Hyde Park Citizen 1-17-2024

www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9

C

HYDE PARK

WEEKLY

BUSINESS Rocket Companies Appoints Jonathan Mildenhall as Chief Marketing Officer

citizennewspapergroup.com

Week of January 17, 2024

photo credit: Adobe photo stock

twitter.com/citizennewsnow w advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com

P4

FREE | VOL 35 | ISSUE 09

“There is nothing new about poverty.

What is new, however, is that we now have the resources to get rid of it.”

Remembering Our

Civil Right Champion…

The time has come for an all-out world war against poverty … The well off and the secure have too often become indifferent and oblivious to the poverty and deprivation in their midst. Ultimately a great nation is a compassionate nation. No individual or nation can be great if it does not have a concern for ‘the least of these.”

“Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”

by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Boston: Beacon Press, 1967

MLK NEWS PAGES 9-10

Innovative Eyewear, Inc. Signs Professional Football Player Emmanuel Ogbah as Brand Ambassador

ALLBLK Releases Trailer ForR Fifth Season Of Double Cross, Premiering January 18

P5

P8

citizennewspapergroup.com

2

NEWS

briefly ILLINOIS ALLIANCE OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS HOSTS RIBBON CUTTING AT NEW LOCATION Celebration marks a year of change for the organization Springfield, Ill. – The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs (Alliance) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their new location at 112 West Edwards Street in Springfield on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The event marks a year of growth under new Alliance CEO, Awisi Bustos, and celebrates the successes the Alliance has achieved. Special guest, Emanuel Chris Welch, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representative, was on hand to share remarks.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is committed to tackling the challenges facing youth in our nation. Within the structure of the BGCA, the Alliance works to position Boys & Girls Clubs in Illinois as one of the premier youth development advocates in the State.

In addition to relocating the Alliance headquarters to a prime location near the State Capitol, the organization has also doubled the number of staff members and restructured teams to better serve the Clubs, distributed $9.1 million in grant funds to Clubs statewide, and cut more than $100,000 in costs through strategic positioning and sound decisions.

“We are excited to showcase our new location and look forward to building on our community and stakeholder relationships in 2024,” said Bustos. “We are appreciative of all Speaker Welch has done to support the Clubs across Illinois and are happy he is able to join us at this event.”

The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs represents 24 Boys & Girls Clubs - affiliated organizations throughout the state furthering the mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs serve over 52,000 youth throughout Illinois - from Genesee to Carbondale and Moline to Danville. With Clubs located in large urban areas such as Chicago, mid-sized cities such as Springfield and smaller communities such as Bethalto, Clubs support youth who need us most and face many different challenges. Boys & Girls Clubs’ proven youth development model supports the needs youth have in common, such as the need to succeed academically, while allowing local Clubs to tailor their programs and activities to the specific needs of their community’s youth and families.

Learn more at https://bgcillinois.org/

COOK COUNTY STARTING BLOCK GRANTS The JAC was thrilled to kick off the new year with the announcement of $5 million in Starting Block Grant awards to 51 community-based organizations in Cook County. This new capacity building grant initiative supports small to medium sized non-profit organizations looking to develop their infrastructure to increase organizational health, growth and sustainability.

This first round of Starting Block Grants will support a diverse and vibrant group of organizations working in service sectors including Violence Prevention, Education, Community and Economic Development, Arts and Culture, Human Rights, Health and Human Services.

Funded by the Equity Fund and the JAC, this initiative aims to increase equity in grantmaking in Cook County and help organizations that play vital roles in local communities meet their goals and achieve greater stability. In 2024 and beyond, we look forward to seeing how this capacity building funding will help the awarded organizations to grow, thrive, innovate and adapt in a changing world.

C

HYDE PARK

Hyde Park | Week of January 17, 2024

C

Male Mentoring Program Prepares Young Men For Careers And Higher Education of the 14 weeks, the participants are exposed to 12 life skills which include respecting women, overcoming obstacles, how to Jermaine L. Anderson founded I Am A Gentleman in March become a better student and interviewing skills. Also during the program, the young men participate in at least two community 2016. Anderson spent a number of years as a public speaker, service projects that they design and exemaking appearances at elementacute. The community service projects teach ry schools, high schools and even them to give back to the community. They some college graduations. He noticed also have cultural outings, which expose that while there were young African them to arts and entertainment, as well as a American men who made it to these series of recreation days. milestones, they didn’t have the tools Since I Am A Gentleman was founded, and resources to make it beyond that Project Gentleman has grown to serve more milestone. than 1,000 young men. Project Gentleman Anderson felt that he wanted to fill Image and Grooming Studio was launched in the gap. He created Project Gentlein November 2023 to fulfill the need of those man, which was designed to celebrate looking for business attire. The organization the accomplishments of young African recently acquired a location at 540 W. 35th American men who were high school St., where the image and grooming studio seniors about to graduate. The eightis located. It enables the organization to hour event featured speakers, workservice the young men year-round. shops and seminars focused on higher I Am A Gentleman’s Season 15 kicks off education and career opportunities.

Feb. 10th and Season 16 will kick off in the There were also financial institutions Fall. There also is a 12-week summer proon site to open bank accounts, as well gram which kicks off at the end of June. The as colleges and universities, and a year ends with a Christmas Eve giveaway, grooming experience. At the end of the with the organization serving dinner to more event, the young men could shop for than 250 families and providing them with business attire for graduation day and coats, toys and educational resources. job interviews.

Anderson said it is extremely important I Am A Gentleman Founder and Executive “At I Am A Gentleman, our young Director Jermaine L. Anderson, with a student to have the support of the community. He men meet on Saturday mornings, and from I Am A Gentleman. PHOTO PROVIDED BY I AM referred to the adage “it takes a village to raise we like to say they get up, they dress a child.” up and they show up,” Anderson said, a A GENTLEMAN. “We understand that the village is not nod to the young men’s uniform of white just one organization, but the village is built up of community shirts, pink ties and grey sweaters.

Anderson said I Am A Gentleman has crafted and curated a members, it’s built up of city officials, it’s built up of educators, it’s built up of those who are in the religious sector and churchprogram that has a high level of youth engagement. The young es, it’s built up of parents, the village is also business owners. men in the program are involved in every aspect of the organization. Because of that, they feel like they’re part of an organiza- When we talk about community support, it is important that we each play our part so that the village, or the community, is tion where they have a real voice to create change among their not only healthy but it is also whole. Everyone has to play their peers and in their community. part,” he said.

I Am A Gentleman is preparing for the 14-week Male For more information about I Am A Gentleman, visit iamaMentoring Academy. It is the male mentoring and leadership gentleman.org.For more information about I Am A Gentleman, arm of the organization. It gets the young men plugged into visit iamagentleman.org. the opportunities the organization has to offer. In the course

BY TIA CAROL JONES

TIMELINE THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST FOR CHICAGO PREMIERE OF ANNA DEAVERE SMITH’S NOTES FROM THE FIELD Chicago, Ill -- Mildred Marie Langford, Adhana Reid and Shariba Rivers will give voice to 18 real-life people caught in America’s school-to-prison pipeline in TimeLine Theatre’s Chicago premiere of Notes from the Field by Anna Deavere Smith. This trio of top Chicago actors is primed to shine a bright light on their stories in this first-person documentary piece by one of our most accomplished contemporary theater artists.

Hailed by The New York Times as “a searing and urgent work that confronts some of the most pressing issues of our time with honesty, intelligence, and compassion,” Notes from the Field takes audiences on a powerful and emotional journey through systemic injustices of the American criminal justice system. Smith uses verbatim dialogue pulled from more than 250 real accounts from students, faculty, prisoners, activists, politicians, and victims’ families to take aim at America’s failed justice system, epidemic of police brutality and ongoing fight for civil rights.

In sum, Smith gives voice to 18 real-life people, including Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund; Rev. Jamal Harrison Bryant, who eulogized Freddie Gray in Baltimore; Niya Kenny, the high school student who confronted a violent police deputy—all caught on film; activist Bree Newsome, who took the Confederate flag down from the South Carolina State House grounds; and many others. She ends the play with the late Congressman John Lewis, who personifies both a violent time in American history with the civil rights movement, and the promise of what American character is all about.

Director Mikael Burke, hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed stagings of Blues for an Alabama Sky for Remy Bumppo and Tambo & Bones for Refracted Theatre Company, makes his

citizennewspapergroup.com

TimeLine debut with Notes from the Field.

Performances are January 31 - March 24, 2024 at TimeLine’s longtime home, 615 W. Wellington Ave., in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. Press opening is Wednesday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets, $35-$67, are on sale now. For tickets and more information, visit timelinetheatre.com, or call the TimeLine Box Office, (773) 281-8463 x6.

Originally performed as a one-woman show by creator Anna Deavere Smith, this 2017 Obie Award-winning production was hailed by The Guardian as “captivating political theatre, a devastating document of racial inequality and the most rousing of rallying calls. Everyone should watch it, at least once.” Deeply human, profoundly moving, and full of moments of humor, compassion, and resilience, it’s a masterful work that makes it impossible to look away from the urgent need for change.

Said TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers, “Notes from the Field is the latest installment of what Anna Deavere Smith has referred to as her life’s work: a series of plays she calls On the Road: A Search for American Character. It’s a provocation, highlighting on-the-ground difference-makers who, in their own way, are instigators of change, from household names to a few brave Americans who were unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight of history as outspoken voices for change.”

BUYING TICKETS Single tickets to Notes from the Field are $35-$67. For tickets and information, visit timelinetheatre.com or call the TimeLine Box Office at (773) 281-8463 x6.

Preview tickets are $35. Single tickets to regular performances

Continue on page 3

C

Hyde Park | Week of January 17, 2024

C

NEWS

HYDE PARK

Governor Pritzker Celebrates Economic Development Milestones and Positive Momentum in 2024 CHICAGO – Governor Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Salesforce, Intersect Illinois, Metro Edge, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and BMO at the brand-new Salesforce Tower in downtown Chicago to celebrate major economic development milestones and highlight positive momentum as Illinois advances into 2024.

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen exceptional tech giants expand their foothold in Chicago as their leaders read the writing on the wall—Illinois business is stronger than ever, and there’s no better place to expand and grow,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Salesforce is shining example of that commitment, and their new downtown tower will be an engine for economic growth and innovation right in the center of the greatest city in the world.”

Positive momentum in 2024 comes after a record year for economic development in key sectors, including tripling investments incentivized through Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) and

Darrell Garth President /Publisher Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager Tia Carol Jones Managing Editior Editorial Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com Advertising Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com Classified Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Display Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor, Greater Grand Crossing, Burnside, Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

SOUTH END

Washington Heights, Roseland, Rosemoor, Englewood, West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernw ood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton.

Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

Lake Meadow s, Oakland, Prairie Shores, Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland, South Shore and Hyde Park.

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicag o Westside Communities, Austin and Garfi el d Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) to nearly $3 billion since 2022. Combined with investments incentivized through the Data Center Tax Credit, Illinois’ premier incentive programs attracted nearly $5 billion in private investment in 2023 alone.

“Illinois has become an economic powerhouse under Governor Pritzker’s leadership and momentum continues to grow as we enter the new year,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Whether it’s unmatched infrastructure, competitive business incentives or the state’s worldclass workforce, Illinois ranks among the best in the nation for economic development.”

“Metro Edge is poised to revolutionize the data center landscape as the only African American-owned and led developer in the United States. We are building a state-of-the-art facility in the Illinois Medical District on the West Side of Chicago that will provide access to the latest technology to support artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analysis.

Metro Edge will leverage its data center to recruit, train, and hire underrepresented groups to help create a more diverse workforce in the technology industry,” said Craig Huffman, Chief Executive Officer, Metro Edge Development Partners “BMO has deep roots here in Illinois, calling Chicago home for more than 160 years. We are committed to this great city and state, investing in the people, the communities and the businesses that make it such a wonderful place to live and work,” said Darrel Hackett, President & CEO of BMO Bank. “Our growth – and the progress it helps us drive for others – would not be possible without a vibrant business environment in which to operate at both the city and state level.”

Over the course of a year, the number of new jobs created by EDGE and REV jumped more than 60 percent, from 2,691 to 4,329 with the number of retained jobs increasing exponentially, from 204 to 3,127. By comparison, prior to the pandemic in 2019, company investments from EDGE totaled $348 million, new jobs totaled 1,667 and REV did not yet exist.

In addition to REV and EDGE, the Data Center Tax Credit program attracted more than $1.8 billion in investments in 2023 – up from approximately $500 million in 2022.

With competitive incentives, modernized infrastructure, unmatched transportation options to ship goods around the world, and an abundant and highly qualified workforce, Illinois is attracting companies looking to make large-scale, long-term investments, including Sales-

force, who recently opened its brand new 57-story building in downtown Chicago.

The tower project, which was incentivized

by EDGE tax credits, created over 2,000 jobs in Chicago.

Major agreements from 2023 include Gotion’s electric vehicle (EV) battery gigafactory in Manteno - which represents the largest manufacturing investment in decades and the largest EV battery investment to date, as well as REV agreements with Manner Polymers in Mt. Vernon, who is building a first-of-its kind solar-powered PVC compounding plant using clean energy generated on-site; Prysmian Group in Du Quoin, whose $64 million expansion will manufacture cables for the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors; and Microlink Devices, which manufactures state-of-the-art solar cells and solar shields in Niles.

Notable EDGE investments include Incobrasa in Gilman, which broke ground on its $250 million expansion this summer; UPSIDE Foods, a recipient of EDGE for Start Ups, which is opening its first commercial-scale meat cultivation plant in Glenview; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s expansion in St. Clair County that will create 200 new jobs and retain nearly 500; Flender Corporation’s manufacturing facility expansion in Elgin; Bonnell Industries’ expansion in Dixon and more.

In addition to REV and EDGE, in 2019 Governor Pritzker enacted incentives to attract data centers, and Illinois saw investments in that industry topping $1.8 billion in 2023 (up from $500 million in 2022), which include Prime Data Centers in Elk Grove Village, Metro Edge Development Partners’ $257 million data center investment in Chicago, Serverfarm’s CH1 data center in Chicago and more. In 2023, Illinois also celebrated the opening of Meta’s new $1 billion DeKalb data center.

In FY23, Illinois also reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures ($308 million) - surpassing the pre-pandemic record in FY19. Illinois welcomed 111 million visitors who spent $44 billion in 2022 - representing 14 million additional travelers spending $12 billion more than calendar year 2021.

Illinois also announced record-high film expenditures of nearly $700 million for 2022 - $130 million more than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. In order to build upon the state’s reputation as a national destination for film and TV production, in 2022, the state expanded the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit and launched the Film and TV Workforce Training Program, which is designed to increase diversity in Illinois’ film industry.

Timeline Theatre...Continued From Page 2 are $52 (all evening performances) and $67 (all matinee performances). Student discount is 35% off regular price with valid ID. TimeLine is also a member of TCG’s Blue Star Theatre Program and is offering $25 tickets to U.S. military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their spouses and family.

Ticket buyers ages 18-35 may join TimeLine’s free MyLine program to obtain access to discounted tickets, special events and more. Discounted rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. Visit timelinetheatre.com/ discounts for more about available discounts.

citizennewspapergroup.com

3

DR. CARR’S

CORNER “Mentoring for Hope: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Youth in Foster Care” As we celebrate National Mentoring Month this January, I am reminded of the profound impact that mentorship can have on the lives of young individuals, particularly those navigating the intricate challenges of the foster care system. This month of reflection coincides with the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader whose commitment to justice and equality inspires us all.

In the spirit of Dr. King’s dream, mentoring emerges as a beacon of hope for youth in foster care, offering a pathway towards a brighter, more equitable future. The essence of mentorship lies not just in guiding, but in empowering young hearts to envision a life beyond the constraints of their circumstances. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” It is a question that resonates profoundly in the realm of mentoring, especially when it comes to the vulnerable youth in our foster care system.

In my role as the CEO of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cook County, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentorship. For many youth in foster care, the journey is marked by uncertainty, and the absence of consistent, caring adults can compound the challenges they face. Mentors step into this void, becoming beacons of stability and encouragement.

The youth we serve at CASA often carry the weight of past traumas and the instability of their circumstances. It is our collective responsibility to provide them with the guidance and support they need to break free from the cycle of adversity. Dr. King’s words echo in my mind: “We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.”

In mentoring, we construct these dikes, fortifying the courage within each young heart to face an uncertain future with resilience.

Mentoring is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor; it is a personalized, empathetic journey of understanding the unique needs and dreams of each young person. By forging meaningful connections, mentors impart not only practical guidance but also the invaluable gift of belief—belief in the potential that lies within each youth, irrespective of the challenges they may have faced.

As we honor Dr. King’s legacy, let us carry forward his dream by becoming advocates for the vulnerable youth in our midst. Let us recognize that in mentoring, we are not just shaping individual lives; we are contributing to the fabric of a more just and compassionate society. Dr. King envisioned a world where every individual, regardless of their background, could reach their full potential. In mentoring, we take a tangible step towards realizing that vision.

This National Mentoring Month, let us join hands in the spirit of unity and service, echoing Dr. King’s call to action. Together, we can be the mentors our youth need—guiding them towards a future defined not by their past, but by the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

In the words of Dr. King, “The time is always right to do what is right.” The time is now, during National Mentoring Month, to embrace the transformative power of mentorship and pave the way for a future where every young heart, including those in foster care, can dream without limitations.

Dr. Bonita Carr is the CEO of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), for Cook County. Dr. Carr’s corner will appear in the Citizen monthly covering topics concerning trauma in the child welfare system, fostering, mentoring and other related justices in these types of systems that affect our youth and their well-being. Note: the views and words expressed in this column are not those of the Citizen Group, its publisher or facility.

If you have questions or need clarification on any topic covered, you can email her publicist at: deboraho@brownfarmermedia.com

4 BUSINESS

This page is sponsored by

ROCKET COMPANIES

Appoints Jonathan Mildenhall as Chief Marketing Officer DETROIT, PRNewswire -- Rocket Companies served as the first CMO of Airbnb and led the (NYSE: RKT), the Detroit-based fintech platform marketing through a period of unprecedented company including mortgage, real estate and oth- growth of the company. He and his team helped er financial services businesses, announced that the brand become a household name while it has named Jonathan Mildenhall as its first ever the short-term rental company expanded from group Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

400,000 homes on the platform to more than In this new role, Mildenhall will be respon4.5 million residences in 191 countries in just sible for creating a unified and compelling voice three and a half years. Airbnb aired its first for all businesses under the Rocket Companies Super Bowl commercial under Mildenhall and umbrella, with all forged many co-marmarketing and comketing partnerships munications teams for with culturally relevant the Company’s brands brands to raise awarereporting directly to ness and legitimacy for him. the business.

“Jonathan is one Before his time at of the top marketing Airbnb, Mildenhall led minds in the world, Coca-Cola’s marketwith a strong reputaing as Vice President tion for consistently of global advertising delivering compelling strategy and content campaigns that break excellence. He and through the clutter his team took Coke’s and become socially creative in new direcrelevant,” said Varun tions and created the Krishna, Chief Execucompany’s global martive Officer for Rocket keting campaign “Open Companies. “I have Happiness,” which been highly impressed helped the brand see Jonathan Mildenhall. PRNewsfoto/Rocket Companies. by the number of its most profitable incredible stories we growth period in 20 have to tell. Countless years. During his customers, team memtime leading Coke’s bers and vendors have marketing, it was told us how working named the Creative with Rocket changed Marketer of the Year their lives. I am looking at the Cannes Lions forward to Jonathan International Festival and the team creating new and innovative ways of Creativity. to share these inspiring narratives Mildenhall, a British-American, is also a Mildenhall brings more than 30 years of exboard member of GoFundMe and Fanatics. He perience building and promoting large, brand-fohas been included on Forbes’ list of the World’s cused companies. In 2018, he co-founded Twenmost influential CMOs, Business Insider’s list of tyFirstCenturyBrand, one of the world’s leading the most innovative CMOs and won Adweek’s branding and marketing consultancies. Over the Brand Genius award. past five years, the business has helped some of Founded in 1985, Rocket Companies (NYSE: the world’s most influential companies scale their RKT) is a Detroit-based fintech platform company impact including Pinterest, LinkedIn, Zalando, including personal finance and consumer techPepsiCo, NextDoor and Walmart. Mildenhall will nology brands including Rocket Mortgage, Rocket remain Chairman of the business.

Homes, Amrock, Rocket Money, Rocket Loans, “The role Rocket plays in helping people Rocket Mortgage Canada, Lendesk, Core Digital achieve the American Dream through home Media and Rocket Connections. ownership and financial freedom is massive and The Company helps clients achieve the cannot be overstated,” said Mildenhall. “I am goal of home ownership and financial freedom honored to be given the opportunity to work with through industry-leading client experiences powthis talented team, led by Varun, to tell stories that ered by its simple, fast and trusted digital soluwill inspire and motivate. It will be our mission to tions. J.D. Power has ranked Rocket Mortgage, #1 create integrated marketing campaigns that live in client satisfaction for both primary mortgage up to the extraordinary social impact that Rocket origination and servicing a total of 21 times. For makes every day.” more information, please visit the Rocket ComPrior to founding his own firm, Mildenhall panies Website or Investor Relations Website.

Hyde Park | Week of January 17, 2024

C

Meet Charis Jones, the fashion CEO changing lives in Africa and beyond RICHMOND, Va., PRNewswire -- Charis Jones, CEO and Creative Director of Sassy Jones, is the first black female entrepreneur to build two girls dormitories at a Kenyan education center in Africa. Her initiatives have allowed prepubescent young girls to live separately from the boys, while maturing into confident young women. A percentage of every purchase with the brand goes toward the supplies to aid in the epidemic of menstrual poverty and the success of school in Kenya.

In commemoration of the brand’s philanthropic efforts, Sassy Jones designed a collection inspired by precious moments with the tribes and children.

Sassy Jones, is the rapidly growing fashion and beauty brand that leaped over 12,000% revenue growth with zero investments, in the last 4 years.

Charis sold her Mercedes Benz in order to finance a trade show tour in 2015 while raising 5 month old twin boys.

Although Charis Jones, CEO and Creative Designer of Sassy the tour was Jones. Sassy Jones fulfilling, she found herself financially and physically exhausted. So, she developed a pivot strategy quickly and built the pop up shop display in her kitchen to style her products via livestream, naming it The Sparkle Party®.

This is where the brand began to globally impact the lives of women by empowering them to practice audacity with their lifestyle choices.

To date, over 30,000 weekly viewers watch the Sparkle Party® to gain a sense of empowerment not only with their style, but to collect Charis’ tips on confidence, redirecting negative self talk and strategies on reclaiming their power. Rachel C., an Atlanta based customer said, “Your inspiration has brought me through some really dark times during COVID, like whenever I wear my Sassy Jones pieces I instantly feel like I can conquer the world.”

The Sassy Jones brand is a ministry; the products are simply the outreach tool. Charis Jones has built a fashion brand employing a staff of 90% women and 100% minorities. It’s reached a coveted peak spot of #24 on the prestigious INC 5000 list from the 3 times the brand has been listed. Sassy Jones plans to continue to prioritize independent growth in the coming years. When Charis was asked, what’s her secret sauce she mentioned, “I’ve always been enamored with how the woman feels in our pieces first rather than how she looks. Whereas the industry usually does it the other way around. Simply put, we sell confidence.”

citizennewspapergroup.com

C

Hyde Park | Week of January 17, 2024

C

FASHION

HYDE PARK

5

Innovative Eyewear, Inc. Signs Professional Football Player

Emmanuel Ogbah as Brand Ambassador Emmanuel Ogbah wearing the Lucyd Lyte Voyager XXL style smart eyewear.

IMAGE COURTESY OF INNOVATIVE EYEWEAR, INC.

MIAMI, PRNewswire -- Innovative Eyewear, Inc. (“Innovative Eyewear” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: LUCY; LUCYW), the developer of the developer of ChatGPT smart eyewear under the Lucyd®, Nautica®, Eddie Bauer® and Reebok® brands, is pleased to announce the signing of Emmanuel Ogbah as an official brand ambassador.

Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogbah is a Nigerian professional football defensive end for the Miami Dolphins. He played college football at Oklahoma State and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Lucyd eyewear’s open-ear audio interface makes it a perfect companion for outdoor sports, by enabling the user to enjoy music while helping to maintain situational awareness and protecting their eyes from the sun in one convenient product. Additionally, the Company’s Lucyd app for iOS and Android incorporates on-the-go access to ChatGPT. Harrison Gross, CEO of Innovative Eyewear, said “As a Miami-native brand, I am thrilled to partner with one of our local all-stars. Mr. Ogbah’s positive and energetic persona is a

welcome addition to our team, and well-suited to promoting our fun and functional smart eyewear. Although our slogan has always been Upgrade Your Eyewear®, we brand all of our products as Imagined in Miami, because we are so proud of the global design and innovation hub that our hometown is becoming. We look forward to working with more pillars of our local community like Mr. Ogbah.”

Emmanuel Ogbah, Defensive End of the Miami Dolphins, said “I’m excited to join the Innovative Eyewear family.

They’ve done an incredible job developing some of the best technology and combining it with a fashion angle that I’m extremely passionate about.”

Innovative Eyewear is a developer and retailer of cutting-edge, ChatGPT enabled smart eyewear, under the Lucyd®, Nautica® & Eddie Bauer® brands. True to our mission to Upgrade Your Eyewear®, our Bluetooth audio glasses allow users to stay safely and ergonomically connected to their digital lives, and are offered in hundreds of frame and lens combinations to meet the needs of the optical market. To learn more and explore our continuously evolving collection of smart eyewear, please visit www.lucyd.co.

PUMA x VIVID VISIONS by Andrew Burgess:

a Textile-to-Textile Fashion Experiment HERZOGENAURACH, Germany -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global sports company PUMA reveals a new collaboration with US upcycler, Andrew Burgess and his brand VIVID VISIONS with the launch of an experimental one-off capsule collection.

Working closely with PUMA, Andrew has created five designs, each crafted entirely from PUMA’s recycled polyester RE:FIBRE fabric. Shot on models in London’s iconic York Hall Leisure Centre, the art direction combines futuristic fashion design with retro sports nostalgia, paying homage to PUMA’s roots, while celebrating the brand and Andrews’ commitment to sustainable textile innovation.

The creative imagery shows the garments repeated over and over – reflecting the infinite possibilities of circular fashion, where old garments are transformed into new ones, again and again.

Andrew, known for his talent in repurposing Business Wire unwanted and damaged clothes, was inspired by PUMA’s factory partners during a visit to Turkey. During his visit, Andrew witnessed first-hand the impressive polymers, and the cut off trousers and jacket reflect the progress PUMA has made in scaling up circular textile transformative process that is RE:FIBRE.” technology and produced his own bespoke RE:FIBRE fabric This fashion experiment comes as a result of the from recycled polyester garments. ongoing collaboration between PUMA and the US based “Seeing the innovation, research, machinery, susupcycler, who is part of PUMA’s Voices of A RE:GENERtainable practices and production that goes into crafting ATION – an initiative that aims to improve transparency RE:FIBRE fabric was eye-opening. When I think of garment and conduct greater communication regarding the brand’s production, I think of the final sewing stage where the fabsustainability efforts. ric comes together to make the finished product as that’s The custom PUMA x VIVID VISIONS one-off collectypically my upcycling process. But learning exactly what tion is the final chapter in Andrews’ creative Thread the goes into breaking down old textiles - that would potenLoop campaign, a social content series which aims to raise tially have otherwise gone to landfill – before they become awareness of PUMA’s efforts toward achieving “100% of something new was super interesting.” Andrew says. product polyester used, coming from textile waste”, as The collection itself reflects the beauty of the RE:PUMA CSO Anne-Laure Descours stated. “Rethinking how FIBRE recycling process, with designs that embody the we produce garments and experimenting with ways that shredded, depolymerised, repolymerised, and reimagined we can move towards a more circular business model is textiles. one of the main priorities of our sustainability strategy.”

Andrew says “My brand VIVID VISIONS is all about Since the launch of the pilot in 2022, PUMA has blending the past with the future, so working with PUMA produced recycled training jerseys for Manchester City, AC to create a one-off collection made from a ‘new’ recycled Milan, Olympique de Marseille and Borussia Dortmund. fabric was pretty cool. The fabric strips on the sleeves repThis month, PUMA have announced they’ve scaled up the resent the RE:FIBRE yarn that’s been spun from the melted textile recycling innovation. In 2024 official PUMA football

replica jerseys* including those for the Euro and Copa América tournaments will be manufactured using RE:FIBRE recycled materials, made from old garments and factory waste rather than only recycled plastic bottles.

Andrew’s brand, VIVID VISIONS is an upcycling brand built off reusing old textiles to produce unique designs, which we’ve seen supported and displayed

by NBA Icons (Jayson Tatum) and US Rappers (A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie).

RE:FIBRE is PUMA’s textile-to-textile recycling program, which can transform any polyester material into new garments via a four-step process.

The four-step process of RE:FIBRE sees: Collect and Sort: Collecting and sorting textile waste and other previously wasteful materials.

Shred and Mix: Shredding and mixing the collected materials down to the minimum.

Dissolve, Filter and Polymerize: Melting down the shredded polyester and ridding them of previous dyes through a chemical recycling process.

Melt, Spin, Knit and Sew: The melting allows the newly produced polymers to become ready to be spun and sewn into shape to create good as new RE:FIBRE fabric which can be recycled again and again. *excluding local replicas for Fenerbahçe SK, Shakhtar Donetsk and locally sourced kits.

PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For 75 years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed sport and culture forward by creating fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It collaborates with renowned designers and brands to bring sport influences into street culture and fashion. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs about 20,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.

citizennewspapergroup.com

6 | Hyde Park |

Week of January 17, 2024

HYDE PARK

Tax Season Is Here: 2 Tips Before Rushing for a Refund CHICAGO – Tax season return and refund (or payment) credits and deductions. The guages spoken. Find your CPA officially starts Jan. 29, when are processed without delays.

Illinois CPA Society’s free at www.icpas.org/findacpa. the IRS begins accepting and In fact, the IRS encourages tax- “Find a CPA” directory can Founded in 1903, the processing tax returns for the payers to avoid filing paper help you find the trusted, stra- Illinois CPA Society, with 2023 tax year. With the IRS an- returns whenever possible, tegic advisor that’s right for more than 21,700 members, ticipating receiving nearly 129 noting that filing electronical- you based on location, types is one of the largest state million individual tax returns ly is the fastest, easiest, and of services needed, and lanCPA societies in the nation. by the April 15, 2024, deadline securest way to complete a this season, getting an early tax return. start on prepping yours may be For most taxpayers, the best. The Illinois CPA Society deadline to file their peroffers these tips for speeding up sonal federal tax return, pay the filing process: any tax owed, or request an 1. Gather all your informa- extension to file is April 15, tion first. Before starting your 2024. If a taxpayer lives in tax return, gather and organize a federally declared disasall the information you’ll need. ter area, they also can get This includes all applicable extra time to file. Taxpayers 2023 tax records and forms, requesting an extension will along with Social Security have until Oct. 15, 2024, to numbers, Individual Taxpayer file. However, if taxes are Identification Numbers, and owed, it’s still a taxpayer’s Adoption Taxpayer Identifiobligation to pay those taxcation Numbers, if applicable. es by April 15, 2024.

Previously confirmed victims of Overall, the IRS genertax-related identity theft, and ally estimates most taxtaxpayers who’ve proactively payers who are due refunds requested one, should also have will receive them within 21 their current IRS-issued Iden- business days if they file tity Protection Personal Idenelectronically, choose direct tification Numbers. For certain deposit, and there are no istaxpayers, this could mean sues with their tax returns.

There is no greater way to honor the waiting to file until mid-Febru- The IRS says improvements ary or even March to ensure all to the online “Where’s My legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King on his income and tax-related docuRefund” tool will allow tax95th Birthday Anniversary than to register ments have been received—es- payers to see more detailed and vote in the March 19, 2024 Primary pecially the various 1099 forms and clearer refund status from banks and other entities updates this filing season.

Election. reporting unemployment comFiling your federal and pensation; dividends; pension, state tax returns is always annuity, or retirement plan dis- a hectic process. CPAs, cerwww.citizensformariyana.com tributions; investment income; tified public accountants, and other earned income. have your back. CPAs are 2. File electronically and strategically positioned to Paid for by Citizens for use direct deposit. These are help file your tax returns Mariyana Spyropoulos two important steps you can while determining the best take to help ensure your tax ways to maximize your tax

Its mission is dedicated to enhancing the value of the CPA profession through the strategic initiatives of advocacy, information, education, and connections. Visit www. icpas.org.

for CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

with INSTANT TICKETS

PLAY TODAY MONOPOLY TM, ® & © 1935, 2024 Hasbro.

TM

Game odds available at Illinoislottery.com

HYDE PARK

Hyde Park | Week of January 17, 2024 | 7

The Unexpected Crisis --- Preparing for the Financial Impact of Alzheimer’s “As the disease progresses, caregivers will need to pay for services or support for the person living with Alzheimer’s.

Financial literacy is especially important for caregivers, because it provides them with the knowledge and skills needed to better support themselves and others.”

During Financial Wellness Month this versus $6,667). greater risk of becoming victims and may January, the Alzheimer’s Association is ● Nearly half (48 percent) of care struggle with making good financial deciencouraging individuals and families to contributors must cut back on their own sions. take stock making financial plans that will expenses – including basic necessities ● Organize your finances — Conduct create some security in preparing for an like food, transportation and medical care an inventory of your financial resources unexpected crisis of caring for someone – to afford dementia-related care, while (savings, insurance, retirement benefits, with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. others must draw from their own savings government assistance, VA benefits, etc.).

One in nine Americans age 65 and or retirement funds.

A financial planner or elder care attorney older are living with Alzheimer’s disease ● Nearly two out of three people incor- can help.

– that’s more than 6 million Americans rectly believe that Medicare helps pay for ● Create a backup plan — Designate across the country and 233,000. The dis- nursing home care, or are unsure whether a trusted back-up agent for the person’s ease not only takes a tremendous physiit does. power of attorney and consider desigcal toll on diagnosed individuals, but the To help families navigate these and nating responsibilities to more than one costs associated with the disease can be other financial challenges, the Alzheiperson. overwhelming and put a huge economical mer’s Association recently launched a “Many caregivers experience financial strain on families. Disease-related costs free online education program, “Managing problems because they have to reduce can jeopardize a family’s financial securi- Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances.” their hours or take time off work,” said ty, and many families and caregivers make Tips from the program include: Delia Jervier, Executive Director, Alzheienormous personal and financial sacrific● Plan early — There are many benmer’s Association, Illinois Chapter. “As the es. efits of planning early when it comes to disease progresses, caregivers will need to The 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Alz- your finances – both for the caregiver and pay for services or support for the person heimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report the person with the disease. living with Alzheimer’s. Financial literafound: ● Start a positive discussion about fi- cy is especially important for caregivers, ● In 2022, the lifetime cost of care nances — Bring in trusted family members because it provides them with the knowlfor a person living with dementia was or close friends for a discussion about edge and skills needed to better support $392,874. what the person with the disease wants themselves and others.” ● In 2021, dementia caregivers bore for the future.

For more information on financial nearly twice the average out-of-pocket ● Avoid financial abuse and fraud — planning, visit: Plan for Your Financial costs of non-dementia caregivers ($12,388 Individuals living with dementia have a Future or alz.org.

8

ENTERTAINMENT

C

HYDE PARK

Hyde Park | Week of January 17, 2024

C

DIONNE WARWICK, CHLÖE, FRANKIE BEVERLY, AND DONALD LAWRENCE STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT FOR THE 2024 “URBAN ONE HONORS”

ALLBLK

RELEASES TRAILER

FOR FIFTH SEASON OF DOUBLE CROSS, PREMIERING JANUARY 18 Special guest stars Eric Roberts and ZimZon Zion join for season five (Black PR Wire) New York, NY – Recently, ALLBLK, the popular streaming service for Black television from AMC Networks, released the trailer for the highly anticipated fifth season of their most popular series, Double Cross. The 6-episode hit series returns Thursday, Jan. 18th.

After the shocking reveal of their true biological father in last season’s finale, the vigilante “Wonder Twins” are back, and with a vengeance. Ashley A. Williams and Jeff Logan reprise their roles as crime-fighters Erica and Eric Cross, respectively, and continue their crusade against child trafficking no matter the cost. This season the Cross crew is faced with a case hitting extremely close to home, as Eric’s newborn son is kidnapped. Meanwhile, the twins discover a bus full of elementary school children has mysteriously vanished. With the stakes higher than ever it will take a village to get everyone home safe.

Special guest stars this season Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts (Babylon) and Zimzon Zion (He’s For The Streets), join returning cast Darrin Dewitt Henson (Stomp The Yard), Jasmine Brown (comedian and social media influencer), Judi Johnson (A Wesley Christmas), Redaric Williams

(Zatima) Faith Malonte (A Rich Christmas), Candice Van Beauty (Christmas Déjà Vu), Cameo Sherrell (The Black Hamptons) and more.

Double Cross is executive produced

by Christel Gibson and Howard Gibson.

Head of Content, Brett Dismuke and SVP of Development & Production, Nikki Love, also serve as executive producers for ALLBLK. ALLBLK is an invitation to a world of streaming entertainment that is inclusively, but unapologetically – Black.

Featuring a diverse lineup of content that spans across genres and generations, the ALLBLK library includes exclusive original series such as A House Divided and Double Cross; must-see independent films, nostalgic Black cinema, popular WE tv originals, lively stage plays, and so much more. ALLBLK is available everywhere streaming services are found – iOS, Android, Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV and Apple TV Channels, Roku and Roku Channels, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube TV, Cox, DISH, Sling TV, Charter and more. At www.ALLBLK.tv, ALLBLK offers a free 7-day trial and thereafter is just $5.99/month or $59.99/year. Keep up with ALLBLK on Facebook at Facebook.com/WatchALLBLK and Twitter/ Instagram @WatchALLBLK.

SILVER SPRING, MD – Urban One revealed the honorees for “URBAN ONE HONORS,” set to tape on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, GA. This year’s two-hour telecast theme is “Best in Black” and premieres during Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 25, on TV One and simulcast on CLEO TV. “URBAN ONE HONORS” is the ultimate celebration of Black Excellence, acknowledging individuals whose remarkable achievements and significant contributions have left an indelible mark on the arts, media, music, and the community. This year’s distinguished recipients include Dionne Warwick, recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Honoree; Chlöe, celebrated as the Generation Next Honoree; Frankie Beverly, honored as a Living Legend, and Donald Lawrence, acclaimed for his Inspirational Impact.

“As we unveil the lineup for this year’s ‘URBAN ONE HONORS,’ we are delighted to highlight the incredible musical journeys of Dionne Warwick, Chlöe, Frankie Beverly, and Donald Lawrence.

Their selection as honorees is a recognition of their profound impact on both music and culture, spanning generations,” says Michelle Rice, President of TV One and CLEO TV, “ From soulful ballads to timeless contributions Urban One and contemporary brilliance, these iconic artists have not only shaped the musical landscape but have also contributed significantly to the cultural fabric of our society. Each honoree represents a unique chapter in the story of music, and we are honored to celebrate their enduring legacies at this year’s Urban One Honors: Best In Black.”

Teyana Taylor, Bebe Winans, Damon Little, Angie Stone, October London, alongside a reunion featuring KeKe Wyatt, Chanté Moore, and Nicci Gilbert (cast of R&B Divas) round out the star-studded lineup of performers and presenters with additional names to be announced. GRAMMY™ Award-winning singer and actress LeToya Luckettreturns to host the event’s “Backstage Pass,” featuring exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers, and presenters.

Sponsors for Urban One Honors include Ally, P&G, Rocket Mortgage, Subaru, Intuit TurboTax, Walt Disney World® Resort, and Walmart.

The 2024 “URBAN ONE HONORS: Best In Black” is presented by TV One. This marks the official kickoff celebration for TV One’s 20th Anniversary, marking two decades of excellence in entertainment. In honor of this milestone, throughout the year, TV One is set to roll out an array of special programming, featuring curated retrospectives, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and a series of commemorative events. As part of the festivities, viewers can anticipate engaging interviews with key figures who have shaped the network’s journey and showcase of iconic moments that have defined TV One over the past 20 years. The anniversary celebration underscores TV One’s commitment to delivering exceptional content and fostering a deep connection with its audience.

“URBAN ONE HONORS” is produced for TV One by James Seppelfrick of The Cheat Code. Marilyn Gill is the Executive Producer.

Myriam Leger will serve as Director and Daniel Moore as Music Director. Kashon Powell is the Vice President of Programming for Radio One and Susan Henry is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production for TV One.

citizennewspapergroup.com

C

Hyde Park | Week of January 17, 2024

C

NEWS

HYDE PARK

9

Chicago’s South Side

BY WENDELL HUTSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Reprint Hyde Park Citizen 2/19/2020

Wikimedia Commons

Was Big Part of the Civil Rights Era The civil rights era may have began in the south but made its way through Chicago’s South Side by way of Dr. Martin L. King Jr., who delivered one of his first Chicago speeches at the University of Chicago.

On April 13, 1956, a 27-year-old King spoke at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., after being invited by Chicago historian Timuel Black, who earned a master’s degree in social science two years earlier at the University of Chicago (U of C).

In 2003, Black donated much of his historian papers including the 1956 speech King gave at the U of C to the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St. “We cannot slow up, because we have a date with destiny and we must move with all deliberate speed,” King told a standing room only crowd at the chapel in 1956. “This is a conflict between the forces of light and dark, and in the end there will be victory for justice and democracy because love will triumph. If you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl, but keep moving forward!”

In total, King visited the U of C three times between 1956 and 1966 during an era when he received the Noble Peace Prize in 1964, and then Congress passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The more King came to Chicago, said Black, the larger his followers became as he preached justice, peace and equality for all.

“We are, in the South, moving from a negative peace, where Negroes accept a subordinate place in society, to a positive peace, where all people live in equality,” King said on Oct. 25, 1959 during a Sunday worship service at the chapel.

King’s last U of C visit was on Jan. 27, 1966, one day after he moved his family into a West Side apartment building. The 39-year-old Baptist preacher was shot dead by a lone gunman while in Memphis, Tenn. with other civil rights leaders including the Rev. Jesse Jackson on April 4, 1968.

That day changed Black America forever said Black, a 100-year-old Washington Park resident.

“Things were never the same in America for blacks after King was killed,” contends Black. “This

man stood up for ‘us’ and he died for us too and that is something black folks will never forget.”

Black helped organize marches and protest demonstrations for King when he visited Chicago, and said he did so because he believed in his message of hope. And on Aug. 28, 1963 Black, a Chicago teacher at the time, was among the 250,000 people that stood in the mall in Washington, D.C. to hear King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech.

“I was impressed that a young, black man cared enough about us black folks to speak out against injustices even if it meant becoming a ‘target’ by whites,” recalled Black. “His courage and determination to see justice at any cost was remarkable and really inspired me to want to become apart of his movement for change in America.”

But even with all the accomplishments King made in Chicago and around the world,

Black pointed out some lingering issues that remain a challenge today like housing.

“Housing segregation still exists in Chicago. More unity is needed in the black community,” said Black. “Nowadays there’s a unique class-separation, but back when I was growing up there was no class-separation among blacks. We all looked alike and we all lived in the same neighborhoods.”

He added that during his generation black kids lived at home with both parents, but now black kids are growing up in households with no male role models.

“There were mostly two-parent households back then but today that is less than 35 percent,” contends Black. “The community has disconnected itself from helping families and now we have a bunch of single mothers raising children with no help from the community.”

A contributing reason why so many black youth are involved in crimes like murder and selling illegal drugs is because young people do not plan not for the future, explained Black.

“The reason you see so many young people shooting each other is because they do not believe there is a future for them and they just don’t care about their actions,” added Black. “That’s why you don’t see more young people voting and getting involved with their community.”

Fast forwarding to more than 40 years after King was murdered the fight for equality in Chicago continues, only these days it’s by more modern civil rights leaders like entrepreneur Edward Garner, who founded the former Soft Sheen Products Co. in 1964 with his wife in the basement of his South Side home.

These days Gardner, 95, spends much of his time with family but remains passionate about blacks getting what he described as “their fair share of the pie.” In 2012, he went on a citywide crusade shutting down construction sites (especially those in black neighborhoods) whose workers did not include any blacks.

“This makes no sense at all. Here we have a construction project going on in the heart of the black community and out of 15 workers none are black,” Gardner said in 2012 about a construction site in Chatham. “If this must be my last crusade in my life, so be it. I will not rest until I see more blacks hired for construction projects.”

One year later in 2013 Gardner led about 200 protesters to march outside Menard, 9100 S. Western Ave., in Evergreen Park because he said there were no black construction workers used to build the store.

citizennewspapergroup.com

Continue on Page 10

10 NEWS

C

HYDE PARK

Hyde Park | Week of January 17, 2024

C

5 Things to Know: Surprising Facts About Martin Luther King Jr.

BY SHANNON C., SOCIAL MEDIA VOLUNTEER,

Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr’s famous, “I Have a Dream” speech was partially improvised and that the iconic phrase was left out of the original draft? While King had used the line in several speeches in the months prior to the March on Washington on August 28, 1963, a few of his advisors questioned its use and kept it out of the original drafts of the speech. While delivering his address to the nation, King was encouraged by his friend and legendary gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson to “tell them about the dream, Martin.” King departed from 4-minute prepared remarks to deliver one of the most famous and influential speeches of the 20th century.

1

Martin Luther King Jr. was named after Protestant reformer Martin Luther.

In 1934, King’s father, a respected Atlanta pastor known then by his birth name of Michael King Sr., embarked on a religious journey around the world. The senior King traveled to Rome, Tunisia, Egypt, Jerusalem, Bethlehem before arriving in Berlin to attend the Baptist World Alliance meeting. The trip to Germany, which occurred only one year after Adolf Hitler became chancellor, would have a profound effect on him. As he toured, the senior King gained a great respect for German monk and theologian Martin Luther, whose 95 Theses challenged the Catholic Church and ultimately split western Christianity.

Upon his return state-side, Martin Luther King Sr. changed his and his five-year-old son’s names in honor of the Protestant reformation leader. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth certificate would reflect this change on July 23, 1957, when it was officially revised.

2

King entered college when he was 15-years-old King skipped two grades and entered college at the age of 15. He was admitted to Morehouse College in 1944 and graduated in 1948 with a B.A. in Sociology at the age of 19. The Morehouse president, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, became an inspi-

rational figure in King’s life.

King continued his education at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania. Despite receiving a C grade in a public speaking class, he was elected student body president and graduated valedictorian of his class in 1951. He enrolled in Boston University’s doctoral program and was awarded his Ph.D. at the age of 25. While in Boston, King met Coretta Scott and became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

3

King was arrested 29 times His charges (many of which were dropped) ranged from civil disobedience to traffic violations. See more on his arrests at The King Institute.

4

King survived an assassination attempt a decade before his death On September 20, 1958, King was at a Blumstein’s department store in Harlem for a book signing when a young woman slipped past the line of people to approach him. The woman, named Izola Ware Curry, asked if he was really Martin Luther King Jr. and after he replied “yes,” she thrust a seven-inch letter opener into his chest. Curry claims she had been after him for five years believing he had ties to the Communist Party.

The stab wound narrowly missed King’s heart and he underwent emergency surgeries that lasted

hours. King would later issue a statement affirming his nonviolent beliefs and stated he had no malice feelings towards his attacker.

5

After his death, the King family filed a civil case against the government and won On December 8, 1999, twelve jurors reached a unanimous decision that King’s death was a result of a conspiracy. The trial took place in Memphis, TN, and included four weeks of testimony and over 70 witnesses. The jury was convinced by the evidence and reached a verdict after only an hour of deliberation. Overwhelming evidence showed James Earl Ray was not the shooter but was set up to take the blame. After the evidence showed Ray did not pull the trigger, local, state and federal U.S government agencies, and the Mafia were to blame.

The King family was awarded $100, which they donated to charity. To them, it was never about the money; they just wanted the truth out, and for justice to be served. Established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change has been a global destination, resource center and community institution for over a quarter century.

This post was originally written by Shannon C., Social Media Volunteer, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Chicago South Side ...Continued from page 9 “This has got to stop. Building businesses in black areas but not using black contractors,” Gardner said in 2013 as he stood in the parking lot demanding to speak with the store manager.

“I want to see more black faces at the beginning of a project, not at the end.”

Today’s civil rights leaders in Chicago have done remarkable work and Dr. King would be both proud and disappointed that more has not been done since his death, said former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who was the keynote speaker at a Jan. 20 Dr. King event in Harvey.

“I never met Dr. King obviously because I was just a little boy during his era but I have studied his work and have always tried to do my part as a civil rights believer and supporter,”

Jackson Jr. told the Citizen. “Dr. King would be proud of the efforts we as a nation have made when it comes to equality for all. But I think he would also be disappointed with the limited accomplishments this country has made since giving up his life for us.”

So much has changed in Chicago for blacks thanks to King’s efforts, contends Jackson Jr. Housing segregation has been outlawed so blacks can live anywhere they desire, although there still remains an unwritten boundary when it comes to ‘well-to-do’ areas.

Hyde Park has a population of 24,100 and 52 percent are white while 28 percent are black and historically it has been majority white

neighborhood, according to census data. But more black families now reside in the South Side neighborhood, such as President Barack Obama and the Nation of Islam’s Minister Louis Farrakhan.

And blacks can now attend public schools with whites even though it was once illegal to do so.

Wendell Phillips High School is in Bronzeville and was built in 1904 as the first public high school in Chicago whose students were predominately black even though Phillips himself was a white abolitionist and attorney.

“See what I mean when I say while we have come a long way and achieved many things we still have much work that needs to be done before we can truly be proud of ourselves as a nation,” said Jackson Jr.

citizennewspapergroup.com

C

classified

HydHyde Park, Chgo Weekend AND SOUTH SUBURBAN Classified Park | Week of January 17, 2024

Classifieds LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to "An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State," as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23011288 on December 18, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of KIERRA CHARDAY STOKES with the business located at: P.O. BOX 6084, CHICAGO, IL 60680 The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name STOKES KIERRA CHARDAY Complete Address 9138 SOUTH CARPENTER STREET CHICAGO, IL 60620, USA _________________________________ Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333. The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. ASSUMED NAME: KIERRA CHARDAY STOKES PRINCIPAL PLA CE OF BUSINES S: C/O 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6084 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] United States of America NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: stokes, kierra charday c/o General-Post Office Harrison Street West- 433 Chicago Illinois 60699-9998 United States Minor, Outlying Islands. If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities.

I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: stokes,kierra charday MAILING ADDRESS: C/O 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6084 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: kcsexecutrixoffice@gmail.com __________________________________ Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333. The filing of an

assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. ASSUMED NAME: BRIAYANA TANSHAY STOKES PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: c/o 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO Box 7793 Chicag o Illinois [60680] United States of America NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: stokes, briayana tanshay c/o General-Post Office Harrison Street West- 433 Chicago Illinois 60699-9998 United States Minor, Outlying Islands. If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: stokes, briayana ta nshay MA ILING ADDRESS : c/o 433 WE ST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 7793 Chicago Illinois [60680] EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: btsexecutrixoffice@gmail.com ___________________________________ Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333. The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. ASSUMED NAME: FELISHA HOWARD PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: C/O 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6088 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: howard, felisha c/o General-Post Office Harrison Street West- 433 Chicago Illinois 60699-9998 United States Minor, Outlying Islands.

If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

773.543.1783 eelie@kalerealty.com elizabethelie.kalerealty.com 2447 N. Ashland Chicago, IL 60614 @SoldbyLizzieG

document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes.

I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: howard,felisha MAILING ADDRESS: c/o 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6088 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: fhexecutrixoffice@gmail.com _______________________________________ Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333. The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business.

ASSUMED NAME: LAKENDRICK CONNILUS STOKES PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: c/o 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6342 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: stokes, lakendrick connilus c/o GeneralPost Office Harrison Street West- 433 Chicago Illinois 60699-9998 United States Minor, Outlying Islands. If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes.

I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: stokes, lakendrick connilus MAILING ADDRESS: c/o 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6342 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: lcsexecutoroffice@gmail.com _______________________________________ Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333 The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business.

ASSUMED NAME: BRASHAD QUINTRELL STOKES PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: c/o 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6223 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: stokes, brashad quintrell c/o GeneralPost Office Harrison Street West- 433 Chicago Illinois 60699-9998 United States Minor, Outlying Islands. If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance

with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes.

I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: stokes,brashad quintrell MAILING ADDRESS: c/o 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6223 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: bqsexecutoroffice@gmail.com _______________________________________ Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333. The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business.

ASSUMED NAME: CONNILUS JEROME STOKES PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: c/o 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6223 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NAMEHOLDER(S): Name: Address: stokes, connilus jerome c/o GeneralPost Office Harrison Street West- 433 Chicago Illinois 60699-9998 United States Minor, Outlying Islands. If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes.

I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: stokes,connilus jerome MAILING ADDRESS: c/o 433 WEST HARRISON STREET PO BOX 6223 CHICAGO ILLINOIS [60680] EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: cjsexecutoroffice@gmail.com _______________________________________

11

T:10" S:9.5"

12 | Hyde Park | Week of January 17, 2024

HYDE PARK

S:12.5"

Lights, Camera, Culture!

It’s more than just the big screen—it’s a celebration where diverse stories and untapped brilliance in our community take center stage.

Just say ‘Black Experience’ into your Xfinity Voice Remote and embark through a curated content collection of movies, TV shows, original documentaries and much more that pays homage to Black culture, amplifies our narratives, and illuminates our imagination.

Learn more at xfinity.com/blackexperience The Black Experience on Xfinity can also be watched on the Xumo Play app and Xfinity Stream.