Chicago Weekend Citizen 6-23-2021

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

Citizen Week of June 23, 2021

| Vol. 52 | No. 26 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Coalition to Help Coordinate Emergency Relief Funding to Advance Student Success Page 2

Tripadvisor Research Reveals COVID-19 Vaccines Driving Demand for Summer Vacations Page 5

Ida Nelson’s son, Gus “Jett” Hawkins is the inspiration behind the Jett Hakwins Act, which bans schools from making rules about hairstyles, including those associated with race, ethnicity or hair texture. Photo provided by Ida Nelson

Waves of Fun: Swimming safety tips for summer Page 9

MOTHER OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD CHAMPIONS AGAINST HAIR DISCRIMINATION Ida Nelson’s four-year-old son Gus “Jett” Hawkins is the inspiration behind recent legislation that would ban schools from making rules about hairstyles, including those associated with race, ethnicity or hair texture. PAGE 2

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION NEW COALITION TO HELP COORDINATE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDING TO ADVANCE STUDENT SUCCESS Twelve leading education organizations recently announced a new effort to help ensure all students receive the equitable educational opportunities they deserve. The newly formed Coalition to Advance Future Student Success is a recognition that the historic injection of federal emergency relief funds presents a transformative opportunity for America’s public K-12 education system.

The Coalition represents leaders involved in advancing public education, from practitioners in the classroom to the state capitol.

The Coalition’s goal is to ensure that the federal investment provided during the COVID-19 pandemic is spent effectively and efficiently.

A key pillar is to support historically underserved students who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coalition to Advance Future Student Success comprises the Council of Chief State School Officers, National Governors Association, National Association of State Boards of Education, National Conference of State Legislatures, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, Council of the Great City Schools, Chiefs for Change, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National School Boards Association, National Education Association, and American Federation of Teachers.

HEALTH

LYSOL®, JOINS THE AD COUNCIL AND COVID COLLABORATIVE’S COVID-19 VACCINE EDUCATION INITIATIVE Reckitt, the maker of Lysol®, has joined the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative in their efforts to promote COVID-19 vaccine awareness, releasing a new public service announcement (PSA) encouraging people to visit GetVaccineAnswers.org for information. The PSA – which focuses on the long-awaited moments of welcoming friends and family back into our homes – will help amplify the organizations’ historic “It’s Up To You” campaign, which educates people about COVID-19 vaccines and the role they play in helping us all get back to the moments we miss.

“With the COVID-19 vaccines widely available, it’s critical that Americans with questions know where to turn for reliable answers,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We are thrilled that Lysol, a brand deeply trusted by consumers, is joining our initiative. Together, we can inspire individuals who are still hesitant to get the facts about the safety and efficacy of these vaccines.”

LAW & POLITICS

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL: CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER RULED SEXUALLY VIOLENT Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently announced that a Kane County judge has found that a registered sex offender is a Sexually Violent Person (SVP). Following the verdict, Kane County Circuit Court Judge Alice Tracy ordered Kerby Ford, 57, to remain in the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for treatment. Ford will be returned to the IDHS SVP Treatment and Detention Facility in Rushville, Illinois.

In 2008, Ford was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl. At the time, Ford worked in the restaurant owned by the victim’s uncle. Previously in 1993, Ford was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting two girls, an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old, he was babysitting in Cook County. Also in 1993, Ford was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 13 while he was babysitting them in Kane County in 1989.

Under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act, Raoul’s office prosecutes cases seeking to commit offenders to the custody of IDHS. To be committed under the act, a person must have been convicted of a sexually violent offense and suffer from a mental disorder. Prosecutors must also prove that the offender is likely to commit future acts of sexual violence if released from custody. Once committed to IDHS, offenders are re-evaluated on a regular basis to determine if they continue to meet the criteria for commitment as a sexually violent person.

Mother of four-year-old champions against hair discrimination Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Ida Nelson’s four-year-old son Gus “Jett” Hawkins is the inspiration behind recent legislation that would ban schools from making rules about hairstyles, including those associated with race, ethnicity or hair texture.

Illinois Senate Bill 817 was sponsored by Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons, who wears his hair in freeform locs. This legislation comes at a time when several states are passing the CROWN Act, which makes it illegal to deny a person of employ-

ment and educational opportunities based on their hair texture, including Bantu Knots, braids, locs or twists.

Nelson has also started a social media campaign where she talks about Black hair. According to her, Black and Brown children are being targeted and “there’s not one policy in any school handbook that bans straight hair.”

Nelson added, she had heard all kinds of stories of Black children being discriminated against because of their hair. She said she sees a correlation between mental health outcomes and these types of hair policies. And, she said it is important for those chil-

dren to be protected.

Nelson said she wants to also change the understanding and dialogue for Black children. She said the legislation brings awareness that it is not okay to victimize Black children.

She said she wants to do her part to strengthen the community, mentally.

“It’s not enough to change these policies, we need to change the understanding that this is not just hair for us. Just like I can’t wash away the Blackness of my skin. I just can’t press away or perm away the health of my hair to fit into your standard of beauty,” she said.

May report shows highest office human occupancy levels since before the pandemic Since July, Chicago Loop Alliance has been collecting monthly survey data from its member businesses and stakeholders to track operations during COVID-19, and recently released its May report. Some highlights include: * Chicago Loop Alliance added clarity on parking data. Digital parking bookings, likely used by those making one-off, infrequent or short visits to the Loop, exceeded 2019 levels for the first time, but parking garages, likely used by work commuters, are at about 56 percent of normal. * Pedestrian activity continued a gradual climb to about 45 percent of normal. * CTA ridership data were unavailable for the month of May. * Hotel occupancy reached 38 percent of normal levels in April (this data is always one month behind the other metrics). * Office human occupancy is still low compared to all other metrics. However, this exceeded 20 percent of normal for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Larger gains are expected here this summer, as BMO Harris, JPMorgan Chase and Citadel have announced that, combined, they’ll bring 10,000 workers back downtown in June and July. * Only 11 percent of survey respondents reported

Since July, Chicago Loop Alliance has been collecting monthly survey data from its member businesses and stakeholders to track operations during COVID-19 in the loop. According to data, pedestrian activity continued a gradual climb to about 45 percent of normal.

Photo by Adam Alexander Photography

their business is open with all staff working remotely, compared to 14 percent in April; the majority have some or all staff on-site. * Public transportation (CTA and Metra combined) is the most popular way to get downtown among survey respondents. As the weather warms, more are opting to get to the Loop by bike or foot. * Employers are feeling far more confident in a return to the office. Only 42 percent of respondents indicated “unsure” or “other” when asked when their full staff would return to the Loop for work (56 percent in April, 69 percent in March and 80 percent in February). * In May, outdoor activities like dining on a patio or visiting a park were more popular than indoor dining

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and visiting an indoor attraction, with outdoor dining being the most popular activity overall.

“After an incredibly difficult year, it’s heartening to see fuller sidewalks, waitlists at restaurants and more workers returning to downtown offices,” said Chicago Loop Alliance president and CEO Michael Edwards.

For those Loop workers who will soon return downtown, Chicago Loop Alliance has created a Back to Work Toolkit that can be found at LoopChicago.com/ BackToWork. It can also be used by those who never left, as well as those who are returning for the first time.

The toolkit includes insider tips for working downtown in the Loop in addition to information on how to safely get downtown;

what’s new in the Loop; what the Loop looks like these days; lunch and happy hour spots; and more.

Chicago Loop Alliance has also announced Sundays on State, an event series on select Sundays this summer beginning July 11. Chicago’s most iconic street, State Street, will close to traffic from Lake to Madison for this free, interactive block party featuring art, culture, active recreation, retail, bars, restaurants and local attractions.

The event is expected to significantly boost pedestrian traffic downtown. Learn more and sign up to attend at LoopChicago.com/SundaysOnState.

Chicago Loop Alliance invites people to share their experiences downtown on social media using #BackInTheLoop.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 23, 2021

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NEWS

IRS sending letters to more than 36 million families who may qualify for monthly Child Tax Credits; payments start July 15 The Internal Revenue Service has started sending letters to more than 36 million American families who, based on tax returns filed with the agency, may be eligible to receive monthly Child Tax Credit payments starting in July.

The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. The letters are going to families who may be eligible based on information they included in either their 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return or who used the Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov last year to register for an Economic Impact Payment.

Families who are eligible for advance Child Tax Credit payments will receive a second, personalized letter listing an estimate of their monthly payment, which begins July 15.

Most families do not need to take any action to get their payment. Normally, the IRS will calculate the payment amount based on the 2020 tax return.

If that return is not available, either because it has not yet been filed or it has not yet been processed, the IRS will instead determine the payment amount using the 2019 return.

Eligible families will begin receiving advance payments, either by direct deposit or check. The payment will be up to $300 per month for each qualifying child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each qualifying child ages 6 to 17.

The IRS will issue advance Child Tax Credit payments on July 15, August 13, September 15, October 15, November 15 and December 15.

Eligible families should file tax returns soon The IRS urges individuals and families who haven’t yet filed their 2020 return – or 2019 return – to do so as soon as possible so they can receive any advance payment they’re eligible for.

Filing soon will also ensure that the IRS has their most current bank-

ing information, as well as key details about qualifying children. This includes people who don’t normally file a tax return, such as families experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and other underserved groups.

For most people, the fastest and easiest way to file a return is by using the Free File system, available only on IRS.gov.

Throughout the summer, the IRS will be adding additional tools and online resources to help with the advance Child Tax Credit. One of these tools will enable families to unenroll from receiving these advance payments and instead receive the full amount of the credit when they file their 2021 return next year.

Additionally, later this year, individuals and families will also be able to go to IRS.gov and use a Child Tax Credit Update Portal to notify IRS of changes in their income, filing status, or number of qualifying children; update their direct deposit information; and make other changes to ensure they are receiving the right amount as quickly as possible.

Other tools coming soon The IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page at IRS.gov/ childtaxcredit2021, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments.

In the next few weeks, the page will also feature other useful new online tools, including: * An interactive Child Tax Credit eligibility tool to help families determine whether they qualify for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments. * Another tool, the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, will initially enable anyone who has been determined to be eligible for advance payments unenroll/ to opt out of the advance payment program. Later this year, it will allow people to check on the status of their payments, make updates to their information, and be available in Spanish. More details will

be available soon about the online Child Tax Credit Update Portal.

Child Tax Credit Changes The American Rescue Plan raised the maximum Child Tax Credit in 2021 to $3,600 for qualifying children under the age of 6 and to $3,000 per child for qualifying children between ages 6 and 17. Before 2021, the credit was worth up to $2,000 per eligible child, and 17 yearolds were not considered as qualifying children for the credit.

The new maximum credit is available to taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income (AGI) of: * $75,000 or less for singles, * $112,500 or less for heads of household, and * $150,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return and qualified widows and widowers.

For most people, modified AGI is the amount shown on Line 11 of their 2020 Form 1040 or 1040-SR. Above these income thresholds, the extra amount above the original $2,000 credit — either $1,000 or $1,600 per child — is reduced by $50 for every extra $1,000 in modified AGI. In addition, the entire credit is fully refundable for 2021. This means that eligible families can get it, even if they owe no federal income tax. Before this year, the refundable portion was limited to $1,400 per child.

The IRS urges community groups, non-profits, associations, education organizations, and others with connections to people with children to share this critical information about the Child Tax Credit as well as other important benefits. The IRS will be providing in the near future additional materials and information that can be easily shared by social media, email and other methods.

For the most up-to-date information on the Child Tax Credit and advance payments, visit Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021.

EEOC Condemns Antisemitism In Unanimous Resolution The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has unanimously approved a resolution condemning the recent violence, harassment, and acts of bias against Jewish individuals in the United States, the agency recently announced.

The resolution reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to combat all forms of harassment and discrimination against

members of the Jewish community, and to ensure equal opportunity, inclusion, and dignity for all in the workplace.

“Hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism violate our nation’s core principles and impact all of us,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “The recent violence and harassment against Jewish persons serve as a reminder of the challenges we face as a nation and the

POLITICAL Affairs

importance of the agency’s work. The Commission stands with the victims, their families and the nation’s Jewish communities.”

The EEOC advances equal opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information about the Commission is available on EEOC’s website at www.eeoc.gov.

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REP. DAVIS LEADS EFFORT TO EXPAND THE WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT Rep. Danny K. Davis, along with House Ways and Means Democrats, Rep. Brian Higgins (NY), Bill Pascrell (NJ), Tom Suozii (NY), Terri Sewell (AL), John Larson (CT), and Dale Kildee (MI), introduced the "Promoting Employment of Skilled Workers and Foster Youth Act of 2021."

"As the economy begins to reopen and the strong possibility of an infrastructure bill on the horizon, expanding the WOTC to encourage the hiring of skilled workers and foster youth will provide employment opportunities to reduce unemployment further," Davis stated. While the national unemployment rate continues to decrease, certain areas of Chicago still have double-digit unemployment. This bill will encourage more opportunity for skilled workers in the construction fields and foster youth to enter the workforce."

Senator Jones announces over $1.5 million investment in local biking and walking trails State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) announced that Midlothian and Oak Forest will see a combined investment of over $1.5 million in local sidewalks, as well as biking and walking trails.

“Transportation isn’t just about cars and buses,” Jones said. “People need to be able to safely travel on sidewalks and bike paths to get from home to school and work, as well as to get healthy exercise.”

Residents of the communities will see improvements to area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, which include: ·

Sidewalks in Oak Forest and

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The Natalie Creek Trail in Midlothian

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

Illinois Senate Black Caucus Celebrates the signing of HB#3922 making Juneteenth a State Law On June 19, 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.

50 years later, Illinois has now declared June 19 a state holiday to recognize Juneteenth National Freedom Day. The initiative, led by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (DMaywood) began as an effort to keep Black history alive in Illinois by creating a statewide celebration of African American freedom and independence.

“Making Juneteenth a state holiday is a breakthrough in Illinois history,” Lightford said. “It reminds us that freedom and racial equality have always been a hard-fought battle for Black Americans and gives us an opportunity to celebrate our culture and achievements.”

“Juneteenth is a day to commemorate the end of the ‘peculiar’ institution of slavery. The abolishment of America’s original sin on June 19, 1865, was the manifestation of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (DSwansea). “Make no mistake about it, the date slavery was eradicated in America should be a date held in high sacrosanctity, not only in Illinois, but in all America.

The legislation was signed into law recently and will become effective Jan. 1, 2022.

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BUSINESS Sean Combs Teams Up With Salesforce To Launch SHOP CIRCULATE, An All-In-One Digital Marketplace For Black-Owned Businesses Combs Enterprises and Salesforce have teamed up to create SHOP CIRCULATE, a curated digital marketplace that allows consumers to discover and buy products exclusively created and sold by Black entrepreneurs.

SHOP CIRCULATE provides Black businesses with a platform to reach global audiences and empowers consumers to shop the world’s best Black-owned brands. This innovative new platform will be designed and built by Deloitte Digital, a leading Experience Consultancy and global strategic partner for Salesforce, and powered by Marketplacer’s best-in-class online marketplace technology.

SHOP CIRCULATE’s announcement reinforces the importance of supporting and empowering Black entrepreneurs and building wealth through “circulating” dollars within the Black community.

“Building Black wealth starts with investing in Black-owned businesses and giving entrepreneurs access to the consumers needed to build sustainable companies that can thrive,” says Sean Combs, chairman of Combs Enterprises. “I’m excited to partner with Salesforce to create a platform that will advance our collective pursuit of economic justice.”

“Salesforce is honored to collaborate with Sean Combs and Combs Enterprises to help close the unjust wealth gap that prevents too many Black Americans from achieving econom-

BUILDING BLACK WEALTH STARTS WITH INVESTING IN BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES AND GIVING ENTREPRENEURS ACCESS TO THE CONSUMERS NEEDED TO BUILD SUSTAINABLE COMPANIES THAT CAN THRIVE. Sean Combs, Chairman Combs Enterprises ic equality,” said Marc Benioff, chair and CEO of Salesforce.

“SHOP CIRCULATE will empower us all — as individuals, communities and companies — to support Black-owned businesses, amplify the talent of Black entrepreneurs and move us closer to true equality.”

Combs Enterprises has united the industry’s most progressive companies and innovative minds to lead the charge in elevating Black-owned entrepreneurs. SHOP CIRCULATE has acquired The Nile List, a widely respected and rapidly growing digital community that connects consumers with Black-owned brands. With the acquisition, Combs Enterprises has appointed The Nile List founder Khadijah Robinson to head of product, where she will oversee development and spearhead all SHOP CIRCULATE global efforts.

Additionally, SHOP CIRCULATE has inked a robust partnership with Official Black Wall Street, the leading directory

TD Bank Announces $100 Million Equity Fund to Support Minority-Owned Small Businesses TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® (AMCB), recently announced the establishment of a $100 million equity fund in support of minority-owned small businesses, demonstrating its continued commitment to combat racial inequities and provide opportunity in underserved communities.

TD Bank’s equity fund will enable Specialized Small Business Investment Companies (SSBICs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide small business loans and technical assistance, ensuring these businesses have the resources they need to scale and adapt long-term.

Seventy-five million of the capital will be funded through an SSBIC initiative, to be launched later this year. SSBICs provide financial assistance to disadvantaged businesses that are minority-owned, women-owned or are in areas of need. $25 million will be specifically earmarked for Black- and Latinx-owned small businesses, funded through CDFIs, which are notably skilled in helping businesses in communities of color secure financing.

“The pandemic has highlighted the depth of disparities that exist in communities of color, especially as it relates to small businesses, which serve as the backbone of our economy,” said Greg Braca, president and CEO, TD Bank, AMCB. “The equity fund will ultimately infuse capital and help stabilize these small businesses. But it’s also about contributing to job creation, stimulating economic development, revitalizing these vibrant communities and, just as important, breaking the cycle of disinvestment which systemically prevents communities of color from thriving. Small businesses are

the heart of our communities – especially communities of color – and it’s up to us to help them succeed.”

The equity fund stems from a larger commitment made by TD Bank Group last year to advance racial equity for its colleagues, customers and communities. As part of that commitment, TD Bank pledged to establish ways to better support minority-owned businesses. Many of these businesses, particularly Black- and Latinx-owned, were already experiencing financial fragility due to underlying systemic challenges faced by underrepresented groups, a situation that was exacerbated during the pandemic.

“We hope that our investment in these SSBICs and CDFIs serves as a means of making access to capital more equitable for minority small business owners. But our support doesn’t end there,” said Michael Innis-Thompson, head of community leading and development at TD Bank. “TD has always helped sustain small business owners.

For instance, we’ve long supported CDFIs through philanthropic grants and access to capital for loans, providing them with the liquidity to offer low-interest, micro-loans to businesses that may not have qualified for traditional lending due to barriers commonly faced, especially by Black and Latinx small business owners. Additionally, TD will continue its practice of referring customers to a CDFI when we can’t underwrite a loan, because at the end of the day, we want these vital businesses to succeed – it’s what differentiates us as a purpose-driven bank.”

to discover Black-owned businesses, with its founder Mandy Bowman joining as an advisor.

SHOP CIRCULATE was developed by a dynamic and diverse team of engineers, storytellers, brand marketers and product specialists across Salesforce, Deloitte Digital and Combs Enterprises. The platform will launch later this year, featuring an expansive list of businesses across categories -- from beauty, fashion and art, to health, wellness and home.

“Deloitte’s purpose is to make an impact that matters. As the largest professional services organization in the world, we have a responsibility to help level the playing field and advance opportunities for the Black community in business,” says Punit Renjen, Deloitte Global CEO. “This is one of the most effective ways for organizations like ours to do our part in ending systemic bias, racial injustice, and unequal treatment in all its forms.”

“Marketplaces are a great leveler in bringing together businesses of all sizes into a single venue to drive opportunity and growth. It’s our goal that our partnership with SHOP CIRCULATE will bring our powerful marketplace platform to Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs as a vehicle to drive change, growth and success,” said Jason Wyatt, executive chairman, Marketplacer.

In First Round of Grantmaking, Black Girl Freedom Fund Supports Organizations Serving Black Girls Across the U.S. The Black Girl Freedom Fund, an initiative of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, recently announced its first grant recipients. The grantmaking was guided by an advisory committee of seven Black girls and Black gender-expansive youth between the ages of 13-17 years old.

The Black Girl Freedom Fund is focusing its first round of grants for Black-girls serving organizations that address safety and wellbeing of Black girls.

Along with the fund, the #1Billion4BlackGirls campaign aims to mobilize $1 billion for Black girls and young women over the next 10 years. The campaign has mobilized $17 million since it was first launched in September.

“We affirm that Black girls are sacred, and are deserving of love and abundant resources to heal, grow, and thrive,” says Dr. Monique W. Morris, president and CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, and cofounder of the #1Billion4BlackGirls Campaign. “Black girls present some of the boldest, wisest, most creative articulations of justice in our society. We’ll all benefit when we listen to their experience and needs, and fund their solutions.”

For its first round of funding, grants ranging between $50,000-$100,000 will be distributed to The F.I.N.D. Design(Nashville), Pretty Brown Girl (National), Healing the Black Body (National), Get Smart B4U Get Sexy(California), The Hive Community Circle (South Carolina), 3D Girls (Atlanta).

Each grantee meets the fund’s criteria that organizations are led by Black girls and/or Black women, Black femmes, gender-expansive Black people, and serve Black girls, Black femmes, and/or gender-expansive Black youth.

In addition, each organization is U.S.-based, focuses on leadership development, works to center the power of Black girls, facilitates pro-

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gramming for Black girls, centers the wellness and safety of Black girls in its mission and/or programs.

“Black girls and gender-expansive young people are deeply invested in the wellbeing and safety of their peers,” said Kyndall Clark Osibodu, manager of organizational health and learning for Grantmakers of Girls of Color, who co-facilitated the Black Girl Freedom Fund Youth Advisory Committee. “Not only did the Youth Advisory Committee conjure up and bring into the room their first-hand experiences, they modeled for us what it means to do philanthropy abundantly, make decisions with conviction, and hold us accountable to co-construct a container that centers their own healing, safety, and wellbeing.”

The fund was created to address a major disparity in giving to Black girls and other women and girls of color, which was discovered to represent only 0.5% of $66.9 billion by foundations, totaling just $5.48 per woman and girl of color in the United States, according to the Ms. Foundation. In 2017, one of the most recent years for which data exists, less than $15 million was specified as benefiting Black women and girls.

“It has been a joy to have this empowering and transformative experience guided by the brilliance and leadership of Black girls and gender-expansive youth in the fund’s Youth Advisory Committee,” said Cidra Sebastien, manager of the Black Girl Freedom Fund. “I look forward to more collaborative opportunities to imagine and co-create alongside them.

We are eager to support more Black girls and gender-expansive youth in every city, every state, in every way.”

Additional rounds of funding will be made in 2021. For updates, visit 1billion4BlackGirls.org

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 23, 2021

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NEWS

‘Have Shot, Will Travel’, Tripadvisor Research Reveals COVID-19 Vaccines Driving Demand for Summer Vacations A new travel trends research paper released recently by Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel guidance platform*, reveals that vaccine rollouts globally are driving increasing demand for summer vacations, with vaccinated travelers more likely to stay longer and spend more on their trips than unvaccinated travelers.

The report, entitled ‘A Shot in The Arm for Travel? Examining the Vaccine’s Impact on Leisure Travel Demand’, provides a unique insight into emerging travel planning trends around the world by combining behavioral analysis of Tripadvisor’s first-party search data - revealing the type of trips travelers are actively researching on the world’s largest travel platform - with consumer sentiment analysis gathered via traveler surveys in six major international markets, exploring the latest in traveler attitudes and confidence.

The report identifies clear behavioral differences in how vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are thinking about travel, and how that is translating into travel planning behaviors on the Tripadvisor platform.

In countries like the U.S. and the UK, where

THE REPORT IDENTIFIES CLEAR BEHAVIORAL DIFFERENCES IN HOW VACCINATED AND UNVACCINATED TRAVELERS ARE THINKING ABOUT TRAVEL, AND HOW THAT IS TRANSLATING INTO TRAVEL PLANNING BEHAVIORS ON THE TRIPADVISOR PLATFORM. the vaccination rollout has reached large swathes of the adult population, eager travelers are pushing the tourism recovery forward.

At the other end of the spectrum, countries where the vaccine rollout is at a less advanced stage and new variants of Covid-19 have impacted local populations - particularly across the Asia-Pacific region - are experiencing a slower recovery in leisure travel demand.

“Higher income millennial travelers were driving the demand for leisure travel this past spring, but heading into the summer the age demographic of travelers now booking up vacations has broadened significantly, at least in countries where large populations have been vaccinated,” said Stephen Kaufer, CEO

and co-founder, Tripadvisor, Inc. “If ever we needed proof that vaccines are the key to long-term recovery in the tourism sector, our latest trend data provides it. Now the focus must be on governments and international organizations to ensure vaccines reach every part of the world as quickly as possible and make it as easy as possible for vaccinated tourists to travel globally once again.”

Key findings from the report include: 1. The vaccine has a significant impact on the demand for accommodations. Countries where the pace of the vaccination rollout is more advanced, like the U.S. and UK, are powering near-term growth in tourism demand, while a more muted recovery picture emerges across the Asia-Pacific region.

2. Vaccine rollouts are also offering a boost to dining and experiences.

3. Domestic tourism is dominating travel planning searches for the peak season ahead, but for trips further out, travelers are already actively planning international travel.

4. The urban tourism revival is in full swing.

City destinations are re-emerging as the trip of choice for vaccinated travelers:

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5. On average, vaccinated travelers plan to spend more and vacation longer than other travelers.

“After such a turbulent year, many in tourism are hopeful that a busy summer will provide a much-needed boost to the tourism industry, so it’s welcome news to see the latest traveler data pointing in that direction, especially for destinations and hospitality businesses that are able to capture the growing demand for domestic vacations,” said Christopher Hsi, head of market research, Tripadvisor. “What offers even greater hope for a long-term recovery is the impact the vaccine is having not just on people’s confidence to travel, but also their willingness to turn planning into bookings.

As more and more countries make progress on the rollout of the vaccine, and the positive impact that should have on the re-opening of international borders, there is every reason to expect further growth in traveler demand will come.”

You can read the report in full here: https:// www.tripadvisor.com/TravelTrendsReportJune2021

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FASHION

Fleurs de Prairie Rosé Launches Third Annual Seeds Of Beauty Campaign Fleurs de Prairie, the premium rosé wine brand, has announced the launch of the third annual Seeds of Beauty campaign, a program aimed at uplifting women who are making a difference by way of their passions, whether that be through art, design, food, writing and beyond.

This year, the Seeds of Beauty initiative will award three women with $10,000 “Seed Grants”, double the amount given in year’s past, and provide business mentorship for their individual endeavors.

Fleurs de Prairie’s Seeds of Beauty campaign is designed to support women’s passions, ideas and small businesses. Interested applicants are invited to submit an online submission form at www.fleursdeprairie. com/seeds-of-beauty.php or mail-in handwritten materials by Friday, July 23 for consideration.

A panel of judges will review all submissions, evaluating how each female creator plans to use the funds

to help grow their business and how they foster beauty within their community.

Following careful consideration and a final vote on social media open to the public, Fleurs de Prairie will announce the three winners on Wednesday, September 1. Selected recipients will receive their $10,000 grant along with one-on-one mentorship from this year’s brand ambassadors Caila Quinn and Grace Atwood.

“Following more than a year of challenges and unprecedented uncertainty faced by many female-owned small businesses, we’re honored to continue to help women turn their passions into a reality,” says Liz Rubin, brand manager of Fleurs de Prairie. “Fleurs de Prairie rosé embodies an expression of true beauty and our goal with the Seeds of Beauty campaign is to provide a platform for female creatives who make the world even more beautiful.”

Visit www.fleursdeprai-

Fleurs de Prairie

rie.com/seeds-of-beauty. php to apply for a seed grant and learn more about Seeds of Beauty’s submis-

sion rules and regulations.

For the latest updates, follow along on social media at @fleursdeprairie.

For more information about Fleurs de Prairie, please visit www.fleursdeprairie.com.

Magnetic Lash Brand, Glamnetic Becomes One Of The First Beauty Brands To Accept Payment in Cryptocurrency Magnetic lash brand, Glamnetic recently announced their partnership with BitPay which will allow the beauty brand to accept Cryptocurrency in the form of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and several other leading crypto currencies. Glamnetic will also keep all the Cryptocurrency sales on their balance sheet rather than converting to USD. Glamnetic is at the forefront of the beauty industry, being one of the very first female-founded beauty brands accepting Cryptocurrency.

The world of Cryptocurrency has historically been dominated by men, so long time investor and Forbes 30 Under 30 Founder, Ann McFerran is using this capability to encourage women all around the world to get involved and feel they have the confidence to play a role in the Cryptocurrency market.

“We are beyond excited to announce our new partnership with BitPay! While Glamnetic

has quickly raised the bar in the beauty space with our easy-to-use, transformational products, we are equally proud to be empowering our predominantly female consumer base with the tools they need to get educated about cryptocurrency and become comfortable using digital currency as a method of payment. I want to encourage women, in particular, to get involved in the Cryptocurrency revolution and with our BitPay partnership, we can all learn, grow, and embrace the future together,” says Glamnetic Founder & CEO Ann McFerran.

“As a long time entrepreneur and investor, I could not be more excited to see these two worlds collide. Glamnetic is all about ease of use and DIY beauty hacks that save our customers time and money. We are thrilled to expand our payment options with BitPay

and allow our consumers another choice of payment while shopping,” says Glamnetic Co-Founder and Kombo Ventures Founder and CEO Kevin Gould.

“More and more females are getting into crypto around the world so it’s great to see Glamnetic realize that and accept crypto payments.

Crypto is a $2 Trillion industry that is all about creating an open and inclusive financial system.

Ann and the team at Glamnetic are true innovators and will get lots of new female customers around the world,” said Sonny Singh, chief commercial officer of BitPay. A few years ago, McFerran saw a gap in the beauty market for magnetic lashes that actually worked, so she sought out to develop magnetic lashes in the styles that she would personally wear.

One year later, in July of 2019, after teaching herself everything from product development to marketing, Glamnetic was born.

Since then, Glamnetic has become

one of the fastest growing beauty brands in the industry since its launch in July 2019, averaging over seven figures per month and growing from $0 to $50 million in sales within their first year.

McFerran is always looking for new ways to use Glamnetic’s platform to set trends in the beauty industry, and as an investor of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies herself, this partnership with BitPay is a step towards normalizing Cryptocurrency as a form of payment. This launch will encourage Glamnetic customers, who are predominantly women, to educate themselves on Cryptocurrency and get involved in the space. The decision to accept this type of payment comes with the purpose of enhancing female empowerment by lowering the intimidation factor and proving that a brand within the beauty space is able to be successful when merging with a world predominantly dominated by men.

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Renfro Brands Acquired By The Renco Group Renfro Brands recently announced new ownership with the private holding company, The Renco Group, Inc. With 100 years of history and experience in the legwear industry, Renfro will further diversify The Renco Group’s portfolio while deepening its businesses within manufacturing.

Through The Renco Group’s decentralized business model, Renfro’s leadership will partner with The Renco Group to solidify its position within the market while developing a long-term strategy for growth.

“We actively pursued Renfro Brands as they are the clear leader within their category and are poised for continued growth,” says Ari Rennert, president, The Renco Group. “With a unique combination of best-in-class owned and licensed brands, longstanding relationships with leading retailers, unparalleled development and supply chain capabilities, and a top-tier management team, Renfro Brands aligns with our values and represents the right opportunity to expand our portfolio.”

The Renco Group is committed to making long-term investments in Renfro, building value over time by retaining earnings and reinvesting in the business.

Renfro’s existing management team, including that of the newly launched DTC marketplace Loops & Wales, will partner with The Renco Group on new areas of investment. Under the new ownership, investment will focus on consumer connectivity, operational agility and brand management.

“As Renfro Brands enters its monumental hundredth year in business, we are thrilled by the opportunity to not only further invest in talent, performance marketing and technology but to also elevate our supply chain resilience through The Renco Group’s manufacturing experience,” says Stan Jewell, CEO, Renfro Brands. “We are brand stewards and this acquisition strengthens our commitment to position brand management as one of our core competencies to create and drive more value internally and externally.”

Today, Renfro stewards over 20 globally recognized brands spanning the essentials, fashion, athletics, outdoors, work and wellness categories. Renfro’s brand portfolio model includes Fruit of the Loom, Dr. Scholl’s, Merrell, Copper Defense, Smartwool and more, including fashion sock labels Hot Sox and K. Bell.

The brand’s commitment to sock manufacturing has resulted in long, trusted relationships with large retailers such as Macy’s, Walmart, Costco and Amazon as well as brand licensors. Under The Renco Group, Renfro will aim to create a best-inclass brand management experience for licensing partners and continue to build and balance their brand portfolio to drive value proposition and new business.

To learn more about Renfro Brands visit Renfro.com.

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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 23, 2021

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On the patio, online or streaming on-the-go, Xfinity celebrates the season with the music that unites us all.

Just say, “Black Experience,” into your Xfinity Voice Remote to enjoy a Black Music Month collection filled with your favorite groups, collabos, duets, TV shows, and more. Plus, with Xfinity Internet, your entertainment starts at FREE with a Flex 4K streaming box that puts all your apps in one place. Xfinity, the ultimate in Black storytelling and a way better way to watch.

Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Access for Xfinity Internet customers via the Xfinity Stream app or Flex. Flex is not available in all areas or to current Xfinity Video customers. Requires post-paid subscription to Xfinity Internet, excluding Internet Essentials. Pricing subject to change. Taxes, fees and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change. Limited to 3 devices.

1 device included, additional devices $5/mo. per device. All devices must be returned when service ends. Separate subscriptions required for certain streaming services. Viewing uses your Internet service and will count against any Xfinity data plan. Streaming content limited to the U.S. ©2021 Comcast. All Rights Reserved.

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Amplify your summer.

8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 23, 2021

CITIZEN On The Move

Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore recently Lead the Celebration Rally kicking off Juneteenth Freedom Day

Photos by L.M. Warbington

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 23, 2021

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NEWS

Waves of Fun: Swimming safety tips for summer Family Features - Playing in or around water is one of the joys of summer, but this treasured seasonal pastime comes with some serious risks. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have more informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water sources. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water. As swimming lessons begin across the country, many are being conducted safely with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Protect your family’s safety around water this summer with these tips from the Make a Splash Tour, presented by Phillips 66 and the USA Swimming Foundation.

Designate a Water Watcher and Closely Monitor Children. Designate a water watcher when you are in, on or around water. Watch all children and adolescents swimming or playing in or around water, even if they know how to swim. Keeping young children or inexperienced swimmers within arm’s length at all times can help ensure you’re able to provide assistance if and when it’s needed.

Wear a Life Jacket. Anyone participating in any boating, paddling or towed water sports, regardless of swimming ability in pool or open water situations, should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Preschool-aged children (5 years old and younger), who are not protected by touch supervision, in particular, should always wear a life jacket. Swimming aids and water toys – such as water wings, inflatable water wings and rings – are not intended to be life-saving devices. They may provide some buoyancy in the water but do not prevent drowning.

Swim with a Buddy. When possible, choose swimming locations where a trained lifeguard is watching for dangerous conditions and helping keep an eye on swimmers. Also make it a practice to always have at least two people swimming together. That way, if someone has a problem, the other can get help.

Learn to Swim. Research has shown formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88%.

Through the annual Make a Splash Tour, the USA Swimming Foundation, with the support of Phillips 66, encourages children’s swim lessons.

By equipping your child with the skill of swimming, you’ll open doors to a lifetime of safety, fun, fitness and even employment opportunities.

While lessons progressively teach a variety of swimming strokes, some of

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have more informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water sources. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water.

the most important things swimmers learn – even in beginner classes – are breath control and how to float. These basic skills are essential for staying above water should someone find himself or herself unable to touch or too tired to swim to safety. Children can participate in swimming lessons before they can walk, and parent-child swim lessons provide bonding opportunities along with water safety education.

Enter Water Feet First. Diving in a pool that is too shallow or into water where you’re not certain what’s below the surface, like a lake, can have dire consequences. Teach children to dive only in designated diving areas and to always enter water of unknown or non-visible depth feet first.

Swim in Designated Areas and Obey Posted Signs and Flags. Ropes, buoys and flags in larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans are commonly used to mark off safe swimming areas and provide visual cues about changes in depth, underwater surfaces and currents. Teach children what these signs and markers mean and that they’re in place as safety tools, not toys to play with or float on.

Learn CPR. If the unthinkable does happen, knowing how to perform CPR allows you to take immediate action, which has been shown to significantly better the outcome for children with submersion injuries. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, you could save someone’s life. Seconds count; the more quickly lifesaving CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery. There are many places that offer CPR training, including community organizations and nonprofit groups.

Remember to keep your certification current once you have completed the initial requirements.

can ask people you know and use social media and neighborhood boards to get tips. If your school has a swimming team, the coach may also be able to give you some ideas.

Another resource is online search tools, such as usaswimming.org/makeasplash, which allows you to search for swim lesson providers near you. Many of these programs also offer options for free or reduced-cost swim lessons.

Once you identify a program, visit

the facility with your child to see how swim lessons are run.

Find out who your child’s teacher will be and whether it’s possible to meet him or her in advance. Learn the program expectations for you as a parent or guardian.

Inquire about the provider’s approach and learn-to-swim philosophy.

While researching programs, some industry best practices to look for include: Ask about the facility’s COVID-19

mitigation protocols. Swim lessons can be safely administered with proper protective equipment and procedures.

A nationally recognized learn-toswim curriculum or an independently developed learn-to-swim curriculum that follows a similar model.

Trained and certified instructors, with on-deck lifeguards holding current CPR and first aid certifications.

A maximum 6-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio for group lessons.

Minimum of 30 minutes per week of in-water instruction with a minimum total in-water instruction time of four hours.

Written and practiced emergency action plans.

Regulation of the facility and water by the Department of Health or similar governing agency.

Established and practiced child-protection policies.

Screening and background checks on all staff members.

Make safety a priority for your summer water fun. Find more information, including swim lesson providers in your area, by visiting usaswimming.org/makeasplash.

SOURCE: USA Swimming Foundation and Phillips 66

Be FIRST in LINE when you visit ONLINE. Visit

to: Purchase license plate stickers; Renew driver’s licenses and ID cards for those who qualify; Obtain a duplicate driver’s license or ID card.

Driver’s license and ID card expiration dates have been extended until Aug. 1, 2021.

The federal REAL ID deadline has been extended to May 3, 2023.

Finding a Swim Lesson Provider If you’re unsure where to take your child for swim lessons in your community, these tips can help: Ask other parents in your area where they take their children. You www.citizennewspapergroup.com

10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 23, 2021

GOOD EATING

A Sizzling Summer Meal

(Family Features) Summertime, for many, represents an opportunity to enjoy freshly cooked meals while enjoying time outdoors. Taking your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary starts with chef-inspired recipes that call to mind the flavors of the season.

If you're a summer burger connoisseur looking for a fresh twist on tradition, this recipe calls for high-quality beef from Omaha Steaks. Created by Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose, these Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers with pimento remoulade sauce are a tempting way to combine two summertime favorites - seafood and burgers.

Visit OmahaSteaks.com for more summer meal inspiration.

Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose Prep time: about 20 minutes Cook time: about 20 minutes Servings: 2 Pimento Remoulade: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 tablespoons minced pimentos 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon minced bread and butter pickles 1 pepperoncino (seeded and minced) 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 dashes hot sauce kosher salt, to taste Fried Lobster Tails: Vegetable oil, for frying 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 large egg 1 tablespoon water 2 dashes hot pepper sauce 1/4 cup potato chips, finely blended in food processor 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon minced flat leaf Italian parsley 2 Omaha Steaks lobster tails (5 ounces each) Cheeseburgers: 1 pound Omaha Steaks premium ground beef salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 brioche buns 2 slices yellow cheddar cheese 3 leaves romaine lettuce, shredded To make pimento remoulade: In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pimentos, mustard, pickles, pepperoncino, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice and hot sauce until well incorporated. Season with salt, to taste.

To make fried lobster tails: Preheat grill to 400 F and add oil to 10-inch cast-iron pan about 1/2-inch deep.

In medium bowl, whisk flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well incorporated. Set aside.

In separate medium bowl, whisk egg, water and hot pepper sauce. Set aside.

In third medium bowl, whisk potato chips, panko breadcrumbs and parsley until well incorporated. Set aside.

Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise, remove meat from shell and season with remaining kosher salt and black pepper.

Toss halved lobster tails in flour mixture first, egg mixture second then potato chip mixture third, coating thoroughly.

Fry lobster tails 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Close grill lid between flipping.

To make cheeseburgers: Preheat grill to 450 F using direct heat. Form ground beef into two 1/2 pound patties, each about 1/2-inch thick.

Using thumb, make dimple in center of each patty to help cook evenly.

Season both sides of burger with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread butter on each cut side of buns.

Grill burgers 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.

Add one slice cheddar cheese on each burger, close lid and grill about 30 seconds to melt cheese. Remove patties from grill to clean plate. Place buns cut sides down on grill grates and toast 20-30 seconds, or until well toasted, being careful to avoid burning.

To assemble: Place desired remoulade on buns. Place cheeseburgers on bottom buns. Top each with two fried lobster tail halves. Place handful shredded lettuce on lobster tails. Top with buns. #15698 Source: Omaha Steaks

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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 23, 2021

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12 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of June 23, 2021

Making a lasting impact in Chicago At Bank of America, we have long been committed to advancing racial equality and economic opportunity in the communities where we work and live. Recognizing the urgency of the moment, we’ve expanded our longstanding efforts to drive progress by committing an additional $1.25 billion over five years to create opportunity for people and communities of color.

By partnering with organizations here in Chicago, we’re continuing to align our resources to help drive sustainable progress locally. Our investments and partnerships will help address critical issues and long-term gaps including: • connecting workers to new skills and enhanced job readiness • expanding affordable housing options for more people • ramping up lending and support to local small businesses • increasing access to healthcare and addressing food insecurity

Working together We’re collaborating with a variety of organizations to help our community move forward.

They include: Chinese American Service League Association House of Chicago Institute for Latino Progress

We know there’s so much more work to be done. My teammates and I remain committed to the job ahead. Together with our local partners, we can make a real difference. What would you like the power to do?®

Metropolitan Family Services

Paul Lambert President, Bank of America Chicago

Go to bankofamerica.com/chicago to learn more about the work we are doing with our incredible partners.

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