Chatham-Southeast Citizen 6-28-2023

ORGANIZATION GRANTS WISHES AND MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES

Vital Thomas believes a neighborhood is only as good as its people. As the president of Grant A Wish, he is keeping the legacy of his mother Anne Blair, who founded the organization in 1981, alive. The mission of the organization is to make a difference in the lives of children in need.

Grant A Wish was founded in 1981 by Anne Blair. The organization feeds families through a partnership with The Greater Chicago Food Depository.

FITCH AFFIRMS TOP AAA RATING TO ILLINOIS FUNDS

$15 Billion Local Government Investment

Pool Complements Local Banking Relationships

Recent Daily Rates Exceed 5.1 Percent

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Funds, a mutual fund investment used by local governments through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, has earned the top AAA rating from Fitch Ratings, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said.

The Illinois Funds rating reaffirms the confidence Fitch showed in the program during the last year. The Illinois Funds provides more than 1,500 units of local government a safe investment vehicle with competitive rates that are designed to complement, not compete with, local banking relationships.

“This is an example of an outside firm pointing out that we’re doing things right,” Frerichs said. “The Illinois Funds is one of the many ways we invest in the people of Illinois.”

Established in 1975, more than 1,500 units of government such as cities, counties, libraries and school districts have invested in The Illinois Funds because it is a safe, liquid and competitive investment.

The $15 billion local government investment pool (LGIP) invests in assets focused on safety, preservation of principal, liquidity and income. The investment can be as short as overnight. The weighted average maturity is less than 60 days. No minimum investment is required.

U.S Bank is the pool’s primary service provider and custodian. The fund officially is named the Illinois Public Treasurers’ Investment Pool (IPTIP).

BLACK BENCH CHICAGO ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 CLASS

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The civic leadership program Black Bench Chicago (The Bench) has announced that applications are open for its second fellowship class. Having held its inaugural class in 2021, The Bench is a 6-month civic leadership training program geared toward uplifting and empowering the next generation of Black Chicagoans who seek to become changemakers.

“The Black Bench strives to assist the next generation of Black Chicagoans to become leaders in our community whether that means becoming a public servant or a housing organizer. The Bench will play a major role in training the next generation of Black leaders that will champion civic engagement throughout Chicago,” said Alex Sims-Jones, Founder.

The Bench recently announced new advisory board co-chairs to shepherd the program’s reach and impact: Cleveland Avenue Managing Partner Andy Zopp and Grow Greater Englewood Executive Director Anton Seals. The Bench’s insightful and professionally diverse advisory board consists of leaders in disciplines across the spectrum from entrepreneurship to community organizing. Advisory board members include Mike Strautmantis, Kurt Summers, Erica Bland, Melody Spann-Cooper, and Charles Smith. Please click here to view the full list of advisory board members.

The inaugural cohort produced several successful participants, including Alderman Ronnie Mosley who ran for alderman in the 42nd ward and won this past election cycle. Crystal Bland, Community Planning and Development Representative for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Sean Anderson, Senior Director at Bully Pulpit Interactive were also a part of the inaugural cohort class and will be joining Black Bench to serve as program directors. Applications for the second cohort class of The Black Bench will close July 16. The program will focus on the following themes: Black History & Philosophy, Government & Levers, and Campaigns & Operations. Applicants will begin to be notified of their final application status Aug. 14. The first class for accepted participants will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, with the program concluding in February during Black History Month.

Organization grants wishes and makes a difference in people’s lives

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Blair started Grant A Wish to fulfill basic needs. If there were children in schools that needed shoes and coats, Blair would provide those things. The first 50 wishes that were granted were done in Blair’s basement of her home. Since then, Grant A Wish has fulfilled more than 300,000 wishes.

Thomas always wanted to help people and has lived a life of public service. His mother taught him the most important in life was to be of service to people in need. He started to help his mother with the organization by transporting food from the Chicago Food Depository. In 2005, he took over the organization. “We have been making a considerable difference in the time that we’ve been doing that. We’ve fed over 150,000 in the time that we’ve been giving out food over there,” he said.

Thomas said he wanted to keep the organization going because he saw a need and wanted to do something. When his mother would ask people what they needed the most, their answer was food. He added, “when you can’t eat, it’s very difficult to do a lot, if you’re hungry.” He has seen what a difference the organization has made in the lives of the people who have received services from Grant A Wish. He said the people really are the reason why he does what he does.

“If you can see a smile on somebody’s face, when you give them something they otherwise wouldn’t receive, that’s a plus for you,” he said. Grant A Wish has five programs. A food program, a baby program, a school program, a general wish program and a holiday gift program. For the baby program, mothers in need can fill out a form on the orga-

nization’s website to receive support. The school program is available to families in need year-round. With the holiday gift program, the organization provides gifts for children in need.

Thomas remembered when his mother was able to bring the body of a young child who drowned in Canada back to the states when the family couldn’t afford to do it. It was something that stuck with him as an example of how the organization helps families in need.

Another time, Thomas helped a young woman who was thinking about giving her baby up for adoption. She ended up keeping the baby.

Thomas said people can help Grant A Wish with in-kind donations. Items like strollers or cribs, toys and playpens that are in good condition can help mothers in need. People also can donate food.

“Money is good, but giving from the heart is even more important,” he said.

In order to do the work he does, Thomas said you have to have love in your heart. He believes people can change other people’s lives with a simple gesture. Also, people should take the time to care about someone other than themselves.

On Saturday, July 22nd, Grant A Wish will host the Grant A Wish Peace Carnival. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Grant A Wish Children and Family Center, located at 1136 E. 93rd St. For more information about Grant A Wish, visit www.grantawishincchicago.org.

Single tickets for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2023/24 Season on sale now

CHICAGO — Single tickets are on sale for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s compelling 2023/24 Season, which takes audiences on a global tour of opera with musical events in six different languages. Until now, Lyric’s much-anticipated new season was only available by subscription; recent seasons have seen incredible demand for single tickets. Featured in the new season are large-scale productions of classic operatic dramas and comedies, the Lyric premiere of an acclaimed contemporary opera by Terence Blanchard, and other special events, including a one-night-only performance by a Broadway legend.

“I am excited for audiences to discover Lyric’s thoughtfully designed new season, in which we will continue to offer fresh contemporary perspectives that point to the future of opera, bring some of the best singers in the world to Chicago, and present exciting and thought-provoking grand-scale productions,” says Anthony Freud, Lyric’s general director, president & CEO. “Opera is best experienced live, and I invite everyone to experience the visceral thrill of gathering together in the

Lyric Opera House for one of our captivating performances.”

Single tickets are available now online at lyricopera. org, by calling Lyric Audience Services at 312.827.5600, or by visiting the Box Office at the Lyric Opera House from 12 to 5 p.m. CT. Discounts are still available for subscription packages and groups of 10 or more. Good seats remain for all performances, but limited availability is anticipated for many dates.

Charismatic music director Enrique Mazzola conducts three operas in the 2023/24 Season, each with a momentous “first.” The season-opening performances of Wagner’s ghostly thriller The Flying Dutchman mark Mazzola’s first Wagner opera at Lyric. The Lyric premiere of Terence Blanchard and Michael Cristofer’s Champion, an acclaimed co-production with the Metropolitan Opera about the life of boxer Emile Griffith, will be Mazzola’s first contemporary opera at Lyric. And Verdi’s epic love story and political drama Aida is an audience favorite that Mazzola will be conducting for the very first time in Continue on page 3

Grant A Wish is located at 1136 E. 93rd St. PHOTO PROVIDED BY GRANT A WISH.

Leadership Greater Chicago Names New CEO

Chicago, Ill. – Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC) has named Myetie Hamilton the next Chief Executive Officer of the region’s premier civic leadership development organization, effective July 24, 2023. The LGC Search Committee, comprised of board members and Fellows, led a rigorous national search in partnership with Koya Partners, a search firm that specializes in placing CEOs in mission-driven roles. Myetie, a proud LGC Fellow since 2016, will step into the CEO position as the first Black American woman to lead the organization.

“Myetie is a purpose-driven leader of high integrity and possesses the visionary leadership to achieve the next level of impact for LGC,” said Michelle Stohlmeyer Russell, Ph.D., Board Chair,

Leadership Greater Chicago. “Her deep insight into Chicago and its diverse neighborhoods, and commitment to creating equity in all spaces, will only strengthen LGC and our programming. I am excited about the future of LGC with Myetie as our leader.”

Myetie brings more than 25 years of experience in Chicago’s education and public sectors. Most recently, she served as senior vice president and executive director of City Year Chicago where she led the largest site of AmeriCorps members across the national organization and was responsible for securing corporate funding and partnerships. In February 2022, she was elected president of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners where she has committed to increasing access for Chicago’s children and families to the more than 600 city parks and green spaces and programming in underserved communities. Myetie is also a Commissioner for the Public Building Commission of Chicago.

“I am deeply honored and beyond excited to lead LGC, a well-established and highly-regarded organization. The deeply rooted relationships I have developed since my experience in the LGC Fellows Program now come full circle,” explains Myetie Hamilton. “When you have the power of the Fellows behind you, as well as the city, we can lead transformational change together for the Greater Chicago Region. I look forward to working with our amazing board, alumni, sponsors and current year Fellows to create an experience in the exploration of civic leadership that will position LGC for its next edge of elevation.”

brought her experiences, passion and commitment to her many roles in education and nonprofit leadership. Prior to her tenure at City Year Chicago, she was the executive director of EPIC Academy, a public, open-enrollment charter high school on the far Southeast Side of Chicago where she led organizational strategy and vision, fundraising and external relations and board engagement.

She also served in numerous leadership positions for CPS, including chief of school business services and deputy chief of schools for Network 9 where she managed transformative efforts for 28 schools in Chicago’s Woodlawn, Bronzeville and Hyde Park communities.

Myetie serves as vice-chair for the Provident Foundation and as a board member for the Museum of Science and Industry and The Field Museum. Myetie has been acknowledged by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Leader in Community Development, by lifestyle media outlet Make It Better as one of Chicago’s 38 Top Black Women of Impact and was a 2018 recipient of the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Award. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Alabama A&M University and a master’s degree in public administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Myetie lives in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago with her husband and twin daughters.

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Throughout her career, Myetie has been a driver of equity and innovation in education. Raised on Chicago’s South Side and having attended Chicago Public Schools (CPS) schools, Myetie has

She joins LGC as the organization celebrates the 40th anniversary of its founding by The Chicago Community Trust. Since becoming an LGC Fellow in 2016, Myetie remains actively involved as a subject matter expert in the LGC School of Deans where she consults on the Signature Fellows Program curriculum.

Myetie succeeds Maria Wynne after nine years of leadership.

Single tickets... Continued From Page 2

his storied career. Mazzola also conducts two performances of Mozart’s Requiem, a beloved masterpiece that puts the Lyric Opera Chorus and Orchestra center stage.

Other classics in the season include Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment, one of opera’s most delightful comedies which is back on the Lyric stage for the first time in 50 years; Janáček’s Jen fa, an intense drama conducted by Jakub Hr ša, the music director designate of London’s Royal Opera House; and Rossini’s Cinderella, the witty and heartwarming comedy based on the familiar fairy tale, but with a few new twists.

To commemorate the 2023/24 Season, musical theater’s biggest star will headline Lyric’s Season Opening Gala: An Evening with Audra McDonald.

For a free preview of the energy Mazzola will bring to the 2023/24 Season, and to hear artists from The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center sing selections from the new season, come to Sunday in the Park with Lyric on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

For more information about Lyric’s 2023/24 Season and to purchase tickets, visit lyricopera.org.

HUNTER INVITES PUBLIC TO ATTEND

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET TOWN HALL

To share important legislative and state budget updates, State Senator Mattie Hunter is holding a town hall on June 28 with State Representatives Kim du Buclet and Sonya Harper.

“This meeting will offer important updates on funding and legislation that impacts those in our community,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “I invite everyone to come out and meet me and Representatives du Buclet and Harper and take part in a productive discussion.”

The town hall will be held Wednesday, June 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Insight Hospital in the Great Room on the 12th floor. Attendees should enter through the hospital’s main entrance at 2524 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago.

The event is free and open to the public with light refreshments served. Registration is encouraged by calling Senator Hunter’s district office at 312-949-1908.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL JOINS LANDMARK FTC LAWSUIT CHALLENGING ‘DANGEROUS’ PHARMACEUTICAL MERGER

Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined the Biden administration and five attorneys general in a legal effort to block Amgen, one of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical drug companies, from purchasing Horizon Therapeutics (Horizon). In challenging the $28 billion purchase, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleges that the proposed acquisition raises significant anticompetitive concerns.

“This proposed pharmaceutical merger would allow Amgen to monopolize the market for certain crucial medications and reduce affordability, access and choice of drugs for vulnerable patients in Illinois,” Raoul said. “Preserving competition within the pharmaceutical industry is essential to improving access and affordability, and I will continue to partner with other attorneys general to stop the concerning increase in consolidations that raise health care costs for patients.”

Horizon specializes in manufacturing medications for rare and often severe autoimmune diseases. Two of its main drugs are Tepezza, the only FDA-approved treatment for thyroid eye disease, and Krystexxa, the only FDA-approved treatment for chronic refractory gout. Over the next few years, competing companies are expected to introduce new medications that could be strong market competitors for Krystexxa and Tepezza. For patients, the new medications could be safer, more affordable, more durable, and better at preventing debilitating disability.

The lawsuit filed by Raoul and the FTC seeks an order to prevent finalization of the acquisition because Amgen’s proposed acquisition of Horizon likely violates the Clayton Act. If the acquisition were allowed to proceed, the newly-consolidated company would be free to muscle out competitors from the market for autoimmune disease medications. If it takes over Horizon, Amgen could leverage its market power to negotiate with insurers and pharmaceutical benefit managers for preferred or even exclusive access for Tepezza and Krystexxa on health plans – in effect, making it potentially impossible for new, more affordable medications to reach patients.

Amgen’s history of leveraging its existing market power and bundling its drugs to exclude competitors only increases this risk, which would ultimately deter other companies from researching and introducing new drugs, and reduce affordability for vulnerable patients.

Joining Attorney General Raoul in this lawsuit are attorneys general from California, New York, Minnesota, Washington and Wisconsin.

Take Time Off This Summer, But Not From Your Finances

SPONSORED BY J.P.MORGAN CHASE & CO.

Summer is here, bringing all the fun that comes with months of warm weather and hours of daylight. As you plan your summer season itinerary, however, you might discover you’re juggling more expenses than just a trip to the beach.

For parents, there’s the cost of day camp or other child care. At home, you might be cranking up the air conditioner more often. Even that short beach trip can be costly after paying for gas, food and maybe a souvenir.

Unexpected summer expenses can impact your budget if you’re not careful. Common summer-specific costs to be aware of as you make your budget include:

1Child care and summer activities: Many parents have to make plans for their younger children when they’re out of school. Summer day camps are a great option, but they can be costly. If you prefer to hire a summer babysitter or nanny to care for your children in your home, the costs can be similar depending on how many hours the caregiver works and their hourly rates.

2Home maintenance: More time at home means more air conditioner use, which can drive up your utility bills. Your water bill might increase in order to care for your lawn and garden, which will need to be maintained more frequently. You may find more time in the summer for those home beautifi-

cation projects on your list, but they come with a price.

3 Travel: Most people will save in advance of a big trip, but it’s easy to get caught off guard by how much money you can spend at less costly local attractions as well. If you go to your county fair, prepare to shell out more than you might expect for a few rides and games. If you’re taking longer trips, the cost of transportation, lodging and multiple meals only add to your expenses. Even with the best advance planning, many people find they spend much more than they envisioned just doing things they enjoy.

Saving for summer

Knowing your savings timeline is key. Think about when you’ll need to start saving for summer costs and put aside extra money as early as possible, if you have that option. Also consider making a special budget for summer that includes some of the expenses listed above that apply to your lifestyle. Some budget suggestions include:

1Figure out the largest costs of your summer trip first and decide your bucket list “must-haves.” What experiences are most important when you’re making your itinerary? Budget for airfare, hotel, food and your dream excursions, and cut back on anything else that’s outside your budget.

2Check out freebies: Museums are often free on certain days in the summer. Plan a short day trip around those dates.

3Look for lower-priced or no-cost children’s daytime programs offered through local recreation centers, park districts, libraries and school districts.

4Input summer-specific expenses in an online budget calculator. If you’re doing an annual budget already, make sure to add these additional, summer-specific expenses so you know what to expect when it’s time to pay. Doing the planning ahead of time and knowing what costs you’ll face to adjust your budget accordingly can help you enjoy your summer plans without worrying about how you’ll afford them.

For more saving tips, visit chase.com/personal/financial-goals/budget

Blk Grvty Inks Deal to Lead Known’s Innovation Lab

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- On Juneteenth, Known, a finance and asset management firm, announced its new partnership with Blk Grvty, to lead the establishment of their innovation lab, where philanthropy will be used as a tool to experiment with new, future-proof capital models.

Blk Grvty is a research and innovation enterprise working to create a world where Black people and others from the New Majority in the US are wealthy and well. Known manages, structures and deploys capital with and for large asset owners committed to investing with a racial, social, and environmental lens.

Under the leadership of co-founders Dr. JaNay Queen Nazaire, its Chief Executive Officer, and Chipo Sachirarwe, its Chief Operating Officer, Blk Grvty has advised companies on Black wealth creation, explored new models in capital deployment, and conducted research towards normalizing Black and other New Majority wealth and wellbeing. The organization draws from a community of influential players in the finance industry. Their clients and funders include some of the world’s largest corporations and foundations that are innovating within the issues most impacting

communities of color.

To commemorate the announcement of the partnership, Blk Grvty, A Known Lab, will be making a $100,000 grant to Monique Woodard, the Founder and Managing Director of Cake Ventures—a venture capital fund focused on investing in demographic change and the companies building for tomorrow’s internet users.

“We always knew that having a philanthropic strategy would be important for our work at Known, but we wanted it to be driven by alternative models,” said Jim Casselberry, CEO of Known Holdings. “We wanted our philanthropic strategy to build new systems to fuel the changes so deeply needed in finance. In Blk Grvty we’ve found innovators ideally suited to lead this vision for us. We’re delighted to welcome JaNay and Chipo, and we can’t wait to see the results we’ll achieve as we grow together.”

“From the beginnings of Known and Blk Grvty, our paths have increasingly intersected,” said Dr. Nazaire. “We can’t wait to scale together and to do it in our own way, starting by replacing self-congratulatory celebrations with a grant to support a visionary investor who is working to

fund companies that reflect our nation’s changing demographics.”

“At a time when all we seem to hear about is struggles and gaps, I’m delighted that Blk Grvty is focused on the opportunities,” Woodard said. “It means a lot to see their vote of confidence in what I’m building comes in the form of something I can put into action directly with the founders I support.”

Blk Grvty, A Known Lab marshals and deploys resources to hasten the world in which wealth and well-being for Black people and others in the New Majority is normalized. Blk Grvty increases asset ownership and wealth through curated capital deployment and intentional connections. They create connections and accelerate action among BIPOC investors and especially with the financial, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial communities where action has traditionally been absent.

For more on Blk Grvty, please visit https:// blkgrvty.com/

Known is a finance and asset management firm that manages, structures and deploys capital into places that matter. Launched in 2021, Known Holdings is Black-, Indigenous-, Latinx- and Asian American-founded, and serves as a growth platform for the investment and sustainable growth of BIPOC fund managers, financial advisors, bankers, and entrepreneurs.

African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Announces $3.8M in

At a time when Black history is being suppressed, these grants will further support the preservation of 40 sites across the country representing African American history

New to this year’s grant announcement is a focus on conserving Black modernist sites along with further fueling the preservation of our nation’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities

Established in 2017, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is the largest U.S. fund to preserve African American Sites, dedicated to igniting a cultural reckoning to expand America’s understanding of its own history and culture

African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In recognition of Juneteenth, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced $3.8 million in grant funding to protect and preserve 40 sites representing African American history. With more than $95 million raised, the Action Fund is the largest resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places.

“The Action Fund’s investment in and celebration of 40 historic African American places illustrates our belief that historic preservation plays an important role in American society,” said Brent Leggs, executive director, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president, National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The history embodied in these places is emblematic of generational aspirations for freedom, the pursuit of education, a need for beauty and architecture, and joys of social life and community bonds. That’s why the Action Fund believes all Americans must see themselves and our shared history in this year’s grantee list if we are to create a culturally conscious nation.”

Since 2017, the Action Fund has received an unprecedented total of 5,638 funding proposals requesting $655 million. The program has supported 242 grantee projects through its investment of $20M.

“The Action Fund and the local preservationists it supports across the nation are leading crucial work to protect and promote undervalued places and stories that are an essential part of our shared American history,” said Justin Garrett Moore, program officer for the Humanities in Place program at the Mellon Foundation. “Grants supporting projects designed by Black architects and at HBCUs will better acknowledge the power and creativity of those who have shaped and stewarded spaces and experiences that build more just communities. By elevating these places through much-needed organizational capacity, technical assistance, capital funding, and programming, these projects will help tell a fuller American story.”

New to this year’s list is a targeted focus on conserving modernist structures designed by Black architects. In its first grant round, eight historic structures will receive $1.2M to help advance long-term preservation planning. This funding is part of the Conserving Black Modernism partnership led by the Action Fund with support from the Getty Foundation.

“Our understanding of modernism in the United States will remain incomplete until we recognize the extraordinary contributions of Black architects and designers, whose buildings speak to the experience of Black communities in this era,” said Joan Weinstein, director of the Getty Foundation. “These grants will preserve important sites, deliver training to the people who care for them, and reveal new stories for all of us about the talents and resiliency of Black architects in twentieth century America.”

The preservation of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) across the country is also a focus of this year’s grant announcement. Through the Action Fund’s HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative , six HBCUs will receive nearly $700,000 funding to ensure the protection of their cultural assets.

The Action Fund’s 2023 list of grantees’ expand the American story by including sites like: Idlewild’s Hotel Casa Blanca (MI), Calfee Training School (VA), Watts Happening Cultural Center (CA), McAfee Swimming Pool (KS), Dew Drop Inn (LA) and more.

As our nation honors Emancipation and

Juneteenth, the Action Fund asks the public to learn more about these sites, consider donating to their specific fundraising needs and make certain the full American story is told.

Together, we can honor the contributions of those who came before us while ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots, draw inspiration and lessons from the past, and appreciate the cultural, architectural, and social legacies of the world they will inhabit.

With amounts ranging from $50K to $150K, Action Fund grants support preservation efforts across four categories: Building Capital: Supporting the resto-

Grants

ration and rehabilitation of cultural assets important to Black history

Increasing Organizational Capacity: Providing leadership staff positions within nonprofits stewarding Black heritage sites Project Planning and Development: Funding planning activities tied to the development of preservation plans, feasibility studies, and fundraising Programming and Education: Advancing storytelling through public education and creative interpretation

Learn more about the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at www. savingplaces.org/actionfund.

Teva Unveils Misa Hylton Capsule Collection with Macy’s

GOLETA, Calif., PRNewswire -- Teva®, a division of Deckers Brands (NYSE: DECK), announces the launch of its collaboration with fashion architect, Misa Hylton. The Teva x Misa Hylton capsule collection celebrates Hylton’s signature style, delivering one-ofa-kind takes on two fashion-forward Teva sandal silhouettes: the Flatform Universal and Hurricane XLT2 Gladiator.

Misa Hylton, a renowned fashion icon, delivers a collection that features luxe details to add a fun pop to your summer attire, including vibrant graphics and unique metal hardware on Teva’s signature strapping system. Known for creating legendary moments in music and fashion for iconic hip hop and R&B artists, Hylton has been shaping style for decades. The Teva x Misa Hylton capsule collection highlights the designer’s bold and colorful aesthetic. The limited-edition Flatform Universal ($80) features straps based on graphic sketches, mixed with rich colored abstract paints, and premium gold metal hardware, while the new evolution of the Hurricane XLT2 Gladiator ($135) is accented in peach blossom tones, soft suede details, and pops of luxe gold metal.

Unique to this collaboration, Hylton draws upon her Japanese heritage as inspiration for both iconic designs. The combination of color and gold hardware take on the classic Teva silhouettes, inspired by Misa’s passion for jewelry while adding a touch of luxury.

“I have a deep appreciation for bold and vibrant prints, as well as Japanese graffiti, which not only celebrate my heritage but also reflect my passion for Hip Hop style and culture,” says Misa Hylton. “When designing for

the Teva x Misa Hylton collaboration, I wanted to infuse these elements to create a timeless collector’s item - a small piece of my world - that can be dressed up or down, offering versatility and flexibility, while remaining unique and original.”

“We are excited to partner with Teva for this limited-edition collaboration with Misa Hylton. Misa’s style is one-of-a-kind and she has created a versatile collection, providing our Macy’s customers with even more ways to own their style,” remarks Christopher Steinmann, VP, Center Core at Macy’s.

In addition to her revolutionary fashion contributions, Hylton founded the Misa Hylton Fashion Academy, which aims to educate and empower the next generation of fashion creatives. She is also a recipient of the Gucci Changemakers Grant and a global creative partner for MCM. Hylton’s impact on the fashion industry has been celebrated in the 2019 documentary The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion.

“What we choose to wear and the combination of how we wear these items together weaves a subtle story about who we are as an individual,” says Anders Bergstrom, Vice President, Global GM of Teva Footwear at Deckers Brands. “Through our collaboration with Misa Hylton, we want our consumers to own and celebrate their individual style without having to sacrifice comfort for fashion, while still creating a collection that empowers you to take on all your everyday adventures.”

The Teva x Misa Hylton collaboration is available exclusively at Macy’s, Macys.com and Teva.com.

Teva

The Air Jordan 2 “H” Wings Pays Tribute to a Legend of Jordan Brand

(Black PR Wire) Basketball culture has the power to move the world forward. For Jordan Brand, no one has embodied the potential of the game quite like Howard “H” White – the inimitable legend and mentor who has helped Air Jordan (and countless others around the world) take flight. He’s now Vice President of Jordan Brand Affairs, as well as a co-creator of Jordan Brand Wings. To honor H’s impact on the brand and the global community of basketball, Jordan Brand is releasing the limited-edition Air Jordan 2 “H” Wings inspired by his storied career.

The Air Jordan 2 — H’s favorite Air Jordan silhouette — has been crafted to the original 1987 design specs, including the shoe’s shape and fit. Inspired by H’s time at Virginia’s Kecoughtan High School, the shoe’s coloring features white, green and black, commemorating the team where “H” first picked up a basketball (later becoming an All-American and an NBA draft pick). The shoe’s upper quarter panel includes a handsketched wings graphic designed by Israel Mateo, Jordan Brand Special Projects Footwear Designer. The lower quarter panel and upper are made with premium leather. The heel counter is constructed with a translucent finish featuring a gold foil “H”

logo, a nod to H’s iconic college jersey and setting a gold standard for oneself. The lace tips contain “Power” and “Belief” on each respective tip, both directly inspired by what “H” has brought to Jordan Brand.

Jordan Brand Wings exists thanks to H’s vision. It was his commitment to inspiring the next generation that laid some of the earliest foundations for the brand’s community programming, including Jordan Brand Wings. In 2015, alongside a small group of teammates, “H” co-created the Jordan Brand Wings initiative to help youth define greatness on their own terms through higher education, and access to guidance, mentorship and opportunity. A Wings shoe is released annually to help recognize the achievements of the students in the Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program.

Coinciding with the launch of the Air Jordan 2 “H” Wings this year is the welcome of the Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Class of 2027, which celebrates 38 driven, committed students across LA, NYC, Portland, Chicago, Philadelphia and Charlotte, making up the largest cohort of North America Wings Scholars to date.

Jordan Brand/BlackPRWire

Reps. Davis, Pascrell, Schneider, Blumenauer, Moore, and Evans Lead Bill to Create Guaranteed Annual Funding for Gun Violence Prevention

Washington, D.C.- On June 22, 2022, Reps. Danny K. Davis (DIL), Bill Pascrell, Jr., (D-NJ), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Dwight Evans (D-PA) recognized June as Gun Violence Prevention Month by introducing The Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act - legislation to create guaranteed annual funding for gun violence prevention. The bill would increase the federal excise tax on guns and ammunition by just half a percent and apply the federal excise firearms tax to assault-weapon frames and receivers which currently are not taxed if sold separately. The bill would direct the estimated $20 to $36 million in new revenue to four programs designed to make communities safer: community-based violence prevention grants; gun violence research; hate crimes prevention and enforcement; and forensic examiner training to improve gun crime clearance rates.

“The gun violence crisis in America inflicts epidemic harm on individuals, families, and communities, and the federal government must substantially invest in gun violence prevention,” said Rep. Davis. “Not one penny of current federal excise taxes on guns and ammunition goes to gun violence prevention. Further, the federal gun tax has remained the same for over 100 years, and the ammunition tax is the same as it was during World War II. The Gun Violence, Prevention and Safe Communities Act, is an important part of comprehensive gun violence prevention because it creates guaranteed annual funding to stop gun violence via a small increase of 0.5% in existing excise gun and ammunition taxes. This bill also closes a major loophole in tax law that allows many assault-type weapons to evade taxes altogether. This bill is important in ensuring federal investment every year to make our communities safer. We must do more to help Chicago and communities across the nation.”

“Gun violence continues to threaten communities from coast to coast and Congress has a responsibility to stem the crisis,” said Rep. Pascrell, co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus. “After decades of inaction, raising the tax on firearms would provide an offset to the massive cost to society of gun violence – exactly as taxes on alcohol and tobacco have successfully done. At the same time, this legislation will provide critical resources to our badly strapped state and local police forces, community

anti-violence programs, and gun violence research. This bill would be a down payment on safeguarding our children, our communities, and our future. It is the type of solution the American people demand.”

“This summer, my community was devastated by gun violence when a deranged individual used an assault rifle to open fire on a joyful July 4th parade in Highland Park, murdering 7 and wounding many others,” said Congressman Schneider. “These weapons of war should be off our streets altogether. And beyond robbing us of our loved ones, many assault-style weapons regularly evade taxes entirely. This bill will close this undeserved tax loophole and make sure that assault weapons are taxed the same way as other firearms. It will also generate much-needed funding for gun violence prevention efforts, a critical step to addressing the gun violence epidemic in my community and in communities across the country.”

“When active shooter drills become as common as fire drills and earthquake drills in our children’s schools, we can no longer deny that gun violence in America is a crisis,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “While there is no single solution to ending gun violence, there are common sense solutions that can dramatically reduce gun violence and critically, save lives. This legislation to create annual funding certainty for gun violence prevention programs is a critical, common sense step we can take now to address the unrelenting trauma of gun violence in our communities.”

“The threat of gun violence is an issue that my constituents and millions of Americans often confront every day,” said Rep. Moore. “We can and must use every tool available to help end gun violence, including fixing discrepancies in our tax laws and empowering our communities with more funds for programs aimed at reducing violence. That’s why I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleagues in championing this important legislative initiative.”

“Guaranteed annual funding for gun violence prevention – estimated at $20 million to 38 million per year – would be an important tool in the toolbox to save lives, and I’m proud to support it,” said Rep. Evans.

Brady: United Against Gun Violence: “Over 400 million firearms have been sold in the United States, yet, unconscionably, no portion of the government funds

generated by gun sales or dealer licensing have been directed to programs which address and prevent gun violence in America. By modestly increasing those funding streams and directing those resources to research, crime gun intelligence, and violence intervention and prevention programs we can better protect our communities. Brady is grateful to Rep. Davis for re-introducing this life-saving legislation, which will ensure federal funding for critical gun violence prevention programs. – Kris Brown, President of Brady

“Investing tax dollars from gun sales in life-saving gun violence prevention measures is a common-sense way to keep our communities safe,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We applaud Representative Davis and his colleagues for sponsoring this update to our nation’s tax policy, which will support programs and organizations focused on addressing America’s gun violence crisis.”

“Over one million Americans have been shot since my neighbor used an AR15 to hunt and kill 26 children and educators in Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

Gun violence is a public health crisis with an annual taxpayer price tag of $280 Billion. It’s time for gun owners to help fund the hefty cost of gun violence in the U.S. and we urge Congress to swiftly pass the Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act and send it to the President’s desk.” —Po Murray, Chairwoman or Newtown Action Alliance. Violence Policy Center: “The need to invest federal resources in gun violence prevention has never been more urgent as we are experiencing unprecedented levels of gun death and injury. The Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act will ensure that assault weapon manufacturers are fairly taxed and that those funds will be used to reduce gun violence,” said Violence Policy Center Government Affairs Director Kristen Rand. “The Violence Policy Center applauds Representatives Davis and Pascrell for their leadership on this innovative strategy to provide dedicated funding for gun violence prevention.”

This legislation is supported by: Brady: United Against Gun Violence; Everytown for Gun Safety; Giffords; Newtown Action Alliance; and the Violence Policy Center.

LISC CHICAGO

ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE 29TH ANNUAL CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS RECOGNIZING TOP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND ARCHITECTURE ACHIEVEMENTS

“Communities Lead, Communities Succeed,” Featured an Address by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Showcased the Creativity of those Shaping Chicago’s Neighborhoods CHICAGO—LISC Chicago announced the winners of the 29th annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDA) on June 22 in Chicago, where top community development projects, architectural achievements and individuals from across the city were honored. The ceremony started with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s keynote speech, followed by the awards ceremony where winners accepted their awards alongside a network of supporters. This year’s theme, “Communities Lead, Communities Succeed” reflects power that comes when communities across Chicago set their own neighborhood vision and lead on practices and investment to advance their shared goals.

“The CNDAs are centered around lifting up the essential role community, public, and private partnerships have in building communities in Chicago-area neighborhoods,” said Meghan Harte, Senior Executive Director of LISC Chicago. “This year’s CNDA theme recognizes that ‘when communities lead, communities succeed’ and if we stop and listen to the members of a community, we quickly realize that they are the experts. They have been dedicated to the work in their

own communities for decades and have demonstrated that they’re there to stay. That’s why supporting local vision and community-led efforts is the best way to build wealth and resiliency in our neighborhoods. The award winners in each category tonight represent the leadership, vision, passion and dedication of so many partners. We are honored to celebrate them.”

The 29th Annual CNDA winners include:

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Non-Profit Real Estate Development Award: Full Circle Communities for 5150 Northwest Highway Apartments

The For-Profit Real Estate Development Award: E.G. Woode L3C for E.G. Woode Alpha

The Chicago Community Trust Outstanding Community Plan Award: Palenque LSNA for the Here to Stay, Hermosa and Logan Square West Quality-of-Life Plan

The Polk Bros. Foundation Affordable Rental Housing Preservation Award: Preservation of Affordable Housing Inc. for South Chicago Salud Center and Senior Housing The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Healthy Community Award: New Life Centers for Chicagoland for Pan De Vida Fresh Market The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foun-

dation Creative Places Award: National Museum of Mexican Art for Jardin Malinalli The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design: First Place: MKB Architects for the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub Second Place: LBBA for Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments Third Place: JGMA for Richard J. Daley College’s Manufacturing, Technology & Engineering Center

The CIBC Emerging Leadership Award: Felicia Slaton-Young, Executive Director of the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award: Katherine Darnstadt of Latent Design

Emmanuel Garcia of Wheeler Kearns

Architects Fabiola Yep of Weeler Kearns

Architects The Richard M. Daley Friend of the Neighborhood Award: George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

The Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards were established in 1994 to show appreciation and acknowledge community developers and for-profit organizations behind Chicago’s communities and outstanding new developments. In its 29th year, CNDA is the largest and most venerated celebration of the creativity and accomplishments that transform neighborhoods across the

city.

This year’s sponsors include Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, Associated Bank, Bank of America, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, BMO Harris Bank, Brinshore Development, Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago Community Loan Fund, Chicago Community Trust, CIBC, Clayco, Community Investment Corporation, Cubs Charities, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Fifth Third, Illinois Housing Council, Illinois Housing Development Authority, JPMorgan Chase, LBBA, Miner, Barnhill & Galland, National Equity Fund, North Lawndale Employment Network, Old National Bank, Pierce Family Foundation, PNC Bank, Polk Bros Foundation, Preservation of Affordable Housing, RBC Community Investments, SB Friedman Development Advisors, SelfHelp Federal Credit Union, Site Design Group, Southwest Organizing Project, State Farm, STIFEL, Teska Associates, The Community Builders, The Habitat Company, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Michaels Organization, The Pritzker Traubert Foundation, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, US Bank, Wight & Company.

Learn more about this year’s winners via the program guide at www. lisc-cnda.org.

The Biden-Harris Administration Takes Additional Actions to Address Mental Health Needs of Young People and Make Communities Safer from Gun Violence

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) took additional steps to advance the investments and efforts set forth by President Biden’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) -- the most significant bipartisan gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. BSCA set forth crucial mental health investments and actions to prevent and respond to gun violence in communities, ensure that those experiencing grief and trauma resulting from gun violence have access to high-quality mental health services, and supports to make our schools safer and expand community violence interventions.

“It’s no secret that we are facing a mental health crisis in this country, and our children are hurting,” said U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. “That is why this Administration is committed to addressing this crisis through continued efforts, investments, and more. The actions being announced today will make it easier for schools to receive payment for the mental health services they deliver to students impacted by gun violence. At HHS, we will continue working to ensure young people have more places to turn to for help.”

“Too many students have experienced gun violence in their schools and communities. The grief and trauma caused by gun violence undermines their ability to learn and thrive and has only heightened the national youth mental health crisis,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The Department of Education is using every available resource to maximize the investments made through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to help schools build an infrastructure of care and support for students. The Biden-Harris administration will continue working to break down silos between education and health care, raise the bar for our support of students’ mental health and wellbeing, and ensure our schools are safe havens for teaching and learning.”

To advance the mission of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Secretaries Becerra and Cardona sent a joint letter to governors highlighting resources to help states, communities, and schools support students’ mental health and well-being, particularly students impacted by gun violence. The letter highlights ED’s investments and capacity-building efforts that will expand and improve school-based mental health services, address community violence, provide wraparound supports, and promote a safe and supportive school climate. The letter also outlines HHS’s efforts to support the development of school-based mental health supports; prepare and train school personnel, emergency first responders, law enforcement and others to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health impacts from gun violence; and increase treatment and support services for individuals and communities affected by trauma, including trauma caused by gun violence.

ED and HHS are working together on BSCA implementation because today’s young people are facing unprecedented challenges and disruptions in their school lives and communities, including increased disconnection and social isolation as well as increased gun violence. These challenges have had devastating effects on students’ mental health and well-being, which in turn have profound implications for their academic success and their overall life outcomes. These new actions help extend the impact of BSCA in keeping our communities safe, bringing new resources and protections to bear both in addressing the mental health challenges that young people face so that all students can learn freely and safely every day and curbing gun violence in our communities.

The Biden Administration has taken a multifaceted approach to BSCA implementation to deliver on crucial protections and

resources to help prevent gun violence in schools and support the development of high-quality school-based mental health services.

At ED, this includes awarding $286 million to date across 264 grantees in 48 states and territories to boost the training, hiring, and diversification of mental health professionals in schools through its SchoolBased Mental Health and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration grant programs (which will result in an estimated 14,000 additional mental health professionals in schools); distributing $1 billion in the Stronger Connections Grant program to help schools in high-need districts provide

students with safe, welcoming, and supportive learning opportunities and environments that are critical for their success; and providing an additional $50 million to supplement before and after-school programming for young people through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, through evidence-based practices that increase attendance and engagement among middle- and high-school aged youth.

At HHS, nearly $245 million in funding has been awarded to support youth mental health, help the health care workforce address mental health needs, and fund other critical mental health supports; $70 million to help develop and support school-based

mental health programs; almost $60 million to prepare and train school personnel, emergency first responders, law enforcement and others to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges; and almost $55 million to increase treatment and support services for individuals and communities affected by trauma caused by gun violence. In the coming months, HHS will also provide almost $60 million to states and territories for the second of four increments in supplemental funding for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant for mental health treatment and recovery services including crisis services and early serious mental illness treatment programs.

Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like school supplies, technology, uniforms, furniture, clothes, after-school or summer camp fees.

One-on-One Counseling: Discuss self-care, decision-making, and ways to cope

stress when feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of raising children unexpectedly.

Support Groups: Share your stories, challenges, & successes caring for your loved ones.

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker, together with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and members of the Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, hosted the inaugural Home Illinois Summit at Malcolm X College in Chicago. The summit, which brought together community leaders, and experts to discuss potential solutions and strategies, served as a launch for major next steps in the Home Illinois plan, a multi-year holistic approach to reach “functional zero” homelessness in the state.

“We must continue working together to find solutions to ensure that every Illinoisan has access to essential housing and support,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This is a first-of-its-kind multi-agency endeavor — bringing together state agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocates, and people with lived experience to take an intergovernmental approach to preventing and ending homelessness. I’m grateful for their dedication and believe that together, we can prevent and end homelessness once and for all.”

Since the launch of the Interagency Task Force via executive order in 2021, the Pritzker administration has taken significant steps to address homelessness in Illinois. The Home Illinois plan expands affordable housing options, targeting individuals in high-risk situations (including homeless college students and those leaving medical care), and providing comprehensive support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The plan also focuses on bolstering the safety net, securing financial stability for clients, and closing the mortality gap all through the lens of racial equity with the goal of correcting the racial disparity among unhoused individuals.

Governor Pritzker’s FY24 budget commits almost $360 million for the initiative, an $85.3 million increase from FY23. These investments include:

$118 million to support unhoused populations seeking shelter and services, including $40.7 million in the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program.

$50 million in Rapid ReHousing services for 2,000 households, including shortterm rental assistance and targeted support for up to two years.

$40 million in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Capital funds to develop 90+ new PSH units providing long term rental assistance and case management.

$37 million in Emergency Shelter capital funds to create more than 460 non-congregate shelter units.

$35 million for supportive housing services, homeless youth services, street outreach, medical respite, re-entry services, access to counsel, and other shelter diversion supports.

$21.8 million to provide homelessness prevention services to approximately 6,000 more families.

$30 million for court-based rental assistance.

$15 million to fund Home Illinois Innovations Pilots.

$12.5 million to create 500 new scattered site PSH units.

“Homelessness is not only an issue of housing justice, but one of racial justice, public safety, mental health and economics,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “In fact, it is the intersection where many of

these issues come together, so I am grateful for the partnership of Governor JB Pritzker and the resources his administration has provided to ensure that housing remains a human right, and we protect our all of our unhoused children, families and communities.”

“I applaud Governor Pritzker for his leadership and commitment in combatting homelessness. Today’s summit is just one part of our ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the state,” said Grace B. Hou, Secretary, the Illinois Department of

Human Services. “Through the Home Illinois initiative and other programs, we are working alongside the Governor and our partners to ensure that every person in Illinois has access to safe and affordable housing. With continued commitment and collaboration, we can make significant progress in reducing homelessness and increasing access to housing for all Illinoisans.”

The Home Illinois plan is led by Illinois’ first-ever Chief Homelessness Officer, Christine Haley, who brings 18

CHICAGO

years of experience to the mission of preventing and ending homelessness.

“We are working to bring solutions to address homelessness across the state. Today is an important step forward to address key issues, gather input, and identify further solutions for those facing a housing crisis,” said Christine Haley, the state’s first-ever Chief Homelessness Officer.

For more information, visit https:// www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30360.

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SFJAZZ Appoints Terence Blanchard Executive Artistic Director

SAN FRANCISCO, PRNewswire -- SFJAZZ announces the appointment of Seven-Time Grammy Winner and Two-Time Academy

Award Nominee Terence Blanchard as Executive Artistic Director. This new position will lead the organization’s artistic programming and guide its overall creative direction. Blanchard’s appointment comes as SFJAZZ Founder Randall Kline prepares to step down this year from the organization he founded in 1983.

This year, SFJAZZ is celebrating its 40th Anniversary and the 10th Birthday of the award-winning SFJAZZ Center. Blanchard joins SFJAZZ as it presents the 40th San Francisco Jazz Festival and the 20232024 season beginning September 7.

Blanchard is a renowned composer, bandleader, and trumpet player who has been a consistent artistic force for making powerful musical statements for over 40 years. From his stint with Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers to writing scores for Spike Lee and other films, he is unique in the jazz world as an artist whose creative endeavors go far beyond the genre into film scoring, crafting television series soundscapes, and conceiving grand operas that have been recognized at the highest levels of art appreciation. A recipient of a 2018 USA Artist Fellowship and a 2023 Peabody Medal, Blanchard is also a passionate educational mentor, having held positions at the Berklee College of Music, The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, and as Chair of Jazz Studies at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, amongst many others. Additionally, Blanchard has been at the forefront of giving voice in his works to socio-cultural issues and racial injustices of our time.

Blanchard has had a long relationship with SFJAZZ and has performed numerous times at the SFJAZZ Center and for the organization. From 2014-2016, he was a SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director and, in 2016, presented his opera Champion: An Opera in Jazz. Most recently, in August 2022, his

Documentary Puts the Spotlight on Land Ownership Challenges Facing Black Farmers

MOLINE, Ill., PRNewswire -- Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) and Al Roker Entertainment announced a new documentary focused on the legacy of Black farming in America and the devastating impact of heirs’ property – property passed to family members by inheritance, usually without a will or proper estate planning. Without a clear title, Black farmers are unable to qualify for government assistance, equipment financing or agricultural programs designed to optimize their land. In 2020, John Deere created the LEAP Coalition in partnership with the National Black Growers Council and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide resources for farmers and landowners to resolve heirs’ property issues.

“This film serves as an important platform for Black farmers to delve into their history while also discussing impactful ways to sustain agriculture and places to go for help with legislation and available grants,” said Al Roker, executive producer. “The organizations featured in the film are creating change and it’s one of the reasons our company was so interested in getting involved with this important work.”

Created in partnership with Emmy-nominated director Eternal Polk, the documentary, Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land, addresses how landowners are reclaiming their agricultural rights and their paths to generational wealth. The film will debut at the American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 15, 2023, and appear in screenings across the country this summer.

“Documentaries can offer a lens into history and shed light on a forgotten or untold story. It’s more than just a form of storytelling, it’s a way to offer new viewpoints on an issue, create lasting dialogue, and drive change,” said Gaining Ground director Eternal Polk. “With Deere’s support, we were honored to help bring this important story to life. This documentary provides resources to those who are dealing with heirs’ property and shows others how they can get involved to support this cause.”

Black land ownership peaked in 1910 at 16 to 19 million acres, which was about 14 percent of total arable land in the United States. A century later, 90 percent of Black-owned land has been lost, and heirs’ property has been the leading cause for that decline. The documentary shines a spotlight on the challenges Black farmers and landowners’ must navigate to preserve their land for future generations. The film additionally showcases subject matter experts and practitioners’ who are actively working to address these issues.

E-Collective with Turtle Island Quartet performed at the SFJAZZ Center.

As Executive Artistic Director, Blanchard will be the artistic leader of the organization and will help formulate and implement artistic programming across diverse disciplines and genres. He will work closely with the teams at SFJAZZ to curate year-round concert programming, expand the SFJAZZ ‘At Home’ digital platform, and further develop community engagement and educational offerings. Blanchard’s appointment comes after a national search, conducted by Arts Consulting Group.

Said Blanchard, “I am honored and excited to become a part of such an amazing and historic institution. SFJAZZ has meant so much to the development of America’s Greatest artform. I am looking forward to collaborating with the staff while also bringing my own ideas about how to move our music forward and continue the SFJAZZ mission to explore the full spectrum of jazz—from its origins to its diverse and evolving expressions around the world today. I cannot wait to continue this journey.”

“For farmers, land provides more than a livelihood, it provides a legacy. For far too long, Black farmers have had to deal with often coercive constraints, barriers and systems that result in involuntary loss of land, economic value and wealth. This documentary provides an opportunity for folks to tell their stories, highlight injustice and hopefully serve as a catalyst for concerted action to address this little known but important and pervasive issue” said Marc Howze, Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman, Deere and Company. “The message of this documentary is clear: We need to do more to help Black farmers and landowners unlock the tremendous value in the land they already own to help us feed, clothe and shelter a growing population while pursuing opportunities to build wealth and provide a legacy for future generations.”

John Deere created the LEAP Coalition in 2020 in partnership with the National Black Growers Council and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The LEAP Coalition provides legal, educational and other resources to help farmers and landowning families gain clear title of their land. It works to unlock economic value for farmers, while also eliminating systemic barriers to wealth building faced by Black farmers and other historically disadvantaged communities.

To learn more about the LEAP Coalition, to help Black farmers, and provide support to support LEAP coalition partners visit: https://www.deere.com/gainingground.

To learn more about the documentary, visit: https://gaininggroundthefilm.com/. Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor and tillage solution, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways we help meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial.

For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at www.deere.com/en/news/.

Formed in 1994, Al Roker Entertainment (ARE) is an industry-leading producer of original, award-winning TV programs and digital content. Led by 14time Emmy winning TV personality and trusted media authority Al Roker, ARE partners with a creative consortium of producers, directors, writers, agencies, and talent to ideate, produce, activate, and amplify original content globally, using a variety of broadcast, cable, OTT, social, and streaming platforms. ARE works with brands, non-profits, ad agencies, and PR companies to generate and inspire audiences through social impact branded entertainment storytelling.

SFJAZZ Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard at SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, CA. PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT CHERNIS

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a Cook County man was arraigned after the Attorney General’s office alleged he fraudulently used a government-issued fuel credit card to purchase more than $10,500 in fuel for personal use.

Attorney General Raoul charged Victor Mazon, 52, of Chicago, Illinois, with two counts of theft, one a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in prison and the other a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail; four counts of official misconduct, Class 3 felonies punishable by two to five years in prison; one count of wire fraud, a Class 3 felony punishable by two to five in prison; and one count of driving with a suspended license, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Mazon pleaded not guilty, and his next scheduled court date is Aug. 23, 2023.

“Public servants are entrusted with resources that allow them to better perform their work on behalf of the taxpayers they serve. It is unacceptable that some individuals would abuse those resources for their own benefit,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with agencies at all levels of government to hold individuals accountable who exploit government funds and abuse the public’s trust for their personal gain.”

Raoul’s indictment alleges Mazon was employed full time as an agricultural commodity aid for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was responsible for sampling and inspecting the condition of grain, rice and miscellaneous agricultural commodities to ensure it meets contract specifications. In his role, Mazon was required to drive a government-issued vehicle to various grain facilities and was given a government-issued fuel card to purchase gasoline.

After receiving allegations of suspicious activity from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the U.S. General Services, Office of the Inspector General (GSA-OIG) and the USDA-Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) initiated an investigation. Raoul alleges the investigation found Mazon used a government-issued fuel card for nearly two years to purchase $10,544.23 worth of gasoline for his friends and associates. The investigation also found Mazon allegedly drove his government-issued vehicle after his driving privileges were suspended by the state of Illinois.

“Using one’s official position to commit fraud against the U.S. Government is an intolerable act

that violates the public’s trust,” said USDA-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Shantel R. Robinson.

“Federal employees who use public funds for personal financial gain will be held accountable,” said

GSA OIG Special Agent in Charge

Jeffrey P. Ryan. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to fight fraud and safeguard taxpayer dollars.”

The public is reminded the de -

fendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Deputy Bureau Chief Jonas Harger is prosecuting the case for Raoul’s Public Integrity Bureau.

Tips for Homeowners to Improve Safety and Sustainability

water sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer’s or installer’s directions.

• Make sure all pedestrian gates in the barrier fence of your swimming pool are self-closing and self-latching.

According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, the average U.S. family can spend $2,000 a year on energy bills. This means that reducing your home energy use is the single most effective way to save money and reduce your home’s contribution to greenhouse gasses. The Code Council recognizes that for many people, it’s unclear where to start, and suggests the following tips to help communities forge a path forward.

Energy and Sustainability Tips:

• Install water-saving shower heads and lowflow faucet aerators and use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks. These steps can improve water conservation.

(StatePoint) You may not realize it, but building safety has a huge impact on our everyday lives.

According to InjuryFacts.NSC.org, about 16 out of 100 people were injured in a home or community venue in 2021. The leading causes that contribute to these injuries, such as drowning, fire smoke, and general home maintenance, can be prevented by acting ahead of time.

As the leading global source of model codes, standards and building safety solutions, the Code Council is passionate about educating homeowners on fire safety, home maintenance and sustainability practices. Here are some safety tips from the Code Council to help prevent accidents and keep your family and community safe:

Fire Safety Tips:

• Put a smoke alarm on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and inside every bedroom. Test each smoke alarm regularly and replace it every 10 years.

• Install home fire sprinklers. They are relatively affordable and can increase property value and lower insurance rates.

• Make an escape plan with a meeting place outside so everyone knows how to get out fast.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from portable heaters.

• Keep all items that can burn away from your home. Remember to clean leaves from your gutters and clear dead leaves and branches from shrubs and trees surrounding your home.

Home Maintenance Tips:

• Never overload electrical cords or power strips.

• Don’t use appliances that have damaged cords.

• For mold prevention, watch for leaky pipes, condensation and wet spots, and fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.

• Keep in mind that there are several materials and items that should never be flushed down the toilet, including medication, disposable wipes, coffee grounds and more.

• To prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter, drain water from the swimming pool and

• To prevent stormwater runoff pollution, never dump anything down storm drains.

• Change the filters in your home’s heating and cooling system regularly to increase energy efficiency.

• Replace your light bulbs with LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

• Build green and design your home with materials that are easily recyclable, reusable, renewable, durable, affordable and low maintenance.

• Build a rain garden to capture roof drainage and divert it to your garden or landscaping to recycle non-potable water. Be sure to check your local rules on rainwater harvesting prior to installation. For more information, check out the Code Council’s Safety Tool Kits and additional resources at iccsafe.org.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) doble-d / iStock via Getty Images Plus