Week of May 24, 2017 Vol 48 • No 21 • www.thechicagocitizen.com
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WEEKLY INSPIRATIONS FROM REV. DR. DERRICK B. WELLS, SENIOR MINISTER OF CHRIST UNIVERSAL TEMPLE + P8
Chicago Weekend
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CITIZENPROFILE
PALESTINIAN PRISONERS ENTER IN OPEN ENDED HUNGER STRIKE
ILLINOIS DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER
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NIKKI GIOVANNI HONORED AT THE NINTH ANNUAL AAMBC LITERARY AWARDS
Democratic Candidate for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is a multi-billionaire and entrepreneur who has spent 20 years fighting and leading efforts towards childhood education and quality childcare for children in need. Pritzker said Illinois has to do a better job of supporting small businesses, which he called “the real engines of job creation,” according to The Southern Illinoisan. Photo Courtesy of JB Pritzker for Governor Campaign. By Christopher Shuttlesworth
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B Pritzker, an Illinois Democratic Candidate for Governor, has spent his entire life standing up for democratic values. He has created more than 6,000 jobs in Illinois and has grown his own non-profit small business technology incubator called 1871. As a multi-billionaire and entrepreneur, Pritzker has been married to Mary Kathryn Muenster for almost 24 years, and has raised a daughter, Teddi (14) and a son, Donny (12). In an interview with the Citizen, Pritzker said he realizes the State of Illinois is in a major crisis and someone has to change the way the state is doing business. Currently, under Governor Bruce Rauner’s administration, Illinois has been left without a state budget for more than two years. As a result, schools in Chicago have suffered by facing staff budget cuts while
educational funding has been diminished. On top of that, small business owners have been forced to relocate to other states for better economic opportunities. Pritzker has worked for 20 years as a National Advocate for Early Child-Hood Education and has brought in over $100 million in new capital to support more startup businesses through his company 1871. While speaking with the Citizen, Pritzker said he believes he can fix the state’s financial woes and discussed his vision for change. Pritzker said his success and knowledge as a business owner would be important in order to change Illinois’ financial problems and the values and morals of the person running for Governor would be key. “It’s the values of the people who are running that really matters,” he said. “It is about what they have been doing or cared about in their lives
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briefly EDUCATION NASA Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
The NASA Internships, Fellowships and Scholarship program (NIFS) will showcase its programs as well as highlight NASA centers and its missions on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Students will learn about the currently available internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities in the STEM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, as well as the eligibility requirements, tips for the application process and hear from previous NIFS interns and awardees. The virtual event will engage students and NASA professionals in a question and answer session. A recording of the event will be made available. To attend the virtual summit, please register at this link: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1421719/ 7262E7FC31590E13B92C3452060C800F For information about NIFS visit: https://intern. nasa.gov/ossi/web/public/main/ or https://nspires.nasaprs.com @NASAInterns facebook.com/NASAInterns
HEALTH AARP Urges Senate to Start From Scratch on Health Care Bill
WASHINGTON, DC-AARP recently sent a letter to every member of the U.S. Senate urging them to start from scratch on the health care legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week. The letter comes as AARP also begins to inform its members how each House member voted on the bill. AARP’s letter notes that big insurance companies could charge older Americans five times - or more - for coverage, and charge many Americans more than their take home pay, noting, “The median annual income for 50-64 year old Americans is less than $25,000... [The House health bill] would remove pre-existing condition protections and once again allow insurance companies to charge Americans more -- we estimate up to $25,000 more -- due to a pre-existing condition,” AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond said in a released statement.
LAW & POLITICS Innocent Man Released After 26 Years of Wrongful Incarceration
After obtaining a new trial based on new evidence of innocence in late April, prosecutors dismissed charges against Exoneration Project client Patrick Prince last week. Prince was freed after 26 years of wrongful conviction. He is 46 years old. Patrick Prince was convicted of a 1991 homicide based solely on a confession lawyers for Prince argued was coerced by Chicago Detective Kriston Kato. The Cook County State’s attorney’s office could have elected to retry Mr. Prince, but instead dismissed the charges. Prince is represented by Exoneration Project attorney David B. Owens and University of Chicago clinic students Michaela Kabat and Regina Wood.
1 Palestinian Prisoners Enter in Open Ended Hunger Strike By Christopher Shuttlesworth
COMMUNITY FOCUS The Supreme Court of the United States recently refused to hear an appeal by North Carolina Republicans to overturn the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that North Carolina had engaged in intentional racial discrimination when it passed a voting rights law following the 2013 Shelby decision that gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act. In a released statement, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. called the latest developments a, “defeat for North Carolina Republican voter suppression efforts. When the law was passed, it was the worst legalized attack on voting rights in the nation in 2013,” said Jackson. “It cut back early voting by seven days (resulting in 200,000 fewer voters), eliminated Souls to the Polls Sunday (affecting a long-standing voting tradition among African American churches), changed the rules pertaining to out-of-precinct voting (resulting in 6,000 fewer votes), eliminated same-day voter registration (resulting in 21,000 fewer votes), ruled that 16-and-17-year-olds could not be pre-registered to vote, all laws that disproportionately affected African Americans, young people, seniors, the poor, workers
GOVERNMENTAL Affairs
1 Janice Garth
Eighteen hundred Palestinian prisoners have entered more than four weeks of an open-ended hunger strike in Israeli prisons, according to a US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) press release. Hatem Abudayyeh, who is the co-founder and coordinating committee member of the USPCN, said the Palestinian prisoners’ basic, humanitarian demands include regular family visits, an end to solitary confinement, an end to administrative detention, the strengthening of medical care and access to education. Abudayyeh said the medical professionals explained that soon the 1,800 Palestinian prisoners will have difficulty with sitting and standing up due to the hunger strike, which he says is getting closer to the urgent, crisis side of “A key piece things. “All they have been consuming is of the process salt and water,” Abudayyeh said. “So it’s getting to the point where it is going to be of finding a really dangerous and it’s going to affect way to peace people’s health very, very soon and very, very quickly.” and justice in Abudayyeh explained that the country is currently in the middle of a Hundreds of Palestinian community members and supporters participated in a the region is National Liberation Movement, which full-day hunger strike and encampment in Burbank, Illinois, on May 11, 2017, in securing the has resulted in strikes, protests and violent support of 1,800 Palestinian prisoners who have entered more than four weeks resistance that is legal under international of an open-ended hunger strike in Israeli prisons. At a 4 PM press conference, an freedom of official solidarity statement was read on behalf of U.S. Congressman Danny Davis. law. He said the majority of the prisoners The Palestinian prisoners currently are only able to consume salt and water and have are only in prison because they are all Palestinian been limited to regular family visits, medical care and access to education. organizers against the Israeli occupation. political According to uspcn.org, “May 15, 2017 The Israel government now realizes that it is losing the public relations marked the 69th anniversary of the Nakba, prisoners.” war in the international arena, as well as its grip on the masses of Palestinian which the ethnic cleansing of over 750,000 people living under apartheid or under the subservient Palestinian Authority,” Palestinians from their homes and lands.” according to uspcn.org. “This reality has pushed the politics of Israel further The article also, states that this particular and further to the right, to become the borderline fascist government that we day “marked 69 years of resistance to Israeli colonization and occupation and see today.” to British and U.S. imperialism. Generations of Palestinians have refused to Abudayyeh stated that the Israeli government is also, unwilling to concede this key demand of the national liberation movement and collective negotiate with the Palestinian prisoner’s leadership to consider some of their Right of Return. Sixty-nine years later, Palestinians all over the world, who demands. were expelled as well as their descendants, maintain that they will return to Congressman Danny Davis said the Israeli government must begin to their original homes and lands.” Abudayyeh said hunger strikes happen in National Liberation Movements consider the prisoner’s demands in order for proper justice to be met in the country. all the time but this scale of 1,800 prisoners is very uncommon. “A key piece of the process of finding a way to peace and justice in the “The Palestinian people feel like they are political prisoners and they feel like they are fighting and struggling against illegal, military occupation,” he said. region is securing the freedom of all Palestinian political prisoners,” Davis said.
Your Voice, Your Vote NC Republicans Suffer Voting Rights Defeat
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and the disabled specifically - and Democratic voters generally,” he added. “The Court’s refusal to hear the case, which means the Fourth Circuit’s ruling stands and the unconstitutionality of intentional racial discrimination in voting generated by this law was sustained. However, the Court said it wasn’t clear who had the authority to bring the case and, as a result, it didn’t rule on the merits of the case. Nevertheless, today was a defeat for North Carolina Republican voter suppression efforts and the discrimination inherit in the scheme has been stopped – at least for now,” Jackson said.
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ILLINOIS DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER Continued from page 1
SB1424 Passes Illinois Senate, Advances to House of Representatives
SB 1424, a bill which established a statewide Small Donor Matching System on May 16, 2017 in Illinois, was passed by the Illinois Senate by a vote of 31 to 23. This legislation seeks to reduce the influence of money in politics, and opens the door for a more grassroots and diverse pool of candidates to run for office in Illinois. SB 1424 will move on to the Illinois House of Representative with Representative Kelly Cassidy as the bill’s main sponsor. Senator Daniel Biss is the bill’s Senate sponsor. Small Donor Matching enables everyday citizens to run for office, or support their neighbor running for office, without millions in the bank or a wealthy benefactor. ICPR Senior Advisor David Melton said, “It’s time for Illinois to step up to the plate and implement this important reform, which would ensure that the voices of local donors are amplified in Illinois elections. Everyone should have an opportunity to run for office and participate in the political process.”
Home Depot Announces Its 2017 Retool Your School Grant Award
The Home Depot® held their winners’ ceremony to announce the 2017 Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program recipients recently. This year, nine HBCUs were awarded a total of $360,000 to use towards funding sustainable campus improvement projects of their choosing. To date, the program has awarded more than $1.8 million dollars in grant money to HBCUs. In 2017 alone, 72 HBCUs participated in the voting phase of the program. “The Home Depot is very excited about the continued growth we’ve seen year to year with The Retool Your School Grant Program,” says Melissa Brown, senior marketing manager at The Home Depot. “We always anticipate the overwhelming excitement of the program from the participating schools, but we are most excited about the long-lasting contribution that this program is making to our nation’s treasured Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” The nine winning schools were selected by a combination of cumulative online voting scores, along with grant proposals that were submitted by the schools and judged by a panel of distinguished judges which included: actor Laz Alonso, Howard University alumni and television & film star; Commissioner Gregory Moore, Esq., Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC); Mr. Michael Tabb, managing partner, Red Rock Global; Dr. Ivory A. Toldson, president and CEO of the Quality Education for Minorities Network; and Mr. Jermaine Luke, store manager, The Home Depot. The ceremony also welcomed author and NAACP award winning actor Hill Harper and special guest Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed to the Home Depot Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Reducing Preventable Harm from Medications: Too Big for FDA to Do Alone
Reducing preventable harm from medications is a big part of FDA’s mission. It requires teamwork across all of health care and the medication manufacturing, distribution, and delivery system. As a way to facilitate teamwork, the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research’s Professional Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Staff will host a one-day public meeting. The event will be held on June 15, 2017 and is called “Safe Use Symposium: A Focus on Reducing Preventable Harm From Drugs in the Outpatient Setting.”
the United States is about 46 percent. So, we have a long and what really matters. That is how you can tell way to go just to be average, but it’s because for many years whether they’ve got the right values to be the governor of the State of Illinois has just defunded and defunded and the state or to fill a position in a high-elected office.” they’ve left it all up to local communities to pay the bill.” Pritzker explained how his parents were social justice He explained how other states are more funded by advocates and economic advocates. He said as a young a graduated income tax so their dollars are coming more child, his family knocked on neighbors’ doors as strong, from people like him who can afford it rather than people progressive Democrats. who make $30,000 a year. “When I was 11 years old, I started doing this and “We have only four states in the United States that I haven’t stopped,” he added. “There is no candidate running for Governor of the State of Illinois today that has have a flat tax system and Illinois is one of the four,” Pritzker said. “We have to change the system so the people done more to fight Donald Trump in the last year than I and corporations who can afford it, pay a fair share of our did. I’ve traveled to multiple states and knocked on doors education budget so we can raise school funding for these and spoke out on national television, calling him a racist kids. We’ve really starved our schools and it’s not fair to the xenophobe, which I think he is.” kids or to the future of the state.” Pritzker said as a national advocate for early childPritzker, who is also a descendant of Ukrainian Jews, hood education and quality child-care for kids, he has been engaged in trying to do really big things to affect a lot collaborated with the local community of Holocaust survivors to open the Illinois Holocaust Museum and of childrens’ lives in a positive way. Education Center on April 19, 2009. Now every year, more He said many black and brown kids who are in atthan 50,000 kids are taught how to fight bigotry and risk situations in the State of Illinois do not always get a hatred at the Education Center, and thousands of teachers proper breakfast on a daily basis. But Pritzker highlighted take the same lessons back to their classrooms so more kids that he is continuing to work and partner with local will learn suitable ways to stand up against hate, according organizations so thousands of children can experience a to jbpritzker.com and ilholocaustmuseum.org. healthy breakfast. “We need to foster “I’ve worked with innovation in our kids the Greater Chicago “We need to foster innovation in our because they have the Food Depository and a group called Share kids because they have the creativity creativity to become great innovators Our Strength to expand to become great innovators for for Illinois and for the school’s breakfast Illinois and for themselves and their themselves and their program in the State of communities,” he said. Illinois to 55,000 more communities.” “But we’ve done away kids,” he said. “Many of with this and it’s frustrating to me.” these kids are getting only school lunch and that’s their Pritzker explained that during his campaign, he plans only meal. Often times, they’ll eat dinner, but no breakfast. to introduce a program for the State of Illinois that will So, school breakfast is very important in the low-income provide small business loan funds and micro loan funds, districts.” which will be primarily focused on Black and Brown lowPritzker also acknowledged that parents just want to income communities. be great parents and sometimes they need more resources “Businesses don’t get created in those communities,” and help them to do that. He said he understands that he said. “It’s because of the capital to start those businesses youth not only need a healthy breakfast, but a quality never comes to those communities and yet businesses that learning environment as well. are owned by people in the community still make profits He continued to explain that a quarter of all the kids, that stay in the community.” particularly poor children and black and brown kids who Pritzker said another main goal that he will focus on show up at school in kindergarten are not ready to learn. is helping black business owners by providing technical But Pritzker said this dynamic must change because it’s assistants to guide and help them during the start up wrong for a quarter of kids in the United States to not be ready to learn in school. He added, that when they show up phase. He added, that many people have a good idea and a not ready to learn in kindergarten, it is very hard for them good market that they want to approach but they don’t to catch up. always know all the ins and outs to dealing with the “We all know kids don’t start learning at age five,” government, in regards to accounting, paying taxes and Pritzker said. “They start learning right out of the womb. understanding the proper business capability and creativity So, it has to be a two generation approach to helping it takes to start a business. these kids’ brain development because 85 percent of brain development happens before the age of five.” “You need mentorship,” Pritzker said. “If you’re starting He said the only way this change can take place is by a business it’s much easier to be successful if there is someone reducing class-sizes and funding education more. [around you] who is more experienced than you and who Pritzker shared with the Citizen that the State of has been around and has done certain things. People who can Illinois is 50th out of the 50 States in the United State for say, ‘Hey, listen don’t go that direction and do that. You want State funding for education. to do it this way.’ Then you’ll be more successful. When we “I’ve never thought of Illinois being 50th at anything,” put all these things together, we can create more businesses, Pritzker said. “We’re the 5th largest economy in the United jobs and keep capital in the community, which is the biggest States but we’re 50th in state funding. So, 26 percent of creator of prosperity in a community.” all the funding that goes into schools across the State of For more information, visit https://www. jbpritzker. Illinois comes from the state and yet, the average state in com.
www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community
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business
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APPOINTMENTS
Telecom and Cloud Service Options Expand in Africa Affordable mobile Group (TSMPG.com), an telecommunications in Africa organization launching $4.6 are expanding through a billion worth of renewable joint venture between two energy and transmission Virginia-based companies. infrastructure in Africa. “Our 20-20-20 goal is Artilium-Africa has initial to serve 20 million Africans arrangements in place with in 20 countries by 2020,” mobile operators in five African says Paul Delkaso, managing countries to provide cloud and member of the Virginiatelecom services. based Artilium-Africa, and Artilium provides software president and CEO of Tristar to network operators and and Tritente Global Energy service providers. One of the Group. key benefits of the service is “Africa’s population Artilium’s signature product, across 54 countries is 1.2 the ARTA Mobile Applications billion. To be able to reach Platform. The platform the maximum number of enables network operators people most cost-effectively, to open networks to third our strategy is to partner with party developers and launch Paul Delkaso, President and CEO of existing mobile operators to new services with elements Tristar and Tritente Global Energy expand their customer base, from both telecom and web Group. while also looking for strategic environments. The service is opportunities,” he says in a designed to optimize the way statement. customers in Africa use mobile technology, Artilium-Africa is a collaboration between whether to pay bills, manage data, or connect an established Belgian telecommunications with the world. company and the Tritente Global Energy Artilium-Africa has the potential to
leapfrog over mobile competitors Facebook and Google in pursuit of the African audience, according to a company statement. The Artilium software allows for 80 percent to 90 percent cost savings and fast connectivity, while the decentralized design allows for inexpensive deployment of cloud, telecom, and value-added services. In addition, the company’s credibility with many Sub-Saharan countries has facilitated several contracts that comply with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. University partnerships also may help build the Artilium network capacity in Africa. Artilium-Africa has an exclusive license for Africa to deploy its disruptive 700-terabyte, 15-kwh micro data center, which requires about as much power as a vacuum cleaner and takes up about as much space as a small refrigerator. The company is integrating this micro data center with its “All-in-One-App,” with features that include bill paying, chatting, and connecting with services such as hallo doctors or hallo taxis. “Think PayPal, WeChat,Viber, WebMD et. al., rolled into one All in-one App and tailored to Africa,” says Delkaso. Visit artilium-africa.com to learn more about the company’s partnerships and potential. NEWSUSA
Businesses, Athletes Are Getting in on Game Apps There are few topics that cause as much heated debate and passion as sports -- especially football. And in this digital age, mobile technology only enables such zeal -- which is probably why sports apps are arguably one of the most popular ways to keep up with a beloved team, as well as help diehard football fans decide who will win a matchup on any given Sunday. Consider this: according to the NFL, 70 percent of fans use a second screen while watching football, use apps to allow for easy access to player stats and analysis, and keep in touch with other fans who are watching the game. One company that is making itself known as the premier place to go for NFL predictions is Pick Factor (www.pickfactor.com). Why? Because it helps gridiron enthusiasts by analyzing thousands of predictions from top sports websites, blogs, radio, and newspapers such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports, finally coming to a consensus prediction for every game.
Think you can pick like a pro? Now Pick Factor has launched its new Pick ‘em app that allows everyone to test their own predictions. The app not only helps those entrenched in football warfare (be it recreational, an office pool, or various leagues), but now users can also create their own leagues with friends or compete in public leagues. Jim Omer, president of Pick Factor, says that retired NFL players and sports bars have partnered with the company to create their own leagues in order to have their “own game experience.” “Famous athletes and businesses are constantly looking for new ways to engage their fans and consumers. This is a way for them to do that,” Omer says. “I like to think of it as an innovative sports app that’s fun for football fans, and provides our partners with a unique way to promote themselves.” For more information, visit www.pickfactor.com or Jim Omer at jim@pickfactor.com. NEWSUSA
App for sports enthusiasts
www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community
Obama Foundation Announces Glenn Brown as Chief Digital Officer Chicago – The Obama Foundation recently announced that Glenn Brown will serve as Chief Digital Officer. As Chief Digital Officer, Glenn will lead the Foundation’s digital engagement efforts, including content strategy and production across the Foundation’s platforms, as well as media and technology partnerships. While the Obama Presidential Center will be based on the South Side of Chicago, it will, via partnerships, programs, and digital initiatives, have projects all over Chicago, the country, and the world. David Simas, CEO of the Obama Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to have Glenn on our team leading our digital engagement efforts. Glenn has an extensive background developing and executing innovative digital efforts for diverse projects and initiatives. The Obama Foundation – with Glenn’s leadership and expertise – is excited to continue to find new ways to engage people around the world online and inspire them to make change in their own
communities.” “It is an honor to join the Obama Foundation. President Obama has challenged us to develop digital media and tools to help the connect the Foundation’s hub on the South Side of Chicago to people around the world. We look forward to partnering with media makers and technology developers large and small, and everyday citizens from all walks of life, toward this end,” said Glenn Brown, Chief Digital Officer of the Obama Foundation.
Glenn Brown Glenn Brown is Chief Digital Officer of the Obama Foundation. He began work at the Foundation as a consultant in June 2016 and oversaw the launch of Obama. org in January. Glenn is a Venture Fellow at Betaworks, a start-up studio and investment firm in New York, and a member of the Board of Directors of The Texas Tribune, a digital-first, non-profit, non-partisan news service in Austin, Texas. In 2016, he was Entrepreneur in Residence at Betaworks. Glenn worked at Twitter from 2011 – 2015, where he co-founded Twitter Amplify, a premium video program
featuring hundreds of partnerships with major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, UEFA, EPL, etc.), broadcasters, and live events around the world. Before that, Glenn was head of U.S. music partnerships at YouTube, where he negotiated revenue-sharing deals with major and independent record labels and publishers around premium and user-generated video. He also served as in-house product counsel at Google, focusing on copyright, privacy, and content policy issues for YouTube, ContentID, Google Images, and Blogger among other products. Glenn was the first full-time CEO of Creative Commons from 2002-2005, where he oversaw the launch of the first machine-readable “Some Rights Reserved” copyright licenses worldwide and worked with publishers, creators, and platforms as diverse as MIT, The Public Library of Science (PLoS), Flickr, and WIRED (with whom he curated a remixfriendly album including songs from Gilberto Gil, David Byrne, The Beastie Boys, Spoon, Le Tigre, and other artists). He graduated from the University of Texas and Harvard Law School, where he was a member of the Harvard Law Review and the Berkman-Klein Center for Internet and Society.
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fashion
New Matching Golf Accessories Provide Fun and Fashion on the Golf Course Plaistow, NH- Michelle Schena, the owner of Elite Seats, a female-owned business, recently introduced a new line of golf shoe and accessory bags that match her KartMate golf cart seat pads. Schena explained that for many women golfers, looking good, is as important as playing good. Her Kartmate seat pad customers suggested that she offer matching golf shoe and accessory bags to complete the chick look for women golfers. So her design team, using mostly Sunbrella fabric developed a washable, light weight, zippered shoe bag and matching accessory bag. These very affordable shoe and accessory sets are available on the Elite Seats web site www.kartmate.com.
A new line of golf shoe and accessory bags that match KartMate golf cart seat pads are now on the market for women.
Evening celebrates fashion and finance all obstacles, Barber has expanded her operation to over 15 offices and leads a team of over 500 licensed financial professionals. About Ogo Ekweozor-Holley Ogo has built and run successful businesses since the age of 20. She also holds a law degree and has inspired others world-wide on how to tap into their infinite potential. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OGONEWYORK Inc. — a made in NYC fashion label built on a mission to celebrate true beauty in women and transform the lives of women and children globally—Ogo has, to date, positively impacted the lives of thousands of women and girls, especially in the fight to end sex trafficking, restore hope to abused women and educate young girls. Among other things, Ogo is also a Management Consultant and the founder of NYC boutique consulting firm, Sales Driven Solutions Inc. With extensive expertise in building large fundraising teams and sales forces globally, she has developed and implemented systems that have acquired over a million new donors, and customers for businesses and non profits worldwide.
The Castle Rock Essential Products recently launched its newest product, the Maywood Creek Essentials Rose Clay Organic Face Mask.
New Organic Face Mask Launched The Castle Rock Essential Products has produced organic beauty products that are continually praised by organic users for its safe and high quality formula. The company has already made a name in the organic industry and recently launched its newest product, the Maywood Creek Essentials Rose Clay Organic Face Mask. Organic products are becoming one of the most talked about products in the market. Most of the products now already have organic versions of it. Primarily, this is because most people now want to live a healthier lifestyle and that will start by using allnatural ingredients. The Maywood Creek Essentials Rose Clay Organic Face Mask has an all-natural formula. This face mask has antioxidant rich ingredients that promises to help in protecting the skin from free radicals brought by exposure to pollution. The formula also contains moisturizing ingredients that keep the skin hydrated to avoid having a too dry or too oily skin. This face mask consists of sustainable, organic and natural ingredients that are free of synthetic chemicals that can be harmful for the skin, according to a press release. It also has yuzu essential oils. For more information, visit www. castlerockessentialproducts. com.
www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community
CHICAGO- The social enterprise Chicago TREND has distributed a survey open to all Chicago residents, the data from which will lay a framework for new retail investment in neighborhoods throughout the city to attract high-quality retail development. A first of its kind social enterprise, TREND is aiming to collect survey data from over 8,000 Chicago residents. This will serve as a means to not only empower residents to advocate for the kinds of retail options they’d like to have in their neighborhoods, but assist retailers to identify untapped retail opportunities and strategic locations, down to the exact intersection. TREND Co-founder and CEO Lyneir Richardson urges all Chicago residents to take the 10-minute online survey so they can play an active role in their neighborhoods’ transformation. “This is an opportunity for the
“This is an opportunity for the people of Chicago to advocate for that store or service they wish were around the corner.” people of Chicago to advocate for that store or service they wish were around the corner,” Richardson said. “Our work quickens and incentivizes neighborhood retail investment, especially in communities that have often been overlooked because retailers and developers don’t have access to data that otherwise demonstrate the growth potential for their businesses.” Ultimately, TREND aims to bring more retail amenities to neighborhoods to support existing residents and attract new people to choose to stay in the city. With a new Whole Foods in Englewood, Mariano’s in Bronzeville and Jewel-Osco
set to open in Woodlawn, Richardson said this survey supports Chicago’s “Retail Neighborhood Revolution.” But even with these exciting new developments, more must be done in order to attract new retail. A combination of data, creative financing and relationship brokering will help drive this retail revolution and TREND is positioning itself to provide that boost. In 2016, TREND formed a strategic alliance with the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF), a highly regarded local community development financial institution, to underwrite and administer loans to catalyze and mixeduse development retail in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Chicago Community Trust provided nearly $7 million of mission based capital to CCLF to specifically support the retail development and neighborhood transformation goals of Chicago TREND.
T:10.75”
T:6.5”
As an entrepreneur in the financial Manhattan, NY - Frader Barber CEO of services industry, Fradel is passionate about World Financial Group and Ogo Ekweozor financial education for all types of people, Holley Founder of OGONEWYORK hosted regardless of their social status or income; the 6th year Annual Women & Wealth entrepreneurship, personal and business recently. development and seeks to increase the The overall theme of the event was number of successful women in business Fashion & Finance. Over 750 men and and in leadership roles. As CEO of World women enjoyed an evening of cocktails, live Financial Group she has spearheaded the music, networking, education about money, entrepreneurial expansion throughout entrepreneurship and a fashion show. the East and West coasts, developing The evening keynote speaker was Fradel and leading successful entrepreneurs in Barber CEO and visionary of world financial the financial services industry. With her group. She highlighted the need for women passion for success and will to overcome to understand ways to manage their finances as they play a more critical role in society than ever before. She shared unspoken secrets of how to build and protect their wealth. Other featured speakers included Senior Marketing Directors of World Financial Grouo Esther Charles, Kimberly Gilgeours and Zainab Mukhtar who shared passionate stories about their journey as female entrepreneurs. The evening proceeded with Ogo Ekweozor-Holley, founder of OGONEWYORK, who spoke on her journey to success as a mother of 3 children under 2 years old and ended with a display of the OGONEWYORK The 6th Annual Women & Wealth Networking Evening recently Summer 17 Collection. celebrated education, fashion and entrepreneurship. About Fradel Barber
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AIMS TO SUPPORT “RETAIL REVOLUTION” IN COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT CHICAGO
Make “the perfect new home for us” happen New neighborhood. Bigger house. Closer commute. Whatever your reason for buying your first or next home, we’re here to help you every step of the way. You’ll have personal support, low down payment options, and online resources to help you find the right loan—and enjoy your new home for years to come. Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801
Call: 1-888-424-4943 Explore your options at: wellsfargo.com/yournewhome
8 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of May 24, 2017
church Inspirations
from Rev. Dr. Derrick B. Wells,
Senior Minister of Christ Universal Temple
I DIE DAILY
H
ave you ever been in the headspace where you thought to yourself, “Is this all that life has for me?” If you have or even if you are there right now, you may be ready to get more out of yourself than you ever thought possible? God has given you a gift and that gift is His greatness. However, in order to access it, we must think in alignment with Him and remember, “As we think in the heart, so are we” Proverbs 23:7. One of the ways we think in alignment is by refusing to justify or rationalize our poor decisions. Don’t make excuses make improvements. Change your mind and open up new possibilities to new experiences. Release the situations that no longer serve you, so that you can get into the situations that are meant to bless you. Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.” The way we think becomes the process by which we handle ideas and create patterns in our life. Your thoughts become words and your words become actions. Accordingly, if you want to change your actions, begin by changing the way you think and speak. These subtle habits form the foundation upon which you build the new you. Paul’s insights remind us that we must die daily. What old ways of thinking and being do you need to die to? What unproductive relationships is it time to change your thinking on so that you can be free to live more creatively? What old habits and behaviors have outlived their usefulness to you? What thoughts are you holding that are producing undesirable experiences in your life? What are you willing to release in order to live out of the gifts God has given you? Repetition is a convincing argument. Dying daily to the irrelevant and unproductive gives us license to live more fully into the new. New wine calls for new wine skins. After releasing, we must diligently guard our hearts because this becomes the wellspring of our many issues. God placed His greatness inside of you because you can be trusted to do something great with it. Set your priorities in God then think your thoughts after him. Address: 11901 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60643 Phone: (773) 568-2282 www.cutemple.org
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TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST SET TO BUILD NEW HEALTH-FOCUSED VILLAGE (CHICAGO) — Trinity United Church of Christ (Trinity UCC) and Advocate Health Care have announced a collaboration that will bring holistic health and wellness as well as new options for quality health care services to Southside residents. In June, Trinity UCC’s development arm, Trinity 95th and Cottage Grove Planned Community Development, LLC, will begin construction of the Imani Village community, a 23-acre mixed-use residential and commercial development near the southeast corner of 95th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. Once completed, Imani Village will offer housing, a fitness center, a healthy food/public market and more. Advocate will help bring this health-focused community to fruition by financially supporting an 11,000 square-foot “green” physician office, where Advocate Medical Group physicians will provide health care services. Doors are expected to open in April 2018. To celebrate this joint endeavor, Trinity UCC and Advocate will co-host a dedication at the site of the future Advocate Medical Group. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND THIS COMMUNITY EVENT. When: May 31, 2017 Time: 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. (Program starts at 5:30 p.m.)
Address: 901 E. 95th St., Chicago Ill. “Our investment in opening an Advocate Medical Group practice at this location is fueled by Advocate’s commitment to reducing and addressing the disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke in the surrounding community by offering increased access to primary care services for wellness and prevention. We couldn’t be more excited about this collaboration and the impact we stand to make on the health and overall well-being of our Southside neighbors,” says Terika Richardson, president, Advocate Trinity Hospital. In addition to easier access to premier doctors and health services, the Advocate Medical Group practice will also infuse short-term construction jobs and permanent administrative positions into a community struggling with high unemployment. “Imani Village represents a long-term commitment to living out our liberation theology in tangible ways. Initially we will focus on wellness for community residents who will be able to take advantage of conveniently located healthcare services provided by Advocate. Next, our efforts will expand to treating our community using a holistic system that includes urban farms, recreational and athletic programming and structures built using sustainable “green” construction methods,” says Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor, Trinity UCC.
THEME: PRAYER
Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
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AWARD SHOW CELEBRATES AFRICAN AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENTS IN LITERATURE (Black PR Wire) (Atlanta, GA) The ninth annual AAMBC Literary Awards will be held in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, June 10, 2017. The featured highlight is the Maya Angelou Lifetime achievement award being presented to acclaimed poet Nikki Giovanni. AAMBC creator Tamika Newhouse says it is a dream to honor Giovanni and to bring her to the show’s home of Atlanta, GA. “Honoring Nikki Giovanni is a dream come true for me. It’s great to honor legends while we have them here with us. This means a lot to AAMBC and to the African American literary community,” Newhouse says. After previous successful years, Newhouse extended the award show to include a full weekend, entitled the Black Writer’s Weekend. The entire weekend is filled with panels, workshops and a private movie screening with the formal awards gala positioned as the highlight of the weekend. “We have panels on breaking into screenwriting for TV & film, a relationship panel especially for women, a scifi writer’s workshop for high school students Nikki Giovanni, shown here, will be honored at the ninth annual AAMBC Literary Awards. and author sightings and our celebratory book bash. This weekend was designed The annual AAMBC Literary Awards was launched in specifically for readers and writers of all genres, genders and 2009 in San Antonio, Texas by the founder. Smaller ceremonies ages,” Newhouse says. “We wanted this to be a true celebration of were then hosted in the years following in Chicago as well as literary achievement in every area imaginable.” in Baltimore in adjacent to various literary events. In 2015 the In addition to honoring Giovanni and urban success story first inaugural red carpet ceremony took place in Atlanta, GA Teri Woods, Newhouse selected black Hollywood’s newest “it” marking the beginning of the black writer’s weekend. guy Blue Kimble and the hilarious actor/comedienne Cocoa “To understand the importance of AAMBC’s presence in the Brown to co-host the show. “We knew the energy Cocoa and book industry is to understand the value of supporting our black Blue will bring to the show will keep the audience engaged and writers. The awards serve as the premiere event the industry laughing throughout,” Newhouse says. Inspirational duo Will talks about and artist strive to be,” Newhouse explains. and Alexis are slated to perform as the featured entertainment For a complete listing of the workshops, panels and for the AAMBC awards along with several other surprise discussions scheduled for the AAMBC awards visit www. celebrity presenters and appearances. aambcaawards.com
AWARD-WINNING CHART TOPPER TRAVIS GREENE RELEASES NEW SINGLE “YOU WAITED” NASHVILLE, TN – Charttopper Travis Greene releases his new single “You Waited” – via live performance and interactive social experience. The acclaimed recording artist – who jump-started the year with worldwide buzz and career accolades including 2 GRAMMY® nominations, and winning a leading 7 awards at the 2017 Stellar Awards – now marks “You Waited” as the lead single from his highlyanticipated upcoming album Crossover: Live from Music City.
Travis Greene
Winners Announced for the Expressions of Impressions Mother’s Day Social Media Contest (Black PR Wire) Shining the spotlight on moms around the world, Black PR Wire and Women Grow Strongannounced the winners of the Expressions of ImpressionsMother’s Day social media contest. Launched this past April, the contest challenged participants to share a memorable quote or expression from their mothers/ caregivers that made a lasting impression on their life. Entries were submitted via social media from sons and daughters nationwide, competing for a chance to win prizes for their moms and caregivers. The Expressions of Impressions grand prize was awarded to Diamond Ragin, who submitted the impressionable quote: “If you get the chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” The quote, she says, has stuck with her as and adult and has encouraged her
to do things she’s afraid to do. It has helped her raise her hand in college classrooms, express her opinions at conferences, and even network with established professionals. “My mother has always been my biggest cheerleader since I was born. She has always encouraged me to find my limit and exceed it. Whenever I am fearful I think of that quote and my only next option is to dance, meaning go for it,” says Ragin. “The thing I love the most about my mother is that she is fearless. It is easy for me to be confident and brave, when I have Wonder Woman for a mom!” Second place of the Expressions of Impressions contest was awarded to Ayrenton Cooper who submitted the quote: “You’re unbreakable, unmistake-able and highly
capable,” in honor of his mother. “My mom is my mentor and inspiration is life,” say Cooper. “In spite of having a tough life, she remains kind, loving and cheerful.” Sydney Cook, who submitted the quote: “All that I am or hope to be I owe to my mother,” was awarded third place in the competition. “Thank you Black PR Wire and Women Grow Strong for helping me provide my mother with a gift she truly deserves this Mother’s Day,” says Cook. “I could not ask for a better mom. She is the definition of selfless. Just as the quote says, all that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mommy.” The Expression of Impression grand prize included a $150 gift card. Second and third place awardees received a $50 gift card.
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EVENT OF THE WEEK
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
The Chicago Memorial Day Parade is considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation.
Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade honors all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. The Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at 11am at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets). The parade will step off at noon and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.
Chicago Kidney Action Day Kidney Action Day is coming to Chicago on Tuesday, June 6. The American Kidney Fund’s Kidney Action Day offers free health screenings, healthy food samples, interactive fitness demonstrations, prizes and giveaways, and lots of entertainment and activities for the entire family. Take action for your health on Kidney Action Day. The event will be held at the Richard J. Daley Center Plaza from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for a day of awareness and action against kidney disease. Event Details: Chicago Kidney Action Day Tuesday, June 6, 2017 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Richard J. Daley Center Plaza 50 W. Washington Street Chicago, IL 60602
The Chicago parade is considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation. Since 1870, Memorial Day parades have graced the streets of Chicago. Event Details May 27, 2017 Wreath Laying Ceremony begins @ 11am; Parade begins @ 12 Noon State St. from Lake St. to Van Buren
For more information visit http://www.kidneyfund.org/ prevention/free-kidney-healthscreenings/kidney-action-day/ chicago/ or contact: Chad Stewart, cstewart@kidneyfund.org / (301) 984-6644 Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ events/1266317273484300/ DuSable High School’s 82nd anniversary celebration will salute DuSable’s Men of Distinction The DuSable High School Alumni Coalition for Action invites all classes, past and present, as well as the general public to this scholarship fundraiser which will benefit the DuSable campus’ small high schools. DuSable High School’s 82nd anniversary celebration will honor
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some of the men of distinction the school has produced since opening in 1935. Honoree Timuel Black, whose expertise is often called upon by the Chicago news media regarding historical matters, was a member of the school’s first graduation class in 1937. Black also taught at DuSable for a period of time. Some of the other honorees are Judge William Cousins, politician Howard Brookins, community activist Kublai Toure, educator Reuben Crawford, banking specialist Lawrence Allen, recording artist Marshall Thompson and jazz guitarist George Freeman. The DuSable Alumni Coalition for Action’s last gala featured “Powerful Women.” Other galas have featured themes such as “DuSable’s Landmark Status,” which the DuSable High School
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Alumni Coalition for Action fought hard to win before it became official in 2013. Event Details: The New Martinique 8200 So. Cicero Ave. Burbank, Illinois Saturday, June 3, 2017 12pm to 4:30pm Dinner and an open bar are included. Tickets are $60 per person. For ticket information contact: Sylvia Alston at 773419-4835. All are welcome to join this historic celebration and fundraising event. STEM FOR KIDS SUMMER PROGRAMS COMING TO Hyde Park COLLEGE IN JUNE Hyde Park College’s Office of Continuing Education and STEM Department are partnering to offer courses to help fill the summer days with activities that will inspire and challenge kids and young adults. Explore various areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) utilizing tools available in the SouthWorks Maker Lab. Topics may include, but are not limited to: two and three-dimensional design software, electronics, programming, laser cutting and 3D printing. KFKSSC is pleased to offer several STEM for Kids classes at the Oak Forest Center in June for grade school and high school students: KFK C03 701-STEM CAMP Cost: $100; includes lab materials 4th-6th grade students, June 19-22, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., M-Th, OFC Room 5160 KFK C03 702-STEM CAMP Cost: $100; includes lab materials 7th-9th grade students, June 26-19, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., M-Th, OFC Room 5160 First time non-credit students should visit the Admissions Office, Room 2348, or call Continuing Education at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2231 to get started. For questions about these classes or STEM programs at SSC, please contact Anna Helwig, STEM Dean, at (708) 210-5706. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc. edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.
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