SPEAKER’S
Bose Akadiri is a Motivational Speaker and Corporate Trainer and the Founder of Goal and Grind. PHOTO PROVIDED BY BOSE AKADIRI.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND CTA LAUNCH “KNOW YOUR RIGHTS” AD CAMPAIGN TO VIDEO SCREENS ACROSS CHICAGO
The digital display ads will appear at over 400 locations across the Chicago region
CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have launched a new public awareness and ad campaign to ensure residents of Chicago know their rights in the event of being stopped and detained by federal immigration agents.
The ad campaign, featured on video screens across the transit system, directs riders to online resources and guidance for visits by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Chicago will always be a Welcoming City, not just by ordinance, but also with our inclusive and loving spirit,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Our ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign in collaboration with the CTA is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting and supporting all people of Chicago. I appreciate President Carter and the CTA for implementing this awareness campaign and I look forward to our City’s continued efforts to stand strong in our welcoming stance.”
“We want to affirm that our public transportation system is looking out for the constitutional rights afforded to all who ride our trains and buses,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “CTA supports the Mayor’s efforts to ensure that our riders have access to helpful guidance if they feel their rights are being violated.”
The ads will be displayed on over 400 screens across the CTA system and carry with them a QR code that directs riders to the City’s Know Your Rights campaign website. It includes resources in English, Spanish, and French informed by The Resurrection Project, National Immigrant Justice Center, and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
In addition to resources for people who are struggling because a member of their family has been detained by ICE, the website offers helpful information, including a link to the ICE locator online if you believe someone is being held by ICE.
Other helpful information includes guidance contact information for the USCIS’ hotline to obtain information about immigration court proceedings and tips for obtain free immigration legal services.
INTERSTATE SHOOTINGS DECREASE FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR
Interstate shootings down 31% statewide in 2024
SPRINGFIELD – For the third year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting interstate shootings statewide decreased 31% in 2024, compared to 2023. Since a record high in 2021, there has been a decrease in interstate shootings every year:
31% decrease from 2023 to 2024
53% decrease from 2022 to 2024
71% decrease from 2021 to 2024
In 2024, through patrol enforcement and special violent crime reduction missions, we saw a 7% decrease in fatal crashes, a 3% increase in illegal firearms seized, and a 24% increase in vehicles recovered.
The use of ISP Air Ops and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) has been a game changer in identifying and tracking those committing crime, as well as reducing crashes. ISP uses its Air Ops to help track vehicles and individuals fleeing from officers, reducing the risk of a high speed pursuit that can result in a fatal crash. ISP also uses ALPRs, not only to assist in apprehending individuals in real time as the crime occurs, like a vehicle hijacking, but also during investigations. Special agents can use ALPRs to identify vehicles that may have been involved in or witnessed an interstate shooting and follow up with those individuals.
ISP’s crime fighting strategies will continue to evolve as crime evolves and we are committed to reducing shootings and fatalities, getting illegal guns and drugs off the streets, and preventing fatal crashes.
Joy At The Center Of Motivational Speaker’s Work
Continued from page 1
BY TIA CAROL JONES
She believes that joy is the foundation, not just the reward when it comes to goal setting.
Akadiri created Goal and Grind because she was asked how she made the transformations in her life. Originally from Oklahoma, Akadiri moved to Chicago 10 years ago, with no job and no network. She said it was very strategic and very rooted in joy.
Akadiri described Goal and Grind as a place of joy. She has a five-step method where people get grounded in their own joy, and build goals from there. She said people don’t have to wait to accomplish a list of things to get to joy, they deserve to have joy immediately.
Akadiri facilitates three kinds of workshops. Her staple workshop is the Vision and Goals workshop. The majority of her clients who attend that event are women, but there are some men who attend. It is the one event that is open to the public.
“It’s really for people who want to make a positive change in their life and are ready to go after what I call their dream life,” she said.
The Elevator Pitch and Beyond workshop starts from a place of joy with their goals, personally and professionally, and learning about the intentions and skills that go along with that. The goal is for attendees to craft an elevator pitch and start to brand themselves professionally, in order to get the role they want.
is that she takes the time to tailor portions to her specific clients, by having very strategic conversations with them so she can provide the right tools.
“The things that no one teaches you when you are in school, I bring that to the table and empower their employees, empower them in a way that they feel confident and they are clear when they are talking about their career aspirations,” she said.
The attendees also learn how to build their network. Akadiri said companies ask her to come in and do this workshop for rotational analyst or intern groups and early career groups, because it positions them for strategic growth.
Akadiri said that organizations and teams are drawn to the work she does with Goal and Grind because she provides an outside perspective with a new twist and new flavor, and she is sharing a proven methodology in an inspiring and positive way. She said she creates an environment of trust and strategic career planning.
“When companies bring me in, then that shows employee retention, employee engagement, and it really strengthens their talent pipeline,” she said.
Akadiri said that listening to what companies are providing to their employees helps her connect and engage with her corporate audiences. That way, what she brings is additive and not duplicative. She said what makes her workshops stand out
Akadiri looks at goals from a holistic approach, which includes personal, professional, health and financial. She said it’s all interconnected and by seeing how the dots are connected, it empowers a person to make goals that make sense and supports each other in those areas. For example, if a person know that they will have a lot going on in their personal life in one quarter, they can ensure their professional goals and other goals they are working on happens in a different quarter. That way, everything comes together in a nice, holistic way.
Akadiri said that change is inevitable. She said by recognizing where a person is and where the team they are working with is, they can navigate transitions like leadership changes, restructuring or cultural shifts in the workplace. She added that when a person understands their own strengths and what they bring to a team and are open to the change also helps. She said when people understand their strengths and the strengths of the other people on their team, they can come together like a beautiful puzzle.
Akadiri said that she wishes people knew that joy is the foundation of goal setting not the reward. She said when people use joy as the foundation, they can build more meaningful goals.
“I am on a mission to make sure everybody know that they deserve joy right now and that it is the foundation of goal setting,” she said.
Akadiri also has a Finish Line Fridays on her platforms where she encourages people to reflect on their wins and how the week went. She said she does that because when people reflect in their wins, it is much easier to compile them at the end of the month or end of the quarter and create joy-based, intentional goals.
Akadiri is launching free resources, courses on building a personal brand, how to answer interview questions and how people can network their way into a job, as well as negotiating.
For more information about Goal and Grind, visit www. goalandgrind.com. You can also find Bose Akadiri and Goal and Grind on LinkedIn. She is also on Instagram and YouTube.
ComEd Ambassador Program Provides Jobs and Support to Customers in Need
Flowers educates the public as a hired member of ComEd’s Community Energy Assistance Ambassador (CEAA) program. Since 2020, and borne out of the need to help struggling families during the Covid pandemic, the program has provided temporary, part-time jobs to hundreds of individuals across Chicago and in Rockford, Ill.
Ambassadors learn about the dozens of options ComEd customers have to pay their electric bills. They attend events in communities hardest hit by the economy, where they help educate others about utility bill-assistance options available through ComEd and other state and federal programs. The idea is to recruit individuals who know their neighborhoods well enough to help identify where and how to effectively connect ComEd customers to the bill assistance they need. Entering the 2024-25 winter season, CEAAs have reached out to thousands of northern Illinois families.
This winter season, there are approximately 100 CEAAs hired to help to connect ComEd customers to bill-assistance programs across the Chicago area and Rockford, Ill. Due to demand, two of these positions are full-time for the first time in the history of the five-year-old program.
CEAAs are also trained to play a crucial role in educating the public on ways to better manage their energy use. This includes information on offerings available through the award-winning ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, which offers rebates, discounts and services designed to help customers manage energy use and lower future electricity bills.
CEAA is administered by the Chatham Business Association (CBA), a small-business resource center that sources eligible participants from across Chicago and Rockford for CEAA, then hires, trains, equips and manages ambassadors on bill-support options.
“I am grateful for ComEd’s trust in CBA to manage the CEAA program,” said Melinda Kelly, CBA chairman and president. “ComEd looks to CBA to collaborate with reputable community organizations and stakeholders so that, together, we can provide the type of education and outreach that helps anyone access the assistance they need.”
For more information about ComEd’s Smart Assistance Manager (SAM), an online self-service tool that matches customers with bill-assistance options, visit https://secure.comed. com/assistance/landing.
Bose Akadiri, a Motivational Speaker and Corporate Trainer, founded Goal and Grind to empower people to get grounded in joy. PHOTO PROVIDED BY BOSE AKADIRI.
The Obama Foundation Opens Applications for the 2025-2027 Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for
Public Service
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ANNOUNCE THE GOOD FOOD FUND GRANT ROUND 2 AWARDEES
This scholarship provides financial support, travel-based learning opportunities, and access to a global network of leaders for 100 students pursuing careers in public service.
CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the awardees of the final round of the Good Food Fund Grant program. The Good Food Fund program increased access to culturally relevant and nourishing food on the South and West sides, expanded business ownership and jobs in the food industry, generated more sustainable local food economies and increased local sourcing and supply of locally grown and regionally produced foods. The 108 Chicago food businesses received a total of $3,360,000 in funding.
CHICAGO – The Obama Foundation opened applications for the 2025-2027 Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Funded by a $100 million contribution from Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky, the scholarship provides college students with last-dollar financial aid to help alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences, opportunities to connect with new communities, and access to a network of mentors and leaders to support them throughout their careers.
“I am proud to issue this round of Good Food Fund grants in recognition of
Now in its fourth year, the Voyager Scholarship continues to reflect
CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST
the local businesses and restaurants that are restoring equitable food access to our communities,” said Mayor Johnson. “With these grants, we grow our neighborhoods through new job opportunities, business openings, and economic vibrancy, and most importantly we ensure that South and West Side communities have access to locally grown, nourishing food. My administration along with our Food Equity Council and community partners are committed to growing our local food ecosystem for all residents.”
the Obama Foundation and Chesky’s dedication to empowering young leaders to address the world’s most complex issues through bridging divides and public service. The scholarship helps students refine their values-based leadership approach, build bridges across communities, and nurture their sense of curiosity as they deepen their commitment to pursuing public service careers.
The Good Food Fund program increased access to culturally relevant and nourishing food on the South and West sides, expanded business ownership
ation
and jobs in the food industry, generated stronger and more sustainable local food economies and increased local sourcing and supply of locally grown and regionally produced foods.
Summer Voyage: Students will receive a $10,000 stipend and free housing in Airbnb listings to pursue a summer work-travel experience between their junior and senior year of college. Students design their own Summer Voyage to gain exposure to new communities and experience in a chosen field.
Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses slowly through three main stages: early, middle, and late (also referred to as mild, moderate, and severe in medical contexts). While each individual’s experience may differ, understanding these stages can help caregivers and families prepare for the journey ahead.
arly-Stage Alzheimer’s (Mild)
Chicago’s Chicken
The Food Equity Council, and Allies for Community Business (A4CB), in collaboration with the City, assisted in developing the criteria for the Round 2 of the grant program. The goal was to provide businesses, across the food ecosystem, in communities with inequitable food access with an opportunity to apply for and receive a grant ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. This round also allowed eligibility for businesses in the incubation stage provided a fiscal sponsor applied on their behalf.
87Th Street Jerk & Seafood Market
Auburn Gresham
Aaron’s FOF BBQ And Catering
Greater Grand Crossing
Anticonquista Cafe Near West Side
Attribute Analytics Near West Side Banter Marketplace
East Garfield Park BaseHit BBQ
Austin
Bitoy’s Sweet Treats Inc.
Shack
Ashburn
Classic Cobbler
Baked Goods
Deli Austin
Cynthia’s Gumbo Express Washington Heights
Dilly Dally Provisions
East Garfield Park
Dirty Tiffs Cafe
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, individuals may still function independently but experience memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or misplacing objects. Though symptoms may not be widely apparent, close friends and family may begin to notice changes.
Common Difficulties Include:
• Forgetting recent conversations or names. Difficulty performing everyday tasks in social or work settings.
Austin Boba Heaven
Ashburn
Bobijoa
Lower West Side
Brill & Fishel, P.C. (Sponsoring: Giladi’s)
Brooklyn Pizza On Kedzie
Ashburn
Brown Sugar
Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor,GreaterGrand Crossing, Burnside,Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.
SOUTH SUBURBAN
HYDE PARK
Voyager Scholarship recipients receive a $10,000 stipend and free housing in Airbnb listings to pursue a summer work-travel experience, or “Summer Voyage,” of their design between their junior and senior years of college. Students design their own Summer Voyage to gain exposure to new communities and deepen their experience in their chosen field. Last summer, the 2023-2025 cohort of Voyagers returned from their Summer Voyages to 63 countries and 33 U.S. states and territories. During their Summer Voyages, students participate in internships, volunteer experiences, and research opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the issues they care about most. Learn more about the third cohort of Voyager Scholarship recipients here.
Grand Boulevard
Dishroulette
Kitchen (Sponsoring: Fusion Foods Group)
Doughboy’s
Chicago
Greater Grand
Crossing
El Capitan Snacks
Belmont Cragin
Bakery
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.
Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island,SouthHolland,and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!
CHICAGO WEEKEND Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park
SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY
El Hongo Magico
Fresh Market
West Englewood
Gobez Coffee LLC
Edgewater
Grossett Jerk
Chicken Truck
Chatham
Harold’s Chicken
Shack #17
Chicago Lawn
Nutrition
10-year Travel Stipend: After graduation, Airbnb will provide the students with a $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years, a total of $20,000. This allows students to continue to grow their expertise and forge new connections throughout their public service careers.
Bridgeport MICKII’S
Soul Ramen
• Losing or misplacing valuable objects.
Douglas
Rogers Park
Minimercado La Betania
South Lawndale
Mister Gerrys
Groceries
West Pullman
Moonbeans Orbital Foods Co.
West Town
Hegewisch
Hegewisch
Heray Spice
Lakeview
Homegirls Hum-
mus
West Lawn
Modern Food Mart & The Ice Cream Shop
Rogers Park
MsP’sGFree Woodlawn
National Public
Soule Chicago
North Lawndale
Splyt N Half
Kitchen
Austin
Steepers Only
East Garfield Park
Street Vendors
Monthly Virtual Sessions: Students must participate in monthly virtual programming sessions, including speaker series and mentorship roundtables, Summer Voyage design workshops, and Summer Voyage coaching sessions, to ensure they make the most out of their experience.
Association Of Chicago (Sponsoring: Mayra Arroyo Perez)
• Increased difficulty with planning or organizing. During this stage, individuals can still actively participate in decisions about their care and future plans. Early diagnosis can help maximize quality of life and allow access to necessary resources.
Middle-Stage Alzheimer’s (Moderate)
Middle-stage Alzheimer’s is usually the longest stage and may last for many years. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more pronounced, requiring greater levels of care and supervision.
Common Symptoms Include:
• Forgetfulness about personal history and important events.
Supermercados Granados
(Sponsoring: Grand Panaderia y Café)
Tacos El Mercadito
Clearing
Hook Point Fish-
eries
Housing Museum (Sponsoring:
• Increased confusion about time and place.
• Difficulty choosing appropriate clothing.
• Changes in sleep patterns, mood swings, and withdrawal from social situations.
• Increased risk of wandering and getting lost.
Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores,Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland,South Shore and Hyde Park.
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
Greater Grand Crossing
The application deadline for the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is April 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM United States Central Time (UTC-6). The Obama Foundation will award the scholarship to 100 students from colleges and universities across the United States and its territories. Voyager Scholarship for Public Service recipients receive:
Brown’s Family & Soul BBQ
Auburn Gresham Burp Inc
Roseland
Cafe Aroma De Mexico
Loop
Taqueria
South Lawndale
Enterprise 13
Healthy Vending
West Garfield Park
Evelyn’s Food Love
Washington Park
Factotum Coffee
Hermosa
Flammin Restau-
Cafe Consume
Mckinley Park
Carniceria El Porvenir West Pullman
Carniceria La Hacienda No 2
West Lawn
Carniceria La
Hacienda No. 3
Gage Park
rant Greater Grand Crossing Forty Acres Fresh
Near South Side
In Good Spirits
Inspiration
Kitchens
Fall Summit: During their Junior Year, Voyagers have the option to attend an in-person convening where they engage in community-building activities with fellow Voyagers, build their leadership skills, and learn from leaders in public service.
Coalition Mobile Kitchens)
Naty’s Pizza
Gage Park
West Town
East Garfield Park
J&J Fruit Market
South Lawndale
JMPurePastry (Sponsoring: Royce + Reign)
Up to $50,000 in financial aid: Students will receive up to $25,000 per year in “last dollar” financial aid for their junior and senior years of college. This financial aid helps alleviate the burden of college debt so that students can afford to pursue a career in public service after gradu-
Just Jerk Cafe
Chatham
Not Just Cookies
Humboldt Park
Paleteria La Original Michoacana
South Deering
Passion T Catering
Greater Grand
Crossing
Pastes Y Empanadas Golden Tuzo
Taqueria 4 Hermanos
Gage Park
• Difficulty controlling bladder and bowel functions.
Taqueria Misantla
Ver South Lawndale
Tasa Coffee
Roasters
Humboldt Park
The Bakery Box
Network of Leaders: Throughout the program, students have access to the Voyager network of leaders, comprised of fellow Voyagers, Obama Leadership Network alumni, and mentors. This network gives students a support system as they begin in their fields. After graduation, students join the Obama Foundation’s global community, providing them with Foundation resources and programming.
La Canasta Bakery
Logan Square
Laos To Your House
East Garfield Park
Latin Plate Cater-
ing & Events
East Garfield Park
Belmont Cragin
Pete’s Place
East Garfield Park
Pink Salt
East Garfield Park
Poppin Dough
Near North Side
The Sole Ingredient Catering
Kenwood
The Vulgar Vegan East Garfield Park
Twisted Eggroll
For more information about the Voyager Scholarship, including the application process and answers to frequently asked questions, visit voyager-scholarship.obama.org.
Lemaster Family
Kitchen
Near West Side
Washington
Heights
Red Snapper Fish Chicken & Pizza
Austin
Area..Continued from Page 2
East Garfield Park
Unbothered Foods
Lake View
Uncle Earl’s BBQ
East Garfield Park
Vargo Brother Ferments
Avondale
Vegan Now 2Go
Caregivers may need additional support as the person with Alzheimer’s experiences behavioral changes and increased dependency on assistance for daily activities.
Late-Stage Alzheimer’s (Severe)
In the final stage of the disease, cognitive and physical decline become severe, and individuals require around-the-clock care. Communication abilities diminish, and responding to the environment becomes increasingly difficult.
Common Symptoms Include:
• Loss of awareness of surroundings and recent experiences.
• Difficulty speaking or forming coherent sentences.
• Declining physical abilities, including difficulty walking and swallowing.
• Increased vulnerability to infections, such as pneumonia.
At this stage, hospice care and other palliative support services can help provide comfort and dignity to individuals and their families.
Seeking Support and Resources
Carniceria La Hacienda No. 4
Gage Park
Austin Four Star Mushrooms Near West Side Freddies
Little Sandwich
House
presence matters. Learn more about upcoming events at targetarea.org/ events
Grand Boulevard
Loquacious Culinary Events
Bridgeport
Fresh Catch Fish and Seafood
Bridgeport
Royal Ice Cream
Near West Side
Salsas Family Market
Lincoln Square
Siam Pasta
South Shore
Whadda Jerk East Garfield Park
WTC Wellness Café
South Chicago Wura Meals
Majani
Volunteer: Give your time to help make Englewood a better place for everyone.
Chicago Indoor
Garden Inc.
Humboldt Park
Auburn Gresham
Fueled By AF Hermosa
South Shore
Markland Hubbard
To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit www.targetarea.org
Funnel Cake & Icee
Gourmet Provisions
Beverly Meze Table
West Ridge
Siri Indian Groceries
Douglas Snj Grocery
Avondale
The Good Food Fund programming ended on December 31, 2024.
To learn more about BACP’s Recovery Plan efforts, please visit Chicago.gov/
Target Area, a nonprofit organization founded in 1995, serves five communities across Chicago’s South and West sides. Its mission
East Garfield Park
Yolis Tamales
Gage Park
Zeitlin’s Delicatessen
South Lawndale
BACPRecoveryPlan. To learn more about Chicago’s Food Equity Council, please visit: Chicago.gov/ChicagoFoodEquityCouncil.
is to create safer cities by inspiring and empowering people. Through its comprehensive R.O.M.E. Model Target Area offers a wide range of services including Reentry, Outreach (Youth and Community), Mentoring and Mental Health, and Education and Entertainment. By addressing the diverse needs of these communities, Target Area remains committed to fostering positive change and making a lasting impact.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a challenging journey, but support is available. Whether through community programs, respite care, or caregiver support groups, finding the right resources can help ease the burden and improve quality of life for both individuals with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.
For more information on Alzheimer’s stages, treatment options, and caregiving support, visit www. alz.org
Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593.4211.
About the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) that is available 365 days a year. Specialists and master’s-level clinicians provide confidential support and information to individuals living with dementia, caregivers, families, and the public.
Good Food Fund Grant Round 2 Awardees:
National Alliance for Black Business (NABB) Secures Historic USPTO Federal Trademarks
TUSKEGEE, Ala., PRNewswire -- The National Alliance for Black Business (NABB)®, co-founded by the National Business League (NBL)®, National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)®, and The World Conference of Mayors (WCM)®, proudly announces the official registration of two groundbreaking trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): National Alliance for Black Business (U.S. Trademark Registration No. 7616333) and NABB National Alliance for Black Business (U.S. Trademark Registration No. 7606600). These trademarks represent a monumental step in institutionalizing Black economic empowerment and creating a unified platform to advocate for Black businesses globally.
This milestone is a tes tament to over a century of advocacy for Black economic independence, tracing back to Booker T. Washington’s founding of the National Business League in 1900. His vision of self-reliance and economic sovereignty for Black Americans is at the heart of NABB’s mission to unify and empower Black businesses in today’s global economic landscape.
Key Milestones and Leadership Insights
and WCM and 100+ to amplify Black economic equity.
NABB Hosted the NBL’s 124th National Black Business Conference (2024): A landmark event attended by more than 3,000 participants and delegations from 32 Pan-African countries, with President Joseph Boakai of Liberia as a keynote speaker.
USAID/NABB Partnership (2024): A historic MOU aimed at strengthening trade ties between Black businesses in the U.S. and the Pan-African diaspora.
NBL/NABB Black Supplier Development Program (2024): Generated over $150 million in contracts, demonstrating the success of intentional economic inclusion strategies.
USAID/NABB Caribbean Trade Mission (2024): Launched initiatives to expand trade and commerce between Black American businesses and Caribbean nations.
Trademark Achievement: The trademarks not only secure legal protections but also symbolize a commitment to a unified Black business narrative.
Dr. Ken L. Harris, NBL President and NABB Co-Founder: “This legal victory is emblematic of our dedication to redefining Black economic empowerment, leveraging historical foundations for future prosperity.”
Honorable Johnny Ford, WCM Founder: “These trademarks are a pivot in our global economic strategy, showcasing the strength of unity in advancing Black business interests.”
Charles H. DeBow III, NBCC President and CEO: “The trademarks affirm our resolve to ensure Black businesses are recognized and integrated into the broader economic system, fostering accountability across sectors.”
Past 2024 Accomplishments Leading to the Trademark Approval
Formation of NABB (2022): A collaborative initiative uniting the NBL, NBCC,
The Road Ahead NABB will continue its momentum with the upcoming launch of the Black Business Enterprise (BBE) Certification and Scorecard Program, scheduled for the NBL’s 125th Quasquicentennial National Black Business Conference in Atlanta in August 2025. This program will further solidify conference host NABB’s role in promoting economic sovereignty and equitable resource distribution for Black businesses worldwide.
About the Co-Founders
NABB: A nonprofit federation of Black business and professional organizations dedicated to Black business advocacy, representing interests across the U.S. and the Pan-African diaspora. Visit www.nationalallianceforblackbusiness.com.
NBL: The oldest Black business trade association, founded by Booker T. Washington, advocating for economic equity since 1900 and owner of NABB. Visit www. nationalbusinessleague.org.
NBCC: A leading advocate for Black economic empowerment since 1993, with extensive chapter networks across the U.S. and globally. Visit www.nationalbcc. org.
WCM: Founded by Honorable Johnny Ford, WCM facilitates global mayoral collaboration for economic and cultural development. Visit www.worldconferenceofmayors.org.
Burrell Communications Group partners with Microsoft to innovate the tech giant’s approach to employee and culture storytelling
CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- Burrell Communications Group, one of the world’s most highly regarded Black-owned advertising agencies, has announced a new partnership with Microsoft, with the work to be centered on placing a strategic, people-focused lens on the tech giant’s employee storytelling efforts, driving innovative and impactful results.
The move to bring on Burrell, a champion in the multicultural marketing arena, is the agency’s newest business win and caps a stellar first year since Burrell was acquired by a private equity firm in late 2023 and named a new CEO and executive leadership team.
Burrell was chosen by Microsoft to develop a year-long marketing campaign to help tell the stories of its employees and company culture, as Microsoft grows into its 50th year.
“We were very intentional about presenting our creativity, backed by data-driven cultural insights to Microsoft which proved that people don’t live or think in silos,” said Tara DeVeaux, Burrell’s CEO. “Burrell has invested heavily in a cultural segmentation study that became a foundational element of our recommendation. We live in an intersectional world and race is just one part of how the population identifies. Every community navigates in unique ways they want to be recognized, embraced and understood,” she added. “Given our commitment to understanding the changing dynamics of people and culture, there’s no better agency for Microsoft to partner with in crafting their new approach than Burrell.”
“We’re energized to be working with Burrell Communications Group, and for the opportunity to tap into their marketing experience to continue to tell the stories of our employees around the world and their contributions to decades of Microsoft’s innovation,” stated Amanda O’Neal, Senior Director, Multicultural Communications for Microsoft. “Burrell has a strong track record helping Fortune 500 companies reflect authenticity and creativity in marketing campaigns and we look forward to the work ahead.”
Burrell Communications Group was founded in 1971 by renowned ad man Tom Burrell, who led the company for33 years. Today, Burrell Communications Group is the largest U.S. Black-owned agency specializing in understanding and speaking to today’s market, one that is more diverse and more multicultural than ever before in our country’s history. The agency boasts a roster of premiere, blue-chip clients that lead in their respective categories, including McDonald’s, Toyota, Comcast, Fidelity, Coca-Cola, Unilever and the American Red Cross. For more information, visit burrell.com.
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
PRNewsfoto/Burrell Communications Group
PRNewsfoto/The National Business League
Rewind It 10 Introduces Musician & Drink Champs Podcast Host N.O.R.E.
As New Ambassador for Jet Black Hair Dye Brand
MIAMI, PRNewswire -- Men’s beard and hair dye brand Rewind It 10 announced that it has enlisted musician and Drink Champs podcast host N.O.R.E. to serve as the ambassador of its Jet-Black hair dye product –now available for purchase at CVS, Sally Beauty, Amazon and Rewindit10.com.
Beyond delivering smash hits like “Oye Mi Canto,” and “Nothin,” N.O.R.E. also co-hosts of one of the most culturally relevant podcasts in the country, Drink Champs. Since launching the podcast in 2016, N.O.R.E. has interviewed the biggest names in sports and entertainment, including Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Issa Rae, Alicia Keys, Derek Jeter, Floyd Mayweather and many more. According to Edison Research’s latest 2024 report, Drink Champs was ranked in the Top 50 podcasts in the U.S.
N.O.R.E. previously sported a bald look for several decades before opting to grow out his hair in early-2024. Since then, the NYC native has publicly cited his use of Rewind It 10 for covering his grays, bolstering his hairline and producing his youthful look. Now, he’s formally joining the brand co-founded by Fat Joe, Carolyn Aronson and Jeff Aronson to lend his expertise to consumers.
“Ever since I started using Rewind It 10 on my hair, I’ve been looking and feeling younger,” N.O.R.E said. “I’m proud of what Fat Joe, Jeff and Carolyn have created with the brand because it really works. I’m proof that you can rewind the time and that’s why I wanted to use my platform to bring even more awareness to Rewind It 10.”
N.O.R.E. joins a star-studded lineup of luminaries representing Rewind It 10 brand products, including NFL star Travis Kelce, music mogul DJ Khaled, model Tyson Beckford, Latin Grammy award-winning hitmaker Nicky Jam, TV personality Brody Jenner, MMA fighter Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, singer Jencarlos Canela, model Kevin Creekman and Rewind It 10 co-owner Fat Joe himself.
“N.O.R.E. is one of the most influential voices in media and culture,” Rewind It 10 co-founder Jeff Aronson said. “He’s done a spectacular job pivoting from music to podcasting and I’m excited to watch him step into this new role with Rewind It 10. We’re going to work closely to share his personal story with the product and change the narrative around men’s hair and beard coloring.”
Fat Joe, Jeff and Carolyn collectively co-founded Rewind It 10 in late-2023 to better address the diverse haircare needs of men and shatter the stigma of hair coloring. The brand expanded distribution to CVS stores in the fall of 2024 and quickly became one of their biggest sellers, generating over 50 million in product sales.
Rewind It 10 is a brand co-founded by beauty entrepreneur Carolyn Aronson, industry veteran Jeff Aronson, and Grammy-nominated artist and entrepreneur Fat Joe. The brand is dedicated to providing men with high-quality, easyto-use at-home hair and beard coloring solutions, empowering them to express their individuality with confidence.
Baleaf Unveils Freeleaf SS2025 Collection in Collaboration with Broadway Performers
NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Activewear brand Baleaf proudly launches its Freeleaf SS2025 Collection, a groundbreaking collaboration with Broadway performers, kicking off the new year with a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and empowerment. The collection, themed “Movement as Melody, Freedom as Art,” reimagines every moment of physical activity—from yoga to dance and fitness—as an opportunity for artistic expression. Inspired by the artistry of Broadway, Baleaf’s Freeleaf collection encourages individuals to embrace their strength, individuality, and confidence, blending activewear with artistic movement to celebrate personal freedom and fluidity.
This exclusive collaboration features a dynamic ensemble of Broadway performers, including Lorna A. Courtney, Emily Jeanne Phillips, Keri René Fuller, Jenny Mollet, Dabria Aguilar, Heather Klobukowski, and Youngsil Kim. These remarkable artists bring the collection to life with their mastery of storytelling through movement. Leading the campaign is Lorna A. Courtney, acclaimed for her breakout role as Juliet in the Tony-nominated musical & Juliet. A Tony Award nominee and Clive Barnes Award winner, Lorna’s emotional depth and graceful artistry set the perfect tone for this partnership. Joining her are Emily Jeanne Phillips, a celebrated dancer and choreographer, and Jenny Mollet, an accomplished actress and dancer known for her roles in The Color Purple and Jesus Christ Superstar.
combining the passion of Broadway with our design philosophy to create a collection that empowers individuals to move confidently and express themselves freely.”
The Freeleaf SS2025 Collection showcases innovative designs crafted from fabrics that prioritize breathability, flexibility, and comfort. Each piece is designed to enhance natural body shapes while pro-
blend of elegance and support, this sports bra features seamless construction, breathable mesh panels, and high-elasticity jelly glue technology for comfort and a secure fit. The chic back design and thin straps make it versatile for both active pursuits and backless outfits.
Freeleaf Seamless High-Waisted Leggings: These leggings offer a second-skin fit that provides ultimate comfort and performance. Perfect for yoga, running errands, or lounging, the seamless design ensures friction-free movement, while the high-waisted style offers gentle compression and secure coverage. Practical features such as a hidden back pocket and adjustable length add to their versatility.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with these incredibly talented Broadway performers whose artistry has inspired audiences around the world,” said Lefee Xu, Founder and CEO of Baleaf. “This partnership reflects our commitment to creativity and innovation,
viding exceptional support, allowing wearers to feel confident, comfortable, and supported throughout their daily lives. The collection includes sizes ranging from 0 to 22, ensuring a diverse range of body types is represented. With a vibrant color palette that spans from the rich tones of winter to the lively hues of early spring, the collection offers a wide range of options for every style and preference.
Key pieces include:
Freeleaf Thin Strap Sports Bra: A harmonious
Since its inception in 2014, Baleaf has been dedicated to delivering sophisticated, high-performance activewear designed to meet the diverse needs of sports enthusiasts. Baleaf provides a premium yet affordable alternative in the activewear market, with a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and performance. Guided by the ethos “Co-Creating a Better Active Lifestyle,” Baleaf embodies a positive, health-oriented approach to life, empowering individuals to integrate fitness seamlessly into their daily lives. With Baleaf, it’s simple: “Where there’s movement, there’s Baleaf.”
The Freeleaf SS2025 Collection is now available on baleaf.com and Amazon. For more information on the Freeleaf Collection X Broadway, please visit Freeleaf Collection Page at https://tinyurl. com/2f3x9pse.
baleaf
Rewind It 10
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Celebration
In Recognition of Black History Month, HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Celebrates Power of “Kemba” Film in Securing Freedom for Michelle West and Full Pardon for Kemba Smith Pradia
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 3, 2025) –
Before former President Joseph Biden left office, he granted justice and freedom to scores of Americans including pardoning Marcus Mosiah Garvey posthumously as well as Kemba Smith Pradia while commuting the sentence of her longtime friend and former fellow inmate Michelle West. Both women were caught in the crosshairs of the drug dealing epidemic of the 1990s and harshly punished for the crimes of the men they loved. As many across the nation continue to celebrate Black History Month, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival celebrates the film Kemba film, highly favorited during the festival, and its social impact in securing freedom for Michelle West and Kemba Smith Pradia’s full pardon.
Using Smith’s more well-known life story captured in her memoir Poster Child, Kemba, directed by Howard University alumna Kelley Kali who was also a young woman during that time, takes us back to that era and outlines how Smith Pradia, who attended Hampton University, West, a mother, and other young women got entangled with “bad boys” and ensnared in the criminal enterprise of drug trafficking.
Both women were aggressively prosecuted amid the War on Drugs and received harsher sentences than many men directly involved in the criminal enterprise. Before her release in 2000 after President Bill Clinton commuted her sentence, Smith Pradia served 7 years of a twenty-four-anda-half-year sentence for a nonviolent drug offense. She even gave birth to her son while incarcerated. West served over 30 years in prison until Biden commuted her sentence. As the film details, Smith Pradia had the benefit of two dedicated parents, a powerful cover story from Emerge magazine, and the Legal Defense Fund led by Elaine Jones at the time to help secure her miraculous release.
Upon learning of the film, Miles Ahead Entertainment President and CEO Sheila Eldridge, who founded the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival, which launched on the campus of her alma mater Howard University in November 2023, quickly partnered with Black Women Film Network, a 25-year+ organization supporting Black women in the industry, for a screening in Atlanta. After seeing the film and meeting Smith Pradia, Eldridge
threw all her resources from her long-running, nationally syndicated Café Mocha Network, partnership with HBCU Go, and more to not only amplify Smith Pradia’s
remarkably true story but also to help raise awareness regarding women like West who were still incarcerated.
“With the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival’s 2024 theme of Black Cinema and Activism, I was compelled to lift up Kemba’s heartfelt story, powerful film, and support of criminal justice reform efforts,” said Eldridge.
“Especially knowing that this could happen to any young woman on a college campus today as a cautionary tale.”
By the time the sophomore HBCU First Look Film Festival came around in November 2024, Eldridge decided to incorporate Kemba, though
available to stream on BET+, and invited Smith Pradia into the festival, to serve as the opening film followed by a post-screening Q&A spotlighting her and Kali with
SHERRI executive producer and Norfolk State alum Jawn Murray “After I moderated the conversation with Kemba at the
HBCU First Look Film Festival, I was so moved by her journey and advocacy that I personally lobbied the White House to consider the clemency of both her and Michelle West,” said Murray. “Kemba is a great example of how you maximize second chances and I’m happy President Biden granted her full clemency. I also look forward to seeing how Michelle maximizes her fresh start ”
The inaugural year, the Obamas surprised the young HBCU First LOOK attendees by introducing their powerful Netflix film Rustin directed by Broadway icon George C. Wolfe. The stellar film about the great civil rights leader and general of the epic 1963
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom starred Colman Domingo, who later earned an Oscar nomination.
“Black History IS American History,” added Eldridge. “I celebrate and salute the achievements and contributions of Black filmmakers, producers, actors, content creators, and everyone across the entertainment industry.”
Bestselling author Roxane Gay is CCNY’s 2025 Langston Hughes medalist
NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Roxane Gay, the New York Times bestselling author and noted scholar, is the City College of New York’s 2025 Langston Hughes Medal recipient. She’ll receive the Medal at CCNY’s 46th annual Langston Hughes Festival, Feb. 13-14. This year’s event commemorates the centenary of the Harlem Renaissance, that intellectual and cultural revival of African-American literature, music, art, theater and scholarship of which Langston Hughes was a central figure.
The medal is awarded to highly distinguished writers from throughout the African American diaspora. It recognizes honorees for their impressive works of poetry, fiction, drama, autobiography and critical essays that help to celebrate the memory and tradition of Langston Hughes. Past award winners include: James Baldwin; Gwendolyn Brooks; Toni Morrison; August Wilson; Maya Angelou; Octavia Butler; Edwidge Danticat; Zadie Smith; Michael Eric Dyson; Rita Dove; Jamaica Kincaid; Lynn Nottage; and
Gay’s writing appears also in Best American Mystery Stories 2014, Best American Short Stories 2012, and Best Sex Writing 2012. Among the many literary magazines frequently publishing her work are: A Public Space, McSweeney’s, Tin House, Oxford American, American Short Fiction, and Virginia Quarterly Review. Read more here.
In 2020, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ Pride parade, Queerty -- the online news and entertainment publication that covers LGBTQ-related topics, including news and politics -- named Gay among the 50 heroes “leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people.” She was also included in the 2022 Fast Company Queer 50 list.
Gay is a graduate of Norwich University (B.A.), the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (M.A.) and Michigan Technological University (Ph.D.).
The Langston Hughes Festival commences Thursday, Feb. 13, with a student symposium. The evening ceremony will include a reading by Gay, and a conversation between her and author Edwidge Danticat, the 2011 Langston Hughes medalist.
Concluding the program on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, will be the first Langston Hughes Festival Fundraising Breakfast.
New Orleans-Based Musician Trombone Shorty Invests in Local Beverage Brand, Mockly
NEW ORLEANS, PRNewswire -- New Orleans-based, premium canned mocktail brand, Mockly announced today a partnership with celebrated New Orleans musician, Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews). Both with strong New Orleans roots, this partnership merges Trombone Shorty’s rich musical legacy with Mockly’s dedication to crafting flavorful, non-alcoholic beverages that capture the essence of the city.
A New Orleans legend, Trombone Shorty seamlessly blends funk, soul, R&B, and rock into his signature sound. He has made his mark by closing out the iconic New Orleans Jazz Fest in recent years, leading his own Mardi Gras parade atop a float crafted in his likeness, and hosting the electrifying Treme Threauxdown. Mockly has been setting the bar high for non-alcoholic RTD beverages in New Orleans and beyond since the brand’s inception in 2020. They can be found in a variety of hotels and restaurants throughout the city and in stores nationally.
The organic partnership arose from Trombone Shorty and Mockly’s mutual passion for the vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere of New Orleans. Trombone Shorty does not drink alcohol and never has, and as a fan of this local, one-of-a-kind NA brand, he wanted to help share their story.
“Trombone Shorty is the perfect representation of Mockly’s mission to have a good time, no matter what’s in your cup. We have always imagined our beverages being consumed at concerts and events, and there is no music that says New Orleans more than Trombone Shorty on the trombone!” said Mockly’s Co-Founder, Aimee Sedky. “Our mutual NOLA roots, coupled with an alcohol-free lifestyle, make this partnership a perfect fit.”
Through the partnership both parties aim to honor the spirit of New Orleans by bringing together Trombone Shorty’s music, the city’s rich history, and flavorful locally inspired drinks. Together, they are bringing a new way to experience New Orleans’ culture that’s both fun and inclusive for all.
Born in 2020, Mockly is a New Orleans founded and inspired canned mocktail that emulates the fun and flavor of a delicious cocktail, without the booze. Crafted by renowned mixologist Jesse Carr, these unique beverages don’t try to mimic a booze-free version of a cocktail, but instead create a whole new tasting experience with real, quality ingredients. Mockly is available online at drinkmockly.com, on Amazon, and in select Whole Foods and Total Wines in three artisanal flavors: Love Bite (Pomegranate Ginger Tonic), Eye Opener (Tangerine Basil Elixir), and Baron von Blue (Blueberry Rose Spritz).
Trombone Shorty. Mockly
Roxane Gay. The City College of New York
South Carolina, Staley Ink Historic Contract Extension
(Black PR Wire) COLUMBIA, S.C.
– Th e University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved today a contract extension for women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley that will go through the 2029-30 season and make her the highest paid college women’s basketball coach in the history of the sport.
“Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina,” said Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati. “She has elevated the sport of women’s basketball on the national level and here on campus and I am excited that she will be representing our University for many years to come.”
The contract, which began immediately following Board approval, starts with an annual salary of $4 million, includes a $500,00 signing bonus and an annual $250,000 escalator, making the total value approximately $25.25 million.
“I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and of its investment in women’s basketball,” Staley said. “What we’ve been able to accomplish on the court is a testament to what can happen when you bring together the right people from a team perspective but also have the right commitment from the University, the Athletics Department and the community to providing that team with everything it needs to be successful. I appreciate every person who has been part of our journey – player, staff member, University President and leadership, Board of Trustee member, athletics director, athletics department employee and fan. I look forward to continuing to be an example of how an investment in women’s basketball is one that will pay off for everyone.”
Since taking the reins of the program in May 2008, Staley has made South Carolina into a perennial national power. The Gamecocks are one of five programs to have at least three NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championships, and they are one of two programs to have put together multiple 40-game win streaks. Staley has led South Carolina to six of the last nine NCAA Final Fours, including each of the last four. Their current 107 consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the AP Poll is the longest active streak and the 11th longest streak in the history of that poll. The Gamecocks’ 86 AP No. 1 rankings, all coming under Staley, are the third-most by a program in that poll’s history as well. Staley’s teams have been the benchmark in the SEC over the last decade, amassing eight regular-season titles since 2013-14 and finishing no lower than second in
that time. Since that season, the Gamecocks have a 165-15 record in league action, including an 81-3 mark since 2019-20. South Carolina’s current 52-game SEC regular-season win streak is the league record and is the seventhx longest conference win streak in NCAA history. Earlier this season, Staley became the second-fastest coach to reach 200 SEC regular-season victories, and her .787 SEC winning percentage (20355) is second only to the legendary Pat Summitt. In Staley’s tenure, the Gamecocks have also had a lock on the SEC Tournament, winning eight titles since claiming their first in 2015. They became the first program in league history to win four consecutive tournaments, claiming the crowns 2015-18.
Under Staley’s tutelage, 11 Gamecocks have amassed 27 All-America honors, including two National Players of the Year in A’ja Wilson (2018) and Aliyah Boston (2022), who also became the program’s first National Defensive Player of the Year, CoSIDA Academic All-America Teammate of the Year and Honda Cup Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year. Three Gamecocks have earned SEC Player of the Year honors a combined seven times, and 22 have picked up All-SEC honors at least once, including 16 first-team selections.
After a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame career as a player, which included five WNBA All-Star appearances and three Olympic gold medals, Staley has proven she can prepare young talent for the next level. She has seen 14 Gamecocks taken in the WNBA Draft in the last nine seasons, including a pair of No. 1 overall picks in Wilson (2018) and Boston (2022). Three of those 14 picks earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors and three others made their WNBA All-Rookie Teams.
Staley is a five-time National Coach of the Year. Her 2020 unanimous selection made her the first
former Naismith Player of the Year to earn the Naismith Coach of the Year award, and she became the first men’s or women’s coach to claim the award in three straight seasons 2022-24. She is a seven-time SEC Coach of the Year, narrowly trailing Summitt’s SEC-record eight selections.
Off the court, Staley has made South Carolina women’s basketball
a community event with Gamecock fans leading the NCAA in average attendance for the last 10 seasons. The program sold out of season tickets for the first time in program history with 13,152 sold this season, putting the Gamecocks in line for an historic 11th-consecutive season atop the national attendance rankings.
Also a force in USA Basketball, Staley was named head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team in May 2017 and led the team to its record-tying seventh-straight Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. She was on the sideline as a head or assistant coach or on the court as a player for six of those seven gold medals. As a head coach, Staley has been named USA Basketball National Coach of the Year twice (2018, 2015) and helped the U.S. to 11 international gold medals. For her contributions to international basketball, Staley will be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.
Staley has this season’s team ranked No. 2/2 in the nation with a 17-1 overall record and a 5-0 mark in SEC play, including an NCAA-best six wins over ranked opponents.
Get Your House In Order
“No Long-Term Care Insurance, No Problem”
Do you have long-term care insurance or Medicaid? Did you know that you may be among the 55,000 people that the State of Illinois provided long-term care (LTC) to last year through their Healthcare and Family Services Department? Do you own a home and want to make sure that your designated heir receives the property as you have expressed? Planning for end-of-life care is extremely important. Nursing home care is expensive, but with the right planning, seniors can avoid losing everything they’ve worked for. Attorney Ashante Travis of The Barclay Law Group tells us how.
If you have Medicaid and must go to a nursing home, Medicaid can recover the money it spent on your care by claiming your home as an asset. This can sometimes be avoided by planning in advance. However, Medicaid has a 5-year look back period that might cause penalties if you have made large transfers of property.
Generally speaking, Medicaid treats the transfer of title to a recipient’s home like the transfer of any other appreciating asset. If a recipient disposes of assets for less than fair market price, he or she may be penalized, thus becoming ineligible for Medicaid LTC assistance. If the person transfers assets within a specified period (the so called 5-year look-back period) prior to applying for Medicaid LTC, denial of coverage will begin at the time the transfer was made and will last for as long as the uncompensated value of the gift would have covered the private-pay cost of nursing home care; transfers of assets prior to the look back date are not penalized.
According to Attorney Ashante Travis, there are still some exceptions to this rule. She states, “What many people do not know is that gifting strategies or asset transfers can help protect savings, if done properly. For most of us, our homes are our most valuable assets. To protect your home, you might consider placing the property in an irrevocable trust - but you could also gift it to your spouse without penalty.”
In some cases, the transfer of title to a home does not incur a Medicaid penalty. Medicaid recipients can transfer sole ownership of their homes to their spouses without penalty. The spouse is then free to do as she or he wishes with the property without adversely affecting the provision of Medicaid LTC services to the recipient.
Recipients can also transfer their homes without penalty: to a child who is under the age of 21 or blind or permanently disabled (at any age), a sibling who has an equity interest in the home and was residing there for at least 1 year prior to the applicants need for LTC; or a child of any age who was residing in the home at least 2 years prior to the applicant’s need for LTC and who provided care that permitted the applicant to reside at home rather than in an institution.
Thank you, Attorney Travis, for this useful information. Bye for now, Bren.
QUIZ: What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid when it comes to nursing home care? Answers to last week’s quiz: An accelerated benefit rider(clause), also known as an accelerated death benefit rider or living benefit, allows a life insurance policyholder to receive a portion of their life policy’s death benefit before they die. This happens if the policyholder is diagnosed with a terminal illness or other qualifying condition.
Disclaimer: The illustrations presented in this column are not, nor are they intended to be, legal, financial, or any other licensed professional advice, you should contact the licensed professional of your choice for advice on your individual situation.
Bren Sheriff
(StatePoint) Are you a college student interested in a career as a financial planner?
You might think you need to wait until you graduate to get started, but there are steps you can take as an undergraduate to jumpstart your career.
A good place to start is by becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. Here’s what to know:
CFP® certification has a twopart education requirement: To become a CFP® professional, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and complete coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program. The good news is that you can work toward both at the same time. Your college may offer a financial planning curriculum registered with CFP Board, allowing you to fulfill this requirement by earning your degree. If your school does not offer this curriculum, you can complete the coursework through a stand-alone program registered with CFP Board. There are more than 300 Board Registered Programs to choose from, both online and in person, giving you the flexibility to find a program that meets your needs.
Coursework prepares you for your future career: The coursework to become a CFP® professional gives you an advantage as a financial planner, covering essential topics that you’ll use daily, like tax planning and risk management. A capstone course ties it all together, showcasing your ability to create comprehensive financial plans for your future clients.
Support is available: CFP Board offers tools including mentorship
opportunities, exam preparation resources and an online forum to connect with other candidates, all to support you on your certification journey. These resources will be especially valuable as you balance your other academic commitments. You can apply to scholarships: Juggling college tuition on top of additional educational expenses may sound daunting. Fortunately, scholarships are available to help offset the costs for eligible students. Much of this financial aid is specifically geared toward candidates from underrep-
resented populations, including women and people of color. And once you obtain certification, you’ll be well-positioned to recoup your investment by earning a competitive salary.
To learn more about the CFP® certification journey, visit www.cfp.net.
Embarking on a financial planning career is not a dream you need to defer. In fact, come graduation day, you could already be well on your way to making it happen.
