the game, then we’re setting the next generations up for failure, to have to start at the ground, instead of being able to build on what we’ve created, the foundation that we’ve built,” she said. “So, it is imperative that we get in the game, in whatever way that is. If it’s owning a single-family property or multi-unit buildings.

I am a huge proponent of purchasing cash flow buildings, those are multi-units.”

Hampton said as a first-time buyer, there are programs and grants so that people can purchase a multi-unit building, with practically no down payment, out of pocket.

“The process to homeowning is nowhere near as difficult as people think that it is,” she said. “It’s just important that you reach out to professionals you trust that really care about you and the community.”

Hampton said there are so many real estate professionals that care about the community, that want to educate and rebuild. She said the first step is to connect with a professional that can guide someone through the process, with a team of resources, to make sure it is being done the right way.

Hampton started her podcast Wealth Building Wednesdays because she wanted to highlight phenomenal Black-owned businesses. She said it is an opportunity to get people to know more about these businesses so they can support them. She said in the last year, it has grown to include people who can assist in creating wealth.

“We have tax accountants that come on, and talk to us, not just about filing your taxes, but what are tax strategies you need to have,” she said. “Just talking about a variety of different things that are important to us in order to be successful, mentally, emotionally, physically, financially and socially, as far as our family.”

Hampton said for young Black people who are interested in investing, they need to do their due diligence and do their research. “You want to make sure you understand what you’re investing in. Whether that’s real estate, whether that’s the stock market, whether that’s a business. You want to know exactly what you’re getting into,” she said. “Ask questions. But then, find mentors. One of the ways that I’ve been able to be successful, not only in real estate, but in my personal endeavors is that I seek out mentorship. I look for people who are doing what I am looking to do, I look for people who are doing much better than I am doing and instead of being envious or saying, oh, I wish I had, I just talk to them about what they had to do to get it.”

For more information about Whitney B. Hampton, visit www.whitneybhampton.com.

Illinois residents asked for feedback regarding state’s transportation system The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state’s transportation system through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey, available now through Dec. 31. The survey is available online by going here: https://uisits.co1.qualtrics.com or by visiting idot. illinois.gov.

“Learning the public’s views on our transportation system is a great tool. This information allows us to better understand travel habits as well as areas where we’re doing a good job and those that may need improvements,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We represent and try to meet the best interests of all Illinois citizens and individual travelers and in an effort to help us continue to provide the best service,

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state’s transportation system.

please take a few minutes to complete the survey.”

The annual survey, conducted in partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield, seeks feedback on topics ranging from road conditions and ice-and-snow removal to commuting habits and driving behaviors.

Questions also ask travelers

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for feedback about any changes in their travel habits due to the pandemic, the IDOT website, the state’s rest areas and passenger rail use.

The Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey has been conducted annually since 2001. A copy of the 2019 survey and results, as well as data collected from past

years, can be viewed at http:// www.idot.illinois.gov/aboutidot/our-story/performance/ reports/traveler-opinion-survey/index For IDOT updates, follow them on Twitter at @IDOT_ Illinois or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020

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NEWS

Advocates tout economic benefits of renewable energy investment But path forward for Path to 100, other energy reforms remains unclear

BY JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com

The Illinois Board of Higher Education recently released public university enrollment data indicating enrollment numbers holding steady despite nationwide declines in new and returning students due to COVID-19.

While Enrollment Declines Nationwide Due to COVID-19, Illinois Enrollment Numbers Defy Trend The Illinois Board of Higher Education recently released public university enrollment data indicating enrollment numbers holding steady despite nationwide declines in new and returning students due to COVID-19.

Overall enrollment in the state was up by 0.2 percent or 417 students compared to fall of 2019 with 182,586 students currently enrolled in public universities.

A nationwide snapshot of fall enrollment shows higher education down by 1.8 percent compared to 2019, per the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

“I am extremely proud of the resiliency of our students, our institutions, their leadership and faculty who all worked hard to make this Fall reopening as successful as possible. There was talk over the summer that college enrollments could be down 25 percent across the nation, and Illinois has proven that its students continue to stay the course,” IBHE Chair John Atkinson said. “Enrollment in our public universities remained largely steady which is, a reflection of both Governor Pritzker’s continued commitment to higher education funding and the planning and preparation of the IBHE Reopening Committee working with our public, private and community college leaders to reopen safely to students” Undergraduate enrollment by headcount was down slightly, with a decrease of 1,345 students (1 percent) for a total of 129,512 students. Graduate enrollment was up 1,762, or 3.4 percent over last fall. Nationally, undergraduate enrollment at public universities was down nearly 2 percent, while graduate

enrollment was up 3.6 percent.

The enrollment of Black students was also steady, with a total 20,829 student overall, up 0.6 percent from last year. Notable increases occurred in the number of new freshmen (3.2 percent) and in graduate/professional enrollments (5.2 percent). Nationally, public universities saw a decline of 4.0 percent in Black undergraduate enrollment. In Illinois, Black undergraduate enrollment was down only 0.8 percent.

The enrollment of public university Latinx students continued to rise to 27,868 students, an increase of 6.1 percent, or 1,594 students, over academic year 2019-2020. Growth was notable in both undergraduate enrollment (4.5 percent) and in graduate/professional enrollment (14.6 percent). Nationally, public university Latinx undergraduate enrollment was down 1.8 percent.

“This is the first year we have looked at our early enrollment data through an equity lens. Illinois public universities beat national trends, increasing enrollment for Black and Latinx students. We were very deliberate about investing in supports for our most vulnerable students,” said IBHE Director Ginger Ostro.

“With $30 million in federal funds provided for institutions through Governor JB Pritzker’s Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, private funding to provide emergency grants to students, creating a drive-up WiFi hotspot map, and launching a public education campaign, “Stay the Course,” everything we did since March was focused on keeping students on track to their degree.”

Springfield – While advocates in Illinois were optimistic that a series of measures reforming the state’s energy landscape could pass in 2019, various factors caused the legislative package to stall while most of Gov. JB Pritzker’s first-year agenda eventually became law.

At the time, advocates behind the Path to 100 Act warned of an impending “funding cliff ” for renewable energy projects if the General Assembly did not act to increase the rate cap on ratepayer bills, which is the funding source of the renewable energy fund overseen by the Illinois Power Agency.

Now, amid a backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, an ongoing scandal ensnaring the state’s largest utility and a potential upheaval of leadership in the state House, the lawmakers pushing for that bill say the funding cliff has arrived.

“The Illinois Power Agency announced the close of the state renewable energy incentives for residents in central and southern Illinois just this last Friday and incentives in Chicago and the rest of Northern Illinois are going to be gone in a matter of weeks as well,” state Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, said in a virtual news conference recently. “This is a problem we’ve been talking about for years and we’ve been predicting and it’s here now. Without new legislation, renewable energy programs will be shut down, it’s going to be shut down for years to come.”

There are solar and wind projects with existing commitments from the Illinois Power Agency that will continue to be funded, but applicants for new incentives will be waitlisted indefinitely.

Dawn Heid, who is CEO of the residential solar panel installation company Rethink Electric, said that’s going to mean layoffs for her sales force as the waitlist grows. Her installation crews, she said, will likely be employed through April 2021 as they finish installations for projects with currently committed funding.

“Beyond that we do not have any revenue sources coming in from renewable energy,” Heid said.

The fund overseen by the Illinois Power Agency is replenished through a charge on the supply portion of ratepayer electric bills, which is currently capped at about 2 percent. The Path to 100 Act would lift that cap to 4 percent over a period of years, allowing for more money in the fund to be granted for new investments in wind and solar energy.

Illinois State University economics professor David Loomis estimated the impact of passing the Path to 100 Act would number in the billions of dollars from 2021 to 2033.

He authored a report showing the legislation would create or support 53,298 jobs during construction periods and 3,215 jobs during operations. That would create $8.27 billion in increased economic output during construction and $571 million per year in increased economic output during operations, per the report.

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Rep. Will Davis, a Hazel Crest Democrat and the bill’s House sponsor, also noted the report showed existing renewable energy projects have generated $306 million in local property taxes, including $41.4 million paid out in 2019.

“As a firm advocate for school funding and knowing that a lot of local school funding is derived from property taxes, these resources are going to go a long way,” Davis said.

According to Davis, part of the purpose of the virtual news conference held recently, was to build support for the Path to 100 Act in the General Assembly. While he said the bill is straightforward enough to pass on its own, he acknowledged it may be difficult without being tied to a larger legislative package.

Cunningham, the bill’s Senate sponsor, said he was “not opposed” to attaching it to an omnibus bill, but said the funding cliff necessitates quicker action, “or we’re going to really fall behind when it comes to generating renewable energy in Illinois.”

“We’ve kind of gotten used to the practice as legislators of making big energy policy changes all at once. And unfortunately that’s one of the reasons why this legislation has been tied up,” he said.

There are various interests in play as the state tries to enter a carbon-free future while keeping energy costs low and ensuring the state has enough available energy producers to keep the lights on at peak usage hours, according to Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Frankfort. As chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Hastings has been taking part in energy reform discussions for months.

He said it may be difficult to pass a bill in a “lame duck” session of the General Assembly before those recently elected in November are seated, due to the complexity of the various energy bills and an unclear leadership situation in the House.

The other major initiative before lawmakers, which is far more sweeping than the Path to 100 Act, is the Clean Energy Jobs Act. That bill deals with electrification of the state’s transportation sector and overhauls the way energy capacity is procured among other initiatives.

It’s backed by a number of labor unions that are part of the Climate Jobs Illinois coalition, the Illinois Environmental Council and a number of other advocates.

One of CEJA’s key measures would remove Illinois from the multi-state PJM capacity auction, putting the power to procure guarantees of future energy production in the hands of the state in order to give Illinois more authority to focus on renewables instead of carbon producers.

But Hastings said one difficulty that arises from such an approach is that the PJM market serves northern Illinois, essentially north of Interstate-80, while the rest of the state is on the MISO grid. He said working groups are currently exploring the possibility for a statewide solution on capacity procurements, rather than one that affects just the PJM market.

But there are also a number of coal-to-solar initiatives and other lower key energy measures to be considered, Hastings said.

“We have to have a diverse energy portfolio that’s clean, and that includes nuclear, wind and solar and then you also have to have some offset capability in the natural gas world,” he said. “You have to look at it globally.”

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BUSINESS

MTN DEW® Invests In Black Entrepreneurship MTN DEW® has announced the launch of the MTN DEW Real Change Opportunity Fund, an Ideas Pitch Competition featuring an annual prize pool of $1 Million with an initial commitment through the next five years.

The brand is partnering with Howard University, Hampton University and other PepsiCo-affiliated Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), in an effort to discover, challenge and uplift the next generation of Black innovators and entrepreneurs.

MTN DEW Real Change Opportunity Fund initiative reinforces the brand’s commitment to action; with this latest phase making a tangible investment in the Black entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

The MTN DEW Real Change Opportunity Fund launches on the heels of the $400 million commitment made by its parent company, PepsiCo, to uplift Black communities and Black representation.

THE REAL CHANGE IDEAS PITCH COMPETITION WILL PROVIDE RESOURCES, PROGRAMMING, AND FUNDING TO FUTURE BLACK ENTREPRENEURS. WITH A PRIZE POOL OF $1 MILLION, THE GOAL IS TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER HBCU STUDENTS TO GO OUT AND DO, AND ULTIMATELY TURN THEIR IDEAS INTO REAL BUSINESSES. “MTN DEW recognizes the real need for actionable, tangible change and is committed to fueling what’s right as we seek to drive progress against the systemic racism and inequality faced by Black people in America,” says Nicole Portwood, vice president, marketing, MTN DEW. “We believe entrepreneurs exemplify everything that MTN DEW stands for – they are the DOERS and the keys to building up Black-owned businesses, shrinking the historic wealth gap, and broadening the potential for Black generational wealth. We hope to make a lasting impact as we provide resources, programming, funding and empowerment to the

next generation through our partnership with this incredible network of HBCUs and launch of the Real Change Opportunity Fund.”

The Real Change Ideas Pitch Competition will provide resources, programming, and funding to future Black Entrepreneurs. With a prize pool of $1 Million, the goal is to inspire and empower HBCU students to go out and Do, and ultimately turn their ideas into real businesses. Existing students and recent alumni are invited to check out mountaindew.com/realchange for updates on acceptance of applications.

The panel of experienced “Doers,” will select the top 50 applicants and invite them to a round

of virtual pitches with an all-star panel beginning January 18, 2021. Ten finalists will emerge and have the opportunity to pitch their ideas in front of the Real Change panel. The final pool of finalists will compete for a share of the $1 Million prize pool during the virtually streamed finale in February 2021. Each school represented, will receive an award fund dedicated to creating real change at their respective university.

To bring the stories of these innovators to life, MTN DEW is partnering with media powerhouses ViacomCBS, iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc., Blavity Inc., to highlight the journeys of the ten finalists and their paths to the Real Change Opportunity Fund finale.

MTN DEW will be the sole selector of the winners, schools will not be involved or influence the selection process.

For more information about MTN DEW Real Change Opportunity Fund, please visit mountaindew.com/realchange.

THE HERSHEY COMPANY INCREASED ITS SUPPORT OF BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES TO HELP FIGHT RACIAL INJUSTICE AFTER THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD. THIS INCLUDES A $100,000 DONATION TO THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE AND ELEVATING ITS FOCUS ON ITS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION PRIORITIES.

Hershey Invests $1.5 Million in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) will invest $1.5 million in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to establish a scholarship endowment, with the goal to increase that to $3 million over the next ten years. The endowment will be used for students pursuing degrees in food science in TMCF-memberschools, which include public colleges that provide advanced education for underrepresented populations.

The historic endowment is the first time a company has committed to endow a TMCF scholarship. Donations to TMCF typically go into the organization’s general fund.

“Hershey has been proudly associated with TMCF for more than a decade, and I am delighted to see the evolution of our Hershey partnership grow,” said Alicia Petross, VP talent acquisition + diversity & inclusion. “Our aim is to make a meaningful difference for deserving under-represented students who aspire to a fulfilling career in food science.”

“We are extremely grateful to Hershey for their generous support and commitment to supporting our students, particularly during these difficult and challenging times,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF. “This scholarship endowment will make it possible for students at our schools to pursue their passion of studying and earning a degree

in food science. This is a welcomed investment in the future of our nation.”

The Hershey Company increased its support of Black and Brown communities across the United States to help fight racial injustice after the death of George Floyd. This includes a $100,000 donation to the Equal Justice Initiative and elevating its focus on its diversity and inclusion priorities. “Hershey took action in this critical time of increased focus on racial

and social justice to review our programs and partnerships to ensure we are doing what we can to make an impact,” said Chris Scalia, SVP & CHRO and TMCF Board Member.

Applications for the Hershey Scholarship are open to any student studying food science at a TMCF-partner school. Students of any race are eligible to apply. The scholarships will be awarded to students who are dedicated to innovating within the food industry, which aligns with Hershey’s iconic brands’ pursuit of delighting their consumers.

Hershey is a long-time supporter of diversity and inclusion and providing educational opportunities for under-represented students.

Hershey founder, Milton Hershey and his wife Catherine created a school for low-income children in Hershey, Pa., in 1907. The Hershey/TMCF scholarship builds on The Milton

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Hershey School legacy by focusing on the education of students who may otherwise not have these opportunities.

Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: www.tmcf.org.

The Hershey Company is headquartered in Hershey, Pa., and is an industry-leading snacks company employing approximately 16,000 people around the world. The company has more than 80 brands around the world that drive $8 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brand names as Hershey’s®, Reese’s®, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher®, Ice Breakers®, SkinnyPop®, and Pirate’s Booty®. To learn more visit www. thehersheycompany.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020

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NEWS

Acclaimed Chicago Southside Native to Fill Position Poet Laureate for the State of Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker recently announced the selection of Angela Jackson as the next Poet Laureate for the State of Illinois.

Jackson is the fifth Illinoisan to hold the title, an honorary position selected by a committee of experts and subsequently appointed by the Governor.

Jackson is an accomplished and award-winning poet, novelist, and playwright, who has published three chapbooks and four volumes of poetry.

As Illinois’ next poet laureate, Jackson will work to promote poetry at the state and national level. She will join only four other esteemed poets who have previously held this coveted title.

The first Illinois Poet Laureate, Howard B. Austin, was named in 1936. The three other poets who have held the title are Carl Sandburg (1962-67), Gwendolyn Brooks (19682000), and Kevin Stein (2003-2017).

In June, Governor Pritzker posthumously named John Prine an honorary Poet Laureate.

“Illinois has a proud history of poets who have given us reason for hope in dark times, offered poignant insight into our own humanity and delivered profound social critiques, and as I considered the nominees to be our next Poet Laureate, all of these qualities were important in making the final choice,” said First Lady MK Pritzker, Honorary Chair and Final Judge of the 2020 Illinois Poet Laureate Search Committee. “Members of the committee nominated astounding talents from our state, and I’m grateful for their work. After spending countless hours reviewing all the nominees’ works, I’m confident that Angela Jackson will continue to be a bright shining light of wisdom, inspiration and connection as she promotes the power of poetry.”

“I am honored and excited to have been selected to serve as Illinois Poet Laureate,” said Angela Jackson. “Legendary Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks said, ‘Poetry is life distilled.’

I hope to bring to Illinoisans poetry that they can relate to, be lifted by, and find their lives illuminated in.

Poems bring us to ourselves and poems bring us together.”

In June, the Governor and First Lady Pritzker announced the formation of the 2020 Illinois Poet Laureate Search Committee to fill

the position that has been vacant since late 2017.

The committee, comprised of poets, writers, and academics from across the state, reviewed nominations submitted by the public and recommended three finalists to be the state’s next Poet Laureate.

“Illinois has a proud history of influential poets and I’m proud to continue this tradition by formally appointing our state’s next Poet Laureate,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Angela Jackson is an acclaimed poet and writer and her expansive breadth of work has already inspired so many. I know her words will have a profound impact on the residents of our state as well as the next generation of aspiring poets.”

“Angela Jackson’s poems dwell in fervid topographies of family and myth, heart and tongue,” said previous Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein. “Her lines bristle with the melody of conversation and soulful blues, her voice unwaveringly human.”

Jackson was born in Greenville, Mississippi and raised on Chicago’s Southside and educated at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. She was a 20year member of the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) Writers Workshop, succeeding the late Hoyt W. Fuller as its Chair.

Of Angela’s volumes, Dark Legs and Silk Kisses: The Beatitudes of the Spinners was awarded the Carl Sandburg Award and the Chicago Sun-Times/Friends of Literature Book of the Year Award. And All These Roads Be Luminous: Poems Selected and New was nominated for the National Book Award. It Seems Like a Mighty Long Time was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, the Pen/Open Book Award, a finalist for the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, and a finalist for the Milt Kessler Poetry Prize.

Jackson has received the Shelley Memorial Award of the Poetry Society of America, a Pushcart Prize, the Illinois Center for the Book Heritage Award, the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Fuller Award, and the Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent from Chicago State University. In additional to her poetry, Jackson’s novels and plays have also been widely recognized and she has received two American Book Awards.

Gifting Your Child a Mobile Device for the Holidays? What to Know StatePoint - Does your child’s holiday wish-list include a mobile phone or other electronic device? With kids and teens spending more time online than ever these days due to social distancing guidelines and remote-learning, you may feel the time is now to gift them their very own device.

However, as a result of all that additional screen time, families should be doubly sure that kids use their devices safely and responsibly. After the holiday gift-giving excitement settles, consider these tips: • Driver’s safety: While no one should ever text and drive, newer drivers need to be especially mindful of the road and the operation of their vehicle. Have a serious discussion about distracted driving. Cell phone usage was responsible for 12 percent of moderate-to-severe crashes of teen drivers studied by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in 2015.

• Extend the device’s life: Let’s face it, devices are highly breakable and easily lost. Extend the life of your child’s device by ensuring the gift is accompanied by a protective case and warranty. Talk to your child

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Families should be doubly sure that kids use their devices safely and responsibly.

about what to do if the device gets wet, and have a backup plan for the event that it’s lost and your child needs to reach you. Installing a location monitoring app can help you locate the device in a pinch.

• Set ground rules. A few ground rules can help ensure your child uses their new device responsibly. These rules may involve schedules for when the device can be used for purposes unrelated to school, as well as limits on what apps and sites your child can access. Talk to your kids about such topics as healthy digital habits, the need for screen-free time each day, and how and why to report cyber-

bullying and other inappropriate or abusive online behavior.

• Make your rules stick. In so many areas of parenting, creating rules is easier than getting your child to follow them. However, a parental guidance app can help make your digital rules effective. For example, OurPact allows you to remotely set up automated schedules for when internet, apps and the device itself are unavailable. Features include URL whitelisting and blacklisting, daily screen time allowances and iMessage/SMS blocking, helping you ensure your ground rules stick and that all the apps installed on your child’s device pass your approval. Available at the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, parents can also sign up for an account at www.ourpact.com.

• Lead the way. Don’t text during dinner. Put your phone away when you are driving. Build goodwill and mutual respect by following the same rules you give your child.

If a digital device is in your child’s future this holiday season, be sure that gift comes with the know-how to use it safely and responsibly.

6 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020

FASHION

Juvia’s Place Releases its First Influencer Collaboration of 2020 Black-owned Cosmetics brand, Juvia’s Place has collaborated with Influencer, Yami Angelina (@yamiangelina), to release a collection just in time for holiday gift-giving.

The collection includes a

6-pan eyeshadow palette, and two high-shine lip-glosses.

La Mariposa Eyeshadow Palette: $15 Eyeshadow Descriptions: Blue metallic: “Angel” (Yami’s Dad’s name)

Pink metallic: BarbiBrat Copper Gold metallic:

“Glitter Queen” Pink Peach Matte: “Arelis” (Yami’s Mom’s name) Yellow Mustard matte: “October 12th” (Yami’s birthday) Chocolate Brown matte: “Ya Tu Sabe” (One of the most fa-

mous phrases to use in the latin/ Dominican community which means “You already know”) Lip gloss: $13 each ISLAND MAMI- A coral peach gloss YAMI YUMMY- A soft

high Glossy shimmery iridescent Pink.

For more product details or to purchase, visit: https:// www.juviasplace.com/collections/yamiangelina-x-juvias-place

Cotton Incorporated Shares Fashion Trends Ahead Of The New Year

Aubrey Howard, a Cotton Incorporated trend forecaster, shared that matching sets are great, especially within the active and loungewear category, as people are staying at home in the current environment.

This holiday season is unique, and while we decide what to wear for our virtual celebrations, we all want to be comfortable and stylish with looks that will make us feel extra special this time of year.

Aubrey Howard, a Cotton Incorporated trend forecaster, virtually sat down with fashion and lifestyle influencer Lexi Holden of @ lexandthecity_, to discuss the brand’s outlook on how the current circumstances have affected what people purchase and provides a forecast of trends for the upcoming year.

As we look ahead at trends for 2021, Howard shares “since things have slowed down a little bit in everyday life, people are going back to basics and wearing the classics like t-shirts and jeans. I’m seeing a bit of updates and tweaks to these tried-and-true pieces, such as the addition of shoulder pads in a t-shirt for an exaggerated silhouette. This is also reflected in jeans, and while we’re all accustomed to the wide leg jeans and the skinny jeans, we’re now seeing the balloon silhouette.”

To look and feel good this holiday season, consumers are going for items that are practical. Howard shared that shoppers are making sure the pieces can be styled in different ways so that items can go a long way wearing-wise.

Matching sets are great, especially within the active and loungewear category, as people are staying at home in the current environment.

These cotton-rich items particularly provide both comfort and versatility.

Staple pieces and more are available at Cotton Incorporated’s Cotton Style House - Holiday Edition. There is a wide variety of styles for those who want to either stay cozy or dress up in cotton at home.

The Cotton Style House - Holiday Edition is available with exclusive content on Amazon.

Through December 31, Amazon shoppers can purchase a variety of on-trend cotton apparel, gifting and home items curated by internationally-recognized celebrity stylist Irma Martínez.

The collection will bring people together through virtual programming with the goal to create connections across all communities and cultures. Among others, actress Debby Ryan shows you some of her favorite women’s contemporary pieces in the collection, while influencer Daniela Ramirez and her husband show you how to coordinate the family in comfort and style. Custom video content will also help

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Staple pieces and more are available at Cotton Incorporated’s Cotton Style House - Holiday Edition.

you deck your homes with holiday cheer and find unique gifts– all in cotton. The collection is available at Amazon.com/ShopCotton.

From Mara Hoffman to Levi’s, Calvin Klein, and STAUD, as well as other brands, each piece found in the Cotton Style House - Holiday Edition exhibits the versatility and comfort of cotton. Inspiration was drawn from a range of participating trendsetters including Debby Ryan, Daniela Ramirez, Ryan Clark, Gregory Dava, Coco Bassey, and Jill Wallace, who will be showcasing their favorite go-to cotton finds for the holidays.

Shop the Cotton Style House - Holiday Edition: Available through December 31, at Amazon.com/ShopCotton.

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020

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Best Man Holiday available with Xfinity On Demand

‘Tis the season to scoot over.

Gather your loved ones together for the best TV experience. Share the entertainment you love, from classic holiday hits, blockbuster movies, music and more, all with Black Film & TV on Xfinity On Demand. Make your home a hub of good cheer with easy access to your favorite streaming apps, like Peacock and more. Best of all, now without switching inputs. This holiday, make all your connections special with Xfinity. Simple. Easy. Awesome.

Visit xfinity.com/discovermore

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. X1 requires Xfinity TV with compatible set top box and Xfinity Internet. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Subscriptions required to access Peacock and Netflix. Š2020 Comcast. All rights reserved. Individual programs and marks are the property of their respective owners.

8 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT IN HIS MASTERCLASS, MOSLEY WILL SHARE INSIGHTS ON HOW TO USE WRITING AS A DEVICE TO SHED LIGHT ON IDENTITY, CHALLENGE OUR NOTIONS OF WHO ARE HEROES AND PROTAGONISTS WORTHY OF NARRATIVE AND USE FICTION AS A MEANS OF PERSONAL DISCOVERY. DESIGNED FOR WRITERS AND NONWRITERS ALIKE, HIS CLASS WILL DIVE INTO THE FUNDAMENTALS OF HOW TO STRUCTURE A STORY, DEVELOP STRONG CHARACTERS AND CREATE A COMPELLING PLOT TO DRIVE THE READER FORWARD.

Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group

Byron Allen To Launch TheGrio.TV To Target African-American Viewers Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group recently announced that its recently-acquired MGM over-the-air broadcast television network Light TV will officially transition to TheGrio.TV television network on January 15, 2021 – the start of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend.

The newly-rebranded broadcast television network TheGrio.TV will feature African American-focused content reaching over 100 million U.S. households via over-the-air broadcast television stations, cable/telco/satellite platforms, and free digital streaming.

TheGrio.TV – with its new network brand slogan “Our Culture Forever” – will feature movies, sitcoms, dramas, concerts, talk shows, variety shows, game shows, news, and lifestyle content.

At one time owned by NBCUniversal, TheGrio.com was purchased by Byron Allen in 2016 when it had less than 1 million monthly active users. In Summer 2020, TheGrio.com achieved its peak of over 10.5 million monthly active users. TheGrio.com is now one of the most visited news and entertainment sites for the African-American community, and is the largest employer of African-American journalists. In the past 2 years, Allen Media Group has invested over one billion dollars in acquiring media assets, including The Weather Channel in 2018, and 16 ABC-NBC-CBS-FOX broadcast network affiliate television stations

THE NEWLY-REBRANDED BROADCAST TELEVISION NETWORK THEGRIO.TV WILL FEATURE AFRICAN AMERICANFOCUSED CONTENT REACHING OVER 100 MILLION U.S. HOUSEHOLDS VIA OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST TELEVISION STATIONS, CABLE/ TELCO/SATELLITE PLATFORMS, AND FREE DIGITAL STREAMING. around the country. Allen Media Group plans to invest an additional $10 billion over the next two years to acquire other strategic media assets.

“The Grio – which means ‘storyteller’ in Africa – is the first platform to offer an online digital news destination, a free streaming app providing local news, weather, sports, traffic, and entertainment content geofenced to the user’s zip code, and an overthe-air broadcast television network,” said Byron Allen, founder/chairman/ CEO of Allen Media Group. “TheGrio.

TV is especially important to me as it will both serve and uplift all viewers.

TheGrio.TV is the first and only 100 percent African American-owned and targeted broadcast television network and free digital platform – making us truly authentic, without being filtered or controlled by others outside of the community.”

PRNewsfoto/MasterClass

MasterClass Announces Acclaimed Author Walter Mosley to Teach Fiction and Storytelling MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best across a wide range of subjects, recently announced that acclaimed novelist Walter Mosley will teach a class on fiction and storytelling.

Mosley, a recent recipient of the National Book Award’s 2020 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, will help members improve their craft and share how writing can create a whole new understanding of the world. Mosley’s class is now available exclusively on MasterClass, where subscribers get unlimited access to all 90+ instructors with an annual membership.

“Throughout his impressive career, Walter has used writing to illuminate important racial issues and as a means of personal discovery,” said David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass. “In his MasterClass, he not only sheds light on the importance of race and representation in fiction but helps members eliminate barriers to writing their own stories.”

In his MasterClass, Mosley will share insights on how to use writing as a device to shed light on identity, challenge our notions of who are heroes and protagonists worthy of narrative and use fiction as a means of personal discovery. Designed for writers and nonwriters alike, his class will dive into the fundamentals of how to structure a story, develop strong characters and create a compelling plot to drive the reader forward. Sharing his own writing techniques step by step, Mosley will challenge members to rethink genres and emphasize the importance of representation in fiction, using one of his best-known characters, L.A. Detective Easy Rawlins, as an example. Mosley teaches members how to say things that live in their heart, underscoring the www.citizennewspapergroup.com

importance of creating just for themselves. He also emphasizes the value in writing every day to develop a nuanced understanding of the narrative voice.

Having started his own writing career in his mid30s, Mosley reinforces the idea that it’s never too late for members to follow their dreams, and that fear of failure should never impede the pursuit of their passions.

“Fiction is one of the few things in the modern world in which you can make something from nothing,” Mosley said. “In my MasterClass, I will show you how writing can create a whole new understanding of the world and hopefully leave you with the confidence to write your own stories.”

Walter Mosley is an award-winning author whose career spans more than three decades and more than 60 books. He is best known for his mystery series featuring Easy Rawlins, a Black private detective living in Los Angeles, whose adventures have played out across 14 novels since his introduction in Devil in a Blue Dress in 1990. Mosley’s works have earned him some of the literary industry’s highest honors, including being inducted into the New York State Writers Hall of Fame in 2013 and named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 2016.

Beyond mystery, Mosley’s works span a range of genres including literary fiction, science fiction, young adult, nonfiction, plays, erotica and more.

Mosley’s wide-ranging narrative powers allow him to explore the fundamental issues that underpin all of human life. In November 2020, he became the first Black man to receive the National Book Award’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters for lifetime achievement in writing.

Embed & view the trailer here: https://youtu.be/ZoAYmnRX2gY

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020

AMENDING ORDINANCE 12-11-20 LEVYING TAXES FOR THE GENERAL CORPORATE AND OTHER PURPOSES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY 1, 2020 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2021 FOR THE VILLAGE OF ROBBINS, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Robbins, Cook County, Illinois have

heretofore passed and adopted and published an

Appropriation Ordinance for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2021, which Ordinance is now in full force and effect.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

ORDAINED by the Mayor and Board ofTrustees of the Village of Robbins, Cook County, Illinois in exercise of its home rule powers, as follows: SECTION 1: The amount of $1,802,698.00 is hereby levied upon all taxable property within the corporate limits of the Village of Robbins, Cook County, Illinois for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020 and ending April 30, 2021, for the following purpose which sums are set forth under the column entitled "2021 Levy".

SECTION 2: If any selection, paragraph, clause or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid, TRUTH-IN-TAXATION CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE I, Tyrone Ward, hereby certify that I am the presiding officer of the Village of Robbins and as presiding officer I certify that the levy ordinance, a copy of which is attached, was adopted pursuant to, and in all respects, in compliance with the provisions of the Illinois Property Tax Code - Truth in Taxation Law, 35 ILCS 200/18-60 through 18-85 (2002).

the invalidity thereof shall not affect any of the other provisions of this ordinance. SECTION 3: All ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

SECTION 4: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law.

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10 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020

CITIZEN On The Move

Grab & Go Meal With A Holiday Feel On Friday, December 18th Elementary School District 159 held their "Grab N Go Meal With A Holiday Feel" at Colin Powell Middle School. During the event, community members received meals for multiple days. Forty families received an additional holiday dinner and 3305 meals were distributed. Each recipient also received gifts for their children.

Photos by CREDD

The event was the vision of our Superintendent, Dr. Alfred and was coordinated by District Office staff Ms. Sheryl Coleman, Mrs. Ina Jones, and Mrs. Cherryl Mitchell. "We are grateful the we are able to support our community. This is just one example of how we give back to our community", said Dr. Alfred.

The event was co-sponsored by Dr. Otis Lane, VisuCom Graphics, Tria Architecture LLC, and Hauser, Izzo, Petrarca, Gleason & Stillman, LLC. Volunteers included Mrs. Carolyn Palmer, President of ESD159 Board of Education and Mrs. Sharee Morton, ESD 159 Board of Education Secretary. Additional volunteers included members of the Superintendent Advisory Committee Ms. Laquita Bell, Mrs. Latoya Taylor, Mrs. Angela Brummel, and Mr. Bruce Brummel, and District 159 employees.

Matteson Elementary School District 159 presented "Grab n Go Meals with a Holiday Feel". The families of their students were given breakfast and lunch consisting of 28 meals for 14 days. Hams and Turkeys were also distributed along with an educational gift set.

Wishing All A Safe Holiday Season!!! www.citizen.newspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

HELP WANTED

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS Derrick Lowe,Plaintiff (s) v.

Yvette Anderson Lowe, Defendant (s) No# 2020D630638 TO: Yvette Anderson Lowe, Motion by Derrick Lowe FOR: Divorce Hearing I (We) do hereby certify that a copy of this instrument was served upon all parties who have appeared and have not previously been found by the court to be in default for failure to plead. Dated: October 29, 2020, Name: Derrick Lowe Address: 12142 S. Bishop Street, Chicago, Illinois 60643, Telephone: 773-648-3878.

DOROTHY BROWN, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. __________________________________

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MISCELLANEOUS

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Advertising

(StatePoint) During a holiday season that by all counts will be unlike any other experienced in recent history, shoppers may be looking for creative and nontraditional ways to celebrate and share the festive spirit, while at the same time carefully managing tight budgets in an especially challenging economy.

Offering gift cards during the holidays is nothing new, but the options people have for purchasing and using them are evolving.

Each year, PNC Bank sees a spike in credit card award redemptions during the holidays, and this year, there are more opportunities than ever to exchange points for gift cards without any additional expenses, according to Tammy McIntosh, head of credit card rewards at the bank.

“This year we are seeing more demand as credit card holders are finding new ways to give,” she said. “Given social distancing guidelines, there are far fewer holiday parties or other in-person engagements, so some may view awarding gift cards as a way to safely say thank you to a friend, newspaper carrier or hair stylist.”

In addition to general merchandise cards that allow recipients to choose their own gifts, other ideas this year include food delivery services, restaurant certificates for catering small gatherings and subscription services – things that may help the recipient offset costs for basic needs.

“In response to customer preferences, PNC and many other credit card issuers have changed their redemption policies to allow for more flexibility,” McIntosh said.

This has been especially true with travel cards, as many are home-bound due to the pandemic’s impacts on travel.

“Check with your issuer to see if it has expanded its redemption catalogue for travel card holders,” McIntosh said. “Many can now convert their travel points into redemption options for a variety of items, including physical and digital gift cards for retail, grocery stores, drug stores, restaurant takeout and delivery, or even charitable donations.”

Further, customers can add value by using their card company’s online shopping portals to receive extra rewards through cash back on those purchases.

“Accruing points throughout the year and redeeming for holiday gift cards, merchandise and even cash, for yourself or as a gift, is as trendy – and easy – as ever,” McIntosh said.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Smederevac / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com

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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., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, 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 information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

12 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Dec. 23, 2020