Hyde Park Citizen 2-28-2024

Brian Gorman, Carrico Kingdom Sanders and Darrell Artistic Roberts created the Chicago Hip Hop Museum to showcase the contributions Chicagoans made to Hip Hop culture.

BY KINGDOM SANDERS.

ZAKAT

FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

SPEARHEADS SUMMIT FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY WITH EXPERTS FROM UNESCO AND THE GAMBIA ACADEMY

Gambia, a picturesque West African nation renowned for its coastline and peanut exports, is poised to become a trailblazer in alternative education. Recognizing the transformative power of learning, in 2022 Zakat Foundation of America partnered with The Gambia Academy and its founder, Dr. Sona Jobarteh, a renowned singer, composer, educator, and activist, founder, in order to drive educational reform throughout Africa.

Mr. Halil Demir, Executive Director and Founder of the Zakat Foundation of America, traveled to Gambia for the February 2024 Summit for Peace and Prosperity in the Sahel and Across Africa. His aim was to strengthen the partnership with The Gambia Academy and emphasize the mission of educating Gambian children as future leaders. Representatives from UNESCO, including Dr. Lalla Aicha, Ben Barka, Dr. Ibrahima Abdoul Hayou Cisse, Dr. Adama Ouane, Dr. Moulaye Kone, and Ann Therese Ndong Jatta, witnessed the educational success achieved at the Academy and commended Zakat Foundation of America for organizing the event.

Experts spent 3 days discussing the success of The Gambia Academy and gathering practical solutions for positive change. They toured The Gambia Academy, attended a reception at the US Embassy with the Ambassador Sharon L. Cromer, conducted planning sessions, and were briefed on the healthcare and education of the students. The data and solutions from this summit will be shared with the US Embassy and stakeholders in the hopes that the success of Gambia Academy will be emulated in other communities across Africa.

ZFA has pledged additional support and funding for the Academy’s future, and all are enthusiastic about the next phase of curriculum development, creating an innovative African Heritage curriculum from scratch. By integrating Literacy and African Heritage coursework, the organization aims to empower the bright, young students of Gambia Academy.

A stellar example of the Academy’s success is Michael, who before joining the school faced economic instability and bullying, resulting in impaired mental health and well-being. Upon joining the Academy, he received a bicycle for an easier school commute and was given a renewed sense of support and purpose. Michael appreciates the Academy’s methods in which teachers patiently explain concepts, fostering deeper understanding and connection to lessons.

VISIT CHICAGO SOUTHLAND RELEASES ITS 2024 VISITORS GUIDE

Olympia Fields, Ill. – The 2024 Chicago Southland Visitors Guide has been released so it’s time to dust off the calendars, gather your family/colleagues/friends and plan the perfect activity or getaway.

“Our marketing team and community partners have done another fantastic job in putting our Visitors Guide together,” said Jim Garrett, President/CEO of Visit Chicago Southland. “Everything that visitors and residents alike are looking for can be found in this guide, including the finest attractions and restaurants in all of Illinois.”

The 2024 Visitors Guide is the bureau’s thirtysixth edition and the most concentrated to date. The 82 colorful and glossy pages include sections of Things to See and Do, Arts & Culture, Accommodations, Dining, Shopping, Transportation and Golf in Chicago’s 60 south and southwest suburbs. Special articles include Chicago Southland Bucket List, Foodie Tour, Four Seasons Four Agendas, and Exploring Black History.

To order a hard copy of the Visitors Guide, call Visit Chicago Southland at 888-895-8233.

Visit Chicago Southland is the official destination management and marketing organization for Chicago’s 60 south and southwest suburbs. Visit Chicago Southland nationally markets and sells the Chicago Southland region as a destination for meetings and conventions, group tours, sports events and leisure travel. For more information, go to VisitChicagoSouthland.com.

Chicago Hip Hop Museum Cements Chicago’s Place In Hip Hop

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Brian Gorman, Carrico Kingdom Sanders and Darrell Artistic Roberts opened the Chicago Hip Hop Museum in 2021. It was supposed to be a monthlong exhibition for the Hip Hop Heritage Month in the space that Gorman uses as his office. Three years later, the Chicago Hip Hop Museum continues to educate and inform visitors about Chicago’s history in Hip Hop.

The first year, the goal of the museum was to recognize people who made contributions to Hip Hop in Chicago. The second year, it was about connecting to see how people in the pictures were connected to the Chicago Hip Hop culture. The third year, it was a celebration of the 50 Years of Hip Hop.

“In our whole mission of doing this, we realized that actually Hip Hop is older than 50 years and a lot of it was influenced here,” said Gorman.

Within the first rooms of the Chicago Hip Hop Museum, there is a timeline to show Chicago’s influence on Hip Hop and tie ins to how Hip Hop culture was birthed out of Chicago. Included in that is Pigmeat Markham, who did “Here Comes the Judge” and the Savoy Big Five, which became the Harlem Globetrotters.

From the 1950s and 1960s, into the next room, it goes to the 1970s and 1980s. Gorman gives the history of the musicians and dancers who influenced Hip Hop who were from Chicago. In the 1980s, Hip Hop grew, being included in television and movies. In one of the rooms

there are images taken by photographer Raymond Boyd, which documented Hip Hop artists who come to Chicago to do shows.

“It’s really important for us to highlight our own and give credit to our own,” Gorman said.

Gorman talked about how transit influenced collaboration between young people across the city. On the wall is a directory of the artists, a Hip Hop database, from the meetings of the organizations. It shows an evolution and partnership of the young people who helped grow the Chicago Hip Hop culture. The next step was the business of Hip Hop, because studio time and promotion costs money. Out of that, there was Twista, The Legendary Traxster and Kanye.

On the second floor, there is a memorial wall for those who influenced and made contributions to Hip Hop in Chicago. There is a part of the Chicago Hip Hop Museum that features rappers who made appearances at Subterranean, Sub-T, which has the longest-running Hip Hop open mic. There is space on the second level that is used for podcasts and performances.

The Chicago Hip Hop Museum shows the dedication of Gorman, Sanders and Roberts to keep history alive and ensure people know about the influence Chicago and Chicagoans have on the Hip Hop culture.

Chicago Hip Hop Museum is located at 4505 S. Indiana and is open for tours on specific days and times.

For more information about the Chicago Hip Hop Museum, visit customresourceschicago.com/chicagohiphopheritagemuseum.

State Treasurer Frerichs Eclipses $3 Billion In Investment Earnings for State Portfolio

SPRINGFIELD – The State Treasurer’s Office has made more than $3 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ tenure.

An additional $1.75 billion in gross investment earnings has been earned for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool operated by the State Treasurer’s Office.

“Every dollar we make is a dollar that does not need to be raised in taxes,” Treasurer Frerichs said in announcing the financial accomplishments on Tuesday. “The earned income can be used to fix roads, repair bridges, purchase school supplies and invest in our local communities.”

Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for the state investment portfolio and an investment pool for units of local government called Illinois Funds.

The state investment portfolio is one of the primary duties of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. State

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legislators budget public money that is collected, but that money is not spent all at once. State agencies, boards and commissions require assistance managing their cash and investing all remaining funds. That’s where the Office of the Illinois Treasurer steps in.

The Illinois Public Treasurers’ Investment Pool, called The Illinois Funds, is a local government investment pool the State Treasurer’s Office runs for state and local government agencies. The program enables school districts, park boards, library boards, township governments and others to pool their money and invest in a safe, liquid investment vehicle that exceeds industry benchmarks. The Illinois Funds has received the highest rating of AAA from Fitch, a national credit ratings agency.

Key monthly metrics and more are available in The Vault, the transparency website that allows Illinois residents to see how the State Treasurer’s Office is working for them. The site is at iltreasurervault.com.

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State

The Chicago Hip Hop Museum features photos from Raymond Boyd, who photographed Hip Hop artists when they performed in Chicago. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KINGDOM SANDERS.

CHICAGO—The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago announced the upcoming exhibition Arthur Jafa: Works from the MCA Collection. Opening on June 1, 2024, and running through March 2, 2025 in the Neil and Fischel Galleries on the museum’s second floor, the exhibition pulls from the MCA collection, which holds one of the largest collections of Jafa’s work, to create a survey of his artistic practice over roughly the last 10 years.

This immersive exhibit features four video works, linked together by connecting corridors, that envelope the viewer in the broad range of Jafa’s references, subjects, and themes. The exhibition explores Jafa’s use of found imagery, music, and artistic

techniques such as montage and collage to construct videos, sculptures, and photographic works that are layered and arranged in ways that reveal the diverse and complex realities of Black being. Jafa’s multidisciplinary work seeks to encompass what he describes as “the full complexity, specificity, beauty, and potentiality of what Black folks have made and continue to make out of the bleak existential circumstance we’ve attended to over the past several hundred years.”

Art, The Studio Museum in Harlem, the High Museum of Art, the Dallas Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the Luma Foundation, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, among others.

Supporting Veterans Living with Dementia: Understanding Risks and Providing Care

As we honor the brave men and women who have served our country, it’s crucial to recognize the unique challenges some veterans face even after returning home. One such challenge is the increased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s, particularly for those living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Arthur Jafa: Works from the MCA Collection contains a selection of artworks held in the MCA’s collection, including the videos APEX (2013), Love Is The Message, The Message Is Death (2016)—last seen in the MCA’s 2019 exhibition Prisoner of Love— The White Album (2018), and Akingdoncomethas (2018). Accompanying the videos are key sculptural and photographic works that further underscore Jafa’s unique approach to visual culture and image making, in which the lines between popular and high culture blur and the personal collides with the political.

Arthur Jafa: Works from the MCA Collection is organized by René Morales, James W. Alsdorf Chief Curator, and Jack Schneider, Assistant Curator.

SUPPORT

Lead support is provided by the Harris Family Foundation in memory of Bette and Neison Harris, Zell Family Foundation, and Cari and Michael Sacks.

Arthur Jafa (b. 1960, Tupelo, MS; lives in Los Angeles, CA) is an artist and filmmaker. Jafa’s films have garnered acclaim at the Los Angeles, New York, and Black Star Film Festivals, and his artwork is represented in celebrated collections worldwide, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate, the San Francisco Museum of Modern

State Treasurer...

Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR’iks) is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $55 billion. The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement; and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The MCA interweaves exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs while providing a place for audiences to contemplate and discuss contemporary art in pursuit of a creative and diverse future. The MCA believes in the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) as a platform to enact structural change. The museum is generously supported by its Board of Trustees; individual and corporate members; private and corporate foundations, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; and government agencies. Museum capital improvements are supported by a Public Museum Capital Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The MCA is a proud member of Museums in the Park and receives major support from the Chicago Park District.

The MCA is located at 220 E. Chicago Avenue and is open 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday to Sunday and Tuesdays (free for IL residents) from 10 am to 9 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is free for all youth 18 and under, members of the military and veterans, and MCA members. Find more information about MCA’s exhibitions, programs, and special events at mcachicago.org or at 312.280.2660.

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jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state’s largest consumer-protection initiative, the unclaimed property I-Cash program, which has returned a record breaking $1.9 billion since Frerichs was elected.

For more news about the State Treasurer’s Office, please follow Treasurer Frerichs on X (formerly Twitter) at @ILTreasurer, Threads @ iltreasurer@threads.net, Instagram at ILTreasurer, LinkedIn and on Facebook at Invested in You – Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

Dementia is a condition characterized by a decline in memory, thinking abilities, and daily functioning. While age and genetics play significant roles in dementia risk, veterans are exposed to additional factors such as PTSD and TBI, which can further elevate their susceptibility.

PTSD, often stemming from traumatic experiences during service, is more prevalent among veterans and has been linked to nearly double the risk of dementia compared to their nonaffected counterparts. Moreover, PTSD is closely associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a group of disorders affecting specific regions of the brain responsible for various cognitive functions.

Similarly, TBI, whether resulting from direct impact or indirect forces such as explosions, poses a significant risk factor for dementia. Even mild concussions can lead to long-term consequences, with moderate to severe injuries further amplifying the risk. Recognizing signs of TBI, such as confusion or difficulty in remembering events, is crucial for early detection and management.

For veterans and their caregivers, understanding these risks is the first step towards proactive management. Seeking medical attention upon noticing any changes in cognitive function is imperative. An early diagnosis not only facilitates access to treatment but also enables individuals to participate in clinical trials and make necessary lifestyle adjustments.

Caregivers play a vital role in supporting veterans living with dementia. As symptoms progress, behaviors such as anxiety, depression, or aggression may manifest, necessitating tailored care strategies. Creating a safe environment, free of potential hazards, and providing emotional support are essential components of caregiving.

By fostering awareness and providing resources, the Alzheimer’s Association aim to empower veterans and their caregivers in navigating the complexities of dementia. From educational materials to practical caregiving tips, these resources offer invaluable support throughout the journey.

As a community, let us stand in solidarity with our veterans, honoring their sacrifices by ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by dementia, guiding them towards a future of dignity, compassion, and understanding.

The Alzheimer’s Association is available with information and support for families as they navigate the disease and related research. For more information, visit alz.org/illinois or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Media Contact: Lionell Martin, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593.4211

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Building a more inclusive economy: Q&A with JPMorgan Chase’s Thelma Ferguson

Sponsored by JPMORGAN CHASE &

CO.

All communities should have the resources they need to strengthen their economic futures. This Black History Month, JPMorgan Chase is affirming their commitment to breaking down barriers -- including the racial wealth gap -- and promoting opportunity for all.

In recognition of Black History Month, we connected with Thelma Ferguson, Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Vice Chair, Commercial Banking at JPMorgan Chase, to get her insights on how she’s celebrating Black History Month, how JPMorgan Chase is advancing equity and inclusion and what she hopes to achieve in the year ahead.

Tell us a little about yourself and your role at JPMorgan Chase?

The majority of my 25-year tenure at JPMorgan Chase has been in Commercial Banking, providing clients with the financial solutions they need to grow their businesses. Yet, no matter what my role was, I have always been focused on driving inclusion and equity.

Today, as the Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I’m proud to look after our leading strategies to uplift employees, clients and the communities we serve as the bank for all. I also continue to serve as Vice Chair for Commercial Banking, building and managing key client relationships from coast to coast.

2What does Black History Month mean to you and how are you celebrating?

Black History Month is an important opportunity to reflect on the achievements and struggles of our Black communities. To me, this means honoring the immense reach, depth and richness of Black communities’ global history, in addition to its connection and intersection with other communities. At JPMorgan Chase, we organize events and activities to honor the designation, highlight Black history and culture, and enable impactful conversations and opportunities to continue our commitment to help create more equitable pathways for all.

the communities we serve and the economies they support. We also understand that our company can play a role in helping communities grow, driving local economies, and helping people build their prosperity.

We’re helping to power economic growth by breaking down barriers and creating opportunities in communities across the globe. We do that through a focus on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within our own workforce, as well as through business and community investments and policy advocacy.

4How has your company’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy evolved over the past couple of years as the spotlight has been put on the country’s lingering racial inequality and social injustice issues?

underserved neighborhoods. Our goal is to help close the racial wealth gap and ensure all members of communities – including our own employees – can access the resources they need to strengthen their economic futures.

5

How should other companies and individuals be thinking about diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to the growth of their business?

Inequity stifles economic growth. If you start with that fact, it becomes clear how engaging more communities and helping to create more equitable opportunities is just smart business. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are not buzzwords. Their tenets should be core ingredients in the design and execution of your business strategies and run with the same commitment and rigor as other parts of your business.

6

What are your goals for this year and what are you looking forward to in 2024?

3How is JPMorgan Chase working to advance a more inclusive economy?

We believe that we are only as strong as

We’re working to address inequities, including the racial wealth gap, in a meaningful way. Our efforts to support inclusive growth dates back decades. One more recent example is our $30 billion, fiveyear Racial Equity Commitment (REC) focused on advancing sustainable homeownership, driving small business growth, bolstering financial health and expanding access to banking. Through this commitment, we’re helping to create greater access to affordable home loans, low-cost checking accounts and financial health education workshops in the communities we serve and particularly in historically

This year, my goals include deepening our culture of inclusion for our 300,000 employees, across all backgrounds and geographies and perspectives. I’m also focused on further embedding inclusive practices and solutions within JPMorgan Chase to inform our business, gain efficiencies and deepen impact. I am optimistic about the road ahead and continued progress in helping to lift all.

EMPLOYEES GLOBALLY CALL FOR MORE DIVERSE AND EQUITABLE WORKPLACES

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Employees around the world say having a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is important to them and they want their leaders to be vocal about the steps they’re taking to get there.

A new survey of 6,800 employees in 11 countries reveals that 93% are calling for organizations to candidly detail to their teams how they are creating more equitable workplaces. And how leaders and organizations talk about their diversity efforts has a direct impact on employees.

Conducted by Catalyst, a global nonprofit promoting gender equity and workplace inclusion, the survey also finds that three-quarters (76%) of employees agree that organizations should be actively engaged in efforts to create a diverse and equitable workplace. The findings are detailed in a just-published report, How to Talk About Diversity With Employees to Achieve Your Company’s Objectives.

equitable workplaces are under attack, it’s significant that employees want to see proactive steps from leadership, along with clear communication regarding the actions being taken to create a diverse workplace where all employees can belong, contribute, and succeed,” said Emily Shaffer, a senior director of research at Catalyst and lead author of the report. “Workplace inclusion is not a game with winners and losers; it’s a universal win, fueling creativity, elevating performance, and creating workplaces where all talent can thrive.”

The Catalyst survey also looks at how organizations make the case for an equitable workplace. It finds the vast majority (76%) discuss both the business case, meaning how it affects the bottom line, together with what is sometimes called the fairness case, explaining why these efforts are the right thing to do.

tions as meritocratic and fair, to experience inclusion, and to intend to stay at their organizations.

The report also provides practical suggestions on how organizations can clearly discuss their diversity, equity, and inclusion practices with their employees.

“These first steps are simple but significant,” stated Shaffer. “Organizations should start by making sure their diversity, equity, and inclusion practices align with their culture and core values; by examining if their messaging to employees clearly reflects why they’re engaging in DEI practices; and by understanding their audiences. Going back to the basics allows companies to demonstrate their commitment in a way that resonates with employees, leaders, and stakeholders.”

“In this polarizing moment when efforts to build

Importantly, the survey shows that when the right thing to do is emphasized over the business’s bottom line, employees are more likely to see their organiza-

Catalyst is a global nonprofit supported by many of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with preeminent thought leadership, actionable solutions, and a galvanized community of multinational corporations to accelerate and advance women into leadership— because progress for women is progress for everyone.

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Thelma Ferguson

PRNewsfoto/Catalyst

COACH INTRODUCES “FIND YOUR COURAGE”

NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/

-- Coach today unveiled “Find Your Courage,” a campaign featuring virtual human, model and digital creator imma and Coach Family Lil Nas X, Camila Mendes, Youngji Lee, Kōki, and Wu Jinyan. Set in a virtual universe, the campaign introduces the Coach Spring collection within a story about finding the courage to discover what it means to be real in your own way.

The newest exploration of “The Courage to Be Real,” Coach’s purpose is grounded in inspiring people to express the many sides of who they are, “Find Your Courage” takes place between physical and virtual worlds, blurring the lines along the way. The campaign is inspired by the way today’s younger generations are redefining what it means to be “real” through the lens of many concepts of self— and the courage it takes to navigate and embrace the complex layers of identity.

Unveiled recently with the first chapter starring Lil Nas X, the campaign follows imma as she goes on a journey to find her courage, visiting each ambassador in their own unique virtual world. With each visit, imma learns each individual’s “superpower”—a lesson that will help her discover what makes her real in her own way. Lil Nas X shows her the courage to change the game by writing your own rules instead of following someone else’s rulebook. In future chapters to be released in March, April and May, Wu Jinyan shows imma the courage to take risks, where she learns to overcome uncertainty by taking a bold leap forward. With Youngji Lee, she discovers the courage to break the mold by subverting expectations with humor. In the final chapters, she meets with Camila Mendes, where she learns to keep evolving and love every version of herself, followed by Kōki, where she finds the courage to explore new possibilities—in a luminous world that connects all prior chapters of the film and opens more doors to new paths.

for creative expression. It also introduces pieces from the Coach Spring 2024 collection, inspired by Creative Director Stuart Vevers’ vision of youthful interpretations of Coach’s American design language, including new quilted explorations of its Tabby shoulder bag. The campaign also features tailored silhouettes and ready-to-wear essentials in heritage leather and denim, romantic sheer slip dresses, and playful charms inspired by the attitude of today’s generation.

“Envisioning Spring, I was inspired to explore the archetypes of American style and the codes that define Coach’s legacy through the point-ofview of today’s generation,” said Vevers. “’Find Your Courage’ expresses the feeling I wanted for the collection, where our heritage is the foundation for exciting new possibilities for self-expression.”

“’Find Your Courage’ is meant to inspire our consumers to seek out all possibilities for who they can be, despite the tensions and expectations in life they might feel,” said Coach Global Chief Marketing Officer and North America President Sandeep Seth. “For us, imma is the perfect ambassador to tell this story because she is challenging the notion of what we consider ‘real’ today. Her journey in our campaign takes us into a new world that pushes the boundaries of self-expression and inspires us along the way.”

Coach will additionally bring “Find Your Courage” to life with new collaborations with gaming platforms where users can dress their avatars in the Coach Spring collection as well as a new multi-sensory iteration of The Coach Tabby Shop, inspired by this season’s Quilted Tabby shoulder bag.

Plant Powered & All Natural Hair Care Brand, BLAQ Luxury Hair, Unveils All New Papaya Paradise Collection to Revolutionize Haircare

ORLANDO, Fla., PRNewswire -- BLAQ Luxury Hair, the Black-owned and woman founded plant powered all natural hair care line born from the need to create a solution to the adverse effects of PCOS - a hormone imbalance, is thrilled to announce the launch of their highly anticipated Papaya Paradise Collection today. This exciting expansion brings forth seven innovative products that are set to transform the hair care experience for all those with thick, curly, Type 4 hair.

Drawing inspiration from founder Cherice Williams’ Jamaican heritage, this new collection incorporates natural ingredients like papaya seed oil and murumuru butter; chosen for their ability to deeply nourish and moisturize hair strands. Although tailored for those with Type 4 hair, it’s important to note that these products are versatile and suitable for all hair types coil and curl types, delivering exceptional results in achieving defined and nourished strands.

Directed by Vallée Duhamel and photographed by Charlie Engman, “Find Your Courage” is inspired by A.I. and created using CGI, underscoring the campaign’s message of embracing new frontiers

Coach is a global fashion house founded in New York in 1941. Inspired by the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers and the inclusive and courageous spirit of its hometown, the brand makes beautiful things, crafted to last—for you to be yourself in.

Coach is a Tapestry, Inc. brand. Tapestry is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TPR.

“BLAQ beauty has always been about embracing natural products to endorse happier, healthier scalps,” said Founder, Cherice Williams “We are so excited to introduce the Papaya Paradise Collection that features a range of products for those with densely packed hair. This new collection celebrates their curls and coils and is a nod towards my own roots and Jamaican heritage.”

The brand that has been steadily disrupting the category for textured hair offers a diverse range of over 15 high-quality haircare products. The Papaya Paradise Collection represents the latest milestone in their commitment to providing top-tier solutions for hair health and beauty. The seven new products in this collection cater to a comprehensive haircare routine, including shampoo ($12.99), conditioner ($12.99), leave-in conditioner ($12.99), curl milk ($12.99), curling custard ($12.99), butter creme twister ($12.99), and edge glaze ($6.99).

BLAQ Luxury’s products are available for purchase online at www.blaqluxuryhair.com, on Amazon, and in local Beauty Supply Stores across the United States, Caribbean and the United Kingdom. Store locator on the website can be found here https://blaqluxuryhair. com/pages/beauty-supply-store-list.

For more information about BLAQ Luxury Hair and their Papaya Paradise Collection, please visit https:// blaqluxuryhair.com/search?q=papaya

BLAQ Luxury Hair Products is the next generation of Black-owned beauty across the online and retail markets. One hundred percent Black-owned and Jamaican-founded, the brand’s collection of quality products can be found online and in select beauty supply stores nationwide. BLAQ Luxury Hair Products incorporate indigenous oils and other ingredients grown in Founder and CEO, Cherice Williams’ native home of Jamaica. Since its launch in 2019, the brand has grown to include 20+ products supporting both men and women in enhancing their natural crowns’ health, shine, and growth.

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COACH INTRODUCES “FIND YOUR COURAGE” STARRING LIL NAS X. Photographer: Charlie Engman

Simmons talks over impact of proposed state-level child tax credit with single moms in the 7th District

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons reconvened his People’s Legislative Council for Single Moms, bringing together moms and caregivers to hear from them how a permanent child tax credit in Illinois would benefit their daily lives.

“A child tax credit in Illinois would make a major difference in the livelihoods of 7th District families,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Hearing firsthand from local mothers on how this would help provide them economic relief and financial security makes it even more pressing to enact a permanent state-level child tax credit.”

With the cost of living on the rise across the country, children are often the most affected. Mothers on the People’s Legislative Council for Single Moms shared that they used funds from the Federal American Rescue Plan in 2021 to cover childcare, diapers, clothes for their children, therapy costs, and to counter the rising costs of food, rent and other basic needs.

As a fierce supporter and legislative leader of creating a child tax credit since taking office in February 2021, Simmons has been to the White House twice in the last year to advocate for a permanent child tax credit in Illinois, promoting the beneficial impact it would have on families across the state and the state’s economy. Because of his own experience growing up in a single parent household where his mom struggled to make ends meet while raising him and his sister, this was one of the first bills he filed as a state senator. Simmons has since worked tenaciously to garner support to finally get it done.

“Households all across Illinois are making painful choices to pay for necessities like food and rent, while scrimping on other basic needs like keeping the lights on and paying for prescriptions,” said Simmons. “No Illinois family should ever have to make choices like these, and no child in Illinois should have to see their parents struggle like that.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 1444, would create a $700 state-level child tax credit for eligible low- and middle-income families beginning in the tax year 2025. If enacted, Illinois would become the 15th state to enact a state-level child tax credit.

Senate Bill 1444 awaits discussion in the spring legislative session.

If your business accepted Visa and/or Mastercard between 2004 - 2019, you’re now eligible to claim your share of a $5.5 billion Settlement. Claim your share now.

Merchants (business owners) who accepted Visa and/or Mastercard at any time from January 1, 2004, to January 25, 2019, are eligible to claim their share of a $5.5 billion Settlement.

Visa and Mastercard and their issuing banks (the “Defendants”) are alleged to have violated the law because they wrongfully inflated Interchange Fees. Defendants say they have done nothing wrong. They claim their business practices are legal.

After years of appeals, the Settlement is now final, and Claim Forms are now being accepted. If you do not file a claim, you will not receive a Settlement Payment.

Claim Forms are now being mailed to more than 15 million merchants. Even if you do not receive a Claim Form in the mail, you may still be eligible, and you should visit www.PaymentCardSettlement.com to get more information about the Settlement. The deadline to file a claim is May 31, 2024. You can file your claim online at the website. Or, if you prefer, you can get a paper Claim Form at the website or by calling 1-800-625-6440. Assistance with preparing your claim is available at no cost to you from the Class Administrator and Class Counsel.

Submitting your claim online can take less than five minutes.

STEP ONE: Scan the QR code to go to www.PaymentCardSettlement.com

STEP TWO: Provide the information requested about your business.

STEP THREE: Submit your claim! Your claim process is now complete.

, please visit www.PaymentCardSettlement.com

BronzeLens Announces Multi-Hyphenate Award-Winning Actress Anika Noni Rose as the 2024 Legendary Women SuperStars Honoree

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- BronzeLens Women SuperStars Honors launches the festival’s Fifteenth Anniversary by celebrating the accomplishments of women of color who work in the entertainment industry in front of and behind the lens on March 2. Award-winning film, screen, and stage actress Anika Noni Rose is the 2024 Legendary SuperStar.

Rose most recently headlined Showtime series, Let The Right One In, and Netflix’s most-watched limited series to date, Maid. Rose starred as ‘Lorell Robinson’ in Dreamgirls and voiced ‘Princess Tiana’ in Disney’s The Princess and The Frog as the first ‘African American Disney ‘Princess.’ The film received three Oscar nominations and Rose became the youngest inductee to ever be honored as a Disney Legend. Among her other film credits are For Colored Girls; Half of A Yellow Sun; Everything, Everything; and Assassination Nation. Additional television credits include Them, Little Fires Everywhere, The Quad, Power, The Good Wife, The Simpsons, the miniseries Roots, and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency for HBO.

Leading actress KJ Smith (Andi Barnes on Tyler Perry’s BET Networks Sistas, Palomar in

Power Book III: Raising Kanan on STARZ, Issa Rae’s Giants, The Available Wife, Netflix’s Fatal Affair, Tyler Perry’s A Madea Family Funeral) is the 2024 Emerging BronzeLens Women SuperStar.

Dr. Holly Carter is the Behind the Lens SuperStar. Carter is President and CEO of Relevé Entertainment, a premier management, development, and production company for faith-inspired family content, artists, and brands. A Mother’s Intuition, Kingdom Business, Song and Story: Amazing Grace, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, Revival, and Fix My Choir, are part of her vast array of production credits which she has served as producer and executive producer.

Producer, Director, Animator, Writer, and 2018 BronzeLens Women SuperStar Ayoka Chenzira will moderate a panel ‘In Conversation’ with all the 2024 honorees. Actor Timon Kyle Durrett is the host for the 2024 BronzeLens Women SuperStar Honors and Atlanta’s historic Rialto Center for the Arts is the event venue location. For more information regarding the BronzeLens Film Festival, visit www.bronzelens.com.

“Dive into a Saucy Adventure” with New Gullah-Inspired Products from Chef Carlos Brown

DALLAS, PRNewswire -- Acclaimed “Lowcountry Cuisine King” and television personality Chef Carlos Brown brings a taste of the Gullah Geechee culture of the Carolinas and Georgia to kitchens across the country with the launch of his brandnew line of signature sauces, marinades, and dressings this February. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of his ancestors, Chef Brown’s “Gullah Gourmet” collection infuses bold, authentic flavors with a modern twist, promising to tantalize taste buds and transport diners to the sundrenched shores of the coastal South.

“This ain’t your mama’s steak sauce,” declares Chef Brown with his signature infectious grin.

“These flavors that simmered in my mama’s kitchen, the ones that woke you up on a Sunday morning and chased away the chill on a Lowcountry winter night. We’re talking about generations of love, laughter, and good old-fashioned soul poured into every bottle. And best of all, it’s so versatile, it brings flavor to everything you mix it with!”

nature condiments, each crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and bursting with unique flavor profiles. The sauce collection includes:

Gourmet Steak Sauce: Bold and savory blend of tomatoes, spices, and vinegar, perfect for enhancing grilled steak, burgers, or roasted vegetables.

The new signature line, Gullah Gourmet by Chef Carlos Brown, boasts a range of rich, sig-

Gourmet Wing Sauce: Tangy, spicy, and often sweet concoction ideal for coating and baking chicken wings, drumsticks, or tofu bites.

Gourmet Strawberry Vinaigrette: Sweet and slightly tart dressing with fresh strawberries, ideal for topping leafy greens, grilled chicken, and quinoa salad.

Gourmet Basil Citrus Vinaigrette: Herbaceous and refreshing with citrus zest and chopped basil, great for summer salads, seafood, or grilled vegetables.

Gourmet Onion Citrus: Savory and bright with caramelized onions and citrus juice, excellent for drizzling on roasted chicken, salmon, or grilled shrimp.

“These sauces are more than just condiments,” emphasizes Chef Brown. “They’re a gateway to a whole new way of experiencing southern cuisine. They’re about sharing stories, connecting with

loved ones, and celebrating the vibrant heritage of the Gullah Geechee people.”

Chef Brown’s gourmet collection is available online at chefcarlosbrown.com and soon at select retailers across the United States. To celebrate the launch, Chef Brown will be hosting a series of live cooking demonstrations and guest cooking at multiple events across the U.S. offering fans a chance to learn his culinary secrets and experience the magic of Gullah cooking firsthand.

Considered “a leading influencer in the culinary arts,” Chef Carlos Brown is a Southern Chef, CEO of C3 Culinary Group, and Founder of Gullah Gourmet. Growing up in the South, his innovative approach featuring “Gullah” cuisine (a uniquely blended heritage of African, French, European, and Native Indigenous American influences found on the Carolinas and Georgia coast), has touched everything from the red carpet to the NFL football field to the Smithsonian African-American Museum in Washington, D.C., where his Shrimp and Grits recipe is recognized. Now Chef Carlos is excited to bring his unique flavors to the dining table with Gullah Gourmet, his signature line of dressings, marinades, and sauces.

For more information on Chef Carlos Brown and his new signature collection, visit chefcarlosbrown.com or follow him on social media at @ ChefCarlosBrown.

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Chef Carlos Brown. PRNewsFoto

Anika Noni Rose. BronzeLens Film Festival

Celebrating Black History Month Changing the Game: Bally’s Jasmine Simmons, A Culinary Journey

Medinah Temple, the home of Bally’s Casino. Originally from the Bermuda Islands and California, Simmons made Chicago her home in 2007. With seven years of culinary experience in the gaming industry, she eagerly embraced the opportunity at Bally’s, drawn in by the swift response to her application on Indeed.com.

For Simmons, the allure of the gaming industry goes beyond her passion for cooking; it’s a family affair. Many of her family members also find fulfillment within the gaming sector, adding a familial connection to her professional journey.

The Culinary Canvas at Medinah Bistro

In her role as a Sous Chef, Simmons wears multiple hats – not just as a cook but as an unofficial counselor, striving to enhance patrons' dining experiences. Medinah Bistro and the other main restaurant, Kitchen 888, inspired by Chinatown’s Moon Palace, operate daily until 1 am. The 24-hour Medinah Café complements its offerings with convenient to-go items like sandwiches, coffee, and pastries.

She says, “My favorite thing to make on the menu at Bally’s is the fried chicken.” Simmons sheds light on the rigorous training regime at Bally’s, emphasizing menu comprehension and recipe mastery. The culinary team prides itself on maintaining consistency while fostering creativity in its dishes, providing patrons with a memorable and evolving dining experience.

Community Engagement

Simmons commutes daily from Auburn Gresham, bringing her culinary talents to downtown Chicago. Bally’s stand out for her is the workplace and the casino's commitment to community engagement. Actively participating in volunteering initiatives, Bally’s collaborates with homeless shelters, ensuring they give back to the surrounding communities.

“I think it’s important for companies to give back to their communities because it gives them a chance to be personable. In my experience, we worked with the homeless shelters feeding people over the holidays. I have done multiple things in the past to give back, including helping with an animal shelter,” said Simmons.

Beyond Business: A Friendly and Fun Workplace

In Simmons' eyes, the vibrant and friendly atmosphere sets Bally apart from her previous workplaces. The casino isn’t just a place of business; it's a community that values each member, fostering a positive and enjoyable work environment.

As Bally’s continues to establish itself as a cornerstone in Chicago's gaming landscape, the stories of individuals like Jasmine Simmons highlight not only the professional growth opportunities within the casino but also its dedication to community, creating a workplace that goes beyond the ordinary.

Enter Jasmine Simmons, a culinary enthusiast eager to contribute her expertise to the Medinah Bistro, one of three restaurants housed within the

RAINBOW PUSH COALITION PRESIDENT

What makes Bally’s different? Simmons says, “It’s a friendly and fun place to work.

” Curated by: APS and Associates

& CEO, REV. DR. FREDERICK D. HAYNES III, ISSUES CLARION CALL FOR SOLIDARITY WITH PALM SPRINGS SECTION 14 SURVIVORS

Rev. Dr. Haynes, national civil rights leader and successor to Rev. Jesse Jackson, addressed a diverse coalition of Section 14 Survivors, descendants, supporters, and community members at The Church of St. Paul in the Desert during prayer vigil in honor of Black History Month.

On Sunday, February 18, Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III of Friendship-West Baptist Church and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, one of America’s leading civil rights organizations, joined the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors and descendants, local clergy members, and supporters as an honored guest at The Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs.

The gathering of more than 100 people brought together Palm Springs residents from across faiths, backgrounds, sexual orientations, and ages in unity to honor Black History Month – including the history of the Black community of Palm Springs. Participants at the event prayed for justice and healing for the Survivors of Section 14 and their descendants, and clarity for city leaders.

“What is occurring right now in Palm Springs is a beautiful show of unity across faiths, backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, age, and beyond. This city has an opportunity to be a leader, and to show the rest of the country how much good can come from standing together and doing the right thing for each other. It’s as simple as that,” said Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, President & CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

“The survivors of Palm Springs Section 14 have “The survivors of Palm Springs Section 14 have waited too long for justice. Today, we lift our hearts and hands in prayer for the leaders of this beautiful city to seek a

path forward that honors the past and allows justice to be realized here.”

Rev. Dr. Haynes, renowned national civil rights leader, prophetic pastor, and advocate for racial justice, was recently appointed by Rev. Jesse Jackson to succeed him as the President of the international human and civil rights organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition was founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson in the 1970s, and for the first time in more than 50 years, has a new leader in Rev. Dr. Haynes.

“Black history is American history – and that means speaking candidly about the past, even if it creates discomfort,” said Areva Martin, Esq., lead counsel for the Section 14 Survivors. “The sixties and fifties weren’t that long ago, but for my clients, the destruction of their homes, possessions, and community sixty years ago has deeply impacted their lives to the present day. With strong allies across the region and state – now, with Rev. Dr. Haynes, a national civil rights leader joining us – we are building a powerful coalition of supporters and allies, and our movement is being recognized by leadership here in Palm Springs and beyond. We are grateful for the support we have received, and for the prayers of everyone across this city and region. Hopefully by this time next year, we will honor Black History Month in Palm Springs with a celebration of justice achieved.”

The prayer vigil took place at The Church of St. Paul in the Desert, where a diverse group of clergy joined Reverend Jessie Thompson and Reverend Dan Kline to continue lifting up prayers for healing and justice.

“We are truly grateful to Rev. Dr. Haynes, Rev. Kline, Rev. Thompson, and community organizations like

Brothers of the Desert and the Stonewall Democrats for standing beside us on our mission to make our families whole again,” said Pearl Devers, Founder and President of the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors. “For those of us who remember the destruction of our neighborhood, it wasn’t some land far away or some time long ago. We are living Black history, and we are committed to keeping the memories of our families alive as we continue to pursue justice for what happened to us just down the street.”

“Black history and LGBTQ history isn’t in the past, it’s being created now and we all have a responsibility to improve our communities so that the choices of the past are not repeated,” said David Weiner, Chair of the Stonewall Democrats of the Desert. “Today’s gathering in prayer, leading with hope and unity, is a powerful reminder that only light can overcome darkness, and no matter who you are, who you love or where you are from, every human deserves to be treated with dignity and if harmed, deserves restitution. It’s time for the city to make it right.”

“As we all commemorate Black History Month, it is a time to reflect on how far we’ve progressed and how much more we have left to do,” said Tim Vincent, President of the Brothers of the Desert. “As Black men and members of the LGBTQ community, we are all too familiar with the fight to be treated with decency, respect, and to push for justice when harmed. Palm Springs is a progressive, welcoming community, and the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors share that love for the city. But the survivors of Palm Springs Section 14 have waited too long for justice, and it is up to all of us to support their cause.” Learn more at Section14Survivors.com or KnowBeforeYouGoPalmSprings.com

Photo credit: Raul Juarez/The Demeter Media

Bally’s Casino emerged victorious in securing the bid to launch a temporary casino, marking a significant milestone in May 2022. The subsequent task was building a dynamic team to deliver a distinctive gaming experience to Chicago. With its soft opening in September 2023, Bally’s employs 600 individuals from diverse backgrounds across the Chicago region.

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(StatePoint) With the

Life insurance is one example. While often viewed as just a cost, life insurance is actually an investment in your family’s well-being. Unfortunately, too many people don’t have any life insurance or don’t have enough because they don’t have all the facts. That’s why Erie Insurance is working to debunk some of the more common myths that prevent families from having sufficient coverage.

#1: It’s too expensive Many people believe life insurance is a monthly payment comparable to a car or house payment. In reality, the average cost of life insurance (depending on individual situations) is $14 a month, according to Erie Insurance. Giving up one restaurant meal a month can help set your family up for financial stability for years. To roughly calculate how much life insurance would cost to cover your family’s needs, check out Erie Insurance’s Life Insurance Coverage Calculator.

#2: Stay-at-home and single parents don’t need it If you’re a stay-at-home or single parent, life insurance might seem like an unnecessary expense. Yet, if you or your spouse are gone, someone will need to provide childcare and cover other expenses for your children. Life insurance could take away the burden of figuring out how to afford childcare as you or someone else adjusts and assimilates to a huge life change.

#3: It is only beneficial after you die Although life insurance is typically used for after-death support, some policies allow you to tap into your benefits for certain reasons while you are alive. For example, with some terminal or chronic illnesses, your policy may pay out a certain amount to support medical expenses. With some policies, you can also use your life insurance to support long-term care. To learn more about pre-death life insurance benefits, contact your insurance agent.

#4: My employer already covers me, so I’m set Even though many employers offer life insurance plans, those plans tend to be limited in their coverage and options. Also, most employer-sponsored coverage disappears after you leave that job. Adding an additional policy allows you to have more security in the event you were to pass away. To calculate how much life insurance you need to sufficiently cover your loved ones, visit https://www.erieinsurance.com/lifecalc.

#5: I’m too young to worry about life insurance

When you are young, the last thing you want to do is think about death and dying. However, life insurance premiums tend to be cheaper the younger you are. Plus, having life insurance while paying off debts – especially if you have a cosigner – gives extra security to your cosigner in the unfortunate event you were to pass away. Life insurance is designed to support your loved ones should something happen to you. Show them you really care about their longterm welfare. Talk to your agent today about adding a policy that fits your needs.

Why Financial Planning Is a Great Career Option for Women

(StatePoint) Financial planning was once thought of as a male-dominated industry, but that’s quickly changing. The number of women getting their CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is growing year over year — and for good reason: The benefits of entering this field as a woman are numerous. Below are a few to consider.

• It’s lucrative. Financial planners are in high demand and are well-compensated for their expertise. A financial advisor can pull in a generous salary right out of the gate, and earning the right credentials can boost compensation significantly. The median income for those with CFP® certification and less than 5 years of experience is $100,000 — and that median figure grows to $206,000 with 10 or more years of experience. In general, financial advisors with CFP® certification earn 12% more than those without.

• Being a CFP® professional offers good work-life balance. With the potential to work remotely and create one’s own schedule, financial planning is a career path well-suited to those looking for flexibility and a desirable work-life balance.

• Financial planning can be personally fulfilling. Providing competent, ethical financial advice that helps others achieve their life goals — from sending their children to college to securing a comfortable retirement — can be extremely gratifying. Research also finds that female CFP® professionals have a unique dedication to providing holistic financial planning. Working as a financial planner provides opportunities to uplift and empower other women, as well as members of groups historically given fewer opportunities to accumulate wealth.

• Women who aspire to become CFP® professionals will find support in many places. CFP Board, for example, has implemented initiatives to recruit women and advance their careers. Some firms subsidize the cost of CFP® certification and give employees time away from work to study for the CFP® exam. Additionally, women’s networks and business councils can help build leadership skills and professional confidence, and many firms are even paying their employees’ membership fees.

CFP Board also administers scholarships for individuals underrepresented in the field, along with a mentoring program. To learn more and get started today on your path to becoming a CFP® professional, visit getCFPcertified.org. With demand for personal financial advisors expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and the industry making way for more women professionals, it’s worth exploring this rewarding career path.

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PHOTO SOURCE: (c) monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus