Chicago Weekend Citizen 11-16-2022

TO INSPIRE OTHERS REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

Ebony Westbrooks grew up in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood. Westbrooks was a teen mom, and her children attended the Nia Family Center. The teachers were so welcoming and hands-on, and they provided the support she needed to reach her goals. She fell in love with that and went to school to get her Master’s Degree in early education.

3ARTS GOES “NEXT LEVEL” WITH THIRD YEAR OF $150,000 NEXT LEVEL/SPARE ROOM AWARDS TO THREE WOMEN VISUAL ARTISTS

CHICAGO, Ill. – 3Arts, the Chicago-based nonprofit grantmaking organization, announced the recipients of the third annual 3Arts Next Level/Spare Room Award—a $50,000 unrestricted cash award given to three women visual artists who are past 3Arts awardees—during its 15th annual 3Arts Awards Celebration hosted virtually on November 7, live on YouTube. With support from an anonymous donor at the Chicago Community Foundation, this year’s 3Arts Next Level/Spare Room Award honors visual artists A.J. McClenon, Pooja Pittie, and Reveca Torres in recognition of their outstanding work in the arts and commitment to increased visibility for their commu nities.

“The Next Level program is an uncommon con cept in the grantmaking field in which a second award at a higher level is distributed to a past recipient,” said 3Arts Executive Director Esther Grisham Grimm, “It is one of the many ways that we as an organization show our ongoing support to our 3Arts community of artists throughout their entire careers and reflects our commit ment to investing in the creative heart of our city.”

During the November 7 event, 3Arts awarded ten 3Arts Awards recipients who received $30,000 in un restricted cash grants. Another ten artists were selected by past 3Arts awardees to receive $4,000 unrestricted grants through Make a Wave, an artist-to-artist grant program.

3Arts premiered new commissions by past 3Arts awardees during the Awards celebration, including in a new performance with the all-women percussion group Woori Sori (“Our Voice”) by Aram Han Sifuentes; a new music video for her original song “Walls + Ceil ings” from her debut album BT/SHE/HER by Bethany Thomas; a new dance film by Robby Lee Williams with fellow dancer Connor Cornelius and visual artist Genevieve Ramos; and a new video from Santiago X’s Land Acknowledgement series. The entire evening’s celebration is available to view on 3Arts’ YouTube channel.

The celebratory evening was co-chaired by Can dace Hunter (past 3Arts awardee), Lynn M. Lockwood (civic leader), and Mel Smith (3Arts Treasurer).

The 2022 Next Level/Spare Room Award judges are Linda Earle, Allyson Esposito, and Sacha Yanow.

3Arts is a nonprofit organization that supports Chicago’s women artists, artists of color, and Deaf and disabled artists who work in the performing, teaching, and visual arts. By providing cash awards, project fund ing, residency fellowships, professional development, and promotion, 3Arts helps artists take risks, experi ment, and build momentum in their careers.

For more information about 3Arts, please visit www.3arts.org.

ILLINOIS SENATE DEMOCRATS TO KEEP

SUPER MAJORITY IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OAK PARK — Elections results appear to show the Illinois Senate Democrats will hold a super majority in the next General Assembly. Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement.

“The people have spoken. Now it’s time to get to work governing.

Illinois Senate Democrats are committed to responsible state budgets that prioritize funding for schools, health care and public safety; meaningful eth ics reforms; and equality of opportunity for all Illinois ans through job creation and community investment.

These principles guide our caucus through thick and thin. With the help of our allies throughout this great state we have produced balanced budgets, dynamic investment in public education, a record-set ting string of credit rating improvements and newfound commitment to social justice.

I look forward to new opportunities to work to gether to find consensus on solving problems, righting wrongs and moving Illinois forward.”

Nia Family Center Site Director wants to inspire others to reach their full potential

Westbrooks started at the Nia Family Services as a teacher and more than 20 years later, she is the Nia Family Center Site Director. The Nia Family Center, lo cated at 744 N. Monticello, is one of Chicago Commons Collective Early Childhood Centers.

Chicago Commons began in 1894 as a Settlement House, founded by Graham Taylor, at 140 N. Union St. Chicago Commons’ mission is to help children, families and seniors. Chicago Commons currently serves more than 3,500 people throughout the city and more than 1,750 students, ages six weeks to 12 years old, in its early childhood education program.

“For the last 128 years, Chicago Commons has prov en to be a high-quality program that provides services for early education, senior services and also we provide Adult Services through our Family Hub program,” West brooks said.

Chicago Commons established one of the first kin dergartens in the City in 1897. Chicago Commons uses the Reggio Emilia approach, which focuses on preschool and primary education and involves self-directed, exper imental learning in a student-focused environment.

Nia Family Center has been a leading early educa tion program since 1993. In its early education program, the Nia Family Center services children ages six weeks to 5-years old.

“We introduce our children to different materials, we allow them to explore and also all of our classrooms

are set up as the third teacher,” Westbrooks said.

Chicago Commons leverages partnerships within the community. In addition to the four Chicago Com mons-operated early education Family Center, it also has several partner sites throughout the city where it provides training, coaching and technical assistance to the Head Start and Early Head Start teachers. The Early Education partners are located in Austin, Rogers Park, Little Village, Calumet Heights, Washington Heights and the Lower West Side.

Chicago Commons was awarded a five-year $23 million per year grant to provide additional support to administrators, provide more teacher training and coor dinate family services through a collaborative approach.

During her journey, Westbrooks has learned there are two types of leaders: leaders who want power and leaders who want to inspire others.

“As a director and a leader of the Nia Family Cen ter, I want to be that leader that inspires my teaching team to want to one day enhance their careers and be a Director or to be the CEO. I just like to inspire others, because I feel like it’s a good feeling and they have so much potential and I’m so excited about their future,” Westbrooks said.

For more information about Chicago Commons, visit www.chicagocommons.org. For more information about Nia Family Center, visit www.niafamilycenter.com.

We Rise Together’s first year of grantmaking has unlocked $291 million in investment in Black and Latinx communities in Chicago and Cook County

Chicago -- With its latest round of grants, We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery has invested nearly $30 million in target neighborhoods in the past year, unlocking $291 million in new development projects. In Black and Latinx communities that have faced decades of disinvestment and financial devastation during the pandemic, these development projects strengthen their communities and the entire region.

In September, nearly $7 million in grants were awarded to sup port four new brick-and-mortar developments and five organizations working to grow Black and Latinx businesses. The grants will bring new investment, jobs, and services to Black and Latinx communities in Chicago and the south suburbs of Cook County.

“The Black and Latinx communities we are investing with are on track to see new and rehabilitated buildings delivering services and amenities on par with our cities’ economically advantaged neighborhoods,” said Gloria Castillo, We Rise Together director. “As Chicago continues to bounce back from the pandemic, we are excited to invest in innovative projects that signal to residents that they can earn a living in their community that supports their families and en courages local entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses.”

Recognizing that one new building or business alone cannot transform a neighborhood’s economy, We Rise Together provides community developers and nonprofits with grant funding to advance three key strategies in each target community: investing in disinvest ed areas, strengthening Black and Latinx businesses, and increasing quality, resilient employment.

The Austin community exemplifies how We Rise Together has been working with community leaders to realize their community’s vision, as reflected in the “Austin Forward” Quality of Life plan. We Rise Together invested in the North Austin Community Center, a 150,000-square-foot facility that will host amateur sports and youth services, bringing some 250,000 people each year to Austin. We Rise Together has also invested in two additional brick-and-mortar devel

opments in Austin—Aspire Center and the BUILD campus—and provided grant funding to the Northwest Side CDC to support small businesses in the area to take advantage of the new market created by the visitors these developments will attract. A grant to Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership will bring additional workforce development services to Austin.

Almost $2 million in grants were awarded in September to the following projects to support Black and Latinx businesses:

HACIA’s Executive Fellows program is launching its co hort-based business development curriculum to grow and scale contractors of color.

mHub is launching the Catalyze Initiative by funding deep partnerships in communities of color and ongoing support for entrepreneurs developing hard tech products.

Greater Chatham Initiative is working to strengthen the restaurant ecosystem in Chatham and its six surrounding com munities through storytelling, building the “Soul-Delivered” platform, and offering nutritional evaluation and labeling.

Northwest Side CDC is launching the CRECER small business incubator in Belmont Cragin, including programming provided for the businesses in the incubator.

Women’s Business Development Center is expanding the ScaleHigher curriculum into the Chicago market and support ing participating businesses in learning about and accessing digital tools to scale their businesses.

In addition, $4.9 million in grants were awarded in September to support the following brick-and-mortar develop ments:

BUILD, Austin.

Green Era, Auburn Gresham.

The Desk/South Shore Chamber of Commerce, South Shore.

United Yards, Back of the Yards.

ILBCF Announces New Grant Funding for Community-Based Black Medical Professionals

Springfield, Ill. – Following last month’s successful legislative conference, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foun dation (ILBCF) is proud to announce its new Brain Trust on Health initiative, which will include a $5,000 grant opportunity for 11 qualified Black medical professionals, along with in-depth, collaborative efforts to elimi nate systemic barriers to equitable healthcare facing Black communities across Illinois with both immediate and long-term solutions to ensure improved health outcomes.

Building upon the healthcare portion of the Caucus’ landmark omnibus legislative package called the Four Pillars to End Sys temic Racism, the ILBCF has dedicated itself to reinforcing the healthcare-related needs of underserved Black communities in Illinois through a series of policy think tanks featur ing public health experts, elected officials and leading medical professionals.

The ILBCF will produce content and engage in discussions on systemic challenges to the health of Black communities in Illinois, including the lack of representation in the health field. The Brain Trust will analyze

how informed policy could positively influence the health of black communities in the future.

The work of the Brain Trust on Health, and the Four Pillars in totality, is centered upon setting the state of Illinois on a path of corrective actions to remedy longstanding inequities, and also having broader policy implications nationwide. Considering the recent Supreme Court overruling of Roe vs. Wade, sessions will initially focus on the ramifications of this decision on healthcare and reproductive health issues of Black women.

The legislative and community chairs for this Brain Trust are State Senator Mattie Hunter, Majority Caucus Chair; State Representative Camille Lilly; Dr. Anthony Williams, Staff Scientist at the University of Chicago, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Circulogix. The brain trust will be moderated by Tiffany D. Hightower, Executive Director, ILBCF.

$5,000 Health Grant for Black Medi cal Professionals

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus

Foundation (ILBCF) is also offering a to tal of 11 grants of $5,000 each to support African American students who have com pleted a medical degree and are working as medical providers or practicing in a medical residency program. The recipient may put the grant towards previous aca demic debt. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation fully funds this grant.

Its goal is to provide educational resources and financial opportunities for African American students throughout Illinois. Since its inception, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation has successfully awarded over $1,000,000 scholarships/grant support to deserving students.

Since its inception in 2002, the Illi nois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation has been dedicated to protecting, devel oping, and advancing black communities around Illinois. For more information on the ILBCF and the 4 Pillars, follow @ ILBCF on Meta/Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and https://www.ilbcf.org/; https:// illinoissenatedemocrats.com/ilbc-pillars.

Beware of ‘Silent Killer’ in Homes

Illinois Poison Center Urges Residents to Purchase Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Replace Batteries Annually

CHICAGO – With cold weather on the horizon, Illinois Poison Center (IPC) wants to remind the public that heating your home to combat the icy tempera tures also increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning (CO). Carbon monoxide is frequently called the “silent killer” because it cannot be seen, smelled or tasted and can lead to death.

cause of carbon monoxide injury in the winter time. Other sources include: oil, wood and gas furnaces and heaters; gas space heaters; charcoal grills; lanterns; gasoline-powered vehicles, such as snow blowers; dryers; and gas stoves and ovens.

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

PAPPAS: MORE THAN 45,000 PROPERTIES ARE IN COOK COUNTY’S TAX SALE AND 18,000 OWE UNDER $1,000

Treasurer Maria Pappas is urging 45,088 property owners to pay their delinquent bills immediately to prevent their unpaid taxes from being offered for auction at the Cook

County Tax Sale that runs November 15 – 18, 2022. Properties with unpaid 2020 property taxes (due in 2021) will be offered at the Sale.

More than $169 million is due on delinquent homes, businesses and land in the county.

The owners were sent notices via certified mail informing them that their unpaid taxes could be auctioned, which would put a lien against their properties. However, more than 14,136 bills were returned by the U.S. Postal Service. In addition to the mailings, the

Treasurer’s Office published delin quency property tax lists in area newspa pers.

Less than $1,000 is owed on 12,163 properties in Chicago and 6,100 proper ties in suburban Cook County.

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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.

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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

The IPC notes an increase in CO poisoning in the winter, due to faulty or malfunctioning heaters and furnaces, and urges residents to use a CO detector. As required by Illinois law, IPC recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home and to have furnaces and other heating equipment inspected annually by professionals. It is also recommended that the public replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monox ide detectors each year.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen at any time, but the risk signifi cantly increases as the weather cools and people begin using their furnace or use other gas-powered appliances for heat ing,” said IPC Assistant Vice President, Carol DesLauriers, PharmD. “Without a functioning carbon monoxide detector in a home, carbon monoxide can easily go undetected leading to serious injury or death.”

Data comparing carbon monox ide-related IPC calls from colder weather months (Nov. 2021-April 2022) to warm er weather months (May 2021-Oct. 2021) showed a 55 percent increase in cases during the colder weather. Gas-powered heating appliances are the most common

Carbon monoxide poisoning usually occurs slowly over a period of several hours; however, at very high concen trations, carbon monoxide can kill in minutes. Carbon monoxide poisoning may result in flu-like symptoms includ ing headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Severe poisonings may cause convulsions, unconsciousness, brain damage and even death.

“IPC hopes by informing the public of the risks, symptoms and treatment related to carbon monoxide poisoning, we will reduce the number of cases we see this time of year,” DesLauriers added.

If you believe you or someone you know is a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning, seek fresh air immediately. If someone loses consciousness, please call 911 immediately. Once out of immediate danger, call the IPC at 800-222-1222 to receive further treatment advice.

IPC experts are available to provide information and treatment advice 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, including holi days. The call is free and confidential. For more information, visit the IPC’s website at www.illinoispoisoncenter.org.

For more information about the car bon monoxide poisoning and prevention, please visit www.illinoispoisoncenter.org/ carbonmonoxide.

“Homeowners should make sure they are up to date on their taxes and getting all the exemptions they deserve, so they can rest easier in their home, which prob ably is the biggest investment of their lives,” Pappas said.

Owners can avoid the Tax Sale by paying the delinquent taxes and interest before the Sale begins. Check to see if your taxes are delinquent by visiting cookcountytreasurer.com. Use the box on the home page labeled “Avoid the Tax Sale” to search for your home or other property by entering a Property Index Number or an address. Property owners can also use the website to make sure they are receiving the exemptions for which they qualify. These include the homeowner, senior and senior freeze exemptions. Payment can be made in five ways:  Online for free at cookcountytrea surer.com  At any Chase Bank location  At any of more than 100 commu nity banks where you have an account

By mail  At the Treasurer’s Office

Per Illinois law, an annual tax sale is conducted 13 months after the due date. But the pandemic delayed the 2018 and 2019 tax sales. The 2018 Tax Sale was held in

November 2021, and the 2019 Tax Sale was held in May.

Black-Owned Fintech Company Launches Free Grant Search Platform

CONYERS, Ga., PRNewswire -- Blackowned fintech and finance company Novae LLC has announced the launch of a new online tool designed to help small businesses to find grants and tax incen tives that can help them to grow exponentially.

Called Novae Grants, the new tool will allow users to search a database of thousands of financial assistance opportunities from both the government and the private sector. Tax credits which small businesses may qualify for will also be included in the database.

Novae founder Reco McCambry says that the grants his team is gathering for inclusion in the da tabase range from $500 to $5 million in size, and are designed to help business owners serve their com munities. The grants include town- and city-based grants to revitalize local businesses and create jobs, and federal and think tank grants to support renew able energy, tech, and innovation.

“The idea is to make it as easy as possible for small businesses to locate the support they need to grow,” McCambry says. “Whether you’re a mom and pop shop or a good-sized startup, you may be doing something that one of these agencies wants to promote for the sake of the public good.”

McCambry notes that most of the grants which have so far been located and placed in the Novae Grants database are intended for small businesses with 6-100 employees, though some are also intended for larger businesses and sole proprietor startups.

“We know that local businesses make us more secure,” McCambry told me in our interview, “and we know that innovation often comes from startups. There are a lot of organizations that recognize this and offer funding to support these missions. But not many peo ple know how to find these grants, and many assume they won’t qualify because they aren’t in some special ized public service role. Our mission is to change that and bring this money into our communities.”

The Novae Grants search engine is now available at novaemoney.com. In addition to grants, Novae also helps companies build business credit, provides access to traditional business funding, and offers businesses

the ability to provide consumer financing for their high-ticket offerings.

Novae and CEO McCambry’s mission to in crease access to financing for businesses and customers in underserved communities has helped the company and its CEO to earn numerous awards and distinctions in recent years. Novae has been included on the Inc 5000 list of the 5000 fastest-growing businesses in America for two years running, while McCambry was recently named Innovator of the Year at the annual Bank Customer Experience Summit and received an Outstanding Leadership Award at Money2.0 this Spring.

McCambry hopes that the new grant search database, combined with Novae’s other offerings to assist businesses and consumers with financing for large purchases, will help to create prosperity for communities that have often been shut out of traditional banking and grant ser vices.

UBIZ Venture Capital Honors Four Successful Black Entrepreneurs

CLEVELAND, PRNewswire -- UBIZ

Venture Capital, in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, held the Busi ness Legacy Award Reception and launched the Business Growth Institute (BGI), at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Lonnie Coleman, President and CEO of the Coleman Spohn Corp. whose construction projects include Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center.

Mel Pye, President and CEO of Fairfax Place, which provides cutting edge healthcare services in partnership with local hospitals to residents in a 100-bed facility.

Anthony E. Smith (posthumously) and his wife Vanessa Whiting, the CEO of A.E.S. Man agement Corp., and the owner and operator of 15 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen locations in Northeast

Ohio.

Tilmon Brown, the chairman of Norwalk, Ohio-based, New Horizons Baking Co. is a McDonald’s supplier that produces soft sandwich buns and English muffins to more than 5,000 quick-service restaurants, grocery stores and food service providers nationwide. Tilmon has also been inducted into the “Bakers Hall of fame”, the first African American to be selected by the American Society of Baking.

The Business Growth Institute is an initia tive to sustain legacy Black businesses in our community. The Institute will also develop more Black-owned businesses in high growth sectors, such as renewable energy, software development, and advanced manufacturing with the potential to generate $1 Million in revenue or more each year.

“Black-owned businesses are critical to the U.S. economy, especially here in Northeast Ohio,

but they often lack access to capital and resourc es for growth,” said David Allen, Market Team Lead for Northern Ohio at J.P. Morgan Private bank. “JPMorgan Chase’s investment will help strengthen the region’s workforce, community and local economy.”

“Highlighting these companies is a perfect way to celebrate their excellence and share ways we can create more similar successful companies through the Business Growth Institute,” said Michael Obi, President of UBIZ Venture Capital. “We are very grateful for funding from JPMorgan Chase totaling $500,000, which speaks volume to its commitment to closing the wealth gap in the black community.” Obi added that Key Bank also invested $100,000 to launch the Institute, in addition to its support of UBIZ’s economic devel opment efforts since its inception.

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PRNewsFoto

The Soul of Philanthropy Chicago Accepting Local Philanthropist Nominations Through Nov. 30

CHICAGO (Nov. 9, 2022) – The Soul of Philan thropy, an exhibition coming to the Chicago Cultural Center in early 2023, is accepting nominations for local philanthropists to be featured in the “Rooted in Chicago” component. Nominations are accepted online through Nov. 30.

The Soul of Philanthropy, hosted by Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy from Feb. 1 through April 30 next year, will recognize individuals who are making a difference in their community with their philanthropic contributions. Members of the community are invited to nominate an individual or family who has made a contri bution to an organization by giving their time, talent and treasure.

The individual or family nominated must be locat ed in Chicago or the surrounding area. The criteria are simple – what have they done, and what is the impact on the community?

Nominations can be made at https://airtable.com/ shrH89XyHeU1F65dK

Nomination categories include:

Hidden philanthropist recognizes the unsung hero in our community. Their individual contribution of time, talent and treasure is the engine behind the grassroots organizations, churches or communities.

Young adult philanthropist recognizes service by an individual (19-40 years old) who has demonstrated ex traordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering, and/or leadership.

Youth philanthropist recognizes service by an indi vidual (18 years or younger) who has demonstrated ex traordinary commitment to the community through direct

financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and/or leadership.

Emerging philanthropist recognizes an outstanding individual or family with a proven record of exception al generosity (time, talent and treasure) and volunteer leadership to one or more Chicago and surrounding area organizations, issues or communities. The emerging philanthropist has demonstrated civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity inspires others to philanthropic action for a period of two years or more. This category honors the achievements of a living per son; if a family is proposed, there should be at least one living member.

Legacy philanthropist recognizes the cumulative philanthropic efforts of an individual or family during a period of at least 10 years of exceptional generosity through direct financial support, volunteer participation, and leadership involvement demonstrate outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity motivates and encourages others to take philanthrop ic leadership roles in the community. Nominees will demonstrate significant, long-term involvement with one or more Chicago and surrounding area organizations.

The Soul of Philanthropy – “Rooted in Chicago” tells the story of philanthropy from a uniquely Chicago perspective. Community programs will be offered on the South and West sides in a manner that consciously considers Black philanthropic giving and how it has evolved throughout generations. The Soul of Philan thropy – “Rooted in Chicago” is about empowering a new generation to recognize their influence and their responsibility to give back. This specially curated, local

Nicholas J. Inman Named Comcast’s Regional Vice President of Finance

Nicholas J. Inman has been named Vice President of Finance for Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region, which serves more than 3 million customers in Illinois, Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. In his new role, Inman will oversee all the region’s financial ac tivities, facilities and equip ment inventories.

“Nick is a seasoned and proven finance professional with a variety of relevant experience,” said John Crowley, Comcast’s Region al Senior Vice President. “I look forward to working with Nick and his team to con tinue to deliver innovative internet, mobile and other telecommunications services and a great customer experi ence.”

Inman comes to Comcast from Papa John’s headquar ters in Atlanta, where he served in various finance roles, most recently Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. Before that, he held fi nance and related positions for a business outsourcing firm and two major US airlines.

Inman received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aero space, Aeronautics and Aviation Science and Technology from Purdue University in Lafayette, IN, in 2002, and a Master of Business Administration from Clark University in Atlanta in 2004.

Main Office Building 100 E. Erie St., Chicago Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

component will also be held at the Chicago Cultural Center.

The Soul of Philanthropy exhibition was developed in conjunction with Valaida Fullwood’s award– winning book, “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists.” Developed with photogra pher Charles Thomas, the 400–page hardcover book profiles stories of philanthropy among African Amer icans. “Giving Back” was named one of the 10 Best Black Books of 2011 and received the prestigious 2012 McAdam Book Award.

Since 2015, The Soul of Philanthropy has trav eled the country and been shown at sites including the Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina; Concordia University in Portland, Oregon; the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library in Denver, Colorado; and, most recently, in Cleveland.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Con tact Jessyca Dudley: sponsorship@tsopchicago.org.

About Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy CAAIP is a membership organization that promotes dialogue between philanthropic and nonprofit organiza tions, advocates for equitable and effective philanthropy in African American communities and builds infrastruc ture for equitable leadership in the social sector. It works to foster community among Black people in Chicago and across the Midwest. The Soul of Philanthropy offers an opportunity to grow a community of people commit ted to increasing the visibility of Black leaders in philan thropy, building a cohesive and vital community, and redirecting philanthropic resources and decision-making to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities.

Tip: Keep medications in their original packaging and containers when possible. To learn more, visit mwrd.org/medication-disposal or call (312) 751-6633.

Nicholas J. Inman

DE BEERS ANNOUNCES LUPITA NYONG’O AS FIRST GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

LONDON, PRNewswire -- De Beers is proud to announce Lupita Nyong’o as its first Global Ambas sador. The Academy Award-winning actor stars in the new brand campaign, De Beers: Where It Begins, which tells the story of the only global luxury brand that starts at the source. As a core element of the partnership Nyong’o will support De Beers’ Building Forever commitment, which aims to advance women and girls where its diamonds are discovered.

Renowned Australian photographer and director Lachlan Bailey follows Nyong’o from the discovery of a rough diamond to its magical transformation into magnificent jewellery. The campaign celebrates De Beers’ unique passion for sourcing the rarest treasures of nature and revealing their exception al beauty through remarkable craftsmanship. As Nyong’o embarks on her journey, she discovers the power that only a De Beers natural diamond jewellery creation holds: turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, a moment into forever and herself into a magnetic woman with limitless potential.

As a powerful woman who cares deeply about the world around her, Nyong’o is the ultimate representative of De Beers’ Building Forever com mitment to people and the planet. As a brand that is part-owned by the citizens of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, De Beers thinks differently about what value is and how it is created. To this end, through its Building Forever approach, De Beers will work with Nyong’o in pursuit of the brand’s public goals to engage 10,000 girls in STEM, sup port 10,000 women entrepreneurs and invest at least $10 million across southern Africa to achieve these goals by 2030.

“I’m honored to be the first Global Ambassador for De Beers. This campaign brings to life the trans formative power that I feel when I wear De Beers’ diamond creations, and the pride in knowing where they come from and the good they do. Even more importantly, my partnership with De Beers allows me to extend my advocacy for women and girls around the world” says Lupita Nyong’o.

“With her rare magnetism and elegance, Lupita Nyong’o is a testament to the power of boundless possibilities. Embodying modern and responsible luxury, Lupita is an inspiration for all of us. De Beers is proud that Lupita has joined our Building Forever commitment to people and the planet and we stand with her as she embarks on an exciting chapter in her career,” says Marc Jacheet, De Beers CEO Brands.

Nadula Launches New Color Wigs Styles for You to Be a Color Player

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif., PRNewswire -- Do you want to be a color player? Nadula offers trendy colors for fall 2022. These deep, rich shades are perfect for dark tones. Burgundy hair color ideas and reddish brown hair color to try in 2022. You can wear these highlight color wigs in a wedding ceremony, a birthday celebration, or an official supper to meet any hairstyle and color.

Spicy Red Wine Wig and Caramel Red Cake Wig are hot-selling and highly recommended products. Those wishing to become a Nadula Color Player, and try out the new wigs may click here, and also tag @nadulahair and @nadulacolorplayer.

Caramel Red Cake color can be incredibly flattering, plus, its versa tility gives options to a lot of people. Red brown hair can dramatically change the look of a person and its effects do vary. Some will softly enhance a client’s natural beauty, perhaps bringing out their eye color or warming their skin tones, while others will create much more of a statement. Basically, get ready to embrace the change. Caramel red cake wig is the trendy hair color and fashion style, it is the brightest and the hottest hue in the color wheel.

Spicy Red Wine hair color reflects everything that is good about red color, not least of all, the rich deep red color. The tones in this shade make it a perfect red hair color for warm skin tones.

Do you want to become a redhead, but without looking too red? That’s a dilemma not unique to you alone. Many women want a red hair color shade that sits perfectly center of sublime and striking. And they often go with dark red highlights that contrast less with dark brown or black hair. The overall effect is bold but understated. You may receive great advice to try the colorful human hair wigs, but the spicy red wine wig is the best recommendation for you to choose.

Nadula, Be confident, Be Bold, Be You, Be Color Player!

Three Beauty Queens Become the Face of RRTBeauty

NEW YORK - PRLog -- Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty has launched the Beauty Queen Bling Collection to the world. The 12-piece glamorous collection has a mix of metallic cream lipsticks, glitter eyeshadows, 3D mascara, 3D eyelashes and long-wear eyelash glue. The products are presented in gold and rhine stone cases that will having you feeling fabulous as you head out for a day or night on the town!

Ebony Acton, Miss DC for America

Strong 2021, Andolyn Medina, Miss DC America 2021 and Faith Porter, Miss DC USA 2022, were selected to model the products for Raquel Riley Thomas, the Founder and Creative Director. The photography was done by Leroy Amank rah, who has roots in Ghana. One makeup artist, Axel Vasquez is from Guatemala

and the other makeup artist is a black woman, Gabby Devine. The assistant, Lorenda Nelson, was also black. They all came together to shoot a campaign for the black-owned and Veteran-owned cosmetic company, Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty.

“These women are more than just beautiful faces, I choose them because they are Warriors to me. They each have gone through tremendous trials and trib ulations to get to where they are today. Their stories will make you cry and give you hope all at the same time,” states Raquel Riley Thomas, Founder.

And they are giving a portion of the sales to a non-profit that focuses on Vet eran because the Founder, Raquel Riley Thomas, is a Veteran Army Captain.

They made history with this cam paign, as this is the first campaign photo

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graphed for a Veteran-owned and blackowned cosmetic brand using all black and brown creatives.

Founded in 2020, Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty is a minority-owned and Veteran-owned cosmetic brand that supplies glamourous long-wear make up. The brand is performance based, designed to stay on longer for those in fields that need it. For example, cus tomers such as actors, beauty queens, singers, musicians, CEOs and more have enjoyed our brand! Army-Veteran turned beauty and fashion expert Raquel Riley Thomas produced the formulated concept 3GL: Glamour Lashes, Glamour Lids, Glamour Lips. By using Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty products, glamou rous looks are now easier and applica tions last longer.

De Beers global brand ambassador Lupita Nyong’o. PRNewsFoto.

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G HERBO PARTNERS WITH DION’S CHICAGO DREAM TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY IN CHICAGO

Chicago, Ill. -- Rapper G Herbo an nounced via Instagram that his initiative ‘Swervin’ Through Stress’ will partner with the nonprofit Dion’s Chicago Dream to address food insecurity throughout Chicago, which the rapper calls home.

Through the partnership, G Herbo will support Dion Dawson and his team at Dion’s Chicago Dream in delivering over 50,000 pounds of fresh produce to residents across Chicagoland. The partnership of these Chica go community leaders will transition thou sands of local residents from food-insecure to food-secure.

“I’m honored that G Herbo – a fellow Chicago native and one of my favorite rappers – has decided to partner with us. G Herbo doesn’t just sound good, he does good. As a result of his support, the Dion’s Chicago Dream movement will reach an additional 500 Chicagoland resi dents and move them from food-insecure to food-secure,” said Dion’s Chicago Dream Founder Dion Dawson, an Englewood native and Navy veteran who grew up homeless and food-insecure himself. “G Herbo sees the impact our organization provides, and agrees that reliable access to fresh, healthy produce is essential to stabilizing critical needs.”

Through Dion’s Chicago Dream, it costs $1,000 to provide fresh produce to a food-in secure household for a year. Supporters can donate at www.dionschicagodream.org.

“This partnership with Dion’s Chicago Dream makes sense for the city,” said G Her bo on the new collaboration. “Making sure the

community is fed is the first step to healing.”

Wellness is holistic, and the strategic alignment between Dion’s Chicago Dream and Swervin’ Through Stress aims to meet existential needs as the first steps to mental wellness. Running the organization with a last-mile delivery model, Dion and his team deliver boxes of high-quality produce weekly to Chicagoland residents who otherwise have trouble accessing fresh, healthy produce. Now in its second year of programming, Dion’s Chicago Dream has served over 200,000 pounds of fresh produce to nearly 66,000 Chicago families to date. The organi zation continues to grow and bolster its presence in Chica go’s neighborhoods with partnerships like the one that was announced.

Dion’s Chicago Dream is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that delivers weekly boxes of high-qual ity fruits and vegetables to thousands of Chicagoland residents who would not otherwise have reliable access to fresh, healthy food. Through a logistics and last-mile delivery system, Dion’s Chicago Dream is committed to feeding families, creating com munity and fueling hope. Consistent access to nutritious food gives people the best chance at a healthy life. It is a right that all people deserve to enjoy.

G Herbo’s Swervin’ Through Stress aims to destigmatize conversations around mental wellness among African American men by introducing and educating at an early age, as well as providing access to resources, tools and coping mechanisms to combat the long term effects of undiagnosed mental health both at the personal and community level.

Landmarks Illinois grant supports Pullman Tech Workshop’s preservation efforts on Chicago’s South Side

CHICAGO – Landmarks Illinois has awarded a grant through the Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side to Pullman Tech Work shop (PTW), a nonprofit providing historic trades training to people living in and around Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood. PTW will use the $2,500 matching grant from Landmarks Illinois to help with rehabilitation efforts at the former Schlitz Brewery Stable Building.

Built in 1906, the two-story, brick building was designed by the prom inent architectural firm of Frommann & Jebsen and is today a Chicago Landmark. PTW is currently renting the building with the intention to own it through an upcoming donation. Landmarks Illinois grant funds will specif ically go toward the cleanup and renovation of two spaces in the building: a former office and storage space to be used as the Material Library and a former brewery testing lab to be used as the Preservation Technology Lab.

“The historic preservation field is facing a worker shortage,” said Bonnie McDonald, President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois. “Pullman Tech Workshop is helping to close this gap through its historic trades workforce development program, which creates career opportunities for people on the South Side of Chicago. We are proud to support this organization in its ef forts to renovate the former Schlitz Building where it can continue to host its training workshops to encourage people to work in the historic trades.”

“Our mission focuses on empowering people and preserving plac es,” said Megan Lydon, Pullman Tech Workshop Board Chair. “We hope by educating and inspiring the next generation of historic trades workers on Chicago’s historically under-resourced South Side, we can strengthen, celebrate and advance equitable resources and opportunities while having a direct impact on our community.”

Learn more about this grant recipient here.

About the Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side

The Landmarks Illinois Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side provides small planning and capital matching grants to support organizations and people working to preserve the history, culture and ar chitecture of Chicago’s South Side, where Mr. Black, acclaimed civil rights leader, author and historian spent the majority of his life living and pro moting African American history. Click here to learn more about past grant recipients.

Grants through the Landmarks Illinois Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side range from $500 - $2,500 each, depending on need, and require a one-to-one match. Grant applications are accepted twice a year, and the next application deadline is January 1, 2023. Visit our website to view complete grant guidelines and to submit a grant application.

About Landmarks Illinois

We are People Saving Places for People. Landmarks Illinois is a mem bership-based, historic preservation nonprofit organization serving the people of Illinois. We inspire and empower stakeholders to save places that matter to them by providing free guidance, practical and financial resources and access to strategic partnerships. For more information, visit www.Landmarks.org.

“I’m honored that G Herbo – a fellow Chicago native and one of my favorite rappers – has decided to partner with us. G Herbo doesn’t just sound good, he does good. As a result of his support, the Dion’s Chicago Dream movement will reach an additional 500 Chicagoland residents and move them from foodinsecure to food-secure,” said Dion’s Chicago Dream Founder Dion Dawson

When COVID hit, homeschooling spiked. Now, parents are reluctant to send their kids back

BY JOSEPHINE MCNEAL

Homeschooling, once a fairly niche form of education, rose to new heights during COVID, especially among Black families who made the switch at a remarkably high rate.

Fall 2020 U.S. census data shows that the number of Black families choosing to homeschool their children quintupled. Although reports from the National Center for Education Statistics show that homeschooling has been a historically white practice, the demographic change is unsurprising to experts because nationwide disruptions to student achievement were uneven.

COVID worsened preexisting gaps between historically marginalized public school student groups and their more privileged peers. White, Asian, and higher-income students still show much higher test scores than Black, Latino, and lower-income students.

One example comes out of San Diego’s school district. The district’s annual state standardized tests represent the first districtwide picture of how the pandemic impacted student achievement. The jarring 2022 scores show 34% of Black students meeting standards in English language arts, and only 19% met standards in math.

Red flags are also waving nationwide about absenteeism from school. The pandemic complicated attendance track ing, especially because required quarantines and COVID ill ness kept many students out of school for stretches of time.

The option and resources for homeschooling are not available to every family, but steps for keeping every stu dent safe — no matter how they are being educated — are accessible for all.

Dr. Joan Prince, vice chancellor of Global Inclusion and Engagement at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a nationally renowned advocate for equity, said in a recent statement that it is important for the parents of Black children to understand that COVID-19 vaccines are still a critical tool in the fight against the virus.

“An original vaccine for those that have not yet en gaged, and the updated vaccines for all approved age groups in the family, along with face coverings are powerful weapons that can assist students in regaining normalcy with inside and external activities,” Prince said. “Following these simple steps can reverse the negative impact of the virus on school attendance and achievement.”

COVID-19 vaccines have been crucial to resolving the absentee issue, keeping students active in extracurriculars and allowing them to be around peers.

Here are some facts about vaccines:

• Updated vaccines that provide extra protection from the Omicron strains of COVID are available for anyone age 5 or older who received their last vaccine dose at least 2 months ago.

• COVID vaccines help protect people in your commu nity – including the most vulnerable community members — from the worst outcomes of COVID.

• Vaccination reduces the risk of getting long COVID by preventing COVID in the first place. Getting vaccinat ed is a safer way to build protection than getting sick with COVID.

• COVID can be unpredictable in children, with some experiencing severe outcomes or lingering symptoms. Getting children ages 6 months and older vaccinated for COVID can help keep them protected.

Every student can have a fair chance of having a healthy, successful school year.

Jospehine McNeal is the public relations specialist at CMRignite, a strategic marketing agency and a partner of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Seeks Additional Help with Operation Purple Heart

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs urges people to assist with Operation Purple Heart, an unprecedented mission to return 11 Purple Heart medals to their rightful owners.

The military honors were submitted to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office for safekeeping and return as part of the Un claimed Property program, also known as I-Cash or missing money.

Military medals are among the most difficult items to return because neither the Armed Forces nor the federal govern ment maintains a comprehensive list of awardees.

In an effort to find the rightful own ers, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is releasing additional information that the owners or their relatives might recognize. A thorough vetting of inquiries will occur once an electronic claim is made at www. illinoistreasurer.gov/icash.

Misrepresenting oneself in an effort to recover unclaimed property is a crime, will not be tolerated, and the state treasurer’s office will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, especially with regard to military honors.

Each of the 11 Purple Heart medals was inside a bank safe deposit box. Each

bank determined the safe deposit box as abandoned because the owner(s) of the box had not touched it in several years. As a result, the contents of each safe deposit box were turned over to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

In most cases, the conflict in which the Purple Heart was awarded, such as World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam or Desert Storm, is unclear or unknown.

The names below are the names asso ciated with the bank safe deposit box and might not be the name of the awardee. The dates below correspond to when the con tents of the bank safe deposit box contain ing the Purple Heart were turned over to the treasurer’s office, not when the medal was earned or awarded:

Robert Cawthon, submitted to the Illi nois State Treasurer’s Office Nov. 1, 1992, from Fifth-Third Bank in Oak Park.

Raymond Wilson, submitted to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office Nov. 13, 1995.

Lawrence M. Burns, submitted to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office Nov. 5, 1997.

Linda K. Moore, submitted to the Illi nois State Treasurer’s Office Oct. 17, 2001.

Bernice Smith, submitted to the

Illinois State Treasurer’s Office Nov. 18, 2002.

David Gorski, submitted to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office Oct. 30, 2003.

Vincent G. Tuttle, submitted to the Illi nois State Treasurer’s Office Oct. 25, 2018.

Toni Alexander, submitted to the Illi nois State Treasurer’s Office Oct. 26, 2018.

Isbell Servina, or Mary A. Shayer, or Vincent P. Shayer, submitted to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office Oct. 31, 2018. It is believed they lived in Chicago. Each name was on the safe deposit box. A will for Mary and a Trust for Vincent also was in the safe deposit box.

Michelle Steward or Patricia VanHas selaere, submitted to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office Oct. 31, 2018.

Kenneth Wiest, submitted to the Illi nois State Treasurer’s Office Oct. 23, 2019.

Since 2015, the Illinois State Treasur er’s Office has successfully reunited seven Purple Hearts with their owners or heirs. It did so through an internal investigato ry process, and the office is required by law to try to return unclaimed property no matter how long it takes. Private entities holding abandoned or misplaced property are not compelled to try to identify nor locate the owner.

ARTISTS, INDUSTRY LEADERS, LEGAL EXPERTS JOIN TOGETHER TO PROTECT BLACK ART

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Artists, industry leaders, and legal experts have joined together in a call to “Protect Black Art,” publishing an open letter in The New York Times and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution urging legislators across America to limit how creative expression can be used against defendants on trial. Specifically, it calls for an end to the racially discriminatory practice of treating rap lyrics as confessions.

The lengthy list of diverse signatories includes companies such as Warner Music Group, Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, BMG, Kobalt, and Atlanta-based LVRN and Quality Control, AEG Presents, Audiomack, Deezer, Live Nation Entertainment, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, Spotify, TID AL, TikTok, and YouTube Music; organizations like the American Association of Independent Music, the Amer ican Civil Liberties Union, Artist Rights Alliance, Black

Music Action Coalition, Black Women’s Roundtable, BLD PWR, Color Of Change, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, NYU Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law, People For the American Way, PEN America, Rap Coalition, the Recording Academy, the Recording Industry Association of America, Red Hot, Sankofa.org, Songwriters of North America, Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, and Warner Music Group / the Blavatnik Family Foundation’s Social Justice Fund.

Drafted and published by War ner Music Group (WMG), the letter reads in part:

Beyond the obvious disregard for free speech and creative expression protected by the First Amendment, this racially targeted practice punishes already marginalized communities and their stories of family, struggle, survival, and triumph.

Experts have found more than 500 cases involving rap

as evidence in public records, and they note this number is just the tip of the iceberg. For the most part, this does not account for indictment proceedings, juvenile cases, or cases that end in a plea bargain, and plea bargains are an overwhelming majority of outcomes in criminal prosecutions. Meanwhile, researchers have found only four instances since the 1950s of non-rap lyrics be ing submitted as evidence – three of those cases were thrown out, and the fourth was overturned after convic tion.

Legislators at the state and federal level are already taking action. Governor Newsom recently signed a bill into law in California, and there are bills currently under consideration in New York and New Jersey, as well as the RAP (Restoring Artistic Protection) Act introduced by Rep. Hank Johnson and Rep. Jamaal Bowman in the U.S. Congress.

The #ProtectBlackArt movement began earlier this year when Liles and Greenwald launched a change.org petition, which today has nearly 65,000 signatures.

In Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, The Museum at FIT Presents Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The Museum at FIT (MFIT) presents Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip hop. The largest and most comprehensive exhibition to explore this revolutionary and influential style, this also marks the first time that the museum examines fashion exclusively through one musical genre. Over 100 garments and accessories capture the pivotal mo ments in hip hop fashion’s evolution, ranging from Kangol hats to custom Dapper Dan jackets and the Manolo Blahnik Okla Alta booties inspired by Timberland work boots. The exhibition is curated by Elena Romero, journalist and assistant professor of Marketing Communications at FIT, and Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at MFIT, whose previous exhibi tions include Head to Toe (2021), Fabric in Fashion (2018), and Black Fashion Design ers (2016).

Visitors will see looks worn and made popular by artists Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, Chuck D, Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Khaled, Lil Nas X, and Cardi B, to name just a few. Fresh, Fly and Fabulous will also feature designs by 5001 Flavors, April Walker, Misa Hylton, Cross Colours, Karl Kani, Shirt King Phade of the Shirt Kings, FUBU, Rocawear, Wu Wear, Mecca USA, Baby Phat, Pelle Pelle, and Sean John, as well as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Ver sace, among many others.

Born in the Bronx in 1973, hip hop was the invention of Black and Brown youth who created an innovative style of music, dance, and visual art that spoke to their lifestyles. Within two decades, hip hop had spread beyond the borders of New York City to impact international culture. Fashion and style were, and are, a major part of hip hop’s appeal. Yet hip hop style is more multidimensional

than many realize. Artists and fans have used fash ion to embrace historic glamour, convey messages of Black pride and activism, and express their individuality and unapologetic style. These fash ions include the Adidas sneakers, tracksuits, and shearling coats popularized by Run DMC; the Karl Kani clothing worn by Tupac Shakur; and Aaliyah’s iconic Tommy Hilfiger bandeau and jeans ensem ble, as well as other designer looks worn by Lil’ Kim, Cardi B, and Lil Nas X.

Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style begins with an examination of the early club venues where hip hop styles were showcased

cated to inspirational sources for hip hop style, and other sections look at the specific ways hip hop has influenced fashion categories, including denim, outerwear, and formalwear. The exhibition con cludes with a Celebrity Style section that examines the personal and stage style of trendsetting artists and a Hip Hop Glam section that illustrates the worldwide impact of hip hop artists as red carpet fashion icons in the 21st century.

Concurrent with the exhibition, The Museum at FIT will launch a new, digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Available for download from Google Play or the App Store, Bloomberg Connects will make The Museum at FIT acces sible for both in-person and virtual visits. Users can engage with the guide to help plan museum visits, gain access to exclusive MFIT content, explore exhibitions, and learn more about Fash ion Culture programs. Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous will be the first exhibition featured in the MFIT guide, including exclusive interviews with hip hop experts.

and the media—record companies, television shows, and films—that utilized fashion as a vehicle to promote hip hop artists and ideas. Sections such as The Designer Dreams, High Fashion Does Hip Hop, Collaborations, and Hip Hop in High Fashion explore the genre’s evolving relationship with es tablished designer brands, such as Jordache, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, and examine how significant custom designers, such as Dapper Dan and 5001 Flavors, made hip hop style unique. Fashion was a popular way for hip hop entrepre neurs and artists to extend their musical personas, and many—including the creators of FUBU and Sean Combs—launched their own fashion lines, which grew to become influential American brands. The Sports Influence and Pink sections are dedi

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The Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: 50 Years of Hip Hop Style exhibition will be accompanied by a book of the same title (Rizzoli, 2023) with a foreword written by Slick Rick, and a symposium on February 24 that will be free and open to the public.

Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT and The Coby Foundation. Special thanks to Barrett Barrera Projects.

The museum is open from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admis sion is free. All visitors are requested to review the latest safety guidelines and protocols. For more information, visit fitnyc.edu/museum.

CELEBRITY CHEF BALL DELIVERS 135,000 MEALS FOR SENIORS

On Oct 14th over 50 top chefs and 400 guests raised critical funds for Meals on Wheels Chicago

November 11, 2022: Over 50 top Chicago chefs, including many Michelin, James Beard, and Bib Gourmand awardees, worked together to create a truly unique ex perience for supporters of Meals on Wheels Chicago. Thanks to their hard work and the unprecedented generosity of 400 guests in attendance at The Geraghty on October 14, 2022, Celebrity Chef Ball raised enough to provide 135,000 meals to food-insecure seniors and individuals with disabilities this holiday season.

Meals on Wheels Chicago (MoWC) provides nutrition, independence, and dig nity to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities living in every neighbor hood of the city, many of whom live on incomes below the poverty level. The pro gram began in 1987 delivering 1,218 meals and now, in their 35th anniversary year, serves over 4.7 million meals a year.

Today 1 in 6 seniors suffers from food insecurity. With the cost of food continuing to rise, many seniors are forced to sacrifice other basic needs like medicine to afford food. In response, Meals on Wheels Chica go has expanded its reach by launching a food pantry called Nourish Chicago Pantry that provides fresh produce, proteins, and other grocery items. Proceeds from Celebri ty Chef Ball are used to provide meals and fod for the home delivered meals program

and Nourish Chicago Pantry.

Celebrity Chef Ball drew some of Chicago’s top culinary talent, with the final list of participating chefs and mixologists hailing from dozens of acclaimed Chicago area restaurants, including:

• Brian Jupiter, Frontier / Ina Mae Tavern

• Federico Comacchio, Gioia Ristorante

• Jared Wentworth, Moody Tongue

• Andrew Zimmerman, Sepia / Proxi

• Fabio Viviani, Siena Tavern / Bar Siena

• Chris Pandel, Swift & Sons

“We at Meals on Wheels Chicago are humbled and grateful for the restaurant in dustry’s continued support of our program,” says Elise Geiger, Executive Director. “For over three decades, Celebrity Chef Ball has raised millions of dollars for our organi zation. Chefs giving back to their commu nity and inspiring others to do the same is what is truly special about this event, and we can’t wait for next year!” Next year’s Celebrity Chef Ball will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at The Geraghty (2520 S Hoyne Ave).

Sponsors for the 2022 event included: Breakthru Beverage Illinois, Samantha Crafton PR, ComEd, Deloitte, Monahan Law Group LLC, Open Kitchens, Univer sity Retina, Cecily George Photography,

Paramount Events, Goose Island, Kehoe Designs, The

About Meals on Wheels Chicago: Meals on Wheels Chicago envisions a community in which all basic needs are met and barriers to achieving independence are eliminated. Our goal is to support programs that offer individuals a choice in their care and living arrangement, despite age, income, or ability level. We aim to relieve some of the financial hardship caused by social and economic injustices that exist in our society. Meals on Wheels Chicago has raised both private funds and awareness to accomplish our mission to ensure that both homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities benefit from programs that im prove quality of life and maximize indepen dence. Each year the home meal delivery program serves over 4.7 million meals to seniors living in Chicago, and in 2022 Meals on Wheels Chicago is celebrating 35 years of serving our community.

www.MealsOnWheelsChicago.org

Facebook & Instagram: @mealson wheelschicago

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MEDICARE

COMPARED PLANS?

·

Medicare plans change every year and so can your health. Now’s the time to compare your current Medicare plan to other options and choose the right plan for your health and your budget.

Use Medicare.gov to easily compare options for Medicare health and prescription drug plans.

Do a side-by-side comparison of:

· Plan Coverage Costs

Medicare Savings Programs, run by your state, can help lower your healthcare costs.

If you’re single with an income of $20,000 or less, or if you’re married with an income of $25,000 or less, you may be eligible to save with Medicare Savings Programs.

Call your state Medicaid office at 1-800-843-6154.

Geraghty, Black Oak Tech nical Productions, Loquacious Culinary Events, Chicago Magazine, Time Out, WBEZ Chicago, VIP Valet, Uncommon Threads, and Midwest Care Management Services.

Winter Habits

Maintain your health through the colder months

MISSION, Kan., PRNewswire -- (Family Features) Another cough and cold season calls for healthy preparation, and while there may not be a foolproof plan for escaping pesky germs, taking preventive steps and practicing self-care can help protect your health.

You can catch a cold or flu any time of the year, but they seem more common during the cooler months.

“As much as we all would love a quick cure for the common cold, unfortunately, that doesn’t exist,” said Ian K. Smith, MD. “However, there are many options one can try to relieve cold and flu symptoms, including over-the-counter medications. These medications can provide fast and much-needed relief.”

Reduce the chances you’ll contract a serious illness this cold season by following these tips from the experts at Mucinex: Make handwashing a priority. Preventive measures like wash ing your hands often can significantly lower your odds of getting sick. In fact, handwashing is such a powerful tool against germs that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compared it to a “do-it-yourself vaccine.” Wash regularly with soap and water for about 20 seconds, especially when handling food, caring for someone sick or after using the restroom.

Get your flu shot. The CDC recommends getting a yearly flu vaccine to protect yourself from flu viruses. Ideally, everyone 6 months and older should get one, especially anyone at high risk for flu complications due to underlying conditions or other factors.

Make overall wellness a way of life. Adopting healthy ev eryday habits means your body is in better condition to fight off potential attacks by germs and combat an illness more effectively if you do get sick. A well-balanced diet that includes moderate por tions from each of the major food groups can help ensure you’re getting the nutrition and nutrients your body needs. Staying phys ically active can help promote a stronger immune system. Getting enough sleep and making sure you’re drinking enough water can also ensure your body is ready for whatever the season brings.

Stock up on necessary supplies. If you do get sick, the best place for you is at home, where you can nurse yourself back to health. That means having the essentials on hand, like over-thecounter medications to treat uncomfortable cold and flu symptoms

Be sure to check last year’s leftovers, as some may have expired. A shopping list to fight common cold and flu symptoms should in clude pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, antihistamines, throat lozenges and cough suppressants, as well as plenty of facial tissue, a working thermometer, humidifier and more. Also update your supply of hand sanitizer and disinfecting cleaners and sprays to protect family members in your home.

Relieve bothersome symptoms. When you’re under the weather, treating your symptoms gives you a reprieve and lets your body rest so you can get back to feeling better. A cough is a common cold symptom, and relieving chest congestion that causes you to cough frequently can make a big difference. An option like Mucinex Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets, with the No. 1 phar macist recommended expectorant, is clinically proven to relieve chest congestion and thin and loosen mucus to make your cough more productive for up to 12 hours. If symptoms persist, contact your health care professional.

Do your part to prevent spreading germs. If you do get sick, know you can take steps to protect those around you. Simple acts like covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and using your elbow if you don’t have a tissue can be effective in preventing the spread of germs. It’s also important to wash your hands well and keep a distance from others to help prevent the spread of your illness.

Fight Congestion Like a Pro

When you have a cough, you’ll try just about anything to feel better. Over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and some lifestyle habits can make a difference.

Lifestyle habits can also go a long way toward easing cough symptoms on their own or paired with medication.

Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water or other fluids helps thin the mucus in your chest.

Suck a lozenge. Let a lozenge dissolve in your mouth to soothe your throat and ease a tickling, dry cough.

Use a humidifier. Dry air can worsen throat pain and cough ing. A humidifier can help by moistening the air you breathe.

Rest. Skimping on rest when you have a cough or cold can make healing harder. Allow yourself to relax and sleep as needed.

Clinic for Young Children with Autism Opens on Chicago’s North Side

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- Caravel Autism Health, a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of young children on the autism spectrum, has opened a new clinic to serve families on Chicago’s North Side. Caravel specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, which uses positive reinforcement to help children with autism improve a wide range of skills including communication and social. Located at 2600 West Irving Park Road, the clinic features colorful, sensory-friendly spaces where young children work one-on-one with therapists to build skills, develop confidence, and learn to connect with the world around them.

“We change lives through ABA therapy,” explained Caravel CEO Mike Miller. “This is evidence-based treatment that helps children with autism reach their greatest potential. We want Chica go children to have access to the highest quality autism services available, so we are stepping up to build clinics where families have struggled to find comparable provid ers.” The effectiveness of ABA therapy is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As part of its commitment to achiev ing the best ABA outcomes in the field, Caravel has developed an outcomes platform called PathTap. Using PathTap, Caravel’s clinicians can track individual client progress in real-time with results data that quickly identifies ways to finetune each child’s treatment to reach the best out comes. Since implementing the technology earlier this year, Caravel has demonstrated significant growth in clinical outcomes with an increase of 30% on targeted clini cal quality components for its clients.

“Our innovative therapy approach leads to better outcomes and happier lives for the entire family,” according to Erica Smith, MA, BCBA, clinic director at Caravel/Chicago. “ABA therapy has the greatest impact during the early devel opmental years, so we’re excited to be bringing a new resource to young families on the North Side.”

Since 2009, Caravel Autism Health has been devoted to helping families nav igate the challenges of childhood autism. Our team of clinical experts specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of children on the autism spectrum. Caravel’s research-based and data-driven programs are designed to provide better outcomes that help children with autism reshape their development and embrace new ways of interacting with the world.

Caravel also offers evaluation, di agnosis, family support, and counseling services. For more information, call 312764-1557 or visit caravelautism.com.

Black Carbon Coalition to Fight Enemy of the Planet

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- Black carbon is the direct cause of glacier melt in the Arctic and ice sheets all over the planet. Black carbon saturates ice sheets that are responsible for providing fresh drinking water to millions of people. This glacier and ice sheet melt is the direct cause of changing weather patterns and intensified storms we are all witnessing more and more each year and is a harbinger for sea level rise, which will inflict even more disastrous results.

“In addition to causing the climate change disaster, every year black carbon kills as many people as fifty Hiroshimas,” said Don Owens, an attorney and engineer who recently launched the Black Carbon Coalition, referring to the earth shattering nuclear explosion in Japan during WWII. “We don’t have time to battle between po litical parties and rhetoric, and bills that aim to reduce carbon dioxide decades from now. We must act im mediately to reduce black carbon which is 1500 times worse than carbon dioxide, and we can.”

For sounding such an alarm, Owens is quite opti mistic and humor lightens the gravity of his mission.

“We want to arm people with facts and data, make them powerful activists—and we want to educate legislators, policymakers and even those involved in rulemaking, which is an often overlooked group of public for activist groups,” added Owens.

Owens is the author of “Burn Fuel Better: From Helpless to Hopeful in the Race Against Climate

Change,” which details his discoveries about black carbon.

An engineer at heart, Owens tinkered around with different technologies when trying to modify his car to get better gas mileage. What he discovered was black carbon.

The Coalition explains that black carbon is very fine particulate emissions that are the result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as natural gas, diesel, coal, biomass, and other carbon intensive fuels.

Black carbon emis sions from ships have grown ten times faster in the Arctic compared to the rest of the world, with an 85% increase in black carbon emitted by ships in the Arctic between 2015 and 2019, compared to an 8% increase globally, the Coalition’s website reads.

“We are standing at a forked path, we will either learn from mistakes and failed policies, or we will lose in the battle against a ticking time bomb. Proven science behind technology is revolutionary, we can implement a new way of burning fuel that minimizes black carbon from entering the atmosphere and adds life-sustaining oxygen,” Owens said.

Owens is flanking the Black Carbon Coalition with other organizations including a 501c3 organization called Coalition Against Black Carbon to build a Global Black Carbon Fund, an investment fund to help inno vators build new technologies and systems to “reduce, and/or eradicate Black Carbon.”

Atlanta University Center Con sortium Launches New Institute to Increase Black Engineers

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Historically Black Colleges and Universities have produced 40 percent of all Black engineers in America. The Atlanta University Center Consortium (www.aucen ter.edu), with an established Dual Degree Engineering Program, has contributed to this number for over five decades with a mission to increase the number of Black engineers.

Now with a $1.5 million investment from the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation, the Atlanta University Center Consor tium aims to expand its efforts to increase the number of minority engineers by creating the Institute for Dual Degree Engineering Advancement (IDEA). IDEA will be a national hub for collabo ration between 250 DDEP programs across the nation, providing models for best practices for dual degree engineering students.

IDEA will create the first institute in the nation at a consor tium of historically black, private, liberal arts higher education institutions focused on dual-degree engineering. Graduates of dual-degree engineering earn a liberal arts degree at an AUC insti tution and an engineering degree at one of nine engineering partner schools.

Because of the emphasis on leadership, communication, and service in liberal arts education, the AUC has produced a unique brand of engineers with valuable soft skills.

The current AUC DDEP program strengthens the engineering field, supporting the matriculation of over 5,000 alumni and over 400 current students across three campuses, Clark Atlanta Univer sity, Morehouse College, and Spelman College.

“Like the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation’s mission to focus on today’s challenges, the Atlanta University Center Con sortium’s Dual Degree Engineering Program answered the clarion call of America to increase the number of students graduating in STEM,”said Dr. Said Sewell, Director of Academics, Research and Student Success.

The Atlanta University Center Consortium, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Georgia, formed in 1929 to operate on behalf of its member institutions–Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College—is the world’s oldest and largest association of historically Black colleges and universities.

Learn more about the program here: https://aucenter.edu/ddep/

Ad Council Announces $65 Million Multi-Year Mental Health Initiative

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Half (49%) of American resi dents ages 16 to 65 say they have a mental health condition, and of those who report a condition, only about half (48%) say they’re getting help or treatment, according to a new study conducted in May to June 2022 released today by the Ad Council. Additionally, 43% do not feel comfortable talking to people close to them about their emotions and how they are feeling. To address the mental health crisis throughout the U.S. and encourage people to take steps to support their mental health, the Ad Council announced plans for a wide-reaching and comprehen sive communications effort. With a founding gift of $15 million from Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), the national Mental Health Initiative has set a goal of $65 million over the next seven years.

On the heels of the nonprofit’s groundbreaking national COVID-19 Vaccine Education campaign which reached more than 75% of those eligible to be vaccinated, the Ad Council is evolving the coalition-based and multi-audience model that made it so successful and mobilizing the advertising, media and marketing industries to address mental health issues facing communities across the country.

Due to cascading challenges over the last few years in the U.S., many populations are now experiencing mental health struggles:

Four in 10 adults reported anxiety and/or depression symptoms in 2021, a four-fold increase from 2019, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Black adults (48%) and Hispanic adults (46%) were more likely than White adults (41%) to report such symptoms.

Youth and young adults across the country are experiencing increasing mental health challenges. According to a 2021 study, 37.1% of U.S. high school students reported poor mental health during the

COVID-19 pandemic, with 19.9% considering and 9% attempting suicide in the preceding year. (Centers for Disease Control and Preven tion).

The rate of LGBTQ+ teens who experience depressive symptoms is believed to be six times higher than heterosexual teens. (Mental Health America).

Guided by mental health experts, amplified by partnerships across every sector and rooted in extensive research with key audiences, the initiative aims to change social norms, reduce stigma around mental health and encourage people to take a proactive ap proach to their mental health issues. With the founding contribution from HMHI, a premier university-wide institute dedicated to psychi atric research, education and treatment at the University of Utah, the Ad Council will bring together a coalition of leading mental health NGOs, including American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychological Association, The Jed Foundation, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Peg’s Foundation and the Steinberg Institute; federal agencies and private sector corporations for this collaborative effort. The effort will be rooted in deep cultural insights and informed by a panel of experts from the American Foundation for Suicide Preven tion (AFSP), The Curtis Center for Health Equity, the Chester M. Pierce MD Division of Global Psychiatry, The Jed Foundation and the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, GLAAD, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, among others.

Funding will support the development of a best-in-class insights

and analytics engine to inform and evaluate the impact of relevant content, an extensive trusted messenger program, employer work place resources, grassroots community activations and a large scale multi-pronged communications effort with discrete campaigns and open-source partner toolkits for populations in need.

Established in 2021 following a $150 million gift from the Huntsman Foundation, HMHI is designed to be a convener, col laborator, care giver and problem solver. HMHI’s intent is to bring together the best of all fields to develop innovative solutions to complex disorders like substance use and addiction, depression and suicide, and solve mental health challenges like workforce shortages and stigma.

Mental health has long been a priority issue for the Ad Council, with three national campaigns currently running: Teen and Young Adult Mental Health (Seize the Awkward) in partnership with The Jed Foundation and AFSP created by Droga5, Middle School Mental Health (Sound It Out) in partnership with Pivotal Ventures created by McCann, Cassanova and Egami, and Veterans’ Suicide Prevention (Don’t Wait, Reach Out) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs created by TBWA.

Additionally, a robust employer effort via the Health Action Alliance will be deployed to address mental health among America’s workforce.

The Mental Health Initiative will be similarly structured to the Ad Council’s impactful COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative.

To learn more or contribute to the Ad Council’s Mental Health Initiative, please visit adcouncil.org/mental-health.

citizennewspapergroup.com

Don Owens. PRNewsFoto.

(StatePoint) Health experts say that establishing and maintaining family traditions can boost overall well-being and vitality, especially as we age.

“As children become adults and move out of the house or away, the family traditions that bind us can sometimes get lost in the process,” says Aparna Abburi, president of Medicare and CareAllies with Cigna, which provides insurance to hundreds of thousands of older adults through its Medicare plans. “Forming new traditions or reigniting old ones can keep us connected to loved ones, ultimately helping us feel more fulfilled, happier and healthier.”

Here are some insights into the importance of traditions to well-being and vitality as we age, along with tips for keep ing those connections going in your own circle of family and friends:

Traditions help combat loneliness: According to a 2020 survey by Cigna, 61% of adults reported being lonely – a 7 percentage-point increase from 2018. That feeling was likely exacerbated by the pandemic that followed.

Traditions can help to combat feelings of isolation.

Consider setting up weekly video calls or trading letters and notes with relatives who live far away. Regular trips to a favorite destination, such as a lake or beach, or cele brating important holidays together every year, can pro vide meaningful time together.

Traditions pass on family values: Having shared values can help us feel connected to one another. Telling stories from the past or practicing cultural, spiritual and religious traditions are great ways to pass these values down from one generation to the next.

Traditions can make us feel young again: From cooking and gardening to sports and games, family traditions often evoke old memories and make us feel young again.

Sensory memories can be particularly powerful. Whether it’s a cookie bakeoff, ballpark peanuts and hot dogs, or a singalong around the piano, family rituals that include special sights, sounds and aromas are often the ones we think of most fondly.

For more information about how to stay healthy while aging, visit www.cignamedicare.com.

As you embrace the rituals that matter most to you, remember that traditions don’t need to be rigid or set in stone.

“Just as you might modify a family recipe to suit your dietary needs or switch from weekly phone calls to week ly video calls, don’t be afraid to tweak and expand on older traditions so they’re relevant and interesting today –and for years to come,” says Abburi.

Traditions strengthen communities: Traditions are not just for families; they can also strengthen ties among friends and communities. Consider getting a group of neighbors together for morning walks or meeting friends for shop ping excursions. Make visiting the farmers market, attending free concerts in the park, playing community center bingo and gathering for other recurring local events part of your routine.

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