Week of August 31, 2022 FREE | VOL 58 | ISSUE 23citizennewspapergroup.com www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9 w twitter.com/citizennewsnowadvertising@citizennewspapergroup.com CHATHAMC P6citizennewspapergroup.comWEEKLYP2 P10 UNCLE BUSINESS5000POWERFULWHISKEYPREMIUMNEARESTMAKESINC.LIST P4 PUMA Ambassador and Canadian Sprinter Andre De Grasse Shares His Motivation and Goals in PUMA’s “Only See Great” Campaign American Girl Celebrates Literary Heritage & Harlem Renaissance With BestSelling Novelist Brit Bennett
at Epic Academy. PHOTO PROVIDED BY
STRATEGIES. NEW PRINCIPAL AT EPIC BESTUDENTSWANTSACADEMYTOPROUD
Dr. Kyla Mathews’ grandfather sowed a seed when she was in seventh grade that is now fully blossomed. She told her grandfather that she wanted to be a teacher, a math teacher, and he told her that she would be a principal. Thirty years later, she is the new principal at Epic Academy.
Dr. Kyla Mathews is the principal CS
Mathews wants to celebrate the students that have high SAT scores and extreme high numbers in scholarship dollars, but also, students who have high attendance.
“The rating upgrades are a testament to the efficient opera tions at O’Hare and the continued demonstrated ability of O’Hare to complete one of the largest expansion projects in the country,” said Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), which owns and operates O’Hare. “The OMP reduced avoidable delays by 65%, allowing us to fully pivot to O’Hare 21, a phased, $8.5 billion reimagining of the passenger experience from curb to gate.”
S&P and Fitch both comment on the underlying strength of the air trade area and the recovery in traffic volume since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has announced that S&P Global Ratings (S&P) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) have upgraded their long-term ratings for Chicago O’Hare International Airport (O’Hare) General Airport Revenue Bonds (GARB) by one notch from “A” to “A+” with a stable outlook. S&P has also upgraded the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) long-term rating from “A” to “A+” with a stable outlook. This is the first set of rating upgrades on O’Hare in six to seven years. The last time S&P and Fitch upgraded O’Hare was in 2015 and 2016, respectively. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, O’Hare was also one of the few large hub airports not downgraded by S&P, proving the competitive market strength of the airport.“TheO’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) was a once-in-a-generation investment in O’Hare’s runway system, transforming our hometown airport into the most capable civilian airfield in North America,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Today’s news from the rating agencies is further evidence of our ability to deliver new airport development and the jobs and contracting opportu nities that come with it, as O’Hare turns its eyes to a complete revamp of its terminals in O’Hare 21.”
NEWS Chatham Southeast | Week of August 31, 20222 C Continued from page 1 briefly CHATHAMC citizennewspapergroup.com
BY TIA CAROL JONES Mathews is a 2021 graduate of the UIC Urban Education Leadership Program, which allowed her to study how to do transformative work in schools that service underrepresented populations. She has a heart for the hard work that is necessary to move schools in cities like Chicago.
There are about 450 students at the school. Mathews wants the students to know they are welcome and Epic is their school. To further the environment of belonging, she wants students to know that South Chicago and the Southeast side are part of Chicago, something that can get lost in narratives that portray the community as one of the poorest in the city. She wants the students to see themselves as Chicagoans and to know they belong wherever they go.
The exciting books offer children a chance to engage with the main character, A Positive Note, plus other characters including Jaden, plus Joy and Perky from the “Land of Positivity.” The books are created to make readers know that they are loved and important. A Positive Note wants as many children as possible to feel like a star. The books have a global reach and are offered in English, Spanish and French.Linda Odom, the CEO, author and founder of A Positive Note, LLC says she began the project to, “make people happy and give children a hug.” She says she named the project, “So that children would use the word positive everyday. It makes a difference.” It was inspired by experiences in her own life and dedicates it to her children and grandchildren, and youth everywhere. She sees A Positive Note as her legacy and a chance to make the world better for all. While started as a book, there are also plans in develop ment to make a cartoon that will reinforce the message. All of this can be viewed on the website apositivenotebooks.com. Other items, including backpacks, are also offered.
The City is planning to issue senior lien general airport reve nue and refunding bonds as well as customer facility charge (CFC) bonds, aggregating to about $2 billion. Approximately $1.3 bil lion will be used to fund capital projects, and approximately $700 million will be used to refund outstanding bonds for near-term interest rate savings without extending the existing final maturity.
“ISchool.thinkEpic has a beautiful frame of how to get to greatness, but I’m helping people understand how to get better at getting better. One of the things you have to get courageous enough at doing is naming either what’s hurting us or naming what we do great, so we can interrupt either what doesn’t work and we can build on what does work,” Mathews said.
New Principal at Epic Academy wants students to be proud
DOLTON 149 BACK-TO-SCHOOL CARNI VAL RETURNS, DRAWING HUNDREDS Calumet City, Ill. – Kicking off the 2022-2023 new school year, Dolton School District 149 held its annual backto-school outdoor carnival on Saturday, Aug. 20. It was the first back-to-school carnival since 2019 following the COVID-19 pandemic. It drew hundreds of the district’s students and families for activities, raffles, food, music, dancing, and more at the event.
“We have returned ORD’s market position assessment to extremely strong... reflecting ORD’s continued recovery in air travel demand that we believe is sustainable,” said S&P in their ratingLearnreport.more at ord21.com.
The upgrade is due a number of factors, including: Air traffic has recovered to about 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Early indications show traffic recovery will continue to improve this year and beyond. O’Hare financial metrics have improved materially since 2015. Debt service coverage has increased from 1.08x in 2015 to 1.36x in 2022. Liquidity has improved from 167 days in 2015 to 476 days in 2022. The City improved these financial metrics over the last three years despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $1 billion redevelopment of Terminal 5 is nearing completion. Ten new gates will open in phases at Terminal 5 and a grand opening is planned for later this year, creating about 25% of the total expected capacity expansion of the airport capital plan. This major component of the capital plan nearing completion lowers risk for the airport overall.
The rain forecast prompted the district to implement “Plan B” moving the carnival inside Caroline Sibley Ele mentary School, which featured bounce castles, a giant slide, a live DJ, dancing, a free backpack giveaway, a raffle for new bikes, a farmers’ market booth with fresh vegetables and fruit, free haircuts, and free dental cleanings for students. The district’s new top administrator, Dr. Maureen White, welcomed students, parents, teachers, and staff to the event and announced the district’s theme for the new school year, “level up.” In addition to the bounce castles, snow cones, popcorn for the kids, the Dolton 149 back-to-school carnival also provided free backpacks and free meal boxes that included fresh chickens and all the fixings to each family who attended, donated by Thornton Township Supervi sor Tiffany Henyard. To manage the carnival, which took place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., district em ployees volunteered to staff the booths, manage the giant slide and bouncing cas tles, run the games, hand out backpacks, and handle dozens of other operational activities.Thedistrict’s 2,270 students returned to class on Aug. 29.
During Mathews’ time at Simeon, she built up the Math Department. Mathews is a product of South Chicago. She grew up in the 60617-zip code. “Now I have this opportunity to come carve my niche in the zip code that gave me my opportunity in the first place,” she said.Chicagoans oftentimes will ask other Chicagoans they meet what high school they attended. Mathews wants students that attend Epic to be able to proudly say they are a product of that high school. She wants the students to have a captivating narrative about their experience of graduating fromMathewsEpic. acknowledges that Epic has a great framework around college and career. Students who attend the Charter High School take a college and career seminar course, starting in ninth grade. It allows the students the opportunity to have space to think about what they want to do after graduation. The course is something Mathews wants to amplify. Mathews also wants to bring innovation curriculum, which includes robotics and droning. It is her way to show the students their interests are at the forefront of the school’s decision making.
CITY OF CHICAGO RECEIVES TRIO OF RATING
UPGRADES FOR O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
On the First Day of School, on Aug, 29th, Epic hosted a Pep Rally with Power 92, to celebrate all the students that demonstrated the Epic Way.
A history teacher at Epic will have components in the curriculum that will lift up Chicago’s truths and historical context. One of the components is the Great Migration where Black people came to Chicago from the South. Mathews also wants to partner with the principal at George Washington High
“These ratings upgrades come at an opportune time for the City given the sizeable, planned issuances to finance O’Hare 21 over the next 10 years.” said Jennie Huang Bennett, Chief Finan cial Officer. “The City expects to aggressively place its upcoming bond issue given the strength of these ratings and the improvement in O’Hare’s financials, which will lower debt service costs and maintain competitiveness at O’Hare.”
“We want children to know, you really showed up, you deserve to be congratulated,” Mathews said, adding that she is very big on customer service.
A POSITIVE NOTE MAKES LEARNING FUN, ENGAGING AND ACCESSIBLE FOR KIDS! A Positive Note is the next level in children’s learning that teaches and engages them through books and curric ulum inspiring them in a meaningful yet fun-filled way. The books are perfect for children in kindergarten through 5th grade; however, teens and parents can also enjoy them too. As the A Positive Note character says, “Always think, be, and stay positive.” Because in the Land of Positivity, negativity is not an option.
The current congressional farm bill was signed into law in 2018 and is set to expire in October of 2023.
NEWSChatham Southeast | Week of August 31, 2022 3C CHATHAMC citizennewspapergroup.com
ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR
· Land acquisition at US 12/45 Mannheim Road Interchange in preparation for much larger reconstruction efforts in 2024-2028 These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. In the next six years, the $34.6 billion will be invested into improvements for more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges. Among these improvements will be recon struction, bridge improvements, land acquisitions, safety modernizations, and land acquisition.
The group discussed input costs, preserving federal crop insurance programs, and increasing market access for commodities, among other items important to the Illinois agriculture community.
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.
CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor,GreaterGrand Crossing, Burnside,Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.
“While we have seen some progress over the last couple of years, we still have a long way to go. We especially thank Chicago:Blend and Fifth Star Funds for leading the way generally, and partnering with us on the release of this report.”
MARTWICK ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION IN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS COMING TO THE AREA THIS YEAR Building upon the smart infrastructure invest ments supported by State Senator Robert Martwick, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $5 million in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area.
SENATOR JOYCE RECENTLY HOSTED A ROUNDTABLE TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF AG
Despite only raising 5.7% of total venture capital since 2019, 23% of all startups participating in deals had a woman founder.The median venture capital deal size for women-founded companies in 2022 was $0.98M, compared to $1.55M for all companies.“Wecommend the World Business Chicago team for their leadership in publishing this report, which provides a comprehensive, data-driven framework for understanding the magnitude of funding disparities among BIPOC and women founders,” said Joey Mak, Executive Director, Chicago:Blend. “The report also reinforces what many of us have observed anecdotally--that some progress has been made, but there is much work left to do to build a more equitable tech and startup ecosystem for our city.”
Examining & Positioning the Path Forward for Black, Hispanic or Latino & Women Founded Companies in Chicago
CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- World Business Chicago, the city’s public-pri vate economic development agency, in partnership with Chicago:Blend and Fifth Star Funds, published an original report detailing the status of startups founded by underrepresented (Black, Hispanic or Latino, and women) founders; as well, the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for Chicago-based startups ready for funding and growth.“Thisreport is intended to raise awareness of the strategic movement un derway in Chicago to drive greater, more equitable investment by and among VCs and our city’s incredibly innovative diverse founders,” said Michael Fassnacht, Pres ident & CEO, World Business Chicago, Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago.
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
“We sought to dive into the data on Black, Hispanic or Latino, and women founders in Chicago in order to set a baseline by which we will track and report growth, as a way to support the broader effort to drive equitable and inclusive economic development in our city,” said Hannah Loftus, Research Director, World Business Chicago. “Working alongside our Venture & Innovation team, we hope to make it easier than ever to connect startups with investors with a track record of in vesting in diverse companies, and begin to close the funding gap.” Chicago is a leader in funding cap tured by underrepresented founders, and has well over 30 initiatives — including accelerators, incubators and training pro grams — to help move more startups led by diverse founders into the venture capital funding pipeline. However, there remains plenty of opportunity in tracking data trends and supporting actions for change. World Business Chicago will continue to study how best to track and learn how other leading cities are supporting diverse founders in order to drive growth.
“Family farmers across our state rely on farm bill programs for certainty and peace of mind during the growing season and beyond,” said Joyce. “We owe it to them to gather their input and use it to bring forth policy that works for growers and producers throughout Illinois.”
Performance by Latino startups in Chicago is driven by larger, later stage deals. Consider, in Q1 and Q2 of 2022, six Latino- founded startups raised over $290M in venture capital, or 11.8% of all venture capital raised this year. This over-performance is driven by two specific deals: a $200M Series D round closed by Loadsmart, and an $82M Series D round closed by Kin Women-foundedInsurance.startups are still rais ing less venture capital than non-women founded startups.
However, Chicago leads other major startup ecosystems in the share of venture capital funding garnered by underrepre sented founders. Leading the report is the fact that underrepresented founders saw a 159 percent increase in VC raised between 2019 ($232M) and 2021 ($601M); and, to date in 2022, $575 million has been raised. According to World Business Chicago, this suggests a trend, or movement, afoot among Chicago investors who are increas ingly participating in deals with under represented founders. Among the report’s highlightsComparedinclude:toother top startup ecosystems, Chicago has a higher share of startups participating in venture capital deals with a Black or Latino founder. Since 2019, 5.1% of companies participating in a venture capital deal had a Black or Latino founder, compared to 2.5% nationally. Since 2019, startups with a Hispanic or Latino founder have captured 3.1% of venture capital, more than that which was seen in the Bay Area or New York, falling only behind Miami. Since 2019, Black founded companies raised 1.5% of venture capital, although 3.1% of companies participating in a venture capital deal had a Black founder. Chicago has more Black-founded compa nies participating in venture capital deals than in New York or the Bay Area, falling only behind Chicago’sAtlanta.Black-founded startups now have a larger median deal size than all companies raising venture capital. For ex ample, in 2022, the median venture capital deal size for Black founded startups was $4.3M, compared to $1.6M for all deals in Chicago.
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 and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.
Investors in Chicago are increasingly participating in venture capital deals with Black, Hispanic or Latino, or women founders; with nearly one-third doing so year to date in 2022. Entrepreneurs from these underrepresented groups are also launching their own funds that have equi ty-focused investment theses.
· Rehab of the existing Kennedy Expressway reversible lane on at Foster Avenue and Lawrence Avenue to Ohio Street
“This investment into our communities will bolster our economy through not only enhancing our state’s infrastructure, but by also promoting job growth,” Martwick said. To find a full list of projects slated for the 10th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.
As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Martwick represents will see 39 infrastructure projects in the coming six fiscal years, totaling almost $435 million in improvements.Someofthe most vital projects coming to the area include:·Updates to 1.52 miles of 25th Avenue from Lawrence Avenue to Waveland Avenue
“Investing in infrastructure improvement is one of the best use of our state’s resources. Revitalized infrastructure supports commerce and ensures the safety of every driver traveling on our roadways,” said Martwick (D-Chicago).
SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island,SouthHolland,and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!
The World Business Chicago Re search Center developed a methodology to analyze deal data for underrepresented founders, using Crunchbase and Pitch book™ data to explore the performance and range of funding deployed to under represented founders. This report establish es a baseline for Black, Hispanic or Latino, and women founded companies, and high lights that better data collection for other marginalized populations (e.g., LGBTQ+, veteran, disabled, and other ethnic or racial groups) remains an opportunity for improvement.Insum,underrepresented founders historically account for a smaller slice of venture capital (VC) and private equity throughout the United States. In Chicago, only 10.2 percent of all deployed VC fund ing since 2019 has gone to Black, Hispanic or Latino, or women founded companies.
To kick off Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, State Senator Patrick Joyce hosted a roundtable with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos along with other agriculture professionals to discuss future ag policy.“As a fourth generation farmer, I know how important ag policy is for farmers and consumers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Farm bills govern nearly 100% of agricultural and rural policy for the next five years, which is why it’s so important for Con gress to work with the ag community and our state legislators to get it right.”
The hour-long discussion was hosted and moderated by Joyce and Bustos. Representatives from the Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Pork Producers Asso ciation, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Farm Bu reau and Illinois Department of Agriculture joined the discussion to share their thoughts about different portions of the current farm bill and what changes they believe should be made in the next federal farm bill, set to be filed and discussed in 2023.
Fawn Weaver (left), Chairman, CEO and Founder, and Victoria Eady Butler (right), Master Blender of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.
ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- August is National Black Business Month and Crown Royal is raising a glass to those who help make Atlanta beautiful: Black beauty small business owners. Last night, Crown Royal teamed up with Atlanta entre preneur Alicia Scott of Range Beauty and Grammy nominated duo EARTHGANG to celebrate and build connections between Black beauty small business owners during a special Generosity Hour event in Atlanta. The evening was emceed by Alicia Scott, owner and founder of Range Beauty, who surprised local Atlanta small business owners in attendance with a total of $40,000 in gifts on behalf of Crown Royal as a thank you for their dedication to the community. EARTHGANG, who partnered with Crown Royal last December as part of a giveback initiative designed to support local Atlanta artists (musicians, dancers, actors, etc.), performed, which was broadcasted via livestream from their In stagram page (@earthgang) for those who weren’t in attendance to enjoyTofurther recognize those who champion self-expression, identity and culture in Atlanta, Crown Royal culminated its first year as a partner of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, who as part of National Black Business Month had players visit local Atlanta salons and get services completed to thank them for their com mitment to the community.
Operation HOPE and Shopify Team with GoodCarts to Empower One Million E-CommerceBusinessesBlackinArena
UNCLE NEAREST PREMIUM WHISKEY MAKES POWERFUL INC. 5000 LIST
“This year alone we are on track to sell more bottles than we did in our first three and a half years in business, and we’ve not even begun to scratch the surface,” said Katha rine Jerkens, Chief Business Officer of Uncle“WhenNearest.weentered the bourbon market, we had no idea we were making history as the first and only brand to commemorate an African American, and the first major spirit company to be founded and led by a leadership team of all women,” said Fawn Weaver, Chairman, CEO and founder of Uncle Nearest. “The question on the mind of so many in the CPG and spirits industry was, could a brand with a story broaching American topics no one had ever attempted be embraced by consumers of every background, gender and race? That answer has become abundantly clear. The world had been waiting for Uncle Nearest for more than 160 years, they just didn’t realize it until our bottles hit Sinceshelves.”itsdebut in 2017, the super-premium whiskey from Tennessee has swept major spirit competitions, garnering 509 awards, including 59 Best in Class, and 335 Gold, Double Gold and Platinum medals. In 2022 alone, the brand has so far won 116 medals including 12 Best in Class awards, and with an average critic score of 92 points, continues to solidify the brand’s recognition as the most-awarded American whiskey or Bourbon for the fourth year in a row. Nearest Green Distillery welcomes thousands of guests every weekend from all over the world. Its 323-acre property in Shelbyville, Tenn. is a masterclass in storytelling and purpose-driven marketing.
“1MBBfree.isexcited to help Blackowned brands grow together. Our new Black-owned Business circle on GoodCarts extends our abilities to offer community, re sources and support for Black entrepreneurs to take their brands to market,” said Lance Triggs, Executive Vice President of Pro gram Operations, Operation HOPE. “It’s a win-win in our collective fight for economic opportunity.”Formore information: www.Opera tionHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversa tion on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn., PRNewswire -- Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most-awarded American Whiskey or Bour bon of 2019, 2020, and 2021, has been ranked among the top 1,000 companies honored on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list. With growth of more than 3,000% since its first year, and nearly 700% during the capture period of this Inc. 5000 list, Uncle Nearest joins an illustrious group of honorees like Microsoft, Facebook, Under Armour, Chobani, Pata gonia and many other behemoths who first gained national exposure on the Inc. 5000 list. Every year, Inc. releases the ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America, based on percentage of revenue growth. Uncle Nearest is one of few spirit brands to ever be featured on the list. In 2021, Uncle Nearest an nounced it had become the best-sell ing African American owned and founded spirit brand in history, selling 1.5 million bottles of its sought after super premium whiskey. The company has since gone on to sell more than three million bottles. Its whiskey portfolio, which ranges from $49.99 to $149 suggested retail price, is currently made up of its small batch whiskey, its Master Blend Edition, and its original aged whiskey offering, and is available in more than 25,000 U.S. locations.
“Our goal is to cement the legacy of Nearest Green in the history books and in the hearts and minds of people all over. We are grate ful to the Inc. 5000 for this honor that reminds us we’re on track to make him a household name,” said Victoria Eady Butler, fifth generation Nearest Green descendant and Uncle Nearest Master Blender.
CROWN ROYAL CELEBRATES BLACK-OWNED ATLANTA BEAUTY BUSINESSES THROUGH GENEROSITY HOUR SERIES
Uncle Nearest Premium Whis key honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. The portfolio is the Most Awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020 and 2021, with over 500 awards and acco lades since the brand’s 2017 launch, including 335 Gold medals or higher, 59 Best in Class honors and an average critic’s score of 92. Uncle Nearest is currently sold in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, restaurants, as well as at its 323-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shel byville, Tenn. The brand has sold more than three million bottles of its super premium Tennessee Whiskey and continues on pace to break all prior records for fastest-growing American whiskey company. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @ unclenearest. Nearest Green Distillery is the world’s first distillery to com memorate an African American. Dubbed as “Malt Disney World,” and named by Travel + Leisure as a “true whiskey destination,” the 323-acre property has become known as a full-blown destination for whiskey lovers, history enthusiasts, and families. It is a master class in storytelling and history-making, paying tribute to the three things Tennessee is most known for: Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee Walking Horses and Tennessee Music. For more information or to book a tour, please visit unclenearest.com/distillery.
MINNEAPOLIS, PRNewswire -Minneapolis-based GoodCarts is proud to partner with 1 Million Black Businesses (1MBB), powered by Operation HOPE and Shopify, working to bring a wave of new customers to help build Black-owned online stores.“With 1MBB, together we will boost Black-owned e-commerce brands with one-of-a-kind cross-promotional technology from GoodCarts and our Shopify app,” said Steven Clift, CEO of GoodCarts. “Through this partnership, we are committed to grow ing our Black-owned Businesses circle with at least 1,000 Black entrepreneurs and busi nesses by 2024, promoting 1MBB training and mentorship with GoodCarts members and collaborating on future opportunities to grow purpose and social impact via e-com merce.”Black business ownership has risen exponentially – by some accounts as much as nearly 40 percent – after being hit hard by the pandemic. Partnering with 1MBB provides business owners support and free online marketing to help improve the chances for sustained success with access to new customers. GoodCarts’ technology is a tool that allows brands to do more with less – less time, energy, and budget. Access to the app is
PRNEWSFOTO/CROWN ROYAL
CChatham Southeast | Week of August 31, 20224 BUSINESS citizennewspapergroup.com
“Crown Royal Generosity Hours are designed to celebrate the true icons that are making an impact in their communities and provide support to help amplify their work,” said Nicky Heckles, Vice President of Crown Royal. “As a brand, it’s important for us to showcase our continued support of Blackowned businesses and we recognize the important role the beauty industry has in their communities. We look forward to continuing partnerships with these business owners and cham pioning all they do to make those in their communities feel good inside and out.”
PRNEWSFOTO/UNCLE NEAREST PREMIUM WHISKEY.
In addition, Crown Royal will continue their support of Black small businesses and entrepreneurs by donat ing $25,000 to the Fearless Foundation, an Atlanta-based non-profit, from Fearless Fund, to educate and empower entrepreneurs of color. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2022 sea son tickets, mini plans and single game tickets, please visit www.dreamelitemembership.com or call 877-977-7729.
In honor of National Black Business Month, Crown Royal teamed up with Atlanta royalty, Alicia Scott and EARTHGANG to raise a glass to those who help make Atlanta beautiful: Black beauty small business owners.
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WEEKEND Chatham Southeast | Week of August 31, 2022 | 5
Chicago State Foundation Names New Executive Director
relationships,onCSF’scontinuesSillasfocusbuildingsecuringsupporttofurtherenhanceUniversity’sofferingstostudents
CHICAGO -- The Chicago State Foun dation (CSF) and Chicago State University (CSU) is proud to announce Melanie Sillas as the Foundation’s new Executive Director. Sillas is a public services professional with more than 10 years of experience across the nonprofit, higher education, and government sectors.“Melanie’s in-depth experience of devel opment and creating partnerships will help take the Foundation to the next level,” said Christina Steed, Chicago State Foundation’s Chairman of the Board. “Under her leader ship, the Foundation will continue to posi tion Chicago State University as the place to find, nuture, and grow the diverse leaders of the future.”Priorto joining CSF, Sillas served as the Vice President of Membership and Devel opment for Chicago United, where she was responsible for the recruitment and steward ship of the organization’s nearly 100 Mem ber Companies and led general fundraising efforts. During her tenure at World Business Chicago, Sillas served as Vice President of Development, where she was responsible for the design of a comprehensive development strategy for creating key external alliances through the cultivation of corporate, indi vidual and philanthropic support. Sillas’ experience also includes serving as the Asso ciate Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations for the University of Chicago and as Senior Development Officer for the Chicago Urban League. “We’re excited for Melanie to continue to build Chicago State Foundation’s support to the University and our students by open ing doors to opportunities unique to Chicago State,” said Chicago State University Pres ident Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, Esq. “Corpo rate partners, such as Discover, Hyatt, Leo Burnett, Sterling Bay and others have been working with Chicago State to develop and source top, diverse talent in the region, and we look forward to Melanie’s efforts to grow these opportunities for our students.” Sillas received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Science degree in Public Service Management from DePaul University and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from North Park University.Themission of Chicago State Founda tion is to advance the interest and welfare of Chicago State University by building rela tionships, securing philanthropic support, stewarding assets and otherwise procuring private support on behalf of the Universi ty. Working in concert with the President of Chicago State University, the Chicago State Foundation helps to identify strategic priorities, raise public awareness for the University and secure private support to create new opportunities for students. Over the past three years, CSF’s endowments have grown from below $6 million to nearly $10 million, creating more scholarships and new initiatives for the CSU community. Chicago State University, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The Univer sity’s five colleges offer over 70 under graduate and graduate degree-granting and non-degree programs. CSU is committed to equity in education, serving as the only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois and ranked by a Harvard economist in the top 4% of public and private universi ties nationwide in supporting our graduates’ economic mobility. The University serves as a prominent civic space on the greater South Side of Chicago by hosting a multitude of athletic, educational, cultural, and recre ational activities. The University is located near public transit that provides convenient access to the campus. For more information, visit www.csu.edu.
Zenni and Boston Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Launch Exclusive Eyewear Collection
PITTSBURGH, PRNewswire -- DICK’S Sporting Goods announced a partnership with the Chicago Sky, making DICK’S the Official Sporting Goods Retailer and Marketing Partner for the team. This multi-year partner ship furthers the company’s investment in women’s sports, player development, youth athlete engagement and the Chi cago community. Effective immediate ly, Sky fans will see DICK’S Sporting Goods’ signage in-arena throughout the playoffs.Asthe Official Sporting Goods Retailer and Marketing Partner of the Chicago Sky, DICK’S has committed to work with the Chicago Sky organi zation to develop community-driven programs to inspire young athletes and drive greater interest in the Chicago Sky, its players and the game. Commu nity initiatives will include: Basketball skills clinics; Shopping events for local charita ble and sports organizations; and Involvement with the Chicago Sky Basketball Academy.
PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For more than 70 years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed sport and culture forward by creating fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It collaborates with renowned designers and brands to bring sport influences into street culture and fashion The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs about 14,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.
Sports Matter charitable grants to support the Chicago Sky Cares Foun dation’s charity ticket program, which provides community organizations, youth groups, deserving families and volunteers with Chicago Sky tickets that they’d otherwise not have access to. Through this partnership and the WNBA partnership announced in 2021, DICK’S will continue the work it’s done in the past year to increase engagement with the League and create opportunities for women to play sports through events like It’s Her Shot, which empowers young female athletes to take their place on the court.
“We are thrilled to announce our new multi-year partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods. Our shared values and commitment to women’s sports make this a tremendous fit,” said Adam Fox, chief executive officer and president of the Chicago Sky. . Addi tional information about The DICK’S Foundation can be found on sportsmat ter.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
HERZOGENAURACH, Germany -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Having just won gold in the men’s 4x100 relay at the World Athletics Championship in Eugene, De Grasse speaks about his motivation to keep performing at the highest level in a video interview with sports company PUMA. With the ‘Only See Great’ campaign, PUMA explores the career path of its brand ambassadors, as they talk about their own paths to greatness, listening to their hearts, and finding a vision that no one else can see. In the interview, Andre talks about his extraordinary performances, his very first successes and how he prepared for the moments leading up to it.
Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse (Photo: Business Wire)
“Every year is a learning curve, a learning step. And I feel like I want to just keep climbing the ladder, I told myself going into the Olympics that I wanted to win three gold med als. I came up a little bit short”, De Grasse laughs. “I got one. And now it’s like, okay, now I need to focus on what are the things that I can do to continue to get better.”
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NOVATO, Calif. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Zenni, the online eyewear industry leader, is expanding its part nership with Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz to launch an exclusive eyewearAvailablecollection.initially across 12 styles, this specially curated col lection features Zenni’s signature, high-quality frames in Ortiz’s favorite shapes, styles and colorways all val ue-priced at under $50. The collection rolls out today on Zenni.com/davidor tiz with prices starting as low $25.95, and options designed primarily for men, but with unisex qualities appeal ing to both women and children. The David Ortiz Collection features Zen ni’s Extended Fit frames on selected styles, which are specially designed with a wider frame front, larger lenses and longer temple arms to fit more comfortably on larger faces, and a popular sizing choice for men. As with most Zenni frame choices, each style can be built as a prescription or sunglass pair depending on personal needs.“We are very happy to deepen our relationship with Hall of Famer and Red Sox legend David Ortiz by bringing his personally curated Zenni eyewear styles to fans across the country,” said Sean Pate, Brand Mar keting and Communications Officer for Zenni. “As David enters the most prestigious club in baseball history, fans can now get the Big Papi look in affordable Zenni frames to see the world through the lens of one of base ball’s all-time greatest players.”
Zenni continues its designation as the official eyewear of the Bos ton Red Sox started in July 2020, and building on similar professional sports team relationships with the Chicago Bulls (2018) and San Fran cisco 49ers (2019). For more information, please visit Zenni.com/Press.
“We are passionate about expand ing our support of women’s sports,” said Mark Rooks, vice president of category marketing and partnerships at DICK’S Sporting Goods. “With this multi-year partnership we not only want to demonstrate our belief in the female athlete and the WNBA, but we want to help fuel the rise of women’s sports in a city that prides itself on inclusivity, community, and legacy.”
Andre’s biggest drive is to be the best version of himself and to continue to carry on his legacy of being one of the best track and field athletes in the world. First a hamstring injury stopped De Grasse, then COVID. How did he manage to stay motivated? “I think I get a lot of support from my family, my friends, they continue to push me every single day to be the best athlete of myself. Obviously, I have self-motivation as well that I want to be the best”, Andre says. “And that’s what keeps me, keeps me up at night, keeps me motivated and keeps me ready to take on the day.”
The idea for PUMA’s “Only See Great” campaign was inspired by cultural icon, entrepreneur and philanthropist Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter who first said: “I only see great. I don’t see good. I don’t see compromise. We should always strive to make something great, something that will last.”
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PUMA Ambassador and Canadian Sprinter Andre De Grasse Shares His Motivation and Goals in PUMA’s “Only See Great” Campaign
SPORTING GOODS RETAILER AND MARKETING PARTNER OF THE CHICAGO SKY
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, which recently hosted over 700 kids in the Chicago area for Sports Matter Day alongside two Sky players, will continue its support of the Chicago community through: “Sports Matter Night,” which the Chicago Sky will host for The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Sports Matter program, providing youth ath letes from partner organizations with tickets to a Chicago Sky home game.
To support the collection launch, Zenni debuted its new commercial spot featuring Ortiz “PapiVision: Lighthouse.” Developed in partner ship with Athlete-Driven Worldwide, the spot is a followup to the “PapiV ision” commercial released in 2021 featuring Ortiz comically depicting Big Papi in his post career endeavors. The sequel to the initial PapiVision campaign showing Ortiz as a restau rateur with amazingly corrected eyesight will support the collection launch across New England on NESN and select national broadcasts on Fox Sports, MLB.TV and Zenni social channels. In the spot, Ortiz is a light house keeper and directs a returning sailor through dense fog using Zenni prescription sunglasses for crisp, clear“Havingvision. the chance to curate my own personal selection of Zenni eyewear frames was a natural evo lution of my ambassadorship and something I take great pride in,” said David Ortiz. “Fans not only have stylish, high-quality options to choose from with my personal styles, but at incredibly affordable prices.”
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS NAMED OFFICIAL
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HBCUs are more than a place for higher education
Xfinity recognizes the legacy, harmony, necessity, and impact of HBCUs. And as the world changes, the more we must remain connected to the culture. Just say, "Black Experience," into your Xfinity Voice Remote to experience more HBCU. Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.
They are a legacy, a place you become your true self and where past generations uplift you to your destiny. It's your family's history and your community’s future. It's your HBCU.
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This announcement is part of Attorney General Raoul’s ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and hold accountable companies whose deceptive practices have increased opioid prescriptions at the expense of public health. It comes after the announcements in July of an agreement in principle with opioid manufacturer Teva that would provide up to $4.25 billion once finalized and an agreement in princi ple that, once finalized, would require former opioid maker Allergan to pay up to $2.37 billion to participating states and local governments to assist in battling the opioid epidemic.
The resolution, which is contingent on final documenta tion and bankruptcy court approval, involves the following:
“Opioid manufacturers like Endo sacrificed the health and safety of Illinois residents for their own financial gain,” Raoul said. “Their actions played a key role in the over-pre scription, misuse, abuse, and diversion of dangerous opioids that resulted in an opioid crisis. I will continue to fight to h old unscrupulous opioid manufacturers and distributors account able and to secure resources to abate this crisis in Illinois. I am committed to ensuring the money we secure through this settlement is distributed equitably to fund critical recovery and treatment programs in the counties and municipalities with the most urgent need.”
Earlier this year, Raoul’s office negotiated the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement. The agreement is intended to ensure the approximately $760 million Illinois will receive through the historic national $26 billion opioid settlement agreement with the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors and Johnson & Johnson, and these additional opioid settlements, are allocated equitably to counties and municipalities. The majority of Illinois’ money will go to the Illinois Remediation Fund to be used for abatement programs throughout the state.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ANNOUNCES $450 MILLION NATIONWIDE SETTLEMENT AS PART OF OPIOID MAKER ENDO’S BANKRUPTCY
Endo, an Ireland-based drugmaker with its U.S. headquar ters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, makes generic and branded opioids including Percocet and Endocet and also made Opana ER, which was withdrawn from the market in 2017. Raoul and the states allege that Endo falsely promoted the benefits of Opana ER’s so-called abuse-deterrent formulation, which did nothing to deter oral abuse and led to deadly outbreaks of Hepatitis and HIV due to its widespread abuse via injection.
Requires payment of $450 million in cash over 10 years to participating states and subdivisions.
Requires Endo to turn over its opioid-related documents for publication online in a public document archive and pay $2.75 million for archival expenses.
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Proposed Settlement Would Provide Cash to Address Opioid Crisis, Require Significant Document Disclosure, and Ban the Promotion of Endo’s Opioids Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general, has reached an agreement in principle with opioid maker Endo International PLC (Endo) and its lenders that would provide up to $450 million to participating states and local governments. The agreement would also ban promotion of Endo’s opioids and require Endo to turn over millions of documents related to its role in the opioid crisis for publication in a public online archive.The agreement in principle with Endo, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday, Aug. 16, in the Southern District of New York, resolves allegations that Endo boosted opioid sales using deceptive marketing that downplayed the risk of addiction and overstated the benefits.
Bans the marketing of Endo’s opioids forever.
Joining Illinois in the settlement are the attorneys gener al of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Ken tucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mis souri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This EneBringingTalenHBCUtIsThatrgyTo Discover The Unexpected 2022 ANTO O A S I UniTuskegeeversity CH E VROLET C ORP ORATE F EL LOW UniTuskegeeversity CH EVROLET COR PO RATE FEL LOW UniHowardversity CH EVROLET COR PO RATE FEL LOW Texas Sout Universityhern CH EVROL ET COR PO RATE FE LLOW Prairie Vie w A& M University CH EVROL ET COR PO RATE FE LLOW MEN R A M APFUM O C lark At la Universitynta NN PA FEL LOW A SI A A LEXAND ER UniHowardversity NN PA FEL LOW Gra mb li n g State Uni versity NN PA FEL LOW MorehouseCollege NN PA FEL LOW Ho Universityward NN PA F EL LOW South er Universityn — NN PA F EL LOW FOLLOW THE DTU FELLOWSHIP STUDENTS ON THEIR JOURNEY! chevydtuverse.com #ChevroletDTU W IT H YOUNG TALENT!
The new Claudie product collection and keepsake, hardcover book ($16.99) is available today at americangirl.com and at all U.S. American Girl retail locations. The special hardcover book can also be purchased from Amazon and at other fine booksellers nationwide. The second Claudie book will be published in spring 2023.
American Girl Celebrates Literary Heritage & Harlem Renaissance With Best-Selling Novelist Brit Bennett
Max Lousada, CEO of Warner Recorded Music, said: “At Warner, we’ve built a thriving environment for creative pioneers and inspired entrepreneurs. Lee is an artistic vision ary who has crafted some of the most powerful, moving, and captivating works of our era. Music has always figured prominently in his productions, driving the narrative of great films such as Precious and The Butler, while playing a central role in his influential TV series, Empire. The Billie Holiday soundtrack was a fantastic way to start our relationship, and we’re looking forward to working with Lee on an exciting series of projects inspired by his deep musical knowledge and impeccablewarnerrecordedmusic.comtaste.”
WARNER RECORDED MUSIC AND LEE DANIELS MUSIC ANNOUNCE JOINT VENTURE
MIDDLETON, Wis. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- American Girl, a cornerstone in the Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) portfolio of purposeful brands, welcomes a new historical character—Claudie Wells—to its flagship line of dolls and books that give fans an understanding of important times in America’s past. Growing up in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood in 1922, Claudie™ and her family are living in a profound period of cultural growth that would become known as the Harlem Re naissance, the most influential movement of African American artistic and cultural expression in U.S. history. In her first foray into middle-grade fiction, New York Times best-selling author and childhood Ameri can Girl fan Brit Bennett wrote Claudie’s story and takes readers on a journey to this extraordinary moment of Black artistic joy and expression, while also deftly exploring the challenges of the times. “The debut of Claudie Wells is a true full-circle moment for American Girl, and it all started with a tweet,” said Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “In it, celebrated author Brit Bennett shared her desire to write an American Girl story based on her own experience with the brand. We loved the idea and felt it was the perfect time to celebrate how—after more than 35 years—American Girl has made such a positive impact on the lives of so many. The timing is even more powerful given this incredible resurgence of nostalgic love we’re experiencing from our fans of all ages. We’re thrilled to introduce Claudie and her vibrant life in 1920s Harlem to a whole new generation, and we’re honored to welcome Ms. Bennett to our rank of esteemed authors who inspire our readers every day and help us further our commitment to inclusive storytell ing.”According to Bennett, “Before I ever sat in front of a computer to type, I had already started telling stories each time I played with my dolls. My sister and I were in love with our American Girl dolls and books, especially Addy. While the doll itself was beautiful, what enchanted me was Addy’s courageous story written by the trailblaz ing author Connie Porter, so creating a new historical character for American Girl has been a dream come true. As a girl, I always loved studying the Harlem Renaissance, an outpouring of Black artistry that emerged alongside larger struggles for equal rights. I hope readers will enjoy exploring this fascinating era through Claudie’s eyes.” In her story, nine-year-old Claudie is surrounded by talented writers, painters, musicians, and singers in her beloved Harlem com munity. While Claudie is naturally curious and loves hearing about people’s adventures and stories, she worries about not having her own
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special talent to share with the world. As she begins to find her way as a storyteller, she uncovers her own family’s history and better understands why Harlem has become home to so many Black people searching for freedom. Each Claudie doll comes with a paperback “Meet Claudie” book, which is also available in an all-new keepsake, hardcover edition. The book is illustrated by the award-winning Laura Freeman whose works have been featured on the New York Times Best Seller List. In addition to author Brit Bennett, American Girl collaborated with the fol lowing subject-matter experts who advised on Claudie’s development, from reviewing initial manuscripts to final products: Keisha N. Blain Marcia
CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour® is back live and in person with an intergenerational celebration of Black faith, culture and excellence. Inspired by His torically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) homecomings, the 16th annual tour will launch in September during Gospel Music Heritage Month and bring showstop ping musical performances by GRAMMY® Award winners Anthony Hamilton, Smokie Norful, Karen Clark Sheard, and other gospel and urban luminaries to five cities across the nation.Legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Donald Lawrence will resume his role as music director and, for the first time, social media personality and comedian Karlton Humes is bringing his unique brand of entertainment to the tour. In the spirit of the homecoming tradition, select shows will feature live performances by HBCU marching bands and gospel choirs. Fans can access free tickets at www.blackandpositive lygolden.com.“GospelMusic has always been the heart and soul of the Black community. Our sound… our rhythms, our original hymns have sustained the community for genera tions,” said GRAMMY Award Winner and Tour Artist Smokie Norful. “It is a blessing to be back performing live on the Inspira tion Celebration Gospel Tour and to be in devotion with some of the greatest artists in the industry.”Formore information, visit www. mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Instagram at @WeAreGolden and Facebook at www. facebook.com/mcdonalds.
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American Girl celebrates the Harlem Renaissance with new 1920s historical character, Claudie Wells, whose story is written by acclaimed author Brit Bennett. (PHOTO: BUSINESS WIRE)
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NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Warner Recorded Music today announced a global joint venture with Lee Daniels Music, headed by acclaimed director/writer/producer Lee Daniels. Daniels is the creative force behind the award-winning films Precious, The Butler, and Mon ster’s Ball; the groundbreaking TV series Empire; and many more.The agreement encompasses recorded music projects, including soundtracks, as well as artist signings. Its first project – the original motion picture soundtrack for The United States vs. Billie Holiday, starring Warner Records artist Andra Day –won this year’s Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. The film was directed by Daniels and released on Hulu in February 2021, with the companion album released via Warner Records and Warner Re corded Music worldwide. Daniels continues to have a multi-year overall deal with 20th Television. Amanda Ghost, CEO of AI Film and co-founder of Unigram (both ventures backed by Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries), was integral in setting up the partnership and launching the joint venture. She also acted as Executive Music Producer on The United States vs. Billie Holiday project.
by 1920s historical publications, photographs, catalogues, and other resources like The Brownies’ Book—a first-ofits-kind magazine for Black children published by W.E.B. Du Bois, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. The beautiful 18-inch Clau die™ doll, which features an all-new face mold, has brown eyes and dark, shoulder-length hair styled in bouncy ringlets and a hairbow. The Claudie doll comes dressed in her signature blue-and-white plaid dress and knit cardigan, and her special accessories include a heart-shaped necklace, a cloche hat, a journal, and an era-authentic Baby Ruth® candy bar. Additionally, American Girl is once again collaborating with Harlem’s Fashion Row®, the premier design agency that creates a bridge between brands and designers of color in fashion, along with top designer Samantha Black. Inspired by the era, Black designed three special-edition outfits for the line that showcase her modern take on 1920sClaudie’sglamour.collection also includes a doll-sized kick scooter; a plush version of her favorite dog, Dizzy Dot™; and an authentical ly-styled 1920s bakery with more than 60 pieces. The three-paneled Angelo’s Bakery includes a built-in pretend oven and comes with a tiered bakery case and checkout counter; a prep table and three-level bakery cart; loads of kitchen gear and baking ingredients; plus, numer ous pretend treats for display.
The McDonald’s 16th Annual CelebrationInspirationGospelTourReturnstoLive,In-PersonConcertsinFiveU.S.Cities
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With the funding, each partner will improve and scale their entrepreneurship educational offerings, develop productive working, and learning relationships with other organizations serving businesses across the Chicago region, and effectively assist an expanding number of aspiring, emerging, and estab lished business owners in operating their businesses successful ly. Ultimately, the grant funds that support these services will increase business profits and business owner wealth, advance neighborhood economic development and local employment, create a more inclusive economy, and lead to healthier and safer neighborhoods.Grantawardees:ElevateEnergyGreaterChatham
The grants aim to narrow the wealth gap by ofentrepreneursChicago-areasupportservices,thatpartnersfundingprovideforcolor
Small Business Majority Foundation Southland Development Authority Sunshine Enterprises
CHICAGO – A collaborative that includes Chicago’s most notable family foundations and institutional funders awarded millions of dollars in grant funding to organizations that support and build the capacity of local entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.
A COLLABORATIVE OF CITY’S TOP FUNDERS, FOUNDATIONS AWARDS A GROUNDBREAKING
The Fund for Equitable Business Growth awarded nearly $2.5 million this summer to 14 organizations whose missions range from supporting Black and Latinx business owners in building Black culinary businesses, to developing entrepreneurs in the green building community, to providing access to capital and technical business training to artists.
$2.5 MILLION IN GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURS
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Initiative Greater Southwest Development Corporation Greenwood Archer Capital Foundation for Little Village New Covenant Community Development Corporation Northwest Side Community Development Center
The University of Chicago - Office of Civic Engagement Urban Growers Collective Urban Juncture Foundation Women’s Business Development Center
For Equitable Business Growth is a single entity comprised of the Christopher Family Foundation, Coleman Foundation, Crown Family Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, MacArthur Foundation, McCormick Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and The Chi cago Community Trust. As a funding collaborative, the Fund has created an opportunity for funders to focus their support of Chicago’s entrepreneurs of color by creating one funding entity, housed at the Trust, which can identi fy opportunities, create strategy, and mobilize the combined resources of the funders to have a greater impact in a way the funders cannot do individ ually. This financial funding encour ages BSOs to partner effectively to provide coordinated services that will yield a more fluid, relevant, culturally competent, and sustained system of support for entrepreneurs so that they can attain their growth and sustain ability goals and reach their full potential as enterprises.
“These organizations are doing the vital work to provide training, funding and support to entrepreneurs of color,” said Adam Engle, director of the Fund for Equitable Business Growth. “They are building the future of our economy – a future that narrows the gaping disparities in wealth and a future where business owners of color have access to tools that will help them amass unlimited success that’s historically been difficult to attain because of generational and systemic disad vantages.”TheFund
CChatham Southeast | Week of August 31, 202212 ON THE MOVE CHATHAMC citizennewspapergroup.com ON THE MOVE C citizennewspapergroup.com C Highlights From The Chicago Football Classic Annual Golf Outing Phhotos by L.M. Warbington
Early on during the pandemic, emergency response planning did not consider the unique needs of the disability community, which tends to have worsened health outcomes due to a va riety of social and institutional barriers that the pandemic only exacerbated, nor did it account for the challenges people with disabilities face accessing appropriate information or help. During the yearlong research project that included interviews, surveys, and regional meetings with hun dreds of stakeholders, including those with lived experiences of a disability, participants said inequitable access to health care and other social system supports during COVID-19 compound ed physical and mental health issues, worsened chronic health conditions, and led to a disintegration in quality of life for entire families.“Ifwe want to ensure the interests and needs of individu als with disabilities and their families are addressed, then they need to have a seat at the table from the start and they need to be included every step of the way. That didn’t happen here,” said Sherri Landis, Executive Director of The Arc of Pennsyl vania, the state’s leading advocacy organization promoting the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Safety measures and care needed for the general popula tion competed with critical materials and access that people with disabilities --- who often have greater comorbidities --- needed for their daily lives. For families of children with complex medical needs, restricted access to gloves, masks, ventilators, and specialized medical equipment created tremendous risk unparalleled by individuals without such complex medical preconditions.Thefullreport
To further uncover the true impact germs can have on families, Clorox also conducted a nationwide survey among 1,000 parents of school-aged children. Survey results** indicated:Millennial parents of color often experience greater impact from illness with 85% reporting that they had to take a sick day or unpaid time off due to a sick child within the last year compared to only 78% of white millennial parents.
More than two-thirds (69%) of parents are concerned about their children bringing germs home from school and more than half (54%) expect their kids to get them sick.
42% of millennial parents of color reported feeling ner vous about the back-to-school season compared to only 32% of white millennial parents. Moms are more likely to be stressed about back-to-school (38% vs. 24%) while dads are more likely to be happy (67% vs. 39%).More than half of all parents surveyed (54%) are stressed at the thought of their child having to stay home.
Overcoming hurdles like illness-causing germs requires a holistic approach. Fortunately, Clorox offers simple and effec tive solutions to help prevent the spread of germs on surfaces. To shop convenient back-to-school solutions like Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes and Clorox® Disinfecting Mist and to learn more, please visit Clorox.com.
“At Clorox, we recognize that parents do it all these days and germs can hold them back from all of life’s possibilities,” said Stacy Stokes, Vice President of Marketing at The Clorox Company. “As a leader in public health, we understand the im portance of both physical and mental wellness, and are proud to provide parents with tools, resources and products to help maintain a cleaner and safer environment where their families can thrive.”SwabStudyTouncoverjust how many germs kids bring home with them from school, Clorox conducted a swab study with parents of school-aged kids, which included testing a variety of surfaces in the home and on school supplies. Swab results* indicated:Theaverage couch is as germy as a dog’s tennis ball and twice as germy as the fridge1 door/handle.1
New Research Reveals Just How Many Kids Bring Home from School
can be found at https://thearcpa.org/health care-initiatives/.
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Survey of U.S. Parents
The Arc’s report, “COVID-19 Health Care Barriers among People with Disabilities,” is the first part of a multi-year effort funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Preven tative Health and Health Services Block Grant to improve health equity. Having now identified issues that the disability community faced, the workgroups will turn their attention to crafting recommendations for the department to address health disparities. That report is due in mid-2023.
Among some of the specific barriers, participants identified lack of access to professional support staff that put families of children with disabilities in a precarious position, where their ability to work competed with their child’s education, medical, and therapeutic needs. The pandemic exacerbated existing men tal health issues --- access to support was limited while the need increased --- creating social isolation, with many participants reporting individuals being in crisis or attempting suicide.
“My whole life I’ve had to push through invisible bar riers to get to where I am today. Aside from any accomplish ments on the track or as an entrepreneur, my most challenging and important job has and always will be my role as a mom. It requires fierce determination for parents to juggle their families, careers and passions – especially amid the backto-school season with all the added responsibilities it brings,” said Allyson Felix, 11-time medalist and Clorox spokesperson. “Simply put, parents need easy and effective solutions to help prevent the spread of germs on surfaces and stay on top of their game. That’s why I’m proud to join Clorox and show parents how unstoppable they can be when they start clean.”
OAKLAND, Calif., PRNewswire -- The first day of school is go-time for parents, but it’s also go-time for germs. New research from the Clorox® brand found that the clothes kids wore to school came back 28 times germier than the average toilet seat.1 What’s more, the study found kids’ back packs are often the most neglected by parents when it comes to sanitization, and it shows. On average, kids’ backpacks clocked in 31 times germier than the average cell phone.1
The clothes kids wore to school were 28 times germier than the average toilet seat.1 Kids’ backpacks are 31 times germier than the average cell phone.1Hardsurfaces like counters, TV remotes, gaming control lers and fridge handles were roughly 26 times germier than the average bathroom doorknob.1
Research Methodology
Germs
**Survey: On behalf of Clorox, Ketchum Analytics conducted an online survey of 1,570 total Americans comprised of 1,000 nationally representative Americans, including 334 parents and an additional 532 People of Color (POC) Millenni als, 390 of which are parents. The survey was fielded from July 6-11, 2022 at the 95% confidence level and with a margin of error (MOE) of +/-3%.
DISABILITY COMMUNITY SUFFERED DISPROPORTIONATELY DURING COVID-19
HARRISBURG, Pa., PRNewswire -- As difficult as the COVID-19 health-care crisis has been on everyone, the impact of this pandemic has been staggering on individuals with dis abilities and their families, especially those living in rural areas and those belonging to racial and ethnic minorities, according to a new report from The Arc of Pennsylvania.
Reduced access to testing, vaccinations, and necessary accommodations.Increasedrisk of severe illness or death due to COVID-19.
These germs can stop families in their tracks, but parents can’t afford to be slowed down. By adopting a holistic germ-prevention strategy, parents can help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs on surfaces. That’s why Clorox is teaming up with the world’s most decorated woman in track and field history, gender equality advocate, entrepreneur and mom, Allyson Felix. Together, they’re helping to educate par ents on germ spread in order to help keep households running smoothly for an unstoppable year ahead.
The Arc’s research focused on asking participants whether they thought a disability-inclusive approach had been taken to combat COVID-19 and what they thought could be done to en sure a disability-inclusive approach is used to prepare for future emergencies. The responses were catalogued according to social determinants of health, which look at how conditions like where people are born, grow, live, work, play, worship, and age affect someone’s health.
*Swab Study: On behalf of Clorox, Ketchum Analytics conducted a swab test and three-day online bulletin board discussion comprised of 30 individuals who were parents of children under the age of 18 and currently in school, summer school or summer camp. Ketchum Analytics was supported by market research recruiter, Schlesinger Group and swab analysis was performed by Perritt Laboratories. The swab test and online bulletin board was fielded from June 13-17, 2022. The swab test required participants to swab 9 locations in their home that were analyzed to unveil which had the highest CFUs* (germ growth). Participants swabbed surfaces after their children returned home from school and interacted with the surfaces. Germs referenced in this study are defined as bacteria, yeast and mold.
Among the biggest issues that participants reported: Barriers to accessible information (braille, plain language, multicultural information, etc.).
1CLX-BTheNational Science Foundation’s 2011 International Germ Study, Germiest Places in the Home 2011 conducted by NSF International from December 2010 - January 2011.
Allyson Felix, track & field gold medalist, entrepreneur and mom is teaming up with Clorox to help parents tackle germ spread for an unstoppable school year. PRNewsfoto.
Chatham Southeast | Week of August 31, 2022 15C classifiedCHATHAMC Bids/Public Notice/ Legal Notice NOTICE OF INVITATION FOR BIDS Sealed bids are invited for : Cornerstone Community Development Corporation - Parking Lot ReconstructionFord Heights, IL Scope: Scope of Work• CLEAN, HOT-TAR CRACKSEAL, SEALCOAT & RESTRIPE• SAWCUT, REMOVE & REPLACE STORM SEWER AREAS (2)-12x12• Replace with 6 inches of 6Bag Concrete• Replace with 4 inches of compacted asphalt• SAW-CUT, REMOVE & REPLACE DAMAGED ASPHALT AREA MAIN TRAFFIC LANE• REMOVE & REPLACE DAMAGED CONCRETE BARRIER CURB: (10 L.F)• CLEAN, PRIME, INSTALL SEWER ADJ. RINGS, PRIME & RESURFACE &RESTRIPE Linear Feet: 286.12 Bid Deadline: 3:00 pm, September 7th, 2022 at Cornerstone Community Development Corporation943 E. Lincoln HighwayFord Heights, IL 60411 SAMS.gov registration required Bid Bond required: No Withdrawal of Bid due to error: No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the proposals without the consent of the President and the Board Members of the Agency of Cornerstone Community Development Corporation for a period of 3 days after the scheduled time of closing bids. Invitation for Bids, including plans and specifications, are available from : Cornerstone Community Development Corporation943 E. Lincoln HighwayFord Heights, IL 60411Telephone (708)0758-2565 Documents available for inspection at : Cornerstone Community Development Corporation943 E. Lincoln HighwayFord Heights, IL 60411 CD#123122 AUTOATTENTIONFREEGASCARDWITHA&HOMEINSURNACEQUOTE!CALLALLSTATEAGENTHENRYBENJAMIN(773)420-1669BETWEEN9-5PMMonday-FridayWeneedinformationnothand-outs!CREDITSERVICESERVICESREPAIR CHATHAM & SOUTH END ONLY CLASSIFIED
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