Chatham-Southeast Citizen 10-19-2022

Sherie Withers is looking for a living kidney donor. Withers is a 25-year Lupus survivor. She always had kidney issues because of her Lupus Nephritis. She was diagnosed with Lupus in 1998.

Sherie Withers is looking for a live kidney donor. She is a 25 year Lupus survivor. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SHERIE WITHERS.

Marion Shuck is the Vice President of Governmental Relations and External Affairs at Gift of Hope. PHOTO PROVIDED BY GIFT OF HOPE.

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ARTIST VIC MENSA AND FINANCIAL EXPERTS PROVIDE TIPS ON GAINING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AT THE YWCA METROPOLITAN CHICAGO’S 2ND ANNUAL WEALTHNOW CONFERENCE

Chicago, Ill. -- Families and individuals hoping to increase their savings, launch a business or make smart financial choices received actionable advice on how to create and pass on generational wealth at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s 2nd Annual WealthNOW Conference last Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Malcolm X Community College. A dynamic slate of financial lead ers addressed the city’s racial wealth gap while providing listeners with the tools to achieve economic prosperity.

Artist and activist Vic Mensa inspired listeners by sharing information about his entrepreneurial journey. Mensa knows first-hand the hustle of growing up on the South-Side of Chicago and credits much of his success to the generosity of others.

Once a teenger using street-smarts to sell cannabis, Mensa is now launching the first black-owned and equity focused cannabis company, 93 Boyz.

A new initiative from the YWCA’s Small Business Development Center provided aspiring female entre preneurs with valuable information on how to start their own home childcare centers. Additional presentations focused on ways to reduce the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship, funding and franchise ownership.

“We were so proud to host this event and see the number of people yearning for this type of knowledge and financial success,” said Nicole Robinson, CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.

Other WealthNow sponsors include Liberty Bank, The L3 Agency, and Legacy Franchise Ventures.

Those who could not attend the WealthNOW con ference but would like to learn more information about YWCA Metropolitan Chicago programs and future events are encouraged to visit their website at https:// ywcachicago.org/.

AMA FURTHERS COMMITMENT TO AD VANCING HEALTH EQUITY ON CHICAGO’S WEST SIDE WITH $3M INVESTMENT

CHICAGO – The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced a new $3 million multi-year investment in Chicago’s west side neighborhoods. This investment leverages AMA’s new commitment as an anchor mission partner with West Side United (WSU)—adding to a group of collaborators committed to addressing structural inequities, eliminating health disparities and improving economic vitality and educa tional opportunities in Chicago’s west side communities, which have been devastated by decades of neglect and disinvestment.

The announcement, hosted by the City Club of Chicago at The Hatchery on Chicago’s west side, builds on the AMA’s initial $2 million investment in 2020. The new funding announced today will support WSU’s multi-pronged social impact investing approach. WSU-coordinated impact investing is done in partner ship with community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to help provide much-needed capital to foster economic opportunity, revitalize neighborhoods and support community transformation. AMA’s renewed commitments will lead to more investments in affordable housing, healthy food options, job creation projects and educational programs.

To date, West Side United partners have invested a combined $177 million in Chicago’s west side neighbor hoods through local procurement, small business grants, and impact investing, including the AMA’s 5-year, $5 million investment.

Formed in 2017, West Side United’s mission is to improve social, economic, and structural determinants of health, particularly through improving access to care and community resources, improving mental and behavioral health, and preventing and reducing chronic disease. More specifically, West Side United’s primary goal is to reduce the life expectancy gap between Chicago’s Loop and 10 west side neighborhoods, especially considering the decrease in life expectancy across the nation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local woman looking for kidney donor

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Withers received her first kidney transplant in 2005. Her brother was a per fect match. Seventeen years later, Withers is in need again.

“I know nothing lasts forever, but I just thought with me taking care of myself, during this process, taking my medications I have to take every day, I was doing well,” Withers said.

She believes what might have hap pened is that she caught COVID in June 2021 and that caused a Lupus flare up. She was vaccinated from COVID-19 months prior to getting the virus. After she recovered from COVID, her Lupus numbers improved, but her kidney func tion did not.

Withers is a nutritionist at a medical center and was working from home during the pandemic. She did go to work one day a week. By November, her kidney func tion still had not improved. Her doctor told her that she would have to go through dialysis. She hadn’t been through dialysis since 1998. She currently has a catheter in her chest. Wither is registered with the National Kidney Registry.

Marion Shuck is the Vice President of Governmental Relations and External Af fairs at Gift of Hope. She is going through her own journey, as a living donor for her brother, who has Hypertension, if they are compatible.

Gift of Hope is one of 57 organ pro curement organizations in the country. It is regionally focused on three quarters of Illinois, from Waukegan to Elgin, to 50 miles south of Springfield. Gift of Hope is responsible for coordinating the organ and tissue donation process. Gift of Hope goes

in and talks to the family when their loved one has already signed up to be an organ and tissue donor, or to ask if the loved one could be an organ or tissue donor.

Shuck acknowledges the medical mistrust that some people of color have because medical practitioners took ad vantage of Black people, either through experiments or taking cells without autho rization, and without payment, as well as sterilization of women of color.

“The problem presents when we then don’t advocate for ourselves when it comes to medical healthcare, because our mistrust gets in the way. We arrive at the doctor too late, sometimes we wake up and we’re on dialysis,” Shuck said.

While Gift of Hope doesn’t work with living donors, it does support living donation organizations and disseminates information about living donations.

According to Shuck, the State of Illinois does about 500 living donors a year. Shuck wants more people of color to advocate for living donations.

“Transplant is the cure, dialysis is the bridge to keep you alive until you can get a transplant. The transplant resets you. You go back to having your life, you go back to doing all the things you couldn’t do because you had to do dialysis three days a week,” Shuck said. “Living do nation is a very important part of the overarching industry of organ and tissue donation. We want people to be registered and we want families to have the conver sation.”

For more information about Sherie Withers’ transplant journey, visit nkr.org/ CBS992. People interested in organ and tissue donation can visit giftofhope.org or lifegoeson.com.

PBC Joins Forces to Increase Minority and Women Participation in Construction

The Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC) and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) have joined forces to spur greater minority and female participation in construction jobs and vocational training in the City of Chicago and the greater Cook County area.

By working together, the PBC and The Partnership are assist ing minority and female job candidates who have been traditionally underrepresented in the unionized skilled trades to contractors working on PBC’s construction or renovation projects.

In addition, The Partnership will assist career seekers with placement into trade unions and connect them to vocational training/resources. This will also serve to connect construction employers to a skilled talent pipeline. All interested candidates can apply for these hiring opportunities by completing the following form here.

“This ideal collaboration will afford The Partnership the opportunity to advance provisions included in PBC’s procurement documents and construction contracts. The PBC and The Partner ship will assist those seeking career opportunities and participa tion within the skilled building trades, including office and field

management support,” Carina E. Sanchez, PBC Executive Director said.

The PBC is uniquely structured to plan, design, construct, and renovate public facilities for Cook County and City of Chicago, while The Partnership is the designated workforce development ad ministrative agency for the same geographic areas. The Partnership has historically administered several construction trade initiatives that meet industry demand for training and apprenticeship pro grams with public agencies and private contractors.

“The Partnership works to promote workforce development in the construction sector, connecting ready-to-hire employers with qualified job seekers, many of whom have been historically under represented in the trades,” said Patrick Combs, Interim Partnership CEO. This collaboration with the PBC allows us to further serve residents and employers in this growing sector, ripe with career opportunities.”

Sanchez went on to say, “Both organizations are aware of each other’s great work in leveraging public and private resources to connect employers to a skilled talent pipeline. We look forward to working together.”

“The problem presents when we then don’t advocate for ourselves when it comes to medical healthcare, because our mistrust gets in the way. We arrive at the doctor too late, sometimes we wake up and we’re on dialysis,” Shuck said.

Gov. Pritzker Announces Approval of Vehicle Infrastructure Plan

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation toda announced that the Federal Highway Administration has approved its plan to build a reliable electric vehicle charging network throughout the state. The State of Illinois Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan addresses potential challenges and proposes locations for charging stations to ensure motorists can confidently traverse the state in electric vehicles.

“Because of my administration’s work on the nation-leading Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and Reimagining Electric Vehicles Act, Illinois stands at the forefront of the emerging electric vehicle industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This funding serves as a vital complement to that work and will ensure we meet our goal of putting one mil lion electric vehicles on the road by 2030. In every corner of the state, we have invested in our infrastructure and our workers, mak

ing it clear to vehicle, charging station, and auto parts manufacturers that Illinois is the best place in the nation to manufacture and drive an electric vehicle.”

“Illinois is meeting the moment by paving a way forward for electric vehicles on our roads,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “We are fulfilling our commitment to cleaner, greener energy and travel across the state so all communities can see and feel the impact. Today’s announcement is a major step forward in that mission, and Illinois will continue to show how investing in innovation and the people who drive it will take us far.”

“Deploying public charging infrastruc ture that provides convenient, accessible, reliable and equitable charging throughout the state is crucial to Gov. JB Pritzker’s goal of a million electric vehicles on the road by 2030,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Because electric vehicles generate no tailpipe emissions, they are key to reducing air pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change. This plan puts us on the path for a more sustainable future.”

Illinois’ plan provides a framework for implementing the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a provision of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Illinois will receive more than $148 million in federal funding from NEVI over the next five years to build out a network of public EV charging stations across the state.

In accordance with NEVI require ments, funding will be used to build EV charging stations at least every 50 miles along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.

The stations will be located no more than one mile off the designated corridor and will allow four average-range vehicles to fully charge at once in less than 30 minutes. Preliminary estimates indicate a need for a minimum of 20 stations. A map of proposed sites is included in the Illinois Electric Vehi cle Infrastructure Deployment Plan.

Successful implementation of the NEVI program will require collaboration across government agencies, the public sector and private entities. IDOT is working closely with other state agencies on import ant issues such as workforce development, cybersecurity and ensuring equitable de ployment of charging infrastructure. IDOT is also seeking input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment manufacturers, labor unions, potential site hosts, electric utilities and municipalities.

As a next step in implementing the EV Infrastructure plan, IDOT is developing a Request for Information to gather informa tion from potential vendors of equipment and host sites for EV chargers.

Finally, IDOT will be hosting stake holder meetings throughout the remainder of 2022. These meetings will be open to the public where people can learn more about the program and provide feedback. More detail on these meetings will become available as they are scheduled. Recording of previously held public meetings can be found on IDOT’s website.

As of June, there were 50,994 electric vehicles registered in Illinois and 184 public charging ports throughout the state.

UNION LEAGUE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS PARTNERS WITH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD USA

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

CASTEN ANNOUNCES $2,250,129,111 HEADED TO ILLINOIS TO STRENGTHEN ROADS, BRIDGES UNDER DEMOCRATS’ INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

October 13th, 2022 – Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) announced that Illinois will receive $2,250,129,111 from the historic Infrastructure Law to strengthen roads, bridges and tunnels across the state.

“The Infrastructure Law is delivering historic investments to build safer, stronger, smarter roadways,” said Rep. Casten. “This deeply needed funding for our roads, bridges and tunnels that Illinoisans rely on every day will slash commute times, lower car repair costs, reduce pollution and support good-paying, union jobs. I’m proud to have voted for this critical victory and I will continue partnering with our state and local leaders to put these game-changing investments to work.”

Decades of underinvestment has left Illinois’ roads, bridges and tunnels in poor condition: causing longer commute times, higher car maintenance costs and more pollution in neighbor hoods. Nationwide, the United States ranks 13th globally in terms of the quality of our infrastructure, and the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the condition of our infrastructure a C-.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included the single larg est dedicated investment in surface transportation infrastructure since the construction of the Interstate Highway System: creating good-paying jobs while improving the safety and efficiency of our roadways.

The new funding for Illinois announced today comes from twelve initiatives under the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration for the upcoming fiscal year. Illinois’ allocation is part of a nearly $60 billion tranche from the Department of Transportation to support critical infrastructure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each state and territory will have the flexibility to determine how these funds can best address longstanding needs.

Communities across the country are already feeling the transformative impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: The Bridge Formula Program has supported repairs on over 2,400 bridges.

The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program has funded over $200 million of projects in 21 states.

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Park,

Chatham,

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

SOUTH END Washington Heights,Roseland,Rosemoor, Englewood,West

West Pullman,Riverdale,

Serves

Manor and

SOUTH SUBURBAN

HYDE PARK

CHICAGO WEEKEND

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

West

CHICAGO, Ill. — Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, which have been serving youth in neighborhoods with the highest hardship index in Chicago for over 100 years, has announced its partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Internation al Award USA (Award USA). Teen mem bers of Union League Boys & Girls Clubs in Humboldt Park (Barreto Club and Clemente Club) and in Pilsen (Club One) now have the opportunity to take part in Award USA’s Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards to cultivate resilience, confidence, and leadership. Notably, Union League Boys & Girls Clubs is the only Boys & Girls Clubs organization in the country to offer this program to its members.

To complete the Award program, youth participants are challenged over time with goals in four sections of activ ities: skills, volunteer service, physical recreation, and outdoor adventures. Youth who complete their Award at the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels earn a resume level credential that is recognized worldwide. Upon completion, they are awarded a cer tificate of recognition, medal, and pin for their achievements at local celebrations; Gold-level Award holders are celebrated at a national Gold Award Ceremony hosted

biannually by Award USA and internation al dignitaries. Award Holders also are able to participate in a global alumni award network as a result of participation.

“The Award is an incredible addi tion to the Union League Boys and Girls Club’s offerings. Working to connect and extend the activities Club members undertake, the Award will also promote perseverance, goal setting, and activities that enhance wellbeing, all of which are self-selected by Club members,” said Buffy Higgins-Beard, Award USA’s CEO. “The result is young people who are ready for their future, and #worldready through the Award’s framework and the connec tions it makes between young people and mentors as well as their community outreach and adventures.”

“Union League Boys & Girls Clubs are proud to be the only Boys & Girls Clubs organization nationally to partici pate in this valuable program,” said Union League Boys & Girls Clubs President & CEO Mary Ann Mahon Huels. “Both organizations seek to empower and equip our youth to take on the best opportunities the world has to offer; we look forward to seeing our Club members gain confidence through these unique experiences.”

The Highway Safety Improvement Program supported improvements on more than 5,300 projects, including a total of 155 roundabout projects throughout the country that will reduce the number of traffic conflict points.

The National Highway Performance Program has funded more than 6,000 projects to improve safety and efficiency.

JOYCE EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURING IN ILLINOIS

ESSEX – The “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour put on by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association visited CSL Behring in Bradley last week, where State Senator Patrick Joyce spoke about the contributions of CSL to the community.

“Manufacturing has continued to have a significant impact to our state’s economy,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The amount of jobs and revenue manufacturing brings to our region and state shows this is a major economic driver in Illinois.”

CSL Behring is a pharmaceutical manufacturer that is a global leader in creating products to cure rare and serious diseases. The company employs over 1,800 individuals in the area.

A recent study found the total economic impact of manu facturing in Illinois is estimated to be between $580 billion and $611 billion every year – the largest share of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. Manufacturing directly employs 662,298 workers but ultimately supports as many as 1,771,928 jobs, generating up to $150 billion in labor income for Illinois residents annually.

“This tour is a great opportunity to show the public the different career paths that the manufacturing industry presents in Illinois,” said Joyce. “This industry is important to our state and I’m dedicated to supporting job training programs that allow people to choose these careers in manufacturing.”

To learn more about the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association or to see a list of stops on the “Makers on the Move” bus tour, visit https://ima-net.org/2022-manufacturing-month-chicago-bus-tour/ .

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

Urban One’s “One Solution” Division Appoints Danielle Brown as Vice President, Cross Platform Client Services

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Tiffany Nasralla, Chief Revenue Officer of Urban One’s iOne Digital division, announced the appoint ment of Danielle Brown to Vice President, Cross Platform Client Services (One Solution). Urban One is the largest African American minority-controlled and operated, fully integrated media company that reaches, connects, and engages with the Black and Urban consumer at scale across audio, digital, linear, and experiential. Brown will be responsible for successfully managing, growing, and developing long-term cross-platform ac counts with top-tier clients and agency partners at all levels.

Danielle M. Brown is a results-oriented media executive with a proven track record of exceeding sales targets, developing and strengthening partnerships, breaking new busi ness, selling integrated experiences and fran chises, and delivering client-driven marketing initiatives. She is a seasoned corporate leader, dynamic speaker, and impactful community builder. She maintains a strong reputation for consistently delivering results that exceed ex pectations. Prior to joining Urban One, Brown held leadership positions at BET/ViacomCBS, ESSENCE Communications, Inc, and Time, Inc.– all positions where Brown substantially contributed to company growth, increase in revenue, and expansion of both internal and external client relationships.

Brown’s presence outside the office is a beacon of light and hope in opportunity-challenged communities where young children are often unseen and unheard. Her community impact company —The

Heart To Say It, LLC—creates safe spaces for young girls and women to have open and honest conversations and gives voice to the voiceless with both a gentle whisper and a powerful reminder, “Your Dreams Matter”. She also served on the board of Petals-N-Belles, an organi zation committed to empowering young women while helping them overcome adversities to achieve their goals. In addition, she is the co-host of Cocktails & Cancer with MJ and Dani, a hilarious, chatty podcast about two best friends living their best life after a cancer diagnosis, highlighting the power of friendship and support on the journey of life.

Danielle Brown, Vice President, Cross Platform Services (One Solution), remarked, “How you live your life is your best ministry. I’ve spent my life and career being me… joyfully humanizing and enlightening people from all walks of life on the fabulousness, beauty, and complexities of being a Black woman – unapologetically and with pride. Urban One is the most trusted source in the Black Community that informs, entertains, and inspires. Our missions are aligned! I am beaming with gratitude and excitement because I get to work with such a smart team. I look forward to creative collaboration and developing innovative opportunities rooted in service, giving back to the community, and impact for our brand partners using all Urban One platforms. Together we will truly celebrate and honor our audiencesthe communities who help our businesses thrive.”

SCIENTIFIC GAMES ANNOUNCES NEW LEADER OF GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCES, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Scientific Games has named Mona Garland, an experienced human resources leader, as the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer. In the newly expanded role, Garland joins the Scientific Games Executive Team which has continued to evolve after the company’s sale to Brookfield Business Partners in April 2022.

As CHRO, Garland will lead global people strategy along with employee-fo cused programs and initiatives, including talent acquisition and retention, learning and development, diversity, equity and inclu sion, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, and workplace culture.

Scientific Games’ 3,000 employees are located at 40+ technology and operational centers, production facilities, game design studios, and offices spanning five continents. The company is currently expanding its global employee base.

Pat McHugh, CEO for Scientific Games, said, “Our people are our greatest asset in serving our customers. Mona is a dynamic leader with a passion for coaching and developing talent to evolve organiza tions. We look forward to the tremendous impact she and our Human Resources team will have on our current employees, as well as expanding and further diversifying our work force for the continued growth of our global business.”

Based in metro Atlanta at the company’s global headquar ters, Garland brings more than 25 years of experience building and implementing HR strategies, programs and infrastructure

that develop, engage and retain talent to enable business success at global organizations including General Electric and Bram bles.

Garland’s experience includes supporting global market leaders in technology, manufacturing, logistics, and services industries, making her a great fit for Scientific Games. Most re cently, she served as the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer and as an integral member of the executive leadership team at a global building materials organiza tion, successfully partnering with key stakeholders to create and advance an Inclusion and Diversity vision, strategy and initiatives across the company’s Americas businesses.

Since 1973, Scientific Games pro vides retail and digital games, technology, analytics, and services to lotteries around the world.

Scientific Games is a global leader in retail and digital products, technology and services that drive profits for govern ment-sponsored lottery and sports betting programs. From enterprise gaming plat forms to exciting entertainment experiences and trailblazing retail and digital solutions, we elevate play every day. We are industry pioneers in data analytics, retail solutions and iLottery. Built on a foundation of trusted partnerships since 1973, Scientific Games combines relentless innovation, perfor mance and unwavering security to responsibly propel the industry forward. For more information, visit scientificgames.com.

Communications firm specializing in providing services to minority-owned and female-owned businesses opens its doors

AUSTIN, Texas, PRNews wire -- A new and specialized agency, Meraki Public Relations was launched today with a mis sion to capture and showcase the stories of female and minority businesses, brands, and organi zations.

With extensive experience in the industry, founder & CEO, Sarindee Patel hopes to create opportunities for a demograph ic that is often overlooked and underrepresented. “As an immi grant, minority, and a woman, I know first-hand the struggles of having your voice heard. I don’t just want to get our clients a seat at the table, I want to ensure they have a VIP invite,” said Sarindee Patel.

The Austin-based firm is now offering a variety of public relations, event marketing, and strategic communication ser vices to US-based companies

including:

Press release writing and distri bution

Media relations

Media training

Crisis management

Thought leadership

Community outreach

Special events and experiences

Event production

B2B & B2C events

Communication strategy

Meraki Public Relations specializes in providing public relations (PR), strategic commu nication, and event marketing services to female-owned and minority-owned businesses, brands, and organizations. Learn more about Meraki PR at www. merakipublicrelations.com.

Danielle Brown. PRNewsfoto/One Solution

Scientific Games has named Mona Garland, an experienced human resources leader, as the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer. PRNewsFoto.

Modeling the Spirit of Democracy

BY BEN JEALOUS

Some things are unthinkable—until they happen.

For Jamie Raskin, a congressman and father, the first unthinkable thing was the loss of his beloved son Tommy to suicide on New Year’s Eve 2020. As a father myself, my heart breaks when I imagine the grief experienced by Raskin and his family.

The second unthinkable thing hap pened less than a week later. Enraged supporters of the defeated President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol and hunted for members of Congress to prevent them from affirming the results of the presidential election.

Raskin was at the Capitol that day— the day after his son was buried—to do his duty. And that meant he and the family members who were there to support him had to live through the terror of the attack and evacuation.

After all that, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked Raskin to lead an effort to impeach Trump for his role in the insur rection. Raskin said yes. He did a brilliant job. It was a remarkable show of strength and resilience. The House did vote to

impeach Trump for a second time, though most Senate Republicans refused to con vict him.

Raskin wrote a book about that 45day period between the loss of his son and the impeachment of Trump. “Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy,” is powerful and surprisingly hopeful.

I recently had a chance to talk with Raskin when he spoke with People For the American Way’s new online book club. I asked him about the grounds for his hope. How, given the rising threats to freedom and democracy, does he continue to con sider himself a “constitutional optimist?”

What makes the U.S. exceptional is not that we are somehow immune to the erosion of democracy, he said. What makes us exceptional is the progress we have made together. We can take hope and strength from our own history, and the example of courageous people around the world.

“We are not the first generation to face authoritarianism.”

He reminded all of us that the spirit of freedom and democracy lives in people’s hearts even in the face of repression and attempts to snuff it out—and efforts by farright strategists to smother it.

Raskin has modeled that spirit of democracy as a member of the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection and all that led up to it. In the face of every effort by Trump and his al lies to stall, stonewall, and shut down the investigation, Raskin and his colleagues refused to back down. They have dug out evidence and presented it to the Ameri can people.

Without the committee’s investiga tions, we would know far less about the effort by Trump and his henchmen to overturn the election. Without the com mittee’s truth-telling, there would be no hope for holding them accountable.

The threat to democracy is real. Con spiracy theories are helping drive a rightwing turn away from democratic values and toward repressive authoritarian rule.

At this moment, Americans face a choice: do we go back to the worst of the past, to voter suppression and political violence fueled by racism? Or do we move forward, building on the progress we have made in becoming a multiracial, multiethnic, multireligious democratic society?

It’s up to us. As Jamie Raskin reminded us, “Democracy is always unfinished.”

Raskin wrote a book about that 45-day period between the loss of his son and the impeachment of Trump.

“Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy,” is powerful and surprisingly hopeful.

Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar Kick-off Black Alphabet Film Festival with ‘Beyond Ed Buck’ Screening

9th Annual LGBTQ/SGL Visual Arts Festival Comes to Chicago Nov. 4-6

CHICAGO, Ill. – Black Alphabet, a nonprofit committed to promoting equity awareness on behalf of the Black LGBT+ community through the use of media and the arts, announced today the 9th Annual Black Alphabet Film Festival (BAFF) will kick off with the screening of Beyond Ed Buck on Saturday, Nov. 5. At the opening event, documentary filmmakers Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar will join local leaders, including Dr. Keith Green, Executive Director of the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus and D’Ontace Keyes, Director of Communications at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) for a live, in-person Q&A.

One of the longest running Black LGBTQ/SGL film festivals in the world, the 9th Annual Black Alphabet Film Festi val will run from Nov. 4-6 at the Univer sity of Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center and feature more than thirty films, including Black Beauty, I Wish I Never F*cking Met You, Rainbow Migrants, Manifold, The Funnel, and Jabari Dreams of Freedom. An opening reception hosted by comedian Otis Mack will be held on Fri., Nov. 4 at 6 PM, at Sip and Savor, 78 E 47th St., sponsored by Miller Coors.

Written, directed by, and starring Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar (Pose), the documentary film Beyond Ed Buck fol lows the tragic murders that took place at the hands of political donor Edward Buck. The film expands the conversation of the history of Black trans and Black gay-iden tified men falling prey to the sexual fetishes and baiting of crystal meth that exist in America. These encounters often result in fatal endings for many innocent people living under the umbrella of being queer and Black in America. Filled with

real-life survivors, community leaders, and families who give heartfelt testimo nials, Beyond Ed Buck is a call-to-action meant to inspire change.

“This is the festival’s third recent en try featuring the epidemic of crystal meth and its impact on the LGBTQ community in our country,” said Adam McMath, Executive Director, Black Alphabet Film Festival. “This issue continues to ravage our community, and we are proud to highlight the impactful work of Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar at the opening of this year’s festival, shinning an even brighter light on its harrow ing impact.”

The BAFF was created in 2013 to provide more opportunities for people to see images, hear stories, and relate to unique Black LGBT+ experiences absent from the mainstream media. The annual event provides a global platform for members of the SGL/LGBTQ+ community to showcase their films. This year, the event is sponsored by Here Media, the Chicago Department of Public Health, Aids Health Foundation (AHF), Chicago Community Trust, and VIIV Pharmaceuticals.

Since launching Chicago’s first Black LGBTQ film festival in 2013, Black Al phabet has worked to encourage storytell ing, cultivate new dialogues, and educate communities about the cultural and social contributions that Black LGBTQ-iden tified people have made upon the world. The nonprofit organization advocates for social equity by creating and spreading awareness of issues uniquely or dispro portionately impacting the Black LGBT+ community.

A full list of festival events and screenings can be found online: https:// www.blackalphabet.org/film-festival

PLAY WITH PURPOSE®

CHA Partners with Jonathan Rose Companies to Preserve Affordable Housing at Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments Development partner says unit preservation through CHA was critical

CHICAGO (Oct. 13, 2022) – The Chicago Housing Authority has part nered with Jonathan Rose Companies to preserve affordable housing at the Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments, a 272-unit development located on Chicago’s Near West Side. Rose’s preservation acquisition will secure affordable housing in a quick ly gentrifying community. The purchase of the property closed last month.

CHA will administer 164 tenant protection vouchers that were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Eighty-two of those vouchers will be converted to a long-term Project Based Voucher (PBV) contract. There are an additional 108 units that receive rental assistance through a HUD-administered long-term contract.

CHA’s financial support will provide more than $32 million in rental assis tance to residents during the 15-year PBV contract. This project highlights the range of CHA’s investment in housing and communities over the past several years, which includes new buildings like the Lucy Gonzalez Parsons development in Logan Square as well as preservation projects such as Mattie Butler Apartments in Woodlawn.

“It’s important that CHA not only focus on building new housing, but also preserving affordable housing stock that’s already here,” CHA CEO Tracey Scott said. “CHA is actively looking for inno vative partnerships that allow families to stay in the communities they love.”

Karyntha Walsh, Senior Project Manager for Jonathan Rose Companies, worked closely with CHA throughout the process.

“CHA has been instrumental in the redevelopment of Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments,” Walsh said. “The new Project Based Voucher units through CHA are critical on two fronts: the rental assistance ensures long-term affordability

for rent-burdened families; and it also allows the team to leverage additional financing resources to fund the renovation work.”

Barbara Jean Wright Court Apart ments contains 12 four-story walk-up buildings and 15 townhomes. As part of the preservation effort, Jonathan Rose Companies will improve the building exteriors with new roofs, windows, tuckpointing, and HVAC. All apartments will receive new kitchens and bathrooms, flooring, and lighting. The company also plans to offer improved basketball courts and playground, updated landscaping, free Wi-Fi for tenants, and meeting rooms and administrative offices.

This is the first CHA PBV contract with Jonathan Rose Companies, a national owner, developer, and manager of over $1.8B of real estate specializing in the creation and management of affordable housing. The preservation of Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments represents an $85 million investment in affordable hous ing in Chicago. Additional funding sources include loan funds from the City of Chica go, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY (CHA)

The CHA’s vision is to fos ter strong, vibrant communities throughout Chicago by increasing affordable housing choices for low-income families. The CHA is also the largest rental housing owner in the City of Chicago. It serves more than 133,000 people in 63,000 households across the city through our Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Project-Based Voucher programs. For more information, visit www.thecha.org.

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Business Owner Launches Organization to Help Find HighQuality Hair Wigs

LAS VEGAS, PRNews wire -- The American Wig Association was founded in 2022 by business owner Mar quetta Breslin. After learn ing about wig making while helping her mother through cancer and the effects of chemotherapy, Marquetta re alized there was no organiza tion tasked with helping those looking for wigs to easily find capable wig makers. The American Wig Association helps wig makers easily con nect with clients across the United States who are look ing for high-quality wigs.

“The Association was birthed from an idea of help ing connect people who need wigs with people who make them,” explains Breslin. “As a side effect of her chemo

therapy, my mom lost all of her hair and did not have the resources to have a wig made that she was comfortable with,” she said. “I’ve spent a lot of time in cancer centers and seeing and talking with people who suffer from per manent hair loss…those indi viduals have a special place in my heart. It’s always been a dream of mine to create a platform to connect people who need wigs with people who make them.”

To learn more about the American Wig Association, visit http://www.americanwi gassociation.org.

Marquetta Breslin, Founder of AWA. PRNewsFoto.

Announcing OPI xPRESS/ON, the Brand’s First Artificial Press On Nails Featuring Iconic Shades and Innovative Finishes

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -OPI, the #1 nail salon brand, introduc es NEW artificial nail, OPI xPRESS/ ON, offering professional quality shades, artistry, and innovative effects available anytime, anywhere. With OPI xPRESS/ON, iconic color, trend setting designs, and a flawless gel-like salon manicure are right at consumers’ fingertips – just xPRESS. Set. Go!

OPI xPRESS/ON launches exclu sively at ULTA Beauty and includes 33 press-on gel-like salon manicure looks with 14-days of wear to instant ly xPRESS. Fans can get all pressed up with 15 iconic OPI shades such as Alpine Snow, Cajun Shrimp, and Big Apple Red; six innovative sa lon-inspired effects like holographic shimmers or glazed finish; and eight professional nail art designs including several French manicure styles. It’s like having a SALON THE GO!

OPI xPRESS/ON is vegan, con taining no animal derived ingredients, and the nails and packaging are made with 94% and 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, respec tively. The nails are also reusable. Packaging is responsibly and sustain ably sourced. A Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) carton is printed with soy ink and can be recycled.

“As the #1 nail salon brand globally, we have the professional quality, color, and innovation that

LILYSILK Partners with National Breast Cancer Foundation to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- LILYSILK is proud to announce a partnership with and donate $5,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. ® (NBCF) to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. The donation will support NBCF and Helping Women Now® by providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through essential, life-saving programs and services.

“We are delighted that LILYSILK be comes a new partner with NBCF. Together, we aim to support individuals through their breast cancer journey, and give inspiration, hope and support to those affected,” said Candice Hens ley, Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships of NBCF.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that breast cancer is the world’s most prevalent cancer, but survival rates have in recent decades have improved, due to earlier detection and better treatments. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection helped to decrease breast cancer death rates by 40% from 1989 to 2017 among women. This means that early detection is critical for survival.

“We are proud to become a partner of the NBCF,” said David Wang, CEO of LILYSILK. “Through donations, LILYSILK hopes to further increase awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and scheduling routine checkups.”

consumers know and trust,” shares OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambas sador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “With the debut collection of press-on nails, fans can select among 33 looks with a flawless finish, instantly. You can change your look to match the mo ment, even on the go, whether doing a presentation at work or going out for a night with friends.”

OPI xPRESS/ON sets will be available in iconic color (*available in classic and long length):

Iconic OPI Shades: Alpine Snow * Black Onyx Bubble Bath *

Big Apple Red

Funny Bunny Malaga Wine Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around Lincoln Park After Dark *

Cajun Shrimp Throw Me A Kiss * Mod About You Gelato On My Mind

Taupe-Less Beach

Strawberry Margarita Linger Over Coffee

New innovative finishes: Break The Gold Ask For A Raise IYKYK Swipe Night

Blue-gie Charging My Crystals

Professional nail art & designs: French Press So Into Blue I Want It, I Got It My 9 To Thrive Comin’ In Haute Galac-Tips Certified Chic

Tastes Like Strawberries

Each OPI xPRESS/ON set in cludes 30 professional quality nails, super hold glue, a cuticle tool, and a file. To apply, use the quick and easy four-step process: fit, shape, prep, and xPress. OPI xPRESS/ON offers 14days of gel-like manicure wear.

Beginning this month, OPI xPRESS/ON sets will retail for $12.99 (iconic shades), $13.99 (salon effects & longer lengths), and $15.99 (pro fessional nail art) each exclusively at ULTA, ulta.com, part of the Conscious Beauty at ULTA Beauty collection. OPI is guaranteed only when pur chased through authorized profession al beauty outlets and prestige stores, not from a drugstore, supermarket, mass outlet, or other unauthorized sources.

For more information, please visit OPI.com. Follow along @OPI on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and find the brand on Twitter @OPI_ PRODUCTS.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Aware ness Month, LILYSILK is rolling out special package offerings - customers purchasing LILYSILK’s bra collections will be provided a limited pink package service with a ribbon and self-care card for free, with advice on how to care for the breast listed on the card.

LILYSILK is a world-leading silk brand with a mission to inspire people to live spectacularly and more sustainably, driven by its care for its customers as well as the planet. The brand has been actively engaging in taking social responsibility and contributing to the promotion of people’s sustainable lives. For more information, visit www.lilysilk.com and follow @lilysilk on Instagram and @Lilysilk on Facebook.

Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, NBCF is Helping Women Now® by providing early de tection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for 16 years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, breast health education, and patient support programs. For more information, please visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

LILYSILK Partners with National Breast Cancer Foundation to Promote Breast Cancer Aware ness Month

ILBCF 2022 Annual Conference Higghlights

Photos by L M Warbington Photography

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST Plaintiff, -v.- GWENDOLYN MCCOY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2021 CH 04923 8005 S RIDGELAND AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60617

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 22, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 28, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8005 S RIDGELAND AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 20-36-107-002-0000 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The bal ance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satis fy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichev er is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and sub section (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the prop erty. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this proper ty is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common inter est community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SEC TION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo iden tification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For infor mation, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSO CIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 EMail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-20-06446 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021 CH 04923 TJSC#: 42-3205

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt col lector attempting to collect a debt and any infor

CLASSIFIED

mation obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2021 CH 04923 I3205118

HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS

Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870

services consortium

3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING

Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870

SERVICES CONSORTIUM

HELP WANTED

Gina's Unbelievable Learning Center 7239 S DOBSON AVENUE 773-324-2010

NOW HIRING QUALIFIED TEACHERS!

ATTENTION

Must Have a Valid Driver’s License

Please Call: (773) 233-5678 After 6:00 p.m.

Public Notice/ Legal Notice

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333

The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business.

ASSUMED NAME: Ryan Investments

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 18119 Ravisloe Ter Country club Hills IL 60478 USA

NAMEHOLDER(S):

Name: Address: Trevor Ryan Private Express Trust

18119 Ravisloe Ter Country Club Hills IL 60478

USA

If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this docu ment, this document supersedes the data refer enced in the attachment.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this docu ment under oath.

SIGNED BY: UCC 1 - 308

MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided

EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: shyraent@gmail.com

Work Item 1339030000020 Original File Number 1339030000020

STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FILED 09/28/2022 11:59 PM

Steve Simon

Secretary of State (StatePoint) Being new at anything can be intimi

dating. What’s great about hiking is that it’s free and open to all, no matter where you live or your level of experience. You also don’t need much gear or education to get started.

Ready to find the nearest trail? Check out these three tips and hike your way to greater fitness, well-being and adventure.

1. Find Community

The world of hiking gear, apparel and footwear is vast, which might be a bit confusing for those new to the outdoor experience. Look for brands that make things simple. For example, KEEN Footwear is on a mission to make the outdoors more acces sible by providing high-quality footwear at inclusive price points.

Some outdoor and sporting goods stores host out door skills workshops and group-led trips to help consumers feel comfortable prior to hitting the trail. For example, REI offers virtual and in-person courses in topics like hiking and backpacking, along with lessons in everything from being bear aware to avoiding common stings and bites. These classes and events are a terrific opportunity to meet like-minded people with whom to share future outdoor adventures.

2. Take Care of Your Feet

While you don’t need much to enjoy a hike, it’s important to have proper footwear for the terrain that’s comfortable, fits well and has the right tech nology features.

Expensive, bulky hiking boots that need to be bro ken in are not always the right answer for a newer hiker. Innovative solutions are emerging however. The KEEN Targhee has been keeping feet com fortable on the trail for more than 17 years. It’s a go-to hiking boot for backcountry overnights and hiking in rugged terrain. KEEN has created a new option that offers all of the most important features of its iconic, trail-tested Targhee collection with a fresh approach and inclusive pricing. The Circadia line is a back-to-basics alternative that provides the protection and stability of a hiking boot with a lighter, more sneaker-like feel. Expect out-of-thebox comfort, all-day cushioning, and stability on any trail surface, from dirt to gravel. It’s a great choice for local day hikes and short out-and-backs.

Another solid option from KEEN is Ridge Flex. Because this boot requires less energy on the part of the hiker, it’s known as the “e-bike of hiking boots,” and is ideal for beginners and experts alike. This is due to the KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technol ogy that makes it easier to flex the boot right out of the box. Thanks to this design, this boot bends where others may crack and weaken over time, making it a good long-term investment for hikers interested in multi-day backpacking and thru-hikes (hiking a long-distance trail end-to-end).

3. Prioritize Safety

As with any outdoor activity, checking the weather is a must before heading out on a hike in order to have the right apparel for comfort, whether that is heat, wind or the cold. Be sure to bring extra food and water, or a way to purify water on the go, along with a simple first-aid kit and tools to start a fire.

Don’t forget your cell phone, but be aware that cell phones do not always work on hiking trails.

It’s also a good idea to read up on the trail you’re planning to tackle to ensure it meets your abilities. Always tell a friend or family member when and where you’re hiking and what time you expect to return.

Whether you’re hoping to spot some elusive wildlife or you’re a fitness buff looking to get a great workout in nature, the outdoors is for you. And with a few simple preparations, you’ll be ready to hit the trail with confidence.

We support the local news our communities need

That’s why Google partners with publishers like Shaw Local, a family-run network of local news sites across Illinois, including the Kane County Chronicle.

Shaw Local boosted newsletter subscriptions by 17%, building deeper connections with their readers, after participating in our audience development program. It’s another way we work with local publishers nationwide to build a stronger future for news.

more about how Google supports local news g.co/supportingnews/local