CHICAGO WEEKEND CITIZEN 11-24-2021

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

Citizen Week of Nov. 24, 2021

| Vol. 52 | No. 48 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Slaughter Encourages Residents to Follow IDPH COVID-19 Mitigation Guidance Page 2

Paul Alexander Named Chief Scientific Officer of The Unity Project Page 6

FASHION: NYINI LUXURY and Mina Stones Launches the Arewa Medallion Collection Page 5

Illinois State Representative LaShawn K. Ford believes bolstering Census efforts should begin now for 2030. Photo provided by LaShawn K. Ford

STATE REPRESENTATIVE FORD WEIGHS IN ON REDISTRICTING, CENSUS

Illinois State Representative LaShawn K. Ford has been a member of the General Assembly for almost 15 years. He has been a part of voting for two congressional maps. Those maps are based on public hearings and legislators voting on the maps. Those maps are the result of the 2020 Census data. PAGE 2

Serving The Black Community For Decades |

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2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State Representative Ford weighs in on Redistricting, Census Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Illinois State Representative LaShawn K. Ford has been a member of the General Assembly for almost 15 years. He has been a part of voting for two congressional maps. Those maps are based on public hearings and legislators voting on the maps. Those maps are the result of the 2020 Census data.

“It’s a collaboration of the public and the General Assembly coming together to do our Constitutional duty. We have an obligation, every 10 years, to make sure the maps are Constitutional, and that they represent people of all ethnicities, all races,” he said.

From what Ford has heard about the process of making the maps, it is hard work, because those individuals making the map have to ensure everyone is represented.

The Illinois State Legislature passed a new Congressional map on Friday, Oct. 29. It is awaiting Governor J.B. Pritzker’s signature. In the meantime, there could be lawsuits in regard to the map, from people who don’t agree with the lines.

In the U.S. Congress, Congressman Bobby Rush and Congressman Robin Kelly’s districts have moved further south. With the changing demographics,

the maps have to be redrawn. In hardto-count communities there might be a mistrust of giving out information to people, so those communities’ numbers are not accurately reflected in the Census data. That impacts the resources and the number of representatives from communities that are hard-to-count.

“It’s my belief if all the Black people in the City of Chicago, in the State of Illinois would be counted and trust this system, we would have more representatives of color in Congress, in the State Legislature, as well as city council and other County governments,” he said.

The struggle to convince people to trust the process and be counted, for Ford, is disappointing. Especially since Cook County and other entities spent money to boost the count and convince people to be counted. The efforts still fell short.

Ford believes more can be done when it comes to the Census. He doesn’t think “cramming the day of the exam” is an efficient way to boost numbers. He believes the census should be brought up now, in preparation for the next Census in 10 years. For Black people, being counted as a whole person, is significant.

“Never ever forget that we were counted less than whole, and we should look forward to the day when we can be

counted as a full citizen of this country and make demands that our communities are better served,” he said.

Ford believes having students learn about the importance of the Census will help increase the number of people counted, the same way voting is taught as part of Civics.

Illinois State Legislature passed a law that would count people who are incarcerated at their last known address instead of where they are incarcerated. It would start in 2030, making Illinois the 10th state to count prisoners at home.

It could mean those Census numbers would return to communities where resources are lacking.

The Census can be like a two-sided coin.

People from communities where they lack resources might now have seen the value in filling out the Census form. But those same communities still lack resources because the people there did not see the value in filling out the Census form.

“If we can make sure that the government takes care of its people so that when the time comes for us to ask them to participate in it, then they’ll believe in the system,” he said. “If we want more people to believe in the system, we have to give them a good reason and build these communities up said Ford.

Bowa Construction Partners With Related Midwest At 900 Randolph The Historic Development is one of the First 80/20 High-Rise Residential Building in Chicago Related Midwest today announced that BOWA Construction and LR Contracting will co-lead construction of a residential high-rise building at 900 Randolph. Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, 900 Randolph is Fulton Market’s newest mixed-use development featuring 300 apartments, an unprecedented suite of amenities, services and more.

With substantial experience in general contracting and construction management in Chicago across various industries, BOWA Construction is uniquely positioned to oversee the construction of this complex mixed-use development in the vibrant Fulton Market neighborhood. 900 Randolph is the first high-rise building constructed under new Affordable Illinois legislation, with 80 percent market-rate and 20 percent affordable units.

“BOWA is honored to collaborate with Related Midwest and LR Contracting to bring this history-making project to life in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods,” said Nosa Ehimwenman, President and CEO of BOWA. “Together we look forward to leaving our mark on Chicago’s skyline while creating jobs, opportunities and lasting change in the industry that fuels Chicago’s Covid-19 recovery plan.”

“We are proud to lead Chicago’s post-COVID comeback and break ground on 900 Randolph with our truly innovative partners, BOWA Construction and LR Contracting,” said Curt Bailey, President of Related Midwest. “This mixed-use develwww.citizennewspapergroup.com

opment represents a turning point in Chicago’s development history, and we look forward to further enhancing the Fulton Market community.”

“BOWA Construction’s commitment to excellence made them an ideal partner for a project as unique as 900 Randolph,” said Don Biernacki, President of LR Contracting and an Executive Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest. “We are proud to support Bowa’s ground-breaking rise and well-deserved reputation for innovation and distinction in the projects they choose.”

BOWA Construction has previously partnered with Related Midwest on a wide variety of projects including Lathrop and the Taylor Street Library and Apartments. Named one of Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Inner City Businesses in 2018, BOWA Construction is a certified MBE as well as a member of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, Business Leadership Council and the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors.

LR Contracting, the contracting division of Related Midwest, is known for its work on both luxury and affordable properties throughout the Midwest including the redevelopment of Lathrop Homes on Chicago’s north side, the residences of South Loop Luxury by Related, 340 on the Park condominiums and Park Tower condominiums.

For more information about BOWA Construction, visit www. bowaconstruction.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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NEWS

Study: Chicago App-Based Drivers Earn More than Double the Chicago Minimum Wage New study shows app-based drivers average over $36/hour when working, while still favoring flexibility The Illinois Coalition for Independent Work has released new data showing that, in addition to offering drivers flexibility to make extra money when and where they choose, the average hourly earnings for Chicago drivers today is $36.63, well above the $15/hourly minimum wage in Chicago.

KEY EARNING INSIGHTS FOR CHICAGO WORKERS ON APP-BASED PLATFORMS l Average hourly earnings for drivers in Chicago, including tips, is $36.63 per hour they’re providing a ride or delivery. l Even without tips, drivers in Chicago are earning an average of $32.35 per hour they’re providing a ride or delivery. l On average, drivers in Chicago are working fewer than five hours a week per platform, turning to the app-based economy for extra money when and where it best serves them.

The data, compiled by the Illinois Coalition for Independent Work, represents aggregate hourly earnings for workers at DoorDash, Instacart, Lyft and Uber in the City of Chicago between January 1 and June 30, 2021. For the purposes of calculating average hourly earnings, time worked is defined as beginning at the time a passenger or delivery is accepted by the driver until the trip or delivery is complete.

These drivers in Chicago are parents, teachers, students, retirees, veterans and others who have turned to flexible work to help make extra money when it works in their lives.

“What I have loved about working with Lyft is that I decide when, where, and for however long I work,” said Crystal Pinkney, a mother of two from the South Side who drives for Lyft in her spare time. “Some days I have too many things going on. Other days I have extra time on my hands so I chalk up a few hours and make some extra spending money. It’s the flexibility that I need most, and that’s exactly what I get.”

Earlier in the year, the Coalition released survey results from a statewide poll conducted by ALG that found positive reactions from drivers regarding their ability to access flexible work. Specifically, the study found: l 86% of drivers don’t rely on driving as their primary income l 75% of drivers are satisfied with their work and financial situation As the legislature and city officials continue to focus on ways to create a more inclusive economy, policymakers should look for ways to strengthen access to work through access to benefits and protections while protecting the flexibility and independence drivers need.

“We need more, not fewer, income-earning opportunities that allow people on Chicago’s South and West Sides to earn extra income in ways that fit their schedules,” said Jaime di Paulo, President and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

App-based companies have also supported communities across Chicago and the country amid the pandemic. Earlier this year, Lyft and Uber announced a Covid-19 vaccination ride program in partnership with the White House. The partnership provided Americans free or discounted rides to and from their vaccination appointments. Instacart is providing shoppers and in-store teams with financial assistance in the form of a COVID-19 Vaccine Support Stipend, ensuring shoppers are able to take time away from Instacart to get vaccinated. The stipend will be available through the end of 2021.

Instacart also supported vaccination efforts in Chicago, specifically in the West Pullman neighborhood, distributing free groceries and vaccines to community members. Additionally, DoorDash donated gift cards as part of its Community Credits program to local community health centers to broaden vaccine access for underserved communities.

American Legacy Network Adds Black History Uncovered Collection Black PR Wire New York, NY -- American Legacy Network (ALN) announced that now through January 31, the BLACK HISTORY UNCOVERED film collection is available for streaming on the network. The collection features films that highlight important individuals, events and organizations in Black history. The addition of this collection to ALN is the most recent in the effort of the streaming service to highlight and document Black history and culture. ALN Founder and CEO, Rodney J. Reynolds, is excited to add to the company’s streaming options.

“At ALN, we’re constantly looking to showcase impactful films about impactful people, events and organizations,” said Reynolds. The Black History Uncovered collection certainly falls in this category.”

The film collection includes films such as The REAL Great Debaters, The Good Fight, Rising From The Rails: The Story of The Pullman Porters, In The Shadow of Hollywood, A Colored Life: The Herb

Jeffries Story and Flying For Freedom: Untold Stories of The Tuskegee Airmen.

There are a total of nine films in the collection. Click here to view the trailer for The REAL Great Debaters!

ALN is proud to continue the tradition of bringing often little-known

Black history to a wider audience. To subscribe for ONLY $3.99 per month visit www.americanlegacynetwork.tv.

Rodney J. Reynolds founded American Legacy magazine in 1995 as a joint venture with Forbes, Inc. Obtaining a circulation of over 2 million, the magazine was published for 15 years. American Legacy Network Corp. (ALNC), a multimedia content, and experience producer is the holding company for its operating units which include Streaming (American Legacy Network), Mobile Experiential (ALXMOBILE), and TV/Film Production (ALN Productions). The mission of ALNC is to broaden and enhance the awareness of Black history & culture while telling the stories of the African-American experience in America through its products. Visit American Legacy Network at www.americanlegacynetwork.tv. To view the company’s product overview video click here. WHERE HISTORY MEETS VISION.

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BUSINESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Entrepreneurship is the bedrock www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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

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

CAUSBA graduates enjoy leadership

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

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

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

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

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a multi-faceted consumer brand manage-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www. livewellnesstherapy.com.

6 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

NEWS

Call

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

PRNewsfoto/The Unity Project

1-800-332-DUMP Paul Alexander

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

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

111th Street Station & 130th Street Station

to report:

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

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

Registration is required to attend meetings.

Please register at: engagerle.transitchicago.com.

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

Do you require a reasonable accommodation?

Named Chief Waterway Scientific Officer of Blockages The Unity Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illegal or Suspicious Dumping to Waterways or Sewers

Call

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

Odors

Illegal or Suspicious Dumping to Waterways or Sewers

Odors

We want to hear from you.

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

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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

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

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

Call 312-746-4835 Chicago.gov/SeniorVax

Chicago Department of Public Health

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8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

Holiday Health Tips

Expert tips for managing asthma and allergies during the holidays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food allergies don't bring good cheer

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

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

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

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

The Citizen Wishing You and Your Family A

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

John Legend Named LG SIGNATURE Brand Ambassador

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

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

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

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

“I’m excited to partner

Courtesy of LG SIGNATURE

with LG SIGNATURE this holiday season,” Legend said.

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

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

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

LG SIGNATURE is com-

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

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

For more information, visit www.LGSIGNATURE.com.

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

The film will is available to purchase or rent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Darrell Garth President /Publisher

DATE: 10/21/2021

Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager

Signature of Petitioner, ALEXANDER BARKSDALE JR.

Tia Carol Jones Managing Editior

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

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

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

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

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SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

12 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Nov. 24, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

What would you like the power to do? ®

Paul Lambert President, Bank of America Chicago

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/chicago

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

© 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.