Chatham-Southeast Citizen 4-19-2023

On Tuesday, April 11th, Walmart announced that it would close four locations in Chicago on Sunday, April 16th. One of those locations is the Chatham Walmart, located at 8431 S. Stewart. The Walmart Academy is also set to close, along with the Walmart Health Center, which opened in 2020.

FLOWERS PASSES CERTIFICATION BILL TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF CARE AT MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Deputy Majority Leader Mary E. Flowers, D-Chicago, passed a bill on Wednesday, April 5, to improve the quality of mental health care by requiring community mental health or developmental services to renew their licenses more frequently.

“We continue to see that some community mental health facilities are falling short of acceptable standards, and mental health deficiencies continue to be an issue across Illinois,” Flowers said. “Yet, in many cases, these facilities continue to retain their certification for years, despite low quality and compliance scores. That’s why my bill shortens the licensure period for these facilities. When facilities must certify more frequently, they must pay closer attention to their standards of care.”

Since 2018, community mental health agencies have been subject to a quality scorecard system administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Under Flowers’ House Bill 1032, more frequent licensure examinations would enable IDHS to increase scrutiny of deficient mental health agencies. The bill would also permit additional sanctions including freezes on admissions or license revocation for agencies based on low compliance scores.

“Tolerating noncompliance with mental health treatment standards is a choice,” Flowers said. “We owe vulnerable people in our state a well-regulated mental healthcare system. When agencies or facilities fall short of standards, it is not enough that they eventually face accountability. The harm that can result to already troubled individuals when conditions like this aren’t rectified quickly is too serious.”

Flowers’ office can be reached at 773471-5200 or tsnow@hds.ilga.gov.

CPA ENDOWMENT FUND OF ILLINOIS ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

CHICAGO – The CPA Endowment

Fund of Illinois, the charitable partner of the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS), is proud to announce its board of directors for the April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, fiscal year. This year, the board welcomes new ICPAS President and CEO Geoffrey Brown, CAE, and ICPAS Board of Directors Immediate Past Chairperson Mary K. Fuller, CPA, as ex-officio directors.

“I am privileged to work with a group of accomplished professionals who truly have a passion for ensuring a diverse and vibrant future for the CPA profession,” says Kimberley A. Waite, CPA, partner at Marcum LLP in Deerfield, Ill. “Thanks to the invaluable generosity of our donors, we can offer scholarships and programs that change the lives of accounting students and young professionals. I look forward to expanding the reach and impact of our programming and continuing to provide desperately needed financial relief to motivated and deserving aspiring CPAs across Illinois.”

During the last fiscal year, giving by more than 1,040 donors aided the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois in awarding more than $320,000 in scholarships and providing specialized programs to approximately 400 diverse and deserving accounting students and future CPAs.

Chairperson Kimberley A. Waite, CPA | Marcum LLP

Vice Chairperson

Jason Parish, CPA | Plante Moran PLLC

Treasurer Jeffery P. Watson, CPA | Miller Cooper & Company Ltd.

Secretary Martrice Caldwell, CPA | Chicago Fire FC

Immediate Past Chairperson

Howard I. Blumstein, CPA | BDO USA LLP (Retired)

Walmart Superstore leaves Chatham

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

The pharmacy will remain open for 30 days so that people with prescriptions will have time to move them to another pharmacy.

According to the outgoing 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins, upon being informed about the closing of the store, he met with 21st Ward Alderman-elect Ronnie Mosley and 6th Ward Alderman-elect William Hall. “It was profoundly disappointing. I thought that we were out of the woods with respect to the fragility of the store. For years, I had always been told the store was losing money, but when they decided to re-invest in the store after it was destroyed after the George Floyd protest, I thought we had turned a corner. Then, they built the Walmart Academy and that further gave me hope they would continue to invest in the community,” Brookins said.

Once Brookins received word about the Walmart closing, he said he started to call developers to see what was possible. For the Walmart Academy, Brookins and Walmart are looking for non-profits to inhabit the space. According to Brookins, there are more than 400 jobs that will be lost at the Chatham location. Brookins also has spoken with Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson and has reached out to outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Brookins acknowledged there is a Jewel Food Store on 87th near the Dan Ryan, 95th and Ashland, also a Jewel Food Store in Marshfield Plaza on a 119th, A Food 4 Less

at 112 W. 87th St. and an Aldi’s at 8500 S. Holland Road. “The 21st Ward won’t be a food desert, but Walmart will be sorely missed. They provided a need that other retailers in the area didn’t. You could buy a bike there, you could buy a basketball, you could buy a TV. There are so many things you’ll have to go out of the community to get,” Brookins said, adding the closing is a blow to the community.

Felicia McCranie, Walmart Spokesperson, said the reason for the store closures is because they were not profitable. While Walmart wanted to invest in the stores and see if it could bring them back to a profitable status, unfortunately, the tough decision was made to close these stores. According to McCranie, there were some community classes that took place at the Walmart Academy, including HVAC, tech classes and resume writing.

Walmart is planning to host job fairs for current employees with the hope they can be placed at other locations. Beyond Sunday, associates will be paid their hourly regular wage until Aug. 11th. After Aug. 11th, associates who are eligible will receive severance pay. The goal is to give them enough time to find a job. “Our associates are the beat of our company; we wouldn’t have Walmart without our associates. This has nothing to do with their amazing work. In each of these stores, we’ve got amazing stories of achievements from associates in these stores,” she said.

McCranie said the intention was that the investments Walmart made to the locations would improve store performance, but the efforts haven’t improved the business challenges the stores were facing. She added, Walmart

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Chicago Public Schools Continues Preschool Expansion to Nearly Every City Neighborhood

CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) continues to expand early childhood learning opportunities as part of a citywide initiative to ensure every four-year-old child in the city has access to free full-day programming. CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova, Commissioner Brandie Knazze of the Department of Family Support and Services (DFSS), and CPS Chief Early Childhood Officer Leslie Mckinily visited preschool classrooms at Arnold Mireles Academy this morning as the early learning application portal opened, making preschool registration available for the 2023-24 school year.

“We know that preschool education can make a tremendous impact on children’s academic growth and well being,” said CPS Chief Education Officer Chkoumbova. “The research is clear that preschool programs help our students prepare for success in kindergarten and beyond.”

Families can now register for the District’s free full-day programming for four-year-olds and half-day programming for three- year-olds via the Chicago Early Learning website and registration portal, along with early childhood programming offered through community-based organizations approved by the Chicago Department of Family Support and Services (DFSS). Together, CPS and DFSS are offering an expanded schedule of in-person events and support services through the spring to help families bridge any technical or internet access issue and easily register for these critical early learning opportunities.

“The long-term positive effects of quality early education cannot be overstated. Our programs prepare our youngest learners for their educational journey and help make connections that will benefit them and their families for years to come,” said Commissioner Brandie Knazze of DFSS. “We are excited by the continued success and launch of the expanded early learning portal.”

Staff at CPS’ Family Resource Centers (FRCs) provide support to families during the application and verification process. The centers are conveniently located inside eight Chicago Public Library branches across the city and one CPS administrative office. Support appointments are required and include eve-

ning hours. Appointments can be made online on the Family Resource Centers website page. Additionally, during the week of April 24th, many CPS elementary schools will host open houses and pre-school registration events so that families can become more familiar with their local preschool offerings and also receive registration support. Individuals with limited internet access can also call any CPS elementary school to reserve time for in-person registration support at an elementary school.

“We want to make sure that our parent choice remains an integral part of the application process,” said Mckinily, CPS Chief of Early Childhood Education. “The fact that so many families opt to attend their neighborhood school reflects our mission to offer strong neighborhood schools and ensure they serve the needs of our families.”

The high-quality CPS free full-day preschool programs meet all federal, state and local education standards and all schools are engaged in continuous quality improvement. Preschool for All programs are awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze Circle of Quality, as determined by a state-approved independent review. Eighty one percent of CPS preschool programs meet the Gold Circle of Quality or the highest standards for quality in three areas: learning environment and teaching, administration, and training and education. The remaining 19 percent of schools are on the journey to earning Gold with 15 percent already at the second level, or Silver status, and four percent at the Bronze level.

“CPS continues to provide the supports our families need the most,” said Mireles Academy principal Evelyn Randle-Robbins. “At Mireles, there’s a strong need for additional educational options allowing work flexibility for our parents. The expansion of early childhood education District-wide will assist in making sure our school community has as many resources as possible.”

Over the past several years, the District has expanded the number of classrooms providing free full-day preschool to nearly all 77 Chicago communities with the aim to provide better educational and social outcomes for all children, especially those with the greatest needs. The District’s 20th Day

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Walmart Superstore

appreciated the opportunity to serve the customers in these communities and the hope is to continue to serve them in the surrounding stores.

On Thursday, April 13th, elected officials and community leaders gathered to protest the store’s closing. Even then, the parking lot was full and people were coming in and out of the store with their carts full. The 21st Ward Alderman-elect Mosley said he was working on a resource guide of places where constituents could get the items they normally bought at Walmart. He also wants to have a community meeting to discuss what residents want to see in the space once the store closes.

“That’s a huge disruption to this community. They didn’t give us any

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time to plan how we could still fill or work to fill these voids. We are reacting to the closing, that’s not a good place to be. We want to be proactive, we want to plan for our community to thrive,” he said.

Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore also received calls from constituents when they heard about the Walmart closing. One of Moore’s constituent’s daughter’s works at Walmart and gets college tuition reimbursement. Another constituent is working at Walmart while going to Loyola.

“This was the purpose for bringing Walmart to this community in the first place. We fought for Walmart to be here. This was a vacant lot and we wanted Walmart to come, because we

Chicago Public Schools

said, ‘our children deserve to be able to not leave their community in order to have a part-time job, or summer job, or a job just to help them get through school, or if some of our seniors want to work. They shouldn’t have to drive downtown or to the suburbs in order to be gainfully employed,” Moore said. Moore said it is a shame to lose Walmart after fighting to bring it to the community and making it through the pandemic.

The elected officials and community leaders want to meet with Walmart leadership and ask them to reconsider.

The other locations Walmart is closing are the Neighborhood Markets at 4720 S. Cottage Grove, 2844 N. Broadway and 2551 W. Cermak.

Continued From Page 2

enrollment data shows nearly 1,000 (973) more preschoolers were served in the past year, with 16,403 three and four-year-olds enrolled in CPS schools as of the 20th day of the 2022-23 school year compared to 15,430 preschoolers at the same time the previous school year. The majority of those students - more than 12,000 - were four-year-olds in the District’s full-day program.

CPS currently offers expanded preschool classes in 68 of the 77 neighborhoods. By the first day of school on August 21, 2023, the District will have expanded to 75 neighborhoods by adding 21 classrooms within 11 elementary schools for a total of 420 additional available seats.

programs through the Child Care Assistance Program; visit Illinois Action for Children’s website. The Find and Compare Tool helps parents view programs with specific early childhood accreditations and see each program’s quality rating. Parents can also visit CPS’ Programs Page, which includes detailed information about types of programs and identifying characteristics of high-quality early learning.

Application Process and Eligibility

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Johnson’s Chicago For The People transition team to bring together leaders from across the city to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on Tuesday announced the leaders of his Chicago For The People transition team. Mayor-elect Johnson named Jessica Angus as transition director, Jason Lee and Amisha Patel as senior advisors, Erica Bland-Durosinmi and DJavan Conway as intergovernmental advisors, and Maria Virginia Martinez as legal advisor.

“Our work is already underway to bring together Chicagoans from all across the city in order to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago,” said Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson. “Our transition is about uniting Chicago and I’m confident these dedicated, experienced leaders will bring collaboration, compassion, and competence to our work in delivering a Chicago for the people.”

“Mayor-elect Johnson’s Chicago for the People transition team is already hard at work to bring in voices from all corners of the city and provide a smooth mayoral transition,” said Transition Director Jessica Angus. “As a proud Chicagoan raising two kids in our city, I’m honored to serve on this team, unite Chicago and build a stronger city for all of us.”

Jessica Angus, Transition Director: For over 25 years, Jessica Angus has dedicated her career to uplifting causes that empower underrepresented communities. She has helped lead the 90,000-member SEIU Healthcare Illinois as Vice President and Chief of Staff since 2008. In this senior leadership role, Angus has led the organization through tremendous growth, including by expanding SEIU Healthcare Illinois’ membership and collective power as the fastest-growing care workers’ union in the Midwest. She is a founding member of United Working Families and serves on the organization’s Party Committee. Prior to that, she spent 10 years leading political and ballot-initiative campaigns across the country on a variety of issues that prioritize investing in people and communities. Angus is a proud Chicago Public Schools parent.

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

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

BloomTownship, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor,FordHeights, 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, ChicagoWeekend,South Suburban

Enrollment data shows the majoritynearly 80 percent - of Pre-K students who attended their neighborhood school remained at that same neighborhood school for kindergarten, offering students and families a smooth transition into the elementary school years. Overall, 60 percent of students attend preschool and kindergarten at the same school - regardless of whether it is their neighborhood school.

CPS works in collaboration with other city agencies and organizations that provide services. The DFSS Children Services Division (CSD) manages a comprehensive, citywide system of community-based Chicago Early Learning programs for children, including Early Head Start (EHS), Head Start, Prevention Initiative and Doula Specialized Services for prenatal mothers, and Preschool for All (PFA). All programs are available via the CEL portal. Community-based organizations are ready to serve families from birth to five with full-day, comprehensive services.

Chicago Early Learning programs provide educational and social development activities that prepare the District’s youngest learners for kindergarten. Community-based programs have programming options for pregnant moms, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers up to age four. Additional eligibility criteria may apply to community-based programs offering services throughout the city. Assistance may be available for community-based

Children who are four years old on or before September 1, 2023, are eligible for admittance into any CPS full-day and half-day preschool program. Children who are three years old on or before September 1, 2023 are eligible for CPS half-day programs.

Families are encouraged to take their time and review all options. The initial application period runs through May 2, and enrollment is based on our District’s ongoing commitment to equity.

Students will be prioritized for a Pre-k placement based on several factors, including income level, diverse learning needs, their proximity to a school, and whether or not they have siblings enrolled at that school.

Foster children and children in temporary living situations will also be given enrollment preference.

Applicants with older siblings already enrolled at a school and students who live near their desired CPS school are also given priority.

No preschool application will ask for proof of citizenship.

Families who apply by May 2nd, will receive an offer on May 19. Families who apply after May 2 will receive their placements after May 19. Beginning May 19, any offers submitted will be responded to with an offer by the next business day.

Parents can apply online at www. chicagoearlylearning.org, by dialing the Chicago Early Learning (CEL) Family Support Hotline (312) 229-1690, or visiting a CPS school or one of the Family Resource Centers. In addition, families can receive registration support at several special events hosted in April across the city.

citizennewspapergroup.com

Jason Lee, Senior Advisor: Jason Lee most recently served as senior advisor for the Brandon Johnson campaign for Mayor of Chicago. Lee has managed a variety of campaigns at the local, state, and federal level, including Brandon Johnson’s 2018 campaign for Cook County Commissioner. Lee has worked for several progressive labor and community organizations including AFSCME International, For Our Future, and United Working Families. Prior to that, he worked in corporate finance and investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Lee graduated with honors from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in economics and a Masters degree in Politics, Ethics, and Religion.

Amisha Patel, Senior Advisor: Amisha Patel, a Chicago native, brings nearly 30 years of experience organizing for economic, racial, and gender justice to the transition team. Patel served as Executive Director of Grassroots Collaborative and Grassroots Illinois Action, organizations dedicated to building power with Chicago’s working families to secure fully funded resources for public schools, social services, and affordable housing for the past 15 years. Prior to that, she spent six years organizing hospital and Head Start workers with the 31,000-member SEIU Local 73, and worked in coalition with community organizations to fight against school closings. Patel began organizing at the age of 19, fighting against a toxic waste facility located in East Palo Alto, CA. She graduated from Stanford University and has received numerous recognitions for her work, including Crain’s Chicago Business 40 under 40 award, Chicago Freedom School’s Champion of Justice, and an Asian Emmy award for best documentary.

Erica Bland-Durosinmi, Intergovernmental Affairs Advisor: Over the past two decades, Erica Bland-Durosinmi has built and fostered dynamic networks across all levels of government, connecting decision-makers, community advocates and industry voices to fight for and lift up the needs of working people. As Executive Vice President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois, she grew the power of the 90,000-plus workers the union represents to drive–and achieve–a game-changing legislative platform achieving major wins in minimum wage, and paid leave for all at the state and city levels. Her leadership has been a key force in making SEIU Healthcare the fastest-growing care workers’ union in the Midwest advocating for the needs of healthcare and child care workers across four states. As a founding member of United Working Families, she helped to center a working-family-friendly approach in city politics, influencing the make-up and direction of city hall. Bland-Durosinmi has contributed dynamic vision and leadership to the city as president of Grassroots Collaborative. Her vision and leadership garnered her both the Ida B. Wells Award from Illinois Democratic Women and the Billie Paige Advocacy Award from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.

DJavan Conway, Intergovernmental Affairs Advisor: DJavan Conway brings over a decade of experience working in Illinois politics advising businesses and organizations as president of Conway Consulting Group, advancing solutions for technology, transportation, energy, entertainment, labor and manufacturing firms. Prior to founding Conway Consulting Group, he served as an Illinois House Democratic Leadership staffer, liaising with organizations including the Business Leadership Council. In addition, Conway has over 14 years of experience running campaigns for Democratic candidates across the state. Raised by teachers, Conway has lived in Chicago for over a decade and understands the value of investing in education. He has served on the board for Africa International House and on the Associate Board for Renaissance Social Services.

Maria Virginia Martinez, Legal Advisor: Maria is a lawyer at Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres, where she advises clients on Government Affairs and Regulatory Law. Prior to joining the firm, Maria was Senior Legislative Counsel to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, where she represented, developed, and advanced the City of Chicago’s legislative priorities before the Illinois General Assembly and state agencies. She gives back to our community as a regional coordinator for the Life Goes On Program with the Illinois Secretary of State, and as Chair for the Diversity Scholarship Foundation’s First-Generation Law-Student Mentorship Program. Maria is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and got her law degree from the John Marshall Law School.

For more information, visit www.chicagoforthepeople.org.

MAYOR-ELECT JOHNSON ANNOUNCES TRANSITION TEAM LEADERSHIP

Lowe’s Names Juliette Pryor Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary

MOORESVILLE, N.C.,

PRNewswire -- Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) announced the appointment of Juliette Pryor as executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, effective May 3, 2023. Pryor joins the company from Albertsons, where she served as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.

Pryor succeeds Bill McCanless, who has served as Lowe’s executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary since 2015, and advised the company last year of his intention to retire at the end of May.

Pryor brings to Lowe’s more than 30 years of legal experience. Before joining Albertsons, she served as the general counsel of Cox Enterprises and as general counsel and chief com -

pliance officer of US Foods. Previously, she worked at the law firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and served as general counsel and corporate secretary at e.spire Communications. She started her career as in-house counsel at IBM Corporation and later served as legal advisor to the vice chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission. Pryor received a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University and a J.D. from Georgetown University, where she also received a master’s degree from the school of foreign service.

“Juliette is an incredibly accomplished executive with an outstanding legal background, and the breadth and depth of her experience will be a great asset to Lowe’s,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO. “Juliette is an exceptional

leader with strong legal and business acumen, and I’m excited that she will be part of our executive leadership team.”

Ellison continued, “I thank Bill for his significant contributions to Lowe’s. Over the years, his steady guidance and leadership have been invaluable. On behalf of everyone at Lowe’s, we extend our sincere appreciation for his service to the company and wish him the best as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.”

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 17 million customer transactions a week in the U.S. With total fiscal year 2022 sales of over $97 billion, approximately $92 billion of sales were generated in the U.S., where Lowe’s operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

BLACK ENTERPRISE to Empower Black Entrepreneurs at The Disruptor Summit in Atlanta

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Black Enterprise, the top Black digital media brand with 12 million unique visitors per month, has announced the inaugural Disruptor Summit. The conference is set to take place in Atlanta from Friday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 4th, and is tailored to Black entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and innovators. The summit aims to equip business-minded leaders with the necessary tools, access, and expertise to drive economic change within their communities and bridge the racial wealth gap. Over the course of three days, the event will help leading innovators and creatives think outside the box, establish million-dollar brands, and disrupt their respective industries.

The Black Enterprise Disruptor Summit is a gathering of forward-thinking individuals who are challenging the status quo and driving change across industries. The conference will offer a unique opportunity for Black entrepreneurs to connect with peers, learn from thought leaders, and gain insight into the latest trends and strategies for business success.

“We are extremely excited about the BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptor Summit – our all-new, unique experience for today’s generation of entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators,” says BLACK ENTERPRISE Chief Executive Officer Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. “As the leading champion of Black entrepreneurship, we look forward to unveiling our

extraordinary three-day event, highlighting a series of disruptors altering the business landscape, offering game-changing success strategies, deploying capital to fund transformative ventures, and designing new pathways to build wealth. Our summit serves as the ultimate venue for business owners to learn, grow, and connect.”

sion to equip, elevate, and empower Black professionals and business owners,” said Lu Yarbrough III, Associate Vice President of Enterprise Diverse and Cause Marketing at Nationwide. “Supporting emerging and established Black entrepreneurs is not only a way to help them achieve their own dreams, but it also helps to create legacies and contribute to overall economic inclusion.”

Hosted by Nationwide, the Disruptor Summit will feature speakers, panels, and workshops on a range of topics, including building wealth through real estate, using AI to grow your business, raising capital, marketing, and more. Highlighted speakers include the Founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole; Founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products, Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart; Earn Your Leisure Co-Founders, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings; and Founder and CEO of Skittlez Music, Mz Skittlez marketing specialist and serial entrepreneur, Mary “Mz Skittlez” Seats.

“Now in our 13th year as host sponsor of this always-evolving conference, Nationwide remains committed to BLACK ENTERPRISE’s ongoing mis-

The BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptor Summit will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in the Buckhead section of Atlanta, Georgia, June 2-4. In addition to Nationwide, additional partners include FedEx, Walmart, Instacart and Hyatt. Attendees are also invited to attend The Black Business Awards Brunch Hosted by Walmart. To learn more about the summit, register for all access tickets, and receive programming updates, attendees can visit https://www.blackenterprise.com/disruptorsummit/.

Founded in 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE is a mission-centric publication focused on providing relevant information for success-minded people at every stage of their financial journey. Designed to highlight Black leadership and entrepreneurial journeys, BLACK ENTERPRISE reaches its audience through its events and linear and digital channels. BLACK ENTERPRISE aims to be a fountain of knowledge on the how to in achieving financial success. To learn more about the company, please visit blackenterprise.com and follow us on social media across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Hosted by Nationwide, the new business conference will celebrate Black innovators and creators June 2–4

PRNewsFoto/Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Lil Durk Announces April Public Mint of Phygital Sneaker Collection

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Lil Durk, in collaboration with ‘NXTG3NZ’, is proud to announce public minting for their highly anticipated ‘7220’ phygital sneaker collection. The collection’s minting public event took place on April 10 and consists of 11,111 pairs of custom designed phygital sneakers on the Algorand blockchain.

Designed by 0X-E, the collection will allow holders of the ‘7220’ token to wear their digital sneakers across multiple Metaverses, including The Sandbox. Because the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ tokens are a phygital collection (digital tokens linked to a physical item or representation), NXTG3NZ will also gift each ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ token holder with a physical pair of ‘7220’ sneakers. This provides everyone who purchases the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ sneaker to demonstrate their digital ownership of the token in the physical world.

The digital version of the sneaker will be revealed to the token holder within 5-7 days after the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ is minted. Following that, the holder will receive a form in which they can enter their shoe size as well as the mailing address to which the physical sneakers should be sent to. Those who purchase and mint the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ token should expect to receive the physical sneakers within three to five months after completing the form.

The physical sneakers are being produced in Portugal at the same factory that produces sneakers for luxury brands Balmain and Moncler.

With the purchase of the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ, token holders will also receive exclusive benefits and memberships from NXTG3NZ. This includes real-life events with Lil Durk at festivals and shows, automatic access to the Early Access for upcoming sneaker drops with additional music and music icons.

“I’ve always loved fashion and now its technology, so it just made sense to combine them two. It’s a new wave and we’re leading with NXTG3NZ. Doing it the right way, we built this for 2 years now.” - Lil Durk

Jessica Tsai Chin, Chief Marketing Officer at Algorand, agrees with Lil Durk’s dedication to the fans stating, “As the pioneers scaling blockchain infrastructure, we are thrilled to partner with Lil Durk. Algorand is on a mission to transform the technology and culture landscape through real world value. This is the moment for powerful businesses to be born out of fandom and access.”

While the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ token is their first phygital collection, NXTG3NZ has plans to release future collaborations with additional music and more.

Co-founded by Lil Durk, Satoshi Design, and Nexus, NXTG3NZ is a decentralized footwear company that utilizes Web3 technology to empower celebrities, athletes, and influencers to create their signature shoe brands. This one of a kind physical shoe collection utilizes NFT technology, which serve as proof of authenticity and enable them to reward their loyal community with perks. With industry veterans from the world’s top three shoe brands on board, they excel at producing high-quality luxury footwear, allowing them to step into the future of fashion in style.

To learn more about the ‘7220’ NXTG3NZ NFT Collection, visit NXTG3NZ’s website at www.NXTG3NZ.com

INDOCHINO DEBUTS SPRING/ SUMMER 2023 COLLECTION & EXPANDS WOMENSWEAR

VANCOUVER, BC, PRNewswire -- INDOCHINO, the global leader in custom apparel, has launched its Spring/Summer 2023 collection. This new collection features the brand’s first ever dual-gender campaign imagery and celebrates the personal stories that fashion brings to life. In conjunction with the collection’s debut, INDOCHINO has announced it will be expanding its women’s offering to their e-commerce channel, following a successful rollout in select physical showrooms last fall.

The core theme for this bold collection is “A Story In The Making,” which speaks to the power of personal style and the real life memories that customers create in their INDOCHINO suiting. Photographed in the stunning city of Oaxaca, Mexico, the collection and campaign imagery is also inspired by the city’s lively colors, rich heritage, artistic architecture and textile making traditions. The collection provides an array of elevated pieces that can be easily layered or mixed and matched, satisfying shoppers’ increased interest in versatility and unexpected styling, while also providing a robust variety of options for formal events.

Further to the core theme of the Spring/Summer 2023 collection, INDOCHINO is excited to expand their custom apparel offering with a fit that celebrates the female form. This makes the brand the first to sell custom women’s apparel digitally on a mass scale. Throughout the Fall of 2022, INDOCHINO was able to successfully pilot the launch of this new offering. With an overwhelmingly positive customer response, INDOCHINO is excited to support the omni-channel experience for their entire customer base. The first half of 2023 will see womenswear become available across the complete network of INDOCHINO’s owned showrooms throughout North America.

“We are pleased with the early success of our women’s fit and look forward to seeing its continued growth fueled by this expansion across e-commerce and our physical showroom network,” said Drew Green, CEO of INDOCHINO. “Our mission is to empower shoppers to place themselves at the center of their own story, guiding them emotionally and practically through the process of creating custom clothing to feel like their truest self. The Spring/ Summer 2023 collection and its corresponding campaign imagery bring that vision to life in a beautiful way, which we are proud to share with the world.”

Additionally, with the 2023 wedding

season already in full swing, INDOCHINO is equally focused on driving continued growth and excitement for their events business. This season, they will join forces with another world class wedding brand, David’s Bridal, for a unique partnership that helps customers to create their dream custom wedding suit.

As the global leader in made to measure apparel, INDOCHINO has developed the shopping experience of the future. Born out of the belief that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a custom wardrobe, INDOCHINO was the first company to disrupt the retail sector by making perfect-fitting, personalized apparel on a mass scale. The brand was also recently named to the Newsweek and Statista America’s Fastest Growing Online Shops list for 2022.

Customers take on the role of designer, picking out every detail of their garments to make them truly one-of-a-kind. These are made to their precise measurements and shipped directly to their door, hassle free. The company’s omni-channel approach allows them to shop online or in person at any INDOCHINO showroom.

For more information, visit www.indochino.com and follow INDOCHINO’s social media channels.

INDOCHINO debuts their Spring/Summer 2023 collection with the brand’s first ever dual-gender campaign imagery and announces the expansion of their women’s offering across both e-commerce and their complete network of owned showrooms in North America.

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Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photgraphy

With an all-electric future on our horizon, ComEd knows our grid will have to be smarter, more resilient and reliable than ever before. That’s why we’re making investments and upgrading technology today, to ensure we continue to deliver reliable service to you and your family for generations to come. So, when everything goes electric, we’ll be ready. Because lighting your life brightens our day.

Record-breaking reliability, powered by ComEd.

When everything’s electric, we’ll be ready.

Revitalized Jet Magazine Cover Announced: Slutty Vegan CEO Pinky Cole

After 63 years and thousands of issues, JET printed its last magazine in 2014, but today it is announced that the iconic publication is back in print and we would love to have you reveal that Pinky Cole is the cover star!

JET Announces Limited Print with Iconic Pinky Cole Cover & Collector’s Issue Pinky Cole, the famed CEO & Founder of Slutty Vegan known for changing the world with her vegan comfort food, philanthropy & activism, makes history by gracing the cover of JET with the release of a highly curated Collector’s Issue.

The culturally significant and beloved publication returns to print for this limited release only and splashes onto newsstands with cover star and “Beauty of the Week” Pinky Cole. This special issue chronicles Cole’s breathtaking journey redefining the American Dream, shaping culture, her tireless activism with The Pinky Cole Foundation, building a $100 million-dollar vegan empire while simultaneously raising a family, and a whole lot more.

“I am so thrilled to be featured on the cover of JET!” says Cole. “Ever since I was a little girl, I grew up reading every inch of every issue that I could get my hands on. Now here I am on the cover and as their iconic ‘Beauty of the Week.’ This moment is so personal and special to me because in many ways, JET helped shape who I wanted to become and who I am now. As I look back at myself as a kid, I want every little girl out there to know that dreams do really come true.”

JET has a rich history of celebrating excellence and culture. Founded in 1951 by John H. Johnson and currently owned and operated by the Bridge-

man Family, JET was a mainstay in primarily Black households across America. JET chronicled Black life in America and provided a lens into the African American community that mainstream media either ignored or misrepresented.

“JET is like family, and people tell me frequently that they miss JET coming to their house every week. But because of technology, the weekly print magazine business model doesn’t make as much sense now as it did 25 years ago, hence the reason JET ceased printing in 2014.” – Daylon A. Goff, President of JET. “When Pinky and I connected randomly last summer at a concert, I mentioned that I’m a fan of her movement, and she mentioned that she’s always dreamed of being in JET. Given that Pinky and JET are all about building community and highlighting culture, we thought that this limited collector’s issue is a great way to fuel and ignite our combined audiences with this partnership.”

Pinky Cole joins a list of iconic JET cover stars, including Academy Award-winning actors, Grammy Award-winning music legends, world leaders, and Titans of Industry like President Barack Obama, Muhammed Ali, Aretha Franklin, Kendrick Lamar, Nat King Cole, Richard Pryor, Octavia Spencer, & Michael B Jordan to name a few.

JET’s focus on “Moving Black Forward with speed and purpose” mirrors Cole’s own mission of promoting social justice and creating opportunities for marginalized communities. JET recognizes Pinky Cole’s contributions to culture and as a role model for the next generation of entrepreneurs and activista.

45th Annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

BROOKLYN, N.Y., PRNewswire -- The Brooklyn-based arts and media institution BRIC announced the opening and closing acts for the 2023 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! season. The highly-anticipated performing arts series will kick off with legendary blues musician Taj Mahal, British singer songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, and dynamic gospel trio The Harlem Gospel Travelers at the Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park. Seattle-based folk-indie favorites The Head and The Heart will close out the festival season. BRIC will announce the full season lineup in early May.

Regularly attracting upwards of 250,000 attendees, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is the longest-running, free summer music festival in New York City and has become one of the city’s foremost summer attractions and a true staple of Brooklyn culture. From its very first performance in the summer of 1979, the mission of the festival has been to bring Brooklyn together. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is a festival that represents the borough’s growing reputation as a global cultural destination.

“BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park is a beloved flagship event, and a clear sign of summer for our community,” said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit organization that operates the park in partnership with the City. “Music and performing arts are what help keep us thriving in good times and in bad, and I’m grateful that the park serves as an important inspiration for artists of all kinds. The festival has brought a wide range of free music, performances and family programming to Brooklyn’s Backyard and we look forward to coming together this season with the many diverse communities of Brooklyn.”

Returns To Prospect Park This Summer

This year marks the 45th Anniversary year of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! In partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! has become one of the hottest summer performing arts series, a beloved tradition and an opportunity to catch global music icons, chart-topping artists, and the very best diverse talent from around the world and around the block. In addition to free concerts, the festival includes movie and dance nights, a family day, and special benefit concerts.

In celebration of its 45th year, and under the guidance of BRIC President Wes Jackson and Artistic Director and Executive Producer Diane Eber, the 2023 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! season theme is “looking to the future, while honoring the past.”

In the spirit of looking to the future, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Taja Cheek, aka L’Rain, joins BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! as the first-ever artist curator. Born and raised in Crown Heights, she has extensive experience participating in and uplifting Brooklyn’s experimental music communities, including performing at BRIC JazzFest 2021. Cheek has curated at some of the most prestigious art institutions in New York City.

“I have been going to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! my whole life and having an opportunity to be a part of the team is nothing short of a dream come true,” said Artist Curator L’Rain. “Collaborative curatorial work is so special—more important than any individual contribution are the conversations we have with each other about artists we’re excited about, the ways we push each other out of our comfort zones, and the new music we learn about along the way.”

The season will kick off on Wednesday, June 7th, with three-time past headliner and Grammy-award winning legendary Blues artist Taj Mahal, two-time Grammy Award winner Corinne Bailey Rae, and The Harlem Gospel Travelers will open the series. Known for their electric live performances, The Head and The Heart will be the festival’s closing headliner.

BRIC is also rolling out their BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! ticketed benefit concerts, which help support BRIC’s extensive free programming. As an extension of the Blue Note Jazz Festival, the ticketed concert on June 24th will feature headlining performances from NxWorries, the art-duo composed of Anderson Paak and Knxwledge, who haven’t performed in the states as NxWorries in nearly five years; alongside legends like Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway, Bilal, and BJ The Chicago Kid. August’s 10th’s benefit show will feature New Orleans-based eight-piece rock collective The Revivalists, and Seattle indie-favorites Band of Horses. The last two benefit shows will take place on August 22nd and 23rd, featuring lo-fi multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Alex G, with support from Canadian indie-pop band Alvvays, fresh off the release of their third full-length album, Blue Rev.

While the festival will remain free of charge, excluding benefit shows, RSVPs are encouraged to stay up to date on festival news, but are not required. Media applications for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! will open soon, with the full lineup announcement.

Stay tuned for additional details on the 2023 season as they’re announced! For more information on the artist lineup, tickets and more, visit bricartsmedia. org/bcb.

Anderson Group Public Relations

Ag Invest Program Surpasses $1 Billion in Agriculture Lending During Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Administration

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Treasurer’s Ag Invest Program has achieved a new milestone by loaning more than $1 billion to farmers and agriculture professionals across the state, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. The milestone represents the cumulative amount of Ag Invest loans since Frerichs became state treasurer in 2015.

“Agriculture is a valued and crucial industry in Illinois,” Frerichs said. “I’m proud that my office can help provide affordable financing for farmers and agricultural professionals as they pursue their vital work and contribute to the well-being of our state.”

Since 2015, the program has supported more than 5,000 agriculture borrowers and partnered with more than 35 financial institutions.

Ag Invest is an agriculture-focused impact investment program providing loan opportunities for Illinois farmers and agri-businesses to start, expand or add value to their farm operations. Ag Invest offers affordable financing through two options: the Ag Invest Agriculture Operating Line of Credit and the Long Term Ag & Value-Added Ag program. The treasurer’s office partners with eligible financial institutions in Illinois to provide low interest rate loans to Illinois farmers.

The loans provided by the financial institution can be used for the purchase of farm equipment, purchase of land, construction-related expenses, operating lines of credit or other costs related to conventional or sustainable farming.

Ag Invest, the nation’s most expansive agriculture deposit program, also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since its inception in 1983, Ag Invest has loaned more than $5 billion in operating lines of credit

Reps. Kelly and Bucshon

Introduce Bipartisan Legislation

Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act

and long-term loans.

Another part of Ag Invest is the annual Cream of the Crop Photography Contest for young Illinoisans. The contest is now in its 11th year, and submissions are being accepted through June 12.

Top photographs will be chosen in three age-based categories: ages 8 10, 11 14 and 15-18. Each student may submit up to two photos by June 12. For more information about the contest, go to Cream of the Crop Contest.

During his time as treasurer, Frerichs has improved the Ag Invest program in several ways, helping farmers gain more access to operating lines of credit and expanding terms for the long-term loan program. Frerichs’ most recent improvements to Ag Invest took effect earlier this year.

The Ag Invest Agriculture Operating Line of Credit, available as a one-year or two-year program, assists farmers with paying for seed, fertilizer, salaries, transportation, processing, milling, crop insurance and other expenses. Each borrower is allowed a single line of credit, and the maximum amount is $600,000 per borrower.

The Ag Invest Long-Term program is designed to help pay for capital expenditures such as machinery, construction and renovation, transportation, milling, livestock, specialty crops, land acquisition and other costs. Each borrower is allowed multiple loans up to $800,000 per calendar year. Projects greater than $800,000 are considered on a case-by-case basis. The initial rate for a Long-Term Ag loan is guaranteed for three years, and the loan may be extended beyond that period.

To find out more about the program, go to Ag Invest at https://www.illinoistreasurer.gov/Invest_in_Illinois/Ag_Invest.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Robin Kelly (IL02) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), introduced the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act.

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has held a monopoly over the contract to manage organ distribution since 1984. Recent reports have raised concerns about how this monopoly affects the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

The legislation would allow for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to run a competitive process to choose from the best contractors for different national OPTN functions (e.g., health IT, logistics). A better-performing national OPTN will better serve patients across the country.

“I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Bucshon,” said Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02). “The Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act will make the U.S. organ transplant network more effective and efficient, making vital organs more available to patients across Illinois and the country. As our country continues to move forward at a rapid pace, with new technologies becoming available every day, we owe it to our constituents to bring our medical practices into the 21st century and save lives.”

“Every year, thousands of potentially lifesaving organs go to waste, even as Americans die waiting for transplants. We can and must work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organ transplantation process. I am proud to partner with Rep. Kelly to introduce the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act, to help make more organs available to Hoosiers and all Americans,” said Dr. Bucshon.

When you play, Illinois wins Your play helped generate $834 million for education last year

4 Ways to Get Involved This Global

GREEN LIVING Protecting Your Items – and the Earth – When Moving

(StatePoint) Moving is a big job – and it can be a wasteful one, too, considering all of the packing material required. Make moving more sustainable with these eco-friendly tips:

Space Saving: Using thinner sustainable wrapping to secure your breakables avoids the need for excess storage and boxes. Flourish Brand Honeycomb Cushion Wrap, made with 40% recycled content, offers a customizable way to pack boxes efficiently. The die-cut honeycomb stretches easily with interlocking paper that attaches to itself, so no tape is needed. Once you unpack, the paper can be directly recycled, or stored to be reused.

Folding In: Instead of using tape, fold your box tops in an interlocked, neat manner. They’ll stack up easily inside your vehicle, maximizing packing space, plus you won’t need to use any additional materials. Unpack your items without tearing or ripping your box, then recycle or fold it flat to store for future use.

• Rest. Now is a great time to sit back and take some time to relax, as 73% reported an improvement in their mental health from just taking time to rest.

• Cooking and healthy eating. The pandemic gave many a chance to spend more time in the kitchen cooking their favorite meals.

Seventy-two percent of respondents attribute cooking and healthy eating to helping improve their mental health. During these difficult financial times, spending more time in the kitchen can be a great way to help ease stress, save money on meals and of course, reap the physical and mental benefits of a good, balanced meal.

• Work-life balance. This has been a stressful time for employees, with news of layoffs coming almost daily, on top of the already existing financial stressors. However, 72% of respondents attribute achieving a better work-life balance to lowering stress levels and improving their mental health.

For full survey results, visit https://www.dynata.com.

While many Americans are feeling the pinch right now, the good news is that proven coping strategies can help lighten the mental load.

(StatePoint) Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin.

Research from Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to take action that changes the world, shows 73% of people believe that volunteering is more important than ever, yet 66% think they can’t make a big impact in their communities. Global Volunteer Month can help point people in the right direction.

“April is an annual opportunity for companies and nonprofits to inspire individuals to action, share stories of those doing good, and create a pathway for continued engagement,” said Diane Quest, interim president and CEO, Points of Light. “Over the past four years since our inaugural Global Volunteer Month, we have seen people increase their commitments to creating a just and equitable world.”

This year, Points of Light is partnering with leading sponsor Phillips 66 and supporting sponsor UPS to encourage individuals, nonprofits and corporate partners to engage in their communities. As part of the campaign, they are sharing four great ways to participate:

1. Stay Local: While volunteering with any type of mission can help to better the world, people tend to be more impacted by volunteer opportunities from which they can observe the fruits of their labor. Collaborate with local nonprofits to affect change in the place where you live, work and play. Visit Points of Light Engage, https://engage.pointsoflight.org/, to find an opportunity today in your city or zip code and based on your interests.

2. Volunteer With Friends and Family: Families can support their communities by volunteering together. Consider working at a local food bank, participating in community clean-up initiatives, or organizing donation drives for local charities. Volunteering as a family not only provides a chance for quality time together but also encourages children to develop empathy and

social responsibility. By volunteering, families can strengthen relationships, build community connections, and make a positive impact in their communities.

3. Recognize and Expand What You’re Already Doing: While many of us think about volunteering in a formal way with longer time commitments and structures, civic engagement comes in all forms. Informal actions like helping a neighbor and leveraging your purchase power all make up civic action. Ask yourself: how could I take three to five actions around one cause area that’s important to me to make greater impact? Find out how through the Points of Light Civic Circle https://www.pointsoflight.org/civic-circle/.

4. Say a Simple Thank You: At its core, Global Volunteer Month is about thanking those already volunteering and making an impact. Take a minute to send a thank you to a special volunteer in your life or an organization that is giving its time and talent to make your community stronger.

“There are many paths to living a full, civic life. Now is the perfect time to make a plan to join the celebration, today and every day,” says Quest.

Stacking Up: Ensure your plates and serving ware stay scratch-free by using a protective layer between each item. Made of recycled content, Flourish Brand 100% Recycled Kraft Paper provides lasting security for traveling to your new home.

Blanketed: Oversized or uniquely shaped home décor can be exceptionally fragile and isn’t always easy to squeeze into standard storage containers. When packing your vehicle, incorporate padding by wrapping these items in spare blankets, comforters or oversized towels. You’ll minimize the risk of damage to the items and have zero waste.

HEALTHY LIVING

Rising Inflation is Impacting Mental Health. How the Country is Coping

(StatePoint) It’s no secret that the country is feeling the pinch from inflation and the rising costs of goods and services, with 48% of Americans struggling to make ends meet financially, according to the latest data from Dynata’s Global Consumer Trends survey. That’s up from 34% in August of last year. These circumstances are having a significant impact on wellness, with 53% of respondents attributing financial difficulties as being an extremely or very important contributing factor to their worsening mental health since before the pandemic. Women are feeling the impacts most. Nearly six in 10 women – 57% – say financial difficulties are the largest contributor to a decline in their mental health vs. 44% of men who say the same.

Many Americans however are finding new ways to ease the burden on their mental health. Here are a few of the habits and attitudes that have helped those who report having better mental health now than they did pre-pandemic:

• Exercise. Getting more exercise has helped 78% of respondents achieve better mental health during this time of financial uncertainty.

• Spending more time with hobbies and interests. Seventy-four percent of respondents have seen an improvement in their mental health by spending more time and focus on their hobbies