Week of September 21, 2022 FREE | VOL 53 | ISSUE 39citizennewspapergroup.com www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9 w advertising@citizennewspapergroup.comtwitter.com/citizennewsnow WEEKENDC citizennewspapergroup.comWEEKLYP10P6P8 P2 Saks ProducesTheSuperstarWithFallCelebratesFashionNext-GenChlöeBaileyReturnoftheDenny’sOrangeBlossomClassicaPositiveImpact Project Hope is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Marillac St. Vincent’s signature program assists pregnant teens and young women. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARILLAC ST. VINCENT FAMILY SERVICES. PROJECT HOPE CONTINUES TO HELP PREGNANT AND PARENTINGTEENS The Marillac St. Vincent Family Services’ Project Hope is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The signature program provides pregnant teenage girls and young women, ages 12-25, with the necessary resources for them to be healthy during pregnancy and become better parents once they give birth. Newly FoundationJoinsGeekzAcceleratorlaunchedVenturesTechstarsBUSINESS P4 TaxMillionsPaymentsRebateBeginforofIllinoisans
In the beginning, Project Hope received funding from the Community Trust to do the pilot program. Then, the Ounce of Prevention Fund awarded money to the program.
2022 Chicago Audubon Society Environ mental Awards will honor local conservation heroes–individuals who have dedicated themselves to help mend the earth and transform places, large and small, into safe havens for migratory birds and wildlife. Awards will be presented to:
BY TIA CAROL JONES
CHICAGO’S PREMIER AFRICAN CHURCH BODY MARKS 25 YEARS IN GRAND STYLE
blind persons in Ghana. Amid wild applause, Rev. Dr. Noonoo was presented with a gold chain with a cross, in recognition of his leadership and services.Several awards were also presented to various individuals and member churches and ministries for their exemplary contributions to the council. Among the recipients were Eld, MacGeoffrey Kutor, ex-CGC chairperson, and Rev. Amos Oladipo of Nigeria, who served as the council’s treasurer when he was pastor of the African Community Meth odist Church. Rev. Dr. Noonoo hailed Min. Dr. Nicholas Thompson as an “able secretary.” CGC vice-president, Dr. Gabriel Amoateng-Boahen and Rev. Nana Owusu-Bempah, ex-CGC chairperson, could not attend the event, but they were remembered for their notable contributions.
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CHICAGO, PRLog -- VisionReady Inc. will host Champagne & French Fries at 6 p.m. Sept. 29, at City Point Loft, 2345 S. Michigan Ave. The evening will highlight the creativity and business acumen of boys and girls from Lost Boyz Inc. on their entrepreneurship journey while guests are being treated to culinary artisans’ unique twist on french fries paired with the evening’s Champagne selection. Comedian B Cole will emcee the evening to keep things high energy and every guest engaged.VisionReady
The phenomenal growth of Chicago’s premier African church body is impacting its community and beyond. From a humble beginning with three churches 25 years ago, the Council of Ghanaian Churches (CGC) has grown into an umbrella group of 24 churches and ministries stretching from Chicago to Bolingbrook, said Rev. Dr. Kofi-Noonoo, its founder and president.
In commemoration of its 25th anniversary, the CGC hosted a col orful festive celebration at the beautified Key Way to Heaven Ministries in Chicago. In an insightful opening prayer, Rev. Foster Agbe Ehia, the church pastor, expressed gratitude to God for the council’s anniversary and prayed for the group’s continued growth. Choirs of various churches sang melodious tunes prompting many to join in the dancing. Among hundreds of people present were Paa Kwesi Sam, president of Ghana National Council, community leaders, Rev. Albert Ocran, CGC treasur er, pastors, and leaders of churches and ministries.
Awards were presented by Rev. Ernest Baker, senior pastor of the New Hope Christian Missionary Baptist Church and chairperson of the board of trustees of the Africa Resurrection and Restoration Ministries (ARRM). Rev. Baker, an African American, is actively involved in the African community, ministering at churches and funerals, and making presentations at clergy retreats. The three-hour fun-filled event was emceed by Rev. Gideon Barden, a pastor of Christ Oasis Ministries.
Attendees expressed satisfaction with the event. Beautiful, awe some, amazing, and historic were expressions heard from some of them as they exited the event with bags of food and drinks. “It’s a milestone for CGC, an inspiration for African Christians,” one remarked.
Lost Boyz provides sports-based youth development to help boys and girls in Chicago’s under-resourced neighborhoods develop confi dence, resilience, and life skills. According to Lost Boyz Executive Director LaVonte Stewart, these young founders are excited about delivering their pitch and are busy preparing and video recording their entireSankarsinghprocess.founded VisionReady with the mission to advance the development and growth of small businesses owned by Women, People of Col or, LGBTQ, and Veterans by tearing down barriers to entry with intelligent technology. As a pioneer in business digitalization, VisionReady harnesses data, analytics, and technology expertise to give organizations a clear path to gaining industry lead ership and improving systems for scalability.
Project Hope began with Maureen Hallagan and her mother, Kay, as a threeyear pilot program. Hallagan and her mother wanted to create a program for pregnant and parenting teens because at the time, there were very few programs that existed for that group. They started out with pregnant and parenting teens in the Rockwell Gardens Housing Project. Eventually, Project Hope was moved to Marillac’s Jackson Street location.
Founder and CEO Petula Sankarsingh is thrilled to be sponsoring young and emerging entrepreneurs from Lost Boyz to partici pate in VisionReady’s Young Emerging Successors (YES) Program. At the event, participating youth will have the opportunity to present their business vision to the guests mimicking ABC’s popular business pitch show, Shark Tank. The guest list includes some of the movers and shakers and Chicago’s business scene.
The Craig Stettner Award for Environmental Education: Birds in My Neighborhood, Openlands Protector of the Environment – Political Advocacy: Southeast Environmental Task Force Protector of the Environment – Political Service: Alfred Saucedo Protector of the Environment – Single Act (Individual): Tamima Itani Protector of the Environment – Avocation (Individual): Dennis and Linda Marton Protector of the Environment – Avocation (Group): Piping Plover Monitors Protector of the Environment – Vocation: LouiseFirstClemencyFriend of Chicago Audubon: Nancy Bradt and Laury Lewis
Project Hope also has a home visiting component where family educators assist the teens, who are allowed to stay in the program until they turn 25.
One positive to Project Hope was introducing doulas to the pregnant teens and young women who participated in the program.
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“One of the major outcomes we’ve had with that is the increase in breastfeeding rates. We’ve been having 100% breastfeeding initiation rates in the program and that’s been really helpful,” Castine said.
CHICAGO, PRLog -- Chicago Audubon Society will present eleven Environmental Awards at a banquet on Saturday, Sept, 24, at the Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, 6100 North Central Ave.
Project Hope continues to help pregnant and parenting teens
Print: Patty Wetli
slightly.Inthe next 5 to 10 years, Castine sees Project Hope continuing to provide services for pregnant teenagers, with doulas preparing them for delivery, and family educators teaching the teenage mothers the importance of vaccinations and helping them to obtain skills to be self-sufficient.
BY NICHOLAS THOMPSON
Excellence in Environmental Reporting –Broadcast: Bob ExcellenceDolganinEnvironmental Reporting –
With Project Hope, there has been a 78% normal birth rate for babies and no maternal deaths.
For more information or to register for the event, please visit: https://bit.ly/3T5TfMV.
For more information about Project Hope, visit marillacstvincent.org.
Currently, the CGC is decentralized, and two young pastors recent ly filled the influential treasurer and welfare positions. A new council chairperson has also been elected. Members are currently reviewing the constitution and an election is planned for December this year.
In a brief account of the council’s history, Rev. Dr. Noonoo recog nized those who had rendered services to the group and the community. Council members officiate at birth ceremonies, marriages, funerals and provide counseling. In addition, the council has made donations towards Chicago school children’s back-to-school program and the upkeep of
WOMAN-OWNED FIRM TO HOST CULINARY ARTISANS CELEBRATING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS FROM CHI CAGO SOUTH SHORE
According to Judy Pollock, President of the Chicago Audubon Society, “The Chicago conservation community members have again accomplished some amazing things and we look forward to celebrating them. We hope that you can join us for the festivities.”
Photo provided by Marillac St. Vincent Family Services
Rev. Dr. Isaac Painstil, senior pastor of Christ Oasis Ministries, was the keynote speaker at the event. In a powerful presentation, he stressed the need for transition in CGC as in marathons. At the same time, he congratulated Rev. Dr. Noonoo for founding the group and leading it through turbulent times.
Project Hope works mainly in the East Garfield Park area, and sometimes it reaches out to the North Lawndale and the Austin area. Project Hope services an average of 45 pregnant teens and mothers each Duringyear. the COVID-19 pandemic with shutdowns and quarantines, Project Hope was able to facilitate its programs virtually. The staff had to transition to virtual services. At that time, the number of pregnant teens and mothers went down
Project Hope is looking to help the mother transition, as society changes with technology, with access to new learning so those mothers can support their children for success in school.
Young Environmentalist: Simon Tolzmann
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“Marillac has been a positive influ ence in the community. Generation after generation have been able to benefit from the programs here at Marillac,” Castine said.
The anniversary activities were planned and executed by a com mittee under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Mary Adufah, CGC chairperson. To round off the Saturday celebration, Dr. Adufah gave a powerful closing remark, prayer, and benediction. The anniversary theme was: Growing Stronger, Deeper and Higher.”
CHICAGO AUDUBON SOCIETY TO HOST ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS BANQUET
Project Hope was one of the first programs to bring in doulas for pregnant teens and young women. Laronda Castine, the Director of Project Hope, believes the addition of doulas to the program more than 20 years ago was a positive one. The doulas go through a six-month community trainingCastineprogram.saidthere is a major appreciation for the doula program.
“As a community, as a whole, we assist the mothers in obtaining skills to help them be successful, providing financial literacy, helping connect them to community resources, helping them provide the care and nurturing to their children so they can grow up and be productive citizens as they grow older,” Castine said.
Earlier in the week, a zoom anniversary health seminar was held featuring Eld. Dr. Eunice Cromwell and Mrs. Salomey Adomako, RN, FNC. The theme was “Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.”
For event details and to register as a sponsor or guest, go to https://bit.ly/ChmpgnFFries.
Raoul’s office awarded 252 Violent Crime Vic tim Assistance (VCVA) grants, with the average grant being about $36,000. The funding goes to programs that offer support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, gun violence, human trafficking, elder abuse, and other crimes. These programs offer a range of resources, including crisis intervention, courtroom assistance, legal services, counseling and other activities geared at addressing trauma, and violence prevention.
“Survivors of violent crimes often face obstacles that include navigating the criminal justice system, financial hardship, and coping with trauma,” said Pam Bosley, Violence Prevention Director of St. Sabina in Chicago and a co-founder of Purpose Over Pain. “It is our goal to have a 24-hour intervention hotline for parents in a crisis and seeking support, our goal is to help others.”
VCVA funding allows Purpose Over Pain, a group of parents whose children’s lives were taken by violence, to provide needed services such as financial assistance, emotional group support, referrals for needed services and personal support by accompany ing parents to court proceedings.
Auxiliary lanes will be added to I-55 be tween the Illinois 59 and U.S. 52 interchang es to improve safety by better accommo dating vehicles entering and leaving the interstate. The Illinois 59 intersection with Seil Road will be improved and modernized.
Many other programmed road and bridge improvements in Will County are made possible by Rebuild Illinois, Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan capital pro gram, including the $1.2 billion reconstruc tion of Interstate 80 and four other I-55 interchanges: $170.1 million for Airport Road/Lockport Road and at Illinois 126 in Romeoville as well as $140.4 million
Raoul initiated new, victim-centric changes to the law that regulates the program, as well as internal policy changes. As a result, the division is now resolving more claims and providing more in reimbursements. During the 2022 calendar year, the division has already processed 87% more claims and recommended 117% more in compensation awards than 2021. Since the 2017 federal grant fiscal year, the average award has increased by 88%.
friends and supporters, including the firm’s first and current employee, it was both nos talgic and emotional. Joining the William Everett team for the announcement were Alderman David Moore (17th Ward) and former Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown. Host for the cel ebration was Darrin Weatherspoon, senior consultant at the firm.
The William Everett Group announces next chapter in evolution of the firm
(CHICAGO) – The William Everett Group, (TWEG), a premier Chicago-based, woman and Black family- owned manage ment and information technology consult ing firm, announced the elevation of Carlton R. McGee, Jr. to company president, and Blair C. McGee to senior vice president. Both have also been elevated to the board of directors, along with Meghan McGee. Founder Ellen Turner remains CEO. The appointments signal the continued growth of the family-owned firm. Additional orga nizational changes will be announced in the comingMcGeeweeks.assumes the president’s role after having spent 10 years at the firm, most recently as vice president with day-to-day operational oversight. Blair McGee served as the vice president of operations for the firm.
In addition to VCVA grants, the Attorney Gen eral’s Crime Victim Services Division administers a host of programs and services to assist survivors of violent crime. The Crime Victims Compensation Pro gram provides financial reimbursement to victims of violent crime who meet certain requirements. Eligible expenses under the program include costs associated with funeral and burial, lost wages, counseling and medical, hospital and dental costs and more.
The high energy celebration included the unveiling of its new corporate brand, William Everett (WE), and the tag-line Always On. The rebranding initiative includes a refresh of the company logo, website, and corporate collateral. The rebranding coincides with several internal technology changes at the firm, including a new Salesforce CRM system and upgraded HRISAttendedsystem. by family, employees, clients,
For local governments in Will County, Rebuild Illinois has meant an added $45.1 million in motor fuel tax revenues over the past three years to advance projects. Also, local governments have received $51.1 million in Will County as part of $1.5 billion earmarked for municipal, township, and county projects in Rebuild Illinois for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers, sidewalk re placements and other long-term maintenance needs
JOLIET — Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Transporta tion (IDOT), local officials, and community leaders to announce the start of multiple improvements to Interstate 55 through Joliet and Shorewood, including several capacity, access, and safety enhancements, highlight ed by a new diverging diamond interchange with Illinois 59. The $93 million project is another major investment in Will County infrastructure through Gov. Pritzker’s Re build Illinois capital program to create jobs, improve mobility, and promote economic opportunity in a key part of the state.
Workingrevenue.ontheproject will be gradu ates of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, an IDOT-initiative partnering with South Suburban College in South Holland and Kennedy-King College in Chicago to provide minority and female students the opportunity to get on-the-job ex perience toward full-time work and a career in the construction trades.
Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor,GreaterGrand Crossing, Burnside,Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts. SOUTH END Washington Heights,Roseland,Rosemoor, Englewood,West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman,Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch. SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island,SouthHolland,and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime! HYDE PARK Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores,Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland,South Shore and Hyde Park. CHICAGO WEEKEND Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY BloomTownship, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor,FordHeights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest,Sauk Village,South Chicago and Steger Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast,South End, ChicagoWeekend,South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619. ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR
Black family-owned technology firm announces elevation of Carlton R. McGee, Jr. to president Founder Ellen Turner to remain CEO, Blair C. McGee new Senior Vice President
Passedstatewide.in2019, Rebuild Illinois is in vesting $33.2 billion into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illi nois is not only the largest capital program in state history but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transporta tion: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian Accomplishmentsaccommodations.throughYearThree
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of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $8.6 billion of improvements statewide on 4,422 miles of highway, 412 bridges and 621 additional safety improvements.
for Lorenzo Road and Illinois 129 near Braidwood. Also programmed in IDOT’s six-year multiyear program is $86.9 million for reconstruction and widening of U.S 52 from River Road to Houbolt Road in Joliet and Shorewood.Inaddition, the new $80 million Weber Road diverging-diamond interchange with I-55 in Romeoville and Bolingbrook will be substantially complete later this fall.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL AWARDS $9 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR CRIME VICTIM SERVICES
William Everett is a family-owned, regional management and information technology consulting firm that services Fortune 500, higher education and pub lic-sector organizations. The firm was founded in 2010 and is named in honor of the founder’s grandfather, William Everett Rozelle. William Everett consulting ser vices assists organizations with improving their performance primarily through the analysis of existing organizational chal lenges and the development of plans for improvement. WE has offices in Chicago, Illinois, St. Louis, Mo., Dallas, TX and Washington, DC. WE is a certified women and minority owned firm. www.wegrp. com . 312-564-5680.
The centerpiece of the project involves IDOT building a new bridge to convert the I-55 interchange with Illinois 59 into a full-access, diverging-diamond design to improve safety and traffic flow, with the East Frontage Road relocated and reconstructed.
During his remarks, McGee, a More house graduate with a degree in physics, acknowledged both his mother’s hard work in building the business, and the opportunity she has given to him and his siblings.
of Gov. Pritzker’s commit ment to I-55, the region is anticipated to benefit through planned developments in the area, including the mixed-used Rock Run Crossings, that are projected to account for $1.4 billion in economic impact and produce $53 million in state and local tax revenue. The annual benefits once the improvements are finished are estimated at $181 million in economic impact and $72 million in state and local tax
Gov. Pritzker Announce I-55 Improvements
Advance work started in 2021. The entire project is expected to take two full constructions seasons to finish, with an anticipated completion date in late 2024 or earlyBecause2025.
The funding for this fiscal year marks an 18% increase in support for victim services over last fiscal year. The grants are funded by fees paid by convicted offenders of violent crimes and supplemental support from the state budget. In addition to the grants, Raoul’s office awarded $1.35 million in special proj ect funding for investments in staff training, outreach and awareness campaigns and agency infrastructure.
Pedestrian access will be built across
I-55, with the addition of sidewalks and a multiuse trail. New noise and retaining walls also will be built along I-55.
For additional information on services for crime victims, please call the Attorney General’s Crime Victims Assistance Line at 1-800-228-3368 or visit the Attorney General’s website.
Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the award of more than $9 million in grants to agencies across Illinois that provide services to survivors of violent crime.
CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST
Grant recipients include the Violence Preven tion Center in Belleville, which provides a range of social services for domestic violence survivors, including counseling and access to a court advocate. Violence Prevention Center Executive Director Darlene Jones says that survivors tell center staff that the services provided help make them feel safe and supported, and allow them to overcome trauma and rebuild their lives.
Funding Supports Counseling, Legal Assis tance, Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Care, for Survivors of Violent Crimes
African Pride Launches GROW Initiative as a Rallying Cry for Today’s African American Women
Kunbi Tinuoye founder of Geekz Ventures. PRNEWSFOTO.
The non-profit won a spot on the Techstars program last month. The Foun dation’s mission is to develop and empow er underestimated entrepreneurs through programs, grantmaking, and meaningful access to the Techstars network.
Nominated for the Techstars program by Finance Savvy CEO Marguerite Pressley Davis, Davis says “I’m so excited to support the Geekz Ventures initiative. Once again it shows Kunbi’s commitment to making a measurable impact in the community.”Attheend of the cohort, the goal is for participants to scale their business, get or spot in an accelerator program, secure early-stage funding, or simply work towards running a sustainable and scalable business that generates reoccurring revenue.Anearlier iteration of Geekz Ventures was selected to participate in Resource, a Village Capital and Black Innova tion Alliance program that supports ecosystem leaders who support minority entrepreneurs. “Having the support of BIA and Village Capital was the impetus we needed to kick off this initiative,” said Interested?Tinuoye.Thenapply here before the Wednesday, Nov. 30, deadline. Not a founder? Those looking to support can do nate here. The Techstars Foundation will match donations by 20%. Want to get in touch? Contact www.geekzventures.org.
Geekz Ventures is one of four par ticipants in the Accelerate Equity cohort. The team is actively fundraising to build out their inaugural cohort which will kick off in Q1, 2023. The Techstars Foundation will match 20% of all donations to Geekz Ventures.“Iam passionate about putting money into the hands of minority founders because mentorship simply isn’t enough,” said Geekz Ventures founder, Tinuoye, who is also the chief
Newly launched Accelerator Geekz Ventures Joins Techstars Foundation
Officially launched this year, Geekz Ventures is a 10-week virtual program for Black and Latinx founders launching their first tech-enabled startup. The pre-accel erator is industry agnostic; however, the focus is on media, connectivity, entertain ment, and mobile technology. The call for applicants is now open.
fundraising strategies to help us support our community.”“Wewantto work with ambitious
“GROW is all about self-improvement, self-love, and self-care through the art of haircare. It’s a move ment that connects minds and expands possibilities,” said Jazzmene Ford, Marketing Manager at African Pride. “We are committed to championing our consum er, women with coily hair, for the uniqueness they represent.
growth and how-to product videos to further amplify efforts and reach the African Pride consumer where they are. Additional campaign activations include: GROW Beauty Store Takeovers: championing African Pride’s target consumer at beauty supply stores nationwide via a complete store overhaul with product sampling, brand educator sessions and educational ma terial surrounding haircare to career development.
GROW HBCU Fall Campus Tours: connecting minds and inspiring growth at HBCU’s across the U.S. The tours will build a sisterhood community allowing women on their career journey to practice the art of maintaining healthy, natural hair at an affordable price point. The campus tour dates are as fol
Through GROW we will cel ebrate this beauty, build com munity, and pivot attention to the growth that comes from embracing your given curl patterns, career aspirations, and beyond. Because at African Pride, we understand that when she wins, we win and when she grows, we all grow.”
The GROW initiative ties into every coily wom en’s routine with the LOC method, a staple amongst the natural community. The LOC Method is a three-
exec of award-winning digital news platform UrbanGeekz. “Our goal is to give all the founders equity-free microgrants to send a message that we truly believe in their work. We do not take any equity from founders to participate in our program.”
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founders at the start of their journey to help them develop their ideas and get a better understanding of what it takes to run a successful business,” she added. “Our goal is to diversify the tech ecosystem from the ground up.”
The aim is to provide access to com munity, curriculum, training, resources, and coaching to help founders refine their ideas, get their first paying customers, and gain a better understanding of the invest ment landscape.
The team has curated a group of heavyweight industry experts to work side-by-side with the cohort founders. Men tors and Coaches include Mandela Schumacher-Hodge Dixon, CEO of All Raise; Terry (Kojo) Oppong, Creator Manager at LinkedIn; Jon Gosier, founder and CEO at FilmHedge; Kath ryn O’Day; partner at Atlanta Ventures, and Gary Stewart, founder and CEO of FounderTribes, among others.
ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- African Pride, an award-winning haircare brand known for address ing the needs of all hair types with premium, natural ingredients, is proud to announce the launch of its new initiative, GROW – a platform that celebrates their core consumer’s unique individuality and expands the possibilities on her path of evolution.
ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Atlan ta-based entrepreneur Kunbi Tinuoye’s new initiative to support minority founders has been selected to participate in the highly competitive Techstars Foundation: Accelerate Equity cohort.
“We have verified that Geekz Ven tures is a highly qualified organization that we would like to support,” said Angela Madura, director of the Techstars Founda tion. “The Techstars Foundation is a social impact program of Techstars. Our purpose is to make entrepreneurship accessible and inclusive in partnership with our global community of entrepreneurial support or ganizations by providing capital, programs, and access to the Techstars network.
The initiative has kicked off with a campaign film to introduce GROW by African Pride and tell the story of how African Pride is there by her side at every stage of her evolution. The campaign will further come to life across paid and organic social media. The brand has also partnered with top aspirational names across the category including celebrity wig & hair artist ambassador, Arrogant Tae, and influencer/entrepreneur, Kheris Rogers – who launched a clothing line with a mission to combat bullying when she was just 10 years old! These influential names will unveil GROW on social media via personal testimonials of their own
lows:Tennessee State University
(TSU)- Friday, October 7th Spelman & Morehouse- Saturday, October 22nd Florida A&M (FAMU)- Friday, October 28th Tuskegee University- Friday, November 4th GROW Sisterhood Influencer Campaign: cele brating all coily types by leveraging smart and cre ative content from a plethora of hair influencers. The tutorials will not only spotlight the LOC method using African Pride’s award-winning Moisture Miracle line, but also prompt likeminded individuals to join in as the creators share their personal growth stories giving a nod to the campaign’s mission.
step process that helps improve moisture retention by layering products starting from the lightest density and building up to the heaviest. The method can be seamlessly achieved by African Pride’s powerhouse trio from their hero line, Moisture Miracle, designed to nourish and hydrate one’s natural texture: Moisture Miracle Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Condition er, Baobab Oil Leave-In Cream, and 5 Essential Oils which will be launched as part of the initiative with a bundle deal on Amazon.
Come 2023, the GROW initiative will amplify via a partnership with a cause platform that champions career development, internships, and mentorship for the African American women. For more information on African Pride’s launch of the GROW Initiative and the African Pride brand or products visit AfricanPrideHair com and follow @MyAfricanPride on Instagram and @ MyAfricanPrideHair on Facebook.
For 30 years, African Pride has addressed the haircare needs of all hair types and textures whether natural or relaxed with brands like Black Castor Mira cle, Moisture Miracle, Shea Miracle, Olive Miracle and Dream Kids. We believe in the unspoken power of a great hair day. The boost of energy that’s given when your beauty and confidence is intertwined should be accessible to all women. That’s why we created African Pride products with premium, natural ingredients at an affordable price to ensure that you’re less stressed about your hair and more focused on stepping into your best self. For more information about the brand, visit AfricanPrideHair.com, and tell us your hair story by engaging with us on social and using the hashtag #MyAfricanPride.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Techstars family,” said Geekz Ventures founder Kunbi Tinuoye. “In joining the network, we hope to further develop our programming, make meaningful connections, and focus on
CHLÖE FOR SAKS
The Bolden x Walmart collection features the Brightening Glycolic Acid Toner, the Skin Clarifying Cleanser, & the SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer in new & exclusive sizing, along w/ the exclusive Dark Spot Fix and Skin Basics Kit. PRNewsFoto.
Bolden has curated a collection of five products for Walmart customers including three of its top-selling products (a Skin Clarifying Cleanser, a Brightening Glycolic Acid Toner, & an SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer) in new and exclusive sizing along with the debut of their Dark Spot Fix, which can only be found at Walmart. Consumers can also purchase the Skin Basics Kit - 3 steps of essentials which includes the cleanser, toner, & moisturizer. All products fall within a price range of $11.99 to $22.49, making them an affordable solution for top skin concerns while the prices of most modern-day luxuries are steadily increasing.Tocelebrate the launch, Bolden is bringing together their Bold en Insiders, a community of more than 100+ influencers covering all platforms, to spread the great news about the launch and share their reviews of the exclusive Walmart line of products. However, the cel ebration will reach farther than the social channels, with the founders hosting meet-ups with customers, affectionately known as Bolden Beauties, at select Walmart stores.
creativity and discusses her style and career evolution. Throughout the campaign, she can be seen boldly wearing some of the season’s most daring fashion while owning each look in the process. In imagery, Chlöe is seen sporting a matching bandeau, legging and jacket set from LaQuan Smith, a body hugging dress from MÔNOT and designs from Khaite and Gianvito Rossi. Chlöe also shows off her charismatic personality in a video that can be seen on the Saks Instagram (@saks) and YouTube (Saks) channels. In the video, she reviews runway looks from Alaïa, Burberry, Balmain and Isabel Marant, using only emojis. Saks is also part nering with internet media, news and entertain ment company, BuzzFeed, for a piece showcas ing the seasonal campaign and Chlöe’s fashion inspiration for fall and will run ads in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and T Magazine and The New York
“Ndidi and I are very excited about our Walmart partnership, and the opportunity it presents. It’s a major milestone for us in our mission to make the beauty space more inclusive. Our goal as always is to formulate high-quality skincare products that target the unique skincare concerns of black women like ourselves, and importantly, to offer them at affordable prices,” Co-founder Chidozie expressed. “As Walmart shoppers ourselves, we appreciate Walmart’s dedication to diversity in all aspects of its business.”
NEW YORK, PRNewswire -Saks, the premier digital platform for luxury fashion, announces its Fall 2022 campaign starring singer, songwriter, producer and actress, Chlöe Bailey. With this campaign, Saks celebrates fall fashion trends from noteworthy designers and emerging brands that are changing the industry landscape. Saks is encouraging customers to take liberties with style and bend the rules, honor ing their individuality by finding pieces that best suit and elevate their lives. The campaign pushes for self-expression and inspires customers to be bold in their fashion choices and stay true to their personal taste with offerings from must-have everyday pieces to statement items.
Saks’ Fall 2022 Campaign star Chlöe Bailey wearing LaQuan Smith. PRNewsfoto/Saks
OnTimes.herever-changing fashion journey, Chlöe shares, “I’m still developing my person al style. Every. Single. Day. Fashion’s about evolution and figuring out what makes you feel best in that moment. People can definitely expect evolution from me in the coming years. As I get older, I’m learning to just let the confi dence in myself speak for me.”
In The Edit, Chlöe shares how she makes her own rules for fashion, what sparks her
Each season, the Saks It List highlights the biggest styles and trends that appeal to each individual’s needs. This fall, key styles include: leather separates, the slip dress, tall shaft boots, platforms and the crescent bag. Customers can find recommended pieces and tips on how to wear them on the Saks It List, available on Saks.com.“Saks prides itself on offering our cus tomers the best luxury fashion assortment in the business,” notes Tracy Margolies, Chief Merchandising Officer, Saks. “We deliver an expertly curated selection of the season’s best trends as well as timeless essentials. This cam paign reflects the excitement of the fall with fresh and fashion-forward pieces from the most sought after designers.”
EL PASO, Texas, PRNewswire -- Bolden, the affordable skin care line coveted by skin enthusiasts & beauty influencers, is taking a big step in putting its fan-favorite products on the shelves of one of the world’s biggest retailers. The black-owned, women-owned brand can NOW be found in the skincare aisles of more than 1,000 Walmart stores nationwide, with its biggest presence being in Texas, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and California. The founders would love to take interviews as they build excitement around this monumental milestone.
The Bolden founders would love the opportunity to share more info about their big retail launch and what it means for other women entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses that are just looking for a seat at the table.
Bolden is a premium Black-owned skincare line created by Chine lo Chidozie & Ndidi Obidoa to embolden black and brown women to confidently embrace their natural beauty. They recognized the need for highly effective and clinically proven products that address the unique skin care needs of women of color, and created an affordable, vegan & cruelty-free skincare line backed by science. The brand is home to the influencer cult-favorite SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer, long championed by the likes of beauty guru Jackie Aina, & actress Yvonne Orji. Through its expertly crafted skin products tailor-made for women of color, Bolden has undoubtedly solidified itself as a leader within the Inclusive Beauty movement. Bolden has received coveted Beauty Awards from Into The Gloss, Women’s Health, WWD, & Cosmopoli tan, among others.
SAKS DELIVERS THE BEST IN FALL FASHION
The fall campaign features unique content across Saksowned channels and part ner-owned editorial platforms. Components include videos and interviews that can be seen on Saks social media channels, in dedicated emails and on The Edit, the Saks online editorial hub for fashion news and style inspira tion.“We’re thrilled to bring our campaign’s vivid storytelling and unique take on seasonal style to life in partnership with Chlöe,” says Emily Essner, Chief Mar keting Officer, Saks. “As we kick off this new season, we’re celebrating fall fashion and showcasing how to incorporate the latest trends into everyday style through compelling ed itorial pieces and impressive visuals. Saks believes that elevated fashion can still be fun and approachable, and we’re excited to share this perspective with our customers through a creative Saks lens.”
Since its launch in 2015, founders Chinelo Chidozie and Ndidi Obidoa exclusively sold the vegan & cruelty-free skincare line on Am azon, Costco.com, boutique beauty suppliers and the Bolden website. By making a move to such a significant retailer, they are continuing to provide accessible science-backed products that actually work on melanin-rich skin, a serious gap in the skincare market.
Bolden Skincare Just Launched Exclusive Products in Walmart Stores Nationwide
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Saks Celebrates Fall Fashion With Next-Gen Superstar Chlöe Bailey
Cybersecurity Efforts Deny 7.5 Million Attacks in a Typical Hour
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A three-person Information Technology team from the state treasurer’s office reached the semi final round in the International Cyber League 2022 competition. The team finished 15th out of 500 that entered. Just 200 teams escaped the qualifying round, and the Illinois treasurer contingent was the only government team to do so. The treasurer team performed better than counterparts from some Fortune 100 companies and a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“We are hoping for a top-5 finish,” Daniels said.
ing an online attack on a computer network. Working from the office’s security operations center in the Marine Bank building in downtown Springfield, each member had three hours to fend off the would-be computer network intrud ers.
Illinois State Treasurer’s Office IT Team Among the Best in the World in Recent Competition
Members of the team each had to qualify and were given individual challenges simulat
SPRINGFIELD – The tech team at Illinois S tate Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office is one of the world’s best, a recent cybersecurity com petition showed.
“We take cybersecurity very seriously, as the results of this competition illustrate,” Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. “We are very proud of our Information Technology group for its problem-solving skills and top-notch teamwork.”Thetreasurer’s team was led by Joe Dan iels, the office’s chief information officer and a sergeant in the Illinois National Guard who has deployed for cybersecurity missions.
One of the simulated scenarios involved a data leak from a computer network. The chal lenge was to locate the leak, identify the bad actor and quickly fix the problem. Those who finished sooner rather than later scored more points.Daniels, who is more experienced, got a tougher task --- a “golden ticket” scenario. An infiltrator snuck inside a network and granted themselves top-level administrative powers. Critical-thinking and puzzle-solving skills come into play, Daniels said. Solving the training ex ercise during a simulated crisis helps the tech nology specialists do a better job of safeguard ing information.“Partofmy role is to evaluate how our employees operate during a crisis,” Daniels said. “We have state-of-the-art tools in the treasurer’s office, but what if they didn’t work? That’s what this exercise was designed to test.”
The number of threats to computer networks is mind-boggling. During a recent afternoon, the treasurer’s cybersecurity defenses neutralized 7.5 million attempts to enter the network in one hour, DanielsDaniels,said. who has years of private- and pub lic-sector cybersecurity experience, deployed to Afghanistan in 2014-15 and several other times for cybersecurity missions. He serves out of the Guard’s Defensive Cyber Operations Element in Joint Force Headquarters, Springfield. He also has served on a state mission to provide cybersecurity support for the Illinois State Board of Elections.
“It has been a great role. What I love about the state treasurer’s office is that Treasurer Michael Frerichs puts security first,” Daniels said. “When I have told him I need to deploy, he says ‘Do what you need to do to make us safe.’”
The winning team from a Middle Eastern bank got a perfect score in the competition put on by Is raeli-based Cyberbit, which provides cybersecurity training. Daniels and his team already are looking forward to next year after finishing 19th the first time and 15th this year.
“This $1.8 billion in tax relief is possible because Democrats balanced the budget, eliminated the bill backlog, funded schools, fixed roads – and through re sponsible financial decision-making – still found ourselves with a one-time surplus,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “There are those who might have sent those funds straight back into the pockets of the 1 percent and big corporations instead of to working families, but that’s not what good governmentIndividualsdoes.”who made less than $200,000 in 2021 and are not claimed as a
The State of Illinois is also providing property tax rebates for eligible home owners in an amount equal to the property tax credit they qualified for on their 2021 returns, up to a maximum of $300. The re bate is not allowed if a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income for the taxable year exceeds $500,000 for returns with a federal filing status of married filing jointly, or $250,000 for all other returns.
propertysixestimatedAnmilliontaxpayersacrossthestatesettoreceiveincome,taxrebates GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENTG d for your budget What's good for the environment can also be good for your home. Save today with rebates and discounts on ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and home products, all while saving for the long run by using less energy. You may even qualify for additional FREE energy saving products. ComEd.com/HomeSavingsLEARNMORE Savings are just estimates; actual savings will vary by customers’ usage and rates. Terms and conditions apply. The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program is funded in compliance with state law. © Commonwealth Edison Company, 2022
Taxpayers who did not file or are not required to file their 2021 IL-1040 individu
IDOR will certify the list of eligible taxpayers and the rebates will be issued by the Comptroller’s Office. Though the 2021 tax deadline was April 18, all qualified in come tax filers who file on or before Octo ber 17, will be eligible for rebate payments.
Tax return filers will also receive $100 per dependent they claimed on their 2021 taxes, up to three dependents.
Tax Rebate Payments Begin for Millions of Illinoisans
CHICAGO -- Income and property tax rebates will begin being sent to an estimat ed six million qualified taxpayers begin ning today, September 12. The rebates are the result of Gov. Pritzker’s Illinois Family Relief Plan, which also provided grocery, gas, and school supply tax savings in addi tion to the direct payments.
EIC, Illinois Exemption and Earned Income Credit, to report any eligible dependents.
More details about how to claim rebate checks:For those who have filed state income taxes and claimed a property tax credit for 2021 and are not claimed as a dependent on another return, nothing additional is needed to receive the property and income tax re bates. Payments will be automatic.
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Taxpayers who did not file or are not required to file their 2021 IL-1040 individ ual income tax returns but want to claim both the property tax and individual income tax rebates must file Form IL-1040, in cluding Schedule ICR, Illinois Credits, and Schedule IL-E/EIC, Illinois Exemption and Earned Income Credit, to report any eligible dependents.Taxpayers who only want to claim the property tax rebate or did not report their property tax information on their 2021 IL1040 individual income tax return have the option to fill out Form IL-1040-PTR either electronically, or by filling out a paper form and mailing it to IDOR. Form IL-1040PTR, the Property Tax Rebate Form, is available on IDOR’s website at tax.illinois.
gov/rebates.Taxpayers eligible for both rebates will receive one payment. Rebates will be sent automatically using the same method orig inal refunds were transmitted if they were sent directly to the taxpayer by the State of Illinois.For additional rebate resources or to check on the status of a rebate, taxpayers
The rebate payments, which will take at least eight weeks to be issued in total, will be sent automatically to Illinois res idents who filed 2021 state income taxes and claimed a property tax credit. Those who have not filed can still access the re bates after completing additional filing.
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Xfinity recognizes the legacy, harmony, necessity, and impact of HBCUs. And as the world changes, the more we must remain connected to the culture. Just say, "Black Experience," into your Xfinity Voice Remote to experience more HBCU. xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.
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They are a legacy, a place you become your true self and where past generations uplift you to your destiny. It's your family's history and your community’s future. It's your HBCU.
HBCUs are more than a place for higher education
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weekend of events featured appearances from nota bles such as Grammy award winner Ledisi, Rashan Ali, Roy Wood Jr, Cultural Advisor Wallo, Congresswoman Fredricka Wilson, State Representative Felicia Robinson, Edgerrin James, U.S. Senator Val Demings, Bravo reality TV star Phaedra Parks, Cortez Bryant, NFL pro bowl Chad Johnson, AJ Calloway recording artists Uncle Luke, Ballgreezy, Fredo Bang, and Gillie da King.
REC is coming to Miami’s Little River neighborhood in 2023 behind the partnership with Diddy. The expansion will bring a 12,000 square foot creative facility equipped with multiple recording studios, photo/video production studios, editing bays, podcast studios, dance studios, design studios, an event venue, coworking space and the in-house production equipment needed to create high-quality media. Little River Miami is a neighborhood project owned and developed by Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners, a progressive real estate and hospitality company, along with local partner MVW Partners. The neighborhood, consisting of adaptive reuse and ground-up construction, encompasses 25 acres of land with more than 1.08M land sq. ft.
The Return of the Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic Produces a Positive Impact
Former Rattler Congressman Al Lawson and Jack son State alumni Congressman Benni Thompson were honorary captains for this year’s game. Jackson State Tigers came away with another victory, leaving the on-field rivalry to continue.The
Blossom Classic Presented by Ready Life more than just a game through the support of teams, fans, our partners, and sponsors; we’re afforded the opportunity once again to positively impact our communities, share and showcase both culture and tradition of HBCUs while tangibly supporting infrastructure, academics, and athletics in innovative ways,” stated Kendra Bul luck-Major Executive Director of the Orange Blossom ClassicThroughoutCommittee.the weekend, the Orange Blossom Committee and partners consistently focused on HBCU tradition, athletics, and academics, raising scholarship funds for students interested in pursuing post-secondary education at Historically Black Col leges and Universities. Sponsors of this year’s DOBC committed more than $100,000 in donations to help level the playing field. Check presentations during the game included $10,000 from Lowes, $25,000 from Truist, $5,000 from Coors, $50,000 from Wells Fargo, and $10,000 from Denny’s.
Notwithstanding the unique hardships both schools faced heading into the weekend, the teams arrived in South Florida
Thousands of fans, alums, HBCU students, and sports enthusiasts arrived in South Florida to experi ence the action both on and off the field, the four-day weekend kick-offed with HBCU Music Mogul Cortez Bryant hosting the annual OBC Golf Tournament, a fundraising event for both participating universities.
for making this year’s Denny’s Orange
power the next generation of creators. Combs Enterprises will not only utilize REC’s spaces but also plans to tap into the creative talent to amplify the brands under his umbrella. With his invest ment, REC joins Combs Enterprises Portfolio of investments.
inception in 2015, REC’s model has helped pay out nearly $2 million dollars directly to members of its community by way of its creative agency. REC has proven to be a strong bridge for brands to participate in the independent creative revolution in a meaningful way by adapting a ‘creator-first’ approach that’s refreshing to the entertainment industry status quo.
While the players focused on the big game, the Orange Blossom Classic Committee delivered on its pillar of commu nity impact, orchestrating a bottled water donation drive. With the generous support of South Florida residents heading the call to action, lining up Saturday morning to drop off over 2,000 cases of bottled water for Jackson, Mississippi residents.
Sean Combs is committed to creating brands and building businesses that provide opportunities and platforms to em
“Our key focus is turning artists and creators into cre ative entrepreneurs. We’ve known since the beginning that we weren’t just solving a Philadelphia problem. Access to resources, strategies and opportunities is a global challenge for creatives everywhere, and with Diddy’s support, we’re excited
The REC Philly location has over 1,000 active members subscribed to their membership offering, giving creators access to a 10,000 sq ft creative facility, educational programming, and access to a network of brands in need of creative services. Members use the space to create content, connect with collab orators, and attend educational & social programming, while brands use REC to source the best emerging talent for their projects. Current brand partners in Philadelphia include Live Nation, Comcast, Cash App, WXPN, WSFS Bank, Amuse, Red Bull, T-Mobile, Ballard Spahr & Temple University.
to bring our solution to communities beyond our hometown of Philly, “said Will Toms, Co-founder of REC.
MIAMI, PRNewswire -- Nearly 40,000 fans congregated at Hard Rock Stadium for the sophomore return of Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic, Present ed by Ready Life (DOBC), Sunday, Sept. 4, for the much-anticipated rematch between HBCU powerhous es Florida A&M (FAMU) and Jackson State University (JSU).The weekend of events forecasted to exceed the $12 million mark set in 2022 with more than 70% benefiting small and minority-owned businesses. With multiple events held throughout Labor Day weekend, attendees descended upon South Florida for a weekend of events focused on community, education, empower ment, and family fun.
Sponsors of this year’s Orange Blossom Classic includ ed Denny’s, Ready Life, Miami-Dade County, FPL, Celsius, Orange Bowl, Cricket, FSF, Miami Gardens, SGWS, Greater Miami Conventions Visitor Bureau, Pepsi, Visit Lauderdale, Lowe’s, Wells Fargo, AEA, GT Law, Tobacco Free, Bacardi, AARP, and Amazon.
The events continued into Friday with the Allstate Careers in Sports and Entertainment Symposium pre sented by Coors Light, which brought together leading minds in the Sport Industry together on the campus of St. Thomas University for an event focused both on career elevation and collaboration. The growth and networking opportunities for students and industry leaders alike continued during the Ama zon Career Recruitment Fair hosted by Career Source, which provided career prospects from Molson Coors, Riddell, NFL Films, DuCon, Onyx Financial, Balfour Beaty, Ready Life, Allstate, Denny’s, Baptist Health and AT&T.
JSU Deion Sanders, Orange Blossom Classic Committee Executive Director Kendra Bulluck-Major, FAMU Coach Willie Simmons. Photo by Ernest Nelfrard
SEAN ‘DIDDY’ COMBS INVESTS IN REC, A RESOURCE HUB FOR CREATORS
Dave Silver, Co-founder & CEO of REC said, “In Philadelphia, much of our success comes from our ability to empower & convene the local creative community, making it easy for both local & global brands to know where they can find & hire creative talent. Getting artists paid has always been our most impactful metric, and I’m excited to bring that same energy into Miami.”
“Our goal is to make sure that independent creators have the informa tion, tools and resources needed to win and level the playing field,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs. “This partnership is about the future of the creator economy and helping REC expand to serve more creators in cities and countries around the world.”Sinceits
REC Founders Will Toms & Dave Silver with REC
On the eve of the football game, nearly 6,000 fans gath ered at the University of Miami Watsco Center for a mag nificent showcase of talent from high school bands from the tri-county area and a preview of the mighty FAMU Marching 100 and the Jackson State Sonic Boom during the AEA Battle of the“ThankBands.you
with a clear focus. It showed as student-athletes Shedeur Sand ers, Devonta Davis from JSU, and Nadarius Fagan, Xavier Smith from FAMU, joined by their Coaches Deion Sanders and Willie Simmons for the pregame press conference moder ated by Don Jackson at the Hard Rock Stadium.
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Chief Operating Officer Ryan Eppley at REC Miami site visit in August 2022. PRNewsFoto.
The Greater Miami Convention Visitors Bureau Com missioner’s Welcome Reception and Luncheon presented by Florida Power and Light celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Year of the Woman, honoring exceptional HBCU alumnae in Sports, Politics, and Entertainment and providing a pivotal opportunity to reach further fundraising goals for the Orange Blossom Classic scholarship fund.
For Toms, Silver and their team, Philly and Miami are just the beginning of the fast-growing REC vision. The collective is actively seeking leaders in cities around the world to bring the model to Learnnext.how to get involved with REC, as a Creator or Brand, at JoinREC.com.
MIAMI, PRNewswire -Philadelphia-based startup, “REC” (also known as “REC Philly”), will call Miami its second home as they launch “REC Miami” behind a $2 million investment from Sean Combs Capital, lead investor in the round. Founded by Forbes 30 Under 30 recipients, Will Toms & Dave Silver, REC is an ecosys tem designed and dedicated to providing creative people with the resources, communities and op portunities to pursue their passions and entrepreneurial goals.
Update Accessories
When it comes to simple DIY projects, a new coat of paint can drastically update your spaces without making major renovations. Light colors like gray, beige or white can make small er spaces feel more open while darker shades like navy and purple can create a dramatic look. If you don’t want (or need) to paint the entire room, adding a pop of color with an accent wall or touching up the trim are quick and easy improvements. Adding paint to a less traditional spot like the ceiling or refreshing cabinets with a new color can also help bring your spaces to life.
Install Mess-Free Stone Accents
SOUTH SUBURBANC
Remember to also clean your driveway, patio and walkways to maximize your investment. Pulling weeds, trimming trees and bushes, and patching bald spots in the yard can also go a long way as can planting greenery in front of your home and making landscaping upgrades like adding mulch beds, water features or decorative edging. Another idea: replace your front door or give it a fresh coat of paint to add a pop of color to your porch.
Improve Curb Appeal
Windows can often be overlooked or left with the simple paper shades or aluminum blinds the builder initially installed. Consider replacing them with plantation shutters, wood en blinds or drapes that better suit the style of
Upgrade Window Treatments
If you’re looking to add warmth and texture, easy-to-install stone veneer can provide the look of natural stone without the expense. A mor tarless option like ClipStone is designed to be installed with screws and common tools, making it easy to achieve the look of traditional ma sonry without the hassle and mess. Durable and low maintenance, you don’t have to worry about sealing or painting and it’s a perfect option for exterior or interior installation that can be installed in any weather conditions. Available in a variety of styles and colors, homeowners can mix and match to create a custom look. Plus, it features a built-in water management system, overlapping edges to minimize gaps, reversible outside corners and a variety of available acces sories.
Cabinet pulls, outlet covers, curtain rods, switch plates and door knobs are easily ignored, but replacing them can be an inexpensive way to add small touches of elegance to your home. With a variety of designs and finishes to choose from, including bronze, brushed nickel, copper and stainless steel, updating worn pull handles and knobs can create an affordable look that appears expensive. The same is true for metal switch covers and outlet plates. While decorative curtain rods may be on the pric ier side, adding a coat of paint in a metallic finish could provide a cheaper alternative.
to Add Style and UPGRADESHOMEDIYBeauty
the room. In addition to blinds, curtains provide another opportunity to add design elements that align with your tastes. From geometric panels to sheers, the possibili ties are nearly endless. Or simply match the curtain panels to the color of your walls or an accent color for a look that can match almost any style.
Find more ideas for improving your living spaces at myclipstone.com
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Freshen Up Paint
(Family Features) Home upgrades are necessary for a variety of reasons, but many homeowners look to update their homes to add comfort and beauty. While a complete renova tion can be appealing, it can also be costly and timeHowever,consuming.if you’re willing to take on some of the work yourself, there are ways to upgrade your living spaces to add style (and value) with out the assistance of a contractor. Consider these DIY ideas to spruce up your home’s aesthetics and create a more attractive place to live.
There are a multitude of inexpensive ways to give your home’s exterior a make over. Start by pressure washing your siding and windows, which can make your house look almost as good as a fresh coat of paint for a fraction of the time and money.
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Both events were initiated by Close the Gap from Boston Scientific. For two decades, Close the Gap has been working to raise awareness about heart and vascu lar care disparities for women and people of color. The dedicated team of health equity consultants partners with providers to reduce barriers to care and improve access to care for women and people of color with heart and vascular disease. Partici pants’ knowledge on avoiding limb amputation, and increased confi dence in making proactive decisions about heart and vascular health, were assessed through pre- and post-event questionnaires.
What You Need to Know About Heel Pain
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For more heel pain information and to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the pa tient education website for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
The expert panel of heart health practitioners included Crystal Liles, Enterprise Vice President, Heart & Vascular, Atrium Health; Stephanie Leasure, FNP-C, Atrium Health; Diane Holmes FNP-BC, Atrium Health; Sandy Charles, MD, Cardiologist, Novant Health and Oluseun Alli, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, Novant Health. The panel speakers shared their knowledge, patient stories and answered the questions in the room based on their experience in caring for women with heart disease. “I received such positive feedback from the attendees on the amazing session. It truly was an absolutely wonderful program that was very much need ed and very well received,” said Ms. Young, Quettes
A telltale sign of mechanical issues in the foot, those with overly flat feet or high-arched feet are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Lifestyle factors can also play a role. Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia. This is particu larly evident when one’s job requires long hours on the feet. Obesity and overuse may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., PRNewswire -- As part of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s 83rd Grand Conclave, plenary participants reported 99% greater familiarity with cardiovascular disease risk factors and treatment options after education sessions led by Black Health Matters and the Boston Scientific Close the Gap program.Toaddress health inequities in the African Ameri can community, Black Health Matters in collaboration with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Boston Scientific Close the Gap health equity program, hosted two health education panel discussions and roundtable talks focused on heart disease at the fraternity’s recent 83rd Grand “ElevatingConclave.awareness about cardiovascular dis ease–the #1 killer of Black Americans in the U. S[1]., through educational panel discussions and one-to-one conversations at the 83rd Grand Conclave in Charlotte, is one of many examples of how we are advancing health equity in the African American community,” said Roslyn Daniels, founder and President of Black Health Matters.The
disease for Black men, in turn empowering participants advocate for their own heart health. The session high lighted actionable steps members can take to advance awareness about heart health with their family, friends, chapter members, and wider communities.
Expert panelists who spoke at the afternoon session included James Roberts, MD, Cardiologist, Novant Health; Rohit Mehta, M.D., Electrophysiologist, Atrium Health; Jerome Williams, Jr., MD and, SVP, Consumer Engagement and Corporate Health, Novant Health; Yele Aluko MD, Chief Medical Officer and Managing Director, Ernst & Young.
Black Health Matters (BHM) was launched almost a decade ago, and is the leading health, wellness and chronic disease interactive digital platform dedicated to improving health outcomes among African Americans. BHM has collaborated with a wide range of partners, including fraternities, sororities, and faith-based and civic organizations to raise awareness around chronic diseases, mental and physical health, and fitness in the Black community. The organization’s mission is to im prove health literacy, which includes addressing health care, health policy, health equity, and health disparities for better results. For more information go to www. blackhealthmatters.comOnFridayevening, November 17, 1911, three Howard University undergraduate students, with the as sistance of their faculty adviser, gave birth to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. This event occurred in the office of biology Professor Ernest E. Just, the faculty adviser, in the Science Hall (now known as Thirkield Hall). The three liberal arts students were Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, and Frank Coleman. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning “friendship is essential to the soul,” the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. The phrase was selected as the motto. Manhood, scholarship, perse verance, and uplift were adopted as cardinal principles. A decision was made regarding the design for the pin and emblem, and thus ended the first meeting of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
“Health Equity Strategies: Ele vating Heart and Vascular Care in Our Community” session, hosted by the fraternity’s International Medical Health Committee Chairman, Delon Brennen, MD and Vice-Chairman, Jaden Phillips, MD, was held with over 65 district, state and local members of the fraternity’s health and wellness committees.
(StatePoint) Very common in adults and on the rise in children, heel pain continues to be the number one reason pa tients seek care from foot and ankle surgeons. While experts say there are many reasons for heel pain, including bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, bone bruises, fractures, growth spurts and nerve pain, the most common cause is plantar fasciitis, a condition that one in 10 people will suffer from in their lifetime.According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), plantar fasciitis can have serious reper cussions if left untreated. Here’s what to know:
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes in which the fascia becomes irritated and then inflamed. Symptoms include pain on the bottom of the heel, pain in the arch of the foot, and swelling on the bottom of the heel. For many, the pain is worse upon arising and increases over a period of months.
How is it Treated?
“The Heart Health roundtable session was a strong reminder that there is urgent work to be done to address possibly the largest threat to our quality of life and overall survival. Our charge as Omega Psi Phi Fraterni ty, Inc., leaders is to bring awareness to our membership of why our peoples’ cardiovascular health needs to improve immediately, become active in changing the course of heart disease in the communities we serve, and to remain accountable to ourselves and those whose lives we commit to uplifting,” said Dr. Brennen.
what kind of treatment a patient undergoes, the underlying causes that led to the condition may remain. Preventive measures, such as wearing supportive shoes, stretching and using custom orthotic devices, are the main stay of long-term treatment for plantar fasciitis.
morning, “Your Heart Matters: Taking Charge of Your Heart Health” women’s roundtable session, attended by more than 100 women connected to the fraternity members, focused on raising awareness of the impor tance of knowing the risk factors of heart disease for women, talking to their doctors, and taking charge of their heart health. Joyce Marion, The First Lady of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Katrina Young, the Quettes Chairperson for the 83rd Grand Conclave hosted the panel session moderated by Dr. Jeri’Ann Hiller, Sr. Health Equity Manager, Boston Scientific.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and index.htmhttps://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/lcod/men/2015/black/Prevention:AccessedSeptember2019
Also called a plantar fasciotomy, this min imally invasive, minimally traumatic surgical treatment involves making a small incision through the heel into the damaged tendon to try to lengthen it and relieve tension. Patients tend to recover in six to 10 weeks, but it may take up to three months to resume exercise and more vigorous activities.Nomatter
“We typically treat plantar fasciitis conservatively, at first,” said Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon and president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “This can include a combination of remedies, including rest, exercises that stretch the calf mus cles, orthotics, icing the heel, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, supportive footwear and physical therapy.”
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Most patients respond well to conservative treatments. However, depending on the severity of the plantar fasciitis, additional therapies may be required, including:
• Ultrasonic Treatment: In this newer procedure, a small incision is made into the heel of the foot and a probe directs ultrasonic energy at the fascia to break down bad tissue and help the healing process. A diagnostic ultrasound tool is used to create an image of the inside of the foot and guide the probe. Patients may need to wear a boot immediately after the procedure for up to two weeks and they can expect to see improvements anywhere from three to six months after the procedure.•Surgery:
Guest speaker Omar Carter, Founder of Omar Carter Foundation, kicked off the session by sharing his story about how his heart attack at the age of 25 changed his life–a story recently chronicled in an ESPN docu mentary about him and his lifelong friend, NBA star StephTheCurry.panel discussion and roundtable talk, moderat ed by Sam Conaway, president, U.S. Cardiology Sales and chair, Close the Gap, Boston Scientific, educated members about the high risk of heart and vascular
• Injection Therapy: Growth factor injections and platelet rich plasma injections are used to boost the body’s healing response and help repair injured tissue.
Chairperson.Theafternoon
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• Shockwave Therapy: This in-office treatment uses sound waves delivered over the skin to slightly damage the tissue and stimulate the body’s natural repair process. This helps the plantar fasciitis heal and relieves pain symptoms without making an incision. Patients can expect to be up and moving immediately after treatment, but it may take three to six months to see results.
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