Facing weekend february 2017 by CITIZEN NEWSPAPERS

Week of February 15, 2017 Vol 48 • No 07 • www.thechicagocitizen.com

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BUSINESS WEBSITE HELPS VISITORS IMPROVE BLACK ECONOMIC CONDITIONS +P4

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FOCUSON BLACKHISTORY Left to right: Rita Dove, Natasha Trethewey, Yusef Komunyakaa, Nora Brooks Blakley, Quraysh Ali Lansana, Tracy K. Smith and Gregory Pardlo, backstage at Reading: Our Miss Brooks 100. Photo Courtesy of the Chicago Community Trust

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AS COMMUNITY BANKS DISAPPEAR, ISF BANK FILLS THE GAP By Chris Shuttlesworth

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO PAYS TRIBUTE TO GWENDOLYN BROOKS By Monique Smith

Our Miss Brooks 100 is an ongoing centennial celebration of the life and legacy of Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks. If Ms. Brooks were alive today she would be celebrating her 100th birthday on June 7, 2017. This exhibit was kicked off with a special unprecedented and high-profile reading of Brooks’ works. Held in the Rubloff Auditorium at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The event brought together five Pulitzer Prize winning African American poets, all of whom expressed at some point during the evening how profound an impact Brooks’ had on their life and their work as artists

and poets. Our Miss Brooks 100 honors her legacy and inspires a new generation of writers and poets. This unique literary experience was a collective and collaborative effort of many institutions, artists, and educators who came together to create readings, performances, schools programs, discussions, exhibits and more through June 2018. The special readings were hosted by WGCI’s Morning Show co-host Kendra G and a panel discussion to place after the readings was hosted by WBEZ’s Natalie Moore. The poets in attendance were Rita Dove, a former U.S. Poet Laureate and recipient of the 1987 Pulitzer

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Illinois Service Federal Savings Bank (ISF Bank) will celebrate its 83rd anniversary with a customer appreciation event on May 18, 2017 and has plans to serve Chicago’s black community better now and into the future. With an experienced board of directors, upgraded technology, an infusion of new capital and a strong management team, ISF Bank is ready to meet the needs of the community for the long term. ISF Bank’s CEO Robert Klamp, a banker with decades of experience in community banking in Chicago, Illinois, will lead the main branch at 4619 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive., and the second branch at 8700 S. King Drive, according to an ISF press release. “We’re very excited to be celebrating [ISF Bank] 83rd anniversary because it’s sometimes difficult for small institutions to have a period of longevity,” said ISF Executive Vice President Monica Thomas. The ISF press release stated that during the Great Migration, ISF Bank was established in 1934 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bank offered home and business loans to many African-Americans who moved north to escape the limited economic opportunities in the segregated South. > SEE MORE PAGE 3

FASHION: BURLINGTON STORES TEAM UP WITH KELLY ROWLAND TO FIGHT HEART DISEAS E> P6 ENTERTAINMENT: OPRAH WINFREY BECOMES A SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR TO 60 MINUTES > P10 www.thechicagocitizen.com • 51 years of serving the Black community

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1 ILBCF presents 2017 Legislative Fellows

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF) recently presented its 2017 inaugural class of legislative research fellows. The fellows were selected from a wide spread of exceptional candidates that ultimately came down to four well-rounded recipients: Crystal Martin, Subria A. Whitaker, Malayzja D. Anderson and Ndjuoh MehChu. Every applicant was given the

opportunity to develop their own legislative proposal that would positively highlight and impact Black Culture. Fellows must lay out fact sheets, presentations and strategies on communication, legislative analysis and impact analysis. The ILBCF fellows will also provide the Council on Urban Affairs information to help ILBC members make decisions to help the black community,

Crystal Martin

Subria A. Whitaker

Malayzja D. Anderson

Ndjuoh MehChu

Crystal Martin is a high school counselor at the Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men, in Chicago Illinois. She is a 2nd year PhD student of Community Psychology at National Louis University with a dissertation entitled “Survivors Guilt vs. the ‘Sell Out’: Social Barriers to College Persistence for African American First Generation College Students”, which explores the self sabotaging behaviors of this student population. Crystal holds a BA in Television Production and Directing from Columbia College Chicago; an MA in Counseling and an MEd in Educational Leadership from Lewis University, and Post Graduate Certification from the National Institute for Urban School Leaders at Harvard University. Through a grant from the Pollination Project, in December 2016, Crystal started First2Finish, a non-profit college access program targeting first generation students and making investments for college readiness beginning in the first grade. First2Finish will enroll its “First Class” of participants in Fall 2018.According to an ILBCF press release.

Subria A. Whitaker is from Chicago’s South Side and currently resides in the Morgan Park Neighborhood. An alumna of Morgan Park High School, Subria graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences with Distinction in Communication in May, 2016. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Sport Administration from Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies. Last summer, Subria was selected by the Delta Research and Educational Foundation to participate in the Congressional Black Caucus Emerging Leaders Program where she served as the 2016 Stephanie Tubbs Jones Intern in the Office of United States Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge. She’d previously served as an Undergraduate Intern in the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, according to an ILBCF press release.

Malayzja D. Anderson is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in World History from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Her current research interests include student activism, 20th century social movements and Middle Eastern history. As a Graduate Assistant in UIS’s Diversity Center, Malayzja develops student programing aimed at retaining minority students and facilitates microaggression reduction workshops. Malayzja is currently the Treasurer for the UIS Rotaract Club, Vice President of Graduate Assistants in their union and a mentor for the Necessary Steps Mentor Program at UIS. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in African American Studies and another in History from Chicago State University. In 2014, Malayzja served as a Public Policy Intern in Senator Kimberly A. Lightford’s district office, according to an ILBCF press release.

Ndjuoh MehChu, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, is a third-year J.D. Candidate at the University of Chicago Law School. At the Law School, he is an active member of the Mandel Legal Aid Clinic’s Criminal and Juvenile Justice Project and previously served as a clinical student in the Law School’s Civil Rights and Police Accountability Project. Ndjuoh has extensive experience in issues at the intersection of social justice and human rights. He has held positions at the ACLU of Illinois and the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago. Ndjuoh previously served as an International Human Rights research fellow at the University of Lucerne School of Law in Lucerne, Switzerland and again at the University of Milan, Cattolica in Milan, Italy. Prior to Law School, Ndjuoh worked as a Special Education and Math teacher in the South Bronx. Ndjuoh is also a graduate of Rutgers University, New Brunswick with degrees in Economics and Africana Studies, according to an ILBCF press release.

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FOCUSON BLACKHISTORY

The Art Institute of Chicago Pays Tribute to Gwendolyn Brooks Continued from page 1

to win the Pulitzer Prize and the first black Prize in poetry for Thomas and woman to become poetry consultant to the Bueulah. Library of Congress (a title and position Dove was also celebrating the 30th which is now known as the Poet Laureate). anniversary of her Pulitzer. She was Brooks was also the poet laureate of the joined by Gregory Pardlo, a 2015 Pulitzer State of Illinois from 1968 until her death Prize winner; Tracy K. Smith, a 2012 in 2000. Pulitzer winner; Natasha Trethewey, 2007 She also received an American Pulitzer winner and Poet Laureate for the Academy of Arts and Letters Award, the United States (2012-2014); and Yusef Frost Medal, a National Endowment for Komunyakaa, 1994 Pulitzer winner. Moore asked the panel what they most the Arts Award, the Shelley Memorial Award, and fellowships from the Academy admired about Brooks’ work and Gregory of American Poets Pardlo said, “She and the Guggenheim can read people so Foundation. Born easily, she was so in Topeka, Kansas, observant.” Brooks’ family moved Dove began to Chicago when she her remarks with, was young. Her parents “Thank you Ms. supported her passion Brooks!” She went on to say, “I admire for reading and writing. her ability to sing Brooks was “There is a singing the songs of those 13 when her first inside each poem, I around her and published poem, make them come Eventide, appeared admire that. It’s as if alive to the world in the publication around her.” worlds collide in a single American Childhood Komunyakaa and by the time she was poem.” Smith remarked, 17, she was publishing said, “There is a singing inside each frequently in “Her sense of curiosity poems poem, I admire the Chicago Defender. that. It’s as if worlds attending junior inspired me. Her poems After collide in a single college and working poem.” Smith for the National are so beautifully remarked, “Her Association for the adequate at reaching Advancement of sense of curiosity inspired me. Her Colored People, she into other’s lives.” poems are so developed her craft beautifully adequate in poetry workshops at reaching into and began writing other’s lives.” the poems, focusing on urban blacks that The panel went on to discuss how would be published in her first collection, important the work of writers, poets and A Street in Bronzeville. Many artist are during this different political of Brooks’ works displayed a political landscape. Dove said, “There is power in consciousness, especially those from the being able to communicate and touch 1960s and later, several of her poems people all over the world in a special way reflected the civil rights activism of that that is the essence of our humanity in a time period. Her work has stood the test of where there are those in power trying to time influencing not just the work of other silence the voices of the people.” poets, but some in the hip hop generation, A writer, poet and true lyricist, including people like Chance the Rapper, Gwendolyn Brooks as noted by the Poetry Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest. Foundation was one of the most highly This event was presented in regarded, highly influential, and widely read collaboration with the School of the Art poets of 20th-century American poetry. Institute of Chicago, the Poetry Foundation, The Poetry Foundation and other Poets & Writers, the Guild Literary biographical sources cite Brooks as having Complex, the Chicago Community Trust, the distinction of being the first black author and encouraged by the Pulitzer Prizes.

Due to Seaway Banking closure Jan 27, 2017, ISF Bank will serve as the only black owned bank in the city of Chicago. ISF Bank Executive Vice President Monica Thomas said the bank plans to continue to serve the needs of the black community and fill any gaps that appear. Photo Credit: Christopher Shuttlesworth

As community banks disappear, ISF Bank fills the gap Continued from page 1

The Bank’s doors opened to a one-room office on 70 East 47th Street with deposits of $7,000.00. The first few depositors had balances ranging from $4.00 to $50.00. ISF first employees were black women who owned and managed the savings and loans (S&L) and began to make deposits in earnest. In the fall of 2000, ISF Bank opened a new, state-of-the-art facility at 8700 S. King Drive. Today the association serves over 14,000 customers and has assets of more than $133 million dollars, according to ISF Bank. The plans of ISF will be to continue to support the black community and help youth learn more about the business of the banking industry. In the summer of 2017, ISF bank will offer internships for high school and college students that will provide learning opportunities in the banking industry. With the closing of Seaway Bank & Trust, on Jan. 27, 2017, ISF became the lone Chicago-based black-owned banking institution in Chicago and among the estimated 20 left in the United States, according to an ISF press release. Seaway Bank & Trust Company, Chicago, Illinois was closed by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation - Division of Banking, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named Receiver. All deposit accounts, including brokered deposits, have been transferred to State Bank of Texas, Dallas, TX (“assuming institution”) and will be available immediately. The former Seaway Bank and Trust Company locations will reopen as branches of State Bank of Texas during regular business hours, according to the federal deposit insurance corporation (FDIC). “As the community evolves, ISF Bank hopes we can fill the [missing]

gap of [Seaway Bank] and remain loyal, mission driven and continue to fill the gap as community banks begin to disappear,” Thomas said. According to the FDIC, Seaway Bank and Trust Company was a fullservice commercial bank, which was established Jan. 2, 1965 to emphasize quality service and community commitment. Seaway opened for business in a rented storefront located at 8555 S. Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago, Illinois and its permanent headquarters was the (Chatham Branch) located at 645 E. 87th Street was opened Nov. 18, 1965. The bank had approximately $361.2 million in total assets and $307.1 million in total deposits September 30, 2016. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, State Bank of Texas agreed to purchase $309.0 million of the failed bank’s assets. The FDIC will retain the remaining assets for later disposition. The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $57.2 million. ISF Bank has been fortunate to attract needed capital from the GhanaianAmerican Nduom family who has roots in the Midwest. The Nduom family’s business holdings employ more than 5,000 people in West Africa, Europe and North America. Their investments include hospitality, financial services, media and entertainment, sports, and real estate, according to an ISF press release. In order to become a member of ISF Bank you can apply online at https:// www.isfbank.com/ with four different account options such as the personal checking account, renaissance checking account, retail checking and statement savings accounts, according to the Seaway Bank.

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1 Howard University and Corvias Forge Deal for a Student Housing Partnership

Freedom Ties Co-Founder Tavares Bethel presents a check to Maeva Jackson, founder of Black World Books, who received the majority votes which awards her half the sales generated from the December sales on FreedomTies.com.

Website Helps Visitors Improve Black Economic Conditions

within their community. These submissions will also be presented for vote to those registered on FreedomTies.com so as to narrow the selection down to the top four. These top four will then be presented for final voting. Thus, each month there will be two voting’s, a preliminary and then a final. Once a vote is made and an organization or special need situation has been determined, half of the proceeds that were collected for the month from the purchasing of Freedom Ties will be sent to such organization or special need situation in the form of a check. “It’s a simple concept, when you think about it, that will allow our Black communities to better take control of how their dollars are being utilized”, says Fred Bethel. “I’m pretty sure Dr. King’s dream was not only for us as a people to gain civil freedoms but economic freedoms as well”. FreedomTies.com is already making a difference. Just recently Tavares Bethel was able to present a donation check in the amount of $700 on behalf of the purchases made from the site during the month of December to Maeva Jackson, founder of Black World Books, a center where children can learn more about their black heritage and explore the reality of the black existence through books. “What if we sell 1,000 ties or 10,000 ties or even 1 million ties; if a million ties were sold that would be 10 million dollars going back into our Black communities”, says Tavares Bethel. As the website gains traction, more and more people are realizing the importance of getting “tied up” in this movement so as to help make a change within their communities. Those who visit the site are not even required to make a purchase in order to be part of the voting process; allowing everyone the opportunity to do their part in helping make a difference. To learn more in how you can get “tied up” in the movement, visit www.FreedomTies. com.

amenities such as state-of-the art technology, expanded fitness rooms, expanded common areas for social interaction including a TV lounge, classroom space, and space for faculty to meet with and socialize with students. Resident room layouts have been redesigned to afford more privacy to students and create more beds. Maintaining affordability and minimal annual rate increases were primary concerns for the University Parties, and are reflected in rental rates that are substantially below market for the booming Shaw/Logan Circle communities. The University Parties also control how much housing payments can be increased on an annual basis. “This partnership reinforces Howard’s position as a top institution and will keep a college education affordable and campus life safe for students,” says John Picerne, CEO of Corvias. “Corvias greatly respects Howard University’s mission to develop students into outstanding citizens. The strong sense of community and purpose shared by its graduates align with our values as a company, providing a strong foundation for this 40-year commitment to the community.” Corvias will work closely with the University’s Residence Life and Student Services teams to manage the residence halls as Corvias oversees residence life programming. Additionally, the University Parties and Corvias share control over major decisions through a Management Review Committee, where they each have equal voting rights. The partnership was formed under the premise of mutually aligned goals. Corvias’ management fees are performance-based, ensuring both parties are equally invested in the success of the University. Anthony Freeman, the University’s Real Estate Executive, along with Trena Drayton, the University’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer, coordinated the efforts of multiple University stakeholders and led negotiations on behalf of the University Parties. Alvarez and Marsal served as Howard’s transactional advisor. The renovated West Tower will be completed by August 2017, and the East Tower will be completed in August 2018. About Howard University Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-2382330, or visit www.howard.edu.

Waters Leads Democrats in Calling for Diversity in the Leadership of the Federal Reserve Banks WASHINGTON -- In a letter to Janet Yellen, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and Margaret Lewis, Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Board of Directors, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) recently called for intentional efforts to identify and select diverse candidates to replace retiring Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Jeffrey M. Lacker. Waters was joined by Financial Services Committee Democrats, Democrats serving in the Fifth Federal Reserve District, and Rep. John Conyers Jr., Ranking Member of House Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the Full Employment Caucus. The lawmakers urged the search committee to fix the broken search process that has resulted in a consistent lack of minority, gender, and occupational diversity among Federal Reserve Bank presidents.

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Killeen, TX - On Thanksgiving Day of 2015, Fred Bethel and Tavares Bethel (brothers) were discussing the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the many shootings of Black men across America as well as the deplorable conditions surrounding Black communities. With approximately 46 million Black Americans in the U.S. that generate roughly 1.2 trillion dollars in the purchase of goods and services yearly within this country, it’s alarming to know that a group of people can generate such wealth and, yet, only possess 13 cents of wealth to every dollar of wealth obtained by White Americans. The primary reason behind this economic imbalance is that of the 1.2 trillion dollars generated by Black Americans, only 3% of that money ever comes back into Black communities. For this reason, Fred and Tavares Bethel decided to stop talking about the problem and actually do something about it. On Thanksgiving Day in 2016, the brothers launched a website called FreedomTies.com that is designed to be “by the people to build a people”. FreedomTies.com is an innovative approach that utilizes the principles of online business and combine them with the techniques of pop culture TV programming such as American Idol, America’s Got Talent and all other shows that give their audience the power of the vote to choose a winner. FreedomTies.com is designed to provide an array of high quality silk ties at a reasonable price in which half of the proceeds from the purchase of such ties will be granted to a community need, charity, unique family situation, etc. The decision of where these funds will be directed to would be determined by the majority vote of those who register on the Freedom Ties website. These donations will be awarded each month providing a scheduling of 12 charitable donations per year. In addition, individuals will be able to submit ideas of organizations, fund raisers and special causes that are in need

Washington, DC, - Howard Dormitory Holdings 1, LLC, a wholly-owned and title-holding company of Howard University (“Howard SPE”), and Corvias recently announced an innovative 40year partnership that will completely renovate and maintain two of the University’s largest residence halls and manage two additional halls. Under a cutting-edge concession structure, Corvias will renovate the East and West Towers of Howard’s Plaza Towers residence, located at 2251 Sherman Ave., N.W. and manage the University’s Drew and Cook residence halls, which are located on the north side of the main campus. The Howard Plaza Towers, and Drew and Cook residence halls were transferred by the University to the Howard SPE. Corvias, a Rhode Island-based company that is a pioneer in sustainable, long-term partnership solutions, raised $144 million for the project from institutional investors. Proceeds will fund renovation and modernization, the retirement of some debt, transactions costs and the creation of a sizable reserve fund for future capital expenses. While partnerships like these have grown in popularity within the higher education industry, the Howard SPE and the University (collectively, the “University Parties”), and Corvias have established a unique arrangement. Corvias will manage the renovation and operations of the facilities on a day-to-day basis for a performancebased management fee, but all residual cash flow will flow to the University Parties. A portion of these funds will be dedicated to a reserve fund for reinvestment into the residence halls and a portion will be collected by the University Parties to fund other discretionary initiatives. The University Parties will soon be able to offer students an up-to-date live/learn environment. The project will deliver 1,730 newly renovated beds in the West and East towers, and 522 existing beds in Drew Hall and Cook Hall will be under Corvias’ management. Over the course of the partnership, Drew and Cook Halls will also receive capital improvements. “This partnership is an innovative solution to leveraging our assets while improving the facilities for students so they are competitive in the higher education marketplace,” says Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, president of Howard University. “We have to find ways to solve complicated problems, invest in the University’s infrastructure and make our entire campus environment better and more attractive.” To develop the program for the Plaza Towers renovation, the University and Corvias conducted student focus groups and incorporated comments from the University’s housing market study, conducted in 2016. As a result, the halls will offer

LAFAYE BAKER STUNTWOMAN/COORDINATOR FIRST SUNDAY

Breaking Barriers With over 20 films to her credit, LaFaye Baker is living proof that whatever a stuntman can do, a stuntwoman can do, too… and in high heels. Join us as we celebrate women who are making magic behind the scenes. To see LaFaye’s work and more, visit Black Film & TV on XFINITY On Demand, where Black History is always on. Visit xfinity.com/CelebrateBlackTV

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Burlington Stores Team up with Kelly Rowland to Fight Heart Disease BURLINGTON, N.J.--For the sixth consecutive year, Burlington Stores, the national off price retailer, and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, have teamed up to educate women nationwide about the importance of their heart health, as heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Throughout the month of February, American Heart Month, and March, Burlington Stores and WomenHeart are joined by Kelly Rowland, Grammy Award-winning artist and heart health advocate, to serve as the voice and supporter of their #KnockOutHeartDisease Campaign. This year’s campaign kicked off recently at Burlington’s flagship location in New York City, featuring Kelly Rowland, along with WomenHeart Champions, who are women heart disease survivors and community educators, spokespersons and heart health advocates. Burlington’s in-store campaign also launched in all 593 Burlington stores across the country recently, giving customers the opportunity to donate $1 or more to support WomenHeart at check out through March 31, 2017. Throughout the campaign, 46 Burlington store locations nationwide (a store in each State/ Territory where Burlington has locations) will host Night Out to #KnockOutHeartDisease events, offering free heart health screenings in partnership with WomenHeart. Customers will have the opportunity to get their blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol and BMI checked by a certified health professional, and receive bi-lingual (English/Spanish) women’s heart health information and tips for living heart healthy. To find a screening near you, visit www. BurlingtonStores.com/HeartHealth.

Knowing one’s health numbers is the start to knocking out heart disease in women. Getting their heart screened at a Burlington or elsewhere is an opportunity to learn about their heart health. Everyone is encouraged to spread the word by tagging two friends to do the same with #KnockOutHeartDisease. Burlington Stores will

donate $5, up to $25,000, to WomenHeart for each use of the hashtag. “I’m excited to join Burlington and WomenHeart’s #KnockOutHeartDisease campaign and admire their continued commitment to educate women about the importance of their heart health in effort to save lives,” says Kelly Rowland. “I encourage women to get their heart health screened and when they do, be sure they tag two friends to do the same with #KnockOutHeartDisease.” “At Burlington Stores we are committed to supporting causes that are important to our associates and customers and we are proud to educate women about the importance of heart health,” says Tom Kingsbury, President, CEO and Chairman, Burlington Stores. “We are thankful to Burlington and their millions of customers and thousands of associates across the country for their continued support to help us further our mission. We are thrilled to bring the #KnockOutHeartDisease Campaign to life as we continue this amazing partnership with Burlington Stores,” says Mary McGowan, CEO, WomenHeart. “It’s important that our message be delivered through as many channels as possible, whether it’s in store, online or via social media, so that we have every opportunity to reach women across the country regarding their number one health risk – heart disease.” During the past five years, Burlington and its customers have raised more than $6 million to support WomenHeart and its free education and support services for women living with heart disease in communities throughout the country. These funds have also enabled the organization to continue to support and educate Hispanic women – a high risk population for heart disease – through its Para la Mujer Hispanainitiative.

Menguin Announces Exclusive Formal Menswear Partnership with Target Los Angeles, CA, - Menguin, the highest rated online suit and tuxedo rental company has announced a partnership with Target, making Menguin the exclusive formal menswear supplier for Target’s wedding registry couples. The partnership provides Target’s wedding registry couples with exclusive offers and benefits to Menguin’s innovative rental service and stylish suits, easily accessible from Target’s wedding registry. Both Menguin and Target are innovators in the wedding industry. Menguin is the highest rated suit and tux rental company in both reviews and customer satisfaction. With 6 national distribution centers and 300,000 suits and tuxedos available, Menguin has the largest rental footprint in the nation based on inventory and supply chain.

Menguin uses a proprietary fit algorithm that delivers better sizing accuracy than a tailor. The product is shipped to the customer’s doorstep 10-12 days before their event, leaving plenty of time for any needed replacements. Menguin’s seamless renting process has become a favorite among millennial couples, with 24/7 customer service, a seamless online ordering process, and free fabric swatches for ultimate convenience. “We are very excited to announce our strategic partnership with Target. Delighting our customers around the biggest day of their lives is our number one priority and we’re thrilled to team up with a partner that also shares that passion,” said Bogdan Constantin, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Menguin. For more information about Menguin’s partnership with Target, please visit menguin.com/target.

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REP. CEDRIC RICHMOND BRINGS NEW LEADERSHIP TO THE CBC Newly Elected Chair Vows To Make Inclusion of the Black Press a Key Component in Preserving Rights of African Americans By Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. (Executive Editor, Los Angeles Sentinel)

Congressman Cedric Richmond has been a congressman in New Orleans for the past six years. During his tenure, he has experienced some of the best and worst times in the country and has had a front row seat for all of the action. Now, the 43 year-old congressman has taken on a new challenge as the newly-elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), one of the most powerful coalitions in the nation. When asked why he decided to take on this role, the congressman explained: “I have always been interested in serving as Chair of the Caucus, but over the Thanksgiving holiday, I began to contemplate what life was going to look like in the new environment of the Trump Administration and realized that the CBC was going to have to take the lead roll in ensuring African Americans have a loud and active voice.” The congressman felt he was up to the challenge, and in November, his colleagues in the House of Representatives and in the United States Senate elected him to serve as chairman of the caucus. Richmond knows that the next two years are going to be crucial and that the only way things are going to get accomplished for African Americans

and other disenfranchised communities, is if the leadership and members of the caucus have strategic thinking, strategic planning and strategic execution. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi asked that all Democrats defer to senior members in crucial leadership roles. Congressman Richmond didn’t see this request as a deterrent from running to lead the CBC and ultimately becoming chairman. “The CBC has never been an organization led or deferred to by seniority and I believed I was best suited to take on this role,” stated the three-term congressional leader; obviously, his colleagues agreed. As part of Congressman Richmond’s leadership, he has vowed to support the Black Press and Black media throughout the country. He has formed an alliance with past NNPA Chairman Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. and NNPA President Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., to ensure that African American media is included and plays an active role in sharing important news about national government with the communities that they serve. Congressman Richmond is a supporter of the Black Press and when asked why he feels it is necessary to take on this challenge the congressman had this to say: “Black Media and particularly the Black Press play an extraordinary role in getting our message

out to our communities, print media especially plays an important role, because the Black Press is highly regarded within our communities and people have a greater trust on the information that they receive via the Black Press.” Richmond continued: “Now that we no longer have a President [Obama], who can or is, willing to call a press conference and get information out to our people, we must be strategic in working with the Black Press to get our information and our stories to the people.” Congressman Richmond understands the power and role the federal government plays in supporting all media, and he feels that supporting the Black Press is a key tool in ensuring that the African American community is not ignored in this process. “The federal government is the largest advertiser in the country and for us to ignore, not support, or cripple our Black Newspapers would be a travesty,” said Richmond, adding that restoring the Voting Rights Act, fighting to raise the minimum wage and creating economic opportunities for African Americans are critical objectives on the CBC’s agenda. He recently met with the national leaders of most of the major African American civil rights groups and they have agreed to meet regularly to organize and function in unison to move forward with a unified Black Agenda.

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FOCUSON BLACKHISTORY

Some Champions of Black History Have Overcome Barriers Beyond Race By Edna Kane-Williams, AARP Vice President, Multicultural Markets and Engagement

Afro Lutheran Chicago Matters Holds 2017 SOULFUL CHICAGO BLACK HISTORY MONTH BOOK FAIR AFRO LUTHERAN CHICAGO MATTERS, a voice of Metro Chicago Synod’s Black Lutheran clergy and lay leaders will host SOULFUL CHICAGO BLACK HISTORY MONTH BOOK FAIR, Saturday, February 25th, 2017, from 10 AM to 6 PM, at the Library Auditorium of Lutheran School of Theology, East 55th & University, Hyde Park. The event will feature: Over 50 Black Books authors and publishers organized by genre i.e., non-fiction, fiction, and children’s’ books; A central stage for performing artists of diverse art forms; Continuous showing of the PBS documentary: “Black History Since MLK-And Still I Rise” by Dr. Henry Louis Gates and more. For details, contact Deacon Marsha Washington, Reformation Church-Chicago, 773-996-1066. T:13”

Darryl Murphy was just a college freshman in 1985 when he met Dr. Odell Hobbs, his choral instructor at Virginia Union University (VUU). As per his upbringing, Murphy reached out to shake the hand of his new professor and was taken-aback at what he felt. Seeing the surprised reaction of the young man, Hobbs just chuckled. Having been born with only nubs as fingers, except a thumb on his left hand and a forefinger and thumb on the right, the gifted pianist had grown used to surprised looks and even suffered painful teasing in his youth. Despite what some would perceive as a handicap, the now late Dr. Hobbs – a Clarkton, N.C. native who passed away in 2008 - excelled against all odds. Born with only three full fingers, he started playing the piano in his home church at the age of 3 and went on to earn a music degree from Howard University in 1960 and then a doctorate from the University of Western Colorado. Because of his hands, Howard music professors initially questioned his ability to succeed in the rigorous music program. “When they asked if I had any handicaps, I said no because I never thought of myself as being handicapped because I could do anything I wanted to except wear a glove,” Hobbs said in an exclusive interview videotaped by Richmond, Va. Black history buff John Bynum. As a test, Hobbs said Howard gave him a probationary period in which to accomplish certain assignments. “I accomplished most of the objectives in a month that had been set for a year,” he said in the video in which he demonstrated his ability to play even classical music with his three fingers and the sides of his hands. Dr. Hobbs went on to teach music at mostly historically Black colleges and universities, starting at VUU in 1966, where he helped to found the music department and establish a music major. Later in his career, a student choir under his direction at Langston University was selected to represent Oklahoma at the World’s Fair in New York City. Given the historic struggles of Black people from slavery to Jim Crow to the civil rights movement and even current racial struggles, the progress of African-Americans in general is indeed to be celebrated. But, Hobbs is among champions who used his own barrierbreaking experiences to push others to

accomplish their goals – against all odds. As an accomplished pianist and chorale director, Hobbs impacted the lives of his students far beyond music, recalls Murphy, the former student who was surprised by his hands. Now a history researcher, curator and president of the Beaufort, N.C. Branch of the NAACP, Murphy continued to be mentored by Hobbs well into his professional adult life. In May 2008, he served as a pall bearer at Hobb’s funeral. “Dr. Hobbs was a master teacher. Who I am today as a professional Black man is because of Dr. Hobbs,” he said in a Black History Month 2014 interview. He recalled how Hobbs taught the choir to sing Negro spirituals with passion and understanding by teaching the singers the historic struggles and events behind the songs. In doing so, “he actually became my history professor.” Odell Hobbs is not a household name. But there are many other well-known and little-known champions who also overcame hurdles – beyond race - in order to forge American progress. Here are just a few examples: Iconic vocalist and pianist Stevie Wonder, who became blind shortly after birth, is not only considered one of the greatest musicians of the 21st century, but was named a United Nation’s Messenger of Peace in 2009. He has used his fame to help win a national holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to fight against apartheid in South Africa, and against world hunger. Ever Lee Hairston, known to describe herself as “Black, blind and successful” travels throughout the U. S. and abroad lobbying for the blind. Having picked cotton, attended segregated schools and worked in the civil rights movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she became blind in her late 20s, but gained her confidence through education. Among other leadership activities, she has served as coordinator for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Determination) Program, which mentors blind and visually impaired teens. Harriet Tubman, among the most famous heroines in history, suffered from fainting spells and dizziness attributed to a head wound from a master when she was just a teenager; yet she led hundreds of slaves to freedom. Hobbs, who pushed students to soar above hurdles beyond race, is among this list. Recalls Murphy, “Dr. Hobbs did not accept excuses. And if you did not give him A or B work, you didn’t pass. It was either an A, B or F…Because he had that handicap, he would not accept any excuses.”

You’re never too young or too old to have “firsts.”

This Black History Month, we celebrate the firsts at any age. Whether it’s first grade at 5. Or first time college student at 65. They have a lot of firsts ahead of them. That’s the power of Real Possibilities. Visit aarp.org/blackcommunity

Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP®

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many successful syndicated NEW YORK, -- Oprah television programs, including Winfrey, the esteemed “Dr. Phil,” “The Dr. Oz Show” broadcaster, producer, actress and “Rachael Ray,” among many and philanthropist, will become others, plus motion pictures a special contributor to 60 MINUTES, the #1 news broadcast under her Harpo Films banner, including the recent awardin television, it was announced winning “Selma” in which she also recently by the news magazine’s had a featured role. In 1985, she executive producer, Jeff Fager. co-starred in Steven Spielberg’s Winfrey will make her “The Color Purple,” where she was first appearance on CBS News’ nominated for an Academy Award legendary Sunday night broadcast for Best Supporting Actress. She this fall. earned critical acclaim in “Lee “There is only one Oprah Daniels’The Butler” and will Winfrey,” said Fager. “She has appear in the upcoming HBO achieved excellence in everything movie “The Immortal Life of she has touched. Her body of Henrietta Lacks” and the Disney work is extraordinary, including feature film “A Wrinkle in Time.” thousands of interviews with In 2011, people from in partnership all walks of with Discovery life. She is a Communications, remarkable Winfrey founded and talented OWN: Oprah woman with Winfrey Network a level of and serves as its integrity that chairman and sets her apart CEO. OWN has and makes her become one of the a perfect fit for fastest growing 60 MINUTES. cable networks I am thrilled for women, that she will be achieving its bringing her highest rated and unique and Oprah Winfrey, the esteemed most watched year powerful voice to broadcaster, producer, actress and our broadcast.” philanthropist, will become a special in network history in 2016. “I’ve been contributor to 60 MINUTES, the #1 news broadcast in television, it was Winfrey a big admirer of announced today, Jan. 31, 2017, by the 60 MINUTES news magazine’s executive producer, founded O, The Oprah Magazine, since my days Jeff Fager. Ms. Winfrey will make her first appearance on CBS News’ which FORTUNE as a young reporter,” said legendary Sunday night broadcast this magazine declared fall. (Photo Credit: Harpo, Inc.) the most successful Winfrey. “I’m start-up in that so excited and industry’s history and recently proud to join forces with this debuted her first cookbook historic news program, which memoir, Food, Health and for me represents the bastion Happiness, which reached #1 on of journalistic storytelling. At a the New York TimesBestsellers time when people are so divided, List. She joined the Weight my intention is to bring relevant Watchers board of directors in insight and perspective, to look 2015. at what separates us, and help Winfrey is also one of the facilitate real conversations most active philanthropists in between people from different the world, donating more than backgrounds.” $20 million to the creation of the Oprah Winfrey is an Smithsonian’s National Museum American original who has of African American History established during her storied and Culture. The Oprah Winfrey career an enduring connection Leadership Academy for Girls in with the American people. For South Africa will celebrate its 10th 25 years, Winfrey was host of her anniversary this year, of which award-winning talk show “The she has contributed more than Oprah Winfrey Show,” which $100 millionto provide education was the highest-rated television to academically gifted girls from program of its kind in history. disadvantaged backgrounds. While hosting and In 2013, Winfrey was appearing on the #1 syndicated awarded the Presidential Medal show, Winfrey founded her of Freedom by President Barack own production company, Obama, the nation’s highest Harpo Productions. Under her civilian honor. leadership, Harpo developed

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