Chatham- Southeast Citizen 3-1-2023

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION® HOSTS TASTE AMERICA CULINARY SERIES IN CHICAGO, PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE

CHICAGO – The James Beard Foundation® announces that its Chicago event of the Taste America culinary series will take place on Sunday, March 5th, at Peach’s Restaurant. Presented by Capital One, Taste America celebrates the chefs and local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities, bringing together chefs and food lovers for unique culinary experiences across 20 U.S. cities. Proceeds from Taste America will benefit the featured chefs to support their businesses, as well as James Beard Foundation national programming that is rooted in advocacy, racial equity, sustainability, and women’s leadership for the culinary industry.

Now in its 10th year, Taste America is taking on expanded shape with the TasteTwenty—a group of 20 chef teams from 20 cities across the country working together and championing the James Beard Foundation’s mission of Good Food for Good®.

The Taste America Chicago brunch will be held at Peach’s Restaurant, featuring host TasteTwenty chef Lamar Moore, Peach’s Restaurant chef Cliff Rome and visiting TasteTwenty chef Chutatip ‘Nok’ Suntaranon from Kalaya in Philadelphia. The event will also feature activations from valued national and local sponsors, including 1800 Cristalino Tequila and Kerrygold, and local partner Mariano’s.

Tickets for the Taste America Chicago brunch event are now on sale for $300 per pair – Tables of two, four, and six are available for purchase. For more information visit, jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.

THE ABSOLUTE EQUALITY PUBLIC ARTS INITIATIVE KICKS OFF ITS SIX-CITY NATIONWIDE TOUR

HOUSTON -- In celebration of the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth, world-renowned public artist, Reginald C. Adams, announces the expansion of the Absolute Equality Public Art Initiative sponsored by Capital One. Through this initiative, muralists and artists across six major cities, in Chicago, Ill., Dallas, Texas, Detroit, Mich., Houston, Texas, Miami, Fla. and Philadelphia, Penn., will come together to honor the national holiday through community and art. The murals will be revealed across the nation on Juneteenth 2023.

For the second year in a row, Capital One has signed on to support Adams and the Absolute Equality Public Art Initiative to reimagine an approach to public art, to better reflect the nation’s diversity and highlight the story and history behind the Juneteenth celebration. As individually designed pieces, each of the six murals work together as a collective storytelling tool that tells the stories of each community or host city as it relates to the freedom and liberation of Black people in the United States.

Community involvement is welcomed and also symbolizes the unity, hope and a spirit of renewal the holiday brings. In addition to the mural Adams will create in Houston, this year’s pieces are commissioned by five up-and-coming artists actively engaged in community-based public art, including:

Rahmaan Statik, Chicago, Ill.

JD Moore, Dallas, Texas

Fel’le, Detroit, Mich.

Tierra Armstrong, Miami, Fla.

Keisha Denee Whatley, Philadelphia, Penn.

The ultimate goal of the Absolute Equality Public Art Initiative is to engage artists, community members, and public/private supporters to produce public art and artistic installations to recontextualize Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in the arc of U.S. history while properly telling the story of its genesis, and historical, and contemporary relevance.

To learn more about the Absolute Equality Public Art Initiative and to get involved, visit https://www. absoluteequality.org/.

Dolphland Pops Up in Chicago

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Dolphland, a Pop Up Museum is a celebration of the late Rapper Young Dolph’s album, Paper Route Frank, which was released in December 2022. Young Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton was born in Chicago and lived in Memphis. He released his first mix tape, Paper Route Campaign, in 2008.

The initial idea for Dolphland came from the Street Execs Studios, Paper Route Empire, Young Dolph’s Record Label and Allen Parks, Young Dolph’s manager. The Street Execs and Parks reached out to Marina Skye to serve as creative director and set designer for Dolphland.

Skye, owner of Sets by Skye, has made a career out of creating interactive, immersive experiences. Some of the designs she created are TI’s Trap Music Museum, as well as Motel 21 for 21 Savage. Skye was told the concepts Parks and Street Execs wanted her to include in the experience and it was her responsibility to build on those requests to create an immersive experience surrounding Young Dolph’s life and his music.

“They knew they wanted to showcase certain things about him. They knew they wanted to showcase him being a philanthropic person in his community. They knew they wanted to showcase all of his plaques and rewards and they knew they wanted to showcase him being a businessman and a family man,” she said.

Skye had countless conversations with Parks and the Street Execs, from which she created mock-ups of what the rooms would look like and what would be included in those rooms. It was important to ensuring everything was in chronological order – from the corner store where Young Dolph was selling his mix tapes to the apartment where he was burning the CD’s that he would sell.

Every room in Dolphland is a stepping stone to the next room and shows a part of Young Dolph’s progress throughout his career. Skye said it is surreal to see Dolphland finished. “People don’t know the process behind it. They walk through, they see how cool it is, how interactive it is, but people don’t pay attention to the behind the scenes part,” she said.

Skye enjoys seeing people in awe of the work. She walks through the space and people don’t know she’s the one who created it. She gets to observe what the people are interacting with the most. It helps her figure out the experience in each market and how to improve it.

Dolphland has already been in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston and San Antonio. With each new venue, there is a new layout. Each week, is a totally different experience from the last.

In San Antonio, Skye and her team were in a restaurant and she was wearing a Dolphland hat. A waiter came up to her and told her about his experience with Young Dolph and how it changed his life, not knowing Skye and her team were part of the Dolphland Pop-Up Museum.

“It’s really amazing to see we’re part of a culture; we’re creating a culture. It’s hard for us to think about that when we’re in the mix,” Skye said. “It’s things like that, that remind us we are really doing something far greater than us. We’re doing something to maintain the legacy of a really great man, artist, father and community leader.” Skye wants

people who are not die-hard Young Dolph fans, who are getting to know his work, get that he was much more than just an artist.

“He was a Black man from the South, who grew up in the hood and figured out how to overcome his circumstances, to not only make a way for himself, but to make a way for his whole community and family. I think these are elements that are not often highlighted in rap culture, because the media chooses to harp on the negative,” she said.

Skye wants it to be a full circle experience for those who attend the pop-up museum, to learn how much of a well-rounded person Young Dolph was. The project has been well-received and the team is thankful for that. Skye hopes that the audiences continue to come and experience and listen to the album and be fully immersed.

“We, collectively, hope that his fans walk out of this feeling like they have some type of closure,” she said, adding that in doing research the fans weren’t able to pay their respects when Young Dolph was gunned down. “We hope this kind of helps with that, because the more cities we go to, the more we realize he was just so loved by so many, and he affected so many lives, through music alone.”

For more information about Dolphland, visit thedolphlandmuseum.com.

The Dolphland Pop Up Museum is an interactive, immersive experience to celebrate the release of Rapper Young Dolph’s Paper Route Frank. Isaiah Marchand @Rikureels.

Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Small Black Businesses in Chicago

CHICAGO — Governor Pritzker joined the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) to celebrate Black businesses in Chicago. The Black McDonald’s Operators Association and three local Black-owned businesses were honored during the event, which was designed to celebrate the more than 141,000 Black-owned businesses that call Illinois home.

“Black-owned businesses are key to our state’s economic success — employing thousands of workers across the state and providing innovative, high-quality goods and services to millions,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois has invested more than $800 million in Black-owned businesses through our Back-to-Business and Business Interruption grant programs.”

“Today we celebrate Black business owners who inspire us all, as they stand on the shoulders of pioneering entrepreneurs who defied systemic economic hurdles to dream big and succeed,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “These Black business owners of today are building the cornerstones for a bigger and greater tomorrow when they provide goods and services, create jobs, and share their gifts with the communities they are helping to thrive. Thank you to the Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana for constantly giving back to the communities you serve, and for recognizing that we lift as we climb.”

The event at the McDonald’s Headquarters comes during the annual celebration of Black History Month, which recognizes the contributions of Black Americans to our communities and our nation. Black-owned businesses, which include restaurants, retailers, startups, and more, play an instrumental role in contributing to Illinois’ overall economic success.

“It’s an honor to celebrate Black History Month with the Black McDonald’s Operator Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana and so many dedicated members of the Chicago and Illinois business and civic community. The small business owners being honored today contribute so much to our local economy, support diverse communities, and are above, all good neighbors,” said McDonald’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Kempczinski. “I’d like to thank Governor Pritzker for his unwavering commitment to remove barriers and promote equity for businesses across Illinois.”

Two Fish Crab Shack, launched in 2016 by owner Yasmin Curtis. Two Fish Crab Shack is a staple of the Bronzeville and Chicago food scene, offering locals a vibrant and fun dining destination for fresh seafood paired with unique and irresistible sauces. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Yasmin pivoted the business and transformed its most popular products into consumer-packaged goods that could be sold by grocers and enjoyed by consumers at home - bringing a taste of Bronzeville nationwide through Two Fish Seafood Boil Bags. Two Fish also recently announced a $9 million expansion.

Demera Ethiopian Restaurant, opened in 2007 by owner and chef Tigist Reda. For 15 years, Demera Ethiopian Restaurant has grown to become one of Chicago’s favorite restaurants and a staple in the community. Demera has earned recognition in both local and national publications, and is rapidly expanding - recently opening a location at the Time Out Market and announcing plans for opening a new location in Bronzeville in 2025. Beyond running a thriving business, Tigist gives back through humanitarian causes benefitting those impacted by the war in Ethiopia.

“DCEO is proud to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Illinois’ Black-owned businesses,” said Acting DCEO Director Kristin A. Richards. “During Black History Month and beyond, Illinois stands committed to uplifting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs through programs, partnerships, and by building networks of support.”

NEW BELT LAW EXPANDS LIQUOR DELIVERY SERVICES ACROSS ILLINOIS

Liquor delivery services will be expanded thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday.

“We have continuously taken strides to uplift our small businesses, and this is a big win for Illinois bars and restaurants,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This expansion allows businesses to bring in more revenue and increases access for people across the state.”

In partnership with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Belt’s initiative will eliminate state and local fees for liquor delivery throughout Illinois. Additionally, it brings parity for liquor delivery between home-rule and non-home rule municipalities to regulate liquor delivery.

Senate Bill 1001 also lowers the licensing fees for wineries to $750 if renewed online and $900 for initial or non-online certification. Under a law passed in 2021, the fees were raised to $1,200 if renewed online and $1,500 for initial licenses and non-online.

“As more shoppers rely on home delivery than ever before, it’s important we make it easier for retailers to meet their needs,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “This bill will ease hurdles by streamlining regulations and removing burdensome fees. We appreciate Senator Belt for his leadership on this issue, especially as businesses seek stability following years of disruption caused by the pandemic.”

Senate Bill 1001 takes effect immediately.

SIMS NAMED CHAIR OF NEW SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor,GreaterGrand Crossing, Burnside,Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

SOUTH END Washington Heights,Roseland,Rosemoor, Englewood,West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman,Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

SOUTH SUBURBAN

Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island,SouthHolland,and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores,Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland,South Shore and Hyde Park.

CHICAGO WEEKEND Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

Through DCEO’S Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, Illinois is investing in Black-owned businesses by connecting them with the resources they need to grow and thrive. This includes convening business leaders through the Illinois Black Business Collective (IBBC), trainings and events, and providing direct support to businesses.

Each of the businesses honored at the event serves as a staple of their community. Batter & Berries, Two Fish Crab Stick, and Demera Ethiopian Restaurant also received a Back-to-Business (B2B) or Business Interruption grant (BIG) through DCEO, which provided more than $800 million in pandemic-related funding to thousands of businesses.

Batter & Berries, founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife duo, Craig Richardson and Dr. Tanya Richardson. They opened Batter & Berries with the intention of introducing a more eclectic style of food to the Lincoln Park neighborhood, serving fresh ingredients and as a hub for diversity in the community. With Chef Ken Polk delivering over 200 different varieties of French Toast – including their famous French Toast Flight – Batter & Berries has established itself as a quintessential iconic Chicago breakfast and brunch spot, gaining local and national recognition.

The event also recognized the Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. BMOA is a community of owner-operators who are dedicated to empowering minds and building leaders to help build stronger neighborhoods. The organization employs more than 3,000 people throughout the region. Each owner-operator is committed to addressing the issues of the communities they serve by providing resources and investment where it is needed most. BMOA’s community efforts include providing school supplies to over 30,000 elementary schools students and donating food to more than 44,000 families during the Thanksgiving holidays.

“The Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana is honored, humbled, and grateful to be recognized alongside other Black Chicago business owners. We salute our fellow leaders and look forward to continuing to invest in and strengthen our communities,” said Derrick Taylor, BMOA President and McDonald’s Owner-Operator. “Black-owned businesses not only help create jobs, strengthen local economies, and bridge the racial wealth gap – they also build healthy communities for all. We are proud to be a part of a legacy that restores hope, revitalizes neighborhoods, and ushers in future generations of Black entrepreneurs.”

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. – the chief sponsor of the SAFE-T Act – will serve as chair of the newly established Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety.

“Our number one priority as a General Assembly is to center public safety by and for the people,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Our collective efforts have allowed us to reimagine public safety and provide historically marginalized communities with access to the resources they need to address the challenges plaguing our communities. However, our work is not done. This committee will give us an opportunity to continue maintaining public safety for all, not just a few.”

Since first entering the legislature, Sims has served as a leading voice in the effort to reform our state’s criminal justice system. Sims most recently spearheaded efforts to pass a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill that changes current use of force policy, how courts impose bail and sentences people convicted of crimes, and advance rights to all Illinois citizens, including detainees and prisoners, to better improve interactions with law enforcement professionals.

The Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety will prioritize violence prevention, focusing on deterrence from the criminal justice system and approaching criminal justice reform through a community-based approach.

“Until systemic racism in our criminal justice system is fully eradicated, our work is not done,” said Sims. “The special committee will allow us to focus on ensuring all people – regardless of their ZIP code or the color of their skin – have the same fair and just chance at safety and success.”

Sims will serve as chair of the 10-person committee throughout the 103rd General Assembly

Celebrating Black History Month: Q&A with JPMorgan Chase’s Byna Elliott

In celebration of Black History Month, we sat down with Byna Elliott, global head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase, to discuss what Black History Month means to her, how the firm is advancing racial equity and Elliott’s goals for 2023.

1What does Black History Month mean to you and

how are you celebrating?

Black History Month

is just that – a celebration and recognition of the reach, depth, and richness of the Black community’s global history ― as well as its connection and intersection across others. I’m celebrating by participating in events uplifting that history and recognizing the changemakers among the community.

2How is JPMorgan Chase making an impact to advance racial equity?

Diversity, equality and inclusion have been an important part of the culture at JPMorgan Chase and we wanted to take a look at what else we can be doing. While our work to advance racial equity has been longstanding, in October 2020, we made a $30 billion, five-year commitment to advance racial equity that took a look at additional ways to address affordable housing, small business, financial health, among other

critical financial needs within unbanked and underbanked communities.

We’ve opened 14 Community Center branches – locally-inspired and built with extra space to host free community events and financial health workshops – across the country and hired nearly 150 Community Managers who connect community members with the resources we’ve created to support financial health education, first-time homebuyer education, and many other resources.

We also have a dedicated team of certified Senior Business Consultants around the country who provide free one-on-one coaching and advice to local Black, Hispanic, Latino and underbanked small business owners on everything from boosting creditworthiness to managing cash flow to effective marketing. Additionally, Chase Home Lending Advisors are available across the U.S. – whether you want to click, call, or visit in-branch – to help you prepare for homeownership, including identifying the right financing solutions and any down payment/housing assistance available.

3How should other companies and individuals be thinking about advancing racial equity?

We all can make an effort to help advance racial equity within our community – including by investing

in or shopping with local diverse-owned businesses, supporting philanthropic efforts in our community, and participating in community events.

Consider looking for diverse initiatives and business resource groups within your company that focus on supporting underserved or underrepresented communities and asking if there are opportunities to support those initiatives or groups. For instance, JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways initiative works to support the economic empowerment of the Black community globally. Through our Global Supplier Diversity program, we’re using our purchasing power to build economic equity in diverse communities, foster the success of underrepresented business owners, and promote equity, inclusion and sustainability across the wider business community. We also have initiatives focused on other communities, and business resource groups that share our company commitment to equity and equality and create opportunities for employees to be engaged.

4What are your goals for this year, and/or, what are you looking forward to in 2023?

I’m looking forward to building upon the success of Advancing Black Pathways, including taking our learnings since the initiative launched in 2019 and applying them to our work in communities globally. Last year, we added team members in Latin America and in the U.K., and I’m excited to work with them to ultimately support the economic development of communities in the respective regions. I’m also excited about continuing to reach as many people as we can with the resources and information created by JPMorgan Chase to support their overall financial health and dreams for the future.

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Acosta Announces Don Byrd, New EVP of In-Store Services for Walmart

Byrd assumes key role in newly formed In-Store Services Team

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., PRNewswire -- Acosta announced that Don Byrd is joining the company as Executive Vice President of In-Store Services for Walmart. In this role, Byrd will lead a team dedicated to elevating service and outcomes and enhancing talent acquisition and engagement in support of the company’s business with Walmart.

Bringing over 20 years of experience with CPG and mass retailers in sales, market research, business development, marketing strategy and retail category management, Byrd joins Acosta from his most recent role with Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), where he served as Principal/Team Leader, CPG/Retail Insights, helping Fortune 100/500 Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies across the U.S. leverage data and insights to deliver growth at retail. Previously, Byrd held leadership roles with Crossmark and Premium Retail Services, an Acosta agency.

“We are incredibly pleased to have Don join our In-Store leadership team, further strengthening Acosta’s expertise in delivering critical, innovative solutions and

services to one of the world’s most important retailers,” said Darian Pickett, CEO, Acosta Sales Agency. “Don is a deeply experienced retail leader, and we look forward to his work to elevate our support of Walmart and our clients.”

The In-Store Services Team was recently formed as part of Acosta’s Sales Agency to address the most significant retail challenges across labor, technology, and execution for clients and customers. In his new role, Byrd will report to David Yenzer, President of Acosta’s In-Store Services Team.

Acosta’s suite of progressive, commerce-centric solutions enables today’s biggest brands, retailers and foodservice providers to win in the modern marketplace. Since 1927, Acosta has developed trusted relationships and unmatched scale. In a complex and fast-evolving omnichannel world, Acosta’s network of companies allows us to connect with shoppers wherever they are. Through data-backed growth strategies and exceptional customer experiences, we are connecting tomorrow’s commerce today. For more information, please visit https://www.acosta.com.

Don Byrd, Executive Vice President of In-Store Services for Walmart. PRNEWSFOTO/ACOSTA.

BLOOMINGDALE’S ANNOUNCES THE CAROUSEL @ BLOOMINGDALE’S: FEMALE FOUNDERS CURATED BY TIKA SUMPTER

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Bloomingdale’s announced The Carousel @ Bloomingdale’s: Female Founders Curated by Tika Sumpter – a celebration of female entrepreneurs in honor of Women’s History Month. Bloomingdale’s is partnering with actress and producer Tika Sumpter to take over the retailer’s Spring Carousel and showcase a curated assortment of must-have home, self-care, fashion, accessories, and kids’ products from 50 female-founded and owned brands including Kaleidadope, Kim Hill, The Spice Suite, Candice Luther, Estelle Glassware, Cult Gaia, and more.

The Carousel will also feature products designed exclusively for Bloomingdale’s from Tika’s own brand, Fort Sumpter. The Fort Sumpter x Bloomingdale’s capsule collection is inspired by the fort of love, laughter, care, and respect Tika’s parents built around their children. The collection was designed to tell the story of Tika’s childhood, full of love through items that are committed to women, children, and joy.

“I’m so grateful that Bloomingdale’s has entrusted me to curate amazing products from women owned and founded brands for The Carousel @ Bloomingdale’s,” said Tika Sumpter. “Boomingdale’s is giving these women and their brands a platform to honor their success. It’s a dream come true to be a part of this incredible moment to celebrate women and Women’s History Month. Little Tika is smiling at me now in disbelief.”

Through April 24, the space within the 59th street flagship and online at Bloomingdales.com will be dedicated to amplifying female entrepreneurs and their products; a space where these women can tell their stories and inspire others. Throughout duration of the Carousel additional events and activations will take place including:

Female Founders Homepage Takeover: Shoppers can visit Bloomingdales.com to learn more about these 50 incredible women, their stories, and brands.

On Screen with Tika Sumpter: On International Women’s Day, March 8, Tika, joined by co-host Angel Gregorio from The Spice Sweet, will host an OnScreen shopping event in the carousel at Bloomingdales.com, highlighting products and brands.

Saturday’s Generation: On March 11, stores around the country will host a Saturday’s Generation celebrating female founders, featuring events, activations, and surprises from the women-owned companies.

Weekends with Basquet: Each Friday-Sunday Basquet, an emerging female-founded, allergen-friendly online grocery store, will be offering samples from 1-5PM. A curated selection of products that promote joyful food discovery and shopping will also be avail-

able throughout the Carousel.

“As we look to define what’s next, seeing this carousel come to life means so much to Bloomingdale’s,” says Anya Deweerdt, Marketing Director - Unique Merchandising Initiatives, Bloomingdale’s. “By partnering with Tika Sumpter and the incredible group of entrepreneurs we celebrate female empowerment through the lens of women who have broken barriers and successfully created successful brands in a range of spaces.”

For more information on The Carousel @ Bloomingdale’s, the female founded brands, and events taking place at stores throughout the country, visit Bloomingdales.com, or on social @bloomingdales.

Tika Sumpter is an accomplished actor, producer, entrepreneur, and mom. Sumpter has starred in a variety of tv shows and movies, most recently Sonic The Hedgehog, The Underdoggs, Old Man and the Gun, and more, establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s rising talents. Her passion for storytelling inspired her to found Fort Sumpter, a women-led production company that works in tv, films, and now the retail space. In 2016, Tika co-produced Southside with You, in which she also starred as a young Michelle Obama. The film was an official selection of the 2016 Sundance film festival, giving Fort Sumpter major recognition. Tika attributes a lot of her inspiration to her family ties. She credits her parents, the namesake of the brand, for her desire to continue sharing their lessons through her stories and her daughter for her drive to support and inspire women in business, proving true the mantra they use at home, “I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Fort Sumpter is a women-led production company that amplifies the voices of those who drive culture, founded by Tika Sumpter. The brand focus is full-spectrum storytelling; creating and developing television, film, and animated projects that spotlight the joys, triumphs, and complex pain often overlooked by Hollywood. Tika’s parents are the namesake of the brand. “They were forged in so many fires that life threw their way. They had many ups and major downs but somehow showed their household what love and joy looked like even if everything wasn’t a fairytale ending. They built a fort of love, laughter, care, and respect around their children. I hope to continue that through my storytelling and items in the marketplace that are committed to women, children, and joy.” said Sumpter. Fort Sumpter is now establishing itself in retail with the Fort Sumpter x Bloomingdale’s capsule collection that will feature apparel designed exclusively for the retailer.

SUPERVSN STUDIOS RELEASES SPRING STUDIO COLLECTION, THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF THEIR PHILANTHROPIC FASHION PARTNERSHIP WITH PACSUN

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- STUDIO powered by Supervsn launched the first segment of their Spring collection. The ultimate creative uniform is back in the evergreen black and debuting a new chocolate hue. The statement graphic tees are a forever staple in the Supervsn universe. The black hue features the statement “NEVER NOT CREATING” and the chocolate is emblazoned with a STUDIO logo, in their standard fit priced at $40 USD. The true hero piece of the collection is the cut-and-sew nylon anorak half-zip jacket, with a STUDIO graphic. The anorak half-zip retails at $120 USD.

“As we go from collection to collection, we are designing with the creator in mind and thinking of ways to improve the product and best suit the creator’s lifestyle” - Gavin Mathieu

The visuals for this round of STUDIO drops are intriguing as usual; as most have come to expect from Supervsn campaigns. The brand took a unique approach to capture those who embody the true essence of fashion meeting function and combining overall utility. “With this shoot, we decided to break the fourth dimension by putting the consumer behind the camera. Studio is activewear for the creative, it is for the people behind the scenes making it all come together; (shoots, lookbooks, campaigns, production of products) so the purpose of the shoot was to capture the creative in real-time. What’s unique about this shoot is that we actually captured the creative team in STUDIO while shooting an upcoming Supervsn campaign. It was a moment to bring it all together, and we are really proud of the result.” - Gavin Mathieu

With the new year underway, STUDIO’s philanthropic partnership also kicks off this month with AEG Goldenvoice and Round Two programming. Interns will undergo a 12-week work experience at each company, with opportunities at Goldenvoice ranging in departments such as touring, talent, finance, ticketing, and marketing; and an immersive public relations internship at Round Two.

“After the well-received response from our community around the initial STUDIO by Supervsn launch last year, we look forward to giving them new styles and colors from The Spring Collection,” said Richard Cox, VP of Men’s at Pacsun, “The campaign creative aligns with Pacsun’s continued mission to give an authentic look into it our brand and provides a unique lens by showcasing consumer and their creative team.”

The black and chocolate STUDIO collection dropped on Feb. 16 in store and online at supervsn.com and pacsun.com.

SUPERVSN STUDIOS is an LA-based collective that creates thought-provoking products, content, and experiences that inspire creativity and spark conversations.

THE STUDIO FOUNDATION is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide students with the chance to work with industry leaders; the aim is for budding creatives to build a holistically sustainable foundation for their future, giving them the practical tools to put their passion into practice and foster strong relationships early in their careers.

PACSUN is a leading specialty retailer offering a cross-section of emerging brands and trending fashion through the lens of youth culture. Throughout the contemporary, streetwear and active lifestyle markets, Pacsun partners with the best brands to offer curated collections, rare and exclusive products, and creative collaborations on every level. Founded in 1980, Newport, CA. Curated in Los Angeles. Follow @pacsun on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.

ANSCHUTZ ENTERTAINMENT GROUP/ GOLDENVOICE is an American global sporting and music entertainment presenter and a subsidiary of The Anschutz Corporation. It is the world’s largest owner of sports teams and sports events. Under the AEG Presents brand, it is the world’s second-largest presenter of live music and entertainment events.

ROUND TWO is a secondhand store for vintage & brand-name men’s clothing, hard-to-find sneakers & accessories founded by Sean Wotherspoon in 2013. Round Two is working on breaking down the barriers of entry to streetwear and contemporary menswear that so many brands try to put up.

STUDIO powered by Supervsn Studios. PRNewsfoto/Pacsun.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Bloomingdale’s partners with Tika Sumpter to curate the latest pop-up shop with an exciting assortment of items from 50 female-founded and owned brands. PRNEWSFOTO.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR FILAMENT THEATRE’S WORLD PREMIERE OF THINK FAST, JORDAN CHASE!

Chicago’s Filament Theatre (4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Portage Park) – nationally recognized as a pioneer in ‘anti-adultist’ theater-making and creating work for, and with, young audiences –announces the world premiere of the youth-curated, ‘chooseyour-own-adventure’ inspired production, Think Fast, Jordan Chase!, opening March 18. This piece was developed through SPARK, Filament’s signature new works program where young people curate three projects for Filament to invest in each year with support and skill-building from their artistic and education directors. The show runs from March 11 – April 16, at Filament Theatre.

Think Fast, Jordan Chase! was created by Chicago playwright Sonia Goldberg through interviews and workshops with elementary students across Chicago. In 2021, Goldberg was the first artist selected to be in residence during Filament Theatre’s inaugural season of SPARK. Two years later, the script developed during their residency receives its fully produced world premiere at Filament Theatre.

Written by Sonia Goldberg and directed by Jamal Howard, the Think Fast, Jordan Chase! cast (in order of appearance), includes: Christabel Donker (Jordan Chase), Joolz

Stroop (Mahari), Xela Rosas (Ryan), RJ W. Mays (Grandma Nicky), Brittany Ellis (Ms. Fine). This magical story centers the voices of young people who are Black, Queer, and Disabled to tell an adventure-filled tale – with story-telling help from the audience – about old friends, new kids, and what it means to stay true to yourself.

Tickets to Think Fast, Jordan Chase! are on sale now at filamenttheatre.org/thinkfast. All ages are welcome, but Think Fast, Jordan Chase! will be best enjoyed by ages 8 and up. Audiences are invited to celebrate the theatre’s 15th anniversary season with $15 tickets to all 2022-23 season performances.

Think Fast, Jordan Chase! travels through time and space. We follow Jordan as she navigates the difficulties of making a decision that may jeopardize her relationship with her best friend, Mahari, and a decision that may harm

the new student, Ryan. By transporting Jordan to outer space or a pirate-filled island or a fantasy land, the mystical Grandma Nicky sets Jordan on a journey to get to the root of the issue between Mahari and Ryan. Jordan will rely on the audience to help her choose the right path.

The Creative and Design Team of Think Fast, Jordan Chase! include Sonia Goldberg (playwright), Jamal Howard (Director), Monica M. Brown (Stage Manager), Noël Huntzinger (Production Consultant), Eleanor Kahn (Scenic and Properties Designer), Ellie Humphrys (Lighting Designer), Erika Wilson (Audience Engagement Designer), Nico Roy (Production Teaching Artist), Jazmin Aurora Medina (Costume Designer), Jeffrey Levin & Tyler Hughes (Sound Designers), Korey Joseph (Accessibility Representative & Consultant), David Pries (Technical Director), Jillian Leff (Fight Choreographer) and Danny Gadaj (Assistant Stage Manager).

Filament Theatre, on Chicago’s Northwest Side, has been creating innovative theater for young audiences since 2007. Filament’s mission is to create a more equitable society by celebrating and amplifying the perspectives and experiences of young people through the performing arts. Please visit www.filamenttheatre.org for more information.

Enroll Now! Early Education & Family Support

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Cast from left to right: Christabel Donker, Joolz Stroop, Xela Rosas, RJ W. Mays, Brittany Ellis. Filament Theatre.

Honda Battle of the Bands Returns to Celebrate HBCU Culture and Marching Band Tradition

MONTGOMERY, Ala., PRNewswire -- Thousands of fans, students and alumni converged upon Alabama State University (ASU) on Saturday, Feb. 18, to take part in the 18th Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase (HBOB), the nation’s premiere showcase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) marching bands and dance teams. Marking its return to a live event format for the first time since 2020, HBOB also was held for the first time on an HBCU campus, featuring spectacular performances from six marching bands representing HBCUs.

This year’s HBOB theme, “Driving the Legacy,” celebrated the distinct culture and heritage of HBCUs, honoring HBCU traditions and the important role these institutions play in providing higher education and opportunities for advancement to the Black community.

ASU alumnus and legendary comedian Rickey Smiley hosted the HBOB live event, while Emmy and two-time NAACP Image Award-winning host, comedian, and Prairie View A&M University alumna Loni Love hosted the HBOB livestream.

The six HBCU marching bands that performed in the 2023 HBOB Invitational Showcase included both first-time and veteran HBOB bands:

Alabama State University, Mighty Marching Hornets – 7th appearance

Langston University, Marching Pride

4th appearance

Morgan State University, Magnificent Marching Machine – 1st appearance

Savannah State University, Powerhouse of the South

7th appearance

Texas Southern University, Ocean of Soul

3rd appearance

Virginia State University, Trojan Explosion

10th appearance

The Invitational Showcase provided these march-

ing bands with a national platform to display their talent, both live and streamed online. Each of the six bands received an all-expenses-paid trip to the HBOB Invitational Showcase. Building on Honda’s longstanding support for HBCUs, each of the six participating universities also received a $50,000 grant from Honda to support their music education and career development programs. Honda also supported nonprofit organizations within the host city of Montgomery through $100,000 in local grants and $20,000 to two nonprofit organizations that partnered with Honda on a new mural installed on the ASU campus.

In addition to the marching band performances at the 2023 Invitational Showcase, HBOB also included an HBCU College Fair hosted by ASU to connect high school students with representatives from ASU, Savannah State University and Virginia State University. The college fair enabled prospective college students to meet with marching band and admissions recruiters to discuss admissions requirements, financial aid, student life and scholarship opportunities. Students who attended the college fair received free admission to the HBOB Invitational Showcase.

For more information on HBOB, visit www. hondabattleofthebands.com. Fans can also check out HBOB highlights from the Invitational Showcase on the official HBOB social media channels: Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands Instagram –@the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda Twitter – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda Honda will continue its support of HBCUs with the upcoming Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America’s premiere academic competition for HBCU students. The 2023 HCASC National Championship will be held April 15-19. Visit www. hcasc.com for more details.

NBA AND COSM

ANNOUNCE

MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP TO BRING LIVE IMMERSIVE GAMES IN 8K TO NEW EXPERIENTIAL VENUES

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- The NBA and Cosm, a leading immersive technology, media, and entertainment company, announced a multi-year partnership that will feature a new live game viewing experience for fans. In this first-of-its-kind partnership, Cosm will produce and present select games from NBA League Pass, the league’s out-of-market live game streaming service, in immersive 8K on large-scale LED-dome systems at its forthcoming venues.

The agreement makes the NBA the first professional sports league to partner with Cosm to debut select NBA League Pass games in “Shared Reality,” a new type of immersive experience, driven by Cosm’s CX System, that seamlessly bridges the virtual and physical worlds. Cosm brings the world’s best fan experiences to the screen and merges a stadium-like atmosphere – the energy of the crowd, elevated food and beverage options, specialized merchandise, and state-of-the-art visuals – to make guests feel like they are in an NBA Arena. Members of NBA ID, the league’s new global membership program, will receive exclusive benefits at Cosm’s venues, including discounts on tickets, merchandise, and events.

“We are excited to bring NBA games to Cosm’s innovative venues and further our common goal of enhancing the fan experience,” said Teddy Kaplan, Associate Vice President, New Media Partner Management Lead at the NBA. “Cosm’s Shared Reality technology offers a new and exciting way to bring fans together in person and closer to the game.”

“This is one of the most transformational deals to hit the sports industry in quite some time,” added Jeb Terry, President & CEO at Cosm. “Our team has created an entirely new experience, driven by industry-leading technology, to give fans a new way to watch the game. We have an incredible opportunity to work with a partner as innovative as the NBA, to combine our collective know-how, and to rewrite the playbook on how leagues, broadcasters, and brands can bring fans closer to the action than ever before. The promise of Cosm is to give you the best seat in the house, no matter where that house is. It is the best of at-home and in-arena experience as one, and we’re thrilled to deliver on that promise with the NBA.”

“Cosm is transforming the experience of the live game, and we could not have asked for a better partner than the NBA to show off the future of fandom,” added Peter Murphy, Vice President, Head of Business Development and Partnerships at Cosm. “We look forward to leveraging Cosm’s unparalleled experience in experiential technology to distribute live NBA games in a way the world has never seen before. Through our partnership, NBA games will be a pillar in Cosm’s venue programming for years to come.”

The NBA and Cosm will continue to work together to deliver live, immersive 8K feeds directly into Cosm’s research and development facility (“Experience Center”) in Salt Lake City, UT.

Cosm recently broke ground at its first venue in Los Angeles at Hollywood Park, adjacent to SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, and announced its second venue in Dallas at Grandscape, with plans to expand to additional locations in key markets. Details around the schedule of events upon the opening of these venues will be shared at a later date.

To learn more, visit www.cosm.com and follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Honda Battle of the Bands returned to a live event format on Feb. 18, featuring dynamic performances from six Historically Black Colleges and Universities marching bands. PRNEWSFOTO/HONDA.

PRNewsFoto

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

How Technology Will Transform Shopping in 2023 and Beyond

tomers, alike. Self-checkout for example, once a novelty, is now viewed as a way to complete a transaction more quickly, easily and privately than traditional checkout. In fact, nearly one-third of respondents said they will use self-checkout more often in 2023, with over half (52%) of respondents citing their main reason for doing so is because it’s quicker. Likewise, options like curbside pickup and BOPIS are being employed by customers more frequently, with 63% of respondents noting convenience as their primary reason for using these services.

At the same time, retailers are embracing B2B technology to improve the in-store experience. Shopper traffic data is helping retailers optimize staffing and reimagine floor layouts to mitigate crowding and encourage browsing, while inventory intelligence is helping customers find what they need, when they need it.

The survey also reveals that shoppers are eager to embrace the next big thing: 63% of respondents said they would like to see retailers implement interactive mobile apps to better blend in-store and online experiences, and many shoppers said they would like to see retailers implement virtual reality (24%) and augmented reality (17%).

and energy management in their stores. Consumers are looking for this to happen with the following changes: less plastic and packaging waste (62%), recycling bins for shoppers and employees to use (42%), and increased sustainable product and brand options (41%).

Further, consumers are planning to create their own sustainable habits in 2023, with 39% buying more items in-store to reduce shopping trips, 38% shopping in-store more often to eliminate packaging waste, and 33% shopping at thrift stores more often.

What’s clear from these trends and insights is that the industry’s march toward more sustainable, flexible, streamlined and efficient operations is just beginning.

(StatePoint) Above all, consumers value convenience, speed and good deals, according to new research by Sensormatic Solutions, and they can expect retailers to deliver these benefits in 2023.

In the recent survey, respondents cited stocked shelves (64%), quick and easy checkouts (63%), and discounts or sales (63%) as the top three contributors to positive shopping experiences.

With 42% of respondents either very likely or moderately likely to abandon their shopping trip due to a long checkout line, omnichannel fulfillment options – from self-checkout to buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) – are gaining widespread adoption by both retailers and cus-

“Shoppers are eager to try new options and explore the benefits of digitalization. They are seeking convenience to pursue better in-store experiences, while simultaneously thinking about their carbon footprint in relation to where they shop,” said Kim Melvin, global leader of marketing and communications, Sensormatic Solutions. “When it comes down to it, shoppers want safer, quicker, and more affordable and sustainable options.”

Along these same lines, consumers are still invested in what retailers are doing for the sake of the environment, with 69% noting that it is important to them that retailers continue to improve environmental performance

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Gorodenkoff - stock.Adobe.com