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Citizen Week of June 13, 2018

| Vol. 49 | No. 24 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

ENGINEERING COMPETITION BRINGS TOGETHER STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER CHICAGO

Project SYNCERE recently hosted it’s inaugural ENpowered Games annual event that brought together students from 16 schools on Chicago’s south and west sides to participate in a one-day engineering competition at the Museum of Science and Industry.

See more on Page 3

Business: South Suburban College Presents HR Essentials Workshop - Page 4 Entertainment: “Superfly” Hits the Big Screen June 13th - Page 6 |

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Photo: Project SYNCERE

CHICAGO WEEKEND

2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

NEWS briefly EDUCATION

CTU: WE MUST DO BETTER IN PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN The Chicago Teachers Union is calling for an independent task force of parents, students, clinicians, teachers, union leaders, administrators and outside experts to address issues of sexual abuse in Chicago public schools – and to devise policies that will create safer school communities.

The CTU is also renewing its call for more school clinicians, who are trained explicitly to address issues related to physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children.

“School nurses and social workers are specially trained in how to handle sexual abuse,” said school social worker and CTU member Emily Penn, “but we have too few clinicians to support students, teachers and staff – less than 150 certified school nurses and only 170 counselors to cover over 600 schools. Much of our time is bound up with the burden of special education paperwork. That’s not enough to get students and staff the support they need, at the same time that we deal with real shortcomings in administrative follow-up or reporting on outcomes.”

HEALTH

2018 HEALTHY CHICAGO 2.0 COMMUNITY SEED GRANTS AWARDED Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Dr. Julie Morita and the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) recently announced the recipients of the 2018 Healthy Chicago 2.0 Community Seed Grants.

The $150,000 grant was presented to four community-based organizations to improve health equity and support communitydriven change in North and South Lawndale.

This year’s funding supports a vision for local change, developed and led by the community.

Last year, Mayor Emanuel and CDPH awarded $175,000 to five community groups that addressed the conditions that promote heath in Austin, Armour Square, Englewood, Chicago Lawn and Gage Park. Community groups worked to improve access to social services, healthy food and safe public spaces.

LAW & POLITICS

HB4922 PASSES BOTH CHAMBERS, AWAITS GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael

Frerichs recently called on Governor Bruce Rauner to sign House Bill 4922 into law to put a stop to companies that issue rebate cards that charge dormancy or inactivity fees and avoid unclaimed property laws.

House Bill 4922 recently passed the Illinois House and Senate with bipartisan support. The legislation amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to prohibit the sale or issuance of a rebate card that charges dormancy fees and almost all other postissuance fees. The legislation was sponsored

by Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) and Representative Theresa Mah (D-Chicago).

Language Learning Center Provides Foreign Language Classes to Underserved Communities

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

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fter offering traveling Spanish language enrichment classes for several years, FAYO Bilingual Training Institute (FBTI) finally opened a brick and mortar language learning center in Feb. in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.

FBTI still offers traveling language programs along with stationary language classes in their new location and the organization is currently preparing to host the inaugural fiveweek FBTI Summer Language Camp for kids.

In 2016 Daniel Hernandez, founder and executive director of FBTI, met Dorothy Mars, FBTI Amigos Míos program director, and they quickly discovered that they were both working towards the same vision of bringing language enrichment programs to underserved communities.

“In 2016 Daniel and I met through a mutual client and found out that we were doing the same thing. Amigo Míos is a program that I created and at the time, I was pretty much just going out to certain daycares and providing Spanish,” said Mars.

Very quickly the pair decided to combine forces. Through the partnership, Mars’ Amigos Míos program expanded to offer traveling language learning curriculum to daycare centers, learning centers, and after-school programs all over the south and west sides of Chicago and the program now offers curriculum in several other languages outside of just Spanish.

Growing up on the south side, Hernandez knew that there was a need for language enrichment in many of Chicago’s underserved After offering traveling Spanish language enrichment classes for several years, FAYO Bilingual Training communities and schools. Although Institute (FBTI) finally opened a brick and mortar language learning center in Feb. in Chicago’s South he had the privilege of taking French Shore neighborhood. The organization is currently preparing to host the inaugural five-week FBTI and Spanish at Kenwood Academy, Summer Language Camp for kids. he noticed that many of his friends will study Spanish, Mandarin, and French from other schools were not offered the same out to provide language enrichment and language learning to schools that needed and languages along with the culture behind opportunities. those languages. wanted it.

“By the time I graduated high school I “This is our inaugural summer camp and “Mainly, Daniel and I had the vision had taken AP Spanish and AP French,” said it’s not a full immersion summer camp, but to provide these language services and Hernandez. “However, for my peers that we are trying to push Spanish, Mandarin, enrichment activities on the south side of didn’t go to Kenwood Academy and went and French. The kids will learn three Chicago because we noticed that there weren’t to other schools on the south side, their different languages and their cultures by that many other opportunities,” said Mars. language departments were either nongetting to try the food and going on cultural This summer, FBTI will offer a five-week existent or not strong at all. There was a huge field trips,” said Hernandez.

Summer Language Camp for children who gap from my experience to what my peers at For more information about FBTI and the are 7 to 13 years old. The camp will take other schools experienced.”

Summer Language Camp visit FBTIChicago. place on Mon., Wed., and Fri. From July Because of this gap in resources from one com.

9 to Aug. 10 and costs $50 a day. Students school to the next, Hernandez and Mars set www.thechicagocitizen.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

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NEWS

Engineering Competition Brings Together Students From All Over Chicago Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

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roject SYNCERE recently hosted it’s inaugural ENpowered Games annual event that brought together students from 16 schools on Chicago’s south and west sides to participate in a one-day engineering competition at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Project SYNCERE (Supporting Youth’s Needs with Core Engineering Research Experiments) is a non-profit organization designed to create opportunities for underrepresented students, grades 1 through 12, to explore careers in STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.

“The ENpowered Games is part of our ENpowered programming model which serves

as an introduction for young people to get them excited about future careers in STEM. Through this program we partner with schools and community organizations to provide students with hands-on opportunities to really discover what engineering is all about,” said Jason Coleman, executive director and cofounder of Project SYNCERE. More than 300 students came together to compete in the ENpowered Games. Students were asked to test their engineering knowledge in two projects during the games.

The first competition focused on the student’s ability to think outside the box, according to Coleman. Students were asked to create a device, in one hour, that would be able to float in rising water and detect when the water reached a certain level.

“The group that I was with, I knew that we could do it, but a challenging part was the first

competition about the water level. You had to make an object float in the water while it was standing up and have a light being lit when the water rises up to a certain level and we ran out of time,” said Jermal Ray, an eighth-grader from Sumner Elementary who competed in the ENpowered Games.

The second project was about problemsolving and focus, students were given five different electrical engineering challenges and asked to design different types of circuits on breadboards, again in an hour, based on specific design criteria, according to Coleman.

“It made me think, it forced us to use things that we are going to need in life as a whole like teamwork and collaboration. That’s what I liked about the ENpowered Games, it taught us to be a team and to think and problem solve and not to rush,” said Carvell Anderson, an eighth-grader from Sumner Elementary who

competed in the ENpowered Games.

Though his team didn’t win, Anderson said he loved how diverse the competition was and that it showed him and his teammates what they are truly capable of.

Project SYNCERE hopes to continue expanding the program and to have at least 25 schools involved in next years ENpowered Games.

“For us, this whole competition was about trying to bring more energy to the city about engineering and bring more awareness, especially within our communities. Often times so many students within our underserved communities just aren’t aware of what opportunities exist within engineering,” said Coleman. “We truly believe in the model that you can’t be what you can’t see so we are trying to help more young people be able to envision themselves in these careers.”

History Making Gubernatorial Candidate, Stacey Abrams, to Keynote Rainbow PUSH Coalition International Women’s Luncheon S

Stacey Abrams (pictured) who made history last month by becoming the first black woman to be a major party nominee for governor in the United States, will keynote the Women’s Leadership Luncheon at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Citizenship Education Fund 47th Annual International Convention.

tacey Abrams, who made history last month by becoming the first black woman to be a major party nominee for governor in the United States, will keynote the Women’s Leadership Luncheon at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Citizenship Education Fund 47th Annual International Convention to be held on Friday, June 15th at 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM at the Hyatt Regency Chicago located on151 East Upper Wacker Drive in Chicago.

“Stacey Abrams has already shattered one glass ceiling for black women and she’s on the verge of making even more history in November,” said Jacqueline L. Jackson, the chairwoman of the luncheon and the wife of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., founder and president of Rainbow PUSH. “We are honored to have this remarkable and gifted woman share her experience and wisdom with us.”

Only two African Americans have been elected governor by voters in U.S. history – L. Douglas Wilder in Virginia and Deval Patrick in Massachusetts. There have been 39 women governors. Abrams, a political progressive with a solid record in health and criminal justice reform, would be the first black woman elected to lead a state.

Abrams, who is a Yale University-trained lawyer, business woman, romance novelist and former Georgia State House leader, will join a sisterhood of accomplished and courageous

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“Stacey Abrams has already shattered one glass ceiling for black women and she’s on the verge of making even more history in November. We are honored to have this remarkable and gifted woman share her experience and wisdom with us.”

JACQUELINE L. JACKSON

doctors, judges, educators, scientists, activists and elected officials at the Women’s Luncheon.

Previous Women’s Luncheon keynote speakers have included, to name just a few, Hillary Clinton, Maxine Waters, Elizabeth Warren and Cicely Tyson.

In May, Georgia Democrats selected Ms. Abrams, 44, to be their nominee for governor. The election is Nov. 6, 2018. “Stacey Abrams,” declared an op-ed in The Hill, “could revolutionize politics if elected Georgia governor.”

4 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

BUSINESS

HR Essentials for Supervisors and Managers

Nonprofit Utopia Launches on Mighty Networks to Develop the Next Generation of Ethical Leaders

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he South Suburban College Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents a Breakfast with BCI Workshop titled HR Essentials for Supervisors & Managers, on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., with check-in and continental breakfast to begin at 8:15 a.m. This workshop will be held in the South Suburban College Main Campus in the MB Financial Suite on the 1st floor, and will be facilitated by Attorney Sonia D. Coleman and Alexandra Glumac, SSC Client Solutions Specialist.

We live in a litigious society and businesses are not immune. Protecting your company involves ensuring your managers and supervisors are trained on important HR laws and best practices. Whether you’ve been recently promoted, are a veteran supervisor or are working a non-HR job with HR responsibilities, this workshop is worth the investment. In this interactive session, participants will: • Receive updates and gain understanding on issues related to

N A photo showing the campus of South Suburban College.

EEO, ADA, FMLA and other relevant employment laws.

• Obtain up-to-date information on sexual harassment and bullying.

• Learn essential best practices for hiring and terminating employees.

The cost of the workshop with continental breakfast is $45 per person

or $40 per person if 3 or more from the same company attend. Reservations are required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22nd. For more information or to register, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email AGlumac@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL.

WELLCARE to Acquire Meridian for $2.5 Billion

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ellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc., Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc., and MeridianRx, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), (collectively, “Meridian”) for $2.5 billion in cash. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Meridian expects to generate more than $4.3 billion in total revenue in 2018. As a result of this transaction, WellCare will diversify its Medicaid portfolio through the addition of Michigan, where Meridian has the No. 1 Medicaid market position; deepen its Medicaid business in Illinois; and acquire an integrated PBM platform.

Meridian is one of the largest privately held, for-profit managed care organizations in the U.S. and serves approximately 1.1 million Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (MA), integrated dual-eligible and Health Insurance Marketplace members as of May 1, 2018 in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

“Meridian is a well-performing health plan, and WellCare and Meridian share a similar commitment to serving our members through a comprehensive, integrated approach to healthcare,” said Ken Burdick, WellCare’s CEO. “This transaction strategically aligns with our focus on government-sponsored health

plans, will strengthen our capabilities and growing business, and will meaningfully advance our growth agenda.”

“WellCare’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of its members makes it an ideal partner,” said David B. Cotton, CEO of Meridian. “Our similar missions,

“Meridian is a wellperforming health plan, and WellCare and Meridian share a similar commitment to serving our members through a comprehensive, integrated approach to healthcare.”

KEN BURDICK WELLCARE’S CEO

values and goals, combined with WellCare’s dedication to providing an unparalleled member experience, including access to high quality healthcare, were key factors in our decision.”

Meridian has approximately 508,000 Medicaid members in Michigan and 565,000 Medicaid members in Illinois as of May 1, 2018.[1] Upon closing, WellCare

will have the No. 1 Medicaid membership market share in Michigan and Illinois, increasing its leading market position from four to six states. WellCare will also expand its MA business through the addition of Meridian’s 27,000 MA members in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.1 In addition, as a result of this transaction, the company will add an integrated PBM platform that provides a wide range of services and product offerings to both Meridian’s members and third parties.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS AND TRANSACTION DETAILS The transaction is expected to produce $0.40 to $0.50 of accretion to WellCare’s adjusted earnings per share in 2019, $0.70 to $0.80 of accretion in 2020, and $1.00+ of accretion in 2021, inclusive of $30 million to $40 million in synergies that will ramp up over the next few years and exclusive of one-time transaction-related expenses of $75 million to $85 million and cumulative integration-related expenses of $50 million to $60 million.

WellCare expects to fund the transaction through a combination of cash on hand, the company’s undrawn $1.0 billion revolving credit facility, and, subject to market conditions, new debt of $600 million to $1.0 billion and new equity of $800 million to $1.2 billion. The transaction is not contingent upon financing, and WellCare has secured $2.5 billion in committed bridge financing.

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onprofit Utopia, LLC informally launched recently. Nonprofit Utopia, LLC is a community of emerging nonprofit leaders, designed to provide a safe environment in which members can innovate, speak candidly about the issues and concerns they face on a daily basis, and share ideas and resources. Mighty Networks is a professional networking platform that provides a safe alternative to Facebook and LinkedIn groups.

“Baby Boomers are retiring, and Millennials now make up the largest segment of the workforce”, said Valerie F. Leonard, the Founder of Nonprofit Utopia, LLC. There’s still a lot of work to be done in our communities, and we can’t afford to have a leadership void in the nonprofit sector” A graduate of the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Leonard is an expert in community and organizational development who works with nonprofits to make a stronger impact to their clients and communities. She also teaches operations management for the UIC Certificate in Nonprofit Management program, and hosts the Nonprofit “U” podcast on BlogTalkRadio. “We need to ensure a seamless transition of knowledge from one generation of ethical leaders to the next. I want to do my share by training 50,000 emerging nonprofit and civic-minded leaders over the next 15 years”, Leonard said.

Leonard will be using Mighty Networks as a key element in accomplishing her goal. Mighty Networks is a professional networking platform that lets members have deeper connections than they would through other social media. The app allows users to create communities through which members can keep their “ear to the ground” on the latest developments with posts, questions, and polls. They can also establish themselves as local thought leaders by writing articles, submitting videos and podcasts and sharing behindthe-scenes experiences that will spark conversations and facilitate connections. Members can take online courses and connect to one another based on geographic location, job title and hot-button issues.

Mighty Networks was founded by Gina Bianchini, a Silicon Valley veteran, Stanford University graduate, and serial entrepreneur. Prior to starting Mighty Networks, she co-founded Ning with Marc Andreessen.

“We’re thrilled to power Nonprofit Utopia and the fantastic work that Valerie is doing,” said Bianchini.

Using the theme “The Power of Community”, Nonprofit Utopia will formally launch from Blue 1647 Tech Innovation Center in Chicago on June 26, 2018, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm., CST. The event will stream live from Facebook on the Nonprofit Utopia page. Featured speakers will include Bianchini; Emile Cambry, CEO of Blue 1647 Tech Innovation Center; Shelby Parchman, Founder of Urban Strategies, LLC and Bronwen Schumacher, Account Executive with Oracle + NetSuite. Theo Leonard, Jr., Insurance Agent with Country Financial, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Program highlights include a live demonstration of the Nonprofit Utopia website and opportunities to share ideas on the highest and best use for the community. Questions regarding the event may be directed to Leonard at valeriefleonard@ nonprofitutopia.com.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

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NEWS

Illinois Lottery Reveals 2018 Red Ribbon Cash Ticket

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

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he Illinois Lottery along with the Illinois Department of Public Health recently announced the 11 Illinois agencies that will be receiving grants to fund HIV/AIDS research, treatment and prevention programs across the state. The grants range from $50,000 to $75,000 and are made possible from Illinois Lottery’s Red Ribbon Cash instant ticket.

This year’s Red Ribbon Cast lottery ticket was also revealed at the recent event held at the Center on Halsted, a community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community in Chicago. One hundred percent of profits from the $3 Red Ribbon Cash ticket goes toward fighting HIV/ AIDS in Illinois.

“It has been almost 35 years since we were knocked off our feet by the awfulness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and were equally shocked by the lack of response and the hate that we faced,” said Modesto Valle, CEO of the Center on Halsted. “Today, we come together with a love for humankind to be innovative, compassionate and aggressive. Today, we have hope, new life, and we have the tools to bring about a generation free of HIV.” The Red Ribbon Cash ticket is available at

more than 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers and available prizes range from $5 to $50,000.

“The Illinois legislature sets statutes for us for the different tickets that we do, such as the Red Ribbon Cash ticket for HIV/AIDS support in the community. The lottery being able to sell these tickets is great because we have a presence all over the state so it allows this effort at fundraising through lottery profits to be done statewide with a structure that already exists,” said Greg Smith, Illinois Lottery acting director.

The Red Ribbon Cash ticket is just one way that the Illinois Department of Health has collaborated with another organizations to support the Getting to Zero campaign.

“Our statewide strategy to start bringing an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, what we call ‘Getting to Zero,’ is really one that will not be possible without the continued collaboration and partnership of all the individuals who we’ve worked with over the past years,” said Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The Red Ribbon Cash ticket is an example of how organizations across the state are joining forces and pooling resources to put an end to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Illinois and in Chicago.

“The HIV statistic in Illinois are sobering, just last year there were over 1,300 cases of HIV diagnosis across the state of Illinois and in Chicago alone, there are nearly 23,000

Photo: Katherine Newman

The Illinois Lottery along with the Illinois Department of Public Health recently announced the 11 Illinois agencies that will be receiving grants to fund HIV/AIDS research, treatment and prevention programs across the state. The grants range from $50,000 to $75,000 and are made possible from Illinois Lottery’s Red Ribbon Cash instant ticket.

individuals living with HIV and AIDS,” said Shah.

According to IDPH, Illinois ranks sixth nationwide in the diagnosis of HIV infections

and ninth in the estimated number of AIDS cases.

For more information about the Red Ribbon Cash ticket visit illinoislottery.com.

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6 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

KIDZ BOP And Live Nation Extend “KIDZ BOP Live 2018” North American Tour

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IDZ BOP, the #1 music brand for kids, is extending its “KIDZ BOP Live 2018” tour this fall by adding 22 additional concert dates. The second leg of the tour, in partnership with Live Nation, will bring KIDZ BOP’s live concert experience to thousands more fans across the country. The new dates will hit several major cities including Dallas, Nashville and Miami.

Tickets for the fall dates officially went on sale to the public on Friday on June 8. For tour dates and ticket information, visit kidzbop.com/ tour and LiveNation.com.

Citi® is the official presale credit card for “KIDZ BOP Live 2018.” As such Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Tuesday, June 5 at 10am local time until Thursday, June 7 at 10pm local time through Citi’s Private Pass® program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

Additional fan presales will run throughout the week, including offers for past KIDZ BOP ticket purchasers and KIDZ BOP’s top streamers on Spotify. Special VIP packages, which include a private party, exclusive merchandise, and a meet-

and-greet with The KIDZ BOP Kids will also be available. Artist Group International (AGI) is representing the KIDZ BOP Live 2018 tour.

The KIDZ BOP Kids, whose upcoming album – KIDZ BOP 38 – will debut July 13, headline the tour. The show, which kicked off last weekend, also marks the debut of its most ambitious stage design and choreography to date.

KIDZ BOP connects with kids and families through its best-selling albums, music videos, consumer products and live tours. In the U.S., KIDZ BOP is the No. 1 music brand for kids, featuring today’s biggest hits “sung by kids for kids.” KIDZ BOP has sold over 19 million albums and generated over 1 billion streams since the family-friendly music brand debuted in 2001.

The best-selling series has had 24 Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 Chart; only three artists in history—The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Barbra Streisand—have had more Top 10 albums.

KIDZ BOP Live 2018 is the ultimate family concert experience, “sung by kids for kids.” For more information, visit www.kidzbop.com.

Action Thriller Movie is Reimagined!

“Superfly” Hits the Big Screen June 13th BURBANK, CA – Superfly - the film that

helped define a genre in its characters, look, sound, and feel - is reimagined with Director X, director of legendary music videos (Drake, Rihanna), introducing it to a new generation. The screenplay is by Alex Tse. The movie is produced by Joel Silver and Future. executive Producers

include: Hal Sadoff, Aaron Auch, Ethan Enwin, Matthew Hirsch, and Steven R. Shore. Casts include Trevor Jackson, Jason Mitchell, Michael Kenneth Williams, Lex Scott Davis, and Jennifer Morrison.

This action thriller genre is set to be released on June 13, 2018 in theaters nationwide.

Debra Lee to Step Down as Chairman & CEO at BET Networks NEW YORK – After a trailblazing career in

television and entertainment spanning over 30 years at BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B sted NYSE: VIA, VIA.B) Debra Lee stepped down from her position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks, on May 28, 2018.

Lee, who began her career with the company as its first VP and General Counsel in 1986, was elevated to President and COO in 1996 and became Chairman and CEO in 2005.

Lee’s determination to make a real difference and give back greatly influenced BET Networks’ reinvigorated approach to developing authentic programming that both entertains and inspires the African-American community.

During Lee’s time at the helm, the network has enjoyed record-breaking success, including the 2014 series premiere of “The Game,” the most-watched sitcom premiere in cable TV history with 7.68 million viewers, and the 2017

hit mini-series “The New Edition Story,” which brought in 28.4 million viewers from the initial run through subsequent encores, making it the highest-rated TV biopic of all time. On Lee’s watch she oversaw the launch of the Network’s website, BET.com, developed BET Her, the first network for African-American women, and acquired television rights to “BLACK GIRLS ROCK”!™ Lee also launched Leading Women Defined, an annual conference where notable African American women, including Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Venus Williams, Issa Rae and Erykah Badu, to name a few, gathered each year for insightful debates and conversations on issues that impact their community and families.

Additionally, she championed BET’s breast cancer campaign “BET Goes Pink,” the education platform “BET Next Level,” awardwinning voting campaign “BET Vote Your Voice” and several telethons for Florida, Haiti and Katrina under the “SOS: Saving OurSelves”

Debra Lee

initiative.

Lee’s focus on diverse, high-quality scripted programming that positively highlights the African-American experience has set BET Networks apart from other brands desperate to reach the coveted black audience. Shows such as “Being Mary Jane,” “The Real Husbands of Hollywood,” and “In Contempt” have helped BET Networks remain the #1 network among African-American viewers for the past 17

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years. Lee’s commitment to music and live entertainment led to the creation of one of the most popular award shows on television, “The BET Awards,” as well as the launch of the first festival weekend under the Viacom umbrella, The BET Experience. Her impact on the music industry led her to become the first woman to date to receive the Recording Academy’s prestigious Salute to Industry Icons Award.

Following her departure from the company, Lee, a well-respected industry executive, plans to stay involved in the media industry and continue her role on corporate and non-profit boards. In addition, Lee also plans to continue her commitment to diversity and inclusion by advancing the rights of women and girls as well as people of color through her work with Times Up and The Recording Academy Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, to name a few. Lee’s annual gathering of prominent African American women, Leading Women Defined, will also continue under her leadership.

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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

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8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

FASHION Men’s Health Week Celebrated Up Until Father’s Day, Campaign Encourages People to Wear Blue to Raise More Awareness

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une is recognized as Men’s Health Month, an annual awareness period solely dedicated to education and activities on the health and wellness of men and boys.

This year, Men’s Health Week will be celebrated up until Father’s Day on June 17th. During this time, health care professionals, private corporations, faithbased community organizations, and government agencies, plan activities that focus on the health and well-being of boys, men, and their families.

Men’s Health Month is built on the pillars of Awareness–Prevention– Education–Family.

“Awareness periods like Men’s Health Month are crucial in helping to educate the public on health issues and health disparities impacting men,” said Ana Fadich, VP of Men’s Health Network.

“Men continue to suffer from chronic illness and lower insurance rates than women. Men are also less likely to seek out mental health services than women.

Support for Men’s Health Month from policymakers, state and federal legislators, the media, and our private and non-profit partners can help fight these systemic issues and save lives.”

“Health and safety are important in any workplace, particularly for men working physically demanding jobs. They are more prone to workplace injuries and it’s important for them to be aware of their health and engage their medical providers,” said Todd Washam, Director of Industry and External Relations Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

“Men’s Health Month is a great awareness and education period to encourage men to make their health a priority. Just like your car is triggered to remind you when it’s time to change your oil or get serviced, the month of June should serve as a mental trigger for men to get their body checked,” said Jamin Brahmbhatt , MD, a urologist and advisor to MHN. “June is the perfect time for men to stop thinking and start getting screened for medical conditions that can be easily prevented and caught early. When it comes to your prostate health and overall wellness it’s better to get check now then wait until it’s too late.”

This has been a pivotal year for men’s health. In May, a federal health task finalized new recommendations impacting prostate cancer screenings for men and MHN partnered with advocacy organizations to debrief legislative staff on the new recommendations to offer comments. MHN held a briefing on opioid addiction and men’s employment; as

well as another briefing on how the crisis continues to impact men’s mental health and wellness.

“Awareness and early intervention are both key in preventing most chronic diseases impacting men, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and many types of cancer.

Annual activities that promote awareness like Men’s Health Month are crucial in initiating conversations and leading men to be more engaged in their health,” said Jean Bonhomme, MD, Founder of the National Black Men’s Health Network.

“Making men healthier can only lead to improved health for families and communities.”

Over 300 mayors and governors across the country recognize June as Men’s Health Month with official proclamations. The proclamations are displayed in Congress and reports on the status of the health and well-being of boys and men in each state are available at the State of Men’s Health web site. Free resources are available in both English and Spanish at www.

MensHealthMonth.com A key part of the continued momentum is the annual event and social media campaign, including: • Congress joins the celebration with a Congressional Workout, planned for June 14 • Men’s Health Month Twitter Chat is scheduled for June 27 at 2 PM EST • #ShowUsYourBlue campaign: People all over the world take pictures of themselves and others wearing blue to increase awareness for men’s health • The #ShowUsYourBlue social media storm is on Wear Blue Friday, June 15, the Friday of Men’s Health Week Men’s Health Month and Men’s Health Week are sponsored by Men’s Health Network (MHN), which maintains a list of experts and spokespersons on all areas of male health and wellness, including fatherhood issues. Men’s Health Month supporters include Sanofi-Regeneron, Allergan Foundation, and Pfizer, Inc. Men’s Health Network (MHN) is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health awareness messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork. org and follow them on Twitter @ MensHlthNetwork and Facebook at www. facebook.com/menshealthnetwork. For more information on MHN’s ongoing Dialogue on Men’s Health series, visit www. dialogueonmenshealth.com

J.Hilburn, a custom, made-to-measure menswear line, has 2,000+ personal stylists in all 50 states across the country who travel to their clients for fitting and styling appointments with the product.

For Father’s Day This Year, Let a Personal Stylist Come to Dad NEW YORK – It’s a no brainer that the retail

market has been going through drastic changes over the past 10 years. Stores are competing with the continuous growth in online sales. One of the biggest factors contributing to this market shift is the convenience that online shopping brings to its consumers.

Companies are brainstorming on ways they can bring customers back into the stores and make their shopping experience easier. Stores know they have something that online doesn’t, people and the actual product.

Another shift in the consumer market is the

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growth in men’s fashion. Yes, men are actually paying attention to what they wear and J.Hilburn is revolutionizing the way they shop!

J.Hilburn is a custom, made-to-measure menswear line, that takes pride in their 2,000+ personal stylists in all 50 states across the country who travel to their clients for fitting and styling appointments with the product.

As retail continues to evolve, J.Hilburn is already ahead of the game. With no brick and mortar, J.Hilburn has been around for 11 years and is already a multi-billion dollar company!

Andy Janowski, J.Hilburn’s new CEO, said, “The extraordinary success of J.Hilburn over the past 11 years clearly established the brand as the leader in custom-made men’s clothing. As men’s tastes evolve, J.Hilburn is now well positioned to expand on its luxury customer experience and meet the changing style needs.”

J.Hilburn started as a shirting company making custom dress shirts of only the finest Italian and English fabrics that expanded into tailored suiting and has recently introduced a casual apparel, including golf, that has big plans on growing in the near future due to consumer demand. “We’re not abandoning our core DNA of shirts and suits,” said Janowski. “We believe we can triple the size of our traditional business.”

Another game changer, in 2016 J.Hilburn opened their first showroom in their hometown Dallas, TX. Since then, three other showrooms have opened! One in New York City, Boston, and Bellevue, Wash. The showroom is a central location where stylists and clients can meet and best part, they are fully equipped with completed looks and garments with customization examples that are displayed across the showroom.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

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10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

CALENDAR

June Neighborhood Festivals RIBFEST CHICAGO EVENT DETAILS WHEN: June 8-10, 2018 WHERE: Northcenter,

Lincoln Ave. btwn. Irving Park Rd. & Berteau Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 TIME: Friday: 5-10pm; Saturday & Sunday: 1210pm ADMISSION: $10 Donation (per person/$20 per family) is requested to benefit Northcenter philanthropy and community programs.

Chicago’s favorite food and music festival turns the big 2-0 in 2018. Ribfest Chicago ignites summer with the best bands and hottest barbecue, and fans won’t believe the surprises in store for them this June.

PILSEN FOOD TRUCK SOCIAL EVENT DETAILS WHEN: June 9-10, 2018 WHERE: 18th Street btwn. Racine Ave. & Throop St.

Chicago, IL 60608 TIME: 11am-9pm

FREE ADMISSION; $5 suggested donation

A reflection of the eclectic and vibrant community each year is the Pilsen Food Truck Social, when over 25 of Illinois’ most popular food trucks roll up onto 18th street with a plethora of mobile delicacies.

WELL STREET ART FESTIVAL

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: June 9-10, 2018 WHERE: Old Town,

1200-1600 N. Wells St. Chicago, IL 60610 SATURDAY: 10am10pm; Sunday: 10-9pm ADMISSION: $7 gate donation benefits the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association Early-summer art extravaganza in the historic Old Town neighborhood features the handiwork of more than 200 juried and eco-friendly artists from across the nation.

UNCF HOSTS “A MIND IS …”

GALA CHICAGO, JUNE 16 The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) hosts its annual black-tie fundraiser, “A Mind Is…” Gala Chicago, June 16, at 6:00 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency, 151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago. The Gentlemen of Leisure Band performs.

Visit uncf.org/amiChicago. For sponsorships, call 312845-2200.

EVENT: United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Annual BlackTie Fundraiser, «A Mind Is...» Gala WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2018 WHERE: Hyatt Regency, 151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago TIME: 6:00 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT: The Gentlemen of Leisure Band More Information: visit www.uncf.org/amiChicago. For sponsorships, call 312-845-2200

“Clearing a Path for Democracy: Citizen Soldiers of the Fighting Eighth in World War I Opens at the The DuSable Museum of African American History CHICAGO – The DuSable Museum of African American

History is pleased to present a new exhibition, “Clearing a Path for Democracy: Citizen Soldiers of the Fighting Eighth in World War I.” The Eighth Infantry of the Illinois National Guard is the only regiment in American history to deploy overseas under the command of African American officers. The exhibition which was curated by historian and guest curator Harold (Hari) Jones will open on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the DuSable Museum of African American History.

The Eighth Infantry of the Illinois National Guard was indeed the only infantry regiment in American history ever commanded by a complete staff of African American officers. During the Spanish American War and World War I, the Fighting Eighth of Chicago was noted for its good conduct and noteworthy courage under fire. Despite the regiment’s sterling record, its story was ignored and suppressed by American military historians in the decades following World War I. The martial accomplishments of this unique American regiment remain unsung to this day. However, the DuSable Museum of African American History utilizing primary sources from its own collection brings these accomplishments to light in the exhibition “Clearing a Path for Democracy: Citizen Soldiers of the Fighting Eighth in World War I.” After the Spanish American War, Sergeant William T. Goode wrote, “The triumph of this regiment over all obstacles and prejudicial barriers has certainly shaped the future destiny of the Afro-American, as a peaceful citizen—as a brave and courageous soldier, as a leader, and a prominent factor in the vicissitudes of human affairs.”

With a focus on World War I, the exhibition covers the history of the 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard (the Fighting Eighth) from 1895 to 1941 in five sections.

Section 1 presents the history of African descent soldiers with an emphasis on their demonstrated abilities during the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Section 2 focuses on how the regiment’s record of excellence demonstrated during the Spanish American War influences the regiment and its reputation in the decade before World War I. In this section the “Colonel James C. Hall Collection” provides an insider’s perspective from 1905 to 1941 and artifacts from the Hall Collection take the visitor through the regiment’s mobilization for deployment during World War I. Section 3 focuses on the home front during the regiment’s deployment in France (April 1918 to February 1919). It features gifts and correspondence from the Hall Collection sent home to family members from France. This section also speaks to the civilian war effort covering topics such as liberty bonds, war gardens and activist support for the soldiers. Section 4 examines the 370th Infantry (the Fighting Eighth) their training under French Instructors, and Occupation duty, which entailed

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battlefield clean up. The section also includes artifacts from the 365th USI and the 803rd USPI and ends with the departure of the 803rd from Brest Harbor aboard the USS Philippines in July 1919. Section 5 covers the welcome reception and the legacy of the citizen soldiers of the Fighting Eighth.

The story of the citizen soldiers of the Fighting Eighth also reveals the political sophistication of Chicago’s African American community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The community stood as a sterling example of what could be done despite racial discrimination. This exhibition is certain to challenge

“The 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard community stood as a sterling example of what could be done despite racial discrimination.” He continued, “In this exhibition, the story will be told, and this story is certain to challenge false images of Americans of African descent too often projected in the nation’s popular culture.”

HAROLD (HARI) JONES

the popular narrative of African descent citizen soldiers during World War I. It is a story of leadership and courage told exclusively from primary sources.

Curator Hari Jones stated, “The 8th Infantry Illinois National Guard community stood as a sterling example of what could be done despite racial discrimination.” He continued, “In this exhibition, the story will be told, and this story is certain to challenge false images of Americans of African descent too often projected in the nation’s popular culture.”

Lieutenant J.W. Curtis wrote that if anyone questions the leadership of the regiment’s officers, they need only”examine her records as kept in the imperishable archives of the War Department.” Redesignated the 370th Regiment U.S.Infantry during World War I, her records are also found in French archives because the regiment was attached to French division. Given the race barriers in their own country, the soldiers viewed their efforts as making “the world safe for democracy” and “clearing a path for democracy” at home.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

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12 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 13, 2018

CHEVROLET AND NNPA JOIN TOGETHER TO OFFER HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS A $15K FELLOWSHIP! The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is excited to partner with the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox to present Discover the Unexpected (DTU) – an amazing journalism fellowship.

Selected DTU Fellows from Historically Black Colleges and Universities earn a $10,000 scholarship, $5,000 stipend and an exciting summer road trip in the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.

Join our DTU Fellows on this multi-city journey as they discover unsung heroes and share stories from African-American communities that will surprise and inspire. DTU is back and better than ever! Are you ready to ride? #ChevyEquinox, #Chevy, #NNPA

#DTU2018