National
Connecting the Community Since 1957
ROOT BEER FLOAT DAY AUGUST 6
Wednesday • August 6, 2025
Join us for our Annual Community
FALL FLEA MARKET SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 9 AM - 3 PM
This event is free and open to the public. Visit the website or library for vendor forms and more info.
208 W 144TH ST. RIVERDALE, IL • (708) 841-3311 • WWW.RPLD.ORG
Giannoulias Launches Driving Change Campaign for Auto Insurance Fairness Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is launching a statewide advocacy campaign aimed at preventing insurance companies from using socio-economic data – such as credit scores, zip codes and age – to charge Illinoisans higher auto insurance rates. As part of his “Driving Change” campaign, Giannoulias is seeking input from Illinoisans, asking them to share their stories about unfair and discriminatory ratemaking practices employed by auto insurance companies. Giannoulias launched the campaign today in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, joined by supporters including AARP Illinois and legislative sponsors State Senator Ram Villivalam (8th District – Chicago) and State Representative Rita Mayfield (60th District – Waukegan). “As Secretary of State, I strongly believe that an individual’s driving record should serve as the primary factor that’s analyzed when setting auto insurance rate.” Giannoulias said. “Older drivers in Illinois are the safest drivers, and their auto insurance rates should reflect this,” said Philippe Largent, State Director for AARP Illinois. “On behalf of our 1.7 million members across the state, we applaud Secretary
Giannoulias for his interest in finding a ratemaking process that does not discriminate against drivers for their age. And we look forward to working with his office, the insurance industry and the General Assembly to develop criteria that ensures Illinois’ safe drivers are not penalized for non-driving related factors. They deserve rates that are as low and fair as possible.” A new Secretary of State website – www.ilsos.gov/ drivingchange – enables Illinoisans to learn more about the issue and easily share their stories about unfair and discriminatory ratemaking practices by insurance companies. The site also allows users to email their State Representative and Senator and urge them to support reforming the current system. Over the next several weeks, the Secretary of State’s office is also conducting a series of Town Hall meetings across the state to gather local input and help inform legislation to be filed in the next general assembly session. Locations and times of the Town Hall meetings will be posted on www.ilsos.gov/ drivingchange.
Why are African American Women Dying from Breast Cancer? by Kaidence Nichols Kaidence is a student at Unity Christian Academy. Kaidence loves dancing, listening to music and spending time with her family and friends. In the 21st century, why are African American women dying from breast cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, “ breast cancer is the leading cause for death in African American women.” Due to the historical mistrust African American women have for physicians, they don’t receive annual screenings for breast cancer. This contributes to the high mortality rate in African American women. The lack of education and access to proper health care contribute to these statistics. I believe a federally funded free mammogram program would help increase the survival rate. Breast cancer is very important to me, because my great grandmother is a breast cancer survivor. My Granny was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. At the time of her diagnosis she was 60 years old, working full time and enjoyed her bowling league. They had even won several championship trophies. After her annual mammogram, she received news of abnormal test results. For my Granny, doctors recommended a mastectomy. After the surgery she was not allowed to stay in the hospital to recover. She was sent home with drain tubes and minimal post op care. Life after breast cancer for my Granny was challenging. She received physical and occupational therapy to regain her strength and mobility. Unfortunately, my “Granny” was not able to return to the bowling alley. Since she was not able to bowl, she felt alone and separated from her friends. According to Britannica, breast cancer is a disease that grows in the cells in the mammary glands. Breast cancer can affect both genders, although women are more likely to develop the disease than men. In the 20th and 21st centuries, breast cancer was the leading cause for death in women across the world. This is still true for less developed countries, African American and Hispanic women. The cause of breast cancer is unknown, however, research suggests environment and genetics play significant roles. Early detection of breast cancer improves the survival rate. Breast cancer can be identified through a self-breast examination or a routine exam called a mammogram. During a mammogram a medical professional uses a special X-ray machine to look at a woman’s breast tissue. If an abnormal growth is found, additional tests are
usually done to see if cancer is present. Early detection allows for more treatment options and possibly surviving breast cancer. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors start the staging process. Breast cancer has 4 stages. The stage number explains how much cancer is in the body. The lower the stage number means it is less likely the cancer has spread. Identifying the breast cancer stage allows doctors to explore the best treatment option. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Historically, African Americans have a mistrust for the medical community. African American women and their medical concerns have been ignored and dismissed. For decades, African American women have been seen as less than and their bodies viewed as objects. As a result, African American women have grown to mistrust medical professionals. As a young African American woman, I value my health. After completing research on this topic, I am concerned about the quality of health care I would receive. I don’t want my medical concerns to be ignored and dismissed. It is my hope, when I become of age for breast cancer screenings, this frame of mind among physicians will no longer exist. The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and pap tests to those women who qualify. These services are only eligible to women who are uninsured, live in Illinois and are between the ages of 35 and 64. Making programs like IBCCP federally mandated throughout the United States and staffed by providers with specialized training is a better opinion. This might help establish trust between African American women and their doctors. Providers with specialized care will hopefully be aware of the patient’s needs. In conclusion, African American women do not have to die from this treatable disease. With specialized training, African American women may begin to feel seen and heard by the medical community. With patient centered care, doctors will be required to listen and respond to the patients needs. Access to free mammograms can give African American Women a fighting chance. This essay is part of a series of perspectives written by students at Unity Christian Academy in South Holland. The topics cover some of the most pressing issues of our times and the opinions are of the writers themselves. We are grateful to UCA English Educator Hannah Morgan for organizing this partnership.
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